India

Kashmir, Andamans & Western Ghats

13th February – 2nd March 2016

Leader: James Eaton

Participants: Nick Davies, Les Holliwell, Ron and Sue Johns, John Lobel, Martin Painter and Michael Frost

Wynaad Laughingthrush © James Eaton/Birdtour Asia From the north-westernmost tip of the subcontinent to the south-east islands of the Andamans and finishing off in the southwest of the peninsula, this custom tour covered a vast area of India in search of some of the most sought-after endemics. The bird of the tour, by a country mile, Orange Bullfinch that kicked the tour off in style, with a supporting cast of rarely-seen thrillers such as Kashmir and White-cheeked Nuthatches, Kashmir Nutcracker and Rufous-naped Tits enjoying the snow-laden conifers. This landscape couldn’t have contrasted more starkly with the hot and humid tropical Andaman Islands, where we successfully enjoyed all bar one endemics, highlighted by prolonged views of a confiding Andaman Barn Owl, day-roosting Andamans Scops Owl and prolonged looks at Andaman Crake. Finally, we hit the well-trodden path through the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala locating every endemic of the area. Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Thrush and Broad-tailed Grassbird being particularly well appreciated, though a non-endemic, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl was equally thrilling. We started with the most exciting part of the tour, being the first bird tour company to visit Srinagar, the state capital of Jammu and Kashmir, in the westernmost Himalaya. A winter visit here was always going to be cold with few birds, but with one primary aim – Orange Bullfinch. Unfortunately, this winter, El Nino had continued

to play havoc with the weather and hardly any snow, and warm temperatures were the feature of the winter. Arriving from Delhi in the morning, after breakfast, the usual red-tape formalities and we were finally on the road to spend the afternoon in the snow-clad coniferous forest. Within minutes of our arrival a canopy flock held 12 (!) White-cheeked Nuthatches sallying for insects from bare branches – a bizarre sight to witness, flycatching nuthatches. Accompanying them were two pairs of Kashmir Nuthatch and several Rufous-naped Tit – 3 of our main targets in the bag already! Views were on the distant side however, so we would be looking to improve on these over the coming days. After a pair of distant nutcrackers, we were delighted when 5 Kashmir Nutcracker suddenly appeared in the surrounding trees, chasing each other, and even perching right overhead. Spot-winged Tit also appeared, and we enjoyed nice scope views of Rufous-naped Tit, a bird that appears widespread when looking at the field guides map, but in reality is only readily available around Srinagar due to its preference for high altitude forests. Though several Himalayan Woodpecker showed, a single Scaly-bellied teased us with just the briefest of views.

Orange Bullfinch, female and male, Kashmir Next morning, we entered a completely different habitat – deciduous forest with a dense scrubby valley bottom – a beautiful location. Himalayan Bluetail were abundant and confiding, feeding just feet from us on numerous occasions. Several Brambling were a surprise, as was Grey-winged Blackbird, while our first of several Variegated and Streaked Laughingthrushes appeared, as did Brown-fronted Woodpecker. Our main reason for visiting this area, and indeed Kashmir, was finding Orange Bullfinch, an extremely rarely-seen, range-restricted bird of Kashmir (predominately Pakistani Kashmir). During our morning we encountered immense frustration, twice finding small flocks but both times the birds disappeared almost as soon as we found them. We returned in the afternoon, scouring long and hard the areas we knew the birds favoured but it wasn’t until our walk back in the late afternoon, after enjoying a flock of 30 Chestnut Thrushes, that we spotted two bright orange blobs burning bright in a roadside bush as we watched with delight these male Orange Bullfinch – what a stunning, stunning bird! After watching them for 5 minutes they flew up and joined 10 of their mates before heading off into the distance. Wanting more, we returned the following morning. In the much colder conditions – frost was on the ground, there was significantly less activity. Despite this, along the forest edge we picked up three new birds in the same bushes – Black-throated Accentor, Rock Bunting and Pink-browed Rosefinch. After this there were few birds until the mid-morning when we found 5 (2 males, 3 females) Orange Bullfinch in the same area as the previous afternoon, at eye-level giving stunning views once more in the sunshine before they again headed off into the distance of their own accord. Elsewhere, Golden Eagle put on a display above the hillside and over 100 Himalayan Grey Langur were littered everywhere around us. We opted for a completely different area for the afternoon, but despite the promising looking habitat we saw little, and nothing new except a flock of wintering Twite and several Bar-tailed Treecreeper. Our final day in Kashmir was spent in the coniferous forest, a beautiful landscape surrounded us under a perfect blue sky and sunshine from dawn till dusk. Within minutes of arrival we had our first of several huge feeding flocks, primarily comprising of Rufous-naped Tit, with a sprinkling of Spot-winged Tit, and a bare tree with both White-cheeked and Kashmir Nuthatches on show, side-by-side. During the course of the day we went on to encounter at least 14 White-cheeked Nuthatch and 4 pairs of Kashmir Nuthatch. Other targets were thin on the ground, but we did eventually pick up two pairs of Black-and-yellow Grosbeak, the second of which sat calling from the tree-tops in the afternoon sunshine. Keeping one eye to the skies, both Golden and Steppe Eagles performed, as did Himalayan Griffon. Woodpeckers were numerous, with several Brown-fronted and Himalayan, along with excellent, prolonged scope views of a Scaly-bellied peering behind the bark in search of grubs.

