Birding in Bhutan ~ Happy's Click

Birding in Bhutan (Land of Thunder Dragon)

Kuzuzangpola (Greetings and Well Wishes)

On the planet earth there are blessing and as long as they remain, there will be prosperity and peace. These blessing are obviously connected to nature and its creations and one such creation are the birds, who undoubtedly play an important role in the survival and well being of the forests.

Bhutan in the eastern Himalayas is one of the few or the only country that is carbon-negative, with more than 70 percent of its land covered with greens. The Rulers and the people of Bhutan definitely need to be applauded for this. Predominately Pine and Oak Forests (approx 4000Mtr), Conifer forests (between 2000mtr-4000mtrs) and the tropical forests and vegetation's at lower altitudes, making it a Himalayan "hot spot" for bird watching.

April 1^st and 2^nd- Paro (2250m)

Flying into the only international airport in Paro, Bhutan for the first time was itself an overwhelming experience. The aircraft negotiates over the steep mountain tops with the runaway appearing only at the last moment. Once we landed, were greeted with the fresh Himalayan air that immediately gives you a very warm welcome into the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Our afternoon and the next day session's were drive on the 34 Kms stretch for birding upto Chele La (3700m) the highest pass in Bhutan accessible by road. The climate changed drastically as we kept stopping and moving towards the pass. Sighted the Grey-backed Shrike, Spotted Nutcracker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Tits, Northern Goshawk, Red-billed Chough, Rufous-backed Accentor and Plain mountain Finch in very large numbers and flocks.

Eurasian Nutcracker © Aseem Kothiala

Himalayan Bluetail © Aseem Kothiala

Rufous-breasted Accentor © Aseem Kothiala

At the top of the pass on a far away stone, sighted a lone Himalayan Monal - male, who took to flight into the valley and perched in the open at a distance.

Rufous-vented Tit © Aseem Kothiala

White-winged Grosbeak © Aseem Kothiala

As it was getting very windy and also started to drizzle, tuned around to travel back to Paro. Just around one of the turns, Chewang heard the call of the Blood Pheasants. Chewang also immediately mentioned it was a subspecies and to drive to the lower road as he expected them to cross the road and move to the lower part of the hill. It happened exactly as expected, we saw almost 4-5 mixed flock of males and females feeding and moving around.

Blood Pheasant © Aseem Kothiala

The cold wind was howling around our ears and could hear the sound of the falling leaves in-midst of our shutter clicks and whispers. Surely, the birds by now had noticed us and began to move lower and deeper into the forest.

Later in the afternoon started to drive towards the capital city, Thimphu(2350m). Just along Paro Chhu a river, we sighted the Ibisbill and a pair of River lapwings. Though the Ibisbill was busying foraging, the river lapwings seemed to be more noisier.

Ibisbill © Aseem Kothiala

The road along this stretch was excellent and landscapes scenic. By early evening we reached the Kingdoms capital city, which is also the home to the Royal family.

Apri 3^rd : Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La (3150m)

The lone road road winds its way through the fertile paddy fields of rice, past the small towns. The old little cantilever bridges are soon being replaced with the modern ones. The roads along this stretch have been taken up for widening.

It was a very foggy day, though we were there in the wee hours of the morning. There was a lot of bird activity, specially by the Magpies and Rosefinch's. It was only a couple of hours later the clouds parted and there was good light. We did hear and see the Scaly-breasted wren babbler who was not not ready to pose for a photograph.

Yellow-billed Blue Magpie © Aseem Kothiala

Just a little further, sighted the Hodgson's Redstart, Sand lark (ID corrected to Hume's Short-toed Lark), Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher, among the commonly sighted species of Tit's, Yuhina's and Sunbird's.

Spotted Laughingthrush © Aseem Kothiala

Hodgson's Redstart © Aseem Kothiala

Hume's Short-toed Lark © Aseem Kothiala

We had plans to visit the Royal Botanical Park, near Lampelri. As we arrived at the main gate of the park, which forms the backdrop to Dochu La, noticed many cars/vehicles parked. Being a holiday (sunday) we anticipated too much rush and decided to move on towards Punakha.

