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Our 2013 Northern India tour had far milder weather than any of our previous trips, perhaps leading to a somewhat different mix of birds than what we often see. For the first time ever there was no clear cut winner for the "Bird of the Trip", with almost everyone choosing a different species - from the high flying Bar-headed Goose (they literally cross over the top of the Himalayas) to the spectacular Indian Peafowl, critically endangered Indian Vulture, Crested Kingfisher (they live along such beautiful mountain streams), Indian Roller (such amazing colors), Malabar Pied-Hornbill (40+ together was a spectacular show), Blue Magpie (just gorgeous), Yellow-bellied Fairy-Fantail (cute), Scaly-breasted Cupwing (for being so difficult to see), White-crested Laughingthrush (such a character), Spotted Forktail (black and white is indeed very striking), and Eastern Crimson Sunbird (a bright, bright red), but in the end our super close views of three Ibisbills came out on top - just!
As usual our tour began with an afternoon visit to Delhi's Okhla Bird Sanctuary, where the Yamuna River had a good selection of waterfowl together with Greater Flamingo and Painted Stork. In the reedbeds and scrubby bush we enjoyed the uncommon Red-naped Ibis, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Striated Babbler, and the localised White-tailed Stonechat.
We then headed north for nine days in the Himalayan foothills, first at the lower altitude Kumeria and Corbett National Park area, and then higher at Nainital. Corbett gave us our first mammals, with hundreds of Spotted Deer, plus a few Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar and Wild Boar. Without doubt though the main attraction here was a close herd of Indian Elephants with many babies amongst them. Birding these highland areas is always a treat, with far too many species to mention here, however just a few of the highlights were a pair of Kalij Pheasants, several Pallas's Fish-Eagles, four species of vulture, including the critically endangered White-rumped and the enormous Himalayan, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, our best views ever of Ibisbill, lovely Red-breasted Parakeets, three Brown Fish-Owls, Crested Kingfisher in spectacular settings, Great Barbet, ten species of Picidae, from the tiny Speckled Piculet to big, colorful Himalayan Flamebacks, Maroon Oriole, Black-headed Jay, Blue Magpie, Black-throated Tit, Wallcreeper (great looks again this year), Scaly breasted Cupwing, many highland bulbuls, warblers, flycatchers, and chats, laughingthrushes (including White-throated, Rufous-chinned and Chestnut-crowned), Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler, several uncommon thrushes (including Plain-backed, Scaly, and Long-billed), Black-throated Sunbird, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, and both Common and Pink-browed rosefinches.
Leaving the highlands behind, we then headed south (both by train and large coach) to Agra and two half days of culture visiting the just wonderful Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the palaces of Akbar the Great at Fatepur Sikri - all wonderful experiences!
We were, however, soon back to birding with a boat trip on the Chambal River giving us great looks at enormous Gharials (long-snouted fish-eating crocodiles) and several of the least common birds of the tour; Dalmatian Pelican, Brown Crake, Great Thick-knee, Black-bellied Tern, and no less than 18 endangered Indian Skimmers as close as 50 yards.
The Bharatpur (and Bund Baretha) area was next on our route and the high water levels had attracted large numbers of ducks and geese. Both Graylag and Bar-headed geese were seen well, as were Black-necked Stork, cormorants (including the localised Indian), Oriental Darter, two secretive Black Bitterns, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Greater Spotted Eagle, White-breasted Waterhen, Sarus Crane, a breeding pair of Dusky Eagle-Owls, Green Bee-eater, Indian Gray Hornbill, Black-rumped Flameback, the newly split Indian Golden Oriole, Rufous Treepie, Hume's Warbler, Blyth's Reed-Warbler, Yellow-eyed Babbler, Bluethroat, and Purple Sunbird.
The final part of our tour was to Bandhavgarh, a new area for us, and specially chosen in the hope of finding the increasingly rare and difficult to see Tiger! It turned out to be a superb choice with all of us having close looks at a newly paired off couple on the very first afternoon. These really are massive cats, and we watched them resting in the shade for over thirty minutes before the huge male and his companion emerged from cover. What a sight, and after that no one even suggested picking the "Mammal of the Trip". Birding at Bandhavgarh was also a treat, with Painted Spurfowl, Red Junglefowl, Lesser Adjutant, Indian Thick-knee, Alexandrine Parakeet, Common Hawk-Cuckoo, Malabar Pied-Hornbill, White-naped Woodpecker, Small Minivet, White-bellied and Greater Racket-tailed drongos, White-browed Fantail, Tawny-bellied Babbler, Tickell's Thrush, and Jerdon's Leafbird all being seen.
It was a great trip and I wish you all excellent birding until we meet again on another trip. All the best.
--Terry
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
LESSER WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna javanica) – About 200 on our boat trip on the Chambal River, and 400+ at Bharatpur.
GRAYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser) – About 100 on the Yamuna River in Dehli, and then 350+ at Sultanpur Jheel.
BAR-HEADED GOOSE (Anser indicus) – We saw 3 of these attractive geese on the Yamunua River in Delhi, 150 along the Chambal River, 250+ at Bharatpur, and 120 at Sultanpur Jheel.
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis melanotos) – Twelve on the Chambal River, about 15 at Bharatpur, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
RUDDY SHELDUCK (Tadorna ferruginea) – Fairly common and widespread on rivers and lakes throughout the tour; in all we saw about 360.
GADWALL (Anas strepera) – Thirty at Delhi, 40 at Chambal River, 150+ at Bharatpur, and 100+ at Sultanpur Jheel.
EURASIAN WIGEON (Anas penelope) – Thirty on the Yamuna River in Delhi, 150+ at Bharatpur, and about another 100 at Sultanpur Jheel.
INDIAN SPOT-BILLED DUCK (Anas poecilorhyncha) – Small numbers at Delhi, along the Chambal River, at Bharatpur, and at Sultanpur Jheel.
