Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Small Pratincole |
 Bengal Tiger |
 Indian Courser |
|
 emerald dove |
 Siberian Rubythroat |
 gharial |
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Itinerary
The itinerary was arranged with Jo Thomas of Wild About India (www.wildaboutindia.com) working with Asian Adventures (www.indianwildlife.com). They provided a superb, flexible service at a very competitive price. Wild about India comes highly recommended and we would use them again.
Friday 6th March
Flew British Airways from Newcastle to Delhi via Heathrow arriving at 05.30 local time and were met by Asian Adventures and our first driver, PK. We drove northeast from Delhi to Pangot arriving at Jungle Lore Birding Lodge (http://www.pangot.com/, 6000 ft) after a drive of about 9 hours. We spent the remainder of the day birding around the Lodge with Hari, our Nepali guide.
Saturday 7th March Breakfast at 06.30 and then birded along the Kilbury Road to the Cheer Pheasant overlook. Back to Jungle Lore Birding Lodge for lunch then birding the Timla valley in the afternoon.
Sunday 8th March
Breakfast at 06.30 and once again along the Kilbury Road this time about three kilometers beyond the Cheer Pheasant overlook and then birded back to Jungle Lore Birding Lodge. After lunch Colin and Celia went to photograph Steppe Eagles at Nanital dump, Julie walked around Pangot (seeing the trip’s only Spotted Forktail in the process) and I spent the time drawing around the camp. A last minute change of plan saw us spend the night in a tented camp at Sattal (http://www.sattalbirdinglodge.com/, 4400 ft) – leaving at 18.00 we arrived about two and a half hours later.
Monday 9th March
A 06.30 start we walked up the road from the camp then along a deep gully and into an area of scrub to look for Siberian Rubythroat. We were picked up by PK and drove to two river sites looking for Forktails the latter site near the Kainchi temple. In the afternoon we went to the Sattal lakes and completed the day walking up from the camp to look for Great Barbet. We then drove in the dark to Kathgodam to catch the train to Delhi – first class sleeper we had a carriage of four bunks to ourselves.
Tuesday 10th March
Arriving about half an hour late into Old Delhi train station, we obeyed instructions and waited by the carriage until it became apparent that no-one was turning up. A series of phone calls to Mohit produced a porter with an Asian Adventures card and the explanation that, as it was the eve of the Holi festival our driver couldn’t get past the enhanced security for the platforms. We finally drove to Bharatpur and to our hotel (Forest Lodge http://www.theashokgroup.com/hotels/bharatpur.html) in Keoladeo National Park. We were met by Randhir our guide and he, Colin and I birded in the nursery before lunch. In the afternoon we all walked along Ram bund towards Mrig Tal
Wednesday 11th March
The whole day was spent walking the various paths. We took cycle rickshaws to Jatoli cross-roads and from there walked to Keoladeo Temple for lunch then took the track between Mansarovar and Kadam Kunj Jheels in the afternoon. The rickshaws took us back to the hotel.
Thursday 12th March
Colin went out early to the Sunbird fields looking for Indian Cousers and I took a late breakfast with Julie and Celia before going back to the nursery to draw. After lunch at the Sunbird Hotel we caught the overnight train from Agra to Umaria. This time we were in sleeper AC-2 and had sequential longitudinal pairs of bunks along the passageway. With urns of Chai, soup and various foods being served up and down the passageway; a choice of type of toilet and the uncertainty about how we would know where to get off (the guard came specifically to tell us) made the 14 hour long trip very exciting.
Friday 13th March
We left the train at 05.30 and were driven to the Nature Heritage Resort in Tala (http://www.nivalink.com/natureheritage/index.html). After dropping our bags and having a biscuit and a cup of tea a driver (Pappu) took us into Bandhavgarh National Park (open 06.15 to 11.15 and 16.00 to 18.15). Within 20 minutes we were on the back of an elephant and looking at our first (female) tiger. Back to the Resort for lunch, then an early afternoon rest before returning for the afternoon drive – this time we saw one of the males (B2) as he walked for about a kilometer through long grass and forest edge.
Saturday 14th March
Two more drives in the park. In the morning Julie and Celia got to track another male (New Male) for about two kilometers from the back of one of the elephants. In the afternoon we went to visit the statue of Vishnu reclining and then got excellent views of a different female Bengal Tiger stalking through cut grass.
Sunday 15th March
Two more drives in the park. We had one brief but close sighting of a female tiger in long roadside grass before going up to fort and temple where good views of Vultures and Malabar Pied Hornbill were the highlights. On the afternoon drive we focused more on birds and eventually got brief views of Painted Spurfowl and saw a female tiger lying asleep in a riverside cave completely oblivious to the traffic chaos she had caused.
Monday 16th March
Two more drives in the park but today we didn’t try for tiger but concentrated on some of the scarcer birds (Painted Spurfowl). We visited an elephant camp and fed the two year old baby “elephant chapattis” – a foot in diameter and each weighing one kilogram. We then caught the night train from Umaria to Agra. It was three and a half hours late – as we waited a group of trainee policemen came and engaged us in conversation. We found our bunks (sleeper AC-2 again) and this time we had a small curtained-off section of four bunks together.
Tuesday 17th March
Most of the morning was spent on the train though it did make up two hours. From the station we drove to the Taj Mahal and then Chambal Safari Lodge (http://www.chambalsafari.com/). Arriving at about 16.30 we spent an hour or two birding around the Lodge.
