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Sunday, July 23, 2017

Birding in Arunachal Pradesh (East and West)

Arunachal Pradesh, a state located in the remote north-eastern corner of India. The region is home to just about a million people but with varied culture and tradition, a land whose history and geography has seen the twists and turns of time, making it fascinating. The fascination continues with the number of bird species that migrate here during different times of the year.

The different altitudes and seasons bring in variety of different birds. We choose a time just before monsoons. The regions we visited were Mishmi Hills, which is a part of Lower Dibang Valley in the east and Sela Pass along with Eagle-nest in the west of Arunachal Pradesh. If one looks at the topography of the state, its obvious that one can only travel by road in north-south (or south-north) direction. This is simply because the terrain has rivers and endless valleys.
              The road map from East to West of Arunachal Pradesh - Image from web

Hence, our travel cum birding route for the next 18 days transited through the state of Assam. We did cover birding spots like Tinsukia, Digboi, Nameri in Assam.

Day 1: 21st April 2017:
We had arrived at Dibrurgarh a day earlier and traveled to Tinsukia, which was approximately a hour's drive. We stayed there overnight. Early morning we drove from Tinsukia in Assam towards Mishmi hills, via Roing in Arunachal Pradesh. The in-line permits were made at the state border itself.

We were heading towards The Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, a sanctuary that had derived its name from Mehao Lake, a vast and virgin lake located at a distance of 17 km from Roing.

Roing itself was a picturesque town in the valley by the side of the Dibang River. The entire region is criss-crossed with numerous streams, rivers and rivulets.

The ascending drive from Roing to Mayodia (56 km from Roing) along the winding twelve-necked point locally called as Baro Golai, bestowed a sense of adventure. The altitudes varied from a mere 400 meters to almost 2600 meters. By early evening we reached Coffee House (a bungalow) near Mayodia Pass, after driving through the rugged mountainous belt and the panoramic landscapes which were simply beyond my comprehension.

The night in the coffee house was very chilly and due to the damp walls felt we were in an Igloo. Glad could find some extra duvets to take to keep warm, inspite of wearing warm clothing.

Day 2: 22nd April 2017: Mishmi Hills
Mishimi Hills that falls under two Dibang Valley districts namely Lower Dibang Valley and Upper Dibang Valley, was a unique hill, amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes which provide a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the landscape. The place wears a tranquility of its own and the view of snow-capped mountains adds serenity to its environment.
                              Mayodia Pass
 Mobile click by Aseem Kothiala
The region stretched over three eco-zones tropical evergreen forests, sub-tropical & temperate forests, temperate broad leaved forests and temperate conifer forests. It seemed like a real ocean of green paradise.

During our first session in the morning, sighted the endemic Mishmi Wren Babbler, Barwing-Wren Babbler and Manipur Fulvetta.
           White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx montana)
 Image by Aseem Kothiala
                 Manipur Fulvetta (Fulvetta manipurensis)  Image by Aseem Kothiala
While we waited at a bend, a Blyth’s Tragopan was heard and soon could see a female crossing the road.
                     Blyth's Tragopan (Tragopan blythii) Image by Aseem Kothiala
We then spent the entire day in different birding spots looking for its mate, but no luck. However we sighted many other birds like the Ward's Trogon, Black-breasted Parrotbill, Beautiful Sibia.
             Golden-breasted Fulvetta (Lioparus chrysotis)  Image by Aseem Kothiala
        Black-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis nipalensis)  Image by Aseem Kothiala
Post sun-set we drove out towards the Mayodia pass, scanning the area along the road for the Himalayan Wood Owl, who was been seen often in the recent days. We sighted one perched on a stone, along the cliff. It was too close, so we had to take back the vehicle, but no sooner we stopped it took to flight. We had to continue our drive for about 2 odd kms and saw it again, perched on a tree. This time it was very comforatable and allowed us to get close.
Himalayan Wood Owl (Strix nivicolum)  Image by Aseem Kothiala
That night a vehicle had broken down just before coffee house and travelers had checked into the bungalow, being the only habitable place until one reaches Hunli town, which maybe only 40 kms away, but is good 3-4 hour drive.

The extra duvets were not available and had to wear a couple of more layers to combat the winter. It was indeed the coldest night of my life.

Day 3: 23rd April 2017: Mishmi Hills and Tiwarigaon
The day like any other north-eastern state breaks very early as 4am and we were ready to go birding. It was raining since last night and continued till almost 9am, its when we could leave the coffee house.

No sooner we moved out, the downpour started again. On two instances we sighted the Yellow-throated martens. The monsoon had reached the region much earlier than our expectation. By Lunch, also it continued to pour so we decided to descend till Tiwarigaon. All along, the rain accompanied us and we did see many Mithun's, who are considered as a descendant from the wild Indian gaur. They plays an important role in the socio-economic and cultural life of the local tribal population. Mithun's are usually reared for sacrificial purposes and/or for barter trade and left open to graze freely in the region.

We stopped by a small stall in Tiwarigaon, where we had hot soup and noodles. The weather was still wet, so thought lets reach coffee house and move upwards. Enroute, we did sight the a flock of Long tailed Sibia's. All other birds were either busy or roosting due to the rains.
                  Long-tailed Sibia (Heterophasia picaoides)  Image by Aseem Kothiala
Whenever Chewang felt the habitat was right, would look for the birds, but somehow there was no sign of them. Our plans were further foiled as the vehicle broke down and we could make it back to Coffee house, only after hitching on a transport truck. The region has very little traffic, only essential supplies movement takes place.

By late evening, we realised the weather would not change and so rescheduled the plans and decided to descend till Roing early next morning and bird around the Nizamghat, where just 3-4 days back Bengal Florican was being sighted.

