Bhutan 2008 - TRIP LIST

Taxonomy follows Clements, James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th Edition. Cornell University Press. Alternate names are in parentheses.

An (I) after the common name means the species was only seen in India, on the drive from Samdrup Jonkhar to Guwahati.

354 species were observed on the main part of the tour (Paro to Guwahati), including 7 species that were only heard.

Many thanks to Christian and Josh of Tropical Birding for compiling this list.

 

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

                                Several seen on larger rivers, a well used roost was found by the Paro River

Little Cormorant (I) Phalacrocorax niger

A few seen on the drive to Guwahati.

Great Egret (I) Ardea alba

Intermediate (Yellow-billed) Egret (I) Egretta intermedia

Little Egret (I) Egretta garzetta

Indian Pond-Heron (I) Ardeola grayii

Cattle Egret (I) Bubulcus ibis

Asian Openbill (I) Anastomus oscitans

Black Stork Ciconia nigra

One flew over us near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Lesser Adjutant (I) Leptoptilos javanicus

Common on the drive to Guwahati.

Lesser Whistling-Duck (I) Dendrocygna javanica

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus

One was in the river near Punakha

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

Seen first at the Thimphu Sewage Works.

Eurasian Wigeon Anas Penelope

Two males and two females were at the Thimphu Sewage Works.

Cottom Pygmy-Goose (I) Nettapus coromandelianus

A male at a wetlands on the drive to Guwahati.

Common Pochard Aythya ferina

A male was at the Thimphu Sewage Works.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

One in Thimphu and one on the Mo Chhu.

Common Merganser (Goosander) Mergus merganser

A few seen on the rivers at Paro and Thimpu

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

One seen on the drive from Paro to Thimphu.

Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus

One was seen soaring near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Black Kite (I) Milvus migrans

Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis

Excellent views both in flight and perched at Pele La.

Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela

This beautiful raptor was widespread.

Northern (Hen) Harrier Circus cyaneus

Tom saw one near Paro.

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus

One was seen displaying on the Lingmethang Rd.

Besra Accipiter virgatus

A great perched individual on the lower Lingmethang Rd.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Widespread at higher elevations.

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentiles

Seen twice, first in the Cheri Valley and later near Thrumsing la.

Eurasian (Himalayan) Buzzard Buteo buteo

Seen a few times, first near Thimphu. A perched individual also watched over us as we ate breakfast at Sengor.

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis

One seen close up on the descent from Cheli La and another over forest from the Lingmethang Road

Rufous-bellied Eagle Aquila kienerii

Only juveniles seen, first on the drive to Shemgang and again at Kori La.

Mountain Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis

Widepread, we had a number of excellent studies perched and in flight.

Collared Falconet Microhierax caerulescens

A very surprising find was one in degraded forest near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Several seen

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo

Josh saw one flying past at Samdrup Jonkhar.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

One was chasing pigeons at the Puhakha Dzong.

Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola

Heard abundantly, especially at higher elevations, it was seen briefly by Christian andJosh.

Chestnut-breasted Partridge Arborophila mandellii

Heard several times including very close at Narphung La, but never seen.

Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis

Another extremely shy partridge, heard a number of times but never glimpsed.

Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus

Great views at Chele La walking around in the open. Wendy saw another near Sengor.

Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra

A definite trip highlight was an incredible male that walked across the road in front of the bus near Sengor. And to think we only saw it because of car troubles! We also had scope looks at a female at a pass in eastern Bhutan.

Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus

A truly spectacular bird, we saw it first at Chele La, then at Thrumsing La.

Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos

Very widespread, we saw 17 (!) on our first full day in Bhutan at Chele La. Our last was a bird in bamboo understory near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Black-tailed Crake Amaurornis bicolor

This sought after bird was seen by everybody present at a wetlands near Paro.

Watercock (I) Gallicrex cinerea

A handsome breeding male was in a rice paddy on the drive to Guwahati.

Common Moorhen (I) Gallinula chloropus

Pheasant-tailed Jacana (I) Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Several at a very productive pond on the drive to Guwahati.

Bronze-winged Jacana (I) Metopidius indicus

Several at the same pond as Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Cotton Pygmy-Goose and others on the drive to Guwahati.

Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii

Many views of this remarkable mountain bird around Paro and Thimphu.

