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bhutaninbound October 10, 2021

Birds of Bhutanbhutaninbound.com/blog/2021/10/10/birds-of-bhutan

Bhutan today boasts of harboring 5,369 plant species and 5,114 species of animals of

which about 774 species are birds. Many Birds of Bhutan are rare birds of the world.

Owing to Bhutan’s strict nature and conservation policies bird population in Bhutan is

thriving . It has become the envy of birders and ornithologists from across the globe. The

protected wildlife parks and sanctuaries and designated biological corridors, protected

routes for trans-migration of animals, have also been pivotal in ensuring that these rich

assortments of floral and faunal wonders are safe and thriving. So learn about Bhutan

Bird Watching Tour here.

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Introduction

Bhutan’s climate map and ecological biodiversity are classified into three broad

categories; the warm sub-tropical forests, the temperate region, and the cool sub-alpine

region. While these regions have their own special characteristics and significance ,

birding is usually popular in the sub-tropical forests of Trashiyangtse, Zhemgang,

Trongsa, and Mongar where elevations range from 1,500-3,000 meters. These warm river

valleys are home to some of the rarest bird species on the planet. And avid birder and

photographer in you is bound to take new dimensions if you plan a trip right into the

heart of a nation . The conservation of natural ecosystem remains the bloodline of the

development philosophy.

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Bhutan Himalayan Monal

Bhutan: A Birding Paradise

A well-established birder explains why Bhutan can be an exclusive destination for birders.

– By David Billing

Birding or bird watching has great potential to become a popular tourism activity in

Bhutan. Unlike other Himalayan countries, Bhutan still retains much of its forest cover.

Thus, forests and scrubland support 85% of the country’s breeding birds.

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Great Hornbill

More than 774 species of bird have been recorded so far and there are likely to be new

species to be found in the remoter river catchment areas in the future. This number is

considered large relative compared to the size of the country – for example, there are less

than 800 species found in the whole of North America.

Birds of Bhutan

Bhutan has a wide range of habitats for birds ranging from Subtropical forest (including

the globally threatened Rufous-necked Hornbill), Warm Broadleaved forest (includes

White-naped Yuhina), Cool Broad-leaved forest (includes globally threatened Chestnut-

breasted Partridge and Blyth’s Tragopan), Chir pine (poor in bird species but includes Hill

Prinia), Blue pine (also bird poor but includes Rufous-fronted Tit and Yellow-billed blue

Magpie), Spruce (low bird diversity but includes Buff barred Warbler and Great-crested

Tit), Hemlock (including the red Crossbill), Fir (rich in bird species, including Hoary-

throated Barwing, and Satyr Tragopan), Bamboo (important for lesser and greater rufous-

headed parrrotbills), Juniper/Rhododendron (including White-winged Grosbeak and

Fire-tailed Sunbird), and Alpine grasslands (including Tibetan Snowcock, Alpine

Accentor, and Grandala). Each habitat has its own unique collection of bird species.

The Following are the picture of few birds of Bhutan.

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White Wagtail

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Himalayan Vulture

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Plumbeous Water Redstart (Male)

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Cone Cracker Bird

White-capped redstart

Birds at Jigme Dorji National Park

On a warmer day with clouds or blue skies, along the nearby Wang Chu River, upstream

of Jigme Dorji National Park within an approximate space of two hours, many bird

species like the Spotted Nutcracker, white-capped Water Redstart, Blue-fronted Redstart,

Black-faced Laughing Thrush, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Orange-flanked Bush Robin,

Russet Sparrows, White-napped Yuhina, Blue Throated Flycatcher, and golden Eagle on

the thermals above the valley can be seen.

There are bird species that can be found all

over Bhutan and in adjacent countries too.

However, Thimphu valley is a good starting

point to guarantee seeing a wide range of

bird species. Cheri monastery and Upper

Motithang valley are also good starting

places.

Most Rare Bird in the world

According to the fat birder website, 14

species recorded in Bhutan have been

identified as globally threatened by BirdLife

International. Bhutan is home to some of

the rarest birds in the world. These include

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Striated-Laughingthrush

White-bellied Heron, Pallas’s Fish Eagle,

Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Blyth’s

Tragopan, Wood Snipe, Dark-rumped Swift,

Rufous-necked Hornbill, Grey-crowned

Prinia, and Beautiful Nuthatch, all of which

probably breed in Bhutan. Bhutan is an

important winter ground for species like the

Black- Necked Crane. Greater-spotted Eagle

is a rare passage migrant, Baer’s Pochard,

Imperial Eagle, and Hodgson’s Bushchat are

regular vagrants.

Black Necked Crane in Bumdeling Bhutan

Bhutan is a perfect place for bird watching tour which, when combined with epic scenery

and friendly people, is the ultimate eco-tourism destination.

Always remember that when you see seven black crows in the air, it is a sign of good luck

according to Buddhist customs. So keep watching out for birds in Bhutan. You might get

lucky too.

Best Time For Birding in Bhutan

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Common Kestrel

Crested King Fisher

Bhutan has an excellent set of trekking routes that combine a variety of bird habitats. The

most popular seasons for birding in Bhutan are spring and autumn. There is also the

chance of seeing passage migrants crossing from the Tibetan plateau to the hot Indian

plains. In addition, climate change is affecting the local altitudinal migration patterns of

birds. Some species that are normally only found at lower altitudes are now also found at

higher cooler altitudes even in winter like the White-napped Yuhina.

Most trekking routes pass through protected

areas such as Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve,

Jigme Dorji National Park, Royal Manas

Natural Park, and Phobjikha valley where

the Black Necked Cranes are in residence

during the winter months up to early April.

Bhutan Bird Watching Tour

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Bird watching Tour in Bhutan

A three week program is good enough for most rewarding Bhutan Bird Watching Tour

experience. This will enable you to cover most of the prime birding circuits. You can start

from Paro and depart through Samdrup Jongkhar in Eastern Bhutan. From Trongsa, at

Central Bhutan, the tours usually diverts towards the less visited district of Zhemgang.

The stretch of road from Zhemgang to the camp in Tingtibi is famous for the beautiful

Nuthatch and the Rufous -necked Hornbill. Both of the birds are globally threatened

species.

After a couple of days at Zhemgang the trip backtrack towards Trongsa. We can then

further head eastwards towards the famous Yongkhola camp via Thrumsingla. We may

stop at Yonkola for a night or two. A short stretch of 26 Km between Sengor and Yonkola

arguably the best birding circuit in all of Asia. No amount of time spent here ever seems to

be enough.

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Birds of Bhutan

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Black Necked Cranes

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Himalayan Vulture

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Satyr Tragopan at Yonkola

The specialist in this area include the majestic Satyr Tragopan, the incomparable Ward’s

Trogon, Rufus-necked Hornbills, an assortment of Laughingthrushes, Parrotbills and

many others. With the recent opening of the exit through Samdrup Jongkhar , one will

not have to back track towards Paro, and this provides yet another opportunity to cover

some lowland species such as wreathed Hornbills and even some rarities like Blyth’s

Kingfisher and Dark-rumped Swift.

Conclusion

You can check out the birding places in Bhutan here . We will be able to design trips to fit

the needs of birding groups. For more information on Bhutan Bird Watching Tour, you

can Contact Us. We have the birding experts guide who can help you with your Bhutan

Bird Watching Tour Itinerary. You can check the sample of Bhutan Birding Tour Itinerary

here. So you can enjoy watching the rare birds of the world. And make your visit to the

Land of Thunder Dragon a truly memorable experience.

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National Bird of Bhutan : Raven