Field Guides Tour Report

NORTHERN INDIA

Jan 22, 2011 to Feb 13, 2011Terry Stevenson

Our 2011 North India tour was slightly different from our usual route in that we did it in reverse order, and we replaced thenow crowded Ranthambore with a visit to the famous (and much less crowded) Kanha National Park. It workedremarkably well, with our earlier than usual arrival in the Himalayan foothills having almost balmy weather, and our visitto Kanha producing not only tiger but also the rare Indian Wild Dog, Gaur--the world's largest bovine--and the verylocalized Malabar Pied Hornbill.

As usual we began our birding in Delhi along the Yamuna River, where the authorities have now upgraded the status ofthis little reserve, stopping the noisy traffic, and creating a couple of nice new footpaths. As always, first-day birding inIndia is spectacular even with common species like Bar-headed Goose, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Indian Peafowl, Yellow-footed Pigeon, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Green Bee-eater, Bluethroat, and Purple Sunbird, all putting on a spectacular show.

We then headed north to Kumeria (near Corbett National Park) stopping along the way at the River Ganges where we allhad great looks at the uncommon Ganges Dolphin, and then at a small colony of the critically endangered White-rumpedVulture.

The followng three days we spent birding both inside and outside Corbett, with visits to some nearby forested areas andalong the boulder-strewn Kosi River. Birding highlights were many but the group particularly enjoyed Red Junglefowl,Pallas's and Lesser fish-eagles, Cinereous Vulture, Collared Falconet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Tawny Fish-Owl, Blue-throated Barbet, 12 species of woodpeckers (including the gigantic Great Slaty), Scarlet Minivet, Gray-backed Shrike,Black-lored Tit, Wallcreeper (just stunning looks this year), White-capped Redstart, Spotted Forktail, Long-billed Thrush,and White-crested Laughingthrush. A good variety of mammals were also present and varied from Indian Elephant toSpotted, Barking and Hog deer, numerous Rhesus Monkeys and Common Langurs, and on two occasions the uncommonYellow-throated Marten.

Our next stay was at a higher elevation at Nainital. During three days here we walked the trail to Snow View (withmagnificent views of the Himalayan peaks) and also went to more forested areas like Sat Tal and the Mongoli Valley. Asalways the birds were spectacular and varied, from ground-dwelling Kalij Pheasants to soaring Lammergeier andHimalayan Griffons, a colorful Great Barbet, mixed species flocks of Speckled Piculet, Black-crested Tits, and White-tailed Nuthatches, the localized Black-headed Jay, skulking Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, and gorgeous Red-flankedBluetails, Golden Bush Robin, and Pink-browed Rosefinches.

We then returned to Delhi before beginning our southern loop with a visit to the wondeful Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Thefollowing day saw us boating on the Chambal River and watching Red-naped Ibis, Great Thick-knee, and Small Pratincoletogether with several huge Gharials and the more widespread Marsh Mugger. We thought daytime views of three speciesof owls in the lodge garden (Brown Hawk-Owl, Indian Scops-Owl, and Spotted Owlet) were exceptional, but then wefound the even more unusual Rock Eagle-Owl and had fabulous scope views of this magnificent bird.

Moving on we made our way to Bharatpur (and the nearby Bund Baretha) where a good selection of close waterbirds keptthe photographers busy. Indian Cormorant, Black and Yellow bitterns, Painted Stork, and Sarus Crane were memorablesightings amongst the more numerous ducks, herons, and egrets. But we also enjoyed a teed-up Imperial Eagle out in theopen marshes, Dusky-Eagle-Owl and Orange-headed Thrush in the woodland, a colony of the rare Indian Vulture, and atotally unexpected Stoliczka's (White-browed) Bushchat.

The final leg of our tour took us back to Delhi once more and then on a flight to the famous Kanha National Park. Ourmain goal here was undoubtedly Tiger, but they are never easy and so we began with more birding as we drove the narrowtracks in our open-topped jeeps; Gray-headed Fish-Eagle, Alexandrine Parakeet, Sirkeer Malkoha, Jungle Owlet,Coppersmith Barbet, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Asian Paradise-Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, and IndianScimitar-Babbler were just some of the new species we added here. Swamp Deer, large reddish-brown deer with twelve

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horns, were quite common, as were the more widespread Spotted Deer and a few Sambar. Most of us saw Indian Wild Dogand some of the group saw Gaur. However, as we all knew, if luck was with us Tiger would steal the show and it certainlydid--first a female lying within the forest that we saw from elephant back, and then another gorgeous one walking downthe track late one afternoon--magnificent!

Sadly our tour was now drawing to an end, but we still had a further morning's birding back near Delhi at Sultanpur Jheel--a "mini Bharatpur" with large flocks of ducks and geese, cormorants, herons, and storks. We had our best looks at GreaterSpotted Eagle and White-tailed Lapwing, while new birds included a large flock of Pied Avocets, Eurasian Wryneck, Bay-backed Shrike, and the uncommon Sind Sparrow. Finally, as we boarded our bus for the last time, a group of IndianPeafowl appeared--sparkling in a yellow mustard field--familiar to all, but surely one of the world's most spectacularbirds!

--Terry

KEYS FOR THIS LISTOne of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced,E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDSAnatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

(Dendrocygna javanica) – About 50 were seen during our boat trip on the ChambalRiver, and then about 120 at Kanha NP.

(Anser anser) – Forty along the Yamuna River in Delhi, 10 at Bharatpur, about 30 at Kanha, and 20at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Anser indicus) – We first saw these very attractive geese in Delhi, and then at Bharatpur; in allwe saw about 250.

(Tadorna ferruginea) – Most numerous on the Chambal River where we saw about 80, but smallnumbers were also seen at a variety of widespread wetlands.

(Anas strepera) – About 80 at Bharatpur and 200+ at Sultanpur Jheel. (Anas poecilorhyncha) – Twenty along the Yamuna River in Delhi, and then about 35 at

Bharatpur. (Anas clypeata) – One thousand five hundred at Sultanpur Jheel were by far the largest

concentration, but we also saw about 500 in Delhi and 200 at Bharatpur. (Anas acuta) – One thousand at Sultanpur Jheel, about 500 in Delhi, and 200 at Bharatpur.

(Anas crecca crecca) – Sometimes split from the North American form andknown as Eurasian or Common Teal, they were widespread on wetlands throughout the tour; with a total of about 450.

