We began our Assam extension in the north-eastern Indian city of Guwahati. Well, more on the outskirts, rather, as this is where rubbish dumps tend to be located. As any birder knows, rubbish dumps can often provide some interesting birding, usually in the form of gulls or corvids. But this dump held a larger and eminently scarcer scavenger, the Greater Adjutant. We saw about 60 of these grotesque storks, whose global population hovers around the 1,000 mark. There were also a few of its Lesser cousins, as well as Eastern Cattle Egret, a Western Yellow Wagtail, House Crow, Brown Shrike, Baya Weaver, Striated Grassbird and numerous Black Kites, including the form sometimes known as Black- eared Kite.
With the adjutants in the bag we hit the road towards our lodge bordering Kaziranga National Park. Due to the distance of travel we made only a few stops along the way but still saw Lesser Whistling Duck, Indian Pond Heron, Little Cormorant, Oriental Darter, White-breasted Waterhen, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Indian Roller, White-throated Kingfisher, Bronze-winged Jacana, Green Bee-eater, Ashy Woodswallow and Rufous Treepie. A tasty lunch at our lodge was followed by our first excursion into the large national park, famous for harbouring two-thirds of the world's Indian One-horned Rhinos.
Making our way along the dusty roads in our trio of open-top 4x4s, we enjoyed sightings of Grey-headed Lapwing, Pallas' Fish Eagle, Ruddy and Common Shelducks, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked and Black-necked Storks, Spot-billed Pelican, Himalayan Vulture, the splendid Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Common Redshank, Greater Coucal, Common Cuckoo, a pair of Spotted Owlets, Lineated and Blue-throated Barbets, Alexandrine, Blossom-headed, Rose-ringed and Red-breasted Parakeets, Hair-crested Drongo, Chestnut-capped and Striated Babblers, Siberian Stonechat, Citrine Wagtail and Paddyfield and Rosy Pipits.
The next morning, before heading back into the park, we birded the perimeter of a nearby tea estate (from which most of us purchased tea the following day – it is Assam after all, one of the great tea-growing regions in the world!). Here we found gems such as Emerald Dove, Rosy and Scarlet Minivets, Red Turtle Dove, Asian Emerald and Plaintive Cuckoos, Green Imperial Pigeon, Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo, Silver-backed Needletail, Great Hornbill, Oriental Dollarbird, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Large Woodshrike, Black-crested Bulbul, Striated Swallow, Greater Necklaced and Rufous-necked Laughingthrushes, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Scaly-breasted Munia and Crimson Sunbird.
Over the next two days we visited various sections of the park, popping in and out during morning and afternoon sessions as is the norm in India's national parks. Other birdlife we encountered included Bar-headed Goose, Mallard, Red Junglefowl, Black-headed Ibis, the scarce Slender-billed Vulture, Changeable HawkEagle, Pied Harrier (sadly both females and brief views only), Purple Swamphen, Green Sandpiper, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Green-billed Malkoha, Asian Barred Owlet, the impressive Stork-billed Kingfisher, Blue-bearded and Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Grey-capped Pygmy and Rufous Woodpeckers, Large Cuckooshrike, Western Osprey, Black-hooded Oriole, Cinereous Tit, Bengal Bush Lark, Oriental Skylark, Plain Prinia, Common Hill, Jungle and Great Mynas, a male Siberian Rubythroat, Taiga Flycatcher and Grey-headed Fish Eagle. An early morning elephant ride gave us improved views of the beautiful but incredibly shy Chestnut-capped Babbler. Speaking of elephants, the park's mammalian contingent certainly deserves a mention. We had truly tremendous looks at Asian Elephant, Smooth-coated Otter, Wild Boar, Swamp Deer (Kaziranga is an important stronghold for this species), Hog Deer and Wild Water Buffalo, which certainly do love water! If they could grow gills and spend all their days in a life aquatic they would jump at the chance. Of course the major creature here – both in terms of public interest and stature – is the prehistoric looking Indian One-horned Rhino. We saw up to 30 of the planet's fifth-largest land mammal daily, with many instances of multiple individuals in one field of view. What a pleasure!
From Kaziranga we crossed over the broad Brahmaputra River – one of the continent's major watercourses – and headed north-west to our lodge near Nameri National Park. Some evening birding yielded Brown Hawk-Owl, Large-tailed Nightjar, Indian Stone-curlew and Asian Barred Owlet.
