Nepal Birding

8-31 March 2001

BARRY WRIGHT
ANDREW LAWSON

ROBIN ACCENTOR AT MUKTINATH (Copyright © Barry Wright)

I have just recently returned from a very successful trip to Nepal with Andrew Lawson where we visited Chitwan, Kathmandu valley and 13 days on the Jomsom trek. I would like to remind people that Abinash, the bird guide at Ghasa is well worth contacting if you are considering visiting the area. He knows exactly where to find Koklass and Cheer Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan and virtually any other species that is recorded regularly at Ghasa on the Jomsom trek. His is incredibly enthusiastic, amazingly agile at running up and down the steep slopes and speaks nigh on perfect English. He spends a lot of time when not birding at University in Pokhara and can be contacted via e-mail. This way you can let him know when you are likely to be in the area and he can run/walk fast the 2 days back up to Ghasa to meet you. We spent 5 days with him at Ghasa and saw pretty much most species that we were after and as a result asked him to accompany us for 3 days at Chitwan in order that he can see other fantastic species that his country holds. His e-mail is abinash_n[at]hotmail.com.

Birds Observed

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis

Only seen on Phewa Tal, Pokhara. 6 birds present near to Fishtail lodge.

GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo

One only at Chitwan and ten seen from the bus on route to Chitwan.

RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea

A minimum of ten on the river at Chitwan.

GADWALL Anas strepera

A surprising record was of a single bird that flew past at Kagbeni much to the amazement of Andrew and myself?

COMMON MERGANSER Mergus merganser

Six redheads on the river at Chitwan near to Meghauli.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta

Two at Pokhara and common at Chitwan.

INTERMEDIATE EGRET Mesophoyx intermedia

Present at Chitwan though no numbers estimated as Egrets were generally ignored.

GREAT EGRET Casmerodious albus

Recorded at Chitwan.

CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis

Commonly seen from the bus between Meghauli and Kathmandu and around Pokhara.

INDIAN POND HERON Ardeola grayii

Common at Chitwan and Pokhara where they were seen coming to roost in the town late afternoon.

LITTLE HERON Butoroides striatus

Several seen at Chitwan near to the main river crossing and adjacent to Chital Lodge.

BLACK IBIS Pseudibis papillosa

Only recorded at Chitwan where the birds often gathered late afternoon at the rivers.

ASIAN OPENBILL Anastomus oscitans

Ten seen flying over at Chitwan.

WOOLY-NECKED STORK Ciconia episcopus

Two seen distantly at Chitwan from the tower at one of the tented camps.

LESSER ADJUTANT Leptoptilos javanicus

A minimum of 15 at Chitwan.

OSPREY Pandion haliaeus

A few seen at Chitwan on the river near to Meghauli.

ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD Pernis ptilorhynchus

Five at Chitwan.

BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus

One at Shikha on the Jomsom trek and one at Chitwan

BLACK KITE Milvus migrans

Three above Kagbeni, common around Kathmandu and Pokhara.

LAMMERGEIER Gypaetus barbatus

Many seen on the Jomsom trek often at very close range.

EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron percnopterus

Two at Pokhara seen late afternoon from the rooftop of our hotel.

HIMALAYAN GRIFFON Gyps himalayensis

Commonly seen on the Jomsom trek.

CINEREOUS VULTURE Aegyptius monachus

A couple of birds on the Jomsom trek at Ghasa.

RED-HEADED VULTURE Sarcogyps calvus

One probable from the bus between Pokhara and Meghauli was not identified for certain, as we were unable to stop the bus.

HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus

Three ringtails seen hunting over the east slope at Ghasa.

PIED HARRIER Circus melanoleucus

Two males and several female types seen at Chitwan.

SHIKRA Accipter badius

Two at Chitwan.

WHITE-EYED BUZZARD Buteo teesa

Two at Chitwan seen perched and in flight.

COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo

Only recorded at Ghasa on the Jomsom trek.

STEPPE EAGLE Aquila nipalensis

Commonly seen from the bus between Meghauli and Kathmandu and at in the afternoon at Pokhara as the birds soared above the forest adjacent to Phewa Tal.

GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaeos

Two at Kagbeni, several other sightings on the Jomsom trek.

CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus

Two seen at close range perched at Chitwan.

EURASIAN KESTREL Falco tinnunculus

Recorded at a few localities on the Jomsom trek.

PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus

One seen at Marpha just south of the village.

CHUKAR Alectoris chukar

Commonly seen and heard from Kagbeni to Muktinath with a few others lower down on the Jomsom trek.

BLACK FRANCOLIN Francolinus francolinus

Commonly heard at Chitwan with three birds seen calling from trees in the early morning.

HILL PARTRIDGE Arborophila torqueola

Regularly flushed at Ghasa and seen a few times at Phulchowki though in all cases poor flight views. One male stalked at Ghasa flew away despite spending nearly 20 minutes attempting to get closer to see the bird.

SATYR TRAGOPAN Tragopan satyra

Fantastic views of a calling bird perched aloft a rock on the West Side of Ghasa below the Black Forest, and one female seen on the West Side by Andrew and Abinash.