Day 4: 24th April 2017: Mishmi Hills-Roing-Nizamghat
We had sent our local guide yesterday itself  to fetch for an alternate vehicle. While we waited for him, the drizzle had stopped. The large hawk cuckoo who was being heard for a long time, sat in the open.
              Large Hawk Cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparverioides) Image by Aseem Kothiala
No sooner he reached we loaded our stuff and reached Roing. Our vehicle was also repaired and post lunch, we drove for about fifteen kilometers towards Nizamghat.

The river flowing between lofty mountains and rocky surroundings with the soothing effect of lush vegetation looked like a promising birding spot, we sighted the Collared Treepie, Lesser Coucal, Drongo Cuckoo, Golden-headed Cistocila. Before we could reach the area for the Bengal Florican, the downpour began and the small ravel paved path became a difficult terrain and could not continue. Simply, had to turn back.

Day 5: 25th April 2017: Grasslands near Roing- Tinsukia
Woke up to another rainy day, but we decided to drive to the grasslands which were just a few kilometers away from Roing town. After waiting for more than a hour under a large tree and watching the rain drops fall, decided to return, so seeing the Black-breasted parrotbill was not possible. We sighted large flocks of the Scaly breasted Munia's. It was time and we took a call to return to Tinsukia immediately, which is a good 7-8 hour drive, as the shorter route through the streams was no longer motarable due to heavy rains.

Enroute, in the fields about 40 kms before Tinsukia, Satish sighted the Chinese Pond Heron, roosting at a distance, we could get some frames.
                  Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus)  Image by Aseem Kothiala
We reached Tinsukia comfortably by early evening. We met up with Mr. Peter Lobo that evening, who had returned from Eaglenest and was heading towards Mishmi Hills. It was indeed a lovely meeting. He shared his sighting and the potential hot spots we could possibly explore.

Day 6: 26th April 2017: Tinsukia- Joypur- Maguri Beel
Today we went for birding into the Joypur forest, though it was very humid and hardly any breeze, the place was unusually quieter said Probin Hatibaruah who accompanied us, along with Chewang.

Joypur forest was dense and at some places, due to tall trees, even the sunlight was not seen. A few meters inside and we heard the Large Scimitar Babbler, who soon disappeared. The Red-headed Trogon was seen but was very shy. Silver-breasted Broadbill was seen but very moving fast to the tip of the canopy.

We had to leave by lunch towards Dibrugarh airport to pick Shiva Shankar ji and Yash Kothiala, who were reaching today to join for the next 12 days.

No sooner they reached, we drove towards Maguri Beel.  Beel is the local name for a Lake in Assamese.  Maguri Beel is located just outside the Dibru Saikhowa National Park along the south bank of the Dibru River, which is a channel of the mighty Brahmaputra River, known for water and grassland birds.
                   Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis) Image by Aseem Kothiala
Striated Grassbird (Megalurus palustris) Image by Aseem Kothiala
One has to take a very small canoe ride to cross over to the birding spot. Since the area is not protected, it is heavily used for fishing and grass collecting. Soon, it was cloudy here too and started to drizzle. It was close to sunset time, and Probin suggested we come here again tomorrow to see the marsh babbler. Later as it the started to turn dark, sighted the Collared Scops Owl and Oriental scops Owl.
Oriental Scops Owl (Otus sunia) Image by Aseem Kothiala
Day 7: 27th April 2017:  Digboi - Maguri Beel

Today early morning we drove towards forests near Digboi, we sighted the Collared Treepie, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, and then looked around for the Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush, we could see the skulker between the twigs of the shrubs. We then drove towards Maguri beel enroute we visited a small village where a few Gibbon families reside and they were quite active even during the afternoon time. The villagers take care of these families and have even insulated the electric wires, to ensure them from not being electrocuted.
                          Hoolock Gibbon - Female Image by Aseem Kothiala
We reached Maguri beel well in time, only to realize the downpour from the previous evening and night had flooded the grasslands and reaching the birding spot was not possible.
     Myself, Chewang Bonpo, Probin Hatibaruah, Satish T, Yash Kothiala, Shiva Shankar
The sun was bright and harsh and while we looked around the edges of the grasslands, the Watercock and Swamp Francolin, would take to flight at the slightest sound. The humidity levels were dehydrating and we decided to wind up for the day and retire early that evening.

Day 8: 28th April 2017:  Tinsukia - Nameri (09-10 hours)
Today was the day when we had to drive from Tinsukia which is in East of Assam to Nameri which is on the West of Assam. As the distance was almost 400kms, decided to drive out very early in the morning (2.30am)

Just as the day broke, a few kilometers before Jorhat we sighted the endangered Greater Adjulants. It was a large flock of about 15-20 and after spending some time with them headed towards our destination for the day.
                        Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius)  Image by Aseem Kothiala
The earlier Inner-line permits to enter Arunachal Pradesh had expired and we took fresh permits, from The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh Parvati nagar, Tezpur, Assam.

By early evening we reached Nameri Eco Camp and checked in. The same evening we could do some birding around the camp. While, we had our dinner, it had started to rain here as well. We were only hoping the weather would be clear and be fine by morning, so that we could take the approx 7-8 kms trek to catch the glimpse of the White-winged Duck and obviously a strong desire to get a frame of the endangered species.

Day 9: 29th April 2017: Nameri
Nameri National Park is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Sonitpur District of Assam, India, about 40 kilometres from Tezpur and is the third national park in Assam. The Pakhui (Pakke) Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh adjoins the Park on its North-Eastern point.

Early morning we crossed the swiftly flowing Jia Barely river in a very small canoe.
Yash Kothiala & Shiva Shanker along with Satish T & Chewang Bonpo
Though it seemed it would pour, it was a very dry and humid day. There are two main birding areas where we could look for the White-winged Duck. The first area is off the main track, by about a kilometer and a half, which was full of knee height grass which was moist and hand plently of leeches. The soil was very moist and slippery, due to the last night rainfall. It looked very scenic and scary too, as we were just four of us walking a little distance from each other and avoiding to step even on a twig. As we were given to understand the bird is very shy and sensitive at this time of the year. 

