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8/7/2019 Field Guide on Birds in Ladakh
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Field Guide
Birds of Ladakh
-hG----;m-!m-+--zz-em
Pankaj Chandan
Mohd. Abbas
Parikshit Gautam
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FOREWORD
The Field Guide on the Birds of Ladakh is part of a series of
bilingual (English and Ladakhi) field guides developed by WWF-
India. The publication commemorates WWF-Indias efforts in
conserving Ladakhs fragile wetlands, in collaboration with the
State Government and partner Organizations. Spread over adecade, the work has helped in raising the profile of High Altitude
Wetlands both at the local as well as national levels. A core
component of the project has been to raise awareness of local
youth and involve them in conservation efforts. The publication
of Field Guides is yet another step towards this endeavour.
Given the pristine beauty of the land and its enigmatic inhabitants,
Ladakh has been known as the Mountains of the Gods. We areindeed fortunate to be able to participate in the conservation of
this unique landscape.
My appreciation of the efforts put in by the authors and all
those involved in preparing this Field Guide. I hope that it will
be a handy companion for budding conservationists as well as
visitors to Ladakh.
Ravi Singh
Secretary General & CEO,
WWF-India
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PREFACE
The Field Guide on Birds of Ladakh has been specially designed
for the local youth of Ladakh. The Guide is a result of the intensive
studies and surveys in harsh though unique environment ofLadakh, secondary sources of information and thenfield testing
in different valleys of Ladakh. The field testing was done prior to
publishing the book so that only that language and information is
used which is easily understandable by the local youth.
The authors have particularly taken into account the interest
of the local youth as well as the general reader and thus the
species have been described in such a way so that it can help
in easy identification.
This field guide puts into one place all the important information
about various key species of birds found in Ladakh. The same
information has been translated into local Ladakhi language so
that it helps those local youth who do not know English. It is
hoped that the field guide would not only be a source of referencefor local youth but would also be a guide to birdwatchers visiting
Ladakh from across the world. It is also hoped that the book will
fill the gap for providing information to the local youth in their
own language.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The field guide is the result of exhaustive work by a large number of
people. There are many to whom we owe a great deal for helping to
produce this book.
We would like to thank Sh. Jigmet Takpa, IFS Regional WildlifeWarden Ladakh for his help in bringing out this publication.
Our special thanks to Ms. Nisa Khatoon, Project Officer, WWF-India,
Field Office Leh, for her help.
We wish to thank Sh. Abdul Rouf, Sh. Tsering Angchok and Sh.
Lobzang Khatup-Range Officers, Wildlife division Leh, and other
staff members of Wildlife division Leh, especially Mrs. Tashi Lanzonfor their help.
We want to thank Ms. Archana Chatterjee, Regional Coordinator
WWF-India and Mr. Kishor Chandra, Admin Officer, WWF-India for
their help.
We are deeply grateful to Ms. Yamini Panchaksharam, Project
Officer, WWF-India for helping us in editing the English version of
the guide.
We are grateful to Sh. Konchok Phandey, a renowned Ladakhi
Scholar, for translating the field guide into the Ladakhi version.
Without his help the field guide in the local language would not have
been possible.
We want to acknowledge Dr. Asad R. Rahmani, Director, BNHS, for
critically reviewing the draft. His comments have helped in furtherimproving the field guide.
Our special thanks to Sh. Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO,
WWF-India and Dr. Sejal Worah, Programme Director, WWF-India, for
their help and guidance.
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CONTENTS
Foreword 3Preface 4Acknowledgements 7Introduction 10
Birds of Ladakh 161. Great Crested Grebe 16
2. Red-Crested Pochard 18
3. Black-necked Crane 20
4. Bar-headed Goose 22
5. Ruddy Shelduck 24
6. Garganey 26
7. Northern Shoveler 288. Gadwall 30
9. Eurasian Wigeon 32
10. Ferruginous Pochard 34
11. Common Snipe 36
12. Common Redshank 38
13. Ruff 40
14. Black-winged Stilt 42
15. Pied Avocet 44
16. Ruddy Turnstone 46
17. Green Sandpiper 48
18. Marsh Sandpiper 50
19. Lesser Sand Plover 52
20. Black-tailed Godwit 54
21. Red-necked Phalarope 56
22. Common Tern 5823. Golden Eagle 60
24. Lammergeier 62
25. Himalayan Griffon 64
26. Steppe Eagle 66
27. Pallas's Fish Eagle 68
28. Osprey 70
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29. Upland Buzzard 72
30. Common Kestrel 74
31. Brown-headed Gull 76
32. Grey Heron 78
33. Pallas's Gull 80
34. Glossy Ibis 8235. Ibisbill 84
36. Common Coot 86
37. Common Kingfisher 88
38. Oriental Turtle Dove 90
39. Blue Rock Pigeon 92
40. Snow Pigeon 94
41. Eurasian Eagle Owl 96
42. Little Owl 9843. Red-billed Chough 100
44. Yellow-billed Chough 102
45. Tibetan Snowcock 104
46. Himalayan Snowcock 106
47. Tibetan Sandgrouse 108
48. Tibetan Partridge 110
49. Black-billed Magpie 11250. Common Hoopoe 114
51. Alpine Swift 116
52. Great Rosefinch 118
53. Horned Lark 120
54. Common Redstart 122
55. Black Redstart 124
56. White-winged Redstart 126
57. Citrine Wagtail 12858. Robin Accentor 130
59. Desert Wheatear 132
References 134
Annexure -Checklist of the Birds of Ladakh 136
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INTRODUCTION
Ladakh represents the westernmost extension of the vast
Tibetan Plateau, covering an altitude range from 2700 to 7650 m.
Two major mountain chains, the mighty Himalayas and the
Karakoram, demarcate its natural borders towards the southand the north respectively, with the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges
running through it cut by the flow of the Indus. It constitutes
over 80% of the Trans-Himalayan tract in India and is home
to a unique assemblage of flora and fauna. The region is also
known as a cold-desert and is characterized by severe, arid
conditions. Temperature may drop to 400C in the long winter
months between December and April and may rise to 350C in
the short summer season from JulyAugust. The vegetation inthe region is sparse and productivity peaks only in the short
summer season. This harsh environment is thus home to only
highly adaptable flora and fauna.
Several species of mammals are found in the region, such
as the Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Tibetan Argali (Ovis
ammon hodgsoni), Tibetan Wild Ass (Equus kiang kiang),
Himalayan Marmot (Marmota himalayana), Red Fox (Vulpesvulpes), Tibetan Gazelle (Procapra picticaudata), Snow Leopard
(Uncia uncia), Lynx (Lynx isabellina), Tibetan Wolf (Canis lupus
chanco), Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsoni), and Wild
Yak (Bos grunniens). The flora of Ladakh falls under the Alpine
and High Alpine zones and many species recorded from the
area are medicinal in nature. Some of the widely used medicinal
plants are Podophyllum hexandrum, Aconitum violaceumandPicrorhiza kurrooa.
Ladakh, dotted with some of the Worlds most unique and
spectacular wetlands, also holds the distinction of being the only
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known breeding ground of Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)
in India. Most of these wetlands are of glacial origin and remain
frozen from December to March. A unique tent dwelling tribe,
the Changpas, move around the wetlands of Ladakh in search of
pasturelands. Several species of birds also use these wetlands
as their breeding grounds, such as Bar-headed Goose (Anserindicus), Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), Brown-headed
Gull (Larus brunicephalus), Great-crested Grebe (Podiceps
cristatus), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), Lesser Sand
Plover (Charadrius mongolus).
Ladakh, like any other high-altitude desert in the world, has a very
fragile ecosystem which is being threatened by unplanned and
unregulated developmental and tourism activities. An importantindirect threat to local wildlife is created by the disturbance
and degradation of natural habitat due to overgrazing of
pasturelands by ever-growing livestock population. This occurs
mainly in eastern and western Ladakh, which pushes wildlife,
chiefly herbivores, out into sub-optimal habitat. The resulting
non-availability of natural prey often further forces predators
to go after livestock. The excessive grazing near the wetlands
is leading to the degradation of the vital breeding grounds of
the rare and endangered migratory birds. At the same time
unregulated tourism activities near the wetlands are becoming a
major threat to the breeding birds. This is causing more damage
as the peak period of biological activity in Ladakh coincides with
the peak tourism season.
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Birds of Ladakh
Home to some of the most unique avifaunal species, Ladakhs
vast and remote landscape has drawn the attention of many
researchers over the years. Some of them have had the
opportunity and resources to conduct in-depth studies on site.
Bird species typical of the Palearctic and the Indo-Malayanzoogeographic regions (Ladakh lies on the border between
these two regions) have been documented. Also, eastern
Ladakh lies within the home range of characteristic Tibetan bird
species. Till date, more than 300 avifaunal species have been
recorded in Ladakh. The unique habitat is an important breeding
and feeding ground for birds during the short and dry summer
months. It also serves as an important staging ground for birdswhile they are crossing the mighty Himalayan range during the
spring and winter migrations.
On the basis of the time of occurrence, four bird groups have
been identified in Ladakh (Pfister 2004). They are:
Resident birds This group comprises of species adapted to
high altitudes. They are known to consume seeds, shoots, fruitsand insects (opportunistic feeders). They breed in summer
primarily at very high elevations and retreat to the lower valley
bottoms during the harsh winter months.
Summer visiting birds Arriving in huge numbers from the South
Asian plains and the Tibetan plateau, these birds use the high-
altitude steppes, wetlands, meadows and fields as breeding
ground during April and May. As winter arrives, they return totheir warmer wintering areas.
Wintering birds October marks the arrival of the smallest group
of birds from northern breeding grounds. Due to the harsh
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weather conditions, they are mainly found around villages and
along the valley bottoms (especially near the Indus borders and
sunny areas). They are known to return to their breeding ground
in the months of April-May.
Migrant birds This group is considered to be the largest and most
diverse of all four. These birds can be observed for a short period
of time in the region during the spring and autumn migrations.
According to records, the avifaunal species encountered during
the two migration periods differ. Also, diversity in the migratory
group is lesser during spring since Ladakhs frozen lakes and
marshes prompt wetland-dependent birds to opt for alternate
migratory routes. Further, migratory birds frequent the central
and eastern regions of Ladakh more than the western region.
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BIRDS OF LADAKH
GREAT CRESTED GREBE
Common Name : Great Crested Grebe
Scientific Name : Podiceps cristatusLocal Name : Changarankest
Description: The length
of the body is about
49 cm. This is largest of
all the grebes. A black
line is present from eyes
to base of bill. Both thesexes are almost alike.
This is a tailless aquatic
bird characterized by
slender white neck and
straight pointed bill which is pinkish in colour. The legs are short
in size and feet are greyish in colour. The eyes are red-orange.
Habitat: The birds can be easily sighted swimming and diving inopen lakes. Both male and female perform elaborate courtship
display. The nest is a floating nest towed by grass materials with
the aquatic plants. The parents are often seen carrying chicks
on their back.
