Report by Duan Biggs with some additional notes by Mike Nelson
Day 1: Arrival into the world’s last Shangri-La
Landing at Bhutan’s International Airport in Paro must be one of the most spectacular landings possible in a jet aeroplane. Rumour has it that the pilots for Druk Air go through additional intensive training to be skilled enough to navigate the deeply incised valleys that offer the approach to the runway and that only a few pilots in the world qualify to fly this route. Gliding past some of the world’s most famous peaks, like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Khangchanjunga at eye level is a stunning sight before dropping down into the Paro Valley. After a deep breath post landing we immediately started birding. First up, we all enjoyed the attractive Grey-backed Shrike and our first of many pairs of Hodgson’s Redstart. Our next stop was a site for the Ibisbill which MN had staked out in the morning. We relocated the Ibisbill but it flew off before the group got onto it. Brief views of Common Sandpiper and numerous White Wagtails did not quite make up for it… but a group of Brown Dippers followed closely by the colourful Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstarts was great. Next, we tried for Black-tailed Crake, which we had responding – but it did not feel like coming out…
It was time for a scrumptious lunch at our base in Paro – the beautiful Ugyen Phendeyling Resort & Meditation Center. After lunch, a visit to the nearby river delivered a group of Rufous-breasted Accentors but the strong winds were not in our favor. We also enjoyed further views of Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstarts – both common species that always impress. In the later afternoon it was time for another attempt at Ibisbill pictured here. After some time and a great deal of persistence, the entire group was treated to cracking views of a pair of these very unique birds. A very fitting way to end our first day in Bhutan…
Day 2: Himalayan Monal at Che Le La
We left our hotel at 0430 with one target bird in mind: Himalayan Monal. The Monal is known to strut around the frosty top end of the spectacular Chele La at dawn. As the sun’s rays started peaking over the Himalayas we stopped briefly for a White-collared Blackbird on the road. Soon thereafter we screeched to a halt. Himalayan Monal! Male! Everyone enjoyed great looks of the stunning male with three females as escort. We continued onto the top of the pass which is just shy of 4000m above sea level. From the top we enjoyed a vista towards Chomolhari – Bhutan’s highest peak. After soaking in the views of the Himalayas and appreciating the array of Buddhist prayer flags that dot the top of the pass it was time for birding. First up: Blue-fronted Redstart. Followed shortly thereafter by cracking views of a male White-browed Rosefinch. Next up we had good views of a fly-over of Northern Raven and two Red-billed Choughs. White-winged Grosbeaks sang from the tops of fir trees on the other side of the pass. Our first party of Tits existed only of the Coal variety with some White-browed Fulvettas. As we descended back down the pass we encountered Common Buzzard and Hodgson’s Treecreeper.
We stopped for morning tea in an open meadow in the forest. Our crew started preparing tea whilst Red Crossbills flew over. Mike helped the group get onto a large group of Plain Mountain Finches. An active flock added the attractive Rufous-vented Tits. In a tobacco drying barn both White-winged Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills photo here were at arm’s length as they fished around for the tiny seeds littering the floor. Lower down we added Pink-browed Rosefinch, our first of very many Rufous Sibias, and a Rufous-bellied Woodpecker.
We returned to our hotel for an afternoon tea and headed towards the start of the trail up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. At the bridge we found Spotted Forktail, and a little higher up a noisy flock of splendid Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrushes.
Day 3: Tiger’s Nest Monastery to Thimpu
An early morning outing in the forests below Tiger’s Nest Monastery produced the colourful Gould’s Sunbird, and Grey-sided Bush Warbler pictures here. Both Collared and Asian Barred Owlets were heard calling, but we were unable to lure them out into view. A Golden Bush Robin provided similar frustration. Our drive to Thimpu delivered Rosy Pipit, Ruddy Shelduck and Little Bunting. After arrival in Bhutan’s capital city of Thimpu, the group took time in the early afternoon to shop the quaint streets of the capital city. A short outing in the late afternoon to our stakeout provided everyone with views of Black-tailed Crake. In the evening we enjoyed a fabulous display of 13 different dances from all over Bhutan.
Day 4: Takins, Honeyguides and the spectacular Himalayas
We left Thimpu early to visit a breeding program for the Takin, a bizarre-looking animal that looks like a cross between a goat and a gnu. We all enjoyed views of Sambar and Ghoral – also present. Our next stop was the stakeout for the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. Here, we also had our first Buff-barred and Gray-cheeked Warblers, as well as Rusty-flanked Treecreeper. It was not long before our guide came running up from the forests below having spotted our target – the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide.
After a post Honeyguide morning tea we drove up to Dochu La stopping en route to photograph the new $100 million Buddha that overlooks the Thimpu Valley. The top of Dochu La was rather quiet birdwise but did provide for spectacular views of all of Bhutan’s highest Himalayan peaks. The road down towards the Wangdi valley delivered our first Stripe-throated Yuhina, Whistler’s Warbler and Green-tailed and Black-throated Sunbirds. The nearby Botanic Gardens were phenomenal as usual. Here, we had a large flock of Rufous-breasted Accentors, followed by a bird party of gigantic proportions – we did not know where to look! New species included Rufous-vented Yuhina. We got onto a group of nearby Brown Parrotbill, and in close proximity in both time and space we had Red-billed Leothrix, Rufous-capped Babbler, and Hume’s Bush Warbler. Satisfied, we drove to our stylish resort in the famous Punakha valley.
