Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Birding in South/West Sikkim & Beyond

Time Duration: 5 nights /6 Days – 13th December 2021 to 18th December 2021



Destination Covered: Kewzing,Okhrey ,Rongtong, Gajoldoba Barrage. 
Guest: Deepak Mittu & Kanak Sharma, Delhi 

Tour Guide: Chewang Rinchen Bonpo (9735900165), chewangrinchen@gmail.com, bonfarmhouse@gmail.com. 


        A private winter birding tour was conducted  for Deepak and Kanak by myself covering birds from the warm foothill forest of Bengal to a cool-temperate forest of Sikkim, we covered altitudes from 112 meters to 2500 meters and the temperature range from twenty degrees to minus five in the tour. We managed to cover around 160 species of birds with some good photographs and sightings. 


Day 1: 13th December 2021: Siliguri – Rongtong and Kewzing 

    Morning session of birding around Rongtong (foothill forest) with a local guide Ankit Beck around his restaurant for 2 hours we managed to record some species like Asian Barred Owlet (Glaucidium cuculoides), Blue-throated Barbet (Psilopogon asiaticus), Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus), Common Green-Magpie (Cissa chinensis),Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis), Lemon-rumped Warbler (Phylloscopus chloronotus),Yellow-bellied Warbler (Abroscopus superciliaris), Rufous Sibia (Heterophasia capistrata), Blue-throated Flycatcher (Cyornis rubeculoides), Blue Whistling-Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus),Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata), Taiga Flycatcher (Ficedula albicilla), Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja),Streaked Spiderhunter (Arachnothera magna). 

    The drive from Rongtong to Kewzing via Melli in Sikkim covering forest of foothill to temperate forest of Damthang and Ravangla birding on the way we recorded species like White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis),Gray Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae),Chestnut-headed Tesia (Cettia castaneocoronata),Black-faced Warbler (Abroscopus schisticeps),Fire-tailed Myzornis (Myzornis pyrrhoura) a pair ,Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis),Nepal Fulvetta (Alcippe nipalensis),Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron erythrocephalum),Rufous Sibia (Heterophasia capistrata),Hoary-throated Barwing (Actinodura nipalensis),Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea),White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus),Sikkim Treecreeper (Certhia discolor),Himalayan Bluetail (Tarsiger rufilatus),Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis),Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis). Overnight stay in Bonfarmhouse, Kewzing. 





Day 2: 14th December 2021: Kewzing -Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary & Tendong RF 

    Early morning birding around Bonfarmhouse (mid- altitude forest) got some of the local winter residents species and later part of the day was spending in Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tendong Reserve Forest (cool temperate broadleaved forest) b ird species for the day Great Barbet (Psilopogon virens),Greater Yellownape (Chrysophlegma flavinucha),White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis),Yellow-bellied Fairy-Fantail (Chelidorhynx hypoxanthus),Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis),Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus),Scaly-breasted Cupwing (Pnoepyga albiventer),Pygmy Cupwing (Pnoepyga pusilla),Whistler's Warbler (Phylloscopus whistleri),Chestnut-headed Tesia (Cettia castaneocoronata),Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis),Rufous Sibia (Heterophasia capistrata),Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea),Red-tailed Minla (Minla ignotincta),White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus),White-tailed Nuthatch (Sitta himalayensis),Gray Bushchat (Saxicola ferreus),Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata),House Sparrow (Passer domesticus),Russet Sparrow (Passer cinnamomeus) Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis),Besra (Accipiter virgatus),Golden-throated Barbet (Psilopogon franklinii),Bay Woodpecker (Blythipicus pyrrhotis),Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus),Mountain Bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii),Broad-billed Warbler (Tickellia hodgsoni),Fire-tailed Myzornis (Myzornis pyrrhoura),Golden-breasted Fulvetta (Lioparus chrysotis),Rufous-vented Yuhina (Yuhina occipitalis),Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler(around 3 individuals) (Spelaeornis caudatus),Rufous-winged Fulvetta (Schoeniparus castaneceps),Nepal Fulvetta (Alcippe nipalensis),Striated Laughingthrush (Grammatoptila striata),Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron erythrocephalum),Blue-winged Minla (Actinodura cyanouroptera),Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea),Red-tailed Minla (Minla ignotincta),White-tailed Nuthatch (Sitta himalayensis),Rusty-flanked Treecreeper (Certhia nipalensis),Himalayan Bluetail (Tarsiger rufilatus),Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis),Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus),Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis),Red-headed Bullfinch (Pyrrhula erythrocephala), Alpine/Himalayan Thrush (Zoothera mollissima/salimalii)( 2 individuals one in Meanam WLS and one in Tendong RF).
Overnight stay in Bonfarmhosue, Kewzing. 