General Distribution: Breeds in high altitude areas of Baluchistan,
Pakistan and Ladakh. Winter visitor to the North of the
Subcontinent from Pakistan east to North East India and Southto Maharashtra and North East Andhra Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: During summer season the bird can be
easily sighted at Startsapuk Tso, Tsomoriri and at Tsokar.
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hG--z--;m-m-mP-P-A-GbP-m-G-q-bG-GbP-m-h-q-fP-P-mG w--GZ-;---M-q--mG-
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RED-CRESTED POCHARD
Common Name : Red-Crested Pochard
Scientific Name : Netta rufinaLocal Name : Marzangmo
Description: This is a diving duck which is about 50 cm in
length. This is a large duck with round head and long neck.
In flight, both sexes show conspicuous large white band on
upper side of wings. In male, the head is goldenorange
with silky crest and tail is greybrown. Female is brown with
dark brown cape and hindneck while cheeks and throat
are pale. Bill is dark with pink edges and a band near tip.
Habitat: It is found in the open parts of deep water bodies and
irrigation reservoirs.
General Distribution: The bird breeds in west part of Central Asia
and moves to north parts of South and South-East Asia in the
non-breeding season.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Shey and Trishul Tsonear Leh and in some wetlands in eastern Ladakh.
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^-;-^- q-T^u-zbP-P Tz-bm-h-q-Tm-m-q-T-m-G-G-P- m-b--wm---Gm--P- -zP-
I-zh
-z-G-q-bG-GbP-Dm-m-V--G-P-P-m----50h-h-m-mG-z-G---WP-q-P-q-Tm-m-V--Vm-q-G-m-mG w--m-w--GZ-;-D-bG-G-GG-q-;m-G-Tm-G-q--h-h-m-mG -w-;m--G--G-Tz-bm-G-G-hP- WG-O-G-B-m-mG --;m-
G-q-G-mG-Tm-WP-eG-hP- I-q-hP- b-b-;m-B-G-m-mGD-V-mG-q--;m-h-G-Tm-G--qG-GG-GG-m-mG-
Gm--
-z-V-GbP-P-q-Tm-hP- P-;m-m-mP-P-P-hG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP-
-z----mz-xG--M-t-b--hP- -----P-xG--Mh-t-h-q-h--V-G-
-hG--Ez-DP
-h--hP- b----;m--fP-P-mG -hG-P-fP-P--h;-hP-m---m-;m----!q-fP-P-mG
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BLACK-NECKED CRANE
Common Name : Black-necked Crane
Scientific Name : Grus nigricollisLocal Name : Cha Thung Thung Karmo
Description: Black-necked Crane is a tallbird with a height of about 135 cm and a
wingspan of about 62 64 cm. Both the
sexes are almost of the same size but male
is slightly bigger than the female. The upper
long neck, head, primary and secondary
flight feathers, and tail are completely black
and body plumage is pale grey/ whitish. A
conspicuous red crown adorns the head.The bill is greenish and the legs and feet
are black. The juveniles have a brownish
head and neck and plumage is slightly
paler than that of adult.
Habitat: High altitude marshes are the
most common wetland types where the
bird breeds. These wetlands with small mounds provide an excellent
habitat to the birds for breeding. The marshes range from 4000 to
4800 m. above sea level. Rice and potato fields are the excellent
wintering habitat for the species.
General Distribution: The high altitude marshes and lakes of
Tibetan Plateau (Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Gansu), Sichen (China),
and eastern Ladakh (India) are the known breeding grounds of
Black-necked Crane. The species is a winter visitor in China and
Bhutan. In western Arunachal Pradesh in India, it winters regularly insmall number at Santi valley.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in the wetlands
in eastern Ladakh. Typical areas of encounter are Tsokar, Puga,
Staklung, Hanle, Chushul and some other wetlands.
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-FP-FP-h;-u-zbP-P. FP-FP-WP-mGm-G-G-P. G--m-G--;--Gm--P- -FP-FP-h;-
I-zh-FP-FP-WP-mG-m-GG-q-P-P-m---- 135 -hP-GG-q-P-P---m---- 62 m- 65 h-q--Vm-q-G-m-mGw--GZ-;---V-VP-G-G-m-mG m-mP--P-w--qG-V-G-m-mG WP-q-P-q-D-bG-hP-G-hP-w-z-GG-q-hP-q-hP-GZ-q-;m-hP-WG-O-;m-mG-P-hP-GG-q-h;-B-m-mG G--Tz-bm-h-q-G-q-G-zMm-b-m-mG D-T-YP-;-hP-@P-;m-mG-q-m-mG-yG-;m-m-G-hP-WP-q-G-q-hP-GG-q-;m- -Vm-q-P-hG-h-m-mG
Gm--FP-FP-;m-m--yG-wP--m-f---m-q-hP-h--;m-m-mG h-G--f--m-q-KP-;m--yG-wP---hG-q-w-Gm--zh--m-mG h--;m-M--m-f---- 4000 m- 4800 --m-mG -FP-FP-;m-hGm--hG----hP---P-;m-zh-G-m-mG
v-zbP-Ez-DPzh-h-f--h--hP--;m-hP-M-mG-G-ZP-G--hP--W-P-hP-Gm--hP- q-Tm-FP-WP-mG-G--yG-wP--+h-IG-Tm-m-mG -;m-hGm--M-mG-hP-G--;m--z-q-m-mG M-G----m-T-s-h- m-b-YP--hGm--D-TG-fP-P-mG
-hG-Ez-DP -hG--;m--xG---m-q-;m--fP-P-mG
-h;-hP-q-G-hP-eG-P-hP-m--hP-V--hP-Gm-P--m-q-h--;m--fP-P-mG-
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BAR-HEADED GOOSE
Common Name : Bar-headed Goose
Scientific Name : Anser indicusLocal Name : Nangpa
Description: Both the sexes arealike. This is an asting-grey, white
and brown goose. The body size
is between 71-76 cm. The head of
adult is white with two black bars.
One bar is across the sinciput
from eye to eye and the other is
shorter below on the nape. The
neck is brown with a white stripe
on each side. The legs and bill areyellow-orange and the tip of the bill
is black.
At rest, wings extend beyond tail.
In flight, wing-coverts and belly
look grey with flightfeathers black.
Juvenile is like adult but is paler and without black bars on head.
Habitat: The bird breeds on high altitude freshwater as well as salinelakes. It also breeds in marshes and rivers in high altitude areas. It is a
nocturnal feeder in grasslands near wetlands and riverbanks. Sometimes
it also feeds in the agricultural fields especially of wheat and barley.
General Distribution: The bird breeds in the uplands of Central Asia. In
India it breeds in high altitude wetlands in Changthang region of Ladakh.
The bird mainly moves to low-lying areas of India in non-breeding period.
Within the state of Jammu and Kashmir major wintering flocks are found
in Gharana wetland in Jammu and Hokersar wetland in Kashmir region.
Distribution in Ladakh: During summer season the bird can be easily
sighted at Tsokar, Tsomoriri, Hanle, Chushul and along Upper Indus
Basin.
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z-!-^^-Gu-zbP-P- z-!-^^-G-m-G-G-P- m-!-m--;--Gm--P- PP-q-
I-zh w--GZ-;-G-h-h-m-mG -z!-S-P-hP-h;-q-!hP-G-q-PP-q-m-mG G G-q-zP-h- m----71 m- 76-hP-G-h;-q---mG-!q-GZ-P-P-mG --GTG-q-G-m-G-hP-GTG-q-WP-eG-G-fP-P-G-m-mG WP-q-G-q-m-mG-
xG-GZ-;----h;-q--P-P-mG- @P-q-hP-D-V-;m--G-m-mG- D-V-
G-mG-q-h-h-m-mG-;-hG--m-GG-q-;m-WG-O-G-q-zAP-GbP-P-mG
w--m-GG-q-z;z-e-Ih-q-S-P-t-mG-q-zT-h-h-m-mG PP-yG-;m-PP-q-Vm-q-G-P-P-mG m-mP-B-G-G-G-G-;---mG-q-h-q-m-mG!
Gm--PP-q-;m-m-f--V-GP--hP--Tm-m--;m--PP-yG-wP-P-mG
-z--m-q-hP- IG-q-f--tP-fP-;m--m--m--zb-mG +z--I-hP- m--P-;m-P-m--zb-mG
Ez-DP-PP-q-;m-m----hz---fm-q-;m--PP-yG-wP-P-mGM-G---;m-m--hG--P-fP-YP--f--m-q-;m--Mh-t-z-m-mG Mh-t-h-q-h---PP-q-;m-M-G--h--;m--V-mG W--;---P-k-mP---;m-hGm-h--W--J-h-m--m-hP- D-V---;--;m--hG--mG-
-hG--Ez-DP-hG--h-h--u--z-q-m-zT-GTG-q-G-q-----hP- -h;-hP- m--hP- V--hP- P-G-GP-q-eh-xG-;m--P-P-mG-
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RUDDY SHELDUCK
Common Name : Brahminy Duck
Scientific Name : Tadorna ferrugineaLocal Name : Muru
Description: This is a large rusty-orange duck with pale head and
neck. The size of the duck is about
64 cm. During breeding season
male develops a narrow black collar
on lower neck whereas female is
without black collar. During the
non-breeding season the collar is
absent in male.
Habitat: The duck breeds around
high altitude brackish water lakes
in Ladakh, Sikkim and Nepal. The
bird is a common winter visitor in lakes, marshes and rivers with
extensive shingle banks. The nest is made in a carefully selected
hole in a cliff close to water source. The Ruddy Shelduck is most
alert of all the birds. Whenever present in a group of birds, this is
the first one to raise an alarm. Both the parents contribute equally in
raising the chicks.
General Distribution: Breeds in Central Asia and then moves to
South Asia and Northern part of South-East Asia in non-breeding
period. The breeding range is from Morocco to Central Siberia and
North China. In India the bird breeds around high altitude wetlands
in eastern Ladakh and Sikkim.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be easily sighted around high
altitude wetlands in eastern part of Ladakh and in the upper Indus
basin from Likche to Demchok.
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---^;u-zbP-P- --m-^;-m-G-G-P- b-^-m-w--W-m--Gm--P- h--
I-zh- -z-G-hP- WP-q-hG-B-G-h-Dm-m-V--D--Vm-q-G-m-mG zP-h-q-m----64m-mG Mh-t--Gm--h--w-;m-m-WP-q-;m--mG--y--G-hP- --;m--h-z-P-P--hGMh-t--Gm---m-q-h--w-;m-m-mG--q-fP-P--hG-
Gm- -V--;m-m--hG-hP- -YP-hP- z-z-;m-m-f-
-z--Tm-m--VP-Pm-;m-m-D--Mh-t--G h-PP-q-;m-hGm--IG-q-f---m-q-hP--;m--P-hG-G-Gmh-;m--V-hP-zG-GP-h-m-h-;m-m-mP-P-zdm-q--b-P--b-P-hG-z--P--P-uP--b-hG-Dm-m-mG -P-q--e-h--m-WG---fP-m-P--P-Sm---z-;-T-GbP-hG -z---GZ-;-PP-yG-;m-BP-hG
Ez-DP---hz--M-t--b-----xG-hP- --P-xG-;m--Mh-t-h-q-h--V-hG Mh-t-q-Gm--m---;-m--z---hz-hP-M-mG-H-P-xG-;m-m--hG---xG---m-q-;m-hP--YP-;m--Mm-t-hG
-hG--Ez-DP
-z--hG---xG--f--;m-hP-G--m-zh-VG-G-q-P-G-GP-q-f--;m--fP-hG
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GARGANEY
Common Name : Garganey
Scientific Name : Anas querquedulaLocal Name : Sikkar
Description:The bird is about38 cm in length. In flightthe bird has conspicuous
white bars on each side
of the speculum and belly
is white in colour. The bill
is dark-grey and legs are
grey in colour. The male
has a black crown and a conspicuous white supercilliumextends to nape. The head is purple-brown and wing-coverts
blue-grey. Female has a distinct black eye stripe and wing-
coverts are grey-brown.
