North Bengal & Sikkim
Trip Report

 
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© Sumit Sen


North Bengal and Sikkim

by Mike Prince
6 November - 23 November 2003

 

 

© Sumit K Sen


CONTENTS

Introduction
Itinerary
Site Details
Systematic List of Birds
Other Wildlife
References


Introduction

This is a report on a birding trip to North Bengal and Sikkim. A preliminary week was spent birding in North Bengal by Sujan Chatterjee and Mike Prince before meeting up with Bikram Grewal, Bill Harvey, Alpana Khare and Sumit Sen for a week in Sikkim followed by a few more days in North Bengal.
The first week was mostly an exploratory visit to sites not generally known for birding but still easily accessible. The rest of the trip visited better known sites, although there are relatively few reports available for this time of year.

Logistics regarding sites visited, travel and accommodation were organised largely by Sujan and Sumit in conjunction with Raj from Help Tourism, and we are all grateful to them.

A total of 324 confirmed species were recorded including a number of globally threatened and rare species in India. This was an excellent total of species for the time of year and considering that the habitats visited were quite restricted: we only did one afternoon visit to a wetland.

Various photos from the trip are available online – see the Contacts section for links.

Itinerary

The map below shows our planned itinerary and key birding sites. The main sites birded each day are highlighted in bold in the detailed daily itinerary.

6 November 2003 (Thursday):

Mike flew from Delhi to Bagdogra and met Sujan who had taken the overnight train from Kolkata. Drove to Suntalekhola with time for about two hours birding there in the late afternoon. Stayed at Suntalay Khola Wilderness Camp.

7 November:

Morning birding at Suntalekhola, on the fringe of the East Nar Range of the Neora Valley National Park. From late morning onwards rain set in and so little was accomplished during the rest of the day. Stayed at Suntalay Khola Wilderness Camp.

8 November:

Morning birding from Suntalekhola to Samsing. Drive to Bindu. Afternoon birding forest area between Bindu and Todey. Stayed at Shivaji Tourist Inn, Bindu.

9 November:

Morning birding forest edge at Todey. Afternoon birding at Bindu, including a walk over the barrage into Bhutan. Stayed at Shivaji Tourist Inn, Bindu.

10 November:

Early morning left Bindu for the drive to Karmi Farm near Kolbong, via Bijonbari. Stopped en-route briefly at Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and near Kalijhora. Afternoon birding around Karmi Farm. Stayed at Karmi Farm.

11 November:

Whole day birding around Karmi Farm. Stayed at Karmi Farm.

12 November:

Early morning birding at Karmi Farm before driving to Tiger Hill, Darjeeling. Afternoon birding at Tiger Hill. Stayed at Mayfair Hotel, Darjeeling.

13 November:

Early morning birding at Tiger Hill, followed by "full English breakfast" at Keventer’s in Darjeeling! Late morning drove to Kalijhora. Sumit flew to Bagdogra from Kolkata, Alpana, Bikram and Bill from Delhi, and they drove to Kalijhora. Whole group met there for some birding in the late afternoon. Stayed at Kalijhora Forest Rest House and PWD bungalow.

14 November:

Early morning birding at Kalijhora, then drove into Sikkim, stopping to have lunch in Legship. Continued on to Pemayangtse for some late afternoon birding there. Stayed at Mount Pandim hotel, Pemayangtse.

15 November:

Early morning birding from Pelling to Sangachoeling monastery, followed by late morning at Pemayangtse. Afternoon some of us birded at nearby Rabdentse. Stayed at Mount Pandim hotel.

16 November:

Some of us went back to Sangachoeling for the early morning, whilst others stayed at Pemayangtse. Left late morning for the drive to Khecheperi Lake where we birded for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Stayed at the Trekkers Hut.

17 November:

Morning birding in forest around Khechepuri Lake, followed by drive to Mount Narsing, Rabangla. Poor weather (low cloud, strong wind) meant that birding was restricted to an hour or so in the afternoon at Mount Narsing. Stayed at Mount Narsing, Rabangla.

18 November:

Morning birding in Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary followed by drive to Gangtok, arriving just after dark. Stayed at ? by the Tashi view point, just outside Gangtok.

19 November:

Morning birding just outside, and briefly inside, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary. Drove to Rumtek and birded the road towards Song in the afternoon. Stayed at Shambhala Resort, Rumtek.

20 November:

Some of us again birded the road towards Song from Rumtek, having first tried a difficult track up into the forest above the road. Others spent the early morning in the botanical garden near the Shambhala Resort. Then drove back to North Bengal in time for a couple of hours late afternoon birding along the Lava to Algarah road. Stayed at Lava Forest Rest House.

21 November:

Whole day birding in the Neora Valley National Park. Morning spent in the upper Neora Valley, afternoon lower at Rashet. Stayed at Lava Forest Rest House.

22 November:

Early morning birding along the Lava to Algarah road, plus the track into the forest from near the Forest Rest House. Then drove to Gorumara National Park and spent the afternoon birding from the Khunia watchtower. Sujan briefly went to Samsing for a meeting with the Forest Department there. Stayed at Gorumara Jungle Camp.