On scanning the area for few minutes, retuned to the main trek to head towards the next spot which was another 3-4 kms away. No sooner we reached there, saw a large fallen log along the water body. Within seconds of our presence, saw a turtle plunge into the water who was basking on the log. Least did we know the turtle wasn't alone until we saw the pair of the white winged ducks take to flight, who were just roosting behind the log.
Habitat - White-winged Duck
We trekked back and enroute sighted the Hooded Pitta, Striped Tit Babbler, Taiga Flycatcher, and few common birds. Overhaul the bird activity seemed low on that day in the forest. As we waited for the canoe sighted many River lapwings, Terns, Great thicknees who were foraging along the river banks along with Sand Larks and Little ringed Plovers.
Striped Tit Babbler (Mixornis gularis) Image by Aseem Kothiala
Post an early lunch, we decided to rest as we all felt drained from the long trek. It was one of the best naps we had taken in the recent week. Evening we first spent some time watching the Great Hornbill feeding its chicks.
                             Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) Image by Yash Kothiala
There were many nests of the Red-breasted Parakeets and Jungle Mynas on the bark of a single tree . They were busy as it was the nesting time. We walked to the river bank, to watch the day end, when suddenly saw a pair of birds flying from the national park side towards us. They flew at a distance away from us and we could only record frame, they were Wreathed Hornbills.

Just as the sun went down, could hear the calls of Brown Boobook. As we walked back to the camp, a Large Nightjar flew past us. While, we walked to have our dinner, the Brown Boobook, was roosting on a tree in the camp itself.

Day 10: 30th April 2017: Nameri- Dirang
As we had missed photpgraphing the White-winged Duck, made a slight change to the program that was of leaving for Dirang early morning. Instead, we did the trek again. This time, also the bird was not seen at the first birding point. Today we were even more cautious and did not want to flush the bird. We reached the second spot and scanned the area near the fallen log from a distance. Least, did we know that today the female had perched high on a branch, along the corner of the same log. All we could hear was the flapping of wings and it was gone, so was our hope to photograph it.

Following, breakfast we headed into Arunachal Pradesh, this time towards the west. We entered through Bhalukpong. The entire terrain started to change again as we moved from the foothills to the uphills towards our next halt, Dirang. Enroute, we kept birding, sighted the Maroon Oriole, Long-tailed Broadbill to name a few.
               Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae) Image by Aseem Kothiala
Day 11: 1st May 2017: Dirang – Sangti Valley
Dirang, a small town, on the bank of river Kameng (Known as Jia Bharali in Assam), in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Since it is placed in the river valley the altitude is relatively low (1500 meters). The weather here was very pleasant.

Today, we felt we must take some rest, so until lunch we just lazed around and post lunch planned a visit to Sangti Valley, which is about 15 kms from Dirang, buried in the Eastern Himalayas. The river flowed and was not deep, we could comfortably wade through half way and get a closer look,  at the Long billed Plover.

                    Long-billed Plover (Charadrius placidus) Image by Aseem Kothiala
A couple of Paddyfield Pipit's were seen. At a distance, across the stream, saw a pair of Plumbeous Water Redstart who were busy collecting nesting material.

Day 12: 2nd May 2017: Dirang-Sela Pass
Early morning (3.30am) we headed towards Sela Pass and in about 3 hours, reached an elevation of 4170 meters. The Sela Pass (more appropriately called Se La, as La means Pass) is the high-altitude mountain pass located enroute to Tawang.

Enroute we sighted lot of birds at different altitudes.
     Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch (Carpodacus thura) Image by Aseem Kothiala

Fire-tailed Myzornis (Myzornis pyrrhoura)  image by Aseem Kothiala
The pass hardly had any vegetation and was snow-covered to a large extent, though it was summer time.
Se La 
We were to take the small birding trek, but it was very foggy and windy too. So we decided to drive downhill towards Tawang and walk on the trek on the return. As we crossed the pass for about 7-8 kms, found a patch of grass along the stream. On scanning the area sighted a pair of Solitary snipe. They in sometime flew and settled near a large boulder and were so still for the next few minutes, till we left for Sela pass.
                        Solitary Snipe (Gallinago solitaria) Image by Aseem Kothiala
The weather had started to get cooler and we had started our return journey. At Se La Pass the weather was still the same very foggy and started to drizzle as well, we had to drive on towards Dirang.

Day 13: 3rd May 2017: Dirang-Mandala -Eaglenest-Lama Camp
Today, Chewang planned another route to reach mandala, through a village, which was home to a couple of Black-tailed Crakes. They were busy foraging.
                      Black-tailed Crake (Zapornia bicolor) Image by Yash Kothiala
Soon, we drove towards Mandala.  The elevations changed drastically, after each bend from 1500 meters to 3600 meters. Enroute, heard some bird calls and stopped near a very bushy region and sighted the Russet Bush Warbler.
               Russet Bush-Warbler (Bradypterus mandelli) Image by Aseem Kothiala
It started to get cooler as we drove to closer to Mandala, There was an excellent mixed forests of Oak and coniferous forest, also noticed a lot of de-forestation that had been done. Surely, an unknown birder's paradise with no defined boundaries and none of these areas are protected. But as we had to head out to Eaglenest, did not wait here longer. We sighted a few birds have listed them in tabular form:
Chestnut-headed Tesia (Cettia castaneocoronata) Image by Yash Kothiala
              Brown-throated Fulvetta (Fulvetta ludlow) Image by Aseem Kothiala
                 Beautiful Sibia (Heterophasia pulchella) Image by Aseem Kothiala
Our drive back was on the much familiar route till Tenga was very comfortable. Here we took a diversion towards the much awaited destination, the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. We checked into Lama camp by late evening. The weather here was very cold and frequent showers had begun in the region too. As night we drove around and sighted the flying squirrel.