Wednesday 18th March
A morning drive to the Chambal River for our river trip. We birded in the ravines and river bank along the way and set off at about 07.45. The Chambal River is not sacred - not used for burials and so is clean – a 450 mile stretch is a nature reserve and it is home to Gharial, Marsh Mugger and Ganges Dolphin – we saw all three. After an afternoon siesta we birded around the lodge.
Thursday 19th March
Early morning birding around the Lodge then back to Delhi. To avoid going into the Delhi traffic we headed to Sultanpur Nature Reserve on the southern outskirts of Delhi. It had two big advantages – it is close to Delhi Airport and it also had breeding Indian Courser and wintering Sind Sparrow [which we dipped]. We then stayed at the Star Hotel (about 2 kilometers from the airport) before the flight home.
Friday 20th March
Up at 04.15 for the trip to the airport. After we had managed to persuade the security guards to let us into Departures we were delighted to find that we had been upgraded to Business Class. All the flights were on time and we arrived home at about 14.30
* = lifer for Martin, [Ƥ]. = photographed
1. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
10th March 5 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 11th March many seen Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 19th March 6 on the Chambal River.
2. Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus [Ƥ].
11th March 50 Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur
3. Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger* [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March common at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March – 19th March common on the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal, roadside ponds and the Chambal River.
4. Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
10th March 10 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 10 on the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 5 on the Chambal River; 19th March 8 at Sultanpur National Park.
5. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
19th March 12 at Sultanpur National Park.
6. Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 19th March 1 at Sultanpur National Park.
7. Little Egret Egretta garzetta [Ƥ].
6th March 20 from the car on the drive to Pangot; 10th March – 12th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 40 on the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 19th March 20 on the drive to Delhi and at Sultanpur National Park.
8. Great Egret Egretta alba [Ƥ].
6th March 5 from the car on the drive to Pangot; 10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 5 on the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 10 on the Chambal River; 19th March 20 on the drive to Delhi and at Sultanpur National Park.
9. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia [Ƥ].
6th March 2 from the car on the drive to Pangot; 10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 3 on the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 20 on the Chambal River; 19th March 20 on the drive to Delhi and at Sultanpur National Park.
10. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea [Ƥ].
6th March common from the car on the drive to Pangot; 10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 10 on the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 30 on the Chambal River; 19th March 12 on the drive to Delhi and at Sultanpur National Park.
11. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 19th March 2 at Sultanpur National Park.
12. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus [Ƥ].
Common at all locations except for Pangot.
13. Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii* [Ƥ].
6th March 20 from the car on the drive to Pangot; 10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 14th March 1 in Bandhavgahr National Park; 17th March 10 on the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 4 on the Chambal River; 19th March 7 on the drive to Delhi and at Sultanpur National Park.
14. Black-crowned Night-Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax [Ƥ].
10th March 1 Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 11th March 60 Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
15. Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis* [Ƥ].
10th March 1 Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 11th March 1 Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
16. Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala* [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur where there is a breeding colony; 17th March 7 on the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 1 on the Chambal River; 19th March 30 at Sultanpur National Park.
17. Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans* [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March up to 2 Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 4 on the Chambal River; 19th March 3 at Sultanpur National Park.
18. Black Stork Ciconia nigra
11th March 1 juvenile Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
19. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March up to 3 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 2 on Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 3 on the Chambal River; 19th March 5 at Sultanpur National Park.
20. Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus*
10th March 5 on the drive from Delhi to Bharatpur; 12th March 2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 19th March 3 on the drive from Agra to Sultanpur.
21. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus [Ƥ].
13th March 16th March up to three seen each day in Bandhavgarh National Park.
22. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
23. Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 19th March 12 on the drive to Delhi and at Sultanpur National Park.
24. Indian Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa* [Ƥ].
17th March 1 on Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 3 on Chambal River.
25. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March up to 40 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 19th March 20 at Sultanpur National Park.
26. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus [Ƥ].
18th March 1 on Chambal River.
27. Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica* [Ƥ].
11th March large numbers at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March 30 on a small lake in Bandhavgarh National Park; 16th March 37 on a small lake in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 200 on Chambal River.
28. Greylag Goose Anser anser
11th March 8 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
29. Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus* [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 25 on Chambal River.
30. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March up to 20 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 40 on Chambal River.
31. Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos* [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 30 on Chambal River.
32. Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus*
11th March 10 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
33. Gadwall Anas strepera
18th March 12 in Sultanpur National Park.
34. Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
18th March 10 on Chambal River; 19th March 12 at Sultanpur National Park.
35. Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha* [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March up to 80 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 4 on Chambal River; 19th March 4 at Sultanpur National Park.
36. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
10th March – 11th March up to 50 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 1 on Chambal River
19th March thousands at Sultanpur National Park.
37. Northern Pintail Anas acuta
10th March 3 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 1 on Chambal River; 19th March 40 at Sultanpur National Park.
38. Garganey Anas querquedula
10th March – 11th March up to 300 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 12 on Chambal River; 19th March 2 at Sultanpur National Park.
39. Common Teal Anas crecca
10th March – 11th March up to 20 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 2 on Chambal River; 19th March common at Sultanpur National Park.
40. Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina [Ƥ].
18th March 15 on Chambal River.
41. Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus* [Ƥ].
6th March 2 on the drive to Pangot; 10th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 4 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 15th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 1 at Chambal Safari Lodge; 19th March 1 at Chambal Safari Lodge.
42. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus [Ƥ].
Seen in small numbers on all car journeys when on the plains. 10th March – 12th March up to 3 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 15th March 1 at Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March – 19th March up to 6 at Chambal Safari Lodge and on the Chambal River.
43. Black Kite Milvus migrans
Very common in all large urban locations but scarce in more rural locations.
44. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March up to 12 seen in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 15th March – 17th March up to 4 seen in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 4 seen on Chambal River; 19th March 6 seen on drive to Delhi and at Sultanpur National Park.
45. Indian Vulture Gyps indicus* [Ƥ].
13th March – 16th March up to 30 seen in Bandhavgarh National Park.
46. Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis* [Ƥ].
7th March – 8th March up to 30 seen around Pangot.
47. Red-headed Vulture Aegypius calvus* [Ƥ].
13th March – 16th March up to 6 seen in Bandhavgarh National Park.
48. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela [Ƥ].
7th March 1 Pangot; 13th March – 16th March up to 6 seen in Bandhavgarh National Park.
49. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
11th March 8 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
50. Shikra Accipiter badius [Ƥ].
Up to 2 seen in all locations.
51. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
08/03 1 along the Kilbury Road, Pangot; 19/03 1 at Sultanpur.
52. Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
8th March 1 Nanital Dump.
53. White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa* [Ƥ].
15th March – 16th March up to 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park area with one right beside the Nature Heritage Lodge.
54. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
18th March 4 at Chambal River.
55. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis*
7th March 1 Pangot; 8th March 2 Pangot.
56. Indian Spotted Eagle Aquila hastate*
11th March 2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
57. Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga* [Ƥ].
11th March 6 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
58. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis* [Ƥ].
7th March 2 along Kilbury Road, Pangot; 8th March 2 along Kilbury Road, Pangot and 40 at Nanital Dump; 11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
59. Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
11th March 2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
60. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
10th March – 11th March up to 2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
61. Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus limnaeetus* [Ƥ].
14th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 15th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
62. Mountain Hawk Eagle Spizeatus limnaeetus*
6th March 2 at Pangot.
63. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
1 or 2 seen in all locations.
64. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
65. Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus*
7th March 1 female at Pangot.
66. Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus*
10th March – 12th March up to 6 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 14th March 2 heard Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March – 19th March 1 each day at Chambal.
67. Jungle Bush Quail Perdicula asiatica* [Ƥ].
13th March 25 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 2 in ravines near Chambal River.
68. Painted Spurfowl Galloperdix lunulata* [Ƥ].
15th March 6 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
69. Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus* [Ƥ].
9th March 2 at Sattal; 13th March – 15th March up to 20 seen in Bandhavgarh National Park.
70. Kaleej Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos*
8th March 2 from Kilbury Road, Pangot; 9th March 2 at Sattal.
71. Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus [Ƥ].
Seen in small numbers at all locations (including downtown Delhi) except Pangot/Sattal.
72. Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator
18th March 1 Chambal Safari Lodge.
73. Sarus Crane Grus antigone*
10th March – 11th March up to 4 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March – 19th March up to 5 around the Chambal River.
74. Common Crane Grus grus
11th March 30 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
75. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus* [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 1 at Chambal Safari Lodge; 19th March 7 at Sultanpur National Park.
76. Brown Crake Porzana akool*
10th March – 11th March 1 to 2 seen in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
77. Purple Swamphen Porphyrio [porphyrio] poliocephalus [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March up to 50 seen daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 19th March 3 at Sultanpur National Park.
78. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
10th March – 13th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 1 on Chambal River; 19th March common at Sultanpur National Park.
79. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
10th March – 13th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 19th March 12 at Sultanpur National Park.
80. Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus*
11th March up to 25 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 1 on Chambal River.
81. Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus* [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March common in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
82. Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis [Ƥ].
12th March 9 seen in Bharatpur Hospital Canal.
83. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
10th March – 11th March 1 each day in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 6 by the Chambal River.
84. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
18th March 10 by the Chambal River.
85. Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus* [Ƥ].
11th March 2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 21 in Sunbird Fields, Bharatpur; 14th March 2 in fields outside the hotel at Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March on way to Chambal Safari Lodge; 19th March 3 on farmland near Sultanpur National Park.
86. River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii* [Ƥ].
17th March 15 on the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 30 on the Chambal River.
87. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus* [Ƥ].
Common in all locations except Pangot.
88. White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus*
10th March 3 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
89. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 1 by the Chambal River.
90. 'Western' Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
10th March – 11th March up to 30 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 25 by the Chambal River.
91. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
10th March – 11th March up to 4 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 2 by the Chambal River; 19th March 1 at Sultanpur National Park.
92. Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Strange looking beasts the Indian race of this species. 10th March – 11th March up to 15 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 6 by the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 19th March 3 at Sultanpur National Park.
93. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
10th March – 11th March up to 20 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 30 by the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 4 by the Chambal River; 19th March 1 at Sultanpur National Park.
94. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis [Ƥ].
10th March 3 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 15 in Bharatpur Hospital Canal; 17th March 2 by the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal.
95. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March up to 10 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 14th March – 16th March up to 2 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
96. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola [Ƥ].
10th March 30 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 10 in Bharatpur Hospital Canal; 17th March 20 by the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 15 by the Chambal River; 19th March 4 at Sultanpur National Park.
97. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos [Ƥ].
12th March 2 in Bharatpur Hospital Canal; 17th March 4 by the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 2 by the Chambal River.
98. Little Stint Calidris minuta
18th March 2 by the Chambal River.
99. Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii [Ƥ].
11th March 15 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 5 in Bharatpur Hospital Canal; 17th March 15 by the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 20 by the Chambal River.
100. Ruff Philomachus pugnax
10th March - 11th March up to 250 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 1 in Bharatpur; 17th March 100 by the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 10 by the Chambal River; 19th March 6 at Sultanpur National Park.
101. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus [Ƥ].
Common on small areas of water in all lowland locations.
102. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
18th March 3 by the Chambal River.
103. Indian Stone Curlew Burhinus indicus* [Ƥ].
12th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 15th March 1 outside the hotel at Bandhavgarh National Park.
104. Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris* [Ƥ].
18th March 40 by the Chambal River.
105. Indian Courser Cursorius coromandelicus* [Ƥ].
19th March 2 on farmland near Sultanpur National Park.
106. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
107. Small Pratincole Glareola lacteal* [Ƥ].
18th March 60 by the Chambal River.
108. Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus* [Ƥ].
11th March 1 adult in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 3 sub-adults on the Chambal River.
109. River Tern Sterna aurantia* [Ƥ].
10th March 2 from the car approaching Bharatpur; 18th March 6 on the Chambal River.
110. Little Tern Sterna albifrons
18th March 4 on the Chambal River.
111. Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda*
18th March 3 on the Chambal River.
112. Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis* [Ƥ].
18th March 25 on the Chambal River.
113. Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus* [Ƥ].
18th March 30 by the Chambal River.
114. Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Seen every day in towns and also, rather surprisingly, in woodland.
115. Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis [Ƥ].
7th March 14 at Pangot; 8th March 6 at Pangot; 9th March 20 at Sattal; 14th March – 16th March up to 3 each day at Bandhavgarh National Park.
116. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March up to 20 each day in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March – 16th March up to 10 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March - 18th March common around the at Chambal RiverNL; 19th March present at Sultanpur National Park.
117. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis* [Ƥ].
13th March – 16th March up to 50 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
118. Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica* [Ƥ].
17th March – 19th March up to 18 daily on farmland just outside Chambal Safari Lodge.
119. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Common on all car journeys in every village we passed.
120. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica* [Ƥ].
9th March 1 at Sattal; 14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 15th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
121. Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus* [Ƥ].
12th March 9 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 16th March 25 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March – 19th March up to 8 daily around Chambal Safari Lodge.
122. Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria*
13th March – 16th March up to 25 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
123. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri [Ƥ].
Common in all lowland locations.
124. Slaty-headed Parakeet Psittacula himalayana* [Ƥ].
7th March 20 at Pangot; 9th March 8 at Sattal.
125. Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala* [Ƥ].
7th March 8 at Pangot; 13th March – 16th March common in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March 4 at Chambal Safari Lodge.
126. Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis* [Ƥ].
Seen in small numbers in all lowland locations.
127. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus* [Ƥ].
18th March – 19th March up to 2 daily at Chambal Safari Lodge.
128. Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius* [Ƥ].
11th March – 12th March up to 2 daily at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 14th March – 16th March up to 3 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March – 19th March up to 4 daily around Chambal Safari Lodge and at Sultanpur National Park.
129. Collared Scops Owl Otus bakkomoena* [Ƥ].
13th March – 14th March 1 bird seen on two occasions in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March – 19th March 1 bird seen on two occasions outside Chambal Safari Lodge. Also heard calling at Sattal on 8th March.
130. Dusky Eagle Owl Bubo coromandus*
11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
131. Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis* [Ƥ].
13th March – 14th March a pair were in Bandhavgarh National Park on two occasions; 18th March 1 was on a nest by the Chambal River.
132. Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica* [Ƥ].
9th March 2 at Sattal.
133. Collared Owlet Galucidium brodiei*
9th March 1 at Sattal lakes.
134. Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides* [Ƥ].
9th March 1 at Sattal.
135. Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum* [Ƥ].
13th March – 15th March up to 2 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
136. Spotted Owlet Athene brama* [Ƥ].
10th March 2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March – 14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March – 19th March up to 2 around Chambal Safari Lodge.
Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka
7th March 2 heard at Pangot.
137. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus
8th March heard at Sattal; 9th March 1 flew over the lodge at Sattal.
Indian Little Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus
13th March – 15th March up to 4 heard at Bandhavgarh National Park.
138. Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis*
16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
139. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
8th March 1 at Pangot; 15th March 10 at Bandhavgarh National Park.
140. Little Swift Apus affinis
11th March 1 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 6 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 25 over the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 2 over the Chambal River; 19th March 5 at Sultanpur National Park.
141. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis [Ƥ].
9th March 1 at Sattal; 11th March 1 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 16th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
142. Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis* [Ƥ].
14th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 15th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
143. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis* [Ƥ].
Common in all lowland locations visited and on journeys.
144. Crested Kingfisher Ceryle lugubris*
9th March 2 at Sattal.
145. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis [Ƥ].
10th March – 11th March 1 to 2 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 1 on Chambal River; 19th March 1 at Sultanpur National Park.
146. Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis [Ƥ].
Seen in all lowland locations visited and on journeys.
147. Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis* [Ƥ].
Seen in all lowland locations visited.
148. Common Hoopoe Upupa epops [Ƥ].
Small numbers in all lowland locations visited.
149. Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris* [Ƥ].
Between 2 and 12 seen daily in all lowland locations visited.
150. Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus* [Ƥ].
13th March – 16th March up to 12 seen around the fort in Bandhavgarh National Park.
151. Great Barbet Megalaima virens* [Ƥ].
Calling all over the foothills but only seen 8th March 1 Nanital Dump; 9th March 2 Sattal; 12th March.
152. Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica* [Ƥ].
Commonly heard; seen in small numbers at all lowland locations visited.
153. Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica*
7th March 1 Pangot; 9th March 1 Sattal.
154. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala* [Ƥ].
