assam & the northeast frontier

1 Birdquest: Assam & The Northeast Frontier 2008

ASSAM & THE NORTHEAST FRONTIER

8 – 24/30 MARCH 2008

TOUR REPORT

LEADER: HANNU JÄNNES The fourth Birdquest tour to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya was subject to some major changes in the itinerary because we included the recently opened, but very exciting Mishmi Hills in northern Arunachal Pradesh in the main itinerary, and offered the Kaziranga and Meghalaya sections as a tour extension. Despite some days of very poor weather and some logistical problems, the new itinerary worked very well, and we had a really great tour with a good selection of the NE Indian bird specialities, and an excellent array of top mammals. All in all we scored a total of 408 species of birds including a very high proportion of the regions target species. Some of the tour highlights included lowland forest specialities like Pale-headed Woodpecker, Great, Wreathed, Rusty-cheeked and Rufous-necked Hornbills, Pied Falconet, Snowy-throated Babbler, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Chestnut-backed and Rufous-vented Laughingthrushes; Assam grassland specialities like Swamp Prinia, Slender-billed Babbler, Jerdon’s Babbler, Swamp Francolin, Black-breasted Parrotbill and Bengal Florican; East Himalayan mountain birds like the amazing Blyth’s Tragopan (bird of the trip), the recently rediscovered Mishmi Wren-babbler, the seldom seen Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler, the amazing Long-billed Wren-babbler, and the striking and so tame Bar-winged Wren-babbler (altogether we scored nine species of wren-babblers on this trip), Sickle-billed (or Slender-billed) Scimitar-babbler, Himalayan Cutia and Black-headed Shrike-babbler; the Meghalayan specialities like Tawny-breasted Wren-babbler, Grey Sibia, Assam Laughingthrush and Dark-rumped Swift. There were many other memorable birds: Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Adjutant, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Pallas’s and Grey-headed Fish Eagles, White-tailed Eagle, Slender-billed and White-backed Vultures, Oriental Hobby, a stunning male Pied Harrier, Ibisbill, Brown Crake, Brown Fish Owl, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Blue-naped Pitta, Bengal Bushlark, White-throated Bulbul, Maroon-backed Accentor, Sapphire, Pale Blue and Pygmy Blue Flycatchers, Yellow-vented, Grey-cheeked and Rufous-faced Warblers, Spot-breasted Scimitar-babbler, Collared Treepie, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, White-hooded Babbler, Rusty-fronted and Streak-throated Barwings, Red-tailed Minla, Rufous-throated, Golden-breasted, Yellow-throated, Manipur, Brown-throated and Rusty-capped Fulvettas, Beautiful and Long-tailed Sibias, Grey-headed, Lesser and Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills, Bengal Bushlark, and Fire-tailed and Green-tailed Sunbirds. The mammalian highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the magnificent Tiger we encountered at Kaziranga, but this mammal rich tour included many other good animals including Slow Lorie,


Hoolock Gibbon, Asian Elephant, Asian One-horned Rhino, Smooth-coated Otter, Ganges Indus Dolphin and excellent views of two species of Flying Squirrel. After our arrival at Dibrugarh airport, we were met by our guides and off-road vehicles and sped off towards Namdapha National Park. On the way we were told that a major landslide had made the approach road to Namdapha impassable for cars, and instead of spending the first night at Deban Resthouse, we had to camp on the way at a place called ‘Km 10’. Thanks to a delayed internal flight and seemingly endless numbers of stops at various army and police check posts it was not until 10 pm when we reached our tents and had our late dinner, followed by a well earned rest. On the way the first car spotted a Slow Loris crossing the road, and our local guide rushed out and crabbed the animal for a short time so that everybody was able to have a quick, close-up look at this cute mammal with the huge eyes. Next morning we were up even before sunrise, and did some pre-breakfast birding in the semi-open forest around our camp, which produced, among other things, a male Pale Blue Flycatcher and the only positively identified Greater Necklaced Laughingthrushes of the trip. After breakfast we started to walk the 10 kilometres to Deban birding on the way. The roadside birding was pretty good, and highlights of our walk, which took a large part of the day, included Crested Goshawk in display flight, two Red-headed Trogons, a brief Speckled Piculet, Large Woodshrike and two Eye-browed Wren-babblers, which gave good close views. In Deban we had some rest before some of us headed to the stony shores of the fast flowing Noa Dihing River, which slices through the forested hills here, where we found two Ibisbills, two River Lapwings, two Himalayan Pied Kingfishers (a.k.a. Crested Kingfisher) and it’s smaller cousin the Lesser Pied Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Blue Rock-thrush. The next day began with some birding around our accommodation at Haldibari, producing Grey-chinned Minivet, Blue-winged Leafbird, Sapphire Flycatcher, Grey-throated Babbler, a trio of Rufous-backed, Beautiful and Long-tailed Sibias, two Blue-winged Minlas, Chestnut-headed Tesia, several Yellow-vented Warblers in full song and two Maroon Orioles. After breakfast we started on our mini expedition into the park proper. We first crossed the rapidly flowing Noa Dihing River with the help of the skilled boatman and then the smaller Deban River by wading up to our thighs, before joining the main track to Haldibari (475m) Our progress was quite slow, as there were a number of interesting birds encountered on the way, including a rather distant Rufous-bellied Eagle, a group of Pin-tailed Green-pigeons in a fruiting tree, several Rufous-necked Hornbills, a very responsive Pale-headed Woodpecker in its bamboo habitat, a large group of Long-tailed Broadbills, two Indian White-hooded Babblers, Black-crested and Mountain Bulbuls, a single Grey-headed Parrotbill, Slaty-bellied Tesia and a group of Nepal Fulvettas. After some refreshing tea at our camp in Haldibari, we did some birding near the camp, but the forest was very quiet. At dusk, we started to work on the Hodgson’s Frogmouth, discovered here last year by Craig Robson with another Birdquest group, but it took quite some time before we even heard this wary bird, and we never actually managed to see it. In the morning we headed back to the bamboo area near Haldibari, which seemed to be the area with most of the bird activity. Some of the highlights here included the briefest of views of a Grey Peacock Pheasant (after a lot of play-back), a confident Streaked Wren-babbler, two Red-headed Trogons, a noisy group of White-crested Laughingthrushes, several Blue-winged and Red-tailed Minlas, a large group of Grey-headed Parrotbills, and our first White-bellied Erpornis and Rufous-faced Warblers. In the afternoon it was time for some more trekking, and as the forest was surprisingly quiet we reached the next camp at Hornbill in good time. Once at Hornbill, we enjoyed some tea and had excellent scope views of two Pied Falconets, before we rushed out to a nearby clearing, where a total of 25 Great Hornbills, Rusty-cheeked Hornbill, a large group of Rusty-fronted Barwings, and some other interesting birds kept us entertained till dusk. Today we split the group into two, the faster one walking pretty much directly to an area of extensive bamboo for some key species, and the slower group birding with local guides closer to our camp at Hornbill. The bamboo area held another Pale-headed Woodpecker, and a large, noisy mixed flock