River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii

Found by larger rivers, mostly in the west

Red-wattled Lapwing (I) Vanellus indicus

Pacific Golden-Plover (I) Pluvialis fulva

One rice paddy on the drive to Guwahati held a good sized flock of birds displaying a wide variety of plumages, including some in close to full breeding garb.

Little Ringed Plover (I) Charadrius dubius

Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria

Always an uncommon species, we saw at least eight in rice paddies near Paro, possibly the highest count ever for the country.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Several seen

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

One in a river near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Rock Pigeon Columba livia

Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota

We had excellent views near Paro of this beautiful pigeon, and then saw it a couple more times near passes in central Bhutan.

Speckled Wood-Pigeon Columba hodgsonii

Seen well in the Mo Chhu Valley and again near Deothang.

Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis

Several seen

Red Collared-Dove (I) Streptopelia tranquebarica

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis

Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall

Seen first on the drive to Pele La and subsequently a few more times in mid-elevation broadleaved forest.

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica

Heard at Tingtibi and the lower Lingmethang Rd., Tom and Josh got brief flyby views near Tingtibi.

Pin-tailed Pigeon Treron apicauda

A pair did a brief flyby near Tingtibi, showing off their namesake tail.

Wedge-tailed Pigeon Treron sphenurus

Excellent views in a fruiting tree near Tingtibi.

Large Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides

Heard abundantly, we got our best views near dusk on the Lingmethang Rd. and in the rain as we drove towards Narphung.

Hodgson's (Whistling) Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus nisicolor

Heard a couple of times, but never glimpsed.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Seen well near Shemgang, heard at a couple other places further east as well.

Himalayan (Oriental) Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus

First seen in the Mo Chhu Valley, its characteristic call was heard nearly daily.

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus

One seen very well at Narphung La.

Asian Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculates

A couple excellent views were had, first near Tingtibi and then again later on the Lingmethang Rd.

Asian Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris

Seen near Tingtibi and on the lower Lingmethang Rd.; this is the ‘square-tailed’ form that will likely be split.

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus

Heard in Punakha, we had to wait until Samdrup Jonkhar to see one. Very common on the drive to Guwahati as well.

Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis

A pair was seen near Trashigang.

Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus

Heard a number of times, perhaps most incessantly at our camp near Shemgang, but never seen.

Collared Scops-Owl Otus lettia

Heard at close range at our camp near Shemgang, it wouldn’t show itself.

Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei

Heard commonly, one was seen by Christian on the Lingmethang Rd.

Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides

Heard fairly commonly, some people glimpsed one on the Lingmethang Rd and others saw one from the bus near Trashigang.

Gray Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus

Surprisingly elusive, we heard them several times but only some people saw one near Shemgang.

Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris

Several seen

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus

Only seen a couple of times, it wasn’t until near Trashigang that we finally caught up with it. We saw it again near Deothang.

Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis

First seen near Tingtibi, we saw additional ones near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Dark-rumped Swift Apus acuticauda

A pair of these rare swifts were seen near Deothang while we ate lunch.

Fork-tailed (Pacific) Swift Apus pacificus

House Swift Apus nipalensis

Several seen

Ward's Trogon Harpactes wardi

We had spectacular views of this rare trogon on the Lingmethang Rd.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

One was seen near Punakha.

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis

Several seen

Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris

First seen while we ate breakfast along the Mo Chhu, we caught up with another one at the end of the trip near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni

After several too-brief encounters, we had great looks at one on the lower Lingmethang Rd.

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

                                Several seen

Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis

Great views first near Tingtibi, we saw another one at closer range near Samdrup Jonkhar being dive-bombed by a pair of Greater Racket-tailed Drongos.

Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis

One of Bhutan’s key species, we saw an excellent number of birds, first near Tingtibi and later several well-photographed birds on the Lingmethang Rd.

Great Barbet Megalaima virens

Common and widespread, we had some great looks at these impressive birds.

Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineate

Only seen at lower elevations near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii

Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala

Heard near Samdrup Jonkhar, we didn’t actually see one until we were in India.

Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Indicator xanthonotus

We first came across this scarce species near Thimphu, then found a couple more on the Lingmethang Rd.

Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus

Gray-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus

A pair was seen well near Tingtibi.

Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei

An excellent pair was near Tingtibi and another was in India.

Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus

Great views of one near Shemgang.

Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos cathpharius

We spent a very enjoyable half-hour watching and photographing a pair excavating a nest cavity in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis

We finally caught up with this large woodpecker near Sengor.

Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus

Heard near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus

Very nice views on the Shemgang Rd. and on the Lingmethang Rd.

Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha

Great views in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Gray-faced Woodpecker Picus canus

Seen well near our camp on the Shemgang Rd.

Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus

Brief but good looks near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis

Widespread by voice and seen several times. Best was a seriously up-close encounter with one in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae

Great views of one near Tingtibi after Tom heard one and called it in.

Hume's (Short-toed) Lark Calandrella acutirostris

Josh saw and photographed one at the Thimphu Sewage Works. This is one of very few records for Bhutan.

Pale Sand Martin Riparia diluta

A few were seen near Paro. A rare record for Bhutan.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Asian (House-) Martin Delichon dasypus

Nepal (House-) Martin Delichon nipalense

The most widespread and common swallow, usually seen in flocks.

Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica

Richard's Pipit (I) Anthus richardi

A couple were in a rice paddy on the drive to Guwahati.

Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus

Some nice views near Paro and Thimphu including some with rosy breasts.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni

Quite widespread, we saw migrants at various locations as well as birds on territory at some of the higher passes.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba

Widespread, these birds represent the subspecies alboides.

Citrine Wagtail (I) Motacilla citreola

A male and female of the gray-backed nominate subspecies were seen in a rice paddy in India.

Gray Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Large Cuckoo-shrike Coracina macei

One seen near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melaschistos

Fairly common in broadleaved forest at mid-altitudes, we first saw it in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus

Common, especially at higher altitudes.

Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris

Fairly common, we typically saw this species at middle altitudes.

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus

Common over a wide range of altitudes, but particularly common lower down.

Gray-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris

Seen regularly, mostly at middle elevations.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus

Seen a couple of times along the Shemgang Rd.

Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus

Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus

Seen at lower altitudes near Tingtibi and Samdrup Jonkhar.

Red-whiskered Bulbul (I) Pycnonotus jocosus

White-cheeked (Himalayan) Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys

Seen in the drier valleys of eastern Bhutan.

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer

White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus

These noisy birds were seen well near Tingtibi.

Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii

Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala

Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons

Replaced the following species at low elevations near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii

Common at middle elevations.

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

One seen briefly near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii

Common in fast-flowing rivers at upper and middle elevations.

Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris

Seen very well at Yatong La.

Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata

Widespread in small numbers, we encountered singles or pairs regularly at a wide range of altitudes.

Maroon-backed Accentor Prunella immaculate

Three enounters, first was a pair in the Cheri Valley, then a single at Pele La, then Josh saw a pair near Sengor.

Blue-capped Rock-Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus

A common and welcome sight along many roadsides.

Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush Monticola rufiventris

Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius

One male near Punakha.

Blue Whistling-Thrush Myophonus caeruleus

Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima

Seen very well as we descended Dochu La and again near Sengor.

White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus

Gray-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul

Seen several times, our best views were at Kori La. An amazing individual with white (as opposed to gray) in the wings was seen on the Lingmethang Rd.

Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus

A male of the pale headed nominate Himalayan subspecies was seen very well on the upper Lingmethang Rd. This form has only been recorded a couple times previously in Bhutan.

Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys

Heard on the Lingmethang Rd.

White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx Montana

Christian caught a glimpse of one at Narphung La, while the rest of us only heard it.

Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera

Several were seen at Trashigang in the scrub around the town.

Hill (Black-throated) Prinia Prinia atrogularis

Seen a few times, best on the Lingmethang Rd. This form is often split as Black-throated Prinia.

Rufescent Prinia Prinia rufescens

Seen on the lower Lingmethang Rd.

Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata

Seen well by a few people in the Mo Chhu Valley and by others on the Lingmethang Rd.

Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea

Very widespread by voice, it was a real bugger to see, with most people eventually seeing one.

Gray-bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer

A few people got on one on the Lingmethang Rd, where several were heard.

Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler Cettia fortipes

Yellowish-bellied Bush-Warbler Cettia acanthizoides

Only seen by a few people, its extremely characteristic voice was heard at Yatong La.

Gray-sided Bush-Warbler Cettia brunnifrons

Russet Bush-Warbler Bradypterus seebohmi

Seen by a couple people and heard by others near Trongsa.

