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NEPAL HaSa powerful fascination for most
birdwatchers. It is remarkably rich in birdlife,
having a large number of species for its size.
For this new edition, Carol and Tim Inskipp have
included a wealth of new information on the
distribution and status of Nepal’s 836 bird species.
Valuable information is given on breeding, habitat,
behaviour and range within the Indian subcontinent
with emphasis on the Himalayas. The 703
distribution maps cover all but the rarer and more
localised birds. In addition, data are presented on
those species whose breeding behaviour is little
known. The detailed section on identification of
difficult species, which includes colour plates, is of
particular value. The range and quality of the
material covered will ensure that A Guide to the
Birds of Nepal remains indispensable for anyone
interested in the birds of the region.
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BGO E TOU
BIRDS of NEPAL
Second Edition
Carol and Tim Inskipp
Colour illustrations by Clive Byers, Richard Grimmett,
Craig Robson, and Steve Rooke
Line drawings by Clive Byers, Steen Christensen,
Dave Farrow, Richard Grimmett, Patrick Hamon,
Dave Mills, Mike Parker, Craig Robson, Steve Rooke,
Ray Turley, and James Wolstencroft
IF
CHRISTOPHER HELM
A &C Black -: London
©1985 Carol and Tim Inskipp
Second edition ©1991
Christopher Helm (Publishers) Ltd,
a subsidiary of A & C Black (Publishers) Ltd, 35 Bedford Row,
London WCIR 4JH
,
ISBN 0-7136-8109-8
All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without
the prior permission in writing of the publishers.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Laser-set by The Nature Conservation Bureau Ltd,
36 Kingfisher Court, Newbury, Berkshire, UK.
Printed and bound in Great Britain by the Bath Press
on 100 per cent re-cycled paper.
CONTENTS
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Topography, Climate and Vegetation
Bird Distribution
Bird Conservation
Protected Areas
Migration
History of Ornithology
Bird-watching Areas
Identification Section
Key to the Maps
Species Accounts
Key to the Colour Plates
Bibliography
Index to the English Names
Index to the Scientific Names
6
8-9
10-11
12-15
16-17
18-19
20
21-23
24
25-30
31-83
84
85-375
192
376-389
390-395
396-400
6
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Identification Drawings
List of Illustrations
Page Artist Page Artist
Gyps vultures 33 Dave Mills Wagtails 61 Steve Rooke,
Accipiters 35 Craig Robson TimInskipp
Buzzards 37 Steve Rooke Pipits 63,65 Craig Robson
Hawk-Eagles 38 Dave Mills Black Tits 74 Craig Robson
Aquilas 41,43 Steen Christensen Buntings 79 Clive Byers
Large falcons 45 Ray Turley Kingfishers/Barbets 81 Dave Farrow
Calidris sandpipers 47 Ray Turley House-Martins 82 Mike Parker
Snipe and Woodcock 49 Craig Robson Mountain-Finches 82 Steve Rooke
Gulls 51,53 Ray Turley Needletails 83 Craig Robson
Owls 55,57,58 Richard Grimmett Greater Short-toed Lark 83 Steve Rooke
Wagtails 59 Tim Inskipp,
Ray Turley
Vignettes
Dave Farrow Craig Robson
9, 94, 118, 164, 171, 178, 189, 200, 201, 203, 226, 242, 255, 272,
279, 292, 306, 321, 334, 338
28, 30, 95, 96, 98, 104, 121, 123, 133, 151, 156, 166, 172, 177,
191, 195, 199, 205, 207, 214, 222, 229, 234, 235, 238, 241, 248,
260, 261, 268, 276, 277, 283, 285, 286, 291, 297, 300, 305, 309,
Richard Grimmett 314, 316, 317, 323, 325, 328, 329, 336, 350, 359, 364, 371
11, 18, 26, 29, 103, 113, 120, 125, 126, 129, 130, 133, 139, 142,
143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 157, 158, 160, 161, 163, 167, 176, 183,
186, 187, 210, 211, 221, 223, 224, 237, 239, 240, 245, 246, 251,
259, 266, 278, 281, 284, 288, 290, 298, 299, 304, 307, 309, 312,
313, 331, 344, 361
Steve Rooke
15, 23, 25, 28, 86, 87, 88, 92, 96, 109, 110, 125, 154, 159, 215,
227, 234, 244, 248, 271, 279, 294, 314, 323, 324, 340, 350, 352,
355, 367, 369, 373
Patrick Hamon
109, 111, 206
Ray Turley
85, 104, 156, 162, 360, 362
Dave Mills
108, 132, 138, 246, 319, 320, 343, 372
James Wolstencroft
17, 341, 346, 348, 349, 351, 353
Mike Parker
21, 87, 89, 157, 168, 197, 212, 232, 250, 287, 289, 357
Colour Plates
Plate1 Bush Warblers Craig Robson
Plate2 _‘Prinias Richard Grimmett
Plate3 _Acrocephalus and
Locustella warblers Richard Grimmett
Plate4 Phylloscopus warblers
with wingbars
Richard Grimmett
PlateS Phylloscopus warblers
without wingbars Richard Grimmett
Plate6 Rosefinch males Craig Robson
Plate7 Rosefinch females Craig Robson
Plate8 Buntings Clive Byers
DEDICATED TO
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book is a result of the contributions of a great
many people. We wish we could adequately thank
each of them.
We are most grateful to the artists, Clive Byers,
Steen Christensen, Dave Farrow, Richard Grimmett,
Patrick Hamon, Dave Mills, Mike Parker, Craig Rob-
son, Steve Rooke, Ray Turley, and James Wolsten-
croft who generously donated their work.
This book would not have been possible without
the assistance of many people who provided us with
their bird records. Special thanks go to Jack Cox
Junior, Hari Sharan Nepali and Arend van Riessen
for their important contributions. We also warmly
thank the many other observers who gave us their bird
records: Alan Adams, Per Alind, Per Alstrom, Per
Andell, Ulrik Andersen, Tim Andrews, Tony Baker,
Hem Sag Baral, Ian Barber, Larry Barnes, Dave
Barrett, Sattish Battachan, Carl-Axel Bauer, Mark
Beaman, Staffan Bensch, Arnoud van den Berg, T.
Bergstrom, Mark Bezuijen, Rob Bijlsma, Lawrence
Binford, Biswamoy Biswas, Jan Bolding, Geoff Bond,
Chris Bowden, Paul Bradbear, Dave Brearey, Seb
Buckton, Clive Byers, Dick Byrne, John Calladine,
Pete Carty, Srikumar Chattopadhyay, Steen Chris-
tensen, Andy Clements, Dave Clugston, Mark
Cocker, Andy Collins, Pete Colston, Peter Conder,
Simon Cook, John Cooper, Gordon Corbett, Bernard
Couronne, Simon Cox, Kai Curry-Lindahl, Jon Cur-
son, Adam Davison, Ian Dawson, Ridge De Witt,
Adrian del-Nevo, Paul Deluce, Tim Dodman, Phil-
ippe Dubois, Paul Dukes, Alan Dunkley, Dinash
Durrai, Nick Dymond, Jon Eames, Enno Ebels, Jens
Eggers, R.E.T. Ellen, Vernon Eve, Pete Ewins,
Richard Fairbank, Dave Farrow, Robert Fleming Jr.,
Elizabeth Forster, Steve Gantlett, Sharifin Gardiner,
Simon Gawn, John Brodie Good, Andy Goodwin,
Tony Gaston, Michael Green, Alan Greensmith,
Richard Gregory-Smith, Richard Grimmett, Gunter
Groh, Yvonne Guinan, K.K.Gurung, Kaj Halberg,
Jim Hall, Phil Hall, John Halliday, Patrick Hamon,
Per Hansen, Simon Harrap, Edward Harris, Kerry
Harrison, Andrew Harrop, Bill Harvey, Phil Heath,
Peter and Pauline Heathcote, Mortens Heegard, Joel
Heinen, Mogens Henriksen, Darla Hillard, Peter
Hines, Thor Hjarsen, Goran Holmstrom, Paul Holt,
John Hopkins, Jon Hornbuckle, Michael Hornby,
Jesper Hornskov, Stuart Housden, Sir Anthony Hur-
rell, Keith Hyatt, Rob Innes, Richard Isherwood,
Simon Jackson, Ole Jakobsen, Bob Jarman, Paul
Jepson, Ron Johns, Bas Jongeling, Torben Jorgensen,
Rafi Juliusberger, Stan Justice, Mikael Kall, Pete
Kennerley, Ben King, Niels Kjellen, Jerry Klapste,
Jean-Christophe Kovacs, Erling Krabbe, Niels
Krabbe, Andy Kratter, Lalit Lalchan, Frank Lambert,
Roy Lancaster, Jens Larsen, Christer Larsson, Steve
Acknowledgements
LeClerg, John Leece, Tony Lelliott, Paul Lewis,
Svend Linderstrom, Vaughan Lister, Steve Madge,
Jesper Madsen, Stig Toft Madsen, Soren Malling,
Trevor Marshall, Jochen Martens, Rod Martins,
Sjoerd Mayer, Barry McCarthy, Chris McCarty, Gil-
lian McKnight, Hans Meilstrup, David Melville,
David Millin, David Mills, Tino Mischler, Erik Mol-
gaard, Masayuki Morita, Kathleen Munthe, David
Murdoch, Chris Murphy, John Muston, Herbert
Nickel, Serge Nicolle, Jan Tottrup Nielsen, Thomas
Nilsson, Torgny Nordin, Gunnar Numme, Bill Oddie,
William Oliver, Klaus Malling Olsen, Urban Olsson,
Mike Parr, David Percival, Mikael Persson, Ib Pe-
tersen, Richard Pickering, Ray Pierce, Oleg Polunin,
Richard Porter, Peter Post, Mikael Koie Poulsen,
Neil Powell, Anders Prieme, Dave Pritchard, Peter
Pyle, Pol Rassel, Nigel Redman, Tim Reid, Cliff Rice,
Gerry and Lucy Richards, James Roberts, Mike
Roberts, Peter Roberts, Philip Robinson, Tim Robin-
son, Craig Robson, Frank de Roder, Mike Rogers,
Steve Rooke, Jonathon Ross, John Rossetti, Valen-
tine Russell, Bjorn Sandgren, D. Sayers, Jelle Schar-
ringa, Richard Schofield, Linda Schrijver, Mike
Searle, Suresh Shakya, Mahendra Shrestha, Peter
Sieurin, Neil Simpson, Russell Slack, Stewart Smith,
Uffe Sorensen, Graham Speight, Simon Stirrup,
Anthony Stones, Aidan Sudbury, Werner Suter, Ra-
jendra Suwal, Ian Taylor, Barna Bahadur Thapa,
Jean-Marc Thiollay, Dave Thorns, Rob Tolk, Tim
Toohig, Mick Turton, Charles Tyler, Rae Vernon,
Christer Wahlstrom, Goran Walinder, Johan Wallan-
der, Steve Whitehouse, Wolfgang Winkel, Jorg Wit-
tenberg, Martin Woodcock, Brian Woolly, James
Wolstencroft, Mark Wotham and naturalists at the
Karnali Tented Camp and Machan Wildlife Camp.
Many spent a great deal of time extracting informa-
tion from their notebooks and answering our queries
or requests for more details on particular records.
Mortens Heegard from DAFIF, the working group of
the Dansk Ornitologisk Forening for international
bird protection, kindly collected some useful reports
for us. Gyamcho Wangdi provided records made by
the naturalists of the Karnali Tented Camp.
We are especially grateful to the British Museum
(Natural History) and the Kathmandu Natural His-
tory Museum for allowing access to their bird speci-
mens and to the Chicago Field Museum for extracting
useful data from their bird collection on our behalf.
We also wish to thank the Bombay Natural History
Society; Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton;
Cambridge University, Museum of Zoology, Cliffe
Castle Art Gallery and Museum; Glasgow Art Gallery
and Museum; Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-
Tyne; Manchester University Museum; Merseyside
County Museum; Oxford University Museum;
Acknowledgements
Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Histoire; Royal Albert
Memorial Museum Exeter; Sheffield City Museums,
and the Zoological Museum of Copenhagen for their
assistance. Many useful data were extracted on our
behalf by Erling Krabbe from the Zoological Mu-
seum of Copenhagen and by Philip Round from the
Thai National Reference Collection. Humayun Ab-
dulali, the late Con Benson, Peter Colston, Clem
Fisher, Ian Galbraith, J. Hull, Peter Morgan, Derek
Read, Melvin Traylor Jr., Michael Walters, and David
Williard were also particularly helpful with our mu-
seum work.
The section on species identification was written
with the help of many people who provided valuable
information and criticised the text. Steen Christensen
wrote the text and illustrated the Aquila eagles. Per
Alstrom, Jon Eames, Richard Grimmett and Craig
Robson provided assistance with numerous species
and the following assisted with particular groups:
Clive Byers (buntings), Goran Holmstrom (Phyllo-
Scopus warblers), Alan Kitson (buzzards), Steve
Madge (buzzards and Phylloscopus warblers),
Richard Porter (birds of prey), Goran Walinder
(Phylloscopus warblers). Special thanks go to Richard
Grimmett, Craig Robson and Jon Eames who exam-
ined museum skins for information used in this sec-
tion. Richard Fairbank, Peter Grant, Bill Oddie,
Urban Olsson, Nick Preston, and Philip Round all
made useful comments on the identification section.
We are indebted to Steve Broad who generously
gave much of his time providing computing assis-
tance. Without his help the production of the book
would have been much more difficult.
We are particularly grateful to Dick Newell for his
enormous efforts in writing and running a computer
programme to plot the altitude and period of occur-
rence bars on the species maps. Robary Ltd. gener-
ously donated free computer time for production of
these bars. We also thank Bob Tonks, Louise Cook
and other staff at Robary for their invaluable help.
We are grateful to Mark Beaman for making the
publication of the first edition of this book possible,
for his advice on its content and his constant encour-
agement. We also thank Tim Sharrock for his encour-
agement in the early stages.
9
Thanks go to the Nature Conservation Bureau for
setting the text, Dick Filby for letrasetting the distri-
bution maps and Hilary Welch for drawing some of
the maps.
Useful criticism and advice on the introductory
section was received from Mark Cocker, Tim Dee,
Jon Eames, Rod Martins, Craig Robson and Helen
Taylor. Doris Noe kindly translated some German
papers for us.
We both appreciated the moral support of our par-
ents, Tom and Joyce Robinson and John and Cesca
Inskipp, while writing the book.
The artists wish to thank Clive Denby, Alan
Kitson, Steve Madge, Nigel Redman, Richard Porter,
Charlie Williams and particularly Urban Olsson for
lending photographic material. They are also grateful
to John Dunscombe, John Goldsmith, Jeff Haynes,
and F.W. and M.M. Grimmett, and to the Conserva-
tion Monitoring Centre, Exmoor National Park, the
Polytechnic of North London, the Norwich Castle
Museum, for borrowing skins from the British Mu-
seum (Natural History) on their behalf.
We are grateful to the British Museum (Natural
History), Royal Geographical Society and Zoological
Society of London for use of their libraries, and to the
Expedition Advisory Centre for providing informa-
tion.
We thank Adam Stainton for the use of informa-
tion on vegetation types from his book Forests of
Nepal and the Centre National de la Recherche
Scientifique who kindly gave permission to reproduce
maps from Le Nepal, ecologie et biogeographie by
Jean-Francois Dobremez.
Striated Bulbul
10
INTRODUCTION
Nepal has a great wealth of birds. A total of 834
species have been definitely recorded, nearly one
tenth of the world’s known birds. There are 14 species
newly recorded since the first edition of this book was
published. However, 15 species collected in the last
century, which were previously included, have now
been deleted from the Nepalese list.
The main aim of this book was to map and summa-
rise the distribution of birds within the country. The
information was collected from published literature,
museum specimens, and unpublished reports and
other records received from numerous ornithologists,
comprising a total of over 800 references referred to
throughout by numbers. These references constitute
a comprehensive bibliography of Nepalese ornithol-
ogy. This second edition includes nearly 3000 addi-
tional distributional records compared to the first
edition of the book published in 1985. All records of
rare species and those occurring outside their normal
range have been carefully checked. Unpublished rec-
ords lacking adequate supporting evidence have not
been included. Erroneous and dubious published
records, including those of 23 species additional to
those on the Nepalese list, have been discussed in the
species accounts.
Scientific nomenclature follows Voous' for the se-
quence of families and for the Palearctic species, and
largely follows Morony, Bock and Farrand? or King
et.al for Oriental species. The English names are, as
far as possible, those likely to be adopted in a list of
Oriental (Indomalayan) bird species currently being
prepared by the Oriental Bird Club. The names of
some species are different to those used in the first
edition of the book, but in such cases the alternative
names are listed as synonyms. Other names used by
various authors*4°, also Ali and Ripley 1971-1983,
Fleming et al. 1984 and Ripley 1982, are given as
synonyms where appropriate.
A detailed and fully illustrated identification sec-
tion covering some of the more difficult groups of
species is also included and has been updated. Since
1985 a substantial amount of new ornithological in-
formation has been received, especially from the
western half of the country and from the Arun valley
eastwards. However, some areas of Nepal are still
virtually unknown or under-recorded ornithologically
(Map 6). In general all of the country west of the Kali
Gandaki valley still falls into one of these categories.
Those areaswhich would be rewarding tovisit include
Api, Humla, Mugu, Dolpo, Mustang, Baitidi and
Dandeldhura Districts, Royal Sukla Phanta Wildlife
Reserve, Royal Bardia, Khaptad and Shey Phoksundo
National Parks, Dang, the Tamur valley, and the far
south-east. However, access to a few of these areas is
at present forbidden or restricted to foreigners, and
Introduction
obtaining access, accommodation and food in others
presents problems.
Much work on the breeding behaviour of Nepalese
birds remains to be done, as the details for no less
than 70 species are either little known or completely
undescribed.
We are still collecting information and hope that
this will be of use in future decisions relating to the
conservation of Nepalese birds and their habitats.
Data on distribution, status, altitudinal limits, breed-
ing and migration will be welcomed and acknowl-
edged. Please send to Carol and Tim Inskipp, Orien-
tal Bird Club, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Beds. SG19
2DL, U.K.
Finally during a visit to Nepal there are many
species to look out for, which could occur but have not
been recorded so far. A total of 68 species have been
recorded within 100km of the border, 42 fromthe east
(E), 21 from the south (S), 6 from the north (N) and
6 from the west (W). Some of these are unlikely to be
found now in Nepal: the Himalayan Quail has not
been recorded for 100 years, and the habitat for many
of the eastern species no longer exists. The migrant
species (m) are perhaps the most likely ones to ap-
pear, although some such as the Siberian Crane, have
become much rarer in recent years:-
Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis (S,E)
Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus (S-m)
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus (W,S)
Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons (S-m)
Lesser White-fronted Goose A. erythropus (S-m)
Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris (S-m)
White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala (S-m)
Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni (E)
Manipur Bush Quail Perdicula manipurensis (E)
Chestnut-breasted Partridge Arborophila
mandellii (E)
Red Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea (S)
Himalayan Quail Ophrysia superciliosa (W)
Grey Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron
bicalcaratum (E)
Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus (S-m)
Spotted Crake Porzana porzana (S-m)
Black-tailed Crake P. bicolor (E)
Sociable Lapwing Chettusia gregaria (S-m)
Tibetan Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes tibetanus (N)
Pale-backed Pigeon Columba eversmanni (S-m)
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea (S,E)
Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata (E)
Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius (E)
Mottled Wood-Owl Strix ocellata (S)
Hodgson’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus hodgsoni (E)
Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (S-m)
Oriental Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus (E)
Wreathed Hornbill RAyticeros undulatus (E)
Introduction
Oriental Bay Owl
Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente (E)
Singing Bushlark Mirafra cantillans (S)
Indian Bushlark M. erythroptera (S)
Long-billed Lark Melanocorypha maxima (E,N)
Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor (S)
Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis (S)
Rusty-bellied Shortwing Brachypteryx hyperythra (E)
Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos (S-m)
Firethroat L. pectardens (N)
Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus (E-m)
Blue-fronted Robin Cinclidium frontale (E)
Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush Monticola saxatilis (E-m)
White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti (E)
Rufous Prinia Prinia rufescens (E)
Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis (E)
Mountain Tailorbird O. cuculatus (E)
Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus
melanopogon (W)
White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis (E)
Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus
(E-m)
11
Vivid Blue Flycatcher Cyomis vivida (E)
Long-billed Wren-Babbler Rimator malacoptilus (E)
Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler Sphenocichla humei (E)
Buff-chested Babbler Stachyris ambigua (E)
Jerdon’s Babbler Moupinia altirostris (E)
Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis ruficeps (E)
Black-browed Parrotbill P. atrosuperciliaris (E)
Grey-headed Parrotbill P. gularis (E)
Giant Babax Babax waddelli (E,N)
Brown-cheeked Laughing-thrush Garrulax
hennci (N)
Yellow-throated Fulvetta Alcippe cinerea (E)
Rufous-throated Fulvetta A. rufogularis (E)
Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps (E)
Beautiful Nuthatch Sitta formosa (E)
Spotted Creeper Salpomis spilonotus (S)
Black-billed Magpie Pica pica (N)
Collared Treepie Dendrocitta frontalis (E)
Small Snowfinch Montifringilla davidiana (E-m)
Finn’s Weaver Ploceus megarhynchus (W,E)
Pink-backed Rosefinch Carpodacus grandis (W)
Grey-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythaca (E)
Black-and-yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas
ictenoides (W,E).
1 Voous, KH. (1977) List of recent Holarctic bird species.
London: British Ornithologists’ Union.
2. Morony,J.J., Bock, W.J. and Farrand, J. (1975) Reference
list of the birds of the world. New York: American Mu-
seum of Natural History.
3. King, B.F. and Dickinson, E.C. (1975) A field guide to the
birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins.
4. Heinzel, H., Fitter, RS.R., and Parslow, J.L.F. (1972)
The birds of Britain and Europe with North Africa and the
Middle East. London: Collins.
5. American Ornithologists Union (1983) Check-list of
North American birds. Sixth edition. A.O.U.
12
Map2 Annual Rainfall (by permission of CNRS)
S
7, " Lt
| f \ pa
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\ e \ pe \ 3 ee \ \ We
AY a ve ;
er 100 km
= = 500mm [[[[[] 1000 - 1500 mm 2000 = 2500 mm ty 3000-4000 —=—_
se] 500 -1000mm 1500 = 2000 mm RRBRH 2500 - 3000 mm
g . . . .
ee ; Map 3. Bioclimate (by permission of CNRS)
se Mi
>) o (a B 3 oO
= 3| Gs 2a ses 238
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as 2 ZA BINNS "ZA SS [FS
be 16 7 ee = oz)
53
Climate more variable and bixeric, winter rain, annual temperature range
High altitude - too cold for any vegetation.
Mediterranean - two dry periods each year
(bixeric) with winter rain an important factor.
Internal valleys - low rainfall with a good pro-
portion in the winter.
Steppe - characterised by droughts or dry-
ness; in 5 wind is important, in 6 and 7 also
rainfall very low.
Temperate monsoonal - mean temperature of
coldest month below 15°C.
8 slightly bixeric; 9 rainfall very high,
12-15
16-19
>3000mm/year; 10 rainfall 2000-2500mm; 11
high number of days of rain, > 150/year
Subtropical - mean temperature of coldest
month 15-20°C. 12 always bixeric; 13 some-
times bixeric, rainfall 1000-1500mm; 14 rain-
fall < 1000mm; 15 high number of days of rain
Tropical - mean temperature of coldest
month 20-25°C.
The rainfall and number of days of rain in-
creases eastwards, and the climate becomes
less variable.
Topography, Climate and Vegetation
TOPOGRAPHY, CLIMATE AND
VEGETATION
Nepal is remarkable for its great beauty and visual
variety. The country is land-locked between China to
the north, and India to the south, east and west. It lies
between the latitudes of 26° 20’N and 30°26’N, and
between the longitudes of 80°15’E and 88°10’E. Most
of Nepal lies in the Himalayas and forms the central
part of the range, one third of its entire length. The
country is small, only averaging about 870km from
east to west and has a land area little more than
England and Wales combined.
The topography changes dramatically within a
short lateral distance. There is a narrow strip of
lowlands in the south. Further north lie the Hima-
layan foothills and ranges, which run roughly east-
west across the country and include eight of the
highest peaks in the world, each over 8000m. Nepal is
also notable for its great variety of climate and vege-
tation.
Climate
The climate ranges from tropical in the lowlands to
arctic in the high peaks. It is dominated by the mon-
soon. About 90% of the rain falls during June to
September. In addition there is a less well defined
period of winter rain, falling between December and
the end of March. The monsoon winds carry moist air
from the Bay of Bengal north and west. On reaching
the great barrier of the Himalayas the air rises, cools,
and the moisture condenses as rain on the southern
slopes. The air crossing the Himalayas is now dry
resulting in rain shadow on the northern side of the
mountains in regions such as Mustang and the Dolpo.
The monsoon rains reach east Nepal first, resulting in
the rainfall here being generally higher and the mon-
soon lasting for a longer period than in the west.
Rainfall also tends to increase with altitude until
about 2500m by which time clouds have lost most of
their moisture. Above this altitude rainfall tends to
decrease. At elevations above 6100m precipitation
falls as snow rather than rain. Aspect of slopes greatly
affects the climate. Those facing south receive more
rain and sunshine than north-facing slopes. In the
tarai and dun, summer temperatures are hot, often
greater than 38°C, and winters cold with temperatures
down to about 10°C. The Kathmandu Valley has a
pleasant and mild climate with a summer maximum of
about 30°C and mean winter temperature of about
10°C. The variety of vegetation can be largely ex-
plained by the variation in monsoon rainfall experi-
enced in different regions of the country, both the
total amount of rainfall and the length of the period
over which it falls. Local conditions such as steepness
of slopes, amount of sunshine and aspect are also very
13
important in determining vegetation. Steeper and
shadier slopes tend to be damper and have a more
interesting flora. Undergrowth burns less easily in
shady areas and so the forests are much less affected
by fire.
Vegetation
Stainton’ divided Nepal into nine climatic and vegeta-
tional divisions; Dobremez? considered that there
were four main phytogeographical domains: west,
north-west, central and east; eleven altitudinal vege-
tation zones; and nineteen distinct bioclimatic types.
The following account is mainly a summary of their
work. The natural vegetation has been much affected
by deforestation.
Tarai and bhabar (Tropical zone)
The tarai is the flat narrow lowland strip 25 to 45km
wide lying north of the Indian frontier. It is a continu-
ation of the Gangetic plains of India and comprises
the most fertile land in Nepal. Most of it is now highly
cultivated and little forest remains except in the west.
There is a steady rise from the tarai to the foothills.
The dry bhabar zone, characterised by its highly po-
rous gravelly soil, extends up to about 300m immedi-
ately to the north of the tarai. Sal Shorea robusta,
predominates over wide areas forming light, open
forest. Dense evergreen forest occurs in damp shaded
areas and mixed broadleaved forest often grows along
rivers.
Dun valleys and outer foothills
Beyond the bhabar zone are the first outer Himalayan
foothills known as the Churia or Siwalik hills, rising to
1220m. To the north lies the Mahabharat Lekh rising
to 2740m, the most densely populated region in Ne-
pal. Between the two ranges are a series of longitudi-
nal valleys, often heavily forested and separated by
narrow ridges called duns, from about 300m to
1370m. In the west sal and subtropical forest occur at
the lowest altitudes, Chir Pine Pinus roxburghii from
610m to 1830m, and mainly oak forests, Quercus
incana and Q. lanata, with rhododendron higher up.
In the east sal and tropical forests are found at lower
altitudes, then subtropical forest and temperate
mixed broadleaved forest at higher altitudes.
Midlands and the southern slopes of the main Hima-
layan ranges (Subtropical, temperate and subalpine
zones)
A broad complex of hills and valleys including the
Kathmandu Valley. It is densely populated in central
and eastern areas, where most hillsides have been
14
cleared for grazing or terraced for agriculture. Rela-
tively little forest remains except in the west.
West Midlands
The West Midlands lie west of the Kali Gandaki
River. Chir Pine forests occur up to 1980m and the
oaks Q. incana and Q. lanata up to 2440m. The
Prickly-leaved Oak Q. semecarpifolia often predomi-
nates above 2440m, although Himalayan Fir Abies
spectabilis is widespread between 3050m and the
treeline.
East Midlands
The East Midlands lie east of the Arun Kosi River
system. Subtropical wet forest is found lower down,
and temperate mixed broadleaved forest followed by
evergreen forest higher up. Oaks are common, and
rhododendron species are much more numerous than
in the west, extending from middle elevations to the
treeline.
Central Midlands
The Central Midlands lie between the east and west
Midlands and comprise complex mixtures of both
vegetation types.
South of Annapurna and the Himal Chuli
This area has much higher rainfall than other parts of
the central midlands because the monsoon rain from
India has relatively low hills to cross before reaching
it. Chilaune Schima wallichii and Chestnut Castanop-
sis forests and subtropical semi-evergreen forests
occur at lower altitude. Lower temperate mixed
broadleaved forests are found higher up, on north and
west faces; oak Q. lamellosa higher up on north and
south faces. At higher altitudes upper temperate
mixed broadleaved forest or rhododendrons flourish,
rather than coniferous forests, because of the high
rainfall. Thickets of bamboo Arundinana are wide-
spread. There is a marked contrast between this area
and the dry temperate forest west of the Kali Gandaki
with a consequent change in the avifauna.
Alpine zone on slopes to the south of the main ranges
This zone lies above the treeline and receives mon-
soonrains. It is similar to alpine zones in other regions
of the world. Shrubs grow up to 4500m and above
4900m there is a high altitude flora where cushion
plants flourish. Species of Primula, Meconopsis,
Ranunculus, Anemone, Geum and Potentilla are com-
mon.
Inner valleys and dry river valleys
Nepal’s rivers cut deeply through the Himalayas pro-
ducing impressive gorges, often in a north-south di-
rection. The vegetation in their valleys is often differ-
Topography, Climate and Vegetation
ent from that of immediate surrounding areas, and
frequently shows sharp contrasts in habitat within a
short distance. Strong winds usually blow upstream,
and as a result rainfall in the centres of these valleys
and lower valleys is much reduced. In gorges, eastern
slopes close to the river receive little sunshine and are
damper as a result. The usual altitudinal vegetation
succession is often replaced by damp forest close to
the river, coniferous forest on the dry lower and
middle slopes, and broadleaved forest on the wetter
upper slopes. The Bhote Kosi in central Nepal is a
typical example of this type of valley. Valleys lying
deep within the main Himalayan ranges receive sig-
nificantly less rainfall than those on southern sides of
these ranges, and those in the west are drier than
those in the east. In the east this reduction is not great
at lower altitudes, but is much lower at and above the
treeline. Junipers and other species more typical of
the trans-Himalayas grow here. In west Nepal the re-
duced rainfall is marked even at low elevations and
affects the forest composition. Conifers predominate,
especially Bhutan Pine Pinus wallichiana, except
above the treeline where Himalayan Birch Betula
utilis is common. Such valleys include Khumbu, Lang-
tang and the upper Kali Gandaki. The upper Kali
Gandaki is the deepest valley in the world where it
cuts through the narrow gap between Dhaulagiri and
Annapurna. This causes an exceptionally strong wind
and results in an amazing change of climate and
vegetation in a short distance. Subtropical monsoon
flora grows below Ghasa. In a day’s walk up the valley
from here one passes through coniferous forests and
then into typical Tibetan flora, reflecting the effects of
strong wind and associated low rainfall beyond Mar-
pha. Scrub grows on the lower slopes and as the
rainfall increases is replaced by a belt of steppe forest
of Black Juniper Juniperus wallichiana and dry alpine
scrub, and above this wetter alpine flora on the upper
slopes at about 4100m.
Mediterranean zone (Humla-Jumla area)
This zone lies south of the main Himalayan chain but
is much drier than expected because it is sheltered by
a chain of mountains to the south where much of the
tain falls. Forests are mixed coniferous, Pinus walli-
chiana or Morinda Spruce Picea smithiana predomi-
nating up to 3050m, Abies spectabilis higher up, and
Betula utilis at the treeline.
Steppe zone
North of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna the country is
almost treeless with a climate and flora of Tibetan
character. This area lies in the rain shadow of the
Himalayas. The predominant vegetation is of shrubs,
grasses and alpine flora. Shrubs grow up to 4900m and
cushion plants at 5500m.
Topography, Climate and Vegetation
High altitude zone
The treeline is at about 4100m in the east but consid-
erably lower in the west, generally at about 3050m.
The snow-line and associated plant-line are greatly
affected by local climatic conditions and vary between
about 3655m and 5485m. Plants have been found as
high as 5200m.
1. Stainton, J.D.A. 1972. Forests of Nepal. John Mur-
tay, London.
2. Dobremez, J.-F. 1976. Le Nepal, ecologie et
biogeographie. Centre National de la Recherche
Scientifique, Paris.
Siberian Rubythroat
15
16
BIRD DISTRIBUTION
The avifauna of Nepal is exceptionally diverse and
includes 611 species which breed or probably breed.
There are 124 species whose breeding distributions
are restricted to an area encompassing the Himalaya,
north-east India, northern south-east Asia and south-
west China, for which Nepal may hold internationally
significant populations. The country may be espe-
cially important for 35 of these species. They either
have particularly restricted ranges within the general
area considered or have been described as uncom-
mon orrare in the Indian subcontinent (437). There is
only one endemic species, the Spiny Babbler, but the
world ranges of 92 species extend no further west than
Nepal, and 15 species reach the easternmost limit of
their ranges in the country.
Nepal’s species-richness can be partly attributed to
the dramatic changes of altitude within the country,
from the tarai at about 75m above sea level to the high
peaks of Khumbu culminating in Sagarmatha (Mount
Everest) only 145km distant. Species diversity de-
creases with increase in altitude. The richest areas for
Nepalese birdlife lie in the tropical lowlands below
300m where over 500 species have been recorded. In
sharp contrast only about 80 species have been found
above 4270m in the alpine zone. Also important is
Nepal’s geographical position, a region of overlap
between the Palearctic realm to the north and the
Oriental (Indomalayan) realm to the south.
The other major factor contributing to Nepal’s
species-richness is the extremely varied climate in the
country. Nepal can be conveniently divided into east-
ern and western sections at the Kali Gandaki valley.
The river runs north/south through almost the
middle of Nepal and the centre of the Himalayan
chain. In general forests to the east of the valley are
wetter and richer in plant species than western for-
ests. Conifers are much more widespread in the west
and rhododendrons in the east. The valley is an
important divide for forest birds as well as plant
species as first pointed out by Robert Fleming (243).
Approximately 440 breeding forest bird species have
been found west of the valley and 340 species to the
east. The west is however poorly recorded compared
to the east. There are 36 breeding species which have
been located east of the Kali Gandaki and also occur
to the west of Nepal. Assuming there is suitable
habitat they could all be found in west Nepal, but even
if all of them do occur the east is still considerably
richer.
The apparent world ranges of 73 Nepalese breed-
ing species lie east of the valley, including 32 Hima-
layan species which reach the western limit of their
ranges either in the valley or its watershed. These
latter species are: Ashy Woodpigeon; Golden-
throated Barbet; Darjeeling and Crimson-breasted
Bird Distribution
Woodpeckers; Grey-chinned Minivet; Striated Bul-
bul; Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin; White-tailed
Robin; Large Niltava; Pygmy Blue, Ferruginous,
Slaty-backed and White-gorgetted Flycatchers; Slen-
der-billed Scimitar-Babbler,; Golden and Grey-
throated Babblers; Brown and Fulvous Parrotbills,
Grey-sided, Lesser Necklaced, Blue-winged and Scaly
Laughing-thrushes; Fire-tailed Myzornis; Black-
headed and Black-eared Shrike-Babblers; Rusty-
fronted Barwing; Red-tailed Minla; Golden-breasted
and Rufous-winged Fulvettas; Rufous-vented
Yuhina; Black-browed Tit and Crimson-browed
Finch.
There are 17 other species with apparent western
limits of their world breeding ranges in central Nepal
(between 84° and 85° 30’E) but these may yet be found
west to the Kali Gandaki if suitable habitats still exist.
They include skulking species such as Blue-naped
Pitta and Smoky Warbler, and the Hill Blue Fly-
catcher which is rare in the subcontinent and may be
restricted to a few disjunct populations.
Another very deep river valley, the Arun in east
Nepal also marks a change in avifauna but is less
important than that of the Kali Gandaki. Rainfall in
the Arun valley and eastwards is higher than in most
of the rest of the country. There are 17 species whose
range in Nepal is confined to this area. A few species,
including Blue-eared Barbet, Pale-headed Wood-
pecker and Rufous-faced Warbler are restricted to
the few remaining lowland forests in the south-east.
Forests to the south of Annapurna and Himal Chuliin
central Nepal area are the wettest in the country. Four
species are restricted to these wet forests of both
central and eastern Nepal: Golden Babbler, Brown
Parrotbill, Rusty-fronted Barwing, and Golden-
breasted Fulvetta.
Nepal’s lowland evergreen forests become scarcer
in the west, but occur in patches at least as far as
Butwal. There are 20 lowland breeding species whose
western Nepal limits lie in this zone. Of these 13
extend as far as the extensive remaining forests of
Chitwan National Park or the recently depleted for-
ests around Hetaura. These include White-vented
Needletail with an apparently endemic race isolated
from the main population to the south-east; also
Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Vernal Hanging Parrot,
Asian Fairy Bluebird and Little Spiderhunter which
all have disjunct populations in south-west India.
Eight species extend a little further west to scattered
forests at Tamaspur, Butwal and Pokhara and include
Black Baza, Pompadour Green Pigeon and Large
Woodshrike which also occur in south-west India.
A further 16 breeding species reach the western
limits of their world ranges between the Kali Gandaki
and the western border.
Bird Distribution
Lanceolated Jay
A few species which have not been recorded in
Nepal since last century reach the western limits of
their ranges in the country. Most of them have no
locality details.
The Kali Gandaki valley is a significant but less
important eastern barrier to species occurring in the
west. The species involved largely inhabit coniferous
forests. The world ranges of three breeding species
are found east to the river or its watershed: Cheer
Pheasant, Mistle Thrush and Rufous-naped Tit. The
Nepalese ranges of the Koklass Pheasant, Bar-tailed
Treecreeper and Chestnut-eared Bunting cease at the
Kali Gandaki watershed but other races of all of them
occur much further east in China or Burma. A further
four species: Himalayan Woodpecker, Spot-winged
Tit, Kashmir Nuthatch and White-cheeked Nuthatch
reach the limit of their ranges west of the Kali Gan-
daki although the latter also occurs further east in
China.
There are 12 west Himalayan species whose breed-
ing ranges apparently terminate in Nepal east of the
Kali Gandaki watershed. although the Upland Pipit,
Red-billed Blue Magpie and Eurasian Golden Oriole
have populations further east. All three have been re-
17
corded virtually to the eastern border and probably
also occur in the Darjeeling area. The limit of the
range of Stolicza’s Tit-Warbler lies only a short dis-
tance east of the Kali Gandaki.
A total of 15 species characteristic of the Tibetan
plateau occurs in Nepal: Himalayan Snowcock, Ti-
betan Partridge, Hill Pigeon, Little Owl, Brown Ac-
centor, Desert Wheatear, Stolicza’s Tit-Warbler,
Hume’s Ground Jay, Plain-backed, Rufous-necked,
White-rumped and Tibetan Snowfinches, Fire-
fronted Serin, Twite and Streaked Rosefinch. Most of
these species have so far only been recorded either in
the upper Kali Gandaki or in the area to the north or
north-west of the valley; the Tibetan facies extend
into Nepal mainly in this region. However the Hima-
layan Snowcock, Brown Accentor, Twite and Tibetan
Snowfinch have been found in similar habitat in upper
Langtang and the Rufous-necked and Tibetan Snow-
finches and Streaked Rosefinch in Khumbu. All of
these species occur further east in Tibet except Fire-
fronted Serin; this species has been found recently
east of the Kali Gandaki at Syabru in the Trisuli
valley.
The species accounts include available informa-
tion on subspecies. Many Nepalese species exhibit
clinal variation so their taxonomy is largely a matter of
opinion. The nomenclature mainly follows Biswas
(95-107). There are at least 55 species with more than
one breeding subspecies in Nepal. The division be-
tween subspecies is mainly east-west and often at
either the Kali Gandaki or Arun rivers. At the former
10 species (e.g. Pallas’s Leaf Warbler) show a well-
marked change, and it is a likely divide for a further
eight. At the Arun valley 12 species (e.g. Indian
Roller, Striated Laughing-thrush) show a change.
Some species are poorly known e.g. Brown-flanked
Bush Warbler with specimens only from the far west
and east, and Barn Swallowwith only one record of H.
r. gutturalis. Six species have subspecies replacing
each other altitudinally (e.g. Hoopoe, House Spar-
Tow).
18
BIRD CONSERVATION
REG,
HG
MEDI AEP” Ps Borers
Cea ii a
Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin
Nepal’s major habitat-types consist of forests, wet-
lands and grasslands. The country has few wetlands
other than fast-flowing rivers and streams. By far the
most important is the Kosi Barrage area, a large
expanse of open water, marshes, grassland and scrub
situated in the far south-eastern lowlands. It is of
international importance for migrating wildfowl,
gulls, terns and waders. A total of 25 wildfowl species
has been recorded. Those regularly found include the
Black-necked Stork which is endangered in the Indian
subcontinent (642), and the Lesser Adjutant Stork,
Greater Adjutant Stork, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Swamp
Francolin, Bengal Florican and Hodgson’s Bushchat,
all of which are listed in Birds to Watch, the Interna-
tional Council for Bird Preservation world checklist
of threatened birds. There are small lakes scattered
throughout the country. Those in lowlands and the
Pokhara lakes support the richest variety of birds,
while the lakes in the Himalayas are very species-
poor, although they are staging posts for small num-
bers of awide range of wetland migrants which overfly
the Himalayas. During a bird survey of the lowlands in
western Nepal, Shrestha and Suwal found several
interesting wetlands which were previously very
poorly known ornithologically, notably an unpro-
tected lake Ghodaghodi Tal in Kailili District (750).
With the exception of the Kosi Barrage area and
Royal Chitwan National Park, wetlands in the eastern
half of Nepal have been almost entirely reclaimed for
agriculture.
The spread of cultivation has also reduced the
country’s lowland grasslands in recent years and the
small remaining areas are almost all within protected
forests. Twelve breeding grassland bird species are
nationally threatened, notably the Bengal and Lesser
Floricans, two of the world’s most endangered bus-
tard species. Intensive annual cutting and burning of
the grasslands are likely to alter their species compo-
sition, encouraging a lower variety of coarser grasses.
The numbers of Bengal Floricans have declined in the
Royal Chitwan National Park, possibly as a result of
Bird Conservation
this, and it seems likely that other grassland bird
species are also being adversely affected.
However, Nepal is of great value for birds, mainly
because of its forests which cover much larger areas
than the country’s wetlands or grasslands. There is a
wide range of forests comprising tropical, subtropical,
temperate, subalpine and alpine types, which together
hold the high proportion of 77% of Nepal’s breeding
birds (429). Subalpine and upper temperate forests
are the most internationally important for breeding
birds, as they support high numbers of species which
may have significant world populations in Nepal.
These total over half the subalpine species and 42% of
those in the upper temperate zone (429).
Forest losses and deterioration are by far the
greatest threats to Nepal’s birds. Only 16% of all
forest birds have adapted to breed in habitats heavily
modified or created by people (429). A few species,
such Grey Bushchat and White-cheeked Bulbul,
which prefer open forests or scrub, must have in-
creased as a result of forest depletion, but nearly all of
them are common and widespread. Overall the popu-
lations of most Nepalese forest birds are likely to have
decreased.
As much as 84% of the country’s nationally threat-
ened birds are dependent on forests (429). Once the
country was extensively forested, but by 1979 an aerial
survey showed that only 43% of Nepal was forest land,
i.e. partially covered in trees and shrubs!. Moreover, a
large proportion of this forest land was covered in
forests in poor condition, with only a scattering of
trees and shrubs. Forests are declining chiefly because
they can no longer meet the needs of the people. The
population is rapidly rising and the vast majority of
Nepalis depend on forests for their essential require-
ments of fuel, animal fodder and other basic materi-
als. A combination of deforestation and overgrazing
has caused rapid run-off of rain during the monsoon,
leading to massive soil erosion. The resulting wide-
spread flooding in the lowlands has led to enormous
loss of human life, crops and property.
Conservation of the country’s forests is therefore
vital, for the future of the people as well as its birds.
There has recently been a great expansion in affores-
tation, but the overall impact has been very small. As
far as most birds are concerned, the new plantations
are preferable to areas devoid of forest. However
plantations, even of native broadleaves, can never
replace the richness and variety of natural forests
which may have taken hundreds of years to develop.
Protection of some severely degraded natural forests
has resulted in dramatic recoveries of forests well-
stocked with native species’. Many people in Nepal
now believe that the most important aspect of forestry
in the country is the improved management of the
Bird Conservation
large existing areas of low-density forest. This has
enormous potential and would be much more valu-
able to forest birds than planting more trees.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife
Conservation (DNPWC) in Nepal is aiming to protect
a representative sample of the country’s ecosystems.
Nepal already has an extensive protected area system
which covers 7.4% of the country, comprising six
national parks, five wildlife reserves and one hunting
reserve. When the Annapurna Conservation Area
(not yet officially gazetted, but now in operation) and
the Makalu-Barun National Park are fully estab-
lished, this figure will increase to over 10%. While the
majority of Nepal’s habitat-types are well represented
inthe protected areas network, there are three impor-
tant omissions. These are tropical evergreen forests,
subtropical and lower temperate broadleaved forests
in the far east (Nfai and Tamur valleys), and subtropi-
cal broadleaved forests further west, all of which are
in urgent need of protection (429). The most out-
standing gap is the lack of representation of subtropi-
cal broadleaved forests which once covered much of
central and east Nepal. Phulchowki mountain in the
Kathmandu Valley is the best remaining example of
this habitat-type (429).
A total of 95% of Nepal’s breeding bird species,
82% of nationally threatened species and 98% of
those for which the country may hold internationally
significant breeding populations breed in the pro-
tected or proposed protected areas (429). Strengthen-
ing the existing protected area system can therefore
be considered a higher priority than the designation
of new protected areas. Protecting 10% of Nepal isa
formidable task for the government of one of the
world’s poorest countries. In addition to the lack of
finances, other logistical problems faced by the
DNPWC are enormous. Many of the protected areas
are remote, accessible only by air or on foot, and lack
roads within them. The rugged terrain of the moun-
tain areas makes their coverage especially difficult.
There are essential needs for additional staff, more
staff training and the provision of resources, such as
19
equipment for maintaining trails and bridges, binocu-
lars, reference books, and warm clothing. Conserva-
tion education for local people who may either live in
protected areas or in their surrounding land is ur-
gently needed as there is widespread ignorance about
the reasons for the establishment of reserves. It is
particularly important to justify the relevance of re-
serves to them as providers of vital resources and as
part of their natural heritage.
Nepal’s protected areas are attracting more and
more tourists and mountaineers each year. It is there-
fore becoming increasingly important both to manage
visitor use and to educate visitors so as to bring
economic benefits to Nepal without damaging cul-
tural values or adversely affecting the environment of
the reserves.
Innovative management measures are being taken
in some protected areas, such as the Annapurna Con-
servation Area, which is run by the King Mahendra
Trust for Nature Conservation, a non-profit-making,
non-governmental organisation dedicated to conserv-
ing natural resources in Nepal. Here the traditional
subsistence activities of local people are being inte-
grated into a framework of sound resource manage-
ment and ecological development. The aim is to
balance the needs of the local people, trekkers and
the natural environment. A similar approach would
be highly valuable in Nepal’s other protected areas.
To achieve this and to establish and effectively protect
new areas, financial assistance from outside Nepal
will be essential.
1. Carson, B., Niel, R., Amatya and Hildreth, G.
(1986) Land Resources Mapping Project. Kenting
Earth Sciences Ltd. Kathmandu: HMG/Govt. of
Canada
2. Jackson, J.K. (1987) Manual of afforestation in
Nepal. Kathmandu: Nepal UK Forestry Project.
Based on Inskipp, C. (1989) Bird Conservation in
Nepal. World Birdwatch 11(1).
20
PROTECTED AREAS
The location of Nepal’s protected areas is shown on
the map on the book’s end papers. The Royal Chi-
twan, Langtang and Sagarmatha National Parks, and
the Annapurna Conservation Area are well studied,
but the other protected areas are under-recorded.
Royal Chitwan National Park 932km?
This park, gazetted in 1973, was the first protected
area in Nepal and is a World Heritage site. It lies in
south-central Nepal in a dun valley and extends into
the Churia hills. A larger number of bird species (489
in total) have been recorded than in any other pro-
tected area in Nepal.
Langtang National Park 1710km?
Langtang is situated in the central Himalayas and is of
international importance for birds, especially for
upper temperate and subalpine forest species.
Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park
1148km?
A World Heritage site. The park contains some of the
world’s most spectacular mountain scenery including
the highest peak, Sagarmatha. It lies in the high
Himalayas in Khumbu District in north-eastern Ne-
pal and is important for some high altitude species.
Royal Bardia National Park 968km?
Bardia is situated in mid-western Nepal, mainly in the
bhabar zone and extends into the Churia hills. The
Karnali river valley forms its western boundary. It
supports a variety of species typical of the western
lowlands.
Shey-Phoksundo National Park 3555km?
This is Nepal’s largest protected area and is probably
the least known ornithologically. It lies in Dolpo,
Jumla and Mugu Districts in north-west Nepal. The
park is important for species typical of the trans-
Himalayan region.
Khaptad National Park 225km?
Khaptad is an isolated massif 3100m high which lies
south of the main Himalayan range. The park is well-
forested and is important for some forest species
including a few western specialities.
Rara National Park 106km?
This small park is situated in the Himalayas in Mugu
District in north-west Nepal. It includes the country’s
largest lake, Rara, situated at 3050m, and its heavily
forested catchment area. The park supports some
specialities of western Nepal forests.
Protected Areas
Parsa Wildlife Reserve 499km?
Parsa is situated in south central Nepal adjacent to the
Royal Chitwan National Park. It holds arich variety of
bird species similar to those found at Chitwan.
Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve 175km?
Kosi Tappu lies in the Sapta-Kosi river plain in the
south-eastern tarai. The reserve includes a wetland
which is of international importance and by far the
most valuable in Nepal.
Royal Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve 155km?
This small reserve is situated in the far south-western
tarai on the Indian border. It has the largest grassland
area in Nepal aswell as forests and a small lake. Sukla
Phanta is important for a a few grassland species.
Sheopuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve 145km?
Sheopuri lies on the northern side of the Kathmandu
Valley in central Nepal. About half of the watershed
is still forested and supports a good variety of forest
birds.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve 1325km?
The hunting reserve lies in the Himalayas in Baglung
District in west central Nepal. It holds some speciali-
ties of Nepal’s western forests.
Annapurna Conservation Area 2660km?
The Conservation Area lies north of Pokhara in cen-
tral Nepal, the Kali Gandaki River forming its west-
ern boundary. The Area is of international impor-
tance for birds and over 440 species have been re-
corded. This large number can be attributed to the
wide range of habitat types within the Area and to its
location roughly in the centre of the Himalayas. Spe-
cies typical of both the eastern and western Himalayas
occur.
Makalu Barun National Park
This is a proposed protected area which lies to the
east of Sagarmatha National Park and extends be-
yond Nepal’s northern border into Tibet. Its extensive
forests support a diverse avifauna including many
eastern Himalayan species.
Migration
MIGRATION
Dusky Thrush
Many of Nepal’s resident species are seasonal altitu-
dinal migrants. The level to which they descend in
winter frequently depends on weather conditions. An
example is the Red-billed Chough which has been
found as high as 7950m, and usually remains above
2440m in winter, but has been noted as low as 1450m
in cold weather (57,682). Approximately 62 species
are summer visitors or partial migrants to the Nepal-
ese Himalayas and include species of cuckoos, swifts,
bee-eaters, Phylloscopus warblers, flycatchers and
drongos. The migration routes of a number of these
summer migrants are poorly understood or unknown,
including those for the Asian Sooty Flycatcher, Fer-
tuginous Flycatcher and Fork-tailed Swift. Many
species winter further south in the subcontinent, in-
cluding the Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Blue-tailed Bee-
eater, Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, Greenish Warbler,
Asian Brown Flycatcher, Asian Paradise Flycatcher,
and Ashy Drongo. Other species such as the White-
throated Needletail, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Tick-
ell’s Warbler, and Crow-billed Drongo move south-
east, perhaps as far as Malaysia and Indonesia. The
origin of these wintering birds is unknown, and it is
possible that Nepalese individuals do not travel so far.
The Lesser Cuckoo and Common Swift winter in
Africa and the Pied Cuckoo may also do so. About 149
species winter in Nepal, originating from a wide area
to the north in the Palearctic. These include ducks,
birds of prey, waders, gulls, terns, pipits, wagtails,
__ thrushes, Acrocephalus, Locustella and Phylloscopus
warblers, bush warblers, finches and buntings. A few
species such as the Yellow-browed Warbler and
Greenish Warbler are both summer and winter visi-
tors. There is increasing evidence to suggest that some
birds breeding in the Palearctic migrate across the
Himalayas to winter in southern Asia. However,
Moreau! points out that relatively few species take
At |
this route compared to the number which migrate to
Africa, despite that continent being considerably fur-
ther away: 137 species from the West Palearctic (west
of 45°E) winter in Africa and 10 in India, and 82 from
the mid-Palearctic (45 to 90°E) in Africa compared
with only about 50 in India. He suggested that ‘the
high elevated and ecologically inimical Tibetan pla-
teau flanked by the gigantic Himalayas’ is an effective
barrier for migrants. Much of the current evidence for
the north-south movement across the Himalayas is
based on casual observations made by visiting bird-
watchers and mountaineering expeditions. There
have been few systematic studies of migration in these
ranges.
Most trans-Himalayan migrants observed have
been non-passerines: large numbers of cranes and
birds of prey, small flocks of ducks, geese, waders,
gulls, terns, and also Hoopoes and Eurasian Wry-
necks.
Birds have been noted flying over the highest
regions of these ranges, enabling them to shorten
their journeys considerably. Examples include a flock
of Bar-headed Geese seen flying as high as 9375m
over Sagarmatha (701), and a Steppe Eagle found
dead at 7925m on the mountain’s South Col (728).
There is an unconfirmed report of Siberian Cranes
Grus leucogeranus migrating over the Himalayas in
Nepal (544). A movement of small grey birds across
the South Col has also been noted (415), and a Barn
Swallow has been recorded in Khumbu as high as
6400m (580), indicating that even small birds can
migrate at such heights. In spring and autumn, a
variety of species, mainly ducks but also waders, gulls
and terns, are regularly recorded stopping off at
Himalayan lakes including Phewa Tal, Begnas Tal,
Rara, and frequently as high as 4750m at Gokyo lakes
in Khumbu.
However, some trans-Himalayan migrants,
whether they are the majority is not known, have been
observed flying along the main valleys such as those
of the Karnali, Kali Gandaki, Dudh Kosi, and Arun
rivers.
The first study of trans-Himalayan migration was
carried out as long ago as 1831 by Hodgson in the
Kathmandu Valley (341). Other migration observa-
tions have subsequently been made in the Valley,
notably those of Proud (629,635).
Recent observations show that the Kali Gandaki
valley is a significant route taken by trans-Himalayan
migrants. There have been three important system-
atic studies of autumn migration in the upper section
of the valley: by Martens in 1969 (526), Beaman in
1973 (76) and by Thiollay in 1978 (761). The valley
breaches the main Himalayan range, forming a natu-
ral route for migrants leaving the Tibetan Plateau.
22
However to the north in Tibet the valley is bounded
by an extensive tract of plateau, so that potential
migrants are faced with one of the most arduous
crossings in the region.
All three investigations found large numbers of
cranes flying south. A total of 31,351 Demoiselle
Cranes were estimated between 1 and 11 October
1969 (526). Between 29 September and 14 October
1973, 3751 cranes, including 2220 Demoiselles were
seen (76); and about 63,000 cranes, mainly Demoi-
selles, between 24 September and 5 October 1978
(761).
Thiollay counted a total of 151 birds of prey repre-
senting 15 species, and Beaman noted roughly 18
species totalling 404 birds. The largest species totals
were of 254 Black Kites flying south between 14
September and 1 October 1973, 45 Common Buz-
zards between 31 August and 14 October 1973, and 39
Lesser Kestrels between 24 September and 5 October
1978. Some interesting observations of migrant birds
of prey were made in the same area between 13
October and 4 November 1984 by Christensen et al.
They recorded about 130 birds comprising 12 species,
including 56 Aquila eagles (mainly Steppe Eagles)
(145). There are several records of smaller numbers
of raptors migrating south down Himalayan valleys in
autumn including 276 Steppe Eagles down the Trisuli
valley in two and a half hours on 24 October 1980
(516).
Only seven passerine migrant species were found
between 1 and 11 October 1969 in the upper Kali
Gandaki valley by Martens including Tickell’s War-
bler which was by far the most abundant species. He
attributed this small variety of species to the advanced
season. Beaman recorded only about 19 passerine
migrant species in October 1973, with significant
numbers of Greater Short-toed Larks, Hume’s Short-
toed Larks, White Wagtails, Black Redstarts, and
Tickell’s Warblers. Even after bad weather few mi-
grants were seen, indicating that large numbers of
passerines were probably not moving over at night. In
another study in Khumbu in September and October
1970 Martens found that migration was sparse. A
total of 23 species crossed passes over 5700m above
sea level including ten passerine species with concen-
trations of Greater Shorter-toed and Hume’s Short-
toed Larks and Black Redstarts (526). Other observa-
tions also indicate that only small numbers of passer-
ines regularly cross the Tibetan plateau. Species re-
corded include wagtails, Booted Warbler, Lesser
Whitethroat, and Chiffchaff.
The majority of passerines wintering in the sub-
continent presumably skirt the Himalayas. Popula-
tions of the Dark-throated Thrush and Paddyfield,
Blyth’s Reed and Greenish Warblers mainly originate
in the west and probably fly round the ranges from
this direction. Species such as Siberian Rubythroat,
Migration
Red-breasted Flycatcher, Brown Shrike, Black-faced
Bunting and Yellow-breasted Bunting, which chiefly
come from the east, probably skirt the eastern end of
the Himalayas.
Birds of prey, especially Aquila eagles, have also
been found to use the Himalayas as an east-west
pathway in autumn, and also in larger numbers than
hitherto recorded in Nepal. The phenomenon was
first described by Fleming (225) who made observa-
tions in October and November 1975 in the Kath-
mandu Valley, and also at Dhampus, south of An-
napurna, where at least 490 birds of three Aquila
species were seen from 3 to 5 November 1976. Chris-
tensen et.al. counted 1047 birds of 15 species, includ-
ing 992 Steppe Eagles, flying west-south-west or west
between 26 and 28 October 1984, also south of An-
napurna, mainly between Birethante and Naudanda.
There are several reports of similar movements in-
volving much smaller numbers of raptors across the
breadth of Nepal. The maximum count received is
from the Kathmandu Valley where 135 Steppe Eagles
and two Greater Spotted Eagles moved west in half
an hour on 19 November 1989 (597). Small numbers
of Steppe Eagles have also been noted flying west
along the Himalayan foothills in Ilam District in
extreme east Nepal in October and November 1978
and at Bardia in the far west in November 1985 (162).
A systematic study of this east/west migration was
made at Khare, south of Annapurna between 20
October and 7 November 1985 by de Roder (683).
Nearly 9,000 raptors of some 30 species were counted
with Steppe Eagle being the most numerous, totalling
7,852 birds. In addition de Roder found several pas-
serine species undergoing similar movements notably
13,902 Red-rumped Swallows and 109 Red-throated
Pipits at Khare in October and November 1985 (684).
There is also evidence that Spot-winged Starlings
undertake east-west movements along the Himalayas
(45). It is possible that other species undergo similar
migrations.
Flocks of Lesser Kestrels and Amur Falcons are
regularly recorded on passage, particularly in autumn.
It isnot clear whether they are moving north/south or
east/west, although de Roder found 77 Lesser Kes-
trels and 138 Amur Falcons moving west at Khare in
October and November 1985. The largest count of
Amur Falcons received is 328 birds near Godavari in
the Kathmandu Valley between 8 and 11 November
1985 (201). A mixed flock of falcons, chiefly compris-
ing Lesser Kestrels and Amur Falcons with much
smaller numbers of Common Kestrels and Peregrine
Falcons, regularly roosts near Phewa Tal in October
and November. Over 60 falcons were still present at
the roost as late as 11 December in 1977 (495). The
maximum count received is of 340 birds, which were
all Lesser Kestrels, on 13 October 1982 (244).
Comparatively few reports of spring migration
Migration
Yellow-legged Gull
have been received. These are mainly of raptors and
include 25 Steppe Eagles in 15 minutes flying north
over the Naudanda ridge, south of Annapurna on 10
March 1981 (476) and 150 Steppe Eagles moving
north over Namche Bazaar in Khumbu on 10 March
1982 (77). Small flocks of Black Kites have also been
recorded migrating in spring including 22 inthe upper
Arun valley in May 1981 (483).
23
A valuable investigation of resident and migratory
birds along the Rapti and Narayani Rivers in Chitwan
National Park, was carried out by Halliday in Novem-
berand December 1982 (304). He censused 57 species
in detail, of which about 16 were migrants. His results
showed the National Park provided secure feeding
and resting areas for a high percentage of the local
waders when the banks outside the park were dis-
turbed.
The marshes and large expanse of open water at
Kosi Barrage provide the most important staging
point for migratory wildfowl, gulls, terns and waders
in Nepal. The area has been well studied by ornitholo-
gists between January and May, when useful counts of
bird numbers have been made. Fewer counts have
been made in autumn, but these clearly show that the
numbers of migrants are comparatively small. Peak
numbers of wildfowl pass through between mid-Feb-
Tuary and mid-March. The maximum of over 50,000
was estimated in February 1981 (559, 622). Wader
passage has been noted from the end of February to
early May, with most birds passing through in March
and April. Large numbers have not been reported,
with peaks of about 1000 to 1500 birds. They presuma-
bly reflect the relatively low numbers of waders cross-
ing the Himalayas.
1. Moreau, R.E. 1972. The Palaearctic-African bird migra-
tion systems. London: Academic Press.
24
HISTORY OF ORNITHOLOGY
IN NEPAL
The following account summarises major contribu-
tions to Nepalese ornithology. The first published
observations of Nepalese birds were made by Col.
W.J. Kirkpatrick who noted a few gamebird species in
1793 (818). However the first important work was
done by Brian Hodgson, a remarkable man, who held
governmental posts in the country for over 20 years
between 1820 and 1843. This included over ten years
as British Resident. He made two extensive collec-
tions comprising 9500 bird skins and 1000 skins of
mammals, reptiles and fish. These included about 665
Nepalese bird species, over 120 of which were new to
science. Most of the skins were acquired through
Nepalese collectors as he was not allowed to travel
outside the Kathmandu Valley. After leaving Nepal in
1843 he lived in Darjeeling in India for the next 15
years where he made his second collection. Some
birds are listed as coming from Nepal in Gray’s pub-
lished catalogue of this collection (277), and are
treated as such in the first edition of this book.
However in a recently discovered annotated copy of
the catalogue Hodgson had deleted Nepal as a source
of these specimens (149). It is likely that they origi-
nated from forests in India close to Nepal’s eastern
border. Seven species from this collection have not
been recorded in Nepal subsequently. He also trained
a Nepalese artist, Raj Man Singh, who painted over
1800 watercolour illustrations of Nepalese wildlife,
mainly birds, which rival the work of other artists of
this period.
John Scully, who was resident surgeon in 1876 to
1877, also made a large collection comprising nearly
2000 specimens of about 300 species of birds. He was
the first person to describe the status of birds in the
Kathmandu Valley. His movements within Nepal
were restricted, like those of Hodgson.
During his studies of birds of the Sikkim Hima-
layas between 1911 and 1914 Herbert Stevens visited
the upper Mai valley in far east Nepal. He recorded
valuable altitudinal and breeding information, and
collected skins, still in excellent condition, and held at
the Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, U.K.
An important collection of 2146 skins comprising
381 species, including a number new to the country,
was made by Lt.-Col. Frank Bailey between 1935 and
1938 when he was British Envoy Extraordinary in
Nepal. Lt.-Col. James Roberts has kindly pointed out
that Bailey cannot have travelled widely throughout
the country as stated in the first edition of this book as
travel by foreigners within Nepal was still restricted
highly at that time. His specimens however came from
History of Ornithology
localities throughout Nepal.
Between 1947 and 1949 Dr. Dillon Ripley made a
major collection, originating in areas between the far
west and far east of the country. He obtained 1600
specimens representing about 300 species.
Desiree Proud published several papers between
1948 and 1961 summarising valuable and comprehen-
sive observations on birds, mainly relating to the
Gandak-Kosi watershed and Kathmandu Valley.
In 1952 Oleg Polunin was able to trek extensively
throughout the western Nepalese Himalayas while
participating in a British Museum (Natural History)
botanical expedition. He recorded a number of spe-
cies for the first time in Nepal, and contributed much
to the knowledge of bird distribution in the west.
Dr. Biswamoy Biswas and Dr Walter Koelz col-
lected 3500 bird skins representing about 350 species,
around Kathmandu and between there and Raxaul, in
1947. These included a number of new species for the
country. Between 1960 and 1968 he published a de-
tailed account of this collection, and included a sum-
mary of all Nepalese bird records up to that date.
Dr. G. Diesselhorst provided important data on
the distribution, altitude range and breeding of Nep-
alese birds during his ornithological expedition of
1962. He collected 1700 specimens comprising about
315 species.
An enormous contribution to Nepalese ornithol-
ogy has been made by Drs. Robert Fleming Sr. and Jr.
They have probably travelled more widely throughout
the country than any other ornithologists. Between
them they built up a large collection of bird skins,
many of which are held in the Chicago Field Museum
of Natural History, and have published about 35
papers and articles on Nepalese birds. They have also
produced the only field guide to the birds of the
country, first published in 1976.
Hari Sharan Nepali, the leading Nepalese orni-
thologist, has also collected a large number of bird
skins, many of which are held at the Kathmandu
Natural History Museum. He has trekked extensively
within the country and has added several species to
the Nepalese list.
Since the early 1970s numerous visitors, ranging
from serious ornithologists to birdwatchers on holi-
day have recorded birds in Nepal. Although many
have only covered the more easily accessible areas,
the knowledge of Nepalese birds has increased
enormously as a result of their observations; 67 spe-
cies have been added to the Nepalese list since 1970
and new species are found each year.
Bird-watching Areas
BIRD-WATCHING AREAS
Regularly recorded specialities are listed for each
area.
Red-vented Bulbul
Kathmandu Valley
The Valley and surrounding hills are still rich in
birdlife despite being well-cultivated and highly popu-
lated. It is well worth spending about five days bird-
watching based in Kathmandu.
Phulchowki and Godavari Botanical Gardens
Some of the few subtropical broadleaved forests
remaining in Nepal are found on Phulchowki moun-
tain in the south-eastern corner of the Valley above
the village of Godavari, about 18km south-east of
Kathmandu. These are probably the best forests for
birds in the Valley and also support a wide variety of
plant and insect life. Unfortunately they are rapidly
becoming depleted and degraded, but are still the
most convenient place to see a number of species
which are scarce or local elsewhere in the country.
At least one full day is needed to cover the upper
slopes. Taking a taxi from Kathmandu up the winding
partly surfaced road to the top of the mountain
(2760m) and walking down to Godavari (1525m) is
recommended. However the road is very rough in
places and can only be easily used by vehicles in good
condition. The area can also be reached by bus,
changing at Lagankhel for Godavari. Another day
spent exploring the Botanical Gardens, which are
situated at the foot of Phulchowki, andthe mountain’s
lower slopes will produce some different species. The
gardens tend to be crowded on public holidays and
Saturdays and are best avoided then.
Species:- Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Mountain Scops
Owl, Golden-throated Barbet, Rufous-bellied Wood-
pecker, Grey-chinned Minivet, Striated Bulbul, Or-
ange-bellied Leafbird, White-tailed Robin, Long-
billed Thrush, Black-faced Warbler, Large Niltava,
Slaty-backed Flycatcher (Botanical Gardens), Grey-
25
throated Babbler, Black-throated Parrotbill, Spiny
Babbler, Rufous-chinned and Grey-sided Laughing-
thrushes, Cutia, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, Hoary
Barwing, Nepal Fulvetta, Brown-throated
Treecreeper, Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-bellied
Flowerpecker, Lanceolated Jay, Tibetan Serin (Bo-
tanical Gardens), Gold-naped Finch, Brown Bull-
finch, Spot-winged Grosbeak.
Gokarna Safari Park
A hill (14385m) covered in protected forest about
8.5km east of Kathmandu, easily reached by taxi. The
park is open to the public from early in the morning
on payment of a small fee and can be covered in half
a day. The forest which is open and has some mature
trees is favoured by owls, wintering thrushes and
flycatchers.
Species:- Brown Fish Owl, Small Niltava, Blue-
throated and Asian Brown Flycatchers, Plain Flower-
pecker.
Nagarjung
A mountain (2105m) with protected forest on the
edge of the Valley above Balaju. It is open to the
public from early in the morning on payment of a
nominal fee. The entrance gates are about Skm from
Kathmandu centre and can be reached by taxi, or by
public transport to Balaju, from where it is a short
walk along the road to the entrance. Only secondary
forest lies within easy walking distance of the en-
trance. Much richer habitat remains on the far side of
the mountain but this can only be covered in a long
day’s walk.
Species:- Kalij Pheasant, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Chest-
nut-crowned Warbler, Nepal Fulvetta, Red-billed
Blue Magpie.
Sheopuri Wildlife Reserve
A forested mountain (2730m) on the north-eastern
edge of the Valley. Although slopes facing the Valley
are now degraded those on the north side and the
summit area still have interesting forest. It would be
necessary to camp on the mountain to explore the
northern slopes. The base of Sheopuri can be reached
by taxi or bus to Budhanilkantha, 11km from Kath-
mandu. A strenuous full day is needed to reach and
investigate the forest slopes facing the Valley.
Species:- Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Golden Bush-
Robin, Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler, Black-faced
Warbler, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Spiny Babbler
(near Tokha Sanatorium), Hoary Barwing, Nepal
26
Fulvetta, Red-tailed Minla, Scarlet Finch, Brown
Bullfinch.
Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath
There are protected groves around Pashupatinath
and Swayambhunath temples which are only a few
kilometres from Kathmandu centre. Each supports a
good variety of common open woodland species in-
cluding minivets, warblers and flycatchers.
Fields by the Bagmati and Manora Rivers
The fields by the rivers are rapidly being reclaimed for
building but are still a regular wintering area for
Grey-headed Lapwing. Larks, pipits and buntings can
also be found as well as warblers in the bushes. Both
rivers are interesting for migrating birds, particularly
in autumn.
Bagmati River (near Chobar Gorge) and
Basantgaon
At Basantgaon about 5km south of Kathmandu, there
are some flooded pools close to the Bagmati River.
The pools and the adjacent stretch of river south to
Chobar Gorge attract small numbers of a good variety
of migrant waders and wildfowl.
Species:- Ibisbill (in autumn), Grey-headed Lapwing.
Royal Chitwan National Park
The park comprises a lowland valley of sal and riv-
erain forests interspersed with grasslands and backed
by the forested Churia hills to the north. Over 480 bird
species have been recorded in the park. A number of
large mammal species can also be seen such as Tiger,
Leopard, Indian Rhinoceros, Sloth Bear and Gaur.
The park is readily accessible by air or bus from
Kathmandu. Tourist accommodation is available at
several lodges and tented camps which provide excel-
lent opportunities for observing wildlife, including
taking elephant rides, or canoe trips on the rivers.
There is also basic accommodation available in vil-
Black Baza
Bird-watching Areas
lages just outside the park, mainly at Sauraha. Walk-
ing alone in the park can be dangerous because of the
wild mammals. An entry fee must be paid each time
the park is entered.
Species:- Oriental Darter, Yellow Bittern, Lesser
Adjutant Stork, Lesser Whistling Duck, Black Baza,
Lesser and Grey-headed Fishing Eagles, Changeable
Hawk-Eagle, Collared Falconet, Ruddy-breasted and
Brown Crakes, Bengal Florican, Great Stone-plover,
Great Black-headed Gull, Orange-breasted Green
and Pompadour Green Pigeons, Moustached Para-
keet, Chestnut-winged and Banded Bay Cuckoos,
Lesser Coucal, Brown Fish and Brown Hawk Owls,
Savanna Nightjar, White-rumped and White-vented
Needletails, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-eared King-
fisher, Oriental Pied and Great Hornbills, Himalayan
Flameback, Hooded and Indian Pittas, Rosy Minivet,
White-tailed Stonechat, Pale-footed and Chestnut-
crowned Bush Warblers, Bright-capped Cisticola,
Yellow-bellied and Grey-crowned Prinias, Large
Grass, Yellow-bellied and Smoky Warblers, Asian
Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Chest-
nut-capped, Yellow-eyed and Slender-billed Bab-
blers, Rufous-necked Laughing-thrush, Crow-billed
Drongo, Black-breasted Weaver, Red Avadavat.
Kosi Barrage and Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
The river near Kosi barrage and the adjoining
marshes form by far the largest wetland in Nepal. The
barrage crosses the Kosi River in the south-eastern
tarai. North and south of it are huge expanses of water
with mudflats and sandbanks appearing when the
level is low. Great bunds to the east and west contain
the river, with borrow pits alongside containing
reedbeds and water for most of the year. Kosi Barrage
is easily reached by daily buses from Kathmandu
along the east - west highway to Karkavitta on the far
eastern border. Kosi can also be reached by taking a
flight from Kathmandu to Birtamod and a taxi from
there to Kosi. Basic accommodation and food are
available in Kosi village. It is well worth spending
about three days in the area. Many recent additions to
the Nepalese list have been recorded at Kosi. Wild-
fowl passage occurs mainly in February and March
and waders pass through between February and mid-
May. Monsoon visitors can be seen between late May
and September.
Species:- Spot-billed Pelican, Yellow Bittern, Black-
necked Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill,
Lesser Whistling Duck, Pallas’s Fish and White-tailed
Eagles, Red-necked Falcon, Swamp Francolin, Bail-
lon’s and Ruddy-breasted Crakes, Watercock, Pheas-
ant-tailed Jacana, Great Stone-plover, Great Black-
headed and Brown-headed Gulls, Caspian, River,
Black-bellied and Whiskered Terns, Indian Skimmer,
Bird-watching Areas
Map 4. Chitwan
International boundary
Park boundary
Road
Track
Grassland or Phanta
Lesser Coucal, White-tailed Stonechat, Hodgson’s
Bushchat, Graceful and Yellow-bellied Prinias, Stri-
ated Marsh and Smoky Warblers, Black-breasted
Weaver, Red Avadavat, Black-faced Bunting.
Hetaura
The Rapti River near Hetaura is a regular wintering
area for Ibisbills. Long-billed Plover has also been
found. A visit can easily be made to Hetaura en route
to Kosi Barrage as Kathmandu to Karkavitta buses all
stop there. Spending a night in the town and travelling
on the following day is recommended.
Royal Bardia National Park
Much of Bardia National Park consists of lowland sal
and riverain forests and the sal-forested Churia hills
cover the remainder. The Karnali River forms the
western boundary of the park. Bardia is rich in west-
ern lowland species. It can be reached by a two day
bus journey from Kathmandu via Nepalganj or by
flying to Nepalganj and taking a day’s bus ride from
there. There is a tourist tented camp in the park.
Species:- Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Grey Francolin,
Bengal Florican, Great Stone-plover, Orange-
27
Narayangarh
Bharatpur
‘
SER a, ‘ nas.
Z Riv Es
gnatg ar Neus rN RAR
Kachuwani,
breasted Green Pigeon, Brown Fish and Brown Hawk
Owls, White-rumped Needletail, Oriental Pied Horn-
bill, Indian Pitta, White-naped, Great Slaty and
Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, Jungle Prinia,
Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Crow-billed and Greater
Racket-tailed Drongos and Red Avadavat.
Trekking
There are few roads in the Nepalese Himalayas so
access to much of the country is only possible by
trekking on the numerous trails through the moun-
tains. General advice on trekking, and details on all
treks described below can be found in various readily
available maps and books on the subject.
North-west of Pokhara
Pokhara (915m) is the starting point for several popu-
lar treks and can easily be reached by bus or air from
Kathmandu or by bus from the Indian border via
Tansen. Although the Pokhara valley is heavily culti-
vated with little remaining forest cover, it is still worth
spending a couple of days birdwatching there. The
lake Phewa Tal which lies very close to the town, is
interesting for migrants, especially waders, gulls and
terns in spring and autumn.
28
Cinnamon Sparrow
Pokhara to Thakkhola - Jomosom trek
This trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area is
highly recommended as a larger number of species
are likely to be seen than on any other trek in Nepal.
About 200 species can easily be seen in about three
weeks. This is mainly because a great variety of habi-
tat is covered within a short distance. The trek starts
amongst subtropical vegetation at Pokhara, climbs
north-west through temperate oak-rhododendron
forests followed by coniferous forests and finally dry
semi-desert country typical of the Tibetan plateau.
The region south of Annapurna has unusually high
rainfall and supports lush forests which hold some
eastern Himalayan species, The trek also provides
opportunities to see species typical of both the west-
ern Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau; regions which
are difficult to reach in Nepal. Food and accommoda-
tion are easily available along the entire route. Octo-
ber is a good month for migrants, particularly birds of
prey and cranes. December to March is also an inter-
esting period as a number of unusual wintering spe-
cies may be seen including some erratic visitors such
as Spectacled Finch and Pine Bunting. Snow may lie
at times during these months, especially in forests
near Ghorepani (2775m) and Ghandrung (2010m),
and birds then tend to descend below the snow-line.
The route can be shortened by flying from Pokhara to
Jomosom, but note that flights are frequently can-
celled due to bad weather. The route from Birethante
(1065m) to Ghorepani via Ghandrung is recom-
mended in at least one direction as this passes through
one of the richest forests on the trek. Other interest-
ing areas for birds include the forested slopes be-
tween Chandrakot and Birethante, Birethante to
Tirkhedhunge (1575m) (Crested Kingfisher, fork-
tails), Ghorepani forest (pheasants, bush-robins,
Long-billed Thrush, Great Parrotbill, Black-eared
Shrike-Babbler, Black-browed Tit, rosefinches, Spec-
Bird-watching Areas
Olive-backed Pipit
tacled and Crimson-browed Finches, Collared Gros-
beak), forests above Ghasa (2040m) (Koklass and
Cheer Pheasants), Tukche to Kagbeni (2805m) and
Muktinath (3800m) (Tibetan plateau species and
Solitary Snipe), above Muktinath on the Thorong La
pass (Tibetan Snowcock). Other species:- Lammer-
geier, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Mountain Hawk-
Eagle, Hill Pigeon, Mountain Scops Owl, Fork-tailed
Swift, Orange-rumped Honeyguide, Brown, Robin,
and Altai Accentors, White-browed and Rufous-
breasted Bush-Robins, White-throated and Gulden-
stadt’s Redstarts, Desert Wheatear, Slaty-backed
Forktail, Black-faced Warbler, Stoliczka’s Tit-War-
bler, Black-throated Parrotbill, Variegated and
Rufous-chinned Laughing-thrushes, Fire-capped Tit,
Fire-fronted Serin, Spot-winged, White-browed,
Streaked and Great Rosefinches, Brown Bullfinch,
Pine Bunting.
Modi Khola and Annapurna Sanctuary
This is another trek in the Annapurna Conservation
Area and takes about two weeks. It passes through
moist oak/rhododendron and bamboo forests in the
Modi Khola valley south of Annapurna. These forests
are especially rich in birds and it is possible to see
some eastern Himalayan species which are scarce and
local in Nepal. The trek begins at Pokhara and goes
north up the Modi Khola valley to the river’s source,
a basin on the south-west side of Annapurna called
the Annapurna Sanctuary. Accommodation and food
are available throughout the trek
Species:- Golden-throated Barbet, Golden, White-
browed and Rufous-breasted Bush-Robins, Slender-
billed Scimitar-Babbler, Golden Babbler, Fulvous
Parrotbill, Scaly Laughing-thrush, Cutia, Black-
headed Shrike-Babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta,
Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, rosefinches.
Bird-watching Areas
Ashy Woodswallow
Sunischare to the upper Mai valley
This trek offers the opportunity to see species of
Nepal’s south-eastern lowlands and of the eastern
Himalayas. It can be conveniently combined with a
visit to Kosi and takes about two weeks. The trek can
be shortened by two to three days by taking a half day
bus journey bus from Birtamod to Ilam. Carrying
camping equipment and enough food for a few days is
advised. To reach Sunischare take a bus to Birtamod
(either the Kathmandu to Karkavitta bus, or one east
from Kosi Barrage). The walk from Sunischare to
Ilam takes two days but is worth spreading out over
four and camping if necessary.
Species between Sunischare and Ilam:- Crested
Goshawk, Collared Falconet, Barred Cuckoo-Dove,
Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Oriental Pied Hornbill,
Long-tailed Broadbill, White-throated Bulbul, Asian
Fairy Bluebird, Yellow-vented Warbler, Abbott’s
Babbler, Lesser Necklaced and Greater Necklaced
Laughing-thrushes, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Little
Spiderhunter, Yellow-vented Flowerpecker, Crow-
billed Drongo, and Hill Mynah.
It takes about half a day to walk from the small
busy town of Ilam to Jamuna (1830m). Buying food in
Jamuna is advised as it may not be available further
on. Another half day is needed to reach Hanga Tham
(2135m), a good base to stay for two to three days
while exploring the upper Mai valley. Lodging with
local people may be possible here, but be prepared to
camp.
Species in the upper Mai valley:- White-browed Pic-
ulet, Maroon-backed Accentor, Rufous-breasted
Bush-Robin, Hill Prinia, Yellow-bellied Warbler,
Large Niltava, Sapphire Flycatcher, Rufous-throated
Wren-Babbler, Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler,
Rufous-capped, Golden and Grey-throated Babblers,
Map 5 Sunischare to Hanga Tham
Humid lower tropical forest
Upper tropical forest
Temperate hill forest
Birtamod H
Dhulabari
29
30
Fire-tailed Myzornis nest
Black-throated Parrotbill, Scaly Laughing-thrush,
Silver-eared Mesia, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Cutia,
Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, Rusty-fronted Barwing,
Red-tailed Minla, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Yellow-
cheeked Tit, and Brown Bullfinch.
Langtang trek
Trekking in Langtang National Park is highly recom-
mended in spring, especially late May, when a wide
variety of breeding Himalayan birds can be seen.
About three weeks are needed for the trek. Accom-
modation and food are available along various trails.
One popular route starts at Sundarijal (1265m) at the
edge of the Kathmandu Valley, goes north via Pati
Bhanjyang (1770m) and Kutumsang (2470m) to
Thare Pati, and then along the Gosainkund trail to
Gapte cave (3505m). It is worth spending two to three
days here.
Species:- Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Gould’s
Shortwing, White-browed and Rufous-breasted
Bush-Robins, Long-billed Thrush, Smoky Warbler,
Fire-tailed Myzornis, Black-browed Tit, Spot-winged
and White-browed Rosefinches. From Gapte the trail
crosses the Laurebina pass (4600m) to Gosainkund
lakes (4300m) where Snow Partridge, Grandala and
Bird-watching Areas
Red-fronted Rosefinch can be seen. Care is needed
here as it is easy to lose the way in bad weather. The
trail then drops to Chandanbari (3255m) and Syabru
(2120m), which is a good area for Satyr Tragopan.
The trek then follows the Langtang gorge where
Orange-rumped Honeyguide has been seen, to
Kyangjin (3750m). The gravel river bed here is a
regular breeding site for Ibisbill. Tibetan Snowcock,
White-bellied Redstart and Grandala can be found in
upper Langtang. The recommended return route
goes back down the Langtang and Trisuli valleys to
Dhunche, from where a local bus can be taken to
Trisuli Bazaar, and then another bus or taxi back to
Kathmandu.
Sagarmatha National Park
Although a relatively small number of species are
likely to be seen compared with other treks, some high
altitude species are more easily found in Sagarmatha
National Park than elsewhere in Nepal. The moun-
tain scenery is the most spectacular in the country.
The park entrance at Jorsalle can be reached by
taking a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
(2850m) followed by a day’s walk. Be prepared to wait
a few days for a plane if necessary. All the specialities
are found in the park, but a good variety of birds can
be seen on the trail towards Kathmandu and it is well
worth walking in one direction if time allows. It takes
about a week to walk from Namche Bazaar (3445m)
to Jiri (2100m) from where a bus can be taken back to
Kathmandu. Accommodation and food are available
along popular treks in the park. There are several
routes available from Namiche Bazaar including those
to Kala Pattar at the foot of Sagarmatha and to Gokyo
lakes. The lakes attract small numbers of migrants
especially ducks and waders in spring and autumn.
Species:- Tibetan Snowcock, Snow Partridge, Blood
Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Horned Lark, Robin,
Altai and Alpine Accentors, White-throated, Gulden-
stadt’s and White-bellied Redstarts, Grandala, Black-
headed Mountain-Finch, White-browed and Great
Rosefinches.
IDENTIFICATION
SECTION
32
GYPS VULTURES
Large to medium-sized vultures which often soar for
hours at a great height while looking out for carrion.
Gregarious scavengers; they frequently gather in
flocks to feed on carcasses. Wings are long and broad,
with leading and trailing edges almost parallel. Tails
are short and appear square-cut or rounded, depend-
ing on abrasion. Head and neck are bare or partially
down-covered.
Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis
Wing length 535-S78mm
A medium-sized vulture. Adult can easily be identi-
fied in flight from below by white under wing-coverts
contrasting with black flight feathers and blackish
body. Neck ruff is white. From above the conspicuous
white patch on lower back and upper tail-coverts is
diagnostic. Rest of upperparts are blackish with grey
secondaries producing a pale patch on the upper
wing. Immature lacks white in plumage and is confus-
able with immature Eurasian Griffon and immature
Long-billed, both of which are often associated with
this species. Generally paler than adult, dark brownto
dark buffy-brown or rufous-brown with blackish-
brown primaries. Separated from Long-billed by
darker, heavier appearance with relatively shorter
wings and heavier bill; from adult and immature
Eurasian Griffon by much smaller size and dark head.
Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus
Wing length 590-630mm
In flight from below adult can be distinguished by
combination of pale brown body and creamy under
wing-coverts contrasting with blackish-brown flight
feathers and dark head. Note that the latter may be
obscured by the white ruff. The back and upper wing-
coverts are brown and contrast with darker flight
feathers. Adult and immature Eurasian Griffon are
much larger and darker with paler heads and shorter,
heavier bills. Immature Long-billed is similar to
immature White-backed, see that species.
Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus
Wing Length 675-747mm
A large vulture. Usually found below 915m, at much
lower altitudes than Himalayan Griffon, but the spe-
cies do overlap. Noticeably smaller than that species.
Adult has a whitish head, gingery-buff to rufous-
brown body, and under wing-coverts contrasting with
blackish-brown flight feathers and tail. Immature is
similar to adult but is generally slightly darker overall
and more rufous or cinnamon. Can be distinguished
from adult Himalayan Griffon by darker underbody
and under wing- coverts. Immature is similar to
immature Himalayan but has more obvious pale
Gyps Vulture Identification
streaking on the underside of the body and usually
some indication of the adult’s pale line on the under
wing-coverts. See immature Long-billed and White-
backed.
Himalayan Griffon Vulture Gyps himalayensis
Wing length 755-810mm
A huge vulture; the largest of the Gyps vultures.
Usually occurs above 900m. Adult is easily recognised
by its very pale buff to sandy-buff (appearing white at
a distance) head, body and under wing-coverts, con-
trasting with blackish flight feathers and tail. Imma-
ture has whitish head and neck, blackish-brown pri-
maries and tail, and rest of plumage dark brown,
boldly streaked with buffish-white on the upperparts.
Similar to Eurasian Griffon, see that species.
Oriental White-backed Vulture 1 ad., Long-billed Vulture 2
ad., Eurasian Griffon Vulture 3 ad., Himalayan Griffon
Vulture 4 ad.
Gyps Vulture Identification
33,
34
ACCIPITERS
Accipiters are small to medium-sized raptors with
long tails and short, rounded wings. All the Nepalese
species are forest bird-hunters.
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
Length 48-62cm
The largest Nepalese Accipiter. Adult Slaty grey
above; white below barred with dark brown. Imma-
ture Brown above, buff below boldly streaked with
brown. Some males approach the size of Northern
Sparrowhawk or Crested Goshawk and may be con-
fused in silhouette. However can usually be separated
by larger size, deeper chest, proportionately shorter
and more rounded tail, and longer wings often show-
ing an S-shape curve on trailing edge. Adults (but not
immatures) usually have more conspicuous white
under tail-coverts and supercilium than Eurasian
Sparrowhawk. Often shows a hooded appearance
produced by dark ear-coverts. Females are almost
size of Common Buzzard and Oriental Honey-Buz-
zard. Separated by slightly shorter and broader wings,
proportionately longer tail and different flight.
Besra Accipiter virgatus
Length 30-36cm
A small Accipiter, size of Shikra, with plumage resem-
bling that of Crested Goshawk. Adult Male is dark
slate-grey above, female dark brown with dark grey
crown and nape. Adult separated from all other Ac-
cipiter species except Crested Goshawk by broad
blackish mesial stripe and barring on belly. Also by
bold orange streaks on breast in male, and orange-
brown breast spotted with white in female. Adults and
immatures from Crested Goshawk by smaller size and
lack of crest, and from Shikra by more heavily barred
underwing and more prominent and broader barred
tail. Female Shikra has central tail feathers unbarred
or only lightly barred. Immature Grey-brown above,
buff-white boldly streaked with dark brown below. A
broad dark line divides throat. Separated from imma-
ture Shikra by darker, richer brown upperparts, some-
times with rufous tinge and broader tail bars; and
from immature Eurasian Sparrowhawk by completely
streaked underparts.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Length 28-38cm
A small to medium-sized Accipiter. Adult Upperparts
grey (male), or brown (female). Underparts narrowly
barred with rufous (male), grey-brown (female).
Adult male can be confused with Shikra but is usually
larger and darker (although A. n. nisosimilis is only
slightly darker). Lacks faint line down centre of throat
Accipiter Identification
and darker wing tips of adult Shikra. Underparts of
Shikra are more extensively and finely barred. Imma-
ture Dark brown above. Throat and usually upper
breast are streaked. From other immature Accipiter
species by barring rather than streaking on buff breast
and belly. All ages separated from Shikra by more
heavily barred underwing and broadly banded tail.
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
Length 40-46cm
Separated from all other Accipiter species by crest,
usually visible when perched. Heavier and larger than
the other species apart from Northern Goshawk.
Adult Similar in plumage to much smaller Besra and
they differ from other species by combination of white
underparts with bold rufous-brown streaks on breast
and bars on belly. Has a black mesial streak from chin
to breast and lacks a white supercilium. Under tail-
coverts sometimes spotted with brown. Immature
Similar to immature Besra and Shikra. Separated by
larger size, crest, and thinner streaks on underparts.
When soaring shows long, broad, well-spread tail and
very rounded wings which are pinched in at base.
Shikra Accipiter badius
Length 30-36cm
A small, pale, stocky Accipiter, often with particularly
rounded wingtips. Head rather cuckoo-like. Adults
are dove-grey (male), or grey-brown (female) above.
Underparts are orange with extensive fine white bar-
ring. The underwing is pale, usually with contrasting
dark tips. Central tail feathers unbarred, or only
lightly barred. Immature Medium or pale brown
above witha dark crown, and narrower, less conspicu-
ous barring on tail than immature Besra or Eurasian
Sparrowhawk. See Besra and Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
Northern Goshawk: 1 ad., 2 imm; Crested Goshawk 3
imm., 4 ad.; Besra: 5 ad. male, 6 ad. female, 7 imm.; Shikra:
8 ad., 9 imm.; Eurasian Sparrowhawk: 10 ad. male, 11 imm.,
12 ad. female; Shikra: 13 ad., 14 imm., Besra: 15 ad. male,
16 ad. female, 17 imm., Eurasian Sparrowhawk 18 ad.
male, 19 ad. female, 20 imm.; Northern Goshawk: 21 ad., 22
imm.; Crested Goshawk 23 ad., 24 imm.
Accipiter Identification
waere
\
35
36
BUZZARDS
Medium-sized raptors. A particularly confusing
group with similar structure and showing consider-
able plumage variation. The following account is
intended as a guide. Not all individuals can be identi-
fied with certainty. All three species have light, nor-
mal and dark colour phases. They have broad wings, a
fairly short, broad tail and short thick neck. Generally
soar on raised wings.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Two forms occur:-
B. b. ‘refectus’
Wing length 39.2-41.6cm
A dark, often strongly rufous form, much larger than
the extralimital B. b. vulpinus, and more like Long-
legged in some features; wings less rounded, and with
extensive white subterminally on the underside; tail
uniform or only faintly banded. Dark carpal patches
on underwing often extensive.
B. b. japonicus
Wing length 36.2-40.8cm
A smaller form, the typical phase paler than B. b.
‘refectus’, tail whitish and obviously barred, and un-
derwing with much less white and obscure dark carpal
patches.
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Wing length 40.5-49cm
Slightly larger and longer winged than Common.
Head creamy-white, usually paler than Common and
Upland. Some birds show a dark belly and vent con-
trasting with rest of underparts which separates them
from all Common and most Upland Buzzards. Adult
normal phase has unbarred cinnamon tail but in
immatures and dark phase adults the tail is barred and
browner. Common and Upland may show a rufous
tinge in tail. Upperwing is more contrasting than in
Common, showing paler coverts and often a pale
greyish patch at base of primaries, the latter not white
or as extensive as is normal in Upland. Large dark
carpal patches on underwing. See Upland and Com-
mon Buzzard.
Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius
Wing length 42.9-S1cm
Largest buzzard occurring in Nepal. Usually has a
large white patch at the primary bases on the spread
upperwing. If present this is diagnostic because the
other two species never show more than a small
greyish patch. In a close view Upland usually has
tarsus three-quarters feathered and is often feathered
to the feet, whereas in Long-legged and Common the
Buzzard Identification
tarsus and feet are normally half feathered or less.
Tail pattern and colour is variable, but is never com-
pletely plain nor cinnamon, thus precluding confusion
with adult normal phase Long-legged. The tail is pale
brown, basally whitish with a subterminal and other
bars often so faint that it appears nearly uniform and
very similar to the tails of some immature Long-
legged and B. b. japonicus. Upland has darker head
than a normal phase Long-legged, pale brown with
streaky moustachial stripes. Underpart pattern of
normal and light phase generally eliminates Common
Buzzard, Upland having at least ‘thighs’ blackish-
brown forming a dark V on lower underparts lacking
in Common. Many Long-legged show a similar under-
part pattern but birds with a dark area right across the
belly are more likely to be Long- legged.
Upland Buzzard: 1,2
Long-legged Buzzard: 3,4
Common Buzzard: B. b. Tefectus’: 5
B. b. japonicus: 6,7
Buzzard Identification
37
38
CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE
Spizaetus cirrhatus
Wing length 380-462mm
MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus nipalensis
Wing length 419-508mm
Both have very broad wings and long rounded tails.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle can be separated in all ages
when perched by its long crest feathers usually held
vertically over its head; absent in Changeable. Pale
phase adults can be separated by colour pattern of
underparts. Changeable is white to buffy-brown be-
low often irregularly streaked with dark brown; some-
times has heavy streaks on whole of underparts. Bar-
ring is usually absent or indistinct and only present on
thighs and flanks. Mountain has light cinnamon or
whitish breast with darker streaking limited to upper
breast; rest of underparts are cinnamon brown with
broken white barring. Changeable has a melanistic
phase. Entire plumage is dark chocolate-brown or
almost black and could lead to confusion with Black
Eagle or dark phase Oriental Honey-Buzzard. Inter-
mediates occur. Most easily separated from Black
Eagle by underside of primaries and secondaries
(especially primaries) much paler than wing lining
(outer primaries tipped black), underside of tail pale
grey. Immature Changeable and Mountain are proba-
bly indistinguishable except when crest can be seen.
Feathers of upperparts are edged with white; head
and neck are white with dark brown streaking. Under-
parts are usually white and very faintly barred with
cinnamon. Sometimes has streaking but limited to
breast only in Mountain. Tail with narrow dark bars,
more numerous than in adult.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle: 1,2
Changeable Hawk-Eagle: 3
Hawk-Eagle Identification
Aquila Eagle Identification
AQUILA EAGLES
Large raptors with long broad wings and medium-
long tail. Most easily identifiable in juvenile plumages
but all the species are very variable and field identifi-
cation of some individuals is likely to be impossible.
Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
Wing Length 57.5-63cm
Wing Span 190-210mm
Heavy and large, almost size of Golden. Neck and bill
protrude more than in other Aquila species. Distin-
guished from Golden by soaring on level more paral-
lel-edged wings, fuller wing-tips, and often narrower-
looking, more square-cut tail tip. From Tawny and
Spotted Eagles also by greater size in direct compari-
son. When soaring, wings sometimes held level, but
usually slightly above level, tips of primaries often
clearly upturned. Adult separated from similar-sized
Steppe by yellowish-white rear-crown to hind-neck.
White braces diagnostic but hard to see in the field.
Generally has less pronounced dark barring on flight
feathers below and is a blacker bird, with more con-
trastingly bicoloured upper tail than adult Steppe.
Juvenile yellower than Steppe, with dark-streaked
wing-coverts, mantle and lower neck to breast, latter
looking brownish in contrast to pale rear-body;
blacker, weakly barred secondaries contrast strongly
with pale three inner primaries, more so than in most
young Steppe. Underwing lacks pure white greater
covert band of juvenile Steppe but has usually larger
creamy patch on lower back and rump merging with
white upper tail-coverts. More streaky than young
Tawny and lacks rufous or creamy white in plumage.
Larger, with a longer tail and wings than the un-
streaked fulvescens Greater Spotted; the latter is also
unstreaked and usually lacks pale inner primaries.
Subadult from Steppe by brownish-yellow rear-
crown to hind-neck; greater contrast between black-
ish-brown breast and yellowish belly below, some-
times by more pronounced pale inner primaries; and,
from above, by usually bicoloured tail and less pro-
nounced whitish patch at base of primaries; the latter
may be absent. Lower back and rump not uniform
dark brown.
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
Wing Length 51-65cm
Wing Span 174-260cm
Size as Imperial. Rather similar in shape to Tawny;
larger size of Steppe readily apparent only when the
two are together. The white band on greater under
wing-coverts of young Steppe best feature to distin-
guish the two. The first two plumages of Steppe have
a broad white trailing edge to wings and tail, and tips
of greater upper wing-coverts but these characters are
39
of no value in worn immatures. Darker brown juve-
nile Steppe not rufous or creamy-white as Tawny.
Most have dark brown lower back and rump (cf.