23 November:

Early morning birding in Gorumara National Park from the main watchtower at the Rhino Observation Point followed by the watchtower at Jatraprasad and the road between. Some of us took an elephant ride into the grassland and along the river. Needed to reach our planned overnight halt at Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary before dark so set off late morning, but en-route we heard that we had lost our booking at the Forest Rest House there since some Forest Department officials were visiting. A hasty change of plan made us visit the Teesta Barrage at Gazoldoba for the afternoon before returning to Gorumara Jungle Camp for a second night.

24 November:

Early morning birded the Mahakal Trail at Gorumara before briefly visiting the Rhino Observation Point and Jatraprasad watchtower inside the National Park. Then drove to Bagdogra airport for early afternoon flights to Kolkata (Sumit) and Delhi (Alpana, Bikram, Bill, Mike). Sujan took the overnight train to Kolkata.

 

Site Details

Site information is generally well described in Kazmierczak & Singh [7]. This does not include all sites visited; in particular the excellent lowland reserves of Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, plus the Teesta Barrage at Gazoldoba are not covered. In addition the first week was spent mostly exploring little known sites. The following sections provide information for all sites visited; where the site is included in Kazmierczak & Singh [7] only brief notes are given here.

Suntalekhola, West Bengal
Suntalekhola is situated in West Bengal at an altitude of 750 metres. It is 75 kilometres from Bagdogra Airport. We did our birding on the south-eastern fringe of the Neora Valley National Park. A trail leads to the left from the first bend of the tar road approached from the bungalows and ends at Lava after a three-day trek (which needs permission from the Wildlife Department). The trail leads steeply through thick broadleaved tropical and semi-tropical forests via Mouchouki, Rechila Top (4500m), Alubari and Pankhasari Ridge. Four double room cottages with non-attached toilets are available at Suntalay Khola Wilderness Camp.

Selected sightings: Grey Nightjar, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Maroon Oriole, Grey-chinned and Short-billed Minivets, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Slaty-backed Forktail, Sultan Tit, Ashy Bulbul, Yellow-vented, Golden-spectacled and Chestnut-crowned Warblers, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Sibia, White-naped and Black-chinned Yuhinas.

Samsing, West Bengal
Samsing is the Range Office of the Neora Valley National Park, 3kms before Suntalekhola. Some mature broadleaved trees and some scrub surround the Range Office and the Forest Rest House. It is generally good for bee-eaters and orioles amongst other species.

Selected sightings: Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Green-billed Malkoha, Thick-billed Warbler.

Bindu, West Bengal
At 600m, Bindu is a small village on the border with Bhutan. It is 80kms from Siliguri and has developed based on a hydroelectric (hydel) power project. The River Jaldhaka, forming the India – Bhutan border, provides some good birds and can be viewed well from the barrage.

Selected sightings: Eurasian Wryneck, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Hodgson's Redstart, Slaty-backed Forktail, Little Forktail, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush (actually over the border in Bhutan).

Todey, West Bengal
Todey is a village one hours drive from Bindu and is situated at an altitude of 1300 – 1500m. It comprises of secondary forest cover and extensive cardamom cultivation.

Selected sightings: Large Hawk Cuckoo, Green Magpie, Large Niltava, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Black-throated Sunbird.

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal
Chapramari is a small wildlife sanctuary opposite the Gorumara National Park and consists mostly of teak and other timber species. It is situated 62kms from Siliguri.

Selected sightings: Long-tailed Broadbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Chestnut-headed and Grey-bellied Tesias.

Karmi Farm, West Bengal
Karmi Farm is a small private property owned by a British expatriate. The farm is located about 2½ hours drive from Darjeeling via Bijonbari. It is at an altitude of 1500m and has moderate broadleaved tree cover and cardamom plantations. It hosts some good birds such as Grey-throated Babbler and Speckled Piculet and is a very pleasant, relaxing place to stay. Particularly recommended is the homemade tongba, an alcoholic drink made from millet and drunk from a bamboo tankard!

Selected sightings: Speckled Piculet, Northern Goshawk, Black Eagle, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Yellow-browed Tit, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Blue-winged, Chestnut-tailed and Red-tailed Minlas, Nepal House Martin, Fire-tailed Sunbird.

Tiger Hill, West Bengal
Tiger Hill is the famed sunrise point 11kms from Darjeeling. It reaches a height of 2485m and on a clear morning one can get spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga range. The habitat here is mainly ringal bamboo and oak. It is a good place to see Brown Parrotbill and we were also delighted to see Gould’s Shortwing. A site with great birding potential.

Selected sightings: Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, White-collared Blackbird, Gould's Shortwing, Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler, Broad-billed Warbler, Spotted and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Brown Parrotbill.

Kalijhora, West Bengal
Kalijhora is a small area of forest on the northern edge of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, at an altitude of 300m. It is one hours drive from Bagdogra. A small Forest Rest House and a PWD bungalow are the only places to stay nearby. A good place to see several lowland forest species.

Selected sightings: Oriental Pied Hornbill, White-rumped Vulture, Greater Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Black Stork, Grey-backed Shrike, Maroon Oriole, Short-billed Minivet, Brown Dipper, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, White-rumped Shama, Hill Myna, Yellow-vented Warbler, Striped Tit Babbler, Crimson Sunbird, Streaked Spiderhunter.

Pemayangtse, Sikkim
Pemayangtse is just 1km from Pelling. A trail opposite the Mount Pandim Hotel encircles the Pemayangtse Gompa (monastery). The trail is dark and wet and provides a good chance of seeing some of the laughingthrushes and other skulking forest birds.

