BANGLADESH & THE SUNDARBANS TOUR REPORT 2026

14 - 23 February 2026

Hannu Jännes

Our first scheduled tour to Bangladesh, building on the successful 2024 expedition, proved highly rewarding. The tour’s main objective, the critically endangered Masked Finfoot, exceeded all expectations, as during our six-night stay in the Sundarbans, we enjoyed prolonged and excellent views of three different individuals. Another priority species, the elusive White-eared Night Heron, required both patience and timing but ultimately we had satisfactory views of a single bird. A third key target was the very localized Cachar Bulbul, restricted to a small area of northeastern Bangladesh and adjacent India, which was seen well in Satchari National Park. An additional highlight was spending an extended time at the park’s canopy tower, where flowering and fruiting trees attracted a rich diversity of forest birds, often allowing close and prolonged views well suited for photography. Our exploration of the Sundarbans, both small country boat through narrow mangrove channels and on foot along well-build boardwalks, produced an impressive array of species. These included Buffy Fish Owl, Brown-winged, Black-capped, Ruddy and Collared Kingfishers, an outstanding Mangrove Pitta and twelve species of woodpecker, amongst which was the sought-after Streak-breasted Woodpecker. Mammal highlights were Ganges and Irrawaddy Dolphins, Asian Small-clawed Otter and Leopard Cat. Spending six nights aboard our vessel deep within the Sundarbans added a particularly memorable and tranquil dimension to the experience.

The tour began with an early departure from Dhaka to avoid the city’s heavy traffic. Our destination, Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh, is a compact but species-rich protected forest. Upon arrival, we visited a tall observation tower offering panoramic views over the surrounding forest canopy. The flowering and fruiting trees around the tower attracted an impressive diversity of birds and a few mammals including Ashy-headed and Yellow-footed Green Pigeons, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, several Oriental Dollarbirds, Greater Flameback, Black-headed and Black-crested Bulbuls, Blue-throated, Coppersmith and Lineated Barbets, Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo, Vernal Hanging-Parrot, Red-breasted Parakeet, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Common Iora, Common Hill Myna, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Purple-rumped and Crimson Sunbirds, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Irrawaddy Squirrel and Capped Langur. Later in the day we spent several hours at a forest drinking pool, where our main target, the Cachar Bulbul, eventually appeared and provided excellent views. The pool and the surrounding forest also attracted a variety of other species including Black-breasted Thrush, Greater-necklaced Laughingthrush, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Greater Yellownape, White-throated Bulbul, Black-naped Monarch, Puff-throated Babbler and White-tailed Robin. During the day we also saw Small, Rosy and Swinhoe’s Minivets, Green-crowned Warbler, Greater Flameback and Pale-billed Flowerpecker. A group of Western Hoolock Gibbons added a memorable mammal highlight. In the evening, we continued to our comfortable resort, where we enjoyed a Valentine’s Day dinner buffet.

The following day, after observing a pair of Brown Boobooks in the hotel garden, we returned to Satchari. We again spent the early morning hours at the observation tower, where we encountered many of the species seen the previous day, along with several new additions. These included Red Junglefowl, Thick-billed Green Pigeon, Green-billed Malkoha, Blue-eared Barbet, an excellent Violet Cuckoo, Hair-crested Drongo, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Lesser Yellownape, Ashy Woodswallow, a singing male Van Hasselt’s Sunbird (one of the most striking of the family) and Taiga Flycatcher.

Later, we explored the park’s trails and revisited the forest drinking pool, where we added several more species to our list, including Asian Barred Owlet, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Large Woodshrike, Yellow-vented Warbler, our first visual encounter with Abbott’s Babbler, White-rumped Shama, Blue-throated Flycatcher and Ruby-cheeked Sunbird. A Blue-naped Pitta was heard calling but remained unseen.