Day 14: 4th May 2017: Lamacamp- Bompu
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in western Arunachal Pradesh, has pristine mountain forests and dense canopies. It was indeed a paradise.
                                        Tents in Lama Camp - Eaglenest
The morning was very quite, the bird density for some reason was low. We had realized that birding was going to be difficult. However, small flocks of Yuhina, Fulvetta and Laughing thrush were seen.

We soon reached Alubari, the area known for Bugun Liochicla. We heard the call from a distant, but no sign of the bird. We did sight the Lesser Cuckoo, Striated Bulbul, apart from common birds of the region.
                   Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus) Image by Aseem Kothiala
We then drove for a few meters back towards the camp and then walked around and did sight birds like Scarlet Finch, Brown-flanked Bush Warbler, a flock of laughing thrushes that were moving upwards.

By noon we reached back Lama camp, checkout and started our drive towards Bompu camp, enroute kept birding. It would rain and stop, the weather was foggy. We stopped by the place, where a Yellow-rumped Honeyguide was being sighted regularly.
Yellow-rumped Honeyguide (Indicator xanthonotus) Image by Aseem Kothiala
Just at about 10kms south of Lama Camp, was the sanctuary’s highest point at 9,186 feet. We drove slowly down from here, towards the Sunderview open ground, and then on towards Bompu Camp. This stretch of road is surrounded by a tall temperate forest, with moss hanging from the trees.

The tents here in Bompu camp were similar to the ones in Lama camp, basic with a bed and side table.

Birding was good but realised, photography wasn't going to be easy.

Day 15: 5th May 2017: Bompu
Eaglenest’s jungles are known as cloud forests because of the veil of mist that frequently covers the landscape.

Bompu Camp, which was about 30kms from Lama camp had lots of bamboo trees. The landscape around the camp had open fields and dense forest too, which made it a great place birding.

                             Dense forests in Eaglenest - Yash Kothiala, Shiva S and Satish T 
We drove towards the Sessni Camp, though it was raining since morning. We kept birding from the vehicle as much as possible. The road descended down the steep hillside in a series of hairpin bends. The happy rains kept pouring and we moved till Khellong.

We waited there for few minutes. As the rain stopped went walking around the place, sighted the Silver-eared Mesia and few other birds. On the way back to Bompu camp, stopped by a batch of bamboo forest and sighted the Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbills, they were busy foraging on the outer side of the bamboo trees.
                 Barred Cuckoo Dove (Macropygia unchall) Image by Aseem Kothiala 
The best part is almost, all of the region is accessible by a vehicle, though the road is narrow starting from Tenga, going up to Lama Camp, crossing Eaglenest Pass, downhill to Bompu and Sessni Camps, and finally touching down till the village of Khellong.

Day 16: 6th May 2017: Bompu - Lama Camp - Tenga
The moist weather made us preponed our check-out. on our drive back, we returned to area near Lama Camp to look again for the elusive Bugun liocichla. Chewang and we set out, searching the trail along the Alubari Road. Chewang exclaimed, “Bugun!” and we started to follow its call. Red-faced Liochicla were seen, but we moved on. At a certain point, there was no trail and only we could follow each other in a single line, Chewang had his ears on the bird and was tracking its swift movements, while Shiva had his eyes on the bird got two shots of the male, as for me, could only see the movement, missed getting a good glance or a frame and bird swiftly disappeared.
                   Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus) Image by Yash Kothiala
                 Ashy Wood Pigeon (Columba pulchricollis)  Image by Yash Kothiala
On the way out from Eaglenest, sighted the illusive Blackish-breasted babbler also called as the Sikkim Wedge-bill Babbler. 
          Blackish-breasted Babbler (Sphenocichla humei) Image by Aseem Kothiala
We transited through Sessa, a small town in the west Kameng district. At one time also known for the Blyth's Kingfisher, however the road construction had possibly flushed the bird away. However we stopped for a brief time and scanned the area along the flowing stream, sighted a brown dipper and a flock of long tailed sibias. Sessa, was a good place for road side birding, for spotting low-altitude forest birds.
              Rufous-faced Warbler (Abroscopus albogularis) Image by Yash Kothiala
                        White-naped Yuhina (Yuhina bakeri) Image by Yash Kothiala
As we had left a day early, decided to take a stop-over in the town of Tenga.

Day 17: 7th May 2017: Tenga - Nameri
Most of the places we visited this trip had rains and the birds we sighted were much lesser than anticipated. So we once again thought of going to visiting Nameri Eco Camp in anticipation of getting the White-winged Duck.

We reached by early evening. We headed towards the river again hoping to see the Wreathed Hornbills that had crossed over from the National park during sunset. We were not diasappointed. Though the light was low and dark, managed to get some frames.
                      Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) Image by Aseem Kothiala
Day 18: 8th May 2017: Nameri- Guwahati
Early morning we took to the trek, crossing the river. The place looked so familiar, as we had done the trek two times earlier. This time, we had a completely different approach. We sent the guide alone to the likely spots. He returned from the second saying, its there and wading. This time, Shiva Shanker and Satish T set out first. Minutes later, the guide came back and asked me to join them. Luckily it had not noticed us this time. It was at a distance and we could get some frames of the bird.
             White-winged Duck (Asarcornis scutulata) Image by Aseem Kothiala
                 White-winged Duck (Asarcornis scutulata) Image by Aseem Kothiala
Finally, we packed our equipment and headed back to Guwahati to take our journeys back home!