Habitat: It is found in almost all types of wetlands including lakes,
marshes and rivers.
General Distribution: The bird breeds in southern part of NorthAsia and northern part of Central Asia. They move towards
South Asia, central and northern part of South-East Asia in
non-breeding period. In Ladakh the bird arrives in the months of
April-May and can be easily sighted in almost all the wetlands of
Ladakh in the eastern region.
Distribution in Ladakh: In the wetlands of eastern Ladakh,marshes in upper Indus basin, Shey marshes and Nubra valley.
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G-G-mu-zbP-P- G-G-mm-G-G-P- -m-;-;-I--Gm--P- G-h;
I-zh-z-P-P---m----38P-hG --z-w--m-xG-GZ-;-h;-q---G-q-fP-hG Ih-q-h;-q-m-mG D-V-mG-B-hP- @P-q-;m-B-z-P-hG -w--Th-qm-mG-q-G-P-hG---h;-q-G-WP-q-G-q-P-hGG-q-h-S-G-q-hP- GG-q-S-P-z;z-e-P-hG --;m--G--mG-q-G-q-hP- GG-!q-z;z-Dm-;m-G-B-P-hG-
Gm---z--m-q-h-q-Gm-P--hP- -hP- h--hP- IG-q-;m--P-hG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP-z----P-xG---P-hP- ---hz--P-xG-;m--Mh-t-hG Mh-t-h-q-h------xG--hz-hP---P-P--Mh-t-hG
-hG--u--z-q-S-q-mP-P-P-e--hG--xG---m-q-GP-P--fP-hG-
-hG--Ez-DP-hG---xG---m-q-hP- eh-xG-!-P-G-GP-q-h--;m-hP- ---h--hP- mz--;m--P-hG
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NORTHERN SHOVELER
Common Name : Shoveler
Scientific Name : Anas clypeataLocal Name : Khamchu Kham
Description: The bird is about 50 cm in length. The bill is black.
In male, the head is black with green gloss. Female has brown
head with dark brown markings. Breast is white, upper and
under tail-coverts are black and tail is white.
Habitat: It occurs in almost all types of shallow freshwater lakes,
rivers and marshes.
General Distribution: Breeds in North Asia and moves to South
Asia and northern South-East Asia in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be seen around the wetlands
of eastern Ladakh, Trisul-Tso, Shey marshes, Suru valley and
Nubra valley.
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m-f-m---u-zbP-P- ---m-G-G-P- -m-;--q---Gm--P- D-V-D
I-zh
--z-P-P-m----50h-h-m-mG D-V-mG-q-m-mG -w-;m-m-G-mG-q-hP- YP-D-hG-P-hG --;m-m-G-z-G-q--G-mG-G-dG--P-hG P-xG-h;-q-hP- WG-O-eG-GG-;m-mG-q-m-mGWG-O-h;-q-m-mG-
Gm--
-!z---V-GP--GbP-Tm-h-q--hP- IG-q-hP- h--;m--P-hG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP-
---P-xG--Mh-t-b-----xG-hP- --P-P-xG---mz-;m-
-Mh-t-h-q-h--V-hG-hG--Ez-DP-
-z--hG---xG---Eh-m-q-;m-hP- ----hP- -h--hP---hP- mz--YP-;m--P-hG-
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GADWALL
Common Name : Gadwall
Scientific Name : Anas streperaLocal Name : Jugnagma
Description: The bird is about 50 cm in length. The plumage is
dull and uniformly coloured. In male, head and neck are grey
brown and body is dark grey with small black crescents on
breast. Belly is white and bill is black. Female is brown in colourwith dark brown markings and bill is black with well defined
orange-yellow sides.
Habitat: Open lakes, marshes and rivers.
General Distribution: Breeds from Central Asia to northern part
of East Asia and moves to northern part of South Asia and East
Asia in non-breeding period.Distribution in Ladakh: It can be observed in the marshes around
Shey and wetlands of eastern Ladakh.
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G^-u-zbP-P- G^--m-G-G-P- -m--q----Gm--P- WG-mG-
I-zh-
-z-P-P-P----50h-h-m-mG t--;m-h-m-h-q-P---G-m- -w-;m-m-G-hP-WP-q-D-B-hP- GG-q-hG-mG-B-hP- P--mG---h-h-m-mG Ih-q-h;-q- D-V-mG-q-m-mG--;m-G-q-hG-G-G-mG-G-dG-h- D-V-mG-q--xG-;m--G-
m-mG-Gm-
hG--m- V-hP- h--hP- IG-q-;m-m-mG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP-
---hz-m-----xG--P-P--Mh-t-m-----xG-hP--xG--V-mG-
-hG--Ez-DP-
-z--Z-D--h--;m-hP- -hG--xG---m-q-;m--fP-P-mG-
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EURASIAN WIGEON
Common Name : Wigeon
Scientific Name : Anas penelopeLocal Name : Gobrakpa
Description: The bird is about 48 cm in length. It is a medium
sized duck with neck and small bill. Male has a distinctive
creamy patch on forehead with rusty-red head and neck. Female
is similar to male in eclipse but much duller. Bill is red with white
tip and legs are orange in colour.
Habitat: Freshwater shallow marshes, lakes, open reservoirs,
rivers and pools. Avoid deep water overgrown with vegetation.
General Distribution: Breeds across North Asia and moves
to East Asia, northern part of South Asia, northern part of
South-East Asia in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: In the wetland of eastern Ladakh, upperIndus Basin and Shey marshes.
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--m- -W-mu-zbP-P- -W-mm-G-G-P- -m-q-m-z--Gm--P- Gz-G-q
I-zh-
-z-P-P-m----48m-mG V--z-h-TG-W!P-q-hP- D-V-VP-Pm- -w-hs-z-;-fG-BP-Tm-m-G-hP- WP-!q-D-q-P-P-mG--;m-w-hP- G-m-mG m-mP-G--Tm-m-mG D-V-h-q-G-h;-q-m-mG @P-q-;m--G-m-mG-
Gm--
V-GP--hP- h--hP- -hP- P-hP- IG-q-hP- -VP-Pm-;m--hG-G-mG V-GbP-Tm-hP- -fz-fz-h--hG-G--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP-
---P-xG--Mh-t-b- ----xG- ----xG--P-P-hP------P-Pm-;m--Mh-t-h-q-h--V-mG-
-hG--Ez-DP
-hG---xG-hP- P-G-GP-q-H!m-xG-hP- -h--;m--P-P-mG
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FERRUGINOUS POCHARD
Common Name : Pochard
Scientific Name : Aythya nyrocaLocal Name : Ghustat
Description: The bird isabout 42 cm in length.
Head is dome shaped and
is brown in colour. Upper
parts are dark brown in
colour and under tail
portion is white in colour.
In flight, the bird shows
a prominent white wingbar. Breeding male has
white neck and breast.
Female has brown neck
and breast. Nest is a pad of rushes lined with grasses and down
feathers and placed in islands close to water edge.
Habitat: Freshwater pools and irrigation tanks with extensive
marginal and submerged aquatic vegetation. Is also found in
coastal back waters and lagoons.
General Distribution: Breeds in Baluchistan, Pakistan, Kashmir and
Ladakh. Widespread winter visitor to the Indian subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh especially
Tsokar and Tsomoriri.
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w--G-m-q-T u-zbP-P. q-T^m-G-G-P. --f- m----Gm--P. G-bb
I-zh
-z-P-h-m---- 42 m-mG G---hG-G-q-m-mG D-bG-xG-q-G-mG-hP-WG-O-GG-;m-h;-q-m-mG- w--m---h;-q-G-q-fP-P-mG Mh-t--Dm-m-wG-WP-q-hP-P-h;-P-P-mG-;m--WP-q-hP-P-;m-G-q-m-mG V-f--;m---P-G--
z-Ghm-G-f---t-GbP-e--mGhG-- V---P-hP--z-V-GG--P-P-Tm-hP-V-mP-P-B-Dm-m--h--hG-G-mG M--f--;m-m-mP-P--V-Dz-b-h-Dm-hP-V-E--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP z--T-bm-hP-q-;-bm-hP-;---hP--hG-;m-Mh-
t
-
-m
G hG
m-
-M-G
-J
P-V
m-m
-x
G
-P-
-
z-q-
m-m
G
-hG--Ez-DP
-hG--e--wG--hP--h;-hP-----hP- ----hP-hq-fz-;m--hG-G-mG
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COMMON SNIPE
Common Name : Snipe
Scientific Name : Gallinago gallinagoLocal Name : Tingtilling
Description: The length of this bird is about 26 cm. It has a long
bill. In flight, largely white under wings are clearly visible. Both
the sexes are alike. Legs and feet are dull olive-green.
Habitat: Rice fields, ponds, river banks and marshes. The bird
nests in shallow depressions lined with grasses.
General Distribution: Breeds in a broad belt across north of Asia
and spends non-breeding period in East Asia, South-East Asia
and South Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in the wetlands of
eastern Ladakh, in Shey marshes and some marshes in Nubravalley.
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;-m-o-qzu-zbP-P- o-qzm-G-G-P- G--m-G-G-m-W--Gm--P- bP-b-P.
I-zh-
-z-P-h-m----26m-mG -z-D-V-P-q-P-P-mG w--m-GG-q-GG-;m--h;-q-fP-P-mG- w--GZ-;-G-P-P-mG--G-hP-@P-q-;m-YP--m-mG
h
G-
-
--
P-hP-XP-hP-I
G-
f
-hP-
h
--;m-
-hG-G-m
G-
-f
-
f-h-q-Gz-z-P--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP
---P-xG--f--;m--Mh-t-b-----xG-hP---xG-;m--Mh-t-h-q-h--hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DPP-fP-P--xG---m-q-;m-hP- J-hP- -h--;m-hP- mz--hP- P-h;-;m--h-h-m-mG-
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COMMON REDSHANK
Common Name : Common Redshank
Scientific Name : Tringa totanusLocal Name : Kyalechit
Description: The bird isabout 28 cm in length.
It has a relatively long
stout bill and long legs.
Both the sexes are alike.
In breeding season the
upper parts are streaked
and lower breast has
dark crescent spots.Legs are bright orange
in colour.
Habitat: The birds occur
alone or in small groups
in marshes and along
edges of rivers and lakes.