The next leg of our journey was the considerably warmer climate of the Andaman Islands. We had 3 ½ days to find 21 Andaman and Nicobar endemics so we quickly went to work. A flock of Daurian Starling soon greeted us, this rare winter visitor is only found here within Indian territory. Our first endemic, Andaman Staring, also flocked in the surrounding fruiting trees and our first Changeable Hawk Eagle and Brown Shrike was also found. The adjacent marshland was devoid of ducks in the late morning heat but we did at least get a nice selection of shorebirds, our only Dusky Warbler and a brief Slaty-breasted Rail. Our first foray into the forest in the afternoon produced an array of new, endemic birds, the first being Andaman Treepie, a scarce, shy inhabitant, that moves around in groups, often accompanied by Greater Racket-tailed and Andaman Drongos, like these did, along with the occasional surprise, in this case, 3 Andaman Cuckooshrike, which fed quietly beside us offering prolonged views – and as it turned out, our only sighting. The endemics on the islands haven’t been so imaginatively named however, and we soon racked up Andaman Bulbul, Andaman Flowerpecker, Andaman Green Pigeon, Andaman Shama and Andaman Coucal. Shortly after dusk an Andaman Nightjar fluttered just feet from us in the spotlight before perching on a low branch, and a Hume’s Boobook, which sounds suspiciously similar to it’s Brown counterpart was the final, more imaginatively named, endemic of the day.

White-cheeked Nuthatch and Kashmir Nuthatch Our first morning in the Andaman field was busy, as we scoured through the large number of Green Imperial Pigeons for the islands most elusive endemic, Andaman Woodpigeon, which we failed to find, but this was adequately replaced by a roadside Andaman Cuckoo Dove – this often elusive species we went on to see on several occasions, an inquisitive Andaman Crake for two of us standing in the right place at the right time, then the first of several Andaman Woodpecker, and it’s diminutive cousin, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker; a vocal Two-barred Leaf Warbler (potentially one of the very few sightings of the species in India), though the highlight of the morning was the sight of a pair of Andaman Scops Owl roosting right by the roadside – though I’m not sure if the excitement came from watching the pair of fluff balls attempting to ignore so many prying eyes or the prospect of a little less nightbirding! A late morning search for the crake produced much calling and rustling of leaves but we couldn’t quite tempt this shy bird into view. On the return to the hotel a welcome bonus was 18 Andaman Teal on a roadside tidal pool, typically sleeping under the midday sun. Returning to the field after a late lunch a visit to the ‘Chidiyatapu Biological Park’ was an odd experience, wandering around a huge open zoo. Fortunately, with few captive animals but plenty of wild birds and a huge fruiting tree hosting a large variety of species, Asian Koel, starlings, imperial and green pigeons, Hill Myna, minivets, bulbuls though a calling Andaman Crake again evaded detection. Our diurnal birding finished early as we headed back to town for dusk, where a 50-minute wait eventually reaped its rewards as an Andaman Barn Owl suddenly appeared in the spotlight, having left its roost, perching on a school roof – quite a bizarre setting for one of the islands most difficult endemics. Returning to Chidiyatapu once more in the morning, we scoured high and low for the handful of remaining targets. The first was easily found as an Andaman Serpent Eagle peered down from its perch, eventually being found later on in a much lower position, over the road. Andaman Cuckoo Dove also appeared, as did the usual suite of species we were now accustomed to. Try as we might, despite coming very close to a pair of these pesky crakes, hearing them rustling in the leaf-litter, performing their booming duet, they remained tantalisingly out of view. An afternoon visit to Mount Harriet produced plenty of pigeons though it was at night that the action began for us, as it took just 5 minutes to find, first a Walden’s Scops Owl, then an Andaman Boobook, holding a small lizard in its talons, then eating it whole in the spotlight. Our third, and final morning was spent, predictably, in the understorey. A Crested Serpent Eagle started the morning off, while Orange-headed Thrushes were pleasingly abundant and obliging, though it wasn’t until mid-morning, at the umpteenth time of trying that, finally, an Andaman Crake ran into view, but it was worth it, as

