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The lovely Indian Spot-billed Duck (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)
Our North India 2015 tour had far milder and drier weather than ever before (except at Bandhavgarh, where it rained for most of two days). Beginning in Delhi, we were soon on our way to Corbett National Park and the Kumeria area where the highlights included the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture, Kalij Pheasant, our closest views ever of Ibisbill, the strange Long-billed Thrush, and for two of us distant views of Tiger. Then at Bandhavgarh, Red Junglefowl showed well, as did Lesser Adjutant, Crested Hawk-Eagle, Alexandrine Parakeet, and again (for two lucky members of the group) a close female Tiger. Our stay in Agra included a visit to the Taj Mahal (with Bar-headed Geese, and Great White and Dalmatian pelicans on the river at the back), and then a boat trip on the Chambal River for a variety of waterbirds, including Black-bellied Tern and the increasingly rare Indian Skimmer.
We then moved on to Bund Baretha and the famous Bharatpur (Keoladeo) National Park, were again we enjoyed a wealth of waterbirds, plus Greater Spotted and Imperial eagles, Dusky Eagle-Owl, Siberian Rubythroat and Orange-headed Thrush. Finally, back in Delhi we took a half-day trip to Sultanpur Jheel where we enjoyed 13 species of waterfowl and a good selection of migrant shorebirds, together with Common Woodshrike, Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark, and our first Bay-backed and Isabelline shrikes of the tour.
The mild and dry winter across much of northern India resulted in fewer altitudinal migrant warblers and thrushes than usual (but hey, who can control the weather?), and we did see Tickell's and Hume's warblers around Delhi, Buff-bellied, Pale-rumped and Gray-hooded at Nainital, and Whistler's Warbler at Kumeria. We had a several good thrushes, too, with a Long-billed feeding in a mountain stream at Kumeria, several Gray-winged Blackbirds between Ramnagar and Nainital, and Orange-headed and Tickell's thrushes in the same garden near Bund Baretha.
Our four days in Corbett and Kumeria are always a treat, but in totally different ways -- because of dangerous animals, viewing in Corbett is done from vehicles, while Kumeria gives us a chance to be out walking. Just some of the group favorites here were a close group of Kalij Pheasants and Red Junglefowl feeding along the road together, Red-headed, Cinereous, and endangered White-rumped vultures feeding on a dead Marsh Mugger (crododile), Pallas's Fish-Eagle, a super-close Ibisbill, Brown Fish-Owl right above our heads, Crested Kingfisher, Oriental Pied-Hornbill, Himalayan Flameback, Collared Falconet, Maroon Oriole, Red-billed Blue-Magpie, Wallcreeper, White-crested Laughingthrush, Spotted Forktail, and Crimson Sunbird. Mammals included Rhesus Monkey, Common Langur, Jungle Cat, Tiger (for two, distantly), Indian Elephant (including adults and a small baby), Wild Boar, Hog Deer, Spotted Deer, and Sambar.
From Corbett we then climbed higher in to the Himalayan foothills for a three-night stay based at Nainital. Highlights here (and at nearby Sat Tal) included Himalayan Griffon, Emerald Dove, Asian Barred Owlet, Great Barbet, Lesser Yellownape, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Black-headed Jay, Black-lored and Black-throated tits, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Striated Laughingthrush, Small and Rufous-bellied niltavas, Red-flanked Bluetail, Golden Bush-Robin, Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush, and Pink-browed Rosefinch.
We then returned to Delhi (seeing Sarus Cranes from the train along the way) and left the following morning for a flight and long drive to Bandhavgarh. Unfortunately, during our visit here an unexpected belt of rain came off the Arabian Sea and we had all but the last afternoon in rainy conditions -- not only did we not like this, but Tigers don't either, and the only sighting was for two of our group during that last and dry afternoon. Birding though was far more satisfactory, with Painted Spurfowl,
Jungle Bush-Quail, Lesser Adjutant, no fewer than a dozen endangered Indian Vultures, Jungle and Spotted owlets, low-flying Crested Treeswifts (during the rain), Stork-billed Kingfisher, Malabar Pied-Hornbill, Streak-throated Woodpecker, Small Minivet, Black-hooded Oriole, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, White-rumped Shama, Ultramarine Flycatcher, and Jerdon's Leafbird.
After another night in Delhi we then drove to Agra (just 4 hours away on the new highway) and everyone enjoyed our afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. It was then back to birding, with a lovely day trip to the Chambal River; Lesser Whistling-Duck and Red-crested Pochard were new waterfowl for us, but we also had our best views of Red-naped Ibis, 'catch-up' Great Thick-knee, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Black-bellied and River terns, and Indian Skimmer standing on sand bars amongst huge Marsh Muggers and Gharial crocodiles.
Heading east we then stayed at Bharatpur National Park (now known as Keoladeo NP) and also made a visit to Bund Baretha.
This famous wetland provided us with great close views of many water birds and excellent photographic opportunities. Birds included hundreds of ducks, geese, herons and egrets, three species of cormorant (including nice looks at Indian), Black-necked Stork with a begging juvenile, Painted Stork, Oriental Darter, Black Bittern, Greater and Indian Spotted eagles, Imperial Eagle, Pheasant-tailed and Bronze-winged jacanas, Dusky Eagle-Owl, White-eared Bulbul, Blyth's and Clamorous (Brown) reed-warblers, Black Redstart, and Siberian Rubythroat.