Day 3:15th December 2021: Lower altitude forest of Kewzing and High Temperate Forest 

    The day we headed towards Rangeet valley (Sub-tropical spare forest with big bamboo) in the morning and afternoon in upper reaches of Kewzing village and the species recorded are as following Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus),Asian Barred Owlet (Glaucidium cuculoides),Great Barbet (Psilopogon virens),Blue-throated Barbet (Psilopogon asiaticus),Gray-capped Pygmy Woodpecker (Yungipicus canicapillus),Gray-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus),Greater Yellownape (Chrysophlegma flavinucha),Blyth's Shrike-Babbler (Pteruthius aeralatus),Black-eared Shrike-Babbler (Pteruthius melanotis),Maroon Oriole (Oriolus traillii),Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus),Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus),Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus),Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach),Gray-backed Shrike (Lanius tephronotus),Common Green-Magpie (Cissa chinensis),Gray Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae),Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis),Sultan Tit (Melanochlora sultanea),Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus),Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius),Pygmy Cupwing (Pnoepyga pusilla),Nepal House-Martin (Delichon nipalense),Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys),Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus), Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala), Ashy-throated Warbler (Phylloscopus maculipennis),Buff-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus pulcher),Lemon-rumped Warbler (Phylloscopus chloronotus),Chestnut-headed Tesia (Cettia castaneocoronata),Yellow-bellied Warbler (Abroscopus superciliaris),Black-throated Parrotbill (Suthora nipalensis),Black-chinned Yuhina (Yuhina nigrimenta),Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis),Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus ruficollis),Rufous-winged Fulvetta (Schoeniparus castaneceps),Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron erythrocephalum),Rufous Sibia (Heterophasia capistrata),Chestnut-tailed Minla (Actinodura strigula),Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea),Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch (Sitta cinnamoventris),White-tailed Nuthatch (Sitta himalayensis),Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis),Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa),Large Niltava (Niltava grandis),Blue Whistling-Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus),Slaty-backed Forktail (Enicurus schistaceus),Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra),Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata),Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis),Plumbeous Redstart (Phoenicurus fuliginosus),White-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus leucocephalus),Gray Bushchat (Saxicola ferreus),Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus),Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata),Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis),Streaked Spiderhunter (Arachnothera magna),Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea),Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni). 

Overnight stay in Bonfarmhouse. 


Day 4: 16th December 2021: Kewzing – Okhrey 

    After the morning session in Kewzing with species like Rufous-winged Fulvetta (Schoeniparus castaneceps), Scaly Breasted Cupwing (Pnoepyga albiventer), We headed towards Okhrey Birding on the way and reached Okhrey at noon and evening session between Okhrey and Hilley with species like Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris). Overnight stay in Okhrey Khe-Khor Homestay



Day 5: 17th December 2021: Okhrey – Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary 

    The day we birded in Hilley and Barsey Rhodo Dendron Sanctuary with the bird species recorded as following Darjeeling Woodpecker (Dendrocopos darjellensis), Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris),Eurasian Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes),Yellow-browed Tit (Sylviparus modestus),Gray-crested Tit (Lophophanes dichrous),Striated Bulbul (Pycnonotus striatus),Ashy-throated Warbler (Phylloscopus maculipennis),Black-browed Tit (Rufous-fronted) (Aegithalos iouschistos iouschistos),White-browed Fulvetta (Fulvetta vinipectus),Brown Parrotbill (Cholornis unicolor),Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus superciliaris),Striated Laughingthrush (Grammatoptila striata),Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron erythrocephalum),Hoary-throated Barwing (Actinodura nipalensis),Spotted Laughingthrush (Ianthocincla ocellata),Spotted Forktail (Enicurus maculatus),Himalayan Bluetail (Tarsiger rufilatus),Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin (Tarsiger hyperythrus),White-browed Bush-Robin (Tarsiger indicus),Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata),Dark-breasted Rosefinch (Procarduelis nipalensis),Plain Mountain Finch (Leucosticte nemoricola). 
    Afternoon we head to Siliguri which was around six hours drive to cover Gajoldhoba wetland nest morning as an evening the bird activity was dead in Okhrey , Hilley and Barsey. Overnight Stay in Siliguri. 