Early the next morning we visited Baikka Beel, a large and bird-rich wetland to the north. As our time was limited, we focused on the more open shoreline areas, which held exceptionally high numbers of birds. Among the many species recorded were Cotton Pygmy Goose, Purple Swamphen, Grey-headed Lapwing, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Common Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Oriental Darter, Glossy Ibis, Asian Openbill, Little and Great Cormorants, Brahminy Kite, a wide selection of ducks and egrets, Striated Babbler, Richard’s and Rosy Pipits, Bengal Bush Lark, Eastern Yellow (two forms) and Citrine Wagtails and Greater Spotted Eagle. After this productive stop, we continued by road through several busy towns en route to Mawa, arriving well after nightfall.

At sunrise the following morning, we arrived at a birding site along the Padma River (the Ganges). During a productive three-hour visit, we recorded Siberian Rubythroat, Thick-billed, Paddyfield and Blyth’s Reed Warblers, Eastern Marsh Harrier, large numbers of Common Snipe and an unexpected Jack Snipe, as well as White-tailed Stonechat, Chestnut Munia, Rosy Minivet, Delicate and Plain Prinias, Paddyfield Pipit and several other species. After this rewarding session, we continued to Khulna port, where we soon boarded a small skiff for the short transfer to our riverboat, Bawali, which would be our home for the next six nights. Once aboard, we settled into our cabins, familiarised ourselves with the dining and communal areas, and gathered on the spacious observation deck as the journey truly began. We initially travelled through the densely populated lowlands of Bangladesh, but as daylight faded the scenery gradually gave way to quieter, less inhabited waterways. During the afternoon, we observed several dolphins, all of which were identified as Ganges River Dolphins. By evening, we had reached the edge of the renowned Sundarbans. Along the way, we became acquainted with our friendly crew and enjoyed our first taste of the excellent Bangladeshi cuisine that would be a highlight throughout our time on board.

Setting out before dawn the following morning, we were filled with anticipation at the prospect of encountering a Masked Finfoot and other notable wildlife as our skiff (locally known as a ‘country boat’) left Bawali and headed into a mangrove-lined channel. With our thermal cameras fully charged, we began our exploration and soon encountered the first highlight of the day, a Buffy Fish Owl hunting along the channel edge, giving us superb close-range views. After sunrise, we attempted to enter a narrow side channel that has recently been frequented by a female Masked Finfoot. However, the tide was still too low, forcing us to continue along the main channel. Before long, Mika expertly detected a male Masked Finfoot, roosting midway up a large tree overhanging the water. We approached slowly and were ultimately rewarded with exceptionally clear views as the bird remained motionless on a thick branch. According to our highly experienced local guide, Romeo, this was a particularly rare sighting—only the second roosting individual he had encountered during his many journeys through these waterways. The excitement continued when we soon located a second Masked Finfoot, this time a female, that allowed prolonged views as it walked along the muddy banks and swam in the channel.

The extensive mangrove forests lining the broad, mud-fringed waterways also produced multiple sightings of the impressive, range-restricted, Brown-winged Kingfisher, along with numerous striking Black-capped Kingfishers. The Sundarbans’ dense mangrove forests also conceal a surprising diversity of mammals. Over the course of our combined morning and evening boat safaris, we observed two Mainland Leopard Cats, two Asian Small-clawed Otters, numerous Chital (Spotted Deer), several Greater Bandicoot Rats climbing in bushes along the channels and Rhesus Macaques. In the afternoon, we visited a boardwalk at Kalabogi, just a short boat ride from our anchorage. This allowed us to venture deeper into the mangrove forest and provided improved viewing opportunities for several species characteristic of the habitat. Our primary target was Mangrove Pitta, which we heard calling on several occasions but were unfortunately unable to see. Nonetheless, the visit proved productive, giving us our first Collared Kingfishers and Black-rumped Flamebacks, Brown-capped and Grey-headed Woodpeckers, Greater Flameback, an excellent flock of Small Minivets, several striking Velvet-fronted Nuthatches and our first good views of Brown Shrike. As dusk fell, we returned to the narrow channels by country boat in search of another regional specialty, the White-eared Night Heron. However, one participant became unwell, necessitating an immediate return to the vessel. We did venture out again later in the evening, but by then the tide was at its highest, and bird activity was limited during our second excursion.

