North East India
Trip Report

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North East India Trip Report
by Martyn Bailey 
1March - 22 March 2005

 

Participants:- Cliff and Brenda Betts
                      Martyn and Veronica Bailey

Following a trip to Bharatpur/Nainital/Pangot with Asian Adventures we made a visit to NE India Hills for some of the East Himalayan birds. The participants had also previously been to Goa twice and once to Sri Lanka. Asian Adventures arranged this tour but the itinerary was changed at short notice due to cancellation of an internal flight

Mon 28^th Feb: We departed LHR 16.25 on Royal Jordanian flight RJ112, which arrived in Amman at 23.20.

Tues 1^st March: Departure from Amman was at 0030 on RJ186, the flight going via Mumbai and arrived at Kolkata 12.20. We were met at the airport and taken to the Indian Botanic Gardens for some bird watching before the park closed. It was a nice re-introduction to Indian birds and we lasted for a couple of hours before the heat and tiredness forced us to go to our hotel. The Lytton Hotel proved to be comfortable and one of the better ones on our trip.

Wed 2nd March: Refreshed after a good nights sleep we set out for the airport and on the way collected our guide for the trip, Sujan Chatterjee. We then took the 1 hr Jet Airways flight to Guwahati and drove for 5hrs to Nameri Tiger Reserve and Eco-Camp where we stayed for 2 nights but an extra night could have been worthwhile. Eco-Camp as its name implies is a tented camp with solid floors, thatched roof and canvas sides. At present it is a little run down but the food was good and the staff helpful, hopefully improvements to the camp will begin shortly. A stop on the journey gave us both lesser and Greater Adjutants.

Thur 3rd March: Up at 06.00 and walked the track just outside the camp, back for breakfast and then drove down the track to the river and taken across by small boat. It rained for a short period and we sheltered in the Observation Tower, still birding. A walk through the forest on a circular route brought us back to the river where we were taken back across and returned to camp for lunch. The mornings bird highlights were Orange-bellied Leafbird, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Slaty Backed Flycatcher, Oriental Turtle Dove, Great Hornbill, Streaked Spiderhunter, Greater Yellownape, Striated Grassbird, Short Billed Minivet, Pin Tailed and Wedge Tailed Green Pigeons, Striped Tit Babbler, Maroon Oriole, Dollarbird and Green Billed Malkoha.
After lunch and a rest we walked the track again and stayed until dusk for Large Tailed Nightjar, which we saw. Other birds of note were Himalayan Swiftlet, Barred Cuckoo Dove, Large Hawk Cuckoo and Banded Bay Cuckoo.

Fri 4^th March: Before breakfast we walked the track again and had a Mountain Bulbul and also a Jordan’s Baza, which gave excellent views being perched in front of us. Following breakfast a 30min drive up river allowed us to drift down river on inflatable rafts and see a total of 13 Ibisbills. We also had Rufous Vented Prinia and Hodgson's Redstart but failed to find any Long Billed Plovers. The rafting was purely magic, very exciting and we would have loved to do it again.
Returned to camp for lunch and then drove for 2 hrs to Kaziranga, on the journey from a viewpoint we had our first views of Rhinoceros and Buffalo. Our 4-night stay at Wild Grass Resort was very good, with comfortable beds, good food and helpful staff. It was a pity the swimming pool was no longer in use.

Sat 5^th March: Left before breakfast and entered the National Park via the Central Gate for a 06.30 1 hr Elephant ride, which was fabulous, and we had good views of wild Elephant, Rhinoceros and Buffalo, unfortunately no Bengal Florican. It was well worth getting up early for. After consuming our packed breakfast we toured the park returning to Wild Grass for lunch and then went into the park again but this time via the West Gate. Birds of note in the Park were Grey Headed Lapwing, Pied Harrier, Rosy Pipit, Lesser Coucal, White Vented Myna, Spotted Wing Starling, Slender Billed Vulture and Swamp Francolin

Sun 6^th March: A female Daurian Redstart was found in the hotel gardens. After breakfast we left for Panbari Reserve Forest, which is a remnant natural forest and is alongside a tea plantation. A solitary Gibbon was seen and also many leeches (the only ones of the trip). However we saw some wonderful birds, Red Headed Trogon, White Throated Bulbul, Blue Eared Barbet and Silver Breasted Broadbill. We then went to the Wildlife Rescue centre and enjoyed a nice cup of tea and a chat but we were not allowed to see any of the animals (the staff naturally not wanting them to become accustomed to humans before returning them to the wild). After lunch at Wild Grass we went back into the NP from the centre gate and saw Scarlet Backed Flowerpecker and a great Blue-bearded Bee-eater.

