Black Francolin, Francolinus francolinus
Single male in a Chaur near Dhikala in Corbett NP, 16/11/00
Grey Francolin, F. pondicerianus
Party of six on a dry area of the Kosi River-bed, Ramnagar, 14/11/00
Fairly common at most dry lowland sites. Also seen at Taj Mahal, 24/11/00, Keoladeo Ghana NP, Ranthambore, between Jaipur & Sambah Lake
Barred Buttonquail, Turnix suscitator
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP especially along the verges of the main, central path. 2 pairs, Keoladeo Ghana NP, 28/11/00.
Painted Spurfowl, Galloperdix lunulata
2 at Ranthambore, 30/11/00.
Red Junglefowl, Gallus gallus
Very common at Corbett NP.
Kalij Pheasant, Lophura leucomelanos
3 at Corbett NP, 16/11/00 and 9 (including 3 males) at McLeod Ganj, 19/11/00.
Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus
Commonly seen bird in rural areas- presumably feral.
Greylag Goose, Anser anser
Abundant at Keoladeo Ghana NP. Also at Bund Baretha.
Bar-headed Goose, A. indicus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP in mixed flocks with Greylag Goose.
Ruddy Shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea
8 at Ramnagar on the Kosi River, 10/11/00. Also at Ranthambore.
Shelduck, Tadorna tadorna
At least 1at Sambhar Salt Lake.
Lesser Whistling-duck, Dendrocygna javanica
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Comb Duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
Present in small numbers at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Cotton Pygmy-goose, Nettapus coromandelianus
Present in small numbers at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Gadwall, Anas strepera
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP. One lost-looking female seen on lake at Naini Tal, 14/11/00.
Eurasian Wigeon, A. penelope
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Mallard, A. platyrhynchos
Very common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Spot-billed Duck, A. poecilorhyncha
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Common Teal, A. crecca
Very common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Garganey, A. querquedula
Small numbers among Teal at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Northern Pintail, A. acuta
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Northern Shoveler, A. clypeata
One at Kosi River dam, 14/11/00. Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Red-crested Pochard, Rhodonessa rufina
Small numbers at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Common Pochard, Aythya ferina
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Ferruginous Duck, A. nyroca
Present in small numbers at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Tufted Duck, A. fuligula
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Dendrocopos nanus
One seen near between Naini Tal and Ramnagar, 10/11/00. Two at Dhikala, Corbett NP, 16/11/00.
Brown-fronted Woodpecker, D. auriceps
One in Arvinda Gorge, Naini Tal, 11/11/00. Two at McLeod Ganj on 21/11/00.
Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, D. mahrattensis
Three at Keoladeo Ghana NP on 25/11/00.
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, D. hyperythrus
Three approximately 2km west of Naini Peak, Naini Tal, 12/11/00.
Himalayan Woodpecker, D. himalayensis
Common in forest around Naini Tal.
Streak-throated Woodpecker, Picus xanthopygaeus
Common at Corbett NP.
Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, P. squamatus
Two at Naini Tal, 11/11/00. One at McLeod Ganj, 21/11/00.
Grey-headed Woodpecker, P. canus
Common at McLeod Ganj.
Himalayan Flameback, Dinopium shorii
Two seen at Corbett NP, 07/11/00.
Black-rumped Flameback, D. benghalense
Common at Agra and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Great Barbet, Megalaima virens
Common around McLeod Ganj, with up to 6 feeding in a fruiting tree viewable from the Kailash Restaurant window, 18/11/00.
Brown-headed Barbet, M. zeylanica
Common in Rajasthan at Agra and Keoladeo Ghana NP for example.
Blue-throated Barbet, M. asiatica
One seen at McLeod Ganj 18-19/11/00.
Coppersmith Barbet, M.haemacephala
Common at Agra and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Indian Grey Hornbill, Ocyeros birostris
One at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 24-25/11/00.
Common Hoopoe, Upupa epops
Very common at all lowland sites.
Indian Roller, Coracias benghalensis
Very common in cultivated areas.
Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
Common at Ramnagar and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
White-breasted Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis
3 on the beach by the hotel, Colombo. Common in Keoladeo Ghana NP and in most open areas.
