In November 2011, my wife and I had a three-week holiday in Kerala. We had five days rest followed by an 11 day cultural and historical tour entitled 'The Endemic Birds of the Western Ghats'. Our last couple of days were spent with relatives of friends in a small village some 55 kms south of Kozhikode (Calicut).
Our bird tour and pre-tour accommodation were all arranged through Thomas Zacharius of Kalypso Adventures, Kochi, Kerala. We cannot speak highly enough of the efforts made by Thomas while we faffed around changing our departure dates from the UK. We had a wonderful guide, Sathiyan Meppayur, a superb birder with a great sense of humour and India's best driver, Ajit.
Our tickets were bought through Trailfinders, who expedited our Indian Visas quickly.
Flights:
Nov 7th LHR – Dubai EK008
Nov 7th Dubai – Kochi EK532
Nov 26th Kozhikode (Calicut) – Dubai EK561
Nov 27th Dubai – LHR – EK029
Itinerary:
November 8th: Pick-up from Kochi Airport by Ajit, at 4 am.
November 8th/9th: Fort House Hotel, Kochi, birding around hotel, the river and the parade ground, Fort Kochi. Birding highlights: Little Swift, Asian Brown Flycatcher and hundreds of Whiskered Terns.
November 10th: Picked up and driven south, circa 3 hours.
November 10th-12th: Emerald Isle, a lovely homestay approximately 10km ESE of Allepuzha (Allepey). With its own gardens and a separate building - a coconut store now converted into an air-conditioned bedroom-cum-lounge, where we stayed. Situated on the backwaters it was an ideal place to relax and familiarise with common birds. The home-cooked food was delicious. Birding highlights: 38 species within 400m. Blue-tailed Bee-eater and Malabar Starling.
November 13th. We were ferried (canoe’d) back across the river where Ajit picked us up for the 4 hour drive. Picked up Satchyan, our birdguide, at Aluva station.
November 13th – 15th: Thattekhad, The Hornbill Camp, on the Periyar River opposite the reserve. Lovely spot to do nothing, but went birding in the area instead, 30 mins drive east, for Jerdon’s Nightjar. Kayaking and cycling are laid on for non-birders.
November 14th, a.m. 45 minutes drive over the dam to the Idamalayar Valley, where the highlights were Heart-spotted Woodpecker, the first White-bellied Treepies, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Flame-throated Bulbul and Rufous Babbler. In the afternoon, we crossed the river by the bridge, past the reserve entrance (2 Brown Hawk-Owls) and south into the reserve from the village of Kattampuzha. During an amazing hour we saw Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Brown Fish-Owl, Sri Lankan Frogmouth, White-bellied Woodpecker, Indian Pitta, Orange-headed Thrushes and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher.
November 15th, a.m. Back to Kattampuzha early, highlights were Crested Goshawk, 2 roosting Frogmouths, Malabar Trogon, Lesser Yellownape, Brown-breasted and White-bellied Blue Flycatchers and Large-billed Leaf Warbler. River Tern was seen from the camp in the afternoon. Altogether nearly 100 species were seen at Thattekhad.
November 16th: Long drive to Thekaddy – 125 km in 4 hrs 30 mins! White-rumped Needletail seen near Vandiperyar.
November 16th- 18th: Periyar Reserve staying at Spice Village. In the hotel complex I saw Rufous Woodpecker, Small Minivet, Loten’s Sunbird and had the best views of Nilgiri Flowerpecker; there were Blyth’s Reed and Paddyfield Warblers outside our cabin.
November 17th. We were driven down to the reserve HQ where we donned our leech socks (essential) and took the bamboo raft over the creek for a walk. 2 Black Baza’s, Indian Blue Robin, Puff-throated Babbler and Forest Wagtail were the highlights.
November 18th a.m. We took the footpath entrance into the reserve (c 2 km west). The birding here was better that on 17th, we immediately saw Jungle Owlet, a group a Dark-fronted Babblers while we tried to get better views of a stubborn Wynaad Laughingthrush (unsuccessfully). In the afternoon we went on the tripper boat, plenty of deer and a Gaur, but no elephant; the birds included another Baza, White-bellied Sea-eagle and Grey-headed Fish-eagle. After we went for a very wet, birdless walk in the forest and then spent a long time removing leeches.
