NORTHWEST INDIA TOUR REPORT 2026

23 January - 12 February 2026

Hannu Jännes

A highly successful Birdquest tour across northwestern India followed an extensive route through Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat before concluding with a short visit to Maharashtra.

The main tour recorded 343 bird species and 14 mammals adding 49 species birds and two species of mammal on the short Kashmir extension. More importantly, we observed almost all of the key specialties of the dry western and central regions of the subcontinent, including several, increasingly scarce, range-restricted species. Highlights included Great Indian Bustard (global population under 150 individuals), Asian Houbara, Indian and White-backed Vultures, Forest Owlet, White-naped Tit, White-browed (Stoliczka’s) Bush Chat and Green Avadavat. We also recorded many Indian subcontinent endemics and near-endemics, including Rock and Jungle Bush Quails, Red Spurfowl, Red-naped Ibis, Indian Courser, Painted Sandgrouse, Indian Skimmer, Mottled Wood Owl, Indian Eagle-Owl, Plum-headed and Malabar Parakeets, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Indian Spotted Creeper, Rufous-vented Grass Babbler, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Vigors’s Sunbird, Sind Sparrow and the range-restricted western form of Jerdon’s Babbler. Other notable highlights were Grey Hypocolius, Demoiselle Cranes at Khichan, the evening flight of thousands of Common Cranes in the Great Rann of Kutch, the critically endangered Sociable Lapwing, Red-necked and Laggar Falcons, Crab-plover, the exceptional concentrations of raptors at Jorbeer Conservation Reserve, Pallid (Striated) Scops Owl, and a varied selection of wheatears, warblers, and buntings. The four-day pre-tour extension to Kashmir proved highly productive despite partly adverse weather conditions, and nearly all of the key target species were recorded. These included Orange Bullfinch, Kashmir Nutcracker, Kashmir and White-cheeked Nuthatches and Blyth’s Rosefinch, plus a fine selection of West Himalayan specialties with Scaly-bellied, Brown-fronted, and Himalayan Woodpeckers, Rufous-naped Tit, Variegated and Streaked Laughingthrushes, Pink-browed Rosefinch and Grey-capped Goldfinch. Also several iconic Ibisbills and winter visitors including Brown and Black-throated Accentors, Pine Bunting and Eversmann’s Redstart were encountered. On the mammal front, sightings of two groups of the rare Hangul (Kashmir Stag) were particularly noteworthy. A separate systematic list of species seen in Kashmir is at the end of this tour report.

Beyond the wildlife, the itinerary provided opportunities to experience everyday life in both rural and urban India, alongside consistently excellent local cuisine. Special thanks go to our outstanding local guides: Dalveer Singh; Musa (Little Rann of Kutch); Jugal Tiwari and Veer Vaibhav Mishra (Great Rann of Kutch); Rohidas Dagale (Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary) and Ansar Ahmad and Irfan Jeelani (Kashmir).

The main part of our Northwest India tour began with an informal welcome and dinner at our hotel in Amritsar. Early the following morning, before sunrise, we set off for Harike, an extensive wetland surrounded by vast reedbeds and agricultural landscapes. After breakfast at a local dhaba, we spent the early morning hours birding along the Sutlej River. Although the weather was overcast and bird activity was generally subdued, a walk along the edge of a large stand of Elephant Grass soon proved rewarding. Here we encountered one of Harike’s key specialties, the Rufous-vented Grass Babbler, a species formerly classified among the prinias and known as Rufous-vented Prinia. Another major target, the “Sind” Jerdon’s Babbler, was also located without difficulty, allowing everyone excellent views. This western taxon, scindicum, was long thought to be restricted to Pakistan’s Indus Valley, but was first recorded at Harike as recently as October 2012.

The area also supported a wide range of more common species, including numerous Striated Babblers and Black-breasted, Baya, and Streaked Weavers and Oriental Skylarks. Yellow-bellied, Delicate (recently split from Graceful), and Plain Prinias. Notable wildfowl sightings included a pair of Ruddy Shelducks and many handsome Indian Spot-billed Ducks We also saw the only Pied Avocet of the tour and several River Terns, plus the welcome surprise of a pair of Red-necked Falcons, a species that is often difficult to encounter on this tour. Intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms during the day slowed our progress, and some reed-dependent species such as Sind Sparrow and White-crowned Penduline Tit were not observed. After lunch at a local dhaba, we explored additional areas and recorded several new species, including two Ruddy-breasted Crakes, one of the few White-tailed Lapwings seen on the tour, Black-headed Ibis, Black-rumped Flameback, excellent views of Moustached and Paddyfield Warblers, striking Bluethroats, a flock of around one hundred Citrine Wagtails, White-browed Wagtail and Common Rosefinch.

The following day brought much improved weather, and we successfully located a flock of Sind Sparrows at their usual site. Other new species recorded included Indian Cormorant, Red-crested Pochard, Dusky Warbler, Eurasian Hobby and Bronze-winged Jacana. After a full day of birding at Harike, we returned to Amritsar to visit the iconic Golden Temple, which appears to float like a golden barge on the still waters of its surrounding pool. The white marble complex, with its many subsidiary buildings and minarets, attracts Sikh pilgrims from around the world and houses the original copy of the Sikh holy scripture, the Granth Sahib.

The following day began with an early start at 4 a.m., as we were faced with a drive of more than 600 kilometers. Along the way, we made some brief roadside stops that produced new dry-country species with Indian Peafowl, Grey Francolin, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, and, for some, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. We arrived at Tal Chappar and our comfortable lodge in time for a late lunch. During the afternoon, we explored nearby open woodland in search of the rare and highly localized Indian Spotted Creeper, which unfortunately eluded us. Nevertheless, birding was productive, and we added a wide range of species, including Wryneck; Booted, Steppe, and Imperial Eagles; Cinereous, Egyptian, Himalayan, and Griffon Vultures; Rufous-fronted Prinia, Small Minivet, White-browed Fantail, Common Woodshrike, Bay-backed Shrike, Indian Robin, Black Redstart, White-eared Bulbul, Large Grey Babbler, Brahminy Starling, Desert Wheatear, and Tawny, Paddyfield and Tree Pipits to the bird list during the afternoon. It also provided the opportunity to admire good numbers of Blackbuck, with several handsome males, surely one of the most beautiful antelopes in the world.

Based on a tip received that evening, we decided to try an alternative site for the Spotted Creeper the following morning. This proved successful, as we soon found an obliging individual that gave excellent views. At the same site, we also encountered a small flock of the scarce White-bellied Minivets and admired a singing Black Francolin.

After lunch, we continued on to Bikaner, where we had time to visit Jorbeer Conservation Reserve (also known as the Bikaner carcass dump), now managed by the Forest Department as a protected site for wintering raptors. Despite the brief visit, the spectacle was impressive, with hundreds of Steppe Eagles, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, along with smaller numbers of Black Kites, Himalayan Vultures and Eastern Imperial Eagles. All the Egyptian Vultures observed belonged to the northern nominate subspecies, that winters in lowland India. Additional species included small numbers of Yellow-eyed Doves and large flocks of Rosy Starlings. In Bikaner we stayed at the elegant Lallgarh Palace, formerly the residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh, the ruler of the princely state of Bikaner.

The following day began with an early departure to witness the renowned Demoiselle Crane gathering in the village of Khichan. As hoped, the spectacle fully met expectations, and we spent unhurried time observing thousands of cranes congregating to feed noisily at a small compound in the heart of the village. We then continued to Jaisalmer, where a pleasant lunch at a local restaurant was followed by a guided walk through the historic old town. Over the course of a couple of hours, we explored its narrow lanes, traditional houses, and former merchants’ residences. Later in the afternoon, we visited Akal Wood Fossil Park, where highlights included a magnificent pair of Indian Eagle-Owls providing excellent scope views, a Striolated Bunting, several Desert Larks, and our first Red-tailed Wheatears of the tour. From there, we drove on to our accommodation, a tented desert camp located near Sam.