Day 5: White-bellied Heron
The White-bellied Heron picture here is one of the world’s rarest birds, with a population estimate of around 250 individuals. We started early to nab the Heron at its dawn feeding site. A Crested Kingfisher briefly distracted us from our mission. It was not long before eagle-eye Mike spotted the Heron flying across the Po Chu (river). In no time we had the scope on him and all enjoyed good views of one of the world’s rarest birds. Thereafter birding along the Po Chu added Scaly-breasted Munia to our lists.
En route back south along the Po Chu we found a very worn Paddyfield Pipit, as well as some colourful Grey-hooded Warblers, and the boldly-plumaged Oriental Magpie Robin. We had an inspired walk over Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, which we all relished. The views were spectacular and we also enjoyed more views of River Lapwing and that cosmopolitan species, the Common Sandpiper. The children on the way to school that passed us on the bridge were most friendly.
Next up we hit the road up the Mo Chu towards Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. As we made our way higher up this impressive valley the forest got better and better. A stop for tea delivered a flurry of birds. A group of colourful Yellow-bellied Fantails flitted about in the canopy above, Grey Treepie were quite raucous but high in the canopy. A fabulous pair of Wallcreepers moved up and down the rocky bank next to the road amidst the lichen laden trees leading down to the river. One landed close while the two occasionally chased each other around showing their brilliant crimson wing patches. The spectacular skulker the Chestnut-headed Tesia showed itself to some, and we all found ourselves puzzled by a very strange Treecreeper –– like nothing in the field guides. It turned out to be a Sikkim on later inspection. A group of stunning little Chestnut-crowned Warblers flew past, and whilst tracking them an immaculate Black-eared Shrike Babbler appeared. We were not done and we all had our brief first views of Mountain Bulbul. The road to Gasa up the Mo Chu delivered more goodies: cracking views of Slaty-backed, Little, and Spotted Forktail, Small Niltava, and mind-boggling views of a perched Crested Serpent Eagle. Mountain Hawk Eagle soared in the skies above, not far from a flock of Himalayan Swiftlets.
After this birding spectacle we visited the Punaka Dzong – Bhutan’s most impressive. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Po Chu rivers and has been subject to many attacks, floods, fires, and earthquakes since it was built in the 1600s. We were awestruck by the beauty and tranquility of this edifice. We headed to our hotel 30 minutes south along the Mo Chu all satisfied after a wonderful day.
Day 6: The Black-necked Cranes of Phobjika
As we were about to depart to Phobjika we had Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler in the hotel gardens. Not long after departure a Blue Rock Thrush brought our tour minibus to a halt. This was shortly followed by a White-throated Kingfisher and our first of many Grey Wagtail. We birded various bird parties on the pass that leads to Phobjika. A group of more than 20 Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrikes flitted about with a group of Black-throated Bush Tits, and Black-throated Yuhinas. The group got onto a Speckled Piculet, and Duan shouted out as he spotted the trip’s first flock of attractive Rufous-winged Fulvettas.
Other sightings included Whistler’s Warbler, Himalayan Swiftlet and a flock of Asian House Martins. Higher up the pass we found our first of the aptly-named Rufous-bellied Woodpecker and our first Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler brought delight, as did Grey-winged Blackbird, Ashy Drongo and lot and lots and lots of Rufous Sibias.
A stop a little higher up the pass was very productive. Mike coaxed out a most obliging Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler with his top notch Sennheiser whilst a Rufous-breasted Bush Robin kindly perched out in the open. After lunch, our first of many Assam Macaques put on a display.
Upon arrival at the Phobjika valley, everyone jumped out of the van to enjoy great looks at one of the world’s rarest Cranes – the Black-necked pictures here. A birding walk in the later afternoon delivered a lonesome Tickell’s Leaf Warbler amidst a group of Rufous-breasted Accentors, a large flock of Red-billed Choughs, great looks at a male Hen Harrier and several Oriental Skylarks.
Day 7: Laughingthrushes, Scimitarbabblers, and Minivets en route to Trongsa
An early morning walk in the cold from our lodge at Phobjika delivered Eurasian Wren, Black Drongo, and Goldcrest against the beautiful background sound of bugling Black-necked Cranes.
An exploration of the top of Pe Le La delivered Alpine Accentors in the otherwise quiet of the cool crisp morning air. A stop for tea as we descended eastwards was accompanied by a splurge of raptors above: Northern Goshawk, Himalayan Griffon, Steppe Eagle, and Long-legged Buzzard.
Everyone relished a good lunch at a nearby restaurant. As we started nearing the town of Trongsa an agitated Green-tailed Sunbird drew our attention to a Collared Owlet. The angry sunbird attracted a large posse of White-throated Laughingthrushes too. Not far down the road we encountered two vibrant bird parties, both centred on flowering cherry trees. The first party was a mindboggling bird-fest: 20+ Green-tailed Sunbirds, Streak-breasted Scimitar-babblers feeding on a cherry blossom out in the open, a large mixed flock of Grey-chinned and Long-tailed Minivets, Red-tailed and Chestnut-tailed Minlas, Buff-barred and Ashy-throated Warblers, Striated Laughingthrush, Whiskered Yuhina, Rufous-capped Babbler, Yellow-browed and Green-backed Tit, and White-tailed Nuthatch. Phew! A second smaller party delivered more views of a similar selection of species. We arrived in Trongsa in time to do some preparatory shopping for our 3 day camping excursion to the Zhemghang and Tingtibi areas.