Early the following morning we returned to the Kalabogi boardwalk, where we soon located one of the Mangrove Pittas known to frequent the area. The bird showed exceptionally well, allowing excellent and prolonged views. Other species recorded during the morning included a heard-only Large-tailed Nightjar, Common Flameback, Hair-crested Drongo and Asian Monitor. In the late afternoon we headed back into the channels to search for White-eared Night Heron. Despite a great deal of effort, the heron was not detected, leading us to question whether we needed a different approach.

The following morning, we returned to the mangrove-lined channels and relocated the male Masked Finfoot observed earlier. However, the bird remained extremely shy and stayed concealed in dense vegetation despite a long wait. Bird activity otherwise followed a familiar pattern, with regular sightings including four species of kingfishers, Shikras, numerous Great Egrets, several Little Egrets, Indian Pond Herons and Striated Herons, as well as Oriental Turtle Doves. We also recorded Pin-striped Tit Warblers, Black-naped Monarchs, Purple Sunbirds, Greenish Warblers and Chestnut-tailed Starlings, although most were heard calling rather than seen. In the afternoon, we visited the Kalabogi boardwalk for the third time and were finally rewarded with excellent views of a Ruddy Kingfisher, a scarce species in the area. The visit also produced a good selection of woodpeckers with Greater Yellownape, Rufous Woodpecker, Speckled Piculet, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Greater Flameback and Grey-headed Woodpecker. Other notable species included Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Taiga Flycatcher, Dusky Warbler and Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker. During the evening, we returned to the waterways, this time coinciding with a falling tide. This proved highly productive, as we located a striking, though somewhat shy, White-eared Night Heron along one of the main channels. The bird was later relocated giving us further views of this much desired species. Having covered the same area during previous visits on a rising tide, it became evident that this heron favors falling tide conditions and freshly exposed, wet mudbanks. Other highlights during the evening included several Buffy Fish Owls, a calling Brown Wood Owl, briefly seen by some participants,and calling Oriental Scops Owls.

Early next morning, we repositioned our boat to a new site approximately two hours away and explored a different network of mangrove channels. Here we encountered our third Masked Finfoot of the tour, an impressive female that, after a patient wait, became very confiding and gave us excellent views. In the afternoon, we visited the Shekkertrek area, home to a 16th-century Hindu temple now largely reclaimed by the surrounding jungle. Although bird activity was relatively subdued, we recorded only our second Lesser Yellownape of the tour, along with our first Red-whiskered Bulbuls and Jungle Mynas in the Sundarbans. The day concluded with an evening excursion along another channel, where an obliging Oriental Scops Owl provided fine views. We also heard two Collared Scops Owls calling nearby, though unfortunately neither chose to reveal itself.

The morning of our final full day in the Sundarbans began with a visit to the Karamjal boardwalk. Focusing our search we were rewarded with sightings of two Streak-breasted Woodpeckers, alongside five other woodpecker species already recorded on the tour. Additional highlights included a confiding Green-billed Malkoha, Oriental Cuckooshrike, Black-hooded and Black-naped Orioles, Greater Racket-tailed, Ashy and Hair-crested Drongos, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, two Forest Wagtails, Scaly-breasted Munia and a White Wagtail of the alboides form. The visit was further enlivened by several bold Rhesus Macaques, one of which craftily relieved Jesper of his packet of biscuits. In the afternoon, we undertook a longer walk, through a village and adjacent agricultural areas, along the Rupsha River. Notable sightings included an exceptionally cooperative Plaintive Cuckoo, Red-collared Doves, Grey-headed Lapwings, one of the few Black-winged Kites recorded during the tour and only the second Asian Green Bee-eaters of the trip. We also observed a Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, a Brown Shrike and numerous Long-tailed Shrikes, several Plain Prinias and Zitting Cisticolas, Blyth’s Reed Warblers, Bluethroats, a fine male Siberian Rubythroat, White-rumped and Scaly-breasted Munias, a cooperative Paddyfield Pipit, Common Rosefinch and a Small Indian Mongoose. Earlier in the day, during a river cruise, Jesper also spotted two Irrawaddy Dolphins, adding a new mammal species to the tour list.