Mon 7^th March: After breakfast we entered the Park via the East Gate and drove to the end of the track at the river, on the way seeing otters playing in the water and a dolphin. After a 2 hr stop for a packed lunch (and a doze) we started our return and stopped for Black-breasted Parrotbill, which we heard first and then saw them as they flew into view. It was very exciting. We were stopped by a herd of elephants, some with young until they cleared the trail. A Black-breasted Thrush was also seen. It was a beautiful sunset. All in all it was a great day though a very long and tiring one. It was our last visit to Kaziranga National Park with its many animals and numerous birds including Pallas and Grey Headed Fish Eagles as tomorrow we move on.

Tues 8^th March: Up at 03.30 and out by 04.00 for the 5hr drive to Guwahati and our 10.15 Indian Airlines flight to Bagdogra and onward to Gorumara Jungle Camp. This camp is on the site of a former plywood factory and proved to be just about adequate, the facilities now being a little run down. On the journey just outside Siliguri a soaring kettle of vultures produced White Rumped and Cinerous Vultures. After lunch birding produced 2 Black-backed Forktails under the bridge at the railway crossing. .

Wed 9^th March: In the morning we were at the entrance gate to Jalpaiguri Division of Gorumara NP before it opened (06.00hrs) where we saw our first peacock of the trip. Birds of note were Yellow Vented Flowerpecker, Pale Chinned Flycatcher, Black Winged Cuckoo Shrike and Taiga Flycatcher. Indian Bison were also observed on one of the forest clearings.
After lunch we went to the Reserve and saw a wild Elephant and wild bison come to the salt block and water hole. Sultan Tit and Grey Bellied Tesia were the bird highlights. On our way back to camp we stopped to bird down a track and at a bridge we had good views of a White-browed Shortwing.
Back at Jungle Camp after dinner a Brown Hawk Owl was seen.

Thur 10thMarch: In the morning we returned to the same track and walked it as far as the old railway station in the expectation of seeing a Collared Falconet, which we failed to find. However we did find Golden Spectacled Warbler, Silver Eared Mesia, Ruby Cheeked Sunbird and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
On the way back to camp we stopped at the bridge near the railway crossing to see the Black Backed Forktails again and had just finished photographing a beautiful butterfly when it was taken from no more than 3 feet from in front of us by a Collared Falconet who returned to his perch to devour his meal.
After lunch we went to the Teesta River (Gojoldoba) Barrage, which was, over 1 hr drive but we failed to find any exciting ducks or waders.

Fri 11^th March: Up early birding along the main road which gave White Bellied Yuhina (our first Yuhina) and Crimson Sunbird.
On the drive to Lava we stopped near a bridge and located 3 Brown Dippers but unfortunately no Forktail. We booked into the Orchid Hotel in Lava, which was fair with very friendly people, and a distant view of snow capped mountains. The temperature was now much lower as the area is between 4400 and 6500ft. and we did feel cold, as there was no heating in the hotel. For most of our stay we had a power cut, although the standby generator provided lighting from 6.00pm to 9.00pm consequently no running hot water however buckets of hot water were readily available. A drive up the road gave us Plain Mountain Finch (several hundred in a flock), Ashy Throated and, Chestnut Crowned Warblers, Striated Bulbul, Golden Throated Barbet, Rufous Capped Babbler and Chestnut Tailed Minla. A Spotted Forktail was also seen.

Sat 12^th March: This morning we went up the Neora Valley where some of the highlights were Chestnut Crowned and Golden Bush Warblers, Black Faced Laughingthrush, Red Headed Bullfinch, Fire Tailed Sunbird, Dark Rumped Rosefinch, Yellow Browed Tit, Stripe Throated Yuhina, Yellow Billed Blue Magpie and Maroon Backed Accentor.
Rain in the afternoon prevented any birding.