Just as we reached the outskirts of Punakha town, sighted the Common Kestrel, roosting on a pole along the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley.

Our stay for the night in Wangdue overlooked the entire town. Just as we were sipping on the local Bhutanese tea, Chewang politely asked us if we were ready to see and photography the Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, as he heard them call.

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler © Aseem Kothiala

It was moments later saw a pair chirping and posing in the shrubs along with black bulbuls in the backyard of the resort.

April 4^th - Punakha (1310m)

One of the globally threatened wetland species occurs regularly in Bhutan - The rare White-bellied Heron. We started our day as usual very early to catch a glimpse of this rarity along the Pho Chhu (River). No sooner we parked our vehicles and took out our equipment to walk towards the bank, Satish noticed the bird just fly along side, slowly but firmly over the river. By the time, could focus and take a few decent frames, the bird had flown far away.

White-bellied Heron © Aseem Kothiala

Our joy was mixed, as we did sight it, but the frames were just record shots!We then drove along the river and to the nearby cliff, hoping to see the lone species, but in vain. We along this stretch sighted the Crested Kingfisher, Golden-throated barbet, Great Barbet, Black Bulbul, Khalij Pheasant, Minla's, Oriental white-eye's to name a few.

Great Barbet © Aseem Kothiala

Golden-throated Barbet © Aseem Kothiala

The second half session was birding along and in Jigme Dorji National Park, but the urge to see the white-bellied heron more closely was stronger. So unanimously we all dropped the plans to visit the second largest national park!

We returned to the same birding spot and waiting through the afternoon and all evening. While we waiting a pair of River lapwings kept us busy. Soon we also noticed they made a loud cry, raised their crest and within a split second mated.

River Lapwing © Aseem Kothiala

As the sun started to set we started to drive back towards our camp in Wangdue, this is when we sighted a Himalayan Buzzard hover and dive, the distance was too much and could only make out, it made a kill. Along the river also saw a small flocks of Ruddy Shelduck's and Eurasian Wigeon's.

April 5^th and 6^th - Phobjikha Valley (2900m) - Pele La (3425m)

We realised by now that most of our travel through Bhutan was by the one road that traverses the Kingdom. It presently is just about 1.5 lanes wide and featured at-least 10-12 bends/Km. In many areas the road widening was in progress and we had to take regular stops to cater for roadworks.

After driving and birding along the stretch for almost 6-7 hours reached the valley floor, where lies the village of Phobjikha, on the periphery of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly Black Mountains National Park)

The next morning we drove towards Pele La. It was yet another day when the climate was much cooler and was raining too. At a distant could hear the calls of Satyr Tragopan and soon sighted one sitting high on the tree, just then is started to rain even heavier with hail. We rushed back to the vehicle and waited.

Soon the skies cleared and sun was shining bright. The Himalayan Monal was seen feeding and moving around the region and later perched on the tree.

Himalayan Monal © Aseem Kothiala

However, there was no sign of the Satyr Tragopan.

Obviously, post lunch we returned to the same birding spot. As we kept walking into the Rhododendron forest, sighting a beautiful male, looking around on a lone mossy fallen bark. Everyone just sat down to watch the beauty and started to click, it then it started to move up on the bark and i lost sight of the bird, the clicks from my fellow birders did not stop!

Had to slowly lift the equipment and move even slower till a point i could see the bird, without scaring or flushing it off, by now my heart was pounding, like never before!

Satyr Tragopan © Aseem Kothiala

The moment i settled could see the vibrant beauty through the lens. It was a moment and frame i shall remember all my life.

April 7^th and April 8^th – Bumthang (2800m)

We spent some time in the morning, birding in the valley of cranes, the vast meadows was full with chirping of larks, who at a slight movement would fly low and move to nearby pastures. Around this place, sighted about 5-6 Himalayan griffons soaring in the blue skies. At a distant saw Hen harrier fly low and disappear into the green horizon. A large flock of about 20-25 Snow pigeon's were seen flying from one end to the other and back over the Phobjhika town.

