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Sunday, April 11, 2021

Birding in South Andaman and Great Nicobar (Islands)

Andaman and Nicobar Islands were formed due to a collision between Indian Plate and Burma Minor Plate, there are many such theories that suggest how the formation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands may have taken place, though neither of the theories have been completely accepted or denied.

 

All we are sure is that these forces of nature did give us a wonderful island, that in now in the middle of a turquoise blue sea with some endemic species of birds, which simply means these species are not found elsewhere, giving us a very good reason to be there so see them.


The Andaman islands are divided into three main islands i.e. North, Middle and South. While, among the Nicobar islands, the Great Nicobar is the largest. It is the southernmost island of India and is very close (180kms) to Sumatra island of Indonesia. We choose to spend one week in South Andaman and one week in Great Nicobar (which got extended to 10 days in each place, due to the delay of the ship sailings into Campbell bay from Port Blair)

 

The areas we covered and visited in South Andaman between 9th March 2021 to 15th March 2021

 

1.     Chidya Tapu Biological Park and adjacent areas of the Reserve forest

 

The region is about 35-45 minutes (18kms) drive and our first destination for this trip, after landing in Port Blair in the afternoon. On the edge of the Biological park, there is a sunset point, which looked amazing. Along this small beach a food stall offered assorted fritters (banana and potato) with spiced tea. We munched on these snacks and waited patiently for the sun to set, not because we wanted to rest, but because it’s the time one can see the nocturnal species that are endemic to the region. 

Sunset at Chidya tapu - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Sunset at Chidya tapu - Image by Aseem Kothiala

Over the two visits to the region we saw Andaman Nightjar, Hume’s Boobook, Andaman Boobook and Oriental scops Owls (Walden’s) during the night and to our joy the endemic Andaman Crake during the day.

Andaman Nightjar - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Andaman Nightjar - Image by Aseem Kothiala

Hume's Boobook - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Hume's Boobook - Image by Aseem Kothiala

Oriental Scops-Owl (Walden's) - Image by Yash Kothiala
Oriental Scops-Owl (Walden's) - Image by Yash Kothiala

Andaman Boobook - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Andaman Boobook - Image by Aseem Kothiala

Andaman Crake - Image by Yash Kothiala
Andaman Crake - Image by Yash Kothiala

After each sighting we would hear Dhanish hum a song, for the ones who know him surely know he is a talented singer too!

One can stop en route at the beach to look for the White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Collared Kingfisher. We explored the areas of Munda beach, where we sighted the Pacific Swallow just after we visited the Biological park.


The park does host some mammals and endangered birds (zoo) which did not interest us much. However the walk along the well paved pathways ensured we saw a lot of endemic birds like the Andaman Shama, Andaman Bulbul, Andaman serpent Eagle apart a variety of other endemics including the Andaman Drongo. The endemic tree and native to Andamans can be seen here, the Padauk. They are large with buttresses one can just admire and wonder. 

Andaman Serpent-Eagle - Image by Yash Kothiala
Andaman Serpent-Eagle - Image by Yash Kothiala

As we continued walking we could see the Plume-toed Swiftlet and Brown-throated Needletails doing their acrobatic flights. On the way out at the entrance, sighted the beautiful Violet cuckoo and a pair of Vernal hanging parrot apart from a flock of White headed starlings, that were feedings on a fruiting tree near the parking area.

Adjacent to the biological park is Badabalu beach, which is pristine but it’s a good long walk from the area where one can park the vehicle. It was low tide, when we visited and sighted Collared and Stork-billed Kingfishers apart from the nesting of the Plume-toed Swifts (under a bridge) and a pair of nesting White-breasted Woodswallow.

 

2.     Mount Harriet National Park

 

Mount Harriet is the highest peak in south Andaman island and the second-highest peak in the whole of the Andaman islands. To reach this place from Chatham Wharf we took the ferry that accommodates passenger and the vehicles that want to reach Bambooflat Wharf. 


We heard the calls of the Andaman crake, on the trek that leads to kalaphathar, however sighting one did not seem easy. We kept birding around the stretch of main road that led to the National Park, sighting the Andaman Coucal and Andaman Bulbul to name a few. 