Thanking my fellow birders, Chewang Bonpo, Satish Thayapurath, Shiva Shankar and Yash Kothiala who accompanied me and made this trip memorable. Our drivers, Bidyut (for East Arunachal), Dilip and Prem (for West Arunachal). Birding Guide in Tinsukia, Digboi and Maguri Beel, Probin Hatiburah.

Time that we woke on and the Kms we walked during the trip
The consolidated list of our sighting is shared below. Image will be uploaded on our facebook page soon. Total bird sighting 300 in number of which 53 were lifers, taking my life list bird count to 709.

Happy Birding!
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SR NOCOMMON NAMESCIENTIFIC NAMESTATUSPLACE
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
1Lesser Whistling DuckDendrocygna javanicaTinsukia
2Common ShelduckTadorna tadornaTinsukia
3Ruddy ShelduckTadorna ferrugineaTinsukia
4White-winged DuckAsarcornis scutulataEndangeredNameri
5GarganeySpatula querquedulaRare/Accidental Tinsukia
6Northern ShovelerSpatula clypeataTinsukia
7Indian Spot-billed DuckAnas poecilorhynchaTinsukia
GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae
8Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueolaHeard Eaglenest
9Rufous-throated Hill PartridgeArborophila rufogularisEaglenest
10White-cheeked Hill PartridgeArborophila atrogularisNear-threatenedNameri
11Chestnut-breasted Partridge Arborophila mandelliVulnerableHeard Eaglenest
12Swamp FrancolinFrancolinus gularisVulnerableTinsukia
13Red JunglefowlGallus gallusNizamghat / Eaglenest
14Blyth's TragopanTragopan blythiiVulnerableMishmi Hills
15Kalij PheasantLophura leucomelanosEaglenest
16Grey Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratumHeard in Eaglenest
COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
17Rock DoveColumba liviaCommon
18Oriental Turtle DoveStreptopelia orientalisCommon
19Eurasian Collared DoveStreptopelia decaoctoCommon
20Red Collared DoveStreptopelia tranquebaricaCommon
21Spotted-necked DoveStreptopelia chinensisCommon
22Laughing DoveStreptopelia senegalensisCommon
23Barred Cuckoo DoveMacropygia unchallEaglenest
24Orange-breasted Green PigeonTreron bicinctusSela Pass
25Wedge-tailed Green PigeonTreron sphenurusSela Pass
26Emerald DoveChalcophaps indicaEaglenest
27Green Imperial PigeonDucula aeneaNameri
28Mountain Imperial PigeonDucula badiaNameri
29Ashy Wood Pigeon Columba pulchricollisEaglenest
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
30Grey NightjarCaprimulgus indicusEaglenest
31Large-tailed NightjarCaprimulgus macrurusNameri
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Apodidae
32White-throated NeedletailHirundapus caudacutusEaglenest
33Himalayan SwiftletAerodramus brevirostrisEaglenest
34Asian Palm SwiftCypsiurus balasiensisMaguri Beel
35Alpine SwiftTachymarptis melbaMaguri Beel
CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
36Greater CoucalCentropus sinensisTinsukia
37Lesser CoucalCentropus bengalensisNizamghat
38Green-billed MalkohaPhaenicophaeus tristisDigboi
39Chestnut-winged CuckooClamator coromandusJoypur
40Drongo CuckooSurniculus lugubrisNizamghat
41Large Hawk CuckooHierococcyx sparverioidesMishmi Hills
42Common Hawk CuckooHierococcyx variusNameri
43Lesser CuckooCuculus poliocephalusEaglenest
GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
44Black-tailed CrakeZapornia bicolorDirang
45White-breasted WaterhenAmaurornis phoenicurusDirang
46WatercockGallicrex cinereaMaguri Beel
47Purple SwamphenPorphyrio porphyrioMaguri Beel
48Common CootFulica atraMaguri Beel
PELECANIFORMES: Ciconiidae
49Greater AdjutantLeptoptilos dubiusEndangeredJorhat
50Lesser AdjutantLeptoptilos javanicusVulnerableJorhat
51Asian OpenbillAnastomus oscitansJorhat
PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae
52Yellow BitternIxobrychus sinensisMaguri Beel
53Cinnamon BitternIxobrychus cinnamomeusMaguri Beel
54Black-crowned Night HeronNycticorax nycticoraxMaguri Beel
55Striated HeronButorides striataMaguri Beel
56Indian Pond HeronArdeola grayiiCommon
57Chinese Pond HeronArdeola bacchusTinsukia
58Cattle EgretBubulcus ibisCommon
59Great EgretArdea albaCommon
60Little EgretEgretta garzettaCommon
PELECANIFORMES: Threskiornithidae
61Glossy IbisPlegadis falcinellusJorhat
PELECANIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae
62Little CormorantMicrocarbo nigerCommon
63Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carboMaguri Beel
CHARADRIIFORMES: Burhinidae
64Great Thick-kneeEsacus recurvirostrisNear-threatenedNameri
CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae
65Black-winged StiltHimantopus himantopusJorhat
CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
66Grey PloverPluvialis squatarolaNameri
67Long-billed PloverCharadrius placidusSangit Valley
68Little Ringed PloverCharadrius dubiusNameri
69River LapwingVanellus duvauceliiNear-threatenedNameri
70Red-wattled LapwingVanellus indicusCommon
CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae
71Solitary SnipeGallinago solitariaSela Pass
72Common SandpiperActitis hypoleucosNameri
CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae
73Small PratincoleGlareola lacteaNameri
CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae
74River TernSterna aurantiaNear-threatenedNameri
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae
75Slender-billed VultureGyps tenuirostrisCritically endangeredTinsukia
76Black EagleIctinaetus malaiensisEaglenest
77Black-winged KiteElanus caeruleusAssam plains
STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
78Himalayan Wood OwlStrix nivicolumMishmi Hills
79Asian Barred OwletGlaucidium cuculoidesMaguri Beel
80Oriental Scops OwlOtus suniaMaguri Beel
81Collared Scops OwlOtus bakkamoenaMaguri Beel
82Brown BoobookNinox scutulataNameri
TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae
83Red-headed TrogonHarpactes erythrocephalusJoypur
84Ward's TrogonHarpactes wardiNear-threatenedMishmi Hills / Eaglenest
BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae
85Great HornbillBuceros bicornisNear-threatenedNameri
86Oriental Pied HornbillAnthracoceros albirostrisNameri
87Wreathed HornbillRhyticeros undulatusNameri
88Rufous-necked HornbillAceros nipalensisNear-threatenedEaglenest
PICIFORMES: Indicatoridae
89Yellow-rumped HoneyguideIndicator xanthonotusNear-threatenedEaglenest
PICIFORMES: Picidae
90White-browed PiculetSasia ochraceaMishmi
91Speckled PiculetPicumnus innominatusMishmi
92Rufous WoodpeckerMicropternus brachyurusEaglenest
93Greater Yellow-naped WoodpeckerChrysophlegma flavinuchaMishmi
94Lesser Yellow-naped WoodpeckerPicus chlorolophusMishmi
95Streak-throated WoodpeckerPicus xanthopygaeusNameri
96Bay WoodpeckerBlythipicus pyrrhotisEaglenest
97Greater Flame-backed WoodpeckerChrysocolaptes lucidusNameri
98Fulvous-breasted WoodpeckerDendrocopos maceiNameri
99Rufous-bellied WoodpeckerDendrocopos hyperythrusMandala
PICIFORMES: Ramphastidae
100Great BarbetPsilopogon virensMishmi/Eaglenest
101Golden-throated BarbetPsilopogon frankliniiMishmi/Eaglenest
102Blue-throated BarbetPsilopogon asiaticusAssam Plains
103Lineated BarbetPsilopogon lineatusAssam Plains
CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae
104Blue-bearded Bee-eaterNyctyornis athertoniNameri
105Chestnut-headed Bee-eaterMerops leschenaultiNameri
CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae
106Indian RollerCoracias benghalensisAssam Plains
CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