Crested Kingfisher, Megaceryle lugubris
Two watched at close range fishing from the Kosi River Dam, 14/11/00.
Pied Kingfisher, Ceryle rudis
Common at Ramnagar, Corbett NP and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Nyctyornis athertoni
Three seen at Corbett NP, 16/11/00.
Green Bee-eater, Merops orientalis
Common at all lowland sites.
Blue-tailed Bee-eater, M. philippinus
Several around beach near hotel at Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Common Hawk Cuckoo, Hierococcyx varius
One seen next to road near Bund Baretha, 27/11/00.
Asian Koel, Eudynamys scolopacea
Common around hotel grounds, Colombo, Sri Lanka. One at near the Taj Mahal, Agra, on 24/11/00.
Greater Coucal, Centropus sinensis
Common in scrub around hotel, Colombo, Sri lanka and common in India.
Alexandrine Parakeet, Psittacula eupatria
3, Mcleod Ganj,20/11/00. Small numbers seen near Sawai Madhopur. 2+ from the taxi on the way to Delhi airport on the last day.
Rose-ringed Parakeet, P. krameri
Abundant.
Plum-headed Parakeet, P. cyanocephala
Common at Naini Tal, Corbett NP and Ranthambor.
White-rumped Needletail, Zoonavena sylvatica
Large flock over the Kosi River, Ramnagar, 10//11/00. Common in Corbett NP.
Asian Palm Swift, Cypsirus balasiensis
Many seen from road between Bharatpur and Bund Baretha, 27/11/00.
House Swift, Apus affinis
Common.
Crested Treeswift, Hemiprocne coronata
Common at Ramnagar and Corbett NP often in mixed flocks of other swift species.
Collared Scops Owl, O. bakkamoena
Pairs seen at roost-site stake-outs, at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Ranthambor.
Dusky Eagle Owl, Bubo coromandus
Single seen at roost-site at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 29/11/00.
Brown Fish Owl, Ketupa zeylonensis
Single seen and photographed in a riverside tree in Corbett NP, 16/11/00.
Asian Barred Owlet, Glaucidium cuculoides
Common at Naini Tal around the town. One seen finishing off a discarded Eurasian Sparrowhawk kill, which had been left on a tree-branch. Fairly common, Mcleod Ganj.
Spotted Owlet, Athene brama
Common at Agra and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Also on journeys to Bund Baretha, Sambah Lake.
Rufous Turtle Dove, Streptopelia orientalis
Pair seen on Snow-View Ridge, 12/11/00.
Collared Dove, S. decaoto
Fairly common in lowlands. Eg Ramnagar, Delhi
Laughing Dove, S. senegalensis
Common in lowlands.
Spotted Dove, S. chinensis
Common.
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Treron phoenicoptera
Flock of 25 seen at Keoladeo Ghana NP, in trees adjacent to the nursery, 28/11/00.
Siberian Crane, Grus leucogeranus
Pair seen at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 25-28/11/00.
Sarus Crane, G. antigone
Present at Keoladeo Ghana NP, with maximum 34 on 26/11/00.
Common Crane, G. grus
Flock of 8 at Keoladeo Ghana NP on 26/11/00 and 8 at Bund Baretha the next day, which were possibly the same birds.
Brown Crake, Amaurornis akool
Two at Bund Baretha and a further three on the road on the way back to Bharatpur, 27/11/00. 2 on the road in Ranthambore, 30/11/00.
White-breasted Waterhen, A. phoenicurus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP, Bund Baretha and Ranthambore.
Purple Swamphen/Gallinule, Porphyrio porphyrio
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Common Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Ranthambor.
Common Coot, Fulica atra
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and 500 + at Bund Baretha.
Common Snipe, Gallinago gallinago
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Black-tailed Godwit, Limosa limosa
500+ at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00. One at Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Spotted Redshank, Tringa erythropus
Small numbers at Keoladeo Ghana NP. Two at Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Common Redshank, T. totanus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Sambar Salt Lake.
Marsh Sandpiper, T. stagnatilis
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Bund Baretha and Sambar Salt Lake.
Common Greenshank, T. nebularia
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Bund Baretha.
Green Sandpiper, T. ochropus
Common at Ramnagar, Keoladeo Ghana NP and Bund Baretha.