(Netta rufina) – We saw about 40 (including some beautiful males) on the Chambal River. (Aythya ferina) – About 20 on the Yamuna River in Delhi. (Aythya nyroca) – Nice scope looks at 2 at Bund Baretha.

(Aythya fuligula) – About 30 on the Yamuna River in Delhi and then a female with white Scaup-likeface markings at Sultanpur Jheel.

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies) (Francolinus pondicerianus) – Small numbers around Bharatpur and at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Francolinus francolinus) – Fabulous looks at a male on top of a rock near Nainital. (Gallus gallus) – Many great looks this year at Corbett, Sitabani Forest, and in Kanha NP; we saw

a total of about 45. (Lophura leucomelanos) – Can be difficult be we saw a total of 22 between the Corbett area and

Nainital. (Pavo cristatus) – Common and widespread and gorgeous.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LESSER WHISTLING-DUCK

GRAYLAG GOOSE

BAR-HEADED GOOSE

RUDDY SHELDUCK

GADWALLINDIAN SPOT-BILLED DUCK

NORTHERN SHOVELER

NORTHERN PINTAILGREEN-WINGED TEAL (EURASIAN)

RED-CRESTED POCHARDCOMMON POCHARDFERRUGINOUS DUCKTUFTED DUCK

GRAY FRANCOLINBLACK FRANCOLINRED JUNGLEFOWL

KALIJ PHEASANT

INDIAN PEAFOWL

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(Tachybaptus ruficollis) – Fairly common at Bharatpur, Kanha, and Sultanpur Jheel.

Ciconiidae (Storks) (Anastomus oscitans) – Five at Bund Baretha and 3 at Kanha NP.

(Ciconia nigra) – About a dozen were seen in flight over Corbett NP. (Ciconia episcopus) – Pairs at Corbett, along the Chambal River, and at Bharatpur.

(Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) – Some of the group saw 1 at Corbett, and then we all hadgood looks along the Chambal River and at Bharatpur.

(Mycteria leucocephala) – Several hundred in the colony at Bharatpur, and 150+ at Sultanpur Jheel.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) – Five at Bharatpur. (Phalacrocorax carbo) – Common and widespread throughout the tour; in all we saw about 800. (Phalacrocorax niger) – Common and widespread throughout the tour; in all we saw about 200.

Anhingidae (Anhingas) (Anhinga melanogaster) – Forty at Bharatpur.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) (Ixobrychus sinensis) – One seen in flight before quickly dropping into a reed bed near Bund

Baretha. (Ixobrychus flavicollis) – Some of the group saw an adult at Bharatpur and then we all had fabulous

views of an adult and a juvenile near Bund Baretha. (Ardea cinerea) – Widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.

(Ardea purpurea) – Small numbers at Delhi, the Chambal River, and at Bharatpur. (Ardea alba) – Common and widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.

(Mesophoyx intermedia) – About 80 at Bharatpur and half a dozen at Kanha. (Egretta garzetta) – Another very common and widespread egret. (Bubulcus ibis) – Very common throughout the tour.

(Ardeola grayii) – Common and seen daily away from the high country around Corbett andNainital.

(Nycticorax nycticorax) – Five at Bharatpur.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) (Plegadis falcinellus) – Twelve along the Yamuna River in Delhi, and 3 at Bharatpur.

(Threskiornis melanocephalus) – First seen near Agra and then at Bharatpur and SultanpurJheel; in all we saw about 55.

(Pseudibis papillosa) – Rather uncommon in Northern India, so we were lucky to see 8 along theChambal River and 4 in Kanha NP.

(Platalea leucorodia) – Two behind the Taj Mahal, and then about 100 at Bharatpur.

Pandionidae (Osprey) (Pandion haliaetus) – Two in Corbett NP and 4 along the Chambal River.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) (Pernis ptilorhynchus) – Singles at Corbett, Kanha, and Sultanpur Jheel.

(Elanus caeruleus) – Small numbers were fairly common in open farm country. (Milvus migrans) – Many hundreds in all the main cities throughout the tour.

(Haliaeetus leucoryphus) – Good looks at 5 in the Corbett area. (Ichthyophaga humilis) – Two singles at Corbett.

(Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) – Rather uncommon in North India so we were pleasantlysurprised to get great looks at 1 in Kanha NP.

(Gypaetus barbatus) – One soaring along the mountains near Nainital. (Neophron percnopterus) – A total of 14 in the Agra to Bharatpur area.

LITTLE GREBE

ASIAN OPENBILLBLACK STORKWOOLLY-NECKED STORKBLACK-NECKED STORK

PAINTED STORK

INDIAN CORMORANTGREAT CORMORANTLITTLE CORMORANT

ORIENTAL DARTER

YELLOW BITTERN

BLACK BITTERN

GRAY HERONPURPLE HERONGREAT EGRETINTERMEDIATE EGRETLITTLE EGRETCATTLE EGRETINDIAN POND-HERON

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON

GLOSSY IBISBLACK-HEADED IBIS

RED-NAPED IBIS

EURASIAN SPOONBILL

OSPREY

ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARDBLACK-SHOULDERED KITEBLACK KITEPALLAS'S FISH-EAGLELESSER FISH-EAGLEGRAY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE

LAMMERGEIEREGYPTIAN VULTURE

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(Gyps bengalensis) – We saw 8 of these critically endangered vultures at a smallbreeding colony near Ramnagar.

(Gyps indicus) – Another critically endangered vulture, we saw 7 of these along the cliffs near BundBaretha.

(Gyps himalayensis) – About 55 were seen around Corbett and Nainital. (Aegypius monachus) – Fabulous close looks at 4 feeding on the ground at Corbett, and then 1

in flight at Nainital. (Sarcogyps calvus) – A total of 12 were seen in Corbett NP and 1 at Bharatpur.

(Circaetus gallicus) – One in Corbett NP. (Spilornis cheela) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw a total of 9.

(Circus aeruginosus) – Three in Delhi, 1 at Bharatpur, and 3 at Bund Baretha. (Circus cyaneus) – We saw a single male near Dhikala Lodge in Corbett NP.

(Accipiter badius) – Five singles were seen at a variety of widely scattered sites. (Accipiter virgatus) – Two in Agra were rather unexpected.

(Accipiter nisus) – One when we first crossed the Ganges, and 1 in Corbett NP. (Butastur teesa) – One at Kanha NP.