Selected sightings: Mountain Hawk Eagle, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Golden Bush Robin, Rusty-fronted and Hoary-throated Barwings, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-breasted and Maroon Accentors.

Pelling, Sikkim
Pelling is a small but fast-growing tourist destination. It is situated at 2060m and is 10kms from the district headquarters of West Sikkim, Geyzing.

Sangachoeling, Sikkim
The Sangachoeling Gompa is about 2kms trek from Pelling helipad. The uneven trail is quite open at the beginning and then goes through dark and moist forest for the last ½ km. It is a splendid trail for birds and can also be taken well beyond the monastery itself.

Selected sightings: Slaty-headed and Blossom-headed Parakeets, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Long-tailed Minivet, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Blyth's Leaf, Whistler's, Grey-cheeked and Chestnut-crowned Warblers, Grey-sided and Black-faced Laughingthrushes, Streak-breasted and Slender-billed Scimitar Babblers, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Little Bunting.

Rabdentse, Sikkim
Rabdentse, near Sikkim, is now an archaeological site and was the second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim. The footpath leading up to the ruins passes through good forest and scrub. The scrub at the rear of the throne proved a good spot to see hunting parties in action and the high viewpoint was a good place to observe migrating Steppe Eagles.

Selected sightings: Steppe Eagle, Striated Bulbul, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Dark-breasted Rosefinch.

Khecheopari Lake, Sikkim
Khecheopari Lake is a sacred lake 29kms from Pelling and at an altitude of 1800m. Undisturbed forests and reeds surround the lake. The path leading to the lake was good for tesias and wren-babblers, although both were heard more often than seen.

Selected sightings: Mallard, Goosander, Bay Woodpecker, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Hodgson's Redstart, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Little Bunting.

Mount Narsing (Ravangla), Sikkim
Mount Narsing is a couple of kilometres west of Ravangla. It is situated amidst an unused Tea Garden and some scrub. Apparently it has spectacular views of the Himalayas, although we didn’t see much (scenery or birds) due to poor weather conditions.

Selected sightings: Barred Cuckoo Dove.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim
Maenam is approximately 65kms from Gangtok. The Sanctuary starts from 2575m and climbs up to 3120m. The forest is thick with oak and rhododendron. It is a home of Himalayan Black Bear and Red Panda, and has a good population of Satyr Tragopan.

Selected sightings: Kalij Pheasant, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Broad-billed Warbler, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Hoary-throated Barwing, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-breasted and Maroon-backed Accentors, Dark-breasted and Pink-browed Rosefinches.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim
Fambong Lho is 25kms from Gangtok and covers an area of 51.76 square kilometres. The main vegetation here is oak, rhododendron and thick bamboo and ferns. It proved a great place to see several species of laughingthrush including Red-faced Liocichla. We actually spent most of our birding time outside the sanctuary from close to the approach road.

Selected sightings: Golden Bush Robin, Striated and Mountain Bulbuls, Brownish-flanked and Grey-sided Bush Warblers, Yellow-browed Warbler, several Laughingthrushes including Blue-winged, Black-faced and Red-faced Liocichla.

Rumtek, Sikkim
Rumtek, situated 24kms from Gangtok at a height of 1700m, is well known for its monastery. It is actually situated outside the south-eastern edge of Fambong Lho. The dirt road to Song mentioned in Kazmierczak and Singh [7] has now been tarred and had relatively heavy traffic. Birding was a bit disappointing here.

Selected sightings: Whistler's Warbler, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Himalayan Griffon, Common Buzzard, Sapphire Flycatcher, Buff-barred and White-spectacled Warblers, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Striped Tit Babbler.

Lava, West Bengal
The Lava area is, of course, a very well known birding site and forms part of most itineraries in this region. We birded on the Lava to Algarah Road (where a Eurasian Woodcock was a good sighting) and also trekked up the trail leading from behind the Forest Rest House to Tiffindara, where we saw several Maroon-backed Accentors.

Selected sightings: Eurasian Woodcock, White-browed Bush Robin, Winter Wren, Goldcrest, Maroon-backed Accentor.

Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal
The National Park at Neora Valley covers an area of 88 km2 and has an altitudinal range from 200m to 3200m. We birded along the fringes at Rashet and at the 14th mile checkpost near Pankhasari Ridge areas. Both the areas are accessible from Lava by jeep. The jeep track is the best place to bird.

Selected sightings: Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Plain-backed Thrush, White-collared Blackbird, Rufous-vented Tit, Goldcrest, Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Golden Babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Black-throated Parrotbill, Mrs Gould's Sunbird, Maroon-backed Accentor, Spot-winged Rosefinch.

Gorumara National Park, West Bengal
Gorumara is 62kms from Siliguri and is primarily a grassland habitat. This small National Park is the host for large herds of Gaur and currently 16 Rhinos. It is a good place to watch various pigeons and doves from the Rhino Observation Point watch tower in front of the Forest Rest House. In 2002 we recorded the little-known and endangered Slender-billed Babbler at Gorumara.