November 19th: drove from Thekkady to Munnar; circa 6 hours. We drove north-east into Tamil Nadu stopping for Grey-breasted Prinia and Sykes’ Warbler; then north to Bodi and west up the scarp to Munnar. Half way up we stopped and saw Yellow-throated and White-browed Bulbuls.
November 19th-20th Munnar, staying at the Tea County Hotel. It would be fair to say that this hotel was the least impressive hotel we used (still OK, though) and Munnar was one of the least impressive towns! It was saved by a dawn chorus by a Malabar Whistling Thrush, a flock of Brown-backed Needletails from the balcony and the realization that the trochiloides were Greenish here rather than the Greens we’d been seeing in the lowlands.
November 19th p.m. Drove up to eight-mile pass, but birding was severly hampered by fog. We managed to see Grey-breasted Laughingthursh, Tickell’s Leaf warbler, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher and Black-lored Tit. Satchyan decided that we should butt-out down the hill to a gully where we saw White-bellied Shortwing (Blue Robin).
November 20th a.m. Left early for roadside birding en-route to get the first bus at Eravikulam NP at 8 am. Before getting to the park entrance we encountered another Shortwing, Square-tailed Black Bulbul, Indian Blue Robin and Nilgiri Flycatcher. From the bus we amazingly saw a Jungle Nightjar sat out in the open. A spectacular view of the Ghats at the top with a few Nilgiri Thar (goats) around and a single Nilgiri Pipit, with Hill Swallow and Plain Prinia. In the afternoon visited the Deshadan resort where the highlights were Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Indian Scimitar Babbler and flock of 8 Nilgiri Flycatchers.
November 21st: A long day. 9 hours driving from Munnar to Ooty. First stop near Chinnar NP. Blue-faced Malkoha, White-bellied Drongo, Tawny-bellied Babbler and a minivet which looked like White-bellied to me. Then down to Indira Gandhi NP where it was possible to stop on a bridge. Here we saw Indian Cormorant, Painted Stork, Black Eagle, Red Spurfowl, Coppersmith Barbet, Asian Fairy-bluebird and a Blyth’s Pipit. A lunch halt in Coimbatore produced Spot-billed Pelecan.
November 21st-23rd. Ooty staying at the Taj Savoy Hotel. We visited Cairnhill twice and saw Nilgiri Shortwing and Black-and-orange Flycatcher; Dodabetta for Nilgiri Laughingthrush and the local Blackbird; and an excellent track from the Dodabetta roundabout with lots of Phylloscopus including one Western Crowned Warbler, more Black-and-orange Flycatchers and Laughingthrushes. The hotel grounds have a few birds, including a bird fitting Tytler’s Leaf Warbler; with Short-toed Eagle and two Steppe Buzzards flew over. On 23rd we drove down the 36 bends to Mudumulai. Here we saw White-rumped and Red-headed Vultures, Bonelli’s Eagle, White-thraoted Fantail, Bay-backed Shrike, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Indian Robin and Malabar Lark, amongst many other birds.
November 24th. An emotional bye-bye to Sathiyan who was staying with his family in Ooty and Ajit drove us 5 hours to meet friends near Kuttipuram, south of Kozhikode. Here we also said fairwell to Ajit; a fantastic driver and delightful young man to boot!
November 24th-25th. Anakkar, Kuttipuram. We stayed with the family of some Cornish friends. I birded the local paddyfields, in between, and in, rain. I was pleasantly surprised by the bird-life here, including Black-bellied and River Terns, Yellow-footed Pigeon, Oriental Skylark, Richard’s Pipit (on 24th), and Asian Openbill, Pintail Snipe (20), Asian Koel and Loten’s Sunbird on 25th.
November 26th. A pre-dawn departure for Kozhikode Airport, and flight to Dubai. After an afternoon walk in Dubai and a sleep we left Dubai for the UK on 27th.
Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger 1000, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 50, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 100, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 50, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11. 6, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 50, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis 1, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 10, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11. 6, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster 1, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11.
Spot-billed Pelecan Pelecanus philippensis 4, Coimbatore on 21/11/11.
Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor 2, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 20, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta 50, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 10, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 5, Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 25, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Western Reef-Egret Egretta gularis 1, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11.