Day 8: Trongsa to Zhemgang
A 6am departure from our hotel in Trongsa saw us making our way through some gorgeous forests towards Zhemgang. We enjoyed good views of both Little and Spotted Forktail. Bird parties added another Phyllscopus the Yellow-browed Warbler. The new hydroelectric developments made birding harder with the noise of bypassing trucks. But we need to remember that hydropower is the main source of revenue for Bhutan, enables the conservation of their forests and is the cleanest form of power. New birds included Grey Bushchat, Himalayan Bulbul, Nepal House Martin and White-throated Needletail. As one gets further away from Trongsa the roads become more and more spectacular and the drop-offs out of the window awe-inspiring.
As we got away from the hydroelectric disturbances the birding improved. Our first Common Tailorbird was followed by a Mountain Hawk Eagle. A sizeable bird party delivered the gaudy Sultan Tit, a pair of confiding White-browed Scimitar-Babblers and a very showy Blue-throated Barbet. Blue-bearded Bee-eater was stunning in the morning light as well. Busy parties of Rufous-winged Fulvettas flitted through the lower stratums while noisy White-crested Laughingthrush were heard but not seen. We started encountering troops of the aptly-named Golden Langur and more and more Assam Macaques.
As we arrived at our campsite we headed straight for a shot at the Beautiful Nuthatch at our stakeout. No Nuthatch, at least not yet – but we were treated to a stunning display by a pair of Rufous-necked Hornbills. Here we also had Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo and Nepal Fulvetta. Satisfied, we arrived at our campsite, phenomenally located high atop a Himalayan ridge next to a Buddhist Chorten overlooking the valleys far below. A night walk from our camp delivered Mountain Scops Owl (unfortunately calling only), and great views of a mystical-looking Black Giant Squirrel. Mike heard Brown Wood Owl in the depths of the night.
Day 9: Beautiful Nuthatch - Zhemgang to Tingtibi
We started bright and very early so that we could have a chance at the Beautiful Nuthatch. We left our campsite in the dark after a cup of coffee and arrived at our stakeout just before the sun hit the forest canopy. It was quiet at first and we only had the Rufous-necked Hornbill pair from the day before. But it did not take us long until Laura thought she had a Nuthatch-like bird feeding on epiphytes. Next Duan heard the call, and soon the whole party was onto phenomenal views of the exquisite Beautiful Nuthatch. Our main target out of the way, we could focus on other species. And there were many: Cracking views of Golden-throated Barbet, Fire-tailed Sunbird, a pair of Orange-bellied Leafbirds, Yellow-browed and Gray-cheeked Warblers. Next a pair of Red-headed Trogons began calling and moving up through the foliage, which many of us got to see. We returned to camp for a scrumptious breakfast very content.
After breakfast we headed back towards Zhemgang for a bit in search of Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler. No Coral-billed but we did add Blue-winged Minla to our list in addition to further views of a range of species already seen.
It was time for the exciting birding drive down to our next campsite – at only 600m altitude near Tingtibi. The first stop delivered Large Niltava and Blue-fronted Robin. Lower down we found Siberian Stonechat in an old field as well as more Golden Langurs. Lower down still the air started feeling very subtropical and the birding got better also. A vibrant bird party delivered Nepal Fulvetta, more views of Sultan Tit, White-browed (Blyth’s) Shrike Babbler, Olive-backed Pipit, Ashy Bulbul, and Grey-chinned, Scarlet, and Short-billed Minivets. We finally got to our campsite at Tingtibi in time for afternoon tea but not before adding White-throated Bulbul to our list.
The late afternoon session proved productive. First up, a mixed flock of Black and Bronzed Drongos and whilst enjoying this party Bill arrived by Landcruiser to join the group – Bill’s arrival was delayed by a week thanks to Hurricane Sandy that ravaged the NE coast of the USA. Bill was keen to get ticking and bundled in with us. Mike recorded and pulled out a shy Chestnut-headed Tesia. This was followed by a flock of the magnificent Rufous-necked Laughingthrushes that our guide tracked down and he was not done yet – next up he located a Black-crested Bulbul. We enjoyed views of Little Forktail at the river before heading back to the main road to return to camp. But the return took us some time as we sifted through birds and finally got views of noisy White-crested Laughingthrush and had further views of Small Niltava and Nepal Fulvetta. We returned to camp very satisfied after an incredible day’s birding.
Day 10: Chasing Skulkers at Tingtibi
We started bright and early and headed out to some impressive gallery forest a few kilometres above our campsite. Upon arrival Asian Barred Owlet was calling but we failed to get a visual. As the day warmed up a bunch of birds started getting active. Himalayan Flameback was vocalizing but again nothing visual. A feast for the eyes arrived in the form of a mixed flock of Minivets – Scarlet, Grey-chinned, and Long-tailed. Also in the party was Yellow-vented and Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, White-tailed and Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch and the lovely White-bellied Erpornis (previously Yuhina). Our attention was drawn to a group of vocalizing Laughingthrush in the undergrowth. Mike sprang into action with his Sennheiser record and playback system and we tracked the birds which we worked out to be Blue-winged Laughingthrush. After 45 minutes of frustrating attempts – the best anyone got was a fleeting glimpse of a silhouette.