Wood Sandpiper, T. glareola
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Bund Baretha. Ten at Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Common Sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Bund Baretha.
Little Stint, Calidris minuta
One at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00 and one at Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Temminck's Stint, C. temmincki
Small numbers at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Bund Baretha. Two at Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Dunlin, C. alpina
Two at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00. Present in small numbers at Sambhar Salt Lake.
Ruff, Philomachus pugnax
450+ at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00. 12 at Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Greater Painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis
One seen at Bund Baretha, on the edge of the river, viewable from the road bridge just to the south of the dam, 27/11/00
Black-winged Stilt, Himantopus himantopus
Very common, often in roadside pools and wallows, even in towns.
Pied Avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta
Five at Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Fairly common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and 5 at Bund Baretha. All birds seen were in winter plumage and hence had no 'pheasant-tail'!
Bronze-winged Jacana, Metopidius indicus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Great Thick-knee, Esacus recurvirostris
Six at Ramnagar, on the Kosi River, 10/11/00, and seven at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00.
Grey Plover, Pluvialis squatarola
Three at Sambhar Salt Lake on 02/12/00.
Little Ringed Plover, Charadrius dubius
Three at Ramnagar, 10/11/00.
Kentish plover, C. alexandrinus
Three at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00. Also at Sambhar Salt Lake.
River Lapwing, Vanellus duvaucelli
Present at Ramnagar, around the Kosi River. Maximum 20, 10/11/00.
Red-wattled Lapwing, V. indicus
Very common.
White-tailed Lapwing, V. leucurus
Fairly common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Brown-headed Gull, Larus brunnicephalus
One seen at the Ganges River Crossing at Gajraula, 09/11/00.
Black-headed Gull, L. ridibundus
Small numbers seen at Gajraula, 09/11/00 and Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Gull-billed Tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
Ten at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00.
Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias hybridus
Three at a lake in Jaipur, 03/12/00.
River Tern, Sterna aurantia
Common at Gajraula, 09/11/00 and present in small numbers at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Indian Skimmer, Rhynchops albicollis
Nine from the dam at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00, roosting on an island.
Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
One over Dhikala, Corbett NP, 16/11/00.
Black-shouldered Kite, Elanus caeruleus
Common at Corbett NP and in most open areas.
Black Kite, Milvus migrans
Very common, especially around habitation, with the centre of Delhi being a particular stonghold.
Brahminy Kite, Haliastur indus
Common around the beach at Colombo, Sri Lanka and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Pallas's Fish Eagle, Haliaeetus leucoryphus
Several seen at Corbett NP.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Ichthyophaga icthyaetus
One at Corbett NP, 16/11/00.
Lammergeier, Gypaetus barbatus
Up to two seen at McLeod Ganj most days.
Egyptian Vulture, Neophron percnopterus
Common. Largest count 28, McLeod Ganj, 22/11/00
White-rumped Vulture, Gyps bengalensis
Common, largest count being 24 at Ramnagar, 10/11/00.
(Northern) Long-billed Vulture, G.( indicus) tenirostris
Two at Ramnagar, 14/11/00. Common at Ranthambor, apparently breeding on the cliffs along the entrance road.
Himalayan Griffon, G. himalayensis
Common at Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj, the highest counts respectively being 22 on 11/11/00 and 27 on 21/11/00. Superb close views are to be had from Snow View Ridge at Naini Tal, particularly mid-morning as they take to the wing for the first time.
Eurasian Griffon, G. fulvus
One at McLeod Ganj, 21/11/00.
Black Vulture, Aegypius monachus
At least two, possibly four seen most days at McLeod Ganj.
Red-headed Vulture, Sarcogyps calvus
One at Corbett NP, 15/11/00.
Short-toed Eagle, Circaetus gallicus
One at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 25/11/00.
Crested Serpent Eagle, Spilornis cheela
Present in small numbers at Keoladeo Ghana NP. One seen at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00.
Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Circus aeruginosus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP. Hunting birds frequently robbed by Aquila eagles which tend to sit around waiting for a harrier or stork to make a kill! One at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00. One at Taj Mahal.
Pallid Harrier, C. macrourus
One at Keoladeo Ghana NP on 25/11/00.
