North-east India: Eaglenest, Sela pass, Mandala, Nameri, Kaziranga and Deepor Beel
February 2014
Mathias Ritschard, David Marques, Adrian Jordi, Gaurav Kataria & Dharmendra Khandal
Itinerary
- 8 Feb. Delhi - Guwahati - Lama Camp
- 9 Feb. Lama Camp - Bompu
- 10 Feb. Bompu - Sunderview - Bompu - Sessni - Bompu
- 11 Feb. Bompu - Sessni - Bompu
- 12 Feb. Bompu - Sessni - Kellong - Bompu
- 13 Feb. Bompu - Lama Camp
- 14 Feb. Lama Camp - Rupa - Shangti Valley
- 15 Feb. Sela Pass - Mandala
- 16 Feb. Mandala
- 17 Feb. Mandala
- 18 Feb. Mandala - Nameri
- 19 Feb. Nameri - Kaziranga
- 20 Feb. Kaziranga eastern & central range
- 21 Feb. Kaziranga central range - Guwahati
- 22 Feb. Deepor Beel - Delhi
Visited Sites
Eaglenest WLS
A world class birding site. We stayed two nights at Lama camp (27.1572040, 92.4607675) and 4 nights at Bompu (27.0659156, 92.4062345), other camps (Sunderview, Sessni) were closed. We birded along the unpaved road between Lama camp and the river at Khellong (27.0068211, 92.4227582). The road is ca. 55 km long and covers a range of different habtats between 800m (Khellong) and 2800 m (Eaglenest pass). Road conditions werequite bad and travelling within the sanctuary is very slow. The camps are basic but excellent, food at Bompu camp was delicious and staff very attentive. February is certainly not the best time to visit, bird densities are quite low and we missed on a few key species (e.g. Ward's Trogon, Temminck's Tragopan, Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, Blyth's Kingfisher). Still, birding in general was great. Temperatures were chilly, especially at night and early morning, Eaglenest pass was often covered in dense fog.
Rupa
This village (27.2034222, 92.3922707) can be easily visited on the way from Eaglenest to Dirang. Birding along the river gives good chances for species like Ibisbill and Crested Kingfisher.
Shangti Valley
We spent only a few hours at this site (27.4074815, 92.2795756), the main targets were Black-tailed Crake and Long-billed Plover. Black-necked crane has not been seen here in recent years since a bird was killed by a local boy. Main birding habitats are agricutural fields and Shangti river, but forests would certainly be worth exploring, too.
Sela Pass
This is an excellent place for some high-altitude species. Birding can be rewarding anywhere along the road up tot he pass and beyond, the pass itself is at 4170 m (27.5032123, 92.1044517). Unfortunately we were unlucky with the weather at the top, we almost got stuck in heavy snowfall. February is also not the best time for some species (especially Monals & Blood Pheasant). However, we had some great birding with highlights like Red-fronted Rosefinch and White-browed Tit-warbler.
Shangti Valley
We spent only a few hours at this site (27.4074815, 92.2795756), the main targets were Black-tailed Crake and Long-billed Plover. Black-necked crane has not been seen here in recent years since a bird was killed by a local boy. Main birding habitats are agricutural fields and Shangti river, but forests would certainly be worth exploring, too.
Mandala
The new lodge (27.2952782, 92.2565884) at 3000 m is an excellent base for exploring Mandala area. The lodge is basic but very comfortable, has great views to the main chain of the Himalayas and the food is delicious. A wide range of forest habitats can be visited. Winter is not the best time to visit, and we were unlucky with the weather (snowfall, storms and very cold temperatures). Bird density and diversity was therefore very low, especially in the higher areas. However, the site has a huge potential for birding and Red Panda is seen regularly. The most common bird around the lodge was Blanford's Rosefinch.
Kaziranga NP
We stayed at Landmark Woods Hotel outside Kohora. It is a bit far from the main entrance, but offers some opportunities for birding in the vicinity (among others we had Grey Peacock Pheasant and Collared Scops Owl). We had 3 safaris in the park and visited the eastern and central ranges.Birding was great as always in Kaziranga, especially in the central range. Some of the grassland specialites were hard or impossible to find (Black-breasted Parrotbill, Marsh Babbler) because grasslands in the eastern range were not accessible. Similary, the tea gardens (Blue-naped Pitta) and Panbari forest have been closed for security reasons a few years ago and it is uncertain whether they will be re-opened anytime soon.
Species List
Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis
Several birds were heard and seen on each of our 3 safaris in Kaziranga NP on 20th and 21st.
Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola
A few heard around Lama Camp in Eaglenest.
Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis
A few heard in Eaglenest, mostly below Bompu.
Chestnut-breasted Partridge Arborophila mandellii
Several birds heard just below Bompu (11th-13th).
Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus
Heard near Kellong in Eaglenest and seen daily in and around Kaziranga.
Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos
Three birds seen between Bompu and Sessni and a single male near our hotel (Landmark Woods) outside Kaziranga.
Grey Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum
A few birds heard below Sessni and above Landmark Woods hotel near Kaziranga.
Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Around 180 birds counted among hundreds of Lesser Whistling Ducks at Deepor Beel on 22nd. Unlike many LWDs, theFWDs were all far from the lake shore and only identifiable with a good scope.
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
We counted around 800 birds at Deepor Beel.
Greylag Goose Anser anser
Around 30 were seen at Kaziranga.
Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
A few hundres birds were seen on each of our safaris at Kaziranga.
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Small numbers at Nameri and Kaziranga.
White-winged Duck Asarcornis scutulata
A small group of 3 birds could be observed at a forest pond at Nameri on 19th.
Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
We counted around 40 at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Gadwall Anas strepera
A few dozen birds at Kaziranga.
Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
A few dozen birds at Kaziranga.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Small numbers were seen at Kaziranga.
Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
A single bird at Kaziranga on 20th and around 50 birds on 21st.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
A single bird was seen at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
A few dozen birds at Kaziranga on 20th and 21st and around 200 at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Garganey Anas querquedula
We counted around 20 birds at Deepor Beel.
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
Good numbers at Kaziranga and singles at Deepor Beel.
Common Merganser Mergus merganser
Ca. 15 birds were seen at Nameri River on 19th.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Around 20 were seen at Deepor Beel.
Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
Widespread in Assam plains and Kaziranga with up to a couple of hundreds seen daily.
Black Stork Ciconia nigra
At least 4 at Nameri on 19th.
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
At least 3 birds were seen at Kaziranga on 20th.
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Small numbers seen on all 3 safaris at Kaziranga.
Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus
Small numbers seen at Kaziranga and in Assam plains between Kaziranga and Guwahati.
Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius
A single bird in Kaziranga central range on 20th and around 10 birds at Guwahati garbage dump on 22nd.
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus
The only observation was a single bird at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Singles were seen at Nameri and Kaziranga on 19th and 21st.
Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
Good numbers at Kaziranga and scattered birds in Assam plains between Guwahati, Nameri and Kaziranga.
Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus
Common and widespread in Assam plains and at Kaziranga.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Small numbers were seen at Kaziranga and Deepor Beel.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
One on the road between Guwahati and Bhalukpong on 8th and at least 5 birds at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Great Egret Ardea alba
Small numbers were seen at Kaziranga and Deepor Beel.
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
Small numbers at Kaziranga and Deepor Bee as well as in Assam plains between Kaziranga and Guwahati.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Small numbers at Kaziranga and in Assam plains between Kaziranga and Guwahati.
Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis
Good numbers at Kaziranga on 20th and 21st.
Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger
Small numbers at Nameri, Kaziranga, Deepor Beel and in Assam plains between Kaziranga and Guwahati.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Around 20 were counted at Nameri on 19th and a few at Kaziranga on 20th.
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster
A few dozen birds daily at Kaziranga and at least 3 at Deepor Beel.
Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Small numbers were seen daily at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Only seen at Kaziranga, with 4+ birds on both dates.
Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris
2 birds were seen at Nameri on 19th and small numbers on both dates at Kaziranga.
Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis
A few at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus
Small numbers at Kaziranga on 20th and 21st.
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Only seen at Kaziranga, with up to 6 birds daily.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus
A single bird was seen at Kaziranga on 20th.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis
At least 3 birds on 3 different dates in Eaglenest (9th, 12th ad 13th).
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis
3 birds were seen on 3 different dates in Eaglenest (11th, 12th and 14th) and 2 birds near Mandala on 18th.
Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga
An adult and a 3rd-year birds were seen at Kaziranga eatern and central range on 20th and another at central range on 21st.
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
The only observation was a 2nd-year bird at Kaziranga cenral range on 21st.
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
Two birds were observed below Bompu on 12th and a single bird at Kaziraga central range on 21st.
Shikra Accipiter badius
A few at Kaziranga on both dates.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Singles were seen above Bompu in Eaglenest on 10th and at Mandala on 17th.
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
A single bird between Lama camp and Tenga on 14th was most probably this species, but views were not good enough to be sure.
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Common in and around Guwahati.
Pallas's Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus
A single adult at Kaziranga central range on 20th and 3 birds (2 ad., 2nd-year) on 21st.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle Haliaeetus ichthyaetus
Good numbers were seen at Kaziranga on both dates.
Himalayan Buzzard Buteo burmanicus
Singles were seen above Bompu on 10th, below Sela pass on 15th and at Mandala on 18th.
Pied Falconet Microhierax melanoleucos
2 birds at Nameri on 19th, one of which showed well inside Nameri Eco Camp.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
A few scattered observations on 8th and 13th.
Oriental Hobby Falco severus
A 2nd-year bird at Nameri Eco Camp on 19th and an adult at Kaziranga on 20th.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
1 ssp. peregrinator at Tenga on 18th and 1 ssp. calidus at Kaziranga on 20th.
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
A few in and outside Kaziranga on both dates.
Black-tailed Crake Porzana bicolor
A single bird was heard at Shangti Valley on 14th.
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Small numbers were counted at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
3 birds at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii
A group of 4 birds showed well at Rupa on 14th.
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
A few dozen were seen at Kaziranga on both dates and at least 6 birds at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii
A few were observed at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus
Small numbers at Kaziranga and at least 25 birds at Deepor Beel.
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Widespread an common in Assam plains.
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
We observed a group of around 30 at Kaziranga central range on 20th and at least 15 there on 21st.
Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus
Two birds gave nice views at Shangti Valley on 14th.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
A single at Nameri on 19th, small numbers at Kaziranga and at least 8 at Deepor Beel.
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
15 birds were counted at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus
6 at Deepor Beel.
Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Small numbers at Kaziranga on both dates and at least one at Deepor Beel.
Common Redshank Tringa totanus
15+ at Kaziranga on 20th and a few on 21st.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
We observed a single bird at Kaziranga on 20th.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
2 at Nameri River on 19th and small numbers at Kaziranga on both dates.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Good numbers at Kaziranga, a few were also seen at Nameri River on 19th and at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Small numbers were seen at Kaziranga and Deepor Beel.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
3 at Rupa on 14th, a few at Kaziranga and a single bird at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
2 were observed at Kaziranga central range on 21st and at least 10 at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminutus
A single bird at Kaziranga central range on 20th was rather distant unfortunately but undoubtedly this species.
Small Pratincole Glareola lactea
At least 40 birds flew over Nameri Eco Camp at dawn on 18th and 100+ were obeserved at Nameri River the following morning.
Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus
4+ birds at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
At least 10 were seen at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
River Tern Sterna aurantia
We saw 6+ birds at Nameri River on 19th.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
The only observation was 2 birds at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Feral Pigeons were common in and around Guwahati and outside Kaziranga.
Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota
2 birds showed very nicely below Sela Pass on 15th.
Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
A few at Rupa and Shangt Valley and good numbers at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica
Around 30 birds were seen at Kaziranga on 20th.
Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis
Common in rural areas around Guwahati, Nameri and Kaziranga.
Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall
Small numbers were seen at Eaglenest almost daily and at least 5 birds at Nameri on 19th.
Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
1 below Bompu on 11th and 2 on 12th as well as a single bird at Kohora outside Kaziranga on 21st.
Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra
2 birds were seen at Kaziranga on 20th.
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus
Good numbers at Nameri and a few at Kaziranga on both dates.
Pin-tailed Green Pigeon Treron apicauda
At least 7 birds were observed at Nameri Eco Camp on 19th.
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
Widespread and quite common in Assam plains, especially around Nameri and Kaziranga.
Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia
Up to 5 heard daily below Bompu, with a few seen.
Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis
4+ of these well-camouflaged birds showed well at Nameri on 19th.
Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
Small numbers were seen at Kaziranga on both dates.
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
A few at Nameri on 19th and many in and around Kaziranga.
Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri
Rather common at Nameri and Kaziranga, with a few dozen birds seen daily.
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
Small numbers at Nameri and in and around Kaziranga.
Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii
A single birds showed well at Nameri on 19th.
Large Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides
A single bird was seen near Sessni on 11th.
Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia
A single bird called above Landmark Woods hotel near Kaziranga in the evening of 19th.
Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia
2 birds were heard and well seen around Nameri Eco Camp on late evening of 18th.
Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis
A single, well-hidden bird was showed to us by our guide at Kaziranga Eastern range on 20th.
Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica
A single bird was heard and seen above Bompu camp on 10th and 11th.
Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei
We heard small numbers (up to 3 per day) in Eaglenest, mostly around Lama camp.
Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides
1 near Kellong in Eaglenest on 12th, 10+ birds at Nameri on 18th and 19th and small numbers on both dates at Kaziranga.
Brown Hawk-Owl Ninox scutulata
At least 2 birds were heard and seen at Nameri Eco Camp in the night from 18th to 19th.
Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka
A single bird was roosting on the jeep track near Bompu on 9th.
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
Small numbers in Assam plains, especially around Nameri and Kaziranga.
Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus
The only observation was a single male above Bompu on 10th.
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
Rather common in Assam plains, especially in and around Kaziranga.
Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis
Up to 5 birds were observed on both dates at Kaziranga.
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Quite common in Assam plains, especially at and around Nameri and Kaziranga.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
A single bird at Rupa on 14th, 2+ at Nameri on 19th and a single at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris
Singles were seen at Kellong river on 12th and at Rupa on 14th.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
2 at Nameri River on 19th and small numbers at Kaziranga on both dates.
Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni
We observed a single bird at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
Small numbers at Kaziranga on both dates.
Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops
Small numbers at Kaziranga on both dates.
Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis
2 birds at Nameri Eco Camp on 18th and 19th and a single bird at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis
Up to 4 birds heard and seen daily below around Sessni between 10th and 12th.
Great Barbet Megalaima virens
Small numbers heard daily, with a few seen, at Eaglenest.
Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata
2+ birds at Nameri on 19th.
Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii
Up to 10 birds heard and seen almost daily at Eaglenest, especially below Bompu.
Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica
Good numbers at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
Good numbers at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus
The only observation was a single birdin a mixed flock below Mandala on 16th.
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus
One bird was seen above Bompu on 13th.
Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus
A single male at Nameri on 19th and a single female at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos cathpharius
A single bird was observed above Bompu on 10th.
Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis
3 birds above Bompu on 13th.
Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus
A single bird was seen at Sessni on 11th, with two birds there on 12th.
Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus
One bird was heard between Bompu and Sessni on 12 and singles seen at Kaziranga on both dates.
Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense
2 birds at Nameri Eco Camp on 18th and 19th and a few around Kaziranga
Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus
A few were seen and heard around Kaziranga.
Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis
Heard daily at Eaglenest, with a few seen; also a few heard below Mandala on 18th.
Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae
Heard only below Bompu on 11th.
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus
2+ birds below Sessni on 11th.
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus
One or two birds at Nameri on 19th.
Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus
Quite common in Assam plains with a few birds seen daily, especially around Nameri and Kaziranga.
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
A few were seen at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
A single bird on the way between Guwahati and Bhalukpong on 8th and another at Kaziranga on 21st.
Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos
3+ birds around Sessni on 10th and 11th and singles at Nameri on 19th and at Kaziranga on 20th and 21st.
Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris
A single between Bompu and Sessni on 11th and 2 birds above Bompu on 13th.
Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus
Small numbers were seen at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris
4 birds at Kaziranga on 20th were most probably this species, but views were not good enough.
Orange Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
A single male below Sessni on 12th and good numbers daily at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
A single was seen near Rupa on 14th and small numbers daily in Assam plains, especially in and around Nameri and Kaziranga.
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
5+ birds around Rupa and at Shangti Valley on 14th and a few daily at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus
Quite common at Nameri and Kaziranga, with up to 6+ birds seen daily.
White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca
2 birds near Sessni on 11th and a single there on 12th.
Black-headed Shrike-babbler Pteruthius rufiventer
One bird was heard only between Bompu and Sunderview on 13th.
Himalayan Shrike-babbler Pteruthius ripleyi
15 birds between Bompu and Sessni on 10th and around 10 on 11th.
Green Shrike-babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus
A single bird was observed in a mixed flock between Bompu and Sunderview on 13th.
Black-eared Shrike-babbler Pteruthius melanotis
1 in a mixed flock above Bompu on 10th and 3 birds on 13th.
Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
3+ bird were seen at Nameri on 19th and 2 birds at Kaziranga on 21st.
Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii
The only observation was a single bird at Nameri on 19th.
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
A few in Assam plains, especially in and around Kaziranga.
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
3 birds were seen around Sessni on 10th and a few daily at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
Seen almost daily at Eaglenest, especially around Sessni and Kellong.
Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer
Singles were observed around Sessni on 10th and 11th as well as at Nameri on 19th.
Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
10 at Nameri on 19th and small numbers at Kaziranga on both dates.
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus
Singles were seen around Sessni and Kellong on 10th, 11th and 12th and 2 birds at Kaziranga on 20th and 21st.
White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
A few were seen around Bompu and Sessni on 10th, 11th and 12th.
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris
2 birds between Eaglenest pass and Lama camp on 13th and a single at Mandala on 16th.
Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis
We heard and saw a few around Sessni and Kellong on 10th, 11th and 12th as well as at Kaziranga on 20th and 21st.
Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda
A few seen at Kaziranga on both dates.
Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae
Heard only below Bompu on 10th.
Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes
3 birds were seen at Mandala on 16th.
House Crow Corvus splendens
Seen around Nameri and Guwahati.
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
Small numbers were seen aroud Tenga and Rupa on 14th, below Sela pass on 15th and daily at Mandala.
Eastern Jungle Crow Corvus levaillantii
Good numbers around Nameri, Kaziranga and Guwahati.
Yellow-bellied Fantail Chelidorhynx hypoxantha
A few around Sessni on 10th and 11th.
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
Small numbers near Sessni as well as at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Coal Tit Periparus ater
Good numbers at Sela pass and Mandala.
Grey Crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous
Singles were seen below Sela pass on 15th and at Mandala on 16th and 17th.
Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus
Up to 6 birds daily at Kaziranga and at Deepor Beel.
Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus
1 at Eagelnest on 9th, at least 6 near Rupa and at Shangti valley on 14th and a few at Mandala on 16th and 18th.
Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus
6+ birds were seen above Bompu on 13th.
Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus
2+ birds above Bompu on 9th and at Mandala on 16th.
Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea
The only observation was a single male at Sessni on 11th.
Sand Lark Calandrella raytal
Two singing birds at Nameri river on 19th.
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
2 around Mandala lodge between 16th and 18th and a few heard at Kaziranga.
Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus
Small numbers seen daily at Eaglenest.
Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus
Good numbers at Nameri and in and around Kaziranga.
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
Common throughout except at Eaglenest.
White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus
5+ birds were seen near Kellong on 12th.
Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii
A few were seen almost daily at Eaglenest.
Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus
A single bird was observed below Mandala on 18th and good numbers at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Grey-throated Martin Riparia chinensis
Small numbers at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
1 was seen at Kaziranga on 20th and at least 3 on 21st (central range).
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Small numbers at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
We saw at least 4 birds at Rupa on 14th.
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
A few birds at Kaziranga central range on 21st and at Deepor Beel.
Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris
2 birds in bamboo between Sessni an Kellong on 12th.
Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis
A single bird was seen between Sessni and Kellong on 12th.
Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps
Around 10 between Bompu and Sessni on 10th, 15 at Lama camp on 14th and another group of 10 below Mandala on 16th.
Brown-flanked Bush Warbler Horornis fortipes
A single bird was seen at Eaglenest on 9th.
Grey-bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer
2 birds at Nameri on 19th.
Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea
A single bird was seen near Sessni on 12th.
Chestnut-headed Tesia Cettia castaneocoronata
A few were heard and seen near Sessni on 11th and 12th.
Black-throated Bushtit Aegithalos concinnus
2 around Sessni on 11th and at least 6 below Mandala on 16th.
Rufous-fronted Bushtit Aegithalos iouschistos
Groups of 6+ birds were observed below Mandala on 16th and 18th.
White-browed Tit-warbler Leptopoecile sophiae
A single bird showed short but well below Sela pass on 15th.
Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher
Surprisingly rare, only 2 birds around Lama camp on 9th.
Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis
A few were seen daily at Eaglenest and 2+ at Mandala on 16th.
Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus
A few birds around Bompu between 11th and 13th and 2+ below Mandala on 16th.
Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
Common at Nameri and Kaziranga; a few were also seen near Kellong anf at Deepor Beel.
Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita tristis
A single bird was observed at Kaziranga on 20th.
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
Rather common at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis
3+ birds next to the entry gate of Kaziranga eastern range.
Blyth's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides
Single birds near Sessni on 11th and at Kaziranga eastern range on 20th.
Grey-hooded Warbler Phylloscopus xanthoschistos
A few birds were seen around Bompu and Lama camp and a single bird at Kaziranga eastern range on 20th.
Whistler's Warbler Seicercus whistleri
Single birds near Sessni on 11th and 12th and another at Kaziranga eastern range on 20th.
Grey-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys
A few were seen near Sessni on 9th, 10th and 11th.
Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps
Small groups of 3+ birds were observed between Bompu and Sessni on 10th and 12th.
Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
A single bird at Deepor Beel on 22nd was the only observation.
Thick-billed Warbler Iduna aedon
One bird was heard and gave short views at Nameri on 19th.
Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris
Heard and seen daily at Kaziranga, a few also at Deepor Beel.
Black-throated Prinia Prinia atrogularis
3 birds gave good views between Sessni and Kellong on 12th.
Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis
A single was seen at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
Small numbers at Nameri, Kaziranga and Deepor Beel
Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis
A single bird was heard and shortly seen at Kaziranga eastern range on 20th.
White-browed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps
A single was seen above Landmark Woods hotel on 20th and 2 at Kohora on 21st.
Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis
Seen or heard almost daily at Eaglenest, plus 2 birds below Mandala on 18th.
Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis caudatus
A single was heard above Bompu on 9th, 2 heard and seen near Sessni on 11th with another there on 12th.
Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyridopsis ruficeps
Small number were seen almost daily at Eaglenest, usually in mixed flocks; also 2 below Mandala on 18th.
Golden Babbler Stachyridopsis chrysaea
Groups of around 6 birds were seen around and below Bompu on 10th and 12th.
Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Macronus gularis
6+ birds at Nameri on 19th.
Yellow-throated Fulvetta Alcippe cinerea
Flocks of up to two dozen birds were seen almost daily between Bompu and Sessni.
Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps
A few birds in mixed flocks between Bompu and Sessni on 10th and 13th.
Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis
2 near Sessni on 11th and 20+ birds on 12th.
Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler Napothera epilepidota
2 near Sessni on 11th, one of which gave excelent views.
Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps
4+ birds at Nameri on 19th.
Slender-billed Babbler Turdoides longirostris
Unfortunately only heard at Kaziranga central range on 20th.
Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata
A single was seen at Nameri on 19th
White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus
Heard below Bompu on several occasions but not seen.
Spotted Laughingthrush Garrulax ocellatus
Despite the foggy conditions, 4+ birds gave excellent views at Eaglenest pass on 13th.
Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax monileger
12+ birds in a mixed Necklaced Laughingthrush flock at Kohora on 20th and ca. 8 on 21st. Unidentified Necklaced Laughingthrushes were also seen near Kellong on 11th.
Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis
Ca. 4 in a mixed Necklaced Laughingthrush flock at Kohora on 20th and 21st. Unidentified Necklaced Laughingthrushes were also seen near Kellong on 11th.
Grey-sided Laughingthrush Garrulax caerulatus
Several flocks near Bompu on 10th, 12th and 13th.
Striated Laughingthrush Garrulax striatus
Rather common and widespread at Eaglenest.
Bhutan Laughingthrush Trochalopteron imbricatum
We only heard a few birds at Lama camp on 14th.
Blue-winged Laughingthrush Trochalopteron squamatum
2+ birds were mixed in with other Laughingthrushes at Lama camp on 14th.
Scaly Laughingthrush Trochalopteron subunicolor
We saw only a single bird near Bompu on 10th.
Black-faced Laughingthrush Trochalopteron affine
Seen on several days at Eaglenest, mostly between Sunderview and Bompu. Also 4+ at Mandala on 18th.
Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Trochalopteron erythrocephalum
A few were seen almost daily at Eaglenest, especially around Lama camp and Bompu.
Himalayan Cutia Cutia nipalensis
A group of seven at Sessni on 10th and a single bird there on 11th.
Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera
Small numbers near Sessni and Bompu.
Bar-throated Minla Minla strigula
Flocks were seen near Lama camp on 9th and near Bompu on 10th.
Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta
A few were observed below Bompu on 10th, 11th ad 12th and 4+ below Mandala on 18th.
Red-faced Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea
1-2 birds were seen around Bompu and Sessni on 10th, 11th and 12th.
Bugun Liocichla Liocichla bugunorum
At least 2 were heard at Lama camp on 9th and another bird gave good views there on 14th.
Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni
Small numbers were seen almost daily at Eaglenest.
Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis
Up to 8 birds of this intermediate form were seen at Eaglenest almost daily.
Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris
The only observation was a group of ca. 20 birds near Kellong on 12th.
Rufous-backed Sibia Heterophasia annectans
4+ birds were seen between Bompu and Sessni on 11th.
Beautiful Sibia Heterophasia pulchella
Common and widespread in the higher parts of Eaglenest, especially around Lama camp and Bompu.
Long-tailed Sibia Heterophasia picaoides
A few were seen almost daily at Eaglenest, especially around Lama camp and Sessni.
Fire-tailed Myzornis Myzornis pyrrhoura
3 birds gave excellent views above Bompu on 10th, with 1 bird there on 11th.
Brown-throated Fulvetta Fulvetta ludlowi
Up to 15 birds were seen in the higher parts of Eaglenest on 9th, 13th and 14th as well as 8 birds at Mandala on 18th.
Brown Parrotbill Cholornis unicolor
Several nice observations, with a group of ca. 6 birds above Bompu on 9th and 4+ below Mandala on 16th and 18th.
White-breasted Parrotbill Psittiparus ruficeps
2 birds below Bompu on 12th.
White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri
30+ birds were seen near Sessni on 10th and a few on 11th.
Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis
A few were seen almost daily at Eaglenest and at Mandala on 16th.
Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis
Common in the higher parts of Eaglenest and below Mandala.
Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis
Groups of up to 50 birds were seen near Sessni on 10th and 11th.
Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta
The only observation was a group of ca. 6 birds near Sessni on 11th.
Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus
A few were seen at Nameri on 19th and at Kaziranga on 20th.
Goldcrest Regulus regulus
A single bird was observed below Sela pass on 15th.
Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Small numbers at Sela pass and Mandala.
White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis
Seen only at Eaglenest, with a maximum of 5 birds counted between Bompu and Sunderview on 13th.
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis
A few were seen on both dates at Nameri.
Beautiful Nuthatch Sitta formosa
A single bird was seen at Sessni on 10th and a nice group of 5 birds there on 11th.
Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria
3 birds were seen at the River at Rupa and at Shangti valle on 14th and a single bird below Sela pass on 15th.
Hodgson's Treecreeper Certhia hodgsoni
A few were seen below Sela pass on 15th and below Mandala on 18th.
Rusty-flanked Treecreeper Certhia nipalensis
A single bird at Mandala on 16th.
Sikkim Treecreeper Certhia discolor
Single birds were noted around Bompu on 10th and 11th and 2 on 13th.
Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa
Good numbers were seen and heard at Nameri and Kaziranga.
White-vented Myna Acridotheres grandis
Small numbers in Assam plains near Guwahati, at Kaziranga and at Deepor Beel.
Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus
Common in and around Kaziranga.
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
Common in urban areas in Assam plains and Tenga - Rupa.
Pied Myna Gracupica contra
Common in urban and rural areas throughout Assam plains.
Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica
Small numbers at Nameri and at Kaziranga.
Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima
2 were seen at Lama camp on 9th, with a single there on 13th, and small numbers below Sela pass and at Mandala.
Long-tailed Thrush Zoothera dixoni
A single bird was observed near Sessni on 11th and a probable at Mandala on 16th.
Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma
A single bird showed well at Kohora on 21st.
Black-breasted Thrush Turdus dissimilis
A small group of 2+ birds at Nameri on 19th.
White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus
Good numbers were seen below Lama camp on 14th and daily at Mandala (up to 10/day).
Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul
A single female was observed at Nameri on 19th.
Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis
2 at Shangti valley, 1 below Sela pass and small numbers daily at Mandala.
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
A single male was observed at Kaziranga on 20th.
White-browed Bush Robin Tarsiger indicus
A single female was seen above Bompu on 13th.
Rufous-breasted Bush Robin Tarsiger hyperythrus
Singles were seen almost daily at Eaglenest, mostly between Bompu and Sessni, 2 on the way up to Sela pass on 15th.
Himalayan Bluetail Tarsiger rufilatus
Common throughout Eaglenest and at Mandala.
Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus
A single female was seen near Lama camp on 14th.
Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis
Rather common at Nameri and Kaziranga.
White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
2 birds were observed at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni
Good numbers on the way between Tenga and Shangti valley and up towards Sela pass.
White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps
A single female was seen between Lama camp and Eaglenest pass on 9th and 13th. Common at Sela pass and Mandala, with up to 20 birds seen daily.
Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis
A few in Eaglenest around Lama camp, and good numbers on the way between Tenga and Shangti valley and around Mandala.
Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa
4 at Kellong river on 12th and a few around Rupa on 14th.
White-capped Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
A single near Bhalukpong on 8th and good numbers at Kellong river and Rupa.
Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus
Small numbers were seen at Eaglenest and on the way up to Sela pass as well as around Nameri and Kaziranga.
Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri
A single bird near Sessni on 10th and 2 on 12th, singles near Sunderview on 13th and on the way up to Sela pass on 15th
Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus
A single bird was seen at Nameri on 19th.
Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus
A single bird was observed near Sessni on 10th.
Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus
A single bird near Sessni on 11th.
Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus
A single male near Lama camp on 9th and a few at Shangti valley. Rather common at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
Singles were seen at Rupa on 14th and below Sela pass on 15th.
Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris
Singles were observed at Kellong on 12th, near Lama camp on 14th, below Mandala on 16th and at Nameri on 19th.
Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata
A few were noted at Eaglenest almost daily.
Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
The only observation was a single bird at Kaziranga on 21st.
Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
One nice male at Nameri on 19th.
Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor
A single male was observed at Kellong on 12th.
Sapphire Flycatcher Ficedula sapphira
3 females showed well at Nameri on 19th.
Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
Only a single male at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Pale Blue Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor
We observed a single male at Kellong on 12th.
Pale-chinned Blue Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys
A single bird at Nameri on 19th was the only observation.
Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides
A probable female bird at Kellong on 12th did not show well enough to confirm the identification.
White-gorgeted Flycatcher Anthipes monileger
A single bird showed nicely near Sessni on 12th.
Large Niltava Niltava grandis
Single birds below Bompu on 10th and 12th.
Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii
Single birds were seen at Kellong river on 12th, at Rupa on 14th and near Bhalukpong on 18th.
Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons
Small numbers seen daily at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii
Small numbers were seen daily at Eaglenest, with a few also at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum melanoxanthum
One of the highlights oft the trip was a nice group of 8 birds showing extremely well above Bompu.
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus
Small numbers were seen at Eaglenest on 9th, 13th and 14th, especially around Lama camp. A single bird below Mandala on 18th.
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum
A single male was observed at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis
Small numbers were seen at Eaglenest almost daily; also a few at Mandala on 16th and 18th.
Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata
2+ near Bompu on 10th and a single there on 12th.
Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
A single bird at Kohora on 21st.
Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna
Small numbers were seen near Bhalukpong, at Nameri and around Kaziranga.
Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans
Flocks of 10+ birds were noted on the way to Sela pass on 15th and below Mandala on 18th.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Small numbers in urban areas at Rupa, Dirang and Kohora.
Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris
A single was observed between Eaglenest pass and Lama camp on 13th and 5+ birds at Sela pass on 15th.
Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata
A single bird near Lama camp on 9th and good numbers below Mandala.
Maroon-backed Accentor Prunella immaculata
Up to 10 birds were seen almost daily at Eaglenest and a few at Mandala on 16th ad 18th.
Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
2 birds at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
Small numbers were noted on both dates at Kaziranga and at Deepor Beel.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
A single bird at Kellong river on 12th and 2+ at Rupa on 14th.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Rather common between Tenga and Shangti valley as well as at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus richardi
3+ birds were seen on both dates at Kaziranga.
Richard's Pipit Anthus godlewskii
A single bird at Nameri on 19th.
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
Good numbers at Lama and Bompu camps as well as at Mandala. A few were also seen at Kaziranga on 20th and 21st.
Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus
12+ birds at Deepor Beel on 22nd.
White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes
At least 40 birds were counted on the way up to Sela pass on 16th.
Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis
A nice group of 12 birds below Mandala on 18th.
Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala
The only observation was 4+ birds mixed in with Grey-headed Bullfinches at Lama camp on 14th.
Grey-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythaca
4 birds near Lama camp on 9th and at least 8 on 14; a few birds were also seen below Mandala on 16th and 18th.
Blanford's Rosefinch Agraphospiza rubescens
Common at Mandala, with up to 25 birds seen daily.
Golden-naped Finch Pyrrhoplectes epauletta
Up to 7 birds were seen on 9th, 13th and 14th at Eaglenest, mostly around Lama camp.
Dark-breasted Rosefinch Procarduelis nipalensis Rather common at Eaglenest, with up to 15 birds seen daily; also a few at Sela pass and Mandala.
Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola
Good numbers below Sela pass and at Mandala.
Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus
6+ birds were counted on the way up to Sela pass on 15th and 6 at Mandala on 16th.
Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii
A group of 4+ birds was seen at Mandala on 17th.
Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura
25+ birds were counted on the way up to Sela pass on 15th.
Red-fronted Rosefinch Carpodacus puniceus
3 females below Sela pass on 15th.
Crimson-browed Finch Carpodacus subhimachalus
A single male was observed above Bompu on 13th.
Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Chloris spinoides
Good numbers on the way up to Sela pass on 15th and a few below Mandala on 18th.
Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
At least 4 birds were seen below Mandala on 16th.
Mammals
Yellow-throated Marten
2 were seen at Lama camp on 9th and at Kellong river on 12th and a single on the way up to Sela pass on 15th.
Mongoose sp.
Singles were seen at Nameri on 18th and 19th.
Capped Langur
A few between Sessni and Kellong on 12th and small groups at Nameri on 18th and 19th.
Assamese Macaque
Good numbers around Nameri and Kaziranga.
Barking Deer
A few were heard and seen at Eaglenest and a single at Kaziranga central range on 21st.
Sambar
A few were seen at Nameri and Kaziranga.
Hog Deer
Common at Kaziranga.
Swamp Deer
Quite common at Kaziranga.
Wild Boar
A few were seen on both dates at Kaziranga.
Indian Elephant
Small numbers were seen on both dates at Kaziranga.
Indian Rhinoceros
Good numbers at Kaziranga.
Water Buffalo
Rather common at Kaziranga.