Sun 13^th March: After breakfast a walk down the main road gave us Rusty Fronted Barwing, White Spectacled and Lemon Rumped Warblers and Dark Breasted Rosefinch. Sujan managed to see a large bird hiding in the bushes and when flushed it was identified as a female Satyr Tragopan which flew and disappeared into the forest. What a bird to finish the mornings birding!
After lunch we drove a track to go to the old campsite for thrushes. A fence had been erected so we walked the last mile in damp conditions. Again our luck was out as no thrushes were seen although Grey Winged Blackbird, Black Throated Sunbird and Red-tailed Minla were some recompense.

Mon 14^th March: After yesterday’s failure with thrushes we left the hotel at 05.00 and walked down the main road again. More luck was with us this time as Long Tailed, Tickell’s and Plain Backed Thrushes were seen. Other birds of note were Golden Necked Finch, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Western Crowned Warbler, Rufous-breasted Accentor and Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler.
We were back at the hotel for 10.30 after another good spot of birding. We left Lava at 11.30 for the short drive to Kalimpong where we arrived at Orchid Resort at 12.45 in time for lunch. The resort was great (probably the best we stayed at). The food is good as are the bedrooms and the staff helpful. It is built on the side of a very steep hill with many steps to climb hence being fit can be helpful here. The gardens were full of flowers, many of them being orchids, it was out of this world, but unfortunately the birding here was disappointing. Later in the afternoon we went into Kalimpong for some shopping and also saw the old Church, which unfortunately was closed.

Tues 15^th March: Morning birding about the gardens gave us Eastern Crowned warbler, Blythe’s Leaf Warbler and Large Niltava.
After lunch we went up the hill to Dello and walked down but very few birds were seen.

Wed 16^th March: As birding at Kalimpong is limited, this morning we left at 05.00 to drive back to Lava and managed to see Scaly, Plain Backed, Dark Throated and Chestnut Bellied Thrushes. Also evident were Grey Sided and White Throated Laughingthrushes and a beautiful Scarlet Finch, which gave several good views although from a distance. We also had more Plain Mountain Finches; a flock of approximately 1000 was viewed as they settled brief in one or two trees.
We drove back into Lava for a cup of tea and then a little more birding near the village produced Yellow-cheeked Tit and Hill Prinia. We then returned to Kalimpong. A two nights stay here would have been sufficient, the extra night would have been better spent at Lava from a birding viewpoint although the accommodation at Lava is nowhere near as good. A new road is being built at Lava, which will give ready access to a Lodge, which hopefully will provide improved accommodation

Thur 17^th March: After breakfast we drove from Kalimpong to Sikkim and on to Pelling that took just over 4hrs and booked into Mount Pelling Hotel, which is at 5700ft. This hotel proved quite unacceptable and can only be described as dirty and the only thing going for it was that it was in the best place to see the birds, being right next to the track that we would walk tomorrow. Later on we went for a walk to the nearby monastery, which was very interesting. We did manage to see Mrs Gould’s Sunbird and Hoary-throated Barwing. The weather now was very misty with some rain.

Fri 18^th March: the early morning was still very misty but we did have a brief period where we could see the snow covered mountain peaks; it was a wonderful site although very short. Walks down the track produce Fire Breasted Flowerpecker, Green Magpie, Slender Billed Scimitar Babbler and Nepal House Martin. A Streak Breasted Scimitar Babbler was heard and seen by all except one, I was looking in the bushes with binoculars when it popped up in full view for a second and disappeared for good. Snowy Browed Flycatcher and Nepal Fulvetta were also added to the list.
Later in the afternoon we went into Pelling and down a steep road to an area where Flying Squirrels are known to be. A Rusty Flanked Treecreeper was noted whilst we waited for dusk. We did manage to see a squirrel in one of the large trees but it did not fly whilst we were there, maybe put off by the slight rain and loud noise from the locals.