KOKLASS PHEASANT Pucrasia macrolopha

Four males seen very poorly in flight in virtually exactly the same place on two consecutive days. Fantastic views of a female sitting only three or four metres away in a small clump of bamboo on the west side of Ghasa before running into the forest and flying away.

HIMALAYAN MONAL Lophophorus impejanus

Six seen below the Black Forest at Ghasa with four males in flight and one female perched a fair way off. One pair flushed at very close range below the Black Forest, the female flying off down the valley calling almost Curlew like.

RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus

Very common at Chitwan with mostly males seen on the tracks or just at the forest edge.

KALIJ PHEASANT Lophura leucomelanos

A few seen at Ghasa near to the village, commonly seen at Phulchowki where they are very approachable and afford excellent views. Two seen briefly in the forest slopes behind Fishtail lodge, Pokhara.

CHEER PHEASANT Catreus wallichii

Good flight views of two males and one female on the west slope of Ghasa only 20 minutes from Eagle nest. They were located in very dense grass on the craggy slopes just above the main trail to the south of the village. The area was a known locality for a family group of this species but despite covering the area thoroughly they were still very difficult to locate in the rough terrain.

INDIAN PEAFOWL Pavo cristatus

Many males seen displaying at Chitwan along with a few females.

COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus

Four at Chitwan.

BENGAL FLORICAN Houbaropsis bengalensis

Fantastic views of one male at Chitwan from Elephant back, and on foot courtesy of Jib. The locality was a well-known stakeout for this species and according to Jib, guaranteed!

SOLITAIRY SNIPE Gallinago solitaria

Close views of one bird at the large pool below Muktinath with another probable flushed from the ravine at Phulchowki which despite being seen to land could not be located again.

COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago

A few seen in flight at Chitwan.

COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia

Several at the river at Chitwan.

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus

Recorded at the river at Chitwan.

WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola

One only at Chitwan.

TEMMINCK'S STINT Calidris temminckii

Five individuals seen at Chitwan often located by their very distinctive call.

EURASIAN THICK-KNEE Burhinus oedicnemus

Two at Chitwan near to the Bengal Florican site.

SMALL PRATINCOLE Glareola lactea

Six at Chitwan seen in flight near to the main river crossing into the park.

LITTLE-RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius

Commonly heard and seen on the river at Chitwan.

RED-WATTLED LAPWING Vanellus indicus

Five at Chitwan, one near to Pokhara.

ROCK DOVE Columba livia

Common.

HILL PIGEON Columba rupestris

A flock of fifty or so at Jharkot on the Jomsom trek were the only ones located along the entire length of the trek and despite much scanning Snow Pigeon was never seen.

ORIENTAL TURTLE-DOVE Streptopelia orientalis

Commonly recorded on the Jomsom trek below Marpha.

SPOTTED DOVE Streptopelia chinensis

Common at Chitwan.

RED COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia tranquebarica

One at Chitwan though probably overlooked.

EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto

Commonly recorded at Chitwan.

EMERALD DOVE Chalcophaps indica

Very common at Chitwan.

ORANGE-BREASTED PIGEON Treron bicincta

Common at Chitwan.

POMPADOUR GREEN PIGEON Treron pompadora

A few at Chitwan.

ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET Psittacula eupatria

Often seen flying around in small groups at Chitwan.

ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri

Very common at Chitwan.

SLATY-HEADED PARAKEET Psittacula himalyana

Seven in the forest behind Phewa Tal.

PLUM-HEADED PARAKEET Psittacula cyanocephala

Several small groups located at Chitwan.

RED-BREASTED PARAKEET Psittacula alexandri

Recorded in small numbers at Chitwan.

COMMON HAWK-CUCKOO Hierococcyx varius

A few at Chitwan were mostly heard though one was seen perched up calling.

COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus cuculus

One heard calling at Shikha on the Jomsom trek.

BANDED BAY CUCKOO Cacomantis sonneratii

One calling at Chitwan was too far off into the forest to see.

ASIAN KOEL Eudynamys scolopacea

Commonly heard at Chitwan.

GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA Phaenicophaeus tristis

Several sightings at Chitwan.

GREATER COUCAL Centropus sinensis

A few at Chitwan.

LESSER COUCAL Centropus bengalensis

At least four seen at Chitwan.

BROWN WOOD OWL Strix leptogrammica

Fantastic views of two birds in the ravine at Phulchowki that were flushed in the morning and pursued by Laughingthrushes thus enabling the birds to be located a few times sitting high in the trees being mobbed.

JUNGLE OWLET Glaucidium radiatum

Several seen at Chitwan with others heard.

SPOTTED OWLET Athene brama

Heard daily at Ghasa though never seen.

BROWN HAWK-OWL Ninox scutulata

One at Chital lodge, Meghauli.

SAVANNAH NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus affinis

Six birds seen in reasonable light calling and displaying about 20 minutes walk from Chital Lodge, Meghauli a well known site for this species with a minimum of 10 pairs apparently in the area.

SILVER-BACKED NEEDLETAIL Hirundapus cochinchinensis

Thirty plus Needletails seen on a few evenings feeding low down over the river at Chitwan were believed to be this species.

