Birding Trip Report: Bhutan, May 16-31, 2004

Introduction

In May 2004, I explored hot spots of Bhutan, in association with our Bhutan Partner Rainbow Tours & Treks, with a view to improving our birding tours in Bhutan. All logistics for my trip were provided in a very efficient manner by Rainbow Tours and treks. Norbu, who is the birding guide with Rainbow tours, and whom I had trained in the Western Himalayas in India, accompanied me on the entire trip. Norbu’s local knowledge helped in uncovering some new hot spots.

The trip took 16 days. The weather throughout was overcast and sometimes there were lots of low clouds. It rained almost every day, with some very heavy showers. Despite the bad weather, spells of reasonable visibility, contributed to a rewarding trip. We saw 270 species of birds.

The region

Geographically Bhutan forms a giant staircase. Starting in the south, from a narrow strip of land in the plains of India at an altitude of 100 m, the elevation rises to high Himalayan peaks over 7000 m in the North on the borders with Tibet.

Bhutan retains its forests almost intact. The forest cover is about 65 per cent of the country's area of 46,000 sq. km. Birding in the untouched, primeval forests of Bhutan is a unique experience. Bhutan’s forests are pristine and diverse. One finds subtropical broad leaf forests (1000-2000 m), coniferous forest (2000- 4200 m) that mainly consists of juniper, hemlock, Chir pine, and Blue pine, Spruce, Fir and Bamboo mixed with rhododendron and Juniper. The Alpine habitat (4000-4600m) consists of Alpine meadows with high altitude scrub. These diverse, rich and lovely habitat support most of the countries breeding birds, globally threatened birds, and Bhutan’s restricted range birds The Buddhist culture, which respects all forms of life, is an added factor which has resulted in an avifauna that is remarkably visible, approachable, and diverse.

Some of the rare species which I targetted were: Rufous–necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, White- bellied heron, Satyr Tragopan, Yellow- rumped Honeyguide, Rufous- throated Wren Babbler, Red-headed Parotbills. Ibisbill, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rosefinches, and Sunbirds.

Western Bhutan is made up of the valleys of Ha,(2700 m), Paro, (2200 m), and Thimpu, (2300 m) - the capital of Bhutan, is the center of government, religion and commerce. Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang at 1300 m form a single long valley, separated from Thimpu by a high ridge crossed by the 3050 m high Dochu la pass. Punakha (1400 m), the ancient capital is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, and is blessed by a wonderful, temperate climate. The mountain slopes are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. All the valleys have reminders of the past – monasteries, temples, and fortresses. These valleys are the abode of the Ngalong; “the first to rise” meaning the first to convert to Buddhism They speak Dzongka – the language of the Dzongs – now the national language of Bhutan.

Central Bhutan, is made up of several regions, which speak Kha with variations. The Black Mountains at an elevation of 5000 m, have traditionally marked the boundry between Western & Central Bhutan. The 3,300 m high Palela – covered with forests of magnolia and rhododendron, is the main crossing The Shemgang District in the South is blessed with semi-tropical climate and covered with dense jungle – a birders paradise. Tronga is in the geographic center of the country. It lies astride the Central highway – its impressive Dzong strategically located to dominate a gorge cut by the Mangde River, which has been the ancient route over the Black Mountains. It is connected with the Bumthang group of valleys over the 3400 m high Yutongla pass. Bumthang is composed of a group of four valleys at altitude of 2700 – 4000 meters. Chumey and Choekhor are mainly agricultural, whilst Tang and Ura practice Yak and sheep herding. The mountains are covered with dark coniferous forests, rice gives way to buck wheat, and the houses are build of solid stone and are more sparsely decorated than in Western Bhutan. Bumthang is proud of its rich art and history. Its religious traditions are alive. Its monasteries are its main attraction.

Eastern Bhutan lies across the Donga range running North-South and crossed by the 3780 m high Thrumshing la. From this high pass the terrain drops precipitously to the Low valleys of the Kuri Chhu, 650 m (Lingmethang ) The main habitations are Mongar and Trashigang at an elevation of 650 m – 1400 m. The landscape changes dramatically. Instead of rhododendron and pine forests, broadleaf subtropical forests overgrown with epiphytic orchids and waterfalls are encountered. One of the best birding areas in Bhutan the Lingmethang Area extends from Namalin to the Kuri la

The Southern Foothills

This mountain chain runs West to East and separates the Doar plains from the Inner Himalayas rising to an average elevation of over 2000 m The Daurs Plain drops sharply away from the Himalayas into the large tracts of semi-tropical forest, savannah grassland and bamboo jungle. No birding was possible in this region due to security constraints.

Summary of the journey (itinerary)

May.15.04 – Kalimpong-Phunsholing-Thimphu.

This day was taken up by travelling from Kalimpong to Thimpu via Phuntsholing. Overnight at Hotel Pemaling.

Day 01-May 16.04 – Thimpu – Cheri Valley – Thimpu.

We drove up to Cheri Valley in 45 Minutes. Spent the morning birding in Cheri valley upto 2575 m, but had to abandon the afternoon due to heavy rain. Night at Hotel Pemaling.

Birds seen/heard: Hill Partridge-H, Great Barbet-H, Crested Kingfisher-1, Large Hawk Cuckoo-H, Eursian Cuckoo-H Oriental Cuckoo-H, Himalayan Swiflets-10, Speckled Wood Piegon-06, Mountain Imperial Piegon-03, Oriental Turtle Dove-20, Emerald Dove (Phuntsoling) 02, Wedge-tail Green Piegon-10, Black Kite (Phuntsoling) 08, Black Eagle-02, Eursain Sparrowhawk-01, Steppe Eagle-01, Grey-back Shrike-04, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie-03, Spotted Nutcracker-04, Large-billed Crow-10, Long-tail Minivet-02, Ashy Drongo-04, Blue Whistling Thrush-06, White-collared Blackbird-03, Grey-winged Blackbird-04, Dark-sided Flycatcher-02, Verditer Flycatcher-02, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher-02, White-capped Water Redstart-01, Plumbeous Water Redstart-04, Grey Bushchat-06,Common Myna-20, Green-backed Tit-10, Rufous-fronted Tit-02, Black Bulbul-30, Grey-bellied Tesia-H, Buff-barred Warbler-02, Yellow-browed Warbler-02, Large-billed Leaf Warbler-06, White-throated Laughingthrush-40, Spotted Laughingthrush-H, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler (phuntsoling) 02, Rufous Sibia-04, Fire-tailed Sunbird-02, Green-tailed Sunbird-07, Eursian Tree Sparrow-40, Yellow wagtail-01, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch-08.