(Buteo buteo) – Two near Ramnagar and 1 at Fatehpur Sikri. (Aquila clanga) – Two singles at Bharatpur and another 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Aquila rapax) – Two near Ramnagar and 1 at Bharatpur. (Aquila nipalensis) – Three over the hills at Sat Tal and 1 in the Mongoli Valley.

(Aquila heliaca) – Single adults were seen at Bharatpur and Bund Baretha. (Aquila fasciata) – One near Corbett NP.

(Hieraaetus pennatus) – A dark morph adult and an immature bird were seen at Sultanpur Jheel. (Nisaetus cirrhatus limnaeetus) – Singles at Kumeria and in Corbett NP (also see the

following form below). (Nisaetus cirrhatus cirrhatus) – Many authorities now split this form from N.C.

limnaeetus (see above) and call it Crested Hawk-Eagle; we saw 2 singles in Kanha NP. (Nisaetus nipalensis) – Good views of 1 at Sat Tal.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) (Microhierax caerulescens) – Two in Corbett NP.

(Falco tinnunculus) – Singles at the Chambal River, Bharatpur, Bund Baretha, and Kanha. (Falco peregrinus) – Some of the group saw 1 as we drove through the Sitabani Forest area.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) (Amaurornis phoenicurus) – Common around Bharatpur and at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Porphyrio porphyrio) – About 30 along the Yamuna River in Delhi, 40+ near Agra, and 6 atSultanpur Jheel.

(Gallinula chloropus) – Widespread (although mostly in small numbers) in all we saw a total ofabout 200.

(Fulica atra) – About 250 were seen at both Bharatpur and Sultanpur Jheel, and about 20 in Delhi.

Gruidae (Cranes) (Grus antigone) – First seen from a moving train between Ramnagar and Delhi, but then we all had good

views at Bharatpur. (Grus grus) – Six were flying around the marshes at Bharatpur.

Burhinidae (Thick-knees) (Burhinus oedicnemus indicus) – Some authorities now split this smal dark form 'indicus'

calling it Indian Thick-knee; we saw 5 in Kanha NP. (Esacus recurvirostris) – Super looks along the Chambal River.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE

INDIAN VULTURE

HIMALAYAN GRIFFONCINEREOUS VULTURE

RED-HEADED VULTURESHORT-TOED EAGLECRESTED SERPENT-EAGLEEURASIAN MARSH-HARRIERNORTHERN HARRIERSHIKRABESRAEURASIAN SPARROWHAWKWHITE-EYED BUZZARDCOMMON BUZZARDGREATER SPOTTED EAGLETAWNY EAGLESTEPPE EAGLEIMPERIAL EAGLEBONELLI'S EAGLEBOOTED EAGLECHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE

CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE

MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE

COLLARED FALCONETEURASIAN KESTRELPEREGRINE FALCON

WHITE-BREASTED WATERHENPURPLE SWAMPHEN

COMMON MOORHEN

EURASIAN COOT

SARUS CRANE

COMMON CRANE

EURASIAN THICK-KNEE

GREAT THICK-KNEE

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(Vanellus duvaucelii) – Fairly common along rocky rivers like those around Ramnagar, but also alongthe more sandy Chambal River.

(Vanellus malabaricus) – Fairly uncommon in north India, but we were lucky andsaw 3 at Bharapur.

(Vanellus indicus) – Common and widespread. (Vanellus leucurus) – Eight along the Yamuna River in Delhi, 2 at Bharatpur, and 2 at

Sultanpur Jheel. (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus) – This nominate form is sometimes split as

Kentish Plover; we saw 6 along the Chambal River and about 20 at Sultanpur Jheel. (Charadrius dubius) – Three at Ramnagar, 2 at the Chambal River, and 1 near Sultanpur

Jheel.

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) (Himantopus himantopus) – Widespread in wetlands throughout the tour; we saw about 450.

(Recurvirostra avosetta) – We saw about 100 in some flooded fields near Sultanpur Jheel.

Jacanidae (Jacanas) (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) – One on the Chambal River and 2 at Bharatpur.

(Metopidius indicus) – An adult and 2 juveniles along the Chambal River, 3 at Bharatpur,and 4 near Bund Baretha.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) (Actitis hypoleucos) – Three along the Yamuna River at Agra, and 2 along the Chambal River.

(Tringa ochropus) – Widespread in small numbers. (Tringa erythropus) – About 50 (together with Pied Avocets) in the flooded fields near Sultanpur

Jheel. (Tringa nebularia) – A total of about 35 were seen between Agra, the Chambal River and

Bharatpur. (Tringa glareola) – Six in Delhi, and few other singles elsewhere.

(Tringa totanus) – Six in Delhi, 3 at Bharatpur, and about 60 near Sultanpur Jheel. (Calidris temminckii) – One along the shore of the Chambal River.

(Philomachus pugnax) – About 20 along the Yamuna River in Delhi. (Gallinago gallinago) – Singles near Bund Baretha and at Kanha.

Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers) (Glareola lactea) – Great looks at these beautiful pratincoles along the Chambal River - 2

standing and then about 30 in flight.

Rostratulidae (Painted-Snipes) (Rostratula benghalensis) – Six (all males) in Kanha NP.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) – About 100 along the Yamuna River in Delhi, and then 40+ as

we crossed the Ganges. (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus) – One in Delhi.

(Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus) – Two (including an adult in fairly good summer plumage)behind the Taj Mahal.

(Larus cachinnans) – Single adults in Delhi and Corbett. (Chlidonias hybrida) – Two at Bund Baretha.

(Sterna acuticauda) – We saw 4 of these beautiful and now endangered terns along theChambal River.

(Sterna aurantia) – Pairs at Corbett, the Chambal River, and at Bund Baretha.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) (Columba livia) – Very common and widespread, especially in towns and villages.

RIVER LAPWING

YELLOW-WATTLED LAPWING

RED-WATTLED LAPWINGWHITE-TAILED LAPWING

SNOWY PLOVER (KENTISH)

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

BLACK-WINGED STILTPIED AVOCET

PHEASANT-TAILED JACANABRONZE-WINGED JACANA

COMMON SANDPIPERGREEN SANDPIPERSPOTTED REDSHANK

COMMON GREENSHANK

WOOD SANDPIPERCOMMON REDSHANKTEMMINCK'S STINTRUFFCOMMON SNIPE

SMALL PRATINCOLE

GREATER PAINTED-SNIPE

BLACK-HEADED GULL

BROWN-HEADED GULLGREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL

CASPIAN GULLWHISKERED TERNBLACK-BELLIED TERN

RIVER TERN

ROCK PIGEON

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(Streptopelia orientalis) – About 6 along the track to Snow View, Nainital. (Streptopelia decaocto) – Common and widespread in much of the low country.

