Title

Northeast India has possibly the highest diversity of birds in the Oriental region, and although I had been to Kaziranga NP in Assam and the Darjeeling area before, I jumped at the offer of a place on Krys Kazmierczak’s trip, as the main objectives were to go to the rarely visited Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh and undertake a survey of forest administered by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in eastern Assam. These were achieved, in the company of Krys, Des Allen, Ashley Banwell and Paul I Holt, along with introductory days around Guwahati  and Shillong. We then split up, with Ashley going home, and Des and I to Dibru-Saikhowa Sanctuary, where Des stayed for longer while I went to Lava, near Darjeeling (in place of Manas, my original choice but deemed to be too dangerous due to the presence of Assam separatists). Paul spent his last few days at Kaziranga NP and Krys, armed with a permit which had taken two years to obtain, went to Mizoram.

 

The success of the trip was greatly aided by the relationships that KK and DA had established during a previous trip to these parts in 1996. Amongst a host of good birds seen, highlights for me were Ibisbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-naped Pitta, Collared Treepie, Snowy-throated Babbler, White-tailed Rubythroat, Blue-fronted Robin, Jerdon's Bushchat, Beautiful Nuthatch and Crimson-browed Finch. The one frustration was not having enough time at Namdapha, or being able to go above 900m where a number of the specialities occur. In the nine days there we recorded around 200 species including four that were apparently new for the reserve namely Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Brown Hawk Owl, Grey Nightjar & Yellow-browed Tit.

 

This report has been compiled by me but Paul Holt produced draft Systematic Lists, which are the bases for the first two lists here, and Des Allen contributed to the sections on Embeong and Dibru-Saikhowa. Krys produced the map and made a number of valuable comments, thereby improving the report’s accuracy. I am very grateful for all these contributions.

 

TRANSPORT

I flew to Bangkok from Manchester via Amsterdam, with China Airways - £398 – service quite good and flight on time. The flight to Calcutta was with Thai for £126 return – after this trip I was able to fly on to Vietnam from Bangkok. We all met in Guwahati, the Assamese capital, flying via Delhi or Calcutta, then hired taxis (with substantial assistance from IOC). Return transport varied, with Paul taking a cheap luxury coach from Tinsukia to Kaziranga NP, while I took overnight trains from Tinsukia to Guwahati and Siliguri to Calcutta, flying between Guwahati and Siliguri (or Bagdogra to be precise) – on Jet Airways, one of the “new” airlines - recommended. On the first train I travelled a/c class and on the second, which I preferred, the much cheaper 6-berth class. It is essential to prebook overnight trains and coaches. It is possible to buy the Indian Bradshaw or “Trains at a glance” from station vendors for a pittance – these give all the major railway train times.

 

ACCOMMODATION

We stayed in a variety of facilities, as follows:-

Hotel Maria, Sudder Street, Calcutta - $9 a triple with fan & basic bathroom. A nearby nicer place is the Fairlawn Hotel, but $50 a double.

Belle View Hotel, Gauhati - $30 a suite, negotiable discounts and cheaper rooms may be available. Fine position on hill overlooking Brahmaputra with birdy garden, good standard, out of town.

Farouk and June Hussain’s b & b - $21 a double, $19 single, dinner $2-50. Good value with dinner and Farouk knows a lot of VIPs, so can be very helpful. Farouk M. Hussain & June H. Warjri, "Sikandra", 23 (Upper) La Chaumiere, Shillong 793 001, Meghalaya Tel: 0364-226216

Indian Oil Corporation guesthouse (“central transit accommodation”), Digboi – $16 singles, $22 doubles for a large room with en suite facilities. They have some cheaper places too.

At Deban, the centre for Namdapha TR, there are cheap dormitories and more expensive doubles in the central guesthouse. The huts at Haldibari and Hornbill are very basic and free, but some might prefer camping, which has to be done if you go any further. 

At Dibru-Saikhowa Sanctuary, there is a cheap and reasonable guesthouse at the HQ at Guijan, near Tinsukia, and a good free hut at Kolomi Camp in the reserve.

Yankee Resort, Lava – $5-6 a double, no heating but plenty of bedding and good food.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

The weather was quite good throughout, with a few showers on most days but prolonged rain only at night and pleasant temperatures mostly. We had virtually no health problems and saw surprisingly few mosquitoes, the only real nuisance being leeches in Namdapha. The latter were countered either by liberal coating with deet or use of “leech-” or waterproof socks.

 

Visas for India were obtained by taking applications to the embassy in London, paying £18, and collecting the passport 20 minutes later, thereby avoiding the 4-6 week postal application. There are no restrictions on visiting Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura but Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram are still considered to be in sensitive border areas and can only be visited with a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from the Home Office in Delhi, which is extremely difficult to obtain unless you have good contacts or visit as part of a package tour organized through a recognized Indian travel agent. In theory the permit costs $50 a day if you make your own arrangements and $150 a day if the agent handles everything. In practice it is impossble to get permits for $50 a day and we had to settle for a compromise figure. After some hassle, we picked up the 10 day permits (maximum allowed) in Digboi. We were told that it would be possible to have the permits extended, but were not convinced that it could have been done without a considerable delay, and of course an additional fee of at least $55 a day. 

 

It is now easy to telephone almost anywhere using the STD booths, available in all towns – quite a change from my last visit to India, when the phone system was almost useless.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are all greatly indebted to Krys Kazmierczak for the many hours he spent on pre-trip preparations, and for resolving the hassle over the Arunchal Pradesh permits, with Paul Holt’s assistance. A.N. Das and P.L. Barua were particularly helpful at Digboi and generously sanctioned IOC funding for our time there. N.C. Sarma, the Range Officer, was of great assistance to Des and myself at Dibru-Saikhowa. The Hungarians, led by Janos Olaf, were excellent and helpful company at Lava. Raf Drijvers, Des Allen and Nick Gardner kindly provided me with tapes. Last but not least, Srikumar Chattopadhyay was exceptionally hospitable and informative in Calcutta.

 

 

ITINERARY

Feb      17         Assemble at Guwahati airport midday; p.m. Ulubari Bazaar, Guwahati for Greater Adjutant, then drive to Shillong. Night at Farouk and June Hussain’s.

            18         05.10-10.00 Mawphlang sacred grove; Shillong Heights till 13.00; old Gauhati Road till 17.00. Night at the Hussains.

            19         05.30-07.00 drive to Cherrapunji, cliffs and waterfall till 09.30. Mawphlang sacred grove 12.00-17.30.

            20         05.30-09.30 drive to Guwahati with stops. Meeting with WWF at Belle View Hotel.

P.m. Pobitora WS. Night at Belle View Hotel, Gauhati.

            21         06.30-11.00 drive to Kaziranga NP with stops, brunch at Wild Grass Lodge. P.m. drive to Dibrugarh, delayed by car accident. Night in local guesthouse.

            22         05.30-08.30 drive to Digboi, bird around IOC Resthouse for rest of day.

            23         05.00-07.00 bird around Resthouse; drive to Miao, Arunachal Pradesh, with stops, arriving 11.00. Police, Project Tiger Field Director and market. P.m. drive to Deban, Namdapha Tiger Reserve. 16.30-17.30 bird around Deban.

            24         Deban area, both sides of river. Night at Resthouse.

            25         05.15-07.15 Deban; 09.00-13.00 walk/ bird to Haldibari Camp. P.m. local trails. Night in hut.

            26         05.30-09.15 Haldibari trails. 10.00-13.00 walk to Hornbill Camp. P.m. local trails. Night in hut.

            27-28    Trails around Hornbill, especially towards Firmbase/ Embeong.*

March   1          Trails around Hornbill.

            2          Walk/ bird to Haldibari. P.m. local trails.

            3          Walk/ bird to Deban. P.m. along road beyond Deban.

            4          Deban area. 11.00-18.30 drive to Digboi, with lengthy stop at Project Tiger Field Director in Miao.

            5-10      Survey of IOC forest concession. Nights at IOC Resthouse.

            9          DA, PIH & KK day trip to Dibru-Saikhowa, JH continues trapping.

11         Split up – PIH to Kaziranga NP for 4+ days, KK to Mizoram, DA & JH to Dibru-Saikhowa. (AB left for home on 8^th).

            DA & JH           05.00-07.15 drive to Tinsukia and on to Guijan. 10.30-11.30 boat up river, bird Dibru-Saikhowa WS till 16.30. Night at NP resthouse, Guijan.

            12         07.10-09.30 boat and walk to Kolomi Camp; rest of day along river. Night in hut.

            13         All day around Kolomi.

            14         05.00-09.00 forest at Kolomi; 09.15-11.30 back to Guijan .

JH        Local reserved forest and Maguri Beel. 16.00 drive to Tinsukia. 17.45 night train to Guwahati.

            15         Arrive Guwahati 09.45 (06.15 scheduled). 13.10-14.30 fly to Bagdogra. Taxi to Siliguri; 15.30-18.45 bus to Kalimpong. 17.00-20.15 taxi to Lava. Night at Yankee Resort.

            16-20    Birding around Lava.

            21         05.30-09.00 local birding. Lift to Kalimpong. 11.45-14.00 bus to Siliguri. Overnight train to Calcutta.

 

DA        15         Bhorajan reserved forest and Maguri Beel.

            16-21    Amarpur region of Dibru-Saikhowa. 

 

*DA’s solo Namdapha itinerary:-

27 Feb: Hornbill - Upper Embeong (probably nearly the same place as Firmbase) c.18km. Before supper  a trip down towards the river junction to look for White-bellied Heron, a 10km round trip. Too far to river junction so instructions given to move camp downstream the next day.

28 Feb: from camp go up river following a path inside the river for 8km to where it ascends steeply  probably to go to Rani Jheel. Return to new camp at Lower Embeong, 5km further downstream. The extra 5km walk from first camp site is through excellent bird-rich forest.

1 March : camp to Rani Jheel - ridge has excellent  mixed flock of Parrotbills etc. Return 10km to camp, then head to Namdapha-Noa Dihing river junction - probably 3km distant, but too late for many birds.

2 March: explore river area near camp, seeing White bellied Heron and then back to junction and up the Noa Dihing a few km. Return to camp  and then go back up to ridge near Rani Jheel and return to camp.

3 March: explore river near camp to look for (and see) White bellied Heron again; leave about 7.30am to head for Deban. Hear and then see Rusty-bellied Shortwing by trail close to Lower Embeong camp.

 

NOTES ON SITES

The following notes are not intended as site guides because such details will soon be available in Krys Kazmierczak and Raj Singh’s “A Birdwatchers’ Guide to India”. Useful contacts for some of the sites are:-

 

Assam – Dr Anil Kumar Goswami, WWF India, A C Dutta Bhawan, Dept of Biology, Cotton College, Guwahati – 781001. Home tel. 0361 540732

Field Director, Namdapha Tiger Reserve, PO Miao, Arunachal Pradesh 792 122

N C Sarma, Range Officer, Guijan Wildlife Range, PO Rangagorah – 786147, Tinsukia. Tel 374 84661. [He is likely to be promoted to District Forest Officer in the future, which may result in a replacement at Guijan.]

P L Barua, Deputy General Manager (Human Resources), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Digboi – 786171, Tinsukia. Tel 037539-2768, fax 2470

Lava – S K Lama, Manager, Yankee Resort, tel 03552 62340

 

Namdapha Tiger Reserve

This magnificent reserve can only be reached for practical purposes from Miao. The 24km road from there to Deban was passable by Ambassador car, but only just in places. It had rained continuously the week before, we were told, so perhaps the road was at its worst. From Deban there are only two routes (1) continue along the road, for a maximum of 36km to a fast flowing river where the bridge is down, and (2) cross the river by punt and walk up the wide trail to Haldibari, Hornbill and Embeong, and back. At times the river flows too strongly to cross. Although the reserve goes to 4,500m, there are no trails above 900m and so no possibility to see the high elevation birds. There were conflicting reports on whether a high elevation trail was being made, with someone saying it might be ready in a year or so, but I would not count on it. The only possibility is to ask the Field Director (currently Mr Singh), well before your visit, to arrange for a Lisu guide to be available, to take you up on animal tracks.

 

The authorities only allowed us 10 days in AP; more would be useful because it takes one to get in, one to arrange porters and one to get out, leaving 7 for the trek. We had 13 porters and 2 guides, the latter to enable us to split up (it is compulsory to have a guide). Four of us elected to stay at Hornbill to explore that area thoroughly, while DA pressed on to Embeong. We had the reward of Blue-naped Pitta, Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Pale-headed Woodpecker and a few other birds not seen by DA, but he had sp. not seen by us such as White-bellied Heron, Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill and Red-faced Liocichla. We all saw Rufous-necked Hornbill, Snowy-throated Babbler, Beautiful Nuthatch, White-cheeked Partridge, Spotted Wren-Babbler, Rufous-throated Fulvetta and other goodies.

 

Note that the only communication method is by radio from Deban to Miao. Cross the river and you are incommunicado with the outside world!  

 

Digboi oilfields

The IOC forest at Digboi oilfields is largely secondary and all at 100-200m elevation. Hence it is unlikely to hold any species not found at Namdapha. However, as any visit to Namdapha is likely to be too short, Digboi may provide some rewards. Examples are Oriental Hobby (near the guesthouse), Collared Treepie, White-hooded, Buff-breasted Babbler, Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush, Black-breasted Thrush and even Blue-naped Pitta. White-winged Duck does occur, although rarely, and was seen by Krys and Des on their previous visit, but we could not find it this time. There are other sites in the area, known to Mr Barua, where it is said to be more frequent. The best wetland is DLB, about halfway along the tarred road through the concession.

 

The site is destined to become an unofficial wildlife sanctuary. Access must be requested from IOC but should be forthcoming if you are prepared to add to the ornithological knowledge of the “reserve”. The best area is furthest from town, some 15+ km along the tarred road, just beyond the entrance gate at the other end, but there are innumerable tracks leading through patches of forest and scrub. It should be possible to stay at the IOC guesthouse and hire a taxi to get well into the reserve. There are interesting mammals too – I was fortunate to see Leopard and Hog-badger, as well as the commoner Elephant.

 

Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve

This little-known site holds some excellent grassland species, as well as good lowland forest, and is easily reached from Tinsukia which is well-served by trains and buses. In my 3+ days I saw Pale-capped pigeon, Brown Fish-Owl, Swamp Prinia, Chestnut-crowned Bush-Warbler, Jerdon’s and Marsh Spotted Babbler, White-chinned Flycatcher, White-tailed Rubythroat and Jerdon’s Bushchat. Des also had Black-breasted Parrotbill by going deeper into the reserve, and there is a good chance of seeing White-winged Duck. Our visit arrangements were efficiently handled by N C Sarma, who made us very welcome, accompanying us initially to Kolomi Camp, and is happy to see serious naturalist / birders. It is normally necessary to obtain prior permission to visit this sanctuary from the office of the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), R.G.Baruah Road, Guwahati, Assam 781024 (tel 0361-566064), which is on the right some 1km before the zoo.

 

Maguri Beel is a promising site for ducks, holding good numbers of Ferruginous Pochards, although I was somewhat hampered there by not having a scope. The reserved forests near Guijan are badly degraded. Further afield is the restricted area of Amarpur which Des visited; he writes:- Amarpur is north of the main Brahmaputra river,  a somewhat troubled area even this far north and presently with neither a phone nor even  a radio communication link. There are no resident English speakers and it is impractical and not sensible to consider visiting this area without the support and help of the Forest Department. Most likely you would be turned back at Dholla if arriving on your own in any case. Ask the assistance of Mr NC Sarma.

 

The following is taken from DA’s Report to the Indian Forestry Service concerning the Amarpur area of the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (1998).

 

“Compared with the other areas of Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary this section still has significant stands of tall grass, notably in the centre of the island. Some of this seems to be being managed for the production of thatch, maintaining excellent habitat for several vulnerable species of birds dependent on tall grass. The forest itself has become rather depauperate owing to continued logging, but open areas within the forest allow tall grass to develop.

To the west of the island large areas have been, and are continuing to be, cleared for agriculture, threatening this grassland habitat. To the south the grass has been grazed so short by cattle and buffalo that it is no longer suitable habitat for the vulnerable grassland birds. This problem affects most of the rest of Dibru-Saikhowa which I have visited except for the rather small area opposite Dighaltarang. Forest on the eastern edge has been cleared and much grassland has been grazed short, though a mix of habitats remains. The northern area was not visited.

 

The following species were mostly seen in areas with dense grass of 2-3 metres height, though they were also occasionally present where the grass was about one metre high adjacent to areas with taller grass. The extensive areas of shorter grass did not harbour any of these species.

Good populations of Black-breasted Parrotbill were noted, several small family flocks being observed each day. This species, which has yet to be recorded from the main area of Dibru-Saikhowa, has a restricted world range.

Marsh Babbler was also common in tall grass and grass jungle with trees, usually in the vicinity of water. My guide reported seeing a pair of Manipur Bush-quail which I unfortunately could not confirm.

Jerdon’s Babbler and Jerdon’s Bushchat were also common in the areas of tall grass. Rufous-rumped Grassbird is a rarely recorded species which was seen three times in the medium height grass.

 

Two Greater Adjutants were seen on one day, behaving very warily, indicating that they are persecuted in this area. Fourteen Ferruginous Pochard were seen on the Dibang river.”

 

Others

Kaziranga NP is the premier mammal site in Assam, assuming Manas remains unsafe which appears likely, and holds an excellent range of birds. However, it is frustrating to bird there as you are not normally allowed to walk inside the reserve, access being by jeep or elephant. Bengal Florican is the star bird and a good variety of raptors should be seen. It is also now very expensive by Indian standards - gone are the days of my earlier visits when you could spend all day on the back of an elephant for a dollar – now it’s $12 an hour.

 

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, only 40km from Guwahati, is a “poor man’s” Kaziranga NP with some good grassland. It is possible to stay here and walk inside the reserve with armed guards, thanks to Mr Barua, the  friendly Range Officer in charge. We had to walk back to the jeep fairly swiftly when a rhino with youngster was spotted close by. Swamp Francolin is common here but not the Florican.

 

The best grassland reserve is said to be Orang, apparently not difficult to reach and enter. However, it is north of the Brahmaputra and therefore was a security risk during our visit at election time. Another potentially good reserve north of the river is Ngronggira, near Itanagar I think – said to hold Black-breasted Parrotbill.

Krys reports “superb but slow birding in the Blue Mountains of Mizoram (near the Burma border) - spent an hour-and-a-half watching Purple Cochoa and saw another a couple of days later at the same

place where I spent nearly two hours trying to get a look at a calling Green Cochoa. Close-ups of Long-tailed Wren Babbler, Striped Laughingthrush and Bamboo Mountain Partridge were nice and there were a couple

of mystery birds too. Blyth's Tragopan was not yet vocal but heard one calling way down below the cliffs on the last morning. Managed to confirm the presence of Dark-rumped Swift in Mizoram. Added to that were good views of Spot-breasted Parrotbill and White-tailed Flycatcher.” Permits are currently virtually unobtainable but conditions might change.

 

Meghalaya

The hill resort of Shillong is easily reached from Guwahati. There is not much forest here but some remnants at Shillong Peak, the old Guwahati road and Mawphlang Sacred Grove. Highlights were Grey Sibia, Rusty-capped Fulvetta and Crested Finchbill. The most intriguing bird here is Dark-rumped Swift, whose only known breeding site is on the spectacular cliffs around Cherrapunji. We had feared our visit on Feb 19 might be too early, but they were soon apparent, with over 200 seen. By 09.00 they were flying much higher and might well be difficult to locate later in the day.