it just fed, oblivious to our presence, sticking its head right into the leaf-litter allowing for prolonged views before slipping back into the undergrowth. With the penultimate endemic under the belt, we had just a woodpigeon to find, but, as the saying goes – you have to leave something to come back for, which is exactly what we did!

Andaman Barn Owl and Andaman Scops Owl Thanks to a flight cancelation our swift two-flight journey across to the Western Ghats left us with nearly eight hours to enjoy the delights of Chennai airport, before arriving into Ooty well past our dinner time. The following morning was a bit of a tick-fest, first up were several Painted Bush Quail enjoying the early morning sunshine as they fed in a small clearing on a scrubby hillside, then in a tiny corner of natural vegetation amid the myriad of eucalyptus and denuded slopes we soon reeled in Nilgiri Flycatcher, the first of several Black-and-orange Flycatchers – what a little gem, Black-chinned Laughingthrush, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Indian Blackbird and the first of several impressive Gaur. Moving to the botanical gardens a splendid orange-fronted male Kashmir Flycatcher performed in the understorey while above it the only Tytler’s Leaf Warbler of the tour fed. Our bird-filled morning finally came to an end as we hid away from the beating sun inside a large area of scrub where a Nilgiri Bush Robin (surely it’s actually a flycatcher of some sorts?!) fed totally unconcerned just feet away from us. We weaved our way down to the hot lowlands of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Our delightful accommodation, Jungle Hut, provided a delicious lunch and excellent garden birding with Booted Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Greenish Warbler, Purple-rumped Sunbird, White-cheeked Barbet, Orange Minivet along with both Spotted Deer and Southern Plains Grey Langurs. In the beautiful late afternoon sunshine in the open thorn forest we quickly located a pair of Indian Nuthatch, though it took some time before a pair of Malabar Lark performed immaculately, relying on their camouflage to evade detection – they needed to try harder however. It took a bit longer but we then found Jerdon’s Bushlark, noting its simple, high-pitched song before finishing with a roosting Jungle Nightjar, sat surprisingly high. In between these highlights we found our first Malabar and Plum-headed Parakeets, Brahminy Starlings, Sykes’s Warbler, Yellow-wattled Lapwing and good views of vocal Blyth’s Pipits. Unfortunately, at night the calling Oriental Scops Owl remained tantalising out of view as the area was out of bounds due to Sloth Bears taking a liking for the surrounding fruiting trees! An early morning ‘bus-safari’ was surprisingly productive considering the traffic on the road, which remained clear at the crucial moments, first a pair of Red Spurfowl carefully waddled across the road, seconds later the first of several Grey Junglefowl were feeding right beside the road, and eventually a female White-bellied Minivet was well-spotted sat, continually shaking her wing, at eye-level in a roadside bush. At a designated viewpoint, one of the few spots a minimal amount of walking is allowed inside this vast, fabulous sanctuary the birding was excellent. Several Indian Nuthatch performed at close range, Barred Buttonquail and Jungle Bush Quail fed along a trail, a flowering tree was a hive of activity – Nilgiri and Pale-billed Flowerpeckers, Tickell’s and Greenish Warblers and our first Bright-green Warbler. We headed back up into the hills of Ooty in the late morning, enjoying the view of the fine gardens and quaint bungalows of the Taj Savoy, built in colonial times and still looking rather grand. In the afternoon we concentrated our efforts on one of the regions most difficult endemics, Nilgiri Thrush. A succession of previously seen birds popped up sporadically – Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Black-chinned Laughingthrush and Indian Blackbird. After much searching and scanning, eventually a Nilgiri Thrush was found, scratching around in the deep undergrowth and dense leaf-litter, throwing leaves out of the way in search of food. Though present for some time it took a great dealing of searching to get some sort of a view before it vanished into thin air, tired of our peering eyes. We returned to the same spot the following morning, but the thrush really had vanished. More flycatchers and Laughingthrush seemingly enjoyed our presence, Square-tailed Black Bulbul, more Nilgiri Flycatchers and Grey