107Oriental Dwarf KingfisherCeyx erithacaNameri
108Blue-eared KingfisherAlcedo menintingNameri
109Common KingfisherAlcedo atthisNameri
110Ruddy KingfisherHalcyon coromandanear Digboi 
111White-throated KingfisherHalcyon smyrnensisAssam Plains
PSITTACIFORMES: Psittaculidae
112Red-breasted ParakeetPsittacula alexandriNear-threatenedNameri
113Vernal Hanging ParrotLoriculus vernalisNameri
PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae
114Hooded PittaPitta sordidaNameri
PASSERIFORMES: Eurylaimidae
115Long-tailed BroadbillPsarisomus dalhousiaeSessa
116Silver-breasted BroadbillSerilophus lunatusJoypur
PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae
117Long-tailed MinivetPericrocotus ethologusSessa
118Scarlet MinivetPericrocotus flammeusSessa
PASSERIFORMES: Vireonidae
119Green Shrike-babblerPteruthius xanthochlorusEaglenest
120Black-eared Shrike-babblerPteruthius melanotisMishmi
121Black-headed Shrike-babblerPteruthius rufiventerEaglenest
122White-browed Shrike-babblerPteruthius flaviscapisEaglenest
PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae
123Maroon OrioleOriolus trailliiSessa
24Black-hooded OrioleOriolus xanthornusNameri
PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae
125Black DrongoDicrurus macrocercusAssam Plains
126Bronzed DrongoDicrurus aeneusJoypur
127Lesser Racket-tailed DrongoDicrurus remiferMishmi
128Ashy DrongoDicrurus leucophaeusMishmi
PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae
129White-browed FantailRhipidura aureolaEaglenest
130Yellow-bellied FantailRhipidura hypoxanthaMishmi
PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae
131Brown ShrikeLanius cristatusAssam plains
132Long-tailed ShrikeLanius schachMandala
133Grey-backed ShrikeLanius tephronotusMandala
PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae
134Rufous TreepieDendrocitta vagabundaAssam plains
135Collared TreepieDendrocitta frontalisRoing / Digboi
136Yellow-billed Blue MagpieUrocissa flavirostrisMishmi
137Common Green MagpieCissa chinensisMishmi
138Eurasian JayGarrulus glandariusMishmi
139Eurasian NutcrackerNucifraga caryocatactesMandala
PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae
140Scarlet-backed FlowerpeckerDicaeum cruentatumDigboi
141Fire-breasted FlowerpeckerDicaeum ignipectusMishmi
PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae
142Streaked SpiderhunterArachnothera magnaSessa
143Ruby-cheeked SunbirdChalcoparia singalensisDigboi
144Fire-tailed SunbirdAethopyga ignicaudaSela Pass
145Black-throated SunbirdAethopyga saturataMishmi
146Green-tailed SunbirdAethopyga nipalensisCommon
147Mrs. Gould's SunbirdAethopyga gouldiaeDirang/Eaglenest
PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae
148Orange-bellied LeafbirdChloropsis hardwickiiSessa
149Golden-fronted LeafbirdChloropsis aurifronsDigboi
PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae
150Scaly-breasted MuniaLonchura punctulataRoing
PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae
151Olive-backed PipitAnthus hodgsoniEaglenest
152Paddyfield PipitAnthus rufulusDirang
153Yellow WagtailMotacilla flavaMaguri Beel
154Grey WagtailMotacilla cinereaEaglenest
155White-browed WagtailMotacilla maderaspatensisNameri
156White WagtailMotacilla albaNameri
PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae
157Spot-winged GrosbeakMycerobas melanozanthosSela Pass
158Common RosefinchErythrina erythrinaSela Pass
159Scarlet FinchHaematospiza sipahiEaglenest
160Dark-rumped RosefinchCarpodacus edwardsiiSela Pass
161Himalayan White- browed RosefinchCarpodacus thuraSela Pass
162Grey-headed BullfinchPyrrhula erythacaEaglenest
163Blanford's RosefinchAgraphospiza rubescensMandala
164Golden-naped FinchPyrrhoplectes epaulettaMandala
165Dark-breasted RosefinchProcarduelis nipalensisMandala
166Plain Mountain FinchLeucosticte nemoricolaMandala
167Yellow-breasted GreenfinchChloris spinoidesMandala
PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae
168Crested BuntingMelophus lathamiDirang
PASSERIFORMES: Paridae
169Sultan TitMelanochlora sultaneaEaglenest
170Coal TitPeriparus aterMandala
171Rufous-vented TitPeriparus rubidiventrisMandala
172Green-backed TitParus monticolusCommon
173Yellow-cheeked TitMachlolophus spilonotusMishmi
174Yellow-browed TitSylviparus modestusMishmi
175Fire-capped TitCephalopyrus flammicepsMandala
176Black-throated TitAegithalos concinnusDirang
177Rufous-fronted TitAegithalos iouschistosMandala
PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae
178Golden-headed CisticolaCisticola exilisNizanghat
179Grey-breasted PriniaPrinia hodgsoniiMishmi
180Graceful PriniaPrinia gracilisMaguri Beel
PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae
181Striated GrassbirdMegalurus palustrisMaguri Beel
PASSERIFORMES: Pnoepygidae
182Pygmy Wren BabblerPnoepyga pusillaMishmi Hills
183Scaly-breasted Wren BabblerPnoepyga albiventerMandala
PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
184Wire-tailed SwallowHirundo smithiiMaguri
185Barn SwallowHirundo rusticaMaguri
186Dusky Crag MartinPtyonoprogne concolorMaguri
187Sand MartinRiparia ripariaNameri
PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae
188White-throated BulbulAlophoixus flaveolusJoypur
189Ashy BulbulHemixos flavalaEaglenest
190Mountain BulbulIxos mcclellandiiEaglenest
191Black BulbulHypsipetes leucocephalusMishmi/Eaglenst
192Striated BulbulPycnonotus striatusEaglenest
193Red-whiskered BulbulPycnonotus jocosusAssam Plains
194Red-vented BulbulPycnonotus caferCommon
PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae
195Ashy-throated WarblerAbrornis maculipennisMishmi
196Grey-cheeked Leaf WarblerSeicercus poliogenysEaglenest
197Whistler's Leaf WarblerSeicercus whistleriEaglenest
198Chestnut-crowned Leaf WarblerSeicercus castanicepsEaglenest
199Large-billed Leaf WarblerSeicercus magnirostrisMandala
200Grey-hooded Leaf WarblerSeicercus xanthoschistosDirang
201Rufous-faced WarblerAbroscopus albogularisSessa
PASSERIFORMES: Scotocercidae
202Slaty-bellied TesiaTesia oliveaMandala
203Grey-sided Bush WarblerCettia brunnifronsMandala
204Chestnut-headed TesiaCettia castaneocoronataMandala
205Grey-bellied TesiaTesia cyaniventerEaglenest
206Brownish-flanked Bush-WarblerCettia fortipesSela Pass
207Yellowish-bellied Bush-WarblerCettia acanthizoidesEaglenest
208Spotted Bush-WarblerBradypterus thoracicusMaguri
209Russet Bush-WarblerBradypterus mandelliMandala
PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae
210Striated YuhinaYuhina castanicepsMishmi Hills
211Black-chinned YuhinaYuhina nigrimentaMandala
212Stripe-throated YuhinaYuhina gularisMandala
213Whiskered YuhinaYuhina flavicollisMandala
214Rufous-vented YuhinaYuhina occipitalisMandala
215White-naped YuhinaYuhina bakeriMandala
216Oriental White-eyeZosterops palpebrosusDirang
PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae
217Rufous-throated Wren BabblerSpelaeornis caudatusNear-threatenedEaglenest
218Rusty-throated Wren BabblerSpelaeornis badeigularis VulnerableMishmi
219Bar-winged Wren BabblerSpelaeornis troglodytoidesMishmi/Mandala
220Blackish-breasted BabblerSphenocichla humeiNear-threatenedEaglenest
221Chevron-breasted Babbler Stachyris robertiNear-threatenedMishmi
222White-browed Scimitar BabblerPomatorhinus schisticepsEaglenest
223Streak-breasted Scimitar BabblerPomatorhinus ruficollisEaglenest
224Large Scimitar BabblerErythrogenys hypoleucosJoypur