Early the following morning, we set out in two jeeps for Desert National Park, the last remaining stronghold of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. The park now includes two large enclosures that are closed to visitors and livestock to provide undisturbed conditions for the bustards—an entirely sensible conservation measure. Thanks to the skill and experience of our drivers, we were taken directly to a suitable area where we soon located our first Great Indian Bustard: an impressive adult male that allowed good telescope views, although remaining too distant for high-quality photographs. Later in the morning, two females were found in the same area, but unfortunately, they were flushed by a passing motorbike before we could approach more closely. A captive-breeding program has been established to prevent the species’ imminent extinction, although it is still too early to assess its long-term effectiveness. Fewer than 150 individuals are thought to survive in the wild. Other notable birds recorded during the morning included several hundred Yellow-eyed Pigeons, Merlin and Laggar Falcon, large numbers of Black-crowned Sparrow-Larks and Bimaculated Larks, Desert Whitethroat, our first Asian Desert Warbler, two White-browed Bush Chats, Isabelline, Desert and Variable Wheatears and our first Long-billed Pipit. After lunch and a short rest at Musa’s Desert Nest, we explored nearby grassy plains and rocky areas where we enjoyed close views of a confiding Trumpeter Finch, a pair of Greater Hoopoe-Larks (an uncommon species in India) and five Cream-coloured Coursers. We also recorded good numbers of Cinereous and Himalayan Vultures, and, most notably, the exceedingly rare and critically endangered White-rumped Vulture.

The following morning, we returned to Desert National Park and enjoyed a prolonged encounter with the same two female Great Indian Bustards seen the previous day. We also obtained improved views of Tawny Eagles and had another good sight of a White-browed Bush Chat. Around midday, we relocated to a different camp for lunch and a brief siesta before heading out again. We visited a new area where our focus was an unusual wheatear that had previously been suggested as a Cyprus Wheatear, but which was clearly identifiable as a stained Variable Wheatear! Next stop was an area of low scrub, where, after a search, we successfully located a long-staying female Finch’s Wheatear (only the second record of this species for India) following our observation of the country’s first individual, a striking male, in 2019.

The following morning, we departed Sam and our desert camp and travelled south-east to the remote village of Siana, where we stayed for one night. We arrived at our charming lodge, operated by an aristocratic Rajput family of hereditary landowners, in time for lunch. After a short rest, we began birding in the surrounding landscape of dry hills and open plains, an area that is both remote and sparsely populated. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, we first visited a site where two Indian Stone-curlews were roosting. We then explored the lower slopes of a nearby dry hill, where we encountered White-bellied Minivets, a singing Jungle Prinia, our first Syke’s Warbler, and briefly observed a pair of Painted Sandgrouse. We were also pleased to finally record Brook’s Leaf Warbler, a species we had searched for unsuccessfully at several earlier sites. During the late afternoon, we moved on to another area, where Rock Bush Quails were calling but remained frustratingly out of sight. We did, however, obtain decent scope views of a roosting Sirkeer Malkoha, watched a displaying pair of Short-toed Snake Eagles, noted territorial Indian Bush Larks, and recorded our first Indian Vulture of the tour. The day concluded with sightings of Indian Nightjars in flight and the calls of Savanna Nightjars after dark.

The following morning the Siana area produced several notable observations, including five critically endangered Indian Vultures at their breeding cliffs, satisfactory views of Rock Bush Quail, and, back at the camp, two Indian Scops Owls. From Siana we continued to Mount Abu, where afternoon birding added a wide range of new species. These included Common Buzzard, a striking male Jungle Bush Quail, Oriental Turtle Dove, White-spotted Fantail, White-bellied Drongo, our first Large-billed (Indian Jungle) Crows, Indian Black-lored Tit, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Grey-breasted Prinia, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Indian White-eye, White-capped and Crested Buntings, and, most importantly, the rare Green Avadavat, our primary reason for visiting the mountain. A brief visit to the lower, more densely forested slopes, rewarded us with excellent views of a pair of Indian Scimitar Babblers.

The next morning began with confiding Jungle Nightjars calling and flying around us and a heard only Oriental Scops Owl. Later, a three-hour stint on Mount Abu in bright, sunny conditions produced many species seen the previous day, along with several new additions including Crested Honey Buzzard, our first Brown-headed Barbet, brief views of Red Spurfowl and a heard only Grey Junglefowl. A particular highlight was a handsome male Indian Blackbird discovered by Alison, a new species for the itinerary.

En route to our camp at Zainabad, on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch, we made a lengthy detour via Lake Nalsarovar to search for a small wintering flock of Sociable Lapwings. Shortly before reaching the site, we were informed by our local contact that the birds had been flushed by photographers and could not be located. Despite this disappointment, we decided to continue birding in the Nalsarovar area. About twenty minutes later, we received further news that the lapwings had been relocated and were again under pressure from another group of approaching photographers. After a tense drive along narrow, cow-filled tracks, we finally reached the paddy fields and enjoyed excellent views of four critically endangered Sociable Lapwings. Additional species observed during this hectic late-afternoon session included Painted Storks, thousands of Glossy Ibises, Rosy Starlings and Barn Swallows gathering to roost, a few Red-headed Buntings, a pair of Purple-rumped Sunbird, two Common Quails and two Sarus Cranes. We arrived at our lovely accommodation in Zainabad rather late in the evening.

At dawn the following morning, we set out into the saline landscapes of the Little Rann of Kutch. Our primary target in this habitat was the Asian Houbara (also known as Macqueen’s Bustard), a winter visitor from Central Asia that has become increasingly scarce due to persecution and habitat loss. Despite extensive searching, we had not located the species by breakfast, and prospects were beginning to look discouraging. However, our sharp-eyed driver-guide Musa persisted, and we were eventually rewarded with a bird concealed in low vegetation between thorn scrub and open plains. Although it was shy and kept its distance, we were still able to enjoy prolonged and satisfactory views. Other notable observations during the morning included several encounters with Onagers (Indian Wild Ass), a flock of ten Yellow-wattled Lapwings, a distant Pallas’s Gull, our first good views of Rufous-tailed Larks, and the tour’s only Little Heron. We also recorded several Montagu’s Harriers, a single Pallid Harrier, a White-eyed Buzzard and a striking pair of Sand Larks. Returning to camp around midday, we were shown a roosting Pallid Scops Owl and encountered our first Black-naped Monarch. In the late afternoon and early evening, we visited nearby Navra Talav Lake, which was heaving with birds. Highlights included a variety of ducks, Dalmatian Pelicans, Small and Collared Pratincoles, an impressive selection of Western Yellow Wagtails representing three different forms, hundreds of Demoiselle Cranes and small numbers of both Tibetan and Greater Sand Plovers, both new species for the tour. Several tern species were also present, including Caspian, Gull-billed, Whiskered, and River Terns. After dark, we obtained good views of a perched Syke’s Nightjar, and some also had brief encounter with a Short-eared Owl.

The following day, on route to our destination in western Gujarat, we made a detour to Jamnagar on the Arabian Sea coast. Although the tide was low and most waders were feeding far offshore, the visit still proved productive and added several species to our bird list with Western Reef Heron, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Bar-tailed Godwit, Terek Sandpiper, Eurasian Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Grey Plover, Slender-billed, Brown-headed and Heuglin’s Gulls as well as Lesser Crested and Little Terns, Black-necked Stork, and, most notably, 24 Crab-plovers.

At a nearby coastal site, we also observed four Indian Skimmers roosting at a tidal pool. This was where we said farewell to our local guide, Mr Dalveer, who had taken excellent care of us and contributed greatly to the success of our birding in the region. As a result of the detour, we arrived at CEDO, our comfortable accommodation in Moti Virani, late in the evening.

The morning began near the village of Fulay in the Greater Rann of Kutch, where berry-laden bushes held a male and female Grey Hypocolius. We also enjoyed excellent views of a pair of Marshall’s Iora, a welcome addition to our trip list, as well as a roosting Syke’s Nightjar. From there, we continued, via a Pallid Scops Owl at its roost, to a drinking pool on the edge of the Banni Grassland, where we enjoyed a picnic breakfast. Although bird activity at the pool was quieter than expected, several Syke’s Warblers showed well for our enjoyment During the afternoon, we began to search for Indian Courser. Thanks to our experienced local guides, we located the species quickly and spent time observing and photographing this elegant wader. We then moved on to Chhari Lake, which was dominated by large numbers of Common Coots but also supported a good variety of other waterfowl. The reedbeds around the lake held Clamorous Reed, Paddyfield, and Moustached Warblers, while the area is also renowned for the impressive evening flight of Common Cranes, which winter here in vast numbers. Additional highlights included a few Greater Spotted Eagles, a small flock of Alpine Swifts (a new species for the tour), and several Citrine and Western Yellow Wagtails (subspecies beema and feldeggi).