ALPINE SWIFT Tachymarptis melba

Recorded lower down on the Jomsom trek.

FORK-TAILED SWIFT Apus pacificus

A flock of fifty birds at Ghorepani on the trek.

HOUSE SWIFT Apus affinis

Commonly seen in Kathmandu.

COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis

Several birds seen and heard at Chitwan with other sightings at various places along the Jomsom trek.

BLUE-EARED KINGFISHER Alcedo meninting

Four at Chitwan.

STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER Halcyon capensis

Many birds heard calling with a few seen at Chitwan.

WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER Halcyon smyrnensis

Common at Chitwan with few seen in the centre of Pokhara.

CRESTED KINGFISHER Megaceryle lugubris

Three birds seen fishing along the forested river at Birethante on the Jomsom trek were certainly one of the star birds of the trip. At one time a displaying male Wallcreeper on the rockface behind and a Crested Kingfisher were vying for our attention.

PIED KINGFISHER Ceryle rudis

Many sightings at Chitwan.

GREEN BEE-EATER Merops orientalis

Common at Chitwan.

CHESTNUT-HEADED BEE-EATER Merops leschenaulti

Common at Chitwan.

INDIAN ROLLER Coracias benghalensis

A few at Chitwan.

DOLLARBIRD Eurystomus orientalis

A few at Chitwan.

EURASIAN HOOPOE Upupa epos

A couple of individuals seen at Chitwan.

ORIENTAL PIED HORNBILL Anthracoceros albirostris

At least ten birds at Chitwan usually in pairs.

GREAT BARBET Megalaima virens

Three seen at Phulchowki, several birds seen and heard in the forest above Phewa Tal, Pokhara.

LINEATED BARBET Megalaima lineata

Several sightings at Chitwan.

BLUE-THROATED BARBET Megalaima asiatica

Five birds in the forest above Phewa Tal, Pokhara.

COPPERSMITH BARBET Megalaima haemacephala

Several seen at Chitwan.

EURASIAN WRYNECK Jynx torquilla

One at Chitwan in the sparsely wooded grasslands near to Meghauli.

GREY-CAPPED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos canicapillus

Regularly seen at Chitwan.

FULVOUS-BREASTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos macei

Several seen daily at Chitwan.

CRIMSON-BREASTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos cathpharius

Several seen at Ghasa on the Jomsom trek.

DARJEELING WOODPECKER Dendrocopos darjellensis

Several at Ghasa.

LESSER YELLOWNAPE Picus chlorolophus

One in the forest at Pokhara and one or two recorded daily at Chitwan.

SCALY-BELLIED WOODPECKER Picus xanthopygaeus

Three or four sightings at Ghasa with a few others heard.

GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER Picus canus

Regularly seen at Chitwan.

HIMALAYAN FLAMEBACK Dinopium shorii

Three at Chitwan.

GREATER FLAMEBACK Chrysocolaptes indicus

One only at Chitwan.

YELLOW-BELLIED FANTAIL Rhipidura hypoxantha

Two at Pokhara, many sightings at Phulchowki, and regularly seen in forest areas on the Jomsom trek.

WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL Rhipidura albicollis

Four at Chitwan, two at Phulchowki near to the ravine.

BLACK-NAPED MONARCH Hypothymis azurea

Three at Chitwan.

ASIAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone paradisi

At least ten individuals seen at Chitwan nearly all-resplendent males with incredibly long tails. According to Jib the birds had probably only just arrived in the last few days as previous visits had drawn a blank.

BLACK DRONGO Dicrurus macrocercus

Ten at Pokhara and common at Chitwan.

BRONZED DRONGO Dicrurus aeneus

Recorded at Chitwan.

LESSER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus remifer

Two at Phulchowki near to the ravine.

EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius

Two at Phulchowki.

YELLOW-BILLED BLUE MAGPIE Urocissa flavirostris

Seen at Chitre, Ghorepani and Ghasa on the Jomsom trek.

RED-BILLED BLUE MAGPIE Urocissa erythrorhyncha

A few near to Chitre on the Jomsom trek.

COMMON GREEN MAGPIE Cissa chinensis

At least three seen at Chitwan.

RUFOUS TREEPIE Dendrocitta vagabunda

Common at Chitwan.

GREY TREEPIE Dendrocitta formosae

Two in Pokhara.

SPOTTED NUTCRACKER Nucifraga caryocatactes

Only seen at Ghasa on the Jomsom trek.

RED-BILLED CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

Common on the Jomsom trek.

YELLOW-BILLED CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax graculus

Only recorded for certain high up on the Jomsom trek.

HOUSE CROW Corvus splendens

Common in Kathmandu.

LARGE-BILLED CROW Corvus macrorhynchos

Commonly recorded at various places on the Jomsom trek and at Chitwan.

COMMON RAVEN Corvus corax

Several sightings along the Jomsom trek and two at Phulchowki.

COMMON IORA Aegithina tiphia

Three at Chitwan.

BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE Oriolus xanthornus

Recorded at Pokhara, Phulchowki and Chitwan.