It was time for a hearty breakfast. Mike, always searching, tracked down a Little Pied Flycatcher and a White-throated Redstart behind camp. Everyone got onto the delightful little Flycatcher but unfortunately the Redstart was gone.
A birding walk into Tingtibi town delivered the exquisite Crimson Sunbird and our first group of Striated Yuhina. From Tingtibi town we headed up yet another spectacular mountain pass and in a grove of forest and bamboo we picked up on Streaked Spiderhunter, Sikkim Treecreeper, and more Sultan Tits. We enjoyed lunch on the mountain pass overlooking the Manas River far below. Birding before, during, and after a scrumptious lunch in an idyllic location was very memorable: Yellow-vented Flowerpecker and Asian Brown Flycatcher were added to the list amidst many repeat sightings. A party after lunch delivered Golden Babbler which unfortunately only Duan managed to get onto. A vocalizing Mountain Tailorbird chose not to show itself either.
Being mainly doctors on board – there was a request to visit the local regional hospital. Not only was the hospital tranquilly located and filled with the goodness of Bhutan, but the gardens delivered a pair of electrically-colored Common Green Magpies. A drive down the new road between Tingtibi and Trongsa produced a flying Wallcreeper below a giant rock face. Before dark, we returned to the Blue-winged Laughingthrushes to try and pull them out for a sighting. Once again, they won, and no one managed more than a fleeting glimpse. A bird party in the late afternoon produced another Grey-throated Babbler. A night walk from camp delivered Black Giant Squirrel.
Day 11: Return to Trongsa more Rufous-necked Hornbills
After an early start we were treated to more views of Golden Babbler. We got onto Striated Prinia, and had more views of Rufous-winged Fulvetta and many others including White-crested Laughingthrush. A lot of effort produced views of Scaly Laughingthrush. In the later afternoon as we approached Trongsa we located our first Bhutan Laughingthrush and more Rufous-necked Hornbills.
Day 12: Trongsa to Bumthang
An early morning outing into the forests near Trongsa delivered brief views of Hill Partridge and a Pygmy Wren Babbler for Mike and Henry. Back in Trongsa the group visited the famous Trongsa museum tower while Mike hit the scrub for some photography. He got pictures of Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, and Brown-flanked and Hume’s Bush Warbler.
It was time to head to Bumthang for a day and a half focused on culture. The birding however did continue and we managed to locate a large flock of Red-billed Choughs at a temple as well as cracking views of a Plain-backed Thrush. A big party of Tits including Grey-crested was seen. Also en route we had Yellow-billed Blue Magpie and Plain Mountain Finch. As we approached Bumthang the quintessential Brown Dippers were seen feeding in the Bumthang River.
Day 13: Jakar Dzongcreeper and Temples
Today was our day of culture. We did squeeze in some early morning birding along the Bumthang River. Here, we had Solitary Snipe, Little Bunting, and Rufous-breasted Accentor as well as further looks at Ibisbill and feeding Brown Dippers. Our day of culture included Jakar Dzong, Jampa Lhakang and Kurje Lhakang temples - one of the oldest in Bhutan. Jakar Dzong, was home to its very own Wallcreeper, or rather - Dzongcreeper! Whilst we were culturing Mike hit the forests for some photography and recording and got Eurasian Woodcock and Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch.
Day 14: Snow Pigeons on the pass to Sengor
It was to be another day of climbing up to nearly 4000m on another spectacular mountain pass – Thrumpsing La. We had great looks at numerous flocks of Snow Pigeons and finally got onto White-browed Fulvetta. The group had cracking looks at Upland Buzzard. Duan located a White-throated Redstart but unfortunately it did not hang around for the rest of the group to enjoy. A visit to the Rhodedendron garden at the top of Thrumpsing La delivered cracking views of Blood Pheasant after some serious stalking through the forest floor! In the late afternoon we birded the forests just below our campsite at Sengor where we had Darjeeling Woodpecker and unbelievable views of Bar-winged Wren-Babbler!
Day 15: Sengor to Yonkala
We started early in the chilly morning air in the hope of Satyr Tragopan. Unfortunately the ‘road widening project’ with associated dynamite and extraction meant that the Tragopan was not around. The rest of the birding was really good though: the striking Hoary-throated Barwing, our first of many Stripe-throated Yuhina, and White-browed Bush Robin. As we passed over yet another spectacular mountain pass we added Dusky Warbler to our list. Just after lunch we were delighted by a Rufous-bellied Eagle passing over. Exciting birding in the late afternoon yielded our first flock of the spectacular Golden-breasted Fulvetta. Not long after the Fulvetta excitement the group enjoyed cracking looks at the gorgeous and petite Black-throated Parrotbill.
