Bird Watching in Nepal

Bird-watching in Nepal

Bird Watching in Nepal – Globally, Nepal is well known for comprising diverse avifauna, with almost 9% of the world’s bird species. Nepal is small, but due to the variation in elevational gradients within a short distance and its meeting place of different biomes, it supports a large number of bird species. Although ornithological studies date back to 1793, Brian Hodgson performed more comprehensive studies between 1820 and 1843. After a long time, contributions were made by S. D. Replay, D. Proud, Flemings, etc. Fleming et al. 1976 first field guide on birds of Nepal. A field ornithologist, Hari Sharan Nepali, and other ornithologists from around the world added their contributions. Further remarkable contributions were made by Carol and Tim Inskipp, producing the book A Guide to the Birds of Nepal in 1991. Dr. Hem Sagar Baral, a Nepalese ornithologist and an expert in different fields, further continued in bird research in Nepal. A Field Guide to Birds of Nepal by Grimmett et al. (2000) is available for bird identification and study.

Bird species and Protected areas of Nepal 

At present, 903 bird species have been identified in Nepal, comprising 16 Orders and 68 Families in Nepal. Around 62% of birds are primarily residents, 14% are winter visitors, 12% are passage migrants, 6% are summer visitors, 5% are residents and migrants, and 1% are summer and winter visitors. The Spiny Babbler (Turdoides nipalensis) is the only endemic bird species in Nepal. Conservationists assessed 172 species as nationally threatened, 42 as globally threatened, and 9 as already extinct in Nepal. Similarly, researchers identified 27 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Nepal. This supports a large number of bird species. Important Bird-watching Areas in Nepal.

Bird watching in Nepal has the best diversity 

Bird Watching in Nepal! Nepal has one of the best bird diversities and varieties of species. Also, altitude-wise, a lot of differences and diversity, from 70 meters to the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest, 8,848 meters. The best diversity and habitats are in Nepal. In the lowlands, grassland, and farmlands. As well as in the mid hills, subtropical forest, and highland or mountain valleys, which are drier. There are two migration seasons in Nepal: Summer and Winter migrations. But there are quite a lot of passage migrations as well. Likewise, for a few years, Nepal has had many vagrant species too. This is very interesting and good for an ornithologist as well as the country.

So, Nepal is one of the best places for bird-watching. Nepal has established six conservation areas and 12 national parks. One wildlife reserve and one hunting reserve. And 13 buffer zones contribute to a network of protected areas covering 23.39% of the country’s land. Himalayan Trails Trekking always joins and helps to protect the Habitats and conserve bird diversity. Also, we plant every year; we are partners with different bird societies and Bird Conservation Nepal.
Himalayan Trails Trekking organizes a variety of trekking and bird-watching tours and trips in Nepal. Contact us for your beautiful and unforgettable holiday trips.

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