Sat 19^th March: After breakfast we were on our way again with the journey to Karmi Farm. Due to the recent rains our driver decided to take the safe route that resulted in a 7hr trip instead of 5hr for the more direct road. Consequently we were all very tired by the time we arrived. The Farm is set in a wonderful valley with some great views and the staffs were very charming. The farm is part of a large tea plantation and market garden; the house is Victorian and full of character. We suffered one of our power cuts here (from a thunder storm the previous night) but with the farm lit by candles this only added to its charm. We did manage to see Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush from the balcony. The weather was now much warmer.

Sun 20^th March: Birding from the balcony this morning gave us Spot Winged Grosbeak, in fact there was a small flock of about 20 birds and we had some very good views of them. A walk up the hill gave us Oriental Cuckoo and also a local cricket match, it did intrigued us as to how a game could be played in such a hilly country but a way was found and the locals were definitely enjoying themselves. After lunch we set out again, this time for Darjeeling, it was a great pity to have to leave Karmi Farm after only one night. At Darjeeling we were booked into Dekeling Resort, which was a nice colonial type hotel high up from the town.

Mon 21^st March:. This morning we were out by 04.00 in order to drive to Tiger Hill some 40mins drive away. This is at 8000ft and quite cool at this time of the morning but we are there to see the sun rise, the sky was clear and we felt lucky. There are many people about when the sun rose and the view of Mt Kanchenjungha (28169ft) and view of the peak of Mt. Everest (29,035ft) was tremendous.
After the excitement and most people had left we started a slow walk down the hill and were rewarded with Aberrant Bush Warbler. We stopped for our packed breakfast and then followed a trail leading into a Bamboo Forest where we saw Yellowish Bellied and White Browed Bush Warbler, White Browed Fulvetta and Broad Billed Warbler. Common Hill Partridge and Satyr Tragopan were heard but not seen. We returned to Darjeeling and planned to go on the 2hr railway trip but it was full so we visited the town instead.

Tues 22^nd March: This morning we drive to Bagdogra for our afternoon flight to Kolkata where it was extremely hot so we spent the 5 hr wait in the airport lounge and caught up on some missed sleep.

We departed at 23.00 on flight RJ187.

Wed 23^rd March: We arrived at Amman 04.55 and departed at 11.15 on flight RJ111 arriving at LHR 14.45.

This was the end of a great birding trip, over 350 birds being seen. Our guide Sujan Chatterjee had been brilliant, not only at finding the birds but steering us in the right direction with regard to the local customs and resolving some last minute hitches that always arise.

We had opted for the cheaper Royal Jordanian flights but it may have been better to pay the extra and fly direct to Kolkata, but nothing is perfect.

The roads in this part of India are mostly in need of repair although one must remember the hilly natural of the terrain and the climate, the roads around Pelling being very bad. Accommodation is very varied but a ‘western’ standard cannot be expected in the more rural areas.

List of birds seen during the trip:

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[ NTR= Nameri Tiger Reserve; KNP = Kaziranga National Park; CWS= Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary; GNP= Gorumara National Park; GB= Gazoldoba Barrage]

Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis KNP.

Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola Tiger Hill.

Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra 1 female seen at Lava.

Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus NTR; KNP; CWS; Kalimpong.

Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos KNP; Lava.  

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus CWS; GNP.

Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica GB.    

Greylag Goose Anser anser KNP.    

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus NTR; KNP.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea NTR; GB.  

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna KNP.     

Gadwall Anas strepera KNP; GB; enroute Pelling a small flock on River Rangit.

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope KNP; GB; enroute Pelling a small flock on River Rangit along with Gadwalls.  

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos NTR; KNP; GB.  

Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha KNP.

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata KNP; GB. 

Northern Pintail Anas acuta KNP; GB.   

Garganey Anas querquedula  KNP.    

Common Teal Anas crecca NTR; KNP.  

Red-crested Pochard Rhodonessa rufina GB.    

Common Pochard Aythya ferina GB.    

Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca KNP; GB.    

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula GB;  

Common Merganser Mergus merganser NTR;     

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus NTR; KNP;  

Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei NTR; KNP;  

Yellow-crowned Woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis NTR;    

Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha  NTR; CWS; Lava; Kalimpong; Karmi Farm

Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus KNP.  

Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus NTR; Pelling; Karmi Farm  

Himalayan Flameback Dinopium shorii NTR; KNP;  

Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus KNP;  

Great Barbet Megalaima virens NTR; Lava; Kalimpong; Pelling; Karmi Farm

Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata NTR; KNP; CWS;  

Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii Lava; Kalimpong

Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica NTR; CWS; GNP; Kalimpong   

Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis KNP;  

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala KNP;    

Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis NTR; KNP; CWS; GNP

Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulates NTR;  

Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris CWS;  

Common Hoopoe Upupa epops KNP;    

Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus KNP;  

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis   NTR; KNP; CWS; GNP

Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis NTR;  

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis NTR; KNP;    

Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting CWS;

Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis KNP;

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis NTR; KNP; CWS;  

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis NTR; KNP; GB;     

Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni KNP;  

Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis  KNP;  

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus CWS;   

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti NTR; KNP; CWS; GNP; enroute Pelling  

Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides NTR; Lava; Kalimpong; Pelling; Karmi Farm. 

Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius CWS;

Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus Karmi Farm  

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii NTR; GNP; Pelling  

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea GB;      

Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis NTR; KNP; CWS; enroute Pelling  

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis NTR; KNP

Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis  NTR; KNP.  

Vernal Hanging Parakeet Loriculus vernalis NTR;  

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria KNP;  

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri NTR; GNP  

Slaty-headed Parakeet Psittacula himalayana Kalimpong  

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala KNP;  

Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri NTR; KNP; CWS; GNP  

Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris NTR; Kalimpong; Pelling; Tiger Hill.

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis CWS;  

Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia GNP  

Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei Lava;    

Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides NTR; Kalimpong; Karmi Farm  

Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum NTR; KNP;  

Spotted Owlet Athene brama KNP;    

Brown Hawk Owl Ninox scutulata GNP

Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus NTR;    

Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis NTR; CWS; GNP; Pelling;

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis NTR; KNP; GNP

Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica   KNP; CWS; GNP  

Barred Cuckoo Dove Macropygia unchall NTR;   CWS;

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica NTR; KNP; CWS; GNP    

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera KNP;   GNP  

Pin-tailed Green Pigeon Treron apicauda NTR; enroute Pelling  

Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenura NTR; GNP    

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea NTR; KNP;   GNP    

Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia NTR;      

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus KNP; GNP    

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus KNP; CWS;    

Common Coot Fulicata atra   GB;      

Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura KNP;    

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago   GB;      

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata KNP.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus   KNP.    

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis KNP.    

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia NTR; KNP; GB;      

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus NTR; KNP;    

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola KNP;    

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos NTR; KNP; GB;      

Little Stint Calidris minuta KNP; GB;      

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus KNP;    

Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus KNP;    

Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii NTR;      

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius KNP;    

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus KNP;    

River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii NTR; KNP;

Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus KNP;

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus NTR; KNP; CWS;  

Small Pratincole Glareola lactea NTR;

Pallas's Gull Larus ichthyaetus NTR;

Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus NTR; GB;

River Tern Sterna aurantia NTR; KNP;

Osprey Pandion haliaetus NTR; KNP;

Jerdon's Baza Aviceda jerdoni NTR;

Oriental Honey-Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus KNP;

Black Kite Milvus migrans NTR;

Pallas's Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus KNP;

Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus KNP;

White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis Siliguri

Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris KNP;

Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Siliguri

Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus KNP;

Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus Siliguri

Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus KNP;

Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus KNP;

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela NTR; KNP; CWS; GNP Lava; enroute Pelling  Karmi Farm

Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus enroute Nameri

Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos KNP;

Shikra Accipiter badius KNP; CWS;

Besra Accipiter virgatus GNP

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Lava; Kalimpong

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Kalimpong

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis NTR; Lava;

Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga NTR; KNP;

Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus KNP;

Mountain Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis Lava;

Collared Falconet Microhierax caerulescens CWS;

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus KNP; GB; Tiger Hill

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus NTR;  

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus GB;

Darter Anhinga melanogaster NTR; KNP;

Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger NTR; KNP; GNP; GB;

Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis NTR; GB;

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo NTR; KNP; GB; enroute Pelling

Little Egret Egretta garzetta NTR; KNP; GB;

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea NTR; KNP;

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea KNP;

Great Egret Casmerodius albus KNP;

Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia NTR;

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis NTR; CWS;  

Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii NTR; CWS; GNP GB;

Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa GNP  

Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis KNP;

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans NTR; KNP;

Black Stork Ciconia nigra NTR;

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus KNP;

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus KNP;

Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus NTR; KNP;

Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius enroute Nameri KNP;

Silver-breasted Broadbill Serilophus lunatus KNP;

Asian Fairy Bluebird Irene puella KNP; CWS;

Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis NTR;

Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons NTR; CWS; GNP  

Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii NTR;

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus NTR;

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach KNP;

Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus NTR; KNP; GNP Karmi Farm

Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris Lava;  

Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis Pelling Karmi Farm

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda KNP; Karmi Farm

Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae CWS; Lava; Kalimpong Pelling

House Crow Corvus splendens Siliguri

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos NTR; KNP; GNP Lava; Kalimpong Pelling Tiger Hill

Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus GNP

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus NTR; KNP; CWS; GNP

Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii NTR; CWS; Lava;

Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei NTR; 2 GNP

Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos NTR; CWS; GNP Karmi Farm

Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus NTR; KNP; Lava; Pelling Karmi Farm

Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris NTR;

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus KNP; CWS;

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus Karmi Farm

Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha Lava; Pelling

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis NTR; Lava; Pelling

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus KNP; CWS; GB;

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus KNP; CWS; GNP Lava; Kalimpong Pelling Tiger Hill

Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus CWS;

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus NTR; KNP; CWS; Kalimpong Pelling

Greater Racket Tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus KNP; GNP

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea GNP

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia NTR; CWS; GNP

Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis KNP; CWS; GNP

Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus KNP;

Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii enroute Lava;

Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris Lava;

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius NTR; GNP GB; enroute Pelling

Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus NTR; CWS; Lava; Kalimpong Pelling Karmi Farm

Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima Lava;

Long-tailed Thrush Zoothera dixoni Lava;

Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma Lava;

Tickell's Thrush Turdus unicolor Lava; Pelling

Black-breasted Thrush Turdus dissimilis KNP;

Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul Lava; Pelling Karmi Farm

Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus Lava;

Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis Lava; Pelling

White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana CWS;

Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii NTR;

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Lava; Tiger Hill

Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula parva GNP

Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra Pelling

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni KNP; Lava; Karmi Farm

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina NTR; KNP; GNP Pelling Karmi Farm

Large Niltava Niltava grandis Lava; Kalimpong Pelling

Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae KNP; CWS; Lava; Kalimpong Karmi Farm

Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara CWS;

Pale-chinned Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys GNP

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis KNP; Lava; Kalimpong Pelling Karmi Farm

Orange-flanked Bush Robin Tarsiger cyanurus Lava;

Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus Lava;

White-browed Bush Robin Tarsiger indicus Lava; Tiger Hill

Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis NTR; Kalimpong

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus KNP; CWS; GNP

Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni NTR;

Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus KNP;

Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis Lava; Pelling

White-capped Water Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus CWS; Kalimpong

Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fulginosus NTR; GB;

Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus CWS;

Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus Pelling

Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus Lava;

Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata NTR; KNP;

Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea Lava; Pelling

Spot-winged Starling Saroglossa spiloptera KNP;

Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnus malabaricus NTR; KNP; CWS;

Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra NTR; KNP;

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis NTR; KNP;

Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus NTR; KNP;

White-vented Myna Acridotheres grandis KNP;

Northern Hill Myna Gracula religiosa NTR; enroute Pelling

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta castanea CWS; GNP

White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis Lava; Pelling

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis KNP; GNP Kalimpong Karmi Farm

Rusty-flanked Treecreeper Certhia nipalensis Lava; Pelling

Great Tit Parus major GNP

Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus Lava; Kalimpong Pelling Karmi Farm

Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus Lava; Pelling

Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus Lava;

Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea CWS;

Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus CWS; Lava; Karmi Farm

Sand Martin Riparia riparia NTR; KNP;