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia 25, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 1, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 25, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 6, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 1, Emerald Isle on 12/11/11. 2, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Great Egret Casmerodius albus 1, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 2, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 10, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 40, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 5, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 25, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii 250, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 25, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 25, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 10, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 5, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 3, Ooty Botanical Garden on 22/11/11. 50, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 4, Emerald Isle on 12/11/11. 4, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus 7, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11.
Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala 1, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans 2, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus 2, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11.
Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes 2, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 1, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11.
Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Vandiperiyar on 16/11/11. 1, Udumalpet on 21/11/11. 2, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus 2, Vandiperiyar on 16/11/11. 1, Munnar on 20/11/11.
Black Kite Milvus migrans 100, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 1, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 25, Coimbatore on 21/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus 25, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 2, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 2, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 1, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11.
Grey-headed Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus 1, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 1, Hornbill Camp on 15/11/11. 1, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11.
White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis 5, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11, 1 immature.
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11.
Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Shikra Accipiter badius 1, Emerald Isle on 12/11/11. 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 1, Deshadan on 20/11/11, 1 female. 1, Udumalpet on 21/11/11. 2, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11. 4, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus 2, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11.
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis 1, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 1, Ooty Botanical Garden on 22/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Aquila Eagle sp. Aquila sp. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 1, Devikulam on 19/11/11.
Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1, Devikulam on 19/11/11. 1, Eravikulam NP on 20/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Red Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea 2, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii 1, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 12, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus 10, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 500, Coimbatore on 21/11/11.
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura 15, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Snipe sp. Gallinago 1, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 2, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos 6, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 3, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus 3, Bridge to Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 2, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 10, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11. 4, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Brown-hooded Gull Larus maculipennis 4, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus 250, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 50, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11.
Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
River Tern Sterna aurantia 3, Hornbill Camp on 15/11/11. 3, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Columba elphinstonii 2, Eight Mile Pass on 20/11/11. 2, Deshadan on 20/11/11.
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis 6, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis 2, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 2, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 1, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11. 4, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto 1, Cumbum on 19/11/11. 20, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11.
Pompadour Green-Pigeon Treron pompadora 5, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Yellow-footed Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea 1, Cairnhill on 23/11/11.
Mountain Imperial-Pigeon Ducula badia 4, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Vernal Hanging-Parrot Loriculus vernalis 6, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri 2, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 10, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 2, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala 4, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 10, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Malabar Parakeet Psittacula columboides 10, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 25, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 12, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 20, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11. 4, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 4, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 3, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea 3, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Blue-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris 1, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis 2, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 2, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 5, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 1, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 2, Chinnar on 21/11/11.
Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl Bubo nipalensis 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11.
Brown Fish-Owl Ketupa zeylonensis 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11.
Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11.
Brown Hawk-Owl Ninox scutulata 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11.
Sri Lankan Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11. 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Jungle Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus 1, Eravikulam NP on 20/11/11 from bus.
Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis 3, Thattekhad on 13/11/11.
Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata 2, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 8, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 3, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Indian Swiftlet Collocalia unicolor 6, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 50, Vandiperiyar on 16/11/11. 20, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 10, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 25, Deshadan on 20/11/11. 10, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
White-rumped Needletail Zoonavena sylvatica 1, Vandiperiyar on 16/11/11. 2, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11. 25, Deshadan on 20/11/11. 10, Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 3, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus 25, Munnar on 20/11/11.
Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis 15, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 50, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11.
Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus 250, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 250, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 5, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Little Swift Apus affinis 15, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 50, Highway 49 west of Bodinayakkanur on 19/11/11.
Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11, 1 female. 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11, male.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 2, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 5, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 1, Coimbatore on 21/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis 3, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 5, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis 1, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 2, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 20, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 3, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 10, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 5, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 15, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 25, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11. 10, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 8, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis 1, Hornbill Camp on 15/11/11. 2, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11. 5, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Little Green Bee-eater Merops pusillus 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 2, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 6, Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 2, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus 25, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 4, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 12, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti 6, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 8, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis 2, Cumbum on 19/11/11. 1, Udumalpet on 21/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus 2, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
White-cheeked Barbet Megalaima viridis 2, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 1, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 3, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 10, Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 4, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Malabar Barbet Megalaima malabarica 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11.
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala 8, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus 1, Spice Village on 17/11/11.
White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11.
Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense 1, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 2, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 2, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 4, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11.
Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus 3, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11.
Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11.
Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11.