Shikra, Accipter badius
Frequently seen at Keoladeo Ghana NP. Also at Bund Baretha.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk, A. nisus
One seen eating a bird at Naini Tal on 11/11/00.
Oriental Honey-buzzard, Pernis ptilorhyncus
Fairly common at Keoladeo Ghana NP. Also at Bund Baretha.
Lesser Spotted Eagle, Aquila pomarina
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Greater Spotted Eagle, A. clanga
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Golden Eagle, A. chrysaetos
One immature seen at McLeod Ganj, 19/11/00.
Tawny Eagle, A. rapax
One at Keoladeo Ghana NP on 28/11/00.
Steppe Eagle, A. nipalensis
Common at Ramnagar, Naini Tal, McLeod Ganj and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Imperial Eagle, A. heliaca
Present at Keoladeo Ghana NP, maximum 2 adults and 1 immature on 24 and 28/11/00.
Bonelli's Eagle, Hieraaetus fasciatus
One at Ramnagar, 10/11/00.
Collared Falconet, Microhierax caerulescens
Three at Corbett NP (2 adults, one immature-family party?), 15/11/00. Initially watched hawking dragonflies from a dead tree within the Dhikala compound, then later presumably the same group seen from Elephant back, again feeding from the branches of a dead tree. Very approachable raptors, especially when on elephant-back.
Common Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
One at Corbett NP, 16/11/00. Also one at Mcleod Ganj, 18/11/00.
Peregrine, F. peregrinus perigrinator
Regularly seen hunting at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Little Grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
One at Keoladeo Ghana NP on 28/11/00. Also on Kosi River, Ramnagar.
Oriental Darter, Anhinga melanogaster
Fairly common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Little Cormorant, Phalacrocorax niger
Common at Colombo and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Indian Cormorant, P. Fuscicollis
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Great Cormorant, P. carbo
Common at Ramnagar and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Little Egret, Egretta garzetta
Very common.
Great White Egret, Casmerodius albus
Common.
Intermediate Egret, Mesophoyx intermedia
Only identified at Keoladeo Ghana NP, but presumably overlooked when flocks of egrets seen from transport.
Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis
Very common.
Indian Pond Heron, Ardeola grayii
Very common.
Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea
Common.
Purple Heron, A. purpurea
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Little/Striated Heron, Butorides striatus
One seen at Colombo, 7/11/00.
Black-crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Yellow Bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis
Prolonged views of one at Keoladeo Ghana NP on 28/11/00.
Black Bittern, Dupetor flavicollis
Flight views of one at Colombo, and up to 3 at Keoladeo Ghana NP most days.
Greater Flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber
55, Sambhar Salt Lake, 2/12/00. The huge numbers of flamingos usually associated with Sambhar have presumably moved on due to the drought in Rajasthan which has caused the lake to mostly dry up. All flamingos and most of the waders and ducks were inhabiting the effluent lagoon and outflow from the city.
Lesser Flamingo, P. minor
24, Sambhar Salt Lake, 2/12/00.
Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Black-headed Ibis, Threskiornis melenocephalus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Black Ibis, Pseudibis papillosa
One in a field near Bharatpur, 24/11/00.
Eurasian Spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP. One over Ranthambore, 30/11/00.
Great White Pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus
10 at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 26/11/00, and over 50 there on 28/11/00, though views unfortunately distant, so identification of all individuals not totally confident.
Painted Stork, Mycteria leucocephala
Three over Yamuna River, Delhi, 9/11/00. Seen occasionally at Keoladeo Ghana NP, with a flock of 50+ over on 25/11/00. Single soaring over Connaught Square, central Delhi, 4/12/00. Also at Ranthambore
Asian Openbill, Anastomus oscitans
One at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 24/11/00. 3 at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00.
Woolly-necked Stork, Ciconia episcopus
Fairly common at Keoladeo Ghana NP. 2 at Ranthambore
Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Small numbers at Keoladeo Ghana NP, maximum 6 on 26/11/00.
Rufous-tailed/Isabelline Shrike, Lanius Isabellinus
Common.
Brown Shrike, L. cristatus
One seen at Colombo. Common in India.
Bay-backed Shrike, L. vittatus
One seen at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 24/11/00. Also at Bund Baretha
Long-tailed Shrike, L. schach
Common.