In the cool of the following morning we were silently ferried across the Jia Bhorelli in a narrow wooden boat to Nameri National Park. Along the sand and white cobble shore we found Great Stone-curlew, River Lapwing, River Tern, Sand Lark and the lovely Small Pratincole. Moving into the deciduous forest the species count grew higher with Crested Goshawk, Ashy-headed and Wedge-tailed Green Pigeons, Barred Cuckoo Dove, Lesser Yellownape, very flighty Vernal Hanging Parrot, Maroon Oriole, White-throated Bulbul, Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, Asian Fairy Bluebird, White-rumped Shama, Plain Flowerpecker, and three brilliantly rufous Ruddy Kingfishers, which looked like flares when the sunlight hit them as they shot through the forest. We had a brief but thankfully relatively open sighting of the main target at Nameri, the secretive White-winged Duck, of which two flushed from a quiet pond in the forest. When our trail ran close to the fast-flowing river we checked off Common Kingfisher, Pallas' Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Striated Heron, Little Ringed Plover, Great Cormorant and White Wagtail. That afternoon some participants drove upstream so they could return downstream along the icy waters in search of the non-compliant Ibisbill. Others opted to remain at the lodge and spend the warm afternoon relaxing (it was later debated, though I'm not sure of the outcome, that this was probably the most sensible option). The remaining troopers went on a walk through a different section of the forest. Our intensive searches for more White-winged Ducks turned up nowt but we were rewarded with Lesser Coucal, Wreathed Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Black-backed Forktail, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and a few massive Tokay Geckos.
That night a group of local people came to our lodge grounds for the week-long Bohag Bihu festival. Bohag Bihu is the first of three Bihu events in the year and marks the Assamese New Year and the start of the farming season. We'd each already received a gamosa (a red and white scarf/head wrap) a couple of days earlier from our local guide to mark the start of the celebration. We watched as the dance group and anyone who wanted to take part performed traditional dances around a bonfire and imbibed locally brewed rice beer from bamboo-stalk cups – a rare experience indeed!
On our last morning in India we had a short walk near our lodge which turned up Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and Tickell's Leaf, Greenish and Dusky Warblers. We also popped into the Pygmy Hog breeding centre a few metres from our lodge and ogled these critically endangered cuties before setting out on the long drive to the Bhutanese border.
Species recorded: 200 (196 seen and 4 heard only)
Note: Names and taxonomical order of the bird species list follows that of IOC (International Ornithological congress), Gill, F. and M. Wright. 2015; Birds of the World:
Recommended English Names. Princeton NJ: Princeton University Press (version 5.1). Names in round brackets represent alternative names. A notes section can be found where the taxonomy differs between Clements and IOC.
(E) = Endemic, (NE) = Near-endemic
Ducks, Geese & Swans Anatidae
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolour - Good numbers were seen along the drive to Kaziranga NP and in the park itself.
Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus - This attractive goose was seen in Kaziranga NP.
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
White-winged Duck Asarcornis scutulata - We glimpsed a pair of these scarce ducks when they flushed from a forest pond in Nameri NP.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos - One bird was seen in Kaziranga NP.
Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha - Commonly seen throughout Kaziranga NP.
Pheasants and Partridges Phasianidae
Swamp Francolin (NE) Francolinus gularis - We recorded this sought-after species on two occasions, unfortunately both times as 'heard only'.
Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus - We found this handsome bird in both national parks.
Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos - We had quick views of this species in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Grebes Podicipedidae
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus - One was spotted on the Jia Bhorelli River in Nameri NP.
Storks Ciconidae
Asian Openbill Anastomas oscitans - Fairly large numbers were seen throughout India, especially in Kaziranga National Park.
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus - A few of these distinctive storks were seen in and near Kaziranga NP.
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus - We were treated to daily looks at this tall, crisply plumaged bird in Kaziranga NP.
Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus - A couple of birds were seen at the Guwahati rubbish dump, with better views in and en route to Kaziranga NP.
Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius - We counted around 60 of these endangered species at the Guwahati rubbish dump.
Ibises, Spoonbills Threskiornithidae
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus - We found three of these birds, which are scarce in Assam, in Kaziranga NP.