including Orange-billed (Red-billed) Scimitar Babbler, at least 15 Indian White-hooded Babblers, and Lesser and Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills. In addition we managed to locate a group of four little known Snowy-throated Babblers, which true to their reputation, moved around us very quickly, and offered only briefest of views. The other group had, among other things, a Golden-throated Barbet and good views of both Yellownapes. Some spotlighting around the camp in the evening produced really good views of two Namdapha Flying Squirrels and also a sighting of a civet, which according to our local guide Japang was a Malayan Palm Civet. As we still needed one key species, the Beautiful Nuthatch, we headed back to ‘the Nuthatch Ridge’ the next morning and spent some time there trying to locate this enigmatic bird from the treetops. However, things were quiet, and although we might have heard it a couple of times, we didn’t even glimpse it. In the afternoon we walked back to Haldibari via Hornbill through some very quiet forest. Back in Haldibari we had a nice group of Rusty-fronted Barwings right in the camp and a very close, vocal, but extremely skulking Large Scimitar-babbler, which only showed itself to one of us. In the evening, while we were trying again to see the calling Hodgson’s Frogmouth, it started to rain, and in the middle of the night we experienced a really amazing thunderstorm, with some big trees falling down in the jungle. Luckily our brand new, and very spacious tents proved to be water proof, and we all had a dry night despite the very heavy downpour. The next morning dawned clear, and for the first time during our stay in Namdapha, the forest was full of bird activity. Our morning session produced the first visual contact with a Buff-throated Babbler, a Rufous-throated Fulvetta, and a White-browed Shortwing singing in the bush before showing briefly, our only group of Hill Mynas, which in some years are very common here, and a single Pygmy Blue Flycatcher. In the afternoon we walked back to Deban, and, while waiting for the raft to take us over the river (the wooden boat, which is normally used for this purpose had sank during the previous night’s storm!), we had a great raptor session. First was a close by White-tailed Eagle, and then in rapid succession Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk-eagle, Osprey and, rather surprisingly, Northern Goshawk. A few moments later a Peregrine Falcon of the local peregrinator subspecies, which initially tried to disguise itself as an Oriental Hobby, appeared, before the ‘real’ bird, the Peregrine, was found some time later sitting in a dead treetop! Back in Deban we spent the afternoon until dusk scanning the stony shores of the Noah Dihing river waiting for the White-bellied Heron to appear. It never did! After three visits to Namdapha with no sighting of this enigmatic heron, it is becoming harder and harder to believe that this species even exists anywhere other than in bird books! The first part of the following day was spent birding around Deban, where we had a handsome Red Giant Flying Squirrel hanging halfway out of its tree hole, and a drumming White-browed Piculet. After breakfast we then walked back to ‘Km 10’, where our vehicles were ready waiting for us. After some tea and coffee at our local guide’s home, and a group of 16 flying Wreathed Hornbills from his porch, it was time to say good bye to Namdapha and head for Tinsukia, where good accommodation (with the first hot shower of the tour!), awaited for us. The our day’s birding at Dibru Saikhowa National Park began checking the extensive grasslands along the north side of the Dibru River for some really special restricted range species which included two showy Jerdon’s Babblers, two Black-breasted Parrotbills (four more were heard) and a very skulking Marsh Babbler seen by only one of us. In addition we had good views of two more widespread grassland species, the very handsome Chestnut-capped Babbler and the duller Striated Babbler, and a male Slaty-blue Flycatcher, that winters here in the extensive reedbeds. On the way back for lunch we found a fresh carcass surrounded by a large group of scavengers, including critically endangered Slender-billed and White-rumped Vultures. In the afternoon, after a delicious lunch at a riverside camp, we visited another grassland area. Here an rather skulking Swamp Prinia singing with great energy was the greatest prize. Other new birds here included Yellow-bellied and Plain Prinias, a couple of Bluethroats, two Dusky Warblers and Black-faced Buntings. On the way


back to our vehicles we had good views of two Ganges Dolphin swimming close to our boat. The following day we visited the famous Digboi Oilfields about an hour’s drive away. The old part of the oilfield, where birders are reluctantly allowed, with overgrown rusty steel towers and a network of old leaking pipes, is one of the strangest places I have ever birded. However, the birds didn’t seem to care about the environment, and the morning’s birding produced our main quarry here, a fine pair of Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush, and some noisy groups of Rufous-necked Laughingthrushes. Other interesting birds in these surrealistic surroundings included Green-billed Malkoha, White-browed Piculet, the only Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes of the trip, and several Scarlet-backed, Ruby-cheeked and Crimson Sunbirds. Most of the afternoon was spent playing hide and seek with a very shy Collared Treepie, which we all eventually managed to see. Next morning we headed north towards Mishmi Hills crossing en route the Brahmaputra by ferry. The water level in the river was pretty low and the whole crossing was a bit of an adventure. Most of the ‘ferries’, including ours, got temporarily stuck in the middle of the river, and it took quite a lot of manoeuvring (shouting, wading, pulling and pushing) before we could continue our river cruise. It wasn’t until just before sunset that we reached our accommodation at the altitude of 2,400 meters. Our first full day in the Mishmi Hills started with great expectations, which even the heavy rain, that continued throughout most of the day, didn’t upset. The best bird of the day (in fact it was voted as the bird of the trip), was a male Blyth’s Tragopan, which had it’s territory close to the road. First we heard it’s awesome moaning call from the steep hillside forest, and tried to tape it out in the open. As this tactic didn’t work, some of us climbed the short distance into the bamboo jungle where it had been calling sometime earlier, and to our great surprise this fearless bird was still there waiting for us! What a great view of this truly stunning bird! Other interesting birds seen included the enigmatic local endemic Mishmi Wren-babbler, a very co-operative Bar-winged Wren-babbler, Chestnut Thrush, Spotted Forktail, Rufous-winged, Manipur and Yellow-throated Fulvettas, White-naped Yuhina, a very fast moving group of at least six Black-throated Parrotbills, and a Dark-rumped Rosefinch. Heavy rain was also the dominant feature of our second day on Mishmi Hills, and finding birds in these difficult conditions was becoming a real challenge. Best birds of this rather miserable day included a brief Long-billed Wren-babbler, a lively group of lovely Black-faced Warblers, and a group of Little Buntings, new for the trip, and two Maroon-backed Accentors, which are winter visitors. Thankfully our third day in Mishmi Hills dawned rainless and full of promise. One of the first birds we encountered on our pre-breakfast foray was a pair of Slender-billed Scimitar Babblers, a lifer and very appropriate 72nd birthday present for one of us. After this, new and exciting birds came thick and fast, and the only regret was that those who were staying for only two weeks had to leave the area early. One day earlier than originally planned, due to logistical problems, thus missing most of the day’s great birding. The rest of us birded the whole day between our accommodation (at 2,400 meters) and the village of Tewarigaon (at 1,450 meters), where the best birds included magnificent views of a group of three very tape responsive Cachar Wedge-billed Babblers, a pair of Long-billed Wren-babblers that showed well, truly amazing views of a Mishmi Wren-babbler, a Spotted Wren-babbler for one of us, a group of very confiding Himalayan Cutias by the roadside and great views of Black-headed Shrike-babblers (two different pairs). Other noteworthy observations included a displaying pair of Black Eagles, Striated Bulbul, White-collared Blackbird, Rufous-breasted Bush-robin, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills, our first Mrs Gould’s Sunbird and Brown-throated and Golden-breasted Fulvettas. A magnificent birding day full of surprises! Next morning we checked the area around the Mayodia pass (at 2,600 meters), where we had good looks of several Fire-tailed Sunbirds, a species we had only glimpsed earlier, before we started our


