Bird Watching

Bird Watching Tours in Uttarakhand

The Himalayan state of  Uttarakhand has one of the richest and most diverse bird habitats in Asia amongst amazing scenery. One of the best places in India for Birding activity is the ornithological treasure house of Corbett landscape situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and it is a designated IBA (Important Bird Area) by  Birdlife International with over 550 species of birds (including over 50 species of raptors).

Uttarakhand exhibits a high degree of variation and diversity in birds largely due to altitude varying from 400 feet to over  25,000  feet leading to different forest types in a relatively small region. Secondly, Uttrakhand is located in the transition zone between trans Himalayas and the plains and here the avifauna of the Himalayas meets that of the Indian plains resulting in high diversity. Additionally, it is also favored by migratory birds from further north in  Asia, which are attracted to the several rivers/streams and reservoirs in the landscape. This makes Uttarahand home to more than 600 species of birds.

The extremely diverse landscape harbour Lammergeyer, Himalayan Monal and Cheer Pheasant at higher reaches, lower down  the broad-leafed forested valleys hold Great Hornbills, Pallas’s Fish Eagles and Forktails. Further down the swamps of the vast Gangetic plains forms habitat for some of the most endangered avifauna like Hodgson’s Bushchat, Swamp francolin & Sarus Crane.

The state is also home to  Red Junglefowl, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, White-rumped Spinetail, Crested Treeswift, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Lineated and Brown-headed Barbets, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Rufous and Grey Treepies, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike,  Pallas’s and Lesser Fish Eagles, Tawny Fish Owl and Black-chinned Babbler amongst others.

The rare Ibisbill can also be spotted in the Kosi River bed during winters. Some of the other winter migrants include the Greylag and the Barheaded goose, Great Crested Grebe, Snipe  Sandpiper, and Gull.

The avifauna of Uttarakhand is best illustrated in Kumeria and  Dhikala zone  and  Bajun in Mangoli Valley. Thirteen Near Threatened species are also found in this IBA. It is also one of the last nesting grounds for highly endangered Indian white back vultures. Other amazing places for bird watching are Pangot and the various lakes in Nainital including Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal.

The best time for birding is from late November to February, when there are altitudinal and long distance migrants also besides the resident species.