Herons, Egrets & Bitterns Ardeidae
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax - We saw half a dozen birds in Kaziranga NP.
Striated (Green-backed/Little/Green) Heron Butorides striata - We saw a few birds along the Jia Bhorelli in Nameri NP. NOTE: IOC splits this species into three species: Striated Heron B. striata, Green Heron B. virescens & Lava Heron B.sundevalli, whereas Clements only recognizes two splits: Striated Heron B. striata & Green Heron B. virescens.
Indian Pond Heron Ardeola greyii - This wetland species proved to be abundant in Assam.
Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus cormandus - Seen daily in good numbers. NOTE: Clements lumps this species with Western Cattle Egret B. ibis as Cattle Egret B. ibis.
Grey Heron Ardeola cinerea - Several were encountered at wetlands in Kaziranga NP.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea - We saw this colourful heron in Kaziranga NP.
(Eastern) Great Egret Ardea modesta - Seen daily on this extension.
Intermediate (Yellow-billed) Egret Mesophoyx intermedia - We saw a few of these medium-sized egrets in Kaziranga NP.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta - Another egret seen daily on our extension.
Pelicans Pelicanidae
Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis - We had some good looks at this species over three days in Kaziranga NP.
Cormorants Phalacrocoracidae
Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger - Seen commonly in and en route to Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo - Seen along the Jia Bhorelli in Nameri NP. NOTE: IOC splits the above species into two separate species; Great Cormorant P. carbo and White-breasted Cormorant P. lucidus whereas Clements only recognizes one species, Great Cormorant P. carbo.
Anhingas, Darters Anhingidae
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster - Seen almost daily during this extension.
Ospreys Pandionidae
Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus - We saw this fish-eating raptor well in both national parks. NOTE: Clements lumps this species with Eastern Osprey P. cristatus and just names it Osprey.
Hawks, Eagles & Kites Accipitridae
Black-winged (-shouldered) Kite Elanus caeruleus - We saw just one bird en route to Kaziranga NP.
Crested (Oriental) Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus - A singleton was seen near Kaziranga NP.
Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris - One was seen briefly in flight over Kaziranga NP.
Himalayan Vulture (Griffon) Gyps himalayensis - Seen daily in Kaziranga NP.
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela - This handsome eagle showed daily in Kaziranga NP.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus - We saw this species really nicely in Kaziranga NP.
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus - Seen in Nameri NP.
Shikra Accipiter badius - We had an especially good sighting at one of Kaziranga NP's entrance gates.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus - One bird was seen in Nameri NP.
Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos - We had two less-than-great sightings in Kaziranga NP, both of female birds.
Black Kite Milvus migrans - This species was common over the Guwahati rubbish dump where we also saw a couple of the subspecies M. migrans lineatus sometimes known as Black-eared Kite. NOTE: IOC splits the above species into two separate species; Black Kite M. migrans and Yellow-billed Kite M.aegyptius whereas Clements only recognizes one species, Black Kite M. migrans.
Pallas's Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus - We saw this large piscivorous raptor in Kaziranga NP.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus - Seen in and en route to Kaziranga NP.
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyria - Two were observed in the distance at Kaziranga NP.
Stone-curlews, Thick-knees Burhinidae - Indian Stone-curlew (Thick-knee) Burhinus indicus One was spotlighted along the banks of the Jia Bhorelli at night.
Great Stone-curlew (Thick-knee) Esacus recurvirostris - This great-looking thick-knee was seen well along the Jia Bhorelli in Nameri NP.
Plovers Charadriidae
River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii - This striking wader was seen along the Jia Bhorelli.
Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus - We were pleased to have good views of these rather scarce winter visitors during our time in Kaziranga NP.
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus - Seen almost daily throughout the extension.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius - This small shorebird was seen along the Jia Bhorelli in Nameri NP.
Jacanas Jacanadae
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus - We saw this outrageous jacana in Kaziranga NP.
Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus - Seen well in and en route to Kaziranga NP.
Sandpipers, Snipes Scolopacidae
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago - Seen in good numbers in Kaziranga NP.
Common Redshank Tringa tetanus - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia - Seen in Kaziranga NP and along the Jia Bhorelli.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus - Singletons were observed in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos - A few were seen in both national parks.
Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii - This tiny wader was seen in Kaziranga NP.