Tawny). Sub-adult sometimes has remains of white
band on underwing, lacking in Tawny. Generally,
Steppe has darker primaries below, coloured more
like secondaries, and all flight-feathers usually have
bolder dark barring. Sub-adult Tawny often has paler
primaries, sometimes confined to a pale wedge on
inner three; dark barring on flight-feathers below may
be diffuse and much thinner, denser and basally or
absent. Sub-adult Steppe has under wing-coverts pale
or dark brown with diffuse yellowish lines or bars, and
the carpal patch and underbody are more or less
uniform dark brown; sub-adult Tawny has pale rufous
or creamy-white under wing coverts, which may have
clear-cut dark brown lines or bars; there are no dark
carpal patches and the underparts are either con-
trastingly bi-coloured, or uniform pale rufous/
creamy-white. Adult Steppe is variably patterned dull
medium grey-brown and dark brown on body and
wing-coverts. Frequently, the underparts and carpal
areas are darker brown than the under wing-coverts,
or the latter are as dark as the body. Flight-feathers
are usually uniform with, or paler than under wing-
coverts; they are seldom darker. Many have boldly
dark-barred flight and tail feathers, especially below,
and a broader, blackish band along their trailing
edges (cf. Imperial). Often have large rusty-yellow
patch on rear-crown and nape. Upperwing-coverts
either dull grey-brown as mantle, or paler grey-brown
contrasting with mantle. There is usually a small
whitish patch at base of lower back, and the upper tail-
coverts are mostly brown. The grey or dark brown
upper-tail is variably, often boldly dark-barred, with a
broader blackish band at tip, but is sometimes in-
distinctly patterned. Often has a largish pale patch at
base of primaries above. Easily confused with dark
form of adult Tawny, but has bolder dark barring on
flight feathers below, and a bolder dark band along
trailing edge of wings and tail; it often has a clearly
defined pale nape-patch, and mainly dark brown
rump to upper tail-coverts. Dark adult Tawny either
has no pale nape patch (like some Steppe), or it has a
pale rear-crown to hind-neck. Lower back and upper
tail-coverts are often paler than in Steppe. Steppe has
brown iris at all ages, while Tawny has yellowish iris
from subadult onwards. The yellow gape is slightly
brighter and usually extends to rear edge of eye in
Steppe, while it normally only reaches the centre of
the eye in Tawny.
40
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax
Wing Length (48) 50-S6cm
Wing span 172-185cm
Same size as Greater Spotted Eagle. Plumage of
adult more variable than that of Steppe. Two forms
occur: dark brown resembling adult Steppe, and pale
rufous-buff bleaching to creamy-white, the latter
probably retained from juvenile onwards. Dark adults
have under wing-coverts and flight feathers of ap-
proximately same shade, but pale adults show great
contrast between pale body/coverts and dark flight
feathers. Primaries often paler than secondaries be-
low, especially in pale adults; some have a pale wedge
on inner primaries. Dark barring on flight and tail
feathers poorly developed, especially on secondaries;
when present placed at their bases as thin dense bars
(cf typical Steppe). In some fresh adults there are
often thin pale lines on trailing edge of wings and on
greater upper wing-coverts, unlike adult Steppe. Ju-
venile usually pale rufous but wears gradually to
creamy-white before moulting into next rufous or
dark brown plumage (ending as pale and dark adult
respectively). Flight-feathers below roughly of same
pattern as in pale adult. Some juveniles remain pale
throughout their following plumages, while others
gradually become darker; latter develop dark or
blackish-brown throat and breast in contrast with pale
rear-body; in some top of head to hind-neck creamy,
in others whole head dark brown; under wing-coverts
creamy with some dark brown bars. Most Tawny,
irrespective of age and colour, have lower back to
upper tail-coverts creamy (rump darkest), bleaching
to whitish. Some birds in transitional plumage show
streaking on underparts like young Imperial. Sub-
adult Tawny may sometimes resemble subadult Im-
perial, but are paler, more creamy on belly and most
under wing-coverts, have browner rump, and uniform
uppertail; also shorter wings and tail, less protruding
neck and bill, and bowed wings. Best distinguished
from spotted eagles with similar plumage by larger
bill, elongated nostrils and, in photographs, the usu-
ally longer fourth primary, if not in moult. Lacks the
whitish bars on wings and tail of well-marked juvenile
Greater Spotted. When perched, Tawny has heavy
baggy ‘trousers’ covering feathered tarsus, while in
both Spotteds trousers are smaller, showing long thin-
looking feathered tarsus below. Creamy-whitish
Tawny distinguished from fulvescens Greater Spotted
by bill, nostrils, fourth primary and, if present, a
distinct pale wedge on inner primaries. Fresh juvenile
fulvescens has broad white band on greater upper
wing-coverts, always narrower in creamy Tawny.
Adult Tawny has yellow iris; in all ages of Spotted it is
brownish.
Aquila Eagle Identification
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
Wing Length 48.5-S6cm
Wing Span 155-182cm
Size as Tawny. Easily confused with some Steppe and
Lesser Spotted, except for well-marked juveniles.
Adult is normally dark brown all over with paler flight
feathers below (and sometimes lacks whitish mark-
ings on tail-coverts and at base of primaries, cf. Impe-
rial and Steppe). Some birds have paler upper wing-
coverts than mantle (cf. Lesser Spotted and some
Steppe). Juvenile blacker, with more contrast be-
tween under wing-coverts and paler, dark greyish
flight feathers. White bars on trailing edge of wings
and tail, and on upper wing-coverts, highly variable in
width and size. A largish pale primary patch above,
most obvious on inner primaries; gradually reduced
with age. Barring on flight and tail feathers below
highly variable without age differences. Flight-feath-
ers often completely unbarred, or they are thinly and
often densely dark-barred, the dark bars usually not
so well-spaced and never as broad as in adult Steppe.
Lacks dark band along trailing edge of wings and tail
(cf. Steppe and some Imperial). Some have small
whitish patch at base of outer primaries below (rare in
Steppe, Imperial and Tawny), and some have paler
underbody than under wing-coverts, a combination
not seen in Steppe, Imperial and Tawny. Scarce ful-
vescens type has very pale body and underwing. Inter-
mediates, or forms with pale brown upper and under
wing-coverts, difficult to distinguish from some
Steppe, Tawny and Lesser Spotted except by study of
pattern of flight-feathers, tail, bill, gape, nostrils and
leg-feathering.
a above, b below, s soaring, g slow gliding, f fast gliding
Imperial Eagle: 1aad., 2b ad., 3b juv., 4b subad., 5a juv., 6b
ad., 7s,g,f head-on profiles.
Steppe Eagle: 8aad., 9b subad./ad., 10b juv., 11b subad.,
12a juv., 13s,g,f head-on profiles, 14b ad.,
15b ad.
16b dark ad., 17b fresh juv., 18a moulting
imm./subad., 19s,g,f head-on-profiles,
20b moulting subad., 21b bleached moult-
ing juv., 22a dark ad., 23a pale ad., 24b
pale ad.
Tawny Eagle:
Aquila Eagle Identification 41
42
Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina hastata
Wing Length 47-50.8cm
Wing Span 134-159cm
Slightly smaller than Greater Spotted but size unim-
portant in the field. Adult resembles adult of the
nominate race; wing-coverts on both surfaces are
grey-brown (bleaching paler), contrasting with dark
brown flight feathers and darkish brown mantle;
underparts as wing-coverts; a small brownish-yellow
primary-patch above, and usually some buffish-white
on upper tail-coverts. The contrast between under
wing-coverts and darker flight feathers below best
character to distinguish it from Greater Spotted
(exceptions occur); above, some adult Greater Spot-
ted resemble Lesser Spotted with similar contrast, but
usually the former is darker brown, particularly along
foremost lesser coverts. Juvenile lacks distinct white
bands on wing-coverts above and on tips of secondar-
ies, and has less contrast between under wing- coverts
and flight feathers than adults. Bill size, length of
yellow gape, shape of nostrils, leg-feathering, length
of fourth (descendent) primary and barred pattern on
flight and tail feathers are similar in Lesser and
Greater Spotted, though bill is a little smaller and
fourth primary averages shorter in the former. Dis-
tinction on flight-silhouette and wing-position not
recommended though Greater Spotted on average
has broader wings, fuller and more ample wing-tip,
and appears slightly more bulky than Lesser Spotted.
Confusable with sub-adult Steppe and dark adult
Tawny. Clear remains of white band on underwing of
some sub-adult Steppe helps separation but some
plumages are very alike at a distance. An eagle with
pale brown upper and under wing-coverts, and under-
body; with darker flight feathers and mantle; and with
some whitish on upper tail-coverts and at base of
primaries above, is matched by both Lesser Spotted
and some Steppe (and by some Tawny and odd
Greater Spotted). Compared with Steppe, the Lesser
Spotted is relatively shorter-winged, with shorter arm
and less ample, less deep-fingered wing-tip. Neck to
bill does not protrude as much (bill usually clearly
smaller). Smaller size and quicker wing-beats usually
apparent only when the two are together. Although
the lowered primaries of gliding Lesser Spotted are .
slightly more arched than that of Steppe, wing posi-
tion is very alike, as are length and shape of tail.
Slightly more compact jizz of Lesser Spotted in flight
hard to appreciate.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Wing Length 60-72cm
Wing Span 204-220cm
Large eagle. Distinguished from other Aquila species
by soaring with wings raised to form shallow V. Wings
usually narrower at base and tail longer. Adult rather
uniform dark brown with red-brown rear-crown to
Aquila Eagle Identification
hind-neck. Juvenile and immature identified by dis-
tinctive plumage, blackish-brown with white tail base,
and white patch on inner primaries below, lacking or
rather smaller at base of inner primaries above. White
markings gradually lost, little remaining after four to
five years.
a above, b below, s soaring, g slow gliding, f fast gliding
Greater Spotted Eagle: 1a ad., 2b ad., 3a bleached ad.,
4b juv., 5b variant juv., 6b well
marked juv., 7a heavily spotted
juv., 8a lightly spotted juv.,
9s,¢,f head-on profiles, 10b ad.
fulvescens, 11b variant ad.
12b ad., 13a ad., 14b juv., 15a
juv. 16b imm., 17s,g,f, head-
on-profiles.
18b ad., 19b juv., 20s,g,f head-
on profiles.
Lesser Spotted Eagle:
Golden Eagle:
Aquila Eagle Identification
43
19b
44
LARGE FALCONS
Powerful raptors with long, narrow, broadly-based
wings and medium length tapering tails, square-
ended or slightly rounded at the tip. When hunting
wing beats are fast and deep. May stoop rapidly on
prey in the air. In normal flight wing beats are shal-
lower and slower interrupted by short glides.
Saker Falcon Falco cherrug
Length 50-58cm
Wing length 34.1-43.Scm
The largest and heaviest falcon occurring in Nepal,
with a long tail and particularly broad-based wings.
The wing beats are slow in level flight. Plumage is
mainly brown above, lacking blue or grey, and with
darker flight feathers. The head is whitish with a dark,
streaked, rufous crown and narrow black moustache.
Adult is mainly whitish below with some black spots
on belly and thighs. Wing lining is either dark brown,
noticeably darker than flight feathers, or coverts are
edged with brown forming diffuse band through
centre of underwing. For differences from immature
Peregrine see that species. From adult Laggar by its
paler brown upperparts with feathers edged orange-
buff; crown usually paler; entire tail barred with pale
orange or whitish; underparts less heavily marked.
Also lacks dark brown patch on thighs, flanks and
axillaries of Laggar, the thighs being lightly barred or
spotted. Immature has boldly streaked underparts.
Laggar Falcon Falco jugger
Length 43-46cm
Wing length 30.5-37cm
Usually smaller than Saker and within the same size
range as Peregrine Falcon. Flight similar to that of
Peregrine but heavier. Has a narrow black mous-
tachial streak, and usually a dark, streaked, rufous
crown. Adult separated from adult Saker by uniform
grey-brown upperparts lacking orange-buff feather
edgings. Tail has light barring on outer feathers only.
Whitish underparts are more boldly marked and
sometimes have heavy streaks on breast, belly and
flanks. Flanks, thighs and axillaries are dark brown.
Underwing pattern of both species is similar. Imma-
ture is dark brown above, edged paler, especially on
the crown. Chin and throat white, rest of underparts
dark brown with pale mottling, sometimes giving the
appearance of heavy dark streaking. For differences
from Peregrine and Barbary see those species.
Large Falcon Identification
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
F. p. calidus
Length 40-48cm
Wing length 30.5-37.8cm
F. p. peregrinator
Length 38-46cm
Wing length 26.5-34.5cm
Adults and immatures can be separated from Saker
and Laggar by more contrasting facial pattern: a
prominent, broad black moustachial streak and white
cheeks. Head is darker than rest of upperparts, while
in Saker and Laggar it is usually paler. Underwing of
Peregrine shows little contrast while wing lining of
other two species is often conspicuously darker than
flight feathers. Differs from Laggar in tail barring:
central feathers are barred in Peregrine while Laggar
has light barring only on outer feathers. Distinguished
from Saker by its smaller size, shorter tail, and more
pointed wings. Plumage of adults differs from other
two species: upperparts are slate-grey, underparts are
pale rufous-white (F. p. calidus), or rusty-red (F. p.
peregrinator), and heavily barred with black. Imma-
ture is brown above with a barred tail and heavily
streaked below. See Barbary.
Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides
Length 38-46cm
Wing length 27.4-34.8cm
Similar in structure and plumage to Peregrine but is
often smaller, less bulky and has paler plumage. Both
adult and immature can usually be separated from
other falcons by a characteristic, bright rufous nuchal
collar. However Peregrine also shows this feature
occasionally. Other features distinguishing Barbary
from Saker and Laggar are similar to those separating
Peregrine. Adult has pale bluish-grey upperparts.
Underparts are unbarred or have much less heavy
barring than Peregrine, restricted to flanks and lower
underparts. Forehead and crown have rufous wash in
Barbary, darker and slate-grey in Peregrine. Mous-
tachial streak is narrower and paler than in Peregrine.
Immature is similar to immature Peregrine but has a
narrow moustachial and finer streaks below.
Laggar Falcon: 1 ad., 2 imm.;
Saker Falcon: 3 ads
Peregrine Falcon: F. p. peregrinator 4 ad.,
F. p. calidus 5 ad. 6 imm5
Barbary Falcon: 7 ad., 8 imm.
Large Falcon Identification 45
46
CALIDRIS SANDPIPERS
Small squat waders with relatively short legs, white
wing bars and white sides to the rump.
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Length 19cm
Separated from other small waders except Curlew
Sandpiper by its longish down curved bill. Summer
adult has a diagnostic black patch on the belly. Feath-
ers of upperparts are blackish with pale rufous and
whitish fringes. Breast is finely streaked with black. In
winter brownish-grey above, greyish-white below with
greyish streaks on breast. Juvenile has black upper-
part feathers fringed with chestnut. Breast is streaked
and flanks coarsely spotted with brown, belly white.
Call is a rasping “treep’. See Curlew Sandpiper, San-
derling.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Length 21cm
Separated at all ages from other small waders by
combination of white rump and downcurved bill.
Summer adult is easily recognised by its rufous breast
and upper belly. Adult in winter has similar plumage
to Dunlin. Juvenile has scaly greyish-brown upper-
parts with feathers fringed pale buff. Underparts are
buff white almost unmarked and usually suffused with
peach buff. Call is a gentle ‘chirrip’.
Sanderling Calidris alba
Length 20cm
Plump and very active, runs rapidly while feeding.
Differs from Dunlin and Curlew Sandpiper by having
a shorter, straight bill and a more conspicuous white
wing bar. In winter distinguished by its almost whitish
plumage and contrasting black shoulder patch. In
summer it is scalloped with chestnut above and chest-
nut on breast spotted with black forming a pectoral
band. Belly is white.
Stints are tiny sandpipers with straight and compara-
tively short bills.
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Length 12-14cm
Summer adult is scaly above, having blackish feathers
with bright rufous fringes and whitish tips; a creamy V
on the mantle; streaked rufous brown on sides of
breast; a rufous patch on face and white belly. Winter
adult is greyish above, white below. Juvenile is similar
to summer adult but has more contrasting upperparts,
usually showing two clear white Vs. Shows grey outer-
tail feathers in flight. Legs are black. Call is a weak
‘tit’.
Calidris Sandpiper Identification
Temminck’s Stint Calidris temmincki
Length 13-15cm
From Little and Long-toed by its rather dull uniform
plumage lacking pronounced scalloping and streak-
ing; also by the white outer tail feathers. Juvenile
lacks white Vs on upperparts of other two species.
Has a more horizontal stance when feeding and is
usually less active. From Little also by dusky patches
on sides of breast forming a conspicuous pectoral
band, and call. Upperparts are brownish marked with
black and dull rufous in summer adult, greyish-brown
in juvenile and winter adult. Legs are usually pale
yellowish-green or greyish-green, but rarely may be
dark. Call is a short purring trill.
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta
Length 13-14cm
Has a more upright stance than Little and Tem-
minck’s, with neck and legs appearing proportion-
ately longer. Richly coloured in all plumages. Can be
separated at all ages from Temminck’s by its grey
brown outer tail feathers and from Little by its pale
legs. Summer adult and juvenile have patterned
rufous-brown upperparts with dark centres to feath-
ers. Has a dark crown producing a capped appearance
absent in Little and Temminck’s and the supercilium
is creamy and more pronounced than in those species.
Ear-coverts are dark. Lacks rufous face of summer
Little and pale face of Temminck’s. Juvenile may have
two white Vs on upperparts as Little. Breast rufous
and finely streaked with brown and buff forming a
pronounced pectoral band absent in Little. Wing bar
is less distinct than in the other two species. Can be
separated from both species by its different call, a
grating ‘priit’ or a soft, liquid ‘chree’.
Dunlin: 1 wint. ad., 2 summ. ad;
Curlew Sandpiper: 3 summ. ad., 4 juvs
Sanderling: 5 wints
Temminck’s Stint: 6 wint. ad., 7 summ. ad;
Little Stint: 8 summ. ad., 9 wint. ad., 10 juv.;
Long-toed Stint: 11 summ. ad., 12 juv.
47
Calidris Sandpiper Identification
48
SNIPE AND WOODCOCK
Snipe are medium-sized waders with long bills. They
have cryptically patterned, mainly brown plumage
and longitudinal stripes on head.
Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
Length 17-19cm
Easily separated from other snipes by small size and
relatively short bill (only a little longer than head).
Unlike other snipes breast is streaked not scaly, and
flanks are unbarred. Flushed only at close range and
soon drops into cover. Escape flight is silent and slow
without zigzagging. Plumage is similar to Common
Snipe but back stripes are broader and contrast more
with dark mantle than in other snipe. Lacks cream
crown-stripe of Common and has a characteristic
forked pale supercilium absent in Common.
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Length 26-27cm
Medium-sized snipe with a very long bill. Upperparts
are heavily patterned in brown, black and rufous, with
cream stripes on crown and back. In flight it shows a
broad, prominent white trailing edge to the secondar-
ies, but the feet do not extend beyond the tail. Escape
flight is a rapid zigzag and accompanied by a hoarse
cry. May be confused with Pintail Snipe. See that
species.
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura
Length 25-26cm
Very similar in size and plumage to Common Snipe.
Most easily separated by completely barred under
wing-coverts and axillaries which appear dark in flight
whereas the underwing of Common usually has a
whitish patch. Has a narrow, inconspicuous white
trailing edge to the secondaries, and the feet extend
beyond the the tail in flight. The upper wing coverts
are more heavily mottled with buff than they are in
Common, the bars on the flanks are more extensive,
and the back stripes usually appear less contrasting.
When flushed it flies off with little or no zig-zagging
usually dropping into cover more quickly than Com-
mon. Shows some similarity to Solitary. See that
species.
Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala
Length 27-29cm
Similar to Pintail Snipe in plumage but larger and
generally longer-billed with a longer tail, beyond
which the legs do not project in flight. Plumage is
variable and the only consistent difference from Pin-
tail is more white in the outer tail. Flight is slower and
Snipe and Woodcock Identification
heavier with little zigzagging and it frequently rises
silently. Slightly larger than Common Snipe and lacks
white trailing edge to secondaries.
Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria
Length 31cm
Differs from Common and Pintail Snipe in larger size
and the pattern of the underparts. Generally has a
paler face than other snipes. The throat is white, and
the breast is brown with white streaks at sides of neck
and breast. Rest of underparts are white with fairly
heavy blackish bars on sides of breast and flanks
sometimes extending right across breast and belly.
These individuals are likely to be confused with simi-
lar-sized Wood Snipe. Separated from Common and
Pintail by combination of pale median wing-coverts
and dark lesser coverts, and by different escape flight.
Flies off zig-zagging but more heavily and slowly than
Common and giving a harsher, louder call.
Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola
Length 31 cm
A large snipe with broad rounded wings and slow,
heavy, wavering flight. From all snipe except some
Solitary by underparts pattern. Has a mottled dusky
brown breast, and the rest of the underparts are
normally completely barred dull buff and brown;
rarely the centre of the belly is unbarred. From Soli-
tary by generally darker, more scaly appearance
above with very little rufous, and broader, more con-
trasting buffish back stripes. Crown is darker with a
much narrower central stripe. Usually found in forest
habitat. More similar to Woodcock than Snipe, see
that species.
Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
Length 33-35cm
A snipe-like wader with similar, cryptically patterned
plumage. From ali snipe by larger size, transverse bars
on hindcrown, and blotched not banded scapulars.
Most likely to be confused with Wood Snipe as both
have broad, rounded wings, heavy slow flight and are
likely to be found in same forest habitat. Its plumage
is more brightly coloured with more rufous than
Wood Snipe.
Wood Snipe: 1,2,3;
Eurasian Woodcock 4,5,6;
Solitary Snipe: 7,8,9;
Pintail Snipe: 10,11,12;
Common Snipe: 13,14,15;
Jack Snipe: 16,17,18.
Snipe and Woodcock Identification
“not to scale”
49
50
GULLS
Gulls are medium-sized to large birds with long wings,
webbed feet and strong bills. When adult they are
mainly grey above and white below. Immatures have
some brown in plumage. In Nepal found by lakes,
rivers and, on migration, over the Himalayas.
Yellow-legged Gull
Length c. 55cm
Large gull. Adult White with pale grey mantle and
wings; primary tips are black with one or two large
mirrors. Head is white in summer, very faintly
streaked in winter. Legs normally pink in this race,
confounding the English name. First winter Mottled
grey-brown above with blackish-brown wing tips. Tail
greyish-brown with black subterminal band. Bill
blackish with paler base. Second winter Dark streaks
on head, pale grey on mantle and scapulars. Outer
primaries and bar on secondaries blackish, rest of
wing greyish-brown. Shows some white on rump, and
tail has black band. Third winter Like winter adult but
has more black on outer wings, lacks white spots on
wing tips, and has faint tail band. Usually has some
brown on upperwing. For differences from Mew,
Lesser Black-back and Great Black-headed Gulls see
those species.
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus fuscus and
L. f. heuglini
Length 53cm
A large gull similar to Yellow-legged Gull. Mantle of
adult is darker, varying from slate-grey (heuglini) to
almost blackish (fuscus). Legs yellow. First winter can
be separated from first winter Yellow-legged by its
more contrasting and scaly pattern on upperparts.
Birds of the race fuscus have a uniform dark band on
greater coverts forming a second wing bar which is
absent in Yellow-legged. Has both inner and outer
primaries blackish. Underwing is dark blackish-
brown, pale grey-brown in Yellow-legged. Second
and third winter birds are most easily distinguished by
the colour of the upperparts which resemble those of
the adult. Bill is all dark.
Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus
Length 57-61cm
The largest Nepalese gull. Differs structurally from
other large gulls. It has a characteristic long sloping
forehead, deep chest, and relatively slimmer, longer
wings. Can be confused with smaller adult winter
Yellow-legged, and some plumages of immature
Yellow-legged. Adult has black head in summer, and
a dark patch behind eye in winter. Yellow bill has
reddish tip and black subterminal band. Adult and
Gull Identification
third winter birds separated from other large gulls by
wing pattern. Wing tips and outer wing are white, with
broad black band across outer primaries. First winter
has grey mantle. Differs from second winter Yellow-
legged by dark mask through eye, brownish shawl on
hindneck, white underparts, and more prominent
black band across tail, contrasting with white rump.
Much paler grey on mantle than second winter Lesser
Black-back. Second winter is similar to adult but has
black tail band (narrower than first winter), more
extensive black on primaries, and hindneck marked
blackish.
Yellow-legged Gull: 1 1st wint., 2 2nd wint., 3 ad.
summ.;
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 4 1st wint., 5 ad. heuglini, 6 ad.
fuscus;
Great Black-headed Gull: 7 Ist wint., 8 2nd wint., 9 ad.
Gull Identification
51
52
Common Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Length 34-37cm
Asmall gull. Adult Head chocolate-brown in summer,
white with blackish mark behind eye in winter. Sepa-
rated from all gulls except Slender-billed by extensive
white outer primaries visible from above and below in
flight. Bill and legs are red. First winter differs from
adult winter in having a brown carpal bar, anda black
tail band; also dark primary tips and a secondary bar,
forming a black band along entire length of rear wing.
Bill flesh with black tip, legs orange-flesh.
Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
Length 46cm
Medium-sized gull, rather similar to Common Black-
headed when perched, but very distinctive in flight.
Adult has brown head in summer, whitish head with
dark brown patch eye in winter. Both adults and
immatures distinguished from all other medium-sized
and small gulls by large white patch at base of outer
primaries. Has contrasting broad black wing-tips
broken by white spots. Bill is red, and tipped black in
winter. Legs are red. First winters have much darker
wings than the winter adult, with some brown on
upper wing-coverts, a small white area on primaries
and dark bar on the secondaries. Bill orange-red,
tipped black, and legs orange-red.
Slender-billed Gull Larus genei
Length 42-44cm
A small gull, usually with an all white head (although
may have a pale grey ear-spot in winter). Adult has
pink flush on underparts. Legs and bill dark red in
adult, pale orange-flesh in immature. Can be con-
fused with Common Black-headed which has similar
wing pattern. Distinguished by its very long elongated
forehead, long bill and neck, and pale iris. Immature
also differs from Common Black-headed by its paler
legs and paler bill, which lacks a darker tip, and less
brown mottling on upperwing.
Mew Gull Larus canus
Length 40-42cm
Medium-sized gull, a little smaller than Brown-
headed. Similar plumage to the larger Yellow-legged,
but has a smaller bill, thinner wings, and more delicate
appearance. Adult and second year separated from
Yellow-legged by greenish-yellow bill and greyish
legs. From Common Black-headed and Brown-
headed by white on primaries confined to subterminal
spots and different head pattern. Head is white in
summer, streaked grey in winter. First years have a
different wing pattern to other medium-sized and
small gulls; they have blackish outer primaries, a dark
bar on secondaries, and a brown carpal bar.
Gull Identification
Common Black-headed Gull: 1 1st wint., 2 ad. wint., 3 ad
summ.;
Brown-headed Gull: 4 1st wint., 5 ad. wint., 6 ad.
summ.;
Slender-billed Gull: 7 Ast wint., 8 ad. wint., 9 ad.
summ.;
Mew Gull 10 1st wint., 11 ad wint., 12
ad summ.
Gull Identification
53
54
OWLS
Scops Owls
Small eared owls. Nocturnal and most easily sepa-
rated by their distinctive calls.
Collared Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena
Length 22.5cm
From other scops owls by its buff nuchal collar edged
with black, sparsely streaked underparts, lack of
prominent white scapular spots, and larger size. Voice
The upland race has a mellow double call, one note
often running into the other and descending on the
second note. Repeated for periods of 10-15 minutes at
a time. The lowland race has a frog-like interrogative
(rising) ‘wuk?’ repeated at irregular intervals, but
most often 4-6 seconds apart.
Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia
Length 21cm
Plumage is variable with both greyish-brown and
tufous phases occurring. Has bold black streaks below
and fine black streaks above. From Collared Scops by
heavily streaked underparts. Voice A four note call
(the third note very short), repeated monotonously
and resembling that of a barbet.
Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus
Length 20cm
Similar to Oriental Scops but is smaller, has buff spots
on crown and nape and lacks streaking of that species.
Upperparts lack streaking, usually rufous-brown,
mottled with white and dark brown. Underparts
barred white and black and either rufous or brownish.
Voice A metallic double whistle with an interval of up
to one second between each note.
Other small owls
Lack ear tufts, have a squat appearance and are often
seen in daylight.
Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei
Length 17cm
Avery small owl. Recognised by its fulvous half-collar
and black patch on each side of the nape, which
together resemble an owl’s face. Head is greyish-
brown spotted with white. Voice A bell-like whistle
‘poop-poopoop-poop’repeated three or four times.
Owl Identification
Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum
Length 20cm
Similar to Asian Barred Owlet but is slightly smaller
and more closely barred above and below. Separated
by its bright rufous-brown barred wings contrasting
with olive-brown upperparts. Underparts are clearly
barred down to lower flanks and lack streaking. Voice
A loud, slow ‘kao kao kao’ followed by a ‘kao kuk’
which is repeated at an increasingly faster rate for
several seconds.
Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides
Length 22.5cm
Upperparts and breast are uniform olive-brown,
barred with buff. Barring on rest of underparts is
obscure and sometimes broken, forming streaks on
flanks and abdomen. Voice A drawn out bubbling
whistle, harsh squawking. See Jungle Owlet.
Brown Hawk Owl Ninax scutulata
Length 30cm
The only Nepalese owl which lacks a facial disc. Has a
hawk-like appearance with broad rounded wings and
a long tail. Brown above, white below with brown
stripes on throat and upper breast, and spots on belly
and flanks. Voice A mellow double whistle, the second
note higher-pitched than first.
Little Owl Athene noctua
Length 22.5cm
The only small owl recorded above 3000m. Also
separated by its pale plumage. It is light sandy-brown
above, barred and spotted with white, and white
streaked with brown below. Voice A high pitched note
repeated every few seconds.
Spotted Owlet Athene brama
Length 20cm
From similar-sized Jungle and Asian Barred Owlets
by its white spotting on greyish-brown upperparts and
white half-collar on hindneck. Voice Varied screech-
ing and cackling notes.
Collared Scops Owl 1,
Oriental Scops Owl: 2,
Mountain Scops Owl: 3,
Spotted Owlet: 4,
Little Ow: 5,
Brown Hawk OwkL 6,
Asian Barred Owlet: 7,
Jungle Owlet: 8,
Collared Owlet: 9.
Owl Identification
© Riemann
GRIMMETT , TAN 8S
55
56
Large owls
Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica
Length 53cm
The only large owl lacking ear tufts. Has a very dark
appearance. Upperparts chocolate brown with white-
barred black scapulars.Its whitish eyebrows and
broad black ring around eyes form a conspicuous
facial pattern. Throat white. Rest of underparts buff-
white and closely barred with dark brown. Voice A
hollow double ‘tu-hoooo’, the second note prolonged.
See Tawny Owl.
Other large owls have ears, and are most easily iden-
tified by their underpart pattern and distinctive calls.
Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo
Length S6cm
Upperparts dark brown and mottled. White throat,
rest of underparts pale brown with prominent dark
brown streaks on breast and flanks, and narrow bars
on belly and under tail-coverts. Voice A deep resonant
‘bu-boo’ with emphasis on the second note which is
prolonged.
Spot-bellied Eagle Owl Bubo nipalensis
Length 63cm
Similar to Northern Eagle Owl but underparts are
whitish with black bars on breast, the bars breaking up
into V-shaped markings on the belly. From all other
large eared owls by lack of streaking below. Voice A
low deep hoot repeated at intervals of a few seconds.
Dusky Eagle Owl Bubo coromandus
Length 52.5cm
Underparts are light brownish-grey and finely
streaked with dark brown. From other large eared
owls by greyish plumage and lack of white on throat.
Voice A resonant and accelerating ‘wo-wo-w000000’,
gradually becomer fainter.
Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis
Length 56cm
Upperparts brownish and heavily streaked with black.
Hasa conspicuous white throat patch. Underparts are
brownish, closely barred (difficult to see in field) with
fine black streaks. Lacks the bold markings of Tawny
Fish Owl, Forest Eagle Owl, and Northern Eagle Owl
and the warm orange of Tawny Fish Owl. Voice A
deep hollow ‘boom boom’ repeated at intervals.
Tawny Fish Owl Ketupa flavipes
Length 61cm
From other large horned owls by its warmer coloured
and boldly streaked plumage. Tawny above with
broad black and rufous-buff streaks. Underparts are
Owl Identification
orange-rufous streaked with dark brown, and lack
barring. Usually has a white throat. Voice A deep
‘whoo-hoo’ and a mewing cat-like call.
Medium-sized owls
Tawny Owl Stix aluco
Length 45cm
A plump, dark owl with no ear tufts. Its wings are
short and lack contrasting dark carpal patches. Plum-
age is mottled and streaked, varying from warm
brown to greyish-brown. Eyes black. Nocturnal. Voice
A series of hoots running together ‘hoo-hoo-hoo-
hooooo’, anda deep low ‘hu-hoo’. Found in mountain
forests above 2000m.
Tawny Owk
Brown Wood Owl
Eurasian Eagle Ow:
Tawny Fish Owl:
Brown Fish Ow:
Dusky Eagle Owk
Spot-bellied Eagle Owl:
PyPepe
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Owl Identification
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57
58 Owl Identification
Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Length 35cm
The only medium-sized owl with long ear tufts. Simi-
lar in size to Tawny, and also found in forests. Distin-
guished by its longer wings and very deep wing beats,
ear tufts, and orange-yellow eyes. From Short-eared
by its shorter wings, longer ears, indistinct carpal
patches on upper wing, and orange-buff patch on
primaries. Also separated by different habitat and
nocturnal behaviour. Voice A low sighing ‘ooo’ re-
peated every few seconds and a variety of yelping,
wailing and barking calls.
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Length 38cm
Found in open country and often diurnal. Hunts by
quartering the ground like a harrier. Has long narrow
wings which show dark carpal patches on upper and
under surfaces and pale buff on primaries. It has short
ear tufts wich are not usually visible in flight. Voice
Silent in winter.
Barn, Grass and Bay Owls
Medium-sized, slim, long-legged owls with heart-
shaped faces. Nocturnal.
Barn Owl Tyto alba
Length 34cm
A very pale owl lacking ear tufts. Upperparts are a
uniform golden-buff finely speckled with black. From
all except Grass Owl by its unmarked white under-
parts and heart-shaped face. Roosts in old buildings
usually in urban areas. Voice A drawn out screech,
hissing and snoring noises.
Grass Owl Tyto capensis
Length 35cm
Similar to Barn Owl. Separated by its darker and
much more contrasting pattern of upperparts. Dark
brown above spotted with white. Has rufous-buff
patches at base of primaries. Tail is whitish barred
with black and contrasts with dark brown upper tail-
coverts. Inhabits tall grassland. Voice Like that of
Barn Owl.
Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius
Length 29cm
Has short ear tufts. Chestnut above, spotted with
black and buff; flight feathers chestnut lightly barred
with black. Facial disc and underparts are vinous-
pink, the latter irregularly spotted with black. Head
f\" 8
Ce Long-eared Owl: 1,
Bn Short-eared Owl: 2,
Pees
has a striking shape: a wide forehead separates ob- 5 te yy Grass Owl: 3,
long-shaped facial discs. Inhabits forests. Voice A soft ET Barn Owl 4
7
hoot. Oriental Bay Owl: 5.
Wagtail Identification
WAGTAILS
Wagtails are small, dainty, long-tailed birds, often
associated with water in Nepal. Although most spe-
cies are relatively easy to distinguish, the variation in
the Yellow Wagtail, both interracial and intraracial,
produces a confusing variety of individuals that could
easily be taken for different species by the unwary.
This species, and the White Wagtail, are unusual in
that a number of races from widely divergent breed-
ing areas, mix together in winter. The Grey Wagtail
M. cinerea is readily identifiable and is not treated in
this section.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Length 17-18.5cm
Breeding adults and some non-breeding birds distin-
guished from most other wagtails by their black, grey
and white plumage. Individuals of black-backed races
are distinguished from White-browed Wagtail by
their white foreheads. Many non-breeding birds are
basically grey and white but always have at least an
indication of a black gorget, a feature lacking in the
rather similar first autumn Citrine.
Six races are recorded from Nepal. Breeding plum-
age males can be separated by the following features:-
Grey-backed races:
1. M. a. dukhunensis White ear-coverts, black chin.
2. M. a. personata Black ear-coverts.
3. M. a. baicalensis White ear-coverts and chin.
4. M. a. ocularis Black streak through eye
Black-backed races:
5. M. a. leucopsis White ear-coverts
6. M. a. alboides Black ear-coverts.
White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis
Length 21cm
A black and white wagtail with a black back and
pronounced white supercilium extending from the
lores to the nape. The black forehead distinguishes all
plumages from black-backed White Wagtails.
Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus
Length 17cm
Differs from all other wagtails by having a broad black
band across the upper breast anda broken black band
below it. Rest of underparts creamy-white. Olive-
brown above with a white supercilium and two broad
yellowish-white wing bars.
59
60
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Length 16-17cm
Adults have olive-green upperparts and yellow under-
parts with the head variously coloured depending on
race, sex and age. Most immatures are brownish-olive
above with some yellow on the underparts; wing bars
and tertial edgings are typically buff or off-white and
fairly narrow. Immatures, of some races or aberrant
individuals, are grey above and whitish below with
fairly broad white wing bars and tertial edgings, thus
looking very similar to first autumn Citrines. Nor-
mally however there is no pale line separating the ear-
coverts from the nape, and the forehead is uniform
with the crown. The call is typically a loud, disyllabic
‘tswee-ip’ but in some races is a harsher ‘tsreep’.
Four races are recorded from Nepal. Only breed-
ing plumage males are readily identifiable.
M. f. beema Head pale bluish-grey with a complete,
distinct white supercilium and usually a white sub-
moustachial stripe. Ear-coverts grey or brown, often
with white feathers. Chin white.
Mf. leucocephala Whole head to the nape white with
a faint grey shadow on the ear-coverts and back of
crown. Chin white.
M. f. thunbergi Crown and nape slate-grey, occasion-
ally blackish. Lores and ear coverts blackish. Supercil-
ium usually lacking, but occasionally a white streak
behind the eye. Chin usually yellow, but sometimes
white. May have white sub-moustachial stripe.
M. f. melanogrisea Whole head black. No supercil-
ium. White chin and sub-moustachial stripe.
Three other races have not been recorded but
could be expected to occur:-
M. f. lutea Head yellow-green; forehead and complete
supercilium yellow.
M. f. zaissanensis Crown and nape dark blue-grey.
Narrow white supercilium. Lores and ear-coverts
varying from dark grey to black.
M. f. plexa Crown and nape dark grey. Lores and ear-
coverts blackish. Narrow white supercilium. Chin
white.
M. f. taivana Differs from all other races by having the
crown olive-green, the same colour as the mantle. A
complete broad yellow supercilium. Lores and ear-
coverts blackish. Chin yellow.
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
Length 16-17cm
Breeding males are distinguished from other wagtails
by the complete yellow head and underparts with
either a grey or a black back, and usually a black
collar. Adult non-breeding males and adult females
have crown, nape and upperparts grey, often with an
olive or brown tinge; the forehead, supercilium and
Wagtail Identification
underparts are dull yellow. Young birds in early au-
tumn are greyer than the young of most races of
Yellow Wagtail, lacking olive in the upperparts and
yellow on the underparts. They can be separated from
grey and white Yellow Wagtails by a combination of
characters: the pale grey ear-coverts are dark-bor-
dered, but the lores are contrastingly grey; a complete
pale ear-covert surround divides this area from the
grey of the nape; the forehead is buffy or whitish,
contrasting with crown; the wingbars and tertial edg-
ings are usually broad and white; the call is typically a
harsh ‘trrzzeet’. By early November young Citrines
acquire a yellow tinge to the supercilium, forehead
and chin.
Three races are recorded from Nepal. Breeding plum-
age males can be separated by the following features:-
M. c. citreola Mantle medium grey; flanks grey.
M. c. werae Mantle pale grey; flanks whitish; black
collar sometimes reduced or lacking.
M. c. calcarata Mantle black; flanks olive-grey.
Yellow Wagtail: 1 ad. male M. f. thunbergi,
2 ad. male M. f. beema,
3 ad. male M. f. taivana,
4 ad. male M. f. leucocephala,
5 ad. male M. f. melanogrisea,
6 ad. male M. f. zaissanensis,
7 imm. M. f. beema.
Citrine Wagtail: 8 imm., 9 ad. male M. c. calcarata.
Wagtail Identification
61
62
PIPITS
Small slim terrestrial birds. Mainly brown and
streaked. Most species have whitish outer tail feath-
ers. Sexes are alike. They run or walk quickly, have an
undulating flight and aerial song flight. Can often be
distinguished by their calls.
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
Length 15cm
Dark olive-green above with darker streaking which is
indistinct in A. h. yunnanensis but can be prominent in
A. h. hodgsoni. Buff-white below with bold black
streaks on breast and flanks. From all except Rosy in
autumn by olive-green in upperparts. Has a distinc-
tive face pattern with a prominent black-bordered
supercilium which is buffish in front and whitish
behind eye; and usually has a white drop-shaped mark
at rear end of ear coverts with a small black patch
belowit. Voice A loud ‘tseep’ or ‘pseep’, similar to that
of Red-throated but shorter and more abrupt. Found
in wooded areas. Often perches in trees and vigor-
ously wags its tail.
Tree Pipit Anthus trvialis
Length 15cm
Resembles Olive-backed in plumage and call. Sepa-
rated by paler, brown upperparts lacking olive-green.
Supercilium is less prominent, and lacks small black
and white patches at rear of ear coverts. Often found
in more open areas.
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
Length 15cm
A dark pipit with boldly streaked upperparts. Distin-
guished by call; a distinctive thin ‘psss’ starting loud
and trailing off. Rather like that of Tree but higher
pitched, more drawn out and thinner. However, also
has a less distinctive, sharp ‘chup’. Male in summer is
separated from all pipits by brick-red or cinnamon on
throat, often extending to supercilium and breast.
Female in summer may have colour only on throat,
and this is usually pinkish. In winter the underparts
are heavily streaked and throat is usually whitish; the
males may have pinkish-red on throat. Can be con-
fused with Tree Pipit in autumn. Separated by call,
generally darker appearance, and more heavily
streaked flanks. See Buff-bellied Pipit.
Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus
Length 15cm
At all ages from other pipits except Red-throated by
heavily streaked upperparts. In summer separated
from all except Water by the pink colour of the
supercilium and chin to the lower breast. In winter
similar to Red-throated, and most easily separated by
Pipit Identification
call; also by the grey tinged upperparts and olive-
green edges to wings and tinge to mantle. Has a thin
‘sip’ call reminiscent of Water Pipit but less strident.
Legs brownish-flesh. Frequents streams and pools in
winter and on migration.
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
Length 15cm
Upperparts brown in autumn and grey in summer,
with streaking sparse or absent. Much less heavily
streaked above than other pipits except Long-billed
and Tawny. Separated from these species by its
smaller size, shorter tail, more prominent white su-
percilium, and different call: a sharp ‘pit’, ‘chip it’, or
‘pi pi pit’and different habitat: usually in wet fields
and marshy areas. In winter similar to Rosy Pipit but
much less heavily streaked below and lacks olive-
green edges to wings. In summer separated from all
except Red-throated and Rosy by the pink tinge to the
underparts which may be lightly streaked or un-
streaked. At all ages has black legs. See Buff-bellied
Pipit.
Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens
Length 15cm
Slightly smaller and shorter-tailed than Water Pipit.
Upperparts dark grey-brown in autumn and olive-
grey in summer, unstreaked or only faintly so. The
underparts are tinged orange-buff in summer with the
breast lightly spottted and the flanks heavily streaked.
In winter the breast is heavily spotted or streaked
black and the flanks are streaked blackish-brown.
Legs yellowish to reddish-brown. Call is a short ‘tsipp’
or ‘tsiit’, lacking the shrill quality of the call of Water
Pipit.
Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis
Length 20cm
The largest Nepalese pipit. Pale brown, tinged grey-
brown, and lightly streaked above; whitish throat; rest
of underparts are rich buff or pale orange, sometimes
lightly streaked. Separated from other pipits by its
particularly heavy build and long tail of rather uni-
form coloration. The outer feathers are buff, but the
colour is not easy to discern in the field. From all
except Richard’s and Blyth’s by its much larger size.
Differs from these two species by its lightly streaked
upperparts and different call, a deep ‘chup’ rather
like the call of Richard’s but lacking the harsh quality
of the latter species.
Olive-backed Pipit: A. h. hodgsoni 1, A. h. yunnanensis 2,
Red-throated Pipit: 3 wint., 4 sum.
Tree Pipit: 5.
Rosy Pipit: 6 wint., 7 sum.
Buff-bellied Pipit: 8 wint., 10 sum;
Water Pipit: 9 wint., 11 sum.
Pipit Identification
63
64
Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus
Length 17cm
A large pipit, distinguished from other species by its
short, heavy bill and pointed tail feathers. Light pink-
ish-brown above, heavily streaked with dark brown.
Supercilium white. Buff-white below, finely streaked
on lower breast, flanks and belly. Callis a sparrow-like
‘chirp’. Its song is atypical for a pipit. Repeats two
long drawn out notes with emphasis on the first
syllable ‘wee-chee.....wee-chee’. Inhabits steep grassy
slopes, often perching on boulders. May bob its tail
when feeding.
Richard’s Pipit
Two distinct races occur differing in size, plumage and
call. Both may be confused with Tawny. Head pattern
is usually different. Lores, most of the ear coverts and
a broad area around eye are pale. Tawny has rather
dark ear coverts, a thin pale eyering, and a dark line
across lores.
Anthus novaeseelandiae richardi
Length 17cm
A large pipit. Has an erect posture, long legs, long (12-
19mm), comparatively weak, and usually straight,
hind claw and long tail. Brown above, streaked
darker, usually prominently. Median wing-coverts
dark-centred but not greatly contrasting with upper-
parts; edges usually buff but sometimes white. Buff
below and usually boldly streaked on breast. The
flanks of Richard’s are generally washed buff, pale
rufous or orange-buff, whereas those of Tawny are
pale creamy. Generally more heavily streaked below
than Tawny. The tail length is 75-88% of the wing
length. Wing/tarsus ratio is 2.9-3.3. Bill length 16-
19mm, quite broad and deep. White on inner web of
penultimate tail feather usually in the form of a
narrow streak up more than half the shaft, sometimes
reduced to a short streak near, or at, the tip. Has a
harsh ‘tchreep’ call. See Blyth’s and Long-billed.
Paddyfield Pipit A. n. rufulus
Length 15cm
Smaller, shorter-legged and with a less erect carriage
and paler more lightly streaked plumage than
richardi. Similar in structure to richardi but the tail is
relatively shorter (about 70% of the wing length); bill
slightly shorter (15.5-17mm) and not as heavy; hind
claw slightly shorter (10-18mm). Has a high pitched
‘tseep tseep’ or ‘chip chip’ call. Song is a weak trill.
Can be confused with Tawny, particularly with juve-
niles. Separated by smaller size, darker greyish-brown
colour, different call, and shorter tail. From adult
Tawny also by light streaking across breast and indis-
tinct spots on median coverts. Does not wag tail like
Tawny.
Pipit Identification
Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewski
Length 16.5cm
Very difficult to separate from Richard’s A. n. richardi
and Tawny Pipits. Intermediate in size but most simi-
lar to richardi in plumage. Often has orange on the
underparts, particularly on the under tail-coverts, but
this feature is also shown by some Richard’s Pipits,
particularly the small, dark race A. n. sinensis, which
may occur in Nepal. The most distinctive feature is the
shape of the dark centres of the new adult or first-
winter median wing-coverts. The centres are broader
and more square, less triangular, at the tips, and more
clear-cut on the sides than on Richard’s. Hind claw
medium length (10.5-14mm) and comparatively
weak. The tail length is 68-81% of the wing length.
Wing/tarsus ratio is 3.2-3.8. Bill length 14.5-17mm,
not as heavy as in A. n. richardi. White on inner web of
penultimate tail feather usually in the form of a
triangle, broad at the tip and tapering to a point close
to the shaft and 15-30mm from the tip. Has two
distinct flight calls: one similar to that of Richard’s but
slightly shriller and higher pitched, but also less harsh,
the other is a diagnostic short, hard ‘chap’, similar to
one of the calls of Tawny Pipit.
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
Length 16cm
A pale long-tailed pipit resembling a wagtail. Hind
claw short (7.5-1lmm), curved and moderately
strong. The tail length is 75-83% of the wing length.
Wing/tarsus ratio is 3.3-3.8. Bill length 14-17mm, not
as heavy as in A. n. richardi. Tail pattern similar to
Richard’s. Sandy brown and only lightly streaked
above. A pronounced buff supercilium. Median wing-
coverts dark-centred and contrasting prominently
with upperparts; edges buff. Underparts pale sandy,
and in adults virtually unstreaked. Juveniles have
streaked breasts and distinct spots on upperparts. Call
is either a drawn out ‘tseep’ resembling Yellow Wag-
tail or a sparrow-like ‘chir-rup’. May be confused with
Paddyfield and Blyth’s Pipits.
Upland Pipit: 1.
Paddyfield Pipit: 2.
Tawny Pipit: 3.
Blyth’s Pipit: 4, ad.
Richard’s Pipit: 5. a
Long-billed Pipit: 6.
Pipit Identification
WSs,
65
66
BUSH WARBLERS
Medium-sized very skulking warblers inhabiting
marshes, grassland and forest undergrowth. Most are
altitudinal migrants. Several species winter in the
lowlands and breed at high altitudes. Plumage is dull
and brownish. Wings and tail are rounded. Some of
the Cettia warblers can be identified by their distinc-
tive loud, melodious songs.
Pale-footed Bush Warbler Cettia pallidipes
Plate 1 No. 2
Length 11cm
Separated from other bush warblers by its relatively
short, square tail and paler, whitish legs. Also by its
cleaner, whitish underparts, especially throat, which
contrast more sharply with buff-brown flanks and
cold olive-brown upperparts. Supercilium is greyish-
white. Song is a loud explosive ‘zip...zip-tschuk-o-
tschuk’. Call is ‘chik chik’. Inhabits the lowlands.
Brown-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes
Plate 1 No. 4,5
Length 12cm
Often holds its tail cocked. Two races occur, differing
mainly in colour of upperparts and call. Eastern race
C. f. fortipes is warm olive-brown above, western race
C. f. pallidus is plain olive-brown. Throat and belly are
off-white, cheeks and sides of breast greyish. Shows
less contrast between upper and underparts than
Pale-footed. Supercilium is buff. Lacks any yellow
tinge in underparts and supercilium. Legs are dull
brownish. Song is sustained rising whistle ‘weeee’
followed by an explosive ‘chiwiyou’. Eastern race has
‘chuk’ and loud ‘tyit tyu-tyu’ calls, western race makes
a single harsh ‘tchuk’. Recorded between 1800m and
2500m.
Chestnut-crowned Bush Warbler Cettia major
Plate 1 No. 3
Length 13cm
From similar Grey-sided by its larger size, more ro-
bust build, and longer stouter bill. Also separated by
its rufous lores, broad yellowish-white supericilium
from eye to nape, curving up slightly at rear, and
whiter underparts, particularly on throat, contrasting
more with upperparts. Usually has more extensive
chestnut on crown, and extending onto nape, al-
though individuals cannot be reliably separated using
only this feature. Call is a sharp ‘tzip’. Recorded
between 75m and 4100m.
Bush Warbler Identification
Aberrant Bush Warbler Cettia flavolivacea
Plate 1 No. 6
Length 12cm
Can be identified by its yellowish or yellowish-olive
underparts and supercilium. Also by its uniform olive-
green upperparts and olive flanks. Amount of yellow
on under parts varies. Care is needed to separate dull
birds from Brown-flanked. Song is a short, grating,
high-pitched phrase. Call is a sharp ‘tsick’. Recorded
between 75m and 2745m.
Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler Cettia acanthizoides
Plate 1 No. 1
Length 9.5cm
A small bush warbler. Distinguished by its greyish-
white throat and breast contrasting with yellowish
belly. Also by its olive-brown upperparts and notice-
able rufous patch in wing. Pale greyish on forehead,
ear-coverts and sides of neck produces a hooded
appearance which contrasts with rest of upperparts.
Supercilium is off-white. Flanks are warm buff. Im-
matures are yellower below. Has an extraordinary
song; a series of 3 or 4 thin, drawn-out whistles each
lasting about 2 seconds, and followed by several fast,
repeated ‘chee chee’ notes. Calls are a short “brrr’ and
‘tik tik tik’. Recorded between 2600m and 3660m.
Grey-sided Bush Warbler Cettia brunnifrons
Plate 1 No. 7
Length 10cm
A small bush warbler similar to Chestnut-crowned.
Has chestnut on both forehead and crown, although
less intensely coloured at rear. Upperparts are olive
brown. Whitish below with grey sides to throat, breast
and upper flanks merging into brown on lower flanks
and undertail coverts. Has a prominent whitish- buff
supercilium from lores to back of ear-coverts. Call is
similar to Chestnut-crowned, a sharp ‘tzip’. Song is a
loud ‘sip ti ti sip’ repeated continually. Recorded
between 75m and 3660m.
The following 3 species are similar in shape and
plumage. All have barred undertail coverts. They
winter in marshy habitats and breed at high altitudes.
Spotted Bush Warbler Bradypterus thoracicus
Plate 1 No. 11,12
Length 13cm
Shorter tailed than the other Bradypterus. Resembles
Lanceolated warbler in shape. Upperparts are dark
olive-brown. Supercilium is greyish-white. Chin and
upper throat are white, sides of throat and breast are
grey. Usually has dark greyish-brown spots or
blotches on lower throat and upper breast. Has a
Bush Warbler Identification
distinctive undertail covert pattern. Feathers are
brown with prominent white tips, forming bold dark
chevrons. Song is a persistent, repeated ‘see see’.
Chinese Bush Warbler Bradypterus tacsanowskius
Plate 1 No. 9,10
Length 14cm
Plumage is similar to that of Brown Bush Warbler but
lacks its rufous tones. Upperparts are dull olive-
brown, flanks buffy-brown. Supercilium is whitish to
yellowish-white. Lacks grey on underparts. Breast is
brownish-buff, rest of underparts buff-white, some-
times sullied with yellow. Undertail coverts lack the
bold pattern of Spotted and are paler brown with
broader whitish tips to feathers. Call is a ‘chirr chirr’
similar to Lanceolated Warbler. Has an insect-like
song resembling that of Grasshopper Warbler.
Brown Bush Warbler Bradypterus luteoventris
Plate 1 No. 8
Length 13.5cm
Generally warmer coloured than other two
Bradypterus. Upperparts are olive-brown with a
rufous tinge. Short supercilium is buffish. Underparts
lack any grey and are either warm buff or pale rufous-
brown on breast, and rich brown or warm buff on
flanks. Less contrast between brown bases and off-
white tips to feathers of undertail coverts than in
Spotted.
67
LOCUSTELLA WARBLERS
Very skulking medium-sized warblers with rounded
tails. Frequent marsh vegetation. Often creep on the
ground. Plumage is dull brownish. Nepalese species
differ from Spotted, Chinese and Brown Bush War-
blers, which behave similarly and may be found in
similar habitat in winter, by noticeable streaking on
upperparts.
Pallas’s Warbler Locustella certhiola
Plate 3 No. 13
Length 13cm
Resembles Grasshopper Warbler but is larger and
has a proportionately shorter tail. Darker and more
rufous-brown above, particularly on crown. Most
easily separated by contrast between dark tail and
warm brown upper tail-coverts and rump. The rump is
lightly streaked and often appears rufous in adults.
Tail feathers have whitish tips, but these are usually
only visible at close range. Supercilium is either dis-
tinct and buff contrasting with dark crown, or indis-
tinct, the variation probably associated with age. Dif-
fers from other two species also by virtually un-
streaked brownish-buff under tail-coverts. Call is a
‘pit pit’ like that of Zitting Cisticola. Song isa series of
musical phrases.
Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata
Plate 3 No. 12
Length 11.3cm
Slightly smaller than Grasshopper Warbler with a
proportionately shorter tail. Usually has distinct,
dark, parallel streaking forming a gorget across breast
and down flanks, but some individuals are indistinctly
streaked and, conversely some Grasshopper War-
blers have extensive streaking. From Grasshopper
Warbler by heavier streaking on mantle. Often shows
prominent streaking on upper tail-coverts which is
rarely present in Grasshopper. Under tail-coverts are
usually lightly spotted. Call is a metallic repeated ‘pit’
and short Acrocephalus-like ‘teck’. Song resembles
that of Grasshopper Warbler.
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia
Plate 3 Nos. 10,11
Length 12.5cm
Upperparts are pale olive-brown with bold, dark
streaks, tinged grey in breeding plumage. Has an
indistinct yellowish-white supercilium. Underparts
whitish or yellowish with light streaking on upper
breast. Flanks are usually unstreaked. Under tail-
coverts are pale brown and heavily spotted. Call is a
short ‘tchick’. Has a distinctive song, a high pitched
insect-like trill continuing for long periods.
68
ACROCEPHALUS WARBLERS
Medium-sized to large warblers usually having
rounded tails. Plumage of Nepalese species is gener-
ally rather uniform brown. Most inhabit marshy habi-
tats. Skulking. Song is harsh and often monotonous.
Black-browed Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
Plate 3 No. 4
Length 13.5cm.
A small Acrocephalus recognised by its distinct head
pattern. Has a long buffish-white supercilium, with a
broad black band above it, and a dark line below it
through eye. Olive-brown above with dark mottling
on head and hindcrown. Sides of breast and flanks
buff, rest of underparts yellowish-white. Call is ‘chrrr’
or a clucking note.
Blunt-winged Warbler Acrocephalus concinens
Plate 3 No. 5
Length 13cm
Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola
Plate 3 No. 6
Length 13cm.
Difficult to distinguish in field. Both species are
tufous on rump and have fairly rounded heads. Pad-
dyfield is bright rufous above, tawny below in fresh
plumage; grey-brown above, whitish below when
worn. Blunt-winged Warbler is less rufous than Pad-
dyfield, and is dark olive-brown above, brownish-buff
below. Paddyfield has a creamy-white and conspicu-
ous supercilium, extending to well behind eye and
bordered by a dark line above it. Blunt-winged has a
less distinct and shorter supercilium, resembling that
of Blyth’s Reed and is not bordered by a dark line.
Blunt-winged has a longer, stouter bill, shorter wings
and longer tail than Paddyfield. Call is a harsh re-
peated ‘chr chuck’. See Blyth’s Reed.
Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Plate 3 Nos. 8,9
Length 14cm
A small Acrocephalus. Adults are greyish-olive above
in spring, greyish-brown in autumn. From similar
Paddyfield Warbler and Blunt-winged Warbler by
generally cold grey not warm rufous tinge to upper-
parts including rump. This colour difference is how-
ever not a reliable feature in autumn. Immature
Blyth’s Reed often shows a rusty tinge above and
worn adult Paddyfield and Blunt-winged can lose
their rufous tones and appear cold grey-brown. Un-
derparts are duller. Throat is whitish-buff, rest of
underparts buff. Tip of lower mandible is on average
paler and less well defined in Blyth’s Reed than in
Acrocephalus Warbler Identification
Paddyfield and Blunt-winged. Supercilium is usually
indistinct, only ever reaching to just behind eye, and
often only discernible in front of eye. Supercilium of
Paddyfield is more prominent and usually has a dark
line above it which is lacking in Blyth’s Reed and
Blunt- winged. Paddyfield (but not Blunt-winged) has
more sharply marked tertials and alula with dark
centres and pale fringes to feathers, but this is not a
useful character in autumn as some immature Blyth’s
Reeds also show this. Bill is longer and stouter than
that of Paddyfield. Head is slightly angular. Has a
characteristic loud ‘chick chick’ call. Found in drier
habitats than most other Acrocephalus, sometimes in
trees.
Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus
Plate 3 No. 7
Length 19cm
Difficult to distinguish from Great Reed Warbler in
field. In a close view can be separated by absence of
streaking on underparts. Supercilium is less distinct
and shorter behind eye, giving it a gentle facial expres-
sion. Lower mandible is dark towards tip producing a
dagger-like appearance. Calls are similar to those of
Great Reed Warbler. Song is higher pitched, with
more broken rhythm, a repeated ‘go go cheek’.
Oriental Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis
Plate 3 Nos. 2,3
Length 19cm
A large Acrocephalus with a rather angular head and
heavy bill. Olive-brown above with a prominent buff
supercilium and dusky lores. Buff-white below with
characteristic faint narrow streaks on lower throat
and upper breast. Flanks tawny. Some birds show
buff-white tips to outer tail, particularly in fresh plum-
age, a feature which is absent in Clamorous. Makes a
harsh, loud ‘chak’ and deep churring croak. Song is a
series of loud grating phrases, interrupted by shrill
notes: ‘kawa kawa kawa gurk gurk eek gurk kawa’. See
Clamorous Reed Warbler.
Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon
Plate 3 No. 1
Length 19cm
A large Acrocephalus with a rounded head. Can be
identified by its lack of supercilium and whitish lores.
Also has more rounded wings anda longer graduated
tail than other Acrocephalus. Has a shorter bill than
the other two large Acrocephalus. Olive-brown above,
buff white below. Generally tinged fulvous. Calls
include a loud harsh repeated ‘tschok tschok’ and a
sharp metallic ‘clik clik’. Found in scrub, grassland,
and bushes in dry habitats.
Prinia Identification
PRINIAS
Small wren-like warblers, with long graduated tails
and rounded wings. A confusing genus. Difficulties in
separating species are increased by differences in
both plumages and tail lengths of summer and winter
adults; the plumages of immatures are also different.
Tail length is up to 3cm longer in winter. Undertail
feathers of most species have pale tips and dark
subterminal spots producing cross barring. Mainly
frequent grasses and bushes in the open or on forest
edges.
Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis
Plate 2 No. 6
Tail length 5-6.25cm. Body length 6.25cm
A small streaked prinia found in the lowlands. Plum-
age similar in summer and winter: fulvous-brown
streaked with dark brown above, buff-white below.
From all prinias except Striated by streaked upper-
parts. Much smaller than Striated, with a smaller bill
and found at a different altitude. The call is a nasal,
buzzing ‘bzreep’, and the song is a fast, wheezy
warble: ‘ze(r) witze(r) wit’.
Plain Prinia Prinia inomata
Plate 2 Nos. 8,9
Tail length 5.8-8.8cm. Body length 7.5cm
Nondescript and brownish. Adult Upperparts earthy
brown in summer, fulvous-brown in winter with a
rufous tinge to wings and tail. Pale buff below. Imma-
ture Like adult winter but mor rufous above and
richer buff below. From similar Jungle Prinia by
noticeably smaller size. Has an obvious buffish-white
supercilium, a feature which Jungle usually lacks. In
summer has white on tail confined to the outermost
pair of feathers. The calls include a plaintive ‘tee-tee-
tee’ and a nasal ‘beep’. The song is a repeated, rapid
wheezy trill reminiscent of a grasshopper: ‘tlick tlick
tlick’. May also be confused with winter and immature
Rufous and Grey-breasted Prinias. See those species.
Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis
Plate 2 No. 14
Tail length 5-7.5cm. Body length 7.5cm
Adult Summer: Crown, nape and mantle dark grey,
wings and tail rufous. Winter: Grey on head is tinged
with rufous. Back and rump are rufous-brown. Has a
short white supercilium over lores, which is some-
times retained in summer. Adult may be confused
with Grey-crowned and summer Rufous. From all
other prinias by colour of underparts: cheeks and
throat are buff-white, and the rest of the underparts
are tinged pale rufous, especially on flanks and lower
belly. In summer dark grey back of adult is diagnostic.
Immature Similar to Yellow-bellied as both are olive-
69
green on mantle and yellowish on lower underparts.
The call is a sharp, nasal ‘tee-tee-tee’, and the song is
a wheezy ‘jimmy-jimmy-jimmy’ repeated five or six
times.
Rufous Prinia. Prinia rufescens
Plate 2 Nos. 3,4
Tail length 3.75-Scm. Body length 7.5cm
A small prinia. Adult In summer from most prinias by
combination of grey-brown head, rufous-brown up-
perparts and buff underparts. Grey-crowned is simi-
lar, and most easily distinguished by the appearance
of the supercilium: broad, whitish and curves round
eye in Rufous; long, narrow buffish-orange in front of
eye, and whitish behind eye in Grey-crowned. Crown
is paler grey and mantle duller rufous than in Grey-
crowned, forming less contrasting upperparts. The
song is a repeated series of squeaky notes: ‘chewp
chewp chewp’. Can also be confused with Ashy Prinia.
See that species. Winter adults and immatures have a
rufous-brown head almost the same colour as mantle.
Immature is like winter adult but is tinged yellow
below. Easily separated by lack of grey on head. May
be confused with Plain but separated by much shorter
tail. See also Grey-breasted Prinia.
Grey-crowned Prinia Prinia cinereocapilla
Plate 2 No. 5
Tail length 5.5-6.0cm. Body length 5.8cm
Similar to Rufous Prinia in summer plumage. Retains
grey on head throughout the year. From all prinias
except adult summer Rufous by combination of dark
grey on head, rich rufous-brown upperparts and
fulvous underparts. The song is a rising trill ending in
long drawn out ‘swe-ee-e-chor’. May also be confused
with winter Ashy Prinia. See those two species. Found
in dense jungle and secondary growh, and is more
arboreal than other prinias. Song is a squeezed out
‘cheeeeesum-zip-zip-zip’, and a repeated ‘tzit’.
Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii
Plate 2 Nos. 1,2
Tail length 5-6.25cm. Body length 6.25cm
A small prinia, ashy-grey above in summer, rufous-
brown in winter. In summer adult usually has a diag-
nostic grey breastband contrasting with white under-
parts. In winter white below, sometimes with grey
patches on breast. Immature is like adult, but tinged
yellow below. Winter adults and immatures are diffi-
cult to distinguish from winter Rufous, and also show
some similarities to Plain. Most easily separated from
both species by smaller, and much finer bill, and
different song. The call is a ‘chew-chew-chew’, and the
song is a loud, squeaky ‘chiwee-chiwee-chiwi-chip-
chip-chip’. Bill of Rufous is stouter and paler, particu-
larly on lower mandible. Plain also has a stouter bill
which is black in summer, brown in winter. Grey-
70
breasted has an all dark bill. Can also be separated
from winter Rufous by less rufous upperparts, par-
ticularly tail and wing edgings. From Plain also by
slightly smaller size. Has different colour of under-
parts: buff with rich buff flanks in Rufous, and pale
buff in Plain.
Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris
Plate 2 No. 7
Tail length 8-8.8cm. Body length Scm
Adult Dark grey head, rest of upperparts olive-green.
Throat and breast creamy white contrasting with yel-
low belly. Sometimes has a short whitish supercilium.
Immature Yellowish-brown above, pale yellow be-
low. Can be confused with immatures of other species
that may be tinged yellow below, especially Ashy.
However Yellow-bellied is richer yellow below than
other prinias, and in adults the yellow contrasts more
with the rest of the underparts. It is found in wetter
habitats than other prinias: marshy areas or grassland
near water. The call is an incessant ‘chink-chink’ or
‘tzetze-tze’ and the song is a sharp chirp followed by a
trill of five notes.
Striated Prinia Prinia criniger
Plate 2 No. 10
Tail length 7.5-10cm. Body length 8.8cm
A large prinia, with streaked upperparts, found in the
hills. Similar to Graceful but much larger, and with
underparts pale fulvous, flecked with black on throat
and breast. Flanks olive-brown. Has a stout black bill
and flesh-pink legs. The song is a repeated wheezy
squeaking ‘tzirt-tzirt’. See Hill Prinia.
Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica
Plate 2 No. 11
Tail length 6.25-7.5cm. Body length 8.8cm
Large, brownish prinia, usually lacking an obvious
supercilium, and with three outer pairs of tail feathers
whitish in summer. The song is a repeated loud ‘pit
pretty’, the first note only heard at close range. See
Plain Prinia.
Hill Prinia Prinia atrogularis
Plate 2 Nos. 12,13
Tail length 11.25cm. Body length 6.25cm
A large prinia, with a very long tail, found in the hills.
Adult In summer black throat and black and white
spotted breast are diagnostic. Head and nape are grey
and contrast with upperparts, black chin and throat
are bordered by white moustachial stripe. No super-
cilium. In winter upperparts are dark olive-brown,
and the breast is indistinctly striped black. Has a long
white supercilium. Immature Rich brown above with
some black streaks on head, fulvous below. Most
likely to be confused with similar-sized Striated which
can be found in the same habitat. Separated from this
Prinia Identification
species by the above-mentioned features and un-
streaked upperparts. Song is rather similar to that of
Striated Prinia: a raspy repeated ‘tze-tze’.
Phylloscopus Warbler Identification
PHYLLOSCOPUS WARBLERS
Small, fast moving, greenish or brownish warblers.
Often referred to as leaf warblers. Useful identifica-
tion features are voice; strength of supercilium; col-
our of underparts, rump, bill, and legs; and presence
of wingbars, coronal bands or white in the tail. Col-
ouration of upper and underparts and presence of
wingbars are affected by wear. Here the species are
divided into two groups: those with wingbars and
those without.
Leaf warblers lacking wingbars
Note that some individuals of these species, especially
Chiffchaffs, may show one faint wingbar.
Slender-billed Warbler Phylloscopus tytleri
Plate 5 Nos. 1,2
Length 11 cm
Can be recognised by its very long, thin bill, reminis-
cent of that of a Tailorbird. Juveniles have shorter
bills. Upperparts are greyish-olive, and the under-
parts are whitish with faint yellow streaking in fresh
plumage. Call is a single squeaky feeble note or
double ‘y-it’. Has a distinctive song ‘pi-tsi-pi-tsu’,
repeated at regular intervals. May be confused with
worn Greenish apparently lacking a wingbar, and
possibly with Tickell’s. Most easily separated by its
more slender and all darkish bill, and different call.
Tickell’s also has yellower underparts.
Tickell’s Warbler Phylloscopus affinis
Plate 5 Nos. 3,4
Length 11 cm
Combination of uniform olive-brown upperparts and
yellow underparts (bright yellow on throat and breast
and pale yellow on belly and under-tail coverts) are
diagnostic. Has along, prominent yellow supercilium.
The race P. a. arcanus has yellowish-buff upperparts
and supercilium. Usually feeds near the ground. In-
habits alpine scrub in summer, cultivation or scrub in
lowlands or foothills in winter. Song is a ‘tchip-tsi-tsi-
tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi’. Call is a repeated ‘tret tret’. See Slender-
billed, Chiffchaff, Sulphur-bellied.
Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus
Plate 5 No. 8
Length 11cm
Can be identified by combination of its grey-brown
upperparts, oily yellow underparts washed brownish-
buff on the flanks, and prominent yellow supercilium.
Also has a characteristic habit of creeping over stones
and up tree trunks. Frequently flicks wings and tail.
Callis a soft ‘quip’. May be confused with Tickell’s but
lacks green and olive in plumage and has a duller
supercilium and underparts, and a different call.
71
Smoky Warbler Phylloscopus fuligiventer
Plate 5 No. 5
Length 11cm
Easily recognised by its very dark appearance and
small size. Dark sooty-brown above, with a greenish
tinge in fresh plumage. Very dusky below, grey with
yellowish-olive tinge on throat. breast and belly. Sides
washed with dark olive. Has an indistinct yellowish-
olive supercilium. Call is a ‘tzik’ or ‘tsrr’ rather like
Red-breasted Flycatcher, or a soft ‘stup’ like Radde’s.
In winter often found in waterside vegetation in low-
lands.
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Plate 5 No. 6
Length 11cm
Brown or greyish-brown above. From all other leaf
warblers by its short inconspicuous buff supercilium
and black legs. From all leaf warblers without wing-
bars, except Dusky, by its dull buff-white underparts
lacking yellow or green. May be confused with Green-
ish, especially birds showing a faint wingbar. Most
easily separated by its call, the very thin, usually dark,
bill and less obvious supercilium. Call is a ‘peep’ or
sharp ‘chvit’. Song is either a repeated ‘chiff-chaff, or
a rapid repetition of ‘chi-vit’ run together by the
introduction of a few more musical notes. These
differences may indicate that two separate popula-
tions are involved, although all specimens have been
referred to P. c. tristis. Often arboreal, feeding well
above the ground. See Dusky.
Dusky Warbler Phyllscopus fuscatus
Plate 5 No. 7
Length 11cm
A skulking warbler, found in scrub and low vegeta-
tion. Dark brown above, greyish-white below, flanks
fulvous. Lacks yellow and green in plumage. Sepa-
rated from Chiffchaff by its distinctive hard ‘tack tack’
call, its conspicuous long buff supercilium, rich buff
vent, yellowish-brown legs, and secretive behaviour.
Often also found in different habitat. See Radde’s.
Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarz
Plate 5 Nos. 9,10
Length 12cm
A large, skulking Phylloscopus. Upperparts and flanks
are brownish-olive. Can be confused with Dusky,
particularly with worn plumage. Bigger and heavier,
with a thicker bill and longer tail. Undertail coverts
are rufous. Supercilium is creamy, and usually longer
and more conspicuous, reaching hindcrown. Dark
line through the eyeis more prominent. Has yellowish
tinge to underparts, and black line above supercilium,
lacking in Dusky. Legs are reddish or yellowish-flesh.
Call is a soft ‘stup’ similar to that of Smoky.
72
Leaf warblers with wingbars
All species are very active and constantly on the move.
Note The presence or absence of wingbars as a field
character for separating species should be treated
with caution. In worn plumage birds normally show-
ing two bars may show only one, and birds normally
showing one bar may appear to lack this altogether.
Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator
Plate 4 No. 6
Length 10cm
A small leaf warbler, recognised by the distinctive
colour of underparts. Throat, upper breast and under
tail coverts are bright yellow, contrasting with white
lower breast and belly. Flanks greyish. Has a striking
head pattern: a well-defined yellow supercilium, sides
of head yellow; black lateral stripes, and a median
yellowish-green stripe on the crown. Has two yellow
wing-bars, the upper indistinct. Call is loud continu-
ous ‘pio pio’.
Grey-faced Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus maculipennis
Plate 4 No. 1
Length 10cm
Small. The only leaf warbler with a grey head and
throat. Rest of underparts yellowish. Olive-green
above with a yellow rump, two yellowish-white wing-
bars, and white on the inner webs of the outer three
pairs of tail feathers. Has a whitish median crown
stripe and long distinct whitish supercilium. Call is a
short ‘zit’. See Orange-barred, Pallas’s.
Orange-barred Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher
Plate 4 No. 5
Length 10cm
Similar to Grey-faced in fresh plumage, but throat
off-white. Upperparts rather dark brownish-olive,
darker on crown, and with a grey tinge. Has a faint
yellowish-green crown stripe and yellowish supercil-
ium. Underparts greyish-yellow. Has two orange-buff
wingbars but the upper bar may not bevisible, and the
colour is often difficult to determine. Call is a short
repeated ‘tsip’. Song is a high-pitched thin twitter,
preceded by, or ending with, a drawn out trill. See
Pallas’s.
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus
Plate 4 No. 2
Length 9cm
A small leaf warbler, similar to Blyth’s Crowned but
smaller, and has a yellow rump. Grey-green above and
whitish below. The prominent median crown stripe,
supercilium and two wingbars are all yellowish-white.
From Orange-barred and Grey-faced by lack of white
Phylloscopus Warbler Identification
in tail and more conspicuous crown stripe. Call is a
sharp ‘tsip’ or a quiet ‘chwee’. Song is a short twitter-
ing ‘wai-a-wai-a-wai’ rapidly repeated.
Blyth’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides
Plate 4 No. 7
Length 11cm
Has a well marked head pattern: a yellowish-white
median crown stripe, particularly prominent in sum-
mer; broad, dark olive lateral crown stripes; and a
long, yellow supercilium. The mantle is greyish-green,
and the lower back is brighter green. Has two yellow
wingbars, and the greater coverts are usually darker
than the rest of the wing, forming a contrasting band.
Underparts yellowish-white. Call is a constantly re-
peated ‘kee-kew-i’. Song is a trill of nine to ten notes
‘ch-ti-ch-ti-ch-ti-chi-chi-ti-chee’. See Pallas’s, West-
ern Crowned.
Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis
Plate 4 No. 8
Length 13cm
A large leaf warbler, very similar to Blyth’s Leaf. Can
be separated by combination of the following fea-
tures: larger size; noticeably longer bill; greyish-white
supercilium; coronal bands generally paler grey,
forming a less contrasting head pattern; lighter, duller
green upperparts; whitish underparts sullied with
grey; yellowish-white wingbars, and greater coverts
are not contrastingly dark. Call is ‘stic’ or ‘stic-swick’.
Song is ‘stic-swee-swee-swee-swe-swee-swa’, often
omitting final ‘swa’.
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
Plate 4 Nos. 9,10,11
Length 10-11cm
Extremely variable in size and colouration. Two races
occur. Appearance in fresh plumage is quite different.
P. t. trochiloides is dark olive to olive-green above,
whitish below heavily marked with grey, sometimes
yellowish-white on breast and belly. Has prominent
yellowish-white supercilium, and usually one yel-
lowish-white wingbar. Sometimes shows a faint sec-
ond bar. P. t. viridanus differs in having brighter green
upperparts with no olive tinge, whitish underparts,
and a yellowish supercilium. Wears to a dull greyish
above. Both races lack yellow on rump, dark coronal
bands and white in tail. Bill colour is variable but base
of lower mandible is always pale pinkish or orange.
Calls ar similar, a loud piercing ‘che-wee’ or ‘chis-
weet’. The song is based on the call: P. t. vindanus a
loud, repeated vehement ‘chi-chi-chi-chiwee-chiwee’,
and P. t. trochiloides a more regular tit-like ‘chis-weet
chis-weet’. See Green, Large-billed, Yellow-browed,
Chiffchaff.
Phylloscopus Warbler Identification
Green Warbler Phylloscopus nitidus
Plate 4 Nos. 12,13
Length 11cm
Similar to Greenish but upperparts are brighter leaf-
green, and the supercilium, cheeks and wingbar are
noticeably yellow. Underparts have a much stronger
suffusion of yellow, sometimes reaching undertail
coverts, but birds in worn plumage may have much
less yellow. The bill is stouter, and often paler. Call is
very similar to Greenish but may be more clearly
disyllabic and louder. The song is more complex than
that of the Greenish and often includes brief trilling
notes.
Large-billed Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus magnirostris
Plate 4 No. 14
Length 13cm
A large leaf warbler with plumage similar to nominate
Greenish, but usually appearing noticeably larger. In
fresh plumage it is brighter olive green than Greenish,
with a more prominent dark line through the eye, and
a longer yellowish-white supercilium extending to
rear of ear-coverts. The sides of the breast and flanks
are olive-brown. Has one and a half yellowish-white
wingbars, but the upper one is usually not visible.
Most easily separated by its different voice. Call ‘dir-
tee’, the second syllable half an octave higher than the
first. The song is a sweet musical ‘see sisi sisi’ on three
descending notes. Bill is heavier and dark with only a
restricted pale orange or brown area at the base of the
lower mandible.
Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inomatus
Plate 4 Nos. 3,4
Length 10cm
Asmall leaf warbler. P. i. humei (the commonest race)
is greyish-olive above, creamy below, with a long
broad supercilium, and one and a half whitish wing-
bars. P. i. inomatus has brighter greenish-olive upper-
parts, and yellower supercilium and wingbars, and
yellowish-white underparts. P. i. humei is confusable
with Greenish because it often appears to have only
one wingbar. It is most easily separated by its smaller,
virtually all dark bill. The call is a very similar disyl-
labic ’tiss-yip’. See Greenish. P. i. inomatus is sepa-
tated from Greenish by the presence of two promi-
nent wingbars, white tips to the tertials, and the call, a
loud plaintive ‘weest’. Both races are generally
‘Smaller than Greenish.
73
74
BLACK TITS
Small crested tits. All have crown, crest, sides of neck
and throat black. Cheeks and nuchal patch white.
Separated by colour of underparts and presence of
wingbars. Inhabit broadleaved and coniferous forests
between 2100m and 4000m.
Rufous-naped Tit Parus rufonuchalis
Length 13cm
A large and dark black tit. Distinguished by extensive
black on underparts covering breast and upper belly.
Lower belly dark grey. Rufous only on undertail
coverts and small patch on flanks. Has rich rufous
tinge at back of white nuchal patch. Upperparts dark
olive-grey. No wing spots.
Rufous-vented Tit
Length 10cm
Western race
Parus rubidiventris rubidiventris
Separated by rufous breast and belly. Flanks pale grey
with a small rufous patch. Has pale rufous tinge at
back of white nuchal patch. Upperparts grey slightly
tinged olive. Under tail-coverts rufous. No wing spots.
Eastern race
Parus rubidiventris beavani
Like P. r. rubidiventris but breast and belly medium
grey. Flanks medium grey with a small rufous patch.
Lacks rufous tinge on white nuchal patch.
Spot-winged Tit Parus melanolophus
Length 11cm Dark grey upperparts. From other spe-
cies except Coal by two rows of rusty-white spots
forming wing bars. From Coal by dark grey breast and
belly, small rufous patch on flanks and rufous under
tail-coverts.
Coal Tit Parus ater
Length 10cm
The smallest black tit. Grey above. Separated from
other black tits by beige breast and belly and lack of
both rufous patch on flanks and rufous under tail-
coverts. From Rufous-naped and Rufous-vented by
two rows of white spots forming wing bars. Hybrids
between the last two species occur in a zone of
introgression. The hybrids differ strikingly from both
parents in having a cinnamon patch on the lower
breast and belly, thus resembling P. r. rubidiventns..
Black Tit Identification
Rosefinch Identification
ROSEFINCHES
Males have pinkish plumage and, in most species, a
pink rump. Females and immatures are streaked
brown and are often difficult to identify. All breed at
high altitudes, and all except Common Rosefinch
winter above 1000m.
Blanford’s Rosefinch Carpodacus rubescens
Plate 6 No. 2, Plate 7 No. 2
Length 15cm
Male is similar to Common but has uniform pinkish-
red underparts, a thinner and more pointed bill,
orange-crimson rump and lacks a dark eyestripe.
Female can be separated from Dark-breasted by its
paler underparts, and much plainer upperparts with
tufescent edges to feathers, especially on rump.
Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis
Plate 6 No. 1, Plate 7 No. 1
Length 15.5cm
Has a dark appearance. From other rosefinches by
longer and thinner bill. Male separated from all ex-
cept Dark-rumped by lack of pink or red on rump.
Male has a characteristic dusky crimson breast band,
contrasting with rosy-pink throat and belly. Fore-
crown and forehead are rosy-red; supercilium is
broad rosy-pink, contrasting with dark rear crown and
dark line through eye. Female is dark olive-brown
above with heavy blackish streaks. Has two distinct
orange-brown wingbars in fresh plumage. No eye-
brow. Separated from all rosefinches except female
Blanford’s by unstreaked olive-brown underparts.
See that species.
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
Plate 6 No. 4, Plate 7 No. 4
Length 15cm
Male of subspecies roseatus has head, rump and
breast rosy-red. Lacks an eye-brow. Rest of upper-
parts rosy-red tinged brown, and unstreaked. Rest of
underparts pale rose. Subspecies erythrinus is paler
red. Female of subspecies roseatus is olive-brown
abovewith light streaking. Has two pale buff wingbars
which wear to whitish. Lacks an eyebrow. Throat and
breast are pale buff, lightly streaked with brown, and
the belly is whitish. Female erythrinus is similar to
roseatus but is paler, and has grey-brown upperparts.
- Immatures of both races are similar to female rosea-
tus, but have rich buff, boldly streaked upperparts,
and are more heavily streaked on the breast. Lower
belly and under tail-coverts whitish, lacking streaks.
See Beautiful.
75
Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus
Plate 6 No. 6, Plate 7 No. 6
Length 15cm
Identifiable by generally pale colouration, and by
heavy dark brown streaks above and below. Supercil-
ium is broad and pale pink in male, whitish and
indistinct in female. Male is ashy brown above, heavily
streaked darker, including crown, lower belly whitish,
and rest of underparts pale pink, with streaks on sides
of lower breast and flanks. Rump is pale pink and
unstreaked. Female is nondescript, pale buffy brown
above, heavily streaked dark brown, and greyer on
crown. Has broad pale buffish fringes to coverts and
tertials. Cheeks and underparts are whitish, heavily
marked throughout with narrow dark streaks. Has
more extensive streaking than Pink-browed, a pale
crown and ear coverts, and is whitish below. From
Great and Streaked by smaller size and smaller bill.
See Common, Pink-browed.
Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rhodochrous
Plate 6 No. 3, Plate 7 No. 3
Length 14.5cm
Male is distinguished by combination of prominent
pink supercilium, and warm brown mantle with
darker streaks. Rump and underparts are rosy pink
and unstreaked. Crown and line through the eye are
crimson-brown and unstreaked. Male and female can
have pale tertial tips as in Vinaceous. Female is warm
brown with darker streaks above, and with olive tinge
to mantle. Underparts are warm buffy-brown, paler
on throat, and with dark brown streaks on throat,
breast, upper belly and flanks. Rather similar to fe-
male Dark-rumped, but has a prominent broad buff
supercilium, broad warm buffish fringes to wing
coverts and tertials, and is smaller.
Vinaceous Rosefinch Carpodacus vinaceus
Plate 6 No. 8, Plate 7 No. 8
Length 13.5cm
A small, dark rosefinch. Male is deep crimson with
rosy-red rump, prominent pink supercilium, and dark
brown wings and tail. Lacks streaking. Has two pink-
ish-white spots on tertials. Female is olive-brown
above, warmer brown below, with indistinct dark
streaks above and below, and lacks a contrasting
supercilium. Rather similar to female Dark-breasted
and Blanford’s but separated by streaked underparts,
more olive colouration, lack of wing bars, and smaller
size.
76
Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii
Plate 6 No. 5, Plate 7 No. 5
Length 16cm
A dark rosefinch. Male has pink forehead and super-
cilium contrasting with dark crown and line through
eye. Breast is dark pinkish-brown and remaining
underparts paler. Upperparts are deep pinkish-brown
streaked darker. Separated from all except Dark-
breasted by lack of pink or red in rump. Female is
olive-brown above with broad dark streaks and paler,
slightly buffy-brown fringes to wing coverts and ter-
tials. Has a narrow buffish supercilium. Buff below,
whiter on throat and more olive on breast, and
streaked darker on throat and breast. Both sexes
resemble Spot-winged - see that species.
Spot-winged Rosefinch Carpodacus rhodopeplus
Plate 6 No. 7, Plate 7 No. 7
Length 17cm
Male has a narrow pink rump and prominent pink
supercilium. Rest of upperparts are crimson-brown,
streaked pink on lower back, with pink edgings to
scapulars and tertials. Deep pink below mottled with
brown. Female is olive-brown, streaked darker above,
with pale buff tips to greater coverts and tertials. Has
a very broad, pale buff supercilium, contrasting with
dark brown ear coverts. Buffy below, whiter on throat,
and heavily streaked on breast and throat. Similar to
Dark-rumped. Male and female can be separated by
more pronounced supercilium; male also by pink
rump, generally brighter and more contrasting plum-
age, double wing bar, and dark breastband present in
Dark-rumped. Female can also be separated by heav-
ier streaks below.
White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura
Plate 6 No. 9, Plate 7 No. 9
Length 17.5cm
Male is distinguished by combination of glistening
pink and white forehead, pinkish-white supercilium,
and double wingbar. Upperparts, including crown,
are brown and streaked darker. Flanks olive-brown;
lower belly white; rest of underparts and rump are
rosy-pink. Throat has white shaft streaks. Female has
diagnostic orange-brown rump. Olive-brown,
streaked blackish above, with a very broad whitish
supercilium contrasting with blackish ear coverts, and
a thin white wingbar. Orange-brown on throat and
breast, rest of underparts buffy-white. Has blackish
streaks below, heavier than in all other rosefinches.
Streaked Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilloides
Plate 6 No. 10, Plate 7 No. 10
Length 19cm
Male is similar to Great, but is darker, and has heavy
dark brown streaks on upperparts, and the whole of
the head and breast are crimson with narrower white
spots. Female has dull ashy-brown upperparts, and
Rosefinch Identification
whitish underparts tinged buff on breast and flanks.
Streaked above and below much more heavily than
Great. Resembles female Red-fronted but lacks
greenish tinge to rump, has a more swollen bill, and is
much paler, especially on underparts.
Great Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilla
Plate 6 No. 12, Plate 7 No. 12
Length 19cm
A large, high altitude rosefinch. Distinguished by its
very pale appearance. Male is almost uniform sandy-
grey, tinged pink above, and with a pale pink rump.
Forehead, crown, cheeks, throat and upper breast are
crimson spotted with white, ear coverts are pink and
lack spots. Rest of underparts are pale pink mottled
with white. Female is very pale ashy brown above with
light streaking, more prominent on crown than on
mantle, and whitish-buff below with light streaking
more obvious on throat. Similar to female Streaked -
see that species.
Red-fronted Rosefinch Carpodacus puniceus
Plate 6 No. 11, Plate 7 No. 11
Length 20cm
A large rosefinch, found above 2745m, with a long,
heavy bill and short-tailed appearance. Male can be
separated from all other rosefinches by bright red
forehead and supercilium, bright red throat and up-
per breast mottled with white, and lower breast pink-
ish-brown. Rump rosy red. Upperparts are dull grey-
brown and broadly streaked darker. Female is nonde-
script. Dark olive grey-brown above, broadly streaked
with blackish, and a dull greenish tinge to rump.
Throat whitish-buff; rest of underparts dull buff, all
heavily streaked with dark brown. Vent olive-brown.
See female Streaked.
Bunting Identification
BUNTINGS
Mainly terrestrial. Frequent grassland or weedy and
bushy areas in open country. Seed eaters with short
conical bills. Most species have white outer tail feath-
ers. Females and immatures are mainly brown, often
streaked and sometimes difficult to identify. Winter
males and immatures usually resemble females.
Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala
Plate 8 Nos. 13,14
Length 15cm
A small bunting with a large bill. Male has diagnostic
olive-grey head, neck, throat and upper breast con-
trasting with black round base of bill, lores and eyes.
Rest of upperparts brownish-olive with darker
streaks. Female lacks black face and grey throat of
male. Crown and upperparts olive grey-brown
streaked blackish. Heavily streaked black on lower
mantle. Submoustachial stripe, supercilium and
underparts are very pale yellow or buffy white.
Streaked on breast and flanks. Has a dark malar
stripe. Females and immatures are most easily distin-
guished from female Chestnut, Yellowhammer and
Reed by olive rump; from female Reed also by lack of
dark edges to ear-coverts, smaller size, generally more
olive appearance. Reed lacks yellowish tinge in
underparts sometimes present in Black-faced. Call is
a ‘tsik’.
Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos
Plate 8 Nos. 1,2
Length 16-17cm
A large greyish-brown bunting with a chestnut rump.
Male can be distinguished by head pattern although
this is obscured by buffish-brown and black tips in
winter. Throat and supercilium are chestnut. In
breeding plumage crown and cheeks are white edged
with black. Male has chestnut upperparts streaked
dark brown. Upper breast and belly white; lower
breast and flanks chestnut with white tips to some
feathers and black streaks on flanks. Female is much
less chestnut than male. Has a brownish-grey streaked
head; ear-coverts have obvious pale patch at rear
edged with brown. Upperparts as male but paler.
Underparts whitish with coarse brown streaks on
throat becoming rufous on breast and flanks; belly
white. The species is closely related to Yellowhammer
but lacks yellow on head, edges to primaries and
underparts. It also lacks streaks on belly present in
Yellowhammer. Call is very similar to Yellowham-
mer; a single sharp ‘twick’. Winters above 900m. See
female Yellowhammer, Reed, White-capped, Black-
faced.
77
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella
Length 16-17cm
Has chestnut rump and call like Pine. Male can be
separated from all other buntings by mainly yellow
head. Underparts are yellow streaked with chestnut
on breast and flanks. Upperparts are like Pine but
have a yellowish-olive tinge lacking in that species.
Female and immature are duller, less yellow and have
more dark markings on head. Resemble female Pine
but have yellow edges to the primaries, some streaks
on the belly which is never white; also usually have
yellowish wash on head and underparts. See female
Reed, Black-faced, Chestnut, Pine.
White-capped Bunting Emberiza stewarti
Plate 8 Nos. 3,4
Length 15cm
Has a chestnut rump which is darker and richer than
that of Pine. Summer male has distinctive head pat-
tern. Greyish-white crown and ear-coverts with broad
black eyestripe from lores to nape. Chin and throat
black. Underparts white with broad chestnut breast
band. Winter male is generally duller and the chestnut
is less extensive below. Wing-coverts and mantle are
greyish-brown streaked dark brown and rufous.
Female nondescript. Upperparts ashy-brown with
dark streaks; two fulvous wing bars; underparts
fulvous streaked with brown, often streaked rufous in
a band across lower breast and on flanks. Immature is
similar to female but usually lacks rufous below; more
obviously streaked above and below and has paler
creamy wingbars. From Pine and Yellowhammer by
indistinct head pattern with a poorly marked malar
stripe; more extensive streaking on underparts and
noticeably smaller size. Lacks white belly of Pine and
yellowish wash on head and underparts of Yellow-
hammer. Call is a sharp ‘tit’. See Black-faced, Reed,
Chestnut-eared, Little, Pine, Reed.
Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
Plate 8 Nos. 7,8
Length 15-16.5em
Summer male has pale blue-grey head and throat with
black lateral crown stripes and black malar stripe
extending back round ear-coverts to join black
eyestripe. Rest of underparts and rump chestnut.
Winter male paler with less distinct head pattern.
Female duller. Immature has brownish head with
dark streaks on crown. Throat and upper breast buff-
grey; breast and flanks streaked. Call is a thin re-
peated squeak ‘swip’. See Chestnut-eared, White-
capped. Recorded above 2135m.
78
Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata
Plate 8 Nos. 5,6
Length 16cm
Slim and long-tailed with distinctive plumage. Identi-
fied by combination of chestnut ear-coverts, lesser
coverts and scapulars and gorget of black streaks or
blotches on breast most prominent in male. Upper-
parts are chestnut with heavy black streaks on mantle.
Rumpis rufous brown. Crown and nape are olive-grey
in male, grey brown in female with dark streaks.
Lower breast, flanks fulvous, belly fulvous white.
Summer male has a narrow chestnut breastband,
indistinct in winter. Female and immature male are
generally paler and duller than adult male. Call simi-
lar to that of Rustic. See Little, Reed, Pine, Black-
faced, White-capped.
Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica
Plate 8 No. 10
Length 14-15cm
A small bunting. Separated from other buntings by a
combination of white stripe behind eye and white
throat; chestnut blotches across breast and chestnut
streaks on flanks; white belly. Upperparts including
rump are chestnut streaked darker on mantle with
pale edges to feathers (greyin male, brown in female).
Summer male has black crown and cheeks. Female,
immature and winter male are generally duller and
less chestnut and have dark brown streaks replacing
black on head. Often raises crown feathers. Call is a
repeated high hard ‘tsip’. See Reed, Pine, Little.
Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
Plate 8 No. 9
Length 12.5-14cm
The smallest Nepalese bunting. Has a short tail and
compact appearance. Identified by combination of
chestnut ear-coverts with black lower edge not reach-
ing bill; obvious pale eye-ring and wing-bars; brown
lesser coverts and pinkish-brown legs. The adult in
summer has a chestnut crown stripe; a band on side of
crown, malar stripe and edge of ear-coverts black;
supercilium is buffy-rufous in front of eye; upperparts
brown streaked darker; lacks a chestnut rump. Whit-
ish below finely streaked black on breast and flanks.
Immatures and some adult females are much duller.
Call is sharp ‘tzik’ or quieter ‘tip’. See Reed, Rustic,
Black-faced.
Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila
Length 13.5-14.5cm
Small and squat with a short tail. Summer male has
distinctive chestnut head, throat, upper breast and
upperparts contrasting with yellow belly and under
tail-coverts. Streaked grey on flanks. Winter male
sometimes has chestnut tinge to head, throat and
upper breast. Female identified by combination of
Bunting Identification
chestnut rump; buff throat; dull yellow underparts
indistinctly streaked grey-green on breast and flanks;
and lack of noticeable white in tail. Often shows rich
dark chestnut edges to tertials. Immature is similar to
female but is more distinctly and finely streaked with
blackish across breast and flanks; also more distinctly
streaked with black on crown and mantle. Immature
male usually shows chestnut tinge to crown and
breast. Call is a thin high ‘teseep’. See female Black-
faced, Yellowhammer.
Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola
Plate 8 Nos. 11,12
Length 13.5-15cm
Male can be identified by narrow chestnut band on
upper breast and large white patch on median wing
coverts. Yellow underparts, streaked blackish on
flanks. In summer has black face, dark chestnut up-
perparts including rump and nape. Black and chestnut
are obscured by buff scales in winter. Female and
immature are brown streaked darker above, the latter
usually showing sandy braces on mantle, rump may be
tinged chestnut. Both are pale buff yellow below,
streaked black on flanks. From other buntings by
combination of two diffuse whitish wing bars; broad
creamy or buff supercilium; pale crown stripe; only a
little white in tail. Call is a ‘zip’ or soft ‘trssit’. See
female Chestnut, Yellowhammer, Red-headed and
Black-headed.
Adult male buntings
Yellowhammer: 1,
Pine Bunting: 2
White-capped Bunting: 3,
Rustic Bunting: 4,
Reed Bunting: 5,
Yellow-breasted Bunting: 6,
Little Bunting: ah
Rock Bunting: 8,
Black-headed Bunting: 9,
Black-faced Bunting: 10,
Chestnut-eared Bunting: 11,
Red-headed Bunting: 12,
Chestnut Bunting: 13
79
Bunting Identification
80
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
Length 14-16cm
Summer male can be recognised by combination of
black head and throat, white sub-moustachial stripe
and collar. Pale rufous-buff above with heavy black
steaks. Whitish below rather coarsely streaked darker
on breast and flanks. Rump grey-brown. In winter
head pattern is obscured by brown mottling. Female
and immature lack black head and throat of adult
male. Have well marked black malar and white sub-
moustachial streaks and grey-brown rump. Similar to
immature Little but larger; bill much larger; ear-
coverts usually browner and with the black lower edge
reaching bill; indistinct eye-ring and wing-bars; bright
chestnut lesser coverts; and dark brown legs. Lacks
chestnut rump of Pine and Rustic and also chestnut
on underparts of latter. A variety of calls include a
loud ‘tseek’, a plaintive ‘tsew’, a metallic ‘tsing’, and a
quieter ‘tsip’. See Rustic, Little, Pine, Black-faced.
Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps
Length 17cm
Lacks noticeable white in tail. Male can be recognised
by chestnut head and throat and yellow nape contrast-
ing with greenish streaked mantle. Underparts are
yellow and unstreaked. Female is very similar to
female Black-headed. Differs in smaller size; wing
bars are usually buff (though may wear to whitish);
rump is usually yellowish, often tinged olive; under
tail-coverts less yellow. Lacks rufous on mantle or
rump usually present in Black-headed. Call is thinner
‘twip’.
Bunting Identification
Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
Length 16-18cm
A large bunting. Lacks conspicuous white outer tail
feathers. From all except Red-headed by usually un-
streaked underparts which are yellow in male, yel-
lowish-white in female. Summer plumage male has
diagnostic combination of blackish-brown head with
yellow collar and grey-chestnut back. Rump is or-
ange-chestnut sometimes tinged yellow. Duller in
winter with brown head. Female is dull brown finely
streaked darker brown with sandy-beige or chestnut-
beige rump and yellow tinge to under tail-coverts.
Underparts sometimes finely streaked on breast. Has
two whitish wing bars. Usually shows rufous tinge to
upperparts. Very similar to female Red-headed. Call
is a musical ‘tchup’.
Crested Bunting Melophus lathami
Length 15-16cm
Long pointed crest is diagnostic. Summer male is
black with chestnut wings and tail. Browner in winter.
Female is olive brown, edges of wings and outer tail
rufous. Dark buff brown below. Call is a repeated ‘tip’
or ‘pink’.
