GREBES
1. Little Grebe (Tachybaptus
ruficollis) [100]
All were at the west end of Phewa Tal near Pokhara.
CORMORANTS & DARTERS
2. Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
carbo) [58]
(Large Cormorant) One was at the Bangkok airport, while most were seen
as flyovers at Fishtail Lodge. Several were at Chitwan NP and two were
on the drive back to Kathmandu.
3. Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)
[2]
(Darter) One at each of the two lakes we took a jeep to at Chitwan NP.
WATERFOWL
4. Lesser Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna
javanica) [25]
(Lesser Whistling Teal) All were at the first lake we jeeped to at
Chitwan NP.
5. Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea)
[109]
All were in the Narayani River at Chitwan NP, mostly as scattered pairs,
but with one flock of 40-50 birds.
6. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) [1]
Seen with the Lesser Whistling-Ducks at the lake at Chitwan NP.
7. Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)
[1]
On the Narayani River with Ruddy Shelducks.
HERONS
8. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
[441]
Common throughout, from the
elevation of Kathmandu and lower.
9. Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia)
[229]
Common around Pokhara,
both at Fishtail Lodge and nearby rice fields, and at Chitwan NP.
10. Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
[4]
First seen at the overlook at
Temple Tiger Lodge, all were at Chitwan NP.
11. Great Egret (Ardea alba) [17]
(Large Egret) Four flew over the hotel
in Bangkok. Most others were in the Pokhara area, with a few at Chitwan
NP.
12. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
[14]
Two were near Phewa Tal and 12 were
near Begnas Tal, near Pokhara.
13. Indian Pond-Heron (Ardeola grayii)
[181]
(Pond Heron) Very common
around Pokhara, including Fishtail Lodge, and at Chitwan NP.
14. Chinese Pond-Heron (Ardeola bacchus)
[1]
An immature seen at the Rama
Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. Does not occur in Nepal.
15. Striated Heron (Butorides striatus)
[2]
(Little Green Heron) Both
were at the pond at the overlook at Temple Tiger Lodge.
16. Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
[5]
One was over
Kathmandu and the others were at the pond behind Temple Tiger Lodge.
17. Cinnamon Bittern (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus)
[1]
(Chestnut Bittern) Seen
a couple of times at the pond behind Temple Tiger Lodge.
18. Black Bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis)
[1]
Seen our first afternoon,
and briefly the following morning, at the pond behind Temple Tiger
Lodge.
IBISES
19. Red-naped Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa)
[4]
(Black Ibis) All were seen
from elephant-back at Chitwan NP.
STORKS
20. Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans)
[6] PHOTO
(Open-billed Stork) Up to
four behind the Temple Tiger Lodge, but at a great distance. One seen
fairly close at the pond we jeeped to at Chitwan NP.
21. Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) [1]
Seen at a great distance along the
Narayani River at Chitwan NP.
22. Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)
[2]
(White-necked
Stork) Both were circling overhead near Mugling.
VULTURES, HAWKS &
EAGLES
23. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
[3]
Two were at Begnas Tal near Pokhara
and one was along the Narayani River at Chitwan NP.
24. Black (-eared) Kite (Milvus [lineatus]
migrans) [440]
(Dark Kite) Very numerous
over Kathmandu, over the Pokhara area, and along all the roads. This is
a split (sometimes not) from Black Kite.
25. Gray-headed Fish-Eagle (Ichtyophaga icthyaetus)
[3] PHOTO
All were at
Chitwan NP, including an unoccupied nest.
26. Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus)
[1] PHOTO
(Bearded Vulture) What appeared
to be an adult or sub-adult was seen well at the hilltop near Khare.
27. Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
[8] PHOTO
Five were in the Pokhara
area and three were along the road from Pokhara to Chitwan NP.
28. White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
[18]
(White-backed Vulture)
Most were in the Pokhara area, with a few along the highway to Chitwan
NP and to Kathmandu from there.
29. Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis)
[8] PHOTO
All were seen at the
hilltop near Khare, which included a couple of adults.
30. Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)
[1]
Seen well at the hilltop
near Khare.
31. Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)
[1]
(Black Vulture) An immature
seen high overhead southwest of Pokhara.
32. Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela)
[5]
One was heard on
Pulchowki Mtn., and the others were all at Chitwan NP.
33. Western Marsh-Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
[1]
A female flying
overhead at Pulchowki Mtn.
34. Shikra (Accipiter badius) [4]
One was at Shivapuri Reserve, one at
Khare, one at Chitwan NP, and one along the road to Kathmandu.
35. Besra (Accipiter virgatus) [1]
(Besra Sparrow Hawk) Seen high
overhead behind Fishtail Lodge.
36. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
[1]
Near Kasunda, just before
we headed into Chitwan NP.
37. White-eyed Buzzard (Butastur teesa)
[1]
(White-eyed Hawk) Seen flying
along the shore of the Narayani River from elephant-back at Chitwan NP.
38. Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) [2]
(Eurasian Buteo) One was at Begnas
Tal and the other was south of Pokhara.
39. Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)
[1]
(Long-legged Buteo) Circling
over the hilltop near Khare.
40. Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis)
[1]
Circling low over the hilltop
near Khare.
41. Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)
[12] PHOTO
Two immatures were at
Shivapuri Reserve. Most of the remainder were in the Pokhara area, and
most were immatures.
42. Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus)
[2]
Both were circling
together behind the Temple Tiger Lodge the first afternoon.
43. Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus nipalensis)
[1]
Seen briefly as it
took off from the ground ahead of us at Pulchowki Mtn.
FALCONS
44. Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
[4]
Seen along roadsides near
Pokhara, Khare, and on the drive to Chitwan NP.
45. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
[3]
One flew over Fishtail Lodge,
one was along the road from Pokhara to Chitwan NP, and one was at
Chitwan.
FRANCOLINS, PARTRIDGES
& PHEASANTS
46. Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus)
[1]
(Black Partridge) Heard
only, from the overlook at Temple Tiger Lodge. This is the first time we
have encountered wild individuals of this species. We saw them in Hawaii
previously.
47. Hill Partridge (Arborophila torqueola)
[3]
Heard on Pulchowki Mtn.
and glimpsed at Nagarjung. Seen briefly at Khare.
48. Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
[12]
Seen only at Chitwan NP, where we
had good views. Much easier to see here than in Indonesia.
49. Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos)
[4]
Two seen on Pulchowki Mtn.
and two seen in the forest behind Fishtail Lodge. This is the first time
we have seen wild individuals of this species. We had seen them in
Hawaii previously.
50. Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
[16]
(Common Peafowl) Seen and heard
fairly frequently at Chitwan NP. Only a couple of full-plumaged males
seen well, including one perched low in a tree.
RAILS
51. Brown Crake (Amaurornis akool)
[4]
All were seen at the pond at the
overlook behind Temple Tiger Lodge. On only one occasion were they
easily visible and walking around in the open.
52. White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)
[5]
Most were fairly
easily seen at the pond at the overlook behind Temple Tiger Lodge. One
was at the lake we went to by jeep.
53. Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
[7]
(Purple Gallinule) All were
in one flock, when apparently something flushed them into view from the
cattails to a mudflat at the lake we went to by jeep at Chitwan NP.
54. Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) [50]
All were at the west end of Phewa
Tal near Pokhara.
JACANAS
55. Bronze-winged Jacana (Metopidius indicus)
[6]
All were on the lake we
went to by jeep at Chitwan NP. We had excellent views of a male and
female in the scope in the afternoon.
PAINTED-SNIPE
56. Greater Painted-Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis)
[12] PHOTO
Quite unexpected
near the dam at Begnas Tal, where they were walking around in the open
like "normal" shorebirds, not the skulkers they're known to
be. A total of 11 was counted here, and there may have been more. A
group of eight was approached closely and one photographed. One walked
out onto the mudflat at the lake we went to by jeep at Chitwan NP.
Without doubt our best views ever, since we only saw one flushing in The
Gambia previously.
SANDPIPERS
57. Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago
gallinago) [12]
(Fantail Snipe) All were on
the mudflat at the lake we went to by jeep at Chitwan NP.
58. Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)
[4]
All were on the mudflat at the
lake we went to by jeep at Chitwan NP, but only in the early morning. A
lifer for Nancy, and only Allen's second sighting.
59. Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus)
[1]
Seen on a gravel bar in the
Narayani River at Chitwan NP. A lifer for Nancy, and only Allen's second
sighting.
60. Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
[6]
All were along the Narayani
River at Chitwan NP.
61. Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
[8]
All were at the lake we went to
by jeep at Chitwan NP.
62. Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
[13]
Most were at the lake we went
to by jeep at Chitwan NP, but three were at the fish ponds at Begnas Tal
near Pokhara.
63. Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos)
[4]
All were along the Narayani
River at Chitwan NP.
64. Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii)
[4]
All were on a sand bar
along the Narayani River where we were stranded waiting for our ride
back to Kathmandu. At least two seemed to be very nearly in full
breeding plumage.
PRATINCOLES
65. Small Pratincole (Glareola lactea)
[21]
All were along the Narayani
River at Chitwan NP, with most seen on our boat trip to look for
Gharials. Their flight-style resembled American Golden-Plovers, or even
Least Terns a bit.
PLOVERS
66. Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
[3]
All were on sand bars in
the Narayani River at Chitwan NP. These were the first we've seen in
breeding plumage, since our life looks were just last November in Japan.
67. Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)
[13]
A few were around Pokhara
at various places, typically in rice paddies. Most were along the
Narayani River in Chitwan NP and along the sandy roads near the beaches
there.
PIGEONS & DOVES
68. Rock Dove (Columba livia)
[300]
(Blue Rock Pigeon) In towns and along
roadsides throughout. Had we been able to do our trek, we may have had
our best chance ever to see truly wild Rock Doves.
69. Ashy Wood-Pigeon (Columba pulchricollis)
[2]
Seen as high flyovers at
Shivapuri Reserve. Seen by Allen only.
70. Oriental Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia
orientalis) [6]
(Rufous Turtle-Dove) One seen well on Pulchowki Mtn. and the others seen briefly
at Chitwan NP.
71. Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)
[205]
Seen in Bangkok and in
most cities and along roads in Nepal. Very common at Chitwan NP.
72. Red Collared-Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica)
[2]
(Red Turtle-Dove) One seen
very well at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. Surprisingly scarce at
Chitwan NP, where we only saw one individual in flight.
73. Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
[2]
(Indian Ring Dove)
Two pale doves that landed in distant trees, and were scoped, at the
overlook at Temple Tiger Lodge were this species.
74. Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)
[14]
Commonly heard around Temple
Tiger Lodge, and several seen fairly well, though all were in flight.
75. Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata)
[3]
Seen at the Rama Gardens Hotel in
Bangkok. Does not occur in Nepal.
76. Orange-breasted Pigeon (Treron
bicincta) [18]
(Orange-breasted Green Pigeon) The common green pigeon at Chitwan NP. Seen well perched in
trees as well as in flight.
77. Pompadour Green-Pigeon (Treron
pompadora) [14]
(Gray-fronted Green Pigeon) Picked out of perched, mixed flocks with the previous species.
PARROTS
78. Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria)
[25]
(Large Parakeet)
Fairly commonly encountered at Chitwan NP, and we even learned their
calls which were loud and raucous, almost like a macaw.
79. Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
[70]
Appeared to be the
most common parakeet at Chitwan NP. Also seen flying overhead one
evening from the roof of our hotel in Kathmandu, and also along the road
on our drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu.
80. Slaty-headed Parakeet (Psittacula himalayana)
[7]
All were in one
flock in the forest behind Fishtail Lodge. They perched briefly in
nearby trees, allowing us good views.
81. Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula
cyanocephala) [60]
(Blossom-headed Parakeet) The first ones were as we neared Chitwan NP, and all the
remainder were inside the park. The bird currently known as
Blossom-headed Parakeet (P. roseata) apparently no longer occurs in
Nepal.
82. Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula
alexandri) [35]
(Rose-breasted Parakeet) Seen only at Chitwan NP, where they were fairly common and
sometimes easily distinguished in flight by their more honking calls. Much better
views than we had in Bali.
CUCKOOS
83. Large Hawk-Cuckoo (Cuculus sparverioides)
[5h]
Heard giving its
distinctive call at Pulchowki Mtn. and Nagarjung, but unfortunately not
seen.
84. Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Cuculus varius)
[8]
The common "brain-fever
bird" of Chitwan, where they were mostly heard giving their
distinctive call. We saw one calling from a tall bare tree.
85. Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus)
[2h]
(Small Cuckoo) Heard only,
at Shivapuri Reserve.
86. Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea)
[1]
(Koel Cuckoo) A male seen in
the dim morning light at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. Also heard
calling there all morning.
87. Green-billed Malkoha (Phaeniophaeus
tristis) [1]
(Large Green-billed Malkoha) Seen in a treetop while we were on elephant-back at Chitwan NP.
88. Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) [10]
(Large Coucal) Found only at
Chitwan NP, where we frequently saw them at dawn and dusk calling from
the tops of the elephant grass.
TYPICAL OWLS
89. Mountain Scops-Owl (Otus spilocephalus)
[1h]
(Spotted Scops-Owl) Heard
calling as it neared dark at Shivapuri Reserve.
90. Asian Barred Owlet (Glaucidium cuculoides)
[6]
(Barred Owlet) Seen
well during late afternoon at Fishtail Lodge, and heard at Begnas Tal
near Pokhara and at Temple Tiger Lodge.
91. Jungle Owlet (Glaucidium radiatum)
[4]
Heard at Temple Tiger Lodge,
and seen in the open forest and grassland at Chitwan NP.
92. Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) [1]
Pointed out to us by Hari at its day
roost in a large tree in Pokhara. Nancy's 3000th life bird.
93. Brown Hawk-Owl (Ninox scutulata)
[1h]
Heard every evening around
Temple Tiger Lodge, but never seen.
NIGHTJARS
94. Jungle Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus)
[1h]
Heard one evening from
Temple Tiger Lodge.
95. Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus
macrurus) [5]
(Long-tailed Nightjar) Heard mainly around Temple Tiger Lodge, but also heard out in
the grasslands as we returned late one afternoon/evening. The calls of
this form are quite different from those we heard on Flores, Indonesia.
TREESWIFTS
96. Crested Treeswift (Hemiprocne coronata)
[3]
(Crested Swift) Seen
flying from the overlook at Temple Tiger Lodge.
SWIFTS
97. Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus)
[1]
(Large White-rumped Swift)
Seen only over the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok.
98. House Swift (Apus nipalensis)
[320]
A few over Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Most were seen at various areas along the roads from Pokhara to Chitwan
and from Chitwan to Kathmandu.
KINGFISHERS
99. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
[14] PHOTO
(Eurasian Kingfisher) Several
were at Begnas Tal near Pokhara, and most were at Chitwan NP.
100. Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)
[8]
All were at
various locations around Temple Tiger Lodge and Chitwan NP.
101. White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon
smyrnensis) [37] PHOTO
(White-breasted Kingfisher) First seen at Fishtail Lodge, then in several areas around
Pokhara and Begnas Tal. Common along roadsides and especially common at
Chitwan NP. One was even at the Kathmandu airport as we stood on the
tarmac waiting for our Mt. Everest sightseeing flight to cancel.
102. Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
[6]
(Small Pied Kingfisher) One was
at Begnas Tal near Pokhara. All the others were at Chitwan NP.
BEE-EATERS
103. Blue-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis athertoni)
[1h]
Heard giving its
rasping call from a treetop at Chitwan NP. Unfortunately, our elephant
wasn't as maneuverable as it needed to be for birding at that moment and
we didn't see it!
104. Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis)
[13]
All were in the grasslands
at Chitwan NP.
105. Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus)
[1]
Seen along the river
on our drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu.
106. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaultii)
[136] PHOTO
One seen
distantly in the hills southwest of Pokhara. All others were at Chitwan
NP, through which they were apparently migrating. Fairly tame around
Temple Tiger Lodge.
ROLLERS
107. Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
[17]
The first was near
Pokhara and a couple of others were along the road to Chitwan and to
Kathmandu. All others were at Chitwan NP.
108. Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)
[1]
(Dark Roller) Seen briefly in
flight at the Godaveri Botanical Gardens.
HOOPOES
109. Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
[1] PHOTO
Seen briefly as it flew up and
landed on a tree stump ahead of us along the road at Chitwan NP.
HORNBILLS
110. Oriental Pied-Hornbill (Anthracoceros
albirostris) [30] PHOTO
(Pied Hornbill) Seen only in Sal forest at Chitwan NP on two different days
in two different flocks.
BARBETS
111. Great Barbet (Megalaima virens)
[10]
(Great Himalayan Barbet)
Several were heard at Pulchowki Mtn. and Nagarjung, but were at least
100 meters upslope from us. Two or three visited the gardens of Fishtail
Lodge and were easy to see.
112. Lineated Barbet (Megalaima lineata)
[8]
All were at Chitwan NP, and
most were heard. Only one was seen briefly.
113. Golden-throated Barbet (Megalaima franklinii)
[12]
Most were heard
on Pulchowki Mtn. A couple were at Nagarjung, with one glimpsed briefly
in a treetop. One was on the hill near Khare and one was heard at the
Kathmandu airport.
114. Blue-throated Barbet (Megalaima asiatica)
[4]
Two frequented the
gardens at Fishtail Lodge where we had excellent views. Others were
heard at Begnas Tal and at Chitwan NP. Allen's 3000th life bird.
115. Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima
haemacephala) [2]
(Crimson-breasted Barbet) Heard calling at Chitwan NP.
WRYNECK
116. Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
[3] PHOTO
The first one was in a small
bare tree near Begnas Tal and the others were in similar situations at
Chitwan NP.
WOODPECKERS
117. Speckled Piculet (Picumnus innominatus)
[1]
(Spotted Piculet)
Excellent views in a vine tangle near an open area at Nagarjung.
118. Gray-capped Woodpecker (Dendrocopos canicapillus)
[8]
(Gray-crowned Pygmy Woodpecker) This tiny woodpecker was seen only at Chitwan
NP.
119. Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos macei)
[10]
(Fulvous-breasted Pied
Woodpecker) One was seen well in the gardens at
Fishtail Lodge. All the others were seen at Chitwan NP.
120. Rufous-bellied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos hyperythrus)
[1]
(Rufous-bellied Sapsucker) Good view at Pulchowki Mtn.
121. RufousWoodpecker (Celeus brachyurus)
[2]
(Brown Woodpecker) Both
were seen together near Temple Tiger Lodge working on a termite nest
high in a tree in the Sal forest.
122. Greater Yellownape (Picus
flavinucha) [8]
(Large Yellow-naped Woodpecker) First seen in the forest near Fishtail Lodge and later seen
from the lodge grounds. A few were seen well at Chitwan NP.