Finally, and once again back in Delhi, our visit to nearby Sultanpur Jheel provided another wonderful waterfowl experience -- with thousands of waterbirds including our only Ferruginous and Tufted ducks of the tour.
It was great being in India with you. Till we meet again, good birding!
--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)
Red-naped Ibis is generally uncommon along our tour route; we had some nice looks this year. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)
GRAYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser) – One at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, 12 at Corbett, and 10 at Sultanpur Jheel.
BAR-HEADED GOOSE (Anser indicus) – About 70 behind the Taj Mahal, 50+ at Chambal River, 10+ at Bharatpur, and 40 at Sultanpur Jheel.
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis melanotos) – Two behind the Taj Mahal, 16 along the Chambal River, about 40 at Bharatpur, and a dozen at Sultanpur Jheel.
RUDDY SHELDUCK (Tadorna ferruginea) – Two at Corbett NP, about 200 at Ramnagar, 100 at Agra, and 20 along the Chambal River.
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus coromandelianus) – About 30 at Bharatpur.
GADWALL (Anas strepera) – A dozen at Bharatpur, and 60+ at Sultanpur Jheel.
EURASIAN WIGEON (Anas penelope) – One at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, 2 at Bharatpur, and 4 at Sultanpur Jheel.
MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos) – Ten at a small pool in Corbett NP, and 1 at Bharatpur.
INDIAN SPOT-BILLED DUCK (Anas poecilorhyncha) – This attractive resident duck was at Okhla, the Chambal River, Bharatpur, and Sultanpur Jheel; in all we saw about 90.
NORTHERN SHOVELER (Anas clypeata) – By far the most numerous duck, with many hundreds at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur, and Sultanpur Jheel.
NORTHERN PINTAIL (Anas acuta) – At least 100 were at Sultanpur Jheel, and smaller numbers at scattered wetlands elsewhere.
GARGANEY (Anas querquedula) – We saw two pairs at Bharatpur, and about 10 at Sultanpur Jheel.
GREEN-WINGED TEAL (EURASIAN) (Anas crecca crecca) – About 100 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, 80 at Corbett NP, 100 at Bharatpur, and 200 at Sultanpur Jheel.
RED-CRESTED POCHARD (Netta rufina) – We saw a male and 2 females along the Chambal River.
COMMON POCHARD (Aythya ferina) – Ten at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK (Aythya nyroca) – We saw a single male at Sultanpur Jheel.
TUFTED DUCK (Aythya fuligula) – Some of the group saw a male in flight at Sultanpur Jheel.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
GRAY FRANCOLIN (Francolinus pondicerianus) – Three at Bandhavgarh, 8 at Bharatpur, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
JUNGLE BUSH-QUAIL (Perdicula asiatica) – One of our vehicles had a very close group of at least 15 at Bandhavgarh.
PAINTED SPURFOWL (Galloperdix lunulata) – We saw a total of about 8 at Bandhavgarh.
RED JUNGLEFOWL (Gallus gallus) – Two briefly at The Den, and then good looks at about 10 in Corbett NP, and 20+ at Bandhavgarh.
KALIJ PHEASANT (Lophura leucomelanos) – One at The Den for some of the group, and then great looks at 7 at Corbett NP, and 1 near Nainital.
INDIAN PEAFOWL (Pavo cristatus) – These gorgeous birds were widespread throughout the tour, with a total of about 240.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) – Six at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, about 30 at Bharatpur, and 40 at Sultanpur Jheel.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus) – One at Bund Baretha.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus) – About 100 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
ASIAN OPENBILL (Anastomus oscitans) – Five at Bund Baretha.
BLACK STORK (Ciconia nigra) – One in flight at Corbett NP, and a standing bird for some at Bandhavgarh.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus) – One at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and 4 at Corbett NP.
BLACK-NECKED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) – Three in front of Dikhala Lodge, Corbett, and then an adult and a begging juvenile at Bharatpur.
LESSER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos javanicus) – Two at Bandhavgarh.
PAINTED STORK (Mycteria leucocephala) – About 30 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, 12 at Agra, 40 at Bharatpur, and a dozen at Sultanpur Jheel.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
INDIAN CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) – Ten at Bund Baretha, and another 10 at Bharatpur where close scope views showed their green eyes.
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – Common and widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.
LITTLE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax niger) – Very common and widespread at wetlands and even in flooded roadside ditches throughout the tour.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ORIENTAL DARTER (Anhinga melanogaster) – One at Corbett NP, 2 at Bund Baretha, and about a dozen at Bharatpur.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – About 50 behind the Taj Mahal.
Great Thick-knee (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BLACK BITTERN (Ixobrychus flavicollis) – Great looks at an immature bird, and then a hidden adult at Bharatpur.
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Common at wetlands throughout the tour; in all we saw about 100.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – One at Okhla, and then 2 at Bund Baretha, 30 at Bharatpur, and 20 at Sultanpur Jheel.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Common and widespread at wetlands throughout the tour; with a total of about 120.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 55 with most being at Bharatpur.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Common at wetlands throughout the tour.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Very common and widespread.
INDIAN POND-HERON (Ardeola grayii) – Very common and widespread.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – One during our boat trip along the Chambal River.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Eight at Bharatpur.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – About 20 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, 50 at Bharatpur, and 40 at Sultanpur Jheel.
