Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is also known by the name of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Located near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam on the northern bank of the Periyar River, this bird sanctuary was noted in the year 1983 on basis of recommendations made by Dr Salim Ali. Dr. Salim Ali was one of the popular Ornithologist of India who described this bird sanctuary one of richest bird habitats in India. Earlier described as the richest bird habitat, much of this sanctuary has been converted into agricultural plantation whereas the remaining areas still house some of the rare species of birds. In a total area of 25 sq. km, over 270 species of birds are there. Some of the rare species found here include Wynaad laughingthrush, rufous babbler, white-bellied blue flycatcher and others. While other species found here include Indian roller, cuckoo, common snipe, crow pheasant, jungle nightjar, kite, grey drongo and others species Other than the birds found here, Thattekad is also popular for tropical semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests and tropical evergreen forests located here.