NEPAL REP 09 - Birdquest

LEADER: SIMON HARRAP and RAMESH KARKI 

NEPAL 

21 FEBRUARY – 8 MARCH 2009 

TOUR REPORT 

The 2009 Birdquest tour to Nepal was (despite a little logistical ‘hiccup’, i.e. we could not get to Kosi 

due to civil unrest), very successful. We logged 341 species, including great looks at the endemic 

Spiny Babbler, as we as specialities like Bengal Florican, Black Bittern, Watercock, no less than seven 

species of vulture, Grey-headed Lapwing, five species of green pigeon, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, 

Himalayan Flameback, Himalayan Rubythroat, three species of forktail, Cutia, Slender-billed Babbler, 

Black-chinned Yuhina, Grey-crowned Prinia, Pale-footed and Large Bush-Warblers, Brown Bullfinch 

and two vagrants to Nepal, Smew and Chinese Spotbill. Mammal interested was provided by two 

sightings of Sloth Bear and over 20 Indian Rhinos. 

After the long journey via the Gulf we finally arrived in Kathmandu in the late afternoon and 

thankfully took our bus through the city's crowded, noisy street to our hotel. There were masses of 

House Crows overhead and dozens of alba wagtails going to roost (just like home!). Our first proper 

birding expedition started early the next morning. We drove to Phulchowki, on the valley's southern 

rim, and a stop for water en route was enlivened by Red-rumped Swallows and Tree Sparrows, as 

well as the more exotic Common and Jungle Mynas. We made our way steadily to the summit of the 

hill (at 2767 m a dwarf by comparison with the snow-capped peaks to the north). Kaleej Pheasants 

scuttled off the road, Black Eagle soared overhead and the early morning was enlivened by several 

mixed flocks, which contained White-tailed Nuthatch, Green-tailed Sunbird, Black-lored Yellow and 

Green-backed Tits, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker and some foppish Striated Laughingthrushes. Towards 

the summit we added White-browed Fulvetta, Whiskered and Stripe-throated Yuhinas, Red-headed 

Laughingthrush and a single Rufous-breasted Accentor and, as a sign of how things have relaxed in 

Nepal since my last visit, we were allowed onto the army camp and right to the top - binoculars, 

scopes, cameras and all. We then slowly worked our way back down the hill, but by now it was 

quiet, with the bright blue skies and intermittent wind not helping birding at all. Slowly, slowly, 

however, we did find some more good birds. Golden-throated and Great Barbets, White-throated 

Laughingthrush and smart little Black-faced Warblers. We had great close-up views of Ashy-throated 

Leaf-Warbler and a trio of Brown Bullfinches, and then it was time to head back to base, tired but 

replete. 

Our second day in Kathmandu was to prove as productive as the first, if not better. Driving out from 

the hotel we added Spotted Owlet, Grey-backed and Long-tailed Shrikes, Steppe Eagle and Common 

Rosefinches before we even started birding. At the roadside in Godaveri we had nice looks at Barred 

1 Birdquest: Nepal 2009

Owlet, watching him shiver all over as he called, and we then explored an area of scrub on the lower 

slopes of Phulchowki. The hoped-for Spiny Babbler did not appear, but we did pick up a displaying 

Crested Goshawk, several neat little Speckled Piculets, Mountain Bulbul, singing Orange-bellied 

Leafbirds, Slaty-blue Flycatchers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Blackbreasted 

Sunbird, Ashy Drongo and a superb Scaly-bellied Wren-Babbler for our efforts. As a result it 

was later than planned when we entered the botanic gardens at Godaveri, but here the terrain was 

gentle and the birds still active, with White-capped Riverchats and Plumbeous Redstarts along the 

stream, Blyth's Crowned, Yellow-browed and Yellow-rumped Leaf Warblers in the trees (keeping the 

necks strained upwards), together with another Barred Owlet, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Chestnutbellied 

Nuthatch and Himalayan Black Bulbul. We also admired Orange-gorgeted Flycatcher, Greybellied 

Tesia, Hodgson's and a very smart Blue-fronted Redstart, as well as enjoying our picnic. To 

round off the day we returned to the lower slopes of Phulchowki, where it was very quiet, but we did 

manage to squeeze in great looks at a pair of wonderful Spotted Forktails before returning to our 

hotel. 

Day three started well on Phulchowki with a group of Red-billed Blue Magpies moving through the 

trees, shrieking to each-other. We headed straight up the hill, and this paid off when a trio of Cutias 

were spotted almost as soon as we got out of the bus in the target zone. We had great views of them, 

and in the same area enjoyed White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Blue-winged Minla, Grey-winged 

Blackbird and several caterwauling Maroon Orioles. Moving higher, we found a Himalayan Redflanked 

Bush-Robin (what a mouthful), Hoary Barwing, Chestnut-tailed Minla, three great Whitecollared 

Blackbirds and a party of Black-throated Thrushes feeding on some tasty-looking red berries. 

A party of Green Shrike-Babblers was a very nice surprise (and we saw a fourth later in the day), but 

then things really slowed down and the middle of the day was rather quiet. We persevered, however, 

finding Whistler's Warbler, Yellow-browed Tit, some diamond-tailed Large-billed Crows, a smart 

male Little Pied Flycatcher, Small Niltava and finally a Pygmy Wren-Babbler (a very nice comparison 

with the Scaly-bellied Wren-Babbler seen well earlier in the day). It had been a great session, but at 

last it was time to weave our way back to the hotel through the twilight traffic (and ask, who in their 

right minds would ride a bicycle in Kathmandu?). 

For a change we had a morning at Nagarjung on our final day in the Kathmandu valley. Dozens of 

Red-billed Blue Magpies greeted us, as did Grey Treepie, and along the dusty road we spent some 

time looking at low scrub, finding Grey-sided and Aberrant Bush-Warblers, Black-chinned Babblers, 

Rufous-bellied Niltavas, a vocal Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler and more Whistler's Warblers. 

Nagarjung is fairly open forest, and by walking quietly through the low shrubs we found several 

Small-billed Scaly Thrushes (it must be one of the easiest places to catch up with 'White's Thrush' as 

it once was). The trees held Blue-throated Barbets, Hair-crested Drongos and a Lesser Yellownape, 

but we could not track down a calling Collared Owlet, which went silent whenever we thought we 

had got close to it, much to my chagrin. In the late morning we drove a long way up the dusty road 

towards the summit, but apart from a Booted Eagle this was not productive, so after a picnic and 

another bash for White's Thrushes, we headed back to the gate (the rear vehicle picking up Whitecrested 

Laughingthrush, compensation for the lead vehicle's Black Francolin on the way up). It was 

then through the congested streets of the city to emerge back into the 'countryside' along the Bagmati 

river for some waterbirds and a change of scene. 

We spent some time in the late afternoon exploring a short section of the polluted, rubbish-filled 

Bagmati River. Despite the filth, we started well with a flock of Himalayan Greenfinches, and then 

found some Grey-headed Lapwings (at least 15), a real bonus bird. Other waders included three 

Black-winged Stilts and several Greenshanks, and there was a variety of alba wagtails and a Rosy 

Pipit as well. A nearby pool held a variety of ducks, including Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, 

Ferruginous Duck and a vagrant Chinese Spotbill. Also seeking sanctuary were White-breasted 

Cormorants and Black-crowned Night Herons, as well as a lone Dabchick. The surrounding fields 

held quite a few Olive-backed Pipits and we had a brief look at a Jungle Cat before it slunk off into 

the bushes. 