 

Lava 

I spent 5+ days at this superb area, around 2000m elevation, and still failed to see a bunch of good birds, eg Satyr Tragopan, Hill Partridge, Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Long-billed Thrush, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Black-headed Shrike-Babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, and Scarlet Finch, while Fire-tailed Myzornis, Cutia and Brown Bullfinch were seen by the Hungarians either just before or while I was there. I did manage Blue-fronted Robin, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Fulvetta and Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, finding the Kalimpong road at Km 3-6 the most rewarding.

 

There are now at least 5 “lodges” and several “restaurants” here, quite a change from a year or two ago; none of them seemed to be doing much business but perhaps it was too early for the season. I took the bus from Siliguri to Kalimpong and hired a “taxi” from there for $5, a good price; buses etc are scarce.

 

The weather was very pleasant most daytimes but freezing at night; low cloud a couple of mornings, especially the last, hindered birding.

 

 

LIST OF BIRDS IN ASSAM & MEGHALAYA

Taxonomy, nomenclature and sequence follow those of An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region by T Inskipp et al (1996).

The Kaziranga NP area records are solely by PIH and Dibru-Saikhowa 11-14/3 by DA and JH. Other notable records by only one or two observers are initialled in parenthesis.

 

Swamp Francolin   Francolinus gularis

(Swamp Partridge)

7 seen, c8 heard Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, near Guwahati 20/2; up to 4 seen & 8 heard from jeep drives in the central & western ranges at Kaziranga NP 12-15/3 but none recorded in eastern range on 14/3.

 

White-cheeked Partridge   Arborophila atrogularis

(White-cheeked Hill Partridge)

2 heard on 3 days at Digboi oilfields and once in scrub c1½ km south of Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Red Junglefowl   Gallus gallus

1 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 17, 3, 2 & 1 in Digboi oilfields on four days 5-10/3 - the larger number on the first date was probably due to wet weather forcing birds out onto open tracks; 1 seen & 2 heard at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-14.3; up to 10 daily in and around Kaziranga NP.

 

Kalij Pheasant   Lophura leucomelanos

(Kalij, Kaleej Pheasant)

Singles at Digboi oilfields on 6-7/3; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 12.3; 1 male in Panbari Reserved Forest, near Kaziranga NP 14/3 with 3 more males & a female from the jeep drive in the eastern range at Kaziranga NP later the same day.

 

Grey Peacock Pheasant   Polyplectrun bicalcaratum

1 flew across the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong, Meghalaya 18/2(AB, JH); up to 6 were heard daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2-5 were heard on all three visits to Panbari, Kaziranga NP 12-15/3 and 1 from the jeep drive in the central range at Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Lesser Whistling-duck   Denrocygna javanica

(Lesser Tree-duck, Lesser Whistling-teal)

c500 at Pobitora WS, Guwahati 20/2; 9 near Digboi 5/3.

 

Greylag Goose   Anser anser

At least 8 at Pobitora WS 20/2.

 

Bar-headed Goose   Anser indicus

16 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 15 from a jeep drive in the eastern range at Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Ruddy Shelduck   Tadorna ferruginea

2 in R. Brahmaputra about one km downstream from Belle View hotel, Guwahati 20-21/2; 1 flew over Digboi oilfields 8/3; 15 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with 4 11 & 14/3; 6 from a jeep drive in the western range, Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Gadwall   Anas strepera

1 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 10-15 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 11/3; 8-40 daily on jeep drives at Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Eurasian Wigeon   Anas penelope

(Wigeon)

10-40 daily on jeep drives at Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Mallard   Anas platyrhynchos

40 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 14/3; 3-4 & 3 from jeep drives in central & western ranges, Kaziranga NP 12-13/3.

 

Spot-billed Duck   Anas poecilorhyncha

(Spotbill)

2 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 20-50 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 2-20 on jeep drives in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Northern Shoveler   Anas clypeata

(Shoveler)

c20 at Pobitora WS 20/2.

 

Northern Pintail   Anas acuta

(Common Pintail, Pintail)

c100 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 10 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 14/3.

 

Garganey   Anas querquedula

2 at Pobitora WS 20/2.

 

Common Teal   Anas crecca

(Green-winged Teal, Teal)

c800 at Pobitora WS, 20/2; up to 6 on four dates at DLB in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3 & 7 on pools near Digboi town on 7/3; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3; 6-20 daily on jeep drives at Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Ferruginous Pochard   Aythya nyroca

(White-eyed Pochard, Ferruginous Duck)

1 male on DLB, Digboi oilfields 7/3 with a female there on 9/3; 30+ Dibru-Saikhowa 14.3 (JH); c15 from a jeep drive in central range, Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Speckled Piculet   Picumnus innominatus

(Spotted Piculet)

2 singles in Digboi oilfields on 5 & 10/3; 2 at Kolomi camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3; 1 in Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

White-browed Piculet   Sasia ochracea

(Rufous Piculet)

Up to 4 on three of the six dates in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 4 at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3.

 

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker   Dendrocopos canicapillus

(Grey-capped Woodpecker, Grey-crowned Pygmy Woodpecker, Picoides canicapillus)

Singles in Digboi oilfields on two days 5-10/3; singles on jeep drives in eastern & central ranges, Kaziranga NP 14-15/3.

 

Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker   Dendrocopos macei

(Fulvous-breasted Pied Woodpecker, Streak-bellied Woodpecker, Picoides macei)

Singles at Pobitora WS 20/2, Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3, Panbari forest, 12/3 with 2 more on a jeep drive in central range, Kaziranga NP later the same day.

 

Rufous Woodpecker   Celeus brachyurus

(Brown Woodpecker, Micropternus brachyurus)

1-2 on four days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Lesser Yellownape   Picus chlorolophus

(Lesser Yellow-naped Woodpecker, Small Yellow-naped Woodpecker)

Singles on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3 and at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3.

 

Greater Yellownape   Picus flavinucha

(Large Yellow-naped Woodpecker, Greater Yellow-naped Woodpecker)

1-2 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Streak-throated Woodpecker   Picus xanthopygaeus

(Small Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Picus myrmecophoneus)

1-2 on jeep drives in the western & eastern ranges, Kaziranga NP 13-14/3.

 

Grey-headed Woodpecker   Picus canus

(Grey-faced Woodpecker, Black-naped Green Woodpecker)

3 near the guesthouse at Digboi 22/2 with 1-3 there or in the oilfields daily 5-10/3; 1 heard at Dibru- Saikhowa 9/3; 2 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3 with another from a jeep ride in the western range, Kaziranga NP later the same day.

 

Black-rumped Flameback   Dinopium benghalense

(Black-rumped Goldenback, Lesser Goldenback, Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker)

2 near Pobitora WS 20/2 & another near Guwahati 21/2.

 

Greater Flameback   Chrysocolaptes lucidus

(Greater Goldenback, Greater Golden-backed Woodpecker)

Up to 5 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3; 1-2 on all three visits to Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; up to 4 on three of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Bay Woodpecker   Blythipicus pyrrhotis

(Red-eared Bay Woodpecker, Rufous-eared Woodpecker)

1 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong 18/2: 1 near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 19/2; 2-3 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Great Barbet  Megalaima virens

(Great Hill Barbet, Great Himalayan Barbet)

5 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong 18/2; 3 heard near Mawphlang sacred grove 19/2.

 

Lineated Barbet   Megalaima lineata

c10 in Guwahati & between there & Pobitora WS on 20/2; 2 near the guesthouse, Digboi on 22/2 with 1-2 in the oilfields on five days 5-10/3; 1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3; up to 3 on three of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 1-2 heard on two of the three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

Golden-throated Barbet   Megalaima franklinii

2 seen & another heard in Mawphlang sacred grove & 1 heard on Shillong Peak, near Shillong 18/2; also  heard in Mawphlang sacred grove the following day.

 

Blue-throated Barbet   Megalaima asiatica

c13 in Guwahati & en route to Pobitora WS on 20/2; 6 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 2 in Dibrugarh 22/2; 2-10 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 11/3; 6-20 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 3-8 on three of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; c10 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3; c6 in the garden of Belle View hotel, Guwahati 17/3.

 

Blue-eared Barbet   Megalaima australis

3-4 noted on two of the three visits to Panbari forest 14-15/3.

 

Coppersmith Barbet   Megalaima haemecephala

(Crimson-breasted Barbet)

5 in Guwahati & en route to Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 Belle View hotel, Guwahati 21/2 & 17/3; 4 near the guesthouse at Digboi 22/2, with 1-2 there on two days 5-10/3; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 11-14/3 1-2 were heard on all three visits to Panbari and on three of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Oriental Pied Hornbill   Anthracoceros albirostris

(Indian Pied Hornbill, Anthracoceros malabaricus, Anthracoceros coronatus)

2-10 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.  Unlike Wreathed Hornbill this species was also seen around the guesthouse & in residential areas, i.e. not confined to tracts of good forest. 4 at Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3; up to 3 noted on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 2-4 in the central range, Kaziranga NP 12 & 15/3.

 

Great Hornbill   Buceros bicornis

(Giant Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill)

3 in Digboi oilfields 9/3 (JH); 3-4 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

Wreathed Hornbill   Aceros undulatus

Up to 9 daily in Digboi oilfields 6-10/3.

 

Common Hoopoe   Upupa epops

(Eurasian Hoopoe, Hoopoe)

Singles c10 km before Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 19/2 and at Dibru-Saikhowa 12/3; 1 & 6 on jeep drives in the central & western ranges, Kaziranga NP 12-13/3.

 

Red-headed Trogon   Harpactes erythrocehalus

Up to 8 on four days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1 heard at Panbari forest 12/3.

 

Indian Roller   Coracias benghalensis

Widespread and common in small numbers outside forest with a max of 10 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2.

 

Common Kingfisher   Alcedo atthis

(Eurasian Kingfisher, Kingfisher, River Kingfisher, Small Blue Kingfisher)

1-2 on many suitable waters throughout, with 6 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3.

 

[Blyth's/Common Kingfisher Alcedo hercules/A. atthis

1 bird, seen too briefly to be confidently identified, but thought to be probably Blyth's was seen over the rushing river near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong, 19/2 (KK)]

 

Stork-billed Kingfisher   Halcyon capensis

(Brown-headed Stork-billed Kingfisher, Pelargopsis capensis)

Heard at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 at Digboi oilfields 22/2  with probably the same bird on 5, 7 & 8/3; 2-10 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 1 from the jeep drive in the eastern range, Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

White-throated Kingfisher   Halcyon smyrnensis

(White-breasted Kingfisher, Smyrna Kingfisher)

Widespread in small numbers with a max of 10 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2 and 20 Dibru-Saikhowa 12-14/3 including an albino on 12.3.

 

Pied Kingfisher   Ceryle rudis

(Lesser Pied Kingfisher, Small Pied Kingfisher, Indian Pied Kingfisher)

10-15 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9=14/3; 1-3 on jeep drives in the central & eastern ranges, Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Blue-bearded Bee-eater   Nyctyornis athertoni

2-3 in Digboi oilfields 7-8/3 and in Panbari forest 12 & 14/3; 1 from the jeep drive in the central range, Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Green Bee-eater   Merops orientalis

(Little Green Bee-eater, Small Green Bee-eater)

2 near Pobitora WS 20/2; [8 & 2 birds were tentatively identified on jeep drives in the central & western ranges, Kaziranga NP 12 & 13/3 respectively, but may have been Chestnut-headeds.]

 

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater   Merops leschenaulti

3-10 on jeep drives in all 3 ranges at Kaziranga NP 13-15/3.

 

Large/Common Hawk Cuckoo   Hierococcyx sparverioides/H. varius

(Cuculus sparverioides/Brainfever Bird, Cuculus varius)

2 heard at Pobitora WS 20/2 and Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; singles heard near Digboi 22/2 and 7/3, in Panbari forest 12/3 and near Guwahati 17/3.

 

Banded Bay Cuckoo   Cacomantis sonneratii

Singles heard at Digboi oilfields daily 6-8/3, Dibru-Saikhowa 12-14/3 and in Panbari forest 12 & 14/3.

 

Plaintive Cuckoo   Cacomantis merulinus

(Rufous-bellied Plaintive Cuckoo)

1 seen outside the guesthouse at Digboi on 8 & 10/3; [1 cuckoo, possibly this species, heard briefly in Panbari forest 15/3].

 

Asian Koel   Eudynamys scolopacea

(Indian Koel, Common Koel, Koel Cuckoo, Chrysococcyx melanorhyncha)

1 heard in the gardens of Belle View hotel, Guwahati 17/3.

 

Green-billed Malkoha   Phaenicophaeus tristis

(Large Green-billed Malkoha, Rhopodytes tristis)

1 near the guesthouse at Digboi 22/2 with up to 4 in the oilfields daily 6-10/3.

 

Greater Coucal   Centropus sinensis

(Large Coucal, Common Crow-Pheasant)

2 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 1-3 daily at Digboi oilfields 22/2 & 5-10/3; 1 heard Digboi - Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2; 4 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3; 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3; 2 & 6 on jeep drives in eastern & central ranges, Kaziranga NP 14-15/3.

 

Lesser Coucal   Centropus bengalensis

(Small Coucal, Centopus toulou)

Singles at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3 and from jeep drives in western & eastern ranges, Kaziranga NP 13-14/3.

 

Alexandrine Parakeet   Psittacula eupatria

(Large Parakeet)

2-8 from 3 jeep drives in central & western ranges, Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Rose-ringed Parakeet   Psittacula krameri

(Ring-necked Parakeet)

Widespread and common in open country with trees throughout, with a max of c50 within about 2 km of Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Red-breasted Parakeet   Psittacula alexandri

(Rose-breasted Parakeet, Moustached Parakeet)

Locally common, with up to 30 daily at Digboi, mostly around the guesthouse, and up to 80 daily around  Kaziranga NP.

 

Himalayan Swiftlet   Collocalia brevirostris

(Aerodramus brevirostris)

6 near Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 19/2; 1 near Shillong 20/2; c50 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with there 3 on 13.3.

 

Brown-backed Needletail   Hirundapus giganteus

(Brown Needletail, Large Brown-throated Spinetail Swift, Chaetura giganteus)

3 over Panbari forest 12/3.

1 over the guesthouse at Digboi 22/2 could have been White-throated, H. caudacutus, Silver-backed, H. cochinchinensis or this sp.

 

Asian Palm Swift   Cypsiurus balasiensis

(Palm Swift, Cypsiurus parvus)

c30 on 20/2 - mostly around Guwahati & between there & Pobitora WS; small numbers elsewhere throughout.

 

Fork-tailed Swift   Apus pacificus

(Pacific Swift, Large White-rumped Swift)

At least 4, with the Dark-rumped Swifts, over the Cherrapunji 'town cliffs', Meghalaya 19/2.

 

Dark-rumped Swift   Apus acuticauda

(Khasi Hills Swift, Dark-backed Swift)

c200 at Cherrapunji 'town cliffs' and c100 at Nohkallikai waterfalls, c4 km away, 19/2.

 

House Swift   Apus affinis

(Little Swift, Apus nipalensis)

c40 over the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong 18/2; 4 near the Cherrapunji 'town cliffs' & 6 more near Nohkallikai waterfalls, Meghalaya 19/2; 5 & 6 over Digboi oilfields on two days 5-10/3, with c160 estimated there on 7/3; 10 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3.

 

Mountain Scops Owl   Otus spilocephalus

1 heard at Digboi oilfields 6/3.

 

Oriental Scops Owl   Otus sunia

(formerly Scops Owl, Otus scops)

Singles heard along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong 18/2, in Digboi oilfields 7/3 and from the jeep drive in central range, Kaziranga NP 15/3.

 

Dusky Eagle Owl   Bubo coromandus

(Dusky Horned Owl)

1 heard from the jeep drive in western range, Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Brown Fish Owl  Ketupa zeylonensis

1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 14/3 (JH).

 

Jungle/Asian Barred Owlet   Glaucidium radiatum/cuculoides

(Barred Jungle Owlet/Barred Owlet)

Problems were experienced in distinguishing the vocalisations of these two species.  The following were thought to be Jungle Owlets - 2 outside Belle View hotel, Guwahati 20/2; 1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 13/3. 1 was seen from a jeep drive in the central range, Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Asian Barred Owlets were only noted around Digboi as follows - 6 on 22/2 with 1-3 there on five days 5-10/3;  3 heard at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3 and 1 seen in the tea plantation 14/3.

 

Unspecified Jungle/Asian Barred Owlets were noted at Dibrugarh on 21/1 (2 birds) and 2-4 on all four days around Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Spotted Owlet   Athene brama

(Spotted Little Owl, Tibet Owlet)

2 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 heard near Dibrugarh 21/2; 3 seen & 6 others heard Dibrugarh – Digboi, especially at the latter on 22/2; 1-3 noted on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3 - especially around the guesthouse; 1  heard at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3.

 

Brown Hawk Owl   Ninox scutulata

(Brown Boobook)

None seen but 1 heard near Dibrugarh 21/2; 1-2 at Digboi on five days 5-10/3; 1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3, and 2 from the jeep drive in the central range, Kaziranga NP 15/3.

 

Large-tailed Nightjar  Caprimulgus macrurus

1 heard at Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3.

 

[Nightjar sp.   Caprimulgus sp.

1 in Digboi oilfields on the 6/3 with 2 there the following evening.]

 

Rock Pigeon   Columba livia

(Rock Dove, Blue Rock Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Feral Rock Dove)

Few specific counts were made.  'Present' in Guwahati & en route to Dibrugarh 21/2; up to c40 in & around Digboi on 22/2 & daily 5-10/3; 'present' daily around Kohora, near Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Pale-capped Pigeon   Columba punicea

2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3.

 

Oriental Turtle Dove   Streptopelia orientalis

(Rufous Turtle Dove)

6 in Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong, 18/2; c20 Shillong - Cherrapunji 19/2; 10 Shillong - Guwahati 20/2; 2 in Digboi oilfields 5th & 6/3.

 

Spotted Dove   Streptopelia chinensis

Widespread and fairly common in open habitat with a max of c50 between Guwahati & Pobitora WS.

 

Red Collared Dove   Streptopelia tranquebarica

(Red Turtle Dove)

Singles at Pobitora WS 20/2, Digboi 6/3, Digboi - Tinsukia 9/3, Guijan 11/3 and from the jeep drive in the western range at Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Eurasian Collared Dove   Streptopelia decaocto

(Indian Ring Dove, Collared Dove, Collared Turtle Dove)

10 in the vicinity of Guwahati 20/3; 1-2 on jeep drives in western & eastern ranges, Kaziranga NP 13-14/3 .

 

Barred Cuckoo Dove   Macropygia unchall

(Long-tailed Cuckoo-Dove, Bar-tailed Cuckoo-Dove)

1 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong 18/2 (KK).

 

Emerald Dove   Chalcophaps indica

(Emerald Ground Dove, Bronze-winged Dove, Green-winged Pigeon, Common Emerald Dove)

2-10 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1-3 heard in Panbari forest, 12th & 14/3; 1 seen & another heard on the jeep drive in central range, Kaziranga NP 12/3; 1 in the woodland about 1½ km south of Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon   Treron phoenicoptera

(Yellow-legged Green Pigeon, Bengal Green Pigeon, Green Pigeon, Yellow-footed Pigeon)

4 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 8 at Guijan 11 7 14/3 with 2 at Kolomi camp 12-13/3; 2-10 on all four jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 10 in scrub near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3; 6 in Panbari forest on one of the three visits - 14/3.

 

Pin-tailed Green Pigeon   Treron apicauda

1 at Digboi oilfields 10/3.

