o:?. A i^i O CEMBER 1993 FORKTA Durnal of the Oriental Bird Club OBC Council Richard Bosanquet (Treasurer) Steve Broyd (Sales Officer) Mike Crosby (Membership Secretary) Will Duckworth Jonathan Eames (Bulletin Art Editor) Dick Filby (Meetings Officer) Daryl Gardner Nick Gardner (Promotions Officer) Graeme Green (Sales support) Richard Grimmett Rob Innes Carol Inskipp (Conservation Officer) Tim Inskipp Frank Lambert Nigel Lindsey (Publicity Officer) Adrian Long (Bulletin Editor) Nigel Redman (Chairman) Simon Stirrup (Secretary) Graham Spinks Dave Weaver Editorial Committee Richard Grimmett, Tim Inskipp ( Forktail Editor), Nigel Redman OBC Representatives Paul Andrew (Australia); Prof. K. Z. Husain (Bangladesh); Prof. Yao-kuang Tan (China); Dr Jiri Mlikovsky (Czechoslovakia); Jesper Madsen and Anders Prieme (Denmark); Hannu Jannes (Finland); Roland Eve (France); Dr W. Thiede (Germany); Mike Chalmers and David Melville (Hong Kong); Prakash Gole (India); Derek Holmes and Bas van Balen (Indonesia); Chris Murphy (Ireland); Dr Carlo Violani (Italy); Akira Hibi (Japan); Dennis Yong and Mike Chong (Malaysia); Rajendra Suwal (Nepal); Frank Rozendaal (Netherlands); Terje Axelsen (Norway); Ashiq Ahmad Khan (Pakistan); Prof. Joey Barrill (Philippines); Lim Kim Seng (Singapore); Dr Sarath Kotagama and Upali Ekanayake (Sri Lanka); Per Alstrom (Sweden); Dr W. Suter (Switzerland); Philip Round and Uthai Treesucon (Thailand); Dr Robert Kennedy (U.S.A.). The Oriental Bird Club has been established for ornithologists throughout the world, both amateur and professional, who share a common interest in the region’s birds and wish to assist in their conservation. The Club aims to: • Encourage an interest in the birds of the Oriental Region and their conservation • Liaise with, and promote the work of, existing regional societies • Collate and publish material on Oriental birds Membership Member (individual): £12 p. a. Family member: £16 p. a. Reduced rate member: £8 p.a. For national residents in the Orient belonging to other Oriental ornithological or natural history societies Libraries and Academic Institutions: £20 p.a. Business Supporter: £36 p.a. Supporting (Sponsoring) member: £20 p.a. For further information please write to: The Oriental Bird Club c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, U.K. Cover photograph: Slaty-backed Forktail Iznicurus schistacctis> Nepal (see Tyler and Ormerod within). Photo: 'V t ... 1994 1 FORKTAIL BRITISH MUSEUM (NA1 ARY) IN u. ill DCl 7j U CLtillucr 1 7 y j - 1 FEB 1994 CONTENTS ■ * « NS ft J. S. ASH. TRIWG library Raptor migration on Bali, Indonesia . 3 P. M. THOMPSON, W. G. HARVEY, D. L. JOHNSON, D. J. MILLIN, S. M. A. RASHID, D. A. SCOTT, C. STANFORD and J. D. WOOLNER. Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh . 13 A. J. GASTON, P. J. GARSON and S. PANDEY. Birds recorded in the Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India . 45 S. J. TYLER and S. J. ORMEROD. The ecology of river birds in Nepal . 59 P. D. ROUND. Winter records of the Manchurian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus ( agricola ) tangorum from Thailand . 83 C. R. ROBSON, J. C. EAMES, NGUYEN CU and TRUONG VAN LA. Birds recorded during the third BirdLife/Forest Birds Working Group expedition in Viet Nam . 89 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP. Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 . 121 Short communications A. VITTERY. The birds of Pakistan: supplementary observations from the northern Punjab and hills . 143 D. G. VRETTOS. Observations on the breeding of the Palawan Blue-Flycatcher Cyomis lemprieri . 148 P. ALSTROM and U. OLSSON. Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides found breeding in Thailand . 150 R. I. DE SILVA, E. PERERA, L. PERERA and K. SAMARASINGHE. Black Tern Chlidonias niger. a new species for Sri Lanka . 153 R. I. DE SILVA and L. PERERA. Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus : a new species for Sri Lanka . 154 A. LEWIS. Asian Stubtail Urosphena squameiceps: a new species for Nepal and the Indian subcontinent .. 155 A. LEWIS. Black-and-yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides : a new species for Nepal . 156 V. PRAKASH, N. V. PRAKASH and W. S. CLARK. Oriental Honey-Buzzard Pemis ptilorhyncus: a new species for the Andaman Islands, India. .. 157 R. GREGORY-SMITH. Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii: a new species for Peninsular Malaysia . 158 Guidelines for contributors 159 Forktai] 9 CORRECTIONS TO Forktail 8 The Editorial Committee apologise for a number of errors in Zacharias and Gaston Birds of Wynaad. Species incorrectly listed as new for Kerala: LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO Cuculus sparverioides RUFF Philomachus pugnax WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia BLACK REDSTART Phoenicians ochruros TYTLER’S LEAF-WARBLER PhyUoscopus tytleri See Baker and Inglis (1930). See Gaston (1979) J. Kerala Nat. Hist. Soc. See Narayanakurup (1989) J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 86: 239. See Namassivayan and Sivaprasad (1981) Newsletter for Birdwatchers 2 1 See Harrap and Redman (1990) J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 86: 460-461. Species incorrectly listed as new breeding records for Kerala: BROWN-CAPPED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos nanus BANDED BAY CUCKOO Cacomantis sonneratii COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus BLACK- WINGED KITE Elanus caeruleus LITTLE CORMORANT Phalacrocorax tiiger LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta GREAT EGRET Casmerodius albus INTERMEDIATE EGRET Mesophoyx intermedia CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON Nycticorax nycticorax ASIAN BROWN-FLYCATCHER Muscicapa dauurica See Betts (1934) J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 37: 197-203. SeeNeelakantan (\969) Newsletter for Birdwatchers 9(\2): 3. See Neelakantan (1976) J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 72: 537. See Jackson (1971) J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 68: 107. See Uthaman (1990) J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 87: 139. See Neelankantan (1986) Keralathile Pakshikal. See Uthaman (1990) J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 87: 139. See Uthaman (1990) J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 87: 139. See Neelankantan (1986) Keralathile Pakshikal. See Uthaman (1990) J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 87: 1 39. See Jackson (1971)^7. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 68: 112-113. ISSN 0950-1746 © Oriental Bird Club 1993 Published for the Oriental Bird Club bv Rubythroat Publications 6 Corinthian Close, Basingstoke Hampshire RG22 4TN U.K. Printed on recycled paper by Soloprint, Eaton Socon, U.K. 1994 FORKTAIL 9 (1993): 3-11 3 Raptor migration on Bali, Indonesia J. S. ASH An account of visible, mostly high-flying, raptor migration in the autumn of 1990 adds to earlier information collected in 1982. In 1990 over 1 1,000 raptors on 32 days passed eastwards, comprising principally Oriental Honey-buzzards Pemis ptilorhyncus and two Asiatic Accipiier species, Chinese Goshawk A. soloensis and Japanese Sparrowhawk A. gularis. It is presumed that this large passage has passed through Peninsular Malaysia and the Greater Sundas, and there is evidence to support this from Malaysia, but virtually none from Indonesia. Their final destination is unknown. These migrants are accompanied by smaller numbers of other raptors, huge numbers of Fork-tailed Swifts Apus pacificus, some hirundines and other species. Following the discovery of an impressive diurnal autumn migration of raptors through Bali, Indonesia, in late October 1982 (Ash 1984), a return visit was made in 1990 to obtain more information on the species involved, their direction of flight, numbers, and possible clues to their ultimate destination. The same area of observation in north-west Bali was visited in October and November 1 990, and further observations were made elsewhere in Bali on subsequent days. In 1982 raptors, together with large numbers of some other species, starting each day 2-3 h after sunrise, arrived in north-west Bali from the direction of Java. They continued on over Bali on an E/ESE course. The main raptors involved were Oriental Honey-buzzards Pemis ptilorhyncus, Japanese Sparrowhawks Accipiter gularis and Chinese Goshawks A. soloensis. Non-raptors in greatest numbers were Fork-tailed Swifts Apus pacificus and Blue-tailed Bee-eaters Merops philippinus. The species involved consisted of birds originating in eastern Asia, and most must have passed over Java, and possibly much of Sumatra, before reaching Bali. Few remain on Bali and their ultimate destination is unknown. Evidence from Peninsular Malaysia (Wells 1990a and b) shows there is a large northerly return passage in the spring across the Malacca Straits. Presumably included here are birds which travel south through Peninsular Malaysia in autumn, and perhaps others which have moved south into Indonesia on other routes. The main species involved in Peninsular Malaysia are also Oriental Honey-buzzards and sparrowhawks. There seem to be no other observations on raptor migration throughout the whole of Indonesia, so that the information from Bali is of considerable interest in demonstrating the existence of a large, previously unrecognised passage into the eastern sector (Wallacea) of the archipelago. There are in fact extremely few previous records at all of these raptors from Bali, and there is no evidence that they spend their non-breeding season there in any numbers. 4 J. S. ASH Forktail 9 Counts of over 1 1 ,000 raptors on 32 days in 1990 confirmed that the same three species which occurred in 1 982 were again the principal ones involved; that the passage was in good progress, but had not reached its peak by 9 October; that most migration was at a very great height; and that passage was eastwards to areas for which there was no, or very little, previous knowledge on the species. LOCALITY AND METHODS The observation site used from 9 October - 9 November 1990 was in the western corner of the beach, close to the fringing mangroves, at T eluk T erima (8°09’N 114°32’E), in Bali Barat National Park. It provided excellent, unrestricted views from SW-NW towards Java, on which its prominent eastern volcanos were clearly visible over the intervening forested hills of Prapat Agung on Bali. To the north and north-east there were open views over the bay, and from south-west through south and east the forested mountainous spine of Bali was conspicuous. Scattered early morning arrivals of migrants mostly flew low. As thermal activity increased during the day, so did the height of migration, and many raptors could be found only by constantly scanning the sky, preferably using clouds when present for a pale background against which they might be discerned more easily. Sunrise was within a few minutes of 06h00 local time throughout. There was only little passage during the first three hours after sunrise, so that the observers’ time of arrival at the observation site was planned for c. 08h30. The period between dawn and this time was spent along the flight route so that any early movement could be seen. Binoculars of 9x and 10x40 were used constantly by my wife and myself, joined by Victor Mason during the period 3-9 November, a 30x telescope occasionally, a compass at times for following flight directions, and large scale compass direction lines marked out on the beach - along which the flight routes of birds flying nearby could be sighted. Identification With good views there was no great difficulty in identifying the three main species involved, Oriental Honey-buzzard and the two sparrowhawks. The latter were often very difficult to separate when flying high, and particularly when in flocks which were sometimes mixed. Often the only clue that Chinese Goshawks were present was when the white underwing coverts of a turning bird caught the sun. For this reason an unknown proportion of the birds recorded as Japanese Sparrowhawks may have been Chinese Goshawks, but the figure is probably low, because the ratio of the figures for definite Japanese Sparrowhawks compared with definite Chinese Goshawks are 1994 Raptor migration on Bali, Indonesia 5 similar to those for the total Japanese Sparrowhawk figures compared with Chinese Goshawks. It is possible that other similar species, such as Besra Accipiter virgatus, if they occurred, could have been overlooked. Other species, including some of uncertain identification, are also discussed in the species accounts below. METEOROLOGY No special facilities were available for recording weather conditions. Normally the meteorological situation remained fairly constant during the day once a pattern had become established. The changes which took place, usually due to increases in thermal activity and unimportant changes in wind strength, were between 09h00 and lOhOO, more or less coinciding with the onset of migratory activity. During the 32 days of observation the wind was between S and W (180 -270 ) on 30 days, of which on 1 8 days it was from 181-225 and on 12 from 226 -270 . On one day it blew from 175, and on another from 280. Averaging these figures provides a mean wind vector of approximately 221 (=SW’S). Wind speed assessed on the Beaufort scale varied from force 1-6 with a mean of 3. 1 . Cloud cover was more difficult to assess, and a subjective mean daily figure was estimated on a scale of 1-10; values were mainly low and produced a mean of 2.5, which correctly indicated that generally there was little cloud. Usually there was more cloud inland over the mountains and less over the sea. RESULTS Raptor occurrences Of over 11,000 raptors counted on 32 days the three species, Oriental Honey- buzzard, Japanese Sparrowhawk and Chinese Goshawk accounted for 10,945 (99.4%) (Table 1). These, together with the other species noted, are discussed here: ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD Pemis ptilorhyncus A total of 2,186 birds passed on 31 days, 10 October - 9 November. The largest number was 391 (18% of the total for this species) on 27 October (77/ h). Earliest morning arrivals were at 08h30 and the latest at 14h00, so that passage was during 2.5 - 8.0 h after sunrise. Peak movement occurred in the quarter hour period 10hl5-10h30 (4.25-4.50 h after sunrise), when of the total birds seen 1 2% passed over, and 82.5% of birds were seen 09h 15-1 2h 1 5 (3.25 - 6.25 h after sunrise). 75% of all Oriental Honey-buzzard passage occurred from 19 October - 3 November. 6 J. S. ASH Forktail 9 Table 1. Summary of movements of three species, Oriental Honey-buzzard Peniis plilorhyncus, Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis and Chinese Goshawk A soloensis , at Bali Barat, 9 October- 9 November 1990 Oriental Honey- Japanese Chinese Totals buzzard Sparrowhawk Goshawk Total 2,186 7,835 924 10,945 Days of passage 31 32 31 32 Period of passage 10.10-9.11 9.10-9.11 10.10-9.11 9.10-9.11 Best date 27.10 19.10 20.10 19.10 n 391 1,278 189 1,575 % 18 16 20 14 hourly rate 77 313 60 384 Earliest and latest 08h30-14h00 07h30-13h45 08h1 5-1 2h30 07h30-14h00 passage Hours after sunrise 2. 5-8.0 1.50-7.75 2.25-6.50 1 .50-8.00 Peak movement/0.25h 1 0hl 5-1 0h30 1 0h00-1 Ohl 5 09h30-09h45* I0h00-1 Ohl 5 hours after sunrise 4.25-4.50 4.00-4.25 3.50-3.75 4.00-4.25 % of species total 12 17 16 & 17* 15 Main movement: 09h1 5-1 2h1 5 09h30-11h45 08h45-10h30 09h30-11h45 hours after sunrise 3.25-6.25 3.30-5.75 2.75-4.50 3.50-5.75 % of species total 86 92 83 86 Main passage dates 19.10-3.11 10-20.10 13-25.10 10-27.10 % 75 73 79 81 * There was a second 'A hour period at 10h30-10h45 with similar numbers [EASTERN MARSH-HARRIER Circus spilonotus A large brown harrier, brown above and below, with a large white rump, flew east at 09h50 on 12 October. Possible species were immature Pied Harrier C. melanoleucos, adult Swamp Harrier C. approximans, or Eastern Marsh- Harrier. Identification was not determined, but following my experience with the latter in the breeding season of 1 99 1 this species seems most likely.] CHINESE GOSHAWK Accipiter soloensis A total of 924 birds occurred on 31 days, 10 October - 9 November, the largest number being 189 (20% of the total for this species) on 20 October (60/h). First arrivals in the morning were at 08hl5 and the latest at 12h30 (2.25-6.50 h after sunrise). Peak movements were in the quarter hours of 09h30-09h45 and 10h30-10h45, when 16% and 17% of the birds seen passed over, and 83% of birds occurred 08h45-10h30 (2.75-4.50 h after sunset). 79% of Chinese Goshawks occurred from 13-25 October. JAPANESE SPARROWHAWK Accipiter gularis This species was greatly in excess of the Chinese Goshawk, in the proportion 1994 Raptor migration on Bali, Indonesia 7 of 8.4: 1 .0, but the latter was more concentrated during the middle part of the observation period (see below under that species) . As noted already, separation of these two species was often difficult so that comparisons should be regarded with caution. A total of 7,835 birds identified as this species made it the commonest raptor seen, on all 32 days 9 October - 9 November. The largest number was 1,278 (16% of the total for this species) on 19 October (3 1 3/h). Earliest morning arrival was at 07h30 and the latest at 1 3h45 (1.50- 7.75 h after sunrise). Peak movement occurred in the quarter hour period 10h00-10hl5 (4.00-4.25 h after sunrise), when 17% of the birds seen flew over, and 92% of birds passed from 09h30-llh45 (3.30-5.75 h after sunrise). 73% of all Japanese Sparrowhawks passed from 10-20 October. GREY-FACED BUZZARD Butastur indicus Single birds flew east at 10h35 on 27 October, at 10h20 on 31 October, and at llh35 on 6 November. All showed patterned underparts, unlike the uniformly pale underparts of the Rufous-winged Buzzard B. liventer, which is the only other likely species. There is no previous record for Bali, and this northern breeder is regarded by MacKinnon (1990) as a rare straggler to Java. BONELLES EAGLE Hieraaetus fasciatus A bird flying east at 09hl0 on 14 October agreed with the description of this species and the many I have seen in Europe and North Africa, including having long white ‘headlights’ on the leading edges of the wings, and the pale eyes; however, the underwing coverts were whitish without any indication of a dark bar.] RUFOUS-BELLIED EAGLE Hieraaetus kienerii An immature, moulting into adult plumage, flew east with other migrant raptors at 08h40 on 26 October. There are two previous records from Bali (Ash 1 984) . Possibly these are wanderers from Java, where it is apparently a rare resident (MacKinnon 1990). All sightings at Singapore have been during raptor passage seasons (Wells 1990b), and there are one or two records of apparent migrants, or birds accompanying migrants of other species, in the Malay Peninsula (Dr D. R. Wells in litt. 8 December 1991). CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus The following 10 birds were considered at the time to be, with some misgivings, this species, as they passed through with other eastward flying migrants: one on 10, 11 and 19 October, two on 18 October and 2 November, and three on 22 October, and other more or less similar birds were seen. Plumage often resembled that of some Oriental Honey-buzzards, but flight, wing-shape, and wing position in flight differed, which helped to distinguish them from this otherwise rather similar species. However, some individuals with fawn or cinnamon underwings were certainly not Oriental Honey-buzzards, nor apparently this species either. 8 J. S. ASH Forktail 9 PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus One flew east high at 09h30 on 28 October. In addition, a few other species were seen: single Ospreys Pandion haliaetus on 8 days, 1 1 October - 7 November, could have been one or more individuals based in the area; seven Brahminy Kites Haliastur indus sightings on six days, 9 October - 8 November, could have been local birds; one or two White-bellied Fish-Eagles Haliaeetus leucogaster on eight days, 10 October - 6 November, were on a direct flight, presumably from Java; single Black Eagles Ictinaetus malayensis on four days, 12 October - 9 November, were presumed to be local birds. MIGRATORY BEHAVIOUR The first migrant raptor arrivals in the morning were usually flying low, often in flapping flight, and had possibly been roosting locally on Bali. Such early morning activity is unusual, for elsewhere migrant raptors delay take-off until the onset of thermal activity. Apparently birds crossing the Bali Straits, only a short distance away to the west and only 2.5 km wide at its narrowest, awaited thermal activity for assistance. The commencement of thermals was usually indicated by the sight of birds responding to them, followed a little later by the appearance of small puffs of white cloud in the sky. On many days thermal activity soon became intense, enabling birds to ascend very rapidly. On arrival at or near the top of the thermal they were dashed about in a spectacular manner among the whirling shreds of cloud, to such an extent as to provoke some thought about the physical and physiological stresses involved. Birds often shot out of the top of these thermals like darts, to continue on their migration in long very fast glides with partly closed wings towards the next thermal. The whole phenomenon was one of frantic activity, unlike the generally more leisurely ascent and onward progress of migrant raptors seen in the Middle East and Africa. Height of migration It was difficult to assess the height of flight. Most birds were obviously very high, and through 1 0x40 binoculars often became invisible against a blue sky. On Bali, a bird the size of a sparrowhawk could just be seen through 10x40 binoculars at a measured horizontal distance of 4,800 m, and this same bird is likely to be no less visible overhead against a white cloud. Possibly the highest detectable birds at Bali Barat were as high as this. Based, largely subjectively, on watching birds among mountains of known altitudes in Ethiopia, I estimated at an early stage that the higher birds on Bali may have been at over 3,000 m. A visiting glider pilot, accustomed to looking at flying performances in thermals and assessing altitudes, judged that the lower birds 1994 Raptor migration on Bali, Indonesia 9 we saw, before they reached the small white clouds, were at above 1,800 m. He could only say that the higher birds were obviously considerably higher than this . V ery often birds were within clouds and were seen either descending from below them, or appearing in view as the clouds rose above them. At times flocks of sparrowhawks or long lines of Oriental Honey-buzzards were seen flying out of clouds. On cloudier days it was never known how many birds might be passing unseen within clouds and, at other times, how many might be invisible at extreme vertical range against a blue sky. Direction of flight No systematic observations were made, but haphazard observations as time permitted of individual birds or flocks of birds watched until out of sight confirmed that they were passing on two divergent routes, broadly eastwards and south-eastwards (Table 2). Not included in the tabular figures are birds seen flying off about south-east and then turning eastwards on reaching the mountains: possibly all the birds on this south-easterly course eventually turned at the mountains; or otherwise they may have continued along the far side of the mountains, and some may even have reached the south coast of Bali. From observations on 10 November, by which time passage was much reduced at Teluk Terima, at Pulaki (8°09’S 1 14°41’E), where 21 Japanese Sparrowhawks and two Oriental Honey-buzzards flew east 09h00-10h00, and at Lovina (8°10’S 1 1 5°02’E) where seven of eight Japanese Sparrowhawks seen 1 3h20- 1 3h5 5 also flew east, it was clear that at least part of the eastward stream continued in that direction. A few observations in the south-east of Bali, including one of four Japanese Sparrowhawks at Ubud (8°31’S 1 1 5°15’E) on 11-12 November in a direct south-easterly flight, and of six more, two of which flew north, and one Chinese Goshawk which flew north-east at Suwung(8°42’S 1 15°14’E) on the south-east coast 14-21 November, suggested that the south-eastward stream from Teluk Terima may reach south-east Bali. Species n* Directions Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus 3 84° - 98° 2 125°- 146° Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis 6 90° - 105° 11 125° -144° Chinese Goshawk Accipiter soloensis 4 127° -144° Total all species 9 0 LO o o T" OO ( E’N- E'S) 17 125° -146° (SE E - SE'S) ‘The number of observations (n) generally referred to small groups of Oriental Honey-buzzards, but of flocks, often large, of the sparrowhawks. Table 2. Flight directions of raptors over Teluk Terima, Bali 10 J. S. ASH Forkiail 9 DISCUSSION In 1982 there were observations on seven days, 17-26 October, with a total of 6 1 5 raptors (Ash 1984). In 1982 and 1990 observations were in the same area but at different sites. In these years Japanese Sparrowhawks were the most numerous species with 56% and 71% respectively of the raptor total. Interestingly, Oriental Honey-buzzards were in similar proportions in the two years at 19% and 20%, but Chinese Goshawks at 25% in 1982 were much lower in 1990 at only 8%. In the period 17-26 October in 1990 the Chinese Goshawk proportion was higher at 14% (645 in a total of 4,614 birds), but still well below the 1982 figure. Whether this indicates a real reduction in numbers remains to be seen. The Chinese Goshawk is regarded as an occasional winter visitor to Java, and is also recorded for Bali, and Japanese Sparrowhawks are regular passage migrants to Java and Bali, according to MacKinnon ( 1 990) . In fact, there are no records of Chinese Goshawks as winter visitors to Bali, but there are for Japanese Sparrowhawks (although perhaps the possible confusion with Besra has not always been borne in mind) . MacKinnon (1990) also refers to a short- crested race of Oriental Honey-buzzard occurring as an occasional winter visitor to Java, but from Bali there are no such records. East of Bali this group of three migrant species is virtually unknown. All are essentially non-forest species, so that the rapid deforestation of Java is unlikely to have resulted in forcing them to proceed further east than they would previously have done. An eastward flight would take the species concerned into increasingly savanna-like habitat, not inimitable to any of them. If they proceed as far as New Guinea, presumably they will be obliged to face much longer and more frequent sea-crossings than any they would have had to undertake previously on their journey. It is significant that the only two records of Oriental Honey- buzzard P. p. orientalis in the Lesser Sundas east of Bali are dated almost a century ago, from the island of Salayan (6°05’S 120°30’E), south of Sulawesi in November (Hartert 1896), where it may have been overwintering, and from the small island of Kisan (8°05’S 127°10’E), north-east of Timor, in December 1897 (Finsch 1900), where it was presumably over-wintering (White and Bruce 1986). It is not known what proportion of the migrating raptors entering Bali arrive at Bali Barat: possibly others arrive on other routes. The numbers returning northwards in spring from Sumatra through Peninsular Malaysia, as measured by observations of Oriental Honey-buzzards at Cape Rachado (Wells 1990a), are greatly in excess of those found so far in Bali. For example, Wells found 800+/h Oriental Honey-buzzards returning via the Cape and counted 2,548 on 6 days in spring between 15 February and 2 April, compared with the 2,186 in the Bali study in 31 days, 10 October - 9 November (Table 1). The autumn passage must be more protracted than the 1994 Raptor migration on Bali, Indonesia 11 period of observation in Bali suggests. Wells (1990a) reported most intense passage of Oriental Honey-buzzards in the autumn in Peninsular Malaysia was throughout October-November, a total of at least 60 days (compared with the 32 days of observation in Bali). It is likely that much Japanese Sparrowhawk migration was missed in Bali. The large number of 700 on 10 October at the start of observations suggests this was the case, and Wells found that the intense passage of this species included the last quarter of September extending throughout October. Further observations are needed from Bali to elucidate the situation. The main requirements in the future are: a) continued observations, similar to those at Teluk Terima, should extend over a longer period from mid-September - mid-November. b) surveys of the Bali Strait area to investigate the breadth of the raptor flight¬ line. c) survey of the east coast of Bali, especially at Gunung Seraya (8°23’S 1 15°40’E), to investigate the departure of raptors eastwards. d) surveys for visible migration in Java, and on islands east of Bali. e) radar surveys would provide much more information, and should be investigated by civil air authorities in Indonesia. A well-organised cooperative group study would be the ideal method for tackling this highly interesting phenomenon. My wife accompanied me throughout the survey and helped greatly in spotting passing birds. Victor Mason also helped in a similar way 3-9 November. Dr David Wells provided much valuable data for comparison from Peninsular Malaysia, and the following read an early draft of this paper and made valuable comments for its improvement, for which I thank them: Mrs J. W. Ash, Bas van Balen, Tim Inskipp, Dr Peter Jones, Victor Mason and Dr D. R. Wells. REFERENCES Ash, J. S. (1984) Bird observations on Bali. Bull. Brit. 0m. Club 104: 24-35. Brown, L. and Amadon, D. (1968) Eagles, hawks and falcons of the world. Feltham: Country Life Books. Finsch, O. (1900) Systematische uebersicht der Vogel der Siidwest-Inseln. Notes Leyden Mus. 22: 225- 309. Hartert, E. (1896) An account of the collections of birds made by Mr Alfred Everett in Celebes and on the islands south of it. Novit. Zool. 3: 148-183. MacKinnon, J. (1990). Field guide to the birds of Java and Bali. Yogyakarta: Gadjah Mada University Press. Mason, V. and Jarvis, F. (1989) Birds of Bali. Berkeley: Periplus Editions. Wells, D. R. (1990a) Malayan bird report 1982-83. Malayan Nature Journal 43: 1 16-147. Wells, D. R. (1990b) Malayan bird report 1986-87. Malayan Nature Journal 43: 172-210. White, C. M. N. (1973) Migrant Pernis apivorus in the Indonesian archipelago. Bull. Brit. Om. Club93: 116. White, C. M. N. and Bruce, M. D. (1986) The birds of Wallacea. BOU Check-listNo. 7. London: British Ornithologists’ Union. J. S. Ash, Godshill Wood, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2LR, U.K. 12 J. S. ASH Forktail 9 1994 FORKTAIL 9 (1993): 12 -44 13 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh PAUL M. THOMPSON, W. G. HARVEY, DAVID L. JOHNSON, D. J. MILLIN, S. M. A. RASHID, D. A. SCOTT, CRAIG STANFORD, and JOHN D. WOOLNER Details are given of 22 species new for Bangladesh which have been recorded since or were consciously omitted from the most recent checklist (Harvey, 1 990), and one old record of a new species is also given; further details are given of 37 species new for Bangladesh listed in Harvey (1990); and new information is given for 88 species which have few records since 1978, or for which there have either been major changes in known status, or for which there is uncertainty over status. Bangladesh is very densely populated and natural resources are under severe human pressure. However, recent fieldwork has shown that the coastal mudflats and wetlands of the eastern delta, the beels and haors (large shallow lakes and depressions) of the north-east, and the remaining fragments of forest are all important for a number of bird species, several of which are globally threatened. Many of the species discussed are winter visitors or altitudinal migrants. Much still remains to be discovered about the status of birds in Bangladesh. Although there have been a number of publications dealing with the birds of Bangladesh, many are difficult to obtain, and many of the older species lists included speculative records or did not detail observations of claimed new species, which has led to confusion. Compared with many other countries in the Oriental Region, Bangladesh has attracted few visiting birdwatchers. However, Bangladesh is of considerable ornithological interest because of its extensive but heavily used wetlands; its small areas of evergreen forest akin to those of the nearby Indian hillstates, which in recent years have been closed to visitors; its diversity of habitats; and its location on the boundary between South and South-East Asia. Harvey (1990) summarised the current status of birds in Bangladesh and included in his list a number of species new for Bangladesh. The purpose of this paper is to update Harvey’s list with new records since 1990 and to provide additional information on some of the records he included but which have not previously been fully documented. Species discussed in this paper fall into three main categories: species new for Bangladesh in the period January 1978 to June 1993 (marked with a * if they were listed in Harvey (1990) and with a ** if they are previously unpublished), species previously assumed to occur or which had not been recorded for many years before 1978, and species for which major changes in status have been discovered within this period. In addition, one old record of a species not listed by Harvey (1990) is given. Details of all records are given for species with up to five records since 1978, and for those which have been found to be more frequent general details of status and peak counts are given. It should be noted that the phrase ‘new species for Bangladesh’ is a broad definition 14 P. M. THOMPSON et al Forktail 9 AlinagarTea Estate ( Srwiangal , north-east) 25 Arabiakona Beel (Tangua Haor, north-east) 1 Aricha (Brahmaputra, central) 2 Ashuganj (Meghna, north-east) 3 Bahadurabad railhead (Brahmaputra, central) Balai Haor (near Jokiganj, north-east of Sylhet ; north¬ east) 4 Banderban (Chittagong, south-east) Bara Haor (25 km north of Sylhet , north-east) * Barisal (south-centre) Baroorah Tea Estate ( Srimangal , north-east) 2 Bhairab Bazar (Meghna, north-east) 24 Bhatigaon (Sunamganj, north-east) * Brahmaputra River (central) 5 Bhavval National Park (central) Bogi (eastern Sundarbans, south-west) Char Khiderpur ( Rajshahi , north-west) 1 1 Chatla Beel (Hakaluki Haor, north-east) * Chittagong (south-east) * Chittagong Hilltracts (south-east) * Comilla (east-centre) * Cox’s Bazar (south-east) 24 Dekhar Haor (Sunamganj, north-east) * Dhaka (central) 6 Dhal Char (south-west of Monpara, west of Hatiya; east-centre) 7 Dhaleswari River (central) Dhangmari ( Sundarbans , south-west) Dubla island ( Sundarbans , south-west) 8 Durgapur (Mymensingh, central) Egg Island (south-east of Kochikhali, Sundarbans ; south-west) Erali Beel ( Sylhet , north-east) 9 Faridpur (south-centre) * Ganges (north-west) 10 Habiganj (north-east) Hail Haor ( Srimangal , north-east) 1 1 Hakaluki Haor (Moulvi Bazar, north-east) 1 1 Haorkhal (Hakaluki Haor, north-east) 26 Harikhola valley (Whvkeong, Teknaf, south-east) 12 Hatiya (east-centre) Himchari (Cox's Bazar , south-east) Joydepur (Dhaka, central) Kaliakoir (Dhaka, central) 13 Kamalgonj Tea Estate (Kamalgonj, north-east) 13 Kamarchera (Rajkandi, Kamalgonj, north-east) 20 Kamlar Char (Nijumdip, east-centre) 14 Kaptai (south-east) Katka ( Sundarbans , south-west) Katka Khal (Kochikhali Tiger Reserve, Sundarbans, south-west) 1 5 Kawadighi Haor (Moulvi Bazar, north-east) Khagra ( Sylhet , north-east) Khakra Kuri Beel (Balai Haor, Sylhet , north-east) * Khulna (south-west) Madhabpore Lake ( Srimangal , north-east) 16 Madhapkhundo waterfall (New Samanbagh Tea Estate, Dhakshinbagh, north-east) 26 Madhya Nhila (Teknaf, south-east) 15 Maijeil Haor (north-east of Kawadighi Haor; north¬ east) 15 Majherbanda Beel (Kawadighi Haor, Moulvi Bazar, north-east) Malumghat (Chittagong, south-east) 25 Matian Haor (near Tangua Haor, north-east) 17 Mawa (Padma, central) 18 Meda Beel (Kalamakando, Netrakona, central) * Meghna River (north-east/east-centre) 19 Modhupur Forest (central) 9 Moulvi Bazar (north-east) 12 Moulvi Char (Hatiya, east-centre) 26 Muchoni (Teknaf, south-east) * Mymensingh (central) 16 New Samanbagh Tea Estate (Dhakshinbagh, north¬ east) 20 Nijumdip (east-centre) Nilkamal (Sundarbans, south-west) 21 Noakhali Coast (east-centre) Nurjahan Tea Estate (Srimangal, north-east) * Pabna (north-west) * Padma River (central) Palangkhali (45 km south-east of Cox's Bazar, south¬ east) 25 Pana Beel (south of Tangua Haor, north-east) Panerchara (Cox 's Bazar, south-east) 25 Pasua Beel (Gurmar Haor, north-east) Patenga (Chittagong, south-east) 1 1 Pingla Beel (Hakaluki Haor, north-east) 13 Rajkandi Forest (Kamalgonj, north-east) 15 Rajnagar Tea Estate (Moulvi Bazar, north-east) * Rajshahi (north-west) 5 Rathura (Bhavval National Park, central) 25 Rauar Beel (Tangua Haor, north-east) 25 Sanir Haor (east of Pasua Beel, north-east) 27 Satcheri Reserve Forest (Telepara, north-east) 27 Sathgao Reservoir (near Satcheri, north-east) 1 3 Shamshernagar Tea Estate (Kamalgonj, north-east) 26 Shilkhali (Teknaf, south-east) 14 Sitapchar Reserve Forest (Kaptai, south-east) 8 Someswari River (near Durgapur, Mymensingh, central) 22 Sonargaon Town (central) 1 2 Sonar Char (near Monapara and Hatiya , east-centre) South Halishahar (Chittagong, south-east) * Srimangal (north-east) 23 St Martin’s Island (south-east) 24 Sunamganj (north-east) * Sundarbans (south-west) * Sylhet (north-east) 25 Tangua Haor (north-east) 26 Teknaf (south-east) 27 Telepara (north-east) 28 Thakurgaon (north-west) Tiger Point (Sundarbans, south-west) 29 Urir Char (east-centre) West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srwiangal, north¬ east) 26 Whvkeong (Teknaf, south-east) 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 15 Figure 1 . Bangladesh showing locations mentioned in text. Locations shown by name are indicated with a *; locations given a number are indicated by that number; remaining locations are near or within the italicised named location. 16 P. M. THOMPSON el al. Forktail 9 because in many cases previous lists, for example Rashid (1967), included species which were assumed to occur but for which specimens or documented observations were not available. Hence even some species not noted here as new for Bangladesh may be the first fully documented records. The information reported is derived largely from an updating of Harvey’s list by J.D.W. in 1992, and from subsequent observations. It reflects the dedication of a small but growing band of birdwatchers active in Bangladesh. The records reported here are all sight records, but are by reliable observers, and where possible field notes have been collated and are stored with W.G.H., D.L.J. and P.M.T. The appendix provides a key to observer’s initials. Records are related to regions of Bangladesh in the following list; this is a revised version of the regions in Harvey (1990) and the boundaries are shown in Figure 1 , along with the locations of the 1 07 sites mentioned in the text. Place names follow current usage in official documents and maps in Bangladesh, but it should be noted that there are often alternative transliterations in common usage. NEW SPECIES AND NOTABLE RECORDS RAIN QUAIL Cotumix coromandelica A rare or local resident. Although first recorded from Faridpur by Cripps (1878) and subsequently included in a number of lists, there is only one recent record - a pair in scrub close to forest at Malumghat between Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar in the south-east on 26 November 1989 (D.L.J. ). BLUE-BREASTED QUAIL Cotumix chinensis Presumably a rare resident, first recorded near Dhaka in the 1 9th century (Simson 1882). There are only two recent records: a pair were flushed several times in a field of legumes by the Padma near Mawa, south of Dhaka, on 28 February 1986 (D.A.S.); and a pair were flushed from marshy grassland at Chatla Beel, Hakaluki Haor in the north-east on 30 April 1992 (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.). RUFOUS-THROATED PARTRIDGE Arborophila rufogularis Presumably a rare resident. Weston (1914) gave the first records from the Sylhet (north¬ east) region. The only recent record is of two birds (photographed) which had been trapped by hunters in Rajkandi Forest (north-east) in January 1 99 1 (S.M.A.R.). INDIAN PEAFOWL Pavo cristatus Presumed now extinct. Although first recorded from north of Mymensingh (central) in the 1 9th century (Godwin- Austen 1870), the last and only recent record is of one heard calling on the night of 18-19 March 1986 at Rathura, west of Bhawal National Park (central) (S.M.A.R.). **GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifmns Vagrant. One on a char in the Brahmaputra south of Aricha in December 1982 (A.M.K.) 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 17 is the only record for Bangladesh of a species which is a rare winter visitor to India, but has been recorded in Assam (Ali and Ripley 1987). FALCATED DUCK A nasfalcata Scarce winter visitor. Since the first - one shot in greater Sylhet District (Savage 1970) - it appeared that this species was very rare in Bangladesh. One was shot on the Padma River (central) in 1980 and one was at Sathgao Reservoir in the north-east in 1987 (A.M.K.); a male was at Pana Beef) Tangua Haor in Sunamganj district in the north¬ east on 2 March 1992 (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.); and a male was in a mixed flock of about 70 wintering ducks on a char in the Brahmaputra just off the Bahadurabad railhead (central) on 7 March 1992 (D.L.J., R.H.). However, following three at Tangua Haor on 3 December 1992 and six there on 3 January 1 993 (S.M.A.R.), an unprecedented 39 were found at the same site on 27 January 1993 (P.M.T., R.A.); three were also seen at Chatla Beel (north-east) on 1 February 1993 (S.M.A.R.). This species is listed as a rare winter visitor in Assam, but is regular in small numbers further west in India (Ali and Ripley 1 987) and appears to also be a regular visitor in Bangladesh. RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina Local winter visitor. Although Harvey (1990) only admitted a record by R.K. (Khan 1982), there are a number of historic records, of which the first is by Cripps (1878). However, recent observations have shown it to be much more numerous than was previously thought. After one was shot on the Meghna river (east-centre) on 30 November 1986 (A.M.K.), this species has been reported by several observers in recent winter wildfowl counts. In the north-east the first records were from four sites in the Tangua Haor complex on 2 March 1992, with a total of 87 birds (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.). Other sites in the region that winter were: Someswari River (one male on 22 April 1992) and Pasua Beel (two pairs on 24 April 1992) (D.A.S.). However, in winter 1992-1993 unprecedented totals were recorded at four sites, only peak counts are given: 300 at Pana Beel on 3 December 1992 (S.M.A.R.), 4002 at Pasua Beel on 3 December 1 992 (S.M.A.R., A.K.), 300 at Haorkhal on 2 1 December 1 992 (S.M.A.R.), and 875 at Tangua Haor on 27 January 1993 (P.M.T., R.A.). In the central region the only record is of four males and 10 females 6 km north of Bahadurabad on the Brahmaputra on 7 March 1992 (D.L.J., R.H.). BAER’S POCHARD Aythya baeri Winter visitor. First listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967), and subsequently recorded in small numbers by several observers during mid-winter wildfowl counts (for example, a male on Dhaka Zoo lake in early 1988, W.G.H.). However, it was only during the winters of 1991-92 and 1992-93 that internationally important numbers of this threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1988) were discovered wintering in the north-east of Bangladesh. In February-March 1992 a total of 697 was recorded, the majority (660) being on Pana Beel, Tangua Haor; but with 27 others at four sites within the Tangua-Pasua complex and 10 at two sites in Hakaluki Haor (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.). In January-February 1993 a total of 18 P. M. THOMPSON et al. Forktail 9 1712 was recorded, all from sites where they had been recorded in the previous winter: 700 at Chatla and Pingla Beels (Hakaluki Haor), 600 at Pasua Beel, 300 at Haorkhal (Hakaluki Haor), and 112 at Tangua Haor (S.M.A.R., P.M.T., A.K.). GREATER SCAUP Aythya marila Rare winter visitor. The only recent records are of three males and two females with a flock of Tufted Ducks Aythyafuligiila at Pana Beel, Tangua Haor in the north-east on 2 March 1 992 (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.), one male at the same site on 27 January 1993 (P.M.T.), and one male at Pasua Beel also on 27 January 1993 (S.M.A.R.). This scarce winter visitor to the Indian sub-continent may have been overlooked in the past; Ripley (1982) noted it as occurring in Bangladesh. COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula Vagrant. Weston (1914) shot one in the winter of 1 9 1 3- 1 9 1 4, a record that was overlooked by Harvey (1990). COMMON MERGANSER (GOOSANDER) Mergus merganser Rare winter visitor. Harvey ( 1 990) noted that this species had not been recorded since a 19th century record from Sylhet District (Hume, 1888). However, a pair were observed at Bahadurabad railhead on the Brahmaputra (central) on 7 March 1992 (D.L.J., R.H.). There are virtually no large fast flowing rivers in Bangladesh which this species might favour. **MANDARIN DUCK Aix galericulata Vagrant. The first record for Bangladesh was of a male seen among a flock of about 200,000 duck at Pasua Beel (north-east) on 27 January 1993 (S.M.A.R., A.K.). Previous records of this species from the Indian Sub-continent are specimens from Assam and Manipur (Ali and Ripley 1987); and one on the lower Arun in Nepal (Gardiner, 1991). YELLOW-LEGGED BUTTONQUAIL Tumix tanki Possibly a rare resident or vagrant. Although listed for Chittagong by Blanford (1898) and Ali and Ripley (1987), there is only one recent record. One was closely observed when it flew onto the lawn of a bungalow at Baroorah Tea Estate, Srimangal (north-east), on 12 April 1987 (D.J.M.). GREY-CAPPED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos canicapillus and BROWN- CAPPED WOODPECKER D. nanus The status of these two species, particularly D. nanus, in Bangladesh requires clarification and further critical study. Harvey (1990) lists D. canicapillus as the common small woodpecker in Bangladesh, including in mangroves, and notes D. moluccensis (nanus) as a rare? resident or visitor, with only one confirmed record - in the remnants of Tarap Hill Reserve Forest (north-east) on 18 January 1985 (D.J.M.). However, D. nanus is widespread in the lowlands and plains of the Indian sub-continent (Ali and Ripley 1987), whereas D. canicapillus is primarily found in hill forests such as the Himalayan foothills; this status was implied in Ali and Ripley (1987) for Bangladesh. These two small woodpeckers do not appear to be common in Bangladesh. Recent observations suggest that 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 19 D. nanus may be present in the Sundarbans: two pairs thought to be of this species were noted in mangroves at Katka and a pair at Nilkamal all in February 1987 (D.A.S.), but detailed notes were not taken. However, a male D. canicapillus was closely observed near Katka on 16 December 1988 (W.G.H., D.J.M.). A number of detailed observations in Modhupur forest (central), including nesting in February 1989, indicate that D. canicapillus is relatively common there in mixed sal and evergreen forest (W.G.H., D.L.J., P.M.T.), and this species has also been recorded several times from West Bhanugach Reserve Forest and nearby tea estates in the north-east (W.G.H., D.L.J., P.M.T.). PALE-HEADED WOODPECKER Gecinulus grantia Rare resident. First listed by Rashid (1967), and recorded from the Chittagong Hilltracts (Husain 1968; Husain and Haque 1976). The only recent record is of one in primary evergreen forest, which has since been cleared, at Kamarchera, Rajkandi (north-east) on 22 February 1985 (D.L.J.). HEART-SPOTTED WOODPECKER Hemicircus canente Vagrant? Although listed for Bangladesh in Rashid (1967), and Ali and Ripley (1987), there is only one recent record: one on shade trees near the Tea Research Institute, Srimangal (north-east) in May 1984 (S.M.A.R.). GREAT HORNBILL Buceros bicomis Vagrant. Although included in several lists for Bangladesh since Rashid (1967), the only recent record is of one flying over West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) in February 1990 (F.S., P.D.A.). BLYTH’S KINGFISHER Alcedo Hercules Vagrant. Although noted for Sylhet by Ripley (1982) and Ali and Ripley (1987), there is only one recent record of this threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1988). One was observed at Hail Haor (north-east) on 22 February 1 985 (D.J.M.), and there was also a probable record from a nearby tea estate at that time (P.L.W.). It seems likely that this bird had wandered from the nearby hill states. RUDDY KINGFISHER Halcyon coromanda Status uncertain: rare resident or winter visitor. Although listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967), Ripley (1982) and Ali and Ripley (1987), the only recent record is of one well seen perched along a narrow creek in freshwater mangrove forest near Dhangmari in the Sundarbans (south-west) on 16 December 1990 (D.A.S.). * LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO Cuculus sparverioides A rare winter visitor (and possibly passage migrant), not noted for Bangladesh in Ali and Ripley (1987) or Ripley (1982). The only records are from West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal) in the north-east where singles were seen on: 13 March 1985 (D.L.J., D.J.M., M.S., P.L.W.), 14 February 1986 (D.J.M., P.M.T.), 1 6 January 1 987, 1 5 January 1 988 and 4 March 1 988 (all D.J.M.); and from the nearby Kamalgonj Tea Estate on 26 December 1992 (D.L.J., J.O’M., P.M.T.). A common summer visitor to the Himalayas, this species may be overlooked in forests at lower altitudes in winter. 20 P. M. THOMPSON el al. Forktail 9 HODGSON’S HAWK-CUCKOO Cuculus fugax Vagrant? Although reported as occurring in Bangladesh by Rashid ( 1 967), Ali and Ripley ( 1 987) and Ripley (1982), the only documented record is of one in a suburban Dhaka garden on 15-18 October 1987 (W.G.H.). ^ORIENTAL CUCKOO Cuculus saturatus A rare migrant which may occur more often but identification has only been attempted when birds were calling. Although included in Rashid (1967), the only record for Bangladesh is of one watched calling repeatedly in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 26 March 1981 (D.L.J.). *LESSER CUCKOO Cuculus poliocephalus A rare migrant which may occur more often. Although included in Rashid (1967), the only confirmed records are: one calling in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 23 March 1984 (D.L .J.), one watched closely near Hail Haor, Srimangal on 22 October 1988 (W.G.H.), and one calling at south Patenga (Chittagong, south-east) on 21 April 1990 (D.L.J.). VIOLET CUCKOO Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus Rare resident or migrant? Although listed by Rashid (1967), the only confirmed records appear to be: a sub-adult male in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 27 March 1 986 (D.L.J., N.B., R.H.); a male at the same site on 9 January 1987 (D.J.M.), a pair and a single male at the same site in May 1989 (W.G.H.); and a male in Satcheri Reserve Forest (north-east) on 4 May 1992 (D.A.S.). ^HIMALAYAN SWIFTLET Collocalia brevirostris A rare winter visitor from higher altitudes. First recorded in October 1985 at Baroorah Tea Estate, Srimangal, north-east (DJM), where it was observed with Asian Palm-Swifts Cypsiurus balasiensis\ subsequently there was one in January 1986 and two on 7 November 1988 at the same site (D.J.M.). Other records are of ‘several’ over the River Meghna at Ashuganj (north-east) on 4 November 1988 (D.J.M.), one hawking for insects at Nilkamal in the Sundarbans (south-west) on 23 March 1 99 1 (D.A.S.), and two over stubble fields near Khagra, east of Sylhet (north-east) on 25 January 1993 (P.M.T.). *FORK-TAILED SWIFT Apus pacificus An irregular winter visitor or passage migrant. The first record is of one hawking insects with Asian Palm- Swifts Cypsiurus balasiensis near the beach at Cox’s Bazar, south-east, on 12 August 1981 (D.L.J.). Subsequent records are: a large flock over Rangamati (south-east) in December 1986 (V.Z.); about 3,000 on 27 April 1988 over Cox’s Bazar (P.M.T.); a heavy movement to the north and east over Srimangal (north-east) on 19 November 1988 (D.J.M.); one over the Botanical Gardens, Dhaka after a cyclone on 1 December 1988 (W.G.H.); 100+ over forest at Malumghat (near Chittagong) moving north on 27 November 1 989 (D.L.J.); and 1 00+ over Patenga, Chittagong, on 7 December 1991 (D.L.J., P.M.T.). Several of the observations appear to be associated with storms or cyclones. 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 21 CRESTED TREESWIFT Hemiprocne coronata Vagrant. Although listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967) and Khan (1982), there are only two recent records of this species, which is widely distributed in India. A flock of at least 30 were watched at Bhawal National Park on 1 April 1 979 (D.L.J.), and one was observed at Madhya Nhila near T eknaf (south-east) in November 1983 (S.M.A.R.). [ROCK EAGLE-OWL Bubo bengcilensis Status uncertain, listed by Rashid (1967) but no confirmed record. The record given in Harvey (1990) of one heard in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal) on 30 March 1987 is now regarded as probable only.] DUSKY EAGLE-OWL Bubo coromandus A rare resident. Since the 19th and early 20th centuries (Tytler 1 854, Bates 1 935) there appear to have been only five records of this species in Bangladesh, although it is widespread in wooded areas of the Indian sub-continent. Apart from one in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal) on 1 8 November 1 989 (D.L.J.), it is only known from Modhupur Forest (central) . At the latter site one was found on 27 April 1990, a pair were closely observed and tape-recorded on 15 December 1990 (D.L.J., N.B.), a pair were observed copulating on 6 November 1992 (D.L.J., R.H., N.B., A.W.), and a pair were observed at the same location on 22 January 1993 (D.L.J., P.M.T.). TAWNY FISH-OWL Ketupa flavipes Rare resident? Although listed by Rashid (1967) and Ripley (1982) for the hills of Bangladesh, the only recent records are of one in woodland near New Samanbagh Tea Estate (north¬ east) on 17 January 1990 (D.L.J.), and one closely observed for about 30 minutes while it bathed in a small pool and then dried out in Modhupur Forest (central) on 8 December 1992 (J. & S.O’M.). *BROWN WOOD-OWL Strix leptogrammica A rare resident. Only recorded in Modhupur Forest (sal forest). Following unconfirmed reports from 1976 (per R.K.), one was found to be resident near Joloi resthouse during 1 987 and 1 988 (C.S.), and subsequently the only records are of: two found roosting in the crown of a sal tree on 6 January 1990 (D.L.J., N.B., R.H.); one watched eating a rat and calling (tape-recorded) on 22 January 1993 (D.L.J., P.M.T.); and one calling on 9 April 1993 (D.L.J.). GREAT EARED-NIGHTJAR Eurostopodus macrotis A rare or localised resident. Although listed by Rashid ( 1 967) and Ripley ( 1 982) for Bangladesh, the only confirmed records are from Modhupur Forest (central) where they were in display flight/song in February 1989 (W.G.H.), and from New Samanbagh T ea Estate (north-east) on 1 1 and 1 2 November 1990 when up to 20 were observed leaving forest and hawking for insects over tea plantations and paddyfields (D.L.J.). PALE-CAPPED PIGEON Columba punicea Rare, status uncertain. First listed for what is now Bangladesh by Blanford (1898). However, the only recent records are of 2-3 perched high in trees in the evening on three dates: 22 P. M. THOMPSON ei al Forktail 9 14 May 1988, 22 October 1988, and 20 February 1989; all in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest, Srimangal in the north-east (W.G.H.). It seems likely that this threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1988) had wandered from the nearby hill states where it is known from Assam and Manipur (Ali and Ripley 1987). **PIN-TAILED GREEN-PIGEON Treron apicauda Rare, possibly a nomad from neighbouring hills. Although not listed by Harvey (1990), this species was listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967), Husain (1979), Khan (1982), and Ali and Ripley (1987). However, the only documented record is of a party of six watched closely feeding in the canopy in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 2 1 February 1 992 (D.A.S., A.K.). It seems unlikely that this species might be resident, since this is the best watched forest in Bangladesh; but it is partly nomadic depending on food supplies and is known from the nearby hill ranges of Assam (Khasi, Cachar), Nagaland and Manipur (Ali and Ripley 1987). **WEDGE-T AILED GREEN-PIGEON Treron sphenura Rare, possibly a nomad from neighbouring hills. Although not listed by Harvey (1990), this species was listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967), Khan (1982), and Ali and Ripley (1987). The only documented record is of a party of six feeding in the canopy of a tall fruiting tree in Satcheri Reserve Forest, Telepara (north-east) on 10 March 1992 (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.). It seems' likely that these had wandered from higher altitudes because, like T. apicauda, this species occurs through the Himalayan foothills and is known from Nagaland and the hills of Assam (Ali and Ripley 1987). SARUS CRANE Grus antigone Former resident?. Although first recorded from the Dhaka area in the 19th century (Simson 1882), the only recent records are: reports of a pair in Thakurgaon (north-west) up to 1 989 (per S.M.A.R.); one shot at an unknown location in the north-east in 1990 (specimen in Bangladesh National Museum); and a captive bird of the eastern subspecies G. a. sharpii at Teknaf (south-east) on 1 1 February 1991 (S.M.A.R.). The last bird may well have come from Myanmar. DEMOISELLE CRANE Grus virgo Rare winter visitor or vagrant. Although included in Husain (1979) and a number of other lists, the only confirmed record appears to be one associating with egrets Egretta in fields near Bhatigaon, south-west of Sunamganj (north-east) in January 1986 (S.M.A.R.). MASKED FINFOOT Heliopais personata Rare visitor or resident? Although listed by Rashid (1967) and subsequent authors for the Sundarbans, there have been only four recent records. One was seen in a small channel near Tiger Point in the Sundarbans (south-west) on 29 January 1 984 (D.L.J.); the remaining three records are all from Katka Khal in Kochikhali Tiger Reserve in the Sundarbans: two in March 1984 (S.M.A.R.), four in May 1986 (S.M.A.R.), and one on 8 February 1987 (S.M.A.R., D.A.S.). 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 23 **LITTLE CRAKE Porzana parua Vagrant. There are only two previous records of this species from the Indian subcontinent (Ali and Ripley 1987). On 25 December 1991 a male and female were closely watched swimming and walking among emergent vegetation in the middle of Hail Haor in the north-east (P.M.T., D.L.J.). WOOD SNIPE Gallinago nemoricola Rare winter visitor. Although listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967) and Ali and Ripley (1987), there is only one recent record of this threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1 988). One was flushed at close range from a stream in dense forest in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest, Srimangal (north-east), on 22 December 1992 (D.L.J.). This species is an altitudinal migrant from the Himalayas, but there is limited suitable forest habitat in Bangladesh. **SWINHOE’S SNIPE Gallinago megala Scarce winter visitor? The only record is of two found with both Common and Pintail Snipe (G. gallinago and G. stenura ) at Hail Haor (north-east) on 23 February 1992 (D.A.S.). They were identified from G. stenura on the basis of larger size, heavier flight, longer bills, more conspicuous white in the outer tail, and call. Rashid ( 1 967) assumed that this species would occur in Bangladesh, and it has been recorded from neighbouring Assam, Manipur and West Bengal (Ali and Ripley 1 987) . The difficulties of field identification mean that it has probably been overlooked. JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus Scarce winter visitor. First recorded from Faridpur (south-central) by Cripps (1878) and from Sylhet by Eden (1881). The only recent records of this species are of one shot at Hail Haor (Srimangal, north-east) in March 1990, and subsequently one wintering along a stream in a tea estate at Srimangal and a few others wintering at Hail Haor. It would appear to be a regular but scarce and local winter visitor to the north-east, where it has been recorded from 27 September in all months through to March during 1990-91 (all records J.D.W.). *BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica A scarce winter visitor, previously overlooked but regular in small numbers in coastal areas. The first record was a total of 19 from the area around Hatiya (east-centre) during mid-winter wildfowl counts in January 1989 (Bakewell and Howes 1989, Scott and Rose 1 989) . Subsequently recorded in each January wildfowl and wader count in the east-centre (14 in 1990, 31 in 1991, 1 in 1992, and 6 in 1 993; M.A.B., A.K., S.M.A.R., P.M.T.). At Patenga (south-east) it has been recorded in August, September, December, January and March, usually as single birds, but with a maximum of 1 4 on 1 1 January 1 990 (D.L.J., W.G.H.) . There is only one record away from the coastal zone: two near Hail Haor (north-east) on 2 February 1993 (S.M.A.R.). *FAR EASTERN CURLEW Numenius madagascariensis The only record, and first for the Indian subcontinent is of one on 27 November 1 988 at Cox’s Bazar, south-east (H. & C.L.). The closest previous records of this long- 24 P. M. THOMPSON et al. Forktail 9 distance migrant from east Asia are from Malaysia and Thailand where it is a rare passage migrant (King et al. 1975, Boonsong and Round 1991). **SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus Although Rashid (1967) anticipated that it was a winter visitor to much of Bangladesh, this species was not listed by Harvey (1990). First recorded by Mountfort and Poore (1968), who recorded 13 in the Sundarbans on 24 and 26 November 1967. Subsequently few claims (Husain et al. 1 983, van der Ven 1 988) until one in the north-east in January 1990 (P.D.A. and F.S.). Records during 1991-2 indicate that there may have been an influx that winter and that it is a not uncommon winter visitor. Most have been recorded from the north-east: one at Hail Haor on 25 December 1 99 1 (P.M.T., D.L.J.); 1 5 on flooded fields near Hakaluki Haor on 27 December 1 99 1 (P.M.T., D.L.J.); a total of 1 35 during surveys in February-March 1 992 (D.A.S.) - these were concentrated at Pasua Beel (55), Haorkhal (30), and Majherbanda Beel (30); and 18 during a repeat survey in April-May 1992 with 13 at Pingla Beel (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.). Away from the haors of the north-east, 22 were on Sonar Char near Hatiya (east-centre) on 1 8 January 1 992 (P.M.T., A.K., A.W.A.), and about 30 were along the Brahmaputra north of Aricha also on 18 January 1992 (D.L.J.). NORDMANN’S GREENSHANK Tringa guttifer Scarce winter visitor. Although noted as a rare winter visitor by Husain (1979) and Ali and Ripley (1987), there are few confirmed records of this threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1988). Apart from an exceptional 300 at Nijumdip, Hatiya (east-centre) in January 1988 (S.M.A.R.), in subsequent mid-January wildfowl and wader counts there are totals of only three, one and two respectively in 1989, 1990 and 1991 from the eastern delta (A.W.A., D.B., J.H., S.M.A.R.). This species has also been recorded in small numbers from Patenga (Chittagong, south-east): a total of eight sightings - probably fewer birds - during two weeks in January 1 988 (V.Z.); and two in January 1 990, one on 8 March 1990, and two on 3 January 1991 (allD.L.J.). Away from the coast a flock of 25 was reported from Chatla Beel (Hakaluki Haor, north-east) during a cold spell on 2 December 1992 (S.M.A.R.). *GREY-TAILED TATTLER Tringa brevipes Vagrant. The first record for the Indian Sub-continent, and Bangladesh, was of two at Patenga near Chittagong (south-east) on 18 May 1989 (D.L.J.). They were closely observed both on the mudflats and in flight, with the following characters noted: sandplover sized with long straight dark bills and yellowish legs, plain grey uppersides with white eye-stripe, white belly and barred or scaly neck, breast and flanks. In flight uppersides all grey with rump and tail paler grey, double-noted call with each note inflected upward at the end. The closest previous records are from Thailand where it is a rare passage migrant (Boonsong and Round 1991). 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 25 *GREAT KNOT Calidris tenuirostris A scarce or irregular passage migrant and winter visitor. Although listed by Rashid (1967), the first confirmed record was of up to 1 00 at Patenga (Chittagong, south-east) in October 1 987 (V.Z.), this has since proved to be the main site so far discovered for the species in Bangladesh. Subsequently recorded at Patenga on 1 5 occasions between peak counts of 50+ on 27 October 1 988 (W.G.H.) and over 1 20 on 29 August 1992 (D.L.J., P.M.T.). However, none was recorded there during visits between September 1990 and May 1992 (D.L.J.). Away from this site it has only been rarely recorded: one at South Halishahar beach (Chittagong) on 26 May 1988 (DJM); singles in 1989 and 1992 during January wildfowl counts on islands in the eastern delta; 15 at Egg Island on the edge of the Sundarbans on 5 February 1 990 (D.L.J.); and five at Urir Char (east-centre) on 13 January 1993 (P.M.T., S.M.A.R., A.K.). *RED KNOT Calidris canutus A rare winter visitor only recorded in 1989. The ‘first record’ from Hatiya Island (east-centre) in January 1 989 (Bakewell and Howes 1 989; Scott and Rose 1 989), has since been found to be an error (D. Bakewell pers. comm, to D.A.S.). The only records, therefore, are all from Patenga (Chittagong, south-east) and all in 1 989; it seems likely that the same group of birds were involved: 20 on 10 April (W.G.H.), 5 on 20 April (D.L.J.), four in breeding plumage on 18 May (W.G.H.), and 13 on 1 December (D.L.J.). SPOON-BILLED SANDPIPER Eurynorhynchus pygmeus Despite being first recorded from Chittagong, south-east, (three specimens) in the mid 1 9th century (Blyth 1 857), it was only in 1 989 that it was discovered that this threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1988) is a regular winter visitor and that Bangladesh is probably the main wintering ground for this species. Totals during January counts carried out as part of the coordinated Asian Mid-winter Wildfowl counts have been: three in 1988, 257 in 1989, 45 in 1991, about 100 in 1992, and two in 1993 (A.W.A., D.B., M.A.B., J.H., A.K., S.M.A.R., P.M.T.). The main sites for this species are in the eastern side of the delta (east-centre) particularly Hatiya Island, Urir Char and the Noakhali Coast, and Dhal Char on the outer edge of the delta. In addition it has been regularly recorded in small numbers at Patenga (south-east): no more than three have been recorded at one time, but a total of 1 8 ‘bird-days’ have been recorded on 12 occasions between October 1987 and September 1992 covering seven months: August through to November, January, April and May (W.G.H., D.L.J., P.M.T., V.Z.) . There is also one record from Egg Island on the edge of the Sundarbans: 4 on 24 February 1992 (D.L.J.). The coastal chars are a dynamic system and so the sites suitable for this species (which prefers a substrata of mixed sand and mud) can change within the space of a year. There may well be other suitable sites and the pattern of migration is unknown. 26 P. M. THOMPSON el al. Forktail 9 EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus Vagrant? Although Stanford (1937, 1954) reported a breeding occurrence of this species in the Sundarbans (south-west), there are only two recent records: one at Nilbaria north-east of Dubla island on the edge of the Sundarbans in March 1984 (S.M.A.R.), and two at the same site on 9 February 1987 (S.M.A.R., D.A.S.). LONG-BILLED PLOVER Charadrius placidus Vagrant. Although first listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967) there are only two traceable records. Two were found at a coastal site on Nijumdip (east-centre) on 19 January 1991 (M.A.B.); and one was watched on ploughed fields near Hail Haor, Srimangal, on 1 January 1991 (J.D.W.). The record given in Harvey (1990) from May 1978 is now regarded as probable only. *CRAB PLOVER Dromas ardeola Vagrant. The only record is of six at Kamlar Char, Nijumdip in the east-central coastal area on 18 January 1988 (S.M.A.R.). The closest locations where it has been regularly recorded are in Peninsular Thailand (Boonsong and Round 1991) and western India and Sri Lanka (Ali and Ripley 1987). * PARASITIC JAEGER (ARCTIC SKUA) Stercorarius parasiticus Vagrant. The only record is of one on 20 January 1981 in the Swatch of No Ground off the Sundarbans in Bangladesh Territorial Waters - R.K. (Harvey, 1990). The nearest previous records are in the Arabian Sea (Ali and Ripley 1987) and coastal Thailand (Boonsong and Round 1991). *BLACK-NAPED TERN Sterna sumatrana Vagrant. The only record is of one in November 1986 towards Moheshkhali island, north of Cox’s Bazar, south-east (V.Z.). The nearest part of its regular range is the Andaman Islands (Ali and Ripley 1987). *EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron percnopterus Vagrant. Although included in Husain (1979), the only confirmed record is of one over Char Khiderpur near Rajshahi (north-west) on 10 April 1984 (S.M.A.R.). **EURASIAN GRIFFON Gyps fulvus Vagrant. Two immatures feeding on a carcass with White-rumped and Long-billed Vultures ( Gyps bengalensis and G. indicus ) east of Bhairab Bazar in the north-east on 18 February 1992 appear to be the first confirmed record. They were readily distinguished on size and plumage from the accompanying species. Despite a number of references to this species in papers on the birds of Bangladesh, for example Rashid (1967), Mountfort and Poore (1968) and Husain (1979), there is no specific reference to its occurrence in Bangladesh in Ali and Ripley (1987) and the species was not listed by Harvey (1990). This species is, however, an occasional non-breeding visitor to the plains of northern India east to Assam and south to 20"N (Ali and Ripley 1987), hence its occurrence in Bangladesh is not unexpected. *CINEREOUS VULTURE Aegypius monachus Vagrant. Although listed in Khan (1982), the only documented record is of one in Comilla zoo (east- 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 27 centre) in 1987 which had reportedly been captured locally (Harvey 1990). SHORT-TOED SNAKE-EAGLE Circaetus gallicus Rare winter visitor. Although first listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967) there are only three recent records: one over Modhupur Forest (Joloi resthouse) in November 1986 (C.S.), two over Himchari, Cox’s Bazar (south-east) on 23 November 1988 (H. & C.L.); and two over Dhaka golf course on 12 December 1992 (D.L.J.). NORTHERN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Rare winter visitor. Although Bates ( 1 935) recorded this species from the Chittagong area, it was not listed in Ripley (1982). There have been several recent records: a male at Baroorah Tea Estate (near Srimangal) on 16 February 1987 (D.J.M.); a male near Srimangal in February 1988 (V.Z.); a male on Egg Island in the south-eastern Sundarbans on 4 February 1 990 (D.L .J.); single males recorded at Hail Haor in the north-east on 18 January and 30 November 1991 (J.D.W.); a male on Moulvi Char, Hatiya Island, (east-centre) on 15 January 1992 (P.M.T.); a male at Hail Haor in December 1992 (D.L.J., J. & S.O’M.); and a male at Erali Beel (north-east) on 29 January 1993 (S.M.A.R.). MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus py gar gus Vagrant. This species was listed for Faridpur District by Cripps (1878), which may be the source for inclusion in subsequent lists. There is only one recent record: a male was seen flying over cultivated fields in Harikhola valley at Whykeong (near Teknaf, south¬ east) in December 1983 (S.M.A.R.). ^NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis Vagrant. Although listed by Khan ( 1 982) there are only two documented records: one was watched flying over a hilltop close to Teknaf (south-east) on 9 December 1983 (S.M.A.R.); and one was watched for about 10 minutes flying over Dhaka zoo on 23 October 1987 (P.M.T.). *LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD Buteo rufinus A scarce winter visitor. Although listed by Khan (1982), the first documented record is of one near Pabna (north-west) on 30 January 1982 (D.L.J., N.B., R.H., G.F.). Subsequent records are of: one at Cox’s Bazar (south-east) in November 1987 (H. & C.L.), one flying over the Dhaleswari river near Dhaka on 31 January 1992 (D.L.J., A.M.K., P.M.T., J.D.W.), and one near Bahadurabad railhead on the Brahmaputra (central) on 5 December 1992 (D.L.J., R.N., A.W., N.B.). This species appears to favour sandbanks in the main rivers. IMPERIAL EAGLE Aquila heliaca Rare winter visitor. Although listed in Ali and Ripley (1987), the only recent records are: a second year at Uttara, Dhaka on 4 March 1978, one at Dhaka airport on 16 December 1979, one at Pabna on 30 January 1 982 (all D.L.J.), two immatures an Teknaf (south¬ east) on 3 December 1 988 (H. & C.L.), and one 6 km north of Bahadurabad railhead perched on a char in the Brahmaputra (central) on 5 December 1 992 (D.L.J., R.N., A.W., N.B.). 28 P. M. THOMPSON ei al. Forktail 9 **BONELLI’S EAGLE Hieraaetus fasciatus Vagrant. Although listed for Bangladesh by Khan ( 1 982) possibly on the basis of a claim by Husain et al. (1974), the only confirmed record appears to be of one over Satcheri Reserve Forest, Telepara (north-east) in March 1990 (F.S., P.D.A.). This was presumably a vagrant from the Himalayas. *BOOTED EAGLE Hieraaetus pennatus A scarce winter visitor or passage migrant, Rashid ( 1 967) and Ali and Ripley (1987) presumed that it occurred but gave no specific records. The first record was a light phase bird over Kaliakoir (50 km north of Dhaka) on 22 October 1978 (D.L.J.). Subsequent records are: one 50 km north of Joydepur (central) on 28 April 1 979 (D.L.J.); a light phase at Modhupur Forest (central) on 15 April 1987 (W.G.H.); a light phase roosting at Dhaka Zoo on 7 November 1987 (W.G.H.); three at Dhaka Zoo (two dark phase and one light phase) on 1 2 May 1 988 (W.G.H., D.J.M., J.D.W.); a light phase near Mymensingh (central) and another near Sylhet (north-east) in February 1989 (W.G.H.); one over a grass fire south of Srimangal in February 1990 (J.D.W.); and one at Patenga (Chittagong) on 5 April 1990 (D.L.J.). **SAKER FALCON Falco cherntg Presumably a vagrant, the closest area where it is regularly recorded, as a scarce winter visitor, is in central Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). The only record is of one well watched resting and flying in a grassy area near Modhupur Forest (central) on 1 8 April 1 992 (D.L.J., J. & S.O’M.). GREAT CO RMO RANT Phalacrocorax carbo Local winter visitor. Harvey (1990) reported no recent records, although this species has appeared in many past bird lists for Bangladesh (Rashid, 1967) and the oldest record is that of Lister (1951). However, surveys in 1992/93 revealed that it is still a winter visitor in moderate numbers to the deeper beels of the Haor Basin in the north-east, and to the northern reaches of the Brahmaputra River. In the north-east 54 were recorded from 1 1 sites in February-March 1 992, but only one was recorded in a survey of the same areas in April-May 1 992 (S.M.A.R., D.A.S.). In winter 1992-1993 higher numbers were recorded in the same region, peaks for the most important sites were: 45 at Pana Beel 27 January 1993 (A.K., S.M.A.R., P.M.T.), 130 at Pasua Beel in November 1992 (S.M.A.R.), and 95 at Sanir Haor on 4 November 1992 (S.M.A.R.); the majority of records are from the T angua, Matian and Gurmar Haor complexes. In addition three pairs were found along 6 km of the Brahmaputra river north of Bahadurabad railhead on 7 March 1992 (D.L.J., R.H.), and a total of 32 in two flocks at the same site on 5 December 1992 (D.L.J., R.N., A.W., N.B.). *PACIFIC REEF-EGRET Egretta sacra Vagrant. There appear to be three records for Bangladesh, but the species has not been recorded elsewhere on the mainland Indian subcontinent (Ali and Ripley 1987). Khan (1985) reported it from St Martin’s Island in the extreme south-east but full details 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 29 were not included. Rashid and Khan (1987) likewise reported it from Teknaf: apparently a number of dark phase birds were seen on mudflats near Teknaf (south-east) in December 1983 (S.M.A.R., A.K.). Most recently, a white phase bird was seen on several occasions at Patenga, Chittagong in January and February 1989 (W.G.H., D.L.J., Harvey 1990). This species occurs on the Andaman Islands (Ali and Ripley 1 987), and along the Arakan coast of Myanmar which is adjacent to the Teknaf-St Martin’s region (Smythies 1986). GOLIATH HERON Ardea goliath Vagrant. This primarily Afrotropical species was first recorded in Bangladesh in Khulna District in the south-west (Prater 1 926); the specimen is held by the Bombay Natural History Society (Abdulali 1968). There are only two recent records: one flying north at Himchari Beach, Cox’s Bazar (south-east) on 23 November 1988 (H. & C.L.), and one well seen while flying over Dhaka Zoo on 20 December 1992 (J. & S.O’M.). It is unknown whether these are recent longdistance vagrants or have been surviving within the region for some time. WHITE-BELLIED HERON Ardea insignis Vagrant? This globally threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1988) was reported to occur in Bangladesh by Ali and Ripley (1987) and Ripley ( 1 982), but there is only one well documented or recent observation. A pair were flushed twice from the forest-lined shore of Madhabpore lake, near Srimangal, on 25 March 1 988, good views were obtained of both birds in flight (D.J.M.). This species may have wandered from one of the Indian hillstates. GREAT BITTERN Botaurus stellaris Rare winter visitor. Although listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967) and Ripley (1982), there are only three recent records. One was watched flying over Baroorah Tea Estate, Srimangal (north-east) in September 1 984 (D.J.M.); one flying over marshes at Khakra Kuri Beel, Balai Haor in the north-east on 6 March 1992 (D.A.S.), and one flushed from paddy fields at Haorkhal (north-east) on 30 January 1993 (S.M.A.R.). **BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra Rare winter visitor. The first three records for Bangladesh are given, although the species was listed as potentially occurring by Rashid ( 1 967) . One was at Palangkhali on the Naf river south¬ east of Cox’s Bazar (south-east), in December 1983 (S.M.A.R.). Two were closely observed for eight hours on a low muddy char (sandbank) in the Brahmaputra River about 3 km north of Aricha (central region) on 18 January 1992, mostly feeding alone but also associating with a flock of 40 Grey Herons Ardea cinerea (D.L.J., R.H., A.W.). One on a char in the Brahmaputra 6 km north of Bahadurabad railhead on 5 December 1992 (D.L.J., R.N., A.W., N.B.). This species winters sparsely in the Indian subcontinent so its occurrence is not surprising, although Ripley (1982) noted it to be absent south of Assam. 30 P. M. THOMPSON el al. Forktail 9 BLUE PITTA Pitta cyanea A rare summer visitor. Although listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967) and others, the only recent record is from West Bhanugach Reserve Forest, Srimangal (north-east), in May-June 1988, where breeding was suspected (Harvey 1990). NORTHERN SHRIKE Lanius excubitor Rare winter visitor. Although first recorded from Lalmai, Comilla in the east-centre (Collins 1948), the only recent record is of one at Ranikong, Durgapur, north of Mymensingh (central) on 14 February 1984 (S.M.A.R.). RED-BILLED MAGPIE Urocissa erythrorhyncha Rare winter visitor. Although included in Rashid (1967), the only recent records are: two at Muchoni near Teknaf (south-east) in October 1983 (S.M.A.R.) and one in flight in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) in November 1985 (D.J.M., E.F.G.). SCALY THRUSH Zoothera dauma Vagrant. Although listed for Bangladesh in Rashid (1967) and Ripley (1982), there is only one recent record. One was seen in Modhupur Forest (central) on 15 December 1990 (D.L.J.). DARK-SIDED THRUSH Zoothera marginata Vagrant. Although listed in Rashid (1967) and Ali and Ripley (1987), there is only one recent record of one watched down to 1.5 m around a walkway and clump of bamboos on the Bangladesh Agricultural University campus, Mymensingh (central) on 10 November 1988 (W.G.H.). TICKELL’S THRUSH Turdus unicolor Vagrant. Although noted from Bangladesh by Rashid (1967) and Mountfort and Poore (1968), there are only three recent records. A male was by a homestead wood and pond in a village between Gopalganj and Barisal (south-centre) on 25 February 1979 (D.L.J.); one was in Bhawal National Park (central) on 27 February 1986 (D.A.S.); and two were seen separately feeding in Modhupur Forest (central) on 10 February 1989 (W.G.H.). *WHITE-COLLARED BLACKBIRD Turdus albocinctus Vagrant. A male in song in Modhupur Forest (central) on 10 February 1989 (W.G.H.) during a cold spell is the only record, much below its normal altitudinal range. However, Ali and Ripley ( 1 987) give nearby Meghalaya and Cachar (Assam) as part of the wintering range. **GREY-WINGED BLACKBIRD Turdus boulboul Vagrant. There are only two, previously unpublished, records. A male was seen in thick scrub in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north-east) on 25 March 1978, and a female was seen at the same site on 13 March 1985 (both records D.L.J.). The closest part of the wintering range given by Ali and Ripley (1987) is Cachar in Assam. **EURASIAN BLACKBIRD Turdus merula Vagrant. The only record is of a male in Modhupur Forest (central) during a cold spell in January 1982 (S.M.A.R.). Although Ali and Ripley (1987) note it as a winter visitor to the plains of India, there appears to have been no previous record in Bangladesh. 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 31 EYEBROWED THRUSH Turdus obscurus A rare passage migrant. Although listed by Rashid (1967) and Ali and Ripley (1987), there are only two recent records: one in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north-east) on 14 March 1986 (D.J.M.), and one in coastal woodland at Patenga (south-east) on 7 April 1990 (D.L.J.). *DUSKY THRUSH Turdus naumanni Vagrant. Although listed by Rashid (1967), the only confirmed record is of a male closely observed in a belt of Casuarina trees along the coast at Cox’s Bazar (south-east) on 25 March 1989 (D.L.J.). Ali and Ripley (1987) give this species as a passage migrant in the north-eastern hillstates. *LESSER SHORTWING Brachypteryx leucophrys A rare winter visitor. The first record for Bangladesh was a female caught in a mist-net in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north-east) on 20 February 1986 (D.L.J.). The only other records are from the same site: at least two which were closely observed on 20 November 1987 (D.J.M.), and one on 20 February 1989 (W.G.H.). These were presumably altitudinal migrants from the north-east Indian hillstates, Ali and Ripley (1987) give a lowest altitude of 1500 m. DARK-SIDED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa sibirica Rare passage migrant. Although listed in Rashid (1967), the only recent records of this hill species are of: one in Modhupur Forest (north-centre) on 5 November 1986 (S.M.A.R.), two adults and an immature closely observed in Modhupur Forest on 9 November 1 99 1 (D.L.J., N.B.), and one in homestead trees near Erali Beel east of Sylhet (north-east) on 27 April 1992 (D.A.S.). RUFOUS-GORGETED FLYCATCHER Ficedula strophiata Rare winter visitor. Although listed as a winter visitor in the Chittagong region (Ali and Ripley 1987), the only recent record is of one in Modhupur Forest (central) in December 1988 (C.S.). *SNOWY-BROWED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hyperythra Rare winter visitor. The only confirmed records of this species are of a female feeding in dense cover near the ground in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 23 February 1985 (D.L.J.), and a pair in undergrowth at the same site on 20 and 21 February 1987 (D.J.M.). Ali and Ripley (1987) give a lowest altitude of 300 m and list it for the nearby hillstates. ULTRAMARINE FLYCATCHER Ficedula superciliaris Rare winter visitor. Although listed by Rashid ( 1967), the only recent record is of one on the edge of forest in Sitapchar forest near Kaptai (south-east) during winter 1987-88 (V.Z.). ^SAPPHIRE FLYCATCHER Ficedula sapphira Vagrant?. The only record is of a sub-adult male in the understorey of West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 21 February 1986 (D.L.J., D.J.M.). At about 35 m above sea level this is much lower than the range given by Ali and Ripley (1987) who state that it occurs in the nearby hillstates seasonally down to 800 m. 32 P. M. THOMPSON et al. Forktail 9 *SMALL NILTAVA Ni/tava macgrigoriae Vagrant. The only confirmed record of this species is of a female closely observed while feeding in the understorey of West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 23 February 1 985 (D.L.J., N.B.). This species might be expected to be more frequent since Ali and Ripley (1987) note that it breeds in the Garo and Khasi hills of Meghalaya and winters in the foothills and plains of the Brahmaputra valley. RUFOUS-BELLIED NILTAVA Niltava sundara Rare winter visitor. Ali and Ripley (1987) list it for the Chittagong Hilltracts, but the only recent records of this skulking species are of one in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north-east) in October 1 987 (C.S.) and a male at Madhapkhundo waterfall, New Samanbagh Tea Estate (north-east) on 17 January 1990 (D.L.J.). **FIRETHROAT Luscinia pectardens Vagrant. A male in full breeding plumage was found in dense woodland at Pasua Beel, Gurmar Haor (north¬ east) on 24 April 1992 (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.), the bird was inquisitive, giving excellent views, and on several occasions it uttered short bursts of sub-song. This constitutes the first record for Bangladesh and only the second for the Indian subcontinent; the first being in January 1950 from the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, adjacent to Bangladesh (Koelz 1954, Ali and Ripley 1987). Soon after the Bangladesh record, on 21 June 1992, a pair was seen in the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh (Katti 1992). This species is apparently mainly resident in China, breeding from south-east Tibet north through Sichuan to south-west Kansu and Shensi (Meyer de Schauensee 1984). INDIAN BLUE ROBIN Luscinia brunnea A rare winter visitor. Although listed for Bangladesh in Ali and Ripley (1987), the only recent record is of a female in undergrowth in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north-east) on 28 February 1991 (P.M.T.). This species is a regular altitudinal migrant with part of the population migrating to southern India in the winter. * RUFOUS-BREASTED BUSH-ROBIN Tarsiger hyperythrus Vagrant. First record: a female watched down to 1 m feeding on leaf mould in dense forest in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north-east) on 21 October 1988 (W.G.H.). A scarce Himalayan species which makes seasonal altitudinal movements, and is noted from the Indian hill states in winter (Ali and Ripley 1987). BLUE-FRONTED REDSTART Phoenicurus frontalis Vagrant from the Himalayas. Although listed for Bangladesh in Rashid (1967) and Ali and Ripley (1987), there is only one recent record of one at Sonargaon town (central) on 29 December 1984 (S.M.A.R.). *WHITE-CAPPED WATER-REDSTART (RIVER CHAT) Chaimarromis leucocephalus A rare winter visitor normally found at higher altitudes. Apart from an undated record in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (C.S.), this 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 33 species has only been recorded from Madhapkhundo waterfall in New Samanbagh Tea Estate (north-east) where it was first recorded on 31 January 1986 (D.J.M.); subsequently it has been recorded there in most years from November to February (D.L.J., J.D.W., P.M.T., J. & S.O’M.). It would appear to be a regular winter visitor to this location at about 100 m above sea level. *WHITE-TAILED ROBIN Cinclidium leucurum A rare breeding resident. Not listed for Bangladesh in Ali and Ripley (1987) or Ripley (1982). First recorded on 25 March 1978 (D.L.J.). All records are from West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north-east) where it is regularly recorded (many observers) during winter (November to March) . However, on 1 7 June 1988 a recently fledged juvenile (dark brown with heavy pinkish spotting and the same tail pattern as an adult) was found (D.J.M., J.D.W.). At 35 m above sea level this record is much lower than its normal breeding range of above 1200 m (Ali and Ripley, 1987). SLATY-BACKED FORKTAIL Enicurus schistaceus Rare visitor? Although noted for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967) and Ali and Ripley (1987), there are only two recent records: one in Alinagar Tea Estate (north-east) on 3 May 1985 (D.J.M., P.L.W.), and a pair at Madhapkhundo Waterfall (New Samanbagh Tea Estate, north-east) on 24 December 1992 (D.L.J., J. & S.O’M.). WHITE-CROWNED FORKTAIL Enicurus leschenaulti Rare visitor? Although noted for Bangladesh in Ali and Ripley (1987) the only recent record is of two along a stream in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north¬ east) on 8 December 1989 (J.D.W.). **PURPLE COCHOA Cochoa purpurea Vagrant. Although included in Rashid ( 1 967), the only confirmed record is of an adult male closely watched at Dhaka Golf Course, at low altitude (under 5 m) and out of its normal forest habitat, on 2 November 1990 (D.L.J., J.D.W.). This most unlikely of records was presumably a vagrant from Meghalaya or another of the nearby hill states, where its altitudinal range is given as 1 000-3000 m (Ali and Ripley 1987). The chances of it being an escape seem very low, and in any case most cage birds in Bangladesh are caught locally. WHITE-TAILED STONECHAT Saxicolaleucura Vagrant? Although first recorded in the 1 9th century from the Garo hills (central-north-east) in what is now Bangladesh (Godwin-Austen 1870), there is only one recent record of a male in paddyfields by the road to Banderban (south-east) on 20 April 1990 (D.L.J.). JERDON’S BUSHCHAT Saxicola jerdoni Rare winter visitor. Although first recorded in the 19th century from the Garo hills (central-north-east) in what is now Bangladesh (Godwin-Austen 1870), there are only three recent records. A male was present at Baroorah Tea Estate (Srimangal, north-east) 34 P. M. THOMPSON et at. Forktail 9 during February 1985 (D.J.M., E.F.G.), a female was present at exactly the same place during February 1986 (D.J.M., P.M.T.); and a male was in extensive grassland at Bara Haor (north-east) on 4 December 1992 (S.M.A.R., A.K.). *DESERT WHEATEAR Oenanthe deserti Vagrant or rare winter visitor. There are only two records, both from Patenga, Chittagong (south-east) : one in December 1987 (V.Z.), and a male on the seawall on 7 December 1991 (P.M.T., D.L.J.). The closest area where the species is regularly recorded is in north-central Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). ROSY STARLING Stumus roseus Rare winter visitor. Although listed by Rashid (1967), there are only two recent records: one at Patenga, Chittagong (south-east) in January 1988 (V.Z.), and three (including an adult in good plumage) in homestead trees east of Kawadighi Haor, near Moulvi Bazar (north-east) on 22 February 1992 (D.A.S.). COMMON STARLING Stumus vulgaris Rare winter visitor. Although listed by Rashid (1967), there are only three recent records, all from Patenga, Chittagong (south-east): three in December 1987 (V.Z.), 12 on 11 January 1990 (D.L.J.), and at least 20 in recently harvested fields on 7 December 1991 (D.L.J., P.M.T.). [BEAUTIFUL NUTHATCH Sitta formosa Possible vagrant, listed by Rashid (1967) but no other records. The record given in Harvey (1990) is now regarded as probable only.] WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW Hirundo smithii Vagrant. Although listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967) and others, the only recent record is of two over the Agricultural University campus at Mymensingh (central) in October 1988 (Harvey 1990). STRIATED SWALLOW Hirundo striolata Resident? Although listed by Husain (1979), the only confirmed records appear to be from near Srimangal (north-east) in November 1988 and March 1989 (W.G.H.). This species has probably been overlooked in the past among Red-rumped Swallows Hirundo daurica. ** STREAK-THROATED SWALLOW Hirundo fluvicola Vagrant. The only record for Bangladesh is of one, watched closely with Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica for comparison, over a small pond in the East Wildlife Sanctuary near Katka in the Sundarbans (south-west) on 1 7 December 1 990 (D.A.S.). According to Ali and Ripley (1987) this species has not previously been recorded from Bangladesh, Bengal, or Assam; however, northern populations are migratory so a vagrant in Bangladesh is not unexpected. **ASIAN HOUSE-MARTIN Delichondasypus Rare winter visitor? Although listed by Rashid (1967), the only confirmed record for Bangladesh is of a flock of about 50-100 hawking for insects, with Barn Swallows and Red- rumped Swallows (. Hirundo rustica and H. daurica ), over marshland, stubble 1004 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 35 fields and fires near Khagra, east of Sylhet (north-east) on 25 January 1993 (P.M.T.). Close views were obtained of several and identification was based on the pale greyish underparts, dark underwing coverts, and scarcely forked tail. The closest breeding areas for this species are in Nepal but it has also been recorded from lowlands in north-east India (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). FLAVESCENT BULBUL Pycnonotus flavescens Vagrant or former local resident. There is only one recent record: one seen in primary evergreen forest at Kamarchera, Rajkandi (north-east) on 22 February 1985 (D.L.J.). This forest has since been felled. As with a number of species from the hill areas its status in the Chittagong Hilltracts is unknown because access is restricted. YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA Prinia flaviventris Rare resident. Although first recorded from the north-east by Godwin-Austen (1870), there have been only five recent records. In the Sundarbans (south-west) one was singing at Hiron Point on 29 January 1 984 (D.L.J.); about ten were in a small marsh at Nilkamal on 10 February 1987 (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.); and six were at the same site in March 1991 (D.A.S.). Elsewhere three were on a grassy hillside in Nurjahan Tea Estate (Srimangal, north-east) on 25 June 1988 (D.J.M., P.M.T.); and two were singing between Chittagong and Rangamati (south-east) on 22 April 1989 (D.L.J.). CHESTNUT-HEADED TESIA Tesiacastaneocoronata Vagrant. Although listed for the Chittagong Hilltracts in Ali and Ripley (1987), the only recent record is of one in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north-east) on 24 March 1978 (D.L.J.). **SLATY-BELLIED TESIA Tesia olivea Vagrant. The only record is of one watched for 1 5 minutes at Madhapkhundo Waterfall (New Samanbagh Tea Estate, north-east) on 24 December 1992 (D.L.J., J. & S.O’M.). Grey- bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer is a relatively common winter visitor in the area, but this bird was distinguished by the whole of the cap being bright yellowish, and by a call which was similar but less harsh or sharp than that of T. cyaniventer. T. olivea is listed for the nearby hillstates by Ali and Ripley (1987), and may be a scarce altitudinal migrant to Bangladesh. BROWNISH-FLANKED BUSH-WARBLER Cettia fortipes Rare winter visitor? Although listed by Rashid (1967), and noted as breeding in the hills of Meghalaya and wintering in the plains of north Bengal (Ali and Ripley 1987), there appears to be only one record. One was seen in Modhupur Forest (central) in November 1986 (S.M.A.R.). SPOTTED BUSH-WARBLER Bradypterus thoracicus Rare winter visitor? First recorded from Sylhet (north-east) in the 1 9th century (Godwin-Austen, 1872). The only recent record is of one seen well in dense vegetation by Pasua Beel, Gurmar Haor (north-east) on 24 April 1992 (D.A.S.). LANCEOLATED WARBLER Locustella lanceolata Rare winter visitor? 36 P. M. THOMPSON et al. Forktail 9 Although listed by Rashid (1967) and Ripley (1982), the only recent record is of one seen well in herbaceous vegetation at Pasua Beel, Gurmar Haor (north-east) on 4 March 1992 (D.A.S.). GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia Rare winter visitor? Although listed by Rashid (1967) and Ripley (1982), the only recent record is of one seen well among crops by the Padma near Mawa south of Dhaka on 28 February 1986 (D.A.S.). PALLAS’S WARBLER Locustella certhiola Possibly an uncommon passage migrant, easily overlooked. Although listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967), the only recent records are: one in a small marsh at Nilkamal, Sundarbans (south-west) on 10 February 1987 (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.), one in riverside scrub at Hail Haor (north-east) in April 1 987 (W.G.H.), at least five in dense vegetation near Arabiakona Beel, Tangua Haor (north-east) on 23 April 1992 (D.A.S.), and two in a dense thicket at Pasua Beel (north-east) on 24 April 1992 (D.A.S.). * * B L A C K- B R O W E D REED-WARBLER Acrocephalus bistrigiceps Local winter visitor and passage migrant, possibly overlooked previously. The first record was of one in herbaceous vegetation with A. concinens l 'agricola for comparison at Rauar Beel (Tangua Haor, north-east) on 3 March 1992 (D.A.S.). Subsequent records are of at least four singing in a large area of rushes at Hail Haor (north-east) on 2 May 1992 (D.A.S.), and one in the company of A. concinens I agricola in dense vegetation at Pasua Beel (north¬ east) on 26 January 1993 (P.M.T.). This species (which breeds in north-east Asia) has been recorded as a winter visitor to West Bengal (regularly), eastern Assam, and Manipur (Ali and Ripley 1987), so it is not unexpected in Bangladesh. PADDYFIELD WARBLER Acrocephalus a^nco/a/BLUNT-WINGED WARBLER A. concinens Local winter visitor/passage migrant. A. agricola has been collected in Bangladesh (Godwin-Austen 1870) and Ripley (1982) listed A. concinens from Bangladesh. Harvey (1990) attributed all records of these two species to A. agricola , but D.A.S. considered that, out of the hundreds observed on passage through the wetlands of the north-east in late April and early May 1992 (many of which were in song), those closely observed were likely to be A. concinens. A. concinens stevensi breeds in Assam and has been recorded in Bangladesh (Ali and Ripley 1987), but is difficult to distinguish in the field from A. agricola ; further research is needed in Bangladesh. *SMOKY WARBLER Phylloscopusfuligiventer Vagrant?. The only confirmed records of this species which winters in the Himalayan foothills are: one in Modhupur Forest (central) on 26 November 1986 (C.S., S.M.A.R.), and one in waterside scrub in the Botanical Gardens, Dhaka on 1 8 February 1 989 (W.G.H.). 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 37 *RADDE’S WARBLER Phylloscopus schwarzi Vagrant/rare winter visitor. The first record, and apparently the fifth for the Indian subcontinent - the others being from Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991) and India (Jepson 1987) - was of three feeding low down in a clump of bougainvillaea in Gulshan, Dhaka on 15-20 December 1986 (W.G.H.). There are two subsequent records: two in the Botanical Gardens, Dhaka on 20 December 1988 (W.G.H.); and one in mangrove forest at Tiger Point in the Sundarbans (south-west) on 24 February 1992 (D.L.J.). PALE-RUMPED WARBLER Phylloscopus chloronotus A rare winter visitor. Although noted for Bangladesh in Ali and Ripley (1987), there are only two recent records, both from the Botanical Gardens, Dhaka: one on 1 December 1988, and one on 18 February 1989 (both W.G.H.). * YELLOWISH-BREASTED WARBLER (GREEN WARBLER) Phylloscopus trochiloides nitidus A rare passage migrant, not specifically mentioned for Bangladesh in Ali and Ripley (1987), although included in Rashid (1967). The first confirmed record was of one closely watched at Baroorah Tea Estate (Srimangal, north-east) in September 1986 (D.J.M.), the only subsequent record is of one in the Botanical Gardens Dhaka on 26 October 1991 (D.L.J.). Although difficult to identify, in both cases the birds were similar to but much brighter than accompanying Greenish Warblers P . trochiloides trochiloides I vindanus, showing yellower underparts. This subspecies has been recorded from Nepal in spring (Inskipp and Inskipp 1 99 1 ), and Ali and Ripley (1987) regarded it as only a spring migrant through the Eastern Himalayas. ^WESTERN CROWNED-WARBLER Phylloscopus occipitalis A regular winter visitor, not noted for Bangladesh in Ali and Ripley (1987). The first record was from West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 26 November 1985 (D.J.M.). Subsequently it has been frequently recorded from October to March in forests and tea estates in the north-east and central regions (W.G.H., D.L.J., D.J.M., C.S., P.M.T., J.D.W.). * GREY-HOODED WARBLER Seicercus xanthoschistos Rare passage migrant? Although listed by Rashid (1967) there are only three confirmed records. The first record was from Shamshernagar Tea Estate (north-east) in April 1986 (D.J.M.), subsequently single birds were seen in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest, Srimangal (north-east) in March and April 1 987 (W.G.H., J.D.W.). YELLOW-THROATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax galbanus Rare resident? Although listed by Ali and Ripley (1987) for the Chittagong Hilltracts, the only recent record is of four bathing in a hill stream at Muchoni near Teknaf (south-east) on 8 November 1983 (S.M.A.R.). RUFOUS-VENTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax gularis Rare resident? Although listed from Bangladesh in Ali and Ripley ( 1 987), the onl> 38 P. M. THOMPSON et al. Forktail 9 recent record is of one feeding on the ground by a stream in coastal scrub jungle 5 km south of Cox’s Bazar (south-east) on 27 April 1988 (P.M.T.). SPOT-THROATED BABBLER Pellomeum albiventre Rare resident. Although listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967), there are few confirmed records. In West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) one was closely observed in November 1985 (D.J.M., E.F.G.), and two were seen in June 1989 (W.G.H.). MARSH BABBLER Pellomeum palustre Rare resident? Although recorded from Sylhet in Hume (1888), and presumed to be a resident in marshy tree jungle in Bangladesh (Ali and Ripley 1987) this threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1988) has only been recorded once in recent years. Two were seen in damp forest scrub in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest, Srimangal (north-east) on 21 February 1989 (W.G.H.). LARGE SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus hypoleucos Rare resident. Although listed by Rashid (1967), there are only four recent records. One in Satcheri Reserve Forest, Telepara (north-east) on 4 February 1982 (D.L.J.), one at Panerchara near Cox’s Bazar (south-east) in November 1983 (S.M.A.R.), two in dense bamboo in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 24 June 1 99 1 (P.M.T.), and two calling persistently and attracted to tape playback at the same site on 1 5 May 1993 (N.B., R.H., D.L.J., J. & S.O’M., P.M.T.). SPOT-BREASTED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus erythrocnemis Rare resident. Although listed for the Chittagong Hilltracts in Ali and Ripley ( 1 987), the only recent record is of one in coastal scrub jungle south of Cox’s Bazar (south-east) on 28 April 1988 (P.M.T.). * LONG-T AILED SIBIA Heterophasia picaoides Vagrant. The only confirmed records are of at least four in a mixed species feeding flock in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (north-east) on 20 February 1989 (W.G.H.), and one in Rajnagar Tea Estate between Moulvi Bazar and Kalaura (north-east) on 30 April 1992 (S.M.A.R.). These were presumably altitudinal migrants, as this species is known from the nearby Indian hill states (Ali and Ripley 1987). RUFOUS-HEADED PARROTBILL Paradoxomis ruficeps Vagrant? First collected from south Sylhet by Primrose (1901), also a specimen from the Rema Tea Estate, Luskarpore Valley near Habiganj (north-east) is held in the collection of the Bombay Natural History Society (Abdulali 1 982). However, the only recent records of this threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1 988) are of a flock of at least five in dense bamboo in Nurjahan Tea Estate (north¬ east) on 23 February 1985, and again several in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal) in an area adjacent to Nurjahan Tea Estate on 19 April 1985 (both D.J.M.); possibly the same birds were involved. **LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Vagrant. The only record, considered to show characters of the race S. c. blythi, is of one in song for two 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 39 days in a tea estate at Srimangal (north-east) on 10 and 11 March 1990 (P.D.A., F.S., J.D.W.). This species is a common winter visitor to north¬ west India (Ali and Ripley 1987) and has even been recorded as far east as Thailand (Boonsong and Round, 1991). **ORPHEAN WARBLER Sylvia hortensis Vagrant. The only record is of a male closely watched in coastal trees at Patenga (Chittagong, south-east) on 7 December 1991 (P.M.T., D.L.J.). This species was previously known to winter as far east as south Bihar (Ali and Ripley 1987) and the Kosi area in eastern Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). THICK-BILLED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum agile Rare resident?. Although first recorded by Lister (1951), there are only five recent records. One was associating with a mixed species feeding flock at Shilkhali near Teknaf (south-east) on 20 August 1983 (S.M.A.R.). The remainder were all seen in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east): one on 1 5 April 1987 (D.J.M.), one on 26 November 1987 (P.M.T.), one on 2 December 1988 (D.J.M.), and one in May 1989 (W.G.H.). '‘'YELLOW-BELLIED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum melanoxanthum Vagrant. The only record is of a pair observed twice in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 23 February 1985 (D.L.J., N.B.). These were presumably vagrants from higher altitudes in the Himalayas; Ali and Ripley (1987) give a lowest altitude of 1400 m so this sighting at about 35 m is notable. [OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD Nectarinia jugularis Vagrant? The record from Sitapchar Reserve Forest, Kaptai (south-east), listed in Harvey (1990), would have been the first for the Indian subcontinent outside of the Andaman Islands, but is now regarded as only probable.] GOULD’S SUNBIRD Aethopyga gouldiae Vagrant or rare passage migrant?. First mentioned by Oates (1890), who noted that Hume recorded this species from Chittagong, but that there were no specimens in his collection from there. This is normally a species of higher altitudes than Bangladesh and the only recent records are of a pair at Kuderm Cave, Harikhola (Teknaf, south-east) on 6 March 1983 (S.M.A.R.), and a male closely observed in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 13 March 1985 (D.L.J.). GREEN-TAILED SUNBIRD Aethopyga nipalensis Status uncertain. Although listed for the Chittagong Hilltracts and at altitudes down to 300 m in Ali and Ripley (1987), the only recent record is of a male in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (Srimangal, north-east) on 22 February 1990 (P.D.A., F.S.). EURASIAN TREE SPARROW Passer montanus Rare resident. The only recent record is of a pair watched copulating on a garden wall in the western suburbs of Sylhet (north-east) on 20 April 1992 (D.A.S.). Although Harvey 40 P. M. THOMPSON et al. Forktail 9 (1990) gives the only past locality in Bangladesh as the Chittagong Hilltracts, P. m. malaccensis is a common resident in Assam and Meghalaya (Cachar, Khasi and Garo Hills) (Ali and Ripley 1987), and can be expected in the adjoining north-east of Bangladesh. BLYTH’S PIPIT Anthus godlewskii A rare passage migrant?. Although listed for Bangladesh by Rashid (1967), the only definite records of this species, which may have been overlooked in the past, are: at least 12 in Dhaka Zoo on 23 April 1988 (W.G.H., P.M.T.); 20+ by the river at Srimangal (north¬ east) on 14 May 1988; four at Dhaka Zoo on 29 October 1988; and at least two on the Ganges sandflats at Rajshahi (north-west) in February 1989 (all W.G.H.). **RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus Probably a scarce winter visitor to wetlands in the north-east. Although Rashid (1967) assumed that it would occur, the first records for Bangladesh are of at least eight individuals recorded during wetland surveys in the north-east in February-March 1 992. Two were near Hakaluki Haor on 1 9 February, four were in wet paddy fields near Puala Beel (Hakaluki Haor) on 20 February, and at Kawadighi Haor there was one on 22 February and two on 8 March (all D.A.S., latter also S.M.A.R.). It seems likely that this species has been overlooked in the past. Although this species is regular in winter in Pakistan and on passage in Nepal, there are few records from elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent. The closest records are from Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Ali and Ripley 1987). COMMON ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus Rare winter visitor. Although first recorded from Dhaka area by Tytler (1854), there are only three recent records. A male was at Sitakunda Hills, Chittagong (south-east) on 12 December 1987 (N.B., R.H.); 3-4 were feeding in scrub at Katka in the Sundarbans (south-west) on 16 December 1988 (W.G.H.); and a male was in the Port Authority compound at Nilkamal (Sundarbans, south-west) on 24 March 1991 (D.A.S., S.M.A.R.). CHESTNUT-EARED BUNTING Emberiza fucata Locally common winter visitor. Although listed by Ali and Ripley ( 1 987) as a winter visitor to most of Bangladesh, Harvey (1990) gave no recent records. The first recent record is of two in crops by the Padma near Mawa, south of Dhaka, on 28 February 1986 (D.A.S.). Subsequently D.A.S. and S.M.A.R., in surveys of wetlands in the north-east, found this species to be fairly common between 5 March and 2 May 1 992 with a total of 3 1 bird days from seven sites: Dubrair Haor (maximum count of at least 20 on 5 March 1 992), Meda Beel, Dekhar Haor, Arabiakona Beel, Maijeil Haor, Chatla Beel (Hakaluki Haor), and Hail Haor. Four were found at Medkol Beel, Bara Haor (also north-east) on 29 January 1993 (S.M.A.R.). This is a rather secretive species which would appear to have been overlooked in Bangladesh in the past. 1994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 41 LITTLE BUNTING Ernberiza pusilla Rare winter visitor. First recorded from Sylhet by Hume (1888), Ali and Ripley (1987) list it as a migrant to the Chittagong Hilltracts, but there are only three recent records. Two flocks totalling about 10 birds were on a hillside freshly prepared for planting tea near Snmangal (north-east) on 14 February 1986 (P.M.T.); one was by a track leading to Hail Haor (Srimangal) on 9 December 1988 (D.J.M., J.D.W.); and one was in a plantation at Bogi on the eastern edge of the Sundarbans (south-west) on 18 March 1991 (D.A.S.). DISCUSSION The above 147 species fall into three categories. Long distance migrants which occur as vagrants or which are regular visitors, and which were overlooked in the past (waders such as Spotted Redshank and some migrant warblers and buntings) . Altitudinal or local migrants which breed within the sub-continent and which may be regular in small numbers or are vagrants from the Himalayas and adjacent hill states. Finally, species which may be rare residents since they do not make regular movements (Table 1). Recent fieldwork has been concentrated in the wetlands and forest areas. A number of the species recorded from ‘other’ habitats (Table 1) make use of either wetlands or forest, but are also found in open country or homestead woodland. During the 1980s attention focused on the coastal mudflats, while in 1992-1993 regular surveys of the major wetlands in the north-east have revealed much new information. It is remarkable that of the 147 species discussed in this paper no less than 60 have been recorded from a small area around Srimangal town in the north¬ east; an area comprising the wetlands of Hail Haor, tea estates, and West Habitat/ origin New species not in Harvey (1990) New species in Harvey (1990) Other species Total Habitat number % number % number % number % Coastal wetland 0 0 9 24 5 6 14 10 Inland wetland 9 41 2 5 22 25 33 22 Forest 5 23 14 38 35 39 54 37 Other 8 36 12 33 26 30 46 31 Origin Long distance 12 55 14 38 28 32 54 36 Short distance 10 45 21 57 33 37 64 44 Resident 0 0 2 5 27 31 29 20 Total 22 15 37 26 88 59 147 100 Table 1 Habitat, origin and status of recent notable birds in Bangladesh. 