On our final evening, we sailed back to Khulna, where some of us visited the local market and shared a farewell dinner together. The following day, we travelled back to Dhaka, bringing the tour to a close. En route, we made a final stop to look for Bank Myna, which proved to be the final addition to the bird list. In Dhaka, it was time to say our goodbyes and thank everyone for their excellent company—an essential element to any tour that, together with the outstanding birds and memorable locations, made the tour such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Special thanks go to our guides, Sayamol and Haris in the north, as well as to Romeo and the excellent boat crew in the Sundarbans.

BIRDS OF THE TRIP’ WINNERS 2026:

1st: Masked Finfoot

2nd: White-eared Night Heron

3rd: Mangrove Pitta

4th: Buffy Fish Owl & Cachar Bulbul

5th: Brown-Winged Kingfisher

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  Non-leader. One at Baikka Beel.
Ferruginous Duck  Aythya nyroca  200 or so at Baikka Beel.
Cotton Pygmy Goose  Nettapus coromandelianus  25 at Baikka Beel.
Northern Shoveler  Spatula clypeata  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Garganey  Spatula querquedula  Small numbers Baikka Beel.
Gadwall  Mareca strepera  Small number seen at Baikka Beel.
Eurasian Wigeon  Mareca penelope  Small number noted at Baikka Beel.
Northern Pintail  Anas acuta  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Green-winged Teal  Anas crecca  Small number noted at Baikka Beel.
Red Junglefowl  Gallus gallus  A few in the Kachari NP and then again in the Sundarbans [murghi].
Little Grebe  Tachybaptus ruficollis  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Greater Coucal  Centropus sinensis  Seen most days [sinensis].
Green-billed Malkoha  Phaenicophaeus tristis  Two, one in Kachari and another at Karamjal [tristis].
Asian Koel  Eudynamys scolopaceus  Noted on seven days.
Banded Bay Cuckoo  Cacomantis sonneratii  Great views at Kachari [sonneratii].
Plaintive Cuckoo  Cacomantis merulinus  One at Halia village on our last afternoon [querulus].
Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo  Surniculus lugubris  Two gave great views in Kachari [brachyurus].
Spotted Dove  Spilopelia chinensis  Widespread [tigrine].
Red Collared Dove  Streptopelia tranquebarica  Noted on two days in the agricultural areas.
Oriental Turtle Dove  Streptopelia orientalis  Common in the Sundarbans [agricola].
Eurasian Collared Dove  Streptopelia decaocto
Rock Dove  Columba livia
Common Emerald Dove (Asian E D)  Chalcophaps indica  Two in Sachari [indica].
Ashy-headed Green Pigeon  Treron phayrei  A pair on both visits to Sachari.
Thick-billed Green Pigeon  Treron curvirostra  Four in Sachari on our second visit [nipalensis].
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon  Treron phoenicopterus  Noted in Sachari [phoenicopterus].
Masked Finfoot ◊  Heliopais personatus  Brilliant encounters with a male and two females in the Sundarbans. This critically endangered species, with an estimated global population of only 100–300 individuals, faces multiple threats even within protected areas. These include hunting, the collection of eggs and chicks, illegal forest clearance, and the use of poisons in fishing. The widespread use of monofilament fishing nets is likely the most serious threat, as it causes significant disturbance and results in substantial bycatch, including finfoots. In addition, sea-level rise poses a major long-term challenge to conservation efforts in the Sundarbans. There is already clear evidence that saltwater intrusion is reducing available feeding habitat, with the species’ breeding range gradually retreating towards the northern edge of the mangrove forests.
Eurasian Coot  Fulica atra  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Purple Swamphen (Grey-headed S)  Porphyrio [porphyrio] poliocephalus  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
White-breasted Waterhen  Amaurornis phoenicurus  A handful of birds seen.
