India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan

Naturetrek Tour Report 1 – 18 November 2015

Kaziranga by Gil Langfield Wildlife watching by Marilyn Bond

Mountain Scenes by Marilyn Bond Scene by Marilyn Bond

Report compiled by Sujan Chatterjee Images courtesy of Gil Langfield & Marilyn Bond

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

Tour Participants: Sujan Chatterjee (leader) and twelve Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Sunday 1st November

The tour started with a flight from the UK to India via Dubai

Day 2 Monday 2nd November

The overnight flight landed at Kolkata airport, India and group members transferred to a hotel in Kolkata.

Day 3 Tuesday 3rd November

Today the group flew from Kolkata to Paro. It was a smooth flight and a special treat was the view of the beautiful Kanchenjungha massif; the elegant peak standing with her head high over the clouds. We landed at a slightly overcast Paro where we met our Bhutanese cultural guide, Jatsho.

After dropping off our bags, we headed out for some birdwatching. We stopped along the Paro Chu (river) where we saw Hodgson’s Redstart, and Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstarts. We also spotted a lone Brown Dipper in the distance. As we were looking for more birds, two Ibisbills flew in and landed not too far away on the shingle beds. The pair gave us great views before moving on.

We then went for lunch, and afterwards visited Paro Dzong where we had close views of the redstarts and one more Brown Dipper. Several Red-billed Choughs were roosting in the monastery and gave us great views. We then drove to a spot from where we had great views of the Tiger Nest Monastery, precariously hanging from the mountain face. Here we had a short walk into a side lane and spotted some good birds including a flock of Gold- billed Magpie with long outlandish tails, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Rufous Sibia, Kestrel, Himalayan Buzzard and Oriental Turtle Dove. As the light started to fade we called it a day and returned to Kichu Resort for a well earned rest.

Day 4 Wednesday 4th November

Today we had an early start and headed to the Chele La pass. This is the highest motorable road in Bhutan and we drove for nearly two hours before stopping short of the top. We waited for the light and slowly birds started stir. We saw White-collared Blackbird and had a walk to look for Blood Pheasants. Although not seen, we did hear them. We also spotted Collared Grosbeak, and Blue-fronted Redstarts which came in to feed from bushes close to us. We continued on and spotted a pair of magnificent Himalayan Monals which gave us superb views. Moving on, we spotted flocks of Grey-crested, Coal and Rufous-vented Tits.

While having breakfast on the roadside we spotted a large flock of Plain Mountain Finch and Snow Pigeon. We then drove to the pass at 3,889 metres. The sky was clear but it was very windy. We continued on, driving down a bit towards Ha where we spotted a male Blood Pheasant up a tree. He gave us great views for long time. As we drove further down towards Ha we also spotted a Wallcreeper which gave us great views before he flew away. We stopped at Ha village for lunch and then headed back up the pass and returned to Paro at sundown.

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

Day 5 Thursday 5th November

We left Paro at 5am and headed for Dochula and Punakha. As we reached Thimpu it was already light and we spotted a Himalayan Buzzard perched in a dead tree. We stopped to look at it and also spotted a pair of Crested Kingfisher perched on a distant fence. We saw them through our telescopes, and then scanning around we found a pair of Ibisbill feeding in the Thimpu Chu. We also heard Black-tailed Crake.

We then drove to Dochula and had a cooked breakfast and some great coffee. After breakfast we headed to the Royal Botanical Park. Before reaching the park we stopped for a large flock of White-throated Laughingthrushes and a Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher. At the park we met a ranger friend of Sujan who accompanied us on a walking trail to look for birds. The weather became gloomy and fog rolled in, but we still managed to see Red- billed Leiothrix, Hoary-throated Barwing and Yuhina. At the end of the trail, as we stopped to see Chestnut- tailed Minla, we heard the distant call of the rare and very elusive Ward’s Trogon. We called to the bird and a magnificent female trogon came into view through the fog and we all had great views.