42 P. M. THOMPSON et al. Forktail 9 Bhanugach Reserve Forest. Moreover 36 of the species discussed in this paper have been recorded in West Bhanugach Reserve Forest (including 1 5 which are new for Bangladesh since 1978). This small area must be regarded as the best and most accessible area of evergreen forest (a mixture of natural forest and old teak plantations) remaining in Bangladesh, but it is under constant human pressure for bamboo and timber. Unfortunately several other forests, and parts of West Bhanugach Reserve Forest, have been clear felled in recent years, they have at best been replanted with monocultures of quick growing trees which are of negligible ornithological interest. There are about 1 00 species for which there are still no recent records, but which are listed by Harvey (1990) as occurring in Bangladesh on the basis of historical records, mostly from the Chittagong Hilltracts. There have also been 59 new species for Bangladesh since 1978. Hence there is still much scope for new discoveries in this ornithologically diverse but understudied country, so long as the remaining small patches of relatively natural forests and wetlands can be preserved. We are grateful to Tim Inskipp for providing details of his extensive review of historical references; and especially to all those observers who provided details of their records. REFERENCES Abdulali, H. (1968) A catalogue of the birds in the collection of die Bombay Natural History Society - 1 Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes, J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 65: 182-199. Abdulali, H. (1982) A catalogue of the birds in the collection of the Bombay Natural History Society -26 Muscicapidae (Timaliinae (contd.), J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 79: 607-619. Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1987) The compact handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. Bakewell, D. and Howes, J. R. (1989) Preliminary report on the assessment of coastal areas of Noakhali District, Bangladesh, for wildlife conservation and sustainable utilisation. Kuala Lumpur: Asian Wetland Bureau. Bates, R. S. P. (1935) Some birds of Chittagong. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 38: 158-162. Blanford, W. T. (1898) Fauna of British India. Birds, 4. London: Taylor and Francis. Blyth, E. (1857) Curator’s report for the August meeting, 1856. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 25: 439-449. Boonsong Lekagul and Round, P. D ( 1 99 1 ) A guide to the birds of Thailand. Bangkok: Saha Kam Bhaet Co. Collar, N. J. and Andrew, P. (1988) Birds to watch. The ICBP world check-list of threatened birds. Cambridge, U.K.: International Council for Bird Preservation. Collins, S. J. K. (1948) Birds of the Lalmai area, near Comilla, Tippera, Bengal (observed between December 1944 and end of July, 1945). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 47: 57-69. Cripps, J. R. (1878) First list of the birds of Fureedpore, eastern Bengal. Stray Feathers 7:238-315. Evans, M. (1881) [Wildfowl in Sylhet]. Stray Feathers 10: 163-165. Gardiner, S. (1991) Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata: a new species for Nepal. Forktail 6: 87-88. Godwin-Austen, H. (1870) Second list of birds obtained in the Khasi and North Cachar hill ranges including the Garo Hills and country at their base in the Mymensingh and Sylhet districts. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 39(2): 264-275. Godwin-Austen, H. (1872) Third list of birds obtained in the Khasi and Garo hills ranges, with some corrections and additions to the former lists. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 41(2): 142-143. Harvey, W. G. (1990) Birds in Bangladesh. Dhaka: University Press Ltd. 1 994 Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh 43 Hume, A. O. (1888) The birds of Manipur, Assam, Sylhet and Cachar. Stray Feathers 1 1 : 1-353. Husain, K. Z. (1968) Field-notes on the birds of the Chittagong Hill-Tracts. (Notes based on the records of the Asiatic Society of Pakistan Expedition to the Chittagong Hill-Tracts, 1965), Paper V: Non¬ passerine birds. J. Asiatic Sac. Pakistan 13: 91-101. Husain, K. Z. (1979) Birds of Bangladesh. Dhaka: Government of Bangladesh. Husain, K. Z. and Haque, M. N. (1976) Further additions to the list of birds of Pablakhali Wildlife Sanctuary (the Chittagong Hill-Tracts). Bangladesh J. Zool. 4: 131-132. Husain, K. Z., Sarker, S. U., and Khan, A. R. (1974) Birds of Dacca with some notes on their present status). Bangladesh J. Zool. 2: 153-170. Husain, K. Z., Sarker, S. U., and Rahman, M. (1983) Summer birds of the Sundarbans’ ‘Nilkamal Sanctuary’, Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Zool. 11:48-51. Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. P. (1991) A guide to the birds of Nepal. Second edition. London: Christopher Helm. Jepson, P. (1987) Recent reports. Oriental Bird Club Bull. 6: 36-40. Katti, M. (1992) Biodiversity and the exploitation of wild fruits in the tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Unpublished project summary. Khan, M. A. R. (1982) Wildlife of Bangladesh: a checklist. Dhaka: University of Dhaka. Khan, M. A. R. (1985) St Martins - a vanishing coral island of Bangladesh. Tigerpaper 12(4): 6-12. King, B., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. (1975) A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. Koelz, W. (1954) Ornithological studies. I. New birds from Iran, Afghanistan and India. Contrib. Inst. Regional Exploration 1: 1-32. Lister, M. D. (1951) Some bird associations of Bengal. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 49:695-728. Meyer de Schauensee, R. (1984) The birds of China. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Mountfort, G. and Poore, D. ( 1 968) Report on the second World Wildlife Fund Expedition to Pakistan. (WWF Project 311). Unpublished report. Gland, Switzerland: WWF. Oates, E. W. (1890) Fauna of British India. Birds, 2. London: Taylor and Francis. Prater, S. H. (1926) The occurrence of the Giant Heron ( Ardea goliath) in the Khulna District, Bengal. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 31: 523. Primrose, A. M. (1901) Notes on birds collected in south Sylhet. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 13: 707- 708. Rashid, H. (1967) Systematic list of the birds of East Pakistan. Publication no. 20. Dacca: The Asiatic Society of Pakistan. Rashid, S. M. A. and Khan, A. Z. (1987) Waterfowl of the Teknaf Peninsula, Bangladesh. Paper presented at the Conference on Wetlands and Waterfowl Conservation in Asia, Malacca, Malaysia, 23-28 February 1987. IWRB and Interwader. Ripley, S. D. (1982) A synopsis of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Bombay: Bombay Natural History Society. Savage, C. D. W. (1970) S.W. Asia survey. International Wildfowl Research Bureau Bulletin 30: 1 1-14. Scott, D. A. and Rose, P. M. (1989) Asian waterfowl census 1989. Slimbridge, UK: International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau. Simson, F. B. (1882) Notes on birds found near Dacca. Ibis 4(6): 84-95. Smythies, B. E. (1986) Birds of Burma. Third edition. London: Nimrod Press. Stanford, J. K. (1937) On the breeding of the Oystercatcher ( Haematopus ostralegus subsp.) and other birds in the Bengal Sunderbunds. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 39: 867-968. Stanford, J. K. (1954) A bewilderment of birds. London: Hart-Davis. Tvtler, R. C. (1854) Miscellaneous notes on the fauna of Dacca, including remarks made on the line of march from Barrackpore to that station. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 2(14): 168-177. van der Ven, J. (1988) Asian waterfowl - 1988. Slimbridge, U.K.: International Waterfowl Research Bureau. Weston, W. V. (1914) Small game shooting in Sylhet. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 23: 367-368. 44 P. M. THOMPSON et al. Forktail 9 Paul M. Thompson, Middlesex University, Queensway, Enfield, EN3 4SF, U.K. W. G. Haruey, The British Council, PO Box 40751, Nairobi, Kenya. David L. Johnson, House 52, Road 11, Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh David J. Millin, Furzemoor Cottage, Cold Harbour, Goring Heath, Reading, RG8 7SY, U.K. S. M. A. Rashid, Nature Conservation Movement (NACOM) , House 16, Road 2, Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh. D. A. Scott, Runagate, Far Green, Coaley, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5EL, U.K. Craig Stanford, Department of Anthropology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0032, U.S.A. John D. Woolner, 1 Priory Close, Harrold, Bedfordshire, MK43 7DL, U.K. APPENDIX 1 LIST OF INITIALS AND CONTRIBUTORS OF NOTABLE RECORDS R.A. A.W.A. P.D.A. D. B. M. A.B. N. B. G.F. E. F.G. J.H. R.H Raguibuddin Ahmed A. Wahab Akonda Peyo D’Andurian David Bakewell Mark A. Barter Nalini Bayen Graham Frazer E.F. Grimes John Howes Ronnie Haider W.G. Harvey David L. Johnson Altamash Kabir Anisuzzaman Khan W.G.H. D.L.J. A.M.K. A.K. R. K. H. & C.L. D.J.M. J. & S.O’M S. M.A.R. F.S. D.A.S. M.S. C.S. P.M.T. A.W. P.L.W. J.D.W. V.Z. Reza Khan HansHans and Christina Lamosse David J. Millin .John and Sue O’Malley S.M.A. Rashid Francois Sargot Derek A. Scott Murray Smith Craig Stanford Paul M. Thompson Ann Wheeler P.L. White John D. Woolner N.P. van Zalinge 1994 FORKTAIL 9 (1993): 45 - 57 45 Birds recorded in the Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India ANTHONY J. GASTON, PETER J. GARSON and SANJEEVA PANDEY Recent information on the avifauna of the Great Himalayan National Park in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India is provided. Most observations were obtained from the Himachal Wildlife Project, a series of forest wildlife surveys conducted mainly in spring and autumn during 1980-91 . So far, 183 species of birds, including 132 passerines, have been recorded in the Park and on its western approaches. These data provide evidence of sympatric populations of Dark-grey Tit Pants nt/onuchalis and Rufous-vented Tit P. nibidiventris, and a substantial range extension for Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni. Two sightings of White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana are thought to be the first in the western Himalaya. A great deal of information has been accumulated in the past two decades on the birds of the Nepal Himalaya, about which little was known prior to the 1970s (Inskipp 1989, Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). By contrast the Indian Himalaya, so well visited during the British period, has received much less attention since Indian independence. Kashmir and Ladakh have remained popular destinations for ornithologists (e.g. Williams and Delaney 1986, Holmes 1 986, Mallon 1987), but there has been very little published on birds in Himachal Pradesh, which represents the heart of the western Himalaya (Schaller 1 977). In this paper we describe recent observations on birds in the Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, which lies in this region and contains a complete suite of the temperate and subalpine forest types characteristic of front ranges in this part of India. The Great Himalayan National Park is situated in Seraj Tehsil of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh. It was created in 1984, following recommendations provided by the Himachal Wildlife Project, a joint U.K., U.S.A. and Indian project to assess the status of wildlife and wildlife habitats in Himachal Pradesh (Gaston et al. 1981, 1983). The Park covers 620 km2, over an altitude range of 1,700-5,800 m (Singh et al. 1990), and comprises the headwaters of three left bank tributaries of the River Beas: the Jiwa, Sainj, and Tirthan (Figure 1). The climate of the Park is typical of the front ranges of the western Himalaya. Precipitation is moderate over most of the year and abundant during the monsoon season in June-August. In winter snow falls throughout the park, although it generally does not lie long at the lowest altitudes. Above 3,000 m snow generally persists from November to March. 46 A. J. GASTON, P. J. GARSON and SANJEEVA PANDEY Forktail 9 Figure 1 . Location of the Great Himalayan National Park (stippled area) within the upper Beas Valley, near Kullu in central Himachal Pradesh. The inset shows Himachal Pradesh (HP) on an outline of India. About one third of the area of the Park supports closed canopy forest, which extends from the valley bottoms to 3,300-3,600 m, depending on aspect. A little over half of the area lies above 4,000 m, which is approximately the upper boundary of the subalpine and alpine scrub communities in this part of the Himalaya (Champion and Seth 1968, Gaston ct al. 1981). The forested areas support good examples of most vegetation types representative of the area, including extensive stands of Kharsu Oak Quercus semecarpifolia, Horse Chestnut Aesculus indica , Birch Betula alnoides , Himalayan Blue Pine 1994 Birds recorded in the Great Himalayan National Park 47 (Kail) Pinus wallichiana, West Himalayan Silver Fir Abies pindrow, West Himalayan Spruce Picea smithiana and Himalayan Cedar Cedms deodara , as well as smaller areas of the lower altitude oaks, Ban Q. leucotnchophora and Moru Q. floribunda. Himalayan Yew Taxus baccata ssp. wallichiana is an important understory tree in places. Pure stands of any species are relatively rare, most of the forest being mixed to some degree. Several clearings (‘thach’) used for grazing occur within the forest zone. The forest surrounding such clearings tends to have an open understorey and the vegetation shows signs of damage by grazing. The Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera is common in such areas, forming extensive patches of ground cover. Elsewhere, especially where slopes are very steep, the forest has a dense understorey of Ringal Bamboo Thamnocalamus spathiflora and shrubs. The subalpine zone is dominated by a low forest of Himalayan Birch B. utilis, Cherry Prunus comma and fir, or by dense stands of Rhododendron campanulatum up to about 3 m high. Common Juniper Juniperus communis scrub occurs in the lower part of the alpine zone, above about 3,700 m. Higher up, the vegetation consists principally of herb communities which are very diverse and luxuriant in places. The area of the Great Himalayan National Park was judged by members of Himachal Wildlife Project to support the best examples of undisturbed West Himalayan temperate forest that they encountered during extensive surveys throughout most of Himachal Pradesh in 1978-1980. Consequently it should support a near-complete sample of both resident and migrant species regarded as characteristic of the West Himalaya. The Park also falls within one of the globally important Endemic Bird Areas (D02: Western Himalayas) identified by the ICBP Biodiversity Project (ICBP 1992). Previously the birds of the Kullu Valley have been listed by Whistler ( 1926a), who also produced a more extensive list of birds for the adjacent Kangra Valley (Whistler 1 926b) . He visited the Seraj Tehsil, but his list specified only a few species from there and it is unlikely that he penetrated the Park area, which is not on any regularly-used track and does not contain any rest-house. Both Whistler (1926a) and Babault (1920) visited Pulga, in the Parbati Valley, only a day’s walk from the Park boundary (Figure 1), while Wynter- Blyth (1952) passed through the Tirthan Valley not far from the Park. There is no published account reporting birds from the actual Park area. The ornithology of the Great Himalayan National Park area has been investigated since 1980 by a number of parties affiliated to the Himachal Wildlife Project. Visits were made during 22-26 March, 14-18 April, 22-26 May, 7-16 September and 9- 1 2 October in 1980; 13-18 March, 30 March- 8 April, and 29 April-3 May in 1983; 13-15 November in 1985; 5-14and21- 29 September, and 9-16 and 26-30 October in 1991 (Gaston and Garson 1992). Other observations have also been contributed by the staff of the 48 A. J. GASTON, P. J. GARSON and SANJEEVA PANDEY Forktail 9 National Park and by B. King (pers. comm.)? who visited the area from 27 September to 2 October 1984. This paper summarises all records of birds within the Park up to November 1991. Because there is no road access to the Park all visitors need to walk in along one of the several trails that give access to it. We have included in our list all species seen within the Park boundaries and also those recorded between the roadheads at Ropa or Sainj (in the Sainj Valley), or Gushaini (in the Tirthan Valley) and the Park boundary (Figure 1). Plant names follow Polunin and Stainton ( 1 984) . For birds, nomenclature follows Sibley and Monroe (1990). RESULTS Himachal Wildlife Project survey parties and the National Park staff have recorded 168 species of birds in the Great Himalayan National Park and a further 1 1 species on the approach paths. Another four species were reported by B. King, making 183 species in total to date (Table 1). The list comprises 5 1 non-passerines and 1 32 passerines. This compares with 7 1 non-passerines and 1 50 passerines recorded by Himachal Wildlife Project parties throughout the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh above 1,500 m altitude in 1980 (Gaston etal. 1981), suggesting that the Park supports a substantial proportion of all the species occurring within its altitudinal range in the western Himalayas. At least 50 species are summer visitors to the Park(e.g. Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola, cuckoos Cuculus, Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis, swifts, Grey Nightjar Caprirnulgus indicus, drongos Dicrums, swallows, most flycatchers and warblers, many chats and thrushes). Other resident species may move to lower altitudes within the Beas catchment for the harshest mid¬ winter period, during which we have done little work. Thus we have also only recorded three winter visitors so far, and more may well occur only then. No species could be described definitely as passage migrants, although Short¬ eared OwMszo flammeus, Fork-tailed SwiftHpws pacificus, Eurasian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus sindianus and Tickell’s Leaf-Warbler P. affinis may fall into that category. Raptors Both Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis and Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus were common in the Park, being seen daily at all seasons. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos and Common Buzzard Buteo buteo were seen frequently at all seasons in the subalpine and alpine zones. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus was common below the tree line. Black Eagle Ictinaetus 1994 Birds recorded in the Great Himalayan National Park 49 malayensis and Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus were recorded only twice each. There was no record of Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus from the Park. This species appears to have become very rare in the western Himalaya. Gamebirds The Great Himalayan National Park is one of only two National Parks in the world to support a population of the threatened Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus (Collar and Andrew 1988), the other being Machiara National Park in Pakistan (G. Duke, pers. comm.). Males were heard calling during both spring surveys (1980, 1983), and in October 1991 two family parties were encountered, and birds were also seen in the Tirthan Valley just outside the Park boundary. The altitudinal range of these records was 2,100-3,100 m. The Impeyan Monal Lophophorus impejanus and Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha were abundant in the temperate forest zone, and Monal also occurred in subalpine scrub, especially in autumn. Kalij Pheasants Lophura leucomelanos occurred in small numbers below 2,000 m, while some steep south-facing slopes covered by grasses and shrubs supported small numbers of the Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii (Garson et al. 1992). The Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola occurred sparingly at altitudes below 2,500 m. The Snow Partridge Lerzua lerzua has been recorded just once in the Park, above the tree-line in the Tirthan Valley during November 1 99 1 (M. Bhaik, pers. comm.) . The only other sighting reported by Himachal Wildlife Project parties was of a covey in the Jagatsukh Valley, which lies about 50 km north¬ west of the Park near Manali (Figure 1), in October 1985 (A.J.G., pers. obs.). This species is clearly rather rare in the front ranges of the western Himalaya. Shorebirds Eurasian Woodcock were recorded roding at several localities within the Park and in adjacent forested areas between 1,900-3,000 m. It is presumably a regular breeder. The Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria was recorded in autumn 1991 on two small marshes at about 4,000 m elevation. Pigeons The Speckled Wood-Pigeon Columba hodgsonii and Snow Pigeon C. leuconota were both common in the Park, as was the Oriental Turtle-Dove in summer. Parakeets The Slaty-headed Parakeet Psittacula himalayana, seen commonly in forest up to 2,200 m, was the only species recorded. 50 A. J. GASTON, P. J. GARSON and SANJEEVA PANDEY Forktail 9 Cuckoos All species were summer visitors to the forests, the Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus and the Oriental Cuckoo C. saturatus being encountered most frequently. Owls The Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei and the Tawny Owl Strix aluco were both common in the temperate forest zone and the Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus was recorded on several dates. The Rock Eagle-Owl Bubo bengalensis and Short-eared Owl were recorded only once. Other non-passerines The Grey Nightjar was common during April-September up to 3,000 m. Himalayan Swiftlets Collocalia brevirostris and Fork-tailed Swifts Apus pacificus were recorded frequently from April to October, occurring mainly over forests. There was one record for the White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus. The Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops occurred up to 2,500 m during April-September. Brown-fronted Woodpecker Dendrocopos auriceps and Great Barbet Megalaima virens were both recorded up to 2,000 m, while the Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus and Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis occurred throughout the temperate forests. The Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus was present only at the lowest altitudes (below 2,000 m). Passerines Like most Himalayan forests, those of the Great Himalayan National Park are rich in babblers (Garrulacinae and Sylviinae: Timaliini, 14 species), flycatchers (Muscicapinae: Muscicapini, 1 1 species), chats (Muscicapinae: Saxicolini, 1 1 species), warblers (Acrocephalinae, 14 species), and Thrushes (Turdinae, 12 species), which together comprised just under 50% of passerines recorded. Our records of three particular species appear to be noteworthy: White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryxmontana. One female was seen in the Jiwa Valley in September 1991 (S. Westerberg, pers. comm.) and one of unknown sex was seen by A J.G. in the Tirthan Valley on the approach to the Park in October 1991 . Although Ali and Ripley (1983) give the range of this bird as extending west to Tehri Garhwal, there does not appear to be any authentic previous record west of Nepal. The reference cited by Ali and Ripley for Garhwal (Osmaston 1 897) does not mention the species, and the inclusion of Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) and Garhwal by Baker ( 1 924) is not 1094 Birds recorded in the Great Himalayan National Park 51 supported by specific references. Thus our records appear to be the first for the western Himalaya and extend the known range of this species by some 400 km to the north-west. Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni. Two males were seen in the Sainj Valley (one singing) and one female was trapped and photographed at Majhan in the Jiwa Valley, all in September 1991 (S. Westerberg and A. Starling, pers. comm.). This species is said by Ali and Ripley (1983) not to occur west of Nepal, but it is reported by Green (1986) from Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Garhwal (Uttar Pradesh) . Our records extend its range by a further 200 km to the north-west. Rufous-vented T it Pams mbidiventris . Single individuals were seen twice in mixed feeding parties with Black-crested Tits P. melanolophus and warblers in coniferous forest above 3,000 m in the Tirthan Valley in October 1991 (A.J.G., pers. obs.). This species was also recorded by A.J.G. in subalpine scrub in the Jagatsukh Valley (Figure 1) in October 1985. Ali and Ripley (1983) regarded this bird as conspecific with the Dark-grey Tit P. mfonuchalis , and gave its western range limit as Tehri Garhwal. However, Green (1986) recorded this species as occurring in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and Jones (1944) reported it from Chor Dhar, just east of Shimla. The Rufous- vented and Dark-grey Tits have previously been reported as occurring sympatrically in central Nepal and at Overa Wildlife Sanctuary in Kashmir (Jamdar and Price 1990). Like us in autumn, these authors only found the Rufous-vented Tit close to the tree-line in spring, and observed the Dark- grey Tit to have a much broader and generally lower altitudinal distribution. CONCLUSIONS The Great Himalayan National Park provides excellent opportunities for viewing the avifauna of the Western Himalayan front ranges. With the progressive destruction of much of the mature forest elsewhere in Kullu District, the large block of virtually undisturbed habitats provided by the Park should assure the persistence of species such as Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, Black Eagle, Booted Eagle, Western Tragopan, Tawny Owl, and Long-billed Thrush Zoothera monticola, which probably require substantial areas of natural forest for their survival. Ornithological investigations of the Park are by no means complete. In particular, the alpine areas have been little visited in summer, so the list of high altitude breeders is almost certainly incomplete. In addition there have been few observations between November and February, when high altitude species may be driven down into the valley bottoms by heavy snow. Observations in winter, even at low altitudes, would also help to clarify the migratory status of many species. Further work in spring and summer is 52 A. J. GASTON, P. J. GARSON and SANJEEVA PANDEY Forktail 9 required to establish whether or not most of the species recorded so far actually breed within the Park, and if so, over what sort of altitude range and in which particular forest types. Visits in May, when weather conditions are usually good, would be especially valuable for this purpose. Anyone wishing to carry out ornithological studies in the western Himalayas will find the Great Himalayan National Park an excellent area in which to work. A good network of trails is maintained in all three main valleys by the Park staff. In 1991 they also constructed or refurbished several huts, which can accommodate visitors. Arranging access to facilities, as well as guides and porters, should be done by contacting the Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Department of Forest Farming and Conservation, Shamshi, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh. The authors would be most interested to receive notes on any bird observations made in Kullu District and especially within the National Park. We would like to thank all those members of the Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Department of Forest Farming and Conservation (DFFC), who did so much to make our various survey trips both productive and enjoyable. For assistance in 1991 we would like to thank especially the Chief Wildlife Warden, B. S. Chauhan, the outgoing Director of the Park, Vijay Kumar, and the new Director, Manoj Bhaik, for their enthusiastic support, and M. P. Sharma and B. R. Negi for their their help and companionship in the field. For financial support in 1991 we are grateful to the International Trust for Nature Conservation, the Oriental Bird Club and World Wide Fund for Nature-India. We would like to thank Aligarh Muslim University and the Canadian Wildlife Service for the loan of equipment. We also thank all those outside the Wildlife Wing who worked with us in the field in 1991: Dr H. S. A. Yahya, Afif U. Khan, Ashfaque Ahmed and Rashid H. Raza (Centre of Wildlife and Ornithology, Aligarh Muslim University), Virinder Sharma (H. P. Council for Science, Technology and Environment), Ajay Rastogi (WWF-India), Vishal Bhopal (Kullu Naturalists Club), Anne and Stephen Westerberg and Anne-Marie Gaston. Many thanks are also due to Mr Vindri Singh and his family from Shangarh for hospitality and medical assistance, and to Mr Ranjiv Bharti and family for advice and entertainment. Finally we thank Ben King for the use of his unpublished records. 1994 Birds recorded in die Great Himalayan National Park 53 REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1983) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Compact Edition. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. Babault, G. (1920) Mission Guy Babault dans les provinces centrales de I’Inde, dans la region occidentale de l' Himalaya et Ceylan, 1914. Resultats scientifiques, oiseaux. Paris: Musee National d’Histoire Naturelle. Baker, E. C. S. (1924) The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma. Birds, 2. Second edition. London: Taylor and Francis. Champion, H. G. and Seth, S. K. (1968) A revised survey of the forest types of India. New Delhi: Government of India. Collar, N. J. and Andrew, P. (1988) Birds to watch: the ICBP world checklist of threatened birds. Cambridge, U.K.: International Council for Bird Preservation (Techn. Publ. 8). Garson, P. J., Young, L. and Kaul, R. (1992) Ecology and conservation of the Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii : studies in the wild and the progress of a reintroduction project. Biol. Conserv. 59: 25-35. Gaston, A. J. and Garson, P. J. (1992) Himachal Wildlife Project - III. A re-appraisal of the Great Himalayan National Park. Unpublished. Gaston, A. J., Hunter, M. L. and Garson, P. J. (1981) The wildlife of Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalayas. University of Maine School of Forest Resources Technical Report No. 82. Gaston, A. J., Garson, P. J. and Hunter, M. L. (1983) The status and conservation of forest wildlife in Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalayas. Biol. Conserv. 27: 291-314. Green, M. J. B. (1986) The birds of Kedarnath Sanctuary, Chamoli District, Uttar Pradesh: status and distribution. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 83: 603-617. Holmes, P. R. (1986) The avifauna of the Suru River Valley, Ladakh. Forktail 2: 21-41. I.C.B.P. (1992) Putting biodiversity on the map: priority areas for global conservation. Cambridge, U.K. : International Council for Bird Preservation. Inskipp, C. (1989) Nepal’s forest birds: their status and conservation. Cambridge, U.K.: International Council for Bird Preservation. (Monograph 4). Jamdar, N. and Price, T. ( 1 990) Simla BlackTit Pants rufonuchalis and Rufous-bellied Crested Tit Pants ntbidiventris breeding sympatrically in Kashmir. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 87: 302-303. Jones, A. E. (1944) On the occurrence of the Rufous-bellied Crested Tit ( Lophophanes ntbidiventris ) in the Simla Hills. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 44: 474-475. Jones, A. E. (1944) On the occurrence of the Rufous-bellied Crested Tit ( Lophophanes ntbidiventris ) in the Simla Hills. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 44: 474-475. Osmaston, B. B. (1897) Birds nesting in the Tons Valley. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 1 1 : 468-473. Mallon, D.P. (1987) The winter birds of Ladakh. Forktail 3: 27-41. Polunin, O. and Stainton, A. (1984) Flowers of the Himalayas. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. Schaller, G. B. (1977) Mountain monarchs. Chicago: Chicago University Press. Sibley, C. G. and Monroe, B. L., Jr. (1990) Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. New Haven and London: Yale University Press. Sibley, C. G. and Monroe, B. L., Jr. (1993) A supplement to distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. New Haven and London: Yale University Press. Singh, S., Kothari, A. and Pande, P., eds. (1990) Directory of national parks and sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh: management status and profiles. New Delhi: Indian Institute of Public Administration. Whistler, H. (1926a) A note on the birds of Kulu. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 31: 458-485. Whistler, H. (1926b) The birds of Kangra District, Punjab. Ibis (12)2: 521-581. Williams, C. T. and Delaney, S. N. (1986) Migration through the north-west Himalaya - some results of the Southampton University Ladakh expeditions, 2. Bull. Oriental Bird Club 3: 1 1-16. Wynter-Blyth, M. A. (1952) A naturalist in the north-west Himalaya. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 50: 559- 572. Anthony J. Gaston, Canadian Wildlife Service, 100 Gamelin Boulevard, Hull, Quebec K1A 0H3, Canada Peter J. Garson, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Newcastle, Newcastle- upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K. Sanjeeva Pandey, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box 18, Chandrabani, Dchra Dun 248 001, India 54 A. J. GASTON, P. J. GARSON and SANJEEVA PANDEY Forktail 9 Table 1. Birds seen in or near the Great Himalayan National Park. Names and species order follow Sibley and Monroe (1990 and 1993). Key: * = species recorded in the Park; (*) = recorded on approaches only; N= evidence of breeding seen; S= seen and heard singing (indicating probable breeding); K = only reported by B. King (in litt., 1984). SPECIES Snow Partridge Lenea leruia Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis Chukar Alecioris chukar Black Francoun Francolinus francolinus Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha Impeyan Monal Lophophorus irnpejanus Kauj Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii Speckled Piculet Picuntnus innominatus Brown-fronted Woodpecker Dendrocopos auriceps Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis Scaly -bellied Woodpecker Picas squamatus Great Barbet Megalaima virens Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Pied Cuckoo Oxylophus jacobinus Large Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropicrus Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saiuratus Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Slaty-headed Parakee t Psittacula himalayana Himalayan Swiftlet Coltocalia brevirostris White-throa ted Needletaii. Hirundapus caudacutus Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus Rock Eagle-Owl Bubo bengalensis Tawny Owl Slri.x aluco Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei Short-eared Owl Asio jlammeus Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus Rock Pigeon Columba livia Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota Speckled Wood-Pigeon Columba hodgsonii Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon Treron sphenura Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Northern Harrier Circus cyancus Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipitcr nisus Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Buzzard Buteo sp., probably B. buteo Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis YEAR 1980 1983 1984-1985 1991 (*) S S s s (*) (*) (*) (*) (*) s 1994 Birds recorded in the Great Himalayan National Park 55 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pertnatus Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Gold-billed Magpie Urocissa Jlavirostris Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Yellow-billed Chough P\>rrhocorax graculus Large-biiled Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Common Raven Corvus corax Eurasian Golden-Oriole Oriolus oriolus Long-tailed Minivet Pcricrocotus ethologus Yellow-beujed Fantail Rhipidura hypoxanlha White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Black Drongo Dicnirus macrocercus Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii Chestnut-beijjed Rock-Thrush Monticola rufiventris Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius Blue Whistling-Thrush Myiophonus caeruleus Plain-backed T hrush Zoothera mollissima Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma Long-billed Thrush Zoothera monticola White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa mficauda Rueous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina Rupous-belued Niltava Niltava sundara Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubcculoides Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis Orange-flanked Bush-Robin Tarsiger cyanurus Golden Bush-Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis White-capped Water- Redstart Chaimarromis leucocephalus Plumbeous Water-Redstart Rhyacomis fuliginosus Little Forktail Enicunts scouleri Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus {*) (*) ★ (*) (*) (*) (*) * N (*) S S s s (*) s s s (*) (*) (*) K (*) (*) K (*) 56 A. J. GASTON, P. J. GARSON and SANJEEVA PANDEY Forktail 9 White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis (*) White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis * * ★ * Wallcreeper Tichodronia muraria * * Eurasian Treecreeper Cenhia familiaris N * Bar-tailed Treecreeper Cenhia himalayana S * * * Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes * * * * Fire-capped Tit Cephalopyms flammiceps * * Dark-grey Tit Pams mfonuchalis * * * * Rufous-vented Tit Pams mbidiventris * Black-crested Tit Pams melanolophus s * * * Grey-crested Tit Pams dichrous s * * Great Tit Pams major * Green-backed Tit Pams monticolus N ★ * * Black-lored Tit Pams xanthogetiys * Yellow-browed Tit Sylvipams modes tus * Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus N * * * White-throated Tit Aegithalos niveogidaris * * Red-rumped Swallow Himndo daurica n (*) House-Martin Delichon urbica! dasypus ★ ★ Goldcrest Regulus regulus * * Himalayan Bulbul Pycnotionis leucogenys (*) * * Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus * ★ (*) * Striated Prinia Prinia criniger (S) (*) * Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus (*) * Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata * Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler Cettia fonipes s Grey-sided Bush-Warbler Cettia bmnnifrons * Eurasian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita * Tickell’s Leaf- Warbler Phylloscopus affitiis * Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher s ★ Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis * * Pale-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus * * * Yellow-browed (Inornate) Warbler Phylloscopus inomatus * * * Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides ★ Western Crowned-Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis * Blyth’s Leaf-Warbij-:r Phylloscopus reguloides ■* Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii * Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos s * * White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis * S triated Laughingthrush Garmlax striatus s * * Streaked Laughingthrush Gamdax lineatus s * * Variegated Laughing thrush Gamdax variegatus s * * * Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus (*) * Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus eryihrogenys (*) (*) Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler Pnoepvga albiventer * Black-chinned Babbler Stachvris pyrrhops (*) (*) White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis (*) * (*) Green Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus * * (*) Chestnut-tailed Minia Minla strigula * * * (*) White-browed Fulvetfa Alcippe vinipectus * * * Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata * * * * Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis * * * * Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicacum iguipectus (*) (*) Crimson Sunbird Aetltopyga siparaja * * Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans N * (*) 1994 Birds recorded in the Great Himalayan National Park 57 White Wagtail Motacilla alba Grey Wagtail Motacilla cincrea Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni I Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus F Rufous-streaked Accentor Prunella hirnalayana f Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata ' Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata ; Fire-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus YEixow-BREAsrED Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Plain Mountain-Finch Leucosticte nemoricola Spectacled Finch Callacanthis burtoni Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis I Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochrous • Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis Orange Bullfinch Pyrrhula aurantiaca ■ Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala Black- and- yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis ' Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas camipes 1 Rock Bunting F.mberiza cia N S S (*) (*) (*) (*) (*) K S (*) (*) (*) 58 A. J. GASTON, P. J. GARSON and SANJEEVA PANDEY Forktail 9 1994 FORKTAIL 9 (1993): 59 - 82 59 The ecology of river birds in Nepal DR STEPHANIE J. TYLER and DR STEPHEN J. ORMEROD Five weeks were spent in Nepal in November and December 1991 and a further three weeks in March and early April making a preliminary investigation of the ecology of river birds. Field work was carried out on selected stretches of rivers from c. 200 m to over 3,500 m. Data were collected on the distribution, use of the river corridor, feeding behaviour and diet of Brown Dippers Cmclus pallasii, Grey Wagtails Motacilla cinerea, four species of forktail Enicurus, Plumbeous Water- Redstarts Rhyacomis fuliginosus , White-capped Water-Redstarts Chaimarromis leucocephalus, Blue Whistling-Thrushes Myiophonus caeruleus and several species of kingfisher. Data on biometrics of some of these species were also obtained, and any aggressive interactions between species noted. Species diversity in the winter months was highest at altitudes between 600 m and 1,600 m, with few riverine species noted above c. 2,300 m. Plumbeous and White-capped Water-Redstarts were the most numerous species, the former occurring at densities of a bird per 50-60 m on rivers in die Middle Hills. Some evidence was obtained for differences in the use of river habitats by male and female Plumbeous Water-Redstarts. Brown Dippers were in pairs and nest-building during November in the Middle Hills. By March, Brown Dippers and other river birds had returned to breed on high altitude rivers; Brown Dippers were still nest-building at over 3,000 m but pairs were feeding young in the lower Langtang. In the winter Brown Dippers, Little Forktails Enicurus scouleri , White-capped Water-Redstarts and Plumbeous Water-Redstarts occurred predominantly on rocks in the river. However, of these four species only Brown Dippers were frequently recorded wading, swimming and diving in the river. White- capped Water-Redstarts favoured rocks at the edges of rivers and also often occurred on riparian ground. Spotted Enicurus maculatus. Slaty-backed E. schistaceus and Black-backed Forktails E. immaculatus were recorded mainly on marginal rocks or shoals or wading at the river’s edge, with Black-backed Forktails in particular often noted in riparian vegetation. When foraging, Brown Dippers mainly caught prey from submerged rocks or the river bed, whereas Little Forktails picked prey from spray-drenched rocks at waterfalls or from the hygropetric area (the wetted zone) of rocks. Plumbeous Water-Redstarts predominantly used aerial flycatching as a foraging technique. Both White-capped Water-Redstarts and Grey Wagtails also flycatched, but also spent much time picking prey from shoals or mud or from riparian ground. Spotted and Slaty-backed Forktails picked much prey from along the edges of the river, both from the river bed and from the mud or vegetation at the river margins. Leaf- and stone-turning were frequent strategies. Most observations of foraging Black-backed Forktails were of them picking prey from rocks and from shoals, muddy river margins and riparian ground. Measurements and weights of 20 Plumbeous Water-Redstarts and smaller numbers of ten other species of river bird are presented. These are discussed in relation to the birds’ use of the river corridor and their foraging behaviour. Few instances of intra- or inter-specific aggression were noted, but Plumbeous Water-Redstarts appeared to be particularly aggressive towards other river birds. Possible implications of land use changes for river birds are discussed in the light of these observations. It is suggested that Brown Dippers may be adversely affected on rivers in the Middle Hills by deforestation, ploughing and resulting siltation and by the restricted flows due to the diversion of water for irrigation. Spotted, Slaty-backed and Black-backed Forktails which require bankside trees or dense riparian vegetation, are likely also to suffer from deforestation. 60 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 INTRODUCTION There is much concern among conservationists throughout the world about the impact on communities of terrestrial birds and other wildlife of land use changes, notably the removal of natural forest cover by man to grow crops or graze stock. Inskipp ( 1 989) has described the threats to birds from deforestation in Nepal, whilst Ormerod (1990) has drawn attention to the subsequent impacts on riverine ecosystems. He also made some preliminary observations on bird communities on rivers in the Middle Hills and terai. The river bird community in the Himalaya and Middle Hills in Nepal is particularly diverse, including Brown Dippers Cinclus pallasii, Grey Wagtails Motacilla cinerea , four species of forktail Enicurits, Plumbeous Water- Redstarts Rhyacomis fuliginosus and White-capped Water-Redstarts Chaimarromis leucocephalus. Little is known, however, of the impact of land use changes on these species. A large scale research project on water, erosion and land management, funded by the Overseas Development Administration (ODA), is currently being undertaken in catchments of the middle hills of Nepal by the Royal Geographical Society, the Institute of Hydrology and various universities. The aim is to investigate the physical, chemical and biological changes in rivers from catchment perturbations; it involves comparisons between sub¬ catchments of a major river system, the Likhu Khola, which are subject to different land uses. It was thought useful to carry out ornithological work on the same catchments being studied for the ODA project so that opportunistic use could be made of the available data on river quality and aquatic biota. The aim of the ornithological study was to investigate the ecological requirements of river bird species and, hence, better predict the wider effects of land use changes such as erosion, sedimentation and habitat modification. Preliminary data on habitat use and foraging behaviour of some river birds in the Likhu Khola and in the Langtang area, the Kathmandu Valley and in the Royal Chitwan National Park are presented here. These data were collected during a 30 day period from 8 November to 1 1 December 1 99 1 and during three weeks in late March and early April 1992. They indicate some of the likely impacts on birds of land use changes, but it is emphasised that further data are needed over a longer period of time and from other seasons of the year before there can be an adequate understanding of the impacts. STUDY AREA AND METHODS The main study area covered 3 km of the Likhu Khola (600-700 m), a river lying 25 km north of Kathmandu (27"50’N 85°20’E), and draining into the Trisuli River and thence the Narayani and the Ganges (Fig. 1). This area 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 61 Figure 1. Sketch of central Nepal showing the location of the Langtang Khola, Trisuli Khola, Likhu Kola, Bagmati River and the Narayani River. included 1-2 km stretches of seven tributaries, the Mahadev and Dee Khola to the north, and the Bhondare and Jogi, the Bore Khola, Syalping and Ghyambe Khola to the south (Fig. 2). Land use in the Likhu Khola is predominantly arable farmland, with rice the main summer crop and cereals grown as a winter crop. Terraces adjoin the main river and tributaries for much of their length, with many irrigation ditches diverting water from the streams onto the small fields. The steepest banks along the river still support trees and scrub, with patches of degraded Sal Shorea robusta forest in a few 62 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 areas. Alder Alnus nepalensis fringes some streams, but felling for fuel and timber has reduced these in most places to a sparse scattering. The tributary streams have a steep gradient, and are rocky with frequent waterfalls. Descriptions of each are given in Appendix 1, but a common characteristic in both the winter and spring visits was an accumulation of gravel, sand and silt on the stream bed, and a much reduced flow due to diversion of water for irrigation. Additional data were collected opportunistically during both visits in the Langtang Himal from a short stretch of the Trisuli Khola at c. 1,600 m, from the Trisuli River between Dhunche and Syabrubesi (c. 1,200-1,600 m) and from sections of the Langtang Khola from its junction with the Trisuli at Syabrubesi up through oak Quercus/ Rhododendron forest to Kyangin Gompa above Langtang (c. 3,700 m) (Fig. 1). Data were gathered also from three 1 km stretches of the Bagmati River in the Kathmandu Valley: 1 . A rocky, Alder-lined, fast-flowing stretch ( 1 5-20 m wide) at Sundarijal, upstream of Kathmandu, at an altitude of c. 1,450 m; 2. A slower, open stretch (10-20 m wide) with shingle beds and vertical sand banks, downstream of Sundarijal; 3. A heavily organically polluted slower-flowing and braided section (up to 50 m) below the Chobar Gorge (c. 1,200 m) downstream of the city). They were also gathered from various stretches of the Narayani (up to 400 m in width), the Reu and small forest streams in the Royal Chitwan National Park at 200-250 m (Fig. 1). The distribution of river birds on all these watercourses was assessed both in the winter and in the spring study periods, by walking (or in the case of the Narayani drifting in a boat) along each section. Data were also collected on bankside habitats, river or stream width and the general nature of the watercourse (e.g. presence of rocks, shoals, riffles etc.). The location of each bird in the river corridor was noted i.e. whether in the mid-river, marginal (within 1 m of the bank) or riparian zone, the last defined as that area of rock, grassland or woodland up to 10 m from the river bank, and whether in the water, on mid-river or marginal rocks, shoals or mud, in trees or other vegetation. During observations of individual birds, each time they moved, their new location was recorded. The foraging behaviour of nine species of river bird was recorded in various categories: picking prey from rocks, shoals, mud, riparian ground or vegetation; flycatching; catching prey on or in water or the river bed when swimming, diving or wading. Faecal samples, where these could be definitely attributed to a particular species, were collected and stored in alcohol for later analysis of invertebrate or other prey; some opportunistic observations were also made of the prey taken by different river birds. 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 63 Figure 2. Likhu Kola catchment showing area covered in this study. All interactions between birds, both intra- and inter-specific, were noted. To obtain some data on biometrics, a sample of birds was caught in mist- nets erected across tributaries of the Likhu Khola and across the Trisuli Khola and Langtang Khola. Each bird was weighed (+ 0.1 g) by spring balance, and the length of wing to + 0.5 mm (maximum flattened chord), tarsus to 0.1 mm (using the method described by Schmid and Spitznagel (1985), bill (tip to feathering), bill to skull (tip of bill to hind skull) and depth of bill (above the nostrils) to + 0.5 mm were measured. RESULTS Distribution 1. The Likhu Khola a) Winter period Over twenty species of river bird were recorded in the Likhu Khola catchment. In addition to those species listed in Table 1, Indian Pond-Herons Ardeola grayii, Little Egrets Egretta garzetta, Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis, Black Storks Ciconia nigra and Woolly-necked Storks C. episcopus, Red-wattled Lapwings Vanellus indicus, Common Sandpipers Tringa hypoleucos and Green Sandpipers 64 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 T. ochropus and Plain Martins Riparia paludicola were all frequent. The most numerous river passerines were Plumbeous Water-Redstarts and White- capped Water-Redstarts. Only two pairs of Brown Dippers and two single birds were seen here. They were on the main river and on the Syalping Khola, the largest of the tributaries surveyed (Fig. 3a). Grey Wagtails were widespread (Fig. 3a). Plumbeous Water- Redstarts occurred at densities of one bird per 50-60 m along the open main river, males greatly outnumbering females (by 10: 1). By contrast, on the well-wooded Bore Khola and on some other tributaries, females were predominant (Figs. 3b and c). White-capped Water Redstarts occurred commonly on the main river and more open south-facing tributaries (Fig. 4a). Little Forktails Enicurus scouleri were scarce, although three birds were recorded in 1 km of the Mahadev Khola, where there was a narrow gorge with numerous waterfalls and wet rock faces (Fig. 4b). One pair of Spotted Forktails E. maculatus was seen regularly on a shoal in the Likhu Khola, with a third bird on the Syalping (Fig. 4b) . The scarcer Black-backed E. immaculatus and Slaty-backed Forktails E. schistaceus both occurred only on wooded sections of tributaries, even on very narrow (1 m wide) wooded side streams (Fig. 4c). Blue Whistling-Thrushes Myiophonus caeruleus were frequently seen by water but usually flew off when disturbed into trees or up the valley sides. Three Blue Rock-Thrushes Monticola solitanns were also seen by the main river and by the Dee Khola, where a Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria was noted on streamside rocks. Both Common Kingfishers Alcedo atthis and Crested Kingfishers Megaceryle lugubris were seen on three or four occasions on the main river and the Syalping, with the former species also on the narrow Bhondare. White-throated Kingfishers Halcyon smymensis were seen twice by water but were often away from watercourses over fields. b) Spring period By late March there were very few Plumbeous Water-Redstarts in the Likhu Khola (Table 1). About 5 km downriver below the confluence with the Tadhu Khola, near Dhikuri, a pair was feeding three recently fledged young on 27 March, indicating a laying date in late February, earlier than noted by Inskipp and Inskipp (1991). The other main differences between the two visits were the small numbers of White-capped Water Redstarts and the paucity of forktails, with only Slaty-backed seen during the spring survey (Table 1). 2. Himal Langtang, Kathmandu Valley and Chitwan. a) Winter period On a short stretch (200 m) of the Trisuli Khola, Plumbeous Water- Redstarts were the most frequent species, although were scarce on the 100 m wide 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 65 Table 1. Numbers of 14 species of riverbird observed in the Likhu Khola study area in November 1991 and late March 1992. Figures in parentheses for Plumbeous Water-Redstart refer to the number of males. Likhu Khola (3km) All Tributaries (12km) Winter Spring Winter Spring Crested Kingfisher 3 3 1 0 White-throated Kingfisher 1 2 1 0 Common Kingfisher 3 0 2 2 Grey Wagtail 3 2 14 2 White Wagtail 16+ 8 0 0 White-browed Wagtail 4 2 0 0 Brown Dipper 3 2 4 3 Little Forktail 1 0 6 0 Spotted Forktail 2 0 1 0 Slaty-backed Forktail 0 1 5 3 Black-backed Forktail 0 0 7 0 White-capped Water-Redstart 10 6 21 7 Plumbeous Water-Redstart 33 (30) 1 (1) 35 (12) 4(3) Blue Whistling-thrush 3 8 7 10 82+ 35 104 31 Trisuli River and on the Langtang Khola (T able 2) . Brown Dippers were only seen on the Trisuli Khola; above 2,000 m there were only a few Plumbeous Water-Redstarts, two Spotted Forktails and a Blue Whistling-Thrush (Table 2). By contrast, at the lower altitude of the Bagmati River near Sundarijal, there was a good diversity of species. Here Plumbeous Water-Redstarts were at the highest densities, with males predominating (Table 2, Fig. 5). Downriver of this stretch, where the gradient declined and the river meandered across a broad, open valley, Common Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plovers Charadrius dubius, White Wagtails Motacilla alba and Plain Martins replaced the species of the rocky, turbulent rivers (Table 2). On the Bagmati below Kathmandu, both Plumbeous and White-capped Water-Redstarts occurred in small numbers in the Chobar Gorge and on marginal rocks immediately downriver, but the bird community on this grossly polluted river was dominated by sandpipers and wagtails, as well as by Indian Pond-Herons and both Little and Cattle Egrets (T able 2) . Thus on 1 0 and 20 November, there was a large flock of Green Sandpipers with smaller numbers of Wood T. glareola and Common Sandpipers, one Common Redshank T. totanus, three White-breasted Waterhens Amaurornis phoenicurus, a flock of over 40 Grey¬ headed Lapwings Vanellus cinereus and a Northern Lapwing V. vanellus, numerous White Wagtails, 5 White-browed M. madcraspatensis and at least 2 Grey Wagtails. 66 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 Figure 3. Distribution of three species of river birds in November 1991 in the Likhu Kola, a) Brown Dippers and Grey Wagtails; b) male Plumbeous Water-Redstarts; c) female Plumbeous Water- Redstarts . 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 67 Figure 4. Distribution of five species of river birds in November 1991 in the Likhu Kola, a) White-capped Water-Redstarts; b) Spotted (large dots) and Little Forktails (small dots); c) Black-backed (large dots) and Slaty-backed Forktails (small dots). 68 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 Chironomid midge larvae, characteristic of organic pollution, were abundant in the black mud at the river edge. It is of note that a greater number of birds, albeit migrants, were recorded on this polluted river than on any other stretch of similar length. In Royal Chitwan National Park, only Grey Wagtails, Black-backed Forktails and Common Kingfishers were seen along the narrow forest streams, although two Blue-eared Kingfishers Alcedo meninting and another Common Kingfisher were observed at Tiger Tops at the edge of forest by an ox-bow lake. Common and Pied Kingfishers Ceryle riidis were commonly seen on the Reu and Narayani, and at ox-bows, where four Stork-billed Kingfishers Pelargopsis capensis were also observed (Table 3). One Crested Kingfisher was noted on the Reu, whilst a White-capped Water-Redstart was seen on a marginal boulder in a 4 km stretch of the Narayani River, with four Plumbeous Water-Redstarts also on this stretch and another on a tributary. b) Spring By late March in the Himal Langtang many altitudinal migrants had moved back up to their breeding grounds (Table 2). Thus Brown Dippers were distributed from the T risuli River below Syabrubesi to above Langtang. T wo pairs of dippers at lower altitudes were feeding young, whereas a pair between Langtang and Kyangin Gompa above 3,000 m were still nest-building. Grey Wagtails, White-capped Water-Redstarts and Little Forktails were all seen above 2,500 m, with Spotted Forktails frequent along the Langtang Khola. Few river birds were noted above 3,000 m. On the Bagmati River at Sundarijal, Plumbeous Water-Redstarts, many in pairs and nest-building, were still common but other river species were now scarce or absent (Table 2). Flows were very low, with the river reduced to a trickle. The downriver slower-moving stretch supported similar species to those seen in the winter, but Little Ringed Plovers were now nesting (and Red-wattled Lapwings mating). In the Chitwan lowlands kingfishers (Common, Pied, Stork-billed and White-throated) were still common along streams and rivers in early April, but only one Grey Wagtail (on a forest stream) and one White-capped Water- Redstart (on the Narayani) were seen. Herons, egrets, waders and other species of wagtail (flava , alba and maderaspatensis) were numerous. Ecological segregation of river birds a) Altitudinal preferences The winter observation of a Blue Whistling-Thrush by a small stream at Kyanjing Gompa, at c. 3,750 m, is apparently unusual (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). Other river birds were scarce during the winter survey period above c. 2,300 m, with only a few Plumbeous Water-Redstarts and Spotted 1 094 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 69 Table 2. Numbers of 16 species of river bird seen in the winter and spring surveys on stretches of river in the Langtang area and Kathmandu valley. (The Whistling-Thrush on the Langtang Khola above 3,200m was on a tributary'. E S o E E CO O ro -T- E S E E E E II oo 'T— S E .i= CO 1 CO CM t— + in cm cm in r-- CM CM Oi to rr cm in ■*— co t— co ■vF — co in i"- m t— co co in cm co in in o p ^ O 5 & ~ ~ >S ~ E jd a .t; ™ 70 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 Forktails at these high altitudes. Abundances of the redstarts were much greater at altitudes of 600-1,500 m compared with either 2,000 m or 200 m (Tables 1 and 2). Brown Dippers and Little Forktails were only noted between 600 and 1 ,600 m, whereas Grey Wagtails were widespread from 200 to over 1,500 m. Black-backed Forktails occurred alongside Slaty-backed and Spotted Forktails in the Likhu Khola up to 1,000 m, but unlike these species, were not seen above this altitude but did occur in the lowlands. Of the Enicurus, only Spotted Forktails were observed over 1,600 m. In the spring Grey Wagtails, Brown Dippers and both Plumbeous and White-capped Water-Redstarts were widespread at higher altitudes, although only one White-capped Water-Redstart, one wagtail and three dippers were seen above 3,200 m. The forktails were more clearly segregated than in the winter with Little and Spotted from 1,600 to nearly 3,000 m, Slaty-backed in the Likhu Khola at 600 to 900 m and Black-backed in the Chitwan lowlands. b) Flabitat use Both Plumbeous and White-capped Water-Redstarts commonly perched on top of large rocks or boulders in the river, with the latter species preferring marginal rocks and riparian ground, sometimes 1 00 m or more away from the river (Table 3). Little Forktails and Brown Dippers were also frequently seen on mid-river or marginal rocks, but these species generally occurred on small rocks, often drenched with spray or close to the water edge. Both these species commonly waded, although only dippers swam and dived (Table 3). The other three species of forktail preferred marginal habitats, creeping amongst boulders, or wading at the water’s edge on mud and shoals. The small number of observations preclude any realistic comparison of habitat Mid- Shoal/ Riparian River Marginal Marginal Ground incl. SPECIES l\l Rocks Rocks River Ground trees & rocks Grey Wagtail 35 45.7 25.7 8.6 11.4 8.6 Brown Dipper 124 58.9 8 33.1 - - Blue Whistling-Thrush 59 6.8 33.9 6.8 6.8 45.7 White-capped Water- Red start 305 22.6 59.8 - 2.9 15.4 Plumbeous Water-Redstart 752 56.8 34.2 0.13 3.2 5.7 Spotted Forktail 112 2.7 33.9 18.75 38.4 6.25 Little Forktail 169 55 29 16 - - Slaty-backed Forktail 139 6.5 56.1 20.9 9.3 7.2 Black-backed Forktail 36 5.5 38.9 5.5 27.8 22.2 Table 3. Use of the river corridor by nine species of bird as shown by the proportion of observations of each species in different locations. 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 7] use between these birds, although Black-backed Forktails were only seen in wooded sections of tributaries of the Likhu Khola and on forested streams in Chitwan National Park. This species spent more time in riparian habitats than Slaty-backed or Spotted Forktails. In the Likhu Khola catchment in the winter, the few Spotted Forktails observed were in more open habitat than the Slaty-backed Forktails but, at Sundarijal on the Bagmati, both occurred together on the alder-lined section (Fig. 5). On the Langtang Khola Spotted Forktails, if disturbed, flew into thick riparian vegetation, a habit shared with Slaty-backed Forktails. Grey W agtails occurred in all locations, including habitats away from rivers e.g. on roads and tracks, and on rice stubble on terraces. By rivers they generally occurred along the margins or on damp riparian grassland. c) Feeding behaviour A diversity of feeding strategies was shown by the nine species of river bird for which data were collected during the winter period. Although some strategies were common to all or most species, there were some clear differences between species (T able 4) . Thus flycatching was the predominant foraging strategy (75% of observations) used by Plumbeous Water- Redstarts. These small birds often perched high on a boulder and flew up almost vertically to catch an insect. Aerial sallies up to 5 m or more above the water were not uncommon, although most aerial flights (74%) were lower than 2 m. Birds usually caught insects over water but sometimes flew over riparian vegetation (c. 8% of aerial flights), even hovering briefly to pick an insect off a leaf. Most prey appeared to be small insects such as chironomid midges, but larger prey were also taken (see Diet section below). Other species, notably Grey Wagtails, White-capped Water-Redstarts and Slaty-backed and Black- backed Forktails, also used flycatching as a foraging method, but to a lesser extent than the redstarts. White-capped Water-Redstarts foraged commonly by picking prey from the ground or from vegetation in the riparian zone (40% of observations) as well as by picking prey from rocks (40%) (Table 4). Only Brown Dippers foraged by swimming and diving as well as wading (95% of observations) but Grey Wagtails and all four species of forktail, particularly Slaty-backed and Spotted, picked items from shallow water whilst wading. Little Forktail spent most time picking prey from wet rocks and waterfalls, often drenched by spray. Pecking rates of Little Forktails were high, 80-124 pecks per minute, with a bird sometimes feeding on one small rock for five minutes or more and picking more than 400 items from the wet rock surface. Observations revealed many dipterans, small caddis larvae (Trichoptera) and mayfly nymphs (Ephemeroptera) in these areas. Whilst the three larger forktails all mainly fed in the marginal zone, picking items from the water, from rocks, shingle or mud, or turning over leaves to find 72 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 Table 3. Foraging techniques of nine species of river bird in Nepal shown by percentage of total observations: N Number of observations; 1 Catching prey in or on water or on river bed; 2 Picking prey from rocks; 3 Picking prey from shoals or mud; 4 Picking prey from riparian ground or vegetation; 5 Aerial flycatching. SPECIES N 1 2 3 4 5 Grey Wagtail 32 3.1 62.5 19 3.1 12.5 Brown Dipper 241 95.9 4.1 - - - Blue Whistling-Thrush 12 66.7 8.3 25 - - White-capped Water- Redstart 178 - 39.3 1.7 39.9 19.1 Plumbeous Water-Redstart 600 0.5 9.7 13.3 1.2 75.4 Spotted Forktail 467 28 8.3 60.3 3.3 - Little Forktail 879 2.3 97.7 - - - Slaty-backed Forktail 115 50 3.5 36.5 3.5 3.5 Black-backed Forktail 33 9.1 30 39.4 18.2 3.0 prey, only the Spotted was seen to frequently turn over stones and to foot- paddle to disturb and find prey. This species often picked up large items such as cased caddis larvae, and then had to pause to beat the prey repeatedly to kill it or extract it from its case. In fewer instances Little and Slaty-backed Forktails also dealt with caddis larvae, molluscs or large worms (Oligochaeta) in this way. Few data were collected on the foraging behaviour of Blue Whistling- Thrushes which, when disturbed, tended to fly off into trees or away from the river. This species was less confined to the river corridor than the other river birds studied in this project although, as mentioned above, White-capped Water-Redstarts and Grey Wagtails also foraged away from watercourses. Even Plumbeous Water-Redstarts sometimes foraged in riparian vegetation. Because flycatching in the river corridor is a much more conspicuous foraging method, the true extent of vegetation gleaning may have been overlooked . Notably, Plumbeous W ater- Redstarts when disturbed, frequently took cover in trees and scrub away from the river. d) Diet Faecal pellets collected from the Likhu Khola are still to be analysed, but observations suggested that all nine species of bird took invertebrate prey. Differences between species in their choice of prey were evident with, for example, Plumbeous Water-Redstarts taking more adult winged insects and Brown Dippers and Little Forktails feeding almost exclusively on aquatic larval or nymphal stages of insects e.g. mayfly nymphs, caddis larvae and blackfly larvae Simulium (Diptera). Size differences in prey taken by different 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 73 Figure 3. Distribution of some river birds at Sundarijal in November 1991 (not to scale), a) Slaty-backed Forktail (closed circle) and Spotted Forktail (star); b) male Plumbeous Water-Redstart (closed circle) and female Plumbeous Water-Redstart (white star in closed circle); c) White-capped Water-Redstart (closed circle); d) Grey Wagtail (star). 74 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 species were also evident. Thus Plumbeous Water-Redstarts preyed on a wide range of insects and from a diversity of orders e.g. large dragonflies (Odonata), butterflies (Lepidoptera), bees (Hymenoptera), but mainly small flies and midges (Diptera: Chironomidae, Simuliidae). Little Forktails took numerous tiny items of prey, sometimes spending 5- 1 0 minutes picking prey from an algal web on the upstream side of a wet rock. Invertebrates in these situations included dipteran larvae and small caddis larvae and mayfly nymphs. Brown Dippers and the three larger species of forktail frequently took much larger items, which then involved considerable handling time (beating). Berries were eaten from riparian vegetation by Plumbeous Water-Redstarts and, from the nature of their faeces, probably also by White-capped Water- Redstarts and Blue Whistling-Thrushes. e) Biometrics Weights and measurements of the small sample of river birds caught in mist nets indicated considerable overlap between species in size and weight (Table 5). Excluding the two species of Alcedo kingfishers, Plumbeous Water-Redstarts and Little Forktails were the smallest species of river bird in all measurements; moreover, the weights and measurements of these two species were very similar. Grey Wagtails differed only in their longer bills and tails. Brown Dippers and White-capped Water-Redstarts were also rather similar in wing and tarsus length but the dippers had longer, stouter bills, shorter tails and were twice the weight of the chats. Slaty-backed and Black- backed Forktails differed little from each other, and also resembled White- capped Water-Redstarts apart from their much longer tails (x 2 those of the chats), longer bills and shorter tarsi. The single first year Brown Dipper had a wing of 92 mm, shorter than that of any of the adults caught (95-99 mm). Young White-throated Dippers Cinclus cinclus in Wales also have shorter wings than adults (Ormerod and Tyler 1986). Likewise, wing length of the first year Plumbeous Water- Redstarts (mean 73 mm, n=17) and White-capped Water- Redstarts (88.2 mm, n=3) were significantly smaller than older birds (79.2 mm, n=3; 95.4 mm, n=l 1). f) Interactions between species The high density of birds along some rivers inevitably resulted in birds sometimes being in close contact. With the exception of the Brown Dippers some of which were in pairs and nest-building in November, and Spotted Forktails, also mainly in pairs at this time, other river birds appeared to be holding individual territories during the winter study. A few instances of intra-specific aggression, especially between Plumbeous Water- Redstarts 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 75 Table 2. Biometrics of 1 1 species of river bird caught in Nepal in November/December 1991 . Ranges of weights and measurements for each species are shown in parentheses. Wing Tarsus Bill-feathering Bill-hindskull Bill depth Tail Weight (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (9) N Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean SPECIES Common 1 72 13 36 65 8 30 24.6 Kingfisher Blue-eared 2 68 10 38 67 8.2 26 21.7 Kingfisher (68) (9-11) (37-39) (66-68) (7.8-85) (21.3-22.0) Crested 1 186 22 59 119 17 112 . Kingfisher Grey 7 82.6 22.8 11.6 32.8 3.2 85.3 16.0 Wagtail (79.5-85) (21.5-26) (10-15) (32-34) (2.8-4) (78-91) (14.8-17.2) Brown 6 96.6 36.2 17.1 50.8 5.1 48 73.2 Dipper (92-99) (34.5-37) (16-18) (49-53) (4-5.6) (42-54) (67.5-76.8) Plumbeous 20 73.8 25.8 7.5 31.5 2.9 45.5 17.4 Water-Redstart (69-81) (22-29.5) (6-9.5) (30-34.5) (2.5-3. 5) (39-55) (15.1-20) White-capped 14 93.8 34.2 10.5 37.9 3.7 69.2 30.5- Water-Redstart (88-101.5) (31 .5-36.5) (9-12) (37-40) (3-4) (61-83) (25.1-34.6) Blue 1 186 63 24 71 11 130 - Whistling-Thrush Little 7 75.4 27.1 7.7 31.2 2.7 44.3 16.2 Forktail (72-81) (26-29) (6.5-10.5) (30-32.5) (2.7-3.0) (41-52) (15.0-17.2) Black-backed 3 97 32.5 15.3 41.8 3.9 126.7 27.4 Forktail (92-100) (31-34.5) (14-17) (41.5-42) (3. 8-4.0) (121-130) (26.2-29) Slaty-backed 4 96.4 31.1 14.5 39.75 3.7 117 26.0 Forktail (94.5-99) (30.5-32) (14-15) (39-40) (3-4.5) (114-124) (25.3-27.3) and between White-capped Water-Redstarts, were observed (Table 6). When two birds of the same species approached within 1-2 m of each other, then chases ensued. Where male and female Plumbeous Water-Redstarts occurred on the same stream, the aggressor was often the male, and the subordinate bird a young female. Male redstarts also sang against each other. One Little Forktail chased another of the species which was driven by the observer into the former’s territory, whilst one of the pair of dippers on several occasions chased off a third dipper. In general intra-specific aggression appeared to be largely avoided through the spacing of birds along the watercourses . Despite occasional aggression between species, the territories of two or more different species frequently coincided or overlapped. Most instances of inter-specific aggression related to a bird of a larger species chasing one of a smaller species (Table 6). Individuals of Plumbeous Water-Redstarts and of White-capped Water- Redstarts frequently perched within a few metres of each other, but closer encounters often resulted in a short aerial pursuit, with the latter flying after the former species. The large, dominant , White-capped 76 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 Table 6. Intra-and inter-specific interactions among six species of river bird in Nepal. White-capped Water-Redstart SUBORDINATE Plumbeous Grey Little Water-Redstart Wagtail Forktail Slaty-backed Forktail Black-backed Forktail TOTAL White-capped Water-Redstart 7 11 _ 1 1 1 21 D 0 Plumbeous Water-Redstart _ 9 6 4 1 - 20 M 1 Grey Wagtail - 1(f) - - - - 1 N A Little Forktail - . - 2 _ - 2 T E Slaty-backed Forktail - 2(f) - - - - 2 Black-backed Forktail - - - - - 0 Water- Redstarts also chased Slaty-backed, Black-backed and Little Forktails. Despite the Plumbeous Water-Redstart’s small size, it was a particularly aggressive species, sometimes chasing Slaty-backed Forktails, Little Forktails and Grey Wagtails when these birds were feeding 4-5 m away. On one occasion a Plumbeous Water-Redstart pursued a Little Forktail repeatedly until the forktail left the former’s presumed territory. One Plumbeous Water- Redstart also chased off a Hodgson’s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni which was foraging close to the river bank, whilst a Blue Rock-Thrush behaved very aggressively towards a White-capped Water-Redstart, the latter bird then chasing away a Plumbeous Water- Redstart. No aggression was noted towards or by Spotted Forktails even though other species fed in close proximity. DISCUSSION Distribution Most river birds that spend the spring and summer in the Himalaya are altitudinal migrants, moving down to the foothills or the terai in the autumn (Ali and Ripley 1983, Fleming etal. 1984, Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). During November and December those birds observed in the study areas were therefore already on their lower wintering grounds, with very few birds observed above 2,000 m (Table 2). The paucity of Brown Dippers wintering at high altitudes in the Langtang valley is perhaps strange, given frequent observations of this species above 2,500 m in Nepal in November and December (e.g. Mycock and Calladine in litt., D. Pritchard in litt.). The Blue Whistling-Thrush at Kyangin Gompa at 3,750 m was of particular note. With the exception of Brown Dippers, which are known to breed during the 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 77 winter when at low altitudes (Fleming et al. 1984), and Spotted Forktails, river birds were not in obvious pairs during the winter study period. Few White-capped or Plumbeous Water-Redstarts winter below 500 m (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991) and so the records of a single of the former and five of the latter species in Royal Chitwan National Park at c. 200-250 m are of interest. Plumbeous Water- Redstarts were the most numerous species in the Likhu Khola catchment (Table 1, Figs. 3b and c) and the most widespread species generally on fast-flowing, rocky rivers (Table 2, Fig. 5). A difference in distribution of males and females was noted by Ali and Ripley (1983), who found that the females and young birds wintered at lower levels than adult males. This study provides little evidence of this, although at 600 - 1,450 m in the Likhu Khola (Figs. 3b and c), and on the Bagmati river at Sundarijal (Fig. 5), males outnumbered females, whilst four of the five redstarts seen in the Chitwan lowlands were females. The most marked difference between the distribution of sexes in this study was in their use of different habitats, with males abundant on the wider rivers, and females more numerous on the narrow, more wooded tributaries (Figs. 3b and c). By March most redstarts had left the Likhu Khola. In May both Plumbeous and White-capped Water- Redstarts are absent from the valley (R. Wyatt pers. comm.). If some Plumbeous Water- Redstarts breed early in the spring as did the pair at Dhikuri, is it possible that they breed again in their higher summering areas? Of the forktails, only Black-backed occurred at very low altitudes, as recorded previously. At 800-1,000 m Black-backed and Slaty-backed were found in close proximity during the winter, as noted by Ali and Ripley (1983), sometimes also alongside Spotted or Little Forktails. Only these two latter species were seen at over 1,000 m. Whilst Inskipp and Inskipp (1991) noted that Grey Wagtails wintered mainly below 365 m, this study showed them to be widespread and not uncommon wintering birds at altitudes up to 1,500 m. The limited data on the altitudinal distribution of kingfishers accord with those of other observers, with Stork-billed, Pied and Blue-eared Kingfishers being notably lowland species, and the others occurring over a wider range of altitudes. The two Blue-eared Kingfishers were caught in an area at Chitwan where this locally scarce species has previously been recorded (Gurung 1983). It was not the intention of this study to investigate birds on rivers with low gradients. Data collected opportunistically did, however, show that species diversity tended to be higher on such rivers, particularly at low altitudes (Table 2). Possible competition between species using the same general habitat has been discussed by various authors (e.g. Diamond 1978, Schoener 1982). 78 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 Generally it appears that competition is avoided between closely related species through differences in their use of the habitat, foraging behaviour and diet, which may be reflected in differences in bill size, tail length or other biometric features. Alternatively, an abundance of food may prevent competition (Schoener 1982). Interference or exploitation competition may occur amongst other less closely related species using the same habitat (Eadie and Keast 1980, Hurlbert et al. 1986). On those upland rocky fast-flowing rivers in Nepal between 800- 1 ,000 m, there is, in the winter months, a concentration of migrant and resident species of birds, all of which feed mainly on invertebrates. This study, albeit using data collected over a very short period, demonstrates some differences in the use of the river corridor by different species, in foraging methods, diet and biometrics (Tables 3-5), suggesting how competition between species may be avoided. a) Segregation by body size and weight Differences in the size of species, or in the size of their bills, suggest that they exploit a different range of food resources and hence avoid competition. Our biometric data for 1 1 species of river bird (Table 5) accord with those obtained by other authors (Biswas 1961, Diesselhorst 1968, Rand and Fleming 1 957, Ripley 1 950), and do show marked differences between most species. A few species closely resembled each other in size and weight e.g. Plumbeous Water-Redstart and Little Forktail; Brown Dipper and White- capped Water-Redstart (Table 5), but these species pairs did show differences in bill size and in their foraging methods. Thus the redstarts flycatched or picked prey from riparian habitats or dry rocks, whilst the dippers and forktails foraged in the water, from wetted rocks or the marginal zone. The long, stout bill of the Brown Dipper enables it to probe amongst rocks and stones on the river bed, whilst the long bills of the larger forktails may also enable them to probe in mud and turn over leaves and stones. b) Segregation by habitat, foraging behaviour and diet Brown Dippers and Little Forktails appeared to be largely dependent on large and small aquatic invertebrates respectively, from the river bed or on midriver rocks, with the former species obtaining prey by diving, swimming, wading or picking from rocks below the water surface, and the latter mainly by picking from the hygropetric area on wetted rocks. White-capped and Plumbeous Redstarts took numerous aerial stages of insects, of both aquatic and terrestrial origin, by flycatching. The White-capped Water Redstarts also spent much time feeding from marginal rocks and the riparian zone, whilst the three larger forktails foraged extensively in the marginal zone, often where there was thick streamside cover. 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 79 Fleming et al. (1984) noted that White-capped Water Redstarts often associate with Plumbeous Water- Redstarts. Whilst the two species commonly occurred together in this study, even perching on the same or adjacent rocks, they differed in the extent to which they used different parts of the river corridor. Ali and Ripley (1983) found that White-capped Water- Redstarts favoured wider rivers, avoiding the small rivulets favoured by Plumbeous Water-Redstarts. Whether this was during the breeding season or on the wintering areas is not clear. In this study the White-capped Water-Redstarts avoided those narrow, wooded tributaries where female Plumbeous Water- Redstarts predominated. There was no evidence, though, that the latter, particularly the males, actually favoured small rivulets, as they occurred at the highest densities on the 20-40 m wide Likhu Khola. Various authors have noted the territoriality of wintering Plumbeous Water-Redstarts and their aggression towards others of the same species, but Ali and Ripley (1983) regarded them as being tolerant of White-capped Water-Redstarts and forktails. Certainly in this study they were not aggressive towards the larger redstart, rather the reverse, but did chase Little Forktails and other species within their territory (Table 6). Whilst few data were collected on forktails during this study, it was evident that Little Forktails occurred on fast-flowing, turbulent stretches of river with spray-drenched rocks or waterfalls. Stream width appeared unimportant, with birds recorded on watercourses from only 6 m in width to 40 m, although Ali and Ripley (1983) noted that, in the winter, wider rivers were used by this species than in the summer. Ali and Ripley and Fleming et al. (1984) also recorded the three larger species, particularly Spotted, as essentially birds of small forest streams. Observations from this study confirmed this, although it is of note that a pair of Spotted Forktails were observed on five days foraging for long periods on a large shoal on a 40 m wide, almost treeless section of the Likhu Khola. All three species were generally found in the marginal zone where there was overhanging vegetation or thick riparian cover into which they could fly when disturbed. Implications for river birds of land use changes Removal of bankside cover is likely to be detrimental to a number of species of river bird, notably the three larger species of forktail, Plumbeous Water- Redstarts and Blue Whistling-Thrushes. All these species use riparian trees and shrubs for shelter and for food. The three larger forktails in particular, and Plumbeous Water-Redstarts frequently take refuge from potential predators in trees, shrubs and undergrowth; leaf litter in the riparian zone is also a favoured feeding area for all the long-tailed forktails, whilst the contribution of leaves and insects falling from bankside vegetation into the water is important for many invertebrates and hence fish. The contribution 80 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 of insects and berries from vegetation in the diet of Plumbeous Water- Redstarts (and probably White-capped Water- Redstarts and Blue Whistling- Thrushes) may be important at some times of the year and should be further evaluated. Ali and Ripley (1983) mention berries in the diet of both White- capped and Plumbeous Redstarts, although refer to them as only occasionally taken by the last species. In the Likhu Khola, female Plumbeous Water- Redstarts were seen taking berries on at least ten occasions. Brown Dippers were few in the Likhu Khola, being found only on the main river and on the Syalping Khola, where there was a good flow of water. Impacts on the tributaries through removal of bankside and hillside cover, cultivation of hillsides and diversion of the water from the streams for irrigation has made them unsuitable for birds which depend on large aquatic benthic invertebrates. The results of invertebrate sampling in the tributaries by the Catchment Group of the University of Wales College of Cardiff wall be reported elsewhere, but preliminary results show that streams in areas of agriculture have much more sand on their beds than streams in forest, and differences in the aquatic insect community are also pronounced, caddis larvae and mayfly nymphs being scarce in streams with thick sandy sediment (Rundle, Jenkins and Ormerod in prep.). During the survey period, work by local farmers on the irrigation channels frequently resulted in very high sediment loads in the water in the tributaries. The turbidity in the water must also affect the ability of dippers to see and catch prey. Pollution was not a major ecological problem on the rivers studied, other than on the lower Bagmati, which had a high input of sewage, as well as of other pollutants from domestic and industrial sources in Kathmandu. Here large aquatic invertebrates were absent but there were very high densities of small invertebrates (midge larvae) . Species ofbirds, notably dippers, dependent on invertebrate groups such as caddis were absent from the lower Bagmati, but birds such as wagtails and sandpipers which could take advantage of the dense food supply in the mud, occurred at higher densities here than at any other observed stretch of river with similar gradient e.g. the stretch below Sundarijal. There was also a good diversity of, mainly migrant, species on the lower Bagmati, as recorded previously by Inskipp (1988) and others. Such high diversity and density of birds has been noted on other organically polluted rivers, as in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia (Tyler in press). The degree of pollution of rivers in the Middle Hills from human faeces, pesticides and fertiliser inputs is unknown, but is almost certainly considerable. 1994 The ecology of river birds in Nepal 81 We are grateful to the R.S.P.B. for approving and helping to fund the winter work as part of S. J. Tyler’s sabbatical project, and to the Oriental Bird Club for a grant to S. J. Tyler towards the spring surveys. We thank too Richard Porter for his encouragement, in particular Carol Inskipp, Conservation Officer of the Oriental Bird Club, for much useful advice, staff of the Parivar Agency for all their cheerful support, company and hard work, particularly Deshek Kafab Sherpa, his brother Keta, Pasang Sherpa, Dawa and Thaba, and staff at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Royal Chitwan National Park, notably the excellent nature guide, Sukra Kumal. Thanks are due too to Dr. Maskey and Mahendra Shrestha of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation for their cooperation, to Dr Alan Jenkins of the Institute of Hydrology at Wallingford for advice, to Simon Rundle, Roger Wyatt and Clare Lloyd for help in the field during November, and to Sally Tyler for her help and good company in the spring. Finally, Tim Inskipp’s comments on a first draft of this paper are gratefully acknowledged. REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1983) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan (compact edition). Delhi: Oxford University Press. Biswas, B. (1961) The birds ofNepal. Parts 3-5. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 58: 100-134, 444-474, 653- 677. Diamond,.!. M. (1978) Niche shifts and the rediscovery of interspecific competition. American Scientist 66: 322-331. Diesselhorst, G. (1968) Beitrage zur Okologie der Vogel Zentral- und Ost-Nepals. Khumbu Nepal 2: 1- 417. Eadie, J. McA. and Keast, A. (1982) Do Goldeneye and Perch compete for food? Oecologia (Berlin) 55: 225-230. Fleming, R. L. Sr., Fleming, R. L. Jr. and Bangdel, L. S. (1984) Birds of Nepal. Third edition. Kathmandu: Nature Himalayas. Gurung, K. K. (1983) The heart of the jungle. The wildlife of Chitwan. London: Andre Deutsch and Kathmandu: Tiger Tops. Hurlbert, S. H., Loayza, W. and Moreno, T. (1986) Fish-flamingo-plankton interactions in the Peruvian Andes. Limnology and Oceanography 31: 457-468. Inskipp, C. (1988) A birdwatchers’ guide to Nepal. Sandy: Prion. Inskipp, C. (1989) Nepal’s forest birds; their status and conservation. Cambridge, U.K.: International Council for Bird Preservation Monograph No. 4. Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. (1991) A guide to the birds of Nepal. Second edition. London: Christopher Helm. King, B., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. (1975) H field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. Ormerod, S. J. (1990) Riverine birds and land use in Nepal. Oriental Bird Club Bulletin 11: 13-17. Ormerod, S. J. and Tyler, S. J. (1 986) Biometrics, growth and sex ratios amongst Welsh Dippers Cinclus cinclus. Ringing & Migration 7: 61-70. Ormerod, S. J. and Tyler, S. J. (1987) Dippers Cinclus cinclus and Grey Wagtails Motacilla cinerea as indicators of stream acidity in upland Wales. Pp. ? in A. W. Diamond and F. Filion, eds., The value of birds. Cambridge, U.K.: International Council for Bird Preservation. Ormerod, S. J. and Tyler, S. J. (1988) Some aspects of foraging ecology of Green Sandpipers Tringa ochropus. Bird Study 35: 25-30. Rand, A. L. and Fleming, R. L. (1957) Birds ofNepal. Fieldiana: Zoo!. 41: 1-218. Ripley, S. D. (1950) Birds from Nepal 1947-49. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 49: 355-417. Schoener, T. W. ( 1 982) The controversy over interspecific competition. American Scientist 70: 585-595. C* „1 _ \V7 A Thp CPYllfll ?12£ Himnmhum of South German Dinners (Cinclus 82 DR. S. J. TYLER and DR. S J. ORMEROD Forktail 9 APPENDIX 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE LIKHU KHOLA AND TRIBUTARIES Dee Khola - open, very few alders, little riparian vegetation - either grazed, cut or cultivated to edge; some steep rocky dry hillsides with stunted scrub/tree growth; side tributaries with narrow strip of alder carr. Many irrigation channels diverting water from stream and much sandy sediment on stream bed. Large boulders in stream, but only two or three small (1 m high) waterfalls. South-facing. Mahadev Khola - similar to Dee but riparian vegetation in patches by wooded sections and narrow gorge with cliffs and waterfalls up to 4 m high, for 300-400 m. Lower section with many rocks and stones. Wetted area reduced to trickle through irrigation diversions; much sediment and very turbid water. Hillside erosion in upper reaches. Channel width in low’er section c. 10-15 m but stream reduced to 5-8 m. Gorge only 6-8 m wide. South-facing. Bore Khola - narrow stream mainly with steep banks with shrubs and trees overhanging much of stream; and adjacent Sal forest in patches. Elsewhere rice fields. Rocks and boulders abundant but no true waterfalls. Many irrigation channels and much sediment on stream bed. Highest section more open. North-facing. Svalping - broadest (20 m) of tributaries surveyed with good flow. Steep banks, many with fringe of trees and shrubs; some waterfalls; numerous rocks and boulders. North-facing. Ghvambe Khola - a tributary of the Svalping - through woodland for much of survey stretch; meandering and rocky, narrow 4-6 m. More open in upper stretch. Bhondare and Togi - two narrow subtributaries, 2-8 m in width; the lower part of the Jogi through cultivation; little bankside cover; series of high rocky waterfalls at upper end of stretch surveyed; the Bhondare through cultivation too but in a narrow rocky channel with thick vegetation on streamsides; cliffs and waterfalls; a small trickle only in upper section Likhu Khola - Upper 2 km surveyed rocky, open fast-flowing, 20-40 m wide; mainly I m depth; many shoals, riffles, some deep pools with riverside cliffs. Little riparian vegetation except odd patches and degraded forest along one bank for 500 m below the Syalping confluence. Alluvial terraces cultivated up to river edge. Much disturbance by local people and stock. Two bridges across the river and easily fordable elsewhere. Lower section in broad open valley, extensive shoals and river much braided, channel up to 500 m across. Gradient reduced cf. upper section. 1994 FORKTAIL 9 (1993): 83 - 88 83 Winter records of the Manchurian Reed- Warbler Acrocephalus ( agricola ) tangorum from Thailand PHILIP D. ROUND Non-breeding season records of the Manchurian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus ( agricola ) tangorum are reported from Thailand. These are the only observations of this taxon away from north-east China and Amurland, Russia where it both breeds and has been recorded on passage. A. tangorum shows some distinct differences from nominate A. a. agricola and its taxonomic and conservation status should be examined anew, particularly as it may be severely threatened by habitat destruction in its Thai winter quarters. INTRODUCTION The Manchurian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus ( agricola ) tangorum is a little known taxon which breeds in in both Heilongjiang province and the Nei Mongkol Autonomous Region in north-east China (Cheng 1 987, Alstrom et al. 1991) and in Russian Amurland (Shibnev and Gluschenko 1977, Stepanjan 1978, Gluschenko 1989). It has also been recorded on passage, in the western part of Chaoyang, Liaoning Province (Cheng 1987) and at Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province from which it was first described (La Touche 1912). Kennerley and Leader (1992), Williams et al. (1992) and Williams and Hsu (1992) have recently detailed a number of sightings of migrant tangorum at the nearby sites of Beidaihe and Daihe in both spring and autumn. This paper documents the first records of tangorum away from north-east Asia, in its presumed winter quarters in Thailand. THE FIND The author, together with Dr Boonsong Lekagul, was netting migrant passerines in a freshwater marsh at Khao Sam Roi Yot, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, south-western Thailand (1 2°1 0’N 99°54’E) on 6 May 1981, when he noticed an unusually rufous warbler with only a slight blackish brow among a number of Black-browed Reed-Warblers A. bistrigiceps trapped. This was immediately recognised as being similar to a skin labelled/!, agricola which the author had previously examined at the Centre for Thai Reference Collections, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, Bangkok. That specimen (number 53-2875), a first autumn female, had 84 P. D. ROUND Forktail 9 been collected by Dr J. T. Marshall at Bang Phra Red Cross Horse Farm, Chon Buri Province, south-eastern Thailand (13°11’N 100°59’E) on 9 October 1967. The Khao Sam Roi Yot bird (Field number ACW 14) was collected for deposition at the Centre for Thai National Reference Collections. The presence of a slight, but noticeable, black brow in both specimens indicated, according to Vaurie (1959), that the birds might be A. ( agricola ) tangorum and this was confirmed when the Khao Sam Roi Yot skin was compared with a series of eleven specimens of tangorum held at the British Museum (Natural History) in August 1982. Subsequent observations of tangorum at Khao Sam Roi Yot were sight records of single birds by the author, Ben King and a Kang Bird tour group on 1 7 January 1 985, and by the author and J. Dunn on 1 5 February 1985. A number of other sightings of tangorum at Khao Sam Roi Yot have been reported in subsequent years up to the present. One further tangorum was netted in a marsh at Rangsit, Pathum Thani Province, on the northern outskirts of Bangkok (13°59’N 100°38’E) by Kevin Baker on 3 March 1 987. After examination, it was photographed and released. These appear to be the only records of this taxon away from north-east Asia. DESCRIPTION The two Thai specimens of tangorum showed fresh to slightly worn body plumage, having warm rufescent-brown upperparts, with the rufous tinge being strongest on the rump and upper tail coverts, and rufous-edged tertials. The crowns of both birds appeared slightly mottled, the individual feathers having blackish-brown centres and olive-brown edges. The blackish feather centres were particularly prominent on the lateral crown, above the supercilium, forming a slight blackish brow which extended from the anterior margin to just behind the hind margin of the eye. The broad, buffy supercilium extended from the base of the bill to roughly half way between the rear margin of the eye and the nape. There was a blackish-brown line through the eye. The throat was clear white while the breast, flanks and under tail coverts were a bright rufous tawny-buff. On the specimen examined live by the author, the maxilla was blackish-grey and the lower mandible entirely pale flesh. The legs were flesh-coloured and the iris muddy-brown. The label of the Bang Phra specimen gave the iris colour as grey. The upperparts of the October specimen were slightly paler and more evenly rufescent than those of the May (Khao Sam Roi Yot) bird and the rectrices showed slight to moderate wear. On the May bird, the rufescent tint on the upperparts was somewhat reduced, particularly on the upper back, as 1994 Winter records of the Manchurian Reed-Warbler from Thailand 85 Table 1. Biometrics and wing formula of Thai specimens of Acrocephalus ( agricola ) tangorum (Lengths given in mm). Primaries are numbered descendantly. Under column p9, - 4 mm (=4/5) indicates that the tip of the 9th (second outermost) primary falls 4 mm short of the wing point, and lies between the tips of 4th and 5th primaries. Specimen no. 53-2875 ACW14 Rangsit Wing 53 52 55 Tail 50 53 56 Bill length 16.4 16.4 16.0 Bill width 4.1 4.6 n.r. Wing point p8=p7(p6 = -1mm) p8=p7(p6 = -1mm) p8=p7=p6 p9 -4mm (=4/5) -4mm (=3/4) -5mm Notch p8 10.7 11.5 n.r. Notch p9 12.1 13.0 n.r. Weight (g) 9.9 7.9 9.1 the rufescent tips and edges of the body feathers had begun to abrade, revealing the darker feather centres. In contrast, the rectrices of the May bird were fresher with darker centres and deeper more intensely rufous edges than those of the October specimen and had been recently moulted, together with all three tertials on both wings. The innermost secondary on the left wing had also been renewed but the primaries and all remaining secondaries were unmoulted and the primaries, in particular, showed moderate to heavy wear. Both specimens were similar in plumage colouration to a series of seven skins collected by J. D. D. La Touche in August and September 1912 and September 1913 from Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, North-east China, held at BMNH. Four further skins at BMNH, collected at the same locality during 30 May to 2 June 1913, differed markedly in being more worn, and are duller and greyer, appearing olive-brown above, and whiter on the underparts. Although Williamson (1968) surmised that tangorum probably underwent a complete moult in its winter quarters, the Khao Sam Roi Yot bird, though it had renewed body and coverts feathers, tertials and tail, had clearly not moulted most remiges suggesting that a partial moult on the wintering grounds, rather than a complete moult, may be the norm. Although the body plumage may perhaps be expected to wear or bleach, losing its markedly rufescent tint over most of the upperparts and underpans, somewhat paralleling the seasonal change in hue of nominate A. agricola , all rectrices of 86 P. D. ROUND Forktail 9 the four spring tangonim at BMNH appeared so heavily worn that they could not have been moulted as recently as those of the Khao Sam Roi Y ot bird and had either not been moulted since the previous year, perhaps while still on the breeding grounds (if adult) or perhaps not moulted at all (for birds in their first calendar year) . Photographs of two spring individuals in Kennerley and Leader (1992) showed similar, heavily worn rectrices. The Khao Sam Roi Yot bird, therefore, may have undergone an uncharacteristically extensive partial moult. The third bird, from Rangsit in March, had not yet undergone any pre-breeding moult and the overall colouration appeared closer to that of A. bistrigiceps,, being only slightly more rufous on the upperparts (K. Baker in litt. 1993). Some biometrics and wing formula data for all three birds are given in Table 1 . STATUS AND HABITAT IN THAILAND All but two of the Thai records come from a single locality, Khao Sam Roi Yot, the site of possibly the largest remaining Phragmites swamp in Thailand, covering roughly 50 sq km. The marsh is fringed with some Typha angustifolia Linn, together with other lower growth (probably Eleocharis dulcis (Burm.f.) Trin. ex Hensch.. and Scirpus mucronatus Linn.) around its drier margins. Rangsit is a Typha marsh of less than 1 sq km area. Bang Phra is a water storage reservoir in relatively dry country which, at the time of capture of the tangorum specimen (October, in the late wet-season) would probably have supported a number of shallow flooded areas around its margins. The bird was said to have been caught in a grass field (Pantuwatana et al. 1969). Notwithstanding the potential difficulty in separating tangonim in the field from the commoner and more widespread Blunt-winged Warbler A concinens, or from the similarly scarce and local nominate race of the Paddyfield Warbler A. a. agricola (so far known only from two specimens from marshy areas in the far north of the country (King 1966, Round 1983) and a few probable sight records) it is surprising that more tangonim have not yet been recorded, especially considering the large number of birdwatchers visiting Thailand. This may indicate its genuine scarcity: ten A. bistrigiceps were trapped to only one tangonim at Khao Sam Roi Yot during 4-6 May 1991. The combination of sight records in January and February, and the specimen in May strongly suggests that tangonim winters at Khao Sam Roi Yot, whereas the Bang Phra bird, taken in October, seems more likely to have been on migration. (The author mist-netted Acrocephalus warblers at Bang Phra in September and December 1982 without locating any tangonim). The situation at Rangsit is unclear but it is indeed surprising that there are no sight records of tangonim from there, since it is one of the most heavily watched sites anywhere in the lowlands of Thailand. As far as we know, therefore, 1994 Winter records of the Manchurian Reed-Warbler from Thailand 87 tangorum may be mainly or entirely restricted to Khao Sam Roi Yot in winter though it is possible that increased mist-netting could unearth further birds in other areas. THE CONSERVATION AND STATUS OF A. (a.) tangorum Notwithstanding the inherent difficulty of separating smaller Acrocephalus warblers, tangorum appears to be genuinely scarce in its winter quarters. Furthermore, its only known wintering site, in the reedswamp at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand, has been very adversely affected by drainage and conversion to shrimp and fish ponds since 1986 (Parr et al. 1993), leading the IUCN Commission on National Parks and Protected Areas to list the site as one of the most threatened parks in the world. Khao Sam Roi Yot is probably the last major reedswamp in Thailand. Elsewhere, such minor freshwater swamps as remain, around the margins of major rice-growing areas, especially within a 150 km radius of Bangkok, are dominated by Typha and lack any expanses of Phragmites : all are imminently threatened by reclamation and urbanisation. Other than at Khao Sam Roi Yot, no freshwater swamp habitat has ever been incorporated within the boundary of any national park or wildlife sanctuary in Thailand. The taxonomic position of tangorum still needs further clarification. Alstrom et al. ( 1991) clearly demonstrated that Williamson’s (1968) placement of tangorum as a race of the Black-browed Reed-Warbler A. bistrigiceps - an arrangement subsequently followed by Watson et al. (1986) - was spurious. Although they continued to treat tangorum as a subspecies of A. agncola, as previously considered by Vaurie (1 959), on the basis of its territorial response to song playback from nominate A. agricola , this was never tested by playback of any other Acrocephalus as a control and may therefore be inconclusive. Indeed, Alstrom and Olsson (1992) subsequently suggested that a positive response to playbacks may be of little or no taxonomic value because of known instances where taxa have responded to the songs of both close congeners and even unrelated species. A. tangorum has a significantly larger bill then nominate agricola and, in addition, in worn plumage shows consistently darker, browner upperparts (Alstrom et al. 1991, Kennerley and Leader 1992). These slight but consistent differences and the large range-gap between the breeding ranges of the two might still suggest that tangorum is better treated as a distinct species which, especially in view of its probable threatened status, deserves renewed attention. A. tangorum is already considered rare or threatened in Gluschenko (1989) who recommended measures to prevent its reedbed breeding habitat from burning or reclamation for agriculture. Further efforts should be made to determine its precise distribution and the size of breeding 88 P. D. ROUND Forktail 9 populations from singing males. Pressure should also be placed upon the Thai government to ratify the RAMSAR convention, demarcate and protect the boundary of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park as well as to create or rehabilitate reedswamps elsewhere in central Thailand. I thank the staff of the Sub-department of Ornithology, British Museum (Natural History) for access to specimens and, in particular, Peter Colston for his generous assistance. I am grateful to Kevin Baker for providing details of the langorum netted at Rangsit, and to Per Alstrdm and Peter Kennerley for commenting on a draft of this paper. M. G. Wilson helpfully translated from the Russian references. REFERENCES Alstrdm. P. and Olsson, U. (1992) On the taxonomic status of Phylloscopus affinis and Phylloscopus subajfinis. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 112: 111-125. Alstrdm, P., Olsson, U. and Round, P. D. (1991) The taxonomic status of Acrocephalus agricola tangonirn. Forktail 6: 3-13. Cheng Tso-hsin (1987) A synopsis of the avifauna of China. Beijing: Science Press. Gluschenko, U. N. (1989) Acrocephalus agricola langorum. Pp. 158-159 in P.A. Ler et al. eds., [‘Rare vertebrates of the Soviet Far East and their protection.’] Leningrad: Nauka. (In Russian). Kennerley, P. R. and Leader, P. J. (1992) The identification, status and distribution of small Acrocephalus warblers in eastern China. Hong Kong Bird Report 1991: 143-187. King, B. (1966) List of bird skins and specimens collected in Thailand from 1 March 1964 to 30 June- 1966 under MAPS programme. Bangkok: Centre for Thai National Reference Collections. LaTouche,J. D. D. (1912) Acrocephalus tangorum. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 31: 10-11. Pantuwatana, S., Imlarp, S. and Marshall, J. T. (1969) The vertebrate fauna of Bang Phra. Nat. Hist. Bull. Siam Soc. 23: 133-183. Parr, J. W. K., Narong Mahannop and Vatid Charoensiri (1993) Khao Sam Roi Yot - one of the world’s most threatened parks. Otyx 27: 245-249. Round, P. D. (1983) Some recent bird records from northern Thailand. Nat. Hist. Bull. Siam Soc. 31: 109-122. Shibnev, U. B. and Gluschenko, U. N. (1977) [‘Two new species of reed warblers in the fauna of the Soviet Union’] . Abstracts of VII All-Union Ornithology Conference, part 1 , Kiev. p. 113. (In Russian.) Stepanjan, L. S. (1978) Sostav i raspredelente ptits faulty SSR. Passeriformes. Moskow. Vaurie, C. 1959. The birds of the Palearctic fauna. Passeriformes. London: H. F. and G. Witherby. Watson, G. E., Traylor, M. A., Jr., and Mayr, E. ( 1 986) Family Sylviidae, Old World warblers. Pp. 3-294 in E. Mayr and G. W. Cottrell, eds., Check-list of birds of the world, 1 1 . Cambridge, Massachusetts: Museum of Comparative Zoology. Williams, M. D., Carey, G. J., Duff, D. G. and Xu Weishu (1992) Autumn bird migration at Beidaihe, China, 1986-1990. Forktail 7: 3-55. Williams, M. D. and Hsu, W. S. (1992) Birds at Beidaihe, late spring 1991. China Flyway 2: 1 1-14. Williamson, K. (1968) Identification for ringers 1: the genera Cettia, Locustella, Acrocephalus and Hippolais. Third edition. Tring: British Trust for Ornithology. Philip D. Round, Center for Conservation Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. 1904 FORKTAIL 9 (1993): 89 - 119 89 Birds recorded during the third BirdLife/Forest Birds Working Group expedition in Viet Nam C. R. ROBSON, J. C. EAMES, NGUYEN CU and TRUONG VAN LA Between 1 2 April and 5 July 1991, surveys of forest birds were undertaken at a selection of sites, including protected areas, in Viet Nam. These surveys were part of the Viet Nam Forest Project of BirdLife International and provided information on the status and distribution of 1 6 globally threatened and 1 3 near-threatened species (Collar and Andrew 1988) and other endemic species. Information was obtained on Orange-necked Partridge Arborophila davidi , Green Peafowl Pavo muticus , White-winged Duck Cairma scutulata. Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea, White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni and Black-hooded Laughingthrush Gamdax milled. In addition, an undescribed taxon offulvetta/l/ap/>(> was discovered on Mount Bi Doup near Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam). Between 1 2 April and 5 July 1 99 1 surveys for globally threatened and other endemic forest birds were undertaken at a selection of sites in Viet Nam. These surveys formed part of the Viet Nam Forest Project of BirdLife International and the Forest Birds Working Group of the Centre for Natural Resources Management and Environmental Studies (CRES) and the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Hanoi. The main aims of this fieldwork were to undertake surveys for four globally threatened endemic species; Orange-necked Partridge, Edwards’s Pheasant Lophura edwardsi, Black-hooded Laughingthrush Gamdax milled and Grey- crowned Crocias Crocias langbianis and to identify core areas for their protection. Other objectives were to undertake further surveys for White¬ winged Duck Cairina scutulata and Green Peafowl Pavo muticus in Nam Bai Cat Tien National Park and to conduct more detailed faunal surveys at Cong Troi and other remaining forest areas on the Da Lat Plateau. For a full account of the results of these surveys, including the implications for conservation, see Eames et al. (1992). During fieldwork, new distributional data were obtained on Vietnamese birds and are presented in this paper. Of particular note was the discovery of Orange-necked Partridge Arborophila davidi and White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. Information was obtained on the status of 14 other globally threatened species, namely Siamese Fireback Lophura diardi, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron germaini, Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata, Green Peafowl, White-winged Duck, Blyth’s Kingfisher Alcedo hercules , Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea , Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes, Lesser Adjutant Leptopdlos javanicus. Bar-bellied Pitta Pitta elliodi , Y ellow-billed Nuthatch Sitta solangiae, Short-tailed Scimitar- 90 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 Babbler Jabouilleia danjoui, Black-hooded Laughingthrush and Collared Laughingthrush Garrulax yersini, and 13 near-threatened species: Red- vented Barbet Megalaima lagrandieri, Coral-billed Ground-Cuckoo Carpococcyx renauldi. Yellow-vented Green-Pigeon Treron seimundi, Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii, Pied Falconet Microhierax melanoleucus, Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus, Schrenck’s Bittern Ixobrychus eurhythmus, White-winged Magpie Urocissa whiteheadi, Ratchet-tailed Treepie Temnurus temnurus , Green Cochoa Cochoa viridis. White-cheeked Laughingthrush Garrulax vassali, Spot-breasted Laughingthrush G. merulinus and Grey-faced Tit-Babbler Macronous kelleyi (Collar and Andrew 1988). ORNITHOLOGICAL REGIONS OF VIET NAM As in our previous papers (Robson et al. 1989, 1993) we follow the sub¬ divisions of Annam proposed by King et al. ( 1 97 5) and the division of T onkin into East and West proposed by Vo Quy (1983). The region ‘Indochina’, referred to in this paper, comprises of Laos, Viet Nam and Cambodia collectively. ABBREVIATIONS c. = circa, FIPI = Forest Inventory and Planning Institute, Ministry of Forestry, Hanoi, ha = hectares, km = kilometres (in a direct line), mm = millimetres, m = metres above sea level, N.P. = national park. ITINERARY APRIL 7 Dong Ha-Khe Che 12 Bangkok-Saigon (T.P. Ho Chi Minh) 8 Khe Che 13-15 Saigon 9 Khe Che-Thuong Nghat Sub-district-Qui Nhon 16 Tram Chim Reserve 10 Qui Nhon-Nha Trang 17 Saigon 11 Nha Trang 18 Saigon-Nha Trang 12 Nha Trang-Saigon 19 Nha Trang-Da Nang 13 Saigon 20 Da Nang-Bach Ma N.P. 14 Duven Hai 21 Bach Ma N.P. 15 Saigon-Da Lat 22 Lake Cau Hai and Thuan An 16 Da Lat 23-30 Bach Ma N.P. 17 Cong Troi North and South 18 Klong MAY 19 Cong Troi South 1 Bach Ma N.P. 20 Da Lat 2 Bach Ma N.P. -Hue 21 Da Lat-Long Lanh 3 Hue-A Luoi 22-23 Mount Bi Doup 4 A Luoi-Hue-Dong Ha 24 Long Lanh East 5 Dong Ha-Mai Lanh-Ba Long Valley-Dong Ha 25 Long Lanh East; Long Lanh-Da Lat 6 Dong Ha-Da Krong Valley-Khe Sanh-Dong Ha 26 Da Lat 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 91 27-28 Tuyen Lam 6 Mount Pantar 29 Da Lat 7 Deo Nui San 30 Cong Troi North 8 Di Linh-Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. 31 Mount Lang Bian 9-28 Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. 29 Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. -Saigon JUNE 30 Saigon 1-2 Da Dung 3 Da Lat JULY 4 Da Lat-Di Linh-Di Linh Village ‘8’ 1-4 Saigon 5 Di Linh Village ‘8’ 5 Saigon-Bangkok. N A 102° □ a ZOOGEOGRAPHICAl REGIONS: A WEST TONKIN B EAST TONKIN C NORTH ANNAM D CENTRAL ANNAM E SOUTH ANNAM F COCHINCHINA TOWNS & CITIES O | SURVEY LOCALITIES 1 Mount Bi Doup 2 Long Lanh 3 Long Lanh East 4 Cong Troi South 5 Cong Troi North 6 Mount Lang Bian 7 Tuyen Lam 8 Klong 9 Da Dung 1 0 Da Lat area 11 Di Linh Village '8' 12 Mount Pantar 13 Deo Nui San 14 Nam Bai Cat Tien NP 15 Bach Ma NP 16 Nam Dong District 17 Tram Chim Reserve 18 Dong Nai Delta 19 Phan Thiet salt pans 20 Cam Ranh Bay 21 Lake Cau Hai ' _ ’’Y , A ^Quy Nhon Nha Trang 12°- \ 19^ Saigon, (Ho Chi Minh City) Figure 1. Viet Nam, showing locations mentioned in text. 92 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 MAIN LOCALITIES VISITED /. Mount Bi Doup ( 12'05’N 108°40,E) Mount Bi Doup (2,289 m) is the highest peak on the Da Lat Plateau, situated to the north-east of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam). The vegetation on the mountain is similar to that on Mount Lang Bian (Robson et al. 1993). However, the area of Tropical Montane Evergreen forest (MacKinnon and MacKinnon 1986) here is much larger (at least 8,680 ha; Eames etal. 1992) and there are more extensive and mature stands of pine. Additionally, due to the higher elevation of this mountain, there are more rhododendrons and more extensive patches of bamboo in the undergrowth. As on Mount Lang Bian, the lower slopes are largely deforested or dominated by pine forest with pockets of degraded evergreen forest. Some open slopes are covered with bracken and grass. The forest here has been classified as a special protection area by the Lam Dong Forest Department, which means that, officially, no logging or other forms of forest exploitation are allowed. There appeared to be relatively little disturbance to forest on the mountain, although some areas had recently been burnt on the lower slopes. 2. Long Lanh (2°08’N 1081°39’E) This site includes the village of that name and surrounding area, situated to the north-west of Mount Bi Doup. The vegetation here is considerably modified, consisting of large open areas of grassland in a broad river valley, with patches of pine Pinus insularis forest, relatively mature in places. The terrain is fairly level (1,450-1 ,500 m). 3. Long Lanh East (12"09’N 108"41’E) Situated immediately north of Mount Bi Doup and east north-east of Long Lanh. The vegetation consists entirely of Tropical Montane Evergreen forest (MacKinnon and MacKinnon 1 986) and covers an area of 5,346 ha (Eames et al. 1992), forming a contiguous block with evergreen forest on Mount Bi Doup. Elevation varies from 1,500-1,800 m. Some areas had recently been cleared for agriculture; old, disused clearings are overgrown with dense scrub and secondary growth. A recently constructed logging track runs through the area. This forest has been classified as a watershed protection area by the Lam Dong Forest Department, which means that only selective logging is permitted. Small scale operations were being carried out, specifically to extract large specimens of Fokienia hodginsii. 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 93 4. Cong Troi South (12°06’N 108°23’E) This site is at and below a pass (1,800 m) situated 18 km north north-west of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam). The vegetation consists entirely of Tropical Montane Evergreen forest (MacKinnon and MacKinnon 1986) and elevation ranges from 1,500-1,800 m. 5. Cong Troi North (12°09’N 108°23’E) Situated 20-25 km north north-west of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam). The vegetation here is the same as at the previous site, at an elevation of around 1 ,500 m. There are some clearings for agriculture and areas of open grassland. An unpaved road runs through the area. 6. Mount Lang Bian (12°02’N, 108°26’E) This site, situated to the north of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam) was described in detail by Robson et al. (1993). Clearance of evergreen forest for charcoal production was continuing at an alarming rate. 7. Tuyen Lam (11°52’N 10825' E) Ho Tuyen Lam is a reservoir 6 km south south-west of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam). The reservoir is immediately surrounded by pine forest, behind which are relatively extensive areas of T ropical Montane Evergreen forest (MacKinnon and MacKinnon 1986). Elevation varies from 1,400-1,500 m. Small scale unofficial logging was being carried out in a number of areas and parts of the forest backing the reservoir shore were being cleared for agriculture. 8. Klong (11°49’N 108"28’E) A small roadside settlement below a forested hillside, 1 4 km south of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam). Vegetation here consists of a little degraded pine forest, scrub and cultivation on the lower slopes and Tropical Montane Evergreen forest (MacKinnon and MacKinnon 1986) above 1,350 m. Elevation, during the survey, varied from 1,050-1,400 m. Much of the forest was heavily cut-about and there was evidence of hunting in the area. 94 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 9. Da Dung (11°59’N !08rl9’E). North-west of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam). 1 0. Da Lat area (Da Lat ; 11°57’N 108527’ E). Lam Dong Province (South Annam). 11. DiLinh village ‘8’ (11'42’N 10800’ E). Lam Dong Province (South Annam). 12. Mount Pantar (11°29’N 108 06’ E ) A forested mountain (Nui Pantar, 1 ,664 m) situated 1 1 km south of Di Linh, Lam Dong Province (South Annam). The vegetation here consists of patches of pine forest and scrub on the lower slopes and Tropical Montane Evergreen forest (MacKinnon and MacKinnon 1986) above 1 , 1 00 m. Elevation, during the survey, varied from 1,080-1,350 m. Much of the evergreen forest had been cut-about or consisted of secondary growth. Some quite large areas were being cleared for cultivation on the lower slopes. 13. Deo Nui San (11°28’N 108 04’ E) A forested pass between Mount San (1,502 m) and Mount Pantar, 13 km south of Di Linh, Lam Dong Province (South Annam). The vegetation here consists entirely of Tropical Montane Evergreen forest (MacKinnon and MacKinnon 1986), with elevation ranging from 1,160-1,220 m. The north side of the pass is threatened by clearance of forest for agriculture. 14. Nam Bai Cat Tien National Park (11°27’N 107°18,E) This site, situated in the northern part of DongNai Province (Cochinchina) was described in detail by Robson et al. (1993). 15. Bach Ma National Park (16°11’N 107° 50’ E) Situated between Hue and Da Nang in Thua Thien Province (Central Annam), this site was also described in detail by Robson et al. (1993). However, in 1991 we also visited the southern part of the park, basing 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 95 ourselves in the Khe Ao Valley mouth (16°08’N 107°48’E). Vegetation in the Khe Ao area consists of Lowland Evergreen forest (MacKinnon and MacKinnon 1986), also described as Closed Broadleaved Ombrophilous Lowland (CVRER 1985) and Lowland Semi-Evergreen forest (MacKinnon and MacKinnon 1986) or Closed Broadleaved Tropical Evergreen Seasonal Lowland dominated by Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae, Meliaceae and Sapindaceae (CVRER 1985). A broad river valley runs east to west through the area but was cleared of its forest by herbicide spraying during the Viet Nam War; consequently there is only scrub and grass remaining in the more level areas. Elevation, during the survey, varied from 130-400 m. The watershed to the south-east of Khe Ao has been proposed as a southerly extension to the park. Collection of rattans for export was posing a serious threat here and in other parts of the national park. 16. Nam Dong District (16°10’N 107°38’E). Situated to the west of Bach Ma NP, Thua Thien Province (Central Annam) . 17. Tram Chim Reserve (10°45’N 105°35,E). Dong Thap Province (Cochinchina). 18. Dong Nai Delta (Duyert Hai; 10°25’N 106°58’E). Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh Province (Cochinchina). 19. Phan Thiet salt pans (10°57’N 108°07’E). Thuan Hai Province (South Annam). 20. Cam Ranh Bay (ll°5rN 109°07,E). Khanh Hoa Province (South Annam). 21. Lake Cau Hai (16°20’N 107°48,E). Thua Thien Province (Central Annam). 22. On route in Cochinchina. 23. On route in South Annam. 24. On route in Central Annam. 96 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 RECORDS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST RAIN QUAIL Cotumix coromandelica A male in excellent condition was found for sale in a shop in Da Lat (1,500 m) on 28 May. It had been trapped in nearby fields in February 1991. This appears to be the first record of the species from Viet Nam and Indochina. A series of colour photographs were taken of the bird. ORANGE-NECKED PARTRIDGE Arborophila davidi Two birds were observed briefly by C.R.R. in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. (140-200 m) on 21 June. Seven days were subsequently spent in search of these birds but they were only seen again in flight by C.R.R. and N.C. on 22 and 24 June. The habitat consisted of non-thorny bamboo forest, very dense in places and reaching a height of c. 6-10 m, on small hills (Eames et al. 1992), with light undergrowth including various gingers Zingiberaceae. Scaly-breasted Partridge A. chloropus was commonly heard calling in surrounding areas of level lowland forest but never on hills, indicating different habitat preferences. Orange-necked Partridge shows similarities with the more widespread Bar- backed Partridge A brunneopectus and appears to replace it geographically in Cochinchina. It was previously known only from two specimens collected at 250 m near Bu Kroai (Bu Croi), Song Be Province (Cochinchina) by M. A. David- Beaulieu in 1927. Delacour and Jabouille (1931), erroneously state that there were three specimens and that two of them were lost. It was listed as globally threatened by Collar and Andrew ( 1 988) . Bu Kroai is 37 km north¬ west of the above mentioned sightings. EDWARDS’S PHEASANT Lophura edwardsi Surveys were undertaken to locate this species in Quang Tri and Thua Thien Provinces (Central Annam), including Bach Ma N.P. No evidence of its continued existence could be found. For a full account see Eames et al. (1992). SIAMESE FIREBACK Lophura diardi Small numbers were recorded along the main track through Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. (140 m) on a number of occasions. As elsewhere in its range, it becomes habituated to road and track-sides through forest. It was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). GERMAIN’S PEACOCK-PHEASANT Polyplectron germaini Reliably reported to occur at Tuyen Lam (1,400-1,500 m) by local wood-cutters on 28 May. The remains of a snared bird were examined in Da Longit village, on the Da Dung River, 10-15 km north-west of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam) on 1 June. It had been caught three or four hours walk downstream of the village. The full tail of a bird shown to us by a local hunter at Di Linh Village ‘8’ (Ta Lung; 1 1°44’N 108ll01’E; 610 m), on the upper 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 97 Dong Nai River, north-west of Di Linh, Lam Dong Province (South Annam) on 5 June, had been killed in low hills to the north. A male was seen and three others heard on Mount Pantar (1,080-1,100 m) on 6 June. Recorded almost daily in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. (140 m) where it was considered to be fairly common; for more details see Eames etal. (1992) and Robson etal. (1993). Recorded in montane evergreen forest on Mount Pantar. It was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). CRESTED ARGUS Rheinardia ocellata At least 21-26 birds were heard calling in the southern part of Bach Ma N.P., including its proposed southern extension (200-700 m), between 27 April and 1 May (Eames etal. 1992) and several birds were heard in the north-east of the park where they were surveyed in 1990 (Robson etal. 1993). One bird was heard in the Ba Long Valley (300-400 m), 30 km south-west of Quang Tri, Quang Tn Province (Central Annam) on 5 May. Reported by local people from Nam Dong District (200-300 m) on 8 May and a number of sites in the hills south-west of Hue, Thua Thien Province and south-west of Quang Tri, Quang Tri Province (Central Annam) during 3-6 May (Eames etal. 1992). Three birds were heard calling on Mount Bi Doup (1,700-1,900 m) on 22 and 23 May and two were heard calling at nearby Long Lanh East (1,700 m) on 24 May. The records from Mount Bi Doup and Long Lanh East are to the south of its previously recorded range in Viet Nam (Eames et al. 1992) and the first from the Da Lat Plateau. However, Brunei (1978) had previously reported seeing feathers of this species in the Da Lat area. Interestingly, it was found at a much higher elevation in these areas than those previously surveyed by us to the north (Robson etal. 1989, 1993). It was listed as globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). GREEN PEAFOWL Pavo muticus Reported by local people to still occur in the Ba Long Valley area, 30 km south-west of Quang Tri, Quang Tri Province (Central Annam) on 5 May. A 1989 sighting of two birds was reported by a local hunter at Di Linh Village ‘8’ (Ta Lung; 11°44’N 108°01 ’E; 610 m), on the upper Dong Nai River, north-west of Di Linh, Lam Dong Province (South Annam) on 5 June. At least eleven birds were observed at various localities in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. during 9-26 June (Eames et al. 1992). It was difficult to survey at the latter locality, as territorial calling was not noted and birds were moulting (Eames et al. 1992). According to reports from local tribes in Central Annam, most populations of this species disappeared between the late 1950s and 1975 and mostly between 1968 and 1975, coinciding with the defoliation of river valleys during the Viet Nam War. The species is globally threatened (Collar and Andrew 1988). WHITE- WINGED DUCK Cairina scutulata None was observed during surveys carried out in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. However, local people reliably 98 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 reported that two birds had been present in the north-east of the park earlier in the year (Eames et al. 1992). It was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). SPOT-BILLED DUCK Anas poecilorhyncha At least 80 adults and three broods of small young at the Tram Chim Reserve on 16 April. Not recorded by King et al. (1975) and Vo Quy ( 1 983) from Cochinchina. WHITE-BELLIED WOODPECKER Dryocopus javensis Two birds were seen in pine forest at Long Lanh (1,450 m) on 24 May. King et al. (1975) record it only above 915 m in north-east Burma and north-west Tonkin, Viet Nam. RED-VENTED BARBET Megalaima lagrandieri Fairly common in the southern part of Bach Ma N.P. (130-400 m) on 28-29 April; several heard in Nam Dong District (200-300 m) on 8 May; several birds heard calling at Klong (1,350 m) on 18 May; at least two calling at Tuyen Lam (1,450 m) on 28 May; one heard in the Di Linh Village ‘8’ area (930 m) on 5 June; many birds heard calling on Mount Pantar (1,080-1,350 m) on 6 June; common at Deo Nui San (1,1 60- 1 ,220 m) on 7 June; fairly common in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. (140 m). Widespread in Viet Nam, with an elevation range of 50-1,900 m (Robson etal. 1989, 1993) but listed as near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). BANDED KINGFISHER Lacedo pulchella One male seen and another heard in the southern part of Bach Ma N.P. (130-300 m) on 28 April. Not recorded for Central Annam by King et al. (1975) or for northern Annam by Vo Quy (1983). However, Delacour and Jabouille (1931) mention Thua Luu, just north-east of Bach Ma N.P., as a locality for the species. BLYTH’S KINGFISHER Alcedo Hercules One seen in the Khe Thuong Valley (150 m), in the proposed southerly extension of Bach Ma N.P. on 30 April (Eames et al. 1992). In Viet Nam this species was said to occur only in Tonkin by King et al. (1975) and Vo Quy (1983). However, Stepanyan et al. (1983) give a record from Kon Ha Nung, Gia Lai Kon Turn Province (Central Annam) and we found it in North Annam in 1990 (Robson et al. 1993). It was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). CRESTED KINGFISHER Megaceryle lugubris One at Ho Vang (1,450 m), just north of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province (South Annam) on 30 May. Not recorded for South Annam by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). CORAL-BILLED GROUND-CUCKOO Carpococcyx renauldi Several heard calling in the north-east part of Bach Ma N.P. (400 m) on 26 April. Considered near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 99 SILVER-BACKED NEEDLETAIL Hirundapus cochinchinensis At least 40 birds in the southern part of Bach Ma N.P. on 27-28 April and two in Nam Dong District on 8 May. Not recorded for Central Annam by King et al. (1975) or for northern Annam by Vo Quy (1983). BROWN-BACKED N E E D LET A I L /Trim dap us giga nteus Fairly common in Bach Ma N.P. during 20-28 April. Not listed for Central Annam by King et al. ( 1 975), or for northern Annam by Vo Quy (1983). We recorded it in North Annam for the first time in 1988 (Robson et al. 1989). FORK-TAILED SWIFT Apus pacificus In Bach Ma N.P., at least ten birds on 23 April and one on 30 April. At least three birds at Mai Lanh, Quang Tri Province (Central Annam) on 5 May. Not recorded for Central Annam by Delacour and Jabouille (1931). King et al. (1975) list the species as a resident in Central Annam but do not include South Annam, an area mentioned by the former authors. HOUSE SWIFT Apus nipalensis Seen flying around the summit of Mount Lang Bian (2,167 m) on 31 May. Not previously recorded above 1,830 m in South-East Asia (King et al. 1975). : EASTERN GRASS-OWL Tyto longimembris A feather of this species was found in grassland at Long Lanh (1,450 m) on 21 May and subsequently identified by comparison with specimens in the British Museum, Tring. Several mounted specimens examined in Da Lat (1,500 m) in May were said to have been shot nearby. Not previously recorded above 1 ,220 m in South- East Asia (King et al. 1975). SPOT-BELLIED EAGLE-OWL Bubo nipalensis A mounted specimen was .examined in a shop in Da Lat on 29 May. The shopkeeper said it had come from Buon Me Thuot, Dac Lac Province (South Annam). King etal. (1975) and Delacour and Jabouille (1931) do not list it for South Annam. PALE-CAPPED PIGEON Columba punicea At least 14 birds at Da Dung (1,280 m) on 1 June and eight to ten there the following day (Eames et al. 1992). The birds were found feeding on fruiting trees with large numbers of parakeets, bulbuls and starlings in an area of overgrown cultivation. It was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew ( 1 988) . Not previously recorded above 1,220 m in South-East Asia (King et al. 1975). YELLOW- VENTED GREEN-PIGEON Treron seimundi One seen on Mount Pantar (1,350 m) on 6 June and several birds at nearby Deo Nui San (1,160 m) on 7 June. It was considered near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). 100 C. R. ROBSON eial. Forktail 9 SARUS CRANE Grits antigone Up to 120 birds, including a flock of 70-80, at the Tram Chim Reserve on 16 April. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Two on salt pans by the south¬ west corner of Cam Ranh Bay on 12 May. Not recorded for South Annam by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica Three on salt pans by the south¬ west corner of Cam Ranh Bay on 12 May. Not recorded for South Annam by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). TEREK SANDPIPER Tringa cinerea On salt pans by the south-west corner of Cam Ranh Bay, one on 18 April and at least 30 on 12 May. Not recorded for South Annam by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres One at Duyen Hai, Dong Nai Delta on 14 May. Not recorded for Cochinchina by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER Calidris acuminata One on Phan Thiet salt pans on 18 April. King et al. (1975) do not list Viet Nam in the range of this species, and it is not mentioned in Vo Quy (1 983). However, Fischer (1961, 1974, 1983) mentioned its occurrence in East Tonkin. RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus lobatus On salt pans by the south-west shore of Cam Ranh Bay, at least 4 1 on 1 8 April and 1 4 on 12 May. Two by the causeway at Lang Co, Thua Thien Province (Central Annam) on 20 April. There is one previous record for Viet Nam and Indochina in the unpublished notes of Nils Gyldenstolpe (Eames and Ericson in prep.); a female shot in a small clay-pit full of water at Lao Bao, Quang T ri Province (Central Annam) on 19 October 1938. PHEASANT-TAILED JACANA Hydrophasianus chirurgus Two birds were seen flying north over the forested hills of Bach Ma N.P. on 1 May. King et al. (1975) list this species as a resident throughout Indochina but Delacour (1929) stated that northern breeders move south in winter. ORIENTAL PLOVER Charadrius veredus One on Phan Thiet salt pans on 12 May. The only previous Vietnamese record was from Da Nang in Central Annam (Delacour and Jabouille 1931). HERRING GULL Larus argentatus One second-summer bird at Thuan An, Thua Thien Province (Central Annam) on 22 April. Although listed as a coastal migrant throughout Indochina by King et al. (1975), no previous records for Central Annam could be found in available literature. The bird was believed to be L. a. vegae , a race that is treated as 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 101 a separate species by Glutz and Bauer (1982). Previous Vietnamese records of Herring Gull from East T onkin, North Annam and Cochinchina were also thought to be of this subspecies (Delacour 1929, Delacour and Jabouille 1931). Fischer (1961, 1965) thought that his records in East Tonkin possibly related to Yellow-legged Gull L. cachinnans mongolicus. BRIDLED TERN Sterna anaethetus Up to 1 20 birds off the municipal beach at Qui Nhon, Binh Dinh Province (Central Annam) on 10 May and at least three off Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province (South Annam) on 1 1 May. Previously recorded only from the Con Son Islands (Cochinchina) in Viet Nam (King et al. 1975). ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii Several birds seen off the municipal beach at Qui Nhon, Binh Dinh Province (Central Annam) on 9 May. Not definitely recorded for Viet Nam or Indochina by King et al. (1975) and not listed for Viet Nam by Delacour and Jabouille (1931) or Vo Quy (1983). However, it was listed for the Con Son Islands by Robinson and Kloss (1921), based on Sparrman’s (1789) description of Lams Polo-candor. However, Sparrman’s description, although clearly relating to a Sterna tern, is not referable to S', dougallii (T. Inskipp pers. comm. 1993). COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Several seen off the municipal beach at Qui Nhon, Binh Dinh Province (Central Annam) on 9 May. Not definitely recorded for Viet Nam or Indochina by King et al. (1975) and not listed for Viet Nam by Delacour and Jabouille (1931) or Vo Quy (1983). There has, however, been a recent sighting in East Tonkin (Scott et al. 1989). LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons In Khanh Hoa Province (South Annam): two between Van Ninh and Co Ma on 1 9 April, at least three off Nha Trang on 1 1 May, four at Ca Na on 12 May and eight to ten on salt pans by the south-west corner of Cam Ranh Bay on 12 May. Two on Phan Thiet salt pans on 12 May. Not recorded for South Annam by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). One nest with three eggs was found on a salt pan bund at Cam Ranh Bay. WHITE-WINGED TERN Chlidonias leucopterus Seven birds at Thanh Binh, Dong Thap Province (Cochinchina) on 16 April; at least 75 feeding over marshes south of Hoa Vinh, Phu Yen Province (South/Central Annam) on 10 May; 28 moving north past Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province (South Annam) on 1 0 May with another 50 past on 1 1 May; at least 1 80 birds at Nin Hai, Thuan Hai Province (South Annam) on 12 May; eight at Phan Rang, Thuan Hai Province (South Annam) on 1 2 May; two at Nha Be, Thanh Pho, Ho Chi Minh Province (Cochinchina) on 14 May. Not recorded for Cochinchina and South Annam by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). 102 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 GREY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus One bird seen in the southern part of Bach Ma N.P. on 27 April and at least four birds in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. during 1 1-13 June. Considered a lowland forest specialist by Round (1988). CRESTED GOSHAWK Accipiter trivirgatus A single bird seen displaying over the summit of Mount Bi Doup (2,289 m) on 23 May. Not previously recorded above 1,830 m in South-East Asia (King et al. 1975). PIED FALCONET Microhierax melanoleucus One seen in Nam Dong District (200-300 m) on 8 May. Not recorded for Central Annam by King et al. (1975). However, Delacour and Jabouille (1931) mention a record from the Col des Nuages (Hai Van Pass) in Central Annam. Our record is marginally the furthest south for the species. CHINESE EGRET Egretta eulophotes Eight birds, including seven in full summer plumage, on inter-tidal mudflats in the south-west corner of Cam Ranh Bay on 18 April (Eames et al. 1992). This is the second record for Viet Nam and Indochina, the first being from East Tonkin (Scott 1988). The species was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea A roost of at least 50 birds in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. on 20 June. MALAYAN NIGHT-HERON Gorsachius melanolophus A single bird was flushed from the edge of a stream in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. on 13 June. Considered a near-threatened species by Collar and Andrew (1988). SCHRENCK’S BITTERN Ixobrychus eurhythmus One female seen near the headquarters of Bach Ma N.P. on 25 April. The only previous Vietnamese records were from T onkin (King etal. 1975, Vo Quy 1983). It was listed as near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). GREAT BITTERN Botaurus stellaris One mounted specimen was found for sale in Da Te market, west Lam Dong Province (Cochinchina) on 8 June. According to the shopkeeper it had been purchased earlier in the year from a local hunter. Not recorded for Cochinchina by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). WHITE-SHOULDERED IBIS Pseudibis davisoni Three birds were observed calling and displaying in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. ( 1 40 m) on 1 3 and 1 4 June and local people reported that six were present in the same area earlier in the year (Eames et al. 1992). This record constitutes the first sighting of wild birds in continental South- 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 103 East Asia for many years. It was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988) PAINTED STORK Mycteria leucocephala A total of 18 birds at the Tram Chim Reserve on 16 April. WOOLLY-NECKED STORK Ciconia episcopus Five birds were seen in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. LESSER ADJUTANT Leptoptilos javanicus A single bird was flushed from a pool in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. on 19 June. Its reluctance to leave the area suggested that it may have been breeding locally. This locality is currently the only known breeding site for the species in Viet Nam (Morris 1988, Scott 1989). It was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). BAR-BELLIED PITTA Pitta elliotii Small numbers were recorded in the southern part of Bach Ma N.P. and in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. Although it was considered a globally threatened species by Collar and Andrew (1988), it is now considered less threatened than was previously thought and may no longer warrant its classification as globally threatened (Eames et al. 1992). GOLDEN-BELLIED GERY GONE Gerygone sulphurea One bird seen and two or three heard at the Tram Chim Reserve, on 16 April; several birds singing by the south-west shore of Cam Ranh Bay on 18 April and 12 May; common in mangrove forest between Nha Be and Duyen Hai, Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh Province (Cochinchina) on 14 May. Not recorded for South Annam by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). The former authors refer to its occurrence in Viet Nam as being based on an ‘old breeding record’ from Cochinchina. WHITE- WINGED MAGPIE Urocissa whiteheadi Heard calling in the north-east of Bach Ma N.P. on 26 April. Listed as near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). RATCHET-TAILED TREEPIE Temnurus temnurus Several observed in the north-east and southern parts of Bach Ma N.P. on 26 and 28 April respectively. Listed as near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). EURASIAN BLACKBIRD Turdusmerula Two birds near the headquarters of Bach Ma N.P. on 24-25 April. Not recorded for Central Annam by King et al. (1975). However, Delacour and Jabouille (1931) mention wintering records from Quang Tri, Hai Lang and Hue in Central Annam. Our records appear to be the furthest south in Viet Nam to date. GREEN COCHOA Cochoa viridis One calling on Mount Lang Bian ( 1 ,900- 2,000 m) on 31 May was tape-recorded. Considered near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). 104 C. R. ROBSON era/. Forktail 9 GREY-STREAKED FLY CATCHER Muscicapa griseisticta One in gardens near the headquarters of Bach Ma N.P. on 24-26 April. The only previous Vietnamese and Indochinese record was from Cochinchina (Delacour and Jabouille 1931). NARCISSUS FLYCATCHER Ficedula narcissina A female of the nominate subspecies in gardens near the headquarters of Bach Ma N.P. on 23 April. There are only two previous Vietnamese and Indochinese records of this subspecies, from Quang Tri and Hue (Central Annam) in March and April (Delacour and Jabouille 1931). BLUE-THROATED FLY CATCHER Cyornis rubeculoides One male on 1 0 June and a pair on 18 June in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. (140 m). Not recorded for Cochinchina by Kang et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). One of the males observed was atypical, lacking the usual orange coloration on the breast. Instead, the lower throat/upper breast was white and the remainder of the breast off-white with some darker blotching; reminiscent of the atypical Hainan Blue-Flycatcher C. hainanus depicted in Boonsong and Round (1991). CHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING Stumus malabaricus A pair seen at the nest at Long Lanh (1,450 m) on 21 May. Not previously recorded above 1,220 m in South-East Asia (King et al. 1975). The nest was situated in a hole in a pine tree and contained young. CHESTNUT-VENTED NUTHATCH Sitta nagaensis Recorded at 1 ,080 m on Mount Pantar on 6 June. Not previously recorded below 1,370 m in South-East Asia (King et al. 1975). YELLOW-BILLED NUTHATCH Sitta solangiae At least three birds at Cong Troi North (1,510 m) on 17 and 30 May; several at Cong Troi South (1,500-1,700 m) on 19 May; several on Mount Bi Doup (1,800-2,100 m) on 22-23 May; at least six at Long Lanh East (1,500-1,800 m) on 24 May; up to ten at Tuyen Lam (1,450-1,500 m) on 27-28 May and at least four on Mount Lang Bian (1,900 m) on 31 May (Eames et al. 1992). In South Annam, we have only recorded this species between 1,450 and 2,100 m on the Da Lat Plateau (see Robson etal. 1993) and the closely related Velvet-fronted Nuthatch V. frontalis between 930 m and 1,350 m on the adjacent Di Linh Plateau and slopes leading up to the Da Lat Plateau (see Robson et al. 1993). It was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). YELLOW-BROWED TIT Sylviparus modestus Seen at Tuyen Lam (1 ,500 m) on 27 May. Not previously recorded below 1,830 m in South-East Asia (King et al. 1975). 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Vie Nam 105 GREEN-BACKED TIT Pams monticolus Seen at Klong (1D50 m) on 18 May. Not previously recorded below 1,525 m in South-East Asa (King et al. 1975). NORTHERN HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon urbica At last one bird amongst a flock of feeding hirundines at Mai Lanh, QuangTri Province (Central Annam) on 5 May. Not recorded for Central Annam by King et al. (1975) oi for northern Annam by Vo Quy (1983). It was identified as this species nther than the similar Asian House-Martin D. dasypus by its deeply forkedtail and pure white underparts. GREY-EYED BULBUL Iole propinqua Seen at Deo Nui Sar( 1,220 m) on 7 June. Not previously recorded above 915 m in South-East Ask (King et al. 1975). GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA Cisticola exilis A male singing in the southern part of Bach Ma N.P. on 27 April; at least three, incuding singing males, at Ke Che (Khe Tche), just west of Bach Ma N.P. on 1 May; at least two singing at Long Lanh (1,450 m) on 21 May; fairly common and confirmed breeding in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. Not recorded for Cochinchina by King etal. (1975) orVo Qiv (1983). The records from Central Annam appear to extend its range norhward in Viet Nam (see Robson et al. 1989). Not previously recorded abcre 1,220 m in South-East Asia (King et al. 1975). It seems that this specieshas expanded its range in Viet Nam as a result of deforestation. PLAIN PRINIA Prinia inomata Several birds singing at Lon; Lanh (1,450 m) on 21-22 May. Not previously recorded above 915 m in South-East Ask (King et al. 1975). YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA Prinia flaviventris Two or thre birds singing at Long Lanh (1,450 m) on 21 May. Not previously recorded above 1,220 m in South-East Asa (King et al. 1975). PALE-FOOTED BUSH-WARBLER Cettia pallidipes Up ts four singing males on the lower slopes of Mount Bi Doup (1,550 m), in suiable breeding habitat, on 22-23 and 25 May. These records constitute a remarkable breeding range extmsion for the species, as King etal. (1975) and Vo Quy (1983) only record t as a migrant to West Tonkin in Viet Nam (subspecies laurentei). One biri was trapped and photographed and a full series of biometrics and notes wire taken. No differences between these birds and C. p. laurentei could be fund during a 106 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 subsequent comparison of our material with skins in the British Museum, Tring. A recording of the song was compared with a tape of song from north¬ west Thailand (subspecies laurentei) made by P. D. Round and it was found to differ only slightly. The habitat consisted of open bracken-covered slopes. ORIENTAL REED-WARELERHcrocep/zu/rr? orientalis Three or four birds by the south-west shore of Cam Ranh Bay on 18 April. Not recorded for South Annam by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). TWO-BARRED WARBLER Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus One seen in gardens near the headquarters of Bach Ma N.P. on 24 and 26 April. Not recorded for Central Annam by Delacour and Jabouille (1931). YELLOW-BELLIED WARBLER Abroscopus superciliaris Small numbers were recorded in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. during 16-22 June. Not recorded for Cochinchina by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). BLACK-HOODED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax milleti A flock of at least ten birds atCongTroi North (1,510 m) on 17 and 30 May with another flock of at least five there on the latter date; two flocks of at least five and three at Tuyen Lam (1,500 m) on 27 and 28 May respectively; a flock of at least three birds seen and another one or two flocks heard on Mount Pantar (1,100-1,350 m) on 6 June and a flock of at least eight seen and another two or three flocks heard at Deo Nui San (1,160-1,220 m) on 7 June. The first records of this Vietnamese endemic since it was reported by Brunei 30 years previously (Brunei 1978). All the birds we saw were in flocks in the undergrowth of broadleaved evergreen forest. The relatively low altitudinal range of the species makes it particularly vulnerable to agricultural encroachment (Eames et al. 1 992) and it was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). Its vocalisations are very similar to the closely related Grey Laughingthrush G. maesi and White-necked Laughingthrush G. strepitans. WHITE-CHEEKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax vassali Three or four at Klong (1,050-1,200 m) on 18 May; one at Cong Troi South (1,700 m) on 1 9 May; several birds including at least one juvenile at Long Lanh East (1,500-1,700 m) on 24 May; at least 30 birds at Tuyen Lam (1,450-1,500 m) on 27-28 May; a flock of at least 35 birds at Cong Troi North (1,510 m) on 30 May; several at Da Dung (1,280 m) on 1 June; several in the Di Linh Village ‘8’ area (930 m) on 5 June; at least ten on Mount Pantar (1,080 m) on 6 June and several at Deo Nui San (1,200 m) on 7 June. To date, we have recorded this species from 650-1,900 m, in grass, scrub or evergreen forest edge, often in large flocks (see Robson et al. 1989, 1 993) . It was considered near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). SPOT-BREASTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax merulinus Two pairs seen and another male heard at Long Lanh East ( 1 ,500 m) on 25 May; one male seen and another heard at Tuyen Lam (1,450 m) on 28 May; two 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 107 at Cong Troi North (1,510 m) on 30 May; several singing males on Mount Pantar (1,100-1,350 m) on 6 June and three seen and three or four males heard at Deo Nui San (1,160-1,220 m) on 7 June. The subspecies involved, annamensis, is very distinctive and endemic to the highlands of South Annam. Birds were found in undergrowth in cut-over primary and secondary broadleaved evergreen forest, secondary growth between abandoned cultivation and primary forest and at the edge of primary and secondary forest. A male was trapped and photographed at Long Lanh East. The species was considered near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). COLLARED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax yersini At least eight birds at Cong Troi South (1,500-1,700 m) on 19 May; several on Mount Bi Doup (1,800-2,100 m) on 22-23 May; up to ten birds at Long Lanh East (1,500- 1,800 m) on 24-25 May; at least three at Cong Troi North (1,510 m) on 30 May and several on Mount Lang Bian (1,900 m) on 31 May. To date, we have recorded the species between 1 ,500 m and 2,100 m. Two birds were trapped and one photographed at Cong T roi South. It is endemic to Viet Nam and was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). SHORT-TAILED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Jabouilleia danjoui Three seen and another heard on Mount Bi Doup (1,980-2,000 m) on 22-23 May and a family party of four birds at Long Lanh East (1,700 m) on 24 May (Eames et al. 1992). These records are apparently the first of the southern (nominate) subspecies since its discovery in the 1920s (Delacour et al. 1928, Robinson and Kloss 1919). The southern subspecies appears to occur at higher elevations than the northern subspecies (J. d. parvirostris ), which we have found only from 50-900 m (Robson et al. 1989, 1993). The species is endemic to Viet Nam and was considered globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). GREY-FACED TIT-BABBLER Macronous kelleyi One singing in the southern part of Bach Ma N.P. (130 m) on 29 April; two or three singing in Nam Dong District (200-300 m) on 8 May; common in the Di Linh Village ‘8’ area (930 m) on 5 June; one or two singing on Mount Pantar (1,080 m) on 6 June and fairly common in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. (140-250 m) during 9-25 June. The records from Mount Pantar appear to be the highest to date (see Robson etal. 1989, 1993). It was considered near-threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). YELLOW-EYED BABBLER Chrysomma sinense One bird in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. on 13 June. Not previously recorded for Cochinchina by King et al. (1975) or Vo Quy (1983). 108 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 CHESTNUT-FRONTED SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius aenobarbus Seen in the Di Linh Village ‘8’ area (930 m) on 5 June. Not previously recorded below 1,220 m in South-East Asia (King et al. 1975). FULVETTA Alcippe sp. On Mount Bi Doup (2, 1 60-2,289 m), one bird on 22 and 23 May and a flock of at least four on 23 May. One bird was trapped and photographed in the hand and a full description and series of biometrics were taken. After an analysis of specimens in the British Museum, Tring and other material, we decided that these birds most resemble A. mficapilla danisi. It appears that this subspecies is known only from a single specimen (no. 268,092 in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, U.S.A.) which was collected on Phu (Mount) Kobo (2,000 m), northern Laos by Delacour and Greenway in 1938 (Delacour and Greenway 1941). Cheng (1987) listed dam's?' from south-east Yunnan and south-west Guizhou, China, noting that they were ‘originally identified asA r. sordidior , but from zoogeographical viewpoint, the specimens collected probably belong to A. r. danisi ’; the assignation of these specimens is perhaps doubtful. Several differences were noted during a comparison of our material with photographs of the danisi specimen held in the U.S.A.; notably the less extensive area of silvery-whitish coloration visible at the base of the primaries on the closed wing on the Bi Doup birds. The habitat where birds were found on Mount Bi Doup consisted of bamboo undergrowth in montane broadleaved evergreen forest and scrub in a clearing on the summit. More data are currently being gathered on the Bi Doup birds and it is hoped that a full account will be published soon. MOUNTAIN FULVETTA Alcippe peracensis To date, we have recorded/1. p. groteiatihe. following localities (see Robson etal. 1989, 1993): Cue Phuong N.P., Ha Nam Ninh Province (East Tonkin), Buon Luoi, Gia Lai Kon Turn Province (Central Annam) and Son Tung, Nghe Tinh Province (North Annam) in 1 988; throughout the lowland parts of Bach Ma N.P. in 1 990 and 1 99 1 and at Cat Bin, Nghe Tinh Province (North Annam) in 1 990; Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. in 1991. We recorded it from 50-700 m and breeding was confirmed at Son Tung and Bach Ma N.P. A. p. annamensis was recorded in the Pass ‘41’ area, A Sau A Luoi, Quang Tri/Thua Thien Province (Central Annam) in 1988; Mount Bach Ma in Bach Ma N.P. in 1990 and commonly at many localities on the Da Lat and Di Linh Plateaus, Lam Dong Province (South Annam) during 1 990 and 1991. We recorded it from 700- 2, 1 00 m and breeding was confirmed on Mount Lang Bian. The subspecific identification of birds observed at Kon Cha Rang (at 700-850 m), Gia Lai Kon Turn Province (Central Annam) in 1988 remains undetermined. We believe that the subspecies grotei has been wrongly assigned to 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 109 Mountain Fulvetta. Its biometrics, song and altitudinal range place it much closer to Brown-cheeked Fulvetta A. poioicephala. Additionally, in 1 990, we found grotei and annamensis occurring together in Bach Ma N.P.; the former below 700 m and the latter above 900 m. Morphologically, grotei is distinct from both Brown-cheeked and Mountain Fulvettas and may prove to be a full species. Further research is currently underway and it is hoped that a paper will be published on the status of A. p. grotei in the near future. ORIENTAL SKYLARK Alauda gulgula In South Annam: several birds at Phan Thiet salt pans on 18 April; several between Phan Rang, Thuan Hai Province and Cam Ranh Bay, Khanh Hoa Province on 18 April; several between Nha T rang and Van Ninh, Khanh Hoa Province on 1 9 April and 1 1 May and several by the south-west shore of Cam Ranh Bay on 1 2 May. Not recorded for South Annam by King et al. (1975). STREAKED SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera magna Single birds were recorded in Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P. (140 m) on 15 and 19 June. There are no previous records for Cochinchina according to King et al. (1975) and Vo Quy (1983). The former authors also state that it occurs only above 915 m in Viet Nam. VIETNAMESE GREENFINCH Carduelis monguilloti Several birds seen at Klong (1,050 m) on 18 May. Not previously recorded below 1,220 m (King et al. 1975). A flock of ten birds, including juveniles, was observed flycatching from a pine Pinus insularis (catching airborne termites) at Da Lat on 16 May (Eames et al. 1992). We would like to express our gratitude to Geo-Initiative ‘Projekt Tropischer Regenwald e.V’ and the A. S. Butler Charitable Trust for their financial support, and the Oriental Bird Club for providing a grant to cover expenses incurred by Nguyen Cu and Truong Van La. We would like to thank the following people for their support and assistance during the planning stages of the 1991 visit: Dr. A. Green, R. F. A. Grimmett, Dr. G. E. Morris, S. Usui and R. Wirth. In Viet Nam we were, once again, assisted by many people, without whom fieldwork would not have been possible. We would particularly like to thank the following people: Prof. Dr Vo Quy and Dr Le Dien Due (CRES); Dr Dang Huy Huynh and Dr Nguyen Tien Ban at the Centre for Ecology and Biological Resources, Hanoi; Dr Doan Canh (FIPI); Truong Quang Tam and Dr Tran Van Minh at the Centre for Ecology, T. P. Ho Chi Minh; Le Van Chiem (director), Bay Sot, Phan Thanh Tong and all the staff at Nam Bai Cat Tien N.P.; Dr Nguyen Dang Khoi and staff at the Ecology Institute, Da Lat; Huynh Van Keo (director) and staff at Bach Ma N.P. Particular thanks are due to the hard work and enthusiasm of our driver Minh, whose skills enabled us to reach many destinations which would otherwise have been inaccessible. C. R. Robson, 63 Stafford Street, Norwich NR2 3BD, U.K. J. C. Eames, c/o BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ON A, U.K. Nguyen Cu and Truong Van La, Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, NCSR, Hanot, Viet Nam. C. R. ROBSON etal. 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(1931) Les oiseaux del’ Indochine francaise. Four volumes. Paris: Exposition Coloniale Internationale. Delacour, J., Jabouille, P. and Lowe, W. P. (1928) On the birds collected during the third expedition to French Indo-China. Ibis (12)4: 23-51, 285-317. Eames, J. C., Robson, C. R., Nguyen Cu and Truong Van La (1992) Forest bird surveys in Vietnam 1991. ICBP study report No. 5 1 . Fischer, W. (1961) Kleine Beitriige zur Vogelkunde Vietnams. Beitr. Vogelk. 7: 285-317. Fischer, W. (1965) Neue Beitrage zur Vogelkunde Vietnams. Beitr. Vogelk. 10: 361-379. Fischer, W. (1974) Vorlaufiger Abschlussbcricht uber Vogel-beobachtungen in Vietnam. Beitr. Vogelk. 20: 249-300. Fischer, W. (1983) Ein Beitriig zum Vorkommen, Durchzug und zur Ubersommerung von Limikolen (Charadriiformes) in Vietnam. Beitr. Vogelk. 29: 297-305. Glutz von Blotzheim, U. N. and Bauer, K. M. (1982) Handbuch der Vogel Mirteleuropas, 8/1. King, B. F., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. (1975) A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. MacKinnon, J. and MacKinnon, K. (1986) Review of the protected areas system in the Indo-Malayan realm. Gland, Switzerland and London, U.K. : International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Morris, G. E. (1988) Recent sight records of birds at Nam Cat Tien. Garrulax 4: 11-13. Robinson, FI. C. and Kloss, C. B. (1919) On birds from South Annam and Cochin China. Ibis (11)1: 392-453, 565-625. Robinson, H. C. and Kloss, C. B. (1921) Some birds from Pulo Condor e.J. Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam 4: 85- 91. Robson, C. R., Eames, J. C., Wolstencroft, J. A., Nguyen Cu and Truong Van La (1989) Recent records of birds from Viet Nam. Forktail 5: 71-97. Robson, C. R., Eames, J. C., Nguyen Cu and Truong Van La (1993) Further recent records of birds from Viet Nam. Forktail 8: 25-52. Round, P. D. (1988) Resident forest birds in Thailand: their status and conservation. Cambridge, U.K.: International Council for Bird Preservation (Monogr. 2). Scott, D. A. (1988) Bird observations in Vietnam: 7-2 1 March 1988. Appendix XII of Wetland projects in Vietnam, report on a visit to the Red River and Mekong deltas during March 1988. Unpublished. Scott, D. A. (1989 )A directory of Asian wetlands. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, U.K.: 1UCN, The World Conservation Union. Scott, D. A., Howes, J. and Le Dien Due (1989) Management recommendations for Xuan Thuy Reserve, Red River Delta. Appendix III: birds recorded in Xuan Thuy District, Red River Delta, 10- 12 March 1988 & 17-31 March 1989. Asian Wetland Bureau. Sparrman, A. (1789) Museum Carlsonianum, in quo novas et selectas aves, coloribus ad vivum brevique descriptione illustratus suasu el sumtibus generosissimi possessoris exhibet A. Sparrman. Vo Quy (1983) [A catalogue of the birds of Vietnam]. Pp. 12-43 in L. N. Medvedev, ed. [Fauna and ecology of the animals of Vietnam.] Moskva: Nauka. (In Russian.) 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 1 1 1 APPENDIX ALL THE 1991 EXPEDITION’S BIRD RECORDS FROM VIET NAM The numbers following each species correspond to the places listed in the ‘main localities visited’ section at the beginning of this paper. The codes (in parentheses) which are attached to locality codes represent die following details of breeding and occurrence: ( ) Identification uncertain [ ] Reported by local people { | Specimen, remains or feathers examined B Breeding data obtained C Adult observed carrying food F Fledged young observed M Birds observed carrying nest material N Nest found: e. With eggs b. Nest building i. Adult on nest n. No contents u. Contents unknown y. With young Chinese Francolin Francolinus piniadeanus Rain Quail Commix coromandelica Blue-breasted Quail C. chinensis Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis Bar-backed Partridge A. brwineopectus Orange-necked Partridge A. davidi Scaly-breasted Partridge A. chloropus Ann am Partridge A (chloropus) merlini Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Silver Pheasant Lophura nycihemera Siamese Fireback L. diardi Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron gcrmaim Grey Peacock-Pheasant P. bicalcaratum Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata Green Peafowl Pavo muticus Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata Cotton Pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandeliatius Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha Garganey A. querquedula Barred Buttonquail Tumix suscitator Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea Grey-capped Woodpecker Dcndrocopos canicapillus Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javetisis Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus Greater Yellownape P. Jlavinucha Laced Woodpecker P. vittatus Grey-faced Woodpecker P. canus 1.2.10.12.24 10 14 1,3,4,5,6,7,12 7,8,9,11,12,13,15 14 1.7 15 9(BF),14(BF),15,23,{24J 1,4, 6, 7, 11, 12, 15, [24] 14 [7], 19, 111, 12, 14 [24] 1.3.15.24 [11], 14, [24] 10.14.17.21.22.23.24 [14] 14 17(BP) 21 1.2.4.11.12.14.15.16.24 3,8(BF),9,12 14 1.2.6.10.12.14 1.7.14 2.14 7.14 1.2.4.7.9.11.14.15.16 14.15.16 2.7 112 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidtis Pale-headed Woodpecker Gecinulus grantia Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis Black-and-buff Woodpecker Meiglyptes jugularis Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente Great Slaty W'oodpecker Mulknpicus pulverulentus Red-vented Barbet Megalairna lagrandieri Lineated Barbet At. lineata Green-eared Barbet At. faiostricta Golden-throated Barbet At. franklinii Black-browed Barbet At. oorti Moustached Barbet M. incognita Blue-eared Barbet M. australis Coppersmith Barbet At. haemacephala Oriental Pied-Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris Great Hornbill Buceros bicomis Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops O range- breasted Trogon Harpactes orcskios Red-headed Trogon H. erythrocephalus Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Blyth’s Kingfisher Alcedo Hercules Common Kingfisher A. atxhis Blue-eared Kingfisher A. metiinting Black-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smymensis Black-cappf.d Kingfisher H. pileata Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris Crested Kingfisher Ategaceryle lugubris Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyomis aihertoni Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis Blue-throated Bee-eater At. viridis Blue-tailf.d Bee-eater At. philippinus Chestnut-headed Bee-eater At. leschenaulti Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii Plaintive Cuckoo C. merulinus Asian Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculatus Violet Cuckoo C. xanthorhynchus Drongo Cuckoo Sumiculus lugubris Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis Coral-billed Ground-Cuckoo Carpococcyx renauldi Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Lesser Coucal C. bengalensis Vernal Hanging-Parrot Loriculus vcmalis Grey-headed Parakeet Psittacula finschii Blossom-headed Parakftt P. roseata Red-breasted Parakeet P. alexandri CRESTED Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata 1.14 14 1.4.6.7.8.12.13 14 14 14 7.8.11.12.13.14.15.16 14 14.15.16 12 1.4.5.11.15 1.3.5.7.8.9.11.13 14 22 14(BF) 12(BF), 13,14, 124| 14 23 14 3.7.8.11.13.14.16 14,23 1.2.9.14.15.16 15 15.17.19.21 14 14 14.15 14.15 9.1 1.12.14.15.16.23.24 15.24 18.21 10.15 14.17.21.23 4.11.12.13.14 1 1.14.17.23.24 15 23.24 14.15 15 4.15.16.24 7.11.14 14.15.16.17.21.22.23 15 14 5.6.14.15.16 23.24 7.11.12.13.14.15.16.24 15 2.8.9.10.11.14.15.16.23 2.9.1 1.13.14 (BF), 15,16,24 11.12.13.14.15.16 9,1 1 15 2.14 23 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdiife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 113 Himalayan SvnFrLET Collocalia brevirostris Germain’s SwiFrLET C. germani Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis Brown-backed Needletail H. gigameus Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiums balasiensis Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus House Swift A. nipalensis Eastern Grass-Owl Tyto longimembris Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus Collared Scops-Owl O. lempiji Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl Bubo nipalensis Brown Fish-Owl Kerupa zeylonensis Tawny Fish-Owl K. flavipes Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei Asian Barred Owlet G. cuculoides Brown Hawk-Owl Ninox scutulata Great Eared-Nightjar Eurastopodus macrotis Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus Large-tailed Nightjar C. macnmts Rock Pigeon Coluniba livia Pale-capped Pigeon C. punicea Spo tted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Red Collared-Dove .S. tranquebarica Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Pink-necked Green-Pigeon Treron venians Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon T. bicincta Thick-billed Green-Pigeon T. curvirostra Yellow-vented Green-Pigf.on T. seimundi Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon T. sphenura Green-Pigeon Treron sp. Green Imperial Pigeon Dticula aenea Mountain Imperial Pigeon D. badia Sarus Crane Grits antigone Red-legged Crake Rallina fasciata Si-aty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus White-breasted Waterhen Amauromis phoenicurus Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca Watercock Gallicrex cinerea Purple Swamphen Porphyria porphyrio Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura Black-tailed Godwit Limosa lirnosa Bar-tailed Godwit L. lapponica Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Eurasian Curlew N. arquata Common Redshank Tringa totanus Marsh Sandpiper T. stagnatilis Common Greenshank T. nebularia Wood Sandpiper T. glareola T erek Sandpiper T. cinerea Common Sandpiper T. hypoleucos Grey-tailed Tattler T. brevipes Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interprcs Rufous-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis 3 15.22.23.24 14.15.16 15 1 1,15,21,23 15.24 4,6,8, 1 0(BN), 1 5,22,23,24 2,110! 15 14.15.24 110! 14 14 3.4.5.12.13.15 8.14.15 14 14 2,10 14 10.16.23.24 9 2. 7. 9. 10. 12. 14. 15. 16. 21.22. 23. 24 15,17,23,24(BC) 1.2.3.9.11.12.14.15 11.12.13.14.15 14 15.24 11.16 12,13 8 14 14 1.3.4.11.12.13.15 17 14 15 10,14,15,16 14.15 14.21.22 14.17.23 10.15 15,21 20 20 18,20 18,20 18.19.20.23 17.19.20.23 17.18.19.20.21.22.23 17.21.23.24 20 15.17.19.20.21.23.24 20,23 18.19.20.24 18.19.20.23.24 1 14 C. R. ROBSON eta!. Forktail 9 Temminck’s Stint C. temminckii Long-toed Stint C. subminuta Sharp-tailed Sandpiper C. acuminata Curlew Sandpiper C. ferruginea Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chinirgus Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Grey Pi over P. squatarola Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Kentish Plover C. alexandrinus Mongolian Plover C. mongolus Greater Sand Plover C. leschenaultii Oriental Plover C. veredus River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii Red-wattled Lapwing V. indicus Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum Herring Gull Lams argemaius Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Caspian Tern S. caspia Roseate Tern S. dougallii Black-naped Tern .S', stimatrana Common Tern .S', hirundo Little Tern S. albifrons Bridled Tern S. anaethetus Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus White-winged Tern C. leucopterus Osprey Pandion haliaetus Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni Black Baza A. leuphotes Oriental Honey-Buzzard Penns ptilorhyncus Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus White-bellied Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Grey-headed Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilomis cheela Eastern Marsh-Harrier Circus spilonotus Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus Shikra A. badius Besra A. virgatus Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Rufous-belued Eagle Hieraeetus kienerii Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus Collared Falconet Microhierax caemlescens Pied Falconet M. melanoleucus Oriental Hobby Falco severus Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogastcr Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax ntger Little Egre t Egreua garzetta Chinese Egret E. euhphotes Pacific Reef-Egret E. sacra Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 19 19.20 19 18.19.20 19 20.24 15.17 14.17 17.18.19.20 17,18,19,23 18.20 17.24 18.19.20.23.24 18.19.20.23.24 19.20.23.24 19 24 9,10,14,17,23,24(BN) 17.21.22.23.24 24 18 18 24 23.24 24 18,1 9,20(Bne),23,24 23.24 14.18.21.22.23.24 22.23.24 7.14.18.24 6 14.15 11.12.14.15 2.9.14.17.23.24 14,22 23 14.15 1,2,4,7,8,14,15,16 17 1.3.4.13.15 5.7.14 5 1(BF), 3, 4,5,6, 7, 8, 13, 16, 24 1,3 3,(?6) 14 16 10.14 7.10.17 14.17 7.14.17 14.15.18.21.23.24 20 18,20 17.18.19.20.23.24 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 115 Purple Heron A. purpurea Great Egret Casmerodius albus Intermediate Egret Mesoplioyx intermedia Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Chinese Pond-Heron Ardcola bacchus Javan Pond-Heron A. spedosa Striated Heron Buiorides striaius Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Schrenck’s Bittern I. eurhythmus Cinnamon Bittern I. cinnamomeus Black Bittern I. flavicollis Great Bittern Botaurus slellaris White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Blue-rumped Pitta Pitta soror Rusty-naped Pitta P. oatesi Blue Pitta P. cyanea Bar-bellied Pitta P. elliotii Blue-winged Pitta P. moluccensis Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus Silver-breasted Broadbill Serilophus lunatus Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylotiensis Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis Golden-fronted Leafbird C. aurifrons Orange-bellied Leafbird C. hardwickii Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus Burmese Shrike L. collurioides Long-tailed Shrike L. schach Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius White-winged Magpie Urocissa whiteheadi Green Magpie Cissa chinensis Yellow-breasted Magpie C. (thalassina) hypoleuca Racket-tailed Treepie Crypsirina temia Ratchet-tailed Treepie Temnurus temnurus Black-billed Magpie Pica pica Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Ashy Wood-swallow Ariamus fuscus Slender-billed Oriole Oriolus tenuirostris Black-hooded Oriole O. xanthomus Maroon Oriole O. traillii Large Cuckoo-shrike Coracina macei Indochinese Cuckoo-shrike C. polioptera Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike C. melaschisros Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus Solaris Long-tailed Minivet P. ethologus Scarlet Minivet P. flammeus Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus 14,17,21,23 14.17.20.23.24 15.17.23.24 15.23.24 10.15.16.21.23.24 17,18,22 15.18.20.21 14 14.15.21 15 10.14.15.16.21.23.24 14,15 {22| 14 17 14 14 14 110! 1.7.8.11.13 14.15 14 14 14(BN) 14 (13) 4.8.1 1 (BF), 1 2,15 17,18,20 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.11.12.13.15 8.9.11.12.13.14.15.16 11.14.15.16 14 15 15,17,21,22,23 1,2(BF),7(BF),9, 10(BF) 15.16.24 2.4.9.10 15 I, 3,6 4,13,14(BF) I I, 14(BF),15,23,24 15 24 11.16.20.23.24 1.2.20.23.24 2,9 14 1.3.4.7.11 1.2.3.4.9.11.12.13.14.15 2,9,12 14.16 3.5.7.8.12.13 1.4.6.7.9.10 8.11.12.14.15 3,7,8,12,14 116 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Pied Fantail R. javanica Black Drongo Dicrums macrocercus Ashy Drongo D. leucophaeus Bronzed Drongo D. aeneus Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo D. remi/er Hair-crested Drongo D. hottentotius Greater Racket-tailed Drongo D. paradiscus Black-naped Monarch Hyporhymis azurea Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone parodist Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Great Iora A. lafrcsnayei Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis Blue Rock-T brush Monticola solitarius Blue Whistling-Thrush Myiophonus caeruleus Orange-headed Thrush Zooihcra citrina Dark-sided Thrush Z. marginata Japanese Thrush Turdus cardis Eurasian Blackbird T. merula Lesser Shortwing Brachypieryx lencophrys Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta Aslan Brown Flycatcher M. dauurica Narcissus Flycatcher Ficcdula narcissina Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher F. strophiaia Red-breasted Flycatcher /•'. parva Rufous-browed Flycatcher F. soliians Snowy-browed Flycatcher F. hyperyihra Little Pied Flycatcher F. westermanni Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina Large Niltava Niltava grandis Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides Tickell’s Blue-Flycatcher C. tickelliae Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis White-rumped Shama C. malabaricus White-tailed Robin Cinclidium leucurum Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus Spotted Forktail E. maculatus Green Cochoa Cochoa viridis Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura Pied Bushchat S. caprata Grey Bushchat S. ferrea Chestnut-tailed Starling Stumus malabaricus White-shouldered Starling 5. sinensis Black-collared Starling S. nigricollis Vinous-breasted Starling S. burmannicus Common Myna Acridotheres irisiis Crested Myna A. crisiatellus Golden-crested Myna Ampdiceps coronatus Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Chestnut-vented Nuthatch Sirra nagaensis Velvet-fronted Nuthatch S. frontalis Yellow-billed Nuthatch S. solangiae Brown-throated T ree-creeper Ccrthia discolor 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.11.12.13 17,18 15.17.23.24 I, 2(BF),4,6(BF),7,8,9,10,1 1,12,13, 1 4(BF), 15(Bny), 16 I I, 13,14(BF),1 5,16 1.3.4.5.7.8.11.12.13 14.15 1 2, 1 4(BF), 15,16 11,14,15,16 11.14.15.16 14.15.17.21.22.24 11.14.15 2,14 15.24 2.4.10.15 8 12.13 15 15 1,3,4,5,6(BC),7,9 15 15.22.23 15 1.3. 4. 6 15.17.22.24 1.3.4.7.8.9.12.13 3.4.6 1,2,4(BF),6,7,8,9,10,1 3 1 ,4,5(Bne),6,9(BF), 1 3 1.3.5.6.7.8.12.13 8.1 1.12.14.15 14(BF) 15 11.14.15.16.17.18.21.23.24 8.11.14.16 3(BF),4,5,6,7,8 2,5(BF),14 3 6 15,17,21 17 1 (BF),2,4(BF),6,7(BF),9,10 2(Bny),l 1 15.22.23.24 1 ,2(BF),7,8,9, 1 0, 1 4, 1 5,24 1.2.7.9.10.14.23 23.24 16.24 14 12,14(BF),15,16 1,2,4,6,7,9,10,12 8 (BF), 11,12,13,14 1,3, 4, 5, 6, 7 1,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 117 Great Tit Pams major Green-backed Trr P. monticolus Yellow-cheeked Tit P. spilonotus Yellow-browed Trr Sylviparus modestus Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus Sand Martin Riparia riparia Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Striated Swallow H. striolaia Northern House-Martin Delichon urbica Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus airiceps Black-crested Bulbul P. melanicterus Red-whiskered Bulbul P. jocosus Sooty-headed Bulbul P. aurigaster Stripe-throated Bulbul P. finlaysoni Flavescent Bulbul P. flavescens Y ellow-vented Bulbul P. goiavier Streak-eared Bulbul P. blanfordi Puff-throated Bulbul Alophoixus pallidus Ochraceous Bulbul A. ochraceus Grey-eyed Bulbul Iole propinqua Ashy Bulbul Hemixos Jlavala Mountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandii Black Bulbul H. leucocephalus Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Golden-headed Cisticola C. exilis Hill Prinia Prinia airogularis Rufescent Prinia P. mfescens Grey-breasted Prinia P. hodgsonii Y ellow’-bellied Prinia P. flaviventris Plain Prinia P. inomaia Oriental White-eye Zosierops palpebrosus Grey-bellied Tesla Tesia cyaniventer Pale-foo ted Bush-Warbler Cettia pallidipes Russet Bush-Warbler Bradypiems seebohnu Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata Black-browed Reed-Warbler Acrocepltalus bistrigiceps Oriental Reed- Warbler A. orientalis Thick-billed Warbler A. aedon Mountain Tailorbird Orthoromus cuculatus Common Tailorbird O. sutorius Dark-necked Tailorbird O. atrogularis Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus Ashy-throated Warbler P. maculipennis Arctic Warbler P. borealis Two-barred Warbier P. plumbeiiarsus Pale-legged Leaf-Warbler P. tenellipes Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler P. reguloides White-tailed Leaf-Warbler P. davisoni White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis Chestnut-crowned Warbler S. castaniceps Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris Striated Grassbird Megalums palusrris Masked Laughingthrush Garmlax perspicillatus White-crested Laughingthrush G. leucolophus Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush G. monileger 24 1,2,4,6,7,8,9,10,12 1,3,4,5,6(BF),7,8 1.3. 5. 7 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.11.12.13 17 2. 10. 14. 15. 16. 17.18. 21. 22. 23. 24 15.17.24 24 14 8.11.14 1,2, 4, 8(BF), 9,1 1,14,15,16,23,24 6.7.8.10.14.23.24 14.15 1.2.3.4.6.7.9.12.13 18 14.17.22.23 15.16 8.11.12.13.14 11.13.14 7.8.11.12.13 1,3,5,6,7,8,12 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.1 1.12.13 14.19.20.23 2,14(Bne),15,16 1,2(BF),3,4,5,6,7(BF),8,9,10,1 1 12,14(BF) 8.11.15.16 2, 1 1 , 1 4(BN), 15,16,18 1.2.7.11.14 8,9,18 1(BF),3,4,5,6,7 1 1.2. 4. 7 15,17 17.21 15.17.18.20.21 15 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.13 15.24 8.9.1 1.12.13.14.15.16 15,17 1.3.6 15.16.24 15 15 1.3. 4.6 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.12.13 1.3. 4. 5. 6. 7 1.3.4.5.7.9.13 13.14 15.17.24 15.24 8.11.12.14.15.24 15 118 C. R. ROBSON eial. Forktail 9 Black-hooded Laughingthrush G. milleii Black-throated Laughingthrush G. chinensis White-cheeked Laughingthrush G. vassali Spot-breasted Laughingthrush G. merulinus Collared Laughingthrush G. yersini Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abbotii Buff-breasted Babbler Pellomeum (Trichastoma) tickelli Spot-throated Babbler Pellomeum albiventre Puff-throated Babbler P. ruficeps Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum Large Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus hypoleucos White- browed Scimitar-Babbler P. schisticeps Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler P. ochraceiceps Short-tailed Scimitar-Babbler Jabouilleia danjoui Streaked Wren-Babbler Napoihera brevicaudaia Eye-browed Wren-Babbler N. epilepidota Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris mficeps Grey-throated Babbler S. nigriceps Spot-necked Babbler S. striolata Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis Grey-faced Tit-Babbler M. kelleyi Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris Cutia Cutia nipalensis White-browed Shrike-Babbler Ptentthius flaviscapis Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler P. aenobarbus White-hooded Babbler Gampsorhynchus rufulus Blue-winged Minla Minla cyatiouroptera Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps Fulvetta Alcippe sp. Fulvetta A. (peracemis) grotei Mountain Fulvetta A. peracensis amiamensis Rufous-backed Sibia Heterophasia annectans Black-headed Sibia H. melanoleuca White-bellied Yuhina Yuhina zamholeuca Grey-headed Parrotbill Paradoxomis gularis Rufous-winged Lark Mirafra assamica Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula T hick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile Yellow-vented Flowerpecker D. chtysorrheum Plain Flowerpecker D. concolor Fire-breasted Flowerpecker D. ignipectus Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker D. cruemaium Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthreptes singalensis Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hypogrammicum Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis Gould’s Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae Fork-tailed Sunbird A. christinae Black-throated Sunbird A. saturata Crimson Sunbird A. siparaja Little SpiDERHUNTER/lracfcnoi/jpi'a longirostra Streaked Spiderhunter A. magna Plain-backed Sparrow Passer flaveolus 5.7.12.13 15.24 3(BF), 4, 5,7,8,9,11, 12, 13 3.5.7.12.13 1,3, 4, 5, 6 14(Bne),16 14.15.24 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.13 14 14,15 11,14,16 3.4.6.12.13.14 4.12.13 1,3 12 3.8.12 1,3, 4, 5, 6, 7 1,3,4,5(BF),6,7,8,9,12,13 3.5.6.12.14.15 15 8,1 1,12, 13, 14(BF), 15,16,23, 24 11.12.14.15.16 14.16 14 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.13 1.3.4.6.7.12.13 1.3.6.7.8.12 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.11.12.13 14 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.13 1,3, 4, 5, 6 1 14,15(Bne) 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.11.12.13 7 1,2,3,4(BF),5,6,7,8,12,13 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.11.12.13 4, 5, 7, 8 20.23 17.19.20.23 8(BF) 14.15 1 1.15 1.3.4.5.7.8.13 1 1,14,24(BF) 14 14.15 14.15.16.23.24 1.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.12 15.16 13,(15) 11.14.15 14.15 1.3.7.8.11.12.13.14.16 17.18.22.23 1994 Birds recorded during the third Birdlife/Forest Birds expedition in Viet Nam 119 Eurasian Tree Sparrow P. montanus Yellow Wagtail Motacilla j, Java Grey Wagtail M. cinerea Richard’s Pipit Anihus richardi Paddyfield Piprr A. rufulus Olive- backed Pipit A. hodgsoni Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar Baya Weaver P. philippinus Asian Golden Weaver P. hypoxanthus White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Scaly-breasted Munia L. punctulata Black-headed Munia L. malacca Vietnamese Greenfinch Carduelis monguiUoti Red Crossbill Loxia curviroslra Y eieow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola 10.16.17.18.21.22.23.24 15,16,17,21,22 15 15,16 2.6.10.14.17.23.24 4,15 14(Bne) 14(BN),21 14(Bne) 4,8,11, 13, 14(Bne), 15 2,3,4,6,7,10,13,17 14 1,2,4,7,8,9,10(BF) 1,2, 6, 7, 9 15,17,21 ERRATA Corrections to Robson et at. (1993): P. 27 Figure: Quy Nhon = Qui Nhon. P. 28 paragraph 4, line 1: Mount Lang Bian is 2,167 m and not 2,267 m as stated. P. 47 line 33, should read: CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus 3, (?6) 120 C. R. ROBSON etal. Forktail 9 1994 FORKTAIL 9 (1993): 121 - 143 121 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 C. INSKIPP AND T. P. INSKIPP The birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan between 9 April and 31 May 1993 are documented. A total of 376 species was recorded of which 33 were apparently first published records for Bhutan, although previous unpublished records exist for 12 of the latter. A list is given of 1 14 bird species which have restricted breeding distributions and for which Bhutan may hold significant populations. Baseline information is lacking on the bird species occurring in Bhutan and their status and distribution. About 580 species have so far been recorded and many more are likely to occur. These include 1 14 species for which Bhutan may support internationally significant breeding populations (see Appendix I) . Their breeding ranges are restricted to an area encompassing the Himalayas, north-east India, northern South-East Asia and south-west China. The boundaries of this area are to some extent arbitrary, but do coincide roughly with the mountain ranges contiguous with the Himalayas and its neighbouring lowlands. Many of these species are temperate forest birds. This is because a high proportion of the remaining temperate forests in the Indian subcontinent lie in Bhutan. A programme of wildlife inventory compilation alongside socio-economic assessment of communities living adjacent to protected areas is currently being carried out by the Royal Government of Bhutan Department of Forests and the WWF Bhutan Programme. The main objectives are to improve knowledge of Bhutan’s natural environment, to help plan and establish a system of protected areas, and to develop an integrated conservation and development programme in protected areas in Bhutan. In April and May 1993 we were very fortunate to be invited to join the group of field workers engaged in this programme. Together with Kado Tshering and Pema Gyaltshen from the Department of Forests, we formed the avifauna team. We coordinated our activities with those of two other teams who made surveys of fauna, flora and socio-economic factors. During our stay in Bhutan between 9 April and 31 May we recorded 331 bird species during the survey and an additional 45 species elsewhere in country7. A swiftlet Collocalia species seen on several occasions may be an undescribed species. A list of recorded species, their habitats and altitudinal ranges are given in Appendix II. Thirty-three species were found for which there are no previously published records for Bhutan. Four species which have been identified as globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988) 122 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 Figure 1. Bhutan, showing locations mentioned in text.. 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 123 were recorded: Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis , Pallas’s Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus Ieucoryphus, White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis and Rufous- throated Wren-Babbler Spelaeomis caudatus. A total of 64 species for which Bhutan may support internationally significant breeding populations were also found. After a few days in the capital, Thimphu (2,400 m) we drove to the Royal Manas National Park via Phuntsholing (350 m) on the southern border, and West Bengal and Assam in India. The wide braided channels and shingle islands of the T orsa river at Phuntsholing hold a wide variety of wetland birds, especially passage migrants. Between 17 and 25 April we recorded 16 new species for the country in Manas. Much of our time was spent in primary tropical evergreen and moist semi-evergreen forests. We then walked north over the Himalayan foothills through the proposed link area between Manas National Park and the proposed Black Mountains Nature Reserve reaching Tingtibi (650 m) on 2 May. Apart from several villages and associated clearings for cultivation, the hills are largely clothed in primary broadleaved tropical and subtropical evergreen and moist semi¬ evergreen forests with patches of bamboo. Between Tshanglajong (1,065 m) and Tingtibi there are extensive stands of tall bamboo. The broadleaved evergreen forests and bamboo stands in the tropical and subtropical zones were found to be particularly interesting for birds and must of special importance ornithologically in the Indian subcontinent. These vegetation types, which are still substantially intact in Bhutan, are now scarce or absent in other Himalayan countries because of deforestation. The Rufous-necked Hornbill, appeared to be fairly common in the broadleaved evergreen forests. Other birds recorded which have restricted ranges and are dependent on evergreen forest include Collared Treepie Dendrocitta frontalis. Spotted Wren-Babbler Spelaeomis formosus, Yellow- throated Fulvetta Alcippe cinerea and White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri. The bamboo stands between Tshanglajong and Tingtibi are also important for several specialist birds which require this habitat, including the Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxomis atrosuperciliaris of the very distinct subspecies oatesi. Apart from recent records in Bhutan this subspecies has only been previously recorded in Darjeeling and Sikkim in the last century. The Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator, which has a very restricted range, was found to be common in evergreen tropical and subtropical forests, and was regularly recorded in semi-evergreen forests. Most birds recorded were singing and presumably holding breeding territories. On five days and around three villages between 650 m and 1 ,395 m we saw a swiftlet Collocalia species, probably a migrant, which we could not identify. The birds did not resemble any specimens of Collocalia species which we subsequently examined in the collection of the British Museum (Natural History). The tail furcation was similar to that of Himalayan Swiftlet 124 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 Collocalia brevirostris, but the bird was slightly larger and longer- winged. The plumage was generally blackish, with only a slightly paler rump, unlike the grey coloration and more contrasting paler rump of Himalayan Swiftlet. The flight was stronger, more direct and less ‘fluttering’ than the last species. After spending a rest day at T ongsa (2,200 m) in central Bhutan, we carried out a survey in the proposed Black Mountains Nature Reserve between 7 and 22 May, covering the loop from Phobjika (2,780 m) to Ada (1,280 m) and back to Phobjika via the Gele La pass (3,630 m) and the Harachhu valley (1,125 - 1,445 m). The survey was largely in primary subtropical and temperate forests, mainly comprising broadleaves or mixed broadleaves/ conifers with extensive stands of bamboo in the wetter areas and Chir Pine Pinus roxbarghii covering drier slopes in the subtropical zone. On this trek we had some logistical difficulties which prevented us adequately covering the higher altitude areas in the temperate zone. Many noteworthy bird species were still recorded in temperate forests however, including as many as 37 species for which Bhutan may support internationally significant breeding populations. One of these was the Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra which appeared to be fairly common in mixed coniferous/ broadleaved forests between 2,805 m and 3,430 m. In its range outside of Bhutan this species is declining because of hunting and deforestation. As we left Phobjika and drove over the northern rim of the valley there was a sudden heavy shower and we were amazed to see a Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus by the roadside, grounded by the rain. This record is apparently the first for Bhutan. The subtropical forests along the trail between Phobjika and Ada were found to be significantly less species-rich than those between Manas and Tingtibi. The former forests are drier and mainly semi-evergreen with only patches of evergreen character compared to the largely evergreen forests south of Tingtibi. One notable species in the subtropical semi-evergreen forests between Phobjika and Ada was the Yellow-vented Warbler, which was found to be fairly common. Three globally threatened species were recorded in the relatively moist forests around Ada: Rufous-necked Hornbill, White-bellied Heron and Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler. The heron, which was seen by a small lake at Ada, is of special interest because it has a restricted range, and also because there are very few recent world records of the species. Three pheasant chicks crossed our path near Ada lake and an anxious pair of Kalij Pheasants Lophura leucomelanos made a noisy distraction display, running in circles around us, only a few metres away and calling. The male was all black, a distinctive characteristic of subspecies moffitti. This is the first record of moffitti in the wild. On 30 May we had a day’s walk from Thimphu up to the Dochu La pass (3,530 m) via Tashigong monastery (3,265 m). The highlight was a male 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 125 Blue-fronted Robin Cinclidium frontale, a new species for Bhutan, which was feeding on the ground amongst mugwort Artemisia dubia and bushes at the edge of mixed forest close to the monastery. ANNOTATED LIST OF SELECTED SPECIES BLACK PARTRIDGE Francolinus francolinus One heard on 20 April at Manas National Park (350 m). Previously mentioned for Bhutan only by Ripley (1982), but apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). INDIAN PEAFOWL Pavo cristatus Two heard on 18 April at Manas National Park (250 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. JAPANESE QUAIL Cotumix japonica Recorded on 7 and 20-22 May in wheat fields in the Phobjika valley (2,800 m), with maximum of three heard and one seen on 22 May. Previously also recorded from Bhutan in the breeding season: collected by F. M. Bailey on 5 July 1 922 (Bailey 1 938) and recorded singing in suitable breeding habitat in 1990 by F. A. Clements in Bumthang on 29 April, Ugyencholing on 1 May and Gangtey Gompa on 9 May (Clements 1992). These Bhutanese birds were probably breeding and were 2,000 km south-west of the nearest recorded nesting area in China, although a nest with eggs probably belonging to this species was found in Myanmar on 30 October 1935 (Livesey 1936). SATYR TRAGOPAN Tragopan satyra Two heard on the Gele La on 7 and 8 May above 3,000 m, one male in the Phobjika valley on 20 May (2,805 m) and four males and one female near Tashigong monastery, DochuLa (3,165- 3,430 m). There are several previous published records: Ali and Ripley (1987), Clements (1992), Inskipp and Inskipp (1993), Ludlow and Kinnear (1937), Singh (1985) and Vas (1986). KALIJ PHEASANT Lophura leucomelanos moffitti An all black adult male, with a female and three chicks on 16 May near Ada (1,280 m). This is apparently the first observation of the moffitti subspecies in the wild. A bird collected from central Bhutan and stated to be of this subspecies by Ali and Ripley (1987), has now proved to be an intergrade between melanota and lathami (Ali et al. in press). NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata A flock of 30 on 17 April flying up the Manas river in Manas National Park (250 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, although previously recorded by Johnson (1993). GARGANEY Anas querquedula A flock of ten on 1 7 April on the Torsa river at Phuntsholing (350 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, although previously seen by Ali et al. (in press) and A. Pain (verbally 1993). BLUE-EARED BARBET Megalaima australis Recorded from 20 - 23 April at Manas National Park (300-450 m) with a maximum of six on 22 April. 126 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 Previously mentioned only by Ali and Ripley (1987) and Ripley (1982), but apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). BLACK-BACKED KINGFISHER Ceyx erithacus Two on 21 and 22 April at Manas National Park (450 m). Previously mentioned for Bhutan only by Ali and Ripley (1987) and Ripley (1982), but apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). RUDDY KINGFISHER Halcyon coromanda Recorded from 20 - 22 April at Manas National Park (450-510 m), with a maximum of three on 21 April. Previously mentioned for Bhutan by Ali and Ripley (1987) and recorded by Ali et al. (in press). PIED KINGFISHER Ceryle mdis One on 18 April at Manas National Park (250 m). Previously listed for Bhutan only by Ali and Ripley (1987), but apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). RUFOUS-NECKED HORNBILL Aceros nipalensis Recorded on 19, 24 and 25 April at Manas National Park (300-635 m), with a maximum of five on 25 April; one on 27 April at Dalim (7 1 0 m), three on 30 April at Subrang ( 1 ,400 m), one on 1 May between Zurphey and Tshanglajong ( 1 ,320 m), one on 2 May between Tshanglajong and Tingtibi, and one on 17 and 18 May at Ada (1,280 m). Apparently fairly common in tropical and subtropical broadleaved evergreen forests. Previously recorded by Clements (1992), Inskipp and Inskipp (1993), Ali et al. (in press) and Johnson (1993), and listed by Ali and Ripley (1987) and Ripley (1982). ASIAN EMERALD CUCKOO Chrysococcyx maculatus Recorded from 20 - 22 April at Manas National Park (300-450 m), with a maximum of four on 22 April. One on 5 May at Tongsa (2,200 m). Singles at Lawa (1,125 m) on 1 1 and 14 May. Apparently the first published records for Bhutan, although previously recorded by Mills (1989). GREATER COUCAL Centropus sinensis One on 20 and two on 22 April at Manas National Park (400 m), two on 12 May in the Harachhu valley (1,445 m) and one to two at Nashina on 15 and 16 May (1,515 m, 1,600 m). Previously mentioned for Bhutan only by Ali and Ripley (1987), but apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). SWIFTLET Collocalia Four seen on 27 and 28 April at Tshobrang (1,395 m), six on 1 May and 10 on 2 May at Tshanglajong (1,065 m) and one on 3 May at Tingtibi (650 m). CRESTED TREESWIFT Hemiproctte coronata One on 20 April at Manas National Park (350 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. ORIENTAL SCOPS-OWL Otus sunia Two heard on 18 and 19 April at Manas National Park (250 m). Previously mentioned only by Ali and Ripley (1987) and Ripley (1982), but apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 127 BROWN WOOD-OWL Stnx leptogrammica One heard on 1 0 May at Nehi (2,440 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, but previously recorded by Ali et al. (in press). BROWN HAWK-OWL Ninox scutulata One or two heard at Manas National Park from 18 to 22 April (250-450 m). Previously mentioned only by Ali and Ripley (1987) and Ripley (1982), but apparently based on supposition. RED COLLARED-DOVE Streptopelia tranquebanca Three on 23 April at Manas National Park (380 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, but previously recorded by All et al. (in press). ORANGE-BREASTED GREEN-PIGEON Treron bicincta Three on 19 April and 2 on 20 April at Manas National Park (250 m). Previously listed for Bhutan only by Ripley ( 1 982), but apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). POMPADOUR GREEN-PIGEON Treron pompadora Two on 23 April at Manas National Park (380 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. THICK-BILLED GREEN-PIGEON Treron curvirostra One on 20 April at Manas National Park (250 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, although previously seen by Jepson (1989). WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus One on 22 May on the northern rim of the Phobjika valley (3,250 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia One on 17 April at Phuntsholing (350 m). Previously recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993) and Ali et al. (in press). EURASIAN THICK-KNEE Burhinus oedicnemus Two on 18 April at Manas National Park (250 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius One on 17 April by the Torsa river at Phuntsholing (350 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, although previously seen by Johnson (1993). SMALL PRATINCOLE Glareola lactea Thirty on 16 April and 10 on 17 April by the Torsa river at Phuntsholing (350 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, although previously recorded by Ali et al. (in press). GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ichthyaetus Two on 17 April by the Torsa river at Phuntsholing (350 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, although previously seen by Johnson (1993). RIVER TERN Sterna aurantia Five on 1 9 April flying up the Manas river in Manas National Park (250 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. 128 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 PALLAS’S FISH-EAGLE Haliaeetus leucoryphus One on 1 8 April at Manas National Park (250 m). The previous published records are Inskipp and Inskipp (1993) and Ludlow and Kinnear (1937); also seen by Ali et al. (in press), Barber (1990-1991) and Johnson (1993). WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE Gyps bengalensis Recorded on 1 6 and 1 7 April at Phuntsholing (350 m), 1 8-20 April at Manas National Park (250 m) and 1 1 May in the Harachhu valley ( 1 ,200 m), with a maximum of 1 0 on 18 April. Previously recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993). SWWGRA Accipiter badius One on 10 May in the Harachhu valley (1,125 m) and one on 18 May at Ada (1,280 m). Previously recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993). BOOTED EAGLE Hieraaetus pennatus One on 18 April at Manas National Park (250 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, although previously seen by Mills (1989). LITTLE CORMORANT Phalacrocorax niger Thirty on 1 6 April and 1 0 on 17 April by theTorsa river at Phuntsholing (350 m). Previously recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993). LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta One on 1 6 April and three on 1 7 April by the Torsa river at Phuntsholing (350 m). Previously recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993). GREY HERON Ardea cinerea One on 17-19 April by the Manas river in Manas National Park (250 m). Previously only listed for Bhutan by Scott (1989). WHITE-BELLIED HERON Ardea insignis One on 1 6 and 1 7 April by Ada Lake (1,280 m). Previously recorded only by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993). INTERMEDIATE EGRET Mesophoyx intermedia One on 1 7 April by the Torsa river at Phuntsholing (350 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis Fifty on 1 6 April and 20 on 1 7 April by the Torsa river at Phuntsholing (350 m). Previously recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993) and Ali et al. (in press). STRIATED HERON Butorides striatus One on 1 7 April by the Manas river at Manas National Park (250 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. COLLARED TREEPIE Dendrocitta frontalis One on 24 April and five on 25 April at Manas National Park (5 1 0-635 m), two on 26 April near Dalim (620 m) and three on 27 April between Dalim and T shobrang (710m). Previously recorded by Jepson (1988) and Inskipp and Inskipp (1993). Listed for Bhutan by Ripley (1982), but apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). LARGE CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina macci One to two on 20, 22 and 23 April at Manas National Park (350-450 m) . Previously recorded by Clements (1992). 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 129 ROSY MINIVET Pericrocotus roseus One on 20 April and two on 22 April at Manas National Park (300-450 m). Apparently the first published records for Bhutan. CROW-BILLED DRONGO Dicrurus annectans Recorded on 1 1 dates between 1 9 April and 1 4 May between 300 m and 1450 m, with a maximum of seven on 22 April at Manas National Park between 350 and 480 m. Apparently fairly common. Previously recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993), and listed by Ali and Ripley (1987), but the latter is apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). LESSER SHORTWING Brachypteryx stellata Four on 28 April at T shobrang (1,595 m), one on 7 May between Phobjika and Khebitanka (2,725 m) five on 9 May above Laphu Gang (3,150-3,280 m) and one on 20 May above Tarana (2,435 m). Previously mentioned only by Ali and Ripley (1987) and Ripley (1982), but apparently based on supposition. ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER Muscicapa dauurica One on 2 1 April at Manas National Park (450 m). Previously recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993), and listed by Ali and Ripley (1983), but the latter is apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). PALE-CHINNED FLY CATCHER Cyomis poliogenys Three on 22 April at Manas National Park (400 m), one on 16 May between Nashina and Ada (1,335 m) and two on 18 May near Ada (1,260 m). Previously listed for Bhutan only by Ali and Ripley (1987) and seen by Ali et al. (in press). BLUE-FRONTED ROBIN Cinclidium frontale A male on 30 May by Tashigong monastery, Dochu La (3,265 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. This species has rarely been observed in the field and is very poorly known (Redman 1992). VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH Sitta frontalis Two on 26 April at Manas National Park (350 m). Previously listed only by Ali and Ripley (1987) and Ripley (1982), apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. in press). GREY-CROWNED PRINIA Prinia cinereocapilla Three on 3 May at Tingtibi (700 m), two on 1 5 May at Nashina (1,220 m) and one on 1 7 May at Ada (1,300 m). Previously listed only by Ali and Ripley (1987) and Ripley (1982), but apparently based on supposition (Ali et al. (in press). BLYTH’S REED-WARBLER Acrocephalus dumetorum One to two on 21- 23 April at Manas National Park (380-450 m), two on 26 April at Dalim (7 1 0 m), one on 28 April between Tshobrang and Ponchela ( 1 ,400 m) and one on 30 April between Subrang and Zurphey (1,460 m). Previously listed for Bhutan by Ali and Ripley (1987), and recorded by Ali et al. (in press). Apparently fairly common. YELLOW- VENTED WARBLER Phylloscopus cantator Recorded on 17 dates between 19 April and 1 8 May from 300 m to 1,540 m, with a maximum 130 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 of 1 6 on 24 April in Manas National Park from 380 to 5 1 0 m. Most common in broadleaved evergreen forest. Previously listed for Bhutan by Abdulali (1986) and Ali and Ripley (1987), and recorded by Ali et al. (in press) and Johnson (1993). RUFOUS-THROATED WREN-BABBLER Spelaeomis caudatus One on 19 May above Ada (1,630 m). Previously listed for Bhutan by Abdulali (1983) and Ali and Ripley (1987), and recorded by Ludlow and Kinnear (1937), Ludlow and Kinnear (1944) and Ali et al. (in press). SPOTTED WREN-BABBLER Spelaeomis fonnosus One on 3 May at Tingtibi (770 m). Previously listed for Bhutan by Abdulali (1983) and Ali and Ripley (1987), and recorded by Ludlow and Kinnear (1937) and Ali et al. (in press). WHITE-HOODED BABBLER Gampsorhynchus rufulus Four on 2 May between Tshanglajong and Tingtibi (915m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, although previously seen by Anon. (1992). YELLOW-THROATED FULVETTA Alcippe cinerea Ten on 28 April above Tshobrang (1595 m). Previously listed for Bhutan by Abdulali (1984) and Ali and Ripley (1987), and recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993), Ludlow and Kinnear (1944) and Ali et al. (in press). WHITE-NAPED YUHINA Yuhina bakeri Three on 25 April at Manas National Park (550 m), three on 25 April between Manas and Dalim (580 m), two carrying nest material on 26 April at Dalim (620 m) and two on 27 April between Dalim and Tshobrang (740 m). Previously listed for Bhutan by Abdulali (1969-1992) and Ali and Ripley (1987), and recorded by Clements (1992), Inskipp and Inskipp (1993), Ali et al. (in press) and Johnson (1993). LESSER RUFOUS-HEADED PARROTBILL (BLACK-BROWED PARROTBILL) Paradoxomis atrosuperciliaris Two on 27 April at Dalim (710 m) and 1 5 on 2 May between Tshanglajong and Tingtibi (915 m) were of the western race oatesi, which lacks a black eyebrow, hence the choice of English name. Apparently the first published record for Bhutan, although previously seen by Anon. (1992) and Johnson (1993). WHITE-BROWED WAGTAIL Motacilla maderaspatensis Two on 17 April by the Torsa river at Phuntsholing (350 m) and one on 17 April by the Manas river at Manas National Park (250 m). Previously recorded by Inskipp and Inskipp (1993) and Ali et al. (in press). BLACK-FACED BUNTING Emberiza spodocephala One on 30 April in fields at Subrang (1,400 m). Apparently the first published record for Bhutan. 