Selected sightings: Red Junglefowl, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Lesser Coucal, Green-billed Malkoha, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Red-breasted Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, River Lapwing, Greater Painted Snipe, Lesser Fish Eagle, Common Buzzard, Peregrine, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Long-tailed Broadbill, Ashy Woodswallow, Large and Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Lesser and Greater Racket-tailed Drongos, Large Woodshrike, Grey-bellied Tesia, Thick-billed Warbler, Yellow-vented Warbler, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker.

Gazoldoba (Teesta Barrage), West Bengal
Gazoldoba is an hours drive from Siliguri and is a large barrage on the River Teesta. It has an excellent wintering population of ducks, including all regular plus a few unusual species, and a few waders. It was a good place to see migrating and wintering raptors, plus grebes.

Selected sightings: Common Shelduck, Falcated Duck, Garganey, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Lesser Sand Plover, Northern Lapwing, Osprey, Western and Eastern Marsh Harriers, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Great Crested and Black-necked Grebes.


Systematic List of Birds observed

The taxonomy, sequence & nomenclature in this report follow Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp [1].
Note that where estimates of numbers of birds seen are given, these are largely based on personal observations. Hence the actual numbers seen on the trip by the group is likely to be greater in many instances. In addition, where a species was only seen by one member of the group (which, typically for forest birding, happened on a number of times) this is usually indicated in the text below.

1. Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola
One calling bird heard from the Lava to Algarah road was the only record.

2. Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis
Heard calling from near Pelling and from the Lava to Algarah road.

3. Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus
At least four were heard calling from the Khunia watchtower at Gorumara, with one heard also from the Rhino Observation Point nearby the following day.

4. Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelana
Ones or twos recorded from Pemayangtse, Maenam, Rashet and Lava but never seen well enough to determine the subspecies. Likely to have been lathami based on range.

5. Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus
At least ten seen from the Khunia watch tower at Gorumara with a few other sightings in the Gorumara area.

6. Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica
A family party of five were seen on a small pond from the Khunia watch tower at Gorumara.

7. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Four on the Teesta river at Kalijhora, about five along the river at Gorumara and large numbers (at least 200) at Gazoldoba.

8. Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
A very noteworthy sighting was of seven on the Teesta river at Gazoldoba on 23/11.

9. Gadwall Anas strepera
Seven on the Jaldhaka river at Bindu consisted of three males and four females and coincidentally seven seen on the Teesta river near Kalijhora were also of the same composition. Otherwise it was probably the commonest duck at Gazoldoba with at least 2500 there.

10. Falcated Duck Anas falcata
An excellent sighting of this very rare winter visitor to northern India was of a pair at Gazoldoba. Mike had just picked out two female Garganeys there and passed the scope for Bill to see them, only for a fantastic drake Falcated Duck to be swimming through the view as Bill looked through, immediately obscuring any thoughts of looking at the Garganeys! Very good views were had of both male and female.

11. Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
Approximately 40 seen at Gazoldoba.

12. Mallard Anas platyrynchos
Common amongst the ducks at Gazoldoba, an estimate of about 400 being a noteworthy number in India. One lone male was seen on Khecheopari Lake.

13. Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
About 80 seen at Gazoldoba.

14. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
Common at Gazoldoba, although not the dominant duck species there as is often the case further west in north India. Approximately 300 were seen.

15. Northern Pintail Anas acuta
About 200 were at Gazoldoba.

16. Garganey Anas querquedula
Two females were quite a good sighting at Gazoldoba since Garganeys generally winter much further south in India, with relatively few mid-winter records from northern parts.

17. Common Teal Anas crecca
Very common, at least 2000, at Gazoldoba.

18. Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
At least 50 were seen at close range at Gazoldoba.

19. Common Pochard Aythya ferina
About 150 at Gazoldoba.

20. Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca
About 100 were seen at Gazoldoba, making this an important wintering site for this species, classified as ‘near-threatened’ by BirdLife International.

21. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
The scarcest of the diving ducks at Gazoldoba, although there were still about 80 seen.

22. Common Merganser Mergus merganser
Nine birds were seen on Khecheopari Lake.

23. Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
One seen from the balcony of the Shivaji Tourist Inn in Bindu flew across the river into Bhutan. It was noted as being especially brown above and therefore was probably of the chinensis subspecies, which is known to be a winter visitor to eastern India [4].

24. Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus
One was seen well in a mixed species feeding flock at Karmi Farm.

25. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus
Two or three seen on both days at Gorumara. The subspecies would have been semicoronatus although no specific note was made of the more extensive red at the sides of the crown.

26. Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus
Two seen at Suntalekhola, one at Khecheopari Lake and one at Rumtek. The latter at least showed a slight orangey tinge to the yellow nape typical of the nominate subspecies, although Ali & Ripley [4] do state that there is a cline between this and the more westerly simlae.

27. Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha
Singles seen at Suntalekhola, Kalijhora and Sangachoeling.

28. Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus
Singles seen, or more commonly heard, at Sangachoeling, Rabdentse, Khecheopari Lake, Rashet and Lava.

29. Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense
The only sighting was of one at Gorumara.

30. Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus
A calling bird was heard near the Samsing Forest Rest House, one seen on shade trees in a tea plantation between Gorumara and Gazoldoba and three seen on the Mahakal Trail at Gorumara.

31. Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis
Two noisy birds were seen briefly in the forest above Khecheopari Lake. The distinctive bill was not seen, although extensive red on the back of head of the male confirms this species and not Rufous Woodpecker. The black barring on brown plumage was quite similar to a hepatic female cuckoo.

