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India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
Naturetrek Tour Report 30 March - 18 April 2010
Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England
T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426
E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk
Report compiled by Sujan Chatterjee
Asian Elephant – by Ann & Tony Armitage River Boat on the Brahmaputra River – by Peter Laszlo
Asian One-horned Rhino – by Peter Laszlo Elephant Bank Safari – by Peter Laszlo
Tour Report India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
© Naturetrek July 10 1
Tour Leader: Sujan Chatterjee
Participants: Peter Laszlo
Susanne Laszlo
Jamie Mortimer
Lesley Mortimer
Tony Armitage
Ann Armitage
Dallas Wynne
Terry Wynne
Colin Smith
Jane Smith
Roger Miller
Geri Miller
Sue Hughes
Indra Pucknell
Barbara Griffiths
Day 0 Tuesday 30th March
Travel from the UK or overseas to India
Day 1 Wednesday 31st March
After we all arrived we drove through the ever busy streets of Kolkata to the Hyatt. After some rest we left at
3pm to visit the Indian Botanic Gardens. We travelled through the streets of Kolkata and got a glimpse of the
busy city, a distant view of the Victoria Memorial, the Racecourse and the Fort Williams. We reached the gardens
and started off with a pair of Spotted Owlets, Yellow-footed Green Pigeons, White-throated and Stork-billed
Kingfishers, Jungle Babblers, and Bronze-winged Jacanas were the entertainers of the evening. The heat made us
turn back after a while and we returned to our hotel for a well deserved rest.
Day 2 Thursday 1st April
Our flight was delayed by an hour and so we arrived at Jorhat airport and as usual were received warmly by
Imran, Udit and Babajan. After an hour’s drive we reached the banks of the Brahmaputra to see that the rain
from the past week had damaged the road. The bus has to wait 500m away from the boat and all our bags had to
be carried across. We arrived on board to be welcomed by Kunal and his crew. A late lunch was served, and the
walk was abandoned due to an oncoming thunderstorm. In the evening we were introduced to the crew and the
staff of the ship and the running of the ship was explained to all. At night there was lightning and a heavy
downpour.
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
Tour Report
2 © Naturetrek July 10
Day 3 Friday 2nd April
We woke up early for the visit to the Gibbon Sanctuary. Even though we were sceptical about the weather, we
were spared any showers during the visit. We all trekked through the forest trail. At first we saw a few Rhesus
Macaques close to the forest office, we thereafter started following signs of the Hoolock Gibbons. We went off
road and went trekking deep inside the forest and came up to our first pair of apes. They sat on top of the
canopy and serenaded at top volume. They put on quite a show and we had great views. Then we spotted
something else climbing the trees in the distance - Pig-tailed macaques came into sight! This rare and elusive
animal kept moving through the foliage at times showing well. As we returned to the call of breakfast, a troop of
Capped Langurs came into view. The troop stayed around for a while until we decided to move on. A
sumptuous breakfast awaited us at the resthouse area.
After some chow we went back to walking on the main trail. Several pretty butterflies kept us all occupied for a
while until a pair of male gibbons showed up close to the path. They kept croaking and then decided to jump
from canopy to canopy to cross the path. Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds, Drongo Cuckoos, and Black-naped Monarchs
were some of the birds we saw on the walk.
At 11am we decided to return by the bus which picked us up at the end of the walk. We then drove back to
Neemati. On the way we stopped at the large marsh close to the Ghat. Some of the birds seen at the drying
marsh were Spot-billed Ducks, Lesser Adjutants, Spot-billed Pelicans, Glossy Ibis and several Purple Moorhens.
On our return we set sail for Majuli Island. The sailing was not long so we decided to have a short walk around
the small hamlet, seeing Asian Barred Owlet, Indian Roller, Green Bee-eaters and Grey-backed Shrikes.
Day 4 Saturday 3rd April
We woke up to a clear breezy morning, but it poured again at 6am, and then we had a very cheerful and sunny
breakfast on board Sukapha. After some of us had seen our first two dolphins we all geared up for our morning
excursions. As we boarded the sky turned very grim and dark. We arrived at the Kamalabari Ghat, and Apurba
our man from Majuli, greeted us on the sandy banks. After we boarded the waiting cars, the skies opened up. We
drove through wet village roads and as we reached our first stop at Sakoli Bheel where we planned some birding,
the sky cleared up and the sun came out. Beautiful Pheasant-tailed Jacanas in breeding plumage walked through
the marsh. Striated Grassbirds, Grey-backed Shrikes, Spot-billed Pelicans, Osprey, Lesser Adjutants, and
Ferruginous Pochards were all there for us to see. A small canoe had two Pieds and one Common Kingfisher
sitting on one corner.
