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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
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
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a 7
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a8
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a 9
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).
B i r d s o f D o l p a10
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a 11
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a12
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
B i r d s o f D o l p a 13
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a14
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).
B i r d s o f D o l p a 15
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a16
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a 17
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
B i r d s o f D o l p a18
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
B i r d s o f D o l p a 19
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).
B i r d s o f D o l p a20
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)
B i r d s o f D o l p a 21
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
B i r d s o f D o l p a22
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a 23
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)
B i r d s o f D o l p a24
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.
B i r d s o f D o l p a 25
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)
B i r d s o f D o l p a26
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
B i r d s o f D o l p a 27
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
B i r d s o f D o l p a28
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
B i r d s o f D o l p a 29
Dho-Tarap © 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
B i r d s o f D o l p a 31
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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