32. Great Barbet Megalaima virens
Commonly heard calling and seen on a number of occasions. Recorded from all sites visited in the hills in both North Bengal and Sikkim.

33. Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineate
Only seen at Gorumara, with at least eight there.

34. Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica
Five were seen at Suntalekhola and singles were at Rumtek and Gorumara. Also one en-route sighting in North Bengal and one in Sikkim.

35. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
The only record was of seven seen by a single observer at Gorumara.

36. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
Two were seen in trees by the Teesta river at Kaljhora and more seen at Gorumara included four from the Khunia watch tower.

37. Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
Small numbers seen en-route in the lowlands of North Bengal on a few occasions.

38. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
One was seen in Sikkim on a river en-route from Rabangla to Gangtok. Not seen again until singles daily at Gorumara with one also at Gazoldoba.

39. Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis
One seen, by a single observer, by the small stream on the Mahakal Trail at Gorumara was the only sighting.

40. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Aside from one at Khecheopari Lake, only recorded from the Gorumara area including three at Khunia and en-route from Gorumara to Bagdogra.

41. Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris
Two were seen on the Jaldhaka river south of Bindu and one was present at Bindu itself, both on the Indian and Bhutan sides of the river. There are few records for the state of West Bengal, although birds are presumably resident in these underwatched areas. In Sikkim, three were seen en-route between Gangtok and North Bengal on 20/11.

42. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
One seen in flight at Gazoldoba was the only sighting.

43. Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
Just one record of four seen en-route in the lowlands on 10/11.

44. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti
Four near Samsing Forest Rest House were the only ones seen.

45. Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides
Very good views of a late migrant at Todey on 9/11.

46. Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis
One near the Samsing Forest Rest House and one at Gorumara.

47. Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
One seen at Kalijhora was the only sighting of the trip.

48. Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis
Two were seen in the grasslands from the Khunia watch tower at Gorumara and also heard calling from there. One bird was seen perched for a few seconds, although only the head and neck were visible. Otherwise brief flight views were obtained on two occasions.

49. Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis
Seen on both days at Gorumara and pleasingly gave good perched views, typically hanging upside-down from a tree trunk.

50. Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
Following three in flight at Samsing the only records were from Gorumara, where it was relatively common.

51. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
Surprisingly the only record from the entire trip was of two at Gorumara.

52. Slaty-headed Parakeet Psittacula himalayana
A flock of at least 40 parakeets was seen between Pelling and Sangachoeling on 15/11. It was difficult to get good views but flight views showed obvious yellow in the tail, particularly from below, and at least one bird had a red upper mandible. At least some were therefore Slaty-headed, and it seems likely that most were.

53. Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata
One bird from the flock between Pelling and Sangachoeling that was seen particularly well had a pale grey head and yellow bill, plus a small maroon-coloured shoulder patch. This combination of features mostly closely fits female Blossomheaded, although some of the literature referred to since states that the lower mandible is supposed to be greyish.

54. Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri
15 were seen at Samsing and up to 30 at Gorumara.

55. Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris
Up to five seen on both days at Gorumara.

56. Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus batasiensis
A flock of about ten over palms en-route to Gorumara, plus five at Gorumara Jungle Camp.

57. Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides
Due to its relatively diurnal nature birds were seen on several occasions, including Suntalekhola, Pemayangtse (two there), Khecheopari Lake, Fambong Lho, Lava and Gorumara.

58. Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum
Single birds heard at both Kalijhora and Gorumara.

59. Spotted Owlet Athene brama
One heard calling at Gorumara Jungle Camp.

60. Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus
One bird was seen well in flight after dusk at Suntalekhola on 6/11. There was only one other nightjar recorded on the entire trip: one in flight over fields near Gorumara was most likely to have been a Savanna Nightjar.

61. Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Common in all but the most forested areas.

 

62. Ashy Wood Pigeon Columba pulchricollis

Three were seen in flight at Maenam, followed by sightings at Lava and Neora Valley.

 

63. Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis

Considerably less common than last year (when it was recorded nearly every day): two at Karmi Farm were the only sighting during the first week. Seen more frequently in Sikkim although only one sighting, six at Rumtek, was of more than one bird. More common at Gorumara with up to 40 there. The grey sides and tip to the tail eliminate the subspecies meena and the obvious pinkish colour of the head, neck and underparts suggest the more easterly agricola.

64. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
Small numbers seen en-route in both North Bengal and Sikkim but not common. One recorded from Suntalekhola and up to three from Gorumara.

65. Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica
Quite common at Gorumara with up to 15 there, the only other record being from Siliguri.

66. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Surprisingly only one was seen on the entire trip, and that just outside Bagdogra.

67. Barred Cuckoo Dove Macropygia unchall
Two were seen in flight at dusk at Mount Narsing. As last year, when we recorded just one probable, this species is presumably difficult to find at this time of year: it is frequently reported in the spring.

68. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
One was seen by a single observer at Gorumara.

69. Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera
Only recorded from Gorumara where about 50 birds were seen from the Rhino Observation Point as they came to salt in the morning along with other pigeons and doves. The northern subspecies phoenicoptera is quite distinctive with obvious separation between the grey belly and the mustard-yellow breast.

70. Pin-tailed Green Pigeon Treron apicauda
One, lacking the “pin-tail”, was seen with other pigeons at Gorumara.

71. Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenura
About six at Sangachoeling, two at Maenam, four at Lava and a flock of 20 seen in flight at Gorumara.

72. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
Very good views of 18 with other pigeons and doves at Rhino Observation Point, Gorumara. Also seen from the Khunia watch tower and on the Mahakal Trail.

73. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
One heard calling from the Khunia watch tower at Gorumara was the only record.

74. Common Coot Fulica atra
Only recorded from Gazoldoba where at least 150 were seen.

75. Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
An excellent record was of one feeding by the roadside towards dusk along the Lava to Algarah road on 20/11. It flew up and landed in the leaf litter, although was only seen again in flight when we flushed it from there whilst attempting to refind it.

76. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Two were seen in flight at Gazoldoba.

77. Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Seven were seen at Gazoldoba.

78. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
One was seen on the river at Gorumara and a large flock of at least 150 was at Gazoldoba.

79. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
One seen at Gorumara was the only sighting.

80. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Two were seen at Gazoldoba.

81. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii
A flock of about 20 were present at Gazoldoba.

82. Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis
Brief flight views were had of one seen from the Khunia watch tower at Gorumara on 22/11.

83. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Two were seen along the river at Gorumara and three at Gazoldoba.

84. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
A non-breeding plumaged bird was present with Little Ringed Plovers at Gazoldoba.

85. River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii
A flock of seven were seen along the river at Gorumara.

86. Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
An unusual bird in West Bengal, so a total of 200 at Gazoldoba was a remarkable record. 90 were present on a sand bar there and two flocks totalling 110 flew over.

87. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Surprisingly scarce with just two birds seen from the Khunia watch tower at Gorumara and none at all en-route in the lowlands.

88. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
One was present with ducks and waders on a sand bar at Gazoldoba.

89. Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Excellent views of one in flight at Gazoldoba.

90. Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
One was seen and photographed from Sangachoeling on 16/11 and five singles flew over Rumtek on 20/11. These were all seen apparently migrating and looked larger and longer-winged than the sedentary Indian birds, typical of the migratory Siberian subspecies orientalis.

91. Black Kite Milvus migrans
Just small numbers recorded en-route in the lowlands.

92. Lesser Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis
One immature was seen soaring over the edge of the forest and grassland at Gorumara on 23/11. Difficult to distinguish from Grey-headed Fish Eagle at this age, but the uniform dark brown tail suggests that it was a Lesser.

93. White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis
Birds seen en-route in the North Bengal lowlands on three occasions, including six on 22/11 and an impressive soaring flock of 24 at Bagdogra on 24/11.

94. Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris
Five birds were seen soaring with White-rumped Vultures at Bagdogra on 24/11.

95. Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalyensis
One adult was seen not far from Kalijhora, two birds at Rumtek and one at Gorumara.

96. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Singles were seen en-route in North Bengal on two occasions, two calling birds in flight at Lava and daily sightings at Gorumara. Also two birds were seen together en-route in Sikkim.

97. Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
A female or immature was seen at Gazoldoba.

98. Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus (aeruginosus) spilonotus
One bird was seen very well at Gazoldoba on 23/11. A female or immature bird, it clearly showed off-white patches on the primaries below much like a buteo, plus whitish upper-tail coverts. Size and structure appeared identical to Eurasian Marsh Harrier and its behaviour was exactly the same, quartering over the reeds with wings held in a V and alighting on several occasions.

99. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
A superb adult male flew directly through at Gazoldoba on 23/11, making this an excellent site for a variety of harriers!

100. Shikra Accipiter badius
The only record was of one en-route in North Bengal that was seen to catch a passerine, probably a myna.

101. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Singles at Suntalekhola, Karmi Farm, Rabdentse, Khecheopari Lake, Rumtek, Rashet and Lava, plus two at Maenam. One of the Maenam birds was photographed at close range and may have been a female of the wintering subspecies nisosimilis rather than the Himalayan melaschistos (which was also recorded).

102. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis One in flight over Karmi Farm typically had a steady flapping flight without the flap-and-glide of a Eurasian Sparrowhawk.

103. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
One was seen very well en-route to Kalijhora. Thereafter a presumably migrating individual overflew Rumtek on 20/11 and one was seen in the Gorumara grasslands.

104. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis
One seen briefly at Karmi Farm with a Eurasian Sparrowhawk and good views of one seen en-route between Khecheopari Lake and Mount Narsing.

105. Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina
Two individual migrating birds were seen within ten minutes of each other over Kalijhora on 14/11.

106. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
Migrating birds were seen on a few occasions with eight at Karmi Farm, one at Kalijhora, 12 in the late afternoon at Rabdentse and six nearby at Sangachoeling the following morning, and one also at Fambong Lho. There is probably a considerable passage through this region although the dates would suggest that the peak is probably a few weeks earlier. Birds were flying between west and south. Whether these birds continue west to winter in northeast Africa with the bulk of the Steppe Eagle population, or are part of the smaller population that winters in India, is unknown.

107. Mountain Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis
Singles of the nominate Himalayan subspecies were seen at Sangachoeling, Pemayangtse, Rumtek and Neora Valley, and en-route sightings in Sikkim included four between Khecheopari Lake and Mount Narsing.

108. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Single birds were seen at Bindu (including in Bhutan), Kalijhora, Maenam and enroute in both North Bengal and Sikkim on two occasions each.