BLACK-HEADED IBIS (Threskiornis melanocephalus) – Twenty at Okhla, 40 at Bharatpur, and 10 at Sultanpur Jheel.
RED-NAPED IBIS (Pseudibis papillosa) – Two to the south of where we crossed the Ganges on the way to Ramnagar, 2 at Bandhavgarh, 3 along the Chambal River, and 1 near Bharatpur. A good tour for this generally uncommon ibis.
EURASIAN SPOONBILL (Platalea leucorodia) – Fifty distantly at Okhla, 12 behind the Taj Mahal, 10 at Bharatpur, and 20 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Three at Corbett NP, and 1 along the Chambal River.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Small numbers were seen in a variety of open country and farmland.
EGYPTIAN VULTURE (Neophron percnopterus) – About 8 in the Agra area, 2 at the Chambal River, and 5 at Bharatpur.
ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD (Pernis ptilorhynchus) – Singles at Corbett, Bandhavgarh, and Bharatpur.
RED-HEADED VULTURE (Sarcogyps calvus) – Four at Corbett feeding on a dead Marsh Mugger, and at least 6 at Bandhavgarh.
CINEREOUS VULTURE (Aegypius monachus) – Three at Corbett feeding on the same Marsh Mugger as the previous species.
WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE (Gyps bengalensis) – We saw 2 of these critically endangered vultures together with the two previous species.
INDIAN VULTURE (Gyps indicus) – At least a dozen of these rare vultures were seen at Bandhavgarh, and then 4 (including a pair with a young one) at Bayana Rocks.
HIMALAYAN GRIFFON (Gyps himalayensis) – Surprisingly few this year, with just 3 near Nainital, and about 8 at Sat Tal.
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE (Spilornis cheela) – Fairly common and widespread; with a total of about 20.
SHORT-TOED EAGLE (Circaetus gallicus) – One at Corbett NP.
CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus limnaeetus) – At least 6 at Corbett NP.
CRESTED HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus cirrhatus) – At least 1 adult and 1 immature were seen at Bandhavgarh (formerly lumped with Changeable Hawk-Eagle).
INDIAN SPOTTED EAGLE (Clanga hastata) – One at Bharatpur.
GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE (Clanga clanga) – Four at Bharatpur, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus) – We saw a pale morph at the Taj Mahal, and a dark morph at Sultanpur Jheel.
TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax) – Two at Corbett NP.
STEPPE EAGLE (Aquila nipalensis) – About 6 in the Nainital to Sat Tal area.
IMPERIAL EAGLE (Aquila heliaca) – An immature bird flew over us at Bharatpur.
WHITE-EYED BUZZARD (Butastur teesa) – Eight at Bandhavgarh.
EURASIAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus aeruginosus) – Three at Bharatpur, and 4 at Sultanpur Jheel.
NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus) – We saw a single male at Corbett NP.
SHIKRA (Accipiter badius) – Two in the Bund Baretha area.
EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter nisus) – One at Sat Tal, and 1 at Bharatpur.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – Thousands in Delhi (especially over the garbage dump), and many others around towns throughout the tour.
PALLAS'S FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) – Four in Corbett NP, with good scope looks at 2 of them.
LESSER FISH-EAGLE (Ichthyophaga humilis) – Three at Corbett NP.
COMMON BUZZARD (Buteo buteo) – One at Sat Tal.
LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD (Buteo rufinus) – Nice looks at 1 at the Chambal River.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN (Amaurornis phoenicurus) – Small numbers at Okhla, Bharatpur, and Sultanpur Jheel.
PURPLE SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio) – At least 60 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary were by far the most together, but we also saw small numbers at Bharatpur and Sultanpur Jheel.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – Six at Okhla, and then several hundred at Bharatpur and Sultanpur Jheel.
Long-billed Thrush: we had great looks at this odd species near Kumeria. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)
Gruidae (Cranes)
SARUS CRANE (Grus antigone) – About a dozen from the train between Ramnagar and Delhi, and then good looks at a pair along the Delhi to Agra Highway, and finally 2 more near Delhi.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
GREAT THICK-KNEE (Esacus recurvirostris) – One on the exposed mud in front of Dikhala Lodge, and great looks at 3 from the boat on the Chambal River.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – Fairly common and widespread throughout the tour; with a total of about 180.
Ibidorhynchidae (Ibisbill)
IBISBILL (Ibidorhyncha struthersii) – Fabulous close looks this year along the Kosi River near Ramnagar - just amazing!
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
RIVER LAPWING (Vanellus duvaucelii) – About 35 in the Corbett to Kumeria area, and then 8 in the Agra and Chambal River area.
YELLOW-WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus malabaricus) – Six in an open field near Chambal Safari Lodge.
RED-WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus indicus) – Common and widespread.
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING (Vanellus leucurus) – Two at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, 10 at Bharatpur, and 6 at Sultanpur Jheel.
KENTISH PLOVER (KENTISH) (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus) – Two along the Chambal River.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius) – Four on the muddy shore below Dikhala Lodge, and about 20 along the Chambal River.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
PHEASANT-TAILED JACANA (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) – Three amongst the floating vegetation at Bharatpur.
BRONZE-WINGED JACANA (Metopidius indicus) – Four at Bharatpur, and 3 at Bund Baretha.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – Singles at Ramnagar, Bandhavgarh, Bharatpur, and Sultanpur Jheel.
GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus) – A total of 6 singles were seen at a variety of widespread wetlands.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – About 12 at Bharatpur, and a few other singles at scattered areas elsewhere.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – About 50 at Sultanpur Jheel, 30 at Bharatpur, and a few others at widespread wetlands.
COMMON REDSHANK (Tringa totanus) – Six behind the Taj Mahal, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
EURASIAN CURLEW (Numenius arquata) – Two flew over us at Bharatpur.
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa) – One at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and 3 at Sultanpur Jheel.
RUFF (Calidris pugnax) – About a dozen behind the Taj Mahal, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
TEMMINCK'S STINT (Calidris temminckii) – About 30 along the Chambal River, and 6 at Sultanpur Jheel.
LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta) – Two along the Chambal River.
Turnicidae (Buttonquail)
BARRED BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix suscitator) – Some of the group saw 3 at Bandhavgarh.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
SMALL PRATINCOLE (Glareola lactea) – About 40 on the open shore below Dikhala Lodge.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
BLACK-HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) – About 20 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
CASPIAN GULL (Larus cachinnans) – Six at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and 1 along the Chambal River.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) – One at Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
BLACK-BELLIED TERN (Sterna acuticauda) – Nice looks at 2 flying birds along the Chambal River.
RIVER TERN (Sterna aurantia) – At least 30 at Corbett NP, and 4 from the boat on the Chambal River.
INDIAN SKIMMER (Rynchops albicollis) – We had excellent close looks at about 12 of these uncommon skimmers during our boat trip along the Chambal River.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Common and widespread in towns and villages throughout the tour.
Indian Skimmers are another uncommon species. (Photo by guide Terry Stevenson)
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) – Common and widespread in the lower areas and plains.
RED COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia tranquebarica) – One at Bandhavgarh.
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) – Common in the Corbett, Ramnagar and Bandhavgarh areas.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) – Common from Agra to Bharatpur.
EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica) – One briefly in flight at Corbett NP, and then 1 perched nicely at Sat Tal.
YELLOW-FOOTED PIGEON (Treron phoenicopterus) – About 20 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, 40 at Bandhavgarh, and 5 at Bharatpur.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
ASIAN KOEL (Eudynamys scolopaceus) – One of the group saw a female at Bharatpur.
GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis) – We saw a total of about 40 in the plains area.
Strigidae (Owls)
INDIAN SCOPS-OWL (Otus bakkamoena) – Good looks at 1 at Chambal Safari Lodge, and then another at Bharatpur.
DUSKY EAGLE-OWL (Bubo coromandus) – A pair at Bharatpur.
BROWN FISH-OWL (Ketupa zeylonensis) – Great looks at a close bird near The Den, and then a second bird for some of the group at Bandhavgarh.
ASIAN BARRED OWLET (Glaucidium cuculoides) – Singles near Nainital and Sat Tal.
JUNGLE OWLET (Glaucidium radiatum) – Two feeding on flying termites over the main road through Ramnagar town, and at least 5 at Bandhavgarh.
SPOTTED OWLET (Athene brama) – Three at Sitabani Forest, 3 at Bharatpur, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Apodidae (Swifts)
ALPINE SWIFT (Apus melba) – Some of the group saw a single bird over the Mongoli Trail.
PACIFIC SWIFT (Apus pacificus) – Also known as Fork-tailed Swift; one of the group saw 1 near Agra.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis) – Widespread near towns and cliff faces throughout the tour.
Hemiprocnidae (Treeswifts)
CRESTED TREESWIFT (Hemiprocne coronata) – About 30 at Bandhavgarh.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
COMMON KINGFISHER (Alcedo atthis) – Small numbers were widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.
STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER (Pelargopsis capensis) – Heard near Ramnagar town, and then seen during several drives at Bandhavgarh.
WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis) – Common and widespread.
CRESTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle lugubris) – We saw a total of about 10 along the Kosi River and adjoining tributaries.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – Fairly common and widespread.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
GREEN BEE-EATER (Merops orientalis) – Five at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, about a dozen at Bandhavgarh, at least 60 in the Bharatpur area, and another 50 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
INDIAN ROLLER (Coracias benghalensis) – A few near Delhi and Ramnagar, about 20 along the road from Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh, and another 20 between Bharatpur and Delhi.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops) – We saw a total of 8 in scattered areas of low dry country.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
INDIAN GRAY HORNBILL (Ocyceros birostris) – Many good looks this tour; with a total of about 30 at a variety of widespread woodland sites.
MALABAR PIED-HORNBILL (Anthracoceros coronatus) – Heard by all, and seen by most of the group at Bandhavgarh.
ORIENTAL PIED-HORNBILL (Anthracoceros albirostris) – Two pairs (one briefly and one seen well) in the Ramnagar area.
Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets)
COPPERSMITH BARBET (Psilopogon haemacephalus) – Many heard and a few seen at Okhla, Bandhavgarh, and Sultanpur Jheel.
GREAT BARBET (Psilopogon virens) – Many heard and 2 seen well near Nainital.
LINEATED BARBET (Psilopogon lineatus) – Seven seen (and others heard) in the Corbett to Nainital area.
BROWN-HEADED BARBET (Psilopogon zeylanicus) – Three at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, 3 at Bandhavgarh, and several others heard at a variety of sites in the lowlands.