Southern Grey Shrike, L. meridionalis
Several seen in semi-desert around Sambhar Salt Lake, 2/12/00. Also present at Bharatpur-Bund Baretha and Ranthambore
Eurasian Jay, Garrulus glandarius
c10 at Snow-view Ridge, Naini Tal, 12/11/00.
Black-headed Jay, G. lanceolatus
At least 3 with Eurasian Jay, Snow-view Ridge, Naini Tal, 12/11/00.
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Urocissa ornata
Common around McLeod Ganj.
Red-billed Blue Magpie, U. erythrorhyncha
3, very vocal individuals around Snow-view Ridge, Naini Tal, 12/11/00. 5 on the south side of the lake, Naini Tal,13/11/00.
Rufous Treepie, Dendrocitta vagabunda
One at Ramnagar, 10/11/00. Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Ranthambor. Also at Taj Mahal
House Crow, Corvus splendens
Very common.
Large-billed Crow, C. macrorhynchos
Common, replacing C. splendens in upland areas, except for one at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 28/11/00.
Common Raven, Corvus corax
Common at Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj.
Eurasian Golden Oriole, Oriolus oriolus
One male at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 26/11/00.
Black-hooded Oriole, O. xanthornus
Common at Corbett NP, seen frequently in the trees in Dhikala.
Long-tailed Minivet, Pericrocotus ethologus
Two at Naini Tal, 11/11/00.
Small Minivet, P. cinnamomeus
10 at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 28/11/00.
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Hemipus picatus
Two at Corbett NP, 16/11/00.
Yellow-bellied Fantail, Rhipidura hypoxantha
One seen near Daramkot, 20/11/00.
White-throated Fantail, R. albicollis
One at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 25/11/00.
White-browed Fantail, R. aureola
One at Dhikala, Corbett NP, 16/11/00.
Black Drongo, Dicrurus macrocercus
Very common.
White-bellied Drongo, D. caerulescens
One at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 28/11/00.
Common Iora, Aegithina tiphia
Common at Ramnagar and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Common Woodshrike, Tephrodornis pondicerianus
One seen at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 28/11/00.
Blue Rock Thrush, Monticola solitarius
Pair at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00.
Blue Whistling Thrush, Myophonus caeruleus
Common at Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj.
Orange-headed Thrush, Zoothera citrina
One seen in nursery area, Keoladeo Ghana NP on 24 and 28/11/00.
Scaly Thrush, Z. dauma dauma
One flushed at Naini Tal (near Naini Peak), on 12/11/00.
Tickell's Thrush, Turdus unicolor
Two in the nursery, Keoladeo Ghana NP, 28/11/00.
Grey-winged Blackbird, T. boulboul
One male and two females feeding in a fruiting tree on a hillside near McLeod Ganj, 19/11/00.
Dark-throated Thrush, T. ruficollis
Small flocks seen at Snow-view Ridge, Naini Tal, 12/11/00 and at McLeod Ganj.
Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Ficedula strophiata
One at Naini Peak, Naini Tal, 12/11/00.
Red-throated Flycatcher, F. parva
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Ranthambor.
Ultramarine Flycatcher, F. superciliaris
One male at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 26/11/00.
Slaty-blue Flycatcher, F. tricolor
One immature/female possibly of this species seen adjacent to the nursery, Keoladeo Ghana NP, 28/11/00.
Grey-headed Flycatcher, Culcicapa ceylonensis
3 at Keoladeo Ghana NP 26/11/00. 2+ at Bund Baretha
Siberian Rubythroat, Luscinia pectoralis
Heard at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 28/11/00, from bushes near the temple.
Bluethroat, L. svecica
Very common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Red-flanked Bluetail, Tarsiger cyanurus
Scarce at Naini Tal, common at McLeod Ganj.
Oriental Magpie Robin, Copsychus saularis
Common.
Indian Robin, Saxicoloides fulicata
Common.
Blue-capped Redstart, Phoenicurus coeruleocephalus
Common in mountains around Naini Tal and at McLeod Ganj.