Coursers, Pratincoles Glareolidae
Small Pratincole Glareola lacteal - This dainty species showed well along the Jia Bhorelli in Nameri NP.
Gulls, Terns & Skimmers Sternidae
Pallas's Gull Icthyaetus ichtyaetus - Three birds were seen along the Jia Bhorelli near Nameri NP.
River Tern Sterna aurantia - This lovely tern was spotted over the Jia Bhorelli.
Pigeons & Doves Columbidae
Rock Dove (Common Pigeon) Columba livia - Numerous in towns and villages throughout.
Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis - Common throughout.
Red Turtle (Collared) Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica - Two were seen on the Hathikuli tea estate.
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis - Abundant throughout.
Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall - We encountered large numbers in the forest at Nameri NP.
Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica - This exquisite dove was seen well near Kaziranga and in Nameri NP.
Ashy-headed Green Pigeon Treron phayrei - This scarce pigeon was seen twice in Nameri NP.
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera - We had good views of this colourful pigeon in Kaziranga NP.
Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenura - We found large numbers of this pigeon in Nameri NP.
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea - This large pigeon showed especially well outside Kaziranga NP and was also seen in Nameri NP.
Cuckoos Cuculidae
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis - Seen well in Kaziranga NP.
Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis - One showed very well on our afternoon walk in Nameri NP.
Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis - Everyone eventually had good views of this skulker in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea - Recorded daily in Assam.
Asian Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculatus -Two of these dazzling birds were spotted by a keen-eyed guest on the edge of the Hathikuli tea estate.
Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus - Also seen on the edge of the Hathikuli tea estate.
Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris - One was seen in the vicinity of the Hathikuli tea estate.
Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus - A single bird was seen in Kaziranga NP, and it was heard around Nameri NP.
Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus - Seen in Kaziranga NP on the first day.
Owls Strigidae
Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides - This great little owl was seen in Kaziranga NP and near Nameri NP.
Spotted Owlet Athene brama - We enjoyed good views of this cute, partly diurnal owlet in Kaziranga NP.
Brown Hawk-Owl (Boobook) Ninox scutulata - A single bird showed very well in torchlight in the gardens of our Nameri NP accommodations.
Nightjars Caprimulgidae
Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus - We had super views of a bird after dusk along the shore of the Jia Bhorelli.
Swifts Apodidae
Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis - Seen over the Hathikuli tea estate.
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis - Good numbers were seen throughout Assam.
Rollers Coraciidae
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis - We saw this species daily during our time in Assam.
Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis - This lowland forest species was seen at Hathikuli tea estate and Nameri NP.
Kingfishers Alcedinidae
Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis - We had two sightings of this impressive kingfisher in Kaziranga NP.
Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda - Seen in Nameri NP.
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis - The commonest kingfisher on this trip, good numbers were seen daily throughout the extension.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis - A few were seen along the Jia Bhorelli near Nameri.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis - Seen daily on this extension.
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni - We had good views of this large bee-eater in Kaziranga NP.
(Little) Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis - Seen in and en route to Kaziranga NP.
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus - We saw 10 birds on our first day in Kaziranga NP.
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaultia -This lovely bee-eater was seen often in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Hoopoes Upupidae
Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops - Seen near Kaziranga. NOTE: IOC splits the above species into two separate species: Eurasian Hoopoe U. epops and African Hoopoe U. Africana whereas Clements only recognizes one species, Eurasian Hoopoe U. epops.
Hornbills Bucerotidae
Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis - We enjoyed excellent views of this fabulous bird in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris - A group of 10 was seen in Kaziranga NP.
Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulates - Seen in the afternoon in Nameri NP.
Asian Barbets Capitonidae
Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata - This species was commonly heard and seen throughout.
Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica - This colourful barbet was seen daily.
Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis - We saw a single bird on the edge of the Hathikuli tea estate.
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala - Seen every day.
Woodpeckers Picidae
Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus - Five birds in a single tree in Kaziranga NP was followed by a dozen birds in Nameri NP.
Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei - A pair was spotted by a keen-eyed guest in the carpark of our Guwahati hotel on the first morning!
Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus - Seen nicely in Nameri NP.
Grey-headed(-faced) Woodpecker Picus canus - This widespread Eurasian woodpecker was seen in both national parks.
Greater Flameback (Goldenback) Chrysocolaptes lucidus - We enjoyed three sightings of this flamboyant woodpecker in Kaziranga NP.
Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus - Two birds showed very well in Kaziranga NP.
Caracaras, Falcons Falconidae
Common (Eurasian) Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Seen in Kaziranga NP and en route to Nameri NP. NOTE: IOC splits the above species into two separate species; Common Kestrel F. tinnunculus and Rock Kestrel F.rupicolus whereas Clements only recognizes one species, Eurasian Kestrel F. tinnunculus.
Parrots Psittacidae
Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis - We had fleeting looks at three birds in Nameri NP.
Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria - This bullish parakeet was seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri - Commonly encountered throughout India.
Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseate - We saw four of these scarce parrots in Kaziranga NP.
Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri - A handsome parrot that was seen on numerous occasions in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Woodshrikes & allies Tephrodornithidae
Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus - A few birds were seen at Hathikuli tea estate.
Woodswallows Artamidae
Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus - Recorded daily in Assam.
Ioras Aegithinidae
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia - This lovely little bird was seen at Hathikuli tea estate.
Cuckooshrikes Campephagidae
Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei - Singletons were seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Rosy Minivet Pericrocotus roseus - This scarce species in NE India showed nicely at Hathikuli tea estate.
Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus - Two females were found in Nameri NP.
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus - The dominant minivet of lower altitudes and pairs and flocks were seen on most days.
Shrikes Laniidae
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus - We had sightings at the Guwahati dump and in Kaziranga NP.
Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus - Commonly seen throughout.
Figbirds, Orioles Oriolidae
Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus - Small numbers of this good-looking species were encountered daily.
Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii - A female was seen in Nameri NP.
Drongos Dicruridae
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus - An especially numerous and conspicuous species throughout India.
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus - Seen in both Nameri and Kaziranga NPs.
Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus - Seen in and en route to Kaziranga NP. NOTE: Clements splits this species into two species: Hair-crested Drongo D. hottentottus and Tablas Drongo D.menagei whereas IOC only recognizes one species, Hair-crested Drongo D. hottentottus.
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus - This great bird was seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs!
Crows, Jays Corvidae
Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis - This species was heard only at Hathikuli tea estate.
Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda - This handsome species was seen in Kaziranga NP.
Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae - Seen around Kaziranga NP.
House Crow Corvus splendens - Common around Guwahati and surrounds.
Eastern Jungle (Large-billed) Crow Corvus levaillantii - Seen daily. NOTE: Clements lumps this species with Indian Jungle Crow C. culminates and Large-billed Crow C. macrorhynchos as Large-billed Crow C. macrorhynchos.
Tits & Chickadees Paridae
Cinereous (Great) Tit Parus cinereous - Seen in and around Kaziranga NP.
Larks Alaudidae
Bengal Bush Lark Mirafra assamica - Two were seen just outside Kaziranga NP.
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula - Also seen near Kaziranga NP.
Sand Lark Calandrella raytal - Seen well along the banks of the Jia Bhorelli.
Bulbuls Pycnonotidae
Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus - Seen daily.
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer - Seen daily.
White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus - Seen at Nameri NP.
Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus - Seen at Nameri NP.
Swallows & Martins Hirundinidae
Grey-throated (Brown-throated/Plain) Martin Riparia chinensis - Seen daily.
Barn (European) Swallow Hirundo rustica - Common throughout.
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica - Seen at Hathikuli tea estate. NOTE: IOC splits the above species into two distinct species; Red-rumped Swallow C. daurica and West African Swallow C. domicella whereas Clements only recognizes one species, Red-rumped Swallow C. daurica.
Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata - Seen at Hathikuli tea estate.
Leaf warblers and allies Phylloscopidae
Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus - Seen in Kaziranga Np and near Nameri.
Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis - Seen near Nameri.
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs. NOTE: IOC splits this species into two separate species; Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides and Two-barred Warbler P.plumbeitarsus whereas Clements only recognizes one species, Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides.
Grassbirds & allies Megaluridae
Striated Grassbird Chaetornis striatus - Seen at Guwahati rubbish dump.
Cisticolas & Allies Cisticolidae
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis - Seen at Guwahati rubbish dump and Kaziranga NP.
Plain Prinia Prinia inornata - Seen at Guwahati rubbish dump.
Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis - Seen near Kaziranga NP.