We moved on to the first Monastery. The elder Monks were still in prayer when we arrived at the Auniati
Monastery. We then walked around the Monastery and visited the Monastery’s Museum. As we waited for
everyone to come out of the museum a Crimson Sunbird duo paid a visit to the adjoining flowering tree. Fights
broke out when the third one decided to make a visit. These little gems of the forest gave brilliant views before
they vanished from the area. We then boarded our vehicles and headed for the Uttar Kamalabari Chatra
(Monastery). On the way we stopped for a few minutes to see a Grey-headed Fish Eagle which sat on a large Silk
Cotton Tree giving great views; we also spotted a tree full of roosting Flying Foxes.
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
Tour Report
© Naturetrek July 10 3
We arrived at the monastery and were ushered in to the ‘namghar’ or prayer hall. The 9 young monks were
waiting dressed up for the performance. The cymbals, the chanting, the dancing and the drumming kept
everybody mesmerised. Afterwards we thanked the monks, and walked around the monastery and met the head
Monk of the monastery. He had many blessings to offer and some homemade sweets to distribute. We thereafter
headed back to Sukapha.
In the afternoon we sailed towards Bokaduar the Mishing village. We arrived by the banks of the village in the
late afternoon. After we had moored, some of us went for stroll in the village fields. Some common birds like
White-throated Kingfisher, Black-hooded Orioles, and Asian Barred Owlets were seen before we retired for the
night.
Day 5 Sunday 4th April
We woke up amidst the voices of the little kids who had come to visit us from Mishing village. It was Sunday, so
as we got off Sukapha to see the village, a large entourage followed us into the village. The mishing women
gathered to get a glimpse of us, and some came up to greet us into the village. Udit led the team into people’s
homes and showed us around. Hand woven wraps were brought for sale. Vibrant colours of the wraps (Mekhola
Chador) attracted everybody’s attention. We strolled through the village and a demonstration was given by Udit
and Imran on how to grind masala and how to de-husk rice. After an hour we slowly walked out of the village
into the paddyfield and thereafter onto Sukapha.
In the afternoon we started to sail westwards towards Dhansirimukh towards Kaziranga. In the late afternoon as
we approached the forest areas we spotted two elephants feeding on the edge of the river. We quickly got on the
country boat to have a closer look at the pachyderms. The elephants paid no heed at our approach and kept
feeding at the waters edge. After many photographs we came on board and then went for a stroll on the
sandbank. Today was Indra’s birthday and that was celebrated with lot of gusto on the beach.
Day 6 Monday 5th April
We were off after breakfast onto the country boat. After sailing upstream for 20 minutes we reached the sand
banks where our jeeps were waiting. As we got off our waiting drivers showed the pugmarks of a Tiger which
had walked along the edge of the water. After driving for fifteen minutes we reached the Park Rangers office.
Paper work was sorted while we waited and looked at some birds. Due to heavy rains in the past few weeks the
route was only half open for tourists. We saw our first Rhino within a few minutes. We stopped along the Sohola
Bheel (Lake) seeing Greater Adjutants, Black-necked Storks, and several raptors like the Grey-headed and Pallas’
Fish Eagle. We even witnessed a fight between a Black-necked Stork and an Adjutant over a snake. We drove
on until Rangamatia Camp and then returned on the same track. We even saw a pair of Great Hornbills on the
return trip.
We then drove back to the sand bank to board the country boat. As we sailed on, we again saw two bull
elephants grazing close to the shore. So we came up close to the animals for some great pictures. We then
boarded Sukapha and sailed down south towards Silghat.
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
Tour Report
4 © Naturetrek July 10
Day 7 Tuesday 6th April
Today due to some ministerial visit we decided to forgo the elephant ride and instead go for a Jeep Safari at the
Central Range. The ride took us through this magnificent park across the vast grasslands and woodlands dotted
with herbivores like Rhinos, Buffaloes, Hog and Swamp Deer and at times Elephants. Our ride produced many
birds like Fish Eagles, Spot-billed Pelicans, Oriental Pied Hornbills, Asian Barred Owlet, Blossom-headed
Parakeets and many others.