Day 16: Yonkala to Mongar
Brown Wood Owl and Himalayan Owl was heard in the early morning from our campsite. Unfortunately they did not come out into view. Back up on the mountain pass we had cracking looks at Nepal House Martins in the early morning at their nests. A little later Mark got onto a Green Shrike Babbler and this was followed by a number of parties which included Bay Woodpecker, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, more Golden-breasted Fulvettas and Rufous-fronted Babbler. Shortly after morning tea, we got the group onto our second Yellow-rumped Honeyguide for our trip. During lunch we were treated to more views of Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler. A party located by Laura entertained us with more views of the fabulous Yellow-cheeked Tit, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, and a single Pygmy Blue Flycatcher (seen only by Mike). Lower down still, we got onto Lesser Yellownape, a shy Pale-footed Bush Warbler, and a huge flock of White-crested Laughingthrush. As we approached Mongar we had Dusky Warbler, our first Himalayan Bulbul and Striated Prinia.
Day 17: The Ward’s Trogons of Kori La
Early start up the exquisite-looking forest on Kori La. Our first stop in the morning cold – frost was still on the ground. The birding was red-hot though. A massive and active feeding flock included cracking views of a male Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Rufous-vented and Whiskered Yuhinas, Grey-chinned Minivets aplenty, and White-tailed Nuthatch. The star of the show was a rufous form Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler which did its Wren Babbler display a mere two metres in front of us!
We stopped for a coffee at the top of Kori La and scanned through an active bird party of Yuhinas, Blue-fronted Redstarts and Rufous-breasted Accentors. Just below the top of the pass the group got onto Crimson-breasted Woodpecker and a Lesser Yellownape.
Beyond the pass Laura, Henry, Mark, and Duan embarked into the forest to explore a trail network for birds while Bill, Mardie, and Mike birded along the road. The road party were treated to Fire-tailed Myzornis and Great Hornbill. The trail party had a dazzling array of species including White-tailed and Blue-fronted Robin, Pygmy Blue and Sapphire Flycatcher, amidst a continual stream of Yuhinas, and Redstarts. The most valued find was of a pair of the beautiful and rare Ward’s Trogons. We staked out the spot and later successfully showed the road team these most handsome of birds.
Just before lunch we were treated to fine looks at a Maroon Oriole. After lunch we hit the mountain passes to Trashigang for our next overnight stop. En route we had better looks at Himalayan Bulbul, and the stand-out sighting was a pair of Pallas’s Fish Eagles. We arrived at our hotel satisfied after a successful day’s birding to enjoy the last hour of daylight at our remarkably perched hotel.
Day 18: Trashigang to Narphung
We started early from Trashigang and not far down the road Mike called us to a stop for a group of attractive Capped Langurs. The rest of the day was rather quiet and we had repeat sightings of earlier birds. We had lunch at a beautiful monastery where a ceremony involving trumpets and horns was on the go. Our arrival at camp in the evening interrupted the home of an Oriental Skylark which took to flight landing the neighbouring grassy field. Late afternoon produced Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler. Night birding that evening produced both Collared Scops Owl and Mountain Scops Owl vocalising – but neither could be brought into view.
Day 19: Narphung to Samdrup Jonkhar
Our last full day in Bhutan turned out to be spectacular. A morning outing from our campsite down a side road heading into the valley below our campsite delivered cracking views of Brown-flanked Bush Warbler, Pale Blue Flycatcher, our first Silver-eared Mesia, and our first Common Rosefinch. More Flycatchers started appearing at this altitude and we had Rufous-gorgeted and Duan had brief glimpses of the tour’s first Slaty Blue Flycatcher. A frustrating Golden Bush Robin kept us occupied for 30 minutes and offered only brief glimpses. Henry, who decided to walk back earlier to camp, had great success. In his short 30 minute walk he got onto Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Red-faced Liociochla, and good looks at Yellow-breasted Greenfinch!
As we descended down towards Samdrup Jonkhar and the plains of Assam a great variety of new birds awaited us. One party delivered the attractive White-naped Yuhina, Black-throated Sunbird and Ashy Woodpigeon. A Mountain Hawk Eagle flew close by. A little lower down another party yielded our first Long-tailed Sibia, a Rusty-fronted Barwing for Mark and Duan and Mike got onto the group’s first Blue-eared Barbet. Just after lunch, a Great Hornbill whisked by just metres from us! As we approached the low foothills around Samdrup Jonkhar the birding got busier and busier. Our first, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Green-billed Malkoha, and Red-whiskered Bulbul were seen in quick succession. Our last bird of the day was a brief look at a White-crowned Forktail at our stakeout for the Black-backed variety.
We entered Samdrup Jonkhar after a great tour of Bhutan.
PLAINS OF ASSAM EXTENSION
Day 20: Entry to the Plains of Assam
We departed Bhutan in convoy for first 30km. Thereafter travel was on our own allowing us some time for roadside stops that yeilded Richard’s Pipit, Lesser Adjudant, Asian Pied Starling, Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, and Red-wattled Lapwing. We then drove over the mighty Bramaputra river and entered into the sprawling metropolis of Assam’s largest city Guwahati. We said goodbye to Mark and Mardie at the airport and hit the road to Kaziranga National Park. En route we stopped at the mammoth Guwahati Rubbish dump where we ticked the rare Greater Adjudant and enjoyed close up views of the Black-eared subspecies of the Black Kite. En route to our spacious Indian colonial style lodge at the southern end of Kaziranga we had Coppersmith Barbet and good looks at Yellow-footed Green Pigeon and also added Black-winged Kites to our lists.