Andaman Coucal - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Andaman Coucal - Image by Aseem Kothiala

The view from the watchtower was amazing and birds like the Dollarbird, Vernal Hanging Parrot were seen apart from Green imperial pigeons.

 

3.     Sippi Ghat and Jirkatang

 

An excellent place to see waders like the Long-toed Stint and the Red-necked Stint along with the commoners. Some water bodies that were created after the 2004 Tsunami are now being reclaimed by the land owners. Common Snipes and Oriental Pratincole’s were seen. The region was just about 6-7 kms from city of Port Blair


A drive further down on the road that leads towards North Andaman had some amazing water bodies on both sides, it was the place where we could see the Andaman teal in large numbers along with Yellow Bittern's and a very large flock of lesser whistling Duck's. They were all busy dabbling. A flock would fly off and a new one would come in.

Andaman Teal - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Andaman Teal - Image by Aseem Kothiala

There was a pathway that went around this large water body and we decided to walk around it, Andaman coucal kept calling but would not oblige and pose. Olive-backed Sunbirds are seen in good numbers here.


We drove further ahead towards Jirkatang on the highway that was under repair, the bird density in the forest around here was less, probably due to disturbance caused by construction. We heard and saw a flock of Andaman bulbul’s here. This region passes through the territory which was once inhabited by the Jarwa tribe, who still occupy regions that are deeper into the forest. 


The weather was very humid and the morning sun was shining very bright so we decided to drive back, as usual Dhanish opted to walk for some more time, we were rewarded as we sighted the endemic Andaman wood pigeon, there was a pair who barely sat for less than minute, before disappearing into the dense forest.  

Andaman Wood-Pigeon - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Andaman Wood-Pigeon - Image by Aseem Kothiala

4.     Forests and Mangroves in Shoal Bay

 

Shoalbay a village in south Andaman was one of the destinations we visited twice. Each time, we would drive to Chattam wharf and take a ferry to Bambooflat wharf, the journey on this boat was around 20 minutes and then continue driving further to the forests that exists after a place called Wimberlyganj


We walked on the road that lead to Shoal bay, that was paved amongst the stretches of forest, a lot of endemic and common species were sighted here, like the Andaman treepie, Andaman bulbul, Asian fairy Bluebirds, Orange-headed Thrush , Forest Wagtail, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Cuckooshrike, Andaman green pigeon.


Trees were tall and seemed even longer here compared to Jirkatang. We gazed into them, rays of the morning sun that came through the branches was clearing the morning mist, the phenomena looked mesmerising. Long-tailed Parakeets and Asian glossy starlings were seen in good numbers. They were chasing each other away from nest holes. The forests echoed with bird calls. Listening to them with eyes closed felt blissful.


Within a short time, we had sighted the Freckle breasted woodpecker and the Andaman woodpecker. These are the only two types seen on this island. 

Andaman Woodpecker - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Andaman Woodpecker - Image by Aseem Kothiala

Today the Ruddy Kingfisher was not sighted in the mangrove forest along the road and may have gone deeper inside, so we decided to travel further into Shoal bay. While we waited for the Ruddy Kingfisher to show up, sighted the Dusky warbler that was busy hunting and moving swiftly. 

As sun set, Dhanish quickly spotted Andaman scops-Owl who was surely giving us some tough looks, obviously we were intruders in his territory. Must admit, Dhanish surely had a keen sense to spot these nocturnal species.

Andaman Scops-Owl - Image by Yash Kothiala
Andaman Scops-Owl - Image by Yash Kothiala

We drove back to Chatham wharf via Bambooflat Wharf to  return to this amazing Hotel Seascape in Port Blair, where we were put up. Must mention the rooms here are immaculate and meals served during our stay, was one of the finest we ever had on a birding trip. The owners (Ms. Punam Nanda and Capt Nanda) and her staff offered the hospitality that was in a class of its own.


We had not realised that the whole week had passed away and it was time to wind up and pack to head out to the next island.


Early morning of the 16th of March, we headed out to towards Haddo Wharf, to board the ship to Great Nicobar. The ship sails from Port Blair along the island of Little Andaman before taking a stop at Kamorta, (depending on the cargo that has to be offloaded) and reach its final destination Campbell Bay. Just before we reached Campbell Bay, the Andaman sea looked fabulous and to add to its beauty, saw some dolphins breaching, most likely were bottlenose dolphins. 

