BHUTAN: Birding In “Shangri-La”
A Tropical Birding Custom Tour
March 20-31, 2016 Guide: Ken Behrens
All photos by Ken Behrens
TOUR SUMMARY
Bhutan is a small and entirely mountainous kingdom in the Himalayas, sandwiched between mighty neighbors India and China. It was closed to outsiders for most of its history, and has only opened up to tourists in recent decades. Bhutan is best known as a treasury of relatively untouched Buddhist culture, historical sites, and artifacts. Although tourists visit year-round, the biggest cultural “draw card” is the Tshechu festivals, which feature dances by masked performers. These dances were created by Buddhist monks 100s of years ago, and were meant for moral instruction. Although these colorful festivals in picturesque settings do attract many foreign visitors, the vast majority of attendees at any Tshechu is local people, who flock in from the surrounding mountains and villages for a once-a-year chance to socialize and show off beautiful traditional costumes. This tour was timed to catch a couple days of the five-day Paro Tshechu. Bhutan’s second major attraction is its vast and unspoiled forests, which still cover nearly three quarters of the country. It boasts the best-preserved forest habitat in perhaps the whole of the Himalayas, and supports a rich assortment of eastern Himalayan specialty birds. A select subset of these birds were the second major reason for this custom tour. Although the participants
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 had already made a thorough birding trip to Bhutan nearly ten years earlier, they had missed several key species, and had also not been able to attend a Tshechu festival. We were very successful in achieving our goals, both on the cultural and avian fronts. The Paro Tshechu was colorful and fascinating, and a bit like stepping back in time, with only the modern sneakers poking out from under traditional costumes to remind us that it was the 21st century! On the cultural front, we also visited three dzongs, in Paro, Trongsa, and Punakha. For 100s of years, these massive fortresses combined the functions of defensive castle, monastery, and center of local government. They resemble medieval castles in many respects, but are still actively functioning as monasteries and government buildings, giving them a vibrancy that has long departed from Europe’s citadels. Bhutan’s dzongs are replete with fascinating details, from carved wooden gargoyles to ancient metal work to windows with expansive views of snow- capped mountains in the
distance. Although the dzongs Local people flock to Bhutan’s Tshechu “masked dance” festivals, showing off traditional costumes which are sometimes made from and festivals are the focal silk and worth a fortune. point, every corner of Bhutan is full of cultural interest. Even the tiny and remote village of Zhemgang, where we spent three
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 nights in order to bird the surrounding area, features prayer wheels, beautiful hand-crafted wooden homes with lovingly painted decorations, and even a small dzong. The people of Bhutan are wonderfully kind and welcoming, though in a discreet way that never makes you feel conspicuously foreign. The king famously says that “gross national happiness” is the country’s aim rather than “gross national product,” which may sound a bit ingenuous, but the evidence of that philosophy is actually on display throughout A masked dancer whirls across the ancient paving stones at the Paro Tshechu. the country. Our birding mission was undeniably a tough one, as we were chasing the handful of tough species that had been missed on an earlier tour. But with hard work and perseverance, we enjoyed good success. The top target was the Spotted Elachura, formerly known as Spotted Wren-Babbler, and perhaps better called simply “Elachura” as it has recently been recognized as forming a monotypic family. We heard this bird easily, but it was only with hours of effort that the stars finally aligned for great views of this cryptic little beauty. Another major target was the Satyr Tragopan, a gorgeous orange-red pheasant with a galaxy of brilliant spots. This bird has become The Spotted Elachura can be incredibly elusive, and increasingly difficult as road construction was this trip’s top avian target. So great views after much effort were heartily appreciated.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 has created disturbance across the country. On top of that, we weren’t visiting the best site for this Tragopan, which was farther east than it was practical to venture on this short trip. Despite these obstacles, we eventually managed to enjoy incredible views of a male Satyr Tragopan at Pelela, on a fine, crisp morning. There are only five tragopans in the world, and they surely count among its best birds.
The glorious Satyr Tragopan, undoubtedly one of Asia’s most beautiful and sought-after birds.