By early afternoon we reached Chumey valley and decided to drive towards Bumthang. Heavy rains poured down and we had to return to our base camp. Next morning we drove along the 10-12 kms feeder road passing through Gyetsa village towards Tharpaling Monastery. Enroute we sighted Minivet's, Gold-crest, Alpine accentor's and Himalayan Monal's.

Red-headed Bullfinch © Aseem Kothiala

Alpine Accentor © Aseem Kothiala

Goldcrest © Aseem Kothiala

The clouds parted by late afternoon and the sunlight danced across the flags as they are tormented by the wind, outside the Tharpaling Monastery.

On the way back sighted a pair of nesting Plumbeous Water-redstart, Beautiful Rosefinch, Black-billed magpies in very large numbers.

Beautiful Rosefinch © Aseem Kothiala

April 9^{th -}April 10^th – April 11^th – Yongkhola (1855 m) via Thrumshing La (3750m)

Chewang insisted we drive out at 2.30am towards Yongkhola, one of the richest birding sites in Bhutan. As we crossed the Thrumshing La, sighted almost a 100 plus Blood Pheasants. The sideways of the road were white with the recent snowfall and the sun had just risen. In this golden light the Blood pheasants surely looked their best.

Blood Pheasant © Aseem Kothiala

Soon we started to descend through rich semitropical rain forest via Sengor into Namling finally reaching our camp in Yongkhola . The broad leaf evergreen forest commenced at about 2600m.

Snowy-browed Flycatcher © Aseem Kothiala

The next two days here were very fruitful. The region is a part of Phrumsengla National Park (formerly Thrumshingla National Park). Every birding group that day was looking for a glimpse and there had been no major sighting reported of the Ward's Trogon. As we neared Namling, as always Chewang asked Tandin to stop, we knew something special was around, he whispered its there, get ready!

Moments later we sighted it, all of us were so elated that we started to hug each other.

Ward's Trogon © Aseem Kothiala

Further that day we also sighted Speckled Wood Pigeon, Sultan Tit, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Grey-bellied Tesia and the Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler.

The globally threatened Rufous-necked Hornbill seemed virtually confined to the forests. We could hear it call and only in one instance saw it fly over the mature fruiting trees. While we were driving on the last day morning, Chewang heard the call of the endangered species, the Beautiful Nuthatch. Within minutes another large group of birder joined us to catch a glimpse of this rare bird.

April 12^th - Trashigang (3773m) via Kori La (2450m) The forests below Yongkhala comprised a mosaic of traditional farmlands, relatively dry woodland, scrub and subtropical forest.

We were now nearing the end of the tour and due to the work in progress along the road, made it virtually no birding and only driving. Narrow roads did not make it convenient to stop. On top at the pass, we sighted a herd of Capped Langur's. They were arboreal and were busy feeding on the leaves. Their young one was golden in colour and looked very attractive.

Capped Langur @ Aseem Kothiala

By late evening only we could reach Trashigang, which is referred to as The Jewel of the East. Trashigang is situated in the eastern most part of the kingdom.

Bhutan’s largest river, the Dangmechu, flows through this district. Our stay for the night overlooked the Trashigang town, which was on a scenic hillside.

April 13^th - Samdrup Jongkhar
Our final halt was in a small and the oldest town called Samdrup Jongkhar. The town is situated in the south eastern region of the country and shares borders with the Indian state of Assam. We sighted the Bronze Drongo, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Yellow-cheecked Tit, Black-throated Sunbird and few flycatchers.

As we were resting in the evening and checking our clicks, experienced some tremor, which we realised later was the effect of the earthquake in Myanmar.