109. Peregrine Falco peregrinus
Two birds were seen at Gorumara from the Rhino Observation Point on 23/11 and two were also seen at Gazoldoba later the same day. One of the Gorumara birds was constantly mobbed by Ashy Woodswallows.

110. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Two were seen at Gazoldoba.

111. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Eight were seen at Gazoldoba on 23/11.

112. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Three were seen at Gazoldoba on 23/11. Few records from West Bengal, but undoubtedly overlooked as in much of the rest of north India.

113. Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
Only seen in the lowlands with a couple of records en-route plus birds seen at Gorumara and Gazoldoba.

114. Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
At least one was seen at Gazoldoba, but probably overlooked here.

115. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Four seen on the river at Kalijhora, small numbers en-route on the rivers in Sikkim, plus a few at Gazoldoba.

116. Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Only recorded en-route once and with a single on the river at Gorumara.

117. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
One was seen at Gazoldoba.

118. Great Egret Casmerodius albus
A single at Gazoldoba and one at Gorumara.

119. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
Up to three at Gorumara were the only ones seen.

120. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Recorded on a few occasions in the lowlands of North Bengal, but not seen in Sikkim.

121. Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
Recorded at Gorumara but only one other en-route sighting in North Bengal.

122. Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa
Two were seen at Gorumara, probably the easternmost point of their range.

123. Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
About eight were seen at Gazoldoba.

124. Black Stork Ciconia nigra
A single was seen on the river at Kalijhora and two were at Gorumara National Park.

125. Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella
A pair seen in the early morning of 24/11 on the Mahakal Trail was Mike’s 450th
species in the last 29 days in India!

126. Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae
Good views of six during a brief stop at Chapramari on 10/11 and at least three on the Mahakal Trail on 24/11.

127. Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons
One was seen at Khecheopari Lake and three at Gorumara and the Mahakal Trail.

128. Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickei
A pair were seen at Suntalekhola, two also at Sangachoeling and one at Rashet in the lower Neora Valley.

129. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
A few sightings en-route in the lowlands, including four on 22/11.

130. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
Recorded three times en-route in North Bengal and twice in Sikkim. Otherwise two were seen from the Khunia watch tower and two at Gazoldoba. All birds were of the black-headed subspecies tricolor.

131. Grey-backed Shrike Lanius excubitoroides
Singles at Bindu, Karmi Farm and Sangachoeling, two from the Khunia watch tower and a number of en-route sightings; the commonest shrike species encountered.

132. Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris
Two noisy birds at Tiger Hill, four at Fambong Lho and one at Neora Valley. Not seen well enough to note the subspecies, although presumably they would have been the nominate, with pale yellow underparts and a greyer mantle than the western cucullata.

133. Green Magpie Cissa chinensis
Although not recorded last year ones or twos were seen at several sites this year, including Suntalekhola, Bindu, Todey, Karmi Farm, Rabdentse, Khecheopari Lake, and ten were seen at the botanical garden at Rumtek.

134. Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda
A few sightings in the lowlands, including Gorumara, but only one sighting, of two birds at Suntalekhola, at any significant altitude.

135. Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae
Much the commoner treepie seen with records from most hill sites visited in both North Bengal and Sikkim.

136. House Crow Corvus splendens
Generally common especially in the lowlands, but with a few also seen around habitation in the hills.

137. Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
Small numbers regular at several sites. No notable counts were made. All the birds seen appeared to be “Jungle Crows”, i.e. culminates or levaillantii, with none approaching the more raven-like tibetosinensis.

138. Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus
About six seen at Suntalekhola with a similar number at Samsing and up to 15 at Gorumara, where they did not tolerate the presence of a Peregrine there.

139. Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
One was seen and heard briefly on the Mahakal Trail.

140. Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
Two near the Samsing Forest Rest House and up to four at Gorumara and the Mahakal Trail were the only ones recorded.

141. Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii
Excellent views of two at Suntalekhola, singles seen at Kalijhora, Pemayangtse, Khecheopari Lake, Maenam and up to four at Gorumara and the Mahakal Trail.

142. Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
Two noisy birds were seen and heard (a call not unlike that of Plum-headed Parakeet) at Gorumara. Presumably they were of the Himalayan foothills subspecies nipalensis.

143. Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos
One was seen at Samsing Forest Rest House and up to four were at Gorumara National Park and the Mahakal Trail.

144. Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris
One male was seen amongst other minivets at Suntalekhola on 7/11, although it is quite possible that others were overlooked there.

145. Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus
Two were seen at Sangachoeling.

146. Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris
A good sighting of about 100 came from Suntalekhola and there were also six at Kalijhora.

147. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
About 40 were seen at Suntalekhola with Short-billed Minivets and small numbers were recorded at Samsing, Chapramari, Karmi Farm and Kalijhora. At Gorumara there was up to 60 seen, and a flock of 40 was seen en-route in North Bengal. There was just one en-route sighting of four in Sikkim.

148. Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus
Six at Suntalekhola, six at Bindu and eight at Kalijhora showed a brown mantle and were clearly of the capitalis subspecies.

149. Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha
Three were seen at Sangachoeling, singles at Khecheopari Lake, Maenam, Fambong Lho and Rumtek, and three at Rashet.

150. White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
Singles, of one the dark-breasted races, seen at Suntalekhola, Karmi Farm, Kalijhora, Pemayangtse, Rumtek and Gorumara.

151. Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
Recorded en-route on a few occasions, in the lowlands only, and in the Gorumara area.

152. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
Small numbers seen at Suntalekhola, Samsing, Bindu, Kalijhora and Gorumara in North Bengal, with Sikkim records restricted to one at Fambong Lho and about six at a stop en-route between Khecheopari Lake and Mount Narsing. These were a distinctive paler grey than the more western birds and were therefore probably of the hopwoodi subspecies.

153. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
Common at Suntalekhola where up to eight were seen. Also seen at nearby Samsing and Bindu, with ones or twos from Kalijhora, Lava and Gorumara. The only Sikkim record was of two en-route between Khecheopari Lake and Mount Narsing, seen together with Ashy Drongos.

154. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer
Two were seen on the Mahakal Trail.

155. Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
Up to three were seen at Suntalekhola, Samsing, Bindu, Chapramari and Kalijhora, with daily sightings from the Gorumara area including six near the Khunia watch tower. One seen briefly with the Ashy and Bronzed Drongos between Khecheopari Lake and Mount Narsing was the only one recorded from Sikkim

156. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus
One was seen well at Suntalekhola and there were brief sightings of two at Gorumara on two occasions.

157. Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Three were seen at Suntalekhola and there was one at Chapramari.

158. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
The only records were of four at Kalijhora and one at Gorumara.

159. Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis
Good views of a feeding flock of 15 pelvica birds on the Mahakal Trail.

160. Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii
Seen on the river Jaldhaka at Bindu, both in India and in Bhutan, and also seen briefly at Kalijhora.

161. Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris
A pair were seen at Karmi Farm with another pair at Sangachoeling, then singles at Khecheopari Lake and twice en-route stops in Sikkim.

162. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
Two were seen from the balcony of Shivaji Tourist Inn at Bindu and singles were seen at Kalijhora, twice en-route in Sikkim, at Gazoldoba and at Gorumara.

163. Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus
Common with records from nearly every site visited. An interesting lowland sighting was of one in a tea plantation between Gorumara and Gazoldoba.

164. Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima
One was seen by a single observer at Rashet in the lower Neora Valley.

165. White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus
Brief sightings of one at Tiger Hill and one at Rashet.

166. Gould’s Shortwing Brachypteryx stellata

The undoubted highlight of the trip for Mike and Sujan was one seen well at Tiger Hill. First seen by Mike it gave excellent views for about 30 seconds, plus a few seconds for a breathless Sujan who arrived just in time after hearing Mike’s frantic shouts! This species is mentioned for Tiger Hill by Kazmierczak and Singh [7] although there are very few records.

167. Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica
Two were seen at Suntalekhola, two at Bindu and one at Todey, although there were no sightings after these.

168. Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii
A pair were seen at Khecheopari Lake and one at Maenam.

169. Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata
Several sightings included three at Karmi Farm and at Fambong Lho, plus ones or twos at Tiger Hill, Pemayangtse, Sangachoeling, Khecheopari Lake, Rumtek, Rashet and Lava.

170. Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula (parva) albicilla [Taiga Flycatcher]
Ones or twos were seen at Suntalekhola, Samsing, Bindu, Kalijhora, Khecheopari Lake and Rashet, with three at Gorumara. About one bird in four were seen well enough to assign to subspecies and all of these were, as expected based on range, albicilla.

171. Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris
Singles were seen at Sangachoeling and Pemayangtse.

172. Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolour
Two seen at Bindu, one in India and one in Bhutan, were the only definite sightings.

173. Sapphire Flycatcher Ficedula sapphire
A single observer sighting of one at Rumtek was the only record.

174. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina
One bird was seen at Karmi Farm and two were at the botanical gardens in Rumtek, plus there was one en-route sighting in North Bengal.

175. Large Niltava Niltava grandis
A pair was seen briefly not far from Bindu and singles were seen in Sikkim at Sangachoeling and Maenam.

176. Small Niltava Niltava macgregoriae
One was at Suntalekhola, two at Bindu and one at Rumtek.

177. Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara
Singles at Suntalekhola and Todey, followed by two at Kalijhora, one at Rumtek and an en-route sighting in Sikkim.

178. Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
Seen at all sites visited in North Bengal except Tiger Hill, the Lava area and Gazoldoba, the maximum being four at Kalijhora. Interestingly in Sikkim we only recorded one bird, at Pemayangtse

179. Orange-flanked Bush Robin Tarsiger cyanurus
One bird at Kalijhora was giving short bursts of song and was presumed to be an immature male. Otherwise one was seen at Sangachoeling with two in the Neora Valley.

180. Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus
A male was seen in the garden of Mount Pandim hotel, Pemayangtse, on two occasions, and two were seen at Fambong Lho.

181. White-browed Bush Robin Tarsiger indicus
A female was seen briefly from the trail to Tiffindara at Lava.

182. Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis
Recorded from Bindu and Gorumara, with en-route sightings in both North Bengal and Sikkim on a couple of occasions.

183. White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
Seen and heard singing at Kalijhora and on three occasions in the Gorumara area.

184. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
One female seen at Suntalekhola was the only sighting.

185. Hodgson’s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni
Excellent views were had of four at Bindu, including one in Bhutan. One was also seen at Khecheopari Lake.

186. Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis
One was s