Plain Martin Riparia paludicola KNP;

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica NTR; Kalimpong

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii CWS;

Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalensis Pelling

Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus Pelling

Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus NTR; CWS; GNP Lava; enroute Pelling

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus NTR; KNP; CWS; GNP

Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys Kalimpong Pelling Karmi Farm

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer NTR; KNP; CWS; GNP Kalimpong Pelling Karmi Farm

White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus KNP; CWS;

Ashy Bulbul Hemixos fLava; la CWS;

Mountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandi NTR; enroute Pelling Karmi Farm

Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus NTR; CWS; Kalimpong Karmi Farm

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis KNP;

Rufous-vented Prinia Prinia burnesii NTR;

Hill Prinia Prinia atrogularis Lava;

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus KNP; Kalimpong Karmi Farm

Grey-bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer CWS;

Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes Lava; Pelling

Aberrant Bush Warbler Cettia flavolivacea Tiger Hill

Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler Cettia acanthizoides Tiger Hill

Russet Bush Warbler Bradypterus seebohmi Lava;

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius GNP Kalimpong Karmi Farm

Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita NTR;

Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis Lava;

Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus Lava; Kalimpong Karmi Farm

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus CWS;

Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei Lava; Kalimpong Karmi Farm

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides NTR; GNP Lava; Kalimpong

Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris KNP;

Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus Kalimpong

Blyth's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides Kalimpong Pelling Karmi Farm

Whistler's Warbler Seicercus whistleri Lava; Kalimpong

Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii KNP; CWS; Karmi Farm

Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos Kalimpong Pelling Karmi Farm

White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis Lava;

Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps Lava; Pelling Karmi Farm

Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps Lava;

Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris NTR; KNP;

White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis Lava;

White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus Karmi Farm

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis Karmi Farm

Striated Laughingthrush Garrulax striatus Lava;

Grey-sided Laughingthrush Garrulax caerulatus Lava;

Black-faced Laughingthrush Garrulax affinis Lava;

Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus Lava;

Red-faced Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea Lava;

Abbott's Babbler Malacocincla abbotti GNP

Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps CWS;

Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis Lava; Pelling

Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler Xiphirhynchus superciliaris Pelling

Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer Pelling

Pygmy Wren Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla Lava; Pelling

Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps Lava;

Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis NTR; KNP;

Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus GNP

Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris CWS;

Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea Lava;

Black-eared Shrike Babbler Pteruthius melanotis Lava; Pelling

Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni Lava; Pelling

Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis Lava; Pelling

Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera Karmi Farm

Chestnut-tailed Minla Minla strigula Lava;

Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta Lava; Karmi Farm

Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps Lava; Pelling

White-browed Fulvetta Alcippe vinipectus Tiger Hill

Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis Pelling; Karmi Farm

Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata Lava; Pelling Karmi Farm

Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis Lava; Kalimpong Pelling Karmi Farm

Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis Lava;

Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis Lava;

White-bellied Yuhina Yuhina zantholeuca Lava; Karmi Farm

Fire-tailed Myzornis Myzornis pyrrhoura Lava;

Black-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxornis flavirostris KNP;

Rufous-winged Bushlark Mirafra assamica KNP;

Sand Lark Calandrella raytal NTR;

Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula KNP;

Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum GNP

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus Pelling

Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum KNP; CWS; GNP

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthreptes singalensis CWS;

Mrs Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae Pelling

Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis Lava;

Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata Lava;

Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja NTR; GNP

Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda Lava;

Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna NTR; CWS;

House Sparrow Passer domesticus KNP; GB;

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus KNP; Lava; Pelling

Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus KNP;

White Wagtail Motacilla alba KNP;

White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis GB

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava; KNP;

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea KNP; CWS

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni NTR; GNP; Lava; Karmi Farm

Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus KNP

Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata Lava;

Maroon-backed Accentor Prunella immaculate Lava; ; Pelling

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus KNP

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata KNP

Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola Lava;

Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis Lava; Pelling

Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii Lava;

Scarlet Finch Haematospiza sipahi Lava;

Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala Lava;

Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthus Karmi Farm

Gold-naped Finch Pyrrhoplectes epauletta Lava;

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Lava

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