shey-phoksundo national park and adjoining areas

156
SHEY-PHOKSUNDO NATIONAL PARK AND ADJOINING AREAS Naresh Kusi Geraldine Werhahn Laxman Prasad Poudyal

Transcript of shey-phoksundo national park and adjoining areas

SHEY-PHOKSUNDO NATIONAL PARK AND ADJOINING AREAS

Naresh Kusi

Geraldine Werhahn

Laxman Prasad Poudyal

Naresh Kusi

Geraldine Werhahn

Laxman Prasad Poudyal

Nepalese Ornithological Unionand

Department ofNational Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Kathmandu, Nepal

SHEY-PHOKSUNDO NATIONAL PARK AND ADJOINING AREAS

Published by

Nepalese Ornithological Union

Kathmandu

in coordination with

Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Kathmandu, Nepal

Copyright © 2018 Authors and Nepalese Ornithological Union

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted to any

form or by any means without prior permission.

ISBN: 978-9937-0-3752-5

Design and layout: Calligrafic Design Studio

Printed in Nepal

Front Cover Photo: Groundpecker Pseudopodoces humilis by Naresh Kusi

Title page Photo: White Wagtail juvenile Motacilla alba by Naresh Kusi

Back Cover Photo: Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros by Geraldine Werhahn

Preferred Citation:

Kusi, N., Werhahn, G. and Poudyal, L.P. (2018).

Birds of Dolpa: Shey-Phoksundo National Park and Adjoining Areas.

Nepalese Ornithological Union and Department of National Parks and Wildlife

Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal

Email: [email protected]

URL: www.birdsofnepal.org

The proceedings from the sale of the book will be spent exclusively for nature and wildlife conservation.

Naresh Kusi

Geraldine Werhahn

Laxman Prasad Poudyal

SHEY-PHOKSUNDO NATIONAL PARK AND ADJOINING AREAS

Expedition horses at Jungben La © Geraldine Werhahn

CONTENTS

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Preface 1

Abbreviations 3

Section I

Background 6

Introduction 7

Habitats 8

Places of interest 12

Major routes for birdwatching 17

Important bird species 31

Section II

Checklist 36

Bibliography 138

Appendix 1: List of mammals recorded in Dolpa 140

Index of common names 142

The culturescape of Dolpo © Naresh Kusi

FOREWORD

Department of Na onal Parks and Wildlife Conserva on (DNPWC) currently works with a network of twelve Na onal Parks, one Wildlife Reserve, one Hun ng Reserve and six Conserva on Areas and thirteen Buff er Zones in Nepal. This network of Protected Areas covers an area of 34419.75 km2, which corresponds to 23.39% of the country’s total land.

Dolpa and Shey-Phoksundo Na onal Park (SPNP) have been fer le grounds for some of the most popular interna onal publica ons which include Stones of Silence: Journeys in the Himalaya (1977) by world renowned wildlife scien st Dr. George B. Schaller, The Snow Leopard (1978), an interna onal best-seller, by Peter Ma hiessen and Himalayan Pilgrimage (1981) by David L. Snellgrove. Its interna onal repute was brought to limelight by the 1999 Oscar-nominated documentary fi lm Himalaya (popularly known as Caravan in Nepal) directed by Eric Valley. From these accounts it is very clear that Dolpa has inspired so many interna onal writers and ar sts. But the district has very few or no such crea ons from Nepali scholars to its credit. In this light, I highly appreciate Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU) for the publica on of this book.

This book is a very important contribu on towards the knowledge of birds of Dolpa. Having a book of this standard from Nepali researchers, together with an interna onal scholar from the world renowned University of Oxford, is defi nitely a ma er of a great pride for us. The dedicated eff orts of the authors in compiling the sca ered knowledge on birds of Dolpa from 1992 to 2017, are commendable. At the same me, it is overwhelming to fi nd so many wonderful photographs of birds in a single book. It is also heartening to realize that the authors have put their best eff orts in presen ng research-based informa on on the travel routes throughout Dolpa. The inclusion of an elaborated route map and appropriate photographs to show major se lement areas and places of interest makes the book an authen c mini-guide. The checklist of mammals in the appendix is an addi onal delight.

DNPWC would like to congratulate the authors for this wonderful work. We hope that this book will generate bigger interests in people towards Dolpa and SPNP. There is no doubt that it will be helpful for the na onal park authority to bring about be er management of the avifaunal diversity of the park and its buff er zone. Similarly, it will also serve as a reliable reference on Dolpa for travellers around the world.

Man Bahadur KhadkaDirector General

Government of Nepal

Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation

Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

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G.P.O. Box: 860, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel. 4220919, 4220850, 4227926, Fax: 977-1-4227675

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their respective support

towards the publication:

1 Carol Inskipp: for providing checklists, encouraging the publication and providing

valuable comments

2 Hem Sagar Baral: for providing valuable comments

3 Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu and Shey-

Phoksundo National Park Office, Suligad, Dolpa: for providing research permits

4 Rajendra Gurung and Pratap Gurung: for sharing their checklists and also for

contributing photographs

5 Tshiring Lhamu Lama and Alex Matthiessen: for sharing their checklist

6 Tashi Dondup Lama, Pema Rikzin Lama and Bir Bahadur Sunar: for supporting the field

expedition team

7 Sanej Prasad Suwal, Sandesh Gurung, Hari Basnet and Hathan Chaudhary: for

contributing photographs

8 Pawan Shakya/Himalayan map house, Basantapur, Kathmandu: for providing route

map

9 Rajeev Tiwary/Calligrafic Design Studio: for allowing us to work together in the design

and layout

Children of Dolpo © Naresh Kusi

Dolpa is the largest district of Nepal currently located in province no. 6. It houses major portions

of Shey-Phoksundo National Park (SPNP) which is the largest National Park of the country.

Being located in one of the remotest places in Nepal, very few scientific expeditions have

been conducted in the park since its establishment in 1984. Systematic ornithological study

started here as late as 1992 (Prime & Oksnebjerb 1992). This was followed by studies of Prime

& Oksnebjerb (1994), Basnet (1998) and Chaudhary (2003). Ironically, there is no document to

suggest ornithological studies in the area for the period 2004 to 2015. During 2015 and 2016,

we explored most of Dolpa district, largely focusing in upper Dolpa. Although our primary tasks

were to study wild mammals like Himalayan Wolf Canis lupus himalayensis, Snow Leopard

Panthera uncia and Wild Yak Bos mutus, we also prepared a checklist of birds observed.

There are a total of 887 bird species recorded in Nepal (as of Feb 2018, Grimmett et al. 2016,

Inskipp & Chaudhary 2016, S. G.C. pers comm. 2016, A. Timsina pers. comm 2017 and Kusi et al.

2017). Our final checklist, generated by compiling different checklists from 1992 to 2017, shows

a total of 300 species of birds in Dolpa district. Birdlife International (2018) mentions only 178

species of birds in SPNP while DNPWC (2017) puts the figure at 200 species. Similarly Inskipp

et al. (2016) has no information about many birds already listed by Chaudhary (2003). This

information clearly indicates that the ornithological data from SPNP and adjoining areas are

relatively underrepresented in many important national and international documents. The

fact cannot be denied that the ornithological knowledge from SPNP, a Protected Area (PA)

designated as an IBA (Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (BCN & DNPWC in preparation), are

scant. Further the available knowledge also remains rather scattered. It motivated us to bring

together all the scattered knowledge on birds from Dolpa in the form of a book. This, we hope,

will remain as a reliable reference on birds of Dolpa.

The very first impression that our valued readers will have from the title of the book is that it is

a compilation of the checklists of birds recorded in Dolpa. But it is not limited to that. We have

also included detailed itineraries for bird watching in Dolpa along all the possible routes, which

is entirely based on our own research expeditions of 2015 and 2016. We have also included

an elaborated route map of Dolpa. Besides birders, the route itineraries will be equally helpful

as a mini guide for a diverse group of people including wildlife researchers, environmentalists,

trekkers and rural development planners.

As the authors of the book, we have put our best efforts in giving it a pleasant look. For this we

have divided the book into two sections. Section I presents the general background of SPNP,

an overview on the different habitat types, places of interest and major routes for bird watching

with appropriate photographs. We have used correct spellings and local names of places

instead of the erroneous Nepali versions that are in general use. e.g. Tinje (Nepali) has been

written as Tinkyu (correct local name) and Phoksundo (Nepali) has been written as Phoksumdo

(correct spelling). Some of the information in this section has not been published before.

Section II contains the updated checklist of birds recorded in Dolpa. Here we have put good

quality photographs of 128 bird species (including females and juveniles whenever available)

taken exclusively in Nepal. The photographs have been arranged in such a way that for

PREFACE

1

every order, there is a theme photo while for a particular family; there are photographs of

representative species. This, we believe, will enable amateur birders to develop an idea of how

bird species of a particular family look in general. However, we are sorry to have been unable

to include photographs for a few families.

We have adopted the common and latin names of birds from Grimmett et al. (2016). After

careful review of distribution ranges and identification features, we have agreed that 11 species

listed by Basnet (1998), Chaudhary (2003) and DNPWC (2007) are unlikely to be recorded

in the landscape of Dolpa and needs further studies for verification. We have removed

Hodgson’s Bushchat Saxicola insignis, Pale-footed Bush Warbler Cettia pallidipes, Bay-backed

Shrike Lanius vittatus, Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus, Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata and

Rufous-backed Sibia Leioptila annectans with an argument that they are most likely to have

been misidentified. Similarly, Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis, Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii,

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus, Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax, and Sultan Tit Melanochlora

sultanea have been removed as their distribution range is mostly in the lowlands.

We have also included a general checklist of wild mammals recorded in Dolpa in the appendix.

The mention of species like Tibetan Gazelle Procapra picticaudata, Tibetan Antelope Pantholops

hodgsoni, Tibetan Wild Ass Equus kiang and Wild Yak by Basnet (1998) and its adoption by

DNPWC (2007) is worth discussing here. All these species are present in the Tibetan Plateau

of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of China with which Dolpa shares its international

boundary. Of these, Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Antelope and Tibetan Wild Ass have never been

recorded in Nepal side in Dolpa. The Wild Yak, although historically present in the district near

the Nepal-China border, is possibly regionally extinct at present (Werhahn & Kusi 2016). So, we

have not included these species in the checklist. But we have added a few species from our own

researches of 2015 and 2016.

We are well aware that an increase in birders visiting SPNP and its adjoining areas will lead

to addition of more species to the current list. In such a case, the checklist will need a regular

update.

We look forward to your constructive suggestions.