 

Green Imperial Pigeon   Ducula aenea

2-6 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 10-15 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 2-6 on three of the four jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 1 at the rear of Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Mountain Imperial Pigeon   Ducula badia

(Imperial Pigeon, Maroon-backed Imperial Pigeon)

2 Digboi - Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2; 1-3 on four days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Bengal Florican   Houbaropsis bengalensis

(Eupodotis bengalensis)

4 males, all in an area of probably less than one square km, were seen from the jeep drive in the eastern range, Kaziranga NP 13/3.  The elephant grass had apparently been burnt 2 weeks previously - birds are usually dependably present here throughout March.

 

White-breasted Waterhen   Amaurornis phoenicurus

1-2 at wetlands throughout, with 6 near Pobitora WS 20/2.

 

Ruddy-breasted Crake   Porzana fusca

(Ruddy Crake, Amaurornis fuscus)

1 was heard from the jeep drive in the central range at Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Purple Swamphen   Porphyrio porphyrio

(Purple Gallinule, Purple Moorhen, Porphyrio poliocephalus)

1 from the jeep drive in the western range at Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Common Moorhen   Gallinula chloropus

(Moorhen, Common Gallinule, Indian Gallinule)

4 at Pobitora WS 20/2; up to 12 daily in and around Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; c15 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 20 & 10 from jeep drives in central & eastern ranges, Kaziranga NP on 12 & 14/3 respectively.

 

Pintail Snipe   Gallinago stenura

c30 at Pobitora WS 20/2; singles at Digboi on 22/2 & 5/3; 2 from the jeep drive in central range at Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Common Snipe   Gallinago gallinago

(Snipe, Fantail Snipe)

c30 at Pobitora WS 20/2; singles near Digboi 22/3 and from the jeep drive in central range, Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Spotted Redshank   Tringa erythropus

1-2 on all four jeep drives in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Common Redshank   Tringa totanus

(Redshank)

Singles at Pobitora WS 20/2 and from the jeep drive in central range, Kaziranga NP 15/3.

 

Common Greenshank   Tringa nebularia

(Greenshank)

3 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 4 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with 5 at Kolomi camp 12-13/3; 3-4 daily from the jeep drives in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Green Sandpiper   Tringa ochropus

6 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 at Digboi on 22/2 with another there on 5/3; 1 Digboi - Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2; 2-3 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-13/3; 1 from the jeep drive in central range, Kaziranga NP 15/3.

 

Wood Sandpiper   Tringa glareola

c20 at Pobitora WS, near Guwahati 20/2; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3; singles from jeep drives in western & eastern ranges,  Kaziranga NP 13-14/3 and 10 in the central range 15/3.

 

Common Sandpiper   Actitis hypoleucos

(Tringa hypoleucos)

2-6 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3.

 

Temminck's Stint   Calidris temminckii

c10 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with 6 at Kolomi camp 12-13/3; singles from jeep drives in all 3 ranges at Kaziranga NP 13-15/3.

 

Greater Painted-snipe   Rostratula benghalensis

(Painted-snipe)

1 near Pobitora WS 20/2 (AB).

 

Pheasant-tailed Jacana   Hydrophasianus chirurgus

4 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 on DLB in Digboi oilfields 5/3 with another there on 10/2.

 

Bronze-winged Jacana   Metopidius indicus

6 near Pobitora WS; 2 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 1 immature on DLB in Digboi oilfields 7-10/3; 6-10 from jeep drives in central & western ranges, Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Little Ringed Plover   Charadrius dubius

1 flew over DLB in Digboi oilfields 7/3; 6 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 & 2 on 14/3; singles from jeep drives in all 3 ranges at Kaziranga NP 13-15/3.

 

Kentish Plover   Charadrius alexandrinus

(Snowy Plover)

15 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 and 4 on 11/3.

 

Northern Lapwing   Vanellus vanellus

(Lapwing, Eurasian Lapwing, Common Lapwing)

c20 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 from the jeep drive in western range, Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Grey-headed Lapwing   Vanellus cinereus

(Grey-headed Lapwing, Hoplopterus cinereus)

2 near Pobitora WS 20/2 and c50 km east of Guwahati 21/2; 1-2 on all four jeep drives in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Red-wattled Lapwing   Vanellus indicus

(Red-wattled Plover, Hoplopterus indicus)

10 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 6 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; singles Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2 and on two days near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 12-15/3; 2-4 on all four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 2 near Guijan 11/3.

 

Brown-headed Gull  Larus brunnicephalus

3 on the river at Dibru-Saikhowa 14/3.

 

River Tern   Sterna aurantia

(Indian River Tern)

1-2 on all four jeep drives in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Osprey   Pandion haliaetus

2 singles from jeep drives in central & eastern ranges, Kaziranga NP 12 & 14/3.

 

Oriental Honey-buzzard   Pernis ptilorhyncus

(Crested Honey Buzzard, Honey Kite, Honey Buzzard, Pernis apivorus)

2 at Digboi oilfields 7/3 and Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 14/3.

 

Black-shouldered Kite   Elanus caeruleus

(Black-winged Kite)

3 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/3; singles at Dibru-Saikhowa 11/3 and from jeep drives in western & eastern ranges, Kaziranga NP 13-14/3.

 

Black Kite   Milvus migrans

(Dark Kite, Pariah Kite, Black-eared Kite, M. lineatus)

c30 near a refuse dump along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong 18/2 and near Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 near Cherrapunji,  Meghalaya 19/2; 4 in Guwahati 21/2; c20 near Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with 5 near Guijan 11/3; 6+ in Guwahati 17/3. None noted east of Tinsukia.

 

Brahminy Kite   Haliastur indus

1 in Guwahati & another near Pobitora WS on 20/2.

 

Pallas's Fish Eagle   Haliaeetus leucoryphus

(Pallas's Sea Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Ring-tailed Fishing Eagle)

An adult in flight c15 km west of Kohora, near Kaziranga NP 21/2; up to 6 from jeep drives in all 3 ranges at Kaziranga NP 12-15/3. Several pairs with apparently fully grown, fledged young were seen.

 

Grey-headed Fish Eagle   Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus

2-4 from jeep drives in all 3 ranges at Kaziranga NP on 12-15/3.

2 at Kolomi camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3. A distant bird in flight at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 was either this sp. or Lesser  I. Humilis.

 

White-rumped Vulture   Gyps bengalensis

(Indian White-backed Vulture, Oriental White-backed Vulture, White-backed Vulture)

c30 near Pobitora WS 20/2 and Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 1 near Dibrugarh 22/2; 6 near Dibru-Saikhowa 9/2; 2 from a jeep drive in western range, Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Long-billed Vulture   Gyps indicus

20 over Digboi town 5/3; 1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 12/3; 3 & 1 seen from jeeps inside Kaziranga NP 13 & 15/3.

 

Eurasian Griffon   Gyps fulvus

(Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Griffon Vulture)

1 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 & 3 in & around Kaziranga NP 12 & 13/3.

 

Red-headed Vulture   Sarcogyps calvus

(Indian Black Vulture, King Vulture, Torgos calvus, Aegypius calvus)

1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3.

 

Short-toed Snake-Eagle   Circaetus gallicus

(Short-toed Eagle)

1 perched & later in flight from the jeep drive in the eastern range at Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Crested Serpent Eagle   Spilornis cheela

1 c15 km west of Kohora, near Kaziranga NP 21/2; 1-2 daily at Digboi oilfields 6-10/3, mostly around DLB; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 11/3; 4 & 2 from jeep drives in central & western ranges at Kaziranga NP 12-13/3 with singles heard in Panbari forest on all three visits 12-15/3.

 

Eurasian Marsh Harrier   Circus aeruginosus

(Western Marsh Harrier, Marsh Harrier)

Singles at Dibru-Saikhowa 12/3 and from the jeep drive in the western range at Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Hen Harrier   Circus cyaneus

(Northern Harrier)

Single males at Pobitora WS 20/2 and from a jeep drive in eastern range, Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Pied Harrier   Circus melanoleucos

Singles between Digboi & Tinsukia 9/3, at Dibru-Saikhowa 11/3 and from jeep drives in central & western ranges at Kaziranga NP 12-13/3.

 

Shikra   Accipiter badius

(Indian Sparrowhawk)

Singles at Dibru-Saikhowa 12/3 and from a jeep drive in western range, Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk   Accipiter nisus

(Northern Sparrowhawk, Sparrowhawk)

Singles near Mawphlang sacred grove & along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong, 18/2, near Pobitora WS 20/2 and at Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3.

 

Common Buzzard   Buteo buteo

(Buzzard, Eurasian Buzzard, Desert Buzzard)

2 near Mawphlang sacred grove 18/2; 2 displaying near Nohkallikai waterfalls, Cherrapunji & 1 again at Mawphlang 19/2.

 

Black Eagle   Ictinaetus malayensis

1 at Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 18/2.

 

Greater Spotted Eagle   Aquila clanga

(Spotted Eagle)

1 over the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong, Meghalaya 18/2; 2 at Pobitora WS 20/2; singles at Dibru-Saikhowa 9, 11 & 14/3, and from a jeep drive in the central range at Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Steppe Eagle   Aquila nipalensis

(Aquila rapax nipalensis)

1 from a jeep drive in the eastern range at Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Changeable Hawk Eagle   Spizaetus cirrhatus

(Crested Hawk Eagle, Spizaetus limnaeetus)

1 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2.

 

Changeable/Mountain Hawk Eagle   Spizaetus cirrhatus/S. nipalensis

(Crested Hawk Eagle, Spizaetus limnaeetus/Hodgson's Hawk-eagle)

Singles at Pobitora WS 20/2, Digboi oilfields 10/3 & from a jeep drive in eastern range, Kaziranga NP  14/3.

 

Collared Falconet   Microhierax caerulescens

(Red-thighed Falconet, Red-breasted Falconet)

1 from a jeep drive in the central range at Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Pied Falconet   Microhierax melanoleucus

1 at Digboi oilfields 5/3 (DA); 2 near Kolomi camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 12/3 and displaying in Panbari forest, near Kaziranga NP on 12 & 15/3.

 

Common Kestrel   Falco tinnunculus

(Eurasian Kestrel, Kestrel)

1 over Shillong Peak, Meghalaya 18/2; 2 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 1 in Digboi oilfields 5/3; 2 near Dibru-Saikhowa 9/2.

 

Oriental Hobby   Falco severus

A vocal displaying pair seen daily near the Guesthouse at Digboi on 22/2 & 5-10/3; singles near Guijan, Dibru-Saikhowa 11/3 and from a jeep drive in western range, Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Peregrine Falcon   Falco peregrinus

(Peregrine, Shaheen Falcon)

An unusually dark adult over Nohkallikai waterfalls, Cherrapunji 19/2; 1 adult near Pobitora WS 20/2. A large falcon in Digboi oilfields 5/3 was probably this sp.

 

Little Grebe   Tachybaptus ruficollis

(Dabchick, Podiceps ruficollis)

1 near Digboi 7/3; 6 Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3.

 

Darter   Anhinga melanogaster

(Oriental Darter, Anhinga rufa)

1 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1-2 daily on DLB in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 6 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3; 10-30 daily on jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Little Cormorant   Phalacrocorax niger

Several around Guwahati 17/2 & 17/3; 6 Pobitora WS 20/2 and Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; up to 10 daily in & around Digboi oilfields 22/2 & 5-10/3, especially on DLB; 6 Digboi - Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2; c300 Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 and 30 at Kolomi Camp 12-13/3; 4-20 daily on jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Great Cormorant   Phalacrocorax carbo

(Large Cormorant, Cormorant)

6 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 20-50 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3.

 

Little Egret   Egretta garzetta

15 near Pobitora WS 20/2; c20 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 10 Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2; 3 & 1 in Digboi oilfields on 7 & 10/3; 15-20 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; c10 daily on jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Grey Heron   Ardea cinerea

(Heron)

4 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 6 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 11/3, with 5 at Kolomi Camp; 1-3 daily on jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Purple Heron   Ardea purpurea

8 at Pobitora WS 20/2; singles on DLB in Digboi oilfields 7 & 9/3; singles at Dibru-Saikhowa 14.3 and from jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Great Egret   Casmerodius albus

(Great White Egret, Large Egret, Egretta alba, Ardea alba)

c15 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 10 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; up to 10 in Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 2-4 daily on jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 2 between Kaziranga NP - Guwahati 16/3.

 

Intermediate Egret   Mesophoyx intermedia

(Plumed Egret, Smaller Egret, Yellow-billed Egret, Egretta intermedia, Ardea intermedia)

c30 near Pobitora WS 20/2; several Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 2-8 daily on jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; several Kaziranga NP - Guwahati 16/3.

 

Cattle Egret   Bubulcus ibis

(Ardeola ibis, Egretta ibis, Ardea ibis)

c20 near Pobitora WS 20/2 and Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; c40 Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2; up to 210 daily in and around Digboi oilfields 5-10/3, mostly on early morning post-roost dispersal flights over the guesthouse; 10-18 daily in and around Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; c350 Kaziranga NP - Guwahati 16/3.

 

Indian Pond Heron   Ardeola grayii

(Pond Heron, Paddybird)

c10 near Pobitora WS 20/2; c200 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; c20 Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2; 2-3 most days in & around Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; c6 near Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3; 4-7 daily in & around Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; c20 in Guwahati 17/3.

 

Little Heron  Butorides striatus

(Little Green Heron, Green-backed Heron, Ardeola striatus)

1 at Dibru-Saikhowa  on 11/3.

 

Black-crowned Night Heron   Nycticorax nycticorax

(Night Heron)

1 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 heard over Digboi guesthouse 2/2.

 

Yellow/ Cinnamon Bittern   Ixobrychus sinensis/ cinnamomeus

(Chinese Little Bittern/Chestnut Bittern)

1 at Pobitora WS 20/2.

 

Black-headed Ibis   Threskiornis melanocephalus

(White Ibis, Oriental White Ibis, Threskiornis aethiopica)

2 at Pobitora WS 20/2.

 

Spot-billed Pelican   Pelecanus philippensis

(Grey Pelican, Pelecanus crispus)

10 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 c15 km west of Kaziranga NP 21/1; 3-15 on daily jeep drives in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3

 

Asian Openbill   Anastomus oscitans

(Asian Openbill Stork)

c350 near Pobitora WS 20/2; c40 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2 and at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3, with 20 at Kolomi Camp 12-13/3; up to 4 daily on jeep drives in at Kaziranga NP on 12-14/3; 2 Kaziranga NP - Guwahati 16/3.

 

Black Stork   Ciconia nigra

1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 11/3 with 3 at Kolomi Camp 13/3.

 

Woolly-necked Stork   Ciconia episcopus

(White-necked Stork)

Singles on jeep drives in central & western ranges at Kaziranga NP 12-13/3.

 

Black-necked Stork   Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

(Xenorhynchus asiaticus)

1-3 on daily jeep drives at Kaziranga NP 12-14/3.

 

Lesser Adjutant   Leptoptilos javanicus

(Lesser Adjutant Stork)

6 in & around Guwahati 17/2; 10 at Pobitora WS 20/2; c20 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 8 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3; 2 Kolomi Camp 13/3; 1-4 daily in & around Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 2 Kaziranga NP - Guwahati 10/3.

 

Greater Adjutant   Leptoptilos dubius

(Adjutant Stork)

c20 at Ulubari Bazaar in Guwahati 17/2; 16 on 21/2 - 5 on a sand bank in the Brahmaputra river c1km downstream from Belle View hotel & 11 c15 km west of Rajmai tea estate between Jorhat & Moranhat (Guwahati - Dibrugarh); 2 from a jeep drive in the eastern range at Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Blue-naped Pitta   Pitta nipalensis

1-2 heard on four days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1 heard in Panbari forest 15/3.

 

Silver-breasted Broadbill   Serilophus lunatus

(Collared Broadbill, Hodgson's Broadbill)

5 in Digboi oilfields on 8/3.

 

Asian Fairy Bluebird   Irena puella

(Fairy Bluebird)

1 - 2 on two days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 10-15 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

Blue-winged Leafbird   Chloropsis cochinchinensis

(Gold-mantled Leafbird, Gold-mantled Chloropsis)

2-4 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Golden-fronted Leafbird   Chloropsis aurifrons

(Gold-fronted Chloropsis)

1 Shillong-Guwahati 20/2; up to 5 in Digboi oilfields on five days 5-10/3; 1-2 on two visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

Orange-bellied Leafbird   Chloropsis hardwickii

(Orange-bellied Chloropsis)

Singles along the old Shillong to Guwahati road near Shillong 18/2, Shillong - Guwahati 20/2 and Digboi & the Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2; 2 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2 in Panbari forest 14/3.

 

Brown Shrike   Lanius cristatus

6 between Guwahati & Pobitora WS 20/2; 5 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 1 near the guesthouse at Digboi 22/2 was the only sighting there, as was 1 from the jeep drive in central range, Kaziranga NP on 12/3.

 

Long-tailed Shrike   Lanius schach

(Rufous-backed Shrike, Black-headed Shrike)

4 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2 and Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2; 1 near the guesthouse at Digboi on 22/2 was the only sighting there; 1-2 Dibru-Saikhowa 11-14/3; singles from jeep rides in central & eastern ranges, Kaziranga NP 12 & 14/3.

 

Grey-backed Shrike   Lanius tephronotus

(Tibetan Shrike)

Widespread throughout with up to 6 most days and 10 at Digboi oilfields on 7/3..

 

Common Green Magpie   Cissa chinensis

1 heard near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 19/2; 1 at Digboi 22/2 & up to 5 there on five dates 5-10/3; 2 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Rufous Treepie   Dendrocitta vagabunda

(Indian Treepie)

4 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 Belle View hotel, Guwahati 21/2; 1 Digboi - Tinsukia 9/3; 2 Dibru-Saikhowa 11-14/3; 3 near Panbari forest,  Kaziranga NP on one of three visits 12-15/3; 2-4 on all four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3 with 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Grey Treepie   Dendrocitta formosae

(Himalayan Treepie)

1 in Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 18/2 with 4 heard there the following day; up to 15 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Collared Treepie   Dendrocitta frontalis

(Black-browed Treepie)

1 near the guesthouse at Digboi 22/2 with up to 15 in the oilfields on five days 5-10/3.

 

House Crow   Corvus splendens

(Indian House Crow)

c200 between Guwahati & Pobitora WS 20/2 and small numbers elsewhere throughout the lowlands.

 

Large-billed Crow   Corvus macrorhynchos

(Jungle Crow, Corvus levaillantii)

Widespread and fairly common with a max of c40 between Shillong, Guwahati & Pobitora WS on 20/2 and c30 at Digboi 22/2.

 

Ashy Woodswallow   Artamus fuscus

(Ashy Woodshrike, Ashy Swallow-shrike)

5 at Digboi oilfields 5/3; 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora, 13/3.

 

Black-hooded Oriole   Oriolus xanthornus

(Black-headed Oriole)

Widespread and fairly common in the lowlands with a max of c10 between Guwahati & Pobitora WS 20/2 and in Digboi oilfields on 6/3.

 

Maroon Oriole   Oriolus traillii

1 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road near Shillong 18/2; 3 in Digboi oilfields on 6 & 8/3; singles Digboi -  the Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2 and heard in Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Large Cuckooshrike   Coracina macei

(Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Coracina novaehollandiae)

4 near Guijan 14/3 (JH); pp to 8 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 4 from a jeep ride in central range of Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Black-winged Cuckooshrike   Coracina melaschistos

(Smaller Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Dark Cuckoo-shrike, Dark-grey Cuckooshrike)

Up to 8 on five of the six dates in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Rosy Minivet Pericrocotus roseus

1 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa  13/3.