Leaving Kathmandu the following morning we had a change of plan, and headed west instead of 

east. We could not get to Kosi Tappu, our scheduled destination in the far east of Nepal, due to a 

bizarre chain of events. Floods last August had damaged many houses and the residents, fed up with 

the governments inadequate (or slow) compensation, had decided to blockade the main east-west 

highway around Kosi, so unless we wanted to walk rather a long way, we had no choice but to 

abandon the planned visit. So, making the best of things we now headed west to Pokhara, and had a 

great journey. At the first stop we found a Little Forktail, while we had hardly stepped out of the bus 

at the second when the first of five Ibisbills was spotted. We had great views as they fed in the fastflowing 

river, and a Crested Kingfisher perched on wires over the same stretch of water was a 

surprise. Various stops further downstream added Woolly-necked Stork, River Lapwing and Whitebrowed 

Wagtail. We also saw Eurasian Griffon and White-backed Vultures, and a little further on had 

a real vulture-fest, with around ten Eurasian Griffons sitting on rocks just a short distance away, and 

they were joined by an adult and an immature Red-headed Vulture. Near Mugling perseverance paid 

off with both male and female Wallcreeper, albeit a little distant, as well as Alpine Swift and Brown 

Dipper, and the final stop of the trip produced around 20 Egyptian Vultures and several Black-eared 

Kites at a carcass-dump. Arriving in Pokhara in good time, a wander in the hotel gardens turned up 

Green-billed Malkoha, Grey-bellied Tesia (which showed well) and Green-crowned Warbler, with a 

Snowy-browed Flycatcher towards dusk. 

We had one day at Pokhara and this too was very productive. We walked up into the forest behind 

the lodge for the morning and, although it was rather quiet, we did see some great birds. A flock of 

noisy White-crested Laughingthrushes was a good catch-up for some, and we then heard the skirling 

calls of Long-tailed Broadbill. There were perhaps half a dozen of these wacky-looking creatures and 

some of them sat for scope views. A variety of woodpecker and warblers followed, and then we 

reached the top of the hill. Some time scanning from here produced lots of Eurasian Griffons and 

White-backed Vultures, as well as single Himalayan Griffon and Cinereous Vultures. We then tried 

for Spiny Babbler and quite quickly got a response, but then the bird played really had to get. In over 

an hour of trying, we just had two or three flight views, despite the fact that it spent long periods 

singing for the dense thickets less than ten metres away. We finally had to give up but, on the way 

back down to the lodge passed some similar habitat and here I tried the tape on spec. We got an 

immediate response and soon had two Spiny Babblers teed up in full view! They stayed long enough 

for fully satisfying views as well as photographs so, dropping to the lake shore and taking a slow pair 

of boats back to the lodge, we were very well pleased. In the afternoon we explored the shores of 

Phewa Tal. Bronze-winged Jacanas in full plumage were nice, and then we spent a long time 

scanning through the flocks of ducks out on the lake (we tried to get closer by boat, but gave up 

quickly when one of the two canoes began to ship water rather quickly). There was a good variety of 

waterfowl on offer, and new species for the list included Common and Red-crested Pochards, 

Goosander and a single redhead Smew (a rare bird in Nepal), as well as several Black-necked 

Grebes. Back at the hotel a walk in the garden produced a male White-tailed Robin, and a Whitebrowed 

Shortwing was glimpsed. 

Before leaving Pokhara we had a final session in the lodge gardens. White-browed Shortwing sang 

before dawn, but did not show, but we did see Small-billed Scaly Thrush, White-tailed Robin and a 

drab female Small Niltava. The journey east from Pokhara to Chitwan was again rewarding. Initially 

we saw a scatter of vultures as well as Rufous Treepie and Crested Bunting, and then reached the 

official 'vulture stop'. Again there were lots of Egyptian Vultures, but this time they were joined by 

several White-backed Vultures in the trees and single Red-headed and Cinereous Vultures flaked-out 

on the ground. We then spotted a tree full of vultures - two White-backed, no less than five Cinereous 

and, at last, a single Slender-billed. Continuing on the journey, we made an abrupt stop for a Redthighed 

Falconet sat on a roadside tree, and some friendly locals allowed us on to their roof for 

magnificent views of this dapper little falcon, which was catching dragonflies. The next stop was 

another spot for Wallcreeper, and we had a good look at a female and saw a male in flight, but we 

were not so successful with Striated Prinia, which showed only briefly, although we did find a nice 


Shikra and a little party of White-rumped Munias. Over lunch we admired Goosanders as they mixed 

in with Great Cormorants on the river, and as we approached Chitwan we saw two Indian Rollers on 

the wires as well as a kettle of nine Lesser Adjutants right over the road. Finally we arrived and 

transferred to a rickety old Land Rover for the short drive to our lodge, ideally situated within the 

eastern section of the park. Even this short drive was productive, with Lesser Coucal and a flock of 

Sand Larks. Chitwan is a great place, and we were keen to see some birds, so after a break for coffee 

we took a short walk from the lodge down to a small lake. This added over 20 species to the list, 

including some very vocal Indian Black Ibises, Asian Openbill (and Lesser Adjutant and Woollynecked 

Stork in a nice side-by-side size comparison). Both Orange-breasted and Ashy-headed Green 

Pigeons showed well, and a Stork-billed Kingfisher posed to perfection. Crested Treeswifts soared 

overhead, and the flowering Silk-cotton trees held masses of Hair-crested Drongos, as well as Greyheaded 

Starlings, Hill Myna and, a real bonus, at least three Spot-winged Starlings (a personal 

favourite of mine). On the way back to the lodge a flock of 40 Oriental Pied Hornbills were spotted 

in some distant trees, and we found three Brown Crakes. Then, well before dusk, we lured two Brown 

Hawk-Owls into view at the end of a memorable day. 

Mornings can be cold in Chitwan, and our first there was no exception. After coffee we drove out to 

an area of grasslands, a rather tortuous and bumpy journey. We failed to see any floricans (the habitat 

here is no longer perfect, with many encroaching trees), but we did pick up a male Hen Harrier and 

some distant White-tailed Stonechats. On the way back for breakfast we added Streak-throated 

Woodpecker, Ashy Wood-swallow, Black-winged Cuckooshrike and Yellow-throated Sparrow. We 

followed this with a wander around the camp, which was very birdy. A Jungle Owlet posed for us, as 

did Green-billed Malkoha, Plum-headed Parakeet, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Small Minivet and 

Gold-fronted Leafbird. White-rumped Shama had been on view from the breakfast table, while a 

damp area below the kitchen turned up an air force-blue Tickell’s Thrush. Perusal of the undergrowth 

yielded Puff-throated Babbler and both Snowy-browed and Pale-chinned Flycatchers. Other notable 

birds were Pale-billed Flowerpecker and up to 15 Spot-winged Starlings in the Silk-cotton tree. After a 

good siesta we went out on elephant back, picking up Wild Boar as we prepared to depart. Not my 

favourite form of transport, the trip was well worthwhile, for we found a Sloth Bear which, oblivious 

to our approach, suddenly noticed one Elephant, roared and feigned towards us before slinking off 

into the undergrowth. Eventually we also found an Indian Rhino, and bird interest was provided by 

Himalayan Rubythroat for one party and Savanna Nightjars for the other. 

On the second day at the west end of the park we drove out to the Churia Hills. It was a fair distance, 

and a rather rough ‘road’, but well worth the effort. We started with another pair of Savanna 

Nightjars, picked up on call and flushed from the dry river bed. Then came a Long-billed Ground- 

Thrush feeding at the side of the river bed, which happily showed well after it had initially 

disappeared. The first of several Black-backed Forktails followed while the picnic breakfast was 

interrupted by Streaked Spiderhunters and a pair of Pin-tailed Green Pigeons and then, while we 

were trying to see a Grey-throated Babbler, Black-chinned Yuhina came into view. We followed this 

with a trogon chase, eventually finding a male Red-headed Trogon, and then a mixed flock, with 

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Green Magpie and White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, but all of 

these proved elusive. Wending our way back down the valley, we found four Black Storks and a 

chance meeting with another group put us on to a Collared Owlet, which showed superbly. Finally, 

we spotted a Wallcreeper on the soft cliffs at the valley side and again, this showed fantastically well. 

After lunch and a break, we explored the grasslands by the lodge with several ‘controlled’ fires 

crackling in the distance. In the tree tops we found Common Hawk-Cuckoo and Himalayan 

Flameback, while the grass itself held a smart Rufous-rumped Grassbird, as well as Chestnut-capped 

Babbler, Aberrant and Spotted Bush-warblers and Ashy and Yellow-bellied Prinias. On the way back 

to the lodge we flushed (with much effort) a Ruddy Crake, and then noticed a Rhino 100 metres away 

– necessitating a slight detour! 

On our last morning in the west of the park we had a final wander around the area of the lodge. We 

at last got good looks at Chestnut-capped Babbler, and also saw Grey-capped Prinia very well. Pale- 


footed Bush-Warbler was also new, but this was typically skulking, albeit almost at our feet at times. 