long journey to Kaziranga NP in the Assam lowlands. Most of the day was spent in the car and ferry (which was stuck again in the middle of the river for quite some time), and it wasn’t until very late in the evening when we reached our good accommodation at Kaziranga. Birding stops on the way produced Rufous-bellied Eagle, Streak-throated Barwing and the only Grey-breasted Prinias of the trip. We spent our first morning at the world famous Kaziranga National Park birding the Eastern range, where we checked the impressive Sohola Bheel (a large shallow wetland), and the surrounding forests, which both teemed with birds. Highlights of our visit included mighty Lesser Adjutants, Black-necked and Woolly-necked Storks, Asian Openbills, Bar-headed Goose, several Pallas’s and Grey-headed Fish-eagles, Oriental Honey-buzzards, Crested Serpent-eagles, Changeable Hawk-eagle, and a stunning male Pied Harrier amongst a variety of commoner species. In the afternoon we visited the Central range where our first target was the stunning Bengal Florican, which we found pretty easily and had good scope views (my best ever) of a nice male. Other highlights of the afternoon included our first visual contact with Swamp Francolin, our only group of Grey-headed Lapwings, male Himalayan Rubythroat and brief views of a skulking Slender-billed Babbler. Next morning we did the obligatory elephant ride thing from the gate of the Central range, which as usual, was not very birdy, but good fun anyway. Later we explored the Central range of the national park, where the main prize was two Slender-billed Babblers. In the afternoon we headed for the Western range, where we finally connected with our first Greater Adjutant, and had great views of a roosting Brown Fish Owl. We then drove around the periphery of the Western range searching through flocks of hundreds of mynas and starlings for the scarce Spot-winged Starling, but drew a blank, as these winter visitors had evidently already left the area. Our reward for all the hard work came, however, in the form of a magnificent Tiger, which was spotted by Jonathan just as we were about to exit the area in the evening. This beautiful animal was lying lazily on the ground about 150 meters from us for five minutes or so, before it rose up and walked slowly past us! Magnifico! Our last morning in Kaziranga was spent at nearby Panbari Reserved Forest. The forest was pretty quiet, and we only heard a Pale-chinned Flycatcher and a Silver-breasted Broadbill. Capped Leaf Monkey was relatively easy to see as usual. In the tea gardens we had nice views of a Brown Crake and then, thanks to the efforts of our local guide and driver, brief views of two Blue-naped Pittas, a species we had only heard several times before on the trip. We then embarked on the final leg of our tour, the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. From our base in one of Shillong’s most comfortable hotels, we headed to the direction of Mawphlang, where one of the roadside gullies held a very confiding Tawny-breasted Wren-babbler, which we saw extremely well. Other new birds in this area included Little Forktail for one of us, Short-billed Minivet, Crested Finchbill, Brownish-flanked Bush-warbler, Lemon-rumped Leaf-warbler, several singing Blyth’s Leaf-warblers and the only Common Rosefinch of the trip. A nice surprise (and a write-in) was a calling Mountain Bamboo Partridge, which we even managed to see briefly. Later we headed for the breathtaking Nohkallikai Falls, near Cherrapunjee, where our target was the highly localised Dark-rumped Swift, which we soon found. True to its reputation as one of the wettest places on earth, the heavy rain started just as we were leaving the Falls. Backtracking across the bizarre landscape, with its Christian churches and small open-cast coal mines, we paused at a few promising looking sites on the way to Shillong, and finally connected with one of the key birds of the area, the handsome Grey Sibia. We then spent the first part of the next day on the forested ridge above the town enjoying an excellent morning’s birding in good quality mixed forest, which was full of birdsong. Highlights here included two local specialities, Assam Laughingthrush (a recent split from Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush) and Rusty-capped Fulvetta, plus Crimson-faced Liocichla, Flavescent Bulbul, Golden Bush-robin, White-tailed Blue Robin (showing extremely well), two Spotted Forktails, Russet


Sparrows and leader only views of a very shy Spot-breasted Scimitar-babbler. In the afternoon we worked quite hard to see Black-throated Prinia (we had heard them earlier), but it took quite some time in very windy conditions before most of us managed to get acceptable views of a skulking male. The next morning, before leaving for Guwahati airport, we returned to Shillong Ridge to try for better views of the Spot-breasted Scimitar-babbler, but had to be content with a confiding Tawny-breasted Wren-babbler and a group of 35 Dark-rumped Swifts flying around in a tight flock, calling noisily. On the way to the airport we had a brief stop at Guwahati rubbish dump, where a large gang of the majestically ugly Greater Adjutants were having their morning assembly.


SYSTEMATIC LIST Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). PODICIPEDIDAE Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus: Six from the ferry when crossing the Brahmaputra on the

way to Mishmi Hills, and one there on the way back. PELECANIDAE Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis: Fair numbers were seen daily in Kaziranga. In addition a

group of three at Dibru-Saikhowa and another three between Roing and Kaziranga. PHALACROCORACIDAE Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger: Common in Kaziranga, scattered sightings elsewhere. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo: Scattered records of small numbers. Most numerous at Deban

in Namdapha and in Dibru-Saikhowa. Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster: Nine in Dibru-Saikhowa, and up to 20 daily in Kaziranga. ARDEIDAE Little Egret Egretta garzetta: Fair numbers at Dibru-Saikhowa and Kaziranga, single individuals

elsewhere. Great Egret Egretta alba: Two at Dibru-Saikhowa, and up to 50 a day in Kaziranga. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia: A total of four in Kaziranga. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: A total of four were encountered. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: A total of three were seen. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus: Common in open agricultural areas. Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii: Relatively common in Kaziranga, scattered records of small

numbers elsewhere. Little Heron Butorides striata: Two at Deban, and a total of three at Dibru-Saikhowa. Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax: Four in Kaziranga. CICONIDAE Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans: Two at Dibru-Saikhowa, up to 40 daily in Kaziranga, and 10 in

Guwahati. Black Stork Ciconia nigra: A total of five at Deban in Namdapha NP. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus: A total of 14 were noted in Kaziranga. Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus: A total of 17 were noted in Kaziranga. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus: Up to 25 daily in Kaziranga, and 10 at Guwahati rubbish

dump on our last day. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International. Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius: One in Kaziranga, and 130 at Guwahati rubbish dump on our

last day. This mighty heron was once common and widespread in S and SE Asia, but due to a dramatic population decline during the first half of the 20th Century and the extremely poor breeding success in recent years in Assam, it is classified as Endangered by Birdlife International. The current population estimate is 800-1000 birds, of which ca100 pairs survive in Cambodia and the rest in Assam.

ANATIDAE Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus: Regularly encountered in Kaziranga. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea: At least 20 at Dibru Saikhowa National Park, 20 from the ferry

on the way to Roing and up to 60 a day in Kaziranga. Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna: Just a single bird in Kaziranga. Gadwall Anas strepera: 60 at Dibru Saikhowa, two from the ferry on the way to Mishmi Hills and

good numbers in Kaziranga.


Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope: Up to 70 a day in Kaziranga, small numbers elsewhere. Indian Spot-billed Duck (Burmese S-b D) Anas poecilorhyncha: Between two and 12 birds were

encountered on five days. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata: Small numbers in Kaziranga. Eurasian Teal Anas crecca: Small numbers at Dibru Saikhowa and Kaziranga. Ferruginous Pochard (F Duck) Aythya nyroca: A total of eight in Kaziranga. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula: 30 at Dibru-Saikhowa, and a total of 11 in Kaziranga. Common Merganser (Goosander) Mergus merganser: Small numbers along the Noa Dihing River at

Namdapha, and one from the ferry on the way to Mishmi Hills. ACCIPITRIDAE Oriental Honey-buzzard (Crested H B) Pernis ptilorhyncus: Scattered sightings of small numbers at

Dibru Saikhowa, Kaziranga, Shillong and on the way to Guwahati. Black-shouldered Kite (Black-winged K) Elanus caeruleus: A total of four were encountered. Black Kite Milvus migrans: Scattered records of small numbers. Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus: One was identified near Shillong, and there were at least 10 near

Guwahati. Pallas’s Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus: Seen on several occasions in Kaziranga NP, including at

least two family parties with full grown juveniles. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla: One younger sub-adult at Deban in Namdapha NP. Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus: Seen regularly in Kaziranga NP, at least 11 in all. White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis: A total of 12 at Dibru Saikhowa NP, and four at

Brahmaputra on the way to Kaziranga. As recently as 1985 the species was described as "possibly the most abundant large bird of prey in the world”. Since the mid-1990s, it has suffered a catastrophic decline (over 99%) across the Indian Subcontinent. Now the population is estimated to be less than 10 000 individuals and the species is classified as Critically Endangered by Birdlife International. The population crash has been caused by the massive misuse of veterinary drug diclofenac in India in recent years.

Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris: A total of at least seven were seen at Dibru Saikhowa NP on a carcass with tens of other vultures. See comments on previous species.

Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis: Six juveniles were noted at Dibru Saikhowa NP, and one was seen near Brahmaputra on the way to Kaziranga.

Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus: Six were identified from a mixed group of ca60 vultures at Dibru Saikhowa NP.

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela: Small numbers were noted. Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos: Two individuals including a well seen male at Kaziranga. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus: Just one near Deban in Namdapha NP. Shikra Accipiter badius: Small numbers at Kaziranga, and one near Mawphlang. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus: A single bird near Deban, and two near Mayodia pass on

Mishmi Hills. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis: One well seen bird at Deban in Namdapha NP was a nice

surprise. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis: Two, a displaying pair, on Mishmi Hills. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus: One dark morph bird near Roing on the way to Mishmi Hills. Rufous-bellied Eagle Hieraaetus kienerii: Two encounters at Deban, and one on the lower slopes of

Mishmi Hills. Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus: Relatively common at Kaziranga, where we obtained

some excellent views. Mountain Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis: Good flight views of one at Deban in Namdapha NP

during our hectic sky watching session. Osprey Pandion haliaetus: One at Namdapha, and four at Kaziranga NP.


FALCONIDAE Pied Falconet Microhierax melanoleucos: Great views of two perched birds at Hornbill in Namdapha

NP. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus: Occasional sightings throughout the tour. Oriental Hobby Falco severus: One was seen at Deban. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus: A total of eight birds, a majority of them in Kaziranga. Most of the

birds were of the locally breeding form peregrinator, which shows some rufous on underparts and extensive black hood, but in Kaziranga we had one pale bird belonging to one of the wintering races.

PHASIANIDAE Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis: Seen very well in Kaziranga National Park, and also heard on

the north side of the Dibru River. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International. Common Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola (H): Several birds were heard on Mishmi Hills. White-cheeked Partridge Arborophila atrogularis (H): Not very numerous this year. Only three

birds/groups were heard in Namdapha NP. Mountain Bamboo Partridge Bambusicola fytchii: Two calling birds or groups were first heard near

Mawphlang, and after some climbing one was eventually seen by two of us. In addition one bird was heard in the same place the next day. A new bird for this itinerary.

Blyth’s Tragopan Tragopan blythii: After some manoeuvring a stunning male was seen very well on Mishmi Hills by most of us who climbed the short distance from the road into its territory. Apparently this very same, rather fearless roadside bird was shot few days later by a local hunter. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus: Very easy to see from the jeeps in Kaziranga National Park. Few were also heard at Namdapha NP.

Grey Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum: Regularly heard at Namdapha NP, where we managed to obtain brief views of three individuals. In addition one was heard distantly at Panbari Forest, and another one on Mishmi Hills.

RALLIDAE White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus: Scattered sightings. Brown Crake Porzana akool: One in the tea gardens in Kaziranga. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: Scattered sightings of few individuals. OTIDIDAE Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis: Great scope views of a male near the entrance gate to

Central Range in Kaziranga. This bustard, which is classified as Critically Endangered, has a very small, and rapidly declining population of less than 1000 birds; largely as a result of widespread and ongoing conversion of its grassland habitat for agriculture.

JACANIDAE Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus: Only a few birds in Kaziranga. CHARADRIIDAE Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius: Small numbers in the Assam Plains. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus: Three at Dibru Saikhowa, and another three from the ferry

on the way to Mishmi Hills. River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii: A total of four along the rocky Deban River in Namdapha NP. Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus: A total of ten of these winter visitors in the Western Range

of Kaziranga NP. Red-wattled Lapwing (R-w Plover) Vanellus indicus: Scattered sightings of this noisy resident.


SCOLOPACIDAE Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura: One was seen at Dibru Saikhowa NP. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago: Two at Kaziranga. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus: About 25 at Kaziranga. Common Redshank Tringa totanus: Small numbers at Kaziranga. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis: Only two in the Central Range of Kaziranga NP. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia: Scattered records of small numbers. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus: A total of only four birds were noted. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: Two birds were noted. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: Scattered records of ones and twos. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii: 15 at Dibru Saikhowa NP, five at Brahmaputra on the way to

Mishmi Hills and at least 100 at Kaziranga NP. Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii: Good views of two birds in the shallows of the Noah Dihing River at

Deban. GLAREOLIDAE Small Pratincole Glareola lactea: We were lucky to see two flying birds from the boat at Dibru

Saikhowa NP. LARIDAE Pallas’s Gull (Great Black-headed G) Larus ichthyaetus: A lone bird at the Dibru River, and two more

from the ferry at the Brahmaputra on the way to Mishmi Hills. River Tern Sterna aurantia: A total of five of this sleek riverine tern was seen in Kaziranga NP. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus: A total of ten birds in the Eastern Range of Kaziranga NP. COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon (R Dove) Columba livia: Widespread in relatively small numbers. Oriental Turtle Dove (Rufous T D) Streptopelia orientalis: Regularly seen during the second half of

the tour. The subspecies concerned is the resident agricola. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis: Widespread and common. Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica: Small numbers at Kaziranga NP. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica: Scattered records of single individuals on forest tracks and trails. Ashy-headed Green-pigeon Treron phayrei: 20 were noted in Panbari reserve forest in Kaziranga. Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera: Small numbers in Kaziranga NP. Pin-tailed Green Pigeon Treron apicauda: Quite common in Namdapha NP. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea: Small numbers in Kaziranga NP. Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia: Common at Namdapha NP, and there were two singles on

Mishmi Hills. PSITTACIDAE Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria: Only small numbers at Kaziranga NP. Rose-ringed Parakeet (Ring-necked P) Psittacula krameri: Common in Kaziranga. Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata: A total of 14 in Kaziranga NP. Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri: Two at Dibru Saikowa, 30 at Digboi Oilfields, six on the

way to Mishmi Hills and then common at Kaziranga. CENTROPODIDAE Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis: Two were heard at Dibru Saikhowa NP, and relatively common

in Kaziranga. CUCULIDAE Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis: A total of nine was noted. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea: Three were seen, and two more heard in Kaziranga.


Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii (H): A total of seven birds were heard, most of them at Namdapha.

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus: One was seen and another one heard at Digboi, and two more were heard in Kaziranga.

Large Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides: Commonly heard at Namdapha, and in Meghalaya. STRIGIDAE Mountain Scops-owl Otus spilocephalus (H): Heard in several occasions at Namdapha NP. Oriental Scops-owl Otus sunia: One was heard on the way to Deban at ‘Km 10’, our camp site on

the first night. Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis: Excellent views of a single bird in the Western Range of

Kaziranga NP. Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei (H): Regularly heard at Namdapha, and a few were heard on

Mishmi Hills too. Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides: Regularly seen and especially heard in lowland areas,

including our hotel garden in Kaziranga. BATRACHOSTOMIDAE Hodgson’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus hodgsoni (H): We heard it at Haldibari in Namdapha NP,

where we worked on the same individual on three different days without seeing it. What a disappointment!

APODIDAE Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris: Small numbers at Namdapha NP, and up to 50 a day on

Mishmi Hills. Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis (NL): Three were seen by Jonathan at ‘Km 10’

at Namdapha NP. Brown-throated Needletail Hirundapus giganteus: A flock of 120 at Digboi Oilfields. Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis: Scattered records of small numbers. Dark-rumped Swift Apus acuticauda: At Nohkallikai Falls, near Cherrapunjee, we had at least 50

birds swirling around the waterfall, an impressive sight. In addition, a dense group of 35 birds were seen and heard at Shillong Ridge on our last morning there. This poorly known swift has a population of less than 1000 birds, and it is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

House Swift Apus nipalensis: Three birds at Nohkallikai Falls. TROGONIDAE Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus: Mostly brief views of one’s and two’s daily in

Namdapha NP. In addition one was heard in Kaziranga. ALCEDINIDAE Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: Occasional sightings at scattered sites. HALCYONIDAE Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis: One was seen and another heard in Digboi area, and three

more were encountered in Kaziranga. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis: Common and widespread. CERYLIDAE Himalayan Pied Kingfisher (Crested K) Megaceryle lugubris: Seen regularly along the Noa Dihing

River, near Deban, with up to three birds. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis: Relatively common and widespread.