Kingfishers/Barbets Identification
BLUE-EARED KINGFISHER Alcedo meninting
Length 16cm
EURASIAN KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
Length 18cm
Small brilliantly coloured kingfishers, generally bright
blue above and rufous below with bright red bill, legs
and feet. Blue-eared is slightly smaller and generally
richer coloured than Eurasian. It has deep purplish-
blue upperparts with a darker purplish-blue line down
the centre which is conspicuous in flight. It has blue
ear-coverts and is a dark rich rufous below. Eurasian
is bright bluish-green above with a bright turquoise-
blue line down the centre. It has rufous ear-coverts
andis rufous below. The species are found in different
habitats: Blue-eared frequents streams in shady for-
ests of the lowlands; Eurasian is found by streams,
rivers and lakes, and ponds in open areas from the
lowlands up to at least 1800m.
BROWN-HEADED BARBET Megalaima zeylanica
Length 27cm
LINEATED BARBET Megalaima lineata
Length 28cm
Stocky, stout-billed green birds with short tails. Arbo-
real and frugivorous. Both species have a conspicuous
naked yellowish patch around the eye; it is large and
invariably extends to the bill in Brown-headed, and
often smaller and separated by a line of feathers from
the bill in Lineated. Head and upper breast of Brown-
headed are dull brown with narrow pale shaft streaks;
streaks more obvious on nape; mantle to tail bright
green with sparse pale shaft streaks on mantle; pale
spots on wing coverts; lower breast and belly paler,
unstreaked. Lineated has a whitish chin and un-
streaked greyish crown; rest of the head, nape and
most of the underparts brown with prominent whitish
spots; no spots on wing-coverts. The repetitious calls
are very similar but Lineated has a mellower, softer
‘kotur’ compared with Brown-headed’s ‘kutroo’.
81
82
ASIAN HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon dasypus
Length 12.5cm
COMMON HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon urbica
Length 13.5cm
Small martins. Upperparts are blue-black with white
rump. Immatures are tinged brown above. Whole of
upper tail-coverts are white in Common. Longest
upper tail-coverts are steel-blue in Asian forming a
noticeably less extensive white area than in the for-
mer. Underparts are pure white in Common; white
tinged grey-brown, especially on breast, in Asian. Tail
is distinctly forked in Common, but only slightly in
Asian.
BLACK-HEADED MOUNTAIN-FINCH
Leucosticte brandti
Length 18cm
PLAIN MOUNTAIN-FINCH
Leucosticte nemoricola
Length 15cm
Both species have a slim, sparrow-like appearance
with forked tails. Gregarious. Often occur in large
flocks of 200 or more in winter and smaller parties in
summer. Feed on stony ground. Breed above treeline.
Black-headed is generally found at higher elevations
than Plain; usually above 4200m in summer but in
winter especially in severe weather their altitudinal
ranges overlap. Black-headed is grey-brown scalloped
with sandy above; pale grey below with no streaking;
slightly larger and with overall paler plumage than
Plain. Can be separated by lack of supercilium, dark
brown face, forehead and crown contrasting with
paler underparts. Tail is black with white outer feath-
ers. Has a large whitish patch on wing, pale shoulder
and brownish-pink rump absent in Plain. Plain is
brown streaked darker brown above, pale grey-brown
below with sides of breast streaked. Lacks contrasting
dark head pattern of Black-headed. Has a rufous
tinge to face and an indistinct supercilium. Brown tail
with pale outer feathers. Sometimes shows two ob-
scure buff wing bars. Rump is grey.
House-Martins/Mountain-Finches Identification
ly iM
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Swifts/Larks Identification
WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL
Hirundapus caudacutus
Length 20cm
WHITE-VENTED NEEDLETAIL
Hirundapus cochinchinensis
Length 20cm
Large swifts with long narrow pointed wings and
square, short, unforked tails. Flight is very fast. Both
species are blackish-brown with pale brown backs,
and white under tail-coverts and patch on flanks. The
species can be separated by the colour of chin and
throat, dirty brownish-white merging with the pale
brown underparts in White-vented Needletail, and
clear-cut white sharply contrasting with dark brown
underparts in White-throated. If the upperparts are
seen well, White-throated has some white on the
tertials, but this is lacking in White-vented. In Nepal
White-vented Needletail occurs mainly in the low-
lands whereas White-throated is more frequently
seen at higher altitudes. However there is consider-
able overlap in distribution.
HUME’S SHORT-TOED LARK
Calandrella acutirostris
Length 15cm
GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK
Calandrella brachydactyla dukhunensis
Length 16cm
Both species can be separated from bush-larks by
their long tails and lack of rufous in the wing; from
Oriental Skylark by smaller size, no crest, paler plum-
age and shorter stubby bills. Greater Short-toed has
tawny upperparts lightly streaked blackish. Under-
parts are buffish with rufous-buff flanks, unstreaked
in adult, streaked on breast in immature. Hume’s
Short-toed is slightly smaller and paler with less dis-
tinct streaking. Has a greyish appearance and lacks
fulvous of Greater Short-toed. Brownish-grey above
with darker streaks and greyish-buff below. Often
shows rufous-pink rump and pinkish-buff tertials,
flight feathers and coverts. These latter features
would help to distinguish Hume’s from a grey race of
Greater Short-toed C. b. longipennis that may occur in
Nepal.
8&4
Key to the Distribution Maps
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
KEY TO THE DISTRIBUTION MAPS
The country has been divided up into squares (based
on geographical coordinates for ease of reference,
each one being half a degree square (i.e. about
56km?). Each square is designated by the coordinates
of the left hand bottom corner.
Symbols used
specimen
recorded
recorded in breeding season
possible breeding
@®oeo~,«
proved breeding
A A breeding season
Possible breeding records
Birds copulating, nest-building, or trapped or col-
lected in breeding condition.
Proved breeding records
Nest with eggs or young, adults feeding young, or
carrying food, juveniles of sedentary species.
Range of each species is given for the Indian subcon-
tinent only.
Localities which are mentioned infrequently in the
text are given square coordinates. All other localities
are shown on Map 1 (see end papers). Langtang
refers to Langtang National Park and Kosi to both
Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and the Kosi Barrage
area.
References are referred to by numbers (see the bibli-
ography), and are included for the first record for
each species in Nepal, breeding information and all
unusual reports. Only the person who initially re-
corded the species is included, other names are omit-
ted due to lack of space.
Period of occurrence bars. Shaded areas indicate
when species have been recorded. The bar is divided
into quarter months.
Altitude bars. Each line or shaded area on the bars
indicates an altitude at which the species has been
recorded.
First descriptions of a total of 116 species were made
from specimens obtained in Nepal. These are given in
the text. All records from B. Hodgson refer to speci-
mens. Unfortunately nearly all of these lack locality
data.
Status of species is given as abundant, common, fairly
common, occasional, uncommon, rare, scarce and
vagrant.
Map6 Number of species recorded per square
Note that squares with low totals may either be under-recorded or species poor.
Grebes/Cormorants 85
LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
(Podiceps ruficollis)
Subspecies capensis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi-
dent, winter visitor and passage migrant. :
Occurs mainly between 75m and 1370m.
Reported from 3050m at Rara Lake on 1
April 1976 (127). The unusually large
number of 60 was seen on passage in April
1976 at Kosi Barrage (293). Frequents
lakes and ponds. Range Throughout the
subcontinent.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
Subspecies cristatus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A locally frequent winter
visitor, possibly breeds. Often seen at
Kosi Barrage, Phewa Tal, Begnas Tal and
Rara Lake. One was reported on the Kali
Gandaki River (H4) at 2660m on 9 March
1987 (594). Favours large areas of deep
open water. Range Breeds Baluchistan,
Ladakh, Gujarat. Winters n. India. 6 ye g
BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis
Eared Grebe (Podiceps caspicus)
Subspecies nigricollis. First recorded by
R.L. Fleming Sr. at Phewa Tal in Decem-
ber 1949 (647). A scarce visitor mainly
occurring in winter. Reported from Rara
Lake, Phewa Tal and Begnas Tal. The
exceptionally high number of about 40
was seen at Begnas Tal on 6 January 1982
(411). One summer record of two first
year birds on Rara Lake on 25 June 1979
(626). Range Breeds Baluchistan. Win-
ters Baluchistan to Nepal and south to
Maharashtra.
GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
Large Cormorant, Cormorant
‘Subspecies sinensis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common resident
but no definite evidence of breeding.
Frequents lakes and large rivers. Often
moves up rivers to about 1000m. Three
were seen flying over Phortse (P6) at 3960m (244). Congre-
gations of several hundred have been regularly reported
from Kosi Barrage and roosting at Chitwan. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
86 Cormorants /Pelicans
GREAT CORMORANT, cont'd ...
LITTLE CORMORANT Phalacrocorax niger
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly a winter visitor and passage mi-
grant. Common at Kosi but uncommon
elsewhere. Found on lakes, ponds and
forested streams. Usually solitary when
on small ponds and streams but up to 100
have been recorded together at Kosi.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
ORIENTAL DARTER Anhinga melanogaster
Darter (Anhinga rufa)
Subspecies melanogaster. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). Mainly an uncom-
mon resident and non-breeding visitor re-
stricted to below 300m. Common at Chi-
twan where it is a resident breeder (296)
and occasionally seen at Kosi. One was
seen soaring over the Kathmandu Valley
after a severe dust storm in April (635).
Found on slow-moving rivers, ponds and
lakes. Range Throughout the subconti-
nent.
GREAT WHITE PELICAN + Pelecanus onocrotalus
Eastern White Pelican, White Pelican
Vagrant. The first record was of a pair season between May and January (293), but only two other
flying over the Kathmandu Valley seen by records from there: in March 1988 (418) and a flock of 52
J.V. Coapman in 1971 (243). In 1976 de- birds on 14 and 15 February 1981 (65,559,622). Range
scribed as an uncommon visitor to Kosi Winters Pakistan and n. India.
Barrage in the species’s non-breeding
Pelicans/Bitterns
SPOT-BILLED PELICAN Pelecanus philippensis
Grey Pelican
A local and uncommon non-breeding
visitor. First recorded by B. Hodgson who
obtained one from the Kathmandu Valley
in April (336,388). All other reports are
from Kosi. Regularly seen there between
early March and May in flocks of up to 12
birds; also recorded in June and July.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
GREAT BITTERN Botaurus stellaris
Bittern, Eurasian Bittern
e
Subspecies stellaris. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (277). A scarce winter visitor
and passage migrant. Mainly found in the
tarai. Singles regularly seen at Kosi. Two
autumn records from higher altitudes: in
the Kathmandu Valley at 1370m (591)
and at Rara Lake at 3050m (627). Inhab- /
its dense reedbeds. Skulking and solitary; , 5 3
not often seen in the daytime. Range z
Winters Sind east to Bangladesh; south to ae =
Tamil Nadu. 900 JF MA A Oo ND
[LITTLE BITTERN Ixobrychus minutus
Although mentioned by some authors
(51,664) as occurring in Nepal, no records
have been traced.]
YELLOW BITTERN Ixobrychus sinensis
A local summer visitor, mainly reported
from May to October with a few records i Y,
between mid-February and April. Confu- if
sion with Cinnamon Bittern resulted in it
being wrongly listed as obtained by B.
Hodgson (277). First recorded by R.C.
Gregory-Smith on 11 May 1975 at Kosi
Barrage. Occasionally seen there during
the monsoon with a maximum of 10 birds
in June 1975 (293). An uncommon breed-
ing visitor to Chitwan (296). The only
_ other record received is of three at Bela-
tari (G6) on 21 June 1988 (750). Breeds
June to September. Frequents reedbeds
and marshes of the tarai. Mainly crepus-
cular and nocturnal. Range Throughout
the subcontinent south and east from the
Indus valley.
8&8
CINNAMON BITTERN Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Chestnut Bittern
First recorded by B. Hodgson although
wrongly listed as Yellow Bittern
(277,388). Occasional. Mainly a summer
visitor to the lowlands. Part of the popula-
tion is resident at Chitwan and Sukla
Phanta. Breeds at Chitwan (296) and has
bred in the Kathmandu Valley (639). In
the Valley chiefly occurs during the mon-
soon when it frequents paddy-fields. Else-
where it is also found in reed beds. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
BLACK BITTERN Dupetor flavicollis
(Ixobrychus flavicollis)
Subspecies flavicollis. Scarce; possibly
resident. First recorded at Bilauri (A4) on
5 February 1938 by F.M. Bailey (62).
Subsequently it has twice been reported
from nearby Sukla Phanta and described
as a rare resident there (432,700). The
MALAY NIGHT HERON 1 Gorsachius melanolophus
Tiger Bittern
Subspecies melanolophus. Vagrant. One
was flushed near Dharan on 2 and 28 May
1976 by R.C. Gregory-Smith (293). Fre-
quents wet areas in dense forest. Mainly
nocturnal and very secretive. Range S.w.
India, n.e. India and n. Bangladesh.
Bitterns/Herons
= 9000m J'F'M A = J = o'N D
only other reports are of singles at Chitwan on 30 April 1980
(440), and at Kosi Barrage on 19 May 1987 (792) and 29
February 1988 (328). Inhabits forest pools, marshes and
reed-edged lakes of the tarai. Breeds June to September.
Range Sind east to Bangladesh; south to Kerala and Sri
Lanka.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON WNycticorax nycticorax
Night Heron
Subspecies nycticorax. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Locally common at
Kosi, Chitwan and in the Kathmandu
Valley. Proved breeding in the latter two
areas (296,336,559). Mainly a summer
visitor but resident in the Kathmandu
Valley and some birds at Chitwan all year.
Regularly feeds at Rani Pokhari, a pool
by a busy street in Kathmandu. Crepuscu-
lar and nocturnal. Occurs on ponds, lakes
and reedy pools. Range Throughout the
subcontinent.
F
Herons/Egrets
STRIATED HERON Butorides striatus
Little Heron, Green-backed Heron, (Ardeola striatus)
Little Green Heron
Subspecies chloriceps. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi-
dent and summer visitor. Breeding con-
firmed at Chitwan (296). Found by lakes
and ponds edged with dense foliage and
well-wooded streams. Secretive and usu-
ally crepuscular or nocturnal. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
INDIAN POND HERON 9 Ardeola grayii
Subspecies grayii. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident
throughout the tarai and up to 1525m in
central Nepal. A straggler was seen at the
unusually high altitude of 2745m on 22
May 1975 north of Jomosom (302). Re-
ported breeding at Gularia (B4) (432),
Chitwan (296) and also in the Kathmandu
Valley (629). Inhabits paddy-fields,
marshes, streams, ponds and ditches.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis
Subspecies coromandus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson. He found it breeding in
the same trees as Black-crowned Night
Herons in the Kathmandu Valley
(336,388). There is still a colony in Kath-
mandu. Also proved breeding north-west
89
of Pokhara (499) and outside the national park at Chitwan
(296). Common throughout up to 1525m. Mainly resident
although most leave the Kathmandu Valley for lower levels
in winter. Frequents wet fields, pools and marshes. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
90 Egrets
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta
Subspecies garzetta. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common and
widespread resident up to 1525m. Breed-
ing colonies have been located near ‘
Godavari (629) and at Chitwan (296).
Frequents wet fields, pools and marshes.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET Egretta intermedia
Plumed Egret, Smaller Egret, Yellow-billed Egret +
Subspecies intermedia. Although no i
Hodgson specimens can be traced, the
species was recorded from the Kath-
mandu Valley in his illustrations (336). A z
specimen of Great Egret collected by 4
Scully in 1876 (708) has been wrongly
attributed to this species (95). Reported
without details by Ripley (659). The first
definite record was a specimen taken by
R.L. Fleming on 24 August 1964 at Chi- LS] as
twan (247). Mainly resident. Occasionally ee ae ee sali
seen throughout up to 915m. Locally
common at Kosi and also Chitwan where
proved breeding (296). Two reports from
the Kathmandu Valley, both in February
1979 (486,652,418). Frequents wet fields,
pools and marshes. Range Throughout
the subcontinent.
GREAT EGRET Epretta alba
Large Egret (Casmerodius albus, Ardea alba) F
Great White Egret p
Subspecies modesta. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A resident, seen occa-
sionally throughout the lowlands up to
300m. A fairly common breeding resident
at Chitwan (296). Common at Kosi. Rare
at higher altitudes. The only recent report
fromthe Kathmandu Valley is of one seen
in February and March 1981 at Rani
Pokhari. Two were found at the particu-
larly high altitude of 3050m at Rara Lake
on 15 October 1982 (627). Frequents wet
fields, pools and marshes. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
Herons/Storks
GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
Subspecies cinerea. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Chiefly a winter visitor,
seen occasionally throughout the tarai
and foothills up to 915m. Common at
Chitwan and Kosi Barrage where some
birds are resident. One was seen at the
unusually high altitude of 3050m at Rara
Lake from 28 February to 2 March 1983
(627). Inhabits large rivers and lakes.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
IMPERIAL HERON Ardea imperialis
Great White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis)
White-bellied Heron
Recorded only by B. Hodgson who ob-
tained at least two specimens on 5 April
and 10 November from the lower hills,
PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea
Subspecies manilensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson from the Kathmandu Valley
(336,388). Only one later report from
there (733). Mainly a resident occurring
in the lowlands up to 300m. Common at
Kosi all year. There is also a large influx
there at the start of the monsoon (293).
Fairly common at Chitwan; occasionally
seen at Sukla Phanta and Bardia but only
single records from elsewhere. Inhabits
dense reedbeds, lakes and marshes. Shy
and crepuscular, easily overlooked.
Range Throughout the plains in the sub-
continent.
PAINTED STORK Mycteria leucocephala
(Ibis leucocephalus)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly a scarce summer visitor; only afew
winter reports. Chiefly occurs at Chitwan
from May to October (296). Occasionally
seen in summer at Kosi Barrage (293).
Single records from elsewhere. The maxi-
mum of 57 was found at Gaidhawa Tal on
~ 29 December 1979 (777). One to three
birds found in wetlands in the west in
June 1988: by Dunduwa stream and
Kamdi Ghat, Banke District (D5),
Badhaiya Tal (CS) and near Bhairawa
(G6) (750). Found in large marshes.
Range Throughout the plains of the sub-
continent.
91
including one from Hetaura. He described the species as
shy and rare (336, 388). Frequents rivers running through
forest and marshes. Range Nepal east to Bangladesh.
92 Storks
ASIAN OPENBILL STORK Anastomus oscitans
Openbill Stork
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (276) but the specimen may have
originated in India. Reported from the
tarai without details by Ripley (659). First
definitely recorded by R.L. Fleming in
November 1964/65 at Kuriya Mahan,
Chitwan (J6) (247). Resident and passage
migrant. Common at Chitwan, where
proved breeding (296), and in the eastern
tarai. Occasionally reported from else-
where. Frequents lakes and marshes.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Occasional. A winter visitor from the ta-
rai up to 1000m and a passage migrant.
Sometimes seen in the hills on migration.
Reported near Dhorpatan (G5) at the
unusually high altitude of 2925m on 22
and 23 May 1981 (499). Found by rivers
and in marshes. Range Winters Pakistan
and n. India.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK Ciconia episcopus
White-necked Stork
Subspecies episcopus. First recorded by Occasionally observed up to 1800m especially in summer.
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi- Inhabits flooded fields, marshes and lakes. Range Through-
dent and summer visitor up to 915m. out the subcontinent.
Storks
WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia
Subspecies ciconia? First recorded by P.
Alden near Chitwan in winter (243).
Single birds were seen at Jagdishpur
Reservoir (G6) on 5 March 1978 (155),
east of Pokhara (J5) on 20 February 1986
(55) and at Chitwan on 15 February 1989
(506). The only other record is of 50 seen
flying east near Dharan on 6 November
1989 (597). Occurs in wet grassland and . Nez \ gol amma cca Wau Sees
ploughed fields. Range Winters in Paki- *
stan and n.w. India east to west Bengal. ca ae) SSS
BLACK-NECKED STORK Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
(Xenorhynchus asiaticus)
Subspecies asiaticus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A scarce resident and
passage migrant, restricted to the tarai.
Regularly reported from Chitwan (J6,K6)
and the Kosi marshes. Adults feeding
flying young seen at Kosi Barrage in April
1982 (294), and with recently fledged
young at Kosi Tappu in February 1988
(481). Over 16 noted at Kosi on 3 April
1986, but only three there the next day a
(321). Found at Bardia (731). Single rec- ray
ords from elsewhere. Frequents large riv-
ers and marshes. Range Throughout the
subcontinent.
GREATER ADJUTANT STORK Leptoptilos dubius
Adjutant Stork
First recorded by B. Hodgson in Kath-
mandu (336,379). No later reports from
the Valley. A scarce visitor. Singles regu-
larly recorded on the Kosi marshes be-
tween February and November. Several
recent reports of a lone bird at Chitwan
(J6,K6) between November and January,
and in April. Recorded from the south-
eastern tarai (P9,Q9) in summer 1976
' (293). A pair was noted circling near
Chainpur (Q7) on 16 June 1954 at 1500m
(109). Inhabits marshes and open fields.
Range Sind east through n. India and
Nepal to Bangladesh.
93
94 Storks /Ibises
LESSER ADJUTANT STORK Leptoptilos javanicus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (379) who
found it a scarce visitor to the Kathmandu
Valley (336). No further records from
there. Occasional. Chiefly a resident in
the tarai. Proved breeding at Chitwan
(296,734,256) and in the south-east (P8)
(481), (Q8) (748), (R8) (518), where it is
seen most regularly. Found in flooded
fields, marshes and pools. Range Kutch
south to Tamil Nadu and east to Bangla-
desh.
GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus
Subspecies falcinellus? Recorded by B. (336,388). The only other records are of one seen at Kosi
Hodgson who obtained a specimen from Barrage on 14 April 1981 (559) and two at Kosi Tappu on 20
the Kathmandu Valley on 12 September. April 1987 (327), and three found at Chitwan on 3 March
He described it as a migrant through the 1988 (262). Frequents lakes and marshes. Range Sind east
Valley remaining in the hills for a few days to Bangladesh; south to the Deccan.
Lae Me om =| ee aoe) eeerse
4 9000 = J°F M'A’M 3 '53 A S'O NOD
RED-NAPED IBIS Pseudibis papillosa
Black Ibis
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
resident, found occasionally, chiefly up to
275m. Locally common at Chitwan where
proved breeding (296) and in the south-
east (293). Fairly common at 760m at
Surkhet (D4) in June 1979 (626). Inhabits
edges of river banks and open fields.
Sometimes found in quite dry areas of
cultivation. Range Sind east to Bangla-
desh; south to Karnataka.
A Les i nL OAND
Ibis/Whistling Ducks
95
BLACK-HEADED IBIS Threskiomis melanocephalus
Oriental White Ibis (T. aethiopica)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Chiefly a summer visitor, occasionally
seen in the south-eastern tarai. Some
birds may be resident as there are a
number of winter reports. Tends to in-
habit wetter areas than the Red-naped
Ibis. Found in flooded fields, marshes,
rivers and pools. Range Throughout the
subcontinent.
EURASIAN SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia
Spoonbill, White Spoonbill
Subspecies /eucorodia. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A passage migrant and
winter visitor. Occasionally seen on the
Kosi marshes where flocks of up to 70
birds are regularly recorded. The excep-
tionally high number of 288 was found
there on 18 December 1979 (206). Single
reports from elsewhere. Range Through-
out the subcontinent.
GREATER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus ruber
Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Subspecies roseus. Vagrant. Noted by B.
Hodgson as a transient visitor to the
Kathmandu Valley (341) although no
specimen records can be traced. The only
{Ly ae 2 Bee
t ND
JF M'A M J!s A S!O
other recordis of a small group from Kosi Barrage in winter
1973 (243). Frequents lakes and areas of shallow water.
Range Sind; throughout the rest of the subcontinent.
FULVOUS WHISTLING DUCK Dendrocygna bicolor
Large Whistling Teal, Fulvous Treeduck
A specimen obtained by B. Hodgson was
listed for Nepal in the British Museum
(Natural History) collection (697), but
the bird possibly originated in India. First
recorded by F. Lambert et al. who saw one
with a flock of about 1500 Lesser Whis-
tling Duck at Kosi Barrage on 12 Febru-
ary 1979 (486,651,652). The only other
record is also from the Barrage, on 16
March 1987 (327). Range Pakistan, n.
India south to the Deccan and east to
Manipur.
96
Whistling Ducks/Geese
LESSER WHISTLING DUCK Dendrocygna javanica
Lesser Whistling Teal, Lesser Treeduck
re
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388) who
found it in the Kathmandu Valley (336).
Only two later records from there, both of
single birds (436,256). Mainly recorded
between 75m and 305m. A common win-
ter visitor and passage migrant at Kosi
Barrage; some birds remain all year.The
largest numbers occur in mid-February.
TUNDRA SWAN Cygnus columbianus
Bewick’s Swan (C. bewickii)
Vagrant. The only record is of one seen
on 23 February 1978 on the Narayani
River at Chitwan by J. Gooders (263). It
occurred during an exceptionally severe
winter. Range Vagrant to Pakistan and n.
India.
WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus
Subspecies cygnus. Vagrant. Only re-
corded by B. Hodgson who obtained one
specimen in January 1829 from the Kath-
mandu Valley (336,341). Range Rare visi-
tor to Pakistan and nw. India.
a SST CT JE MA = TAGES = D
A maximum of 7000 was estimated on 17 February 1981
(180). A common breeding resident at Chitwan (296). Oc-
casionally seen on passage at Phewa Tal at 915m. Chiefly
single records from elsewhere. Range Throughout the sub-
continent.
BEAN GOOSE Anser fabalis
Subspecies rossicus? Vagrant. One was seen with Ruddy
Shelduck by the Rapti River, Sauraha (J6) at about 250m.
First recorded on 28 November 1985 by K. Halberg (298)
and later seen on3 and 7 December (726) and 12 December
1985 (677). Range Vagrant to Assam.
Geese/Ducks 97
GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser
Subspecies rubrirostris. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). An uncommon pas-
sage migrant and winter visitor mainly
seen in February and March at Kosi Bar-
rage. Also reported from Rara Lake,
Bardia, Kathmandu Valley, and Chitwan.
Usually occurs in flocks of less than ten.
The particularly high number of about
125 was observed at Kosi Barrage on 8
February 1974 (518). Range Winters from
Pakistan to Manipur, and south to Orissa.
BAR-HEADED GOOSE Anser indicus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common passage migrant. Also
winters occasionally at Chitwan and Kosi
Barrage. Migrant flocks fly over the main
river valleys of the Karnali, Dudh Kosi,
Kali Gandaki and Arun, and the Kath-
mandu Valley chiefly in March, April,
October and November. About 1500 flew
north over the Karnali at Bardia between
29 March and 14 April 1987 (672) and 963
between 24 March and 5 April 1988 (673).
One flock was seen at the exceptionally
high altitude of 9375m over Mt. Everest
(701). There is a late record of three birds
on Begnas Tal from 27 May to 4 June 1979
(668). Range Breeds Ladakh. Winters
from Pakistan and Kashmir east through
n. India to Bangladesh.
RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadoma ferruginea
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common winter visitor throughout the
lowlands up to 305m. Breeds in the Hima-
layas; also a passage migrant. Maximum
numbers of up to 4000 have been seen at
Kosi Barrage in mid-February. Present at
Chitwan from September to May (296).
Some birds remain all year in the low-
lands at Bardia (192) and Sukla Phanta
(700). Ducklings were found in Mustang
(J3) in June 1977 (587). A pair with newly c
hatched young was seen on 27 May 1980 :
at Gosainkund at 4300m (651,652). Regu-
larly noted on Gokyo Lakes at 4800m
(558), and also flying up the Kali Gandaki
valley especially in March. Range Breeds
Ladakh and Nepal. Winters through most
of the subcontinent.
*
|
zi
4
P
:
R
a
4
A
E
A
4
9000m
98
COMMON SHELDUCK Tadoma tadoma
Eurasian Shelduck, Northern Shelduck
First recorded by B. Hodgson from the
Kathmandu Valley (336,388). A rare win-
ter visitor and spring passage migrant.
There a few recent reports from Kosi
Barrage in March, April and November.
COMB DUCK. Sarkidiomis melanotos
Nakta
Subspecies melanotos. First recorded by
R.L. Fleming Sr. near Dhangarhi in De-
cember 1952 (647). Local and uncom-
mon. Later reported again from Dhan-
garhi (247). Other localities in the west-
ern tarai are Sukla Phanta where it is
resident (700), Bardia (418,750),
Baidhaiya Tal (CS) (750), Nepalganj
(432) and Gaidhawa Tal (G6) (777). In
the east it is a winter visitor in small flocks
to Kosi and has also been noted west of
Kosi R. (P9) (301). Favours pools in
wooded areas. Range Sind and Nepal east
to Bangladesh, and south to Karnataka.
Ducks
A maximum of five was seen there on 12 April 1981 (559).
Single birds have been recorded at Chitwan (J6) in Novem-
ber and December 1982 (304), December 1986 (306), and
January 1989 (707). Range Winters in Pakistan and India
south to the Deccan and Orissa.
COTTON PYGMY GOOSE Nettapus coromandelianus
Cotton Teal
Subspecies coromandelianus. First re-
corded by B. Hodgson (388). Mainly a
resident and summer visitor seen occa-
sionally in the lowlands. A fairly common
resident at Sukla Phanta (700). Chiefly
occurs from April to August at Kosi and
possibly breeds there (174,293). Has bred
at Begnas Tal (674). Only an uncommon
winter visitor to Chitwan, remaining from November to
May (296). Rarely visits the Kathmandu Valley. Mainly
single records from elsewhere. Reports from the exception-
ally high altitudes of 3050m in May 1977 near Pisang (J4)
and 2135m in November 1977 near Dunai (F3) (243,302)
listed in the first edition of this book (435) are now consid-
ered doubtful. Found on vegetation-covered pools. Range
Throughout most of the subcontinent.
Ducks 99
MANDARIN DUCK Az galericulata
Vagrant. A male was photographed by S. below Khatike Ghat bridge (Q7) on 21 January 1990
Gardiner on the lower Arun river 1km (256,257). Range Vagrant to Assam and Manipur.
EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
winter visitor and passage migrant. Com-
mon at Kosi Barrage in winter where
largest numbers occur in February and
March. The maximum recorded is about
2000 seen in mid-March 1982 (770). An
uncommon passage migrant to Chitwan
in March and April. A few records from
Khumbu in May with a peak of 35 at
4750m on Gokyo Lakes in 1977 (679).
Occasionally seen elsewhere. Range _
Winters from Pakistan east to Bangla- eS ee ee LU
desh and south to Orissa.
FALCATED DUCK Anas falcata
Falcated Teal
First recorded by R.C. Lawrence in 1870
who obtained an immature male from an
unknown locality (422). An uncommon,
but regular winter visitor between No-
vember and April to Kosi Barrage where
largest numbers occur in early to mid-
February. A maximum of 80 was noted on
7 February 1974 (518). There are a few
winter records from Begnas Tal, Sukla
Phanta, Phewa Tal, and Chitwan. Range eT a
Winters in n. India and Nepal. es ie
GADWALL Anas strepera
Subspecies strepera. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common winter visitor
and passage migrant to Kosi Barrage. The
maximum number reported is 2000 esti-
mated in mid-February 1981 (559) and
early March 1989 (172). Regularly re-
corded at Chitwan and Phewa Tal. De-
scribed last century as a spring and au-
tumn migrant to the Kathmandu Valley
(708) but few recent records. Passage
birds have been seen in the Himalayas:
recorded flying north up the upper Kali L 7000»
Gandkaki valley in March (476), on Rara
Lake at 3050m in March (137), on Gokyo
Lakes at 4750m in April (131) and near
Pisang (J4) at 2900m in November (553).
Range Winters throughout the subconti-
nent.
rH : 7 Ja EA Me vAR MH ron gs A WAS O LON! TD
100
BAIKAL TEAL Anas formosa
Vagrant. First recorded by S. Christensen
et al. who found two resting by the Kali
Gandaki river near Larjung (H4) at about
2560m on 16 October 1984 (145). Single
COMMON TEAL Anas crecca
Green-winged Teal
Subspecies crecca. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common winter visitor
and passage migrant. Regularly winters
up to 915m; possibly also as high as 3050m
at Rara Lake. Present at Chitwan from
September to April (296). At Kosi Bar-
rage peak numbers of up to 2000 occur in
mid-February. Small migrant flocks flew
south down the upper Kali Gandaki val-
ley between 26 September and 10 Octo-
ber 1973 (76). Has been recorded in the
Himalayas in spring, presumably also on
passage: in March from the Kali Gandaki
valley (476,559), and in May near Jumla
(620) and Gosainkund Lakes at 4300m
(440). Range Winters throughout the
subcontinent.
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
Subspecies platyrhynchos. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). Mainly a winter
visitor and passage migrant; also breeds.
Fairly common at Rara Lake, Phewa Tal,
Begnas Tal, and Kosi Barrage where a
maximum of 450 was reported in early
February 1987 (647). Uncommon at Chi-
twan and rare in the Kathmandu Valley.
Proved breeding on Titi Lake, upper Kali
Gandaki valley (H4) at 2620m in 1970
(527) and 1977 (667). Seen on passage: a
few birds flew north up the Kali Gandaki
valley in October 1973 (76) and seen at
Manang (J4) in November 1984 (142).
There is a monsoon record of 11 at Beg-
nas Tal on 5 July 1978 (688). Mainly single
reports from elsewhere. Range Breeds
Kashmir and Nepal. Winters from Paki-
stan east to Bangladesh and south to Ma-
harashtra.
Ducks
adult males were seen at Kosi Barrage on 23 February 1987
(205) and 9 February 1989 (468). Range Vagrant to Paki-
stan and n. India.
EE eee
9000m Ji aRe iM A Mie hrs tA et Sere NAD:
9000m J'F'M M' JAJA TS 'O'N'D
Ducks 101
SPOT-BILLED DUCK Anas poecilorhyncha
Spotbill
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Occasional. A resident and winter visitor.
Two subspecies occur: poecilorhyncha (p)
has been collected in the Kathmandu
Valley (245) and zonorhyncha (z) at Kosi
Barrage (671). A maximum of about 200
was seen at Kosi in early March 1986
(197). An irregular winter visitor to Chi-
twan (296). Several records from Phewa
Tal, but mainly single reports from else-
where. One seen at Pisang (J4) at 3290m
in November 1984 was presumably a
migrant (142). Range Throughout the
subcontinent south to Karnataka.
NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta
Pintail
Subspecies acuta. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Winter visitor and pas-
sage migrant. Occurs in far greater num-
bers than other duck species at Kosi. A
flock of over 5000 has often been seen in
February and March. On 16 February
1981 the exceptionally high number of at
least 50,000 was estimated (559). A fairly
common winter visitor to Phewa Tal. eS EE
Occasionally seen elsewhere. A winter eral May reports from lakes in Khumbu at 4570m and
visitor to Chitwan from October to April. 4650m. There is a monsoon record of one on 5 July 1978 at
Recorded in October in the Manang val- Begnas Tal (688). Range Winters throughout the subconti-
ley (J4) (658) and at Jomosom (76). Sev- nent.
GARGANEY Anas querquedula
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly a passage migrant. Common at
Kosi Barrage where a few birds also win-
ter. Greatest numbers occur in mid-Feb-
tuary. A peak of 800 was noted on 16
February 1981 (559). Formerly a common
passage migrant in the Kathmandu Valley
(635), but only a few recent reports from
there (589,418,256). Occasionally re-
ported elsewhere between March and
May. Three were found on Gokyo Lakes pes =| aE
at 4570m on 1 May 1984 (764). In autumn ( ae
small flocks flew south down the upper Manang (J4) in October (658). A few autumn records from
Kali Gandaki valley from late September other areas. A pair was seen at Begnas Tal on 5 July 1978
to mid-October 1973 (76). Seen at (688). Range Winters throughout the subcontinent.
102
NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata
Shoveler
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly a passage migrant. Occurs in
spring between March and May. Com-
mon at Kosi Barrage where a peak of over
1500 was estimated on 5 March 1986
(197). Only occasionally seen elsewhere.
Found as high as 4570m at Gokyo Lakes
in May 1981 (559). Reported in autumn
from Jomosom in October (76) and at
Chitwan and Kathmandu valley in No-
vember. There are also a few winter rec-
ords from Kosi Barrage, Phewa Tal, Beg-
nas Tal and the Kathmandu Valley. A
Ducks
Cc = aalaeaan Non =a ais M vA Mc AS ON)
pair was noted on 5 July 1978 at Begnas Tal (688). Range
Winters throughout the subcontinent.
PINK-HEADED DUCK = Rhodonessa caryophyllacea
Only recorded by B. Hodgson who ob-
tained a specimen from the Kathmandu
Valley on 15 September. He described it
RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Occasional. A winter visitor and passage
migrant. At Kosi most birds are seen in
March and April. A peak of about 80 was
noted there in early March 1986 (197).
Noted throughout the winter at Rara
Lake and mainly in spring at Phewa Tal.
Uncommon at Chitwan and found there
between November and April. Only a few
records from elsewhere. Range Winters
mainly in Pakistan and nw. India.
COMMON POCHARD Aythya ferina
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Salvadori (697), but it may have come
from India. First definitely recorded by D.
Proud at Bhaktapur, Kathmandu Valley
on 8 January 1948 at about 1320m (629).
A winter visitor and passage migrant.
Fairly common at Kosi. Occasionally seen
at Begnas Tal and also Phewa Tal where
the maximum of 500 was noted on 5
March 1986 (55). Uncommon at Chitwan
and reported there between November
and April (296). There are a few spring
and autumn records from the Himalayas,
presumably of passage birds. Seen in
spring in Khumbu at 3965m and 4570m
as shy and residing in remote large jheels (336,388). Range
Probably now extinct, formerly found in n.e. India and
Nepal.
CC
DE MAY MS nd RU PeAS Sr 0 wa iUiaa Dy
ES
SF eM AMY tll Ae Sec Ghee NSD)
“4000m
(243,250). Two reports from Rara Lake in October (691)
and one from Pisang (J4) at 2900m in November (553).
Range Winters mainly in Pakistan and nw. India.
Ducks
BAER’S POCHARD Aythya baeri
First recorded by R.F. Grimmett et al.
who saw two males and one female at
Kosi Barrage on 12 February 1979
(486,651,652). A scarce passage migrant.
Regularly reported from Kosi Barrage in
small numbers between February and
early March. A maximum of 20 was
counted there on 20 February 1979
(486,651,652). The only other record is of
two at Phewa Tal on 29 October 1984
(145). Range Winters mainly in n.e. India
and Bangladesh.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK Aythya nyroca
White-eyed Pochard
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Occasional. Mainly a passage migrant;
also a winter visitor. Greatest numbers
occur in February and March; a maxi-
mum of 150 was reported at Kosi on 13
February 1981 (622). Several records
from Phewa Tal and Begnas Tal. There
are a number of reports of migrants from
the Himalayas: on Rara Lake in February
(137), lower Gokyo Lake at 4575m in May
(243), in the upper Kali Gandaki valley at
2560m (76,553) and Marsyangdi valley at
Bagerchap (J4) at 2160m (553) in Octo-
ber and November, and a few records
from the Kathmandu Valley. Range
Breeds in Kashmir and Ladakh. Winters
mainly in Pakistan and nw. India.
TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula
Tufted Pochard
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly a winter visitor and passage mi-
grant although some birds occur through-
out the year. Reported more frequently
than other ducks on high altitude lakes.
Resident in small numbers at Kosi Bar-
Tage where a maximum of 100 was esti-
mated in mid-February 1979 and 1981
(622,652). Occasionally found elsewhere
in winter and spring, especially on Phewa
Tal and Begnas Tal. Several May records
from lakes in Khumbu between 4650m
and 4900m. Fewer records in autumn
including four birds on a small lake on
Ama Dablam (P6) at 4115m in November
(314). Summer reports from Gosainkund
103
lakes at 4300m in June (543) and Rani Pokhari (L6) in July
(639). Range Winters mainly from Pakistan east to
Manipur.
104
GREATER SCAUP. Aythya marila
Scaup
Vagrant. Although Gray and Gray (277)
listed this species for Nepal, Hodgson
apparently considered the bird in ques-
tion to be a Ferruginous Duck (388). The
specimen collected on 21 October in the
Kathmandu Valley has not been traced. A
LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis
Oldsquaw
Vagrant. An immature male was re-
corded by T.P. and C. Inskipp from 13 to
15 March 1980 at Kosi Barrage (440). The
only other record was also at the Barrage:
a pair noted in February and March 1982
(682,770,804). Range Winter straggler to
Pakistan and n. India.
COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula
Goldeneye
Subspecies clangula. First recorded at
Phewa Tal on 4 January 1971 by T-P.
Inskipp et al. (444). An uncommon winter
visitor and passage migrant. At least six
wintered at Begnas Tal from January to
February 1977 (243). There are several
winter records from Rara Lake, Phewa
Tal, Begnas Tal, Chitwan and Kosi Bar-
rage. The only other report is from
Khumbu at about 3050m (178). Range
Winters n. India and Nepal.
SMEW Mergus albellus
Vagrant. First recorded by F.M. Bailey
who collected a specimen at Bilauri (A4)
at about 160m on 22 January 1937
(62,108). Single birds were seen later on
15 and 16 January 1981 at Kosi Barrage
(300) and at Chitwan on 1 February 1983
(296,687). Range Winters from Pakistan
east to Assam; south to Gujarat and
Orissa.
Ducks
drawing of the bird (336) cannot be positively identified but
is almost certainly not a Greater Scaup. First definitely
recorded by T. Andrews on 8 February 1985 at Phewa Tal
(59). The only other record is of a pair on 9 February 1989
at Kosi Barrage (468). Range Winter straggler from Paki-
stan east to Bangladesh.
on.
Ducks/Birds of Prey
105
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator
Vagrant. First recorded by V. Eve and G.
Hibberd who found a first winter male on
24 and 25 February 1987 at Kosi Barrage
GOOSANDER Mergus merganser
Common Merganser
Subspecies comatus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common winter
visitor throughout up to 3000m. Occurs
on lakes and both fast-flowing and slow-
moving rivers. Range Breeds in Ladakh.
Winters in Pakistan and n. India.
BLACK BAZA Aviceda leuphotes
Black-crested Baza
Subspecies syama. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (350). A scarce and local sum-
mer visitor. Breeds at Chitwan where it
usually occurs from March to June (296).
Three birds seen at the late date of 13 No-
vember 1989 (597). A pair displaying near
a nest in the Dharan area on 1 May 1986
(321). Several reports from both locali-
ties, also north of Sunischare. The only
other record is of a pair near Butwal on 23
July 1978 (155). Frequents lightly wooded
low foothills and forest edges. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from Nepal east
to Arunachal Pradesh, and in Kerala.
Birds recorded elsewhere in India pre-
sumably migrants.
(205). The only other record was also from the Barrage: two
females or immatures on 9 February 1989 (468). Range
Vagrant to Pakistan and West Bengal.
ee
Ty ARS M) Aj Mintel ADEs el ORIN Dard
79000m TTFAM AM J JAA SO ND
ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD Penis ptilorhyncus
Crested Honey Buzzard, Honey Kite (P. apivorus) i
E
Subspecies ruficollis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (385). A fairly common resident
and passage migrant. Regularly reported
throughout the year up to 1700m. Noted
up to 3050m in spring and autumn, pre-
‘sumably on migration. In the upper Kali
Gandaki valley 13 birds, presumably mi-
grants, flew south between 13 September
and 2 October 1973 (76) and in mid-May
1981 three flew north up the Arun valley
(Q6) (483). Frequents well-wooded ar-
eas, usually of broadleaved trees. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
\ \ =
6 Reg -
»
TEL — aoe a
106
Birds of Prey
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus
Black-winged Kite
Subspecies caeruleus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (376). A fairly common resi-
dent, mainly occurring in the tarai. Regu-
larly reported from the Kathmandu Val-
ley at about 1370m, especially in summer,
and rarely up to 1550m. Found in areas of
cultivation, grassland and open scrub
country. Range Throughout the subconti-
nent.
BLACK KITE Milvus migrans
Dark Kite, Pariah Kite, Black-eared Kite
First recorded by B. Hodgson (385). A
common resident and passage migrant.
Two subspecies occur. M. m. govinda (g)
is found down to 75m in winter and up to
2300m in summer. M. m. lineatus (1)
winters from 75m to 2135m and summers
up to 4900m. Proved breeding in the
Kathmandu Valley (243,321). Autumn
migrants observed flying south down the
upper Kali Gandaki valley: 254 between
14 September and 1 October 1973 (76)
and 32 between 24 September and 5 Oc-
tober 1978 (761). A total of 97 migrated
west at Khare (H5) between 20 October
and 6 November 1985 (683). In the upper
Arun valley 22 flew north in May 1981
RED KITE Milvus milvus
Vagrant. One was observed 2km south of
Jomosom at about 2690m on 3 March
BRAHMINY KITE Haliastur indus
Subspecies indus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (365). Mainly an uncommon
resident subject to some local seasonal
movements governed by water condi-
tions. Occurs most frequently in the east-
ern lowlands especially on Kosi marshes.
Usually found in the lowlands up to about
360m; sometimes at higher altitudes in-
cluding the Kathmandu Valley and
Pokhara, especially in summer. Fre-
quents the vicinity of water. Range
Throughout most of the subcontinent.
(483). In Khumbu four were seen in September and Octo-
ber 1970 (526) and a flock of nine flew south between Ding-
boche and Tengboche (P6) at 4400m on 15 March 1986
(546). Occurs most frequently in towns and villages. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
1987 by M. Rogers after a week of exceptionally severe
weather (685). Range Vagrant to n. India.
Birds of Prey 107
PALLAS’S FISH EAGLE Haliaeetus leucoryphus
Ring-tailed Fishing Eagle
First recorded by B. Hodgson (361).
Mainly a winter visitor and passage mi-
grant between September and mid-May;
possibly breeds. Resident at Sukla Phanta
(700). Reported annually at Kosi in re-
cent years where a maximum of four birds
was seen on 4 March 1988 (465). A rare
winter visitor to Chitwan. No records this
century from the Kathmandu Valley.
Noted on passage in the upper Kali Gan-
daki valley: seven flew south between 4
September and 1 October 1973 (76).
Single birds seen on 17 April 1981 at Hans probably also migrants. Frequents large rivers and lakes.
Pokhari (S8) (559) and on 4 April 1986 Range Pakistan and Kashmir east through n. India to Bang-
over the upper Mai valley (R8) (321) were ladesh.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE Haliaeetus albicilla
White-tailed Sea Eagle
First recorded by T.P.Inskipp on 21 De-
cember 1970 at Begnas Tal (444). A win-
ter visitor. Recorded annually at Kosi
Barrage from 1979 to 1990 with a maxi-
mum of four seen in February 1989 (468).
Rare at Phewa Tal, Begnas Tal, Chitwan
and Kathmandu Valley. Mainly single
records from elsewhere. In 1979 seven
birds were seen at four localities
(486,652). Normally frequents the coast
but in Nepal seen by large rivers and
lakes. Range Winters in Pakistan, n.w.
India and Nepal.
LESSER FISHING EAGLE Ichthyophaga humilis
Himalayan Grey-headed Fishing Eagle (Ichthyophaga nana)
Subspecies plumbea. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (372). A scarce and local resi-
dent which has apparently declined dur-
ing the last 40 years. A rare breeder at :
Chitwan (296). Its scarcity and that of x
other fish-eating raptors in the park has
been attributed to overfishing (759). Only
a few recent records from elsewhere:
. Sukla Phanta, Bardia, Phewa Tal, Begnas
Tal, near Barlabas (G6) and the eastern
tarai (R8). Frequents forested rivers and ES] SSS
lakes chiefly in the tarai, although it has : ae ;
been recorded at 3500m and 4250m in
Khumbu in May 1954 (109). Range Hima-
layas from Kashmir east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
108
Birds of Prey
GREY-HEADED FISHING EAGLE Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
Subspecies ichthyaetus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (372). A scarce and local
resident in the lowlands. Breeds at Chi-
twan (296) where it is seen more often
than Lesser Fishing Eagle. Mainly single
reports from elsewhere: Sukla Phanta
EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron percnopterus
Scavenger Vulture
Subspecies ginginianus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi-
dent up to 915m, also a passage migrant.
Some birds migrate altitudinally. Fre-
quently noted up to 2000m in spring and
summer and up to 3050m at Khaptad (C3)
(657,428). The maximum altitude re-
ported is 3810m at Muktinath in May
1984 (158). Only a winter visitor to Chi-
twan, occurring from October to May
(296). A total of 74 migrated west at
Khare (H5) between 20 October and 6
November 1985 (683). Proved breeding in
the Kali Gandaki valley (H6) (563). A
LAMMERGEIER Gypaetus barbatus
Bearded Vulture
Subspecies aureus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (343). A common resident
throughout the Himalayas. Usually oc-
curs between 1200m and 4100m but occa-
sionally seen much higher. Observed
soaring from 7200m to 7500m in Khumbu
(432), Ghodaghodi Tal (B4) (792,750), Phewa Tal
(551,154), Begnas Tal (687) and Kosi Barrage (408). Found
near slow-moving rivers and streams or lakes in wooded
country. Range India from Delhi and the Himalayan tarai
east to Bangladesh and south to Kerala.
= —__— =
ie os oe oo
Sa SSS Lt ere DUA S DOANSsD
0! Ue a
Say 9000m JAF M AAM J'J A'S O'N D
scavenger frequenting the neighbourhood of towns and
villages. Range Pakistan east to West Bengal and south tos.
India.
by the Sagarmatha expeditions (51). Noted as low as 305m
at Mugling (K6) (244). Proved breeding in Khumbu in Feb-
ruary and April (109) and above Jharkot (H4) in November
(306). Scavenges around villages. Frequently seen gliding
majestically across cliff faces and valleys. Range Mountains
of Pakistan and the Himalayas east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Birds of Prey 109
LAMMERGEIER, cont'd ...
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). Resi- 3050m at Khaptad (C3) in April and May (428). Birds in the
dent. The commonest vulture up to about hills including some from the Valley, descend in winter.
1000m, and in the Kathmandu Valley at Found breeding in the Kathmandu Valley (336,629,708)
1370m; less frequent up to 1800m. Re- and at Chitwan (296,480,734). Frequents the outskirts of
ported as high as 2440m and 3100m in the towns and villages. Range Throughout the subcontinent.
far east (S7) in March (735), and up to
LONG-BILLED VULTURE Gyps indicus
Subspecies tenuirostris. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi-
dent and partial altitudinal migrant up to
1525m. Proved breeding at Bardia (202)
and Chitwan (296). Probably overlooked
- aSit is similar in appearance and habits to
Oriental White-backed Vulture with
which it often associates. Range Through-
out most of the subcontinent.
re PLLFAM AM J J AS) OAN QD
9000m —»'
110 Birds of Prey
HIMALAYAN GRIFFON VULTURE Gyps himalayensis
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal scavenging on the carcasses of dead pack animals. Fairly
by Sharpe (711), but it may have origi- common elsewhere. Usually found between 900m and
nated in India. First definitely recorded 4000m but may wander as high as 6100m. Occursin the tarai
by J. Scully in 1877 who found it in small as a straggler: a specimen was taken at 75m at
numbers in the Kathmandu Valley in Raghunathpur (N8) in January 1954 (647). Proved breeding
winter (708). Resident throughout the near Marpha (H4) in March (111) and in Marsyangdi valley
mountains. Common along the well-used (J5) in April (484). Range Himalayas from N.W.F-.P. east to
trade routes in the Kali Gandaki and Bhutan and possibly Arunachal Pradesh.
Langtang valleys. Presumably benefits by
EURASIAN GRIFFON VULTURE Gyps fulvus
Indian Griffon Vulture
Subspecies fulvescens. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Occasional. A resident
found mainly between 75m and 915m.
Tends to replace the Himalayan Griffon
at lower levels although the two species
do overlap altitudinally. Common up to
3050m at Khaptad (C3) in April and May
(428). Few records from elsewhere above
915m. A specimen was taken at 1980m at
Bigu (N6) in November 1960 (246).
Range Breeds in the mountains of Paki-
stan, Kashmir and possibly Nepal. Win-
ters south to n.w. India and Nepal.
RED-HEADED VULTURE Sarcogyps calvus
Indian Black Vulture, King Vulture (Torgos calvus) rs
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident throughout; fre-
quent near Pokhara. Normally occurs up
to 2000m but has been reported as high as
3050m on the Milke Danda (Q7) in Octo-
ber (302) and at Khaptad (C3) in April
and May (428). Some birds descend in
winter. Only a winter visitor to Chitwan
between September and April (296).
Found in open country near habitation.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
Birds of Prey 111
CINEREOUS VULTURE Aegypius monachus
Eurasian Black Vulture
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly an uncommon winter visitor most
frequently seen in central Nepal and east-
wards. Reported during the breeding
season although no evidence of nesting
has been found. Fairly common at Kosi
(327), and at Pokhara and northwards
along the Kali Gandaki valley. There are
two monsoon records: on 6 August 1973
north-west of Pokhara (HS) (814) and on
25 August 1986 in the Arun valley (590).
Range Breeds in Baluchistan, Assam and
probably w. Himalayas. Winters in n.
India and Nepal.
SHORT-TOED SNAKE-EAGLE Circaetus gallicus
Short-toed Eagle
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Scarce. Most often seen in the tarai, but
recorded as high as 2130m over Kakani
ridge (L6) in mid-April 1960 (639). Status
uncertain; possibly a passage migrant, but
may also breed. A pair noted displaying
on 16 February 1981 at Biratnagar (S8)
(622). Several records from Kosi marshes
and a few from Chitwan. Single reports
from elsewhere. Found in open country.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
CRESTED SERPENT EAGLE Spilomis cheela
0 9000m 7a
Subspecies cheela. First recorded by B. on Machapuchare in October (Q7) (244). Normally winters
Hodgson (340). A common resident sub- below 915m. Some birds remain in the lowlands all year.
ject to some altitudinal movements. Usu- Proved breeding at Chitwan (296) and in the Kathmandu
ally seen up to about 2100m in summer Valley (95). Frequents wooded areas. Range Throughout
although has been recorded up to 3350m the subcontinent.
112 Birds of Prey
EURASIAN MARSH HARRIER = Circus aeruginosus
Subspecies aeruginosus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common win-
ter visitor and passage migrant. Usually
winters up to 915m. Mainly occurs be-
tween October and April but has been
seen as early as S September in the Kath-
mandu Valley (629), and up to the end of
May at Kosi (682). Noted on passage in
the upper Kali Gandaki valley: ten flew
south between 6 September and 3 Octo-
ber 1973 (76). The maximum altitude
recorded is of two single birds at 3050m at
Khaptad (C3) in April 1988 (428), pre-
sumably migrants. Prefers marshes, but
also occurs over ricefields and grasslands.
Range Winters throughout the subconti-
nent.
HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus
Subspecies cyaneus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common winter
visitor and passage migrant. The most
common harrier over 1400m. Often seen
up to 3000m in winter and at much higher
altitudes on migration. The maximum
height recorded is of one flying high over
the Thorang La (H4) at 5400m on 4
March 1986 (260). A total of 66 migrated
west at Khare (HS) between 20 October
and 7 November 1985 (683). Frequents Pi (1 5 EE _
open country, grassland and cultivation. ee 2 SE Ce a i
Range Winters from Pakistan east to As-
sam and south to Maharashtra.
PALLID HARRIER Circus macrourus
Pale Harrier
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). An
uncommon winter visitor and passage
migrant. Mainly seen up to 2200m but
found at 3350m above Thare Pati (L5) on
19 November 1970 (444). Most birds are
reported between September and April.
Anunusually late male was photographed
at Surkhet (D4) on 4 June 1979 (626).
Noted on passage: three flew south down
the upper Kali Gandaki valley in Septem-
ber 1973 (76) and two flew west at Khare
(HS) on 22 October 1985 (683). Several
reports from Pokhara, Begnas Tal, Kath- rage. Mainly single records from elsewhere. Range Winters
mandu Valley, Chitwan and Kosi Bar- throughout the subcontinent.
Birds of Prey 113
MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.
There are a few winter reports of lone
birds from Chitwan and Kosi Tappu.
Single winter records from elsewhere.
Noted on migration in the upper Kali
Gandaki valley where two flew south on
17 and 19 September 1973 (76) and at Wen on :
Khare (HS) where three flew west be- % —o : 4 3
tween 21 October and 7 November 1985 x
(683). Migrants also seen in the Kath- Ena =s] ae eT
mandu Valley in April and November
(629), and at Chitwan in March, April and
November (296,432). Winters in culti-
vated areas. Range Winters throughout
the subcontinent.
PIED HARRIER Circus melanoleucus
Cc Eo
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). the unusually high altitude of 3810m at Muktinath on 26
Mainly an uncommon winter visitor, al- March 1984 (624), was presumably on passage. Frequents
though fairly often reported from Chi- fields and open grassy areas. Range Winters mainly in the
twan and Kosi Barrage. A male noted at east of the subcontinent.
NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis
Subspecies schvedowi. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Occasional; presuma-
bly resident. Chiefly reported between
1370m and 4880m and most frequently
above 2400m. Regularly recorded north-
west of Pokhara, Langtang, Kathmandu
valley and Khumbu. A rare winter visitor
between October and April to Chitwan
(296). Usually inhabits oak forest. Some-
times seen above the treeline especially in
Khumbu. Range Breeds in the w. Hima- or a
layas east possibly to Nepal. Winters from
Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh.
114 Birds of Prey
BESRA Accipiter virgatus
Besra Sparrowhawk
Subspecies affinis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (365). An uncommon resident.
Localities include Pokhara, lower Arun
valley and Mai valleys. Chiefly summers
between 1350m and 2800m. A few reports
from higher altitudes, including singles at
3350m at Gapte (LS) in May 1980 (440)
and at 3440m at Namche Bazaar (P6) in
May 1982 (207). Some birds descend to
the foothills in winter, usually to a lower i ————] Ea
limit of 250m; rarely to the tarai. A pair found in more open country in the foothills and lowlands in
often breeds at Godavari (243). Usually winter. Range Himalayas from Kashmir east to Arunachal
frequents forested hillsides although also Pradesh; n.e. India; Western Ghats.
EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus
Northern Sparrowhawk
First recorded by B. Hodgson (385).
Fairly common. Two subspecies occur,
the resident A. n. melaschistos (m) and
wintering A. n. nisosimilis (n). The former
mainly summers between 2440m and
3965m. It moves to the foothills and tarai
in winter. However the extent of its range
there is unclear because of possible con-
fusion with A. n. nisosimilis which has
been recorded between 250m and 1450m. a
The species has rarely been reported ee
from the tarai. The maximum height re-
corded is 5180m on 20 May 1982 at Gokyo September and5 October 1973 (76) and23 between 24 Sep-
(540). Migrants flew south down the tember and 5 October 1978 (761). Inhabits well-wooded
upper Kali Gandaki valley: 14 between 6 areas. Range Baluchistan and entire Himalayas.
CRESTED GOSHAWK Accipiter trivirgatus
Subspecies indicus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (365). Uncommon; presumably
resident. Areas include Pokhara, Kath-
mandu Valley, Chitwan, north of Sunis-
chare and Morang District (Q8). Only
one record from the west; at Mahendran-
agar (A4) (247). Mainly single reports
from elsewhere, including two in Decem-
ber 1983 at the particularly high altitudes
of 2100m above Ulleri (H5) (177) and
2000m near Ghasa (315). Frequents open ie === 7
broadleaved forests often near streams.
Range Himalayas from Garwhal east to
Sikkim and possibly Bhutan; s.w. and n.e.
India; Bangladesh.
= es
>, ae CLI FJ FAM A MAS JASON D
Birds of Prey
SHIKRA Accipiter badius
Subspecies dussumieri. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (365). A fairly common resi-
dent usually found up to 1370m. One was
seen at the exceptionally high altitude of
2250m at Khaptad (C3) on 6 May 1988
(428). Proved breeding at Chitwan (296)
and in the Kathmandu Valley (792). Oc-
curs in open wooded country in the tarai
and hills. Range Throughout the subcon-
tinent.
WHITE-EYED BUZZARD Butastur teesa
First recorded by B. Hodgson (385). A
fairly common, sedentary resident mainly
found in the lowlands up to 300m. Several
records from 1200m to 1500m in Mechi
Zone (R7) (658) and observed up to
1200m in the lower Arun valley (483).
Proved breeding at Chitwan (296). Fre-
quents cultivation and open dry decidu-
ous and coniferous forests. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo
Desert Buzzard
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common winter visitor and passage
migrant; probably breeds. Two races
occur: B. b. japonicus (j) (245,482,647)
and B. b. ‘refectus’ (r) (647,791), but only
specimen records of these are named on
the distribution map because the intras-
pecific variation is very poorly under-
stood. Chiefly recorded above 1000m. A
pair was seen nest-building at Go-
sainkund on 24 April 1984 (624) and
summering birds were seen between
3400m and 3800m in the upper Madi
Khola valley (J5) from 16 to 19 June and
at 3000m above Ghasa on 28 July 1977
(758). Migrants noted flying south in the
upper Kali Gandaki valley: 45 between 31
August and 14 October 1973 (76) and 12
between 24 September and 5 October
1978 (761). A total of 32 migrated west at
Khare (H5) between 20 October and 7
November 1985 (683). Found in open
country. Range Breeds in Gilgit and
Nepal? Winters in the Himalayan foot-
hills, n.e. India and the peninsula.
115
116 Birds of Prey
LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD Buteo rufinus
Subspecies rufinus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (365). Océasional. A winter visi-
tor and passage migrant. Seen regularly
north-west of Pokhara (H4,HS) and in the
Kathmandu Valley, especially between
October and March. Several records from
Chitwan and the Arun valley. Recorded
in Langtang (LS), presumably on migra-
tion, almost daily between 21 October
and 2 November with a maximum of five
on 29 October 1980 (516). Migrants noted =< ee
flying south down the upper Kali Gandaki eae aes ton ee S|
valley: 15 between 5 September and 12 1985 (683). One, presumably a migrant, seen as high as
October 1973 (76) and five between 24 4800m in the Barun valley on 28 November 1988 (596).
September and 5 October 1978 (761). A Several reports from elsewhere. Inhabits open country.
total of 16 migrated west at Khare (HS) Range Breeds in Pakistan, Kashmir and Garwhal. Winters
between 20 October and 6 November in Pakistan and the Himalayas south to Tamil Nadu.
UPLAND BUZZARD Buteo hemilasius
First recorded by B. Hodgson who ob-
tained at least one specimen from the
central hills (336,388). Status uncertain.
The species is difficult to separate from
eastern races of Common Buzzard and
Long-legged Buzzard. The only other
specimen records are six birds collected
by G.B. Gurung from the Kathmandu
Valley (243). Localities of sight records
include Khaptad (C3), north-west of y
Pokhara (H4,H5), Langtang, Kathmandu oa ——
Valley and the Singhalila ridge (S8). One ® oa Pe aieaartel i
was seen at 250m at Sauraha (J6) in Feb-
tuary 1988 (465). A pair of buzzards, prey to a nest containing at least two young, at 3900m near
probably of this species, was observed Braga (J4) on 15 July 1977 (758). Occurs in open country.
attending anest on 21 June 1977 at 4050m Range Possibly breeds in Nepal; winters in the Himalayas
in Manang and one was seen carrying from Kashmir east to Sikkim.
BLACK EAGLE Ictinaetus malayensis
Subspecies perniger. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (361). A fairly common resident
from west-central areas eastwards, occa-
sionally seen in the west. Usually found
between 1000m and 3100m. The maxi-
mum altitude reported is 4000m in the
upper Arun valley in May 1981 (483). The
only low altitude reports are from Chi-
twan where it is a rare winter visitor (296),
and Kosi Tappu on 16 April 1987 (327).
Inhabits broadleaved forested slopes. a EEE
Range Himalayas from Rawalpindi Dis- : ae
trict east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India
and Bangladesh; hills of the peninsula.
Birds of Prey
LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila pomarina
Subspecies hastata. A Hodgson specimen
was listed from Nepal by Sharpe (711),
but may have originated in India. First
definitely recorded by R.L. Fleming Sr.
who collected a specimen on 26 Decem-
ber 1952 at Dhangarhi at 275m (245). A
very uncommon resident. Records of
migrating birds are unacceptable as the
species is known only as a resident in the
subcontinent (51,664). Several reports
from Pokhara, Hetaura, Kosi and also
Chitwan where observed nest-building
(750). Chiefly single records from else-
where. Usually found in wooded areas in
the lowlands. Range Mainly n. India,
Nepal and Bangladesh.
GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila clanga
Spotted Eagle
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). An
uncommon winter visitor and passage
migrant. No evidence of breeding, contra
Ali and Ripley (51). Regularly reported
north-west of Pokhara (H5), Chitwan,
Kathmandu Valley, Kosi Barrage and
north of Sunischare. Mainly single re-
ports from elsewhere. Winters in the
lowlands. Shows a preference for wooded
areas near water. Birds at higher altitudes
are probably on passage. Maximum
height recorded is 3840m over the
Pangsang Pass (LS) on 29 October 1980
(516). Range Pakistan, n. India, Nepal
and Bangladesh.
STEPPE EAGLE Aquila nipalensis
(Aquila rapax nipalensis)
Subspecies nipalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (340). A common winter visi-
tor and passage migrant. Seen most fre-
quently between 1000m and 2200m. May
reach very high altitudes on migration:
one was found dead at 7925m on Mt.
Everest on 23 May 1960 (728). Large
numbers use the Himalayas as an east-
west pathway in autumn and have been
reported across the breadth of Nepal.
Largest counts have been made south of
117
ee ee
(1 [ener = —_ —— See]
ir AES SPOTS L J’ F MAA'M JAJ A'S O'N'D
Annapurna (H5) including 992 birds between 26 and 28
October 1984 (145) and 7852 between 20 October and 7 No-
vember 1985 (683). Several records of smaller numbers
migrating south down Himalayan valleys in autumn includ-
ing 276 down the Trisuli valley (L5) in two and a half hours
on 24 October 1980 (516). Fewer reports of spring migra-
tion including 25 flying north in 15 minutes over the Nau-
danda ridge (H5) on 10 March 1981 (476) and 150 moving
north over Namche Bazaar (P6) on 10 March 1982 (77).
Range Winters Pakistan, n. India, Nepal, and possibly
Bangladesh.
118
STEPPE EAGLE, cont’d ...
TAWNY EAGLE Aquila rapax
Subspecies vindhiana. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Very uncommon,
presumably resident. Localities include
Sukla Phanta, Bardia, Chitwan and Kosi
marshes. Frequents open wooded coun-
try and cultivation in the tarai. Range
Pakistan east to Bangladesh; south to
Tamil Nadu.
IMPERIAL EAGLE Aquila heliaca
Subspecies heliaca. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Uncommon. Chiefly a
passage migrant from March to early May
and late September to November. Re-
ported several timesin these months from
the Pokhara and Kali Gandaki valleys,
Chitwan and Kosi Barrage. Nine mi-
grated west at Khare (H5) between 20
October and 4 November 1985 (683).
One recorded at the maximum altitude of
3900m on 10 and 11 May 1981 at Dole
(P6) (559). A few winter records from
Chitwan, Kathmandu Valley and Kosi
Barrage. Mainly single reports from
elsewhere. Range Winters from n.w. In-
dia and Pakistan east to Bangladesh.
Birds of Prey
ja | a I ] == n==E
3000m J°F'M"A™M J JAS ON D
| SS ee
Birds of Prey
GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos
Subspecies daphanea. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A thinly distributed
resident of the high Himalayas mainly
occurring above 2745m. Two nests found
in upper Langtang (M5) in March (484)
and in May (771). The maximum height
recorded is 6190m in Khumbu in May
1975 (605). Two seen as low as 75m at
Kosi Barrage in February 1990 (256).
Inhabits rocky, high mountains, usually
well above the treeline. Range Baluchis-
tan and the Himalayas east to Arunachal
Pradesh.
BOOTED EAGLE Hieraaetus pennatus
Booted Hawk-Eagle
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly an uncommon winter visitor and
passage migrant, also a rare resident.
Several March records from north-west
of Pokhara (H4,H5) could have been
migrants. A total of 16 flew south down
the upper Kali Gandaki valley between 24
September and 5 October 1978 (761). Six
birds soaring over the Trisuli valley (L6)
on 24 October 1980 were possibly mi-
grants or a family party (516). A nest was
found near Braga, Manang valley (J4) at
the unusually high altitude of 3850m on
15 July 1977 (758). Regularly recorded
from the Kathmandu Valley and Chi-
twan. Few reports from elsewhere. Win-
ters in well-wooded country. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from N.W.F.P.
east to Nepal. Winters throughout the
subcontinent.
BONELLI’S EAGLE Hieraaetus fasciatus
Bonelli’s Hawk-Eagle
Subspecies fasciatus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (361). A local resident reported
occasionally between 1400m and 2600m.
Regularly seen north-west of Pokhara on
the Jomosom trail north to Kalopani
(H4,HS5), Nagarjung (L6), and the Trisuli
valley (LS). A few records from east of
Pokhara (J5); chiefly single reports from
elsewhere. Inhabits well-wooded areas.
Range Throughout the subcontinent,
except the extreme north-west.
119
120 Birds of Prey
RUFOUS-BELLIED EAGLE Hieraaetus kienerii
Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii) ae
oe, Sy aN
Subspecies Kienerii. Scarce, presumably 1987 (328), and two at Bardia in February 1988 (731).
resident. First recorded by T.P. Inskipp et Breeding behaviour of the northern population is little
al. by the Rapti River (K7) on 10 Novem- known. In Nepal found only in forested areas between 200m
ber 1970 (444). Subsequently singles and 300m. In the Indian eastern Himalayas seen in moist
noted at Chitwan in October 1978 (762) forests up to about 1500m and could also occur in similar
and November 1979 (170), Arung Khola habitat in e. Nepal. Range Himalayas from Corbett east to
(H6) in March 1982 (606), near Dharan in Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh; Western
April 1986 (546), Kosi Tappu in October Ghats.
CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus
Subspecies limnaeetus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (372). A very uncommon
resident usually seen up to 360m but occa- ao
sionally up to 1050m. Regularly reported mK
from Chitwan where it breeds (296).
Mainly single records from elsewhere.
Inhabits forests. Range Himalayas from
Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh; ne.
India and Bangladesh; Indian peninsula.
MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus nipalensis
Hodgson’s Hawk-eagle
Subspecies nipalensis. The species was
recorded from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(361,797). A locally frequent resident and
partial altitudinal migrant. Regularly
seen in the hills bordering the Kath-
mandu Valley, on the Jomosom trail up to
Ghorepani, and Trisuli (LS) and Mai val-
leys (R8). In the breeding season usually
found between 1500m and 2835m. Some
birds descend as low as the tarai in winter:
reported from the far eastern tarai
(N8,Q8) (293,647) and as a scarce visitor
to Chitwan between October and April
(296). Occurs in forests. Range Hima-
layas from Pakistan east to Arunachal
Pradesh; s.w. and n.e. India.
Birds of Prey 121
OSPREY Pandion haliaetus
Subspecies haliaetus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (385). A fairly common winter
visitor and resident up to 915m. Occa-
sionally reported on passage. Migrants
flew south down the upper Kali Gandaki
valley: singles on 4 and 27 September
1973 (76), in late September/early Octo- =
ber 1978 (761), and on 1 April 1984 (421). 4 \ ‘
The maximum altitude recorded is 3965m 2 ‘ e
at Pangboche (P6) in November 1987
(558); presumably also a migrant. Fre- Loo ——"F—=EEEeEEE
quents large rivers, lakes and large pools. Ladakh east to Kumaon and in Assam. Winters throughout
Range Breeds in the Himalayas from the subcontinent.
COLLARED FALCONET Microhierax caerulescens
Red-breasted Falconet, Red-thighed Falconet
A
HR
Subspecies caerulescens. First recorded nischare and Chitwan, where a pair observed mating on 19
by B. Hodgson (385). An uncommon resi- February (480). Breeding behaviour is little known. Inhab-
dent in the tarai and foothills up to 915m. its forest edges and clearings. Range Himalayan foothills
Regularly recorded in the Pokhara valley, from Kumaon east to Arunachal Pradesh; Assam.
lower Arun valley, Dharan, north of Su-
LESSER KESTREL Falco naumanni
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly an uncommon passage migrant in
October and November when often seen
in flocks. Regularly found roosting near
Phewa Tal in autumn with a maximum
count of 340 on 31 October 1982 (244),
and up to 25 until 26 December 1989
-(729). A total of 77 migrated west at
Khare (H5) between 20 October and 7
November 1985 (683). Only two spring
records: seven flew north over the Kath- ooo ] Ee —e
mandu Valley on 28 April 1981 (483) and : ps
one near Santapur (R8) on 22 March 1989 particularly high altitude of 3700m on 18 February 1982
(549). Several winter reports from the (770). Range Winters in the Himalayas from Gilgit east to
Kali Gandaki valley. Seen there at the Nepal, in n.e. India, and south to Tamil Nadu.
122 Birds of Prey
COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
Eurasian Kestrel
First recorded by B. Hodgson (385).
Common throughout up to 5200m. Two
races occur: F. ¢. tinnunculus (t) is a
winter visitor and passage migrant; F. t.
interstinctus (i) is a resident, winter visitor
and passage migrant. Proved breeding in
the Kathmandu (755) and upper Kali
Gandaki valleys (811,321). Passage birds
flew south down the upper Kali Gandaki
valley: 11 between 6 September and 6
October 1973 (76) and 39 between 24
September and 5 October 1978 (761).
Range Breeds in the Himalayas from
Ladakh east to Nepal and probably in
Manipur; Western Ghats. Winters
throughout the subcontinent.
RED-NECKED FALCON Falco chicquera
Red-headed Merlin
Subspecies chicquera. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (385). A scarce resident.
Numbers have apparently declined. De-
scribed in 1877 as a very common breed-
ing resident in the Kathmandu Valley
(708) and not uncommon there in 1947
(95). Only three later records from the
Valley. Nowadays only regularly seen at
Kosi Barrage where it is uncommon.
Mainly single reports from elsewhere in
recent years: Phewa Tal (804), Chitwan
(296), Trisuli valley (L6) (516), Bu-
ludanda (N6) (207), upper Arun valley
(574,588), Biratnagar (180) and eastern
tarai (Q8) (293). Inhabits cultivation in-
terspersed with groves. Range Through-
out the subcontinent.
AMUR FALCON Falco amurensis
Eastern Red-legged Falcon
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). flock regularly roosts near Phewa Tal. The maximum num-
Mainly a passage migrant occurring in ber of birds estimated was 220 on 24 and 25 October 1986
October and November. Several large (306,590). Only four spring records all of lone birds in April
flocks reported, sometimes mixed with and May in the Trisuli valley (L6) (440), upper Arun valley
Lesser Kestrels. The largest count re- (483), on Chankeli Lekh (136) and at Sauraha (J6) (730).
ceived is 328 birds (all Amurs) from near Two singles in summer in the Dolpo at 4420m in June 1971
Godavari (L6) between 8 and 11 Novem- (224) and above Jomosom at 3660m in July 1973 (243). A
ber 1985 (201). A total of 138 migrated winter record of one at Sauraha in January 1984 (815).
west at Khare (H5) between 20 October Range Passage migrant to most of the subcontinent but not
and 4 November 1985 (683). In autumn a Pakistan.
Birds of Prey
AMUR FALCON. cont'd ...
MERLIN Falco columbarius
Subspecies insignis? First recorded by the
Manora River in the Kathmandu Valley
on 11 November 1970 by T-P. Inskipp et
al. (444). Scarce; a winter visitor and pos-
sibly also a passage migrant found from
the tarai up to 4000m. Other records are
from the Namlang valley (F2) (undated)
(447); singles at Kagbeni in December
1979 (681), Chandrakot (HS) in March
1981 (610), and Surkya (P6) in April 1981
(159); two at Kosi Barrage in November
1981 (255) and singles at Tashinga (P6) in
April 1982 (207), Muktinath in February
1983 (748) and Ghasa in February 1987
(205). Frequents open country. Range
Winters in Pakistan, n. India and Nepal.
EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo
Subspecies subbuteo. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Occasional. A resident,
passage migrant and winter visitor found
up to 3050m. Proved breeding in the
Kathmandu (792) and upper Kali Gan-
daki vaileys (76). Present in a communal
roost of falcons near Phewa Tal: at least
12 between 10 and 23 November 1977
(495) and over 10 on 24 October 1986
(436). A rare visitor to Chitwan from
October to April (296). Inhabits open
wooded country and semi-deserts. Range
‘Breeds in the Himalayas from N.W.F.P.
east to Nepal. Winters throughout most
of the subcontinent.
123
9000m
es S| ee |
J'F'M AM’ J J"A"S*O'™N D
124
ORIENTAL HOBBY Falco severus
Subspecies rufipedoides. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (389). Scarce; status un-
certain. Formerly bred in the Kathmandu
Valley (587,629). A few recent reports of
lone birds from the Valley in January
(748), April (770) and in summer (417). A
rare winter visitor to Chitwan from Octo-
ber to April (296). Single reports from
elsewhere. Frequents wooded hills in the
breeding season. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from Pakistan east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Winters south to Kerala.
LAGGAR FALCON Falco jugger
(Falco biarmicus jugger)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (385).
Scarce; possibly resident. A few records
from Chitwan and Kathmandu Valley.
Scattered, mainly single reports from
other areas including Taulihawa (F6)
(157), Pokhara (758), lower Arun valley
(Q7) (587) and the eastern tarai
(N8,P8,Q8). Most frequently seen in ar-
eas of cultivation in the tarai. Noted at
the unusually high altitude of 1980m over
Nagarjung (L6) (301). Range Through-
out the subcontinent.
SAKER FALCON Falco cherrug
(Falco biarmicus cherrug)
Subspecies milvipes. First recorded by B.
Hodgson from the Kathmandu Valley
(336,385). A scarce winter visitor. Only
two later records from the Valley: a bird
taken in Kathmandu on 7 December 1957
(482) and one seen on 4 November 1984
(145). Reported in the upper Kali Gan-
PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus
Shaheen Falcon
First recorded by B. Hodgson (385). Two
races occur. Shaheen F. p. peregrinator (p)
is a fairly common resident. A partial
altitudinal migrant. Usually occurs be-
tween 1500m and 3000m in the breeding
season. One recorded as high as 4200m in
Khumbu in April 1986 (75). Uncommon
Birds of Prey
9000" Raa Bay ETS
9000m Si ES iM Mia onsetAtr SPORANDED:
daki valley: at least two seen between Marpha and Mukti-
nath, between 2590m and 3795m, in February and March in
1981, 1983 and 1990, and one at Ghasa at 2040m in February
1986 (403). Singles migrated west at Khare (H5) on 20 and
25 October and 5 November 1985 (683). Found in semi-
desert and open dry scrubby areas. Range Winters in Paki-
stan, n.w. India and Nepal.
in the tarai in winter. Proved breeding on Nagarjung (L6)
(4). Frequents mountain areas in the breeding season and
nests on steep crags. F. p. calidus (c) is a winter visitor.
Status uncertain; records received from Kathmandu Valley
(708), Kosi Barrage (652) and Kosi Tappu (327). Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
Birds of Prey/Gamebirds
PEREGRINE FALCON, cont'd ...
125
gb
BARBARY FALCON Falco pelegrinoides
Red-capped Falcon
Subspecies babylonicus. Vagrant. Listed
as collected in Nepal by B. Hodgson
(388). Several birds were observed at
Kagbeni and Tangbe (H4) from 3000 to
3200m in late July 1977 and in September
SNOW PARTRIDGE Lerwa lerwa
Y SS
Subspecies lerwa. The species was de-
scribed by B. Hodgson from Nepal
(339,797). A fairly common high altitude
resident mainly occurring above 4000m in
summer. Moves down to about 3050m in
TIBETAN SNOWCOCK Tetraogallus tibetanus
_ Subspecies aquilonifer. First recorded by
R.L. Fleming Sr. above Tukche at 4875m
in December 1949 (647). A fairly common
resident at high elevations. Usually sum-
mers above 4500m. Descends in winter
and early October 1978 (758). Singles flew west at Khare
(HS) on 26 October and 4 November 1985 (683) and seen at
Tengboche (P6) at 3865m in November 1987 (558). Range
Breeds in s. Pakistan. Winters in Pakistan and nw. India.
J ir Se JTIAATS OTN D
9000m
winter, although it has been reported at 4880m in Decem-
ber 1954 (109). Breeding confirmed in the Barun valley
(Q6) (167). Inhabits alpine meadows and open, rocky
hillsides. Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P. to Arunachal
Pradesh.
down to 3650m. Fledglings were collected at Gokyo in
August (190) and at Nam La (G4) in June (589). Also
proved breeding in the Langu valley (F2) (330). Frequents
alpine pastures, stony ridges and steep hillsides. Range
Himalayas from Ladakh east to Arunachal Pradesh.
126
TIBETAN SNOWCOCK, cont’d ...
Gamebirds
HIMALAYAN SNOWCOCK Tetraogallus himalayensis
Subspecies himalayensis. A Hodgson
specimen was described as originating in
the snowy regions of Nepal (277) but was
later listed as coming from Kumaon
(602). First definitely recorded by R.L.
Fleming Sr. above Tukche, at 4875m in
December 1949. He saw 70 to 80 birds
between 4875m and 5180m (647). A resi-
dent of uncertain status. Areas include
Rara (127), Namlang and Langu valleys
(F2) (447,330), Thorang La (H4), and
Dolpo (G3). Two found on 15 April 1984
at 4400m near Kyangjin (M5) (624), the
eastern limit of the species’s range.
Proved breeding in the Langu valley
(330), and in June in Dolpo (620). Some-
times found in the same areas as Tibetan
Snowcock, although usually at slightly
higher altitudes (244). Range Himalayas
from Chitral east to Nepal.
CHUKAR PARTRIDGE Alectoris chukar
(A. graeca)
Subspecies chukar. First recorded by W.J.
Kirkpatrick in 1793 (818). In the last cen-
tury found breeding in the hills surround-
ing the Kathmandu Valley (414,708), but
only one report from the Valley this cen-
tury (639). A fairly common resident in
the western hills, usually occurring be-
tween 2100m and 3960m. Only a few rec-
ords east of Manang, mainly from Hel-
ambu (L5) and upper Langtang (M5).
Found as far east as Jiri (N6), the eastern
limit of the species’s range, in December
1960 (246). Proved breeding in Mugu
9000m (Ie ae
(E2,F2) (330). Frequents sctub-covered hillsides and grassy
slopes. Range Baluchistan, Sind, and the Himalayas from
Chitral east to Nepal.
Gamebirds
BLACK FRANCOLIN Francolinus francolinus
Black Partridge
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Common in the lowlands and central dun
throughout the year. In summer some
birds move into the hills and are quite
common up to about 2000m. Two subspe-
cies occur: F. f. asiae (a) (16,482,647) and
F. f. melanonotus (m) (95,245). Proved
breeding at Fircape (L6) (589). Inhabits
cultivation and areas of tall grass and
scrub, especially near rivers. Range Paki-
stan and n. India east through the Hima-
layan foothills to n.e. India and Bangla-
desh.
GREY FRANCOLIN $9 Francolinus pondicerianus
Grey Partridge
Subspecies interpositus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Resident in the low-
lands. Status uncertain. Found to be
common at Kohalpur (D5) (792). Also
reported from Bardia (128,192,432),
Kauriala Ghat (C5) (659), Butwal (G6)
(647), Sonauli (G7) (230) and as far east
as near Mugling (J6) (439). An adult with
young was seen near Tilaurakot (G6) in
June (157). Found in dry grassy and
scrubby areas near cultivation. Range
Pakistan east to Bangladesh and south
through the peninsula.
SWAMP FRANCOLIN $Francolinus gularis
Swamp Partridge
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
local resident. Common at Kosi Tappu
since 1986; a maximum of 28 birds was
counted there in November 1989 (597).
Only one earlier report from there, of two
birds in February 1984 (408). J. Roberts
suggests that changes in the course of the
Kosi River during 1986 moved a popula-
tion of the species into the reserve (674).
Up to three birds occasionally seen at
Kosi Barrage since 1981. Several reports
from the south-west tarai (A4,B4,C4)
including recent sightings at Sukla Phanta
(238,432) and Bardia (674), and one
specimen taken from Tribeni (H7) in
1935 (62). Frequents tall grasses, swamps
127
=a f [oe = i a
9000m T'F'MAAM JJ "A SAO'N'D
and other wet areas in the lowlands. Range Nepal and Uttar
Pradesh east across n. India to Bangladesh.
128 Gamebirds
TIBETAN PARTRIDGE Perdix hodgsoniae
Subspecies hodgsoniae. First recorded by
O. Polunin on 20 June 1952 at Simen-
gaon, Dolpo (G3) at 4880m (620). A resi-
dent of uncertain status. Noted between
3700m and 4100m in winter and up to
5000m in summer. Found in Tibetan pla-
teau country. Several reports from above
Muktinath; also from the Namlang valley
(F2) (447), Dolpo (G3), Sangda (G4)
(301), Khangsar (H4) (512), and north of
Jomosom (647). Occurs on rocky slopes
with scattered bushes. Range Extends
marginally from Tibet into Nepal, Sikkim
and possibly Arunachal Pradesh.
COMMON QUAIL Coturnix cotumnix
Grey Quail
Subspecies coturnix. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (368). In the Kathmandu Valley
it was abundant last century in winter and
on passage (708), but only one later re-
port from there (62). Nowscarce in winter
from the tarai up to 915m, and on pas-
sage, but possibly resident and fairly
common at Chitwan (296). However only
two dated records from there, in April
1982 (432) and January 1987 (702). In
May and June 1982 two heard at Syabru
(L5) at 2100m (199,294,682). Inhabits
standing crops and grasslands. Range
Resident from Pakistan east through n.
India to Bangladesh. Winter visitor
throughout the subcontinent.
RAIN QUAIL Coturnix coromandelica
Black-breasted Quail
Vagrant. Recorded by B. Hodgson who ords, both from the Valley: one taken at Bhaktapur on 25
obtained at least six specimens from the July 1956 (245) and another by New Road, Kathmandu on
Kathmandu Valley in April, May and 11 April 1959 (482). Occurs in cultivation, grass and scrub
August including a female in breeding jungle. Range Locally throughout the subcontinent.
condition (336,368). Only two other rec-
Gamebirds 129
BLUE-BREASTED QUAIL Cotwnix chinensis
Subspecies chinensis. Recorded by B.
Hodgson who took at least five specimens
in April and May including one in breed-
ing condition from the Kathmandu Valley
(336,388). Scarce; status uncertain. Possi-
bly resident at Chitwan. Three records
from there: singles in November 1979
(813) and April 1980 (440), and two in
March 1987 (552). Also recorded from
the tarai: at Bilauri (A4), Kosi River (P8)
and Haraincha (Q8) in February and
March 1936 to 1938 (62). The only recent
record is of one from the Kathmandu
Valley in June 1963 (247). Inhabits wet
grassland, field edges and scrub. Range
The subcontinent east and south of a line
from Bombay to Simla.
JUNGLE BUSH QUAIL Perdicula asiatica
Only collected by B. Hodgson (277) who
found it chiefly in the sub-Himalayan val-
leys, and as a migrant (368). Range
Throughout most of India.
HILL PARTRIDGE Arborophila torqueola
Common Hill Partridge UF
Subspecies torqueola. First recorded by dense forests of oak and other broadleaved, evergreen
B. Hodgson (377). A fairly common resi- trees. Feeds amongst humus on the forest floor. Range
dent usually found from 1830m to 3200m. Himalayas from Chamba east to Arunachal Pradesh and
Inhabits ravines and slopes in damp, n.e. India.
130
RUFOUS-THROATED PARTRIDGE Arborophila rufogularis
Rufous-throated Hill Partridge
Subspecies rufogularis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A scarce resident, for-
merly reported more frequently. Once
occasionally found on Phulchowki’s lower
slopes, but only three records from there
in 1980s: in January and May 1982 (682)
and January 1986 (321). The only other
recent records are from Pokhara in 1971
(551) and south of Annapurna (H5) in
1977 (762). Chicks seen in May at Godav-
ari, Kathmandu Valley in 1954 (647) and
Hetaura in 1947 (95). A record from
Ghasa listed in the first edition of this
book (435) has been withdrawn. Inhabits
dense secondary growth and understorey
of broadleaved, evergreen forests. Usu-
ally occurs at lower altitudes than Com-
[RED SPURFOWL Gealloperdix spadicea
Although described as inhabiting the
Nepal tarai (63,579,664), no definite evi-
dence of its occurrence has been found.
Possibly inhabits the western tarai. Range
India.]
BLOOD PHEASANT Ithaginis cruentus
Subspecies cruentus. The species was
described by T. Hardwicke from a speci-
men collected in Nepal by E. Gardner.
(311,797). Although previously recorded
only as far west as Dhaulagiri (G5) (243),
there are recent reports west to Rara and
Jumla areas (127,464,627). A locally fairly
common resident, mainly found between
Gamebirds
F
W "90008 TE SoD
mon Hill Partridge. Favours a zone of 1450m to 1830m.
Range Himalayas from Kumaon east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
[PAINTED SPURFOWL Galloperdix lunulata
A specimen is listed as originating in Nepal by Ogilvie-
Grant (602). However it seems likely that the skin was
mislabelled as the species only occurs south of the Gangetic
Plain (664). Range India.]
als COCR
3200m and 4400m. May withdraw from higher levels in cold
weather. Chicks found at 3200m in June 1981 at Pipar (H5)
(496,499,505). Inhabits dense bamboo clumps, open forests
or scrub of rhododendron and birch or juniper. Usually
tame and gregarious; often found in coveys of about ten
birds. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh.
Gamebirds
SATYR TRAGOPAN [Tragopan satyra
Crimson Horned Pheasant
First recorded by W.J. Kirkpatrick in
1793 (818). Resident, subject to vertical
movements which are not fully under-
stood in Nepal. Mainly reported from
2590m to 3800m in summer and down to
2100m in winter. Reports received sug-
gest it is uncommon, although it is per-
haps under-recorded due to its shy and
wary nature. Found west to Khaptad (C3)
(428,68). Regularly recorded south of An-
napurna (HS), at Ghasa, Langtang and
Khumbu. Breeding behaviour is little
known. A female with young at 2640m on
31 May and a nest and eggs at 3760m in
June 1979 were found south of An-
napurna (H5) (496,499,505). A female
131
a J'F'M' AAM' JAJTA S ON D
with young was seen on 26 May 1985 above Syabru (LS)
(313). Inhabits damp oak and rhododendron forest with
dense undergrowth and bamboo patches. Favours steep
slopes. Range Himalayas from Garhwal east to w. Arun-
achal Pradesh.
[WESTERN TRAGOPAN Tragopan melanocephalus
Western Horned Pheasant
A Hodgson specimen is listed as originat-
ing in Nepal by Gray and Gray (277). The
subsequent British Museum catalogue
(602) included a Hodgson specimen from
KOKLASS PHEASANT Pucrasia macrolopha
Subspecies nipalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (385). A locally fairly com-
mon resident, chiefly reported from
2680m to 3200m in summer, and down to
2135m in winter. The maximum altitude
recorded is 3500m at Bung Lagna (E3) in
May 1985 (160). Few specimens collected
(647,708). Birds in the far west may be P.
m. macrolopha. Found as far east as the
Modi Khola (H5) and possibly to the
Marsyangdi Khola (H5) (669). Localities
include Khaptad (C3), above Ghasa, at
Ghorepani and in the upper Dhorpatan
valley (G4). Breeding behaviour of this
face is poorly known. A female with
chicks photographed at Pipar (HS) on 14
May 1985 (800,616). Chicks found on 2
June (244). Frequents forests of conifers,
oaks and rhododendron. Favours steep
ravines. Range Himalayas from Chitral
east to Nepal.
the ‘N.W. Himalayas’. There is also a Hodgson specimen la-
belled ‘Nepal India’ in Exeter Museum (133). Range W.
Himalayas from Swat east to Garwhal and possibly
Kumaon.]
132
HIMALAYAN MONAL Lophophorus impejanus
Impeyan Pheasant
The national bird of Nepal. First re-
corded by W.J. Kirkpatrick in 1793 (818).
A common resident subject to altitudinal
movements. Chiefly summers from
3300m to 4570m, and winters down to
2500m. At Khaptad (C3) found at 2500m
on 20 April and on several dates in May at
RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus
Subspecies murghi. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A locally common resi-
dent, usually found up to 915m. Localities
include Sukla Phanta, Bardia, Chitwan
and Kosi Tappu. Introduced to Gokarna,
Kathmandu Valley. Few records from
elsewhere. Numbers seem to have de-
clined in recent years. Local farmers
claim many have been shot out (155).
Breeding reported in 1979 at Begnas Tal
where it has been introduced (670), and
also at Chitwan (296). Inhabits forest
edges and scrub jungle interspersed with
patches of grassland or cultivation. Range
Himalayas from Punjab east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n., n.e. and s.w. India and
Bangladesh.
KALIJ PHEASANT —_ Lophura leucomelana
The species was described by J. Latham
(493) without precise locality; later given
as Nepal by Baker (63). First definitely
recorded by WJ. Kirkpatrick in 1793
(818). A fairly common resident from
245m to 3050m. Withdraws from higher
levels in cold weather. The maximum alti-
tude recorded is 3700m in Khumbu in
Gamebirds
3050m (428). Breeding confirmed at Thare Pati in May
(199,294,682), Gapte (321), upper Langtang (MS) (621) and
Khumbu (190). Frequents steep grassy slopes above the
treeline in summer and rhododendron forests in winter.
Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal
Pradesh.
eee ——
May 1986 (75). Three intergrading races occur: L. |. hamil-
tonii (h), the endemic L. |. leucomelana (1) and L. 1. mela-
nota (m). L. |. hamiltoni is given in error as occurring at
Baglung, west-central Nepal (52). Breeding confirmed at
Chitwan (296) and in the Kathmandu Valley (336,632).
Frequents forests of all types with dense undergrowth.
Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Gamebirds 133
KALIJ PHEASANT, cont’d ...
CHEER PHEASANT Catreus wallichi
Chir Pheasant F
on )—~—S— SS
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A (500). Regularly seen above Ghasa, but locals claim it is
resident of uncertain status, occurring declining there because of hunting pressure (260). Very few
east to the upper Kali Gandaki valley records from elsewhere. Inhabits steep, craggy hillsides sup-
(669). Reported between 1800m and porting scrub and stunted trees. In the Dhorpatan valley
3050m, with apparently little altitudinal also found in burnt, felled and cut over areas with secondary
movement. In the Dhorpatan valley (G5) growth in pine/juniper/fir/rhododendron forest (500).
50 to 100 birds were estimated in 1981 Range Himalayas from Hazara east to Nepal.
BLUE PEAFOWL Pavo cristatus
Indian Peafowl, Common Peafowl
Inexplicably not reported by B. Hodgson.
First recorded by J. Scully from the cen-
tral bhabar in 1877 (708). A locally com-
mon resident mainly found up to 300m.
Localities include Sukla Phanta, Bardia,
Chitwan, Kosi Tappu and north of Sunis-
chare. Proved breeding at Chitwan (296),
Hetaura (95) and Kosi Tappu (432).
Occurs at 1280m in Gokarna, Kathmandu
Valley where it has been introduced. | a
Inhabits dense riverine vegetation, tall
grassland and open sal forest. Range
Throughout the subcontinent east of the
Indus.
134 Gamebirds/Rails and Crakes
SMALL BUTTONQUAIL Turnix sylvatica
Little Bustard-Quail, Andalusian Hemipode
Striped Buttonquail
Subspecies dussumier. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Scarce, presumably
resident. One was taken at Bilauri (A4) at
250m on 15 February 1937 (62). The only
YELLOW-LEGGED BUTTONQUAIL Turnix tanki
Button-Quail
Subspecies tanki. First recorded by B.
Hodgson who found it breeding in corn-
fields in the Kathmandu Valley (336,388).
Only one later record from the Valley
(589). Resident. Fairly common at Chi-
twan (334,432,152), but scarce elsewhere.
Other localities are Bardia (796),
Jayamrui (L5) (636), Hetaura (95,245),
the eastern foothills (Q8) (293,561) and
eastern tarai (Q8) (62). Inhabits grass-
land, scrub and cultivation. Range
Throughout the subcontinent east of
Kohat and Sind.
BARRED BUTTONQUAIL Tumix suscitator
Common Bustard-Quail, Northern Bustard-Quail
Subspecies plumbipes. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (368). A fairly common resi-
dent chiefly occurring up to about 300m.
The maximum height reported is 2050m
on 23 May 1970 at Jamuna (R7) (441).
Occasionally seen at Bardia (C4) (192)
and commonat Chitwan (296). Not found
in the Kathmandu Valley this century.
Frequents grassland, also scrub and
weedy patches at the edges of villages and
cultivation. Range Throughout much of
the subcontinent.
SLATY-LEGGED CRAKE Rallina eurizonoides
Indian Banded Crake
Subspecies amauroptera. Vagrant. First
recorded by B. Hodgson from the tarai
(336,388). Only one other record: three
seen west of Hetaura at 375m on 14 June
1957 (234,245). In India inhabits wooded
and well-watered areas up to 1600m (52).
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
other reports are from tall grasslands at Chitwan where it
has been noted several times since 1982 (296,432,517).
Range Throughout the subcontinent south and east of the
Punjab.
fe] | eae ER CET
0 9000m J°F'M A MAJ SA’ SS” OAQN' D
WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus
Vagrant. First collected by B. Hodgson from the Kath-
mandu Valley in October (336,721). Two races recorded. R.
a. indicus was taken in the tarai at Bilauri (A4) on 27
January 1937, and at Haraincha (Q8) on 16 February 1938
(62). One was found dead at Tribhuvan University, Kath-
mandu in October 1973 (243). A specimen of R. a. korejewi
was obtained at Bilauri on the same date as that of R. a.
indicus (62). Inhabits marshes, reedbeds and wet fields.
Range Breeds in Kashmir and possibly Ladakh. Winters in
Pakistan, n. India and Bangladesh.
Rails/Crakes
SLATY-BREASTED RAIL Reallus striatus
Blue-breasted Banded Rail
Subspecies albiventer. Vagrant; possibly
resident. The first record is of one col-
lected on 16 February 1938 in the tarai at
Haraincha (Q8) by F.M. Bailey (62,108).
The only other reports are of singles at
BAILLON’S CRAKE Porzana pusilla
Subspecies pusilla. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Mainly a scarce winter
visitor and passage migrant; possibly
breeds. Several reports from Chitwan
between October and April, Kosi Barrage
from January to April and the Kath-
mandu Valley in spring and autumn.
Single records from elsewhere. Occurs in
reedy lake edges, swamps and wet fields.
Range Breeds in Kashmir and Uttar
Pradesh. Winters throughout the subcon-
tinent.
RUDDY-BREASTED CRAKE Porzana fusca
Ruddy Crake
Subspecies fusca. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A locally distributed resi-
dent in the lowlands up to 370m. Fairly
common at Chitwan (296). Regularly
reported from Kosi Barrage. Other locali-
ties include Sukla Phanta, Hetaura, and
[BLACK-TAILED CRAKE Porzana bicolor
Elwes’s Crake (Amauromis bicolor)
Status uncertain. Specimens collected by
B. Hodgson (721) were overlooked due to
confusion with Brown Crake, but may
have originated in India (443). H. Stevens
had three live birds brought to him on 22
135
Chitwan on 27 May 1985 (418) and on 6 March 1987 (463).
Frequents reedy swamps and wet paddyfields in India (52).
Range From Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Nepal south
and east through most of the subcontinent.
north of Sunischare. An uncommon visitor to the Kath-
mandu Valley, breeding in ricefields (591). Frequents
reedy lake edges, grassland, marshes and wet fields. Range
N. Pakistan from Kohat east through Himalayan foothills
and n. India to Assam and Bangladesh.