The following morning was spent birding a patch of thorn forest. Here we recorded a single White-naped Tit, an Indian endemic and a new species for the trip, along with around half a dozen Grey-necked Buntings. A Sirkeer Malkoha was heard but refused to show. Other species included several Marshall’s Ioras, two Eastern Orphean Warblers and a very obliging Sulphur-bellied Warbler. Nearby dry wasteland produced good views of a small group of Syke’s Larks, and a visit to another part of the thorn forest finally gave us excellent views of a Sirkeer Malkoha.

After lunch and a short siesta, the group split. Kevin and Neil headed to the coast in search of their much-needed Great Thick-knee, while the rest of us opted for birding closer to camp. Our main target, the Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, was located without difficulty, and we also found six Painted Sandgrouse, which provided excellent views and photographs. The afternoon concluded with refreshments and close views of a confiding Jungle Prinia, a species some participants had missed earlier in the tour. Meanwhile, the coastal team was also successful, recording two Great Thick-knees.

The following day, we travelled from Bhuj to Mumbai, arriving at our comfortable accommodation near Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary around midday. As our regular guide, Rohidas, was engaged with another group, our afternoon excursion was led by an alternative guide. Despite a concerted effort, we were unable to locate the elusive Forest Owlet that afternoon. However, at dusk we enjoyed good views of a pair of Mottled Wood Owls and heard a third individual. Other noteworthy sightings during the afternoon included Alpine Swifts, a pair of Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, White-eyed Buzzard and both Alexandrine and Plum-headed Parakeets. We also heard White-naped Woodpecker and Brown Boobook calling in the distance, though neither species showed.

The next morning was spent exploring a different part of the Tansa forest in the Fort Mahuli area, which proved highly productive. Highlights included a female White-naped Woodpecker, reportedly a difficult species to find this year, along with two Jungle Owlets, two Rufous Woodpeckers (of the vocally distinctive Peninsular Indian form jerdonii), Greater Racket-tailed Drongos, Indian Cuckooshrikes, Blue-winged (Malabar) Parakeets, Thick-billed and Pale-billed Flowerpeckers, and a Black-hooded Oriole of the vocally distinctive Peninsular Indian form maderaspatanus. Additional species recorded included Asian Palm Swift, Tawny-bellied Babbler, Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, Jungle Babbler of the distinctive sommervillei form, Jerdon’s and Golden-fronted Leafbirds, Grey Wagtail, Black-naped Monarch, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Green Warbler, and, most importantly, the range-restricted Vigors’s Sunbird. Later in the afternoon, Rohidas rejoined us and guided us to one of his carefully guarded Forest Owlet sites, where he quickly located this very rare species. We were able to spend unhurried time observing the bird, which was later voted the bird of the trip. On our return journey, we visited dry paddy fields and successfully found our second key target of the afternoon: a fine Malabar Lark, an Indian endemic.

The final morning of the tour was devoted to birding forest patches near the Range Office of Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, which was coincidentally marking its establishment in 1970 that day. New species added here included Indian Golden Oriole and a brief sighting of Loten’s Sunbird. Back at our accommodation, we also located Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher for those who still needed it, along with a Verditer Flycatcher, a new addition to the tour list. After check-out and lunch at a roadside dhaba, we returned to Mumbai, where it was time to say our farewells and thank everyone for their excellent company—an essential part of what made this tour, together with the outstanding birds and memorable locations, such a rewarding experience.

The Kashmir extension began with a late afternoon visit to the grassy, rocky slopes above the SKUAST campus on the outskirts of Srinagar. It didn’t take long to connect with the primary target, Eversmann’s Redstart, a scarce winter visitor here, which gave excellent views. The same area also produced Brown and Black-throated Accentors and a few Rock Buntings.

Next day an early start took us up to Gulmarg (c. 2,650m asl), best known as a ski resort but also holding fine high-altitude conifer forest. Our main quarry was the endemic Kashmir Nutcracker, a species that can be notoriously difficult to find. Fortunately, a reliable pair had been present for weeks and they were found without undue effort in the snowy woods. Both Kashmir Nuthatch and White-cheeked Nuthatch also showed well, alongside Brown-fronted and Himalayan Woodpeckers, Coal, Rufous-naped and Green-backed Tits, Himalayan Bulbul, Variegated Laughingthrush and Bar-tailed Treecreeper. In the afternoon we moved to the Botanical Garden in Srinagar where a couple of productive hours delivered a male Blyth’s Rosefinch, good numbers of Black-throated Thrush, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, two Eurasian Sparrowhawks, many Himalayan and Black Bulbuls, plus Lemon-rumped Warbler and both Streaked and Variegated Laughingthrushes.

New day saw us in the valley of Pahalgam, two hours’ drive from Srinagar, with the elegant Orange Bullfinch firmly in mind—arguably Kashmir’s most sought-after bird. After waiting quietly in a small side valley dotted with a few houses, we heard the bullfinches calling and soon located a flock coming to a small pool to drink and bathe, before feeding on buds and seeds in a garden, giving superb views. This species is unpredictable in its occurrence and sometimes difficult to find, making the day’s success especially welcome. We then moved to the more touristic part of the valley and, along the Jhelum River, enjoyed outstanding views of three Ibisbills, a Crested Kingfisher, several Brown Dippers, White-capped and Plumbeous Redstarts and Little Forktail. Nearby woodland produced Pink-browed Rosefinch, another Eversmann’s Redstart, many Yellow-billed Blue Magpies, Eurasian Wren, several Blue Whistling Thrushes and a single Yellowhammer. Raptors and other notable sightings during the morning included Peregrine Falcon, Himalayan Vulture and two Himalayan Buzzards, along with tens of Western Jackdaws, many Large-billed Crows and a flock of 100 Snow Pigeons. A brief stop at a roadside wetland on the return journey added Common Moorhen, Purple Swamphen and Red-wattled Lapwing. Finally, the drive up into the mountains along the Sind River was productive for Pine Bunting, while two more Ibisbills, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper were all new for the trip list.

A climatic western disturbance then reached the Vale of Kashmir, dumping several feet of fresh snow and blocking access to higher-altitude sites. We therefore focused on lower, less affected areas. Near the airport at Avanpora we had excellent views of a roosting Tawny Owl in a tree hole, along with a small flock of Bramblings, valuable additions for anyone building an Indian bird list! Other new birds included Russet Sparrow, Grey-crowned Goldfinch and Scaly-bellied Woodpecker. We then returned to the Botanical Garden and enjoyed another flock of Orange Bullfinches, a large flock of Plain Mountain Finches forced down by the weather, a single Blue-capped Redstart and a female Blyth’s Rosefinch. Our final birding before flying to Amritsar was in Dachigam National Park, only 20 minutes from our hotel. Here the highlight was watching two small groups of Hangul (Kashmir Stag) — a subspecies of Central Asian Red Deer endemic to Jammu & Kashmir and surrounding areas — feeding on the slopes of a spectacular snow-clad valley. With the total population now only around 300 individuals, the stronghold in this valley is of immense conservation importance. Birding during our two-hour walk in the quiet, snowy forest produced several Himalayan Bluetails and a male Grey-winged Blackbird to round off the successful extension.

BIRDS OF THE TRIP’ WINNERS 2026 (main tour):

1st: Forest Owlet

2nd: Great Indian Bustard

3rd: Asian Houbara & Sociable Lapwing

4th: Mottled Wood Owl

5th: Indian Eagle-Owl & Demoiselle Crane

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE MAIN TOUR

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g., it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follow Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P. (Eds). 2025. IOC World Bird List (v15.1). Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in the species comment.

BIRDS

Lesser Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna javanica

Bar-headed Goose  Anser indicus  A flock of 18 in Harike seen by Hannu, Kevin and Alan on our pre-tour visit.

Greylag Goose  Anser anser

Ruddy Shelduck  Tadorna ferruginea  Two at Harike and 50 or so at Navra Talav lake in LRK.

Knob-billed Duck  Sarkidiornis melanotos  Small numbers at Siana and in Jamnagar.