Day 02-May 17-04 – Thimpu-Dochula pass – Wangdi ( Punakha Valley)

Drove to Dochula pass and thereafter walked 05 hrs exploring several new areas discovered by Norbu, North of the pass and down to the Valley. Despite heavy and frequent showers, the birding was good. Stayed overnight at the lovely Meri Perisum Resort, 08 Km South of Punakha, near Wangdi Phodrang.

Birds seen/heard: Hill Partridge-H,Kalij Pheasant-03,Darjeeling Woodpecker-01,Crested Kingfisher-01,Large Hawk Cuckoo-H,Indian Cuckoo-H,Orintal Cuckoo-H,Oriental Turtle Dove-20,Spotted Dove-09,Long-tail Shrike-01,Eursian Jay-02,Yellow-billed Blue Magpie-04,Grey Treepie-06,Spotted Nutcracker-09,Large-billed Crow-04,Short-billed Minivet-03,Ashy Drongo-07,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-05, Blue Whistling Thrush -10,Scaly Thrush-01,White-collared Blackbird-03,Grey-winged Blackbird-02,Snowy-browed Flycatcher-01,Ultramarine Flycatcher-02,Verditer Flycatcher-02,Small Niltava-02,Rufous-bellied Niltava-01,Oriental Magpie Robin-02,Plumbeous Water Redstart-01,Chestnut-tailed Starling-02,Common Myna-20,White-tail Nuthatch-01,Green-backed Tit-05,Mountain Bulbul-02,Black Bulbul-30,Red-vented Bulbul-15,Chestnut-headed Tesia-01,Oriental white-eye-02,Brownish-flanked Bush warbler-01,Ashy-throated Warbler-02,Large-billed Leaf Warbler-10,Grey-hooded Warbler-02,Chestnut-crowned Warbler-02,White-throated Laughingthrush-16,Striated Laughingthrush-06,Scaly Laughingthrush-03,Black-faced Laughingthrush-02,Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush-05,Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler-01,Hoary-throated Barwing-03,Chestnut-tailed Minla-01,Red-tailed Minla-02,Rufous-winged Fulvetta-04,White-browed Fulvetta-03,Stripe-throated Yuhina-20,Rufous-vented Yuhina-05,Rufous Sibia-10,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-15,Green-tailed Sunbird-06,Black-throated Sunbird-02,Eursian Tree Sparrow-10,Grey-headed Bullfinch-02.

Day 03- May 18.04 Wangdi – Mo Chhu Valley – Wangdi

Drove from Wangdi to Tashitang in the Mo-chu valley.and spent the day birding upstream of the Mochu river in subtropical forest up to 1850 meters. Returned to Wangdi in the evening.

Today my main target was the White belied heron. Local contacts were not hopeful . However scanning the river- bed at a location where I had seen the bird two years earliar, was rewarding. I was able to Video film it for more than a minute.

Birds Seen/heard: Rufous-throated Partridge-02,Kaleej Pheasant-01,Ruddy Shelduck-05,Bay Woodpecker-07,Lesser Yellownape-02,Greater Yellownape-01,Grey-headed Woodpecker-02,Great Barbet-04,Golden-throated Barbet-07,Common Hoopoe-02,Common Kingfisher-01,White-throated Kingfisher-02,Crested Kingfisher-04,Oriental Turtle Dove-20,Spotted Dove-10,River Lapwing-12,Common Sandpiper-02,Ibisbill-06,Green Sandpiper-01,Crested Serpant Eagle-01,Eurasian Sparrow Hawk-01,Common Kestrel-02,White-bellied Heron-01,Orange-bellied Leafbird-02,Long-tailed Shrike-05,Grey Treepie-04,Maroon Oriole-03,Short-billed Minivet-02,Spangled Drongo-06,Brown Dipper-01,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-09,Blue Whistling Thrush-13,Verditer Flycatcher-03,Small Niltava-03,Oriental Magpie Robin-10,Plumbeous Water Redstart-02,Slaty-backed Forktail-01,Common Myna-10,Chestnut-tailed Starling-02,Green-backed Tit-04,Red-vented Bulbul-10,Mountain Bulbul-02,Black Bulbul-20,Oriental White-eye-04,Grey-bellied Tesia-01,White-throated Laughingthrush-10,Straited Laughingthrush-06,Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler-H,Spotted Wren Babbler-01,Nepal Fulvetta-10,Blacked-chinned Yuhina-06,Rufous Sibia-02,Eurasian Tree Sparrow-20.

Day 04-May 19.04 – Wangdi - Mo Chhu Valley-Wangdi.

For the second day I birded along the Mo-Chu Valley in the morning. Afternoon birding had to be abandoned due to a gas cylinder fire; which burned down the Meri Perisum Resort. Managed to get my kit out just in time and shifted to Dragons Nest.

Birds Seen/heard: Grey-headed Woodpecker-02,Blue-throated Barbet-05,Great Barbet-03,Great Hornbill-04,White-throated Kingfisher-03,Green-billed Malkhoa-02,Fork-tail Swift-20,Oriental Turtle Dove-10,Spotted Dove-15,Barred Cuckoo Dove-06,Wedge-tailed Green Piegon-15,Long-tail Shrike-05,Grey Treepie-08,Slender-billed Oriole-02,Long-tail Minivet-02,Ashy Drongo-07,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-10,Oriental Magpie Robin-04,Plumbeous Water Redstart-05,Common Myna-06,Black-crested Bulbul-06,Red-vented Bulbul-15,Black Bulbul-20,Oriental White-eye-05.

Day 05-May 20.04 Wangdi-Gangtey.

Drove to Gangtey, with birding stops on the way. Overnight at Gangtey Guest House.

Birds seen/heard: Hill Partridge-H,Grey-headed Woodpecker-01,Great Barbet-04,Indian Cuckoo-H,Oriental Cuckoo-H,Himalayan Swiflet-10,Forktail Swift-06,Rock Piegon-06,Oriental turtle Dove-10,Spotted Dove-04,Barred Cuckoo Dove-04,Wedge-tailed Green Piegon-02,Grey-backed Shrike-02,Eursian Jay-02,Yellow-billed Blue Magpie-02,Grey Treepie-02,Spotted Nutcracker-15,Large-billed Crow-10,Marron Oriole-02,Black-winged Cuckooshrike-01,Long-tail Minivet-04,White-throated Fantail-03,Ashy Drongo-04,Brown Dipper-01,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-02,Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush-01,Blue Whistling Thrush-10,White-collared Blackbird-08,Grey-winged Blackbird-02,Dark-sided Flycatcher-02,Little-pied Flycatcher-02,Verditer Flycatcher-02,Rufous-bellied Niltava-H,Plumbeous Water Redstart-02,White-tailed Robin-01,Grey Bushchat-02,Common Myna-10,White-tailed Nuthatch-01,Green-backed Tit-02,Red-vented Bulbul-12,Black Bulbul-20,Chestnut-headed Tesia-01,Large-billed Leaf Warbler-03,Golden-spectacled Warbler-05,White-throated Laughingthrush-17,Straited Laughingthrush-07,Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush-02,Black-faced Laughingthrush-10,Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush-02,Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler-03,Spotted Wren Babbler-01,Red-billed Leothrix-05,Black-headed Shrike-Babbler-02,White-browed Shrike Babbler-01,Chestnut-tailed Minla-10,Whiskered Yuhina-10,Rufous-capped Babbler-02,Rufous Sibia-12,Fire-breasted Flowerpecker-04,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-08,Black-throated Sunbird-02,Russet Sparrow-10,Eursian Tree Sparrow-08,Rosy Pipit-03,Collared Grossbeak-12,Spot-winged Grossbeak-08.