(Streptopelia tranquebarica) – Two singles along the way to Bund Baretha. (Streptopelia chinensis) – Common around Corbett and Kanha national parks.

(Streptopelia senegalensis) – Most common around Agra and Bharatpur, but also in the Delhi area. (Treron phoenicopterus) – Six in Delhi, 1 at the Chambal River, and about 15 at Kanha

NP.

Psittacidae (Parrots) (Psittacula eupatria) – Nice looks at 2 singles in Kanha NP.

(Psittacula krameri) – By far the most common and widespread parakeet; in all we sawabout 1400.

(Psittacula himalayana) – About 40 in the Kumeria area, 200+ at Sat Tal, and 40 in theMongoli Valley.

(Psittacula cyanocephala) – One near Ramnagar and then about 30 in Kanha NP. (Psittacula alexandri) – Hard to see well at first but then we all had great looks in

Corbett NP and saw a total of about 250.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos) (Hierococcyx varius) – Good looks at a very stationary bird at Bharatpur.

(Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii) – Some of the group got fairly good looks at 1 in Kanha NP. (Centropus sinensis) – Common and widespread away from the high country.

Strigidae (Owls) (Otus bakkamoena) – Roosting pairs were seen well at Chambal River, Bharatpur, and Kanha.

(Bubo bengalensis) – After a good deal of effort we finally found a pair in a fig-like tree along thebanks of the Chambal River. We called them the 'bengalensis' race of Eurasian Eagle-Owl, but they have now been splitagain with Clements preferring the name Rock Eagle-Owl.

(Bubo coromandus) – Good looks at 1 at Bharatpur. (Ketupa flavipes) – Thanks to our local guides we saw a roosting pair in Corbett NP.

(Glaucidium cuculoides) – We saw 2 responsive birds at The Den. (Glaucidium radiatum) – One near Ramnagar and then about 7 at Kanha NP.

(Athene brama) – A total of 5 were seen at the Chambal River, Bund Baretha and Bharatpur. (Ninox scutulata) – Two in the lodge garden near the Chambal River.

Apodidae (Swifts) (Apus melba) – About 40 at Corbett, 1 at Sat Tal, and 3 in Kanha NP. (Apus affinis) – About 30 were seen mainly around large old buildings like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur

Sikri.

Hemiprocnidae (Treeswifts) (Hemiprocne coronata) – Twenty at Corbett, and about 35 in Kanha NP.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) (Alcedo atthis) – Widespread in small numbers.

(Pelargopsis capensis) – Great looks at 1 (twice) in Corbett NP. (Halcyon smyrnensis) – Very common and widespread.

(Megaceryle lugubris) – We saw about 10 of these beautiful kingfishers along the mountainrivers around Kumeria and Corbett.

(Ceryle rudis) – Three along the Chambal River and 4 at Sultanpur Jheel.

Meropidae (Bee-eaters) (Nyctyornis athertoni) – Some of the group had brief looks at 1 at Sat Tal.

(Merops orientalis) – Small flocks at Delhi and Bharatpur.

ORIENTAL TURTLE-DOVEEURASIAN COLLARED-DOVERED COLLARED-DOVESPOTTED DOVELAUGHING DOVEYELLOW-FOOTED PIGEON

ALEXANDRINE PARAKEETROSE-RINGED PARAKEET

SLATY-HEADED PARAKEET

PLUM-HEADED PARAKEETRED-BREASTED PARAKEET

COMMON HAWK-CUCKOOSIRKEER MALKOHAGREATER COUCAL

INDIAN SCOPS-OWLROCK EAGLE-OWL

DUSKY EAGLE-OWLTAWNY FISH-OWLASIAN BARRED OWLETJUNGLE OWLETSPOTTED OWLETBROWN HAWK-OWL

ALPINE SWIFTLITTLE SWIFT

CRESTED TREESWIFT

COMMON KINGFISHERSTORK-BILLED KINGFISHERWHITE-THROATED KINGFISHERCRESTED KINGFISHER

PIED KINGFISHER

BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATERGREEN BEE-EATER

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Coraciidae (Rollers) (Coracias benghalensis) – Small numbers were widespread in the open country from Delhi to Agra, at

Bharatpur, and around Kanha.

Upupidae (Hoopoes) (Upupa epops) – Small numbers in open country away from the mountains; in all we saw about a

dozen.

Bucerotidae (Hornbills) (Ocyceros birostris) – Most common around Bharatpur and at Kanha, but we also saw them

at Delhi and Chambal River. (Anthracoceros coronatus) – Some of the group saw about 6 in Kanha NP.

Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets) (Megalaima virens) – Scope views of 1 from Snow View near Nainital.

(Megalaima zeylanica) – Very common (although mostly heard) at Kanha and about 4 atthe lodge near Chambal River.

(Megalaima lineata) – About 10 in the Kumeria to Corbett area. (Megalaima asiatica) – Nice looks at this striking barbet in the Kumeria area.

(Megalaima haemacephala) – Heard many times before we finally caught up with thisnormally common barbet at Kanha and Sultanpur Jheel.

Picidae (Woodpeckers) (Jynx torquilla) – Nice looks at 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Picumnus innominatus) – One with a mixed species flock at Sat Tal. (Dendrocopos canicapillus) – About 6 in the high country around Corbett and

Nainital. (Dendrocopos auriceps) – A female was seen on the way up to Nainital, and then

a pair at Sat Tal. (Dendrocopos macei) – Small numbers around Kumeria and Corbett.

(Dendrocopos mahrattensis) – One at Sultanpur Jheel. (Celeus brachyurus) – Often shy (and uncommon) but we saw 3 near The Den and in Corbett

NP. (Picus chlorolophus) – Nine in the Kumeria and Corbett areas.

(Picus flavinucha) – Good looks at a low feeding bird at the beginning of the MongoliValley trail.

(Picus xanthopygaeus) – One near Dhikala Lodge and another (extremelytame) on the road in the Sitabani Forest.