BLUE-THROATED BARBET (Psilopogon asiaticus) – Nice looks at 1 at Corbett NP.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BROWN-CAPPED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos nanus) – Two singles near Ramnagar.
GRAY-CAPPED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos canicapillus) – Six in the Corbett NP area.
BROWN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos auriceps) – Three in the Nainital area.
FULVOUS-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos macei) – Singles at Corbett, Nainital, and Sitabani.
LESSER YELLOWNAPE (Picus chlorolophus) – Singles at Corbett NP, and along the Mongoli Trail.
STREAK-THROATED WOODPECKER (Picus xanthopygaeus) – Two at the Wild Crest Hotel, 2 at Sitabani Forest, and 2 at Bandhavgarh.
GRAY-HEADED WOODPECKER (Picus canus) – Two near The Den.
HIMALAYAN FLAMEBACK (Dinopium shorii) – One at Corbett NP.
BLACK-RUMPED FLAMEBACK (Dinopium benghalense) – A pair near Ramnagar town, and then about 5 at Bandhavgarh, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
BUFF-SPOTTED FLAMEBACK (Chrysocolaptes lucidus) – Formerly lumped with Greaser Flameback; we heard 1 at Sat Tal.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FALCONET (Microhierax caerulescens) – Great looks at singles at Corbett and The Den.
EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) – Singles at Corbett, Bund Baretha, and Sultanpur Jheel.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – A few of the group saw 1 near Agra.
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET (Psittacula eupatria) – Good looks at various times for all of our group at Bandhavgarh.
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET (Psittacula krameri) – Very common and widespread in the plains.
SLATY-HEADED PARAKEET (Psittacula himalayana) – About 40 at Corbett, 300 at Sat Tal, and 8 at Ramnagar.
PLUM-HEADED PARAKEET (Psittacula cyanocephala) – Beautiful, common, and widespread; in all we saw about 400.
RED-BREASTED PARAKEET (Psittacula alexandri) – Some of the group saw a single flock of 200+ at Dikhala Lodge, and then we all saw a total of about another 150 in the Corbett to Ramnagar area.
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
COMMON WOODSHRIKE (Tephrodornis pondicerianus) – One at Bandhavgarh for some of the group, then another along the Chambal River, and finally good looks at 3 at Sultanpur Jheel.
BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE (Hemipus picatus) – About 10 in the Kumeria area.
Aegithinidae (Ioras)
COMMON IORA (Aegithina tiphia) – One at Corbett NP, and 2 at Bandhavgarh.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
SMALL MINIVET (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) – A pair at Bandhavgarh.
LONG-TAILED MINIVET (Pericrocotus ethologus) – About 10 in the Corbett area, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
LARGE CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina macei) – One at Sitabani Forest, and 3 at Bandhavgarh.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
ISABELLINE SHRIKE (Lanius isabellinus) – One at Sultanpur Jheel.
BROWN SHRIKE (Lanius cristatus) – One at Bandhavgarh.
BAY-BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius vittatus) – Some of the group saw 1 at Bandhavgarh, and then everyone saw a second bird at Sultanpur Jheel.
LONG-TAILED SHRIKE (Lanius schach) – Widespread throughout the tour.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE (Oriolus xanthornus) – Three singles at Corbett, at least 10 at Bandhavgarh, and 1 at Bharatpur.
MAROON ORIOLE (Oriolus traillii) – We saw a single female at Ramnagar, and then 2 others in Corbett NP.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
BLACK DRONGO (Dicrurus macrocercus) – Common and widespread.
ASHY DRONGO (Dicrurus leucophaeus) – Singles at Corbett NP and Sat Tal.
WHITE-BELLIED DRONGO (Dicrurus caerulescens) – One at Corbett NP, and 2 at Bandhavgarh.
BRONZED DRONGO (Dicrurus aeneus) – Two along the Mongoli Trail.
HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO (Dicrurus hottentottus) – We saw a total of about 10 in the Corbett to Ramnagar area, and 1 at Bandhavgarh.
GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus paradiseus) – At least 6 at Bandhavgarh, and 1 (for 2 of the group) at Bharatpur.
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL (Rhipidura albicollis) – Fifteen in the Corbett-Kumeria-Ramnagar area.
WHITE-BROWED FANTAIL (Rhipidura aureola) – Four at Bandhavgarh.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
ASIAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone paradisi) – Heard at Bandhavgarh.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BLACK-HEADED JAY (Garrulus lanceolatus) – Four along the Mongoli Trail, and then heard at Snow View.
RED-BILLED BLUE-MAGPIE (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) – Great looks at these gorgeous birds in the Ramnagar area (10), and then at Sat Tal (12).
COMMON GREEN-MAGPIE (Cissa chinensis) – One of our group saw a single bird at Corbett NP.
RUFOUS TREEPIE (Dendrocitta vagabunda) – Widespread in wooded country throughout the tour.
GRAY TREEPIE (Dendrocitta formosae) – Two near Ramnagar, and then a single at Wild Crest.
HOUSE CROW (Corvus splendens) – Very common and widespread in the plains.
LARGE-BILLED CROW (LARGE-BILLED) (Corvus macrorhynchos japonensis) – Very common in the mountains around Nainital.
LARGE-BILLED CROW (INDIAN JUNGLE) (Corvus macrorhynchos culminatus) – Very common and widespread across the plains.