Commonly heard; seen in small numbers at all lowland locations visited.
155. Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
11th March 1 in KNR.
156. Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus*
11th March 1 Sattal.
157. Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus*
16th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
158. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus*
7th March 3 Pangot.
159. Brown-fronted Woodpecker Dendrocopos auriceps* [Ƥ].
7th March 4 Pangot; 9th March 2 Sattal.
160. Yellow-crowned Woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis*
14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
161. Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis* [Ƥ].
7th March 1 Pangot; 8th March 2 Pangot.
162. Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Hypopicus hyperythrus* [Ƥ].
8th March 2 Pangot.
163. Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus*
14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
164. Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus
7th March 2 Pangot.
165. Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense* [Ƥ].
Seen daily in small numbers in all lowland locations visited.
166. White-naped Flameback Chrysocolaptes festivus
16th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
167. Indian Bushlark Mirafra erythroptera* [Ƥ].
19th March 5 in farmland outside Sultanpur National Park.
168. Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark Eremopterix griseus* [Ƥ].
12th March 7 in Sunbird fields, Bharatpur; 18th March 10 by the Chambal River.
169. Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
18th March up to 250 by the Chambal River.
170. Sand Lark Calandrella raytal* [Ƥ].
18th March 2 by the Chambal River.
171. Crested Lark Galerida cristata [Ƥ].
18th March 1 by the Chambal River; 19th March 8 around the Sultanpur farmlands.
172. Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula* [Ƥ].
18th March 3 by the Chambal River.
173. Common Sand Martin Riparia riparia
11th March – 12th March up to 6 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 1 over the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 18th March 10 over the Chambal River.
174. Plain Sand Martin Riparia paludicola
19th March 30 at Sultanpur National Park.
175. Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
7th March 15 at Pangot; 8th March 6 at Pangot; 15th March 1 at Bandhavgarh National Park.
176. Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor*
13th March – 16th March between 1 and 6 seen daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
177. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
9th March 15 Sattal; 10th March 2 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 2 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
178. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
11th March 6 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th 6 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
179. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica
6th March 4 at Pangot; 9th March 15 at Sattal; 13th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 1 over the Chambal River.
180. Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus*
9th March 2 at Sattal; 15th March 4 at Bandhavgarh National Park.
181. White Wagtail Motacilla alba
11th March – 13th March up to 10 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 1 by the Yamuna River behind the Taj Mahal; 30 by the Chambal River.
182. White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis* [Ƥ].
18th March 40 by the Chambal River.
183. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola [Ƥ].
11th March – 12th March 2 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur and on the Hospital Canal; 5 by the Chambal River.
184. Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
12th March 2 in Bharatpur Hospital Canal.
185. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
6th March 1 on the drive to Pangot; 9th March 4 at Sattal; 11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March – 15th March up to 2 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
186. Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus*
16th March 15 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
187. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris [Ƥ].
12th March 12 in Sunbird fields, Bharatpur; 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 10 by the Chambal River; 19th March 4 around Sultanpur farmlands
188. Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii*
18th March 3 by the Chambal River.
189. Long-billed Pipit Anthus similes*
18th March 2 by the Chambal River; 19th March 1 in farmland outside Sultanpur National Park.
190. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni [Ƥ].
9th March 6 at Sattal; 13th March – 16th March up to 30 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 4 by the Chambal River and around Chambal Safari Lodge; 19th March 2 around Chambal Safari Lodge.
191. Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus*
8th March 2 at the Cheer Pheasant site, Kilbury Road, Pangot.
192. Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei* [Ƥ].
13th March – 16th March up to 10 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
193. Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos*
14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
194. Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera [Ƥ].
13th March 1 in Nature Heritage Lodge, Bandhavgarh.
195. Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus* [Ƥ].
13th March 5 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 14th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
196. Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus* [Ƥ].
7th March 1 at Pangot; 8th March 3 at Pangot; 9th March 4 at Sattal.
197. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus*
9th March 2 at Sattal.
198. Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus*
11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 14th March – 16th March up to 4 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
199. Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi*
14th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
200. Black-naped Blue Monarch Hypothymis azurea*
14th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
201. White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola*
14th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
202. White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis*
9th March 4 at Sattal; 13th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
203. Yellow-bellied Fantail Chelidorhynx hypoxantha* [Ƥ].
9th March 2 at Sattal.
204. White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis* [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March up to 15 daily in and around Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
205. Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys* [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March common around Pangot and Sattal.
206. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer* [Ƥ].
Very common in all locations.
207. White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus
6th March 1 at Pangot.
208. Mountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandi* [Ƥ].
9th March 4 at Sattal.
209. Himalayan Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus*
8th March 2 at Pangot; 9th March 10 at Sattal.
210. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia*
13th March 1 in Nature Heritage Lodge, Bandhavgarh; 14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
211. Gold-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons*
13th March 3 in Nature Heritage Lodge, Bandhavgarh; 14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
212. Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis*
16th March 3 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
213. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus* [Ƥ].
13th March – 16th March the same bird was seen daily in Bandhavgarh National Park with a second bird seen on 16th.
214. Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus* [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March 1 or 2 seen daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 1 seen around Chambal Safari Lodge.
215. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach [Ƥ].
7th March 1 at Pangot; 9th March 2 at Sattal; 10th March – 12th March up to 4 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
216. Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii [Ƥ].
9th March 3 at Sattal.
217. Altai Accentor Prunella himalayana
7th March – 8th March up to 30 at the Cheer Pheasant site, Kilbury Road, Pangot.
218. Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata* [Ƥ].
6th March 2 at Pangot; 9th March 1 at Sattal.
219. Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis
9th March 1 at Sattal.
220. Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera c. citrina* [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March 1 of the orange-headed form seen at the same place in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March – 16th March up to 4 seen daily of the tiger-faced form in Bandhavgarh National Park; 19th March 1 in Sultanpur National Park.
221. Tickell's Thrush Turdus unicolor* [Ƥ].
14th March 4 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
222. Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul* [Ƥ].
7th March – 8th March up to 4 seen daily in woodland along Kilbury Road, Pangot.
223. Black-throated Thrush Turdus [ruficollis] atrogularis [Ƥ].
6th March 1 female at Pangot; 8th March 1 female at Pangot.
224. Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March common around Pangot and Sattal.
225. Orange-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata*
8th March 1 at Pangot.
226. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva [Ƥ].
An average of 5 seen daily in all lowland locations.
227. Red-throated [Taiga] Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla* [Ƥ].
14th March a young male in Bandhavgarh National Park; 15th March 1 female in grounds of Chambal Safari Lodge; 16th March 1 male in grounds of Chambal Safari Lodge.
228. Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris*
7th March 1 at Pangot; 9th March 1 at Sattal; 10th March 1 at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 1 at Chambal Safari Lodge; 19th March 1 at Chambal Safari Lodge.
229. Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor* [Ƥ].
7th March 1 at Pangot; 9th March 2 at Sattal.
230. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus* [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March up to 4 seen daily at Pangot and Sattal.
231. Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara* [Ƥ].
9th March 3 at Sattal.
232. Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae* [Ƥ].
13th March – 16th March between 3 and 10 seen daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
233. Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis [Ƥ].
9th March 20 at Sattal.
234. Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush Monticola rufiventris* [Ƥ].
7th March 3 at Pangot; 8th March 3 at Pangot.
235. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
15th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 2 by the Chambal River.
236. Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope* [Ƥ].
9th March 3 at Sattal.
237. Himalayan Rubythroat Luscinia pectoralis [Ƥ].
6th March 1 female at Pangot; 7th March 1 male at Pangot.
238. Bluethroat Luscinia svecica [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March up to 20 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March 10 around Chambal Safari Lodge and by the Chambal River; 19th March 2 in Sultanpur National Park.
239. Orange-flanked Bush-Robin Tarsiger cyanuris* [Ƥ].
7th March – 8th March up to 3 at Pangot; 9th March 1 at Sattal.
240. Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis* [Ƥ].
Seen in small numbers daily in all lowland locations.
241. White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus* .
14th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
242. Indian Black Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus* [Ƥ].
Seen in small numbers daily in all lowland locations.
243. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros [Ƥ].
Seen in small numbers daily in all lowland locations.
244. Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis* [Ƥ].
6th March - 8th March a pair were in fields by Pangot.
245. Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus coeruleocephala*
8th March a female was in fields by Pangot.
246. White-capped River-Chat Chaimarrornis leucocephalus* [Ƥ].
6th March 1 in the hills on the drive to Pangot; 7th March 2 in the Timla Valley; 9th March 2 at Sattal.
247. Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa* [Ƥ].
6th March 1 in the hills on the drive to Pangot; 9th March 5 at Sattal.
248. White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucra*
12th March 1 seen by Martin in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
249. Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus* [Ƥ].
9th March 2 at Sattal.
250. Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus
9th March 1 at Pangot.
251. Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March 1 to 4 daily at Pangot and Sattal; 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March – 19th March 1 to 3 daily around the Chambal Safari Lodge.
252. Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata*
6th March – 9th March 1 to 2 daily at Pangot and Sattal; 18th March – 19th March 1 daily around the Chambal Safari Lodge.
253. Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferreus* [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March 6 to 10 daily at Pangot and Sattal; 10th March – 12th March 1 to 2 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
254. Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata*
18th March 1 female by the Chambal River.
255. Brown Rock Chat Cercomela fusca
Small numbers seen in villages when driving.
256. White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis* [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March between 10 and 20 daily at Pangot and Sattal.
257. Striated Laughingthrush Grammatoptila striata* [Ƥ].
7th March 6 on both Kilbury Road and in the Timla Valley; 8th March 1 on Kilbury Road; 9th March 2 at Sattal.
258. Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush Ianthocincla rufogularis*
9th March 2 at Sattal.
259. Streaked Laughingthrush Trochalopteron lineatum* [Ƥ].
6th March 9th March up to 6 seen daily at Pangot and Sattal.
260. Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Trochalopteron erythrocephalum*
7th March 8 in the Timla Valley.
261. Puff-Throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps*
14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
262. Rusty-Cheeked Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus erythrogenys*
7th March 1 in the Timla Valley.
263. Nepal Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga immaculate*
9th March 1 in a lake side gully near Sattal.
264. Black-Chinned Babbler Stachyris pyrrhops* [Ƥ].
7th March 2 in the Timla Valley.
265. Tawny-bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra*
13th March – 16th March from 2 to 4 seen daily in Bandhavgarh National Park including a pair in the Nature Heritage Resort.
266. Common Babbler Turdoides caudate* [Ƥ].
11th March – 12th March 1 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 18th March – 19th March up to 6 in the ravines towards the Chambal River and one at Sultanpur.
267. Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi* [Ƥ].
10th March 8 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March – 19th March up to 40 around Chambal Safari Lodge.
268. Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata* [Ƥ].
Common in all lowland locations.
269. Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea*
7th March 1 at Pangot; 9th March 6 at Sattal.
270. Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera*
9th March 1 at Sattal.
271. Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata* [Ƥ].
