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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    2

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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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    6

    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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    8

    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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    u-zbP-Ez-DP z--T-bm-hP- q-;m-bm-hP--hG--f--;m--Mh-t--mG P-xG--JP-P-q-;-bm--xG-m-M-G--P--hP--xG-----hP- m-h--s-h--P--;m--hGm--P-P-mG

    -hG--Ez-DP-z-e--wG--hP- ----hP- -h;-hP- hq-fz-z-b----;m--fP-P-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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    2

    -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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    2

    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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    2

    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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    3

    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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    3

    --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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    3

    ;-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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    4

    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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    4

    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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    4

    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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    4

    --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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    4

    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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    50

    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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    5

    -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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    5

    --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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    54

    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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    5

    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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    5

    ;-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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    6

    --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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    6

    ---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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    6

    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