MEROPIDAE Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni: A total of seven at Kaziranga NP. Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis: Only two at Kaziranga NP. Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus: 20 birds on two days at Kaziranga NP. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti: A total of 36 birds of this streamer-less bee-eater at

Kaziranga NP. CORACIIDAE Black-billed Roller Coracias affinis: Relatively common and widespread. This distinctive form is often

considered conspecific with Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis. UPUPIDAE Common Hoopoe (Eurasian H) Upupa epops: A total of five were seen in more open areas. BUCEROTIDAE Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis: This king of the forest is still going strong in Namdapha, where we

had up to 27 birds a day. In addition four birds were noted at Kaziranga. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris: Small numbers of this widespread hornbill at

Digboi Oilfields and Kaziranga NP. In addition one was heard at ‘Km 10’ on the way to Deban.

Rusty-cheeked Hornbill (White-throated H, Austen’s Brown H) Anorrhinus austeni: We had decent looks of this species in Namdapha NP; about seven birds in all.

Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis: Quite common in Namdapha NP, and seen well on many occasions. This, one of the most attractive Asian hornbills, is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus: A group of 16 was seen in flight from the porch of our local guide’s home near Namdapha NP, and two were noted in Kaziranga.

MEGALAIMIDAE Great Barbet Megalaima virens: Common in Namdapha NP, and on the lower slopes of Mishmi

Hills. Also heard in Meghalaya. Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata: Common in Kaziranga NP. Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii (NL): A single individual was seen by some at Hornbill

in Namdapha NP. Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica: Widespread and common, except the highest slopes of

Mishmi Hills and Meghalaya. Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis: Regularly heard at Namdapha NP, but only one sighting.

Also heard at Kaziranga. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala: Singles were noted at Digboi and Kaziranga. PICIDAE Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus: A single individual at Namdapha NP. White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea: Two at Namdapha NP, of which the latter one offered good,

prolonged views. In addition there was a third individual at Digboi Oilfields. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus: A total of five birds in Kaziranga NP. Fulvous-breasted Pied Woodpecker (F-b Woodpecker) Dendrocopos macei: Two at Kaziranga. Darjeeling Pied Woodpecker (Darjeeling W) Dendrocopos darjellensis: One on Mishmi Hills. Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpecker (Crimson-breasted W) Dendrocopos cathpharius: Two on

Mishmi Hills. Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus: A total of five at Namdapha, one at Digboi oilfields and two

on Mishmi Hills. Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha: Three in Namdapha, including some really nice views. Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus: Seven at Kaziranga NP.


Grey-faced Woodpecker (Grey-headed W) Picus canus: Scattered records of small numbers. Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense: One leader only bird at Dibru Saikhowa, and a

total of five at Kaziranga NP. Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus: Three at Namdapha NP and Kaziranga NP. Pale-headed Woodpecker Gecinulus grantia: First a highly agitated male in the bamboo between

Deban and Haldibari, and then another male in its bamboo habitat between Bulbulia and Ranijheel, Namdapha NP.

Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis: Regularly heard and seen at Namdapha NP, and in the lower slopes of Mishmi Hills, where we also found an active nest.

EURYLAIMIDAE Silver-breasted Broadbill Serilophus lunatus (H): One was heard only (unfortunately) at Panbari FR. Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae: A flock of ten at Namdapha gave good views. In

addition one was heard there the next day. PITTIDAE Blue-naped Pitta Pitta nipalensis: In Kaziranga we had brief views of two individuals of this ‘super

skulker’ thanks to the efforts of our local guide and driver. In addition we heard a total of three birds at Kaziranga, two at Namdapha NP, and one at Digboi Oilfields.

ALAUDIDAE Bengal Bushlark Mirafra assamica: Two were seen at Kaziranga NP. One of the recent splits from the

former Rufous-winged Bushlark. Sand Lark Calandrella raytal: One was heard only at Dibru Saikhowa NP, and another was seen from

the ferry when crossing the Brahmaputra on our way from Mishmi Hills to Kaziranga. Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula (H): Few birds were heard singing. HIRUNDINIDAE Sand Martin Riparia riparia: A total of 10 at Kaziranga. Grey-throated Sand Martin (Plain M) Riparia chinensis: Fairly common at Dibru Saikhowa. Few

individuals elsewhere. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: A very common wintering species in the Assam Plains. Nepal House-martin Delichon nipalensis: A total of 25 on Mishmi Hills. MOTACILLIDAE Himalayan Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alboides: Several were encountered along the Brahmaputra at

Dibru-Saikhowa and at the ferry point. In addition there was one in Kaziranga. A black backed and throated form which breeds in Arunachal Pradesh.

Amur Wagtail Motacilla [alba] leucopsis: This wintering white-faced, black-backed wagtail was encountered in small numbers in scattered places.

White Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alba: One individual of this wintering race was encountered along the Brahmaputra on the way to Kaziranga.

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola: Good numbers were noted at Dibru Saikhowa and Kaziranga NP’s.

Sykes’s Wagtail Motacilla [flava] beema: One was identified at Dibru Saikhowa NP. In addition we noted tens of unidentified ‘Yellow Wagtails’.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: Just two in the Shillong area. Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi (H): One was heard only on the northern shore of the Brahmaputra at

Dibru Saikhowa. Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus: A handful of birds at Kaziranga. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni: Common and frequently seen during the latter part of the trip. Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus: Relatively common at Dibru Saikhowa and at Kaziranga. In addition few

birds were noted in Meghalaya.


Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei: A total of six at Kaziranga, and two in the Shillong area. Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos: One at ‘Km 10’ and another near Haldibari at

Namdapha NP. In addition one was at Digboi Oilfields. Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus: A total of six at Kaziranga NP. Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris: A total of ten at Namdapha NP. Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus: Just two at Namdapha, and seven at Kaziranga. Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris: Fairly common at the various sites in the Shillong area. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus: Widespread and quite common at Namdapha NP. Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis: Relatively common at Namdapha NP. White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis: Small numbers at Namdapha, on the lower slopes of

Mishmi Hills and near Shillong. Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha: Quite common in Namdapha NP, and again on

Mishmi Hills. PYCNONOTIDAE Crested Finchbill Spizixos canifrons: A total of 14 were noted in suitable bushy hillside habitat in the

Shillong area. Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus: A total of ten on Mishmi Hills. Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus: Small numbers were noted at Namdapha, Digboi

Oilfields, and Panbari RF. Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus: This bulbul was common in lowland non-forest. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer: The commonest and most widespread bulbul during the tour. Flavescent Bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens: Two on Shillong ridge was a nice surprise. White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus: Common in Namdapha NP, and also seen at Panbari

RF. Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala: Relatively common at Namdapha NP and at Digboi Oilfields. In

addition two were noted on Mishmi Hills. The nominate race. Mountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandii: A singleton at Namdapha and three on Mishmi Hills. The

warm-tinged nominate race. Himalayan Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus: Common at Kaziranga, and smaller numbers at

Namdapha NP and on Mishmi Hills. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia: Small numbers in the Assam Plains reserves. Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis: A total of six at Namdapha NP. Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons: Three were seen in the Kaziranga area. Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii: Common this year at Namdapha NP. Scattered few

elsewhere. LANIIDAE Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus: Two in the Kaziranga area. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach: Occasional scattered sightings. Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus: The commonest wintering shrike in all areas visited. CINCLIDAE Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasi: A total of five (possibly including same individuals) were found along

the rushing rocky rivers in the vicinity of Deban. PRUNELLIDAE Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata: A total of four on Mishmi Hills. Maroon-backed Accentor Prunella immaculata: A total of 14 of this winter visitor were seen on

roadsides on Mishmi Hills. TURDIDAE Tickell’s Thrush Turdus unicolor (NL): One was seen by Jonathan at Namdapha NP.