Day 06-21.May.04 Gangtey-Trongsa

Drive cum trek over the Pelela pass. Overnight at Lodge.

Birds Seen/heard: Hill Partridge-H,KalijPheasant-02,Darjeeling Woodpecker-02,Large Hawk Cuckoo-02,Indian Cuckoo-01,Eursian Cuckoo-02,Oriental Cuckoo-03,Lesser Cuckoo-01,Himalayan Swiflet-20,Forktail Swift-10,Rock Piegon-20,Oriental Turtle Dove-10,Himalayan Griffon-02,Lammergeier-01,Orange-bellied Leafbird-01,Grey-backed Shrike-02,Yellow-billed Blue Magpie-06,Spotted Nutcracker-10,Yellow-billed Chough-02,Large-billed Crow-20,Long-tail Minivet-04,Scarlet Minivet-04,Yellow-bellied Fantail-05,Ashy Drongo-02,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-04,Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush-02,Blue Whistling Thrush-10,Long-tailed Thrush-01,White-collared Blackbird-03,Grey-winged Blackbird-05,Lesser Shortwing-04,White-browed Shortwing-01,Darksided Flycatcher-06,Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher-05,Ultramarine Flycatcher-04,Verditer Flycatcher-07,Rufous-bellied Niltava-03,Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher-04,White-capped Water Redstart-05,Plumbeous Water Redstart-02,Grey Bushchat-06,Common Myna-14,White-tail Nuthatch-02,Coal Tit-05,Green-backed Tit-10,Asian House Martin-20,Black Bulbul-15,Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler-02,Grey-sided Bush Warbler-01,Buff-barred Warbler-02,Humes Warbler-03,Large-billed Leaf Warbler-04,Golden-spectacled Warbler-06,Broad-billed Warbler-04,Scaly Laughingthrush-05,Black-faced Laughingthrush-06,Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush-04,Hoary-throated Barwing-03,Chestnut-tailed Minla-10,Red-tailed Minla-06,Rufous-winged Fulvetta-06,White-browed Fulvetta-03,Whiskered Yuhina-20,Rufous-vented Yuhina-12,Rufous Sibia-12,Great Parrotbill-02,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-09,Russet Sparrow-10,Eursian Tree Sparrow-20,Rosy Pipit-05,White-winged Grossbeak-12.

Day 07-May 22.04 Trongsa-Shembang-Tingtinbi.

Full day drive with stops for birding walks at various hot spots on the way. Overnight in camp South of Tingtinbi.

Birds Seen/heard: Hill Partridge-H,Speckled Piculet-10,Great Barbet-06,Golden-throated Barbet-02,Blue-throated Barbet-07,Great Hornbill-02,Rufous-necked Hornbill-12,Common Hoopoe-02,Oriental Cuckoo-02,Drongo Cuckoo-02,Greater Coucal-01,Forktail Swift-20,Mountain Scops Owl-H,Rock Piegon-20,Oriental Turtle Dove-10,Spotted Dove-06,Barred Cuckoo Dove-06,Wedge-tailed Green Piegon-10,Black Eagle-02,Orange-bellied Leafbird-02,Long-tailed Shrike-05,Grey-backed Shrike-02,Grey Treepie-03,Black-winged Cuckooshrike-06,Scarlet Minivet-04,Ashy Drongo-12,Bronzed Drongo-04,Spangled Drongo-07,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-15,Blue Whistling Thrush-10,White-collared Blackbird-03,Grey-winged Blackbird-06,Snowy-browed Flycatcher-02,Ultramarine Flycatcher-02,Verditer Flycatcher-10,Plumbeous Water Redstart-02,Spotted Forktail-02,Grey Bushchat-04,Beautiful Nuthatch-01,Common Myna-20,Green-back Tit-07,Red-vented Bulbul-06,White-throated Bulbul-04,Black Bulbul-20,Hill Prinia-10,Striated Prinia-04,Oriental White-eye-08,Grey-hooded Warbler-02,White-throated Laughingthrush-10,White-crested Laughingthrush-12,Rufous-necked Laughingthrush-05,Spotted Laughingthrush-H,Straited Laughingthrush-04,Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler-03,Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler-02,Spotted Wren Babbler-01,Straited Yuhina-10,Rufous Sibia-07,Crimson Sunbird-02,Eursian Tree Sparrow-10,Common Rosefinch-20,Crested Bunting-18.

Day 08-May 23.04 Tingtinbi-Tamala-Shemgang-Lanthel.

Full day birding drive cum walks. Overnight in local guest house at Lanthel Village..