Next we headed to Punakha, en route stopping at Semtoka for lunch. In the afternoon we went to the Pho Chu to search for the very rare and endangered White-bellied Heron. We found a pair without any difficulty, fishing in the fast flowing waters. We also added Grey Treepie and Ruddy Shelduck to our bird list.

Day 6 Friday 6th November

Today we started at 5.30am with a drive towards Jigme Dorji National Park. As it started to get light we spotted a Tawny Fish Owl sitting on a roadside dead tree. What a great start! We stopped further on and found a pair of Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers. They gave us the most wonderful views and it was a struggle to get everyone back on the bus. Next we had a quick view of Spotted Forktail.

We continued for a while before stopping for breakfast; and the bird magic started. We started by spotting a Red-headed Trogon. We then located a cherry blossom tree in full bloom and this kept us occupied for a long time as Fulvettas, Yuhinas, tits, shrike babblers and sunbirds converged on the tree at one time. Next we saw Grey-chinned and Short-billed Minivets, Yellownapes and White-winged Grosbeaks. We also spotted Assam Macaques foraging on a tree. The whole morning was filled with amazing birding.

We then returned to Punakha for lunch, setting up our picnic at the most amazing location, overlooking the Dzong in the background and with Crested Kingfishers as our neighbours. After lunch it was time for some culture and Jatsho took us to visit the Dzong. After an hour we all came out enlightened. We then drove to the other side of the river and took a stroll too close to the King’s farm. We were promptly shooed off by the King’s Bermuda-clad security guard, but not before seeing Oriental White-eye.

Day 7 Saturday 7th November

Today was market day and locals were pouring in from all over to the market place. We had some time before we needed to leave so we visited the bustling and colorful market.

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India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

After visiting the market we set off. During our journey we stopped at a couple of places and additions to our bird listed included Darjeeling Woodpecker, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Black Bulbul and Speckled Piculet. Due to a road-widening project the going was slow. We stopped at Nobding for a cup of tea before finally arriving at the Phojika Valley. We counted about 23 rare and beautiful Black-necked Cranes on the valley floor before we checked into the fantastic Dewachen Hotel.

After a great lunch we walked down to the valley floor and had great views of a male Hen Harrier which was scouring the valley marsh. We also spotted dozens of Oriental Skylarks feeding on roadside grassy fields. We then drove to a tea shop to watch the cranes, from relative comfort as it was getting a bit chilly outside.

Day 8 Sunday 8th November

Today we had an early morning walk to the valley where a great sunrise greeted us. As the sun hit the mountain tops a few distant cranes started to call and fly around. Oriental Skylarks were twittering and feeding close to us.

After breakfast we left for Pele La. We had a walk down the old road and spotted a pair of Moupin’s Pika and a Muntjac Deer. Also a flock of White-browed Fulvetta and Dark-breasted Rosefinch fed close to us.

After lunch at Lobesa, we stopped for tea at Dochula and spotted Eurasian Jay and Speckled Wood Pigeon. On the way down before dark we spotted a bevy of 8 Kalij Pheasants, and then we arrived at Thimpu after sundown.

Day 9 Monday 9th November

We started today with a quick visit to the sewer treatment area where we spotted Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, sandpipers and River Lapwing.

After breakfast we checked out and set off to our next location. We started by trying to drive round the city but due to the 4th King’s impending 60th birthday, most of the city was shut down. We eventually managed to leave Thimpu and headed towards Phuntsholing, a border town with India. The journey took us through some stunning mountain scenery and along twisty roads. Except for being delayed for 45 minutes by an overturned lorry, the journey was uneventful.

Day 10 Tuesday 10th November

After breakfast we said goodbye to Jatsho and Sonam for making our stay in Bhutan so pleasurable, and headed for India. We had four vehicles waiting for us and after clearing immigration we drove through Jaigaon town and on to the highway. We drove through lush tea gardens and various wildlife sanctuaries, and stopped at Malbazar for tea before reaching the hills. The winding road then took us through cinqiona plantations and narrow village streets. We reached Darjeeling and the beautiful Elgin Hotel for a late lunch. Later we went for a walk around the Mall road for an introduction to Darjeeling.