Alaudidae (Larks)
ASHY-CROWNED SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix griseus) – We saw an adult male at Sultanpur Jheel.
CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata) – One along the shore of the Chambal River.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
PLAIN MARTIN (Riparia paludicola) – Recently split as Gray-throated Martin, R. chinensis; we saw about 50 at wetlands throughout this tour.
EURASIAN CRAG-MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne rupestris) – About 10 at Bandhavgarh.
DUSKY CRAG-MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne concolor) – Six along the Bayana Rocks.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Small numbers throughout the tour.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii) – Nice views of a pair by the gate at Bandhavgarh, and then 4 at Bharatpur.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica) – About 20 at Sat Tal.
STREAK-THROATED SWALLOW (Petrochelidon fluvicola) – We saw a few very distantly near the Ganges, but we then all had great looks at the Ramnagar Barrage.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
YELLOW-BELLIED FAIRY-FANTAIL (Chelidorhynx hypoxantha) – Six in the Corbett-Kumeria-Ramnagar area.
GRAY-HEADED CANARY-FLYCATCHER (Culicicapa ceylonensis) – Small numbers in the Corbett to Nainital area.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
COAL TIT (BLACK-CRESTED) (Periparus ater melanolophus) – Usually split as Black-crested Tit; we saw 4 at Snow View.
CINEREOUS TIT (Parus cinereus) – Recently split from Great Tit; we saw about 20 in the Corbett-Kumeria-Ramnagar area.
GREEN-BACKED TIT (Parus monticolus) – We saw about 30 of this highland species around Nainital.
BLACK-LORED TIT (Parus xanthogenys) – Great looks at Corbett, Kumeria, and Sat Tal; in all we saw about 10.
Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)
BLACK-THROATED TIT (Aegithalos concinnus) – These gorgeous little birds were quite common in the mountains around Nainital.
Sittidae (Nuthatches)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH (Sitta cinnamoventris) – Twelve in the high country between Corbett and Nainital.
WHITE-TAILED NUTHATCH (Sitta himalayensis) – Two at Nainital.
VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH (Sitta frontalis) – Two at Corbett NP.
Tichodromidae (Wallcreeper)
WALLCREEPER (Tichodroma muraria) – We flushed 1 (and got good flight views) at the Ramnagar Barrage.
Certhiidae (Treecreepers)
BAR-TAILED TREECREEPER (Certhia himalayana) – Fairly common in the Kumeria and Nainital areas; in all we saw about 18.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
BROWN DIPPER (Cinclus pallasii) – Two along the Kosi River.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
RED-VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus cafer) – Very common and widespread.
RED-WHISKERED BULBUL (Pycnonotus jocosus) – Common from Corbett to Nainital.
WHITE-EARED BULBUL (Pycnonotus leucotis) – About 12 in the Bharatpur area.
HIMALAYAN BULBUL (Pycnonotus leucogenys) – Very common in the mountains around Kumeria and Nainital.
BLACK BULBUL (Hypsipetes leucocephalus psaroides) – Ten at Corbett, and 25+ at Sat Tal.
ASHY BULBUL (Hemixos flavala) – About 10 at Sat Tal.
Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers)
COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (SIBERIAN) (Phylloscopus collybita tristis) – Some authorities now split this form 'tristis' as Siberian Chiffchaff; we saw about 10 in the Okhla Bird Sanctuary area.
TICKELL'S LEAF WARBLER (Phylloscopus affinis) – One at Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
BUFF-BARRED WARBLER (Phylloscopus pulcher) – One near Nainital.
PALE-RUMPED WARBLER (Phylloscopus chloronotus) – Fairly common around Nainital and along the trail at Sat Tal; in all we saw about 35.
HUME'S WARBLER (Phylloscopus humei) – Surprisingly few this year with just 6 at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
GREENISH WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochiloides) – Two singles at Bandhavgarh.
GRAY-HOODED WARBLER (Phylloscopus xanthoschistos) – Common in the Corbett-Kumeria-Sat Tal area; we saw a total of about 100.
WHISTLER'S WARBLER (Seicercus whistleri) – One at Kumeria and 1 at Sat Tal.
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
BLYTH'S REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus dumetorum) – One seen (and a few heard) at Bharatpur.
CLAMOROUS REED-WARBLER (BROWN) (Acrocephalus stentoreus brunnescens) – Three at Bharatpur.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
COMMON TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus sutorius) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 14.
GRAY-BREASTED PRINIA (Prinia hodgsonii) – About 6 in the Corbett and Ramnagar area.
YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA (Prinia flaviventris) – One at Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
ASHY PRINIA (Prinia socialis) – One at Okhla, and then about 12 in the Bharatpur area, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
PLAIN PRINIA (Prinia inornata) – Singles at Corbett and Bandhavgarh, and then 4 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Sylviidae (Sylviid Warblers)
LESSER WHITETHROAT (Sylvia curruca) – Five at Bharatpur, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE (Zosterops palpebrosus) – Very common and widespread.
Timaliidae (Tree-Babblers, Scimitar-Babblers, and Allies)
BLACK-CHINNED BABBLER (Cyanoderma pyrrhops) – We saw pairs and small groups below Nainital, at Sat Tal, and at Sitabani Forest.
RUSTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Megapomatorhinus erythrogenys) – Two at Corbett, and 2 along the Mongoli Trail.