Day 6: 18th December 2021: Siliguri – Gajoldhoba 

    Last day we spend in Gajoldhoba though we could not do the regular birding on boat as Forest Department only allowed boats only after 9 AM due to some departmental work and thus we spend time birding on the peripheral of the lake and Teesta river with some of the species recorded Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea),Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata),Gadwall (Mareca strepera),Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope),Northern Pintail (Anas acuta),Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca),Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina),Common Pochard (Aythya ferina),Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), Great Crested Grebe ( cristatus),Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus),Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra),Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus),Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii),Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus),Striated Grassbird (Megalurus palustris),Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola maurus),Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus),Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach).

     Birding in winters around Sikkim is one of the most challenging as most of the birds are in mixed flocks and on a move to find food and shelter.










List of Birds Seen in the tour 





Thank you 

Chewang Bonpo 


Sunday, April 25, 2021

Birding in North Sikkim , Gurudongmar Plateau and Beyond


Tour Report of Birding in North Sikkim & Beyond 

Date: 17th April 2021 to 24th April 2021 

                                                                                            Little Owl 


       Sikkim is India’s 22nd state lies in the Northeast region of India, Sikkim is one of the important areas of birds due to its wide variety of habitat and altitudinal range upto 8000 meters. North Sikkim is one of the remote and least explored places for birds. The valley of Lachen, Thangu, Gaigaon which continuous to the Tibetan plateau is one of the hotspots for passage migrant and breeding for many bird species thus this tour in the month of April was specifically organized to record the bird species in its breeding and passage migrants to Central Asia.

Itinerary of the tour from 17th April 2021 to 24 April 2021. 

Day 1: 17th April 2021: Rangpo to Lachung (2700 meters) 
Day 2: 18th April 2021: Lachung to Yumgthang Valley (3700 meters) and afternoon to Lachen 
Day 3: 19th April 2021: Lachen (2600 meters) – Thangu (3900 meters) 
Day 4: 20th April 2021: Thangu to Gurudongmar Plateau (5154 meters) and back to Thangu 
Day 5: 21st April 2021: Thangu to Gurudongmar Plateau and to Lachen 
Day 6: 22nd April 2021: Lachen - Chungthang (1790 meters)- Mangan – Gangtok – Pakyoung 
Day 7: 23rd April 2021: Pakyoung (1120 meters) – Rolep 
Day 8: 24th April 2021: Rolep (1200 meters) – Rangpo 

 Tour Participants 

 1. Satish Thayapurath ,Guest Birder from Goa 
 2. Peter Lobo, Kalimpong Advisor SOS 
 3. Nosang Limboo, Sikkim President SOS 
 4. Tamding Chewang, Sikkim SOS Coordinator, North Sikkim 
 5. Chewang R Bonpo, Sikkim Secretary SOS.

Interesting records of the Tour 

1. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus  breeding at 5000 meters recorded after 1962
2. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta  first record at 5000 meters probably the first record at this altitude
3. Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna first record at 5000 meters probably the first record at this altitude 

Photos by Peter , Nosang & Tamding 



                                                                       Pied Avocet recorded at Yumcho near Gurudongmar 5145 meters. 




Common Shelduck at Yumcho near Gurudongmar 5145 meters 




Great Rosefinch 








Lesser Sandplover 










White-tailed Blue Robin 




















Grey Wagtail in Breeding Plumage 








Rosy Pipit 






Tibetan Sand Fox 




Himalayan Marmot 




Tibetan Gazelle Or Goa


List of Bird Species seen during the trip 





Thanks & Happy Birding 



Chewang R Bonpo 
bonfarmhouse@gmail.com
Ph 9735900165(M)























Monday, March 6, 2017

Winter Birding in Bhutan



A report by Chewang Bonpo (chewangrinchen@gmail.com)

The Kingdom of Bhutan in the eastern Himalayas is one of the last and a unique country that has been conserving her beautiful landscape, rich culture and high diverse flora and fauna. The country‘s 70 percent land mass is covered by green thus making the country a carbon-negative.  I have been visiting the country since 2012 and on my observation over the year the country has deep rooted her custom and beliefs on her way to development.