Sunset in the ocean from the ship - Image by Yash Kothiala
Sunset in the ocean from the ship - Image by Yash Kothiala

Great Nicobar

Great Nicobar is the very last island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. It is the largest of the Nicobar group of islands, and is home to just about 10000 people. A large portion of the island is covered by dense forests which are home to a variety of endemic biodiversity including the Nicobar Scrubfowl (commonly called the Nicobar Megapode), the Nicobar tree shrew and the Nicobar long-tailed macaque.

 

Not many visit this region, except the locals inhabitants of the island (settlers), naturalists, birders, and researchers. Tribal tourism is strictly prohibited and individuals are only allowed to interact with them for research, after seeking prior permission from the tribal council.

 

We visited the region between 17th March 2021 and 26th March 2021

 

This huge island was surely slow-paced with pristine locations that is home to a close-knit community of individuals who have made their living here over several generations. Being a small place, would see familiar faces almost daily at the restaurants, on striking a conversation with a couple of them learnt that they were offered to be settlers here by then government (1969~1971) and were given 11 to 14 acers of land each with free ration for about 5 years. Today they survive on this terrain by cultivating Coconuts and Beetle nuts.

 

Great Nicobar is further divided into multiple smaller towns with Campbell bay being its main area of activity. There are only two main roads, one being the north south road and the other east west road, that connects the entire island.

 

Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and Galathea National Park are the two areas which we visited, they have a great significance and cover almost 85% of this island. To enter these areas, one needs to inform the forest department in Campbell bay and seek prior permission. Both these parks are separated from each other by a forest buffer zone where the “shompens”, one of the ancient tribes inhabit.

 

Dhanish our guide and naturalist arranged for the nature trail in the biosphere reserve by speaking to the range forest officer in the forest department. We trekked this trail thrice and got amazing sightings of the Nicobar jungle-flycatcher and Hooded Pitta 

Nicobar Jungle-flycatcher - Image by Yash Kothiala
Nicobar Jungle-flycatcher - Image by Yash Kothiala

Hooded Pitta - Image by Yash Kothiala
Hooded Pitta - Image by Yash Kothiala

The very shy Nicobar pigeon, only gave us glimpses as they would just disappear leaving us clueless of their existence. We saw some traps that were laid to capture them, almost 5 traps in a very small area. It seems there was a time, when sighting them wasn’t so difficult said Dhanish.

 

During one trek we walked up stream and sighted the Malayan night heron and heard calls of the Nicobar Scrubfowl. It had rained very heavily in the morning, the leaves and path was very moist and slippery, we thought its good, our footsteps won’t be heard and we would be able to sight the Nicobar Pigeon, instead me and Dr Ian slipped badly a couple of times, surely we escaped unhurt, with just a few bruises and scratches.

Dhanish surely loves the birds, but he surely loves the nocturnal species more, no wonder he could hear them for far and would simply follow their call and locate them. Nicobar Scops-Owl,&nbspBrown Boobook and the Grey Nightjar in a jiffy. We were happy we could see them and count our lifers

Nicobar Scops-Owl - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Nicobar Scops-Owl - Image by Aseem Kothiala

Brown Boobook - Image by Yash Kothiala
Brown Boobook - Image by Yash Kothiala

Grey Nightjar - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Grey Nightjar - Image by Aseem Kothiala

Every alternate day we would drive towards Galathea National Park stopping at different locations. We felt very lucky when we sighted the Sakhalin leaf warbler, which was identified by its call and behaviour and Blyth's paradise flycatcher on one of our trips.

Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher - Image by Aseem Kothiala

Just along the beach within the forests, we saw a mound made of soil and vegetation, that’s when we learnt about this unique nest. The Nicobar Megapode makes them using its strong legs and lays eggs within the mound. The bird comes occasionally to inspect its nest, though the eggs hatch on their own due to the rotting vegetation. The chick can fend for themselves once they are out of the mound. We waited around for a long time, the Nicobar megapode did not show up, but a Hooded pitta was seen calling from within the foliage.