Feeds by picking from surface while walking.
General Distribution: Breeds from Central Asia to northern part
of East Asia. During non-breeding period moves to South-East
Asia and southern part of East Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: During summer season the bird can be
easily sighted in eastern Ladakh, Suru valley, Nubra valley and
Shey marshes.
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;-m- -Pu-zbP-P- ;-m-^-P-m-G-G-P- -P-G---m--Gm--P- --Th
I-zh-
-z-P-P-m----28P-P-mG -z-GG-q-hP- zbm-b-D-V-m-b-hP- @P-q-P-q-P-P-mG w--GZ-;-G-hG Mh-t--h--eh-xG-q---G-G-hP-P-xG-q-mG---xh-G--h-h-m-mG@P-q-;m-G-G-h--m-mG-
hG--
-z-h--hP- IG-f-hP- -f-;m--GTG-q-P-m-D-TG--P-P-mGI-m-I-m-m--zb-mG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP-
---hz-h-----xG--P-P--Mh-t--mG Mh-t-h-q-h------xG---P-hP- -xG---P--hG-G-mG-
-hG--Ez-DP-
h--Gm--mP-P- -z--hG---xG-hP- --hP- mz--hP- -h--;m--P-P-mG-
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RUFF
Common Name : Ruff
Scientific Name : Philomachus pugnaxLocal Name : Tingrilmo
Description: The bird is
about 28 cm in length.
Male is slightly bigger
than female. The bill is
relatively short and dark
brown in colour with
yellowish base. Legs are
orange-yellow in colour.Neck is long and head
is comparatively small in
size. Some back feathers
often stand up. Long
upper tail-coverts and
narrow wing-bar is clearly
visible.
Habitat: Rice fields, mudflats and marshes.
General Distribution: Breeds in northern part of North Asia and
spends non-breeding period in South Asia. Uncommon passage
migrant from South-East Asia northwards.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Shey marshes, Tsokar,
Hanle and Nubra valley.
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wu-zbP-P- wm-G-G-P- w---D-qG-mG--Gm--P- bP--
I-zh-
-z-P-h-m----28h-h-m-mG -w-z---P--qG-Vm-q-h-h-m-mG-D-V--qG-fP-Pm-hP-G-mG-Tm-Ghm-----qG-m-mG@P-q-;m-h--m-mG WP-q-P-q-hP-G--qG-VP-Pm--m-mGMz-xG--t--;m-Hm--P-b-WG-O-z;z-e-m-mG-GG-q-y---
G-q-m-mGGm- --P-hP-h--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP- --P-xP--P-P--Mh-t-b Mh-t-h-q-h------xG--h-wh-h-mG ---mz-m-P-xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP-z--FG--hP-mz--P-hG
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BLACK-WINGED STILT
Common Name : Black-Winged Stilt
Scientific Name : Himantopus himantopusLocal Name : Tabia
Description: The bird isabout 32 cm in length.
Distinct large black and
white with long bill and
extremely long legs. Bill
is black and legs are pink
in colour. The adult has
entirely white plumage
except for a black back.Tail is pale-grey in colour.
Males head tends to be
whiter than that of the
female.
Habitat: The bird prefers
freshwater and brackish water marshes but it is found in polluted
village tanks and pools too. It is also found in rice fields and
estuarine mudflats.
General Distribution: Breeds from Central Asia to South and
continental South-East Asia. Northern breeders migrate south.
Distribution in Ladakh: In the wetlands of eastern Ladakh, Shey
marshes, upper Suru valley and Nubra valley.
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z-G-P-e^u-zbP-P. z-G-!P^--m-G-G-P. m--q -m--q-Gm--P. b-z-
I-zh
-z-h-m---b- 32 h-h-m-mG-mG-q-Vm-q-G-q-hP- D-V-P-q-h;-q-hP-@P-q-P-q-G-m-mG D-V-mG-q-m-mG @P-q-;m-h-B-m-mG Vm-q-;m-m-Mz-xG--mG-q-G--GbG-GG-q-GP-q-G--m-mGWG-O-B-G-m-mG -w--G---P--qG-h;-q-m-mG
hG- -z-V-GP--hP--V--qG-h-q-Gh--;m--fh-h-mG -z--q-V-zG-q-im-q-P-;m-P-fP-P-mG---P-hP-IG-q-V-z--h--;m-P-h-P-mG
u-zbP-z-DP.
---hz-hP--hP---;m--Mh-t--mG P-xG--Mh-t-Dm-;m--xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP-hG---xG-hP--h--hP---Hm-xG-hP-mz---m-q-;m--h-;G
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PIED AVOCET
Common Name : Avocet
Scientific Name : Recurvirostra avosettaLocal Name : Khamchuganlok
Description: The bird is about 43 cm in length. A marsh bird with
distinctive upturned bill. The bill is black and legs are blue-grey.
Adult has entirely white plumage except for a black back, black
wings above and below. Tail is pale-grey. Males head is whiter
than that of the female.
Habitat: Open inland marshes, rice fields, shallow and brackish
pools, saltpans and estuaries.
General Distribution: A winter passage migrant to North-West
India. Breeds in Central Asia and winters in South Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: Tsokar Basin and sometimes along Upper
Indus Basin.
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q^---u-zbP-P- --Vm-G-G-P. -;----- ---Gm--P. D-V-Gm-G
I-zh-z-P-h-m---- 42 m-mG-
h--mP-P-hG-Dm-m--D-V-Hm--E-Dm-G-q-G-m-mGD-V-mG-q-hP-@P-q-;m-S-B-m-mG Vm-q-;m--Mz-hP-GG-q-eG-GG-;m--GbG-GG-q-GP-q-t--h;-q-m-mG WG-O-B-G-m-mG -q-;m-m-G---P-h;-q-m-mG-
hG--;m-hG----h--hP---P-hP- h-h-V-Tm-hP-V-zG-E-z-P-hP- -V-hP- IG-q-T-z-h--;m-m-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DPM-G--mz-P-m--t-b-V-mG --hz--Mh-t-b-hGm------xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP-D-P-Pm-G--h;--kz-;m--m-mG P-G-GP-q-Mh-h---q--fP-hG--hG
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RUDDY TURNSTONE
Common Name : Turnstone
Scientific Name : Arenaria interpresLocal Name : Tangnak Ldogbi
Description: The bird is about 23 cm in length. The bill is black
and short legs are orange in colour. In flight, unique pattern
of white stripes on wings and back and a prominent black tail
band is clearly visible. Breeding adult has a prominent black
and white pattern on head, neck and breast. Juvenile has brown
upperparts and throat, and underparts are white.
Habitat: Rocky areas and also tidal mudflats, sandy shores and
islands near high altitude lakes.
General Distribution: Winter visitor mainly to coasts of the Indian
subcontinent. Passage migrant in high altitude marshes and
wetlands.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Tsokar, Tsomoriri andTsigul Tso in Chushul.
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--m-mu-zbP-P. m-emm-G-G-P- --m-m--q--Gm--P. fP-mG-kG-z
I-zh-z-P-h--m---b- 23 m-mG D-V-mG-q-m-mG@P-q-fP-Pm-;m--B-m-mG w--m-GG-q-;m-m-;---h;-q-hP-Mz-hP-WG-O-mG-q-G-q-fP-P-mG Lm-q-Mh-t--Dm-;m-m-G-hP-WP-q-hP-P-;m--h;-q-hP-mG-q---zh--fP-hG VP-Pm-;m-m-D-bG-hP-b-b-hP-GG-;m-h;-q-P-hG
hG-- f--;m--G-Tm-hP-h--hP-M--b-----hP-f---I-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP- M-G-JP-P-M--f--;m--hGm--hG-G-mG f--h--hP--m-q-;m--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP- -h;-hP-----;m--hG-G-mG
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GREEN SANDPIPER
Common Name : Sandpiper
Scientific Name : Tringa ochropusLocal Name : Ldokbi
Description: The bird isabout 24 cm in length.
The upper parts are
greenish-brown and belly
is white in colour. The
short legs are greenish
in colour and upper
parts are less spotted. In
flight, the bird producesa loud ringing call and
underwings are dark in
colour. Breeding adult
has a white crown and neck and white spots are present on the
upper parts.
Habitat: Normally found in shallow waters with emergent
vegetation. Is also found in marshes, village tanks, lakes and
wet paddy fields.
General Distribution: Winter visitor throughout much of the Indian
subcontinent. Passage migrant in high altitude areas.
Distribution in Ladakh: Eastern high altitude plains including
Chumur, Tsomoriri, Tsokar, Startsapuk Tso and in marshes of
Shey and Nubra valley.
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G-m-m-^-q-qu-zbP-P. m-^-q-qm-G-G-P. -P-G ---q-Gm--P. kG-w
I-zh -z-P-h--m---- 24 h-h-m-mG D-bG-;m-S-G-hP-Ih-q-h;-q-m-mG @P-q-fP-Pm-;m-!YP-D-m-mG D-bG-;m--F-G-P-q-h-q-m-mG w--m-;-T-Vm-q-GbP-P-mGGG-q-GG-;m-fz-fz-m-mG Mh-t---
-Lm-q-;m-m-u-GG-hP-WP-q-h;-q-hP-D-bG-;m-P-h;-fG-P-P-mG
hG-P-V-z-V-h-h-h--;m--tP-m-b-h--;m--fP-P-mG--h--hP-P-hP--hP---P-;m-P-P-P-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP M-G--JP-P-xG-P---hGm--P-mG -f--;m--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP-hG--xG--V--hP- ----hP-
-h;-hP-e-V-wG-hP- -hP-mz--h--;m--h-h-m-mG
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MARSH SANDPIPER
Common Name : Marsh Sandpiper
Scientific Name : Tringa stagnatilisLocal Name : Tselay Ling
Description : The bird isabout 25 cm in length.
The bill is straight and
black in colour. Long
legs are grayish-green in
colour. Tail and upper
tail coverts are white
with fine brown barring.
Under parts are whiteand under wings are
also white except for
black flight-feathers.
During breeding season
upper parts are grayish-brown in colour and under parts are
white with dark angular spots on back.
Habitat: The bird is found in inland lakes, paddy field and
marshes. Breeds in grassy marshes and forages actively at the
edges of water bodies or on mud.
General Distribution: Breeds in Central Asia and moves to South
and South-East Asia in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in the wetlands
of eastern Ladakh and at Shey marshes near Leh.
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-m^-q-q-u-zbP-P- -m-^-q-q--m-G-G-P- -P-G eG-m----Gm--P- --JP.