Birds seen/heard: HillPartridge-H,Rufous-throated Partridge-H,Kalij Pheasant-1,Rufous Woodpecker-H,Great Barbet-06,Golden –throated Barbet-02,Blue-throated Barbet-02,Rufous-necked Hornbill-10,White-throated Kingfisher-02,Crested Kingfisher-01,Chestnut-winged Cuckoo-01,Large Hawk Cuckoo-01,Indian Cuckoo-H,Oriental Cuckoo-H,LesserCuckoo-H,Eurasian Cuckoo-01,House Swift-20,Forktail Swift-10,Brown Hawk Owl-H,Rock Piegon-20,Oriental turtle Dove-10,Spotted Dove-08,Wedge-tailed Green Piegon-10,Crested Serpant Eagle-01,Steppe Eagle-02,Orange-bellied Leafbird-01,Long-tail Shrike-05,Eursian Jay-02,Grey Treepie-04,Large-billed Crow,Maroon Oriole-03,Black-winged Cuckooshrike-09,Grey-chinned Minivet-02,Long-tailed Minivet-04,Scarlet Minivet-02,White-throated Fantail-03,Ashy Drongo-12,Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo-02,Crow-billed Drongo-02,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-15,Blue Whistling Thrush-20,Grey-winged Blackbird-10,Lesser Shortwing-03,Verditer Flycatcher-06,Rufous-bellied Niltava-05,Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher-02,Plumbeous Water Redstart-02,White-tailed Robin-04,Spotted Forktail-03,Grey Bushchat-06,Common Myna-06,White-tailed Nuthatch-02,Green-back Tit-08,Straited Bulbul-10,Red-vented Bulbul-10,White-throated Bulbul-06,Black Bulbul-20,Chestnut-headed Tesia-02,Slaty-bellied Tesia-01,Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler-02,White-spectacled Warbler-02,White-throated Laughingthrush-20,White-crested Laughingthrush-10,Rufous-necked Laughingthrush-06,Straited Laughingthrush-12,Streaked Laughingthrush-04,Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush-06,Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler-02,Rufous-throated Wren Babbler-01,Silver-eared Mesia-10,Rusty-fronted Barwing-02,Chestnut-tailed Minla-10,Yellow-throated Fulvetta-06,Whiskered Yuhina-20,Rufous-capped Babbler-02,Golden Babbler-06,Rufous Sibia-06,Black-throated Sunbird-04,Russet Sparrow-10,Eursian Tree Sparrow-20,Yellow-breasted Greenfinch-20,Scarlet Finch-02,Crested Bunting-04.

Day 09-May 24.04 Lanthel-Trongsa-Yotongla-Jakar

Birding drive back to Trongsa and continuing along the Centeral High way to Jakar. Overnight at Riverside Lodge.

Birds seen/heard: HillPartridge-H,Rufous-throated Partridge-H,Yellow-rumped Honeyguide-02,Great Barbet-06,Large Hawk Cuckoo-H,Eurasian Cuckoo-01,Lesser Cuckoo-H,Drongo Cuckoo-02,Himalayan Swiflet-20,Rock Piegon-09,Oriental Turtle Dove-20,Spotted Dove-02,Wedge-tailed Green Piegon-12,Common Sandpiper-02,Ibisbill-07,Orange-bellied Leafbird-02,Long-tailed Shrike-03,Grey-backed Shrike-04,Eursian Jay-01,Yellow-billed Blue Magpie-04,Black-billed Magpie-07,Spotted Nutcracker-04,Red-billed Chough-10,Large-billed Crow-20,Black-winged Cuckooshrike-02,Ashy Drongo-03,Blue-capped Rockthrush-15,Chestnut-bellied Rockthrush-02,Blue Whistling Thrush-10,Grey-winged Blackbird-04,Verditer Flycatcher-10,Rufous-bellied Niltava-02,White-capped Water Redstart-01,Plumbeous Water Redstart-02,White-tail Robin-01,Spotted Forktail-02,Slaty-backed Forktail-01,Grey Bushchat-04,Green-backed Tit-03,Asian House Martin-20,Red-vented Bulbul-12,Black Bulbul-20,Hill Prinia-05,Straited Prinia-01,Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler-02,Large-billed Leaf Warbler-03,White-throated Laughingthrush-12,Rufous-necked Laughingthrush-10,Straited Laughingthrush-02,Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler-02,Spotted Wren Babbler-H,Rufous-winged Fulvetta-04,Striated Yuhina-10,Stripe-throated Yuhina-06,Whiskered Yuhina-03,Rufous-vented Yuhina-10,Rufous Sibia-06,Brown Parrotbill-02,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-10,Russet Sparrow-03,Eursian Tree Sparrow-10,White Wagtail-04,Scarlet Finch-02,Crested Bunting-12.

Day 10-May 25.04 :Jakar-Thrumsingla-Sengor

Drive over the Thrunsingla Pass, with birding stops enroute.

Rewarded by clear views enabling video filming of a pair of Satyr Tragopan.

Birds seen/heard: Hill Partridge-H Blood Pheasant-02,Satyr Tragopan-07,Large Hawk Cuckoo-01,Eursian Cuckoo-02,Himalayan Swiflet-10,Rock Piegon-10,Oriental Turtle Dove-08,Grey-backed Shrike-04,Black-billed Magpie-15,Spotted Nutcracker-06,Red-billed Chough-30,Large-billed Crow-20,Short-billed Minivet-06,Yellow-bellied Fantail-05,Blue Whistling Thrush-10,White-collared Blackbird-04,Lesser Shortwing-H,Dark-sided Flycatcher-06,Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher-03,Golden Bush Robin-02,Rufous-breasted Bush Robin-01,White-capped Water Redstart-04,Rufous-vented Tit-03,Coal Tit-06,Green-backed Tit-07,Asian House Martin-10,Black Bulbul-10,Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler-02,Buff-barred Warbler-04,Humes Warbler-02,White-spectacled Warbler-02,Large-billed Leaf Warbler-05,White-throated Laughingthrush-20,Spotted Laughingthrush-02,Chest-crowned Laughingthrush-07,Black-faced Laughingthrush-06,Fire-tailed Myzornis-02,Chestnut-tailed Minla-06,Rufous-winged Fulvetta-04,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-10,Common Rosefinch-20,Collared Grossbeak-01,White-winged Grossbeak-40.

Day 11-May 26.04 Sengor-Namling-Yongkola

Good birding along the Lingmethang Road between Namaling and Yongkola. Overnight in camp.