The third major target was the Beautiful Nuthatch, which is why we spent three nights in the village of Zhemgang, in the middle elevations of south / central Bhutan. Despite a huge effort, we never managed to see this devilishly beautiful beast, though we did hear it once. The traditional stakeouts for Beautiful Nuthatch have suffered heavily at the hands of local timber cutters, and along the road, most of the large mossy trees that they prefer have been cut. My guess is that this bird will be increasingly difficult in coming years, if it doesn’t disappear from the roadside habitat altogether. Major targets aside, we enjoyed wonderful general birding throughout western and central Bhutan. A trip to the frigid heights of Chelela turned up Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Snow Pigeon, Eurasian Nutcracker, Spotted Laughingthrush, a mixed flock of Red-throated and Black-
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 throated Thrushes, and Rusty-flanked Treecreeper. Around our perfectly situated and luxurious hotel above Paro were Yellow-billed Blue Magpie and Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler. We birded Dochula on a cold and misty morning, and failed to find tragopan there, but did turn up Rufous-vented and Gray-crested Tits, Stripe-throated and Rufous-vented Yuhhinas, Plain-backed Thrush, Golden-naped Finch, and a few other prizes. Although Trongsa didn’t hold the wished-for Spotted Elachura, which would come later in the trip, it did give us Pygmy Cupwing, Speckled Woodpigeon, and Russet Bush-Warbler.
The massive Rufous-necked Hornbill, with its beautifully “engraved” bill is one of Bhutan’s marquee birds. It is more common in Bhutan than anywhere else on Earth due to lack of hunting.
The Zhemgang area was by far the highest-diversity forest that we birded, lying at lower elevations than the other sites. Birding in this peaceful area, away from the noise and dust of the road construction that has enveloped most of the country’s main roads, was a real pleasure. A few of the highlights were Kalij Pheasant, lots of Rufous-necked Hornbills, hefty Blue-bearded Bee- eater, gorgeous Sultan Tit, skulking Slaty-bellied Tesia, Rufous-faced Warbler, Gray-headed and
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 Pale-billed Parrotbills, scarce White-naped Yuhina, Himalayan Cutia (sadly not in a flock with a Beautiful Nuthatch!), Rufous-necked and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Silver-eared Mesia, incredibly shy White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Pygmy Blue-Flycatcher, Sapphire Flycatcher, Tickell’s Thrush (a bit of a surprise), Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, unpredictable Brown Bullfinch, Scarlet Finch, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, and Spot-winged Grosbeak. Our stop in Punakha on the way back to Paro was mainly intended to allow a visit to the dzong there, but we did squeeze in a little birding. There was a Pallas’s Fish-Eagle on the adjacent river, and a Wallcreeper creeping along the walls of a temple within the dzong complex! Before flying out of Paro, we had one final mission: to find an Ibisbill. Despite having travelled extensively, and amassed an impressive world list, the participants had only seen this handsome bird once before. Finding the “boulder with a beak” took a bit of searching, but great scope views were eventually enjoyed.
The amazing Ibisbill. Many birders see them in winter plumage in northern India, but they are even more striking in breeding plumage.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 ITINERARY
March 20 Arrival in Paro. Afternoon at Paro Tshechu and dzong March 21 Day trip to Chelela March 22 Paro Tshechu (festival with masked dances). Afternoon to Thimpu March 23 Thimpu to Dochula to Phobjikha Valley March 24 Phobjikha to Pelela to Trongsa. Visit Trongsa dzong March 25 Trongsa to Zhemgang March 26 Zhemgang and surrounds March 27 Zhemgang and surrounds March 28 Zhemgang to Tingtibi to Trongsa March 29 Trongsa to Punakha. Visit Punakha dzong March 30 Punakha to Paro March 31 Departure from Paro
Spotted Laughingthrush, a big and boldly marked high-elevation beauty that we enjoyed at Chelela.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 PHOTO GALLERY
Bhutan’s rhododendrons burst into color in spring and early summer, while its prayer flags bloom year-round.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Brown Dipper. Everybody loves a good dipper.
Yellow-browed Tit (left) is a high-elevation bird, while Yellow-vented Warbler (right) is found at low to moderate elevations.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Blue-fronted Redstart, quite a beauty when seen in good light.
Spinning prayer wheels in the Trongsa dzong.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
“Tiger’s Nest” Monastery is one of Bhutan’s best-known cultural treasures, and for good reason.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Green-backed Tit is a common member of mixed flocks.
A couple of the masks used in Paro’s Tshechu.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Masked dancers in their finery at the Paro Tshechu.
A male Green-tailed Sunbird in its colorful breeding costume.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Golden-fronted Barbet (left) and Himalayan Griffon (right).
A cold and wintry morning in the high-elevation Phobjikha Valley.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
A Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler near Paro (left) and a Sultan Tit near Tingtibi (right).