I-zh--z-P-h-m----25P-P-mG D-V-iP-q-mG-q-P-hG @P-q-P-q-;m-YP-B-m-mG WG-O-hP- WG-O-D-bG-t--h;-q--G-q-y---zTh-h-P-hG GG-xG-hP- GG-q-GG-;m-h;-q-P-hG w--m-t--mG-q--fP-hGMh-t--h--eG-xG-;m-B-G-G-q-hP- GG-xG-;m-h;-q-hP- Mz--mG-fG--P-hG-
hG---z-IP-Gz-z--;m-hP- --P-hP- h--;m--P-hG-Tm-m-h--;m--Mh-t-b-V-E--hP- h-;m-m-m--z-hG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP----hz--Mh-t-b------xG--Mh-t-h-q-h--V-G-
-h
G
-
-Ez-D
P
-
-z
-
-h
G
-
-u
-
-
S-q-m
-hG
-q-
G-q-
f
P-
h
G
-hP-
FG--h--;m----fP-hG-
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LESSER SAND PLOVER
Common Name : Plover
Scientific Name : Charadrius mongolusLocal Name : Mignagtsellay
Description: The bird is about 21 cm in length. This is a medium
sized but a long-legged plover. The head is round in shape and
bill is smaller and stouter. The long legs are dark grey or grey-green
in colour. In flight, feet do not usually extend beyond tail.
Habitat: Breeds in high-altitude semi desert on drying out edges
of lakes and marshes. Winters on coasts mainly on inter tidal
mudflats and tidal creeks, and also on rocky and sandy shores.
General Distribution: Breeds in Ladakh, Lahul and Sikkim in
India and also in Balistan in Pakistan and winters along coasts
of the subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Tsokar, Tsomoriri,
Hanle, Chushul and Lungparma.
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--m-^-q--u-zbP-P. q--m-G-G-P. T----P-G--Gm--P- G-mG- -
I-zh-z-P-h--m---- 21 m-mG -z-z-h-TG-m-mGm-P-@P-q-P-q-q--P-P-P-mG G---hP-D-V-VP-Pm-FG-q-m-mG @P-q-P-q-;m-mG-B-P-m-YP-B-P-P-mG w--m-;P-q-;m-WG-O-P-P-P-zAP-P--mG
hG--hP-h--z+-q--hP----+-m-q-Gm--f--
;m--Mh-t--mG hGm--M--f--V-z--h--hP-V-z-z--hP-G-hP---h-q--f-;m-P-P-P-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP M-G-- -hG-hP-G--hP--YP-hP- q-;-bm-m-~-b-bm- P-hGm-- M-G-JP-P-M--f--;m--hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -h;--q--hP- m--hP-V--hP- V--hP-
-hP-F
G-
-
Y
P
-;
m-
-
h
G-G-m
G
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BLACK-TAILED GODWIT
Common Name : Black-tailed Godwit
Scientific Name : Limosa limosa
Local Name : Thingril Jognak
Description: The bird is about 41cm in length. It has a long and
slightly upturned bill, legs are relatively short. The tip of bill isblack and flesh-pink at base. Both the sexes are alike but female
is slightly larger. In flight, broad white wing-bars, white rump and
black tail-tip is distinctive.
Habitat: Mostly found in freshwater lakes, shallow banks of rivers
and reservoirs. Sometimes also found in brackish lagoons, tidal
waters and coastal saltpans.
General Distribution: The bird breeds in North Asia and moves to
South and South-East Asia in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Hanle, Tsigul Tso,
Tsokar and some other areas in eastern Ladakh.
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z-G-^- G^--u-zbP-P- z-G-^- G --m-G-G-P- ---q-q-m-;--Gm--P- fP--WG-mG
I-zh-z-P-h--m----41 m-mG -z-Hm---qG-E-Dm-m-D-V-P-q-G-P-P-mG @P-q-;m--qG-fP-Pm-m-mG D-V-G-mG-q-hP- Ghm-D-q--Tm--G-m-mG w--GZ-;-G-m-mGm-mP--;m--qG-V-G-m-mG w--m-GG-q-P-Tm-h;-q- --Tm-WG-O-h;-q--G-mG-q-G-q-P-P-mG
hG- V---GP---hP-IG-q-f--V-GbP-Tm-h--hP-P-;m-hP- +z----qG-h-q-f--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP-z----P-xG--Mh-t-b-Mh-t-h-q-h------hP---xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -h;--h--;m--P-P-mG
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RED NECKED PHALAROPE
Common Name : Phalarope
Scientific Name : Phalaropus lobatusLocal Name : Jingmar
Description: The bird is about 19 cm in length. A small phalarope
with slender longish black bill. Legs and toes are black in colour.
Compared to male, the female is longer in size. Female has a
dark grey crown and a small white patch above the eye.
Habitat: Winters at sea and is also found in rice fields, rivers and
sometimes in inland wetlands during migration.
General Distribution: An uncommon winter migrant. Breeds in
Arctic and winters in tropical seas across the world including
South-East Asia. Most migrate over sea, few also migrate over
land.Distribution in Ladakh: On very few occasions bird can be
sighted at Tsokar and at Shey marshes.
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COMMON TERN
Common Name : Tern
Scientific Name : Sterna hirundoLocal Name : Niaza
Description: The bird is about 35 cm in length. Breeding adult
has orange-red bill with black tip and orange-red legs. The
upper parts are darker grey in colour and upper tail is white in
colour. Non-breeding adult has black bill with white forehead. In
juveniles, base of the bill is orange in colour.
Habitat: Mainly estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal water. Also
found in large inland lakes, jheels and rivers. Fishes mainly by
plunge-diving from the air.
General Distribution: Breeds in Ladakh at 3500 m and has been
reported to breed in Sri Lanka. Widespread but local winter
visitor, mainly to coasts of the Indian subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at wetlands in easternLadakh especially Tsomoriri, Tsokar, Hanle, Pangong Tso and
Chushul. The bird can also be sighted along Upper Indus
Basin.
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;-m-mu-zbP-P. mm-G-G-P. ---m-h-Gm--P. Z--
I-zh-z-P-h-m---- 35 m-mG Mh-t--Dm-;m--D-V-h-G-G-mG-q-hP-@P-q-;m--B-P-hG D-bG-xG-q-mG-B-hP-WG-O-D-bG-;m-h;-q-m-mG Mh-t---Dm-;m-D-V-mG-q-hs-z-h;-q-P-hG VP-Pm-;m-m-D-V-Ghm-;m--B-P-hG
hG- M--V-z-h--hP-M--f--M--m-mP-P-w-z-
Gm-;m-hP-P-hP-IG-q-;m--hG-G-mGGm-D-m-V-mP-P-G-q-=G-zbP-b-Z-G--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP-hG-f-h--- 3500 --Gm-;m--hP--P-;P-Mh-t--mG--hG
xG-P--P-P-mG m-mP-hGm---Gm-;m--P-P-mG G-V-z-M-G-JP-P-M--f--;m--P-P-mG
-hG-Ez-DP -hG--xG--f--m-q-m--hP-V--hP-V-----hP-----hP--h;-hP-q-m-D-hP--h-hP-m-h-hP-q-m-G-mz--;m--h-h-m-mG
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GOLDEN EAGLE
Common Name : Golden Eagle
Scientific Name : Aquila chrysaetosLocal Name : Laknak, Nele, Gyab-Lak
Description: The bird is about 88 cm in length. This is a large
eagle with long and broad wings. Tail is long with distinctly
protruding head and neck. When soaring, wings are clearlyraised and pressed forward in pronounced V shape. Juvenile
is very distinct with a white tail base and white patch at base of
flight feathers.
Habitat: High rugged mountains, usually well above the treeline.
General Distribution: Resident of mainly North Baluchistan,
Pakistan and the Himalayas from North Pakistan east toArunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in Leh,
Changthang, Nubra, Zanskar, Dras and Suru valleys.
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G-m--Gu-zbP-P. G-^m--Gm-G-G-P- -;----D-----Gm--P. JG-mG-m- Mz-JG
I-zh-z-P-h-m-b--b- 88 m-mG -z-GG-q-P-Tm-P-q-h-Dm-m-Mz-JG-Vm-q-G-m-mG WG-O-z-G-hP-W-q-f-zAP-b-hG-Dm-m-P-q-G-m-mGm-D-kP--m-GG-q-P-b-hm-xG--mm-b V G--z-e--mG-VP-Pm-;m-m-WG-O--h;-q-hP-w-z-GG-q--h;-fG-G-q--P-P-mG
hG-UP--h--m-Hm--G-h-fm-Tm-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP z--T-bm-m-P-xG-hP-q-;-bm-hP-----P-xG--q-;-bm-m--xG-hP---m-T-s-h-G-q-h-h-m-mG
-hG-Ez-DP --Hm-xG-hP-P-h;-hP--;-hP--G-hP-
-h;
-hP-;
-
h
-hP-
m-
-G
P-hP-Z
-Z
-D
-;
m-
-
P-P-m
G
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LAMMERGEIER
Common Name : Bearded Vulture
Scientific Name : Gypaetus barbatusLocal Name : Skiaklag, Tangcar
Description: This is a huge sizedbird measuring about 115 cm in
length. Has long pointed wings
with small but well protruding
head and a large wedge-shaped
tail. In appearance, is quite
unlike any other raptor. Adult has
yellowish or white head, black
mask and beard. Juvenile ismainly blackish-brown with grey
face.
Habitat: Towns, villages and city
outskirts, especially around rubbish
dumps and slaughter houses.
General Distribution: Widespreadresident with some altitudinal movements. Mainly found in
Pakistan, Nepal and India except the north-east and parts of
south-east.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Hanle, Chushul,
Tsokar, Puga, Lungparma, Nyoma, Loma, Suru and Zanskar.
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--Gu-zbP-P. z--^^-Tm-G-G-P. W-q-- z-z--Gm--P. BG-JG fP-h;
-zh-z--Vm-q-G-m-h--m---114 h-h-m-mG G-y--h-q-GG-q-P-q-G m-mP-P-eG-e-hG-Dm-G-m-mGWG-O-I-Vm-q-Tm-fP---P-;m-G--Dm-G Lm-q-;m--G--q-P-m-h;-q--P--mG-q-h-h-m-mG VP-Pm-;m-mG-G-m-q-hP-GhP-B-z-P-hG
hG- IP-E-hP-IP-Gz-hP-M--;m-m-w--G-G-E--VG-VG-hP--G-Gh--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP f--P-ZP--Gm-G-P--hG-G-mG G-V-z-q-;-bm-z-z-hP-M-G--h-;G-m-mP-P--VG-hP---DG-D-TG-G-h-q-m-mG
-h
G
-
-Ez-D
P
-
-
Y
P
-
-Hm-x
G
-hP-m
z-
-
Y
P
-hP-
-
- m
-m
-
q-G-hP--h;-hP-q-G-hP-m--hP-IP--YP---z-h-h-m-mG
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HIMALAYAN GRIFFON
Common Name : Griffon
Scientific Name : Gyps himalayensisLocal Name : Thankar
Description:The bird is about
125 cm in length. Adult has
a larger and broader body
and slightly longer tail. Wing
coverts and body are pale
whitish in coloration. Legs
and feet are pinkish with
dark claws. In flight, wingsare held flatter with markedly
upturned fingers.
Habitat: Mountains, especially
long routes well used by
pack animals. The bird nests
singly or sometimes in small colonies. Nest is a larger platform of
sticks and rubbish placed on a cliff.
General Distribution: Resident of the Himalayas from North
Pakistan East to West Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: Tsokar, Tsomoriri, Upper Indus Basin and
from Zanskar and Kargil.