 

Small Minivet   Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

6 from  the jeep ride in western range, Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Long-tailed Minivet   Pericrocotus ethologus

2 at Mawphlang sacred grove and 1 at Shillong Peak 18/2; 4 between Dibrugarh & Digboi 22/2; 4 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Short-billed Minivet   Pericrocotus brevirostris

8 & 2 in Digboi oilfields 6 & 7/3; 1 male in Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Scarlet Minivet   Pericrocotus flammeus

Up to 15 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; c10 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa  12-14/3.

 

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike   Hemipus picatus

(Pied Flycatcher-shrike, Pied Wood-shrike)

1 in Digboi oilfields 6/3.

 

Yellow-bellied Fantail   Rhipidura hypoxantha

(Yellow-bellied Fantail Flycatcher)

Singles in Digboi oilfields on 5-6/3.

 

White-throated Fantail   Rhipidura albicollis

(White-throated Fantail Flycatcher, Spot-breasted Fantail)

1 near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 19/2; 2 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3.

 

Black Drongo   Dicrurus macrocercus

(Dicrurus adsimilis)

6 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 20 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 10 Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2; 2 near Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with 5 at Kolomi Camp 12-14/3; 1 near Kohora 12/3; 3-10 from jeep rides in central range, Kaziranga NP 12 & 15/3, with 30 in eastern range on 14/3.

 

Ashy Drongo   Dicrurus leucophaeus

(Grey Drongo)

c8 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 4 at Digboi on 22/2 & 2-3 there on two days 5-10/3; 4 in Panbari forest 12/3.

 

Bronzed Drongo   Dicrurus aeneus

(Little Bronzed Drongo)

1 at Digboi on 22/2 with 4-15 there daily 5-10/3; 6 in Panbari forest 12/3.

 

Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo   Dicrurus remifer

(Small Racquet-tailed Drongo)

1 in Digboi oilfields 8/3; 2 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3.

 

Spangled Drongo   Dicrurus hottentottus

(Hair-crested Drongo)

2 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 at Digboi 22/2 with up to 4 there daily 5-10/3; 5 in Panbari forest 12/3 with 2 more from the jeep drive in central range, Kaziranga NP later the same day.

 

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo   Dicrurus paradiseus

(Large Racquet-tailed Drongo)

Up to 6 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2 on two of the three visits to Panbari forest 12 & 15/3.

Black-naped Monarch   Hypothymis azurea

(Black-naped Flycatcher Monarcha azurea)

1 in Digboi oilfields on 8/3 only; 1-3 in the Panbari forest on two of the three visits 12-15/3; 1 from the jeep ride in eastern range, Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Asian Paradise-flycatcher   Terpsiphone paradisi

(Paradise Flycatcher)

Singles in Panbari forest on two of the three visits 12-15/3, and on the jeep ride in eastern range, Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Common Iora   Aegithina tiphia

(Iora)

3 heard at Pobitora WS 20/2; up to10 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2 Digboi - Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2; 4 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with 10 at Kolomi Camp 13-14/3; up to 6 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; two singles on jeep rides in central range, Kaziranga NP 12 & 15/3.

 

Large Woodshrike   Tephrodornis gularis

(Tephrodornis virgatus)

2-7 on four days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1-4 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

Common Woodshrike   Tephrodornis pondicerianus

(Lesser Wood-shrike, Indian Wood-shrike)

2 in Pobitora WS 20/2.

 

Brown Dipper   Cinclus pallasii

1 near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 19/2.

 

Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush   Monticola rufiventris

1 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong 19/2.

 

Blue Rock Thrush   Monticola solitarius

1 near Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 19/2.

 

Blue Whistling Thrush   Myophonus caeruleus

(Whistling Thrush, Myiophonus caeruleus, Myiophoneus caeruleus)

1 in Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong, 18/2; 1-2 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3 and on two of the three visits to Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 2 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Orange-headed Thrush   Zoothera citrina

(Orange-headed Ground Thrush)

1-2 on all three visits to Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Scaly Thrush   Zoothera dauma

(White's Thrush, Speckled Mountain Thrush, Golden Mountain Thrush)

1 in Digboi oilfields 9/3 (JH).

 

Black-breasted Thrush   Turdus dissimilis

Single males on 8 & 10/3 in Digboi oilfields.

 

Grey-winged Blackbird   Turdus boulboul

1 had been recently caught by a bird trapper along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, near Shillong, 8/2; a single male & female in Panbari forest near Kaziranga NP on the first visit 12/3.

 

Eyebrowed Thrush   Turdus obscurus

(Dark Thrush)

2 on Shillong Peak, Meghalaya 18/2 (KK).

 

Dark-throated Thrush   Turdus ruficollis

(Red-throated Thrush, Black-throated Thrush, T. atrogularis)

All birds showed characters of the Red-throated form T. r. ruficollis.

2 on Shillong Peak, Meghalaya 18/2; 1 near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 19/2; 1 male at Pobitora WS  20/2; 4 at Digboi on 22/2 but one on 5/3 was the only subsequent record.

 

Dusky Thrush   Turdus naumanni

(Rufous-tailed Thrush, Naumann's Thrush, T. eunomus)

1 near the guesthouse at Digboi 22/2 (PIH & KK).

 

Lesser Shortwing   Brachypteryx leucophrys

2 trapped at Digboi oilfields 6/3; 1 on the first of three visits to Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP 12/3.

“Reaches the foothills in winter” according to Ali and Ripley.

 

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher   Ficedula strophiata

(Orange-gorgeted Flycatcher, Muscicapa strophiata)

2 on Shillong Peak 18/2 and near Mawphlang, near Shillong 19/2; 1 in Panbari forest 12/3.

 

Red-throated Flycatcher   Ficedula parva

(Red-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva, Ficedula albicilla)

All birds showed characters of the expected eastern form F. p. albicilla.  Singles in Guwahati town 17/2, near Belle View hotel, Guwahati 21/2, at Digboi 22/2 and 5/3, and at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3; 4 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 2-4 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 3 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3; 2 from the jeep ride in central range, Kaziranga NP 15/3.

 

Snowy-browed Flycatcher   Ficedula hyperythra

(Rufous-breasted Blue Flycatcher, Muscicapa hyperythra)

Up to 8 on four days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Little Pied Flycatcher   Ficedula westermanni

(Muscicapa westermanni)

A male at Digboi 22/2 with singles on three days 5-10/3; singles in Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP on two of three visits 12-15/3.

 

Slaty-blue Flycatcher   Ficedula tricolor

(Muscicapa leucomelanura)

1 Shillong - Guwahati 20/2; a male and a female at Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3.

 

Verditer Flycatcher   Eumyias thalassina

(Muscicapa thalassina)

2 between Shillong & Guwahati 20/2.

 

Large Niltava   Niltava grandis

(Muscicapa grandis)

Single males at Mawphlang sacred grove, Shillong Peak & the old Shillong to Guwahati road 18/2, and near Mawphlang sacred grove on 19/2.

 

Small Niltava   Niltava macgrigoriae

(Muscicapa macgrigoriae)

1 at Digboi on 22/2 with up to 6 there on three days 5-10/3; 2 from the jeep ride in central range, Kaziranga NP 12/3; 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3; 3 in Panbari forest on one of the three visits 12-15/3.

 

Rufous-bellied Niltava   Niltava sundara

(Beautiful Niltava, Muscicapa sundara)

Singles in Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 18/2 and Digboi oilfields on 6/3 with 3 on 7/3.

 

Pale-chinned Flycatcher   Cyornis poliogenys

(Brook's Flycatcher, Pale-chinned Blue Flycatcher, Muscicapa poliogenys, Niltava poliogenys)

2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3, 1 on 12/3 and 3+ heard near Kolomi Camp 14/3; up to 4 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

Pygmy Blue Flycatcher   Muscicapella hodgsoni

(Niltava hodsoni, Muscicapa hodgsoni)

Singles in Digboi oilfields on 6-7/3.

 

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher   Culicicapa ceylonensis

(Grey-headed Flycatcher)

3 in Mawphlang sacred grove near Shillong 18/2; 2 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 1 Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2; up to 6 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2 at Kolomi Camp 12-14/3 and Panbari forest on two visits 12-15/3; 1-2 on two jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Siberian Rubythroat   Luscinia calliope

(Eurasian Rubythroat, Erithacus calliope)

6 at the rear of Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3; 1 heard from a jeep ride in central range, Kaziranga NP 15/3.

 

White-tailed Rubythroat   Luscinia pectoralis

(Himalayan Rubythroat, Erithacus pectoralis)

4 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3.  

 

Bluethroat   Luscinia svecica

(Erithacus svecicus)

6 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 & 2 on two of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Orange-flanked Bush Robin   Tarsiger cyanurus

(Red-flanked Bluetail, Erithacus cyanurus)

6 in Mawphlang sacred grove, 1 on Shillong Peak & another along the old Shillong to Guwahati road all sites near Shillong, Meghalaya 18/2; another in the Mawphlang sacred grove the following day.

 

Golden Bush Robin   Tarsiger chrysaeus

(Erithacus chrysaeus)

1 in Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 19/2.

 

Oriental Magpie Robin   Copsychus saularis

(Asian Magpie Robin, Magpie Robin, Robin Dayal)

Widespread and common in suitable habitat throughout the lowlands, with a max of 10 between Guwahati & Pobitora WS 20/2 and at Digboi 5-10/3.

 

White-rumped Shama   Copsychus malabaricus

(Shama)

Up to 6 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; singles in Panbari forest on two of the three visits 12-15/3.

 

Black Redstart   Phoenicurus ochruros

1 male at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3.

 

Daurian Redstart   Phoenicurus auroreus

5 males in the scrub & tea plantation behind Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Blue-fronted Redstart   Phoenicurus frontalis

2 in Mawphlang sacred grove near Shillong and 1 at Shillong Peak 19/2.

 

White-capped Water Redstart   Chaimarrornis leucocephalus

(White-capped River Chat, River Redstart, River Chat, Thamnolaea leucocephala)

3 near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 19/2.

 

Plumbeous Water Redstart   Rhyacornis fuliginosus

(Plumbeous Redstart, Phoenicurus fuliginosus)

6 near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 19/2.

 

White-tailed Robin   Cinclidium leucurum

(White-tailed Blue Robin)

A male trapped in Digboi oilfields 9/3 and one seen at Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Black-backed Forktail   Enicurus immaculatus

2-10 daily in Digboi oilfields 6-9/3; singles near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3 and in Panbari forest 15/3.

 

Slaty-backed Forktail   Enicurus schistaceus

1 between Digboi & the Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2.

 

White-crowned Forktail   Enicurus leschenaulti

1-2 at Digboi 22/2 and daily 5-7/3.

 

Spotted Forktail   Enicurus maculatus

2 near Mawphlang sacred grove & singles along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, 18/2, near Mawphlang 19/2 and in Digboi oilfields on 5/3.

 

Common Stonechat   Saxicola torquata

(Stonechat, Collared Bushchat, Siberian Stonechat)

6 between Cherrapunji & Nohkallikai waterfalls, Meghalaya 19/2; c15 Guwahati - Pobitora WS 20/2; 6 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2 and at Digboi 22/2, with up to 4 there daily 5-10/3; 10-20 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 10-30 on three of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 2 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Pied Bushchat   Saxicola caprata

(Pied Stonechat, Pied Chat)

2 in Digboi oilfields 22/2.

 

Jerdon’s Bushchat   Saxicola jerdoni

2 pairs at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa  13/3.

 

Grey Bushchat   Saxicola ferrea

(Dark-grey Bushchat)

1 male on Shillong Peak, Meghalaya 19/2.

 

Spot-winged Starling  Saroglossa spiloptera

After c10 had been identified at dusk at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa, on 13/3 (DA), six post-roost flocks containing 75-100 birds were seen in flight at dawn 1km downstream the following day, totalling 400+ (JH).

 

Chestnut-tailed Starling   Sturnus malabaricus

(Grey-headed Myna)

6 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 10 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; up to 10 daily at Digboi 22/2 and 5-10/3; up to 20 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 6 near Panbari forest 12/3 and 10 on both jeep rides in central range, Kaziranga NP 12 & 15/3.

 

Asian Pied Starling   Sturnus contra

(Asian Pied Myna, Pied Myna)

20 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 30 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; c10 Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2 and daily at Digboi; 4 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3, 20 on 11/3 and 200+ leaving a roost in small flocks on 14/3; 2-10 daily around Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Common Myna   Acridtheres tristis

(Indian Myna)

Widespread and common, with 20 around Shillong, Meghalaya, 60 between Guwahati & Pobitora WS, c50 Guwahati – Dibrugarh and 10-25 at Digboi.

 

Jungle Myna   Acridotheres fuscus

Widespread and common in the lowlands with c50 between Guwahati & Pobitora WS, up to 30 at Digboi, c15 at Dibru-Saikhowa and 30-50 on jeep rides in Kaziranga NP.

 

White-vented Myna   Acridotheres grandis

(Pale-bellied Myna, Orange-billed Jungle Myna, A. javanicus, Sturnus javanicus)

3 outside Belle View hotel, Guwahati 20/2; 2 with Jungle Mynas in a flowering tree outside the guesthouse at Digboi 22/2 & 4 there next day; 4 at Guijan 11/3.

 

Hill Myna   Gracula religiosa

(Talking Myna)

6 at Digboi 22/2 & 4-15 there on five days 5-10/3; 2 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3; 3-6 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 2-10 on three of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch   Sitta castanea

2 on Shillong Peak & 6 more along the old Shillong to Guwahati road, both near Shillong 18/2; up to 4 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch   Sitta frontalis

Up to 15 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 3 on the first of four jeep drives in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 2 in Panbari forest on the second of three visits 12-15/3.

 

Great Tit   Parus major

(Grey Tit, Cinereous Tit)

4 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 3 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; singles Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2 and at Digboi on 22/2, which was the only sighting there; up to 10 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 1 & 3 on two of the three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 3 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Green-backed Tit   Parus monticolus

3 in Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 18/2 with another there the following day.

 

Yellow-cheeked Tit   Parus spilonotus

(Black-spotted Yellow Tit)

3 at Mawphlang sacred grove, Shillong Peak and along the old Shillong to Guwahati road 18/2, with 2 near Mawphlang sacred grove 19/2, all near Shillong.

 

Sultan Tit   Melanochlora sultanea

4-20 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 1-2 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

Plain Martin   Riparia paludicola

(Brown-throated Sand Martin, Plain Sand Martin, Grey-throated Sand Martin, African Sand Martin)

c50 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with 25 at Kolomi Camp 12-13/3; c80 from the jeep drive in eastern range, Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Eurasian Crag Martin   Hirundo rupestris

(Northern Crag Martin, Crag Martin, Ptyonoprogne rupestris)

2 between Cherrapunji & Nohkallikai & c20 others about midway between Cherrapunji & Shillong on 19/2.

 

Barn Swallow   Hirundo rustica

(Swallow, Eurasian Swallow)

1 near Nohkallikai waterfalls, Cherrapunji, 19/2; 4 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 10 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2 & Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2 with 2 at Digboi then; 1 on 7/3 was the only other sighting at Digboi; 10 Digboi -Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2; 10-30 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 3 & 10 near Panbari  forest on two of three visits 12-15/3; 10-40 on all four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP NP 12-15/3.

 

Striated Swallow   Hirundo striolata

10 Shillong - Guwahati 20/2; 2 in Digboi oilfields 5/3 and near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Crested Finchbill   Spizixos canifrons

(Crested Finch-billed Bulbul)

c100 near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 18/2 with c50 there the following day.

 

Black-crested Bulbul   Pycnonotus melanicterus

(Black-headed Yellow Bulbul)

2-6 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 6-10 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 2 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Red-whiskered Bulbul   Pycnonotus jocosus

c30 at Digboi 22/2 and then 2-20 daily 5-10/3; c200 in & around Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3, including one flock of c170 birds, with 500 pre- and post-roost  at Kolomi Camp, 12-14/3; 10-20 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; c10 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Red-vented Bulbul   Pycnonotus cafer

Widespread and common with up to 30 at many sites but possibly as many as 300 at pre- and post-roost near Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa  12-14/3.

 

Flavescent Bulbul   Pycnonotus flavescens

(Blyth's Bulbul, Pale-faced Bulbul)

c10 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road 18/2; 4 at Nohkallikai waterfalls, Cherrapunji 19/2.

 

White-throated Bulbul   Alophoixus flaveolus

(Criniger pallidus)

6-20 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 8-15 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 3 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Ashy Bulbul   Hemixos flavala

(Brown-eared Bulbul, Hypsipetes flavala)

6 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road 18/2; 2-20 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 4 in Panbari forest  on one of three visits 12-15/3.

 

Mountain Bulbul   Hypsipetes mcclellandii

(Rufous-bellied Bulbul, Hypsipetes virescens)

10 near Mawphlang sacred grove, Shillong 18/2 & c50 there the following day.

 

Black Bulbul   Hypsipetes leucocephalus

(Grey Bulbul, Hypsipetes madagascariensis)

c80 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road 18/2; 1 near Shillong town 20/2.

 

Zitting Cisticola   Cisticola juncidis

(Fan-tailed Warbler, Fan-tailed Cisticola, Streaked Fantail Warbler)

2 at Pobitora WS 20/2; singles in Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 and from the jeep ride in eastern range, Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Rufous-vented (Swamp) Prinia   Prinia burnesii cinerascens

(Long-tailed Grass Warbler, Long-tailed Prinia, P. cinerascens)

1 seen & another heard in Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 and 2 seen with 1 heard on 11.3.

 

Striated Prinia   Prinia criniger

(Brown Hill Prinia, Brown Hill Warbler, David's Hill Warbler)

2 near Nohkallikai waterfall, near Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 19/2.

 

Grey-breasted Prinia   Prinia hodgsonii

(Hodgson's Prinia, Ashy Wren-Warbler, Franklin's Wren-Warbler)

4 between Dibrugarh & Digboi 20/2; 4 at Digboi 22/2 with 2 on 5/3 but only one other in the five days 5-10/3.

 

Yellow-bellied Prinia   Prinia flaviventris

(Yellow-bellied Wren-Warbler)

10-20 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 1-3 on three of the four jeep rides in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Plain Prinia   Prinia inornata

(Plain Wren-Warbler, Prinia subflava)

4 at Kolomi Camp 12-14/3; 2-3 on three of the four jeep rides in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Oriental White-eye   Zosterops palpebrosus

(Indian White-eye, White-eye)

c50 on the old Shillong – Guwahati road 18/2; c10 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 4 Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2; 1-2 in Digboi oilfields on four days 5-10/3; 1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3; up to 6 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 2 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Chestnut-headed Tesia   Tesia castaneocoronata

(Chestnut-headed Ground Warbler)

1 heard near Shillong Peak, Meghalaya 18/2.

 

Slaty-bellied Tesia   Tesia olivea

(Slaty-bellied Ground Warbler)

Up to 5 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1-2 on all three visits to Panbari 12-15/3.

 

Grey-bellied Tesia   Tesia cyaniventer

(Dull Slaty-bellied Ground Warbler, Slaty-bellied Ground Warbler)

Singles at Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 18/2, and in Digboi oilfields 9/3; 2 in Panbari forest on two of the three visits 12-15/3.

 

[Slaty-bellied/Grey-bellied Tesia   Tesia olivea/T. cyaniventer

Two unidentified birds were noted - 1 in Mawphlang sacred grove 19/2 & the other in Panbari forest 15/3.]