MAROON ORIOLE Oriolus traillii

Common at Pokhara and at Phulchowki.

LARGE CUCKOOSHRIKE Coracina macei

Two at Chitwan.

BLACK-HEADED CUCKOOSHRIKE Coracina melanoptera

One at Chitwan.

SMALL MINIVET Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

Four at Chitwan.

LONG-TAILED MINIVET Pericrocotus ethologus

Commonly seen in orchards and forest areas on the Jomsom trek.

SCARLET MINIVET Pericrocotus flammeus

Ten at Pokhara in the forest above Phewa Tal and regularly seen at Chitwan.

BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE Hemipus picatus

Three at Chitwan.

ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis hardwickii

Recorded at Phulchowki and Pokhara.

LONG-TAILED SHRIKE Lanius schach

A few individuals on the Jomsom trek, one at Shikha had a pale mantle?, also a few at Chitwan.

COMMON WOODSHRIKE Tephrodornis pondicerianus

Two at Chitwan.

BROWN DIPPER Cinclus pallasii

Recorded only at Kalopani and Birethante on the Jomsom trek.

CHESTNUT-BELLIED ROCK-THRUSH Monticola rufiventris

A pair regularly seen on the east slope at Ghasa and a pair in the forest at Poon Hill, Ghorepani on the Jomsom trek.

BLUE ROCK-THRUSH Monticola solitarius

A few seen on the Jomsom trek below Ghasa on route to Kalopani.

BLUE WHISTLING-THRUSH Myophonus caeruleus

Very common on the Jomsom trek, several seen at Phulchowki.

ORANGE-HEADED THRUSH Zoothera citrina

Two at Chitwan near to Tiger Tops were incredibly approachable.

PLAIN-BACKED THRUSH Zoothera mollissima

Recorded at Ghasa and Ghorepani on the Jomsom trek, in all cases in dense forest. Once flushed the birds tended to perch up on overhanging branches and sit motionless for long periods of time.

LONG-TAILED THRUSH Zoothera dixonii

Three birds seen at Ghasa on the Jomsom trek.

SCALY THRUSH Zoothera dauma

A group of eight birds at Phewa Tal, Pokhara were very approachable.

TICKELL'S THRUSH Turdus unicolor

Two at Chitwan were very difficult to see as they fed under dense vegetation.

WHITE-COLLARED BLACKBIRD Turdus albocinctus

One male seen very briefly at Ghasa on the east slope and seven individuals seen at Ghorepani in two days.

GREY-WINGED BLACKBIRD Turdus boulboul

Five in the forest behind Fishtail Lodge, Pokhara, several seen at Phulchowki and commonly seen at Ghasa.

EURASIAN BLACKBIRD Turdus merula

One only in an orchard at Marpha on the Jomsom trek.

DARK-THROATED THRUSH Turdus ruficollis

Commonly seen on the Jomsom trek with an estimated 1000 birds seen at Poon Hill one afternoon, all of the Black throated form. One male seen at Chitwan. Two of the red throated form at Marpha.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus

One at Ghasa.

CHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING Sturnus malabaricus

Common in Pokhara and at Chitwan.

ASIAN PIED STARLING Sturnus contra

Regularly seen at Chitwan.

COMMON MYNA Acridotheres tristis

Common at Chitwan, Pokhara, Kathmandu.

JUNGLE MYNA Acridotheres fuscus

Probably reasonably common at Chitwan judging by those birds actually looked at.

HILL MYNA Gracula religiosa

Three at Chitwan near to Tiger Tops.

RUFOUS-GORGETTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula strophiata

Two in the forest at Fishtail Lodge and commonly seen on the Jomsom trek and at times ridiculously tame.

RED-THROATED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva

A few seen at Chitwan.

SNOWY-BROWED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hyperythra

One only a male seen below Ghorepani on the Jomsom trek.

ULTRAMARINE FLYCATCHER Ficedula superciliaris

One male on the east slope at Ghasa was only on view for a very short period of time and couldn't be relocated.

VERDITER FLYCATCHER Eumyias thalassina

Regularly seen lower down on the Jomsom trek and at Phulchowki.

SMALL NILTAVA Niltava macgrigoriae

Commonly heard with a few individuals seen at Phulchowki and on pair seen at Ghasa adjacent to the waterfall.

RUFOUS-BELLIED NILTAVA Niltava sundara

Seen on the Jomsom trek and at Phulchowki.

PALE-CHINNED BLUE FLYCATCHER Cyornis poliogenys

Several seen at Chitwan usually in the deep forest.

BLUE-THROATED FLYCATCHER Cyornis rubeculoides

Three at Chitwan.

HILL-BLUE FLYCATCHER Cyornis banyumas

Three seen in the forest behind Fishtail lodge, Pokhara.

GREY-HEADED CANARY FLYCATCHER Culicicapa ceylonensis

Very common at Phulchowki and in forest areas on the Jomsom trek where they were heard virtually all day long.

SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT Luscinia calliope

One female near to the Bhimle checkpoint at Chitwan.

WHITE-TAILED RUBYTHROAT Luscinia pectoralis

One female at the Bhimle checkpoint, Chitwan.