Day 21 - Day 24: Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is 107 years old and is the protected area responsible for saving the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros from extinction. We enjoyed three and a half days in this magnificent park and the surrounds. Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic Water Buffalo, Hog Deer, Swamp Deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus Macaque, Asian Elephant, Sambar topped the list of mammals and after two close misses for the group, Laura and Henry finally got visuals on that enigmatic Asian cat – the Tiger. Duan, Mike, and Bill missed it because they were trying to pull out a Thick-billed Warbler and a Slender-billed Babbler.
The park did provide for some spectacular birding, some from an early morning elephant ride through the head high grass – and a very different suite of species to Bhutan. We had Little and Indian Cormorant, and Oriental Darter and there were numerous Cinerous Tits – recently split from Great. The large Lineated Barbet was commonly seen. The extensive damp grasslands yielded Blyth’s Reed, Paddy-field, and Spotted Bush Warbler, Chestnut-capped Babbler, Greater Coucal and Striated Grassbird. The exquisite White-tailed Rubythroat male was the star of the grassland show.
Birds of prey abound in and around Kaziranga and we had Western Osprey; Pallas’s and Grey-headed Fish Eagle; Greater and Indian Spotted Eagle, as well as Oriental Honey Buzzard, Crested Serpent, Pied Harrier and Changeable Hawk Eagles. Stork-wise we enjoyed good looks at Lesser and Greater Adjudant, Asian Openbills – aplenty, and the Woolly-necked, and Black-necked varieties. The group enjoyed good looks at Grey-headed and Northern Lapwing and Spot-billed Pelicans were seen, as was Indian Roller. Waterfowl included Lesser Whistling Duck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, and Greylag and Bar-headed Goose. Waders included Green, Wood, and Common Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank and Common Greenshank. We recorded both Black-headed Gull and River Tern along the many waterways that dot the park.
We got views of four species of Parakeets: the large Alexandrine, the colorful Blossom-headed and Red-breasted as well as the Rose-ringed variety. Bird parties in the forest patches delivered Dusky, Greenish, Western Crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers as well as Slaty Blue and Ultramarine Flycatchers. Other species recorded included Baya Weaver, Asian Palm Swift and Black-headed Ibis. Everyone enjoyed good looks at both Black-rumped Flameback and Streak-throated Woodpecker and Little Green Bee-eater. We did not chase after the Blue-bearded variety as we all had great looks in Bhutan though it was heard and briefly seen.
The gardens and surrounds and the edge of the nearby Panbari forest, and numerous visits to a proximate tea estate also delivered a range of goodies: Blue-naped Pitta (unfortunately Mike only), Black-backed Forktail, Abbott’s Babbler, Pin-striped Tit Babbler, Rufous-fronted Babbler, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Little Spiderhunter, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Pale-chinned Flycatcher, Puff-throated Babbler, Black-hooded Oriole, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Large and Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, and Whistler’s Warbler. Mike spotted a White-browed Piculet but it unfortunately got away before the rest of the group could get onto it.
From here it was a short drive to our next destination
Day 24 - 26: Nameri National Park
Nameri is a pleasant 3 hour drive from Kaziranga and is home to one of the world’s rarest birds – the White-winged Wood Duck. Our base at Nameri is a beautiful tented camp across the river that provides access to the national park. The delightful Common Hill Mynas sing from the picturesque trees above the camp and shortly after arrival we visited the nearby Pygmy Forest Hog breeding program to have a quick look at these tiny little animals which are under serious threat due to habitat loss. The rest of our afternoon walk delivered some good birds: Greater Flameback, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, and good looks at Lineated Barbet. As dusk drew near we enjoyed a flurry of Owlets including numerous Asian Barred and Spotted. At dusk an unidentified Nightjar crossed our path and a Collared Scops Owl called once but did not emerge into view. Great Thick Knee was calling in the distance from the far bank of the river.
Our outing across the Gia Bhoriali River into Nameri National Park was a real treat. The gallery forest is spectacular and the sandbanks produced Grey-throated Martin. The White-winged Wood Duck, or Spirit Duck as it is known by native peoples within its range, lives in dark, stagnant forest ponds, it is very shy and you have to creep up on its small forest beels. Species recorded on our foray into the National Park included Clamorous Reed Warbler, the attractive Ashy-headed Green Pigeon, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Crow-billed Drongo, White-rumped Shama, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Yellow-vented Warbler, Western Crowned Warbler, Taiga Flycatcher, and Mountain Tailorbird. Attractive River Lapwings foraged on the riverbanks along with Great Cormorant and out on the river we had Ruddy Shelduck and Common Merganser. Despite a very intensive search campaign and the help of an expert local guide, the forest ponds only held Common Teal. The White-winged Wood Duck was unfortunately hiding in the inaccessible ponds deeper into the forest on the day of our search. Our last night of the tour was marked by yet another great Indian dinner. Those of us awake in the depths of the night were treated to the sounds of vocalizing Brown Hawk Owls.
An early departure got us on the way to Guwahati airport for our departure.
You can see photos from Bhutan in my Bhutan 2012 Flicker Album and photos from the Assam extension in my India, Assam 2012 Flickr Album.