Red-crested Pochard  Netta rufina  50 or so at Harike.

Ferruginous Duck  Aythya nyroca  Small numbers were noted on six days.

Common Pochard  Aythya ferina  Seen on seven days, often in good numbers.

Tufted Duck  Aythya fuligula  Small numbers were noted on five days.

Garganey  Spatula querquedula  Only a handful of birds were recorded.

Northern Shoveler  Spatula clypeata  Noted, sometimes in hundreds, on all larger wetlands.

Gadwall  Mareca strepera  Noted, sometimes in hundreds, on all larger wetlands.

Eurasian Wigeon  Mareca penelope  Noted, sometimes in good numbers, on all larger wetlands.

Indian Spot-billed Duck  Anas poecilorhyncha  Small numbers were seen on six days.

Mallard  Anas platyrhynchos  Small numbers seen on five days

Northern Pintail  Anas acuta  Noted, sometimes in hundreds, on most larger wetlands.

Green-winged Teal  Anas crecca  Noted, sometimes in hundreds, on all larger wetlands.

Indian Peafowl  Pavo cristatus  Common in the dry country from Tal Chappar onwards.

Red Spurfowl ◊  Galloperdix spadicea  Endemic. Brief views of a singleton for most of the participants on Mt Abu. In addition, several birds were heard only [caurina].

Grey Junglefowl ◊  Gallus sonneratii  Endemic. Heard only. Two birds were heard on Mt Abu.

Grey Francolin  Ortygornis pondicerianus  Common in the dry country from Tal Chappar to Great Rann of Kutch.

Black Francolin  Francolinus francolinus  Great views of a male near Tal Chappar. In addition, two birds were heard.

Common Quail  Coturnix coturnix  Two in the Lake Nalsarovar area.

Jungle Bush Quail ◊  Perdicula asiatica  Great views of a male on Mt Abu.

Rock Bush Quail ◊  Perdicula argoondah  Endemic. Brief views of several birds in Siana [meinertzhageni].

Little Grebe  Tachybaptus ruficollis  Widespread.

Great Crested Grebe  Podiceps cristatus  Small numbers were noted on six days.

Great Indian Bustard ◊ (Indian B)  Ardeotis nigriceps  On our first day at bustard reserve we had good views of one male and two females and the following day the same two females were performing very well indeed.

Asian Houbara ◊  Chlamydotis macqueenii  After an extensive search we located one bird in the Little Rann of Kutch.

Greater Coucal  Centropus sinensis  Small numbers were encountered almost daily, [sinensis] in Punjab and [parroti] further south.

Sirkeer Malkoha ◊  Taccocua leschenaultii  One in Siana and another one near Nakhatrana in GRK, where we also heard one bird.

Asian Koel (Common K)  Eudynamys scolopaceus  A singleton was noted on four days [scolopaceus].

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse  Pterocles exustus  Rather common in the dry country between Tal Chappar and GRK with a maximum daily count of ca100 birds.

Painted Sandgrouse ◊  Pterocles indicus  A pair in Siana and six birds in one afternoon at GRK.

Spotted Dove  Spilopelia [chinensis] suratensis  Small numbers in Tansa WLS.

Laughing Dove  Spilopelia senegalensis  Widespread.

Red Collared Dove (R Turtle D)  Streptopelia tranquebarica  Noted on six days.

Oriental Turtle Dove (Rufous T D)  Streptopelia orientalis  Rather common in Harike and then again on Mt Abu [erythrocephala].

Eurasian Collared Dove  Streptopelia decaocto  Widespread, sometimes in big numbers.

Rock Dove  Columba livia

Yellow-eyed Pigeon ◊ (Y-e Stock Dove)  Columba eversmanni  Only 20 or so at Jorbeer, one at Khichan with Feral Pigeons and then several hundred in Desert National Park in Jaisalmer.

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon ◊  Treron phoenicopterus  Small numbers were noted on four days [phoenicopterus].

Sarus Crane ◊  Antigone antigone  Only two juveniles near Lake Nalsarovar.

Demoiselle Crane ◊  Grus virgo  Thousands and thousands in Khichan. What a show! Also 500 or so at Navra Lake in LRK.

Common Crane  Grus grus  Several big flocks in flight around Jamnagar and thousands in the Banni Grassland at GRK.

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Coot (Common C)  Fulica atra  Common winter visitor with thousands at some wetlands [atra].

Purple Swamphen (Grey-headed S)  Porphyrio porphyrio  Small numbers at suitable wetlands [poliocephalus].

White-breasted Waterhen  Amaurornis phoenicurus  Common around Harike, but only a few elsewhere [phoenicurus].

Ruddy-breasted Crake  Zapornia fusca  Good views of two individuals in Harike.

Great Stone-curlew ◊ (G Thick-knee)  Esacus recurvirostris  Non-leader. Two for Kevin and Neil at Modava Beach on the coast.

Indian Stone-curlew (I Thick-knee)  Burhinus indicus  Two encounters including two excellent birds in Siana.

Pied Avocet  Recurvirostra avosetta  Non-leader. One at Harike for some.

Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus himantopus  Widespread [himantopus].

Eurasian Oystercatcher  Haematopus ostralegus  20 or so in Jamnagar [buturlini].

Grey Plover (Black-bellied P)  Pluvialis squatarola  50 or so in Jamnagar

Little Ringed Plover  Thinornis dubius  Small numbers noted on four days [jerdoni].

Yellow-wattled Lapwing ◊ (Y-w Plover)  Vanellus malabaricus  Noted in LRK and GRK with excellent views and there was also a singleton in the Tansa area.

Red-wattled Lapwing (R-w Plover)  Vanellus indicus  Noted daily [indicus].

Sociable Lapwing ◊ (S Plover)  Vanellus gregarius  Four near Lake Nalsarovar after a stressful chase.

White-tailed Lapwing ◊ (W-t Plover)  Vanellus leucurus  Only two sightings.

Tibetan Sand Plover  Anarhynchus atrifrons  Two at Navra Talav, LRK and several hundred in the Jamnagar area the next day [pamirensis].

Greater Sand Plover  Anarhynchus leschenaultii  Two at Navra Talav, LRK and a few in the Jamnagar area the next day

Kentish Plover  Anarhynchus alexandrinus  Small numbers were noted on three days [alexandrinus].

Bronze-winged Jacana  Metopidius indicus  Non-leader. A single bird in Gujarat.

Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus  Common on the coast at Jamnagar.

Eurasian Curlew  Numenius arquata  Common on the coast at Jamnagar. Also seen by Kevin and Neil at Modava Beach.

Bar-tailed Godwit  Limosa lapponica  Common on the coast at Jamnagar.

Black-tailed Godwit  Limosa limosa  Widespread.

Common Snipe  Gallinago gallinago  Small numbers noted in the wetlands of Gujarat.

Terek Sandpiper ◊  Xenus cinereus  Common on the coast at Jamnagar.

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos  Widespread in small numbers.

Green Sandpiper  Tringa ochropus  Widespread in small numbers.

Marsh Sandpiper  Tringa stagnatilis  Small numbers noted in the wetlands of Gujarat.

Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola  Small numbers noted in the wetlands of Gujarat.

Common Redshank  Tringa totanus  Small numbers noted in Harike and the wetlands of Gujarat.

Spotted Redshank  Tringa erythropus  A few in Harike and again at Navra Talav in LRK.

Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia  A handful of birds were seen.

Ruff  Calidris pugnax  Noted on six days with 500 at Navra Talav being the highest number.

Temminck’s Stint  Calidris temminckii  Noted on six days.

Little Stint  Calidris minuta  Small numbers in Gujarat.

Crab-plover ◊  Dromas ardeola  24 on the coast near Jamnagar.

Indian Courser ◊  Cursorius coromandelicus  Four, with excellent views, near Nakhatrana in GRK.

Cream-colored Courser ◊  Cursorius cursor  Five, with excellent views, near Sam in Jaisalmer.

Collared Pratincole  Glareola pratincola  50 or so at Navra Talav in LRK.

Small Pratincole  Glareola maldivarum  150 at Navra Talav in LRK.

Indian Skimmer ◊  Rynchops albicollis  Four in Jamnagar.

Little Tern  Sternula albifrons  A few on the coast near Jamnagar [albifrons].