123. Streak-throated Woodpecker (Picus
xanthopygaeus)
[5]
(Small Scaly-bellied Woodpecker) The first one flew right in front of us at the overlook
at Temple Tiger Lodge. The others were seen well in the Sal forest
nearby.
124. Gray-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
[3]
(Black-naped Woodpecker)
One seen briefly, but well, in the forest near Fishtail Lodge. Two were
seen well in the Sal forest at Chitwan NP.
125. Himalayan Flameback (Dinopium shorii)
[8]
(Three-toed Golden-backed Woodpecker) Flying around in noisy flocks in the Sal forest at
Temple Tiger Lodge.
126. Greater Flameback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus)
[2]
(Large Golden-backed Woodpecker) Seen around the buildings at Temple Tiger Lodge.
127. Great Slaty Woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus) [4]
All were
together in a loose group in the Sal forest near Temple Tiger Lodge.
FANTAILS
128. White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis)
[13]
(White-throated Fantail Flycatcher) All were around Temple Tiger Lodge and at Chitwan
NP, mostly located by its high-pitched "happy" song.
129. Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) [2]
Seen at the Rama Gardens Hotel
in Bangkok. Does not occur in Nepal.
DRONGOS
130. Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)
[75]
Common in open country
throughout. Even a few seen within the boundaries of Kathmandu.
131. Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus)
[2]
Seen well, in the same tree,
at the lower elevations of Pulchowki Mtn.
132. White-bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens)
[1]
Seen briefly by
Allen in the Sal forest near Temple Tiger Lodge.
133. Crow-billed Drongo (Dicrurus annectans)
[4]
Seen first around Temple
Tiger Lodge, then in Chitwan NP. Apparently an early-arriving summer
resident.
134. Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus)
[2]
(Little Bronzed Drongo) One was
heard in the forest behind Fishtail Lodge, and one was seen in the Sal
forest near Temple Tiger Lodge.
135. Hair-crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentotus)
[20]
Several frequented
the gardens and the forest behind Fishtail Lodge. A few were in the
Pokhara area, and several were at Chitwan NP.
136. Greater Racket-tailed
Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus) [3] PHOTO
(Large Racket-tailed Drongo) All were in
the Sal forest near Temple Tiger Lodge, where we had much better views
than we had in Bali. One bird perched in the open at eye-level, allowing
prolonged views and photos. Reminiscent of a Bird-of-Paradise.
MAGPIES, TREEPIES,
& CROWS
137. Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha)
[13]
(Red-billed Blue Magpie)
The first group of seven was seen well at Nagarjung, and the second
group of six was on the edge of the forest behind Fishtail Lodge. A very
elegant bird.
138. Green Magpie (Cissa chinensis)
[4]
Seen well on the edge of the
forest and in the gardens from Fishtail Lodge, as well as in the forest
behind the lodge. This was the most unexpected bonus bird of our
redirection to the Pokhara area. We thought the species occurred in
Nepal only in the Churia Hills of Chitwan NP.
139. Rufous Treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda)
[3] PHOTO
(Indian Tree Pie) Seen on
only one day at Chitwan NP. Good views.
140. Gray Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae)
[64]
(Himalayan Tree Pie) First
found in the forest near Fishtail Lodge, then found to be quite numerous
and conspicuous in the gardens of the lodge. Also seen at other places,
only in the Pokhara area, including at Khare and Begnas Tal.
141. House Crow (Corvus splendens)
[3,000] PHOTO
Very common around Kathmandu,
as we discovered when we watched everything coming in to roost from the
top of our hotel. Also in virtually every open area and along roadsides
throughout.
142. Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)
[33]
(Jungle Crow) Not as
common as we expected. One was at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. In
Nepal, occasional individuals were noted among flocks of House Crows but
mainly in rural areas, not in cities. Not in forest either as its
alternate name suggests.
IORAS
143. Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia)
[12]
One was at the Rama Gardens
Hotel in Bangkok. All others were around the Temple Tiger Lodge and
Chitwan NP.
OLD WORLD ORIOLES
144. Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis)
[1]
Seen only at the Rama Gardens
Hotel in Bangkok. A rare bird in Nepal.
145. Black-hooded Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus)
[12]
(Black-headed Oriole)
Found only at Chitwan NP and around Temple Tiger Lodge where it was
frequently heard and occasionally seen.
146. Maroon Oriole (Oriolus traillii)
[14]
Two juveniles were seen on
Pulchowki Mtn. All the rest were seen around Fishtail Lodge and in the
forest behind the lodge where it seemed surprisingly common. One even
came into the garden one morning.
CUCKOO-SHRIKES &
MINIVETS
147. Large Cuckoo-Shrike (Coracina macei)
[2]
Seen in a small tree from
the jeep in Chitwan NP.
148. Rosy Minivet (Pericrocotus roseus)
[10]
A single flock moved through
the treetops at Temple Tiger Lodge briefly one afternoon. Possibly
migrants.
149. Long-tailed Minivet (Pericrocotus ethologus)
[3]
Seen near the top
of the hill near Khare on our walk with Hari.
150. Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus)
[32]
Two were at the
Godaveri Botanical Gardens, and all the rest were around Temple Tiger
Lodge and Chitwan NP where there appeared to be small migrating flocks.
151. Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike (Hemipus
picatus) [1]
(Pied Wood-Shrike) Seen briefly in shrubbery along a bluff near Temple Tiger Lodge.
LEAFBIRDS
152. Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons)
[2]
One heard, then
one seen briefly in the treetops, right over our cabin at Temple Tiger
Lodge.
153. Orange-bellied Leafbird (Chloropsis hardwickii)
[2h]
Heard only in
the forest behind Fishtail Lodge, and subsequently from the lodge as
well.
SHRIKES
154. Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)
[1]
Seen sitting on a wire by Allen
near Gaindakut on our drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu.
155. Bay-backed Shrike (Lanius vittatus)
[1]
Seen in undergrowth on the
edge of the forest behind Fishtail Lodge.
156. Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach)
[22]
(Black-headed Shrike) About
equal numbers around Pokhara, Chitwan NP, and the drive to Chitwan.
THRUSHES
157. Blue Whistling-Thrush (Myiophonus caeruleus)
[11]
(Whistling Thrush)
Most were in the forest behind Fishtail Lodge, where it seemed
surprisingly common. Also found on the hill near Khare, and one flew
across the road on our drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu.