(Picus squamatus) – Generally uncommon but we all had good looks at 1 nearNainital.

(Picus canus) – Common in the Kumeria to Corbett area; in all we saw about 15. (Dinopium shorii) – One in Corbett NP.

(Dinopium benghalense) – Mainly in the lowlands; we saw about 20 of thesewidespread flamebacks.

(Chrysocolaptes lucidus) – Three in the Kumeria to Corbett area. (Chrysocolaptes festivus) – Some of the group saw this rather uncommon species in

Kanha NP. (Mulleripicus pulverulentus) – Just fabulous, seeing 7 of these huge woodpeckers

flying from tree to tree while calling and displaying.

Prionopidae (Helmetshrikes and Allies) (Tephrodornis pondicerianus) – Pairs were seen at Kumeria, near Ramnagar, and Bund

Baretha.

Campephagidae (Cuckoo-shrikes)

INDIAN ROLLER

EURASIAN HOOPOE

INDIAN GRAY HORNBILL

MALABAR PIED-HORNBILL

GREAT BARBETBROWN-HEADED BARBET

LINEATED BARBETBLUE-THROATED BARBETCOPPERSMITH BARBET

EURASIAN WRYNECKSPECKLED PICULETGRAY-CAPPED WOODPECKER

BROWN-FRONTED WOODPECKER

FULVOUS-BREASTED WOODPECKERYELLOW-CROWNED WOODPECKERRUFOUS WOODPECKER

LESSER YELLOWNAPEGREATER YELLOWNAPE

STREAK-THROATED WOODPECKER

SCALY-BELLIED WOODPECKER

GRAY-FACED WOODPECKERHIMALAYAN FLAMEBACKBLACK-RUMPED FLAMEBACK

GREATER FLAMEBACKWHITE-NAPED WOODPECKER

GREAT SLATY WOODPECKER

COMMON WOODSHRIKE

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(Coracina macei) – One in Corbett NP and about 8 in Kanha NP. (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) – A single flock of 5 in the Sitabani Forest.

(Pericrocotus ethologus) – Three in the Kumeria area. (Pericrocotus flammeus) – Three in the Kumeria to Corbett area.

(Hemipus picatus) – About 20 around Kumeria and 10 in the Sitabani Forest.

Laniidae (Shrikes) (Lanius isabellinus) – One at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Lanius cristatus) – One in Kanha NP and some of the group saw another near Sultanpur Jheel. (Lanius vittatus) – Singles near Bund Baretha and at Sultanpur Jheel. (Lanius schach) – The most widespread shrike with a trip total of about 25. (Lanius tephronotus) – We saw this rather uncommon altitudinal migrant in Corbett NP.

Oriolidae (Old World Orioles) (Oriolus xanthornus) – Four at Corbett, and then another 10 at Kanha NP.

Dicruridae (Drongos) (Dicrurus macrocercus) – Common and widespread in open country away from the northern

mountains. (Dicrurus leucophaeus) – One at Corbett, 3 at Bharatpur, and 1 at Kanha.

(Dicrurus caerulescens) – A woodland and forest species, we saw 2 at Sitabani, 1 atBharatpur, and 2 at Kanha.

(Dicrurus aeneus) – Three on the forested slopes below Nainital, and 2 at Sat Tal. (Dicrurus hottentottus) – Two singles in the silk cotton tree at Kumeria.

(Dicrurus paradiseus) – Very common at Kanha NP where we saw a total ofabout 55.

Rhipiduridae (Fantails) (Rhipidura hypoxantha) – Three around the Den, 1 in Corbett NP, and 1 at Sat Tal. (Rhipidura albicollis) – Quite common in the forest around Kumeria, Corbett and Sat

Tal; in all we saw about 30.

Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers) (Hypothymis azurea) – Four (including a couple of adult males) at Kanha NP.

(Terpsiphone paradisi) – We saw a gorgeous male (with exceptionally long whitetail streamers) in Kanha NP.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) (Garrulus lanceolatus) – We saw a total of about 25 in the Nainital area.

(Urocissa erythrorhyncha) – Small flocks of this gorgeous bird were reasonably common in the forestedareas around Kumeria, Sat Tal, and in the Mongoli Valley.

(Dendrocitta vagabunda) – Widespread in open woodland and at forest edge in the lowlands. (Dendrocitta formosae) – One near Ramnagar and 2 in a scrubby valley below Nainital.

(Corvus splendens) – Common and widespread away from the mountainous areas. (Corvus macrorhynchos japonensis) – Some authorities now split this larger wedge-tailed form

and retain the name Large-billed Crow; we saw about 100 in the Nainital area. (Corvus macrorhynchos culminatus) – If split from the previous form this is called Indian

Jungle Crow; it was very common throughout the lowlands.

Alaudidae (Larks) (Eremopterix griseus) – Two along the shores of the Chambal River and 3 at

Sultanpur Jheel. (Calandrella brachydactyla) – Ten along the Chambal River.

(Galerida cristata) – Four at the Chambal River, and 3 at Sultanpur Jheel.

LARGE CUCKOO-SHRIKESMALL MINIVETLONG-TAILED MINIVETSCARLET MINIVETBAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE

RUFOUS-TAILED SHRIKEBROWN SHRIKEBAY-BACKED SHRIKELONG-TAILED SHRIKEGRAY-BACKED SHRIKE

BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE

BLACK DRONGO

ASHY DRONGOWHITE-BELLIED DRONGO

BRONZED DRONGOHAIR-CRESTED DRONGOGREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO

YELLOW-BELLIED FANTAILWHITE-THROATED FANTAIL

BLACK-NAPED MONARCHASIAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER

BLACK-HEADED JAYBLUE MAGPIE

RUFOUS TREEPIEGRAY TREEPIEHOUSE CROWLARGE-BILLED CROW

LARGE-BILLED CROW

ASHY-CROWNED SPARROW-LARK

GREATER SHORT-TOED LARKCRESTED LARK

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Hirundinidae (Swallows) (Riparia paludicola) – About 30 at Ramnagar, 10 at Bund Baretha, and 12 at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Ptyonoprogne concolor) – Six along the cliffs at Bayana. (Hirundo rustica) – Small numbers at the Ganges, Corbett, Kanha, and Sultanpur Jheel.

(Hirundo smithii) – One at Chambal River and 5 at Bund Baretha. (Cecropis daurica) – About 40 in the Ramnagar to Corbett area.