Thick-billed Warbler (I) Acrocephalus aedon

One seen well just past the border in India.

Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus

Seen along the Lingmethang Rd.

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius

Tickell's Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus affinis

This migrant was first seen in Shemgang.

Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher

Common at high elevations.

Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis

Fairly common at high and mid-elevations.

Pale-rumped (Lemon-rumped) Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus

Common, especially at middle elevations.

Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei

First heard in the Mo Chhu Valley, one was seen later near Trashigang.

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides

A couple of these migrants were seen with mixed flocks.

Large-billed Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris

Only seen a couple times, first in the Cheri Valley.

Blyth's Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides

Common, especially at middle elevations.

Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator

Common, particularly along the Shemgang Rd.

Golden-spectacled (Green-crowned) Warbler Seicercus burkii

Two members of the Golden-spectacled Warbler complex occur in Bhutan. This one occurs lower; best was a singing bird at Trashigang.

Whistler's Warbler Seicercus whistleri

The higher altitude of the Golden-spectacled complex, we saw it first at Dochu La.

Gray-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos

Common at middle elevations. This species has recently been shown to be a member of the genus Phylloscopus.

White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis

Seen several times in mid-altitude forests.

Gray-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys

Seen a number of times in mid-altitude forests, seemed especially common on the Lingmethang Rd.

Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps

Common, especially with mixed flocks in mid-altiture forests.

Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis

A couple were seen near Tingtibi.

Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris

One seen very well in a bamboo patch near Tingtibi.

Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps

A very handsome warbler, common in eastern Bhutan, mostly in mid-altitude forests.

Dark-sided (Siberian) Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica

First seen by Christian only on the Shemgang Rd., everyone else caught up with one on the Lingmethang Rd.

Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea

One seen by those who scrambled up a streambed near Tingtibi.

Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii

Seen very well with a mixed flock in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata

Quite common in the understory at mid- and upper-elevations.

Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra

Heard only near Deothang.

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni

Fairly common, seen first in Shemgang.

Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris

A good number near Punakha, the only place where we saw them.

Sapphire Flycatcher Ficedula sapphire

Great views of this little gem, first near Shemgang and again on the Lingmethang Rd.

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus

A very common bird, but one that you can never tire of.

Large Niltava Niltava grandis

First seen well near Trongsa, we would see it again on the Lingmethang Rd.

Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae

Common, especially by voice, we saw it best in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara

Not too many seen, but we saw them very well on the Lingmethang Rd. and at Kori la.

Pale Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor

Seen very well on the Shemgang Rd.

Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides

Seen well several times, first at our lunch stop on the way to Pele La then again on the Lingmethang Rd.

Pygmy Blue-Flycatcher Muscicapella hodgsoni

A tough bird to see, we heard several on the Lingmethang Rd. and some people had very nice views.

Gray-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis

A common bird, most mixed flocks contained a pair.

Red-flanked Bluetail (Bush-Robin) Tarsiger cyanurus

Seen very well at some of the high passes, including near Paro, Chele La and Thrumsing La.

White-browed Bush-Robin Tarsiger indicus

A brilliant and responsive male showed superbly near Sengor.

Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus

One near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus caeruleocephala

Christian caught a glimpse of a male in a fruiting tree in a the Mo Chhu Valley.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

Christian and Tom saw one near Sengor.

Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni

Rather common and widespread, we saw mostly females. A male was at our camp in the Mo Chhu Valley.

White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps

A winter resident nearing the end of its stay, we saw females at Chele La and later a male near Sengor.

Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis

White-capped (Water-) Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus

This stunning redstart was seen throughout the trip in appropriate habitat.

Plumbeous Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa

A common denizen of streams and rivers in Bhutan.

White-tailed Robin Cinclidium leucurum

Heard frequently at the appropriate altitudes, only one was seen on the Lingmethang Rd.

Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri

A wonderful pair was watched on the Lingmethang Rd.

Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus

A very responsive male was near Sandrup Jonkhar.

Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus

A beautiful pair was in the Mo Chhu Valley on our way back to Punakha.

Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculates

We first caught up with this stunner at our lunch stop on the drive to Pele La, we saw another pair briefly near Tingtibi.

Siberian (Common) Stonechat Saxicola maurus

Gray Bushchat Saxicola ferreus

Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha

A regular mixed-flock follower at mid- to upper-elevations.

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis

A lively bird that was seen a number of times at middle elevations.

White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis

A gregarious and bold laughingthrush that was seen a number of times.

White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus

A very noisy laughingthrush, we saw it several times, including a group feeding in the middle of the road on our way to Trashigang.

Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax monileger

A beautiful pair was well seen near Tingtibi.

Striated Laughingthrush Garrulax striatus

A common and vocal resident, we saw them numerous times.

Rufous-necked Laughingthrush Garrulax ruficollis

Beautiful views on the lower Lingmethang Rd.

Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush Garrulax rufogularis

Seen briefly the first time around near Shemgang, we had scope views near our camp on the Lingmethang Rd.

Spotted Laughingthrush Garrulax ocellatus

A big and beautiful laughingthrush that we saw very well at Pele La and Thrumsing La.

Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus

Seen several times in scrubby habitats, this form is sometimes split as Bhutan Laughingthrush G. imbricatum.

Scaly Laughingthrush Garrulax subunicolor

Sonia spied one of these skulkers with the flock of Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills on the Lingmethang Rd.

Blue-winged Laughingthrush Garrulax squamatus

Seen a couple times, best was a very cooperative pair on the roadside of the Lingmethang Rd.

Black-faced Laughingthrush Garrulax affinis

Another handsome laughingthrush, we had scope views at Pele La and more great views at Kori la.

Chestnut-crowned (Red-headed) Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus

Common by voice, we saw them several times, including very well near Shemgang.

Red-faced (Crimson-faced) Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea

Great views were had of this beauty on the Lingmethang Rd.

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus erythrogenys

Seen furtively several times, including near Punakha, Tingtibi, the Lingmethang Rd. and Narphung La.

White-browed Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps

Only seen once by those who scrambled up a streambed near Tingtibi.

Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis

Seen a few times, perhaps best with a large mixed flock in bamboo on the Shemgang Rd.

Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler Xiphirhynchus superciliaris

A trip highlight, we had great views of this amazing bird first on the Shemgang Rd, then again on the Lingmethang Rd.

Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla

Great views of a pair gathering nesting materials that Wendy found in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis caudatus

It took a few tries, but everyone got good looks at this skulker on the Linmethang Rd.

Spotted Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis formosus

Another skulker, we saw this one best on the Shemgang Rd.

Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps

A common resident of mid-altitude forests, most mixed flocks had a pair.

Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea

A beautiful and fairly common bird of the understory in mid-altitude forests.

Gray-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps

First seen by a few people near Tingtibi, we saw it again for everyone on the

Lingmethang Rd.

Jungle Babbler (I) Turdoides striata

A couple groups were seen on the drive to Guwahati.

Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris

After getting glimpses at Narphung La, we had many great views near Deothang.

Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea

Only seen a couple times, best was at Kori la.

Cutia Cutia nipalensis

Another tour highlight were the many Cutia we saw. They put on a particularly incredible show on our last morning on the Lingmethang Rd.

Black-headed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius rufiventer

This rare bird was only seen by Christian and Sonia, near Tingtibi.

White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis

Seen very well several times, including one that posed for the photographers on the Shemgang Rd.

Green Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus

Seen a few times at higher elevations than the other shrike-babblers, first in a large mixed flock at Dochu La.

Black-eared Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius melanotis

A diminutive but striking shrike-babbler, seen several times, including on the Shemgang Rd, Lingmethang Rd. and at Kori la.

Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni

Seen a number of times in mid-altitude forests, it was first seen on the Shemgang Rd.

Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis

Seen a couple times, first (and best) at Dochu La.

Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera

Common in mid-altitude forests, usually with mixed flocks.

Chestnut-tailed Minla Minla strigula

Numerous, often with other minlas but also occurs higher than the others.

Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta

Common with mixed flocks in mid-altitude forests. About 30 formed the core of one flock that we found in the rain on the Lingmethang Rd.

Golden-breasted Fulvetta Alcippe chrysotis

This beautiful fulvetta was seen a few times with mixed species flocks, first on the Shemgang Rd.

Yellow-throated Fulvetta Alcippe cinerea

Fairly common in eastern Bhutan, this warbler-like fulvetta was most numerous on the Lingmethang Rd.

Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps

Fairly widespread, we first saw this handsome little bird at Pele La.

White-browed Fulvetta Alcippe vinipectus

Common, especially at higher altitudes.

Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis

Common and not too difficult to see despite residing in the understory, we first saw it in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Rufous-backed Sibia Heterophasia annectens

One seen well near Deothang.

Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata

One of the most common and widespread birds in Bhutan, we saw some impressive gatherings in flowering Erythrina trees on the Shemgang Rd.

Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps

Seen regularly at fairly low altitudes, first near Tingtibi.

White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri

This handsome yuhina was first seen on the Lingmethang Rd.

Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis

A common resident of mid-altitude forests, often moving about in flocks.

Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis

Common and vocal at high altitudes.

Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis

Seems to replace Whiskered Yuhina at higher altitudes, where it was common.

Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta

A small yuhina typically seen in flocks at mid and lower altitudes, we first saw it near Trongsa.

White-bellied Yuhina (Erpornis) Yuhina zantholeuca

No longer considered a yuhina, this species is generally places in the enigmatic genus Erpornis. We saw it only a couple times, first on the Shemgang Rd.

Fire-tailed Myzornis Myzornis pyrrhoura

This sought after bird was seen twice, first at Dochu La by everybody, then seen again by some near Sengor.

Great Parrotbill Conostoma oemodium

Only one pair was found, near Sengor, where most people saw them.

Brown Parrotbill Paradoxornis unicolor

Outstanding looks were had of a group of about eight of these Parrotbills at Pele La.

Black-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis nipalensis

A couple of these handsome birds were seen in a mixed flock in bamboo on the Shemgang Rd.

(Greater) Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis ruficeps

One group of these beautiful parrotbills was seen on the Lingmethang Rd.

Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus

Flocks of this species were regularly seen at middle elevations, below the following species.

Black-browed (Rufous-fronted) Tit Aegithalos iouschistos

The higher elevation of the Aegithalos in Bhutan, this species is often split from the Chinese form as Rufousfronted Tit.

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Looks quite different from the Coal Tit back in the UK though has the same Latin name

Rufous-vented Tit Periparus rubidiventris

Gray-crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous

Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus

Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus

This handsome tit was seen several times in mid-elevation forests, first along the Shemgang Rd.

Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus

Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea

This huge tit was seen three times, first along the Shemgang Rd.

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta castanea

White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis

Beautiful Nuthatch Sitta Formosa

Although we saw it three times, it proved remarkably elusive and not everybody saw it well.

Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria

This winter resident was seen several times, first in the Cheri Valley (on a chorten!) secondly on rocks in a river. Later three were seen on the same road cut between Pele La and Trongsa.

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Rusty-flanked Treecreeper Certhia nipalensis

Seen well a couple times at higher altitudes such as Dochu La and Pele La.

Brown-throated Treecreeper Certhia discolor

Seen at lower altitudes than Rusty-flanked, it was seen very well the first time we found it as we descended Dochu La.

Fire-capped Tit Cephalopyrus flammiceps

Seen well twice, first in the Mo Chhu Valley then again at our lunch stop on the way to Pele La.

(Mrs.) Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae

Seen best in the Cheri Valley where it was rather common, but numbers dropped off further east.

Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis

The common sunbird at high altitudes.

Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturate

The common sunbird at mid-altitudes.

Eastern Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja

First seen by some people at Trashigang, the rest caught up with a male near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda

A few pairs were seen at Pele La, where they were outnumbered by Green-tailed Sunbirds.

Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna

A few were seen at lower elevations, such as the lower Lingmethang Rd.

Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor

One was seen very well near Sandrup Jonkhar.

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectum

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus

Slender-billed Oriole Oriolus tenuirostris

One was seen well near Punakha.

Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii

A common resident of mid-altitude forests, we saw them first in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach

Gray-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus

First seen near Punakha, we also saw them in India.

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus

Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus

Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer

Hair-crested (Spangled) Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus

Seen harassing a Great Hornbill near Samdrup Jonkhar.

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus

Gold-billed (Yellow-billed Blue) Magpie Urocissa flavirostris

(Common) Green Magpie Cissa chinensis

This beautiful corvid was seen well near Tingtibi.

Rufous Treepie (I) Dendrocitta vagabunda

It became common on the Indian plains.

Gray Treepie Dendrocitta formosae

Eurasian Magpie Pica pica

Eurasian Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes

Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus

One seen only briefly at Chele La.

House Crow Corvus splendens

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos

Common and widespread. The lowland form, which we saw near Sandrup Jonkhar, is sometimes split as Eastern Jungle Crow, C. levaillantii.

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa

A few were seen well near Sandrup Jonkhar.

Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus

These were common once we entered India.

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

Asian Pied Starling Gracupica contra

Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica

First seen at the Punakha Dzong, we saw many more of them near Sandrup Jonkhar.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Nutmeg Mannikin (Scaly-breasted Munia) Lonchura punctulata

Plain Mountain-Finch Leucosticte nemoricola

Common, especially at high altitudes, it was not unusual to see flocks of over 100 birds twirling around.

Crimson-browed Finch Pinicola subhimachala

Males and females both seen very well, first at Pele La then again near Trongsa.

Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis

A small group at Dochu La were a welcome sight after the snowstorm cleared.

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus

We saw females a few times, first on the Shemgang Rd. Males were seen only near Trashigang.

Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus

Seen a couple times in scrubby habitat, first near Pele La. The nominate form from the Himalayas is sometimes split from the Chinese form as Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch.

Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii

One male was seen well just after the snow cleared at Dochu La.

White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura

Seen a couple times, first at Chele La, then males and females at Pele La and finally a female was with a mixed flock at Thrumsing La. The nominate form from the Himalayas is sometimes split from the Chinese form as Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch.

Yellow-breasted (Himalayan) Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides

Seen only a handful of times, first near Thimphu.

Tibetan Serin Serinus thibetanus

Only Ian and Josh saw a flock winging its way down the Mo Chhu Valley, fortunately we found more cooperative flocks near Trongsa that perched for us.

Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis

This sluggish bird was seen a few times, first along the Shemgang Rd. then better the next time around with scope views on the Lingmethang Rd.

Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala

A very confiding group of females was a welcome sight after the snowstorm at Dochu La. Further down the slope we would find males and females.

Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis

First seen well at Chele La, another male was at Pele La with a group of White-winged Grosbeaks.

White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes

Seen a number of times mostly at high altitudes, such as Chele La and Pele La.

Gold-naped Finch Pyrrhoplectes epaulette

We had nice views of two females early on the Lingmethang Rd., then spectacular looks at another confiding female lower down a few days later.

Scarlet Finch Haematospiza sipahi

A brilliant group that Norbu found showed very well on the Lingmethang Rd.

Crested Bunting Melophus lathami

First was a singing bird near Punakha, we saw a number of others in agricultural areas later on.

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla

This winter visitor was seen several times in scrubby habitats as far west as Thimphu and as far east as Narphung.

 

 

 

 

Bhutan 2008 – Mammal List

 

Golden Langur Presbytis geei

This beautiful monkey was common and very confiding on the Shemgang Rd.

Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus

Seen only a couple times, first on the Lingmethang Rd. then again near Sandrup Jonkhar.

Nepal Gray Langur Semnopithecus schistaceus

The highest ranging of the langurs, we saw them in the west such as at Pele La.

Assam Macaque Macaca assemensis

The most widespread primate we saw.

Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatto

Seen only near Sandrup Jonkhar.

Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula

This beautiful mustelid was seen a number of times, including feeding on rhododendron nectar in the Cheri Valley.

Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjac

Seen only by Peta near Sengor, the rest of us heard them at night on the Lingmethang Rd.

Himalayan Pika Ochotona roylei

Large-eared Pika Ochotona macrotis

Hodgson's Flying-Squirrel Petaurista magnificus

One of these huge flying squirrels was seen while spotlighting on the Lingmethang Rd.

Black Giant Squirrel Ratuga bicolor

This beautiful behemoth was seen on the Shemgang Rd.

Orange-bellied Squirrel Dremomys lokriah

Hoary-bellied Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythrus

Himalayan Striped Squirrel Tamiops mcclellandii

Goral Nemorhaedus goral

This wonderful animal was first seen in the Cheri Valley, but was seen much better in the Mo Chhu Valley.

Himalayan Serow Capricornis sumatraensis

A mother and her single young were seen on a hillside on the Lingmethang Rd.

Himalayan Black Bear Ursus thibetanus

A mother and her cub were seen very well on the Lingmethang Rd. just after seeing the Serow. Certainly the mammal of the trip!!