After breakfast we headed off, and a stop at the Rapti River was very productive, with Temminck's 

Stint, Kentish Plover and Great Egret. Transferring to our bus we made our way via the back roads to 

Sauraha. Again, a stop was productive, with Richard's, Blyth's, and Rosy Pipits in the weedy fields 

and a lovely Black-shouldered Kite. At Sauraha we transferred vehicles again (after crossing the river) 

and then drove the 40 km or so to Tiger Tops. This was hot and dusty, but there were birds - Whiteeyed 

Buzzard and Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, and at the lunch stop Darter, Indian Spotted Eagle 

and a brief look at a Grey-headed Fishing Eagle. We saw another Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, this 

time a juvenile, later in the journey, as well as Osprey and Little Green Bee-eater. The journey was 

not without its mammal interest, too. A Sloth Bear showed briefly, and we logged at least five Rhinos. 

Finally, we arrived at the beautifully situated Tiger Tops Tented Camp, but did not know what to do 

first - enjoy a cold drink or look at the mixed flock of Greater and Lesser Necklaced 

Laughingthrushes? Our hosts here had some up-to-date information on floricans, and this persuaded 

us back on to elephant back in search of this ultra-rare bustard. The Tiger Tops elephants are 

'business class' but still, two and a half hours is almost too much as we made a long circuit in search 

of our quarry and were not back until it was nearly dark. It was a great success, however, as we had a 

good flight view of a male Bengal Florican as he made a wide circle around us, giving a clicking 

metallic call. We saw a few other interesting birds too, and also logged 12 rhinos, including mother 

and calf at close quarters as we returned, and saw two magnificent Gaur. Finally, after dinner, we 

had a quick look at a co-operative Oriental Scops Owl and listened to the rhinos stomping around in 

the grassland below and to the chonk-chonk-chonk of the Large-tailed Nightjars. 

The tented camp has a superb view out over a grassy flood-plain but, as usual, at dawn the next day 

it was rather misty. We wandered down to the edge of the grass and tried to entice some bushwarblers 

into view. Large showed briefly, as did Aberrant, and we also had a brief look at a female 

Himalayan Rubythroat. The babblers did better, with good views of Yellow-eyed, and then a party of 

Rufous-necked Laughingthrushes - the target bird for this end of Chitwan - came by. Red Turtle Dove 

and Wryneck were also noted, and then it was time for breakfast. Over the meal the cry of 'there's 

that black and white bird' alerted us to a fly-past by a male florican - a bird that I have never seen 

from the camp before - and we had another flight view a littler later in the morning too. We spent the 

rest of the morning walking through the forest to Tiger Tops lodge, but were delayed at first by the 

camp laughingthrush flock, which this time contained White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, which 

showed well, as did both necklaced laughingthrushes. We also spent time looking at a small pool 

and the adjacent grassland. A Watercock was very welcome, as were male and female Painted Snipe 

feeding in the open and a brief flight view of a Chestnut Bittern. Best of all, however, were a party of 

Slender-billed Babblers that hove into view and sat up on the grass calling form time to time. The rest 

of the walk was pleasant, if progressively hotter, but we did not add much to the list. Finally we 

arrived at the lodge and were greeted with cold towels and iced tea. A quick look at the rubbish 

dump before lunch produced a Tickell's Thrush and a large Wild Boar, and after lunch an Oriental 

Honey-buzzard livened up the siesta. In the late afternoon we checked out some grasslands near the 

lodge, which produced White-tailed Stonechat, Bengal Bushlark, a skulking Large Bush-Warbler and 

Striated Babblers. Scuffling in the grass alerted us to a rhino, and it proved to be a mother and calf, 

and as it was around 100 m away I deemed it prudent to get back into the jeep! On the way back to 

the camp (this time by jeep rather than on foot) we had great looks at a male Kaleej and finally, back 

at the lodge, a brief view of a Large-tailed Nightjar and a great fly-past by a Giant Hornbill. 

On our final morning in Chitwan we again visited the grassland edge and this was again very 

productive. A Crested Goshawk sat up in full view, and a Black Bittern showed briefly as it flew out 

of cover. Concentrating on the smaller birds, we had excellent views of Himalayan Rubythroat 

(including a smart male), as well as Large Bush-Warbler and Smokey Warbler. It was then time to 

pack up and say a sad farewell to Tiger Tops and its magnificent setting. We drove out of the park, 

with brief looks at Little Pratincole as we left, and then wended our way through the back roads. 

There was a ‘strike’ in the area and while we negotiated our way through one road black, we were 

turned back at the next and had to detour through ‘friendly territory’! We got to the main road with 


no mishaps, however, and sped back to Kathmandu. A few birds were seen along the way, most 

notably around 40 Eurasian Griffons attacking a cow’s carcase in the river (have you ever seen a 

vulture trying to swim!), and there was also a Slender-billed Vulture as a bonus. Our last day in Nepal 

started back on familiar territory on Phulchowki. It was typically slow, but Barred Cuckoo-dove, 

Wedge-tailed Pigeon and Sikkim Treecreeper were all new and we could not have expected more. 

We followed this with a pleasant lunch in Patan and a wander round the old city, before packing our 

bags for the final time and heading to the airport and the end of our Himalayan adventures. 


SYSTEMATIC LIST 

Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). 

Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). 

PODICEPEDIDAE 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis: One at Toudha and 100 plus on Phewa Tal. 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus: Four on Phewa Tal. 

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis: Around six on Phewa Tal; this is very local species in 

Nepal. 

PHALACROCORACIDAE 

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo: Good numbers seen, many in their smart ‘white-headed’ 

breeding plumage, including 20 at Toudha and 50 on Phewa Tal. 

ANHINGIDAE 

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster: Scattered sightings, with several at Tiger Tops and on the 

journey through Chitwan. 

ARDEIDAE 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta: Fairly common throughout. 

Great Egret Egretta alba: Just one seen, at the crossing of the Rapti River as we left Chitwan Jungle 

Lodge. 

Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia: Up to 40 on Phewa Tal. 

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: Good views of one at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and also seen on the 

back roads on the way to Sauraha. 

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus: This recent split was commonly seen in suitable habitat 

throughout. 

Indian Pond-heron Ardeola grayii: Common in several places, especially in the lowlands (e.g. Phewa 

Tal, Chitwan Jungle Lodge). 

Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax: Sightings included two at Toudha and two on the 

first evening in Pokhara. 

Chestnut Bittern (Cinnamon Bittern) Ixobrychus cinnamomeus: One seen briefly in flight at Tiger 

Tops. 

Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis: One at Tiger Tops on the last morning was a real bonus and a 

much-wanted bird. 

CICONIIDAE 

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans: Small numbers at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Black Stork Ciconia nigra: Several at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, at least four in the Churia Hills, and at 

least two at Tiger Tops. 

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus: Two showed well on the journey to Pokhara, and quite a 

few in Chitwan, with around ten at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus: A flock of nine circling the road on the journey from Pokhara 

to Chitwan, at least two around Chitwan Jungle Lodge and up to 12 Tiger Tops. Classified 

by Birdlife as Vulnerable, with a global population of 6,500-8,000 and decreasing. 

THRESKIORNITHIDAE 

Indian Black Ibis (Red-naped Ibis) Pseudibis papillosa: Superb close views of up to ten at Chitwan 

Jungle Lodge and odd ones elsewhere in Chitwan. 

ANATIDAE 

Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica: 40 on Phewa Tal and 30 at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 


Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea: Widespread, with five at Toudha, two on Phewa Tal, two on 

the journey from Pokhara to Chitwan, and good numbers along the Rapti River in 

Chitwan. 

Gadwall Anas strepera: 20 at Toudha and 100 on Phewa Tal. 

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope: Only small numbers, with two at Toudha and 25 on Phewa Tal. 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos: 70 at Toudha and 200 on Phewa Tal. 

Chinese Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha: One at Toudha (identified by the lack of red on the bill 

and the bar across the cheeks). A vagrant to the Indian Subcontinent. 

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata: Only small numbers, with eight on Phewa Tal. 

Northern Pintail Anas acuta: Around 50 on Phewa Tal. 