 

We planned to return to the site again and this time reached very early in the morning by 4.30AM after a two hour drive. Just about at sunrise is the best time to see this endemic and sensitive bird. As the day broke, noticed it was very cloudy and within moments started to pour. In about 30-40 minutes the rain subsided, but the slight drizzle was still on. This is when Dhanish came to us and said, he has seen a pair that is feeding and moving not very far from where we had taken the shelter from the downpour.


We stood still and there was an instance could see them amongst the tree barks, initially they were foraging and moving towards us and then changed course and started moving away from where we were standing and hiding. Was tempted to go out and get a better view, but knew if they heard any sound, they would be gone. So waited there hoping and praying, within a short time they changed course again and started to move just towards us. The light was low, so had to pump up the ISO and be ready.

Just after the rain the region looked even more lush and within the few falling drops of rain saw the Nicobar Megapode, walking cautiously like a model towards us. Hearing the clicks they would stop and wonder. Even we would stop clicking and wait till they get to feeding again. It was an excellent sighting. 

Nicobar Scrubfowl - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Nicobar Scrubfowl - Image by Aseem Kothiala

The region had some amazing mangrove forests, which were planted and restored after the Tsunami, water bodies and the backwaters ensured the birdlife was kept alive. Mother nature was taking good care of its creations.

Chinese Pond-Heron - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Chinese Pond-Heron - Image by Aseem Kothiala


We sighted the Common, Stork-billed, Black-backed Dwarf and Black-capped Kingfisher on different instances waiting along water bodies to make their catch. There was still one bird that was eluding us, the Nicobar serpent Eagle. We drove back and forth, trekked and even waited near a location where they were usually sighted. No sign, instead we saw most birds like the Common hill myna, Nicobar Parakeet, Long tailed Parakeet flying around. 

 

It was late afternoon, sun was ready to set and we had almost retired for the session and waited near the vehicle. As always Dhanish said he will return after scanning through the region. Soon we got a call from him and he asked us to come fast, he had sighted the raptor we were looking for!

Nicobar Serpent-Eagle - Image by Aseem Kothiala
Nicobar Serpent-Eagle - Image by Aseem Kothiala

Climate:

Most of the times, the climate was very hot and humid. Sunrises around 5am IST (Indian Standard Time) and sets by 5.30PM, surely made us feel that the first session never ends and the second session finishes very fast!

 

Connectivity:

BSNL offers the best connectivity in both these islands, the other networks will offer connectivity only in some parts of Port Blair (with 2G only). Internet services were available once we returned to the stay.

 

Permissions:

We being Indian citizens, did not require prior permission to visit the island of great Nicobar, but had to inform the forest department of our arrivals in Campbell Bay to obtain permissions to visit the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and some parts of the Galathea National Park. 

 

To visit the restricted areas, especially the one where one can watch the massive Leather backed turtles needs to approach the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Haddo, Port Blair.

Travel:

We had reached Port Blair by air from Mumbai. Most commonly used option to reach Campbell bay in Great Nicobar from Port Blair is by ship (a little over 500 nautical miles) and it takes about 36 hours. One can use the chopper services, which is very limited and often used by officials and islanders who have medical emergencies. Due to the recent pandemic (Covid 19) the entire process to get on to the ship seemed very challenging, sailings were restricted, seats were over booked. Thanks to efforts of Dhanish, Gokul Krishna and Peter Lobo everything went very smooth for us.

 

While traveling from Port Blair to Campbell Bay we were on MV Kalighat , shipmaster was Capt. Bodh Mahimairaj. He and his team were very courteous, the Chief Officer K Bala Yesu was an amazing person and ensured we had a good trip. Yash was very excited when they shared a lot of information  how the vessel is kept on course by avoiding reefs and islands.

While on the way back we were on MV Coral Queen, this time the shipmaster was Capt Rohit Lal, who not only knew a lot about birds but was also interested in reptiles. This time we had Mr Sukesh Patnaik on board, who took very good care of us. To our surprise he showed us some amazing magic tricks in his free time using cards and coins, its only later we learnt he was also a professional magician.  Must mention that we had a fine journey and some delicious meals. Our Sincere thanks to Satish Thayapurath who had planned this trip for us and very unfortunate that he could not join us. But he ensured we had a great trip and an amazing sailing!

 

The team:

We had Dhanish T leading our group, he is known as Danish Trogon in the birding circuit especially for his energetic spirt. He surely has some amazing bird spotting skills and ensured we not only saw but also got good images of the endemic species. Like a phantom (trogon) you will find him gone, we had to keep up our pace with his speed. Thanking Yash Kothiala, Marvelyn Dias and Dr Ian D’souza for being a part of this trip.

 

Sightings: https://ebird.org/profile/NTg5NTQ4/IN-AN

 

Happy Birding!




 

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ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

1

Lesser Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna javanica

2

Cotton Pygmy-Goose

Nettapus coromandelianus

3

Andaman Teal

Anas albogularis

Endemic

GALLIFORMES: Megapodiidae

4

Nicobar Scrubfowl

Megapodius nicobariensis

Endemic

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae

5

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

 

6

Andaman Wood-Pigeon

Columba palumboides

Endemic

7

Red Collared-Dove

Streptopelia tranquebarica

8

Andaman Cuckoo-Dove

Macropygia rufipennis

Endemic

9

Asian Emerald Dove

Chalcophaps indica

10

Nicobar Pigeon

Caloenas nicobarica

11

Andaman Green-Pigeon

Treron chloropterus

Endemic

12

Green Imperial-Pigeon

Ducula aenea

13

Nicobar Imperial-Pigeon

Ducula nicobarica

Endemic

14

Pied Imperial-Pigeon

Ducula bicolor

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae

15

Andaman Coucal

Centropus andamanensis

Near-endemic

16

Asian Koel

Eudynamys scolopaceus

17

Violet Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus

18

Indian Cuckoo

Cuculus micropterus

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae

19

Gray Nightjar

Caprimulgus jotaka

20

Andaman Nightjar

Caprimulgus andamanicus

Endemic

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Apodidae

21

Brown-backed Needletail

Hirundapus giganteus

22

Plume-toed Swiftlet

Collocalia affinis

23

White-nest Swiftlet

Aerodramus fuciphagus

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae

24

Eurasian Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

25

Eurasian Coot

Fulica atra

26

Gray-headed Swamphen

Porphyrio poliocephalus

27

Watercock

Gallicrex cinerea

28

White-breasted Waterhen

Amaurornis phoenicurus

29

Andaman Crake

Rallina canningi

Endemic

30

Baillon's Crake

Zapornia pusilla

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae

31

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

32

Gray-headed Lapwing

Vanellus cinereus

33

Lesser Sand-Plover

Charadrius mongolus

34

Greater Sand-Plover

Charadrius leschenaultii

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae

35

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

36

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

37

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

38

Long-toed Stint

Calidris subminuta

39

Red-necked Stint

Calidris ruficollis

40

Little Stint

Calidris minuta

41

Pin-tailed Snipe

Gallinago stenura

42

Common Sandpiper

Actitis hypoleucos

43

Green Sandpiper

Tringa ochropus

44

Spotted Redshank

Tringa erythropus

45

Common Greenshank

Tringa nebularia

46

Marsh Sandpiper

Tringa stagnatilis

47

Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareola

48

Common Redshank

Tringa totanus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae

49

Oriental Pratincole

Glareola maldivarum

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae

50

Black-naped Tern

Sterna sumatrana

CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae

51

Asian Openbill

Anastomus oscitans

 

PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae

52

Yellow Bittern

Ixobrychus sinensis

53

Cinnamon Bittern

Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

54

Gray Heron

Ardea cinerea

55

Purple Heron

Ardea purpurea

56

Great Egret

Ardea alba

57

Intermediate Egret

Ardea intermedia

58

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

59

Pacific Reef-Heron

Egretta sacra

60

Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis

61

Indian Pond-Heron

Ardeola grayii

62

Chinese Pond-Heron

Ardeola bacchus

63

Striated Heron

Butorides striata

64

Malayan Night-Heron

Gorsachius melanolophus

ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae

65

Oriental Honey-buzzard

Pernis ptilorhynchus

 

66

Jerdon's Baza

Aviceda jerdoni

67

Nicobar Serpent-Eagle

Spilornis klossi

Endemic

68

Crested Serpent-Eagle

Spilornis cheela

69

Andaman Serpent-Eagle

Spilornis elgini

Endemic

70

Changeable Hawk-Eagle

Nisaetus cirrhatus

71

Chinese Sparrowhawk

Accipiter soloensis

72

Besra

Accipiter virgatus

73

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

Haliaeetus leucogaster

STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae

74

Andaman Masked-Owl

Tyto deroepstorffi

Endemic

STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae

75

Andaman Scops-Owl

Otus balli

Endemic

76

Nicobar Scops-Owl

Otus alius

Endemic

77

Oriental Scops-Owl (Walden's)

Otus sunia

78

Andaman Boobook

Ninox affinis

Endemic

79

Hume's Boobook

Ninox obscura

Endemic

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae

80

Common Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

81

Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher

Ceyx erithaca

82

Stork-billed Kingfisher

Pelargopsis capensis

83

Ruddy Kingfisher

Halcyon coromanda

84

White-throated Kingfisher

Halcyon smyrnensis

85

Black-capped Kingfisher

Halcyon pileata

86

Collared Kingfisher

Todiramphus chloris

CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae

87

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater

Merops leschenaulti

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae

88

Dollarbird

Eurystomus orientalis

PICIFORMES: Picidae

89

Freckle-breasted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos analis

90

Andaman Woodpecker

Dryocopus hodgei

Endemic

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittaculidae

91

Alexandrine Parakeet

Psittacula eupatria

92

Red-breasted Parakeet

Psittacula alexandri

83

Nicobar Parakeet

Psittacula caniceps

Endemic

94

Long-tailed Parakeet

Psittacula longicauda

95

Vernal Hanging-Parrot

Loriculus vernalis

PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae

96

Hooded Pitta

Pitta sordida

PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae

97

Small Minivet

Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

98

Scarlet Minivet

Pericrocotus speciosus

99

Large Cuckooshrike

Coracina macei

100

Andaman Cuckooshrike

Coracina dobsoni

Endemic

PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae

101

Mangrove Whistler

Pachycephala cinerea

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae

102

Black-naped Oriole

Oriolus chinensis

PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae

103

White-breasted Woodswallow

Artamus leucorynchus

PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae

104

Andaman Drongo

Dicrurus andamanensis

Near-endemic

105

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

Dicrurus paradiseus

PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae

106

Black-naped Monarch

Hypothymis azurea

107

Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher

Terpsiphone affinis

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae

108

Brown Shrike

Lanius cristatus

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae

109

Andaman Treepie

Dendrocitta bayleii

Endemic

110

House Crow

Corvus splendens

 

111

Large-billed Crow

Corvus macrorhynchos

PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae

112

Black-browed Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus bistrigiceps

113

Oriental Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus orientalis

PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae

114

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

115

Pacific Swallow

Hirundo tahitica

PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae

116

Andaman Bulbul

Brachypodius fuscoflavescens

Endemic

117

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae

118

Yellow-browed Warbler

Phylloscopus inornatus

119

Dusky Warbler

Phylloscopus fuscatus

120

Sakhalin Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus borealoides

PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae

121

Asian Glossy Starling

Aplonis panayensis

122

Common Hill Myna

Gracula religiosa

123

White-headed Starling

Sturnia erythropygia

Endemic

124

Common Myna

Acridotheres tristis

 

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae

125

Orange-headed Thrush

Geokichla citrina

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae

126

Asian Brown Flycatcher

Muscicapa dauurica

127

Oriental Magpie-Robin

Copsychus saularis

128

Andaman Shama

Copsychus albiventris

Endemic

129

Nicobar Jungle-Flycatcher

Cyornis nicobaricus

Endemic

PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae

130

Andaman Flowerpecker

Dicaeum virescens

Endemic

PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae

131

Olive-backed Sunbird

Cinnyris jugularis

132

Crimson Sunbird

Aethopyga siparaja

PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae

133

Asian Fairy-bluebird

Irena puella

PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae

134

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

 

PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae

135

Forest Wagtail

Dendronanthus indicus

136

Western Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flava

137

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

 

 

 

38 comments:

  1. Lovely account of the beautiful islands and their special birds. I felt like being a part of this group. Would be very useful for other birders that follow your trail 💐💐

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot Vinod bhai. Glad you liked this report!

      Delete
  2. Superb writeup and images... as usual. Brought back fond memories of a truly wonderful trip.

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    1. Thanks so very much for your wonderful company Marshal, really appreciate your kind words. Will look forward to your post, which surely will be more elaborate!

      Delete
  3. Fantastic write up.
    Birds pictures and other photos are realy nice.
    You could explore the island beauty
    So nicely.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your lovely comment, yes we could explore the island at ease and see some amazing species.

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  4. As usual superb writeup with fantastic images.

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    1. Thanks a ton Gautam, glad you liked the report too!!!

      Much obliged

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  5. Great Sightings and nice detailed write-up with beautiful photographs..

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    1. Thank you very much Kunal bhai. Glad you liked it!

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  6. Very nice.. you have mentioned a good amount of detail. Great work.. I am sure it must have been a great birding tour.

    a very read indeed. Thanks for sharing

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    1. Saad bhai, sincerely appreciate your comment. Yes it was an awesome trip. Take care and keep well

      Delete
  7. Very informative write up and beautiful photographs. Makes one yearn to undertake a tour of the place

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    1. Tapas jee it was on our mind for a long time, glad we could do this trip. Thank you very much for the appreciation. Happy Birding!

      Delete
  8. Excellently written, and well defined. It was like a virtual tour! Very happy for you and Yash. Best wishes, always!!

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    1. Thank you so much for the appreciation and sending in good wishes Yashodhan ji. Looking forward to meet you again soon, someday. Till then stay safe. Happy Birding!

      Delete
  9. 1 dream trip ... Surreal...Fantastic narration & amazing images... TFS bhaisahab

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot Bhai jee for your support and appreciation. Had this trip on mind for a while, glad could do it. Thanks again!

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  10. Nice informative written and as usual classic pics

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you so much for the appreciation and support!

      Delete
  11. Shandar jaburdust jindabad no words to praise

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lovely writeup and amazing pics as usual.
    Thanks for sharing.

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    1. James that’s so nice of you, thank you very much for the lovely comment. Happy Birding!!

      Delete
  13. Great log of your recent trip to Great Nicobar Island. My Indian colleagues and I are extremely interested in the social bees that may occur there: giant honey bees, cavity-nesting honey bees and the smaller stingless bees. I wonder if you observed any of these: nests on or in trees, foraging on flowers, or collecting sweat from your skin? Any info would be most helpful. And how can we contact Dhanish?

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    1. Glad you liked this post. Honestly, I usually only look for birds, had another fellow birder who did take some images of butterflies. We did trek a lot into the forests, but don’t recall encountering any bees, maybe did not notice their presence. Do write an email to me and will surely connect you to Dhanish T
      Happy Birding!

      Delete
  14. Wow it's a great initiative to bring the beuty of great nicobar island in front of world, thanks sir on behalf of the residents of Great nicobar island do inform us whenever you plan to Visit our island will get chance to learn more about our Endamic birds..

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Glad you liked the trip report. It’s an amazing place and has some very rare and endemic species. Thanks a lot. Surely will let you know when we return. Happy Birding!!

      Delete
  15. Wow it's a great initiative to bring the beuty of great nicobar island in front of world, thanks sir on behalf of the residents of Great nicobar island do inform us whenever you plan to Visit our island will get chance to learn more about our Endamic birds..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you liked the trip report. It’s an amazing place and has some very rare and endemic species. Thanks a lot. Surely will let you know when we return. Happy Birding!

      Delete
  16. Made me feel like I was traveling and birding with you! Especially since I've lived there and know the place. Lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Glad you liked it, only the very lucky get the opportunity to stay there. Thank you so much for the lovely comment. Much Obliged!

      Delete
  17. Solomon Sampath KumarFebruary 6, 2023 at 3:38 PM

    Happy to have visited this site .A lovely account of this trip and excellent images

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much Solomon. Glad you liked the post. Happy Birding!

      Delete

 
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