White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus: One on Mishmi Hills. Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus: A singleton was noted thrice around our accommodation near

Mayodia Pass on Mishmi Hills. This bird showed some characters of the northern subspecies gouldi.

Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis: Two on Mishmi Hill of the red-throated form. Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus: Common on Mishmi Hills, and again near Shillong. In

addition two at Namdapha NP. MUSCICAPIDAE Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata: A few at Namdapha, a total of seven on Mishmi

Hills and a singleton on Shillong Ridge. Red-throated Flycatcher (Taiga F) Ficedula albicilla: A handful of birds in the Kaziranga area, and one

at Mawkdok Bridge. White-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula monileger (H): Three birds were heard singing on Mishmi Hills. Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni: A few at Namdapha, and a total of eight near Shillong. Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor: One nice male at Dibru-Saikhowa and another bird on

Mishmi Hills. Sapphire Flycatcher Ficedula sapphira: A total of four at Namdapha NP. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina: Two on Mishmi Hills, and frequently seen in the Shillong

area. Large Niltava Niltava grandis: Regular in small numbers at Namdapha NP, and again in the Shillong

area. Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae: Only two individuals were noted, both at Namdapha. Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara: One on Mishmi Hills, and a handful in the Shillong area. Pale-chinned Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys (H): We heard one at Panbari RF, but just couldn’t

entice it out of the dense bushes. Pale Blue Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor: Two were seen, and few more heard at Namdapha. Pygmy Blue Flycatcher Muscicapella hodgsoni: Relatively poor views of a male at Namdapha NP. Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis: Frequent scattered sightings of this bird

wave sentinel. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius: Two near Deban at Namdapha NP, and one on Mishmi Hills. Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys: One was seen, and a few more heard in the Shillong

area. In addition two singing birds on Mishmi Hills. White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana: A single individual was first heard singing and then

seen briefly at Haldibari at Namdapha NP. Himalayan Rubythroat (White-tailed R) Luscinia pectoralis: Great views of a male in the Central

Range of Kaziranga NP. Bluethroat Luscinia svecica: Two briefly along the edge of grassland at Dibru Saikhowa. Himalayan Red-flanked Bush Robin (Himalayan R-f Bluetail) Tarsiger rufilatus: Two, including a

gorgeous male, around Deban at Namdapha NP and three on Mishmi Hills. Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus (NL): One non-leader bird near Shillong. Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin Tarsiger hyperythrus: One female on the roadside on Mishmi Hills. Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis: Regularly seen near habitation. White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus: Small numbers were encountered in the Kaziranga

area. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros: One at Kaziranga was the only record of this winter visitor to

Assam lowlands. Hodgson’s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni: Two near Deban at Namdapha NP, and two on the way

to Mishmi Hills. Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus: The first one was seen by Jonathan only at Dibru Saikhowa,

but the second one near Roing on Mishmi Hills gave good views to all of us. Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis: One on Mishmi Hills, and a total of four in the Shillong

area.


White-capped Water Redstart (River Chat) Chaimarrornis leucocephalus: Frequently seen in suitable habitat throughout.

Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosus: Somewhat less common than the last species. White-tailed Blue Robin Myiomela leucura: Great views of a male at Shillong Ridge except for the

poor leader, who run the show behind a bush! In addition several birds were heard singing there.

Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri (NL): One was seen by Jonathan only at Mawkdok bridge in Meghalaya.

Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus: One was seen by the leader only in the tea gardens at Kaziranga. Sorry guys!

Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus: Several individuals were seen at Namdapha. Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus: Two were seen on Mishmi Hills and two at Shillong Ridge. Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura: Widespread, and particularly common in grassy areas. Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea: Three in the Shillong area. TIMALIIDAE White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus: These noisy birds were regularly heard at

Namdapha, and we even managed to get good views of couple of flocks moving through. Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax moniliger: Two birds showed quite well (for a

laughingthrush that is) at Digboi Oilfields. Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis: Two were seen well enough to be identified

at Namdapha NP. In addition some unidentified necklaced laughingthrushes were seen. Striated Laughingthrush Grammatoptila striata: This large and noisy species was positively common

on Mishmi Hills. Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush Garrulax nuchalis: Good views of a pair of this attractive and very

restricted-range laughingthrush at Digboi. Rufous-vented Laughingthrush Garrulax gularis: Poor views of two calling birds at Hornbill in

Namdapha NP for some of us. Rufous-necked Laughingthrush Garrulax ruficollis: A total of at least 25 birds in the Digboi area,

including some brilliant views. Why can’t all laughingthrushes be like this. Black-faced Laughingthrush Trochalopteron affine: A total of five on Mishmi Hills, including some

great views of birds visiting our guest house’s rubbish dump. Assam Laughingthrush Garrulax chrysopterum: We had first some difficulties to find this bird, but a

late night email to Craig Robson, and a prompt response directed us to right direction. We eventually had one circulating around us for quite some time, offering brief views, and five more were heard. A recent split from Chestnut-crowned (Red-headed) Laughingthrush G. erythrocephalum.

Crimson-faced Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea: Two tape responsive, but fast moving individuals at Shillong ridge. The ‘old’ Red-faced Liocichla has now been split into two, this one retaining the name L. phoenicea, and the one in northern Thailand etc is now called Scarlet-faced Liocichla L. ripponi.

Himalayan Cutia Cutia nipalensis: We had really great close-up views of four of these magnificent birds, as they were foraging along some moss covered branches on Mishmi Hills.

Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abbotti: Two were seen well at Panbari RF. Marsh Babbler Pellorneum palustre: Most of us only heard this rare Assam Plains endemic at Dibru

Saikhowa NP, but Jonathan managed to get a brief glimpse of it. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps: One was seen and another heard at Namdapha NP, and several birds were singing at Kaziranga NP.

Large Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus hypoleucos: We heard this bird on several occasions in Namdapha NP, and even managed to get brief views of two individuals.

Spot-breasted Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus mcclellandii: One shy bird at Shillong Ridge was heard by all of us, but only seen by the leader. This complex has now been split into four


species, the other three being: Black-streaked P. gravivox and Grey-sided P. swinhoei of China and Black-necklaced P. erythrocnemis of Taiwan.

Streak-breasted Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis: Several well seen individuals on Mishmi Hills and at Shillong.

Orange-billed Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps: A single individual in a mixed flock at Namdapha.

Slender-billed Scimitar-babbler Xiphirhynchus superciliaris: A total of four, including some great views, in the bamboo on Mishmi Hills.

Long-billed Wren-babbler Rimator malacoptilus: On Mishmi Hills we had first very brief views of a singing individual, and then the next day really great, prolonged views of two interacting birds. With the opening up of NE India, this MEGA has become more and more easy to find.

Streaked Wren Babbler Napothera brevicaudata: One was seen well on the way to Haldibari at Namdapha.

Eyebrowed Wren Babbler Napothera epilepidota: Two were seen between ‘Km 10’ and Deban at Namdapha NP.

Pygmy Wren Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla (H): Several birds were heard at Namdapha NP, and on Mishmi Hills, but we just couldn’t see them.

Mishmi Wren-babbler (Rusty-throated W-b) Spelaeornis badeigularis: A lot less responsive than on my recce last year, but we still managed to see two individuals (including some really stunning views of the second bird), and heard a third bird. This MEGA was known only from a single museum specimen until it was rediscovered here in 2004. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

Bar-winged Wren-babbler Spelaeornis troglodytoides: Really amazing views of this lovely bird on Mishmi Hills.

Spotted Wren Babbler Spelaeornis formosus: Heard only at Namdapha, where we had three different singing birds. In addition Jonathan saw one on Mishmi Hills.