Birds seen/heard: Hill Partridge-H,Rufous-throated Partridge-H,Satyr Tragopan-02,Rufous-bellied Woodpecker-02,Crimson-breasted Woodpecker-02,Grey-hooded Woodpecker-01,Yellow-rumped Honeyguide-02,Great Barbet-04,Blue-throated Barbet-03,Blue-bearded Bee-eater-02,White-throated Kingfisher-02,Large Hawk Cuckoo-01,Indian Cuckoo-H,Eurasian Cuckoo-H,Oriental Cuckoo-H,Lesser Cuckoo-01,Drongo Cuckoo-02,Fork-tail Swift-10,Asian Barred Owlet-02,Speckled-wood Piegon-10,Oriental Turtle Dove-10,Spotted dove-15,Emerald Dove-01,Wedge-tailed Green Piegon-04,Black-tailed Crake-04,Mountain Hawk Eagle-02,Long-tailed Shrike-02,Yellow-billed Blue Magpie-04,Grey Treepie-07,Spotted Nutcracker-03,Red-billed Chough-16,Large-billed Crow-20,Maroon Oriole-02,Black-winged Cuckooshrike-06,Long-tailed Minivet-02,Short-billed Minivet-03,Scarlet Minivet-02,Yellow-bellied Fantail-10,White-throated Fantail-03,Ashy Drongo-03,Bronzed Drongo-02,Spangled Drongo-05,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-12,Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush-03,Blue Whistling Thrush-14,White-collared Blackbird-01,White Browed Shortwing-01,Dark-sided Flycatcher-03,Verditer Flycatcher-08,White-browed Bush Robin-02,Oriental Magpie Robin-10,White-capped Water Redstart-06,White-tailed Robin-01,Blue-fronted Robin-01,Little Forktail-01,Grey Bushchat-04,Green-backed Tit-10,Black-throated Tit-05,Asian House Martin-20,Straited Bulbul-05,Red-vented Bulbul-14,Black Bulbul-20,Hill Prinia-02,Straited Prinia-01,Oriental White-eye-10,Buff-barred Warbler-03,Ashy-throated Warbler-02,Yellow-vented Warbler-01,Grey-cheeked Warbler-02,White-throated Laughingthrush-20,White-crested Laughingthrush-04,Scaly Laughingthrush-02,Streaked Laughingthrush-04,Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush-05,Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler-06,Silver-eared Mesia-10,Black-headed Shrike Babbler-02,Hoary-throated Barwing-06,Chestnut-tailed Minla-03,Rufous-winged Fulvetta-05,Straited Yuhina-10,Whiskered Yuhina-20,Black-chinned Yuhina-08,Golden Babbler-06,Rufous Sibia-07,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-15,Russet Sparrow-03,Eursian Tree Sparrow-10,Olive-backed Pipit-03,Scaly-breasted Munia-40,Yellow-breasted Greenfinch-30,Common Rosefinch-02,Collared Grossbeak-02,Spot-wing Grossbeak-02.

Day 12-May 27.04: Yongkhola-Namling-Yongkola and Yongkola -Limethang-Yongkola.

In the morning drove back to Namling to bird down the road to Yongkola. Afternoon birded along the lower Lingmethang road. Overnight in camp at Yongkola.

Birds Seen/heard: Hill Partridge-H,Chestnut-breasted Partridge-02,Rufous-throated Partridge-H,Bay Woodpecker-02,Greater Yellownape-02,Yellow-rumped Honeyguide-02,Great Barbet-03,Golden-throated Barbet-02,Blue-throated Barbet-03,Blue-bearded Bee-eater-04,White-throated Kingfisher-02,Large Hawk Cuckoo-01,Lesser Cuckoo-01,Indian Cuckoo-H,Oriental Cuckoo-H,Drongo Cuckoo-01,Mountain Scops Owl-H,Collared Owlet-H,Asian Barred Owlet-01,Grey Nightjar-01,Oriental Turtle Dove-10,Spotted Dove-06,Barred Cuckoo Dove-07,Emerald Dove-02,Black-tailed Crake-02,Black Eagle-01,Rufous-bellied Eagle-01,Long-tail Shrike-03,Grey Treepie-02,Large-billed Crow-10,Black-winged Cuckooshrike-04,Short-billed Minivet-04,Scarlet Minivet-04,White-throated Fantail-03,Ashy Drongo-10, Bronzed Drongo-03,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-10,Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush-01,Blue Whistling Thrush-06,Grey-winged Blackbird-02,Verditer Flycatcher-11,Rufous-bellied Niltava-02,Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher-03,Oriental Magpie Robin-08,White-tailed Robin-02,Slaty-backed Forktail-01,Grey Bushchat-07,Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch-02,Green-backed Tit-05,Straited Bulbul-05,Himalayan Bulbul-11,Red-vented Bulbul-04,Black Bulbul-20,Hill Prinia-02,Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler-02,Large-billed Leaf Warbler-01,Blyths Leaf Warbler-02,Grey-hooded Warbler-01,Chestnut-crowned Warbler-02,Broad-billed Warbler-01,White-crested Laughingthrush-12,Rufous-necked Laughingthrush-06,Straited Laughingthrush-02,Spotted Laughingthrush-02,Streaked Laughingthrush-04,Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush-03,Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler-02,Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler-02,Pygmy Wren Babbler-01,Cutia-12,Hoary-throated Barwing-02,Chestnut-tailed Minla-10,Golden-breasted Fulvetta-05,Yellow-throated Fulvetta-03,Whiskered Yuhina-10,Stripe-throated Yuhina-12,Black-chinned Yuhina-03,White-bellied Yuhina-04,Golden Babbler-02,Rufous Sibia-06,Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill-03,Black-throated Parrotbill-20,Plain Flowerpecker-01,Fire-breasted Flowerpecker-02,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-06,Eursian Tree Sparrow-12,Yellow-breasted Greenfinch-20,Crested Bunting-02.

Day 13-May 28.04 Yongkola-Limethang-Mongar-Kurila-Mongar.

Birding drive down lower Lingmithang Road, followed by drive through Mongar to Kurila exploring new hot spots. Returned to Mongar for overnight at Guest House.

Birds seen/heard: Hill Partridge-H, Rufous-throated Partridge-H,Bay Woodpecker-02,Grey-headed Woodpecker-02,Great Barbet-01,Blue-throated Barbet-02,Common Hoopoe-02,Blue-bearded Bee-eater-02,White-throated Kingfisher-02,large Hawk Cuckoo-H,Hodgsons Hawk Cuckoo-01,Eursian Cuckoo-02,Oriental Cuckoo-H,Lesser Cuckoo-H,Drongo Cuckoo-01,House Swift-09,Forktail Swift-02,Asian Barred Owlet-H,Jungle Owlet-01,Collared Scops Owl-H,Rock Piegon-15,Ashy-wood Piegon-03,Oriental Turtle Dove-16,Spotted Dove-08,Emerald Dove-01,Black Eagle-02,Long-tailed Shrike-02,Eursian Jay-01,Grey Treepie-06,Spotted Nutcracker-10,Large-billed Crow-20,Slender-billed Oriole-06,Black-winged Cuckooshrike-03,Short-billed Minivet-02,White-throated Fantail-01,Ashy Drongo-05,Spangled Drongo-02,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-10,Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush-02,Blue Whistling Thrush-10,Grey-winged Blackbird-03,Dark-sided Flycatcher-04,Verditer Flycatcher-07,Oriental Magpie Robin-09,White-capped Water Redstart-01,Plumbeous Water Redstart-02,Slaty-backed Forktail-02,Grey Bushchat-02,Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch-03,Green-backed Tit-06,Barn Swallow-20,Straited Bulbul-02,Himalayan Bulbul-10,Red-vented Bulbul-02,Mountain Bulbul-02,Black Bulbul-20,Hill Prinia-02,Oriental White-eye-02,Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler-H,Russet Bush Warbler-02,Common Tailor Bird-02,Mountain Tailor Bird-01,Broad-billed Warbler-03,Greenish Warbler-02,White-crested Laughingthrush-15,Rufous-necked Laughingthrush-12,Striated Laughingthrush-05,Grey-sided Laughingthrush-02,Streaked Laughingthrush-05,Blue-winged Laughingthrush-02,Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush-03,Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler-02,Red-billed Leothrix-06,Cutia-10,Hoary-throated Barwing-03,Whiskered Yuhina-10,Rufous Sibia-05,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-10,Eursian Tree Sparrow-18,White-rumped Munia-10,Scaly-breasted Munia-20,Yellow-breasted Greenfinch-40,Scarlet Finch-02,Crested Bunting-03.