158. Scaly Thrush (Zoothera dauma)
[9]
(Speckled Mountain Thrush) Two
were at Nagarjung and the rest were in the forest behind Fishtail Lodge,
and appeared to be flocking as migrants.
159. Gray-winged Blackbird (Turdus boulboul)
[2]
Both were together in
the forest at Nagarjung.
160. Chestnut Thrush (Turdus rubrocanus)
[1]
(Gray-headed Thrush) Seen as
it flew up from the road, then perched motionless in a tree for good
views at Nagarjung. The illustration in the Nepal field guide doesn't
show the race (gouldii) that occurs in Nepal, which has a very dark gray
head and neck, contrasting little with the chestnut body.
161. Dark-throated Thrush (Turdus
ruficollis) [3]
(Black/Red-throated Thrush) One immature female was studied at the Godaveri Botanical
Gardens, and adult females were seen at Khare and at Fishtail Lodge. The
form that is most common in Nepal is apparently the black-throated form,
but we never saw an adult male.
STARLINGS & MYNAS
162. Spot-winged Starling (Saroglossa
spiloptera) [15]
(Spot-winged Stare) Seen during our first afternoon/evening walk at Chitwan NP,
where they were with hundreds of other starlings and mynas staging in
bare trees before going to roost in the elephant grass.
163. Chestnut-tailed Starling (Sturnus
malabaricus) [500]
(Gray-headed Myna) Common in the flowering trees on the road to the river
leading to Fishtail Lodge. Very common at Chitwan NP, but only seen in
the late afternoon when the starlings and mynas were staging in bare
trees.
164. White-cheeked Starling (Sturnus cineraceus)
[15]
Seen from the plane
in a tree adjacent to the runway at Narita airport in Tokyo. Does not
occur in Nepal.
165. Asian Pied Starling (Sturnus contra)
[1]
(Pied Myna) Seen briefly
along the road from Chitwan to Kathmandu near Gaindakut.
166. Black-collared Starling (Sturnus nigricollis)
[1]
A large,
attractive, black, white, and yellow starling seen only at the Rama
Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. Does not occur in Nepal.
167. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
[1,100]
Abundant virtually
everywhere in Bangkok and Nepal. This is the first time we've
encountered wild individuals of this species. We've seen them previously
in Australia where they've been introduced.
168. Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus)
[150]
First seen in Pokhara and
at Begnas Tal. A few were seen along the road from Pokhara to Chitwan.
Most were at Chitwan NP where they were most often in the starling and
myna flocks coming in to roost.
169. Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus)
[1,000]
First seen at Begnas Tal,
and a couple in Pokhara later. A few were along the road from Pokhara to
Chitwan. Most were at Chitwan NP, where it was the most abundant myna in
the flocks coming in to roost.
170. White-vented Myna (Acridotheres grandis)
[5]
Seen on wires along the
highway to and from the airport in Bangkok. Does not occur in Nepal.
171. Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa)
[4h]
(Talking Myna) Heard calling from
the treetops at Temple Tiger Lodge.
Myna sp. (Acridotheres sp.) [2,000]
There were so many mynas coming in to
roost each evening at Chitwan NP that we couldn't identify them all.
OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS
172. Dark-sided Flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica)
[1]
(Sooty or Siberian Flycatcher)
Seen well in the gardens at Fishtail Lodge.
173. Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica)
[1]
(Brown Flycatcher) Seen well in scrub northwest of Phewa Tal near Pokhara.
174. Rusty-tailed Flycatcher (Muscicapa
ruficauda) [2] PHOTO
(Rufous-tailed Flycatcher) One was seen well in scrub on the outskirts of Pokhara and one
was seen very well at Temple Tiger Lodge.
175. Ferruginous Flycatcher (Muscicapa ferruginea)
[1]
Good views in the
garden at Fishtail Lodge.
176. Red-throated Flycatcher (Ficedula
parva) [2]
(Red-breasted Flycatcher) One was seen well in a brush pile on the outskirts of Fishtail
Lodge and the other was seen well in an open area near the dam at Begnas
Tal, both near Pokhara.
177. Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassina)
[6]
One was seen well on
Pulchowki Mtn. All others were on the hill near Khare west of Pokhara.
178. Small Niltava (Niltava macgregoriae)
[1]
Heard, and glimpsed very
briefly, in trailside brush on the hill near Khare.
179. Rufous-bellied Niltava (Niltava sundara)
[1]
(Beautiful Niltava)
Seen briefly, but well, in low shrubbery in the gardens at Fishtail
Lodge.
180. Tickell's Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis tickelliae)
[1]
A female seen at
close range at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. Apparently, the race
found in Thailand is different from the race in the Indian Subcontinent.
Females shown in the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent do not resemble
the bird we saw, but the plate in Ben King's Birds of Southeast Asia,
and the descriptive text are very convincing.
181. Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis)
[7]
(Gray-headed Flycatcher) A couple were around the gardens at Fishtail
Lodge. Several were on the hill near Khare.
ROBIN-CHATS
182. Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis)
[40]
(Robin Dayal)
Several on the grounds of the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok gave us good
looks (much better than the one we saw in Bali). Commonly encountered
throughout Nepal, with a few even in the center of Kathmandu.
183. White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)
[10]
(Shama) A few were
seen fairly well in the forest behind Fishtail Lodge. All others were
heard and glimpsed at Chitwan NP. This is the first time we've
encountered wild individuals of this species. We've seen them previously
in Hawaii.
184. Blue-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus
caeruleocephalus) [1]
(Blue-headed Redstart) Seen briefly on the hill near Khare.
185. Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis)
[2]
The one at the
Godaveri Botanical Gardens gave us good views, while one at Nagarjung
was less cooperative. Not shown well in Birds of Nepal, as this species
is a beautiful sky-blue above with peach-colored underparts.
186. White-capped Redstart (Chaimarrornis
leucocephalus) [1]
(White-capped River Chat) Seen in the river where we crossed the swinging bridge
from Pokhara into the forest behind Fishtail Lodge.
187. Plumbeous Redstart (Rhyacornis fuliginosus)
[1]
Seen in the river
near Pokhara with the previous species.
188. White-throated Bushchat (Saxicola
insignis) [8]
(Hodgson's Bush Chat) All were in the open areas around Begnas Tal, along with the
following three species. This species isn't supposed to be common
anywhere in Nepal, so it is likely these were migrants.