2

ABBREVIATIONS

BZ Buffer Zone

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of

Wild Fauna and Flora

DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

and Natural Resources

Km2 Square Kilometer

NA Not Available

NP National Park

PA Protected Area

SPNP Shey-Phoksundo National Park

TAR Tibetan Autonomous Region

3

Gateway to Tsharka © Naresh Kusi

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5

BACKGROUND

Shey-Phoksundo National Park and Buffer zone: A Fact Sheet

Location Province no. 6

Districts Dolpa and Mugu

Establishment National Park in 1984 and Buffer Zone in 1998

IUCN category National Park II and Buffer Zone VI

Area National Park 3,555 km2 and Buffer Zone 1349 km2

Major geophysical character Transhimalayan

Major ethnic Groups Lama, Baiji, Gurung, Magar, Buda, Thakuri, Chetri, Brahmin

Economy Agriculture, animal husbandry, seasonal migration and trade

Major rivers Phoksumdo, Suli Gad, Jugdulla, Langu, Khung, Namgung, Panjang

Major lakes Phoksumdo, Nellahi-Tingnam-Tso, Lutut-Khyungi-Tso, Trhable-

Kyalmu-Tso, Tso-Karpo (White lake), Tso-Napko (Black lake), Tso-

Ngonpo (Blue Lake), Tanga-langa-Tso, Kyalbui-Tso, Sikyalla-Tso and

Changman-Tso

Bioclimatic zones Upper temperate, Sub-alpine, Alpine and Transhimalayan

Biogeographic realm Palearctic

Global 200 ecoregion Western Himalayan alpine shrubs and meadows

Climate Sub-temperate, Temperate, Alpine and Himalayan

Mean annual rainfall 200- 2000mm

Elevation Lowest 2,200 m (Suligad) and highest 6,883 m (Kanjiroba south peak)

Important mammals Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus

himalayensis), Musk Deer (Moschus sp.), Pallas's Cat (Ocotolobus

manul), Tibetan Argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni). See Appendix 1 for

checklist of mammals recorded in SPNP.

Globally threatened birds Five species including Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) and Wood

Snipe (Gallinago nemoricola)

Medicinal plants 407 species (Ghimire et al. 2001)

Major vegetation types Deciduous broad-leaved forest, Quercus semicarpifolia forest, mixed

Quercus semecarpifolia forest, mixed Coniferous forest, Betula utilis

forest, mixed Betula forest, and alpine steppes.

Source: DNPWC (2007)

SECTION I

B i r d s o f D o l p a6

INTRODUCTION

Shey-Phoksundo National Park

Shey-Phoksundo National Park (SPNP) is the largest National Park (NP) in Nepal with an area

of 3,555 Km2. The park is located between 29.250 N and 29.750 N latitude and 83.130 E and

82.520 E longitude in Dolpa and Mugu districts in the north-west transhimalayan region of

Nepal. It is bordered by Tibet in the north, Mustang in the east and Humla in the west.

Boundary Major landmarks

North Kanti himal, Palchun-Hamga himal

East Khun bhanjyang, Khun khola, Panjang khola, Nagon khola, Dansila lek,

Chunla lek, Numla bhanjyangs (north and south), Numla lek, Jhyarkodin

la, Kaira khola

South Majaba khola, Ankhe khola, Suli gad, Thuli-Bheri river, Bhukpa lek,

Mukteshwar himal, Mutu-chula himal

West Mutu-chula lek, Kagmara lek, Pile himal, Laga lek, Latan lek, Kasi-dalpha

danda, Kagdula lek, Patarasi himal, Dabsal danda, Kolundan khola,

Namjan khola, Bhailun khola,Chhayanath-Thakuri danda, Kuldum danda,

Nagpi danda, Chhimimaru danda

Source: DNPWC (2007)

SPNP was established and gazetted in 1984. It’s Buffer Zone (BZ) was gazetted in 1998.

The name Shey-Phoksundo is taken from the renowned ̀Shey’ monastery and the ̀Phoksumdo’

lake.

Most of the area of the park lies to the north of the main Himalayan range and represents

transhimalayan flora, fauna, and ecosystems. The northern region (upper Dolpa) is characterized

by dry, steppe vegetation and the southern region represents distinct forest ecosystems.

The rivers Suli Gad and Jugdulla are the major sources of the Thuli-Bheri river. The Langu river

drains from the high plateau to the east and flows westward until its confluence with the Mugu

Karnali.

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HABITATS

Forests

The forest habitats include mixed deciduous, oaks, conifers and rhododendrons (Prieme and

Oksnebjerg 1994). The altitudinal and climatic variations diversify the vegetation types while the

species and forest types are mainly determined by altitude and aspects. The Jugdulla Valley

has good stands of oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) and birch (Betula utilis) and other temperate

forests. The mixed deciduous forests are found along the lower Suligad Valley whereas the

oak and confer forests dominate the other areas. The dense forests are composed of blue pine

(Pinus wallichiana) intermixed with spruce (Picea smithiana), deodar (Cedrus deodara), hemlock

(Tsuga dumosa) and silver fir (Abies spectabilis). Silver birch (Betula utilis) and juniper (Juniperus

recurva) dominate the landscape at the upper tree-line (DNPWC 2007).

The forests habitat is home to various species of pheasants including Himalayan Monal

Lophophorus impejanus, woodpeckers like Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis

and Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus, nuthatches like Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch

Sitta (castanea) cinnamoventris and Kashmir Nuthatch S. cashmirensis, bulbuls like Himalayan

Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys and Striated Bulbul P. striatus, tits like Rufous-vented Tit

Periparus rubidiventris and Coal Tit P. ater, minivets like Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus

and Long-tailed Minivet P. ethologus, thrushes like Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma and Mistle

Thrush Turdus viscivorus, grosbeaks like White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes and

Collared Grosbeak M. affinis, drongos like Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus, laughing-

thrushes like Spotted Laughingthrush Garrulax ocellatus, Black-faced Laughingthrush

Abroscopus schisticeps, doves like Spotted Dove Stigmatopelia chinensis and Oriental Turtle

Dove S. orientalis, sunbirds like Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis and Mrs Gould’s

Sunbird A. gouldiae, treecreepers like Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana and Rusty-

flanked Treecreep er C. nipalensis, flycatchers like Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris

and Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher F. strophiata, robins like Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus,

magpies like Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris and Red-billed Blue Magpie U.

erythrorhyncha, Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala, babblers, warblers, yuhinas,

and fulvettas.

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Forest habitat © Rajendra Gurung

Scrublands and meadows

Habitats in the higher altitudes generally represent xeric lands covered with small bushes and

trees interspersed with alpine steppes. The scrublands in the NP and around mainly consists

of Cotoneaster and Caragana (Prieme and Oksnebjerg 1994). Caragana and Lonicera shrubs are

common vegetation with sparse bushes of Rhododendron nivale, Rhododendron lepidotum, and

dwarf junipers (Juniperus wallichiana). Local people residing in and around the park use these

areas to graze livestock (DNPWC 2007).

Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus, Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis, Golden Eagle Aquila

chrysaetos and Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius are seen soaring over the alpine meadows

(Prieme and Oksnebjerg 1992). Birds found in these habitats include various species of accentors

like Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris and Brown Accentor P. fulvescens, Mountain finches like

Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola and Brandt’s Mountain Finch L. brandti, rosefinches

like Great Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilla and Red-fronted Rosefinch C. puniceus, partridges

like Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar and Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa, snowcocks like Tibetan

Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus and Himalayan Snowcock T. himalayensis, choughs like Red-

billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and Alpine Chough P. graculus, larks like Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris, buntings like Rock Bunting Emberiza cia and Chestnut-eared Bunting E.

fucata, pipits like Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus and Upland Pipit A. sylvanus, martins like Eurasian

Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris, Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalense, rockthrushes

like Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius and Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush M. rufiventris,

swifts like Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba and Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus, Eurasian Wren

Troglodytes troglodytes, Twite Carduelis flavirostris, Groundpecker Pseudopodoces humilis,

Grandala Grandala coelicolor, Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti, Common Stonechat Saxicola

torquatus etc.

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Scrubland in Nisalgaon © Naresh Kusi

Wetlands

The high mountains are primary sources of major river systems in Nepal. Thuli-Bheri, Suli

Gad and Jugdulla are the major river systems, whereas Langu, Khung, Namgung and Panjang

are the other important rivers in SPNP. The water of northern valleys, i.e. Tinkyu, Saldang and

Bhijer, drain into Langu river, a tributary of the Karnali river via the Mugu Karnali. The water of

the southern valleys Tsharka, Dho-Tarap and Suligad/Phoksumdo drain into the Bheri river via

the Thuli-Bheri (DNPWC 2007).

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Phoksumdo river flowing through Sallaghari © Naresh Kusi

Alpine meadow in Poltekhola, Tinkyu © Naresh Kusi

The Phoksumdo lake and other wetlands provide the passage and resting spots for the

migratory winter birds. The notable winter visitors are Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Garganey

A. querquedula, Gadwall A. strepera, Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, Tufted Duck Aythya

fuligula, Goosander Mergus merganser and Common Coot Fulica atra. Bar-headed Goose Anser

indicus, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope, Common Redshank Tringa totanus and Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

are the passage migrants. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus, Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo and Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus are probably the summer

visitors. Other wetland birds include Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis, White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus, Brown Dipper C pallasii, Spotted

Forktail Enicurus maculatus and Little Forktail E. scouleri. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea, White-

throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis and Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa

are the notable summer visitors seen near the wetland meadows.

Human habitations and cultivated lands

Villages in Dolpa district are among the highest settlements on earth with active agriculture

and animal husbandry. However, agricultural land here is very limited and occurs in patches.

The farmlands are cultivated with Tibetan barley (Hordeum vulgare), buckwheat (Fagopyrum

esculentum), chinu millet (Panicum milliaceum), and potatoes (Solanum nigrum) up to 4200 m.

Croplands are located along valley bottoms and gently sloping terraces (DNPWC 2007).

The notable bird species in these habitats include Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax,

Yellow-billed Chough P. graculus, House Crow Corvus splendens, Large-billed Crow C.

macrorhynchos, House Sparrow Passer domesticus, Eurasian Tree Sparrow P. montanus, Russet

Sparrow P. rutilans, Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus, House Swift Apus affinis, Striated

Prinia Prinia crinigera, Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris, Common

Hoopoe Upupa epops, Common Pigeon Columba livia, Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus and Grey

Bushchat Saxicola ferreus. Chaffinch is a winter visitor and Common Hoopoe is a passage

migrant.

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Cultivated land in Karang © Naresh Kusi

PLACES OF INTERESTS

Shey Gompa

The Shey gompa, locally known by the name Shelri Sumdho gompa, is the soul of SPNP. The

monastery takes its name from Crystal Mountain, Dolpa’s holiest summit, located nearby to

the west of the valley (Pritchard-Jones & Gibbons 2014). Every year in July, before the barley

harvest, Dolpo-pas (people of Dolpa) perform the circumbulence (kora) of Crystal Mountain

(Schaller 1977) which they believe cleanses their sins. Shey gompa belongs to the Karma-

pa-Kagyu-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. However, idols of many Nyingma-pa deities can also

be seen in the display. The famous ‘Shey festival’ is held every 12 years in the dragon year of

Tibetan calendar. The next ‘Shey festival’ will be held in July/August of 2023.

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Shey gompa © Naresh Kusi

Tsakang Gompa

This monastery complex can be reached after about an hour of walk uphills to the north of

Shey gompa. The main red monastery retreat is set against blood red cliffs.