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

Day 11 Wednesday 11th November

Some of us braved another early morning and walked up to the Mall at 5.30am. We were rewarded by the most glorious sunrise on the majestic Kanchejungha massif. The golden light hitting the snowy peaks made it magical.

After breakfast we went birding along the old military road. It was a very pleasant walk and we spotted Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Red-billed Leiothrix, and a very rare Broad-billed Warbler. We finished our walk at Senchal Lake; the reservoir which is the main supply of water for Darjeeling. We returned for lunch.

In the afternoon we visited the zoo to see the red pandas and added Fire-tailed Sunbird to our bird list. We finished the day with some tea tasting and tea shopping. Tonight was Diwali, and the valley was lit with lights and fireworks making it worth staying awake till late!

Day 12 Thursday 12th November

Today we visited Tiger Hill and got fabulous views of Kanchenjunga and the three mountains of Nepal: Makalu, Everest and Lohtse. What a sight it was! We walked down the track till 10am and bird sightings included Hoary- throated Barwing, Fire-tailed Sunbird and Ashy Drongo.

Next we headed to Darjeeling Station for the long-awaited ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The train chugged through the busy Hill Cart road and up to Ghoom Station with a stop at Batasia Loop. It was a great experience with the little ancient engine still going strong and steady on the queen of hills. After lunch we visited the Tibetan Refugee Centre, where we added Olive-backed Pipit and Grey Bushchat to our list.

Day 13 Friday 13th November

Today started with a quick walk around the Mall for some birding. With the majestic Kanchenjungha as our backdrop we saw Red-billed Leiothrix, Grey-hooded Warbler and Blue Whistling Thrush. The rest of the day was spent driving down to Bagdogra and then flying to Guwahati. We reached our next lodge at 10.30pm after a long day of travel.

Day 14 Saturday 14th November

An Elephant ride was arranged for us this morning. We drove to the riding area and then mounted our Elephants for an hour’s ride. We swayed along in single file and spotted quite a few muddy Rhinoceros in the grass along with large herds of Swamp Deer stags and several Hog Deer.

After breakfast at the lodge we went back to Kohora (central range), and to Bagori (western range) for an afternoon safari. We spotted 85 bird species ranging from tiny Rosy Pipits to the majestic Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and seven species of mammal. From Donga watchtower at Bagori we counted 53 Rhinoceros along with Buffaloes, large herds of Swamp Deer and innumerable Hog Deer. We stayed to see the beautiful sunset before returning to our lodge.

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India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

Day 15 Sunday 15th November

Today started with a sighting of Green Imperial Pigeon in the lodge garden. We then headed for the eastern zone of the Kaziranga - Agratoli Range. On the way, additions to our bird list included Oriental Honey Buzzard and Black-shouldered Kite. Before reaching the park we found huge flocks of Rose-ringed Parakeets feeding in the paddy fields. It was a mesmerizing sight as the green mass kept rising and landing in the field in unison.

Once at the park, the lake held large flocks of Lesser Whistling-ducks, and as a Pallas’s Fish Eagle kept harrying them, the flocks rose like swarms of bees. Our best treats of the morning were the rare Falcated Duck, and a group of Smooth-coated Otters swimming and performing synchronized fishing. Later we saw them again, this time rolling around on the ground and drying themselves. After lunch we headed back to the Kohora range, adding Swamp Francolin in the fading light.

Day 16 Monday 16th November

Today started with a drive and we spotted an Indian Flying Fox roost, and a Malayan Giant Squirrel. We then drove to a lookout point along the mighty Brahmaputra River to look for Gangetic Dolphin. We spotted our first one very quickly, and then realized there were more than four animals in the pod. They put up great show for us; breaching the surface, and a young one even jumped right out of the water, giving us a splendid view. As we headed back to base we found the highway blocked due to a political rally. We stopped at a tea shop before taking a detour through the tea garden tracks and back to our lodge via a different route.

