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Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis: A real sneak and often only located by its maniacal cry, one
was seen on the Lingmethang Road but for the most part they remained hidden.
EURYLAMIDAE
Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae: A poor showing this year, with just a single calling
bird eventually coming into view near Deothang.
PITTIDAE
Blue-naped Pitta Pitta nipalensis (H): A bird heard near Samdrup Jongkhar could not be located.
Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida: These summer migrants had clearly just arrived in the foothills near
Samdrup Jongkhar, with at least six heard calling loudly from the gullies and hillocks. A
couple of birds were coaxed closer but remained hidden in dense cover, then on our last
morning we tried once again and had the pleasure of two different birds responding and
flying into view, calling back at us from high in bamboo. Wonderful views, and the first
ever actual sightings of this species on the tour.
ALAUDIDAE
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula: Three birds seen in fields at Bumthang, also heard at Ura.
HIRUNDINIDAE
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: Several birds were feeding around Mongar town, also seen near
Tashigang.
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica: Odd birds were seen, near Mongar and near Deothang, and
also in Assam.
Nepal House-Martin Delichon nipalense: Fairly numerous this year with flocks seen in several
places, especially where suitable nesting cliffs were present such as on the Lingmethang
Road.
Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus: Never as numerous as the above, the only ones seen were a
flock near Punakha.
MOTACILLIDAE
Himalayan Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alboides: Found along the big rivers in the west of the country,
and also seen at Bumthang.
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola: A nice example seen on a small marsh at Bumthang.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: Odd singles were encountered along our route.
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus (I): Only found in Assam where they were song-flighting over
roadside paddies.
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni: Commonly encountered along our way, with some singing on
territory in the high forests where they breed.
Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus: Six were seen on the Chele La, another group also on the Yutong La,
some acquiring their nice pink breeding plumage.
CAMPEPHAGIDAE
Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos: Not uncommon in the warm broadleaved
forests, often heard and occasionally seen along our route.
Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris: Found in the mid-altitude forests, we found them most
commonly along the Lingmethang Road.
Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus: Just a handful of sightings on the tour, typically the
highest altitude Minivet, and also found in poorer habitats than the others.
Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris: A few pairs noted along or route, such as on the
Dochu La, along the Lingmethang Road and near Morong.
14 Birdquest: Bhutan 2012