(Petrochelidon fluvicola) – Thirty at the Ramnagar barrage.

Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers) (Culicicapa ceylonensis) – Small numbers at Kumeria, Sat Tal, and

Kanha.

Paridae (Chickadees and Tits) (Periparus melanolophus) – Ten in the high altitude forests above Nainital.

(Parus major) – Most common around Corbett, but also a few others at Kanha NP. (Parus monticolus) – Common in the highlands around Nainital.

(Parus xanthogenys) – One at Kumeria, and 6 in a mixed species flock at Sat Tal. (Sylviparus modestus) – Two along the track to Snow View.

Cettiidae (Bush-Warblers and Allies) (Cettia flavolivacea) – One in the Mongoli Valley.

Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits) (Aegithalos concinnus) – About 40 in the Nainital area.

Sittidae (Nuthatches) (Sitta castanea) – Small numbers were seen in the forests around Corbett and at

Sat Tal. (Sitta himalayensis) – About 6 in the mountain above Nainital.

(Sitta frontalis) – We saw this attractive little nuthatch in Corbett, Sat Tal, and theSitabani Forest.

Tichodromidae (Wallcreeper) (Tichodroma muraria) – Great looks at this group favorite at Ramnagar.

Certhiidae (Creepers) (Certhia himalayana) – Small numbers at Kumeria and in the hills around Nainital.

Cinclidae (Dippers) (Cinclus pallasii) – An adult was seen feeding 2 begging juveniles along the Kosi River at Kumeria.

Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls) (Pycnonotus melanicterus flaviventris) – One at Corbett.

(Pycnonotus cafer) – Very common and widespread. (Pycnonotus jocosus) – About half a dozen between Kumeria and Kaladhungi.

(Pycnonotus leucotis) – About 15 at Bharatpur. (Pycnonotus leucogenys) – Also known as Hiimalyan Bulbul, this species was

extrememly common in the Corbett and Nainital areas. (Hemixos flavala) – Good looks at this attractive bulbul at Corbett and Sat Tal.

Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers) (Phylloscopus collybita tristis) – Sometimes split as Siberian Chiffchaff these

brown-colored chiffchaffs were seen in small numbers around Delhi and Sultanpur Jheel. (Phylloscopus affinis) – Nice looks at 1 at Delhi.

(Phylloscopus pulcher) – About 6 in the high forest patches near Nainital. (Phylloscopus maculipennis) – One along the Mongoli Valley trail.

PLAIN MARTINDUSKY CRAG-MARTINBARN SWALLOWWIRE-TAILED SWALLOWRED-RUMPED SWALLOWSTREAK-THROATED SWALLOW

GRAY-HEADED CANARY-FLYCATCHER

BLACK-CRESTED TITGREAT TITGREEN-BACKED TITBLACK-LORED TITYELLOW-BROWED TIT

ABERRANT BUSH-WARBLER

BLACK-THROATED TIT

CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH

WHITE-TAILED NUTHATCHVELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH

WALLCREEPER

BAR-TAILED TREECREEPER

BROWN DIPPER

BLACK-CRESTED BULBULRED-VENTED BULBULRED-WHISKERED BULBULWHITE-EARED BULBULWHITE-CHEEKED BULBUL

ASHY BULBUL

COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (SIBERIAN)

TICKELL'S LEAF-WARBLERBUFF-BARRED WARBLERASHY-THROATED WARBLER

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(Phylloscopus chloronotus) – Seven in the Nainital area. (Phylloscopus humei) – Three near Corbett, and about 8 at Kanha.

(Phylloscopus trochiloides) – Five singles at Bharatpur and Sultanpur Jheel. (Seicercus whistleri) – Nice looks at 2 at Sat Tal.

(Seicercus xanthoschistos) – Very common in the highlands around Nainital.

Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies) (Acrocephalus dumetorum) – Singles at Bharatpur and Kanha NP.

Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies) (Cisticola juncidis) – One in the grasslands near Dhikala Lodge.

(Orthotomus sutorius) – Singles in Delhi, Ramnagar, and Kanha NP. (Prinia hodgsonii) – Small flocks at Kumeria, Bharatpur, and Kanha NP.

(Prinia socialis) – Widespread in the lowlands throughout the tour. (Prinia inornata) – Another lowland species that was seen in a variety of scattered sites.

Sylviidae (Old World Warblers) (Sylvia crassirostris) – One at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Sylvia curruca) – Widespread in small numbers. (Chrysomma sinense) – Now considered to be a warbler; we saw 4 at Corbett, 2 at Bund

Baretha, and 3 in Kanha NP.

Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers) (Ficedula strophiata) – Three males and 1 female were seen in the Sat Tal

region. (Ficedula parva) – Widespread in small numbers.

(Ficedula superciliaris) – We saw a striking male in the woodlands at Kanha NP. (Ficedula tricolor) – Two single males at Sat Tal.

(Eumyias thalassinus) – Singles at Ramnagar and Sultanpur Jheel. (Niltava sundara) – This gorgeous bird was seen at The Den, in Corbett NP, and at Sat

Tal. (Luscinia calliope) – Most of the group had good looks at a male at Bharatpur.

(Luscinia svecica) – Three in Delhi and then a couple more singles at Bharatpur. (Tarsiger cyanurus) – About 6 (including some beautiful males) at Sat Tal.

(Tarsiger chrysaeus) – Nice looks at a female on the mountain slopes near Nainital. (Copsychus saularis) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 20.

(Copsychus malabaricus) – Two singles at Kanha NP. (Saxicoloides fulicatus) – Small numbers particularly in drier areas with some scrub cover; in all we saw

about 30. (Phoenicurus caeruleocephala) – About 10 in the Nainital area.

(Phoenicurus ochruros) – Four at Bharatpur, 6 at Sultanpur Jheel, and 1 in Delhi. (Phoenicurus frontalis) – We saw a beautiful male on the way up to Nainital. (Chaimarrornis leucocephalus) – A beautiful bird of the fast flowing rivers in the high

country. (Rhyacornis fuliginosa) – More numerous than the previous species and also along the same

rivers. (Enicurus scouleri) – Some of the group saw 1 on the Kosi River at Kumeria.

(Enicurus maculatus) – Great looks at this striking bird at Kumeria, Forktail Creek, Sat Tal, andSitabani.