Pellorneidae (Ground Babblers and Allies)
PUFF-THROATED BABBLER (Pellorneum ruficeps) – Heard at Bandhavgarh.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
STRIATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Grammatoptila striata) – Nice looks at 1 at Sat Tal.
COMMON BABBLER (Turdoides caudata) – Six in the scrub near the Chambal River.
LARGE GRAY BABBLER (Turdoides malcolmi) – Five between Agra and the Chambal River, 3 at Bharatpur, and about a dozen at Sultanpur Jheel.
JUNGLE BABBLER (Turdoides striata) – Very common and widespread.
WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax leucolophus) – Good looks at Forktail Creek (3), and then briefly at Sitabani Forest (2).
WHITE-THROATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Ianthocincla albogularis) – About 10 at Corbett NP, 30 at Sat Tal, and 20 along the Mongoli Trail.
STREAKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Trochalopteron lineatum) – Common in the Nainital area; in all we saw about 120.
RUFOUS SIBIA (Heterophasia capistrata) – Four at Sat Tal.
RED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX (Leiothrix lutea) – Great looks this tour, with about 20 along the Mongoli Trail, and a dozen at Sat Tal.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
INDIAN ROBIN (Copsychus fulicatus) – Small numbers at scattered areas in the lowlands; we saw a total of about 20.
ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus saularis) – We saw a total of about 40 at a variety of sites in the low country.
WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA (Copsychus malabaricus) – Some of the group watched a singing male at Bandhavgarh.
SMALL NILTAVA (Niltava macgrigoriae) – We saw a single male at Sat Tal.
RUFOUS-BELLIED NILTAVA (Niltava sundara) – We saw males at The Den, and at Sat Tal.
VERDITER FLYCATCHER (Eumyias thalassinus) – Some of the group saw 1 at the Wild Crest Hotel,
BLUETHROAT (Luscinia svecica) – Great looks at the 'red-spotted' form at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and then 7 others (various forms) at Bharatpur and Sultanpur Jheel.
BLUE WHISTLING-THRUSH (Myophonus caeruleus) – Very common in the Corbett-Kumeria and Nainital areas; in all we saw about 40.
SPOTTED FORKTAIL (Enicurus maculatus) – Two singles in the Kumeria area, and 1 (briefly) at Sat Tal.
SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT (Calliope calliope) – A rather shy male was at Bharatpur.
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL (Tarsiger cyanurus) – About a dozen between Nainital and Sat Tal included some beautiful males.
GOLDEN BUSH-ROBIN (Tarsiger chrysaeus) – A couple of the group saw a single male below Nainital.
ULTRAMARINE FLYCATCHER (Ficedula superciliaris) – Some of the group saw a single female at Bandhavgarh.
RUFOUS-GORGETED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula strophiata) – We all saw a single male along the trail at Sat Tal.
RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula parva) – We saw a total of about 8 at a variety of widespread areas of woodland.
SLATY-BLUE FLYCATCHER (Ficedula tricolor) – A female at Sat Tal.
BLUE-FRONTED REDSTART (Phoenicurus frontalis) – A female was along the forest trail at Sat Tal.
PLUMBEOUS REDSTART (Phoenicurus fuliginosus) – Very common along rivers in the high country, where we saw about 60 in all.
WHITE-CAPPED REDSTART (Phoenicurus leucocephalus) – Common and also inhabits the same areas as the previous species; we saw a total of about 35.
BLUE-CAPPED REDSTART (Phoenicurus caeruleocephala) – Six (including at least 1 nice male) in the Nainital area.
BLACK REDSTART (Phoenicurus ochruros) – One at Bandhavgarh, 3 at Bharatpur, and 8 at Sultanpur Jheel.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola rufiventris) – We saw single males at Corbett NP and Snow View, and then a female at Bandhavgarh.
BLUE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola solitarius) – We saw a single male along the shore of the Chambal River.
SIBERIAN STONECHAT (Saxicola maurus) – Birds in North India (where we saw about 30) are now split by some as Siberian Stonechat; we saw both the nominate and 'indicus' races.
PIED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola caprata) – Widespread in small numbers (especially in the lowlands).
GRAY BUSHCHAT (Saxicola ferreus) – About 10 were seen mainly in the Corbett and Nainital areas.
INDIAN CHAT (Cercomela fusca) – Two at the Wild Crest Hotel, 2 at Fatehpur Sikri, and 2 at Bayana Rocks.
DESERT WHEATEAR (Oenanthe deserti) – One from the boat on the Chambal River.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ORANGE-HEADED THRUSH (Geokichla citrina) – Nice looks at Chambal Safari Lodge, and near Bund Baretha.
LONG-BILLED THRUSH (Zoothera monticola) – Just fantastic looks at this strange bird as it fed in a stream bed in the Kumeria area.
TICKELL'S THRUSH (Turdus unicolor) – At least 3 were in an overgrown garden near Bund Baretha.
GRAY-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Turdus boulboul) – Small numbers were widespread in the high country; in all we saw about 20.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
JUNGLE MYNA (Acridotheres fuscus) – Four at Corbett NP, and 6 at Bandhavgarh.
BANK MYNA (Acridotheres ginginianus) – Very common in the lowlands, including towns and farm country.
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Very common and widespread everywhere.
ASIAN PIED STARLING (Gracupica contra) – About 20 around Delhi and Ramnagar, and then a couple of hundred in the Bharatpur and Sultanpur Jheel areas.