Period of travel : 1st April to 13th April 2016

Birding Pals along with me : Chewang Bonpo, Shiva Shankar, Satish Thayapurath

Special thanks to Chewang Sir, without whom this trip wouldn't have been possible, his keen sense makes bird watching so easy. He also managed the entire itinerary including our stay, permits and ensured we got pure veg food during our entire trip, which was spicy for me at times, as Bhutanese are known to use green and red chilies as vegetables. Thanking Shiva Sir, who made the arrangements for travel and we made a good friend Tandin Dorji, who was very patient at the wheel and later realised was a passionate photographer too. Lastly would thank Satish Sir, who was the most hilarious person and his combination with Tandin was out of the world. It is a trip that will surely stay in our minds for years to come.

It would be unfair not to mention Mr. Peter Lobo, who had been in touch with us, all through our trip, giving us pointers and tips on the hot-spots. Thank you!

Have made a brief clip on our trip and sightings (added this to the blog a week later)

Our total sightings at about 200 birds, off which around 34 birds were lifer to me. Will be updating the list and photographs on our Facebook page :

Happy Birding!

	ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
1	Ruddy Shelduck	Tadorna ferruginea
2	Gadwall	Mareca strepera
3	Eurasian Wigeon	Anas penelope

	GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae
4	Himalayan Monal	Lophophorus impejanus
5	Satyr Tragopan	Tragopan satyra
6	Kalij Pheasant	Lophura leucomelanos
7	Blood Pheasant	Ithaginis cruentus

	COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
8	Rock Dove	Columba livia
9	Snow Pigeon	Columba leuconota
10	Freckled Pigeon	Columba hodgsonii
11	Oriental Turtle Dove	Streptopelia orientalis
12	Eurasian Collared Dove	Streptopelia decaocto

	CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
13	Grey Nightjar	Caprimulgus indicus

	CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Apodidae
14	White-throated Needletail	Hirundapus caudacutus
15	Himalayan Swiftlet	Aerodramus brevirostris
16	Fork-tailed Swift	Apus pacificus

	CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
17	Green-billed Malkoha	Phaenicophaeus tristis
18	Large Hawk Cuckoo	Hierococcyx sparverioides
19	Himalayan Cuckoo	Cuculus saturatus

	PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae
20	White-bellied Heron	Ardea insignis

	PELECANIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae
21	Great Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo

	CHARADRIIFORMES: Haematopodidae
22	Ibisbill	Ibidorhyncha struthersii

	CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
23	River Lapwing	Vanellus duvaucelii

	CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae
24	Common Sandpiper	Actitis hypoleucos

	ACCIPITRIFORMES: Pandionidae
25	Osprey	Pandion haliaetus

	ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae
26	Crested Serpent Eagle	Spilornis cheela
27	Himalayan Vulture	Gyps himalayensis
28	Mountain Hawk Eagle	Nisaetus nipalensis
29	Hen Harrier	Circus cyaneus
30	Shikra	Accipiter badius
31	Eurasian Sparrowhawk	Accipiter nisus
32	Northern Goshawk	Accipiter gentilis
33	Himalayan Buzzard	Buteo refectus

	TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae
34	Ward's Trogon	Harpactes wardi

	BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae
35	Great Hornbill	Buceros bicornis
36	Rufous-necked Hornbill	Aceros nipalensis

	BUCEROTIFORMES: Upupidae
37	Common Hoopoe	Upupa epops

	PICIFORMES: Indicatoridae
38	Yellow-rumped Honeyguide	Indicator xanthonotus

	PICIFORMES: Picidae
39	Rufous Woodpecker	Micropternus brachyurus
40	Greater Yellownape	Picus flavinucha
41	Streak-throated Woodpecker	Picus xanthopygaeus
42	Darjeeling Woodpecker	Dendrocopos darjellensis

	PICIFORMES: Ramphastidae
43	Great Barbet	Psilopogon virens
44	Golden-throated Barbet	Psilopogon franklinii
45	Blue-throated Barbet	Psilopogon asiaticus

	CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae
46	Blue-bearded Bee-eater	Nyctyornis athertoni

	CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
47	Common Kingfisher	Alcedo atthis
48	Crested Kingfisher	Megaceryle lugubris
49	White-throated Kingfisher	Halcyon smyrnensis

	FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
50	Common Kestrel	Falco tinnunculus

	PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae
51	Grey-chinned Minivet	Pericrocotus solaris
52	Short-billed Minivet	Pericrocotus brevirostris
53	Long-tailed Minivet	Pericrocotus ethologus
54	Scarlet Minivet	Pericrocotus flammeus
55	Large Cuckooshrike	Coracina javensis
56	Black-winged Cuckooshrike	Lalage melaschistos

	PASSERIFORMES: Vireonidae
57	Green Shrike-babbler	Pteruthius xanthochlorus
58	Black-eared Shrike-babbler	Pteruthius melanotis

	PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae
59	Maroon Oriole	Oriolus traillii

	PASSERIFORMES: Vangidae
60	Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike	Hemipus picatus

	PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae
61	Common Iora	Aegithina tiphia

	PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae
62	Ashy Drongo	Dicrurus leucophaeus
63	Bronzed Drongo	Dicrurus aeneus
64	Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo	Dicrurus remifer

	PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae
65	White-throated Fantail	Rhipidura albicollis

	PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae
66	Long-tailed Shrike	Lanius schach
67	Grey-backed Shrike	Lanius tephronotus

	PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae
68	Rufous Treepie	Dendrocitta vagabunda
69	Grey Treepie	Dendrocitta formosae
70	Red-billed Chough	Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
71	Yellow-billed Blue Magpie	Urocissa flavirostris
72	Eurasian Jay	Garrulus glandarius
73	Eurasian Magpie	Pica pica
74	Spotted Nutcracker	(Nucifraga caryocatactes)
75	Large-billed Crow	Corvus macrorhynchos

	PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae
76	Fire-breasted Flowerpecker	Dicaeum ignipectus

	PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae
77	Streaked Spiderhunter	Arachnothera magna
78	Black-throated Sunbird	Aethopyga saturata
79	Green-tailed Sunbird	Aethopyga nipalensis
80	Mrs. Gould's Sunbird	Aethopyga gouldiae
81	Crimson Sunbird	Aethopyga siparaja

	PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae
82	Orange-bellied Leafbird	Chloropsis hardwickii

	PASSERIFORMES: Prunellidae
83	Alpine Accentor	Prunella collaris
84	Rufous-breasted Accentor	Prunella strophiata

	PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae
85	Russet Sparrow	Passer cinnamomeus
86	Eurasian Tree Sparrow	Passer montanus

	PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae
87	Olive-backed Pipit	Anthus hodgsoni
88	Yellow Wagtail	Motacilla flava
89	Grey Wagtail	Motacilla cinerea
90	White Wagtail	Motacilla alba

	PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae
91	White-winged Grosbeak	Mycerobas carnipes
92	Scarlet Finch	Haematospiza sipahi
93	Beautiful Rosefinch	Carpodacus pulcherrimus
94	Red-headed Bullfinch	Pyrrhula erythrocephala
95	Golden-naped Finch	Pyrrhoplectes epauletta
96	Dark-breasted Rosefinch	Procarduelis nipalensis
97	Plain Mountain Finch	Leucosticte nemoricola
98	Yellow-breasted Greenfinch	Chloris spinoides
99	Red Crossbill	Loxia curvirostra
100	White-browed Rosefinch	Carpodacus thura

	PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae
101	Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher	Culicicapa ceylonensis

	PASSERIFORMES: Paridae
102	Yellow-browed Tit	Sylviparus modestus
103	Sultan Tit	Melanochlora sultanea
104	Coal Tit	Periparus ater
105	Rufous-vented Tit	Periparus rubidiventris
106	Green-backed Tit	Parus monticolus
107	Yellow-cheeked Tit	Machlolophus spilonotus

	PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae
108	Hume's Short-toed Lark	Calandrella acutirostris
109	Oriental Sky Lark	Alauda gulgula

	PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae
110	Plain Prinia	Prinia inornata
111	Common Tailorbird	Orthotomus sutorius

	PASSERIFORMES: Pnoepygidae
112	Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler	Pnoepyga albiventer

	PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
113	Nepal House Martin	Delichon nipalense
114	Red-rumped Swallow	Cecropis daurica

	PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae
115	Ashy Bulbul	Hemixos flavala
116	Mountain Bulbul	Ixos mcclellandii
117	Black Bulbul	Hypsipetes leucocephalus
118	Striated Bulbul	Pycnonotus striatus
119	Himalayan Bulbul	Pycnonotus leucogenis
120	Red-vented Bulbul	Pycnonotus cafer

	PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae
121	Lemon-rumped Warbler	Abrornis chloronotus
122	Buff-barred Warbler	Abrornis pulcher
123	Ashy-throated Warbler	Abrornis maculipennis

	PASSERIFORMES: Scotocercidae
124	Slaty-bellied Tesia	Tesia olivea
125	Grey-bellied Tesia	Tesia cyaniventer
126	Grey-sided Bush Warbler	Cettia brunnifrons
127	Black-faced Warbler	Abroscopus schisticeps
128	Brown-flanked Bush Warbler	Horornis fortipes

	PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae
129	Golden-breasted Fulvetta	Lioparus chrysotis
130	White-browed Fulvetta	Fulvetta vinipectus
131	Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill	Psittiparus ruficeps
132	Black-throated Parrotbill	Suthora nipalensis

	PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae
133	Striated Yuhina	Yuhina castaniceps
134	Black-chinned Yuhina	Yuhina nigrimenta
135	Stripe-throated Yuhina	Yuhina gularis
136	Whiskered Yuhina	Yuhina flavicollis
137	Rufous-vented Yuhina	Yuhina occipitalis
138	White-naped Yuhina	Yuhina bakeri
139	Oriental White-eye	Zosterops palpebrosus

	PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae
140	Rufous-throated Wren Babbler	Spelaeornis caudatus
141	Bar-winged Wren Babbler	Spelaeornis troglodytoides
142	Elachura	Elachura formosa
143	Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler	Pomatorhinus ruficollis
144	Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler	Erythrogenys erythrogenys
145	Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler	Stachyris humei
146	Golden Babbler	Cyanoderma chrysaeum
147	Rufous-capped Babbler	Cyanoderma ruficeps

	PASSERIFORMES: Pellorneidae
148	Yellow-throated Fulvetta	Schoeniparus cinereus
149	Rufous-winged Fulvetta	Schoeniparus castaneceps
150	Long-billed Wren Babbler	Rimator malacoptilus

	PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae
151	Striated Laughing-thrush	Grammatoptila striata
152	Cutia	Cutia nipalensis
153	White-crested Laughing-thrush	Garrulax leucolophus
154	Spotted Laughing-thrush	Garrulax ocellatus
155	White-throated Laughing-thrush	Garrulax albogularis
156	Rufous-necked Laughing-thrush	Garrulax ruficollis
157	Blue-winged Laughing-thrush	Trochalopteron squamatum
158	Bhutan Laughing-thrush	Trochalopteron imbricatum
159	Black-faced Laughing-thrush	Trochalopteron affine
160	Chestnut-crowned Laughing-thrush	Trochalopteron erythrocephalum
161	Rufous Sibia	Heterophasia capistrata
162	Red-billed Leiothrix	Leiothrix lutea
163	Red-tailed Minla	Minla ignotincta
164	Hoary-throated Barwing	Sibia nipalensis
165	Blue-winged Minla	Siva cyanouroptera
166	Chestnut-tailed Minla	Chrysominla strigula
167	Rusty-fronted Barwing	Actinodura egertoni

	PASSERIFORMES: Regulidae
168	Goldcrest	Regulus regulus

	PASSERIFORMES: Certhiidae
169	Brown-throated Treecreeper	Certhia discolor
170	Hodgson's Treecreeper	Certhia hodgsoni

	PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae
171	Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch	Sitta castanea
172	White-tailed Nuthatch	Sitta himalayensis
173	Beautiful Nuthatch	Sitta formosa

	PASSERIFORMES: Troglodytidae
174	Eurasian Wren	Troglodytes troglodytes

	PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae
175	Common Myna	Acridotheres tristis

	PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
176	Oriental Magpie Robin	Copsychus saularis
177	Dark-sided Flycatcher	Muscicapa sibirica
178	Pale Blue Flycatcher	Cyornis unicolor
179	Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher	Cyornis rubeculoides
180	Rufous-bellied Niltava	Niltava sundara
181	Large Niltava	Niltava grandis
182	Small Niltava	Niltava macgrigoriae
183	Asian Verditer Flycatcher	Eumyias thalassinus
184	Little Forktail	Enicurus scouleri
185	Blue Whistling Thrush	Myophonus caeruleus
186	Himalayan Bluetail	Tarsiger rufilatus
187	Snowy-browed Flycatcher	Ficedula hyperythra
188	Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher	Ficedula strophiata
189	Ultramarine Flycatcher	Ficedula superciliaris
190	Little Pied Flycatcher	Ficedula westermanni
191	Pygmy Blue Flycatcher	Ficedula hodgsoni
192	Sapphire Flycatcher	Ficedula sapphira
193	Plumbeous Water Redstart	Rhyacornis fuliginosa
194	White-capped Water Redstart	Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
195	Hodgson's Redstart	Phoenicurus hodgsoni
196	Black Redstart	Phoenicurus ochruros
197	Blue-capped Rock Thrush	Monticola cinclorhyncha
198	Eastern Stonechat	Saxicola maurus
199	Grey Bush Chat	Saxicola ferreus

	PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
200	Scaly Thrush	Zoothera dauma
201	Tibetan Blackbird	Turdus maximus
202	White-collared Blackbird	Turdus albocinctus

28 comments:

Padmanabhan GApril 21, 2016 at 10:27 PM
Superb photos.Great!
UnknownApril 21, 2016 at 11:17 PM
Simply fantastic...
Started feeling J of you Bro!!!
Shiva ShankarApril 22, 2016 at 8:21 AM
Fantastic.
You kept note of all small things we came across. It was wonderful trip , birds, birding pals, food ... A memorable one . thank you Aseem ji.
Tapas MisraApril 22, 2016 at 9:11 AM
Outstanding trip report and pictures. Thanks for sharing.
..........April 22, 2016 at 11:05 AM
Bahut badhiya Sir!
UnknownApril 22, 2016 at 11:22 AM
outstanding photography sirji
UnknownApril 22, 2016 at 12:26 PM
Sirji kharach khup chhan.superb photos.thanks for sharing.

Gautam RathorApril 23, 2016 at 7:45 AM
As usual lovely writeup and beautiful images
UnknownApril 24, 2016 at 10:37 PM
Awesome writeup n pics... nice documentation...
UnknownApril 24, 2016 at 10:38 PM
Superb photography...
Must visit.
Thanks for sharing.
birdbrainApril 26, 2016 at 6:59 PM
Superb write up and great images.Actually felt like I was there.
Am saving this as precious resource for my own birding trip to Bhutan - whenever it happens.
AnonymousApril 30, 2016 at 10:09 AM
Aseem, that was, by far, the best blog on birding that I have read in a long, long time!!

Your description of the sightings of the Satyr tragopan and Ward's trogon gave me goosebumps and an adrenaline rush that could only be surpassed if I was there first hand! Many thanks for sharing this.

Having read this I am determined to do a birding trip to Bhutan in the near future. I'd dearly appreciate if you could share details, contacts and tips.

Regards,

Dr. Ian.
UnknownJune 28, 2016 at 4:48 PM
Your beautiful blog on Bhutan-birding has impressed me in such a way that I am determined to visit Bhutan for birding even in my 70 years of age.Please help us in all respects. Pl.suggest what time we should venture. R.J.Bishnu
Tim InskippJanuary 10, 2018 at 4:28 PM
Lovely photos Aseem. Just a couple of ids to correct: the 'White-browed Scimitar Babbler' is Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, and the 'Spot-winged Grosbeak' is White-winged Grosbeak.

Happy's Click

Translate

Monday, April 18, 2016