Bird watching in Nepal

Nepal is a paradise for birds lovers and ornithologists. A diverse topography and climate has resulted in a variety of habitats within the country, which are home to over 8% of the World’s total bird population.
Nepal only accommodates more than 848 species of the birds in the world.

The Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding, has almost 500 species. The major sites popular for birdwatching are Shivapuri Conservation Area, Nagarkot, Phulchoki Area, Godavari Area, Nagarjun Area, bagmati River side, andTaudaha.

Phulchoki hill, the highest peak of the valley situated 20 km southeast of Kathmandu is the most popular bird watching spot. There are 265 species of birds recorded till date. Regularly spotted species in Phulchoki are Besra, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, common Hill Patridge, Ashy Woodpigeon, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Mountain Scops Owl, Collared Owlet, Golden throated Barbet, Speckled Piculet .

It is speculated that 55 more species have visited the area as migratory or occasional visitors. Phulchoki’s forests is very rich in flora, fauna and butterflies. The Mammals found in Phulchoki are Leopard, Yellow throated Marten and Orange-bellied Squirrel.

Besides Kathmandu valley, Chitwan National Park, Bardia National park and Makalu Barun National Park and Convervation Area are considered as the best places for bird watching.

Chitwan National Park is approximately five hours by road from Kathmandu or a 35 minute flight situated in the Terai region. Chitwan National park boasts more than 450 species of birds including the endangered birds such as Bengal florican, Giant horn bill, Lesser florican, black stork and white stork. Common birds found in the National Park include peafowl, red jungle fowl, and different species of egrets, herons, kingfishers, fly catchers, and wood peckers. In addition to this, more than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles are visible in the park.

Bardia National Park, is considered the best National Park after Chitwan National Park. A boat ride on the slow moving expanse of the Karnali River provides plenty of opportunities to view a vast variety of birds including Ruddy Shelduck, darters, brahmini kites, brown headed gulls, cormorants, oriental pied hornbills, night heron & purple heron, cinnaon bitterns, orioles and majestic peacocks.

Maklau barun National park and Conservation Area offers over 400 species of birds which includes two species of bird only found in Nepal : the spotted wren babbler and the olive ground warbler.

Shuklaphanta Wildlife reserve =Over 200 species of birds
Koshi tappu Wildlife reserve = 280 Species of birds