Junglefowl graced us with their presence before we headed east for the long, winding journey across the Palakkad Gap from the Nilgiri hills to the Kerala hills. A spot at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary was very birdy but our time was limited, especially as it took some time before John announced he had found the roosting Spot-bellied Eagle Owl we had been searching for. Unfortunately, after some time enjoying him staring down at us, a ranger decided to throw some rocks at the presumed nesting area, forcing this bird to flee, hopefully this new ranger will learn from the experience so others can enjoy this magnificent bird! The grey langurs here were different to Mudumalai, showing off their neat, tufted hairdo – though what species they actually are is such a complex issue, the taxonomy of the Semnopithecus group being more complex than any bird! We arrived at the rather plush Tea County Hotel, in the tea-town of Munnar in the evening to enjoy yet another fine culinary feast.

Nilgiri Bush Robin and White-bellied Bush Robin An early tick-feast was in order yet again now that we were in the ‘Southern Ghats’. A Malabar Whistling Thrush fed under the hotel lights in the darkness, literally inches away from us (he would become a regular sight every time we walked around the hotel!). What better way to enjoy the sun rising over the dramatic, craggy hillsides than to stand by a roadside fly tip, and cardboard-like tasting, crustless cheese sandwiches – a real Indian picnic breakfast treat! The first bird was not new, but offered outrageous views as a Painted Bush Quail fed unconcerned right beneath us, among a plethora of plastic and burning residue. Hill Swallows fed low, around us, while a Nilgiri Pipit flew down to inspect the roadside pickings. Walking a little downslope James heard a familiar, sharp tzip overhead and down plopped a Little Bunting right beside us. Turns out, it was the first record for southern India (and near-enough the Indian peninsula)! Once this familiar bird had disappeared we were back on endemic-territory, as a pair of Kerala Laughingthrush appeared, as did our first of many Lesser Hill Myna. Two Nilgiri Woodpigeons then flashed by, low, perching in the low roadside trees. Thinking we had got lucky with views so quickly of this scarce endemic, typically at our next stop we had one gorging itself on fruit in the sub-canopy. A White-bellied Bush Robin appeared right on queue at this point, singing in clear view, once again leaving us wondering how this can be considered a bush robin with such a song and jizz. Finally, no visit could be complete to Munnar without enjoying magnificent views of the endemic Nilgiri Tahr. Unfortunately for us, it was calving season, so instead of point blank views we had to make do with scope views of several standing around on very distant hillsides! The afternoon was dedicated to Broad-tailed Grassbird, a conspicuous songster of the ridge-top grasslands in the monsoon season, but an ultra, unresponsive skulker when most birders visit the region. After a bit of effort getting up to the beautiful grasslands, we soon flushed one up, for James only unfortunately. After a lot of waiting around (and Stripe-necked Mongoose running along the trail), enjoying the view, a variety of swifts and swallows (and Northern House Martin), finally we heard the characteristic call of the grassbird, and before long we had several flushed views of this surprisingly co-operative bird, much to the relief of everyone – though this might have had more to do with not needing to chomp up again the following morning! The scrubby, thorn forest-dominated hillsides below Munnar was rich in birdlife in the morning sunshine the following day and it only took a couple of minutes to find the endemic Grey-headed Bulbul – however, this was not the bulbul we were after. This bulbul soon disappeared, leaving some of us wanting more, immediately being replaced by the more important Yellow-throated Bulbul that sang to its hearts content along with its mate on-and-off for the next half hour, as we also picked up another Northern House Martin, Jungle Prinia and a large, roving flock of Tawny-bellied Babbler. Further down the hill 3 Blue-faced Malkoha put on an excellent show as the light glistened beautifully off the bird’s shiny blue plumage and turquoise orbital ring. Our next port-of-call was Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast area of mixed forest. The afternoon was chocker with birds, after being greeted by endearing Nilgiri Langurs, this was easily the most bird-filled session of the tour as everywhere we looked birds were congregating in the flowering and fruiting trees. At times we didn’t