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---m-G--wmu-zbP-P. ---m-G--wm--Tm-G-G-P- W!z- ---m---Gm--P. fP-h;-
-zh-z-P-h--m----125-h-h-m-mG V--;m-m-GG-q-Vm-!q-P-Tm-hP- WG-O-P-q-!m-mG GG-q-;m-t--z;z-e-GG-q-hG-B-G-TG-m-mGG-G-hP-@P-q-;m-h-G-Tm-k--mG-q-P-P-mG w--m-G-G-;m-eG-G-eG-e-GG-q-P-Tm-G-e-z--mG-
hG- hh-I-;m-m-z;-Dm-m--xG---;m--hG-G-mG+z--hG--P---q-P-P-mG m-mP-+z--P-D-TG--Gm--GTG-G-P-hG P-z-y--P-q-hP-E--VG-VG-;m-G-G-q-bG-bG--;--b-P-hG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP- q-;-bm-m-P-xG-m--xG-hP---m-T-s-h--mz-xG-G-q-----mP-P-hG-G-mG-
-hG--Ez-DPm--hP- z--hP- --m-m-q-G-hP- P-G-GP-q-G-Gm-hP- P-h;-hP- h;-H-YP-;m--hG-G-mG-
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STEPPE EAGLE
Common Name : Eagle
Scientific Name : Aquila nipalensisLocal Name : Lhak or Rewgyab
Description:The bird isabout 80 cm in length.
Appears heavier in
body than some of the
other similar species.
Wings are broader and
longer and primary
tips more pronounced
and spread. In flight,tail appears slightly
longer and protruding,
head and neck are
more pronounced.
Habitat: Wooded hills, larger lakes and open country.
General Distribution: Winter visitor mainly from Pakistan east toNorth East India and south to Bangladesh, central Maharashtra,
south Madhya Pradesh and south Orissa.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Chumur, Hanle, Shey
and Stakmo.
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q-q- -Gu-zbP-P. -Gm-G-G-P. ---m-q-m--Gm--P. JG
I-zh-z-P-h-m----80m-mG -z-G--G-D-TG-G-P- GG-q-Vm-q-m-mG GG-q-P-Tm-P-q-hP- G-G-G-;-T-P-P-mGw--m-WG-P-q-fP-P-mG- w-G-G-AP-Dm-m-G-hP-WP-q-;m-P-P-wP-P-mG-
hG- mG-G-Tm-m--hP- -Vm-q-hP- fP-G-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP hGm--P-V-z-q-;-bm-m--xG-m-M-G--P--xG-hP-M-G-P--xG-hP--xG-zP--h-hP- ----hz-hP- --s-h---xG-hP- -!---xG--h-h-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DPUG---hP- -hP- FG--;m--hG-G-mG
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PALLASS FISH EAGLE
Common Name : Fishing Eagle
Scientific Name : Haliaeetus leucoryphusLocal Name : Nyallak
Description: The bird is about84 cm in length. In flight, the
bird soars and glides with
comparatively narrow wings and
fairly long tail. Adult has white
throat and neck and dark brown
upper and under wings. Juvenile
is different in shape with broader
arm and longer tail.
Habitat: Mainly large rivers and
lakes. Is also found in tidal creeks
and mangroves. Feeds mainly on
fish and also on water birds such
as common coot.
General Distribution: Residentand winter visitor. Mainly in
Pakistan and in India from East Kashmir to North East India. Is
also found in south-east Rajasthan, North Madhya Pradesh and
south-east Orissa and Central Bangladesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted at Chumur,
Hanle, Shey and Stakmo.
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q--w--Gu-zbP-P. q--w-P--Gm-G-G-P. -------;-q-Gm-P. Z-G
I-zh--z-P-P-m---- 84 h-h-m-mG w--m-GG-q-y--hP-WG-O-P-q--b-kP--hP-zz---mG Vm-q-;m--+-WP-q-h;-q-hP- GG-q-eG-GG-;m--G-mG-h-h-m-mG Vm-Pm-;m-m-z-e---G-G-q-P-Tm-hP-WG-O-P-q-m-mG
hG- P-V-z-GP-q-P-Tm-hP--;m--h-h-m-mG
-f-hP-UP-Gz-;m-P-hG-G-mG P-V-z-Z--b-hG-G-mG V--G-P-z-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DPhG-Dm-hGm--P-Dm-m-mG P-V-z-q-;-bm-hP-M-G--D-V---xG-m-M-G--P--xG--m-mG -W-fm-m---hP--h-s-h--P-xG-hP------hP-zP--h--h -;m--hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DPUG---D-hP-J-hP-FG-hP-----hP-V--;m--h-h-m-mG
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OSPREY
Common Name : Osprey
Scientific Name : Pandion haliaetusLocal Name : Nyallak thawo
Description: The bird isabout 58 cm in length.
It has a long, rather thin
wings and comparatively
short tail. Fine head is
often held downwards and
when soaring and gliding
wings are sharply bowed.
At long range can bemistaken for a large gull.
Habitat:Major rivers, lakes,
large reservoirs, jheels,
coastal lagoons and
estuaries. Feeds entirely
on fish present in these
ecosystems.
General Distribution: Breeds in Himalayas, Kashmir, North Uttar
Pradesh and Assam. Winters throughout much of the Indian
Subcontinent except Central India. In Pakistan the bird is
common and a widespread winter visitor throughout the Indus
Basin.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted along Upper IndusBasin, Hanle, Chushul and Chumur.
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-q!-!u-zbP-P. -q-m-G-G-P. qm--m- ----Gm--P Zm-G-F-z
I-zh-z-P-h-m---- 58 m-mG -z-GG-q-y--P-q-hP-h-hP-hq-b-WG-O-fP-Pm-m-mG G-W-q-wV-KG-b-z--mGw--m-HG-q-wz-q-m-mG fG-P-m-ze-m---G-Vm-q-G-m-m-z--mG
hG- GP-q-Vm-q-;m-hP- -hP- V-P-Vm-q-;m-hP- -hP-M--f--V-E--;m-hP-IG-f-;m--hG-G-mG Z--b--z-m-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP----hP- ;--hP--b-s-h--P-xG-hP---;m--Mh-t-z-m-mG hGm--M-G--hz--GbG-GP-P--P-P-mG q-;-bm--hGm--P-q-m-mG P-G-GP-q-Mh-h-P-P-mG
-hG--Ez-DP-hG---z-P-G-GP-q-Mh-h-UG---hP--hP-FP--hP-V--hP-V----m-q-;m--fP-P-mG
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UPLAND BUZZARD
Common Name : Upland Buzzard
Scientific Name : Buteo hemilasiusLocal Name : Nyllsy Muoqpo
Description: The bird is about
71 cm in length. Adult has
grayish-white tail which is paler
towards base with two or three fine
bars towards the tip. Head is whitish
with bold dark brown streaking.
Habitat: Open country, including
grasslands and cultivation in hills
and mountains.
General Distribution: Status uncertain
because of confusion with other
buzzard species.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can
be sighted at Hanle, Loma, Fukche, Tsokar and Puga.
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q-m-^-! -^u-zbP-P- q-m-^--^m-G-G-P. z--- -----Gm--P. Z--G-q
I-zh-z-P-h--m---- 71 m-mG-Vm-q-;m-B-G-WG-O-h;-q-m-mG h-z-Ghm-xG--B-z-H-hG-h-m-G-G-q---GZ-G-G-P-hG G-z-h;-q-G-mG-G-G-Tm-F-G-m-mG
hG- M-fP-hP- -fP-hP--Mh--P-zbz-e-h-q-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP--^-Gm--G-;m-hP-m--h-q-P-G--hG-Gh---h;G-q-hG
-hG--Ez-DP-z--h;-hP- -G-hP- m--hP- --hP- V--hP. UG---hP- J-hP- FG--;m--fP-P-mG
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COMMON KESTREL
Common Name : Kestrel
Scientific Name : Falco tinnunculusLocal Name : Thha
Description: The bird is about 35 cmin length. This is a medium-sized
falcon with relatively long wings and
long but broad tail. The bird soars
frequently with tail spread. In flight,
wings appear longer and wing-tips
are more rounded. Male has grayish
head with dark moustachial stripe.
Female has diffuse and narrow darkmoustachial stripe.
Habitat: Open country, cultivated
land, grassland and semi-desert, in
hills and plains and open sub alpine
and alpine slopes. Nest is usually in
a cliff hole or on a cliff.
General Distribution: Breeding resident in mountains of West
Pakistan and Himalayas from North Pakistan east to Bhutan
and probably Manipur; also Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu and
Sri Lanka. Winter visitor throughout most of the subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh, Mahe,
Nyoma, Shey and along Upper Indus Basin.
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;-m-;--u-zbP-P- ;---m-VG-G-P- w-;--mm-;-;--Gm--P- F-
I-zh-z-P-h-m---35m-mG -z-D-P-mP-hq-b-GG-q-P-q-hP- WG-O-P-q-P-Tm-h-q-F-V-VP-z-h-TG-m-mG -z-WG-O-zAP-b-mD-w-Dm-m-mGw--m-GG-q-P-q-hP- GG-q-G-P-P-P-Tm-fP-P-mG w-;m--D-V-Z-D--mG--Tm-m-G-B-G-P-P-mG -;m--D-V-Z-D--!m-b-V-Dm-m-mG--fP-P-mG-
hG--!z--YP-hP- zh-Dm-hP--zh-Dm-m-P-hP--fP-;m-hP- -f-f-h-q--hP- fP-G-;m-hP- -fm-q-kz-;m--hG-G-mGG-G-q-GP-hP- eG-;m--P--mG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP q-;-bm-m-mz-xG---Mh-hP- q-;-bm-m-P-xG-m------Mh-m-G--hP- -m-q-hP- mz-
xG--J-hP- b--m--hP- --P-;-YP-;m--Mh-t--mGJP-VP-Pm-P--hGm--P-P-mG-
-hG--Ez-DP-hG---xG-hP- mz--hP- - -hP- -T-hP- P-G-GP-q-Mh-J-hP- --hP- --hP- FG--;m--h-h-m-mG
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BROWN-HEADED GULL
Common Name : Brown-headed Gull
Scientific name : Larus brunnicephalusLocal Name : Nayagar
Description: The bird is about42 cm in length and both the
sexes are alike. The under parts
are pale grey. The legs and
feet are red in colour. The bill is
orange-red with black tip.
During the breeding season
the head is dark brown and
in non-breeding season headis white with a vertical black
crescent mark near ear-
coverts.
Habitat: This is a gregarious
bird found in open water
bodies, marshes and rivers.
The bird breeds in colonies
along with Bar-headed Goose in
islands in high altitude wetlands.
General Distribution: The bird breeds in Central Asia, moves to
South Asia, South East Asia and southern part of East Asia in
non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh and alongUpper Indus Basin.