Our tour was planned to focus on winter migrants and birds easier to photograph in winter. The tour was 10 Nights & 11 days duration from 18th February 2017 to 1st March 2017.


The Main Highlight of the Tour was the following species:
  • White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis)
  • Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)
  • Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
  • Solitary Snipe (G. s. solitaria)
  • Blood pheasant both   (I. c. affinis ) & (I. c. tibetanus) race 
  • Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus)
  • Beautiful Rosefinch (Carpodacus pulcherrimus)
  • Golden Langur  or Gee's golden langur (Trachypithecus geei)

The Tour program covered the following area:

Thimpu-Paro- Cheli-la
We spend two nights and one full day birding in Cheli-la and Thimpu, the highlights of the area was around 5 Blood Pheasant (I. c. affinis), couple of White-winged Grosbeaks (M. c. carnipes), Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), White-throated Redstart (Phoenicurus schisticeps), Solitary Snipe (G. s. solitaria) and Black-tailed Crake (Zapornia bicolor).



Punakha- Phobjikha Valley
We headed to Punakha in search  of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) which looked tough at first but with the help of Phub,Sonam , Jas and Leki found one bird perched on Chir pine on opposite river bank  along with a lifer for all of us  a female Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) on the bank of Pho-chu.  Next morning we had some great views of the Heron in better light . We spend a night in Phobjiklha Valley to photograph Black necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) which was in hundreds (555 Cranes – Phub’s data) spread out in the valley.
        

Bhumthang 
Earlier in the trip we had not planned Bhumthang but unsatisfied with Peli-la (disturbances due to stone quarry ) we decided to spend a night which turned out to  be two nights as we were treated with some amazing pictures of Himalayan Monal (2 males and 3 females ) ,Red crossbill (L. c. himalayensis)  about a dozen , Snow Pigeons (C. l. gradaria)  around 20 , Spot-winged Grosbeak (Mycerobas melanozanthos), Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris), White-browed Rosefinch (C. t. thura),Common  Magpie (P. p. bottanensis) , Beautiful Rosefinch (C. p. pulcherrimus) dozen birds. We had an early morning venture around 3 AM searching for hooting Himalayan Owl (Strix nivicolum) near our resort but were in vain.


Phrumsengla National Park

As per our plan we had maximum days kept for Phrumsengla NP covering Thrumshing La Pass, Sengor and Youngkhola. The bird activities  in the national park was slow but the species like Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), Scaly Laugingthrush (T. s. subunicolor),Blue-winged Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron squamatum), Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush (I. r. rufogularis),Rufous-breasted Bush-robin (Tarsiger hyperythrus) , Grey chinned Minivet (P. s. solaris)  kept us occupied . The search for Sikkim Wedged billed Babbler or Blackish-breasted Babbler (Sphenocichla humei) which was our main target was in vain. We spend a night in the freezing cold in Sengor (2095 meters) and we had an early start towards Thrumshingla pass where we encountered around 4 flocks (10+individuals) of Blood Pheasants (I c. tibetanus)but thick fog made photography difficult . 


Trongsa-Zhemgang – Tingitibe-Gelephu 
The day was well spend in travelling from Trongsa to Zhemgang despite our early start was stuck due to road work. The vegetation and attitude change to low foothill and mid elevation sub-tropical forest made the temperature pleasant. The highlight of the area was mainly the endangered Golden Langur or Gee's golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), and few of the mid altitude species like Green-tailed Sunbird (A. n. koelzi), Yellow-vented Warbler (Phylloscopus cantator), Rufous-faced Warbler (Abroscopus albogularis), Himalayan Cutia (Cutia nipalensis), White-browed Shrike-babbler (P. f. validirostris) and Yellow-cheeked Tit (Parus spilonotus). 