know where to look, as we had prolonged, repeated views of several sought-after species, and just common species in general – White-bellied Treepie, Indian Rufous Babbler, Malabar Starling, Malabar Barbet, Loten’s Sunbird, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, 3 species of flameback, Flame-throated Bulbul, Thick-billed Warbler, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Red Spurfowl, Lesser Hill Myna, Gold-fronted and Jerdon’s Leafbirds, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Indian Blue Robin, Dark-fronted Babblers, and, after much searching and patiently waiting, superb views at one of the most difficult, and rarely-encountered endemics – Wynaad Laughingthrush. After brief views of a single, we had great looks at a pair feeding on lantana flowers, then after this excitement, typically we go and find another 8 feeding on the ground, in the open on the walk back! Roadside birding as the sun rose over the trees was quietly productive, picking up our first Grey-fronted Green Pigeons, Malabar Grey Hornbill and a prolonged view of an Orange-headed Thrush in full song. We boarded the public boat in the heat of the morning, expecting an underwhelming, hot, bird-less ride around the reservoir. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth – the general public that surrounded us remained quiet and observant, while we enjoyed a variety of mammals – a pack of Dhole was first up, lying down on the grass foreshore, then a family of Asian Elephant came down to drink, and a huge bull Gaur grazed alone. Several Indian Spotted Eagle were low overhead, and at least one Greater Spotted Eagle accompanied them. As some threatening low cloud passed, Brown-backed Needletails whooshed by, and after much scanning we twice found Indian Spinetail, such an unpredictable bird, accompanying them for decent views. On the return journey the Dhole had sprung into life, as a herd of Sambar had made their way down to the waters edge, and were now stuck, knee-deep in the water as the Dhole strode along the bank, trying to come up with a strategy, as more Sambar joined them, providing much excitement (for us!) as they snapped back at each other. A huge, lone Stag just ambled confidently by all 12 Dhole before they realised their luck was out, this time, and headed into the forest.

Nilgiri Thrush and White-bellied Treepie The afternoon calmed us all down, with a birding lull, but still new birds abound. Rufous Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape and Black-headed Cuckooshrike were all noted before we entered the evergreen forest, and there pretty much ended the birding until we hit upon a feeding flock of 4 Malabar Trogon, and Rusty-tailed Flycatcher – the latter surely erroneously placed as a Muscicapa and is actually a Cyornis. Our first Brown-breasted Flycatcher appeared and on the walk out of the park, another small party of Wynaad Laughingthrush bid us farewell! Back at the hotel, James found a Collared Scops Owl leaving its roost so when we left the following dawn, we duly found it perched ready to roost! Roadside birding and another picnic breakfast (croissants replacing the crustless sandwiches!) enabled us to finally pin down Grey-headed Bulbul for all at a fruiting tree. Flame-throated Bulbul and Indian Golden Oriole were both numerous, along with excellent views of Crimson-backed Sunbird, Little Spiderhunter and another Rusty-tailed Flycatcher. Thattekad was our final destination of the tour, staying at the idyllically situated Hornbill Camp, on the banks of the Periyar, it was easy to sit back and relax for the final two nights. But if only we could! First afternoon we finished off the Western Ghats endemics with a ridiculously easy White-bellied Blue Flycatcher – success! Unfortunately, some of us had to toil with a bogey night-bird of James’s, Sri Lanka Bay Owl, which, despite four night birding sessions, we could only scribble down as ‘heard only’ as one bird called briefly, ever so close before disappearing into the still night, never to be heard again. Still, at least Sri Lanka Frogmouth was easy, as we found several at night, usually in response to our owl calls, checking us out and at dawn a pair of Brown Boobook called overhead. Our diurnal birding was a success however, as we could relax a bit more here and just enjoy the birding – we improved views of several species we had enjoyed elsewhere with some welcome additions, particular in the case of Indian Pitta, finding 3 extremely confiding birds (including one roosting), Jerdon’s Nightjar sallying from its favoured perch, Jungle Owlets chasing Magpie Robins, with them giving some back, displaying Oriental Honey Buzzards and another