Day 14 –May 29.04 Mongar-Limethang-Yongkola-Namling- Sengor-Thrumsingla-Jakar.

Drove back to Jakar with birding stops along Lingmethang road

Birds seen/heard: Satyr Tragopan-02,Great Barbet-02,Rufous-necked Hornbill-02,Blue-bearded Bee-eater-02,Rock Piegon-10,Oriental Turtle Dove-18,Spotted Dove-07,Wedge-tailed Green Piegon-10,Long-tailed Shrike-06,Yellow-billed Blue Magpie-06,Grey Treepie-05,Spotted Nutcracker-06,Red-billed Chough-10,Large-billed Crow-06,Yellow-bellied Fantail-04,Ashy Drongo-03,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-10,Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush-04,Blue Whistling Thrush-20,Dark-sided Flycatcher-10,Slaty-blue Flycatcher-02,Verditer Flycatcher-12,Oriental Magpie Robin-02,Hodgsons Redstart-01,White-capped Water Redstart-02,Little Forktail-02,Slaty-backed Forktail-02,Spotted Forktail-01,Grey Buschat-02,Eursian Treecreeper-02,Green-back Tit-03,Asian House Martin-20,Striated Bulbul-02,Red-vented Bulbul-04,Black Bulbul-20,Large-billed Leaf Warbler-03,Broad-billed Warbler-04,White-crested Laughingthrush-10,Rufous-necked Laughingthrush-06Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler-04,Rufous-vented Yuhina-08,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-10,Fire-tailed Sunbird-03,Eursian Tree Sparrow-10,White Wagtail-02,Dark-breasted Rosefinch-09,Scarlet Finch-02,Spot-winged Grossbeak-20.

Day 15-May 30.04 Bumthang-Yotungla-Pelela-Dochula-Paro.

A long drive back to Thimpu and on to Paro. Overnight at hotel Gangtey Palace

Birds seen/heard: Hill Partridge-02,Great Barbet-07,Lesser Cuckoo-01,House Swift-10,Forktail Swift-15,Grey Nightjar-01,Rock Piegon-16,Oriental Turtle Dove-12,Spotted Dove-10,Steppe Eagle-01,Eursian Hobby-02,Long-tail Shrike-06,Grey-backed Shrike-02,Eursian Jay-04,Yellow-billed Blue Magpie-05,Grey Treepie-09,Black-billed Magpie-04,Spotted Nutcracker-08,Large-billed Crow-10,Black-winged Cuckooshrike-01,Long-tailed Minivet-02,Ashy Drongo-04,Blue-capped Rock Thrush-06,Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush-05,Blue Whistling Thrush-18,White-collared Blackbird-02,Grey-winged Blackbird-06,Dark-sided Flycatcher-05,Verditer Flycatcher-04,Rufous-bellied Niltava-05,White-capped Water Redstart-04,Plumbeous Water Redstart-03,Grey Bushchat-04,Common Myna-20,Fire-capped Tit-02,Rufous-vented Tit-10,Green-backed Tit-05,Yellow-browed Tit-04,Asian House Martin-10,Nepal House Martin-12,Red-vented Bulbul-10,Black Bulbul-20,Yellow-rumped warbler-02,Large-billed Leaf Warbler-03,White-throated Laughingthrush-16,Straited Laughingthrush-04,Streaked Laughingthrush-01,Black-faced Laughingthrush-12,Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler-01,Spotted Wren Babbler-02,White-naped Yuhina-06,Stripe-throated Yuhina-10,Rufous Sibia-08,Mrs Goulds Sunbird-06,Fire-tailed Sunbird-10,Eursian Tree Sparrow-20,Olive-backed Pipit-10,Brown Bullfinch-20,White-winged Grossbeak-06.

Day 16-May 31.04 Paro-Chelela-Thimphu.

Drive up to Chelela pass for a short exploration high altitude habitat.

Birds seen/heard: HillPartridge-H,Blood Pheasant-02,Himalayan Monal-10,White-collared Blackbird-05,Spotted Nutcracker-18,White-browed Finch-20.

List of Birds Seen

Oriental Bird Club Checklist of birds of India.

