Maharashtra Day 2026: 10 iconic animals of Maharashtra and best places to find them

Even though the festivities for the Maharashtra Day (May 1, 2026) center on the historical significance and architecture of Maharashtra, it is important to point out that its natural wonders are not far behind. The state boasts varied landscapes, from dense forests such as those of Vidarbha and Western Ghats to mangrove forests and deciduous forests. With a large number of wild animals and birds inhabiting its landscape, Maharashtra provides visitors with the unique opportunity to witness them. Notable among them include the Bengal tiger, the Indian giant squirrel, and the yellow-footed green pigeon.

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, also known as "Hariyal," is considered the state bird of Maharashtra. This species of bird is an integral part of the vast biodiversity present in this Indian state. With its muted green feathers, violet shoulder patches, and vivid yellow feet, it easily camouflages itself among tree branches, which makes it quite difficult to locate even when it is plentiful. These birds tend to move around in groups and feed mainly on figs and other berries. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, and urban green spaces like Pune University Campus are some of the best places to spot these vibrantly coloured birds.

The Bengal Tiger is an indispensable part of any wildlife list of Maharashtra. This Indian state is among the leading tiger habitats due to protected reserves and flourishing forest ecosystems. Tiger reserves in Maharashtra have become popular due to higher probabilities of tiger sightings, especially in recent years. Tigers inhabit dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and water-rich zones. Visit Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserve, and Melghat Tiger Reserve for some of the most memorable sightings.

The Indian Leopard, though elusive and adaptable in nature, is found throughout Maharashtra, including places quite close to the urban environment. Famous for its agility and stealth, the leopard prefers forests, hill areas, and at times even farms. As opposed to the tiger, the leopard is a solitary creature. Where to spot: Sanjay Gandhi National Park (one of the highest leopard densities near a city), Junnar Forest Division, and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

The colorful Indian Giant Squirrel or “Shekru” is the state animal of Maharashtra. This animal is easily recognizable because of its beautiful maroon, cream, and black coat. This tree-climbing mammal spends most of its life among the trees, leaping from one branch to another with great dexterity. However, observing these animals requires patience and attention to detail. You should visit Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary (a famous habitat) and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary to observe this animal in its natural habitat.

Dhole is one of the most interesting predators in India, though not many people get to know much about it due to the presence of other more famous predators like tigers and leopards. These dogs with their reddish coats are known for hunting in groups, which makes them very effective hunters. They play a vital role in balancing ecosystems, though are becoming extinct nowadays because of habitat destruction. Where to spot: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve.

Photo courtesy: Ranjeet RaneThe Indian courser is a beautiful ground-dwelling bird that epitomizes the lesser-known grassland ecosystems in Maharashtra. This elegant bird has a slender build, long legs, and black plumage on its crown, which contrasts sharply with its white eyebrows. Instead of taking flight, the courser is more likely to run across grassy plains while looking for prey. Dry grasslands and shrublands provide ideal habitat for this ground-dwelling bird whose coloration allows it to blend with the environment. Want to see one in the wild? Check out Pune’s grassland.

Photo courtesy: Ranjeet RaneThe Indian wolf, commonly known as the Indian grey wolf, is one of Maharashtra's most enigmatic and under-represented predators. While its forest-dwelling relatives prefer dense cover for hunting, this subspecies has adapted to thrive in open grasslands, scrublands, and semi-arid ecosystems, making it unique in Maharashtra's drier regions. Despite being hard to spot because of its wary nature and dwindling habitats, it is still possible to come across Indian wolves in areas such as the Solapur region grasslands and Ahmednagar district scrublands.

Photo courtesy: Ranjeet RaneThe striolated bunting is a bird that is small in size but very distinctive. It is seen mostly in the hilly regions of rocky terrain in Maharashtra, where it often goes unnoticed due to the amazing camouflage ability of the bird. The Striolated Bunting has finely streaked feathers in subtle colors of earthen tone. The bird is generally found either sitting on boulders or quietly feeding itself from the ground. Its habitat generally includes dry scrub forests, rocky terrains, and semi-desert habitats.

The sloth bear is another distinctive creature in the forests of Maharashtra. These bears have shaggy fur, are nocturnal animals, and are generally misunderstood. Their diets consist mainly of termites and fruits. Sloth bears are heard rather than seen as they live in dry and rugged areas. Where do you find them? Melghat Tiger Reserve, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is your best bet.

Every year, thousands of Flamingo migrate to Mumbai’s wetlands, turning the city’s edges into a spectacular pink landscape. This seasonal phenomenon has become one of Maharashtra’s most unique wildlife experiences. Think thousands of flamingos taking flight, a sea of pink for as far as your eye can see. Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary and the Sewri mudflats in Mumbai is the go-to place for these stunning birds.