We the tour participants Biswapriya Rahut, Satish Thayapurath , Mousumi Dutta & Chewang Bonpo  would like to thank Phub Drorji, Sonam Dorji, Jas Bdr Rai and Leki Wangdi for all the support and being a part of the team.



Amazing Landscape & Habitat for Wildlife 


Facts about Touring in Bhutan :


Tour Prices: Bhutan has an official policy of ‘limiting tourism through price’.  The prices for accommodation, food and guide are high on comparison to Indian subcontinent standards but in turn the standard of accommodation is high for the price one pays. 


Rates applicable till Feb 2017 

280$ per person per day for foreign nationality which include accommodation, transport, food and local guide; 100 $ for a professional Birdguide.

For Indian Nationality (May apply for SAARC countries)

INR 69,000 per pax for 10 nights for 2 person on twin sharing which include accommodation, transport and a professional Bird guide (Food is not included in the cost)

INR 40,000 per pax for 10 nights for 4 person on Twin sharing which include accommodation, transport and a professional Birdguide(Food is not included in the cost )

Food cost varies from INR 100 to INR 500 per meal.

Transport from Gelephu (on exist) to nearest airport or railway station is not included in the cost. 


Climate:  Hot and humid at lower altitudes, pleasant at middle altitudes and cool or even minus temperature at high altitudes. Days are sunny, overcast, rain and snow.

Road & Transport:  A good powerful SUV vehicle is  preferred for the present bad road condition due to road widening .Minimum travel time to get to a location is 3 -5 hours provided one is not stuck on road work. 

Birding & Bird-photography: Earlier Birding and Bird-photography was based on the main highway but now due to the massive road widening work some of undisturbed pockets along the highway remain good for birding and bird-photography. 

Equipment:  Focal length of above 300 mm is highly recommended for photographing birds and other wildlife in Bhutan. I used Nikon D750 & Nikon 600 mm lens.  I often use 1.4X Tele convertor with the lens to shoot birds like White-bellied Heron , Mandarin Duck  which was at great distance , I would prefer 2X Tele convertor in some situations. 


Note: My equipment is available on hire for 3000 INR per day if you tour with me.