Tawny-breasted Wren Babbler Spelaeornis longicaudatus: Brilliant views of a singing male at Mawkdok Bridge, and later another bird at Shillong Ridge. An inhabitant of dense fern-growth and other low vegetation at the edge of forest, with a tiny range in northeast India. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler (Chevron-breasted B) Sphenocichla roberti: Excellent views of three agitated and noisy birds in a roadside vegetation on Mishmi Hills. This time hard work paid-off, as we systematically checked every suitable looking site for this species. A recent split from Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler Sphenocichla humei, and a difficult bird to get to, as most of the regular sites are outside the normal birding routes.

Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps: Relatively common on Mishmi Hills. Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea (H): We only heard this species at Namdapha NP. Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps: One was seen, and several more heard at Namdapha. In

addition there was one on Mishmi Hills. Snowy-throated Babbler Stachyris oglei: Brief glimpses of a noisy group of four were obtained in the

bamboo near Ranijheel. Now we all know why it is called the fastest babbler in the world. Only known from this region, and adjacent N Myanmar. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

Pin-striped Tit-babbler Macronous gularis: We had regular scattered sightings of this common and widespread species.

Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata: This grassland specialist was seen on several occasions at Dibru Saikhowa and at Kaziranga NP.

Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense: Two at Kaziranga NP. Jerdon’s Babbler Chrysomma altirostre: Two were seen well at Dibru Saikhowa NP. It is restricted to

extensive grasslands throughout a very patchy range; and the local race is the relatively warm, dark griseigularis. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.


Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei: Good views at both Dibru Saikhowa and Kaziranga NP’s, at least 17 in all.

Slender-billed Babbler Turdoides longirostris: We had brief views of a pair at Kaziranga NP on two consecutive days. In addition we heard one there. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris: Common in Namdapha NP. Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea: Common in the Shillong area. White-hooded Babbler (Indian W-h B) Gampsorhynchus rufulus: Some great views at Namdapha

NP. Usually in bamboo, where they form the nucleus of bird-waves. The call of this race (the nominate form) differs markedly to that of the races found in South-East Asia, and it also shows a prominent white shoulder-slash. Those from the latter region have now been split-off as Collared Babbler G. torquatus.

Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni: Common this year. Good numbers were encountered at Namdapha, on Mishmi Hills and near Shillong.

Streak-throated Barwing Actinodura waldeni: A total of three on Mishmi Hills. Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera: Relatively common at Namdapha, and a total of four near

Shillong. Bar-throated Minla Minla strigula: A total of six on Mishmi Hills. Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta: Small numbers in bird-waves at Namdapha NP. Golden-breasted Fulvetta Alcippe chrysotis: One was seen briefly by Jonathan, the rest of us only

heard the flock moving thorough in the dense bamboo on Mishmi Hills. Yellow-throated Fulvetta Alcippe cinerea: This small fulvetta with full of character was common on

Mishmi Hills. Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps: One on Mishmi Hills was the only record. Manipur Fulvetta Alcippe manipurensis: Common on Mishmi Hills. Brown-throated Fulvetta Alcippe ludlowi: A total of eight on Mishmi Hills. Rufous-throated Fulvetta Alcippe rufogularis: One of this attractive little babbler was seen, and

another heard at Namdapha NP. Rusty-capped Fulvetta Alcippe dubia: Pretty good views above Shillong. Very closely related to the

last species and equally striking. Nepal Fulvetta Alcippe nipalensis: Common at Namdapha. Rufous-backed Sibia Heterophasia annectans: A total of five at Namdapha. Grey Sibia Heterophasia gracilis: Quite common in the Shillong area. Beautiful Sibia Heterophasia pulchella: Common in Namdapha NP. In addition four were noted on

Mishmi Hills. Long-tailed Sibia Heterophasia picaoides: Common and very visible in Namdapha NP. Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps: Just eight near Deban, at Namdapha. White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri: Quite common on Mishmi Hills. Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis: Quite common and conspicuous at Namdapha, on the Mishmi

Hills and in the Shillong area. Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis: Three on Mishmi Hills. Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta: Small numbers were seen in Namdapha NP. Grey-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis gularis: This tree-top parrotbill was quite common this year at

Namdapha NP. Black-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxornis flavirostris: Unfortunately rather brief views of a pair of this

superb parrotbill in the Dibru River grasslands of Dibru Saikhowa NP. In addition four more birds were heard there. It is classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

Black-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis nipalensis: A very fast moving flock of at least six birds on Mishmi Hills.

Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis atrosuperciliaris: Four birds in a mixed flock with the next species in bamboo bird-waves near Ranijheel in Namdapha NP.


Blue-spectacled Parrotbill Paradoxornis bakeri: At least eight near Ranijheel in Namdapha NP and one singing bird on Mishmi Hills. This is a split in progress (from Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill P. ruficeps), and includes the eastern race, magnirostris.

Black-headed Shrike-babbler Pteruthius rufiventer: A total of four (including some stunning close-up views) on one morning on Mishmi Hills.

White-browed Shrike Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis: Two were seen, and a third one was heard in Namdapha NP. Shrike babblers are not babblers after all, but closer to vireos!

White-bellied Erpornis Yuhina zantholeuca: Small numbers were encountered in Namdapha NP. Recent DNA studies suggest that this species is utterly unrelated to other yuhinas, and not even a babbler.

CISTICOLIDAE Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis: One in grassland at Kaziranga. Swamp Prinia Prinia cinerascens: One reacted strongly to tape-playback at Dibru Saikhowa, and

came in close, and even offered decent views for most of us. This is a rare and restricted range grassland specialist.

Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera: Two were found in the Shillong area. Black-throated Prinia Prinia atrogularis: We heard several individuals in the hilly grasslands in the

Shillong area, but it took some hard work to get even a decent view of this species. This is now split from the South-East Asian Hill Prinia P. superciliaris, which only just gets into northeast India.

Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsoni: A small group on the lower slopes of Mishmi Hills. Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris: Common in the grassland at Dibru Saikhowa NP, and one at

Kaziranga. Plain Prinia Prinia inornata: One was seen, and several more heard at Dibru Saikhowa. In addition a

handful of birds were heard at Kaziranga. SYLVIIDAE Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus (H): Few individuals were heard at Namdapha, and in

the Shillong area. Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius: Regularly encountered except at Namdapha and on

Mishmi Hills. Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis: A total of seven at Namdapha, Digboi and

Kaziranga. Most of them were heard only. Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata: Just one at Namdapha NP. Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea: A total of four was seen at Namdapha NP, and few more were heard

there. Grey-bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer (H): Small numbers were heard only at Namdapha and in the

Shillong area. Brownish-flanked Bush-warbler Cettia fortipes: Common in the Shillong area. Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus: Two at Dibru Saikhowa, four in the bushes by the

Brahmaputra on the way to Mishmi Hills and a total of six heard only birds at Kaziranga. Tickell’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis: Two in the bushes by the Brahmaputra on the way to

Mishmi Hills, one on Mishmi Hills and a nice group of four at Kaziranga. Ashy-throated Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis: A total of eight on Mishmi Hills. Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus: Relatively common in the Shillong area. Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus: This winter visitor was commonly encountered at

Kaziranga. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides: Small numbers at Namdapha, Digboi Oilfields,

Kaziranga and in the Shillong area. Blyth’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides: Common, and in full song, in the Shillong area. In

addition one was noted at Kaziranga. Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator: A handful of these neat Phylloscs at Namdapha.


Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos: Small numbers in the Shillong area. Whistler’s Warbler Seicercus whistleri: Only one was noted on Mishmi Hills. Grey-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys: A total of five, including some good views, at

Namdapha, and a singleton on Mishmi Hills. Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps: Several at Namdapha, and in the Shillong area. Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis: This attractive little warbler was regularly seen at

Namdapha NP, and we had some nice close views. Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps: Quite common and well seen on Mishmi Hills. Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris: This bamboo-lover was noted in small numbers at

Namdapha NP. Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris: Common at Dibru Saikhowa and Kaziranga NP’s. PARIDAE Black-throated Tit (Red-headed Tit) Aegithalos concinnus: Two were noted on Mishmi Hills. Grey Tit Parus cinereus: Frequently seen in open forests and plantations of the Assam Plains. A long

overdue split from Great Tit P. major. Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus: Small numbers on Mishmi Hills and around Shillong. Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus: 12 on the lower slopes of Mishmi Hills, and four in the Shillong

area. Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea: Common at Namdapha NP, and a singleton in the lower slopes of

Mishmi Hills. Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus: A total of three on Mishmi Hills. SITTIDAE Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris: Commonly seen at Namdapha NP. White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis: Quite common on Mishmi Hills. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis: Small numbers at Kaziranga, and in the Shillong area. NECTARINIIDAE Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus: Encountered on Mishmi Hills, and in the Shillong

area, where it was common. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum: A total of 11 at Kaziranga. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthreptes singalensis: Just a single male at Digboi and two at Kaziranga. Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus (H): Two were heard singing from the speeding car on the way to

Shillong. Mrs Gould’s Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae: One on Mishmi Hills, and a total of four in the Shillong

area including some stunning males. The race here is isolata, with a yellow breast (on the male).

Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis: The common sunbird on Mishmi Hills. Also two in the Shillong area.

Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata: The common sunbird at Namdapha. Also four on Mishmi Hills.

Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja: Four, including gorgeous males, at Digboi. Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda: Four of this gorgeous high altitude sunbird were seen at

Mayodia pass on Mishmi Hills. Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna: Very common at Namdapha, and again at middle

altitude on Mishmi Hills. ZOSTEROPIDAE Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus: Scattered sightings of small numbers on the lowlands.


FRINGILLIDAE Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla: Six in the fields around Tewari Gaon on Mishmi Hills, and a total of

15 in the Shillong area. Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala: Two rather elusive birds at Dibru Saikhowa, on the

north side of the Dibru River. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus: A singleton in the Shillong area. Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii: Quite numerous around our accommodation on

Mishmi Hills. PASSERIDAE House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Small numbers at Digboi and in the Shillong area. Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans: Up to 12 at Shillong Ridge. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus: Rather more common than House. Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus: Several flocks of non-breeders at Kaziranga totalled over 30 birds. STURNIDAE Grey-headed Starling (Chestnut-tailed S) Sturnus malabaricus: Scattered records of small numbers,

mainly at flowering trees. Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra: Common and widespread. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis: Common and widespread, particularly around habitation. Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus: A total of 20 in Delhi. Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus: Very common during the tour. White-vented Myna Acridotheres grandis: Small numbers were regularly seen in the lowlands. Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa: Very scarce bird this year. Only records were a group of 10 at

Namdapha and two at Kaziranga. Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus: This vivid yellow oriole was encountered in small numbers

in the more open areas at Namdapha, and again in the Kaziranga area. Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii: Small numbers at Namdapha NP. IRENIDAE Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella (H): Just two were heard at Panbari RF. CORVIDAE Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus: Common in the more open lowlands. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus: A total of five at Namdapha. Resident hopwoodi. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus: Commonly seen at lowland forest locations. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer: A total of eight at Namdapha NP. Typically a hill bird. Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus: Quite numerous at Kaziranga, but only one at

Namdapha NP. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus: Seen regularly in small numbers at Namdapha. Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus: Small numbers in the more open lowland areas. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius: A singleton on Mishmi Hills. Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris: Common, with some excellent views, on Mishmi

Hills. Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis: Three at Namdapha NP, and one in the tea gardens at

Kaziranga. Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda: Few at Dibru Saikhowa, and quite common at Kaziranga. Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae: Small numbers at Namdapha NP, and again on Mishmi Hills. Collared Treepie Dendrocitta frontalis: It took quite some time and effort before we finally got decent

views of two elusive birds near Digboi Oilfields. House Crow Corvus splendens: Abundant around built-up areas. Eastern Jungle Crow Corvus levaillantii: Common on the plains, and more widespread than House

Crow. Formerly lumped in Large-billed Crow C. macrorhynchos.


MAMMALS Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus: A total of 300 between Roing and Kaziranga. In addition five

were noted in Kaziranga. Slow Loris Nycticebus coucang: One was seen crossing the road on our first evening on the way to

Namdapha, and subsequently caught briefly by our local guide Japang. Amazing creature!

Assamese Macaque (Assam M) Macaca assamensis: At least eight were seen at Namdapha NP. Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta: A few were seen. Hanuman Langur Semnopithecus pileatus (NL): Two non-leader Hanumans were seen between

Roing and Kaziranga. Capped Langur (C Leaf Monkey) Semnopithecus pileatus: Two at Namdapha NP, and then four at

Panbari RF. Hoolock Gibbon Hylobates hoolock: The sound of the jungle in Namdapha, where we also had

some great views. Also heard at Panbari RF and on Mishmi Hills. Yellow-throated Martens Martens flavigula: A group of four at Namdapha, and two individuals on

Mishmi Hills. Smooth-coated Otter Lutra perspicillata: Two at Kaziranga NP. Malayan Palm Civet Paguma larvata: We spotlighted one civet at Hornbill, which according to

Japang, our local guide, belonged to this species. Tiger Panthera tigris: Mammal of the trip! One marvellous beast was spotted by Jonathan lying right

in the open at Kaziranga and we had excellent prolonged views of it. Although Kaziranga’s Tiger population is quite strong (ca.70 individuals), they are very seldomly seen here due to vast areas of impenetrable grasslands. A very recent survey of the world’s Tiger population estimated the current population to be around 1400 individuals, a very dramatic decline from the previous estimate of 3000+ individuals only a five years ago! Drastic acts are required to save this magnificent animal from extinction!

Ganges-Indus Dolphin (Ganges D, Gangetic D) Platanista gangetica: We sighted two individuals in the Dibru River at Dibru Saikhowa NP.

Asian Elephant (Indian E) Elephas maximus: Widespread in Kaziranga NP, with about 30 seen, including some superb tuskers.

Asian One-horned Rhinoceros (Indian R, Great Indian O-h R) Rhinoceros unicornis: This magnificent prehistoric looking bulldozer was abundant and easy to see in Kaziranga.

Wild Boar (Indian W B) Sus scrofa: Reasonable numbers in Kaziranga NP. Swamp Deer Cervus duvaucelii: Common in Kaziranga NP. Sambar Cervus unicolor: Small numbers in Kaziranga NP. Hog-Deer Axis porcinus: This little deer was very common at Kaziranga. Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer) Muntiacus muntjak (H): Few were heard at Namdapha, and one at

Kaziranga. Water Buffalo (Wild B) Bubalus arnee: Relatively common in Kaziranga NP; one of the last refuges

for this impressive beast. Black Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor: Occasional sightings at Namdapha. Pallas’s Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus: Regularly seen at Namdapha and also at Panbari RF. Irrawaddy Squirrel (Hoary-bellied Himalayan S) Callosciurus pygerythrus: Fairly common at

Kaziranga NP and its surroundings. Himalayan Striped Squirrel Tamiops mcclellandii: The small striped squirrels that we saw were this

species. Just one at Namdapha, and two at Digboi. Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista: Great daylight views of one at Deban. Namdapha Flying Squirrel Biswamoyopterus biswasi: Two were seen well by spotlight in the camp

clearing at Hornbill. Namdapha Flying Squirrel was only discovered relatively recently, and is only known from this area.

Asian Barred Owlet Black-hooded Oriole

Black-billed Roller Blue-throated Barbet

Eastern Cattle Egret Common Myna

Ashy Wood-swallow & Jungle Myna

Brown Fish Owl Adult Pallas's Fish Eagle

Twin-Ferry over Brahmaputra & boating at Dibru-Saikhowa

Lunch break at Namdapha Crossing the Deban River

Greater Adjutant & Pied Falconet

One-horned Rhino & Red Giant Flying Squirrel

Lineated Barbet Juvenile Pallas's Fish Eagle

Male Pied Harrier Magpie Robin

assam & the northeast frontier

Documents