225Golden BabblerCyanoderma chrysaeumNameri / Digboi
226Rufous-capped BabblerStachyridopsis ruficepsCommon
227Pin-striped Tit-babblerMacronus gularisJoypor/Nameri/Digboi
228Puff-throated BabblerPellorneum ruficepsJoypor
229White-hooded BabblerGampsorhynchus rufulusEaglenest
230Yellow-throated FulvettaPseudominla cinereaEaglenest
231Rufous-winged FulvettaPseudominla castanecepsEaglenest
232Manipur FulvettaFulvetta manipurensisMishmi Hills
233Brown-throated FulvettaFulvetta ludlowMandala
234Golden-breasted FulvettaLioparus chrysotis Mishmi Hills
235Fire-tailed Myzornis Myzornis pyrrhoura Sela Pass
236Black-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis nipalensisMishmi Hills
237Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis atrosuperciliarisEaglenest
238Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis ruficepsEaglenest
239Jungle BabblerTurdoides striataEaglenest
240Himalayan CutiaCutia nipalensisEaglenest
241Greater Necklaced Laughing-thrushGarrulax pectoralisJoypor
242Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush Garrulax nuchalis Near-threatenedDigboi
243White-throated Laughing-thrushGarrulax albogularisMandala
244Grey-sided Laughing-thrushGarrulax caerulatusEaglenest
245Rufous-necked Laughing-thrushGarrulax ruficollisEaglenest
246Blue-winged Laughing-thrushTrochalopteron squamatumEaglenest
247Bhutan Laughingthrush Trochalopteron imbricatumEaglenest
248Black-faced Laughing-thrushTrochalopteron affineEaglenest
249Chestnut-crowned Laughing-thrushTrochalopteron erythrocephalumEaglenest
250Long-tailed SibiaHeterophasia picaoidesMishmi Hills / Sessa
251Beautiful SibiaHeterophasia pulchellaMishmi Hills / Mandala
252Rufous SibiaHeterophasia capistrataMishmi Hills
253Silver-eared MesiaLeiothrix argentaurisJoypur / Eaglenest
254Red-tailed MinlaMinla ignotinctaEaglenest
255Red-faced LiocichlaLiocichla phoeniceaEaglenest
256Bugun LiocichlaLiocichla bugunorumVulnerableEaglenest
257Hoary-throated BarwingSibia nipalensisEaglenest
258Streak-throated BarwingSibia waldeniMishmi Hills
259Blue-winged MinlaSiva cyanouropteraEaglenest
260Chestnut-tailed MinlaChrysominla strigulaMandala
261Rusty-fronted BarwingActinodura egertoniEaglenest
PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae
262White-tailed NuthatchSitta himalayensisMishmi/Eaglenest
263Velvet-fronted NuthatchSitta frontalisNameri
264Chestnut-bellied NuthatchSitta cinnamoventrisNameri
PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae
265Asian Pied StarlingGracupica contraCommon
266Common MynaAcridotheres tristisCommon
267Hill MynaGracula religiosaNameri
PASSERIFORMES: Cinclidae
268Brown DipperCinclus pallasiiDirang
PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
269Oriental Magpie RobinCopsychus saularisCommon
270White-rumped ShamaKittacincla malabaricaSessa
271Dark-sided FlycatcherMuscicapa sibiricaMandala
272Pale-chinned Blue FlycatcherCyornis poliogenysNameri
273Large Blue FlycatcherCyornis magnirostrisEaglenest
274Blue-throated Blue FlycatcherCyornis rubeculoidesSessa
275White-gorgetted FlycatcherAnthipes monilegerEaglenest
276Asian Verditer FlycatcherEumyias thalassinusCommon
277White-browed ShortwingBrachypteryx montanaMishmi Hills / Mandala
278Little ForktailEnicurus scouleriSessa
279Black-backed ForktailEnicurus immaculatusJoypor
280Slaty-backed ForktailEnicurus schistaceusSessa
281Blue Whistling ThrushMyophonus caeruleusCommon