189. Common (Siberian) Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)
[25]
(Collared Bush Chat) One
was in a brushpile near Fishtail Lodge. There were at least ten at
Begnas Tal in the open areas. Most were in the grasslands at Chitwan NP.
190. White-tailed Stonechat (Saxicola
leucura) [6]
(White-tailed Bush Chat) We had to look at every stonechat carefully, and hope it either
flicked its tail open or flew to be identified as this species. We found
the first one in a rice paddy northwest of Phewa Tal. There were at
least two at Begnas Tal also. Others were at Chitwan NP.
191. Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata)
[20]
One was northwest of Phewa Tal.
There were 7-8 at Begnas Tal in the open areas with the other chats.
Most common in the grasslands at Chitwan NP.
192. Gray Bushchat (Saxicola ferrea)
[1]
(Dark-gray Bush Chat) Seen
singing in a tree at the summit of the hill near Khare. This is the only
case we noticed where the illustration in Birds of Nepal was better than
in Birds of the Indian Subcontinent, probably because the breeding
plumage is portrayed in the former and winter plumage in the latter.
NUTHATCHES
193. Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch
(Sitta castanea) [25]
Once we learned its
call, we found it to be very common in the Sal forest at Chitwan NP.
194. White-tailed Nuthatch (Sitta himalayensis)
[6]
Two were on Pulchowki
Mtn. and one was at Nagarjung. Three were on the hill near Khare.
195. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis)
[5]
A couple frequented
the forest near Fishtail Lodge and were easily seen from the grounds.
Three were seen in the Sal forest around Temple Tiger Lodge.
LONG-TAILED TITS
196. Black-throated Tit (Aegithalos concinnus)
[20]
(Red-headed Tit) All
were on Pulchowki Mtn., including at the summit.
SWALLOWS
197. Bank Swallow (Riparia
riparia) [15]
(Collared Sand Martin) A few near Khairani on the drive from Pokhara, and a few at
Chitwan NP were apparently migrants.
198. Plain Martin (Riparia paludicola)
[700]
(Sand Martin) First seen
over fields and rice paddies northwest of Phewa Tal. Also seen at Khare
and Begnas Tal in the Pokhara area. Common along the Narayani River at
Chitwan NP.
199. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
[175]
Common in open areas
throughout.
200. Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica)
[34]
Small migrating
flocks were encountered at Nagarjung, Pokhara, and Begnas Tal.
201. Asian Martin (Delichon dasypus)
[47]
(Eurasian House Martin)
Apparent migrants were found at Pokhara and along the roads from there
to Chitwan and from Chitwan to Kathmandu.
BULBULS
202. Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus
melanicterus) [10]
(Black-headed Yellow Bulbul) Seen well in low shrubbery at the overlook at Temple Tiger
Lodge and in the nearby Sal forest.
203. Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)
[10]
Seen in shrubbery and
elephant grass at Temple Tiger Lodge and Chitwan NP. This is the first
time we've encountered wild individuals of this species. We've seen them
previously in Florida.
204. Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)
[53] PHOTO
(White-cheeked Bulbul)
First heard at Shivapuri Reserve, where they were strangely elusive, and
seen well the next day on Pulchowki Mtn. where it was most common. Also
fairly common around Pokhara, including on the grounds of Fishtail
Lodge. A couple were seen at and near Chitwan NP, but this species is
much less common in the lowlands. Using Birds of Nepal, it would be easy
to mis-identify juvenile Red-whiskered Bulbuls as
"White-cheeked," or Himalayan Bulbuls, since the rendition of
this species isn't accurate, and the juvenile Red-whiskered isn't
illustrated.
205. Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)
[260] PHOTO
The only ones we found
above 2000 feet were five at Pulchowki Mtn. This species was very common
at Pokhara, along the roads, and particularly at Chitwan NP. This is the
first time we've encountered wild individuals of this species. We've
seen them previously in Hawaii.
206. Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus
goiaver) [1] PHOTO
Seen at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. This species does not
occur in Nepal.
207. Streak-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus blanfordi)
[20]
Seen at the Rama
Gardens Hotel, where they were apparently feeding recently-fledged young
(which were very confusing in appearance). This species does not occur
in Nepal.
208. Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala)
[2]
(Brown-eared Bulbul) Good looks in
the forest near Fishtail Lodge near Pokhara. This species is obviously
not the same Brown-eared Bulbul that we saw last November in Japan.
209. Mountain Bulbul (Hypsipetes
mcclellandii) [15]
(Rufous-bellied Bulbul) All were on the hill near Khare, where they were seen in
two noisy groups. They reminded us a little bit of Great Crested
Flycatchers.
210. Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus)
[12]
(Gray Bulbul) Two were
seen well at Nagarjung. Several were on the hill near Khare, and a
couple were at Chitwan NP.
WHITE-EYES
211. Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus)
[15]
(White-eye) Most
were on the grounds of Fishtail Lodge, but a couple were found near
Khare and a couple were found at Chitwan NP.
OLD WORLD WARBLERS
212. Hill Prinia (Prinia atrogularis)
[1]
(Black-throated Hill Prinia)
Seen singing from a distant shrub-top near Khare.
213. Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris)
[1]
Seen briefly by
Allen as it flushed in front of our jeep at Chitwan NP.
214. Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis)
[10]
Seen repeatedly, but always briefly, flushing out of
the elephant grass at Chitwan NP.
215. Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata)
[1]
Seen briefly, but well, by Allen
at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok.
216. Chestnut-headed Tesia (Tesia
castaneocoronata) [1h]
(Chestnut-headed Ground Warbler) Heard giving its distinctive song and calls at
Shivapuri Reserve.
217. Aberrant Bush-Warbler (Cettia flavolivacea)
[3]
One was in a small,
isolated shrub in an open area at Begnas Tal, and the other two were at
Chitwan NP. Apparently this is the aberrant member of the group because
it actually has a tinge of color (yellow) and is not too difficult to
see!
218. Gray-sided Bush-Warbler (Cettia
brunnifrons) [6]
(Rufous-capped Bush Warbler) Seen, and mostly heard, only at Shivapuri Reserve.
219. Blyth's Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum)
[1]
Seen twice briefly
by Allen in a brush pile we could see over the wall of Fishtail Lodge.
220. Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius)
[34]
(Tailor Bird) Common
around Fishtail Lodge, where they were extremely confiding. Also common
in most other areas around Pokhara. A few were found at Chitwan NP, and
there was one at the Kathmandu airport on our last day.
221. Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
[3]
(Brown Leaf Warbler)
Two were at Godaveri Botanical Gardens and one was on the grounds of
Fishtail Lodge.
222. Tickell's Leaf-Warbler (Phylloscopus affinis)
[12]
One of the easier
species of Phylloscopus to identify due to its buffy-yellow coloration.
Seen on Pulchowki Mtn., Godaveri Botanical Gardens, Nagarjung, and Khare.
223. Buff-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus
pulcher) [9]
(Orange-barred Leaf Warbler) Another fairly easy one to ID, with its distinct broad buffy
wing bar and yellowish underparts. Seen at Pulchowki Mtn., Godaveri
Botanical Gardens, and Nagarjung.
224. Ashy-throated Warbler (Phylloscopus
maculipennis) [11]
(Gray-faced Leaf Warbler) This species has a distinct gray throat contrasting with
yellowish breast and belly. Seen at Shivapuri Reserve, Pulchowki Mtn.,
Godaveri Botanical Gardens, and Nagarjung.
225. Lemon-rumped Warbler (Phylloscopus
proregulus) [2]
(Yellow-rumped Leaf Warbler) This species has the brightest yellow rump of any of the more
boldly marked Phylloscopus occurring in Nepal. One was seen at Shivapuri
Reserve and the other was at Chitwan NP.
226. Inornate Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)
[10]
(Plain Leaf Warbler)
An unfairly-named species, not because it isn't nondescript, but because
there are many others in the genus that are equally deserving of the
name. Seen at Godaveri Botanical Gardens, Nagarjung, and Chitwan NP.
227. Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus
trochiloides) [30]
(Dull Green Leaf Warbler) First seen at Fishtail Lodge, and common all around Pokhara
where, in fact, it was the most common of its genus. Also common at
Chitwan NP. This species seems poorly named, as it is much more grayish
than several other more greenish Phylloscopus.
228. Large-billed Leaf-Warbler (Phylloscopus magnirostris)
[1]
We got a
good look at the largish bill with pale lower mandible that helps
identify this species. It was found in the Sal forest near Temple Tiger
Lodge.
229. Western Crowned Warbler (Phylloscopus occipitalis)
[23]
(Large Crowned Leaf Warbler) Once we learned its song, we realized it was
quite common on Pulchowki Mtn. A few were also at Nagarjung.
230. Eastern Crowned Warbler (Phylloscopus coronatus)
[1]
A fairly
well-marked and well-seen individual at the Rama Gardens Hotel in
Bangkok. This species does not occur in Nepal.
231. Blyth's Leaf-Warbler (Phylloscopus
reguloides) [6]
(Crowned Leaf Warbler) When they provided the opportunity, their dark bar between
the two whitish wing bars, allowed fairly certain identification. Seen
at the Godaveri Botanical Gardens, Nagarjung, and Chitwan NP.
Leaf-Warbler sp. (Phylloscopus sp.) [500+]
Clearly there was a significant migration of
this Genus through the Kathmandu Valley and other lowland areas. Most of
the birds we saw were either too high in the trees, were moving too fast
with flicking wings, kept hiding behind leaves and branches, or all
three.
232. Golden-spectacled Warbler (Seicercus
burkii) [1]
(Yellow-eyed Warbler) Seen well in the forest near Fishtail Lodge.
233. Gray-hooded Warbler (Seicercus
xanthoschistus) [7]
(Gray-headed Warbler) Allen saw the first one at Shivapuri Reserve. There were
two on Pulchowki Mtn. the next day, and four were found on the hill near
Khare.
234. Gray-cheeked Warbler (Seicercus poliogenys)
[1]
Seen well on
Pulchowki Mtn.
235. Chestnut-crowned Warbler (Seicercus castaniceps)
[1]
Seen well on
Pulchowki Mtn.
236. Black-faced Warbler (Abroscopus schisticeps)
[1]
Seen well on
Pulchowki Mtn. as it flew out, tyrannid-like, from a low bare shrub.
237. Yellow-bellied Warbler (Abroscopus superciliaris)
[10]
We had good
views of one near the top of Pulchowki Mtn. This species is distinctive
with its whitish throat and yellow breast and belly. Once we learned the
call by watching this one singing, we located several more. Not supposed
to be this common on Pulchowki, so they were probably migrants.
BABBLERS
238. White-throated Laughingthrush
(Garrulax albogularis) [35]
The most
common laughingthrush on Pulchowki Mtn. Two different, noisy flocks were
located.
239. White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus)
[17]
A
substantial flock was seen well at Nagarjung, and a pair was seen on the
hill near Khare.
240. Striated Laughingthrush (Garrulax striatus)
[3]
All were on the
lower slopes of Pulchowki Mtn., where they were quite vocal early in the
morning, calling visibly from the treetops.
241. Gray-sided Laughingthrush (Garrulax caerulatus)
[2]
Seen briefly by
Allen as they were skulking in the undergrowth on Pulchowki Mtn.
242. Streaked Laughingthrush (Garrulax lineatus)
[3]
One was creeping on
the ground in the undergrowth next to the road at Shivapuri Reserve,
just like the field guides say! Two others were in a rural garden at the
same place.
243. Puff-throated Babbler (Pellorneum ruficeps)
[13]
(Spotted Babbler)
Fairly common, but difficult to observe at first at Chitwan NP, as they
preferred feeding on the ground in thick undergrowth. The cheerful song
was only heard once.
244. Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler
(Pomatorhinus erythrogenys)
[4h]
Heard
duetting at Shivapuri Reserve and at Nagarjung.
245. Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler (Pnoepyga albiventer)
[4]
Heard calling
from the forest behind Fishtail Lodge.
246. Striped Tit-Babbler (Macronous
gularis) [1]
(Yellow-breasted Babbler) Seen well in the gardens just outside our cabin at Temple Tiger
Lodge.
247. Chestnut-capped Babbler (Timalia pileata)
[15]
(Red-capped Babbler) Fairly common in the grasslands and scrub at Chitwan NP.
248. Striated Babbler (Turdoides earlei)
[10]
Fairly frequently seen in
the grasslands at Chitwan NP.
249. Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striatus)
[8]
All were in one flock in a
shrubby area along the road at Chitwan NP.
250. White-browed Shrike-Babbler (Pteruthius flaviscapis)
[1]
(Red-winged Shrike Babbler) One heard giving a song like a White-eyed Vireo,
then the bird appeared briefly in a vine tangle, on Pulchowki Mtn.