Caspian Tern  Hydroprogne caspia  A few at Navra Talav in LRK and again on the coast near Jamnagar.

Gull-billed Tern  Gelochelidon nilotica  Small numbers in Gujarat.

Whiskered Tern  Chlidonias hybrida  A few at Navra Talav in LRK and 100 or so on the coast near Jamnagar.

Lesser Crested Tern  Thalasseus bengalensis  A few on the coast near Jamnagar.

River Tern  Sterna aurantia  Widespread in small numbers.

Slender-billed Gull  Chroicocephalus genei  20 on the coast near Jamnagar.

Black-headed Gull (Common B-h G)  Chroicocephalus ridibundus  Noted in Harike.

Brown-headed Gull  Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus  Small numbers in Harike and in Gujarat.

Pallas’s Gull (Great Black-headed G)  Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus  A handful of birds in Gujarat.

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Heuglin’s G)  Larus [fuscus] heuglini  Noted in Gujarat.

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Steppe G)  Larus [fuscus] barabensis  Small numbers in Harike and in Gujarat.

Asian Openbill ◊  Anastomus oscitans  Only two sightings, a flock of six on the way to Mt Abu and five in Tansa WLS.

Painted Stork ◊  Mycteria leucocephala

Black-necked Stork ◊  Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus  One juvenile on the coast near Jamnagar.

Asian Woolly-necked Stork  Ciconia episcopus  A few were noted [episcopus].

Oriental Darter  Anhinga melanogaster  Small numbers in Harike and then again in Gujarat.

Little Cormorant  Microcarbo niger  Widespread.

Great Cormorant  Phalacrocorax carbo  Moderate numbers in Harike and then again in Gujarat.

Indian Cormorant ◊ (I Shag)  Phalacrocorax fuscicollis  Noted in Harike and then again in Gujarat.

Glossy Ibis  Plegadis falcinellus  Massive evening flight, including thousands of birds, in the Nalsarovar area. Smaller numbers elsewhere.

Red-naped Ibis ◊  Pseudibis papillosa  Widespread in small numbers.

Eurasian Spoonbill  Platalea leucorodia  Noted on six days.

Black-headed Ibis  Threskiornis melanocephalus  Noted on six days.

Great White Pelican  Pelecanus onocrotalus  Eight at Dhingra Lake in Jamnagar.

Dalmatian Pelican ◊  Pelecanus crispus  Small numbers on three days in Gujarat.

Western Reef Heron (W R Egret)  Egretta gularis  Small numbers in the Jamnagar area.

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta  Rather widespread [garzetta].

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax  Noted on four days.

Little Heron  Butorides atricapilla  One in LRK [javanica].

Indian Pond Heron  Ardeola grayii  Widespread.

Great Egret  Ardea alba  Widespread [modesta].

Medium Egret  Ardea intermedia  Small numbers daily in Gujarat, only a few elsewhere [intermedia].

Eastern Cattle Egret  Ardea coromanda  Widespread, and often in good numbers.

Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea  Widespread in small numbers.

Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea  Widespread in small numbers [cinerea].

Jungle Nightjar ◊ (I Jungle N)  Caprimulgus indicus  Two were seen on Mt Abu.

Sykes’s Nightjar ◊  Caprimulgus mahrattensis  Two sightings, one at Navra Talav in LRK and second one at Fulay in GRK.

Indian Nightjar ◊  Caprimulgus asiaticus  Seen in Siana and in Nakhatrana.

Savanna Nightjar  Caprimulgus affinis  Heard only in Siana.

Asian Palm Swift  Cypsiurus balasiensis  Small numbers in Tansa.

Alpine Swift  Tachymarptis melba  Small numbers in Tansa.

Little Swift  Apus affinis affinis  Noted on four days.

Brown Boobook  Ninox scutulata  Heard only in Tansa WLS [lugubris].

Forest Owlet ◊  Athene blewitti  Endemic. We had a great encounter with this rarity in Tansa WLS.

Spotted Owlet  Athene brama  A handful of observations with some excellent views [indica].

Jungle Owlet ◊  Glaucidium radiatum  A few with excellent views in Tansa WLS [malabaricum].

Pallid Scops Owl ◊ (Striated S O)  Otus brucei  A roosting bird at Desert Coursers in LRK and another one near Fulay in GRK.

Oriental Scops Owl  Otus sunia  Heard only on Mt Abu [rufipennis].

Indian Scops Owl ◊  Otus bakkamoena  A beautiful roosting pair at our resort in Siana. One was also heard at Desert Coursers in LRK.

Short-eared Owl  Asio flammeus  Non-leader. One seen by some at Navra Talav, LRK.

Indian Eagle-Owl ◊ (Rock E-O)  Bubo bengalensis  Great views of a pair near Jaisalmer.

Mottled Wood Owl ◊  Strix ocellata  A rather showy pair plus a heard only bird in Tansa WLS.

Black-winged Kite  Elanus caeruleus  Widespread [vociferus].

Egyptian Vulture  Neophron percnopterus  Common in the dry country between Tal Chappar and Jaisalmer. Highest count in Jorbeer, where 300 were estimated [percnopterus].

Crested Honey Buzzard (Oriental H B)  Pernis ptilorhynchus  A few seen [ruficollis].

Cinereous Vulture (Eurasian Black V)  Aegypius monachus  Rather common in the dry country between Tal Chappar and Jaisalmer.

White-rumped Vulture (Indian White-b V)  Gyps bengalensis  An adult bird in Jaisalmer was a nice surprise.

Himalayan Vulture  Gyps himalayensis  Small numbers daily in the dry country between Tal Chappar and Jaisalmer.

Indian Vulture  Gyps indicus  A total of six in Siana, where they still breed.

Griffon Vulture (Eurasian G V)  Gyps fulvus  Fairly common in the dry country between Tal Chappar and Jaisalmer. Highest count in Jorbeer, where 50 were estimated.

Short-toed Snake Eagle (S-t Eagle)  Circaetus gallicus  Two in Siana and one near Nakhatrana [gallicus].

Greater Spotted Eagle  Clanga clanga  A handful of birds.

Booted Eagle  Hieraaetus pennatus  A total of three birds seen.

Steppe Eagle  Aquila nipalensis  Noted almost daily in small numbers between Tal Chappar and Jaisalmer, but 200 estimated at Jorbeer.

Tawny Eagle  Aquila rapax  A total of five in the Jaisalmer area.

Eastern Imperial Eagle (Imperial E)  Aquila heliacal  A few were noted.

Bonelli’s Eagle  Aquila fasciata  An adult at nest in Siana.

Shikra  Tachyspiza badia  Widespread [dussumieri] [cenchroides].

Eurasian Sparrowhawk  Accipiter nisus  A total of five were identified [nisosimilis].

Pallid Harrier  Circus macrourus  A few.

Hen Harrier  Circus cyaneus  One on the ‘extra day’ in Harike.

Montagu’s Harrier  Circus pygargus  Rather common in the Wild Ass Sanctuary in LRK and around Fulay in GRK. A scattered few elsewhere.

Western Marsh Harrier  Circus aeruginosus  Widespread.

Black Kite (Black-eared K)  Milvus [migrans] lineatus  Noted in Harike and at Jorbeer. A few elsewhere.

Black Kite (Indian B K)  Milvus [migrans] govinda  Small numbers in Gujarat and in Maharasthra.

White-eyed Buzzard ◊  Butastur teesa  One in the Wild Ass Sanctuary in LRK and four birds in Tansa.

Common Buzzard  Buteo buteo  One on Mt Abu [vulpinus].

Long-legged Buzzard  Buteo rufinus  Two in Jaisalmer.

Common Hoopoe  Upupa epops  Noted on seven days [epops].

Indian Grey Hornbill  Ocyceros birostris  A few birds in Harike.

Indian Roller  Coracias benghalensis  Widespread.

Asian Green Bee-eater  Merops orientalis  Widespread [orientalis] [beludschicus].

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis  Small numbers in Gujarat and in Maharastra [bengalensis].

Pied Kingfisher  Ceryle rudis  Small numbers in Gujarat [leucomelanurus].

White-throated Kingfisher  Halcyon smyrnensis  Noted almost daily [fusca].

Coppersmith Barbet  Psilopogon haemacephalus  A handful of birds seen and heard [indicus].