NORTHERN SHOVELER (Anas clypeata) – By far the most numerous duck of the tour with at least 1500 on the Yamuna River in Delhi, 1000+ at Bharatpur, and 500+ at Sultanpur Jheel.
NORTHERN PINTAIL (Anas acuta) – Most numerous at Sultanpur Jheel where we saw 400+, but we also saw 200+ at Bharatpur, and about another 100 in Delhi.
GREEN-WINGED TEAL (EURASIAN) (Anas crecca crecca) – Many authorities split these nominate Eurasian birds as Common Teal; they were common in Delhi, at Bharatpur, and at Sultanpur Jheel; with a total of about 500.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK (Aythya nyroca) – Two at Bharatpur.
COMMON MERGANSER (Mergus merganser) – Good looks at about 30 on the Kosi River near Kumeria.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
GRAY FRANCOLIN (Francolinus pondicerianus) – Two near the Chambal River, 4 at Bharatpur, about 10 at Bandhavgarh, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
HILL PARTRIDGE (Arborophila torqueola) – One was flushed from the undergrowth near Sat Tal.
PAINTED SPURFOWL (Galloperdix lunulata) – Some of the group saw a flock of 5 at Bandhavgarh.
RED JUNGLEFOWL (Gallus gallus) – Two glorious males were seen in the Sitabani Forest near Ramnagar, and about 10 (both males and females) at Bandhavgarh.
KALIJ PHEASANT (Lophura leucomelanos) – Fantastic close looks at a pair at Corbett, and then another single male from the bus below Nainital.
INDIAN PEAFOWL (Pavo cristatus) – Very common in open woodland, farmland and villages throughout the plains - one of the world's most gorgeous birds.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) – About 20 at Bharatpur, and 20 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus) – Ten at the Yamuna River in Delhi.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
BLACK STORK (Ciconia nigra) – Seven at Corbett, and 12 at Bandhavgarh.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus) – One at Corbett, and 1 on the drive between Jabalpur and Bandhavgarh.
BLACK-NECKED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) – We had scope views of an adult at Bharatpur, and then two immatures on a nest at Sultanpur Jheel.
LESSER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos javanicus) – We saw 3 of these globally threatened storks at Bandhavgarh.
PAINTED STORK (Mycteria leucocephala) – About 30 along the Yamuna River in Delhi, 10 on the way to Kumeria, 500+ at Bharatpur, and 40 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
INDIAN CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) – Two along the Chambal River, and 12 at Bharatpur.
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – Common on a variety of wetlands throughout the tour; in all we saw about 800.
LITTLE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax niger) – Common on a variety of wetlands (and even drainage ditches within towns); in all we saw about 280.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ORIENTAL DARTER (Anhinga melanogaster) – One at the Yamuna River in Delhi, 15 at Bharatpur, and 6 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – Eight flew in and joined a single Dalmatian Pelican during our boat trip on the Chambal River, and we then saw about 80 at Bharatpur.
DALMATIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus crispus) – One on the Chambal River, and 1 at Bharatpur.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BLACK BITTERN (Ixobrychus flavicollis) – We saw two of these very secretive bitterns at Bharatpur.
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Common and widespread at wetlands throughout the tour; we saw a total of about 115.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – Two along the Yamuna River in Delhi, 40 at Bharatpur, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Common at Bharatpur (150+), and about another 20 at a variety of widespread wetlands.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) – About 60 at Bharatpur, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Small numbers were widespread at wetlands throughout the tour; in all we saw about 70.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Very common and widespread.
INDIAN POND-HERON (Ardeola grayii) – Common at a wide variety of wetlands, including drainage ditches and small pools in towns.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – About 10 at Bharatpur.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – Forty along the Yamuna River in Delhi, and about 20 at Bharatpur.
BLACK-HEADED IBIS (Threskiornis melanocephalus) – A dozen at Bharatpur were the only ones this year.
RED-NAPED IBIS (Pseudibis papillosa) – Rather uncommon in North India so we were lucky to see 2 along the Yamuna River in Delhi, and then no less than 22 along the Chambal River, and 3 at Bandhavgarh - our largest North India total ever!
EURASIAN SPOONBILL (Platalea leucorodia) – Three along the Chambal River, 20+ at Bharatpur, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Two singles at Corbett, and 1 along the Chambal River.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD (Pernis ptilorhynchus) – Singles near Bund Baretha and Sultanpur Jheel.
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Two singles in the open grasslands at Corbett, and 1 between Jabalpur and Bandhavgarh.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – Common and widespread, with literally thousands in Delhi, and many hundreds at various towns and villages elsewhere throughout the tour.
PALLAS'S FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) – Six in the Corbett area.
LESSER FISH-EAGLE (Ichthyophaga humilis) – One near Dikhala Lodge in Corbett NP.
EGYPTIAN VULTURE (Neophron percnopterus) – Small numbers at Delhi, along the Chambal River, at Agra, and at Bandhavgarh.
WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE (Gyps bengalensis) – We saw 5 of these critically endangered vultures at their small breeding colony near Ramnagar, and then 1 over the nearby Sitabani Forest.
INDIAN VULTURE (Gyps indicus) – Another critically endangered vulture that we saw well; first were 8 at their breeding site on Bayana Rocks, and then 7 at Bandhavgarh.
HIMALAYAN GRIFFON (Gyps himalayensis) – The most common of the big vultures, with about 45 in the Corbett and Nainital areas.
CINEREOUS VULTURE (Aegypius monachus) – Fabulous views of two single adults in Corbett NP.
RED-HEADED VULTURE (Sarcogyps calvus) – Eight at Corbett, and 2 near Bandhavgarh.
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE (Spilornis cheela) – Two singles at Corbett, 1 at Bharatpur, and 3 at Bandhavgarh where they were exceptionally tame and approachable.
EURASIAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus aeruginosus) – Two females along the Yamuna River in Delhi, and then another at Sultanpur Jheel.
NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus) – Some of the group saw 1 over the grasslands in Corbett NP.
PALLID HARRIER (Circus macrourus) – Nice looks at a single circling male at Bharatpur.
SHIKRA (Accipiter badius) – One at Chambal Safari Lodge, 3 at Bharatpur, and 1 at Bund Baretha.
EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter nisus) – One near the Chambal River.
WHITE-EYED BUZZARD (Butastur teesa) – One at Bandhavgarh.
COMMON BUZZARD (Buteo buteo) – One along the Mongoli Trail.
LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD (Buteo rufinus) – One at Corbett NP.
GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE (Aquila clanga) – At least 6 (and possibly 8) at Bharatpur.
TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax) – One at Corbett NP.
STEPPE EAGLE (Aquila nipalensis) – We saw a total of 7 singles in the Corbett and Nainital areas.
IMPERIAL EAGLE (Aquila heliaca) – We scoped 2 distant adults at Sultanpur Jheel.
BONELLI'S EAGLE (Aquila fasciata) – One sub-adult over the Sitabani Forest.
BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus) – We saw a single pale morph at Bharatpur, and a dark morph at Sultanpur Jheel.
CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus cirrhatus limnaeetus) – Four adults and 1 immature at Corbett, and a single adult at Sitabani Forest.
MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus nipalensis) – Great looks at this rather uncommon raptor at Sat Tal.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FALCONET (Microhierax caerulescens) – Just amazing this year, with 10 all perched together in Corbett NP, and then another single just a little further down the track.
EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) – Three in the Bund Baretha and Bayana Rocks area, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – We saw a pair along the Kosi River at Kumeria., and then singles at Bharatpur, and at Bandhavgarh.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BROWN CRAKE (Amaurornis akool) – One along the shore of the Chambal River.
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN (Amaurornis phoenicurus) – Two at the Yamuna River in Delhi, about 15 at Bharatpur, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
PURPLE SWAMPHEN (GRAY-HEADED) (Porphyrio porphyrio poliocephalus) – Birds in India are sometimes split as Gray-headed Swamphen; we saw 60+ along the Yamuna River in Delhi, 150+ at Bharatpur, and 6 at Sultanpur Jheel.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – Two at the Yamuna River, 300+ at Bharatpur, 80 at Bund Baretha, and another 80 at Sultanpur Jheel.
EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra) – About 100 in Delhi, 600+ at Bharatpur, 40 at Bund Baretha, and 200+ at Sultanpur Jheel.
Gruidae (Cranes)
SARUS CRANE (Grus antigone) – Great scope views of a pair next to the Ganges, and then at least another 10 (mainly in 2's and 3's) from the train between Ramnagar and Delhi, and then finally along the road between Delhi and Agra.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
INDIAN THICK-KNEE (Burhinus indicus) – Recently split from Eurasian Thick-knee; we saw a single and then 3 together at Bandhavgarh.
GREAT THICK-KNEE (Esacus recurvirostris) – Fabuolous close looks at 1 during our boat trip along the Chambal River.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
RIVER LAPWING (Vanellus duvaucelii) – Small numbers in the Corbett and Ramnagar areas, and then about 15 along the Chambal River.
YELLOW-WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus malabaricus) – Six on the dry fields near Chambal Safari Lodge, and 3 near Bandhavgarh.
RED-WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus indicus) – Common and widespread throughout the tour.
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING (Vanellus leucurus) – Two along the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi, and then 6 at Sultanpur Jheel.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius) – One along the Chambal River.
Ibidorhynchidae (Ibisbill)
IBISBILL (Ibidorhyncha struthersii) – Fantastic close looks at 3 in the Kosi River near Ramnagar - great photo's too!
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – Common and widespread throughout the tour.
PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta) – Some of the group saw 3 at a roadside pool between Agra and Delhi.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
PHEASANT-TAILED JACANA (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) – One at Bharatpur.
BRONZE-WINGED JACANA (Metopidius indicus) – Two in the floating vegetation along the Yamuna River in Delhi, 2 at Chambal River, and 4 at Bharatpur.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – One behind the Taj Mahal, and 6 along the Chambal River.
GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus) – One behind the Taj Mahal, and 4 at Bharatpur.
SPOTTED REDSHANK (Tringa erythropus) – One at Sultanpur Jheel.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – Four behind the Taj Mahal, 3 along the Chambal River, 1 at Bharatpur, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – One at Bharatpur, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
COMMON REDSHANK (Tringa totanus) – One behind the Taj Mahal, and 6 along the Chambal River.
TEMMINCK'S STINT (Calidris temminckii) – One along the Chambal River.
RUFF (Philomachus pugnax) – About 20 at Sultanpur Jheel.
COMMON SNIPE (Gallinago gallinago) – One at the Yamuna River in Delhi.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
BLACK-HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) – About 100 along the Yamuna River in Delhi.
PALLAS'S GULL (Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus) – At least 4 (including 2 in breeding plumage) along the Chambal River.
CASPIAN GULL (Larus cachinnans) – Two on the Yamuna River in Delhi, and about 10 where we crossed the Ganges on the way to Kumeria.
BLACK-BELLIED TERN (Sterna acuticauda) – We saw 2 of these beautiful terns during our boat trip on the Chambal River.
RIVER TERN (Sterna aurantia) – Eight at Corbett NP, and 1 along the Chambal River.
INDIAN SKIMMER (Rynchops albicollis) – We had fantastic close looks at 18 of this globally threatened species along the Chambal River - just great this year!
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Common and widespread in towns and villages throughout the tour.
ORIENTAL TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia orientalis) – Six at Snow View above Nainital town.
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) – Very common and widespread away from the highlands.