7 March - 8th March 10 at Pangot.
272. Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis* [Ƥ].
8th March 2 at Cheer Pheasant site along Kilbury Road, Pangot.
273. White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis*
7th March 4 along the Kilbury Road.
274. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
17th March – 18th March up to 4 daily in the fields around Chambal Safari Lodge.
275. Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera*
6th March – 8th March 1 or 2 daily around Pangot.
276. Rufous-fronted Prinia Prinia buchanani*
18th March 1 on the way to the Chambal River.
277. Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii*
7th March 2 at Pangot; 15th March – 16th March 2 seen daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
278. Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica*
11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 1 by the Chambal River.
279. Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis* [Ƥ].
10th March 2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March – 19th March 1 to 4 around the Chambal Safari Lodge and 4 at Sultanpur National Park.
280. Plain Prinia Prinia inornata* [Ƥ].
11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March – 19th March 4 to 10 around Chambal Safari Lodge and 4 at Sultanpur National Park.
281. Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius*
7th March 2 at Pangot; 10th March – 12th March 2 to 4 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March – 16th March 4 daily seen in Bandhavgarh National Park.
282. Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata*
9th March 1 seen at Sattal.
283. Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola
18th March 3 in a mixed field of wheat and mustard outside Chambal Safari Lodge.
284. Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
10th March – 12th March 2 to 4 seen daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
285. Sykes's Warbler Hippolais rama
13th March 1 at Bandhavgarh National Park.
286. Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus [collybita] tristis [Ƥ].
Small numbers seen at Pangot, Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Chambal Safari Lodge and Sultanpur National Park.
287. Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis*
13th March 1 at Bandhavgarh National Park.
288. Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus*
11th March – 12th March 1 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March 3 at Chambal Safari Lodge; 19th March 1 at Chambal Safari Lodge and 1 at Sultanpur National Park.
289. Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher* [Ƥ].
6th March 1 at Pangot; 9th March 2 at Pangot.
290. Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus*
7th March – 9th March 3 to 6 seen daily at Pangot and Sattal.
291. Brooks's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus subviridis*
11th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
292. Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei
Seen in variable daily numbers (1 – 20) in all locations.
293. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
10th March – 11th March 1 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 13th March – 16th March 1 to 4 seen daily in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March 1 around the grounds of the Chambal Safari Lodge.
294. Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis*
16th March 1 at the elephant camp in Bandhavgarh National Park.
295. Blyth's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides*
7th March – 8th March 1 to 2 daily in woodland along the Kilbury Road.
296. Grey-hooded Warbler Phylloscopus xanthoschistos* [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March common around Pangot and Sattal.
297. Whistler's Warbler Seicercus whistleri*
9th March 2 at Sattal.
298. Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis
19th March 1 at Sultanpur National Park.
299. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
9th March 1 at Sattal; 10th March – 12th March up to 25 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 17th March 1 in grounds of Chambal Safari Lodge; 19th March 1 in grounds of Chambal Safari Lodge and 2 at Sultanpur National Park.
300. Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus* [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March small numbers seen daily at Pangot and Sattal.
301. Spot-winged Tit Parus melanolophus* [Ƥ].
7th March – 8th March 6 daily around Pangot.
302. Great Tit Parus major
9th March 1 at Sattal; 13th March – 16th March 2 to 6 seen daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
303. Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus* [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March common around Pangot and Sattal; 12th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
304. Black-lored Tit Parus xanthogenys* [Ƥ].
7th March 2 in the Timla Valley; 9th March 8 at Sattal.
305. Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus*
7th March 6 at Pangot.
306. Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris*
9th March 4 at Sattal; 13th March – 16th March 1 to 2 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park were of the small billed race sometimes classed as a different species ‘Indian Nuthatch’.
307. White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis*
7th March 10 at Pangot; 8th March 6 heard around Pangot.
308. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis*
9th March 2 at Sattal lakes.
309. Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana*
7th March – 9th March 2 to 10 daily at Pangot and Sattal.
310. Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile*
13th March 2 at NHR; 16th March 2 at NHR.
311. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus*
6th March – 7th March 1 or 2 daily at Pangot.
312. Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus*
Seen in small numbers in all locations.
313. Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis*
8th March 2 at Pangot on the Kilbury Road.
314. Black-breasted Sunbird Aethopyga saturata
7th March 1 at Pangot on the Kilbury Road.
315. Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja* [Ƥ].
9th March 2 at Sattal.
316. Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda*
8th March 3 males and 1 female at Pangot on the Kilbury Road.
317. Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus* [Ƥ].
Present in small numbers (2 – 15 daily) at Pangot, Sattal, Bandhavgarh National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge.
318. White-capped Bunting Emberiza stewarti [Ƥ].
13th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 15th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park; 18th March 1 by the Chambal River.
319. Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps
18th March 1 by the Chambal River; 19th March 40 flying over Sultanpur National Park.
320. Plain Mountain Finch Leucostictae nemoricola
8th March 8 along the Kilbury Road, Pangot.
321. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
6th March 1 Pangot; 7th March 40 around Pangot; 9th March 1 at Sattal; 13th March – 16th March 1 daily in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March – 18th March 1 to 10 daily around the Chambal Safari Lodge and by the Chambal River.
322. Pink-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus rodochroa* [Ƥ].
6th March 3 males and 4 females around Pangot village.
323. Red Avadavat Amandava amandava
19th March 1 at Sultanpur National Park.
324. Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica*
10th March 6 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur. 15th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
325. White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata*
15th March 2 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
326. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata* [Ƥ].
9th March 10 at Sattal; 13th March 1 at NHR.
