Bird watching in Nepal

Posted on Jul 28, 2016 by Anujghimire under Wildlife

Tags: Birds watching in Nepal, Avianfauna , Wildlife

Nepal, though being a small country in size, holds over 874 species of Birds. The geographical location, as well as the ecotonal presence of being sandwiched between two ecozones, Palaearctic ecozone to the north and Indo- Malayan to the south, has mixture of both component and a very rich biodiversity. Though occupying a small area in the world, Nepal has around 8.9 % of total bird species of the world. The remote landscape of pristine habitat that Nepal offers makes it a paradise for birdwatchers. Nepal is an agricultural, tourism industry based country when it comes to economic development. Much part of the country depends on agriculture and also on tourism. Large number of tourists come to Nepal for wildlife safaris and bird watching. Nepal has multiple prime bird watching location, in various part of the country famous for diversity of birds. The Kathmandu valley alone has over 500 species of birds. Bird watching is a very popular habit and Nepal is one of the famous destination for Bird Watching!

Bird watching destinations in Nepal

1.Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve is one of the famous and the best destination for Bird watching in Nepal. About 485 species of Birds are found in Koshi Tappu. Watercock, Indian nightjar, Whitetailed stonechat, Pallas's fish eagle, Common golden-eye, and Gullbilled tern, and Nepal Rufous-vented Prinia, Striated grassbird, Large adjutant stork, Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, Dusky eagleowl, Black-headed cuckooshrike etc.

Best Season for bird watching in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve:
The best season for bird watching in this region is from October to march

How to reach Koshi Tappu:
Koshi Tappu lies in the Eastern region of Nepal. The wildlife reserve is about 512 km from Kathmandu. You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and get off at Laukahi. From there it’s about 20 minutes walk to the park entrance. A flight to Biratnagar will take you to the reserve easily, as the reserve is only 48 km from the airport.

Where to stay at Koshi Tapu:
The areas surrounding the reserve has hotels where you can stay.

2. Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park with an area of 932 sq.km. is a heaven for wildlife watch. Famous for the presence of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the One Horned Indian Rhinoceros, Chitwan national park holds a staggering 543 species of Birds are recorded from Chitwan National park. Darter, Purple herons, Open bills ,Lesser Whistling duck, Lesser Adjutant Kingfishers, Sunbirds, Woodpeckrs, Oriles etc are some of the common birds of the area. Best season for bird watching: April-June, September- December.

How to reach Chitwan National Park:
You can get a bus to Sauraha, about 152 km away from Kathmandu. Or take a flight to Bharatpur.

Where to stay at Chitwan:
Sauraha area has ample of hotels

3. Fulchoki and Shivapuri National park

There are over 500 birds found inside the Kathmandu valley alone, the prime location of Bird watching in Kathmandu is Shivapuri National park and Fulchoki. The endemic bird of Nepal is also found in Shivapuri national park. Other birds are Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Kalij Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Great Barbet, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Eurasian Jay, , Nepal Fulvetta, Asian Paradise-Flycatcher, Shrikes, Magpies etc.

Best season for Birdwatching:
Birdwatching can be favorable during any month except the monsoon season.

How to get there:
Shivapuri national park and Fulchoki both lie in close proximity of Kathmandu valley and can be reach relatively easily.

4. Annapurna Conservation Area

The ACAP circuit trek offers an great adventure with the highest lake in the world and one of highest pass of Nepal along with huge diversity of birds. Hoope, Large Billed Crows, Bulbuls, Snow Pigeons, Chukar, Vultures are the commonly seen. The best season for bird watching in Nepal is Autumn & Spring season, with scores of Migratory birds during the winter that migrate from Siberia. Most of the birds can be seen in Taudaha, Kathmandu valley.

Best season for birdwatching in Annapura Region:
The best season for birdwatching is from late august to early november.

How to reach ACAP region
The annapurna conservation area is a large conservation area and has multiple entry points.
(Refer to blogs on annapurna regions)

If you need more information on Bird Watching in Nepal, feel free to contact me : anujghimire1@gmail.com