Black Redstart, P. ochruros
One male at Bund Baretha, 27/11/00. Also at Keoladeo Ghana NP & Sambhar Salt Lake
Blue-fronted Redstart, P. frontalis
Single males seen at Naini Peak, Naini Tal, 12/11/00 and Daramkot 20/11/00. Also at Mcleod Ganj
White-capped Water Redstart, Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
Common at Ramnagar, Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj.
Plumbeous Water Redstart, Rhyacornis fulignosus
Common along rivers at Ramnagar and Corbett NP. Also present around Naini Lake.
Common Stonechat, Saxicola torquata indica
Common at Corbett NP.
Pied Bushchat, S. caprata
Common.
Grey Bushchat, S. ferrea
Common at Ramnagar and Corbett NP.
Brown Rock-chat, Cercomela fusca
Common at Ramnagar, Fatehpur Sikri and Sambhar Salt Lake.
Variable Wheater, Oenanthe picata
Three seen around Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Desert Wheatear, O. deserti
Two at Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Isabelline Wheatear, O. isabellina
One at Sambhar Salt Lake, 02/12/00.
Brahminy Starling, Sturnus pagodarum
Common at Ramnagar and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Rose-coloured Starling, S. roseus
One among large mixed flock of starlings at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 24/11/00.
Asian Pied Starling, S. contra
Common.
Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis
Abundant.
Bank Myna, A. ginginianus
Common.
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Sitta castanea
Single seen at Kosi River, 10/11/00.
White-tailed Nuthatch, S. himalayensis
Common at Naini Tal. One seen stealing pakora (deep fried battered vegetables) from a stall at Snow-view Ridge, 12/11/00!
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, S. frontalis
Two at Corbett NP, 16/11/00.
Bar-tailed Treecreeper, C. himalayana
Common at Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj.
Rufous-naped Tit, Parus rufonuchalis
Common at Snow-view Ridge, Naini Tal, 12/11/00.
Spot-winged Tit, P. melanolophus
Very Common around Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj.
Green-backed Tit, P. monticolus
Very common at Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj.
Great Tit. P. major
Fairly common around Mcleod Ganj. One between Ramnagar and Amdanda Gate, Corbett NP, 15/11/00.
Black-lored Tit. P. xanthogenys
Two seen at Naini Tal, 11/11/00. Fairly common at Mcleod Ganj
Yellow-browed Tit, Sylviparus modestus
One at McLeod Ganj, 19/11/00.
Black-throated Tit, Aegithalos concinnus
Very common at Naini Tal, less so at McLeod Ganj.
Wren, Troglodytes troglodytes
One at Daramkot, 20/11/00. Also at Mcleod Ganj,19/11/00.
Plain Martin, Riparia paludicola
Common.
Eurasian Crag Martin, Hirundo rupestris
Large flock seen at Naini Tal, 12/11/00, mixed with Red-rumped Swallows.
Dusky Crag Martin, H. concolor
Common at Kosi River and Fatehpur Sikri. Also around Delhi airport
Barn Swallow, H. rustica
Common.
Pacific Swallow, H. tahitica
Common.
Wire-tailed Swallow, H. smithii
A flock seen on wires at Delhi, 09/11/00 and fairly common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Red-rumped Swallow, H. daurica nipalensis
Large flock at Naini Tal, 12/11/00.
Red-whiskered Bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus
Common.
Red-vented Bulbul, P. cafer
Common.
Himalayan Bulbul, P. leucogenys
Common at Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj.
White-eared Bulbul, P.leucotis
Two seen at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 24/11/00.
Black Bulbul, Hypsetes leucocephalus
One at McLeod Ganj, 19/11/00.
Jungle Prinia, Prinia sylvatica
Common.
Yellow-bellied Prinia, P. flaviventris
Common.
Plain Prinia, P. inornata
Common at Ramnagar and in Corbett NP.
Ashy Prinia, P. socialis
Small numbers seen at Ramnagar.
Bright-headed Cisticola, Cisticola exilis
Common at Corbett NP.
Oriental White-eye, Zosterops palpebrosus
Common at Ramnagar, Corbett NP and Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Cettia fortipes
One possible at Naini Tal, 11/11/00 near Arvinda Gorge, Naini Tal.
Grasshopper Warbler, Locustella naevia
One skulking, streaked Locustella in beach scrub at Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 08/11/00 seems likely to have been this species.
Blyth's Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus dumetorum
Common around hotel grounds, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 08/11/00.
Clamorous Reed Warbler, A. stentoreus
Common in marsh near hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 08/11/00 and common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Booted Warbler, Hippolais caligata
One seen in dry scrub on an island in the River Kosi, Ramnagar, 14/11/00.
Lesser Whitethroat, Sylvia curruca
Common at Agra, Keoladeo Ghana NP etc.
Common Tailorbird, Orthtomus sutorius
Common.
Common/Siberian Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus (Collybita) tristis
Very common.
Dusky Warbler, P. fuscatus
Small numbers seen at McLeod Ganj.
Buff-barred Warbler, P. pulcher
One or two usually present with mixed flocks at Naini Tal, especially in the High Fields area. Also seen at McLeod Ganj.
Ashy-throated Warbler, P. maculipennis
One at McLeod Ganj on 12/11/00 was singing frequently. Seen most days at McLeod Ganj.
Lemon-rumped Warbler, P. chloronatus
The commonest warbler species at Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj, often being the bulk of mixed species flocks. Flocks would often hold up to 30 individuals. This species seemed very close in appearance to Pallas's Warbler, P. proregulus, but appeared not as clean-cut in appearance, with yellower (less white) underparts and a yellowish wash to the dingy green upperparts. The supercilia, crownstripe, wingbars and tertial edges were not as contrastingly bold.
Brook's Leaf Warbler, P. subviridis
One seen in mature trees on the edge of the nursery at Keoladeo Ghana NP on 28/11/00.
Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler, P. humei
Very common at Naini Tal, Ramnagar and Corbett.
Greenish Warbler, P. trochiloides
Very common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Blyth's Leaf Warbler, P. reguloides
One seen in Naini Tal on 11/11/00.
Grey-hooded Warbler, Seicercus xanthoschistos
Common in the mountains, around Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj especially.
White-throated Laughingthrush, Garrulax albogularis
A flock of approximately 30 individuals were located on snow view ridge feeding on the rubbish tip at the back of the houses. Very approachable and noisy birds!
Streaked Laughingthrush, G. lineatus
The most common Laughingthrush, seen frequently around the settlements and woods at Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj.
Variegated Laughingthrush, G. variegatus
Singles seen at McLeod Ganj 19/11/00 and near Darmkot the next day. Fairly common around Mcleod Ganj. Eg, 3+, the circuit, 19th; 2+, 20th; 2+ on the circuit, 21st; 1 from bedroom window, 22/11/00.
Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, G. erythrocephalus
Small numbers (up to 3) seen at McLeod Ganj on 20-21/11/00.
Black-chinned Babbler, Stachyris pyrrhops
Small numbers usually associating with mixed species flocks in the High Fields area of Naini Tal and more commonly around McLeod Ganj.
Yellow-eyed Babbler, Chrysomma sinense
One flock of about a dozen seen at Corbett in the Chaur by Dhikala on 16/11/00.
Common Babbler, Turdoides caudatus
Seen frequently on the way to, and around Sambar, 02/12/00.
Large Grey Babbler, T. malcolmi
Several large, noisy parties seen moving around Keoladeo Ghana NP on most days.
Jungle Babbler, T. striatus
Very common.
Yellow-billed Babbler, T. affinis turbans
Common at Colombo, especially in the hotel grounds!
Chestnut-tailed Minla, Minla strigula
Two seen at McLeod Ganj, 19/11/00 and one on 21/11/00.
Whiskered Yuhina, Yuhina flavicollis
Small numbers in the High Fields area of Naini Tal and at McLeod Ganj.
Rufous Sibia, Heterophasia capistrata
Fairly common in the forest around Naini Tal and McLeod Ganj, usually found with mixed species flocks.
Crested Lark, Galerida cristata
One seen in semi desert near Sambar Salt Lake on 02/12/00.
Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Eremopterix grisea
One by the Kosi River, 10/11/00.
Purple-rumped Sunbird, Nectarinia zeylonica
Common around hotel at Colombo.
Purple Sunbird, N. asiatica
Fairly common around Ramnagar and Keoladeo Ghana and at Taj Mahal.
Crimson Sunbird, N. siparaja
One between Ramnagar and Amdanda Gate, Corbett NP, 15/11/00.