251. Hoary-throated Barwing (Actinodura nipalensis)
[4]
(Hoary Barwing)
In trailside dense scrub on the hill near Khare.
252. Red-tailed Minla (Minla ignotincta)
[3]
Heard giving its distinctive
song on Pulchowki Mtn.
253. Rufous Sibia (Heterophasia capistrata)
[40]
(Black-capped Sibia)
Most were in several flocks on Pulchowki Mtn., but a few were also on
the hill near Khare.
254. Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis)
[7]
(Yellow-naped Yuhina) A
flock of four was on Pulchowki Mtn. and a flock of three was on the hill
near Khare.
255. White-bellied Yuhina (Yuhina zantholeuca)
[10]
Five were in one
flock at Nagarjung, and the rest were in two groups at Chitwan NP.
TITS
256. Great Tit (Parus major)
[20]
(Gray Tit) Fairly common at Fishtail
Lodge, near Khare, Begnas Tal, and at Chitwan NP.
257. Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus)
[19]
Most common on Pulchowki
Mtn. Also seen at Godaveri Botanical Gardens, Nagarjung, and the hill
near Khare.
258. Black-lored Tit (Parus xanthogenys)
[70] PHOTO
(Yellow-cheeked Tit) Common
in higher elevation forests, including all areas around Kathmandu, as
well as at Fishtail Lodge and surrounding forested areas.
259. Yellow-browed Tit (Parus modestus)
[3]
Seen in the only substantial
mixed-species flock we encountered on Pulchowki Mtn.
LARKS
260. Sand Lark (Calandrella raytal)
[15]
All were seen on the beaches of
the Narayani River at Chitwan NP.
OLD WORLD SPARROWS
261. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
[30]
A few with the abundant
Eurasian Tree Sparrows in Pokhara, Begnas Tal, and Kathmandu.
262. Russet Sparrow (Passer rutilans)
[3]
(Cinnamon Sparrow) Hanging
around with Eurasian Tree Sparrows among the buildings in the town of
Khare.
263. Plain-backed Sparrow (Passer flaveolus)
[10]
Mixed in with the
Eurasian Tree Sparrows at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. This
species does not occur in Nepal.
264. Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
[750]
(Tree Sparrow) Common
in all urban, rural, and open areas throughout.
MUNIAS
265. White-rumped Munia (Lonchura striata)
[1]
(Sharp-tailed Munia) Seen
in a brush pile just outside the wall at Fishtail Lodge.
266. Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)
[30]
(Spotted Munia) All
were in one flock in the grasslands of Chitwan NP.
WAGTAILS & PIPITS
267. Black-backed Wagtail (Motacilla lugens)
[40]
(Pied Wagtail) The only
birds we saw were of the Himalayan resident race alboides, which seemed
to be in breeding plumage, and which had all-black backs (not matching
any illustration in Birds of Nepal, however, but matching that in Birds
of the Indian Subcontinent). It is our assumption that this race has
been assigned to Black-backed Wagtail in the recent split, and not to
White or Pied Wagtail of farther west. A good number were seen at the
fish ponds at Begnas Tal. Most were encountered at Chitwan NP.
268. White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla
madaraspatensis) [7] PHOTO
(Large Pied Wagtail) Two seemed to be building a nest on top of the
restaurant (out of view) at Fishtail Lodge. Also seen at Begnas Tal and
Chitwan NP.
269. Yellow-hooded Wagtail (Motacilla
citreola) [5]
(Yellow-headed or Citrine Wagtail) Most were at the fish ponds at Begnas Tal, some molting into
breeding plumage. One was at the lake at Chitwan NP. Sometimes known as
Citrine Wagtail.
270. Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
[8]
Most were at Fishtail Lodge and
Begnas Tal. One was at the lower end of the trail up the hill near Khare.
271. Richard's Pipit (Anthus richardi)
[1]
(Paddyfield Pipit) Seen in the
rice paddies northwest of Phewa Tal near Pokhara.
272. Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus)
[5]
Two were near Begnas Tal and
three were in rice paddies near Pokhara.
273. Blyth's Pipit (Anthus godlewskii)
[4]
All were in the rice paddies
at the northwest end of Phewa Tal near Pokhara.
274. Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni)
[16]
(Hodgson's Tree Pipit)
Most were in the park-like areas of the Godaveri Botanical Gardens. A
few were near the top of the hill near Khare.
275. Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus)
[3]
Still in winter plumage,
one was at Begnas Tal and two were in rice paddies southwest of Pokhara.
A lifer for Nancy and a much better look for Allen than he had in Japan
last November.
276. Rosy Pipit (Anthus roseatus)
[3]
(Rose-breasted Pipit) All were in
the rice paddies northwest of Phewa Tal near Pokhara, with one coming
into breeding plumage.
ACCENTORS
277. Rufous-breasted Accentor (Prunella strophiata)
[1]
Flushed into view
on top of a small shrub near the top of the hill near Khare. A very
cooperative bird.
FLOWERPECKERS
278. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker
(Dicaeum ignipectus) [24]
Most were on
Pulchowki Mtn. with a few at the Godaveri Botanical Gardens. Several
brilliant males were seen.
SUNBIRDS
279. Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis)
[4]
All were at the Rama
Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. This species does not occur in Nepal.
280. Purple Sunbird (Nectarinia asiatica)
[8]
All were seen at Chitwan
NP. Several males were very cooperative. The song sounds a lot like an
American Goldfinch.
281. Gould's Sunbird (Aethopyga gouldiae)
[1]
(Mrs. Gould's Sunbird) Seen
briefly but well on the hill near Khare.
282. Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis)
[2]
(Nepal Sunbird) A
male and female provided good views, and an opportunity to tape their
calls, at Pulchowki Mtn.
283. Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga
saturata) [3]
(Black-breasted Sunbird) A male and two females seen briefly near the top of the hill
near Khare.
284. Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
[2]
(Scarlet-breasted Sunbird)
A female seen well on Pulchowki Mtn. and a male seen briefly by Allen in
the gardens of Fishtail Lodge.
285. Fire-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga ignicauda)
[2]
A male and female seen
well on Pulchowki Mtn.
BUNTINGS
286. Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola)
[35]
A flock in a rice
paddy, planted with wheat, near Begnas Tal. Many individuals in the
flock appeared to be males very near full breeding plumage.
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