ORANGE-FLANKED BUSH-ROBIN Tarsiger cyanurus

Commonly seen at Ghasa and Ghorepani, some stunning males.

ORIENTAL-MAGPIE ROBIN Copsychus saularis

Common at Chitwan.

WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA Copsychus malabaricus

Common at Chitwan.

BLUE-CAPPED REDSTART Phoenicurus coeruleocephalus

Three in an orchard at Marpha and one on the east slope at Ghasa below the Black Forest.

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros

Several sightings at Chitwan.

HODGSON'S REDSTART Phoenicurus hodgsoni

One male at Phulchowki and several recorded on the Jomsom trek.

WHITE-THROATED REDSTART Phoenicurus sciisticeps

Commonly seen on the Jomsom trek above Ghasa.

WHITE-WINGED REDSTART Phoenicurus eryhrogaster

Surprisingly only two seen, one near to Jomsom the other below Marpha.

BLUE-FRONTED REDSTART Phoenicurus frontalis

Commonly seen on the Jomsom trek.

WHITE-CAPPED REDSTART Chaimarrornis leucocephalus

Two on the river at damside, Pokhara and common near to water on the Jomsom trek.

PLUMBEOUS REDSTART Rhyacornis fuliginosus

One at damside, Pokhara and as the above species common on rivers along the trek.

GRANDALA Grandala coelicolor

A flock of fifty or so birds were seen wheeling high up above the slopes at Ghasa but didn't linger to confirm the identification. A pair seen below Kalopani.

LITTLE FORKTAIL Enicurus scouleri

One at Ghasa at a river near to the village.

BLACK-BACKED FORKTAIL Enicurus immaculatus

At least 5 at Chitwan including a pair at a nest site.

SLATY-BACKED FORKTAIL Enicurus schistaceus

One at Birethante on the Jomsom trek.

SPOTTED FORKTAIL Enicurus maculatus

Recorded at Ghasa, Birethante and at Phulchowki in the ravine.

COMMON STONECHAT Saxicola torquata

One at Pokhara, recorded on the Jomsom trek and at Chitwan.

WHITE-TAILED STONECHAT Saxicola leucura

Common in grasslands at Chitwan especially near to Meghauli.

PIED BUSHCHAT Saxicola caprata

Common at Chitwan.

GREY BUSHCHAT Saxicola ferrea

Commonly seen on the Jomsom trek.

CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH Sitta castanea

Regularly seen at Chitwan.

WHITE-TAILED NUTHATCH Sitta himalayensis

Common at Phulchowki and in woodland on the Jomsom trek especially at Ghasa.

VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH Sitta frontalis

Two in the forest at Pokhara and several birds at Chitwan especially near to the Bhimle checkpoint.

WALLCREEPER Tichodroma muraria

Many sightings along the Jomsom trek sometimes seen calling and displaying.

EURASIAN TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris

Three at Ghasa.

BAR-TAILED TREECREEPER Certhia himalayana

Recorded in the big wood in Ghasa village on the Jomsom trek.

RUSTY-FLANKED TREECREEPER Certhia nipalensis

A few birds at Ghorepani and Ghasa on the Jomsom trek.

WINTER WREN Troglodytes troglodytes

Three at Muktinath, commonly seen at Marpha and at Ghasa.

BLACK-THROATED TIT Aegithalos concinnus

A fantastic little bird seen at Phulchowki and at various points along the Jomsom trek.

PLAIN MARTIN Riparia paludicola

Common at Chitwan.

EURASIAN CRAG MARTIN Hirundo rupestris

Often seen on the Jomsom trek.

BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica

Common in Kathmandu.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo daurica

Seen on route to Chitwan.

ASIAN HOUSE MARTIN Delichon dasypus

One only at Ghasa.

NEPAL HOUSE MARTIN Delichon nipalensis

One at Ghorepani.

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus

Several seen at Marpha.

BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL Pycnonotus melanicterus

One at Chitwan.

RED-WHISKERED BULBUL Pycnonotus jocosus

Common at Chitwan.

HIMALAYAN BULBUL Pycnonotus leucogenys

Two at Phulchowki and common at various sites along the Jomsom trek.

RED-VENTED BULBUL Pycnonotus cafer

Ten in Pokhara, four at Phulchowki and common at Chitwan.

WHITE-THROATED BULBUL Alophoixus flaveolus

One only at one of the tented camps at Chitwan.

MOUNTAIN BULBUL Hypsipetes mcclellandii

Common on Phulchowki.

BLACK BULBUL Hypsipetes leucocephalus

Very common at Ghasa.

ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpebrosus

Seen at various places on the Jomsom trek, Phulchowki and at Chitwan

ZITTING CISTICOLA Cisticola juncidus

Common at Chitwan.

STRIATED PRINIA Prinia criniger

Two seen at Ghasa on the grassy slopes and one at Phulchowki on the lower slopes above the botanical gardens.

GREY-CROWNED PRINIA Prinia cinerocapilla

Reasonably common between Tiger Tops and the tented camp at Chitwan where they were easily located in response to pishing.