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z-m-!-^h-Gu-zbP-P. z-m-!-^h-Gm-G-G-P. --m-m-w--Gm--P. Z-K
I-zhh--z---m----42 -P-P-hG w--GZ-;-G-hG Ih-q-xG-;m-B-G-m-mG G-G-hP-@P-q-;m-h-q-m-mGD-V-h--Tm-m-G-mG-q-m-mG Mh-t--Gm--mP-P-G-G-mG-hP- Mh-t-h-q-h--G-h;-q-;-mG---xh-G--dG-G-n-VG-G-q-P-P-mG
Gm--z-P-q-Z-q-hG-Dm-m-mG V-h--hP- h-Tm-hP-IG-q-f--hG-G-mG --z-f---m-h--;m--PP-q-hP-Z-q--yG-wP-P-mG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP--z----hz--Mh-!t--b-----xG-hP- --xG-hP- ----xG---xG--Mh-t-h-q-h--z-q-m-mG-
-hG--Ez-DP-hG---xG--f--;m-Hm-xG-P-G-GP-q-f-f-f--;m--Mh-t--mG-
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GREY HERON
Common Name : Grey Heron
Scientific Name : Ardea cinereaLocal Name : Bainlong
Description: The bird is about 94cm in length with long legs, long
neck and yellow bill. The adult
bird has a white crown, white neck
with black lateral markings. The
sides of belly are black. Under
wings are blue-grey. For part of
the breeding season bill and legs
become deep orange.
Habitat: Marshes, rivers, lakes,
rice fields, coral reefs and offshore
islands.
General Distribution: Breeds widely
in Central, South, SouthEast Asia
and Central part of East Asia.Northern breeders move south in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh, Upper Indus
Basin and Suru Valley.
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G--m-mu-zbP-P- G---mm-G-G-P- --- -m---Gm--P- zP-P.
I-zh-z-P-h-m----94 m-mG @P-q-P-qWP-q-P-q-hP-D-V--q-m-mG Lm-q-;m--Tz-bm-h;-q- WP-q-h;-q--mG---h-h-m-mG Ih-q-xG-GTG-mG-q-hP- GG-q-GG-;m-S-B-m-mG Mh-t-z-Gm--DG-TG-G-D-V-hP-@P-q-;m-h-G-H-hG
hG- h--hP- IG-q-hP- -hP- --P-hP- --KP-hP-M-
-f--m-fG-P-zT-q-hG-G-mGu-zbP-Ez-DP ----xG--hz-hP--hP---hP- GP-;m--Mh-t--mG P-xG--Mh-t--Dm-;m-Mh-t-h-q-h---xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -z-mz--hP--hG---xG-hP--- hP-RK-G
P-q
-M
h-;
m-
-
f
P-P-m
G
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PALLAS'S GULL
Common Name : Gull
Scientific Name : Larus ichthyaetusLocal Name : Towgarma
Description: A large gullwhich is about 70 cm in
length. At rest, wings clearly
extend beyond tail. Head has
distinct shape; long sloping
forehead rises to peak
behind the eyes. In flight,
wings appear more pointed,
narrower and longer thanother large gulls. In breeding
season head and upper neck
are black with two crescent white patches, one above and one
below eye.
Habitat: Breeds on inland lakes and moves to coasts, lakes,
rivers etc in non-breeding period. Is also found at large rivers
and lakes as passage migrant.
General Distribution: Resident in Central Asia. Northern breeders
move to south and South-East Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands and streams in eastern Ladakh,
along Upper Indus Basin and Suru valley.
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q--Gu-zbP-P- Gm-G-G-P- -- G-f-G--Gm--P- -G-
I-zh G-Vm-q-G-G-h-q-m----70 h-h-m-mG hG--m-GG-q-;m-WG-O-P-w-G-G-z-q-m-mG G-z-e---G-m-mGhs-z-P-q-G-m-Hm--M-b-m-mG w--m-GG-q-;m- G-Gm--;m-m-P- y--P-q-z-z-fP-hG Mh-t--Gm--h-- G-hP-WP-eG-;m-mG-q-- G-G-eG-GG-GZ-;--h;-q--xh-h-z-e-b-P-hG
hG- mP-P--h-q--;m--Mh-t-b-M--f--hP--hP-IG-q-;m--V-G Mh-t-h-q-h-- IG-q-Vm-q-hP--hm-;m--P-hG
u-zbP-Ez-DP- ---hz--hG-G-mG P-xG--Mh-t--Dm-;m-----hP---xG--V-mG
-h
G
-
-Ez-D
P
RK
-G
P-q
-M
h-h
-
U
G-
-
-hP-J
-hP- F
G-
-hP-
-
hG--xG-hP- --;m--h-h-m-mG
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GLOSSY IBIS
Common Name : Glossy Ibis
Scientific Name : Plegadis falcinellusLocal Name : Charakpa
Description:The bird isabout 52 cm in length.
A small dark ibis with
feathered head and
characteristic slender
down-curved brown
bill. During breeding
season upper parts are
maroon-brown and tailis black glossed with
green and purple. In
non-breeding season
head and neck are
brown and innermost wing are glossy green-blue.
Habitat: Large lakes, marshes, paddy fields and grasslands
near shallow rivers.
General Distribution: Resident or visitor in south and South-East
Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: Tsomoriri, Hanle and some other wetlands
in eastern Ladakh.
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G----zu-zbP-P- G----zm-G-G-P- q-!G-h- w--m-Gm--P- W-G-q
I-zh -z-P-h-m----52 m-mG t-Tm-m-G-hP-D-V-G-q---GG-G-GG-Dm--z-mG-q-VP-Pm-G-m-mGMh-t--Gm--h--D-bG-xG-q-h-G-hP-WG-O-mG-q-G-G--YP-h-m-mG Mh-t-h-q-h--G-hP-WP-q-G-q-hP-GG-q-mP-G-;m-YP-;-G-G-P-hG
hG--Vm-q-hP-h--hP---P-hP- -fP-hP-IG-q-GbP-Tm-h--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP ----hP- --xG-;m--P-Pm-hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DP h---GG-D---GbG--hG--fP-P--mG
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IBISBILL
Common Name : Ibisbill
Scientific Name : Ibidorhyncha struthersiiLocal Name : Tunglakma
Description: The bird isabout 41 cm in length.
Adult bird has a black
face. Throat and breast
band are also black in
colour. It has grey upper
parts, white under parts
and strongly down
curved dark red bill. Inflight, it shows a blackish
tail-band. Juvenile has a
whitish or brown face.
Habitat: The bird is confined to shingle banks and sides of fast
flowing mountain streams and rivers. The bird breeds between
end March and mid May.
General Distribution: Northern part of South Asia. In India mainly
from Jammu and Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: Can be sighted near Indus river close to
Shey. Is also found in some other river valleys of Ladakh.
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-z-zu-zbP-P. -z-zm-G-G-P. -z-^-m-T--f--m-Gm--P- hP-G-
I-zh
--z-P-P-m----41 m-mG--Lm-q-;m--GhP-mG-q-P-P-mG b-b-hP-P-mP-mG-q-m-mG -z-D-bG-;m-B-z-hP-GG-D-;m-h;-q-hP-D-V-mG-G-GG-GG-m-mG w--m--z-WG-O-mG-fz-fz-fP-P-mG-yG-;m--GhP-;-q-P-m-G-q-P-P-mG
Gm- h--;m--;m-m-V-zG-q-f--;m--hG-G-mG -;m-m-u--G-q-WG-m-S-q-h -G-q-Mh-t--mG
u zbP-Ez-DP
-xG----P-xG--M-G--P-V-z-W--;---m--xG---m-T-s-h-G-q-P-P-mG-
-hG-Ez-DP
-Z-D--P-G-GP-q-hm--fP-P-mG -hG--Gm-IG-q-;m-m-Z-D-P-fP-P-mG
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COMMON COOT
Common Name : Coot
Scientific Name : Fulica atraLocal Name : Hanta Chanluk
Description: The bird isabout 38 cm in length.
Adult is greyish-black
with white bill and
large dull green legs
and feet. Juvenile is
paler grey-brown with
whitish chin, throat and
breast.
Habitat: Lakes, jheels
and irrigation tanks with
large areas of open
water and marginal
emergent vegetation. Nest is a large mass of vegetation among
reeds, a little above the water level.
General Distribution: Resident and winter visitor. Throughout
much of the subcontinent, except parts of the North West and
North East Himalayas.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh, along Upper
Indus Basin, Trishul Tso and Shey marshes.
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;-m-;u-zbP-P. ;m-G-G-P. w-;----Gm--P- m-b-T-G
I-zh
-z-P-m-m---b- 38m-mG Lm-q-;m-mG-B-m-mG D-V-h;-q-hP- G-G-hP-@P-q-;m-Vm-q-hP-YP-;-m-mG Vz-z-;m-G-B-hP-;-;-hP-b-b-hP-P-;m-h;-q-m-mG
h
G-
-
-z
-
-hP-P-hP-
-z- V
-P-q
-D
z-b
-h-
-hP-
-S
m-B
-b
-
h--;m--hG-G-mG P-q-V-P--qG-D-bG-G-h-z--y--P-q-zB-b--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP hG--hP-hGm--P-- JP-P--Eh-P--m-mG m-mP-mz-P-hP-P-------;m--h-;G
-hG--Ez-DP- -hP-FG--hP-J-hP-mz--hP--h;-;m-m--m-q-;m--hG-G-mG
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COMMON KINGFISHER
Common Name : Kingfisher
Scientific Name : Alcedo atthisLocal Name : Ngya-Za
Description:The bird isabout 16 cm in length.
Both the sexes are
alike with top of the
head finely banded
black and blue. Chin
and throat are white
with a white patch on
the sides of the neck.Dives for fish from
top and occasionally
hovers over water before diving.
Habitat: Streams, lakes, canals. The bird is also found in coastal
areas and mangrove swamps. Avoids shady forest.
General Distribution: Resident throughout much of the IndianSubcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: Eastern Ladakh mainly in and around
wetland areas, Leh and Nubra valleys.
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;-m-;P-w-u-zbP-P- ;P-!w-m-G-G-P- --h- -f-Gm--P- Z-
I-zh -z-P-h--m----16 m-mG w--GZ-;-G-P-hG G-h -q-mG-q-hP-Sm-q--G-q-h-h-m-mG I-q-hP-b-b-;m-h;-q-hP-I-q-;m--h;-fG--P-hG V-Z-D--I-m-hG-e-Z-G---w-Gm-D-m-V-mP-P-V-mG
hG- IG-q-hP-P-hP--z-;m--hG-G-mG -z-M--f--hP-
h--UP-Gz-;m-P-hG-G-mG z-Tm-m-mG-G-;m--hG-G--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP M-G-JP-Vm-m-xG-P--P-P-mG
-hG--Ez-DP-hG--xG--m--hP-V--hP- -h--hP-mz--;m--P-P-mG
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ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE
Common Name : Dove
Scientific Name : Streptopelia orientalisLocal Name : Kamru, Gondil
Description: The bird is about 33 cm in length. This is a
dusty-plumaged dove. The underparts are grey to pink.
There are black and bluish-grey barrings on sides of neck.
Juvenile is quite different in coloration with grey head and
underparts.
Habitat: Open areas often near cultivated land and orchards.
General Distribution: Resident and winter visitor to Himalayas,
North-East India, Bangladesh and Peninsular India south to
North Karnataka.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted around Leh,
Nubra and Suru.