BRAHMINY STARLING (Temenuchus pagodarum) – Six at Bandhavgarh, and about 20 Bharatpur.
Chloropseidae (Leafbirds)
JERDON'S LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis jerdoni) – One at Bandhavgarh for four of the group.
ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis hardwickii) – Two singles in the Kumeria area.
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
PALE-BILLED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos) – One at the Wild Crest Hotel.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
PURPLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris asiaticus) – Common and widespread.
GREEN-TAILED SUNBIRD (Aethopyga nipalensis) – Some of the group saw a single male along the forest trail at Sat Tal.
CRIMSON SUNBIRD (Aethopyga siparaja) – Great looks at this striking sunbird at Kumeria and Sitabani Forest.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava) – Widespread in small numbers; with a total of about 40.
CITRINE WAGTAIL (Motacilla citreola) – Two at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and 2 at Bund Baretha.
GRAY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea) – About 6 along streams in the high country, and 1 at Bandhavgarh.
WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba) – About a dozen along the Delhi to Agra Highway, 20 at Chambal river, 12 at Bharatpur, and 1 at Sultanpur Jheel.
WHITE-BROWED WAGTAIL (Motacilla madaraspatensis) – Widespread in small numbers; with a total of about 60.
ORIENTAL PIPIT (Anthus rufulus) – Also known as Paddyfield Pipit; we saw 4 at Corbett, 2 at Bandhavgarh, and 2 at Sultanpur Jheel.
LONG-BILLED PIPIT (Anthus similis) – One at Corbett NP.
TAWNY PIPIT (Anthus campestris) – Two along the Chambal River.
TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis) – One at Bandhavgarh.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
ROCK BUNTING (Emberiza cia) – Five in the open rocky country near Nainital.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PINK-BROWED ROSEFINCH (Carpodacus rodochroa) – Nice looks at a male and 2 females below Nainital.
YELLOW-BREASTED GREENFINCH (Chloris spinoides) – Eight in the open farm country at Sat Tal.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Common and widespread.
RUSSET SPARROW (Passer rutilans) – Two singles briefly in the Nainital area, and nice looks at a pair near a nest hole at Sat Tal.
CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED PETRONIA (Petronia xanthocollis) – About 50 at Bandhavgarh, and 10 at Bharatpur.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
RED AVADAVAT (Amandava amandava) – About 10 at Sultanpur Jheel.
MAMMALS
INDIAN FLYING-FOX (Pteropus giganteus) – About 50 at Chambal Safari Lodge, and a dozen at Bund Baretha.
RHESUS MONKEY (Macaca mulatta) – Very common and widespread throughout the tour.
COMMON LANGUR (Presbytis entellus) – Very common in the mountains around Corbett and Nainital, and then about 100 each day at Bandhavgarh, and 20 at Bayana Rocks.
INDIAN HARE (Lepus nigricollis) – Singles at Chambal River Lodge and Sultanpur Jheel.
PALM SQUIRREL (Funambulus pennanti) – Very common and widespread on the plains; in all we saw about 200.
COMMON JACKAL (Canis aureus) – Two singles at Corbett NP, 1 at Bandhavgarh, and up to 8 at Bharatpur.
EUROPEAN RIVER OTTER (Lutra lutra) – One at Corbett NP.
COMMON MONGOOSE (Herpestes smithi) – Also known as Ruddy Mongoose, we had brief looks at 1 at Bandhavgarh.
JUNGLE CAT (Felis chaus) – One for some of the group at Corbett NP, and another (briefly for some) during the boat trip along the Chambal River.
TIGER (Panthera tigris) – Two of us saw a 1 distantly at Corbett NP, and then another two of the group watched a close female walk right beside their vehicle at Bandhavgarh.
INDIAN ELEPHANT (Elephas maximus) – Nice close looks at 11 (including males, females and a tiny baby) at Corbett NP.
WILD BOAR (Sus scrofa) – About 20 at Corbett NP, 10 at Bandhavgarh, and 6 at Bharatpur.
MUNTJAC (BARKING DEER) (Muntiacus muntjak) – Ten at Corbett NP, and 2 at Bandhavgarh.
SPOTTED DEER (Axis axis) – Very common at Corbett (350), about 40 at Sitabani Forest, and 400 at Bandhavgarh.
HOG DEER (Axis porcinus) – Six at Corbett NP.
SAMBAR (Cervus unicolor) – About 20 at Corbett NP, 1 at Sitabani Forest, a dozen at Bandhavgarh, and 4 at Bharatpur.
NILGAI (Boselaphus tragocamelus) – About 60 at Bharatpur, and 40+ at Sultanpur Jheel.
GAUR (Bos gaurus) – About a dozen of this huge bovine were seen from one of the vehicles at Bandhavgarh. [I]
COMMON GORAL (Nemorhaedus goral) – Four in the high rocky mountains near Nainital.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Reptiles seen on the tour included:
Marsh Mugger; we saw about 15 of these crocodiles at Corbett NP, and 20 along the Chambal River.
Gharial; about 25 at Corbett NP, and 30+ in the Chambal River, some really huge ones were at both areas.
Water Monitor; 1 at Corbett NP.
Soft-shelled Terrapin; seen at several widespread sites throughout he tour.
Totals for the tour: 315 bird taxa and 19 mammal taxa