Eurasian Teal Anas crecca: 75 at Toudha, 30 on Phewa Tal and eight or more on the small ponds at 

Tiger Tops. 

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina: A male and two females on Phewa Tal. 

Common Pochard Aythya ferina: 50 on Phewa Tal. 

Ferruginous Duck (Ferruginous Pochard) Aythya nyroca: Four at Toudha and 30 on Phewa Tal. 

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula: 100 on Phewa Tal. 

Smew Mergellus albellus: A ‘redhead’ on Phewa Tal. This is a vagrant to Nepal, with just a handful 

of records! 

Common Merganser Mergus merganser: Three redheads on Phewa Tal, five on the journey from 

Pokhara to Chitwan and then several along the Rapti River in Chitwan. 

ACCIPITRIDAE 

Oriental Honey-Buzzard (Crested Honey-Buzzard) Pernis ptilorhyncus: Two seen well at Tiger Tops. 

Black-winged Kite (Black-shouldered Kite) Elanus caeruleus: Just one seen, on the journey from 

Chitwan Jungle Lodge to Sauraha. 

Black Kite Milvus migrans: Common in the Kathmandu Valley and at Pokhara, with scattered 

sightings along the roadsides (but not seen inside Chitwan). 

Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus: Several at the ‘vulture stop’ as we approached Pokhara. 

Grey-headed Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus: Two seen in Chitwan as we transferred between 

lodges, including an immature bird that showed very nicely. 

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus: Good numbers seen, with 20 on the journey to Pokhara, 

and 30 at the same vulture spot on the journey from Pokhara to Chitwan. Classified by 

Birdlife as Endangered, with a world population of less than 50,000 birds and decreasing. 

White-rumped Vulture (Indian White-backed Vulture) Gyps bengalensis: A distant bird at Godaveri, 

two on the journey to Pokhara, eight at Pokhara and ten on the journey from Pokhara to 

Chitwan. Classified by Birdlife as Critically Endangered, with a world population of 

2,500-9,999 birds and decreasing, largely due to poisoning by the drug diclofenac, 

which is given to cattle and which, although banned in India, Nepal and Pakistan, is sill 

in widespread use. 

Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris: Good looks at one at the vulture stop on the journey from 

Pokhara to Chitwan, and then one on the return drive to Kathmandu, with the Eurasian 

Griffons around a carcase in the river. Classified by Birdlife as Critically Endangered, with 

a world population of 2,500-9,999 birds and decreasing, again largely due to poisoning 

by the diclofenac. 

Himalayan Vulture (Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Himalayan Griffon) Gyps himalayensis: After careful 

study of photographs and the rather unhelpful literature, I have decided that all the birds 

that we saw well were this species, rather than Eurasian Griffon. All except a distant adult 

at Pokhara were immatures (with a few that may have been juveniles), which are 

separated from Eurasian Griffons by their heavily marked upperparts, with bold pale 

streaks and/or blotches on a dark ground colour, and by their pale bills and pinkish legs. 

We saw one distantly on Phulchowki, had great looks on the journey from Pokhara to 

Chitwan of a party perched by the river, saw around 20 at Pokhara (including the adult), 

four on the journey from Pokhara to Chitwan and up to 40 on the return drive to 

Kathmandu. 


Griffon Vulture (Eurasian Griffon Vulture) Gyps fulvus: 

Cinereous Vulture (Eurasian Black Vulture) Aegypius monachus: One soaring over the hilltops at 

Pokhara, and then good looks at five perched up in a tree at the vulture stop on the 

journey from Pokhara to Chitwan. 

Red-headed Vulture Aegypius calvus: Two, an adult and a subadult, on the journey to Pokhara 

perched up by the river with the Eurasian Griffons, and two on the journey from Pokhara 

to Chitwan. Classified by Birdlife as Critically Endangered, with a world population of 

2,500-9,999 birds and decreasing, probably largely due to poisoning by the drug 

diclofenac (it was though to be less affected than the Gyps vultures, but their decline may 

now mean that it can get to poisoned carcases more easily). 

Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela: Scattered singles throughout. 

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus: Two in the grasslands at Chitwan. 

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus: A displaying bird on Phulchowki and great looks at one 

perched up in the early morning at Tiger Tops. 

Shikra Accipiter badius: Scattered sightings, with one Nagarjung, one on the journey from Pokhara to 

Chitwan and two at Tiger Tops (as well as a few other unidentified Accipiters, probably 

mostly this species). 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus: One at Tiger Tops. 

White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa: One on the journey between lodges in Chitwan. 

Himalayan Buzzard Buteo burmanicus: Singles on Phulchowki, on the journey to Pokhara and at 

Pokhara, and a very distant bird from the rooftop restaurant on the last day in 

Kathmandu. Note that ‘Steppe Buzzard’ my never have been recorded in Nepal. 

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Several very good views on Phulchowki. 

Indian Spotted Eagle Aquila hastata: One in Chitwan, en route been between Chitwan Jungle Lodge 

and at Tiger Tops. Split from Lesser Spotted Eagle A. pomarina in 2002, almost nothing is 

known about the status of this highly distinctive species, except that it is definitely 

threatened, and it is classified by Birdlife as Vulnerable, with a world population of 

2,500-9,999 birds and decreasing. 

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis: Several in Kathmandu Valley at Godaveri, Nagarjung and at Toudha 

and several at Pokhara. 

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus: One Nagarjung. 

Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus: Two at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and several around at 

Tiger Tops, including some perched at close range. 

PANDIONIDAE 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus: One on the journey between lodges in Chitwan. 

FALCONIDAE 

Collared Falconet Microhierax caerulescens: Great views of a photogenic bird on the journey from 

Pokhara to Chitwan. A really neat little falcon. 

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus: One Nagarjung, two on the journey from Pokhara to Chitwan 

and a single at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

PHASIANIDAE 

Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus: One Nagarjung (for the front vehicle), heard at Chitwan 

Jungle Lodge, and several seen at Tiger Tops from elephant back. 

Common Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola (H): Heard distantly on Phulchowki. 

Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus: Two or three at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, and then common at Tiger 

Tops. 

Kaleej Pheasant (Kalij Pheasant) Lophura leucomelanos: Around six seen briefly on the first day on 

Phulchowki, then great looks at a male at Tiger Tops. 

Indian Peafowl (Common Phulchowki) Pavo cristatus: Common in Chitwan. 


RALLIDAE 

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus: One at the lodge at Pokhara, and a single at 

Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Brown Crake Porzana akool: Good looks at three or more at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and several at 

Tiger Tops. 

Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca: One flushed at Chitwan Jungle Lodge (it took a lot of effort to 

get it to move). 

Watercock Gallicrex cinerea: One showed very well at Tiger Tops. 

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: One at Toudha, 30 at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, and several at 

Tiger Tops. 

Eurasian Coot (Common Coot) Fulica atra: Twenty at Toudha and 300 on Phewa Tal. 

OTIDIDAE 

Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis: First seen from elephant back at Tiger Tops, then two 

more sightings of males by the tented camp. Classified by Birdlife as Critically 

Endangered, with a world population of 250-999 birds and decreasing. A 2007 estimate 

put the Nepalese population at just 28-36 mature individuals (restricted to a few 

widespread sites), down from 32-60 individuals in 2001. 

JACANIDAE 

Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus: Five on Phewa Tal, five at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, and 

two en route between the lodges in Chitwan. 

ROSTRATULIDAE 

Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis: Great views of a male and female feeding out in the 

open on the pool at Tiger Tops. 

CHARADRIIDAE 

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius: Small numbers on the river crossings in Chitwan. 

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus: Ten at the Rapti River near at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus: One on the Rapti River at Sauraha. 

River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii: Seen along the main rivers throughout. 

Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus: At least 15 along the river at Toudha. 

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus: Several along the rivers in Chitwan. 

SCOLOPACIDAE 

Pintail Snipe (Pin-tailed Snipe) Gallinago stenura: One along the river at Toudha. 

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago: One on the pool at Tiger Tops. 

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia: Small numbers at Toudha and on the rivers in the lowlands. 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus: One on the journey from Pokhara to Chitwan, one at Chitwan 

Jungle Lodge and around six on the trip to the Churia Hills. 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: Singles at Toudha, on Phewa Tal and at Tiger Tops. 