Gonmoche Hermitage

This hermitage is located further north from the Tsakang gompa. The name literally means ‘The

great gate’ because it is situated at the foot of the Crystal Mountain (Hovden 2016).

Tsakang gompa © Geraldine Werhahn

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Gonmoche hermitage © Naresh Kusi

Phoksumdo Lake

The freshwater glacial lake, Phoksumdo, is the jewel of SPNP. The lake lies near the Ringmo

village, locally called by the name Tso-wa meaning lake-side (Gurung 1980), at 3600m altitude.

The lake is 4.8 km long, 1.5 km wide and has a depth of 145 m. Its magnificent turquoise colour

and spectacular scenery offer soulful treat to nature lovers.

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Phoksumdo Lake © Rajendra Gurung

The lake is fed by two streams; Phoksumdo khola to the north and Deikuthang khola to the

south. The lake has become a wetland of international importance after being declared as a

Ramsar site in 2007 by the Government of Nepal (DNPWC 2017).

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Thashung-Tsoling Gompa

This monastery complex is located at the south-western corner of Phoksumdo lake and is

sheltered by a pine forest. It is an ancient monastery related to Bon-po religion.

Suligad Falls

This is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Nepal. Its grandeur can be best observed from the

view-tower at Lapchha, constructed on the top of the hill-slope above Polam.

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Thashung-tsoling gompa © Naresh Kusi

Suligad falls © Naresh Kusi

MAJOR ROUTES FOR BIRDWATCHING

It is compulsory for foreign travellers to obtain Traveller’s Information Management System

(TIMS) permit and district entry permits before heading for Dolpa. The fee for lower Dolpa

is USD 10 per person per week. The permits can be collected from Nepal Tourism Board,

Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Also they should pay the park entry fees for SPNP.

Upper Dolpa is designated as a restricted area for foreign visitors. Thus, they are required to

have a special entry permit to travel in upper Dolpa. The fee is USD 500 per person for the

starting 10 days and USD 50 per additional day. The restricted area permit is issued by the

Department of Immigration of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal.

Dolpa district is best accessed by flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. From Juphal, one can choose

to reach Phoksumdo lake through the general route via Suligad or follow the Rup Gad river

towards Kagmara. Both these routes meet at Sumduwa.

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Polam, the winter hamlet of Ringmo village © Naresh Kusi

The general route to Phoksumdo Lake (Juphal- Dunai-Suligad-Ringmo-Phoksumdo Lake)

Jeeps are available from Juphal to Dunai, the district headquarter. A walk towards the north-

west along the Thuli-Bheri river takes you to Suligad where the headquarter of SPNP is

located. The trail to Phoksumdo lake follows the Suli Gad river and passes through forests

along the way.

Day 1: Juphal-Dunai-Suligad-Syangta-Chhepka (2661m)

Day 2: Chhepka to Rechi (2940m)

Day 3: Renchi-Sumduwa-Pungmo village (3500m)

Day 4: Birding around Pungmo village and Pungmo khola, overnight at Pungmo village

Day 5: Pungmo-Sumduwa-Polam (3397m)

Day 6: Polam-Ringmo village (3607m)

Day 7: Birding around Thashung-tsoling monastery, surrounding forests and Phoksumdo

lake shores, overnight at Ringmo village

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Ringmo village © Naresh Kusi

The alternate route to Phoksumdo Lake via Pungmo

(Kagmara Trek)Pungmo-Kagmara-Toijam-Tripurakot-Juphal or Dunai

The habitat between Pungmo village to Toijam contains a good lower temperate mixed broad-

leaved conifer forests. The steep hill slopes are dominated by temperate and sub-alpine

vegetation. The Jugdulla Valley has good stands of oak interspersed with conifers mainly

Himalayan spruce, Himalayan silver fir and Himalayan blue pine. Further up along Jagdulla

khola and Garpung khola, birch and Rhododendron dominates till the treeline.

Day 1: Juphal-Rupgad-Tripurakot-Masinechaur

Day 2: Masinechaur-Balangra La (3760m)-Kaigaon-Hurikot (2600m), overnight camp at

Hurikot

Day 3: Hurikot-Toijam-Garpung khola, overnight camp at Garpung khola

Day 4: Garpung khola-Kagmara La (5115m)-Lasa meadow (4060m), overnight camp at Lasa

meadow

Day 5: Lasa meadow-Pungmo village

Day 6: Pungmo-Sumduwa-Polam

Day 7: Polam-Ringmo village

Once you are in Ringmo, you can choose between lower and upper Dolpa. The trail to upper

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Sallaghari © Naresh Kusi

Dolpa passes through the northern shore of Phoksumdo lake while the trail through the

southern shore takes you to Dho-Tarap in lower Dolpa.

Towards Dho-Tarap from Ringmo

Day 1: Ringmo-Temche (Baga La phedi-3995m)

Day 2: Temche-Baga La (5169m)-Danigar (4512m)

Day 3: Danigar-Numa La (5310m)-Numa La base camp (4440m)

Day 4: Nu ma La base camp-Thaksi-Tokyu-Dho-Tarap (3944m)

Exploring upper Dolpa

A very large part of Dolpa district lies in upper Dolpa, also known as Dolpo in general. ‘Dolpo’

refers to the whole region bounded on the west by the watershed above Phoksumdo lake and

on the south by the Dhaulagiri massif (Snellgrove 1981).

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Chorten Complex in Nisalgaol © Geraldine Werhahn

Ringmo to Shey Gompa

Mixed broad-leaved upper temperate forests of Quercus spp., Rhododendron spp. inter-mixed

with Betula utilis and Abies spectabilis, are found along the hill slopes. The forests in the

Sallaghari area is dominated by pure stands of Pinus spp. The vegetation above Kang La high

camp (3900 msl) till Shey gompa is largely dominated by alpine shrubs, such as Caragana

brevifolia and Lonicera spinosa, and graminods including Stipa spp., Carex spp., and Kobresia spp.

There are at least three different routes to reach Shey from Ringmo. The routes separate after

the campsite at the end of Sallaghari. The usual route is:

Day 1: Ringmo- Phoksumdo khola-Sallaghari, overnight camp at Sallaghari (3594m)

Day 2: Birding around Phoksundo khola and Sallaghari, overnight camp at Sallaghari

Day 3: Sallaghari to Kang La lower camp (4500m)

Day 4: Kang La lower camp-Kang La (5350m)-Shey gompa (4315m)

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Shey © Naresh Kusi

For the longer routes, you should go north-west towards Perikapuwa from the campsite. This

route goes as follows:

Day 3: Sallaghari-Perikapuwa (4024m)

Day 4: Birding around Perikapuwa, overnight camp at Perikapuwa

Day 5: Perikapuwa-Larchha (4260m)

Day 6: Larchha-Mendok Ti (flower depression), 4624m

Day 7: Birding around Mendok Ti

From Mendok Ti, there are again two routes, the first one goes through:

Day 8: Mendok Ti-Chhurang La (5338m)-Chang Tsakang (4871m)

Day 9: Chang Tsakang-Shey gompa (4343m)

The other route is:

Day 8: Mendok Ti-Mendok Ti La (5133 m)-Tsakang (4654m)

Day 9: Tsakang-Shey gompa

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Herders' camp in Mendok Ti © Naresh Kusi

Perikapuwa © Geraldine Werhahn

Shey Gompa-Bhijer

The area above Shey gompa is largely treeless with cliffs, rugged terrains and flat undulating

patches dominated by graminoids. The habitats in most of upper Dolpa are largely dominated

by sub-alpine shrubs with grassy meadows in flat depressions and dry grasslands associated

with xeric shrubs and dwarf Rhododendrons and Caragana species. The general itinerary to

Bhijer from Shey is as follows:

Day 1: Birding around Shey gompa and Tsakang gompa, overnight camp at Shey gompa

Day 2: Birding around hillsides and Sephu khola, overnight camp at Shey gompa

Day 3: Shey gompa-Shi chung-Den khola-Tairo (4703m)

Day 4: Tairo to Bhijer village (3850m)

Day 5: Birding around Bhijer, Samling gompa, Tata,Tartang khola and Dulung khola,

overnight at Bhijer village

From Bhijer, there are two routes to reach Saldang village. The longer route goes to Kuwagaon

and returns to Saldang via Karang while the shorter route goes through Neng La.

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Bhijer village © Naresh Kusi

Longer route to Saldang from Bhijer

Kuwagaon is the north-westernmost village of Dolpa which has not seen many visitors. If you

have enough time,you can spend a few days in the pasturelands above Kuwagaon reaching

near Danphesail in the Nepal-China border. The general itinerary is:

Day 1: Bhijer-Chyulung (4506m)

Day 2: Chyulung-Kuwagaon (3596m)

Day 3: Kuwagaon-Koyo-Chiuu (4456m)

Day 4: Birding around Danphesail, overnight camp at Chiuu

Day 5: Chiuu-Koyo-Kuwagaon

Day 6: Kuwagaon-Chyulung

Day 7: Chyulung-Karang-Marang-Nisalgaon (3862m)

Day 8: Birding around Nisalgaon, Yang Tser monastery, Panzang khola and Tora khola,

overnight at Nisalgaon

Day 9: Nisalgaon-Karlep (4595m)

Day 10: Karlep-Nisalgaon

Day 11: Nisalgon-Saldang (3842m)

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Kuwagaon © Geraldine Werhahn

Shorter route to Saldang from Bhijer

Day 1: Bhijer to Neng La high camp (5080m)

Day 2: Neng La high camp –Neng La (5368m)-Saldang village

Day 3: Birding around Saldang village, nearby monasteries, streams, cultivated lands and

open fields, overnight at Saldang village

Day 4: Saldang-Namgung gompa, birding around Namgung gompa and hillsides, overnight

at Saldang village

The important settlement after Saldang is Dho-Tarap. There are two routes to reach Dho-

Tarap: the longer route through Komas-Shimen-Tinkyu-Tsharka and the shorter route through

Namdo-Chagaon-Chang La-Tokyu to Dho-Tarap.

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Nisalgaon © Naresh Kusi

Saldang © Naresh Kusi

Longer route to Dho-Tarap from Saldang

This route takes you outside of SPNP.

Day 1: Saldang-Namdo (3948m)

Day 2: Namdo-Koma village (4210m)

Day 3: Birding around the alpine steppes of Koma

Day 3: Koma-Shimen village (3936 m)

Day 4: Birding to the north of Shimen, overnight camp at Shimen

Day 5: Shimen-Maitgaon-Mait khola (4253m)

Day 6: Mait khola-Lai Samba (4955 m)

Day 7: Birding around Lai Samba

Day 8: Lai Samba-Marim La (5488m)-Puitem (4950m)

Day 9: Puitem-Tinkyu (4110m)

Day 10: Tinkyu-Poltegaon-Khaikyu (4536 m)

Day 11: Birding around Khaikyu

Day 12: Khaikyu-Poltegaon-Tinkyu

Day 13: Tinkyu-Namduthan-Chakchu Sumna (4323m)

Day 14: Chakchu Sumna-Laarcha (4920m)

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Koma © Naresh Kusi

From Laarcha, you can choose to go to Dho-Tarap through the shorter route via Choila La or

through the longer route going to Tsharka and back.