Indian Spinetail. Finally, after all this birding it was time to enjoy one last, excellent Indian lunch – the food was a close second to the birds on this tour - and say our good-byes to one another and another great Indian experience.

Bird-of-the-tour

1) Orange Bullfinch 2) Black-and-orange Flycatcher 3) Wynaad Laughingthrush 4) Andaman Crake 5) Nilgiri Thrush

For information regarding our tours to India please click here. Alternatively please contact us via e-mail to arrange custom tours to India. More photos from the tour:

Brown-fronted Woodpecker and Streaked Laughingthrush, Kashmir

Himalayan Grey Langur and Rufous-naped Tit

Andaman Shama and Andaman Bulbul

18 Andaman Teal, Andaman Islands

Andaman Cuckooshrike and Andaman Cuckoo Dove, Andamans

Andaman Boobook and Walden’s Scops Owl, Andamans

Changeable Hawk Eagle Andamans and Malabar Trogon, Periyar

Greenish Warbler and Bright-green Warbler

Malabar Lark and Indian Nuthatch

Jerdon’s Bushlark and White-bellied Minivet

Kashmir Flycatcher and Black-and-orange Flycatcher

Little Bunting and Yellow-throated Bulbul

Heart-spotted Woodpecker and Malabar Barbet

White-bellied Blue Flycatcher and Indian Pitta

Bonnet Macaque and Painted Bush Quail

Jerdon’s Nightjar and Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Thettakad

Dhole and Sambar © James Eaton/Birdtour Asia

Southeastern Langur and Nilgiri Langur

Systematic List

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica Cotton Teal Nettapus coromandelianus * Eurasian Teal Anas crecca * Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope * Gadwall Anas strepera * Mallard Anas platyrhynochos Andaman Teal Anas albogularis GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae Jungle Bush Quail Perdicula asiatica Painted Bush Quail Perdicula erythrorhyncha Red Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae Rock Pigeon Columba livia Nilgiri Woodpigeon Columba elphinstonii Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica Andaman Cuckoo Dove Macropygia rufipennis Asian Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Grey-fronted Green Pigeon Treron affinis Andaman Green Pigeon Treron chloropterus Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia heard only Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea pusilla Ducula aenea andamanica

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii heard only Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus Sirkeer Malkoha Taccocua leschenaultii Blue-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris 'Southern' Greater Coucal Centropus [sinensis] parroti Andaman Coucal Centropus [sinensis] andamanensis APODIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata APODIFORMES: Apodidae Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta affinis Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Indian Swiftlet Aerodramus unicolor Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus inexpectatus Indian Spinetail Zoonavena syvatica Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis Little Swift Apus affinis CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Podargidae Ceylon Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae Great Eared Nightjar Lyncornis macrotis heard only Jungle Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis Andaman Nightjar Caprimulgus andamanicus GRUIFORMES: Rallidae Andaman Crake Rallina canningi Slaty-breasted Rail Lewinia striatus obscurior White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Purple Swamphen Porphyrio [porphyrio] poliocephalus Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Eurasian Coot Fulica atra CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Lesser Sand Plover Anarhynchus mongolus Greater Sand Plover Anarhynchus leschenaultii CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa melanuroides Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Common Redshank Tringa totanus Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea CHARADRIIFORMES: Turnicidae Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae River Tern Sterna aurantia Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida PELECANIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger Indian Shag Phalacrocorax fuscicollis Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus CICONIIFORMES: Threskiornithidae Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae Little Egret Egretta garzetta Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra Great Egret Ardea modesta Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Eastern Cattle Egret Ardea coromanda Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii Striated Heron Butorides striata Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis ACCIPITRIFORMES: Pandionidae Osprey Pandion haliaetus ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes Oriental Honeybuzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus 'Black-eared' Kite Milvus [migrans] lineatus Black Kite Milvus migrans Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus White-bellied Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga leucogaster * Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela davisoni Spilornis cheela melanotis Andaman Serpent Eagle Spilornis elgini Asian Shikra Tachyspiza badius badius Japanese Sparrowhawk Tachyspiza gularis Chinese Sparrowhawk Tachyspiza soloensis Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo burmanicus Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga Indian Spotted Eagle Clanga hastata Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciatus

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Changeable Hawk Eagle Nisaetus limnaeetus andamanensis Crested Hawk Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae Andaman Barn Owl Tyto deroepstorffi Sri Lanka Bay Owl Phodilus assimilis heard only STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae Andaman Scops Owl Otus balli Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia heard only Walden's Scops Owl Otus sunia modestus Indian Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena Spot-bellied Eagle Owl Bubo nipalensis Brown Fish Owl Bubo zeylonensis heard only Mottled Wood Owl Strix ocellata Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei Brown Boobook Ninox scutulata Hume's Boobook Ninox obscura Andaman Boobook Ninox affinis TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus CORACIIFORMES: Bucerotidae Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus PICIFORMES: Capitonidae White-cheeked Barbet Psilopogon viridis Brown-headed Barbet Psilopogon zeylanica heard only Malabar Barbet Psilopogon malabarica Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephala PICIFORMES: Picidae Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus Indian Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus Freckle-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos analis * Brown-fronted Woodpecker Dendrocopos auriceps * Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus Andaman Woodpecker Dryocopus hodgei Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus chlorigastor Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus * Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus Common Flameback Dinopium javanense Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus White-naped Flameback Chrysocolaptes festivus heard only Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris Lesser Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis CORACIIFORMES: Upupidae Common Hoopoe Upupa epops FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae Vernal Hanging-parrot Loriculus vernalis Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala Malabar Parakeet Psittacula columboides Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri Long-tailed Parakeet Psittacula longicauda PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus PASSERIFORMES: Vangidae Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus Malabar Woodshrike Tephrodornis sylvicola Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae Common Iora Aegithina tiphia PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei Andaman Cuckooshrike Coracina dobsoni Black-headed Cuckooshrike Lalage melanoptera Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus White-bellied Minivet Pericrocotus erythropygius Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus Orange Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae White-spotted Fantail Rhipidura albogularis PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Andaman Drongo Dicrurus andamanensis Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae Indian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi paradisi Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus

Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda White-bellied Treepie Dendrocitta leucogastra Andaman Treepie Dendrocitta bayleyi * Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris * Kashmir Nutcracker Nucifraga multipunctata House Crow Corvus splendens * Large-billed Crow Corvus [macrorhynchus] japonensis Eastern Jungle Crow Corvus [macrorhynchus] levaillantii Indian Jungle Crow Corvus [macrorhynchus] culminatus * Carrion Crow Corvus corone * Northern Raven Corvus corax * Eurasian Jackdaw Coloeus monedula PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis PASSERIFORMES: Paridae Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus * Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus * Rufous-naped Tit Parus rufonuchalis * Spot-winged Tit Parus [ater] melanolophus PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae Jerdon's Bushlark Mirafra affinis Malabar Lark Galerida malabarica PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Hill Swallow Hirundo domicola Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Northern House Martin Delichon urbicum PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae Grey-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus priocephalus Andaman Bulbul Pycnonotus fuscoflavescens Flame-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus gularis Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Yellow-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus xantholaemus White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus * Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys Yellow-browed Bulbul Iole indica