Brown-headed Barbet  Psilopogon zeylanicus  A handful of birds seen and heard.

Eurasian Wryneck  Jynx torquilla  One at Tal Chappar.

Rufous Woodpecker  Micropternus brachyurus  Two at Tansa WLS. This is the vocally distinct Peninsular Indian form [jerdonii].

Black-rumped Flameback  Dinopium benghalense  Scattered records of a few.

White-naped Woodpecker ◊ (W-n Flameback)  Chrysocolaptes festivus  Good scope views of a female at Tansa WLS.

Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker ◊  Yungipicus nanus  A few at Tansa WLS.

Yellow-crowned Woodpecker ◊  Leiopicus mahrattensis  We were struggling with this relatively common and widespread woodpecker but finally saw one at Nakhatrana in GRK.

Common Kestrel  Falco tinnunculus  Widespread.

Merlin  Falco columbarius  One in Desert National Park.

Eurasian Hobby  Falco subbuteo  Non-leader. A single bird in Harike.

Red-necked Falcon ◊  Falco chicquera  Two, a pair, in Harike.

Laggar Falcon ◊  Falco jugger  This resident Falcon species was seen twice.

Alexandrine Parakeet ◊  Psittacula eupatria  Rather common from Harike to Tal Chappar. Scattered few elsewhere.

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Ring-necked P)  Psittacula krameri  Widespread.

Plum-headed Parakeet ◊  Psittacula cyanocephala  Rather common in Tansa, scattered few elsewhere.

Blue-winged Parakeet ◊ (Malabar P)  Psittacula columboides  Endemic. Great views in Tansa WLS.

White-bellied Minivet ◊  Pericrocotus erythropygius  First four near Tal Chappar and then three in Siana.

Small Minivet  Pericrocotus cinnamomeus  Seen on six days [cinnamomeus].

Indian Cuckooshrike  Coracina macei  A few in Tansa WLS [macei].

Common Iora  Aegithina tiphia  Noted in Tansa WLS [humei].

Marshall’s Iora ◊  Aegithina nigrolutea  Several good sightings in GRK.

Common Woodshrike  Tephrodornis pondicerianus  A handful of birds in the Tal Chappar area and then again in Gujarat and in Tansa [pallidus].

Black-hooded Oriole  Oriolus xanthornus  Three in Tansa WLS [maderaspatanus].

Indian Golden Oriole ◊  Oriolus kundoo  One in Tansa WLS.

White-spotted Fantail ◊ (Spot-breasted F)  Rhipidura albogularis  Endemic. Sighted on Mt Abu and in Tansa.

White-browed Fantail  Rhipidura aureola  Seen in Tal Chappar and in Siana [aureola].

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo  Dicrurus paradiseus  Sighted in Tansa WLS [rangoonensis].

White-bellied Drongo  Dicrurus caerulescens  Two on Mt Abu.

Ashy Drongo  Dicrurus leucophaeus  Seen in Tansa WLS [longicaudatus].

Black Drongo  Dicrurus macrocercus  Widespread [macrocercus].

Black-naped Monarch  Hypothymis azurea  A handful of birds seen [styani].

Indian Paradise Flycatcher  Terpsiphone paradisi  A few in Tansa including a handsome white male in the garden of our resort [leucogaster].

Great Grey Shrike (Indian G S)  Lanius [excubitor] lahtora  Noted daily in small numbers in the dry country.

Bay-backed Shrike  Lanius vittatus  Seen on five days.

Isabelline Shrike ◊ (Daurian S)  Lanius isabellinus  Noted on five days [arenarius].

Long-tailed Shrike  Lanius schach  Widespread [erythronotus] [caniceps].

Rufous Treepie  Dendrocitta vagabunda  Widespread [behni].

Northern Raven  Corvus corax  A handful of birds in the dry country [subcorax].

House Crow  Corvus splendens  Common.

Large-billed Crow (Indian Jungle C)  Corvus [macrorhynchos] culminatus  Small numbers in the more forested areas on Mt Abu and in Tansa.

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher (G-h Flycatcher)  Culicicapa ceylonensis  One in Siana.

White-crowned Penduline Tit ◊  Remiz coronatus  Heard by Hannu during the ‘extra day’ in Harike.

Cinereous Tit  Parus cinereus  Several birds in Tansa WLS [stupae].

White-naped Tit ◊  Machlolophus nuchalis  Endemic. Great views of this thorn forest specialist at Rampar Hills in GRK.

Indian Black-lored Tit ◊  Machlolophus aplonotus  Endemic. Good views of this beautiful tit on Mt Abu.

Greater Hoopoe-Lark  Alaemon alaudipes  A pair near Sam in Jaisalmer.

Rufous-tailed Lark ◊  Ammomanes phoenicura  Small numbers were noted on five days.

Desert Lark  Ammomanes deserti  A total of four in Jaisalmer.

Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark ◊ (B-c Finch-L)  Eremopterix nigriceps  Rather common in the Jaisalmer area.

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark ◊ (A-c Finch-L)  Eremopterix griseus  Fairly common in the lowlands from Siana to Gujarat.

Indian Bush Lark  Plocealauda erythroptera  Several birds in Siana.

Oriental Skylark  Alauda gulgula  Only a few noted.

Sykes’s Lark ◊  Galerida deva  Endemic. Great encounter with a small group of birds in GRK.

Malabar Lark ◊  Galerida malabarica  Endemic. One bird in the Tansa area.

Crested Lark  Galerida cristata  Locally common in Gujarat.

Greater Short-toed Lark  Calandrella brachydactyla  Locally abundant in the dry country.

Bimaculated Lark ◊  Melanocorypha bimaculata  Common in the Jaisalmer area.

Sand Lark ◊  Alaudala raytal  Two in LRK and six in the Jamnagar area the following day [adamsi].

Common Tailorbird  Orthotomus sutorius  Widespread [guzuratus].

Rufous-fronted Prinia ◊  Prinia buchanani  Widespread in small numbers in the dry country.

Grey-breasted Prinia  Prinia hodgsonii  Rather common in the more well forested areas [hodgsonii].

Delicate Prinia  Prinia lepida  Widespread in small numbers.

Jungle Prinia ◊  Prinia sylvatica  One in Siana and another one in GRK [sylvatica].

Yellow-bellied Prinia  Prinia flaviventris  Common in the vast reedbeds of Harike [sindiana].

Ashy Prinia  Prinia socialis  Rather widespread in small numbers [stewarti].

Plain Prinia  Prinia inornata  Only noted in Harike [inornata].

Sykes’s Warbler ◊  Iduna rama  A handful of birds noted.

Moustached Warbler  Acrocephalus melanopogon  A few in Harike and then again two at Charri Lake in GRK [mimicus].

Paddyfield Warbler  Acrocephalus agricola  A few in Harike and then several birds at Charri Lake in GRK.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler ◊  Acrocephalus dumetorum  A few sighted.

Clamorous Reed Warbler ◊  Acrocephalus stentoreus  Ten or so in Gujarat [brunnescens].

Striated Grassbird  Megalurus palustris  Heard only in Harike.

Grey-throated Martin  Riparia chinensis  Widespread.

Dusky Crag Martin  Ptyonoprogne concolor  Widespread.

Eurasian Crag Martin  Ptyonoprogne rupestris  A handful of birds in Tansa WLS:

Wire-tailed Swallow  Hirundo smithii   Widespread in small numbers.

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica  Widespread, occasionally in thousands [gutturalis].

Eastern Red-rumped Swallow  Cecropis daurica  Sighted on four days [erythropygia].

Streak-throated Swallow ◊ (Indian Cliff S)  Petrochelidon fluvicola  Big breeding colony under a bridge near Mt Abu.

Hume’s Leaf Warbler  Phylloscopus humei  Widespread from Harike to Mt Abu, but only a few records after that [humei].

Brooks’s Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus subviridis  One in Siana.

Sulphur-bellied Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus griseolus  Couple of birds seen.

Dusky Warbler  Phylloscopus fuscatus  One in Harike.

Common Chiffchaff  Phylloscopus [collybita] tristis  Common in Harike but only scattered few elsewhere.

Green Warbler  Phylloscopus nitidus  One obliging individual in the garden of CEDO and several more in Tansa WLS.