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 131 We are very grateful to the Worldwide Fund for Nature Bhutan, particularly Mingma Norbu Sherpa and Tobgay Sonam, and the Royal Bhutan Department of Forests for inviting us to join the wildlife inventory team in Bhutan and for arranging the logistics of our visit. We would also like to warmly thank the Bhutanese who accompanied us in the field for their invaluable assistance. Special thanks go to Kado Tshering, Assistant District Forest Officer, who organised our team as well as taking part in the ornithological work, and to Pema Namgay, Warden of the Royal Manas National Park for organising our visit to the park. REFERENCES Anon. (1992) Manas... and the jungles of Bhutan, p.9 in Naturetrek 1993. Unpublished. Abdulali, H. ( 1 983) A catalogue of the birds in the collection of Bombay Natural History Society - 25 Muscicapidae (Timaliinae) (part). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 79: 336-360. Abdulali, H. ( 1984) A catalogue of the birds in the collection of Bombay Natural History Society - 28 Muscicapidae (Timaliinae) (contd.). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 80: 349-369. Abdulali, H. ( 1 986) A catalogue of the birds in the collection of Bombay Natural History Society - 3 1 Muscicapidae (Sylviinae) (contd.). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 83: 339-359. Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1987) Compact edition of the Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Delhi: Oxford University Press. Ali, S., Biswas, B. and Ripley, S. D. (in press) The birds of Bhutan. Rec. Zool. Surv. India, Occ. Pap. 136. Bailey, F. M. (1938) Specimens collected in Bhutan in 1922 deposited in British Museum (Natural History). Barber, I. (1990-1991) Unpublished notes. Clements, F. A. (1992) Recent records of birds from Bhutan. Forktail 1:57-73. Collar, N. J. and Andrew, P. (1988) Birds to watch: the ICBP world checklist of threatened birds. ICBP Technical Publication No. 8. Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. P. (1993) Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in autumn 1991 . Forktail 8:97-112. Jepson, P. (1988) Naturetrek. Bhutan bird list. 17th October to 1st November 1988. Unpublished. Johnson, D. L. (1993) Birds recorded in Bhutan, 17 March to 3 April 1993. Unpublished. Livesey, T. R. (1936) Does the Japanese Grey Quail {Cotamix c. japonica Temm. & Schleg.) breed in the Shan States? J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 38: 830-831. Ludlow, F. and Kinnear, N. B. ( 1 937) The birds of Bhutan and adjacent territories of Sikkim and Tibet. Ibis (14)1:1-46, 249-293, 467-504. Ludlow, F. and Kinnear, N. B. (1944) The birds of South-eastern Tibet. Ibis 86:43-86, 176-208, 348- 389. Mills, D. G. H. (1989) Bhutan’s Bumthang valley - April/May 1989: a list of birds and mammals recorded. Naturetrek. Unpublished. Redman, N. (1992) Little-known bird. Blue-fronted Robin. Oriental Bird Club Bull. 16: 33-35. Ripley, S. D. (1982) Synopsis of the birds of India and Pakistan . Bombay: Bombay Natural History Society. Scott, D. A. (ed.) (1989) A directory of Asian wetlands. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge: IUCN. Singh, N. (1985) Bhutan: a kingdom in the Himalayas. 3rd ed. Vas, E. A. (1986) The dragon kingdom: journeys through Bhutan. New Delhi: Lancer International. Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp, 1 Hemeside, March Road, Welney, Wisbech, Cambs. PE 14 9SB, UK. 132 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 APPENDIX I BIRD SPECIES FOR WHICH BHUTAN MAY HOLD SIGNIFICANT BREEDING POPULATIONS Lenua lerzua Snow Panridge Arborophila mandellii Chestnut-breasted Partridge Ithaginis emeritus Blood Pheasant + Tragopan satyr a Satyr Tragopan + Tragopan blythii Blyth’s Tragopan Lophophoms impejanus Impeyan Monal H Dendrocopos cathpharius Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis Darjeeling Woodpecker + Harpactes zvardi Ward’s Trogon Psittacula himalayana Slaty-headed Parakeet Columba hodgsonii Speckled Wood-Pigeon + Columba pulchricollis Ashy Wood-Pigeon Gallinago nemoricola Wood Snipe Pitta nipalensis Blue-naped Pitta Lanius tephronotus Grey-backed Shrike + Urocissa Jlavirostris Gold-billed (Yellow-billed Blue) Magpie + Dendrocitta frontalis Collared Treepie + Rhipidura hypoxantha Yellow-bellied Fantail + Monticola cinclorhynchus Blue-capped Rock-Thrush + Zoothera mollissima Plain-backed Thrush [+] Zoothera dixoni Long-tailed Thrush [+] Zoothera monticola Long-billed Thrush Turdus unicolor Indian Grey Thrush Turdus albocinctus White-collared Blackbird + Turdus boulboul Grey-winged Blackbird + Brachypteryx stellata Gould’s Shortwing Ficedula hodgsonii Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula superci Haris Ultramarine Flycatcher + Ficedula sapphira Sapphire Flycatcher Niltava sundara Rufous-bellied Niltava + Luscinia bmnnea Indian Blue Robin + Tarsiger chrysaeus Golden Bush-Robin M Tarsiger indie us White-browed Bush-Robin + Tarsiger hyperythrus Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin Phoenicums schisticeps White-throated Redstart Phoenicums frontalis Blue-fronted Redstart [+] Cinclidium frontale Blue-fronted Robin M Hodgsonius phoenicuroides White-bellied Redstart Grandala coelicolor Grandala Enicums irnmaculatus Black-backed Forktail + Cochoa purpurea Purple Cochoa Sitta himalayensis White-tailed Nuthatch + Certhia nipalensis Rusty-flanked Tree-creeper + Cephalopyms flammiccps Fire-capped Tit Pams mbidiventris Rufous-vented Tit + Pams dichrous Grey-crested Tit + Aegithalos iouschistos Black-browed Tit + Delichon nipalensis Nepal House-Martin + Pycnonotus striatus Striated Bulbul + 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 133 Prinia cinereocapilla Grey-crowned Prinia + Tesia castaneocoronata Chestnut-headed Tesia + Cettia pallidipes Pale-footed Bush-Warbler Cettia major Chestnut-crowned Bush-Warbler Cettia flavolivacea Aberrant Bush-Warbler [+] Cettia brunnifrons Grey-sided Bush-Warbler + Phylloscopus fuligiventer Smoky Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher Buff-barred Warbler + Phylloscopus magnirostris Large-billed Leaf-Warbler + Phylloscopus cantator Yellow-vented Warbler + Seicercus xanthoschistos Grey-hooded Warbler + Seicercus poliogenys Grey-cheeked Warbler Tickellia hodgsoni Broad-billed Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps Black-faced Warbler + Garrulax albogularis White-throated Laughingthrush + Garrulax striatus Striated Laughingthrush + Garrulax ruficollis Rufous-necked Laughingthrush + Garrulax rufogularis Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush 4- Garrulax ocellatus Spotted Laughingthrush + Garrulax caerulatus Grey-sided Laughingthrush Garrulax squamatus Blue-winged Laughingthrush Garrulax subunicolor Scaly Laughingthrush + Garrulax affinis Black-faced Laughingthrush + Liocichla phoenicea Red-faced Liocichla + X iph irhynch us superciliaris Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler Spelaeomis caudatus Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler + Spelaeomis troglodytoides Bar-winged Wren-Babbler Spelaeomis formosus Spotted Wren-Babbler + Pteruthius rufiventer Black-headed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus Green Shrike-Babbler Actinodura egertoni Rusty-fronted Barwing + Actitiodura nipalensis Hoary-throated Barwing + Minla ignotincta Red-tailed Minla + Alcippe chrysotis Golden-breasted Fulvetta + Alcippe cinerea Yellow- throated Fulvetta + Alcippe vitiipectus White-browed Fulvetta + Alcippe ludlowi Ludlow’s Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis Nepal Fulvetta + Heterophasia capistrata Rufous Sibia + Yuhina bakeri White-naped Yuhina + Yuhina flavicollis Whiskered Yuhina + Yuhina gularis Stripe-throated Yuhina + Yuhina occipitalis Rufous-vented Yuhina + Myzomis pyrrhoura Fire-tailed Myzomis Conostoma oemodium Great Parrotbill Paradoxomis unicolor Brown Parrotbill Paradoxomis fulvifrotis Fulvous Parrotbill Dicaeum melanoxanthum Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker Aethopyga ignicauda Fire-tailed Sunbird Prunella rubeculoides Robin Accentor Prunella strophiata Rufous-breasted Accentor + Ploceus benghalensis Black-breasted Weaver Carpodacus rubescens Crimson Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochrous Pink-browed Rosefinch 134 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 Carpodacus edwardsii Carpodacus thura Carpodacus rubicilloides Pinicola subhimachalus Haematospiza sipahi Pyrrhula erythrocephala Mycerobas affinis Mycerobas melanozanthos Pyrrhoplecies epauleita Dark-rumped Rosefinch White-browed Rosefinch Streaked Rosefinch Crimson-browed Finch Scarlet Finch Red-headed Bullfinch Collared Grosbeak Spot-winged Grosbeak Gold-naped Finch + = species recorded during survey [+] = species recorded elsewhere in Bhutan in April and May 1993 + APPENDIX II BIRDS RECORDED IN APRIL AND MAY 1993 Species Habitats Altitudinal range (m) BLACK FRANCOLIN Francolinus francolinus T 350 JAPANESE QUAIL Coturnix japonica F 2800 HILL PARTRIDGE Arborophila torqueola BXC 2315-3150 RUFOUS-THROATED PARTRIDGE Arborophila rufogularis su 1125-1540 BLOOD PHEASANT Ithaginis cruentus X 3220 SATYR TRAGOPAN Tragopan satyra IMPEYAN MONAL Lophophorus impejanus X 2805-3430 RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus T 250-710 KALIJ PHEASANT Lophura leucomelanos TU 750-1585 GREY PEACOCK-PHEASANT Polyplectron bicalcaratum TSU 380-1040 INDIAN PEAFOWL Pavo cristatus T 250 RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadonxa ferruginea TR 250 NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata TR 250 GARGANEY Anas querqucdula R COMMON MERGANSER Mergus merganser R SPECKLED PICULET Picuninus innominatus T 380-400 GREY-CAPPED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos canicapillus TSU 250-1290 RUFOUS-BELLIED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos hyperythrus U[B]XCH 1295-3395 DARJEELING WOODPECKER Dendrocopos darjellensis BX 2250-3130 RUFOUS WOODPECKER Celeus brachyurus T 380 LESSER YELLOWNAPE Picus chlorolophus TSU 250-1655 GREATER YELLOWNAPE Picus flavinucha TU 250-1330 GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER Picus canus TSU 300-1390 HIMALAYAN FLAMEBACK Dinopium shorii T 250-400 BAY WOODPECKER Blythipicus pyrrhotis TSU 950-1450 GREAT BARBET Megalaima virens TSUB 250-2900 LINEATED BARBET Megalaima lineara T 250-1000 GOLDEN-THROATED BARBET Megalaima franklinii TSUB 570-1600 BLUE-THROATED BARBET Megalaima asiarica TSUF 250-1445 BLUE-EARED BARBET Megalaima australis T 380-450 Localities 6 19 u u 21 21.31.33 33 6,8 8.15.29 6,7,9,11,13,27 6 6 6 350 5 350 5 6 6.12.25.29 3,20-22,24-26, 28.33 3,21,30 6 6.8.10.25.29 6.7.13.25.29 6-9,13,28-30 6 10.13.29 u 5,6 u u 6 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 135 ORIENTAL P1ED-HORNB1LL Anthracoceros albirostris GREAT HORNB1LL Buceros bicomis RUFOUS-NECKED HORNBILL Aceros nipalensis WREATHED HORNBILL A ceros undulatus EURASIAN HOOPOE Upupa epops RED-HEADED TROGON Harpactes erythrocephalus INDIAN ROLLER Coracias benghalensis DOLLARBIRD Eurystomus orientalis COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis BLACK-BACKED KINGFISHER Ceyx eriihacus RUDDY KINGFISHER Halcyon coromanda WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER Halcyon smymensis CRESTED KINGFISHER Megaceryle lugubris PIED KINGFISHER Ceryle rudis BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATER Nyctyomis aihertoni CHESTNUT-HEADED BEE-EATER Merops leschenaulu CHESTNUT- WINGED CUCKOO Clamator coromandus LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO Cuculus sparverioides COMMON HAWK-CUCKOO Cuculus varius INDIAN CUCKOO Cuculus micropterus COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus canorus ORIENTAL CUCKOO Cuculus saturatus LESSER CUCKOO Cuculus polioceplialus GREY-BELLIED CUCKOO Cacomantis passerinus ASIAN EMERALD CUCKOO Chrysococcyx maculatus DRONGO CUCKOO Surniculus lugubris GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA Phaenicophacus trisiis GREATER COUCAL Centropus sinensis LESSER COUCAL Centropus bengalensis RED-BREASTED PARAKEET Psittacula alexandri HIMALAYAN SWIFTLET Collocalia brevirostris ASIAN PALM-SWIFT Cypsiurus balasiensis FORK-TAILED SWIFT Apus pacificus HOUSE SWIFT Apus nipalensis CRESTED TREESWIFT Hemiprocne coronata MOUNTAIN SCOPS-OWL Otus spilocephalus ORIENTAL SCOPS-OWL Otus sunia COLLARED SCOPS-OWL Otus lempiji TAWNY FISH-OWL Ketupa flavipes BROWN WOOD-OWL Strix leptogrammica TAWNY OWL Strix aluco COLLARED OWLET Glaucidium brodtci 6,8,10,11,14,20,25 ASIAN BARRED OWLET Glaucidium cuculoides BROWN HAWK-OWL Ninox scutulata GREY NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus indicus LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus macrurus T 250-450 6 TSU 250-1320 6,1 1-13,25 TSU 300-1450 6,7,11-13,29 T 250-655 6,7 SF 350-2870 1,2,5,10,11, 16,18,19 TU 620-1285 7,8,25 T 250-380 6 T 250-400 6 TR 250-1280 5,6,29 T 450 6 T 450-510 6 TR 250-450 5,6 TSR 250-1280 5,8,11,14,25, 29 T 250 6 T 650 7 T 300-380 6 T 380-895 6-8,13,14 TSPUBX 1320-3000+ u TS 400-710 5-7 TSPUB 250-2000 u TU[X]CF 900-2870 13,19,26-29 TSPU[X] 250-2200 u TSUB 400-2530 6,10,23,29,30, 32 TS 250-1395 6,9 TU 300-2200 6,16,25,26 TSU 250-1600 u T 250-450 6 TUF 400-1600 6,25,27 T 400-450 6 T 250-450 6 TS 450-2500 2,3,6,7,25,29, 30 TSF 650-1395 8,12,14 TSX 450-2800 6,7,9,12,14,20, 25,30,32 T 250 6 TS 450-2440 u TF 350-1330 5,6,29 T 350 6 TSU 400-1400 6-8,10,11,13 14,29 T 250 6 TSU 250-1395 6-8,13,25,27 UR 1050-1330 25,29 B 2440 23 UX 2900 19,21,32 TSU 300-2900 TUX 250-2700 6,7,14,20,26,29 T 250-510 6 TUXH 250-2700 6,14,20,25,27, 29 T 250-380 6 SWIFTLET Collocalia species WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL Hirundapus caudacutus 136 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 ROCK PIGEON Columba livia SNOW PIGEON Columba leuconota SPECKLED WOOD-PIGEON Columba hodgsonii ORIENTAL TURTLE-DOVE Streptopelia oriemalis SPOTTED DOVE Streptopelia chinensis RED COLLARED-DOVE Streptopelia tranquebarica EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE Streptopelia decaocto BARRED CUCKOO-DOVE Macropygia unchall EMERALD DOVE Chalcophaps indiea ORANGE-BREASTED GREEN-PIGEON Treroti bicincta POMPADOUR GREEN-PIGEON Treroti pompadora THICK-BILLED GREEN-PIGEON Treroti curvirostra PIN-TAILED GREEN-PIGEON Treroti apicauda WEDGE-TAILED GREEN-PIGEON Treroti sphenura MOUNTAIN IMPERIAL-PIGEON Ducula badia EURASIAN WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus COMMON SANDPIPER Tringa hypoleucos EURASIAN THICK-KNEE Burhinus oedicnemus LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius RIVER LAPWING Vanellus duvaucelii RED-WATTLED LAPWING Vanellus indicus SMALL PRATINCOLE Glareola lactea GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ichthyaetus RIVER TERN Sterna aurantia OSPREY Pandion haliaetus ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD Pemis ptilorhyncus BLACK KITE Milvus migrant BLACK-EARED KITE Milvus lineatus PALLAS’S FISH-EAGLE Haliaeetus leucoryphus WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE Gyps bengalensis HIMALAYAN GRIFFON Gyps himalayensis CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE Spilomis cheela CRESTED GOSHAWK Accipiter rrivirgaius SHIKRA Accipiter badius BESRA Accipiter virgatus EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo BLACK EAGLE Icrinaetus malayensis STEPPE EAGLE Aquila nipalensis BOOTED EAGLE Hieraaetus pennatus RUFOUS-BELLIED EAGLE Hieraaetus kienerii MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE Spizactus nipalensis COLLARED FALCONET Microhierax caerulescens COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus LITTLE CORMORANT Phalacrocorax niger GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta F 350-2500 1,2,5 F 2500 2 C 2800-3205 2,3,19,33 TSUXF 380-2870 u TSF 250-1525 u T 380 6 F 350 5 TS 250-1395 6-11 T 250-930 6,13,15 T 250 6 T 380 6 T 250 6 T 250-655 6,7 UB 1220-1935 25-27,29,30 TSB 250-2440 5,8,10,11,13,23 XC 2800-3060 19,20,33 F 3250 32 R 350 5 TR 350-380 5,6 R 350-2500 2,5,17 TR 250 6 R 350 5 TR 250-650 5,6 TR 250-450 6 R 350 5 R 350 5 TR 250 6 TR 250 5,6 T 250-450 5,6 T 350-710 5-7 X[F] 2800 2,20 TR 250 6 T 250-1200 5,6,25 3130 18 TSU 250-1290 6,7,1 1,13,25 TSU 400-1500 6,7,11,25 U 1125-1280 25,29 X 2500-2895 2,21 c 2550 2 T 250-2550 1,2,6 TSU[X] B 250-3000 2,4,6,8,9,11,15, 18,25,28,29,30, 33 T 250-350 5,6 T 250 6 TSU 450-1395 6-8,25 SUX 1280-2800 8,9,1 1,20,28, 29,30,33 T 250-400 6 F 1125-2550 2,15,25 X 2550-2800 2,20 F 2400 2 R 350 5 R 350 1,5 R 350 5 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 137 GREY HERON Ardca cinerea TR 250 6 WHITE-BELLIED HERON Ardea insignis UR 1330 29 GREAT EGRET Casmerodius albus R 350 5 INTERMEDIATE EGRET A iesophoyx intermedia R 350 5 CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis R 350 5 INDIAN POND-HERON Ardeola grayii R 350 5 STRIATED HERON Butorides striaius TR 250 6 BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra TR 600 6 LONG-TAILED BROADBILL Psarisomus dalhousiae T 510 6 ASIAN FAIRY-BLUEBIRD Irena puella T 250-510 6 GOLDEN-FRONTED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis aurifrons T 250-450 6 ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis hardzuickii TSU 380-1445 5,7,8, 1 1,13, 25,27-30 BROWN SHRIKE Lanius cristatus T 800 6,15 LONG-TAILED SHRIKE Lanius schach SF 1065-1700 11,12,15,25,32 GREY-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius tephronotus TSCF 350-3335 u EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius YELLOW-BILLED BLUE (GOLD-BILLED) UB 1595-2435 3,26 MAGPIE Urocissa flavirostris xc 1945-3220 2,4,18,20-22, 32,33 GREEN MAGPIE Cissa chinensis TSU 620-1570 7,8,13,25,29,30 GREY TREEPIE Dendrocitta formosae TSU 380-1400 u COLLARED TREEPIE Dendrocitta frontalis T 510-710 6-8 SPOTTED NUTCRACKER Nucifraga caryocatactes XCF 2550-3480 u RED-BILLED CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax F 2200-2870 1,2,16,19 HOUSE CROW Corvus splendens F 350-2500 2,5 LARGE- BILLED CROW Corvus macrorhynchos TS[X]F 350-3155 u ASHY WOOD-SWALLOW Artamus fuscus TSF 380-1065 5,6,12 EURASIAN GOLDEN-ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus T 300-450 6 SLENDER-BILLED ORIOLE Oriolus tenuirostris UH 1125-1445 25-28 BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE Oriolus xanthomus T 250-450 6 MAROON ORIOLE Oriolus traillii TSUB 450-2440 6-9,11,13,23, 28-30 LARGE CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina mace, T 350-450 6 BLACK-WINGED CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina melaschistos TSUB 400-2440 u ROSY MINIVET Pericrocotus roseus T 300-450 6 GREY-CHINNED MINIVET Pericrocotus Solaris TSU 510-1420 6,11,28 LONG-TAILED MINIVET Pericrocotus ethologus UBXC 1100, 2275-3220 u SHORT-BILLED MINIVET Pericrocotus brevirostris TS 710-1590 710-1590 SCARLET MINIVET Pericrocotus flamrneus TSU 250-1700 4,6-9,11,13,25, 29 6,13,25,29 BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE Hemipus picatus TU 250-1445 YELLOW-BELLIED F ANT AIL Rhipidura hypoxantha X 2550-3280 3,21,22,33 WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL Rhipidura albicollis SUB 1000-2435 4,9-11,16,25,31 BLACK DRONGO Dicrurus macrocercus F 350 5 ASHY DRONGO Dicrurus leucophaeus TSUBF 250-2440 u CROW-BILLED DRONGO Dicrurus annectans TSU 300-1450 6-8,11,13,25,26 BRONZED DRONGO Dicrurus aeneus TS 250-1200 5-9,11,13 LESSER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus remifer TSU 510-1545 6-9,11,25 HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO Dicrurus hottentottus TU 250-1280 6,7,25,29 GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus paradiseus T 250-450 6 BLACK-NAPED MONARCH Hypothymis azurca T 250-450 6 COMMON IORA Aegithina tiphia T 350-400 6 LARGE WOODSHRIKE Tephrodomis gularis T 250-380 6,20 BROWN DIPPER Cinclus pallasi, TR 380-3150 2,3,6,14,21,25, 138 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 30 BLUE-CAPPED ROCK-THRUSH Monticola cinclorhynchus TU 715-2200 13,15,16,25,27, 32 18 32 CHESTNUT-BELLIED ROCK-THRUSH Monticola rufivenlris BLUE ROCK-THRUSH Monticola solitarius B 2930 BLUE WHISTLING-THRUSH Myiophonus caeruleus TUBXR 250-3235 u ORANGE-HEADED THRUSH Zoothera citrina TU 510-1220 6,8,27 PLAIN-BACKED THRUSH Zoothera mollissima B 2600 3 LONG-TAILED THRUSH Zoothera dixoni X 2600 3 WHITE-COLLARED BLACKBIRD Turdus cdbocinctus BXCF 2375-3330 2,3,18-21,30, 31,33 GREY-WINGED BLACKBIRD Turdus boulboul B 1900-2440 4,16,23 EYEBROWED THRUSH Turdus obscurus U 1220 27 DARK-THROATED THRUSH Turdus ruficollis c 2550 2 LESSER SHORTWING Brachypteryx leucophrys SBX 1595-3150 9,20,21,31 WHITE-BROWED SHORTWING Brachypteryx montana X 3280-3620 21 DARK-SIDED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa sibirica TUBXC 250-3290 3,6,15,16, 18-22, 29-31 ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER Muscicapa dauurica T 450 6 FERRUGINOUS FLYCATCHER Muscicapa fenuginea UB 1650-2440 16,23,25 RUFOUS-GORGETED FLYCATCHER Ficedula strophiata BXC 2600-3365 2,3,18,20,21, 30,31,33 RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva T 250-710 6,7 LITTLE PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula westermanni SU 1400-1650 11,25 ULTRAMARINE FLYCATCHER Ficedula superciliaris BX 2215-2785 17,20,30 SLATY-BLUE FLYCATCHER Ficedula tricolor X 3010-3290 2,21,32,33 VERDITER FLYCATCHER Eumyias thalassina TSUBF 710-2930 u LARGE NILTAVA Nihava grandis B 2430 23 SMALL NILTAVA Niltava macgrigoriae TSU 755-1410 8,9,25 RUFOUS-BELLIED NILTAVA Niltava sundara BX 2410-2930 18,21,23,30 PALE-CHINNED FLYCATCHER Cyornis poliogenys TU 400-1335 6,28,29 PALE BLUE-FLYCATCHER Cyornis unicolor SU 1320-1590 1 1,25-29 BLUE-THROATED FLYCATCHER Cyornis rubeculoides TSU 350-1675 6,8,1 1-14,25, 27,29,30 GREY-HEADED FLYCATCHER Culicicapa ceylonensis TSPUBX 420-2750 3,6,8,10,13,16, 23,25,29-31,33 INDIAN BLUE ROBIN Luscinia brunnea [B]X 2725-3030 20,33 ORANGE-FLANKED BUSH-ROBIN Tarsiger cyanurus X 2600-3420 3,33 GOLDEN BUSH-ROBIN Tarsiger chrysaeus B 2600 3 WHITE-BROWED BUSH-ROBIN Tarsiger indicus C 3430-3620 21 ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN Copsychus saularis TSF 250-1400 u WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA Copsychus malabaricus T 250-450 6 HODGSON’S REDSTART Phoenicurus hodgsoni C 2500-2600 2,4 BLUE-FRONTED REDSTART Phoenicurus frontalis WHITE-CAPPED WATER-REDSTART c 2500-2600 2,3 Chaimarromis leucocephalus TR 250-3230 1-3,6,15-18 PLUMBEOUS WATER-REDSTART Rhyacornis fuliginosus TSR 450-2720 1-3,6,8,15,18, 20,25,29,30,32 BLUE-FRONTED ROBIN Cinclidium frontale X 3265 33 BLACK-BACKED FORKTAIL Enicurus immaculatus TR 380 6 SLATY-BACKED FORKTAIL Enicurus schistaceus TSUR 250-1295 6,8,14,29 SPOTTED FORKTAIL Enicurus maculatus SUXR 1270-3125 12,16,22,28 SIBERIAN STONECHAT Saxicola maura F 350-2500 2,5 GREY BUSHCHAT Saxicola ferrea SF 1065-2820 1-3,8-12,16-18, 20,32,33 CHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING Slumus malabaricus SF 350-1320 5,1 1,12 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 139 ASIAN PIED STARLING Stumus contra F 350 5 COMMON MYNA Acridotheres tristis TSF 250-2780 u JUNGLE MYNA Acridotheres fuscus F 350 5 HILL MYNA Gracula religiosa T 250-450 6 CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH Sitta castanea TSU 250-1235 6-8,11,13,14, 25,27 WHITE-TAILED NUTHATCH Sitta himalayensis SUBX 1650-2665 3,4,10,24,30,31 VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH Sitta frontalis T 350 6 W ALLCREEPER Tichodroma muraria R 2600 3 EURASIAN TREE-CREEPER Certliia familiaris X 3155-3430 21,33 RUSTY-FLANKED TREE-CREEPER Cenhia mpalensis X 3230-3420 21,33 BROWN-THROATED TREE-CREEPER Cenhia discolor s 1550 11 RUFOUS-VENTED TIT Parus mbidiventris XC 3175-3630 18,21 COAL TIT Parus ater xc 3290-3385 21 GREY-CRESTED TIT Parus dichrous XC 3175-3630 21,33 GREEN-BACKED TIT Parus monticolus SUBXC 1100-3155 u YELLOW-CHEEKED TIT Parus spilonotus u 1310 29 YELLOW-BROWED TIT Sylviparus modestus BX 2085-3290 22,30,31 SULTAN TIT Melatiochlora sultanea T 450-890 6,7,13 BLACK-THROATED TIT Aegithalos concinnus SU 1320-1650 11,24,26 BLACK- BROWED TIT Aegithalos iouschistos BX 2600-3330 3,20,21,31,33 PLAIN MARTIN Riparia paludicola R 1050 25 BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica TS 250-1400 6,9 RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo daurica 350,2250 1,5 ASIAN HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon dasypus TS 400-3265 2,3,6,7,9,18, 29,30,33 NEPAL HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon nipalensis 1280-2195 16,18,24,29 GOLD CREST Regulus regulus BX 2810-3270 21,31,33 STRIATED BULBUL Pycnonotus striatus SB 1750-2440 10,16,23 BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL Pycnonotus melanicterus TU 250-1125 6,25 RED-WHISKERED BULBUL Pycnonotus jocosus T 250-710 6,7 RED-VENTED BULBUL Pycnonotus cafer TSF 250-2200 u WHITE-THROATED BULBUL Alophoixus flaveolus T 250-940 6-8,13 ASHY BULBUL Hemixos flavala T 380-895 6,13 MOUNTAIN BULBUL Hypsipetes mcclellandii TU 940-1360 13,25,28,29 BLACK BULBUL Hypsipetes leucocephalus TSU[X]F 250-2600 u STRIATED PRINIA Pnnia criniger TSHF 715-2200 8,9,13,16,25-29 HILL PRINIA Prinia atrogularis 1900 16 GREY-CROWNED PRINIA Pnnia cinereocapilla TF 700-1300 14,27,29 RUFESCENT PRINIA Prinia rufescens T 380 6 GREY-BREASTED PRINIA Prinia hodgsomi T 350 6 ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosrerops palpebrosus TSUF 250-1300 6,7,12-15,24, 25,29 CHESTNUT-HEADED TESIA Tesia castaneocoronata PBX 2100-3280 10,20-22,30,31, 33 SLATY-BELLIED TESIA Tesia olivea S 1415-1660 9,10 GREY-BELLIED TESIA Tesia cyaniventer B 2380 30 BROWNISH-FLANKED BUSH-WARBLER Cettia fonipes SF 1395-2200 8-1 1,16 ABERRANT BUSH-WARBLER Cettia flavolivacea B 2200 16 YELLO WISH-BELLIED BUSH-WARBLER Cettia acanthizoides BX 2770-3150 21,22,32 GREY-SIDED BUSH-WARBLER Cettia brunnifrons S[B] [X]F 1065-3300 1-3,10,11,18, 21,33 BLYTH’S REED-WARBLER Acrocephalus dumetorum TSF 380-1460 5-7,9,11 MOUNTAIN TAILORBIRD Orthotomus cuculatus S 1910 10 COMMON TAILORBIRD Orthotomus sutorius TSF 250-1065 5-8,11,13,14 TICKELL’S LEAF- WARBLER Phylloscopus affinis S[B]F 1320-2930 2,10,1 1,18 140 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 BUFF-BARRED WARBLER Phylloscopus pulcher c 2400-3395 3,7,21 ASHY-THROATED WARBLER Phylloscopus maculipennis BXC 2000-3530 16,21,30,31,33 LEMON-RUMPED WARBLER Phylloscopus chloronotus YELLOW-BROWED (INORNATE) X 2600-3080 3,20,21,31,33 WARBLER Phylloscopus inomatus TB[X]C 380,2500-3630 2,6,21,31,33 GREENISH WARBLER Phylloscopus trochiloides T 250-2000 6,16 LARGE-BILLED LEAF-WARBLER Phylloscopus magnirostris TBX 380-755,2400-3505 6,8,16,17,20, 21,23,30,31,33 BLYTH’S LEAF-WARBLER Phylloscopus reguloides BX 2200-3300 u YELLOW-VENTED WARBLER Phylloscopus camator TSU 300-1540 6-9,11-13,25, 26,28,29 GOLDEN-SPECTACLED WARBLER Seicercus burkii BXC 2200-3575 3,16,20-22, 30,31,33 GREY-HOODED WARBLER Seicercus xanthoschisius TSU 510-1700 4,6-10,13,24, 25,29,30 WHITE-SPECTACLED WARBLER Seicercus affirm P 2000 10 CHESTNUT-CROWNED WARBLER Seicercus castaniceps SB 1510-2600 3,11,16,30 RUFOUS-FACED WARBLER Abroscopus albogularis T 755-935 8,13 BLACK-FACED WARBLER Abroscopus schisticeps P 2355 10 YELLOW-BELLIED WARBLER Abroscopus superciliaris T 935 13 WHITE-THROATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax albogulans UBXC 1270-3260 2,3,16,20,21, 23,25,30,31,33 WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax leucolophus TSU 380-1565 6-13,25-29 LESSER NECKLACED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax monileger T 620-795 7,13 STRIATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax striatus TSUB 620-3060 25,27,30,31 7-11,16,18,23, RUFOUS-NECKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax ruficoUis TS 735-1525 10,1 1,13 RUFOUS-CHINNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax rufogularis T 860 13 SPOTTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax oceUatus [B]X 2845-3155 3,22,33 STREAKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax lineams B 2200 16 SCALY LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax subunicolor X 3125 21 BLACK-FACED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax affinis CHESTNUT-CROWNED xc 2675-3395 18,20-22 LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax erythrocephalus BX 1200, 2200-3330 3,4,16,21,31,33 RED-FACED LIOCICHLA Liocichla phoenicea S 1285-1695 9,10 RUSTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus erythrogenys TSUF 650-1400 8-13,27 WHITE-BROWED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus schisticeps TS 400-1590 6,10,13 STREAK-BREASTED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus ruficollis B 2200-2675 16,31 CORAL-BILLED SCIMITAR- BABBLER Pomatorhinus ferruginosus S 1440-1590 9,10 PYGMY WREN-BABBLER Pnoepyga pusilla TSB 510-1450,2420-2435 6,8,23,30,31 RUFOUS-THROATED WREN-BABBLER Spelaeomis caudatus U 1630 30 SPOTTED WREN-BABBLER Spelaeomis formosus T 770 13 RUFOUS-CAPPED BABBLER Stachyris ruficeps X 2000-2890 16,22,31 GOLDEN BABBLER Stachyris chrysaca TS 510-1400 6-10,13 GREY-THROATED BABBLER Stachyris nigriceps TS 300-1010 6,12,13 STRIPED TIT-BABBLER Macronous gularis T 250-450 6 JUNGLE BABBLER Turdoides striatus T 380 6 SILVER-EARED MESIA Leiothrix argentauris TS 510-1400 6-10 RED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX Leiothrix lutea BX 2200-2720 16,20,23,30 CUTIA Cutia mpalensis S 1545-1550 9,11 WHITE-BROWED SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius flaviscapis U 1365 25 WHITE-HOODED BABBLER Gampsorhynchus rufulus T 915 13 RUSTY-FRONTED BARWING Actinodura egertoni S 1735-1845 10 HOARY-THROATED BARWING Actinodura mpalensis BX 2440-3290 21-23 BLUE-WINGED MINLA Minla cyanouroptera SPB 1425-2440 10,23,30 1994 Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993 141 CHESTNUT-TAILED MINLA Minla strigula RED-TAILED MINLA Minla ignotincta GOLDEN-BREASTED FULVETTA Alcippe chrysotis YELLOW-THROATED FULVETTA Alcippe cinerea RUFOUS-WINGED FULVETTA Alcippe castaneceps WHITE-BROWED FULVETTA Alcippe vinipectus NEPAL FULVETTA Alcippe tiipalensis RUFOUS SIBIA Heterophasia capistraia LONG-TAILED SIBIA Heterophasia picaoides STRIATED YUHINA Yuhina castaniceps WHITE-NAPED YUHINA Yuhina bakeri WHISKERED YUHINA Yuhina flavicollis STRIPE-THROATED YUHINA Yuhina gularis RUFOUS-VENTED YUHINA Yuhina occipitalis BLACK-CHINNED YUHINA Yuhina nigrimenta FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum ignipectus RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD Anthreptes singalensis MRS GOULD’S SUNBIRD Aethopyga gouldiae GREEN-TAILED SUNBIRD Aethopyga nipalcnsis BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRD Aethopyga saturata CRIMSON SUNBIRD Aethopyga siparaja STREAKED SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera magna HOUSE SPARROW Passer domes ticus RUSSET SPARROW Passer rutilans EURASIAN TREE SPARROW Passer montanus WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba WHITE-BROWED WAGTAIL Motacilla maderaspatensis CITRINE WAGTAIL Motacilla citreola GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea PADDYFIELD PIPIT Anthus rufulus OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT Anthus hodgsoni ROSY PIPIT Anthus roseatus RUFOUS-BREASTED ACCENTOR Prunella strophiata WHITE-RUMPED MUNIA Lonchura striata TIBETAN SERIN Serinus thibetanus YELLOW-BREASTED GREENFINCH Carduelis spinoides PLAIN MOUNTAIN-FINCH Leucosticte nemoricola COMMON ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus SCARLET FINCH Haematospiza sipahi RED CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra BX 2000-3175 16,21,22,31 BX 2420-3175 20,21,30,31 BX 2435-2750 30,31 S 1595 9 PB 2100-2600 3,10,23,30 BX 2460-3300 18,21,22,30,31 TSU 420-1800 6-8,11,13,25, 26,29 SPUBX 1040-2930 u TS 540-1070 6-8,11 TSU 510-1590 7,8,10,13,25 T 550-740 6-8 SPBX 1590-2750 10,16,23,31 UBX 1255, 2200-3280 3,18,20-22,25, 30,31,33 XC 2775-3630 21,31,33 TSU 300-1650 6-9,11-13,24, 25,28-30 TU 890-1335 13,27,28 P 2010 10 PB 2010-2810 10,31 T 710-915 7,13 R 350 5 F 2780-2870 19-21,31 TSU 250-1650 6,11,13,24-26, 29,30 SUB 1110-2360 [-2600] 3,4,8,12,16, 28-30 T 400 6 B[X] 2000-2440 [-3230] 3,16,17,33 PBX 2115-3165 3,10,18,20,21, 23,30,31,33 TSU 510-1520 6-12,25,29,30 T 250-800 6,13 TSU 300-1440 6-9,12,13,25 F 350 5 SCF 1100-2930 2,3,8,16,18,19, 29,32 TSF 350-2500 u R,F 350-2500 2,5 TR 250-350 5,6 R 350 5 TR 300-1600 5-7,15 TSF 380-1065 12 TSBXF 250-3000 u RF 2400-2600 2,3 CF 2500-2600 2,3,17 TF 710-1445 7,13,25 X 3290 22 SF 1275-1525 8,10,12,19,33 F 2000-2800 2,3,16,20 TSF 380-1525 6,8,10,11,25,29 U[B] 1280, 2700, 3180 3,29,32 X 2550-3290 3,22 WHITE-BELLIED YUHINA Yuhina zantholeuca GREY-HEADED PARROTBILL Paradoxomis gularis BLACK-THROATED PARROTBILL Paradoxomis nipalensis LESSER RUFOUS-HEADED PARROTBILL Paradoxomis atrosuperciliaris SAND LARK Calandrella raytal ORIENTAL SKYLARK Alauda gulgula PLAIN FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum concolor 142 C. INSKIPP and T. P. INSKIPP Forktail 9 RED-HEADED BULLFINCH Pyrrhula erythrocephala WHITE- WINGED GROSBEAK Mycerobas carnipes GOLD-NAPED FINCH Pyrrhoplectes epaulena CRESTED BUNTING Melophus lathami LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla BLACK-FACED BUNTING Emberiza spodocephala X 3080-3290 21,22 xc 2665-3620 21,31,33 X 3280-3385 21 TSF 650-1445 11,12,14-16, 25,27,29,32 SF 1320-2550 2,11 SF 1400 11 Key 1st trek T = Tropical zone S = Subtropical zone P = Temperate zone broadleaved forest Both treks F = Fields, grazing areas and around human habitation R = Rivers and lakes 2nd trek U = Subtropical zone broadleaved forest B = Temperate zone broadleaved forest X = Temperate zone mixed forest C = Temperate zone coniferous forest H = Subtropical zone Chir Pine forest Locations: 1 Paro (2,250 m) - Thimphu (2,400 m) 2 Thimphu valley (2,400 m) 3 Tseri (2,500 m - 2,600 m) 4 Thimphu (2,400 m) - Phuntsholing (350 m) 5 Phuntsholing (350 m) 6 Royal Manas National Park (250 m - 550 m) 7 Manas (550 m) - Dalim (710 m) 8 Dalim (710 m) - Tshobrang (1,395 m) 9 Tshobrang (1,395 m) - 1,615 m - Ponchela (1,400 m) 10 Ponchela (1,400 m) - 2,390 m - Subrang (1,400 m) 1 1 Subrang (1,400 m) - 1,525 m - Zurphey (1,320 m) 1 2 Zurphey ( 1 ,320 m) - Tshanglajong ( 1 ,065 m) 1 3 Tshanglajong ( 1 ,065 m) - Tingtibi (650 m) 14 Tingtibi (650 m - 810 m) 15 Tingtibi (650 m) - Tongsa (2,200 m) 16 Tongsa (2,200 m) 17 Chendibji (2,400 m) 1 8 Pele La (2,930 m - 3,2 1 0 m) 1 9 Phobjikha valley (2,780 m - 2,870 m) 20 Phobjikha (2,780 m) - Khebatang (2,800 m) 21 Khebatang (2,800 m) - Gele La (3,630 m) - Laphu Gang (3,100 m) 22 Laphu Gang (3,100 m) - Pema La (3,290 m) - Nehi (2,440 m) 23 Nehi (2,440 m) 24 Nehi (2,440 m) - Harachhu (1,125 m) 25 Harachhu (1,125 m - 1,445 m) 26 Harachhu (1,125 m) - 1,695 m - Nashina (1,220 m) 27 Nashina (1,220 m) 28 Nashina (1,220 m) - 1,435 m - Ada (1,280 m) 29 Ada (1,280 m) 30 Ada (1 ,280 m) - Tarana (2,430 m) 31 Tarana (2,430 m) - Phobjikha (2,780 m) 32 Phobjikha (2,780 m) - Thimphu (2,400 m) 33 Tashigong monastery/Dochu La (2,840 m - 3,530 m) 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 143 The birds of Pakistan: supplementary observations from the northern Punjab and hills A. VITTERY I was resident in Lahore from May 1973 to early June 1974. Some of my observations in the first part of this period were included by T. J. Roberts in The birds of Pakistan (1991 and 1992) but other data appear never to have reached him. The following accounts are limited to those species where my records add materially to the status described by Roberts. These include an addition to the Pakistan list: Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi ; one probable addition: Blyth’s Pipit A. godlewskii. ; three revised first records for Pakistan: Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos, Brown Crake Amauromis akool and Mew Gull Larus canus; four first inland occurrences of migratory waders and the first inland and autumn records ofWhite-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus. ALPINE SWIFT Tachymarptis melba In 1973 a total of 14 flew north/north¬ east over Lahore on 24 July, one flew south-west at Balloki, 64 km south-west of Lahore on 26 July, and two flew north over Lahore on 28 August. PALE-BACKED PIGEON Columba eversmanni Two flocks totalling 75 birds were seen in an arid area near Raiwind on 2 February 1974, and nine beside the Hudiara drain, south-west of Lahore, on 26 February 1974. It does not seem to have been recorded in the northern foothills but there were 10 near Rawal Lake, Islamabad, on 16/17 February 1974. BROWN CRAKE Amauromis akool One was well seen at the Balloki headworks on 20 January 1974 and there were two there on 3 March 1974 (one of which caught and ate a mud-skipper). These predate the only record listed by Roberts. RUDDY-BREASTED CRAKE Porzanafusca Seen at the Balloki headworks on six dates between 3 February and 26 May 1973, max. 6+ on 10 March. Considered rare to scarce by Roberts, who also saw one at Balloki, on 28 March 1981. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa According to Roberts, ‘seldom encountered’ in the Punjab. There were two at Kharrar jheel, near Renala Khurd, on 21 July 1973, two on 7 October 1973 and one on 19 May 1974. WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Roberts knew of no inland occurrences. There was one on the River Ravi at Niaz Beg, Lahore, on 27 September 1973 and two at Kharrar jheel on 7 October 1973. The call was heard on both occasions. 144 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 9 COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus Earliest near Lahore on 12 July 1973 and at least 50 at Ivharrar jheel by 21 July (earliest date cited by Roberts). MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis A notable count of 1,140 at Kharrar jheel on 2 1 July 1973. There were still at least 300 there on 7 October 1973andaflockof80eastofBahawalnagaron 1 April 1974. Latest were nine at Kharrar jheel on 19 May 1974. COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Earliest near Lahore 12 July 1973 with flocks of 1 1 on 15 July and 28 on 24 July. GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus The late June birds thought by Roberts to be summering would almost certainly be returning migrants, since this species is known to leave the breeding grounds from early June. In 1973 birds were widespread in the Lahore area by 3 July. WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola Earliest near Lahore 12 July 1973. Latest (two or three) at Kharrar jheel on 19 May 1974. TEREK SANDPIPER Tringa cinerea Roberts cites only one inland occurrence. I saw this species on three dates in the Lahore area: three near Raiwind and one at Julke on 14 September 1973, 4 (flew south-east) at Niaz Beg on the River Ravi on 27 September 1973 and one at Balloki headworks on 26 May 1974. COMMON SANDPIPER Tringa hypoleucos Earliest were 6 near Lahore on 15 July 1973. Latest on 17 May 1974. RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria inteipres Roberts knew of no inland occurrences. There was one at Kharrar jheel on 19 May 1974. SANDERLING Calidris alba Neither Roberts nor Ali and Ripley (1969) knew of inland occurrences in the subcontinent. On 12 August 1973, three flew low over floodwater at Balloki but left to the north-east without landing. There was also one near Raiwind from 30 September - 2 October 1973. TEMMINCK’S STINT Calidris temminckii Roberts cites arrivals from mid- August. In 1973 small numbers appeared around Lahore in late July (earliest 21st). SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER Calidris acuminata Roberts credits me in error with a sighting at Kharrar jheel in 1970. My only encounter with Sharp¬ tailed/Pectoral Sandpipers was on 21 September 1973 when a party of four was flushed from floodwater beside the main Multan road to the south-west of Lahore. Their low ‘trrrt - trrrt’ calls sounded more like Pectoral Sandpiper C. melanotos than Sharp-tailed, but I was unable to confirm the identification. DUNLIN Calidris alpina Earliest was one at Ivharrar jheel on 21 July 1973. CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea Earliest were eight at Kharrar jheel on 21 July 1973. At least 50 there on 19 May 1974. BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER Limicola falcinellus Roberts cites only one inland occurrence. There was one at Kharrar jheel on 19 May 1974. 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 145 BLACK- WINGED STILT Hirnantopus himantopusNotab\e counts of2,000+ at Kharrarjheel on 7 October 1973, and at least 4,000 there on 19 May 1974. PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis fulva Roberts noted that it is rarely encountered far from the sea-coast. There were nine near Raiwind on 30 September 1973 (with four remaining until 4 October) and three at Kharrar jheel on 19 May 1974. COMMON RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula One was seen and heard near Raiwind, south of Lahore, on 4 January 1974 and another was heard at Kharrar jheel on 17 March 1974. These represent the first inland records. COLLARED PRATINCOLE Glareola pratincola Roberts describes this species as a “rare straggler” in the Punjab and gives 1 7 September as the latest date. I saw it frequently south of Lahore from 5 May to 7 October, maxima of 20 at Kharrar jheel (including a newly fledged juvenile) on 21 July 1973, at least 1 00 at Balloki headworks on 26 July 1 973 and up to 35 at each of three localities in August 1973. INDIAN SKIMMER Rynchops albicollis Roberts knew of no recent winter records. There was one at the Wahdat ponds on the western outskirts of Lahore on 27 December 1973. MEW GULL Lams canus Roberts mistakenly gives the first record of this species from the Ravi River near Lahore in 1 972. In fact, the first record (for the subcontinent) was of an adult at the Rasul barrage on 27 January 1974 seen by F. J. Koning, L. J. Djiksen and myself. On 17 February 1974 there was a first winter bird on Rawal Lake, Islamabad. WHITE-WINGED TERN Chlidonias leucopterus Roberts describes this species as a rare spring passage migrant, first recorded as recently as 1970. In the Lahore area I saw it on three occasions in autumn 1973 (none in spring) : an adult moulting into winter plumage near Julke on 1 4 September, a flock of 1 2 juveniles nearby at Raiwind on 30 September and five at the same locality on 2 October (probably part of the same flock). There was also a juvenile at Khabbaki Lake (Salt Range) on 21 October. PIED HARRIER Circus melanoleucos Roberts cites only one record (December/January 1985/1986). During an exceptionally cold spell a male was quartering fields on the south-west outskirts of Lahore on 27 December 1973. This adds greater credence to the undated record of a bird “putatively seen” at Lahore by A. J. Currie in the 1920s (Ali and Ripley 1968) which Roberts overlooks (or discounts). BLACK BITTERN Ixobrychus flavicollis Two at Balloki headworks from 8 July - 5 August 1973 and on 28 April 1974. DARK-THROATED THRUSH Turdus mficollis A male of the red-throated race mficollis (but not dull maroon-chestnut as described by Roberts) was seen near the Balloki headworks on 3 March 1974. 146 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 9 SLATY-BLUE FLYCATCHER Ficedula tricolor A male in the Jinnah Gardens, Lahore, on 1 3 February 1 974 seems to be the first record away from the foothills. COMMON GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER Locustella naevia Roberts noted that it was apparently scarce, with records from only four observers. One near Lai Suhanra on 30 March 1974. MOUNTAIN CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus sindianus The status of this species between its breeding and wintering grounds is obscure. In the Lahore area in 1974 there was a marked spring passage from 3 March to 1 1 April, with small numbers seen in ten localities. Further south, in late March larger numbers were seen around Lai Suhanra and Fort Abbas, max. 20+ at the former on 29/30 March. Two were in song at Balloki on 17 March. BLYTH'S LEAF-WARBLER Phylloscopus reguloides Roberts knew of no records outside of the breeding season, although he states that the species ‘migrates in winter to the foothills and adjacent plains’. On 2 1 October 1 973 there was one in the Bakh Hund pass between Naushara and Nurewala (Salt Range) - a rather small crown-striped warbler with two conspicuous yellow wing-bars, yellowish-white supercilia and white in the outer tail-feathers. LARGE GREY BABBLER Turdoides malcolmi Roberts recorded it as a rare resident, with only three records in the last 80 years. I saw this species four times by the River Ravi at Niaz Beg, Lahore, between 1 1 September 1973 and 24 January 1974, max. five on 8 January 1974. Further north, there was one east of Shekupura on 20 October 1973. RUFOUS-TAILED LARK Ammomanes phoenicurus Roberts knew of no recent occurrences. My two sightings fit the ‘monsoon’ pattern of Waite’s earlier records: one flew NE at Balloki on 26 July 1973 and one flew SE at Niaz Beg on the River Ravi, Lahore, on 13 September 1973. EURASIAN TREE SPARROW Passer montanus Roberts states that in Pakistan it is confined to the drier mountain regions of the west. A small flock near Sakesar (Salt Range) on 21 October 1973 was outside of this range. RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi Roberts included this, and the Paddyfield Pipit A. rufulus, in A novaeseelandiae but makes no mention of the occurrence of richardi. On 1 6 September 1973a large, dark, long-tailed pipit flew W near Raiwind, giving the characteristic ‘dzreeep’ call of richardi. Another was seen at Niaz Beg on the River Ravi on 20 September 1973. BLYTH’S PIPIT Anthus godlewskii Roberts makes no reference to this species, although Vaurie (1959) includes Pakistan in its winter range, and one of the known Indian wintering areas is not far to the south-east of Sind (Ali and Ripley 1973). On 13 September 1973 I had close views of a pipit at Niaz Beg, Lahore, which was larger than A. rufulus waitei but smaller and shorter-tailed than A. richardi. It had warm buff underparts, richer on the 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 147 flanks and paler on the rather finely streaked breast. The brown back was almost as dark as that of A. richardi but the pattern on the median and greater coverts resembled that ol Tawny Pipit A. campestris. The harsh ‘p-titt’ call was unfamiliar but does not seem to correspond closely to calls so far attributed to A. godlezvskii. There was a similarly plumaged (but silent) bird at the same locality on 9 October 1 973. At the time no good field descriptions of A. godlezvskii existed but, on the basis of information now available, it seems these birds were probably of this species. RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus Three additional winter records of two by the Hudiara drain on 26 December 1973, two on the south-west outskirts of Lahore on 27 December 1973 and two at Kharrar jheel on 10 February 1974 suggest that the species is thinly distributed in the northern Punjab. However, the exceptionally cold weather of late December 1973 may have induced movement from elsewhere. ROSY PIPIT Anthus roseatus I found this to be a rather more common winter visitor (late December to March) in the northern Punjab than Roberts suggests. It was quite widespread on the fringes of lakes, marshes and ditches with maxima of 1 2 at Kharrar jheel on 3 1 December 1973, nine near Raiwind on 2 February 1974 and 5 at Balloki on 3 March 1974. SPECTACLED FINCH Callacanthis burtoni An unusually large flock of 40 was seen at just over 2,000 m near Murree on 1 6 February 1 974. There was also one at Nathia Gali on 15 April 1974. PINK-BROWED ROSEFINCH Carpodacus rodochrous Roberts regarded it as scarce. A male was seen above Ghora Gali on 1 6 February 1974 and there were two females in the same area on 13 April 1974 plus at least six (three males) at Nathia Gali on 15 April 1974. REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1968) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan, 1 . Bombay: Oxford University Press. Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1969) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan, 2. Bombay: Oxford University Press. Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1973) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan, 9. Bombay: Oxford University Press. Roberts, T. J. (1991-1992) The birds of Pakistan. Two vols. Karachi: Oxford University Press. Vaurie, C. (1959) The birds of the Palearctic fauna, Passeriformes. London: Witherby. Alan Vittery, 164 West Clyne, Brora, Sutherland KW9 6NH, U.K. 148 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktai! 9 Observations on the breeding of the Palawan Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis lemprievi D. G. VRETTOS The Palawan Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis lemprien 'is a Philippine endemic which has been treated either as a subspecies of the Hill Blue-Flycatcher C. banyumas (Watson et al. 1986), or as a full species (Dickinson et al. 1991). DESCRIPTION AND MEASUREMENTS Previously published descriptions of this species are incomplete and, therefore, full details are provided: Male: forehead light blue; crown, nape, back, wings, mantle, sides of head, ear-coverts and rump dark blue; lores black; chin off-white, changing to pale orange on the breast; belly white; under tail-coverts off-white; flanks and under wing-coverts grey; tail dark blue; eye dark brown; legs blue-grey; bill black. Female: crown and nape blue-grey; lores black; white supercilium and malar stripe; ear-coverts greenish-grey; back, mantle and rump olive-brown; tail rufous-brown; chin white, changing to dull orange on the breast; belly white; under tail-coverts and under wing-coverts off-white; wings and flanks dark brown; eye dark brown; legs blue-grey; bill black. The average measurements of three males caught in mist nets at the end of July were: wing 79 mm, tail 63.3 mm, bill 15.3 mm, tarsus 21 .3 and weight 22.062 g. One of the males netted on 27 July was in moult. Two females caught at the same time averaged: wing 77 mm, tail 58 mm, bill 1 5 mm, tarsus 21 mm, weight 21.2 g. BREEDING BEHAVIOUR Observations on the breeding of this flycatcher began on the 14 April 1987 when, what was thought to be an old empty nest was found, in a hollow tree- stump, by members of the Palawan Wildlife Expedition. The team was mist- netting on the east slope of Mount Mananangob (9°46’N 1 18°41’E), in the central mountain range of the island, at an altitude of approximately 370 m. Mount Mananangob is in a watershed reserve near the village of Irawan, 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 149 which is 1 1 km from Puerto Princesa city on the southbound road. There is a limited amount of disturbance from illegal logging, hunting by villagers, and also collecting of honey. Resin from the Almaciga tree Agathis dammara is collected seasonally by the Tagbanuwa people, who employ a system of shifting cultivation. The following day (15 April) an egg was discovered in the nest, and an observation hide was therefore constructed from fish-tail palm Arenga fronds, between the buttress roots of a large tree which was about 3 m from the nest site. The nest, which was constructed from dried grasses, and measured 50 mm deep by 60 mm inside diameter, was not visible from the hide as it was set back in the 1 m high stump. Early the next morning (16 April) I took up position in the hide and settled down to wait. About 15m from the hide was a stream which ran down the hillside and, since it was still the dry season, this was visited by a variety of birds and mammals. Some of these, such as Crab-eating Macaque Macaca fascicularis, Sunda Civet Viverra tangalunga. Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus , Palawan Treeshrew Tupaia palawanensis and Palawan Hombill Anthracoceros marchei, were potential predators. Just after midday a small brown passerine appeared on a nearby branch and then flew into the nest. This was later identified as a female Palawan Blue-Flycatcher. The Mangrove Blue-Flycatcher C. rufigastra occurs in that area of Palawan, and the male is very similar to that of the Palawan Blue-Flycatcher; however, the female rufigastra is mainly blue like the male, whereas the female lemprieri is brown. Both adult Palawan Blue-Flycatchers were seen together on numerous occasions, facilitating positive identification of the species. On checking the nest in the late afternoon it was noted that there was still only one egg. At 06h00 the next morning ( 1 7 April) I again settled down in the hide. The female appeared about 20 minutes later and flew to the nest. During subsequent observations it was not always possible to be sure that the female was sitting because her approaches and departures were very rapid . Later that day a snake, possibly a cobra Naja, about 2.5 m long, passed the nest site at about 2 m distance. At 1 7h00 I left the hide and found that a second egg had been laid when I checked the nest. The following day (18 April) the male Palawan Blue-Flycatcher was seen for the first time. It appeared on a branch about 2 m from the nest, and then chased off a male Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana which came close to the nest. Later that day both the adults mobbed two juvenile Palawan Tree-shrews which wandered close to the nest. The female left the nest several times to feed. At 17h00 there were still two eggs in the nest. The next day (19 April) it quickly became apparent that the birds were uneasy because the hide no longer provided adequate concealment. The hide 150 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 9 was abandoned but the nest was subsequently checked every 2-3 days. On 2 1 April a check revealed that the female was temporarily absent and the opportunity was taken to measure the eggs. One was 24x 1 6 mm and the other was 22.5x15.5 mm. They were pale blue and with reddish-brown blotches concentrated towards the blunt end. Two chicks were discovered in the nest on 2 May. The nest had been checked on 30 April with no sign of the eggs hatching, giving an incubation period of 1 5- 1 6 days, assuming that the second egg was laid on 1 7 April and that incubation started then. The hide was hastily repaired on 3 May and observations were resumed at 05h30 on 4 May. Both parents made frequent visits to the nest, but as they flew directly into the nest it was difficult to see what food they were carrying. Feeding took only 3-4 seconds each time and the adults collected most of the food close to the nest. The female spent several periods of about 30 mins in the nest, presumably brooding the young. Over the next four days the frequency of feeding increased but on the morning of 9 May both young had disappeared. Both adults were still in the area but there was no sign of any fledglings. Many thanks to Mr R. P. Girdler for his comments on the manuscript. REFERENCES Dickinson, E. C., Kennedy, R. S. and Parkes, K. C. (1991) The birds of the Philippines. Tring: British Ornithologists’ Union (Check-list no. 12). Watson, G.E., Traylor, M. A. and Mayr, E. (1986) Muscicapidae. Pp. 295-375 in E. Mayr and G. W. Cottrell, eds., Check-list of birds of the world, 1 1 . Cambridge, Massachusetts: Museum of Comparative Zoology. Dennis G. Vrettos, Basil Comer, Lower Basildon, Berkshire, RG8 9NL, U.K. Blyth’s Leaf- Warbler Phyllo scopus reguloides found breeding in Thailand PER ALSTROM and URBAN OLSSON This note describes the first confirmed breeding of Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides in Thailand, namely at Doi Inthanon in the north¬ west. It is suggested that Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler is breeding rather commonly on Doi Inthanon, and that it has been overlooked before. 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 151 In early April 1991 P.A. observed several Blyth’s Leaf-Warblers on the summit of Doi Inthanon, north-west Thailand (18°35’N 98°29.5’E). Some of the birds were singing, but it could not be established whether they were on migration or breeding ( Phylloscopus warblers frequently sing during spring migration; pers. obs.). In the second week of March 1992 Blyth’s Leaf- Warbler was found to be locally common on Doi Inthanon, and breeding was confirmed. This species has not previously been proved to breed in Thailand (Boonsong et al. 1991; Philip D. Round in litt.). On 8 March 1992 a pair of Blyth’s Leaf-Warblers were seen nest building, beside the trail at the summit bog on Doi Inthanon, at an altitude of c. 2,560 m. The following day the nest was abandoned, probably as a result of human disturbance. On 1 1 March possibly the same pair was seen building a nest some 30-40 m from the first nest site. On 9 March 1 992 a nest of Blyth’s Leaf- Warbler with nearly fully grown young was found at c. 1650 m (‘km 37’) on Doi Inthanon. Two days later the young fledged. On 8 April 1992 Johan Wallander and Eva Helgesson (pers. comm. 1992) saw a nest-building pair of Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler near the summit bog on Doi Inthanon. At the summit of Doi Inthanon, especially in the vicinity of the bog, Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler was fairly common and outnumbered White-tailed Leaf- Warbler Phylloscopus davisoni by roughly 2:1 (based on a count of singing males). At c. 1,650 m (‘km 37’) Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler seemed to be slightly less numerous than White-tailed Leaf-Warbler, and ate. 1,500 m (‘km 34.5’) White-tailed appeared to be more numerous than Blyth’s (based on counts of singing males). It is quite possible that some or even most of the Blyth’s Leaf-Warblers that we observed were on migration. This may be supported by the fact that several singing males did not respond to play-back of their own song. However, there could be other explanations for that (cf. Alstrom and Olsson 1992). On the other hand, several males (other than those whose nests we found) were evidently territorial and responded vigorously to play-back, and at least one of these appeared to have a mate. Even if some of the Blyth’s Leaf- Warblers that we observed were on migration, it would still appear that Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler is a fairly common breeding bird on Doi Inthanon. It may be of some interest to point out that we did not find any Blyth’s Leaf- Warblers on Doi Suthep-Pui in early March 1992, only White-tailed Leaf- Warblers. On plumage (mainly tail pattern) as well as on geographical grounds the Blyth’s Leaf-Warblers on Doi Inthanon seem to match the subspecies assamensis. This extension of the known range of Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler reveals that Blyth’s and White-tailed Leaf-Warblers are sympatric in four disjunct areas: Doi Inthanon (P. r. assamensis and P. d. davisoni), Sichuan Province, China (P. r. claudiae and P. d. disturbans ), Fujian Province, China 152 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 9 (P. r. fokiensis and P. d. ogilviegranti) and in South Annam, Viet Nam (P. r. ticehursti and P. d. klossi ) (Watson et al. 1986). The Blyth’s Leaf-Warblers were distinguished from White-tailed Leaf- Warbler (of subspecies davisoni , breeding on Doi Inthanon) primarily by (1) song and calls (also begging calls of juveniles) which were subtly although consistently different (one species did not respond to play-back of the other species’ song), (2) tail pattern (Blyth’s showed a narrow white border to the tip and edge of the inner web of the outermost rectrix, frequently also whitish mottling centrally on the same feather, although not almost completely white inner web as in White-tailed; the tail pattern is often extremely difficult to judge in the field) and (3) antagonistic behaviour (when agitated, Blyth’s has a distinctive habit of lifting one wing at a time; White-tailed flicks both wings simultaneously and with a much quicker action than Blyth’s). Also, the feeding behaviour usually differs significantly between the two species. Unlike White-tailed, Blyth’s has the characteristic of looking on the undersides of branches, frequently hanging head-down almost vertically. It may seem surprising that Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler has been overlooked as a breeding bird on Doi Inthanon. However, many Blyth’s Leaf-Warblers have probably routinely been identified as White-tailed Leaf-Warbler, which is known to breed commonly on Doi Inthanon. Moreover, those visiting birdwatchers who correctly identified Blyth’s Leaf-Warblers probably did not bother too much about whether or not they were breeding. The trip to Thailand was made possible by, in part, a grant from the Uddenberg-Nordingska Stiftelsen. Thanks also to Phil Round for comments on this note. REFERENCES Alstrom, P. and Olsson, U. (1992) On the taxonomic status of Phylloscopus affinis and Phylloscopus subaffinis. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 1 12: 111-125. Boonsong Lekagul, Komolphalin, K., Round, P. D. and Wongkalasin, M. (1991) A guide to the birds of Thailand. Bangkok: Saha Karn Bhaet. Watson, G. E., Traylor, M. A., Jr. and Mayr, E. (1986) Family Sylviidae, Old World Warblers. Pp. 3- 294 in E. Mayr and G. W. Cottrell, eds . , Check-list of birds of the World, 1 1 . Cambridge, Massachusetts: Museum of Comparative Zoology. Per Alstrom, Kungsgatan 3, 462 33 Vanersborg, Szveden. Urban Olsson, University of Goteborg, Dept, of Zoology, Section of Morphology and Systematics, Box 25059, 400 31 Goteborg, Sweden. 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 153 Black Tern Chlidonias niger : a new species for Sri Lanka REX I. DE SILVA, ENOKA PERERA, LESTER PERERA and KANISHKA SAMARASINGHE On 1 November 1 992, at approximately 1 0h20, we were on the tidal mudflats in the northern part of Negombo Lagoon (7 9°50’E 7° 1 1 ’N) . A flock of about 60 Whiskered Terns Chlidonias hybridus were perched on a brush-pile fish- trap about 80 m from us. An unidentified tern was also perched on the trap in the midst of the Whiskered Terns and was observed through a 20x80 telescope for more than 30 minutes. The bird was slightly smaller than a Whiskered Tern. Its mantle was brown and grey, the wings were brownish-grey with darker primaries and a prominent dark carpal bar. The underparts were white, and the bill, irides and legs were black. The rump and slightly forked tail were light grey - the rectrix tips being somewhat darker. Its forehead, chin and neck were white and a cap, which extended downwards behind the eyes, was present. The cap was dark grey in front, and sooty-black at the rear, changing to brownish at the edges. A small diffuse greyish patch was present on each side of the breast below the closed forewing. The bird preened continuously whilst under observation. The bird was superficially similar to a juvenile White-winged Tern C. leucopterus, but the following features served to distinguish it. The grey rump (i contra white); lack of a prominent saddle effect on the mantle; longer bill; different cap/head pattern; and the grey patches at the sides of the breast (always lacking in White-winged Tern). On reference to Harrison (1985) it was clear that the bird was a juvenile Black Tern C. niger. This is the first record of the species from Sri Lanka. Six individuals have been recorded from India, including four at Point Calimere, Tamil Nadu (Alexander 1950, Abdulali and Ambedkar 1983, Natarajan and Balasubramian 1991, Menon 1992). We are grateful to Brindley de Zylva and Kumudini Gomes for commenting on earlier drafts of the manuscript. REFERENCES Abdulali, H. and Ambedkar, V. C. (1983) Occurrence of the Black Tern Chlidonias niger (Linn.) in India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 80: 640. Alexander, H.G. (1950) Possible occurrence of the Black Tern Chlidonias niger (L.) near Delhi. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 49: 120. Harrison, P. (1985) Seabirds: an identification guide. Revised edition. London: Croom Helm. 154 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 9 Menon, V. (1992) On the Black Tern Chlidonias niger niger (Linn.). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 89: 120. Natarajan, V. and Balasubramian, P. (1991) Additional notes on the occurrence of Black Tern Chlidonias niger (Linn.) in India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 87: 451-452. Rex I. De Silva, Hepporawatte, Darnpe, Madapatha, Piliyandala, Sri Lanka Enoka Perera, 69/3, Green Path, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka Lester Perera, 34/2, S de S. Jayasinghe, Mawatha, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka Kanishka Samarasinghe, 2511, Minuwangoda Road, Negombo, Sri Lanka. Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus : a new species for Sri Lanka REX I. DE SILVA and LESTER PERERA At about 1 3h00 on 1 0 January 1 993 we were observing birds on the sandspit at the mouth of the Chilaw Lagoon (79°47’E 7°36’N) in north-west Sri Lanka. Several species of terns, two Sooty Gulls Lams hemprichi and some shorebirds were visible. A wader which neither of us could identify, flew along the shoreline and settled down on the sandspit about 25 m from us. The bird appeared intermediate in size between a Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula and a Greater Sand-Plover C. leschenaultii. The upperparts were brown and the underparts were white. A greyish-brown breast-band was present. The crown and lores were the same colour as the upperparts and there was a light brown supercilium. The forehead was off-white, the chin and neck were white and there was a white collar. The bill was blackish, the legs were yellowish-grey, the irides were dark brown and there was a thin, but prominent, white wing-bar. The bird bore a superficial resemblance to a Common Ringed Plover in winter plumage, but the noticeably longer legs, bill and tail served to distinguish it from that species. The bird was observed for approximately 10 minutes with 8x40 and 8x30 binoculars. On subsequently referring to Hayman et al. (1986) it was apparent that the bird was a Long-billed Plover C. placidus. This is the first record of the species for Sri Lanka. The Long-billed Plover breeds in north-east Asia, and most migrate south or south-west after breeding, although small resident populations occur in southern Japan and parts of southern China. It winters from Nepal east to eastern China and in South Korea and has wandered to Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei and Bali. However, it has not been recorded previously from south of 22°S in the Indian subcontinent (Thompson et al., this issue). 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 155 REFERENCES Hayman, P., Marchant, J. and Prater, T. ( 1 986) Shorebirds: an identification guide to the waders of the world. London: Christopher Helm. Rex 1. De Silva, Hepporawatte, Dampe, Madapatha, Piliyandala, Sri Lanka Lester Perera, 3412, S. de S. Jayasinghe Mawatha, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. Asian Stubtail Urosphena squameiceps : a new species for Nepal and the Indian subcontinent ALAN LEWIS On 2 1 January 1 993 I visited the Dharan forest which lies just north of Itahari in eastern Nepal. In general the forest was disappointingly quiet but, upon investigating a slight rustle on the forest floor, I was pleased to find an Asian Stubtail (Stub-tailed Bush-Warbler) Urosphena squameiceps. It was hopping jerkily on long, flexed legs in a fashion typical of the genus, and close views were obtained for about 30 seconds before it disappeared. The main features noted were the dark brown upperparts, whitish underparts, very long buffish-white supercilium and a tailless appearance. The legs and large feet were very pale pink. The views were not sufficient to see the indistinct scaling on the forehead which is characteristic of the species, and it was not heard to call. I am very familiar with Urosphena squameiceps in its wintering areas in Thailand, and had seen several at Khao Yai National Park less than three weeks previously. It was a surprise to discover that this is apparently the first record for Nepal and the Indian subcontinent. King et al. (1975) give the wintering range in South-East Asia as ‘Burma (except NE); NW, NE, SE and peninsular Thailand; NW Tonkin; Laos; Hong Kong.’ It is perhaps to be expected that a long distance migrant such as the Asian Stubtail, which breeds in north-east Asia and regularly winters as far west as Myanmar (Burma) , should occasionally stray further west. REFERENCES King, B. F„ Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. (1975) A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. Alan Lewis, 4 Troutbeck Avenue, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 4JA, U.K. 156 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 9 Black- and-yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides : a new species for Nepal ALAN LEWIS On 22 March 1993 I located a flock of about 100 Collared Grosbeaks Mycerobas affinis at an elevation of about 3000 m, just below the Deorali teashop, about 1 V2 hours walk from Ghorepani on the Jomsom trek, Annapurna Conservation Area, west-central Nepal. They were astonishingly confiding as they fed on the ground under pine trees, although sections of the flock would occasionally fly up into the trees when alarmed, but these birds returned almost immediately. I walked back to the teashop and met Richard Rowland. On returning to the flock, I noticed a mid-grey grosbeak Mycerobas with the Collared Grosbeaks. We watched this bird at close range for about 1 0 minutes, feeding with the Collared Grosbeaks but also briefly near a male Spectacled Finch Callacanthis burtoni. The main features noted were the uniform mid-grey head, mantle and breast, black tail and wings, and a buffish belly and flanks. There was no perceptible difference in structure or bare part colouration from the nearby Collared Grosbeaks. On reference to Ali and Ripley (1983) it was easy to confirm our suspicions that this bird was a female Black-and-yellow Grosbeak M. icterioides. One feature not noted, presumably because the wings were held closed, was the buff rump and uppertail-coverts. This is the first confirmed record of this species for Nepal, although Inskipp and Inskipp (1991) mention a previous (probably erroneous) record, which they place in square brackets. It is also the easternmost record of the species, apart from that of a specimen collected in Darjeeling, held in the collection of the Zoological Institute in Leningrad (Neufeldt and Vietinghoff-Scheel 1984). REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1983) A pictorial guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent. Bombay: Oxford University Press. Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. (1991) A guide to the birds of Nepal. Second edition. London: Christopher Helm. Neufeldt, I. A. and Vietinghoff-Scheel, E. v. (1984) Mycerobas icterioides (Vigors). In H. Dathe and I. A. Neufeldt, eds., Atlas der Verbreitung Palaearktischer Vogel, 12. Berlin: Akademie-Verlag. Alan Lewis, 4 Troutbeck Avenue, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 4 JA, U.K. 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 157 Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus : a new species for the Andaman Islands VIBHU PRAKASH, NIKITA V. PRAKASH and WILLIAM S. CLARK While conducting surveys for diurnal raptors on the Andaman Islands, we sighted and identified four juvenile Oriental Honey-buzzards Pernis ptilorhyncus , apparently the first records of this species for these islands. Ali and Ripley (1978) do not mention these islands in the species’s distribution, nor did Abdulali (1964, 1967) collect or report observing this species during his collecting expeditions there. Finally, Tikader ( 1984) does not include the Oriental Honey-buzzard in the list of birds for these islands. On 1 6 February 1 983 at Kalighat on North Andaman Island, we saw three juvenile Oriental Honey-buzzards begin to soar about 09h00. The next day, at about 09h00, we saw a single juvenile of this species soaring on the very eastern slopes near Saddle Peak, also on North Andaman Island. All four birds were identified by their wing and tail shape and long narrow necks (Clark and Schmitt 1992). All of us are extremely familiar with this species from numerous sightings in all parts of India. All the individuals observed in the Andamans were judged to be juveniles by their darker secondaries that contrasted with paler primaries when viewed from below, and by the dark on the outer primaries extending from the tips inward beyond the feather emarginations (Clark and Schmitt 1992), as confirmed by photographs taken of three of these individuals. One of the three birds seen on 1 6 February was a dark morph; the others were light morph individuals. We do not feel confident to judge the race of these individuals in the field and, therefore, it was not possible to determine whether these birds were migrants from north-east Asia on their wintering grounds (P. p. orientalis ), or were the offspring of local breeding birds or short distance migrants from mainland India or Myanmar (P. p. ruficollis). Vaurie and Amadon (1962) discuss the races and status of this species. This research was conducted by the Bombay Natural History Society as part of its birds of prey survey project. Clark’s visit to India was supported by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. D. Ferguson is thanked for his support of this project. REFERENCES Abdulali, H. (1964) The birds of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 61: 483- 571. Abdulali, H. (1967) The birds of the Nicobar Islands, with notes on some Andaman birds. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 64: 139-190. 158 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 9 Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1987) Compact edition of the handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Delhi: Oxford University Press. Clark, W. S. and Schmitt, N. J. (1992) Flight identification of Indian raptors with pale bars on upper wings. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 89: 1-3. Tikader, B. K. (1984) The birds of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Calcutta: Zoological Survey of India. Vaurie, C. and Amadon, D. (1962) Notes on the honey buzzards of eastern Asia. Atner. Mus. Novital. 2111. Vibhu Prakash and Nikita V. Prakash, Bombay Natural History Society, Hombill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Bombay 400 023, India William S. Clark, 4554 Shetland Green Road, Alexandria, VA 22312, U.S.A. Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii : a new species for Malaysia RICHARD GREGORY-SMITH A Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii was netted and photographed at Sintok on 1 3 October 1991. Sintok is north of Alor Setar, and just below the Kedah-Thai border. Mist-nets were erected in an area of semi-evergreen rain-forest with some bamboo. The nets were inspected at 09h50 and the warbler was found together with a Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane and a Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Pnonochilus maculatus. The warbler weighed 9.5 g and its dimensions were: overall length 1 1 2 mm, wing 58 mm and tarsus 22 mm. It had a single yellow wing-bar and conformed in all respects with the description in King et al. (1975). A photograph was sent to Dr David Wells at the University of Malaya, who confirmed the identification. Boonsong and Round (1991) refer to the Golden-spectacled Warbler as a common winter visitor and passage migrant in Thailand, and indicate that its range does not extend into the peninsula south of about 10°N. Smythies (1986) refers to the species as a winter visitor/altitudinal migrant in Myanmar (Burma), not recorded south of Amherst District in Tenasserim. The capture of this species in Peninsular Malaysia shows a considerable extension to its range, and adds a new species to the avifauna of that country. REFERENCES Boonsong Lekagul and Round, P. D. (1991) A guide to the birds of Thailand. Bangkok: Saha Karn Bhaet. King, B. F., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. (1975) A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. Smythies, B. E. (1986) The birds of Burma. Liss, U.K.: Nimrod Press. R. Gregory-Smith, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, East Malaysia 1994 159 Guidelines for contributors Forktail publishes original papers in the English language (also, in certain cases, English translations of papers in Oriental languages) treating any aspect of the ornithology (e.g. distribution, biology, conservation, identification) of the Oriental region, i.e. the region bounded by the Indus River to the west, Lydekker’s Line to the east (i.e. the eastern boundary of Wallacea), the Chang Jiang (Yangtze Kiang) basin to the north and the Chagos Archipelago, Lesser Sundas, Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands to the south; the Japanese Nansei Shoto (islands south-west of Kyushu) are included, and indeed material concerning any part of China or Pakistan may be published. Submissions are considered on the understanding that they are being offered solely for publication by the Oriental Bird Club, which will retain copyright. Referees are used where appropriate; all submissions are reviewed by the Forktail Editorial Committee, and those accepted are normally published in order of receipt. (Some further indication of the type of material appropriate for the journal is provided in the inaugural editorial, ‘The scope of Forktail’, Forktail 1 : 3-5.) Submissions should be in one of the following ways: a) in duplicate, typewritten on one side of the paper only, and double-spaced; or b) a single double-spaced typescript, accompanied by a word- processed version on disk, preferably IBM compatible and in WordPerfect 5.1. Macintosh and other word-processing packages are acceptable, but in such cases two files should be sent, one in the original word-processed format and one converted into an ASCII text file. The approximate position of figures and tables should be indicated in the margin of the typescript. Papers should be concise and factual, take full account of previous relevant literature but avoid repetition of established information as much as possible; opinions expressed should be based on adequate evidence. Titles of papers must be accurate and concise, and (for the benefit of abstraction services) include any relevant scientific (taxonomic) name. Whenever possible, authors should consult an issue of Forktail for style and layout. Spelling follows The shorter Oxford English dictionary, except that external features of birds are spelt and hyphenated in accordance with the entry under ‘Topography’ in A dictionary of birds (1985). Spelling of place-names accords (unless another source is specified) with the most recent edition (currently seventh, 1 985) of The Times atlas of the world', we use ‘South-East Asia’ and ‘Viet Nam’. Localities with well-known other spellings or older names should have these placed in parentheses after their first mention. For localities too small to be in the Times atlas a source of the spelling adopted should preferably be indicated and the precise geographical coordinates provided (these should be double-checked where possible). It is appreciated that authors will not always have access to the above sources; in such cases the editor will seek to introduce conformity. English and scientific names of birds should preferably follow those provided by Sibley and Monroe (1990) Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world (as modified by the 1993 supplement). On first mention of a bird both English and scientific name should be given, thereafter only one, preferably the English. Scientific trinomials need be used only if subspecific nomenclature is relevant to the topic under discussion. These recommendations also apply for any other animal or plant species mentioned. Underlining (= italics ) is used for all words of foreign languages, including generic and specific scientific names. Metric units and their international symbols should be used; if it is necessary to cite other systems of measurement, these can be added in parentheses. Temperatures should be given in the Centigrade (Celsius) scale. Numbers one to ten are written in full except when linked with a measurement abbreviation or higher number, thus ‘five birds’ but ‘5 km’ and ‘5-12 birds’; numerals are used for all numbers above ten, four-figure numbers and above using the comma thus: ‘ 1 ,234’, ‘ 1 2,345'. Details of experimental technique, extensive tabulations of results, etc. , are best presented as appendices. Authors of papers containing statistical analysis should observe the provisions of the relevant section of‘Notice to contributors’ in a recent Ibis. Dates should be written 1 January 1985, times of day as 08h30, 17h55 (24-hour clock;), etc. When citing a conversation (‘verbally’) or letter (‘in litt.’), the contact’s name and initials should be included, preferably with the year of communication. A full-length paper must include a summary not exceeding 5% of the total length. 160 Forktail 9 Any figure, diagram, line-drawing or map should preferably be in black ink on strong white or translucent paper; it should be called a Figure, numbered appropriately, and fully captioned. Maps must be marked with a scale and north arrow. Lettering on figures should be very neat, although the publishers will re-draw figures and typeset lettering. Good photographs are also considered. Captions for figures and photographs should be typed on a separate sheet. Authors of papers are encouraged to offer their work to one or more ornithologist or biologist for critical assessment prior to submission to Forktail. Such help as is received should naturally be mentioned in an acknowledgement section before the full references are presented. References in the text should follow the form ‘(Campbell and Lack 1985)’ and ‘King et al. (1975) suggest...’. More than one within the same parentheses should be chronologically listed, alphabetically if of die same year. Publications by the same authors in the same year may be distinguished by ‘a’, ‘b’, etc., after the date. Full references must be listed alphabetically at the end in the form: Campbell, B. and Lack, E. eds. (1985)^4 dictionary of birds. Calton (Staffordshire, U.K.): T. and A. D. Poyser. King, B. F., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. ( 1975) A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. Kuroda, Nh., ed. (1984) Ketteiban seibutsu daizukan; chorui [ Illustrations of animals and plants: birds], Tokyo: Sekai Bunkasha. (In Japanese.) Roslyakov, G. E. (1985) [‘Information on the distribution and number of Aix galericulata and Mergus squamatus over Khabarovsk Territory.’] Pp. 101-102 in N. M. Litvinenko, ed. Rare and endangered birds of the Far East. Vladivostok: Far East Science Center, Academy of Sciences of the USSR. (In Russian.) Sien Yao-hua, Kuan Kuan-Hsiin and Zheng Zuo-xin (1964) [‘An avifaunal survey of the Chinghai province.’] Acta Zool. Sinica 16: 690-709. (In Chinese.) Smythies, B. E. (198 1) The birds of Borneo. Third edition. Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur: The Sabah Society and the Malayan Nature Society. Somadikarta, S. (1986) Collocalia linchi Horsfield & Moore - a revision. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 106: 32- 40. White, C. M. N. and Bruce, M. D. (1986) The birds of Wallacea (Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia): an annotated check-list. London: British Ornithologists’ Union (Check-list no. 7). It will be noted from these examples that references to non-Roman scripts need to be transliterated and/or translated (or even, with more recondite sources, both); either the transliterated title may be left as it is, or a translation of it can be substituted in square brackets (but where an abstract provides its own English title, this may be cited in inverted commas within square brackets), and die language involved should follow the reference, in parentheses. The author’s name and postal address should appear in italics at the end of the article. Authors will receive proofs for checking, which they are required to return within one week of receipt (no more than four weeks can be allowed between posting out and taking return of proofs). All joint communications must indicate the name and full postal address of the author to whom proofs should be sent. Textual changes in proof cannot normally be countenanced. Twenty reprints of full-length articles, and ten of short communications, will be made available irrespective of number of authors, and sent to the senior author. ISSN 0950-1746 OBC Council Richard Bosanquet (Treasurer) Steve Broyd (Sales Officer) Mike Crosby (Membership Secretary) Will Duckworth Jonathan Eames (Bulletin Art Editor) Dick Filby (Meetings Officer) Daryl Gardner Nick Gardner (Promotions Officer) Graeme Green (Sales support) Richard Grimmett Rob Innes Carol Inskipp (Conservation Officer) Tim Inskipp Frank Lambert Nigel Lindsey (Publicity Officer) Adrian Long (Bulletin Editor) Nigel Redman (Chairman) Simon Stirrup (Secretary) Graham Spinks Dave Weaver Editorial Committee Richard Grimmett, Tim Inskipp ( Forktail Editor), Nigel Redman OBC Representatives Paul Andrew (Australia); Prof. K. Z. Husain (Bangladesh); Prof. Yao-kuang Tan (China); Dr Jiri Mlikovsky (Czechoslovakia); Jesper Madsen and Anders Prieme (Denmark); Hannu Jannes (Finland); Roland Eve (France); Dr W. Thiede (Germany); Mike Chalmers and David Melville (Hong Kong); Prakash Gole (India); Derek Holmes and Bas van Balen (Indonesia); Chris Murphy (Ireland); Dr Carlo Violani (Italy); Akira Hibi (Japan); Dennis Yong and Mike Chong (Malaysia); Rajendra Suwal (Nepal); Frank Rozendaal (Netherlands); Terje Axelsen (Norway); Ashiq Ahmad Khan. (Pakistan); Prof. Joey Barrill (Philippines); Lim Kim Seng (Singapore); Dr Sara th Kotagama and Upali Ekanayake (Sri Lanka); Per Alstrom (Sweden); Dr W. Suter (Switzerland); Philip Round and Uthai Treesucon (Thailand); Dr Robert Kennedy (U.S.A.). The Oriental Bird Club has been established for ornithologists throughout the world, both amateur and professional, who share a common interest in the region’s birds and wish to assist in their conservation. The Club aims to: • Encourage an interest in the birds of the Oriental Region and their conservation • Liaise with, and promote the work of, existing regional societies • Collate and publish material on Oriental birds Membership Member (individual): £12 p.a. Family member: £16 p.a. Reduced rate member: £8 p.a. For national residents in the Orient belonging to other Oriental ornithological or natural history societies Libraries and Academic Institutions: £20 p.a. Business Supporter: £36 p.a. Supporting (Sponsoring) member: £20 p.a. For further information please write to: The Oriental Bird Club c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, U.K. Cover photograph: Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda. Photo: Anders Tyevad/Biofoto 1994 THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM FORKTAIL Number 10, December 1994 PRESENTED TRING LIBRARY CONTENTS J. S. ASH and A. SHAFEEG. The birds of die Maldives . 3 A. PRIEME and B. OKSNEBJERG. The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Nepal . 33 D. N. KURUP and V. J. ZACHARIAS. Birds of Lakshadweep Islands, India . 49 P. SINGH. Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh, India . 65 S. PANDEY, J. JOSHUA, N. D. RAI, D. MOHAN, G. S. RAW AT, K. SANKAR, M. V. KATTI, D. V. S. KHATI and A. J. T. JOHNSINGH. Birds of Rajaji National Park, India . 105 R. SANKARAN. Ornithological survey of Nanda Devi National Park, India . 1 15 A. ROBERTSON. Occurrence of some pelagic seabirds (Procellariiformes) in waters off the Indian subcontinent . J. C. EAMES, C. R. ROBSON and NGUYEN CU. A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta Alcippe ruficapilla from Vietnam . 141 P. D. ROUND and V. LOSKOT. A reappraisal of the taxonomy of the Spotted Bush-Warbler Bradypierus thoracicus . 159 Short communications W. S. CLARK and A. A. KHAN. Sightings of two rare raptors, Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina and Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos, in Pakistan . R. DRIJVERS. Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus: a new species for India . O. F. JAKOBSEN. Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda : a new species for Thailand . O. F. JAKOBSEN. Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus: a new species for Sri Lanka . G. FINCH and M. KENNEWELL. Japanese Thrush Turdus cardis: a new species for Thailand . G. CLARK. Rosy Starling Stumus roseus at Khao Sam Roi Yot: a new species for Thailand H. A. FORD. Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex feeding on arils of acacia seeds . S. J. M. BLABER and D. A. MILTON. The distribution of nests of the Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchus along a river in Sarawak . G. E. MORRIS. Mountain Hawk-Eagles Spizaetus nipalensis in Vietnam . Index to Forktails 1-9 . 173 175 177 178 179 180 181 182 184 186 Guidelines for contributors 192 2 Forktail 10 ISSN 0950-1746 © Oriental Bird Club 1994 Published for the Oriental Bird Club by Rubythroat Publications 6 Corinthian Close, Basingstoke Hampshire RG22 4TN U.K. Printed on recycled paper by GL Print, Aldermaston, U.K. 1994 FORKTAIL 10 (1994): 3 - 32 3 Birds of the Maidive Islands, Indian Ocean J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG An annotated checklist of the birds of the Maidive Islands, Indian Ocean, includes 147 species, of which details of 35 additions are included. New information has resulted principally from field observations in 1 984 and 1 993, and from an examination of a collection of bird photographs formed by Mr Ahamed Shafeeg. The White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus is new for the Oriental Region. The main purposes of this paper are threefold: first, to present an updated annotated checklist for the birds of the Maldives; second, to report the occurrence of many new species to the Maldives resulting from an examination of a large series of photographs collected by Mr Ahamed Shafeeg (father of A. S.) ofbirds captured in the Maldives and brought alive to Male; and third, to record observations made on two visits by J. S. A. in 1984 and 1993. The background to the ornithology of the Maldives has been given by Phillips (1963), together with a detailed description of the geography and ecology of the archipelago, so that it is unnecessary to repeat it here. One point emphasised by Phillips was that relatively few observations had been made on the Maldives prior to his visit, and after 1963 there was no improvement. A temporary flush of observations resulted from personnel working at the British base on Gamu (Seenu Atoll), and the recent upsurge in tourism will inevitably result in an increase in observers. A number of factors have changed in the Maldives, mostly to the detriment of both resident and visiting birds. Perhaps the most important of these is the development of tourism resulting in a major ecological impact on an increasing number of islands; an increase in the amount of boat traffic and movement of people within the archipelago, resulting in increased disturbance to previously little visited islands; and an increase in affluence, with its concomitant increase in leisure time, resulting in yet more persecution ofbirds and the means to obtain them. Unfortunately, persecution ofbirds has always been intense in the Maldives, but this is apparently now made worse by the rapidly increasing human population, currently with an annual growth rate of 3.4%, combined with a major reduction in infantile mortality. In the past the harvesting of eggs and chicks as food presumably took place to supplement the otherwise unvarying diet of fish as animal protein. Keeping a wide range of species of captured birds as pets and toys has long been, and still is, a very popular pastime in the Maldives. Presumably there has been severe deforestation of the Maldives in the past, as on the Chagos Archipelago (Bourne 1971), but it is regrettable to see that it still continues where trees remain. 4 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 The government’s earlier policy to eliminate the endemic subspecies of the House Crow Corvus splendens maledivicus, which is very often a pest, would, if successful, inevitably have resulted in the elimination of its avian parasite, the Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea. However, the crow’s absence could have a beneficial effect in permitting many other species to spread and breed successfully (e.g. the Common White-Tern Gygis alba), and also on allowing visiting raptors to remain and exert some measure of control over other troublesome pests such as House Rats Rattus rattus and Indian Flying-foxes Pteropus giganteus. The Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture’s policy now is to contain the crow’s population within acceptable numbers. No doubt a large measure of crow control could be obtained by reducing the amount of food made available to them in terms of human food remains and fish garbage, together with an improvement in sanitary conditions. A certain amount of nest destruction might also be carried out at critical periods in the breeding cycle. Under the present system, where tourism is being encouraged (e.g. the number of islands set aside as tourist resorts has increased from four in 1974 to 70 in 1994), the development of wildlife as an added attraction could be of great importance - as has been demonstrated in so many other countries. Following the visit in 1 993 recommendations were made to the government (Appendix 3) suggesting that a conservation-oriented policy of habitat and wildlife protection could be developed, with one object being the increase of large colonies of seabirds. Persecution of these has become so great that it seems doubtful if many young birds of any species now survive. At the same time a very large trade seems to have developed in recent years in the marketing of wild birds as ‘pets’. This is based on the capture of young colonial seabirds, and the trapping and netting of any other available birds, of which waders are probably at greatest risk. Flightless flocks of waders and terns are a common sight in the house compounds of most villages in the Maldives. It would seem that considerable colonies of breeding seabirds such as terns, boobies, shearwaters, frigatebirds and tropicbirds could be built up very quickly if the persecution of both adults and young ceased, and breeding colonies were given close protection. Similarly, the conservation of turtles could provide a further important attraction. Much of the trade in birds passes through the resort islands, possibly because of the frequent contacts they maintain with the capital Male. The possibility that birds are being exported from the Maldives was not established on the 1993 visit, but birds are certainly imported, particularly from Sri Lanka. Apparently the crews of many merchant vessels visiting Maldivian waters carry birds with them, and the significance of this custom may not be appreciated in the assessment of records of unusual vagrants in this region. The photographs by Ahamed Shafeeg were of birds provided by islanders, mostly fishermen, and were captured within the Maldives, where fishermen 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 5 remain within territorial waters. Bird-catching parties also travel to uninhabited islands for the express purpose of netting birds. Some information was obtained on the market values of birds and these are included in Table 1. The exchange rate in 1994 was 17 Maldivian rupees (Rs) to £1 sterling (approximately Rs 1 1 = US$1.00). Catchers’ value Retail value Northern Pintail 10 Garganey 50 Ferruginous Pochard 50 Eurasian Hoopoe 40 Indian Cuckoo 40 Asian Koel 25 Rose-ringed Parakeet 100 Common Swift 60 Rock Pigeon 25 Oriental Turtle-Dove 25 White-breasted Waterhen 15 Watercock 40 Common Moorhen 60 Common Snipe 80 Whimbrel 100 Eurasian Curlew 150 Common Greenshank 150 Common Sandpiper 20 Ruddy Turnstone 20-30 40 Curlew Sandpiper 50 Spoonbill Sandpiper 50-60 Grey Plover 200 Black-winged Stilt 150 Crab Plover 150-500 Antarctic Skua 200 Gulls 1000-1500 Lesser Crested-Tern 25 Great Crested-Tern 60 Roseate Tern 10 25 Black-naped Tern 20 Sooty Tern 60 Brown Noddy 20 White-tailed Tropicbird 60 Red-footed Booby 100 Little Egret 150 Cattle Egret 1984: 150 1993:900 Great White Pelican 150 Spot-billed Pelican 150 Greater Flamingo 1500 Common Myna 300 Table 1. Market value of certain birds 6 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Following the name of each species, the local Maldivian name, where known, is included in parentheses. However, names sometimes vary between atolls, and spelling is often highly variable. Subspecies are given where they are established from collected specimens. Next, also given in parentheses are the observations by J. S . A. for visits from 2 1 April to 1 4 May 1 984 to the northern atolls (Ash 1 984b), and from 4- 1 8 November 1 993 to the southern atolls; the latter with Richard Howard and Alick Moore with the Bat Conservation Trust Expedition (Ash et al. in prep.), as are also the notes on the photographs by Mr Ahamed Shafeeg. Then follows a brief summary of the species’ status in the Maldives, together with a list of the islands and/or atolls from which they are recorded - the latter are italicized if the species is known to have bred there (months of the year are given in lower-case Roman numerals); and lastly a list of the relevant references to the published and unpublished literature. Many of the earlier records are imprecise as to dates, and often localities. In order to avoid much repetition the references under each species are mentioned by numbers only. Much difficulty was experienced with atoll names in the Maldives, and it is hoped that the map and the list of names in Appendices 1 and 2 will help to identify the various old and new names, bearing in mind the absence of an agreed consensus of opinion on the spelling of names. The first list of the birds of the Maldives by Gadow and Gardiner (1903) included 24 species; Phillips’ visit in 1956-1957 increased this total to 63 (Phillips and Sims 1 958b) and, following a further visit and more observations, the total reached 1 12 (Phillips 1963). Additions since then result in a total of 147 species. The outstanding collection of photographs formed by Mr Ahamed Shafeeg of the Council for Research on Maldivian History and Culture deserves special mention. There are 1 2 species represented in these photographs for which there are no other Maldivian records. Part of this collection remains unexamined, so that more additions can be expected. ANNOTATED LIST Domestic Fowl Gallus gallus (male: Haa; female: Kukulhu). (Feral populations appeared to be established on K. Vilingili in 1984, and there were several birds and a pair with a brood on uninhabited M. Boahuraa on 7 November 1993. They are said to occur in a feral and domesticated state throughout the Maldives. Refs 6, 13. Cotton Pygmy-Goose Nettapus coromandelianus (no local name). N. c. coromandelianus. One in xii and several in x on S. Gamu. Said also to be imported from Sri Lanka and India. Refs 25, 33. Northern ShovelerH/2<25 clypeata (Reyru; no specific name). (In 1993: L. Maandhoo, one on 11 November and L. Maabaidhoo, one caged on 14 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 7 November.) Reported to be a regular winter visitor with up to seven together, xi-i. Also recorded Seenu Atoll. Refs 6, 25, 32, 33. Northern Pintail Anas acuta (Ilifathi reyru). (A bird captured in 1982 on Baa Atoll was photographed [Shafeeg] .) Rare visitor recorded three or more times in x, xii, i. Also recorded Seenu Atoll. Refs 25, 32, 33. Garganey Anas querquedula (Kuburu reyru). (A bird captured in 1982 on Baa Atoll was photographed [Shafeeg], In 1993: M. Muli, a caged bird on 7 November had been brought from K. Male eight years previously. L. Maandhoo, one on 10 November and four on 1 1 November.) Reported as being a regular winter visitor in flocks of up to 25 birds, ix-i. Also reported B. Hithaadhoo; Seenu Atoll. Refs 6, 25, 27, 32, 33. Common Teal A nas crecca (no local name). A. c. crecca. An occasional winter visitor in flocks of up to 10 birds. Recorded K. Male; Baa Atoll; Shaviyani Atoll; Seenu Atoll in x, and others unspecified. Other dates are unavailable. Refs 2, 14, 25, 27, 33. Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca (Rathu reyru). (1993: two on 10 November on L. Maandhoo. Vagrant, with only one previous record in xi on S. Gamu, although Ahamed Shafeeg refers to it as a common migrant xi- i. Refs 6, 25, 32, 33. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula (Ran rathu reyru). (A captured bird, for which there are no details of date or locality, was photographed [Shafeeg] .) Reported to be a fairly frequent winter visitor xi-i. Also recorded: K. Male. Refs 2, 25, 27, 32. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops (Funaagandu dhooni). U. e. epops. (A bird captured at K. Male in 1981 was photographed [Shafeeg].) A previous record in autumn on S. Gamu and a captured bird on R. Kadholhudhoo in October 1990 (R. C. Anderson). Refs 3, 4, 32, 33. Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis (no local name). Rare winter visitor with two records in xi on Seenu Atoll. Ref 33. [Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis (no local name). An unidentified kingfisher, possibly this species, was seen at K. Lhosfushi in i. Ref 21, 22.] Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus (no local name). (1993: two on 16 November on A. Hurasdhoo clearly identified as this species and not Blue-cheeked Bee-eater M. persicus. The first record for the Maldives. Ref 6. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster (no local name). Recorded once overwintering on S. Gamu, i-iii. This is apparently a unique winter record outside Africa. Refs 2, 25, 33. Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus (Fuggahu guraa). A record of one on K. Vilingili in ii is the only published record. Ahamed Shafeeg states that it occurs in most years either singly or in groups of two or three, arriving in easterly winds. Ref 13. 8 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (Fuggahu guraa) . A regular winter visitor recorded from S. Gamu in ix-i. Ahamed Shafeeg states that formerly it came with easterly winds, but that there have been very few in recent years. Refs 2, 25, 32, 33. [Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii (Fuggahu guraa) . A bird fitting the description of this species was seen and photographed one autumn in the late 1960s on S. Gamu, but little detail is available and the record is best treated as unconfirmed. Ref 33.] Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus (Fuggahu guraa) . Rare winter visitor with two records in xi and i, on S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea (male Kaalhukoeli; female Dindin koeli). E. s. scolopacea. (Common and widespread in April and May 1984, and in November 1993, even on islands where there are no House Crows, so that they must wander a great deal. Noted on: K. Male, K. Vilingili, K. Biyaadhoo and K. Guraadhoo; H. A. Maafahi, H. A. Maarandhoo and H. A. Vashafam, where there was still a juvenile with basal feather sheaths on 6 May 1984 [Ash]; M. Mulah; L. Maamendhoo, L. Maandhoo, L. Hithadhoo, L. Mendhoo, L. South Athahedha, L. Fares, L. Vadinolhu, L. North Athahedha, L. Isdhoo (where also a juvenile and two pulli on 14 November 1993), L. Maabaidhoo; Dh. Dhoores; A. Feridhoo.) Also recorded: Baa/Haa, Noonu/Shaviyani and Lhaviyani Atolls; K. Hulhule, K. Male (but no longer breeds); S. Gamu in x-i. Ahamed Shafeeg states that they are resident and widespread in moderate numbers throughout the archipelago, parasitising the House Crow. Refs 2, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 25, 27, 33. [Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri (Bodu guraa). (A captured male on Kaafu Atoll in 1 98 1 had been imported and was photographed [Shafeeg] .) Ahamed Shafeeg states that the above and the following are imported by man and later escape or are released; recently some resort islands have been introducing free-flying birds. Refs 4, 6, 32.] [Parakeet Psittacula and/or Hanging-Parrot Loriculus. (Two seen briefly at K. Male on 21 April 1984 [Ash], and another on L. Maandhoo on 12 November 1993.) There are many reports over the years from various islands of unidentified parakeets, which suggest that there is a small resident population or that immigrants occur. Only one of those seen has been identified satisfactorily, and the circumstances of its occurrence verified (see P. krameri above). Refs 2, 4, 6, 14, 25, 27, 32.] Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris (Forikey). An occasional winter visitor with four records in xi-i on K. Male and S. Gamu. Refs 25, 27, 33. White-throated Needlet ail Hirundapus caudacutus (Forikey). One record in x on Seenu Atoll. Ref 33. Common Swift Apus apus (Forikey). A regular visitor, ix-xi and iv-v, to S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 9 Pallid Swift Apus palhdus (Forikey). Rare winter visitor with two records in ix and x on Seenu Atoll. Ref 33. Little Swift Apus affinis (Kuda forikey). An irregular winter visitor with about six records on S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Short-eared Owl /Bio flammeus (Bakamoonu). Irregular northern winter visitor, sometimes in considerable numbers, x-iv. Owls are considered bad omens and are killed on sight. Recorded from B. Goidhoo Fehen Fuladhoo, N. Kedhikolhu, K. Male, and Seenu and Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls. Refs 2, 14, 25, 27, 33. Rock Pigeon Columba livia. (Feral populations were recorded in November 1 993: six on M. Mulah; two on L. Maamendhoo, 1 2 on L. Maandhoo, three on L. Kalhaidhoo; one on A. Feridhoo. Ref 6.) European T urtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur (Valukotharu). (A bird captured on Vaavu Atoll in 1981 was photographed [Shafeeg].) Not otherwise recorded south-east of Pakistan. Refs 2, 32. Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis (Valukotharu). An irregular winter visitor, recorded on Seenu Atoll in ix and x. Ref 33. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis (no local name). (One heard, but not seen, in thick cover on A. Hurasdhoo on 16 November 1993). No previous record for the Maldives. Ref 6.] [Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica (Valukotharu). A bird, possibly of this species, was recorded on K. Vilingili in ii. Ref 13.] White-breasted Waterhen Amauromis phoenicurus (Kan’bili). A. p. phoenicurus, A. p. maldivus. (Common and widespread in April-May 1984 on K. Kurumba, K. Vilingili and K. Guraadhoo; H. A. Dhidhdhoo and H. A. Maarandhoo [Ash], 1993: one on 6 November on M. Muli; 10 and five on 10 and 11 November, of which one was alive in a snare, on L. Maandhoo.) Widespread resident in all the atolls. Breeds v-x. Also recorded: Kaafu Atoll: K. Hulhule, K. Gaagadu, K. Himmafushi, K. Gaafaru; Alifu Atoll; Lhaviyani Atoll; Seenu Atoll. Refs 2, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 27, 33. Watercock Gallicrex cinerea (Kulhee kukulhu). Apparently an uncommon resident or breeding visitor (vi-vii) . Recorded Kaafu Atoll and Seenu Atoll, and on Sh. Maakadoodhoo by Ahamed Shafeeg. Refs 2, 25, 27, 32, 33. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus (Olhuvalu kabili). (A nest with two eggs and the pair of adults, on Gn. Fua Mulaku in August 1983, were photographed [Shafeeg] ) . Ahamed Shafeeg stated that this species was first found there in 1945, and that it had never been seen elsewhere in the Maldives. Ref 6, 32. Common Coot Fulica atra (no local name). One captured on Baa Atoll in 1981 was photographed [Shafeeg]. This is the only record from the Maldives. Ref 32. 10 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura (Dhushin ilolhi). Apparently a regular winter visitor, xi-i, in moderate numbers in parties of up to six. Recorded: K. Hulhule; Seenu Atoll. Refs 2, 25, 27, 33. Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala (Dhushin ilolhi). A winter visitor recorded once only on S. Meedhoo in xii. Refs 25, 33. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago (Dhushin ilolhi). G. g. gallinago. Apparently a regular winter visitor recorded in x-i, from Seenu Atoll only. Refs 2, 12, 14, 25, 33. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (Eshunga ilolhi). (One captured in K. Male in 1980 was photographed [Shafeeg].) This would appear to be the only record for the Maldives; although Ali and Ripley (1984) refer to it as a vagrant there, the original record cannot be traced. Refs 2, 4, 32. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica (Bulhi thun’bi ilolhi). L. 1. lapponica. (A bird captured on K. Male in 1983 was photographed [Shafeeg]. In 1993: L. Hithadhoo, one caged on 12 November; L. Kunahandhoo, two on 12 November; L. Fares, one on 13 November; L. Kalhaidhoo, one on 15 November.) Apparently an annual visitor in small numbers, vi-i. Refs 2, 4, 6, 25, 27, 32, 33. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus (Bulhi thubi). N. p. phaeopus. (Captured birds on K. Male in 1981 and 1983 were photographed [Shafeeg] . In 1 984: singly on K. Hulhule on 21 April and on K. Vilingili on 13 May 1984; one on H. A. Dhidhdhoo, 3 May 1984 [Ash], In 1993, M. Muli, one caged on 7 November; M. Mulah, one caged on 8 November. L. Maandhoo, two on 1 0 November, six on 1 1 November, and five on 1 2 November; L. Hithadhoo, two caged on 12 November; L. Kunahandhoo, 10 and four caged on 12 November; L. South Athahedha, three on 12 November; L. North Athahedha, two on 13 November; L. Fares, two on 13 November; L. Maabaidhoo, two caged on 14 November, and one on 15 November.) Regular winter visitor, viii-iii, and many oversummer. Also recorded: Seenu, Raa/Baa and Noonu/Shaviyani Atolls. Refs 2, 4, 6, 12, 13, 14, 22, 25, 27, 32, 33. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata (Bodu bulhi thubi). N. a. orientalis. (A bird captured on 25 March 1982 on Lh. Naifaru was photographed [Shafeeg], In 1993 on L. Hithadhoo, four caged on 12 November; L. Kunahandhoo, two on 12 November; L. Fares, one on 13 November; L. Maabaidhoo, one on 15 November; Dh. Dhoores, one on 16 November.) A regular winter visitor in small numbers; some oversummer. Also recorded on K. Lankanfushi; S. Gamu and S. Hithaadhoo. Refs 2, 4, 6, 8, 1 2, 20, 25, 27, 32, 33. Common Redshank Tringa totanus (Rathafai ilolhi). T. t. totanus. A regular winter visitor in small numbers, ix-iii. Recorded on K. Male and Seenu Atoll. Refs 2, 25, 27, 33. 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 11 Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (Furedhdhe ilolhi). An irregular winter visitor, ix and x recorded from Seenu Atoll. Ref 33. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (Chon chon ilolhi). (One, H. A. Maafahi on 1 May 1984 [Ash], In 1993 on M. Muli, one caged on 7 November; L. Hithadhoo, one caged on 12 November; L. Kunahandhoo, one seen, and two caged, on 1 2 November.) A northern visitor in moderate numbers, up to nine together; some oversummer. Also recorded: K. Male and G. A. Vilingili (one captured individual seen on 7 February 1994 by R. C. Anderson); Noonu/Shaviyani Atolls. Refs 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 22, 25, 27, 33. Wood Sandpiper Tnnga glareola (Fidhan ilolhi). Annual winter visitor viii- ii, in small numbers up to six together. Recorded: K. Male; S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 27, 33. Terek Sandpiper Tringa cinerea (no local name). (In 1993, L. Fares, three on 1 3 November; L. Hithadhoo, two caged on 1 2 November.) An irregular winter visitor with several records on S. Gamu in xi and xii. Refs 6, 25, 33. Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos (Findhana). (Two, K. Kan’doomaafushi on 27 April and single birds on H. A. Maafahi and H. A. Maarandhoo on 1 and 5 May 1984, respectively [Ash], 1993 summary: 36 birds on nine days, 4-16 November, on K. Male; M. Muli; L. Maandhoo, L. Kunahandhoo, L. South and North Athahedha, L. Fares, L. Vadinolhu, L. Bodufinolhu, L. Isdhoo and one caged on L. Kunahandhoo; Dh. Dhoores.) Regular winter visitor in moderate numbers viii-v to all atolls. Also recorded: K. Hulhule, K. Male and K. Vilingili; Seenu Atoll. Refs 2, 4, 6, 12, 13, 14, 25, 27, 33. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres (Rathafai). A. i. interpres. (Seven captured birds on K. Male were photographed together in 1983 [Shafeeg]; three and one on H. A. Dhidhdhoo on 1 and 6 May respectively, and one on H. A. Maarandhoo on 4-5 May 1 984 [Ash] . In 1 993, M. Boahuraa, one on 6 November. L. Maandhoo, two on 1 0 November; L. Fonadhoo, one on 10 November; L. Maandhoo, two on 1 1 November; L. South Athahedha, six on 1 3 November; L. North Athahedha, three on 1 3 November; L. Fares, four on 1 3 November. Also a total of 26 caged: one M. Muli, one M. Mulah, 1 0 L. Hithadhoo, 2 1 L. Kunahandhoo, and one L. Fares, two A. Feridhoo.) Winter visitor in flocks of up to 200; some oversummer. Also recorded: K. Male; Alifu Atoll; Lhaviyani Atoll; S. Gamu. Refs 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 22, 25, 27, 32, 33. Sanderling Calidris alba (Kirru bondun) . Rather uncommon winter visitor to S. Gamu only, x-iii. Refs 2, 12, 25, 33. Little Stint Calidris minuta (Kirru bondun). (1993: L. Maabaidhoo, one caged on 14 November.) A regular winter visitor in small numbers xi-i. Recorded K. Male and S. Gamu. Refs 2, 6, 25, 27, 33. 12 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii (Kirru bondun) . A few apparently on passage on S. Gamu, v and x-xi. Refs 2, 25, 27, 33. Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta (Kirru bondun). Apparently a winter visitor in small numbers to S. Gamu, x-ii. Refs 2, 25, 33. Dunlin Calidris alpina (Kirru bondun). C. a. alpina. (1993: L. Fares, one on 1 3 November.) Probably a winter visitor in small numbers to S. Gamu, xi-ii. Refs 2, 6, 12, 25, 33. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (Bondana ilolhi). (In 1993 on L. Maamendhoo, one caged on 10 November; L. Kunahandhoo, two on 12 November.) Winter visitor in large numbers, in flocks of up to 500 birds, and some oversummer, v-iii. Recorded also: S. Gamu. Refs 2, 6, 12, 25, 27, 33. Spoonbill Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus (Samsaa dhooni). Ahamed Shafeeg states that it was observed three times on S. Gamu in 1 964, and on Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu Atolls in the same year. No photographs or further details are available, so the records are unacceptable, unfortunately. Ref. 32.] Ruff Philomachus pugnax (no local name). Rare winter visitor, with three records x-xi on S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus (no local name). (1993: Laamu Atoll: one caged on 1 2 November had been caught locally.) The first record for the Maldives. Ref 6. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (Theyravaa ilolhi). (A bird captured on K. Male in 1982 was photographed [Shafeeg].) Uncommon visitor with five records, of which one in xi. Also recorded: S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 32, 33. Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fidva (Bilehmaa dhushin) . (A bird trapped on Raa Atoll in 1 98 1 was photographed [Shafeeg] . In 1 993, L. Kunahandhoo, one on 12 November; L. Hithadhoo, one caged on 12 November.) A common winter visitor in flocks of up to 50 birds. Also recorded: K. Male; S. Gamu; N. Bodulhaimendhoo. Refs 2, 4, 6, 12, 14, 25, 27, 32, 33. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola (Alaka). (One, H. A. Dhidhdhoo on 1 May 1984 [Ash] .In 1 993, on M. Muli, one caged on 7 November. L. Hithadhoo, three caged, and a further two caged on L. Kunahandhoo, on 1 2 November; singly on L. Fares, L. South Athahedha and L. Bodufinolhu on 13 November; L. Maabaidhoo, two, and one caged, on 14 November; Dh. Dhoores, one on 15 November.) A common winter visitor, and some oversummer. Also recorded from K. Male; S. Gamu; H. A. Dhidhdhoo. Refs 2, 6, 12, 21, 25, 27, 33. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula (An’goti bon’dana). C. h. tundrae. An annual winter visitor in small numbers, x-iii. Recorded: K. Male and S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 27, 33. 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 13 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius (Findon) . C. d. jerdoni. Probably an annual winter visitor in small numbers, although only known from S. Gamu, xi-ii. Refs 25, 33. Kentish Plover Charadnus alexandrinus (Kiru bon’dana). Occasional in winter, x-ii on S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Mongolian Plover Charadrius mongolus (Findon). C. m. atrifrons. (One on H. A. Dhidhdhoo on 6 May 1984 [Ash], In 1993, L. Kunahandhoo, one caged on 12 November.) Common regular winter visitor, viii-v. Also recorded: K. Male; S. Gamu; Lhaviyani Atoll. Refs 2, 4, 6, 25, 27, 33. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii (‘ Valu bon’dana) . (In 1 993, L. Hithadhoo, one caged and L. Kunahandhoo, one caged, on 1 2 November; L. Fares, seven on 13 November; L. Bodufmolhu, one on 13 November.) Regular winter visitor in small numbers, viii-iv; also v and vi. Also recorded from K. Dhoonidhoo; S. Gamu. Refs 2, 6, 25, 27, 33. Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus (no local name). Only recorded once: 5. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius (no local name). One certain record only, on Seenu Atoll, ix. Refs 25, 27, 33. Crab Plover Dromas ardeola (Eshungu on Seenu, Theyravai on Male, Moola lumba a juvenile on Male) . (A bird captured on K. Male in 1 98 1 was photographed [Shafeeg], In 1984: two on H. A. Dhidhdhoo on 2 May and two on H. A. Bibera on 6 May [Ash], In 1993 on M. Muli, two on 7 November, two caged on 8 November. L. Kunahandhoo, nine and one caged on 12 November; L. Hithadhoo, one caged on 12 November; L. Ziyaaraifushi, six on 13 November.) Common and widespread and possibly resident, recorded xii-i and v-vi, viii. Also recorded: Sh. Funadhoo; Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls; Alifu Atoll; and on Th. Omadhoo. Refs 2, 3, 4, 6, 14, 22, 25, 27, 32, 33. Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum (Almalu guraa). Common visitor x-iii in flocks of up to 25, and occasionally breeds in xii, on S'. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Antarctic/Brown/South Polar Skua Catharacta antarctica/lonnbergi/ maccormicki (Kukulhumaadhooni). At least 11 birds reported. (Five birds captured on K. Male consisted of two adult lonnbergi and an unidentifiable bird in 1 983 which were photographed [Shafeeg] . Two maccormicki without details were also photographed [Shafeeg] . A pinioned bird on 27 April 1 984 on K. Kan’doomaafushi was stated to have been captured five years earlier, and was identified at the time as antarctica [Ash].) Three unidentified to species, of which one was on S. Gamu in 1961, and two single birds were seen by J. Belien in 1983 and 1984 (localities unknown). Two specifically unidentified pinioned birds were on K. Male in January 1994 (R. C. Anderson). Refs 2, 3, 4, 25, 31, 32, 33. 14 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 White-eyed Gull Lams leucophthalmus (Boyahguirey dhooni). One collected in June 1879 was the first record for the Maldives and the Oriental Region. (A second example, an adult captured in 1983 at an unknown locality, was photographed [Shafeeg] .) Ahamed Shafeeg states that one or two birds are captured almost every year by fishermen, and sometimes sailors of merchant vessels bring them in. Refs 29, 32. Sooty Gull Lams hemprichii (Boyahguirey dhooni) . (An immature captured at an unknown locality and on an unknown date was photographed [Shafeeg] .) Ahamed Shafeeg states that in some years one or two birds come to the Maldives, and also that sometimes sailors bring them in. Refs 4, 32. Yellow- legged Gull Lams cachinnans (Boyahguirey dhooni). (Two adults captured on K. Male in 1981 and 1982 had pale grey mantles and yellow legs, and there was a third without date from Laamu Atoll; all were photographed [Shafeeg] and are assumed to relate to this species. An immature on S. Gamu on 29 September 1970 was either this species or fuscus (ref 33), and a similar bird but without details was photographed [Shafeeg].) Refs 4, 32, 33. Lesser Black-backed Gull Lams fuscus (no local name). (An adult captured on Laamu Atoll in 1 98 1 was photographed [Shafeeg] .) This is the only record from the Maldives. Refs 4, 31, 32. Herring/Lesser Black-backed Gull Lams argentatus /fuscus. (An adult which was either L.f fuscus or L. a. heuglini without details, was photographed [Shafeeg].) Refs 4, 32. Great Black-headed Gull Lams ichthyaetus (Boakalhu gohorukey). (A near-adult captured in 1 983 on Laamu Atoll was photographed [Shafeeg] .) This is the only record from the Maldives. Refs 4, 31, 32. Brown-headed Gull Lams bmnnicephalus (Boyahguirey dhooni). (One captured on K. Male in 1981 and another on Gn. Fua Mulaku in 1 983 were photographed [Shafeeg].) These are the only records from the Maldives. Refs 4, 31, 32. Common Black-headed Gull Lams ridibundus (Boyahguirey dhooni). (The following birds captured on K. Male were photographed [Shafeeg] : a) adult in 1981; b) one in 1982 - identification uncertain but probably this species rather than L. bmnnicephalus ; c) one immature in 1983; d) an undated adult from an unrecorded locality.) There is only one previous record of this occasional visitor, from S. Gamu. Refs 2, 4, 25, 32, 33. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica (Kanifulhu dhooni). S. n. nilotica. Only seen singly, or in small numbers, occasionally, i, iii, iv, ix, xii, but reported to breed iii-iv. Also recorded: K. Male; Seenu Atoll. Refs 2, 25, 27, 31,33. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (Miyaremu dhooni). Uncommon visitor, iv, ix- xi and i, up to four together, recorded K. Kassanfaru and Seenu Atoll. Refs 2, 25, 27, 31, 33. 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 15 Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis (Ainmathee gaa dhooni). S’, b. bengalensis. (In 1993, K. Eboodhoo, one on 4 November; M. Mulah, 1-5 on 9 November; L. Ziyaaraifushi, 25 on 13 November and atoll reef, 10 on 14 November; Dhaalu Atoll one on 15 November, Dhoores, one on 16 November, and off Dhoores, two on 16 November.) Apparently resident in moderate numbers, but only reported x-v. Also recorded: K. Thulhaagiri and K. Vihamanafushi ( Kaafu Atoll); Seenu and Alifu Atolls. Refs 2, 4, 6, 25, 27, 31, 33. Great Crested Tern Sterna bergii (Bodu gaa dhooni). S’, b. velox. (One on H. A. Dhidhdhoo on 2 May 1984 [Ash], In 1993: K. Male, one on 4 November; K. Giraavaru, two on 17 November, K. Eboodhoo, 1 1 on 4 November; K. Dhigufinolhu, one on 4 November. Off Kaafu Atoll: 15 on 4 November. K. Muli, 1 0 on 7 November; M. Mulah, 50+ on 9 November, and off M. Mulah, 13 on 9 November; L. Fares, two on 13 November and L. Ziyaaraifushi, two plus on 13 November; Dhaalu Atoll: three on 15 November; A. Hurasdhoo, one on 1 6 November.) Apparently resident and widespread in small numbers; Maldivians state that they breed on K. Foojaadi in iv. Also recorded: K. Hulhule, K. Vihamanaafushi and K. Dhoonidhoo; Seenu, Alifu, and Lhaviyani Atolls. Refs 2, 4, 6, 22, 25, 27, 31, 33. Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii (Valla). S. d. korustes. (In 1993 seven caged birds, six on L. Hithadhoo and one on L. Kunahandhoo on 12 November.) Frequently seen and reported to breed K. Foojaadi , iii-v. Ahamed Shafeeg stated in 1993 that it bred throughout the Maldives. Refs 2, 25, 27, 31. Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana (Kiru dhooni). S. 5. mathewsi. (1984: widespread in small numbers, maximum 14 together in April-May. Noted on K. Furannafushi (where stated to breed on an adjoining islet), K. Gulhi, K. Lankanfinolhu, K. Kagi, K. Bandos; Lh. Hinnavaru; H. A. Dhidhdhoo, H. A. Filladhoo, H. A. Vashafaru; N. Huivani, N. Vattaru [Ash], In 1993: one on 5 November on K. Biyaadhoo. Vattaru Channel: five on 5 November. Meemu Atoll: 40+ (breeding?) on 9 November. L. Ziyaaraifushi , 20+ on 13 November, where breeding colony with only one clutch of one egg and two half-grown young were surviving. Off Alifu Atoll: six on 16 November. K. Grawa and off K. Male, single birds on 1 7 November.) The most abundant and widespread tern, present throughout the year, sometimes in large flocks; breeds iii-v. Also recorded: K. Foojaadi ; S. Gamu, S'. Bushy Islet and S. Tern Islet, Alifu, Lhaviyani and Noonu/Shaviyani Atolls. Refs 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 31, 33. Common Tern Sterna hirundo (Kirra dhooni). S. h. tibetana. (Fifteen adults and one immature on H. A. Bibera on 6 May 1984 [Ash], In 1993, an immature photographed on L. Maandhoo on 10 November. The identification of a number of caged birds, possibly of this species, was not established.) Previously the only other substantiated records were from 16 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Seenu Atoll, where it is an irregular winter visitor x-ii. Dr. R. C. Anderson has found many in January and February 1994 in the 1°° Channel, and probably some of the other reports of flocks of terns at sea belong here. Refs 3, 6, 25, 32, 33. Little Tern S7mza a/6z/rons (Bodu dhooni) . S', a. albifrons. One record only from Seenu Atoll in xi. Refs 2, 25, 33. Saunders’s Tern Sterna saundersi (Bon’dhu dhooni). (In 1993, all small terns were regarded as this species rather than albifrons. K. Biyaadhoo, one on 5 November; M. Muli, five on 6 November, 10+ on 7 November, and 25 on 8 November; L. Kunahandhoo, one caged on 12 November.) Numerous resident throughout the Maldives, reported breeding in iii and iv. Recorded from K. Foojaadv, Seenu Atoll. Refs 2, 6, 25, 27, 31, 33. White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa (no local name). (One captured on Meemu Atoll in 1983, and another without details, were photographed [Shafeeg], In 1993: a first-winter bird on 1 1 November on L. Maandhoo.) Possibly an overlooked species owing to confusion in non-breeding plumages with S. hirundo and S. dougallii. Refs 6, 32. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus (Vaali). (In 1993, M. Muli, two probables on 6 November; L. Kunahandhoo, one caged on 12 November.) Reported to visit the Maldives in iii and iv to breed on K. Foojaadi , although there was a captured juvenile on K. Vilingili in ii; recorded S. Gamu in ii and vi. Refs 2, 3, 6, 25, 27, 31, 33. Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata (Valli; Baindu in the north). (In 1993, Vattaru Channel, 200+ on 5 November; Meemu Atoll, four on 9 November; Kudahuvadu Channel, 40 on 9 November; Veimandu Channel, 42 on 15 November; Dhaalu Atoll: one on 15 November, three on 16 November.) Previously only recorded from Seenu Atoll, where reported to breed iii and iv. Refs 2, 6, 14, 25, 27, 31, 33. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (Kiru dhooni). (In 1993, L. Maandhoo, one on 1 2 November.) One near L. Maavah on 2 October 1 992 (R. C. Anderson). The above are the only records away from Seenu Atoll, where it is a fairly regular winter visitor in small numbers, up to six together. Refs 2, 3, 6, 25, 33. Brown Noddy stolidus (Maaraga). A. s. pileatus. (A captured bird on K. Male in 1980 was photographed [Shafeeg]; four off K. Male on 27 April, and three at K. Gaafaru, 29 April 1 984 [Ash] . In 1 993, M. Muli, one caged on 7 November; L. Maabaidhoo, two on 1 5 November; Veimandu Channel, six on 1 5 November; Dhaalu Atoll: 40 on 15 November; off Alifu Atoll, 1 1 on 16 November; Alifu/Male Channel, 24 on 17 November.) Common in large numbers throughout the year; Maldivians report breeding but only one definite record known, vi-vii. Also recorded K. Thulhaagiri, K. Medhufinolhu; Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls; Seenu Atoll: Gamu and Bushy Islet. Refs 2, 4, 6, 8, 1 1, 12, 20, 22, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33. 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 17 Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris (Kurangi). (One captured on Gaafu Alifu/ Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in 1980 was photographed [Shafeeg]; four at K. Maahaa Reef on 8 May 1984 [Ash], In 1993: off M. Raiymandhoo, one on 5 November; L. Ziyaaraifushi, 11 on 13 November, L. Vadinolhu, one caught at night on 1 3 November (wing length 233 mm); Dhaalu Atoll, two on 1 5 November, Dh. Dhoores, one on 1 6 November; K. Grawa, three on 17 November.) The 1899 record of breeding A. minutus on B. Mabaru is considered to belong here, contra Phillips (1963); and Harrison (1983) stated that A. tenuirostris breeds on the Maldives. These appear to be the only records from the Maldives, until Dr R. C. Anderson noted it in 1993 as widespread throughout the Maldives, although it is much less common than the Brown Noddy. Refs 2, 3, 4, 6, 14, 16, 25, 31, 32. Common White-Tern Gygis alba (Kadhu valu dhooni). G. a. monte. Apparently arrived this century to breed on Seenu Atoll, where it breeds commonly throughout the year. Recorded S. Gamu and S. Maradhoo, and recently recorded Gnyaviyani Atoll in November 1993, where regarded as being commonest xii-iii (R. C. Anderson). Refs 2, 3, 8, 12, 20, 25, 27, 31, 33. Osprey Pandion haliaetus (no local name). Vagrant. Once in vii and once in xii at S. Gamu, and by Dr R. C. Anderson on A. Dhagathi on 30 January 1993. Refs 2, 3, 25, 33. Oriental Honey-Buzzard Pemis ptilorhyncus (Bodu baazu) . P. p. orientalis. Regular winter visitor, commonest xi-i, though some oversummer. Also recorded S. Gamu, and K. Male and K. Vilingili. Refs 3, 13, 25, 33. Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus (Ehada). Reported to be a regular winter visitor, recorded x-ii on K. Hulhule and S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 27, 33. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (Baazu) . Regular winter visitor in varying numbers, x-ii. Recorded: S. Gamu; Lhaviyani Atoll; northern atolls. Refs 2, 14, 25, 27, 33. Montagu’s Harrier Circus py gar gus (Baazu). Common winter visitor x-iii, together with an unknown number of unidentified ‘ringtails’ on S. Gamu and on northern atolls. Refs 2, 14, 25, 27, 33. [Common Buzzard Buteo buteo (Baazu). A rare winter visitor with several records (one in i) at S. Gamu, presumed to relate to this species; also Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Refs 25, 32.] Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni (Dhon surumuthi). F. n. naumanni. Probably an annual winter visitor in small numbers, x-ii on S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (no local name). F. t. tinnunculus. An annual visitor in moderate numbers, x-v on K. Hulhule, K. Vilingili and K. Gaafaru; Alifu Atoll; S. Gamu. Refs 2, 12, 14, 25, 27, 33. 18 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Amur Falcon Falco amurensis (Surumuthi) . Winter visitor in small numbers xi-iii, with four or more records from S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo (no local name). (In 1993, L. Isdhoo, one on 14 November (A. M. Hutson).) Regular visitor, xi-v. Ref 6, 33. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus (Baazu). Infrequent winter visitor, recorded five times ix-xii on S. Gamu. Two in xii were identified as Eleonora’s Falcon F. eleonorae in Duncan (1973) but are listed as peregrinus in Strickland and Jenner (1978). Refs 2, 12, 25, 33. White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus (Dhan’difuludhooni). P. 1. lepturus. (Two over K. Kaashidhoo and two on sea nearby, 8 May 1984 [Ash]; 18 captured birds (16 adults, two juveniles) photographed together on Baa Atoll on 20 November 1983 [Shafeeg] . In 1 993, L. Maandhoo, three plus on 10 November, four plus on 1 1 November, including two birds entering presumed nesting holes high in Barringtonia trees, and two on 12 November; L. North Athahedha, one on 1 3 November.) Formerly plentiful resident apparently throughout the Maldives, now decreasing. Breeds xi- i, and probably later (iii, vii). Also recorded: K. Male and K. Thaburudhoo; B. Thulhaadhoo and B. Hibalhidhoo , Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu, Lhaviyani and Seenu Atolls. Dr R. C. Anderson noted eggs and chicks on G. A. Hithaadhoo on 20 August 1994. Refs 2, 3, 4, 6, 14, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33. Masked Booby Sula dactylatra (Hudhu maadhoni). (A captured adult on Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in 1982 was photographed [Shafeeg].) Rare visitor, 1 -2 recorded on four occasions, viii and xi: K. Kassanfaru Reef; S. Gamu; one in K. Male market on 30 August 1993 (R. C. Anderson). Locally reported breeding (young observed) on Gaafu Alifu Atoll unconfirmed. Refs 2, 3, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33. Red-footed Booby Sula sula (Kadu heda maadhoni). (One subadult captured in 1983 at K. Male was photographed [Shafeeg].) Dr R. C. Anderson photographed captured individuals at A. Ukulhas on 1 5 September 1992 and on Gnyaviyani Atoll on 6 November 1993. A local report of breeding on Gaafu Alifu Atoll has not been confirmed. Refs 3, 4, 31, 32. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster (Kalhu maadhooni). 5. /. plotus. (Two captured at K. Male, one in 1981 and the other in 1983, photographed by Shafeeg, proved to be an adult and a juvenile.) A fairly common visitor, most frequently xii-ii. Also recorded: Lhaviyani Atoll; K. Kassanfaru Reef; and a captured bird at B. Thulhaadhoo on 19 August 1992 (R. C. Anderson). Refs 2, 3, 4, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33. Little Egret Egretta garzetta (Kuda lagana). (In 1993, L. Maandhoo, one on 12 November; L. Kunahandhoo, one on 12 November; L. Isdhoo, one on 1 4 November; L. Maabaidhoo, one caged on 1 4 November. A. Feridhoo, one caged on 17 November.) Uncommon winter visitor recorded about eight times; also on B. Eydafushi; S. Hulhudhoo. Refs 2, 6, 14, 25, 27, 33. 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 19 [Western Reef-Egret Egretta gularis (Bodu raabodhi). Ahamed Shafeeg states one arrived with Cattle Egrets in 1990 and was photographed on B. Thulhaadhoo, others had been reported elsewhere earlier. The photograph has not been examined and no description is available. Ref 32.] Gre\ Heron Ardea cinerea (Alhi maakanaa). A. c. rectirostris. (One to four noted in April-May 1984 on K. Bandos, K. Hulhule, K. Gaafaru, K. Male, K. Gulhi, K. Maafushi, K. Guraadhoo and K. Kan’doomaafushi; Lh. Hinnavaru; N. Huivani; H. A. Dhidhdhoo, H. A. Thakandhoo and H. A. Utheemu; H. Dh. Kumundhoo [Ash], In 1993, 1-11 noted (total of 72): on K. Dhigufinolhu, K. Biyaadhoo; M. Muli, M. Mulah; Th. Fahala; L. Maandhoo (10), L. Kunahandhoo, L. North and South Athahedha, L. Fares, L. Ziyaaraifushi, L. Thundudhoshu, L. Isdhoo (1 1), L. Maabaidhoo, L. Hurasdhoo (with two nests - one with two half-grown pulli in a lone tall Ficus), and A. Feridhoo (only one captured bird seen).) Plentiful and resident throughout. Occupied nests found vi-ii. Also recorded: R. Bodufaru; K. Male, K. Vilingili and K. Gaafaru; S. Gamu and S. Hithaadhoo, and Alifu Atoll. Refs 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 33. Purple HERONHrdea purpurea (Dhabu maakanaa). (In 1993, a caged bird on L. Hithadhoo on 12 November.) Probably a frequent visitor, at least eight records of 1 -7 birds in vii and x-i, all except one from Seenu Atoll. Refs 6, 12, 25, 33. Great Egret Casmerodius albus (Laganaa). C. a. modestus. (1984: one, H. A. Dhidhdhoo, 1 May 1984 [Ash], 1993: a caged bird on L. Hithadhoo on 12 November.) Only three records of winter visitors, but Maldivians state that it is frequent and Ali and Ripley (1987) list it as occurring in the Maldives. Also recorded S. Gamu. Refs 2, 4, 6, 25, 33. Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia (no local name). (A captured bird on K. Male in 1982 was photographed [Shafeeg], In 1993 a caged bird was photographed on L. Kunahandhoo on 12 November. The first records for the Maldives.) Ref 2, 6, 32. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (Iruvaa hudhu). (A captive bird on 21 April 1984 in K. Male, where there were 1 1 birds in May [Ash], In 1993, two on M. Mulah on 8 November; L. Kadhdhoo, one on 10 November, L. Maandhoo, one on 1 0 November, L. Hithadhoo, one, and L. Kunahandhoo one caged, on 12 November; Dh. Ribudhoo, one caged on 16 November.) A regular visitor, arriving in small flocks in x-xi until iii-v; possibly bred Seenu Atoll in ix. Also recorded: K. Dhiffushi and Seenu Atoll. Refs 2, 6, 12, 13, 25, 27, 32, 33. Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii (Huvadhoo raabodhi). A. g. grayii; A. g. phillipsi. (In 1 993, L. Isdhoo, two on 1 4 November. It is not known if these were migrant nominate grayii, of which there have been two previous records further north in the archipelago, or an extension of range of the resident race phillipsi, abundant on the two southerly atolls of Seenu and 20 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu.) A. g. grayii is a straggler collected at Lhaviyani Atoll, and three pond-herons reported at K. Vilingili in ii probably belong here; phillipsi is confined to the southern atolls, where it is an abundant resident. Breeding activity in x-ii. In addition recorded: Seenu and Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls. Refs 2, 6, 12, 13, 25, 27, 28, 30, 33. Striated Heron Butorides striatus (Dhivehi raabodhi). B. s. didii and B. s. albidulus. (In 1984, one to three noted in April-May 1984 on K. Kurumba Resort and K. Kan’doomaafushi; H. A. Dhidhdhoo and H. A. Maarandhoo [Ash], In 1993, widely distributed with 54 individuals on M. Muli; L. Maandhoo, L. Mendhoo, L. Kunahandhoo, L. Fares, L. Isdhoo, L. North Athahedha, L. Vadinolhu, L. Maabaidhoo, L. Hurasdhoo; A. Feridhoo. Presumably all didii, with many birds, especially on Laamu Atoll, being pale grey to whitish.) Common resident throughout the archipelago, but probably decreasing. B. s. didii is the race reported from the northern and central atolls, while albidulus is reported to be confined to the southern. Also recorded Kaafu Atoll: K. Male, K. Vilingili, K. Hulhule and K. Guraadhoo; Seenu Atoll: S. Hithaadhoo and S. Gamu; Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Breeds x-xi. Refs 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 33. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (Raabodhi). (A bird captured on Kaafu Atoll in 1 983 was photographed [Shafeeg] .) This is the only record from the Maldives. Ref 32. Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis (Dhonraabodhi). (A bird captured on Seenu Atoll in 1 987 was photographed by Shafeeg.) A rare visitor recorded twice on S. Meedhoo. Refs 25, 32, 33. Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus (Rathu raabodhi). (A bird captured without details of date or locality was photographed by Shafeeg.) An occasional visitor recorded about four times; once on Toddu Islet, west of K. Male and three times on Seenu Atoll in iii, viii, x, xii. Refs 2, 25, 27, 32, 33. Black Bittern D upetorjlavicollis (Ka\hu raabodhi). D.f. flavicollis. Infrequent visitor with about four records of 1-3 birds, i, iii, iv, xii. Also recorded: K. Male and K. Vilingili; Seenu Atoll twice. Refs 25, 27, 33. Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris (no local name). A rare vagrant seen on three days, x-xii, on S. Gamu. Refs 25, 33. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber (Gudu gudaa dhooni) . (One caught Haa Alifu Atoll, undated, was photographed [Shafeeg].) Ahamed Shafeeg states that it occurs sporadically and that it is well-established in local folklore. Ref 32. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (Kalhu bulhi thubi). Rare visitor to S. Gamu in i and x. Refs 2, 25, 33. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (Dheyfai dhooni). Twice caught in Vaavu Atoll, according to Ahamed Shafeeg, once in the 1950s and again in 1984. Ref 32. 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 21 Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (Hudhu girubaa dhooni). (An adult captured in Shaviyani Atoll in 1974 was brought to Male and photographed [Shafeeg].) Ahamed Shafeeg reports observing two in 1962. Ref 32. [Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis (Alhigirubaa dhooni). Ahamed Shafeeg reports this as a rare visitor, with a maximum of five together, the first two observed in 1962. However, no details are available. Ref 32.] Great Frigatebird minor (Maa hoara). A frequent visitor, recorded 1, v, vi, xii, from K. Male; Seenu Atoll; Gaafu Alifu Atoll; L. Hithadhoo; Baa Atoll; Gnyaviyani Atoll. Refs 2, 3, 25, 27, 31, 33. Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel (Hoara). F. a. iredalei. (In 1993, Vattaru Channel, one on 5 November. M. Mulah, two on 9 November; L. Maandhoo, one on 10 November and two on 11 November, L. Kunahandhoo, one on 1 2 November, L. Maabaidhoo, two on 1 5 November.) Plentiful around most atolls and probably resident on some. Breeding x and xi (ref 14). Also recorded: B. Olhugin and B. Thulhaadhoo; Gaafu Alifu/ Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll; S. Gamu; Gnyaviyani Atoll. Refs 2, 3, 6, ?8, 12, 14, 25, 27, 31, 33. Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwem (Hoagula). Very rare visitor: one on S. Feydhoo in viii. Refs 2, 9, 24, 25, 33. Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus (Bodu hoagulhaa). (One off Sh. Maaugoodhoo on 30 April 1984 [Ash]). A frequent visitor, sometimes plentiful, iii-vii. Also recorded between Seenu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls. Frequents adjoining sea areas, iv-x. Refs 2, 4, 25, 27, 31, 33. Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus cameipes (Maa hoagulhaa). (One captured 26 May 1982, K. Male was photographed [Shafeeg].) Small numbers in the south, iii-v, vii and x, in the Equatorial Channel between Seenu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls, and dozens in July 1991 in the channels between Laamu and Thaa and between Thaa and Dhaalu (R. C . Anderson) . Refs 2, 3, 11, 15, 25, 27, 31, 33. Audubon’s Shearwater Puffinus Iherminieri (Dhivehi hoagulhaa). P. 1. bailloni (P. /. persicus according to ref. 14). (Two between Shaviyani and Noonu Atolls, 30 April 1984; two, one and one between Shaviyani and Kaafu Atolls, 6 May 1984 [Ash], Two birds captured at K. Male in 1983, were photographed [Shafeeg], In 1993: off M. Raiymandhoo, two on 5 November; M. Kureli, one on 9 November; Dh. Dhoores, two heard, probably this species (A. M. Hutson). Stated to breed on Meemu Atoll, on all small islands from M. Kolhufushi north-east to M. Raiymandhoo.) A frequent and widespread visitor, sometimes in large numbers, but possibly decreasing; breeds xii-ii, perhaps throughout the year. Also recorded: great numbers bred Lh. Dhiffushi and Lh. Olhuvelifushf reported to breed on G. A. Hithaadhoo; observed in small numbers in the Equatorial Channel. Refs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 14, 18, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33. 22 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus (Kadukabaa). (In 1993, one flew south off Faafu Atoll on 16 November; a late bird.) Large numbers occur iv-x in the seas surrounding the atolls. Refs 6, 25, 27, 31, 33. White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina (no local name). Very rare visitor: one found dead Seenu Atoll in vii, and one seen in the 1°° Channel in August 1994 (R. C. Anderson). Ref 3, 33. White-bellied Storm-Petrel Fregetta grallaria (no local name). One definite and a probable in the 1° Channel in August 1994 (R. C. Anderson). No previous record from the Maldives. Ref 3. Rufous-tailed Shrike Lanius isabellinus (no local name). A rare visitor recorded only in 1975 on Seenu Atoll. Ref 33. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus (no local name). A winter visitor with about six records, xi-i on S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. House Crow Corvus splendens (Kaalhu). C. s. maledivicus. (The endemic subspecies is now absent from many islands in the central Maldives, following the government’s former policy, now rescinded, for its total extermination as a major pest of fruit and cereal crops and in fish-drying procedures. It was noted as follows, with some estimated populations in 1 984 in parentheses: K. Kan’doomaafushi (16), K. Guraadhoo (16) and K. Gaafaru; Lh. Hinnavaru (200); N. Huivani; Sh. Firubaidhoo; H. Dh. Kuburudhoo; H. A. Dhidhdhoo (?250), H. A. Thakandhoo and H. A. Vashafaru (?100); H. Dh. Kumundhoo; Sh. Lhaimagu. Several were feeding newly fledged young in the northern atolls in early May 1984. Crows commuted over c. 10 kms of sea between H. A. Dhidhdhoo and H. A. Vashafaru [Ash], In 1993, K. Biyaadhoo, two on 4 November and four on 5 November; M. Midi, 20 on 5 and 6 November, and two carrying nesting material on 8 November; M. Boahuraa, one on 5 and 6 November; M. Mulah, 27 on 8 November; L. Maamendhoo, 20+ on 10 November, L. Maandhoo, 100 on 10 November, L. Hithadhoo, three on 12 November, L. Mendhoo, four on 12 November, L. South Athahedha, three on 13 November, L. Fares, 15 on 13 November, L. Vadinolhu, one on 13 November, L. North Athahedha, four plus on 13 November, L. Isdhoo, 30 on 14 November, L. Maabaidhoo, 200 on 15 November. Dhaalu Atoll: small islet, one on 15 November; Dh. Dhoores, one on 15 November; Dh. Ribudhoo, five on 1 5 November. A. Feridhoo, 30+ on 1 7 November.) With the above exceptions it is resident and abundant throughout the archipelago except in Seenu Atoll and the islands from which it has been removed recently. Breeds i, iv-ix, xii, and probably all months. Also recorded: K. Vilingili and K. Male , Gaafu Alifu/Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Refs 2, 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28. Eurasian Golden-Oriole Oriolus oriolus (no local name). Rare passage migrant with two records on Seenu Atoll in x. Ref 33. 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 23 Asian Paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi (no local name). Two records in x and xi on S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus (no local name). (A bird captured at M. Musaru in 1 983 was photographed [Shafeeg] .) This is the only record for the Maldives. Refs 4, 32. Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata (no local name). One record in xi on Seenu Atoll. Ref 33. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe (no local name). One record in x on Seenu Atoll. Ref 33. Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka (no local name). Irregular winter visitor with six records on S. Gamu, x-xii. Refs 2, 25, 33. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina (no local name). A fairly regular autumn visitor, with eight records, x-xii, on S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Common Starling Stumus vulgaris (no local name) . One on Seenu Atoll in i. Refs 2, 17, 25, 33. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis (Mainaa) . This species became established on K. Male through the release of cage-birds prior to 1939. The population of c.200 died out during World War II during a period of acute local food shortage (Ahamed Shafeeg). Only one record since, on K. Vilingili, in spite of the statement that it is well established in the Maldives (Ali and Ripley 1987). Refs 2, 13, 32. Sand Martin Riparia riparia (Forikey) . A regular winter visitor and passage migrant, ix-xi and v on S. Gamu. Refs 25, 33. Plain Martin Riparia paludicola (Forikey) . One record in xi on Seenu Atoll. Ref 33. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica (Forikey). H. r. gutturalis. A northern winter visitor annually, ix-ii, in small numbers. Reported: K. Male, K. Vilingili; S. Gamu; Gnyaviyani Atoll. Refs 2, 3, 13, 14, 22, 25, 27, 33. Northern House-Martin Delichon urbica (Forikey). (One, H. A. Maarandhoo, on 4 May 1984. It soon attracted the company of six House Crows, with which it played in elaborate aerobatics for at least half an hour. Identification as D. urbica, rather than Asian House-Martin D. dasypus, is claimed with confidence [Ash] .) Irregular winter visitor, x-ii, sometimes in moderate numbers. Also recorded: K. Male and K. Hulhule; S. Gamu. Refs 2, 4, 12, 14, 23, 25, 27, 33. [Warbler Phylloscopus (no local name). One recorded on Seenu Atoll in x was considered by the observer to be a Willow Warbler P. trochilus, but this seems very unlikely to be correct, given that there is only one record for the species from the Indian subcontinent. Ref 33.] House Sparrow Passer domesticus (Gay kurulla, a Singhalese name). (One to three seen often in two sites in K. Male in April and May 1 984. The males had a broad black throat line above a conspicuously large black breast patch. 24 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 and had a striking call rendered as a plaintive ‘schweet’ [Ash].) Ahamed Shafeeg observed the establishment of this species in K. Male, which commenced in 1962 when a local resident began to release surplus birds he was rearing in captivity. This was continued over the years, leading to the build-up of a large resident population, which was augmented by c. 1 00 birds that arrived with a grain ship from Sri Lanka in around 1980. This population was almost entirely exterminated by a German rodent control team in around 1981, but it is now building up again with a present population of c.200 mainly based in the port area. There are no other records from the Maldives. Ref 4, 32. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava (Fenfoa dhooni). Irregular winter visitor in small numbers, x-xii, and sometimes iii-iv, probably mainly on passage, on K. Male, S. Gamu and once on a ship 72 kms south of Seenu Atoll. Refs 2, 12, 25, 27, 33. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea (no local name). Two records of single northern migrants in xi and xii on S. Gamu. Refs 2, 25, 33. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis (Dhonfenfoah dhooni). A. t. trivialis. One record of a single bird in xii on K. Male. Refs 2, 25, 27. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus (Mushi fenfoah dhooni). Autumn passage migrant and winter visitor in small numbers recorded at least five times, ix-xii, on K. Male and S. Gamu. Probably an annual visitor. Refs 2, 25, 27, 33. Special thanks are due to Mr Ahamed Shafeeg, Director of the Council for Research on Maldivian History and Culture, for making his collection of photographs available for examination, and for valuable notes and discussion. We are especially grateful to Tim Inskipp who exceeded his normal editorial roll over the presentation and lay-out of the paper, and spent much invaluable time in helping to disentangle both difficult photographic identification problems and the complexity of atoll and island names. Dr W. R. P. Bourne also looked at all the seabird photographs to check on our identifications, and provided much useful comment. The Minister of Agriculture, M. V. Maniku provided help and much kind hospitality, and others who helped and assisted in various ways included Ms Aisha, Dr R. C. Anderson, Abdul Hameed Ali, A. A. Azeez, J. Belien, P. R. Colston, Dr C. J. Feare, L. Fiedler, Ali Rasheed, Ibrahim Rasheed, and Ismail Shiyam. Dr. Nigel Collar provided much editorial assistance, and both he and David Bishop traced some literature. Sue Wells resolved many problems concerning the names of islands and atolls, and helped over the loan of photographs during her visit to Male in 1989. The introduction to the Appendix is almost entirely hers, with some additional information from Dr R. C. Anderson. Dr C. P. J. Ash kindly drew the map. REFERENCES 1. Anon. (1979) Map of Maldives. Male: Novelty' Printers and Publishers. 2. Ali, S. and Ripley S. D. (1987) Compact edition of the handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. 3. Anderson, R. C. (1990-1994) Personal observations. 4. Ash, J. S. (1984a) Personal observations, 1984. 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 25 5. Ash, J. S. (1984b) Vertebrate pest management (Pest and crow control). Report prepared for the Government of the Republic of the Maldives. Rome: FAO (TCP/MDV/2307). 6. Ash, J. S., Howard, R. and Moore, A. (in prep.) Bird observations and recommendations for bird conservation. Pp. 24-28 in M. Holmes, A. M. Hutson and J. M. Morris, eds. The Maldives Archipelago, Indian Ocean. A report on an investigation of fruit bats and birds, November 1993. 7. Bangs, O. (1913) The Green Heron of the Maldives. Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 26: 93-94. 8. Bourne, W. R. P. (1966) Observations on islands in the Indian Ocean. Sea Swallow 18: 40-43. 9. Bourne, W. R. P. (1967) Long distance vagrancy in the petrels. Ibis 109: 141-167. 10. Bourne, W. R. P. (197 1) The birds of the Chagos group, Indian Ocean. Atoll Res. Bull. 149: 175- 207. 11. Chapman, S. E. (1982) Notes on seabird reports received 1980-1981. Sea Swallow 31: 5-24. 12. Duncan, J. (1973) The birds of Gan. R.A.F. Om. Soc. Newsletter 19: 4-7. 13. Fitter, R. S. R. (1981) A note on the birds of the Maidive Islands. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 101 ■ 386- 387. 14. Gadow, H. and Gardiner, J. S. (1903) Aves. Pp. 368-373 in J. S. Gardiner, ed. The fauna and geography of the Maidive and Laccadive Archipelagoes , 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 15. Gill, F.B. (1967) Observations on the pelagic distribution of seabirds in the western Indian Ocean. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 123: 1-33. 16. Harrison, P. (1983) Seabirds: an identification guide. Beckenham: Croom Helm. 17. Jany, E. (1957) Star ( Sturnus vulgaris ) uberquert die Arabische See. Vogelwarte 19: 140-142. 18. Jouanin, C. (1970) Note taxinomique sur les petits puffins, Puffinus Iherminieri, de l’Ocean Indien occidental. Oiseau el R.F.O. (5)40: 303-306. 19. Meyer, P. (1980) About a 2-days result of crow eradication in Hinnavaru and at Naifaru from the 24th to 25th March 1980. Unpublished report to Ministry of Agriculture, Maldives. 20. Morris, R. O. (1963) The birds of some islands in the Indian Ocean. Sea Swallow 16: 68-79. 21. Moutou, F. (1985a) Briefly: the Maidive Islands. Oryx 19: 232-233. 22. Moutou, F. (1985b) Les lies Maldives. Le Courrier de la Nature 96: 29-33. 23. Phillips, W. W. A. (1958) Notes on the nesting of the Blacknaped Tern Sterna sumatrana mathewsi Stresemann in the Maidive Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 55: 567-569. 24. Phillips, W. W. A. (1959) Note on the occurrence of Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerix in the Indian Ocean. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 79: 100-101. 25. Phillips, W. W. A. (1963) The birds of the Maidive Islands, Indian Ocean. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 60: 546-584. 26. Phillips, W. W. A. and Sims, R. W. (1958a) Two new races of birds from the Maidive Archipelago. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 78: 51-53. 27. Phillips, W. W. A. and Sims, R. W. (1958b) Some observations on the fauna of the Maidive Islands, 3. Birds. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 55: 195-217. 28. Reichenow, A. ( 1 904) Uebersicht der auf der deutschen Tiefsee Expedition gesammelten Vogel . Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der deutschen Tiefsee-Expedition auf dem Dampfer ‘Valdivia’ 1898- 99 7: 345-358. 29. Salvadori, T. and Giglioli, E. H. (1889) Uccelli raccolti durante il viaggio della corvetta Vettor Pisani negli anni 1879, 1880 e 1881. Mem. Reale Accad. Sci. Torino (2)39: 99-143. 30. Scheer, G. (1960) Eine neue Rasse des Teichreihers Ardeola grayii (Sykes) von den Malediven. Senck. Biol. 41: 143-147. 31. Shafeeg, Ahmed (1988) [Sea birds in the Maldives.] ? (In Maldivian.) 32. Shafeeg, Ahamed. Personal notes and photographs. 33. Strickland, M. J. and Jenner, J. C. (1978) A report on the birds of Seenu Atoll (Maidive Islands). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 74: 487-500. J. S. Ash, Godshill Wood, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2LR, U.K. Ali Shafeeg, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Male 20-05, Republic of Maldives. 26 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Figure 1. The Maidive Islands 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 27 APPENDIX 1 NAMES OF MALDIVIAN ATOLLS Each atoll generally has two names: an older ‘geographical’ name referring to the atoll feature, and a newer ‘code’ name referring to the administrative unit. There are 26 natural atolls but only 19 administrative units - some units cover two atolls, but some of the large atolls are divided into two units (the capital Male is regarded as a twentieth). The two systems are equally correct and both are current at present. However, the code name is becoming increasingly popular and is used particularly by younger people. Some atolls seem to be known regularly by their code name (e.g. Dhaalu), others by their geographical name (e.g. Alifu). There seem to be no rules as to which name system is used, except that they should not be mixed. One authority is said to use geographical names for scientific papers, whilst another apparently uses the code name because it is simpler. The code system is named after the Maldivian alphabet, and the atolls are named from north to south. There is enormous variation in spelling, presumably because it is not necessarily clear how to transcribe the Maldivian script into our alphabet (the presence or absence of ‘u’ at the end of a word is particularly variable). A third, separate, naming system is based on the latin alphabet (‘letter’ in the list below). Administrative units are assigned letters from A to S starting from the north; Male town is assigned the letter T. This system is used for a few special applications, for example in boat registrations. Atholhu is atoll , Uthuruburi is north part and comes after the name, and ‘Dhekunuburi’ is south part and also comes after the name; however, the English names are used below. The spellings used are from an island and atoll compendium currently being compiled by Hassan Maniku. Atoll code names (in italics in the left hand column) are used in the systematic list. A cross reference to all synonyms is provided in the following list. Letter Atoll and code names* Latitude Addu 0°35’S I Alifu (A) 4°00’N Ari 3-50’N F Baa (B) 5°10’N M Dhaalu (Dh) 2°50’N L Faafu (F) 3°15’N Fadiffolu (Fadippolu, Fadifoli) 5°25’N Felidu 3°30’N Fua Mulaku (Fuvah Mulaku) 0°15’S Gaafaru 4°45’N P Gaafu Alifu (GA) 0°40’N Q Gaafu Dhaalu (GDh) 0»20’N R Gnyaviyani (Gn) 0°15’S Goidhoo Fehen Fulhadhoo 4°53’N A Haa Alifu (HA) 6°50’N B Haa Dhaalu (HDh) 6°40’N Haddunmati 2°00’N Horsburgh 4°53’N Huvadu (Huvadhoo) 0°30’N Ihavandhippolhu 7°00’N H Kaafu (K) 4°20’N Kaashidhoo 4°58’N Kolumadulu 2°25’N 0 Laamu (L) 2°00’N G Lhaviyani (Lh) 5°25’N Maamakunudhoo 6°25’N Male North and South 4°20’N Malosmadulu North 5"40’N Malosmadulu South 5°10’N Geographical names and synonyms Seenu Ari, Rasdu and Thoddu part of Alifu Malosmadulu South & Goifulhafehendhoo Nilandu South Nilandu North Lhaviyani part of Vaavu Gnyaviyani part of Kaafu Huvadu (Suvadiva) North Huvadu (Suvadiva) South Fuvah Mulaku part of Baa Tiladunmathi North & Ihavandhippolhu Tiladunmathi South & Makunudu Laamu Goifulhafehendhoo Gaafu Alifu & Gaafu Dhaalu part of Haa Alifu Male North and South, Kaashidoo & Gaafaru part of Kaafu Thaa Haddunmati Faadhippolu part of Haa Dhaalu part of Kaafu Raa part of Baa 28 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 K Meemu (M) 3-00'N Miladunmadulu North 6°15’N Miladunmadulu South 5°50’N Mulaku 3°00’N Nilandhoo North 3°15’N Nilandhoo South 2"50’N D Noonu (N) 5°50’N North Male 4°20’N E Raa (R) 5“40’N Rasdu 4-1 7’N S Seenu (S) 0“35’S C Shaviyani (Sh) 6°15’N South Male 4-00’N Suvadiva (Huvadu) North 0“40’N Suvadiva (Huvadu) South 0°20’N N Thaa (Th) 2°25’N Thiladunmathi 6°40’N Thoddoo 4°25’N Tiladunmati North 6°50’N Tiladunmati South 6°40’N J Vaavu (V) 3“30’N Vattaru 3"15’N * Italicised names are the present code names which are alongside each one). All the atolls lie close to 73°E. Mulaku Shaviyani Noonu Meemu Faafu Dhaalu Miladunmadulu South part of Kaafu Malosmadulu North part of Alifu Addu Miladunmadulu North part of Kaafu Gaafu Alifu Gaafu Dhaalu Kolumadulu Haa Alifu & Haa Dhaalu part of Alifu part of Haa Alifu part of Haa Dhaalu Felidu & Vattaru part of Vaavu on the Maldivian alphabet (its relevant letters are shown 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 29 APPENDIX 2 List of islands mentioned in the text The names conform as far as possible with the Map of Maldives (ref 1). Alternative spellings used in the cited references are also given, with the reference numbers given in parentheses. Aligaa (Lhaviyani Atoll) Bandos (Kaafu Atoll) Baresdhoo (Laamu Atoll) Bibera (Haa Alifu) Biyaadhoo (Kaafu Atoll) Boahuraa (Meerau Atoll) Bodufaru (Raa Atoll) Bodufmolhu (Laamu Atoll) Bodulhaimendhoo (Noonu Atoll) = Bodu Mandu (14) Bushy Islet (Seenu Atoll) unnamed on map, = Kaduhira, Kanda Hera (23) Dhagathi (Alifu Atoll) = Dugati Dhidhdhoo (Haa Alifu Atoll) = Didhoo Dhiffushi (Kaafu Atoll) = Diffuri (27) Dhiffushi (Lhaviyani Atoll) = Difuri (14, 30) Dhigufinolhu (Kaafu Atoll) Dhoonidhoo (Kaafu Atoll) = Dunidu (27) Dhoorcs (Dhaalu Atoll) Eboodhoo (Kaafu Atoll) = Embudu Eydafushi (Baa Atoll) (14, 27) = Hedufuri Fahala (Thaa Atoll) Fares (Laamu Atoll) Feridhoo (Alifu Atoll) Feydhoo (Seenu Atoll) = Fedu (24) Filladhoo (Haa Alifu Atoll) Firubaidhoo (Shaviyani Atoll) = Firubaidoo Fonadhoo (Laamu Atoll) Foojaadi (Kaafu Atoll) = Fujarde (27) Foah Mulah (Gnyaviyani Atoll) = Fuah Malok, Furah Mulaku, Fua Malaku Fulhadhoo (Baa Atoll) = Furudu (14) Funadhoo (Shaviyani Atoll) = Furnadu (14, 27) Furannafushi (Kaafu) = Furunafushi, Foran Fushi Gaafaru (Kaafu Atoll) = Gaha Faro, Garo Faro Gamu (Seenu Atoll) = Gan (12, 25, 27, 33) Gardu Islet (Kaafu Atoll) (27) = ?Gaadhoo Grawa (Kaafu Atoll) = PGiraavaru Gulhi (Kaafu Atoll) Guraadhoo (Kaafu Atoll) = Guraidhoo, Guraidoo Hibalhidhoo (Baa Atoll) = Hebaridu (14) Himmafushi (Kaafu Atoll) = Himmafuffi (27), Hima Fushi Hinnavaru (Lhaviyani Atoll) Hithaadhoo (Baa Atoll) = Hithadhoo, Hittadu (20, 23), Hitadu (30) Hithaadhoo (Gaafu Alifu Atoll) Hithadhoo (Laamu Atoll) Huhlimendhoo (Laamu Atoll) Huivani (Noonu Atoll) Hulhule (Kaafu Atoll) = Hulule (26, 27) Hulhudhoo (Seenu Atoll) = Huludu (14) Hurasdhoo (Alifu Atoll) = Harasdhoo Isdhoo (Laamu Atoll) = Isdu Kadhdhoo (Laamu Atoll) = Kaddhoo, Kadhu Kagi (Kaafu Atoll) Kalhaidhoo (Laamu Atoll) Kadholhudhoo (Raa Atoll) = Kandoludhoo Kan’doomaafushi (Kaafu Atoll) = Kadoomaa Fushi, Kudumaa Fushi Kaashidhoo (Kaafu Atoll) = Kaasidoo Kassanfaru (Kaafu Atoll) = Kahsanfaru, Cassanfaru (27), Cassanfarra (27) 30 J. S. ASH and ALI SHAFEEG Forktail 10 Kedhikolhu (Noonu Atoll) = Kendikolu (14) Kolhufushi (Meemu Atoll) Kuburudhoo (Haa Dhaalu Atoll) = Kuburudoo Kudafares (Laamu Atoll) Kumundhoo (Haa Dhaalu Atoll) = Kumundoo Kunahandhoo (Laamu Atoll) = Koonahandhoo Kureli (Meemu Atoll) Kurumba Resort (N.Male Atoll) = Vihamanaafushi (?) Wihamanafushi, Weehammanarfurri (27), Wehammanarfurri (27) Landhoo (Noonu Atoll) = Landu (14) Lankanfinolhu (Kaafu Atoll) Lankanfushi (Kaafu Atoll) = Lankeumfurii (27), Lankconfurri (18) Lhaimagu (Shaviyani Atoll) = Lhoimagu Lhosfushi (Kaafu Atoll) Limbo kandu (Raa Atoll) (14) Maaugoodhoo (Shaviyani Atoll) = Maa Ugudu Maabaidhoo (Laamu Atoll) Maafahi (Haa Alifu Atoll) Maafushi (Kaafu Atoll) = Maagushi Maahaa Reef (Kaafu Atoll) Maakadoodhoo (Shaviyani Atoll) Maamendhoo (Laamu Atoll) Maamendhoo (Seenu Atoll) = Maradu (14, 20) Maandhoo (Laamu Atoll) Maarandhoo (Haa Alifu Atoll) = Marandhoo Maavah (Laamu Atoll) = Maarah Mabaru (Baa Atoll) Madoovari (Baa Atoll) = Maduwari (14) Male (Kaafu Atoll) Medhufinolhu (Kaafu Atoll) = Minueofinol (27) Meedhoo (Seenu Atoll) = Medu (25), Midu (14) Mendhoo (Laamu Atoll) Mulah (Meemu Atoll) Muli (Meemu Atoll) Musaru (Meemu Atoll) Naifaru (Lhaviyam Atoll) N. Athahedha (Laamu Atoll) Olhugiri (Baa Atoll) = Olugeri (14) Olhuvelifushi (Lhaviyani Atoll) = Olivelifuri (14) Omadhoo (Thaa Atoll) = Omadhu Othuveli (Laamu Atoll) Raiymandhoo (Meemu Atoll) Ribudhoo (Dhaalu Atoll) S. Athahedha (Laamu Atoll) Thaburudhoo (Kaafu Atoll) = Tambrudu (27) Tern Islet (Seenu Atoll) (unnamed on map) Thakandhoo (Haa Alifu Atoll) = Takandhoo Thulhaadhoo (Baa Atoll) = Thulhaadho, Tuladu (27), Turadu (14) Thulhaagiri (Kaafu Atoll) = Thulhagiri, Tulargiri (27) Thundudhoshu (Laamu Atoll) = Thundudhoshu Finolhu Toddu Islet (Kaafu Atoll) (27) Ukulhas (Alifu Atoll) = Ukuthas Utheemu (Haa Alifu Atoll) Vadinolhu (Laamu Atoll) Vashafaru (Haa Alifu Atoll) = Washafaru Vattaru (Noonu Atoll) = Wataru Vilingili (Kaafu Atoll) = Villingili, Viligili, Willingillie (27) Vilufushi (Thaa Atoll) Ziyaaraifushi (Laamu Atoll) 1994 Birds of the Maidive Islands 31 APPENDIX 3 CONSERVATION OF BIRDS IN THE MALDIVES In order to conserve the wildlife, environment and natural beauty of the archipelago for the benefit of posterity, several ear y decisions and actions require to be undertaken by the Government of the Republic of the Maldives. Following a visit with the Bat Conservation Trust by the three undersigned ornithologists to the Maldives in November 1993 and by one of us with an FAO project in 1 984, we propose the following recommendations for consideration regarding 1 . It is suggested that an experienced expatriate conservation/wildlife adviser should visit the Maldives for a period of up to one year to work with the government’s personnel in drawing up a conservation management policy and plan for the whole archipelago. 2. What appears to be a major and widespread market in birds between the atolls and Male, involving the import of birds from abroad, and the dispatch of birds from other atolls to Male, needs to be fully investigated and assessed. It seems now to have reached a stage where possibly all seabirds of some species are being destroyed in the Maldives, and urgent legislation is required for their protection and to prevent their total loss 3. As in many other countries, e.g. Seychelles, New Zealand, etc., breeding colonies of seabirds are an important tourist attraction being visited by increasing numbers of ‘ecotourists’. Early action should be taken to survey and record all known present and previous breeding sites throughout the Maldives as a basis for an action plan. The importance of seabirds as indicators of fish presence is, of course, well-known. 4. Establish an educational conservation-awareness programme throughout the atolls, in collaboration with the conservation/ wildlife adviser. This should be directed principally through the schools, but be supported by radio talks, television programmes, lecture tours, etc. 5. Before much international support or recognition can be expected the Maldives needs to provide convincing proof that it is serious in its intent to protect its wildlife and environment. At an early stage support should be received for a conservation/wildlife adviser through international aid and conservation agencies (e.g. WWF, IUCN, EC, RSPB, etc.). Effective action would do much to further the Maldives’ image overseas, and also attract the increasing number of conservation-minded tourists. 6. Other potential sources of support and funding might include the following: the introduction of a ‘conservation tax of, say, 3-5% on all tourists’ bills; Shell Chemicals through an environmental impact study following their seismic survey; various airlines serving the Maldives; the resort islands themselves, etc. 7 . Restrictions will need to be imposed on the use by tourists of uninhabited islands in the neighbourhood of resorts. The establishment of reserves, or protected islands, could commence immediately, but in the first place should be confined to selected islands already known to hold breeding colonies of seabirds, or feeding areas for shorebirds. Public access to breeding colonies on relatively small islands needs to be controlled very carefully. 8. The marketing of birds could cease almost totally and immediately through the suppression of the bird market in Male, the prevention of the resort islands being used as potential marketing channels (apparently currently being undertaken in connection with live lobster transfers), and through directives to Atoll chiefs to the communities under their control, particularly with regard to the wholesale capture of fledgling seabirds. 9. An on-site training programme could be developed by the conservation/wildlife adviser. Early thought also should be given towards appropriate training overseas for a Maldivian Wildlife officer and a Conservation Education Officer. It would obviously be of value for the national Wildlife Officer if a tour was arranged to the Seychelles or elsewhere to study the methods employed in their system of wildlife tourism management. 10. The presence of House Crows presents a problem on some islands. Where some control becomes necessary, an ecological approach to the problem is recommended. Suppression of their numbers could be greatly controlled by an improvement in sanitary conditions and better organised garbage disposal - both of which at present probably provide much of the birds’ diet. An attempt is needed to suppress numbers to an acceptable level, rather than their total elimination. 11. There may be a need to seek alternative activities for the many people currently involved in bird persecution. Many might be required as bird-guides in tourism, and as wardens or guards on protected islands. J. S. Ash R. Howard A. Moore November 1993 Forktail 10 1994 FORKTAIL 10 (1994): 33 - 48 33 The Avifauna and Conservation Value of Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Nepal ANDERS PRIEME and BO 0KSNEBJERG Shey-Phoksundo National Park is the only protected area in the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal and, covering 3,555 km-, it is the country’s largest national park. The 38 species recorded within the national park for which Nepal may hold significant world populations are listed, together with a complete list of the 1 78 species recorded within the park to date. A summary of the main vegetation types within the park is provided, as well as an account of the conservation value and ornithological importance of each vegetation type. An account of the use of the park by people is given, and management problems in the park are described. Shey-Phoksundo National Park (S.P.N.P.) is located in the Dolpa and Mugu districts of western Nepal, between 28°58'-29056’N and 82°35'- 83°14E. Covering 3,555 km2, S.P.N.P. is the largest national park in Nepal. It was gazetted in 1984 to preserve a variety of unspoilt trans-Himalayan as well as Himalayan habitats, along with the protection of a number of endangered mammal species such as the Snow Leopard Panthera uncia, Grey Wolf Canis lupus, and Himalayan Musk Deer Moschus chrysogaster. The national park is divided in two by the Kanjiroba Himal which reaches its highest point at the 6,883 m Kanjiroba South Peak. About one- third of the park is situated south of Kanjiroba Himal and encompasses habitats typical of the Himalaya with extensive high-altitude grasslands interspersed with forests and scrubberies below 4,000 m. The habitats include forests of oak and conifers, mixed deciduous forests, and shrubberies of rhododendron and Cotoneaster. Here, the landscape is often extremely rugged even by Nepalsese standards making survey work everything from breathless to dangerous. North of Kanjiroba Himal the landscape changes dramatically. The steep hillsides of the true Himalaya are replaced by the gentle undulating hills of the Tibetan plateau. Because the Kanjiroba Himal acts as a rain barrier, the northern part of the national park only receives sparse rainfall. This is reflected in the vegetation, which is typical for a trans-Himalayan or Tibetan steppe and near desert vegetation, dominated by Caragana and dwarf junipers Juniperus. 34 ANDERS PRIEME and BO 0KSNEBJERG Forktail 10 ■N. KEY: | _ | [R] = Ranger Post; [HQ] = National Park Headquarters I I 0 20km Figure 1. Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Nepal 1994 The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo National Park 35 PREVIOUS ORNITHOLOGICAL WORK IN SHEY- PHOKSUNDO NATIONAL PARK Parallel to his botanical achievements Oleg Polunin was the first to make ornithological records in what is now Shey-Phoksundo N.P. (Polunin 1952). From his descriptions of birds seen during his 1952 expedition to Dolpo it is evident that he saw at least 42 species in the area covered by the park, including several bird species new to Nepal, three of which are of Tibetan affinity: Tibetan Partridge Perdix hodgsoniae , Little Owl Athene noctua , and Tibetan Ground-Jay Pseudopodoces humilis (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). Robert L. Fleming, Jr. was the next to contribute to the ornithological knowledge of Dolpo during his visit to this remote region in June 1971 (Fleming 1975, 1982). He noted 100 species in the area of the park, including 73 not recorded by Polunin. Dr George B. Schaller and Peter Matthiessen visited the area in October-December 1973 mainly to study Bharal Pseudois nayaur; the former mentioned six species of birds in his book Stones of silence (Schaller 1980) and the latter mentioned 16 species in his book The Snow Leopard (Matthiessen 1978). Rodney M. Jackson worked in the Namlang valley between December 1976 and February 1977 and recorded 55 species of birds, including 15 new for the park area (Jackson 1978). He returned there several times from 1981 to 1985 with Darla Hillard, and they added three new species to the list (Hillard 1989). Dr Pralad Yonzon surveyed the western part of the national park in 1991 and his list (Yonzon 1991), which raised the park list by 15 species to a total of 152, indicated that additional ornithological work was needed in the park. Between 27 March and 17 May 1992 we made a survey of the southern part of the national park (Prieme and Dksnebjerg 1992). The area surveyed included Jagdula Khola, Garpung Khola, along Suli Gad River and areas near Shey Gomba (Fig. 1). Besides work on the distribution of Snow Leopard and Bharal, botanical inventories, and human activity in the park, we investigated the bird species in all areas visited. A total of 1 25 bird species was found including 26 species new to the park, bringing the total recorded there to 178. CONSERVATION VALUE Shey-Phoksundo National Park is the only protected area in Nepal representative of the trans-Himalayan region. The park is of great importance for nature conservation not only in Nepal, but also in the Indian subcontinent, mainly because of its large size and low level of human disturbances. The extensive high-altitude grasslands within the park are the home of a sizeable and viable population of Snow Leopard together with good numbers of major herbivores, of which the Bharal is the most common. 36 ANDERS PRIEME and BO 0KSNEBJERG Forktail 10 Table 1. Bird species recorded within Shey-Phoksundo National Park for which Nepal may have significant world populations according to Inskipp and Inskipp (1986) and Inskipp (1989). 1 2 Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola Speckled Wood- Pigeon Columba hodgsonii + Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis + Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata Robin Accentor Prunella rubeculoides Indian Blue Robin Luscinla brunnea + Golden Bush-Robin Tarslger chrysaeus White-browed Bush-Robin Tarsiger indicus + Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenlcurus frontalis White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps White-bellied Redstart Hodgsonlus phoenicuroldes Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollisslma + Tickell’s Thrush Turd us unicolor White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus ? ? Grey-sided Bush-Warbler Cettia brunnifrons Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos + Large-billed Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris + Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher + Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda (+) Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris + Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha + + Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus Green Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochloris + White-browed Fulvetta Alcippe vinipectus White-throated Tit Aegithalos niveogularis + Grey-crested Tit Parus dichrous Rufous-vented Tit Parus rubidlventris + Black-crested Tit Parus melanolophus + White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis + Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochrous + White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura Streaked Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilloides Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala + + Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis ? Key Vegetation type: 1 = Mixed deciduous forest 2 = Oak/conifer forest 3 = Himalayan scrub 4 = Himalayan alpine meadows 5 = Trans-Himalayan habitats 3 (+) + ? + (+) ? + + + + + + + + + = Recorded in the vegetation type and probably breeds there (+)= Recorded in the vegetation type but not known to breed there ? = Recorded within N.P. most likely in the indicated vegetation type 4 5 ? + + + + + + + + + + 1994 The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo National Park 37 The park has a good variety of forests, many of which are of high quality. Even though these forests only comprise a minor fraction of the total area coveied by the national park, about 59% of the bird species recorded, and 65 /o of breeding or probably breeding species depend on forests or scrub (throughout the rest of this paper the term ‘breeding species’ includes those known to breed as well as those assumed to breed). Breeding bird species currently recorded from Shey-Phoksundo National Park number 137 and more are likely to be found. There are 1 24 bird species for which Nepal may hold significant proportions of the world populations, as their breeding distributions are restricted to an area encompassing the Himalaya, north-east India, northern South-East Asia and south-west China (Inskipp and Inskipp 1986, Inskipp 1989). As many as 38 of these (31 /o of the total) have been recorded within S.P.N.P., and a majority of these has been proved or are assumed to breed within the park (Table 1). Nepal may be especially important for 36 breeding bird species because they either have particularly restricted ranges within the general area under consideration or have been described as uncommon or rare in the Indian subcontinent (Inskipp and Inskipp 1986, Inskipp 1989). Two of these have been recorded within the park: Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola, whose breeding status in the park is unknown, and White-throated Tit Aegithalos niveogularis, which is common and presumably breeds in the national park. Also, the Wood Snipe is listed as a breeding species at risk in Nepal (i.e. at a national level) (Inskipp 1989) and is recognised as internationally threatened (Collar and Andrew 1988). The avifauna and conservation value of the major vegetation types within the park are described below. Table 2 lists for each type: numbers of breeding species, and numbers of breeding species with significant world populations in Nepal. Table 2. Bird species proved or presumed to breed within Shey-Phoksundo National Park. 1 2 3 Mixed deciduous forest 34 10 29 Oak/conifer forest 42 15 36 Himalayan scrub 21 8 38 Himalayan alpine meadows 33 3 9 Trans-Himalayan habitats 38 5 13 Key 1 = Number of breeding species 2 = Number of breeding species with significant world populations in Nepal 3 = % breeding species with significant world populations in Nepal 38 ANDERS PRIEME and BO 0KSNEBJERG Forktail 10 Mixed, deciduous forest: Mixed deciduous forests are found along the Suli Gad River between 2,700 and 3,500 m. At their best these forests are luxuriant with a wealth of tree species and a well developed understorey of bushes and saplings. Even though this vegetation type covers only a minor fraction of the total national park area, the number of breeding bird species compares favourably with that of other vegetation zones (Table 2). Future surveys in this vegetation type are likely to add more species to the park list, especially if done in late spring or early summer. Also, future surveys are likely to reveal that these forests are the most species-rich of all habitats within the park. The high proportion of 29% of the total number of breeding species in this vegetation type may have significant world populations in Nepal. The most notable of these is the White-throated Tit. Oak! conifer forest: This vegetation type encompasses several different forest types and is named oak/conifer forest for simplicity. These different forests are similar in that they dominate below 3,900 m in most valleys in the Himalayan part of the national park. Exceptions are along the Suli Gad River where mixed deciduous forests dominate, in the vicinity of villages where forests have given place to cultivated land, and slopes with a southerly aspect presumed to be too dry to support forests. The forest type that dominates in a specific area is determined mainly by altitude and aspect. The most prominent forest type consists of oak Quercus semecarpefolia mixed with different conifers typical of West Nepal like West Himalayan Spruce Picea smithiana , Himalayan Silver Fir Abies spectabilis, and Himalayan Blue Pine Pinus wallichiana. The forests vary from pure stands of oak to pure coniferous forests. Many of the forests are in excellent condition while others, mainly near villages, are affected by firewood collecting, by lopping for fodder (of Quercus semecarpefolia ), and by domestic goats and yaks grazing the understorey. In Jagdula Khola we observed forest degradation mainly near trails. Further than 40-60 m from man-made trails the forests are usually only affected by grazing, presumably when herds of yaks and goats are taken to and from traditonal grazing grounds, and to a small extent by firewood collection. It is not possible from a single study to estimate the rate of forest degradation, but we have a feeling that the present rate is rather low in most of the areas we surveyed. Forests of Himalayan Birch Benda edulis (3, 1 00-3,900 m) are common in Jagdula Khola and Garpung Khola. These forests are not badly affected by degradation, but some of them are badly infested with snare traps. The traps are made by local people, mainly to catch Himalayan Musk Deer and Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus. The traps are operated from late spring until well into autumn when herders attending their herds of yaks and 1994 The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo National Park 39 goats are near the remote birch forests. It is estimated that the trapping is likely to take a heavy toll on local populations of Musk Deer and Himalayan Monal. Shrubberies of rhododendron Rhododendron are found only on some hillsides with a northerly aspect and hence a more humid microclimate. Rhododendrons are far less common in S.P.N.P. compared to localities further east in Nepal. As many as 36% of the breeding bird species in these forest types may have significant world populations in Nepal. Notable species are Himalayan Monal (Nepal’s national bird) which despite trapping is a common sight in many birch forests, Green Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochloris , and two species with a limited distribution in the western Himalaya, the White- throated Tit and White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis. Himalayan scrub: The scrublands in the Himalayan part of the national park mainly consist of Cotoneaster and, in some places, of Caragana, as between Sumduwa and Ringmo. Only 21 of the total number of species found within the park are likely to breed in this habitat. This low figure is partly due to the fact that scrublands in most places only cover relatively small areas, and partly to the fact that some scrublands, especially in the vicinity of traditional grazing grounds for livestock, are burned more or less regularly. Burning is not permitted within the park but is practiced to some extent by local people to enlarge existing grazing grounds. The most exciting observation in this habitat was of two Wood Snipes flushed from low Cotoneaster scrub near a meandering stream in Pani Palta Khola. The species is scarce in Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991) though it has been recorded recently (Buckton and Morris 1993). The two birds were observed on 1 2 April, too early in the year to decide if they had only stopped on migration or intended to breed in Pani Palta Khola, where presumably suitable habitat exists. Himalayan alpine meadows: The extensive high-altitude meadows are a major asset of the national park. Compared to elsewhere in Nepal the meadows within S.P.N.P. are often in excellent condition, and they are the home of the Snow Leopard and its major prey the Bharal. Bharals are often seen in flocks numbering several dozens, while the secretive Snow Leopard is only seen on very rare occasions, even by local herders. Despite the generally optimistic view of the condition of the meadows in the park, intense grazing by domestic yaks and goats is taking place in several areas, e.g. in Pani Palta Khola 260 yaks were crowded in the lower part of 40 ANDERS PRIEME and BO 0KSNEBJERG Forktail 10 the valley. The herders had taken the yaks the two-week-walk from the village of Saldang in the eastern part of the park to Pani Palta Khola, due to deteriorating grazing grounds near Saldang. Intense grazing is likely to displace wild herbivores, as has presumably happened in Pani Palta Khola. Here the resident Bharals were only seen on the steep hillsides bordering the valley and never in the fertile valley bottom where the yak herd was grazing. The birds classified as breeding in this habitat include a number of species which actually breed in nearby forests or on cliffs but depend on the grasslands for foraging. These include the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos and Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, which feed on the abundant small and medium-sized mammals. The Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius may breed in S.P.N.P. but has not yet been proved to breed in Nepal. Trans-Himalayan habitats: About two-thirds of S.P.N.P. is situated north of the Himalaya proper. Here Tibetan or trans-Himalayan steppe and near-desert vegetation dominate, though some areas are virtually denuded of any vegetation. Large areas are wilderness areas with minimal human influence and with viable populations of Snow Leopards and Grey Wolves. The avifauna shows a heavy influence from Tibet. Many of the species recorded in S.P.N.P. are widespread in Tibet but have a very limited distribution within Nepal like the Tibetan Partridge, Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris, Little Owl, Hume’s Lark Calandrella acutirostris , Brown Accentor Prunella fulvescens, White-browed Tit-Warbler Leptopoecile sophiae, Tibetan Ground-Jay, and Black-winged Snowfmch Montifringilla adamsi. The great influence from the Tibetan avifauna makes it less surprising that only five species presumed to breed in this part of the park have a significant part of the world population in Nepal. USE OF THE PARK BY PEOPLE AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS About 2,000 people inhabit the villages scattered around the park. They practice subsistence farming based on livestock and growing mainly barley and potatoes. Living conditions in this harsh region are extremely rough, and the people of the northern villages only survive due to a century-old system of trading salt from the highlands of Tibet with grain from the Nepalese middle hills. The number of people living inside the park is supplemented with people who move into the park with their livestock from the surrounding villages 1994 The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo National Park 41 in late April and May and remain until early autumn. During this period herders live in rock caves or tents on the grazing grounds. In at least some villages, e.g. Hurikot just outside the park, livestock numbeis have increased substantially in recent years. Though we did not observe any seriously degraded meadows during our survey, some grazing grounds appeared to be heavily grazed by livestock. Intensified grazing might have a considerable impact on these meadows; just south of the park we observed several landslides and an abundance of erosion gullies cut through the landscape. The forests of S.P.N.P. are exploited far less than many others in Nepal. This is mainly because the park lies in the country’s least populated zone. Not surprisingly, forests near villages are affected by firewood collection, but the high number of soldiers within the park, especially the 150 troops at Sumduwa Army Checkpost present a special problem because they take a toll on the nearby forests. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPW C) has started negotiations with the proper authorities to reduce the number of soldiers. The latter are a heavy burden on the DNPWC annual budget (the Department’s financial allocation for 1990/ 1991 is NRs 142.3 million of which 84% is for protection units from the Royal Nepal Army (IUCN 1992)). Hunting, mostly with traps, is taking place in Jagdula Khola (Prieme and 0ksnebjerg 1 992) and Namlang Khola in the north-western part of the park (Jackson 1979). Two types of traps, snares and poisoned bamboo spears, are used. The snares are usually found in narrow strips of high-altitude birch forest and are intended for Himalayan Musk Deer, the musk glands of which are worth a small fortune to local farmers. Also, Himalayan Monal and, occasionally, Common Goral Naemorhedus goral are trapped. Elaborate barriers made of branches and twigs cover the full width of the forest strips, making passage possible only through gates in the barriers where the snares are set. The poisoned bamboo spears are usually placed in very steep terrain near rivers or streams which Bharal and Goral frequent. The 60-100 cm long spears hidden in the vegetation are tipped with poison made from aconites Aconitum and can kill a full-grown Bharal weighing 40 kg or a Snow Leopard in a few minutes. Interviews with hunters inside and outside the park indicated the existence of a ‘Tibetan connection’ for wildlife products originating in western Nepal. Apparently, hunters are paid in advance by Tibetan traders for valuable products like gall bladders from Himalayan Black Bear Selenarctos thibetanus (fetching prices of NPs 9,000), and musk glands from Musk Deer. The Tibetans sell these products together with pelts from Snow Leopards and the bones from all major carnivores to Chinese working in Tibet who reportedly hope to make a profit when returning to a major Chinese city (e.g. Jackson 1991). Until May 1989, S.P.N.P. was off-limit to foreigners. At that time the 42 ANDERS PRIEME and BO 0KSNEBJERG Forktail 10 Himalayan part of the national park was opened to tourists. In 1990 35 foreign tourists visited the national park. This number rose to 291 in 1991 . As yet, tourism has not had a great impact on the park, but the number of tourists visiting the park is expected to rise substantially in future years. However, S.P.N.P. is remote even by Nepalese standards and tourism here will never reach the level of the most popular destinations in Nepal like Khumbu, the Annapurna region or Langtang. At present the park authorities are doing a fine job trying to keep tourist groups at special campsites while in the park. This substantially reduces the impact of tourist groups. Visitors to the park are required to be self-sufficient in fuel supplies but park regulations allow trekking crews to gather dead wood from the forest floor. To the best of our knowledge, no study on the impact of wood gathering has been carried out in Himalayan forest ecosystems. It is possible that intense wood gathering will change the number and diversity of insects and birds which are dependent on a rich forest floor litter. Another problem with wood gathering is that the borderline between dead wood and live wood is easily crossed. On several occasions we observed trekking crews cutting down branches of live trees and up-rooting entire live bushes for fuelwood or campfires. Our major concern regarding tourism within S.P.N.P. is the recently opened trans-Himalayan part of the park. With its unique blend of Buddhist culture and remote wilderness, this part of the park acts like a new ‘Shangri- La’ on many foreign tourists visiting Nepal. Having becoming famous through Peter Mathiessen’s novel. The Snow Leopard, the monasteries and the scenery at Shey are especially appealing to western tourists. But the trans-Himalayan habitats are extremely fragile and vulnerable to even a small number of tourists. Trees are very rare in this desert-like area and the regeneration of the Curagarca/juniper scrub is exceedingly slow. Also, the large and conspicuous trekking groups might have disturbing effects on the shy Snow Leopard, and on its prey the Bharal. At present, Bharal can be approached within 5-20 m at Shey. Hopefully, the current high trekking fee for visiting Shey will restrain the number of tourists. It is not within the scope of the present study, nor is it within our academic capacity, to investigate the socio-economic impact of tourism in the park, but it is likely that a steady flow of tourists will have a great impact on the culture and economy of the remote villages in the northern part of the national park. However, everything seems to have its own pace in Dolpo and, despite anticipated increases in numbers of livestock and tourists, S.P.N.P. will probably have untouched wilderness areas for years to come. The birds of S.P.N.P. are still inadequately studied throughout the year, so birdwatchers surveying at any season are likely to make valuable observations. Surveys in spring to locate breeding and wintering species of the lower forests would be especially worthwhile. Anyhow, the visiting birdwatcher will be rewarded with several western Himalayan and Tibetan specialities 1994 The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo National Park 43 which are difficult to see elsewhere in Nepal, along with the feeling of being in Snow Leopard territory - you never know when their flaming eyes are watching you. We are grateful to His Majesty’s Government of Nepal which gave its support to the project. We owe special thanks to Dr. T. Maskey, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, for his encouragement and valuable support. Also, special thanks go to Mr. Lai Bihari Yadav, Chief Warden in S.P.N.P., to Senior Game Scout Sakka B. Rokaya, Game Scout Dhayr, and Game Scout Dawa Tenzing, for their participation in the field work and for being excellent travel companions. Many persons and institutions helped us to carry out the project and they are all thanked - but Carol and Tim Inskipp deserve warm thanks for their never-ending support. Tim Inskipp is also thanked for valuable improvements to the manuscript. The field work of the project was supported by World Wide Fund for Nature - Denmark, due to a generous donation from the Beckett Foundation. REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1983) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Compact edition. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. Buckton, S. T. and Morris P. A. J. (1993) Observations of Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola in Nepal. Oriental Bird Club Bulletin 17: 31-35. Collar, N. J. and Andrew, P. (1988) Birds to watch. The ICBP world checklist of threatened birds. Cambridge, U.K.: International Council for Bird Preservation (Techn. Publ. no. 8). Fleming, R. L., Jr. (1975) Liste des oiseaux du district de Dolpo (Reng-Pungmo), Tichurong et Dolpo. Pp. 449-452 in C. Jest, Dolpo, communautes de langue tibetaine du Nepal. Paris: Editions du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Fleming, R. L., Jr. (1982) List of birds recorded in Dolpo district in 1971. Unpublished. Hillard, D. (1989a) Vanishing tracks. London: Elm Tree Books. Hillard, D. (1989b) Notes on birds recorded in Nepal, 1982-1985. Unpublished. Inskipp, C. (1989) Nepal’s forest birds: their status and conservation. Cambridge, U.K.: International Council for Bird Preservation (Monograph no. 4). Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. (1986) Some important birds and forests in Nepal. Forktail 1: 53-64. Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. (1991) H guide to the birds of Nepal. Second edition. London: Christopher Helm. IUCN (1992) Protected areas of the world: a review of national systems. Volume 1: Indomalaya, Oceania, Australia and Antarctica. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, U.K.: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Jackson, R. (1978) A report on wildlife and hunting in the Namlang (Langu) valley of west Nepal. Unpublished report to National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Office, Kathmandu. Jackson, R. M. (1979) Aboriginal hunting in West Nepal with reference to musk deer, Moschus moschiferus moschiferus, and snow leopard, Panthera uncia. Biol. Conserv. 16: 63-72. Jackson, R. M. (1991) Snow leopards and other wildlife in Qomolangma Nature Reserve of Tibet. Snow Line 9(1): 9-12. Mathiessen, P. (1978) The Snow Leopard. New York: Viking Press. Polunin, O. (1952) Notes on birds recorded in Nepal, 1952. Unpublished. Prieme, A. and Oksnebjerg, B. (1992) Field study in Shey-Phoksundo National Park. Report to Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu. Unpublished. Schaller, G. B. (1980) Stones of silence. New York: Viking Press. Yonzon, P. (1991) Avifauna of Shey-Phoksundo National Park. Unpublished. Anders Prieme and Bo Oksnebjerg, c/o WWF -Denmark, Ryesgade 3F, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark. 44 ANDERS PRIEME and BO 0KSNEBJERG Forktail 10 APPENDIX A COMPLETE LIST OF BIRDS RECORDED IN SHEY-PHOKSUNDO NATIONAL PARK A = This survey F = Fleming (1975, 1982) H = Hillard (1989a and b) J = Jackson (1978) M = Mathiessen (1978) P = Polunin (1952) S = Schaller (1980) Y = Yonzon (1991) FHJ A HJ AFHJ P AFHJM FHJ Y A JP H A S A A F A F Y J J AF AF J J A F M AF JMP AFHJM PS AF Y A P Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa Uncommon resident. Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibeianus Uncommon in Himalayan part of N.P. Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis Common around Shey and some other areas. Chukar Alectoris chukar Resident. Tibetan Partridge Perdix hodgsoniae Resident in trans-Himalayan habitat. Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha Resident. Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus Common in some areas like Jagdula Khola. Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus Ruddy Shelduck Tadoma ferruginea Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Uncommon visitor. Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis Resident. Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus Resident. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis One seen on 1 6 April 1992 near Toijam Rangerpost at 2,900 m in clearing in oak forest. This is the highest altitude for the species in Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). The bird had probably ‘overshot’ on spring migration as 16 April falls within the migration period of the species (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). Also, see notes about Large-tailed Nightjar. Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Common Swift Apus apus Fairly common around e.g. Shey. Tawny Owl Strix aluco Common in forest in Himalayan part of N.P. Little Owl Athene noctua Short-eared Owl Asia flammeus Large-tailed Nightjar Capnmulgus macrurus A single individual seen on 1 April 1992 at 3,100 m in mixed oak/pine forest above Toijam Rangerpost. This is the highest altitude record for the species in Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). Though the species is found up to 2,200 m in the western Himalaya and 2,400 m in north-eastern India (Ali and Ripley 1 983), this individual had probably ‘overshot’ while migrating. This is not the only lowland species recorded at an unusually high altitude within the national park: this study also found a Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis at 2,900 m, and Robert L. Fleming, Jr. (Fleming 1982) recorded a Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus at 4, 1 00 m, both of them probably after a spring migration ‘overshoot’. Rock Pigeon Columba livia Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris Common around Shey. Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota Common in most areas. Speckled Wood-Pigeon Columba hodgsonii Only along Suli Gad River. Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis Common in Himalayan part of N.P. 1994 The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo National Park 45 A Common Crane Grits grus Migrant. A Y A F P AFHJMPS F AFHJM A J AF J A J AF A Y Y AF JM A AFHJ P FJ J A A P F P AF A JMP A HJ P AFHJMP AFJMPS AFH AF Y F AF AF JM A FHJ AFH P A A P A HJ FJ AF Y A A Y AF Y F Y Y AF J P A P AF F Common Coot Fulica atra Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoncola Two flushed from scrub near stream on 12 April 1 992 in Pani Palta Khola at 4,100 m. The species is listed as a breeding species at risk in Nepal by Inskipp (1989), and there are only very few recent records of the species in Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). The species is also recognised as internationally threatened (Collar and Andrew 1988). Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii A single individual noted on 14 April in Pani Palta Khola at 3,800 m feeding along a small stream. Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus Common resident in most areas. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterns Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Common resident in most areas. Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Uncommon winter visitor. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Not known if resident or a migrant. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Not known if resident or a migrant. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius Resident. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Migrant. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Common resident in several areas. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Uncommon summer visitor. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Common in most areas. Amur Falcon Falco amurensis Uncommon migrant. Merlin Falco columbarius Uncommon winter visitor. Long-tailed Shrike Latiius schach Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus Tibetan Ground-Jay Pseudopodoces humilis A trans-Himalayan resident. Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus Common. Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Common below 4,000 m. Common Raven Corvus corax Resident. Long-tailed Minivet Pencrocotus ethologus Common below 3,500 m. Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha Common in e.g. Jagdula Khola. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Uncommon visitor. White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush Monticola rufiventris Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius Blue Whistling-Thrush Myiophoneus caeruleus Common below 4,100 m. Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima Tickell’s Thrush Turdus unicolor White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina White-tailed Rubythroat Luscinia pectoralis Common at e.g. Shey. Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea Common along Suli Gad River. Orange-flanked Bush-Robin Tarsiger cyanurus Common in forests between 2,900 m and 4,000 m. Golden Bush-Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus 46 ANDERS PRIEME and BO 0KSNEBJERG Forktail 10 Y A AH P AF MP A AF J A J AF P AFHJ P AF AF A P FJ AF P AF Y AF H F F P AH P A AF AF JMP AF AF P A HJ P A P A Y A AFH P AFH P AF Y AF Y A Y A J Y F F A AFH AFH A F Y AF AF AF A Y AH Y F AF Y AFH? A J P A White-browed Bush-Robin Tarsiger indicus Rufous-backed Redstart Phoenicurus erythronotus Uncommon winter visitor. Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus Common below 3,600 m. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Common in some places, e.g. near Shey. Hodgson’s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni Probably only an uncommon migrant. White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps Uncommon resident? White-winged Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogaster Resident. Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis Common in most areas. White-capped Water-Redstart Chaimarromis leucocephalus Common. Plumbeous Water-Redstart Rhyacomis fuliginosus Uncommon. White-bellied Redstart Hodgsonius phoenicuroides Found in the trans-Himalayan part of the park. Grandala Grandala coelicolor Resident. Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri Uncommon resident. Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura Common near Shey. Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Uncommon in trans-Himalayan habitats. Brahminy Starling Stumus pagodarum Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis Uncommon resident. White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis Resident. Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Resident. Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana Common resident. Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Common below 4,500 m. Dark-grey Tit Parus rufonuchalis Rufous-vented Tit Parus ntbidiventris Common resident. Black-crested Tit Parus melanolophus Common resident. Grey-crested Tit Parus dichrous Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus Resident. Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus Uncommon resident. White-throated Tit Aegithalos niveogularis Common in forests below 3,800 m. Eurasian Crag-Martin Hirundo rupestris Common in most areas. Asian House-Martin Delichon dasypus Common in most areas. Goldcrest Regulus regulus Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys Only along Suli Gad River. Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus Only along Suli Gad River. Striated Prinia Prinia criniger Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler Cettia fortipes Grey-sided Bush-Warbler Cettia brunnifrons Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata Uncommon migrant. White-browed Tit-warbler Leptopoecile sophiae A trans-Himalayan resident. Tickell’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus affinis Common around Shey. Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus Uncommon migrant. Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher Pale-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus Common below 3,600 m. Inornate (Yellow-browed) Warbler Phylloscopus inomatus Common below 3,600 m. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Large-billed Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos Streaked Laughing-thrush Garrulax lineatus Common resident in some areas. Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus Common resident in some areas. Green Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochloris Uncommon resident. 1994 The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo National Park 47 AF F FJ A J AF P Y AF F Y J AF P F P AF JM AFH P A AFH AF Y AF AY AF J A AF JM AF P AF J J A FJ F M Y FH FJ AF J S AF J P AF J AF AF Y A AF F S AFJ P AF P AFJ H A J AHJP A White-browed Fulvetta Alcippe vinipectus Greater Short -toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Hume’s Lark Calandrella acutirostris Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula Horned Lark Eremophila alpesiris Common near Shey. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis House Sparrow Passer domesticus Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans Eurasian T ree Sparrow Passer montanus Black-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla adamsi A trans-Himalayan resident. White Wagtail Motacilla alba Common in some areas. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Migrant. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Common in e.g. Jagdula Khola. Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus Common on alpine meadows in most areas. Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus Uncommon. Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris Common in several areas. Rufous-streaked Accentor Prunella himalayana Uncommon winter visitor. Robin Accentor Prunella rubeculoides Common near Shey. Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata Common in many areas between 3,500 m and 4,500 m. Brown Accentor Prunella fulvescens Common near Shey. Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis Uncommon winter visitor. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Uncommon winter visitor. Fire-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Twite Carduelis flavirostris Plain Mountain-Finch Leucosticte nemoricola Common in open habitat. Black-headed Mountain-Finch Leucosticte brandti Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus Common in many areas. Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochrous White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura Uncommon. Streaked Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilloides Common at e.g. Shey. Great Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilla High-altitude resident. Red-fronted Rosefinch Carpodacus puniceus A high-altitude resident. Common in some areas. Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas ajfinis Uncommon. White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas camipes Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos An uncommon winter visitor. Rock Bunting Emberiza cia Common. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Uncommon winter visitor. 48 Forktail 10 1994 FORKTAIL 10 (1994): 49 - 64 49 Birds of Lakshadweep Islands DEEPAKUMAR NARAYANA KURUP and V. J. ZACHARIAS Lakshadweep archipelago supports a scanty avifauna with only two resident passerine species. On Pitti there is a large breeding colony of Sooty Terns Sterna fuscata and Brown Noddies Anous stolidus. Most of the atolls serve as staging grounds for a variety of shorebirds in winter. The uninhabited atolls Suheli and Bangaram supported relatively richer avifaunas. Increased human population density appeared to affect the ecology of most inhabited islands. Substitution of indigenous vegetation with monoculture plantations and predation of tern eggs are among the factors limiting bird populations in the islands. Though Palaearctic migrants disperse widely during the northern winter, in many of their wintering habitats, particularly certain island groups in the central Indian Ocean, their status remains little studied. Lakshadweep, off the west coast of Kerala is a regular staging ground for many shorebird species. There have previously been brief accounts by Hume (1876), Gadow and Gardiner ( 1 903), Ellis ( 1 924), Betts (1939) and Burton (1940); also more recent reviews by Mathew and Ambedkar ( 1 964), Mohan ( 1989), Anon. (1991) and Daniels (1992), but all of these previous accounts were based on brief trips of less than a month duration. The present report is based on a study carried out to assess and update the status of migrant and resident birds in the archipelago. The study was conducted between 15 August 1985 and 31 July 1986 (and a few days in December 1988) in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The observations were mostly carried out on Kavaratti, the most centrally placed of the islands. Kavaratti is about the same distance from the mainland as it is from the other islands of the archipelago. Two heavily populated islands were not visited: Androth which is probably the oldest in the Lakshadweep group and does not have the typical reef-lagoon components of a coral atoll, and Chetlat, one of the northernmost islands. All of the other inhabited islands, as well as the majority of the uninhabited islets, were visited (Fig. 1), including the far- flung isolated reefs of Baliapannium and Cheriyapannium, and also Perumal Par, an uninhabited atoll with hardly any island interphase except for a centrally placed reef flat. The duration of time spent in each island is given in Table 1. STUDY AREA Lakshadweep is an archipelago of coral atolls, reefs and sandbanks. In all, there are 36 islands and tiny islets situated between 8°N and 12°13’N and between 71°E and 74°E. They lie about 220-440 km off the west coast of Kerala. Most of the islands are widely separated from each other. In the 50 D. N. KURUP and V. J. ZACHARIAS Forktail 10 Figure 1 . The Lakshadweep Islands island group, cumulatively having a surface area of 32 km2, only ten are inhabited: Kalpeni, Androth, Kavaratti, Amini, Kadmat, Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra and Minicoy. Bitra is the smallest inhabited island. Though the land area of the islands is small, the lagoon area is vast, with a total surface area of 4,200 km2. Surrounding this are 20,000 km2 of territorial waters and about 700,000 km2 of economic zone, thus making Lakshadweep 1994 Birds of Lakshadweep Islands, India 51 Table 1. Visits to islands of Lakshadweep Inhabited Kalpeni 1 986: 5 January and 9 February Kavaratti 1 985: 1 8 August; 23, 25 and 26 September; 1, 2, 5-7, 9, 11, 12, 29 October; 3-10 November; 21, 25, 26, 29 December 1 986: 3, 29, 30 January; 11,12,17 February; 1988 9, 12, 23, 30 March; 1, 5, 9, 12-14, 18,9 April; 26 May; 10, 29 June; 21 July 22 December Agatti 1986 25, 29 April Amini 1986 28 March Kadmatj 1985 3, 14 November Kiltan 1986 27 March Bitra 1986 25, 26 March; 22 April Minicoy 1986 4 May; 28 June Uninhabited Pitti 1986 21 April 1988 25 December Suheli Valiyakara 1986 1 January 1988 23 December Suheli Pitti 988: 24 December Suheli Cheriyakara 1986 2 January Bangaram 1986 6 April Parli 1986 27 April Tinnakara 1986 28 April Perumal Par 1986 24 April Cheriyapannium 1986 23 April Baliapannium 1986 23 April a truly large territory (Government of India 1985). Even during the supposedly fair weather months the vagaries of the weather often make travel between the islands difficult. All of the islands, except Androth,are roughly crescent-shaped and have a north-south disposition . T o the east are rocky beaches and to the west are the lagoons. The island Androth lies east to west and has no lagoon. The surface of the islands lies at 1-4 m above M.S.L. The islands have a warm and humid climate. The temperature ranges between 25.4°C and 31 . 