After our 4 hour ride we headed back to the gate and boarded our waiting buses to visit a nearby lodge for some
lunch. After some lunch and beer we were invited to take a look at an elephant washing session on the narrow
channel bordering the camp. We thereafter returned to Sukapha. Afternoon on the deck produced some great
views of Gangetic Dolphins fishing close to the ship against a golden Sunset. In the evening Sukapha organised a
Bihu Dance program on the sandy beach for the guests.
Day 8 Wednesday 7th April
We had an early start and an hour’s drive to the park. An Elephant ride was the only thing on our minds. As we
reached the gates we waited to be let in. And we then drove to where the parks elephants were all queuing up for
us to get on. We rode the awaiting elephants through the newly born green grass. We flushed a Bengal Florican
which flew over us and settled in a ditch. We saw several Rhinos, Swamp Deer and Hog Deer at close range
from the ride, along with Rufous-winged Bush Larks, Swamp Francolins, Adjutants etc.
After the one hour ride we drove to the Western (Bagori) Range for our morning safari. We arrived at the gates
where our jeeps and breakfast awaited us. We rode through the grasslands and wetlands of the western range,
and we came across a few more Rhinos and Buffaloes. Then we spotted a Chinese Pond Heron; a very rare bird
for India. The bird stood at a distance in full breeding plumage, which made it stand out in the grass. We moved
on to see more birds and animals.
On our return some of us went to shop for some garden fresh tea leaves while the rest returned to Sukapha. We
set sail after lunch for our next stop Tezpur. On arrival at Tezpur we still had daylight hours, so an impromptu
trip to a local temple was organised which most participated in.
Day 9 Thursday 8th April
Today we had a different activity in mind. We drove for an hour to reach the Nameri Tiger Reserve. An eco
camp based on the boundaries of the reserve had prepared some breakfast for us which we ate while Oriental
Hobbies and Red-breasted Parakeets flew above the camp every few minutes. We then drove for another half
hour to the edge of the Jia Bhoreli River. Our rubber dinghies were waiting for us with their paddlers. We were
going rafting. After donning the life jackets we all got onto the dinghies and started floating downstream. We saw
Crested Kingfishers, Thick-knees, River Lapwings, Small Pratincoles, River Terns and several other birds while
on the raft. After about two hours of floating and negotiating some small rapids, we reached the river bank
where we got off. We went back to the eco camp for the use of the facilities and went to visit the conservation
centre for Pygmy Hogs. After we had seen the strange guinea pig like animals, we came across Dr Parag Deka.
He gave us an impromptu talk on the conservation program of these miniature pigs.
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
Tour Report
© Naturetrek July 10 5
We then drove back to Sukapha and sailed downstream towards Orang Tiger Reserve. After 4 hours of sailing
we anchored on a sand bank. Few of us then took the country boat to a nearby island village. There was a small
population living on this island. Their makeshift grass houses were fascinating to see. There was a lot of rice and
chillies being grown on the fertile silt. We walked along the edge of the reed bed and spotted the White-tailed
Stonechats, Pipits, Swamp Prinia, Oriental Skylarks etc. We tried for the Short-eared Owls but they seemed to
have moved elsewhere. We came back to the boat before dark.
Day 10 Friday 9th April
We arrived at the edge of the Orang National Park. The erosion had eaten up the banks so we put a plank from
the country boat on to the bank and boarded the waiting vehicles. We were greeted by a displaying Bengal
Florican which jumped up from the grass. We split our team in two and went in clock and anti-clockwise
directions. Some saw Rhinos, Finn’s Weavers, and Rufous-rumped Grassbirds; while others saw Brown Fish
Owls and Wild Boars.
We returned to Sukapha by lunchtime and sailed towards Ganesh Pahar. We made an afternoon visit to the very
pretty and idyllic village Sonoka, which is set in the backdrop of a small semicircular hill. The long settled Biharis
and Assamese people live here in peace and harmony. Udit led us through the village explaining their way of life
to us and showing us the unique assamese weaving in one of the homes. Another day came to a close with a
glorious sunset on the horizon.
Day 11 Saturday 10th April
Today was a day packed with culture. First visit was to an island temple of Umananda. This is also the place
where we see the cake eating Golden Langurs. After we had visited the temple, with a bit of looking around we
found them right behind the temple basking in the sun. Our next visit was to the most famous temple of Assam,
the Kamaksya Temple. We went up the stone steps and weaved our way around the devotees looking at the
structures, taking in the sights and sounds of the place. We also went inside the temple where devotees offer
their prayers.