Day 15: Laarcha-Mo La phedi (4690m)

Day 16: Mo La phedi-Mo-La-Tsharka (4302m)

Day 17: Tsharka-Mo La-Mo La base camp

Day 18: Mo La base camp-Jhyarkoi La-Dho-Tarap

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Tinkyu © Naresh Kusi

Tsharka © Naresh Kusi

Shorter route to Dho-Tarap from Saldang

Day 1: Saldang-Namdo-Chagaon (4040m)

Day 2: Birding around Chagaon, hillsides, streams, Rapa monastery, overnight at Chagaon

Day 3: Chagaon-Dachu khola-Chang La base camp (4550m)

Day 4: Chang La base camp-Chang La (5220m)-Tokyu village (4194m)

Day 5: Tokyu village-Dho-Tarap

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Chagaon © Naresh Kusi

Tokyu village © Geraldine Werhahn

Dho-Tarap to Dunai

Coming down from Dho-Tarap brings you back to forest habitat.

Day 1: Dho-Tarap-Ghyamghar-Toltol (3523m)

Day 2: Toltol-Laini Odar-Nawarpani (3751m)

Day 3: Nawarpani-Laisicap (2641m)

Day 4: Laisicap-Dunai (2140m)

Day 5: Birding around Dunai and Thuli-Bheri riverside, overnight at Dunai

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Dho-Tarap © Naresh Kusi

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Egyptian Vulture © Naresh Kusi

IMPORTANT BIRD SPECIES

The ornithological value of SPNP is high as it houses many birds with national and interna-

tional significance. Five species are globally threatened (IUCN 2017), 16 species are nationally

threatened (Inskipp et al. 2017), three species are restricted range species (Inskipp et al. 2016),

two species are nationally data deficient, three species are protected by the National Parks and

Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 as Schedule I species and 34 species are listed in CITES Appen-

dices (four in Appendix I, 28 in Appendix II and one in Appendix III) (CITES 2017).

Globally Threatened and Near-threatened Birds

Common Name Scientific Name Status

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus Endangered

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Endangered

Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii Vulnerable

Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola Vulnerable

Common Pochard Aythya ferina Vulnerable

Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus Near Threatened

Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra Near Threatened

Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus Near Threatened

Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis Near Threatened

Restricted Range Species

Common Name Scientific Name

Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis

White-throated Tit Aegithalos niveogularis

Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis

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Nationally Threatened and Near-threatened Birds

Common Name Scientific Name Status

Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii Endangered

Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus Endangered

Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra Vulnerable

Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha Vulnerable

Garganey Anas querquedula Vulnerable

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Vulnerable

Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo Vulnerable

Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola Vulnerable

Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus Vulnerable

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus Vulnerable

Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis Vulnerable

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Vulnerable

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Vulnerable

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Vulnerable

Golden-naped Finch Pyrrhoplectes epauletta Vulnerable

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Vulnerable

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Near Threatened

Common Pochard Aythya ferina Near Threatened

Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus Near Threatened

Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis Near Threatened

Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar Near Threatened

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus Near Threatened

Common Crane Grus grus Near Threatened

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Near Threatened

Plain Martin Riparia paludicola Near Threatened

Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos Near Threatened

B i r d s o f D o l p a32

Nationally Data Deficient Birds

Common Name Scientific Name

Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius

Twite Carduelis flavirostris

NPWC Act Protected Birds

Common Name Scientific Name

Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra

Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus

Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii

B i r d s o f D o l p a 33

Bar-headed Goose © Naresh Kusi

CITES Listed Birds

Common Name Scientific Name Appendix

Tibetan Snowcock Tibetan Snowcock I

Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus I

Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii I

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus I

Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus II

Common Crane Grus grus II

Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo II

Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus II

Himalayan Wood Owl Strix (aluco) nivicolum II

Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei II

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus II

Little Owl Athene noctua II

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus II

Black Kite Milvus migrans II

Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus II

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus II

Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis II

Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus II

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus II

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus II

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis II

Himalayan Buzzard Buteo (buteo) burmanicus II

Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius II

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis II

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus II

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis II

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos II

B i r d s o f D o l p a34

Mountain Hawk Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis II

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus II

Amur Falcon Falco amurensis II

Merlin Falco columbarius II

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo II

Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra III

B i r d s o f D o l p a 35

Steppe Eagle © Naresh Kusi

CHECKLIST

B i r d s o f D o l p a36

Codes Explanation

1 Common, >75% chance of observation

2 Fairly common, >50% chance of observation

3 Occasional, >25% chance of observation

4 Uncommon, >15% chance of observation

5 Rare, 5% chance

r Resident, seen all the year round

s Summer visitor

w Winter visitor

m Passage migrant

? Status unclear

v Vagrant

* Globally threatened

# Nationally threatened

SECTION II

Birdwatching at Tsharkha Tulsi © Naresh Kusi

Major references consulted for the checklists:

1. Prieme, A & Oksnebjerg, B. (1992) Field study in Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Report

to Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu.

Unpublished.

2. Prieme, A & Oksnebjerg, B. (1994) The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo

National Park, Nepal. FORKTAIL 10: 33-48.

3. Basnet, K. (1998) Birds list of Shey-Phoksundo National Park. In Biodiversity inventory of

Shey-Phoksundo National Park: wildlife component. A report submitted to WWF

Nepal program. Unpublished.

4. Sparks, J. (1999) Birds seen on the trek through upper Dolpo-Nepal. Unpublished.

5. Chaudhary, R.D. (2003) A bird checklist of Shey-Phoksundo National Park (SPNP) Dolpo,

Nepal.

6. Gurung, R. (2017) Checklist of birds observed in Shey-Phoksundo National Park (July 2011

& August-September 2015). Unpublished.

7. Werhahn, G. & Kusi, N. (2016) Checklist of birds recorded in Dolpa (2015-2016). In 'Wolf and

wild yak research in upper Dolpa 2016. Report to Department of National Parks

and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu. Unpublished.

8. Lama, T. L. & Matthiessen, A. (2016) Checklist of birds observed in Shey-Phoksundo National

Park (September-October 2016). Unpublished.

9. Gurung, P. (2017) A checklist of birds recorded in Dolpa (September 2017). Unpublished.

B i r d s o f D o l p a 37

B i r d s o f D o l p a38

ORDER: GALLIFORMES

Cheer Pheasant © Hari Basnet

Family: Phasianidae

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

1 Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos sflnh r1 3

2 Cheer Pheasant *# Catreus wallichii rL/ r4 3

3 Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus sf]ª\df lxp“s'v'/f r2 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a 39

Tibetan Snowcock © Naresh Kusi

4 Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis lxdfnL lxp“s'v'/f r4 2

5 Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra d'gfn r3 5

6 Koklass Pheasant # Pucrasia macrolopha kmf]qmf; r5 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a40

Himalayan Snowcock © Naresh Kusi

7 Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar Rofv'/f r1 2

8 Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus sfnf] ltqf r4 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a 41

Chukar Partridge © Rajendra Gurung

9 Tibetan Partridge Perdix hodgsoniae lxdfnL lkp/f r4 2

10 Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola lkp/f r5 5

11 Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus lrlnd] r3 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a42

Blood Pheasant © Rajendra Gurung

12 Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus 8f“km] r1 1

13 Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa n/jfg r3 1

Himalayan Monal © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a 43

B i r d s o f D o l p a44

ORDER: ANSERIFORMES

Bar-headed Goose © Rajendra Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

14 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea rv]jfrv]jL m?2 2

15 Eurasian Wigeon Anas Penelope l;Gb'/] xf“; m1 3

16 Common Pochard Aythya ferina s}nf]6fps] xf“; m 5

Family: Anatidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 45

Ruddy Shelduck © Geraldine Werhahn

17 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos xl/of] 6fps] wm1 5

18 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina ;'gh'/] xf“; wm 3

19 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula sfnLh'/] xf“; wm 2

20 Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus vf]ofxf“; m?3 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a46

Tufted Duck © Pratap Gurung

Mallard © Naresh Kusi

21 Garganey # Anas querquedula Zj]tfvLefÄ wm 4

22 Common Teal Anas crecca lah'nfu}/f} wm4 4

23 Gadwall Anas strepera v8v8] xf“; wm1 6

24 Common Merganser (Goosander) Mergus merganser dl0ft'08s w 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a 47

Gadwall (F) © Naresh Kusi

Common Teal © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a48

ORDER: PICIFORMES

Darjeeling Woodpecker © Rajendra Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

25 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla v/nfxf“r] m3 4

26 Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus yf]Kn] ;l;of r3 5

27 Brown-fronted Woodpecker Dendrocopos auriceps v}/f]6fps] sfi7s"6 r4 5

Family: Picidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 49

Eurasian Wryneck © Naresh Kusi

28 Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos cathpharius /ftf]5ftL sfi7s"6 r4 5

29 Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis bfhL{ln· sfi7s"6 r4 3

30 Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos

himalayensis lxdfnL sfi7s"6 r1 1

31 Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus 7"nf]sTn] sf7kmf]/ r1 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a50

Speckled Piculet © Pratap Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

32 Great Barbet Megalaima virens GofpnL s?5 3

Family: Megalaimidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 51

Great Barbet © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a52

ORDER: UPUPIFORMES

Common Hoopoe © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

33 Common Hoopoe Upupa epops kmfk|] r/f sm3 2

Family: Upupidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 53

Common Hoopoe © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a54

ORDER: CORACIIFORMES

Common Kingfisher © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

34 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis ;fgf] df6Lsf]/] s?5 5

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

35 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis ;]tf]s07] df6Lsf]/] s?3 5

Family: Alcedinidae

Family: Dacelonidae

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

36 Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis d'/nLr/f s?4 2

Family: Meropidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 55

White-throated Kingfisher © Sanej Prasad Suwal

Green Bee-eater © Sanej Prasad Suwal

B i r d s o f D o l p a56

ORDER: CUCULIFORMES

Eurasian Cuckoo © Geraldine Werhahn

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

37 Jacobin Cuckoo (Pied Cuckoo ) Clamator jacobinus h'/] sf]OnL s4 5

38 Eurasian Cuckoo (Common Cuckoo) Cuculus canorus s'Ss' sf]OnL s3 2

39 Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus k"jL{o sf]OnL s5 3

40 Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus ;fgf] sf]OnL s5 2

Family: Cuculidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 57

B i r d s o f D o l p a58

ORDER: APODIFORMES

Himalayan Swiftlet © Pratap Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

41 Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris rL“lrsf ufÄynL s2 2

42 White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus ;]tf]s07] ufÄynL r?3 5

43 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba atf;L ufÄynL r?3 2

44 Common Swift Apus apus v}/f] ufÄynL s?5 2

45 House Swift Apus affinis lkm/lkm/] 3/ufÄynL r?3 5

46 Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus k'R5/sfk] ufÄynL s5 3

Family: Apodidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 59

B i r d s o f D o l p a60

ORDER: STRIGIFORMES

Little Owl © Rajendra Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

47 Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus n]sfnL pn"s r3 5

48 Himalayan Wood Owl Strix (aluco)

nivicolums}nf] kxf8L pn"s r3 2

49 Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei ;fgf] 8'G8'n r5 5

50 Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus n3's0f{ nf6f]sf];]/f] m5 2