Greenish Warbler  Phylloscopus trochiloides  A handful of birds noted [viridanus].

Red-whiskered Bulbul  Pycnonotus jocosus  Common on Mt Abu and also noted in Tansa [fuscicaudatus].

Red-vented Bulbul  Pycnonotus cafer  Widespread and common [humayuni].

White-eared Bulbul  Pycnonotus leucotis  Widespread and common in the dry country.

Lesser Whitethroat  Curruca curruca  Widespread.

Lesser Whitethroat ◊ (Desert L W)  Curruca [curruca] minula  Small numbers in the Jaisalmer area.

Eastern Orphean Warbler  Curruca crassirostris  One at Tal Chappar and two at Rampar Hill in GRK.

Asian Desert Warbler ◊  Curruca nana  Small numbers in the Jaisalmer area.

Yellow-eyed Babbler  Chrysomma sinense  Noted on six days.

Jerdon’s Babbler ◊  Chrysomma altirostre  Good views in Harike [scindicum].

Indian White-eye  Zosterops palpebrosus  Noted on Mt Abu and in Tansa [palpebrosus].

Tawny-bellied Babbler ◊  Dumetia hyperythra  Seen in Tansa [albogularis].

Indian Scimitar Babbler ◊  Pomatorhinus horsfieldii  Endemic. Good views of a pair on Mt Abu on our first afternoon. Also heard there the next morning.

Puff-throated Babbler  Pellorneum ruficeps  Heard only in Tansa WLS [ruficeps].

Rufous-vented Grass Babbler ◊  Laticilla burnesii  Several birds with excellent views in Harike.

Brown-cheeked Fulvetta  Alcippe poioicephala  Noted in Tansa WLS [brucei].

Large Grey Babbler ◊  Argya malcolmi  Common in Tal Chappar and again in Siana.

Jungle Babbler  Argya striata  Widespread, [sommervillei] in Tansa, [sindiana] elsewhere.

Common Babbler ◊  Argya caudata  Common in the drier parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Striated Babbler ◊  Argya earlei  Common in Harike.

Grey Hypocolius ◊  Hypocolius ampelinus  Two, male and female, in Fulay, GRK.

Indian Spotted Creeper ◊  Salpornis spilonota  Endemic. Great views of one near Tal Chappar. We also heard another individual in the same area.

Common Starling (European S)  Sturnus vulgaris  Noted in Harike and at Jorbeer.

Rosy Starling ◊  Pastor roseus  Locally very common in Gujarat but also noted at Jorbeer.

Indian Pied Myna  Gracupica contra  Common in Harike and a few at Jorbeer.

Brahminy Starling ◊  Sturnia pagodarum  Small numbers on four days.

Bank Myna  Acridotheres ginginianus  Small numbers on six days.

Common Myna  Acridotheres tristis  Common and widespread.

Indian Blackbird  Turdus simillima  Endemic. One fine male on Mt Abu, a new bird for this itinerary.

Indian Robin ◊  Copsychus fulicatus  Widespread in moderate numbers.

Oriental Magpie-Robin  Copsychus saularis  Widespread in small numbers.

Verditer Flycatcher  Eumyias thalassinus  One in Tansa.

Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher  Cyornis tickelliae  A few in Tansa.

Bluethroat  Luscinia svecica  A total of eight birds [pallidogularis].

Red-breasted Flycatcher  Ficedula parva  Widespread in small numbers.

Taiga Flycatcher (Red-throated F)  Ficedula albicilla  Heard only in Tansa.

Black Redstart  Phoenicurus ochruros  Widespread in small numbers [phoenicuroides].

White-browed Bush Chat ◊ (Stoliczka’s B C)  Saxicola macrorhynchus  We saw six or so in the Jaisalmer area.

Pied Bush Chat  Saxicola caprata  Only a few were noted.

Siberian Stonechat  Saxicola maurus  Widespread in small numbers [indicus].

Desert Wheatear  Oenanthe deserti  Locally common between Tal Chappar and GRK [deserti].

Isabelline Wheatear  Oenanthe isabellina  Only seen in the Jaisalmer area.

Brown Rock Chat ◊  Oenanthe fusca  Widespread in small numbers.

Variable Wheatear ◊  Oenanthe picata  Locally common between Tal Chappar and GRK [picata, capistrata, opistholeuca].

Finsch’s Wheatear  Oenanthe finschii  A female near Sam. Only the second record for India!

Red-tailed Wheatear ◊  Oenanthe chrysopygia  A few birds in the Jaisalmer area.

Thick-billed Flowerpecker  Pachyglossa agilis  Noted in Tansa WLS.

Pale-billed Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum erythrorhynchos  Seen in Tansa WLS.

Purple-rumped Sunbird ◊  Leptocoma zeylonica  A pair near lake Nalsarovar.

Vigors’s Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga vigorsii  Endemic. Several birds with excellent views in Tansa WLS.

Purple Sunbird  Cinnyris asiaticus  Common from the Jaisalmer area all the way to Tansa.

Loten’s Sunbird ◊  Cinnyria loteni  Endemic. One in Tansa WLS [hindustanicus].

Jerdon’s Leafbird ◊  Chloropsis jerdoni  Noted in Tansa WLS.

Golden-fronted Leafbird  Chloropsis aurifrons  Seen in Tansa WLS [frontalis].

Streaked Weaver ◊  Ploceus manyar  A handful of birds in Harike.

Baya Weaver  Ploceus philippinus  Noted in Harike and then again at CEDO in GRK [philippinus].

Black-breasted Weaver ◊  Ploceus benghalensis  A handful of birds in Harike.

Indian Silverbill  Euodice malabarica  Widespread in small numbers.

Scaly-breasted Munia  Lonchura punctulata  Only two birds seen [punctulata].

Green Avadavat ◊  Amandava formosa  Endemic. Great views of good number of birds on Mt Abu.

Red Avadavat  Amandava amandava  Rather common in Harike [amandava].

Yellow-throated Sparrow ◊  Gymnoris xanthocollis  Widespread.

Sind Sparrow ◊  Passer pyrrhonotus  A flock of six in Harike.

House Sparrow  Passer domesticus  Widespread with two subspecies, the resident [indicus] and wintering [bactrianus].

Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea  A few noted.

Western Yellow Wagtail (form unidentified)  Motacilla flava  Yellow Wagtails were noted, sometimes in good numbers, on six days, along suitable wetlands.

Western Yellow Wagtail (Sykes’s W)  Motacilla [flava] beema  Birds showing characteristics of this form were noted near Lake Nalsarovar and again at Navra Talav in LRK.

Western Yellow Wagtail (Black-headed W)  Motacilla [flava] feldegg  Birds showing characteristics of this form were noted at couple of wetlands in Gujarat.

Western Yellow Wagtail (Grey-headed W)  Motacilla [flava] thunbergi  Birds showing characteristics of this form were noted at couple of different wetlands in Gujarat.

Citrine Wagtail  Motacilla citreola  A scattered few around suitable wetlands, but a flock of ca100 birds in Harike one afternoon [citreola].

White-browed Wagtail  Motacilla maderaspatensis  A few seen.

White Wagtail  Motacilla [alba] alba  Small numbers noted.

White Wagtail ◊ (Masked W)  Motacilla [alba] personata  A few seen.

Tawny Pipit  Anthus campestris  Small numbers daily between Jaisalmer and Siana. Scattered few elsewhere.

Long-billed Pipit ◊  Anthus similis  A handful of birds seen [jerdoni].

Paddyfield Pipit  Anthus rufulus  A handful of birds seen [rufulus].

Tree Pipit  Anthus trivialis  Locally common [trivialis].

Rosy Pipit  Anthus roseatus  Five in Harike during the ‘extra’ day.

Water Pipit  Anthus spinoletta  Five in Harike.

Common Rosefinch  Carpodacus erythrinus  Three encounters with good views.

Trumpeter Finch  Bucanetes githagineus  One gorgeous bird near Sam in Jaisalmer.

Striolated Bunting ◊  Emberiza striolata  One in the Jaisalmer area.

Crested Bunting ◊  Emberiza lathami  A few with good views on Mt Abu.

Red-headed Bunting ◊  Emberiza bruniceps  Two near Lake Nalsarovar in Gujarat.