No: Scientific name: Common name

39 Arborophila torqueola Hill Partridge

40 Arborophila rufogularis Rufous-throated Partridge

43 Arborophila mandellii Chestnut-breasted Partridge

64 Ithaginis cruentus Blood Pheasant

66 Tragopan satyra Satyr Tragopan

71 Lophophorus impejanus Himalayan Monal

78 Lophura leucomelanos Kalij Pheasant

143 Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck

205 Indicator xanthonotus Yellow-rumped Honeyguide

207 Picumnus innominatus Speckled Piculet

221 Dendrocopos hyperythrus Rufous-bellied Woodpecker

222 Dendrocopos cathpharius Crimson-breasted Woodpecker

223 Dendrocopos darjellensis Darjeeling Woodpecker

230 Celeus brachyurus Rufous Woodpecker

235 Picus chlorolophus Lesser Yellownape

237 Picus flavinucha Greater Yellownape

246 Picus canus Grey-headed Woodpecker

248 Dinopium shorii Himalayan Flameback

257 Blythipicus pyrrhotis Bay Woodpecker

268 Megalaima virens Great Barbet

280 Megalaima franklinii Golden-throated Barbet

282 Megalaima asiatica Blue-throated Barbet

302 Buceros bicornis Great Hornbill

313 Aceros nipalensis Rufous-necked Hornbill

323 Upupa epops Common Hoopoe

334 Harpactes wardi Ward's Trogon

341 Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher

359 Halcyon smyrnensis White-throated Kingfisher

380 Megaceryle lugubris Crested Kingfisher

383 Nyctyornis athertoni Blue-bearded Bee-eater

393 Clamator coromandus Chestnut-winged Cuckoo

395 Hierococcyx sparverioides Large Hawk Cuckoo

396 Hierococcyx varius Common Hawk Cuckoo

398 Hierococcyx fugax Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo

399 Cuculus micropterus Indian Cuckoo

400 Cuculus canorus Eurasian Cuckoo

401 Cuculus saturatus Oriental Cuckoo

402 Cuculus poliocephalus Lesser Cuckoo

419 Surniculus lugubris Drongo Cuckoo

420 Eudynamys scolopacea Asian Koel

426 Phaenicophaeus tristis Green-billed Malkoha

444 Centropus sinensis Greater Coucal

534 Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail

538 Cypsiurus balasiensis Asian Palm Swift

542 Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift

544 Apus affinis House Swift

560 Otus spilocephalus Mountain Scops Owl

577 Otus bakkamoena Collared Scops Owl

602 Glaucidium brodiei Collared Owlet

603 Glaucidium cuculoides Asian Barred Owlet

605 Glaucidium radiatum Jungle Owlet

614 Ninox scutulata Brown Hawk Owl

636 Caprimulgus indicus Grey Nightjar

649 Columba livia Rock Pigeon

655 Columba hodgsonii Speckled Wood Pigeon

656 Columba pulchricollis Ashy Wood Pigeon

668 Streptopelia orientalis Oriental Turtle Dove

670 Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Dove

674 Macropygia unchall Barred Cuckoo Dove

681 Chalcophaps indica Emerald Dove

710 Treron sphenura Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon

744 Ducula badia Mountain Imperial Pigeon

796 Porzana bicolor Black-tailed Crake

848 Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper

851 Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper

894 Ibidorhyncha struthersii Ibisbill

919 Vanellus duvaucelii River Lapwing

1018 Milvus migrans Black Kite

1027 Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier

1031 Gyps himalayensis Himalayan Griffon

1036 Spilornis cheela Crested Serpent Eagle

1050 Accipiter badius Shikra

1062 Accipiter nisus Eurasian Sparrowhawk

1073 Ictinaetus malayensis Black Eagle

1077 Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle

1084 Hieraaetus kienerii Rufous-bellied Eagle

1086 Spizaetus nipalensis Mountain Hawk Eagle

1099 Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel

1107 Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby

1146 Ardea insignis White-bellied Heron

1151 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret

1246 Pitta nipalensis Blue-naped Pitta

1318 Chloropsis hardwickii Orange-bellied Leafbird

1327 Lanius schach Long-tailed Shrike

1328 Lanius tephronotus Grey-backed Shrike

1353 Garrulus glandarius Eurasian Jay

1360 Urocissa flavirostris Yellow-billed Blue Magpie

1368 Dendrocitta formosae Grey Treepie

1377 Pica pica Black-billed Magpie

1381 Nucifraga caryocatactes Spotted Nutcracker

1382 Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Red-billed Chough

1383 Pyrrhocorax graculus Yellow-billed Chough

1394 Corvus macrorhynchos Large-billed Crow

1416 Oriolus tenuirostris Slender-billed Oriole

1420 Oriolus traillii Maroon Oriole

1434 Coracina striata Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike

1451 Coracina melaschistos Black-winged Cuckooshrike

1465 Pericrocotus cinnamomeus Small Minivet

1469 Pericrocotus solaris Grey-chinned Minivet

1470 Pericrocotus ethologus Long-tailed Minivet

1471 Pericrocotus brevirostris Short-billed Minivet

1473 Pericrocotus flammeus Scarlet Minivet

1476 Rhipidura hypoxantha Yellow-bellied Fantail

1481 Rhipidura albicollis White-throated Fantail

1496 Dicrurus leucophaeus Ashy Drongo

1499 Dicrurus aeneus Bronzed Drongo

1501 Dicrurus hottentottus Spangled Drongo

1505 Dicrurus paradiseus Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

1538 Cinclus pallasii Brown Dipper

1539 Monticola saxatilis Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush

1540 Monticola cinclorhynchus Blue-capped Rock Thrush

1542 Monticola rufiventris Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush

1549 Myophonus caeruleus Blue Whistling Thrush

1567 Zoothera dixoni Long-tailed Thrush

1568 Zoothera dauma Scaly Thrush

1581 Turdus albocinctus White-collared Blackbird

1582 Turdus boulboul Grey-winged Blackbird

1603 Brachypteryx leucophrys Lesser Shortwing

1619 Muscicapa sibirica Dark-sided Flycatcher

1620 Muscicapa dauurica Asian Brown Flycatcher

1632 Ficedula strophiata Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher

1637 Ficedula hyperythra Snowy-browed Flycatcher

1648 Ficedula westermanni Little Pied Flycatcher

1649 Ficedula superciliaris Ultramarine Flycatcher

1650 Ficedula tricolor Slaty-blue Flycatcher

1655 Eumyias thalassina Verditer Flycatcher

1661 Niltava macgrigoriae Small Niltava

1663 Niltava sundara Rufous-bellied Niltava

1677 Cyornis banyumas Hill Blue Flycatcher

1685 Culicicapa ceylonensis Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher

1701 Tarsiger chrysaeus Golden Bush Robin

1702 Tarsiger indicus White-browed Bush Robin

1703 Tarsiger hyperythrus Rufous-breasted Bush Robin

1706 Copsychus saularis Oriental Magpie Robin

1719 Phoenicurus hodgsoni Hodgson's Redstart

1723 Phoenicurus frontalis Blue-fronted Redstart

1724 Chaimarrornis leucocephalus White-capped Water Redstart

1725 Rhyacornis fuliginosus Plumbeous Water Redstart

1728 Myiomela leucura White-tailed Robin

1730 Cinclidium frontale Blue-fronted Robin