GREY-BREASTED PRINIA Prinia hodgsonii

Only recorded at Chitwan.

YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA Prinia flaviventris

Only seen at Chitwan.

ASHY PRINIA Prinia socialis

Recorded at Chitwan mostly in the scrubby grassy areas near to Meghauli.

PLAIN PRINIA Prinia inornata

Two seen at Chitwan.

CHESTNUT-HEADED TESIA Tesia castaneocoronata

Easily seen at Phulchowki especially in the ravine where the birds often stood in full view on small rocks or branches in full song.

GREY-BELLIED TESIA Tesia cyaniventer

One at Pokhara in the forest behind Fishtail Lodge and easily seen at Phulchowki.

PALE-FOOTED BUSH-WARBLER Cettia pallidipes

Three at Chitwan were incredibly difficult to see at times as they moved around the dense grass.

CHESTNUT-CROWNED BUSH-WARBLER Cettia major

Fantastic views of one bird at Chitwan near to the Bhimle checkpoint with several others heard calling.

ABERRANT BUSH-WARBLER Cettia flavolivacea

Two on the east slope at Ghasa, a minimum of three seen on Poon Hill, Ghorepani.

YELLOWISH-BELLIED BUSH-WARBLER Cettia acanthizoides

Ghorepani.

GREY-SIDED BUSH-WARBLER Cettia brunnifrons

Easily seen on Poon Hill, Ghorepani.

BLYTH'S REED-WARBLER Acrocephalus dumetorum

Several seen at Chitwan in response to pishing.

COMMON TAILORBIRD Orthotomus sutorius

Common at Chitwan.

WHITE-BROWED TIT WARBLER Leptopoecile sophiae

Excellent views of birds at Kagbeni and near to Marpha.

COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita

One at Pokhara and Chitwan.

BUFF-BARRED WARBLER Phylloscopus pulcher

Common on Phulchowki.

ASHY-THROATED WARBLER Phylloscopus maculipennis

Five at Ghasa, common at Ghorepani.

LEMON-RUMPED WARBLER Phylloscopus chloronotus

Common in the forest at Pokhara and commonly seen in forested areas on the Jomsom trek.

HUME'S WARBLER Phylloscopus humei

One in the orchard at Marpha, common beyond Ghasa on the trek.

GREENISH WARBLER Phylloscopus trochiloides

Regularly seen at Chitwan each day.

BLYTH'S LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus reguloides

Two at Ghasa, common at Phulchowki.

WHISTLER'S WARBLER Seicercus whistleri

Common at Phulchowki and on the Jomsom trek.

GREY-HOODED WARBLER Seicercus xanthoschistos

Two at Pokhara, common at Phulchowki and on the Jomsom trek.

CHESTNUT-CROWNED WARBLER Seicercus castaniceps

A minimum of ten birds seen on Phulchowki on both visits.

BLACK-FACED WARBLER Abroscopus schisticeps

One above Ghasa on the Jomsom trek and reasonably common in bird flocks at Phulchowki.

RUFOUS-RUMPED GRASSBIRD Graminicola bengalensis

One only seen at Chitwan near to Meghauli in the grasslands showed extremely well.

WHITE-THROATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax albogularis

Common at Phulchowki, several groups seen at Ghasa.

WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax leucolophus

A group of about ten birds in the forest above Phewa Tal, Pokhara.

LESSER-NECKLACED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax monileger

Easily seen near to Tiger Tops, Chitwan where two or three noisy groups were found feeding in the leaf litter.

STRIATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax striatus

Common at Phulchowki in noisy groups.

RUFOUS-NECKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax ruficollis

Good views of a group of three moving through the dense grass and scrub near to the Bhimle checkpoint were located due to the call. The group moved through the vegetation rarely coming into the open before disappearing into the inaccessible Rhino infested grasslands!

RUFOUS-CHINNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax rufogularis

Fantastic views of a group at Phulchowki in the ravine with brief views of a very elusive pair along the road to the summit on the first visit.

SPOTTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax ocellatus

Seen along the ridge trail and below Poon Hill, Ghorepani. Associating with a large group of Laughingthrushes that was mostly Black faced with a few Variegated.

STREAKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax lineatus

Several along the Jomsom trek between Kalopani and Ghorepani.

VARIEGATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax variegatus

First seen at Jharkot, subsequently recorded at many localities along the trek.

BLACK-FACED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax affinis

Six at Ghasa on the east slope though at times very difficult to see whereas a group of about twenty on Poon Hill, Ghorepani were much easier to see and at times incredibly noisy.

CHESTNUT-CROWNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax erythrocephalus

Three at Ghasa, a pair at the Waterfall lodge below Ghorepani and a pair on Poon Hill.

PUFF-THROATED BABBLER Pellorneum ruficeps

Very common at Chitwan.

WHITE-BROWED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus schisticeps

Three amongst a group of White Crested Laughingthrushes in the forest above Phewa Tal.

STREAK-BREASTED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus ruficollis

Several seen at Phulchowki and at Ghasa on the Jomsom trek.