You can link to the recordings from the Bhutan trip in my xeno-canto Bhutan 2012 set and you can hear recordings from Assam in my xeno-canto India 2012 set.
Bhutan Species List
h = heard only
* = leader only
1 Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola
2 Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus
3 Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus
4 Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos
5 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
6 Gadwall Anas strepera
7 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
8 White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis
9 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
10 Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
11 Pallas's Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus
12 Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis
13 Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
14 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
15 Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
16 Shikra Accipiter badius
17 Besra Accipiter virgatus
18 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
19 Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
20 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
21 Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
22 Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius
23 Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
24 Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii
25 Mountain Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis
26 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
27 Black-tailed Crake Porzana bicolor
28 Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis
29 Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii
30 River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii
31 Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola *
32 Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria
33 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
34 Rock Dove Columba livia neglecta
35 Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota
36 Speckled Wood Pigeon Columba hodgsonii
37 Ashy Wood Pigeon Columba pulchricollis
38 Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
39 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
40 Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica
41 Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis
42 Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
43 Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenurus
44 Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis
45 Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus h
46 Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia h
47 Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei
48 Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides h
49 Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica h
50 Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris
51 Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus
52 Ward's Trogon Harpactes wardi
53 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
54 Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris
55 White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
56 Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni
57 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops
58 Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis
59 Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis
60 Great Barbet Megalaima virens
61 Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii
62 Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica
63 Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Indicator xanthonotus
64 Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus
65 Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus
66 Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus
67 Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos cathpharius
68 Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis
69 Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha
70 Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus
71 Himalayan Flameback Dinopium shorii
72 Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis
73 Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus
74 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
75 Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris
76 Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus
77 Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris
78 Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus
79 Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
80 Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus
81 White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca
82 Blyth's Shrike-babbler Pteruthius aeralatus
83 Green Shrike-babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus
84 Black-eared Shrike-babbler Pteruthius melanotis
85 Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii
86 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
87 Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
88 Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
89 Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer
90 White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
91 Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
92 Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris
93 Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis
94 Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae
95 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica
96 Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes
97 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
98 House Crow Corvus splendens
99 Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
100 Northern Raven Corvus corax
101 Yellow-bellied Fantail Chelidorhynx hypoxantha
102 Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
103 Rufous-vented Tit Periparus rubidiventris
104 Coal Tit Periparus ater
105 Grey Crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous
106 Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus
107 Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus
108 Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus
109 Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea
110 Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
111 Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus
112 Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris
113 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus
114 Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys
115 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
116 White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus
117 Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii
118 Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala
119 Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus
120 Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalense
121 Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus
122 Scaly-breasted Wren-babbler Pnoepyga albiventer
123 Pygmy Wren-babbler Pnoepyga pusilla
124 Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis *
125 Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps
126 Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus
127 Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes
128 Hume's Bush Warbler Cettia brunnescens
129 Grey-sided Bush Warbler Cettia brunnifrons
130 Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata
131 Black-throated Bushtit Aegithalos concinnus
132 Rufous-fronted Bushtit Aegithalos ioschistos
133 Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus
134 Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis
135 Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher
136 Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis
137 Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus
138 Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
139 Blyth's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides
140 Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator
141 Grey-hooded Warbler Phylloscopus xanthoschistos
142 White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis
143 Grey-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys
144 Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps
145 Whistler's Warbler Seicercus whistleri
146 Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera
147 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
148 Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus erythrogenys
149 White-browed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps
150 Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis
151 Bar-winged Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis troglodytoides
152 Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps
153 Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyridopsis ruficeps
154 Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyridopsis rufifrons
155 Golden Babbler Stachyridopsis chrysaea
156 Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps
157 Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis
158 White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus
159 Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush Garrulax rufogularis
160 Spotted Laughingthrush Garrulax ocellatus
161 White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis
162 Rufous-necked Laughingthrush Garrulax ruficollis
163 Striated Laughingthrush Garrulax striatus
164 Bhutan Laughingthrush Trochalopteron imbricatum
165 Blue-winged Laughingthrush Trochalopteron squamatum
166 Scaly Laughingthrush Trochalopteron subunicolor
167 Black-faced Laughingthrush Trochalopteron affine
168 Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Trochalopteron erythrocephalum
169 Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera
170 Bar-throated Minla Minla strigula
171 Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta
172 Red-faced Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea
173 Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni
174 Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis
175 Silver-eared Liothrix Leiothrix argentauris
176 Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea
177 Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata
178 Long-tailed Sibia Heterophasia picaoides
179 Fire-tailed Myzornis Myzornis pyrrhoura
180 Golden-breasted Fulvetta Lioparus chrysotis
181 White-browed Fulvetta Fulvetta vinipectus
182 Brown Parrotbill Cholornis unicolor
183 Black-throated Parrotbill Suthora nipalensis
184 Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps
185 White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri
186 Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis
187 Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis
188 Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis
189 Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta
190 Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus
191 Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella
192 Goldcrest Regulus regulus
193 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
194 Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris
195 White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis
196 Beautiful Nuthatch Sitta formosa
197 Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria
198 Hodgson's Treecreeper Certhia hodgsoni
199 Rusty-flanked Treecreeper Certhia nipalensis
200 Brown-throated Treecreeper Certhia discolor
201 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
202 Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica
203 Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus
204 Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima
205 Long-billed Thrush Zoothera monticola *
206 White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus
207 Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul
208 White-browed Bush Robin Tarsiger indicus
209 Rufous-breasted Bush Robin Tarsiger hyperythrus
210 Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus
211 Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis
212 Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni
213 White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps
214 Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis
215 Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa
216 White-capped Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
217 White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura
218 Blue-fronted Robin Myiomela frontale
219 Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri
220 Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus
221 White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti
222 Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus
223 Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus
224 Grey Bush Chat Saxicola ferreus
225 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
226 Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris
227 Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica
228 Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata
229 Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
230 Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
231 Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
232 Pale Blue Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor
233 Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara
234 Large Niltava Niltava grandis
235 Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae
236 Pygmy Flycatcher Muscicapella hodgsoni
237 Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii
238 Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons
239 Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii
240 Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum
241 Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus
242 Mrs. Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae
243 Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis
244 Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata
245 Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja
246 Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda
247 Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna
248 House Sparrow Passer domesticus
249 Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans
250 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
251 Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
252 Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris
253 Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata
254 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
255 White Wagtail Motacilla alba
256 White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis
257 Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
258 Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus
259 Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi
260 Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Chloris spinoides
261 Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola
262 Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis
263 Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
264 Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus
265 Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochroa
266 Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii *
267 Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura
268 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
269 White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes
270 Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
India (Kaziranga and Nameri) Species List
h = heard only
* = leader only
1 Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis
2 Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus
3 Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
4 Greylag Goose Anser anser
5 Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
6 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
7 Gadwall Anas strepera
8 Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
9 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
10 Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
11 Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
12 Northern Pintail Anas acuta
13 Garganey Anas querquedula
14 Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
15 Common Pochard Aythya ferina
16 Common Merganser Mergus merganser
17 Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
18 Black Stork Ciconia nigra
19 Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
20 Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
21 Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus
22 Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius
23 Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus
24 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
25 Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus
26 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
27 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
28 Great Egret Ardea alba
29 Little Egret Egretta garzetta
30 Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis
31 Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger
32 Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
33 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
34 Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster
35 Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus
36 Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
37 Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
38 Black Kite Milvus migrans
39 Pallas's Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus
40 Grey-headed Fish Eagle Icthyophaga ichthyaetus
41 White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis
42 Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
43 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
44 Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos
45 Shikra Accipiter badius
46 Indian Spotted Eagle Aquila hastata
47 Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
48 Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus
49 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
50 White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
51 Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris
52 Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
53 Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus
54 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
55 Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
56 Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus
57 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
58 Common Redshank Tringa totanus
59 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
60 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
61 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
62 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
63 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
64 River Tern Sterna aurantia
65 Rock Dove Columba livia
66 Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
67 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
68 Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica
69 Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis
70 Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
71 Ashy-headed Green Pigeon Treron phayrei
72 Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus
73 Pin-tailed Green Pigeon Treron apicauda
74 Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
75 Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis
76 Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
77 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
78 Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata
79 Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri
80 Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
81 Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei h
82 Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides
83 Spotted Owlet Athene brama
84 Brown Hawk-Owl Ninox scutulata h
85 Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
86 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
87 Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis
88 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
89 Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata
90 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
91 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
92 Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni
93 Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
94 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops
95 Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
96 Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis
97 Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata
98 Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica
99 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
100 White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea
101 Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus
102 Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei
103 Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha
104 Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus
105 Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus
106 Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense
107 Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus
108 Blue-naped Pitta Hydrornis nipalensis *
109 Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus
110 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
111 Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
112 Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos
113 Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
114 Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus
115 Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
116 Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
117 Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus
118 Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
119 Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii
120 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
121 Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
122 Crow-billed Drongo Dicrurus annectans
123 Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
124 Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer
125 Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
126 Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus
127 White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
128 Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
129 Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis
130 Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda
131 House Crow Corvus splendens
132 Eastern Jungle Crow Corvus levaillantii
133 Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
134 Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus
135 Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
136 Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris
137 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus
138 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
139 White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus
140 Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala
141 Grey-throated Martin Riparia chinensis
142 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
143 Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus
144 Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus
145 Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis
146 Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
147 Hume's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei
148 Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
149 Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis
150 Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator
151 Whistler's Warbler Seicercus whistleri
152 Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
153 Thick-billed Warbler Iduna aedon
154 Spotted Bush Warbler Locustella thoracica
155 Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris
156 Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis
157 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
158 White-browed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps
159 Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyridopsis rufifrons
160 Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyridopsis ruficeps
161 Golden Babbler Stachyridopsis chrysaea
162 Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Macronus gularis
163 Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata
164 Abbott's Babbler Malacocincla abbotti
165 Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps
166 Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei
167 Slender-billed Babbler Turdoides longirostris *
168 Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis
169 Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus
170 Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella
171 Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa
172 Great Myna Acridotheres grandis
173 Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus
174 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
175 Pied Myna Gracupica contra
176 Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica
177 Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus
178 Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma
179 White-tailed Rubythroat Luscinia pectoralis
180 Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis
181 White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
182 Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus
183 Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa
184 White-capped Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
185 Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus
186 Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
187 Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
188 Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor
189 Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
190 Pale Blue Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor
191 Pale-chinned Blue Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys
192 Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara
193 Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae
194 Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons
195 Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum
196 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis
197 Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
198 House Sparrow Passer domesticus
199 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
200 Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus
201 Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola (citreola, calcarata)
202 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava (beema)
203 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
204 White Wagtail Motacilla alba (dukhunensis, personata, leucopsis, alboides)
205 Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi *