Observers.

Ramesh Karki and John B O’Connell-Davidson on the Rara Trek and was joined by Bishnu Chadhaury at Chitwan.

Overview

A trek from Jumla to Rara National Park and back which should been followed by a trip to Royal Bardia National Park but unfortunately a strike in the Terai region meant that we returned to Kathmandu and travelled on to Chitwan National Park for 4 days of birding.

Highlights.

A total of 354 species of birds were observed during my trip.  We had good views of 4 of Nepal’s eastern resident birds - White-checked Nuthatch - Kashmir Nuthatch - White-throated Tit and the Black-and Yellow Grosbeak.  In Chitwan Nation Park we had some excellent birding with the highlight being a trip into the Churia Hills for birds of the deep forest.  Also while at Chitwan we had good views of Sloth Bears, Leopard and Indian female Fox with 4 juveniles.

Problems.

Jumla has expanding dramatically over the last few years with the advent of a dirt road being constructed and this may have affected birding in the area which is relatively poor.  This may be because of the deforestation taking place since the advent of the road, an influx of people into the region and the wood required for the additional building work being undertaken.  The number of mountain species observed above 2,500m was relatively small but this may be because of the climate of the region which does not see rain fall for 9 months each year.   In Rara it was hoped to observe some of the Nepal’s rare pheasant’s species but we did not hear or see any.    Would I recommend the Jumla / Rara area to another birder to explore?  This for me would be a difficult question to answer due to the climate, terrain and local food which all pose problems in there own way. 

Notes.

1.      Ornithological nomenclature follows ‘Birds of Nepal’ by Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp & Tim Inskipp. 2000 Publisher: Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd (31 Jan 2002).

2.       After the Systematic Bird List list there is a pdf file that gives the day by day species check list. 

3.       My thanks go to Carol Inskipp & Tim Inskipp for their helpful comments on the report.

4.       Any comment and further information please contact john.ocd@blueyonder.co.uk

Diary:

8 April arrived Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel Kantipur Temple House.

9 April    A trip to the Bagmati River south of Chobhor passed the cement works to a lake which can be viewed on satellite images.   The river south of the city smells almost like an open sewer but it was surprisingly very good for passage waders.

10 April – Flight from Kathmandu to Jumla 2370m

Jumla & Rara lie in the remote Karnali region, north-west of Kathmandu. The region is made-up of long ridges covered with temperate forests and alpine pastures enclosing high valleys.  The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and Jumla district and has the feel of a frontier town.  Birding in the afternoon in a wooded valley to the South of the town.

11 April – Jumla to Campsite North of Khali-Lagna 3350m

From Jumla a slow climb North through fields and then a steep climb to the Khali-Lagna Pass at 3685m before we camp for the night.  The forest of pines, spruces and firs before the pass was very good for birding and good views of snow-capped mountains to the east and west was obtained during the climb.

12 April - Campsite North of Khali-Lagna Pass to Bharagaon 2965m

From the campsite the trail descends steeply through pine forest to the Nyawru Khola.   Following the river through fields to the village of Bhargaon where we pitched the tents on the roof of one of the houses. 

13 April - Bharagaon  to Pina 2430m

Our trail keeps following the river down until the small village of Chautha where the trail climbs steadily through forest and alpine meadows to the Churchi Lagna Pass 3456m.   The trail then descends gently through mixed forest of spruces, birches and rhododendrons towards the village at Pina.  

14 April – Pina to Rara National Park  (2980m)

From Pina the trails descend gently to a mill and then climbs steeply through forest before the summit at 3063m and emerge on the Southern shore of Rara Lake. We then walked around to the North side of the Lake where the only camp site is situated near a Tea House and the Army Camp which protects the National Park.

15 to 18 April – Rara National Park

Rara Lake was designated a national park in 1975 and is the largest lake in Nepal which is over 170m deep and has an average depth of 100m.  The lake is an important resting place for migrating waterfowl.  Four days were spent birding and looking for wildlife in the area.  On the 16/4 we did a circuit of the lake and on the 18/4 we had a day with a senior park warden looking for birds and mammals in the clearings and forest of the Park.

19 April - Rara Lake to Gorosingha (3083m)

From the western end of Rara Lake the trail followed the Khatyar Khola before crossing the river and a steep climb out following a small trail surrounded by pine, spruce and rhododendron forests to a pass at 3800m. The trail then descended into the Ghatta valley heading towards the small settlement of Gorosingha.

20 April - Gorusingha to Sinja (2550m)

The route kept heading down the Ghatta valley from Gorosingha following the Sinja Khola to Sinja.  From the 12th to 14th century, Sinja was the capital of the Malla dynasty that ruled western Nepal. The camp site we use is a burnt out police station below the ruins of the old palace which are not much more than a series of earth works.  There is a temple here dedicated to Bhagwati, the goddess of justice who rides atop a tiger close by.

21 April – Sinja to campsite North of Padmara (3227m)

From Sinja we climbed steadily up the Jaljala Kola back and forth across the river on a series of log bridges through good birding forest of pine, birch and bamboo to Jaljala Chaur 3328m a large alpine meadow.   The trail then makes a climb 3600m before we camp for the night north of Padmara.

22  April – Padmara to Jumla (2370m)

A pleasant descent to Jumla to a well deserved shower, wash clothes after a very dusty and at times difficult trek. 

23 April Jumla

Birding in the valleys around Jumla.   This was not a good day for birding this was probably due to the amount of development and deforestation in the area has rendered the area poor for birds. 

24 April   Fly Jumla to Nepalgunj & then Kathmandu

We fly to Nepalgunj and made our way to the Batika Hotel but due to a prolonged strike in the Terai region travel was impossible for my birding trip to Royal Bardia National Park to go ahead, so instead fly back to Kathmandu late afternoon. 

25 April  Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park

To by pass the strike we fly to Chitwan Nation Park where and are transported to Gaida Wildlife Camp for 4 nights.  In the afternoon we explored the grasslands in search the Bengal Florican which had been seen earlier the month which was my target species for the trip.

26 to 28 April  Chitwan National Park

On the 26^th we concentrated on the grasslands and its birds and in the afternoon we visited a lake in the grasslands.   On the 27^th we had a 12 hour day which consisted of 1 ½ hour elephant ride at the beginning and the end followed by a 9 hour trek up a dry river bed in a ravine forest in the Churia Hills where we searched for the rarer birds of the forest and returning migrants.  Although it was a very hard day the birding was excellent in this area as the army have check points to stop unauthorised access.  On the 28^th we drove through the National Park and visited a number of different habitats again in search of the Florican.

29 April Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu

An early morning trip down the river before flying back to Kathmandu.

1 May - Kathmandu the forest at Shivapuri NP National Park

A long morning birding in the forest at Shivapuri National Park, on the outskirts of Kathamdu, which is a wildlife reserve and also the water reserve for Kathmandu.   A wall surrounds the Park with visitors required to purchase a permit at the enterance from the army check point who control access. 

Systematic Bird List

Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar)   Observed and often heard calling between Jumla 10/4 & just before Rara 14/4.  On the return trip 2 on the 20/4 and at least 6 in the valley to the north of Jumla 22/4.

Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus)  A male on the 25/4 & 26/4 and heard on 25,27 & 28/4 at Chitwan.

Yellow-legged Buttonquail (Turnix tanki)  observed in good numbers at Chitwan on the grasslands 25/4, 26/4 & 3 on the 28/4  

Barred Buttonquail   (Turnix susciator)  One at Chitwan in the grasslands 26/4.

Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus) 3 on the 12/4 and singles observed on 4 other days during the trek and heard calling on the hill side during the trek. 

Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)    Heard and observed in good numbers in the Chitwan 25/4 - 29/4.

Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) 3 on the 15/4, 4 – 17/4 & 7 – 18/4 at Rara and 1 between Gorosingha following the Sinja 20/4.  At Chitwan 1 – 25/4 and 8 in the Churia Hills 27/4.   4 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)   Heard and observed in good numbers at Chitwan 25-29/4.

Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus)   3 – 14/4 and possibly the same 3 - 16/4 at Rara.  3 on the river at Chitwan 29/4.

Lesser Whistling-Duck  Dendrocygna javanica   A large flock of 50 + on the 25/4 and 26/4 at Chitwan.

Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea)   3 in the river Rapti near Sauraha 29/4 at Chitwan.

Gadwall (Anas strepera)   Over 10 on the 9/4 at the lake near the Bagmati River Kathmandu and 3 at Rara 16/4.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)     2 - 14/4, 1 – 15/4, 2 – 16/4 & 1 – 18/4 at Rara.

Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca)   10+ on the 9/4 at the lake near the Bagmati River Kathmandu.

Tuffed Duck  (Aythya fuligula)   Observed on all days at lake at Rara 14/4 – 19/4 with 20+ observed 16/4 on the day we walked around the Lake.

Speckled Piculet (Picumnus innominatus) 4 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Rufous Woodpecker (Celeus brachyurus)    3 in the Churia Hills forest 27/4

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos canicapillus)   3 on the 26/4 & 2 - 28/4 at Chitwan.

Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos macei)  Good numbers on all days at Chitwan 25 – 29/4.

Himalayan Woodpecker  (Dendrocopos himalayensis)   Observed in small number on the 11/4 & 13/4 and 20/4 & 21/4 in the Jumla region.

Lesser Yellownape (Picus chlorolophus)   3 on the 25/4, 26/4 & 27/4 at Chitwan.

Greater Yellownape   (Picus flavinucha)   2 in the Churia Hills forest 27/4

Scaly-bellied Woodpecker (Picus squamatus)   Singles observed on 3 days (14-16/4) at Rara with it often heard calling in the forest area of the Lake.

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)  Over 10 in the Churia Hills forest 27/4 and the following day as we drove through Chitwan NP.

Himalayan Flameback (Dinopium shorii)    1 in the Churia Hills forest 27/4.

Black-rumped Flameback  (Dinopium benghalense)  Singles observed at Chitwan  on the 25/4, 26/4, 27/4 & 29/4.

Greater Flameback (Dinopium shorii)   2 - 25/4 & 26/4, 4 on the 27/4 and 2 - 28/4 all at Chitwan.

Great Barbet (Megalaima virens) Only heard calling in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Lineated Barbet (Megalaima lineata)   Often heard calling at Chitwan and small numbers observed on the 25, 26, 28 & 29/4

Golden-throated Barbet (Megalaima franklinii) Heard calling in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Blue-throated Barbet (Megalaima asiatica)  Heard calling 9/4 at the lake near the Bagmati River Kathmandu, 1 at Nepalgunj 24/4.  Observed in good numbers in the Churia Hills forest 27/4 at Chitwan & 1 at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)   Heard calling 26/4 in Chitwan and also at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostis)   A pair (possibly nesting near by) Gaida Wildlife camp on the 26/4 & 29/4 and 2 in the Churia Hills forest 27/4.   

Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)    1 in the forest canopy at the Churia Hills 27/4

Hoopoe  (Upupa epops)    1 near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4, 1 near Pina 14/4 and 1 at Chitwan 28/4.

Red-headed Trogon  (Harpactes erythrocephalus) 6–8 Males & Females in the Churia Hills forest on the 27/4.

Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)  2 on the 25/4, 3 – 26/4, 6 – 27/4 and over 10 on the 28/4 & 29/4 all in the Chitwan area.

Dollarbird  (Eurystomus orientalis)  20+ in the Churia Hills forest 27/4 and 10+  28/4 all in the Chitwan area.      

Blue-bearded Bee-eater  (Merops orientalis)   2 on the 25/4, 26/4, 27/4 and 1 – 29/4 all at Chitwan

(Little) Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis)   Very good numbers observed on all days 26/4 to 29/4 in Chitwan.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater  (Merops philippinus)   5 on the 25/4, more than 10 on the 26/4 & 28/4 with over 100 - 27/4 at a nesting site in the Churia hills all in the Chitwan area.

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti) In the Chitwan over 10 on the 26, 28, & 29/4 with 50+ 27/4 at the same nesting site in the Churia hills as the Blue-tailed Bee-eater.

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)  2 on the 25/4, 1 – 26/4 and 1 – 29/4 all at Chitwan.

Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meminting)  2 briefly by a small stream during the drive through Chitwan NP 28/4

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Halcyon capensis)   1 each day on the 25/4 – 29/4 by the river at Chitwan.

Ruddy Kingfisher  (Halcyon coromanda)   Good views and photographs of 1 by a small stream in the Churia Hills 27/4

White-throated Kingfisher (Halycon smyrnensis)   10 near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and widespread and frequent at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)  Recorded on all days in Chitwan in small numbers.

Chestnut-winged Cuckoo (Clamator coromandus) over 10 observed in the Churia Hills forest 27/4

Common Hawk Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) 1 - 27/4 & 1 -29/4 with over 10 observed 28/4 all at Chitwan

Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) Widespread and frequently heard 25/4 – 29/4 with 1 observed flying on the 29/4 all at Chitwan.

Eurasian Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) Common and frequently heard when in the Kathmandu valley with a bird heard at Rara 15/4.

Oriental Cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus) Heard at Rara 17/4 & at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Drongo Cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris)  Heard in the Churia Hills 27/4

Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea)  Heard near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and observed heard in small numbers at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Green-billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus tristis)   2 on the 25/4 & 26/4, 6 in the Churia Hills 27/4 and 2 on the 29/4 all at Chitwan.

Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)  Recorded on all days in Chitwan 25/4 – 29/4 in small numbers.

Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalenis)   Frequently observed at Chitwan on the 26/4 to the 29/4.

Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria)   Heard and observed at Chitwan with 10+ on the 25/4 and 30+ 29/4.

Rose-ringed (Ring-necked) Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)  Good numbers near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and common at Chitwan on the 25/4 to 29/4..

Plum-headed Paraket (Psittacula cyanocephala)  Observed frequently on the 27/4 to 29/4 in the Chitwan area.

Red-brested Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri)   1 on the 28/4 and 29/4 at Chitwan.

White-rumped Needletail (Zoonavena sylvatica)   2 to 5 above the forest in the Churia Hills 27/4

House (Little) Swift (Apus affinis) Very common in Katmandu valley and frequently observed in feeding flocks of over 50 birds.  2 at Chitwan 26/4

Crested Treeswift (Hemiprocne coronata)     A small flock of 5 birds at Chitwan 28/4

Brown Hawk Owl (Ninox scutulata)  1 on the 25/4 and heard on the 29/4 in the Chitwan area.

Mountain Scops Owl (Otus spilocephalus)   1 briefly at the camp site at Rara 17/4 and heard calling on the 18/4 & 19/4 in the same area.

Brown Fish Owl  (Ketupa zeylonensis)   At Chitwan possibly the same bird was observed on the 26/4 & 27/4 high in the trees.

Brown Wood Owl  (Strix leptogrammica)   This may have been the owl that was possiblely heard at the campsite at Rara 16/4 & 17/4.  

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)     Heard calling overnight 11/12 Apr at the campsite North of Khali-Lagna pass and another possibly heard near Pina overnight 13/14 Apr

Collared Owlet (Glaucidium brodiei)  Heard calling 13/4 and again at Rara 15/4, 17/4 & 18/4.

Jungle Owlet (Glaucidium radiatum)  2 at Chitwan 26/4.

Spotted (Little) Owlet  (Athene brama)   Heard 12/4 near the campsite North of Khali-Lagna pass and 1 in the forest at the Churia Hills 27/4

Rock (Dove) Pigeon (Columba livia)  100+ nesting on a rock face near & Sinja and good numbers the following day as we left the village.

Snow Pigeon (Columba leuconota)   A flock of 50 to 60 birds observed in the mountains on each day 11/4 to 14/4 and around 40 birds near Jumla 22/4. 

Ashy Wood Pigeon  (Columba pulchricollis)   6 on the 13/4 near Pina and 4 – 15/4, 11/4 – 17/4,  7 – 18/4 & 3 – 19/4 all at or near Rara Lake NP.

Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis)   Widespread and common in Nepal.

Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)  Common in Kathmandu & Chitwan but not observed on the Rara trek.

Red Collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica)   Common in Chitwan 25/4 to the 28/4.

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)   Over 10 by the Bagmati River 9/4 and common at Chitwan 25/4 – 29/4.

Emerald Dove (Caprimulgus indicus)   2 in the forest near the Gaida Camp 26/4, 10+ 27/4 in the Churia Hills and 4 - 28/4 all at Chitwan.         

Orange-brested Green Pigeon (Treron bicinca)  3 near river at Chitwan 26/4 the forest on the opposite bank.

Pompadour Green Pigeon (Treron pompadora)   1 at Chitwan 26/4 near the forest.

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon (Treron phoenicoptera)  A small flock of 6 - 26/4 in the forest and 5 - 27/4 in the Churia Hills at Chitwan.

Brown Crake (Amaurornis akool)  Small numbers observed on the bank of the river near the wildlife camp Chitwan 26/4 - 29/4.

White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)  Observed on 4 days at Chitwan with 10+ on the 26/4 & 28/4.

Ruddy-brested Crake  (Porzana fusca)    2 by the lake in the grasslands at Chitwan 26/4

Purple Swamphen  (Porohyrio porphyrio)    3 by the lake in the grasslands at Chitwan 26/4

Common Moorehen  (Gallinula chloropus)    1 – 16/4 & 2 on the 19/4 at Rara Lake.  Observed on all days in Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Common Coot   (Fulica atra)    More than 10 at the lake by the Bagmati River 9/4 and observed on all days at Rara with over 20 on the 16/4 during the lake circuit.

Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)    1 on the 16/4 at Rara observed feeding on a muddy bank.

Common Snipe   (Gallinago gallinago)    Good numbers on the banks of the Bagmati River 9/4 and 3 by the lake in the grasslands at Chitwan 26/4

Greater Painted-snipe  (Rostratula benghalensis)    2 by the river at Chitwan 28/4.

Common Greenshank (Triga nebularia)   1 on the 28/4 & 2 - 29/4 by the river in Chitwan.

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)   More than 10 at the Bagmati River 9/4 and 3 at Chitwan 25/4.

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoteucos)   More than 10 at the Bagmati River 9/4 and 1 -16/4 &18/4 at Rara Lake.  Small numbers by the rivers at in Chitwan 25/4 - 29/4.

Little Stint   (Calidris minuta)    1 - 26/4 by the river at Chitwan

Temminck's Stint  (Calidris temminckii)    2 - 25/4 and over 10 on the 26/4 by the river at Chitwan

Eurasian Thick-knee  (Burhinus oedicnemus)  Heard calling 25/4 & 1 observed 28/4 both in the grasslands at Chitwan

Bronze-winged Jacana (Metopidius indicus )  Over 10 at Chitwan on the 26/4 and the 28/4.

Little Ringed Plover  (Charadrius dubius)  Common by the rivers at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Small Pratincole (Glareola lacteal)  Observed in small numbers by the river in Chitwan on all days 25/4 to 29/4.

Grey-headed Lapwing  (Vanellus cinereus)    5 near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4

Red-wattled Lapwing  (Vanellus indicus)  Observed on 4 days in Chitwan with over 10 on the 26/4 & 28/4.

Pallas's Gull  (Larus ichthyaetus)    Observed on all days at Rara Lake.  8 – 14/4, 1 – 15/4, 5 – 16/4, 2 + 1 Juvenile 17/6, 5 – 18/4 and 3 – 19/4.  It was not certain if new birds were arriving at the lake each day but the juvenile on the 17/4 was only observed on one occasion.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)   A single bird observed on the 25/4, 26/4 & 27/4 at Chitwan.

Black Baza (Aviceda leuphotes)   1 - 27/4 in the Churia Hills.

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus careuleus)  1 on the 27/4, 28/4 & 29/4 at Chitwan.

Black Kite (Milvus migrans) Abundant in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj.   While at Rara Lake a single bird was observed on the 14/4, 16/4, 17/4 & 18/4 flying near the camp site.

Grey-headed Fish Eagle ( Ichthyophaga icthyaetus ) Possibly the same bird observed in the trees opposite Gaida Camp 25/4 to 29/4 and another observed 26/4 near the lake at Chitwan.

Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) Singles adults observed on the 11/4, 12/4, 13/4, 20/4 & 21/4 juveniles observed on the 13/4 & 23/4 with the latter near Jumla may have been this years young due to its very dark plumage.

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)   1 at Nepalgunj 24/4 and 1 - 25/4 near Chitwan NP. 

White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)  6 at Nepalgunj 24/4 with other vultures over possible carcass.

Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) 2 at Nepalgunj 24/4 with other vultures over possible carcass.  (Split from Long-billed Vulture)

Himalayan Griffon Vulture  (Gyps himalayensis)    4 adults 11/4, 6 adults + 1 Juv 12/4, 6 adults + 1 Juv 13/4, 8-10 adults + 3 Juv 14/4 by a cow carcass but was unable to obtain correct count as a dog kept chasing the birds away.   6 adults + 2 Juv 20/4 and 2 adults 21/4.  It is believe that there are about 12 adults and 4 juveniles are in the area we covered during by the trek from Jumla to Rara and back.

Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)  1 on the 25/4, 26/4, 28/4, 29/4 at Chitwan and 3 in the Churia Hills 27/4 also at Chitwan.

Shikra (Accipiter badius)    1 on the 27/4 in the Churia Hills. 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) A pair displaying and showing signs of copulating south of Chobhor before the cement works at Kathmandu 09/4.   1 – 11/4 and 1 at Rara 16/4 and a single at Nepalgunj 24/4.

Oriental Honey-Buzzard (Pernis ptiorhyncus)    At Chitwan 2 – 25/4, 3 – 26/4 & 1 – 27/4.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) 1 on the 12/4, 2 – 19/4 and 2 – 20/4 during the trek.

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)   2 by the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and 1 - 11/4 north of Jumla.

Bonelli’s Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) 1 At Rara 18/4.

Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)   At Rara there was a single 15/4 & 17/4 and on the 16/4 a pair was observed displaying over the Northern side of the Lake, one a dark & the other a light phase birds. 

Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Microhierax caerulescens)   A single in the Churia Hills forest 27/4.

Collared Falconet (Spizaetus nipalensis)     A single in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)    Common in the Jumla area with 2 – 10/4, 8 – 11/4, 2 – 12/4, 1 – 21/4, 1 – 22/4 and 1 23/4.

Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)   1 above the road at Shivapuri NP National Park 1/5.

Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) 1 north of Chautha 13/4 being chased by two Large-billed Crows who were trying to get it to drop its catch.

Great Crested Grebe  (Podiceps cristatus)   Observed in small numbers every day at Rara 14/4 to 19/4 with 8 on the 16/4.

Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)   Observed every day at Rara 15/4 to 19/4 with 20+ on the 16/4 during the circuit of the Lake.

Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)     Singles on the 25/4 & 27/4 and 2 on the 26/4, 28/4 & 29/4 all at Chitwan.

Little Cormorant  (Phalacrocorax niger)   Single at Chitwan 26/4.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)  A single at Rara 14/4, 16/4 & 18/4 and was possibly the same bird. 

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)     Common by the Bagmati River 9/4 and observed in small numbers at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Great Egret (Casmerodius albus)   1 on the 26/4, 28/4 & 29/4 at Chitwan.

Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx internedia)   2 on the 26/4 and 1 on the 27/4 to 29/4 at Chitwan.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) Common in Kathmandu valley.

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)   Observed in small numbers on all days at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4 .

Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii)   Common by the lake near the Bagmati River 9/4 Kathmandu and 1 - 25/4 with more than 10 on the 26/4 & 28/4 at Chitwan.

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)  10+ roosting by the lake near the Bagmati River 9/4 and 8 28/4 at a lake in a drive through the National Park at Chitwan.

Cinnamon Bittern  (Lxobrychus cinnamomeus)   Observed in small numbers on all days at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4 .

Black Bitten  (Dupetor flavicollis)   1 bird was observed on the 25/4 & 28/4 in the reeds on the opposite bank of the river close to Gaida Camp at Chitwan.

Black Ibis (Psudibis papillosa) 1 on the 25/4, 2 on the 26/4 & 27/4 and 6 on the 28/4 at Chitwan

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans)     Common at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)       3 – 26/4 & 6 on the 28/4 at Chitwan.

Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus)      Fairly common at Chitwan with 5 – 25/4, 6 – 26/4 and 10+ on the 28/4 & 1 -29/4.

Indian Pitta  (Pitta brachyuran)    3 observed with another heard during the drive through the NP at Chitwan 28/4.

Long-tailed broadbill  (Psarisomus dalhouseiae)  6 to 8 birds in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Golden-fronted Leafbird   (Chloropsis aurifrons)  2 in the Churia Hills 27/4 at Chitwan & 6 on the 1/5 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu.

Orange-bellied Leafbird (Choropsis hardwickii)    1 in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Brown Shrike  (Lanius cristatus)    10 plus in the fields by the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4.

Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) 10 plus near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4.  2 near Jumla 11/4 & 12/4 and singles at Chitwan 25/4 to 28/4.

Grey-backed Shrike (Lanius tephronotus) Good numbers by the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and during the Rara trek & near Julma observed in small numbers on most days.

Eurasian Jay  (Garrulus glandarius)   1 at Rara Lake on the 19/4 near the campsite.

Yellow-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris) Observed in small numbers on most days in the forest at Rara Lake 14/4 to 19/4.

Red-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) 4 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5

Rufous Treepie   (Dendrocitta vagabunda) Common by the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and in Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Grey Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae) 5 to 8 birds in the Churia Hills 27/4 and over 10 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Spotted (Eurasian) Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) 2 near Jumla 10/4 and observed in good numbers during the trek to Rara.  In the forest at Rara Lake they were abundant and was the most common bird observed and heard.

Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) Recorded in good numbers on the 11/4 to 13/4 and 3 - 19/4 & 7 on the 22/4.

House Crow (Corvus splendens) Abundant in Kathmandu valley and Chitwan.    

Large-billed (Jungle) Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) Ubiquitous and common bird.

Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) 2 at Nepalgunj 24/4 in the grounds of the Hotel.

Black-hooded Oriole ( Oriolus xanthornus )  Common in Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Large Cuckooshrike (Coracina macei)  Heard often in Chitwan 25/4 – 29/4 but only a single bird observed on the 28/4.

Black-winged Cuckooshrike (Coracina melaschistos) Single on the 27/4 and 1 heard 28/4 in Chitwan.

Rosy Minivet (Pericrocotus roseus)  2 on 28/4 & 1 – 29/4 at Chitwan.

Small Minivet (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus)  2 on the 26/4 & 2 on the 27/4 at Chitwan.

Long-tailed Minivet (Pericrocotus ethologus)  2 in the wooded area South of Jumla 10/4, 2 on the 17/4 & 1 – 18/4 at Rara.  2 on the 22/4 and 2 the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Short-billed Minivet (Pericrocotus brevirostris) Observed on 5 days during the trek with more than 10 on the 14/4 & 21/4.

Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus) 5 in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Yellow-bellied Fantail (Rhipidura hypoxantha)  1 on the 12/4 and then over 10 birds each day observed on the 13/4 to 15/4 & 19/4 to 22/4.

White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis) Singles on the 26/4 27/4 & 29/4 with 2 - 28/4 all at Chitwan.

Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)  More  than 10 at the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and common at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus lecucophaeus) Recorded in on 11 days during the trip but only a single at Rara.

Crow-billed Drongo (Dicrurus annectans)     2 on the 26/4 and 1 on the 27/4 both in Chitwan.

Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus)   3 in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Spangled Drongo ( Dicrurus hottentottus )  2 on the 25/4 and more than 10 on the 27/4 & 28/4 at Chitwan.

Greater Racket Tailed (Drongo-Dicrurus paradiseus)     5 to 10 in the Churia Hills on the 27/4.

Black-naped Monarch ( Hypothymis azurea )  1 on the 26/4 & 1 – 27/4 at Chitwan

Asian Paradise-flycatcher ( Terpsiphone paradisi )  2 - 25/4, 5 – 26/4, over 10 on the 27/4 & 28/4 and 2 on the 29/4 at Chitwan.  There were two nests in the grounds of Guida Wildlife Camp.

Common Iora ( Aegithina tiphia ) observed in small numbers on all days at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Large Woodshrike (Tephrodornis gularis)   More than 10 in the Churia Hills 27/4 and 4 on the 28/4 at Chitwan.

Brown Dipper (Cinclus pallasii) Record in small numbers always near rivers during the trek on the 12/4, 13/4, 14/4, 17/4 and 21/4.

Blue-capped Rock Thrush (Monticola cinclorhynchus) A single near Pina 14/4 and another single 21/4.

Blue Whistling Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus) Very common during the trek except at the lower altitudes.

Orange-headed Thrush ( Zoothera citrina )   2 at the Guida Wildlife Camp 25/4 and singles feeding in the grounds of the camp 26/4 & 27/4.

White-collared Blackbird (Turdus albocinctus) Observed in small numbers on most days during the trek.  At Rara 16/4 a flock of about 30 birds high in the trees.

Grey-winged Blackbird (Turdus boulboul)   2 at Rara 16/4.

European Blackbird (Turdus merula)   A single male heard calling and then observed just North of the overnight campsite North of Khali-Lagna Pass in the forest 12/4. 

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)    2 by the campsite North of Khali-Lagna Pass in the forest 11/4.  Singles also observed on the 12/4 & 13/4. 

Dark-sided (Asian Sooty) Flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica) 2 on the 20/4 and 2 on the 21/4 in the wooded area on the trek back to Jumla and 4 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica)  1 on the 13/4 during the trek in the forest before Pina.

Rufous (Orange)-gorgeted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata)  Very common during the trek to & from Rara.

Ultramarine Flycatcher (Ficedula superciliaris) The most common flycatcher during the trek to & from Rara

Slaty-blue Flycatcher (Ficedula tricolor) 1 male 18/4 in Rara forest.

Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassina) 1 on the 13/4 and 4 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis) 3 in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Small Niltava (Niltava macgrigoriae) 4 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Pale-Chinned Flycatcher  (Cyornis poliogenys)   5 in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Blue-throated Flycatcher (Cyornis rubeculoides)   1 at Nepalgunj 24/4, 2 in the Churia Hills 27/4 and 2 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5

Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) 6 – 25/4 and 10 plus on the 26/4 to the 28/4 all at Chitwan

Orange (Red)-flanked Bluetail  (Tarsiger cyanurus)   Very common during the trek to & from Rara.

Oriental (Asian) Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) Common by the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and at Chitwan25/4 to 29/4.

White-rumped Shama  (Copsychus malabaricus)   10 plus observed on the 26/4 to 28/4 and heard on the 25/4 & 29/4 all at Chitwan.

Blue-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus coeruleocephalus)  1 -12/4, 5 – 13/4, 2 – 16/4 & 1 – 20/ 4 during the trek.

Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) A female near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4, a pair 26/4 at Chitwan and 1 near the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis)  Observed on 9 days during the period 11/4 to 22/4 with over 10 on the 20/4.

White-capped Water Redstart (Chaimarrornis leucocephalus) Common during the trek, especially when near rivers.

Plumbeous Water Redstart (Rhyacornis fuliginosus) Very common when near rivers during the trek..

Little Forktail (Enicurus scouleri)  1 near a possible nest site by a stream in the forest before the Churchi Lagna Pass 13/4.

Black-backed Forktail (Enicurus immaculatus)  3 to 5 in the stream in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Spotted Forktail (Enicurus maculatus)  Observed in small numbers on 6 days during the trek. 14/4 to 23/4.

Purple Cochoa (Cochoa purpurea)  2 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5

Hodgson's Bushchat  (Saxicola insignis)  2 in the tall grass at Chitwan 25/4.

Common Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)  Observed on 8 days during the time in Nepal and was very common near Jumla.

White-tailed Stonechat (Saxicola leucura)  Good number observed in the tall grasses at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata) Over 10 at Chitwan 26/4, 8 – 27/4 and 2 on the 29/4.

Grey Bushchat (Saxicola ferrea) Widespread and common except at Chitwan.

Spot-winged Starling (Saroglossa spiloptera)   5 in the in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Chestnut-tailed Starling (Sturnus malabaricus) Widespread and common in Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Asian pied starling (Sturnus conta)  2 - 24/4 at Nepalgunj and 2 – 26/4, & 27/4 and 4 - 29/4 at Chitwan.

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) Abundant in the Kathmandu Valley, at Chitwan and up to altitudes of 2000m.

Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) Common in the Kathmandu Valley and at Chitwan.

Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa)   5 in the Churia Hills forest 27/4.

Kashmir Nuthatch  (Sitta cashmirensis)   1 observed calling in the descent from the Churchi Lagna Pass in the forest before Pina.   6 birds observed in the valley from Sinja to Jaljala Chaur 21/4. The call of this bird is so distinct and similar to a Eurasian Jay.  

Chestnut Belied Nuthatch (Sitta castanea) Common at Chitwan.

White-checked Nuthatch  (Sitta leucopsis)  4 birds in the forest just before the Khali-Lagna Pass 11/4, 1 bird calling 16/4 from the top of a tree at Rara and 1 on the 22/4 in the trees near Padmara.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis)  Observed in small numbers on 3 days at Chitwan in the forests.

Eurasian Treecreeper  (Certhia familiaris)   Observed on 9 days during the trek 11/4 to 21/4.

Bar-tailed Treecreeper  (Certhia himalayana)   3 – 13/4, 1 – 19/4, 6 in the valley from Sinja to Jaljala Chaur 21/4 and 4 - 22/4 in the descent to Jumla.

Rusty-flanked Treecreeper (Certhia nipalensis)  1 - 12/4 in the pine forest between Khali-Lagna Pass & the Nyawru Khola and 2 – 13/4 in the descent from the Churchi Lagna Pass in the forest before Pina.  

Rufous-naped Tit (Parus rufonuchaus)   Over 10 birds in the forest before the  Khali-Lagna Pass 11/4, 2 – 12/4, 2 13/4 and 3 on the 22/4 in the trees near Padmara. 

Rufous-vented Tit (Parus rubidiventris) Recorded in good numbers 11/4, 19/4, 20/4, 3 on the 13/4 and 6 21/4 all during the trek.

Spot Winged Tit  (Parus melanolophus)  Very common during the trek and observed in good numbers on all days.

Grey-crested Tit (Parus dichrous) Recorded in good numbers 11/4 until 22/4 during the trek except on the 16 & 17/4.

Great Tit (Parus major) Common in the Chitwan area 25/4 to 29/4.

Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus) Common throughout the trek 11/4 until 22/4.

Black-lored Tit (Parus xanthogenys) Common in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5

Sultan Tit (Melanochloraa sultanea)   1 heard calling and observed 27/4 high in a tree in the Churia Hills.

Black-throated Tit (Aegithalos concinnus)   Good numbers during the trek on the 13/4, 14/4, 20/4 & 21/4 and in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

White-throated Tit  (Aegithalos niveogularis)   6 on the 13/4 in the forest before Pina, over 10 at Rara 14/4 & 16/4,  4 – 18/4 and 4 on the 20/4 in the Ghatta Valley.  

(Winter) Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) 2 in the forest before Pina 13/4 and common on the 19/4 & 20/4 during the trek.

Plain Martin (Riparia paludicola)  Abundant at Chitwan

Eurasian Crag Martin  (Hirundo rupestris)   10 on the 12/4 as we descended from the Khali-Lagna Pass and a large flock near the Churchi Lagna Pass 13/4.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) Abundant in the Kathmandu valley.

Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica) Recorded in good numbers in the Kathmandu valley..

Asian House Martin (Delichon dasypus) 2 birds only 21/4 as we climb from Sinja to Jaljala Chaur 21/4.

Black-crested Bulbul  (Pycnonotus melanicterus)  2 in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)  Common in Chitwan25/4 to 29/4.

Himalayan (White-checked) Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) Observed on 8 days in Nepal.

Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) Very common at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4 and in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Ashy Bulbul  (Hemixos flavala)   6 in the Churia Hills forest 27/.

Mountain Bulbul (Hypsipetes mcclellandii)  Observed on 9 days during my stay in Nepal .

Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) Very common throughout the trek and in the Churia Hills 27/4 at Chitwan.

Striated Prinia (Prinia criniger) 1 observed & 1 heard in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Grey-crowned Prina  (Prina cinereocapilla)  5 in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Grey-breasted Prinia (Prinia hodgsonii)  Heard often in Chitwan and observed over 10 on the 27/4 & 28/4.

Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris) Over 10 on the 25/4 & 26/4 and 2 - 27/4 all at Chitwan.

Plain Prinia (Prinia inonata) 3 at Nepalgunj 24/4 and at Chitwan over 10 - 25/4, 1 – 26/4 & 2 – 29/4.

Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis) Over 10 recorded at Chitwan 25/4.

Zitting (Fan-tailed) Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) Over 10 near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and very common at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Bright-headed Cisticola  (Cisticola exilis)   4 in the grasslands at Chitwan 26/4.

Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) Over 10 at Chitwan on the 26/4 to 28/4 and also in good numbers in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius) Over 10 on the 9/4 in Kathmandu area and common at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Pale-footed Bush Warbler  (Cettia pallidipes)  1 heard in the Churia Hills27/4.

Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler (Cettia fortipes) A very noisy bird which always seemed to be in low bushes near habitation.  2 – 13/4, single on the 14/4 and heard often 20/4 & 14/4.

Aberrant Bush Warbler (Cettia flavolivacea) 2 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Grey-sided Bush Warbler (Cettia brunnifrons) Also 2 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum)  Over 10 near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and very common at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Bristled Grassbird   (Chaetornis striatus)   4 on the 25/4 & 2 – 26/4 in the grasslands at Chitwan.

Rufous-rumped Grassbird (Graminicola bengalensis)  Common in the grasslands at Chitwan 26/4 to 28/4.

Booted Warbler  (Hoppolais caligata)   A very pleasant surprise to find 1 in the bushes near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4.

Tickell’s Warbler (Phylloscopus affinis) Over 10 birds in the forest just before the Khali-Lagna Pass 11/4, 1 on the 13/4 & 16/4 at Rara, 2 near Jumla 23/4 near the river and 1 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Blyth’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus reguloides)  Widespread and fairly common and throughout the trek and in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Buff (Orange)-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus pulcher) 2 near Jumla 14/4 and during the trek 1 – 11/4, 1 – 12/4 and over 10 13/4 & 2 - 21/4.

Lemon-rumped Warbler (Phylloscopus chloronotus) Observed in small numbers on 6 days during the trek.

Hume’s Warbler (Phylloscopus humei) Widespread and fairly common and throughout the trek and at Rara.

Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides) 2 on the 13/4, 1 – 15/4, 6 at Chitwan 25/4 and a single next day 26/4 & a single bird in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Large-billed Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus magnirostris) Heard calling near the Sinja Khola 20/4 and again next day 21/4 in the valley from Sinja to Jaljala Chaur 21/4.

Golden-spectacled Warbler (Seicercus burkii) Single bird 19/4 as we climbed up the valley from the Khatyar Khola.

Whistler’s Warbler (Seicercus whistleri) Single birds observed on the 13/4, 17/4 and 18/4 during the trek.

Grey-hooded Warbler (Seicercus xanthoschistos) Observed on 6 days during the trek and very common in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Yellow-bellied Warbler  (Abroscopus superciliaris)   4 in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Goldcrest  (Regulus regulus)   Observed on 6 days during the trek 11/4 to 19/4.

White-throated Laughingthrush (Garrulax albogularis) 5 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus) Over 10 in the Churia Hills 27/4 and 3 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Lesser Necklaced Laughing Thrush  (Garrulax monileger)   Over 10 in the Churia Hills forest 27/4.

Greater Necklaced Laughing Thrush  (Garrulax pectoralis)  Also over 10 in the Churia Hills 27/4 at Chitwan

Striated Laughingthrush (Garrulax striarus) Heard in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush (Garrulax rufogularis) 2 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Spotted Laughingthrush (Garrulax ocellatus) 3 - 17/4, heard again next day 18/4 in the forest and 1 – 19/4 all near the Lake at Rara.

Streaked Laughingthrush (Garrulax lineatus) Widespread and fairly common and throughout the trek.

Variegated Laughing Thrush  (Garrulax variegates)  Widespread and fairly common and throughout the trek.

Puff-throated Babbler (Pellorneum ruficeps)  1 heard 25/4, 4 – 26/4, 2 – 27/4 and 8 – 29/4 all at Chitwan.

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler (Pomatorhinus erythrogenys) Heard in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

White-browed Scimitar Babbler (Pomatorhinus schistceps) Heard in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler (Pomatorhinus ruficollis) Over 10 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Scaly-breasted Wren-babbler (Pnoepyga albiventer) 1 early in the morning in a forest ravine near Gorosingaha 20/4 and also more heard calling in the same area.

Black-chinned Babbler (Stachyris pyrrhops) 3 in the Churia Hills 27/4 and over 10 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Striped Tit Babbler (Marronous gularis) More than 10 on the 25/4 and 1 – 29/4 at Chitwan

Chestnut-Capped Babbler (Stachyris nigriceps)  Good numbers on the 25/4 to 29/4 all at Chitwan.

Yellow-eyed Babbler (Chrysomma sinense)  1 briefly 28/4 at Chitwan.

Striated Babbler (Turdoides earlei) Observed in good numbers at Chitwan on the 25/4 to 27/4.

Slender-billed Babbler (Turdoides longirostris)   2 recorded on the 28/4 at Chitwan

Large Grey Babbler  (Turdoides malcolmi)   2 in the hotel grounds 24/4 at Nepalgunj.

Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striatus) 4 – 25/4, over 10 observed on the 26/4 & 29/4 all at Chitwan.

Green Shrike-babbler  (Pteruthius xanthochlorus)   Observed in small numbers on all days at Rara 15/4 to 19/4.

Chestnut-tailed Minla (Minla strigula) 1 – 14/4, 2 -15/4, heard 18/4 and 2 – 19/4 all in the Rara area..

White-browed Fulvetta (Alcippe vinipectus) Common throughout the trek from 11/4 – 22/4.

Nepal Fulvetta (Alcippe nipalensis) Common in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis) 4 – 13/4 in the forest North of Chautha and 3 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Stripe-throated Yuhina (Yuhina gularis) Fairly common throughout the trek 12/4 – 20/4.

White-bellied Yuhina  (Yuhina zantholeuca)   5 in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Rufous (Black-capped) Sibia (Heterophasia capistrata) 1 – 16/4 and 7 – 17/4 at Rara and 1 – 20/4 near Singa.

Rufous-winged Bushlark (Mirafra assamica)  1 – 26/4, 6 – 27/4, over 10 - 28/4 and 1 – 29/4 all at Chitwan.

Sand Lark  (Calandrella raytal)   Over 10 observed in the grasslands at Chitwan 25/4 & 26/4 and 2 - 27/4

Oriental Skylark (Alauda gulgula)  1 in a field 22/4 near Padmara & 1 in the same area 22/4 and 1 – 28/4 at Chitwan.

Plain Flowerpecker  (Dicaeum concolor)  2 observed in the Churia Hills 27/4.

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus) 1 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Purple Sunbird  (Nectarinia asiatica)   1 at Nepalgunj 24/4 in the Hotel grounds. 

Mrs Gould’s Sunbird (Aethopyga gouldiae)  1- 13/4, 4 – 14/4 & 1 – 15/4 during the trek.

Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) 1 near the village of Chautha 13/4.

Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata) A pair in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Crimson Sunbird  (Aethopyga siparaja)  A single bird in the Churia Hills 27/4 at.

Streaked Spinderhunter   (Arachnothera magan)  2 observed in the Churia Hills at Chitwan 27/4 high in the trees.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Common in the Kathmandu valley and at Chitwan.

Russet Sparrow (Passer rutilans) During the trek recorded in small numbers on the 11/4, 18,4 & 19/4 and over 10 on the 13/4 between Chautha & Pina.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) Widespread and common except in the Rara Lake area & Chitwan.

Chestnut-shouldered Petronia (Petronia xanthocollis)  Over 10 observed feeding near Pina 14/4 and 1 at Chitwan 26/4.

White Wagtail  (Motacilla alba)    1 on the river vegetation at Chitwan 26/4.

White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) Over 10 near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and common at Chitwan 26/4 to 29/4.

Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola)  3 observed feeding on the river vegetation 26/4 at Chitwan.

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) Observed in small numbers on 7 days during the trek.

Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus)   Common in the fields near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and very common at Chitwan 25/4 to 29/4.

Upland Pipit (Anthus sylvanus) A bird that is always easier to hear than see with it heard in the fields near Bhargaon 12/4 and again next day near Pina.

Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni) Over 10 near the Bagmati River Kathmandu 9/4 and very common during the trek 10/4 to 20/4 and in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Rosy Pipit (Anthus roseatus) 4 on the 10/4 & 13/4 and common at Rara 15/4 to 19/4 with over 100 on the 16/4.

Rufous-breasted Accentor (Prunella strophiata)   3 on the 13/4 near Chauth.

Plain Mountain-finch (Leucosticte nemoricola)   A flock over about 15 birds near the Khali-Lagna pass 11/4, over 50 birds at Rara 15/4 and about 20 on the 17/4 in the same area and 6 – 22/4 in the valley above Jumla.

Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus)  5 on the 28/4 in the drive the forest at Chitwan.

Red Avadavat  (Amandava amandava)   8 – 25/4, over 10 on the 26/4 & 29/4 all at Chitwan

Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)  Good numbers at the Guida Wildlife Camp 26/4 & 27/4.

Fire-frounted Serin  (Serinus pusillus)   A flock of birds over about 20 observed at Rara on the 15/4 & 17/4.

Yellow-breasted Greenfinch (Carduelis spinoides)   2 near temple at Sinja 20/4.

Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) 4 after the Khali-Lagna pass 11/4 and 2 next day in the same area and single birds on the 26/4 & 27/4 at Chitwan .

Beautiful Rosefinch (Carpodacus pulcherrimus)   3 – 13/4 after the Churchi Lagna Pass and a female 18/4 and a pair next day at Rara 19/4.   2 on the 21/4 as we descended into Jumla .

White-browed Rosefinch (Carpodacus thura)   Observed in small numbers on 5 days during the trek 12/4 to 22/4.

Red-headed Bullfinch (Pyrrhula erythrocephala)   A pair observed near a nest with young at Rara 16/4, 2 – 17/4 also at Rara and 1 near the trail 22/4.

Black-and Yellow Grosbeak  (Pyrrhula icterioides)   A pair observed searching for food for about 15 minutes in the forest at Rara 15/4.  The female of this species is the best way to separate from the Collared Grosbeak due to its distinctive different markings.

Collared Grosbeak  (Mycerobas affinis)   2 at Rara 16/4, a pair 20/4 by the ruins at Sinja and heard calling near Padmara 22/4

Spot-winged Grosbeak (Mycerobas melanozanthos)  At Rara between 3 & 6 birds observed on each day 15/4 to 19/4.

Crested Bunting (Melophus lathami)   A single female at Chitwan 26/4.

Rock Butting  (Emberiza cia)   A common birds during the trek and at Rara 10/4 to 22/4.

Black-Faced Bunting  (Emberiza melanocephala)   6 in the forest at Shivapuri NP Kathmandu 1/5.

Mammals etc: - observed during the trip

Asian Golden Jackal (Canis aureus)    

Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis)    

Threeistriped Pakm Squirrel (Funambulas palmarum)     

Orangebellied Squirrel (Dremomys lokriah)   

Common Garden Lizzard-     

Gharial Crocodile  (Gavialis gangeticus)    

Marsh mugger Crocodile  (Crocodylus palustris)    

Gaur (wild Bison)  (Bos gaurus)  

Great one Horned Rhinoserus  (Rhinoceros unicornis)   

Common Leopard (Panthera pardus)   

Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)

Sambar Deer  (Cervus uniculor)    

Spotted Deer (Axis axis)

Indian Muntjack (Muntiacus muntjack)

Hug Deer (Axis porcinus)

Rufoustailed Hare (Lepus nigricollis ruficaudata)

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

Rhesus Macaque (Macaca Mulatta)

Common Langoor (Presbytis entellus)

Common Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi)

Pika (Ochotona curzoniae)

Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus) (possible at Rara)

For Day to Day observations click here to open pdf file.  P.No in the pdf file is the plate number in ‘Birds of Nepal’ by Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp & Tim Inskipp. 2000