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii: Two at the Rapti Crossing near at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

IBIDORHYNCHIDAE 

Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii: Brilliant views of at least five at the regular stake out at Belkhu on 

the journey to Pokhara. 

RECURVIROSTRIDAE 

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus: Three at Toudha. 

GLAREOLIDAE 

Small Pratincole Glareola lactea: Poor views of three flying over the Rapti River as we left Chitwan. 


COLUMBIDAE 

Rock Pigeon (Rock Dove) Columba livia: Although this species is typically ignored, the large flocks 

of wild birds in Nepal are pretty impressive. The local race is intermedia, which lacks 

white on the lower back. 

Oriental Turtle Dove (Rufous Turtle Dove) Streptopelia orientalis: Small numbers at all sites visited in 

the Kathmandu Valley, with some nice views of perched birds. 

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis: A few in and around Chitwan. 

Red Collared-dove (Red Turtle-Dove) Streptopelia tranquebarica: Just one seen, at Tiger Tops 

Eurasian Collared-dove Streptopelia decaocto: Seen at Toudha in the Kathmandu valley and a few 

around Chitwan. 

Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall: Three in flight on the last morning on Phulchowki. 

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica: Several in Chitwan, almost all views being of birds flying away 

(or past) at speed. 

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicincta: Small numbers at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and at Tiger 

Tops. 

Ashy-headed Green Pigeon Treron phayrei: Several at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus: Two en route between the lodges in Chitwan, 

and a single on the last morning at Tiger Tops. The distinctive race is chlorigaster, which 

is restricted to the Indian subcontinent. 

Pin-tailed Green Pigeon Treron apicauda: Good views of two on the excursion to the Churia Hills. A 

‘write-in’. 

Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenura: Good views of a perched bird on the last morning on 

Phulchowki. 

PSITTACIDAE 

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria: Common in Chitwan. 

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Ring-necked Parakeet) Psittacula krameri: One of the commonest and most 

familiar Nepalese birds. 

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala: This striking parakeet is common in Chitwan.. 

Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri: Fairly common in Chitwan. 

CUCULIDAE 

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis: Several seen in Chitwan. 

Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis: One perched up as we entered Chitwan at Chitwan Jungle 

Lodge. 

Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis: One in the lodge garden at Pokhara, two at Chitwan 

Jungle Lodge, and a single at Tiger Tops. 

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii: Heard distantly the Churia Hills, then seen nicely at 

Tiger Tops. 

Large Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides (H): Heard on Phulchowki. 

Common Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius: Commonly heard in Chitwan, with good views of 2-3 

at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and a singleton en route to at Tiger Tops. 

STRIGIDAE 

Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia: Heard at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and then seen well on the first 

evening at Tiger Tops. 

Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia: Heard in the night by Simon at Tiger Tops (note that this is 

incorrectly listed as Indian Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena in the tour list). 

Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei: Heard in several places, and finally tracked down (after a tip-off) 

at the Churia Hills, with good scope views. A much wanted bird for Patrick! 

Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides: Great views of a pair at Godaveri. 

Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum: One seen at Chitwan Jungle Lodge flew off when approached a 

little too enthusiastically, and a couple of brief looks at Tiger Tops. 

Spotted Owlet Athene brama: One was well –spotted by Ramesh on the outskirts of Kathmandu.. 


Brown Hawk-Owl Ninox scutulata: Great views of a pair in broad daylight at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, 

and also heard at Tiger Tops and by the lodge at Pokhara. 

CAPRIMULGIDAE 

Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus: Heard at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and at Tiger Tops, with 

a brief fly-past at the latter camp. 

Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis: Two different pairs seen in daylight in Chitwan, one at the 

Churia Hills and the other from elephant back at Chitwan Jungle Lodge; both were 

calling loudly in daylight, alerting us to their presence. 

APODIDAE 

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba: At least six wheeling around at the Wallcreeper spot on the 

journey to Pokhara. 

Little Swift Apus affinis: Common in Kathmandu and in towns in the lowlands, we picked up an 

unfortunate moribund bird (which seemed to far gone to survive) on Phulchowki. 

HEMIPROCNIDAE 

Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata: Good numbers around at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and a few 

in the Churia Hills. 

TROGONIDAE 

Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus: A slightly elusive male in the Churia Hills. 

ALCEDINIDAE 

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: Indeed common along the rivers in Chitwan. 

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis: Great views of a tame bird at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

White-throated Kingfisher (White-breasted Kingfisher) Halcyon smyrnensis: Scattered sightings from 

Nagarjung and Toudha to Chitwan. 

Himalayan Pied Kingfisher (Crested Kingfisher) Ceryle lugubris: One showed well on over-river wires 

at the Wallcreeper spot on the journey to Pokhara, and one briefly at the lodge at 

Pokhara. 

Lesser Pied Kingfisher (Pied Kingfisher) Ceryle rudis: A single at the pool at Chitwan Jungle Lodge 

and a couple around the Rapti River. 

MEROPIDAE 

Little Green Bee-eater (Green Bee-eater) Merops orientalis: A few at Tiger Tops, and then lots on the 

fences at Meghauli as we left the park. 

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti: Good numbers in Chitwan, especially around the 

grasslands at Tiger Tops. 

CORACIIDAE 

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis: A couple on the wires as we approached Chitwan and near 

Tiger Tops, and then a single as we left the park; hardly a three-star birds? 

UPUPIDAE 

Common Hoopoe (Eurasian Hoopoe) Upupa epops: Four at Toudha and a few around Chitwan. 

BUCEROTIDAE 

Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris: Up to 55 in impressive pre-roost gatherings at 

Chitwan Jungle Lodge, and then a few around at Tiger Tops. 

Great Pied Hornbill (Great Hornbill) Buceros bicornis: A couple seen from elephant back at Chitwan 

Jungle Lodge, and one seen by Simon there, flying over the camp, but the most 

satisfactory was the bird which flew right past the bar on the last evening at Tiger Tops. 


MEGALAIMIDAE 

Great Barbet Megalaima virens: Several seen on Phulchowki, at Nagarjung and at Pokhara. Sounds 

like a flock of sea gulls! 

Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata: Common in Chitwan, with a few good sightings. 

Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii: One scoped on Phulchowki, and also seen at 

Nagarjung. 

Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica: Seen very well in the lodge gardens at Pokhara, and also a 

few in Chitwan. 

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala: Seen well in the lodge gardens at Pokhara, and also 

heard in Chitwan. 

PICIDAE 

Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla: One showed well on the last morning at Tiger Tops. 

Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus: At least four seen around Godaveri. 

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker (Grey-capped Woodpecker) Dendrocopos canicapillus: A single 

bird seen at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Fulvous-breasted Pied Woodpecker (Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker) Dendrocopos macei: Several at 

Chitwan Jungle Lodge and Tiger Tops. As currently defined, this species is now a near 

subcontinent-endemic, extending only to western and northern Myanmar. 

Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus: Singles at Nagarjung and the Churia Hills, with good looks at 

2-3 around at Tiger Tops. 

Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha: Seen well in the lodge gardens at Pokhara, feeding on nectar, 

and also at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus: Two or three seen at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Grey-faced Woodpecker Picus canus: Our commonest woodpecker, with many sightings. 

Himalayan Flameback Dinopium shorii: A singleton in some distant trees at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus: Excellent views of two around the camp at Chitwan 

Jungle Lodge. 

EURYLAIMIDAE 

Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae: Great looks at a vocal party of these bizarre birds at 

Pokhara. 

ALAUDIDAE 

Bengal Bushlark Mirafra assamica: One posed for us by the river at Tiger Tops. 

Sand Lark Calandrella raytal: A handful at the crossings of the Rapti River in Chitwan. 

HIRUNDINIDAE 

Grey-throated Sand-martin Riparia chinensis: Common in suitable habitat throughout. 

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: Scattered in small numbers throughout. 

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica: Nice views in at Godaveri as we stopped to buy water, and 

then an intriguing party sitting on a tree on the first morning at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

MOTACILLIDAE 

White Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alba: A couple at Toudha and also a couple along the Rapti River in 

Chitwan. The Asian populations of this form are often named ‘dukhunensis’, but Pipits 

and Wagtails states: ‘In our view ‘dukhunensis’ is better synonymized with alba, since the 

plumage differences from alba are too small and variable to warrant recognition.’ 