Although the competition is fierce, Punakha’s dzong is usually considered Bhutan’s grandest.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
The hefty Spotted Nutcracker at Chelela.
Black-throated Sunbird is the most common sunbird at lower elevations.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Community dances like this one alternate with “masked dances” during a Tshechu.
Black-tailed Crake has a stronghold in western Bhutan.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Mountain Hawk-Eagle soaks in the morning sunshine.
A couple of nice birds near Zhemgang: Greater Yellownape (left) and Himalayan Cutia (right).
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
The endangered Golden Langur is only found in a tiny area of central Bhutan and India’s state of Assam.
Chestnut-crowned Warbler is one of the more colorful warblers in Bhutan.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Black-throated Tit is actually a bushtit, not a true tit.
Buddhist monks watching the Paro Tshechu.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Gray Bushchat (left) is a species of open areas, while Darjeeling Woodpecker (right) is a forest bird.
Details of the Paro dzong temple.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
The community dancers arrive ceremoniously for the 4th day of the Paro Tshechu.
Prized Himalayan birds: Spotted Laughingthrush (left) and Crimson-browed Finch (right).
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
The gloriously turquoise Verditer Flycatcher.
Colorful crowd in traditional dress at the Paro Tshechu.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Who doesn’t love birds with crests?! Gray-crested Tit (left) and Black-chinned Yuhina (right).
The Trongsa dzong, perched on a mountainside, is like something out of a fairy tale.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
A Great Hornbill drying its wings after a downpour below Zhemgang.
Blood Pheasant (left) and Satyr Tragopan (right), some of Bhutan’s top “chickens”.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Pugnacious White-browed Fulvetta at Pelela.
Trongsa dzong apertures.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Ibisbill on the wing over the Paro River.
White-winged Grosbeak at Chelela.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Gargoyles above a door in the Punakha dzong.
Black-faced Laughingthrush is one of the highest-elevation laughingthrushes in Bhutan.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Monks ascending the stairs into the Punakha dzong.
Chestnut-tailed or Bar-throated Minla, an intricate beauty.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Himalayan Monal at Chelela.
Nepal Gray Langurs feasting on fresh magnolia blossoms.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Remarkably, Yellow-bellied Fairy-Fantail is in the mainly African Fairy-Flycatcher family.
Female Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
White-throated Laughingthrush is common, even in Bhutanese towns and villages.
Ice and sun mix at Chelela.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016
Oriental Turtle-Dove (left) and Large Niltava (right).
No, this isn’t an ancient temple; it was our hotel for several nights of the tour!
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 BIRD LIST
Taxonomy and nomenclature follow The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World v2015 (including updates through August 2015).
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae Graylag Goose Anser anser Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha Common Merganser Mergus merganser GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola H Chestnut-breasted Partridge Arborophila mandellii Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis H Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos SULIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae Gray Heron Ardea cinerea ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela Mountain Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Pallas's Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus Himalayan Buzzard Buteo refectus GRUIFORMES: Rallidae Black-tailed Crake Amaurornis bicolor CHARADRIIFORMES: Ibidorhynchidae Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae Rock Pigeon Columba livia Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota Speckled Wood-Pigeon Columba hodgsonii Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Pin-tailed (Green-) Pigeon Treron apicauda Mountain Imperial-Pigeon Ducula badia CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae Large Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus H STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus H Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei H CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae Gray Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka APODIFORMES: Apodidae Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris Blyth's Swift Apus leuconyx BUCEROTIFORMES: Upupidae Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni PICIFORMES: Megalaimidae Great Barbet Psilopogon virens Golden-throated Barbet Psilopogon franklinii Blue-throated Barbet Psilopogon asiaticus PICIFORMES: Indicatoridae Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Indicator xanthonotus PICIFORMES: Picidae White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea Gray-capped (Pygmy-) Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus H Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos cathpharius