We came back to Sukapha for some lunch and rest. Next we visited the even more infamous Gorchuk, the
garbage dump famous for the population of Greater Adjutant Storks. We drove along the highway to reach this
fantastic dump. Hundreds of storks sat around the dump along with few hundred Black Kites and Cattle Egrets.
Our next and final stop was at a local ethnic clothes shop which sells clothes made by the village women’s co-
operatives. Tonight we had the farewell dinner. We all got dressed up for it and amidst many photographs and
best wishes we thanked the whole Sukapha crew for looking after us so well during the cruise.
Day 12 Sunday 11th April
We wanted to add Sualkuchi to our itinerary this time. An hour’s drive took us to this silk village. Every
household here is a silk weaving centre. Various wraps and saries etc are being painstakingly woven over long
hours. We were also shown how the silk is extracted from the cocoon and how designs are created on the silk
wraps. We then visited a Mulberry plantation but we were not in the right season to see the cocoons.
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
Tour Report
6 © Naturetrek July 10
We returned to Sukapha for the last time and after lunch we sailed to the Pandu Ghat to make our connection
for the airport. We said our goodbyes to the crew of Sukapha and drove to the airport. We flew back to Kolkata
and headed once more for the Hyatt.
Day 13 Monday 12th April
End of main tour – beginning of extension to the Sunderbans
At 7am in the morning, Terry, Dallas, Peter, Suzanne, Jamie, Leslie, Tony and Ann left for the airport to catch
their UK flight home. Gerry and Roger stayed back in Kolkata for a city sojourn. While Indra, Barbara, Sue,
Jane and Colin and myself started for the second leg of the journey to the mangroves of the Sunderbans.
We drove through the narrow road leading to the Godkhali Ferry Ghat, dodging the maze of goats, geese and
three wheel indigenous vehicles. The Bidya River was very choppy so we did a quick embark and were off for an
hour’s journey to the ‘Sunderbans Jungle Camp’ situated on the Bali Island. As we walked into our camp we were
warmly greeted Mr Sambhu, the manager. We settled down and after lunch we set off for Sajnekhali, the Park
HQ for our permits. Our Camp Guide Proshanto arranged the permits and we sauntered off and climbed the
watchtower to see a few Spotted Deer and Rhesus Macaques to start with, and then we saw a few birds like
Bronze Drongos, Little Cormorants etc. As light faded we then headed back to camp
Day 14 Tuesday 13th April
The morning showed some cloudy weather. We did not have any rain but, the game of cloud and sunshine made
our day very enjoyable and not as hot as usual. We reached the watchtower at Sudhyanyakhali at 800hrs. Some
Spotted Deer came to drink from the manmade pond in front. After a few minutes wait, a small flock of
Orange-breasted Green Pigeons showed up - they are India’s prettiest pigeons. Mangrove Pittas called in the
distance, while Collared and Spotted Doves drank from the edge of the pond. We then started to move on.
Prashanto spotted in the distance the backs of two crocodiles. We slowly inched forward with our boat towards
the crocs. I expected them to go under after a few seconds but to our amazement they hung around and showed
themselves well. After a while they started to snap and charge towards each other at top speed. After a few
hundred pictures we left them at peace and moved on! The rest of the day was uneventful but we saw a majestic
White-bellied Sea Eagle flying very close to us.
The evening entertainment was a short folk play performed by the local boys and girls called ‘Bonobibi and
Dukhe Yatra’.
Day 15 Wednesday 14th April
We started with our usual timings; a 7am breakfast; and at 7:45am embarking the boat. We headed south through
the wide channel and entered the creeks. We got off at the Dobanki Watchtower for a few minutes. The tide was
very high at the time we were there. A herd of Chital Deer came up very close and as they came up to the water
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
Tour Report
© Naturetrek July 10 7
they were either wading through or jumping high to evade the water. They made great pictures as they flew in air
to evade the puddles.