Himalayan Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alboides: The common wagtail along rivers and streams 

throughout the tour. 

Amur Wagtail Motacilla [alba] leucopsis: Around four at the Rapti crossing near Sauraha. 

White-browed Wagtail Motacilla madaraspatensis: This conspicuous subcontinent endemic was 

regularly recorded throughout along any suitable river. 

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola: Two at the first crossing of the Rapti River. 


Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: Regular sightings of this wintering Palearctic species along the main 

rivers. 

Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi: Two ‘big pipits’ in the fields on the back route to Sauraha. 

Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus: Small numbers seen (e.g. at Toudha, Chitwan Jungle Lodge and the 

river crossings). 

Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii: Up to six in the fields on the back route to Sauraha, flying up into 

the trees giving a chup chup call. 

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni: Small numbers at several sites; they too often fly up into the 

trees and sit there, pumping their tails. 

Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus: Singles along the river at Toudha, Chitwan Jungle Lodge and at the Rapti 

crossing. 

CAMPEPHAGIDAE 

Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei: These raucous birds were seen, mostly in flight, in the woods at 

Pokhara and at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos: One on the first morning at Chitwan Jungle 

Lodge. 

Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus: Small numbers at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and at Tiger 

Tops. 

Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus: Good numbers on Phulchowki and at Godaveri. 

Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris: One perched up at the foot of Phulchowki, showing its 

wing pattern for a little while. 

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus: Small numbers at Godaveri, at Pokhara and in Chitwan. 

Pied Flycatcher-shrike (Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike) Hemipus picatus: A couple at Godaveri, and 

then small numbers at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and at Tiger Tops. 

Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus: Several at Tiger Tops. 

RHIPIDURIDAE 

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis: Plenty on Phulchowki and at Godaveri, and also seen in 

Chitwan (even in the grassland at Tiger Tops). 

Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha: This curious little fantail was seen a couple of times on 

Phulchowki. 

PYCNONOTIDAE 

Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris: Good numbers in Chitwan. 

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus: Common in Chitwan. 

Himalayan Bulbul (White-cheeked Bulbul) Pycnonotus leucogenys: Small numbers at Godaveri, 

Nagarjung, Pokhara and at the Churia Hills in Chitwan. Restricted to the Himalayan 

region of the Indian subcontinent. 

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus caffer: Seen throughout; and abundant in Chitwan. 

Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala (NL): One seen by Danny at Pokhara. 

Mountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandii: A few on Phulchowki and at Nagarjung. 

Himalayan Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus: Flocks in the tree tops at Godaveri and 

Nagarjung, and then plenty in Chitwan, at the Churia Hills and at Tiger Tops. 

AEGITHINIDAE 

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia: Small numbers at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and Tiger Tops. 

CHLOROPSEIDAE 

Gold-fronted Leafbird (Golden-fronted Leafbird) Chloropsis aurifrons: One at Chitwan Jungle Lodge 

and three at Tiger Tops, all showing well. 

Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii: Four in the scrub at Godaveri, comprising two pairs 

singing heartily at each other. 


LANIIDAE 

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach: Small numbers throughout. 

Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus: One at the roadside en route to Godaveri. 

CINCLIDAE 

Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasi: One or two on the journey to Pokhara, but elusive at times. 

PRUNELLIDAE 

Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata: One at the army base at the summit of Phulchowki. 

MUSCICAPIDAE 

Small-billed Scaly Thrush (Scaly Thrush) Zoothera dauma: Several showed well at Nagarjung, and 

then one briefly in the gardens of the lodge at Pokhara. 

Long-billed Ground-Thrush Zoothera monticola: One in the Churia Hills showed well at the side of a 

dry river bed. A ‘write-in’. 

Tickell’s Thrush Turdus unicolor: A smart male at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and then 1-2 female types 

around the rubbish at Tiger Tops. 

White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus: Three superb birds near the summit of Phulchowki. 

Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul: A pair on Phulchowki on two dates, and then 2-4 at 

Nagarjung. 

Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis: A flock of 20 or so in the little valley near the summit of 

Phulchowki, feeding on some red berries. 

Blue Whistling-thrush Myophonus caeruleus: Small numbers seen at most sites, including 

Phulchowki, Nagarjung, Pokhara and in Chitwan. 

MUSCICAPIDAE 

Orange-gorgeted Flycatcher (Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher) Ficedula strophiata: Good looks on 

Phulchowki, Nagarjung and at Pokhara. 

Red-throated Flycatcher (Taiga Flycatcher) Ficedula albicilla: A couple at Pokhara and then singles 

around Chitwan Jungle Lodge and at Tiger Tops; all were females or immatures, lacking 

any red on the throat. 

Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra: A male seen by Simon at the lodge at Pokhara, and 

then females seen well at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and (by the breakfast table) at Tiger Tops. 

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni: A male was seen very well on Phulchowki. 

Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor: A couple of males in the scrub at Godaveri, and then several 

in the grassland at Tiger Tops. 

Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae: One or two stunning males at the base of on Phulchowki, and 

then a female at the lodge at Pokhara, with only the slightest trace of blue at the sides of 

the breast. 

Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara: Brief views on Phulchowki, and then two males at 

Nagarjung. 

Pale-chinned Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys: Seen at both Chitwan Jungle Lodge and Tiger Tops, in 

the immediate vicinity of the lodge, and several more heard singing. 

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher (Grey-headed Flycatcher) Culicicapa ceylonensis: Small numbers at 

all forested sites. 

Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris: Four seen on Phulchowki on the first visit. 

White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana: One seen by Patrick at the lodge at Pokhara, and 

then heard singing before dawn there the following morning. 

Himalayan Rubythroat (White-tailed Rubythroat) Luscinia pectoralis: One seen from one of the 

elephants at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, and then at least four at Tiger Tops, including a 

resplendent male. 

Himalayan Red-flanked Bush-robin (Himalayan Red-flanked Bluetail) Tarsiger rufilatus: A femaleplumaged 

bird near the summit of Phulchowki. A recent split from Orange-flanked Bush 

Robin (Red-flanked Bluetail) Tarsiger cyanurus. 


Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis: A few seen, e.g. at Nagarjung, Pokhara and Tiger Tops. 

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus: A pair showed well around the lodge at Chitwan 

Jungle Lodge, and heard at Tiger Tops. 

Hodgson’s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni: A drab female at Godaveri. 

Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis: Nice views of a smart male and a female at Godaveri. 

White-capped River-Chat (White-capped Water-Redstart, River Chat) Chaimarrornis leucocephalus: 

First seen at Godaveri, and then several along the main rivers on the drive to and from 

Pokhara. 

Plumbeous Water-redstart (Plumbeous Redstart) Rhyacornis fuliginosa: Again, first seen at Godaveri 

and common along the rivers, but also seen around Phewa Tal and in the Churia Hills in 

Chitwan. 

White-tailed Blue Robin (White-tailed Robin) Myiomela leucura: A male showed well, if briefly, on 

several occasions in the garden at Pokhara. 

Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri: Great views of a single bird on the journey to Pokhara. 

Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus: At least six in the Churia Hills, and then seen near the 

camp at Tiger Tops. 

Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus: Unusually good and prolonged views of a pair in the gully at 

the base of Phulchowki. 

Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura: Small numbers throughout, but commonest in the grasslands at 

Chitwan. 

White-tailed Stonechat Saxicola leucura: A couple distantly in the grasslands at Chitwan Jungle 

Lodge, and then seen rather better in the riverine grass near Tiger Tops lodge. 

Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata: Scattered sightings on the longer drives and in Chitwan. 

Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea: A handful at Godaveri and on Phulchowki on the last morning. 

TIMALIIDAE 

White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis: Some good flocks of this wonderful 

laughingthrush on Phulchowki. 

White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucocephalus: Seen by the back vehicle on Nagarjung and 

then good views at Pokhara and in the Churia Hills. 

Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax monileger: Great looks at Tiger Tops. 

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis: Again, great looks in the mixed flocks at 

Tiger Tops, and also seen, but more elusive, in the Churia Hills. 