After lunch we drove to the central range and found a large crowd, including security personnel, gathered along the highway. As we stopped, people from a nearby house pointed to a tree in their garden where we spotted a few Oriental Pied Hornbills. Meanwhile there appeared to be trouble with the crowd so we moved on. We took a track through a tea garden which gave us some splendid birds including a glorious Crimson Sunbird and a Little Spiderhunter. We had a walk and added Red-rumped Swallow, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and Black-crested Bulbul. We also had excellent views of a Blue-bearded Bee-eater in the tea garden. We then spotted a pair of Muntjac Deer peacefully foraging at the edge of the tea garden. Climbing a hill, we managed to locate a very cryptic Large-tailed Nightjar sitting in a bamboo grove.

Day 17 Tuesday 17th November

We set off early and returned to the same tea garden track to do some more birding. We started by spotting Puff- throated Babbler, White-rumped Munia, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Striped Tit-babbler and White-rumped Shama, all in a short span of time. We then walked on and added Olive-backed Pipit, Scarlet Minivet and Large Cuckooshrike. At the end of the walk we saw a Gold-fronted Leafbird before coming across a flock Little Spiderhunters mobbing something in a bush. We realized it was an Asian Barred Owlet. This bird had eluded us for days, so thank-you to the Little Spiderhunters. We returned to our lodge and later said goodbye to Kaziranga and flew back to Kolkata.

Day 18 Wednesday 18th November

The main tour finished with a flight back to the UK from Kolkata. Eight group members stayed on in India for the Sunderbans Extension, whilst others undertook private extensions.

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

Sunderbans Extension

Day 1 Wednesday 18th November

After saying goodbye to group members not continuing with the Sunderbans Extension, we continued with our adventure. We drove through narrow villages, past fish ponds, cauliflower fields, a pumpkin market and finally rice fields.

We reached Godkhali jetty after a three hour drive and our boat ‘Baba Nabeen’ was waiting for us. We left as soon as our luggage was loaded onto the boat and sailed via Gosaba village and Durga Duani canal. We soon spotted a flock of Pacific Golden Plovers and a few pairs of Pied Kingfishers. We reached Sunderbans Jungle Camp by lunchtime. We went to Sajnekhali for our permits and had a quick walk around the grounds finding a beautiful Black-hooded Oriole. After visiting the museum, we returned to camp.

Day 2 - 4 Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st November

The next three days were spent cruising through the creeks and channels of the Sanctuary; some wider than others. Birding highlights included Brown-winged, Black-capped, Collared, Common, Pied and White-breasted Kingfishers. These gems of Sunderbans never failed to turn our heads towards their brilliant presence. Peregrine Falcon, Changeable Hawk Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle and the elegant Brahminy Kite were also seen, and waders included Curlew, Whimbrel, Lesser Sand Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Redshank and even two Terek Sandpipers. We also found Water Monitors and several Saltwater Crocodiles. Beautiful Chital Deer, Wild Boar and Rhesus Macaques were there too. Some of the lesser creatures amazed us too: Mudskippers, Fiddler Crabs, and even a beautiful Spot-tailed Pit Viper. We were amazed by two very inquisitive Spotted Deer sniffing a huge Saltwater Crocodile basking on the mud which was very rare behavior.

Day 5 Sunday 22nd November

On our last day in India we added more birds while walking around in the village area, and we finished off our tour with intense retail therapy at Bali Market. It was then back to Kolkata airport for most to catch overnight flights back to the UK

Day 6 Monday 23rd November

After overnight flights, via Dubai, to Heathrow Airport, another Naturetrek adventure came to an end.

Thanks to all group members for making the tour smooth and enjoyable, and special thanks to Jatsho and Sonam in Bhutan, Palash and the drivers in Kaziranga, and all the staff and boat crew in Sunderbans.