May 1912 and was told they were caught on the Nepal/
Darjeeling border (S7) between 3660m and 3960m, but he
was doubtful of the claim (741,443). Found in dense grass
and jungle near streams and ponds in foothills up to 2800m
(52,664). Range Himalayas from Nepal? east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India.]
136
BROWN CRAKE Amauromis akool
Subspecies akool. First recorded by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (276,721),
but the specimen may have originated in
India. First definitely recorded by B.
Biswas from Hetaura on 7 June 1947 (96).
A common breeding resident at Chitwan
(296). few reports from Kosi and mainly
single records from elsewhere. One was
collected at the unusually high altitude of
3290m at Ongre (J4) on 10 September
1984 (589). Inhabits reedbeds and vegeta-
tion along watercourses. Range India
from Kashmir east to Bangladesh; south
in the peninsula to Karnataka in the west
and Raipur in the east.
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN Amauromis phoenicurus
Subspecies phoenicurus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common
resident from the tarai up to 915m.
Proved breeding at Bagarkot (A3) (657)
and Chitwan (296). A few records from
the Kathmandu Valley. Occurs in marsh
and scrub vegetation at the edges of
ponds, lakes and ditches. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
Indian Gallinule
Subspecies chloropus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A locally common resi-
dent and winter visitor, chiefly found in
the tarai. Localities include Sukla Phanta,
Kosi marshes, and also Chitwan where it
occurs from October to May (296). Noted
as high as 4575m (243), presumably on
passage. Other records, probably of mi-
grants, at Jomosom (76), Ongre (J4)
(589) and Taudha lake (L6) (639,589) in
September and October. Inhabits
marshes and reed-edged pools with emer-
gent vegetation. Range Throughout the
subcontinent.
Rails/Crakes
Rails/Crakes 137
PURPLE SWAMPHEN Porphyrio porphyno
Purple Moorhen, Purple Gallinule
Subspecies poliocephalus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). Chiefly a winter
visitor and passage migrant up to about
915m; also breeds. Locally fairly common
at Chitwan, Kosi Barrage, also Sukla
Phanta and Ghodaghodi Tal (B4). Proved
breeding at the latter site and at Belatari
(G6) (750). Only one record this century
from the Kathmandu Valley, presumably
a migrant: on 2 May 1980 at Chobar (440).
Single reports from elsewhere. Frequents
dense reedbeds at pool edges and
marshes. Range Resident through the
subcontinent.
WATERCOCK Gallicrex cinerea
Subspecies cinerea. Scarce monsoon visi-
tor, although possibly under-recorded.
First seen by R. Gregory-Smith and F.
Batson on 15 June 1975 on Kosi marshes
(293). There are a few later reports from
Kosi. One was noted at Begnas Tal on 4
and 5 July 1978. The only other records
are from the Kathmandu Valley: three by
the Bagmati River on 3 August 1978, four
in paddyfields at Gokarna on 4 August
1978 (688) and two there on 27 June 1987 0
(792). Males at the latter areas were ‘sing- y
ing’ in paddyfields. Found in reedy
swamps and ditches and flooded fields.
Range Throughout the subcontinent east
of the Indus.
| a
9000m J°F'M A MAJ 'J° A’ SAO'N D
EURASIAN COOT Fulica atra
Common Coot
Subspecies atra. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Mainly an uncommon
winter visitor and passage migrant. Regu-
larly reported from Rara Lake, Phewa
Tal, Chitwan, Kathmandu Valley and
Kosi Barrage. Migrants have also been
noted in March at Jomosom (476) and
Syang (H4) (480), in June at Manang (J4)
(464), in November at Tukche (647), and
at the exceptionally high altitude of [ } > — == —
5000m at Gokyo lakes in May 1977 (679). ;
Occurs in reed-edged open expanses of
water. Range Resident and winter visitor
throughout the subcontinent.
138 Cranes
COMMON CRANE Gyrus grus
Subspecies lilfordi. Recorded by B.
Hodgson (276) in his later collection, but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded in 1877 by J.
Scully who found it common in winter in
the tarai and Hetaura dun, and to pass
over the Kathmandu Valley on migration
(708). Now chiefly a scarce winter visitor
and passage migrant. Only one later rec-
ord from the Valley (243). Small flocks at
Chitwan in most winters (244). Large ST a
numbers are also reported to fly over : ar Sn RB asincg
there in October/November and March/
April (296). A total of 37 flew south down Only three other records: from Kauriala Ghat (C5) (659)
the upper Kali Gandaki valley on 8 Octo- and Kosi marshes (319,597). Range Winters Pakistan and n.
ber and three on 12 October 1973 (76). India.
BLACK-NECKED CRANE Gzrus nigricollis
Vagrant. A presumed adult was photo-
graphed at Begnas Tal on 4 and 5 July
1978 by J.B.O. Rossetti (688,689). Range
Breeds Ladakh. Winters in e. Bhutan and
Arunachal Pradesh.
SARUS CRANE Grus antigone
Subspecies antigone. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (276), but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded in 1877 by J.
Scully who found it commonin the central
tarai (708). A sedentary resident in the
tarai. Only a few recent reports from Chi-
twan (296). A 1988 survey carried out
throughout the western and west-central
lowlands west of the Narayani River
found the species to be uncommon (751). a
Local people considered that is was de- : aR ata
clining, mainly because of wetland losses
and hunting (751). Proved breeding in
Rupandehi District (G7) and in Kapil-
vastu District (G6) (751). Forages in
grassland and cultivation and roosts in
wetlands (751). Range Pakistan, n. India,
Nepal and Bangladesh.
Cranes/Bustards 139
DEMOISELLE CRANE Anthropoides virgo
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common passage migrant in April/
May and October/November. Passes
over Nepal in large flocks. Greatest num-
bers reported flying south down the upper
Kali Gandaki valley in autumn: 31,351
were estimated between 1 and 11 October
1969 (526), about 6,000 cranes including
at least 2,220 Demoiselles between 29
September and 10 October 1973 (76), and
63,000 cranes considered to be mainly
Demoiselles between 24 September and 5
October 1978 (761). Described last cen-
tury as common in the central tarai and
Hetaura dun in winter (708). Now uncom-
mon on passage at Chitwan, some birds
remaining to winter (296). A few records
from the Kathmandu Valley and only
single reports from elsewhere. Two noted
at 280S5m at Kagbeni in January 1990
(176). Range Winters from Pakistan
through n. India to Bangladesh and As-
sam; south to Karnataka.
[GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD Ardeotis nigriceps
(Choriotis nigriceps)
B. Hodgson reported a pair from the
‘North West’ (388). However the record
may have been from an area south of the
present Nepalese border. Range Mainly
in Rajasthan, Gujarat and the Deccan
south to Karnataka.]
BENGAL FLORICAN Houbaropsis bengalensis
(Eupodotis bengalensis) F
140
BENGAL FLORICAN, cont'd ...
Subspecies bengalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Local and uncommon;
probably resident. Inhabits the tarai.
Regularly observed at Sukla Phanta,
Bardia and Chitwan (J6,K6). Several rec-
ords from Kosi Barrage in the early 1980s,
but none received since 1986. Described
as a resident, seen occasionally at Kosi
Tappu in 1976 (174) but very few later
LESSER FLORICAN Sypheotides indica
Likh
First recorded by B. Hodgson from the
Kathmandu Valley (336,388). Chiefly a
scarce summer visitor although probably
under-recorded. On 26 July 1960 three
were seen and a specimen taken in the
Kathmandu Valley (245). Singles were
found in the Rapti dun (J6) in March and
April 1962 (190); at Bardia in February
1980, May 1982 (433) and June 1988
(750), Chitwan (K6) in May 1982 (433),
March 1986 (154) and May 1987 (298),
and Sukla Phanta (undated) (327). Fre-
quents grasslands with scattered bushes
and cultivation. Range Mainly Pakistan
and India from the Makran coast, Punjab
and Rajasthan south to Karnataka and
Tamil Nadu.
Bustards/Jacanas/
sightings. The only other records are of specimens taken in
Morang District (Q8) in 1936 and 1938 (62). A Nepalese
population of only 56 to 82 was estimated in 1982 (431,433).
Mainly occurs in grasslands with tall grass clumps inter-
spersed with scattered bushes but sometimes in cultivation.
Its grassland habitat in the east has now been almost
entirely converted to cultivation. Range Mainly Assam and
Nepal; also Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Arunachal
Pradesh, Bhutan? and Bangladesh?
|
=.
;
:
f
JM ESAS
PHEASANT-TAILED JACANA Hydrophasianus chirurgus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly a summer visitor although has
been reported throughout the year. Fairly
common on the Kosi marshes and proved
breeding there (256). A resident seen
occasionally at Sukla Phanta (700). Rare
at Phewa Tal, Begnas Tal and at Chitwan
between March and October (296). A few
records from the Kathmandu Valley, in-
cluding a family party seen in summer
1959 (245). The maximum of 85 was seen
at Jagdishpur Tal (G6) on 15 June 1988
(750). One was found at the high altitude
of 3050m at Rara Lake in October 1982
(190). Frequents lakes and pools with
floating vegetation. Range Throughout
the subcontinent.
Jacanas/Waders 14]
BRONZE-WINGED JACANA Metopidius indicus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident throughout the
tarai; several records from 915m at Beg-
nas Tal and Phewa Tal. Proved breeding
at Belatari (G6) (750) and Kosi Tappu
(597). Found on marshes, pools and lakes
with floating vegetation. Range Nepal to
s. India and Bangladesh.
GREATER PAINTEDSNIPE Rostratula benghalensis
Painted Snipe
Subspecies benghalensis. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). An uncommon resi-
dent mainly found in the lowlands. Areas
include Sukla Phanta (432), Dhangarhi
(246), Begnas Tal (656), Taulihawa (G6)
(157), Kosi Barrage, Chitwan, Hetaura,
Tamaspur, and the Kathmandu Valley.
The maximum of 40was noted at Chitwan
(undated) (244). An adult and half-grown
young one were seen in the Kathmandu
Valley on 19 February 1988 (734). Feeds
in muddy areas in marshes and along
stream banks. Range Throughout the
subcontinent.
EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER + Haematopus ostralegus
Common Oystercatcher
Subspecies osculans? Vagrant. Only re- obtained at least one specimen from the Kathmandu Val-
corded by B. Hodgson (388) who found it ley, on 8 October. Range Winters on the coasts of Pakistan
was ‘a passage migrant in the hills’. He and India. Has bred in the Sunderbans.
IBISBILL Ibidorhyncha struthersii
First recorded by B. Hodgson (344). Fre-
quently seen at Kyangjin, upper Lang- winter on the Rapti River at Hetaura, between late Novem-
tang, 3800m (MS), between April and ber and mid-March; the largest number counted there was
September; a maximum of 18 pairs was 12 on 17 February 1981 (656). Several records from the
reported in April 1984 (624). Proved lower Arun (Q7) in winter; mainly single winter reports
. breeding there (812) and by the Imja from elsewhere. Occurs on shingle flats in large river beds.
Khola (P6) (75). Regularly observed in Range Himalayas from Gilgit east to Arunachal Pradesh.
142 Waders
IBISBILL, cont'd ...
on wan
Gos
)
C
Subspecies himantopus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). An uncommon spring
and autumn passage migrant. Flocks of
up to ten regularly seen at Kosi Barrage
between February and May. A few rec-
ords from Chitwan between January and
April, and from the Kathmandu Valley in
August and September. Mainly single
sightings from elsewhere. The only high
altitude record is from Muktinath at
3355m on 22 August 1977 (243). Found in
marshes and lakes. Range Throughout
the subcontinent.
PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta
Avocet
First recorded by B. Hodgson in the Kath- Chitwan: in December 1984 (150), November 1989 (597)
mandu Valley in October and November and November 1982 when a maximum of seven was seen
(336,388). A rare passage migrant. A few (304). Inhabits marshes, lagoons and mudflats. Range
reports from Kosi Barrage in March and Breeds in n. Baluchistan and Kutch. Winters in Pakistan
April. The only other records are from east to n.e. India and south to Tamil Nadu.
EURASIAN THICK-KNEE Burhinus oedicnemus
Stone-curlew, Northern Stone-curlew
Subspecies indicus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A resident, seen occa-
sionally throughout the tarai and lower
hills up to 915m. Breeding confirmed at
Kosi Barrage (652) and at Chitwan (296).
Several August records from the Kath-
mandu Valley, presumably of birds un-
dergoing local movements. Frequents
sandy or stony river beds and open dry
fields. Range Throughout the subconti-
nent.
Waders
GREAT STONE-PLOVER Esacus recurvirostris
Great Thick-Knee
The species was described by C. Cuvier
without locality (173); later given as Ne-
pal by Baker (63). First definitely re-
corded by B. Hodgson who found it in the
Kathmandu Valley (349). Only one later
report from there: on 5 November 1985
(546). A local resident and winter visitor
INDIAN COURSER 9 Cursorius coromandelicus
First recorded by B. Hodgson from the
tarai (336,388). Scarce, presumably resi-
dent. Regularly reported in the early
1980s from the old river bed south of Kosi
Barrage; a maximum of six including a
ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE Gilareola maldivarum
Collared Pratincole (G. pratincola maldivarum)
First reported by B. Hodgson in the Kath-
mandu Valley on 10 June (336,388). A
scarce passage migrant. Although de-
scribed in 1976 as a common local mi-
grant in the Kosi Barrage area (293), only
four other records received from there,
mainly singles in April and May. The
maximum of 25 was seen at Badhaiya Tal
(C5) on 13 June 1988 (750). Other reports
are from the Kathmandu Valley in Sep-
tember 1973 and October 1983 (243,589),
_Phewa Tal in April 1977 (563), Tumling-
tar (Q7) (483) in May 1981, and Chitwan
(undated) (293). Range Breeds in Paki-
stan, n. India and Bangladesh. Winters
throughout the peninsula.
143
to the tarai. Occasionally seen at Chitwan (J6,K6) where
proved breeding (296,480). Fairly common at Kosi Barrage
and Bardia. A few other reports from the eastern tarai
(Q8,R8), where the population is augmented by migrants
from November to February (293). Occurs on wide rocky or
shingle riverbeds. Range Throughout the subcontinent.
chick was seen there on 29 May 1982 (432), but no records
received since 1986. The only other record is of a specimen
taken in December 1952 at Dhangarhi at 275m (647).
Frequents stony ground and dry open areas of scattered
scrub. Range Locally throughout the subcontinent.
= =!
ee ‘JF MAA M JAJA S*O'N'D
144
LITTLE PRATINCOLE Glareola lactea
Small Pratincole
First recorded by B. Hodgson from the
Kathmandu Valley on 24 June but no
later reports from there (336,388). A resi-
dent and local migrant up to 750m. Com-
mon over the Karnali River at Bardia, the
Arung Khola at Tamaspur, Rapti and
Narayani Rivers at Chitwan and at Kosi
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). Sub-
species jerdoni is acommon resident up to
1500m. Numbers are augmented in win-
ter, presumably by the migratory subspe-
cies curonicus, although there is only one
definite specimen record of the latter
race: from Kosi in November (244).
Proved breeding at Phewa Tal (166), Kosi
Tappu (481) and in February at Chitwan
(J6,K6) (296,481). Found on shingle and
mudbanks of rivers, pools and lakes.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
LONG-BILLED PLOVER Charadrius placidus
Long-billed Ringed Plover
This species was described from a
Hodgson specimen by J.E. Gray (276,797)
but it may have originated in India. First
definitely recorded by J. Scully in Novem-
ber 1877 in Nawakot District (L6) (708).
A rare winter visitor and passage migrant.
Seen several times in the Kathmandu
Waders
if , = { a = = = | ie
: 7 + ae Sy.
Barrage. A few reports from elsewhere. Local movements
noted at Chitwan, where concentrations were found be-
tween November and January, including a flock of 2000
near Meghauli on 5 January 1983 (304). Proved breeding at
Chitwan (296) and Kosi Barrage (483). Occurs on rivers
with sandbars or stony beds. Range Throughout the sub-
continent east of the Indus River.
Valley in April, May and in winter, and on the Rapti River
at Hetaura between November and February. There are a
few reports from the Yamdi Khola (H5) (206,254,150), and
single records from elsewhere. Frequents shingle beds of
large rivers. Range Winters Bangladesh, Nepal, n. and n.e.
India.
Waders 145
LONG-BILLED PLOVER, cont'd ...
KENTISH PLOVER Charadrius alexandrinus
Snowy Plover
Subspecies alexandrinus. A Hodgson
specimen was listed for Nepal by Sharpe
(722) but it may have originated in India.
First definitely recorded by R.L. Fleming
Sr. at Raghunathpur (N8) at 275m in De-
cember 1953 (647). A locally common
winter visitor and passage migrant; possi-
bly breeds. Regularly seen in the Kath-
mandu Valley, at Kosi Barrage, and be-
tween October and late April at Chitwan
(296). The maximum of over 250 was seen
at Kosi on 27 February 1986 (514). Fre-
quents shingle and sandy riverbeds.
Range Breeds in Pakistan and n. and s.
India. Winters throughout the subconti-
nent.
LESSER SAND PLOVER Charadrius mongolus
Mongolian Plover
Subspecies atrifrons. First recorded by B.
Hodgson from the Kathmandu Valley in
May (336,388). No later reports until
1981, although possibly overlooked. A
fare winter visitor and spring migrant,
probably only stopping for short periods.
Several sightings from Kosi Barrage be-
tween mid-March and late May, and from
Chitwan between November and May.
. The maximum of 43 was photographed by (eS laa a
Phewa Tal on 21 May 1985 (800). The : on ga SEER GREE Cees
only other records are from the Bagmati
River, Kathmandu Valley in February
1981 (180) and Rara Lake in May 1985
(160). Range Breeds in the Himalayas in
Ladakh, Lahul and Sikkim. Winters on
the coasts of the subcontinent.
146
Waders
GREATER SAND PLOVER Charadrius leschenaultii
Large Sand Plover
Subspecies leschenaultii. Vagrant. First
recorded by B. Hodgson on 10 June in the
Kathmandu Valley (336,388). The only
PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis fulva
Eastern Golden Plover (P. dominica)
Lesser Golden Plover
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
winter visitor and passage migrant. Com-
mon at Kosi Barrage where flocks of over
50 are frequently recorded; a maximum of
1000 was estimated on 11 April 1982
(207,561). Scarce elsewhere. Several
spring and autumn records from the
Kathmandu Valley and Chitwan; single
records from elsewhere. One was noted in
the upper Kali Gandaki valley at about
2590m on 24 September 1973 (76). Found
on ploughed fields and muddy riverbanks.
Range Winters locally throughout the
subcontinent.
GREY PLOVER 1 Pluvialis squatarola
Black-bellied Plover
Vagrant. First recorded by B. Hodgson
from the Kathmandu Valley on 2 January
and 2 October (336,388). The only other
records are of singles seen on the Rapti
River, Chitwan in November 1979 (170)
RIVER LAPWING Hoplopterus duvaucelii
River Plover
other record is of one seen at Kosi Barrage on 11 February
1987 (463). Range Winters on the coasts of the subconti-
nent.
FMA Mog) po Ay’S) OQ) Ni )D)
T9000m J
and from December 1988 to February 1989 (67); also from
Kosi Barrage where a flock of at least 20 in breeding
plumage was observed on 30 April 1982 (244), one on 2 May
1986 (321), and 15 on 15 April 1987 (327). Range Winters on
the coasts of the subcontinent.
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus duvaucelii) ait
J = SESE
[a 9000m J "FAM A'M JAJA SON D
Waders
RIVER LAPWING, cont'd ...
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common resident in the tarai and foothills
up to 915m. Occasionally seen in the
Kathmandu Valley, especially in summer,
and proved breeding there in the last
147
century (708). Breeding also confirmed at Chitwan
(296,432) and Bardia (C5) (432). Inhabits stony beds and
sand bars of rivers. Range India from Haryana east through
the Himalayan foothills to Bangladesh; south to the Godav-
eri River.
YELLOW-WATTILED LAPWING Hoplopterus malabaricus
Yellow-wattled Plover
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly a rare winter visitor although re-
ported in all months. A resident occasion-
ally seen at Sukla Phanta (432,700). A
scarce winter visitor to Chitwan, noted in
open areas at the park edges (296). A
breeding record from Kosi Barrage (281),
listed in the first edition of this book
(435), is now considered unacceptable.
An infrequent monsoon visitor to the
Kathmandu Valley in 1949 (629), but
there are no other records. Rare at Kosi
Barrage and only single reports from else-
where. Found in dry fields, open country
and river beds in the lowlands. Range
Sind; India from Haryana and W. Bengal
southwards; w. Bangladesh.
(Vanellus malabaricus) F
a x
GREY-HEADED LAPWING Hoplopterus cinereus
Grey-headed Plover (Vanellus cinereus)
First recorded by F.M. Bailey on 6 April
1937 from Gaucher, Kathmandu Valley
(62,108). In 1961 discovered to be a regu-
lar and quite common visitor from the
end of September to the end of March in
the Valley (638); mainly seen by the
Manora River. Regularly reported there
since with a maximum of 56 in November 1985 (201). The
Valley is the westernmost regular wintering area for the
species. Irregularly recorded from Kosi Barrage, twice
found at Phewa Tal (325,152), and single reports from
elsewhere. Winters on river banks and in wet fields. Range
Winters in n.e. India and Bangladesh.
148
RED-WATILED LAPWING Hoplopterus indicus
Red-wattled Plover (Vanellus indicus)
Subspecies indicus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident from
the tarai up to 1050m. Breeding con-
firmed in Banke District (D5) (750), at
Chitwan (153,296), north-west of
Pokhara (420) and at Hetaura (96). Very
common during the monsoon in the Kath-
mandu Valley and occurs in small num-
bers all year (629). Frequents fields and
open areas near water. Range Through-
out the subcontinent.
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING Chettusia leucura
White-tailed Plover (Vanellus leucurus)
First recorded in December 1952 at Bi-
lauri (A4) at 250m by R.L. Fleming Sr.
(647). Another was obtained there a
month later, and one was seen at Dhan-
garhi in December 1952 (647). The only
reports received are from Nepalganj on 1
January 1977 (464), and by the Babai
River near Ghurai (E6) from 7 to 10
January 1981 (576). Inhabits marshes,
reedy pools and river edges. Range Win-
ters in Pakistan, n. India and Bangladesh.
NORTHERN LAPWING 1 Vanellus vanellus
Eurasian Lapwing, Peewit
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). An
uncommon winter visitor, mainly seen at
Phewa Tal, the Kathmandu Valley, and
Kosi Barrage, with a few sightings from
Begnas Tal and Chitwan. Singles noted
twice in the upper Kali Gandaki valley at
about 2700m (243, 658). A maximum of
about 300 was seen in early February 1987
at Kosi Barrage (518). Occurs in wet
marshes, fields and cultivation. Range
Winters in Pakistan and n.w. India east to
Nepal; erratically to n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh.
SANDERLING Calidris alba
The only record is of one seen on 11
February 1979 at Kosi Barrage by F.
Lambert et al. (486,651,652); it accompa-
nied a flock of 50 Little Stints and nine
Waders
Se = s'O'N'D
9000m J'F'M'A'™M J
Dunlin. The flock could not be relocated the next day. This
is apparently the first inland record of Sanderling for the
Indian subcontinent. Range Winters on the coasts of the
subcontinent.
Waders 149
LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). An
uncommon winter visitor and passage
migrant mainly recorded from Chitwan,
the Kathmandu Valley and Kosi Barrage.
Single reports from elsewhere. Two seen
by Rara Lake at 3050m in October 1982
(627). An exceptional flock of about 50
was seen on 11 February 1979 at Kosi
Barrage (486,651,652). Frequents muddy
edges of lakes, streams and rivers. Range
Winters mainly on the coasts of the sub-
continent.
TEMMINCK’S STINT Calidris temmincki
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common winter visitor and passage mi-
grant from the tarai up to 915m and at
about 1370m in the Kathmandu Valley.
Noted on passage in the Himalayas: a
total of 39 counted at Tukche between 6
and 14 October 1973 (76) and 13 seen by
Gokyo Lake at 4710m on 2 May 1984
(764). A maximum of 65 was estimated on
20 March 1986 at Sauraha (J6) (403).
Frequents marshes, paddyfields, mud and
sandy edges of rivers and lakes. Range
Winters throughout the subcontinent.
LONG-TOED STINT Calidris subminuta
First recorded by R.L. Fleming Sr. on 11
May 1960: two or three accompanied a (245). The only other other record is of four on 4 May 1982
flock of Temminck’s Stints on mudflats of at Rani Tal, Sukla Phanta (432). Range Winters inn.e. India
the Bagmati River, Kathmandu Valley and Bangladesh.
CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea
(Calidris testacea)
First recorded by N. Krabbe et al. who Bagmati River, Kathmandu on 25 October 1982 (305) and
saw one in full breeding plumage at Kosi up to four along the Rapti River, Chitwan, between 8 No-
Barrage on 22 April 1981 (483). A scarce vember and 28 December 1982 (304,299). Occurs on mud
spring and autumn passage migrant. The and sandy river banks. Range Winters on the coasts of the
only other records are of two seen by the subcontinent. Small numbers inland.
150
DUNLIN Calidris alpina
Subspecies alpina. First recorded by B.
Hodgson from the Kathmandu Valley
(336,388). A scarce winter visitor and
passage migrant. There are several winter
sightings from Kosi Barrage, with a maxi-
mum of over 30 on 27 February 1986
(514). Small flocks noted at Chitwan in
late March 1981 (476) and December
1982 (304). The only other records are of
one collected from the Bagmati River,
Kathmandu Valley on 1 January 1967
(586,587) and two seen at Begnas Tal on
29 March 1984 (764). Occurs on mud and
sand banks of rivers. Range Winters
mainly on the coasts of Pakistan and n.w.
India south to Bombay, also the Gangetic
river system.
RUFF Philomachus pugnax
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
very uncommon passage migrant. There
are several reports from the Kathmandu
Valley in September and October, and
from Kosi Barrage between February and
April where a maximum of 47 was noted
on 12 February 1979 (486,652). Twice
found at Chitwan and single records from
elsewhere. Found in marshes, wet fields
and mudbanks of rivers and lakes. Range
Winters throughout the subcontinent.
JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus
(Gallinago minima)
First recorded by B. Hodgson from the
Kathmandu Valley (336,388). A scarce
winter visitor and passage migrant. In the
last century found between early Septem-
ber and end of April, with largest num-
bers occurring on passage in October,
November and March (708). Described in
1949 as a scarce passage migrant; a few
probably staying all winter (629). In 1950
the numbers of Jack, Common and Pin-
tail Snipe in the Valley were reported to
be severely reduced compared to 20 years
before (659), and only three recent rec-
ords of this species have been traced, all
of lone birds, two in winter (155,217), and
one in October (589). The only other
records are of one or two at Phewa Tal in
Waders
February 1981 (622), Kosi Barrage in March 1982 (794),
and Chitwan (J6,K6) in April 1985 (59) and February 1988
(481). Inhabits swampy areas and wet fields. Range Winters
throughout the subcontinent.
Waders
COMMON SNIPE _ Gallinago gallinago
Fantail Snipe
Subspecies gallinago. First recorded by B.
Hodgson, who noted that some birds
remained in the Kathmandu Valley all
year (338). Now a winter visitor and pas-
sage migrant; possibly breeds. Locally
fairly common at Phewa Tal, Chitwan,
Kathmandu Valley and Kosi Barrage;
occasionally reported from elsewhere.
Mainly found up to 1500m. Noted in the
Himalayas, presumably on passage: at
4700m at Gokyo in April 1972 (131,243),
at 2650m in the upper Kali Gandakivalley
in March 1985 (313) and at 3050m at
Khaptad (C3) in September 1989 (68).
Frequents marshes, wet fields and muddy
PINTAIL SNIPE Gallinago stenura
First recorded by B. Hodgson (338). A
winter visitor and passage migrant occa-
sionally seen up to 1370m. Sometimes
found with Common Snipe, although of-
tenin drier habitats than that species. The
largest number reported is ten at Kosi
Barrage on 16 March 1982 (682). Found
in harvested paddyfields with scattered
pools, marshy pool edges and dry grass
and scrub areas.
SWINHOE’S SNIPE Gallinago megala
Vagrant. The only record is of one seen
with Pintail Snipe and Common Snipe by
S.C. Madge et al. on 6 March 1987 in
SOLITARY SNIPE Gallinago solitaria
151
edges of rivers and ponds. Range Breeds in the Himalayas
from Kashmir to Garhwal. Winters throughout the subcon-
damp rice fields between Biratnagar and Itahari (Q8) (515).
Range Scattered winter records throughout India; also Sri
Lanka and Maldives.
To | Se |
aah ===) SS To ATS OND
152
SOLITARY SNIPE, cont’d ...
Subspecies solitaria. The species was de-
scribed by B. Hodgson from Nepal
(338,797). An uncommon and local win-
ter visitor and passage migrant; probably
also resident. Mainly occurs over 2135m
but found at 915m at Phewa Tal on 18
December 1970 (444). Last century de-
scribed as not uncommon in the Kath-
mandu Valley from October to April
(338,708), although there are very few
recent records. Regularly reported in
winter near Muktinath at 3795m. A maxi-
WOOD SNIPE Gallinago nemorcola
The species was described by B. Hodgson
from Nepal (364,797). Scarce; possibly a
resident that migrates altitudinally. In the
Kathmandu Valley Hodgson found it not
uncommon in winter, staying until 11
May. Two specimens contained eggs
(336,338). It was apparently rare by 1877
(708), and last recorded from there in
1950, when one or two were shot each
year (659). Collected from the Singhalila
ridge (S7) at 3050m in January 1912 (735)
and from Sundar Gundar (Q8) on3 Feb-
tuary 1938 (62). Proved breeding in the
Barun valley (Q6) in 1973 (167,243). The
only other records are of one seen at
Khangma (Q6) at 3800m in May 1981
(483), two displaying at Pipar (H5) be-
EURASIAN WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola
Woodcock
First recorded by B. Hodgson (338). A
fairly common resident locally, and an
altitudinal migrant. Usually summers
between 1980m and 3900m. Descends to
about 1350m in winter but a few reports
down to 100m at Chitwan (180,481,810)
and found as high as 1900m at Pothana in
December (58). Seen roding at Khaptad
(C3) (428), in the Dhorpatan valley
(F4,Q5) (499), Marsyangdi valley (J4)
(512), Langtang (440,639), and Khumbu
(109). Breeding confirmed in the Gan-
dak-Kosi watershed (L5) (639). Occurs in
swampy dense undergrowth in rhododen-
dron and fir forests. Range Breeds in the
Waders
mum of 11 was seen there on 1 February 1984 (815).
Described as not uncommon in the upper Arun valley (Q6)
in December 1979 (574,587) and found there in August
1986 (590). Uncommon at Khaptad in April and May 1988
(428) and still present in the summer of that year (754).
Other records are from the upper Kali Gandaki valley,
Manang (J4), Langtang and the Singhalila ridge (S7).
Breeding behaviour is poorly known. Frequents marshy
edges and beds of mountain streams. Range Summers in
the Himalayas from Ladakh east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Winters in the Himalayas. Resident in n.e. India.
abs a —__
r 9000m J FIM AAMAJ JA S'O'N D
tween 11 and 16 May 1985 (800) and one seen at Jolbari
(R7) on 19 January 1989 (307). Inhabits swampy areas in
woods. Range Breeds in the Himalayas from Kulu east to
Arunachal Pradesh and n.e. India. Winters at lower eleva-
tions and in the hills of s. India.
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Winters at lower elevations in the Himalayas, and the hills
of n.e. and s. India.
Waders
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Luimosa limosa
Subspecies limosa. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A scarce and local pas-
sage migrant. Found last century in the
Kathmandu Valley in April and from
mid-August to October, and described as
not common (336,708). Only three later
WHIMBREL Niwnenius phaeopus
Subspecies phaeopus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson from the Kathmandu Valley in
August and September (336,388). A
scarce passsage migrant; mainly reported
in spring. One was seen at Kosi Barrage
between February and April 1981, and 12
on 14 March 1982 (794). The only other
records are from Phewa Tal in April 1981
(811), Bagmati Pools, Kathmandu Valley
in September 1989 (256) and at Chitwan
where it is described as a rare passage
migrant from April to September (296),
with a maximum of 22 on 10 May 1984
EURASIAN CURLEW Nummenius arquata
Curlew
Subspecies orientalis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common winter visitor
and passage migrant to Kosi Barrage,
mainly reported there from September to
April, with singles also noted on 13 July
and 10 August 1975 (293). The maximum
of 700 was noted on 16 March 1982
(682,770). A scarce passage migrant else-
where: small groups at Chitwan in Sep-
tember and April (296), a few reports
from the Kathmandu Valley, but only
single sightings from elsewhere. Two
were seen at 3050m at Khaptad (C3) on 8
September 1989 (68). Occurs on mudflats
SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
local winter visitor and passage migrant.
Occasionally reported from Chitwan and
Kosi Barrage between February and May.
Seen three times at Phewa Tal
(486,811,764). Single sightings from other
[spi=
153
records from the Valley: singles in August, in 1978 (243),
1981 (587,244) and 1989 (256). Irregularly reported since
1979 in April and early May at Kosi Barrage. The maximum
of 55 was noted in April 1981 (483) and 1983 (56). Occurs in
shallow water and mudbanks of rivers and lakes. Range
Winters mainly in Pakistan, n. and n.e. India.
sal = a — i
30 M TITAS OND”
(421). Fonds on mudflats and grassy areas. Range Winters
on the coasts of the subcontinent.
5) a Me AMM ie rile fer ABR ZO It NICD.
and grassy fields. Range Winters throughout the subconti-
nent, mainly on the coast.
areas. Only one record from the Kathmandu Valley since
Hodgson’s time (486). A maximum of eight was seen on 30
April 1982 at Sukla Phanta (432). Frequents muddy banks
and shallow water of rivers and lakes. Range Winters in
Pakistan, India and Nepal.
154 Waders
SPOTTED REDSHANK, cont'd ...
if ——
TeV aM AS Mv nelineS na ASES tes OLIN IED
COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus
Subspecies eurhinus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A local winter visitor and
passage migrant. Occasionally reported
from Kosi Barrage. Uncommon in the
Kathmandu Valley, at Phewa Tal and at
Chitwan where it is recorded from Sep-
tember to April (296). Evidence of move-
ment there in December 1982 when
flocks of up to 20 birds were noted (304).
Noted on passage in the Himalayas: twice
found by Gokyo Lakes at 4700m in May SS == EE)
(243,764), seen by Rara Lake in May =: aerae vA hrc oe ;
(160) and in the Langu valley (F2) (330).
Single reports from elsewhere. Found in
marshes, rivers and lakes. Range Breeds
in Kashmir and Ladakh. Winters
throughout the subcontinent.
MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Sharpe (722), but it may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by G. Diesselhorst in the Rapti Dun (K6)
on 9 April 1962 (190). An uncommon
passage migrant and winter visitor to
Chitwan (J6,K6) and Kosi Barrage. Only
single reports from elsewhere. The maxi-
mum of 11 was seen on 15 March 1982 at
Kosi Barrage (794). Frequents marshes
and mud banks of rivers and lakes. Range
Winters throughout the subcontinent.
Waders 155
COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia
Greenshank
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Common. Mainly a winter visitor and
passage migrant between mid-August
and May. Chiefly winters up to 370m, with
a maximum of over 150 at Kosi Barrage
on 8 February 1974 (518). A few birds
remain there during the summer (293).
The most abundant migrant wader at —
Chitwan; roosting flocks of up to 102
birds counted in December 1982 (304). In oo a as HE eS =
the Kathmandu Valley most often seen
from mid-August to mid-September (190), at Tukche in early October 1973 (76) and by Rara
(635). Singles noted on passage in Lake (127). Inhabits marshes, river banks and lakes. Range
Khumbu at 4800m on 30 August 1962 Winters throughout the subcontinent.
GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common passage migrant and fairly com-
mon in winter up to about 370m. Noted at
Chitwan from September to early April
(296,304). In the Kathmandu Valley most
seen on passage in September, but small
numbers regularly winter (629). Ob-
served on passage: several reports be-
tween February and May from the upper
Kali Gandaki valley; also noted in April at
Chitwan (432) and Kosi Barrage (483). To _] EEE eee
Flocks seen in September and October in ae Joie
the upper Kali Gandaki valley (76) and 4250m at Pheriche (P6) (190). Frequents marshes, streams,
other autumn records from Rara Lake lakes and rivers. Range Breeds in Chitral. Winters through-
(627), Manang (J4) (295,512), and at out the subcontinent.
WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). An
uncommon winter visitor but observed
more frequently on passage, mainly in
April, May and September. Regularly
seen at Phewa Tal, Chitwan, Kosi Barrage
and in the Kathmandu Valley. Noted on
passage at Jomosom, where 14 were
counted between 10 September and 9
October 1973 (76), and one was seen at
Muktinath at 3780m on 4 April 1984
(421). Migrants have also been noted by SES ape SS
Rara Lake in February 1977 (464), Octo- : ee:
ber 1982 (627) and May 1985 (160). Barrage on 14 April 1981 (559). Found on marshes and
Mainly single records from other areas. banks of rivers and lakes. Range Winters throughout the
The maximum reported is 40 at Kosi subcontinent.
156
TEREK SANDPIPER Xenus cinereus
(Tringa terek)
Vagrant. First recorded by R.F. Grim-
mett and J. Eames at Kosi Barrage on 18
April 1982 (199,294). The only other rec-
ords are from Gokyo Lake at about
4710m: two were seen on 2 May 1984 and
one photographed the next day (764).
Range Winters on the coasts of the sub-
continent.
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
(Tringa hypoleucos)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common winter visitor from the tarai up
to 1370m, mainly occurring between early
August and the end of April. Numbers are
increased by passage birds in spring and
autumn. Occasionally reported from the
Himalayas, presumably on_ passage.
Noted several times in the upper Kali
Gandaki valley in February; 50 to 52 were
counted there between 7 September and
9 October 1973 (76). Other high altitude
records are from Rara Lake (83,464,785),
Pheriche at 4250m (190), and as high as
5400m at Gorak Shep Lake (P6) (679).
Frequents marshes and banks of streams,
rivers and lakes. Range Breeds from
Kashmir east to Garhwal. Winters
throughout the subcontinent.
RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres
Turnstone
Subspecies interpres. Vagrant. The only
record is of one photographed on the
gravel flats at Tukche on 14 September
1973 by M. Beaman (76). Range Winters
on the coasts of the subcontinent.
Waders
Waders/Gulls 157
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus lobatus
Vagrant. One was recorded on Rara Lake
shore on 16 October 1982 by D. Brearey
and D. Pritchard (627). Range Winters
off the Pakistan and Gujarat coasts.
GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ichthyaetus
a ET
TREAD Pd PAY eS) OREN Set)
First recorded by F.M. Bailey from the Valley (154,506). Several spring and autumn sightings from
Kosi River on 9 February 1938 (62). A elsewhere, presumably of passage birds. Found in March
locally fairly common winter visitor and and April at Rara Lake (137), Phewa Tal (811,812), Kath-
passage migrant. Several reports of up to mandu Valley (243), Hetaura (476) and the lower Arun
20 birds. Most often seen at Tamaspur, valley (546). Seen in the lower Arun valley in August (590),
Chitwan and Kosi, and occasionally at and at Rara Lake in October and November (83,627,691).
Bardia. Also recorded in winter from Frequents large rivers of the lowlands. Range Winters on
Rara Lake (137) and the Kathmandu the coasts and rivers of the subcontinent.
COMMON BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus
Black-headed Gull F
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388,698). ie O\
A winter visitor and passage migrant. avy \ \ ¥
Fairly common at Kosi Barrage from No- \ ANN
vember to May. The maximum of about
150 was seen in February in 1974 (518)
-and 1984 (650). Occasionally found at
Phewa Tal. Uncommon at Chitwan; re-
corded there from September to April \ ei
(296). Reported from the Himalayas at
Rara Lake (127), in the upper Dudh Kosi CS —, SS.
valley (P6) at over 5490m in May 1977
(243) and on Gokyo lakes at 4700m in ords from elsewhere. Occurs on lakes and large rivers.
November 1988 (453). Mainly single rec- Range Winters mainly on the coasts of the subcontinent.
158
BROWN-HEADED GULL Larus brunnicephalus
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Saunders (698) but may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by R.L. Fleming on the Bagmati River at
Patan (L6) at 1280m on 24 October 1963.
A winter visitor and passage migrant.
Fairly common at Kosi Barrage and un-
commonat Chitwan. Also found in winter
at Bardia (128,192), Rara Lake (785), and
Kapilvastu (F6) (658). Numbers increase
SLENDER-BILLED GULL Larus genei
First recorded by P.A. Dukes et al. on 7
February 1974 at Kosi Barrage. The fol-
lowing day an immature was seen (518).A
scarce and irregular winter visitor and
passage migrant only seen at the barrage
between January and mid-March and in
November. The only other records are of
one to two birds in February in 1975
(293), 1979 (486,652), and 1981 (65,559),
in January 1985 (142), in March 1987
(744,769) and November 1989 (597).
Range Breeds in Baluchistan. Winters in
Sind and n.w. India.
Gulls
at Kosi in spring; a peak of 35 was reported in April 1979
(486,559,652). Several spring and autumn reports from else-
where, presumably of migrants. Noted in March at Phewa
Tal (598,154), Begnas Tal (111) and the lower Arun valley
(546), and in April at Kagbeni (812) and Hetaura (332).
Seen in October at Rara Lake (244) and in the Kathmandu
Valley (247). A party of 19 with one Black-headed Gull flew
over the upper Dudh Kosi valley (P6) at 5490m in May 1977
(243). Inhabits rivers and lakes. Range Breeds in Ladakh.
Winters throughout the subcontinent.
MEW GULL Larus canus
Common Gull
Subspecies heinei? Vagrant. A first year bird was recorded
at Kosi Barrage on 12 February 1979 by R. Filby et al. It was
still present on 21 February (486,651,652). Subsequently
single adults have been recorded both from Phewa Tal, on
21 January 1981 (180), and on 28 February 1983 (593).
Range These are the first published records for the subcon-
tinent.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED AND YELLOW-LEGGED GULLS Larus fuscus and L. cachinnans
The status of these two species is unclear
at present because of nomenclatural
confusion; heuglini is considered to be a
race of Herring Gull L. argentatus by
some authors (e.g. 47,243), but is here
treated as a race of Lesser Black-backed
Gull. Most records received have not
been identified subspecifically and are
treated here as Yellow-legged/Lesser
Black-backed Gulls. Winter visitor and
passage migrant. Uncommon at Kosi Barrage: a maximum
of six noted on 14 February 1981 (622). Several other
reports, mainly in spring and autumn, presumably of pas-
sage migrants. Noted at Phewa Tal in March and April
(811,519,166) and September (141), Manang in October
(658), and the Kathmandu Valley during the monsoon
(243,418) and in October (256). One flew over Pheriche
(P6) at 4725m on 8 November 1978 (314). Also recorded at
Rara Lake (243) and Chitwan (296,746,408).
Gulls/Terns 159
LESSER BLACK-BACKED AND YELLOW-LEGGED GULLS, cont'd ...
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus cachinnans
A first year specimen, probably L. f. heug- First definitely recorded by R.F. Grimmett who saw one,
lini was collected from the Bagmati River, probably of the race mongolicus, at Kosi Barrage on 11 Feb-
Kathmandu in November 1961 by R.L. Tuary 1979 (486,652). Singles, probably of the same race,
Fleming Sr. (234,247). Only three other were also seen there on 15 February 1984 (650), 18 Novem-
definite reports received, all from Kosi ber 1988 (596) and from 8 to 9 February 1989 (468). The
Barrage: an adult of the race L. f. fuscus only other record is of one at Phewa Tal on 9 March 1986
was noted on 14 April 1981 (559), another (403). Range Winters on the coasts of Pakistan and India,
adult of the race L. f. heuglini on 14 also on the Ganges River.
February 1984 (650), and a juvenile on 5
November 1989 (597). Range Winters on
the coasts of Pakistan and w. India.
GULL-BILLED TERN Gelochelidon nilotica
Subspecies affinis? First recorded at Kosi
Barrage by S.C. Madge et al. on 25 Janu-
ary 1974 (518). Winter visitor and passage
migrant. Fairly common at Kosi Barrage
where up to ten birds are often reported
in winter. Peak numbers have been noted
in spring; a maximum of about 60 was
seen in late April 1981 (483). Only a few
spring and autumn records from else-
where, presumably of passage birds. Ob-
served at Chitwan in April (56), Phewa
Tal in May (563,811), Manang (J4) in
August (587), the Kathmandu Valley in
September (587), and Rara Lake (127).
Frequents large rivers and lakes. Range
Breeds locally in Pakistan, West Bengal
and Bangladesh. Winters throughout the
subcontinent.
160
CASPIAN TERN Stema caspia
Subspecies caspia. First recorded at Kosi
Barrage on 7 and 8 February 1974 by S.C.
Madge et al. (518). A winter visitor and
passage migrant. Fairly common at Kosi
where twenty birds have been reported in
February and March. Numbers increase
RIVER TERN § Sterna aurantia
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
locally common resident and partial mi-
grant mainly recorded up to 610m. Regu-
larly reported from the Karnali River at
Bardia, rivers at Chitwan, and at Kosi. An
COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo
First recorded by D. Proud on the
Manora River, Kathmandu Valley: a ju-
venile taken on 8 August 1953 was of the
race tibetana (628,635). Several other
autumn records from the Valley, chiefly
from the Bagmati and Manora Rivers
between August and October. Uncom-
mon at Kosi and found there in February,
April, May, September and November
with a maximum of 30 in two flocks seen
in late April 1981 (483). An adult ob-
served at the Barrage on 16 April 1982
was apparently of the race longipennis
(294). Also noted at Chitwan (296), at
Phewa Tal in April (82), May (811,800),
and in July and August (688). Seen as high
as 4000m at Tengboche (P6) in May 1975
(580). Range Breeds Ladakh. Winters
locally throughout the subcontinent.
Terns
in spring; maxima of about 20 were noted in mid-March
1982 (770) and in 1989 (172). The only other reports are
from Bardia where one was seen on 8 November 1985 (162)
and from Chitwan where it is a rare winter visitor and
passage migrant (296). Range Breeds locally in Baluchistan
and Sri Lanka. Winters throughout the subcontinent.
influx of up to 50 was noted at Kosi during the monsoon
(293), but the maximum of 450 was estimated there in late
November 1984 (58). An adult was observed feeding young
at Kosi in May (432). Frequents marshes, streams and
rivers. Range Throughout the subcontinent.
Terns 161
BLACK-BELLIED TERN Stema acuticauda
a” ge Neos 8 ie
Qh
> o=
j b ~~
|
i
Wo
\
\\ \ Qe
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal dent and partial summer visitor. Found on marshes and
by Saunders (698), but it may have origi- rivers of the tarai and foothills up to about 730m. Numbers
nated in India. First definitely recorded generally increase at Kosi Barrage during spring, but the
by F.M. Bailey from Tribeni (H7) at 75m peak of about 60 was noted on 15 February 1984 (650).
on 12 January 1936 (62). A common resi- Range Throughout the subcontinent east of the Indus
River.
LITTLE TERN Stema albifrons
Subspecies albifrons. Noted without de-
tails from the Karnali and Kosi Rivers by
S.D. Ripley during 1947 to 1949 (659).
The first detailed record was of one seen
by General Sushil Rana and R.L. Fleming
in September 1973 on the Bagmati River,
Kathmandu (243). A fairly common sum-
mer visitor to Chitwan and Kosi Barrage.
The maximum of 100 has been noted at
Kosi in May 1987 (792). Adults with
young were found in May on the Karnali ee _ =
River at Bardia (432) and at Kosi Barrage Occurs on rivers and lakes. Range Breeds Pakistan, n. India
(792). Single reports from elsewhere. and locally throughout the subcontinent.
WHISKERED TERN CAlidonias hybridus
Subspecies indicus. First recorded by H.S.
Nepali who collected a specimen in Sh-
ishawabit-Sapti District (P8) at 190m on
13 February 1971 (589). An irregular and
uncommon winter visitor and spring pas-
sage migrant to Kosi Barrage. By far the
largest number reported is over 400 on 30
April 1982 (561). The only other records
are of migrants in March at the Chatra
Canal (Q8) (243) and Kosi Tappu (193);
in March, April and May at Chitwan [ eee ne en Seer eS Oa ee a
(703,205,730) and in May at Phewa Tal Bae ;
(483). Range Breeds in Kashmir, n. and
n.e. India and Bangladesh. Winters
throughout the subcontinent.
162
WHITE-WINGED TERN Chlidonias leucopterus
White-winged Black Tern
The first confirmed record is one seen at
Phewa Tal by N. Krabbe et a/. on 4 May
1981. They also reported a sighting by
another observer at Begnas Tal the previ-
ous day (483). A rare spring passage mi-
grant. Small numbers were noted at Kosi
INDIAN SKIMMER Rynchops albicollis
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (276), but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by R.L. Fleming and H. Gilston at
Kosi Barrage on 11 April 1975 (243).
Subsequently reported from Kosi Bar-
tage where it is an irregular and uncom-
mon visitor recorded from February to
[PAINTED SANDGROUSE
Pterocles indicus
Range Pakistan and India east to Bengal
and south to Tamil Nadu.]}
[CHESTNUT-BELLIED SANDGROUSE
Pterocles exustus
Indian Sandgrouse
Subspecies erlangeri. Range Baluchistan and India.]}
Terns /Sandgrouse
a es |
(tt, eT arte J'F M'A M J!5 A S'O ND
Barrage from 30 April to 2 May 1982 (199,294,561), and
four there on 19 May 1987 (792,484). The only other
sightings are of singles near Sauraha (J6) on 8 May 1982
(703) and in the Kathmandu Valley on 26 April 1985 (418).
Range Winters in Assam, Bangladesh, and irregularly
throughout the rest of the subcontinent.
July. A maximum of seven was noted in February and
March 1981 (180,442). A pair repeatedly chased other birds
from a sandbank in the river in late May 1979, apparently
defending territory (509). The only other known locality is
the Karnali River close to the Indian border (C5), where
two were seen on 30 March 1986 (418). Range Large rivers
of n. and e. India and Pakistan.
[BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE Prterocles orientalis
Imperial Sandgrouse
Subspecies orientalis. Range Breeds in Pakistan. Winters to
nw. India.]
All three sandgrouse species have only been recorded by B. Hodgson (388). The specimens were obtained from
the plains and it is possible they originated from an area which nowadays lies in India south of the Nepal border.
Pigeons/Doves 163
ROCK PIGEON Columba livia
Rock Dove, Blue Rock Pigeon
Subspecies intermedia. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). An abundant resident
subject to altitudinal movements. Sum-
mers from the tarai up to 4270m and
winters up to at least 2810m. Breeding
confirmed in the Kathmandu Valley
(659). May nest throughout the year but
mainly May to July in the higher Hima-
layas (53). Inhabits towns and villages,
rocky cliffs and gorges. In urban localities
the birds are semi-feral interbreeding
with domestic varieties. Range Through-
out the subcontinent.
HILL PIGEON Columba rupestris
Turkestan Hill Pigeon
Subspecies turkestanica. First recorded
on 19 December 1963 at Jharkot (H4) at
3350m by R.L. Fleming Jr. (212). A resi-
dent usually occurring above 3000m in
summer. May move south and to lower
elevations in winter after severe weather.
Common in the Tibetan plateau region.
Found breeding at Shey Gompa (F3)
(243). Noted as far south as Macchermo
(P6) at 4465m in November 1987 (558),
Landrung (HS5) at 1650m in March 1989
(166), and Kodari (M6) at 2000m (un-
dated) (243). Frequents rocky cliffs,
gorges, villages and old buildings. Range
Himalayas from Gilgit east to Sikkim.
SNOW PIGEON Columba leuconota
ee 1 a]
5 9000= J°F'M AAM' JS JAAS O°N'D
164
SNOW PIGEON, cont’d ...
Subspecies leuconota. The species was
first described by Vigors, froma specimen
from the Himalayas (788); later given as
Nepal by Baker (63). First definitely re-
corded by B. Hodgson (388). A common
Pigeons/Doves
resident of the Himalayas subject to altitudinal movements.
Inhabits alpine areas in summer, generally over 3600m.
Regularly descends as low as 1500m in winter. Found
breeding in the upper Arun (167), and at Khumjung (P6)
(190). Occurs on rocky cliffs and gorges. Range Himalayas
from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh.
COMMON WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus
Woodpigeon
Subspecies casiotis. A specimen was listed
for Nepal by Salvadori (696), but it may
have originated in India. First definitely
recorded by R.L. Fleming Sr. on 9 Febru-
ary 1957 at Tin Pani Bhangjang forest,
Kathmandu Valley at 2275m (234,245).
No further reports until the 1980s. Now
an erratic winter visitor occurring in large
flocks in some years, but absent in others.
Several records from north-west of
Pokhara (HS) and the Kathmandu Valley
and single reports from Jumla (244) and
near Charikot (M6) (748). The maximum
of more than 4000 was recorded near
Dhampus (HS) at 1800m on S March 1983
(66). Range Breeds in the Himalayas
from N.W.F.P. to Kashmir; east to Nepal
in winter.
(ESO Oi pee seer = mE
i
9000 = s'f Mia’m s!s A S'O ND
SPECKLED WOODPIGEON Columba hodgsonii
This species was described by Vigors from
the Himalayas (789); later given as Nepal
by Baker (63). First definitely recorded by
B. Hodgson (346). A resident subject to
irregular movements appearing wher-
ever its favoured trees have ripe fruit.
Over 1000 were estimated near Dhampus
(H5) on 21 January 1985 (150). Occasionally seen in the
Kathmandu Valley, Khaptad (C3), north-west of Pokhara
and in Langtang. Mainly single reports received from
elsewhere. Found in dense broadleaved forests but may
also feed on weed seeds and grain. Range Himalayas from
Gilgit east to Arunachal Pradesh and n.e. India.
Pigeons/Doves 165
ASHY WOODPIGEON Columba pulchricollis
This species was described by E. Blyth
probably from specimens taken by
Hodgson in Nepal (116 ,797). First defi-
nitely recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Resident; chiefly occurring above 1100m.
Like the Speckled Woodpigeon wanders
in search of available fruiting trees. Regu-
larly seen in the Kathmandu Valley and
found breeding there in Chapagaon for-
est (243). Occasionally reported from the
upper Mai valley (R7,S7) and from the
upper Kali Gandaki valley north to Lete
(H4); the western limit of the species’s
range. Breeding behaviour is little known.
Few records from other areas. Frequents
dense broadleaved evergreen forests.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
Indian Ring Dove, Collared Dove
Subspecies decaocto. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common resident
throughout the tarai and duns mainly
found up to 400m; subject to altitudinal
movements depending on food supply.
Recorded as high as 2440m at Jumla in
mid-winter (243). Proved breeding at
Chitwan (296). Reported feeding on rip-
ening rice in the Kathmandu Valley (635).
Found in dry open cultivation with
groves. Range Throughout the subconti-
nent.
RED TURTLE DOVE Sweptopelia tranquebarica
Red Collared Dove
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident throughout the
lowlands up to 300m. Two races occur: S.
t. tranquebarica (t) and S. t. humilis (h).
Found breeding at Sukla Phanta (432)
and Chitwan (296,432). Mainly a summer
visitor at higher altitudes. The maximum
height reported is at 1370m in the Kath-
mandu Valley where it is an uncommon
summer visitor from April to September. = ==) Se eeenreny ea
Occurs in cultivation and open scrub 2 tee
country with scattered broadleaved trees.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
166 Pigeons/Doves
ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE Steptopelia orientalis
Rufous Turtle Dove
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Common. Chiefly a resident and winter
visitor subject to seasonal movements.
Reported from about 365m up to 4570m
in summer. Proved breeding at Jharkot
(H4) (811), the Kathmandu Valley (96),
Hetaura (96) and the upper Mai Valley
(742). In winter mainly occurs below
1370m, occasionally up to 2000m. Some
birds may move south into India. Two a) EO ND
resident races occur S. 0. meena (m) : et
(512,647) and S. o. agricola (a) taken on 29 October 1957 at Kapel (L6) (245). Inhabits
(109,247,659) and intermediates (am) open broadleaved forests particularly near cultivation.
(96,659,708). Only one record of the Range Throughout the subcontinent except the arid north-
northern race S. 0. orientalis (0): a pair west.
LAUGHING DOVE Steptopelia senegalensis
Palm Dove, Little Brown Dove
————— See eo |
Subspecies cambayensis. First recorded twan in February, May and November (198,703,813). The
on 2 December 1967 at Balaju (L6) at only other records are from Bardia (809), Trisuli River
1340m by H.S. Nepali (589). Scarce, (243) and Kosi Tappu (327). Breeds chiefly between Janu-
status and movements are uncertain. ary and October. Frequents dry cultivation, villages and
Reported to winter around Jumla at open scrub country. Range Throughout the subcontinent,
2440m (243). A few sightings from Chi- except for n.e. India.
SPOTTED DOVE Sweptopelia chinensis
Subspecies suratensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). An abundant resident
from the tarai up to 1500m. In summer
occasionally reported up to 2000m and
rarely to 4000m. Proved breeding at
Khaptad (C3) (428), Chitwan (296) and in
the Kathmandu Valley (336,414,756).
Frequents cultivation, gardens and habi-
tation. Generally found in wetter and
more wooded areas than Collared and
Laughing Doves. Range Throughout the | = es
subcontinent. : a De a
Pigeons/Doves
167
BARRED CUCKOO-DOVE Macropygia unchall
Long-tailed Cuckoo-Dove, Bar-tailed Cuckoo-Dove
Subspecies tusalia. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Mainly a scarce resident.
The only place where it is regularly re-
ported is between Sukhani and Garuwa
(R8) where flocks of up to seven have
EMERALD DOVE Chalcophaps indica
Green-winged Pigeon, Common Emerald Dove
Subspecies indica. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A sedentary and locally
common resident, mainly found up to
about 365m. Rarely reported from higher
altitudes. Areas include Sukla Phanta,
Bardia, Hetaura, north of Sunischare and
also Chitwan, where proved breeding
(296). Only one record from the Kath-
mandu Valley: a pair at Gokarna in De-
cember 1978 (486). Frequents moist
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas
from Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh;
south to Bangladesh and s. India.
been seen (518,559). A few records from Kathmandu Valley
forests, particularly on Phulchowki, and near Pokhara. Only
single records from elsewhere. Inhabits dense,
broadleaved, evergreen forests. Range Himalayas from Ka-
shmir to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
A>
ORANGE-BREASTED GREEN PIGEON Treron bicincta
Subspecies bicincta. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (276), but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by R.L.
Fleming Sr. from Butwal at 275m in Janu-
ary 1950 (647). Locally distributed in the
lowlands. A common breeding resident at
Chitwan (296). Fairly common at Kosi
Tappu (327). Mainly single records from
elsewhere. Occurs in sal and riverine
forests. Range Himalayas from Uttar
Pradesh to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India,
Bangladesh and hills of e. and s.w. India.
168 Pigeons/Doves
POMPADOUR GREEN PIGEON 9 Treron pompadora
Grey-fronted Green Pigeon
The apparently endemic subspecies
conoveri was first described by R.L. Flem-
ing Sr. from a specimen taken from But-
wal at 275m on 25 January 1950 (645,647).
A fairly common and locally distributed
resident at Chitwan (296,432). Uncom-
mon at Tamaspur, Kosi Tappu and north
of Sunischare. Single reports from else-
where. Sight records from east Nepal at
Chatra (518) and Kosi Tappu (174) may _——— CS OND
refer to conoveri or to the eastern a
subspecies phayrei. Frequents sal and riv- Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India, Bangladesh
erine forests. Range Himalayas from and the hills of s.w. India.
THICK-BILLED GREEN PIGEON Treron curvirostra
ne
ee TS Eee M JAJ'A'S O° ND
Subspecies nipalensis. First recorded by ceived: between Garuwa and Sukhani (R8) (207,559,
B. Hodgson (355). A scarce and local 561,321,183) and Dharan (561). Found 2 to 3km west of Ta-
resident in lowland forests. Several reports maspur (H6) on 26 April 1978 (159), the westernmost
from Chitwan (J6,K6). Described as ‘oc- locality for the species. Occurs in sal and riverine forests.
casional’ in the eastern tarai (P8,Q8,R8) Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
in 1976 (293) but only six other records re- n.e. India and Bangladesh.
YELLOW-FOOTED GREEN PIGEON Treron phoenicoptera
Bengal Green Pigeon, Green Pigeon
Subspecies phoenicoptera. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). A resident through-
out the lowlands and foothills. Fairly
common at Bardia (192) and Chitwan
(296), occasionally seen elsewhere up to
250m and uncommon up to 1400m. Noted
as high as 1480m in Mechi Zone (658) in
January 1989 (658). Occurs in
broadleaved forests and groves. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
Pigeons/Doves 169
PIN-TAILED GREEN PIGEON Treron apicauda
Subspecies apicauda. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A scarce resident in the
lowlands. Several sightings from forests
north of Sunischare. Only single records
from elsewhere. Noted at Kaneri (B4)
(246), Bardia (162), near Pokhara (762),
Chitwan (296,762), Tamaspur (486,652),
Betrawati (L6) (516) and Hetaura (96).
Found in sal and riverine forests. Range
Himalayas from Kumaon east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh. ———————— |
WEDGE-TAILED GREEN PIGEON Treron sphenura
Subspecies sphenura. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A locally fairly common
resident subject to seasonal movements,
most often seen between 1525m and
2000m. Two seen at 2800m at Chumo
(N6) in April 1986 (75). Regularly found
in the Kathmandu Valley and Langtang.
Occasionally reported north-west of
Pokhara and in the Arun and Mai valleys.
Mainly single records from elsewhere.
Only one record from Chitwan: in the | = a. ye
Churia hills (J6) in May 1989 (67). Inhab-
its mixed broadleaved forests. Range
Himalayas from Kashmir east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
MOUNTAIN IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula badia
Imperial Pigeon, Maroon-backed Imperial Pigeon
”
Subspecies insignis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson who obtained a specimen in
breeding condition on 24 June from the
lower hills (336,355). Scarce, probably
resident. Described as possibly occurring
in the west (53) but no records have been
traced. Three specimens were collected
from Walung Forest, Iswa-Arun valley
(Q6) between 1150m and 1250m in Feb-
Tuary 1959 (482). The only other reports ee 8 ee ee
are from Chitwan (J6,K6) in October/ Owes Spare uae ue EY er ae)
November 1978 (296,759,762), March
1982 (770) and February 1988 (481), and
in the Rapti dun (L7) (undated) (223).
Inhabits dense broadleaved forests.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India, Bangla-
desh and hills of s.w. India.
170
[GREEN IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula aenea
A specimen was listed as doubtfully from
Nepal by Salvadori (696), and others have
also included Nepal in the range of the
species (46,63). No definite records have
been traced. Range From e. Uttar
Pradesh east to n.e. India and south to s.
India.]
ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET Psittacula eupatria
Large Parakeet
Subspecies nipalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (358). A common resident in
the tarai and lower hills up to about 365m;
rare at higher altitudes. Proved breeding
at Chitwan (296). Inhabits sal and riverine
forests. Range Throughout the subconti-
nent.
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri
Ring-necked Parakeet
Subspecies borealis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). An abundant resident up
to 365m. Only occasionally seen at higher
altitudes with the exception of the Kath-
mandu Valley. It has been frequently
reported from there since 1979, but the
population may have originated from
escaped cage birds. Discovered breeding
in Kathmandu in April 1982 (517); also
proved breeding at Sukla Phanta (432)
and Chitwan (296). Frequents
broadleaved forests, secondary growth,
gardens, cultivation and villages. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
Pigeons /Parrots
VERNAL HANGING PARROT Loriculus vernalis
Indian Lorikeet
Subspecies vernalis. Scarce, probably resident. First re-
corded by B. Hodgson from the tarai on 20 June (336,358).
Only three other reports: noted as rare at Chitwan (296);
found in the eastern tarai at Jnapa (R9) (undated) (247);
and at Chisapani (N8) at 275m on 23 June 1965 (247). Nests
January to April. Frequents humid forests. Range Hima-
layas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh; s. and e. India.
SLATY-HEADED PARAKEET Psittacula himalayana
First recorded by B. Hodgson (358). Resi-
dent. The only parrot commonly found
above 1350m. Usually summers up to
2000m and winters down to 1000m. Seen
at the unusually high altitude of 3260m on
Machapuchare (244). Infrequently found
at lower altitudes in winter. Common north-west of
Pokhara (HS) and fairly common on hills surrounding the
Kathmandu Valley. Only occasionally seen elsewhere. Fre-
quents broadleaved forests and favours flowering silk cot-
ton trees. Range Himalayas from Pakistan east to Arun-
achal Pradesh.
Parrots/Cuckoos
SLATY-HEADED PARAKEET, cont'd ...
171
fo Soa a
PLUM-HEADED PARAKEET Psittacula cyanocephala
Blossom-headed Parakeet
Subspecies bengalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi-
dent throughout the tarai and lower hills
up to 500m; occasionally reported up to
1525m. Proved breeding at Chitwan
(296). Described in 1949 as moderately
common in the Kathmandu Valley and
surrounding hills (629), but there are very
few later records. Occurs in well-wooded
areas. Range Pakistan, India east to Bhu-
tan duars and Nepal.
MOUSTACHED PARAKEET Psittacula alexandri
Rose-breasted Parakeet
Subspecies fasciata. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (336,358). A locally fairly com-
mon resident, rarely found above 365m.
Areas include north of Sunischare and
also Chitwan where proved breeding
(296). Described as a common local mi-
grant from January to June in Morang
District (Q8) (293). Recorded from the
Kathmandu Valley last century (336,708),
but no later records. Frequents open
broadleaved forests and groves. Range
Himalayas from Kumaon east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
PIED CUCKOO Clamator jacobinus
Pied Crested Cuckoo, Jacobin Cuckoo
Subspecies serratus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A summer visitor mainly
occurring up to 365m, but one noted as
high as 3660m in Khumbu (243). Most
reports are during the monsoon. Uncom-
mon at Chitwan and scarce elsewhere.
Localities include Sukla Phanta (700), Dipayal (B3) (68),
Hetaura (96,245, 601), the Kathmandu Valley, Kosi Tappu
(174,432,597) and elsewhere in the east (P8,Q8) (293). One
was collected in the Kathmandu Valley on 11 January 1962
(190), the only winter record for the Indian subcontinent.
Inhabits broadleaved forests. Range Throughout the sub-
continent.
172 Cuckoos
PIED CUCKOO, cont’d ...
CHESTNUT-WINGED CUCKOO Clamator coromandus
Red-winged Crested Cuckoo
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
very local summer visitor, mainly occur-
ring from 250m to 365m. Fairly common
at Chitwan where proved breeding (296).
A few have been seen passing through the
Kathmandu Valley from April to June
(243), in August (68) and October (589).
Fairly common in the Hetaura duns in
May and June 1947 (96), but no later
records. The only other reports are from = = —_
near Pokhara in 1977 (762) and near aa ,
Dharan in April 1986 (763,546). Fre-
quents both dense and light broadleaved
forests, also thorny undergrowth and
scrub. Range Breeds in the Himalayas
from Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh,
and in n.e. India. Winters in s. India.
HODGSON’S HAWK-CUCKOO Hierococcyx fugax
(Cuculus fugax)
Subspecies nisicolor. First recorded by B.
Hodgson who obtained at least one speci-
men from the lower hills in April
(336,388). The only other record is of one
seen at Kosi Tappu on 11 March 1988
(328). Found in broadleaved wooded
country (53). Range Himalayas from
Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
Cuckoos
173
COMMON HAWK-CUCKOO. Hierococcyx varius
(Cuculus varius)
Subspecies varius. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident from
the tarai up to 1000m; rarely found
higher. Reported to breed in small num-
bersin the Kathmandu Valley last century
(708), but there are few later records.
Proved breeding at Chitwan (296). Like
other cuckoos it is silent for much of the
non-breeding season and is then easily
overlooked. Occurs in lightly-wooded
areas including gardens, cultivation and
groves. Range Throughout the subconti-
nent.
9000m J" FAM A 'M JAJ°A’S*O°N' D
LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO Hierococcyx sparverioides
(Cuculus sparverioides)
Subspecies sparverioides. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). Mainly a fairly
common summer visitor between 1830m
and 3000m. Found breeding in the east-
ern hills (Q8) (293). Most birds move
south to the Indian peninsula but there
are a few winter records: noted at 1800m
and 2460m (780), and one was also taken
at 1830m in Nawakot District in January
(647). One, presumably on passage, was
seen at Chitwan on 29 April 1980 (440).
Found in broadleaved forests, especially
in oaks. Range Breeds in the Himalayas
from Pakistan east to Arunachal Pradesh
and in n.e. India. Winters south to s.
India.
2 |
i al pe ara NRT
ASIAN EMERALD CUCKOO Chrysococcyx maculatus
Emerald Cuckoo (Chalcites maculatus)
First recorded by B. Hodgson from the
Kathmandu Valley and Bhimpedi, in
June, August and September (336,388). A
scarce summer visitor. There are three
reports from the Kathmandu Valley: a
small party seen on 7 September in the
early 1950s (635); a specimen taken in
_ May 1959 by the Vishnumati River (247);
and one found in August 1978 at Gokarna (688). The only
other records are of singles found in April at Chitwan in
1982 (296,432), and at 1830m near Pokhara (250), and one
at Malunga (H6) in September 1988 (575). Nests mid-April
to July. Occurs in evergreen, broadleaved forests. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arunachal
Pradesh, and in n.e. India and Bangladesh.
174 Cuckoos
GREY-BELLIED PLAINTIVE CUCKOO Cacomantis passerinus
Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Indian Plaintive Cuckoo
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Occasional. A summer visitor mainly A
reported between late April and August
from the tarai up to 1400m; rare up to
2135m. Probably overlooked because of
its resemblance to Black-winged Cuckoo-
Shrike, and its silence after breeding.
Localities include Dandeldhura and Doti
Districts (B3,C3) (657), Chitwan, Kath-
mandu Valley, upper Arun valley (483), 5 —_
Mechi Zone (R7,R8) (658) and Kosi
Tappu. Frequents groves and open
forests. Range Summers in n. Pakistan
and n. India from Kashmir and Mt. Abu
east to Bhutan and Meghalaya. Winters
south to s. India.
RUFOUS-BELLIED PLAINTIVE CUCKOO Cacomantis merulinus
Plaintive Cuckoo
Subspecies querulus. A Hodgson speci- record is of one at Kosi Barrage on 9 February 1989 (468).
men was listed for Nepal by Shelley (724), Sometimes considered conspecific with Grey-bellied Plain-
but it may have originated in India. First tive Cuckoo (243). Occurs in well-wooded country (53).
definitely recorded by A. Goodwin and S. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
Gawn who saw one at Chitwan on 21 n.e. India and Bangladesh.
February 1986 (264,260). The only other
BANDED BAY CUCKOO Cacomantis sonneratii
Subspecies sonneratii. A Hodgson speci-
men was listed for Nepal by Shelley (724),
but it may have originated in India. First
definitely recorded by F.M. Bailey from
Tribeni (H7) at 75m on 29 December
1935 (62). An uncommon visitor to Chi-
twan from February to October (296).
Mainly single reports from elsewhere.
Recently found north of Sunischare (R8)
(518,307), Tamaspur (682), lower Arun
valley (590), Dharan (561,307,597). In- SS, Gre.
habits dense broadleaved forests in the
lowlands. Range Himalayas from
Kumaon east to Arunachal Pradesh;
south to Bangladesh and s. India.
Cuckoos
INDIAN CUCKOO Cuculus micropterus
Short-winged Cuckoo
Subspecies micropterus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Mainly a summer visi-
tor, although reported to be resident in
the eastern tarai (P8,Q8) (174,293).
Common in spring and summer from
April onwards from the tarai up to 2100m.
Occasionally moves above this altitude.
Occurs at Chitwan (J6,K6) between Feb-
Tuary and September and arrives in the
Kathmandu Valley in early April. Proved
breeding in both areas (296,629). Fre-
quents forests, well-wooded country and
groves. Range Throughout the subconti-
nent except the arid north-west.
EURASIAN CUCKOO $9 Cuculus canorus
Common Cuckoo
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common summer visitor from 915m to
3800m; uncommon up to 915m from
March to September. Two intergrading
Taces occur, C. c. canorus (c) (96,647,708)
and C. c. bakeri (b) (22). The species
occurs in the Kathmandu Valley between
early April and early October (629,708).
Many seen passing through in September
and October (629). Breeding confirmed
at Manangbhot (J4) (512), in the Kath-
mandu Valley (708), and the upper Mai
valley (S7) (735). Inhabits open wooded
country and secondary growth. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from N.W.F.P.
to Arunachal Pradesh, and in n.e. India.
Winters south to s. India.
ORIENTAL CUCKOO Cuculus saturatus
Himalayan Cuckoo
Subspecies saturatus. The species was
described by E. Blyth from Hodgson
specimens taken in Nepal (114,797). Pos-
sibly resident in the Himalayas (53), and
reported to descend to lower altitudes in
the foothills and plains in winter (243).
However Nepalese records received are
from the end of March to September.
Common between 1525m and 3050m in
spring and summer from April onwards.
Proved breeding at Godavari (96, 432).
Occurs in open wooded country. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from N.W.F-P.
east to Arunachal Pradesh, and n.e. India.
175
9000m 5 FAM ATM JIA = ND
176
LESSER CUCKOO Cuculus poliocephalus
Little Cuckoo, Small Cuckoo
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Shelley (724), but it may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by H. Stevens from the upper Mai valley
(S7) at about 2135m on 25 May 1912
(741). A summer visitor chiefly occurring
between 1500m and 3660m. Common on
Sheopuri in spring (243), fairly common
at Khaptad (C3) (428), in the middle hills
(LS,L6,P6) (559), in Langtang and in the
upper Arun valley. Single reports from
elsewhere. Possibly under-recorded be-
cause of its late arrival in spring. Inhabits
dense broadleaved forests. Range Breeds
DRONGO-CUCKOO = Swmiculus lugubris
Subspecies dicruroides. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (382). A local summer visitor
mainly occurring up to 1500m. Noted at
2000m at Gopetar (R7) in May (658). A
common breeder at Chitwan, where it is
reported from April to early November
COMMON KOEL Eudynamys scolopacea
Koel Cuckoo, Asian Koel
Subspecies scolopacea, First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Common throughout
up to 1370m. Noted between 1700m and
1800m in the east at Taplejung (R7) (658)
and in Dhankuta District (Q7) (613).
Reported to be resident at Bardia (192)
and in the eastern tarai and foothills
Cuckoos
i | OE = ras f =
a — Tara yn Ce
= = f
eo a a ale TI" FAM ATM J°J°A™S OAN*D
in the Himalayas from Pakistan east to Arunachal Pradesh
andn.e. India. Migrates through Bangladesh and the Indian
peninsula.
(296,597). Fairly common in the Kathmandu Valley in
spring (243,635). Mainly single reports from elsewhere.
Other localities include Khaptad (C3) (428), Bardia, Kosi
Tappu, Dharan, and Sukhani to Garuwa (R8). Frequents
edges and clearings of forests and groves. Range Through-
out the subcontinent, except the arid north-west.
(P8,Q8) (174,293); possibly resident at Sukla Phanta (700).
A summer visitor to the Kathmandu Valley chiefly occur-
ring from March to October (417). Uncommon at Chitwan
(J6,K6) and only found there from March to September.
Occurs in gardens, groves, cultivation and villages. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
Cuckoos 177
COMMON KOEL, cont’d ...
GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA Phaenicophaeus tristis
Large Green-billed Malkoha (Rhopodytes tristis) F
Gg 1" M Q
Subspecies tistis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Fairly common up to a
about 700m; uncommon at higher alti-
tudes. Resident at Bardia (192), Chitwan <<
(296), and near Dharan (293). A summer
visitor to the Kathmandu Valley where it S = . ;
is chiefly reported from April to Septem- ay 6 eae ee \
ber. Breeding confirmed at Chitwan ‘ ae New oF
(296). Inhabits dense thickets in forests. :
Range Himalayas from Garhwal east to i es a
Arunachal Pradesh, extending south to e.
Madhya Pradesh and Bangladesh.
SIRKEER MALKOHA Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii
Sirkeer Cuckoo (Taccocua leschenaultii)
Subspecies infuscatus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Resident up to about
365m. Occasionally seen in the far west at
Sukla Phanta and Bardia; uncommon
further east. Found in scrub, thorny
bushes and acacia trees in dry stony areas.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
178
GREATER COUCAL Centropus sinensis
Large Coucal, Common Crow-Pheasant
Subspecies sinensis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common and sedentary
resident mainly found up to about 365m.
Up to three seen in June 1988 at the
unusually high altitude of 850m to 900m
in Ilam District (R8), including a mating
pair (658). Proved breeding at Chitwan
(296). Occurs in tall grasslands and thick-
ets near cultivation, gardens and villages.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
LESSER COUCAL Centropus bengalensis
Small Coucal (Centropus toulou)
W7s=
‘/)
We
Subspecies bengalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A local resident and
possibly also a summer migrant, chiefly
reported up to 365m. Seen several times
between 750m and 1400m at Jitpur and
Siddhithumka, Ilam District (R8) on 26
June 1988 (658). Fairly common at Chi-
BARN OWL Tyto alba
Common Barn Owl
Subspecies stertens. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (385). A local resident. Uncom-
mon in the Kathmandu Valley where it
roosts in the roofs of old buildings. Sev-
eral recent sightings from Durbar Square,
Kathmandu. A family group was ob-
served on the roof of Kalimati Durbar in
January (247). The only other report is
from south of Annapurna in 1977 (762).
Crepuscular and nocturnal. Breeds prac-
tically all year (53). Range Throughout
the subcontinent.
Cuckoos/Owls
J°F MA MAS JA’ SAD ND
twan where proved breeding. Numbers are noted to in-
crease there in summer (296). Occasionally reported from
elsewhere. Found in large expanses of tall grassland and
reedbeds in the lowlands, and in Salima grass with bamboo
clumps and scattered trees and bushes (658). Range Hima-
layas from Dehra Dun east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India
and Bangladesh south to Orissa; also s.w. India.
GRASS OWL. Tyto capensis
Subspecies longimembnis. First reported by R.L. Fleming
Sr. who purchased an owlet taken by Tharus, west of the
Narayani River, Chitwan in November 1964 (247). Rare
and local. Resident at Chitwan (J6,K6) at 225m, where it
breeds (296,244); possibly resident at Sukla Phanta (700).
Breeds from October to March. Occurs only in tall grass-
lands. Crepuscular and nocturnal. Range Himalayas from
Dehra Dun to West Bengal; Assam and Meghalaya; e. and
s.w. India.
Owls 179
[ORIENTAL BAY OWL Phodilus badius
Subspecies saturatus. Only recorded by B. the bird may not have originated in Nepal. Range Hima-
Hodgson who obtained a skin from a shop layas from Nepal?, Sikkim and Bhutan?; n.e. and s.w.
near Kathmandu (336,388). It is possible India.]
COLLARED SCOPS OWL Otus bakkamoena
First recorded by B. Hodgson (357). A
local resident of uncertain status, found
between 185m and 1525m. Like other
scops owls it is probably under-recorded
as it is strictly nocturnal and usually only
located by its characteristic calls. Re-
ported as common in the central dun (L7)
in 1947 (98), but only one subsequent
record (190). Described as common in the
Kathmandu Valley in 1949 (635), seen
there occasionally in 1970 (240) but with
few later records. Proved breeding at
Chitwan (296), in Kathmandu in 1986 and
1987 (418) and at Hetaura (98). Two races
have been recorded: O. b. lettia (1)
(98,190) and O. b. gangeticus (g)
(23,247,807) and it has recently been pro-
posed to treat these as races of two differ-
ent species (678) on the basis of different
calls. However, the situation in the west-
ern Himalayas is not resolved and some
authorities regard the variation in calls as
intraspecific (790). Inhabits mixed forest
and groves near cultivation and villages.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
ORIENTAL SCOPS OWL Otus sunia
Scops Owl (Otus scops)
Subspecies sunia. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(357,797). Mainly a fairly common resi-
dent of the tarai and lower hills but occurs
up to 1525m (247). Found to be common
between Dhangarhi and Nepalganj in
March and April 1988 (792). A vagrant
taken at Jomosom at 2745m in December
(243) is perhaps more likely referable to
the Eurasian Scops Owl O. scops turani-
cus. Confirmed breeding at Chitwan
(296). Found in forests, secondary growth
and groves. Range Himalayas from Paki-
stan east to Arunachal Pradesh; south to
s. India.
180 Owls
MOUNTAIN SCOPS OWL Otus spilocephalus
Spotted Scops Owl
First recorded by B. Hodgson who found
it breeding in the Kathmandu Valley
(336,388). Resident, mainly found be-
tween 1830m and 2590m. Fairly common
north-west of Pokhara (HS) and on hills
surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. It is
likely that two intergrading races occur.
Specimens from central Nepal (L6)
showed features between O. s. huttoni
and O. s. spilocephalus (98,647). Mainly
single records from elsewhere. Inhabits
dense evergreen, broadleaved forests.
Range Himalayas from Pakistan east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh.
EURASIAN EAGLE OWL + Bubo bubo
Northern Eagle Owl, Great Horned Owl
Subspecies bengalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson who found it breeding on
Sheopuri (336,357). A local resident occa-
sionally reported from around Pokhara
and in the Kathmandu Valley, especially
on Nagarjung. Single records from else-
where. Found as high as 3415m on Ma-
chapuchare (244). Frequents wooded
country with cliffs or rocky ravines where
it roosts during the day. Range Through- SSS ae
out the subcontinent. kone a een
SPOT-BELLIED EAGLE OWL Bubo nipalensis
Forest Eagle Owl
Subspecies nipalensis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(357,797). Rare and local. Resident at
Chitwan (J6,K6) where it breeds (296).
Seen a few times on cliffs at Nagarjung
(L6). A nestling was taken on 14 April
1912 in the Mai Khola Valley (742). The
only other reports are from south of
Annapurna in 1977 (762), the Barun val-
ley (Q6) (588) and Gokarna (L6) (418) in i= ST ee SD
1984, and Bardia (C4) in 1986 (796).
Occurs in dense evergreen forests.
Nocturnal. Range Himalayas from
Kumaon to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. and
s.w. India, and Bangladesh.
Owls
DUSKY EAGLE OWL Bubo coromandus
Dusky Horned Owl
Subspecies coromandus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson from the tarai and lower
hills (336,372). In 1976 found to be a
breeding resident, occasionally seen at
Kosi Tappu (174,175), but no later re-
ports from there. A few records from
BROWN FISH OWL. Ketupa zeylonensis
(Bubo zeylonensis)
Subspecies leschenault. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (363). Mainly a resident
found occasionally from the tarai up to
1525m. Breeding confirmed at Hetaura
(98) and Gokarna (635). Like other fish-
eating birds of prey it is uncommon at
Chitwan (296,759). Frequents densely
wooded areas near water. Semi-diurnal.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
TAWNY FISH OWL Ketupa flavipes
(Bubo flavipes)
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson who obtained at least six
specimens from the lower hills
(336,363,797). Very rare, presumably
resident. Only three other reports: a bird
was obtained at Bhugwada (location
unknown) on 30 November 1920 (23). An
COLLARED OWLET Glaucidium brodiei
Collared Pygmy Owlet
Subspecies brodiei. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (357). A fairly common, locally
distributed resident mainly seen between
1350m and 2900m. Areas include north-
west of Pokhara, Langtang, hills sur-
rounding the Kathmandu Valley and the
upper Arun and Mai valleys. Inhabits
mixed oak forests. Diurnal and calls
persistently. Range Himalayas from Chi-
tral east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India
and Bangladesh.
181
Chitwan (J6) between 1984 and 1988 (771,562,792), includ-
ing an adult photographed with young in February 1984
(196). Breeds December to January. Inhabits wooded areas
near water in the lowlands. Semi-diurnal. Range Locally
throughout the subcontinent.
adult and two juveniles were taken at Hetaura on 18 May
and 2 June 1947 (98). Seen at Chitwan in October/Novem-
ber 1978 (759,762). Breeding behaviour is little known,
probably December to Februaty. Found in forested ravines
near water. Crepuscular and semi-diurnal. Range Hima-
layas from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
yam 9000m SD
182 Owls
JUNGLE OWLET Glaucidium radiatum
Barred Jungle Owlet
Subspecies radiatum. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (372). A common resident,
mainly occurring from the tarai up to
915m. A few records from north-west of
Pokhara (H5) between 1430m and 1600m
(451,436,152). Apparently recently ex-
tended its range to the Kathmandu Val-
ley; present at Rani Bari all year in 1987
(792). Proved breeding at Chitwan (296)
and Hetaura (98). Found in open forests
and secondary jungle. Mainly
crepuscular. Range Himalayas from
Himachal Pradesh to Bhutan; south
through India to Sri Lanka.
ASIAN BARRED OWLET Glaucidium cuculoides
Barred Owlet
Subspecies cuculoides. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (372). A common resident,
mainly occurring between 245m and
2440m. Proved breeding at Pokhara
(326), Chitwan (296) and Hetaura (98).
Its altitudinal zone overlaps with that of
Jungle Owlet between 160m and 915m.
Both species not only breed in the same
forests but are also common there
(98,296). Frequents open forests.
Diurnal. Range Himalayas from Murree
east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
BROWN HAWK OWL. Ninax scutulata
Brown Boobook
Subspecies /ugubris. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (370). Resident. Fairly common
at Chitwan (296) and occasionally found
elsewhere. Breeding behaviour of this
race is little known. Three family parties
with flying young between 24 July and
mid-August in the Kathmandu Valley
(792). One in breeding condition was
taken at Hetaura on 27 March (190).
Inhabits forests and well-wooded areas wT |
often near water. Crepuscular and noc- :
turnal. Range Himalayas from Dehra
Dun east to Arunachal Pradesh; south to
s. India and Bangladesh.
Owls
LITTLE OWL Athene noctua
Tibet Owlet, Northern Little Owl
Subspecies /udlowi. First recorded by O.
Polunin at Terengaon (G4) at 4115m on
12 June 1952 (620). Scarce, presumably
resident. Occurs in the Tibetan plateau
region between 2715m and 4155m.
Singles were taken at Terco Phijar (F3)
SPOTTED OWLET Athene brama
Spotted Little Owl
Subspecies indica. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (357). A common resident from
the tarai up to 1525m. Breeding con-
firmed at Majhagaon (A4) (432), north-
west of Pokhara (811), Kathmandu (417),
Chitwan (296) and Dharan (281).A strag-
gler was collected at 2745m at Khangjung
(L5) on 4 September 1949 (619,621).
Inhabits villages, towns, ruins and cultiva-
tion. Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
BROWN WOOD OWL Swix leptogrammica
Subspecies newarensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (357). Found between 760m
and 2700m.A resident reported occasion-
ally from the Kathmandu Valley. A pair
was seen feeding young in May at Rani
Bagh (629). Status elsewhere is uncertain;
probably under-recorded. Found in west-
central Nepal (F5) in 1977 (563), Mai
183
on 8 July and at Tnku, Do Trap (F3) on 23 July 1978 (587).
All other records are from Thakkhola (H4): several reports
of one or two birds from January to April between 1979 and
1987. Found on stone walls of old buildings and rocky cliffs.
Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. Range Baluchistan;
Himalayas in N.W.F-.P., Baltistan, Ladakh and Nepal.
{1,0 ] Loe hist ae. | ae
5 u = 00 As'rom Msis a'sS'o'N D
Pokhari (R7) in April 1982 (561), Barun valley (Q6) in
November 1984 (588) and at Khaptad (C3) in May 1988
(428). Frequents dense broadleaved forests. Usually noc-
turnal although a pair was observed feeding young in
daylight (629). One flew over Kathmandu chased by a large
crow flock in April 1976 (82). Range Himalayas from
Pakistan east to Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh?; south
through the peninsula.
184
TAWNY OWL Stix aluco
Tawny Wood Owl
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). Two
races possibly occur. S. a. nivicola is an
uncommon resident. A pair possibly of
the race biddulphi was seen at Lete (H4)
at 2440m on 4 January 1974 (518). This
race previously only reported as far east
as north of Mussoorie (53). Areas where
the species has been recorded include
Khaptad (C3), north-west of Pokhara,
Langtang, Khumbu and the Arun valley.
Probably under-recorded as it is noctur-
nal and more often heard than seen. Fre-
quents oak, rhododendron and conifer-
LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus
Subspecies otus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson from the Kathmandu Valley on
20 November (336,372). The only other
report is of one taken on the Kakani hills
SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus
Subspecies flammeus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (372). An uncommon winter
visitor and passage migrant. Described
last century by Hodgson as the common
field owl of the Kathmandu Valley (336)
but there is just one later record (98).
Several reports from Chitwan and also
Kosi Barrage, with a maximum of seven at
the latter site on 4 November 1989 (597).
A few records from north-west of
Pokhara. Singles found on Machapu-
chare at 3320m on 10 April 1979 and
3260m on 1 October 1979 (244). Found in
SAVANNA NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus affinis
Franklin’s Nightjar
Subspecies monticolus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Mainly occurs up to
915m. Movements are unclear. Only two
winter records: singles collected at Simery
(L7) in January (589) and seen at Chitwan
(K6) in February (481).The lack of winter
records may be attributed to the species’s
silence during the non-breeding season.
Fairly common at Chitwan (J6,K6) and
confirmed breeding there (296). Occa-
sionally seen at Sukla Phanta (700) and a
common resident at Bardia (192). Found
in small numbers in the central bhabar
and dun (K7,L7) (98). Only single records
° 9000m
Owls/Nightjars
1 a
TTFAM A MAJ J° A'S O°N D
ous forests. Range N. Baluchistan and Himalayas from
Chitral east to Arunachal Pradesh.
(L6) at 2000m on 11 November 1962 (190). Nocturnal.
Range Single breeding records from Baluchistan and Ka-
shmir. Occurs elsewhere in Pakistan and n.w. India.
SEM) Ae ASE Se OM SND!
grassland and open scrub country. Diurnal and crepuscular.
Range Winter visitor throughout the subcontinent.
|_ = i} a
$a
° 9000m J°FAM' A'M J J AAS O ND
from elsewhere. Inhabits scrubby hillsides and open forest.
Crepuscular and nocturnal like other nightjars, Range
From Punjab and Gujarat east through the subcontinent.
Nightjars 185
INDIAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus asiaticus
Little Nightjar, Common Indian Nightjar
Subspecies asiaticus. First recorded on 22
March 1961 at Simra Airport (K7) at
105m by R.L. Fleming (234,246). Scarce.
Movements are uncertain. Probably un-
der-recorded as its call is not very obvi-
ous. Described as resident at Sukla
Phanta (700). A few spring records from
Chitwan (296,800,172). The only other
reports are from Bardia (128,432,202),
near Gorsinge (F6) (157), Tilaurakot
(G6) (157), and the eastern tarai near
Chatra (281,293), Dharan (652) and Kosi
Tappu (432). Occurs in open scrub and
cultivation in the tarai. Range The whole
subcontinent east of the Indus Valley.
LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus macrurus
Long-tailed Nightjar
Subspecies albonotatus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Fairly common in
forests of the tarai and foothills up to
915m. Movements uncertain. Found at
Chitwan (J6,K6) from February/March
to October/November. Proved breeding
there (296). Reported as resident at Sukla
Phanta (700), Bardia (192), Kosi Tappu
(174) and elsewhere in the east (P8,Q8) ‘
(293). A summer visitor, seen occasion- = = = a
ally in the Kathmandu Valley (240); heard a ee, ene ae aa
as early as 13 March (629) and one col-
lected there on 31 January (589). Hunts in
forest clearings. Range Himalayas from
Kangra to Arunachal Pradesh; south to
Bangladesh and s. India, but absent from
much of the north-west.
JUNGLE NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus indicus
Grey Nightjar
Subspecies hazarae. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common resident
and partial altitudinal migrant. Regularly
found up to 2895m in summer. First heard
calling on hills surrounding the Kath-
mandu Valley in mid-March and proba-
bly resident there (632). In winter mainly
reported from 180m up to 915m. Birds at
Chitwan considered possibly on passage
(296). Frequents forest clearings and Sf a ee
nib cover-d hillsides Range Hivalayes 0 a ay cae). a
from Hazara to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh; south through
Rajasthan to s. India.
186
HIMALAYAN SWIFTLET Collocalia brevirostris
(Aerodramus brevirostris)
Subspecies brevirostris. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by J. Scully
from the Kathmandu Valley on 20 August
1877 (708). A fairly common resident
subject to altitudinal movements. Sum-
mers up to 4575m. Usually winters be-
tween 915m and 2745m and occasionally
in the lowlands. Two records from the
tarai: in the east (Q8) on 29 June 1975
(293) and at Majhagaon (A4) on 13 May
1982 after storms (432). Gregarious; 2000
estimated over Phewa Tal on 14 January
Swifts
1m WE | —l
1989 (152). Range Himalayas from Himachal Pradesh east
to Arunachal Pradesh, and ne. India.
WHITE-RUMPED NEEDLETAIL Zoonavena sylvatica
White-rumped Spinetail Swift (Chaetura sylvatica) Base
{|
First recorded by R.L. Fleming Jr. on 16
March 1972 from Mahendra Rajmarj (J6)
(243). Local and uncommon, possibly
resident. Regularly seen at Chitwan.
Other reports are from Sukla Phanta
(432), Bardia (432,162), Nepalganj (627),
Majhagaon (A4) (811), Butwal (178),
Tamaspur (206,486,652) and north of Sunischare (59).
Movements are poorly known. Noted in winter at Ta-
maspur and at Chitwan. Breeding habits of the northern
population are unknown. Seen at nesthole at Mahendran-
agar (A4) on 5 March 1981 (811). Hawks insects over
lowland forests. Range Himalayas in Garhwal, Nepal and
Sikkim; Meghalaya and Bangladesh; locally to s.w. India.
WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL Hirundapus caudacutus
White-throated Spinetail Swift (Chaetura caudacuta)
Subspecies nudipes. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (352). Status and movements
are uncertain. Like other swifts it is possi-
bly under-recorded as it often feeds at
high altitude. Some reports received
probably refer to White-vented Needle-
tails as the two forms have often been
regarded as conspecific (54,243). Areas
where reliably seen include Phewa Tal,
Chitwan, Langtang, Kathmandu Valley, Jamuna (R7),
Dharan and north of Sunischare. Breeding behaviour is
poorly known. Only two winter records: on 31 January 1981
at Hetaura (476) and 11 January 1989 at Birethante (H5)
(152), but this subspecies is often considered to be resident.
The maximum altitude recorded is 3100m at Khaptad (C3);
several reports in April, May and June (657,428). Range
Himalayas from Hazara to Arunachal Pradesh and n.e.
India.
Swifts
WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL, cont'd ...
be
FG
187
WHITE-VENTED NEEDLETAIL Hirundapus cochinchinensis
White-vented Spinetail Swift (Chaetura cochinchinensis) _ *
The apparently endemic subspecies
rupchandi was described by B. Biswas. He
observed flocks of about a dozen birds
and took specimens on 24 June and 6 July
1947 at Hetaura (98). Its status and move-
ments are poorly known. Probably over-
looked because of confusion with White-
throated Needletail. Later found near
Hetaura in April in 1959 (245) and 1985
(332). Described as rare and possibly resi-
dent at Chitwan (296) but several reports
received from there with a maximum of
16 seen on 26 April 1982 (432). Four
noted flying over Phulchowki at 2440m on
4 May 1980 (440). The only other record is
from north of Sunischare in late March
COMMON SWIFT Apus apus
Black Swift
Subspecies pekinensis. First recorded by
RL. Fleming Jr. in Dolpo (H3) at 3355m
in June 1971 (243). A local summer visitor
mainly seen from mid-March to July and
in September between 2000m and 3795m.
Common in summer north of Annapurna
(H4) and fairly common north of Dhaula-
giri (G4). The only other records are of
four near Syabru (L5) on 16 April 1984
(624), singles over Kathmandu on 31
March 1988 (730) and Kakani (L6) on 13
April 1988 (326), and ten at Chitwan on
18 February 1989 (506). Breeding behav-
iour is little known. The season is proba-
bly May and June in Pakistan and
Kashmir. Range Summer visitor to Balu-
chistan, and the Himalayas from Chitral
east to Nepal.
H
5 — eastern!
1985 (59). Breeding details are unknown. Range Nepal,
Meghalaya and Manipur.
188 Swifts
[DARK-RUMPED SWIFT Apus acuticauda
Khasi Hills Swift, Dark-backed Swift
The species was described from Nepal by specimen originated in India. There are no later records.
T.C. Jerdon from a Hodgson specimen Range Breeds in Meghalaya and probably Mizoram.]
(458,457). However, it is possible that this
FORK-TAILED SWIFT Apus pacificus
Pacific Swift, Large White-rumped Swift
Subspecies /euconyx. First recorded by B.
Biswas near Everest Base Camp at 3600m
to 3800m in April 1953 (109). Fairly com-
mon, possibly resident. Movements are
not fully understood. Winter records re-
ceived are mainly between 75m and 365m,
but noted at 915m at Pokhara in January
1990 (138). In spring and summer seen up
to 3800m. Found breeding near Syabru
(LS) (612,682, 321,298). On 14 May 1982
after storms about 60 were observed in
the tarai at Majhagaon (A4) and 10 at
Dhangarhi (432). Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from Murree east to Arun-
achal Pradesh, and n.e. India. Winters
south to s.w. India.
ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba
Subspecies nubifuga. First recorded by
FM. Bailey at Ramdhuni, Morang Dis-
trict (Q8) on 29 January 1938 (62). Fairly
common, probably resident. Movements
are little known. Subject to seasonal alti-
tudinal migration and also wanders errat-
ically over long distances when feeding. In
summer reported up to 3700m but is
mainly found from 75m to 2200m. Most
winter records are from the tarai and
foothills up to 915m. Possibly resident at S$] a
Chitwan (296). Hundreds were observed he
flying round a cliff face by the Rapti River
north of Hetaura in February (518). Seen
entering cracks in cliff faces at Birethante
(HS) in February and near Butwal in June
(159). These could have been nesting
colonies although the breeding season
has been given as May and June (54).
Breeding details are poorly known.
Range Locally throughout the subconti-
nent.
Swifts
HOUSE SWIFT Apus affinis
Little Swift
Subspecies nipalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (352). A common resident
seen from 75m to 2100m. Occurs up to
915m throughout the year but withdraws
from higher levels in winter. Remains in
the Kathmandu Valley from mid-March
to mid-November (201). Breeds in the
Valley during this period (629,659), but
earlier at lower altitudes. Noted entering
nests as early as 12 January at Pokhara
and 10 February at Hetaura (518). Also
proved breeding at Silgadi-Doti (B3)
(68), Surkhet (626), Dhangarhi (432), Ka-
pilvastu District (F6) (157), Syabru (L5)
(321), north of Pati Bhanjyang (L6) (321),
and east of Pokhara (J5) and at Ilam
(442). Inhabits towns and villages. Range
Throughout the subcontinent except the
s.e. peninsula.
ASIAN PALM SWIET Cypsiurus balasiensis
(C. parvus)
Subspecies balasiensis. The first dated
record is of five on 7 October 1970, seen
by T.P. Inskipp et al. at Simra (K7) at 75m
(444). An uncommon resident in the ta-
tai, mainly found close to the Indian bor-
der. Areas include Birganj (K7), Kosi
189
Barrage, Janakpur (M8), Dharan, Birthamore (R8) and
Biratnagar. Occurs as far west as Chitwan where it is a rare
visitor (460,813). About 60 seen at Sunischare in February
1987 (463). Inhabits open country and cultivation with
scattered palmyra palms. Range From Uttar Pradesh and
Gujarat east through the whole subcontinent.