SCALY-BREASTED WREN BABBLER Pnoepyga albiventer

Fantastic views of two birds at Shikha on the Jomsom trek feeding next to the main track above the village. A bird seen extremely well at Phulchowki looked identical plumage wise to Rufous throated Wren Babbler (Spelaeornis caudatus) but clearly couldn't be as it was well out of range.

BLACK-CHINNED BABBLER Stachyris pyrrhops

One bird at Chitwan, several sightings at Phulchowki and recorded on the Jomsom trek

GREY-THROATED BABBLER Stachyris nigriceps

Regularly encountered in mixed species feeding flocks at Phulchowki.

STRIPED TIT-BABBLER Macronous gularis

Common at Chitwan.

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BABBLER Timalia pileata

Very common at Chitwan in the grass and scrub areas of habitat.

YELLOW-EYED BABBLER Chrysomma sinense

Several small groups of this species encountered at Chitwan.

SPINY BABBLER Turdoides nipalensis

Extremely good views of a bird that responded to tape on the lower slopes of Phulchowki above Godaveri botanical gardens.

STRIATED BABBLER Turdoides earlei

Recorded at Chitwan.

SLENDER-BILLED BABBLER Turdoides longirostris

Two birds in the dense elephant grass near to the Florican site at Chitwan.

JUNGLE BABBLER Turdoides striatus

Chitwan.

RED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX Leiothrix lutea

Seen on both visits to Phulchowki, each time three or four birds were seen.

GREEN SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius xanthochlorus

One to two daily at Ghasa.

HOARY-THROATED BARWING Actinodura nipalensis

One in a feeding flock just below Ghorepani.

CHESTNUT-TAILED MINLA Minla strigula

Regularly encountered at Ghasa and a few at Ghorepani.

RUFOUS-WINGED FULVETTA Alcippe castaneceps

Only seen at Phulchowki.

WHITE-BROWED FULVETTA Alcippe vinipectus

A few seen above Ghasa adjacent to the main track and seen daily at Ghasa. Easily seen at Ghorepani and Poon Hill where they responded to pishing and often showed incredibly well.

NEPAL FULVETTA Alcippe nipalensis

Only seen at Phulchowki.

RUFOUS SIBIA Heterophasia capistrata

Common at Ghasa and Ghorepani, often seen at Phulchowki.

WHISKERED YUHINA Yuhina flavicollis

Eight at Phulchowki and also at several places on the Jomsom trek.

STRIPE-THROATED YUHINA Yuhina gularis

Regular in feeding flocks at Ghasa, common in the Ghorepani area.

RUFOUS-VENTED YUHINA Yuhina occipitalis

Common in feeding flocks at Ghasa and Ghorepani.

WHITE-BELLIED YUHINA Yuhina zantholeuca

Five in the forest above Fishtail lodge, three at Chitwan.

GREAT PARROTBILL Conostoma oemodium

Despite calling this bird was very difficult to locate to begin with until eventually excellent views were obtained at Ghasa in the dense bamboo on the east slope and two birds on Poon Hill and on the ridge trail at Ghorepani. Several others heard in the Poon Hill area were not looked for.

RUFOUS-NAPED TIT Parus rufonuchalis

Common on Poon Hill.

RUFOUS-VENTED TIT Parus rubidiventris

Four at Ghasa.

COAL TIT Parus ater

Only seen on Poon Hill.

GREY-CRESTED TIT Parus dichrous

At least ten seen at Ghasa and many individuals in the Ghorepani area.

GREAT TIT Parus major

Common at Chitwan.

GREEN-BACKED TIT Parus dichrous

Common on the Jomsom trek.

BLACK-LORED TIT Parus xanthogenys

Five at Pokhara, regular sightings at Phulchowki and a few sightings lower down on the Jomsom trek.

YELLOW-BROWED TIT Sylviparus modestus

Regularly seen each day at Ghasa and a few at Ghorepani.

SAND LARK Calandrella raytal

One only at Chitwan adjacent to the river crossing outside the park.

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus

Common.

RUSSET SPARROW Passer rutilans

A few at Ghasa and lower down on the Jomsom trek.

TREE SPARROW Passer montanus

Common

CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED PETRONIA Petronia xanthocollis

One pair only in trees at the Bhimle checkpoint, Chitwan.

WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba

Chitwan.

WHITE-BROWED WAGTAIL Motacilla maderaspatensis

Four on the river between Jomsom and Kagbeni, two at Muktinath, three at Marpha.

CITRINE WAGTAIL Motacilla citreola

Reasonably common outside the park at Chitwan.

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea

Twenty in the Pokhara area, common along the Jomsom trek.

OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT Anthus hodgsoni

Ten in Pokhara, common at Chitwan and along the Jomsom trek.

PADDYFIELD PIPIT Anthus rufulus

Common in the grassy area outside the park at Chitwan near to Meghauli.

ROSY PIPIT Anthus roseatus

Three birds feeding around the large pool below Muktinath, one at Marpha and reasonably common at Chitwan near to the river.

UPLAND PIPIT Anthus sylvanus

Commonly heard at Ghasa on the grassy slopes and a few actually seen on the ground as opposed to in song flight.