RED COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia tranquebarica) – About 50 near Chambal Safari Lodge (mostly distantly) but then great close looks at about 30 at Sultanpur Jheel.
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) – About 6 at Corbett NP, and then 80+ in the Bandhavgarh area.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) – Fairly common in the Agra to Bharatpur area.
EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica) – Some of the group saw a single fly-by in Corbett NP.
YELLOW-FOOTED PIGEON (Treron phoenicopterus) – More commonly known as Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon, we saw 20 at Delhi, 50 at Bharatpur, and 30 at Bandhavgarh.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET (Psittacula eupatria) – Two together and then 2 singles at Bandhavgarh.
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET (Psittacula krameri) – Very common throughout the lowlands.
SLATY-HEADED PARAKEET (Psittacula himalayana) – Common in the high country around Corbett NP and Nainital; in all we saw about 250.
PLUM-HEADED PARAKEET (Psittacula cyanocephala) – Three at Corbett NP, 3 at Bayana Rocks, and then about 90 at Bandhavgarh.
RED-BREASTED PARAKEET (Psittacula alexandri) – About 120 in the Corbett area, and 20 at Sitabani Forest.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
COMMON HAWK-CUCKOO (Hierococcyx varius) – Great scope looks at 1 just outside Bandhavgarh NP.
ASIAN KOEL (Eudynamys scolopaceus) – We saw a single male at Bund Baretha.
GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 30.
Strigidae (Owls)
INDIAN SCOPS-OWL (Otus bakkamoena) – One at Chambal Safari Lodge.
DUSKY EAGLE-OWL (Bubo coromandus) – Great looks at a large juvenile (and a more hidden adult) at Bharatpur.
BROWN FISH-OWL (Ketupa zeylonensis) – Singles at Kumeria, Corbett NP, and Sitabani Forest.
ASIAN BARRED OWLET (Glaucidium cuculoides) – One at Sat Tal.
JUNGLE OWLET (Glaucidium radiatum) – Singles to the north of Ramnagar, in Corbett NP, at Sitabani Forest, and then 4 at Bandhavgarh.
SPOTTED OWLET (Athene brama) – Singles at Chambal River Lodge and Bharatpur.
BROWN HAWK-OWL (Ninox scutulata) – One at Chambal River Lodge.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-RUMPED NEEDLETAIL (Zoonavena sylvatica) – Some of the group saw 1 along the river in Corbett NP.
HIMALAYAN SWIFTLET (Aerodramus brevirostris) – Small flocks were common around Corbett NP; in all we saw about 55.
ALPINE SWIFT (Apus melba) – About 30 at Corbett NP.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis) – A dozen over the Agra Fort.
Hemiprocnidae (Treeswifts)
CRESTED TREESWIFT (Hemiprocne coronata) – About 80 in the Corbett NP area, and 20 at Bandhavgarh.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
COMMON KINGFISHER (Alcedo atthis) – Widespread in small numbers; we saw a total of about 14.
STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER (Pelargopsis capensis) – One at Corbett NP.
WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis) – Common and widespread throughout the tour.
CRESTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle lugubris) – Good looks at about half a dozen in the Kumeria and Corbett areas.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – Small numbers at Corbett, Ramnagar, and along the Chambal River.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
GREEN BEE-EATER (Merops orientalis) – Two near Bayana Rocks, and then 40+ in the Bandhavgarh area.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
INDIAN ROLLER (Coracias benghalensis) – Three in the Chambal River area, 1 near Bharatpur, 30 at Bandhavgarh, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops) – Widespread in small numbers, with a total of about 12.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
INDIAN GRAY HORNBILL (Ocyceros birostris) – Four at the Chambal Safari Lodge, 8 at Bund Baretha, and about 30 at Bandhavgarh.
MALABAR PIED-HORNBILL (Anthracoceros coronatus) – Just fantastic this tour with 2 and then 40+ together flying along a valley at Bandhavgarh.
Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets)
GREAT BARBET (Megalaima virens) – Great close looks at 3 along the Mongoli Trail, and then 1 at Sat Tal.
BROWN-HEADED BARBET (Megalaima zeylanica) – Small numbers at the Taj Mahal, Chambal Safari Lodge, the Bharatpur area, and Bandhavgarh; in all we saw about 14.
LINEATED BARBET (Megalaima lineata) – About 6 in the Corbett area.
BLUE-THROATED BARBET (Megalaima asiatica) – Some of the group saw 4 in Corbett NP.
COPPERSMITH BARBET (Megalaima haemacephala) – One at Chambal Safari Lodge, 6 at Bandhavgarh, and heard at Sultanpur Jheel.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
EURASIAN WRYNECK (Jynx torquilla) – One at Bharatpur.
SPECKLED PICULET (Picumnus innominatus) – One at Sat Tal.
BROWN-CAPPED WOODPECKER (BROWN-CAPPED) (Dendrocopos moluccensis nanus) – Sometimes split as Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, one of the group saw this at Bandhavgarh.
GRAY-CAPPED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos canicapillus) – Good looks for everyone at a single in a mixed species flock at Sitabani Forest.
BROWN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos auriceps) – Nice looks at a male near Snow View.
FULVOUS-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos macei) – Four in the Corbett area, and 3 at Sitabani Forest.
YELLOW-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) – Nice close looks at a pair at Sultanpur Jheel.
LESSER YELLOWNAPE (Picus chlorolophus) – One at Sat Tal.
GREATER YELLOWNAPE (Picus flavinucha) – Two at Kumeria, and 1 at Sat Tal.
STREAK-THROATED WOODPECKER (Picus xanthopygaeus) – Some of the group saw 1 at Corbett NP.
GRAY-FACED WOODPECKER (Picus canus) – Three singles in the Corbett and Nainital areas.
HIMALAYAN FLAMEBACK (Dinopium shorii) – Three at Corbett NP, and 1 at Sitabani Forest.