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India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

Species Lists

Birds (= recorded but not counted; H = heard only) November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis   2 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo         3 Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger         4 Darter Anhinga melanogaster   5 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea   6 White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis  7 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea   8 Great Egret Ardea alba          9 Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia      10 Little Egret Egretta garzetta           11 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii           12 Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis          13 Striated Heron Butorides striata     14 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax   15 Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans     16 Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus    17 Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus    18 Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus       19 Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus   20 Red-naped Ibis Pseudibis papillosa  21 Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica   22 Greylag Goose Anser anser   23 Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus   24 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea      25 Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope   26 Falcated Duck Anas falcata  27 Gadwall Anas strepera    28 Common Teal Anas crecca   29 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 30 Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha    31 Northern Pintail Anas acuta   32 Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata  33 Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca  34 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula  35 Common Pochard Aythya ferina  36 Osprey Pandion haliaetus   37 Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus  38 Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus  39 Black Kite Milvus migrans    40 Brahminy Kite haliastur indus    41 White-bellied Sea Eagle haliaeetus leucogaster  42 Pallas's Fish Eagle haliaeetus leucoryphus   43 Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus   44 Himalayan Griffon Vulture Gyps himalayensis  45 Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela   46 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus cyaneus    47 Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus  48 Shikra Accipiter badius     49 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus    50 Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis  51 Himalayan Buzzard Buteo burmanicus        52 Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga   53 Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis  54 Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus    55 Mountain Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis      56 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus        57 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus      58 Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis H  59 Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola H H 60 Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus  61 Himalayan Monal Lopohophorusimpejanus 

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India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 62 Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus   H 63 Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos   64 Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis   65 White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus       66 Black-tailed Crake Amaurornis bicolor H 67 Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio  68 Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus    69 Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii    70 Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus  71 River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii     72 Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus       73 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus     74 Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva     75 Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus  76 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago  77 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus    78 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata   79 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus    80 Common Redshank Tringa totanus    81 Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis  82 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia   83 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus   84 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola  85 Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus  86 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos         87 Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii   88 Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus  89 River Tern Sterna aurantia   90 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida  91 Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota  92 Rock Dove Columba livia              93 Speckled Wood Pigeon Columba hodgsonii 

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 94 Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis              95 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto        96 Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica   97 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis             98 Barred Cuckoo-dove Macropygia unchall  99 Yellow-footed Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera      100 Wedge-tailed Pigeon Treron sphenura  101 Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea    102 Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria    103 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri         104 Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata    105 Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri  106 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea  107 Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis  108 Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis      109 Tawny Fish Owl Bubo flavipes  110 Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides  111 Spotted Owlet Athene brama H 112 Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus  113 Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris  114 Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis          115 Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus  116 Ward's Trogon Harpactes wardi  117 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis          118 Brown-winged Kingfisher Pelargopsis amauropterus  119 Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis    120 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis            121 Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata      122 Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris     123 Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris   124 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis     125 Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni   

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India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 126 Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis       127 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis      128 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops   129 Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris  130 Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis  131 Great Barbet Megalaima virens H 132 Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata     133 Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii  134 Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica  135 Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus  136 Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis  137 Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha   138 Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus  139 Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus    140 Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense   141 Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus   142 Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula   143 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica          144 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica  145 White Wagtail Motacilla alba               146 Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola     147 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava     148 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea     149 Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni   150 Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus  151 Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei  152 Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus H 153 Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris  154 Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus     155 Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris  156 Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus   157 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus      

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 158 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer              159 White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus  160 Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii  161 Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus  162 Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons  163 Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii  164 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia     165 Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii     166 Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata   167 Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris  168 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius  169 Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus               170 White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus  171 Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris H 172 Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis  173 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata  174 Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum   175 Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon  176 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius  H  177 Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus   178 Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis   179 Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis   180 Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus     181 Hume's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei  182 Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides  H    183 Green Warbler Phylloscopus nitidus  184 Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii  185 Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistus    186 Broad-billed Warbler Tickellia hodgsoni  187 Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris H  188 Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata   189 Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla    