Grey-necked Bunting ◊  Emberiza buchanani  A small flock at Rampar Hill in GRK.

White-capped Bunting ◊  Emberiza stewarti  Twenty or so with good views on Mt Abu.

MAMMALS

Small Indian Mongoose  Urva auropunctata  One in Harike.

Indian Grey Mongoose  Urva edwardsii  Three on Mt Abu.

Golden Jackal (Common J)  Canis aureus  Two sightings.

Asian Wild Ass (Indian W A)  Equus hemionus  Ten or so in LRK.

Eurasian Wild Pig  Sus scrofa  Several sightings in Gujarat.

Blackbuck  Antilope cervicapra  Common around Tal Chappar.

Nilgai (Blue Bull)  Boselaphus tragocamelus  Widespread in small numbers.

Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)  Gazella bennettii  Small numbers were sighted.

Rhesus Macaque  Macaca mulatta  Small numbers in Punjab.

Bengal Sacred Langur (Hanuman L)  Semnopithecus entellus  Common in Siana and especially on Mt Abu.

Indian Hare  Lepus nigricollis  A few were noted.

Indian Palm Squirrel (Southern P S)  Funambulus palmarum  Rather common in Tansa WLS.

Northern Palm Squirrel  Funambulus pennantii  Noted almost daily between Harike and GRK.

Indian Desert Jird (Mid-day Jird)  Meriones hurrianae  Two encounters.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE KASHMIR EXTENSION

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follow Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P. (Eds). 2025. IOC World Bird List (v15.1).

BIRDS

Northern Shoveler  Spatula clypeata

Gadwall  Mareca strepera

Mallard  Anas platyrhynchos

Northern Pintail  Anas acuta

Green-winged Teal  Anas crecca

Little Grebe  Tachybaptus ruficollis

Rock Dove  Columba livia

Snow Pigeon ◊  Columba leuconota  A flock of 100 in flight in the Pahalgam area.

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus  15 at Pampore Wetlands.

Eurasian Coot (Common C)  Fulica atra

Purple Swamphen (Grey-headed S)  Porphyrio [porphyrio] poliocephalus  15 at Pampore Wetlands.

Ibisbill ◊  Ibidorhyncha struthersii  First three with excellent views at Pahalgam and then two along the Sind River.

Red-wattled Lapwing (R-w Plover)  Vanellus indicus  One at Pampore Wetlands.

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos  One along the Sind River.

Green Sandpiper  Tringa ochropus  Two along the Sind River.

Black-headed Gull (Common B-h G)  Chroicocephalus ridibundus  Small numbers at the Dal Lake.

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta

Indian Pond Heron  Ardeola grayii

Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea

Tawny Owl   Strix aluco  One roosting bird near Avanpora.

Himalayan Vulture  Gyps himalayensis  Three seen.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk  Accipiter nisus  Two sightings.

Black Kite (Black-eared K)  Milvus [migrans] lineatus  Good numbers noted daily.

Himalayan Buzzard  Buteo refectus  Scattered few were recorded.

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis  Only one sighting.

Crested Kingfisher  Megaceryle lugubris  One at Pahalgam

Pied Kingfisher  Ceryle rudis  A handful of birds were noted.

White-throated Kingfisher  Halcyon smyrnensis  A few seen.

Great Barbet  Psilopogon virens  Heard only.

Scaly-bellied Woodpecker ◊  Picus squamatus  Seen on two days.

Brown-fronted Woodpecker ◊  Dendrocoptes auriceps  Sighted on four days.

Himalayan Woodpecker ◊  Dendrocopos himalayensis  Seen on four days.

Common Kestrel  Falco tinnunculus  One sighting of a roadside bird.

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus  Seen on two days.

Alexandrine Parakeet ◊  Psittacula eupatria  A few birds in the outskirts of Srinagar.

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Ring-necked P)  Psittacula krameri  Small numbers in the outskirts of Srinagar.

Yellow-billed Blue Magpie  Urocissa flavirostris  Widespread and rather common in the more forested areas.

Kashmir Nutcracker ◊  Nucifraga multipunctata  A confiding pair at Gulmarg.

Western Jackdaw  Coloeus monedula  Common.

House Crow  Corvus splendens  Noted on two days.

Large-billed Crow  Corvus macrorhynchos  Common.

Green-backed Tit  Parus monticolus  Noted on two days.

Cinereous Tit  Parus cinereus  Widespread in small numbers.

Coal Tit  Periparus ater  Locally common.

Rufous-naped Tit ◊  Periparus rufonuchalis  Small numbers in the conifer forests.

Lemon-rumped Warbler  Phylloscopus chloronotus  A total of six birds recorded.

Himalayan Bulbul  Pycnonotus leucogenys  Locally common with up to 100 a day.

Black Bulbul  Hypsipetes leucocephalus  Small numbers noted.

Streaked Laughingthrush ◊  Trochalopteron lineatum  Seen almost daily with excellent views.

Variegated Laughingthrush ◊  Trochalopteron variegatum  Noted almost daily with excellent views.

White-cheeked Nuthatch ◊  Sitta leucopsis  A showy pair at Gulmarg and another one at Pahalgam the next day.

Kashmir Nuthatch ◊  Sitta cashmirensis  A noisy pair at Gulmarg and another pair in the conifer forests of Pahalgam.

Bar-tailed Treecreeper ◊  Certhia himalayana  Fairly common, noted on three days.

Eurasian Wren  Troglodytes troglodytes  Four encounters.

Common Myna  Acridotheres tristis

Brown Dipper  Cinclus pallasii  Three at Pahalgam.

Black-throated Thrush  Turdus atrogularis  Rather common with up to 100 in the Botanical Garden one afternoon.

Grey-winged Blackbird  Turdus boulboul  Nice male at Dachigam NP.

Little Forktail  Enicurus scouleri  One at Pahalgam.

Blue Whistling Thrush  Myophonus caeruleus  Small numbers noted almost daily.

Himalayan Bluetail  Tarsiger rufilatus  Five at Dachigam NP.

Eversmann’s Redstart ◊  (Rufous-backed R)  Phoenicurus erythronotus  Three (two males and one female) on the outskirts of Srinagar on the first afternoon and a single male in the Pahalgam area.

Blue-capped Redstart ◊  Phoenicurus coeruleocephala  A female in the Botanical Garden.

White-capped Redstart  Phoenicurus leucocephalus  Noted in Pahalgam and along the Sind River.

Plumbeous Water Redstart  Phoenicurus fuliginosus  Seen in Pahalgam and along the Sind River.

Black-throated Accentor ◊  Prunella atrogularis  Three on the outskirts of Srinagar on the first afternoon.

Brown Accentor  Prunella fulvescens  One on the outskirts of Srinagar on the first afternoon.

House Sparrow  Passer domesticus  Noted on two days only.

Russet Sparrow  Passer cinnamomeus  Two near Avanpora.

Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea  Two along the Sind River.

White Wagtail ◊ (Masked W)  Motacilla [alba] personata  One along the Sind River.

Water Pipit  Anthus spinoletta  One at Wular Lake.

Brambling  Fringilla montifringilla  A flock of ten near Avanpora.

Blyth’s Rosefinch ◊  Carpodacus grandis  Two, a male and a female, at the Botanical Garden.

Pink-browed Rosefinch ◊  Carpodacus rodochroa  One in Pahalgam.

Orange Bullfinch ◊  Pyrrhula aurantiaca  Twenty or so with excellent views near Pahalgam and a flock of five in the Botanical Garden.

Plain Mountain Finch  Leucosticte nemoricola  A flock of 70 in the Botanical Garden on the second visit.

Yellow-breasted Greenfinch  Chloris spinoides  Noted on both visits to the Botanical Garden.

Grey-crowned Goldfinch ◊  Carduelis caniceps  A small flock near Avanpora.

Rock Bunting  Emberiza cia  Rather widespread, small numbers noted on four days.

Pine Bunting  Emberiza leucocephalos  A minimum of 120 along the Sind River.

Yellowhammer  Emberiza citrinella  One near Pahalgam.

MAMMALS

Hangul ◊  Cervus hanglu  Two groups, eight in total, in Dachigam NP on the last afternoon.

Kashmir Grey Langur ◊  Semnopithecus ajax  A few were noted.

Rhesus Macaque  Macaca mulatta