190 Swifts/Kingfishers
CRESTED TREE SWIFT Hemiprocne coronata
Crested Swift (H. longipennis)
First recorded by B. Biswas at Hetaura on
1 May 1947 (98). A locally common resi-
dent usually occurring up to 365m, but
one at Gokarna at 1280m on 22 July 1973
(814) and seen at 760m at Surkhet in
winter (244). Regularly reported from
Dharan, north of Sunischare, Tamaspur,
Simra, Chatra, and also Chitwan where it
breeds (296,432). Uncommon in the west.
Frequents forests. Range From Uttar
Pradesh and Gujarat east through the
whole subcontinent.
RED-HEADED TROGON Harpactes erythrocephalus
Subspecies hodgsonii. First recorded by J.
Gould (269) described presumably froma
specimen collected by B. Hodgson. A
local and very uncommon resident which
has declined recently, probably as a result
of habitat loss. Described as not uncom-
mon in the central dun (K7,L7) in 1947
(98), and eight were seen there (L7) in
December 1970 (444). Found breeding at
Godavari at 1830m in 1955 (635). No later
records from these areas. Since 1970 re- a ee
corded from south of Annapurna (H5) tee
(762,594), Chitwan (J6,K6), Arun valley
(483,590), Fatehpur (P8) (293), north of
Sunischare and in the lower Mai valley
(S7) (658,307). Inhabits dense,
broadleaved evergreen forests. Range
Himalayas from Kumaon east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
RUDDY KINGFISHER Halcyon coromanda
Subspecies coromanda. First recorded by from near Hetaura: in May and June 1947 (98) and in
B. Hodgson from the lower hills November 1977 (507). Inhabits streams and pools in
(336,388). Scarce and local, probably resi- shaded, dense, evergreen jungle of the tarai and lower hills.
dent. Recently recorded at Chitwan Probably suffered as a result of habitat loss. Likely to be
(J6,K6) where singles have been seen in overlooked as it is very shy. Breeds March and April. Range
April and May by streams of the Churia Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
hills (11,67). The only other reports are India and Bangladesh.
Kingfishers 191
WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER Halcyon smymensis
White-breasted Kingfisher
Subspecies fusca. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident
throughout up to 1000m. Rarely seen
above 1800m but one was noted at 3050m
in the Langu valley area (F2) in October
(330). Most birds at higher altitudes de-
scend in winter. Breeding confirmed at
Chitwan (296) and in the Kathmandu
Valley (629). Inhabits streams, rivers and
pools. Found ina variety of habitats often = =| :
far from water, such as cultivation,forest $8 ° == |
edges and gardens. Range Throughout
the subcontinent.
FP oMAa MJ JAA SOND
BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER Halcyon pileata
Vagrant. First recorded by R.L. Fleming other report is from the Mai Khola (R8) at about 300m on
Jr. in late September 1974 by the Reu 20 April 1981 (559). Mainly occurs near water in coastal
River at Chitwan (218,296). The only areas. Range Coasts of Bangladesh and India west to
Bombay; locally inland in India.
STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER Pelargopsis capensis
Brown-headed Stork-billed Kingfisher (Halcyon capensis) ,
pes
+ Tagaon RET CT
Subspecies capensis. First recorded by B. breeding (296). Seen at the unusually high altitude of 1830m
Hodgson (388). A local resident occasion- at Godavari on 17 February 1978 (676). Inhabits deeply
ally found up to 760m. Regularly reported shaded lakes, slow-moving rivers and streams. Range From
from Sukla Phanta, Bardia, Hetaura, Dehra Dun and Gujarat east through the whole subconti-
Kosi and also Chitwan where proved nent.
[ORIENTAL KINGFISHER Ceyx erithacus
Three-toed Kingfisher, Three-toed Forest Kingfisher
Black-backed Kingfisher
Subspecies erithacus. The only record is a originated in India. Range Himalayas from Nepal(?) east to
specimen included in the later collection Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh; s.w. India.]
of B. Hodgson (409), but this may have
192
KEY TO THE COLOUR PLATES
PLATE 1 BUSH WARBLERS
SCIAHRWHHE
re}
Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler Cettia acanthizoides
Pale-footed Bush Warbler C. pallidipes
Chestnut-crowned Bush Warbler C. major
Brown-flanked Bush Warbler C. fortipes fortipes
Brown-flanked Bush warbler C. f: pallidus
Aberrant Bush Warbler C. flavolivacea
Grey-sided Bush Warbler C. brunnifrons
Brown Bush Warbler Bradypterus luteoventris
Chinese Bush Warbler B. taczanowskius
Chinese Bush Warbler, May
Spotted Bush Warbler B. thoracicus
Spotted Bush Warbler
PLATE 2 PRINIAS
COIDHSEWNHe
Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsoni winter
Grey-breasted Prinia summer
Rufous Prinia P. rufescens winter
Rufous Prinia summer
Grey-crowned Prinia P. cinereocapilla
Graceful Prinia P. gracilis
Yellow-bellied Prinia P. flaviventris
Plain Prinia P. inornata summer
Plain Prinia winter
Striated Prinia P. criniger
Jungle Prinia P. sylvatica
Hill Prinia P. atrogularis winter
Hill Prinia summer
Ashy Prinia P. socialis
PLATE 3 LOCUSTELLA AND ACROCEPHALUS
WARBLERS
WOIAADAHEWNH
ee
ro
Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon
Oriental Reed Warbler A. orientalis worn
Oriental Reed Warbler fresh
Black-browed Reed Warbler A. bistrigiceps
Blunt-winged Warbler A. concinens
Paddyfield Warbler A. agricola
Clamorous Reed Warbler A. stentoreus
Blyth’s Reed Warbler A. dumetorum fresh spring
Blyth’s Reed Warbler worn winter
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia
Grasshopper Warbler, streaked
Lanceolated Warbler L. lanceolata
Pallas’s Warbler L. certhiola
PLATE 4 PHYLLOSCOPUS WARBLERS
WITH WINGBARS
OMIAHSE WHE
ee
a)
ee
BOL
Grey-faced Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler P. proregulus
Yellow-browed Warbler P. inornatus inornatus
Yellow-browed Warbler P. i humei
Orange-barred Leaf Warbler P. pulcher
Yellow-vented Leaf Warbler P. cantator
Blyth’s Leaf Warbler P. reguloides
Western Crowned Warbler P. occipitalis
Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides viridanus worn
Greenish Warbler P. ¢. viridanus fresh
Greenish Warbler P. ¢. trochiloides
Green Warbler P. nitidus worn
Green Warbler fresh
Large-billed Leaf Warbler P. magnirostris
PLATE 5 PHYLLOSCOPUS WARBLERS
WITHOUT WINGBARS
1 Slender-billed Warbler P. tydleri 1st winter
2 Slender-billed Warbler worn winter
3 Tickell’s Warbler (Buff-bellied Warbler) P. affinis arcanus
4 Tickell’s Warbler P. a. affinis fresh autumn
5 Smoky Warbler P. fuligiventer
6 Chiffchaff P. collybita fresh autumn
7 Dusky Warbler P. fuscatus
8 Sulphur-bellied Warbler P. griseolus
9 Radde’s Warbler P. schwarz 1st winter
10 Radde’s Warbler worn winter
PLATES 6 and 7 ROSEFINCHES
Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis
Blanford’s Rosefinch C. rubescens
Pink-browed Rosefinch C. rhodochrous
Common Rosefinch C. erythrinus
Dark-rumped Rosefinch C. edwardsi
Beautiful Rosefinch C. pulcherrimus
Spot-winged Rosefinch C. rhodopeplus
Vinaceous Rosefinch C. vinaceus
White-browed Rosefinch C. thura
Streaked Rosefinch C. rubicilloides
11 Red-fronted Rosefinch C. puniceus
12 Great Rosefinch C. rubicilla
WOMIAAWNSWNHHE
_
o
PLATE 8 BUNTINGS
Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos male
Pine Bunting female
White-capped Bunting E. stewarti male
White-capped Bunting female
Chestnut-eared Bunting E. fucata female
Chestnut-eared Bunting male
Rock Bunting E. cia female
Rock Bunting male
Little Bunting E. pusilla
Rustic Bunting £. rustica male
Yellow-breasted Bunting E. aureola male
Yellow-breasted Bunting female
Black-faced Bunting E. spodocephala female
Black-faced Bunting male
rep emer ANE ene
ee
BOS
Plate 1
PSAP ap Ne My Oe ane rn SS
Craig Robson'84-
RICKARD GRimmeTT
1 Bh
Plate 3
Richard Grimmett , 84.
Plate 4
Plate 6
Plate7
Plate 8
Kingfishers
BLYTH’S KINGFISHER Alcedo hercules
Great Blue Kingfisher
Scarce. The only record is of one seen by
T. Nordin and J. Wallander beside the
Sabbhaya Khola south of Tumlingtar
193
(599). Frequents streams in dense lowland forests. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
(Q7) at about 250m on 14 April 1982
EURASIAN KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
Common Kingfisher, Small Blue Kingfisher
Subspecies bengalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi-
dent up to 1000m; occasionally seen up to
1800m; rare at higher altitudes. The maxi-
mum altitude recorded is 3050m at Khap-
tad (C3) on 24 April 1988 (428). Breeding
confirmed at Chitwan (296). Found by
streams, rivers, ditches, ponds and lakes
in open country. Avoids shady forest.
Range Throughout the subcontinent. md
BLUE-EARED KINGFISHER Alcedo meninting
Deep-blue Kingfisher
Subspecies coltarti. First recorded by B.
Biswas who obtained several specimens
between 12 and 19 June 1947 at Hetaura
(98). Scarce, presumably resident. Very
uncommon at Chitwan (296). Only four
other confirmed reports: one in Jhapa
District (R8) on 17 February 1965 (247) Lt OK ‘
two in Kosi District (P8) on 11 April 1975 z we : i x
(293), one in the lower Arun watershed z
(Q7) (589), and in Kanchanpur District = -
(A4) in 1985 (470). Occurs by streams in AL
dense shady forest. Range Himalayan
foothills from Nepal to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India south to Orissa; s.w.
India.
PIED KINGFISHER Ceryle rudis
Small Pied Kingfisher
Indian Pied Kingfisher
Subspecies leucomelanura. First re-
corded by B. Hodgson (388). A common
resident in the tarai and lower hills up to
915m. Breeding confirmed at Chitwan
(296). Frequents slow-moving streams,
Trivers, ponds and lakes in open country.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
194 Kingfishers /Bee-eaters
CRESTED KINGFISHER Ceryle lugubris
Large Pied Kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris)
Himalayan Pied Kingfisher
Subspecies continentalis. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). A sedentary resi-
dent occasionally found between 250m
and 1800m. Reported at the unusually
high altitude of about 3000m in October
1981 in the Dhorpatan valley (573).
Found by rocky, fast-flowing streams in
well-wooded areas; rarely by lakes. Range
Himalayas from Kashmir east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATER Nyctyornis athertoni
Subspecies athertoni. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(362). An uncommon resident up to
365m, but in the Kathmandu Valley and
surrounding hills it occurs between
1525m and 1980m. Rare at such altitudes
elsewhere. Other areas include Bardia
(192,432), Tamaspur (10,682), Chitwan
(J6,K6), Rapti dun (K7) (486), Dharan
and north of Sunischare. Frequents forest
margins and open forests. Range Hima-
layan foothills from Himachal Pradesh BT —— a nd AAS OND
east to Bhutan; n.e. India and Bangla-
desh; s.w. India.
GREEN BEE-EATER Merops orientalis
Small Green Bee-eater, Little Green Bee-eater F
Subspecies orientalis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident and
summer visitor throughout the tarai,
fairly common in the lower hills up to
620m and uncommon up to 1280m. Birds
noted at 2135m at Ghasa on 23 and 24
April 1982 (207,703) were presumably
migrants. Proved breeding at Chitwan
(296). Inhabits open country with scat-
tered trees and cultivation. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
Bee-eaters/Roller 195
BLUE-TAILED BEE-EATER Merops philippinus
(M. superciliosus)
Subspecies philippinus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A locally, fairly com-
mon summer visitor to the tarai. A winter
record of one at Chitwan on 19 February
1988 (465). Regularly seen at Sukla
Phanta, Chitwan, Tamaspur, Bardia, and
Kosi marshes. Occasionally reported up
to about 300m and rarely up to 1525m. A
large colony was discovered in a gorge
where the Bagmati River runs down to I =a a _—— =a)
the tarai (L7) (245). On 29 March 1978 a eee ;
flock of 500 to 1000 migrants was seen in areas near water. Range Breeds in n. Pakistan, n. and c.
n.w. Kapilvastu (F6) (155,157). Favours India, and Bangladesh. Winters south to s. India.
CHESTNUT-HEADED BEE-EATER Merops leschenaulti
Subspecies /eschenaulti. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Fairly common up to mer visitor to the Kathmandu Valley arriving in early
680m. Mainly a summer visitor although March. Flocks are regularly seen in Gaucher forest and at
some birds are resident. Chiefly occurs at Gokarna. Inhabits open broadleaved forests often near
Chitwan between February and October water. Range Himalayas from Dehra Dun to Arunachal
and proved breeding there (296). A sum- Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh; s.w. India.
INDIAN ROLLER 9 Coracias benghalensis
‘Blue Jay
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common resident from the tarai up to
1050m. Rare at higher altitudes. A strag-
gler to the Kathmandu Valley (240).
Noted as high as 3655m on 5 August 1950
at Manangbhot (J4) (512). Proved breed-
ing at Chitwan (296). Two races occur: C.
b. benghalensis (b) (512,647,708), C. b.
affinis (a) (62,246) and intermediates (ab)
(98,482). Frequents cultivation, gardens,
groves and open broadleaved forest.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
196 Dollarbird/Horbills
DOLLARBIRD Eurystomus orientalis
Broad-billed Roller, Dark Roller
Subspecies cyanicollis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A local summer visitor
mainly found up to 365m. Common at
Chitwan where it breeds (296). Uncom-
mon elsewhere. Areas include Sukla
Phanta (432), Bardia (128,192,432),
Dharan (561,763,546) and north of Sunis-
chare. Only two reports from the Kath-
mandu Valley this century (243,444).
Inhabits forests and clearings with scat- ro a —_—_
tered trees. Range Himalayas from Am- ; oes ’
bala east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India
and Bangladesh; s.w. India.
HOOPOE Upupa epops
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Fairly common. Three subspecies occur.
U. e. ceylonensis (c) is resident up to about
1500m. Birds breeding at Chitwan (296)
and in the Kathmandu Valley (243) are
probably this race. U. e. epops (e) has
been recorded in the Valley, presumably
on passage. U. e. saturata (s) mainly sum-
mers between 1700m and 4400m and
descends to the lowlands in winter. Re-
orted on passage: a number were pres- aS
E fae P ———
ent on Muktinath Himal in September
1954 (419), at Tukche 342 were counted May at 5900m in 1954 (109) and 5200m in 1976 (582), and
between 5 September and 14 October five between 3800m and 5000m in September and October
1973 (76) and up to 15 a day seen in 1970 (526) were presumably migrants. Frequents open
October in the eastern lowlands and foot- country, lightly wooded areas, cultivation and villages.
hills (P8,Q8) (293). Singles in Khumbu in Range Throughout the subcontinent.
INDIAN GREY HORNBILL = Tockus birostris
Common Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris)
Subspecies pergriseus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Occasional. A local
resident mainly occurring in the tarai.
Found up to 760m in the Surkhet valley
(244). Subject to local movements de-
pending on fruiting seasons. Areas in-
clude Sukla Phanta, Bardia, Kosi Tappu
and Ilam District (R8). Rare at Chitwan
(296). Inhabits open broadleaved forests,
groves, gardens and cultivation wherever
fig trees occur. Range Most of the sub-
continent, but absent from the north-west
and the north-east.
Hornbills 197
RUFOUS-NECKED HORNBILL Aceros nipalensis
The species was described from Nepal by tall, broadleaved, evergreen forest in the foothills. Little if
B. Hodgson who found it in the lower hills any suitable habitat remains and the species is probably ex-
(336,337). There are no later records. tinct in Nepal. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arun-
Formerly presumably resident inhabiting achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
ORIENTAL PIED HORNBILL Anthracoceros albirostris
Indian Pied Hornbill (A. malabaricus, A. coronatus) aoe
2 s K
© 1— M Q
Subspecies albirostris. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A local resident mov-
ing seasonally according to supply, of
fruiting trees and small animals. Fairly %
common at Bardia, north of Sunischare +
and also Chitwan where proved breeding
(296). Occasionally seen at Sukla Phanta
and Dharan. Single reports from most
other areas. Inhabits broadleaved forests
of the lowlands and foothills. It is proba-
bly declining due to deforestation. Range
Throughout most of the subcontinent.
GREAT HORNBILL Buceros bicomis
Giant Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill F
Subspecies homrai. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (342). A local resident in thick Tamaspur, near Dharan (484) and north of Sunischare. Ob-
forest of the tarai and duns, subject to served more frequently in the past: in 1964 and 1965 it was
seasonal movements. Uncommon at Chi- seen 19 times in five localities from Sunischare west to
twan (J6,K6) where breeding has been Chitwan (210). Its decline is mainly due to deforestation.
confirmed (296). Only a few recent re- Range Himalayas from Kumaon east to Arunachal
ports from elsewhere: Bardia (796,750), Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh; s.w. India.
198
GREAT BARBET Megalaima virens
Great Hill Barbet, Great Himalayan Barbet
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common resident mainly occurring be-
tween 900m and 2200m. Subject to altitu-
dinal movements. Mainly summers above
1000m. Proved breeding in the hills of the
Kathmandu Valley last century (414).
Tworaces occur: M. v. marshallorum (m)
(245), M. v. magnifica (ma) (13,482,
647,659) and intermediates (mma) (98).
Chiefly inhabits temperate forests. Range
Himalayas from Murree east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
BROWN-HEADED BARBET Megalaima zeylanica
Green Barbet
Subspecies caniceps. Status and distribu-
tion are unclear because of confusion
with Lineated Barbet. First recorded at
Bilauri (A4) at 275m on 5 February 1937
by F.M. Bailey (62). A fairly common
resident at Sukla Phanta (700), and
Bardia (192). Seen at Surkhet (297).
Specimens have been obtained from
Dhangarhi (647), Tikapur (C5) (659),
Gularia (C5) (441), and near Trisuli (L6)
(589). Proved breeding at Birganj (K7) in
April 1987 (792). It has also been re-
ported from Chitwan (11,166) and the
eastern tarai and foothills (P8,Q8) (293),
but further confirmation of its occurrence
there is desirable. Frequents lowland for-
LINEATED BARBET Megalaima lineata
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common resident. In some localities oc-
curs with Brown-headed Barbet: at
Dhangarhi (647), Surkhet (297) and
Bardia (432). Two races occur. M. 1.
hodgsoni (h) is reported below 365m. M. I.
rana (r) is found up to 915m, and replaces
hodgsoni at higher altitudes in west-cen-
tral areas (G6) (647). Proved breeding at
Chitwan (296) and in the Trisuli valley
(L6) (517). Occurs in sal forests of the
lowlands and lower foothills. Range
Himalayan foothills from Kumaon east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh.
Barbets
ests and wooded areas near habitation. Range Himalayan
foothills from Kangra east to Nepal. N. India from Haryana
east to W. Bengal, and south to s. India.
Barbets 199
GOLDEN-THROATED BARBET Megalaima franklinii
Subspecies franklinit. First recorded by E.
Blyth from a Hodgson specimen (114). A
local resident, seen occasionally between
1500m and 2400m. Formerly recorded
more frequently on the hills surrounding
the Kathmandu Valley. Proved breeding
there last century (336). Described as
common in 1947 (98) and in 1970 (240),
but recently only reported occasionally
from Phulchowki and Sheopuri. Other
localities include north-west of Pokhara
(HS), Begnas Tal, Langtang, the upper
Arun and the upper Kali Gandaki valley,
the westernmost limit of the species’
range (76). Only single records from else-
where. Inhabits moist, broadleaved
forests. Range Himalayas from Nepal
east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
BLUE-THROATED BARBET Megalaima asiatica
Subspecies asiatica. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident from
the tarai up to about 1500m. Occasionally
seen at higher elevations. In general it is
found over a lower altitudinal range than
Golden-throated Barbet. Breeding con-
firmed at Surkhet (626), in the Kath-
mandu Valley (629), and at Chitwan
(296). Frequents open forest, groves near
habitation and gardens. Range Hima-
layas from Rawalpindi District east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh.
BLUE-EARED BARBET Megalaima australis
Subspecies cyanotis. First recorded by
R.L. Fleming Sr. who obtained specimens
north of Bhadrapur (S8) on 7 February
1965 (247). Scarce. Occurs in the far east-
ern tarai between 120m and 305m. Pre-
sumably resident. Only four other re-
ports: from Mechi District (S8), undated
(178), one in Kosi District (Q8) on 11
April 1975 (293), four near Sukhani (R8)
on 24 March 1981 (442) and one or two
near Dharan on 5 April 1986 (546). In-
habits dense tarai forests. Breeds from
April to mid-June. Range Himalayan
foothills from e. Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
200
Barbets/Honeyguide
COPPERSMITH BARBET Megalaima haemacephala
Crimson-breasted Barbet
Subspecies indica. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by J. Scully
who obtained specimens on 19 June 1877
in the Kathmandu Valley (708). A com-
mon resident throughout, up to 915m.
Occasionally recorded up to 1830m.
Breeding confirmed at Pokhara (442) and
in the Kathmandu Valley (243,771),
where it is a summer visitor (240,629).
Occurs in groves, open wooded areas
near villages, cultivation and in gardens.
Range The whole subcontinent east of
the Indus River.
ORANGE-RUMPED HONEYGUIDE Indicator xanthonotus
Himalayan Honeyguide, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide
Subspecies xanthonotus. First recorded
by R.L. Fleming Sr. above Bigu (N6) at
1830m on 24 November 1960 (234,246).
Locally distributed. Status uncertain;
probably an uncommon resident. Likely
to be overlooked because of its drab
appearance and slow-moving or inactive
behaviour. Mainly reported between
1800m and 3195m. Occurs in the upper
Arun valley: near Shunin Oral (483) and
fairly common by the Kasuwa Khola
(169). Regularly reported from Ghorepani, between Tato-
pani and Ghasa (H4) and in the upper Langtang Gorge east
to Chongdong (LS). Single reports received from else-
where. Breeding details are poorly known. A female taken
on 7 May 1962 at Ting Sang La at 3300m, had laid eggs
(190). Noted copulating between 22 April and 19 May 1973
by the Kasuwa Khola at 2195m (169). Frequents steep rocky
cliffs above streams and rivers; also dense mixed
broadleaved and coniferous forests nearby. Found in the
vicinity of bees’ nests. Range Himalayas from Hazara east
to Arunachal Pradesh and n-e. India.
Woodpeckers
EURASIAN WRYNECK Jynx torquilla
Wryneck
First obtained by B. Hodgson in his later
collection (409) but the specimen may
have originated in India. First definitely
recorded by R.L. Fleming Sr. who col-
lected a specimen at Malakheti (B4) at
290m in December 1952 (647). Occa-
sional. A winter visitor up to 915m and
passage migrant. Noted in the Kath-
mandu Valley in March, April, Septem-
ber, October and December
(240,635,418). Reported on passage in the
upper Kali Gandaki valley: on 2 April
1971 two were noted at Jomosom (450),
and 36 at Tukche between 8 September
and 6 October 1973 (296). One was found
at the unusually high altitude of 3445m on
Machapuchare on 1 May 1980 (244). Two
traces have previously been recognised as
occurring (54), but the Eurasian popula-
tions are now considered monotypic.
Inhabits secondary growth, scrub, edges
of cultivation and marshes. Range Breeds
in the n.w. Himalayas from Pakistan to
Himachal Pradesh. Winters throughout
the subcontinent.
SPECKLED PICULET Picumnus innominatus
Spotted Piculet
201
Subspecies innominatus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (367). A resident, mainly
- occurring from 915m to 1830m. Fairly
common at Phulchowki, Nagarjung, and
Gokarna inthe Kathmandu Valley. Occa-
sionally seen north-west of Pokhara
(H4,HS5), and north of Sunischare. Rare at Chitwan (296).
Mainly single reports received from elsewhere. Unobtru-
sive and probably under-recorded. Inhabits broadleaved
forests. Range Himalayas from Punjab east to Arunachal
Pradesh; hills of s.w., e. and n.e. India, and Bangladesh.
202 Woodpeckers
WHITE-BROWED PICULET Sasia ochracea
Rufous Piculet
Subspecies ochracea. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(351,797). Uncommon, presumably resi-
dent. Reported from Tamaspur
(486,652), Chitwan, Hetaura (98), upper
Arun valley (10,482), Dharan, upper Mai
valley, and Ilam District (R8). Found as
high as 2135m at Mai Pokhari (R7)
(561,687). Breeding behaviour is little
known. Frequents broadleaved forests, occ =I x ee a. =
with a preference for bamboo. Range a
Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
RUFOUS WOODPECKER Celeus brachyurus
Brown Woodpecker (Micropternus brachyurus) F
Subspecies phaioceps. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A resident, recorded
up to 1525m but mainly found below
305m. Occasionally seen at Sukla Phanta
(700) and Bardia (192), and uncommon at
Chitwan and the eastern tarai (P8,Q8). A
rare visitor to the Kathmandu Valley.
Single reports received from most other
areas. Proved breeding at Chitwan (296)
and Hetaura (99). Birds in the west are SS
possibly subspecies humei. Inhabits
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas
from Garhwal and Kumaon east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India, and south
through the peninsula.
LESSER YELLOW-NAPED WOODPECKER Picus chlorolophus
Small Yellow-naped Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape Lek
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A a4 4 x A
resident, fairly common up to 1750m and A
rare up to 2135m. Breeding confirmed at if
Hetaura (98) and in the Kathmandu Val- 2
ley (708). Two races occur: P. c. simlae (s)
(647), P. c. chlorolophus (c) (98), and
intermediates (cs) (98). Found in
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas
from Haryana east to Arunachal
Pradesh; hills of s.w., e. and n.e. India, and — oe
Bangladesh. 7000 TF MAA :
Woodpeckers
203
GREATER YELLOW-NAPED WOODPECKER Picus flavinucha
Large Yellow-naped Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape F
Subspecies flavinucha. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (367). A resident, fairly com-
mon between 305m and 1450m and un-
common upto 2135m. Proved breeding at
GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER Picus canus
Black-naped Green Woodpecker
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common resident, chiefly occurring be-
low 2000m. Breeding confirmed at Chi-
twan (296) and in the Kathmandu Valley
(190,708). Two races occur: P. c. sanguin-
iceps (s) (245), P. c. hessei (h) (482) and
intermediates (hs) (98,647). Inhabits
broadleaved forests and favours oaks.
Range Himalayas from Murrtee east to
Arunachal Pradesh, n.e. and e. India, and
Bangladesh.
Bhimpedi (L6) and Hetaura (98). Birds in the west are
possibly subspecies kwmaonensis (54,664). Frequents
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas from Garhwal east
to Arunachal Pradesh, n.e. India and Bangladesh.
STREAK-THROATED WOODPECKER Picus xanthopygaeus
Small Scaly-bellied Woodpecker (Picus asad ss
Streak-throated Green Woodpecker
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
resident, occasionally seen in the tarai
and lower hills up to 465m. Fairly com-
mon at Chitwan. Proved breeding at
Hetaura (98). There is only one record at
_ ahigher altitude: at Begnas Tal at 915m in
December 1970 (444). Occurs in secon-
dary growth, open broadleaved forests.
Range The whole of India from Haryana,
central Rajasthan and Gujarat east to
Bangladesh.
204 Woodpeckers
SCALY-BELLIED WOODPECKER Picus squamatus
Large Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Scaly-bellied Green Woodpecker
E H
D G Kk
Subspecies squamatus. A specimen la- 4 OH 4 een i A
belled ‘Nepal’ and presented to the Brit- i i 1
ish Museum by E. Hargitt was possibly A
collected by B. Hodgson. First definitely ;
recorded by F.M. Bailey on 10 October 2
1935 at Laura Bina (L5) (62). A locally 3
fairly common resident between 1850m
and 3700m. Areas include Ghorepani,
Ghasa, upper Langtang and Khaptad
(C3) where proved breeding (657,428). .
Scarce east of the Langtang valley. Inhab- cs |) erly —_ a
its coniferous or mixed oak/coniferous
forests. Range N. Baluchistan and the
Himalayas from Chitral east to Darjee-
ling.
HIMALAYAN FLAMEBACK_ Dinopium shorii
Three-toed Golden-backed Woodpecker, Himalayan SUES
Himalayan Golden-backed Woodpecker E r
Lt S K
§ 4
Subspecies shoni. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A local resident found up
to 275m. Common at Tamaspur, Chitwan
and in the central bhabar and dun
(K7,L7). Occasionally seen north of Su-
nischare, at Sukla Phanta, Bardia and
Dharan. Chiefly single reports received
from elsewhere. Breeding behaviour is
little known. Proved breeding at Chitwan
(296,321), and Hetaura (98). Frequents
mature lowland forests. Range Himalayas
from Haryana east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh; also locally in
the hills of the peninsula.
BLACK-RUMPED FLAMEBACK Dinopium benghalense
Golden-backed Woodpecker, Black-rumped Goldenback,
Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker ‘
E
LY G a K
§ 4 m Q
Subspecies benghalense. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (367). A resident occa-
sionally seen throughout the tarai and
dun, below 365m. Fairly commonat Sukla
Phanta (700), and Bardia (192). Found in
groves around villages, open wooded
areas, sal forests, and cultivation. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
Woodpeckers 205
GREATER FLAMEBACK $1 Chrysocolaptes lucidus
Greater Goldenback, Greater Golden-backed Woodpecker .
&
First recorded by B. Hodgson (367). A
resident, occasionally seen up to 915m,
but fairly common at Chitwan and scarce rt
at higher altitudes. Only two records from A
the Kathmandu Valley (495,612). Proved
breeding at Chitwan (296), Simra (98),
and Chatra (659). Two races occur: C. l.
sultaneus (s) (190), C. 1. guttacristatus (g)
(482,574,659), and intermediates (gs)
(98). Inhabits forests. Range Himalayas ee Se See
from Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh; =e 900s Ee ren A MAD JAS OND
Sri Lanka and the hills of s.w., e. and n.e.
India.
WHITE-NAPED WOODPECKER Chrysocolaptes festivus
Black-backed Woodpecker
Subspecies festivus. First recorded by
R.L. Fleming Sr. at Dhangarhi at 245m on
18 March 1965 (247). An uncommon resi-
dent found in the western tarai east to the
eastern bank of the Karnali River
(432,162). Also reported from Bilauri
(A4) (247), Sukla Phanta (432,700) and
Bardia (192,432,162). Occurs in light
broadleaved forests. Range India from
Dehra Dun, Rajasthan and Gujarat east
to Bengal and from the Oudh tarai, Nepal
and Bihar south to Kerala.
PALE-HEADED WOODPECKER 1Gecinulus grantia
Subspecies grantia. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
this specimen may have originated in
India. Scarce, probably a resident. First
definitely recorded by S.C. Madge et al.
who found singles between Garuwa and
Sunischare (R8) at 275m on 1 and3 Feb-
Tuary 1974 (518). Up to three were seen in
the same area on 21 and 22 April 1981
(559). This is the western limit of the
species’s range. Breeds from March to
May. Found in bamboo jungle. Range
Himalayas from e. Nepal east to Arun-
achal Pradesh, n.e. India and Bangladesh.
206 Woodpeckers
BAY WOODPECKER Blythipicus pyrrhotis
Red-eared Rufous Woodpecker
Subspecies pyrrhotis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(367,797). A local and uncommon resi-
dent, mainly found between 1525m and
2500m. Areas include north-west of
Pokhara (HS), hills surrounding the
Kathmandu Valley, Langtang and the
upper Mai valley. Single sightings from
other areas. The only low altitude records
are of singles at about 150m at Bardia in i $= i ta eo I
early Feteuary 1990 (202) and at 75m at ees er AS Genie
Sukla Phanta on 12 May 1982 (432), the (L6) (99). Possibly overlooked as it inhabits dense forests
westernmost record of the species. and thick undergrowth. Range Himalayas from Nepal east
Proved breeding in the Markhu valley to Arunachal Pradesh, n.e. India and Bangladesh.
GREAT SLATY WOODPECKER Mulleripicus pulverulentus
\ ,
Vena
= S
PH \ af 7
EL \ \
Subspecies mohun. First recorded by
R.L. Fleming Sr. at Butwal at 275m in (192), and Tamaspur. Rare at Chitwan and only three
February 1952 (647). A local resident; records from elsewhere. Inhabits mature sal forests. Range
chiefly occurring up to 245m. Occasion- Himalayas from Simla east to Arunachal Pradesh, n.e. India
ally seen at Sukla Phanta (700), Bardia and Bangladesh.
HIMALAYAN WOODPECKER Dendrocopos himalayensis
Himalayan Pied Woodpecker (Picoides himalayensis) F
i
Subspecies himalayensis. First recorded
in southern Doti District (B3) in Decem-
ber 1952 by R.L. Fleming Sr. (245). A
fairly common resident, subject to altitu-
dinal movements; mainly seen above
2000m. Found east to the Dhorpatan val-
ley (153,499). Proved breeding at Khap-
tad (C3) in April and May (428). Fre-
quents coniferous and oak/rhododen-
dron forests. Range W. Himalayas from
Safed Koh east to Nepal.
Woodpeckers 207
DARJEELING WOODPECKER Dendrocopos darjellensis
Darjeeling Pied Woodpecker (Picoides darjellensis) ape
Subspecies darjellensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi- g
dent, chiefly occurring between 1830m "
and 3500m. Regularly reported in the 2
upper Kali Gandaki valley, the western-
most limit of the species’ range. Found
breeding in the upper Mai valley
(741,193). Occurs in coniferous and oak/
thododendron forests. Range Himalayas
from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh,
and n.e. India.
CRIMSON-BREASTED WOODPECKER 1 Dendrocopos cathpharius
Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpecker (Picoides cathpharius)
Subspecies cathpharius. First recorded by
E. Blyth from a Hodgson specimen (114).
Resident, mainly seen between 1500m
and 2750m. Generally found at lower
elevations than Darjeeling Woodpecker
although their altitudinal ranges overlap.
Several reports from the upper Kali
Gandaki valley, the westernmost limit of
the species’s range. Occasionally seen
north-west of Pokhara (H4,HS) and in
Langtang; uncommon in the Kathmandu
and upper Mai valleys. Single records
received from most other areas. Found in
oak/rhododendron forests. Range Hima- layas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh, and n.e. India.
RUFOUS-BELLIED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos hyperythrus
Rufous-bellied Sapsucker (Hypopicus hyperythrus) F
Rufous-bellied Pied Woodpecker :
Subspecies hyperythrus. First recorded by Phulchowki, Ghorepani and also Khaptad (C3) where
B. Hodgson (388). A locally fairly com- proved breeding (428). Inhabits oak/rhododendron and
mon resident, mainly found between coniferous forests. Range Himalayas from Hazara east to
2135m and 3050m. Regularly seen at Arunachal Pradesh, n.e. India and Bangladesh.
208 Woodpeckers
YELLOW-CROWNED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos mahrattensis
Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Picoides mahrattensis)
Mahratta Woodpecker, Yellow-crowned Pied Woodpecker
oA ge A K
Subspecies mahrattensis. First collected
by B. Hodgson (312). An uncommon resi-
dent, mainly occurring up to 275m, al-
though found in the eastern tarai and
foothills (P8,Q8) to 1500m (293). Noted
at the unusually high altitude of 1700m in
the upper Arun valley in November 1979
(574). A rare breeding bird at Chitwan
(296). Occurs in open wooded areas.
Range The whole subcontinent east of
the Indus River.
BROWN-FRONTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos auriceps
Brown-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Picoides auriceps) eet
ao | \
D ‘s K
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident, found between
1065m and 2440m. Proved breeding at
Khaptad (C3) (428) and in the Markhu
valley (L6) (98). Two intergrading races
occur: D. a. auriceps (a) (646,661) and the
endemic D. a. incognitus (i) (190). Inhab-
its coniferous and dry broadleaved
forests. Range N. Baluchistan north to
Chitral east through to Nepal.
FULVOUS-BREASTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos macei
Fulvous-breasted Pied Woodpecker (Picoides macei) Baca
Subspecies macei. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident from
the Modi Khola (H5) eastwards. Occa-
sionally reported from further west. Most
frequently seen up to 1830m. Noted at the
particularly high altitude of 2745m in the
Gandak Kosi watershed (L5) on 23
March 1951 (631). Proved breeding at
Chitwan (296). Inhabits broadleaved and
broadleaved/coniferous forests and open Lt sae =] Se
wooded country. Range Himalayas from ; a
Murree east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
and e. India and Bangladesh.
Woodpeckers/Broadbills 209
GREY-CAPPED PYGMY WOODPECKER 1 Dendrocopos
Grey-crowned Pygmy Woodpecker, (Picoides canicapillus)
Grey-capped Woodpecker
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
resident, mainly found up to 365m. Fairly
common from Butwal eastwards. Rarely
seen further west. Common at Chitwan
and proved breeding there (296,326). An
uncommon summer visitor to the Kath-
mandu Valley (240). Two intergrading
traces occur: D. c. mitchelli (m) (62,247)
and D. c. semicoronatus (s) (62,247). In-
habits open broadleaved forests. Range
Himalayas from Murree east to Arun-
achal Pradesh, n.e. India and Bangladesh.
BROWN-CAPPED PYGMY WOODPECKER 1Dendrocopos nanus
Brown-crowned Pygmy Woodpecker, Brown-capped pyacdpetet
(Picoides nanus, Dendrocopos moluccensis)
Subspecies nanus. First recorded by S.D.
Ripley from Chisapani (C4) at 225m, and
Tikapur (C5) at 150m in January 1949
(659). A resident, most frequent in the
west. Fairly common at Sukla Phanta
(700), and occasionally seen at Bardia
(192). Rare from Chitwan eastwards.
Noted in Tilaurakot woods (G6) at 150m
in the same area as Grey-capped Pygmy
Woodpecker (157). Occurs in light for-
ests, and trees near cultivation in the
tarai. Range N. India from Haryana,
Rajasthan and Gujarat east to Bangla-
desh, and south through the peninsula.
SILVER-BREASTED BROADBILL Serilophus lunatus
Hodgson’s Broadbill, Collared Broadbill
Subspecies rubropygius. Only recorded by January (336). Inhabits evergreen and semi-evergreen
B. Hodgson (380). One of his specimens jungle up to 1700m. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
was obtained from the lower hills on 10 Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
LONG-TAILED BROADBILL Psarisomus dalhousiae
Subspecies dalhousiae. First recorded by (518) and Hans Pokhari (S8) (193). Described as common
B. Hodgson (336,388). Probably resident. in dense forests of the central duns (L6,L7) in 1947 (99), but
Possibly declined; fairly common north of only one later record from the area: in December 1970
Sunischare but is now scarce and local (444). A pair nest-building, and three old nests, found at
elsewhere. The only other reports re- Bogaytcha north of Sunischare on 29 April 1986 (321).
ceived since 1974 are from south of An- Frequents broadleaved forests of the foothills. Range
napurna (HS) (762), Phewa Tal, Chitwan, Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
lower Arun watershed (596), Chatra India and Bangladesh.
210
LONG-TAILED BROADBILL, cont’d ...
Broaabills/Pittas
BLUE-NAPED PITTA Pitta nipalensis
Subspecies nipalensis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(371,798). His specimens came from the
lower hills and the Kathmandu Valley
(336). Scarce and local; probably resi-
dent. All later records are from the Val-
ley. Chiefly seen at Godavari at about
HOODED PITTA Pitta sordida
Green-breasted Pitta
Subspecies cucullata. First recorded by E.
Blyth from a Hodgson specimen (114).
Very locally distributed up to 305m. De-
scribed as chiefly resident in the subconti-
nent (54,664), but only reported from
Nepal in summer. Common at Chitwan
(J6,K6) from April to October, and
proved breeding there (296). The only
other reports are from Hetaura in May
and June 1947 (99) and in June 1957
(245), Simery (L7) in April 1973 (587),
Dharan in May 1976 (293), and south of
Annapurna (HS) in 1977 (762). Inhabits
damp tropical and subtropical forest with
thick undergrowth. Range Himalayas
from Simla east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
INDIAN PITTA Pitta brachyura
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
local summer visitor to the lowlands.
Common at Chitwan, and proved breed-
ing there (296). Rare at Sukla Phanta
(700), and Bardia (128,192,750). The only
other report is from the eastern tarai and
1525m. The most recent reports received are from Godav-
ari in January 1983 (402) and Nagarjung in November
1989(675). Breeds from April to August. Occurs in damp
gullies in subtropical forests with dense undergrowth.
Skulking and easily overlooked, like other pittas. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
foothills (Q8), where it isan uncommon passage migrant in
May (281,285,293). Inhabits tropical forests with dense
undergrowth. Range Breeds in the Himalayas from Simla
east to Arunachal Pradesh, and south to Rajasthan, Kanara
and Bangladesh. Winters in s. India.
Pittas/Larks
INDIAN PITTA, cont'd ...
211
RUFOUS-WINGED BUSHLARK Mirafra assamica
Bush Lark, Bengal Bushlark
Subspecies assamica. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident
throughout the tarai. Frequents short
grassland, ploughed fields and other dry
cultivation. Proved breeding at Chitwan
(296). Range North-central India from
Haryana east to Assam and Bangladesh,
and south to s. India.
_——— SIUC JT FAM ATM’ JJ AAS OUND
ASHY-CROWNED FINCH LARK Ervemopterix grisea
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident throughout the
tarai and up to 730m in the Surkhet valley
(244). Occurs in open dry areas including
cultivation, stony scrub and ploughed
fields. The breeding season is irregular.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
Sr
900
Os
GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK Calandrella brachydactyla
Short-toed Lark (C. cinerea)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Specimens identified to subspecies have
all been C. b. dukhunensis, but C. b. longi-
pennis possibly occurs. Occasional.
Mainly a passage migrant; also a winter
visitor. Found with Hume’s Short-ioed
Larks in flocks of up to 1000 in the upper
Kali Gandaki valley between 27 Septem-
ber and 14 October 1973 (76). Also seen
in mixed flocks in April 1981 at Tukche,
Jomosom, and Kagbeni (811). Several
records from the Kathmandu Valley, mainly in March,
April and October. Also noted in the Kosi marshes in
March, April and November, including a flock of about 400
in early March 1989 (172). Noted in winter at Phewa Tal
(180), Begnas Tal (325), Chitwan (702), Kalopani (H4)
(687), and in the Kathmandu Valley (300). There are two
Monsoon specimen records: one collected at 5000m at
Lobuche (P6) on 17 August 1962 (190) and one in Mustang
District (H3) on 11 June 1977 (589). Frequents ploughed
fields, open stony, and short grass areas. Range Winter
visitor throughout the subcontinent.
212 Larks
GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK, cont’d ...
a =I
a a
a a 5 J FIM ATM JS J ATS OND
HUME’S SHORT-TOED LARK Calandrella acutirostris
Subspecies tibetana. A Hodgson speci-
men was listed for Nepal by Sharpe (719),
but it may have originated from outside
Nepal. First definitely recorded by B.
Biswas at Phalong Karpo (P6) on 6 May
1954 (109). Common in summer; uncom-
mon in winter and on passage. Reported
in spring and autumn from the upper Kali
Gandaki valley, in flocks with Greater
Short-toed Larks (76,762,811). A few
reports of passage migrants in Khumbu a= a
(109,558), and in March and April at Kosi saa as a Fol PAE To eae
Barrage where a maximum of 300 was
found in early March 1988 (465). Com- (F2) (447), Khumbu (558) and Kosi Barrage (262). Inhabits
mon in the Dolpo (G3) in summer, and open dry stony areas. Range Summer visitor to Baluchistan,
possibly breeds there (224). Also re- and the Himalayas from Chitral to Bhutan. Winters from
corded in winter in the Namlang valley Pakistan east to Bangladesh.
SAND LARK Calandrella raytal
Indian Sandlark
Subspecies raytal. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (315), but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by J. Scully
in the lowlands in December 1877 (708).
A locally common resident. Regularly
seen at Tamaspur, Kosi Barrage, and also
Chitwan where breeding has been proved
(296). Occasionally observed elsewhere.
Found on sandy river banks and islands of a OC
large rivers in the tarai. Range Pakistan,
n. India and Bangladesh.
Larks
CRESTED LARK Géalerida cristata
Subspecies chendoola. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi-
dent east to Nepalganj; rare further east.
Found in dry fields of the tarai just north
of the Indian border. Range Pakistan; n.
India east to Bihar, and south to Madhya
Pradesh.
ORIENTAL SKYLARK Alauda gulgula
Little Skylark, Small Skylark, Eastern Skylark
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly commonwinter visitor and resident.
Three subspecies occur.A. g. gulgula (g) is
found to 150m and is probably resident
(245,246,247). A. g. inopinata (i) (99,
240,574,708) and A. g. lhamarum (1) (234,
245,659) have been mainly collected in
winter between 1280m and 1700m but
possibly also breed. The latter race is
probably much less common. Birds not
subspecifically identified but probably A.
g. inopinata have been found in summer
in the Tibetan plateau region (509,587)
and in the Dhorpatan valley (G5)
(243,499). A fairly common winter visitor
to the Kathmandu Valley. Frequents
grassy hillsides, ploughed fields and other
cultivation. Range Throughout the sub-
continent.
[EURASIAN SKYLARK Alauda arvensis
Described as a winter visitor to central
Nepal (664) but no definite evidence of its
occurrence has been traced. Likely to be
HORNED LARK Eremophila alpestris
Shore Lark
Subspecies elwesi. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
this specimen may have originated from
outside Nepal. First definitely recorded
by J.O.M. Roberts who collected one at
Khangsar (H4) at 4575m on 5 August
1950 (512). Resident and partial altitudi-
213
— |
oo “oboe G FAM AM’ J AAS OND
— |
9000m J FAM AM J JAAS OUND
confused with the large race of Oriental Skylark A. gulgula
lhamarum. Range Winters inn. Pakistan and n. India east to
Uttar Pradesh.]
nal migrant. Mainly reported between 3965m and 5490m,
although one noted at 5900m in summer (620), and one col-
lected in winter as low as 2600m at Mali Dala Jiri (G4) on 2
April 1973 (589). Fairly common in the Dolpo (F3,G3,H3)
and in Khumbu. Proved breeding at Khangsar (H4) (512)
and at Gokyo (190). Found on barren stony hillsides. Range
Himalayas from Hazara east to Arunachal Pradesh.
214
HORNED LARK, cont’d ...
Martins/Swallows
PLAIN MARTIN Riparia paludicola
Sand Martin, Grey-throated Sand Martin, Plain Sand Martin,
Brown-throated Sand Martin
Subspecies chinensis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (352). A common resident up to
1500m, subject to local movements. One
was seen at the unusually high altitude of
2990m near Kagbeni (244). Found breed-
ing at Chitwan (J6,K6) (296,518,481), in
the Kathmandu Valley (518,635), near
Trisuli (L6) (612), and at Kosi Barrage
(442). The breeding season is given as
October to March in the Indian subconti-
nent (45), but in Nepal it is from February
to November. Frequents rivers and
streams and nests in sandy banks. Range
Most of the subcontinent south to 18°N.
SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia
Collared Sand Martin, Bank Swallow
A scarce passage migrant. Most reports
are from 1980 onwards; probably over-
looked before this. First collected at Sun-
dar Gundar (Q§8) on 15 February 1938 by
F.M. Bailey (62), a bird of the race R. r.
ijimae. A flock of 10 to 20 probably of the
race R. r. diluta was observed at Kosi
Tappu (Q8) on 20 April 1982 (199,294)
and 2 May 1982 (561). The species has
F
3000m SE 7.
been reported in April and May from Kagbeni, Jomosom
and Naudanda (811), Chitwan (561), the Kathmandu Val-
ley (440) and Kosi Barrage (483). Recorded between late
September and early November from Rara Lake (68),
Jomosom (76) and Kosi Barrage (327). Only a few other
winter records; from Kosi Barrage (327) and Chitwan (402).
Range Breeds in the Himalayas from N.W.F-.P. to Garhwal,
also Bhutan, n.e. India and Bangladesh. Winters south to
Madhya Pradesh.
Martins/Swallows
SAND MARTIN, cont'd ...
215
NORTHERN CRAG MARTIN Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Crag Martin (Hirundo rupestris)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (352).
Probably resident, subject to altitudinal
movements. The population may also be
augmented by winter visitors. Usually
found below 2135m in winter, and may
occur as high as 4575m in summer. Fairly
common north-west of Pokhara (H4,HS).
Found breeding in cliffs by the Seti Khola
at Pokhara (419), near Ghasa (295), and
in walls of houses around Muktinath at
3500m to 3600m (757). A straggler to the
Kathmandu Valley, and occasionally re-
ported from elsewhere. Hawks insects
near rocky cliffs. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from Chitral east to Nepal.
Winters south to s. India.
BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
Swallow
First recorded by B. Hodgson (352). A
common resident and summer visitor,
mainly occurring up to 1830m. A straggler
was noted in Khumbu at 6400m on 16
May 1975 (580). Chiefly a summer visitor
to the Himalayas. Two races occur: H. r.
rustica (r) (99,482, 647,708) and H. r. gut-
turalis (g), but there is only one record of
the latter (99). Proved breeding in
Bajhang District (C2) (657), Dan-
deldhura and Doti Districts (A3,B3,C3)
(657, 428,68), Kathmandu streets, north-
west of Pokhara (H4,HS) (811), and at
Ilam (518). Reported on passage: a total
of 321 flew west at Khare (H5) between
20 October and 7 November 1985 (684)
and nearly 500 were seen at 3660m on Machapuchare (244).
Range Breeds in the Himalayas from Chitral east to Arun-
achal Pradesh. Winters throughout the subcontinent.
216
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW Hirundo smithii
Subspecies filifera. A Hodgson specimen
is listed for Nepal by Sharpe (717) but it
may have originated in India. First defi-
nitely recorded by R.L. Fleming Sr. near
Bhairawa in March 1959 (230). Uncom-
mon and local; possibly resident. Re-
ported from Nepalganj (432,691,811),
and Kapilvastu District (F6,G6)
(157,792). The only other record is from
Mahendranagar (A4) (811). Proved
breeding at Nepalganj in March (811).
Usually found near water. Range
Throughout most of the subcontinent.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo daurica
Striated Swallow
First recorded by B. Hodgson (352).
Three races occur. H. d. nipalensis (n) isa
common resident subject to altitudinal
movements. It nests up to 1770m in Dan-
deldhura and Doti Districts (A3,B3)
(657,428,68), at Malunga (H6) (575),
Surkhet (626), between Pokhara and
Lumsum (G4,H5) (419), Pati Bhanjyang
(L6) (440,633), Chitlang (L6) (99), Kath-
mandu Valley (99,629,708) and Tumling-
tar (Q7) (484). In winter descends to be-
tween 915m and the tarai. Noted on pas-
sage in the Kathmandu Valley in Novem-
ber (436,418) and at Khare (H5) where
13,902 flew west between 20 and 30 Octo-
Martins/Swallows
= z C to ]
c aa eae = IG FAM A™M’J "JA SAO ws
i ————_-1,, SF MAA M JJ AAS ON D
ber 1985 (684). There are only single winter records of H. d.
daurica (d) (659) and H. d. japonica (j) (247). Frequents
cultivated open scrub country and upland pastures. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
STREAK-THROATED SWALLOW Hirundo fluvicola
Indian Cliff Swallow
First recorded by R.L. Fleming and H.
Gilston, on 11 April 1975 at Kosi Barrage
(243,293). A scarce visitor, reported sev-
eral times in January: up to 10 were seen
at Begnas Tal in 1979 (486,651), three by
the Tadi River, Nawakot District in 1980
(L6) (587), and singles at Phewa Tal in
1981 (180), Chobar in 1982 (L6) (73), and
Hetaura in 1984 (143). Only three other
records: one at Birganj (K7) on 20 August
1973 (77), five at Kosi Barrage on 10
February 1984 (408), and one at Kosi
Tappu (Q8) on 22 April 1982 (199,294),
the easternmost record of the species.
Usually seen with flocks of hirundines
i ear so
° 9000m
over rivers or lakes. Range N. Pakistan, and India east to
Madhya Pradesh and e. Nepal.
Martins/Swallows 217
NEPAL HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon nipalensis
Subspecies nipalensis. The species was
described from Nepal by F. Moore froma
Hodgson specimen (409,798) but it may
have originated in India. First definitely
recorded by H. Stevens from the upper
Mai valley (S7) on 28 April 1912 (740). A
fairly common resident subject to local
altitudinal movements. Usually found up
to 3500m in summer but one noted at
3865m at Tengboche (P6) in May (75).
Regularly reported in winter between
915m and 2135m, but rare in the low-
lands: noted at the particularly low alti-
tude of 160m at Sukla Phanta (700). Oc-
casionally seen on passage in the Kath-
mandu Valley. Proved breeding near
Syabru (L5) (612) and Nundhaki (Q7)
(793). Frequents mountain river valleys,
grassy ridges and slopes. Range Hima-
layas from Garhwal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
ASIAN HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon dasypus
COMMON HOUSE-MARTIN DD. urbica
The status and distribution of both spe- Khumbu. Proved breeding near Jumla in July (620). On 20
cies is uncertain as they are often consid- June 1954 “an almost endless stream” was observed passing
ered conspecific (45,243,664). Birds not east over Lumsum (G4) at 1980m, including a flock of 200
specifically identified have been reported birds (419). Many were also seen flying south near Pokhara
between 305m and 4575m. Regularly seen from 2 té 8 November 1954 (419).
north-west of Pokhara, in Langtang and
ASIAN HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon dasypus
Subspecies cashmeriensis. Probably resi-
dent, subject to altitudinal movements.
First recorded by G. Diesselhorst at Pher-
iche (P6) at 4250m on 27 August 1962
(190). A nesting colony was found under a
huge boulder at Gapte (LS) at 3500m in
May (440). Other confirmed records are
from Bajhang (C2) (657), north-west of
Pokhara (H4,H5), Chitwan (K6) (325),
Helambu (L6) (444), Langtang (L5,M5),
near Lukla (P6) (769) and Ilam District
(442,307). Occurs over grassy slopes and
mountain valleys. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from Chitral east to Arun-
achal Pradesh. Winters at lower levels,
and occasional records in the plains of
n.e. India.
218 Martins /Pipits
COMMON HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon urbica
House Martin
Subspecies urbica. Only four definite rec-
ords, probably of passage migrants. One
was taken by R.L. Fleming near Dhan-
garhi at 460m on 26 April 1965 (234,247).
The other reports are of ten birds at
Majhagaon (A4) at 150m on 13 May 1982
(432), three over Arung Khola (H6) at
150m in mid-February 1986 (321) and two
between Khare and Suikhet (H5) at about
1470m on 13 February 1989 (506). Range es | a
Breeds in the Himalayas from Gilgit east
to Spiti. Winters south to s. India.
RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus novaeseelandiae
Paddyfield Pipit
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). Two
races occur. A. n. nichardi is a winter
visitor and passage migrant, seen occa-
sionally. Regularly reported from Phewa
Tal and Begnas Tal where flocks of up to
35 have been seen. Uncommon at Chi-
twan, and also in the Kathmandu Valley
where it has been found as early as 19
September (629).
2 oo) Oe
q = Ube aM/eAwiMead sus An eS Ee ODNIN SAD)
Paddyfield Pipit A. n. rufulus isa common
resident up to 1830m, and has been re-
ported up to 2440m in summer (626).
Proved breeding in the Kathmandu Val-
ley (629), at Chitwan (229) and Kosi
(313). The species frequents open grassy
areas and dry cultivation. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
Pipits
BLYTH’S PIPIT Anthus godlewski
First collected by B. Hodgson (388). A
passage migrant of uncertain status and
distribution. Only specimen records have
been accepted because until recently no
reliable field identification criteria had
been established to separate this species
from Richard’s Pipit or Tawny Pipit. Has
been obtained in March and April at
Kathmandu, and at Haraincha (Q§8) at
75m (62). Collected in September from
Gumtang (L6) and Kodari (M6) (62);
Langtang at 4115m (621); and Khumbu
between 3800m and 4250m (190). Taken
at Sukipatal (Q6) in October (690) and at
Kathmandu in November (62,190). There
are sight records from Khumbu
(526,559,560), Tukche (811) and several
from Kosi Barrage. Range Winters locally
inn.e. India, Bangladesh, and much of the
peninsula south to Kerala. Passage mi-
grant in the e. Himalayas.
TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris
Vagrant. First recorded at Chitwan (J6)
on 28 March 1977 by G. Groh (6,634).
Another, probably of this species, was
seen at Sukla Phanta in February 1977
(6,238). The only other records are singles
migrating west at Khare (H5) on 20 and
21 October 1985 (684) and one at Chi-
twan (K6) on 15 February 1989 (506).
Range Local winter visitor to Pakistan,
India (except the n.e.), and Bangladesh.
LONG-BILLED PIPIT Anthus similis
Brown Rock Pipit
Subspecies jerdoni. First collected at
Banbassa (A4) at 150m on 7 January 1937
by F.M. Bailey (62). Scarce, possibly resi-
dent. Specimens were also taken at Bi-
lauri(A4) at 275m in December 1952, and
Barmdeo Mandi (A3) at 290m in January
1953 (647). Proved breeding at Silgadi
219
= — = Seas (0 Gl &
a =a] Sarees ie]
SSS ste TROT ATH SSA SOND
[Sa S| = | =]
— 4
JF M'A'’M slau‘ a’slo'Nn'od
Doti (B3) at about 1700m; singles noted carrying food at
two sites on 29 May 1988 (438). Seen in song flight at
Dipayal (B3) at 800m on 30 May 1988 (438). Frequents dry
cultivation and grassy and rocky slopes. Breeds from April
to August. Range Breeds in the hills of Pakistan, the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Nepal, and in s.w. India.
Winters east to Bangladesh.
220
OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT Anthus hodgsoni
Hodgson’s Pipit, Olive Tree-Pipit, Indian Tree Pipit wes
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). Two
races occur. A. h. hodgsoni (h) is a com-
mon resident subject to altitudinal move-
ments. Mainly summers between 2900m
and 4000m, occasionally down to 2440m;
and winters from about 1980m to 2560m.
Confirmed breeding on the Mamche
Danda (L6) (640). Birds breeding in the
Dhorpatan valley (F4), in June, presuma-
bly belonged to this race (499). A speci-
men was taken at 305m at Amlekhganj
(K7) on 7 March 1947 (99). A. A. yun-
nanensis (y) is a common winter visitor up
to 2560m. Found on grassy slopes in open
forests, and scrub or cultivation with scat-
TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis
Brown Tree-Pipit
Subspecies wivialis. The first record is a
specimen taken at Thankot (L6) on 11
April 1947 by B. Biswas (99). A winter
visitor and passage migrant. Mainly re-
corded since 1979; possibly overlooked
before this. Uncommon at Chitwan and
Kosi Barrage. Mainly single reports from
elsewhere. Frequents cultivation, or open
country with scattered trees. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from Chitral east
to Lahul. Winters throughout the subcon-
tinent.
RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus
First recorded by B. Hodgson in the Kath-
mandu Valley (336,388). An uncommon
winter visitor and passage migrant.
Mainly found between October and Feb-
Tuary, with several reports between
March and June, presumably of spring
migrants. A few records from fields by
Phewa Tal with a maximum of 35 in mid-
January 1981 (180). Mainly single reports
from elsewhere. A total of 109 migrated
west at Khare (H5) between 20 October
and 7 November 1985 (684). The maxi-
mum altitude recorded is 5180m, above
Tukche in December 1949 (647). Winters
in wet grassy areas and stubble fields.
Range Local and uncommon migrant in
Pakistan, n.w. India, and Manipur.
Pipits
5 —' yo" M Q
8
aq
EX
8 \ N’
G 8
7
pn Ss
roa 9000m J FM AAM J JAA SO ND
tered trees. Range Breeds in the Himalayas from
Dharmsala east to Arunachal Pradesh. Winters south to s.
India, and east to Bangladesh.
TT s000m TUREMIM OAS MUm mae IIs ALISO WANED!
==
be JERE RIM GALAGA My sJ nel iat A e Soad ORNL)
Seer =|
Pipits
ROSY PIPIT Anthus roseatus
Rosy-breasted Pipit (Anthus pelopus)
Vinaceous-breasted Pipit
The species was described from Nepal by
E. Blyth from a Hodgson specimen (121).
A fairly common resident subject to alti-
tudinal movements, and a passage mi-
grant. Mainly summers between 3355m
and 5050m, and winters from 760m to
1500m, occasionally down to the tarai.
Proved breeding in the upper Kali Gan-
WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta
BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT A. rubescens
The status and distribution of both spe-
cies is uncertain as, until recently they
were usually considered as conspecific.
Birds not specifically identified have been
reported between 75m and 2700m in
winter and on passage. Several records
from Phewa Tal; mainly single reports
from elsewhere. Both species inhabit
marshes and damp cultivation in winter.
BUFE-BELLIED PIPIT Anthus rubescens
Siberian Water Pipit, American Pipit
Subspecies japonicus. Probably a scarce
winter visitor and passage migrant. A
Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Sharpe (717), but it may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by P. Holt at Jomosom at 2715m on3 and
‘5 March 1986 (403). The only other con-
firmed records are of 50 on 23 January by
Manora River, Kathmandu Valley (L6);
20 at Phewa Tal on 13 January, about 10
in the Pokhara valley on 14 January and
six at Chitwan (K6) on 17 January 1989
(152). Range Winters locally in Pakistan;
recorded from Darjeeling and Manipur.
221
LEE) OE
JF M AA Jo AAS OND
daki valley (811), and at Pheriche (P6) (190). Flocks of up to
50 seen flying up the Kali Gandaki valley on 27 March 1982
(294). A total of 530 was noted at Kosi Tappu in early
February 1984, presumably migrants (408). Occurs in sum-
mer above the treeline on stony slopes and in alpine mead-
ows. Winters in marshes and cultivation. Range Breeds in
the Himalayas from Safed Koh east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Winters in n. Pakistan, n. India, and Bangladesh.
WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta
Subspecies blakistoni. Probably a scarce winter visitor and
passage migrant. First definitely recorded by R.L. Fleming
Sr. who collected a specimen at Pokhara on 31 December
1963 (247). The only other confirmed records are of singles
seen by Phewa Tal on 25 March 1989 (166) and at Kosi
Barrage from 3 to 5 February 1990 (256). Range Winters
locally in Pakistan and n.w. India.
222
UPLAND PIPIT Anthus sylvanus
Pipits/Wagtails
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (391,798). He found it breed-
ing in the Kathmandu Valley (336,414).A
locally fairly common resident and partial
altitudinal migrant. Recorded between
1830m and 2900m in summer, and 1350m
FOREST WAGTAIL Dendronanthus indicus
(Motacilla indica)
Vagrant. First recorded by K. Curry-
Lindahl who saw one by the Rapti River,
Chitwan on 30 November 1979 (171). The
only other records are of singles seen on 4
April 1984 at Chitwan (624), by Bagmati
YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Occasional. Mainly a winter visitor seen
up to 1350m, and a passage migrant.
Fairly common at Chitwan (296), where
over 2000 Yellow and Citrine Wagtails
were seen flying to roost in January 1980
(180). Five races have been recorded, but
their distribution and movements are
poorly known, and birds subspecifically
identified have mainly been spring males.
M. f. beema (b) occurs on passage and in
winter, and is more frequently reported
than other races. There are several rec-
ords of M. f. thunbergi (t) in April and May
(295,432,440,442,635), single reports of
M. f. melanogrisea (m) (647), and three of
M. f. leucocephala (1) (199,294,321). One
M. f. taivana (a) which is scarce in the
subcontinent, was found at Kosi Barrage
on 14 March 1981 (442). M. f. lutea is
to 2000m in winter. Found at Mai Pokhari (R7) on 22 April
1982 (561), the eastern limit of the species’s range in the
Himalayas. Proved breeding at Pipar (H5) (800). Inhabits
steep rocky and grassy slopes. Range Himalayas from Paki-
stan east to e. Nepal.
Bridge, Kathmandu on 4 April 1986 (403) and at Chatra
(Q8) on 4 October 1987 (792). Usually frequents clearings
in broadleaved forest and bamboo jungle. Range Winters
locally in s.w. and n.e. India, and Bangladesh.
7 "9000m TRA TaD S'O'N D
likely to occur. A specimen record of M. s. simillima (482)
listed in the first edition of this book (435) has been omitted
because it is considered unlikely that this far eastern race
occurs so far west. The species frequents marshes and damp
fields, especially near grazing animals. Range Breeds in
Ladakh and possibly n. Kashmir. Winters throughout the
subcontinent.
Wagtails
CITRINE WAGTAIL Motacilla citreola
Yellow-headed Wagtail
First recorded by B. Hodgson (360). Oc-
casional. Mainly a winter visitor to the
lowlands and a passage migrant. Fairly
common at Chitwan (296) and Kosi, with
a maximum of 60 estimated at the latter
place on 2 May 1986 (321). Three races
occur. M. c. calcarata (a) (62,294,432,
GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea
(M. caspica)
Subspecies cinerea. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident sub-
ject to altitudinal movements. Mainly
summers between 2315m and 4115m, and
winters below 365m, but occasionally to
1550m. Proved breeding near Jumla
(620), in Langu valley (F2) (330) and
along the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki
Rivers (H4,HS,J5) (757). Migrants noted
in the upper Kali Gandaki valley: up to 10
daily between 14 September and 6 Octo-
ber 1973 (76). Occurs by fast-flowing,
tocky streams in summer, and slower
WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba
Pied Wagtail
First recorded by B. Hodgson (360). A
commmon passage migrant and winter
visitor, with one race remaining to breed.
Proved breeding in Langu valley (F2)
(330). Mainly winters below 1500m. At
Sauraha (J6) over 8000 were estimated
flying to roost in January 1981 (180). Oc-
casionally reported flying up river valleys
on passage. In early November 1954 large
numbers passed south over Pokhara daily
(419). Migrants noted as high as 5000m at
Gorak Shep (P6) (526). Six races occur.
223
647,428) and M. c. citreola (i) (62,432,442,587,647) have
been reported on passage and in winter. Only a few records
of M. c. werae (w), from March to May (294,442,321).
Inhabits marshes and wet fields. Prefers wetter areas than
Yellow Wagtail. Range Breeds in Baluchistan, and in the
Himalayas from Chitral east to Spiti. Winters throughout
the subcontinent.
streams in winter. Range Breeds in Baluchistan, and the
Himalayas from Chitral to Nepal. Winters throughout the
subcontinent.
All have been found in the Kathmandu Valley (x) where
their status has been studied (635). M. a. dukhunensis (d),
M. a. leucopsis (1), M. a. personata, M. a. baicalensis and M.
a. alboides (a) are regularly seen. The last is also a summer
visitor found between 3600m and 4800m (109,190,512). M.
a. ocularis has only been reported from the Kathmandu
Valley on passage (99,240,245,635,708). The species winters
in open country near water: marshes, rivers, streams, lakes
and wet fields, and summers in the alpine zone. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from Gilgit to Arunachal Pradesh.
Winters throughout the subcontinent.
224 Wagtails /Woodshrikes
WHITE WAGTAIL, cont'd ...
e6
WHITE-BROWED WAGTAIL Motacilla maderaspatensis
Large Pied Wagtail
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409) but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by B. Biswas at Thankot (L6) on
10 April 1947 (101). A fairly common
resident throughout the tarai and lower
hills mainly below 915m, and uncom-
monly up to 1700m. Mainly occurs in the
Kathmandu Valley in summer; scarce in
winter. Proved breeding at Pokhara
(480), Chitwan (296), and in the Kath-
mandu Valley (629,316). Frequents
banks of rivers, pools and lakes. Range
Locally throughout the subcontinent.
COMMON WOODSHRIKE Tephrodomis pondicerianus
Lesser Wood-Shrike, Indian Wood-Shrike
Subspecies pondicerianus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (375). A locally, fairly
common resident found up to about
455m. Areas include Bardia, Chitwan, the
central dun (K7,L7) and the eastern low-
lands (Q8,R8). Proved breeding at Chi-
twan (296), and Hetaura (99). Inhabits
dry scrub and lightly wooded areas.
Range Throughout most of the subconti-
nent. Le JTFAM AAM' JS 'J7A SOON D
Woodshrikes/Cuckoo-shrikes
LARGE WOODSHRIKE Tephrodomis gularis
(T. virgatus)
Subspecies pelvica. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (375). A locally fairly common
resident up to 365m. Areas include Ta-
maspur, Chitwan, and north of Sunis-
chare. A straggler to the Kathmandu
Valley. Occurs in broadleaved forests and
well-wooded country, but prefers wetter
areas than the Common Woodshrike.
Range Himalayan foothills from Nepal
east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh; s.w. India.
BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE
Pied Wood-shrike
Subspecies capitalis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident up to
1830m subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Chiefly a summer visitor to the
Kathmandu Valley. Breeding confirmed
at Chitwan (440). Frequents open
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayan
foothills from Simla east to Arunachal
Pradesh; south to s. India and Bangla-
desh.
225
Mahon EE FAM AM J a7. Ss O°N'D
BLACK-HEADED CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina melanoptera
Subspecies sykesi. First recorded by B.
Biswas at Hetaura on 21 May 1947 (99).
Scarce. Subject to seasonal movements;
mainly seen in spring and summer in the
lowlands, but is possibly under-recorded.
As breeding does not start until June
most birds probably do not arrive until
late spring. A few reports from Chitwan
between March and the monsoon
(772,730,562,810); also in December 1989
(138). Single records from elsewhere:
Birganj (K7) in 1973 (587), Chapagaon
forest (L6) at 1430m in February 1978
(301), Simra in February 1979 (486),
Bardia and Kosi Tappu in May 1982
(432), north of Sunischare in January
1985 (142) and Dharan in November 1989
(597). A male was seen carrying nesting
material on 15 April 1977 at Birtamod
FM AM,
aS | =e ; aso
(R8) (243). Occurs in open broadleaved forests and secon-
dary growth. Range Himalayan foothills from Himachal
Pradesh east to West Bengal, and south to Kutch and
Bangladesh.
226 Cuckoo-shrikes/Minivets
BLACK-WINGED CUCKOO-SHRIKE | Coracina melaschistos
Dark Cuckoo-Shrike, Dark Grey Cuckoo-Shrike
et SSS
iy 9000m J°F'M AAM JAJA S° ON D
Subspecies melaschistos. The species was 2200m in summer. Seen between February and mid-Octo-
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson ber in the Kathmandu Valley (635), and proved breeding
(374,798). A resident subject to altitudi- there (635, 659). Occurs in open forests and groves. Range
nal movements. Occasionally found up to Breeds in the Himalayas from Murree to Arunachal
915m throughout the year, and up to Pradesh, and in n.e. India. Winters south to Karnataka and
Bangladesh.
LARGE CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina macei
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (C. novaehollandiae) ee
Subspecies nipalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (374,798). A common resi-
dent up to 2135m. Generally descends
from higher elevations in winter, al-
though it has been found at 1525m. In-
habits secondary growth and open
wooded country. Range Himalayan foot-
hills from Rawalpindi east to Arunachal
Pradesh; south to s. India and Bangla-
desh.
SCARLET MINIVET Pericrocotus flammeus
Subspecies speciosus. First recorded by B. twan (296). Frequents broadleaved and coniferous forests.
Hodgson (388). A common resident up to Range Himalayas from Murree to Arunachal Pradesh; also
2200m, possibly subject to altitudinal locally south in the hills to s. India.
movements. Breeding confirmed at Chi-
Minivets
SCARLET MINIVET, cont'd ...
227
SHORT-BILLED MINIVET Pericrocotus brevirostris
Subspecies brevirostris. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Scarce, probably resi-
dent. Found between 1005m and 2745m.
Very similar to the Long-tailed Minivet;
the two species were long confused in the
literature and not separated until 1914.
Collected in the Langtang valley (L5)
(619,621), at Deorali, (L6) (99), Jiri (N6)
(190,196), near Jamuna (S7) (246), and in
the upper Arun valley (10). Other con-
firmed localities include south of An-
napurna (J5), the Kathmandu Valley,
Sangure ridge (Q8) and Dharan. The only
published breeding information for the
species is of one taken in breeding condi-
tion at Deorali at 1495m on 29 April 1947
(99), and a pair nest-building above
2 a so! 6a
9000m Sie i MeVAY Medias TAgmoe LO) ND OD,
Hanga Tham at about 2140m on 27 April 1986 (321,323).
Inhabits open broadleaved forests and forest edges. Range
Himalayas from Naini Tal east to Arunachal Pradesh, and
n.e. India.
LONG-TAILED MINIVET Pericrocotus ethologus
The species was first collected by B.
Hodgson; this was confirmed by the re-
cent location of specimens in the British
Museum (Natural History). A common
resident subject to altitudinal move-
ments. Most frequent in summer between
1200m and 2400m, and in winter between
245m and 2135m. Recorded at 3965m at
Khangsar in August (512). Found breed-
ing at Rara Lake (626) and in the Kath-
mandu Valley (440,629,659,708). Two
taces occur: P. e. laetus (1) (247), P. e.
favillaceus (f) (512,647), and intermedi-
ates (fl) (99,109,647,659). Frequents for-
ests, trees at edges of cultivation and
groves. Range Breeds in the Himalayas
a ———_— si, JF MAA M JAJA S' ON D
from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh. Winters south to Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.
228 Minivets
GREY-CHINNED MINIVET Pericrocotus solaris
Yellow-throated Minivet
Subspecies solaris. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Scarce, presumably resi-
dent and found between 250m and
2075m. Occasionally seen on the lower
slopes of Phulchowki. Other records are
from north-west of Pokhara (223,309),
Chitwan (K6) (11), Chapagaon forest
(L6) (243), Deorali (L6) (99), Num (Q6)
(587), Trisuli valley (L6) (794), north of
Sunischare (142) and the far eastern hills
(Q8,R8) (223). Noted at Ulleri (H5) in
March 1982 (207,561); the most westerly
records for the species. Occurs in damp iour is little known. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
broadleaved forests. Its breeding behav- Arunachal Pradesh, and n.e. India.
SMALL MINIVET Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Sharpe (714), but it may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by F.M. Bailey from Tribeni (H7) at 75m
on8 February 1936 (62). A resident, occa-
sionally seen throughout the lowlands up
to 290m. Breeding confirmed at Chitwan
(296). The eastern race P. c. vividus has
been collected in the far western tarai
(A4,B4) (647), but Ripley considered his
western specimens were intermediates
between this race and P. c. peregrinus (46,
659,664). Frequents more open wooded
areas than other minivets. Range
Throughout most of the subcontinent.
ROSY MINIVET Pericrocotus roseus
Subspecies roseus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Locally distributed.
Status uncertain, possibly resident. Seen
in winter at Bardia (192), Chitwan
(180,460) and at Dharan (597), but all
other records are from March to May.
Occasionally seen at Chitwan and a few
sightings from Tamaspur. Only single re-
ports received from elsewhere: at
Barmdeo Mandi (A3) (247), Kanchanpur
District (A4) (470), Bardia (192), south of | ee
Annapurna (J5) (762), Hetaura (190), ae
Kosi District (P8) (293), Dharan (597),
Kosi Tappu (328), and north of Sunis-
chare (442). Inhabits broadleaved forest in the Himalayas from N.W.F.P. to Arunachal Pradesh, and
and open wooded country. Range Breeds in n.e. India. Winters south to Maharashtra.
Bulbuls 229
STRIATED BULBUL Pycnonotus striatus
Striated Green Bulbul
Subspecies striatus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A local resident, with
some altitudinal movements, found be-
tween 1500m and 2650m. Reported at
Ulleri (H5) on 22 July 1978 (688), the
most westerly record of the species. Occa-
sionally seen between Dhampus and Lan-
drung (HS), on Phulchowki, and in the
Trisuli (LS), Arun and Mai valleys.
Breeding behaviour is little known.
Taken in breeding condition on 6 May
1947 at Bhimpedi at 1220m (99). Fre-
quents damp, broadleaved, evergreen
forests. Range Himalayas from Nepal
east to Arunachal Pradesh, andn.e. India.
BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL Pycnonotus melanicterus
Black-headed Yellow Bulbul
Subspecies flaviventris. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Resident. Common
up to 800m in Mechi Zone (R7,R8) (658).
Elsewhere occasionally seen up to 365m,
uncommon up to 915m and rare to
1525m. Breeding confirmed at Chitwan
(296) and Hetaura (99). Inhabits moist
forests with dense undergrowth and thick
secondary jungle. Range Himalayas from
Simla east to Arunachal Pradesh, and e.
and s.w. India.
RED-WHISKERED BULBUL Pycnonotus jocosus
| ees =a EEE
9000m J FAM AM JJ A SAO ND
Subspecies pyrrhotis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A locally common and (432) and Hetaura (99). Occurs in scrub jungle and open
sedentary resident, reported up to 455m. forest. Prefers damp habitats. Range Lowlands below the
An abundant breeding bird at Chitwan Himalayas from Punjab east to Arunachal Pradesh; also
(296), and also found breeding at Bardia most of India, except the north-west, and Bangladesh.
230 Bulbuls
WHITE-CHEEKED BULBUL Pycnonotus leucogenys
Subspecies leucogenys. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Mainly a common resi-
dent between 350m and 2400m. Abun-
dant in some areas up to 1830m. Occa-
sionally found down to 250m and up to
3050m. Confirmed to breed at Chitwan
(296), in the Kathmandu Valley (708),
and at Hetaura (99). Frequents secondary
growth, scrub jungle, and cultivation.
Range Himalayan foothills from Chitral
east to Arunachal Pradesh; Pakistan and
nw. India.
RED-VENTED BULBUL Pycnonotus cafer
Subspecies bengalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A common resident
from the tarai up to 1500m, occasionally
seen up to 2135m. Abundant in some
areas. Found breeding at Dipayal (B3)
(68), in the Kathmandu Valley
(336,629,708), at Chitwan (296) and
Hetaura (99). Frequents gardens, secon-
dary scrub and light broadleaved forests.
Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to
Arunachal Pradesh; south throughout the
subcontinent.
WHITE-THROATED BULBUL Criniger flaveolus
Subspecies flaveolus. The species was
described by J. Gould (783), the locality
of the type later given as Nepal (479). It
was collected by B. Hodgson (388). Lo-
cally distributed, probably resident, up to
455m. Fairly common north of Sunis-
chare. A few records from Hetaura, but
none since 1970. Found rarely at Chitwan
(J6,K6) (296,481), the westernmost local-
ity for the species. The only other reports
are from Amlekhganj (K7) in 1947 (101), Se eee a
the eastern tarai (P8) in 1975 (293) and e 40008 a= ees
Hans Pokhari Danda (S8) in 1989 (193).
Inhabits undergrowth in dense,
broadleaved, evergreen forests. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Bulbuls 231
MOUNTAIN BULBUL Hypsipetes mcclellandii
Rufous-bellied Bulbul (H. virescens)
Subspecies mcclellandii. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common
resident subject to altitudinal move-
ments, most frequently seen between
1830m and 2135m. Proved breeding at
Bhimpedi (99), and in the Kathmandu
Valley (336,708). Inhabits forests and
secondary growth. Range Himalayas
from Mussoorie east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
ASHY BULBUL Hypsipetes flavalus
Brown-eared Bulbul
Subspecies flavalus. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by E. Blyth from a
Hodgson specimen (798,118), but it may
have originated in India. First definitely
recorded by B. Biswas at Hetaura on 3
May 1947 (99). A resident, occasionally
seen between 305m and 1525m. Rare in
the Kathmandu Valley. Occurs in forests
' and dense secondary growth. Range
Himalayan foothills from between Simla
and Mussoorie east to Arunachal
Pradesh.
BLACK BULBUL Hypsipetes leucocephalus
Grey Bulbul (H. madagascariensis)
Subspecies psaroides. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident be-
tween 305m and 2600m, most frequent
between 1830m and 2135m. Abundant in
some areas. Some birds apparently de-
scend to the foothills in winter, but also x eA \ onl tedees”
found at 2700m on hills surrounding the . Were &
Kathmandu Valley (629). Occasionally ey?
seen at Chitwan and confirmed to breed ot ee, a
there (296). Frequents forests. Range
Himalayas; also s.w. India, n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
232 Tora/Leafbirds
COMMON IORA 4egithina tiphia
Tora
Subspecies tiphia. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Common up to 365m, oc-
casionally seen up to 1900m. A summer
visitor to the Kathmandu Valley. Breed-
ing confirmed at Chitwan (296), Gaucher
forest (L6) (243), Hetaura (96) and near
Dhankuta (Q7) (446). Inhabits open
broadleaved forests and scrub jungle.
Range Himalayas from N.W.F-.P. east to
Arunachal Pradesh; also all of India ex- <<
cept for the north-west; Bangladesh. @ soeer
GOLDEN-FRONTED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis aurifrons
Subspecies aurifrons. First collected by B.
Hodgson (114). A fairly common resident western slopes of Nagarjung (243) and noted on Phul-
up to 365m; uncommon up to 915m, and chowki in January 1984 (418). Breeding confirmed at
rare above this altitude. Subject to altitu- Chitwan (296). Occurs in broadleaved forests. Range
dinal movements. Scarce in the Kath- Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh; also
mandu Valley, but sometimes seen on the south to Bangladesh, e. and s.w. India.
ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis hardwicki
Subspecies hardwicki. The species was
described from Nepal by Jardine and
Selby (449). Resident, subject to some al-
titudinal movements, and mainly re-
corded between 1300m and 2135m. Oc-
curs over a higher altitudinal zone than
Golden-fronted Leafbird. Fairly common
on Phulchowki and occasionally reported
from other areas. Favours broadleaved
evergreen forests. Range Himalayas from
Simla east to Arunachal Pradesh; south to (eT a Sa
Bangladesh.
Fairy Bluebird/Dippers 233
ASIAN FAIRY BLUEBIRD Irena puella
Subspecies sikkimensis. First recorded
north-west of Sunischare at 335m on 1
January 1965 by R.L. Fleming Sr. (247).
Local, presumably resident. Mainly found
in dense, moist forest near water up to
365m. Fairly common north of Sunis-
chare. Described as an uncommon resi-
dent in Morang District (Q8) in 1976
(293). Found at Hetaura in December
1971 (405) and March 1978 (507). The
only other record is from Hans Pokhari ——
Danda (S8) in May 1989. Its overall nest- e Seis
ing season is from January to June. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh, and south to Bangladesh; also
s.w. India.
| OS 8 SSS)
sf mM aA M JAs a'slo'N D
BOHEMIAN WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus
Subspecies garrulus. First recorded by record is of five seen together below Pisang (J4) at 3050m
RL. Fleming Jr. who saw a party of four on 17 March 1985 (332). Range Irregular vagrant to the
at Thare Pati, Helambu (LS) at 3660m on Himalayas and Pakistan.
16 December 1967 (211). The only other
WHITE-BREASTED DIPPER Cinclus cinclus
Dipper, White-throated Dipper
Subspecies cashmeriensis. First recorded
by O. Polunin in upper Langtang (MS),
between 3355m and 3660m, in summer
1949 (621). A resident between 3500m
and 4800m. Subject to some altitudinal
movements. Fairly common in the Ti-
betan plateau region, also reported from
Langtang (L5,M5) (195,621,656),
Khumbu (P6) (299), Taplejung District
(S6) (194), Topke Gola (R6) (487), and =e) |) ee eee
also the upper Ladka Khola valley (R6) aa ‘ Sha
(537) and Tak Do Trap (F3) (587) where 1982 (598). Frequents rocky, fast-flowing waters. Range
proved breeding. Seen at the particularly Himalayas from the Kagan valley east to Bhutan and proba-
low altitude of 2590m at Tukche in March bly Arunachal Pradesh.
BROWN DIPPER Cinclus pallasii
Subspecies tenuirostris. First recorded by Confirmed to breed between 1525m and 3600m at Khaptad
B. Hodgson (388). A common resident (C3) (428), Kawa (D2) and Barikot (E4) (620), Chankeli
between 915m and 3100m, occasionally (626), Dhorpatan (G5) (153), Langtang (517,771), north-
seen up to 4960m in summer. Usually west of Pokhara (H4,HS) (82,811,812,480,111), Sundarijal
found at lower elevations than White- (L6) (635), Naubise (L6) (321,734) and Mai valley (R8,S7)
breasted Dipper, although the two spe- (740,307). Occurs on mountain streams. Range Himalayas
cies have been seen in the same localities from Ladakh east to Arunachal Pradesh.
where their altitudinal ranges overlap.
234 Dippers/Accentor
BROWN DIPPER, cont’d ...
Nu i
TT TEM AM Sd 570" NAD,
"000m ,
NORTHERN WREN Troglodytes troglodytes
Wren, Winter Wren
Subspecies nipalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi-
dent subject to altitudinal movements.
Chiefly occurs between 2500m and
4700m, but noted at 5300m in Khumbu
(314), and at 2135m at Ghasa (H4) in
February 1982 (770). Regularly winters
up to 3050m and probably occurs higher.
Found among rocks and dwarf scrub; also
on rocky slopes above the treeline. Range
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Arun-
achal Pradesh.
MAROON-BACKED ACCENTOR Prunella immaculata
as So.
The species was described from Nepal by and upper Kali Gandaki valleys, and occasionally from
B. Hodgson (391,798). A winter visitor, Ghorepani and the Arun valley. Several records from the
mainly occurring between 1830m and hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley, Langtang, and
2700m. Found west to Ghasa (H4), the Tamurvalley. Mainly single reports from elsewhere. Occurs
westernmost locality for the species. in damp forests and forest clearings. Range Himalayas from
Regularly reported from the upper Mai Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Accentors
235
RUFOUS-BREASTED ACCENTOR Pnumella strophiata
The species was described from Nepal
from a Hodgson specimen (114). A fairly
common resident subject to altitudinal
movements. Chiefly summers above
3500m; found as high as 4930m in
Khumbu. Mainly winters between 1600m
and at least 3650m. Two races occur: P. a.
strophiata (s) and P. s. jerdoni (j) (647).
Found in upland pastures with scattered
bushes in winter; rhododendron and
dwarf juniper scrub near the treeline in
summer. Range Himalayas from Pakistan
to Arunachal Pradesh.
BROWN ACCENTOR Prunella fulvescens
Subspecies sushkini. First recorded by
RL. Fleming Sr. from Jomosom in De-
cember 1949 (647). An altitudinal mi-
grant, common in the Tibetan plateau re-
gion. Summers up to 4880m, and seen
nest-building in June at 4270m (243).
Winters from 2300m up to at least 3800m.
Fairly common in winter in Thakkhola
(H4). The unusually high number of 103
was counted there between Kalopani and
Muktinath in December 1984 (58).
Found in low scrub on dry rocky hillsides.
Range Himalayas from Hunza to Sikkim.
ih] z — |
Ll SS SSS a Mm AAM J JAAS OND
BLACK-THROATED ACCENTOR Prunella atrogularis
Subspecies Auttoni. The first documented
record is of a specimen collected near
Jumla on 26 January 1971 at 2440m by
R.L. Fleming (9). A fairly common winter
visitor to the far north-west. Three sight-
ings from the upper Kali Gandaki valley:
from Jomosom in March 1981 (559), Kalopani in October
1984 (145) and Marpha in November 1985 (298), the most
easterly records in the Himalayas. Occurs among bushes in
cultivation. Range Wintersin the Himalayas from Hunza to
Nepal.
236 Accentors
ROBIN ACCENTOR Prunella rubeculoides
The species was described from Nepal by
F. Moore from a Hodgson specimen
(409,798) and listed for Nepal in
Hodgson’s later collection (276), but the
specimens may have originated in India.
First definitely recorded by R.L. Fleming
Sr. from Jomosom at 2805m in December
1949 (647). A fairly common altitudinal
migrant between 2655m and 5000m. Sum-
mers at higher altitudes than other accen-
tors, mainly over 4500m. Confirmed to
breed at Gokyo at 4800m (190). Seen as
high as Everest base camp at 5485m in
May 1976 (582). Fairly common in winter November 1987 (558). May occur higher in winter. In
between Marpha at 2655m and Mukti- summer inhabits dwarf willows and Caragana scrub near
nath at 3795m. Reported at 3960m in streams or pools. Winters in dry, stony areas. Range Hima-
Khumbu in February 1954 (86), and layas from Baltistan and Ladakh east to Bhutan, and proba-
found to be common there up to 4880m in bly Arunachal Pradesh.
ALTAI ACCENTOR Prunella himalayana
Rufous-streaked Accentor
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409) but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by R.L. Fleming Sr. from Jomo-
som at 2805m in December 1949 (647). A
fairly common winter visitor, chiefly oc-
curring between 2135m and 4270m.
Noted as low as 1340m at Rukum (loca-
tion unknown) on 25 March 1982 (244). A
late record in mid-May from Gosainkund,
at 4300m (243,440). Feeds on grassy
hillsides. Range Winter visitor to the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Arun-
achal Pradesh.
ALPINE ACCENTOR Prunella collaris
Subspecies nipalensis. First collected by
B. Hodgson (114). Occasional. A resi-
dent subject to altitudinal movements.
Chiefly summers over 4200m; noted as
high as 7900m on Mt Everest (49). Con-
firmed to breed in Khumbu from 4900m
to 5000m (190). Winters between 2440m
and 3795m, and probably higher. Noted
in Khumbu at 4930m in November (453).
Inhabits rocky alpine pastures and scree
slopes, and also occurs in winter near a | SS
villages. Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P. en :
to Arunachal Pradesh.
Chats/Thrushes
GOULD’S SHORTWING Brachypteryx stellata
Subspecies stellata. The species was de-
scribed by J. Gould (272) froma specimen
collected by C.V. Eccles. This is labelled
“Nepal, 10,000” (798), but it is often
ascribed to Sikkim (664,716). First defi-
nitely recorded in the upper Mai Valley
(S7) at 2135m on 8 April 1912 by H.
Stevens (740). Scarce and very locally
distributed; probably a resident, subject
to altitudinal movements. Summers near
Gapte cave at 3505m where the maximum
237
of seven was seen on 22 May 1982 (199,682). Found breed-
ing in the upper Arun valley in late June 1973 (167), but
there are no other published breeding records for the
species (48). The only other reports received are from the
upper Mai valley in March 1961 (246), upper Arun valley in
July and October 1973 (10), south of Annapurna (HS,J5) in
May 1974 (259) and 1977 (762), and in Gaucher forest (L6)
in July 1977 (301). Inhabits rhododendron and juniper
shrubberies. Range Himalayas from Kumaon east to Arun-
achal Pradesh.
[RUSTY-BELLIED SHORTWING Brachypteryx hyperythra
A specimen in the Hancock Museum,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, U.K. is labelled
solely ‘Nepal’, but no further details are
known (322).]
WHITE-BROWED SHORTWING Brachypteryx montana
Subspecies cruralis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A very uncommon resi-
dent subject to altitudinal movements.
Summers from 2560m to 3660m at locali-
ties including Pipar (H5) (475,499), the
Gosainkund trail (L5) (633,652), the
upper Arun (483) and upper Mai valleys
(440,561,264,321), and the hills surround-
ing the Kathmandu Valley. Reported in
the non-breeding season between 245m
and 2375m from areas including Phewa
‘Tal (622,403), south-west of Annapurna
(HS) (746,702), Phulchowki (152), Arung
Khola (H6) (486,652), Chitwan (759) and
Barun valley (588). Frequents damp oak
and rhododendron forests with dense
undergrowth near streams. Range Hima-
layas from Garhwal east to Arunachal
Pradesh.
Lae YA = oe
9000= JF M AAM J JAAS OND
238 Chats/Thrushes
LESSER SHORTWING Brachypteryx leucophrys
Subspecies nipalensis. Obtained by B. April: from Ilam District (R8) (undated) (223), Tarahara
Hodgson in his later collection (409,798) (Q8) in February 1971 (589), north of Sunischare in April
but the specimen may have originated in 1986 (264), the upper Arun valley in March 1987 (769),
India. First definitely recorded by H. Ste- Simery (L7) in February 1988 (589), east of Ilam bazaar
vens from the upper Mai Valley (S7) at (R8) in January and March 1988 (658) and Hanga Tham in
2135m on 3 and 8 April 1912 (740). March 1988 (465). Inhabits thick undergrowth in damp
Scarce, presumably a resident, subject to forests, and secondary jungle often near streams. Range
altitudinal movements. Recorded from Himalayas from Garhwal and east Nepal east to Arunachal
250m to 2135m between January and Pradesh.
SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT Luscinia calliope
Eurasian Rubythroat (Erithacus calliope)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
winter visitor and passage migrant, found
occasionally up to 1370m. Probably over-
looked because of its skulking behaviour.
Inhabits thick undergrowth, wet ravines
and long grass often near water. Range
Winters in the Himalayas from Nepal east
to Arunachal Pradesh; south to Rajast-
han, Andhra Pradesh and Bangladesh.
BLUETHROAT Luscinia svecica
(Entthacus svecicus)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly a fairly common winter visitor and
passage migrant up to 915m. Noted on
passage at about 3445m on 28 September
1972 in Khumbu (474), at Tukche be-
tween 14 September and 10 October 1973
(76) and at Khaptad (C3) on 1 May 1988
(428). Two specimens from the eastern
tarai (Q8) were L. s. pallidogularis (62),
but no others have been subspecifically
identified. Skulks in damp ravines, scrub,
reeds, tall grass and cultivation near
water. Range Winters throughout the
subcontinent.
Chats/Thrushes 239
WHITE-TAILED RUBYTHROAT Luscinia pectoralis
Himalayan Rubythroat (Erithacus pectoralis) é
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Occasional. Three races occur. L. p. pec-
toralis (p) is a resident subject to altitudi-
nal movements. Summers in west and
central areas. Breeding confirmed at
Manangbhot (H4) between 3960m and
4570m (512), and at 3300m at Thare Pati : o Be:
(L5) (48). A few winter records from % é eae i, s
275m to 1340m east to Jhapa District (S8) y
(247). L. p. confusa (c) is a resident sub- Sa al | Se 2S
ject to altitudinal movements. Found
breeding in Khumbu between 4200m and
4800m (190) and wintering in the foothills
(62). Only two records of L. p. tschebaiewi shrubberies and Caragana scrub above the treeline in
(t): in winter and on passage (246). Inhab- summer; dense scrub in winter. Range Himalayas from
its dwarf rhododendron and juniper Baltistan east to Arunachal Pradesh.
INDIAN BLUE ROBIN Luscinia brunnea
Blue Chat (Erithacus brunneus)
Lia SI TTF M AAM J JAA SOND
Subspecies brunnea. The species was de- Occasionally seen in the lowlands on passage in spring. A
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson male on 5 March 1982 at Chitwan (77) was possibly an early
(371,798). Mainly a fairly common sum- migrant. Found in winter at Thare Pati (L5) in November
mer visitor, arriving in April. Common at 1970, and the Rapti dun (L7) in December 1970 (444).
Khaptad (C3) (657,428). Breeds above Skulks in dense undergrowth in damp forests. Range
2135m, most frequently between 2440m Breeds in the Himalayas from Pakistan to Arunachal
and 3355m. Proved breeding on Sheopuri Pradesh. Winters in s. India and occasionally in the Hima-
(243,635) and in the Mai valley (740). layan foothills.
SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN Luscinia cyane
_ (Enithacus cyane)
Vagrant. The only record is of an adult
male seen on 29 November 1985 at
Nagarjung, Kathmandu Valley, at about
1450m by R. Roberts (677). Range Strag-
gler to W. Bengal and Manipur.
240
ORANGE-FLANKED BUSH-ROBIN Tarsiger cyanurus
Red-flanked Bluetail (Erithacus cyanurus)
Chats/Thrushes
Subspecies rufilatus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (391,798). A common resident
subject to altitudinal movements. Mainly
summers between 3000m and 4000m, and
winters from 1370m to 2745m. Proved
breeding at Dori Lekh (E3) (626),
Khumjung (P6) (190) and in the
Dhorpatan valley (G5) (499). Inhabits the
understorey and bushes at clearing edges
in broadleaved and coniferous forests.
Range Breeds in the Himalayas from
N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Winters south to n.e. India.
GOLDEN BUSH-ROBIN 9 Tarsiger chrysaeus
(Erithacus chrysaeus)
Subspecies chrysaeus. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(391,798). A resident subject to altitudi-
nal movements: most frequent in summer
between 3500m and 4200m, and in winter
from 1700m and 2800m. Fairly common
north-west of Pokhara (HS), Langtang
(LS,MS) and in the Arun and upper Mai
WHITE-BROWED BUSH-ROBIN Tarsiger indicus
(Erithacus indicus)
Subspecies indicus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A resident subject to alti-
tudinal movements. Occasionally seen in
summer between 3000m and 4000m, and
in winter from 2100m to 3050m. Noted at
the unusually low altitude of 915m at
valleys; occasionally seen elsewhere. Confirmed breeding
south of Annapurna (H5) (499) and in the Gandak-Kosi wa-
tershed (L5) (633). Frequents dense shrubberies of birch,
rhododendron and juniper above the treeline, and rocky
slopes with scattered shrubs in summer; thick undergrowth
in evergreen forests, or secondary scrub, in winter. Range
Himalayas from Hazara east to Arunachal Pradesh, and n.e.
India.
Phewa Talin February 1988 (262). Found breeding south of
Annapurna (H5) (499). Occurs in dense shrubberies of fir,
birch, rhododendron and juniper, and in bushes at forest
edges. Range Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arunachal
Pradesh, and n.e. India.
Chats/Thrushes 241
WHITE-BROWED BUSH-ROBIN, cont’d ...
First collected by B. Hodgson (388). An
altitudinal migrant, presumably resident.
Occasionally found in summer between 1
3200m and 4200m, and in winter from 2
2135m to3050m. Described asvery scarce
in the Himalayas in 1973 (48) and there
were only four Nepalese records up to oe ss \
1978, but its population has apparently in- 3 ‘ = :
creased recently. Regularly found in i
spring near Gapte cave at about 3505m
Sa Oma et
since 1979 (L5) with a maximum of ten a ee FA ey
birds on 30 May 1982 (207). Pairs were
seen feeding young there in May in 1979
(651,652), 1980 (440) and 1982 (207). (HS). Chiefly single records from elsewhere. Found at
Young just able to fly were seen on3 June Kabre (H4) at about 1500m in January 1983, the western
at 3200m in Helambu (244). The nest and limit of the species’s range. Inhabits edges and clearings of
eggs are undescribed (48). Regularly re- dwarf birch and rhododendron forest, especially near
ported in winter from north-west of streams. Range Breeds in the Himalayas from Nepal east to
Pokhara, especially from Ghorepani Arunachal Pradesh. Winters south to n.e. India.
ASIAN MAGPIE-ROBIN Copsychus saularis
Magpie Robin, Robin Dayal
Subspecies saularis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (360). A commmon resident up
to 1525m and occasionally found up to
2000m. Subject to some local movements.
Occurs in the Kathmandu Valley
throughout the year, but surprisingly only
reported at Chitwan from March to Octo-
ber (296). Proved breeding in these areas
and at Hetaura (100). A female with a
brood patch was mist-netted as high as
3050m at Chankheli on 7 July 1979 (626).
Inhabits villages, towns, gardens, groves,
open dry broadleaved forests, and secon-
dary growth. Range Most of the subconti-
nent, except parts of the arid north-west.
242 Chats/Thrushes
WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA 1 Copsychus malabaricus
Shama
Subspecies indicus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A resident, mainly occur-
ring up to 365m. The maximum altitude
reported is 500m in Ilam District (R8) in
April (658). Common at Chitwan where
proved breeding (296); fairly common
near Dharan and north of Sunischare; oc-
casionally seen elsewhere. Frequents
undergrowth in broadleaved forests.