1°C. The annual rainfall varies between 151 cm and 164 cm, with most of it falling in June-August during the south-west monsoon (Mannadiar 1977). The north-east monsoon is comparatively weak and sets in during October-November. During much of this time, the wind blows with a speed range of about 10 to 20 knots (18 to 40 km) from the west and the sea becomes rough; surface communications between the islands are then difficult. April and May are the hottest months. During the rest of the period, from November to May, the weather is generally good and 52 D. N. KURUP and V. J. ZACHARIAS Forktail 10 the sea is calm. The soil of the islands is calcareous and highly porous, being derived from weathered coral boulders and shingles. Due to the high percolation rate of the soil a quantity of rain water infiltrates underneath, forming the ground water lens which floats over the denser saline water underneath. The vegetation of all the islands is broadly similar. The Coconut Cocos nucifera, which grows ubiquitously in most of the islands, is a cultivated species. Among the wild flora, a laurel shrub Scaevola sericea, Wild Heliotrope Toumefortia argentea, a bushy shrub Pemphis acidula and a variety of other shrubs, including Lantana catnara, have been found. Screwpine Pandanus tectorius has been found growing on a few islands such as Minicoy and Bangaram. Ziziphus jujuba and Thespesia populnea have a wide distribution. The ground vegetation consists of Spinifex littorens, Commelina bengalensis etc. (Further details on the vegetation are given by Sivadasan and Joseph 1981). METHODS The study was based on direct observations made while walking around the islands, usually in the early morning or late afternoon, and during inter¬ island and island-mainland voyages in steamers and motor launches. A pair of 7x30 binoculars was used. Although no trapping of birds was carried out, many specimens could be physically examined after being noosed by local children. Similarly, pet birds caught locally and kept in several individual households were examined. Some of the field observations were documented by photographs. VISITS TO ISLANDS Kavaratti, the third largest island in the Lakshadweep group, is the most centrally placed island and is situated at 10°33’N 72°38’E, approximately 400 km west of Cochin. Quite typical of Lakshadweep islands, Kavaratti has a north-south linear disposition and occupies the eastern rim of the crescent-shaped atoll, with a lagoon to the west. The maximum length of the island is 6 km and the breadth at its narrowest point is less than 100 m. Except for a brief respite for a week or so in some months, observational data on Kavaratti were collected right through the observation period. The Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus was observed breeding from March to May on Kavaratti. Seven abandoned nests were noted, made in small or medium-sized trees and at heights varying from 4-5 m. Both the sexes participated in nest-building, which in one case was noted as taking 6 h 10 mins, and the materials used were the fibres of coconut husk, cobwebs, grizzled leaves and chicken-down. 1994 Birds of Lakshadweep Islands, India 53 Pitti (10°30’N 72°30’E). The tiny seabird island of Pitti (‘Pakshipitti’ as it is locally known) which is 20 km north of Kavaratti, is an exposed reef, the accessibility of which is almost always difficult. On our first visit to Pitti in April 1986, repeated attempts to land were foiled because of bad weather; however, after some time, an experienced islander did manage to swim across to the islet and retrieved eggs of the Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata, Great Crested Tern 5. bergii and Brown Noddy Anous stolidus. The exact number of breeding birds could not be ascertained. On our second visit, in December 1988, the sea was calm enough for us to swim ashore and look at the birds. Only Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies were present. Although there were no hatchlings, eggs of both species were found. There were 5,000-6,000 Sooty Terns and 8,000-9,000 Brown Noddies. A total of 400 eggs was found, two-thirds of which belonged to Sooty Terns. Large congregations of the two species occurred side by side on the dry coral bed but were not intermixed. Interestingly, Hume (1876) found nesting Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies intermingled at Cherbaniani. The Pitti reef flat, though teeming with birds for much of the year, appeared to be absolutely devoid of any guano. It is probably because the reef, only 1.5-2 m above M.S.L., gets periodically rinsed by the surf from all sides. It is therefore puzzling to see reports elsewhere about appreciable quantities of guano being found on the islet (Mannadiar 1977). Pitti islet is nearly square in shape and is about 200 x 300 m in area. In early November 1985, young Sooty Terns were noted on Kavaratti, having been brought by islanders from Pitti. Hume failed to see any birds on Pitti island in late February 1876. Mathew and Ambedkar (1964) collected young Great Crested Terns and Brown Noddies in October, and they suggested that large numbers of both species nest on the island between April and November every year and also that October marks the end of the breeding season. On enquiry, most islanders asserted that there is a peak in breeding activity during the south-west monsoon period from June to August. Alcock (1902) saw the chicks of two types of terns in November but he was unable to identify the species concerned. It appears that there is an extended breeding period on Pitti, and it is also probable that the terns have an irregular breeding cycle. However, a clear picture has not emerged yet and the extent of breeding activity during the monsoon needs to be ascertained. Especially noteworthy is the possibility of an irregular breeding cycle of Sterna bergii in the tropical Indian Ocean as conjectured by Feare (1979). The account in Anon. (1991) provides further details of the breeding terns, with estimates of the total numbers present in October 1963 (20,000), February 1978 (12,000), May 1990 (4,000), February 1991 (2,000) and April 1991 (8,000), suggesting that there has been a significant decrease in numbers in recent years. Baliapannium (or Cherbaniani) is a large atoll, ‘oval shaped and about 6 miles by 2 " miles in its extreme dimensions’ as Hume (1876) described it. 54 D. N. KURUP and V. J. ZACHAR1AS Forktail 10 Towards the northern extremity of the atoll is an islet some 200 m long and 50 m broad. The islet is very similar to Pitti in appearance, but is much more accessible as it is within the lagoon, protected by the reef. The islet is devoid of any vegetation and the substrate is littered with coral shingles and boulders. Baliapannium was described as having a large breeding colony of terns by almost all the authors who previously visited it. Both Hume and Betts recorded Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies breeding there. Mathew and Ambedkar collected Great Crested Tern eggs and Bridled Tern 5. anaethetus nestlings. We, however, found Baliapannium devoid of any breeding birds even on our second visit in April, 1986. There were flocks of Ruddy Turnstones Arenaria interpres on the islet and large congregations of Great Crested Terns and Lesser Crested Terns Sterna bengalensis on the outlying sandbank. The absence of breeding birds could be due to the sporadic incursions into the area by fisherfolk from Chetlat and Bitra. The islanders, however, testified to some breeding activity on the islet during the monsoon season, when the reef flat remains undisturbed. Cheriyapannium (or Byramgore) was visited on 23 April 1 986. It is a very large atoll, and at high water there is practically no land area exposed. Except for a few terns S. bengalensis and 5. bergii, not many birds were observed. Perumal Par, an atoll situated south-west of Bitra, was visited on 24 April. This atoll appeared very similar to Baliapannium, with an extensive lagoon. Towards the south-eastern extremity of the reef is an exposed islet within the lagoon. Here also, fishermen from the neighbouring islands make overnight visits and, quite understandably, no birds were observed. However, two large congregations of terns, most likely 5. bergii and 5. bengalensis were observed a short distance north-east of the atoll. Large hunting flocks of terns are a common feature in the neighbourhood of atolls and over different parts of the sea between the islands. Flying-fish, an important prey of the Tuna Euthynnus pelamis, are numerous and are caught by the terns. Suheli atoll was visited twice, once in January 1986 and, later, in December 1 988. 5. bergii and 5. bengalensis were fairly numerous around the atoll. On ‘Suheli Pitti’, a 1 km long linear islet formed within the lagoon near the north-eastern part of the reef, between Valiyakara and Cheriyakara, a flock of S', bergii and S. bengalensis was found in almost equal proportions (Table 2). It was reliably learnt from the islanders that until five years ago, ‘Suheli Pitti’ was used as a breeding ground by terns. No previous authors appear to have described Suheli Valiyakara. ‘Suheli Par’ as it is also known, is south¬ west of Kavaratti and is situated at 10°05’N 72°18’E. It is the largest uninhabited island and retains much of its natural vegetation. Suheli 1994 Birds of Lakshadweep Islands, India 55 Table 2. Estimates of tern populations in the different islands Kavaratti A nous stolid us Sterna fuscata 2 S. bergii S. bengalensis Pitti 8500 5500 - _ Suheli - - 298 280 Bangaram - - 200+ 246+ Perumal Par - - 70+ 70+ Bitra - - _ 2 Cheriyapannium - - 20 Baliapannium - 250 40 Cheriyakara, the smaller island in the atoll, though devoid of any permanent settlements, is replete with biotic activity for six months from mid-October to mid-April. The waters around the atoll are rich in fishery resources and men from Kavaratti and Agatti go to stay there and catch fish, which they dry and produce ‘mas’. The ‘offal’ that is left over after the production of mas provides good manure for coconuts, which thrive well. Valiyakara, on the other hand, is virtually deserted though visited by people at least twice a year for the collection of copra. Many of the coconut trees in Valiyakara are retarded, but there is luxuriant ground vegetation. The vegetation, particularly in the southern end of the island, is so thick that it is often impenetrable. The ‘strand coral’ is composed of plants such as Scaevola sericea, Pemphis acidula, Toumefortia argentea. Of all the islands, Suheli has a greater representation of migrant and resident avifauna. The Grey Heron Ardea cinerea is a resident found either singly or in pairs on most islands visited. They were found in greater numbers where they bred on Suheli and the Bangaram group of islands. The breeding season of the Grey Heron is given by Ali and Ripley (1987) as from July to October in northern India and from November to March in southern India. However, from circumstantial evidence, it appears that, in Lakshadweep breeding takes place from June onwards. Suheli Valiyakara and Parli, in the Bangaram atoll, where Grey Herons nest, are uninhabited islands visited by islanders from October to May. Young Grey Herons were brought to Kavaratti as pets from Suheli Valiyakara in October, by people visiting the atoll after the monsoon. On both the occasions the atoll was visited, the Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata was observed. The marine life around Suheli is so rich that a proposal has been made to declare this area as a Marine National Park (Menon 1976). Bangaram atoll is situated at 10°56’N 72°17’E, north-east of Agatti, and is visible from the latter. There are two larger islands, Bangaram and Tinnakara, and two smaller islands, Parli 1 and Parli 2 within the lagoon; 56 D. N. KURUP and V. J. ZACHARIAS Forktail 10 all are uninhabited. Bangaram is the largest island in the atoll and is characterised by a 1 km long linear brackish water pond at the centre of the island, extending to the northern extremity. The pond is fringed by Coconut Palms and Pandanus thicket. The northern and southern ends of the island have thick vegetation and the beach at several places above high water mark is carpeted by ground vegetation, consisting of Cyperus and Spinifex littorens. The beach consists of a fine sediment of corals and a variety of shorebirds frequent the intertidal area. The fringes of the pond at low tide provide a varied habitat of mudflat and shallows for a variety of wading birds. There are many exposed sandbanks at the fringes of the reef where hundreds of terns, particularly S. bergii and 5. bengalensis congregate. Table 2 gives estimates of the numbers of terns observed in the different atolls visited. It therefore appears that, except at Pitti, where S. fuscata and A. stolidus are the predominant species, in all the other atolls 5. bergii and 5. bengalensis are the commoner species, occurring in approximately equal proportions. Such observations, as described above, point to the state of flux regarding the status of populations of terns in the different atolls. Until about the 1830s enormous numbers of seabirds used to breed in Bitra (Betts 1939). When Hume visited the island in 1876, Bitra was still uninhabited but people used to visit the island for tending the coconuts. As recently as 1963, Mathew and Ambedkar observed 5. anaethetus and 5. bergii breeding at Baliapannium. It is probably the cumulative effect of population increase and the consequent proliferation of plantations; camping on the uninhabited islets by fishermen; and direct predation of eggs, that have contributed to either the cessation of breeding activity in certain islets, or to the shifting of entire breeding colonies from one locality to another. Anyhow, the single greatest threat to the breeding colonies of seabirds of the Lakshadweep archipelago appears to be large scale predation of tern eggs. Even though it is a quarter of a century since Pitti was declared a bird sanctuary, the islanders continue to plunder the eggs and the only respite for the birds comes in the form of the monsoon, from May to September, when the reef is inaccessible. It is to be noted, in this connection, that of the 20 S', fuscata colonies in the western Indian Ocean, 10 have become extinct in the last hundred years and 4 have become reduced in numbers (Feare 1984). Among the factors that Feare suggests as having contributed to the decline in numbers of seabirds are alteration of habitat, i.e. substitution of indigenous vegetation with plantations, usually of coconuts; guano extraction; introduction of exotic animals; and direct predation of eggs. Of these, the first and last are relevant to Lakshadweep. 1994 Birds of Lakshadweep Islands, India 57 RESULTS The species of birds observed in Lakshadweep are listed in the appendix, together with a summary of observations reported by other authors - a total of 82 species. On Kavaratti, the arrival of the first northern migrants coincided with the waning of the south-west monsoon in September; by November most of the birds had arrived. The numbers and variety were maintained until about the second week of April when, quite abruptly, the number of birds declined, indicating their departure. A surge in numbers was observed once in November and for a second time towards April. Remnant migrants were encountered as late as the last week of May. June and July, the monsoon months, were practically bereft of birds, although the Mongolian Plover Charadrius mongolus was occasionally sighted. The Mongolian Plover was found to be the most abundant species on Kavaratti, closely followed by the Ruddy Turnstone. In almost all the other islands surveyed, the Ruddy Turnstone vastly outnumbered any other shorebird species. Even on such dry reef flats as Pitti and Baliapannium, large flocks of Ruddy Turnstones were met with. On all the islands except Kavaratti, the Grey Heron appeared to be the second most abundant species. This resident species, however, was found in greater numbers on uninhabited atolls such as Suheli and Bangaram. Much of the avian activity on Kavaratti was concentrated at the southern extremity of the island where no permanent human habitation exists. The birds fed on small crustaceans, copepods and other invertebrates on the intertidal shelf. The children of Lakshadweep have a penchant for snaring birds with a crude noose spread on the beach. The captured birds are pinioned and then they are kept in households as pets. Several species, including Common Teal Anas crecca , Ruddy Shelduck Tadomaferruginea , Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus, Grey Heron, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Sooty Tern including young ones, Ruddy Turnstone, Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos, Terek Sandpiper T. cinerea, and Rock Pigeon Columba livia were found. The Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus is a resident species on Kavaratti and Kadmat where it was observed in large numbers. On Kavaratti, despite the greater population pressure and corresponding denudation of plant cover, these small birds thrive, probably because the House Crow Corvus splendens, a potential predator, is absent from this island. On Kadmat, the White-eyes thrived, presumably because the natural vegetation is more abundant and there is less population pressure on this island; feeding parties consisting of 30-40 White-eyes were often seen on the coconut fronds and inflorescences. Hume (1876) described it as occurring in all the islands. However, during the present study, the bird was not met with on Kalpeni, Amini, Suheli or Bitra. 58 D. N. KURUP and V. J. ZACHARIAS Forktail 10 The Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea, Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus, Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis , Black Kite Milvus migrans, Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus and Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis were among the land birds recorded once or on several occasions during the study period. The House Crow was not observed on Kavaratti though it was present on Kalpeni, Amini, Kadmat and Minicoy. Two species of terns, the Sooty Tern and Brown Noddy were observed breeding in large numbers on Pitti. The Great Crested Tern and Lesser Crested Tern were also common in the archipelago. The uninhabited atolls, Suheli and Bangaram, appeared to support a relatively richer avifauna than the inhabited ones. Altogether 49 species were observed by us, of which 1 7 are new additions to the Lakshadweep avifauna. DISCUSSION The occurrence and seasonal variation in numbers of different birds on Kavaratti suggest that birdlife is generally scanty on Lakshadweep. While this is largely true in the case of most of the inhabited islands, the variety and numbers of birds are greater in certain uninhabited islands such as Suheli and Bangaram. Observations by Hume (1876) and Mathew and Ambedkar (1964) also lend credence to this view. Large breeding colonies of pelagic terns were observed in reefs and islets such as Pitti. Though a majority of the birds are migrants arriving from their Palearctic breeding grounds in the north, a small percentage of southern hemisphere birds may also arrive, as evidenced by the records of petrels and shearwaters (Mathew and Ambedkar 1964, Betts 1939). It is also possible that a small number of tropical breeding birds arrive by island hopping from the south or from elsewhere. Phillips (1963) noted that some exchange of birdlife took place between Addu Atoll in south Maldives and Chagos archipelago in the south. Possibly, those that spread across the Maldivian atolls do spill to some extent into Lakshadweep and vice versa. The species profile and the pattern of occurrence of birds studied on the west coast of Malabar in Kerala (Kurup 1991) was found to be remarkably similar to those in Lakshadweep. HUMAN POPULATION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ECOLOGY OF THE ISLANDS The population density of each island is high, averaging about 4,000 per island (1981 census) . There are numerous wells and tanks littered throughout the inhabited islands, and there are many open pits used for defecation. The extreme porosity of the calcareous soil and the high water table contribute to the easy infiltration of nitrogenous waste materials into the freshwater 1994 Birds of Lakshadweep Islands, India 59 sources. This, together with the burial of dead bodies in the highly porous soil, and the offal left over after the production of ‘mas’ from the tuna catch, badly contaminate the ground water. Undoubtedly, the quality of the environment in these areas has been affected. There is substantial quarrying for coral boulders and shingle for construction purposes; if this continues at the current rate, it is likely to affect even the physical existence of the coral atolls. There is denudation of green cover almost everywhere as construction activities have resulted in the large scale clearing of natural vegetation in all the inhabited islands. Except for patches of Pemphis acidula and Scaevola sericea most of the original vegetation of Kavaratti has been lost. Even uninhabited islands are being used for coconut cultivation. All these factors have probably affected birdlife too. Except for uninhabited atolls such as Suheli and Bangaram, and the reefs of Pitti, Baliapannium and Perumal Par, most other areas do not harbour a profuse avifauna any longer. We are grateful to Dr. A. J. Gaston of the Canadian Wildlife Service for his constructive comments on an early draft. The late Prof. R. M. Naik of Saurashtra University and the late Prof. K. K. Neelakantan read through the paper and suggested necessary changes; we owe our thanks to them. We thank the Administration of the U nion T erritory of Lakshadweep for giving us an opportunity to study the birds (1985-1986) and also for providing logistical assistance during our trip to Suheli and Pitti in 1988. REFERENCES Anon. (1991) Pitti Island, Lakshadweep: an ornithological study . Madras: Madras Naturalists’ Society. Alcock, A. (1902) A naturalist in Indian seas. London: John Murray. Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1987) Compact handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Second ed. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. Betts, F. N. (1939) The birds of the Laccadive Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 40: 382-387. Bhaskaran, S. T. (1985) Birding in Lakshadweep. Newletter for Birdwatchers 25(11 & 12): 9-10. Burton, R. W. (1940) A visit to the Laccadive Islands. J. Bombay. Nat. Hist. Soc. 41: 489-513. Daniels, R. J. R. (1992) Island biogeography and the birds of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, Indian Ocean. J. Bombay. Nat. Hist. Soc. 88: 320-328. Ellis, R. H. (1924) A short account of the Laccadive Islands and Minicoy. P. R. Madras Government Press. Feare, C. J. (1979) Ecology of the Bird Island, Seychelles. Atoll Research Bull. 226: 1-29. Feare, C. J. (1984) Seabird status and conservation in the tropical Indian Ocean. Pp. 457-471 in J.P. Croxall, P.G.H. Evans and R.W. Schreiber, eds. Status and conservation of the world’s seabirds. Cambridge, U.K.: International Council for Bird Preservation (Technical Publication No. 2). Gadow, H. and Gardiner, S. (1903) Aves. Pp. 368-373 in The fauna and geography of the Maidive and Laccadive archipelagos. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Government of India (1985) Coral paradise. Publication of the Administration ofthe Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Hume, A. O. (1876) The Laccadives and the west coast. Stray Feathers 4: 413-482. Kurup, D. N. (1991) Ecology of the birds of Malabar coast and Lakshadweep. Ph.D. Thesis submitted to the University of Calicut. 60 D. N. KURUP and V. J. ZACHARIAS Forktail 10 Livingston, P. (1987) Detection of tuna shoals from observations of sea birds in the skipjack pole and line fishing of Lakshadweep. CMFRI special publication 40 abstract 32, 30-31. Mannadiar, N. S. (1977) Lakshadweep, Gazetteer of India. Coimbatore. Mathew, D. N. and Ambedkar, V. C. (1964) A bird study trip to the Laccadive Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 61: 185-190. Menon, A. G. K. (1976) Marine park in Lakshadweep: a report submitted to the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Mohan, R. S. Lai (1989) Some observations on the marine mammals and marine birds. CMFRI Bull. 43: 195-199. Phillips, W. W. A. (1963) The birds of the Maidive islands, Indian Ocean. J. Bombay. Nat. Hist. Soc. 60: 546-584. Pocklington, R. (1967) Observations by personnel of R. V. Atlantis II on islands in the Indian Ocean. Sea Swallow 19: 38-41. Ramunni, M. (1962) An atlas of Laccadive, Minicoy and Ammidive Islands. Madras. Sivadasan, M. and Joseph, K. T. (1981) A botanical trip to Lakshadweep. Bull. Bot. Surv. India 23: 65-68. Subiah, K. S. (1978) Pied Crested Cuckoo in Lakshadweep. Hombill January-March 1978: 2-3. Tuck, G. S. (1964) Land birds at sea. Sea Swallow 16: 40-59. Deepakumar Narayana Kurup, Silent Valley National Park, Mannarkkad P.O., Palakkad District, Kerala India. Dr V. J. Zacharias, Research Officer, Project Tiger, Thekkady, Kerala 685 536, India. 1994 Birds of Lakshadweep Islands, India 61 APPENDIX SYSTEMATIC LIST OF THE BIRDS OF LAKSHADWEEP Ruddy Shelduck Tadoma ferruginea. One captive individual was noted on Kavaratti. Common TealAhos crecca. Several captive specimens were found on Kavaratti. Noted by Ellis, and Betts found a dried head on Amini and was told they were regular winter visitors in varying numbers. Garganey Anas querquedula. One noted in captivity in December 1988. Daniels saw it in April 1988. Ferruginous Pochard Aychya nyroca. Daniels saw it in April 1988. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops. Sightings claimed by several islanders. Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis. Observed several times on Kavaratti, between December and April. Burton saw several on Chetlat and one on Bitra in November. Common KingfisherH/chc/o atthis. Mathew and Ambedkar saw one on Kavaratti. Mohan (1 989) noted it on Bangram, Tinnakara-Parali, Bitra and Kiltan. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smymensis. One was seen on Bitra on 25 March 1986. Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata. Observed on Suheli Valiyakara on both visits in 1 986 and 1988, and once on Kavaratti in 1988. Pied Cuckoo Oxylophus jacobitius. Recorded by Subiah (1978). Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Seen once on Kavaratti in December 1985. Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea. Observed several times on Kavaratti. Hume found it on every inhabited island that he visited. Forbes recorded it in February. Mathew and Ambedkar saw it on Agatti and Mohan (1989) saw it on Kiltan. Daniels listed it as a resident. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Rose-ringed Parakeet Psitracula krameri. Daniels saw it in April 1988, but noted that these were probably recently escaped birds. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Little Swift Apus affinis. Listed by Anon. (1991). Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis. Found on several occasions on Kavaratti. Owl Strigidae. A large owl was flushed from Pemphis thicket on Kalpani in January 1986. Brown Wood Owl Sirix leptogrammica. Noted on Bitra by Hume, who noted that it had been introduced to check rodents. Rock Pigeon Columba livia. Feral birds were common on Kavaratti. Oriental Turtle-Dove Sireptopelia oricntalis . Mathew and Ambedkar collected one on Chetlat. Mohan (1989) noted it on Suheli and Kalpani in 1987. Crake Porzana. One seen near the brackish water pond on Suheli Cheriyakara in December 1988. Listed by Anon. (1991) as Little Crake P. parva but the identification was not confirmed. White-breasted Waterhen Amauromis phoenicurus. One seen in Pandanus thicket near the brackish water pond on Bangaram. Gadow and Gardiner took a young bird from a nest on Minicoy at the end of July, 1899. Ellis recorded it as a resident and Daniels saw one on Minicoy in April 1988. Burton saw a ‘water rail, unidentified’ on Bitra. Seen by Anon. (1991). Snipe Gallinago. Seen on Kalpeni, Bangaram and Suheli Cheriyakara. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica. Six were seen on Kalpani. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. Seen once on Kavaratti in April 1986. W himbrel Numenius phaeopus. Found in small numbers on almost all the islands visited. A flock of 12 was seen on Parli in April 1986. Mathew and Ambedkar saw one about 10 miles off Kavrathi. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata. Far less common than Whimbrel, but seen on Suheli and Bangaram in large numbers. Hume collected it on Kadmat and Agatti, and Mathew and Ambedkar saw three on Bitra. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Common Redshank Tringa tolanus. Seen on Bangaram and one was found in captivity on Kavaratti. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia. Found throughout the winter, in small numbers, in all the atolls. Only recorded previously by Hume who shot one on Kadmat. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. Noted on Kavaratti and Bangaram. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. Singles noted on Kavaratti and Suheli Cheriyakara. Terek Sandpiper Tringa cinerea. Several noted in captivity on Kavaratti. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos. The most numerous wader after Ruddy Turnstone. Usually seen singly or in pairs, but 10 were noted roosting on a floating platform in the Bangaram lagoon. Gadow and Gardiner saw it on Minicoy in August. Recorded by Anon. (1991). 62 D. N. KURUP and V. J. ZAC H ARIAS Forktail 10 Ruddy Turnstone A renaria ituerpres. The commonest wader: a flock of 500 was noted on Baliapannium atoll. Hume also found it to be the commonest bird, and it is strange that it is not mentioned by Ellis nor by Betts. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Great Knot Calidris tenuirosiris. Only recorded by Hume, who saw two on Bitra. Sanderling Calidris alba. Three were noted on Suheli Pitti. Hume collected two on Bitra. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Little Stint Calidris minuta. Mathew and Ambedkar saw it on the coral reefs on Agatti, Chetlat and Bitra. Recorded by Mohan (1989) on six different islands and by Anon. (1991). Burton saw ‘stints’ on Bitra. Eurasian Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnernus. Observed once on 1 4 November 1 985 at the northern extremity of Kadmat. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus. Daniels saw it once in April 1988. Eurasian Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta. Burton saw some on Bitra. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva. More numerous on Kavaratti than the Grey Plover. Gadow and Gardiner recorded it on Minicoy and Mathew and Ambedkar saw it on Chetlat and Bitra. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola. Apparently a winter visitor to all the islands, although Betts did not record it and Mathew and Ambedkar only saw a single bird on Chetlat. Recorded by Anon. (1981). Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus. Seen only on Suheli Cheriyakara. Recorded by Hume, and Mathew and Ambedkar saw it in flocks of 8 to 10 on Chetlat and Bitra. Mongolian Plover Charadrius mongolus . One of the commonest waders, found in all the islands. Hume collected three on Kadmat, but saw no others. Betts collected one out of a flock of six on Kiltan, the only ones he saw. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii. Sparingly distributed; in greatest numbers on Suheli Valiyakara. Hume collected it on Kadmat and Kiltan. Crab Plover Dromas ardeola. A flock of 10 was seen on Suheli Pitti in December 1988. Hume noted a flock on Perumalpar and Mathew and Ambedkar saw a pair on Bitra. Daniels saw it in April 1988. Recorded by Anon. (1991). South Polar Skua Caiharacta maccormicki. Daniels saw it in April 1988. In addition Mathew and Ambedkar saw unidentified skuas near Baliapannium atoll and between Calicut and Kavrathi. Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus. Daniels saw it in April 1988, and Pocklington (1967) saw a bird, probably of this species, on 5 April 1965. Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus. Daniels saw it in April 1988. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus. One was noted in captivity on Kavaratti. Burton mentions ‘a number of sea gulls’ on Bitra and Kadmat. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica. Seen by Anon. (1991). Lesser Crested-Tern Sterna bengalensis. Found with Great Crested-Terns but in smaller numbers. May breed on Pitti. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Great Crested-Tern Sterna bergii. Found in large concentrations near Baliapannium (250), Perumal Par, (280), Bangaram and Suheli atolls. Eggs were collected on Pitti in April 1986. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Little Tern Sterna albifrons. Hume collected several on Baliapannium. Recorded by Anon. (1991). White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa. Hume collected two immatures on Baliapannium. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus. Hume noted it on Baliapannium, and Mathew and Ambedkar ringed chicks there; however, none was seen in April 1986. Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata. Between 5,000 and 6,000 were seen on Pitti in December 1988. Young birds were collected and taken to Kavaratti in October 1985. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Brown Noddy Atious stolidus. Between 8,000 and 9,000 were found with many Sooty Terns on Pitti in December 1988. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirosiris. Recorded on Minicoy. Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Betts saw one on Kadmat and one on Kiltan. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus. Recorded by Hume, who collected it on Amini and Kadmat. Black Kite Milvus migrans. A winter visitor to Kavaratti, observed between September and March. White-bellied Fish-Eagle Haliaaetus leucogaster. Only noted by Hume who saw one soaring over Amini. Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus. One was seen flying low over the lagoon near Suheli Valiyakara. Listed by Daniels. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus. Recorded by Ellis; Burton, who noted it on Chetlat; and Betts, who saw two on Kiltan. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus. Recorded By Ellis and Burton, who saw it on Bitra. Shikra Accipiter badius. Seen once on Kavaratti in December 1988. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus . One noted at the southern end of Kavaratti. Hume found it on all of the islands he visited. Betts recorded it on Amini and Kadmat. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus. Hume described it as a regular migrant. Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus. Recorded by Hume: 30 miles from Baliapannium; and Betts: two during the passage from the mainland, but at least 50 miles from the nearest shore. Daniels saw it in April 1988. Masked Booby Sula dactylatra. Daniels listed it as a resident. Feare listed it as a questionable breeding species. 1994 Birds of Lakshadweep Islands, India 63 Red-footed Booby Sula sula. Hume saw a large flock of what he believed to be this species near Perumal Par. Daniels listed it as a resident. Feare listed it as a questionable breeding species. Brown Booby Sula leucogasler. Hume saw one on Baliapannium, and collected one on Perumal Par. Daniels listed it as a resident. Feare listed it as a questionable breeding species. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Listed by Anon. (1991). Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Noted uncommonly on Kavaratti, Bangaram and Suheli Cheriyakara. Gadow and Gardiner saw one on Minicoy in July 1 899. Daniels saw it in April 1 988 and listed it as a possible resident. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Western Reef-Egret Egretta gularis. One was seen by Hume on Bitra, and it was possibly seen on Kavaratti by Mathew and Ambedkar. Daniels listed it as a possible resident. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Found in small numbers in almost all the atolls, and found breeding on Suheli Valiyakara and Parli islet. Hume suspected that it bred on Agatti (not Bangaram as reported by Betts) because he noted stick nests in two or three trees. Gadow and Gardiner, and Ellis, mentioned a breeding colony on Viringilli, a small islet in the Minicoy lagoon. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. Seen by Anon. (1991). Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. Found between November and April on Kavaratti; a flock was noted on Kadmat . Daniels saw it in April 1988 and listed it as a possible resident. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii . Observed on Kavaratti, Suheli Cheriyakara and Bangaram. Hume saw it on Amini and on Kadmat, Betts saw one on Amini, and Mathew and Ambedkar saw one about 1 5 miles off Bitra. Daniels listed it as a possible resident. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Striated Heron Butorides striacus. Hume collected one on Kadmat and Betts saw one on Amini. Daniels saw one in breeding plumage in April 1988. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis. Seen by Anon. (1991). Stork Ciconiidae. Burton saw a ‘large black and white stork’ on Bitra. Great Frigatebird Fregata minor. Listed by Anon. (1991). W edge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus. Betts mentioned several solitary shearwaters with dark underparts seen during the passage from the Malabar coast. Daniels saw it in April 1988. Audubon’s Shearwater Puffinus Iherminieri. Ellis considered itto be a resident species. Feare listed it as a questionable breeding species. Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax. Daniels saw it in April 1988, and Pocklington (1967) saw ‘dark gadfly petrels’, probably of this species, on 5 September 1963. Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus. Only found once, about 28 km off Cochin, but local fishermen considered that it was not uncommon. Previously recorded by Mathew and Ambedkar between Calicut and Kavrathi, and by Mohan (1989) off various islands in early 1987. Swinhoe’s Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma monorhis. Mathew and Ambedkar noted one caught on a ship between Chetlat and Bitra on 20 October 1963. Mohan ( 1 989) noted very small numbers off Agatti, Bangram, Tinnakara-Parali, Bitra and Kadmat during a visit from January to April 1987. Pocklington (1967) saw ‘more than 35 dark storm-petrels’, probably this species, at 10°53’N 72°45’E on 15 March 1965. Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura. Seen by Anon. (1991). Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus. Observed on several occasions on Kavaratti between November and April, and seen once on Kadmat. Betts saw one on Kiltan. Seen by Anon. (1991). House Crow Corvus splendens. Betts described it as occurring only on Kalpeni, Amini and Androth. It now occurs on Kadmat and has reportedly been introduced on Minicoy. Daniels listed it as an introduced resident. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis. Ali and Ripley (1983) mention that it was introduced to Lakshadweep but give no further details. It has not been recorded by any of the surveys. Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. Gadow and Gardiner saw several on Minicoy between 1 and 4 September. Mathew and Ambedkar saw a few birds off Kavaratti. Mohan (1989) noted it on Bitra, Kiltan and Amini in 1987. Daniels saw it in April 1988. Seen by Anon. (1991). Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica. A large flock was seen on Suheli Cheriyakara. Northern House-Martin Delichon urbica. Recorded by Ellis; also by Mathew and Ambedkar: one on a ship between Calicut and Kavaratti, and a flock of 1 0 on Chetlat. Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus. The only resident species on the majority of the islands. It was numerous on Kadmat and Kavaratti, and was found breeding on the latter. Mohan (1989) noted it on Agatti, Bangram, Tinnakara-Parali and Bitra, and it has also been reported from Androth, Chetlat and Suheli Valiyakara. Blyth’s Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum. Recorded by Anon. (1991). White Wagtail Motacilla alba. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Yellow Wagtail Motacilla /lava. Two were seen on Suheli Cheriyakara in December 1988. Mathew and Ambedkar saw a ‘flock of some six birds’, apparently of the race thunbergi, on Bitra. Daniels saw it in April 1 988. Seen by Anon. (1991). 64 D. N. KURUP and V. J. ZACHARIAS Forktail 10 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea. Recorded off Lakshadweep at 12°32’N 74°10’E on 3 October 1962 (Tuck 1964). Richard’s Pipit Atithus richardi. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Tree Pipit Atithus trivialis. Recorded by Anon. (1991). Pipit Ambus. Mathew and Ambedkar saw one on the coral reef on Bitra. 1994 FORKTAIL 10 (1994) 65 - 104 65 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh PRATAP SINGH Very little information exists on the avifauna of Arunachal Pradesh. A compilation of bird records gathered from 1 988 to 1 994 is presented. A complete list of the 5 1 9 species recorded is given, together with information on localities, habitats and altitudinal ranges. A number of important records are given in more detail, including several globally threatened species and some new records for Arunachal Pradesh. A list of 138 extra species recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by other authors is given in an appendix. The avifauna of the eastern Himalaya, particularly that of Arunachal Pradesh, has not been exhaustively surveyed. There are very few published accounts relating to birds in Arunachal Pradesh: Ali and Ripley (1948), Bailey (1916), Baker (1913a and b, 1914a and b), Betts (1954, 1956), Chatterjee and Chandiramani (1986), Choudhury (1990, 1992, 1993), Ghosh (1987), Godwin-Austen (1875, 1876a and b, 1877), Katti (1992), Katti et al. (1992), Kaul and Ahmed (1992), Ludlow and Kinnear (1937, 1 944), Pandya ( 1 990), Parsons ( 1 935, 1 939a and b), Ripley ( 1 948), Ripley (1980), Ripley et al. (1991), Saha (1981, 1985), Singh (1993), Stevens (1915), Stonor (1952) and Whistler (1941). Out of 71 globally threatened species of birds recorded in India (N. J. Collar, M. J. Crosby and A. J. Stattersfield, 1 994, Birds to watch 2, the world list of threatened birds), 26 have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh (Appendices 1 and 2) and 13 of these were recorded during this survey. These species are indicated by an asterisk (*) in this paper. *Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis Seen at D’Ering WLS on 29 January 1994. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. * Chestnut-breasted Partridge Arborophila mandellii A dead bird was seen at Malinye ( 1 ,850 m) on 10 January 1 994. A little-known species with very few records from anywhere in its range. *Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca Seen at D’Ering WLS (120 m). Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Seen at D’Ering WLS on 13 and 1 5 March 1 993, and 28-29 January 1 994. Previously recorded in Arunachal Pradesh only by Choudhury (1992) who saw one on 17 March 1991. Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Indicator xanthonotus One was noted on a tree branch near a honeycomb at Limeking (1,450 m) on 14 November 1992, and another was seen near Pange (1,700 m) on 18 March 1994. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. 66 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla Singles were seen at Kirsinghsa on 2 March 1993, at Naharlagun on 25 April 1993, on the Hayliang-Wallong road on 5, 9 and 1 1 September 1994, and near Ditchu on 13 September 1994. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala Seen at Foothills (150 m) on 22 April 1991, and at Naharlagun on 23 October 1993 and 22 January 1994. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. * Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis Seen at Keegut, Deban, Khellong, Glao Lake, Pange, Tipi, Sessa, Hayliang road and Mehao lake track. *W ard’sTrogon Harpactes wardi Recorded at Chakoo, Alinye and Helmet Top between 2,000 and 3,000 m. Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata A single was seen near the Foothills Range headquarters ( 1 50 m) on 2 1 April 1991, and a skin from this species, purportedly locally killed, was noted at Hotspring (3,300 m) in September 1991. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus Seen at Chessa on 8 September 1991 and at Seijusa on 9 October 1994. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Asian Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculatus A female was seen near Talley valley at 2,200 m, a very high altitude for the species. Previously listed by Ripley (1982) for Arunachal Pradesh but this is the first specific published record. Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus A pair was seen near Namora (150 m) on 24 April 1992, and a male was seen near Jang (2,400 m) on 6 May 1993. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Derbyan Parakeet Psittacula derbiana Many were seen at Hotspring (3,399 m) from 25 to 29 September 1991. The birds made frequent visits to nest- holes in a tall dead tree. Previously only recorded further west in Siang and Subansiri districts (Stonor 1952). Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis Seen at Talley Valley (2,400 m) on 22-24 March 1994, at Yachuli (1,200 m) on 10 November 1993, and at Seijusa (150 m) on 11 April 1993. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo One was caught near Taksing (2,300 m) on 2 December 1992. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Great Eared-Nightj ar Eurostopodus macrotis One was heard at Mehao lake (1,650 m) on 13 November 1994. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto Seen at D’Ering WLS on 12 November 1991 and 14-15 March 1993. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 67 *Bengal Florican Eupodotis bengalensis Seen at D’Ering WLS on 2 November 1991 and 14-15 March 1993. Listed by Ripley (1982) for Arunachal Pradesh but no definite records. Brown Crake Am auromis akool Seen at Chessa on 1 1 April 1992. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. V^hite-breasted W aterhen Amauromis phoenicurus Seen at Namsai on 30 January 1992. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Black-tailed Crake Amauromis bicolor A single was seen in a swampy area at Pange on 24 June 1991. Previously recorded at Lhalung by Ludlow and Kinnear (1944) (Inskipp and Round 1989). Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Seen at D’Ering WLS, Khari and Namora. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Great Thick-knee Burhinus recurvirostris Seen at D’Ering (120 m) on 28 January 1994. Recorded in Arunachal Pradesh previously only by Choudhury (1992). Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus Seen at Tezu on 4 March 1988 and also seen at D’Ering, Namora and Miao. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus Seen at D’Ering WLS on 13 December 1991; also at Miao (100 m) and at Seijusa (120 m). The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. *Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda Seen at D’Ering WLS and at Tezu. Oriental Honey-buzzard Pemis ptilorhyncus Seen at Khari on 19 August 1990 and at Seijusa on 6 February 1991. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Seen at D’Ering WLS on 1 3 March 1993 and at Deban on 12 February 1994. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus Seen at Mayodia (2,500 m) on 29 December 1993 and 1 January 1994. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Short-toed Snake-Eagle Circaetus gallicus Singles were seen at Anchal Ghat in D’Ering WLS on 3 November 1991 and 1 5 March 1993. The only records for Arunachal Pradesh. *Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Seen at Naharlagun on 27 October 1992. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Amur Falcon Falco amurensis Large numbers were seen at Naharlagun during the last week of October 1992. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Merlin Falco columbarius One was seen on 15 March 1993 in D’Ering WLS. It settled on a driftwood stack in the riverbed of Siang. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh and north-east India. 68 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo Three were seen near Wallong on 6 October 1991. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Seen at Tezu on 16 April 1988. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Black-headed Ibis Threskiomis melanocephalus Seen over Khari on 19 August 1990. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Black Stork Ciconia nigra Seen at D’Ering WLS and over Khari. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus Seen over Namsai. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Seen at D’Ering on 13-14 December 1991 and on 29 January 1994. Not recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by Rahmani ( 1 989) and the species is now very reduced in numbers in Asia, especially in the Indian subcontinent. *Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Recorded at D’Ering WLS. Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis Seen on the Deban- Ranijheel trek on 9-12 February 1994 with P. Alstrom and other Swedish birdwatchers. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus Listed for Arunachal Pradesh only by Ali and Ripley (1987). Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda Listed for Arunachal Pradesh only by Ripley (1982). Chestnut Thrush Turdns rubrocanus Two were seen atMayodia (2,700 m) on 5 January 1991, and one was seen near Wakro (300 m) on 27 January 1992. Previously recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by Katti et al. (1991). Tickell’s Blue-Flycatcher Cyomis tickelliae Seen at Naharlagun (200 m) on 30 April 1994. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Purple Cochoa Cochoa purpurea A juvenile was seen near Pange (1,850 m) on 13 June 1994. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Great Myna Acridotheres grandis Seen occasionally at Naharlagun. Previously recorded in Arunachal Pradesh only by Ripley et al. (1991). Chestnut-vented Nuthatch Sitta nagaensis Seen at Kibitho ( 1 ,400 m) on 6 September 1994, at Milinja (2,400 m) on 14 September 1994, and at Hotspring (3,200 m) on 1 6 September 1994. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. *Beautiful Nuthatch Sitta formosa Seen at Sesni (1,300 m) on 21 April 1992, on the Etalin-Malinye track on 6 January 1994, at Hornbill on 1 1 February 1994, and at Sessa on 26 June 1994. Eurasian Tree-creeper Certhia familaris Seen at Talley Valley, Hotspring and Mago. Ripley (1982) stated that, following Ludlow and Kinnear (1944), it occurred in Towang and the Pachakshiri region; however, the 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 69 latter is an error because Ludlow’s specimens were from Tibet. The Hotspring record is thus a considerable eastward extension of the range of the species in the Himalaya. Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana Seen at Kibitho (1,300 m) on 12 September 1994. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Fire-capped Tit Cephalopyrus flammiceps One was seen in degraded broadleaved/scrub forest near Bomdilla on 26 August 1 990. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh, although subsequently seen by Katti (1992). Rufous- vented Tit Pams mbidiventris Seen in the Thingbu-Mago area in September 1990 and, commonly, in the same area during the first week of May, 1993. Previously recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by Ludlow and Kinnear (1937). Sand Martin Riparia riparia Seen in the upper Dikroi on 9 February 1991. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Crested Finchbill Spizixos canifrons Two were seen near Glao Lake on 27 January 1992. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Seen at D’Ering on 3 November 1991. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii Birds of the subspecies tephrocephalus were seen at Karoti on 22 September 1991 (two) and near Ditchu on 23 September 1991 (at least three). Rufous-rumped Grassbird Graminicola bengalensis Seen at D’Ering on 1 3 March 1993. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Elliot’s Laughingthrush Gamdax elliotii A group of more than 20 was seen near Hotspring (3,200 m) on 15 September 1994. The first record for the Indian subcontinent. Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Gamdax erythrocephalus Seen at Wakro in January 1992 at the very low altitude of 300 m. * Marsh Babbler Pellomeum palustre Two were seen at Tipi (400 m) on 26 June 1994. Previously listed for Arunachal Pradesh only by Ripley (1982). * Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler Spelaeomis caudatus Seen in the undergrowth of evergreen subtropical/temperate forest at Pange and Talley valley (1,900-2,400 m), from 21 to 24 June 1991 and very commonly in February and June 1994. Ripley (1982) mentions a specimen collected at Khalaktang, Kameng district on 2 February 1978, but this is the only other record for Arunachal Pradesh. Bar- winged Wren-Babbler Spelaeomis troglodytoides A group of at least six was seen near Chakoo (3,000 m) on 27 April 1991 (Singh 1992). Previously recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by Ludlow and Kinnear (1944) from Nyug La, and by Ripley et al. (1991) from Noa-Dihing. Spotted Wren-Babbler Spelaeomis formosus Seen at Rani Jheel (500 m) on 70 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 11 February 1994 and confirmed by P. Alstrom. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Long-tailed Wren-Babbler Spelaeomis chocolatinus Seen at Hotspring (3,100 m) on 16 September 1994. Previously recorded from Arunachal Pradesh only by Ripley et al. (1991). Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler Sphenocichla humei The species was seen many times in flocks of up to eight or more, in primary subtropical forest in the Orak-Glenshang area (1,100-1,300 m) from 18 to 20 November 1992, and also seen near Mehao lake on 1 4 November 1 994. Previously recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by Baker (1922) from the Abor Hills, Ripley et al. (1991) and by Katti et al. (1992). *Snowy-throated Babbler Stachyris oglei Recorded on the Deban-Hombill track at 450 m. Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata Seen at Dimbey in March 1988 and at D’Ering WLS on 14 December 1991. Previously recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by Abdulali (1983), and subsequently by Pandya (1990). Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei Seen at D’Ering on 2-3 November 1991 and near Tezu on 18 September 1994. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Brown Parrotbill Paradoxomis unicolor Seen on the Mago trek and at Mayodia, and at Talley valley on 17 June 1994. Previously recorded at Towang (Ali and Ripley 1987). Spot-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxomis guttaticollis A group of at least five birds was seen near Wallong (2,000 m) on 7 October 1991. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxomis mficeps Seen at Khellong, Anini and Deban between 200 and 1 ,500 m. Treated as globally threatened by Collar and Andrew (1988). Indian Short-toed Lark Calandrella raytal Seen at D’Ering on 15 March 1993. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Ruby-cheeked SuNBiRDHnt/zreptes singalensis Singles were seen at Deomali on 24 January 1992 and at Chessa on 1 1 April 1992. Listed by Ripley (1982) for Arunachal Pradesh. White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis Seen at Tezu on 17 September 1991. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Many were seen near Tezu Forest Resthouse on 1 1 October 1991, one was seen near Deomali on 24 January 1992 and one at Hapoli on 27 March 1994. The first records for Arunachal Pradesh. Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus Seen at Naharlagun (200 m) on 29 May 1994. The first positive record for Arunachal Pradesh. 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 71 Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides Listed by Ripley ( 1 982) for Arunachal Pradesh. Black-headed Greenfinch Carduelis ambigua Ripley (1982) listed it for southeastern Tibet and adjacent parts of Arunachal Pradesh’, presumably based on Ludlow s records. However, all Ludlow’s specimens were from Tibet, making this the first record for Arunachal Pradesh and India. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Seen frequently at Hotspring from 27 to 29 September 1991. Previously recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by Ali and Ripley (1948). Spot-winged Rosefinch Carpodacus rodopeplus Seen at Mayodia (2,500 m) on 31 December 1993. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Godlewski’s Bunting Emberiza godlewskii Listed by Ripley (1982) for Arunachal Pradesh, presumably based on Ludlow and Kinnear ( 1 944), but all Ludlow’s specimens were from Tibet, as already pointed out by Ticehurst (1941). Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola Seen on the Chakoo road on 25 April 1991. The first record for Arunachal Pradesh. Jayant K. Kulkarni provided me constant guidance and sent me photocopies of bird literature available in the library of the Bombay Natural History Society. REFERENCES 1 . Abdulali, H. ( 1 983) A catalogue of the birds in the collection of Bombay Natural History Society - 25 Muscicapidae (Timaliinae) (part). 7. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 79: 336-360. 2. Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1948) The birds of the Mishmi Hills. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 48: 1- 37. 3. Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1987) Compact handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. 4. Bailey, F. M. (1916) Notes from southern Tibet. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 24: 72-78. 5. Baker, E. C. S. (1913a) Zoological results of the Abor Expedition (1911-1912). Birds. Rec. Indian Mus. 8: 259-288. 6. Baker, E. C. S. (1913b) On a small collection of birds from the Mishmi Hills, N. E. frontier of India. Rec. Indian Mus. 9: 251-254. 7. Baker, E. C. S. (191 4a) (Remarks on Crossoptilon harmani and Pomatorhinus erythrogenys.) Bull. Brit. Om. Club 33: 121-124. 8. Baker, E. C. S. (1914b) (Description of new birds from the north-east frontier of India.) Bull. Brit. Om. Club 35: 17-19. 9. Baker, E. C. S. (1922-1930) Fauna of British India. Birds. Second edition. London: Taylor and Francis. 10. Betts, F. N. (1954) Occurrence of the Black-necked Crane ( Grus nigricollis ) in Indian limits. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 52: 605-606. 1 1. Betts, F. N. (1956) Notes on birds of the Subansiri area. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 53: 397-414. 12. Blanford, W. T. and Oates, E.W. (1889-1898) Fauna of British India, birds. London: Taylor and Francis. 13. Chatterjee, A. K. and Chandiramani, S. S. (1986) An introduction to Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Tigerpaper 13(3): 22-27. 72 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 14. Choudhury, A. (1990) Bird observations from Namdapha National Park and adjacent areas. Arunachal Forest News 8: 38-43. 15. Choudhury, A. (1992) Some birds in D’Ering Sanctuary. Arunachal Forest News 10: 39-42. 16. Choudhury, A. (1993) Winter bird-count in Namdapha National Park. Unpublished. 17. Ghosh, A. K. (1987) Qualitative analysis of faunal resources of proposed Namdapha Biosphere Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh. Calcutta: Zoological Survey of India. 18. Godwin-Austen, H. H. (1875) Description of a supposed new Actinura from the Dafla Hills. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (4)16: 339-340. 19. Godwin-Austen, H. H. (1876a) Description of a supposed new Suthora from the Dafla Hills and a Minla from the Naga Hills, with remarks on Pictorhis ( Chrysomma ) altirostre , Jerdon. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (4)17: 32-34. 20. Godwin-Austen, H. H. (1876b) List of the birds collected on the expedition into the Dafla Hills, Assam, together with those obtained in the adjacent Darrangterai.J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 45(2): 64-85. 21. Godwin-Austen, H. H. (1877) Description of three new species of birds of the genera Pellomeum, Actinura and Pomatorhinus lately collected in the neighbourhood of Saddya, Assam, by Mr. M. J. Ogle of the Topographical Survey. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 46(2): 41-45. 22. Hume, A. O. (1880) The game birds of India. Addenda et corrigenda. Stray Feathers 8: 489-494. 23. Inskipp, T. P. and Round, P. D. (1989) A review of the Black-tailed Crake Porzana bicolor. Forktail 5: 3-15. 24. Katti, M. (1992) Biodiversity and the exploitation of wild fruits in the tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Unpublished. 25. Katti, M., Singh, P., Manjrekar, N., Mukherjee, S. and Sharma, D. (1992) An ornithological survey in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, India. Forktail 7: 75-89. 26. Kaul, R. and Ahmed, A. (1992) Pheasant studies in north-east India - 1, Arunachal Pradesh. Unpublished. 27. Ludlow, F. and Kinnear, N. B. (1937) The birds of Bhutan and adjacent territories of Sikkim and Tibet. Ibis (14)1: 1-46, 249-293, 467-504. 28. Ludlow, F. and Kinnear, N. B. (1944) The birds of south-eastern Tibet. Ibis 86: 43-86, 176-208, 348-389. 29. Pandya, N. P. (1990) Report on an initial survey of Pygmy Hog ( Sus salvanius ) and Hispid Hare ( Caprolagus hispidus ) and their habitat in Arunachal Pradesh. Unpublished. 30. Parsons, R. E. (1935) A second record of the occurrence of the Long-tailed Duck ( Clangula hyetnalis Linn.) in India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 38: 193-194. 31 . Parsons, R. E. (1939a) Migration routes of geese. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 40: 764-765. 32. Parsons, R. E. (1939b) Notes on wild duck and geese in the Sadiya frontier tract, Assam. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 41: 422-426. 33. Rahmani, A. R. (1989) Status of the Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asialicus in the Indian subcontinent. Forktail 5: 99-110. 34. Ripley, S. D. (1948) New birds from Mishmi Hills. Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 61: 99-107. 3 5 . Ripley, S . D . ( 1 980) A new species, and a new subspecies of bird from Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh, and comments on the subspecies of Stachyris nigriceps Blyth. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 77: 1-5. 36. Ripley, S. D. (1982) Synopsis of the birds of India and Pakistan. 37. Ripley, S. D., Saha, S. S. and Beehler, B. M. (1991) Notes on birds from the Upper Noa Dihing, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 111: 19-28. 38. Saha, S. S. (1981) Blacknecked Crane in Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh - a survey report for January-February 1978. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 77: 326-328. 39. Saha, S. S. (1985) Aves. Records Zool. Surv. India 82: 303-318. 40. Singh, P. (1991a) A preliminary faunal survey in Thingbu Circle ofTowang District, Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Forest News 9(1): 13-22. 41. Singh, P. (1991b) Avian and mammalian evidences in Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary in East Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Forest News 9(2): 1-10. 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 73 42. Singh, P. (1991c) Sighting of Tibetan Blood Pheasant in Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh. W.P.A. News 32: 11-12. 43. Singh, P. (1993) Spotted Long-tailed Wren-Babbler Spelaeonris troglodytoides (Verreaux) in Arunachal Pradesh. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 89: 376. 44. Singh, P. (1993) Breeding record of Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea (Hodgson). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 90: 97-98. 45. Stevens, H. (1915) Notes on the birds of upper Assam. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 23: 234-268, 547-570, 721-736. 46. Stonor, C. R. (1952) Distribution of Lord Derby’s Parakeet. Ibis 94: 162. 47. Ticehurst, C. B. (1941) Systematic notes on Indian birds. IX. 26. On some forms for the inclusion ofwhich in the avifauna of British India further proof is needed (contd.). Ibis (14)5: 177-182. 48. Whistler, H. (1941) East Himalayan laughing thrushes. Ibis (14)5: 172-173. Pratap Singh, DCF (Wildlife), Forest Department, PCCF Office, ltanagar 791111, Arunachal Pradesh, India. 74 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 APPENDIX 1 BIRDS RECORDED IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH, 1988-1994 Altitude Localities Habitat Abundance Swamp Francoun Francolinus gularis Hill Partridge Arborophila lorqueola White-cheeked Partridge Arborophila atrogularis Chestnut-breasted Partridge Arborophila mandellii Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus Satyr Tragopan Tragopan sacyra Temminck’s Tragopan Tragopan temminckii Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos Grey Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum Ruddy Shelduck Tadoma ferruginea Gadwall Anas strepera Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Northern Pintail Anas acuta Garganey Anas querquedula Common Teal Anas crecca Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Common Merganser Mergus merganser Buttonquail Tumix Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Indicator xanthonotus Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus 120 D’Ering 7 n 2000-2800 Chakoo road ld/3 c Talley valley le/3 n Malinye Id n Mayodia Id n 150 Seijusa 2a n 1850 Malinye dead bird 3400 Thingbu 3 c Para 3 n Towang skin Taksing area skin Majha area skin 2500 Talley Valley ld/le heard 1900-3600 Mago skin Malinye 8 n 120-800 U la/2a/2f c 900-2400 Dambuin 2b n Pange Id c Yachuli 8 n Ahuli 2b n 150-1200 Rowta la n Sesni lb c Sessa lb n Khari-upper Dikroi la c Chessa la n Glao Lake lb n Motijheel la c Deban-Hornbill la c 120-200 D’Ering 6 a Naharlagun 6 r Lohit River 6 n 120 D’Ering 6 c 1500 Hapoli 5 n 120-140 D’Ering 5/6 c 120-140 D’Ering 5 n 120 D’Ering 6 n 2000 Basad 6 n 120-140 D’Ering 6 c 120 D’Ering 5 n 120 D’Ering 6 n 120 D’Ering 6 n 120-350 D’Ering 6 a Tezu 6 c Deban 6 c Miao 6 n 100-120 D’Ering 7 c 1450 Limeking 10 n 1700 Pange lb n 150-1400 Naharlagun 4/7 n Kirsinghsa 7 r Ditchu 4 n Hayliang-Wallong 4/8 n 150-600 Khellong la n Khari la n Simna Parvat la n Ramsing la c Glao Lake track la n 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 75 White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos cathpharius Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus Greater Yellownape Picus Jlavinucha Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus Pale-headed Woodpecker Gecinulus grantia Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus Great Barbet Megalaima virens Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis 150-1800 Khari la r Yachuli 8 n Ramsing la r Ranijheel la n Pange lb n 120 Seijusa la n 150-700 Bandardewa 2p n Roing 2p n Namsai 2p n Hornbill la n 2000-3300 Majha le n Hotspring le n Kundav lc/ld n 1800 Dambuin 2b/2c n 1600-3700 Chirila If n Chakoo road Id n Talley valley le c Mipi 2b n 120-700 Khellong la n Khari la n Ramsing la c D’Ering 7 n Hornbill la n 120-2000 U la/lb/ld/2a/2b c 120-500 U la/2a c 150-1500 Khellong la/2a n Khari la n Itanagar la/2a n Chessa la c Ramsing la n Anini 2b n 150-350 Rowta 2a n Khari la c Namora 2a n Itanagar la/2a/2p c 200-600 Khellong la/2a n Tipi 2a n 160-1500 Pange lb n Ramsing la n Deban-Hornbill la c Etalin-Malinye lb n 200 Khari la n Tezu 2a c 150-3000 Sesni lb c Sessa lb n Tipi la/2a n Khari la c Deban la c Helmet Top Id c Hornbill la n Malinye lb n Pange lb/ Id n 150-350 Foothills 2a n Khari la c Namsai 2p r Tezu la/2a r Miao-Deban la/2a n 600-1400 Chakoo road lb n Limeking lb n Ramsing la n Glao Lake track la n Roing-Mayodia la n Sessa lb n Tezu-Hayliang lb n 120-1100 U la/lb/2a/2b c 150-200 Doimara 2a n Seijusa la n 76 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala Oriental Pied-Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris Great Hornbill Buceros bicomis Brown Hornbill Anorrhinus tickelli Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus Ward’s Trogon Harpactes wardi Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis Dollarbird Eurystomus onentalis 150-200 Foothills 2a n Naharlagun 2a n 150-300 Tipi la/2a n Khari la c Basar Nala 2a c Dibru 2a n 120-500 foothills la/2a a Tipi la/2a a Seijusa la/2a/2p c Khari la c Upper Dikroi la c Namora 2a n Itanagar la/2a c Tezu la/2a c Deban-Hornbill la n 500 Deban la n 120-1700 Khellong la/2a c Keegut 2a n Glao Lake lb r Deban la c Pange lb n Tezu-Hayliang lb n Sessa lb n Tipi 2a n Mehao lake track la n 150-450 Rowta 2a n Doimara 2a c Khellong la c Tipi la/2a a Seijusa la/2a/2p c Khari la a Upper Dikroi la c Itanagar la/2a c Deban la n 150-3300 Towang 4 n Thingbu 4 n Sange 4 n Itanagar 4 n Ramsing 4 n Wallong 4 n Khari 4 n 200-1800 Chakoo road la c Sessa lb n Tipi la n Khari la n Simna Parvat la n Itanagar la n Chessa la n Migging la n Ramsing la n Anini lb r Tezu la c Glao Lake lb r Deban-Hornbill la c Mehao lake track la/lb c Pange lb n 2000-3000 Chakoo Id n Alinye Id n Helmet Top Id n 120-1500 U 2a/2p/4/7/8 c 200-350 Khellong la/2a c Seijusa 2a n Khari la c Namora 2a n Itanagar la/2a c Chessa 2a c Tezu 2a c 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 77 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon srnymensis Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyomis athertoni Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus Large Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides Common Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus varius Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saiuratus Asian Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculatus Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus Drongo Cuckoo Sumiculus lugubris Aslan Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis Greater Coucal Ceniropus sinensis 120-400 U 5/6 c Khari 5/6 n Seijusa 5/6 n Namora 5/6 n Itanagar 5/6 c D’Ering 5/6 c Tezu 5/6 c 150-1100 Namora 5/6 n Sille 5/6 n Glao Lake 6 n 200 Tezu 2p n 120-1100 U 5/6 c 150-3300 foothills 4 n Hotspring skin 120-350 Doimara 6 n Namora 6 n Tipi 6 n Upper Dikroi 6 n Glenshang 6 n Deban 6 n 120-200 Khari 6 n Seijusa 6 c D’Ering 6 c Tezu 6 n Naharlagun 6 n 150-1200 Khari la c Anini 2b n Seijusa 2p n Deban-Hornbill la n 120 D’Ering 7 c 120-150 Chessa 2a c Seijusa 2p n 150-300 Tipi 4 n Seijusa 4 n Namora 4 n Itanagar 4 n 250-1600 Itanagar 2p r Tezu la n Hapoli-Pange 2b n 450-2900 Sesni lb c Itanagar la/2a n Pange-T alley valley 1 b/ 1 d/ 1 e c Sange 2p c 200-1200 Sesni lb n Tezu la/2a c 200-2600 Tipi la/2a c Basar Nala la/2a c Simna Parvat la/2a c Itanagar 2p c Naharlagun 2a c Sessa lb n Pange-Talley valleylb/ld/le c 1800-2700 Bomdilla Id n Chakoo Id c Pange-Talley valleylb/ld/le c 2200 Talley valley Id n 170-2300 Jang 2d n Namora la/2a n 200-300 Itanagar 2a n Jairampur 2a n 150-250 Chessa 2p n Naharlagun 2a/2p c 120-400 Khari la c Itanagar la/2a n Chessa la n Naharlagun 2a n Roing 2a n 400 Deban 8 n 78 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Lesser Coucal Centropus bengaletisis Vernal Hanging-Parrot Loriculus vernalis Grey-headed Parakeet Psittacula finschii Derbyan Parakeet Psittacula derbiana Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus Collared Scops-Owl Otus bakkamoena Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo! bengaletisis Brown Wood-Owl Strix leptogrammica Tawny Owl Strix aluco Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum Brown Hawk-Owl Ninox scutulata Great Eared-Nightjar Eurostopodus macrotis Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Rock Pigeon Columba livia Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota Speckled Wood-Pigeon Columba hodgsonii Ashy Wood-Pigeon Columba pulchricollis 150-300 foothills 4 c Seijusa 2a/5/8 c Namora 4 c Itanagar 2a/5 n Tezu 2a/5/7 n Miao-Deban 8 n 120-150 Khari 2a n Seijusa 2a n 300-1000 Basar Nala 2a n Jengging la/2a n 3300 Hotspring le/2e c 120-150 Seijusa 2p n Namora 2a n Chessa 2a n Namsai 2p n 700-3500 Sessa 11 n Glenshang 11 n Hotspring 1 1 c Pange 1 1 n Hornbill 1 1 n Hunli-Etalin 11 n 2400 Talley Valley 1 1 n 1200 Yachuli 11 n 150 Seijusa 11 n 120-250 Naharlagun 4 c Seijusa 11 n 150-3300 Towang 11 c Thingbu 11 n Khari 1 1 n 650 Hornbill la n 1850 Pange lb/ Id c 200-650 Hornbill la n Naharlagun 4 n 1850 Pange Ib/ld n 2300 Taksing le n 1 1 00 Glao Lake lb n 1200-2700 Talley valley le n Yachuli 2c n Roing-Mayodia lb/ld n 200-1800 Tezu la/2a c Glao Lake lb n Pange lb/ld n Etalin-Malinye 2b n 180-1850 Upper Dikroi la n Itanagar 2p c Yachuli 2c n Pange lb/ld n Deban la n 600-700 Hornbill la c 1850 Pange lb/ld n 200 Naharlagun 4 n 150 D’Ering 7 n 1650 Mehao lake lb/6 n 2300 Talley Valley Id n 700 Jengging 2a/4 c 120 D’Ering 7 n 1 300 Roing-Mayodia lb n 700-900 Wallong-Hayliang road2a/4/8 c 100 Miao 1 1 n 3300-3800 Thingbu 4 c Churna 4 c Sella 9 c 1100-4000 Broksar Id n Mago le c Alinye lb n Glao Lake lb n 1800-2400 Talley valley le n Pange lb/ld n 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 79 Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Red Collared-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Pompadour Green-Pigeon Treron pompadora Thick-billed Green-Pigeon Treron curvirostra Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon Treron apicauda Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon Treron sphenura Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea Mountain Imperial-Pigeon Ducula badia Bengal Florican Eupodotis bengalensis Brown Crake Amauromis akool White-breasted Waterhen Amauromis phoenicurus Black-tailed Crake Amauromis bicolor Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos Great Thick-knee Burhinus recurvirostris Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 120-3400 Towang 4 c Jang 4 n Thingbu 4 n Mago 4 r Khellong 2a/4 c Itanagar 2a/2p/4 c Jengging 4 c Seijusa 2a/4 c 120-1900 U 2a/2b/4/l 1 c 120 D’Ering 7 c 120 D’Ering 4 n 150-2500 Broksar Id n foothills la n Chakoo Id n Seijusa la n Hornbill la c 120-600 U la/2a c 150 Khari 2a c 140-300 Itanagar 2a n Chessa 2a n Seijusa la c 150-700 Foothills la/2a c Chakoo road la c Tipi 2a c Khari la c Seijusa la/2a c Itanagar 2a c Chessa la/2a c Tezu la/2a a Deban la a Roing 1 a n Hornbill la n 150-2400 foothills 2a c Talley valley le/2d n Jengging la/2a n Etalin-Malinye lb n 120-200 Upper Dikroi la n Tezu la/2a c 120-1800 U la/2a a 120 D’Ering 7 n 140 Chessa 5 n 150 Namsai 5 n 1800 Pange 5 n 120 D’Ering 7 n 1100 Orak lb n 120-150 Khari 6 c Namora 6 n D’Ering 6 c 100-200 D’Ering 6 c Seijusa 6 n Miao 6 n Naharlagun 6 n 120-200 Upper Dikroi 6 n Naharlagun 6 n 120-2250 Jang 6 n Namora 6 n D’Ering 6 c Tezu 6 n Seijusa 6 n Deban 6 n 120 D’Ering 7 n 100 Miao 6 n 120-200 Upper Dikroi 6 c Namora 6 c D’Ering 6 n Naharlagun 6 n Tezu 6 n 120 D’Ering 4 n Northern Lapwing V anellus vanellus 80 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Small Pratincole Glareola laciea Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus River Tern Sterna aurantia Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda Osprey Pandion haliaetus Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus Black-winged Kite Elanus caendeus Black Kite Milvus mi grans Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Lesser Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis Grey-headed Fish-Eagle Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus Short-toed Snake-Eagle Circaetus gallicus Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilomis cheela Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Pied Harrier Circus tnelanoleucos Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus Shikra Accipiter badius Besra Accipiter virgatus Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter tiisus Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 120-300 U 5/6 c 100-200 Namora 5/6 c D’Ering 5/6 c Tezu 5/6 c Seijusa 6 n Naharlagun 6 n Miao 6 n 100-150 Seijusa 6 c D’Ering 6 n 120-350 Tezu 6 n Deban 6 n D’Ering 6 n Namora 6 n 120 D’Ering 6 n 120-150 Seijusa 6 c D’Ering 6 a Tezu 6 c 120-150 D’Ering 6 c Tezu 6 n 120-1100 Seijusa 6 n D’Ering 6 n Glao Lake 6 n 140 Khari la r 140 Khari la n 120-150 D’Ering 7 c 200-1100 Naharlagun 4 n Tezu 4 n Wallong 4/6 n 150 Naharlagun 11 n 100-350 D’Ering 6 r Deban 11 n 350 Deban 11 n 120 D’Ering 7 n 140-160 Seijusa 2a n Namsai 2p/4 c 150-200 Naharlagun la/4 n Pasighat 2p/4 c Namsai 2p n 3300 Thingbu 11 c 2500 Mayodia 11 n 120 D’Ering 11 n 120-700 U la/2a c 1400 Kibitho 2c/7 n 100-150 Migging 4 n Pangin 4 c Pasighat 4 c 120-150 D’Ering 7 c Seijusa 11 n 1800 Suchung lb n 120-600 Naharlagun 4/5 c Ramsing 2a n D’Ering 7 c 1 100-2000 Tenga-Bomdilla road 4/8 n Glao Lake lb n 150-3500 Hotspring le n Seijusa la n 300 Balamau 2a n 2500-3600 Hotspring 3 n Talley Valley 1 1 n 300-2500 Khellong la n Itanagar Zoo la c Pange 11 n Mayodia 1 1 n 1700-2500 Taksing-Redding 1 1 n Suchung lb/lc n Malinye 1 1 n Mayodia 1 1 n 200 Tezu 4/2p c Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 81 Mountain Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis Pied Falconet Microhierax melanoleucos Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Amur Falcon Falco amurensis Merlin Falco columbarius Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo Oriental Hobby Falco severus Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Oriental Darter A nhinga melanogaster Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax tiiger Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Little Egret Egretta garzetia Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Great Egret Casmerodius albus Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii Striated Heron Butorides striatus Black-crowded Night-Heron Nycticorax nyciicorax Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Black-headed Ibis Threskiomis melanocephalus Black Stork Ciconia nigra Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Silver-breasted Broadbill Serilophus lunatus Long-tailed Broadbill Psansotnus dalhousiae 120-1300 Seijusa la n Sessa 11 n 150-350 Seijusa 2a n Itanagar 2a n Naharlagun 4 n Deban la/2a c 200 Naharlagun 4 n 120 D’Ering 4 n 150-300 Naharlagun 2p/4 a 100 D’Ering 6 n 1200 Wallong lc n 200 Naharlagun 4 n 120 D’Ering 6 c 120 D’Ering 6 a 120 D’Ering 6 n 120-150 Namora 6 c D’Ering 6 a 120 D’Ering 6 c 120-1500 Tipi 6 c Seijusa 6 c Nacho-Orak 6 c D’Ering 6 a Anini 6 n Tezu 6 c Wallong 6 n Deban 6 n Etalin 6 n 120-200 Seijusa 6 c Namora 6 n D’Ering 5/6 c Namsai 5 n Chopai 6 n Naharlagun 6 n 120-200 D’Ering 6 c Tezu 6 n Kirsinghsa 6 n 120-150 Namsai 5 n D’Ering 6 r 120-150 Namsai 5 n D’Ering 6 r 120-200 U 4/5 c 120-200 U 5/6 c 100-200 Tipi 6 n Khari 6 n Namora 6 n Tezu 6 c Chopai 6 n D’Ering 6 n 200 Tezu 6 r 150 Kirsinghsa 7 n 120 Khari 1 1 n 120-140 D’Ering 6 n Khari 11 n 150 Namsai 11 n 120 D’Ering 5/6/7 n 120-150 D’Ering 7 n 200-700 Seijusa la n Itanagar la n Deban-Hornbill la c 200-1800 Khellong la/2a n Chakoo road lb/2b n Tipi-Sessa road 2a n Itanagar 2a n Naharlagun 2a n Jengging 2a c Pasighat 2a n Wakro 2a n Hornbill la n 82 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronoius Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Gold-billed Magpie Urocissa flavirosiris Green Magpie Cissa chinensis Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae Collared Treepie Dendrocitta frontalis Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus House Crow Corvus splendens Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus 120-1000 Rowta 2a n foothills 2a c Tipi la/2a c Seijusa 2p c Khari la c Itanagar la/2a c Jairampur 2a n Deban-Hornbill la c 350-700 Deban-Ranijheel track la c 150-400 U la/2a/2p c 150-1800 U la/lb/2a/2b c 150-3400 Khellong 4/8 n Tipi 5 n Seijusa 2f n Chessa 8 n Naharlagun 4 n Ramsing 2a n Wallong 8 n Hotspring 2e/4/8 n Miao 8 n 120-1800 Sangti 8 n New Khellong 4/8 c D’Ering 4/5/7 n Miao 8 n Hapoli 8 n 120-3000 U 4/5/7/8 c 2000-2550 Anini le n Helmet Top Id n Mayodia le n 1250-2700 Chakoo Id c Talley valley If c Taksing 3/8 c Mayodia 1 d/8 c Basad Id n Hunli 2b/8 n 150-1900 Khellong la/2a c Tipi 2a n Khari la r Itanagar la/2a r Naharlagun 2a r Glemu lb n Ramsing la n Tezu 2a r Glao Lake 2b n Miao-Hornbill la/2a n Yachuli 8 n Etalin 2a n Pange Id n 120 U 2a/2p/2s/7 c 120-1800 U la c 200-800 Khellong la n Deban la c Roing 2a n 1800-3100 Sela-Jang road 2e n Thingbu 2e c Chakoo Id n Majha-Taksing Id c Dambuin lb/2b c Hotspring le n Malinye lc n 3300-3700 Thingbu 4 c Churna 9 c 3300-3700 Thingbu 4 c Churna 9 c 120-200 U 4 r 100-3800 U All but 6 c 120-300 U 2a/2p/4/7/8 c 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 83 Slender-billed Oriole Onolus tetiuirostris Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthomus Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus Solaris Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hotteniotius Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus 200 Dimbey 2s n 120-300 U 2a/2p c 150-3100 Jang-Thingbu-Mago le/2d r Sesni lb c Khari la c Seijusa 2a/2p n Pange lb c Pasighat 2a n Tezu la/2a c Deomali la n Roing 2a n Deban-Hornbill la n Miao 2a n 150-600 Upper Dikroi 8 n Namora 2a n Chessa 2p n Ramsing 2a n Namsai 2p c Deban-Hornbill la n 150-700 Deomali la/2a c Khari la n Miao-Hornbill la c 120-2500 Sesni lb n Khari la/2a c Glenshang lb c Ramsing la c Anini lb/2b n Glao Lake lb n Simbe le n Talley Valley If n Pange lb/ld/2p n Etalin-Malinye la n 150-2600 Jang 2p c Thingbu If n Talley valley le n Seijusa la/2b n 150-500 Deomali la n Khari la n Deban-Hornbill la n 120-600 U la/2a c 400-1700 Migging la n Ramsing la r Pange lb n Hornbill la n Roing 2p n 150-2900 U 1/2/3/8 c 150-2700 U 1 a/ 1 b/ 1 d/2a/2b/2d/5/8 c Bomdilla 2d n Chakoo road lb c Khari road la/2a c Talley valley le/5 c Limeking-Choyo-Dujbun lb/ld/2b/2d c Glao Lake lb c Etalin-Malinye la/lb n 100-300 U 2a/4/5/7/8 c 150-3000 U la/lb/ld/2a/2b/2d c 120-1500 Foothills la n Sessa road 2a n Khari la c Upper Dikroi la/2a c Itanagar la/2a c Taksing-Majha lb/ld n Tezu la/2a c Roing 2b n Deban la/2a n 100-1900 U la/lb c 100-1100 U la/lb/2a/2p c 120-600 U la/2a c 84 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi Common Iora Aegiihina tiphia Large Woodshrike Tephrodomis gularis Common Woodshrike Tephrodomis pondtcerianus White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii Blue-capped Rock-Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush Momicola rufivemris Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius Blue Whistling-Thrush Myiophonus caeruleus Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina Plain-backed T hrush Zoothera mollissima Long-tailed Thrush Zoothera dixoni Scaly Thrush Zoothera daurna Long-billed Thrush Zoothera monticola Black-breasted Thrush Turdus dissimilis White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus 120-200 foothills 2a n Tipi 2a n Seijusa 2p n Pakhui WLS la/2a r Chessa la n 150-600 Pakhui WLS la/2a/8 n Itanagar la/2a/8 r Ramsing la/2a n 120-200 Rowta 2a n foothills 2a c Tipi 2p c Seijusa 2p c Khari la/2a c D’Ering 7 c 150-600 Doimara 2a n Khari la n Hornbill la c Roing 2p n 150-350 Rowta 2a n Tipi 2a n Itanagar la c 500-3500 Majha 6 c Pango 6 n Hotspring 6 c Suchung 6 n 200-2900 Jang-Thingbu-Mago 6 n Tipi 6 c Nacho-Majha track 6 c Mipi 6 n Tezu 6 c Glao Lake track 6 n Kibitho 6 n Roing 6 n Etalin-Malinye 6 n 1800 Dirang 2p n 800-2500 Thingbu track Id n Bomdilla 2d n Chakoo Id c Talley valley le n Glao Lake 2b n Hunli-Etalin la n Etalin-Malinye la n 150-1000 Tipi 6 c Khari 6 n Tezu 6 c Hayliang 8 n Roing 6 n 150-3800 U 1/2/6/8 c 1 20-600 Ramsing la n Seijusa 2p n 300-1800 Sessa 2b/8 n Wakro 2a n Suchung 2b/2c c 1900 Pange lb/ Id r 300-2700 Anini lb n Wakro 2a n Suchung 2b/2c c Mayodia Id n Deban-Hornbill la n 1700-2700 Eagle’s Nest 2e/8 c Dujbun lb r 1100 Glao Lake 2b r 2200-3450 Broksar 8 n Mago If n Mayodia 2d n Basad lb n 120-2450 Jang 2d/8 n Choyo-Majha track Id n Seijusa 2p n 300-2700 Mayodia 2d n Wakro 2a n 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 85 Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva White-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula monileger Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula ivestermanni Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina Large Niltava Niltava grandis Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae 120 Anchal Ghat 4 c 3150 Hotspring le n 2400-2600 Eagle’s Nest 8 n Pange-T alley valley 1 d/ 1 e c 600-2700 Broksar 2e n Bomdilla 2d n Chakoo ld/2d c Sessa 2b n Talley valley le/2e c Ramsing 2a n 150-2500 Jang-Thingbu ld/2d n Sessa lb/2b n Pange lb c Seijusa la n 150-3500 Jang-Thingbu Id n Jang-Mago ld/le/2d/2e/3/8 c Chakoo road 2b/8 n Sessa lb n Khari 2a/8 r Redding-T aksing 3/8 r Anini 2b n Hotspring 2e/3/8 c Pange-Talley Valleylb/ld/lf/8 c Etalin-Malinye lb/1 c/8 c Hornbill la n 150-3300 Khellong 2a/8 c Tipi 2a/8 c Chessa 8 c Itanagar 2a c Wallong 8 c Seijusa 2a/2b c Hotspring 3 n 1200 Sessa lb n 400-2500 Chakoo Id n Simbe le n Pange Id n Deban-Hornbill la n 150-1850 Khari 2a n Upper Dikroi 2a n Ramsing 2a n Yachuli 2c c Pange 2p n 1100 Glao Lake 2b r 3500 Hotspring 3/8 c 120-2900 Jang-Thingbu ld/2d c Bomdilla 2d c Chakoo road lb/2b c Sessa lb/2b n Pange 2b c Tezu la/2a c Milinja 2e n Suchung lb/lc/2b c Seijusa-Khari la n 200-2400 Chakoo road lb n Khari road la r Talley valley le n Nigguing 2a n Hornbill la n Mehao lake track la n 100-1600 Khari la n Ramsing la/2a r Pasighat la n Tezu 1 a/2a/8 c Glao Lake lb n Wallong lb n Suchung lb n Roing 2a n Hunli-Etalin 2a n Miao-Hornbill la/2a c Yachuli 8 n 86 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara Vivid Niltava Niltava vivida Pale Blue-Flycatcher Cyomis unicolor Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyomis rubeculoides Hill Blue-Flycatcher Cyomis banyumas Tickell’s Blue-Flycatcher Cyomis tickelliae Pygmy Blue-Flycatcher Muscicapella hodgsoni Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis White-tailed Rubythroat Luscinia pectoralis Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Orange-flanked Bush-Robin Tarsiger cyanurus Golden Bush-Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus White-browed Bush-Robin Tarsiger indicus Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin Tarsiger hyperythrus Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Hodgson’s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus 400-2700 Broksar-Jang ld/2d n Chakoo road lb n Glao Lake la n Milinja Id n Roing 2p n Etalin-Malinye la n 2000-2400 Thingbu track le n Milinja le n 500 Motijheel track la n 1200 Yachuli 2p n 1900 Pange lb n 200 Naharlagun 2a n 600 Hombill la n 1900 Pange lb/ld n 1300 Talley Valley track Id n 150-2600 Jang-Thingbu ld/2d c Tenga-Bomdilla road 8 n Khari road la c Talley valley le c Anini lb c Glao Lake lb c Deban la/2a c Kibitho lc/2c c Roing 2p n 150 Kirsinghsa 7 r 120-1200 D’Ering 7/8 n Wallong 8 n 150-3600 Mago 3 c Khari road la/8 c Redding-Taksing 8 n Mayodia 8 c Glao Lake track 2a/8 n Suchung lb/lc/8 n Pange-Talley Valley lb/ld/8 c Malinye lb/ld/8 n Hornbill la n 1850-2500 Helmet Top 8 n Pange 8 n 2600-2700 Mayodia Id n 120-2200 Khari road la/8 c Redding-Taksing 8 n Basad 8 n Wakro 8 n 120-400 U 2a/2p/4/7/8 c 150-350 Khari road la/2a r Itanagar 2a n Chessa 2a/2p c 150-1700 Tipi 8 n Chessa 8 n Malinye 4 n 150-2200 Sangti 8 n Khari road 8 n Redding-Taksing 8 n Alinye 8 n Malinye 4 n 120-1650 Chakoo road 8 n Tipi 4 n Naharlagun 4 c Pasighat 2a c Tezu 2a/4 c Wakro 2a n Glao Lake 2b n Seijusa 8 n Mehao lake lb/6 n 200 Tipi 2a n White-winged Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogaster 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 87 White-capped Water-Redstart Chaimarromis leucocephalus 150-3600 Plumbeous Water- Redstart Rhyacomis fuliginosus 120-2700 White-tailed Robin Cinclidium leucurum Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schisiaceus Thingbu-Mago track 3/6 Tenga-Bomdilla road 8 Chakoo road 8 Nigguing 8 Mayodia 8 Pange 8 Malinye 4 U 6 U 6 Nacho-Choyo-Taksing 6 300-1200 Motijheel track la Ranijheel 1 a Sessa ib 400-3500 Thingbu track 6 Orak-Taksing track 6 Dambuin 6 Suchung 6 Hotspring 6 Roing 6 Khari 6 Hunli-Etalin 6 150-700 Khari 6 White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus Purple Cochoa Cochoa purpurea Green Cochoa Cochoa viridis Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea Spot-winged Starling Saroglossa spiloptera Chestnut-tailed Starling Stumus malabaricus Brahminy Starling Stumus pagodarum Asian Pied Starling Stumus contra Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus Great Myna Acridotheres grandis Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Upper Dikroi 6 c Chessa 6 n Daporijo-Nacho road 6 n Tezu 6 c Naharlagun 6 n 150-1500 Khari road 6 c Upper Dikroi 6 c Pasighat-Jenging road 6 c Anini 6 c Glao Lake track 6 c Vijaynagar road 6 c Etalin-Hunli 6 n Roing 6 n 150-800 Khari 6 n Roing 6 n Hunli-Etalin 6 n Hornbill la n Motijheel 5 n 300-2100 Glemu-Choyo track 6 c Anini 6 n Glao Lake track 6 n Vijaynagar road 6 c Hunli-Etalin 6 n Etalin-Malinye 6 n 1850 near Pange lb/ld n 300 Ganga Lake 2a n 120-3300 U 4/5/7/8 c 120-2500 U 4/5/7/8 c Tenga-Bomdilla road 8 c 250 Naharlagun 2p n 100-350 U 1 a/2a/2p/2s/4/7 c 150 foothills 2p n 100-400 U 5 c 120-1200 U la/4/5/7/8 c U 2a/2p/2s/5 c 200 Naharlagun 4/5 n 120-550 Foothills 2a/2p c Seijusa la/2a c Khari la c Basar Nala 2a c Itanagar 2a c Wakro 2a n Miao-Hornbill la/2a c Mehao lake track la/2a c 88 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Chestnut-vented Nuthatch Sitta nagaensis Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta castanea White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis Beautiful Nuthatch Sitta formosa Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria Eurasian Tree-creeper Certhia familaris Bar-tailed T reecreeper Certhia himalayana Rusty-flanked Treecreeper Certhia nipalensis Brown-throated Tree-creeper Certhia discolor Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Fire-capped Tit Cephalopyrus flammiceps Rufous- vented Tit Pams rubidiventris Coal Tit Parus ater Grey-crested Tit Pams dichrous Great Tit Pams major Green-backed Tit Pams monticolus Yellow-cheeked Tit Pams spilonotus Yellow-browed Tit Sylvipams modestus 1400-3200 Milinja lc n Hotspring le n Kibitho lc n 150-1600 U la/lb/2a/2b c 1500-3500 Chakoo Id c Talley valley le c Orak-Glenshang track lb r Anini lb/2b n Hotspring lf/2f n 450 Deban la r 1200-1300 Sesni lb n 1250 Etalin-Malinye lb n 700 Hornbill la n Sessa lb n 500-2400 Nacho-Nabha track 10 n Glenshang-Dujbun 10 n Anini 10 n Kibitho 10 n Hunli-Etalin 10 n Mayodia 10 n 2400-3400 Mago le n Talley valley If c Hotspring If n 1300 Kibitho lc n 1500-2500 Anini lb/lc c Talley Valley le n 1100-2400 Orak lb n Glenshang-Dujbun lb n Majha-Choyo track Id n Pange-Talley Valley lb/ld/2e n 1 100-2800 Orak-Glemu track 4 n Simbe 8 n Talley Valley 8 n 2500 Bomdilla 2d/8 n 2800-3700 Broksar-Mago-Chirila 1 d/ 1 e//2d/2e/3 c Hotspring le c 220-2700 Talley valley If c Redding-Taksing 8 a 3000-3800 Thingbu-Mago-Chirila 1 e/1 £73 n Hotspring If c 150-1500 Pasighat 2p c D’Ering 7 c Roing 2p c Dambuin 2c n Tezu 2p c Kibitho 2c n 900-3300 Jang-Mago track ld/le/2d/2e/8 c Tenga-Bomdilla road 8 n Bomdilla 2d c Chakoo road lb c Talley valley le c Nacho-Glemu la/ lb/ Id/ -Taksing 2a/2b/2d/8 c Alinye lb/lc c Hotspring track lc/le/2e/8 c Suchung lb/lc/2b/2c c Etalin-Malinye lb/lc/2b c Yachuli 2c n 900-2400 Chakoo road ld/2d/8 c Talley valley le c Nacho-Glemu-Dujbunla/lb/2a/2b c Dambuin 2b/2c/8 c Glao Lake lb c Etalin-Malinye la/ lb n 900-3100 Mago-Thingbu le r Nacho-Majha-Dujbun 1 a/ 1 b c Biyonali lb r Helmet Top If r Mayodia Id n Pange-Talley Valley lb/ Id/ le c 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 89 Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea Black-throated Tit Aegnhalos concinnus Black-browed Tit Aegithalos iouschistos Sand Martin Riparia riparia Plain Martin Riparia paludicola Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Asian House-Martin Delichon dasypus Nepal House-Martin Delichon nipalensis Crested Finchbill Spizixos canifrons Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicierus Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala Mountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandii Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Striated Prinia Prinia criniger Hill Prinia Prinia atrogularis 150-1600 Chakoo road la/lb c Khari road la c Itanagar la/2a c Pange lb/2b c Orak-Glenshang track lb n Deomali la/2a c Tezu la/2a c Glao Lake track la c Deban la/2a c Roing 2p n 400-2400 Tenga-Bomdilla road 8 c Chakoo road lb/ld/2b/2d c Talley valley le c Orak-Dujbun track lb/2b/8 c Alinye 2b/2c/8 c Vijay Nagar road la/2a c Yachuli 2c n Etalin-Malinye 2b n Pange 2b/8 n Mehao lake track la n Sessa lb n 1100-2700 Talley valley 2e/8 c Dujbun-Redding track 2d/8 n Majha 2e/3 c Glao Lake lb/2b/8 c Kibitho 2c/8 c Simbe 2e/8 c 120 Upper Dikroi 6 c 120-350 Naharlagun 6 c D’Ering 6 c Deban 1 1 c 200-1200 Naharlagun 11 c 120 Seijusa 11 n Wallong 11 c 400-500 Roing 11 n Vijay Nagar road 11 n 800-3500 Towang 11 c Nacho-Majha track 11 c Hotspring 11 c Etalin-Malinye 11 c Sessa 11 c 1100 Glao Lake 2b n 1000-1200 Sesni 1 a c Roing-Mayodia lb n 120-300 Foothills 2a c Tipi 2a c Khari road la c Wakro 2a c Miao-Deban 2a n 100-1500 U 2a/2p/4/5/7 c 120-2400 Jang 8 n Khari 2a n 100-1850 U 2a/2b/4/5/7/8 a 120-500 U la/2a a 150-1200 U 1 a/ 2a c 200-2400 Tipi 2a c Talley valley le c Mipi Id n Glao Lake lb c Wallong 2b n Yachuli 2c/8 n Etalin-Malinye 2b n 150-2400 U 1 a/1 b/ 1 d/2a/2b/2d c 120 D’Ering 7 c 1100-1200 Glao Lake 7 n Wallong 7 c 500-2300 Thingbu track 8 n Sessa 7/8 n Ramsing 8 r Anini 7/8 r Hunli-Etalin 2 a/8 n 90 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Rufescent Prinia Prinia rufescens Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris Plain Prinia Prinia inomata Oriental White-eye Zosierops palpebrosus Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea Grey-bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler Cettia fortipes Aberrant Bush-Warbler Cettia flavolivacea Grey-sided Bush-Warbler Cettia brunnifrons Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus Tickell’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus affinis Ashy-throated Warbler Phyloscopus maculipennis Pale-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus Inornate Warbler Phylloscopus inomatus Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Large-billed Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronarus Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides 500 Tuting 8 n 150-600 Ramsing 4 n Namsai 2a/4/8 c Roing 2p n 250 Dimbey 7 c 150 Kirsinghsa 7 c 1 50 Kirsinghsa 7 n 150-2700 Bomdilla 2d/8 c Tipi 2p c Khari road la/2a c Jengging 2a c Roing 2a c Tezu 2a/8 c Wallong 2c/8 c Suchung 2c/8 c 150-2700 U la/lb/ld/le/2a/8 c Chakoo 1 d/8 c Talley valley I d/8 c Nacho-Choyo-Dujbun 1 b/ 1 d c Glao Lake Lake lb c Simbe I e/8 c Khari la n Hunli-Etalin la/2a n Malinye lb n 600 Glao Lake track la n 750-1000 Etalin-Malinye la/lb/2a c 400-700 Deban-Hornbill la c 150 Upper Dikroi la c 400 Motijheel la n 1200 Pange-Talley valley Id n 200 Naharlagun 8 n 1850 Pange 8 c 1200 Yachuli 8 c 1200 Sessa 8 n 2400 Talley Valley 8 n 3000 Thingbu 8 n 250 Tezu la n 450 Deban-Hornbill la n 1850 Pange lb/ Id n 150-1150 U 2a/2p/4/5/7/8 c 300 Itanagar 2p n 150-350 Itanagar 2p c Naharlagun 2a/2p c D’Ering 7 c 1100-2700 Jang-Broksar ld/2d n Thingbu track ld/le n Bomdilla 2d n Chakoo road Id c Talley valley le c Limeking-Majha 1 b/ 1 d/2b/2d c Anini 2b c Glao Lake lb c Etalin-Malinye lb n 700-3500 Mago 1 e/ 1 f/2e/2f/3 c Pange 2p c Yachuli 2c n Hornbill la n Etalin-Malinye lb/2b/8 n 120 Seijusa 2p n 650-3300 Wallong 8 c Ditchu 8 n Hayliang 2a/8 n Hotspring 2e/3/8 n 350 Motijheel track la n 500 Chakoo road la n 500-3700 Thingbu-Mago-Churna 1 e/ 1 f/2e/2f/3 c Chakoo Id n Talley valley le c Hotspring If c Deban-Hornbill la n 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 91 Yellow- vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis Grey-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps Broad-billed Warbler Tickellia hodgsotii Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris Rufous-rumped Grassbird Graminicola bengalensis White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax monileger Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis 150-1700 Chakoo road lb/ 1 d n Khari road la n Simna Parvat track la n Pange lb n 600-3600 Jang-Mago track ld/le/2d/2e/3 c Bomdilla 8 n Chakoo road lb/ Id c Talley valley le c Basad ld/8 c Vijay Nagar road la c Wallong lb/lc/2b c Karoti 2c/8 n Kibitho lc/2c/8 c Simbe le c Kahao 2c/8 c 150-2000 Khari road la c Orak-Glemu-Dujbun lb/2b c Deban la c Yachuli 2c n 150-2000 Chakoo road lb c Khari road la c Pange lb c Nacho-Choyo trackl a/ 1 b/ 1 d/2a/2b/2d c Anini lb c Deban-Hornbill la n Etalin-Malinye la/lb c 1000-2400 Pange-Talley Valley lb/1 d c Mehao lake track lb n 150-2500 Jang-Thingbu track Id r Chakoo road lb/1 d c Sessa lb n Khari la c Talley valley le/8 c Limeking-Dujbun lb c Glao Lake track la c Simbe le n Suchung 1 b/1 c/8 c Etalin-Malinye la/lb c 2400 Talley Valley Id n 600-800 Etalin-Malinye track la c 400 Roing la n 300-500 Deban-Hornbill track la c 300 Motijheel track la n 1450-2500 Talley valley lb n Limeking-Majha 1 b/1 d/2b/2d c Redding-Taksing ld/2d c Alinye lb n 150 Khari la n 400 Roing la n 700 Hornbill 1 a n 1000 Mehao lake track lb n 150-300 Namsai 4/8 c Tezu 4/5/7Z8 c Wakro 4/8 c Miao 8 n 120 D’Ering 7 c 1250-2500 Jang-Broksar Id n Thingbu Id n Sessa lb n 150-1800 U la/lb/2a/2b c 150-700 Tezu la/2a c Wakro 2a n Deban 2a c Namphai 2p n Hornbill la n 200-700 Khellong la/2a c Seijusa 2a n Khari la c Tezu 2a c Deban la/2a c Hornbill la n 92 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Striated Laughingthrush Gamilax siriaius 1100-2500 Jang-Thingbu 1 d/l e c Bompu-Chakoo road 1 lb n Sessa lb c Talley valley Id c Basad Id c Glao Lake lb c Etalin-Malinye lb n Mehao lake track lb n Rufous-necked Laughingthrush Garrulax ruficollis 120-500 Boleng 4/8 c D’Ering 7/8 c Jairampur 2p c Tezu 2a/8 c Miao-Deban 2a n Roing 2p n Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush Gamilax nuchalis 150 Jairampur 2a n Rufous-vented Laughingthrush Garrulax gularis 400 Hornbill la n Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush Garrulax mfogularis 650 Hayliang 2a n Spotted Laughingthrush Garrulax ocellatus 2700-3200 Thingbu 3 c Eagle’s Nest 8 n Grey-sided Laughingthrush Gamilax caerulatus 600-2100 Khellong 1 a/8 n Choyo Id n Alinye 8 n Mehao lake lb n Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus 2400-2600 Jang 8 n Bomdilla 8 c Blue-winged Laughingthrush Gamilax squamatus 500-2000 New Khellong la n Dambuin lb/2b n Hunli-Etalin 2a n Etalin-Malinye la/ lb n Sessa lb n Elliot’s Laughingthrush Garrulax elliotii 3200 Hotspring 2e/3/8 n Black-faced Laughingthrush Garrulax affinis 1250-3450 Broksar 2e/8 n Thingbu 4/8 c Mago 3 c Sange 8 n Eagle’s Nest 2e/3 c Majha-Taksing tracklb/1 d/3/8 c Mayodia 2d/8 c Hunli 8 n Simbe 1 e/2e/8 c Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus300-3200 ' Towang 3 n Sange 3/8 n Khellong la c Pange lb c Majha-Taksing track lb/ld c Dambuin 2b/2c n Wakro 2a n Glao Lake 2b c Kibitho 2b/2c c Mayodia Id n Etalin-Malinye lb/2b n Red-winged Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea 500-1300 Khellong la n Ramsing la c Glao Lake la n Sessa lb c Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abboui 150 Upper Dikroi la c Marsh Babbler Pellomeum palustre 400 Tipi 8 n Puff-throated Babbler Pellomeum ruficeps 350-1300 Itanagar 1 a n Etalin-Malinye lb n White-browed Scimitar-Babbler Pomaiorhinus schisticeps 600 Ramsing la n Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhimis ruficollis 1200-2550 Majha 3/8 c Wallong lb/2b c Pange-Tallcy Valley ld/le n Mehao lake track lb n Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler Pomaiorhinus ochraceiceps 500-1000 Mehao lake track la n Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler Pomaiorhinus fcrruginosus 1 100-1800 Sessa lb n Majha-Taksing lb/ld n Glao Lake lb n Etalin-Malinye 2b n Pange lb n Mehao lake track lb n 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 93 Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler Xiphirhynchus superciliarisl 200-2400 Tenga-Bomdilla road Talley valley Id n Choyo Id n Glao Lake lb n Long-billed Wren-Babbler Rimator malacoptilus 1900 Pange lb/ld n 1550 Mehao lake track 1 a n Streaked Wren-Babbler Napothera brevicaudata 300 Motijheel track la n 500 Deban-Raniiheel track la n Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler Napothera epilepidota 350 Hornbill 1 a n Scaly -breasted Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer 1800-2400 Pange lb/ld c Talley valley 2e n Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla 200-400 Deban-Hornbill la n Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis caudatus 1850-2500 Pange lb c Talley valley ld/le c Bar-winged Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis troglodytoides 3000 Chakoo 3 n Spotted Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis formosus 500 Rani Jheel la n Long-tailed Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis chocolatinus 3100 Hotspring le n Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler Sphenocichla humei 1 1 00- 1700 Limeking-Orak la/ lb c Orak-Glenshang lb c Mehao lake lb n Buff-chested Babbler Stachyris ambigua 120-300 Tipi 2a n Simna-Parvat 1 a n Seijusa la c Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps 1500-2500 Sesni lb c Chakoo ld/8 c Talley valley le/8 c Majha-Taksing lb/ld c Suchung lb/8 c Mayodia Id n Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea 500-2200 Sesni lb c Talley valley Id c Nabha-Taksing la/lb/ld c Ramsing la/2a/8 c Anini lb c Glao Lake lb c Deban la c Roing-Mayodia lb n Hunli-Etalin 2a n Etalin-Malinye la/lb c Sessa lb n Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps 150-2000 Khari la c Itanagar la/2a c Orak-Majha lb n Pasighat 2a n Anini lb n Etalin-Malinye la/lb c Sessa lb n Vijay Nagar road la n Mehao lake track la/lb c Snowy-throated Babbler Stachyris oglei 450 Deban-Hornbill track la n Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis 150-300 Khari la c Itanagar la c Deomali la c Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata 120-150 D’Ering 2a/7 n Dimbey 7 n Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei 120-150 D’Ering 7 c Tezu 7 n Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris 200-1400 Sesni la/2a n Sessa la/2a n Khari la/2a c Seijusa 2a c Nacho-Orak track 1 a/lb/8 c Ramsing la/2a c Tezu 2 a/8 c Glao Lake track la/2a c Deban 2a c Miao 2a n Roing 2a n Yachuli 8 n Etalin 2a n 94 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Red-billed Leiothrix Leioihrix lutea Cutia Cutia nipalensis Black-headed Shrike-Babbler Ptenithius rufiventer White-browed Shrike-Babbler Ptenithius flaviscapis Green Shrike-Babbler Ptenithius xanthochlonis Black-eared Shrike-Babbler Ptenithius melanotis White-hooded Babbler Gampsorhynchus rufulus Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni Streak-throated Barwing Actinodura waldeni Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera Chestnut-tailed Minla Minla singula 900-2700 Jang 8 n Bomdilla 8 c Khellong la/2a c Pange 2b/8 c Majha-Taksing tracklb/ld/8 c Anini 2b/8 c Milinja 8 c Suchung 8 c Mayodia 8 n 800-2200 New Khellong la n Bompu lb n Nigguing 2a n Anini lb n Malinye-Etalin lb n Sessa lb n Pange lb n 1100-2200 Limeking-Majha lb r Glao Lake lb n Etalin-Malinye lb n 350-2400 Broksar Id n Sesni lb n Anini lb c Glao Lake track la n Suchung lb n Pange lb/ Id n Deban-Hornbill la n Etalin-Malinye lb n Vijay Nagar road la n 2400-2550 Majha 3 c Talley Valley Id c 600-2000 Nabha-Majha-Dubjunla/lb/ld c Anini lb n Glao Lake la n Suchung lb n Pange lb n Etalin-Malinye la/lb c 200-800 Khellong la n Itanagar la c Tezu la c Deban la n Mehao lake track la/2a n 600-2100 Bompu lb n Dujbun lb/2b n Pango la n Glao Lake track la n Etalin-Malinye lb n Pange lb/ Id n Deban-Hornbill la n Mehao lake lb n 2000-2550 Pange lb c Majha le/3 c 250-1800 Khellong la r Upper Dikroi la c Miao-Deban la n Yachuli 2c/8 c Mehao lake track la n Pange lb c 1850-2550 Chakoo Id c Talley valley ld/2d c Redding-T aksing ld/2e/8 c Alinye Id c Suchung lb c Pange lb/ Id n Milinja-Hotspring le n 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 95 Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta Golden-breasted Fulvetta Alcippe chrysoiis Yellow-throated Fulvetta Alcippe cinerea Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps White-browed Fulvetta Alcippe vinipectus Ludlow’s Fulvetta Alcippe ludlowi Rufous-throated Fulvetta Alcippe rufogularis Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis Rufous-backed Sibia Heterophasia annectans Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata Beautiful Sibia Heterophasia pulchella 300-3200 Thingbu-Jang trackld/ld/2d/2e/3 c Khellong la c Upper Dikroi la c Pange lb c Talley valley Id c Nacho-Taksing trackla/lb/ld c Angrim valley 2b c Suchung lb c Yachuli 2c/8 n Hornbill la c 1800-3000 Broksar Id n Thingbu-Mago le n Chakoo Id c Bompu lb n Talley valley Id c Choyo Id c 850-2500 Sesni lb n Sessa lb c Talley valley le c Limeking-Majha-Taksing 1 b / 1 d/2b/2d /2e/8 c Etalin-Malinye lb c 700-2500 Broksar Id c Bomdilla 2d n Bompu lb n Choyo Id n Nigguing la n Dambuin lb c Mipi lb n Glao Lake lb c Pange-T alley Valley 1 b/ 1 d/ 1 e c Hornbill la n Etalin-Malinye la/lb c Sessa lb n 1800-3600 Simbe le c Hotspring If c Suchung lb c 2100-2700 Thingbu track 2e n Chakoo 2d c Talley valley 3 c Majha-Taksing 2d/2e/3/8 c Mayodia 2d c 150-700 Simna Parvat track la n Pasighat la n Deban-Hornbill la c 150-2000 U la/lb c 500-700 Glao Lake track la n Hornbill la c Mehao lake track la/2a n 2300-2800 Jang-Thingbu ld/2d c Thingbu le n 700-2700 Bomdilla 2d c Eagle’s Nest 1 e/3/8 c Talley valley le/2e c Nabha-Majha-T aksing 1 b/1 d/2b/2d/2e/3 c Dambuin 2c/8 c Glao Lake lb/2b c Milinja lc/ld c Suchung lb/2b/8 c Mayodia le n Yachuli 2c/8 n Etalin-Malinye lb/lc/ld c Hornbill la n Sessa lb n 96 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Long-tailed Sibia Heierophasia picaoides Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis Rufous- vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta White-bellied Yuhina Yuhina zantholeuca 100-1200 Sesni lb/2b c Sessa lb/2b c Tipi 2a c Ramsing la c Pasighat la n Glao Lake track lb/2b c Deban la c Miao-Hornbill la/2a c Mehao lake track lb n 400-1600 Biyonali lb n Glao Lake track la c Hornbill la c Roing 2p n 600-1900 Sesni lb c Nabha 2b c Glemu-Reddinglb/ld/2b/2d c Ramsing la c Mipi lb/2b c Glao Lake lb a Suchung lb c Hunli-Etalin 2a n Etalin-Malinye lb/2a/2b n Sessa lb n 150-2500 Jang-Thingbu track Id c Khari la c Limeking 2b c Glemu-Taksinglb/ld/2b/2d/8 c Pasighat la/2a c Alinye lb/2b c Glao Lake track la c Milinja lc/ld c Suchung lb/lc c Roing-Mayodia 1 b n Pange lb/ Id n 2400-3200 Thingbu 2f73 n Bomdilla 2d c Chakoo Id c Talley valley le c Taksing 8 r Hotspring le c Mayodia Id n 2400-3400 Broksar Id c Mago 2f/3 c Eagle’s Nest le c Talley valley le c Taksing 2f78 c Mayodia Id c 600-2200 Chakoo road lb c Nabha 2b n Ramsing la c Wakro la c Vijaynagar road la c Suchung lb/lc c Etalin-Malinye 2b/8 c Pange-Talley Valley lb/ld n Sessa lb n 200-2400 Chakoo road lb r Tipi la n Simna Parvat track la n Talley valley le r Pango la n Dambuin lb/lc n Deban-Hombill la c Yachuli 2c/8 n Etalin-Malinye lb n 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 97 Fire-tailed Myzornis Myzomis pyrrhoura 2200-3400 Thingbu 3 Kundav 8 Brown Parrotbill Paradoxomis unicolor 2400-3000 Mago track le Mayodia ld/2d Grey-headed Parrotbill Paradoxomis gularis Talley valley 8 300-1300 Glao Lake track lb Deban la Sessa lb Spot-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxomis guttaticollis Hornbill la 2000 Wallong 2b Black-throated Parrotbill Paradoxomis nipalensis 2000-2700 Jang-Thingbu ld/3 Broksar le Chakoo Id Pange lb Taksing-Majha lb/ld Anini 2b Mayodia Id Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxomis atrosuperciliaris 600-1450 Sesm lb Limeking 8 Mehao lake track 2a Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxomis ruficeps 200-1750 Khellong la Anini 2b Deban la Etalin-Malinye la/lb Mehao lake track 2a Rufous-winged Lark Mirafra assamica 150 Khari 8 200 Naharlagun 4 Indian Short-toed Lark Calandrella rayial 100 D’Ering 4 Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula 100-200 D’Ering 4 Naharlagun 6 Seijusa 4 Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile 200 Naharlagun 2p Yellow- vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum 200 Chessa la/2a 150 Seijusa la Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor 200-400 Naharlagun 2p 150 Seijusa la Tipi 2a Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum iguipectus 850-2400 Talley valley If Limeking lb/2b Anini 2b Etalin-Malinye 2b Mehao lake lb Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum 150-200 Bandardeva 2p Khari 1 a Naharlagun 2a Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthreptes singalensis 120-300 Chessa la Deomali la Seijusa 2p Itanagar 2p Mrs Gould’s Sunbird Aelhopyga gouldiae 2000-3100 Jang-Thingbu track ld/le/2d/2e Tenga-Bomdilla road 8 Chakoo road 8 Talley valley 8 Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis 150-3200 Jang-Thingbu track ld/le/2d/2e/8 Bomdilla 2 d/8 Chakoo road 8 Tipi 2a/8 Khari road 2a/8 Talley valley 2e/8 Majha-Dujbun track 8 Mayodia 8 Glao Lake track 2 a/8 n n n n n n n n c n n n c c c n c c c n c n c n n n c c c n n r n n n n n r r r c n n n n n n n n c c c c c n c n c c c n c 98 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturate Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostris Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna House Sparrow Passer domesticus Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus White Wagtail Motacilla alba White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni 150-1700 Chakoo road 8 n Khari road 2a/8 r Nacho-Glenshang track2a/2b/8 c Roing 2a/8 n Tezu 8 c Glao Lake 8 n Etalin la n Pange lb n Hornbill la n Sessa lb n 150-400 Namora 8 n Doimukh 2p n Naharlagun 2a n Tipi 2a n 1200-2500 Thingbu track 8 n Glao Lake 8 n 150-200 Khari la r Naharlagun 2p n 120-1500 U la/lb/2a/2b c 120-300 Chessa 4 c Seijusa 4 c Itanagar 4 r Naharlagun 4 r 1500-2900 Jang 4 c Sange 4 n Tenga-Bomdilla road 8 c Pange 2p/4 c Hapoli 4 n 150-2500 U 2p/4/8 c Sangti 4 c Hapoli 4 c Limeking 4 r 100-3600 U 4/5/6 c Churna 6 n Sangti 5/6 n Naharlagun 4/5/6 c D’Ering 4/5/6 c Tezu 4/5/6 c Hotspring 4/6 n Roing 6 n 200 Tezu 5/6 r 100-200 Naharlagun 5/6 n D’Ering 4/5 r 120-1200 Pasighat 4/5 c D’Ering 4/5 n Hayliang 4/5 c Wallong 4/5 c 120-2500 U 4/5/6/7Z8 c Doimara 6 c Chakoo road 4/5/8 c Itanagar 4/5 c Nacho-Majha 5/6 r Jengging 4/5 c Pasighat 4/5 c D’Ering 4/5/7/8 c Namsai 4/5 c Glao Lake 5 n Vijay Nagar roac 1 4/8 c 120 Seijusa 7 n 150-1500 Deomali 4 n Tezu 4 c Hapoli 5 n 150-1850 Chakoo road 4 c Naharlagun 4 n Anini 4 c Vijay Nagar road 1 4 c Wallong 4 c Pange 4/8 c 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 99 Rosy Pipit Anthus roseaius Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata Maroon-backed Accentor Prunella immaculata Bay a Weaver Ploceus philippinus White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides Black-headed Greenfinch Carduelis ambigua Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Spot-winged Rosefinch Carpodacus rodopeplus White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii Crimson-browed Finch Pinicola subhimachalus Scarlet Finch Haematospiza sipahi Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala Grey-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythaca Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas camipes Gold-naped Finch Pyrrhoplectes epauletta Crested Bunting Melophus lathami Godlewski’s Bunting Emberiza godlewskii Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola 3800 Churna 4/5 n 2400 Mayodia 4 n 1850-3800 Chirila 3 c Tenga-Bomdilla road 8 c Chakoo road 4 n Dujbun-Taksing road 4/8 c Pange 4/8 c Talley Valley 8 n 3700 Chirila If n 200 Naharlagun 4 n 150-250 Seijusa 8 c Naharlagun 4/8 c Namsai 2a/8 n 120-1500 Nahalagun 4/8 c Jengging 2a/8 n D’Ering 7 c Kibitho 8 c Roing 8 n 200-300 Tezu 5/8 c Wakro 4 n 2500-3000 Thingbu track 8 c Bomdilla 4 c 1300 Wallong 8 c 2600 Mayodia 8 c 500-3300 Hotspring 3/8 c Hunli-Etalin 8 n 2500 Mayodia 8 n 3800 Chirila 3 c 3700 Churna 3/4 c 2200 Redding 8 c 1850-2500 Chakoo 8 c Talley Valley 8 n Mayodia 8 n Pange 8 n 600-2300 Broksar-Jang ld/2d r Glao Lake track la n 2400 Talley valley If r 3700 Mago If n 2500-3500 Broksar le/2e n Chakoo road Id n Hotspring 2f/8 c Mayodia 8 n Talley Valley 8 c 2600 Mayodia Id n 2400 Talley valley le n 350-3600 Thingbu If c Mago If n 1800-3200 Thingbu 3 n Malinye lb/1 d n Mayodia 8 n Talley Valley 8 n 300-1700 Dirang 4 n Itanagar 4/8 c Pango 4 n Jengging 4/8 c Wallong 4 c 1500-2500 Redding-Taksing 4/8 c Kibitho track 2c/8 c 200-2500 Chakoo 4 c Tipi 4 n Alinye 4 c Etalin-Malinye 4 n Deban 8 n 2100 Chakoo road 10 r 100 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Locality codes: 1 Towang 2 Jang-Broksar-Thingbu-Mago-Churna-Chirila track 3 Sella pass 4 Sange 5 Balamau 6 Rowta 7 Dirang 8 Sangti 9 Bomdilla 1 0 Foothills-Doimara-Khellong-Sesni-Bompu- Chakoo-Eagle’s Nest track 1 1 Sessa 12 Tipi 1 3 Seijusa-Khari-Upper Dikroi track in Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary 14 Seijusa 15 Namora 16 Basar Nala-Simna Parvat track 17 Itanagar 18 Chessa 19 Naharlagun 20 Kirsinghsa 21 Doimukh 22 Bandardewa 23 Yachuli 24 Hapoli-Pange-Talley valley track 25 Nacho-Nabha-Limeking-Orak- Glenshang-Dujbun-Redding-Taksing track \ Glemu-Choyo-Majha track 26 Daparijo 27 Migging-Pango-Nigguing-Tuting track -Keegut track 28 Boleng 29 Pangin 30 Ramsing 31 Jengging 32 Sille 33 Pasighat 34 D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary 35 Roing 36 Mayodia 37 Etalin-Anini-Alinye-Angrim valley-Dambuin track / Mipi-Biyonali-Basad track 38 Malinye 39 Hunli 40 Namsai 41 Deomali 42 Jairampur 43 Tezu 44 Dimbey 45 Wakro-Glao Lake track 46 Hayliang 47 Deban-Vijay Nagar road 48 Wallong-Karoti-Kibitho-Ditchu-Milinja-Simbe- Hotspring track \ Suchung-Kundav-Para track 49 Miao 50 Motijheel 51 Hornbill 52 Ranijheel 53 Mehao lake U =ubiquitous Habitat classification: 1 Primary forests (i.e. undisturbed forests) la Tropical semi-evergreen and evergreen forests lb Subtropical broadleaved forests lc Pine forests Id Temperate broadleaved forests le Temperate mixed forests If Temperate conifer forests 2 Mixed secondary forests 2a Tropical semi-evergreen and evergreen forests 2b Subtropical broadleaved forests 2c Pine forests 2d Temperate broadleaved forests 2e Temperate mixed forests 2f Temperate conifer forests 2p Plantations 2s Succession woodlands 3 Rhododendron-bamboo scrub (in temperate and alpine zones) 4 Jhum/cultivation/grazing/habitation 5 Swamp/wetland/wet cultivation 6 Waterbody (includes riverbeds and nallas) 7 Grassland of riverine floodplains with scattered trees 8 Scrubland (degraded forest areas, excludes rhodendron-bamboo) 9 Alpine vegetation (excludes rhodendron-bamboo scrub) 10 Earth and rock cliffs 11 Air Abundance categories: a Seen very often and in large numbers c Seen quite often r Rarely seen n Abundance not known. 