282Golden Bush RobinTarsiger chrysaeusMandala
283Rufous-breasted Bush RobinTarsiger hyperythrusEaglenest
284Taiga FlycatcherFicedula albicillaNameri
285Snowy-browed FlycatcherFicedula hyperythraEaglenest
286Rufous-gorgetted FlycatcherFicedula strophiataMandala
287Ultramarine FlycatcherFicedula superciliarisDirang
288Slaty-blue FlycatcherFicedula tricolorEaglenest
289Pygmy Blue FlycatcherFicedula hodgsoniEaglenest
290Blue-fronted RedstartAdelura frontalisMandala
291Plumbeous Water RedstartRhyacornis fuliginosaCommon
292White-capped Water RedstartChaimarrornis leucocephalusSessa
293Daurian RedstartPhoenicurus auroreusDirang
294Blue-capped Rock ThrushMonticola cinclorhynchaCommon
295Chestnut-bellied Rock ThrushMonticola rufiventrisCommon
296Blue Rock ThrushMonticola solitariusCommon
297Grey Bush ChatSaxicola ferreusCommon
PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
298Green CochoaCochoa viridisSessa
299Grey-winged BlackbirdTurdus boulboulEaglenest
300White-collared BlackbirdTurdus albocinctusEaglenest

22 comments:

  1. Very well written Tour report Aseem Sir

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Chewang sir, without you this trip would not have been possible.

      Delete
  2. It is always a pleasure to read your very nicely written tour reports. It inspires people to go out and explore new areas and see the Exotic Birds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Kaajal ji for reading and appreciating. Regards,

      Delete
  3. Assemji as always a fantastic naration and collection of photographs!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alok ji, it's all thanks to mother nature. Thank you so much for your kind appreciation. Regards,

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Thank you Alka ji for appreciating. It was indeed nice meeting you, though briefly in Nameri. Regards

      Delete
  5. Excellent tour report and amazing photography. .it's really pleasing to read your tour report. .it is a guide to birder going there first time ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot for your appreciation Vilas. The place indeed is awesome and worth many visits... Happy Birding!

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Glad you liked the report. Thank you very much for your kind words.

      Delete
  7. Excellent trip report Sir! images are superb too! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for reading and appreciating the report, Rajkimar ji

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. Thank you very much, glad you liked the report and photos

      Delete
  9. Superb! I need some guidance for my travel this year

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, you can always write to me on my email id. Will surely pass on as much information I can. Happy Birding!

      Delete
  10. Pl inform us about the camera and other gears like lens you used in this tour.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, have used Telephoto lens mounted on DX frames. You can click at the link of the photos (Listing of sightings) at the end of the blog, which will take you to a page on Facebook. All possible details desired by you including EXIF is shared. Happy Birding!

      Delete
  11. Arunachal Pradesh does look beautiful and scenic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes it’s one the most beautiful state and hope it remains. Thanks a lot!

      Delete

 
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