Babblers, Scimitar Babblers Timaliidae
Pin-striped (Striped) Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Fulvettas, Ground Babblers Pellorneidae
Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Laughingthrushes Leiothrichidae
Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis - Seen at Hathikuli tea estate.
Rufous-necked Laughingthrush Garrulax caerulatus - Seen at Hathikuli tea estate.
White-eyes Zosteropidae
Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus - Seen in Kaziranga NP and Hathikuli tea estate.
Fairy-bluebirds Irenidae
Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella - Seen in Kaziranga NP and Hathikuli tea estate.
Nuthatches Sittidae
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris - Seen in Nameri NP.
Starlings Sturnidae
Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Great (White-vented) Myna Acridotheres javanicus - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis - Seen throughout.
Pied Myna (Asian Pied Starling) Gracupica contra - Seen throughout.
Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica - Seen throughout.
Chats, Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae
Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis - Seen throughout.
White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus - Seen in Nameri NP.
Pale-chinned Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys - Heard only in Nameri NP.
Large Niltava Niltava grandis - Heard only in Nameri NP.
Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus - Seen in Nameri NP.
Taiga (Red-throated) Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Siberian (Common/Eurasian) Stonechat Saxicola maurus - Seen throughout. NOTE: Clements lumps this species with Stejneger’s Stonechat S. stejnegeri whereas IOC recognises both species.
Leafbirds Chloropseidae
Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Flowerpeckers Dicaeidae
Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum - Seen in Nameri NP.
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum -Seen near Nameri.
Sunbirds Nectariniidae
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis - Seen in Nameri NP.
(Eastern) Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja - Seen at Hathikuli tea estate.
Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna - Seen at Hathikuli tea estate and Nameri NP.
Old World Sparrows, Snowfinches Passeridae
House Sparrow Passer domesticus - Common in urban areas.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus - Common in urban areas.
Weavers, Widowbirds Ploceidae
Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus - Seen in Kaziranga NP and en route to Nameri NP.
Waxbills, Munias & Allies Estrildidae
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata - Seen in at Hathikuli tea estate.
Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla - Seen in at Hathikuli tea estate.
Wagtails & Pipits Motacillidae
Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava - Seen at Guwahati rubbish dump.
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola - Seen at Guwahati rubbish dump and Kaziranga NP.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba - Seen at Nameri NP. NOTE: The subspecies leucopsis (Chinese Wagtail), alboides (Hodgson’s Wagtail) and dukhunensis were all seen on the trip. None of these subspecies have been split yet by either IOC or Clements.
Paddyfield (Oriental) Pipit Anthus rufulus - Seen at and en route to Kaziranga NP.
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
ANNOTATED LIST OF MAMMALS RECORDED
Species recorded: 15 (13 seen and 2 heard only)
Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae
(Wild) Water Buffalo Bubalus bubalus - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Deer Cervidae
Hog Deer Axis porcinus - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Northern Red (Indian) Muntjac (Barking Deer) Muntiacus vaginalis - Heard only in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Swamp Deer Cervus duvauceli - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Pigs Suidae
Wild Boar Sus scrofa - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Weasels, Skunks, Otters Mustelidae
Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Old World Fruit Bats Pteropodidae
Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus - Large groups were found on the outskirts of Guwahati, also seen around Nameri.
Rhinoceroses Rhinocerotidae
Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Old World Monkeys Cercopithecidae
Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta - Seen daily.
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus - Seen along the edge of Kaziranga NP.
Gibbons, Siamang Hylobatidae
Hoolock Gibbon Bunopithecus hoolock - Heard along the edge of Kaziranga NP.
Elephants Elephantidae
Asian Elephant Elephas maximus - Seen in Kaziranga and Nameri NPs.
Squirrels Sciuridae
Irrawaddy (Hoary-bellied) Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythus - Seen daily.
Orange-bellied Himalayan Squirrel Dremomys lokriah - Seen on the edge of Kaziranga NP.
Black Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor - Seen in Nameri NP.
ANNOTATED LIST OF REPTILES RECORDED (4 species)
Bengal (Common Indian) Monitor Varanus bengalensis - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Assam Roofed Turtle Pangshura sylhetensis - Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Indian Softshell Turtle Nilssonia gangetica -Seen in Kaziranga NP.
Tokay Gecko Gecko gecko - Seen in Nameri NP.