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 101 Figure 1. Map of localities mentioned in the text. 102 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 APPENDIX 2 OTHER SPECIES RECORDED FROM ARUNACHAL PRADESH Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa Tibetan Snowcock Teiraogallus tibetanus Buff-throated Partridge Tetraophasis szechenyii Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa Tibetan Partridge Perdix hodgsoniae Rufous-throated Partridge A rborophila rufogularis Mountain Bamboo-Partridge Bambustcola fytchii ’Blyth’s Tragopan Tragopan blyihii ’Sclater’s Monal Lophophorus sclateri Tibetan Eared-Pheasant Crossoptilon harmani Lesser Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna javanica Bean Goose Anser fabalis Greylag Goose Anser anser Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis ’White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata ’Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Common Pochard Aythya ferina Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyernalis Himalayan Flameback Dinopium shorii Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense ?Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica ’Blyth’s Kingfisher Alcedo hercules Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting Black-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus Hodgson’s Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus fugax Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Sirkeer Malkoha Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii Slaty-headed Parakeet Psiltacula himalayana Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba House Swift Apus nipalensis Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata Oriental Bay-Owl Phodilus badius Oriental Scops-Owl Otus sutiia Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl Bubo nipalensis Brown Fish-Owl Ketupa zeylonensis Spotted Owlet Athene brama Hodgson’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus hodgsoni ’Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon Treron bicincta ’Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria 12.36 27 28 9.36 12.36 27 1.2.5.12.17.20.25 37 9.12.36 1, ?2,4,28 7 32 36 15 11 22 2,29,32,37 32 32 1 1,15 30.36 9.36 13 ?25 1 1, 12,17,20,745 17.36 17.36 ?24,?25,36 1 1.15.17.28 11.25 24 36 36 2, ?25 12.17.25.28 1 1.12.25 36 24.25.36 2 12,13 36 9.12.36 17 25.36 13.36 1,2 17.36 10,1 1,38 12.36 1994 Recent bird records from Arunachal Pradesh 103 *Wood Snipe Galltnago nemoricola 27 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 1 j Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis 26 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 29 Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus 28 Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum 2 Little Gull Larus minutus 1 5 Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes 36 Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus 29 *Pallas’s Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus 2 Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus 26,36 Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus 29 Rufous-bellied Eagle Hieraaeius kienerii 9,12,26,36 Collared Falconet Microhierax caemlescens 36 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 13,36 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis 25 Goliath Heron Ardea goliath 1 7 * White- bellied Heron Ardea insignis 12,16 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 29 Chinese Pond-Heron Ardeola bacchus 17 Blue-naped Pitta Pitta nipalensis 1 ,2,5, 1 1 , 1 2, 1 7 Blue Pitta Pitta cyanea 25,36 Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida 11,12 Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura 36 Common Raven Corvus corax 27 Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melaschistos 1,2,1 1,17,24,25 Rosy Minivet Pericrocotus roseus 24,36 Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus 1 7 Crow-billed Drongo Dicmrus annectans 17,36 Pied Thrush Zoothera wardii 9,36 Dark-sided Thrush Zoothera marginata 17,36 Tickell’s Thrush Turdus unicolor 1 1 Eurasian Blackbird Turdus memla 27 Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscums 26,36 Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni 36 Gould’s Shortwing Brachypteryx stellata 27,28 *Rusty-belued Shortwing Brachypteryx hyperythra 17,25,36 Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii 28,45 Sapphire Flycatcher Ficedula sapphira 1 , 1 7,25 Pale-chinned Flycatcher Cyomis poliogenys 25,36 Firethroat Luscinia pectardens 25 Indian Blue Robin Luscinia bmnnea 25,36 White-throated Redstart Phoenicums schisticeps 9,36 White-bellied Redstart Hodgsonius phaenicuroides 9,36 Blue-fronted Robin Cinclidium frontale 37 Grandala Grandala coelicolor 36 Jerdon’s Bushchat Saxicola jerdoni 36 Golden-crested Myna Ampeliceps coronatus 17 Wire-tailed Swallow Himndo smithii 29 Red-rumped Swallow Himndo daurica 1 2, 17,36 Goldcrest Regulus regulus 9,36 Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 29,36 Pale-footed Bush-Warbler Cettia pallidipes 2,?1 1 Chestnut-crowned Bush-Warbler Cettia major 27 Yellowish-bellied Bush-Warbler Cettia acanthizoides 28 104 PRATAP SINGH Forktail 10 Spotted Bush-Warbler Bradypterus thoracicus Brown Bush-Warbler Bradypterus luteoveturis Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon Smoky Warbler Phylloscopus fuligiventer Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher Spot-breasted Laughingthrush Garrulax merulinus Scaly Laughingthrush Garrulax subunicolor Buff-breasted Babbler Pellomeum lickelli Spot-throated Babbler Pellomeum albiventre Large Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus hypoleucos Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus erythrocnemis * Rusty-throated Wren-Babbler Spelaeomis badeigularis Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense Slender-billed Babbler Turdoides longirostris Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus Streak-throated Fulvetta Alcippe cinereiceps Rusty-capped Fulvetta Alcippe dubia Grey Sibia Heterophasia gracilis ‘Black-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxomis flavirostris Fulvous Parrotbill Paradoxomis fulvifrons Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum melanoxanthum Orange-belued Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigcnostigma Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erylhrorhynchos Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus Rufous-streaked Accentor Prunella himalayana Robin Accentor Prunella rubeculoides Tibetan Serin Serinus thibetanus Plain Mountain-Finch Leucosticte nemoricola Crimson Rosefinch Carpodacus rubescens Red-fronted Rosefinch Carpodacus puniceus Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila 1,27 28 17 17 9,36 9.36 1,17 1,2,13,28,48 2,5,12,13,17,20,24,35,45 1.2.25 12.17.20.36 36 2,34 17 36 13.36 37 12.17.20.25 3.36 9.36 28 36 9,36 36 36 17 9,36 26 36 17,28 28 9,36 36 36 37 1994 FORKTAIL 10 (1994): 105 - 1 14 105 Birds of Rajaji National Park, India S. PANDEY, JUSTUS JOSHUA, N. D. RAI, D. MOHAN, G. S. RAW AT, K. SANKAR, M. V. KATTI, D. V. S. KHATI and A. J. T. JOHNSINGH INTRODUCTION Rajaji National Park (29°51’7"N to 30°15’5"N and 77°57’7"E to 78°23’36" E) is situated in the Shiwalik hills and outer Himalaya of Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is 820.2 km- in area and it spreads over the civil districts of Dehra Dun, Haridwar and Garhwal (Fig. 1). The tract is mainly hilly, traversed by a number of steep ridges and valleys alternating with each other. The river Ganges bisects the park. STUDY AREA The area to the west of the Ganges belongs to the Shiwalik chain of mountains and has a prominent north-west south-east ridge running through the middle of it. The area north of this ridge slopes gently into the Dehra Dun valley and is covered with dense Sal Shorea robusta forests. Champion and Seth (1968) classified it as Moist Shiwalik Sal Forest. The area south of the ridge has a jagged topography with a number of steep ridges which emerge from the main Shiwalik ridge and have narrow valleys between them, housing seasonally swift rivers locally called ‘Rau’ (dried river bed) . The ridges are grassy with scattered tree growth. A strip of forest on flat ground forms the southern boundary of the park. The forest on the south of the main ridge can be termed as Dry Shiwalik Sal Forest according to Champion and Seth (1968). Anogeissus latifolia is abundant on slopes, associated wth Sal in some places. The area east of the Ganges does not have a well defined main ridge. The northern part of this area belongs to the outer Himalaya. Numerous ridges run in various directions and there are some elevated flat areas. In general the forest varies from moist to dry and from mixed to nearly pure Sal forest, depending on the aspect and slope. A substantial area of the park is comprised of river beds which remain dry for the greater part of the year. Some areas are under plantations of Ailanthes excelsa, Tectona grandis, Haplophragma etc. There is a barrage on the River Ganges near Haridwar city. The backwaters of the reservoir, as well as a small stretch of the river Ganges, lie in the national park. These water bodies attract a lot of resident and migratory waterbirds. Rajaji has a typical continental climate, characterized by a distinct summer (March-June) and winter (October-February). The temperature 106 S. PANDEY et al. Forktail 10 Figure 1. Rajaji National Park, India varies from -1°C in winter to 44°C in summer. The average annual rainfall is around 2,000 mm, with most of it occurring during the south-west monsoon from July to September. 1994 Birds of Rajaji National Park, India 107 METHODS Research on the contemporary status of the avifauna of Rajaji is lacking. In the first half of this century a comprehensive bird list for the Dehra Dun valley was prepared by Osmaston (1935). Dr Salim Ali and Dillon Ripley have made observations on the avifauna in Doon valley (Ali and Ripley 1983). The present bird records span a period of seven years (1986-1992). S.P. initiated the bird observations with A.J.T.J. in August-September 1986. Rai (1991) worked on bird species diversity in Rajaji N.P. as a part of his M.Sc. dissertation. J.J. has carried out observations in the National Park since 1989, covering all seasons and most of the areas. Other members have been contributing their observations from birding trips to Rajaji, which is only 20 km from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun. RESULTS A total of 312 bird species has been recorded. Of these, 144 are residents, 89 are migrants, 53 are altitudinal migrants, 8 are local migrants and the status of the remaining 18 is unknown. Some species of birds are at the western edge of their distribution in Rajaji: Great Hornbill Buceros bicomis and Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons. The Green Magpie Cissa chinensis has been reported from forest adjoining the Rajaji National Park, an area which links it with Corbett National Park. The number of sightings for 20 birds are very high, 1 1 2 birds were seen quite regularly and 1 80 birds were seen intermittently. Four main parameters, i.e. habitat types, frequency of observation, migration status and season of observation were recorded at the time of making observations on birds in the field. The bird list appended has details of all these aspects. REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1983) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Compact Edition. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. Champion, H. G. and Seth, S. K. (1968) A revised survey of the forest types of India. New Delhi: Government of India. Osmaston, B. B. (1935) Birds of Dehra Dun and adjacent hills. Indian Military Acad. J. June 1935, supplement. Rai, N. D. (1991). A study of heterospecific flocking and nonbreeding bird community structure of Rajaji National Park, Dehra Dun. M.Sc. dissertation submitted to Saurashtra University, Rajkot (Gujarat), India. Unpublished. S. Pandey, Justus Joshua , N. D. Rai, G. S. Razvat, K. Sankar, M. V. Katti and A. J. T. Johnsingh, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box No. 18, Dehra Dun-248 001, U.P., India. D. Mohan, Dy. Director, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Gopeshwar (Chamoli), U.P., India. D. V. S. Khati, Director, Rajaji National Park, Shiwalik House, 5-Ansari Road, Dehra Dun, India. 108 S. PANDEY etal. Forktail 10 APPENDIX 1 BIRDS SEEN IN RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK 1986-1992 Black Francoun Francolinus francolinus Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus Jungle Bush-Quail Perdicula asiatica Red Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea Red Junglefowl G alius gallus Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Falcated Duck Anas falcata Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Northern Pintail Anas acuta Common Teal Anas crecca Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Common Pochard Aythya ferina Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Common Merganser Mergus merganser Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei Yellow-crowned Woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus Himalayan Flameback Dinopium shorii Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus Great Barbet Megalaima virens Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala Indian Grey-Hornbill Ocyceros birostris Oriental Pied-Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris Great Hornbill Buceros bicomis Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyomis athertoni Month/ Habitat Abundance Resideni Season migrant A RG,SC 1 R A SC.RG 2 R A SA,SC,RG 1 R A SA,SC 1 R A S,HM,SA,R,RG,SC,P 3 R A S,HM,SA,R,RG,SC,P 2 R A S,HM,SA,R,RG,SC,P 3 R W A 3 M W A 1 M W A 1 M W A 2 M W/S A 2 M W A 1 M W A 2 M W A 3 M W A 1 M W A 1 M w A 1 M w A 1 M w A 2 M s S,HM 1 M A S,HM,SA,R,P 2 R A S,HM,SA,R,P 2 R W S,SA,HM,R 1 5 S S,SA,HM 1 ■> W/S S,HM,SA,R 1 R W/S S,HM,SA,R 1 R W/S S,HM,SA,R 1 R A S,HM,SA,R,P 2 R A S,HM,SA,R,PiSC 3 R A S,HM,SA,R,P 1 R A S,HM,SA,R,P 1 R W S,HM 1 AM A S,SA,HM,R,P 3 R A S,SA,HM,R 2 R W/S S,HM,R,SA 1 R A HM,S,SA,R 2 R A S,SA,HM,R,P 3 R A S,SA,HM,R,P 2 R W/S S,HM,R 1 R? A S,SA,RG,SC,D 2 R A S,SC,P,D,RG 2 R A SA,HM 1 R A A,RG 2 R A A,D,RG 1 R A A,S,SA,RG,P,SC 2 R W A 1 AM A A 2 R A S,SM,HM 1 R 1994 Birds of Rajaji National Park, India 109 Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti Pied Cuckoo Oxylophus jacobinus Common Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus varius Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropierus Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus Drongo Cuckoo Sumiculus lugubris Aslan Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Sirkeer Malkoha Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Alexandrine Parakeet Psiitacula eupatria Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Slaty-headed Parakeet Psittacula himalayana Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Little Swift Apus affinis Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata Rock Eagle-Owl Bubo bengalensis Brown Fish-Owl Ketupa zeylonensis Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum Spotted Owlet Athene brama Brown Hawk Owl Ninox scutulata Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis Rock Pigeon Columba livia Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Red Collared-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera White-breasted Waterhen Amauromis phoenicurus Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Common Coot Fulica atra Common Redshank Tringa totanus Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Nordmann’s Greenshank Tritiga guttifer Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Wood Sandpiper Tringa qlareola Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos Little Stint Calidris minuta Eurasian Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus Great Thick-knee Burhinus recurvirostris Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubitis Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Small Pratincole Glareola lactea Yellow- legged Gull Larus cachinnans Brown-headed Gull Lams bmnnicephalus Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus A S)SAJP,RG,D,SC 3 R A D,RG 3 R W/S SA,RG,R 2 R S/M S,SA,RG,SC 1 M A S,HM,SA,R 1 R S S,SA,HM,RG,SCjR,P 1 M S s,sa,hm,rg,sc,r,p 1 M M/W S,SA,HM,RG,SC,R,P 1 M S S,SA,SC 1 M S S,SA,HM 1 M A S,SA,R,P 2 R S S,HM 1 M A SA,R,RG,SC 1 R A S,SA 2 R A SjSA,HM,RG,SC,R,P 2 R W S,SA,HM,RG,SC,R,P 3 AM A S,SA,HM)RG,SC,R,P 2 R A D 2 R A D 2 R S S,SA 1 R S S,SA 1 ? A S,HM,RG 1 R A S,SA,HM,R,P 1 R A S,SA,D 2 R A SA 1 R A S,SA,RG,SC 1 R A S,SA,RG,SC,P 2 R S SC 1 ? A S,HM,SA,RG,SC 1 R A D 2 R A S,SA,HM,SC,RG,P 2 R A S,SA,SC,RG 1 R A S,SA,SC,HM,P,R>RG,D 3 R S/M S,SA,RG,SC,P 1 M A SA,RG,SC,P 2 R A S 1 R W/S S,SA,R 2 M W/S D 1 R W/S A 1 M w A 1 M w A 1 M W/S A,RG 1 M w A 1 M w S,SA,RG 1 M w A,RG 1 M w A 1 M w A 1 M S SA,RG 1 5 A R 2 R w A 1 M W/S A,RG I M w R 1 M A R,RG 2 R A R,RG 2 R S A 1 M w A 2 M w A 1 M w A 2 M no S. PANDEY el al. Forktail 10 River Tern Sterna aurantia Little Tern Sterna albifrons Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda Osprey Pandion haliaetus Oriental Honey-buzzard Pemis ptilorhyncus Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Black Kite Milvus migrant Pallas’s Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus Lesser Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus Short-toed Snake-Eagle Circaetus gallicus Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilomis cheela Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus Shikra Accipiter badius Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Little Egret Egretta garzetta Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Great Egret Casmerodius albus Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii Striated Heron Butorides striatus Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala Black Stork Ciconia nigra Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor Gold-billed Magpie Urocissa flavirosvris Blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha Green Magpie Cissa chinensis Rufous T reepie Dendrocitta vagabunda w A 1 M w A 1 M w A 1 M w A 1 M A HM,S,SA 1 R A HM,S,SA 1 R A D 2 LM A A 2 R W/S A 1 R A S,HM,SA,RG 1 R A S.HM^A.R.RG.SC.P 3 R W/S S,HM,SA,R,RG 1 AM w RG 1 AM w RG 1 AM w RG 1 AM A s.hm.sa.r.RG.sqp 1 R A S,HM 1 ? A S,HM,SA,R,RG,SC,P 2 R W A,S,SA 1 M A HM,S,SA 2 R A HM,S,SA 1 R W/S S,HM,RG,SC 1 ? S HM 1 ? W/S S,HM 1 AM s R 1 3 A R 1 R A HM,S,SA 1 R A RG 1 R S S,SA,SC,P,RG 1 AM W A 1 LM W A 1 M W A 1 M A A 1 R W A 1 M A A 2 R A A 2 R A A 2 R W A 1 M A A 2 R A A 1 R W/S SA.D.A 2 LM A A,R,RG 2 R W/S R,RG 1 R A A 2 R S A 2 M W/S A,RG 2 M W/S A 1 M s S.HM.SA.R.RG.SC 2 M A S,SA,SC,R,P 1 R W S,HM,R 1 M W/S S,SA,R,SC 1 M s S,SA,RG,SC 1 M A S,SA,RG,SC,P 2 R w S,SA 1 3 w S,HM 1 AM w S,HM 1 AM w S 1 3 A S,SA,HM,R,P 2 R 1994 Birds of Rajaji National Park, India 111 Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae w S,SA,HM,R 1 AM House Crow Corvus splendens A D 2 LM Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos A S,SA,HM,R,P,RG,SC,D 2 R Ashy Wood-swallow Artamus fuscus w/s S,SA,HM,R 1 ? Eurasian Golden-Oriole Oriolus oriolus A S.HM.SA.R.P 2 R Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthomus A S,HM,SA,R,P,SC 2 R Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii W/S S,HM,SA,P 1 AM Large Cuckoo-shrike Coracina macei A S,SA,HM,R,P 1 R Black-headed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melanoptera S S,SA,R,SC 1 M Rosy Minivet Pericrocotus roseus W S,HM,R 2 AM Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus A S,HM,SA,R,P 3 R Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus W S,SA,HM,R 1 M? Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus A S,SA,HM,R,P 2 R Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus W S,SA,SC 1 AM Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha w S,SA,HM,R,P 1 AM White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis w/s S,SA,HM,R,P,SC 2 M White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola A S,R,SA,SC 2 R Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus A P,SA,RG,SC,D 2 R Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus W S,SA,HM,R 1 M White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens A S,SA,HM,R 1 R Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentoitus A S,SA,HM,R,P 2 R Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea W S,SA,R 1 M Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi S S.SA.HM.R.P.SC 2 M Common Iora Aegithina tiphia A S,HM,SA,R,P 2 R Common Woodshrike Tephrodomis pondicerianus A SA,HM,R,SC,P 1 R Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii W A,RG 1 AM Blue-capped Rock-Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus W D,R 1 AM Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush Monticola rufiventris W HM 1 ? Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius w S,HM 1 M Blue Whistling-Thrush Myiophonus caeruleus w S,HM,R,RG 2 AM Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina s SA,R 1 M Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma w SA,RG,SC 1 M Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul w S,RG,D,P 2 M Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis w RG,SC 2 M Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica w S,SA,SC,P,D 1 AM Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica w S,HM,SA,SC,P,R 1 AM Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata w S,HM,R 1 M Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva w S,HM,SA,SC,P,R,D 2 AM Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra w S,R 1 M Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris w R,S,SA,HM,P 1 M Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor w HM,SA,SC 1 AM Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina w S,SA,HM,R,P 1 AM Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara w S,HM,R 1 M Tickell’s Blue-Flycatcher Cyomis tickelliae w/s S,SA,HM,R 1 AM Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis w S,SA,HM,R,P 2 AM White-browed Bush-Robin Tarsiger indicus w HM 1 > Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis A S,SA,HM,P,R,D,SC 2 R White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus w/s S,R 1 M Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata A D,HM,SA,RG,SC 2 R Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros w/s SC,RG 2 R Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus w HM 1 M White-capped Water-Redstart Chaimarromis leucocephalus'K A,R 2 M Plumbeous Water-Redstart Rhyacomis fuliginosus w A,R 2 AM Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura w HM,RG,SC 1 M Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata A HM,SA,RG,SC 2 R Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea W HM,SA,RG,SC 2 AM Rufous-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna w D 1 ? Brown Rockchat Cercomela fusca A HM,SA,P 1 R 112 S. PANDEY et al. Forktail 10 Chestnut-tailed Starling Stumus malabaricus A S,HM,SA,R 1 R Brahminy Starling Smmus pagodarum A S,HM,SA,RG,SC 1 R Common Starling Stumus vulgaris W R,RG 1 M Asian Pied Starling Stumus contra A S,SA,RG,SC,P 2 R Common Myna Acridotheres tristis A S,SA,RG,SC,P,R 3 R Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus A D 2 R Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus W/S S,SA,R,HM 2 LM Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta castanea A S,SA,R,HM,P,SC 2 R Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis A S,SA,R,HM,P 1 R Wall-creeper Tichodroma muraria W HM,RG 1 M Bar-tailed Tree-creeper Certhia himalayana W S,SA,HM,R,P 1 M Rusty-flanked Tree-creeper Certhia nipalensis W S,SA,HM,R 1 M Fire-capped Tit Cephalopyrus flammiceps W S,SA,HM,R 1 AM Great T it Pams major A S,SA,HM,R,SC,P 2 R Green-backed Tit Pams monticolus W S,SA,R 1 AM Sand Martin Riparia riparia A R,D,A 2 R Plain Martin Riparia paludicola S R,D,A 2 R Dusky Crag- Martin Himndo concolor A R,D,A 2 R Barn Swallow Himndo mstica A S,SA,HM5RG,A,D 1 R Wire-tailed Swallow Himndo smithii A D,R,A,RG,SC 2 R Red-rumped Swallow Himndo daurica A D,A,RG,SC 2 R Streak-throated Swallow Himndo fluvicola A D,SC 2 R Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanictems W/S S,HM 1 AM Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys A S,SA,SC,P 1 R Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer A S,SA,HM,R,SC,P 3 R Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus W S,HM,R,P,SA 2 AM Striated Prinla Prinia criniger W SC,RG 1 ? Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii A SA,HM,RG,SC,P 3 R Jungle Prinla Prinia sylvatica A SA,RG 1 R Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis A SA,RG,SC,P 2 R Plain Prinia Prinia inomata A RG 1 R Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus A S,SA,HM,SC,R,P 2 R Pale-footed Bush-Warbler Cetlia pallidipes W SA,RG,SC,D 1 AM Blyth’s Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetomm W P,SA,RG,SC,D 2 AM Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata w SA,RG,SC,D 2 AM Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius A SA,RG,SC,D,P 2 R Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita W P,SAjRG,SC,D,R 2 AM Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus W S,SA,HM,R 2 AM Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus W S,SA,HM,R 2 AM Pale-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus W S,HM,SA,R 2 AM Brooks’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus subviridis w HM,R 1 AM Yellow-browed (Inornate) Warbler Phylloscopus inomatus W S,SA,R 2 AM Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides w S,SA,HM,R,P,SC 3 AM Tytler’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus tytleri w S,HM,SA,R 2 AM Western Crowned-Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis w S,SA,HM,R 1 AM Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii w S,SA,HM,P 1 AM Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos w S,HM,SA,R 1 AM White-throated Laughingthrush Garmlax albogularis w S,HM,R 1 ? White-crested Laughingthrush Garmlax leucolophus W/S S,HM 1 M Puff-throated Babbler Pellomeum mficeps w S,R 1 LM Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus erythrogenys W SC,RG 1 R Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer w S 1 AM Black-chinned Babbler Stachyris pyrrhops A SA,SC 1 R Tawny-bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra A S,SA,SC 1 R Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense A SA,SC,P 2 R Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus A S,SA,SC,RC,P 3 R Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi A SA,SC,P,S 1 R Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus A S,HM,SA,R,SC,P 2 R Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia communis W S,RG,SA,D,P 2 AM 1994 Birds of Rajaji National Park, India 113 Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix grisea A D 1 LM Sand Lark Calandrella rayial A R,RG,SC 2 R Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvetisis S RG 1 M Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile A SA,R,S,HM 1 R Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos A P,SA,R,HM 1 R Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus W RG,SA 1 AM Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica A SA,HM,R,SC 2 R Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata W SA,HM 1 M Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja w SA.HM.SC 2 M House Sparrow Passer domesticus A D 3 R Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus W D 1 5 Chestnut-shouldered Petronia Petronia xanthocollis A S,SA,HM,P 2 R White Wagtail Motacilla alba W RG,R 2 M White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis A RG,R 3 R Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava W RG,R 1 M Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea W RG,R 1 AM Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus A RG 1 LM Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris W RG 1 M Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis W SA,HM 1 M Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis W RG 2 AM Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni W S,SA,R,SC 2 M Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus A RG 1 R Red Avadavat Amandava amandava A SA,P,SC,RG 2 R White-throated Silverbill Lonchura malabarica A SA,SC,RG 1 R Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata A SA,SC,RG 2 R Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca A SA,RG,SC 1 R Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus W RG,SC 2 M Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos w RG,D 1 AM Chestnut-breasted Bunting Emberiza steward w RG,SC 2 AM Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Season: W = Winter S = Summer M = Monsoon A = All through the year Habitat: w RG,SC 1 M A = Aquatic R = Raus (dried river bed) G = Grass S = Sal Shorea robusta forest D = Disturbed (human settlements and cultivation) and open areas HM = Hills with mixed forests P = Plantation SC = Scrubland RG = Raus and grassy banks SA = Shorea and Anogeissus mixed. Abundance Rating: 1 = Birds seen intermittently 2 = Birds seen quite regularly 3 = Birds with very high sightings Migration Status: M = Migrant R = Resident LM = Local Migrant AM = Altitudinal Migrant ? = Status not known 114 Forktail 10 1994 FORKTAIL 10 (1994): 1 15 - 130 115 Ornithological survey of Nanda Devi National Park, India R. SANKARAN The ornithological findings of a 52 day multi-disciplinary expedition, carried out from 2 May to 22 June 1993, are presented. Nanda Devi National Park is perhaps the only protected area in the Himalaya where both geographical inaccessibility and Government policy has resulted in the area being protected totally from human use since 1982. This is in contrast to former years when excessive mountaineering and trekking pressures had a negative impact on the ecosystem. This paper documents the avifauna of the area and compares changes in the abundance of certain species with data available from previous years. Total protection has apparently resulted in a significant increase in the populations of certain species of avifauna. INTRODUCTION The Himalaya is perhaps the richest biogeographic zone in India. In all, the Himalaya cover 422,200 km2 (nearly 13% of India’s land surface), and have been classified into north-western, western, central, eastern and trans- Himalaya. Of these the trans-Himalaya occupy the largest area (186,200 km2 or 44%), while the rest range from 12,000 km2 (or 3%) to 83,000 km2 (19%). Within this vast and diverse biogeographic zone exists a protected area network that consists of 58 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, covering an area of 12,539 km2 (less than 3%). The western Himalaya have 17 protected areas covering 3,885 km2 (5%) of its area. Nanda Devi National Park and Biosphere Reserve is an important protected area of this zone. Nanda Devi at 7,8 1 7 m is India’s second highest mountain. Conservation efforts in this area began in 1939 when the entire Rishi Ganga basin was declared a sanctuary. However, Nanda Devi and the 20 odd mountains within or rimming the basin were extremely popular to mountaineers and trekkers. As a consequence of the excessive human pressures, primarily from mountaineers and trekkers, this area was closed to all human activity in 1982, when the Nanda Devi National Park was created (Khacher 1983). In 1988, the area surrounding the National Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve. While the buffer zone of the Biosphere Reserve was to be an area of multiple use, the core, Nanda Devi National Park, was to continue to remain inviolate. Base line information on the flora and fauna of the Nanda Devi National Park exists from surveys done at about the time of the ban on human use (Lamba 1987, Hajra 1983). Thus Nanda Devi is a fascinating and unique 116 R. SANKARAN Forktail 10 Figure 1. Nanda Devi National Park 1994 Birds of Nanda Devi National Park, India 1 17 example of the effect of absolute protection on the flora and fauna of the Himalaya. In 1 993, the Ministry of Environment, Govt, of India, sponsored a survey by a multidisciplinary team comprised of two botanists, a mammalogist, an ornithologist, an entomologist and an environmentalist, with logistic support by the Corps of Engineers (Indian Army), to assess the effect of 12 years of absolute protection on the flora and fauna. I report the findings of the ornithological aspects of the survey. I had two objectives: a) to prepare a comprehensive list of the avifauna with specific reference to the habitats and altitudes they occurred at, and b) to assess the status of Galliformes. STUDY AREA The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (Fig. 1) is situated in the Kumaon and Garhwal region of the western Himalaya, in the civil districts of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Almora (7 9° 1 0'-80°05 ’E and 30° 1 7'-30° 1 1 ’N) . It covers an area of 2,236.74 km2, with an inner core zone, essentially the Nanda Devi National Park (624.62 km2) and an outer buffer zone of 1,612. 12 km2. The buffer zone has 15 inhabited villages with a population of less than 2,500. Thus biotic pressures are minimal in this area. Access to Nanda Devi National Park is very difficult, due to a series of high ridges with peaks such as Lata, Jhandidhar, Dunagiri, Kalanka, Rishiparvat, Nanda Devi East, Nanda Khat, Trisul etc., which also form the boundary of the core zone. Thus, not only is Nanda Devi protected by law, but geographic features act as an effective (though surmountable) obstacle to human and livestock entry. FIELD METHODS AND DATA COMPILATION This survey lasted for 52 days, from 2 May to 22 June 1993. The amount of time spent in the three main habitat types (see below) was approximately 19 days in the alpine zone (above 3,800 m), 25 days in the subalpine and alpine zone (about 3,000-4000 m) and 8 days in the temperate zone (2,200- 3000 m). In addition to this there were three field visits to the temperate forest above Joshimath. Of the three habitat types, the least field time was spent in the temperate zone. Notes were maintained on all species of birds seen, particularly of the habitats and locations in which they occurred. No attempt was made to measure densities of the avifauna because there was insufficient time to lay transects or carry out a sufficient number of repetitions. However, an abundance ranking is given for the species seen, based on confirmed 118 R.SANKARAN Forktail 10 sightings or calls heard. In the abundance ranking, a flock was considered as a single sighting. A simple classification of habitat types was made. Alpine meadows consisted of tree-less alpine grasslands, where woody species were mainly juniper Juniperus and dwarf rhododendron Rhododendron anthopogon. Subalpine forest was dominated by Himalayan Birch Betula utilis, Himalayan Silver Fir Abies spectabilis, or rhododendron R. campanulatum. Temperate forests were dominated by oak Quercus, Blue Pine Pinus wallichiana, Himalayan Yew Taxus baccata ssp. wallichiana and maple Acer. Water courses included rivers, streams and glacial lakes. Cliffs were steep (>80 steep) mountain sides usually rocky, and boulder-strewn slopes with sparse vegetation that occurred in the alpine zone and consisted of gentler slopes (20-40 slopes) predominantly covered with large boulders. Altitudes were compiled from 1: 50,000 scale Survey of India maps. Distances were measured using a pedometer whose setting had been adjusted for relatively small strides. All birds noted during the survey from Joshimath onwards have been included. The primary reason for this is that temperate oak forest that is present in the NDBR did not occur on the route that this expedition took. The only temperate oak forest that I was able to look at was that above Joshimath en route to Auli. It is presumed that bird species that occurred at Auli would occur within those areas of the NDBR which have temperate oak forest. Furthermore, it was important to compare bird assemblages in habitats which are perhaps used for wintering and lie outside NDNP. The status of Galliformes was assessed using two methods. Encounter rates (number of individuals sighted or heard per km walk) were estimated for species that were frequently seen or heard and this provided a comparative index of abundance in different localities. The paths taken are given in Map 2. The other method was to record all sightings and calls heard and present it as a total (Table 3), inclusive of repeat counts over subsequent field visits. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Distribution patterns During this survey, a total of 1 12 species was recorded, of which 83 were recorded within the NDBR and 29 were recorded around Joshimath and the oak forest at Auli (Appendix 1). There are four earlier expeditions from which bird lists are available for this area (Casebolt 1979, Reed 1979, Halberg and Petersen 1984, Tak and Kumar 1987). During this survey seven major habitat types were surveyed. Species 1994 Birds of Nanda Devi National Park, India 119 Habitat Type Total species Exclusive species Alpine meadow 32 g Subalpine forest 43 18 Upper temperate 47 24 Water courses/bodies 8 7 Cliffs 13 2 Boulder strewn slopes 6 3 Agriculture/habitation 20 8 Table 2. Distribution of bird species according to altitude Altitude Total species Species overlap 4,800-5,800 4 1 3 3,800-4,800 28 J _ 1 1 8 1 2,800-3,800 51 1 18 8 ^ 1,800-2,800 66 J J richness was highest in temperate forests with 47 species, 24 of which were seen only in this habitat (Table 1). The species richness of temperate forests is likely to be much higher as this was the least surveyed of all habitat types. Birds were apparently most abundant in this habitat type. Subalpine forest ranked the next highest in species richness with 43 species recorded, 18 of which were only seen in that habitat type. This habitat type, along with alpine meadows, were the most intensively surveyed areas. Thirty-two species were recorded in alpine meadows, of which 9 were seen exclusively in this habitat type. Of the 111 species recorded, 42 (37%), were seen exclusively in forest dominated by oak, fir, birch or rhododendron and 9 (8.7%) were exclusive to alpine meadows. Only 20 species (8 exclusively) were recorded in degraded forest and agricultural land. This could indicate that the majority of the species in the areas surveyed are specialists that require primary forest cover. I could not examine alpine meadows that are subjected to human activity and thus am unable to assess the impact of degradation/disturbance on the avifauna of that habitat type. There was a significant decline in species richness (and apparently of abundance) as elevation increased (Table 2). Only one species spanned the entire altitudinal range: the Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasi, of which I had a 120 R.SANKARAN Forktail 10 glimpse at the lake at base camp. The decline in species richness with increasing altitude is concurrent with the distributional patterns of avifauna with habitat (Table 1). Temperate forests generally occurred below 2,800 m, subalpine forests between 3,000 and 3,800 m and alpine meadows between 3,800 and 5,000 m. Notes on the observed movement patterns of birds Our survey began during very early spring and ended by early summer. This perhaps accounted for the absence of many species of birds which I had expected to see, for example buntings Emberiza. On 2 May, when the survey commenced, leafing of birch (the dominant subalpine tree) had only just begun, and it even snowed occasionally. It was obvious that the immigration into alpine and subalpine areas had only just commenced. The most abundant of the first arrivals appeared to be Phylloscopus warblers, Black- crested Tits Parus melanolophus, Yellow-bellied Fantails Rhipidura hypoxantha, Orange-flanked Bush-Robins Tarsiger cyanurus, Blue-fronted Redstarts Phoenicurus frontalis , Olive-backed Pipits Anthus hodgsoni and Rosy Pipits Anthus roseatus. Three species of corvids, Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus , Red-billed Chough P. pyrrhocorax and Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos, and one pigeon, the Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota, were commonly seen. Abundance of avifauna was low and, though territories were being established (e.g. Black-crested Tits were exceedingly vocal at Dibrugeta), this appeared to be an inconsistent activity among species generally. Many birds seemed to cover larger areas in search of food e.g. the Yellow-bellied Fantail. Some species, notably the tits (Green-backed and Black-crested) and the Orange-flanked Bush-Robin had commenced nesting, as was evidenced by individuals observed with nesting material (hair and fur of Himalayan Tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus and Himalayan Musk Deer Moschus chrysogaster) . I had expected to see a substantial change in species richness with the onset of warmer weather and the emergence of vegetation, but this did not occur. The only apparent change was a considerable increase in bird abundance, but species richness did not increase dramatically. Later arrivals (some of which occurred earlier in low numbers) included some species of rosefinch Carpodacus (e.g. Common Rosefinch C. erythrinus) and the Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes, the latter being the most conspicuous late immigrant. Some Phylloscopus warblers also appeared to immigrate into subalpine forests later, for instance the Large-billed Leaf- Warbler P. magnirostris. En route to Sarsonpatal, this species was recorded only at Deodi, in the subalpine birch/fir forest, alongside the Rishi Ganga river, on 17-19 May. During the return journey, I found this species to be common at Dibrugeta. Similarly, from 7-16 May I had only one sighting of 1994 Birds of Nanda Devi National Park, India 121 the Chestnut-crowned Bush- Warbler Cettia majorat Dibrugeta, while from 13-16 June I came across this species seven or eight times. The Chestnut- crowned Bush-Warbler was also interesting because it only occurred in a very small patch (< 10 ha.) of alpine meadow with cotton easter and rose Rosa bushes. Why was there an absence of significant change in the species richness as summer progressed? One explanation is that the subalpine forests of NDNP are cut off from forested areas of lower elevations by a ring of high mountains of over 4,500 m. The only forested inlet into the core area is in the Rishi Ganga gorge and this is not contiguous. This lack of suitable habitat through which to move could perhaps be why many species, for example laughingthrushes, do not ascend to the subalpine forests within the core area. Status of Galliformes The Himalaya have about 26 species of gallinaceous birds (Ali and Ripley 1983). During this survey four species: Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa, Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis, Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus and Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha were seen, and three more species: Chukar Alectoris chukar, Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos and Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii were reported. The sightings (Table 3) are compared with the data collected by Zoological Survey of India surveys made during 1981-1984 (Table 4). Because Lamba (1987) did not state the location of sightings, I have compared only total numbers recorded. 1 . Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa. I heard this bird twice at Dibrugeta in the rocky area above the meadow at an altitude of about 4,000 m. I presumed that a covey of 4-6 birds occurred there. One individual was sighted beyond ‘Sath Kula’, en route to Lata Kharak. I believe this species to be uncommon in NDNP, though Khacher (1978) found them to be ‘plentiful’. 2. Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis. This bird was frequently seen from Pathalkhan (4,100 m) onwards, and occurred as high as Camp 2 (5,900 m) on the Nanda Devi mountain. I found them to be very shy and those birds that were flushed at Sarsonpatal invariably flew across the river and landed on the steep rocky cliffs at the base of the Nanda Devi. They occurred at similar densities in the North Sanctuary (T able 3) . A comparison of data reveals a significant change in the population of this species between 1981/1984 and 1993 (Table 4). I attribute this change to the total lack of human-related disturbance. Some expeditions have reported the presence of Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus in NDNP (Reed 1979, Casebolt 1979), and Ali and 122 R.SANKARAN Forktail 10 Table 3 Status of Galliformes in Nanda Devi National Park Species Location Total seen/heard Encounter rate/km Snow Partridge Dibrugeta Heard twice Sath Kula 1 Himalayan Snowcock Pathalkhan 1 Sarsonpatal 28 sightings 2.8 North sanctuary >60 calls 2.1 Himalayan Monal Maltoni pass 3 - Dibrugeta 81 4.7 (On way back 16) Deodi 5 1.25 Deodi-Ramni 2 0.4 Bagni Gadera 1 0.8 Ramni-Bethartoli 2 0.4 Bethartoli 3 0.6 Dibrugeta-Dharansi 2 Latha Kharak 3 Belta Kharak 3+ Koklass Pheasant Dibrugeta 2 sightings 14 calls heard Table 4 Comparison of sightings of Galliformes in NDNP Species This study Lamba 1987 Himalayan Snowcock 28 sightings 11 (49) >60 calls Himalayan Monal 121 34 (63) Koklass Pheasant 2 sightings 15(48) 14 calls Lamba (1987): nos = number of observations ( ) = total individuals seen Ripley (1983) have said that the range includes Nanda Devi. None of the individuals that I had a good look at was Tibetan Snowcock. However, the birds around Base Camp seemed to have slightly different calls from those at Sarsonpatal. The existence of Tibetan Snowcock in NDNP needs confirmation. 3. Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus. Tak and Kumar (1987) suspected the presence of this bird in NDNP. I did not see or hear any and 1994 Birds of Nanda Devi National Park, India 123 inquiries amongst the locals did not result in any information on this species. I believe that this species does not exist in NDNP. It is the rarest pheasant in the western Himalaya (Gaston et al. 1981) and its range apparently ends west of Nanda Devi (Ali and Ripley 1983). 4. Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus. This pheasant was the most common galliform in NDNP. Ten or more males could be sighted at Dibrugeta meadow in the early morning or late evening. Females were less frequently seen, perhaps because nesting had commenced. (One female with chicks was seen en route to Bethartoli on 20 May 1993; V. K. Pangtey pers. comm.). Himalayan Monal were less frequently seen elsewhere in NDNP, but a few occurred at the tree line throughout the survey route, except at Bhujgara. The lowest altitude Monal was seen was at Belta Kharak (2,800 m), where two females and one male were sighted and were heard a few times. There has been a distinct increase in the population of Himalayan Monals in NDNP. Between 1 98 1 and 1 984 six expeditions, totalling 1 67 days, were made to NDNP by Tak and Kumar (1987). Only 63 individuals were sighted by them (Lamba 1987), whereas in less than 35 days in suitable habitat, I sighted or heard Monal on more than 121 occasions. Khacher (1978) did not see any Monal during his survey in 1977, though he documented the presence of suitable habitats. Thus absolute protection has certainly benefited this species. 5. Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos. Not seen during this survey, but is present at Belta Kharak, and in forested areas around Lata and Reni village. Its status there is unknown and some hunting pressure exists on this species. 6. Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha. A rare bird within NDNP. Occurred only in the forested area below Dibrugeta maidan. A single sighting by me and one by the wildlife guards were the only two records of this species during this survey. However, this bird was heard on at least 14 different occasions and the maximum number of individuals that I heard was five. The feathers of a female pheasant found between Kalikona and Chinwari were possibly of this species. Has the Koklass reduced in number? Lamba (1987) recorded Koklass on 15 occasions with a total of 48 individuals. However, as he did not give the location of his sightings a comparison cannot be made. Khacher (1978) heard them above Lata village, an area I did not survey. Locals confirmed the continued presence of the species in the area. 6. Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii. Not seen during this survey. This pheasant occurs in the forested areas near Reni village and, like other pheasants that occur near villages, appears to be under some hunting pressure. Possibly one individual was heard at Belta Kharak (Negi, AWLW, pers. comm.). It is unlikely that Cheer exist within NDNP, as they avoid forested areas, but they are often found in association with agriculture (Garson et al. 1992). 124 R.SANKARAN Forktail 10 Conservation Total protection from all human use is a rarely implemented or achievable conservation strategy in any of the protected areas of India. In the Himalaya, biotic pressures like livestock grazing play a significant role in virtually all temperate, subalpine and alpine areas during the summer months, with deleterious effects on wildlife, particularly because optimal areas for livestock grazing are also prime habitats for species like Himalayan Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep Pseudois nayaur and the Himalayan Monal. In addition to this are the often excessive pressures of adventure sports (e.g. mountaineering and trekking), these having a negative impact, primarily because of high levels of disturbance in areas abutting the trails. Thus Nanda Devi National Park is of particular importance because, while it had been extensively exploited in the past, there has been no, or minimal, human interference in this area for the last 12 years. This study, and the one on mammals (Sathyakumar 1993), has clearly documented that absolute protection results in a significant increase in mammal and bird abundance, particularly of the species that are easily displaced because of disturbance. Based primarily on this major finding I propose the following conservation strategies. 1) A continuation of the total ban on mountaineering or other expeditions within the Nanda Devi National Park. To even allow limited exploitation could result in a reversion of all that has been achieved in these last 1 2 years . 2) The buffer of NDBR is a multiple use area, where needs of nearby villages are met, e.g. fuel and fodder. Several areas of the buffer zone are rich in fauna (Rastogi 1993) and hunting and other disturbance to wildlife is apparently widespread. Furthermore, there is probably excessive or unsustainable collection of medicinal plants of commercial value. The need in NDBR is not to waste valuable resources and personnel on the NDNP (which is in excellent condition) but to increase personnel and patrolling in the wildlife rich areas of the buffer zone and adjacent areas, and inculcate the principles of sustainable exploitation of plants of economic value amongst the locals. 3) Almost all species of avifauna in the Himalaya show altitudinal migration, ascending into subalpine and alpine areas in summer to breed, and descending into temperate and tropical areas in the winter when snow and extreme climatic conditions create a resource crunch at higher altitudes. The lower temperate and tropical forests of the Himalaya are perhaps amongst the most vulnerable in this biogeographic zone, simply because this is the inhabited belt. It is in the lower temperate and tropical belt that maximum deforestation is taking place (D. Mohan pers. comm.). Apparently, most protected areas in the western Himalaya are situated at higher altitudes, encompassing mostly alpine or subalpine areas. Do these protected areas have sufficient temperate and tropical forest below them into which birds can descend during winter? Careful consideration needs to be given to the 1994 Birds of Nanda Devi National Park, India 125 planning and establishment of a protected area network around and below high altitude protected areas so as to ensure that the forested and other areas at lower altitudes, which are used for wintering by birds, are adequately protected. Lack of sufficient protection of wintering areas will result in reduction in the populations that migrate into alpine or subalpine areas to breed. 4) Despite the fact that, during this survey, the forests at Auli (above Joshimath) were the least surveyed, species richness was the highest there. I propose that a specific study is made to find ways and means by which to better protect this excellent forest. Thanks are due to several individuals whose help during and after the expedition helped me greatly. In alphabetical order: Md. Ameen Naik, A. Baindur, B. Balodi, V. K. Bhatt, Ajith Kumar, Kundan Singh, Y. P. S. Pangtey, A. Rastogi, S. S. Samanth, S. Sathyakumar, G. K. Sharma and Lalitha Vijayan. REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1983) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Compact edition. Bombay: Oxford University Press. Casebolt, G. (1979) Bird list. Pp. ? in M. D. Clarke, Nanda Devi - 1978 Seattle Garhwal Himalaya expedition. Garson, P.J., Young, L. and Kaul, R. (1992) Ecology and conservation of the Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichiv. studies in the wild and the progress of a reintroduction project. Biol. Conserv. 59: 25-35. Gaston, A. J., Garson, P. J. and Hunter, M. L., Jr. (1981) Present distribution and status of pheasants in Himachal Pradesh, western Himalayas. World Pheasant Assoc. Jour. 6: 10-30. Halberg, K. and Petersen, I. (1984) Himalaya 1978-83. Observations of birds, mammals and some reptiles. Unpublished. Hajra, P. K. (1983) A contribution to the botany of Nanda Devi National Park. Howrah: Botanical Survey of India. Khacher, L. (1979) The Nanda Devi Sanctuary - 1977. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 75: 868-887. Khacher, L. (1983) Nanda Devi - a goddess desecrated. Sanctuary 3: 38-49. Lamba, B. S. (1987) Status survey of fauna: Nanda Devi National Park (mammals and birds). Records Zool. Surv. India. Misc. Publ. Occ. Pap. 103. Rastogi, A. (1993) Conservation status of forests in the buffer zone. Pp. 44-53 in Corps of Engineers’ scientific and ecological expedition to Nanda Devi National Park. New Delhi: Corps of Engineers. Reed, T. M. (1979) A contribution to the ornithology of the Rishi Ganga valley and the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 76: 275-282. Sathyakumar, S. (1993) Status of mammals in Nanda Devi National Park. Pp. 5-15 in Corps of Engineers’ scientific and ecological expedition to Nanda Devi National Park. New Delhi: Corps of Engineers. Tak, P. C. and Kumar, G. (1987) Wildlife ofNanda Devi National Park: an update. Indian J. Forestry 10: 184-190. R. Sankaran, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History , Kalampalayam P.O., Coimbatore 641 010, Tamil Nadu, India 126 R.SANKARAN Forktail 10 APPENDIX ANNOTATED LIST OF THE BIRDS OF NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK RECORDED IN 1993 (INCLUDING BIRDS SEEN AT JOSHIMATH AND AULI) Species Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis (Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus (Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus (Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis Woodpecker Picidae (Great Barbet Megalaima virens (Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris ? Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus (Rock Pigeon Columba livia Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota Speckled Wood-Pigeon Columba hodgsonii Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orienialis Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Eurasian Sparrow-hawk Accipiter nisus Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Falcon Falco Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach (Eurasian Jay Garrulus g/andarius (Black-headed Jay Garrulus lanceolatus (Blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha (Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae Spotted Nutcracker Nuci/raga caryocatactes Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Locations Above Dibrugeta, Habitat Alti- Abun- tudes dance ‘Sath kula’ Pathalkhan, Sarsonpatal, 1,6 4,000 2 N. sanctuary, base camp up to ‘camp II’ 1,5 4,100-5,900 4 Around Joshimath 1 2,000-2,300 4) Dibrugeta 2 3,500 3 Belta Kharak to Ramni 1,2,3 2,800-3,900 5 Auli 3 2,300-2,700 2) Auli 3 2,300-2,700 3) Dibrugeta 2 3,500 2 Auli 3 2,300-2,700 4) Around Joshimath, Auli 3,7 2,000-2,700 3) Dibrugeta to Reni 2,3 2,000-3,900 3 Rishiganga gorge 5 2,000-2,500 - Rishiganga gorge 5 2,000-2,800 5 Belta Kharak 3 2,800 1 Around Joshimath 7 2,000 -) Near Bethartoli 6 3,700 1 Doodganga & above Reni, Kalikona, 1,2,5 2,800-4,500 6 Belta Kharak Belta Kharak, Auli, 3 2,100-2,900 4 around Joshimath 3,7 2,000-2,700 4 Dibrugeta to Sarsonpatal 1,2,5 3,500-4,500 4 Reni/Latha to Sarsonpatal to o o o L o o 6 Dibrugeta Maltoni pass, 1,2 3,500 2 Malla Dibrugeta 1,2 3,900 2 Above Trisul nalla Rishi Ganga gorge, 1,2 3,700-4,200 2 above Bethartoli? & Rishi ganga confluence; Sarsonpatal 1,3,5 2,600-3,900 2 Doodganga Dibrugeta to Ramni, 5 2,800 1 Bethartoli 1,5 3,500-3,600 3 Above Joshimath, Auli 3,7 2,000-2,500 4) Auli 3 2,500 2) Auli 3 2,500 1) Auli 3 2,700 2) Auli 3 2,500 1) Reni/Lata to Ramni 1,2,3 2,200-3,700 4 Maltoni pass to Pathalkhan 1,2, 5 3,700-4,100 6 1994 Birds of Nanda Devi National Park, India 127 Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus Above Ramni to Sarsonpatal 1,2,5 4,000-5,900 6 (House Crow Corvus splendens Around Joshimath 7 2,000 -) Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Joshimath to Dibrugeta 1,2,3,5,7 2,000-3,700 5 (Long-tailed Minivet Pencrocotus ethologus Auli 3 2,200-2,700 3) Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha Maltoni to Ramni 2 3,400-3,800 5 (Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Around Joshimath 3,7 2,000 4) (Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone parodist Above Joshimath 3,7 2,000 2) Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii Kalikona to Doodganga, Dibrugeta, Base camp 4 2600-5,000 4 (Blue-capped Rock-Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus Above Joshimath 3,7 2,000-2,400 2) Blue Whistling-Thrush Myiophonus caeruleus Reni to Ramni, Bethartoli 1,4,5 2,000-3,800 6 Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima Dibrugeta 1/2 3,600 2 (Tickell’s Thrush Turdus unicolor Auli 3 2,500 2) White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus Belta Kharak 3 2,500-2,800 1 (Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul Auli 3 2,500 2) Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula Belta Kharak, Auli 3 2,500-2,800 2 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Dibrugeta 2 3,500 1 Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Deodi, Trishul nallah & Rishiganga confluence 2 3,300-3,500 2 Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris Belta Kharak 3 2,900 1 (Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis Auli 3 2,300-2,700 2) White-tailed Rubythroat Luscinia peccoralis Bethartoli, Sarsonpatal 1,6 4,100-4,200 2 Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea Maltoni pass 2 3,800 1 Orange-flanked Bush-Robin Tarsiger cyanurus Maltoni to Ramni, Belta Kharak 2,3 2,800-3,900 5 Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus Belta Kharak 3 2,900 2 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Sarsonpatal 1 4,200 1 Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis Dibrugeta to Sarsonpatal 1,2 3,500-4,300 5 White-capped Water-Redstart Chaimarromis leucocephalus Reni to Sarsonpatal 4 2,000-4,200 5 Plumbeous Water-Redstart Rhyacomis fuliginosus Kalikona 4 2,600 2 Grandaia Grandala coelicolor Sarsonpatal 1 4,300 1 Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri Dibrugeta 4 3,500 1 (Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus Above Joshimath, Auli 4 2,000-2,400 2) (Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura Around Joshimath 7 2,000 4) (Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea Around Joshimath 7 2,000 4) (Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Around Joshimath 7 2,000 4) White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis Dibrugeta 2 3,500 1 Eurasian T ree-creeper Certhia familiaris Dibrugeta 1 3,500 1 Bar-tailed Tree-creeper Certhia himalayana Dibrugeta, Deodi Trishul n. -Rishiganga confluence 2 3,300-3,500 3 Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Deodi, Ramni 6 3,400-3,700 2 Fire-capped Tit Cephalopyrus flammiceps Near Trishulnallah- Rishiganga confluence, Joshimath 2 1,800, 3,500 2 Dark-grey Tit Parus rufonuchalis Deodi, Trishulnallah- Rishiganga confluence 2 3,400-3,700 2 Black-crested Tit Parus melanolophus Belta Kharak/Reni to Ramni, Bethartoli 2,3 2,000-3,800 5 Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus Up to Chinwari, Auli 3 2,000-2,700 4 White-throated Tit Aegithalos niveogularis Deodi, Dibrugeta 2 3,500-3,700 2 Goldcrest Regulus regulus Dibrugeta 2 3,600 3 Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys Around Joshimath 7 2,000-2,100 5 (Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus Auli 3 2,300-2,700 4) (Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus Auli 3 2,500 3) 128 R.SAN KARAN Forktail 10 Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler Cetlia fortipes Chestnut-crowned Bush-Warbler Ceuia major Bush-Warbler Cettia sp. Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus Pale-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Large-billed Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus Chestnut-tailed Minla Minla strigula (Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum melanoxamhum (House Sparrow Passer domesticus Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris Robin Accentor Prunella rubeculoides Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata (Fire-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus Plain Mountain-Finch Leucosticte nemoricola Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochrous Spot-winged Rosefinch Carpodacus rodopeplus White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura Red-fronted Rosefinch Carpodacus puniceus Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala (Black-and- yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos Belta Kharak, around Joshimath 3,7 1,800-2,800 5 Dibrugeta 1 3,600 3 Above Bethartoli 1 4,400 1 Sarsonpatal 1 4,200 2 Doodganga 2,3 2,800 1 Dibrugeta 2 3,500 2 Deodi, Dibrugeta, Belta Kharak 2,3 2,800-3,600 4 Rishi Ganga gorge, Belta Kharak 2,3 2,200-2,800 3 Dood Ganga, Dibrugeta 2,3 2,800-3,600 3 Dibrugeta 2 3,600 3 Doodganga 3 2,800 1 Around Joshimath 3,7 2,300-2,700 5 Belta Kharak, Auli 3 2,300-3,000 4 Dibrugeta, Deodi 2 3,300-3,500 2 Auli 3 2,400-2,800 2) Reni-Kalikona 3 2,300 1 Around Joshimath 7 2,000 -) Rishisanga gorge 4 2,000-2,800 2 Dibrugeta - Deodi 1/2 3,300-3,600 4 Dibrugeta to Sarsonpatal 1 3,500-4,500 5 Pathalkhan 1,5 4,200 2 Sarsonpatal 1 4,200 1 North Sanctuary Around Joshimath 2 3,7 2,000 6) North Sanctuary 1 4,000 2 Dibrugeta 1 3,600 1 Bethartoli 5 4,000 1 Dibrugeta, Pathalkhan 2,6 3,500-4,100 - Deodi, North Sanctuary, Joshimath 1,2,7 1,900-4,100 . Dibrugeta 2 3,500 - Dibrugeta, Ramni, Sarsonpatal, Joshimath 1,2,7 1,800-4,200 _ Near Ramni 2 3,600 2 Auli 3 2,500-2,700 2) Belta Kharak, Dibrugeta, Auli 2,3 2,800-3600 4 Key : Habitat 1 = Alpine meadow 2 = Subalpine forest 3 = Upper temperate forest 4 = Water courses/bodies 5 = Cliffs 6 = Boulder-strewn slopes with sparse vegetation 7 = Agriculture/habitation Abundance ranking (based on sightings or calls heard) 1 = 1 2 = 2-5 3 = 6-10 4 = 11-50 5 = 50-100 6 = >100 ( ) = indicates species seen only outside NDBR 1994 FORKTAIL 10 (1994) 129 -140 129 Occurrence of some pelagic seabirds (Procellariiformes) in waters off the Indian subcontinent A. L. H. ROBERTSON Information on the occurrence and movements of petrels Procellariiformes in the northern Indian Ocean is summarised. An attempt is made to integrate these pelagic and migratory species from the southern fringe of the Oriental region more firmly within the avifauna of the Indian subcontinent. Some additions to the regional avifauna are noted. Petrels, shearwaters and storm-petrels (Procellariidae) are truly pelagic birds, often returning to land only to breed. Many species are also highly migratory at sea, following ocean currents and upwellings in search of food during the non-breeding season (Harrison 1985, Warham 1990). In the Indian Ocean north of the equator there are few known breeding sites and individuals are seldom examined in the hand. Information has been sparse and scattered (Bailey and Bourne 1963, van den Berg et al. 1991) and the recording of most species near the coasts of the Indian subcontinent is based largely on sporadic sight records and in some cases specimens (Ripley 1982, Ali and Ripley 1987), the latter usually washed ashore or caught by fishermen. A search of the literature on seabirds in the Indian Ocean, including the published records of the Royal Naval Bird Watching Society, has revealed much extra information on the occurrence and movements of these birds relative to the subcontinent and its off-shore island groups. It is hoped that summarizing these data, and providing a deliberately long list of references, will help to stimulate further research. Numbers in parentheses after the scientific name are those used in Ripley (1982). Following the taxonomy of Sibley and Monroe (1990) all the species treated fall within the Procellariidae and Persian Shearwater is treated as a separate species. Nomenclature conforms with that preferred by Bourne and Casement (1993). NOTES ON SPECIES Cape Petrel Daption capense (6) A circumpolar species from the Southern Oceans, very occasionally straying north. 130 A. L. H. ROBERTSON Forktail 10 A single undated specimen collected prior to 1870 and said to have been killed between Sri Lanka and the Indian mainland is in the Hume collection at the British Museum (Tring) (R. Prys-Jones pers. comm., Whistler 1944). It is one of only about a dozen records from north of the equator (Bourne 1967a) and the only specimen from the northern Indian Ocean. However, Legge (1880) reported a second instance of its occurrence south of Sri Lanka at about 03°N in November 1866 and there is a more recent sight record off south-east Arabia (Landers 1957). [Mascarene Petrel Pterodroma aterrima (13) For many years known only from four 1 9 th century skins from the Mascarene Islands; it has been recently collected on Reunion. Little is known of its range and distribution (Harrison 1985) and Feare (1984) considers it ‘may well be the rarest of tropical Indian Ocean seabirds’. Reports of its occurrence in the Arabian Sea, such as those noted by Alexander (1954), have been open to doubt since the discovery and naming of the similar¬ looking Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax in 1955, and in all probability refer to the latter species (Jouanin 1970a). Its only reported occurrence from the subcontinent was of a specimen collected alive by fishermen near Bombay in June 1 940 and identified by G. M. Henry at the Colombo Museum (Abdulali and Ali 1 940) . In light of the subsequent discovery of B. fallax the specimen should be re-examined but its whereabouts are unknown (Bailey and Bourne 1963, Ripley 1982) and, even without it, there is doubt as to its identity (Jouanin 1970a).] Barau’s Petrel Pterodroma baraui (— ) First described in 1963 and known only from the Indian Ocean where it breeds on the Mascarene islands (Jouanin 1987). Initially thought not to migrate north of the equator (Bailey 1968) it has now been shown that it does disperse north-east of its breeding range. Four sightings off the south-east coast of Sri Lanka (c. 05° 1 0’N 82°E) on 26 June 1 984 and two more in the 9° Channel between the Maldives and Lakshadweep on 27 June 1985 were reported by the Dutch research ship Tyro (van den Berg et al. 1991). Two sight records near Colombo in September 1991, a single bird off Wellawatte (De Silva 1 992), and four birds off Mutwal on 8th, have been reported (Warakagoda and Karunaratne 1993), and three other sightings are listed by Warakagoda (1994), and one other in June by Karunaratne et al. (1994). The species is an addition to the recognised regional avifauna (Ripley 1982, Ali and Ripley 1987). Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis ( — ) Primarily a bird of the Southern Oceans where it is most numerous between 25° and 60°S (Harrison 1985) and seldom appears in the northern hemisphere. 1994 Occurrence of some pelagic seabirds off the Indian subcontinent 131 On 7 and 10 September 1988 landbased observers at Wellawatte beach, Colombo (06°52 N 79°51’E) recorded a total of four separate sightings of single birds, identified as this species by reference to the literature (De Silva 1989) . This is the first record of the species in the region and there have been no further sightings (R. I. De Silva in litt. 1993, Warakagoda 1994). In the Indian Ocean it is occasionally recorded north of the Tropic of Capricorn, in June and July (Bourne 1966, Bourne and Radford 1961, Bailey 1968), but there appear to be no other Indian Ocean records north of the equator, so its appearance here needs to be confirmed. Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii (13b) Birds breeding in the East China Sea apparently disperse westwards in the non-breeding season (Harrison 1985). The first confirmed occurrence in the Indian Ocean was based on a single specimen from Addu Atoll, Maldives (0°40’S 73°50’E) (Phillips 1959) taken in August. It may have been an immature non-breeding bird summering in the winter range (Bourne 1967a). Now known to regularly invade the eastern edge of the Indian Ocean, travelling through Indonesian waters, and commonly found off north-west Australia (Harrison 1985, Dunlop et al. 1988, Warham 1990), some birds at least penetrating further west. One was sighted off Cape Comorin (07°11’N 76°17’E) on 20 August 1973 (Bourne 1984) and there have been sightings in the northern Indian Ocean as far west as 51°42’E (Bailey et al. 1968). Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax (13a) The species was only named in 1955, having long been confused with Puffinus pacificus or Pterodroma aterrima, and it is probably endemic to the north-west Indian Ocean. Its breeding localities are still undiscovered and it is conjectural whether they are in barren coastal ranges or on offshore islands (Gallagher et al. 1984, Gallagher 1985, Warham 1990). It is found commonly in the Arabian Sea, especially during the south-west monsoon, dispersing south of the equator during the northern winter (Bourne 1987). Roberts (1991) mentions possible sight records off Karachi and Sinclair (1979) saw five birds west of the Gulf of Kutch on 25 November 1974. A specimen was collected at Dehiwela near Colombo in January 1978 (Kotagama 1980). It has also been recorded at sea west of Lakshadweep (11°24’N 70°48’E) on 1 October 1987 (Bourne 1989); south of Cape Comorin (06°22’N 77°50’E) on 15 September 1986 (Chapman and Cheshire 1987); south of Sri Lanka (05°29’N 81°22’E) on 24 June 1985; west ofTrivandrum between 08°06’N 76°32’E and 08°22’N 75°42’E on 26 June 1985 (van den Berg et al. 1991); and in Lakshadweep in April 1988 (Daniels 1 992) . A probable record of the species in the vicinity of 1 0°N 72°E is reported by Pocklington (1967), and off Colombo on 18 June 1994 by (Karunaratne et al. 1994). 132 A. L. H. ROBERTSON Forktail 10 Earlier records, of Pterodroma aterrima in particular, may refer to this species (Jouanin 1957, 1970a) and it is now evident that it does indeed occur in subcontinental waters. Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas (7) A Pacific Ocean species, breeding around Japan, that occasionally strays through the Malacca Straits into the Indian Ocean (Harrison 1 985, Warham 1990). Ripley (1982) lists only a single specimen from near Colombo, taken in either 1884 or 1894, though Phillips (1967 and 1978) noted another British Museum specimen taken in the Gulf of Mannar in December 1956. More recently the species has been recorded at sea off the coasts of Sri Lanka: in the east (08°N 82°30’E) on 5 October 1962 and between Gt. Basses reef and Dondra Head (06°N 80°45’E) on 1 3 October 1 962 (Bourne 1965); in the south-west (06°06’N 79°09’E) four birds on 18 December 1979 (Chapman 1983); and in the Gulf of Mannar, observed from the ferry between Talaimannar and Rameshwaram on 21 September 1978 (van den Berg et al. 1982b). A bird was photographed off Cape Comorin (07°53’N 77°47’E) on 22 June 1984 (van den Berg et al. 1991). Sri Lanka lies on the western edge of its normal range (W. R. P. Bourne in litt. 1993) but it has reached as far as Eilat (Morgan and Shirihai 1992). Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus (9) The Indian Ocean population breeds only in the warm water areas of the Southern Hemisphere (Bailey 1968, Warham 1990) including the Chagos Archipelago. After breeding in the southern summer colonies disperse northwards to range widely throughout the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean (Jouanin and Mougin 1979). In the area between the the Maldives and Sri Lanka it is perhaps the commonest shearwater during the northern summer, occurring between March and October (Phillips 1954 and 1963, Bourne and Dixon 1975, Bourne 1984, Wijesinghe 1985, Warakagoda 1994). It has been recorded in May in Lakshadweep (Bailey 1968) and there is a report outside this season from west of Goa (15°N 72°E) on 20 January 1984 (Chapman 1985). It was observed by van den Berg et al. (1991) to be a good deal commoner east of the 81°E meridian. Identification at sea is difficult and this species may be confused with the next, while older sight records from the Arabian Sea may refer to Buhveria fallax. Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus cameipes (8) A population migrates from its breeding range off western Australia north across the equator to moult in the northern Indian Ocean (Bourne 1960), where it is common during the months of the south-west monsoon, numbers increasing from May to a peak in July-August and most birds having departed by October (Bailey 1966). 1994 Occurrence of some pelagic seabirds off the Indian subcontinent 133 Records summarised by Abdulali and Grubh (1982) included two birds purchased from fishermen at Kanyakumari [Cape Comorin] in May; sight records from Addu Atoll in the Maldives in March, July and October; and one in August about 400 km west of Minicoy, Maldives. They also noted the statement by Bourne (1960) that numbers have been recorded off Cochin, India in September on return passage. Some specimens are known from the western coast of Sri Lanka. Four are in the Department of National Museums, Colombo, including the first, which was collected in 1879, and the fifth and sixth collected in 1944 and 1961 respectively. The seventh specimen was blown ashore at Colombo in October 1991 (Gunawardana 1993). To this list may be added: a single bird east of 9° Channel on 7 August 1951 (Norris 1952); several small flocks, mostly heading north-west or west, seen west of Lakshadweep in May (Bailey 1968); numbers both east and west of One and Half Degree Channel in the Maldives on 1-2 August 1980 (Chapman 1982); sightings along the length of the Maldives in late April and off Goa (14°48' 73°41’E) on 3 May 1964 (Gill 1967); 28 birds off Cochin (10°06’N 75°35’E) on 1 1 August 1987 (Bourne 1989); and a total of 361 birds on five days in June 1984 and June 1985 between Cape Comorin, Colombo and off the south-east coast of Sri Lanka (van den Berg etal. 1991). Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus ( — ) This widely distributed species has been shown to occur in the Red Sea from mid-March to early August (Shirihai 1987) and a beached specimen was recovered in Oman in July (Colston and Gallagher 1983). It is otherwise unknown in the northern Indian Ocean, with the exception of the sight record of birds off Trincomalee in November 1974 (Sinclair 1977, De Silva 1990). The identification in this instance was not in doubt but further records would be desirable. An addition to the regional avifauna. Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris (10) The species migrates in the Pacific between the Bass Straits and the Aleutians, possibly in a vast figure-of-eight across the ocean (Warham 1990). It has occurred twice in subcontinental waters, once in Pakistan in 1899 (Roberts 1991) and once in Sri Lanka in 1949 (Phillips 1951 and 1978). Bourne (1967a) considered these ‘wrecked on the beach at the time of the northward migration in May. A clear example of movement north from the Southern Ocean into the wrong ocean’. Two specimens were found in 1977, also in May, off western peninsular Thailand (Frith 1978) but there appear to be no further records of the species from the northern Indian Ocean other than that reported by Karunaratne et al. (1994) in June off Colombo. 134 A. L. H. ROBERTSON Forktail 10 Audubon’s Shearwater Puffinus Iherminieri (11) Widely distributed through tropical seas with three possible subspecies resident in the Indian Ocean - P. 1. bailloni , P. 1. nicolae and the recently named P. 1. temptator. They are considered mainly sedentary (Bailey 1968, Jouanin and Mougin 1979) though to some extent following ocean upwellings (Bailey 1971). Contra Ripley (1982) the race bailloni is now confined to birds breeding in the Mascarenes (Jouanin 1970b, Louette and Herremans 1985) while those breeding in the Maldives, certainly in December and January and possibly throughout the year (Phillips and Sims 1958), and probably also in Lakshadweep and Chagos (Bailey 1968), are considered to be nicolae. The only record in the area away from breeding localities is of one seen in Sri Lanka in 1982 (De Silva 1990). Persian Shearwater Puffinus persicus (12) Breeds in summer on the cliffs of the Kuria Muria islands off Arabia (Gallagher 1985) and possibly elsewhere (Gallagher et al. 1984). It can be regularly sighted off the Makran coast of Pakistan (Roberts 1991) and has strayed as far as Trivandrum (8°30’N) (Bourne 1960). Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus (14) A notable migrant and abundant visitor to the northern Indian Ocean from its breeding grounds in the Southern Ocean (Bailey 1971, Warham 1990) and probably the most widespread storm-petrel in subcontinental waters during the northern summer. Large numbers are reported to be present from April to October in the seas around the Maldives (Phillips 1963) and mass southerly migration has been noted off Sri Lanka and south India (Phillips 1954 and 1955, Dawson 1958, Bourne and Dixon 1973 and 1975, van den Berg etal. 1982a). At the Bombay High oilfields (19°37’N 71°23’E) it has been reported as the commonest and most widespread offshore species in September (Chapman 1984). The record of six birds off the mouth of the Hugh river, West Bengal (c. 21°30’N) on 1 1 May 1964 and one on 30 May 1965 are the most northerly records in the Bay of Bengal (Bourne 1967b). Roberts (1984 and 1991) indicates that non-breeding birds may remain in the northern Indian Ocean all year and can be observed along the coast of Pakistan. White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina ( — ) Birds from the south-west Australian breeding population P. m. dulciae migrate to the western Indian Ocean where they are quite common in the northern summer from late May to September (Junge 1941, Bailey 1966 and 1968, Harrison 1985, Warham 1990). Migrating birds pass through subcontinental waters, but the occurrence of the species was not noted by Ripley (1982) or Ali and Ripley (1987). A number of records exist relevant to the species’ passage including, listed chronologically: 1994 Occurrence of some pelagic seabirds off the Indian subcontinent 135 May 16 06° 00’N 00 Ci o o o ffl « 22 05° 48’N 88°00’E “ 28 08° 05’N 73°00’E June 9 05° 00’N 81°00’E (( 25 06° 33’N 79°20’E (( 26 10° 30’N 75°00’E « 26 04° 52’N 82°40’E July 1 06° 00’N w o o o GO (C 2 05° 00’N 00 O o o ffl M 12 13° 00’N 74°00’E (C 16 00° 30’S 76°00’E “ 21 00° 40’S 73°05’E August 01° '30’N 73°30’E Sept. 16 12° 40’N 68°47’E specimen taken (AMNH) “ “ (ZMA 17692)c shipboard bird photographed one on board ship two observed bird on board ship four observed bird on board ship three birds on board ship bird on board ship two birds on board ship dead bird ashore one observed one observed Morzer Bruyns and Voous (1964) « U Bailey and Bourne (1963) Junge (1941) van den Berg et al. (1991) Bourne and Radford (1961) van den Berg et al. (1991) Bourne (1966) U U (( K Strickland and Jenner (1978) Ash and Shafeeg (1994) Voous (1965) The species is relatively easily distinguished at sea from other storm- petrels by its white face, almost entirely white underside, and pale grey rump. It is clearly evident that it occurs in subcontinental waters, certainly on its northward passage, passing direct from the breeding grounds to the wintering area in the Arabian Sea (Bailey 1968), though the lack of records in August-September indicates that it may return by a more southerly route. Birds have been reported from the Chagos islands in July (Bourne 1971) and in October (Bourne 1985). Black-bellied Storm-Petrel Fregetta tropica ( 1 5) White-bellied Storm-Petrel Fregetta grallaria ( — ) The genus Fregetta is taxonomically complex but usually divided into two species, each with two colour phases often difficult to identify in the field with certainty. They breed in the Southern Oceans, migrating north to the tropics (Jouanin and Mougin 1979) and are common in the Arabian Sea from May to September (Bailey 1968 and 1971). Specific identification of birds observed at sea is often open to doubt. For many years the only record of F. tropica in the region was of a specimen from the ‘Bay of Bengal’ in the British Museum (Gibson-Hill 1948, Ripley 1982). The date of circa 1895 given for this specimen by Ali and Ripley (1987) must be wrong since the label is apparently in the handwriting of the ninth Marquis of Tweeddale who died in 1878. An example of F. tropica caught at 08°03’N 72°50’E - off Minicoy in the 8° channel - on 9 September 1960 was considered the first which has actually been handled in recent times in the Indian Ocean north of the equator (Bailey and Bourne 1963). The only positive records since are of three seen west of 9° Channel (c. 08°48’N 70°17’E) on 20 June 1984 and two more south-east of Sri Lanka (c. 04°52’N 82°40’E) six days later (van den Berg et al. 1991). Abdulali (1981) noted a sight record on 12 April 1977 off Battye Malve, south of Car Nicobar, which ‘may have been of this species’, while Cheke (1966) recorded a Fregetta sp. in the Bay of Bengal (05°56’N 87°E) on 7 136 A. L. H. ROBERTSON Forktail 10 August 1963, and Bourne and Dixon (1973) refer to two Fregetta seen at 12°15’N 74°E on 27 July 1967. Birds that may have been F. grallaria were observed off Lakshadweep (12°21’N 74°05’E) and 250 miles west of Goa (15°04’N 70°56’E) (Anon. 1970) but the only confirmed record in subcontinental waters is of a bird seen in the 1° Channel in the Maldives (01°30’N 73°30’E) by R. C. Anderson in August 1994 (Ash and Shafeeg 1994). Swinhoe’s Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma monorhis (16) Breeds around the Sea of Japan and migrates westwards to the Indian Ocean, with stray birds reaching as far as the Arabian and Red Seas, but their movement in the Indian Ocean is very inadequately documented (Warham 1990). Bailey et al. (1968) summarised records from the Indian Ocean up to that time, of which they considered only two as definite, including one found exhausted on the shore in Sri Lanka on 3 July 1927 (Gibson-Hill 1953). They also noted a number of possible records, including one from Port Blair, Andamans. In the course of their study they collected two further specimens in the Arabian Sea, plus additional sight records in subcontinental waters: March 14 10°53’N 72°45’E 50-60 birds “ 15 13°32’N 72°44’E one positively identified April 8 06°52’N 75°30’E three birds. There is also a record of a bird caught and banded in Lakshadweep (11°40’N 72°25’E) on 20 October 1963 (Mathew and Ambedkar 1964). Mohan (1989) recorded small numbers off the coasts of several islands in Lakshadweep in early 1987. Some tentatively identified sightings are reported by van den Berg et al. (1991), and De Silva (1990) mentions one collected at Colombo harbour in 1 97 5, and other sightings off Colombo in June have recently been reported (Karunaratne et al. 1994).. It has sometimes been considered a race of O. leucorhoa (Ali and Ripley 1987, De Silva 1990, Ripley 1982, Simpson 1990) and possible confusion in the literature may be compounded by the discovery that stragglers of the nominate race of O. leucorhoa have occurred in the western Indian Ocean (Lapthorn et al. 1970). [Matsudaira’s Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma matsudairae ( — ) A highly migratory species, moving from its confined breeding area south of Japan into the western equatorial Indian Ocean where it is most common between June and September (Bailey et al. 1968). Their exact migration route is unknown but it is possible that the species may be found, as a passage migrant, in the southern Maldives, probably within 5° of the equator. 1994 Occurrence of some pelagic seabirds off the Indian subcontinent 137 Two possible sight records exists in the region: of a bird at 01°N 78°E on 25 July 1964 (Bourne 1966), and of five in the wake of a ship at 01°27’N 80°E on 18 November 1984 (Chapman 1986).] DISCUSSION The tendency of some Procellariiformes to long distance wandering into strange waters, their often difficult identification, plus less than perfect viewing conditions found on board ship combine to give a degree of uncertainty to many sight records. However, present evidence would indicate that more species may occur more regularly, particularly around the time of the south-west monsoon, than have traditionally been thought to reach subcontinental waters. Our knowledge of the seabirds of the Indian Ocean remains patchy, though there has been some advance since the situation was reviewed twenty years ago by Bourne (1974). Such areas as the Bay of Bengal offer rich opportunities for research. The likelihood that other species not listed here will be found to occur is strong. An unusual petrel sighted west of Cape Comorin, India was thought to be either Atlantic Petrel Pterodroma incerta or Tahiti Petrel P. rostrata (van den Berg etal. 1991), most likely the former (Bourne 1992), and White-headed Petrel Pterodroma lessoni has been tentatively identified off Colombo in September 1990 (De Silva 1992 and inlitt. 1993). I wish to thank Dr W. R. P. Bourne and T. Inskipp for their invaluable comments on the manuscript and for pointing out a number of important references in the literature, and R. I. de Silva for clarifying recent information on Sri Lankan records. My thanks also to Dr R. Prys-Jones for his speedy and full response concerning specimens held at Tring. REFERENCES Anon. (1970) White-bellied Storm-Petrels , Fregetta grallaria, in north Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea in the summer. Sea Swallow 20: 41-42. Abdulali, H. (1981) Additional notes on Andaman birds. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 78: 46-49. Abdulali, H. and Ali, S. (1940) Additional notes on the birds of Bombay and Salsette. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 42: 191-197. Abdulali, H. and Grubh, R. (1982) Pinkfooted Shearwater [Procellaria cameipes (Gould)] in India. J, Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 79: 666-667. Alexander, W. B. (1954) Notes on Pterodroma aterrima Bonaparte. Ibis 96: 489-491. Ali, S. and Ripley S. D. (1987) Compact handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Bombay: Bombay Natural History Society. Ash, J. S. and Shafeeg, A. (1994) Birds of the Maidive Islands, Indian Ocean. Forktail 10. Bailey, R. S. (1966) The sea-birds of the southeast coast of Arabia. Ibis 108: 224-264. Bailey, R. S. (1968) The pelagic distribution of sea-birds in the western Indian ocean. Ibis 110: 493- 519. Bailey, R. S. (1971) Sea-bird observations off Somalia. Ibis 113: 29-41. 138 A. L. H. ROBERTSON Forktail 10 Bailey, R. S. and Bourne, W. R. P. (1963) Some records of petrels handled in the northern Indian Ocean. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 60: 256-259. Bailey, R. S., Pocklington, R. and Willis, P. R. (1968) Storm-petrels Oceanodroma spp. in the Indian Ocean. Ibis 110: 27-34. van den Berg, A. B., Bosman, C. A. W. and Rozendaal, F. G. (1982a) Mass movement of Bridled Terns Sterna anaethetus and Wilson’s Petrels Oceanites oceanicus off Colombo, Sri Lanka. Ardea 70: 81-82. van den Berg, A. B., Bosman, C. A. W. and Rozendaal, F. G. (1982b) First sight record of White¬ faced Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas in Sri Lanka. Ardea 70: 83. van den Berg, A. B., Smeenk, C., Bosman, C. A. W., Haase, B. J. M., van derNiet, A. M. and Cadee, G. C. (1991) Barau’s Petrel Pterodroma baraui, Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax and other seabirds in the northern Indian Ocean in June-July 1984 and 1985. Ardea 79: 1-14. Bourne, W. R. P. (1960) The petrels of the Indian Ocean. Sea Swallow 13: 26-39. Bourne, W. R. P. (1965) Observations of sea birds. Sea Swallow 17: 10-39. Bourne, W. R. P. (1966) Observations of sea birds. Sea Swallow 18: 9-39. Bourne, W. R. P. (1967a) Long-distance vagrancy in the Petrels. Ibis 109: 141-167. Bourne, W. R. P. (1967b) Observations of seabirds and review of the literature. Sea Swallow 19: 51- 76. Bourne, W. R. P. (1971) The birds of the Chagos group, Indian Ocean. Atoll Res. Bull. 149: 175-207. Bourne, W. R. P. (1974) Survey of ornithological work in the Indian Ocean. J. Marine Biol. Assoc. India 14: 609-627. Bourne, W. R. P. (1984) Reports of seabirds received in 1973-1977. Part I. Sea Swallow 33: 39-53. Bourne, W. R. P. (1985) Reports of seabirds received in 1973-1977. Part II. Sea Swallow 34: 37-46. Bourne, W. R. P. (1987) The affinities, breeding behaviour and distribution of Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 107: 4-6. Bourne, W. R. P. (1989) Seabird reports received in 1987 and 1988. Sea Swallow 38: 7-30. Bourne, W. R. P. (1992) Atlantic Petrel in the Western Palearctic. Dutch Birding 14: 100-101. Bourne, W. R. P. and Casement, M. B. (1993) RNBWS checklist of seabirds. Sea Swallow 42: lb- 27. Bourne, W. R. P. and Dixon, T. J. (1973) Observations of seabirds 1967-1969. Sea Swallow 22: 29- 60. Bourne, W. R. P. and Dixon, T. J. (1975) Observations of seabirds 1970-1972. Sea Swallow 24: 65- 88. Bourne, W. R. P. and Radford, M. C. (1961) Notes on observations of sea-birds received during 1960. Sea Swallow 14: 7-27. Chapman, S. E. (1982) Notes on seabird reports received 1980-1981. Sea Swallow 31: 5-24. Chapman, S. E. (1983) Notes on seabird reports received 1981-1982. Sea Swallow 32: 12-21. Chapman, S. E. (1984) Notes on seabird reports received 1983. Sea Swallow 33: 12-21. Chapman, S. E. (1985) Notes on seabird reports received 1984. Sea Swallow 34: 46-55. Chapman, S. E. (1986) Notes on seabird reports received 1985. Sea Swallow 35: 3-12. Chapman, S. E. and Cheshire, N. G. (1987) Notes on seabird reports received 1986. Sea Swallow 36: 32-46. Cheke, A. S. (1966) Notes on sea-birds seen on a journey across the Indian Ocean. Ibis 108: 628-630. Colston, P. R. and Gallagher, M. D. (1983) First record of the Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus for Arabia. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 103: 36-37. Daniels, R. J. R. (1992) Island biogeography and the birds of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, Indian Ocean. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 88: 320-328. Dawson, E. W. (1958) Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Oceanites oceanicus (Kuhl), at Colombo. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 55: 562-565. De Silva, R. I. (1989) Seabird notes from Sri Lanka 1988. Sea Swallow 38: 61-62. De Silva, R. I. (1990) The seabirds of Sri Lanka (an annotated check-list). Ceylon J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 21(l):28-33. 1994 Occurrence of some pelagic seabirds off the Indian subcontinent 139 De Silva, R. I. (1992) Recent sightings of new species from Sri Lanka. Malkoha. FOGSL. Dunlop, J. N., Cheshire, N. G. and Wooller, R. D. (1988) Observations on the marine distribution of tropicbirds, Sooty and Bridled Terns, and gadfly petrels from the eastern Indian Ocean. Rec. WestAust. Mus. 14: 237-247. Feare, C. J. (1984) Seabird status and conservation in the tropical Indian Ocean. Pp. 457-471 in J. P . Croxall, P. G. H. Evans and R. W. Schreiber, eds. Status and conservation of the world’s seabirds. Cambridge: International Council for Bird Preservation (Tech. Publ. No. 2). Frith, C. B. (1978) Short-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris in the Andaman Sea area, Indian Ocean. Emu 78: 95-97. Gallagher, M. D. (1985) Seabirds of the Kuria Muria Islands, Arabian Sea. Sea Swallow 34: 5-15. Gallagher, M. D., Scott, D. A., Ormond, R. F. G., Connor, R. J. amd Jennings, M. C. (1984) The distribution and conservation of seabirds breeding on the coasts and islands of Iran and Arabia. Pp. 421-456 in J. P. Croxall, P. G. H. Evans and R. W. Schreiber, eds. Status and conservation of the world’s seabirds. Cambridge: International Council for Bird Preservation (Tech. Publ. No. 2). Gibson-Hill, C. A. (1948) The storm petrels occurring in the northern Indian Ocean, and adjacent seas. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 47: 443-449. Gibson-Hill, C. A. (1953) Notes on the sea birds of the orders Procellariiformes and Pelecaniformes recorded as strays and visitors to the Ceylon coast. Spolia Zeylanica 27: 83-102. Gill, F. B. (1967) Observations on the pelagic distribution of seabirds in the western Indian Ocean. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 123(3605): 1-33. Gunawardana, J. (1993) Flesh-footed Shearwater ( Puffinus cameipes) - another specimen from Sri Lanka. Ceylon Bird Club Notes May 1993: 50-51. Harrison, P. (1985) Seabirds: an identification guide. Revised edition. London: Christopher Helm. Jouanin, C. (1957) Les procellariides melaniques signales en mer d’Oman. L’OiseauetR.F. O. 27: 12- 27. Jouanin, C. (1970a) Le petrel noir de bourbon, Pterodroma aterrima. L’Oiseau et R.F.O. 40: 48-68. Jouanin, C. (1970b) Note taxinomiques sur les petits puffins, Puffinus Iherminieri, de l’ocean Indien occidental. L’Oiseau et R.F.O. 40: 303-306. Jouanin, C. (1987) Notes on the nesting of Procellariiformes in Reunion. Pp. ? in A. W. Diamond, ed. Studies of Mascarene island birds. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Jouanin, C. and Mougin, J.-L. (1979) Order Procellariiformes. Pp. 48-121 in E. Mayr and G. W. Cottrell, eds. Check-list of birds of the world, 1. Second edition. Cambridge, Mass.: Museum of Comparative Zoology. Junge,C.G. A. (1941) Biological results of the Snellius expedition. X: Aves. Temminckia 6: 100-108. Karunaratne, L., Wijemanne, A., Warakagode, D. and Raheem, D. (1994). Negombo Fisheries harbour to Colombo harbour. Ceylon Bird Club Notes July 1994: 77-82. Kotagama, S. W. (1980) A further addition to the seabirds of Sri Lanka. Loris 15(3): 171. Landers, J. S. (1957) in Sea Reports. Sea Swallow 10: 13. Lapthorn, J., Griffiths, R. G. and Bourne, W. R. P. (1970) Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma l. leucorhoa from the Indian Ocean and Sharjah, Persian Gulf. Ibis 112: 260-261. Legge, W. V. (1880) A history of the birds of Ceylon. Colombo: ? Louette, M. and Herremans, M. (1985) A new race of Audubon’s Shearwater Puffinus Iherminieri breeding at Moheli, Comoro islands. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 105: 42-49. Mathew, D. N. and Ambedkar, V. C. (1964) A bird study trip to the Laccadive Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 61: 185-190. Mohan, R. S. Lai (1989) Some observations on the marine mammals and marine birds. CMFRI Bull. 43: 195-199. Morgan, J. and Shirihai, H. (1992) Streaked Shearwater in Israel - a new Western Palearctic bird. Birding World 5: 344-347. Morzer Bruyns, W. F. J. and Voous, K. H. (1964) Notes on seabirds 7. White-faced Storm-petrels ( Pelagodroma marina) in the Indian Ocean. Ardea 52: 223-224. Norris, C. A. (1952) Oceanic and other birds seen on two recent trips between Colombo and Aden in 1951. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 50: 671-674. 140 A. L. H. ROBERTSON Forktail 10 Phillips, W. W. A. (1951) On the occurrence of the Slender-billed Shearwater ( Procellaria tenuiroslris ) in Ceylon. Spolia Zeylanica 26: 151-153. Phillips, W. W. A. (1954) Petrels, shearwaters and other oceanic birds in the northern Indian ocean. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 52: 334-348. Phillips, W. W. A. (1955) Wilson’s Petrel [Oceanites oceanicus (Kuhl)] in Indo-Ceylon waters, with special reference to the 1954 southward migration. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 53: 132-133. Phillips, W. W. A. (1959) Note on the occurrence of Bulwer’s Petrel ( Bulweria bulwerii) in the Indian Ocean. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 79: 100-101. Phillips, W. W. A. ( 1 963) The birds of the Maidive Islands, Indian Ocean. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 60: 546-584. Phillips, W. W. A. (1967) Reoccurrence of the Whitefronted Shearwater ( Procellaria leucomelaena Temminck) in Indo-Ceylonese waters. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 64: 365-366. Phillips, W. W. A. (1978) Annotated checklist of the birds of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Colombo: Wildlife and Nature Protection Soc. of Ceylon and Ceylon Bird Club. Phillips, W. W. A. and Sims, R. W. (1958) Some observations on the fauna of the Maidive Islands. Part III - birds. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 55: 195-217. Pocklington, R. (1967) Observations by personnel of R. V. Atlantis II on islands in the Indian Ocean. Sea Swallow 19: 38-41. Ripley, S. D. (1982) A synopsis of the birds of India and Pakistan. Second edition. Bombay: Bombay Natural History Society. Roberts, T. J. (1984) Recent ornithological records from Pakistan. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 8 1 : 399- 405. Roberts, T. J. (1991) The birds of Pakistan , 1 . Karachi: Oxford University Press. Shirihai, H. (1987) Shearwaters and other tubenoses at Eilat. Dutch Birding 9: 152-157. Sibley, C. G. and Monroe, B. L., Jr. (1990) Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. Yale: Yale University Press. Simpson, D. M. (1990) Seabirds observed around Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sea Swallow 39: 65-67. Sinclair, J. C. (1977) Three bird species seen for the first time in Sri Lanka. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 74: 354. Sinclair, J. C. (1979) Birds observed at sea in the Indian Ocean. Cormorant 7: 7-10. Strickland, M. J. and Jenner, J. C. (1978) A report on the birds of Addu Atoll (Maidive Islands). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 74: 487-500. Voous, K. H. (1965) Notes on sea-birds 14. White-faced Storm Petrels in the Indian Ocean: correction and additions. Ardea 53: 237. Warakagoda, D. (1994) Annotated checklist of the seabirds of Sri Lanka (revised and updated). Ceylon Bird Club Notes April 1994: 39-54. Warakagoda, D. and Karunaratne, L. (1993) A sight record of Barau’s Petrel ( Pterodroma baraui) in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Bird Club Notes May 1993: 48-49. Warham, J. (1990) The petrels: their ecology and breeding systems. London: Academic Press. Whistler, H. (1944) The avifaunal survey of Ceylon conducted jointly by the British and Colombo Museums. Spolia Zeylanica 23: 119-321. Wijesinghe, D. P. (1985) On the staus of the Flesh-footed Shearwater ( Puffinus cameipes) in Sri Lankan waters. Ceylon Bird Club Notes Add. to January. A. L. H. Robertson, 2 St. Georges Terrace, Blockley GL56 9BN, U.K. 1994 FORKTAIL 10 (1994): 141 - 158 141 A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta Alcippe ruficapilla from Vietnam JONATHAN C. EAMES, CRAIG R. ROBSON and NGUYEN CU A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta Alcippe ruficapilla [Timaliini (Timaliidae)], believed to be endemic to the Da Lat Plateau in southern Vietnam is described. It is restricted to upper montane forest above 2,100 m elevation. The most distinctive characters are its general dullness and the absence of whitish-grey and blackish on the outer webs of the primaries. INTRODUCTION On 22 May 1991 the authors, together with Truong Van La, observed an unfamiliar fulvetta Alcippe , thought to belong to the group of species comprising Streak-throated A. cinereiceps and Spectacled A. ruficapilla. It was at 2, 1 60 m elevation on Nui Bi Doup in Lam Dong Province, southern Vietnam. On 23 May this individual was again observed and later, a flock of at least four was seen on the summit at 2,289 m. One of the four individuals observed on the summit was mist-netted, and a series of biometrics was taken before it was released (Robson et al. 1993). On 12 December 1993 whilst on a return visit, J.C.E. and N.C. observed six birds of the same form, on the summit of Nui Bi Doup, and on 13 December trapped nine individuals, of which a series of seven specimens was collected. On 16 January 1994, above 2,200 m on Chu Yang Sin in neighbouring Dac Lac Province, J.C.E. observed three flocks of the same Alcippe , consisting of five, eight and three birds respectively. On 1 7 January, J.C.E. trapped and photographed two birds, on 26 January J.C.E. and N.C. observed and trapped a flock of six birds at 2,210 m, and took a series of biometrics before all the birds were released. The species was common along the summit ridge on 27 January and recorded commonly at the summit (2,442 m). FORMAL DESCRIPTION The birds seen and collected on Nui Bi Doup in 1991 and 1993, and observed on Chu Yang Sin in 1 994 are of a previously undescribed taxon for which we propose the name 142 J. C. EAMES, C. R. ROBSON and NGUYEN CU Forktail 10 Alcippe ruficapilla bidoupensis ssp. nov. Holotype Institute for Ecology and Biological Resources, Hanoi, number BT 2341, adult female collected on Nui Bi Doup, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam ( 1 2° 05’N 108° 40’E), on 13 December 1993. Collectors J.C.E. and N.C. (Figure 1). Diagnosis A small, arboreal, flocking babbler assigned to Alcippe due to the presence of a short, only slightly decurved culmen; short-rounded wings; soft plumage; lateral crown-stripes and an eye-ring. Plumage brown above and vinous buff and rufescent-brown below. The remiges are brown and have no blackish or whitish-grey edgings on the outer webs of the primaries (Figures 2 and 3). Description of holotype Forehead and crown greyish-brown with an olive tint. Narrow white supercilium extending from the lores to behind the eye, where it becomes duller and buff-tinged; it also extends more narrowly over the base of the bill but is buffy and less conspicuous there. Lateral crown-stripes blackish- brown extending and broadening from above eye to nape. Whitish eye-ring, broken by inconspicuous grey eye-stripe. Ear-coverts and cheeks vinous- pink or vinous-buff, lightly streaked with brown. Mantle, scapulars and upper wing-coverts, warm rufescent brown. Rump slightly more rufous than mantle. Chin and throat whitish becoming pale vinous-buff on upper breast, distinctly paler than ear-coverts. Streaking on throat and upper breast formed by brown shaft-streaks on feathers. Streaking becomes more distinct on upper breast. Belly whitish-buff, similar to throat, grading to ochre-buff or orange-buff on the vent and undertail-coverts. Flanks vinous- buff. Outer webs of remiges rufescent brown, intermediate in colour between mantle and rump. Rectrices dull blackish-brown on inner webs and rather more rufous-brown on outer webs. The bill of the freshly dead bird was flesh-horn, slightly paler at the tip and along the cutting edge. By July 1994 the upper and lower mandibles had become entirely dark-horn, except for a flesh base to the lower mandible. Tarsus and toes dark horn, the soles paler. Iris dark brown. Full biometrics are given in Table 1. Paratypes Six paratypes are designated, all collected by J.C.E. and N.C. at the same 1994 A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta from Viet Nam 143 locality and on the same date as the holotype. Five of the paratypes are held at the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Hanoi, the sixth is held at the Museum of Natural History, Tring, U.K. Individual variation Variation in soft part coloration and biometrics between the seven type specimens and six other individuals for which data are available are presented in Table 1. All of the 13 birds were believed to be adults. Although the sample of sexed individuals was small (n = 7), the available data indicate that males, on average, have a longer tarsus, wing and tail and are heavier than females. RELATIONSHIPS AND RECOGNITION Within the genus Alcippe, the species vinipectus, striaticollis , ruficapilla, cinereiceps and ludlowi are similar in size and general appearance, with brownish upperparts and a distinct pale flash or panel on the wing formed by pale grey or whitish on the outer webs of the primaries. Taxa assigned to A. ruficapilla are generally typified by having a brown, not black, bill; a dark iris; vinous-brown ear-coverts, throat and upper breast; and a distinct whitish eye-ring. The taxa assigned to A. cinereiceps, are typified by a black bill (except A. c. formosana ); a pale iris; greyish to greyish-brown ear-coverts, throat and breast; and the absence of white around the eye and on the supercilium (except A. c. formosana). The morphological variation within the two species is summarised in Tables 2 and 3. The other three species in the group differ in a number of features. A. vinipectus has a broad white supercilium bordered above by a dark lateral crown-stripe; dark ear-coverts; and whitish throat and upper breast (marked with brown to warm brown streaks in some races). A. striaticollis has no obvious supercilium; dark brown lateral crown-stripes; faint dark brown streaks on forehead and crown; huffish tinged mid-brown ear-coverts and pale underparts with conspicuous dark greyish-brown streaks on the throat and upper breast. A. ludlowi has head (apart from throat) warm mid to dark brown; no supercilium; dark lateral crown-stripes almost obsolete; throat and upper breast white with broad, warm dark brown streaks. A. ludlowi was treated as conspecific with A. cinereiceps by Deignan (1964), apparently following Delacour (1946), although neither author gave any reasons for their treatment. However, in view of its very distinct morphological and biometrical characters treatment as a separate species is warranted. Additionally, it was recently found in the same locality as A. c. manipurensis 144 J. C. EAMES, C. R. ROBSON and NGUYEN CU Forktail 10 Table 1. Biometrics of Alcippe ruficapilla bidoupensis (all measurements by J.C.E.) 1994 A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta from Viet Nam 145 Figure 1 Alcippe ruficapilla bidoupensis Hololype (photo. J. C. Earnes). Figure 2 A. r. bidoupensis Nui Bi Doup 23 May 1991 (photo. J. C. Eames). Figure 3 A. r. bidoupensis showing head in detail, Chu Yang Sin 1 7 January 1 994 (photo. J. C. Eames). Figure 4 Upper montane forest formation on Chu Yang Sin, a transition zone between Oak-laurel and Montane ericaceous vegetation and the habitat of A. r. bidoupensis (photo. J. C. Eames). 