We kept sailing on and at 1615 we arrived at the Sudhanyakhali watchtower to try our luck with a few more
birds. We all got on to the tower and scoured around to see what was happening. A few Orange-breasted Green
Pigeons flew around along with a few Collared Doves. A few more people (from our own camp) arrived at the
tower and in few seconds there was a flurry of excitement. A large male Tiger had arrived from the left side of
the pond! It came close to the embankment and quietly sat down with only its head showing. A deer was there
drinking water unaware of the tiger initially and moved around very casually - the excitement was at its peak and
heart pounding...we all waited for something to happen. The tiger kept turning its head towards the tower and
then slowly it lowered its head and became invisible. We meanwhile saw a Chestnut-capped Babbler close to the
tower and also managed to lure out a magnificent Mangrove Pitta, which came and sat on a bare tree opposite
us. As we all concentrated on the birds, I spotted a second Tiger on the right. This was female with its head
sticking out from the fringes; but she backed up and vanished and never returned. Meanwhile the first Tiger got
up and showed itself but to our dismay instead of coming up to the pond, it walked back into the bushes. As the
light had faded we also retreated with excitement at seeing two Mangrove Man-eaters in the wild!
Day 16 Thursday 15th April
Today was a very hot day. The sun beat down on us and not much was seen throughout the day except for some
Deer and Kingfishers. We came back to camp for lunch and a bit of rest. We headed for the Sudhanyakhali
Tower again. As all waited for the tiger to appear like yesterday, I kept an eye out for the Mangrove Pitta. I tried
to lure the Pittas to no avail. As the light failed, the Pittas became more vocal and then finally one appeared on a
distant tree, a second one flew across to join the first and we could see two through our bins. Then both came
out and flew on the ground very close to the tower. One even displayed to the other; what a sight it was. We
then headed back to camp.
Day 17 Friday 16th April
We decide to leave early for Kolkata. As we sat for breakfast, a bird came hopping into view in front of one of
the huts. It was an Indian Blue Robin. I was quite amazed to see this bird here. It was probably migrating from
southern India to the north east following the coastline. I guess it was a new record for Sunderbans. We
thereafter headed off for Kolkata and reached it after 4 hours, only to get the bad news of the Icelandic volcanic
ash which had stopped all flights in UK and Europe. We had to get all flights rescheduled....
Day 18 Saturday 17th April
We all went for a short city tour. Early morning we visited the flower markets on the banks of the Hoogly River.
We stopped at the bathing ghats where various activities were taking place including some mud wrestling! We
returned to the hotel for breakfast and went out again to visit the Jaon Temple and the Victoria Memorial. In the
afternoon we got the bad news of the rescheduled flights etc. Everybody eventually flew out and back home on
the 22nd April.
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
Tour Report
8 © Naturetrek July 10
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Typical village life – by Peter Laszlo Bihu Dance Performance – by Peter Laszlo
Swamp Deer (Basirangha) – by Peter Laszlo Asiatic Wild Buffalo – by Peter Laszlo
Tour Report India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension)
© Naturetrek July 10 1
Species List
Birds (h = heard only)
Common name Scientific name 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16
1 Black francolin Francolinus francolinus
2 Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis
3 Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus h
4 Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica
5 Greylag Goose Anser anser
6 Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
7 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
8 Gadwall Anas strepera
9 Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
10 Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
11 Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
12 Northern Pintail Anas acuta
13 Common Teal Anas crecca
14 Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca
15 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
16 Barred Button Quail Turnix suscicator
17 Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus
18 Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei
19 Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus
20 Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus
21 Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus
22 Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense
23 Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus
24 Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata
25 Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica
26 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
27 Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis
28 Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus
29 Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension) Tour Report
2 © Naturetrek July 10
Common name Scientific name 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16
30 Common Hoopoe Upupa epops
31 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
32 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
33 Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis
34 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
35 Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata
36 Collared Kingfisher Todirhampus chloris
37 Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris
38 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
39 Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
40 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti
41 Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius h
42 Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus h h
43 Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris
44 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea h
45 Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis L
46 Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
47 Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis
48 Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
49 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
50 Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata
51 Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri
52 Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
53 Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis
54 Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides
55 Spotted Owlet Athene brama
56 Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
57 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
58 Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica
59 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
60 Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
61 Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicincta
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension) Tour Report
© Naturetrek July 10 3
Common name Scientific name 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16
62 Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera
63 Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
64 Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis
65 White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
66 Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
67 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
68 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
69 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
70 Common Redshank Tringa totanus
71 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
72 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
73 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
74 Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
75 Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus
76 Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris
77 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
78 Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
79 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
80 Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
81 River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii
82 Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus
83 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
84 Small Pratincole Glareola lactea
85 Pallas's Gull Larus ichthyaetus
86 Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
87 River Tern Sterna aurantia
88 Osprey Pandion haliaetus
89 Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes
90 Oriental Honey-Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus
91 Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