51 Little Owl Athene noctua lxdfnL sf]rnuf“8] r4 2

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

52 Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus nfdk'R5«] r}t]r/f rs?5 2

Family: Caprimulgidae

Family: Strigidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 61

B i r d s o f D o l p a62

ORDER: COLUMBIFORMES

Snow Pigeon © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

53 Common Pigeon (Rock Dove) Columba livia dn]jf r1 2

54 Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris n]sfnL dn]jf r2 2

55 Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota lxdfnL dn]jf r1 2

Family: Columbidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 63

Hill Pigeon © Naresh Kusi

56 Ashy Wood Pigeon Columba pulchricollis km';|f] jgk/]jf r3 5

57 Speckled Wood Pigeon Columba hodgsoni l5/la/] jgk/]jf r3 1

58 Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis tfd] 9's'/ s1 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a64

Oriental Turtle Dove © Naresh Kusi

59 Spotted Dove Stigmatopelia chinensis s'n]{ 9's'/ s5 3

B i r d s o f D o l p a 65

Spotted Dove © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a66

ORDER: GRUIFORMES

Common Crane © Rajendra Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

60 Demoiselle Crane # Grus virgo s¥ofª–s'?ª ;f/; m5 4

61 Common Crane Grus grus nId0f ;f/; m5 2

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

62 White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus l;ds'v'/f s? 5

63 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra d?n wm1 2

Family: Gruidae

Family: Rallidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 67

White-breasted Waterhen © Naresh Kusi

Eurasian Coot © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a68

ORDER: CICONIIFORMES

Himalayan Vulture © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

64 Wood Snipe *# Gallinago nemoricola jg rfxf s5 1

65 Common Redshank Tringa totanus nfnv'§] l6dl6df m2 5

66 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola jg ;'8;'l8of m4 5

Family: Scolopacidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 69

Common Redshank © Naresh Kusi

Common Redshank juvenile © Naresh Kusi

67 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus ?v ;'8\;'l8of m4 3

68 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos r~rn] ;'8;'l8of m2 4

69 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia l6dl6df m4 5

70 Little Stint Calidris minuta sfnLv'§] hn/· m3 5

71 Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus nfns07] kmfnf/f]k v Bluefield &

Bluefield

(2008)

72 Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii hn/· m3 4

B i r d s o f D o l p a70

Green Sandpiper © Naresh Kusi

Common Greenshank © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

73 Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii ltnx/L r/f s3 2

74 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus x'l66\ofp“ s? 7

Family: Charadriidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 71

Ibisbill © Naresh Kusi

Red-wattled Lapwing © Sanej Prasad Suwal

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

75 Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus nfdv'§] Zo]gafh  wm4 6

76 Himalayan Buzzard Buteo (buteo)

burmanicusZo]gafh wm1 2

77 Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius kxf8L Zo]gafh w5 2

Family: Accipitridae

B i r d s o f D o l p a72

Upland Buzzard © Naresh Kusi

78 Black Kite Milvus migrans sfnf] rLn s?1 2

79 Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Çf]0fs rLn r3 5

80 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus sf“wrGÇ rLn wm4 2

81 Steppe Eagle *# Aquila nipalensis uf]dfo' dxfrLn wm4 2

82 Golden Eagle # Aquila chrysaetos ;'k0f{ dxfrLn r5 2

83 Mountain Hawk Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis kxf8L zbnrLn r5 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a 73

Black Kite © Naresh Kusi

84 Himalayan Vulture (Himalayan

Griffon) #

Gyps himalayensis lxdfnL lu4 r1 2

85 Cinereous Vulture # Aegypius monachus /fhlu4 s? 5

86 Bearded Vulture

(Lammergeier) #

Gypaetus barbatus xf8kmf]/ r1 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a74

Bearded Vulture © Naresh Kusi

87 Egyptian Vulture *# Neophron percnopterus ;]tf] lu4 r?5 2

88 Hen Harrier # Circus cyaneus rNnfrf]/ e'O“rLn wm3 2

89 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus jgafh s?4 2

90 Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis anfsf+If jgafh r?4 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a 75

Egyptian Vulture © Sanej Prasad Suwal

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

91 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus afÄ8fO r?1 2

92 Amur Falcon Falco amurensis cd'/ afh m4 2

Family: Falconidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a76

Common Kestrel © Sandesh Gurung

93 Merlin Falco columbarius ;fgf] afh m?3 2

94 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo h'“u] lr/fGts afh s3 5

95 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus zfxL afh m?4 8

B i r d s o f D o l p a 77

Eurasian Hobby © Pratap Gurung

Peregrine Falcon © Sandesh Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

96 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 8'a'NsLr/f s2 5

97 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis sfnLs07 8'a'NsLr/f wm1 5

Family: Podicipedidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a78

Little Grebe © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

98 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo hn]jf s?1 3

Family: Phalacrocoracidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 79

Great Cormorant © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a80

ORDER: PASSERIFORMES

Grandala © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

99 Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach eÇfO{ r3 2

100 Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus lxdfnL eÇfO{ s?2 1

Family: Laniidae

Grey-backed Shrike © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a 81

Long-tailed Shrike © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

101 Black-headed Jay Garrulus lanceolatus sfnf]6fps] jgsfu r?3 6

102 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius s}n] jgsfu r4 5

103 Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris ;'g7"“8] nfdk'R5«] r1 5

104 Red-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa

erythrorhyncha :ofnkf]y/L nfdk'R5«]

r1 5

105 Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae kxf8L sf]sn] r3 5

106 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus 6]d' r2 2

Family: Corvidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a82

Red-billed Blue Magpie © Naresh KusiAlpine Chough © Naresh Kusi

107 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax

pyrrhocorax6'·f r2 2

108 Groundpecker Pseudopodoces humilis e'O“kmf]/ r3 2

109 Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes jg;/f{ r1 2

110 House Crow Corvus splendens 3/ sfu r1 9

111 Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos sfnf] sfu r1 2

112 Northern Raven Corvus corax /fhf sfu r3 2

113 Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei n6'zs lj/xLr/L r4 5

114 Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii 3g/Qm ;'gr/L r3 3

115 Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus (oriolus) kundoo ufhn] ;'gr/L s3 3

B i r d s o f D o l p a 83

Large Cuckooshrike © Naresh Kusi

Northern Raven © Naresh Kusi

116 Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus nfdk'5«] /fgLr/L s1 2

117 Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus /fgLr/L r1 3

118 Yellow-bellied Fantail Chelidorhynx

hypoxanthakxÃnf] df?gLr/L s4 1

119 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus sfnf] lra] s5 7

120 Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Wjf“;] lra] s5 2

121 Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus s]z/fh lra] s5 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a84

Long-tailed Minivet (F) © Naresh Kusi

Black Drongo © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

122 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus ;]tf]s07] j~h"n r1 2

123 Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii v}/f] j~h"n r1 2

Family: Cinclidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 85

Brown Dipper © Naresh Kusi

White-throated Dipper © Naresh Kusi

Family: Muscicapidae

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

124 Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis s}nf] k'R5«/] lznf rf“r/

s?m 7, Kusi et

al. (2017)

125 Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris xhf/f rf“r/ r4 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a86

Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush © Naresh Kusi

126 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius pdf rf“r/ r3 2

127 Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus sNrfÄ8] r1 2

128 Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma uf]a|] rf“r/ s3 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a 87

Blue Rock Thrush © Naresh Kusi

129 Plain-backed Thrush (Alpine

Thrush)

Zoothera mollissima ;fbf9f8] rf“r/ r3 1

130 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus x8\r"/ rf“r/ r5 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a88

Plain-backed Thrush © Naresh Kusi

131 Tickell’s Thrush Turdus unicolor km';|] rf“r/ s5 1

132 Tibetan Blackbird Turdus (merula)

maximussfnf] rf“r/ m3 5

133 Red-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis /ft]s07] rf“r/ w2 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a 89

Tickell's Thrush © Naresh Kusi

Red-throated Thrush © Naresh Kusi

134 White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus s07] rf“r/ r?3 1

135 White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana gLnf] n3'k+v s4 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a90

White-collared Blackbird © Naresh Kusi

136 Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni ZofdZj]t ch'{gs s3 3

137 Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica Wjf“;] ch'{gs s4 2

138 Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda s}nf]k'R5«] ch'{gs s3 1

B i r d s o f D o l p a 91

Little Pied Flycatcher © Rajendra Gurung

139 Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata ;]tf]l6s] ch'{gs s4 2

140 Grey-headed Canary

Flycatcher

Culicicapa ceylonensis r~rn] ch'{gs s2 5

141 Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris gLnZj]t ch'{gs s1 1

B i r d s o f D o l p a92

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher © Raj Prasai

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher © Naresh Kusi

142 Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor l6sl6s] ch'{gs s3 2

143 Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus gLnt'yf] ch'{gs s3 2

144 Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara ;'Gb/ gLntef s3 3

B i r d s o f D o l p a 93

Verditer Flycatcher © Naresh Kusi

145 White-winged Redstart

(Guldenstadt's Redstart )

Phoenicurus

erythrogasterus ;]tf]k+v] v~h/L r4 2

White-winged Redstart © Naresh Kusi

White-winged Redstart juvenile © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a94

146 Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa gLnfDa/ hnv~h/L r3 2

147 Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea gLnf] /ljg s5 1

Plumbeous Water Redstart © Geraldine Werhahn

Plumbeous Water Redstart (F) © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a 95

148 Himalayan Bluetail Tarsiger (cyanurus)

rufilatus;'Gtnfsf]v] /ljg s?1 2

149 Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus ;'gf}nf] /ljg r4 1

150 White-browed Bush Robin Tarsiger indicus ;]tf]cf“vLefÄ /ljg r4 1

Himalayan Bluetail © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a96

151 Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis wf]lagL r/f s?1 5

152 Rufous-backed Redstart

(Evermann's Redstart)

Phoenicurus

erythronotuss}nf]9f8] v~h/L w5 2

153 Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus

coeruleocephala wf]lagL v~h/L s?3 2

Oriental Magpie Robin © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a 97

154 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros WofKrL v~h/L s5 2

155 Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni tgsDk v~h/L m5 2

156 White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus

schisticeps ;]tf]s07] v~h/L r5 1

B i r d s o f D o l p a98

White-throated Redstart © Naresh Kusi

157 Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis gLn6fps] v~h/L r4 1

158 White-capped Redstart

(White-capped Water Redstart)

Chaimarrornis

leucocephalus;]tf]6fps] hnv~h/L

r4 2

159 White-bellied Redstart Hodgsonius

phaenicuroides ;]tf]k]6] v~h/L s?3 1

B i r d s o f D o l p a 99

White-bellied Redstart (F) © Naresh Kusi

White-bellied Redstart © Naresh Kusi

160 White-tailed Rubythroat Luscinia pectoralis lxdfnL /ftf]s07 s5 2

161 Grandala Grandala coelicolor lxdfnL u|f08nf r1 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a100

White-tailed Rubythroat © Naresh Kusi

162 Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti sfnf]s07] e'O“/ljg s5 2