Range Himalayan foothills from Kumaon
east to Arunachal Pradesh, and south to
e. Madhya Pradesh and the Eastern
Ghats; also in w. and s.w. India.
RUFOUS-BACKED REDSTART Phoenicurus erythronotus
Eversmann’s Redstart
First recorded at Jomosom at 2805m in
December 1949 by R.L. Fleming Sr.
(647). A winter visitor. Fairly common at
Rara Lake in February (243), occasion-
ally seen at Jumla and regularly seen but
uncommon in the upper Kali Gandaki
valley. Noted at Pisang (J4) at 3300m on
15 November 1981 (553), the most east-
erly record of the species in the Hima-
layas. Found amongst scrub and on stone es | S| Ss |
walls bordering fields in dry habitats. ae ae i
Range Winters in n. Baluchistan, and the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Nepal.
BLUE-CAPPED REDSTART Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus
Blue-headed Redstart
7
Chats/Thrushes
BLUE-CAPPED REDSTART, cont’d ...
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
resident subject to altitudinal move-
ments. Fairly common in the breeding
season in the north-west, from the upper
Kali Gandaki valley (H4) westwards.
Occasionally seen further east to the
Kathmandu Valley and Langtang, and
BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros
Subspecies rufiventris. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). An altitudinal migrant.
Common in summer in the Tibetan
steppe region between 2560m and 5700m.
Mainly winters in the tarai and foothills
up to about 700m. Proved breeding at
Chharkabhotagaon (G3) (620), in
Khumbu (190), and in the upper Kali
Gandaki valley (811). Migrants were
noted in the upper Kali Gandaki valley in
September and October 1973: a peak of
about 100 occurred on 10 October (76).
Inhabits grasslands above the treeline in
summer; stony areas, thin scrub, and cul-
tivation in winter. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Sikkim.
Winters south throughout the subconti-
nent.
HODGSON’S REDSTART Phoenicurus hodgsoni
The species was first collected by B.
Hodgson from the Kathmandu Valley
(336,388) and described by F. Moore
(409,798). A winter visitor seen occasion-
ally, mainly from 760m to 2800m, but
common in the Kathmandu and upper
Kali Gandaki valleys. Noted at 150m in
south-east Nepal (302). Late migrants
seen at Ghora Tabela (LS) on 30 April
and 1 May 1981 (517), above Muktinath
at 5030m in May 1978 (301), and at Pher-
iche (P6) at 4240m on 23 April 1982 (207).
Frequents grass areas interspersed with
bushes, dry cultivation, and open forests.
Range Winters in the Himalayas from
Naini Tal east to Arunachal Pradesh; and
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
243
scarce in east Nepal. Mainly summers between 2900m to
4270m, and winters between 1370m and 2900m. Noted at
the unusually low altitude of 800m at Dipayal (B3) in
February 1988 (68). Proved breeding at Rara Lake (620).
Summers on rocky ground in juniper and open conifer
forests and winters.in open forests and scrub. Range
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Bhutan.
Looms le — TPM AAM) sed S ND
244
Chats/Thrushes
BLUE-FRONTED REDSTART Phoenicurus frontalis
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common altitudinal migrant. Chiefly
summers between 3350m and 4900m, and
winters between 1000m and 3050m, but
noted as low as 455m in the south-east
(302). Proved breeding in Khumbu, at
Kyangjin (M5) (199), in the Dolpo (G3)
(243) and north-west of Pokhara (300).
Inhabits open rhododendron, birch and
juniper shrubberies and stony slopes
above the treeline in summer. Winters in
fields and open forest. Range Breeds in
the Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to
Arunachal Pradesh. Winters south to n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
WHITE-THROATED REDSTART Phoenicurus schisticeps
as
NS
The species was described from Nepal by
J.E. and G.R. Gray from a Hodgson
specimen (277,798). A high altitude resi-
dent subject to relatively small altitudinal
movements. Occasionally seen in summer
between 3050m and 4200m and in winter
between 2500m and 3050m, but noted at
Sn Oe
3965m in January on Gosainkund ridge (244). Recorded at
Khaptad (C3) on 16 March 1989 (68), the western limit of
the species’s range. Common between Kalopani and Jomo-
som in winter. Its breeding behaviour is little known. Fre-
quents open shrubberies on rocky slopes. Range Himalayas
from w. Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh.
GULDENSTADT’S REDSTART Phoenicurus erythrogaster
White-winged Redstart
Subspecies grandis. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by R.L.
Fleming Sr. from Jomosom at 2805m in
December 1949 (647). An altitudinal
migrant occurring at high elevations.
Found between 2650m and 3965m in
winter and probably higher; in summer mainly between
4900m and 5600m. Fairly common between Tukche and
Muktinath in winter, uncommon elsewhere. Other locali-
ties include Jumla, Manang, Langtang and also Khumbu,
where proved breeding (190). Inhabits the dry alpine zone
in summer; stony pastures, rocky moraines and scrubby
areas in winter. Range Himalayas from Chitral east to
Arunachal Pradesh.
Chats/Thrushes
GULDENSTADTSS REDSTART, cont’d ...
245
PLUMBEOUS REDSTART Rhyacomnis fuliginosus
Subspecies fuliginosus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A common resident
subject to altitudinal movements. Win-
ters between 75m and 2560m; most fre-
quently between 1000m and 1800m.
Summers mainly between 1525m and
3750m; uncommonly up to 4420m.
Proved breeding in the Kathmandu Val-
ley (629) and at Sukipatal (Q6) (12). Fre-
quents fast-flowing rocky streams. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from N.W.F.P.
east to Arunachal Pradesh, and in n.e.
India. Winters south to Bangladesh.
WHITE-BELLIED REDSTART Hodgsonius phoenicuroides
Hodgson’s Shortwing
Subspecies phoenicuroides. The species
was described from Nepal by J.E. and
G.R. Gray from a Hodgson specimen
(277,798). A summer visitor, occasionally
seen between 2900m and 4270m. Breed-
ing confirmed in the Dhorpatan valley
(GS) (499), and in upper Manang (H4)
(757). A scarce winter visitor to the foot-
hills, with only two records received: from
Bardia (192) and Marek (G6) at 915m
(247). Summers in birch, rhododendron
and juniper shrubberies near the treeline;
winters in thick undergrowth and forest
edges. Range Himalayas from the Indus
River east to Arunachal Pradesh.
246 Chats/Thrushes
WHITE-TAILED ROBIN Cinclidium leucurum
White-tailed Blue Robin
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (391). A local and uncom- chowki and also Sheopuri, where proved breeding (635). A
mon resident subject to altitudinal move- rare winter visitor to Chitwan and Phewa Tal. Single rec-
ments. Summers between 1900m and ords received from most other areas. Probably overlooked
2745m, and mainly winters below 915m. because of its secretive behaviour. Frequents undergrowth
Seen near Lete (H4) at 2440m on 16 in dense, damp forest, often near streams. Range Hima-
November 1979, the westernmost record layas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
of the species (206). Summers on Phul- Bangladesh.
[BLUE-FRONTED ROBIN Cinclidium frontale
Blue-fronted Long-tailed Robin
Subspecies frontale. Obtained by B. probably of this species, singing at Phulchowki on 28 and 30
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but April 1979 (474). Inhabits wet subtropical forest. Range
the specimen may have originated in In- Himalayas in Nepal?, Sikkim and Darjeeling.]
dia. The only other report is of a bird,
GRANDALA Grandala coelicolor
Hodgson’s Grandala
= ; 000m OO ay a
Chats/Thrushes
GRANDALA, cont’d ...
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (386,798). A locally fairly
common, high altitude resident, subject
to altitudinal movements. Summers be-
tween 3900m and 5500m. Winters mainly
between 3000m and 3960m, occasionally
PURPLE COCHOA Cochoa purpurea
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (347). He found it in the
lower hills, and also in breeding condition
in the northern hills on 20 May (336).
Scarce, presumably resident. The only
recent reports are from Sukipatal, upper
Arun valley (Q6) at 2135m on 6 Novem-
ber 1973 (12) and the Mai valley: found
near Hanga Tham at 2255m on 14 May
1970 (9) and on 20 September 1978 (301),
and near Ilam (R8), also in 1978 (178).
Only three other records of singles: on
Sheopuri ridge on 21 May 1921 (423), at
2135m inthe same area between 1942 and
1945 (733), and at Bhimpedi on 10 May
GREEN COCHOA = Cochoa viridis
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (347,798). He obtained at
least four specimens from the lower hills
in June (336). There are no later records.
In India frequents undergrowth in damp,
dense broadleaved evergreen forests in
tropical and subtropical zones. Range
Himalayas in Kumaon, Nepal, Darjeeling
and Sikkim; possibly Bhutan and Arun-
achal Pradesh; and n-e. India.
COMMON STONECHAT Saxicola torquata
Collared Bushchat, Stonechat
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Common. Three races occur. Their status
and distribution are not fully understood.
S. t. maura (m) is a winter visitor of uncer-
tain status (62,619,682). S. ¢. przevalskii
(p) is mainly a common winter visitor up
to 1500m and a passage migrant. It also
breeds in the Tibetan plateau region
above 2745m (243,620). S. t. indica (i) isa
common resident subject to altitudinal
movements. It summers between 365m
and 2895m. This subspecies proved
247
descending in bad weather: recorded as low as 1950m near
Ghandrung (HS) on 18 March 1989 (166). Regularly re-
ported from Gosainkund, Kyangjin (M5), Dole to Gokyo
(P6) and, in severe winters, from the upper Kali Gandaki
valley. Proved breeding in Khumbu (190). Frequents rocky
slopes and stony alpine meadows. Range Himalayas from
Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh.
IE SI, J 5 F F Fen St JAA a ae a
1947 (100). Breeds from early May to mid-June. Inhabits
damp, dense broadleaved, evergreen forests of the tropical
and lower temperate zones. Range Himalayas from
Kumaon east to Arunachal Pradesh, and n.e. India.
BROWN ROCK CHAT Cercomela fusca
Scarce. First recorded by R.L. Fleming who collected a
specimen at Kosi Barrage on 12 March 1969 (244). The only
other confirmed record is of a pair breeding at Hariaun,
Sarlahi District (L7); the parents were feeding young in
August 1989 and four or five individuals were seen after-
wards (494). There is also an undated sighting from
Bhairawa that possibly relates to this species (244). Found
amongst buildings in open country. Range Resident in n.e.
Pakistan; n.w. and central India.
breeding in the Kathmandu Valley (659), and at Hetaura
(100). The species has also been confirmed to breed in Doti
District (B3,C3) (428) and at Pokhara (326). Thousands of
birds not subspecifically identified were noted passing
through the Valley between 5 and 14 April 1948, but no
large scale return migration was observed in autumn (629).
Common in the upper Kali Gandaki valley in September
and October (76), and very common at Kosi Barrage in
winter and early spring, presumably on passage. Frequents
open country and cultivation with scattered bushes. Range
Breeds in n. Baluchistan, and the Himalayas from Chitral
east to Arunachal Pradesh. Winters south throughout the
subcontinent.
248
COMMON STONECHAT, cont’d ...
WHITE-TAILED STONECHAT Saxicola leucura
White-tailed Bushchat
First recorded at Bilauri (A4) at 275m on
28 January 1937 by FM. Bailey (62). A
local resident of the lowlands. Fairly
common at Sukla Phanta, Chitwan, and
Kosi Barrage. Proved breeding at Chi-
twan (56,296,111) and north of Kosi Bar-
rage (294), and at Sukla Phanta (432).
Single reports from elsewhere. There are
two doubtful records from the Kath-
mandu Valley in April (243); the species
has not been recorded above 700m else-
where in its range. Inhabits reeds and tall
grassland often in wet areas. Range Paki-
stan and n. India east to n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
HODGSON’S BUSHCHAT Saxicola insignis
White-necked Bushchat
Chats/Thrushes
a TOU
i : 9000m Se
Chats/Thrushes
HODGSON’S BUSHCHAT, cont'd ...
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by J.E. and G.R. Gray (277,798) but this
apparently originated in India (413). First
definitely recorded by R.L. Fleming south
of Kosi Barrage on 11 April 1975
(186,293). It is an uncommon winter visi-
tor there, observed between November
PIED BUSHCHAT Saacola caprata
Subspecies bicolor. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Common from the tarai
up to 915m; fairly common to 1400m, and
occasionally seen up to 2440m in summer
but noted at 2665m at Marpha (H4) in
March (111). Most birds occurring above
1400m descend to the foothills in winter.
Proved breeding at Chitwan (296), Sukla
Phanta (432,750), and also in the Kath-
mandu Valley (756). Nest-building has
been observed as early as 1 February at
Chitwan (180). Frequents cultivation and
open country with sparse scrub. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
JERDON’S BUSHCHAT Saxcola jerdoni
Vagrant. The only records are of a male
on 11 May 1975, and another male with a
GREY BUSHCHAT Saxcola ferrea
Dark-grey Bush Chat
Subspecies ferrea. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by J.E. and G.R. Gray
from a Hodgson specimen (277,798). A
fairly common altitudinal migrant. Sum-
mers between 1500m and 3355m, most
frequently above 1800m. Chiefly winters
between 915m and 2125m. It is a rare
winter visitor to the tarai. Breeding con-
firmed on Sheopuri (635) and in Doti
District (C3) (438). Inhabits secondary
growth, forest edges, and scrub-covered
hillsides. Range Breeds in the Himalayas
from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal
Pradesh, and in n.e. India. Winters south
to the plains of n. India and Bangladesh.
249
and late April. Only single reports from two other localities:
two immature males collected along the Manora River (L6)
at 1380m on 9 October 1982 (589), and one seen at
Meghauli (J6) on 23 March 1986 (403). The maximum of
over 10 was recorded at the Barrage on 17 and 18 March
1982 (541). Found in tall grasses, tamarisk, and reeds by the
river. Range Winters in n. India from Ambala east to As-
sam.
possible juvenile on 19 June 1976, seen by R.C. Gregory-
Smith at Kosi Barrage (293). Found in reedbeds. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh, and
south to e. Bihar and Bangladesh.
250
ISABELLINE WHEATEAR 1 Oéenanthe isabellina
First recorded by the Manora River,
Kathmandu Valley at 1280m on 16 No-
vember 1968 (9), and twice seen in the
same area in April by R.L. Fleming (243).
A scarce passage migrant. One was ob-
served by New Road, Kathmandu at
NORTHERN WHEATEAR 1 Oécnanthe oenanthe
Wheatear
Subspecies oenanthe? Vagrant. The only
record is of an adult male seen on 1 April
1983 at Meghauli (J6) by C. Byers and A.
Adams (140). Another record of an Oe-
nanthe species seen at Kyangjin (M5) on
18 April 1984 (624) was previously incor-
rectly ascribed to this species in the first
edition of this book (435). Range Vagrant
to Pakistan, n.w. India and Nepal.
PIED WHEATEAR Oe6cnanthe pleschanka
Vagrant. The only record is of one, proba-
bly a first year male, seen at Tukche at
DESERT WHEATEAR Oecnanthe deserti
Subspecies oreophila. A scarce but regu-
lar summer visitor and passage migrant.
First recorded by R. Jarman and W.
Howard at Tukche on 1 April 1971 (450).
Subsequently reported several times in
the upper Kali Gandaki valley between
Marpha and Jomosom, between 2650m
and2715m, from mid-March to mid-June.
Collected in the Dolpo (G3,H3) in June
(243,587) and seen at Rara Lake (127).
The only other reports are of singles,
presumably on passage, at Chitwan in
April 1981 (296), in the Yamdi Khola
valley (H5) in March 1985, and at Khap-
tad (C3) in May 1988 (428,68). Inhabits
dry semi-desert country. Range Breeds in
n. Baluchistan, and the Himalayas from
Kashmir east to c. Nepal. Winters south
through Pakistan and n. India.
Chats/Thrushes
1370m on 13 March 1982 (811). The only other records are
fromthe upper Kali Gandakivalley in March 1982, between
2440m and 2590m: singles were reported from Tukche on
18 March (207,561), and on 27 March at Lete (294) and Ka-
lopani (199). Found in dry cultivation. Range Breeds in n.
Baluchistan, and in the Himalayas in N.W.F.P. Winters in
Pakistan and n.w. India.
2590m on 11 January 1985 by T. Andrews (59). Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Lahul;
migrant in n. Baluchistan; vagrant elsewhere in the subcon-
tinent.
Sa S| == SS
3000m TE MAA M JAJA S O ND
Chats/Thrushes
VARIABLE WHEATEAR Oécnanthe picata
Eastern Pied Wheatear
Scarce. First recorded by P. Hagen at
Birendranagar, Surkhet valley (D4) at
760m on 3 December 1979; it remained
WHITE-CAPPED REDSTART Chaimarromis le
White-capped River Chat (Thamnolaea leucocephala) F
D G K
River Chat
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common altitudinal migrant. Mainly
summers between 1830m and 5100m.
Proved breeding in Khumbu (190). Win-
INDIAN ROBIN Saxcoloides fulicata
Indian Chat
251
until February 1980 and the species was seen in the same
area in subsequent winters (244). The only other record is of
one seen at Chisapani Gorge, Bardia (C4) on 13 February
1988 (731). Range Breeds in n. Baluchistan and north to
Gilgit. Winters in Pakistan and n.w. India.
ters most frequently between 915m and 1525m; occasionally
up to 2590m, and in the foothills from 245m to 915m.
Occurs on rocks in rushing streams. Often found at consid-
erable distances from water in summer in the alpine zone.
Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal
Pradesh, and n.e. India.
Subspecies cambaiensis. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). A local resident
reported up to 760m and most often from
the west. Uncommon at $ukla Phanta, Bardia and Nepal-
ganj, and rare at Chitwan (J6,K6). Mainly single reports re-
ceived from other areas. Inhabits sparse scrub in dry stony
areas and edges of cultivation. Range Throughout the sub-
continent.
252 Chats/Thrushes
BLUE-CAPPED ROCK-THRUSH Monticola cinclorhyncha
Blue-headed Rock-Thrush
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
summer visitor, occasionally seen be-
tween early April and early October from
1200m up to 2135m. Proved breeding at
Silgadi Doti (B3) (438), in the Trisuli
valley (L5,L6) (440,517), and Ilam Dis-
trict (R8) (658). Inhabits coniferous for-
ests and rocky slopes with scattered trees. 5 ae Ba o
Range Breeds in the Himalayas from :
N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh, and i (a —_—_
in n.e. India. Winters mainly in s.w. India ie
and Assam.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED ROCK-THRUSH 1 Monticola rufiventris
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident subject to some
altitudinal movements. Mainly summers
between 1800m and 3400m, but recorded
up to 4460m at Gosainkund (543). Win-
ters between 915m and 2380m, but is most
frequent between 1800m and 2135m.
Found breeding in the upper Mai valley \ \
(740). Frequents coniferous and 8 *
broadleaved forests. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from Murree east to Arun- a ——— arya,
achal Pradesh, and in n.e. India. Winters
south to Bangladesh, and rarely in the
plains of n. India.
BLUE ROCK-THRUSH Monticola solitarius
Subspecies pandoo. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). An altitudinal migrant.
Occasionally seen in summer in the
Trans-Himalayan region between 2590m
and 4880m and in winter from the tarai up
to 1400m. Confirmed to breed at Manang
(757), andin Dolpo District (G3) (243). A
male near Naudanda (H5) on 22 Decem-
ber 1973, showing characters of the race
M. s. philippensis (518), forms the first
record of the race for the subcontinent.
However, birds showing features inter-
mediate between M. s. pandoo and M. s.
philippensis have been recorded from winters along streams or amongst old buildings. Range
Assam and Meghalaya (49). Summers in Breeds in n. Baluchistan, and in the Himalayas from
open rocky areas or on steep cliffs and N.W.F-.P. east to west-central Nepal. Winters throughout
the subcontinent.
Chats/Thrushes
BLUE WHISTLING THRUSH Myiophoneus caeruleus
Whistling Thrush (Myiophonus caeruleus)
Subspecies temminckii. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A common resident
subject to vertical movements. Chiefly
summers between 1500m and 3100m, but
noted at 4800m in Khumbu on 15 May
1954 (109); winters from the tarai up to
2745m. Found breeding in the Dhorpatan
valley (499), Solu (P6) (109) and the
Trisuli valley (LS) (771). Occurs along
streams and rivers in forested areas. Fa-
vours gorges and ravines. The upper limit
ofits summer range usually coincides with
the treeline. Range Breeds in n. Baluchis-
tan, the Himalayas from Chitral east to
Arunachal Pradesh, and in n.e. India and
Bangladesh. Winters in the foothills and
rarely in the adjacent plains.
(TT
253
PLAIN-BACKED MOUNTAIN THRUSH 9 Zoothera mollissima
Plain-backed Thrush
Subspecies mollissima. First recorded by
E. Blyth from a Hodgson specimen (114).
A fairly common altitudinal migrant,
wintering between 1500m and 2400m.
Chiefly summers between 3000m and
4000m. Juveniles were taken on 28 and 29
July 1964 between 3900m and 3930m near
Tarke Gyang (M5) (247). Its breeding be-
haviour is poorly known. Inhabits fir for-
ests and open grassy slopes near the
treeline in summer; broadleaved and
coniferous forests in winter. Range Hima-
layas from Hazara east to Arunachal
Pradesh, and n.e. India.
LONG-TAILED MOUNTAIN THRUSH
Long-tailed Thrush
First recorded by B. Hodgson breeding at
Jahar Powah, Kathmandu Valley (336).
An altitudinal migrant, occasionally seen
in winter between 1500m and 2700m, and
in summer from 2100m to 4250m. Breed-
ing also confirmed near Jumla (620),
Tarke Gyang (M5) (247) and at Chandab-
ari (LS) (321). Occurs in forests of birch,
fir or juniper near the treeline in summer;
thick forests, often near streams in winter.
Range Himalayas from the Sutlej River
east to Arunachal Pradesh, andn.e. India.
254 Chats/Thrushes
SCALY THRUSH Zoothera daumna
Speckled Mountain Thrush, White’s Thrush,
Golden Mountain Thrush
Subspecies dauma. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A partial migrant. Fairly
common in summer between 2320m and
3540m. Found breeding in Langtang
(199), on Sheopuri (243), and at
Chankheli (627). Common between 275m
and 1500m in winter, when numbers are
augmented by migrants from elsewhere.
Inhabits thick forests with dense under- no ae eee
growth, often near streams. Range ,
Breeds in the Himalayas from Murree
east to Arunachal Pradesh, and inn.e. and
s.w. India. Winters south to Madhya
Pradesh and Bangladesh.
LONG-BILLED THRUSH 1 Zoothera monticola
Large Long-billed Thrush, Large Brown Thrush Beet
Subspecies monticola. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A resident subject to
altitudinal movements. Occasionally seen
in winter between 915m and 2500m;
rarely at lower altitudes. Reported in
summer between 2285m and 3850m.
Proved breeding in Langtang (264). In-
habits the forest floor in dense, damp
forests, usually near streams. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from Kulu east a ——_————] a?
9000n JF MAAN
to Arunachal Pradesh, and in n.e. India.
Winters south to Bangladesh.
DARK-SIDED THRUSH Zoothera marginata
Lesser Long-billed Thrush, Lesser Brown Thrush oe
Scarce. First collected by B. Biswas on 8
March 1947 at Amlekhganj (K7) at 305m.
He also obtained two on 5S and 10 May
1947 at Bhimpedi (100). A specimen
taken at Barmdeo Mandi (A3) at 290m in
January 1953 (647) is the westernmost
record of the species. The only other rec-
ord is of one at Shyaksila Toten, Barun
valley (Q6) at 2195m on 22 November
1984 (588). Frequents the forest floor in
damp forests near streams. Range Hima-
layas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Chats/Thrushes
PIED GROUND THRUSH Zoothera wardii
Pied Thrush
First recorded by B. Hodgson, who found
it breeding in the Kathmandu Valley
(388,414). An uncommon summer visitor,
mainly found between 1500m and 2400m.
One seen at Ghasa at about 2040m at the
early date of 26 February (403). Regularly
seen in the Trisuli valley between
Ramche and Dhunche (LS). Other locali-
ties include Khaptad (C3), between
Surkhet and Dailekh (D4), north-west of
Pokhara (H4,H5), Phulchowki and the
lower Arun valley. Found breeding near
Bokejunda, Trisuli valley (LS) (440,652),
Khaptad (C3) (68) and near Syabru (LS)
(294). Single reports from most other
areas. Occurs in open forests and in thick
undergrowth along streams. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from the Kulu
valley east to Arunachal Pradesh, and in
n.e. India. Migrates through India to
winter in Sri Lanka.
ORANGE-HEADED GROUND THRUSH
Orange-headed Thrush
Subspecies citrina. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common partial
migrant. Mainly a summer visitor occur-
ting from mid-April to early October,
between 250m and 1830m. Found breed-
255
ing at Chitwan (296) and at Rani Bagh (L6) (629). Some
birds winter in the tarai and dun. Noted at 915m at Pokhara
in January 1990 (138). Found in damp forests, often in wet
ravines. Range Breeds in the Himalayas from Chamba east
to Arunachal Pradesh, and in Bangladesh, and n.e., e., and
s. India. Winters throughout e. India and Bangladesh.
256 Chats/Thrushes
TICKELL’S THRUSH Turdus unicolor
Indian Grey Thrush
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Mainly a fairly common summer visitor
occurring between April and the end of
October from 1500m to 2450m. Con-
firmed breeding at Gaucher forest (L6)
(629) and in the lower Arun valley (Q7)
(446). Several winter reports from the
lowlands at Chitwan and Sukla Phanta
(700). One seen north-west of Pokhara
(HS) on 5 January (152). In summer in-
habits open broadleaved forests with
little undergrowth. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Nepal
and probably Sikkim. Winters east to
Arunachal Pradesh, and south to Andhra
Pradesh and Bangladesh; and also in n.
Baluchistan.
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WHITE-COLLARED BLACKBIRD Turdus albocinctus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident subject to altitu-
dinal movements. Winters between
1525m and 3000m, mainly above 2100m
but singles noted at about 250m near
Dharan on 24 January 1981 (180) and at
Chitwan (J6) on 5 March 1989 (810).
Chiefly summers between 2400m and
3445m. Found breeding in the Dhorpatan
valley (499). Frequents broadleaved and ce
coniferous forests, especially edges and (i —————1. es
clearings. Range Himalayas from
Chamba east to Arunachal Pradesh, and
n.e. India.
GREY-WINGED BLACKBIRD Turdus boulboul
First recorded by B. Hodgson who found
it breeding at Jahar Powah (L6)
(336,388). A common altitudinal migrant.
Chiefly summers between 2100m and
2745m, but found at 3300m at Bigu on 16
May 1962 (190). Breeding confirmed in
the Hongu valley (P6) (109) and on
Sheopuri (243). Mainly winters between
1400m and 1980m, occasionally descend-
ing as far as the tarai. Summers in damp
broadleaved forests, preferring thicker La == Ss
habitat than White-collared Blackbird. : Ph
Winters in open, wooded country. Range east to Arunachal Pradesh, and n.e. India. Winters down to
Breeds in the Himalayas from Murree the adjacent plains, rarely further south.
Chats/Thrushes 257
EURASIAN BLACKBIRD Turdus merula
Common Blackbird, Blackbird
Subspecies maadmus. First recorded in
Jumla District on 11 August 1952 by O.
Polunin (620). Mainly an erratic visitor in
winter and spring. Chiefly observed be-
tween 3305m and 4800m, although also
found in the tarai in January (243). An
invasion occurred in April and May 1978,
when described as fairly common in Sa-
garmatha National Park (243), and also
seen at Jumla and Langtang (MS) (243).
There are also several records from
Thakkhola (H4), Langtang (L5,MS) and
Khumbu. Mainly single reports from else-
where. Favours juniper shrubberies
above the treeline. Range Himalayas
from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal
Pradesh; hills of peninsular India.
CHESTNUT THRUSH 9 Turdus rubrocanus
Grey-headed Thrush
The species was described from Nepal by
J.E. and G.R. Gray from a Hodgson
specimen (277,798). An uncommon and
erratic winter visitor; possibly breeds.
Most records received are from Decem-
ber to March between 2000m and 2745m.
Mainly seen north-west of Pokhara, on
the hills surrounding the Kathmandu
Valley and upper Arun and upper Mai
valleys. Chiefly single reports from other
areas. Two races recorded, T. r. nubro-
canus (r), and one record of T. r. gouldii
(63). Found in winter in open wooded
country on fruiting trees. Range Breeds in
the Himalayas from Safed Koh east to
Sikkim. Winters south to n.e. India.
KESSLER’S THRUSH Turdus kessleri
White-backed Thrush
A scarce and erratic winter visitor. First ber and 31 December 1988, including over 20 on 21 Novem-
recorded by T. Robinson who saw a male ber at Tongaba Phortse Dangbe (453,456) and over 15 at
on 26 January 1986 above Namche Ba- Shomare on 19 December (596). The only other report
zaar (P6) at about 3445m (680). Three received is of 35 to 40 on 16 February 1989 at Kyangjin (M5)
later sightings in Khumbu (P6) during the at about 3600m (70). Found in mixed birch and rhododen-
same winter (680,558). Several records dron forest, juniper and Berberis shrubberies, and in potato
from Khumbu (P6) between 17 Novem- fields. Range Vagrant to Sikkim and Nepal.
258
EYE-BROWED THRUSH 1 Turdus obscurus
Dark Thrush
A Hodgson specimen was listed from
Nepal by Seebohm (710) but it may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by E. Cronin who netted one in
1973 in the Arun valley (exact location
unknown) (243). A scarce winter visitor
found between 1500m and 2300m. One to
two also seen at Danda Bazaar (Q8) on 6
October 1978 (155), Gokarna on 20 De-
cember 1978 (486,651,652), Hanga Tham
on 22 December 1979 (206) and on 28
April 1986 (321), above Syabru (L5) on 23
April 1985, two sightings in the lower
Arun valley in January 1990 (256), and
one at Basantpur (Q7) in March 1990
(256). There is also a record from 2300m
on 18 May (locality and year unknown)
(49). Range Winters in n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
DUSKY THRUSH 9 Turdus naumanni
Subspecies eunomus. First collected by B.
Hodgson from the Kathmandu Valley on
10 and 29 January (113,336). A scarce
winter visitor found between 915m and
2850m. Reported from Gokarna on 4
February 1979 (486,651,652), and on 26
April 1982 (157). The large numbers re-
ported in spring 1948 at Nagarjung (629)
have not been repeated and are open to
doubt. Singles showing intermediate fea-
tures of T. n. eunomus and T. n. nau-
manni were found near Jomosom from 27
March to 1 April 1983 (56) and at Jolbari
(R7) on 19 January 1989 (307). Recorded
from the upper Kali Gandaki valley at
Lete on 22 to 24 January 1979 (486,
651,652), Marpha on 27 April 1981 (811),
Kalopani on 10 and 11 March 1982
DARK-THROATED THRUSH $9 Turdus ruficollis
Black-throated Thrush, Red-throated Thrush
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common winter visitor. Two subspecies
occur: Black-throated Thrush T. r. atrogu-
laris from the tarai up to 4200m, and Red-
throated Thrush T. r. ruficollis mainly at
higher altitudes from 2400m to 3900m.
Arrives in the Himalayas in October and
descends to lower altitudes during the
a=
Chats/Thrushes
ON ]
(207,561) and at Jomosom on 6 March 1986 (403). The only
other reports are from Phewa Tal on 5 March 1986 (55) and
above Ghorepani on 27 April 1987 (484). Records are
mainly of single birds. Frequents forest edges and scrub.
Range Winters in n.e. India.
winter. Noted in the Kathmandu Valley by mid-November,
but not usually seen at Chitwan and the eastern foothills
(Q8) until February (293). Most birds leave Nepal by the
end of April. Frequents grassy slopes, forest edges and
forests. Range Winters in the Himalayas from N.W.F.P.
east to Arunachal Pradesh, and south to Sind, Madhya
Pradesh, and Bangladesh.
Chats/Thrushes 259
DARK-THROATED THRUSH, cont’d ...
MISTLE THRUSH 9 Turdus viscivorus
Subspecies bonapartei. A Hodgson speci-
men was listed for Nepal by Seebohm
(710) but it may have originated in India.
First definitely recorded by R.L. Fleming
Sr. who collected a specimen east of
Rupal (A3) at 2225m on 9 April 1965
(247). A fairly common resident subject
to altitudinal movements, and reported
east to Machapuchare (244). Mainly
summers between 2400m and 3800m, and
winters between 2135m and 3050m. In-
habits coniferous and broadleaved forests
in summer, and open grassy slopes and
forest edges in winter. Range N. Baluchis-
tan, and the Himalayas from N.W.F.P.
east to Nepal.
LITTLE FORKTAIL Enicurus scouleri
Subspecies scouleri. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common resident
subject to some altitudinal movements.
Summers chiefly between 1830m and
4000m, and winters between 900m and
1830m. Found breeding in the upper Kali
Gandaki valley (811) and in Jumla Dis-
trict (620). Frequents rushing rocky
Streams, often near waterfalls, and in
winter also on slower moving waters.
Range Himalayas from N.W.F-.P. east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh.
260 Chats/Thrushes
BLACK-BACKED FORKTAIL 9 Enicurus immaculatus
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (360). A resident occasion-
ally found up to 1370m from west-central
areas eastwards; few records from the
west. Fairly common and confirmed to
breed at Chitwan (296); also found breed-
ing at Hetaura (100). Occurs on fast-flow-
ing streams in damp broadleaved forest.
Range Himalayas from Garhwal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh.
SLATY-BACKED FORKTAIL Enicurus schistaceus
The species was described from Nepal by localities include the lower Arun and upper Mai valleys, and
B. Hodgson (360,798). Mainly an uncom- north of Sunischare. Mainly single reports from elsewhere.
mon resident between 900m and 1675m. Frequents large fast-flowing rocky streams and lakes.
Fairly common on the Modi Khola and Range Himalayas from Kumaon east to Arunachal
Bhurungdi Khola near Birethante. Other Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
SPOTTED FORKTAIL Enicurus maculatus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (360). A
fairly common resident, mainly summer-
ing between 1370m and 3100m. Some
birds descend from higher elevations in
winter but others remain up to at least
2745m. Proved breeding at Hetaura
(100). Two races occur: E. m. maculatus
(m) (100,109,190,647), and E. m. guttatus
(g) (246,736). Inhabits rocky streams in
forests,and shady ravines, avoiding rivers
and lakes. Range Himalayas from
N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
Warblers 261
CHESTNUT-HEADED TESIA Tesia castaneocoronata
Chestnut-headed Ground Warbler
METI rl
Subspecies castaneocoronata. The spe- and 4000m, most frequently from 2440m to 3300m. Mainly
cies was described by E. Burton, probably winters between 800m and 1830m, but descends to lower al-
from Nepal (139). First definitely re- titudes at Chitwan, where it is a rare visitor (296). Proved
corded by B. Hodgson (371). A fairly breeding at Phulchowki (771). Frequents thick under-
common resident subject to altitudinal growth in broadleaved forest. Range Himalayas from Kulu
movements. Summers between 2135m east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
GREY-BELLIED TESIA Tesia cyaniventer
Dull Slaty-bellied Ground Warbler, Slaty-bellied Ground Warbler
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (371,798). Occasional. An
altitudinal migrant. Summers mainly be-
tween 1525m and 2440m, and winters
from 1830m down to the foothills, and
rarely to the tarai. Found breeding in
Langtang Gorge (L5) (682). Occurs in
tangled undergrowth in thick forest near
small streams; favours ravines in summer,
and shady broadleaved forest in winter.
Range Himalayas from Garhwal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh.
SLATY-BELLIED TESIA Tesia olivea
Scarce, probably resident. The species August at Num and on 21 September at Khandbari (590).
was discovered in Nepal by H.S. Nepali in Frequents dense undergrowth in damp, broadleaved, ever-
the Arun valley (Q6,Q7) between 1000m green forest. Range Himalayas from e. Nepal east to Arun-
and 1700m. First recorded at Hururu on achal Pradesh; n.e. India.
30 August 1986 and later seen on 31
262
Warblers
PALE-FOOTED BUSH WARBLER Cettia pallidipes
Blanford’s Bush Warbler
Subspecies pallidipes. First definitely re-
corded at Simra on 4 March 1947 by B.
Biswas (102). A local resident. Fairly
common at Chitwan (J6,K6). Chiefly
single reports from elsewhere. It is shy
and skulking as are other bush warblers,
and is probably overlooked as it is more
often heard than seen. Inhabits tall
grasses and bushes at forest edges. Range
Himalayas from Dehra Dun east to Arun-
achal Pradesh, and n.e. India.
BROWN-FLANKED BUSH WARBLER Cettia fortipes
Strong-footed Bush Warbler (C. montana)
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (391,798). An altitudinal
migrant whose seasonal movements are
uncertain. Found between about 1400m
and 2135m in December (307) and be-
tween 1800m and 3200m in summer.
Reported to be fairly common in spring in
the upper Arun valley (483); several rec-
ords from the upper Mai valley (R7,R8)
and near Ilam (R8) (246,658,307); also
reported from Hans Pokhari (S8) (183). It
is rare further west: single records from
Dandeldhura District (A3) (247), south
of Annapurna (J5) (762), and the
Dhorpatan valley (499). Two races occur:
C.f. fortipes (f) (246), and C. f. pallida (p)
(247). Frequents dense undergrowth in forest and favours
damp ravines. Range Himalayas from Kashmir east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BUSH WARBLER Cettia major
Large Bush Warbler
Subspecies major. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by T. Horsfield and F.
Moore from a specimen included in
Hodgson’s later collection (409,798) but
this may have originated in India. The
first dated records are of several pairs
found breeding by J.M. Thiollay between
3550m and 3680m on Lamjung Himal
(J5) on 16 and 18 June 1977 (762). A
scarce altitudinal migrant. Its breeding
behaviour is poorly known. Found on
Machapuchare (HS) at 3415m on 13 Oc-
tober 1979 (499). A scarce winter visitor
to the lowlands: at Chitwan (J6,K6) from
October to April, also two trapped near
Kosi Barrage in March (243), and noted
_ SS |
0 9000m
ca ee ae
at Tamaspur in December 1979 (681). Summers in thorny
scrub at rhododendron forest edges, and winters in
reedbeds. Range Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arun-
achal Pradesh, and n-.e. India.
Warblers
ABERRANT BUSH WARBLER Cettia flavolivacea
Subspecies flavolivacea. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(798,118). A common resident subject to
altitudinal movements. Mainly summers
between 2440m and 3600m, and winters
between 915m and 1830m. A rare winter
visitor, recorded at lower altitudes at
Tamaspur and Chitwan. Frequents
shrubberies and also bushes at forest
edges and in clearings. Range Himalayas
from Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh,
and n.e. India.
263
YELLOW-BELLIED BUSH WARBLER Cettia acanthizoides
Hume’s Bush Warbler, Verreaux’s Bush Warbler
Subspecies brunnescens. Collected by B.
Hodgson who confused it with Brown-
flanked Bush Warbler; the specimens
have now been correctly identified in the
British Museum (Natural History).
Scarce, probably resident. All other rec-
ords are from spring and summer be-
tween 2000m and 3660m. Collected on
the Singalila Ridge (S7) at 3050m on 29
April 1912 (738), on Walung ridge (Q6) at
2000m on 12 March 1959 (482), and on
the northern slopes of Sheopuri at 2590m
on 30 March 1969 (9). Two singing males
were found in July 1973 above Tukche
between 3150m and 3250m (529). Fairly
common at Khaptad (C3): at least 11
singing birds found between 21 and 27
May 1988 at about 2700m (428). One seen
in Annapurna Sanctuary (H5) on 3 April 1987 (463). Noted
near Sheopuri summit: in May 1986 (578) and on 16 April
1988 (438). Inhabits ringal bamboo but also found in scrub
above Tukche (529). Range Himalayas from Garhwal east
to Arunachal Pradesh.
GREY-SIDED BUSH WARBLER Cettia brunnifrons
Rufous-capped Bush Warbler
Subspecies brunnifrons. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(391,798). A common altitudinal migrant.
Summers chiefly between 2745m and
4000m, and winters between 915m and
2135m, uncommon at lower altitudes
down to 215m. Noted as low as 75m on 16
January 1989 at Kosi Tappu (596). Found
breeding on the hills north of the Kath-
mandu Valley (635), and at Khumjung
(P6) (190). Occurs in rhododendron and
barberries at forest edges in summer, and
in tall grass and dense undergrowth in
winter. Range Breeds in the Himalayas
from the Pir Panjal range east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Winters down to the foothills, and the plains of n.e. India.
264
Warblers
SPOTTED BUSH WARBLER Bradypterus thoracicus
Subspecies thoracicus. The species was
described from Nepal by E. Blyth, from a
Hodgson specimen (118). A scarce altitu-
dinal migrant. Only two summer records.
A nest with eggs was found at 3850m on
Lamjung Himal (J5) on 22 July 1977
(541). Noted to be common in June up to
3350m on the ridge west of Mardi valley,
Machapuchare (HS) and proved breed-
ing there (499,244). One seen near Tato-
pani (H4) at 1220m on 15 April 1977 was
presumably a migrant (243). All other
reports are from the lowlands in winter or
spring: rare at Kosi Barrage and Chitwan
(J6,K6), and single records from San
Pakwa (Q8) on 2 March 1938 (62), Bhorli
(N8) in December 1953 (647), and Sukla
Phanta on 4 and 5 May 1982 (432). Inhab-
CHINESE BUSH WARBLER
Bradypterus tacsanowskius
Subspecies tacsanowskius. Vagrant. First
recorded on 20 February 1938 at
Haraincha (Q8) by F.M. Bailey (62).
Subsequently single birds were found
north of Sunischare on 25 February 1961
(234,246), and at Kosi Barrage on 13
March 1981 (442). Winters in reedbeds.
Range Rare winter visitor to Nepal and
Bhutan.
BRIGHT-CAPPED CISTICOLA Cisticola exalis
—___ =
cas rt JTF M AAM J JAAS O'N D
its rhododendron and juniper shrubberies above the
treeline in summer, reedbeds and tall grass in winter. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from Kashmir east to Arunachal
Pradesh. Winters down to the foothills, and the plains of
n.e. India.
BROWN BUSH WARBLER 1 Bradypterus luteoventris
Subspecies /uteoventris. Vagrant. The species was described
from Nepal by B. Hodgson (391,798). He obtained speci-
mens from the northern hills (336). The other records from
Sukla Phanta (432), listed in the first edition of this book
(435), are now considered unacceptable. Range Himalayas
from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh, and n.e. India.
Golden-headed Cisticola, Golden-headed Fantail Warbler
Subspecies tytleri. First recorded at Dhan-
garhi in December 1952 by R.L. Fleming
Sr. (647). Very local, probably resident.
Fairly common at Sukla Phanta
(432,700), and at Sukebhar, Chitwan.
Four were seen near Damak (R8) in
December 1978 (134). Several records
from Kosi Barrage including a maximum
of six on 4 March 1988 (465). The only
other record is of four seen at Biratnagar
airport in December 1989 (256). Inhabits
tall grassland in the tarai. Range Kumaon
and the Nepal tarai east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. and s.w. India, and Bangla-
desh.
\E it
E 9000m 5 as oe
Warblers
ZITTING CISTICOLA Cisticola juncidis
Fan-tailed Warbler, Fantail Cisticola,
Streaked Fantail Warbler
Subspecies cursitans. First collected by B.
Hodgson (115). A fairly common resident
and summer visitor up to 1350m, locally
up to 1900m. Found in the Kathmandu
Valley from March to October (244).
Proved breeding there (629) and at Chi-
twan (770). A common summer visitor to
the eastern tarai from March to October
(293). Frequents paddyfields, tall grass
and reedbeds. Range Throughout the
subcontinent.
GRACEFUL PRINIA _Prinia gracilis
Fulvous-streaked Prinia, Streaked Wren-Warbler Bes
First definitely recorded at Tribeni (H7)
at 75m on 19 January 1936 by F.M. Bailey
(62). A very local resident in the tarai.
Fairly common along the Karnali River
(C4) (192,243) and south of Kosi Barrage,
where several pairs were proved breeding
(821). Rare at Chitwan (296). Also re-
corded from Bilauri (A4) (62), Haraincha
(Q8) (62), Bardia District (D5) (162),
Kosi Tappu (327) and Chatra (245). The
last record is referable to P. g. stevensi but
the race involved in all other records is
unknown. Found in tall grass along sandy
river beds in the tarai. Range Pakistan
and n. India east to Bangladesh.
PLAIN PRINIA Prinia inomata
Plain Wren-Warbler (P. subflava)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (391). A
resident seen occasionally throughout the
tarai. Two subspecies occur: P. i. fusca (f)
(647) and P. i. terricolor (t) (659). Like
other prinias it is probably under-re-
corded because of field identification dif-
ficulties. Inhabits tall grass and reedbeds
at edges of cultivation and sal forests.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
265
2
\
om J = A —— -_ _ D
Or
266 Warblers
ASHY PRINIA Prinia socialis
Ashy Wren-Warbler
Subspecies stewarti. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but (62). A resident, occasionally seen throughout the tarai.
the specimen may have originated in In- Frequents tall grass and reedbeds at the edges of cultiva-
dia. First definitely recorded by F.M. tion, sal forests and rivers. Prefers wetter habitats than
Bailey at Bilauri (A4) on 9 February 1937 Plain Prinia. Range Throughout most of the subcontinent.
[RUFOUS PRINIA Prinia rufescens
Rufescent Prinia, Beavan’s Wren-Warbler
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal needed. Occurs in tall grassland or light grass patchesunder
by Sharpe (716), but it may have origi- groves of broadleaved trees (48). Range Himalayas from
nated in India. Reported from Chitwan Darjeeling east to Arunachal Pradesh; Orissa, n.e. India
(315,703), but further confirmation is and Bangladesh.]
GREY-CROWNED PRINIA Prinia cinereocapilla
Hodgson’s Wren-Warbler, Grey-capped Prinia F
The species was described from Nepal by
F. Moore from a specimen in Hodgson’s
later collection (409,798) but it may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by R.L. Fleming Sr. at Badamachli
(B4) at 460m in December 1952 (647). A
local resident, mainly found between 75m
and 1065m, but noted as high as 1600m in
the eastern hills (Q8) (293). Fairly com-
mon and confirmed breeding at Chitwan
(J6,K6) (296). Described as common in
the central dun (L7) in 1947 (102) but just
one later record from there. Only a few
reports from other areas, including
Bardia (C4) (162), Tamaspur (206,681),
Trisuli (L6) (180), and [lam District
(681,794). Little is known of its breeding
habits. Frequents bushes in forest clear-
ings and secondary growth; more arbo-
real than other prinias. Range Himalayan
foothills from Kumaon east to Bhutan;
Assam in n. Cachar.
Warblers 267
GREY-BREASTED PRINIA Prinia hodgsonii
Hodgson’s Prinia, Ashy Wren-Warbler,
Franklin’s Wren-Warbler
Subspecies rufula. First collected by B.
Hodgson (115). A fairly common resident
in the tarai, bhabar and dun up to 400m,
occasionally seen up to 1200m, and locally
up to 1750m. Proved breeding at Chitwan
(296). Found in bushes at the edges of
forest and cultivation. Range Throughout
the subcontinent.
at ———} TF MA JS A SAO ND"
YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA Prinia flaviventris
Yellow-bellied Wren-Warbler
Subspecies flaviventris. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by F.M.
Bailey at Bilauri (A4) on 5 February 1937
(62). A local resident. Fairly common at
Sukla Phanta, Kosi marshes, Tamaspur,
and also Chitwan (J6,K6), where found
breeding (296). Single records from else-
where. Occurs in tall grassland along riv-
erbeds, and in reedbeds. Range Pakistan
and nw. India; foothills of the Himalayas
from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
STRIATED PRINIA Prinia criniger
Brown Hill Prinia, Brown Hill Warbler
Subspecies criniger. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(359,798). A common resident. Summers
chiefly between 1220m and 2300m, and
winters between 915m and 2135m. Noted
as low as 75m at Kosi Tappu on 3 March
1988 (327). Confirmed breeding at
Nagarjung (635). Inhabits hillsides
amongst scrub and grass, also terraced
cultivation. Range The hills of Pakistan; (a
Himalayas from Murree east to Arun- :
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
9000n Ties aan M’J'J°A’S’ OAN'D
268
JUNGLE PRINIA Prinia sylvatica
White-tailed Prinia, Jungle Wren-Warbler
Subspecies gangetica. First definitely re-
corded at Banbassa (A4) at about 75m on
11 January 1937 by F.M. Bailey (62). A
resident, occurring in the far western ta-
rai. Occasionally seen at Sukla Phanta
(432,700), Dhangarhi (647) and Bardia
(192,432). Reported from Chitwan
(296,762), but its occurrence there re-
quires further confirmation. Inhabits
scrub and tall grass in open dry areas.
Range Himalayan foothills from Jammu
east to W. Bengal; south to Bangladesh
and s. India.
HILL PRINIA Prinia atrogularis
Warblers
Black-throated Hill Prinia, Black-throated Hill Warbler a
Subspecies atrogularis. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by H. Ste-
vens from the Mai valley (S7) in April
1912 (738). A resident, seen occasionally
in the far east. Regularly reported from
the Mai valley (R7,S7), several records
from Ilam District (R8) and Hans
Pokhari (S8); also noted by the Mewa
Khola, Taplejung District (R7) (243).
One was recorded between Mure and
Hurure, Arun valley (Q6) on 13 June 1988
(537), the western limit of the species’s
range. Found in scrub and grass on hill-
sides, and terraced cultivation between 1400m and 2500m.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh,
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
LARGE GRASS WARBLER Graminicola bengalensis
First recorded at Bilauri (A4) at 270m on
2 February 1937 by F.M. Bailey (62); also
collected there in December 1952 and
January 1953 (647). A very local resident.
Occasionally seen, and possibly breeds at
Chitwan (296). The record from Kosi
Barrage listed in the first edition of this
book (435) has been withdrawn, but the
species has been reported from there in
November 1989 (597). The only other
report is of two at Sukla Phanta on 4 May
1982 (432), the western limit of the spe-
cies’s range. Found in tall grass and reeds
in the tarai. Skulking and probably
overlooked. Range Nepal, n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
Warblers
COMMON TAILORBIRD Orthotomus sutorius
Tailor Bird
Subspecies patia. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident from
75m to 1830m. Confirmed to breed at
Chitwan (296) and in the Kathmandu
Valley (629,708). Inhabits gardens and
bushes at the edges of cultivation, and
broadleaved forests. Range Throughout
the subcontinent.
[MOUNTAIN TAILORBIRD
Orthotomus cuculatus
Golden-headed Tailorbird
Subspecies coronatus. A specimen has
been listed as originating in Nepal, but no
other details are known (716). Described
as obtained by B. Hodgson (48) but not
included in the catalogues of his collec-
tions (276,277,388). Range Himalayas
from Darjeeling east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.]
LANCEOLATED WARBLER Locustella lanceolata
Streaked Grasshopper Warbler
Vagrant. First recorded by F.M. Bailey
who collected a specimen from the east-
ern tarai at San Pakwa (Q8) on 23 Febru-
ary 1938 (62,108). The only other records
are of singles seen at Sukla Phanta on 2, 4
and 5 May 1982 (432), Chitwan on 19
April 1983 (56) and on 4 March 1986
(514), and Kosi Barrage in late January
1987 (594). A specimen from the Babai
River, originally identified as this species
(243), has been redetermined as a Grass-
hopper Warbler by the Chicago Field
Museum (9). Found in tall grassland in
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER = Locustella naevia
Subspecies straminea. Vagrant. A speci-
men was obtained from the Babai River,
Bardia District (DS) in April 1972 by R.L.
Fleming (9,243). Only three other rec-
ords: one ringed on 11 April 1976 at Kosi
269
PALLAS’S WARBLER Locustella certhiola
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler
Subspecies rubescens. Vagrant. First recorded by F.M.
Bailey who collected a specimen by the Kosi River in the
tarai on 12 February 1937 (62,108). One was also seen there
on 17 March 1982 (606) and two on 7 April 1986 (403). The
only other record is of one seen by the Bagmati pools,
Kathmandu Valley on 26 October 1989 (256). Winters in
reedbeds. All Locustella warblers are very skulking, espe-
cially in winter, and are probably overlooked. Range Win-
ters in n.e. India and Bangladesh.
"ST mia mula a'slo'N'D
9000 =
Nepal; also inhabits low vegetation in paddy stubbles (664).
Range Winters in n. and n.e. India, and Bangladesh.
Barrage (287,293), another seen there on 8 April 1983 (56),
and one or two at Chitwan (J6) on 13 April 1985 (59).
Frequents tall grass and reedbeds. Range Winters locally
throughout the subcontinent.
270
BRISTLED GRASS WARBLER Chaetomis striatus
First definitely recorded by R.L. Fleming
Jr. who saw one singing by the Rapti
River, Chitwan (J6) on 24 April 1986
(227). A minimum of five birds was found
in the same area between 6 and 13 May
Warblers
1986, including one nest-building on the latter date
(763,324,321). Found in riverine grassland. Range Punjab in
Pakistan; most of India, but very locally distributed; Bang-
ladesh.
STRIATED MARSH WARBLER Megalurus palustris
Striated Warbler
First recorded from the Kosi River on 15
February 1938 by F.M. Bailey (62). Local,
probably resident. Common at Kosi
Tappu (P8,Q8): a maximum of 30 was
reported there on 31 May 1982 (432).
Fairly common at Kosi Barrage, a rare
resident at Chitwan, and also reported
from Belatari (G6) (587), Sukla Phanta
(432), Dhangarhi (647), and Emelie (A4)
(647). Inhabits tall, damp grassland and
reedbeds. Range Pakistan in the Punjab,
east to n.e. India and Bangladesh.
BLACK-BROWED REED WARBLER
Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
Schrenck’s Sedge Warbler
Subspecies bistrigiceps. Vagrant. There
are three records, all of single birds in the
Kosi marshes in winter. First seen on 19
January 1981 by J. Hall (300). Subse-
quently found there on 17 March 1982
(770), and 23 February 1983 (66). Found
in tall grass and reedbeds. Like other
Acrocephalus warblers it is skulking and
easily overlooked, especially in winter.
Range Recorded in winter in Ladakh
(once), Nepal (rare), Calcutta, and n.e.
India.
PADDYFIELD WARBLER Acrocephalus agricola
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409) but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by F.M. Bailey from Sundar Gun-
dar, Morang District (Q8) on 7 February
1938 (62). A local winter visitor to the
tarai. Fairly common at Kosi Barrage, but
ad, eo
BLUNT-WINGED WARBLER Acrocephalus concinens
Blunt-winged Paddyfield Warbler, Swinhoe’s Reed
Warbler
Subspecies Aaringtoni? Status uncertain; only three con-
firmed records received. Possibly overlooked because of its
similarity to Paddyfield Warbler. First recorded on 10
February 1965 north-west of Bhadrapur (R8) at 230m by
RL. Fleming Sr. (234,247). Later reported along the Vish-
numati River, Kathmandu Valley in March and November
(243). Found in tall grasses, reedbeds and willows along
river banks. Range Breeds in the Himalayas from the Kagan
valley east to Kashmir; Assam. Winter quarters poorly
known, but recorded from the Bengal duars and Bangla-
desh.
scarce at Chitwan. It has been recorded from the Kath-
mandu Valley (629,687,403), but requires further confirma-
tion. Only single records from elsewhere. It is possible that
some reports should be referred to the Blunt-winged War-
bler because the two species are easily confused. Frequents
reed-beds and tall damp grassland. Range Breeds in n.
Baluchistan. Winters throughout the subcontinent.
Warblers
PADDYFIELD WARBLER, cont'd ...
271
BLYTH’S REED WARBLER Acrocephalus dumetorum
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common winter visitor and passage
migrant, most frequent in winter up to
1525m, but noted on passage up to
2900m. Reported in the Kathmandu Val-
ley, and in the eastern tarai and foothills
(P8,Q8) (293), between October and
May. Inhabits bushes at the edges of cul-
tivation and forests and in gardens. Range
Winters throughout the subcontinent.
CLAMOROUS REED WARBLER Acrocephalus stentoreus
Indian Great Reed Warbler
Subspecies brunnescens. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). A local winter visi-
tor and passage migrant, occurring chiefly
in the tarai. Occasionally seen at Kosi
Barrage, found at Kosi Tappu (481,327),
tare at Chitwan, and only single records
from other areas. Singles were collected
at Balaju (L6) at 1340m on 26 December
1966 (591) and on 12 September 1970
(589). Some records should perhaps be
referred to the Oriental Reed Warbler as
the two species are easily confused. Oc-
curs in reeds, wet grassland, and bushes in
| i ee oe =—_
9000= J'F'M' AAM' J* JS AAS 'O'N'D
damp areas. Range Breeds in Pakistan, Kashmir, and spo-
radically in the Indian peninsula.
ORIENTAL REED WARBLER Acrocephalus orientalis
Eastern Great Reed Warbler (4. arundinaceus)
Great Reed Warbler
Vagrant. The only record is of one col-
lected near Biratnagar (Q9) at about 75m
on 9 March (year unknown) by R.L.
Fleming (243). The record from Kosi
Barrage given in the first edition of this book (435) has been
withdrawn. Possibly overlooked because of similarity to
Clamorous Reed Warbler. Found in reedbeds and wet rice
fields. Range Winters in n.e. India.
272
Warblers
THICK-BILLED WARBLER Acrocephalus aedon
(Phragamaticola aedon)
Subspecies aedon. Obtained by B.
Hodgson i in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by R.L.
Fleming at Trisuli Bazaar (L6) on 14
November 1956 (245). An uncommon
winter visitor regularly reported between
75m and 1500m. Areas include Pokhara,
Kathmandu Valley, Hetaura, and Chatra
(Q8). Occurs in tall grass and scrub along
wooded streams and forest edges, also in
gardens and at the edges of cultivation.
Range Winters from Rajasthan and
Gujarat east to n.e. India and Bangla-
desh.
BOOTED WARBLER Hippolais caligata
Booted Tree Warbler
Subspecies caligata. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388,710). A scarce winter visi-
tor and passage migrant reported be-
tween January and April. The subsequent
records are of one collected at Beltar (L6)
at 550m on 5 January 1974, singles seen at
Tamaspur on 7 and 9 April 1981 (559), at
Meghauli (J6) on 24 March 1982 (770),
Kagbeni at 2810m on 5 April 1982 (812),
Kosi Barrage on 18 April 1982 (199,294)
and on 13 February 1984 (408), Kosi
Tappu on 9 February 1984 (408), and at
Sauraha (J6) on 17 March 1986 (403).
Found in deciduous scrub and bushes at
edges of cultivation in dry habitats; fa-
ORPHEAN WARBLER Sylvia hortensis
Subspecies jerdoni. Vagrant. First re-
corded in spring 1975 at Sukla Phanta by
R.L. Fleming Sr. (238). Later the same
year a probable was noted at Dharan
(Q8) on 13 June (293), and one was seen
at Chitwan on 11 November (141). The
only other record is of one seen at Kosi
Tappu on 9 March 1989 (193). Found in
bushes and forest edges in the tarai and
bhabar. Range Breeds in n. Baluchistan,
andin the Himalayas inN.W.F.P. Winters
east to Bihar, and south to s. India.
SoMa AS Mie ate Sey AES an OMEN IED)
vours acacias. Range Breeds in Pakistan. Winters locally
throughout the subcontinent, except n.e. India.
Warblers 273
LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca
Subspecies blythi. First recorded on 30
October 1957 at Phewa Tal by RA.
Paynter Jr. (663). An uncommon winter
visitor and passage migrant, regularly
seen in winter up to 1500m, at localities
including Pokhara, Tamaspur, the Kath-
mandu Valley and Chitwan where the
maximum of nine was seen in mid-Febru-
ary 1989 (506). Birds noted at about
2750m in the upper Kali Gandaki valley in
March (594) and September (76), and at
Hanga Tham at about 2135m in March
(193) were presumably on passage. Fre-
quents scrub and undergrowth. Range
Breeds in n. Baluchistan, and in the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Ka-
shmir. Winters east to West Bengal, and
south to s. India.
[2 SS att Oe
9000m I ERIMETAY IMU SUAS ES) OL INE AD:
GOLDEN-SPECTACLED WARBLER Seicercus burkii
Yellow-eyed Warbler, Black-browed Flycatcher-Warbler oer
Subspecies burkii. First recorded by B. aie
Hodgson (388). A common altitudinal ok
migrant. Mainly summers between 2400m
and 3800m and winters from 2135m down z
to 250m, occasionally to 150m. Breeding +
confirmed at Phulchowki (190). Found in =
undergrowth in broadleaved and conifer-
ous forests and in rhododendron shrub-
beries above the treeline. Range Hima-
layas from Murree east to Arunachal
Pradesh.
GREY-CHEEKED WARBLER Seicercus poliogenys
Grey-cheeked Flycatcher-Warbler
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409) but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by H. Stevens from the Singhalila
ridge (S7) at 3100m in April and May 1912
(738). Scarce, probably resident. There
are a few records from Phulchowki. Re-
ported in Kathmandu (635) but its pres-
ence there requires confirmation. Noted
in the upper Manang valley (J4) (762) in
mid-July 1977, the western limit of the ee
species’s range. The only other records
are from the upper Mai valley (S7) at
= 5 a Sh) a | i
J°F'M AAM JAJ ASO N'D
on 25 January 1985 (142) and on 30 March 1989 (193).
2440m on 10 March 1961 (246), Milke
Danda (Q7) at 3200m in October 1978
(155,156,301) and in Mechi Zone (R8,S7)
Inhabits bamboo and dense undergrowth in damp, ever-
green, broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas from Nepal
east to Arunachal Pradesh.
274 Warblers
[WHITE-SPECTACLED WARBLER Seicercus affinis
Allied Flycatcher-Warbler
The species was described from Nepal by it may have originated in India. There are no other records.
F. Moore from a specimen included in Inhabits dense, damp evergreen, broadleaved forests.
Hodgson’s later collection (409,798) but Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh.]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED WARBLER Seicercus castaniceps
Chestnut-crowned Flycatcher-Warbler
Subspecies castaniceps. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(798,118). A resident subject to altitudi-
nal movements. Occasionally seen be-
tween 1800m and 2750m in summer; and
between 1000m and 2285m in winter, al-
though sometimes down to 250m. Inhab-
its broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas
from Corbett east to Arunachal Pradesh.
GREY-HOODED WARBLER Seicercus xanthoschistos
Grey-headed Flycatcher-Warbler
The species was described from Nepal by
J.E. and G.R. Gray from a Hodgson
specimen (277,798). A common resident
subject to altitudinal movements. Sum-
mers between 1000m and 2750m. Some
birds remain at the highest elevations
during winter, but most descend to be-
tween 2000m and 750m; rarely down to
245m. Found breeding in the upper Kali
Gandaki (811), west of Pamdur (H5)
(153), and on the hills surrounding the
Kathmandu Valley (629). Two inter-
grading races occur: S. x. albosuperciliaris
(a), and S. x. xanthoschistos (x). Feeds in
the lower canopy and in tall bushes in
coniferous and broadleaved forests.
Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to
Arunachal Pradesh.
BROAD-BILLED WARBLER Tickellia hodgsoni
Broad-billed Flycatcher-Warbler (Abroscopus hodgsoni)
Subspecies hodgsoni. The species was Barun valley (Q6) at 2195m on 22 November 1984 (588).
described from Nepal by F. Moore froma The only other record is of one seen at Tashigaon, upper
specimen included in Hodgson’s later Arun valley (Q6) at about 2300m on 5 September 1986
collection (409,798) but it may have origi- (590). Inhabits moist broadleaved forest with bamboo.
nated in India. First definitely recorded Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Bhutan and possibly
by H.S. Nepali from Shyaksila Toten, Arunachal Pradesh.
Warblers
275
RUFOUS-FACED WARBLER Abroscopus albogularis
White-throated Warbler, White-throated Flycatcher-Warbler
Subspecies albogularis. The species was
described from Nepal by F. Moore froma
specimen included in Hodgson’s later
collection (409,798) but this may have
originated in India. There are only two
definite records, both from the eastern
tarai and lower foothills in Ilam District
(R8): an undated record by R.L. Fleming (223), and three
seen south of Ilam on 18 March 1982 at about 305m (794).
Scarce, presumably resident. Breeds from early April to
June. Frequents bamboo and scrub jungle. Range Hima-
layas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
YELLOW-BELLIED WARBLER Abroscopus superciliaris
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher-Warbler
Subspecies flaviventris. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (276) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by B. Biswas
on 11 May 1947 at Hitaura, and proved
breeding there (102). A resident subject
to altitudinal movements, mainly seen
between 245m and 1525m. Fairly com-
mon in the upper Mai valley (R7), and
from Garuwa north to Ilam. Uncommon
at Chitwan where it is possibly only a
winter visitor. Found on Phulchowki in
March (476) and a pair noted courtship
feeding at 1700m on Nagarjung in May
(556). Single reports received from other
areas. Found on the hills around Pokhara
in mid-August 1977 (H5) (762) and at
Phewa Tal on 6 February 1989 (673), the
BLACK-FACED WARBLER Abroscopus schisticeps
Black-faced Flycatcher-Warbler
Subspecies schisticeps. The species was
described from Nepal by J.E. and G.R.
Gray from a Hodgson specimen
(277,798). A local resident found between
1525m and 2700m. Probably descends
from higher altitudes in winter. Fairly
common on Phulchowki and Sheopuri;
occasionally seen north-west of Pokhara
(HS), and in Langtang (L5) where proved
breeding north of Syabru (321). Single
records received from elsewhere. Found
at Khaptad (C3), the only locality in the
west (428). Frequents damp forests, espe-
cially in moss-covered trees, bamboo, and
thick undergrowth. Range Himalayas
from Garwhal east to Bhutan and possi-
bly Arunachal Pradesh; also n.e. India.
mo aa ETT TRAE o7.9 M van ADESuOUsNGSD)
most westerly records of the species. Breeding confirmed at
Hetaura (102). The maximum altitude recorded is at
2285m, above Hanga Tham on 23 December 1979 (206).
Inhabits bamboo in damp, broadleaved forests, often near
streams. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
3 9000m SS ee
276 Warblers
YELLOW-VENTED WARBLER Phylloscopus cantator
Yellow-throated Leaf Warbler, Black-browed Leaf Warbler,
Yellow-faced Leaf Warbler
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Seebohm (710) but it may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by R.L. Fleming who collected one north-
west of Bhadrapur (S8) at 305m on 8
February 1965 (247). Uncommon and
very locally distributed. Reported be-
tween November and early April in the
far eastern tarai and foothills, between
250m and 600m. Regularly seen between
Sukhani and Chisapani (R8). The only
other records are of one near Dharan
(Q8) on 25 December 1978 (134), and one
or two near Tumlingtar (Q7) on 13 April
1982 (599). Found in Sikkim at 2000m
(738), and possibly occurs at a similar
altitude in eastern Nepal. Breeds from
the end of April to June. Frequents the
lower storey of broadleaved forests,
among bushes and bamboo. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Bhutan;
n.e. India.
BLYTH’S LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus reguloides
Crowned Leaf Warbler, Blyth’s Crowned Warbler er
Subspecies reguloides. First collected by
B. Hodgson (114). A common resident
subject to altitudinal movements. Sum-
mers from 1980m up to 3800m, chiefly
between 2440m and 3050m. Mainly win-
ters below 1500m, although it has been
found up to 2750m. Found breeding at
Khaptad (C3) (428), in the Dudh Kosi
valley (P6) (109), and on the hills sur-
rounding the Kathmandu Valley (635).
Inhabits broadleaved and coniferous for-
ests in summer; forest edges, bushes and
open forests in winter. Range Breeds in
the Himalayas from Murree east to Arun-
achal Pradesh, and in n.e. India. Winters
down to the adjacent plains and south to
Bangladesh.
Warblers 277
WESTERN CROWNED WARBLER Phylloscopus occipitalis
Large Crowned Leaf Warbler f
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Seebohm (710) but it may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by F.M. Bailey from Godavari (L6) on 17
April 1938 (62). An uncommon spring
passage migrant and rare winter visitor;
possibly breeds. Described as fairly com-
mon in the west between 1800m and
1990m in spring and summer (243), but
only three other reports received from
there (464,573,438). Chiefly recorded
between March and May in the Kath-
mandu Valley and surrounding hills, and
at Chitwan. Described as a common win-
ter visitor to Chitwan (296), but this re-
quires confirmation. The maximum of ten
was seen there on 14 March 1983 (513).
Only a few other winter records received:
in January from Begnas Tal (408) and
Godavari (320), and in February from
Kosi Tappu (408); and also one in Octo-
ber from Dhorpatan (573). Found in
broadleaved and coniferous forests.
Range Breeds in the Himalayas from
Kohat east to Kumaon. Winters in the
Indian peninsula, possibly east to Bangla-
desh.
SLENDER-BILLED WARBLER Phylloscopus tytleri
Tytler’s Leaf Warbler
Scarce. Status uncertain; possibly a pas-
sage migrant or else a summer visitor.
First recorded by R.L. Fleming Sr. who
collected one south of Rupal, Dan-
deldhura District (A3) at 2135m on 9
April 1965 (234,247). The only other rec-
ords are from Khaptad (C3), where one
was seen on 20 April at 2500m, and also
noted between 22 and 29 April at 3050m,
with a maximum of five on 28 April (428).
Found in oak/rhododendron forest (243)
and in shrubberies at forest edges (428).
Range Breeds in the w. Himalayas in
Gilgit, Hazara and Kashmir. Winters in
the Indian peninsula, but few records.
278
GREEN WARBLER Phylloscopus nitidus
Warblers
Yellowish-breasted Warbler (P. trochiloides nitidus) C
Be
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Seebohm (710) but may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by J. Scully in April 1877 from the Kath-
mandu Valley (708). A scarce and local
spring migrant, reported between March
and mid-May, chiefly in the second half of
April. There are several reports from the
Kathmandu Valley and surrounding hills,
between 1500m and 2135m. The only
other records are from Khaptad (C3) at
2100m (428), Gorlekharka (Q7) (546);
also the lowlands between 75m and 305m,
at Chitwan (440,111), the Rapti dun (K6)
(190), Narayangarh (J6) (647), and Kosi
I aI Mi wAG Mi AOU mT ANSE cO kiN Dy
0 90000 AAP
Barrage (559). Found in broadleaved trees in forests and
forest edges. Range Winters in s. India, and recorded on
passage from Pakistan east to Nepal and Calcutta.
GREENISH WARBLER Phylloscopus trochiloides
Dull Green Leaf Warbler
First collected by B. Hodgson (114). Two
subspecies occur. P. t. viridanus (v) is a
common winter visitor up to 1830m and a
passage migrant. P. t. trochiloides (t) is a
common summer visitor between 2440m
and 4270m; chiefly between 2900m and
3900m. Found breeding at Kalapokhari
(S7) (530). Passage birds presumably
move through very quickly as there are
only a few reports, chiefly from April to
early May, and from mid-September to
early October. Surprisingly, there are
only a few winter records. Summers in
broadleaved and coniferous forests or
bushes near the treeline, and winters in
Mn |
La 9000m J FM AAM' J° J AAS O°N'D
open wooded areas and gardens. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from Kohat east to Arunachal Pradesh, and n.e.
India. Winters throughout India and Bangladesh.
LARGE-BILLED LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus magnirostris
LL |
EL Y aT 9000m J a rar CARY. O°N'D
Warblers
LARGE-BILLED LEAF WARBLER, cont’d ...
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
summer visitor; possibly also occurs in
winter. Likely to be confused with Green-
ish Warbler especially in winter. Mainly
summers between 2440m and 3600m.
There are several records of passage
migrants from Chitwan and the central
region (L6,L7,K7) in March, April, Au-
279
gust and September. Reported in winter between 75m and
2750m at Phewa Tal (300), Ghorepani (309), Chitwan (408),
Hetaura (121), Kosi Barrage (622), Kathmandu Valley
(309,518) and Mai valley (R7) (307) but further confirma-
tion of its occurrence in winter is desirable. Occurs in
broadleaved trees near streams in summer. Range Hima-
layas from N.W.F.P. east to Bhutan and presumably Arun-
achal Pradesh. Winters in southern and n.e. India.
ORANGE-BARRED LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus palcher,
Buff-barred Warbler
The species was described from Nepal by
E. Blyth from a Hodgson specimen (118).
A common altitudinal migrant. Summers
between 2440m and 4265m, chiefly from
3500m to 4000m. Winters between 915m
and 3050m and possibly higher. One was
noted at the unusually low level of 75m in
January 1978 at Janakpur (M8) (302).
Two intergrading races occur: P. p. pulcher (p) and P. p.
kangrae (k). Found breeding in the Kathmandu Valley
(243), Khumjung (P6) (190), the Gandak-Kosi watershed
(LS) (633) and Gapte (682). Frequents broadleaved forests
and also shrubberies of fir, birch, juniper and rhododen-
dron above the treeline in summer. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from Kishtwar east to Arunachal Pradesh, andin
n.e. India. Winters at lower elevations in the same hills.
GREY-FACED LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus maculipennis
Ashy-throated Warbler
280
GREY-FACED LEAF WARBLER, cont'd ...
Subspecies maculipennis. The species was
described from Nepal by E. Blyth
(125,798), but it may have originated in
India. The species was collected by B.
Hodgson, but not separated from Pallas’s
Leaf Warbler. First definitely recorded by
H. Stevens from the upper Mai valley (S7)
at 2745m in April 1912 (738). A fairly
common resident subject to altitudinal
Warblers
movements. Chiefly summers between 2440m and 3500m,
and winters between 2900m and 1525m, rarely down to
915m. Little is known of its breeding behaviour. Confirmed
breeding at Khaptad (C3) (428), south of Annapurna (H5)
(814) and on Phulchowki (636). Occurs in broadleaved and
broadleaved/coniferous forests in summer; broadleaved
forests and secondary growth in winter. Range Himalayas
from Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh, and probably n.e.
India.
PALLAS’S LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus proregulus
Yellow-rumped Leaf Warbler, Lemon-rumped Warbler, F
“E
be g K
Pallas’s Warbler
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common altitudinal migrant. Mainly
summers between 2750m and 4000m, and
winters between 275m and 2750m, chiefly
from 1400m to 2000m. Two intergrading
races occur: P. c. simlaensis (s) and P. c.
chloronotus (c) (798). Found in
broadleaved and coniferous forests and
also in fir and birch shrubberies above the
treeline in summer. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Arun-
achal Pradesh. Winters in the foothills
and adjacent plains south to Bangladesh.
wake YC
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus
Plain Leaf Warbler, Inornate Warbler
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). Two
races occur. P. i. inornatus (i) isan uncom-
mon winter visitor and passage migrant
from March to mid-April, and from mid-
October to early November. Found in the
Kathmandu Valley (628,635), near
Pokhara (628) and at Tukche (527). P. i.
humei (h) is a common resident and
abundant passage migrant. Summers be-
tween 2800m and 3660m; fairly common
in winter below 2135m, and rare up to
2560m. Breeds in coniferous forests and
winters in open broadleaved woods and
secondary scrub. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Nepal;
probably also in Arunachal Pradesh.
Winters south to Belgaum and Bangla-
desh.
: e
a Sidon SS |
Warblers 281
RADDE’S WARBLER Phylloscopus schwarz
Vagrant. One was found north of Charali March 1983 (794) and on 4 March 1986 (55). The species
(Q8) at 150m on 25 December 1979 by R. frequents undergrowth and bushes in winter. Range Va-
Fairbank (206). The only other records grant in n.w. India and Nepal.
are of singles seen at Pokhara on 4 and 5
DUSKY WARBLER Phylloscopus fuscatus
Dusky Leaf Warbler F
First recorded by B. Hodgson (391). A
winter visitor, occasionally seen up to f- fuscatus (f) (102,190,647,659). Inhabits bushes, hedges
1600m. Most birds appear in mid-Octo- and long grass, especially near water. Probably overlooked
ber and remain to the end of March. because of its skulking behaviour. Range Winters in the
Common at Kosi Barrage. Two races Himalayan foothills from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh
occur: P. f. weigoldi (w) (234,247), and P. and south to Rajasthan and Bangladesh.
SMOKY WARBLER Phylloscopus fuligiventer
Smoky Willow Warbler
Subspecies fuligiventer. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(391,798). Mainly an uncommon altitudi- :
nal migrant. Breeding behaviour is poorly
known. Reported in summer between
3900m and 5000m: described as common
and found breeding on Lamjung Himal
(J5) between 3900m and 4200m in June
(757,762); also seen between Gapte Cave
and Gosainkund and noted carrying food = sl ee lo
there in late May (321); seen in Knhumbu Et . ; &
in June and July (48,190,474) and in the
Barun valley (Q6) in September (590).
Regularly reported in winter below 915m
at Sukla Phanta, Phewa Tal, Tamaspur,
Chitwan, and Kosi Barrage. Noted as high grants. Summers in dwarf juniper shrubberies and other low
as 3200m in November at Barapakhari, bushes above the treeline, and winters in dense under-
Lamjung District (J4) (589). Three birds growth near water. Range Breeds in Nepal, n. Sikkim and
at Khaptad (C3) at about 3050m in April Bhutan. Winters in the adjacent foothills and plains from
and May were presumably passage mi- Corbett east to Arunachal Pradesh, and in n.e. India.
282 Warblers
SULPHUR-BELLIED WARBLER Phylloscopus griseolus
Olivaceous Leaf Warbler
First recorded in Kathmandu by F.M.
Bailey on 13 April 1938 (62,108). A scarce
passage migrant and winter visitor.
Mainly reported in April, presumably on
passage. Described as common in Bardia
District (CS) in early April 1972 (9,243).
Singles were seen below Naudanda (H5) if ;
on 5 April 1982 (199,294), and at Chitwan 6 e a
on 12 and 15 April 1983 (56). The only f
other records are from the lower Lang- fiseliems = 8
tang valley on 21 August 1949 (619), and
at Tamaspur on 4 December 1979 (206).
Winters in rocky areas. Range Breeds in
the w. Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to
Gilgit. Winters inn. Pakistan and n. India.
TICKELL’S WARBLER Phylloscopus affinis
Buff-bellied Leaf Warbler (P. subaffinis) F
Buff-throated Warbler R
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). Two
races occur. P. a. arcanus (ar) is a scarce
winter visitor (659). P. a. affinis (af) is a
common altitudinal migrant. Mainly
summers between 3355m and 4880m, and
winters in the tarai; occasionally also in
the lower hills up to 1190m. Proved
breeding in the Langu valley (F2) (330)
and in Khumbu (190). A common mi-
grant on the hills surrounding the Kath-
mandu Valley, in March, April and Sep-
tember (635), and in the upper Kali Gan-
daki valley in September and October growth in well-wooded areas in winter. Range Breeds in the
(76,526). Occurs in willow and other Himalayas from Gilgit east to Sikkim. Winters in e., n.e. and
shrubs in summer; bushes and secondary s. India and in Bangladesh.
CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita
Brown Leaf Warbler
Subspecies tristis. First collected by B.
Hodgson (277). A winter visitor occasion-
ally seen up to 1370m. Seen at higher
altitudes, presumably on passage: near
Chumo (P6) at 2800m in May (75), Hanga
Tham at about 2135m in March (549),
and several reports from the upper Kali
Gandaki valley between 2560m and
2800m, from mid-March to mid-April,
Ly | | ees ——_—
and from late September to early Octo- T9000n Up Ra Mee ACG Miskin oO AGES TGs NED
ber. Winters in bushes, secondary growth stan, in n. India south to Maharashtra and Bengal, and in
and light forest. Range Winters in Paki- Bangladesh.
Warblers/Flycatchers
GOLDCREST Regulus regulus
A Hodgson specimen was listed for Nepal
by Gadow (253,798) but it may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by H. Stevens on the Singhalila ridge (S7)
on 25 January 1912 (738). A resident,
subject to altitudinal movements. Occa-
sionally found between 2200m and 3050m
in winter, and up to 4000m in summer.
Proved breeding at Khumjung (P6) (190).
The intermediate R. r. sikkimensis/hima-
layensis (hs) and R. r. sikkimensis (s) have
been recorded. Occurs in coniferous
forest. Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P.
east to Arunachal Pradesh.
283
STOLICZKA’S TIT-WARBLER Leptopoecile sophiae
White-browed Tit-Warbler
ce
Subspecies obscura. First recorded above
Jomosom in December 1949 at 3600m by
R.L. Fleming Sr. (647). A resident, occa-
sionally seen between 2700m and 4575m
LARGE NILTAVA Niltava grandis
(Muscicapa grandis)
Subspecies grandis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A locally distributed resi-
dent. Occurs between 1525m and 2850m
and is probably subject to seasonal move-
ments. One at Ghorepani on 14 March
1983 is the most westerly record of the
species (148). Uncommon on An-
napurna, in the upper Mai valley (R7,S7)
and on Phulchowki in winter, and single
records from elsewhere. Inhabits dense,
damp, broadleaved forests, especially
near streams. Range Himalayas from
Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India.
throughout the year, in the trans-Himalayan region. Found
in dwarf juniper and Caragana shrubs above the treeline in
semi-desert areas. Range Tibetan facies north of the Hima-
layas in Baltistan, Gilgit and Ladakh east to Nepal.
o 9000m STUY. CEC BD
284
SMALL NILTAVA Niltava macgrigoriae
(Muscicapa macgrigoriae)
Subspecies macgrigoriae. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (369). A fairly common
resident subject to altitudinal move-
ments. Winters between 270m and
1400m, and summers up to 2200m. Lo-
cally common north-west of Pokhara
(HS) and in the Kathmandu Valley and
surrounding hills. Proved breeding on
Phulchowki (763,792). Inhabits bushes
near streams, edges of tracks and clear-
ings in broadleaved forest. Range Hima-
layas from Mussoorie east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India.
RUFOUS-BELLIED NILTAVA Niltava sundara
Beautiful Niltava (Muscicapa sundara)
Subspecies sundara. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson (369).
A common resident subject to altitudinal
movements. Chiefly winters between
800m and 1830m, and summers between
2135m and 3200m. Proved breeding near
Flycatchers
Syabru (L5) (682), at Thodung (N6) (190) and on Phul-
chowki (792). Frequents bushes and undergrowth in
broadleaved forests and secondary growth. Range Breeds
in the Himalayas from Murree east to Arunachal Pradesh,
and in n.e. India. Winters in the foothills and adjacent plains
south to Bangladesh.
PALE-CHINNED FLYCATCHER Cyomis poliogenys
Brooks’ Flycatcher (Muscicapa poliogenys)
Subspecies poliogenys. Collected by B.
Hodgson, but confused with Blue-
throated Flycatcher; the specimens have
now been correctly identified in the Brit-
ish Museum (Natural History). A resi-
dent, mainly seen up to 455m. Found at
Butwal and Dobhan (G6) in January 1950
(647), and Tilaurikot woods (G6) in 1978
(157), the most westerly records for the species. Common at
Chitwan and north of Sunischare where proved breeding
(296,321); also common at Dharan and Tamaspur and occa-
sionally seen elsewhere. Inhabits bushes and undergrowth
in broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas from Nepal east
to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India, Bangladesh and the E.
Ghats.
Flycatchers 285
PALE-CHINNED FLYCATCHER, cont’d ...
PALE BLUE FLYCATCHER 9 Cyomis unicolor
(Muscicapa unicolor)
Subspecies unicolor. First recorded at
Hetaura and Bhimpedi between 4 and 16
May 1947 by B. Biswas. One of the speci-
mens was a female with eggs (103).
Scarce; presumably a resident, subject to
seasonal altitudinal movements. Little is
known of its breeding habits. Regularly
reported from Phewa Tal. The only other
records are from the Rapti dun (L7) in
December 1970 (444), south of An- t= ] i ano 71)
napurna (J5) in 1977 (762), upper Arun ‘ or eS gar ie Poon
valley in September 1986 (590), Chitwan
in March 1987 (552) and April 1989 (193), Found in damp subtropical broadleaved forests. Range
Godavari in March 1986 (514) and Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
Nagarjung (L6) in November 1989 (256). India and Bangladesh.
BLUE-THROATED FLYCATCHER Cyomis rubeculoides
Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher (Muscicapa rubeculoides)
E
Subspecies rubeculoides. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (369). A partial migrant.
Mainly a summer visitor between about :
365m and 1500m but noted at 2100m at He
Bigu (N6) (190). Fairly common and
breeds in the Kathmandu Valley (635).
Occasionally reported in summer from
elsewhere. Confirmed breeding at
Hetaura and Bhimpedi (103). Rarely re-
corded in winter at localities in the lower inn at a
foothills, including Chitwan and north of 6 ; ~Ta0b0e JF HAA MH J SAAS OUND
Sunischare. Frequents open forests and
groves. Range Breeds in the Himalayas
from Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh,
and inn.e. India and Bangladesh. Winters
south to s. India.
286 Flycatchers
HILL BLUE FLYCATCHER 9 Cyomis banyumas
Large-billed Blue Flycatcher (Muscicapa banyumas)
Subspecies magnirostris. A Hodgson records for the species. Found on Makalu Base Camp trek
specimen was listed for Nepal by Sharpe (Q6) at about 3350m on 6 and 11 May 1982 (244) and at
(714), but it may have originated in India. Nagarjung (L6) on 31 December 1988 and 1 January 1989
First definitely recorded by D. Lowndes (69). Reported fom Godavari in winter (73,587), but further
who collected one from Thangja, Mar- confirmation is desirable. Found in dense humid
siyangdi valley (J4) at 2590m on 20 Au- broadleaved forest, especially in ravines. Little is known of
gust 1950 (512). A male was seen in the the altitudinal distribution and seasonal movements of the
same valley at about 1250m on 1 May Himalayan population. Range Himalayas from Nepal east
1984 (158). These are the most westerly to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
TICKELL’S BLUE FLYCATCHER = Cyomnis tickelliae
Tickell’s Red-breasted Blue Flycatcher (Muscicapa tickelliae)
p A
Subspecies tickelliae. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by R.L.
Fleming Sr. from Butwal at 275m in Feb-
tuary 1950 (647). Scarce, status and move-
ments uncertain. Described as fairly
common at Sukla Phanta in winter and
possibly resident (700), and a resident
seen occasionally at Bardia (192,432,162).
The only other reports are from Dhan-
garhi in December 1952 (647),the eastern
foothills (Q8) in April 1975 (293),
Luxmighat (G6) in March 1978 (157), and 1986 (135). Inhabits open dry broadleaved forests. Range
Chitwan in autumn 1978 (762), in March The Indian peninsula east of a line from Kutch to Mus-
and April 1980 (440,474) and in October soorie; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
PYGMY BLUE FLYCATCHER Muscicapella hodgsoni
i
o ne 9000m ee acs oe
Flycatchers
PYGMY BLUE FLYCATCHER, cont’d ...
Subspecies hodgsoni. The species was
described from Nepal by F. Moore, from
a specimen included in Hodgson’s later
collection (409,798) but it may have origi-
nated in India. First definitely recorded
by H. Stevens in the upper Mai valley (S7)
on 21 March 1912 (739). Scarce and local,
probably resident. Seasonal altitudinal
movements are uncertain. Summers be-
tween 2100m and 3500m, and winters
VERDITER FLYCATCHER Muscicapa thalassina
Subspecies thalassina. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A partial migrant;
common in summer, occasionally seen in
winter. Mainly a summer visitor between
1200m and 2625m, and sparsely up to
3000m. Proved breeding at Khaptad (C3)
(428), in Langtang (682), in the Kath-
287
between about 305m and 3500m. Found near Ghorepani on
19 March 1982 (57) and31 March 1986 (264), the most west-
erly records of the species. Reported between March and
October in Manang (762), south of Annapurna (H5)
(300,559), (JS) (762), below Thare Pati (L5) (141), on
Phulchowki, in the upper Mai valley (442), and from Go-
davari ravines and north of Sunischare in winter. Its breed-
ing habits are little known. Found in dense, damp
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
9000 a?
mandu Valley and on the surrounding hills
(432,440,629,659), at Bhimpedi (103), and north of
Dhankuta (Q7) (446). Some birds remain in the tarai and
foothills up to 350m in winter. Occurs in open forests,
especially of broadleaved trees. Range Breeds in the Hima-
layas from the Indus valley east to Arunachal Pradesh, and
in n.e. India. Winters south throughout India and Bangla-
desh.
FERRUGINOUS FLYCATCHER Muscicapa ferruginea
(M. rafilata)
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (391,798). Scarce, probably
only a summer visitor. Summers between
2000m and 3300m. Records at lower alti-
tude are probably of migrants. Seen at
Lete (H4) at 2440m on 6 May 1981, the
most westerly record of the species (811).
Mainly found in the east; localities where
Teported recently include north-west of
Pokhara (H5) (655,82,111), Khumbu
(559,463), upper Arun valley (483), Barun
valley (Q6) (590), upper Mai valley (R7)
(561), Ilam (770) and Hans Pokhari (S8)
(193,183). Frequents humid, broadleaved
oe 9000m ae ar oo
forests, especially of oak. Range Himalayas fom Nepal east
to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
288
ASIAN SOOTY FLYCATCHER Muscicapa sibirica
Sooty Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher
Subspecies cacabata. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common summer
visitor between 2000m and 3300m. Seen
at lower altitudes on passage. Breeds on
the north face of Sheopuri (243) and in
Flycatchers
the upper Mai valley (S7) (741). There is a winter record of
one at Begnas Tal on 27 December 1981 (300). Occurs in
the canopy of open broadleaved and coniferous forest, or in
clearings. Range Himalayas from Safed Koh east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India.
RUFOUS-TAILED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa ruficauda
First recorded at Kathmandu on 19 April
1935 by F.M. Bailey (62). An uncommon
summer visitor and passage migrant.
Summers between 2440m and 3655m. Lo-
calities include the upper Kali Gandaki
valley (509), Manangbhot (J4) (512),
south of Annapurna (J5) (762), and Lang-
tang (L5,MS5) (199,682,321). Reported
occasionally on passage in April and May
in the Kathmandu Valley, and rarely at
Chitwan in April, September and Octo-
ber. There are only two records from the
east (155,301,474), and further confirma-
tion of its occurrence there is desirable.
Summers in fir, birch and oak forests.
Range Breeds in the Himalayas from
Safed Koh east to central Nepal. Winters
in s.w. India.
| [
9000m JTFTM AAM J JAA’ S'O°NTD
BROWN-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa muttui
Vagrant. First recorded by S. Vyas who
saw one at Rani Bari, Kathmandu Valley
at about 1330m on 6 September 1987
(792). The only other record is of one seen
at Chatra at about 135m on 4 October 1987 (792). Found in
thickets near water and in forest undergrowth. Range
Breeds in n.e. India and possibly in Sikkim; winters in s.w.
India and Sri Lanka.
Flycatchers
289
ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER Muscicapa latirostris
Brown Flycatcher (M. dauurica)
Subspecies /atirostris. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Mainly an uncommon
passage migrant and summer visitor, rare
in winter. Breeds between 1000m and
1550m. Occasionally reported from the
Kathmandu Valley between April and
September and found breeding in
Gaucher forest (243). There are a few
SAPPHIRE FLYCATCHER Ficedula sapphira
Sapphire-headed Flycatcher (Muscicapa sapphira)
Subspecies sapphira. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by H. Ste-
vens in the upper Mai valley at about
2135m on 4 and 11 April 1912 (741).
Scarce, possibly resident. Subject to alti-
tudinal movements. Seen in the upper
Arun valley at 2800m in May 1981 (483).
Found in the eastern lowlands from Janu-
ary to March: at Chatra (Q8) at 150m in
1949 (659) and 1974 (518), and in the
lower Mai valley (R8) in 1961 (246), 1985
(59) and 1989 (549,307). A male, probably
on passage, seen at Nagarjung on 31 May
1982 (540), forms the most westerly rec-
ord for the species. Reported near Ghan-
drung (HS) (243), but confirmation of its
occurrence so far west is desirable. Inhab-
its damp, evergreen, broadleaved forest.
Its breeding behaviour is little known.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Bhutan and possibly Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India.
4 : J'F'M A’M JAS AS "O'N'D
spring and autumn records, presumably of passage mi-
grants, from Chitwan, and north of Sunischare, and mainly
single reports from elsewhere. Noted in winter in the Kath-
mandu Valley (78,444), at Chitwan (296), and in the eastern
tarai (P8) (293). Inhabits open broadleaved forest. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from Chamba east to Bhutan; also
in the Vindhya Range, and the W. Ghats. Winters in s. and
e. India, and Bangladesh.
290
SLATY-BLUE FLYCATCHER Ficedula tricolor
(Muscicapa leucomelanura)
Subspecies tricolor. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(391,798). A common altitudinal migrant.
Mainly summers between 3050m and
4000m. Winters between 160m and
2135m but most frequently between 245m
and 1525m. The race F. t. minuta is de-
scribed as occurring in Nepal (450), but
no records have been located. Inhabits
shrubberies above the treeline in sum-
mer; bushes, tall grass and forest under-
growth in winter. Range Himalayas from
the Indus River east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India.
Flycatchers
1
cat 9000m cy ETC
ULTRAMARINE FLYCATCHER Ficedula superciliaris
White-browed blue Flycatcher (Muscicapa superciliaris) ae
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388).
Common. Mainly a summer visitor from
late February to late October. Found in
the breeding season between 1800m and
3200m, but chiefly from 2000m to 2500m.
Proved breeding on Sheopuri (440,682).
There are a few winter records up to
x S K
1500m: localities include Dana (H4) (439), Naudanda (H5)
(309), and the Kathmandu Valley (622). Two intergrading
races occur: M. s. aestigma (a) and M. s. superciliaris (s).
Occurs in broadleaved forests, especially of oaks. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from Kohat east to Arunachal
Pradesh, and in n.e. India. Winters south to Karnataka and
Bangladesh.
LITTLE PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula westermanni
(Muscicapa westermanni)
Subspecies collini. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). An uncommon altitudi-
nal migrant. Summers between 1200m
and 3000m, and winters between 275m
and at least 915m. A nest was found in the
Dhorpatan valley at 2990m (499); seen
carrying food on 17 May at Thulokobang
(H5) (800) and collected in breeding condition at Chitlang
(L6) in April (103). There is no other published breeding in-
formation for this subspecies. Taken at Barmdeo Mandi
(A3) at 300m in January 1953, the most westerly record of
the species (647). Range Breeds in the Himalayas from
Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh, and in n.e. India. Winters
south to Madhya Pradesh and Bangladesh.
Flycatchers 291
LITTLE PIED FLYCATCHER, cont'd ...
SLATY-BACKED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hodgsonii
Rusty-breasted Blue Flycatcher (Muscicapa hodgsonii) F
§
First recorded by B. Biswas on 20 March
1947 at 1495m at Thankot, Kathmandu
Valley (103). A scarce and local altitudi- m
nal migrant. Caught at Phematan, Barun x
valley (Q6) at 3450m before the monsoon
in 1973 (71). All other reports are be-
tween 245m and 2000m in winter and
early spring. Described as fairly common
in the Kathmandu Valley during winter
and early spring in 1955 (635), now a
scarce but regular visitor to Godavari. A
few records from north of Sunischare and
single reports from elsewhere. Found
below Ghasa on 24 February 1986, the
most westerly record for the species
(403). Found in fir forests in summer and
in damp broadleaved forests in winter.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
SNOWY-BROWED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hyperythra
Rufous-breasted Blue Flycatcher (Muscicapa hyperythra) ,
Subspecies hyperythra. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). An altitudinal migrant.
Occasional. Summers between 2000m *
and 2440m, and sometimes up to 3000m.
Winters between 275m and about 1525m.
Proved breeding on the hills surrounding
the Kathmandu Valley (635). Rare at
Chitwan between September and April
(296). Found in the lower storey of humid
broadleaved forests with dense growth.
Range Himalayas from Kumaon east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
292 Flycatchers
WHITE-GORGETTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula monileger
(Muscicapa monileger)
Subspecies monileger. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(391). Scarce, presumably resident. An
adult and a juvenile were found at Lumle
(HS) at 1550m on 25 July 1973 (814); also
seen at Ghandrung on 2 November 1979
(813). These form the two westernmost
records for the species. Altitudinal move-
ments within Nepal are poorly known.
Other reports are from Phewa Tal (460), S$ = — a
south aE Annapuvis (J5) (762), Sheopuri ie oe ear fom
(587), Godavari (647), Kathmandu Val-
ley (486), Arun valley (441), Barun valley forest. Breeding of the race occurring in Nepal is unde-
(Q6) (588), the upper Mai valley (741) scribed but probably is the same as in the eastern race.
and north of Sunischare (142). Found in Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
dense undergrowth in damp, broadleaved n.e. India.
ORANGE-GORGETTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula strophiata
Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher (Muscicapa strophiata) ast
Subspecies strophiata. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(369). A common altitudinal migrant.
Mainly summers between 2440m and
4000m, and winters between 915m and
1830m, but seen uncommonly up to
2135m and down to 245m. Confirmed
breeding in the Mai valley (741) and at
Chankheli (626). Found in broadleaved
and coniferous forests. Range Breeds in
the Himalayas from Kangra east to Arun-
achal Pradesh, and in n.e. India. Winters
in the foothills and south to Bangladesh.
KASHMIR FLYCATCHER Ficedula subrubra
Kashmir Redbreasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa subrubra) eee
ee 7 ia
9000m IF 'M AAM' J JAA S7O™N’D
Flycatchers
KASHMIR FLYCATCHER, cont’d ...
First recorded in Kathmandu on 10 April
1953 by D. Proud (635). A scarce visitor,
mainly reported on passage in spring.
Status uncertain. Several reports of
singles in March and April 1982: at Sau-
taha (J6) (682), Pashupatinath (199,208),
Gokarna (599), Hetaura (682,770), and
north of Birtamod (R8) (794). Also re-
ported in April at Sauraha (J6) in 1985
293
(313) and 1986 (403). Only two autumn records: from
Godavari in October 1970 (444) and Sukipatal (Q6) in
November 1973 (441). Found twice in the Kathmandu
Valley in winter: at Swayambhunath in December 1964
(589) and at Godavari in February 1980 (523). Frequents
open broadleaved forest. Range Breeds in the w. Himalayas
in Kashmir and the Pir Panjal range. Winters in Sri Lanka.
Vagrant east to Bhutan.
RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva
Red-throated Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva)
Subspecies albicilla. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common winter visitor
from the tarai up to 1830m. Mainly occurs
between late September and late April in
the Kathmandu Valley (635), at Chitwan
(296), and in the eastern tarai and foot-
hills (P8,Q8) (293). Noted on autumn
passage: at Tukche, at 2590m, where one
or two were seen from 4 to 16 September
1973 (76), andin Langtang at 2320m 0n31
October 1980 (516). Found in bushes,
groves and scrub at edges of cultivation.
Range Winters throughout the subconti-
nent.
Seer] — CE
9000m eRe Mig AM MUGS aid aA MO MEN SD
GREY-HEADED FLYCATCHER Culicicapa ceylonensis
Subspecies pallidior. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A very common partial
migrant. Summers between 1200m and
3100m, but most frequent from 1500m to
2400m. Found breeding in the central
region (L6) (103,659), at Chitwan (296),
in the Hongu valley (P6) (109), and north
of Dhankuta (Q7) (446). Some birds
remain in winter from 75m up to 1800m.
Range Breeds in the Himalayas from the
Indus valley east to Arunachal Pradesh,
and in s.w. and c. India. Winters in n.
Pakistan, much of India, and in Bangla-
desh.
a . AM JAJ A'S OND”
294
Flycatchers
YELLOW-BELLIED FANTAIL Rhipidura hypoxantha
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
very common resident, subject to altitudi-
nal movements. Chiefly summers be-
tween 2440m and 4000m. Winters be-
tween 200m and 1800m, but seen occa-
sionally up to 2560m and down to 760m.