BLACK-RUMPED FLAMEBACK (Dinopium benghalense) – Two at Bharatpur, and 3 at Bandhavgarh.
GREATER FLAMEBACK (Chrysocolaptes lucidus) – Several heard and 1 seen at Sitabani Forest.
WHITE-NAPED WOODPECKER (Chrysocolaptes festivus) – Good looks at 1 at Bandhavgarh.
Prionopidae (Helmetshrikes and Allies)
COMMON WOODSHRIKE (Tephrodornis pondicerianus) – Two at Bandhavgarh, and 3 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Aegithinidae (Ioras)
COMMON IORA (Aegithina tiphia) – Singles at Corbett, Sitabani Forest, and Bandhavgarh.
Campephagidae (Cuckoo-shrikes)
LARGE CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina macei) – One just outside Corbett NP, and 3 at Bandhavgarh.
SMALL MINIVET (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) – Four at Bandhavgarh.
LONG-TAILED MINIVET (Pericrocotus ethologus) – Four at Corbett NP, and a single female at Sultanpur Jheel.
BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE (Hemipus picatus) – Several small flocks were seen at Kumeria, Corbett NP, the Mongoli Trail, and at Sitabani Forest.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
RUFOUS-TAILED SHRIKE (Lanius isabellinus) – We saw a nice looking male at Sultanpur Jheel.
BAY-BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius vittatus) – Another attractive shrike; we saw a single bird at Bandhavgarh.
LONG-TAILED SHRIKE (Lanius schach) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 25.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
INDIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus kundoo) – Recently split from Eurasian Golden Oriole, we had nice looks at a single male at Bharatpur.
BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE (Oriolus xanthornus) – One at Ramnagar, 2 at Corbett NP, and 3 at Bandhavgarh.
MAROON ORIOLE (Oriolus traillii) – We saw a female of this rather uncommon oriole at Snow View.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
BLACK DRONGO (Dicrurus macrocercus) – Common and widespread in open country.
ASHY DRONGO (Dicrurus leucophaeus) – Three singles at Bandhavgarh.
WHITE-BELLIED DRONGO (Dicrurus caerulescens) – Two at Bandhavgarh.
BRONZED DRONGO (Dicrurus aeneus) – Seven in the Kumeria to Corbett area, and 1 near Nainital.
HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO (Dicrurus hottentottus) – Three in the Corbett NP area.
GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus paradiseus) – About 10 at Bandhavgarh.
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL (Rhipidura albicollis) – Seven in the Kumeria to Corbett area, and 2 at Sitabani Forest.
WHITE-BROWED FANTAIL (Rhipidura aureola) – Two singles at Bandhavgarh.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
EURASIAN JAY (Garrulus glandarius) – Four at Snow View above Nainital.
BLACK-HEADED JAY (Garrulus lanceolatus) – We saw about a dozen of this Himalayan endemic at Snow View, and 20 at Sat Tal.
BLUE MAGPIE (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) – Also known as Red-billed Blue Magpie; we saw them briefly near Ramnagar and Snow View, but then fabulous looks for everyone at Sat Tal - one of India's most stunning birds!
RUFOUS TREEPIE (Dendrocitta vagabunda) – Most common at Bharatpur and Bandhavgarh (50+) and a few others at scattered sites around Corbett and Sat Tal.
GRAY TREEPIE (Dendrocitta formosae) – About 10 near the gate to Corbett NP, and then 3 at Sat Tal.
HOUSE CROW (Corvus splendens) – Very common and widespread throughout the tour.
LARGE-BILLED CROW (LARGE-BILLED) (Corvus macrorhynchos japonensis) – About 70 in the Himalayan foothills.
LARGE-BILLED CROW (INDIAN JUNGLE) (Corvus macrorhynchos culminatus) – Very common throughout the lowlands.
Alaudidae (Larks)
ASHY-CROWNED SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix griseus) – Three males near the Chambal River.
SAND LARK (Calandrella raytal) – One along the shore of the Chambal River.
CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata) – Two near the Chambal River.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
PLAIN MARTIN (Riparia paludicola) – Small numbers at Delhi, Corbett NP, Ramnagar, and along the Chambal River; in all we saw about 40.
DUSKY CRAG-MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne concolor) – Ten around the Ramnagar barrage, and 6 at Bayana Rocks.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Common in the Kumeria to Corbett area (300+), and a few others at scattered sites elsewhere in the highlands.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii) – One at Bandhavgarh, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica) – About 15 over the Sitabani Forest.
NEPAL HOUSE-MARTIN (Delichon nipalense) – Three at Corbett NP, and 2 at Sitabani Forest.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
YELLOW-BELLIED FAIRY-FANTAIL (Chelidorhynx hypoxantha) – Formerly known as Yellow-bellied Fantail, we saw about 12 in the Kumeria to Corbett area.
GRAY-HEADED CANARY-FLYCATCHER (Culicicapa ceylonensis) – One of the group saw 1 near Ramnagar, but then we all saw singles at Bund Baretha and Bandhavgarh.
Paridae (Chickadees and Tits)
BLACK-CRESTED TIT (Periparus melanolophus) – Also known as Spot-winged Tit, we saw about a dozen around Nainital.
GREAT TIT (Parus major) – Two at Kumeria, 2 at Sitabani Forest, and 4 at Bandhavgarh.
GREEN-BACKED TIT (Parus monticolus) – Ten around Nainital, and 2 at Sat Tal.
BLACK-LORED TIT (Parus xanthogenys) – Great looks near the top of the Mongoli Trail.
Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)
BLACK-THROATED TIT (Aegithalos concinnus) – Common in the Nainital area.