ALPINE ACCENTOR Prunella collaris

A few at Muktinath, Jomsom and Ghasa.

ALTAI ACCENTOR Prunella himalayana

Several groups of up to thirty birds on the slopes at Ghasa and inside the wooded areas.

ROBIN ACCENTOR Prunella rubeculoides

Very close views of six birds in the garden of the monastery at Muktinath where they were easily photographed.

RUFOUS-BREASTED ACCENTOR Prunella strophiata

Recorded at Ghasa and Poon Hill.

BROWN ACCENTOR Prunella fulvescens

Three in scrubby vegetation north of Jomsom, a few at Jharkot and a few others at scattered sites north of Jomsom.

FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum ignipectus

A few at Phulchowki.

PURPLE SUNBIRD Nectarinia asiatica

Only one seen at Chitwan near to Tiger Tops.

MRS GOULD'S SUNBIRD Aethopyga gouldiae

Phulchowki

GREEN-TAILED SUNBIRD Aethopyga nipalensis

Regular at Ghasa and Phulchowki, common on Poon Hill.

BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRD Aethopyga saturata

Recorded at Ghasa and Phulchowki.

FIRE-TAILED SUNBIRD Aethopyga ignicauda

Seen at Phulchowki and on Poon Hill.

FIRE-FRONTED SERIN Serinus pusillus

Only recorded at Kagbeni where a group of eight birds fed in the agricultural area and adjacent slope above the village next to the track leading to Muktinath.

TIBETAN SISKIN Carduelis thibetana

Jomsom trek.

YELLOW-BREASTED GREENFINCH Carduelis spinoides

Two showed well above Shikha on the trek and a flock of thirty birds flew over.

SPECTACLED FINCH Callacanthis burtoni

A pair of these superb birds seen on two dates feeding close to the village at Ghorepani afforded very close views though unfortunately next to a very unsavoury local toilet.

PLAIN MOUNTAIN-FINCH Leucosticte nemoricala

Six at Kagbeni, a small flock near to Kalopani and several birds at Poon Hill.

DARK-BREASTED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus nipalensis

Two or three only at Ghasa whereas very common in the Ghorepani and Poon Hill area, one at Phulchowki.

COMMON ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus

Only recorded at Chitwan.

BEAUTIFUL ROSEFINCH Carpodacus pulcherrimus

Five in the monastery garden at Muktinath, common at Marpha and Ghorepani, five at Ghasa.

PINK-BROWED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus rodochrous

Surprisingly only one seen below Chitre on the Jomsom trek.

SPOT-WINGED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus rodopeplus

First seen at Ghasa where a few were seen each day, later recorded at Ghorepani where a minimum of ten birds were seen.

WHITE-BROWED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus thura

Two at Ghasa.

STREAKED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus rubicilloides

Only recorded at Kagbeni where eight were seen.

CRIMSON-BROWED FINCH Propurrhula subhimachala

Two females and one male at the base of Poon Hill.

BROWN BULLFINCH Pyrrhula nipalensis

A group of fifteen birds in the ravine at Phulchowki.

RED-HEADED BULLFINCH Pyrrhula erythrocephala

Three seen on the west slope at Ghasa below the Tragopan wood and four near to the village at Ghorepani.

COLLARED GROSBEAK Mycerobas affinis

A pair of Grosbeaks on Poon Hill seen briefly in flight only were probably this species.

WHITE-WINGED GROSBEAK Mycerobas carnipes

Only seen in the garden of the monastery at Muktinath where a group of six birds fed at close range on the low vegetation.

CRESTED BUNTING Melophus lathami

First seen above Ulleri on the trek with a few sightings at Chitwan.

PINE BUNTING Emeriza leucocephalos

A small flock seen in agricultural fields at Kagbeni and a group of up to fifty birds in the orchards at Marpha.

ROCK BUNTING Emberiza cia

Common on the Jomsom trek.

YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING Emberiza aureola

One near to Meghauli, Chitwan.

336 species

MAMMAL LIST

RHESUS MACAQUE Macaca mulatta

Common near to Birethante, and around Kathmandu.

GREY LANGUR Presbytis entellus

One at Kalopani, several at Ghasa, common at Chitwan.

SLOTH BEAR Melursus ursinus

Two near the Bhimle checkpoint at Chitwan.

YELLOW-THROATED MARTEN Martes flavigula

One at Phulchowki and one at Shikha.

INDIAN RHINOCEROS Rhinoceros unicornis

Three seen whilst on foot in the park and six from Elephant back at Chitwan.

WILD BOAR Sus scrofa

Common in Chitwan.

INDIAN MUNTJAC Muntiacus muntjac

Common in Chitwan, one at Ghasa and one at Ghorepani.

CHITAL Cervus axis

Common in Chitwan.

HOG DEER Cervus porcinus

Common in Chitwan.

SAMBAR Cervus unicolor

One group seen in Chitwan.

GAUR Bos gaurus

Two seen in Chitwan.

COMMON GORAL Nemorhaedus goral

Four seen on the west slope at Ghasa.

Barry Wright E-mail: barry[at]birding98.fsnet.co.uk