Proved breeding on Phulchowki (792).
Noted as low as 245m at Chitwan in February 1981
(300,656) and December 1986 (325). Found in the lower
canopy of broadleaved and coniferous forests and shrub-
beries of birch, fir and rhododendron above the treeline.
Range Himalayas from the Chenab River east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL Rhipidura albicollis
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident up to 1500m, and
occasionally seen up to 2440m. Usually
descends from the highest altitudes in
winter but noted at 2135m in February
(243). Common at Chitwan where it
breeds (296); also proved breeding in
Doti District (C3) (438). Inhabits ravines
and shady areas in broadleaved forests.
Although the western race R. a. canescens
is given as extending to w. Nepal (47),
specimens of R. a. albicollis have been
collected throughout (62,647). Range
Himalayas from Murree east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India, Bangladesh and
the Indian peninsula from Mt. Abu south-
wards.
Flycatchers 295
WHITE-BROWED FANTAIL Rhipidura aureola
Subspecies aureola. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409), but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by F.M.
Bailey from Tribeni (H7) at 75m on 19
December 1935 (62). Chiefly an uncom-
mon resident throughout the lowlands up
to 275m. Occasionally found at Chitwan,
and single records received from most
other areas. Frequents undergrowth and
bushes near the ground, in more open and Sa 8 SS
drier forests than White-throated Fantail. rs
Range Himalayan foothills from the In-
dus River east to the Bhutan duars; south
through most of the subcontinent.
ASIAN PARADISE FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone paradisi
Paradise Flycatcher
Subspecies /eucogaster. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A summer visitor,
mainly seen from the tarai up to 1525m.
Noted at 1850m at Yangnam (R7) in
April (658). There is a winter record of
one at Soktim (R8) in January (142). A
common breeder at Chitwan (J6,K6)
where it occurs from March to October
(296). Found to be fairly common and
breeding at Dailekh (D4) in June 1979 tt io Ss
(626). Last century described as breeding y eae SEER area ees iiiae Sie
very commonly in the Kathmandu Valley from elsewhere. Found in open forests, groves and gardens.
(708), but only a few recent reports, in- Range N. Baluchistan, and the Himalayan foothills from
cluding a pair breeding at Nagarjung in N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India, Bangla-
July 1987 (792). Chiefly single reports desh, and the Indian peninsula from Kathiawar southwards.
BLACK-NAPED MONARCH Hypothymis azurea
Black-naped Flycatcher (Monarcha azurea)
Subspecies styani. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A local resident, occa-
sionally seen in the tarai and lower foot-
hills up to 365m. Breeding confirmed at
Chitwan (296) and Hetaura (103). Other
localities include Sukla Phanta (700),
Bardia (162), Tamaspur, the central dun
(K7,L7), and the eastern lowlands, espe-
cially north of Sunischare (P8,Q8,R8).
Found in the middle storey of
broadleaved forests. Range India south
and east of a line from Kutch to Dehra
Dun; Bangladesh.
296
Babblers
PUFF-THROATED BABBLER Pellorneum ruficeps
Spotted Babbler
Subspecies mandellii. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A resident chiefly occur-
ring up to 915m; rare up to 1675m. Does
not appear to move seasonally. Common
at Tamaspur and Chitwan (J6,K6), fairly
common in the eastern tarai and foothills
(P8,Q8,R8), and occasionally seen at
Begnas Tal, Phewa Tal and in the Jower
Arun valley. Scarce in the Kathmandu
Valley (300,635) and few records from the
west. Inhabits bushy undergrowth of
broadleaved forests, heavy scrub and sec-
ondary growth. Range Himalayan foot-
ABBOTT'S BABBLER Trichastoma abbotti
Subspecies abbotti. Obtained by B.
Hodgson i in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by S.D.
Ripley from Chatra at 150m in February
1949 (659). A very local resident occur-
ring between 75m and 275m. Common
north of Sunischare where the maximum
of 15 was heard on 24 March 1981 (442).
Found again at Chatra in 1957 (245). The
only other records are from Dharan in
1986 (763), Kosi Tappu in 1987 (328),
Charkose Ban (S9) in 1989 (164), and
Chitwan in 1978 (762) and 1989 (597), the
westernmost locality for the species.
Breeds from April to July. Frequents
= y T9000m ay RE OST
hills from Kangra east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India, and
the hills of peninsular India.
ea
tangled thickets, especially at forest edges along stream
banks. Range Himalayan foothills from Nepal east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
RUSTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus erythrogenys
First recorded by B. Hodgson (359). A
common and sedentary resident, mainly
seen between 305m and 2135m and occa-
sionally up to 2440m. Confirmed breed-
ing on the hills surrounding the Kath-
mandu Valley (336,708), at Hetaura and
Bhimpedi (101), Taplejung (R7) (687),
and in the Mai valley (S7) (737). The race
P. e. haringtoni (h) (246,587,737) and in-
termediates between P. e. erythrogenys
and P. e. haringtoni (eh) (62,101,621,647)
have been collected. Found in thick scrub
and undergrowth at forest edges, secon-
dary jungle, bushy hillsides, and bushes at
field edges. Range Himalayas from the
Jhelum River east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Babblers 297
WHITE-BROWED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus schisticeps
Slaty-headed Scimitar-Babbler (P. horsfieldii)
Subspecies schisticeps. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson \
(359,798). A sedentary resident, occasion- ,
ally seen between 245m and 915m, and k
rarely up to 1500m. Breeding confirmed
at Hetaura (78) and Chitwan (296).
Found in dense scrub, secondary jungle,
and undergrowth in forests. Range Hima-
layas from Kangra east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh. I
0 9000m
STREAK-BREASTED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus ruficollis
Rufous-necked Scimitar-Babbler
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (359,798). A fairly common
resident betweeen 1500m and 2590m,
which is not known to migrate altitudi-
nally. Two intergrading races have been
recorded: P. r. godwini (g) (246,574,659)
and P. r. raficollis (r) (62,101,190,
621,647,708). Inhabits thick undergrowth
and dense, scrub-covered hillsides. Range
Himalayas from Kumaon east to Arun- [| a
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh. F th
CORAL-BILLED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus ferruginosus
Subspecies ferruginosus. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. The only other report is of a dozen
sightings from the Arun valley in 1973
(243). Occurs in dense undergrowth and
bamboo jungle. Range Himalayas from
Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India.
298
Babblers
SLENDER-BILLED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Xiphirhynchus superciliaris
Subspecies superciliaris. Although listed
as obtained in Nepal by B. Hodgson in his
later collection (409), these specimens
may have originated in India (716). First
definitely recorded by H. Stevens from
Kalipokhari (S7) between 2440m and
3050m in April and May 1912 (737). A few
later reports received from the upper Mai
valley (S7). A scarce resident which
probably migrates altitudinally. Found
near Tirkedhunge (H5) at 1500m on 29
January 1979 (486,652) and on 10 March
1981 (476), the westernmost locality for
the species. The only other records are
from south of Annapurna (H5,J5), above
Syabru (LS) (321), below Ghora Tabela
(L5) (70), on the north face of Sheopuri
= -- i 1)
Mt 9000m Jyae i M aro D
(9,243), at Sukipatal (Q6) (10) and in the Barun valley
(588). Inhabits bamboo and thick undergrowth in damp
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
[LONG-BILLED WREN-BABBLER Rimator malacoptilus
Subspecies malacoptilus. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409,716)
but the specimen may have originated in
India. Inhabits forest undergrowth and dense scrub (46).
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India.]
GREATER SCALY-BREASTED WREN-BABBLER Pnoepyga albiventer
Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (391,798). A fairly common
resident subject to altitudinal move-
ments. Usually summers between 2440m
and 4000m. Winters between 275m and
2285m, but mainly between 1000m and
2440m. Two intergrading races occur: P. a. pallidior (p)
(647,659) and P. a. albiventer (a) (101, 246,574,647). Inhab-
its dense undergrowth in damp broadleaved forests, par-
ticularly near streams and in ravines; also boulder-strewn
slopes and forest edges. Range Himalayas from Duala Dhar
east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
Babblers
299
LESSER SCALY-BREASTED WREN-BABBLER Pnoepyga pace
Brown Wren-Babbler, Pygmy Wren-Babbler
Subspecies pusilla. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(391,798). A resident subject to altitudi-
nal movements. Breeds over a lower
altitudinal range than the previous spe-
cies, although their ranges overlap be-
tween 2440m and 2590m. Occasionally
seen between 1500m and 2590m in sum-
mer, and between 915m and 1770m in
winter; rarely down to 275m. Breeds near
the rim of Sheopuri (243). Collected at
Ainthpur (A4) in January 1953 (469), the
western limit of its range. Habitat is simi-
lar to that of Greater Scaly-breasted
Wren-Babbler. Range Himalayas from
Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
1 $=} ana
Lan a 000m Fe
SPOTTED WREN-BABBLER Spelaeomis formosus
Scarce, presumably resident. The only
record is of one heard by R.L. Fleming Jr.
north-west of Shyaksila Toten, Barun
valley (Q6) at 1785m on 12 November
1984 (588,226). Frequents damp rhododendron forest with
thick ferns and mossy rocks (46). Range Himalayas from e.
Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangla-
desh.
RUFOUS-THROATED WREN-BABBLER Spelaeormis caudatus
Tailed Wren-Babbler
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409) but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by R.L. Fleming in the upper Mai
valley (S7) at 2195m on 10 March 1961
(246). Subsequently regularly reported
from the same area. A scarce and very
local resident found between 2135m and
2440m. The only other records are from
Paniporua (R7) on 18 April 1988 (537),
and from Shyaksila Toten, Barun valley
(Q6) on 24 November 1985 (588), the
most westerly locality of the species. Fre-
quents damp dense broadleaved forests
among thick undergrowth and moss-cov-
-ered boulders. Its breeding habits are
poorly known. Range Himalayas from
Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh.
300 Babblers
[LONG-TAILED WREN-BABBLER Spelaeomis longicaudatus
Mistakenly listed for Nepal, instead of the
previous species, by Fleming (234) and
this error was repeated by Ripley (664).]
RUFOUS-CAPPED BABBLER Stachyris ruficeps
Red-headed Babbler
Subspecies ruficeps. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by H. Ste-
vens who found it breeding commonly in
the upper Mai valley (S7) in April 1912
(737). A fairly common resident in the far
east; possibly subject to altitudinal sea-
sonal movements. Regularly seen subse-
quently in the Mai valley, and also the 1 — aso
Arun valley watershed, probably the : ees
western limit of its range. Reported as far
west as Lumle (H4) (814), but further from Sheopuri (733) is also not acceptable. Frequents
evidence of its presence in the area is bamboo and dense undergrowth in humid, broadleaved for-
required, as this would be a considerable ests. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
westward extension of its range. A record Pradesh; n.e. India and Orissa.
BLACK-CHINNED BABBLER Stachyris pyrrhops
The species was described from Nepal by the species. Found throughout the year from 245m to
E. Blyth from a Hodgson specimen 2440m, but most frequently above 915m. Birds at higher
(115,798). A resident, fairly common east altitudes sometimes descend in winter. Proved breeding in
to the Tamur valley; rare further east. A the Kathmandu Valley (336) and at Chitwan (296). Found
sighting in Ilam District (R8) in summer on the ground, or in low undergrowth, in secondary and
1989 (658) is the easternmost record for open forest. Range Himalayas from Murree east to Nepal.
Babblers
GOLDEN BABBLER Stachyris chrysaea
Golden-headed Babbler
Subspecies chrysaea. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by E. Blyth from a
Hodgson specimen (115,798). Scarce and
very local, probably resident. Recorded
between 1800m and 2440m. Several rec-
ords from south of Annapurna, and also
from south of Machapuchare (HS), the
GREY-THROATED BABBLER Stachyris nigriceps
Black-throated Babbler
Subspecies nigriceps. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by E. Blyth from a
Hodgson specimen (115). Occasional. A
local resident subject to some altitudinal
movements. Chiefly summers between
1220m and 2000m, and winters between
245m and at least 1830m. Mainly seen
east of the Kathmandu Valley, rare fur-
ther west. Areas include Phulchowki and
the Mai Valley (R8,S7). Collected at
Ranibas (G6) at 760m in January 1952
(647), the western limit of the species’s
range. Confirmed breeding at Chitwan
(296), Godavari (190) and as early as 12
March at Bhimpedi (101). Occurs in un-
dergrowth and bamboo thickets in damp
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas
from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India.
TAWNY-BELLIED BABBLER Dumetia hyperythra
Rufous-bellied Babbler
Subspecies hyperythra. First recorded at
Chisapani (C4) at 305m, and at Tikapur
(C5) at 75m in December 1948, by S.D.
Ripley (659). He described the species as
common in the area but it has not been
reported there subsequently. Scarce,
probably resident. Found in the tarai
between 75m and 305m. Collected at
Dhangarhi in December 1952 (647); rare
at Chitwan (296). The only other records
are of 12 in the eastern tarai (Q8) in
January 1975 (293) and one north of But-
wal on 1 August 1978 (159). Inhabits
thorny scrub and tall grass of the
lowlands. Range S. Rajasthan east
through Simla and the Nepal tarai to
Bangladesh, and south through the pen-
insula to s. India.
301
western limit of the species’s range. The only other records
are an undated one from the upper Mai valley (S7) (223)
and from Tashigaon, upper Arun valley on 5 September
1986 (590). Breeds from April to July. Inhabits bamboo and
dense undergrowth in humid, broadleaved forests. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
302 Babblers
STRIPED TIT-BABBLER Macronous gularis
Yellow-breasted Tit-Babbler
Subspecies rubricapilla. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A resident from the
tarai up to 760m. Common from central
areas eastwards, and occasionally seen
further west. Found at Barmdeo Mandi
(A3) in January 1953 at 290m (647), and
at Sukla Phanta in May 1982 (432), the
western limits of the species’s range. Con-
firmed breeding at Chitwan (296) and
Hetaura (101). Frequents both open and
dense broadleaved forests. Range Hima-
layan foothills from Nepal east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; e. and n.e. India, and
Bangladesh.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BABBLER Timalia pileata
Red-capped Babbler
Subspecies bengalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A locally common resi-
dent. Reported at Barmdeo Mandi (A3)
at 290m in January 1953 (647), the west-
ernmost record of the species. Frequent
at Chitwan (J6,K6) where breeding has
been confirmed (296). A few records
from Tamaspur, but only single reports
from elsewhere. Forages amongst tall
grass, reedbeds, and damp scrub jungle in ==
the lowlands. Range Himalayan foothills ‘
from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
a ae 7S TCR
YELLOW-EYED BABBLER Chrysomma sinense
Subspecies sinense. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A local resident from the
tarai up to 365m. Fairly common at Chi-
twan (J6,K6) and occasionally seen at
Sukla Phanta and Bardia (C4,C5). Only
single records from elsewhere. Occurs in
bushes, sugarcane fields, reeds and tall
grass. Range Throughout most of the
subcontinent, absent from parts of the
arid north-west.
Babblers 303
GREAT PARROTBILL Conostoma aemodium
(C. oemodium)
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (383,798) who collected it
from Gosainkund (L5) (336). Uncom-
mon, probably resident. Occurs between
2700m and 3660m, and shows little, if any,
seasonal movement. Observed as high as
3355m in late January (243). Recorded a ° a \ /
few times at Khaptad (C3) (245,657,428), 6 are d “i
the most westerly records of the species. :
Regularly reported from north-west of SS) tt mo
Pokhara, especially above Ghorepani.
Other localities where found recently
include the upper Kali Gandaki valley behaviour is poorly known. Probably under-recorded be-
(159,546), Surkhe (P6) (595), upper Arun cause it tends to remain out of sight in the undergrowth.
valley (10,483,589) and Singhalila ridge Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Bhutan and probably
(S7) (549). Inhabits bamboo. Its breeding Arunachal Pradesh.
BROWN PARROTBILL Paradaxomis unicolor
Brown Suthora
Subspecies unicolor. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(386). Uncommon and very local, proba-
bly resident. Recorded between 2590m
and 3050m from October to May. There
are several reports from the upper Mai
valley, below Machapuchare, at Pipar,
and near Ghorepani, the westernmost
locality for the species. The only other
records are from the Tinjure ridge (Q7) at
2895m in February 1949 (659) and from
Surkhe (P6) in December 1986 (595). Its
breeding behaviour is little known. A
female with enlarged ovaries was col-
lected in the upper Mai valley at 2925m
on19 May 1970 (9,243). Inhabits bamboo.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh.
BLACK-BREASTED PARROTBILL Paradoxomis flavirostris
Gould’s Parrotbill
Subspecies flavirostris. The species was specimen was subsequently listed as collected in the Nepal
described from Nepal by J. Gould from a tarai (716). There are no later records. Frequents dense
Hodgson specimen (267,798). Although thickets of reeds, high grass and bamboo, from the plains up
not included in the catalogues of to 1900m (664). Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Hodgson’s collections (276,277, 388), a Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
304
Babblers
FULVOUS PARROTBILL Paradoxomis fulvifrons
Fulvous-fronted Parrotbill, Fulvous-fronted Suthora aes
Subspecies fulvifrons. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(388,798). Uncommon and locally distrib-
uted, probably resident. Not known to
move altitudinally with the seasons. Seen
above Ghorepani on 2 April 1982
(199,294); the western limit of the spe-
cies’s range. There are a few records from
the Modi Khola valley (H5), but the only
other recent reports are from Pipar (499),
Syabru (L5) (656), between Ghat and
Kharke (P6) (769), and the upper Arun
valley (10,483,589). Frequents bamboo.
Probably breeds in June and July, but its
nest has still not been found. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh.
6 K
aS < 4 M Q
= Seas! =I |
TF A MAJ JAA’S"O ND
BLACK-THROATED PARROTBILL Paradaxomis nipalensis
Nepal Parrotbill, Orange Suthora
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (378,798). A resident, mainly
found between 2000m and 3000m, but
noted a few times as low as 1050m near
Birethante (518,594,142). Occasionally
reported from the Kali Gandaki valley
eastwards. Only two localities from the
west: at Chankheli (627) and common at
ee oer
Khaptad (657,428). Two races have been recorded: P. n.
Aumii (h) (659) and P. n. nipalensis (n) (246,527,647). P. h.
garhwalensis may occur in the west. Breeding behaviour is
poorly known. A pair seen copulating in mid-March above
Ghasa (321). Frequents bamboo and thick undergrowth in
oak forests. Range Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India.
[RUFOUS-HEADED PARROTBILL Paradoxomis ruficeps
Greater Red-headed Parrotbill, Red-headed Parrotbill
Subspecies ruficeps. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. There are no other records. Inhabits
bamboo, dense thickets of reeds and mixed grasses, and
scrub growth from the plains up to 1400m (664). Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.]
Babblers 305
SPINY BABBLER Turdoides nipalensis
The only endemic species of bird in Ne- the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley, particularly
pal. The species was described from near Tokha Sanitorium. Noted as far east as Ilam District
Nepal by B. Hodgson (359,798). A resi- (R8) (658) and west to Baitidi (A2) (587). It may occur west
dent, subject to altitudinal movements. into India, but there are no definite records. Inhabits dense,
Found occasionally between 1500m and secondary scrub, particularly away from cultivation, where
2135m in summer, and between 915m and the undergrowth is usually thicker. Probably under-re-
1830m in winter. Regularly seen from corded as it is difficult to observe, and is more often heard
Pokhara north-westwards (H5) and on than seen. Range Nepal.
COMMON BABBLER Turdoides caudatus
Subspecies caudatus. First collected by
JA. Propst near Nepalganj airport in
1973 (243) and subsequently found to be
fairly common in the area (243,464). Very
locally distributed, probably resident.
Occurs in the tarai near the Indian bor-
der. Seen in 1978 in Tilaurakot woods
(G6) (155,157). The only other records
are from Sanauli (G7) on 21 March 1959
(230) and near Lumbini (G7) (750). Fre-
quents dry cultivation and scrub. Range
Throughout the subcontinent, except
Orissa, W. Bengal and n.e. India.
STRIATED BABBLER Turdoides earlei
Subspecies earlei. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Resident. Locally com-
mon in the eastern tarai and dun (P8,Q8),
particularly on Kosi marshes; also at Chi-
twan where proved breeding (296). Un-
common elsewhere. Occurs in tall grass
and reed-beds in the lowlands. Range The
plains of the Indus, Ganges, and Brah-
maputra River systems.
306 Babblers
SLENDER-BILLED BABBLER 9 Turdoides longirostris
The species was described from Nepal by
F. Moore from a specimen included in B.
Hodgson’s later collection (409,798) but
it may have originated in India. First defi-
nitely recorded by T.P. and C. Inskipp
near Tiger Tops, Chitwan (J6) on 28 April
1980 (440). Very local, probably resident.
It is fairly common at Chitwan (296), and
was probably overlooked previously.
There are no records from elsewhere.
Frequents tall grass and reeds, especially a
near water. Usually remains hidden in
the vegetation. Range From Oudh and
the Nepal tarai east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
SSS
oS
LARGE GREY BABBLER Turdoides malcolmi
First recorded on the India-Taulihawa
road (F7) at 105m on 10 August 1978
(155,157) by J. Cox Jr. Later seen in the
same area (777), and nearby at Bhairawa
on 27 January 1982 (770). Locally distrib-
uted and presumably resident. Occasion-
ally found in the tarai near the Indian
border. The only other records are on 9
and 11 January 1980 at Kalapani, by the
Babai Khola near Ghurai (E6,F6) in ey
January 1981 (576); from the Babai Khola _ Ce a a
crossing near Gularia (C5) on 22 May
1982 (432), and near Lumbini (G7) in
February 1989 (749). Feeds onthe ground
or in low vegetation, in open dry scrub
country and cultivation. Range India
from Punjab east to Uttar Pradesh, and
south to Tamil Nadu.
JUNGLE BABBLER Turdoides striatus
Subspecies striatus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common resident
mainly occurring between 75m and
1220m. Found at 1500m in Doti District
(B3) (68). Not known to move altitudi-
nally. Found in gardens, cultivation and
secondary scrub. Range Throughout
most of the subcontinent.
Babblers
307
WHITE-THROATED LAUGHING-THRUSH Garnilax albogularis
Subspecies albogularis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(353). A common resident, subject to alti-
tudinal movements. Summers chiefly be-
tween 1800m and 2440m ; occasionally up
to 3500m. Winters between 1220m and at
least 2255m. Proved breeding on the hills
surrounding the Kathmandu Valley
(708). Inhabits both dense forest and
open secondary growth. Range Hima-
layas from Murree east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India.
WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHING-THRUSH 1 Garrulax leucolophus
Subspecies /eucolophus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A common resident
occurring mainly between 800m and
1980m. Uncommon down to 305m, and
up to 2135m. Possibly shows some sea-
F
sonal movements. Confirmed breeding at Godavari (190).
Frequents broadleaved evergreen forests; also secondary
growth. Range Himalayas from Chamba east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
LESSER NECKLACED LAUGHING-THRUSH 1 Garrulax monileger
Necklaced Laughing-thrush
Subspecies monileger. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(353,798). Mainly an uncommon resident
from the tarai up to 915m. Found at
Marek (G6) at 915m in January 1950
(647), the westernmost record of the spe-
cies. Localities where regularly reported
include Begnas Tal, Pokhara, Chitwan
and north of Sunischare. Only two rec-
ords from the Kathmandu Valley this
century (629,652). Occurs in dense
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas
from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
308
Babblers
GREATER NECKLACED LAUGHING-THRUSH § Garrulax pectoralis
Large Necklaced Laughing-thrush, Black-gorgetted Laughing-thrush
Subspecies pectoralis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(353). A local resident occurring between
75m and 1220m. A few records at
Pokhara (208,519,142), the westernmost
locality for the species. Fairly common
north of Sunischare, uncommon at Chi-
twan (J6,K6) and mainly single reports
from elsewhere. Uncommon near the
western limit of its range. Only one record
from the Kathmandu Valley this century
(629). Found breeding at Hetaura (101).
Inhabits dense broadleaved forests.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh.
o G K
STRIATED LAUGHING-THRUSH Garrulax striatus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
locally common resident between 1200m
and 2850m; most frequent between
1500m and 2750m. Possibly shows some
altitudinal movements. Regularly seen at
Khaptad (C3), north-west of Pokhara
(HS), in Langtang, in the Arun and upper
Mai valleys, and on Sheopuri and Phul-
chowki. Two subspecies have been
recorded: G. s. vibex (v) (101,190,482),
and G. s. sikkimensis (s) (482,659). Fre-
quents dense broadleaved forests. Range
Himalayas from Kulu east to Arunachal
Pradesh and n.e. India.
[= | = a7
Oca, te 9000m JF MAA MJ JAA S°O ND
VARIEGATED LAUGHING-THRUSH Garmulax variegatus
Subspecies variegatus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A resident, possibly
subject to some seasonal movements.
Occurs between 2100m and 4100m.
Common in west and central areas east to
upper Langtang (M5). Scarce in Hel-
ambu (LS) and further east. Collected at
Ting Sang La between 3400m and 3500m
on 3 and 7 May 1962 (190), the most
easterly records for the species. Proved
breeding inthe Dhorpatan valley (F4,G5)
(499). Found in coniferous and
broadleaved forests with thick under-
growth and rhododendrons above the
treeline. Range Himalayas from Kohat,
Chitral and Gilgit east to Nepal.
o 9000m TC
Babblers
309
RUFOUS-CHINNED LAUGHING-THRUSH 9 Garrulax rufogularis
First recorded by B. Hodgson (353). A
locally distributed resident, possibly mak-
ing some altitudinal movements. Occa-
sionally seen between 915m and 1675m;
tare up to 2135m. Regularly reported
from Pokhara and hills to the north-west
(H5); also from hills surrounding the
Kathmandu Valley. Mainly single reports from elsewhere.
Confirmed to breed at Bhimpedi (101), and on Jahar Powah
(L6) (336). Two intergrading races occur: G. r. occidentalis
(0) (245) and G. r. rufogularis (r) (101,647). Found in
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas from Murree east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
SPOTTED LAUGHING-THRUSH Garmulax ocellatus
White-spotted Laughing-thrush
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
locally, fairly common and sedentary resi-
dent; chiefly found between 2135m and
3660m. Regularly seen at Khaptad (C3),
Ghorepani, Ghasa, Langtang, and in the
Arun and upper Mai valleys. Little is
known of its breeding behaviour. Two
nests with young were found at Thodung
—: SSS
9000m J'F'M' AAM JAJ°A’S*O'N'D
(N6), at 2850m and 3100m, on 30 May and 3 June 1962
(190). Also collected in breeding condition at Jiri (N6) and
Thodung, between 3000m and 3200m in May and June
(190). Two intergrading races occur: G. o. griseicauda (g)
(246) and G. o. ocellatus (0) (246,621,647,737). Frequents
open mixed forest with undergrowth, and rhododendron
shrubberies. Range Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arun-
achal Pradesh.
310
Babblers
GREY-SIDED LAUGHING-THRUSH 1 Garrulax caerulatus
Subspecies caerulatus. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(353,798). A locally distributed resident,
occasionally seen between 1370m and
2745m. Regularly reported from Phul-
chowki, the upper Arun valley (Q6)
(690,590), the eastern hills (Q7,R8) (223),
and on Sheopuri where proved breeding
(243). Noted south of Annapurna (JS) at
about 1500m in June 1977 (762), the most
westerly record of the species. Inhabits
dense, humid, broadleaved forests.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Bhutan and probably Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India.
oi? OO oe
RUFOUS-NECKED LAUGHING-THRUSH Garrulax ruficollis
First recorded by B. Hodgson (277). A
very local resident. Fairly common near
Tiger Tops, Chitwan where breeding has
been proved (296). The only other rec-
ords are from Tamaspur, the western
limit of its range. Found in thick undergrowth in dense,
broadleaved forest at about 275m. Breeds from March to
August. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
STREAKED LAUGHING-THRUSH Garrulax lineatus
Subspecies setafer or lineatus if setafer is
considered invalid (647). First recorded
by B. Hodgson (353,798). A resident,
subject to some altitudinal movements.
Common in the Langtang valley (LS) and
further west. Occasionally seen in the
Kathmandu Valley and eastwards. Sum-
mers chiefly between 2440m and 3905m,
and winters from 1065m up to at least
2745m. Found breeding on the hills sur-
rounding the Kathmandu Valley in May
and June (190,336,708) and at Junbesi
(P6) (190). Inhabits secondary scrub, for-
est edges, bushes at roadsides, and edges
of cultivation. Range Hills of Pakistan,
and the Himalayas from Chitral east to
Arunachal Pradesh.
3 9000m BY CR
Babblers
BLUE-WINGED LAUGHING-THRUSH
First recorded by B. Hodgson who found
it breeding in the central region
(353,414). A scarce resident between
1220m and 2440m. One was seen at
Karuwa (HS) on 27 April 1984, the most
westerly locality for the species (623).
Other recent reports are from Phul-
chowki, the lower Marsyangdi Khola (J5)
(126,142), the upper Arun (10,574),
Barun (588) and upper Mai valleys (142)
and Hans Pokhari (S8) (559). Proved
breeding on Sheopuri (247). Skulks in
dense undergrowth in humid,
broadleaved, evergreen forests. Range
311
Garrulax squamatus
India.
SCALY LAUGHING-THRUSH_ Garrulax subunicolor
Plain-coloured Laughing-thrush
Subspecies subunicolor. The species was
described from Nepal by E. Blyth
(114,798) from a Hodgson specimen.
Local, probably resident. Occurs between
1500m and 3450m, and possibly descends
from higher levels in winter. Fairly com-
mon in the upper Arun and upper Mai
valleys. Occasionally reported from the
Modi Khola valley and Pipar (H5). Found
north of Ghasa (H4) at 2075m on 16 May
1984 (158), the westernmost record for
the species. Single reports from else-
where. Frequents thick undergrowth in
damp, broadleaved, evergreen forests.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh.
BLACK-FACED LAUGHING-THRUSH
The species was described from Nepal by
E. Blyth from a Hodgson specimen
(114,798). A common resident subject to
altitudinal movements. Summers mainly
between 2750m and 4000m, and locally as
high as 4600m. Descends from higher
levels in winter, occasionally down to
1830m. Regularly seen west to the upper
Kali Gandaki valley. Recorded near
Bundi Pass, Jumla District (E3) on 19
May 1985 (160), the western limit of the
species’s range. Confirmed breeding in
Khumbu (190) and Langtang (771). Two
Taces occur: G. a. affinis (a), G. a. bethelae
(b), and intermediates (ab). Occurs in
bushes in broadleaved, coniferous and
Garrulax affinis
Ta EEE
o 9000m JTF M AAM JAI TA
mixed forests, and shrubberies above the treeline. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh.
312
Babblers
CHESTNUT-CROWNED LAUGHING-THRUSH Garrulax erythrocephalus
Red-headed Laughing-thrush
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common resident subject to altitudinal
movements. Summers chiefly between
1800m and 3000m. Mainly winters be-
tween 1800m and at least 2750m, and
occasionally down to 1100m. Proved
RED-FACED LIOCICHLA Liocichla phoenicea
Crimson-winged Laughing-thrush
Subspecies phoenicea. The species was
described from Nepal by J. Gould (268),
probably from a Hodgson specimen.
Recorded by Hodgson (277), but there
SILVER-EARED MESIA Leiothrix argentauris
Subspecies argentauris. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(378,798). Local, probably a sedentary
resident. Recorded mainly between
365m and 1220m, but occasionally down
to 205m and up to 1830m. Regularly seen
in Ilam District (R8), but few recent re-
ports from elsewhere: at Bardia (162),
near Bandipur (H5) (329), south of An-
napurna (J5) (762), near Narayanghat
(J6) (7), Tribeni (Q8) (446) and Hans
Pokhari (S8) (193). Frequents bushes in
evergreen broadleaved forests and shady
ravines. Range Himalayas from Garhwal
east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
breeding in the Kathmandu Valley (101,190). Two races
occur: G. e. kali (k), G. e. nigrimentum (n) and intermediates
(kn). Frequents dense undergrowth in broadleaved forests.
Range Himalayas from Changla Gali and Murree east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
are no later records. Occurs in dense undergrowth in ever-
green forests, and at field edges, from 900m to 1800m (46).
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Babblers
RED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX Leiothrix lutea
Pekin Robin
Subspecies calipyga. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (378). A fairly common resident
subject to slight altitudinal movements.
Occurs mainly between 1220m and
2440m, but occasionally seen down to
915m and up to 2745m. Found breeding
on Sheopuri (414,632). Inhabits thick
undergrowth and wooded ravines in
moist broadleaved forests. Range Hima-
layas from Pakistan, in the Punjab, east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
FIRE-TAILED MYZORNIS 9 Myzomis pyrrhoura
a
The species was described from Nepal by
E. Blyth from a Hodgson specimen
(114,798). A locally distributed resident,
subject to some altitudinal movements.
Found between 2135m and 3950m, and
up to at least 2745m in winter (659).
Occurs mainly from Langtang (L5) east-
wards. Noted north-west of Pokhara (H5)
at about 2000m in early August 1977
(762), the westernmost record for the
CUTIA Cutia nipalensis
Nepal Cutia
Subspecies nipalensis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(348). Very locally distributed, probably
resident. Favours an altitudinal zone of
2100m to 2300m. Possibly shows some
altitudinal movements, but noted up to at
least 2285m in February (647). Found as
313
species. Regularly seen near Gapte cave (L5), and in the
upper Arun and upper Mai valleys. Its breeding behaviour
is poorly known. The nest of the species was first described
from the Gandak-Kosi watershed (L5) at 3660m, where a
pair was feeding young in late May 1961 (639). Three nests
under construction were found at Gapte (L5) at 3505m on
21 May 1982 (294,682). Inhabits mossy forests of juniper
and rhododendron; also bamboo thickets. Range Hima-
layas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh.
low as 1095m at Birethante in December 1984 (142). Regu-
larly recorded on Phulchowki; occasionally seen in the
upper Mai and Modi Khola valleys, but only two records
from elsewhere. The nest has not been described. Feeds in
the canopy of dense oak and on moss-covered trunks in
humid, broadleaved evergreen forests. Range Himalayas
from Kumaon east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
314
CUTIA, cont'd ...
Babblers
BLACK-HEADED SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius rufiventer
Rufous-bellied Shrike-Babbler
First definitely recorded from Nepal by
R.L. Fleming Sr. at Jiri (N6) at 2500m on
19 November 1960 (246). Specimens in B.
Hodgson’s later collection have been
described as Nepalese (409), but may
have originated in India (276). A scarce
and local resident, mainly reported be-
tween 2135m and 2500m. A few reports
from south of Annapurna, and also south
of Machapuchare where found up to
3230m on 23 April 1979 (244). Noted
twice near Ghandrung (H5) (746,436),
the most westerly locality for the species.
The only other records are from the up-
per Arun valley in 1973 (10,441), Barun
valley (Q6) in 1984 (588), upper Mai val-
ley (S7) in 1983 (148) and 1989 (307), and
(as | 2
Jo FEM WAN M Jana |S
west of Sanam (P7) in 1986 (546). Its seasonal movements
and breeding habits are unknown. Frequents dense mossy,
humid, broadleaved evergreen forests. It moves sluggishly
and is easily overlooked. Range Himalayas from Nepal east
to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
WHITE-BROWED SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius flaviscapis
Red-winged Shrike-Babbler
Babblers
WHITE-BROWED SHRIKE-BABBLER, cont'd ...
Subspecies validirostris. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A fairly common resi-
dent subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Summers chiefly between 1800m
and 2200m. Winters mainly between
315
1500m and 2135m, but wanders down to 1200m, and one
record at 305m at Badalmachi (B4) in December 1952
(647). Inhabits broadleaved forests, favouring oaks. Range
Himalayas from Murree east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India.
GREEN SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius xanthochloris
The species was described from Nepal by
J.E. and G.R. Gray from a Hodgson
specimen (277,798). A resident, occasion-
ally found between 2135m and at least as
high as 3050m throughout the year. May
descend from the higher altitudes in win-
ter. Regularly reported north-west of
Pokhara (H4,HS), in Langtang, and on
the hills surrounding the Kathmandu
Valley. Two races occur: P. x. occidentalis
(0) (245), and P. x. xanthochloris (x) (647).
Frequents broadleaved and coniferous
forests. Range Himalayas from Murree
east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
BLACK-EARED SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius melanotis
Chestnut-eared Shrike-Babbler
Subspecies melanotis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(395). A resident, subject to altitudinal
movements. Occasional and locally dis-
tributed. Summers between 1800m and
2440m, but mainly above 2135m. Winters
mainly between 1500m and 2000m, but
recorded at 305m on 12 January 1981
south of Ilam (300). Regularly seen
north-west of Pokhara (HS), on the hills
surrounding the Kathmandu Valley, and
in the upper Arun, Barun and upper Mai
valleys (R7,S7). Reported a few times
from Ghorepani, the western limit of the
species’s range. Breeding behaviour is
little known. Found in humid, broadleaved evergreen
forests. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
WHITE-HOODED BABBLER Gampsorhynchus rufulus
White-headed Shrike-Babbler
Subspecies rufulus. Scarce. Obtained by
B. Hodgson in his later collection (409)
but the specimen may have originated in
India. First definitely recorded by R.L.
Fleming who saw one north of Bhadrapur
(S8) at 600m in February 1965 (247). The
only other record received is of five seen at Soyang, Ilam
District (R8) at about 1400m on 17 January 1989 (694).
Occurs in secondary jungle, and in undergrowth of ever-
green forest (664). Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
316
Babblers
RUSTY-FRONTED BARWING Actinodura egertoni
Spectacled Barwing
Subspecies egertoni. The species was de-
scribed by J. Gould from a specimen pre-
sented by P.G. Egerton from Nepal
(267,798). Scarce and local, presumably
resident. Reported between 1785m and
2255m. Found south of the Lamjung
Himal (J5) in October 1976 (474) and in
HOARY BARWING Actinodura nipalensis
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (353,798). A fairly common
resident subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Most frequently seen between
1980m and 3000m, but occasionally up to
3500m and down to 1500m. Noted up to at
least 2750m in winter (647). Fairly com-
mon at Khaptad (C3) (657,428,68), the
western limit of the species’s range. Little
is known of its breeding behaviour. Col-
lected in breeding condition between 15
May and 3 June 1962 at Bigu, Jiri, and
Thodung (N6), between 2900m and
3200m (190). Seen nest-building on
Sheopuri on 16 April 1988 (438) and at
Kutumsang (L5) at about 2470m on 18
May 1988 (771). Forages in mossy oak
and rhododendron forests. Range Hima-
layas from Nepal east to Bhutan.
1977 (762), the most westerly records for the species. Un-
common in the upper Mai valley. The only other reports are
from Chitlang in April 1947 (101), Walung forest (Q6) in
January 1959 (482), Barun valley (Q6) in 1984 and upper
Arun valley in 1986 (590). Frequents dense thickets in
humid, broadleaved evergreen forest. Range Himalayas
from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
Babblers
BLUE-WINGED MINLA Minla cyanouroptera
Subspecies cyanouroptera. The species
was described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(378,798). A fairly common resident, sub-
ject to some altitudinal movements. Win-
ters mainly between 1000m and 1830m,
but occasionally up to 2285m. Summers
up to 2440m, and rarely to 2750m. Proved
breeding at Hans Pokhari (S8) (193).
Found in bushes and tangled under-
growth in dense forest. Range Himalayas
from Naini Tal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
CHESTNUT-TAILED MINLA Minla strigula
Bar-throated Minla, Bar-throated Siva
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (378,798). A common resi-
dent subject to altitudinal movements.
Summers chiefly between 2440m and
3750m. Winters mainly between 1400m
and 2745m, but noted at 1035m at Bire-
thante (H5) in February 1982 (770).
Proved breeding on Sheopuri and Phul-
chowki (243). Two subspecies occur: M. s.
simlaensis (si) (247), and M. s. strigula (s).
Chiefly inhabits broadleaved forests, es-
pecially of oak. Range Himalayas from
Kangra east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India.
RED-TAILED MINLA Minla ignotincta
Subspecies ignotincta. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(378,798). An altitudinal migrant; proba-
bly resident. Common in the far east, and
occasionally seen elsewhere. Reported
from Ghorepani (206,439), the western-
most locality for the species. Summers
mainly between 1830m and 3400m, and
317
"9000e J °F M M'JAT™A™S'O'N'D
winters between 760m and at least 2285m. Little is known of
its breeding behaviour. Collected in breeding condition at
Thodung and Jiri (N6), between 3100m and 3400m, on 24
and 30 May 1962 (190). Frequents damp, dense
broadleaved, evergreen forests, especially of oak. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
318
Babblers
GOLDEN-BREASTED FULVETTA Alcippe chrysotis
Golden-breasted Tit-Babbler
Subspecies chrysotis. The species was
described from Nepal by E. Blyth from a
Hodgson specimen (116). Hodgson found
it breeding in the central region in May
and June (414). Its breeding habits have
not been recorded since. Very local,
probably resident. Found between 2435m
and 3050m. Common in the upper Modi
Khola valley (HS), occasionally seen in
the upper Mai valley and uncommon
south of Annapurna. Only two other rec-
ords received: collected in April 1984 at
Yanjua Dhoja (R6) (589) and at
Pahakhola (Q6) in June 1988 (537).
Noted north of Ghasa on 3 March 1986
(321), the most westerly record for the
species. Frequents bamboo. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India.
8 ¢ - fo} M Q
[ I = =| Se ry. SB ‘=
Ar T ‘9000 = J oF M' AAM J A’s'O ND
[YELLOW-THROATED FULVETTA Alcippe cinerea
Dusky-green Tit-Babbler
Obtained by B.Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409) but the specimen may have
originated in India. Reported at Godav-
ari in April 1948 (629), but confirmation
of its occurrence there is desirable. No later records. Found
in deep evergreen forest (47). Range Himalayas from
Sikkim east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangla-
desh.]
RUFOUS-WINGED FULVETTA Alcippe castaneceps
Chestnut-headed Tit-Babbler
Subspecies castaneceps. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(378,798). A common resident subject to
some altitudinal movements. Summers
mainly between 1825m and 2745m but
noted at the particularly high altitude of
3505m at Gapte cave in May 1982 (682).
Winters from 1525m up to at least 2745m.
A few records from the upper Kali Gan-
daki valley, the western limit of the range
of the species. Occurs in thick under-
growth in moist broadleaved forests.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh.
Babblers 319
WHITE-BROWED FULVETTA Alcippe vinipectus
White-browed Tit-Babbler
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (378,798). A common resi-
dent subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Summers usually between 2400m
and 4200m. Winters between 2135m and
3000m, but rarely down to 1525m. Proved
breeding at Khaptad (C3) (68), in Lang- - Been I Ve
tang (771), Khumbu (190), and on Nangi s ve hee ss
Danda (L6) (636). Two races occur: A. v. He
vinipectus (v) (62), and A. v. chumbiensis =>
(c) (647). Inhabits bushes in broadleaved
and coniferous forests, and shrubberies of
birch, juniper and rhododendron. Range
Himalayas from Dharmsala east to Bhu-
tan, and possibly Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India.
NEPAL FULVETTA Alcippe nipalensis
Nepal Babbler, Nepal Quaker Babbler
Subspecies nipalensis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(378,798). A resident subject to altitudi-
nal movements. Winters chiefly between
245m and 1830m, and summers up to
2285m. Common on the hills surrounding
the Kathmandu Valley, but uncommon
elsewhere. Reported from north-west of
Pokhara (HS), Chitwan (J6,K6) and
Mechi Zone (R7,R8,S7,S8). Single rec- ae SSD
ords from elsewhere. Found breeding on
Phulchowki (101,629,659), “and on
Sheopuri (243). Noted near species. Frequents dense undergrowth in damp forests.
Narsinghkanda (C4) on 15 November Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
1985 (162), the westernmost record of the n.e. India and Bangladesh.
RUFOUS-BACKED SIBIA Heterophasia annectans
Chestnut-backed Sibia
Subspecies annectans. Scarce, presuma-
bly resident. First seen near Mai Pokhari
(R7) at 2135m on 17 and 18 September
1978 by S. LeClerq, R. DeWitt and R.L.
Fleming Jr. (178,243). The only other
records are from the same area near
Phidim (R7) at 1450m on 10 November
1978 (155,301) and at Hanga Tham at
2650m on 27 March 1989 (193). Breeds in
May and June. Occurs in dense, humid,
broadleaved evergreen forest (664).
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
320
BLACK-CAPPED SIBIA Heterophasia capistrata
First recorded by B. Hodgson (381). A
common resident subject to altitudinal
movements. Chiefly summers between
1980m and 3000m, and winters between
1050m and 2750m. Noted at 850m in
December in Mechi Zone (658) and at
3400m at Ting Sang La in May (190).
Proved breeding at Godavari (190).
Three races occur: H. c. capistrata (c)
(2A7), H. c. nigriceps (n) (101,482,
619,647,798) and H. c. bayleyi (b) (647).
Forages in broadleaved forests, especially
of oaks. Range Himalayas from Murree
east to Arunachal Pradesh.
LONG-TAILED SIBIA Heterophasia picaoides
Subspecies picaoides. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(381,798). He found it in the tarai and
lower hills (336). Described as tolerably
common about Nimboatar (L7) in winter
1877 (708). There are no other confirmed
records. Frequents forest clearings, and
open scrub with large trees (47). Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India.
WHITE-NAPED YUHINA 1 Yuhina bakeri
Chestnut-headed Yuhina
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409) but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by R.L. Fleming who collected
one from Hans Pokhari Danda (S8) at
1525m on 18 February 1969 (9) and de-
Babblers
scribed the species as fairly common (243). The only other
record is of one seen at the same locality on 8 April 1989
(193). Breeds from April to July. Frequents humid ever-
green forest. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Two records of Rufous-vented Yuhina (109,647,659) have been wrongly listed as this species (47,101,664).
WHISKERED YUHINA Yuhina flavicollis
Yellow-naped Yuhina
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (356,798). A common resi-
dent subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Summers chiefly between 1830m
and 2745m, and winters between 800m
and 2745m. Proved breeding in the cen-
tral region (414) and on Sheopuri (243). Two races occur: Y.
f. flavicollis (f) (62,101,659), and Y. f. albicollis (a)
(247,647,659). Found in bushes and lower branches of
mainly broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas from Hima-
chal Pradesh east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
Babblers 321
WHISKERED YUHINA, cont’d ...
STRIPE-THROATED YUHINA Yuhina gularis
Subspecies gularis. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(356,798). A common resident subject to
altitudinal movements. Summers mainly
between 2435m and 3700m; winters be-
tween 1700m and 3050m, rarely down to
1400m. Breeding behaviour is little
known. Collected in breeding condition
between 14 and 27 May 1962 at Bigu and
Harkhate Gairi (N6) between 3200m and
3300m (141). Inhabits forests of pure
broadleaves and mixed with conifers.
Range Himalayas from Garhwal east to
Arunachal Pradesh and n.e. India.
RUFOUS-VENTED YUHINA Yuhina occipitalis
Subspecies occipitalis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(356,798). A common resident subject to
altitudinal movements. Summers be-
tween 2400m and 3600m, most frequently
between 3050m and 3400m; winters from
1830m to at least 2745m. Found breeding
on Nangi Danda (L6) (636), and in the
Gandak-Kosi watershed (L5) (633). Oc-
casionally seen in the upper Kali Gandaki
valley, the western limit of the species’s
range. Records from the west near Rara
(627) and Jumla (620), which are given in
the first edition of this book (435), are
now considered unacceptable. Frequents
broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas
from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh.
322 Babblers/Tits
BLACK-CHINNED YUHINA Yuhina nigrimenta
Subspecies nigrimenta. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(392,798). Scarce, probably resident.
Reported between 610m and 1500m. Alti-
tudinal movements are poorly under-
stood. Recently recorded from Khaptad
(C3) (428), Surkhet (D4) (297), south of
Annapurna (H5,J5) (762,142), the Arun
valley (Q6,Q7) (10,596,769), Sangure
ridge (Q8) (293), and below Ilam (59).
Frequents the lower storey of
broadleaved evergreen forests. Range
Himalayas from Garhwal east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
WHITE-BELLIED YUHINA Yuhina zantholeuca
(Y. xantholeuca)
Subspecies zantholeuca. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(115,798). A local resident, subject to
large and poorly understood altitudinal
movements. Recorded between 180m
and 2285m, mainly below 1650m. Its
breeding zone is uncertain but most fre-
quently reported between 1300m and
1600m. Common in the Kathmandu Val-
ley, and fairly common at Chitwan a ie eS
(J6,K6) where it is possibly resident (296).
Occasionally seen west to Pokhara Dis- most westerly record of the species. Found in clearings and
trict (H5). Collected south of Dan- forest edges. Range Himalayas fom Nepal east to Bhutan;
deldhura (B4) on 24 April 1965 (247), the n.e. India and Bangladesh.
BLACK-BROWED TIT Aegithalos iouschistos
Rufous-fronted Tit
Subspecies iouschistos. The species was
described from Nepal by E. Blyth from a
Hodgson specimen (116 ,798).A resident,
occasionally found between 2590m and
3700m throughout the year. Three noted
on Phulchowki at about 2400m on 31
October 1989, the first for the Kath-
mandu Valley (256). Collected above
Dana (H4) at 2590m on 21 December
1963 (247) and seen between Kalopani
and Tukche (H4) on 9 December 1984
(58), the most westerly records of the
species. The nest was first described in (190), near Jaubari (R7) (12) and in the upper Mai valley
Ilam District at 2745m in May (243). Also (R7) (704). Frequents the lower storey of broadleaved and
confirmed breeding at Ghora Tabela hemlock forests. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
(LS) (812) in May, at Thodung (N6) Arunachal Pradesh.
Tits
WHITE-THROATED TIT Aegithalos niveogularis
First definitely recorded near Jumla in
mid-May 1952 by O. Polunin (620).
Probably resident. Found between 2800m
and 3550m. Its movements in Nepal are
poorly understood. Occasionally seen in
the north-west, including Rara (E2),
Jumla (E3) and the Dolpo (F3). Common
in the Langu valley (F2) where proved
breeding (330). There are three reports
BLACK-THROATED TIT Aegithalos concinnus
Red-headed Tit
Subspecies iredalei. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). An abundant resident.
Occurs mainly between 1400m and2700m
throughout the year, but occasionally
found down to 1065m, and up to 3000m.
Proved breeding at Khaptad (C3) (428),
323
from Ghorepani: on 12 March 1981 (559), and on 19 and 23
November 1981 (146); also one from Kalopani (H4) at
2560m on 19 March 1984 (787). Only one record from
farther east: a pair at Gosainkund on 3 April 1979 at about
2750m (474), a considerable range extension for the species.
Inhabits bushes in mixed birch and coniferous forests, and
shrubberies near the treeline. Range Himalayas from the
Kagan valley east to Nepal.
P= ——— 9000m TIER A MAJ" J AS’ O°N'D
north-west of Pokhara (H4,HS) (811), on Phulchowki (440),
and in Langtang (440). Inhabits broadleaved or mixed
broadleaved/coniferous forests. Range N. Baluchistan;
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India.
324
YELLOW-BROWED TIT Sylviparus modestus
Subspecies modestus. The species was
described from the Himalayas by E.
Burton (139), the type locality later de-
fined as Nepal by Baker (64). A resident
subject to some altitudinal movements.
Generally fairly common, from the Kali
Gandaki valley eastwards, and common
in some areas. Usually summers between
2135m and 2800m, and occasionally up to
3250m; winters between 1500m and
2800m. Noted at 4265m in the Gandak-
Kosiwatershed (732), but confirmation of
its occurrence at such high altitude is
desirable. Little is known of its breeding
habits. The nest was first described from
Phulchowki at 2380m on 4 May 1968,
when the parents were feeding young
(215). Another nest with young was found
on Phulchowki on 2 May at 2000m
(510,651). A nest with eggs was discov-
GREY-CRESTED TIT Parus dichrous
Brown Crested Tit
Tits
STN ie ATs Sans ORMIN BaD)
ered on 25 April at 2410m during a trek to Ganesh Himal
(215). Noted feeding flying young at Khaptad (C3) on 19
May (428) and carrying food on Phulchowki in mid-May
(556). Occurs in broadleaved forests and favours oaks.
Range Himalayas from Kashmir east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India.
Subspecies dichrous. The species was
described from Nepal by E. Blyth from a
Hodgson specimen (116 ,798). A resident
subject to some altitudinal movements.
Chiefly summers between 2745m and
4200m, and winters from 2000m up to
3655m, but seen at 4270m in February in Khumbu (558).
Proved breeding at Pipar (H5) (800), in the Gandak-Kosi
watershed (L5) (633), and at Khumjung (P6) (190). Fre-
quents broadleaved, coniferous and mixed forests. Range
Himalayas from Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Tits
RUFOUS-NAPED TIT Parus rufonuchalis
Simla Black Tit (P. rubidiventris rufonuchalis)
Rufous-naped Black Tit
First definitely recorded by F.M. Bailey at
Tullo Silkki (D2) on 6 June 1936 (62).
Fairly common, probably resident; sub-
ject to some altitudinal movements.
Summers between 2700m and 4000m. Its
winter altitudinal range in Nepal is poorly
known. Occasionally found in the upper
Kali Gandaki valley, the eastern limit of
the species’s range. Proved breeding at
Tukche (528). Frequents coniferous and
oak/rhododendron forests. Range N.
Baluchistan; Himalayas from N.W.F.P.
east to Nepal.
RUFOUS-VENTED TIT Parus rubidiventris
325
Rufous-breasted Black Tit, Rufous-bellied Crested Tit F
Sikkim Black Tit, Rufous-vented Black Tit
ARN y
The species was described from Nepal by
E. Blyth (121). A common resident, sub-
ject to some altitudinal movements.
Summers chiefly between 3050m and
4250m. May descend in winter, occasion-
ally down to 2135m, but noted as high as
4270m in February in Khumbu (558).
Breeding confirmed at Dhorpatan (G5)
(528), above Tukche (528), in the Gan-
dak-Kosi watershed (L5) (633), at Tho-
dung (N6) (528) and at Khumjung (P6)
(190). Two races occur: P. r. rubidiventris (r), and P. r.
beavani (b).It has been suggested that the Bhote Kosi (M6)
marks the division between the races (528), but beavani has
been found just west of there in upper Langtang (M5)
(195,243,509). A specimen of nominate rubidiventris from
near Jiri (N6) (525) was possibly a stray, and confirmation
of its occurrence there regularly is needed. Frequents conif-
erous forests, and mixed conifer and birch forests; also rho-
dodendron shrubberies. Range Himalayas from Tehri
Garhwal east to Bhutan and probably to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India.
326
SPOT-WINGED TIT Parus melanolophus
Crested Black Tit, Spot-winged Black Tit
First definitely recorded by O. Polunin
above Maina (E4) on 6 April 1952 (620).
A common resident, probably subject to
altitudinal movements. Summers be-
tween 2200m and 3700m; wintering alti-
tudes are poorly known. Foundeast to the
Namlang and Langu valleys (F2)
(447,330) and at Ringmo (F3) where
proved breeding (528). Hybridises with
Coal Tit further east (x). Birds showing
slight introgression with the latter species
have been found breeding and collected
near Tarakot (F4), at Thankur (G4) and
Dhorpatan (GS) (528). Hybrids have also
been collected near Dhorpatan (G5)
(528). Sightings of the species as well as
hybrids have been reported further east
COAL TIT Parus ater
Subspecies aemodius. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388,798). A fairly common
resident subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Summers chiefly between 2800m
and 4000m, occasionally down to 2440m
and up to 4250m. Winters mainly between
2500m and at least 3050m, but noted at
4270m in February in Khumbu (P6) (558)
and rarely down to 1830m. Found breed-
ing in the Gandak-Kosi watershed (LS)
(633) and at Thodung (N6) (528). Hybrids
(x) with Spot-winged Black Tit have been
collected near Dhorpatan (G5) (528), and
specimens showing introgression with
GREAT TIT Parus major
Grey Tit
Subspecies nipalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (378,798). A common resi-
dent subject to some altitudinal or local
movements. Frequent up to 1525m, occa-
sionally seen up to 1800m, and rare at
higher elevations. Noted as high as 3050m
at Rara on 23 June 1979 (626). Proved
breeding in Doti District (B3,C3) (438)
and at Chitwan (296). Inhabits open for-
est, groves, cultivation and gardens; fa-
vours broadleaved trees. Range N. Balu-
chistan; Himalayan foothills from
N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh; peninsular India.
Tits
from Ghorepani (305,476), and in the upper Kali Gandaki
valley (207,559, 546,480), but confirmation of its occurrence
in these areas is needed. Favours conifers, but also fre-
quents mixed forest. Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east
to Nepal.
a ]
f T9000m JTF M' AAM JAS A'S OND
that species have been collected near Dhaulagiri (H4)
(528). Frequents coniferous forests and dwarf junipers
above the treeline. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Bhutan.
Tits
GREEN-BACKED TIT Parus monticolus
Subspecies monticolus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A common resident
subject to altitudinal movements. Fre-
quent between 1370m and 3100m, and oc-
casionally seen up to 3660m. Replaces
Great Tit altitudinally, chiefly breeding
above 1525m, and wintering below
2745m. Proved breeding at Khaptad (C3)
(428), near Dhankhuta (Q7) (446), and in
the Trisuli valley (L5) (517). Occurs in
both dense and light forests; prefers
moister habitat than that occupied by
Great Tit. Range Himalayas from
N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India.
BLACK-LORED TIT Parus xanthogenys
Yellow-cheeked Tit
Subspecies xanthogenys. First recorded
by B.Hodgson (388). A common resident
subject to altitudinal movements. Breeds
mainly between 1500m and 2300m, and
winters between 915m and 2135m. Noted
at the exceptional altitudes of 75m near
Simra in January 1981 (309), at 2925m in
the Dhorpatan valley (G5) in June 1981
(499) and at 2700m at Rara in July 1989
(68). Common in the Arun valley; uncom-
mon further east. Seen with Yellow-
cheeked Tits at Chisapani (R8) on 14
January 1989 (307). Breeding confirmed
at Khaptad (C3) (428), on the hills sur-
rounding the Kathmandu, Chitlang and
Markhu valleys (104,517), and at Pati
YELLOW-CHEEKED TIT Parus spilonotus
Black-spotted Yellow Tit
Subspecies spilonotus. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by H. Ste-
vens in the upper Mai valley at about
2400m on 28 March 1912 (737). Uncom-
mon and very local, probably resident.
Chiefly recorded between 1980m and
327
JF M'A MJ's A S'O ND
Bhanjyang (L6) (771). Found in open forests, groves, and
edges of dense forest. Range Himalayas from Murree east
to Darjeeling; hills of the Indian peninsula.
2440m in the upper Mai valley near Hanga Tham between
January and April. Two seen with Black-lored Tits at the
exceptionally low altitude of 450m at Chisapani (R8) on 14
January 1989 (307). Breeds from the end of March to the
end of June. Altitudinal movements in Nepal are not
known. Frequents open oak forests. Range Himalayas from
Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
328
SULTAN TIT Melanochlora sultanea
Subspecies sultanea. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson who
obtained specimens from the lower hills
(336,378, 798). Scarce, probably resident.
Described as fairly common in December
1877 between Hetaura and Nimboatar
(L7) (708). The only later report from the
area is one collected at Hetaura on 24
VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH. Sitta frontalis
Subspecies frontalis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (351). Mainly a fairly common
resident found between 75m and 2015m,
most frequent up to 1800m. No altitudinal
movements have been reported. Com-
mon at Chitwan where proved breeding
(296). Inhabits broadleaved forests, espe-
cially those of sal. Range Himalayas from
Dehra Dun east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh; locally
throughout the Indian peninsula.
WHITE-CHEEKED NUTHATCH Sitta leucopsis
Subspecies /eucopsis. First definitely re-
corded by the Lulo Khola (F3) at 4575m
on 30 June 1952 by O. Polunin (620).
Probably resident. Found between 2745m
and 4575m. Altitudinal movements in
Nepal are unknown. Described as fairly
common in the north-west (243) and as
Tits/Nuthatches
= =
OS yr MAA M J JAAS O"N D
May 1947 (104). Found at Rupa Tal (J5) in 1977 (587), the
most westerly record for the species. Also reported from
Chatra (Q8) in February 1949 (659), near Shantinagar (S8)
on 20 February 1969 (9), north of Sunischare on 17 March
1982 (794) and a few recent reports from the Churia hills at
Chitwan (J6,K6) (481,11,67). Frequents broadleaved
forests. Range Himalayan foothills from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
common in the Langu valley (F2) (330). Other localities
include Rara Lake (159,68) and the Dolpo. Singles near
Tarakot (F4) on 3 June 1973 (589) and on 20 April 1974
(153) are the most easterly records of the species. Inhabits
coniferous forests. Range Himalayas from N.W.F-P. east to
Nepal.
Nuthatches 329
WHITE-CHEEKED NUTHATCH, cont’d ...
Tmt [ a | ]
aM 9000m fe A
WHITE-TAILED NUTHATCH Sitta himalayensis
Subspecies himalayensis. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (351). A common resident
subject to some altitudinal movements.
Occurs chiefly between 1800m and
3050m. Sometimes descends in winter,
rarely down to 915m. Confirmed breed-
ing at Khaptad (C3) (428), Ghorepani
(82), on the Mamche Danda (L6) (633),
on Phulchowki (632) and in Mechi Zone
(R7) (658). Chiefly inhabits broadleaved
forests. Range Himalayas from Chamba I =i SRC ay
east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH Sitta castanea
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common resident from the tarai up to
1830m. No altitudinal movements have
been reported. Confirmed breeding in
Doti District (C3) (438), the Kathmandu
Valley (517), and at Chitwan (296). Three
Taces are recorded: S. c. castanea (ca)
(247,659), S. c. almorae (a) (190,647), S. c.
cinnamoventns (ci) (482) and intermedi-
ates between the two latter races (ac)
(104). Mainly frequents broadleaved for-
ests and groves. Range Himalayas from
Chakrata east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh; locally in n., c., and
s.w. India.
330 Nuthatches/Treecreepers
KASHMIR NUTHATCH Sitta cashmirensis
Eurasian Nuthatch (S. europaea)
Variously regarded as a subspecies of S.
europaea (243,664) or S. castanea (784);
here treated as a separate species pending
results of further studies. Found between
2400m and 3505m. First definitely re-
corded on 12 May 1952 at Sialgari (E3) at
2895m by O. Polunin (620). Fairly com-
mon in the north-west, probably resident.
Altitudinal movements in Nepal are
poorly known. Found in oak, spruce and ee as
pine forests. Range N. Baluchistan; : Me Tee
Himalayas from N.W.F-.P. east to Nepal.
WALLCREEPER 1 Tichodroma muraria
Subspecies nepalensis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). Fairly common.
Mainly reported in winter when found
over a wide altitudinal range from 245m
to over 5000m. Noted at 5730m in
Khumbu in mid-March 1975 (605). Un-
common at Chitwan from October to
March (296). Confirmed breeding in
Khumbu (190) and in the Dhauligiri area
(G4) (526). Frequents gorges and cliffs,
especially above streams. Range Breeds
in the Himalayas from Safed Koh east to
Arunachal Pradesh. Winters down to the
foothills, and in the plains south to Ra-
jasthan.
BROWN-THROATED TREECREEPER
Sikkim Treecreeper
Subspecies discolor. A Hodgson speci-
men was listed for Nepal by Gadow (253)
but it may have originated in India. First
definitely recorded by S.D. Ripley at
Godavari in November 1948 (659). A
resident subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Summers chiefly between 2000m
and 2750m, occasionally up to 3050m.
Sometimes descends in winter down to
1800m, but has been found at 3050m in
December (243). One collected at the
exceptionally low altitude of 305m at
Badalmachi (B4) in December 1952 (647) 1962 (190). Frequents broadleaved forests. The four Nepal-
is the most westerly record of the species. ese treecreepers all occur in the central Himalayas
Fairly common on Phulchowki, uncom- (H4,HS). Each species has been found to inhabit different
mon elsewhere. Breeding habits are overlapping altitudinal belts and forest formations (533).
poorly known. Taken in breeding condi- Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
tion at Godavari at 2000m on 9 March n.e. India.
Treecreepers
331
BAR-TAILED TREECREEPER Certhia himalayana
Himalayan Treecreeper
Subspecies himalayana. A Hodgson
specimen was listed for Nepal by Gadow
(253) but it may have originated in India.
First definitely collected by S.D. Ripley at
the exceptionally low altitude of 75m at
Tikapur (C5) in December 1948 (659). A
fairly common resident subject to some
altitudinal movements. Summers mainly
between 2900m and 3660m; in winter
sometimes descends to 1800m, and occa-
sionally down to 305m. Regularly re-
ported east to the upper Kali Gandaki
valley. Four were seen below Pisang (J4)
on 28 March 1985 (451); the most easterly
record in the Himalayas. A nest was
found on 9 April 1974 in the Pelma Khola
valley (F4) (153). Noted feeding young on
8 May 1988 at Khaptad at 3050m (C3)
(428), and carrying nest material on 9 May 1985 at 2740m
near Bumra (E3) (163). Breeding behaviour for this subspe-
cies was previously unrecorded. Frequents coniferous and
thododendron forests. Range N. Baluchistan, and the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Nepal.
RUSTY-FLANKED TREECREEPER Certhia nipalensis
Nepal Treecreeper
oy
>
The species was described from Nepal by
E. Blyth from a Hodgson specimen
(798,118). A fairly common resident, sub-
ject to some altitudinal movements.
Summers chiefly between 2550m and
3660m, and winters between 1830m and
at least 3505m. Breeding behaviour is
poorly known. A nest was found on 4 May
1970 at Dhorpatan (G5) at 3400m (527); seen feeding young
on 21 May 1982 at Gapte cave (L5) at 3505m (199); and
flying in and out of a crevice in an oak in the upper Langtang
valley on 30 April 1982 (517). Taken in breeding condition
at Ting Sang La (N6) between 3000m and 3400m on 7 May
and 2 June 1962 (190). Inhabits oak, also mixed coniferous
and broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas from Kumaon
east to Arunachal Pradesh.
332
EURASIAN TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris
Northern Treecreeper, Common Treecreeper
Subspecies mandellii. First definitely re-
corded at Chilung Pati (LS) at 2895m on 9
September 1935 by F.M. Bailey (62). A
fairly common resident, subject to some
altitudinal movements. Mainly summers
between 3000m and 4100m, and winters
from 2000m up to at least 3655m. Breed-
ing behaviour of this subspecies is little
known. Observed nest-building on 19
April 1952 in an old fir stump at Punga
Lekh (D3) at 3355m (620). Juveniles col-
lected at 3950m and 4200m in Khumbu in
late June 1962, were found to be inde-
pendent (190). Seen feeding young in a
nest hole at 3250m on Dori Lekh (E3) on
9 May 1985 (163), and one recently
FIRE-CAPPED TIT Cephalopyrus flammiceps
A specimen listed as “Nepal Purchased”,
but with no other details is the first notice
of the species (253). First definitely re-
corded by J. Martens from Myandi Khola,
Muri (G4) at 2100m on 26 March 1970
(527). Status in Nepal is uncertain; a
scarce resident but also a very uncommon
and erratic visitor. Proved breeding at
Khaptad (C3) with flying young seen in
May (657,428). Mainly recorded between
2135m and 3000m. Several recent reports
from the upper Kali Gandaki valley in
March and April, and a few from the
Kathmandu Valley and surrounding hills
between January and March. An influx in
1982 from February to May: in the Kath-
mandu Valley (73), Khumbu (599),
Syabru (LS) (199), and in the upper Kali
Treecreepers/Sunbirds
9000m J'F'M J'J'A'S O'N'D
fledged young bird was seen at 2800m at Khaptad (C3) on
21 May 1988 (428). Occurs in coniferous and birch forests.
Range Himalayas from Gilgit east to Arunachal Pradesh.
9000m eo
Gandaki valley with a maximum of over 12 near Lete (703).
Single records from elsewhere. Two races have been
recorded: C. f. flammiceps (664) and C. f. olivaceus
(253,664,789). Frequents broadleaved and mixed forests,
favouring maples. Range Himalayas from Gilgit east to
Bhutan.
RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD Anthreptes singalensis
Rubycheek
Subspecies rubinigentis. First recorded at
Chatra in February 1949 by S.D. Ripley
(659). Very locally distributed, probably
resident. Uncommon north of Sunischare
and rare at Chitwan (296), the most west-
erly locality for the species. Described as
uncommon in the eastern tarai in 1976
(293). The only other records are from
near Dharan on 8 February 1969 (9) and
Hetaura on 9 October 1970 (444,450).
Breeds from mid-March to June. Re-
ported up to 455m in open forests or
forest clearings; favours evergreens.
] —— | ie
Lu r r Sat ramen alg (ain a
° 9000 =
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Sunbirds
PURPLE SUNBIRD Nectarinia asiatica
Subspecies asiatica. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (366). A resident, common
from the tarai up to at least 365m, mainly
a summer visitor above 900m. In the
Kathmandu Valley chiefly occurs be-
tween June and mid-November, with a
few overwintering. Confirmed breeding
in the Kathmandu Valley (708), and at
Chitwan (296). Found in flowering shrubs
and trees in open forests and gardens.
Range Throughout the subcontinent.
MRS GOULD’S SUNBIRD Aethopyga gouldiae
Subspecies gouldiae. A Hodgson speci-
men was listed for Nepal by Gadow (254)
but it may have originated in India. first
definitely recorded by F.M. Bailey at
Kodari (M6) on 27 May 1937 (62). An
uncommon resident, subject to altitudinal
movements. Summers chiefly between
2500m and 3655m, and winters between
1830m and at least 2700m. Breeding con-
firmed above Dhunche (L5) (195). Regu-
larly seen north-west of Pokhara
(H4,H5), in Langtang, the upper Mai
valley (S7) and on Phulchowki. Frequents
thododendrons in oak and coniferous
forests. Range Himalayas from the Sutlej
valley east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
GREEN-TAILED SUNBIRD Aethopyga nipalensis
Nepal Sunbird
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (366,798). A common resi-
dent subject to altitudinal movements.
Summers chiefly between 1830m and
3000m, occasionally up to 3505m. Mainly
winters between 915m and 2745m but
collected as low as 305m at Tari (N8) in
December 1953 (647). Two intergrading
taces occur: A. n. horsfieldi (h) (647,659),
A. n. nipalensis (n) (104,190,512,
647,659,741) and intermediates (hn)
(647). Found in oak and rhododendron
and mixed broadleaved forests. Range
Himalayas from Mussoorie east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
333
334
Sunbirds
BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRD Aethopyga saturata
Black-breasted Sunbird
Subspecies saturata. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(366,798). A resident, subject to some
altitudinal movements. Occasionally
found between 1000m and 1830m, and up
to 2200m in summer. Descends from
CRIMSON SUNBIRD Aethopyga siparaja
higher levels in the coldest weather, infrequently down to
305m. Confirmed breeding in the Chitlang valley (L6)
(104). Inhabits flowering bushes in open forests, and the
edges of dense forest. Range Himalayas from Murree east
to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Scarlet-breasted Sunbird, Yellow-backed Sunbird ear
Subspecies seheriae. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (366). A resident, subject to
some altitudinal movements. Fairly com-
mon up to 915m, occasionally seen up to
1200m, and scarce up to 1800m. With-
draws from higher levels in cold weather.
Confirmed breeding at Amlekghanj (K7)
(104), and Chitwan (296). Found in flow-
ering shrubs in light forests, groves and
gardens. Range Himalayas from Kangra
east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh; hills of the n.e. peninsula and
W. Ghats.
FIRE-TAILED SUNBIRD Aethopyga ignicauda
Fire-tailed Yellow-backed Sunbird
Subspecies ignicauda. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(366,798). A fairly common resident sub-
ject to altitudinal movements. Summers
at higher altitudes than Green-tailed
Sunbird, mainly between 3000m and
4000m. Winters chiefly between 1050m
and 2135m, but has been found up to
2895m. Proved breeding at Gosainkund
(LS) (771). Inhabits rhododendron
bushes above the treeline and open conif-
erous forest. Range Himalayas from
Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
Spiderhunters/Flowerpeckers
335
LITTLE SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera longirostra
Subspecies /ongirostra. First recorded at
Kankaimukh near the Mechi River (S8)
at 150m on 21 February 1961 by R.L.
Fleming Sr. (234,246). Scarce and very
local, probably resident. Subsequently
found north of Sunischare (R8) (243)
including one on 16 November 1978 (155)
and three in mid-January 1989 (307). A scarce resident at
Chitwan, near Tiger Tops (296), the most westerly record of
the species. Breeds from March to September. Frequents
wild bananas in damp broadleaved evergreen forests along
streams, between 75m and 305m. Range Himalayas from
Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangla-
desh; W. and E. Ghats.
STREAKED SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera magna
Subspecies magna. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(366,798). Probably resident, locally dis-
tributed. Mainly found in the tarai and
lower hills up to 450m, but two were
trapped at 2135m in the Arun valley
(243). Fairly common north of Sunischare
and uncommon elsewhere. Found at Chi-
twan, the most westerly locality of the
species this century. Inhabits broadleaved
evergreen forests with dense under-
growth, favouring wild bananas. Usually
feeds in the canopy. Range Himalayas in
the Sutlej valley (not since 1868), and
from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India and Bangladesh.
THICK-BILLED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum agile
Subspecies agile. First recorded by J.
Scully in July and August (1876 or 1877)
in the Kathmandu Valley (708). A resi-
dent below 800m, mainly asummer visitor
at higher elevations. Occasionally seen in
the Kathmandu Valley up to 2135m be-
tween May and October, and at Sukla
Phanta where breeding has been con-
firmed (432). Uncommon elsewhere.
Inhabits broadleaved forests and groves.
Range Himalayan foothills from Raw-
alpindi east to Arunachal Pradesh, and
south to Kerala and Bangladesh.
a 90000 De SS
336
YELLOW-VENTED FLOWERPECKER
Subspecies chrysochlore. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by R.L.
Fleming Jr. in 1974 near Dhankuta along
the Tamur River (Q8) at 245m (216,243).
Scarce and very local, probably resident.
YELLOW-BELLIED FLOWERPECKER
CR.
The species was described from Nepal by
E. Blyth from a Hodgson specimen
(114,798). Locally distributed, probably
resident. Seasonal movements are poorly
understood. Found between 2400m and
3000m in summer, and from 1050m to at
Flowerpeckers
Dicaeum chrysorrheum
Reported from north of Sunischare: in March and April in
1977 (178), 1981 (559), 1982 (207,561) and 1987 (205). The
only other records are from Chitwan in March in 1985 and
1989 (67), the western limit of the species’s range. Breeds
from April to July. Seen in mistletoes in open forests and
forest edges. Range Himalayan foothills from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Dicaeum melanaxanthum
J9 FAG RSH OMENS?)
9000n JF MAM J) J
least 1550m in winter. Occasionally seen in the Kathmandu
Valley and surrounding hills in winter, uncommon else-
where. Breeding behaviour is unknown. Frequents flower-
ing and fruiting trees in open broadleaved forest and forest
clearings. Range Himalayas from Almora east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India.
PALE-BILLED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeur erythrorhynchos
Tickell’s Flowerpecker
Subspecies erythrorhynchos. First re-
corded by B. Hodgson (388). A resident,
occasionally found throughout the tarai
and lower foothills up to 305m. Sight
records from the Kathmandu Valley at
1400m in summer (50,629,664,814) are
unacceptable. The species is easily con-
fused with Plain Flowerpecker, particu-
larly the immatures which all have pale
bills. Inhabits groves and open
broadleaved forest. Range Himalayas
from Dharmsala east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh; In-
dian peninsula.
9000m EEE
Flowerpeckers 337
PLAIN FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum concolor
Plain-coloured Flowerpecker
Subspecies olivaceum. A Hodgson speci-
men was listed for Nepal by Sharpe (717)
but it may have originated in India. First
definitely recorded by S.D. Ripley at
Nagarjung (L6) in April 1947 (659). Lo-
cally distributed, presumably resident.
Occurs mainly between 305m and 1525m. : { \ " \
Noted as high as 2500m above the Trisuli - ee : Ne oF
valley (L5) on 31 October 1980 (516).
Fairly common north of Sunischare, and foo aa
in the Kathmandu Valley from mid-
March to the end of September (635), but
uncommon elsewhere. Proved breeding
at Tumlingtar (Q7) (546). Found in
broadleaved forest edges and groves.
Range Himalayas from Nepal east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh; s.w. India.
FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum ignipectus
Buff-bellied Flowerpecker
Subspecies ignipectus. The species was
described from Nepal by E. Blyth from a
Hodgson specimen (114,798). A common
resident subject to altitudinal move-
ments. Summers mainly between 1830m
and 2700m, and winters between 915m
and 2285m. A scarce winter visitor to
Chitwan. Proved breeding in the Chitlang
valley (L6) and Kathmandu Valley (104).
Frequents broadleaved forests. Range
Himalayas from Kashmir east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India.
SCARLET-BACKED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum cruentatum
Subspecies cruentatum. Obtained by B. The only other record is of a male and two females seen at
Hodgson in his later collection (315) but Dharan at 305m on 21 April 1979 (651,652). These are the
the specimen may have originated in In- westernmost records of the species. Breeds from April to
dia. First definitely recorded from Ilam August. Frequents broadleaved forests. Range Himalayan
District (R8) at the exceptionally high foothills from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India
altitude of 2135m (undated) (223,243). and Bangladesh.
Scarce and very local, probably resident.
338
ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpebrosus
White-eye, Indian White-eye
Subspecies palpebrosus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A very common resi-
dent, subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Occurs up to 1370m throughout
the year; probably only a summer visitor
at higher altitudes up to 2440m. Breeding
confirmed at Chitwan (296,432) and in
the Kathmandu Valley (629,708). Inhab-
its undergrowth in open forests, groves
and gardens. Range Throughout the sub-
continent, except parts of the extreme
north-west.
MAROON ORIOLE Oriolus traillii
White-eye/Orioles
Subspecies rraillii. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (348). A locally fairly common
resident, subject to some seasonal move-
ments. Regularly seen on the hills sur-
rounding the Kathmandu Valley, north-
west of Pokhara (H5) and at Khaptad
(C3) (428); few reports from elsewhere.
BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE Onilus xanthornus
Black-headed Oriole
Subspecies xanthomus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A resident, subject to
local seasonal movements. Common in
the tarai and lower foothills below 365m,
uncommon up to 915m, and rare at higher
altitudes. A straggler to the Kathmandu
Valley (240). Breeding confirmed at Chi-
twan (296) and Hetaura (105). Inhabits
open broadleaved forests and groves.
Range Himalayas from Himachal
Pradesh east to Arunachal Pradesh, and
south to Kerala, Kutch and Bangladesh.
Summers mainly between 1500m and 2440m, and winters
between 1200m and 1800m. Noted at Chitwan in November
1981 (296). Breeding confirmed at Bhimpedi (105). Inhab-
its dense broadleaved forests. Range Himalayas from
Himachal Pradesh east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India
and Bangladesh.
TEAM AM) ied cA) O'N'D
9000=
Orioles/Shrikes
339
SLENDER-BILLED ORIOLE Ofriolus tenuirostris
Black-naped Oriole (O. chinensis)
First recorded by J. Scully on 1 February
1877 in the Kathmandu Valley (708). He
found it to be fairly common in the Valley
from October to March, but it has only
been recorded a few times subsequently,
between January and April (222,243,
301,629). Scarce. Status is uncertain,
probably a winter visitor. Other recent
confirmed records are from north of
Dhumre (J5) (652), Chitwan (151,296),
Dharan (628), Hetaura (262), Tumlingtar
(Q7) (574,587), upper Mai valley (R7)
(321), Kosi Tappu (408) and north of
Sunischare (658,549). Found in trees in
open country and groves. Range Breeds
EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE Onriolus oriolus
Golden Oriole
Subspecies kundoo. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A summer visitor from
the tarai up to 1830m. Common at Chi-
twan from March to October (296), occa-
sionally seen elsewhere. Found in the
Kathmandu Valley and surrounding hills
between mid-April and the end of No-
vember (629,635). Breeding confirmed in
the Valley (629) and near Dhankhuta
(Q7) (446). Inhabits groves, trees at the
edges of cultivation, and open wooded
country. Range Breeds in Pakistan, in the
Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Nepal,
BROWN SHRIKE Lanius cristatus
Subspecies cristatus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (375). A winter visitor and pas-
sage migrant, occurring mainly below
1525m. Fairly common from central
Nepal (K7,L6) eastwards, uncommon
further west. One seen at Syang (H4) at
about 2700m on 29 January 1983 showed
the characters of /ucionensis (748).
Noted, presumably on passage: in the
upper Kali Gandaki valley at 2560m from
13 September to 5 October 1973 (76), and
in mid-March 1982 (207); also at Tarnga
(P6) at 4000m in mid-October 1970 (526),
and between Khinza and Those (N6) at
2700m on 3 May 1982 (207). Frequents
open forest, forest clearings and edges,
° 9000 =
| | = 1
jal tt 9000m ay = Cea! 2H ON D
mi ae | aa _____
JF M'A MJ's A’S'O ND
in the Himalayas from Bhutan east to Arunachal Pradesh
and in Meghalaya. Winters west to Nepal and Bombay, and
south to Kanyakumari.
and south to Karnataka. Winters throughout the peninsula
east to Bengal.
Ht SFM AVM lina AMESEOn INIA D:
Ls 9000m
secondary scrub, and hillsides with scattered bushes. Range
Winters throughout the subcontinent, except parts of the
north-west.
340
ISABELLINE SHRIKE Lanius isabellinus
Pale Brown Shrike (L. collurio isabellinus)
Subspecies isabellinus. First recorded by
J. Scully who collected a specimen on 15
August 1875 which is held in the British
Museum (Natural History). The speci-
men is not listed by Gadow (253) or by
Scully (708). Vagrant. The only other
BAY-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius vittatus
Subspecies vittatus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). Mainly an uncommon
winter visitor and passage migrant, but
regular sightings in summer and winter at
Surkhet (D4) (244). Winters chiefly be-
tween 75m and 335m. Singles noted, pre-
sumably on passage, at Marpha at 2600m
in September 1973 (76), at Kagbeni at
2810m in April 1982 (812), and north of
Manang (J4) at the exceptionally high
altitude of 3965m in July 1988 (194). In-
habits open, dry bushy areas, and edges of
cultivation. Range Pakistan and India
from the w. Himalayan foothills, east
to Bengal and south to s. India.
LONG-TAILED SHRIKE Lanius schach
Black-headed Shrike, Rufous-backed Shrike
Shrikes
records are of singles seen at Meghauli (J6) on 28 Decem-
ber 1984 and at Sunischare on 28 January 1985 (142); also at
Kosi Barrage on 30 January 1987, and photographed at
Phewa Tal on 3 March 1986 (55). Frequents dry open scrub
country. Range Winters in Pakistan and n.w. India.
aEUE SM iwAI Misi CTA) Sea O aN BaD)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (375,798).
Common. Mainly resident, subject to alti-
tudinal movements. Summers up to
3100m, chiefly between 1500m and
2700m. Some birds remain to winter in
the foothills and tarai, others move south
to India. Two intergrading races occur.
The Black-headed Shrike L. s. tricolor (t)
occurs chiefly in central areas (L5,L6),
and eastwards. Proved breeding in the
Gandak-Kosi watershed (L6) (230), in
the Kathmandu Valley and on the sur-
rounding hills (629,659,708), at low alti-
tude at Chitwan (296) and near Dhankuta (Q7) (446). Oc-
casionally reported in winter in the west
(62,153,620,627,647) but these birds may be intermediates
between this race and the Rufous-backed Shrike L. s.
erythronotus (e). Introgression is apparent in the Kath-
mandu Valley (88), but both intermediates (te) and pure
erythronotus are common in the Kali Gandaki valley and
westwards. A birds of each race was observed behaving as a
pair near Jomosom on 12 April 1982 (812). The numbers of
erythronotus are probably increased by winter visitors. The
species inhabits lightly wooded areas and bushes in open
country. Range Throughout the subcontinent.
Shrikes/Drongos
GREY-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius tephronotus
Tibetan Shrike
Subspecies tephronotus. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (375). A fairly common alti-
tudinal migrant. Summers chiefly be-
tween 2745m and 4575m; winters mainly
from 275m up to at least 2560m, infre-
quently below 365m. In the Kathmandu
Valley chiefly seen from October to
March. Frequents open bushy areas and
edges of cultivation. Range Breeds in the
Himalayas from Baltistan east to Arun-
achal Pradesh. Winters in the foothills
and south to the plains of n. and nee.
India.
GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor
Grey Shrike
Subspecies /ahtora. First collected by H.S.
Nepali near Gauhna village (C5) on 8
February 1969 (591). A locally distributed
resident in the tarai near the Indian bor-
der. Fairly common in Kapilvastu District
especially near Bhairawa (F6,G6) (7,155,
444). Uncommon near Kosi Barrage and
Kosi Tappu (P8,Q8,R8), and elsewhere in
the far south-east tarai (Q9,R9) (293).
Only single records from other areas.
Occurs in dry, open scrub country. Range
Pakistan and n. India east to Bangladesh,
and south to Karnataka.
BLACK DRONGO Dicrurus macrocercus
(D. adsimilis)
Subspecies albirictus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (340). An abundant resident
subject to some altitudinal movements.
Occurs up to at least 1525m throughout
the year, and occasionally up to 2000m in
341
9000 Ty — Sew TE O'N'D
summer. Confirmed breeding at Nepalganj (432), Pokhara
(326), in the Kathmandu Valley (629,708), Trisuli valley
(LS) (517) and at Hetaura (106). Frequents open wooded
country, edges of cultivation and habitation. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
342
ASHY DRONGO Dicrurus leucophaeus
Grey Drongo
Subspecies /ongicaudatus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). Common. Mainly a
resident, subject to altitudinal move-
ments, and with some birds moving south
to winter in India. Summers regularly
between 1220m and 2745m, and winters
between 1065m and 1525m. It is also a
locally common resident in the lowlands
at Bardia and Chitwan. Proved breeding
at Chitwan (296,432), on the hills sur-
rounding the Kathmandu Valley
(629,708,556) and at Bhimpedi (106).
Inhabits broadleaved and coniferous
forests. Range Breeds in the Himalayas
from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal
Pradesh, and in n.e. India and Bangla-
desh. Winters south to s. India.
Drongos
WHITE-BELLIED DRONGO Dicrurus caerulescens
Subspecies caerulescens. A Hodgson
specimen was listed for Nepal by Sharpe
(713) but it may have originated in India.
First definitely recorded by J. Scully who
found it commonly at Hetaura in winter in
1876 or 1877 (708). A resident in the
lowlands up to 305m. Common in the
west at Sukla Phanta, Dhangarhi and
Bardia; fairly common in central areas at
Tamaspur, Chitwan, Butwal and
Hetaura; occasionally seen further east.
Confirmed breeding at Mahendranagar
(A4) (811) and Dhangarhi (432). Occurs
in clearings and edges of thin forest.
Range India from Haryana and Kutch
east to Bengal and from Nepal south to
Kerala.
CROW-BILLED DRONGO Dicrurus annectans
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (374,798). Its status is uncer-
tain in Nepal and the rest of the subconti-
nent (45,664) because of confusion with
the Black Drongo. Probably an uncom-
mon summer visitor. Wrongly described
as a common resident at Chitwan (296);
only a few records in spring have been confirmed from
there. The only other acceptable records are from Bardia
(432), Hetaura (106,245), the eastern foothills (P8,Q8)
(293,792), Kosi Barrage (256) and north of Sunischare
(442,794). Frequents humid, broadleaved, evergreen
forests. Range Himalayan foothills from Kumaon east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Drongos
CROW-BILLED DRONGO, cont’d ...
BRONZED DRONGO Dicrurus aeneus
Little Bronzed Drongo
Subspecies aeneus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (374). A fairly common resi-
dent, subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Usually winters below 1220m;
mainly summers up to 1600m, occasion-
ally up to 2000m. Confirmed breeding in
the central hills (414), at Dhunche (L5)
(771) and at Chitwan (296). In the Kath-
mandu Valley it is mainly a summer visi-
tor. Frequents clearings and forest paths
in broadleaved forests. Range Himalayan
foothills from Mussoorie east to Arun-
achal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh;
E. and W. Ghats.
343
= si EEE
9000m J'FAM'A'M JAI A’ S'O'N'S
LESSER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus remifer
Small Racquet-tailed Drongo
Subspecies tectirostris. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (374). A locally distributed
resident, found mainly between 915m and
1800m. Some birds possibly withdraw
from higher elevations in winter. Occa-
sionally seen north-west of Pokhara, at
Begnas Tal, and Chitwan north of the
Churia range, where it may be only a
winter visitor (243,296); uncommon inthe
Kathmandu Valley and in Ilam District
(R8). Mainly single records from else-
where. Proved breeding at Bhimpedi
(106) and in the Kathmandu Valley (243).
Inhabits dense, moist broadleaved
forests. Range Himalayan foothills from
Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
344 Drongos/Woodswallow
SPANGLED DRONGO Dicrurus hottentottus
Hair-crested Drongo
Subspecies hottentottus. First recorded by
J. Gould (266). A fairly common resident,
subject to seasonal movements depend-
ing on the supply of nectar, its main food.
Occurs chiefly from the tarai up to 1050m,
uncommonly at higher altitudes. A strag-
gler was found at 4115m in June 1971 in
the Dolpo (G3) (224,692). Proved breed-
ing at Hetaura (106). Frequents moist
broadleaved forests; associates with flow-
ering trees, especially silk cotton. Range
Himalayan foothills from Kangra east to
Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh; E. and W. Ghats.
GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO_ Dicrurus [PEERS
Large Racquet-tailed Drongo
Subspecies grandis. First recorded by J. Regularly seen at Sukla Phanta, Bardia, near Dharan, north
Gould (266). A locally common resident, of Sunischare, and also at Chitwan where proved breeding
liable to some seasonal wanderings. (296). Occurs in open broadleaved forests. Range India east
Found mainly below 150m, uncommonly and south of a line from Gujarat to Kumaon; Bangladesh.
up to 365m, and rarely at higher altitudes.
ASHY WOODSWALLOW Artamus fuscus
Ashy Swallow-shrike
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
local resident. Found mainly between
75m and 365m, but noted in the upper
Kali Gandaki valley at 2560m on 13 April
1978 (655), and on 1 March 1981 (65).
Common in summer in the eastern tarai
and foothills (Q8) (293), and fairly com-
mon at Hetaura, north of Sunischare, and
at Chitwan where proved breeding uy
(296,432,771). Mainly single records from Poe : SS
elsewhere. Frequents open country and 8 ponte Ret ors
grassy ridges. Range India east and south
of a line from Gujarat to Simla; Bangla-
desh.
Crows 345
EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius
Himalayan Red-crowned Jay, Jay
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
locally distributed resident, found mainly
between 1800m and 2440m throughout
the year, but subject to some altitudinal
movements. Common on the hills sur-
rounding the Kathmandu Valley, fairly
common at Khaptad (C3); occasionally
seen elsewhere. Proved breeding on
Sheopuri (414), and in the Markhu valley
(L6) (106). Two races occur. G. g. bispecu-
laris (b) (482,647,659), G. g. interstinctus om OES
(i) (736) and intermediates (bi) (106).
Inhabits broadleaved forests, favouring
oak. Range Himalayas from Hazara east
to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India and
Bangladesh.
LANCEOLATED JAY Garrulus lanceolatus
Black-throated Jay, Black-headed Jay
First recorded by B. Hodgson who found
it breeding on Jahar Powah (L6)
(388,414). Presumably resident. Re-
ported chiefly between 915m and 2500m
and subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Common in Dandeldhura and
Doti Districts (A3,B3,C2,C3); uncom-
mon further east as far as the hills sur-
rounding the Kathmandu Valley. A pair
was noted at Yarsa (N6) at about 1800m ra nt rt ee ee
on3 April 1981 (159); the eastern limit of So Eo Pia Meas eae
the species’s range. Inhabits oak and
mixed broadleaved forests. Range Hima-
layas from N.W.F.P. east to Nepal.
YELLOW-BILLED BLUE MAGPIE Urocissa flavirostris
Gold-billed Magpie (Cissa flavirostris)
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409) but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by J. Scully from the hills sur-
rounding the Kathmandu Valley and in
Nawakot District in June and July 1877
(708). A common resident subject to
some altitudinal movements. Found
‘mainly above 2440m throughout the year;
in summer frequently up to 3660m, andin
winter occasionally down to 1850m. In the 5 9000e a
far west seen in May as low as 1500m in
Bajhang District (C2) (657) and at 1300m flavirostris (f) (247,482,574,661) and intermediates (cf)
in Doti District (C3) (438). Proved breed- (106). Frequents broadleaved and coniferous forests.
ing at Thodung (N6) in May (190). Two Range Himalayas from Hazara east to Arunachal Pradesh;
races occur: U. f. cucullata (c) (647), U. f. n.e. India.
346
Crows
RED-BILLED BLUE MAGPIE Urocissa erythrorhyncha
Blue Magpie (Cissa erythrorhyncha)
Subspecies occipitalis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson, (388). A common resident
subject to some altitudinal movements.
Generally occurs at lower elevations than
the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie. Reported
chiefly between 365m and 1525m, but
occasionally up to 2200m in summer, and
GREEN MAGPIE Cissa chinensis
Subspecies chinensis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A locally fairly common
resident, occurring chiefly below 1200m.
Regularly seen north-west of Pokhara, at
Begnas Tal, and in the Mai valley
(R7,R8). Uncommon at Chitwan (296)
and elsewhere. Inhabits dense thickets in
moist broadleaved forests. Range Hima-
layas from Garhwal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
RUFOUS TREEPIE Dendrocitta vagabunda
Indian Treepie
noted at 3050m near Rara on 21 June 1979 (626). Found at
Hans Pokhari Danda (S8) in March 1988 (485), the eastern-
most record of the species in the Himalayas. Confirmed
breeding in Doti District (C3) (68), at Hetaura (106), in the
Kathmandu Valley (629) and upper Arun valley (483).
Inhabits broadleaved and mixed forests. Range Himalayas
from Kangra and Kulu east to Nepal; n.e. India.
9000m aS RT
Crows
RUFOUS TREEPIE, cont'd ...
Subspecies vagabunda. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A common resident
from the tarai up to 1050m, uncommon
up to 1370m. Noted in December 1979
with Grey Treepies, at about 1800m on
GREY TREEPIE Dendrocitta formosae
Himalayan Treepie
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
common resident subject to altitudinal
movements. Generally occurs at higher
altitudes than Rufous Treepie. Chiefly
summers between 1050m and 2150m, and
winters between 915m and 1525m. Noted
as low as 250m at Chitwan on 25 Septem-
ber 1989 (67). Proved breeding at Phewa
Tal (326). Two intergrading races occur:
D. f. occidentalis (0) and D. f. himalayen-
sis (h). Inhabits forests and secondary
scrub. Range Himalayas from the Jhelum
River east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
India and Bangladesh; E. Ghats.
[COLLARED TREEPIE Dendrocitta frontalis
Black-browed Treepie
Subspecies frontalis. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
347
Phulchowki, and in February 1989 at Kimche (HS) at 1585m
(69). Confirmed breeding at Chitwan (296). Frequents
open wooded country, groves and trees at edges of
cultivation. Range Throughout most of the subcontinent.
J °F MAA M J JAA SOUND
dia. No subsequent records. Inhabits dense, mixed, ever-
green forest and bamboo jungle (45,664). Range Himalayas
from Darjeeling east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.]
HUME’S GROUND JAY Pseudopodoces humilis
Hume’s Ground Pecker (Podoces humilis)
Hume’s Ground Chough, Tibetan Ground-Jay
First definitely recorded on 18 June 1952
at Tuiyegaon (G3) at 5335m by O. Pol- n
unin (620). A resident, occasionally found 2
in Trans-Himalayan Nepal between
4000m and 5335m. Shows little seasonal
movement. Reported on the Thorong La
(H4) (314) and above Manang (J4) (553).
Breeding confirmed in Mustang (H3) and
in the Dolpo (G3) (243). A juvenile was yl | — a |
‘collected at Bhareal (G3) at 4880m on 28 y Foti te ee
July 1978 (587). Breeding behaviour has
not been described in the Indian subcon-
tinent. Feeds on the ground in the Ti-
betan steppe facies above the treeline,
among scattered bushes, or on stony
hillsides. Range N. Nepal and n. Sikkim.
348
Crows
SPOTTED NUTCRACKER WNucifraga caryocatactes
Nutcracker, Eurasian Nutcracker
Subspecies hemispila. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A common resident,
subject to some altitudinal movements.
Mainly summers between 2745m and
3660m, and winters from at least 2135m
up to 3050m, but seen several times at
Khaptad (C3) down to 1500m in May
(428). A straggler was seen at 305m at
Dharan in October (243). Breeding con-
firmed in the Dhorpatan valley (G5)
(499), in the Gandak-Kosi watershed
(L5) (633) and in the upper Arun (483)
and upper Mai valleys (736). Forages in
coniferous forests. Range Himalayas
from Chitral east to Arunachal Pradesh.
ALPINE CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax graculus
Yellow-billed Chough
Subspecies digitatus. First definitely re-
corded on the Singalila Range (S7) on 6
March 1912 at 3610m by H. Stevens (736).
A common resident, subject to some alti-
tudinal movements. Occurs chiefly above
3500m and up to at least 6250m. Noted as
high as 8235m on Sagarmatha (243).
Sometimes descends from higher levels in
winter, particularly after bad weather. Seen at 2350m near
Jumla on29 March 1977 (464), and below Chame (J4) on 13
November 1978 (553). Breeding confirmed in Khumbu
(190) and as low as 3450m below Manang (J4) (757).
Inhabits alpine meadows and upland cultivation, often near
cliffs. Range N. Baluchistan, and the Himalayas from Chi-
tral east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Crows
349
RED-BILLED CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Chough
Subspecies himalayanus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (277). A common resi-
dent, subject to altitudinal movements.
Occurs mainly above 2440m, and noted as
high as 7340m and 7950m on Sagarmatha
in May 1952 (415). May descend from
higher elevations in winter, occasionally
down to 2135m, and found as low as
1450m at Dana (H4) in February and
March 1982 (57,682). Proved breeding in
the Langu valley (F2) (330) and at
Kagbeni (811). Habitat is similar to that
of Alpine Chough, although generally
found at lower altitudes. Range N. Balu-
HOUSE CROW Corvus splendens
chistan, and the Himalayas from Chitral east to Arunachal
Pradesh.
Subspecies splendens. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (277). An abundant and sed-
entary resident from the tarai up to
1525m, rare at higher altitudes. The maxi-
mum altitude reported is 2100m at
JUNGLE CROW Corvus macrorhynchos
Large-billed Crow
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). An
abundant resident. Four races occur. C.
m. intermedius (i) (106) is found mainly
between 1200m and 4900m, and shows
little evidence of seasonal movements.
Seen as high as 5790m below the summit
of Paldor East (L5) in October 1982
(583). This race is larger than the other
two, has a call similar to that of the
Common Raven, and is often confused
with that species. Intermediates between
Nagarkot (M6) on 9 February 1983 (593). Confirmed
breeding at Chitwan (296), and in the Kathmandu Valley
(517,629,708). Entirely associated with man. A scavenger in
villages and towns. Range Throughout the subcontinent.
this race and C. m. tibetosinensis (it) occur in n.e. Khumbu
(45). C. m. culminatus (c) (234) and C. m. levaillantii (1)
(246), have only been collected in the lowlands. Proved
breeding at Khaptad (C3) (428), Nepalganj (432) and in the
Kathmandu Valley (629,708); also at Chitwan (296), near
Dhankuta (Q7) (446), and in the upper Mai valley (736).