Bhutan offers some finest Hotels 
  

List of Bird seen/heard & photographed  in the trip 


Sr.No  Common name Scientific name Conservation status Heard/ Seen/Photograph
1.          Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola LC H
2.          Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis LC H
3.          Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus LC S/P
4.          Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus LC S/P
5.          Goosander Mergus merganser LC S/P
6.          Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea LC S/P
7.          Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata LC S/P
8.          Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina LC S
9.          Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula LC S
10.       Gadwall Mareca strepera LC S
11.       Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope LC S
12.       Mallard Anas platyrhynchos LC S
13.       Northern Pintail Anas acuta LC S
14.       Rock Dove Columba livia LC S
15.       Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota LC S/P
16.       Speckled Woodpigeon Columba hodgsonii LC S
17.       Ashy Woodpigeon Columba pulchricollis LC S
18.       Oriental Turtle-dove Streptopelia orientalis LC S
19.       Western Spotted Dove Spilopelia suratensis LC S
20.       Barred Cuckoo-dove Macropygia unchall LC S
21.       Grey-capped Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica LC S
22.       Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris LC S
23.       Pacific Swift Apus pacificus LC S
24.       Black-tailed Crake Zapornia bicolor LC S/P
25.       Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis VU S/P
26.       Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis LC S
27.       White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis CR S/P
28.       Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger LC S
29.       Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo LC S/P
30.       Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii LC S/P
31.       River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii NT S/P
32.       Greater Painted-snipe  Rostratula benghalensis LC S
33.       Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria LC S/P
34.       Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos LC S
35.       Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus LC S
36.       Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia LC S
37.       Pallas's Gull Larus ichthyaetus LC S
38.       Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei LC S
39.       Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides LC S/P
40.       Mountain Scops-owl Otus spilocephalus LC H
41.       Himalayan Owl Strix nivicolum LC H
42.       Crested Serpent-eagle Spilornis cheela LC S
43.       Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis NT S/P
44.       Mountain Hawk-eagle Nisaetus nipalensis LC S
45.       Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis LC S
46.       Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus LC S
47.       Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus LC S
48.       Pallas's Fish-eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus VU S
49.       Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus LC H
50.       Ward's Trogon Harpactes wardi NT H
51.       Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis VU S/P
52.       Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis LC S
53.       Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris LC S/P
54.       Great Barbet Psilopogon virens LC S
55.       Golden-throated Barbet Psilopogon franklinii LC S/P
56.       Blue-throated Barbet Psilopogon asiaticus LC S
57.       White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea LC H
58.       Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis LC S/P
59.       Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha LC H
60.       Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus LC H
61.       Grey-capped Woodpecker Picoides canicapillus LC H
62.       Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis LC S/P
63.       Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus LC S
64.       Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula LC S
65.       Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalense LC S
66.       Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus LC S
67.       Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni LC S
68.       White Wagtail Motacilla alba LC S
69.       White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis LC S
70.       Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea LC S
71.       Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melaschistos LC S
72.       Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris LC S/P
73.       Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus LC S
74.       Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris LC S
75.       Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus LC S
76.       Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus LC S
77.       Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris LC S
78.       Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus LC S
79.       Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys LC S
80.       Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer LC S
81.       Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii LC S
82.       Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala LC S/P
83.       Himalayan Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus LC S
84.       Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons LC S
85.       Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii LC S
86.       Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii LC S/P
87.       Northern Wren Troglodytes troglodytes LC S
88.       Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris LC S/p
89.       Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata LC S/p
90.       Rufous-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis LC S/p
91.       White-collared Thrush Turdus albocinctus LC S/P
92.       Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima LC S
93.       Blue Whistling-thrush Myophonus caeruleus LC S
94.       Blue-capped Rock-thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus LC S
95.       Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush Monticola rufiventris LC S/p
96.       Blue Rock-thrush Monticola solitarius LC S
97.       Orange-flanked Bush-robin Tarsiger cyanurus LC S
98.       Rufous-breasted Bush-robin Tarsiger hyperythrus LC S/P
99.       White-browed Bush-robin Tarsiger indicus LC S
100.    Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis LC S
101.    White-capped Water-redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus LC S
102.    Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni LC S/P
103.    Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis LC S/P
104.    White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps LC S/p
105.    Plumbeous Water-redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa LC S/P
106.    Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus LC S
107.    Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferreus LC S
108.    Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri LC S/P
109.    Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus LC S
110.    Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus LC H
111.    Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata LC S
112.    White-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula monileger LC H
113.    Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara LC S
114.    Large Niltava Niltava grandis LC S
115.    Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae LC S
116.    Pygmy Blue-flycatcher Muscicapella hodgsoni LC H
117.    Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis LC S
118.    Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha LC S/P
119.    White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis LC S
120.    Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius LC S
121.    Hill Prinia Prinia atrogularis LC S
122.    Chestnut-headed Tesia Oligura castaneocoronata LC S