* Square-tailed Black Bulbul Himalayan Black Bulbul

Hypsipetes ganeesa Hypsipetes leucocephalus

PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae Indian Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii PASSERIFORMES: Pellorneidae Tawny-bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla atriceps PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala Indian Rufous Babbler Turdoides subrufa Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis

Wynaad Laughingthrush Dryonastes delesserti Kerala Laughingthrush Trochalopteron fairbanki Black-chinned Laughingthrush Trochalopteron cachinnans * Streaked Laughingthrush Trochalopteron lineatum * Variegated Laughingthrush Trochalopteron variegatum PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus PASSERIFORMES: Rugulidae * Goldcrest Regulus regulus himalayensis PASSERIFORMES: Troglodytidae * Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis Tytler's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tytleri * Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Hume's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos Arctic Warbler Seicercus borealis heard only Greenish Warbler Seicercus trochiloides Bright-green Warbler Seicercus nitidus Two-barred Leaf Warbler Seicercus plumbeitarsus Large-billed Leaf Warbler Seicercus magnirostris Western Crowned Warbler Seicercus occipitalis PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon Sykes's Warbler Iduna rama Booted Warbler Iduna caligata PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae Eurasian Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia heard only Broad-tailed Grassbird Schoenicola platyurus PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica Plain Prinia Prinia inornata Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae Indian Nuthatch Sitta castanea Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis * White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis * Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis PASSERIFORMES: Certhidae * Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris Malabar Starling Sturnia blythii Andaman Starling Sturnia erythropygia Daurian Starling Agropsar sturninus Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis tytleri Brahminy Starling Temenuchus pagodarum

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Lesser Hill Myna Gracula indica PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina Nilgiri Thrush Zoothera neilgherriensis * Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus rubrocanus Indian Blackbird Turdus simillimus * Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla Kashmir Flycatcher Ficedula subrubra Black-and-orange Flycatcher Ficedula nigrorufa Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus Nilgiri Flycatcher Eumyias albicaudatus White-bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae Blue Rock-thrush Monticola solitarius Malabar Whistling-thrush Myophonus horsfieldii * Blue Whistling-thrush Myophonus caerulues Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis Andaman Shama Copsychus albiventris Indian Black Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus White-bellied Blue Robin Myiomela albiventris Nilgiri Blue Robin Myiomela major * Himalayan Bluetail Tarsigar rufilatus Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata * Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea * Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis * Plumbeous Redstart Phoenicurus fuliginosus * White-capped Redstart Phoenicurus leucocephalus * Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae Gold-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons Jerdon's Leafbird Chloropsis jerdoni PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella PASSERIFORMES: Cinclidae * Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos Nilgiri Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor Andaman Flowerpecker Dicaeum virescens PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica Crimson-backed Sunbird Leptocoma minima Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis andamanicus Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus Loten's Sunbird Cinnyris lotenius Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra

PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata PASSERIFORMES: Prunellidae * Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus Yellow-throated Petronia Petronia xanthocollis PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae Forest Wagtail Dendroanthus indicus White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava thunbergi Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis tschutschensis Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii Nilgiri Pipit Anthus nilghiriensis PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus roseata * Spectacled Finch Callacanthis burtoni heard only * Brambling Fringilla montifringilla * Twite Linaria flavirostris * Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochroa * Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura * Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola * Orange Bullfinch Pyrrhula aurantiaca * Black-and-yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae * Rock Bunting Emberiza cia stracheyi Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla MAMMALS Bonnet Macaque Macaca radiata Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta Nilgiri Langur Trachypithecus johnii Southeastern Langur Semnopithecus priam priam * Himalayan Langur Semnopithecus schistaceus Sambar Cervus unicolor Indian Muntjac Muntiacus muntjak Spotted Deer Axis axis Indian Chevrotain Moschiola indica Nilgiri Tahr Hemitragus hylocrius Gaur Bos gaurus Wild Boar Sus scrofa Asian Elephant Elephas maximus Dhole Cuon alpinus Indian Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii Stripe-necked Mongoose Herpestes vitticollis Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica Three-striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarun Jungle Palm Squirrel Funambulus tristriatus Dusky Palm Squirrel Funambulus sublineatus Indian Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista philippensis Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus * = Kashmir only 367 species recorded including 11 heard only