6 © Naturetrek

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 190 Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina     191 Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara  192 Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis H   193 Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope H 194 Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis             195 White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus  H  196 Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni       197 Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis     198 White-capped Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus       199 Plumbeous Redstart Phoenicurus fuliginosus     200 Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus  201 Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura     202 Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea  203 Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha     204 White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis   H 205 Black-naped Monarch hypothymis azurea  206 White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulus albogularis   207 Striated Laughingthrush Garrulax striatus H  208 Spotted Laughingthrush Garrulax ocellatus H  209 Black-faced Laughingthrush Garrulax affinis   210 Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus    211 Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps   212 Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus erythrogenys  213 Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps  214 Striped Tit Babbler Macronous gularis  215 Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata H 216 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus    217 Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea     218 Black-eared Shrike Babbler Pteruthius melanotis  219 hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis   220 Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera  221 Chestnut-tailed Minla Minla strigula   

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 222 Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps   223 White-browed Fulvetta Alcippe vinipectus   224 Rufous Sibia heterophasia capistrata         225 Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis      226 Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta  227 Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis  228 Coal Tit Parus ater   229 Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus    230 Rufous-vented Tit Periparus rubidiventris  231 Grey-crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous   232 Cinereous Tit Parus cinerea    233 Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus            234 Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus  235 Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta castanea  236 White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis     237 Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria   238 Hodgson's Treecreeper Certhia hodgsoni  239 Brown-throated Treecreeper Certhia discolor  240 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis  241 Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica   242 Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus  243 Loten's Sunbird Cinnyris lotenia   244 Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis    245 Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata  246 Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja   247 Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda    248 Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra   249 Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus  250 Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum  251 Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus      252 Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus      253 Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus      

8 © Naturetrek

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 254 Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach     255 Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus        256 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus            257 Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus    258 Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus       259 Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus  260 Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus     261 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius  262 Gold-billed Magpie Urocissa flavirostris      H 263 Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda      264 Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae      265 Eurasian Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes      266 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax     267 House Crow Corvus splendens     268 Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos          269 Eastern Jungle crow Corvus levaillantii     270 Indian Jungle Crow Corvus culminatus      271 White-vented Myna Acridotheres grandis    272 Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus      273 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis                  274 Asian Pied Starling Gracupica contra          275 Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica     276 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris  277 House Sparrow Passer domesticus          278 Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans   279 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus            280 Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus  281 White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata  282 Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata  283 Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica  284 Tibetan Siskin Spinus thibetanus  285 Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola 

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 286 White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura  287 Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis  288 Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii  289 Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides   290 Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis  291 Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos  292 White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes  293 Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla 

Mammals 1 Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus  2 Western Hoolock Gibbon Bunopithecus hoolock H 3 Assam Macaque Macaca assamensis      4 Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta            5 Nepal Gray Langur Semnopithecus schistaceus  6 Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata  7 Jungle Cat Felis chaus  8 Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica  9 Asiatic Elephant Elephas maximus    10 Greater One-horned Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis    11 Wild Boar Sus scrofa      12 Muntjac (Barking Deer) Muntiacus muntjak   13 Spotted Deer (Chital ) Cervus axis     14 Hog Deer Cervus porcinus    15 Swamp Deer Cervus duvaucelii   16 Wild Water Buffalo Bubalus bubalis    17 Orange-bellied Squirrel Dremomys lokriah  18 Himalayan three-striped Squirrel Tamiops mcclellandii     19 Hoary-bellied Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythrus     20 Malayan Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor  21 Moupin's Pika Ochotona thibetana  

India - Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Reptiles 1 Bengal Monitor Varanus bengalensis 

2 Northern house Gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis 

3 Water Monitor Varanus salvator   

4 Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus   

5 Chequered Keelback Xenochrophis piscator 

6 Spot-tailed Pit Viper Trimeresurus erythrurus 

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