White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 1, Deshadan on 20/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11, male. 2, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus 2, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 10, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 10, Cumbum on 19/11/11. 12, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus 2, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 10, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 10, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 15, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 25, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 10, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 2, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11.
White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens 10, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus 4, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus 2, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 10, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 20, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 6, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 10, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11.
Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda 2, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 2, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 4, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 2, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 2, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
White-bellied Treepie Dendrocitta leucogastra 5, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 2, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11.
House Crow Corvus splendens 20, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 20, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 10, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. , Chinnar on 21/11/11. , Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Jungle Crow Corvus macrorhynchos 20, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 20, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 10, Munnar on 19/11/11. , Chinnar on 21/11/11. , Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. , Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus 2, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11. 2, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia 10, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 10, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Chinnar on 21/11/11, 1 female. 1, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Indian Golden-Oriole Oriolus kundoo 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11, 1 female. 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis 2, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11.
Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus 2, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 4, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 1, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 5, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Large Cuckoo-shrike Coracina macei 5, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Black-headed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melanoptera 1, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus 1, Spice Village on 17/11/11.
White-bellied Minivet Pericrocotus erythropygius 1, Chinnar on 21/11/11, 1 female looked like one.
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus 3, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 10, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 6, Chinnar on 21/11/11.
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus 2, Eight Mile Pass on 20/11/11.
Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella 15, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons 2, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 3, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11, 1 female.
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach 1, Munnar on 19/11/11. 1, Eravikulam NP on 20/11/11. 3, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis 3, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus 4, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Blue-capped Rock-Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus 1, Deshadan on 20/11/11, 1 female.
Malabar Whistling-Thrush Myiophonus horsfieldii 1, Thekaddy on 17/11/11. 1, Munnar on 20/11/11. 1, North of Munnar on 20/11/11.
Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11.
Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula 1, Dodabetta on 22/11/11, 1 male.
White-bellied Shortwing Brachypteryx albiventris 1, Between Munnar and Eravikulam on 19/11/11. 2, North of Munnar on 20/11/11.
Nilgiri Shortwing Brachypteryx major 1, Cairnhill on 22/11/11.
Malabar Starling Sturnus blythi 1, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 20, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 10, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum 12, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus 8, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11.
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 2, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 10, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 10, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. , Chinnar on 21/11/11. , Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. , Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11. , Mudumulai on 23/11/11. , Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus 2, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 3, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Hill Myna Gracula religiosa 10, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 10, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 10, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 10, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11.
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica 1, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Chinnar on 21/11/11.
Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Black-and-orange Flycatcher Ficedula nigrorufa 1, Cairnhill on 22/11/11. 2, Horticultural Station Track on 22/11/11.
Nilgiri Flycatcher Eumyias albicaudata 2, North of Munnar on 20/11/11. 8, Deshadan on 20/11/11. 2, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11. 2, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
White-bellied Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 2, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11.
Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11, 1 male.
Tickell's Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 14/11/11, 1 male. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11, 1 male.
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis 2, Eight Mile Pass on 19/11/11. 2, Eight Mile Pass on 20/11/11. 2, Horticultural Station Track on 22/11/11.
Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11, 1 sub-adult, 1 male. 1, North of Munnar on 20/11/11, 1 female/immature. 2, Cairnhill on 23/11/11.
Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis 1, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 4, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 10, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 3, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 10, Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata 6, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata 3, Vandiperiyar on 16/11/11. 5, Eravikulam NP on 20/11/11. 3, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 2, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11. 2, Dodabetta on 22/11/11. 5, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 2, Eight Mile Pass on 19/11/11. 4, Eight Mile Pass on 20/11/11. 1, Horticultural Station Track on 22/11/11.
Dusky Crag-Martin Hirundo concolor 10, Devikulam on 19/11/11. 3, Munnar on 19/11/11. 1, Eight Mile Pass on 20/11/11. 2, Deshadan on 20/11/11. 2, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11. 20, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 50, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 500, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 500, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11.
Hill Swallow Hirundo domicola 20, Eight Mile Pass on 20/11/11. 1, Eravikulam NP on 20/11/11.
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica 2, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Flame-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 5, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 25, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 5, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 10, Highway 49 west of Bodinayakkanur on 19/11/11. 10, Eravikulam NP on 20/11/11. , Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 10, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer 3, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 5, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 5, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. , Chinnar on 21/11/11. , Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. , Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 4, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Yellow-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus xantholaemus 2, Highway 49 west of Bodinayakkanur on 19/11/11. 4, Chinnar on 21/11/11.