 

Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler   Cettia fortipes

(Strong-footed Bush Warbler, Mountain Bush Warbler, Cettia montana)

3 near Mawphlang sacred grove, Shillong 18/2 with another there the following day; up to 5 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1 from the jeep drive in central range at Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Chestnut-crowned Bush Warbler   Cettia major

Singles at Dibru-Saikhowa 11 & 12/3. Winter quarters unknown according to Ali and Ripley!

 

Grey-sided Bush Warbler   Cettia brunnifrons

(Rufous-capped Bush Warbler)

1 from the jeep drive in the central range at Kaziranga NP 12/3.

 

Spotted Bush Warbler  Bradypterus thoracicus

1 Dibru-Saikhowa 11/3 with 2 at Kolomi Camp 12/3.

 

Paddyfield Warbler   Acrocephalus agricola

2 at Pobitora WS 20/2 and Guijan 11/3.

 

Blyth's Reed Warbler   Acrocephalus dumetorum

1 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2.

 

[Paddyfield/Blyth's Reed Warbler   Acrocephalus agricola/A. dumetorum

1 seen briefly & poorly from a jeep ride in the western range at Kaziranga NP 13/3.]

 

Thick-billed Warbler   Acrocephalus aedon

(Phragmaticola aedon)

3 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3; 2 in Panbari forest 14/3; 1 from the jeep ride in the central range of Kaziranga NP 15/3.

 

Mountain Tailorbird   Orthotomus cuculatus

(Golden-headed Tailorbird)

1-2 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3 and Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 13/3; 2 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Common Tailorbird   Orthotomus sutorius

(Long-tailed Tailorbird)

Widespread and common in the lowlands with a max of 6 between Guwahati & Pobitora WS 20/2 and Digboi oilfields on 7/3, and 8 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Common Chiffchaff   Phylloscopus collybita

(Chiffchaff, Eurasian Chiffchaff, Brown Leaf Warbler)

2 at Pobitora WS near Guwahati 20/2.

Dusky Warbler   Phylloscopus fuscatus

(Dusky Leaf Warbler)

10 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 4 near the guesthouse at Digboi 22/2 with 1-2 there on two days 5-10/3; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with 3 at Kolomi Camp 12-14/3; 1-2 on three of four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 5 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Smoky Warbler   Phylloscopus fuligiventer

(Smoky Willow Warbler)

4 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1-2 at Digboi on two days 5-10/3; 4-10 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3.

 

Tickell's Leaf Warbler   Phylloscopus affinis

(Tickell's Willow Warbler, Tickell's Warbler)

3 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 4 at Digboi 22/2 with 2 there on 5/3 but only two singles thereafter; 8 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Buff-barred Warbler   Phylloscopus pulcher

(Orange-barred Leaf Warbler)

8 in Mawphlang sacred grove & 3 on Shillong Peak 18/2; 6 at Mawphlang the following day.

 

Ashy-throated Warbler   Phylloscopus maculipennis

(Grey-faced Leaf Warbler)

6 in Mawphlang sacred grove & on Shillong Peak, 3 along the old Shillong – Gauhati road 18/2; 3 at Mawphlang 19/2.

 

Lemon-rumped Warbler   Phylloscopus chloronotus

(Yellow-rumped Leaf Warbler, Pallas's Leaf Warbler, Pallas's Warbler, Phylloscopus proregulus)

2 in Mawphlang sacred grove & on Shillong Peak, 3 along the old Shillong – Gauhati road 18/2; 4 in Mawphlang sacred grove 19/2.

 

Yellow-browed Warbler   Phylloscopus inornatus

(Inornate Leaf Warbler)

6 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road 18/2; 3 near Mawphlang sacred grove 19/2; singles at Digboi 22/2 and 5/3; 3-6 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 3 on one of four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12/3; 6 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Greenish Warbler   Phylloscopus trochiloides

(Dull Green Leaf Warbler, Yellowish-breasted Warbler, Green Warbler, Bright Green Warbler, Phylloscopus nitidus)

4 near Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2; 3 on two days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 1 & 3 on two of three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; singles on two of four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Large-billed Leaf Warbler   Phylloscopus magnirostris

2 in Digboi oilfields 6/3.

 

Blyth's Leaf Warbler   Phylloscopus reguloides

(Blyth's Crowned Leaf Warbler, Crowned Leaf Warbler)

1 in Digboi oilfields 10/3; 3 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 12-13/3; 6 & 10 on two of three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

Yellow-vented Warbler   Phylloscopus cantator

(Yellow-throated Leaf Warbler, Yellow-faced Leaf Warbler, Black-browed Leaf Warbler)

Up to 3 on four days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1 in the Panbari forest 12/3.

 

Golden-spectacled Warbler   Seicercus burkiii

(Black-browed Flycatcher-Warbler, Yellow-eyed Warbler)

4-5 on four days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1-3 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 2 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Grey-hooded Warbler   Seicercus xanthoschistos

(Grey-headed Flycatcher-Warbler, Grey-headed Warbler)

1 near Mawphlang sacred grove, 5 Shillong Peak 18/2, with 2 near the grove 19/2.

 

White-spectacled Warbler   Seicercus affinis

(Allied Flycatcher-Warbler)

1 & 5 on two days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Grey-cheeked Warbler   Seicercus poliogenys

(Grey-cheeked Flycatcher-Warbler)

2-3 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Chestnut-crowned Warbler   Seicercus castaniceps

(Chestnut-crowned Flycatcher-Warbler)

2 in Mawphlang sacred grove 18/2; up to 6 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1 in the Panbari forest on the first of three visits 12-15/3.

 

Rufous-faced Warbler   Abroscopus albogularis

(White-throated Warbler, White-throated Flycatcher Warbler, Seicercus albogularis)

2-9 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 3 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 12-14/3.

 

Yellow-bellied Warbler   Abroscopus superciliaris

(Yellow-bellied Flycatcher-Warbler, Seicercus superciliaris)

Up to 3 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 3 Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 12-14/3.

 

Striated Grassbird   Megalurus palustris

(Striated Marsh Warbler, Striated Warbler)

15+ at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 c15 km west of Kohora 21/2; 6 at Digboi 22/2 with 2-6 there daily 5-10/3 and at Dibru-Saikhowa 9-14/3; 3-6 on all four jeep drives inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

White-crested Laughingthrush   Garrulax leucolophus

6 in Digboi oilfields 8/3 was the only record, surprisingly.

 

Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush   Garrulax monileger

(Necklaced Laughing-thrush)

2-25 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 6 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush   Garrulax pectoralis

(Large Necklaced Laughing-thrush, Black-gorgeted Laughing-thrush)

40 in Digboi oilfields on 7/3 was the only definite record but there were 10-50 of this or the previous sp. on 8-10/3.

 

[Necklaced Laughingthrush sp. Garrulax monileger/ G. pectoralis

Several were heard near Mawphlang sacred grove 18/2; 10 & 20 in Digboi oilfields on 9-10/3.]

 

Rufous-necked Laughingthrush   Garrulax ruficollis

10 about midway between Shillong & Guwahati 20/2; 12 at Digboi on 22/2 & 10-20 there on four days 5-10/3; 1 heard near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush   Garrulax nuchalis

2 pairs in thick scrub on 10/3, the last day in Digboi oilfields..

 

Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush   Garrulax erythrocephalus

(Red-headed Laughing-thrush)

12 seen & 2 heard near Mawphlang sacred grove 18/2, with 2 heard, 4 seen there the following day.

 

Buff-breasted Babbler   Pellorneum tickelli

(Tickell's Babbler, Tickell's Jungle Babbler, Buff-breasted Jungle Babbler, Trichastoma tickelli, Malacocincla tickelli)

2 trapped in Digboi oilfields 6/3 and 1 on 9/3.

 

Marsh Babbler   Pellorneum palustre

(Marsh Spotted Babbler)

6 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa  12-13/3.

 

Puff-throated Babbler   Pellorneum ruficeps

(Spotted Babbler)

1 heard about midway along the Shillong to Guwahati road 20/2; 1-3 daily around Digboi 6-10/3 - mostly near the guesthouse; 4 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa  12-13/3; 4-6 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 4 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora, near Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus schisticeps

(Slaty-headed Scimitar-Babbler)

1 trapped in Digboi oilfields 9/3; 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler   Pomatorhinus ruficollis

(Rufous-necked Scimitar-Babbler)

7 near Mawphlang sacred grove, Shillong 19/2; 2 in Digboi oilfields 8/3.

 

Streaked Wren Babbler   Napthera brevicaudata

1-2 in Digboi oilfields 6-8/3.

 

Pygmy Wren Babbler   Pnoepyga pusilla

(Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, Brown Wren-Babbler, Microura pusilla)

Up to 4 in Digboi oilfields 5-8/3.

 

Spotted Wren Babbler   Spelaeornis formosus

Up to 2 on three days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3.

 

Rufous-fronted Babbler   Stachyris rufifrons

(Red-fronted Babbler, Buff-chested Babbler, Stachyris ambigua)

1 heard at Digboi on 22/2 & 2-8 noted on five days 5-10/3; 4 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa  12-13/3; 1 heard from the jeep ride in central range, Kaziranga NP 12/3; 6 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps

4 heard near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 19/2; 1 heard about midway between Shillong & Guwahati 20/2.

 

Grey-throated Babbler   Stachyris nigriceps

(Black-throated Babbler)

Up to 10 on five days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 6 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Striped Tit Babbler   Macronous gularis

(Yellow-breasted Tit-Babbler)

10 at Digboi on 22/2 & 2-15 there daily 5-10/3; 6 Digboi - Arunachal Pradesh border 23/2; up to 15 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 12-14/3; 10-12 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 10 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Chestnut-capped Babbler   Timalia pileata

(Red-capped Babbler)

1 in Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with up to 10 at Kolomi Camp 12-14/3; 4+ from the jeep ride in the central range at Kaziranga NP 15/3.

 

Yellow-eyed Babbler   Chrysomma sinense

Up to 6 noted on two of the four jeep rides in Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Jerdon's Babbler   Chrysomma altirostris

(Jerdon's Moupinia, Moupinia altirostris)

3 in Dibru Saikowa 9 & 11/3.

 

Striated Babbler   Turdoides earlei

c30 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 3-10 on three of four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Red-billed Leiothrix   Leiothrix lutea

(Pekin Robin)

5-8 near Mawphlang sacred grove, Shillong 18-19/2.

 

White-browed Shrike Babbler   Pteruthius flaviscapis

(Red-winged Shrike-Babbler)

2 seen and 3 heard at Mawphlang sacred grove 18/2.

 

White-hooded Babbler   Gampsorhynchus rufulus

(White-headed Shrike-Babbler)

2-3 daily in Digboi oilfields 6-8/3.

 

Rusty-fronted Barwing   Actinodura egertoni

(Spectacled Barwing)

4 at Mawphlang sacred grove and Shillong Peak 18/2.

 

Blue-winged Minla   Minla cyanouroptera

(Blue-winged Siva, Siva cyanouroptera)

2 near Mawphlang sacred grove and 5 at Shillong Peak 18/2, with 6 near the grove 19/2.

 

Rufous-winged Fulvetta   Alcippe castaneceps

(Chestnut-headed Tit Babbler)

c15 near Mawphlang sacred grove and 6 at Shillong Peak 18/2, with 10 near the grove 19/2.

 

Rufous-throated Fulvetta   Alcippe rufogularis

(Red-throated Tit Babbler)

Up to 7 in Digboi oilfields 5-8/3.

 

Rusty-capped Fulvetta   Alcippe dubia

(Rufous-capped Fulvetta, Rufous-headed Tit Babbler, Brown-capped Fulvetta)

8 near Mawphlang sacred grove 18/2 (DA) & 2 more there the following day.

 

Nepal Fulvetta   Alcippe nipalensis

(Nepal Babbler, Nepal Quaker Babbler)

6 near Mawphlang sacred grove 18/2, & 2 the following day; 6-20 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 10 Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 13-14/3; 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Grey Sibia   Heterophasia gracilis

10 at Mawphlang sacred grove and Shillong Peak & c15 along the old Shillong to Guwahati road 18/2; c14 again near Mawphlang sacred grove 19/2.

 

Striated Yuhina   Yuhina castaniceps

(White-browed Yuhina, Collared Siva, Siva castaniceps)

8 about midway between Shillong & Guwahati 20/2.

 

Whiskered Yuhina  Yuhina flavicollis

(Yellow-naped Yuhina)

4 near Mawphlang sacred grove and Shillong Peak 18/2.

 

White-bellied Yuhina   Yuhina zantholeuca

(Yuhina xantholeuca)

4-10 in Digboi oilfields 5-8/3.

 

Lesser Whitethroat  Sylvia curruca

1 at Guijan 11/3.

 

Rufous-winged Bushlark   Mirafra assamica

(Rufous-winged Lark, Bush Lark, Bengal Bush Lark)

2 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 from the jeep ride in the western range at Kaziranga NP on the 13/3.

 

Sand Lark   Calandrella raytal

(Indian Short-toed Lark, Indian Sandlark)

10 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3.

 

Oriental Skylark   Alauda gulgula

(Small Skylark, Eastern Skylark, Little Skylark)

Singles heard at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 and from the jeep ride in eastern range at Kaziranga NP 14/3.

 

Yellow-vented Flowerpecker   Dicaeum chrysorrheum

1 on the second of three visits to Panbari forest near Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Plain Flowerpecker   Dicaeum concolor

(Plain-coloured Flowerpecker)

1-2 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

[Plain/Pale-billed Flowerpecker   Dicaeum concolor/D. erythrorynchos

(Plain-coloured Flowerpecker/Tickell's Flowerpecker)

2 between Dibrugarh & Digboi 22/2]

 

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker   Dicaeum ignipectus

(Buff-bellied Flowerpecker)

5 at Mawphlang sacred grove, 3 Shillong Peak and 2 along the old Shillong – Guwahati road 18/2.

 

Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker   Dicaeum cruentatum

Single females in  Digboi oilfields 10/3 (JH) and from the jeep ride in the western range at Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird   Anthreptes singalensis

(Rubycheek)

Singles in Digboi oilfields on three days 5-10/3.

 

Purple Sunbird   Nectarinia asiatica

A male in the gardens of Belle View hotel, Guwahati 21/2.

 

Mrs Gould's Sunbird   Aethopyga gouldiae

(Gould's Sunbird)

2 males along the old Shillong to Guwahati road 18/2 & in Mawphlang sacred grove the following day.

 

Green-tailed Sunbird   Aethopyga nipalensis

(Nepal Yellow-backed Sunbird, Nepal Sunbird)

A male in Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 18/2.

 

Black-throated Sunbird   Aethopyga saturata

(Black-breasted Sunbird)

2 on two days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 2 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Crimson Sunbird   Aethopyga siparaja

(Scarlet-breasted Sunbird, Yellow-backed Sunbird)

2 Dibrugarh - Digboi 22/2 and at Digboi on 22/2 with 1-5 there on four days 5-10/3; 1-2 on all three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3; 1 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora, 13/3.

 

Little Spiderhunter   Arachnothera longirostra

1 near Mawphlang sacred grove 19/2; singles on four days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; singles on two of three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

Streaked Spiderhunter   Arachnothera magna

2 about midway between Shillong & Guwahati 20/2, and at Digboi 22/2 with up to 6 there daily 5-10/3; 1-2 on two of three visits to Panbari forest 12-15/3.

 

House Sparrow   Passer domesticus

(Indian Sparrow, Passer indicus)

Present in Guwahati, Tinsukia, Digboi & most settlements in between.  No systematic records.

 

Eurasian Tree Sparrow   Passer montanus

(Tree Sparrow)

Up to c30 around Shillong 18-19/3; up to c20 daily in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 6 near Panbari forest 13/3.

 

White Wagtail   Motacilla alba

(Pied Wagtail, Masked Wagtail)

Three subspecies were noted: -

M. a. ocularis: at least 1 between Shillong & Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 19/2.

 

M. a. alboides: 2 at Digboi on 22/2 & 2 on two days 5-10/3; 6-15 daily on jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; 4 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

M. a. leucopsis: 1 near Cherrapunji & another between there & Shillong 19/2; 2 at Pobitora WS 20/2 and Guwahati - Dibrugarh 21/2.

 

Several others were not subspecifically assigned including c100 , presumably flying to a roost, at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 and c50 at Kolomi Camp 13-14/3.

 

Citrine Wagtail   Motacilla citreola

(Yellow-hooded Wagtail, Yellow-headed Wagtail)

3+ at Pobitora WS 20/2; 10 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3; 4-10 on all four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP N P 12-15/3.

 

Yellow Wagtail   Motacilla flava

c30 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 c15 km west of Kohora 21/2; 40-50 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 14/3; 3-10 on all four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3; several near Panbari forest on one of three visits 12-15/3.

 

Grey Wagtail   Motacilla cinerea

Singles near Mawphlang sacred grove, Shillong 18-19/2, between Shillong & Guwahati 20/2, at Digboi 22/2 only, near the Wild Grass hotel, Kohora & near Panbari forest, Kaziranga NP 13 & 14/3 respectively.

 

Richard's Pipit   Anthus richardi

(Anthus novaeseelandiae)

2 at Pobitora WS near Guwahati 20/2; 1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3.

 

Paddyfield Pipit   Anthus rufulus

(Oriental Pipit, Richard's Pipit, Anthus novaeseelandiae)

1 singing near Mawphlang sacred grove, Shillong 18/2; 6 at Pobitora WS 20/2; up to 6 on three of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Olive-backed Pipit   Anthus hodgsoni

(Olive Tree Pipit, Hodgson's Tree Pipit, Indian Tree Pipit)

2 near Mawphlang sacred grove & along the old Shillong to Guwahati road 18/2, with 1 again near Mawphlang 19/2; c50 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 2 & 4 on two days in Digboi oilfields 5-10/3; 1 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3 with 2 at Kolomi Camp 13/3; 1 near Panbari forest 14/3; 2 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3 and on one of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Rosy Pipit   Anthus roseatus

(Rosy-breasted Pipit, Vinaceous-breasted Pipit, Anthus pelopus)

c20 between Shillong & Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 19/2; 4 at Pobitora WS 20/2; c30 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9 & 14/3; 3-6 on all four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

Baya Weaver   Ploceus philippinus

c100 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 4 on the first of four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.

 

[Weaver sp.   Ploceus sp.

10-20 on three of the four jeep rides inside Kaziranga NP 12-15/3.]

 

White-rumped Munia   Lonchura striata

(White-backed Munia, Striated Munia, Sharp-tailed Munia)

10 between Shillong & Guwahati 20/2; 6 at Digboi 22/2 with 6-20 there on five days 5-10/3; 6 near Wild Grass hotel, Kohora 13/3.

 

Scaly-breasted Munia   Lonchura punctulata

(Spotted Munia, Nutmeg Mannikin, Spice Mannikin)

16 at Digboi 22/2 with 3 & 10 there on two days 5-10/3.

 

Common Rosefinch   Carpodacus erythrinus

(Scarlet Rosefinch, Scarlet Grosbeak)

1 male in Digboi oilfields 7/3.

 

Little Bunting   Emberiza pusilla

5+ & 1 near Mawphlang sacred grove, near Shillong 18 & 19/2 respectively; 1 near Pobitora WS 20/2.

 

Black-faced Bunting   Emberiza spodocephala

(Masked Bunting)

2 at Pobitora WS 20/2; 3 at Dibru-Saikhowa 9/3; 2 from the jeep ride in western range, Kaziranga NP 13/3.

 

 

LIST OF BIRDS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH, 23 February - 4 March 1998

Taxonomy, nomenclature and sequence follow those of An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region by T Inskipp et al (1996).