Sittidae (Nuthatches)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH (INDIAN) (Sitta castanea castanea) – Sometimes split from the following 'species'; we had good looks at 1 (with grey scalloping on the under-tail coverts) at Bandhavgarh.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH (CHESTNUT-BELLIED) (Sitta castanea cinnamoventris) – Sometimes split from the previous 'species'; we saw about 10 (with white scalloping on the under-tail coverts) in the Himalayan foothillls.
WHITE-TAILED NUTHATCH (Sitta himalayensis) – Two at Snow View.
VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH (Sitta frontalis) – Briefly in Corbett NP, and then great close looks at Sitabani Forest.
Tichodromidae (Wallcreeper)
WALLCREEPER (Tichodroma muraria) – Wonderful looks this year near the barrage at Ramnagar.
Certhiidae (Treecreepers)
BAR-TAILED TREECREEPER (Certhia himalayana) – We saw about a dozen at various sites in the Himalayan foothills.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
BROWN DIPPER (Cinclus pallasii) – Two along the Kosi River, Kumeria.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
RED-VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus cafer) – Very common and widespread.
RED-WHISKERED BULBUL (Pycnonotus jocosus) – Three in Delhi, and then 8 around Kumeria, and 6 along the Mongoli Trail.
WHITE-EARED BULBUL (Pycnonotus leucotis) – Four near the Chambal River, about a dozen at Bharatpur, 1 at Bandhavgarh, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
WHITE-CHEEKED BULBUL (Pycnonotus leucogenys) – Very common in the highlands around Corbett and Nainital; in all we saw about 400.
BLACK BULBUL (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) – Recently split as Himalayan Black Bulbul (Square-tailed Black Bulbul is in South India) we saw 5 in Corbett NP.
MOUNTAIN BULBUL (Ixos mcclellandii) – Two in a scruby gulley at Sat Tal.
Pnoepygidae (Cupwings)
SCALY-BREASTED CUPWING (Pnoepyga albiventer) – Amazingly everyone saw this real super skulker at the Mongoli Trail; it was previously known as Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler.
Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers)
COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita) – Small numbers at Delhi, Chambal River, Bharatpur, Bandhavgarh, and Sultanpur Jheel.
BUFF-BARRED WARBLER (Phylloscopus pulcher) – About 20 in the Nainital area.
PALE-RUMPED WARBLER (Phylloscopus chloronotus) – Twenty at Sat Tal, and 4 at Sitabani Forest.
HUME'S WARBLER (Phylloscopus humei) – Small numbers at a variety of scattered woodlands in the lowlands.
GREENISH WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochiloides) – Singles at Chambal River, Bandhavgarh, and Sultanpur Jheel.
GRAY-HOODED WARBLER (Phylloscopus xanthoschistos) – Singles at Kumeria and Corbett, and then about 40 in the Himalayan foothills around Nainital and Sat Tal.
GOLDEN-SPECTACLED WARBLER (Seicercus burkii) – One at Kumeria.
WHISTLER'S WARBLER (Seicercus whistleri) – Good looks at 1 at Sat Tal.
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
BLYTH'S REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus dumetorum) – Singles at Delhi and Bharatpur.
CLAMOROUS REED-WARBLER (INDIAN) (Acrocephalus stentoreus brunnescens) – The form 'brunnescens' is sometimes split from Clamorous Reed-Warbler as Indian Reed-Warbler; we had good looks at 1 at Bharatpur.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
COMMON TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus sutorius) – Four at Delhi, 1 at Bharatpur, 6 at Bandhavgarh, and 4 at Sultanpur Jheel.
STRIATED PRINIA (Prinia crinigera) – Heard amongst the boulders and tussock grass near Nainital.
RUFOUS-FRONTED PRINIA (Prinia buchanani) – One in the dry acacia scrub near the Chambal River.
GRAY-BREASTED PRINIA (Prinia hodgsonii) – Small numbers in the highalnds, and 2 at Bandhavgarh.
YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA (Prinia flaviventris) – Three in the floating vegetation along the Yamuna River in Delhi.
ASHY PRINIA (Prinia socialis) – Small numbers at Delhi, the Bharatpur area, and Bandhavgarh.
PLAIN PRINIA (Prinia inornata) – Small numbers at Delhi, Corbett, Bharatpur, and Bandhavgarh.
Sylviidae (Old World Warblers)
LESSER WHITETHROAT (Sylvia curruca) – Small numbers were widespread in the plains where we saw a total of about 20.
YELLOW-EYED BABBLER (Chrysomma sinense) – Now classified as a Sylviidae (Old World Warblers) we saw one at the bottom of Bayana Rocks.
Zosteropidae (Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies)
ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE (Zosterops palpebrosus) – Common and widespread; we saw a total of about 180.
Pellorneidae (Fulvettas and Ground Babblers)
PUFF-THROATED BABBLER (Pellorneum ruficeps) – We saw a single very responsive bird in the undergrowth at Kumeria.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes)
WHITE-THROATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax albogularis) – About 30 at Snow View, and 40 at Sat Tal.
WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax leucolophus) – Great looks at 5 at The Den, 3 in Corbett NP, and 10 at Sitabani Forest; a real favorite with many of the group.
RUFOUS-CHINNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax rufogularis) – One near the beginning of the Mongoli Trail.
STREAKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax lineatus) – Common in the Himalayan foothills; in all we saw about 50.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax erythrocephalus) – Five along the Mongoli Trail.
COMMON BABBLER (Turdoides caudata) – Five in the dry scrub near the Chambal River, and 5 during our day trip to Bund Baretha.
STRIATED BABBLER (Turdoides earlei) – One in the tall reeds along the Yamuna River in Delhi.
LARGE GRAY BABBLER (Turdoides malcolmi) – About a dozen near the Chambal River, 4 near Bund Baretha, and 40+ at Sultanpur Jheel.
JUNGLE BABBLER (Turdoides striata) – Very common and widespread.