123.    Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea LC H
124.    Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis LC S
125.    Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus LC S
126.    Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator LC S/P
127.    White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis LC S
128.    Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos LC S
129.    Grey-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys LC S
130.    Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps LC H
131.    Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis LC H
132.    Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps LC S
133.    Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris LC H
134.    Golden-breasted Fulvetta Lioparus chrysotis LC S
135.    White-browed Fulvetta Fulvetta vinipectus LC S
136.    Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta LC S
137.    Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis LC H
138.    Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis LC S
139.    White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri LC S
140.    Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis LC S/P
141.    Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis LC S
142.    Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps LC S
143.    Sickle-billed Scimitar-babbler Xiphirhynchus superciliaris LC H
144.    Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus erythrogenys LC S
145.    Streak-breasted Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis LC H
146.    Coral-billed Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus ferruginosus LC S/P
147.    Bar-winged Wren-babbler Spelaeornis troglodytoides LC S
148.    Rufous-throated Wren-babbler Spelaeornis caudatus NT H
149.    Spotted Wren-babbler Elachura formosa LC S
150.    Scaly-breasted Wren-babbler Pnoepyga albiventer LC S
151.    Pygmy Wren-babbler Pnoepyga pusilla LC H
152.    Golden Babbler Stachyridopsis chrysaea LC H
153.    Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyridopsis ruficeps LC H
154.    Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps LC H
155.    Long-billed Wren-babbler Rimator malacoptilus LC S
156.    Yellow-throated Fulvetta Pseudominla cinerea LC S/P
157.    Rufous-winged Fulvetta Pseudominla castaneceps LC S/P
158.    Himalayan Cutia Cutia nipalensis LC S/P
159.    Grey-sided Laughingthrush Dryonastes caerulatus LC S
160.    Rufous-necked Laughingthrush Dryonastes ruficollis LC S
161.    White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus LC S/P
162.    White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis LC S/P
163.    Striated Laughingthrush Grammatoptila striata LC S/p
164.    Bhutan Laughingthrush Strophocincla imbricata LC S
165.    Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush Ianthocincla rufogularis LC S/P
166.    Spotted Laughingthrush Ianthocincla ocellata LC S/P
167.    Scaly Laughingthrush Trochalopteron subunicolor LC S/P
168.    Blue-winged Laughingthrush Trochalopteron squamatum LC S/p
169.    Black-faced Laughingthrush Trochalopteron affine LC S
170.    Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Trochalopteron erythrocephalum LC S
171.    Crimson-faced Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea LC S
172.    Bar-throated Minla Chrysominla strigula LC H
173.    Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta LC S
174.    Blue-winged Siva Siva cyanouroptera LC S
175.    Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea LC S
176.    Rufous Sibia Malacias capistratus LC S
177.    Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis LC S
178.    Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni LC S
179.    Black-headed Shrike-babbler Pteruthius rufiventer LC H
180.    White-browed Shrike-babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis LC S/P
181.    Black-eared Shrike-babbler Pteruthius melanotis LC H
182.    White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca LC S
183.    Brown Parrotbill Paradoxornis unicolor LC S/P
184.    Black-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis nipalensis LC S
185.    Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis ruficeps LC S/P
186.    Rufous-vented Tit Periparus rubidiventris LC S/P
187.    Coal Tit Periparus ater LC S/p
188.    Grey-crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous LC S
189.    Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus LC S
190.    Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus LC S/P
191.    Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus LC S/P
192.    Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea LC S
193.    Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus LC S/P
194.    Rufous-fronted Tit Aegithalos iouschistos LC S/P
195.    Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris LC S
196.    White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis LC S
197.    Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis LC S
198.    Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria LC S/P
199.    Hodgson's Treecreeper Certhia hodgsoni LC S/p
200.    Rusty-flanked Treecreeper Certhia nipalensis LC S
201.    Sikkim Treecreeper Certhia discolor LC S
202.    Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis LC S
203.    Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata LC S
204.    Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna LC S
205.    Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus LC S
206.    Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach LC S
207.    Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus LC S
208.    Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus LC S
209.    Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus LC S
210.    Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus LC S
211.    Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus LC S
212.    Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus LC S
213.    Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris LC S/P
214.    Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis LC S
215.    Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae LC S/P
216.    Common Magpie Pica pica LC S/P
217.    Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes LC S/p
218.    Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax LC S
219.    House Crow Corvus splendens LC S
220.    Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos LC S
221.    Common Myna Acridotheres tristis LC S
222.    House Sparrow Passer domesticus LC S
223.    Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans LC S/P
224.    Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus LC S
225.    White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata LC S
226.    Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides LC S
227.    Plain Mountain-finch Leucosticte nemoricola LC S/P
228.    Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis LC S
229.    Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus LC S
230.    Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus LC S/P
231.    Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii LC S/P
232.    White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura LC S/p
233.    Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra LC S/p
234.    Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala LC S/P
235.    Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis LC S
236.    Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos LC S/P
237.    White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes LC S/P


Total of 237 Bird Species has been recorded in total 10 Days of field work
Out of which 28 species are heard & 72 species has been photographed

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata was a lifer for me and rest of the group.

List of MAMMALS
  1. Large-eared Pika (Ochotona macrotis
  2. Orange-bellied Himalayan Squirrel (Dremomys lokriah)
  3.  Irrawaddy Squirrel (Callosciurus pygerythrus).
  4. Himalayan Striped Squirrel (Tamiops mcclellandii).
  5. Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula).
  6. Golden Langur  (Trachypithecus geei).
  7. Capped Langur (Trachypithecus pileatus)
  8. Assam Macaque (Macaca assamensis).