Unless otherwise stated, all records refer to Namdapha Tiger Reserve. The Embeong area records are solely attributable to DA and only the most interesting are detailed. Other notable records by only one or two observers are initialled in parenthesis.

The 3 numbers in brackets exclude DA’s solo trip to Embeong and are (1) number of days the sp. was seen, (2) maximum day count, (3) number of bird days for the species.

 

White-cheeked Partridge   Arborophila atrogularis

(White-cheeked Hill Partridge)

(8   7   28)

Highly vocal & surprisingly common & widespread.  Birds were noted around Haldibari, between there & Hornbill, beyond Hornbill towards Bulbulia and from there towards Embeong.  Most were only heard although up to 5 were seen near Bulbulia 28/2 & near Hornbill on the 1/3.

 

Kalij Pheasant   Lophura leucomelanos

(Kalij, Kaleej Pheasant)

(4   3   7)

Quite widespread with 1-3 seen on all four days 25-28/2 between Deban & Bulbulia.

 

Grey Peacock Pheasant   Polyplectrun bicalcaratum

(9   10   53)

Highly vocal, surprisingly common & widespread with birds being heard on every day except our first, but only four sightings  - singles near Bulbulia 28/2, two near Haldibari 2/3 and again near Haldibari 3/3.

 

Ruddy Shelduck   Tadorna ferruginea

(2   1   2)

2 between Miao & Deban 23/2.

 

Common Teal   Anas crecca

(Green-winged Teal, Teal)

(20   1  20)

About 20 in the river c6 km east of Miao 4/3.

 

Common Merganser   Mergus merganser

(Goosander)

(5   60   98)

Only noted in the river between Deban & Miao, with a max of 60 on the 23/2.

 

Speckled Piculet   Picumnus innominatus

(Spotted Piculet)

(3   3   6)

3 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 2 near Hornbill 28/1 with another there the following day.

 

White-browed Piculet   Sasia ochracea

(Rufous Piculet)

(4   3   6)

3 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; singles near Hornbill 28/1-2/3.

 

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker   Dendrocopos canicapillus

(Grey-capped Woodpecker, Grey-crowned Pygmy Woodpecker, Picoides canicapillus)

(1   1   1)

At least 1 was seen along the ridge c1 km from Bulbulia  towards Embeong 27/2 by AB & PIH separately.  This species was not included in a Checklist of the Birds of Namdapha Tiger Reserve (T. Inskipp, 1997).

 

Rufous Woodpecker   Celeus brachyurus

(Brown Woodpecker, Micropternus brachyurus)

((1   1   1)

1 near Deban 24/2 (PIH).

 

Lesser Yellownape   Picus chlorolophus

(Lesser Yellow-naped Woodpecker, Small Yellow-naped Woodpecker)

(1   3   3)

Surprisingly uncommon with only three singles noted: near Deban 25/2, near Hornbill 1/3 and near Haldibari 3/3.

 

Greater Yellownape   Picus flavinucha

(Large Yellow-naped Woodpecker, Greater Yellow-naped Woodpecker)

(8   5   20)

Quite common & widespread with 1-5 birds noted on all full days inside the park, but not on 23/2 or 4/3 when only a relatively short of time was spent in the field.

 

Grey-headed Woodpecker   Picus canus

(Grey-faced Woodpecker, Black-naped Green Woodpecker)

(7   2   11)

1 or 2 regularly encountered especially around Deban & in the Hornbill/Bulbulia areas.

 

Pale-headed Woodpecker   Gecinulus grantia

(3   3   4)

1 near Haldibari 25/2; 2 in bamboo about 2-3 km along the trail from Bulbulia towards Embeong 27/2 with another there the following day.

 

Bay Woodpecker   Blythipicus pyrrhotis

(Red-eared Bay Woodpecker, Rufous-eared Woodpecker)

(7   5   18)

1 near Deban 24/2; 3-5 daily in the Hornbill area 27/2-1/3; 2 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3 with 4 between there and Deban next day.

 

Great Slaty Woodpecker   Mulleripicus pulverulentus

(3   15   20)

Surprisingly local.  15 in two groups - one of 12 birds, the other of 3, between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 2 near Haldibari 2/3 & 3 between there & Deban the following day.

 

Great Barbet  Megalaima virens

(Great Hill Barbet, Great Himalayan Barbet)

(10   16   91)

Common & widespread with up to 16 seen or heard daily.

 

Blue-throated Barbet   Megalaima asiatica

(10   25   125)

Common & widespread.

 

Blue-eared Barbet   Megalaima australis

(2   3   5)

3 seen near Hornbill 1/3 with another 2 heard nearby the following day

 

Great Hornbill   Buceros bicornis

(Giant Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill)

(9   11   38)

The only widespread hornbill, with 1 heard near Deban 24/2 and 2 seen there 4/3; 2 between there & Haldibari 25/2 & another 2 on the return journey 3/3; c10 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 5 more on the return journey 2/3; 1 & 4 around Hornbill on 27/2 & 1/3 respectively.

 

 

Brown Hornbill   Anorrhinus tickelli

(Tickell's Brown Hornbill)

(6   20   44)

Only found in the Haldibari - Hornbill area, particularly near the former. 3 were seen near Haldibari on 25/2 (AB), with 17 in a pre-roost assembly nearby in late afternoon (JH); 5 heard near there the following day; 15 & 2 near Hornbill on the 27 & 28/2 respectively; 3 between Hornbill and Haldibari 2/3 & 1 heard near Haldibari 3/3.

 

Rufous-necked Hornbill   Aceros nipalensis

(6   12   33)

Recorded daily around Hornbill with a max of 12+ 27/2 & 1/3; 2 were near Haldibari 3/3 and at Embeong.

 

Wreathed Hornbill   Aceros undulatus

(3   32   54)

Only found within sight of the river: 32 flew southeast of Deban in groups of 7, 10, 2, 3, 6 and four singles on the late-afternoon of 24/2; 20 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 2 more near Haldibari 26/2.

 

Common Hoopoe   Upupa epops

A single record near Embeong.

 

Red-headed Trogon   Harpactes erythrocehalus

(8   6   30)

Fairly common & widespread with 2-6 noted daily inside the park. 

 

Indian Roller   Coracias benghalensis

(1   1   1)

1 c6 km east of Miao 4/3.

 

Blyth's Kingfisher   Alcedo hercules

(Great Blue Kingfisher)

(1   1   1)

Early on 4/3 one flew in to the garden of Deban FRH and landed briefly before continuing upstream (AB).

 

Common Kingfisher   Alcedo atthis

(Eurasian Kingfisher, Kingfisher, River Kingfisher, Small Blue Kingfisher)

(2   4   6)

4 near Deban 3/3 with 2 more between there & Miao the following day.

 

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher   Ceyx erithacus

(Black-backed Kingfisher, Oriental Kingfisher, Three-toed Kingfisher, Three-toed Forest Kingfisher)

(1   1   1)

1 near Haldibari 26/2 (AB).

 

White-throated Kingfisher   Halcyon smyrnensis

(White-breasted Kingfisher, Smyrna Kingfisher)

(1   2   2)

2 near the river between Deban & Miao 4/3.

 

Crested Kingfisher   Megaceryle lugubris

(Large Pied Kingfisher, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Ceryle lugubris)

(3   2   5)

2 between Miao & Deban 23/2; 1 at Deban 3 & 4/3 with 1 again between there & Miao 4/3; common on Namdapha and Dihing rivers near Embeong.

 

Blue-bearded Bee-eater   Nyctyornis athertoni

(2   1   2)

Singles heard near Deban 23/2 and seen near the river the following day.

 

[Large/Common Hawk Cuckoo   Hierococcyx sparverioides/H. varius

(Cuculus sparverioides/Brainfever Bird, Cuculus varius)

Single birds were heard near Deban 24/2 & near Hornbill on the 28/2 & 1/3]

 

Green-billed Malkoha   Phaenicophaeus tristis

(Large Green-billed Malkoha, Rhopodytes tristis)

(1   1   1)

1 near Haldibari 1/3 (KK).

 

Himalayan Swiftlet   Collocalia brevirostris

(Aerodramus brevirostris)

(6   20   48)

20 between Miao & Deban 23/2; 3 & 10 near Deban on the 24 & 25/2 respectively; 6 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3; 4 near Deban 3/3 & 5 between there & Miao 4/3.

 

[Needletail sp.  Hirundapus sp.

2 birds, White-throated Needletail, Silver-backed Needletail or Brown-backed Needletail, were seen briefly near Hornbill 28/2 (KK).]

 

Asian Palm Swift   Cypsiurus balasiensis

(Palm Swift, Cypsiurus parvus)

(1   6   6)

6 at Deban 4/3.

 

Common / Dark-rumped Swift  Apus apus / acuticauda

A small flock once near Embeong.

 

Oriental Bay Owl   Phodilus badius

(1   1   1)

A bird, thought to be this species, was heard & taped at Haldibari on the evening of 2/3 but could not be lured out.

 

 

 

 

Mountain Scops Owl   Otus spilocephalus

(6   2   7)

1-2 heard daily from 25/2 to 2/3 with 1-2 near Haldibari on 25 & 26/2 and again on the 2/3 and 1 heard near Hornbill daily 27/2-1/3.

 

Collared Scops Owl   Otus bakkamoena

(Indian Scops Owl, Otus lempiji)

(3   1   3)

1 heard on 27/2 & 1/3 near Hornbill & 1 seen at Haldibari 2/3.

 

Collared Owlet   Galucidium brodiei

(Collared Pygmy Owlet)

(7   4   12)

Only heard, never seen.  1 near Haldibari 25 & 26/2 with 2 there on the 2/3; up to 4 near Hornbill on 27/2-1/3; 1 near Deban 3/3.

 

Asian Barred Owlet   Glaucidium cuculoides

(Barred Owlet)

(9   3   20)

Up to 3 heard daily 23/2-3/3 but only 3 singles seen - near Deban on 23-24/2 and between there and Haldibari 25/2.

 

Brown Hawk Owl   Ninox scutulata

(Brown Boobook)

(3   2   5)

1-2 birds heard from the track about 400m on the Haldibari side of Hornbill on the evening of 28/2 & 1/3 and again early on 2/3. Neither were seen but one was tape recorded.  This species was not included in a Checklist of the Birds of Namdapha Tiger Reserve (Inskipp,1997) and these are apparently the first records for the park.

 

Grey Nightjar   Caprimulgus indicus

(Jungle Nightjar, Indian Jungle Nightjar)

(2   3   4)

3 silent birds over Haldibari at dusk on 25/2 with 1 there on the 2/3. This species was not included in a Checklist of the Birds of Namdapha Tiger Reserve (Inskipp, 1997).

A single nightjar, thought to be this sp., was also seen at Embeong.

 

Rock Pigeon   Columba livia

(Rock Dove, Blue Rock Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Feral Rock Dove)

(4   15   23)

2-15 birds noted around Deban on all four days we were there.

 

Spotted Dove   Streptopelia chinensis

(5   6   14)

2-6 birds regularly noted around Deban.

 

Barred Cuckoo Dove   Macropygia unchall

(Long-tailed Cuckoo-Dove, Bar-tailed Cuckoo-Dove)

Singles at Bulbulia 27/2 (KK) and near Embeong.

 

Emerald Dove   Chalcophaps indica

(Emerald Ground Dove, Bronze-winged Dove, Green-winged Pigeon, Common Emerald Dove)

(6   4   14)

1 near Haldibari 25/2 with 2 between there & Hornbill the following day and 3 more on the return journey 2/3; 4 & 3 near Hornbill on 27 & 28/2 respectively; 1 near Haldibari 3/3.

 

Pin-tailed Green Pigeon   Treron apicauda

(10   100   c340)

Common & widespread, with some large flocks.

 

Mountain Imperial Pigeon   Ducula badia

(Imperial Pigeon, Maroon-backed Imperial Pigeon)

(9   10   69)

Widespread with singles and parties  of up to 10 regularly noted.

 

Green Sandpiper   Tringa ochropus

(1   1   1)

1 between Miao & Deban 23/2.

 

Common Sandpiper   Actitis hypoleucos

(Tringa hypoleucos)

(1   1   1)

1 between Miao & Deban 23/2.

 

Ibisbill   Ibidorhyncha struthersii

(1   2   2)

2 in the braided river channel beside the Miao to Deban road c18½ km from Deban 23/2.

 

River Lapwing   Vanellus duvaucelii

(River Plover, Spur-winged Plover, Hoplopterus spinosus)

(5   4   12)

2-4 daily around Deban.

 

Small Pratincole   Glareola lactea

(Little Pratincole)

(1   3   3)

3 over the river c18½ km west of Deban 4/3.

 

Pallas's Gull   Larus ichthyaetus

(Great Black-headed Gull)

(1   4   4)

1 adult summer, 2 first-year birds and a second-year over the river at Deban 4/3.

 

White-tailed Eagle   Haliaeetus albicilla

(White-tailed Sea Eagle)

1 near-adult over the river at Deban 23/2.

 

[Vulture sp.   Gyps sp.

2 very distant birds near Deban 4/3 could not be identified to species and could have been either White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis, Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus or Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus]

 

Crested Serpent Eagle   Spilornis cheela

(7   4   12)

2 between Miao & Deban 23/2 & again 4/3 with 2 more at Deban also on this latter date; 1 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with another on the return journey 3/3; 1 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 2 & 1 near Hornbill on 27 & 28/2 respectively.

 

Besra   Accipiter virgatus

(Besra Sparrowhawk)

(1   1   1)

1 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 (AB).

 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk   Accipiter nisus

(Northern Sparrowhawk, Sparrowhawk)

(1   1   1)

1 around Deban FRH 4/3.

 

Rufous-bellied Eagle   Hieraaetus kienerii

(Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle, Lophotriorchis kienerii)

1 adult around Deban with another over Miao, both on 4/3.

 

Mountain Hawk Eagle   Spizaetus nipalensis

(Hodgson's Hawk-eagle)

(2   1   2)

1 near Deban 24/2 & another between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3.

 

Pied Falconet   Microhierax melanoleucus

(3   3   6)

2-3 at Deban on 24-25/2, including 1 presenting a leaf to another; 1 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2.

 

Common Kestrel   Falco tinnunculus

(Eurasian Kestrel, Kestrel)

(1   1   1)

1 adult male over Deban FRH 4/3.

 

Great Cormorant   Phalacrocorax carbo

(Large Cormorant, Cormorant)

(5   160   250)

All records from around Deban, or between there & Miao with 40, 160 & 20 birds on the 23-25/2 respectively and 20 & 10 on 3 & 4/3.

 

White-bellied Heron  Ardea insignis

1 seen twice by the Namdapha river at Embeong 2-3/3.

 

Black Stork   Ciconia nigra

(2   2   3)

Singles over Bulbulia 28/2 (JH) and Deban 3/3, with 2 roosting in trees near Deban the following morning. 2 seen at Embeong by the river.

 

Blue-naped Pitta   Pitta nipalensis

(4   1   4)

A bird calling occasionally near Hornbill 28/2 was thought to be this sp. and a male was eventually seen, and photographed, the following day (but not observed calling); the calls were heard near Haldibari 2 & 3/3; often heard near Embeong but only 1 possible sighting.

 

Silver-breasted Broadbill   Serilophus lunatus

(Collared Broadbill, Hodgson's Broadbill)

(2   8   14)

6 on the trail towards Embeong, c2 km from Bulbulia 28/2; 8 near Haldibari 2/3.

 

Long-tailed Broadbill   Psarisomus dalhousiae

(3   12   19)

c7 near Deban (Chiriyapung) 24/2; 10 near Bulbulia 28/2 with 8 nearby the following day.

 

Asian Fairy Bluebird   Irena puella

(Fairy Bluebird)

(1   2   2)

2 flew into the compound of Deban FRH on 23/2 (PIH).

 

Blue-winged Leafbird   Chloropsis cochinchinensis

(Gold-mantled Leafbird, Gold-mantled Chloropsis)

(2   2   4)

2 near Haldibari 26/2 and again 2/3.

 

Golden-fronted Leafbird   Chloropsis aurifrons

(Gold-fronted Chloropsis)

(2   2   3)

1 near Haldibari 26/2 with 2 near Hornbill 28/2.

 

Orange-bellied Leafbird   Chloropsis hardwickii

(Orange-bellied Chloropsis)

(6   8   23)

8 near Deban 24/2; 5 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 & again 3/4; singles near Hornbill on the 28/2 & 2/3; 3 near Deban 4/3.

 

Brown Shrike   Lanius cristatus

(1   1   1)

1 between Miao & Deban 23/2.

 

Grey-backed Shrike   Lanius tephronotus

(Tibetan Shrike)

(5   4   10)

1-2 regularly seen around Deban & between there & Miao.

 

Common Green Magpie   Cissa chinensis

(7   4   16)

Widespread but not common, with only 1-4 noted daily 24/2-2/3.

 

Grey Treepie   Dendrocitta formosae

(Himalayan Treepie)

(8   6   24)

Widespread & not uncommon - noted at Deban, Haldibari, Hornbill & Bulbulia and several localities in between.

 

Collared Treepie   Dendrocitta frontalis

(Black-browed Treepie)

(3   1   3)

Singles in bamboo c2 km along the trail towards Embeong from Bulbulia on the 27 & 28/2.  Another was seen between Deban & Haldibari 2/3, also in bamboo; fairly common in primary forest near Embeong with 2-3 daily.

 

Large-billed Crow   Corvus macrorhynchos

(Jungle Crow, Corvus levaillantii)

(3   8   10)

1 at Deban 24/2 with 2 on 4/3; 1 near Bulbulia 28/2 and 6 around Miao 4/3.

 

Maroon Oriole   Oriolus traillii

(7   6   22)

2 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 6 on the return journey 3/3; 4 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 6 on the return journey 2/3; singles daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Large Cuckooshrike   Coracina macei

(Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Coracina novaehollandiae)

(4   4   9)

4, 2 & 1 around Hornbill on 27/2-1/3 respectively; 2 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3.

 

Black-winged Cuckooshrike   Coracina melaschistos

(Smaller Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Dark Cuckoo-shrike, Dark-grey Cuckooshrike)

(5   4   11)

1 near Deban 24/2; 4 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 1-3 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Short-billed Minivet   Pericrocotus brevirostris

(1   10   10)

10 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3 (AB, PIH)

 

Scarlet Minivet   Pericrocotus flammeus

(7   15   39)

2 around Deban 24/2; 2 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 4 more on the return leg 2/3; 2-15 daily around Hornbill on 27/2-1/3; 4 between Haldibari & Deban 3/3.

 

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike   Hemipus picatus

(Pied Flycatcher-shrike, Pied Wood-shrike)

(2   16   18)

16 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 2 on the return journey 2/3.

 

Yellow-bellied Fantail   Rhipidura hypoxantha

(Yellow-bellied Fantail Flycatcher)

(9   5   24)

Quite common & widespread with 2-5 birds noted daily.

 

White-throated Fantail   Rhipidura albicollis

(White-throated Fantail Flycatcher, Spot-breasted Fantail)

(8   4   18)

Quite common & widespread with up to 4 birds noted on 8 of the 10 days.

 

Ashy Drongo   Dicrurus leucophaeus

(Grey Drongo)

(8   6   20)

Up to 2 regularly seen around Deban 23 & 24/2 and again on 4/3; 2 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 and between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 2-6 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Bronzed Drongo   Dicrurus aeneus

(Little Bronzed Drongo)

(8   8   36)

1 near Deban 23/2; 3 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 4 more on the return journey 3/3; 8 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 and again 2/3; up to 8 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo   Dicrurus remifer

(Small Racquet-tailed Drongo)

(5   4   9)

Singles between Haldibari and Hornbill 26/2 with 2 more on the return journey 2/3; other singles near Hornbill on 27 & 28/2 and 4 near Hornbill on 1/3.

 

Spangled Drongo   Dicrurus hottentottus

(Hair-crested Drongo)

(2   4   8)

4 between Miao & Deban 23/2 and near Deban the next day.

 

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo   Dicrurus paradiseus

(Large Racquet-tailed Drongo)

(8   5   21)

3 near Deban 24/2; 4 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with another on the return journey 3/3; 1 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 & 2 more on the return trip 2/3; 2-5 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Large Woodshrike   Tephrodornis gularis

(Tephrodornis virgatus)

(5   18   59)

c18 near Deban 24/2; 10 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with c15 more on the return journey 3/3; 10 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 6 near Hornbill 27/2.

 

Brown Dipper   Cinclus pallasii

(3   2   4)

All records were from near Deban where 1-2 birds were seen on 24/2 and 3 & 4/3.

 

Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush   Monticola rufiventris

(1   1   1)

A male near Deban 24/2.

 

Blue Rock Thrush   Monticola solitarius

(2   1   2)

A female near Deban 25/2 with a male there 3/3.

 

Blue Whistling Thrush   Myophonus caeruleus

(Whistling Thrush, Myiophonus caeruleus, Myiophoneus caeruleus)

(10   8   29)

8 between Miao & Deban 23/2, with 5 there on the return journey 4/3; 5 around Deban 24/2; 3 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 2 on the return journey 3/3; 1 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 2 on the return leg 2/3; singles daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Scaly Thrush   Zoothera dauma

(White's Thrush, Speckled Mountain Thrush, Golden Mountain Thrush)

(2   1   2)

1 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 (AB) and another near Bulbulia 28/2 (PIH).

 

Dark-sided Thrush   Zoothera marginata

(Lesser Long-billed Thrush, Lesser Brown Thrush)

2 near Hornbill 28/2 (JH) with 1 still present the following day (AB, JH)(photo).

 

Black-breasted Thrush   Turdus dissimilis

(1   1   1)

A male in the compound of Deban FRH 24/2

 

Rusty-bellied Shortwing   Brachypteryx hyperythra

A male, possibly a pair, seen inside a thick tangle, after responding to prerecorded tape, at Lower Embeong 3/3.

 

Lesser Shortwing   Brachypteryx leucophrys

(1   2   2)

1 near Haldibari 26/2 (PIH)

 

White-browed Shortwing   Brachypteryx montana

2 singles near Hornbill 28/2, 1 km east of Bulbulia  (AB, KK).

 

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher   Ficedula strophiata

(Orange-gorgeted Flycatcher, Muscicapa strophiata)

(4   2   6)

1-2 birds around Deban on 23-24/2 and again on 4/3; 1 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2.

 

Red-throated Flycatcher   Ficedula parva

(Red-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva, Ficedula albicilla)

(2   2   3)

2 in the grounds of Deban FRH 23/2 and 1 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2.

 

Snowy-browed Flycatcher   Ficedula hyperythra

(Rufous-breasted Blue Flycatcher, Muscicapa hyperythra)

(4   3   6)

Singles between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 and between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 3 near Hornbill 27/2 (photo) with another there on the 1/3 (photo).

 

Little Pied Flycatcher   Ficedula westermanni

(Muscicapa westermanni)

(1   1   1)

A male in the garden of Deban FRH 23/2 (PIH).

 

Slaty-blue Flycatcher   Ficedula tricolor

(Muscicapa leucomelanura)

A female near Haldibari 25/2 (PIH).

 

Sapphire Flycatcher  Ficedula sapphira

(Muscicapa sapphira)

(3   5   12)

5 near Deban 24/2; 3 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 4 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2.

 

Large Niltava   Niltava grandis

(Muscicapa grandis)

(3   4   7)

2 around Deban 24/3; 4 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 1 near Hornbill 27/2.

 

Small Niltava   Niltava macgrigoriae

(Muscicapa macgrigoriae)

(6   4   11)

3 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 4 between Haldibari and Hornbill 26/2 with another there on the return journey 2/3; singles daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Rufous-bellied Niltava   Niltava sundara

(Beautiful Niltava, Muscicapa sundara)

(2   1   2)

Singles males near Hornbill on 27/2 (JH) & 1/3 (AB).

 

White-tailed Flycatcher   Cyornis concretus

1 near Embeong was the only record.

 

Pale Blue Flycatcher   Cyornis unicolor

(Muscicapa unicolor)

(1   1   1)

A male near Hornbill 1/3 (AB).

 

Pygmy Blue Flycatcher   Muscicapella hodgsoni

(Niltava hodsoni, Muscicapa hodgsoni)

(4   2   5)

A male near Hornbill 28/2 & a female 1/3 (photos); 1 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3 & 2 between Haldibari & Deban 3/3.

 

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher   Culicicapa ceylonensis

(Grey-headed Flycatcher)

(10   10   51)

Quite common & widespread, with a max of 10 between Haldibari and Hornbill 26/2.

 

Orange-flanked Bush Robin   Tarsiger cyanurus

(Red-flanked Bluetail, Erithacus cyanurus)

(3   2   5)

2 near Deban 23-24/2 with an imm. male there on 4/3.

 

Oriental Magpie Robin   Copsychus saularis

(Asian Magpie Robin, Magpie Robin, Robin Dayal)

(1   1   1)

1 between Miao & Deban 23/2.

 

Daurian Redstart   Phoenicurus auroreus

(1   3   3)

A female in the garden of Deban FRH on 24/2 & again on 3-4/3.

 

White-capped Water Redstart   Chaimarrornis leucocephalus

(White-capped River Chat, River Redstart, River Chat, Thamnolaea leucocephala)

(4   7   12)

7 between Miao & Deban 23/2; 3 near Deban 24/2, and singles there 3/3 and between Deban & Miao 4/3.

 

Plumbeous Water Redstart   Rhyacornis fuliginosus

(Plumbeous Redstart, Phoenicurus fuliginosus)

3   16   22)

c16 between Miao & Deban 23/2; 4 around Deban 24/3 with 2 more in this area 3/3.

 

White-tailed Robin   Cinclidium leucurum

(White-tailed Blue Robin)

(2   2   3)

2 on 26/2 - 1 behind the 'toilet block' at Haldibari & the other near Hornbill, with a third near Hornbill 27/2; 3 records near Embeong.

 

[Blue-fronted Robin   Cinclidium frontale

(Blue-fronted Long-tailed Robin)

(1   1   1)

A probable female of this sp. was seen briefly near Haldibari 3/3 (AB, JH).]

 

Black-backed Forktail   Enicurus immaculatus

(1   2   2)

2 between Miao & Deban 23/2.

 

Slaty-backed Forktail   Enicurus schistaceus

(4   4   9)

1-2 near Deban 23-24/2 & 2 again 3/3; 4 near Hornbill 27/3.

 

White-crowned Forktail   Enicurus leschenaulti

(4   2   7)

1-2 near Deban 23-24/2 with 2 there 3/3; 2 near Hornbill 27/2.

 

Spotted Forktail   Enicurus maculatus

(6   3   10)

Singles near Deban 24/2 & 4/3, and near Haldibari 25/2; 3 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 2 near Hornbill 27 & 28/2.

 

Green Cochoa   Cochoa viridis

(1   1   1)

1 near Haldibari 25/2 (PIH).

 

Grey Bushchat   Saxicola ferrea

(Dark-grey Bushchat)

(2   2   3)

A pair near Deban 24/2 and a female between Deban & Haldibari 25/2.

 

Chestnut-tailed Starling   Sturnus malabaricus

(Grey-headed Myna)

(1   2   2)

2 in the Deban FRH compound 24/2.

 

Common Myna   Acridtheres tristis

(Indian Myna)

(2   20   30)

10 & 20 in Miao on 23/2 & 4/3 respectively.

 

Hill Myna   Gracula religiosa

(Talking Myna)

(4   4   9)

2 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with another on the return journey 3/3; 2 between Haldibari & Hornbill 25/2; 4 at Deban 4/3.

 

 

 

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch   Sitta castanea

(8   6   33)

Quite common & widespread with 2-6 noted almost daily.

 

Beautiful Nuthatch   Sitta formosa

1-3 daily on the ridge between Bulbulia & Embeong, each time some 2-2½ km from the former 27/2-1/3 - the same birds are likely to have involved; a single sighting of 1 biird near Embeong.

 

Yellow-browed Tit   Sylviparus modestus

(Parus modestus)

(3   10   20)

8, 10 & 2 noted on 27/2-1/3 respectively, all on the ridge between Bulbulia & Embeong & each time about 2-2½ km from the former 27/2-1/3 (PIH, Jon Hornbuckle).  Again it is likely that the same birds were involved.  Not included in a Checklist of the Birds of Namdapha Tiger Reserve (Inskipp,1997)

 

Sultan Tit   Melanochlora sultanea

(9   15  69)

Common & widespread.

 

Plain Martin   Riparia paludicola

(Brown-throated Sand Martin, Plain Sand Martin, Grey-throated Sand Martin)

(1   5   5)

Recorded near Embeong. 5 birds, thought to be this sp., were seen very distantly over the river c18½ kms the Miao side of Deban 4/3, but could possibly have been Sand Martins  Riparia riparia.

 

Red-whiskered Bulbul   Pycnonotus jocosus

(2   20   30)

20 & 10 near Deban on 24 & 25/2 respectively.

 

Red-vented Bulbul   Pycnonotus cafer

(4   20   39)

20 & 5 near Deban on 24 & 25/2, with 4 & 10 there on 3 & 4/3, respectively .

 

White-throated Bulbul   Alophoixus flaveolus

(Criniger pallidus)

(9   40   210)

The most common & widespread bulbul, with 10-40 noted daily.

 

Ashy Bulbul   Hemixos flavala

(Brown-eared Bulbul, Hypsipetes flavala)

(9   10   64)

6 near Deban 24/2 with 2 there 4/3; 4 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with c10 on the return journey 3/3; 10 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 & again 2/3; 6-10 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Black Bulbul   Hypsipetes leucocephalus

(Grey Bulbul, Hypsipetes madagascariensis)

(6   50   103)

c30 near Deban 24/2 with c50 there on 3/3; 10 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 2 near Haldibari 26/2; 6 near Hornbill 1/3; 5 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3.

 

Hill Prinia   Prinia atrogularis

(Black-throated Prinia, Black-throated Hill Prinia, Black-throated Hill Warbler, White-browed Prinia)

(3   1   3)

Singles c1½ km towards Deban from Haldibari 25/2, near Haldibari camp 26/2 and heard near Bulbulia 27/2.

 

Chestnut-headed Tesia   Tesia castaneocoronata

(Chestnut-headed Ground Warbler)

(4   2   5)

2 near Haldibari 25/2; singles heard near Deban 23/2, seen near Hornbill 28/2 and heard between Haldibari & Deban 3/3.

 

Slaty-bellied Tesia   Tesia olivea

(Slaty-bellied Ground Warbler)

(9   8   37)

4 near Deban 24/2 with another there 4/3; 8 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 and on the return journey 3/3; 7 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 and 4 more on the return journey 2/3; 2-5 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Grey-bellied Tesia   Tesia cyaniventer

(Dull Slaty-bellied Ground Warbler, Slaty-bellied Ground Warbler)

(5   5   11)

2 near Deban 24/2 and between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with another there 3/3; 1 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 3 near Hornbill 28/2.

 

Mountain Tailorbird   Orthotomus cuculatus

(Golden-headed Tailorbird)

(2   1   2)

Singles near Deban 24/2 and near Hornbill 1/3.

 

Common Tailorbird   Orthotomus sutorius

(Long-tailed Tailorbird)

(2   2   4)

2 near Deban 3 & 4/3 were the only records.

 

Ashy-throated Warbler   Phylloscopus maculipennis

(Grey-faced Leaf Warbler)

(1   1   1)

1 near Deban 24/2.

 

Lemon-rumped Warbler   Phylloscopus chloronotus

(Yellow-rumped Leaf Warbler, Pallas's Leaf Warbler, Pallas's Warbler, Phylloscopus proregulus)

(1   1   1)

1 near Deban 24/2 (PIH).

 

Yellow-browed Warbler   Phylloscopus inornatus

(Inornate Leaf Warbler)

(1   2   2)

2 heard near Deban 24/2 (PIH).

 

Large-billed Leaf Warbler   Phylloscopus magnirostris

(1   1   1)

1 heard near Hornbill 2/3.

 

Yellow-vented Warbler   Phylloscopus cantator

(Yellow-throated Leaf Warbler, Yellow-faced Leaf Warbler, Black-browed Leaf Warbler)

(8   4   14)

Singles near Deban 24/2 & 4/3, between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 and again on the return journey 2/3; 1, 4 & 2 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3 respectively; 3 between Haldibari & Deban 3/3.

 

Golden-spectacled Warbler   Seicercus burkii

(Black-browed Flycatcher-Warbler, Yellow-eyed Warbler)

(1   1   1)

1 near Deban 4/3 (AB).

 

Grey-hooded Warbler   Seicercus xanthoschistos

(Grey-headed Flycatcher-Warbler, Grey-headed Warbler)

(3   2   4)

Singles near Deban 24/2 and near Hornbill 1/3; 2 between Haldibari & Deban 3/3.

 

White-spectacled Warbler   Seicercus affinis

(Allied Flycatcher-Warbler)

(8   5   23)

We all experienced problems separating this species from the next and several birds were no doubt misidentified.  3 near Deban 24/2 with another there 4/3; 2 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 5 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 2 more on the return journey 2/3; 2-5 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Grey-cheeked Warbler   Seicercus poliogenys

(Grey-cheeked Flycatcher-Warbler)

(6   3   10)

1 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 3 near Hornbill 28/2 with 1 there the next day; 1 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3; 3 between Haldibari & Deban 3/3; 1 near Deban 4/3.

 

Chestnut-crowned Warbler   Seicercus castaniceps

(Chestnut-crowned Flycatcher-Warbler)

(8   15   33)

Singles near Deban 24/2 and between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 4 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 2 on the return journey 2/3; 2, 15 & 6 around Hornbill 27/2-1/3 respectively; 2 between Haldibari & Deban 3/3.

 

Rufous-faced Warbler   Abroscopus albogularis

(White-throated Warbler, White-throated Flycatcher Warbler, Seicercus albogularis)

(9   15   67)

1 near Deban 24/2 with another there 4/3; 10 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 & again 3/3; 5 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 6 on the return journey 2/3; 8-15 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Yellow-bellied Warbler   Abroscopus superciliaris

(Yellow-bellied Flycatcher-Warbler, Seicercus superciliaris)

(6   5   15)

1 near Deban 24/2; 5 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 2 more on the 3/3; 3 & 2 near Hornbill on the 28/2 & 1/3 respectively; 2 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3.

 

White-crested Laughingthrush   Garrulax leucolophus

(10   40   192)

Widespread and common especially around Hornbill where there were 30-40 daily on 27/2-1/3.

 

Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush   Garrulax monileger

(Necklaced Laughing-thrush)

(2   10   20)

10 near Deban 24/2 and 10 more near Hornbill 28/2.  See Necklaced Laughingthrush sp. below.

 

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush   Garrulax pectoralis

(Large Necklaced Laughing-thrush, Black-gorgeted Laughing-thrush)

(6   30   100)

30 near Deban 24/2; 20 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 and on the return journey 3/3; 10 near Hornbill on 28/2-1/3 and between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3.  See Necklaced Laughingthrush sp. below.

 

[Necklaced Laughingthrush sp.   Garrulax monileger /G. pectoralis

Several birds were not identified to species, including 15 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/1; 2 near Hornbill 27/2 and 4 at Deban 4/3.]

 

Rufous-necked Laughingthrush   Garrulax ruficollis

Recorded near Embeong.

 

Rufous-vented Laughingthrush   Garrulax gularis

(Yellow-throated Laughingthrush)

(1   20   20)

10 near Hornbill 27/2 (JH) and 20 there 1/3 (AB); 2 flocks near Embeong.

 

[Spot-breasted Laughingthrush   Garrulax merulinus

2 birds in a mixed flock of babblers near Embeong were thought to be this sp.]

 

Red-faced Liocichla   Liocichla phoenicea

A small flock at Embeong and 2 in a mixed flock of laughingthrushes near there.

 

Puff-throated Babbler   Pellorneum ruficeps

(Spotted Babbler)

(2   2   4)

2 heard near Hornbill 26/2 with 1 on 2/3; 1 seen & another heard near Deban 4/3.

 

Large Scimitar Babbler   Pomatorhinus hypoleucos

(Long-billed Scimitar Babbler)

(5   5   14)

2-5 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3; 2 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3; 1 near Deban 3/3.

 

Red-billed Scimitar Babbler   Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps

(3   7   13)

2 at Haldibari 25/2 (DA); 4 in bamboo east of Hornbill 27/2 (AB) with 5-7 there on 1/3 (PIH, KK); twice seen near Embeong.

 

Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler   Xiphirhynchus superciliaris

(4   3   7)

2 on the Embeong trail c2 km from Bulbulia 28/2; 2 seen and another heard near Hornbill 1/3; singles heard near Hornbill 2/3 and Haldibari 3/3; twice seen near Embeong.

 

Streaked Wren Babbler   Napthera brevicaudata

(7   4   13)

1-2 near Haldibari 24-25/2 & 3/3; 4 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 & 2 more on the return journey 2/3; 1 around Hornbill on 27-28/2.

 

Eyebrowed Wren Babbler   Napthera epilepidota

(Small Wren Babbler, Lesser Wren Babbler)

(5   6   14)

1 seen and 2 heard near Haldibari 25/2; 6 around Hornbill 28/2 but only 1 there the next day; 1 heard between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3; 1 seen and 2 heard around Haldibari 3/3; 1 noted near Embeong.

 

Pygmy Wren Babbler   Pnoepyga pusilla

(Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, Brown Wren-Babbler, Microura pusilla)

(10   6   30)

Easily the commonest & most widespread wren-babbler with up to six noted daily, the most being between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 4 more on the return journey 3/3; there were 2-4 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Spotted Wren Babbler   Spelaeornis formosus

(9   6   27)

Surprisingly common & widespread with birds noted on all days except our first.  1-2 around Deban on the 24/2 & 4/3; 6 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 & 3 more on the return journey 3/3; 2 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 3 on the return journey 3/3; 2-4 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3; heard regukarly near Embeong.

 

Rufous-fronted Babbler   Stachyris rufifrons

(Red-fronted Babbler, Buff-chested Babbler, Stachyris ambigua)

(2   2   3)

One c1 km below Haldibari 3/3 (AB, JH) and 2 near Deban 4/3; also recorded at Embeong.

 

Golden Babbler   Stachyris chrysaea

(Golden-headed Babbler)

(7   16   66)

3 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 10 on the return journey 3/3; c15 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 & 6 on the return journey 2/3; 6-16 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Grey-throated Babbler   Stachyris nigriceps

(Black-throated Babbler)

(6   20   39)

6 near Deban 24/2; 2 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 2-5 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3; c20 between Haldibari & Deban 3/3.

 

Snowy-throated Babbler   Stachyris oglei

(Austen's Spotted Babbler, Ogle's Spotted Babbler)

(3   15   29)

1+ near Haldibari 26/2 (JH); c15 in bamboo along the Bulbulia to Embeong trail 28/2 (AB, PIH) and c13 there the following day; seen once or twice daily near Embeong, usually in flocks of c20, but shy, as elsewhere.