163 Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri u+uf vf]n]wf]lagL r3 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a 101

Desert Wheatear juvenile © Naresh Kusi

Desert Wheatear © Naresh Kusi

164 Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus yf]Kn] vf]n]wf]lagL r3 3

165 Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata sfn] ‰ofK;L s5 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a102

Pied Bushchat © Naresh Kusi

Spotted Forktail © Naresh Kusi

166 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus ´]s´]s ‰ofK;L r3 2

167 Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferreus lxdfnL ‰ofK;L r3 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a 103

Common Stonechat © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

168 Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum h'/] ;f/fÄ m4 2

169 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 8fª\u|] ?kL s3 3

Family: Sturnidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a104

Brahminy Starling © Naresh Kusi

Common Myna © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

170 Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta (castanea)

cinnamoventriss6';] d§f r3 9

171 Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis sfZdL/L d§f r3 1

172 White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis kxf8L d§f r5 5

173 White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis sfnf]6fps] d§f r4 1

174 Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria d'/f/L k'tnLr/f r5 2

Family: Sittidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 105

Wallcreeper © Naresh Kusi

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch © Pratap Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

175 Hodgson's Treecreeper Certhia hodgsoni ;]tf]k]6] 5]kf/]r/L r?4 2

176 Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana k'R5/kf6] 5]kf/]r/L r?4 2

177 Rusty-flanked Treecreeper Certhia nipalensis s}nf]sf]v] 5]kf/]r/L r5 5

178 Eurasian Wren (Winter Wren) Troglodytes troglodytes lrqL r3 2

Family: Certhiidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a106

Bar-tailed Treecreeper © Hari Basnet

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

179 Rufous-naped Tit Periparus

rufonuchaliss}nf]ub{g] lrlrNsf]6] r?5 2

180 Rufous-vented Tit Periparus

rubidiventris;]tf]ub{g] lrlrNsf]6] r?3 1

181 Coal Tit Periparus ater ;fgf] km';|] lrlrNsf]6] r?4 1

182 Grey-crested Tit Lophophanes

dichrouskm';|f]h'/] lrlrNsf]6] r4 1

Family: Paridae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 107

Coal Tit © Sanej Prasad Suwal

183 Great Tit Parus major lrlrNsf]6] s?5 5

184 Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus xl/of] lrlrNsf]6] r4 2

185 Black-lored Tit Parus xanthogenys kf08' lrlrNsf]6] r5 7

186 Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus

modestusr“b'jf lrlrNsf]6] r?5 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a108

Black-lored Tit © Pratap Gurung

Great Tit © Sandesh Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

187 White-throated Tit Aegithalos

niveogularis;]tf]s07] lrlrNsf]6] r?4 1

188 Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus sfnLs07] lrlrNsf]6] r?4 2

Family: Aegithalidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 109

Black-throated Tit © Pratap Gurung

White-throated Tit © Rajendra Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

189 Plain Martin Riparia paludicola leQ]ufÄynL r4 5

190 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris glxs'6L ufÄynL r4 2

191 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 3/ ufÄynL s2 5

192 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica u]?s6L ufÄynL r4 5

193 Common House Martin

(Northern House Martin)

Delichon urbicum eL/ufÄynL m3 5

194 Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus Pl;ofnL eL/ufÄynL r3 2

195 Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalense g]kfn eL/ufÄynL r3 5

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

196 Goldcrest Regulus regulus :j0f{r"n lkm:6f] r?3 2

Family: Regulidae

Family: Hirundinidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a110

Eurasian Crag Martin © Geraldine Werhahn

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

197 Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus ws]{ h'/]nL r3 5

198 Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys h'Nkm] h'/]nL r3 2

199 Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii s}nf]k]6] h'/]nL r3 3

200 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer h'/]nL r4 5

201 Black Bulbul Hypsipetes

leucocephalus afv|] h'/]nL r5 2

Family: Pycnonotidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 111

Red-vented Bulbul © Naresh Kusi

Himalayan Bulbul © Pratap Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

202 Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera ;'of 3f“;]lkm:6f r2 2

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

203 Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus sf“sL/ r5 2

Family: Cisticolidae

Family: Zosteropidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a112

Striated Prinia © Geraldine Werhahn

Oriental White-eye © Pratap Gurung

Family: Sylviidae

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

204 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius kftl;pg] lkm:6f] r3 9

205 Smoky Warbler Phylloscopus

fuligiventerWjf“;] lkm:6f] rs5 5

206 Hume's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei r~rn] lkm:6f] r4 3

207 Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher ;'Gtn]/]vL lkm:6f] r4 1

208 Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus

maculipennis km';|f]s07] lkm:6f] r5 3

209 Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus

chloronotus kLts6L lkm:6f] r5 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a 113

Common Tailorbird © Sanej Prasad Suwal

210 Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus

inornatus xl/t lkm:6f] wm5 2

211 Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus

trochiloideshLjn lkm:6f] s5 2

212 Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis kLtf]b/ lkm:6f] s3 2

213 Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus

magnirostris 7"nf]7"“8] lkm:6f] s3 1

214 Blyth's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus

reguloides tfn'ws]{ lkm:6f] r2 2

215 Green-crowned Warbler

(Golden-spectacled Warbler)

Seicercus burkii ;'grZd] lkm:6f] r4 2

216 Whistler's Warbler Seicerus whistleri ;';]nL lkm:6f] r?4 7

217 Grey-hooded Warbler Phylloscopus

xanthoschistost'd'nsf/L lkm:6f] r5 1

B i r d s o f D o l p a114

Tickell's Leaf Warbler © Naresh Kusi

218 White-browed Tit-Warbler Leptopoecile

sophiaea}hgL lkm:6f] r4 2

219 Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus

griseoluskLtf]b/ 9'·]lkm:6f] s4 2

220 Grey-sided Bush Warbler Cettia brunnifrons /ftf]6fps] ´f8Llkm:6f] s3 1

221 Brownish-flanked Bush

Warbler

Cettia fortipes v}/f]sf]v] ´f8Llkm:6f] r?5 2

222 Booted Warbler Iduna caligata df]6f]v'§] lkm:6f] m5 2

223 Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus

schisticeps ufhn] lkm:6f] r5 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a 115

White-browed Tit Warbler © Geraldine Werhahn

224 White-browed Fulvetta Fulvetta vinipectus kLtgog km"na'§f r3 1

225 Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis y'knsNsL h'/]r/f r3 5

226 Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis v}/f] h'/]r/f r3 5

227 Fire-tailed Myzornis Myzornis pyrrhoura xl/t lxd;'wf r5 5

228 Rufous Sibia Malacias capistratus l;laof r3 5

229 Black-throated Parrotbill Suthora nipalensis g]kfn af“b/r/L r5 5

230 Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus l5s]{ tf]/Luf“8f r3 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a116

Streaked Laughingthrush © Naresh Kusi

231 White-throated

Laughingthrush

Garrulax albogularis ;f]O/g] tf]/Luf“8f r4 5

232 Spotted Laughingthrush Garrulax ocellatus d'“bfn] tf]/Luf“8f r5 5

233 Scaly Laughingthrush Garrulax

subunicolorsTn] tf]/Luf“8f r4 5

234 Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus 6sLo'/L tf]/Luf“8f r4 1

235 Black-faced Laughingthrush Garrulax affinis sfg6f6] tf]/Luf“8f r4 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a 117

Black-faced Laughingthrush © Naresh Kusi

236 Chestnut-crowned

Laughingthrush

Garrulax

erythrocephaluss6';6fps] tf]/Luf“8f r4 5

237 Striated Laughingthrush Garrulax striatus sNsL tf]/Luf“8f r4 N.

Rupakheti

(pers.

comm

2015)

238 Black-chinned Babbler Stachyridopsis

pyrrhopssfnf]lrp“8] jgEofs'/ r3 3

239 Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer sTn] l8s'/]Eofs'/ r3 3

240 Pygmy Wren Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla d'/fln“8] l8s'/]Eofs'/ r?5 5

241 White-browed Shrike Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis nfnk+v]] eÇfO{Eofs'/ r?5 5

242 Green Shrike Babbler Pteruthius

xanthochlorus xl/t eÇfO{Eofs'/ r?5 1

243 Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis jgrfx/ r4 5

244 Bar-throated Siva (Chestnut-

tailed Minla)

Siva strigula lzj ldGnf r3 5

245 Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta nfnk'R5]« r3 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a118

Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush © Rajendra Gurung

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

246 Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla jlt{sf ef/åfh w5 2

247 Hume's Short-toed Lark Calandrella acutirostris kx]nf]7"“8] ef/4fh w5 2

248 Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula a|f¾dLr6L s3 2

249 Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris h'“u] ef/åfh r2 2

Family: Alaudidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a 119

Horned Lark © Naresh Kusi

Horned Lark juvenile © Naresh Kusi

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

250 Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus clUgjIf k'iksf]lsn r2 2

251 Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus sfnf] a'·]]r/f s3 3

Family: Nectariniidae

B i r d s o f D o l p a120

Purple Sunbird (F) © Sanej Prasad Suwal

252 Mrs Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae sflGt a'·]r/f r?5 2

253 Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis g]kfn a'·]r/f r5 2

254 Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda nfdk'R5«] a'·]r/f r5 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a 121

Fire-tailed Sunbird © Hathan Chaudhary

Green-tailed Sunbird © Pratap Gurung

Family: Passeridae

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

255 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 3/ e“u]/f r3 2

256 Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans s}nf] e“u]/f r2 2

257 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus ?v e“u]/f r3 2

258 Tibetan Snowfinch Montifringilla adamsi rf“bLk+v] lxp“r/L r4 2

259 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis ?v r'Oof“ s5 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a122

Russet Sparrow © Naresh Kusi

Tibetan Snowfinch © Naresh Kusi

260 Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni aufn] r'Oof“ s5 2

261 Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus u'nfkmLs07] r'Oof“ s5 2

262 Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus kxf8L r'Oof“ r5 2

263 White-browed Wagtail Motacilla

maderaspatensisvf]n] l6sl6s] s5 9

B i r d s o f D o l p a 123

Rosy Pipit © Naresh Kusi

White-browed Wagtail © Naresh Kusi

264 White Wagtail Motacilla alba ;]tf] l6sl6s] s5 2

265 Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola a];f/] l6sl6s] m3 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a124

White Wagtail © Naresh Kusi

Citrine Wagtail © Naresh Kusi

266 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea km';|f] l6sl6s] s3 2

267 Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris lxdfnL n]sr/L r2 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a 125

Grey Wagtail © Naresh Kusi

Alpine Accentor © Naresh Kusi

268 Altai Accentor Prunella himalayana cNtfO{ n]sr/L w5 2

269 Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata d';] n]sr/L r3 1

270 Brown Accentor Prunella fulvescens ufhn] n]sr/L r?3 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a126

Brown Accentor © Naresh Kusi

Brown Accentor juvenile © Naresh Kusi

271 Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis sfnf]s07] n²sr/L

w5 2

272 Robin Accentor Prunella rubeculoides /ljg n]sr/L r3 1

B i r d s o f D o l p a 127

Robin Accentor © Naresh Kusi

Robin Accentor juvenile © Naresh Kusi

Family: Fringillidae

SN Common Name Scientific Name g]kfnL gfd Status Reference

273 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs lrqsr/L w3 2

274 Brambling Fringilla

montifringillasfnf]6fps] lrqsr/L w3 5

275 Red-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus nfndfyf l;l/g r?3 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a128

Red-fronted Serin © Naresh Kusi

276 Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides ufhn] kLtr/L s3 2

277 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis /Qmd'xf/ kLtr/L s5 2

278 Twite Carduelis flavirostris ;fg]7"“8] lng]6 r5 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a 129

Twite © Naresh Kusi

Yellow-breasted Greenfinch © Naresh Kusi

279 Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte

nemoricolaltt'e“u]/f r3 2

280 Brandt's Mountain Finch Leucosticte brandti ;fgf] l;ld|s ltt' r4 2

281 Common Rosefinch Carpodacus

erythrinuscdfÃuf ltt' s3 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a130

Plain Mountainfinch © Naresh Kusi

Brandt's Mountainfinch © Naresh Kusi

282 Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus

pulcherrimusl´aL ltt' r3 2

283 Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus

rodochroa /ftf] l´aL ltt' r?3 1

B i r d s o f D o l p a 131

Beautiful Rosefinch © Rajendra Gurung

284 Vinaceous Rosefinch Carpodacus vinaceus nfnjbg ltt' r4 5

285 Streaked Rosefinch Carpodacus

rubicilloides ws]{ /fhltt' r5 1

286 Spot-winged Rosefinch Carpodacus

rodopeplus k+vyf]Kn] ltt' r5 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a132

Streaked Rosefinch (F) © Naresh Kusi

Streaked Rosefinch © Naresh Kusi

287 White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus thura k+vyf]Kn] 7"nf]ltt' r4 1

288 Great Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilla /fhltt' r5 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a 133

Great Rosefinch © Rajendra Gurung

289 Red-fronted Rosefinch Carpodacus puniceus /QmzLif{ /fhltt' r5 2

290 Golden-naped Finch Pyrrhoplectes

epauletta ;'Gtn]6fps] sfnf]ltt' r5 5

Red-fronted Rosefinch (F) © Naresh Kusi

B i r d s o f D o l p a134

Red-fronted Rosefinch © Naresh Kusi

291 Red-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula

erythrocephala /ftf]6f]ps] l6p“l6p r?2 1

292 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra sÄrL7"“8] r4 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a 135

Red-headed Bullfinch (F) © Raj Prasai

Red Crossbill © Rajendra Gurung

293 Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis ;'Gtn]ub{g dxf7"“8 r?5 2

294 Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas

melanozanthos k+vyf]Kn] dxf7"“8 r4 2

295 White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes w"kL dxf7"“8 r5 2

B i r d s o f D o l p a136

White-winged Grosbeak © Naresh Kusi

296 Crested Bunting Melophus lathami h'/] au]8L r4 3

297 Little Bunting # Emberiza pusilla n3' au]8L w4 2

298 Pine Bunting Emberiza

leucocephalos ;Nn] au]8L w5 2

299 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia lznf au]8L r3 2

300 Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata sfgs}n] au]8L r4 5

B i r d s o f D o l p a 137

Rock Bunting © Naresh Kusi

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Basnet, K. (1998) Biodiversity inventory of Shey-Phoksundo National Park: wildlife component.

A report submitted to WWF Nepal program. Unpublished.

BCN & DNPWC. (in preparation) Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas of Nepal: Key sites

for conservation. Bird Conservation Nepal and Department of National Parks and

Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal.

BirdLife International. (2018) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Shey-Phoksundo National Park.

Bluefield, A., & Bluefield, J. (2008). Red-necked Phalarope Phalarope lobatus sighting at

Phoksundo lake, Dolpo. Danphe vol 17.

Chaudhary, R.D. (2003) A bird checklist of Shey-Phoksundo National Park (SPNP) Dolpo, Nepal.

CITES. (2017) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

Flora. Appendices I, II and III (valid from 4 October 2017). downloaded from https://

www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php on 31 January 2018

DNPWC. (2017) Shey-Phoksundo National Park. In Protected Areas of Nepal. Department of

National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal.

DNPWC. (2007) The Management Plan of Shey-Phoksundo National Park (SPNP) and its

Buffer zone. Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu

Ghimire, S. K., Lama, Y. C., Tripathi, G. R.., Schmidt, S. and Thomas, Y.A. (2001) Conservation of

plant resources, community development and training in applied ethno-botany at

Shey-Phoksundo National Park and its buffer zone. Publication Series No. 41. WWF

Nepal Program, Kathmandu.

Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., Inskipp, T. and Baral, H. S. (2016) Birds of Nepal. Second edition. Helm

Field Guide, London, UK.

Gurung, H. (1980) Phoksumdo and Tarakot. In Vignettes of Nepal. Sahayogi Press, Kathmandu.

76-92 pp.

Hovden, A. (2016) Between village and monastery: A historical ethnography of a Tibetan

buddhist community in north-western Nepal. PhD dissertation submitted to

University of Oslo. Norway. Unpublished.

Inskipp C., Baral H. S., Inskipp, T, Khatiwada A., Poudyal L.P. and Amin R. (2017) Nepal’s National

Red List of Birds. Journal of Threatened Taxa 9(1): 9700 9722; http://doi.org/10.11609/

jott.2855.9.1.9700-9722

Inskipp C., Baral H. S., Phuyal S., Bhatt T. R., Khatiwada M., Inskipp, T, Khatiwada A., Gurung S.,

Singh P. B., Murray L., Poudyal L. and Amin R. (2016) The status of Nepal's Birds: The

national red list series. Zoological Society of London, UK. Vol 1 -6

Inskipp, C., & Chaudhary, H. (2016). The first record of West Himalayan Bush Warbler Locustella

kashmirensis for Nepal.Indian BIRDS 12 (4 & 5): 138-39

IUCN. (2017) The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2017-3.

Kusi, N., Acharya R., Ghimirey, Y., Adhikary, B. & Werhahn, G. (submitted) An update on Tibetan

argali Ovis ammon hodgsonii in Nepal.

Kusi, N., Lama, T.L., Lama, P.R. & Werhahn, G. (2017) The first record of Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush

Monticola saxatilis for Nepal. BirdingASIA 27. 116-117 pp.

MoFSC. (2016) National survey of red panda to assess its status, habitat and distribution in

Nepal. Draft report submitted by RPN & HCF. Unpublished.

Prieme, A. & Oksnebjerb, B. (1994) The avifauna and conservation value of Shey-Phoksundo

National Park, Nepal. Forktail 10: 33-48.

Prieme, A. & Oksnebjerb, B. (1992) Field study in Shey-Phoksundo National Park. Report

submitted to Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu,

Nepal. Unpublished.

B i r d s o f D o l p a138

Pritchard-Jones, S. & Gibbons, B. (2014) Trekking around upper & lower Dolpo. Himalayan Map

House, Kathmandu, Nepal. 228 pp.

Schaller, G.B. (1977) Journey to Crystal Mountain. In Stones of Silence, Journeys in the

Himalaya. The University of Chicago press. 203-277 pp.

Shakya, K. (2007) Dolpo, the hidden paradise: A journey to the endangered sanctuary of the

Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. Nirala Publications, New Delhi, India. Third edition.

Snellgrove, D.L. (1981) The land of Dolpo. In Himalayan pilgrimage: A study of Tibetan religion by

a traveller through western Nepal. Shambhala publications. USA. 70-162 pp.

Werhahn G., Kusi N., Karmarcharya D., Sherchan A.M., Manandhar P., Manandhar S., Bhatta T.R.,

Joshi J., Bhattarai S., Sharma A.N., Kaden J., Ghazali M. & Senn H. (in press) Eurasian

lynx and Pallas’s cat in Dolpa district of Nepal: Insights into genetics, distribution and

diet from non-invasive sampling. Cat News.

Werhahn, G., Senn, H., Kaden, J., Joshi,J., Bhattarai, S., Kusi, N., Sillero-Zubiri, C. & Macdonald,

D.W. (2017) Phylogenetic evidence for the ancient Himalayan wolf: towards a

clarification of its taxonomic status based on genetic sampling from western Nepal.

R. Soc. open sci.4: 170186. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.170186

Werhahn, G. & Kusi, N. (2016) Wolf and wild yak research in upper Dolpa. Research report

submitted to Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu,

Nepal. Unpublished.

B i r d s o f D o l p a 139

Appendix 1: List of mammals recorded in Dolpa

Common name Scientific name Family Type of record Reference

Himalayan Wolf Canis lupus

himalayensis. *

Canidae Live sighting Werhahn &

Kusi (2016)

Golden Jackal Canis aureus Canidae Live sighting

Dhole Cuon alpinus Canidae Reported by

local villagers

(around Ringmo

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Canidae Reported by

local villagers

Tibetan Fox Vulpes ferrilata Canidae Reported by

local villagers

Snow Leopard Panthera uncia Felidae Live sighting T.L. Lama

pers. comm.

(2016)

Leopard Panthera pardus Felidae Observation of

pugmarks

Werhahn &

Kusi (2016)

Eurasian Lynx Lynx lynx Felidae Fecal DNA

sample

Werhahn &

Kusi (2016),

Werhahn et

al (in press)

Jungle Cat Felis chaus Felidae Not Available

(NA)

Basnet

(1998)

Pallas’s Cat Otocolobus manul Felidae Fecal DNA

sample

Werhahn et

al. (in press)

Himalayan Brown

Bear

Ursus arctos Ursidae Observations of

digging signs in

Tinkyu

Werhahn &

Kusi (2016)

Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus Ursidae NA Basnet

(1998)

Red Panda Ailurus fulgens Ursidae Droppings and

dead body

MoFSC

(2016)

Stone Marten Martes foina Mustelidae Reported by

local villagers

Werhahn &

Kusi (2016)

Altai Weasel Mustela altaica Mustelidae Live sighting

Ermine Mustela armenia Mustelidae Live sighting R. Gurung

pers. comm

(2017)

B i r d s o f D o l p a140

Siberian Weasel Mustela sibirica Mustelidae Live sighting Shakya

(2007)

Yellow-throated

Marten

Martes flavigula Mustelidae Na Basnet

(1998)

Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta Cercopithecidae Live sighting Werhahn &

Kusi (2016)Nepal Grey

Langur

Semnopithecus

schistaceus

Cercopithecidae Live sighting

Himalayan Tahr Hemitragus

jemlahicus

Bovidae NA Basnet

(1998)

Himalayan Serow Capricornis thar Bovidae NA

Tibetan Argali Ovis ammon

hodgsoni

Bovidae Live sighting Werhahn &

Kusi (2016),

Kusi et al.