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis H FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus PASSERIFORMES: Vangidae Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae Gray-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus Black-winged Cuckooshrike Lalage melaschistos PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Gray-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus PASSERIFORMES: Vireonidae Blyth's (White-browed) Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius aeralatus Green Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus Black-eared Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius melanotis White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii H PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie Urocissa flavirostris Common Green-Magpie Cissa chinensis Gray Treepie Dendrocitta formosae Eurasian Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax House Crow Corvus splendens Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Nepal House-Martin Delichon nipalense PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae Yellow-bellied Fairy-Fantail Chelidorhynx hypoxantha Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis PASSERIFORMES: Paridae Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea Coal Tit Periparus ater Rufous-vented Tit Periparus rubidiventris Gray-crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus Yellow-cheeked Tit Machlolophus spilonotus PASSERIFORMES: Aegithalidae Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus Black-browed (Rufous-fronted) Tit Aegithalos iouschistos PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis Beautiful Nuthatch Sitta formosa H PASSERIFORMES: Tichodromidae Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria PASSERIFORMES: Certhiidae Hodgson's Treecreeper Certhia hodgsoni H Rusty-flanked Treecreeper Certhia nipalensis Sikkim Treecreeper Certhia discolor PASSERIFORMES: Cinclidae Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii PASSERIFORMES: Regulidae Goldcrest Regulus regulus PASSERIFORMES: Pnoepygidae Scaly-breasted Cupwing Pnoepyga albiventer H Pygmy Cupwing Pnoepyga pusilla PASSERIFORMES: Cettiidae Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea Gray-sided Bush-Warbler Cettia brunnifrons
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 Chestnut-headed Tesia Cettia castaneocoronata H Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cucullatus H Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler Horornis fortipes Hume's Bush-Warbler Horornis brunnescens PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis Pale-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei Blyth's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator Gray-hooded Warbler Phylloscopus xanthoschistos Whistler's Warbler Seicercus whistleri White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae Russet Bush-Warbler Locustella mandelli PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera Black-throated Prinia Prinia atrogularis Rufescent Prinia Prinia rufescens PASSERIFORMES: Paradoxornithidae White-browed Fulvetta Fulvetta vinipectus Brown Parrotbill Cholornis unicolor Gray-headed Parrotbill Psittiparus gularis Pale-billed Parrotbill Chleuasicus atrosuperciliaris PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae Rufous-capped Babbler Cyanoderma ruficeps Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler Megapomatorhinus erythrogenys PASSERIFORMES: Pellorneidae Rufous-winged Fulvetta Schoeniparus castaneceps
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis Striated Laughingthrush Grammatoptila striata Himalayan Cutia Cutia nipalensis White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush Ianthocincla rufogularis H Spotted Laughingthrush Ianthocincla ocellata White-throated Laughingthrush Ianthocincla albogularis Rufous-necked Laughingthrush Ianthocincla ruficollis Bhutan Laughingthrush Trochalopteron imbricatum Blue-winged Laughingthrush Trochalopteron squamatum Black-faced Laughingthrush Trochalopteron affine Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Trochalopteron erythrocephalum Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta Red-faced Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni Blue-winged Minla Actinodura cyanouroptera Chestnut-tailed (Bar-throated) Minla Actinodura strigula PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis White-gorgeted Flycatcher Anthipes monileger Pale Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor Large Niltava Niltava grandis Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara NL Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus Blue Whistling-Thrush Myophonus caeruleus Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus Himalayan Bluetail Tarsiger rufilatus Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin Tarsiger hyperythrus NL Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor Pygmy Blue-Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsoni Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Sapphire Flycatcher Ficedula sapphira Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis Plumbeous Redstart Phoenicurus fuliginosus White-capped Redstart Phoenicurus leucocephalus
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush Monticola rufiventris Blue-capped Rock-Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus Gray Bushchat Saxicola ferreus PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima Tickell's Thrush Turdus unicolor White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus Gray-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis Red-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica Common Myna Acridotheres tristis PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum melanoxanthum Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna H PASSERIFORMES: Prunellidae Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae White Wagtail Motacilla alba Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni PASSERIFORMES: Elachuridae Spotted Elachura Elachura formosa PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae Crested Bunting Melophus lathami PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae Plain Mountain-Finch Leucosticte nemoricola Gold-naped Finch Pyrrhoplectes epauletta Crimson-browed Finch Pinicola subhimachala Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura Scarlet Finch Haematospiza sipahi Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Chloris spinoides Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
H = heard-only NL = not seen by Tropical Birding guide
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie is wonderfully common in Bhutan.
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016 MAMMAL LIST
Golden Langur Trachypithecus geei Nepal Gray Langur Semnopithecus schistaceus Assam Macaque Macaca assamensis Himalayan (Orange-bellied) Squirrel Dremomys lokriah Black Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor Himalayan Striped Squirrel Tamiops mcclellandii Pika sp. Ochotona sp. Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer) Muntiacus muntjak
Black Giant Squirrel is giant indeed, something like an otter clambering about in the trees!
Bhutan: Birding in “Shangri-La” March 20-31, 2016