Striated Laughingthrush Grammatoptila striata: Fantastic views of a pair of these sturdy, floppycrested 

laughingthrushes on Phulchowki. 

Rufous-necked Laughingthrush Dryonastes ruficollis: A flock seen on both mornings on the grassland 

edge at Tiger Tops. 

Red-headed Laughingthrush (Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush) Garrulax erythrocephalum: Good 

views of several flocks on Phulchowki. 

Cutia Cutia nipalensis: Fantastic looks at three of these sturdy babblers on Phulchowki. 

Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps: Several seen, and many more heard, in Chitwan. 

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus erythrogenys: Great views of a calling bird at 

Nagarjung. 

White-browed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps: Several seen around Tiger Tops, and 

eventually we all had nice views. 

Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis: Seen well at Godaveri (at almost pointblank 

range as we were looking for Spiny Babbler) and again on the last morning on 

Phulchowki. 

Scaly-breasted Wren-babbler Pnoepyga albiventer: Good views of two birds on Phulchowki and 

another at the foot of the mountain in a gully at Godaveri. 

Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla: One showed nicely at the foot of Phulchowki, and also 

heard a few times at the lodge at Pokhara. 

Black-chinned Babbler Stachyris pyrrhops: Several at Godaveri and Nagarjung. This little babbler has 

a restricted range in the west and central Himalayas. 


Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps: Seen on Phulchowki and in the Churia Hills, but rather 

elusive. 

Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis: Commonly heard in Chitwan, and plenty crawling around in 

the bushes by the lodges (if you looked). 

Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata: Eventually some nice views of this striking babbler in the 

grassland of Chitwan. 

Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense: Seen at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and, rather better, at Tiger 

Tops. 

Spiny Babbler Turdoides nipalensis: After a real song-and-dance with the first one, we had 

FANTASTIC views of a pair at Pokhara. Endemic to Nepal. 

Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei: A couple of parties around at Tiger Tops. 

Slender-billed Babbler Turdoides longirostris: Three or four parties in the grasslands at Tiger Tops, 

with some nice views of birds sitting up on the grass in full view. Classified by Birdlife as 

Vulnerable, with a world population of 2,500-9,999 birds, and Nepalese population of 

less than a thousand birds. 

Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus: Some tame and noisy parties in Chitwan. 

Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea: Just one seen briefly in the big ravine at the foot of Phulchowki. 

Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis: A couple showed well on the upper slopes of 

Phulchowki. 

Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera: Two or three on Phulchowki, eventually showing well. 

This is the beautifully-coloured nominate race, at the western extremity of its range. 

Further east in South-East Asia, there are some distinctive races that probably deserve 

separate species status. 

Bar-throated Minla (Chestnut-tailed Minla) Minla strigula: Seen well on Phulchowki. 

Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps: Around four on Phulchowki, but they tended to slip 

away rather quickly …. 

White-browed Fulvetta Alcippe vinipectus: Lots of good views of these cheeky little chaps on 

Phulchowki. 

Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis: Several on Phulchowki, and also seen in the Churia Hills in 

Chitwan. 

Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata: This attractive bright sibia of the west and central Himalayas 

was common on Phulchowki, where its calls is one of the most characteristic and 

evocative sounds. 

Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis: One on Phulchowki. 

Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis: Lots on the upper slopes of Phulchowki. 

Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta: Two in the Churia Hills; a new bird for your leader! 

White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis: Two or three sightings on Phulchowki, where 

they seemed unusually obvious this year. 

Green Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus: Four on Phulchowki, with one spending an 

extended period right out in the open. Studies of DNA have clearly demonstrated that 

shrike-babblers are actually vireos, and not even remotely related to babblers. 

White-bellied Erpornis (White-bellied Yuhina) Erpornis zantholeuca: Two at Nagarjung. Not a 

yuhina, nor even a babbler, and it too may prove to be a vireo. 

CISTICOLIDAE 

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis: Seen in the grasslands at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Striated Prinia Prinia criniger: Two elusive birds seen at the side of the road on the journeys to and 

from Pokhara. 

Grey-crowned Prinia Prinia cinereocapilla: Several good views at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and at Tiger 

Tops. Almost endemic to the lowlands of Nepal (it has been recorded in the terai of Uttar 

Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam, India, and was recently also found at Sukhna, along 

the Haryana-Punjab state border; in Nepal, it formerly occurred from Kanchanpur district 

in the west to Ilam district in the east, but it has declined and is now limited to an area 

centred around Chitwan National Park and the adjacent Parsa Wildlife Reserve; it is also 


known locally from Bhutan, where it is considered rare). Classified by Birdlife as 

Vulnerable, with a world population of 10,000-19,999 birds. The key threat is the loss of 

shrubby grasslands and open forests in the terai through conversion to agriculture, 

collection of fuelwood, overgrazing of livestock, and burning and harvesting of grass for 

thatch. 

Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii: Common in the scrubbier areas of Chitwan. 

Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris: Just one seen, at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis: Two sightings in Chitwan. 

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata: Fairly common in the grasslands at Chitwan. 

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius: Ones and two seen at several sites. 

SYLVIIDAE 

Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata: One seen briefly on Phulchowki, and heard at 

Pokhara. 

Yellow-browed Tesia (Grey-bellied Tesia) Tesia cyaniventer: One seen briefly in Godaveri, and then 

good looks at one in the lodge garden at Pokhara. 

Pale-footed Bush-Warbler Cettia pallidipes: One seen and another heard at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, 

but otherwise conspicuous by its absence (in most seasons it is often heard singing 

around Tiger Tops). 

Large Bush-warbler (Chestnut-crowned Bush-warbler) Cettia major: Several at Tiger Tops, in rank 

vegetation near water, but hard to get decent views as they spend most of the time 

crawling around on the ground. 

Grey-sided Bush-warbler Cettia brunnifrons: Seen at Nagarjung and heard at Pokhara and in 

Chitwan. 

Aberrant Bush-warbler Cettia flavolivacea: Several seen, at Nagarjung and in Chitwan. The 

yellowness of the plumage makes it a relatively easy bush-warbler to identify. 

Spotted Bush-Warbler Bradypterus thoracicus: One seen briefly at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and heard 

by the pools at Tiger Tops. 

Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum: A single bird at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus tristis: Just one seen, on the transit via back roads to Sauraha. 

Smoky Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus fuligiventer: One showed well on the last morning at Tiger Tops. 

Orange-barred Leaf-warbler (Buff-barred Warbler) Phylloscopus pulcher: Common on Phulchowki. 

Grey-faced Leaf-warbler (Ashy-throated Warbler) Phylloscopus maculipennis: Several on the upper 

slopes of Phulchowki, with some great looks at this smart little warbler. 

Lemon-rumped Leaf-warbler (Lemon-rumped Warbler) Phylloscopus chloronotus: Just two seen, at 

Godaveri and on Phulchowki; a recent split from Pallas’s Leaf-warbler. 

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus: A few around Godaveri and in Chitwan. 

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides: Several at Pokhara and common in Chitwan. 

Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis: One showed well at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides: Common at Godaveri, Nagarjung, and in Chitwan, 

with one seen quite high up on Phulchowki. 

Grey-hooded Warbler Phylloscopus xanthoschistos: Common on Phulchowki, and also seen at 

Godaveri, Nagarjung and at Pokhara. 

Green-crowned Warbler (Golden-spectacled Warbler) Seicercus burkii: A single bird identified at 

Pokhara. 

Whistler’s Warbler Seicercus whistleri: Two or three on Phulchowki and also seen at Nagarjung. 

Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps: 2-3 seen briefly on Phulchowki. 

Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps: Several flocks on Phulchowki, with some great looks at 

this smart little bird. 

Rufous-rumped Grassbird (Large Grass Warbler) Graminicola bengalensis: Great looks at this 

surprisingly smart warbler at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 


AEGITHALIDAE 

Red-headed Tit (Black-throated Tit) Aegithalos concinnus: This sprightly little black-masked bandit 

was particularly common on Phulchowki, and also seen at Godaveri and Nagarjung. 

PARIDAE 

Grey Tit Parus cinereus: Common at Godaveri, Nagarjung, at Pokhara and in Chitwan. This is a long 

overdue split from Great Tit P. major. 

Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus: Several on Phulchowki. 