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--m----u-zbP-P. ^zm-G-G-P- z--q- -m---Gm--P. ;-- Gm-
I-zh -z-P-h- m---- 33 m-mG-z-f-z-h-Dm-m-t-Tm-m-Gm--P-m-mG GG-;m-B-z-hP-h-G-m-mG WP-q-;m--mG-q-hP-S-B---h-;G VP-Pm-;m-m-hG---m-mG G-hP-Ih-q-B-z-m-mG
hG- zh-Hh---P-hP-UP-Gz-;m--hG-G-mG ---
-hP-M-G--P--hP-zP--h-hP-M-G--M--I--;-m-^G-G--m-P-xG--hG-Dm-hGm--P-Dm-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
-z--hG----YP--GG-D-hP-J-hP. -hP. mz--zh-Bh-hP-m-h-hP- q-m-G;m--fP-P-mG
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BLUE ROCK PIGEON
Common Name : Pigeon
Scientific Name : Columba liviaLocal Name : Phurgon
Description: The bird is about 33 cm in length. Adult is greyish
with metallic green and purple sheen on neck, blackish terminal
band on grey tail and broad black bars across inner wing. In
high altitude areas in Himalayas it is almost similar to Hill Pigeon,
but is darker grey and lacks whitish tail band.
Habitat: Lives in colonies all the year round in villages, towns
and cities. Wild birds frequent cliffs, gorges and ruins.
General Distribution: Throughout much of the Indian Subcontinent,
except parts of the North West and North East. Both feral and
wild populations occur. Is common and widespread from sea
level to high altitude areas.Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted around Leh,
Nubra and Zanskar.
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z--;-q-Wmu-zbP-P- q-Wmm-G-G-P- ;-z---Gm--P- w-Gm
I-zh- -z-P-P-m----33 m-mG Lm-q-;m-B-G-G-G-WP-q-D--YP-D-hP-S-h-G-G-WG-O-mG-B-hP- GG-q-mP-P-;m----P-hG -----fm-q-;m--hG-Dm-;m--w-Gm-G-P-hG m-mP-mG-B-hP-WG-O-;m--h;-q-P-G--hG
hG- IP-Gz-hP-IP-E-hP-M--hP-G-hP-fP-z-hP-DP-P-P--
;m---GP-q-hG-G-mGu-zbP-Ez-DP mz-P-hP-P---GbG-q-M-G-JP-Vm-m-xG-P---hG-G-mG -z-Dm-P-q-h-h-m-mG h--M--m-f--G-q-P-P-mG
-hG--Ez-DP-z-RK-GP-q-Mh-hP-D-GhP--hP-mz--;m--
f
P-P-m
G
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SNOW PIGEON
Common Name : Pigeon
Scientific Name : Columba leuconotaLocal Name : Bujul, Phurgon
Description: The bird measures about 34 cm in length. It
is a distinct pigeon found in high altitude areas of the
Himalayas. The adult bird has a grey head, and creamy white
collar and underparts. Uppertail is blackish with a white band. Atrest, tail pattern is similar to that of Hill Pigeon but in flight white
band is in shape of inverted V.
Habitat: Is found in cliffs and gorges in the high altitude areas.
General Distribution: Resident with little altitudinal movement.
Found in the Himalayas from North Pakistan to East of Arunachal
Pradesh.Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in Zanskar,
Nubra and Changthang.
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o-q-Wmu-zbP-P- q-Wm-m-G-G-P- ;--z---;-m---Gm--P- z-W- w-Gm-
I-zh--z-P-h-m----34m-mG --z-----f--;m--h-q-w-Gm-hG-z-G-m-mG w-Gm-Vm-q-;m--G-B-G-hP- ;--h;-q-hG-G-WP-q-hP- GG-xG-;m-m-mGGG-q-eG--z-mG-fz-TG-G-h;-q-GG--P-hG -;-hG--m-WG-O-z--w-Gm-hP- G-hG-m-mP-w--m-;-q-GG-GG-q- V D-~z-z-GbP-Dm-G-P-hG
hG- -z-f--YP--G-G-hP- fP-z-;m--P-hG
u-zbP-Ez-DP
-qG-f--;m--hG-G-mG ----mP-P-q-;-bm-m-P-xG-m---m--s-h---xG-G-q-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP---Hm-xG-m-P-h;-hP- -zG-G-eh-xG-m--h;-;m--h-;G
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EURASIAN EAGLE OWL
Common Name : Eagle Owl
Scientific Name : Bubo buboLocal Name : Ugpa
Description: The bird measuresmore than 56 cm in length. A
very large owl with bold dark
brown streaking. Ear tufts are
prominent, eyes are orange and
legs are fully feathered. Bill is
brown in colour.
Habitat: Mainly nocturnal, roostingby day in a rocky cliff or among
ruins. Usually perches on a
prominent rock well before
sunset and again after sunrise.
General Distribution: Resident
bird and is found throughout
much of the Indian Subcontinent,except parts of North West and
North East.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in Tangtse, Hanle,
Fukche and Nubra.
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---m--G--u-zbP-P- -G--m-G-G-P- z-z-z-z-Gm--P- G-q
I-zh -z-P-h--m----56 h-h-m-mG --D-mG-h-q-G-q-Vm-q-G- n-VG-t-Tm- G--q-hP- @P-q-t-Tm- D-V-D-q
hG- P-V-z-m--I-Dm-Z--h--G-hP-DP--;m--hG-G-mG Z--zBh-q-Sm-hP--z-dP-m-G-;m-m-;-hG-G-mG
u
-zbP-Ez-D
P
mz-
P-hP-
P-
--DG-T
G-
-Gb
G-M-G
--x
G-
P---h-h-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP mz--hP- -hG---m--hP-RK-GP-q-Mh-;m--h-h-m-mG
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LITTLE OWL
Common Name : Little owl
Scientific Name : Athene noctuaLocal Name : Ugpa
Description: The bird is about23 cm in length. A white-
spotted and sandy brown owl
with bold streaking on under
parts. It has neatly streaked
crown with white streaks
arranged in lines.
Habitat: Rocky and earth cliffs,gullies, bluffs of rivers and
ruins in open semi-desert.
Nests in a hole in a tree, rock,
ruined wall or earth cliff.
General Distribution: It is a
local resident of Baluchistan
in Pakistan, Jammu & Kashmir,Nepal and North Sikkim.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in Hanle, Chushul,
Tsokar and Nubra..
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---u-zbP-P- ---m-G-G-P. -f-m-mG-T-Gm--P. G-q
I-zh -z-P-P-m--- 23 m-mG h;-fG-Tm-m-G-q-D-q-GG-xG-F-G-m-mG F-G-zh--G-hP-h;-F-Tm-qP-IG-b-m-mG
hG- G-hP-Gh-q-Bz-hP-IG-q-Gh-q-hP--z-hP- -Sm-f-f-h-q-fP-G-;m--hG-G-mG- UP--hP-G-G-z-GP-hP- G-q-zG-Dm-hP--Gh-q-;m--P--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP. q-;-bm-m-z-;--bm-hP- W--hP-;-hP-z-q-hP--YP--P-xG-;m--h-h-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
-h;-hP- q-G-hP--h-YP-hP-P-G-GP-q-Hm-xG-hP---;m--h-h-m-mG
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RED-BILLED CHOUGH
Common Name : Chough
Scientific Name : Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocoraxLocal Name : Chunka-Khamar
Description: The bird is about 40 cm in length. It has a long,
thin and down curved red bill. In flight, has broader wing tips
and square-ended tail which equals width of wing base. Juvenile
lacks metallic gloss of adult and has pinkish brown or blackish
legs.
Habitat: High mountains with cliffs and adjacent pastures and
also upland cultivated areas in winter.
General Distribution: Resident with little altitudinal movement.
Higher mountain ranges of West Pakistan and in the Himalayas
from North Pakistan, east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in eastern Ladakh, Leh,Nubra and Zanskar.
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^-z^-Twu-zbP-P- Twm-G-G-P- q--G- q!--;-G--Gm--P- TP-;-D-h
I-zh-
-z-P-h-m---- 40 m-mG -z-D-V-P-q-yz--GG-Pm--GG-e-h-Dm-h-q-h-h-m-mG w--m-GG-q-G-;m-P-Tm-hP- WG-O-I-z-Tm-GG-q--hP- im-i-P-h-h-m-mGVP-Pm-;m--Vm-q-G--G-!G-h-q-m-mG @P-q-;m--G-P-m-mG-
fz-fz-P-P-mG-hG-
hGm---G-q-;m-hP- -D-h--;m-hP- f--P-zbz--;m--hG-G-mG-
u-zbP-Ez-DP
-qG-f--;m--I-m-hG--q-;-bm-m-mz-xG---fm-q-;m-hP-----xG--q-;-bm-m-P-xG---m-T-s-h--Gm-;m--h-h-m-mG-
-hG--Ez-DP
h-h--E-E-VP-Pm-m-mP-P--hG--xG-P---P-P-mG --4200--f--;m--P-P-mG P-zbz-e-h--;m-hP-G-Tm-m-kz-;m--fP-P-mG-
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YELLOW-BILLED CHOUGH
Common Name : Chough
Scientific Name : Pyrrhocorax graculusLocal Name : Chunka-Kasher
Description: The bird is about 39 cm in length. Compared to
the Red-Billed Chough, this species has shorter and straighter
yellow bill. In flight, the bird has narrow wing-tips and rounded
tail which is greater in length than width of wing base.
Habitat: High mountains with cliffs, alpine pastures and
cultivated areas. Generally occurs at higher altitudes than
Red-Billed Chough. In some overlap zones the species may
occur together.
General Distribution: Resident, subject to some altitudinal
movement. Mountains of West Pakistan and in Himalayas from
North Pakistan East to Arunachal Pradesh.Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in Leh, eastern
Ladakh, Nubra and Zanskar.
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--z-^-Tw-u-zbP-P- Tw-m-G-G-P- q---;-G- G--;---Gm--P- TP-;-D--
I-zh-
-z-P-h-m----39P-hG TP-;-D-h-hP- hq--m--z-D-V-fP-P-G-hP- D-iP-P-P-hG w--m-GG-q-G-y--hP- WG-O-h -h -hG h-z-GG-q--z-P-P-P-P-hG-
h
G-
-fm-q-G-q--D-hP-zHh-zh-h--;m--hG-G-mG TP-;-D-h---P--G-q-f--;m--P-P-P-hG YP-DG--GZ-;-P-hG
u-zbP-Ez-DP-
f--hP-zem-b-hG-- q-;-bm-m-mz-xG---Mh-hP-----P-
xG--q-;m-bm-m--xG---m-T-s-h-G-q-m-mG-hG--Ez-DP
h-h---z--hG--b-h--- 4500 --f--P---fP-hG
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TIBETAN SNOWCOCK
Common Name : Snowcock
Scientific Name : Tetraogallus tibetanusLocal Name : Ticok, Te-ok, Congmo
Description: The bird is about 51 cm in length. The upper parts
are white with brand black stripes. In flight, wing pattern is very
different, showing a small amount