RED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX (Leiothrix lutea) – Four near the beginning of the Mongoli Trail.
RUFOUS SIBIA (Heterophasia capistrata) – Six along the Mongoli Trail.
BLUE-WINGED MINLA (Minla cyanouroptera) – Four at Sat Tal.
Timaliidae (Babblers)
BLACK-CHINNED BABBLER (Stachyridopsis pyrrhops) – Two singles in the Kumeria area.
TAWNY-BELLIED BABBLER (Dumetia hyperythra) – Two at Bandhavgarh.
RUSTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Pomatorhinus erythrogenys) – Nine at various sites in the Himalayan foothills.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
INDIAN ROBIN (Copsychus fulicatus) – Small numbers near the Chambal River, Bayana Rocks, Bandhavgarh, and Sultanpur Jheel; we saw a total of about 30.
ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus saularis) – Common and widespread in the lowlands, but also a couple around Sat Tal.
WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA (Copsychus malabaricus) – We had good looks at a single female near The Den.
TICKELL'S BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis tickelliae) – Five at Bandhavgarh.
SMALL NILTAVA (Niltava macgrigoriae) – We saw a single male at Kumeria.
RUFOUS-BELLIED NILTAVA (Niltava sundara) – Two males at Sat Tal.
BLUE-AND-WHITE FLYCATCHER (Cyanoptila cyanomelana) – Some of the group saw what is claimed to be this migratory East Asian species at Bandhavgarh; if accepted it will be the first record for India.
VERDITER FLYCATCHER (Eumyias thalassinus) – Singles at Kumeria, Chambal Safari Lodge, and Bandhavgarh.
BLUETHROAT (Luscinia svecica) – Three at Bharatpur, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
BLUE WHISTLING-THRUSH (Myophonus caeruleus) – Very common (and often tame) in the Himalayan foothills; in all we saw about 60.
SPOTTED FORKTAIL (Enicurus maculatus) – Good looks at one along a small stream near Sat Tal.
SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT (Calliope calliope) – One of the group saw a male at Sat Tal.
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL (Tarsiger cyanurus) – Three females in the Nainital and Sat Tal areas, and 1 at Bandhavgarh.
TAIGA FLYCATCHER (Ficedula albicilla) – Good looks at a male at Sultanpur Jheel.
RUFOUS-GORGETED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula strophiata) – Two near Nainital, and 4 at Sat Tal.
RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula parva) – Two (including a fabulous male) along the Yamuna River in Delhi, 1 at Kumeria, 3 at Bandhavgarh, and 8 at Sultanpur Jheel.
SLATY-BLUE FLYCATCHER (Ficedula tricolor) – Females at Kumeria, Corbett NP and Sitabani Forest, and a good looking male at Sat Tal.
BLUE-FRONTED REDSTART (Phoenicurus frontalis) – Two at Snow View.
PLUMBEOUS REDSTART (Phoenicurus fuliginosus) – Common along rocky rivers in the Kumeria, Corbett and Ramnagar areas.
WHITE-CAPPED REDSTART (Phoenicurus leucocephalus) – We saw about 14 of these striking birds in the Himalayan foothills; mainly along the Kosi River.
BLUE-CAPPED REDSTART (Phoenicurus caeruleocephala) – Four in the Himalayan foothillls.
BLACK REDSTART (Phoenicurus ochruros) – Widespread in the lowlands, with a total of about 25.
BLUE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola solitarius) – Good scope views of a single male at Bayana Rocks.
STONECHAT (SIBERIAN) (Saxicola torquatus indicus) – Small numbers at Corbett NP, Sat Tal, Bund Baretha, and Sultanpur Jheel.
WHITE-TAILED STONECHAT (Saxicola leucurus) – One in the reed beds along the Yamuna River in Delhi.
PIED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola caprata) – One at Bund Baretha, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
GRAY BUSHCHAT (Saxicola ferreus) – About a dozen between Kumeria, Corbett and the Sat Tal areas.
INDIAN CHAT (Cercomela fusca) – One at Agra Fort, and 2 at Fatehpur Sikri.
VARIABLE WHEATEAR (Oenanthe picata) – One in the dry scrub near the Chambal River.
DESERT WHEATEAR (Oenanthe deserti) – One along the shore of the Chambal River.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PLAIN-BACKED THRUSH (Zoothera mollissima) – One at Snow View was the first we had seen for several years.
SCALY THRUSH (Zoothera dauma) – We had great views of this rather uncommon thrush at Sat Tal.
LONG-BILLED THRUSH (Zoothera monticola) – Another uncommon thrush that we had great views of; this was a single bird feeding in the river near Kumeria.
TICKELL'S THRUSH (Turdus unicolor) – We saw a single female within the forest at Bandhavgarh.
GRAY-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Turdus boulboul) – Two females and a single male in the Nainital area.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
JUNGLE MYNA (Acridotheres fuscus) – Two feeding on the ground amongst a herd of Elephants at Corbett NP.
BANK MYNA (Acridotheres ginginianus) – Very common (especially around cities, towns and villages) throughout the lowlands.
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Occurring together with the previous species in many urban areas, but even more numerous.
ASIAN PIED STARLING (Gracupica contra) – About 60 in the Delhi area, 250 around Bharatpur, and 6 at Bandhavgarh.
BRAHMINY STARLING (Temenuchus pagodarum) – We saw these attractive stralings at Delhi, the Bharatpur area, and Bandhavgarh; in all we saw about 100.
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – One at Sultanpur Jheel.
Chloropseidae (Leafbirds)
JERDON'S LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis jerdoni) – Good looks at a pair near Bandhavgarh.
ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis hardwickii) – Six in the Kumeria area.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
PURPLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris asiaticus) – Two near the Chambal River, and then common around Bharatpur and Bandhavgarh.
BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRD (Aethopyga saturata) – Great looks at a male at Kumeria.