92 Black Kite Milvus migrans
93 Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension) Tour Report
4 © Naturetrek July 10
Common name Scientific name 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16
94 Pallas's Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus
95 White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
96 Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
97 White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis
98 Slenderbilled Vulture Gyps tenuirostris
99 Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis
100 Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
101 Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
102 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
103 Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos L
104 Shikra Accipiter badius
105 Besra Sparrowhawk Accipiter virgatus
106 Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
107 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
108 Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus
109 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
110 Oriental Hobby Falco severus
111 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
112 Little Grebe Podiceps ruficollis
113 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
114 Darter Anhinga melanogaster
115 Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
116 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
117 Little Egret Egretta garzetta
118 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
119 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
120 Great Egret Casmerodius albus
121 Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia
122 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
123 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
124 Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus
125 Little Heron Butroides striatus
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Common name Scientific name 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16
126 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
127 Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis
128 Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
129 Black Stork Ciconia nigra
130 Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
131 Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
132 Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus
133 Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius
134 Mangrove Pitta Pitta megarhyncha
135 Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach tricolor
136 Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus
137 Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda
138 Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae
139 House Crow Corvus splendens
140 Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
141 Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus
142 Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
143 Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
144 Rosy Minivet Pericrocotus roseus
145 Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
146 Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
147 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
148 Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
149 Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
150 Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
151 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia h
152 Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis
153 Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula parva
154 Pale-chinned Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys
155 Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis
156 Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea
157 White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus h
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Common name Scientific name 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16
158 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
159 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata
160 White-tailed Stonechat Saxicola leucura
161 Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnus malabaricus
162 Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra
163 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
164 Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus
165 Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus
166 White-vented Myna Acridotheres grandis
167 Northern Hill Myna Gracula religiosa
168 Great Tit Parus major
169 Sand Martin Riparia riparia
170 Plain Martin Riparia paludicola
171 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
172 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus
173 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
174 Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus
175 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
176 Rufous-vented Prinia Prinia burnesii
177 Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris h
178 Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis
179 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata
180 Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus
181 Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum L
182 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius L
183 Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus
184 Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis
185 Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris L
186 Rufous-rumped Grassbird Graminicola bengalensis
187 Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis h
188 Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata
189 Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei
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Common name Scientific name 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16
190 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus
191 Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense
192 Rufous-winged Bushlark Mirafra assamica
193 Sand Lark Calandrella raytal L
194 Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
195 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthreptes singalensis
196 Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica
197 Purple-rumped Sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica
198 Loten's Sunbird Nectarinia lotenia
199 Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja
200 House Sparrow Passer domesticus
201 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
202 White Wagtail Motacilla alba
203 White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis
204 Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
205 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
206 Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi
207 Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus
208 Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
209 Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus
210 Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus
211 Finn's Weaver Ploceus megarhynchus
212 Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca
213 Little Bunting Emberzia pusilla
Mammals
1 Hoolock Gibbon Bunopithecus hoolock
2 Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta
3 Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca leonina
4 Golden Langur Trachypithecus geei
5 Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
6 Sambar Cervus unicolor
India - A Wildlife Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (plus Sunderbans extension) Tour Report
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Common name Scientific name 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16
7 Swamp deer Cervus duvaucelii
8 Indian Muntjac Muntiacus muntjak
9 Hog Deer Axis porcinus
10 Spotted Deer Axis axis
11 Asiatic Wild Buffalo Bubalus arnee
12 Wild Pig Sus scrofa
13 Asian Elephant Elephus maximus
14 Greater One-horned Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis
15 Tiger Panthera tigris
16 Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perpicillata
17 Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii
18 Malayan Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor
19 Five-striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennanti
20 Himalayan striped Squirrel Tamiops macclellandi
21 Hoary- bellied Himalayan Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythrus
22 Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus
23 Gangetic River Dolphin Platanista gangetica
Other taxa
1 Assam Roofed Turtle Kachuga sylhetensis
2 Bengal Eyed Turtle Morenia ocellata
3 Water Monitor Varanus salvator
Butterflies
Common Birdwing Troides helena Straight Pierrot Caleta roxus Leopard Lacewing Cethosia cyane Colour Sergent Athyma nefte Dingy Sailor Staff Sergent Athyma selenophora Archduke Lexias paradalis Great Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina