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Birdwatching in Nepal

Mar 10th, 2008

byHimalaya.

Bird Watching in Nepal

With more than 850 species of birds, Nepal is a veritable paradise for birdwatchers. A diverse

topography and climate has resulted in a variety of habitats within the country, a home to over8% of the total bird population. In the deep jungles of the Terai and the Kosi Tappu barrage,

among the thick rhododendron and Oak forest of the middle hills and the windswept plateaus ofthe Himalayas you will always be greeted with a birdsong: the chirps, the cheeps, the twitters and

the hoots. Grab your binoculars and head for the hills!

In Kathmandu Valley

The most popular bird watching spot is the Phulchoki hill, situated 20 km south- east ofKathmandu, with some 265 species recorded to date. Over here you can sight the babblers,

warblers, tits, thrushes, m

inivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many m

igrant b

irds. Godavar

i, ly

ingat the foot of Phulchoki hill, where the Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100

species of birds including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.The wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of

birds. The banks of the Manohara river on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati river, whichflows into the valley from Shivapuri hill and out through Chobhar Gorge, are good places for

watching waders and waterfowls. Taudaha, a lake on the way to Dakshinkali,south ofKathmandu, also attracts flocks of migrant birds.

The ShivapuriWatershed and Wildlife Reserve situated 11km to the north of Kathmandu, isanother very good location. Nagarjun Royal Forest situated 5 km from Kathmandu on the way to

Kakani from Balaju is also renowned forits blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonellis eagles, great

Hi

malayan barbets, Forktai

ls, Redstarts and Ki

ngfi

shers. Gokarna forest, 7 km to the northeast ofKathmandu, boasts of the speckled mountain thrush, orange-headed ground-thrush, brown woodowl and the white-bellied yuhina among other colorful varieties.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife ReserveThe Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is renowned for being one of the best locations for birding.

The smallest (175 sq km) and easternmost reserve in Nepal, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve liesnorth-east of the convergence of the Sapt Koshi and Trijuga Khola rivers. During monsoon (May

to September) the flow of the river becomes torrential and covers most of the floodplain, whileduring the dry season, many flat, sandy islands are exposed. The habitat is a combination of

scrub grassland and deciduous riverine forest, with over 280 species of birds recorded so far. SeeSwamp Francolins, White Ibis, Storks, Lesser Coucal, Striated Marsh Warbler, Black BelliedTern, Imperial Eagle, Pied and Marsh Harrier, Common Quail, Bengal floricans (Eupodotis

Bengalensis), and many other exotic and migratory waterfowl not found elsewhere in Nepal. .

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan is rich in wildlife. The Chitwan National Parkis the ultimate destination for wildlifeenthusiasts. With over 255 species of birds recorded, among them, many species of parakeets,

the Blue-Throat thrush, Long-tailed Nightjar, Indian Peafowl, Great Barbet, red-billed bluemagpie and Tickells red-breasted blue flycatcher, the park offers much for the serious

birdwatchers.

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Bardia National parkBardia National park situated in the farWest of Nepal is also a popular destination for bird

watching. Covered by sal forest riverine and grass lands, a boat ride on the slow current of theKarnali River provides you with an opportunity to view the birds, including Ruddy Shelduck,

darters, Brahminy kites, brown headed gulls, cormorants, oriental pied hornbills, , cinnaon

bitterns, or

ioles and peacocks.The Annapurna Conservation Area

The Annapurna Conservation Area supports a remarkable biodiversity, with 441 recorded

species of birds, including the spiny babbler. The bird habitat ranges from the sub-tropicallowlands towards Pokhara in the south of ACA to dry sub-alpine conditions above the tree-line

towards the North. Crimson Horned Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant ,CheerPheasant ,Kalij Pheasant are some species of pheasants seen around the conservation area.

In Pokhara and Fewa Lakeside you get to see Ibisbills, Wallcreepers, Brown Dippers, GreenMagpies, Lesser Raquet Tailed Drongos along walking tails in the sub tropical forest and aquatic

species during a relaxing boating tripThe Kali Gandaki valley is also a major migration pathway in the autumn, when 40 species,

includ

ing demo

iselle cranes , can be seen around Jomsom and Tukuche. M

igrat

ing

West aboutthis time further South around Kaare and Dhampus are about 20 identified species of eagle and

other birds of prey. The most commonly observed are: Bearded Vulture and the Golden eagle.

For more information: http://www.explorehimalaya.com/blog/birdwatching-in-nepal/