There are more than 120 varieties of birds including aquatic birds. The resident population may consist of over 100 different kinds. There are also migratory birds visiting during winter from far off lands as Siberia. These primarily visit Sukhna Lake. The estimate about the number of visitor birds varies from 200-500 types depending upon estimates for different years. 

The forest of Sukhna WLS is very rich in avifauna. Prominent ones are Peacock, Red vented fowl, Grey partridge, Cuckoos, Night jars, Golden Oriole, Kingfishers, Swifts, Hoopoes, Hornbills, Barbets, Woodpeckers, Rollers, Barn owls, Parrots, Doves, Jacanas, Plovers, Coots, Hawks, Geese, Swan, Ducks, Grebes, Black Drongo, Tree pie, Jungle crow, Bulbul, hill myna, Koel, Bee-eater, Common Myna etc. At least five species of birds recorded during the survey of the sanctuary and adjoining Sukhna Lake have been listed in IUCN Red List of globally threatened animals. These species are mainly inhabiting grassland and aquatic habitats besides some are scavengers (carrion feeders)