EASTERN CRIMSON SUNBIRD (Aethopyga siparaja) – We saw single males at The Den, and then at the Wild Crest near Ramnagar.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava) – Ten as we crossed the Ganges north of Delhi, and then 2 at Corbett NP were the only ones this year.
CITRINE WAGTAIL (Motacilla citreola) – One on the shore of the Yamuna River in Delhi, and 2 singles at Bharatpur.
GRAY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea) – About a dozen along a variety of rivers and streams in the highlands.
WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba) – Widespread in small numbers; we saw a total of about 35.
WHITE WAGTAIL (BLACK-BACKED) (Motacilla alba lugens) – Sometimes split from the previous 'form', we saw singles at Ramnagar and Agra.
WHITE-BROWED WAGTAIL (Motacilla madaraspatensis) – Five in the Corbett to Ramnagar area, 4 at Chambal River, and 2 at Bharatpur.
ORIENTAL PIPIT (Anthus rufulus) – Small numbers at Corbett NP, Bandhavgarh, and Sultanpur Jheel.
BLYTH'S PIPIT (Anthus godlewskii) – Ten together in a small flock just outside Bandhavgarh NP.
TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis) – Two at Corbett NP, and 2 singles at Bandhavgarh.
OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus hodgsoni) – Five at Sat Tal, and 5 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
CRESTED BUNTING (Melophus lathami) – Some of the group saw a male from the bus near the Chambal River.
ROCK BUNTING (Emberiza cia) – One in the rocky hills near Nainital.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
COMMON ROSEFINCH (Carpodacus erythrinus) – We saw a male and then a female at Sat Tal.
PINK-BROWED ROSEFINCH (Carpodacus rodochroa) – We saw a fabulous male in the farmlands below Nainital, and then a female at Sat Tal.
YELLOW-BREASTED GREENFINCH (Chloris spinoides) – Two males at Sat Tal.
FIRE-FRONTED SERIN (Serinus pusillus) – Rather uncommon so we were lucky to see a flock of 10 feeding in some tall dry grasses on the way to Nainital.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Common and widespread.
RUSSET SPARROW (Passer rutilans) – Three at Sat Tal.
CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED PETRONIA (Petronia xanthocollis) – At least 100 at Bandhavgarh.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
BAYA WEAVER (Ploceus philippinus) – Two (in non-breeding plumage) were feeding in the reeds along the Yamuna River in Delhi.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
INDIAN SILVERBILL (Euodice malabarica) – Some of the group saw 2 in Delhi, and then we all had good looks at 7 at Sultanpur Jheel.
WHITE-RUMPED MUNIA (Lonchura striata) – Rather uncommon in North India so it was unexpected to see 5 at Sat Tal.
MAMMALS
INDIAN FLYING-FOX (Pteropus giganteus) – About 80 at the Chambal Safari Lodge, 100+ at Bund Baretha, and another 100+ on the way to Bandhavgarh.
RHESUS MONKEY (Macaca mulatta) – Very common and widespread, especially around villages and towns throughout the tour.
COMMON LANGUR (Presbytis entellus) – Very common and widespread but in more wooded areas than the previous species.
INDIAN HARE (Lepus nigricollis) – Some of the group had brief views of 1 near the Chambal River.
PALM SQUIRREL (Funambulus pennanti) – Often split as Five-striped Palm Squirrel, they were common away from the highlands.
COMMON JACKAL (Canis aureus) – Singles and pairs at Corbett NP, Ramnagar, the Chambal River and Bandhavgarh, and about 20 at Bharatpur.
YELLOW-THROATED MARTEN (Martes flavigula) – Great looks at 2 of these gorgeous martens at Sat Tal.
INDIAN GRAY MONGOOSE (Herpestes edwardsi) – Some of the group saw 1 at Bandhavgarh.
COMMON MONGOOSE (Herpestes smithi) – Also known as Ruddy Mongoose, some of the group saw 2 at Bandhavgarh.
JUNGLE CAT (Felis chaus) – Good looks at 1 at Bharatpur, and then for a few people another at Bandhavgarh.
TIGER (Panthera tigris) – At Bandhavgarh we all had great close looks at a newly formed courting pair (the male was huge), and then some of the group saw another 3 - almost full grown 'cubs' on our next visit to the park.
INDIAN ELEPHANT (Elephas maximus) – Great looks in Corbett NP where we saw a close herd of 24 (including lots of young ones) and another 7 more distantly.
WILD BOAR (Sus scrofa) – Six at Corbett NP, 6 at Bharatpur, and about 30 at Bandhavgarh.
MUNTJAC (BARKING DEER) (Muntiacus muntjak) – About 12 in the Corbett area, 3 at Sitabani Forest, and 4 at Bandhavgarh.
SPOTTED DEER (Axis axis) – By far the most common deer, with a total of about 1200 in the Corbett, Bharatpur and Bandhavgarh national parks.
HOG DEER (Axis porcinus) – Three singles at Corbett NP.
SAMBAR (Cervus unicolor) – Ten at Corbett, 6 at Bharatpur, and 8 at Bandhavgarh.
NILGAI (Boselaphus tragocamelus) – About 20 were seen from the bus as we drove from Delhi to Agra, and then 35 in the Bharatpur area, and 30+ at Sultanpur Jheel.
INDIAN GAZELLE (Gazella bennettii) – Three just outside Bandhavgarh NP.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Reptiles on the tour included:
Gharial: 7 on the river bank in Corbett NP, and then about 50 (including some really huge ones) along the Chambal River.
Marsh Crocodile: also known as Marsh Mugger: we saw 5 along the Chambal River.
Indian Soft-shelled Terrapin; we saw about 50 of these enormous terrapins (turtles) at Bharatpur.
Cobra sp; 1 at Bharatpur.
Totals for the tour: 330 bird taxa and 19 mammal taxa