(submitted)

Blue Sheep Pseudois nayaur Bovidae Live sighting Werhahn &

Kusi (2016)

Wild Boar Sus scrofa Suidae NA Basnet

(1998)

Musk Deer Moschus sp Moschidae Observations

of pellets and

resting sites

(Sallaghari)

Werhahn &

Kusi (1998)

Woolly Hare Lepus oiostolus Leporidae Live sighting Werhahn &

Kusi (2016)Large-eared Pika Ochotona

macrotis

Ochotonidae Live sighting

Royle's Pika Ochotona roylei Ochotonidae Live sighting

Nubra Pika Ochotona nubrica Ochotonidae Live sighting

Stoliczka's

Mountain Vole

Alticola

stoliczkanus

Muridae Live sighting

Greater Short-

nosed Fruit Bat

Cynopterus

sphinx

Pteropodidae NA Basnet

(1998)

* Werhahn et al. (2017).

B i r d s o f D o l p a 141

INDEX OF COMMON NAMES

Accentor, Alpine 125 Altai 126 Black-throated 127 Brown 126 Robin 127 Rufous-breasted 126Babbler, Black-chinned 118 Green Shrike 118 Pygmy Wren 118 Scaly-breasted Wren 118 White-browed Shrike 118Barbet, Great 51Barwing, Hoary-throated 118Bee-eater, Green 55Blackbird, White-collared 90 Tibetan 89Bluetail, Himalayan 96Brambling 128Bulbul, Black 111 Himalayan 111 Mountain 111 Red-vented 111 Striated 111Bullfinch, Red-headed 135Bunting, Chestnut-eared 137 Crested 137 Little 137 Pine 137 Rock 137Bushchat, Grey 103 Pied 102Buzzard, Himalayan 72 Long-legged 72 Upland 72Chaffinch, Common 128Chough, Alpine 82 Red-billed 83Coot, Eurasian 67Cormorant, Great 79Crane, Common 67 Demoiselle 67Crossbill, Red 135Crow, Large-billed 83 House 83Cuckoo, Lesser 57 Common 57 Eurasian 57 Jacobin 57 Pied 57 Himalayan 57Cuckooshrike, Large 83

Dipper, Brown 85 White-throated 85Dove, Oriental Turtle 64 Rock 63 Spotted 64Drongo, Spangled 84 Ashy 84 Black 84Duck, Tufted 46Eagle, Black 73 Booted 73 Golden 73 Mountain Hawk 73 Steppe 73Falcon, Amur 76 Peregrine 77Fantail, Yellow-bellied 84Finch, Brandt's Mountain 130 Golden-naped 134 Plain Mountain 130Flowerpecker, Fire-breasted 120Flycatcher, Rusty-tailed 91 Dark-sided 91 Grey-headed Canary 92 Little Pied 91 Rufous-gorgeted 92 Slaty-blue 93 Ultramarine 92 Verditer 93Forktail, Little 101 Spotted 102Francolin, Black 41Fulvetta, White-browed 116Gadwall 47Garganey 47Goldcrest 110Goldfinch, European 129Goosander 47Goose, Bar-headed 46Goshawk, Northern 75Grandala 100Grebe, Little 78 Black-necked 78Greenfinch, Yellow-breasted 129Greenshank, Common 70Griffon, Himalayan 74Grosbeak, Collared 136 Spot-winged 136 White-winged 136Groundpecker 83Harrier, Hen 75

B i r d s o f D o l p a142

Hobby, Eurasian 77Hoopoe, Common 53Ibisbill 71Jay, Eurasian 82 Black-headed 82Kestrel, Common 76Kingfisher, Common 55 White-throated 55Kite, Black 73Lammergeier 74Lapwing, Red-wattled 71Lark, Greater Short-toed 119 Horned 119 Hume's Short-toed 119Laughingthrush, Black-faced 117 Chestnut-crowned 118 Scaly 117 Spotted 117 Streaked 116 Striated 118 Variegated 117 White-throated 117Magpie, Yellow-billed Blue 82 Red-billed Blue 82Mallard 46Martin, Asian House 110 Common House 110 Eurasian Crag 110 Nepal House 110 Northern House 110 Plain 110Merganser, Common 47Merlin 77Minivet, Long-tailed 84 Scarlet 84Minla, Chestnut-tailed 118 Red-tailed 118Monal, Himalayan 43 Myna, Common 104Myzornis, Fire-tailed 116Needletail, White-throated 59Nightjar, Large-tailed 61Niltava, Rufous-bellied 93Nutcracker, Spotted 83Nuthatch, Chestnut-bellied 105 Kashmir 105 White-cheeked 105 White-tailed 105Oriole, Indian Golden 83 Maroon 83Owl, Himalayan Wood 61 Little 61 Mountain Scops 61 Short-eared 61 Owlet, Collared 61Parrotbill, Black-throated 116

Partridge, Chukar 41 Hill 42 Snow 43 Tibetan 42Phalarope, Red-necked 70Pheasant, Blood 42 Cheer 39 Kalij 39 Koklass 40Piculet, Speckled 49Pigeon, Ashy Wood 64 Common 63 Hill 63 Snow 63 Speckled Wood 64Pipit, Olive-backed 123 Rosy 123 Tree 122 Upland 123Pochard, Common 45 Red-crested 46Prinia, Striated 112Raven, Northern 83Redshank, Common 69Redstart, Black 98 Blue-capped 97 Blue-fronted 99 Evermann's 97 Guldenstadt's 94 Hodgson's 98 Plumbeous Water 95 Rufous-backed 97 White-bellied 99 White-capped 99 White-capped Water 99 White-throated 98 White-winged 94Robin, Golden Bush 96 Indian Blue 95 Oriental Magpie 97 White-browed Bush 96Rosefinch, Beautiful 131 Common 130 Great 133 Pink-browed 131 Red-fronted 134 Spot-winged 132 Streaked 132 Vinaceous 132 White-browed 133Rubythroat, White-tailed 100Sandpiper, Green 70 Common 70 Wood 69Serin, Red-fronted 128Shelduck, Ruddy 45

B i r d s o f D o l p a 143

Shortwing, White-browed 90Shrike, Grey-backed 81 Long-tailed 81Sibia, Rufous 116Siva, Bar-throated 118Skylark, Oriental 119Snipe, Wood 69Snowcock, Himalayan Tibetan 39Snowfinch, Tibetan 122Sparrow, Eurasian Tree 122 House 122 Russet 122Sparrowhawk, Eurasian 75Starling, Brahminy 104Stint, Temminck’s 70 Little 70Stonechat, Common 103Sunbird, Fire-tailed 121 Green-tailed 121 Mrs Gould's 121 Purple 120Swallow, Barn 110 Red-rumped 110Swift, Common 59 Alpine 59 Fork-tailed 59 House 59Swiftlet, Himalayan 59Tailorbird, Common 113Teal, Common 47Thrush, Chestnut-bellied Rock 86 Alpine 88 Blue Rock 87 Blue Whistling 87 Mistle 88 Plain-backed 88 Rufous-tailed Rock 86 Scaly 87 Tickell’s 88 Red-throated 89Tit, Black-lored 108 Black-throated 109 Coal 107 Great 108 Green-backed 108 Grey-crested 107 Rufous-naped 107 Rufous-vented 107 White-throated 109 Yellow-browed 108Tragopan, Satyr 40Treecreeper, Rusty-flanked 106 Bar-tailed 106 Hodgson's 106

Treepie, Grey 82Twite 129Vulture, Bearded 74 Cinereous 74 Egyptian 75 Himalayan 74Wagtail, Citrine 124 Grey 125 White 124 White-browed 123Wallcreeper 105Warbler, White-browed Tit 115 Ashy-throated 113 Black-faced 115 Blyth's Leaf 114 Booted 115 Brownish-flanked Bush 115 Buff-barred 113 Golden-spectacled 114 Green-crowned 114 Greenish 114 Grey-hooded 114 Grey-sided Bush 115 Hume's Leat 113 Large-billed Leaf 114 Lemon-rumped 113 Smoky 113 Sulphur-bellied 115 Tickell's Leaf 114 Whistler's 114 Yellow-browed 114Waterhen, White-breasted 67Wheater, Desert 101White-eye, Oriental 112Wigeon, Eurasian 45Woodpecker, Crimson-breasted 50 Brown-fronted 49 Darjeeling 50 Himalayan 50 Scaly-bellied 50Wren, Eurasian 106 Winter 106Wryneck, Eurasian 49Yuhina, Rufous-vented 116 Stripe-throated 116

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Naresh Kusi, a permanent resident of

Bhaktapur, is a young wildlife researcher

from Nepal who has been exploring the

Himalayan landscape of the country since

the last nine years. He is currently studying

Post Graduate Diploma in International

Wildlife Conservation Practice at Wildlife

Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU),

University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

Geraldine Werhahn, based at WildCRU

at the University of Oxford, is leading the

Himalayan Wolves Project. Her research

explores the phylogeny and ecology of

wolves in the Asian high altitudes with the

aim to advance the conservation of the

wolves and the unique ecosystems they

inhabit.

Laxman Prasad Poudyal holds an MSc

in Natural Resource Management and

Rural Development. A co-author of ‘The

Status of Nepal's Birds: The National

Red List Series (2016)’, he is enthusiastic

about ornithological research and

conservation. He started his career in

wildlife conservation as a Park Ranger of

Shey-Phoksundo National Park in 1992.

He currently works as the ecologist at the

Department of National Parks and Wildlife

Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU) is a membership

based non-profit organization that aims to establish itself as a

conservation organization specializing in taxonomy and ecological

research of birds in Nepal. NOU works closely with the Department

of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and other governmental/

non-governmental conservation organizations for the promotion of

scientific studies on birds and their habitats in Nepal.

Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

(DNPWC) is a government agency of Nepal under the Ministry

of Forests and Soil Conservation. DNPWC currently governs the

management and operation of 12 National Parks, one Wildlife Reserve,

one Hunting Reserve and six Conservation Areas in Nepal.

As a management authority on wildlife of Nepal, DNPWC works for the

conservation of unique natural and cultural heritages of the country

by maintaining representative ecosystems, managing outstanding

landscapes of ecological importance, protecting wild animals and

plants and supporting the livelihood of the local people through

buffer zone and conservation

area management programs and

by promoting ecotourism in the

protected areas.

An up to date checklist of birds

recorded in Dolpa from 1992 to 2017.

Representative photographs of most

of the families of birds (127 different

species).

Places of interest in Dolpa.

Authentic information on travel

routes (with detailed map)

throughout upper and lower Dolpa

based on field research expeditions,

accompanied by photographs of all

the major settlements.

"This splendidly illustrated, fascinating and comprehensive book on birds of Dolpa is a must buy for

anyone with an interest in Nepal and its wildlife"

Carol InskippLead-author of ' The Status of Nepal's Birds: The National Red List Series' and senior ornithologist, UK

“A valuable guide to the hidden treasures of Dolpa with stunningly beautiful imageries

of landscape and birds. A must to carry chaperon for all who wish to visit this

transhimalayan countryside. Commendable work and highly recommended!”

Hem Sagar Baral, PhDSenior ornithologist, Nepal and

Country Representative, Zoological Society of London, Nepal Office