Frequents forests, cultivation, and open country above the
treeline, but usually associated with villages and towns.
Range N. Baluchistan; Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to
Arunachal Praéesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh; the whole
of peninsular India.
350
JUNGLE CROW, cont'd ...
COMMON RAVEN Corvus corax
Raven, Northern Raven
Subspecies tibetanus. First definitely re-
corded in July and August 1950 by D.
Lowndes at Manangbhot (J4) between
4265m and 4570m (512). A fairly common
resident subject to some altitudinal move-
ments. Occurs in Trans-Himalayan Nepal
mainly above 3500m, and up to at least
5000m. Seen as high as 8235m on Sagar-
matha in 1971 (244). May move south and
to lower altitudes in winter, occasionally
as low as 2500m, particularly after severe
weather. Inhabits dry rocky areas above
the treeline, in the Tibetan facies. Range
Pakistan; Himalayas from Hunza east to
Arunachal Pradesh.
SPOT-WINGED STARLING Saroglossa spiloptera
Spot-winged Stare
9000
Crows/Starlings
Starlings
SPOT-WINGED STARLING, cont’d ...
First recorded by B. Hodgson (348).
Occasionally seen up to 915m anduncom-
mon up to 1830m. Status is uncertain. A
passage migrant to Chitwan from Febru-
ary to April and in July (296). Flocks of up
to 50 noted at Dharan in March and June
(293), over 100 in Doti District (B3) in
351
May (68) and 125 at Chitwan in February (565) were
possibly on migration. Breeding confirmed at Hetaura
(105), Betrawati (L6) (299) and Mechi Zone (R7) (658).
Frequents open broadleaved forests and feeds on nectar of
flowering trees. Range Himalayan foothills from Kangra
east to Sikkim; n.e. India east to Bangladesh.
CHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING Stunus malabaricus
Grey-headed Myna
Subspecies malabaricus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (348). Fairly common
between 75m and 1370m. Although re-
corded in all months it is not certain that
it is resident. A summer visitor to the
Kathmandu Valley from mid-March to
early November (635). Occurs at Chitwan
from February to October, and possibly
BRAHMINY STARLING Stwnus pagodarum
Brahminy Mynah
° WF JF AM J JAAS’ ON D
resident there (296). Described as a winter visitor to Sukla
Phanta (700) and as both a resident and local migrant to the
eastern tarai and foothills (Q8) (293). Breeding confirmed
at Silgadi-Doti (B3) (438), Chitwan (296), in the Kath-
mandu Valley (629,756) and in the east (Q8) (293). Inhabits
lightly wooded country and groves. Range The whole of the
subcontinent east and south of a line from Rajasthan to
Dehra Dun.
352
BRAHMINY STARLING, cont'd ...
First recorded by B. Hodgson (348). A
resident, reported mainly up to 915m.
Seasonal movements are poorly known.
Occasionally seen at Nepalganj and west-
wards; uncommon further east. Noted at
the unusually high altitude of 3050m in
the Langu valley (F2) in May 1983 (330).
COMMON STARLING Saunus vulgaris
Eurasian Starling, Starling
First recorded by B. Hodgson (348). He
also provided the only specimen of S. v.
humii (519), although this may have origi-
nated in India. Two other races have been
recorded: S. v. porphyronotus (p) (62,647)
and S. p. poltaratskyi (t) (245). The species
is an uncommon winter visitor and
passsage migrant found chiefly up to
1500m. Several reports from Sukla
Phanta, Pokhara, Kathmandu Valley, and
Kosi marshes. Mainly single records from
elsewhere. The maximum of about 100
was seen on 6 January 1988 by the Bag-
mati River, Kathmandu Valley (203).
Singles noted at Jomosom on 28 March
1983 (56) and Kagbeni on 1 April 1984
(421) were presumably on passage.
Found in damp grassland and cultivation.
Range Winters throughout Pakistan, n.
India, and Bangladesh.
ROSY STARLING Stumus roseus
Rosy Pastor, Rose-coloured Starling
Vagrant. First recorded by B. Hodgson
who found it on 10 October in the Kath-
mandu Valley (336,388). The only other
record is of one seen on 14 April 1981 at
Kosi Barrage (559). Frequents grassland
and cultivation. Range Winter visitor to
India east to Bengal and south to s. India.
Passage migrant in Pakistan.
Starlings
Found breeding at Surkhet (D4) (626), in the eastern
foothills (Q8) (293) and by the Indrawati Khola (M6) (243).
Only one record from the Kathmandu Valley, possibly
referring to escaped birds (3). Inhabits dry open
broadleaved forest and scrub. Range Throughout the sub-
continent, except parts of the north-west and north-east.
Starlings
ASIAN PIED STARLING Sturnus contra
Pied Myna
Subspecies contra. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A fairly common resident
throughout the lowlands up to 305m.
Possibly subject to local movements.
Confirmed breeding at Chitwan (296)
and in the eastern tarai (Q8) (293). One
located in the Kathmandu Valley (813)
was possibly an escaped bird. Forages in
cultivation and other open country, usu-
ally near habitation and grazing animals.
Range Haryana east to n.e. India and
Bangladesh, and south to Bombay and
Andhra Pradesh.
COMMON MYNAH Acridotheres trstis
Indian Mynah
353
Subspecies tristis. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (348). An abundant resident,
regularly found up to at least 1830m
throughout the year. Occasionally sum-
mers up to 3050m and winters up to
BANK MYNAH Acridotheres ginginianus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
locally, fairly common resident, occurring
mainly in the tarai. Only occasionally seen
at higher altitudes. Several reports from
the Kathmandu Valley refer possibly to
escaped birds. Subject to some local
movements but these are poorly under-
stood. Breeding confirmed at Chitwan
(296), Mahendranagar (A4) (811), Bardia
District (432), and the eastern tarai (P8)
(293). Found near villages, often associ-
ated with grazing animals. Rarely occurs
in urban areas in Nepal. Range Pakistan,
and n. India east to Assam and Bangla-
desh, and south to Bombay and n. Orissa.
2135m. Found breeding in the Dhorpatan valley (G5) (499),
at Chitwan (296), Hetaura (105), in the Kathmandu Valley
(517,629) and eastern lowlands (Q§8) (293). Frequents habi-
tation almost everywhere. Range Throughout the subconti-
nent.
354
JUNGLE MYNAH Ac7vidotheres fuscus
Subspecies fuscus. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (348). A common resident from
the tarai up to 1525m. Noted up to 2200m
at Khaptad (C3) in April and May 1988
(428). Subject to local seasonal move-
ments which are poorly understood.
Abundant at Chitwan in spring (432) but
absent in December (460). Common
throughout the year in the Kathmandu
Valley but less numerous in winter (629).
Breeding confirmed at Chitwan (296),
Hetaura (105) and in the Kathmandu
Valley (629,708). Inhabits well-wooded
areas, cultivation, and edges of towns and
villages. Range Himalayas from Murree
HILL MYNAH_ § Gracula religiosa
Talking Mynah, Grackle
Subspecies intermedia. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (348). A resident, occasion-
ally found in the central and eastern low-
lands, mainly up to 455m. Noted at 1025m
in Ilam District (R8) in December (658).
Subject to some local and poorly under-
stood seasonal movements. Breeding
confirmed at Chitwan (296) and Hetaura
(105). One noted in the Kathmandu Val-
ley on 21 December 1980 (576) was
probably an escaped bird. Frequents
moist broadleaved forests. Range Hima-
layas from Kumaon east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh; hills
of the n.e. peninsula; W. Ghats.
HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). An
abundant resident from the tarai up to
1600m, occasionally reported up to
2135m. Possibly subject to some local alti-
tudinal movements. Breeding confirmed
at Sukla Phanta (432), Surkhet (D4)
(626), Nepalganj (626), Chitwan (296),
and in the Kathmandu Valley (626,659,
481). P. d. indicus (i) has been found up to
1500m (245,482,647). The birds above
this altitude are likely to be P. d. parkini
but specimens are lacking. Birds in the
Kathmandu Valley are intermediate be-
tween the two races (ip) (105). Frequents
villages, towns and nearby cultivation. In
Starlings/Sparrows
east to Arunachal Pradesh, and south locally throughout
the peninsula to s. India.
the Kathmandu Valley chiefly occurs in urban areas. Range
Throughout the subcontinent.
Sparrows 355
SPANISH SPARROW Passer hispaniolensis
Willow Sparrow
Subspecies transcaspicus. Vagrant. First
recorded at Kosi Barrage where a flock of
50 was seen on 16 February 1981 by D.
Mills et al. (65,559). The only other rec-
ords are of up to three in mid-March 1982
(682,770), also at Kosi. At least three
males showing intermediate features be-
tween Spanish and House Sparrows were
observed in a party of about 20 sparrows
on 17 and 18 February 1981 at Kosi Bar-
tage (180). Frequents cultivation and
semi-desert. Range A winter visitor to the
plains of n. Pakistan and nw. India.
CINNAMON SPARROW Passer rutilans
Cinnamon Tree Sparrow, Russet Sparrow
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409) but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by F.M. Bailey at Chari Gaon (E2)
on 14 June 1936 (62). A resident subject
to some altitudinal movements. Fairly
common in the Kali Gandaki valley and
westwards; uncommon further east to
Kathmandu. A total of about 50 was seen
at the unusually low altitude of 75m near
Kosi (748). Most frequently reported
between 1000m and 2900m, although it is
also common in Dolpo and Mustang Dis-
tricts up to 4270m in summer. Also found (HS) (153). Frequents open forest and cultivation near hill
breeding at much lower altitudes, at 915m villages. Range Himalayas from Chitral and Kashmir east to
at Phewa Tal (153) and at 2590m at Sikha Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
EURASIAN TREE SPARROW Passer montanus
Tree Sparrow
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). An
abundant resident subject to altitudinal
movements. Occurs chiefly between
610m and 4270m. May withdraw from
higher levels in winter but noted as high
as 3795m in February 1982 (770). Proved
breeding at Tansen (H6) (230), Bhimpedi
(105), Chitwan (67) and in the Kath-
mandu Valley (629,708). Also breeds at
the unusually low altitude of 75m at Kosi
Tappu where it occurs from January to
May (327). Co-exists with House Sparrow
in Kathmandu and elsewhere. Two races higher altitudes (512,647). Frequents towns, villages and
occur: P. m. malaccensis (m) up to 2000m adjacent cultivation. Range N. Baluchistan; Himalayas
(62,105,482) and P. m. tibetanus (t) at from N.W.F.P. east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e. India.
356
Sparrows/Snowfinches
CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED PETRONIA Petronia xanthocollis
Yellow-throated Sparrow
Subspeciesxanthocollis. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (388). A resident subject to
local movements, found mainly up to
305m. Occasionally seen in the far west
(A4,B4,C4,C5) and at Chitwan; uncom-
mon elsewhere. Proved breeding at Chi-
twan (296). Inhabits open dry forest,
thorn jungle and trees at the edge of
cultivation. Range Pakistan and the
whole of the Indian peninsula east to
Bengal.
PLAIN-BACKED SNOWFINCH
Monitifringilla blanfordi
Blanford’s Snowfinch
Subspecies blanfordi. Status uncertain,
possibly a scarce resident. The only rec-
ord received is of one collected at Neach-
achung, Mustang (H3) at 4815m on 13
June 1977 by H.S. Nepali (587). It was
found within 100m of birds of the two
following species. Inhabits the Tibetan
steppe. Range N. Nepal and n. Sikkim.
RUFOUS-NECKED SNOWFINCH
Monitifringilla ruficollis
Red-necked Snowfinch
Status uncertain, possibly a scarce resident. The first record
was of one collected one at Neachachung, Mustang (H3) at
4815m on 13 June 1977 by H.S. Nepali (587). Singles seen at
Pipar Hill (H5) at 3290m, and on nearby Kumai Hill at
3340m both in October 1979 (499) were possibly the same
individual. The only other records are of a flock of about 20
seen near Khumjung (P6) at 3700m on 29 October 1987 and
one above Dugla (P6) at 4850m on 5 November 1987 after
a severe blizzard (558). Frequents open stony areas and
short grassland in the Tibetan steppe. Range N. Nepal and
n. Sikkim.
WHITE-RUMPED SNOWFINCH 9 Montifringilla taczanowski
Mandelli’s Snowfinch
Status uncertain, possibly a scarce resi-
dent. The only record received is of one
collected at Neachachung, Mustang (H3)
TIBETAN SNOWFINCH Montifringilla adamsi
Adams’ Snowfinch, Black-winged Snowfinch
Subspecies adamsi. First definitely re-
corded near Saldang, Dolpo (G3) at
4330m on 16 June 1971 by R.L. Fleming
Jr. (224,246). A common resident in
Dolpo and Mustang Districts. Breeds be-
tween 3600m and 4500m (50,664), and is
subject to some poorly understood altitu-
dinal movements. Reported between
November and March from 2530m to
3445m in the upper Kali Gandaki valley
(765,403), on Thorong La (H4) (298),
near Langtang village (M5) (180) and in
Khumbu (546,595,596). Occurs on open
stony hillsides, plateaux and near upland
villages. Range N. Himalayas from La-
dakh east to Sikkim.
at 4815m on 13 June 1977 by H.S. Nepali (587). Found in
open stony Tibetan steppe habitat. Range N. Nepal and n.
Sikkim.
cc Ti - c oars AAS~ 0 at
Weavers
BLACK-BREASTED WEAVER 1 Ploceus benghalensis
Black-throated Weaver
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
locally distributed resident in the low-
lands, occurring up to 245m. Subject to
some local movements. Fairly common at
Sukla Phanta (700), Chitwan (296) and on
Kosi marshes (P8,Q8). Breeding con-
firmed at Tilaurakot (G6) (157), and
Chitwan (296). Frequents tall, damp
grassland and reedy marshes. Range
Mainly in the Gangetic plain east to n.e.
India and Bangladesh, but also very lo-
cally in Pakistan, Gujarat and near Bom-
bay.
STREAKED WEAVER Ploceus manyar
Subspecies flaviceps. First recorded at
Kosi Barrage by S.C. Madge et al. who
found a flock of 20 on 8 February 1974
(518). A very local resident and local
migrant, in the tarai. In 1976 described as
common and breeding at Kosi from June
to August (293) but only a few other
reports from the area, between February
and August. The only other record is from
Sukla Phanta where about 17 were seen
on 4 May 1982 (432). Inhabits reedy
marshes. Range Throughout the subcon-
tinent, except some parts of the north-
west.
BAYA WEAVER Ploceus philippinus
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388,798).
A common resident from the tarai up to
1370m, subject to seasonal movements. In
the Himalayas mainly a summer visitor.
Breeding confirmed near Taulihawa (G6)
(157), north-west of Pokhara (499), at
Chitwan (296,652), in the Kathmandu
Valley (629,708,756,321), Sunischare
(321), and elsewhere in the eastern low-
lands (P8,Q8) (293,432). Two races occur:
P. p. philippinus (p) (190,647), P. p. bur-
manicus (b) (247) and also intermediates
(pb) (62,105,632). Frequents cultivation
and grassland with scattered bushes and
trees. Range Throughout the subconti-
nent.
357
358 Munias
RED AVADAVAT Amandava amandava
Red Munia
Subspecies amandava. Obtained by B.
Hodgson in his later collection (409) but
the specimen may have originated in In-
dia. First definitely recorded by FM.
Bailey at Bilauri (A4) on 11 February
1937 (62). A locally distributed resident,
seen occasionally up to 305m. Noted up to
670m at Bulbuli, near Surkhet (D4) in
August 1979 (244). Regularly found at
Sukla Phanta, Kosi Barrage, and at Chi-
twan where proved breeding (296). One
seen in Kathmandu was probably an es-
caped cage-bird (546). Frequents reedy
marshes and tall grassland. Range
Throughout most of the subcontinent.
INDIAN SILVERBILL Euodice malabarica
White-throated Munia (Lonchura malabarica) F
First definitely recorded at Raghun-
athpur (N8) at 275m in December 1953 by
R.L. Fleming Sr (647). An uncommon
resident in the tarai and duns up to 305m.
Several reports from Kosi and Nepalganj.
Mainly single records from elsewhere.
Found breeding in old weaver nests at
Biratnagar in November (243). Frequents
cultivation, grassland and open scrub
country. Occurs in drier habitats than
other munias. Range Throughout the
subcontinent.
STRIATED MUNIA Lonchura striata
Sharp-tailed Munia, White-backed Munia, White-rumped Munia
Subspecies acuticauda. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (354,798). A local resident,
subject to seasonal movements. Seen
regularly throughout the year up to about
1220m; but mainly a summer visitor from
this altitude up to 2135m. Fairly common
near Pokhara and uncommon in the
Kathmandu Valley where proved breed-
ing (629). Occasionally reported from
elsewhere. Inhabits open wooded areas
and scrub near cultivation. Range Hima-
layas from Garhwal east to Arunachal
Pradesh; n.e. India and Bangladesh; pen-
insular India south from s. Gujarat and s.
Bihar.
Munias
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA Lonchura punctulata
Spotted Munia, Nutmeg Mannikin
Subspecies punctulata. First recorded by
B. Hodgson (354). A fairly common resi-
dent. Occurs mainly up to 1525m
throughout the year, but noted at 2680m
in the Dhorpatan valley (F4) in summer
1981 (499). Proved breeding at Chitwan
CHESTNUT MUNIA Lonchura malacca
Black-headed Munia
First recorded by B. Hodgson (354). Lo-
cally distributed and chiefly found from
the tarai up to 1220m. Probably resident.
Reported to be fairly common and
proved breeding at Chitwan (296). In
1877 described as a common breeding
summer visitor to the Kathmandu Valley
(708) but there are very few later records.
Occasionally seen from April to Septem-
ber in the eastern tarai (P8) (293). Several
sightings from the Kosi marshes; mainly
single reports from elsewhere. Collected
in breeding condition at Hetaura in July
(105). Two intergrading races occur: L. m.
rubroniger (r) (105,247,798) and L. m. atri-
capilla (a) (234,246). The nests and eggs
of these races are undescribed. Frequents
cultivation and grassland. Range Ambala
and Lucknow east to n.e. India and Bang-
ladesh, and south to Orissa; Bombay and
Raipur south to s. India.
359
(296); in the Kathmandu Valley (629), in the eastern low-
lands (Q8) (293) and as high as 1670m at Uttarpani (Q7)
(613). Forages in cultivation, grassland and bushes. Range
The whole of the subcontinent east and south of a line from
Kathiawar to Madhupur.
360 Finches
COMMON CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs
Subspecies coelebs. First recorded at
Rara at 3050m on 6 February 1971 by R.
L. Fleming Jr. (9). An uncommon winter
visitor found mainly between 2000m and
2750m, but may descend to lower alti-
tudes in cold winters. Noted as low as
1555m at Lumle (H5) in November 1981
(146). Only three records received from
east of the Kali Gandaki valley; in the
upper Langtang valley (M5) in January
1981 (180), in the upper Marsyangdi val- it —————] a oa
ley (J4) (158) and at Goraibas (S7) in
March 1989 (549). Frequents conifer for-
ests and bushy areas. Range Winter visi-
tor to Kohat, Gilgit, and Nepal.
BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla
First recorded by R.L. Fleming Jr. at Rara
and Jumla in winter 1971 (243). An erratic
winter visitor, seen mainly in the north
and north-west between 2135m and
3050m. Occasionally reported from the
upper Kali Gandaki valley in severe win-
ters. The maximum of 30 was noted at
Tukche on 18 March 1982 (207,561). In
the cold winter of 1978 two were found on
Sheopuri summit (243) and one near
Godavari at 1525m, both records in Janu- ————————F ae
ary (243,746). Habitat is similar to that of
Common Chaffinch. Range Winters in n.
Baluchistan, and in the Himalayas from
N.W.F.P. east to Nepal.
FIRE-FRONTED SERIN Serinus pusillus
Red-fronted Serin, Gold-fronted Serin, or Finch F
0 9000m g FMA '? J as o
Finches
FIRE-FRONTED SERIN, cont’d ...
First recorded by O. Polunin on 12 April
1952 at Jumla at 2345m (620). Fairly
common, presumably a resident subject
to altitudinal movements. Mainly seen
above 2440m but found as high as 4575m
in summer; occasionally down to 2100m
in winter. Regularly seen in the upper
TIBETAN SERIN Serinus thibetanus
Tibetan Siskin (Carduelis thibetana)
First recorded at Godavari at 1525m on
28 January 1952 by D. Proud (634). A
local winter visitor, occurring between
1050m and 3355m. Most frequent in the
Kathmandu Valley, particularly the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Godavari where
it occurs from the end of November to
end of March (57). The maximum of sev-
eral hundred birds was reported there in
February 1953 (635). Uncommon else-
where. A flock near Jhingrana (C3) at
about 2100m on 18 March 1989 (68) is the
most westerly wintering record for the
SPECTACLED FINCH Callacanthis burtoni
Red-browed Finch
361
Kali Gandaki valley and westwards; few reports from fur-
ther east. Found at Manang in November 1981 (553,554)
and November 1984 (142), at Hinko (HS) in January 1983
(748), and near Syabru (LS) in March 1987 (484). Frequents
Tibetan steppe habitat in summer; bushes and small trees in
winter. Range N. Baluchistan; Himalayas from Chitral east
to Nepal.
[et as === 1 i
9000m Toe Leh a ae O'N'D
species. Mainly occurs in alders. Range Possibly breeds in
Arunachal Pradesh. Winters in the Himalayas from Nepal
east to Arunachal Pradesh.
First recorded on Sheopuri at 2500m on
25 March 1961 by D. Proud (639). A local
and erratic winter visitor; possibly also
breeds but not definitely known to be
resident. Regularly occurs near Ghore-
pani. Found to be fairly common there in
February and March 1982 but scarce in some winters.
Chiefly single records from elsewhere. Only one summer
record: from Ghorepani on 24 July 1978 (688). Frequents
forests of fir, oak, hemlock and rhododendron. Range
Himalayas from Safed Koh and Chitral east to Sikkim.
362 Finches
YELLOW-BREASTED GREENFINCH 1 Carduelis spinoides
Himalayan Goldfinch, Himalayan Greenfinch
Subspecies spinoides. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common resident, sub-
ject to altitudinal movements. Breeds
mainly between 2440m and 3700m, but
noted up to 4400m in Khumbu (190).
Winters chiefly from 915m to 1850m;
rarely in the tarai. A flock of 20 was seen j on \
on 4 May 1982 at 160m at Sukla Phanta. F 6 3 a
Inhabits cultivation, forest edges; also in t
shrubberies above the treeline in ==
T9000m JTF MAM JAS: OAN D
Khumbu (190). Range Himalayas from
Hazara and Murree east to Arunachal
Pradesh.
EURASIAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis
Goldfinch
Subspecies caniceps. First recorded by D.
Lowndes at Manangbhot (J4) at 3660m
on 28 June 1950 (54). An uncommon
resident, subject to altitudinal move-
ments which are poorly understood in
Nepal. Summers mainly between 2450m
and 4200m. Found chiefly between 1920m
and 2440m in winter, but collected as low ee ee ; at
as 75m at Nepalganj in January (243). :
Found inthe Langtang valley near Syabru ae) re ner eet oe
(180) and Sherpagaon (207); also in Hel-
ambu (243,585); the most easterly locali-
ties for the species in the Himalayas.
Frequents upland cultivation, shrubber-
ies above the treeline and open conifer-
ous forest. Range N. Baluchistan; Hima-
layas from N.W.F.P. east to Nepal.
EURASIAN SISKIN Carduelis spinus
Siskin
Vagrant. A male was found at Nagarjung
at 1500m on 7 April 1982 by C. Winyard et
al. (207,561). The second published rec-
ord from the Indian subcontinent. Inhab-
its conifers. Range Vagrant to Himachal
Pradesh and Nepal.
Finches
COMMON LINNET Carduelis cannabina
Linnet (Acanthis cannabina)
Subspecies bella. Vagrant. First recorded
by R.L. Fleming Sr. in small flocks in
Jumla District between 2370m and 2410m
in January and February 1971 (9,243).
TWITE Carduelis flavirostris
Tibetan Twite (Acanthis flavirostris )
First recorded on Gosainkund Pass on 15
and 18 June 1964, between 4200m and
4500m by M. Desfayes (188). Probably
resident. Found between 3965m and
4500m. Possibly subject to altitudinal
movements, but these are little known.
Fairly common in Dolpo (G3) and Mus-
tang (H3), uncommon in the upper Kali
Gandaki valley and rare further east. Fre-
quents boulder-strewn alpine meadows
and stony hills. Range N. Himalayas from
Chitral east to n. Sikkim.
COMMON CROSSBILL Lax curvirostra
Crossbill, Red Crossbill
Subspecies himalayensis. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (116,388,798). Occasional.
Residential status is uncertain and move-
ments are poorly understood. Reported
mainly between 2590m and 3660m.
Breeding behaviour for this subspecies is
little known; presumably breeds in any
month depending on the crop of cones
like other crossbills. An adult seen feed-
ing young on 8 March 1987 at Kalopani
(H4) at about 2530m (480). Found in
hemlocks. Range Himalayas from Lahul
east to Arunachal Pradesh.
363
The only other record is of one seen at Bhoudigaon, south
of Jumla on 17 January 1977 (212). Found in meadows, cul-
tivation and bushes. Range N. Himalayas from Gilgit east to
Nepal.
PLAIN MOUNTAIN-FINCH 1 Lewcosticte nemoricola
Hodgson’s Mountain-Finch
Subspecies nemoricola. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(354,798). A common resident, subject to
altitudinal movements. Summers chiefly
between 4200m and 5200m and winters
between 2000m and at least 3650m.
‘Noted at 1650m near Landrung (HS) in
March 1989 (166). Breeding confirmed in
Khumbu (190). Inhabits alpine meadows
and scree slopes high above the treeline in
summer; cultivation and open forest in
winter. Range Himalayas fom Chitral east
to Bhutan, and possibly Arunachal
Pradesh.
364 Finches
BLACK-HEADED MOUNTAIN-FINCH 1 Leucosticte brandti
Brandt’s Mountain-Finch
Subspecies haematopygia. First recorded
at Tingegaon (G3) at 5060m on 18 June
1952 by O. Polunin (620). A fairly com-
mon resident, subject to some altitudinal
movements. Generally occurs at higher
altitudes than Plain Mountain-Finch.
Summers chiefly between 4200m and es :
5250m, but noted at 6000m on 18 June 6 see Pe
1952 in the Dolpo (G3) (620). Usually
winters above 3500m, but during the par- on. a ae oom
ticularly cold winter of 1982 found down : a
to 2350m north-west of Pokhara
(682,770). A large flock of about 600 was (682). Frequents stony slopes and alpine meadows. Range
seen at Jomosom on 9 February 1982 Himalayas from Chitral east to Sikkim.
MONGOLIAN FINCH Bucanetes mongolicus
Mongolian Desert Finch, Mongolian Trumpeter Finch
(Rhodopechys mongolica)
Vagrant. First recorded by R.L. Fleming
Jr. who found a flock of 16 in the Mukti-
nath valley at 3505m on 25 June 1976
(243). The only other reports were during
the particularly severe winter of 1982: a
party of 34 was noted near Jomosom on 8
February (641), and one on 9 February
(606,682). Found in dry rocky areas.
Range Himalayas from Ladakh east to
Nepal.
BLANFORD’S ROSEFINCH Carpodacus rubescens
Crimson Rosefinch
The first record is of a specimen in Man-
delli’s collection from Dolakha, Bhota
Kosi valley (N6) in August 1875 (104).
Scarce. It is not clear whether the species
is resident, and movements in Nepal are
poorly known. Reported between 2745m
and 3050m in August and September:
collected at Gatlang, Landang Busli and
Mangning (LS) in 1935 (62), and at Tarke
Gyang (MS) in 1949 (619,621); also south UT 1 ee | ie aes |
of Bhairakund (M6) in October 1973 8 ee eee lies ray Baaeee
(589). Found between 2315m and 3050m
in winter. Several reports of up to five
birds east of Ghorepani (HS): in Decem- (HS) in March 1987 (594). Breeding behaviour is unknown.
ber 1985 (546), March 1986 (264,321,260), Frequents glades in conifer, or mixed conifer and birch
March 1987 (480) and December 1989 forests. Range Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal
(176,729); also up to five seen at Chitre Pradesh.
Finches
365
DARK-BREASTED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus nipalensis
Nepal Rosefinch
Subspecies nipalensis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(354,798). A fairly common altitudinal
migrant. Summers chiefly between 3050m
and 3900m; winters between 1830m and
2745m, and sometimes down to 1500m.
Breeding behaviour is little known.
Trapped with a brood patch at Chankeli
at 3050m in July 1979 (626), and collected
in breeding condition at Khumjung (P6),
between 3900m and 4000m on 30 June
and 6 July 1962 (190). Inhabits rhododen-
dron and fir forests, and shrubberies
above the treeline, in summer; also in cul-
COMMON ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus
Scarlet Rosefinch
First collected by B. Hodgson (388).
Fairly common, C. e. roseatus (r) is an
altitudinal migrant. Summers mainly be-
tween 3350m and 4000m, and winters
from 1500m down to the foothills. C. e.
erythrinus (e) is a winter visitor, reported
chiefly between 275m and 2000m. The
only record of C. e. kubanensis (k) is of
one collected at Rekcha (D4) at about
1525m in December 1948 (659). Inhabits
shrubberies and open coniferous and
birch forests in summmer; cultivation
with bushes, and open wooded country in
winter. Range Breeds in n. Baluchistan,
and in the Himalayas from Chitral east to
tivation and forest clearings in winter. Range Himalayas
from Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Bhutan and possibly Arunachal Pradesh. Winters through-
out the subcontinent.
BEAUTIFUL ROSEFINCH Carpodacus pulcherrimus
Subspecies pulcherrimus. The species was
described from Nepal by F. Moore, from
a specimen in Hodgson’s later collection
(409,798), but it may have originated in
India. First definitely recorded by F.M.
Bailey on 18 July 1936 at Bito-kola (D2)
(62). A common resident, subject to alti-
tudinal movements. Summers mainly
between 3600m and 4650m, and winters
between 2100m and at least 3300m.
Breeding confirmed in Khumbu (190).
Found in bushes on steep slopes, and
cultivation in winter; in rhododendron
shrubberies, Caragana scrub and on stony
slopes in summer. Range Himalayas from
Garhwal east to Arunachal Pradesh.
366
Finches
PINK-BROWED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus rhodochrous
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident, subject to altitu-
dinal movements. Summers chiefly be-
tween 3050m and 3900m. Winters mainly
from 3000m down to 1800m, and occa-
sionally down to 915m. Frequents fir and
birch forests and shrubberies of rhodo-
dendron and juniper in summer; oak for-
ests in winter. Range Himalayas from
Kashmir east to Sikkim.
VINACEOUS ROSEFINCH 9 Carpodacus vinaceus
Subspecies vinaceus. First recorded by
R.L. Fleming Sr. at Belbahadi (B4) at
1065m in December 1952 (647). It was
identified initially as a Dark-rumped
Rosefinch, but has been reidentified by
the Chicago Field Museum (9). Scarce.
Status uncertain, probably a breeding
resident. Reported between 1065m and
3050m in winter; and between 3050m and
3200m in summer. A few records from the
upper Kali Gandaki valley between Feb-
tuary and November (527,770) including
a laying female collected near Chadziou
Khola on 3 July 1973 (50). Three reports
from east of Ghorepani: in March
(650,463) and December (176,729).
Single records from near Chandrakot
(HS) in March (147), Sukarmala (C4) in
November (162), Machapuchare and
Milke Danda (Q7) in winter (undated)
(50), Langtang (LS) in May (421), and trapped at Chankheli
in July 1979 (626). Breeding behaviour is poorly known.
Inhabits bamboo and dense bushes in forest. Range Hima-
layas at Naini Tal and in Nepal.
DARK-RUMPED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus edwardsii
Edwards’ Rosefinch, Large Rosefinch
Subspecies rubicunda. Scarce, status un-
certain. A Hodgson specimen was listed
for Nepal by Sharpe (718) but it may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by H. Stevens from the upper Mai
valley (S7) at 2440m on 28 March 1912
(740). Found nearby, on the Singhalila
ridge (S7) at 3635m in May 1989 (704).
The only other confirmed reports are
from Gosainkund between 3200m and
3505m in May: a maximum of 12 was noted at Gapte, also
seen at Mungun (L5) and Chandabari (LS) in 1980 (440)
and at Gapte in 1986 (321). These are the most westerly
records for the species. A specimen of Vinaceous
Rosefinch, taken in the west in winter was initially misiden-
tified as this species (50,647,664). Breeding behaviour is
little known. Frequents open rhododendron or birch for-
ests; also rhododendron and juniper shrubberies. Range
Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Finches
367
SPOT-WINGED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus rhodopeplus
Subspecies rhodopeplus. First recorded
by B. Hodgson (388). A locally distributed
resident, subject to altitudinal move-
ments. Fairly common near Ghorepani in
winter, in the upper Kali Gandaki valley,
and in Langtang (L5); occasionally seen
at Khaptad (C3) and in the Barun valley
(Q6), uncommon elsewhere. Summers mainly between
3050m and 4000m, and winters between 2000m and 3050m.
Breeding behaviour is poorly known. Inhabits rhododen-
dron shrubberies above the treeline and grassy slopes in
summer, dense bushes in forests and damp ravines in
winter. Range Himalayas in the hills north of Chakrata and
Mussoorie, e. Kumaon, Nepal and Sikkim.
WHITE-BROWED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus thura
Subspecies thura. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (336,388). A fairly common
resident, subject to altitudinal move-
ments. Summers chiefly between 3800m
and 4200m. Winters mainly beteen 2440m
and 3660m, but noted as low as 1830m at
Ulleri (H5) on 19 December 1981 (309).
Proved breeding at Dolaka (N6) (414).
Found in dwarf rhododendron and juni-
per shrubberies and alpine meadows in
summer; open bushy hillsides in winter.
Range Himalayas from N.W.F-.P. east to
Arunachal Pradesh.
x 7 =l, eee aa a J = 0 Lia
STREAKED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus rubicilloides
Eastern Great Rosefinch, Streaked Great Rosefinch, Crimson-eared Rosefinch
Subspecies /ucifer. First recorded in De-
cember 1949 by R.L. Fleming Sr., in the
upper Kali Gandaki valley at Thinigaon at
2805m, and at Jomosom at 2865m (647).
Fairly common from mid-November to
early April, between 2800m and 3660m, in
the upper Kali Gandaki valley north of
Jomosom, and near Muktinath. Summers
in the Dolpo (G3) up to 4575m (224,587).
The only other records are from Rara in
February 1977 (464) and Gorak Shep
(P6) in May 1987 (769). Occurs on open
stony ground in summer and scrub in dry
habitats. Range N. Himalayas and Ti-
- LMT a S JF MAT J TSS.
betan plateau from Ladakh east to Bhutan.
368 Finches
GREAT ROSEFINCH 9 Carpodacus rubicilla
Spot-crowned Rosefinch
Subspecies severtzovi. First recorded on 1
August 1962 by R.L. Fleming Sr., at
Gokyo Pokhari (P6) at 4575m (247).
Occasional, presumably resident. Usually
shows little altitudinal movement. Re-
ported chiefly between 3660m and
5000m. Noted as low as 2650m in the
upper Kali Gandaki valley in 1982, during
a particularly cold winter (57,682) and at
5350m near Everest Base Camp (P6) in
March 1986 (546). Breeding behaviour is
poorly known. Confirmed breeding in
Khumbu, where juveniles were collected
at 5000m on 24 August 1962 (190). Fre-
quents the higher part of the alpine zone,
on sparsely vegetated and rocky ground.
Range N. Himalayas from Chitral east to
Sikkim.
RED-FRONTED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus puniceus
Red-breasted Rosefinch
Subspecies puniceus. The species was
described from Nepal by E. Blyth, from a
Hodgson specimen (116,798). A high alti-
tude resident, subject to some altitudinal
movements. Summers between 4265m
and 5490m. In winter noted at least as
high as 4575m (243), and there have been
several reports from about 2745m in the
upper Kali Gandaki valley after cold
spells. Noted as low as 2980m at Rara in
September (68). Breeding behaviour is
poorly known. Taken in breeding condi-
tion on 29 July and 3 August 1962 at
Gokyo at 4850m and 5100m (190). Habi-
tat is similar to that of the Streaked
Rosefinch. Range N. Himalayas from
Ladakh east to Arunachal Pradesh.
CRIMSON-BROWED FINCH § Propyrrhula subhimachala
Juniper Finch, Red-headed Rosefinch (Pinicola subhimachala)
The species was described from Nepal by 1978 (762,159), the most westerly records of the species.
B. Hodgson (354,798). An uncommon Reported in the Namlang valley (F2) (447), but confirma-
resident, showing some altitudinal move- tion of its occurrence so far west is desirable. Breeding
ments. Summers chiefly between 3500m behaviour is poorly known. Collected in breeding condition
and 4000m; winters from 2590m up to at at Trashinga (P6) at 3550m on 9 August 1962 (190). Fre-
least 3050m. Localities include Phul- quents dense bushes near the treeline in summer, forests
chowki and east of Ghorepani in winter, with thick undergrowth in winter. Favours junipers. Range
and in Langtang (L5,MS5). Found twice in Himalayas from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh; n.e.
the upper Kali Gandaki valley in May India.
Finches 369
CRIMSON-BROWED FINCH, cont’d ...
cpanel ae Oe eee ea
LPR Mer A Mil irra Ass SLO MND)
SCARLET FINCH Haematospiza sipahi
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (354). Uncommon and lo-
cally distributed, presumably resident.
Subject to altitudinal movements, but
these are not clearly understood. Re-
ported between 2135m and 3100m in
May, and winters from 1220m up to at
least 2560m. Regularly seen in the lower
Langtang valley in spring, and near
Ghorepani and on Sheopuri in winter. % batt wit
Breeding behaviour is little known. In- 2 a ee ee,
habits ravines and clearings in dense
broadleaved forests, especially near
streams. Range Himalayas from Garhwal
east to Arunachal Pradesh, n.e. India.
GOLD-NAPED FINCH Pyrrhoplectes epauletta
Gold-crowned Black Finch
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (354). Probably resident but
has mainly been reported in winter. Sub-
ject to altitudinal movements which are
poorly understood in Nepal. Seen at
3260m and 3355m in May, and between
1525m and 3000m in winter. Uncommon
on Phulchowki; several reports from
north-west of Pokhara and in the upper
Mai valley; single records from most
other localities. Breeding behaviour is
unknown. Noted carrying nesting mate-
tial or food on 10 March 1988 at Hanga
Tham (465). Frequents dense under-
growth in oak and rhododendron forests
in winter, and rhododendron shrubberies
in summer. Range Himalayas from Simla
east to Arunachal Pradesh.
370 Finches
BROWN BULLFINCH 9 Pyrrhula nipalensis
Subspecies nipalensis. The species was
described from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(354,798). Locally distributed, probably
resident. Shows little altitudinal move-
ment: recorded between 1600m and
3050m in winter, and up to 3200m in
summer. Occasionally seen on Phul-
chowki throughout the year; also on
Sheopuri, at Ghorepani, in Langtang, and
in the upper Arun and upper Mai valleys.
Mainly single reports from elsewhere. Se a ee
Breeding behaviour is unknown. Noted in : eee
June with nesting material at 2380m
(243). Found in dense, moist broadleaved
forests. Range Himalayas from
Dharmsala east to Arunachal Pradesh;
n.e. India.
RED-HEADED BULLFINCH Pyrrhula erythrocephala
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common resident, subject to some
altitudinal movements. Summers mainly
between 3050m and 4000m. May descend
in winter to 1830m, but resident at 3865m
around Tengboche (P6) (558). Frequents
low bushes in broadleaved forests. Fa-
vours rhododendrons. Range Himalayas
from Kashmir east to e. Bhutan.
[BLACK-AND-YELLOW GROSBEAK Mycerobas icterioides
(Coccothraustes icterioides)
Reported by D. Proud from the Gandak- Range Himalayas from N.W.F.P. east to Garhwal; also a
Kosi watershed in May 1952 (633), but specimen from Darjeeling in Leningrad Museum (592).]
probably in error for Collared Grosbeak.
COLLARED GROSBEAK Mycerobas affinis
Allied Grosbeak (Coccothraustes affinis)
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A Breeding behaviour is little known. Taken in breeding
resident, subject to altitudinal move- condition at Bigu (N6) at 3300m on 16 May 1962 (190). Seen
ments. Fairly common east to Langtang, carrying nesting material at Kalopani (H4) at 2560m, on 5
uncommon further east. Summers chiefly May 1981 (811). Frequents coniferous or mixed
between 3000m and 3900m, and winters broadleaved/ coniferous forests. Range Himalayas from
down to 2440m. Noted as low as 1065m at Hazara east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Birethante (H5) in December 1982 (315).
Finches 371
COLLARED GROSBEAK, cont’d ...
| A
SPOT-WINGED GROSBEAK Mycerobas melanozanthos
(Coccothraustes melanozanthos)
The species was described from Nepal by
B. Hodgson (354,798). Presumably resi-
dent. Altitudinal movements are poorly
known. Reported between 1400m and
2135m in winter, and up to 3355m in
summer. A regular winter visitor to Phul-
chowki, several records from north-west
of Pokhara (H5) in winter, and Langtang
in spring. Single reports from elsewhere.
Inhabits mixed coniferous/ broadleaved
forests. Range Himalayas from the Indus
valley east to Arunachal Pradesh; ne.
India.
WHITE-WINGED GROSBEAK Mycerobas camipes
(Coccothraustes carnipes)
Subspecies camipes. The species was de-
scribed from Nepal by B. Hodgson
(354,798). A fairly common resident, sub-
ject to some altitudinal movements. Oc-
curs chiefly between 3050m and 4200m.
In winter may descend to 2745m, but
sometimes remains at the higher levels.
Frequents dwarf juniper and other shrub-
beries near the treeline in summer; for-
ests in winter. Range Hills of Pakistan;
‘Himalayas from Gilgit and Hazara east to
Arunachal Pradesh.
372
Buntings
BLACK-FACED BUNTING Enmberiza spodocephala
Subspecies sordida. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388,798). An uncommon and
local winter visitor and passage migrant,
occurring from the tarai up to 1280m.
Regularly reported from Kosi marshes,
the Kathmandu Valley and, since 1984,
from Phewa Tal.The only other records
are from Chitwan. Inhabits long grass,
edges of marshes, and rice paddies; usu-
ally found near water. Range Winter visi-
tor to Nepal, n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Vagrant west to Corbett.
PINE BUNTING Emberiza leucocephalos
Subspecies leucocephalos. First recorded
by the Seti River, north of Pokhara (H5)
on 22 November 1953 by D. Proud
(628,638). A winter visitor, found mainly
above 2440m, but occasionally down to
915m. Fairly common in most winters in
the upper Kali Gandaki valley, and in the
YELLOWHAMMER Enmbencza citrinella
Subspecies erythrogenys? First recorded
at Kagbeni at 2810m on 25 February 1981
by D. Mills et al. (65,559); the first record
for the Indian subcontinent. A scarce,
irregular and very local winter visitor.
Several reports from the Kali Gandaki
valley (H4) between January and early
De ee a
7 9000e SO ST a TB TT HT 0)
AT STO
J'F M AM’ J
north-west. A rare visitor to the Kathmandu Valley. Noted
on the Singhalila ridge (S7) on 22 March 1989 (172), the
most easterly record of the species in the Himalayas. For-
ages in cultivation and grassy areas with bushes. Range
Winter visitor to Pakistan and the Himalayas from
N.W.F-P. east to Nepal.
April, in most winters between 1981 and 1987: a few birds
between Kalopani and Jomosom from 2630m to 2745m, and
as low as 1100m at Tatopani (770). The maximum seen, at
least six, was at Jomosom in January 1983 (748). The only
other confirmed record is of one or two seen at Jumla on 26
January 1983 (627). Found in cultivation; often with flocks
of Pine Buntings. Range Vagrant to Ladakh and Nepal.
Buntings
WHITE-CAPPED BUNTING Enmberiza stewarti
Chestnut-breasted Bunting
Vagrant. First recorded by F.M. Bailey at
Banbassa (A4), at about 75m on 7 Janu-
ary 1937 (62). The only other records are
of specimens taken at Tansen (H6) at
1370m in December 1951 (647), and at
Barmdeo Mandi (A3) at 290m in January
ROCK BUNTING Emberiza cia
Eurasian Rock Bunting
First recorded by F.M. Bailey at Puma
(E2) on 16 June 1936 (62). A resident,
common in the north-west, and east to
Manang. Shows little altitudinal move-
ment. Found mainly above 2440m, up to
4600m in summer, and occasionally down
to 1800m in winter. Found as low as
1450m in February 1988 at Silgadi Doti
(B3) (68). Noted in the Gathlang valley
(LS) on 26 October 1980 (516), and in
Helambu on 30 January 1981 (300), the
most easterly records of the species. The
races E. c. stracheyi and E. c. flemingorum
(f) (527) have been collected. Inhabits
Open grassy and rocky areas. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from N.W.F.P.
east to Nepal. Winters south to Quetta
and Delhi.
1953 (647). Frequents fields and dry,
grassy scrub jungle. Range Summers in n.
Baluchistan, and in the Himalayas from
Chitral east to Garhwal. Winters in the
foothills from N.W.F.P. east to Nepal,
and in n.w. India.
CHESTNUT-EARED BUNTING Emberiza fucata
Grey-headed Bunting
"90000 J°F'M LyX J's AAS OND
374
CHESTNUT-EARED BUNTING, cont’d ...
Obtained by B. Hodgson in his later col-
lection (409), but the specimen may have
originated in India. First definitely re-
corded by F.M. Bailey at Nekala (E2) on
9 June 1936 (62). Uncommon, probably
resident. Altitudinal movements in Nepal
are not clearly understood. Several winter
reports from Kosi; uncommon elsewhere
between 75m and 915m in winter. A few
RUSTIC BUNTING Emberiza rustica
Subspecies rustica? Vagrant. A male was
found at Sauraha (J6) at about 245m on
31 January 1981 by A. del-Nevo and P.
Ewins (180,181). The only other records
LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla
First recorded by B. Hodgson (388). A
fairly common winter visitor, occurring
mainly between 75m and 2000m; rare up
to 3050m. Also noted on spring passage in
March and April (50). Feeds in stubble,
and ploughed or grass fields. Range Win-
ter visitor to Nepal, n.e. India and Bangla-
desh.
CHESTNUT BUNTING Emberiza naila
Vagrant. The only record is of one col-
lected at Godavari at 1525m in January
1954 by R.L. Fleming Sr. (647). Inhabits
Tice stubbles, bushes in cultivation, and
Buntings
reports from Jumla at about 2135m in May and August
(587,620,626); adults and young common near the airport
(244). Confirmed breeding near Dhaulagiri (H4) in 1973
(243). Two subspecies recorded: E. f. arcuata (a) (62), and
E. f. fucata (f) (234,247). Summers on bushy hillsides, and
winters by reedy streams, lakes and wet fields. Range
Breeds in the Himalayas from Chitral east to Nepal. Win-
ters down to the adjacent foothills and plains east to n.e.
India and Bangladesh.
are of another male seen at Kagbeni at about 2810m on 25
February 1981 (65) and two at Pokhara on 25 December
1989 (729). These are the first records for the subcontinent.
Range Vagrant to Nepal.
forest clearings (664). Range Scarce winter visitor to n.e.
India; also recorded in the Himalayas in Chitral, Ladakh,
Nepal and Sikkim.
YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING Embenza aureola
Subspecies aureola. First recorded by B.
Hodgson (388). A common winter visitor
and passage migrant, from the tarai up to
1370m. In the Kathmandu Valley it was
described in 1955 as a winter visitor in
large flocks, from the end of November to
May (635). Noted recently mainly as a
passage migrant, with some birds over-
wintering. Flocks of up to 400 are regu-
larly seen in the eastern tarai (P8) from
November to April (293). Enormous
flocks reported flying to roost in March
and April 1982: 3500 were estimated at
Chitwan (770) and over 7000 at Kosi
Tappu (199,227). Frequents cultivation and grasslands.
Range Winter visitor to Nepal, n.e. India and Bangladesh.
Buntings/Addendum
REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus
Common Reed Bunting
Subspecies unknown. Vagrant. The only
record is of two seen by T.P. Inskipp on 21
December 1970 at Begnas Tal (444).
Found in reedbeds and tall grass. Range
Winter visitor to Pakistan, n.w. India and
Nepal.
375
RED-HEADED BUNTING Enmberiza bruniceps
Vagrant. A male was seen along the Narayani River, Chi-
twan, at about 130m on 15 April 1975, by R.L. Fleming and
H. Gilston (243,296). Frequents cultivation (664). Range
Breeds in n. Baluchistan. Winter visitor to the Indian
peninsula from Haryana east to Bangladesh, and south to s.
India.
BLACK-HEADED BUNTING Emberiza melanocephala
First recorded by H.S. Nepali who col-
lected a specimen on 17 November 1969
at Balaju, Kathmandu Valley at 1340m
(591,589). A scarce winter visitor. The
other records are from the eastern tarai:
CRESTED BUNTING Melophus lathami
First recorded by B. Hodgson (354). A
fairly common resident, subject to altitu-
dinal movements. Summers from 2440m
down to 1220m, and possibly even lower;
winters from 1460m down to the tarai.
Breeding confirmed in the Kathmandu
Valley (414), north-west of Pokhara
(811), and near Dhankuta (Q7) (446).
Inhabits cultivation, and hillsides with
rocks and bushes. Range Himalayan foot-
hills from Hazara east to Arunachal
Pradesh, and south to Gujarat and
Raipur; n.e. India and Bangladesh.
in December 1975 (293), Kosi Barrage in December 1984
(150), January 1985 (142) and March 1987 (769); also at
Damak (R8), where at least 15 were seen in December 1978
(134). Range Winter visitor to w. and central India and
Nepal. Migrates through Pakistan.
ADDENDUM
The following records of two new species for Nepal were received too late for inclusion in the main text.
SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana
One was seen by Rosemary Cooper near
Kusaha, Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve at
about 75m on 28 February and 3 March
1990. Frequents marshes. Range Winter
visitor to Pakistan and India.
JERDON’S BABBLER Moupinia altirostris
(Chrysomma altirostre)
Subspecies griseigularis. First recorded by Hem Sagar Baral
who found three birds near Gaida Wildlife Camp, Chitwan
at about 250m on 26 November 1989. On 7 December 1989
he observed a group of six near Dumariya, Chitwan, and
three were seen by him and Jonathon Eames near Lami Tal,
Chitwan on 25 April 1990. Inhabits grassland. Range Plains
of the Indus in Pakistan, and in n.e. India and Bangladesh.
376
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390
INDEX TO ENGLISH NAMES
Plate numbers are in bold.
Accentor
Alpine 30, 236
Altai 28, 30, 236
Black-throated 235
Brown 17, 28, 235
Maroon-backed 29,234
Robin 28, 30, 236
Rufous-breasted 235
Rufous-streaked 236
Avadavat
Red 27, 358
Avocet 142
Pied 142
Babax
Giant 11
Babbler
Abbott’s 29,296
Black-chinned 300
Black-throated 301
Buff-chested 11
Chestnut-capped 26, 302
Common 305
Golden 16, 28, 29, 301
Golden-headed 301
Grey-throated 16, 25, 29, 301
Jerdon’s 11, 375
Jungle 306
Large Grey 306
Nepal 319
Nepal Quaker 319
Puff-throated 296
Red-capped 302
Red-headed 300
Rufous-bellied 301
Rufous-capped 29, 300
Slender-billed 26, 306
Spiny 16, 25, 305
Spotted 296
Striated 305
Tawny-bellied 301
White-hooded 315
Yellow-eyed 26, 302
Barbet
Blue-eared 16, 199
Blue-throated 199
Brown-headed 81, 198
Coppersmith 200
Crimson-breasted 200
Golden-throated 16, 25, 28, 199
Great 198
Great Hill 198
Great Himalayan 198
Green 198
Lineated 81, 198
Barwing
Hoary 25, 316
Rusty-fronted 16, 30, 316
Spectacled 316
Baza
Black 16, 26, 105
Black-crested 105
Jerdon’s 10
Bee-eater
Blue-bearded 29, 194
Blue-tailed 21, 195
Chestnut-headed 195
Green 194
Little Green 194
Bittern 87
Black 88
Hodgson's 209
Long-tailed 29, 209, 210
Silver-breasted 209
Bulbul
Ashy 231
Black 231
Black-crested 229
Black-headed Yellow 229
Brown-tared 231
Grey 231
Mountain 231
Red-vented 25, 230
Red-whiskered 229
Rufous-bellied 231
Striated 9, 16, 25, 229
Striated Green 229
White-cheeked 18, 230
White-throated 29, 230
Bullfinch
Brown 26, 28, 30, 370
Grey-headed 11
Red-headed 370
Bunting
Black-faced 22, 27, 77, 79, 372, 8
Black-headed 79, 80, 375
Chestnut 78, 79, 374
Chestnut-breasted 373
Chestnut-eared 17, 78, 79, 373,
374,8
Common Reed 375
Crested 80,375
Eurasian Rock 373
Grey-headed 373
Little 78, 79, 374, 8
Pine 28, 77, 79, 372, 8
Red-headed 79, 80, 375
Reed 79, 80, 375
Rock 77, 79, 373, 8
Rustic 78, 79, 374, 8
White-capped 77, 79, 373, 8
Yellow-breasted 22, 78, 79, 374,
8
Bush-Robin
Golden 25, 28, 240
Orange-flanked 240
Rufous-breasted 16, 18, 28, 29,
30, 240
White-browed 28, 30, 240, 241
Bushchat
Collared 247
Grey 18, 249
Hodgson’s 18, 27, 248, 249
Striped 134
Yellow-legged 134
Buzzard
Common 22;36,37,115
Crested Honey 105
Desert 115
Long-legged 36, 37, 116
Upland 36, 37, 116
White-cyed 115
Chaffinch
Common 360
Chat
Blue 239
Brown Rock 247
Dark Grey Bush 249
Indian 251
River 251
White-capped River 251
Chiffchaff 22, 71, 282, 5
Chough 349
Alpine 348
Hume's Ground 347
Red-billed 21, 349
Yellow-billed 348
Cisticola
Bright-capped 26, 264
Fantail 265
Golden-headed 264
Ruddy 135
Ruddy-breasted 26, 135
Index
Common 178
Cuckoo
Asian Emerald 21, 173
Banded Bay 26, 174
Chestnut-winged 26, 172
Common 175
Emerald 173
Eurasian 175
Grey-bellied 174
Grey-bellied Plaintive 174
Himalayan 175
Indian 175
Indian Plaintive 174
Jacobin 171
Koel 176
Lesser 21, 176
Little 176
Oriental 175
Pied 21, 171, 172
Pied Crested 171
Plaintive 174
Red-winged Crested 172
Rufous-bellied Plaintive 174
Short-winged 175
Sirkeer 177
Small 176
Eurasian 153
White-breasted 233
White-throated 233
Dollarbird 196
Dove
Collared 165
Common Emerald 167
Emerald 167
Eurasian Collared 165
Indian Ring 165
Index
Laughing 166
Little Brown 166
Oriental Turtle 166
Palm 166
Red Collared 165
Red Turtle 165
Rock 163
Rufous Turtle 166
Spotted 166
Drongo
Ashy 21, 342
Black 341
Bronzed 343
Crow-billed 21, 26, 27, 29, 342,
343
Greater Racket-tailed 27, 344,
Grey 342
Hair-crested 344
Large Racquet-tailed 343, 344
Lesser Racket-tailed 343
Little Bronzed 343
Small Racquet-tailed 343
Spangled 344
White-bellied 342
Drongo-Cuckoo 176
Duck
Comb 98
Falcated 99
Ferruginous 103
Fulvous Whistling 95
Lesser Whistling 26, 96
Long-tailed 104
Mandarin 99
Pink-headed 102
Spot-billed 101
Tufted 103
White-headed 10
Dunlin 46, 47, 150
Eagle
Black 116
Bonelli’s 119
Booted 119
Crested Serpent 111
Golden 42, 43, 119
Greater Spotted 22, 40, 42, 43,
117
Grey-headed Fishing 26, 108,
Himalayan Grey-headed
Fishing 107
Imperial 39, 40, 41, 118
Lesser Fishing 26, 107
Lesser Spotted 42, 43, 117
Pallas’s Fish 18, 26, 107
Ring-tailed Fishing 107
Rufous-bellied 120
Short-toed 111
Spotted 117
Steppe 21, 22, 23, 39, 40, 41, 117,
118
Tawny 40, 41, 118
White-tailed 26, 107
White-tailed Sea 107
Great White 90
Intermediate 90
Large 90
Little 90
Plumed 90
Smaller 90
Yellow-billed 90
Falcon
Amur 22, 122, 123
Barbary 44, 45, 125
Eastern Red-legged 122
Laggar 44, 45, 124
Peregrine 22, 44, 45, 124, 125
Red-capped 125
Red-necked 26, 122
Saker 44, 45, 124
Shaheen 124
Falconet
Collared 26, 29, 121
Red-breasted 121
Red-thighed 121
Fantail
White-browed 295
White-throated 294
Yellow-bellied 294
Finch
Crimson-browed 16, 28, 368, 369
Gold-crowned Black 369
Gold-fronted 360
Gold-naped 25, 309
Juniper 368
Mongolian 364
Mongolian Desert 364
Mongolian Trumpeter 364
Red-browed 361
Vivid Blue 11
White-browed Blue 290
White-gorgetted 16,292
Flycatcher-shrike 225
Flycatcher-Warbler
Allied 274
Grey-headed 274
White-throated 275
Yellow-bellied 275
Flycatcher-shrike
Bar-winged 230
Forktail
Black-backed 260
Little 29
Slaty-backed 28, 260
Spotted 260
White-crowned 11
Francolin
Black 127
Grey 27, 127
Swamp 18, 26, 127
Frogmouth
Hodgson’s 10
Fulvetta
Bengal 18, 26, 27, 139, 140
Lesser 18, 140
Flowerpecker
Buff-bellied 337
Fire-breasted 337
Pale-billed 336
Plain 25,337
Plain-coloured 337
Scarlet-backed 337
Thick-billed 335
Tickell’s 336
Yellow-bellied 25, 28, 336
Yellow-vented 29, 336
Flycatcher
Asian Brown 21, 25, 289
Asian Paradise 21, 26, 295
Asian Sooty 21, 288
Black-naped 295
Blue-throated Blue 25, 285
Blue-throated 285
Brooks’ 284
Brown 289
Brown-breasted 288
Dark-sided 288
Ferruginous 16, 21, 287
Grey-headed 293
Hill Blue 16, 286
Kashmir 292, 293
Kashmir Redbreasted 292
Large-billed Blue 286
Little Pied 290, 291
Orange-gorgetted 292
Pale Blue 285
Pale-chinned 284, 285
Paradise 295
Pygmy Blue 16, 286, 287
Red-breasted 22, 293
Red-throated 293
Rufous-breasted Blue 291
Rufous-gorgetted 292
Rufous-tailed 288
Rusty-breasted Blue 291
Sapphire 29, 289
Sapphire-headed 289
Slaty-backed 16, 25, 291
Slaty-biue 290
Snowy-browed 25, 291
Sooty 288
Tickell’s Blue 27, 286
Tickell’s Red-breasted Blue 286
Ultramarine 290
Verditer 287
Golden-breasted 16, 28, 30, 318
391
White-winged 371
Ground-Jay
Tibetan 347
Gull
Black-headed 157
Brown-headed 26, 52, 53, 158
Common 158
Common Black-headed 52, 53,
157
Great Black-headed 26,50,51,157
Lesser Black-backed 50, 51, 158,
19
Mew 52, 53, 158
Slender-billed 52, 53, 158
Yellow-legged 23, 50, 51, 158,
19
Harrier
Eurasian Marsh 112
Hen 112
Montagu’s 113
Pale 112
Pallid 112
Pied 113
Hawk-Cuckoo
Common 173
Hodgson's 172
Large 21, 173
Hawk-Eagle
Bonelli’s 119
Booted 119
Nepal 25, 26, 319
Rufous-throated 11
Rufous-winged 16, 318
White-browed 319
Yellow-throated 11, 318
Goldeneye 104
Common 104
Goldfinch 362
Eurasian 362
Himalayan 362
Goosander 105
Goose
Bar-headed 21, 97
Bean 96
Cotton Pygmy 98
Greater White-fronted 10
Greylag 97
Lesser White-fronted 10
Goshawk
Crested 29, 34, 35, 114
Northern 34, 35, 113
Grackle 354
Grandala 30, 246, 247
Hodgson’s 246
Great Crested 8&5
Little 85
Greenfinch
Himalayan 362
Yellow-breasted 362
Allied 370
Black-and-Yellow 11, 370
Collared 28, 370, 371
Spot-winged 25, 371
Changeable 26, 27, 38, 120
Mountain 25, 28, 38, 120
Hodgson’s 120
Rufous-bellied 120
Hemipode
Andalusian 134
Heron
Black-crowned Night 88
Great White-bellied 91
Green-backed 8
Grey 91
Imperial 91
Indian Pond 89
Little 89
Little Green 89
Malay Night 88
Night 88
Purple 91
Striated 89
White-bellied 91
Hobby
Eurasian 123
Oriental 124
Honey-Buzzard
Oriental 105
Honeyguide
Himalayan 200
Orange-rumped 28, 30, 200
Yellow-rumped 200
Hoopoe 17, 21, 196
Hornbill
Common Grey 196
Giant 197
Great 26, 197
Great Pied 197
Indian Grey 196
Indian Pied 197
Oriental Pied 26, 27, 29, 197
Rufous-necked 197
Wreathed 10
House-Martin
Asian 82, 217
Common 8&2, 217, 218
Nepal 217
Ibis
Black 94
Black-headed 26, 95
Glossy 94
Oriental White 95
Red-naped 94
Ibisbill 26, 27, 30, 141, 142
392
Iora 232
Common 232
Jacana
Bronze-winged 141
Pheasant-tailed 26, 140
Jay 345
Black-headed 345
Black-throated 345
Blue 195
Eurasian 345
i Red-crowned 345
Hume's Ground 17, 347
Lanceolated 17, 25, 345
Junglefowl
Red 132
Kestrel 127
Common 22, 122, 193
Eurasian 122, 193
Lesser 22, 121
Black-capped 191
Blue-eared 26, 81, 193
Blyth’s 193
Brown-headed Stork-billed 191
Common &, 193
Crested 28, 194
Deep-blue 193
Eurasian 81, 193
Great Blue 193
Himalayan Pied 194
Indian Pied 193
Large Pied 194
Oriental 10, 191
Pied 193
Ruddy 190
Small Blue 193
Small Pied 193
Stork-billed 191
Three-toed 191
Three-toed Forest 191
White-breasted 191
White-throated 191
Kite
Black 22, 23, 106
Black-eared 106
Black-shouldered 106
Black-winged 106
Brahminy 106
Dark 106
Honey 105
Pariah 106
Red 106
Koel
Asian 176
Common 176, 177
Lammergeier 28, 108, 109
Lapwing
Eurasian 148
Grey-headed 26, 147
Northern 148
Red-wattled 148
River 146, 147
Sociable 10
Spur-winged 146
White-tailed 148
Yellow-wattled 147
Lark
Ashy-crowned Finch 211
Bush 211
Crested 213
Greater Short-toed 22, 83, 211,
212
Horned 30, 213, 214
Hume’s Short-toed 22, 83, 212
Long-billed 11
Sand 212
Shore 213
Short-toed 211
Laughing-thrush
Black-faced 311
Black-gorgetted 308
Blue-winged 16, 311
Brown-cheeked 11
Chestnut-crowned 312
Crimson-winged 312
Greater Necklaced 29, 308
Grey-sided 16, 25, 310
Large Necklaced 308
Lesser Necklaced 16, 29, 307
Necklaced 307
Plain-coloured 311
Red-headed 312
Rufous-chinned 25, 28, 309
Rufous-necked 26, 310
Scaly 16, 28, 30, 311
Blue-winged 11
Golden-fronted 232
Orange-bellied 25, 232
Leiothrix
Red-illed 313
Likh 140
Gold-billed 345
Red-billed Blue 17, 25, 346
Yellow-billed Blue 345
Malkoha
Green-billed 177
Large Green-billed 177
Sirkeer 177
Brown-throated Sand 214
Collared Sand 214
Crag 215
Dusky Crag 11
Grey-throated Sand 214
House 218
Northern Crag 215
Plain 214
Plain Sand 214
Sand 214, 215
Merganser
Common 105
Red-breasted 105
Merlin 123
Red-headed 122
Mesia
Silver-earec 30, 312
Minivet
Grey-chinned 16, 25, 228
Long-tailed 227
Rosy 26, 228
Scarlet 226,227
Short-billed 227
Small 228
Yellow-throated 228
Minla
Bar-throated 317
Blue-winged 317
Chestnut-tailed 317
Red-tailed 16, 26, 30, 317
Monal
Brandt's 364
Fire-tailed 16, 30, 313
Nakta 98
Needletail
White-rumped 26, 27, 186
White-throated 21, 83, 186, 187
White-vented 16, 26, 83, 187
Nightingale 11
Nightjar
Common Indian 185
Eurasian 10
Franklin’s 184
Grey 185
Indian 185
Jungle 185
Large-tailed 185
Little 185
Chestnut-bellied 329
Eurasian 330
Kashmir 17, 330
Velvet-fronted 328
White-cheeked 17, 328, 329
White-tailed 329
Oldsquaw 104
Oriole
Black-headed 338
Black-hooded 338
Black-naped 339
Eurasian Golden 17, 339
Golden 339
Maroon 338
Slender-billed 339
Osprey 121
Owl 2
Barn 58, 178
Index
Brown Fish 25, 26, 27, 56, 57,
181
Brown Hawk 26, 27, 54, 55, 182
Brown Wood 56, 57, 183
Collared Scops 54, 55, 179
Common Barn 178
Dusky Eagle 56, 57, 181
Dusky Horned 181
Eurasian Eagle 25, 56, 57, 180
Forest Eagle 180
Grass 58, 178
Great Horned 180
Little 17, 54, 55, 183
Long-eared 58, 184
Mountain Scops 25, 28, 54, 55,
180
Northern Eagle 180
Northern Little 183
Oriental Bay 10, 11, 58, 179
Oriental Scops 54, 55, 179
Scops 1799
Short-eared 58, 184
Spot-bellied Eagle 56, 57, 180
Spotted Little 183
Spotted Scops 180
Tawny 56, 57, 184
Tawny Fish 56, 57, 181
Tawny Wood 184
Spotted 54, 55, 183
Tibet 183
Oystercatcher
Common 141
Eurasian 141
Paintedsnipe
Greater 141
Parakeet
Alexandrine 170
Blossom-headed 10, 171
Large 170
Moustached 26, 171
Plum-headed 171
Ring-necked 170
Rose-breasted 171
Rose-ringed 170
Slaty-headed 170, 171
Parrot
Vernal Hanging 16, 170
Parrotbill
Black-breasted 303
Black-browed 11
Black-throated 25, 28, 30, 304
Brown 16, 303
Fulvous 16, 28, 304
Fulvous-fronted 304
Gould’s 303
Great 28, 303
Greater Red-headed 304
Rufous-headed 11, 304
Partridge
Black 127
Chestnut-breasted 10
Chukar 126
Common Hill 129
Grey 127
Hill 129
Rufous-throated 130
Rufous-throated Hill 130
Snow 30, 125
127
Tibetan 17, 128
Pastor
Index
Rosy 352
Peacock-Pheasant
Pecker
Hume's Ground 347
Peewit 148
Pelican
Dalmatian 10
Eastern White 86
Great White 86
Grey 86
Spot-billed 26, 87
White 86
Petronia
Chestnut-shouldered 356
Crimson Horned 131
Impeyan 132
Kalij 25, 132, 133
Koklass 17, 28, 131
Western Horned 131
Piculet
Rufous 202
Speckled 201
Spotted 201
White-browed 29, 202
Pigeon
Bengal Green 168
Blue Rock 163
Green 168
Green-winged 167
Green Imperial 10, 170
Grey-fronted Green 168
Hill 17, 28, 163
Imperial 169
Maroon-backed Imperial 169
Mountain Imperial 16, 169
Orange-breasted Green 26, 27,
Pompadour Green 16, 26, 168
Rock 163
Snow 163, 164
Thick-billed Green 168
Turkestan Hill 163
Wedge-tailed Green 18
Yellow-footed Green 168
Pintail 101
Northern 101
Pipit
American 221
Blyth’s 64, 65, 219
Brown Rock 219
Buff-bellied 62, 63, 221
Hodgson’s 220
Indian Tree 220
Long billed 62, 64, 65, 219
Olive-backed 28, 62, 63, 220
Paddyfield 64, 65, 218
Red-throated 22, 62, 63, 220
Richard’s 64, 65, 218
Rosy 62, 63, 221
Rosy-breasted 221
Tawny 64, 65, 219
Tree 62, 63, 220
Siberian Water 221
Upland 17, 64, 65, 222
Vinaceous-breasted 221
Water 62, 63, 221
Pitta
Blue-naped 16, 210
Green-breasted 210
Hooded 26, 210
Indian 26, 27, 210, 211
Plover
Black-bellied 146
Eastern Golden 146
Greater Sand 146
Grey 146
Grey-headed 147
Kentish 145
Little Ringed 144
Long-billed 27, 144, 145
Long-billed Ringed 144
Mongolian 145
Pacific Golden 146
Red-wattled 148
River 146
Snowy 145
White-tailed 148
Yellow-wattled 147
Pochard
Baer’s 103
Common 102
Red-crested 102
Tufted 103
White-eyed 103
Pratincole
Collared 143
Little 144
Oriental 143
Small 144
Prinia
Ashy 69, 266, 2
Black-throated Hill 268
Brown Hill 267
Fulvous-streaked 265
Graceful 27, @, 265, 2
Grey-breasted 69, 70, 267,2
Grey-capped 266
Grey-crowned 26, 0, 266, 2
Hill 29, 70, 268, 2
Hodgson'’s 267
Jungle 27, 70, 268, 2
Plain &, 265, 2
Rufescent 266
Rufous 11, @, 266, 2
Striated 26, 70, 267, 2
White-tailed 268
Yellow-bellied 27, 70, 267, 2
Quail
Black-breasted 128
Blue-breasted 129
Common 128
Grey 128
Himalayan 10
Jungle Bush 129
Manipur Bush 10
Rain 128
Rail
Blue-breasted Banded 135
Slaty-breasted 135
Water 134
Black 22, 243
Blue-capped 242, 243
Blue-fronted 244
Blue-headed 242
Daurian 11
Eversmann’s 242
Guldenstadt’s 28, 30, 244, 24S
Hodgson’s 243
Plumbeous 245
Rufous-backed 242
White-bellied 30, 245
White-capped 251
White-throated 28, 30, 244
White-winged 244
Robin
Blue-fronted 11, 246
Blue-fronted Long-tailed 246
Indian 251
Indian Blue 239
Magpie 241
Pekin 313
Rufous-bellied Bush 241
Siberian Blue 239
White-tailed 16, 25, 246
White-tailed Blue 246
Rock-Thrush
Blue 252
Blue-capped 252
Beautiful 75, 365, 6, 7
Blanford’s 75, 364, 6, 7
Common 75, 365, 6, 7
Crimson 78, 364
Crimson-eared 367,
Dark-breasted 75, 365, 6, 7
Dark-rumped 76, 366, 6, 7
Eastern Great 367
Edwards’ 366
Great 28, 30, 76, 368, 6,7
Large 366
Nepal 365
Pink-backed 11
Pink-browed 75, 366, 6, 7
Red-breasted 368, 6, 7
Red-fronted 30, 76, 368, 6, 7
Red-headed 368
Scarlet 365
Spot-crowned 367, 368, 6,7
Spot-winged 28, 30, 76, 367, 6,7
Streaked 17, 28, 76, 367, 6,7
Streaked Great 367
Vinaceous 75, 366, 6, 7
White-browed 28, 30, 76, 367, 6,
Ruff 150
Sanderling 46, 47, 148
Sandgrouse
Black-bellied 162
Chestnut-bellied 162
Imperial 162
Indian 162
Painted 162
Tibetan 10
Sandlark
Indian 212
Sandpiper
Common 156
Curlew 46, 47, 149
Green 155
Marsh 154
Terek 156
Wood 155
T
Rufous-bellied 207
Scaup 104
Greater 104
Scimitar-Babbler
393
Coral-billed 297
Rufous-necked 297
Rusty-cheeked 296
Slaty-headed 297
Slender-billed 16, 28, 29, 298
Streak-breasted 297
White-browed 297
Serin
Fire-fronted 17, 28, 360, 361
Gold-fronted 360
Red-fronted 360
Tibetan 25, 361
Shama 242
White-rumped 242
Shelduck
Common 98
Eurasian 98
Northern 98
Ruddy 97
Shikra 34, 35, 115
Black-eared 16, 25, 28, 28, 30,
315
Black-headed 16, 28, 314
Chestnut-eared 315
Green 315
Red-winged 314
Rufous-bellied 314
White-browed 314, 315
White-headed 315
Sibia
Black-capped 320
Chestnut-backed 319
Long-tailed 320
Rufous-backed 319
Silverbill
Indian 358
Siskin 362
Eurasian 362
Tibetan 361
Siva
Bar-throated 317
Skimmer
Indian 26, 162
Skylark
Eastern 213
Eurasian 213
Little 213
Oriental 213
Small 213
Snake-Eagle
Short-toed 111
Smew 104
Snipe
Common 48, 49, 151
Fantail 151
Jack 48, 49, 150
Painted 141
Pintail 48, 49, 151
Solitary 28, 48, 49, 151, 152
Swinhoe’s 48, 151
394
Wood 48, 49, 152
Snowcock
Himalayan 17, 126
Tibetan 28, 30, 125, 126
Snowfinch
Adams’ 356
Black-winged 356
Blanford’s 356
Mandelli’s 356
Plain-backed 17, 356
Red-necked 356
Rufous-necked 17, 356
Small 11
Tibetan 17, 356
White-rumped 17, 356
Sparrow
Cinnamon 28, 355
Cinnamon Tree 355
Eurasian Tree 355
House 17, 354
Russet 355
Spanish 355
Tree 35S
Willow 355
Yellow-throated 356
Sparrowhawk
Besra 114
Eurasian 34, 35, 114
Northern 114
Spiderhunter
Little 16, 29, 335
Streaked 335
Spoonbill 95
Eurasian 26, 95
White 95
Spotbill 101
Spurfowl
Painted 130
Red 10, 130
Stare
Spot-winged 350
Starling 352
Asian Pied 353
Brahminy 351, 352
Chestnut-tailed 351
Common 352
Eurasian 352
Rose-coloured 352
Rosy 352
Spot-winged 22, 350, 351
Stilt
Black-winged 142
Stint
Little 46, 47, 149
Long-toed 46, 47, 149
Temminck’s 46, 47, 149
Stone-curlew 142
Northern 142
Stone-plover
Great 26, 27, 143
Stonechat 247
Common 247, 248
White-tailed 27, 248
Stork
Adjutant 93
Asian Openbill 92
Black 92
Black-necked 18, 26, 93
Greater Adjutant 18, 93
Lesser Adjutant 18, 26, 93
Openbill 92
Painted 91
White 93
White-necked 92
Woolly-necked 92
Sunbird
Black-breasted 334
Black-throated 334
Crimson 334
Fire-tailed 334
Fire-tailed Yellow-backed 334
Green-tailed 333
Mrs. Gould’s 25, 333
Nepal 333
Purple 333
Ruby-cheeked 29, 332
Scarlet-breasted 334
Yellow-backed 334
Suthora
Brown 303
Fulvous-fronted 304
Orange 304
Swallow 215
Bank 214
Barn 17, 21, 215
Indian Cliff 216
Red-rumped 22, 216
Streak-throated 216
Striated 216
Wire-tailed 216
Swallow-shrike
Ashy 344
Swamphen
Purple 137
Swan
Bewick’s 96
Tundra 96
‘Whooper 96
Swift
Alpine 188
Asian Palm 189
Black 187
Common 21, 187
Crested 190
Crested Tree 190
Dark-backed 188
Dark-rumped 188
Fork-tailed 21, 28, 188
House 189
Khasi Hills 188
Large White-rumped 188
Little 189
Pacific 188
White-rumped Spinetail 186
White-throated Spinetail 186
White-vented Spinetail 187
Swiftlet
Himalayan 186
Tailorbird
Common 269
Dark-necked 11
Golden-headed 269
Mountain 11, 269
Teal
Baikal 100
Common 100
Cotton 98
Falcated 99
Green-winged 100
Large Whistling 95
Lesser Whistling 96
Marbled 10
Tern
Black-bellied 26, 161
Caspian 26, 160
Common 160
Gullbilled 159
Little 161
River 26, 160
Whiskered 26, 161
White-winged 162
White-winged Black 162
Tesia
Chestnut-headed 261
Grey-bellied 261
Slaty-bellied 261
Thick-Knee
Black-throated 258
Biue Whistling 253
Tit
Dark-throated 22, 258, 259
Dusky 21, 258
Eye-browed 258
Golden Mountain 254
Large Brown 254
Large Long-billed 254
Lesser Brown 254
Lesser Long-billed 254
Long-billed 25, 28, 30, 254
Long-tailed 253
Long-tailed Mountain 253
Mistle 17, 259
Orange-headed 255
Orange-headed Ground 255
Pied 255
Pied Ground 255
Plain-backed 253
Plain-backed Mountain 253
Red-throated 258
Scaly 254
Speckled Mountain 254
Tickell’s 256
Whistling 253
White-backed 257
White's 254
Black-browed 16, 28, 30, 322
Black-lored 327
Black-spotted Yellow 327
Black-throated 323
Brown Crested 324
Coal 74, 326
Crested Black 326
Fire-capped 28, 332
Great 326
Green-backed 327
Grey 326
Grey-crested 324
Red-headed 323
Rufous-bellied Crested 325
Rufous-breasted Black 325
Rufous-fronted 322
Rufous-naped 17, 74, 325
Rufous-naped Black 325
Rufous-vented 74, 325
Rufous-vented Black 325
Sikkim Black 325
Simla Black 325
Spot-winged 17, 74, 326
Spot-winged Black 326
Sultan 328
White-throated 323
Yellow-browed 324
Yellow-cheeked 30, 327
Tit-Babbler
Chestnut-headed 318
Dusky-green 318
Golden-breasted 318
Striped 302
White-browed 319
Yellow-breasted 302
Tit-Warbler
Stoliczka’s 17, 28, 283
White-browed 283
Tragopan
Satyr 30, 131
Western 131
Tree-Pipit
Brown 220
Olive 220
Bar-tailed 17, 331
Brown-throated 25, 330
Common 332
Eurasian 332
Index
Himalayan 331
Nepal 331
Northern 332
Rusty-flanked 331
Sikkim 330
Treeduck
Fulvous 95
Lesser 96
Treepie
Black-browed 347
Collared 11, 347
Grey 347
Himalayan 347
Indian 346
Rufous 346, 347
Trogon
Red-headed 26, 190
Turnstone 156
Ruddy 156
Twite 17, 363
Tibetan 363
Vulture
Bearded 108
Cinereous 111
Egyptian 108
Eurasian Black 111
Eurasian Griffon 32, 33, 110
Himalayan Griffon 28, 32, 33,
110
Indian Black 110
Indian Griffon 110
King 110
Long-billed 32, 33, 109
Oriental White-backed 32,
33, 109
Red-headed 110
Scavenger 108
Wagtail
Citrine 60, 61, 223
Forest 59, 222
Grey 223
Large Pied 224
Pied 223
White 22, 59, 223, 224
White-browed 59, 224
Yellow 60, 61, 222
Yellow-headed 223
Wallcreeper 330
Warbler
Aberrant Bush 66, 263, 1
Ashy-throated 279
Black-browed Leaf 276
Black-browed Reed 68, 270, 3
Black-faced 25, 28, 27S
Black-throated Hill 268
Blanford’s Bush 262
Blunt-winged 68, 270, 3
Blunt-winged Paddyfield 270
Blyth’s Crowned 276
Blyth’s Leaf 72, 276, 4
Blyth’s Reed 22, 68, 271,3
Booted 22, 272
Booted Tree 272
Bristled Grass 270
Broad-billed 274
Brown Bush 67, 264, 1
Brown Hill 267
Brown Leaf 282
Brown-flanked Bush 17, 66,
Chestnut-crowned 25, 274
Chestnut-crowned Bush 26, 66,
262,1
Chestnut-headed Ground 261
Chinese Bush 67, 264, 1
Clamorous Reed 68, 271, 3
Crowned Leaf 276
Dull Green Leaf 278
Index
Dull Slaty-bellied Ground 261
Green 73, 278, 4
Grey-sided Bush 66, 263, 1
Hume's Bush 263
Indian Great Reed 271
Inornate 280
Lanceolated 67, 269, 3
Large Bush 262
Large Crowned Leaf 277
Large Grass 26, 268
Large-billed Leaf 73, 278, 279, 4
Lemon-rumped 280
Moustached 11
Olivaceous Leaf 282
Orange-barred Leaf 72, 279, 4
Oriental Reed 68, 271,3
Orphean 272
Paddyfield 22, 68, 270, 271, 3
Pale-footed Bush 26, 66, 262, 1
Pallas’s 67, 269, 280,3
Pallas’s Grasshopper 70, 269
Pallas’s Leaf 17, 72, 280, 4
Plain Leaf 280
Radde’s 71, 72, 281, 5
Rufous-capped Bush 263
Rufous-faced 16, 27S
Schrenck’s Sedge 270
Slaty-bellied Ground 261
Slender-billed 71, 277, 5
Smoky 16, 27, 30, 71, 281, 5
Smoky Willow 281
Spotted Bush 66, 67, 264, 1
Streaked Fantail 265
Streaked Grasshopper 209
Striated 270
Striated Marsh 27, 270
Strong-footed Bush 262
Sulphur-bellied 71, 282, 5
Swinhoe’s Reed 270
Thick-billed 68, 272, 3
Tickell’s 21, 22, 71, 282, 5
Tytler’s Leaf 277
Verreaux’s Bush 263
Western Crowned 72, 277, 4
White-spectacled 11, 274
White-throated 275
Yellow-bellied 26, 29, 275
Yellow-bellied Bush 25, 66, 263,
1
Yellowish-breasted 278
Yellow-browed 21, 73, 280, 4
Yellow-eyed 273
Yellow-faced Leaf 276
Yellow-rumped Leaf 280
Yellow-throated Leaf 276
Yellow-vented 29, 72, 276, 4
Yellowish-breasted 278
357
Black-breasted 27, 28, 30, 356,
357
Black-throated 357
Finns 11
Streaked 357
Wheatear 250
Desert 17, 28, 250
Eastern Pied 251
Isabelline 250
Northern 250
Pied 250
Variable 251
Whimbrel 153
White-eye 338
Indian 338
Wood-Owl
Brown-fronted Pied 208
Crimson-breasted 16, 207
Crimson-breasted Pied 207
Darjeeling 16, 207
Fulvous-breasted Pied 208
Fulvous-breasted 208
Golden-backed 204
Great Slaty 27, 206
Greater Golden-backed 205
Greater Yellow-naped 203
Grey-capped 209
Grey-capped Pygmy 209
Grey-crowned Pygmy 209
Grey-headed 203
Heart-spotted 11
Himalayan 17, 206
Himalayan Golden-backed 204
Himalayan Pied 206
Large Scaly-bellied 204
Large Yellow-naped 203
Lesser Golden-backed 204
Lesser Yellow-naped 202
Mabratta 208
Pale-headed 16, 205
Red-eared Rufous 206
Rufous 202
Rufous-bellied 25, 207
Rufous-bellied Pied 207
Scaly-bellied 204
Scaly-bellied Green 204
Small Scaly-bellied 203
Small Yellow-naped 202
Streak-throated 203
Streak-throated Green 203
Three-toed Golden-backed 204
White-naped 27, 205
Yellow-crowned 208
Yellow-crowned Pied 208
Yellow-fronted Pied 208
Woodpigeon 164
Ashy 16, 165
395
Greater Scaly-breasted 298
Lesser Scaly-breasted 299
Long-dilled 11, 298
Long-tailed 300
Pygmy 299
Rufous-throated 29, 299
Scaly-breasted 298
Spotted 299
Tailed 299
Wedge-billed 11
Wren-Warbler
Ashy 266
Beavan’s 266
Franklin's 267
Hodgson’s 266
Jungle 268
Plain 265
Streaked 265
Yellow-bellied 267
Wryneck 201
Eurasian 21, 201
Yellowhammer 77, 372
Yellownape
Greater 203
Lesser 202
Yuhina
Black-chinned 322
Chestnut-headed 320
Rufous-vented 16, 321
Striated 11
Stripe-throated 321
Whiskered 320, 321
White-bellied 321
White-naped 320
Yellow-naped 320
396
INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC NAMES
Plate numbers are in bold.
Abroscopus
albogularis 275
hodgsoni 274
schisticeps 27S
superciliaris 275
Acanthis
cannabina 363
flavirostris 363
Accipiter
badius 34, 35, 115
gentilis 34, 35, 113
nisus 34, 35, 114
trivirgatus 34, 35, 114
virgatus 34, 35,114
Aceros
nipalensis 197
Acridotheres
fuscus 354
ginginianus 353
tristis 353
Acrocephalus
aedon 68, 272,3
agricola 68, 270-271, 3
arundinaceus 271
bistrigiceps 68, 270, 3
concinens 68, 270, 3
dumetorum 68, 271, 3
melanopogon 11
orientalis 68, 271, 3
stentoreus 68, 271, 3
Actinodura
egertoni 316
nipalensis 316
Actitis
hypoleucos 156
iouschistos 322
niveogularis 323
Aegithina
tiphia 232
Aegypius
monachus 111
Aerodramus
brevirostris 186
Aethopyga
gouldiae 333
ignicauda 334
nipalensis 333
Saturata 334
siparaja 334
A
galericulata 99
Alauda
arvensis 213
gulgula 213
Alcedo
atthis 81, 193
hercules 193
meninting 81, 193
Alcippe
castaneceps 318
chrysotis 318
cinerea 11,318
nipalensis 319
rufogularis 11
vinipectus 319
Alectoris
chukar 126
graeca 126
Amandava
amandava 358
Amaurornis
akool 136
bicolor 135
Phoenicurus 136
Anas
acuta 101
clypeata 102
crecca 100
falcata 99
formosa 100
penelope 99
platyrhynchos 100
poecilorhyncha 101
querquedula 101
strepera 99
Anthracoceros
albirostris 197
coronatus 197
malabaricus 197
Anthreptes
singalensts 332
Anthropoides
virgo 139
Anthus
campestris 64, 65, 219
cervinus 62, 63, 220
godlewskii 64, 65, 219
hodgsoni 62, 63, 220
novaeseelandiae 64, 65, 218
novaeseelandiae richardi 64,
65, 218
novaeseelandiae rufulus 64,
65, 218
pelopus 221
roseatus 62, 63, 221
rubescens 62, 63, 221
similis 62, 65, 219
spinoletia 62, 63, 221
sylvanus 64, 65, 222
trivialis 62, 63, 220
Apus
acuticauda 188
affinis 189
apus 187
melba 188
pacificus 188
Aquila
chrysaetos 42, 43, 119
clanga 40, 43, 117
heliaca 39, 41, 118
nipalensis 39, 41, 117-118
pomarina 42, 43, 117
rapax 40, 41, 118
rapax nipalensis 117
Arachnothera
Jongirostra 335
magna 335
Arborophila
mandellii 10
rufogularis 130
torqueola 129
Ardea
alba 90
cinerea 91
imperialis 91
insignis 91
purpurea 91
Ardeola
Brayii 89
striatus 89
Ardeotis
nigriceps 139
Arenaria
interpres 156
Artamus
fuscus 344
Asio
flammeus 58, 184
otus 58, 184
Athene
brama SA, SS, 183
noctua SA, 55, 183
Aviceda
jerdoni 10
leuphotes 105
Aythya
baeri 103
ferina 102
fuligula 103
marila 104
nyroca 103
Babax
waddelli 11
Batrachostomus
hodgsoni 10
Blythipicus
Pyrrhotis 206
Bombycilla
garrulus 233
Botaurus
steHlaris 87
Brachypteryx
hyperythra 11, 237
leucophrys 238
montana 237
stellata 237
Bradypterus
luteoventris 67, 264, 1
taczanowskius 67, 264, 1
thoracicus 66-67, 264, 1
Bubo
bubo 56, 57, 180
coromandus 56, 57, 181
flavipes 181
nipalensis 56, 57, 180
zeylonensis 181
Bubulcus
ibis 89
Bucanetes
mongolicus 364
Bucephala
clangula 104
Buceros
bicornis 197
Burhinus
oedicnemus 142
Butastur
teesa 115
Buteo
buteo 36, 37, 115
hemilasius 36, 37, 116
rufinus 36, 37, 116
Butorides
striatus 89
Cacomaniis
merulinus 174
Passerinus 174
sonneratit 174
Calandrella
Index
acutirostris 83, 212
brachydactyla 83, 211-212
cinerea 211
raytal 212
Calidris
alba 46, 47, 148
alpina 46, 47, 150
ferruginea 46, 47, 149
minuta 46, 47, 149
subminuta 46, 47, 149
temminckii 46, 47, 149
testacea 149
Callacanthis
burtoni 361
Caprimulgus
affinis 184
asiaticus 185
europaeus 10
indicus 185
macrurus 185
Carduelis
cannabina 363
carduelis 362
flavirostris 363
Spinoides 362
Spinus 362
thibetana 361
Carpodacus
edwardsti 76, 366, 6,7
erythrinus 75, 365, 6,7
grandis 11
nipalensis 75, 365, 6, 7
pulcherrimus 75, 365, 6,7
puniceus 76, 368, 6,7
rhodochrous 75, 366, 6,7
rhodopeplus 76, 367, 6, 7
rubescens 75, 364, 6,7
rubicilla 76, 368, 6,7
rubicilloides 76, 367, 6,7
thura 76, 367, 6,7
vinaceus 75, 366, 6, 7
Casmerodius
albus 90
Catreus
wallichit 133
Celeus
brachyurus 202
Centropus
bengalensis 178
sinensis 178
toulou 178
Cephalopyrus
flammiceps 332
Cercomela
fusca 2A7
Certhia
discolor 330
familiaris 332
himalayana 331
nipalensis 331
Ceryle
lugubris 194
rudis 193
Cettia
acanthizoides 66, 263, 1
brunnifrons 66, 263, 1
flavolivacea 66, 263, 1
fortipes 66, 262, 1
major 66, 262, 1
montana 262
Pallidipes 66, 262, 1
Ceyx
erithacus 10, 191
Chaetornis
ciconia 93
episcopus 92
nigra 92
Cinclidium
frontale 11, 246
leucurum 246
Cinclus
cinclus 233
pallasii 233-234
Circaetus
gallicus 111
Circus
aeruginosus 112
cyaneus 112
macrourus 112
melanoleucus 113
hodgsonii 164
leuconota 163-164
Cursorius
coromandelicus 143
Curia
nipalensis 313-314
Delichon
dasypus 82, 217
nipalensis 217
urbica 82, 217-218
Dendrocitta
formosae 347
‘fromalis 11,347
vagabunda 346-347
Dendrocopos
auriceps 208
canicapillus 209
Eremo,
alpestris 213-214
397
cinerea 137
Gallinago
gallinago 48, 49, 151
megala 48, 151
minima 150
nemoricola 48, 49, 152
Solitaria 48, 49, 151-152
398 Index
cuculoides 54, 55, 182 ‘Hypopicus kienerii 120 alba 39, 223-224
radiatum SA, 5S, 182 hyperythrus 207 caspica 223
Gorsachius Hypothymis leucomelana 132-133 cinerea 23
melanolophus 88 azurea 295 Loriculus citreola 6, 61, 223
Gracula Hypsipetes vernalis 170 flava 60, 61, 222
religiosa 354 flavalus 231 Laxia indica 222
Graminicola leucocephalus 231 curvirostra 363 maderaspatensis 3), 224
bengalensis 268 madagascariensis 231 Luscinia Me
Grandala meclellandii 231 brunnea 2 altirostris 11, 37S
coelicolor 246-247 virescens 231 calliope 238 Mulleripicus
Grus i cyane 29 pulverulentus 206
antigone 138 struthersti 141-142 megarhynchos 11 Muscicapa
grus 138 Ibis pectardens 11 banyumas 286
leucogeranus 10 leucocephalus 91 pectoralis 239 dauurica 289
nigricollis 138 Te svecica 238 ferruginea 287
Gy humilis 107 L grandis 283
barbatus 108-109 ichthyaetus 108 minimus 48, 49, 150 hodgsonii 291
Gyps nana 107 Macronous hyperythra 291
bengalensis 32, 33, 109 Ictinaetus gularis 302 latirostris 289
fulvus 32, 33, 110 malayensis 116 Macropygia leucomelanura 290
himalayensis 32, 33, 110 Indicator unchall 167 macgrigoriae 284
indicus 32, 33, 109 xanthonotus 200 Marmaronetia monileger 292
Haematopus Irena angustirostris 10 muttui 288
ostralegus 141 puella 233 Megaceryle parva 293
Haematospiza Ithaginis lugubris 194 poliogenys 284
sipahi 369 cruentus 130 Megalaima rubeculoides 285
Halcyon Ixobrychus asiatica 199 ruficauda 288
capensis 191 cinnamomeus 88 australis 199 rufilata 287
coromanda 190 flavicolis 91 franklinii 199 Sapphira 289
pileata 191 minutus 10, 87 200 sibirica 288
smyrnensis 191 sinensis 87 Eneata 81, 198 Strophiata 292
Haliaeetus Jynx virens 198 subrubra 292
albicilla 107 torquilla 201 zeylanica 81, 198 sundara 284
leucoryphus 107 Ketupa Megalurus superciliaris 290
Haliastur flavipes 56, 57, 181 palustris 270 thalassina 287
indus 106 zeylonensis 56, 57, 181 Melanochlora tickelliae 226
Harpactes Lanius sultanea 328 unicolor 285
erythrocephalus 190 collurio isabellinus 340 Melanocorypha westermanni 290-291
Hemicircus cristatus 339 mauma 11 Musci
canente 11 excubitor 341 Melophus hodgsoni 286-287
Hemiprocne isabellinus 340 lathami 80, 375
coronata 190 schach 340 Mergus affinis 370-371
Jongipennis 190 tephronotus 341 albellus 104 371
Hemipus vittatus 340 merganser 105 icterioides 11, 370
picatus 225 Larus serrator 105 melanozanthos 371
Heterophasia brunnicephalus 52, 53, 158 Merops Mycteria
annectans 319 cachinnans 50, 51, 158-159 leschenaulti 195 leucocephala 91
capistrata 320 canus 52, 53, 158 orientalis 194
picaoides 320 fuscus SO, 51, 158-159 philippinus 195 caeruleus 253
Hieraaetus genei 52, 53, 158 superciliosus 195
fasciatus 119 ichthyaetus SO, 51, 157 Metopidius caeruleus 253
kienerii 120 ridibundus 52, 53, 1S7 indicus 141
pennatus 119 Leiothrix Microhierax Pyrthoura 313
Hierococcyx argentauris 312 caerulescens 121 Nectarinia
fugax 172 hatea 313 Micropternus asiatica 333
Sparverioides 173 Leptopoecile brachyurus 202 Neophron
varius 173 sophiae 283 Milus percnopterus 108
Himantopus Leptoptilos migrans 106 Neta
himantopus 142 dubius 93 milvus 106 rufina 102
Hippolais Javanicus 94 Minla Nettapus
caligata 272 Lerwa cyanouroptera 317 coromandelianus 98
Hirundapus lerwa 125 ignotincta 317 Nikava
caudacutus 83, 186-187 Leucosticte strigula 317 grandis 283
cochinchinensis 83, 187 brandti 82, 364 Mirafra macgrigoriae 28A
Hirundo nemoricola 82, 363 assamica 211 sundara 284
daurica 216 Limosa caniillans 11 Ninox
fluvicola 216 limosa 153 erythroptera 11 scutulata 5A, 5S, 182
rupestris 215 Liocichla Monarcha Nucifraga
rustica 215 Phoenicea 312 azurea 295 caryocatactes 348
Smithié 216 Locustella Monticola Numenius
Hodgsonius certhiola 67,269, 3 cinclorhyncha 252 arquata 153
Phoenicuroides 24S lanceolata 67, 26,3 ruftventris 252 Phaeopus 153
Hoplopterus naevia 67, 20,3 Saxatilis 11 Nycticorax
cinereus 147 Lonchura solitarius 252 nycticorax 88
duvaucelii 146-147 malabarica 358 Montifringilla Nyctyornis
indicus 148 malacca 339 adamsi 356 athertoni 194
malabaricus 147 punctulata 359 blanfordi 356 Ocyceras
Houbaropsis Striata 358 davidiana 11 birostris 196
bengalensis 139-140 Lophophorus ruficollis 356 Ocnanthe
Hydrophasianus impejanus 132 taczanowskai 356 deserti 250
chirurgus 140 Lophotriorchis Motacilla tsabellina 250
rubidiventris 74, 325
rubidiventris rufonuchalis
325
rufonuchalis 74, 325
spilonotus 327
Phaenicophaeus
leschenaultié 177
tristis 177
Phalacrocorax
carbo 85-86
fuscicollis 10
niger 86
Phalaropus
lobatus 157
Philomachus
pugnax 150
Phodilus
badius 10, 58, 179
Phoenicopterus
fuligiventer 71, 281,5
fuscatus 71, 281, 5
griseolus 71, 282, 5
inornatus 73, 280, 4
maculipennis 72, 279-280, 4
magnirostris 73, 278-279, 4
nitidus 73, 278, 4
occipitalis 72, 277, 4
proregulus 72, 280, 4
pulcher 72, 279, 4
reguloides 72, 216, 4
schwarz 71-72, 281,5
subaffinis 282, 5
trochiloides 72, 278, 4
trochiloides nitidus 278
tytleri 71, 277, $
Pica
pica ll
Picoides
auriceps 208
canicapillus 209
cathpharius 207
darjellensis 207
himalayensis 206
flaviscapis 314-315
melanots 315
rufiventer 314
xanthochloris 315
Ptyonoprogne
concolor 11
399
paludicola 214
riparia 214-215
Rostratula
benghalensis 141
senegalensis 166
tranquebarica 165
Strix
aluco 56, 57, 184
leptogrammica S6, 183
lugubris 176
Sylvia
curruca 273
hortensis 272
Syhviparus
Index
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CAROLINSKIPP has an MSc. in Ecology and isa
freelance writer with a special interest in
conservation education. She is a keen ornithologist
and has travelled widely in Nepal.
TIMINSKIPP has a degree in Botany and has had an
active interest in birds for a number of years. He is
now involved in research on trade in wildlife at the
World Conservation Monitoring Centre in
Cambridge, and has contributed to several
publications on the subject. He first visited Nepal in
1970 and has returned frequently with Carol to
gather information for this book.
CONTENTS
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Topography, climate and vegetation
Bird distribution
Bird conservation
Protected areas
Migration
History of ornithology in Nepal
Birdwatching areas
Identification section
Key to the maps
Species accounts
Key to the colour plates
Bibliography
Index
Colour illustrations by Clive Byers, Richard
Grimmett, Craig Robson and Steve Rooke
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Wildlife)
‘This volume. ..is an invaluable source of reference
and should be bought by every birdwatcher who is
going to, or has an interest in, Nepal.’ British Birds
‘This book is a must for anyone interested in the birds
of this region. Birds
‘The Inskipps have done a remarkable job in pulling
together a huge amount of material. ..The result of
their efforts will form a basis for the continued
exploration of this still decidedly underworked
land’ Oryx
ISBN 0-7136-8109-8
IM
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