House Sparrow, Passer domesticus
Very common.
Russet Sparrow, P. rutilans
Common around McLeod Ganj. Perhaps surprisingly, this species was not encountered in Naini Tal. Is it being out-competed by House Sparrow?
Chestnut-shouldered Petronia, Petronia xanthocollis
Common south of Delhi, notably at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
White Wagtail, Motacilla alba alboides and leucopsis
Common.
White-browed Wagtail, M. maderaspatensis
Common at Ramnagar, Corbett, Keoladeo Ghana NP and Bund Baretha.
Citrine Wagtail, M. citreola
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Yellow Wagtail, M. flava
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP.
Grey Wagtail, M. cinerea
Seen at Corbett along the rivers.
Paddyfield Pipit, Anthus rufulus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and near Sawai Madhopur Junction.
Tawny Pipit, A. campestris
Two seen near Sawai Madhopur Junction 30/11/00.
Long-billed Pipit, A. similis
One possible seen at Ramnagar on 10/11/00.
Olive-backed Pipit, A. hodgsoni
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and one seen at Ramnagar on 14/11/00.
Rufous-breasted Accentor, Prunella strophiata
Small numbers at McLeod Ganj most days.
Black-throated Accentor, P. atrogularis
Two present near the settlement at High Fields, Naini Tal 11/11/00.
Red Avadavat, Amandava amandava
A small flock seen in Keoladeo Ghana NP on 28/11/00.
Indian Silverbill, Lonchura malabarica
Common.
Scaly-breasted Munia, L. punctulata
Common at Ramnagar.
Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Carduelis spinoides
Two at Naini Tal, 11/11/00. Two at McLeod Ganj, 20/11/00.
Pink-browed Rosefinch, Carpodacus rodochrous
3 at High Fields, Naini Tal, 11/11/00. 2 by the lake, Naini Tal, 13/11/00. Common around McLeod Ganj.
Rock Bunting, Emberiza cia
One male at Daramkot, 20/11/00.
Mammal Species List
Spotted Deer, Cervus axis
Common at Corbett and Ranthambor.
Sambar Deer, C. unicolor
Common at Corbett and Ranthambor.
Hog Deer, C. porcinus
A couple of individuals at Corbett.
Barking Deer/Muntjac, Muntiacus muntjac
Common at Corbett.
Nilgai, Boselaphus tragocamelus
Common at Keoladeo Ghana NP and Ranthambor.
Chinkara/Indian Gazelle, Gazella bennettii
Small numbers at Ranthambor.
Wild Boar, Sus scrofa
Common at Corbett NP and Ranthambor.
Indian Grey Mongoose, Herpestes edwardsii
Family parties seen at McLeod Ganj amd Corbett and one at Ranthambor.
Small Indian Mongoose
One by the road, Bharatpur, Bund Baretha, 27th Nov.
Gangetic Dolphin/Susu, Platanista gangetica
Up to three individuals from the Ganges crossing at Gajraula, 009/11/00.
Rhesus Macaque, Macaca mulatta
Very common, usually in close contact with people, even in the slums of Delhi.
Hanuman Langur, Presbytis entellus
Very common, often well away from human habitation.
Sloth Bear, Melursus ursinus
Two singles seen in Ranthambor.
Golden/Indian Jackal, Canis aureus
Common in Ranthambor. One at Ranthambor, common in Corbett.
Tiger, Panthera tigris
Two seen together crossing the road then padding through the forest in Ranthambor, 30/11/00.
Black-naped Hare, Lepus nigricollis
One flushed at Keoladeo Ghana NP, 28/11/00.
Northern Palm Squirrel, Funambulus pennantii
Very common.
Indian Palm Squirrel, F. palmarum
Common on Sri Lanka.
Asian Elephant, Elephas maximus
One herd seen both days at Corbett, containing approximately 15 individuals. One lone "tusker" seen on an island in a tributary of the Kosi River near the Corbett park boundary, 16/11/00.
Eurasian Otter, Lutra lutra
Family party seen from the watchtower at Corbett NP, 16/11/00.
Indian Fruit Bat
150+ roosting in grounds of government rest house at Bund Baretha, 27th Nov.
end of report