1732 Enicurus scouleri Little Forktail

1736 Enicurus schistaceus Slaty-backed Forktail

1738 Enicurus maculatus Spotted Forktail

1749 Saxicola ferrea Grey Bushchat

1768 Sturnus malabaricus Chestnut-tailed Starling

1783 Acridotheres tristis Common Myna

1804 Sitta castanea Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch

1805 Sitta himalayensis White-tailed Nuthatch

1816 Sitta formosa Beautiful Nuthatch

1818 Certhia familiaris Eurasian Treecreeper

1826 Cephalopyrus flammiceps Fire-capped Tit

1833 Parus rubidiventris Rufous-vented Tit

1835 Parus ater Coal Tit

1839 Parus dichrous Grey-crested Tit

1842 Parus monticolus Green-backed Tit

1851 Sylviparus modestus Yellow-browed Tit

1855 Aegithalos concinnus Black-throated Tit

1857 Aegithalos iouschistos Rufous-fronted Tit

1869 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow

1879 Delichon dasypus Asian House Martin

1880 Delichon nipalensis Nepal House Martin

1887 Pycnonotus striatus Striated Bulbul

1893 Pycnonotus melanicterus Black-crested Bulbul

1901 Pycnonotus leucogenys Himalayan Bulbul

1902 Pycnonotus cafer Red-vented Bulbul

1920 Alophoixus flaveolus White-throated Bulbul

1939 Ixos mcclellandii Mountain Bulbul 1-Jul-01

1944 Hypsipetes leucocephalus Black Bulbul

1954 Prinia criniger Striated Prinia

1956 Prinia atrogularis Hill Prinia

1964 Prinia flaviventris Yellow-bellied Prinia

1969 Zosterops palpebrosus Oriental White-eye

2006 Tesia castaneocoronata Chestnut-headed Tesia

2007 Tesia olivea Slaty-bellied Tesia

2008 Tesia cyaniventer Grey-bellied Tesia

2017 Cettia fortipes Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler

2020 Cettia major Chestnut-crowned Bush Warbler

2022 Cettia acanthizoides Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler

2023 Cettia brunnifrons Grey-sided Bush Warbler

2029 Bradypterus mandelli Russet Bush Warbler

2060 Orthotomus cuculatus Mountain Tailorbird

2061 Orthotomus sutorius Common Tailorbird

2074 Phylloscopus collybita Common Chiffchaff

2085 Phylloscopus pulcher Buff-barred Warbler

2086 Phylloscopus maculipennis Ashy-throated Warbler

2088 Phylloscopus chloronotus Lemon-rumped Warbler

2091 Phylloscopus inornatus Yellow-browed Warbler

2092 Phylloscopus humei Hume's Warbler

2094 Phylloscopus trochiloides Greenish Warbler

2097 Phylloscopus magnirostris Large-billed Leaf Warbler

2103 Phylloscopus reguloides Blyth's Leaf Warbler

2106 Phylloscopus cantator Yellow-vented Warbler

2114 Seicercus burkii Golden-spectacled Warbler

2120 Seicercus xanthoschistos Grey-hooded Warbler

2121 Seicercus affinis White-spectacled Warbler

2122 Seicercus poliogenys Grey-cheeked Warbler

2123 Seicercus castaniceps Chestnut-crowned Warbler

2126 Tickellia hodgsoni Broad-billed Warbler

2140 Garrulax albogularis White-throated Laughingthrush

2141 Garrulax leucolophus White-crested Laughingthrush

2145 Garrulax striatus Striated Laughingthrush

2149 Garrulax ruficollis Rufous-necked Laughingthrush

2159 Garrulax rufogularis Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush

2164 Garrulax ocellatus Spotted Laughingthrush

2165 Garrulax caerulatus Grey-sided Laughingthrush

2173 Garrulax lineatus Streaked Laughingthrush

2176 Garrulax squamatus Blue-winged Laughingthrush

2177 Garrulax subunicolor Scaly Laughingthrush

2183 Garrulax erythrocephalus Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush

2215 Pomatorhinus erythrogenys Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler

2216 Pomatorhinus horsfieldii Indian Scimitar Babbler

2219 Pomatorhinus ruficollis Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler

2222 Xiphirhynchus superciliaris Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler

2239 Pnoepyga pusilla Pygmy Wren Babbler

2241 Spelaeornis caudatus Rufous-throated Wren Babbler

2244 Spelaeornis formosus Spotted Wren Babbler

2250 Stachyris ruficeps Rufous-capped Babbler

2252 Stachyris chrysaea Golden Babbler

2289 Turdoides earlei Striated Babbler

2300 Leiothrix argentauris Silver-eared Mesia

2301 Leiothrix lutea Red-billed Leiothrix

2302 Cutia nipalensis Cutia

2303 Pteruthius rufiventer Black-headed Shrike Babbler

2304 Pteruthius flaviscapis White-browed Shrike Babbler

2309 Actinodura egertoni Rusty-fronted Barwing

2312 Actinodura nipalensis Hoary-throated Barwing

2317 Minla strigula Chestnut-tailed Minla

2318 Minla ignotincta Red-tailed Minla

2319 Alcippe chrysotis Golden-breasted Fulvetta

2321 Alcippe cinerea Yellow-throated Fulvetta

2322 Alcippe castaneceps Rufous-winged Fulvetta

2323 Alcippe vinipectus White-browed Fulvetta

2336 Alcippe nipalensis Nepal Fulvetta

2340 Heterophasia capistrata Rufous Sibia

2346 Yuhina castaniceps Striated Yuhina

2349 Yuhina flavicollis Whiskered Yuhina

2351 Yuhina gularis Stripe-throated Yuhina

2353 Yuhina occipitalis Rufous-vented Yuhina

2355 Yuhina nigrimenta Black-chinned Yuhina

2356 Yuhina zantholeuca White-bellied Yuhina

2357 Myzornis pyrrhoura Fire-tailed Myzornis

2359 Conostoma oemodium Great Parrotbill

2361 Paradoxornis unicolor Brown Parrotbill

2372 Paradoxornis nipalensis Black-throated Parrotbill

2376 Paradoxornis ruficeps Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill

2442 Dicaeum concolor Plain Flowerpecker

2449 Dicaeum ignipectus Fire-breasted Flowerpecker

2478 Aethopyga gouldiae Mrs Gould's Sunbird

2479 Aethopyga nipalensis Green-tailed Sunbird

2482 Aethopyga saturata Black-throated Sunbird

2483 Aethopyga siparaja Crimson Sunbird

2486 Aethopyga ignicauda Fire-tailed Sunbird

2501 Passer rutilans Russet Sparrow

2504 Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow

2514 Motacilla alba White Wagtail

2518 Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail

2526 Anthus hodgsoni Olive-backed Pipit

2530 Anthus roseatus Rosy Pipit

2562 Lonchura striata White-rumped Munia

2567 Lonchura punctulata Scaly-breasted Munia

2582 Carduelis spinoides Yellow-breasted Greenfinch

2596 Callacanthis burtoni Spectacled Finch

2603 Carpodacus nipalensis Dark-breasted Rosefinch

2604 Carpodacus erythrinus Common Rosefinch

2614 Carpodacus thura White-browed Rosefinch

2623 Haematospiza sipahi Scarlet Finch

2626 Pyrrhula nipalensis Brown Bullfinch

2630 Pyrrhula erythaca Grey-headed Bullfinch

2636 Mycerobas affinis Collared Grosbeak

2637 Mycerobas melanozanthos Spot-winged Grosbeak

2638 Mycerobas carnipes White-winged Grosbeak

2641 Melophus lathami Crested Bunting

References:

Birds of the Indian Sub-continent-Krys Kamerizack

Birds of Bhutan-Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp, Richard Grimett.

Lonely Planet-Bhutan

Threatened Birds in Bhutan-Rebecca Pradhan, Tandin Wangdi.

Trip Reports * Late availability * Special Offers * Mailing List