327. House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Common at Pangot, Sattal, and on the way to the Chambal River; 1 seen around Bandhavgarh National Park.
328. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
18th March 1 on the way to the Chambal River.
329. Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans* [Ƥ].
6th March – 9th March 2 to 5 daily at Pangot and Sattal.
330. Chestnut-shouldered Petronia Petronia xanthocollis* [Ƥ].
10th March – 12th March 1 to 10 daily in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; common in Bandhavgarh National Park; 17th March 20 around the Chambal Safari Lodge; 19th March 2 around the Chambal Safari Lodge.
331. Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus*
18th March 30 on the way to the Chambal River.
332. Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica* [Ƥ].
14th March 2 by the ford outside the entrance to Bandhavgarh National Park.
333. Brahminy Starling Temenuchus pagodarum* [Ƥ].
Common at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Bandhavgarh National Park and Chambal Safari Lodge.
334. Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus
10th March – 12th March 6 to 10 daily at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
335. Asian Pied Starling Gracupica contra* [Ƥ].
Commonly seen in rural areas. Common in fields around Chambal Safari Lodge.
336. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis [Ƥ].
Common in all locations.
337. Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus* [Ƥ].
Commonly seen in urban settings and in some roadside villages.
338. Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo
15th March – 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
339. Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus* [Ƥ].
13th March 1 in Nature Heritage Resort, Bandhavgarh; 14th March 2 by the ford outside the entrance to Bandhavgarh National Park; 16th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
340. Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus* [Ƥ].
Common in all lowland locations.
341. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus* [Ƥ].
10th March 2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 12th March 1 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur; 14th March 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
342. White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens*
13th March – 14th March 2 each of these days in Bandhavgarh National Park.
343. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus* [Ƥ].
7th March 3 at Pangot; 9th March 6 at Sattal.
344. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus*
13th March – 16th March 1 to 4 seen daily in Bandhavgarh National Park.
345. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
8th March 6 along the Kilbury Road, Pangot.
346. Black-headed Jay Garrulus lanceolatus* [Ƥ].
6th March - 8th March 8 to 10 seen daily around Pangot.
347. Red-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha* [Ƥ].
7th March 5 in the Timla Valley, Pangot; 9th March 6 at Sattal.
348. Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda*
1 to 20 seen daily in all lowland locations.
349. Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae* [Ƥ].
9th March 10 at the camp at Sattal.
350. House Crow Corvus splendens* [Ƥ].
Common in lowland and urban locations.
351. Large-billed Crow Corvus [macrorhynchus] japonensis* [Ƥ].
Common in all locations visited.
Mammals and reptiles
1. Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris [Ƥ].
Five tigers (2 males and three females) seen on six occasions in Bandhavgarh National Park.
2. Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus
Several seen on Old Delhi and Agra rail stations.
3. Five-striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennantii [Ƥ].
Commonly seen in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Bandhavgarh National Park and around Chambal Safari Lodge.
4. Golden Jackal Canis aureus [Ƥ].
1 seen at Sattal; 15 seen in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, 2 seen in Bandhavgarh National Park and 2 seen on the banks of the Chambal River.
5. Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii
2 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur and 1 in Bandhavgarh National Park.
6. Ruddy Mongoose Herpestes smithii
2 in Bandhavgarh National Park on 15th March.
7. Hanuman Langur Presbytis entellus [Ƥ].
Seen around Pangot, Sattal and in Bandhavgarh National Park.
8. Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta [Ƥ].
Commonly seen in all locations.
9. Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus [Ƥ].
A colony roosted in the grounds of the Chambal Safari Lodge.
10. Indian Muntjac Muntiacus muntjak [Ƥ].
Singles seen on two occasions in Bandhavgarh National Park.
11. Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus [Ƥ].
Seen in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur and around Chambal Safari Lodge and Sultanpur National Park.
12. Sambar Cervus unicolor [Ƥ].
Seen in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur and Bandhavgarh National Park.
13. Spotted Deer Axis axis [Ƥ].
Very common in Bandhavgarh National Park.
14. Wild Boar Sus scrofa [Ƥ].
Seen in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur and Bandhavgarh National Park.
15. Asian Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphrodites [Ƥ].
Two were in the grounds of Chambal Safari Lodge.
16. Himalayan Civet Pagmua larvata [Ƥ].
1 seen & photographed sleeping on a tree branch at Sattal lakes.
17. Marsh Mugger Crocodylus paluster [Ƥ].
At least 5 seen on the Chambal River.
18. Gharial Gavialis gangeticus [Ƥ].
30 seen on the Chambal River.
19. Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica
1 to 4 seen on the Chambal River.
20. Indian Bush Rat Golunda ellioti
1 seen Bharatpur 10th March.
21. Rufous-tailed [Indian] Hare Lepus nigricolis
1 at Bharatpur on 11th March
22. House Gecko [Ƥ].
6 at Chambal Safari Lodge.
23. Red-crowned Roof Turtle Kachuga kachuga [Ƥ].
A few large turtles at Chambel were thought to be this species
24. Soft Shell Turtle Trionys gengeticus[Ƥ].
At least 4 of these very large turtles seen around the larger jheels in Bharatpur
25. Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata
Several at Bharatpur
26. Indian Python Python molurus [Ƥ].
Three seen just outside Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur.
Striped Hyena: a large animal with bright yellow eyes [Jackal’s eyes are green] was spot-lighted at a dump near Bharatpur on the evening of 10th but wasn’t seen well enough to confirm ID.
We also saw other species of turtle that were unidentified.