(Oenanthe deserti) – We saw a single male along the shore of the Chambal River. (Saxicola macrorhynchus) – Also known as Stoliczka's Bushchat we saw this very

uncommon bird in the dry country near Bund Baretha.

PALE-RUMPED WARBLERHUME'S WARBLERGREENISH WARBLERWHISTLER'S WARBLERGRAY-HOODED WARBLER

BLYTH'S REED-WARBLER

ZITTING CISTICOLACOMMON TAILORBIRDGRAY-BREASTED PRINIAASHY PRINIAPLAIN PRINIA

EASTERN ORPHEAN WARBLERLESSER WHITETHROATYELLOW-EYED BABBLER

RUFOUS-GORGETED FLYCATCHER

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHERULTRAMARINE FLYCATCHERSLATY-BLUE FLYCATCHERVERDITER FLYCATCHERRUFOUS-BELLIED NILTAVA

SIBERIAN RUBYTHROATBLUETHROATRED-FLANKED BLUETAILGOLDEN BUSH-ROBINORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBINWHITE-RUMPED SHAMAINDIAN ROBIN

BLUE-CAPPED REDSTARTBLACK REDSTARTBLUE-FRONTED REDSTARTWHITE-CAPPED REDSTART

PLUMBEOUS REDSTART

LITTLE FORKTAILSPOTTED FORKTAIL

DESERT WHEATEARWHITE-BROWED BUSHCHAT

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(Saxicola torquatus indicus) – Some authorities split the birds we saw as Siberian Stonechat;they were reasonably common (30) in Corbett and in the highlands below Nainital.

(Saxicola caprata) – Most common around Bharatpur (about 30) and a few others at Sultanpur Jheel. (Saxicola ferreus) – Small numbers at Corbett and Sat Tal.

(Cercomela fusca) – One near the Ganges crossing was a surprise, but we then saw them at more usualsites like Fatehpur Sikri and near Bund Baretha.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) (Myophonus caeruleus) – Common in the highlands around Corbett and Nainital where

we saw a total of about 35. (Zoothera citrina) – One at Bharatpur. (Zoothera citrina cyanota) – Some authorities split this black and white faced form from

the previous 'orange-headed' race; we saw 2 in Kanha NP. (Zoothera monticola) – Fantastic looks at this normally shy and uncommon thrush at Forktail

Creek. (Turdus unicolor) – Briefly for a few of the group at Bharatpur, and then three nicely for everyone

near Kanha. (Turdus boulboul) – About 10 in the Nainital area - fond of foraging in garbage.

(Turdus rubrocanus) – Some of the group saw 1 along the trail to Snow View. (Turdus ruficollis) – We saw 9 of the black-throated form 'atrogularis' in the Corbett and

Sat Tal areas.

Timaliidae (Babblers) (Garrulax albogularis) – Usually seen in large flocks, this species was

fairly common at Corbett, Nainital, Sat Tal, and in the Mongoli Valley; in all we saw about 120. (Garrulax leucolophus) – Very tame this year around the Den, and we also

saw them in Corbett NP. (Garrulax striatus) – Two in the Mongoli Valley. (Garrulax lineatus) – Very common around Nainital.

(Garrulax erythrocephalus) – Fabulous looks at about 15 of thesegorgeous birds as they fed in the garbage near Nainital.

(Pellorneum ruficeps) – Two in Corbett NP, and 2 in Kanha NP. (Pomatorhinus erythrogenys) – Good looks at 2 at Sat Tal.

(Pomatorhinus horsfieldii) – Good looks at a responsive calling bird in Kanha NP. (Pomatorhinus ruficollis) – Two at Sat Tal were unexpected.

(Pnoepyga albiventer) – Heard at Sat Tal and then seen nicely near thebeginning of the Mongoli Valley trail.

(Stachyris pyrrhops) – About a dozen were seen between Kumeria and Corbett NP, and2 near Sat Tal.

(Turdoides caudata) – A flock of 7 were in the scrubby vegetation near Bayana Rocks. (Turdoides earlei) – Three in the reed beds along the Yamuna River, Delhi.

(Turdoides malcolmi) – About 30 near the Chambal River, 40 around Bund Baretha, and 40at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Turdoides striata) – Very common and widespread. (Leiothrix lutea) – We saw these secretive little birds at Kumeria, Sat Tal, and in the

Mongoli Valley. (Minla cyanouroptera) – We saw 8 of these attractive small babblers in a mixed species flock

at Sat Tal. (Alcippe poioicephala) – About 20 at Kanha NP.

(Heterophasia capistrata) – Good looks (eventually) at Snow View.

Zosteropidae (White-eyes) (Yuhina flavicollis) – Two at Kumeria.

STONECHAT (SIBERIAN)

PIED BUSHCHATGRAY BUSHCHATINDIAN CHAT

BLUE WHISTLING-THRUSH

ORANGE-HEADED THRUSHORANGE-HEADED THRUSH

LONG-BILLED THRUSH

TICKELL'S THRUSH

GRAY-WINGED BLACKBIRDCHESTNUT THRUSHRED-THROATED THRUSH

WHITE-THROATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

STRIATED LAUGHINGTHRUSHSTREAKED LAUGHINGTHRUSHCHESTNUT-CROWNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

PUFF-THROATED BABBLERRUSTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAR-BABBLERINDIAN SCIMITAR-BABBLERSTREAK-BREASTED SCIMITAR-BABBLERSCALY-BREASTED WREN-BABBLER

BLACK-CHINNED BABBLER

COMMON BABBLERSTRIATED BABBLERLARGE GRAY BABBLER

JUNGLE BABBLERRED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX

BLUE-WINGED MINLA

BROWN-CHEEKED FULVETTARUFOUS SIBIA

WHISKERED YUHINA

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(Zosterops palpebrosus) – Common and widespread.

Sturnidae (Starlings) (Acridotheres ginginianus) – Very common around Delhi, Agra, and Bharatpur.

(Acridotheres tristis) – Very common and widespread apart from at Nainital. (Gracupica contra) – Common in the lowlands. (Temenuchus pagodarum) – About 25 at Bharatpur. (Sturnus vulgaris) – Eighty in Delhi, and about 30 at Sultanpur Jheel.

Chloropseidae (Leafbirds) (Chloropsis aurifrons) – One on the way up to Nainital and 4 at Kanha NP.

(Chloropsis hardwickii) – About 6 in the Kumeria to Corbett area.

Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters) (Cinnyris asiaticus) – Common around Delhi and Bharatpur, with afew others at Kanha; in all we

saw about 75. (Aethopyga siparaja) – Six at Kumeria and 1 at Ramnagar.

Prunellidae (Accentors) (Prunella strophiata) – Nice looks at one on the way to Nainital.

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits) (Motacilla flava) – Two in the Delhi area.

(Motacilla citreola) – Three along the Yamuna River in Delhi, 1 in Agra, and 4 at Bund Baretha. (Motacilla cinerea) – Small numbers along streams in the high country.

(Motacilla alba) – Small numbers (usually near water) at a variety of widespread sites throughout thetour.

(Motacilla alba lugens) – Six at Ramnagar and 2 at Kanha. (Motacilla madaraspatensis) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 50.

(Anthus rufulus) – Small numbers in open country at Corbett, Bharatput, Kanha, and Sultanpur Jheel. (Anthus campestris) – Two at Sultanpur Jheel.

(Anthus roseatus) – One along the Kosi River at Ramnagar. (Anthus trivialis) – One near Bund Baretha.

(Anthus hodgsoni) – Small flocks at Kumeria, Sat Tal, and Bharatpur.

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Melophus lathami) – We saw striking males at Chambal River and Kanha NP.

(Emberiza cia) – Five on the mountain slopes near Nainital. (Emberiza striolata) – Two at Bayana Rocks.

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) (Carpodacus erythrinus) – One in Delhi and 6 at Sat Tal.

(Carpodacus rodochroa) – We saw a beautiful male on the way up to Nainital, and then afemale at Nainital the following day.

(Chloris spinoides) – About 10 feeding in an open field at Sat Tal.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) (Passer domesticus) – Common and widespread.

(Passer pyrrhonotus) – Nice looks at a female at Sultanpur Jheel. (Passer rutilans) – Six near Nainital included some nice looking males.

Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies) (Ploceus benghalensis) – Also known as Black-breasted Weaver, we saw about 30 in the reeds

along the Yamuna River, Delhi.

Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)

ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE

BANK MYNACOMMON MYNAASIAN PIED STARLINGBRAHMINY STARLINGEUROPEAN STARLING

GOLDEN-FRONTED LEAFBIRDORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD

PURPLE SUNBIRD

EASTERN CRIMSON SUNBIRD

RUFOUS-BREASTED ACCENTOR

WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAILCITRINE WAGTAILGRAY WAGTAILWHITE WAGTAIL

WHITE WAGTAIL (BLACK-BACKED)WHITE-BROWED WAGTAILORIENTAL PIPITTAWNY PIPITROSY PIPITTREE PIPITOLIVE-BACKED PIPIT

CRESTED BUNTINGROCK BUNTINGHOUSE BUNTING

COMMON ROSEFINCHPINK-BROWED ROSEFINCH

YELLOW-BREASTED GREENFINCH

HOUSE SPARROWSIND SPARROWRUSSET SPARROW

BENGAL WEAVER

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(Amandava amandava) – About 20 along the Yamuna River, Delhi. (Euodice malabarica) – Twenty in Delhi, 10 at Bund Baretha, and 2 at Kanha NP.

MAMMALS (Pteropus giganteus) – About 20 at the Chambal Safari Lodge and 100+ near Bund Baretha.

(Macaca mulatta) – Very common and widespread (especially near people). (Presbytis entellus) – Common and widespread in a wide variety of woodland, forest, and farming

areas. (Funambulus pennanti) – Also known as Five-striped Palm Squirrel they were very common in the

northern lowlands. (Funambulus palmarum) – Also known as Three-striped Palm Squirrel we saw about 6 in

the Kanha area. (Platanista gangetica) – Amazingly we had good looks at 2 swimming around amongst the boats,

people, and garbage, in the Ganges. (Canis aureus) – Most common at Bharatpur, and a few others at Corbett and Kanha.

(Cuon alpinus) – Akso known as Indian Wild Dog most of us had great looks at this rather rare mammal inKanha NP.

(Martes flavigula) – One below our hotel at Kumeria and 1 in Corbett NP. (Herpestes edwardsi) – Some of the group saw at least 1 (of 2) at either Chambal River or

Bharatpur. (Herpestes smithi) – Also known as Ruddy Mongoose we saw 1 at Bharatpur.

(Felis chaus) – One group on the elephant ride at Corbett had good looks at 1 in the grasslands. (Panthera tigris) – All of us had quick looks from elephant back one morning in Kanha NP, and then in the

afternoon varying views from incredible to rather brief as a second one walked down the track for several minutes. (Elephas maximus) – Three in Corbett NP.

(Sus scrofa) – About 8 in Corbett, 3 at Bharatpur, and 25 in Kanha NP. (Muntiacus muntjak) – About a dozen at Corbett, and 3 at Kanha NP.

(Axis axis) – Very common at Corbett, Bharatpur, and Kanha; in all we saw about 400. (Axis porcinus) – We saw 6 of these rather uncommon deer in the Corbett grasslands.

(Cervus unicolor) – About 12 at Corbett, 5 at Bharatpur, and 30 at Kanha NP. (Cervus duvauceli) – More commonly known as Swamp Deer, we saw a total of about 80 at Kanha NP.

(Boselaphus tragocamelus) – Seventy-five at Bharatpur and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel. (Bos gaurus) – Some of the group saw 2 (flushed by a tiger) at Kanha NP.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The following reptiles were recorded on the tour:

Marsh Mugger; about 12 along the Chambal River.

Gharial; 50+ (including some really huge ones) along the Chambal River.

Indian Soft-shelled Terrapin; common at Bharatpur.

Monitor Lizard; 1 at Bharatpur.

Checkered-backed Water Snake; 1 in the Kosi River near Ramnagar.

Totals for the tour: 336 bird taxa and 22 mammal taxa

RED AVADAVATINDIAN SILVERBILL

INDIAN FLYING-FOXRHESUS MONKEYCOMMON LANGUR

PALM SQUIRREL

INDIAN PALM SQUIRREL

GANGES DOLPHIN

COMMON JACKALDHOLE

YELLOW-THROATED MARTENINDIAN GRAY MONGOOSE

COMMON MONGOOSEJUNGLE CATTIGER

INDIAN ELEPHANTWILD BOARMUNTJAC (BARKING DEER)SPOTTED DEERHOG DEERSAMBARBARASINGHANILGAIGAUR

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