White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus 1, Highway 49 west of Bodinayakkanur on 19/11/11.
Yellow-browed Bulbul Iole indica 2, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 3, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 2, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11.
Square-tailed Black Bulbul Hypsipetes ganeesa 1, North of Munnar on 20/11/11. 10, Deshadan on 20/11/11. 10, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus 12, Deshadan on 20/11/11. 10, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Gray-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii 3, Cumbum on 19/11/11.
Plain Prinia Prinia inornata 2, Eravikulam NP on 20/11/11.
Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola 1, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 1, Spice Village on 17/11/11.
Blyth's Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum 2, Thattekhad on 13/11/11. 2, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 2, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 4, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 1, North of Munnar on 20/11/11. 3, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11.
Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11.
Sykes' Warbler Hippolais rama 2, Cumbum on 19/11/11. 5, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius 2, Emerald Isle on 10/11/11. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 2, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Tickell's Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus affinis 1, Eight Mile Pass on 19/11/11. 1, Eight Mile Pass on 20/11/11. 1, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11. 1, Horticultural Station Track on 22/11/11.
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides 4, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 3, Munnar on 20/11/11. 5, Deshadan on 20/11/11. 15, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 10, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11. 1, Horticultural Station Track on 22/11/11. 5, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Green Warbler Phylloscopus nitidus 1, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 25, Emerald Isle on 12/11/11. 25, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 20, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 5, Hornbill Camp on 15/11/11. 5, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11.
Large-billed Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris 5, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11.
Tytler's Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus tytleri 1, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11.
Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis 1, Horticultural Station Track on 22/11/11.
Wynaad Laughingthrush Garrulax delesserti 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11 glimpse.
Nilgiri Laughingthrush Garrulax cachinnans 2, Dodabetta on 22/11/11. 1, Horticultural Station Track on 22/11/11.
Grey-breasted Laughingthrush Garrulax jerdoni 6, Eight Mile Pass on 19/11/11. 1, Eight Mile Pass on 20/11/11.
Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps 1, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Indian Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii 2, Deshadan on 20/11/11. 1, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11.
Tawny-bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra 1, Chinnar on 21/11/11.
Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla atriceps 8, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11.
Rufous Babbler Turdoides subrufus 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11.
Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus 25, Thattekhad on 14/11/11. 8, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 10, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11. 10, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis 10, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 25, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 6, Periyar Forest Reserve on 18/11/11.
Great Tit Parus major stupae 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 2, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Dodabetta on 22/11/11.
Black-lored Tit Parus xanthogenys 10, Eight Mile Pass on 19/11/11. 4, Eight Mile Pass on 20/11/11.
Malabar Lark Galerida malabarica 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus 10, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11.
White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata 2, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Black-throated Munia Lonchura kelaarti 15, Emerald Isle on 12/11/11. 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 50, Bridge to Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 20, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11.
Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus 3, Periyar Forest Reserve on 17/11/11.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2, Lake Periyar on 18/11/11.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. , Chinnar on 21/11/11. 10, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi 1, Anakkara on 24/11/11. 1, Anakkara on 25/11/11.
Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii 1, Chinnar on 21/11/11.
Nilgiri Pipit Anthus nilghiriensis 1, Eravikulam NP on 20/11/11.
Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 6, Indira Gandhi WR on 21/11/11.
Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos 2, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Nilgiri Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor 1, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 2, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 1, Taj Savoy Hotel on 21/11/11. 1, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Purple-rumped Sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica 1, Fort Kochi on 08/11/11. 20, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 25, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 20, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 2, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 10, Mudumulai on 23/11/11. 6, Anakkara on 24/11/11.
Crimson-backed Sunbird Nectarinia minima 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11 UTVs.
Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica 6, Emerald Isle on 11/11/11. 10, Idamalayar Valley on 14/11/11. 10, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 5, Hornbill Camp on 15/11/11. 2, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 4, Chinnar on 21/11/11. 4, Mudumulai on 23/11/11.
Long-billed Sunbird Nectarinia lotenia 1, c. 3.5 km South of Kattampuzha on 15/11/11. 1, Spice Village on 17/11/11. 2, Anakkara on 25/11/11.