146 J. C. EAMES, C. R. ROBSON and NGUYEN CU Forktail 10 Table 2. Morphological differences exhibited within Alcippe ruficapilla and A. cinereiceps. 1994 A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta from Viet Nam 147 Table 3. Bare parts and morphometric differences exhibited within Alcippe ruficapilla and A. cinereiceps (all measurements, except those for A. r. bidoupensis by C.R.R.) 148 J. C. EAMES, C. R. ROBSON and NGUYEN CU Forktail 10 Figure 5 Localities mentioned in text in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, India in March, at which time some neighbouring populations of the latter are in breeding condition. Bidoupensis exhibits characters generally ascribed to taxa in the A. ruficapilla group. However, the wing panel conspicuously shown by all the taxa currently assigned to the above-mentioned species, is absent in bidoupensis and much reduced in A. r. danisi. The darker brown bill of bidoupensis and danisi and the greyish-brown tones in the crown of both taxa place them closely together and slightly removed from A. r. ruficapilla and A. r. sordidior. The absence of a wing panel in bidoupensis suggests a cline within A. 1994 A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta from Viet Nam 149 ruficapilla, of increasing dullness from north to south. Another scenario should however, be briefly mentioned: it is arguable that bidoupensis and danisi are sufficiently distinct from ruficapilla and sordidior to be lumped together as a separate species, or as two separate species in their own right, since they are arguably allospecies within a superspecies. For the time being, however, we place bidoupensis within A. ruficapilla. An additional point that is relevant here is that A. r. danisi is only known for certain from Laos (see Appendix). However, Cheng (1987) listed it for south-east Yunnan and south-west Guizhou, China, noting that they were ‘originally identified as A. r. sordidior , but from zoogeographical viewpoint, the specimens collected probably belong to A. r. danisi. The identification of these specimens remains doubtful (and they are treated separately in the Appendix), especially since the measurements given for the specimens from Guizhou (Wu et al. 1986) suggest a smaller bird than danisi and fit within the range known for sordidior. The scattergram shown in Figure 7 plots tarsus and wing lengths for four subspecies of A. ruficapilla and six subspecies of A. cinereiceps ; where A. r. ruficapilla n = 5, A. r. sordidior n = 18, A. r. bidoupensis n = 13, A. r. danisi n = 1 ; and A. c. cinereiceps n = 3, A. c. fessa n = 2, A. c. fucata n = 3, A. c. guttaticollis n = 17, A. c. manipurensis n = 14, A. c. formosana n = 7. Most of the specimens were measured by C.R.R. in the collection of the Museum ofNatural History, Tring; those of bidoupensis were measured by J.C.E., and the specimen of danisi was measured by R. A. Paynter, Jr. at the Museum of Comparative Zoology. The only specimen of A. c. tonkinensis in the collection at Tring had a broken tarsus and this taxon is therefore omitted from the figure. With reference to Figure 7, there is no clear pattern or geographical dine; A ruficapilla shows the expected decrease in size from north to south in China, but bidoupensis is bigger than both of the northern subspecies. ETYMOLOGY We name this subspecies after Nui Bi Doup, the mountain on which the holotype was collected. Mount (Nui) Bi Doup (2,289 m) is the second highest mountain in the southern part of the western highlands of Vietnam. The general area, known as the Da Lat Plateau and sometimes Langbian (Langvien or Langbiang) Plateau, is noted for its high levels of endemism in birds and plants (Eames and Nguyen Cu 1994). Of the four species of bird endemic to this area, one bears the name Langbian, the Grey-crowned Crocias Crocias langbianis. Some other endemic subspecies variously bear the name annamensis derived from the old provincial name Annam, or 150 J. C. EAMES, C. R. ROBSON and NGUYEN CU Forktail 10 Figure 6 Distributional ranges of related taxa mentioned in text 1994 A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta from Viet Nam 151 Figure 7 Scattergram showing correlation between tarsus and wing length of five subspecies of A. ruficapilla and A. cinereiceps. 152 J. C. EAMES, C. R. ROBSON and NGUYEN CU Forktail 10 dalatensis after Da Lat, the largest city in the area. The plant Elaeocarpus bidoupensis (Elaeocarpaceae) is similarly named after Nui Bi Doup. It is hoped that by naming the taxon bidoupensis attention will be drawn to the need for full establishment of the Thuong Da Nhim and Chu Yang Sin Nature Reserves in which Nui Bi Doup and Chu Yang Sin are located. BEHAVIOUR The first individual observed on Nui Bi Doup in 1991 appeared, by its behaviour, to be defending a territory in bamboo undergrowth along a narrow ridge. The bird persistently called from the undergrowth and was quite confiding. It showed a strong response to play-back of its alarm call. Other birds of this taxon observed at this time were however, in a small flock. In January on Chu Yang Sin birds were only ever observed in flocks and were not territorial. The species was only observed in single species flocks. VOCALIZATIONS The alarm call is high-pitched and rapid, and consists of a number of similar notes and phrases which could be transcribed as ‘ . .chuttachuttachuttachutta... . ’ . The call is not loud but is constantly given by birds, especially when mobbing a human at close quarters. What was believed to be the song of this taxon was heard briefly on one occasion by C.R.R., and consisted of four thin high-pitched notes, roughly transcribed as ‘ see-sew-see-see’ . Unfortunately the singing bird was not seen to confirm the identification. DISTRIBUTION A. r. bidoupensis is currently only known from Nui Bi Doup, Lam Dong Province and Chu Y ang Sin, Dac Lac Province, Vietnam. On Chu Y ang Sin it is probably the commonest bird in the upper montane forest. The subspecies is unlikely to be an altitudinal migrant as it was recorded at the summit of Chu Yang Sin during the winter (Figure 4). HABITAT Floristically the habitat of A. r. bidoupensis could be described as being within the transition zone between Oak-laurel and Montane ericaceous forest (Whitmore 1990). On Nui Bi Doup A. r. bidoupensis was found in 1994 A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta from Viet Nam 153 bamboo and undergrowth in broadleaved evergreen forest and in secondary scrub in cleared areas. On the summit of Nui Bi Doup forest canopy height varied from 4 to 10 m; canopy cover varied from 25% to 90% and ground cover varied from 40% to 85%. A sample of 20 trees selected on the summit comprised genera of the following families: Annonaceae (35%), Fagaceae (40%), Lauraceae (10%), Myrsinaceae (10%) and Symplocaceae (5%). On Chu Yang Sin the fulvetta was found in forest undergrowth, and also in the forest canopy between 2,1 10 m and the summit at 2,442 m elevation (Figure 4). Between these elevations canopy height varied from 3 to 1 5 m; canopy cover varied from 40% to 95% and ground cover varied from 10% to 95%. In a sample of 120 trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of greater than 10 cm, within this altitudinal range, the following families were recorded: Cupressaceae (2.5%), Ericaceae (34. 1%), Fagaceae (35.8%), Hamamelidaceae (2.5%), Lauraceae (8.3%), Pinaceae (1.6%), Podocarpaceae (1.6%), Theaceae (12%), unidentified (1.6%). At around 2,000 m elevation on the north-facing slope of Chu Yang Sin there is a rapid change in the forest structure. The trees become gnarled, and lichen and moss-covered. In the undergrowth the bamboo A rundinella setosa was common. Whilst the floral composition on the summit of Nui Bi Doup was similar, its structure and appearance was quite different. This is accounted for in part by the small extent of habitat on the summit of Nui Bi Doup, and that part of the forest here has been felled by humans. The fieldwork undertaken in 1991, by J. C. E., C. R. R. andN. C. was sponsored by the International Council for Bird Preservation (now BirdLife International). The fieldwork undertaken by J. C. E. and N. C. during 1993 and 1994, was undertaken whilst J. C. E. was an employee of BirdLife International and N. C. an employee of the Institute for Ecology and Biological Resources, both on secondment to WWF - The World Wide Fund for Nature Vietnam Programme as Project Executant and Project Officer respectively, for WWF Project VN0008 - Development of a Protected Area System. We would also like to acknowledge the Forest Protection Department of the Ministry of Forestry (Hanoi) and the Provincial Forest Protection Departments of Lam Dong and Dak Lak for facilitating this work. We would like to thank our colleagues, Truong Van La, Hoang Ngoc Long, Nguyen Duy Chinh, Nong Van Tiep, Dinh Van Ty, Nguyen Va Qui, Tran Hong Chut and Ngoc Quang Qui for their hard work and good company during fieldwork. We would also like to acknowledge the assistance provided by Raymond A. Paynter, Jr. and the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Agassiz Museum, Harvard University and the Museum of Natural History, Tring for providing access to specimens. Finally we would like to thank Shanthini Dawson, Dr Rene Dekker, Tim Inskipp, Paul Jepson and Uthai Treesucon for their many useful comments and suggestions and Mike Crosby for preparing the map. 154 J. C. EAMES, C. R. 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Zhang Qun-tan, Zheng Zhi-rong, Wei Li-ao, He Jia-lu and Li Jian-hao. (1994) [Report on survey of birds of Dayi County, Sichuan.] Sichuan J. Zool. 13(2): 62-66 (In Chinese.) Zheng Baolai (1988) [Discussion on survey of the birds from South Ailau Mountain, Y unnan.] Zool. Research 9: 255-261. (In Chinese.) Zheng Zuo-xin and Qian Yan-wen (1973) [Birds in Qinling .] Beijing: Science Press. (In Chinese.) Jonathan C. Eames, BirdLife International Vietnam Programme, do Ministry of Forestry, 123 Lo Due, Hanoi, Vietnam, Craig R. Robson, 63 Stafford Street, Norwich, NR2 3BD, U.K, Nguyen Cu, BirdLife International Vietnam Programme, do Ministry of Forestry, 123 Lo Due, Hanoi, Vietnam. 156 J. C. EAMES, C. R. ROBSON and NGUYEN CU Forktail 10 APPENDIX Localities of subspecies of Alcippe ruficapillalcinereiceps A. r. ruficapilla (Verreaux 1870) China Gansu: sw + se (Cheng 1 987), Si-gu (= Siku 33°56’N 1 04° 1 8’E) + Huy-sian (?) (C. R. R. from BM specimen labels) Shaanxi: Qinling Mt. (Yao & Zheng 1986) = Zhouzhi 34°10’N 108°05’E and Liuba 33°35’E 106°58’E (Zheng et al. 1973) Sichuan: Wanyuan 29°21’E 102°41’E (Cheng 1987), Baoxing 30°22’E 102°49’E (Li et al. 1976), Guanxian 31°00’N 103°37’E (Cheng 1987), Emei 29°31’N 103°20’E (Zheng et al. 1963), Chengkou 3 1 °57’N 1 08°40’E + Wanyan 32°05’N 1 08°03’E + Nanjiang 32°23’N 1 06°56’E (Yu et al. 1986), Tangjiahe Natural Reserve 32°35’N 104°45’E (SFB/WWF PT 1986), Jiuzhaigou 33°08’N 103°55’E (Clements 1989), Tankwan, upper Minho (?) (Stresemann 1923) A. r. sordidior (Rippon 1903) China Sichuan: Huidong 26°39’N 102°35’E (Cheng 1987), Muli Mts. 27°56’N 101°17’E (Riley 1932); Baurong 28°41’N 103°13’E + Yutza (?) (Bangs 1932, Stone 1933) Guizhou: Weining (Cheng 1987) = Cao Hai 26°51’N 104°17’E, Guanfenghai 27°00’N 103°53’E, Chengguan ?, Songmukan 26°43’N 104°10’E (Wu et al. 1986) Yunnan: Lijiang 26°54’N 100°15’E, Shuangbai 24°42’N 101°39’E, Kunming 25°02’N 102°43’E (Cheng 1987); Tengyueh 25°02’N 98°30’E (Rothschild 1921); Yunnanfu 25°03’N 102°43’E + Kopaotsun 24°58’N 103°00’E (La Touche 1923); Hofuping Mts. 28°10’N 98°55’E (Riley 1926); Yulo 27°10’N 100°03’E + Ndamucho ? (Riley 1932); Mt. Satseto, Lijiang Range 27°06’N 100°1 3’E (Greenway 1933); Tsangshan in Tali = Dali 25°42’N 100°09’E + Siaotsun ? + Waishan 25°14’N 100°18’E in Menghwa + Lichang = Lijiang 26°58’N 100°16’E in Kiangchwan (Chong 1937); Mt. Yulung 27°08’N 100°13’E (Tan & Cheng 1964); Xujiaba 24°32’N 101o01’E - ssp not stated but presumably this (Wang and Wei 1983); Long Peng 23°53’N 1 02°33’E (Zheng 1 988); Yangtse Big Bend (?), Gyi-dzin-Shan, east of Talifu 25°50’N 100°18’E, Shayang-Chutung road 25°24’N 99°27’E, Meechu (probably = Mi-tu or Midu 25°14’N 100°18’E, T’ong-shan (?) (Rothschild 1926); Ao-wah ? (Bangs 1932), Mekong/ Salween divide 28°00’N 98°50’E + Yangtse valley 27°20’N 99°38’E + NW flank Lichiang range 27°30’N 100°15’E (C. R. R. from BM specimen labels) A. r. danisi Delacour & Greenway 1941 Laos Phu Kobo 19°12’N 103°28’E (Delacour & Greenway 1941), Phou Bia 18°59’N 103°09’E (David- Beaulieu 1 944); Nakay/Namtheun NBCA 18°07’N 105°23’E (R. Timmins and T. Evans in litt. 1994) ?A. r. danisi China Yunnan: se (Cheng 1987) plotted at 23°10’N 104°20’E Guizhou: Xingyi + Xingren (Cheng 1987) = Sandaogou c. 25°26’N 105°10’E, Laochang 25°41’N 104°56’E, Huopu 25°43’N 104°29’E (Wu et al. 1986) A. c. cinereiceps (Verreaux 1870) China Sichuan: Wanyuan 29°21’N 102°41’E, Emei 29°31’N 103°20’E, Baoxing 30°22’E 102°49’E, Kangding 30°03’N 101°58’E (Cheng 1987), Chengwei c. 31°34’E 103°15’E + Cheng Gou forks (Birckhead 1937, Stone 1933), Makaling (?) + Tachino (?) + Washan 29°21’N 103°02’E (Thayer & Bangs 1912); Wolong 31°00’N 103°10’E (Clements 1989); Maowen 31041’E 103°51’E, Chengkou 31°57’N 108°40’E + Wanyan 32°05’N 108°03’E + Nanjiang 32°23’N 106°56’E (Yu et al. 1986), Pingshan County 28°4rN 104°03’E (Huang et al. 1993), Dayi County 30°33’N 103o07’E (Zhang et al. 1994), Laba He Nature Reserve 30°13'N 102°25’E, Tianquan County (Li et al. 1994); Dafcngding 28°50'N 103°10’E (King 1989), Gung Tang Goh (?) (Traylor 1967), Kwanhsicn 31°00’N 103°37’E + Hwanglungze ncarSungpan (Sungpan 32°39’N 103°36’E + Wassuberge (?) (Stresemann 1923) 1994 A new subspecies of Spectacled Fulvetta from Viet Nam 157 Guizhou: Weining (Cheng 1 987) = Liangshan 26°52’N 1 04°05’E, Songmukan 26°43’N 1 04°1 0’E (Wu etal. 1986) 3 unnan: Yanjin = Yanjian 28°05’N 104°1 5’E (Cheng 1987), Lishan in Yenting = Yanjian (Chong 1937) A. c. fessa (Bangs & Peters 1928) China Gansu: Lanzhou 36°05’N 103°40’E (Cheng 1987); Choni in Tao R. basin 34°35’N 103°30’E, Wantsang Ku valley in Ha Tebbuland 33°56’N 103°37’E, Pezlu on the banks of Chuhungapu in upper Tebbuland (?) (Bangs & Peters 1928) Shaanxi: south (Cheng 1987), Tsinling Range, Taibai Shan, Qinling Mt. (Yao 1986) = Taibai 33°57’N 107°45’E and Zhouzhi 34°10’N 108°05’E (Zheng et al. 1973) Ningxia: Liupan Mt. = Liupan Shan 35°40’N 106°12’E (Cheng 1987) Sichuan: Jiuzhaigou 33°08’N 103°55’E (C. R. R. pers. obs.), Tangjiahe Natural Reserve 32°35’N 104°45’E - this or nominate, not stated (SFB/WWF PT 1986) A. c. fucata (Styan 1899) (including berliozi Yen 1932) China Guizhou: Suiyang (Cheng 1987) = Kuankuoshui 28°14’N 106°58’E (Wu et al. 1986) Hubei: Hejiaping in Yichang (Cheng 1987); Hsien-shansien = PXingshan 31°14’N 110°46’E + Ichang = Yichang 30°32’N 1 1 1°17’E + Hochaping (Greenway 1933, Thayer & Bangs 1912) Hunan: south (Cheng 1987) plotted at 26°00’N 113°00’E, Ching-tung-schan (?) (Yen 1932) A. c. guttaiicollis (La Touche 1897) China Fujian: Guadun = Kuatun 27°45’N 117°35’E (Cheng 1987) Guangdong: north (Cheng 1987) plotted at 24°00’N 114°00’E, Mahn-tsi-shan (?) (Mell 1922) A. c. manipurensis (Ogilvie-Grant 1906) (including yunnanensis Rothschild 1922, insperata Riley 1930, menghzvaensis Chong 1937) Arunachal Pradesh: Ridgetop Camp 27°22’N 96°57’E (Ripley et al. 1991) Assam: Barail Range (Ripley 1982) plotted at 25°20’N 93°25’E Manipur: Owenkulno Peak = Twinkulno (?) (Ogilvie-Grant 1906) Nagaland: Aichisagomi (?) (Stanford & Mayr 1941), Japvo 25°36’N 94°04’E + Zephu 25°38’N 94°46’E (Ripley 1952) Yunnan: w + nw ranges between Lancang & Jinsha R., and those between Lancang & Nujiang R. (Cheng 1987), Ndamucho (?) (Riley 1930), Tao-mung-chung 27°10’N 99°25’E and Chou-yu- gko nearby (Greenway 1933), Gongshan area 27°44’N 98041’E (BSKIZAS 1980), Salween valley 25°20’N 98°53’E + Peh Tu P’u, Yungping (Yungping 25°28’N 99°32’E) (C. R. R. from BM specimen labels) Kambaiti 25°25’N 98°07’E (Stanford 1935, Stanford & Ticehurst 1935) Lungrebum 24°50’N 97°45’E (Stanford & Ticehurst 1938) Htawgaw 25°56’N 98°22’E (Smythies 1949) Pawahku 26°11’N 98°40’E (Smythies 1949) ?Chin Hills (Stanford & Mayr 1941) A. c. tonkinensis Delacour & Jabouille 1930 Vietnam Fansipan 22°1 8’N 1 03°47’E China Yunnan: Dawei Mt. 22°54’N 103°42’E (Zheng 1988), Xujiaba 24°32’N 101°01’E manipurensis/ tonkinensis (Wang & Wei 1983) A. c. formosana (Ogilvie-Grant 1906) Taiwan plotted at 23°30’N 120°45’E A. ludlowi (Kinnear 1935) Bhutan: Sakden 27°25’N 91°50’E, Dib La 27°35’N 91°40’E (on the border with India, Ludlow collected on the Bhutan side), Yonpu La 27°15’N 91°30’E China Xizang: sw Qamdo region (Cheng 1987), Tongyuk 29°58’N 94°48’E, Gyadzong 30°11’N 95°04’E, Showa 29°55’N 95°24’E, Nyuksang 29°46’N 95°00’E, Gyala 29°42’N 94°55’E (Ludlow 1951), Dongjug 29°58’N 94°48’E, Tangmai 30°06’N 95°07’E (Robson 1986) Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang 27°35’N 91°52’E (Ali & Ripley 1987), Ridgetop Camp 27°22’N 96°57’E (Ripley et al. 1991), Thingbu c. 27°40’N 92°20’E, Chakoo 27°05’N 92°30’E, Talley Valley 27°40’N 93°48’E, Majha c. 28°20’N 93°55’E, Mayodia 28°14’N 95°55’E (Singh) India China Myanmar India 158 Forktail 10 1994 FORKTAIL 10 (1994): 159 - 172 159 A reappraisal of the taxonomy of the Spotted Bush-Warbler Bradypterus thoracicus PHILIP D. ROUND and V. LOSKOT Evidence is presented to suggest that the taxon Bradypterus thoracicus shanensis, which is known only in winter from north-east India, Burma and Thailand, is synonymous with the northern form, B. t. suschkini. Morphological evidence indicates that B. t. suschkini and B. t. davidi may constitute a separate, highly migratory species, B. davidi. B. thoracicus {sensu stricto ) is a shorter-distance migrant which breeds around the southern and eastern flanks of the Tibetan plateau. INTRODUCTION The Spotted Bush- Warbler Bradypterus thoracicus is one of the more widespread and frequently encountered of the Asian Bradypterus. In this paper, the taxonomy of Bradypterus thoracicus is re-examined with particular reference to the little-known taxon B. t. shanensis. Primaries are numbered descendently (i.e. from mid-wing outwards) and wing measurements taken by the maximum chord method. BM is the Natural History Museum, Tring, U.K.; MCZ is Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard, Massachusetts; USNM is National Museum ofNatural History, Washington, D.C., ZIAS is Zoological Institute, Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg. Bradypterus thoracicus has an apparently disjunct distribution: the races kashmir ensis, thoracicus and przevalskii are distributed along the Himalayas and around the north-eastern margins of the Tibetan Plateau to north- central China. Two other races are known from northern Asia: suschkini occurs from the northern Altai eastwards to north-eastern Baikal while davidi is found from south-eastern Transbaikalia to Amurland and Manchuria (Watson et al. 1986). Davidi is also listed as breeding in Hebei province, northern China (Cheng 1987; Figure 1) and probably also breeds in adjacent Shanxi province where a few singing males were heard by Mikael Kail in June 1991 and by Per Alstrom in June 1993. Several singing males have also been observed in central and north-western Sichuan during 1 989- 1994 by P. Alstrom and U. Olsson (Per Alstrom, in litt.), constituting a major extension of the known range. The seasonal distribution of these forms is not well understood. In the Himalayas, the nominate race is said to breed between 2,400 m and 3,600 m (Ali and Ripley 1987) though Inskipp and Inskipp (1991) mention a nest with eggs as high as 4,850 m. It breeds in scrub and herbage near the treeline and is an altitudinal migrant, wintering down to the plains. It inhabits low 160 P. D. ROUND and V. LOSKOT Forktail 10 Photos 1 and 2. B. t. shanensis trapped at Bung Boraphet, Nakhon Sawan province, 12 February 1981. (Specimen no. DSM 509; photo: Philip Round). Photo 3. B. i. shanensis trapped at Bung Boraphet, Nakhon Sawan province, 14 February 1981. (Specimen no. DSM 525; photo: Philip Round). Photo 4. B. t. davidi trapped at Beidaihe, Hebei province, 19 May 1991. Adult male, sexed on song (photo Peter Kennerley). Note that the rufous tones have been exaggerated during the reproduction of this slide. scrub, rank grass and tangled herbage fringing the forest as well as irrigated crops (Ali and Ripley 1 983) . In Nepal, it winters in waterside vegetation and in reedbeds and elephant grass along rivers (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991; C. Robson pers. comm.). Cheng (1987) shows B. t. przevalskii as occurring from Qinghai to Gansu and northern Sichuan and B. t. thoracicus from Xizang Autonomous Region (Tibet) to Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region but does not indicate any separate breeding and winter ranges. The northern forms, suschkini and davidi , inhabit moist taiga, forest glades and open grassy areas with scattered bushes (Dement’yev and Gladkov 1 968). Davidi is also found in damp areas on scrubby hillsides in northern China (La Touche 1925-1934). Both are summer visitors, though in neither is the winter range known. Dement’yev and Gladkov (1968) state that suschkini winters in China, and davidi in southern China, although this is not corroborated by Cheng (1987). Birds are said to return to their breeding grounds in southern Transbaikalia and the Altai during the second 1994 A reappraisal of the taxonomy of the Spotted Bush-Warbler 161 Figure 1. Map lo show approximate known ranges of taxa under consideration. half of June (Dement’yev and Gladkov 1968). Away from its breeding grounds, davidi is only known from specimens collected on migration: in Shandong province (Cheng 1987) and in Hebei province, where a few individuals have recently been observed and netted in both spring and autumn (M. Williams in litt.) It appears to be a late spring migrant there, passing through chiefly in late May (P. Alstrom in litt.). THE STATUS OF B. t. shanensis One further race, B. t. shanensis , was first described from a specimen collected on 20 October 1937 at Maymyo (3,500 ft), Myanmar (Ticehurst 1941). It is also known from Assam, India and Thailand (Watson et al. 1986). Unlike the previously mentioned forms, shanensis is only known outside the breeding season: the breeding range is said to be ‘possibly in the mountains of northern Burma’ (Watson et al. 1986). The majority of records come from Thailand, where, since 1981, it has been recognised as a common and widespread winter visitor, from the far north of the country south to at least as far as Rangsit, Pathum Thani province (14 00’N latitude), a marshy area on the northern outskirts of 162 P. D. ROUND and V. LOSKOT Forktail 10 Table 1. List of specimens of Bradypterus thoracicus shanensis known from Thailand 1. Doi Langka, Chiang Mai province. 2 May 1931. H. M. Smith. U S. National Museum (USNM 330868). 2. Doi Suthep, 3,300 ft, Chiang Mai province. 23 March 1937. H. G. Deignan. U.S. National Museum (USNM 344432). 3. Nong Turn, Chiang Mai province. Plains, ca. 400 m. 21 December 1965 (two specimens). B. King. U.S. National Museum (USNM 535426, 535427). 4. Bung Boraphet, Nakhon Sawan province. Plains, ca. 30 m. 12 and 14 February 1981 (two specimens). P. D. Round. Thai National Reference Collection, Bangkok (Field Nos. DSM 509, DSM 525). 5. Ban Tha Ton, Chiang Mai province. Plains, ca. 400 m. 26 February 1982. P. D. Round. Thai National Reference Collection (Field No. ACW 35). Table 2. Summary of biometrics and wing formula of taxa studied wing length length of 10th primary position of tip of 9th primary shortfall of 8th primary from wingpoint thoracicus 55.1 ±2.6 ** (51.0 - 59.5) n = 14 9.5 ±1.5 ** (7.0 - 11.5) n = 14 5.0 -9.0 (ss - p3) n = 10 1.1 ±0.6 (0.5 - 2.0) n = 7 kashmirensis 55.9 ±1.1 ** (54.0 - 57.0) n = 5 9.9 ±0.9 ** (8.5- 11.0) n = 5 7.5 -9.0 (ss - p3) n = 5 0.7 ±0.6 (0 - 1.0) n = 3 przevalskii 56.3 ±1.3 ** (54.6 - 58.0) n = 1 1 8.0 ±0.7 ** (7.0 - 9.1) n = 11 7.2 -9.5 (pi - p3) n = 11 1.0 ±0.5 (0 - 1.7) n = 11 davidi 52.9 ±2.1 NS (51.0-56.7) n = 8 6.0 ±0.8 NS (5.4 - 8.0) n = 8 6.6 - 7.4 (p3 - p4) n = 5 0.3 ±0.3 (0 - 0.7) n = 6 suschkini 52.5 ±1.9 NS (50.3-54.9) n = 6 5.3 ±1.3 NS (3.8 - 7.2) n = 6 5.3 -7.4 (p3 - p5) n = 5 0.3 ± 0.3 (0 - 0.8) n = 5 shanensis 51.4 ±1.2 (50.0 - 53.0) n = 8 5.9 ±1.4 (4.0 - 8.0) n = 7 5.0 -8.0 (p2 - p5) n = 6 0.2 ±0.3 (0-0.5) n = 5 NS = difference from shanensis not significant; sample /-test ■* = difference from shanensis highly significant (P< 0.01), two- Bangkok (Boonsong and Round 1991). It frequents scrub and grassland in open country, though almost always favours moist areas, such as along the margins of ponds, streams and canals. Though most abundant in the plains, it has been recorded up to at least 1,300 m and the fact that, until recently, it has been overlooked is due to its extremely skulking habits. All known specimen records of shanensis from Thailand are listed in Table 1 . One further specimen, (BM1949-WH1-1-13132), collected from the Bengal Duars, northern West Bengal, India on 13 November 1925 by H. Whistler, and examined by P. D. R., can also be assigned to this form, extending its wintering range slightly further west (Figure 1). Shanensis is distinguished from nominate thoracicus by its whiter breast, lacking any greyish suffusion, whitish supercilium, fine brownish breast- spotting and dull olive-brown upperparts lacking any strong rufescent tinge. 1994 A reappraisal of the taxonomy of the Spotted Bush-Warbler 163 Ticehurst (1941) even described the upperparts as olive-grey in shanensis compared with russet-brown in thoracicus, overstating the difference slightly. All the shanensis specimens, and all those seen in the field by PDR showed a mainly or entirely pale, flesh-coloured lower mandible. Although Deignan (1963) lists nominate thoracicus for Thailand on the basis of a single specimen collected in the mountains of Chiang Mai province, this appears to be based on an erroneous identification of specimen M.C.Z. 196866, placed by Delacour (1952) with Bradypterns seebohmi; this apparently remained uncorrected in Deignan (1963). MORPHOLOGY The Spotted Bush-Warbler is distinguished from its Asian congeners by the combination of dark brown-centred, sharply and broadly white-tipped undertail-coverts, and by its relatively short tail. The taikwing ratio of thoracicus ( sensu lato ) is roughly 0.8-0. 9, so that in general proportions it somewhat resembles Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata. Chinese Bush-Warbler Bradypterns tacsanowskius, Brown Bush-Warbler B. luteoventris and Russet Bush-Warbler B. seebohmi are markedly longer-tailed. In B. seebohmi, for example, the taikwing ratio is ca. 1.1 -1.2 (Round 1992). Many of the differences among the various forms of Bradypterns thoracicus have been well described ( e.g ., Sushkin 1925, Stegmann 1929). These races fall into two morphologically distinguishable groups. 1 . The ‘thoracicus group’, comprising the races thoracicus , kashmirensis and przevalskii. The members of this group are relatively large: the wing lengths of specimens measured ranged from 51.0-59.5 mm (mean 55.1, n = 14) in thoracicus', 54.0-57.0 (mean 55.9, n = 5) in kashmirensis and 54.6-58.0 (mean 56.3, n = 1 1) in przevalskii (Table 2). The wing is, however, rather strongly rounded, most obviously so in the nominate race in which the tip of the 9th (second outermost) primary usually falls opposite the tips of the secondaries or innermost first or second primaries (only exceptionally the third innermost primary). The 8th primary shows a substantial shortfall from the wingtip (0. 5-2.0 mm shorter; average 1.1 mm shorter). The outermost primary is long, 7 . 0- 1 1 . 5 mm (average 9.5 mm) longer than the longest primary covert (Table 2), or roughly half the length of the 9th primary. The races kashmirensis and przevalskii which are distributed to the west and east respectively of the nominate race, and which extend somewhat further north, show slightly less rounded wings. This is more obvious in przevalskii, which has a slightly shorter outermost primary (average 8.0 mm longer than longest primary covert) and a slightly longer 9th primary, with the tip usually falling opposite the tip of the third primary. This minor distinction is mentioned in Vaurie (1959). 164 P. D. ROUND and V. LOSKOT Forktail 10 All three forms can usually be discerned from the members of the succeeding group on plumage. In all three, the upperparts are generally warm, dark rufous-brown, (though slightly less so in kashmirensis and przevalskii than in thoracicus ); the supercilium is greyish (though often whitish in front of, or above, the eye; P. Alstrom, in litt.); the sides of the throat and the breast, especially in the centre of the breast below the lower margin of the spotted gorget, is also strongly washed greyish. The throat and breast spotting is normally bold and the spots are blackish. The ear-coverts and sides of the neck are usually grey, though slightly lighter grey in przevalskii than in thoracicus (Sushkin 1925). 2. The “davidi group”, comprising the races davidi and suschkini These two forms differ substantially from the thoracicus group of races on both biometrics and plumage. They are markedly smaller, having an average wing length of 52.9 mm (range 5 1 .0-56.7 mm, n = 8) in davidi and 52.5 mm (range 50.3-54.9 mm, n = 6) in suschkini (Table 2). In addition, both have a slightly more pointed wing: the tip of the 9th primary falls opposite the tips of primaries 3-5 while the 8th primary is subequal to the wingpoint, ranging from 0 mm to 0.8 mm shorter. The outermost primary is much shorter, only 5. 4-8.0 mm longer than the primary coverts (average 6.0 mm) in davidi and 3. 8-7. 2 mm (average 5.3 mm in suschkini ; Table 2). Both davidi and suschkini have less rufescent-tinged upperparts than the members of the thoracicus group and are somewhat colder, more olive- brown above. Both show a mainly buffy or sometimes whitish supercilium and brownish ear-coverts and sides of neck. While the differences between the two are very slight, suschkini is slightly paler and more pure brown and warmer-toned on the upperparts than davidi, has a whiter and bolder supercilium, and the spots on the throat and upper breast are browner and less clearly marked. There is considerable variation in the strength of the spotting in both forms, though. The type specimen of davidi at MCZ showed slightly blacker, bolder spotting than the paratype while among specimens of both davidi and suschkini in ZIAS, the spots were generally browner and sparser among juveniles and females. Davidi may show a very slight greyish tinge on the ear-coverts and throat or breast (which is always lacking in suschkini ) but this is always much less marked than in the thoracicus group. Both davidi and suschkini art additionally distinguished from the thoracicus group in always showing a brownish (rather than greyish) wash across the breast below the lower margin of the gorget. On the basis of extensive experience of thoracicus and davidi, both in the field and in the hand, P. Alstrom (in litt.) has commented that the thoracicus group is characterised by grey supercilium, ear-coverts, sides of neck and centre of breast and, (in thoracicus, but not przevalskii) by sometimes showing a forecrown which is slightly more rufous than the rest of the upperparts. In davidi, the ear- 1994 A reappraisal of the taxonomy of the Spotted Bush-Warbler 165 figure 2. Scatter plot ot wing length and length of outermost primary for taxa under consideration. • thoracicus o kashmirensis A przevalskii □ shanensis plO length (mm) * „ Wing length (mm) coverts, sides of neck and centre of breast are brown (sometimes faintly grey-tinged), the supercilium is buffy-tinged and there is no contrast between the forecrown and the rest of the upperparts. THE POSITION OF B. t. shanensis On the basis of both its measurements and its plumage features, shanensis closely resembles the northern forms, davidi and suschkini. The wing length of shanensis (average 51.4 mm; range 50.0-53.0 mm, n = 8) was not significantly different from either davidi or suschkini (P > 0.1 and P > 0.2 respectively; two-sample r-test). The length of the outermost primary in shanensis (average 5.9 mm longer than the primary coverts; range 4. 0-8.0, n = 7; Table 2) also differed from neither of the other two forms (P > 0.7 and P > 0.4). By contrast, shanensis differed very significantly in both measurements from each of the members of the thoracicus group (P< 0.01; two-sample r-test)). A bivariate scatter plot shows an almost complete separation between davidi , suschkini and shanensis on the one hand, and the members of the thoracicus group on the other (Figure 2). 166 P. D. ROUND and V. LOSKOT Forktail 10 On other features of wing formula, namely position of the tip of 9th primary, and shortfall of 8th primary from the wingpoint, shanensis likewise resembled davidi and suschkini. The plumage features of shanensis also showed a close correspondence with those of davidi and suschkini in being colder, more olive-brown on the upperparts (instead of dark rufescent-brown as in thoracicus)-, in having a whitish supercilium and brown ear-coverts. Shanensis typically shows rather weak spotting on the throat and upper breast. Of a total of eight shanensis examined, either as actual specimens or as photographs of specimens, two bore only very slight traces of spotting while the remainder were all more or less distinctly spotted, though the spotting was weaker and browner than in davidi. The weaker throat spotting of shanensis was closely similar to one of six suschkini specimens held at the Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg. All of the features which serve to distinguish davidi from nominate thoracicus, mentioned by La Touche (1923, 1925-34) and Vaurie (1959), apply equally to shanensis : namely, the short outermost primary (less than half the length of the second outermost); the whitish supercilium and the generally whitish underparts with a brownish, rather than grey wash on the breast. A direct comparison of one of the Thai shanensis specimens with a series of both davidi and suschkini at ZIAS showed that shanensis more closely resembled suschkini rather than davidi in respect of the weaker breast spotting, and on the basis of its greater development of rufous, ochre shades on both upperparts and underparts, especially on the sides of the neck, flanks and undertail-coverts. MANDIBLE COLOURATION The most consistent difference between shanensis on the one hand, and davidi and suschkini on the other, was in the colouration of the lower mandible. Shanensis shows a mainly or entirely pale, flesh-coloured lower mandible, whereas both the type and paratype of davidi, as well three out of five adult davidi and four out of five adult suschkini, including the type, at the Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg showed dark lower mandibles. Such a difference, however, can evidently be accounted for by seasonal variation in bare part colour. The type and paratype of davidi were collected on 1 June and 31 May respectively (La Touche 1923) and the type of suschkini on 5 July (Stegmann 1 929) whereas all specimens of shanensis were collected during the period October to early May. Moreover, a juvenile davidi collected by La Touche in September showed a mandible which was ‘flesh-coloured, shading to yellow at its base and with dark point’ (La Touche 1925-34). Of the specimens at ZIAS, two davidi, collected on 18 July and 4 August, and one suschkini, collected on 4 August, exhibited a pale basal part of the mandible with only the tip dark. A juvenile suschkini and 1994 A reappraisal of the taxonomy of the Spotted Bush-Warbler 167 Figure 3. Sonagrams of songs of three of the taxa under consideration: (a) B t. davidi , Huzong. Greater Xingan Mountains. Heilongjiang, Peoples Republic of China. June 1988 (Per Alstrom). (b) B. t. suschkini , Listivijanka. Lake Baikal. Russia, June 1986 (Per Alstrom). (c) B t. shanensis , Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. Uthai Thani province, western Thailand. 15 January 1983 (P. D. Round) a juvenile davidi, collected on 17 August and 22 September respectively, each showed an entirely pale mandible. Seasonal variation in the colour of the lower mandible may be typical among Brady pterus (with the exception of Brown Bush- Warbler B. luteoventris, which shows an entirely pale lower mandible throughout the year; Round 1992). Although most specimens of nominate thoracicus in BMNH showed a blackish lower mandible, this again seems to be a reflection of the fact that they were collected during the spring and summer. Some specimens, most of which were juveniles, showed a pale lower mandible. 168 P. D. ROUND and V. LOSKOT Forktail 10 VOCALIZATIONS Supporting evidence linking shanensis with the northern forms, suschkini and davidi, comes from vocalizations. Both northern forms sing with a monotonous, buzzing series of notes described as ‘ dzzzzzzr , dzzzzzzr....' for suschkini (Mild 1987, Figure 3). Davidi sounds virtually identical (Figure 3). The song lies in the frequency range 4. 5-6. 5 khz, with an interval of roughly 0. 5-0.7 seconds between notes. Each ‘ dzzzzzzr ’ note is about 0.4 seconds in duration and usually repeated 5-20 times in each song sequence. Different sequences follow on rapidly from each other, usually with a pause of no more than one second separating them. Shanensis observed in Thailand in winter, often gave an almost identical ‘ dzzzzzzr ’ vocalization (described as ‘dzeenk’’ in Boonsong and Round 1991; Figure 3), save that the interval between the notes was longer, usually 8-15 seconds and fewer notes, usually only three to five, were given per sequence. A lower intensity form of song would be consistent with birds in winter quarters. By contrast, birds heard and tape-recorded in central China by both C. Robson and P. Alstrom, and said to comprise examples of both nominate thoracicus and przevalskii (P. Alstrom in litt.) sang with a quite different and diagnostic song described as a rhythmic 'trick-i-di, trick-i-di' (C. Robson) or usually 'tri-tri-tri-tree' , and sometimes ‘ tri-tri-tree' (P. Alstrom). Unfortunately, there appear to be no recordings of undoubted nominate thoracicus from the Himalayas for comparison. DISCUSSION The various forms of Bradypterus thoracicus (sensu lato) fall into two distinct ‘subspecies groups’. 1 . The rounded-winged, thoracicus group of races, including nominate thoracicus, kashmirensis and przevalskii, which have a mainly Sino-Himalayan distribution. These forms are shorter-distance and altitudinal migrants, which presumably explains their more rounded wing. The tendency to a slightly less rounded wing in both kashmirensis and przevalskii, evident in a slightly longer eighth primary and a slightly shorter outermost primary, may perhaps be explained by their more westerly and northerly distributions, respectively, necessitating a slightly longer migration than thoracicus, which occupies the central, most southern portion of the range of the group. The limits of the ranges of thoracicus and przevalskii appear to be imperfectly defined, since the ranges given in Cheng (1987) and Watson et al. (1986) imply possible sympatry in Sichuan and northern Yunnan, which could not normally be countenanced for two subspecies. If, as seems very likely, the variation among the members of the thoracicus group is clinal, there should 1994 A reappraisal of the taxonomy of the Spotted Bush-Warbler 169 be a zone of intergradation between nominate thoracicus and przevalskii in central China within which it might not be easy to assign individual specimens to one form or the other. 2 . The races davidi, suschkini and shanensis, which are characterised by their smaller size and more pointed wing than the members of the preceding group. On first examination, the position of shanensis appears anomalous since on the basis of both biometrics and plumage it clearly belongs with suschkini and davidi rather than with thoracicus, yet its breeding grounds are said to be ‘possibly in the mountains of northern Burma (Watson et al. 1986), i.e. somewhere within the breeding range of nominate thoracicus. Since shanensis is only known in winter, all records coming from the period October to May, whereas davidi and suschkini are known only on, or in the vicinity of, their breeding grounds across Transbaikalia and northern China, most or all records coming from the period May to August, the conclusion that shanensis is synonymous with either or both forms is compelling. Supporting evidence comes from the very abundance of shanensis , which is a common winter visitor throughout most of continental Thailand (Boonsong and Round 1991). Such abundance might be expected of a form with an extensive breeding range across northern Asia, but would be less likely of a form supposedly with a relatively restricted Sino- Himalayan or north Burmese breeding range. Shanensis, therefore, is merely a synonym of suschkini which it more closely resembles on plumage than davidi. It can probably be assumed that davidi ( sensu stricto ), the more easterly-breeding form, winters further to the east, probably in Indochina. Yet it is surprising that davidi has not yet been recorded on passage away from north-east China, particularly Hong Kong. The fact that ‘ shanensis ’ shows generally weaker throat and breast spotting than suschkini would suggest that there may be seasonal variation in thn character, in which case winter davidi, showing weaker spotting than breeding birds, might be overlooked among suschkini/ shanensis. It would be desirable to obtain further specimens from Thailand in order to fully examine the range of variation, as well as to search for wintering birds in Indochina. The degree of separation between these two groups on biometrics alone strongly suggests that Bradypterus thoracicus ( sensu lato ), could be be a composite of two distinct species, one of which comprises the Sino- Himalayan forms, (nominate thoracicus, kashmirensis and przevalskii) while the other comprises the northern, highly migratory forms, davidi and suschkini, and includes shanensis which is synonymous with suschkini. Any formal assignation of species limits should, however, await evidence from studies on behaviour and vocalisations, preferably involving playback experiments. If this hypothesis were proven, suschkini and davidi should be united as Bradypterus davidi, since davidi (La Touche 1923) is the senior name. 170 P. D. ROUND and V. LOSKOT Forktail 10 We thank the staff of the Sub-department of Ornithology, The Natural History Museum, Tring and Dr. Niphan Ratanaworobhan, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, Bangkok, for permission to examine specimens in BM and the Thai National Reference Collection respectively. Dr. Raymond A. Paynter, Jr., kindly supplied photographs and biometrics of the type and paratype of B. davidi in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Bruce Beehler supplied photographs and biometrics from specimens of shanensis in the U.S. National Museum. Per Alstrom provided tapes of the songs of davidi and suschkini while Dr. J.W. Hardy, Curator of Ornithology and Bioacoustics, Florida State Museum, kindly produced the sonagrams. The Alexander Library, Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Oxford provided photocopies of some key references. We thank Per Alstrom and Craig Robson for providing much useful discussion based on their observations in western China. Craig Robson also independently examined and photographed the shanensis specimens in the Smithsonian Institution on our behalf while Peter Colston kindly checked the numbers of some specimens in the BM. Peter Kennerley kindly permitted us to use his photograph of davidi from north-east China, and he, Per Alstrom, Warren Brockelman and Craig Robson all commented on drafts of this manuscript. Dr Sangvorn Kitthawee gave statistical advice. REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1983) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Compact Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Boonsong Lekagul and Round, P. D. (1991) A guide to the birds of Thailand. Bangkok: Saha Karn Bhaet. Cheng Tso-hsin (1987) A synopsis of the avifauna of China. Beijing: Science Press. Deignan, H. G. (1963) Checklist of the birds of Thailand. Bull. U.S. Nat. Museum 226. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution. Delacour, J. (1952) The specific grouping of the bush warblers Bradypterus luteoventris, Bradypterus montis and Bradypterus seebohmi. Ibis 94: 362-263. Dement’yev, G. P. and Gladkov, N. A., eds. (1968) Birds of the Soviet Union, 6. Jerusalem: Israel Program for Scientific Translations. Inskipp, C, and Inskipp, T. (1985) A guide to the birds of Nepal. London: Croom Helm. La Touche, J. D. D. (1923) Description of Tribura thoracica davidi. Bull. Brit. Om. Cl. 43: 1 68-169. La Touche, J. D. D. (1925-34) A handbook of the birds of eastern China, 1 . London: Taylor and Francis. Mild, K. (1987) Soviet Bird Songs. Stockholm. Two cassettes and booklet. Round, P. D. (1992) The identification and status of the Russet Bush-Warbler in China and continental Southeast Asia. Hong Kong Bird Report 1991: 188-194. Stegmann, B. (1929) Neue Formen aus Ost-Sibirien. J. Om. 77: 249-250. Sushkin, P. (1925) Notes on systematics and distribution of certain Palaearctic birds. Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 38: 1-55. Ticehurst, C. B. (1941) Systematic notes on Indian birds, 10. Ibis (14)5: 318. Vaurie, C. (1959) The birds of the Palearctic fauna. Passeriformes. London: Witherby. Watson, G. E., Traylor, M. A., Jr., and Mayr, E. (1986) Family Sylviidae, Old World warblers. Pp. 3-294 in E. Mayr and G. W. Cottrell, eds., Check-list of birds of the world, 11. Cambridge, Massachusetts : Museum of Comparative Zoology. Philip n. Round, Center for Conservation Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. V. Loskot, Zoological Institute, Academy of Sciences, 1 99034, St. Petersburg - 34, Russia. 1994 A reappraisal of the taxonomy of the Spotted Bush-Warbler 171 APPENDIX Biometrics and wing formula for all specimens examined taxon, sex and specimen no. wing outer-most primary (plO) p9 p8 P7 thoracicus m BM1938. 12.13.72 59.0 + 11.0 - 8.0 (ss) n.r. WP m BM1937. 1.17. 609 57.5 + 8.0 -9.0 (pi) -2.0 WP m BM1938.12.13.71 57.0 + 7.0 - 9.0 (pl/ss) - 1.0 WP m BM1 948.27.347 56.0 + 11.0 n.r. - 0.5 WP m (BM field no.3986) 55.0 + 9.0 - 7.0 (ss) - 1.0 WP m BM1935.4.5.182 55.0 + 1 1.0 - 9.0 (ss) - 1.5 WP m (BM no. n.r.) 52.0 + 9.5 n.r. n.r. n.r. f BM1922.12.31.1 18 59.5 + 10.0 - 8.5 (p2) - 1.5 WP f (BM field no. 2076) 55.0 + 8.0 n.r. n.r. n.r. f BM1935.4.5.183 53.0 + 1 1.0 - 7.5 (p2/3) n.r. n.r. f (BM no. n.r. 52.0 + 11.5 - 5.0 (p2/ss) n.r. n.r. u BM86.7. 8.1872 54.5 + 9.0 - 7.0 (p2) -0.5 WP u (BM no. n.r.) 54.5 + 9.5 n.r. n.r. n.r. u (BM no. n.r.) 51.0 + 7.0 - 8.0 (ss) n.r. n.r. kashmirensis m BM1949.WH1. 1.13133 56.0 + 1 1.0 - 9.0 (pl/ss) n.r. WP BM88.2.20.335 57.0 + 10.0 - 9.0 (p2) n.r. WP (=p6) BM1949. WH1. 1.13134 56.5 + 8.5 - 8.0 (pl/2) - 1.0 WP BM76.2. 12.225 56.0 + 10.0 - 7.5 (p2) (=p7) WP BM86.7.8.1855 54.0 + 10.0 - 9.0 (p3) - 1.0 WP przevalskii m (type) ZIAS 100512 55.9 + 9.1 - 8.5 (p3) -0.9 WP m BM98.9. 1.1421 58.0 + 8.0 - 8.5 (p3) - 0.5 WP m BM98.9. 1 .1422 58.0 + 7.0 - 9.5 (p3) - 1.5 WP m ZIAS 100523/159-97 57.6 + 8.4 - 7.6 (p3) (=P7) WP m ZIAS 100507/159-97 55.6 + 7.4 - 8.4 (p3) - 0.9 WP m BM98.9. 1.1423 55.0 + 7.0 - 8.5 (p3) - 1.0 WP m ZIAS 100525/159-97 54.6 + 8.2 - 7.2 (p3) - 0.3 WP f ZIAS 100511 57.6 + 7.4 - 7.2 (p3) - 1.7 WP f ZIAS 100522/159-97 56.4 + 8.3 -9.2 (pi) - 1.2 WP f ZIAS 100524/159-97 55.4 + 9.1 - 7.8 (p3) - 1.0 WP f ZIAS 100515- 54.8 + 7.7 -7.3 (p3) - 1.6 WP 172 P. D. ROUND and V. LOSICOT Forktail 10 taxon, sex and wing outer-most P9 p8 P7 specimen no. shanensis m (type)BM 53.0 primary (plO) + 6.0 broken - 0.5 WP m USNM 535427 52.8 + 8.0 -7.0 n.r. n.r. m DSM 525 51.0 + 5.0 - 8.0 (p2) WP WP m USNM 330868 51.5 broken/not grown n.r. n.r. n.r. m DSM 509 52.0 + 4.0 - 7 0 (p3/4) (=p7) WP f BM 1949.WH1. 1.13132 50.0 + 6.0 -5.0 (p5) WP (-0.5) u/s USNM 535426 50.8 + 7.0 - 7.0 n.r. n.r. u/s ACW 35 50.0 + 5.0 - 6.5 (p3/4) - 0.5 WP davidi it) (type) MCZ 129130 53.0 + 8.0 n.r. n.r. n.r. m ZIAS unnumbered 56.7 + 5.4 - 7.2 (p3/4) -0.5 WP m ZIAS 100513/717-928 51.3 + 5.4 broken (=p7) WP m ZIAS 168142/225-984 51.2 + 5.9 - 7.4 (p3/4) -0.6 WP f ZIAS 100514/717-928 55.1 + 5.8 - 6.8 (p4) (=p7) WP f(juv)ZIAS 100521 51.2 + 5.6 - 6.6 (p4) -0.7 WP f MCZ 129131 51.0 + 6.0 n.r. n.r. n.r. u/s ZIAS 168143/225-984 53.8 + 6.1 - 6.9 (p3/4) -0.2 WP suschkini m (type) ZIAS 119568/466-960 54.1 + 3.8 - 7.1 (p3/4) (=p7) WP m ZIAS 100519 54.9 + 4.4 abnormal/under-grown WP m ZIAS 100517/20-929 53.4 + 4.3 - 7.4 (p3/4) - 0.3 WP f ZIAS 100518 51.4 + 5.8 - 6.4 (p3) - 0.4 WP f ZIAS 100516/20-929 50.3 + 7.2 - 5.3 (p5/4) (=p7) WP u/s (juv) ZIAS 100526/6-927 50.7 + 6.1 - 6.2 (p3) - 0.8 WP m = male; f = female; u = unsexed. Primaries numbered descendantly; ss indicates tip of 9th primary falls opposite tips of secondaries; p3/4 indicates tip of 9th primary falls between 3rd and 4th primaries, etc. WP = wing-point; n.r. = not recorded Specimens in ZIAS measured by VL; those in MCZ by R.A. Paynter, Jr. and those in USNM by B. Beehler. All others by PDR. 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 173 Sightings of two rare raptors, Lesser Spotted Eagl e Aquila pomarina and Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos , in Pakistan WILLIAM S. CLARK and ALEEM AHMED KHAN Roberts (1991) reported only a single sight record in Pakistan for Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos , and an unconfirmed sight record for Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina. Thus it was with great interest that we saw and identified an individual of each species during January 1993. Clark later sighted another Lesser Spotted Eagle at Rawal Lake, the location of the original sight record. In addition, three Lesser Spotted Eagle specimens that were taken in Pakistan during the last century were examined in the Museum of Natural History at Tring, U.K. The sightings were made during field trips conducted as part of a raptor field identification course being taught by the senior author. A Lesser Spotted Eagle was seen at the Chashma barrage on the Indus River on 22 January 1993. It was seen first in the morning perched atop a 6 m high tree on a long narrow man-made spit or spur that extends into the lake behind and just west of the barrage. The eagle flushed as we approached and flew around us and landed in another tree behind our vehicle. We turned around and approached it slowly until we could see it clearly in the telescope. It was the dark brown colour typical of Aquila eagles. In flight it showed whitish patches at the base of the primaries on the upperwings, whitish uppertail-coverts, and a small white spot in the middle of its back. Its upperwing-coverts were a paler brown and contrasted with the darker brown back and flight feathers. While gliding, its wings were held bowed, with the wrists held above the body and the wingtips pointed downward. All of these are characters of Steppe Eagles Aquila nipalensis in their third summer plumage. We were unable to see the underwing. It flushed as we approached it closer and flew away across the lake. We studied various guides, as we were not completely satisfied with the tentative identification as Steppe Eagle. We noted from Porter et al. (1981) that Lesser Spotted Eagle can also show the white mid-back patch but, since Tawny Eagle A. rapax was not covered in this guide, we did not know whether that species could show such a feature. We decided to return and look at the eagle again, concentrating on leg feathering, underwing pattern, and nostril shape. Luckily, when we returned, it was perched again on the peninsula atop another tree. Over the next half-hour we observed it from a distance though a telescope. The stovepipe legs and rather narrow beak were observed, but 174 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 10 the nostril shape could not be determined. After we approached near enough to flush it, the underwing pattern was seen clearly as it flew around us. The pale brown underwing coverts and darker flight feathers it showed were typical of the Lesser Spotted Eagle. Both Tawny and Steppe Eagles were eliminated from consideration by observed characters; both would show longer leg feathers and different underwing patterns. Tawny would show darker secondaries that contrast with paler inner primaries, and Steppe would show paler secondaries with a dark subterminal band, as well as whitish streaks on the greater underwing coverts (shown in figs. 31 and 32 in Porter et al. 1981). Greater Spotted Eagle A. clanga was considered and rejected because it is almost always overall a darker brown and has a noticeably larger head with shaggy nape feathers; features lacking on the eagle in question. Khan has several colour photographs showing this bird in flight at a distance. The senior author is extremely familiar with Lesser Spotted Eagles of the race hastata from many sightings in India; and also of the nominate race from more than five years of field work in Israel, including handling live eagles . The only previous sight record of the Lesser Spotted Eagle in Pakistan was one seen on 3 March 1988 at Rawal Lake near Islamabad by Hirschfeld et al. (1988). Clark visited this lake on 27 January 1993 and observed a bird of this species soaring around over the lake. It was identified by its wing shape and underwing pattern; identity was later confirmed by distant colour photographs. At the same time there were several Steppe Eagles and many Black Kites Milvus migrans soaring also. The Lesser Spotted was not seen close to the Steppe Eagles but was seen with Black Kites. It appeared somewhat bigger than them, but not as much larger as did the soaring Steppes, when compared later to nearby Black Kites. Clark found three specimens of Lesser Spotted Eagle in the Museum of Natural History, Tring (Nos. 85.8.19.1192; 85.8.19.1193; 85.8.19.1194) that had been collected in Pakistan. All had been taken by W. H. Unwin in May 1870 in the Agrove valley of North West Frontier Province; two were labelled as adult male and adult female, presumably a mated pair. An adult female Pied Harrier was observed in flight for approximately 5 min on 24 January 1993, approximately 50 km west of Dera Ismail Khan. It was first seen harassing a Western Marsh-Harrier C. aeruginosus , compared to which it was somewhat smaller. We noted that its uppersides were brownish-grey with a noticeable white patch on the uppertail-coverts and that its underwings were very whitish with faint dark markings, lacking wide black markings on the wingtips. Its underbody was whitish with dark markings on the breast, but its belly was rather unmarked. The wingtips were rounded, quite unlike the pointed appearance of those of Pallid Harriers Circus macrourus and Montagu’s Harriers C. pygargus. The above characters eliminate all age and sex classes of the other five species of harriers that occur in the Indian subcontinent and fit exactly the adult 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 175 female of this species. We have several colour photographs showing this bird in flight at a distance. The senior author is familiar with Pied Harriers from repeated sightings during autumn migration at Beidaihe, China and a small number of sightings in India and Nepal. There are two previous records for the Pied Harrier in Pakistan: a male at Lahore on 27 December 1973 (Vittery 1993), and an adult male seen in December 1985 and January 1986 at Uchchali lake in the Salt Range (Roberts 1991). The authors are grateful to David Ferguson, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Mumtaz Malik, North West Frontier Province Forestry Department, for arranging the raptor field identification course. T. J. Roberts and E. Hirschfeld gave helpful comments on earlier drafts. REFERENCES Hirschfeld, E., Kjellen, N. and Ullman, M. (1988) Birdwatching in Pakistan. Published privately. Porter, R. F., Willis, I., Christensen, S. and Nielsen, B. P. (1981) Flight identification of European raptors. Third edition. London: Poyser. Roberts, T. J. (1991) The birds of Pakistan , 1. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Vittery’, A. (1993) The birds of Pakistan: supplementary observations from the northern Punjab and hills. Forktail 9: 143-147. William S. Clark, 7800 Dassett Court, Apt 101, Annandale, VA 22003, USA. Aleetn Ahmed Khan, WWF-Pakistan, Ali Industrial Technical Institute, Ferozepur Rood, P. O. Box 5180. Lahore 54600 Pakistan. Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus: a new species for India R. DRIJVERS On 28 December 1 993 I noticed a small grebe swimming on the Kosi River near Ramnagar in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The bird was easily identified as a winter-plumaged Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus by its small size, flat crown, black cap sharply demarcated from the white cheeks, pale lores, and its stubby, pale-tipped bill. Subsequently it was also observed by D . van den Schoor and photographed by G. Bellens and R. van der Elst ( O.B.C . Bull. 19: 66). This constitutes the first record of Horned Grebe for India and only the fourth or fifth for the Indian subcontinent. The other records were all in Pakistan: one (unconfirmed) on Zangi Nawar lake, Baluchistan on 17 176 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 10 January 1984; two on Band Kushdil Khan lake, Baluchistan on 20 January 1984; one on Kund lake, Hab Chowki, Lasbela in March 1986; and two on Khabbaki lake, Salt Range in January 1987 (Roberts 1991). REFERENCE Roberts, T. J. (1991) The birds of Pakistan, 1. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus: a new species for Sri Lanka OLE F. JAKOBSEN On 5 February 19941 observed an Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus when visiting Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya Town (6°58’N 80°55’E), Sri Lanka. The observation was made from 1 7h00 to 1 7h30 on the east side of the Park near Park Road at 1 900 m. The thrush, observed at a distance of 6-7 m, was first moving around on the ground (10 minutes), and thereafter perching on a branch (5 minutes). The weather was overcast with a soft drizzle of rain. I used Bushnell 9x36 binoculars. Notes were taken and the bird described as follows: size like that of Pied Thrush Zoothera wardii (seen 15 minutes earlier in the Park); upperparts uniform pale brown; supercilium, which extended from bill to side of nape, white and very prominent; lores dark with a short white line underneath; malar stripe grey with a white line above; side of head uniform pale grey; chin white and throat uniform pale grey like side of head; upper breast, sides of breast and flanks uniform pale reddish brown; belly white; tarsus yellowish; bill yellowish and iris dark. I had no doubt that it was a thrush and was right from the beginning aware of the significance of the observation. I am familiar with Eyebrowed Thrush from several observations in Malaysia and the Philippines. However, to rule out any possible confusion with other thrushes, Ali and Ripley (1983) was consulted on the spot and the other references below after having returned home. From the literature it was obvious that no other thrush has the combination of uniform pale grey throat and uniform reddish brown breast together with a prominent white supercilium. This is the first record of Eyebrowed Thrush for Sri Lanka. The species is a common winter visitor from the breeding-grounds in Siberia (Yenisey east to Sea of Okhotsk, south to Lake Baikal) to southern Japan, southern China, north-east India, the Philippines, South-East Asia and the Greater Sundas. Eyebrowed Thrush has also straggled to Europe, Arabia, Alaska 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 177 (Cramp 1988), north-east Sulawesi and Flores (White and Bruce 1986), and elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent: South Andaman Island and north Karnataka (Ali and Ripley 1973), Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991), Madras, Tamil Nadu (Santharam 1985) and the Maldives (Ash, this issue). The species was feeding on open ground free of herbs, but with some leaf litter, in the same area as an Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura and a Spot-winged Thrush Zoothera spiloptera (though not seen together). This habitat was shaded by dense trees and bushes and some parts of it were used as a dump for garden compost. The thrush was turning over dead leaves, probably in search for invertebrates. The bird was seen later by other observers and remained until at least 28 February (T. Loseby). I thank S. W. Kotagama and B. O. Poulsen for their comments on the manuscript. REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1973) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan, 9. Bombay: Oxford University Press. Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1983) A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Bombay: Oxford University Press. Ash, J. S. (1994) Birds of the Maidive Islands, Indian Ocean. Forktail 10. Cramp, S., ed. (1988) The birds of the Western Palearctic, 5. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Dement’ev, G.P. and Gladkov, N. A. (1968) Birds of the Soviet Union, 6. Jerusalem: Israel Program for Scientific Translations Ltd. King, B. F., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. (1975) A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. Meyer de Schauensee, R. (1984) The birds of China. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Santharam, V. (1985) New records - Ashy Minivet and Eyebrowed Thrush in Madras. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 25(5 & 6): 9-1 1. White, C. M. N. and Bruce, M. D. (1986) The birds of Wallacea. London: British Ornithologists’ Union. Wild Bird Society of Japan (1982)H field guide to the birds of Japan. Tokyo: Wild Bird Society of Japan. Ole F. Jakobsen, Blagardsgade 19, 2. tv., DK-2200 Copenhagen N., Denmark Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda: a new species for Thailand OLE F. JAKOBSEN On 3 August 1 990 I was going by motorboat from Laem Phra Nang 8°00’N 98°5 1 ’E to Krabi Town, Krabi Province, Thailand, when I observed a Red¬ tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda. 178 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 10 The observation was made 8 km south-west of Krabi Town at 17h00. Notes were taken and used for the description below. The bird came towards the boat and passed within 1 2- 1 5 m at a height of 7 m above the sea. It was seen in good light for about 20 seconds, but without binoculars because of the very rough sea and a strong south-west monsoon wind. My attention was attracted by its relatively large size and the big red bill, reminding me of Caspian Tern Sterna caspia. I quickly realised that it was a tropicbird, having seen them previously in South America and Africa. I immediately realised the significance of this record. The bird, which was about the size of a Caspian Tern, looked all white except for the rather strong, deep red bill and a distinct black eye-stripe which extended from in front of the eye to the nape. The pointed tail lacked elongated central tail feathers. It flew with active wingbeats and some gliding. The identification as Red-tailed Tropicbird was checked by consulting King et al. (1975) and Harrison (1983) was consulted on my return home. There is no other large, nearly all white species with a deep red bill, black eye-stripe and wedge-shaped tail. The white plumage without black barring on the upperparts and black primaries ruled out all species of gulls, terns and other tropicbirds. The Red-tailed Tropicbird inhabits the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and is mainly pelagic outside the breeding season. The nearest breeding sites are the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, and Manuk and Gunung Api in the Banda Sea (MacKinnon and Phillipps 1993). A straggler has previously reached the Bay of Bengal (Harrison 1983). This is the first record of Red-tailed Tropicbird for Thailand and the Malay Peninsula. The species might have been overlooked due to its pelagic habits; it is probably found near to the coast only after severe storms. I wish to thank Philip D. Round for his comments. REFERENCES Harrison, P. (1983) Seabirds an identification guide. Kent: Croom Helm. King, B. F., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. (1975)/! field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. MacKinnon, J. and Phillipps, K. (1993) A field guide to the birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Ole F. Jakobsen, Blagardsgade 19, 2. tv., DK 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark. 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 179 Japanese Thrush Turdus cardis : a new species for Thailand GRAHAM FINCH and MARTIN KENNEWELL On 3 February 1993, at 07h00, we arrived at the junction of the jeep track at km 37.5 just past the checkpoint on the main road leading to the summit of Doi Inthanon. An obvious feature was a small party of Eyebrowed Thrushes Turdus obscurus feeding in fruiting trees. The majority were in a tree on the corner of the road to Mae Chaem. Knowing that several other species of thrush Turdus frequently joined the Eyebrowed Thrushes, it seemed pertinent to check through these birds. Almost immediately M. K. had brief views of a thrush which appeared all dark and showed a grey wash on its flanks. It soon took flight and crossed the road, showing a white belly and a dark breast; it landed in the tall trees around the entrance to the jeep track. G. F. soon relocated the bird in another fruiting tree, where it became more cooperative, and both of us took down a description. The bird appeared strikingly marked: the upperparts and head were completely black and this colour extended down to the upper breast where it was broken by several pale spots; the belly was unmarked white; the white lower breast and the grey-washed flanks were liberally marked with black spots, which were similar in appearance to those on the underparts of a Song Thrush T. philomelos ; the eye appeared dark and no orbital ring was noted; the bill was yellow, with a small amount of black on the tip of the culmen; the legs and feet were also yellow, but of a slightly paler colour than the bill. It was similar in size to the accompanying Eyebrowed Thrushes but appeared to have a shorter tail. Reference to Boonsong and Round (1991) led us to the conclusion that it was a species not described in that book. We then read through the descriptions of thrushes in King etal. (1975) and soon established that it was a male Japanese Thrush T. cardis and presumably the first record for Thailand. The bird remained until 1 1 February and was seen by several other observers, including Mr Daengrassani and Uthai Treesucon (Thailand), Clive Viney (Hong Kong), Jim Chance (U.S.A.), Paul and Mark McManus (U.K.) and Raf Drijvers (Belgium). Many thanks to Philip D. Round for his helpful comments on the manuscript. 180 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 10 REFERENCES Boonsong Lekagul and Round, P. D. (1991) A guide to the birds of Thailand. Bangkok: Saha Karn Bhaet. King, B. F., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. (197 5) A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. Graham Finch, 14 Thorndale, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6JT, U.K. Martin Kennewell, Main Street, South Muskham, Newark, NG23 6EE, U.K. Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus : a new species for Thailand GRAHAM CLARK On Friday, 28 March 1 986 I was driving north along the shore road at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuab Khirikhan province (12°08’N 99°59’E). I stopped to look at some waders on the lagoons and, whilst scanning with my binoculars, examined a line of starlings Sturnidae on a telephone wire some 40 m away. The small flock was comprised of about 30 Common Mynas Acridotheres tristis, six Asian Pied Starlings Sturnus contra and another individual which immediately caught my attention because it was bright pink. I observed the bird for about 30 secs before it took off and flew east with the rest of the flock. I obtained the following brief description: size and structure similar to those of the Asian Pied Starlings alongside, but perhaps a little smaller; head, throat and upper breast, wings, tail and undertail- coverts black; mantle, upper breast and belly bright salmon-pink; bill yellow. From this brief observation I concluded that it was an adult Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus. Although I searched for 1 5 minutes amongst the dunes in which the bird had disappeared it was not seen again. An adult Rosy Starling, presumed to be a different individual, was seen by P. D. Round, in mid-May 1986, in the aviary of Siam Farm, an animal trading company in Bangkok. The proprietor of the company mentioned that the bird had been trapped in Langsuan district, Chumphon province, c. 200 km south of Khao Sam Roi Yot. The species breeds from central and south Russia, and occasionally in south-east Europe, across central Asia to the Altai mountains and south to northern Afghanistan (Sibley and Monroe 1990). It winters in the Indian subcontinent (Ali and Ripley 1987). It is nomadic in its behaviour, frequently 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 181 occurring outside of its normal range and, since it migrates on a north-west to south-east axis, its occurrence in Thailand is perhaps not surprising. REFERENCES Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. ( 1 987) Compact edition of the handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. Sibley, C. G. and Monroe, B. L., Jr. (1990) Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. New Haven: Yale University Press. Graham Clark, 138/3 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9EH, U.K. Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex feeding on arils of acacia seeds HUGH A. FORD Three Plain Sunbirds Anthreptes simplex were seen on the edge of the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia forest reserve near Ayer Hitam, c. 20 km south-west of Kuala Lumpur, Peninsular Malaysia on 20 July 1993. They were identified by their olive upperparts, grey throat, dull yellow underparts, red eyes and short dark bills. Only one bird had a dark patch on the forehead, which I did not see reflecting light. As they moved amongst the phyllodes of acacia trees (. Acacia mangium ) they behaved more like warblers than sunbirds. When I watched them more closely I realised that they were taking the orange-red arils which attach the seeds to the pods. Although they were swallowing the arils I could not see if they also consumed the seeds. One bird was present for at least 20 minutes. The aril in acacias is a fleshy appendage which has grown from the apex of the ovule along the seed stalk. It is often brightly-coloured and is frequently consumed by insects such as ants; it can contain high concentrations of fat and protein (Glyphis et al. 1981). Honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) and a few other birds in Australia consume the red or yellow funicles of several acacia species (Forde 1986). Acacia cyclops has been introduced into South Africa from Australia and its arils and seeds are eaten by a variety of birds there (Middlemiss 1963). Acacia mangium is native to northern Australia and has been planted widely in South-East Asia for timber and pulp. I know of no account of birds consuming acacia arils in South-East Asia, nor of sunbirds eating them anywhere. However, Plain Sunbirds and 182 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 10 Purple-naped Sunbirds Hypogramma hypogrammicum have been recorded eating the fruits of Poikilospermum (Urticaceae) in East Malaysia, and fruit may be an important food of both species (Lambert 1991). Ornithologists in the region should look for other birds using this new food source. REFERENCES Forde, N. (1986) Relationships between birds and fruits in temperate Australia. Pp. 42-58 in H. A. Ford and D. C. Paton, eds. The dynamic partnership: birds and plants in southern Australia. Adelaide: Government Printer. Glyphis, J. P., Milton, S. J. and Siegfried, W. R. (1981) Dispersal of Acacia cyclops by birds. Oecologia 48: 138-141. Lambert, F. R. (1991) Fruit-eating by Purple-naped Sunbirds Hypogramma hypogrammicum. Ibis 133: 425-426. Middlemiss, E. (1963) The distribution of Acacia cyclops in the Cape Peninsula by birds and other animals. S. Afr. J. Sci. 59: 419-420. Hugh A. Ford, Department of Zoology' and Animal Ecology/, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia. The distribution of nests of the Black- and-Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchus along a river in Sarawak S. J. M. BLABER and D. A. MILTON The Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchusconstructs a gigantic pear-shaped nest, usually overhanging a river or stream (Medway and Wells 1976, Smythies 1981) and is most easily seen when travelling by boat. During the course of fieldwork in the Sri Aman Division of Sarawak in June and September 1993, counts were made of the number and distribution of Black-and-red Broadbill nests along the Lingga River. Counts were from the town of Pantu on the River Seterap to its confluence with the River Kelauh and thence down the River Lingga until the point it meets the River Lupar - an overall distance of about 30 km. During June 1993 a total of 27 nests was counted and they were distributed as follows: two nests in the approximately 5 km freshwater zone above the estuary in the River Seterap suspended from Pandanus vegetation along the bank. 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 183 23 nests in trees of tidally inundated swamp (rain) forest along the river edge in the tidal reaches of the River Seterap, a distance of about 10 km - three of the nests had birds in attendance. two nests in the well developed and tall (up to 25 m) mangroves in the upper reaches of the Lingga River estuary. No nests were recorded in the mangroves of the last 10 km or so of the Lingga River. During September 1993 only 14 nests were counted and all were in the riparian swamp forest of the River Seterap. None was observed in the Pandanus or in the mangroves. Also none of the nests was attended. From the distribution of nests the species appears to prefer nesting in the riparian swamp forest. Although the observed distribution could be due to the greater availability of suitable branches overhanging the water in this forest, compared with Pandanus , which offers fewer possible nest sites, this is unlikely to be the reason for few nests occurring in the mangroves. The mangroves offer a greater variety of potential over-water nest sites but the vegetation behind the mangroves often consists of secondary forest or subsistence agriculture. The distribution of nests is perhaps more closely related to the food requirements of the birds. Suitable fruit and/or insects for feeding to mates or young in the nest (Lambert 1989) may only occur in the swamp forest areas . It is also possible that the availability of freshwater in swamp forests may be important. Nest records for the Black-and-red Broadbill in Borneo are between December and August (Fogden 1965, Lambert and Woodcock in prep.); from Peninsular Malaysia between February and August (Medway & Wells 1 976, Lambert and Woodcock in prep.); from Thailand between April and June, and from Sumatra from March to June (Lambert and Woodcock in prep.). Hence the absence of birds around nests during September is not surprising. However, the reasons for the disappearance of nests between June and September are obscure. Three other nests of this species occurring along a forest stream near Lingga persisted over the same period. As this is a relatively dry time of year, the loss is unlikely to have been due to flooding. Also, despite the large tidal range (4 to 5 m), all nests were well above the height of high water springs. It is possible that nests were dislodged by wind or heavy rain or that they fell victim to predators. Jeyarajasingam (1983) records the sudden disappearance of the nest of a Silver-breasted Broadbill Serilophus lunatus which contained young, probably due to predation. A considerable number of potential bird, reptile and mammalian predators is present in the Lingga area, such as various raptors, Varanus, snakes, civets and monkeys. No published records or observations of such predation could be traced. However, the nests of tropical birds are frequently predated, and the often nocturnal predators are seldom seen. Removal by humans also cannot be ruled out, although appears unlikely in this environment. 184 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Forktail 10 REFERENCES Fogden, M. P. L. (1965) Borneo bird notes. Sarawak Museum J. 12: 395-414. Jeyarajasingam, A. (1983) Observations on the nest of the Silver-breasted Broadbill (Aves, Eurylaimidae). Malayan Nat. 37: 14-16. Lambert, F. R. (1989) Daily ranging behaviour of three tropical forest frugivores. Forktail 4: 107-1 16. Medway, Lord and Wells, D. R. (1976) The birds of the Malay Peninsula, 5. Conclusion, and survey of every species. London: H.F. and G. Witherby Ltd. Smythies, B. E. (1981) The birds of Borneo. Third Edition. Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur: The Sabah Society and the Malayan Nature Society. S.J.M. Blaber, 33 Wuduru Road, Cornubia, Queensland 4130, Australia. D.A. Milton, 336 Prout Road, Burbank, Queensland 4156, Australia. Mountain Hawk-Eagles Spizaetus nipalensis in Viet Nam G. E. MORRIS The Mountain Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis is thought to be a widespread migrant in South-East Asia (King et al. 1975), but there are no records for Viet Nam in the standard work by Delacour and Jabouille (1931), in the recent checklist for the country (Vo Quy 1983) or from the recent forest surveys (Robson et al. 1989, 1993a and b). The only record was of one observed at Tam Dao, north of Hanoi in October 1962 (Fischer 1974). At 1 5h00 on 2 January 1 992, whilst descending the main track above the headquarters of the Bach Ma National Park (between Hue and DaNang in central Annam), I saw an immature Mountain Hawk-Eagle land on the top of a small tree at an altitude of about 200 m. It was watched for 30 minutes, using 10x40 binoculars and a 30x75 telescope; the permanently raised wispy crest, which was black with white tips to the feathers, was clearly visible. It twice fanned its tail to preen, revealing 8 to 10 narrow, evenly- spaced black and white bars. When it finally took off and glided in a circle around me, the projecting head and the very heavy neck were conspicuous, but the crest was not visible in flight, even at close range. The upperwing was grey-brown with a lighter area on the primary-coverts, a feature that is also shown by immature Changeable Hawk-Eagle V. cirrhatus. This single record might have related to a vagrant to Viet Nam but on 1 0 January 1 992, during a visit to Thao Cam Vien zoo, Ho Chi Minh city, two immature Mountain Hawk-Eagles were found sharing a cage with five Changeable Hawk-Eagles. The director of the zoo understood that all of these birds had been captured in the mountain forests of south Annam (Lam 1994 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 185 Dong province). The exact provenance is not known but the director was certain that they originated in Viet Nam. In January 1993 only one of the Mountain Hawk-Eagles was still in the zoo and by January 1994 both had disappeared. A visit on 17 January 1993 to the shop of a wildlife dealer in DaLat city centre (Lam Dong province) revealed one stuffed (adult) and one living Mountain Hawk-Eagle, the latter in a cage at the back of the premises. The owner of the shop said that they were common in the area and claimed to have six more at home in her private ‘zoo’. For comparison, other stuffed raptors on display included a Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis , two Grey-faced Buzzards Butastur indicus and a Barn Owl Tyto alba, none of which is uncommon in Viet Nam. The owner expected U.S. SI 00 for the live eagle and seemed accustomed to the negative attitude of European visitors towards wildlife trading. She was confident that she could sell all of her stock of live animals and birds to Chinese dealers from Singapore and Taiwan without any problem. Finally, on 1 8 December 1 993, another immature Mountain Hawk-Eagle was seen near Cu Jut, a small town on the main road south-west of Ban Me Thuot in south Annam. The bird was perched on the top of a tree in an area of partly-cleared forest and both the crest and pale wing-coverts were clearly visible. The species may have been overlooked previously, though it is also possible that numbers have increased in Viet Nam recently, if only as a winter visitor. Now that its occurrence in northern, central and southern Viet Nam is established, even greater care will be needed in field identification of similar species such as Changeable Hawk-Eagle and Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni. REFERENCES Delacour, J. and Jabouille, P. (1931) Fes oiseaux de FIndochine fran^aise, 1 . Paris: Exposition Coloniale Internationale. Fischer, W. (1974) Vorlaufiger Abschlussbericht iiber Vogelbeobachtungen in Vietnam. Beitr. Vogelk. 20: 249-300. King, B. F., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. (1975) Afield guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. Robson, C. R., Eames, J. C., Wolstencroft, J. A., Nguyen Cu and Truong Van La (1989) Recent records of birds from Viet Nam. Forktail 5: 71-97. Robson, C. R., Eames, J. C., Nguyen Cu and Truong Van La (1993a) Further records of birds from Viet Nam. Forktail 8: 25-52. Robson, C. R., Eames, J. C„ Nguyen Cu and Truong Van La ( 1 993b) Birds recorded during the third BirdLife/Forest Birds Working Group expedition in Viet Nam. Forktail 9: 89-119. Vo Quy (1983) [A catalogue of the birds of Vietnam.] Pp. 12-43 in L. N. Medvedev, ed. Fauna and ecology of the birds of Vietnam. Moscow: Nauka. (In Russian.) G. E. Morris, Research Division, N. E. Wales Institute, Deeside, Clwyd, CH5 4BR, U.K. 186 INDEX TO FORKTAIL 1 - 9 Forktail 10 Index to Forktail 1-9 INDEX BY FIRST AUTHOR ALSTROM, P., U. OLSSON and P. D. ROUND. The taxonomic status of Acrocephalus agricola tangorum. 6: 3-14. ALSTROM, P. and U. OLSSON. Blyth’s Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides found breeding in Thailand. 9: 150-152. ANDERSEN, C. Y., M. K. POULSEN, O. F. JACOBSEN and M. HEEGAARD. Observations on the Luzon Water Redstart Rhyacomis bicolor in the Mount Pulog National Park, Philippines. 7: 147-150. ASH, J. S. Raptor migration on Bali, Indonesia. 9: 3-12. BAKEWELL, D. N„ G. J. CAREY, D. G. DUFF, J. PALFERY, A. PARKER and M. D. WILLIAMS. Observations of Relict Gulls Larus relictus on passage at Beidaihe, People’s Republic of China. 4: 77-88 BALEN, B. VAN, I. S. SUWELO, D. S. HADI, D. SOEPOMO, R. M. ARLON and MUTIARINA. The decline of the Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus on Java. 8: 83-88. BANKS, R. C. The generic name of the Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellaia. 8: 3-6. BARAL, H. S. and J. C. EAMES. Jerdon’s Babbler Moupinia altirostris a new species for Nepal. 6: 85-87. BERG, A. B. VAN DEN and C. A. W. BOSMAN. Supplementary notes on some birds of Lore Lindu Reserve, Central Sulawesi. 1: 7-14. BIJLSMA, R. G. and F. E. DE RODER. Notes on Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer in Thailand. 2: 92-94. BOSWALL, J. Ornithology in China: an update. 4: 55-62. BOSWALL, J. Notes on the current status of ornithology in the People’s Republic of China. 2: 43- 52. BRAZIL, M. A. and N. MOORES. The importance of Japanese wetlands as wintering grounds for the endangered Saunders’s Gull Larus saundersi. 8: 1 13-1 17. BRAZIL, M. A. and H. IKENAGA. The Amarni Woodcock Scolopax mira: its identity and identification. 3: 3-16. BRAZIL, M. A. The birds of Shuangtaizihekou National Nature Reserve, Liaoning province, China. 7: 91-124. CHOUDHURY, A. Bird observations from Sibsagar District, Assam, India. 6: 35-42. CLARK, W. S. and N. J. SCHMITT. Field identification of the Rufous-bellied Eagle Hieraaetus kienerii. 8: 7-10. CLEMENTS, F. A. Recent records of birds from Bhutan. 7: 57-76. CLEMENTS, F. A. and N. J. BRADBEAR. Status of wintering Black-necked Cranes Grits nigricollis in Bhutan. 2: 103-107. COLLAR, N. J., P. D. ROUND and D. R. WELLS. The past and future of Gurney’s Pitta Pina gurneyi. 1: 29-52. COOPER, R. J. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana: a new species for Nepal. 6: 89-90. CUEREL, P. and SOMSRI THONGSATJA. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos: a new species for Thailand. 8: 151-152. DE RODER, F. E. The migration of raptors south of Annapurna, Nepal, autumn 1985. 4: 9-18. DE SILVA, R. I., E. PERERA, L. PERERAand K. SAMARASINGHE. Black Tern Chlidonias niger. a new species for Sri Lanka. 9: 153-154. DE SILVA, R. I. and L. PERERA. Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus : a new species for Sri Lanka. 9: 154-155. DEL HOYO, J. and E. CARRERA. Dusting by a Green Cochoa Cochoa viridis. 4: 117. DICKINSON, E. C. Does the Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos breed in the Philippines? 1: 85-86. 1994 INDEX TO FORKTAIL 1 - 9 187 DICKINSON, E. C. A review of smaller Philippine swiftlets of the genus Collocalia. 5: 23-34. DICKINSON, E. C. A review of larger Philippine swiftlets of the genus Collocalia. 4: 19-54. DICKINSON, E. C. Does the White-eyed River-Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae breed in China? 2: 95-96. DUFF, D. G., D. N. BAKEWELL and M. D. WILLIAMS. The Relict Gull Larus relictus in China and elsewhere. 6: 43-65. DUTSON, G., R. WILKINSON and B. SHELDON. Hook-billed Bulbul Setoriiis criniger and Grey¬ breasted Babbler Malacopteron albogulare at Barito Ulu, Kalimantan. 6: 78-82. DUTSON, G. A sighting of Ficedula (crypta) disposiia in Luzon, Philippines. 8: 144-147. ELKIN, J. A., C. F. MANN and C. OZOG. Black-collared Starling Stumus nigricollis: a new species for Borneo. 8: 155-156. ELKIN, J. A. Japanese Night-Heron Gorsachius goisagi: a new species for Borneo. 8: 154-155. EVANS, T. D„ P. MAGSALAY, G. C. L. DUTSON and T. M. BROOKS. The conservation status of the forest birds of Siquijor, Philippines. 8: 89-96. EWINS, P. J., P. D. ROUND and D. R. BAZELY. Urban roosting by Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica wintering in Thailand. 6: 68-70. GARDINER, S. Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata: a new species for Nepal. 6: 87-88. GASTON, A. J. Andrew Leith Adams: a pioneer of Himalayan ornithology. 4: 3-8. GASTON, A. J., P. J. GARSON and S. PANDEY. Birds recorded in the Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India. 9: 45-58. GREEN, A. J. The biology of the White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata. 8: 65-82. GREGORY-SMITH, R. Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii: a new species for Malaysia. 9: 158. GRIMMETT, R. and H. TAYLOR. Recent bird observations from Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China, 16 June to 5 July 1988. 7: 139-146. HAN LIANXIAN. Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler Sphenocichla humei : a new species for China. 7: 155- 156. HARRAP, S. Identification, vocalisations and taxonomy of Pnoepyga wren-babblers. 5: 61-70. HARRISON, C. J. O. A re-assessment of the affinities of some small Oriental babblers Timaliidae. 1: 81-83. HARTLEY, I. R. and P. J. K. McGOWAN. Moult and biometrics in five birds endemic to Palawan, Philippines. 6: 74-77. HAUGE, P., J. TERBORGH, B. WINTER and J. PARKINSON. Conservation priorities in the Philippine Archipelago. 2: 83-91. HE FEN-QI, ZHANG YIN-SUN, WU YONG and GAO TIE-JUN. The distribution of the Relict Gull Lams relictus in Maowusu Desert, Inner Mongolia, China. 7: 151-154. HEATH, P. J. and D. M. THORNS. Bristled Grass Warbler Chaetomis striatus new to and breeding in Nepal, and its separation from Large Grass Warbler Graminicola bengalensis. 4: 1 18-121. HEATH, P. J. A Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris nest in Nepal. 4: 1 17-1 18. HELBIG, A. J. Records of Javan Pond-Heron Ardeola speciosa and Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus in peninsular Malaysia in March 1986. 3: 57-59. HOLMES, D. R. and J. R. D. WALL. Letter: Setomis criniger, Malacopteron albogulare and conservation in Indonesia. 4: 123-125. HOLMES, P. R. and B. J. HATCHWELL. Notes on the ecology of the Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus at Haigam Rakh, Kashmir, India. 6: 25-34. HOLMES, P. R. The avifauna of the Suru River Valley, Ladakh. 2: 21-42. INDRAWAN, M., W. LAWLER, W. WIDODO and SUTANDI. Notes on a feeding behaviour of Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea on the coast of Indramayu, west Java. 8: 143-144. INSKIPP, C. and T. P. INSKIPP. Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in spring 1993. 9: 121- 142. INSKIPP, T. P. and P. D. ROUND. A review of the Black-tailed Crake Porzana bicolor. 5: 3-16. INSKIPP, C. The ornithological importance of Khaptad National Park, Nepal. 5: 49-60. 188 INDEX TO FORKTAIL 1 - 9 Forktail 10 INSKIPP, C. and T. P. INSKIPP. Birds recorded during a visit to Bhutan in autumn 1991. 8: 97- 112. INSKIPP, C. and T. P. INSKIPP. Some important birds and forests in Nepal. 1: 53-64. JEPSON, P. The occurrence of Kessler’s Thrush Turdus kessleri in Nepal. 6: 83-85. JOHNS, A. D. Effects of selective logging on the ecological organization of a peninsular Malaysian rainforest avifauna. 1: 65-79. JOHNS, A. D. Recovery of a Peninsular Malaysian rainforest avifauna following selective timber logging: the first twelve years. 4: 89-106. KANNAN, R. Rediscovery of the Oriental Bay-Owl Phodilus badius in peninsular India. 8: 148-149. KATTI, M., P. SINGH, N. MANJREKAR, D. SHARMA and S. MUKHERJEE. An ornithological survey in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, India. 7: 75-90. KHAN, M. A. R. The threatened White-winged Wood Duck Cairina scutulata in Bangladesh. 2: 97- 101. KING, B. Birds observed at Huang Nian Shan, Mabian county, southern Sichuan, China. 4: 63-68. KING, B. Birds observed at Dafengding Panda Reserve, Mabian county, southern Sichuan, China. 4: 69-76. KING, B. and PENG JI TAI. Some bird observations in Ganzi prefecture of extreme north-west Sichuan province, China. 6: 15-24. KNOWLER, J. T. Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis: a new species for Thailand. 8: 152-153. LAMBERT, F. R. Daily ranging behaviour of three tropical forest frugivores. 4: 107-1 16. LANSDOWN, R. V. Recent extensions in breeding range of the Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis. 3: 61-63. LEWIS, A. Asian Stubtail Urosphena squameiceps : a new species for Nepal and the Indian subcontinent. 9: 155. LEWIS, A. Black-and-yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides: a new species for Nepal. 9: 156. MADGE, S. C. Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala: a new species for Nepal. 4: 121-123. MALLON, D. P. The winter birds of Ladakh. 3: 27-42. MANN, C. F. Notable bird observations from Brunei, Borneo. 3: 51-56 MANN, C. F. More notable bird observations from Brunei, Borneo. 5: 17-22. MANN, C. F. and D. A. DISKIN. Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor a new species for Borneo and South-East Asia. 8: 153-154. MANN, C. F. Sunda Frogmouth Batrachostomus comutus, carrying its young. 6: 77-78. McWHIRTER, D . W. Feeding methods and other notes on the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygtneus in Okinawa. 3: 60-61. MOLLER, E. Feeding technique of a White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea. 7: 54-55. MUNDKUR, T. Prey items of the Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris. 6: 71-72. NAKHASATHIEN, S. The discovery of Storm’s Stork Ciconia stormi in Thailand. 3: 43-50. NOSKE, R. A. Field identification and ecology of the Greater Goldenback Chrysocolaptes lucidus in Malaysia. 6: 72-74. OGLE, D. Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus: a new species for Thailand. 7: 156-157. PALMES, P. and C. BRIGGS. Crab-plovers Dromas ardeola in the Gulf of Kutch. 1: 21-28. PARKES, K. C. Letter: Was the Chinese White-eyed River Martin an Oriental Pratincole. 3: 68-69. PRAKASH, V., N. V. PRAKASH and W. S. CLARK. Oriental Honey-buzzard Pemis ptilorhyncus: a new species for the Andaman Islands. 9: 157-158. RAHMANI, A. R. Status of the Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaricus in the Indian subcontinent. 5: 99-110. REDMAN, N. Two new species of birds for the Philippines and other notable records. 8: 1 19-124. ROBERTS, T. J. Obituary: Salim Ali, 1896-1987. 3: 70-72. ROBSON, C. R., J. C. EAMES, NGUYEN CU and TRUONG VAN LA. Birds recorded during the third BirdLife/Forest Birds Working Group expedition in Viet Nam. 9: 89-120. ROBSON, C. R„ J. C. EAMES, NGUYEN CU and TRUONG VAN LA. Further records of birds from Viet Nam. 8: 25-52. 1994 INDEX TO FORKTAIL 1 - 9 189 ROBSON, C. R„ J. C. EAMES, J. A. WOLSTENCROFT, NGUYEN CU and TRUONG VAN LA. Recent records of birds from Viet Nam. 5: 71-98. ROBSON, C. R. Recent observations of birds in Xizang and Qinghai provinces, China. 2: 67-82. ROUND, P. D. Winter records of the Manchurian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus ( agricola ) tangorum from Thailand. 9: 83-88. ROUND, P. D., U. TREESUCON and J. C. EAMES. A breeding record of the Giant Pitta Pitta caerulea from Thailand 5: 35-48. ROUND, P. D. and U. TREESUCON. The rediscovery of Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurney i. 2: 53-66. SANKAR, K., D. MOHAN and S. PANDEY. Birds of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India. 8: '133-141. SERIOT, J., O. PINEAU, R. DE SCHATZEN and Ph. J. DUBOIS. Black-tailed Crake Porzana bicolor: a new species for Thailand. 2: 101-103. SHELDON, F. H. Habitat preferences of the Hook-billed Bulbul Setomis criniger and the White- throated Babbler Malacopteron albogulare in Borneo. 3: 17-26. SHOWLER, D. Long-billed Partridge Rhizothera longirostris: a new species for Sabah. 8: 156. SODHI, N. S. Food-niche relationships of five sympatric north Indian herons. 7: 125-130. SWENNEN, C. and E. C. L. MARTEIJN. Notes on the feeding behaviour of the Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea. 3: 63-66. THOMPSON, P. M„ W. G. HARVEY, D. L. JOHNSON, D. J. MILLIN, S. M. A. RASHID, D. A. SCOTT, C. STANFORD and J. D. WOOLNER. Recent notable bird records from Bangladesh. 9: 13-44. TYE, A. and H. TYE. Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalensis new to Thailand. 1: 83-85. TYLER, S. J. and S. J. ORMEROD. The ecology of river birds in Nepal. 9: 59-82. TYMSTRA, Y. R. Some bird observations from the lower Apsuwa River, east Nepal. 8: 53-64. VITTERY, A. The birds of Pakistan: supplementary observations from the northern Punjab and hills. 9: 143-148. VRETTOS, D. G. Observations on the breeding of the Palawan Blue-Flycatcher Cyomis lemprteri. 9: 148-150. WATTOLA, G. V. Black-billed Magpie Pica pica: a new species for Thailand. 8: 149-150. WELLS, D. R., P. D. ROUND and J. SCHARRINGA. New information on the ‘Brown-streaked’ Flycatcher Muscicapa latirostris williamsoni. 1: 15-20. WILES, G. J. and Y. MASALA. Collapse of a nest tree used by Finch-billed Mynas Scissirostrum dubiutn in North Sulawesi. 3: 67-68. WILLIAMS, M. D., G. J. CAREY, D. G. DUFF and XU WEISHU. Autumn bird migration at Beidaihe, China, 1986-1990. 7: 3-56. WILLIAMS, M. D., D. N. BAKEWELL, G. J. CAREY and S. J. HOLLOWAY. On the bird migration at Beidaihe, Hebei province, China, during spring 1985. 2: 3-20. ZACHARIAS, V. J. and A. J. GASTON. The birds of Wynaad, southern India. 8: 1 1-24. ZHANG YIN-SUN, DING WEN-NING, BU HE and TIAN LU. Breeding ecology of the Relict Gull Larus relictus in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China: 7: 131-138. ZHANG YIN-SUN and HE FEN-QI. A study of the breeding ecology of the Relict Gull Larus relictus in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China. 8: 125-132. ZHANG YIN-SUN, LIU CHANG-JIANG, TIAN LU and BU HE. Recent records of the Relict Gull Larus relictus in western Nei Mongol autonomous region, China. 6: 66-67. 190 INDEX TO FORKTAIL 1 - 9 Forktail 10 INDEX BY SPECIES MENTIONED IN PAPER TITLE Acrocephalus ( agricola ) tangorum 9: 83-88. Acrocephalus agricola tangorum 6: 3-14. Aix galericulata 6:87-88. Anas platyrhynchos 8: 151-152. Ardeola speciosa 3: 57-59. Batrachostomus comutus 6: 77-78. Burhinus (= Esacus ) recurvirostris 6: 71-72 Cairina scutulata 2: 97-101; 8: 65-82. Chaetornis striatus 4: 118-121. Charadrius placidus 9: 154-155. Charadrius veredus 7: 156-157. Chlidonias niger 9: 1 53-154. Chrysocolaptes lucidus 6: 72-74. Chrysomrna (— Moupinia) altirostre 6: 85-87. Ciconia stormi 3: 43-50. Circus melanoleucos 1: 85-86. Cochoa viridis 4: 117. Collocalia 4: 19-54; 5: 23-34. Cyomis lemprieri 9: 148-150. Delichon nipalensis 1: 83-85. Dramas ardeola 1: 21-28. Ephippiorhynchus asiaiticus 5: 99-1 10. Esacus recurvirostris 6: 71-72. Eurynorhynchus pygrnaeus 3: 60-61. Ficedula (crypta) disposita 8: 144-147. Gallinago megala 4: 121-123. Glareola maldivarum 3: 68-69. Gorsachius goisagi 8 : 154-155. Graminicola bengalensis 4: 1 18-121. Grus nigricollis 2: 103-107. Haliastur indus 8: 83-88. Hieraaetus kienerii 8: 7-10. Hirundo rustica 6: 68-70. Ixobrychus minutus 6: 25-34. Ixobrychus sinensis 3: 61-63. Lanius excubitor 8: 153-154. Larus relictus 4: 77-88; 6:43-65,66-67; 7: 131- 138, 151-154; 8: 125-132. Larus saundersi 8: 113-117. Malacopteron albogulare 3: 17-26; 4: 123-125; 6: 78-82. Moupinia altirostris 6: 85-87. Muscicapa latirostris williamsoni 1: 15-20. Mycerobas ajfinis 8: 152-153. Mycerobas icterioides 9: 156. Mycteria cinerea 3: 63-66; 8: 143-144. Pericrocotus brevirostris 4: 117-118. Pemis ptilorhyncus 9: 157-158. Phodilus badius 8: 148-149. Phylloscopus fuscatus 3: 57-59. Phylloscopus reguloides 9: 150-152. Pica pica 8: 149-150. Pina caerulea 5: 35-48. Pitta gumeyi 1: 29-52; 2: 53-66.. Pnoepyga 5: 61-70. Porzana bicolor 2: 101-103; 5: 3-16. Porzana cinerea 7: 54-55. Porzana porzana 6: 89-90. Pseudochelidon sirintarae 2: 95-96; 3: 68-69. Raptors 4: 9-18; 9: 3-12. Rheinardia ocellata 8: 3-6. Rhizothera longirostris 8: 156. Rhyacomis bicolor 7 : 147-150. Scissirostrum dubiuni 3: 67-68. Scolopax mira 3: 3-16. Seicercus burkii: 9: 158. Setomis criniger 3: 17-26; 4: 123-125; 6: 78-82. Sphenocichla humei 7: 155-156. Stumus nigricollis 8: 155-156. Timaliidae 1: 81-83. Tringa guttifer 2: 92-94. Turdus kessleri 6: 83-85. Urosphena squameiceps 9: 155. 1994 INDEX TO FORKTAIL 1 - 9 191 INDEX BY COUNTRY/REGION Bangladesh 2: 97-101; 5:3-15,99-110; 9: 13-44. Bhutan 2: 103-107; 5:3-15,99-110; 7:57-76; 8:97-112; 9: 121-142. Borneo 3: 17-26; 4: 123-125. Brunei 3: 51-55; 5: 17-22; 6: 77-78; 8: 153-154, 154-155, 155-156.. China 2: 43-51, 95-96; 4:55-62; 5:3-15; 6:3-13,43-65; 7:155-156. Hebei province, Beidaihe 2: 3-20; 4: 77-88; 7: 3-56. Inner Mongolia 6:66-67; 7:131-138,151-154; 8:125-132. Liaoning province 7: 91-124. Qinghai Autonomous Region 2: 67-82. Sichuan 4: 63-68; 4:69-76; 6: 15-24. Xinjiang Autonomous Region 7: 139-146. Xizang Autonomous Region 2: 67-82. Himalayas 4: 3-8. Hong Kong 6: 43-65. India 4: 3-8; 5: 3-15, 99-1 10; 7: 125-130; 8: 148-149. Andaman Islands 9: 157-158. Arunachal Pradesh 7: 75-90. Assam 6: 35-42. Gujarat 1: 21-28; 6: 71-72. Himachal Pradesh 9: 45-58. Kashmir 6: 25-34. Kerala 8: 11-24. Ladakh 2: 21-41; 3: 27-42. Rajasthan 8: 133-141. Indonesia 4: 123-125. Bali 9: 3-12. Java 8: 83-88, 143-144; Kalimantan 6: 78-82. Sulawesi 1: 7-14; 3: 67-68. Sumatra 4: 123-125. Japan 6: 43-65; 8: 113-117. Amami 3: 3-16. Okinawa 3: 60-61. Republic of Korea 6: 43-65. Laos 5: 3-15. Malaysia Peninsular 1: 65-79; 3: 57-59, 61-63, 63-66; 4: 89-106, 107-116; 6: 72-74; 9: 158. Sabah 3: 61-63; 8: 156. Mongolia 6: 43-65. Myanmar 5: 3-15. Nepal 1: 53-64, 4: 9-18, 117-118, 1 18-121, 121-123; 5: 3-15, 49-60, 61-70, 99-110; 6: 83-85, 85- 87, 87-88, 89-90; 8: 53-64; 9: 59-82, 155, 156. Pakistan 5: 99-1 10. Punjab 9: 143-148. Philippines 1: 85-86; 2: 83-91; 4: 19-54; 5: 23-34; 8: 119-124. Luzon 7: 147-150; 8: 144-147. Palawan 6: 74-77; 9: 148-150. Siquijor 8: 89-96. Singapore 3: 61-63. Sri Lanka 5: 99-1 10; 9: 153-154, 154-155. Taiwan 5: 61-70. Thailand 1: 15-20, 29-52, 83-85; 2: 53-66, 92-94, 101-103; 3: 43-50; 4: 117; 5: 35-48; 6: 3-13, 68-70; 7: 154-155, 156-157; 8: 149-150, 151-152, 152-153; 9:83-88, 150-152. U.S.S.R. 6: 43-65. Viet Nam 5:3-15,71-98; 6:43-8:25-52; 9:89-120. 192 Forktail 10 Guidelines for contributors Forktail publishes original papers in the English language (also, in certain cases, English translations of papers in Oriental languages) treating any aspect of the ornithology (e.g. distribution, biology, conservation, identification) of the Oriental region, i.e. the region bounded by the Indus River to the west, Lydekker’s Line to the east (i.e. the eastern boundary ofWallacea), the Chang Jiang (Yangtze Kiang) basin to the north and the Chagos Archipelago, Lesser Sundas, Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands to the south; the Japanese Nansei Shoto (islands south-west of Kyushu) are included, and indeed material concerning any part of China or Pakistan may be published. Submissions are considered on the understanding that they are being offered solely for publication by the Oriental Bird Club, which will retain copyright. Referees are used where appropriate; all submissions are reviewed by the Forktail Editorial Committee, and those accepted are normally published in order of receipt. (Some further indication of the type of material appropriate for the journal is provided in the inaugural editorial, ‘The scope of Forktail’, Forktail 1: 3-5.) Submissions should be in one of the following ways: a) in duplicate, typewritten on one side of the paper only, and double-spaced; or b) a single double-spaced typescript, accompanied by a word- processed version on disk, preferably IBM compatible and in WordPerfect 5.1. Macintosh and other word-processing packages are acceptable, but in such cases two files should be sent, one in the original word-processed format and one converted into an ASCII text file. The approximate position of figures and tables should be indicated in the margin of the typescript. Papers should be concise and factual, take full account of previous relevant literature but avoid repetition of established information as much as possible; opinions expressed should be based on adequate evidence. Titles of papers must be accurate and concise, and (for the benefit of abstraction services) include any relevant scientific (taxonomic) name. Whenever possible, authors should consult an issue of Forktail for style and layout. Spelling follows The shorter Oxford English dictionary, except that external features of birds are spelt and hyphenated in accordance with the entry under ‘Topography’ in A dictionary of birds (1985). Spelling of place- names accords (unless another source is specified) with the most recent edition (currently seventh, 1985) of The Times atlas of the world ; we use ‘South-East Asia’ and ‘Viet Nam’. Localities with well- known other spellings or older names should have these placed in parentheses after their first mention. For localities too small to be in the Times atlas a source of the spelling adopted should preferably be indicated and the precise geographical coordinates provided (these should be double-checked where possible). It is appreciated that authors will not always have access to the above sources; in such cases the editor will seek to introduce conformity. English and scientific names of birds should preferably follow those provided by Sibley and Monroe (1990) Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world (as modified by the 1 993 supplement). On first mention of a bird both English and scientific name should be given, thereafter only one, preferably the English. Scientific trinomials need be used only if subspecific nomenclature is relevant to the topic under discussion. These recommendations also apply for any other animal or plant species mentioned. Underlining (= italics ) is used for all words of foreign languages, including generic and specific scientific names. Metric units and their international symbols should be used; if it is necessary to cite other systems of measurement, these can be added in parentheses. Temperatures should be given in the Centigrade (Celsius) scale. Numbers one to ten are written in full except when linked with a measurement abbreviation or higher number, thus ‘five birds’ but ‘5 km’ and ‘5-12 birds’; numerals are used for all numbers above ten, four-figure numbers and above using the comma thus: 1 1 ,234’, ‘12,345’. Details of experimental technique, extensive tabulations of results, etc., are best presented as appendices. Authors of papers containing statistical analysis should observe the provisions of the relevant section of ‘Notice to contributors’ in a recent Ibis. Dates should be written 1 January 1985, times of day as 08h30, 17h55 (24-hour clock;), etc. When citing a conversation (‘verbally’) or letter (‘in lilt. ’) , the contact’s name and initials should be included, preferably with the year of communication. A full-length paper must include a summary not exceeding 5% of the total length. Any figure, diagram, line-drawing or map should preferably be in black ink on strong white or translucent paper; it should be called a Figure, numbered appropriately, and fully captioned. Maps must be marked with a scale and north arrow. Lettering on figures should be very neat, although the publishers will re-draw figures and typeset lettering. Good photographs are also considered. Captions for figures and photographs should be typed on a separate sheet. Authors of papers are encouraged to offer their work to one or more ornithologist or biologist for critical assessment prior to submission to Forktail. Such help as is received should naturally be mentioned in an acknowledgement section before the full references are presented. References in the text should follow the form ‘(Campbell and Lack 1985)’ and ‘King et al. (1975) suggest...’. More than one within the same parentheses should be chronologically listed, alphabetically if of the same year. Publications by the same authors in the same year may be distinguished by ‘a’, ‘b’, etc., after the date. Full references must be listed alphabetically at the end in the form: Campbell, B. and Lack, E. eds. (1985) A dictionary of birds. Calton (Staffordshire, U.K.): T. and A. D. Poyser. King, B. F., Dickinson, E. C. and Woodcock, M. W. (1975 ) A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: Collins. Kuroda, Nh., ed. (1984) Ketteiban seibutsu daizukan; chorui [ Illustrations of animals and plants: birds], Tokyo: Sekai Bunkasha. (In Japanese.) Roslyakov, G. E. (1985) [‘Information on the distribution and number of Aix galericulata and Mergtts squamatus over Khabarovsk Territory.’] Pp. 101-102 in N. M. Litvinenko, ed. Rare and endangered birds of the Far East. Vladivostok: Far East Science Center, Academy of Sciences of the USSR. (In Russian.) Sien Yao-hua, Kuan Kuan-Hsiin and Zheng Zuo-xin (1964) [‘An avifaunal survey of the Chinghai province.’] Acta Zool. Sinica 16: 690-709. (In Chinese.) Smythies, B. E. (1981) The birds of Borneo. Third edition. Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur: The Sabah Society and the Malayan Nature Society. Somadikarta, S. (1986) Collocalia linchi Horsfield & Moore - a revision. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 106: 32- 40. White, C. M. N. and Bruce, M. D. (1986) The birds of Wallacea (Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia): an annotated check-list. London: British Ornithologists’ Union (Check-list no. 7). It will be noted from these examples that references to non-Roman scripts need to be transliterated and/or translated (or even, with more recondite sources, both); either the transliterated title may be left as it is, or a translation of it can be substituted in square brackets (but where an abstract provides its own English title, this may be cited in inverted commas within square brackets), and the language involved should follow the reference, in parentheses. The author’s name and postal address should appear in italics at the end of the article. Authors will receive proofs for checking, which they are required to return within one week of receipt (no more than four weeks can be allowed between posting out and taking return of proofs). All joint communications must indicate the name and full postal address of the author to whom proofs should be sent. Textual changes in proof cannot normally be countenanced. 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