 

Striped Tit Babbler   Macronous gularis

(Yellow-breasted Tit-Babbler)

(6   8   25)

6 near Deban 24/2 with 2 there on 4/3; 8 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 & 2 on the return journey 2/3; 2 near Hornbill 27/2; 5 between Haldibari & Deban 3/3.

 

Chestnut-capped Babbler            Timalia pileata

A few on grassy islands in the Namdapha river at Embeong.

 

Striated Babbler   Turdoides earlei

A few on grassy islands in the Namdapha river at Embeong.

 

Silver-eared Mesia   Leiothrix argentauris

(10   50   340)

Common & widespread, invariably in flocks of 8-30 birds. 15-30  were noted daily around Deban 23rd & 24/2 & 4/3; c50 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with c40 on the return journey 3/3; c30 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 & c50 on the return journey 2/3; 30-40 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Red-billed Leiothrix   Leiothrix lutea

(Pekin Robin)

(1   4   4)

4 near Deban 24/2.

 

Black-headed Shrike Babbler   Pteruthius rufiventer

1 near Embeong.

 

White-browed Shrike Babbler   Pteruthius flaviscapis

(Red-winged Shrike-Babbler)

(4   2   8)

2 daily along the trail from Bulbulia towards Embeong and always within c2 km of the former 27/2-1/3; 2 near Hornbill 2/3.

 

Black-eared Shrike-Babbler   Pteruthius melanotis

(Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler)

(4   2   5)

2 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; singles near Bulbulia on 28/2 & 1/3, with another near Haldibari 3/3.

 

White-hooded Babbler   Gampsorhynchus rufulus

(White-headed Shrike-Babbler)

(3   12   20)

2-12 daily along the Bulbulia to Embeong trail 27/2-1/3, usually in the bamboo about 3 km from the former but there were 3 at Bulbulia 27/2 not in bamboo (KK); small flocks twice near Embeong with parrotbills.

 

Rusty-fronted Barwing   Actinodura egertoni

(Spectacled Barwing)

(4   30   64)

30 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 4 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 10 & 20 near Hornbill 27/2 & 1/3 respectively.

 

Blue-winged Minla   Minla cyanouroptera

(Blue-winged Siva, Siva cyanouroptera)

(6   10   15)

Singles near Haldibari on 25/2 & 3/3; c10 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; singles around Hornbill daily 27/2-1/3.

 

Red-tailed Minla   Minla ignotincta

(Fire-tailed Minla, Red-tailed Siva)

(5   10   26)

10 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2; 6 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2; 2-6 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Rufous-winged Fulvetta   Alcippe castaneceps

(Chestnut-headed Tit Babbler)

(4   20   47)

10-20 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3; 2 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3.

 

Rufous-throated Fulvetta   Alcippe rufogularis

(Red-throated Tit Babbler)

(5   30   48)

4 between Deban & Hornbill 25/2 & again 3/3; c30 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 2 there on the return journey 2/3; 8 near Hornbill 1/3.

 

Nepal Fulvetta   Alcippe nipalensis

(Nepal Babbler, Nepal Quaker Babbler)

(9   40   230+)

3 near Deban 24/2 & c10 there 4/3; 20-40 daily elsewhere 25/2-3/3.

 

Rufous-backed Sibia   Heterophasia annectans

(Chestnut-backed Sibia)

(5   10   21)

3 near Haldibari 25/2; up to 10 near Hornbill 27/2-1/3; 4 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3.

 

Long-tailed Sibia   Heterophasia picaoides

(8   35   93)            

10 near Deban 24/2 and between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 6 there 3/3; 7 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 5 more on the return journey 2/3; 35, 10 daily around Hornbill on 27-1/3.

 

Striated Yuhina   Yuhina castaniceps

(White-browed Yuhina, Collared Siva, Siva castaniceps)

(3   30   46)

30 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2, with 15 on the return journey 3/3; 1 near Hornbill 28/2.

 

Whiskered Yuhina   Yuhina flavicollis

(Yellow-naped Yuhina)

(1   8   8)

8 near Bulbulia 1/3 (PIH)

 

Black-chinned Yuhina   Yuhina nigrimenta

(7   30   136)

1 near Haldibari 25/5; 20 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 10 on the return journey 2/3; 20-30 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3; 30 between Haldibari & Deban 3/3.

 

White-bellied Yuhina   Yuhina zantholeuca

(Yuhina xantholeuca)

(8   15   85)

7 near Deban 24/2; 6 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 10 on return 3/3; 15 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 10 on the return journey 2/3; c15 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Grey-headed Parrotbill   Paradoxornis gularis

(4   20   42)

c20 near Deban 24/2; 3 & 18 near Hornbill on 27/2 & 1/3; 1 between Hornbill & Haldibari 2/3.

 

Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill   Paradoxornis atrosuperciliaris

(Black-browed Parrotbill, Lesser Red-headed Suthora)

(2   4   6)

2 & 4 in bamboo along the Bulbulia to Embeong trail c3 km from the former on 27/2 & 1/3 respectively (AB, KK); c10 in a mixed flock near Embeong.

 

Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill   Paradoxornis ruficeps

c10 in a mixed flock with the above sp., White-hooded Babblers and Rusty-fronted Barwings, near Embeong and another sighting in the same area.

 

Black-throated Sunbird   Aethopyga saturata

(Black-breasted Sunbird)

(5   3   8)

Singles at Deban on 24/2 & 4/3; 1 between Deban & Haldibari 25/2 with 2 more on the return journey 3/3; 3 near Hornbill 1/3.

 

Streaked Spiderhunter   Arachnothera magna

(10   20   79)

Up to 10 daily around Deban 23-24/2 & 4/3; 8 & 20 between Deban & Haldibari on 25/2 & 3/3; 6 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2 with 5 on the return journey 2/3; 5-8 daily around Hornbill 27/2-1/3.

 

Eurasian Tree Sparrow   Passer montanus

(Tree Sparrow)

(1   10   10)

c10 in Miao 4/3.

 

White Wagtail   Motacilla alba

(Pied Wagtail, Masked Wagtail)

(4   5   11)

All birds showed characters of M. a. alboides, with up to 5 daily around Deban on 23-24/2 and 3-4/3.

 

Grey Wagtail   Motacilla cinerea

(1   1   1)

1 near Deban 23/2.

 

White-rumped Munia   Lonchura striata

(White-backed Munia, Striated Munia, Sharp-tailed Munia)

(1   4   4)

4 between Haldibari & Hornbill 26/2.

 

 

List of Birds at Lava, West Bengal, 16-21 March 1998

Taxonomy & nomenclature follow those of An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region by T Inskipp et al (1995). Sequence as in Ali and Ripley’s Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan.

 

Bar-headed Goose, Anser indicus

1 flying north over Lava at 06.30 on 19/3.

 

Mountain Hawk Eagle, Spizaetus nipalensis

1 Jeep Track 17/3 and 3 Algarah and Neora Valley roads 18/3.

 

Black Eagle, Ictinaetus malayensis

1 Algarah road 20/3.

 

Pallid Harrier, Circus macrourus

Singles, presumably both on migration, over Neora Valley 18/3 and Algarah road 20/3, the latter a 2^nd-year male at 16.30. 

 

Crested Serpent Eagle, Spilornis cheela

1-2 daily.

 

Hill Partridge, Arborophila torqueola

Heard above Jeep Track 16-17/3.

 

Kalij Pheasant, Lophura leucomelanos

2 males on Jeep Track 17/3.

 

Ashy/ Speckled Wood Pigeon, Columba pulchricollis/ hodgsonii

1 perched atop a pine by the village early on 16/3.

 

Oriental Turtle Dove, Streptopelia orientalis

2 near the village 19/3.

 

Emerald Dove, Chalcophaps indica

1 by Algarah road 19/3.

 

Large Hawk Cuckoo, Hierococcyx sparverioides

1-2 heard almost daily.

 

Collared Owlet, Glaucidium brodiei

1 calling in daylight by Neora Valley road 16/3 was eventually located (about time!) and 1-2 heard daily elsewhere.

 

Himalayan Swiftlet, Collocalia brevirostris

Only 1 noted, above Algarah road on 20/3.

 

Great Barbet, Megalaima virens

Widespread and common, with up to 10 heard daily.

 

Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Dendrocopos cathpharius

1 Upper Trail 17/3.

 

Bay Woodpecker, Blythipicus pyrrhotis

Singles Upper Trail 17/3 17/3 and Algarah road 18/3.

 

Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica

Only 2 at the village, roosting regularly inside a shop.

 

Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Urocissa flavirostris

4 Jeep Track 17/3 and 6 Algarah road 20/3.

 

Rufous Treepie, Dendrocitta vagabunda

2 Algarah road 20/3.

 

Large-billed Crow, Corvus macrorhynchos

6-7 near the village 17-18/3.

 

Short-billed Minivet, Pericrocotus brevirostris

2-5 daily.

 

Striated Bulbul, Pycnonotus striatus

Up to 10 daily.

 

 

Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus ruficollis

2-3 Jeep Track 16-17/3 and 1 heard Algarah road 19/3.

 

Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Pnoepyga albiventer

Singles Jeep Track and Algarah road 16-18/3.

 

Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Spelaeornis caudatus

1-2 daily Algarah road, especially in the “Robin gully”.

 

Rufous-capped Babbler, Stachyris ruficeps

2-10 daily.

 

Golden Babbler, Stachyris chrysaea

1 on Algarah road 18/3 was the only record.

 

Grey-throated Babbler, Stachyris nigriceps

1 on Algarah road 18/3 was the only record.

 

Striated Laughingthrush, Garrulax striatus

Up to 16 daily.

 

Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Garrulax caerulatus

1 on Algarah road 18/3 was the only one seen.

 

Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Garrulax squamatus

1 on Algarah road 17/3 with at least 1 other calling.

 

Scaly Laughingthrush, Garrulax subunicolor

4 on Algarah road 18/3 with 2 heard 19/3.

 

Black-faced Laughingthrush, Garrulax affinis

8 Jeep Track 16/3 and 6 Algarah road 20/3.

 

Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Garrulax erythrocephalus

15-25 daily.

 

Red-billed Leiothrix, Leiothrix lutea

2-10 daily.

 

White-browed Shrike Babbler, Pteruthius flaviscapis

2 Algarah road 17/2.

 

Rusty-fronted Barwing, Actinodura egertoni

Up to 12 daily.

 

Hoary-throated Barwing, Actinodura nipalensis

20 on Algarah road 18/3 and 6 on 20/3.

 

Red-tailed Minla, Minla ignotincta

1 Upper Trail 17/3.

 

Chestnut-tailed Minla, Minla strigula

5-8 daily 17-20/3.

 

Whiskered Yuhina, Yuhina flavicollis

15-50+ daily.

 

Stripe-throated Yuhina, Yuhina gularis

Up to 50 but only on Algarah road and Upper Trail 17-18/3.

 

Rufous-vented Yuhina, Yuhina occipitalis

8 on Upper Trail 17/3.

 

Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Alcippe cinerea

10 at the robin gully, Algarah road 20/3 only.

 

Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Alcippe castaneceps

10-25 daily.

 

Nepal Fulvetta, Alcippe nipalensis

Up to 10 daily.

 

Rufous Sibia, Heterophasia capistrata

10-50 daily.

 

White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Ficedula monileger

1 trapped Jeep Track 17/3.

 

Little Pied Flycatcher, Ficedula westermanni

1 Jeep Track 17/3.

 

Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Ficedula tricolor

A very rufous female trapped Algarah road 19/3.

 

Large Niltava, Niltava grandis

1-2 daily.

 

Verditer Flycatcher, Eumyias thalassina

2 Jeep Track 17/3 and Algarah road 19/3.

 

Pygmy Blue Flycatcher, Muscicapella hodgsoni

1 Neora Valley road 16/3.

 

Grey-headed Canary Flycatchr, Culicicapa ceylonensis

5-15 daily.

 

Yellow-bellied Fantail, Rhipidura hypoxantha

Up to 5 daily.

 

White-throated Fantail, Rhipidura albicollis

Up to 10daily.

 

Chestnut-headed Tesia, Tesia castaneocoronata

1 Neora Valley road 16/3.

 

Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Cettia fortipes

Common but skulking with a max of 6 daily.

 

Grey-sided Bush Warbler, Cettia brunnifrons

1 Jeep Track 16/3.

 

Hill Prinia, Prinia atrogularis

2 Jeep Track 16/3.

 

Buff-barred Warbler, Phylloscopus pulcher

5-20 daily.

 

Ashy-throated Warbler, Phylloscopus maculipennis

2-5 daily.

 

Greenish Warbler, Phylloscopus trochiloides

1 Jeep Track 16/3 and 2 Upper Trail 17/3.

 

Blyth's Leaf Warbler, Phylloscopus reguloides

1-2 daily.

 

Golden-spectacled Warbler, Seicercus burkii

1 Algarah road 20/3 was the only one identified.

 

Grey-hooded Warbler, Seicercus xanthoschistos

4-5 daily.

 

Grey-cheeked Warbler, Seicercus poliogenys

1-2 daily.

 

Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Seicercus castaniceps

Up to 5 daily.

 

Black-faced Warbler, Abroscopus schisticeps

3 Upper Trail 17/3 and 1-2 daily Algarah road 18-20/3.

 

Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Brachypteryx hyperythra

1 responded briefly to tape at Neora Valley road 16/3 but was not seen.

 

Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Tarsiger cyanurus

3-7 daily.

 

Golden Bush Robin, Tarsiger chrysaeus

A male Algarah road 19-20/3.

 

Blue-fronted Redstart, Phoenicurus frontalis

c4 daily.

 

Blue-fronted Robin, Cinclidium fronale

A male trapped at 07.30 near km 5 Algarah road 20/3; 1 was seen briefly in the gully near km 4 at 17.15 on 17/3, in my presence but not by me.

 

Little Forktail, Enicurus scouleri

2 at a hillside stream along Jeep Track 16-17/3.

 

Spotted Forktail, Enicurus maculatus

2 at the same stream as the above sp.

 

Grey Bushchat, Saxicola ferrea

2-5 daily.

 

White-capped Water Redstart, Chaimarrornis leucocephalus

1 at the forktail stream 16-17/3.

 

Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Monticola rufiventris

Up to 6 daily near the village or along Algarah road.

 

Blue Whistling Thrush, Myophonus caeruleus

2-5 daily.

 

Plain-backed Thrush, Zoothera mollissima

1 Algarah road 18 & 20/3.

 

White-collared Blackbird, Turdus albocinctus

2 above the village 18/3 with 1 there 19/3.

 

Grey-winged Blackbird, Turdus boulboul

Up to 4 daily near the village or on Algarah road.

 

Dark-throated Thrush, Turdus ruficollis

2 near the village 18/3 and 4 on 19/3.

 

Dusky Thrush, Turdus naumanni

1 of this much scarcer thrush near the village 16/3.

 

Green-backed Tit, Parus monticolus

4-9 daily.

 

Yellow-cheeked Tit, Parus spilonotus

4 Upper Trail 17/3.

 

Yellow-browed Tit, Sylviparus modestus

Up to 4 daily.

 

Black-throated Tit, Aegithalos concinnus

5-40 daily.

 

White-tailed Nuthatch, Sitta himalayensis

2-10 daily.

 

Olive-backed Pipit, Anthus hodgsoni

5-15 daily.

 

Grey Wagtail, Motacilla cinerea

Singles Jeep Track 16-17/3.

 

Rufous-breasted Accentor, Prunella strophiata

Up to 4 daily.

 

Maroon-backed Accentor, Prunella immaculata

5-29 daily.

 

Mrs Gould's Sunbird, Aethopyga gouldiae

Up to 4 daily.

 

Green-tailed Sunbird, Aethopyga nipalensis

5-15 daily

 

Black-throated Sunbird, Aethopyga saturata

Up to 5 daily.

 

Fire-tailed Sunbird, Aethopyga ignicauda

20-50 daily.

 

Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus

Up to 50 daily around the village.

 

Plain Mountain Finch, Leucosticte nemoricola

300-500 daily around the village.

 

Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Carpodacus nipalensis

Up to 5 a 18-20/3.

 

Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Carpodacus edwardsii

Up to 5 Jeep Track and Algarah road 16-18/3.

 

Crimson-browed Finch, Pinicola subhimachalus

3 Upper Trail 17/3.

 

Red-headed Bullfinch, Pyrrhula erythrocephala

4 Neora Valley road 16/3 and 12 Jeep Track 17/3.

 

Gold-naped Finch, Pyrrhoplectes epauletta

3 Jeep Track 16/3.

 

Little Bunting, Emberiza pusilla

1 Jeep Track 16/3.

 

 

LIST OF MAMMALS

This list follows the sequence and nomenclature of A World List of Mammalian Species by GB Corbet and JE Hill (1991).

 

Assamese Macaque, Macaca assamensis

4 Haldibari – Deban 3/3; singles Digboi oilfields 8-9/3.

  

Rhesus Macaque, Macaca mulatta

A few throughout.

 

Hanuman Langur, Presbytis entellus

2 near Hornbill 26 & 28/2 and 7 Digboi oilfields 7/7.

 

Hoolock Gibbon, Hylobates hoolock

Up to 10 daily at Namdapha TR; heard daily at Digboi oilfields but only 1 seen, on 6/3.

 

Fulvous Flying-Fox, Rousettes leschenaulti

6 at dusk near Dibrugargh while awaiting the police.

 

Yellow-bellied Weasel, Mustela kathiah

1 near Hornbill 28/2.

 

Yellow-throated Marten, Martes flavigula

Singles on the old Shillong – Guwahati road 18/2 and at Lava 17/3.

 

Hog-badger, Arctonyx collaris

1 of this rarely observed sp. waddling along in late afternoon Digboi oilfields 8/3 (JH).

 

Large Indian Civet, Viverra zibetha

1 near Shillong 19/2.

 

Indian Grey Mongoose, Herpestes edwardsi

Singles Digboi oilfields 22/2 and 5/3.

 

Leopard, Panthera pardus

1 lying on the road late afternoon at Digboi oilfields 9/3 (identified firstly as a monkey, then as a tiger by the locals!), walked to the side of the road as we approached slowly in the car and sat in the roadside vegetation (JH).

 

[Clouded Leopard, Neofelis nebulosa

A cub in captivity at Miao “zoo”, following the recent death of it’s sibling at local hands and escape of its mother.]

 

Indian Elephant, Elephas maximus

1 at Digboi oilfields 6/3, 5 on 8/3 and heard 9/3. Said to be numerous there when wet; the locals were seriously scared of them.

 

Indian Rhinoceros, Rhinoceris unicornis

2 singles and a female with youngster at Pobitora WS 20/2; 1 at Kaziranga 21/2 and PIH saw many there later.

 

Wild Boar, Sus scrofa

A few noted at several localities.

 

Indian Mutjac, Muntiacus muntjac

Widespread, more often heard than seen but 1-2 at most sites.

 

Hog-deer, Cervus porcinus

1 at Kaziranga 21/2??

 

Water Buffalo, Bubalus arnce

1 at Kaziranga 21/2 looked wild, as did up to 20 at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa 12-14/3.

 

Palm-squirrel sp.,

Several at Namdapha TR and Digboi oilfields.

 

Black (Malayan) Giant Squirrel, Ratufa bicolor

Up to 3 most days at Namdapha TR and singles at Kolomi Camp, Dibru-Saikhowa and Lava.

 

Orange-bellied Himalayan Squirrel, Dremonys lokriah

At least 1 at Lava.

 

Himalayan Striped Squirrel, Tamiops mcclellandii

Several at Lava.