Black-lored Yellow Tit (Black-lored at Toudha) Parus xanthogenys: Frequently encountered on 

Phulchowki and at Nagarjung and Pokhara. This species, as currently defined, is 

restricted to the west and central Himalayas. 

Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus: Three of these undistinguished little tits on Phulchowki. 

SITTIDAE 

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris: A few at Godaveri and Nagarjung, then common in 

Chitwan, where the ‘referee’s whistle call’ is one of the characteristic sounds. 

White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis: Common on Phulchowki, with one hopping around on the 

road in front of us on the last morning. 

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis: A few at Pokhara and in Chitwan. 

Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria: Two on the journey to Pokhara, with better looks at two on the 

drive to Chitwan, and then a very obliging bird in the Churia Hills. A much-wanted bird. 

CERTHIIDAE 

Sikkim Treecreeper (Brown-throated Treecreeper) Certhia discolor: One on the last morning on 

Phulchowki, singing from some large trees just 100 m or so below the summit (i.e. about 

2650 m). 

DICAEIDAE 

Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos: One showed very well at Chitwan Jungle Lodge 

on two dates. 

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Buff-bellied Flowerpecker) Dicaeum ignipectus: Common on 

Phulchowki and also seen at Nagarjung. 

NECTARINIIDAE 

Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica: A couple in Chitwan, at Tiger Tops. 

Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis: Good numbers seen on Phulchowki and at Nagarjung; a 

really superb little beast. 

Black-breasted Sunbird Aethopyga saturata: A good-looking male at Godaveri. 

Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja: A couple at Pokhara, in the lodge garden, and also seen at 


Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna: Several in the Churia Hills. 

ZOSTEROPIDAE 

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus: Small parties seen at Godaveri, Nagarjung, at Pokhara 

and in Chitwan. 

EMBERIZIDAE 

Crested Bunting Melophus lathami: One on the journey to Pokhara, then a couple on the drive to 

Chitwan and from elephant-back at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

FRINGILLIDAE 

Himalayan Greenfinch (Yellow-breasted Greenfinch) Carduelis spinoides: 20 were seen well at 

Toudha 

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus: Eight or more at the roadside en route to Godaveri. 


Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis: Three showed well on Phulchowki. 

ESTRILDIDAE 

White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata: Five by the roadside on the drive to Chitwan, then four or 

more from elephant back at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata: Seen from the elephants (by some of us) at Tiger Tops. 

PASSERIDAE 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Common around human habitation. 

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus: Noted in the more rural suburbs around Kathmandu. 

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Chestnut-shouldered Petronia) Petronia xanthocollis: One sat up in a tree 

calling on the first morning at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

STURNIDAE 

Spot-winged Starling Saroglossa spiloptera: Three on the first day at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, with up 

to 15 on the last morning there, including some fine males. A good bird to get. 

Grey-headed Starling (Chestnut-tailed Starling) Sturnus malabarica: Common in Chitwan. 

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis: Common throughout (although mostly absent from Chitwan). 

Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus: A few around Kathmandu and on the various journey, but 

common in Chitwan. 

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa: Two or more seen at Chitwan Jungle Lodge and at Tiger Tops, 

and others heard. 

ORIOLIDAE 

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus: Small numbers in Chitwan. 

Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii: Several on Phulchowki and also seen at Pokhara. 

DICRURIDAE 

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus: Most were seen on the journeys, sitting on the wires in open 

country. 

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus: Singles at Godaveri, Nagarjung and at Pokhara. 

Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus: A few in Chitwan. 

Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus: Three at Nagarjung, then seen at Pokhara and abundant 

in Chitwan. 

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus: Several in Chitwan, at both at Chitwan Jungle 

Lodge and at Tiger Tops. 

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus: A few at Chitwan. 

CORVIDAE 

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius: Several on Phulchowki. The race here, bispecularis, has an 

unmarked crown and lacks the white wing patch of European birds. 

Red-billed Blue Magpie (Blue Magpie) Urocissa erythrorhyncha: Four on Phulchowki, then 20 or 

more at Nagarjung and some noisy birds around at Chitwan Jungle Lodge. 

Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis: One at the Churia Hills and a couple of sightings in mixed 

flocks around Tiger Tops. 

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda: First seen on the drive to Chitwan, then quite a few in 

Chitwan itself. 

Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae: A single at Nagarjung and a few at Pokhara. 

House Crow Corvus splendens: Common throughout. 

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos: A couple on Phulchowki. This species shows a more 

graduated raven-like tail than Indian Jungle. 

Indian Jungle Crow Corvus culminatus: Fairly common, including at lower elevations in the 

Kathmandu valley. 


MAMMALS 

Orange-bellied Himalayan Squirrel Dremomys lokriah: Single on Phulchowki and at Pokhara. 

Irrawaddy Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythrus: One at Nagarjung and also recorded in the lodge 

garden at Pokhara. 

Jungle Cat Felis chaus: One seen briefly by the river at Toudha. 

Indian Grey Mongoose (Common Mongoose) Herpestes edwardsii: Two sightings by Simon at 


Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus: One from elephant back at Chitwan Jungle Lodge (making a feint at the 

elephant!) and one by the road on the transit from Chitwan Jungle Lodge to Tiger Tops. A 

remarkable showing for a beast we rarely see on this tour. 

Tarai Grey Langur Semnopithecus hector: Good numbers in Chitwan. 

Nepal Grey Langur Semnopithecus schistaceus: Ten or more on the journey to Pokhara were thought 

to be this species. 

Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta: Seen in Kathmandu and at Pokhara, with several troops in 

Chitwan. 

Assam Macaque Macaca assamensis: A bunch of ugly brutes in Nagarjung. 

Eurasian Wild Boar (Wild Boar, Indian Wild Boar) Sus scrofa: Good views of a female and piglets at 

Chitwan Jungle Lodge, and other sightings included a fine adult at the rubbish at Tiger 

Tops. 

Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer) Muntiacus muntjak: 2-3 at Tiger Tops, and heard on Phulchowki. 

Sambar Cervus unicolor: A couple in the Churia Hills, then good numbers around at Tiger Tops. 

Chital (Spotted Deer) Cervus axis: Common in Chitwan. 

Hog Deer Axis porcinus: Several in Chitwan, mostly from elephant back. 

Gaur (Indian Bison) Bos gaurus: Great views at two of these magnificent beast on the elephant ride 

at Tiger Tops. 

Indian Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis: Over 20 seen in Chitwan, with some great looks. 

REPTILES 

Mugger (Marsh Crocodile) Crocodylus palustris: Small numbers in Chitwan. 

BIRD OF THE TRIP 

1 Spiny Babbler 

2= Wallcreeper 

Long-tailed Broadbill 

Bengal Florican 

Ibisbill 

23 species received at least one vote. 


NEPAL 2009 (photos by Simon Harrap, with Patrick Nash) 

CLOCKWISE: 

Blue-fronted Redstart; 

Chestnut-bellied Rock 

Thrush; 

Grey-faced Leaf- 

Warbler; 

Barred Owlet; 

Chinese Spotbill; 

Green Shrike-Babbler 

(photo: Patrick Nash) 

Nepal 2009: colour page 1

CLOCKWISE: 

White-capped 

River-Chat; 

Spotted Owlet; 

Cutia (photo: 

Patrick Nash); 

Spiny Babbler; 

Collared 

Falconet; 

Little Forktail 

Nepal 2009: 

colour page 2

CLOCKWISE: 

Himalayan 

Greenfinch; 

Ibisbill; 

Grey-headed 

Lapwing; 

Slender-billed 

Babbler; 

Stork-billed 

Kingfisher; 

Wallcreeper; 

Long-billed 

Ground-Thrush 

Nepal 2009: 

colour page 3

CLOCKWISE: 

Asian Openbill; 

Lesser Adjutant and Woolly-necked Stork; 

Woolly-necked Storks 


Nepal 2009: colour page 5 

CLOCKWISE: 

Himalayan Vultures; 

Himalayan Vulture; 

Cinereous and 

Red-headed Vulture; 

White-rumped Vulture

CLOCKWISE: 

Brown Hawk-Owl; 

Collared Owlet; 

Oriental Scops Owl; 

Indian Rhinoceros; 

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon

NEPAL REP 09 - Birdquest

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