Little Ringed Plover  Thinornis dubius  Ten or so.
Grey-headed Lapwing ◊  Vanellus cinereus  Noted on four days with ca30 at Baikka Beel being the highest number.
Red-wattled Lapwing  Vanellus indicus  One at Kamargaon.
Tibetan Sand Plover  Anarhynchus atrifrons  Non-leader. 50 or so in the Sundarbans one evening [atrifrons].
Pheasant-tailed Jacana  Hydrophasianus chirurgus  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Bronze-winged Jacana  Metopidius indicus Seen on two days.
Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus  Small numbers in the Sundarbans [rogachevae].
Jack Snipe  Lymnocryptes minimus  One was flushed at Kamargaon. A nice surprise.
Common Snipe  Gallinago gallinago  Common at Baikka Beel and especially at Kamargaon.
Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos
Green Sandpiper  Tringa ochropus  A few were noted.
Marsh Sandpiper  Tringa stagnatilis  30 at Baikka Beel.
Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola  Noted on three days with 100 at Baikka Beel being the highest count.
Common Redshank  Tringa totanus  Non-leader. One in the Sundarbans [atrifrons].
Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia  One on the way to Satchari.
Spotted Redshank  Tringa erythropus  Small numbers noted at Baikka Beel.
Temminck’s Stint  Calidris temminckii  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Little Stint  Calidris minuta  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Ruff  Calidris pugnax  50 or so at Baikka Beel.
Asian Openbill  Anastomus oscitans  Noted on four days in the agricultural areas.
Lesser Adjutant  Leptoptilos javanicus  One in the Sundarbans.
Oriental Darter  Anhinga melanogaster  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Little Cormorant  Microcarbo niger  Seen on five days in the agricultural areas. No sightings in the Sundarbans.
Great Cormorant  Phalacrocorax carbo  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Glossy Ibis  Plegadis falcinellus  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Black-headed Ibis  Threskiornis melanocephalus  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
White-eared Night Heron ◊  Oroanassa magnifica  One in the Sundarbans on the third ‘night drive’.
Little Egret  Egretta garzetta  Widespread.
Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax  Noted on three days.
Little Heron  Butorides atricapilla  Noted almost daily in the Sundarbans [javanica].
Indian Pond Heron  Ardeola grayii  Widespread and common.
Great Egret (Eastern G E)  Ardea [alba] modesta  Widespread and common.
Medium Egret  Ardea intermedia  Small numbers at Baikka Beel.
Eastern Cattle Egret  Ardea coromanda  Seen in the agricultural areas. None seen in the Sundarbans.
Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea  Non-leader. One at Baikka Beel.
Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea  Seen on two days.
Large-tailed Nightjar  Caprimulgus macrurus  Heard only [bimaculatus].
Asian Palm Swift  Cypsiurus balasiensis  Noted almost daily [infumatus].
House Swift  Apus nipalensis  A small flock on the way back to Dhaka [nipalensis].
Brown Boobook  Ninox scutulata  A pair at our resort near Satchari and a heard only bird in Mava [lugubris].
Spotted Owlet  Athene brama  Heard only [ultra].
Asian Barred Owlet  Glaucidium cuculoides  Noted on three days in the north [rufescens].
Collared Scops Owl  Otus lettia  Heard only in the Sundarbans [lettia].
Oriental Scops Owl  Otus sunia  Good views of one in the Sundarbans where we also heard several birds [sunia].
Buffy Fish Owl ◊  Ketupa ketupu  Great views of several birds during our stay in the Sundarbans. What a beast!
Brown Wood Owl  Strix leptogrammica  In the Sundarbans one was heard by all (and also glimpsed briefly by some) and another one was heard by Mika only [newarensis].
Osprey (Western O)  Pandion [haliaetus] haliaetus  Noted on three days in the Sundarbans.
Black-winged Kite  Elanus caeruleus  Rather scarce. Seen on three days [vociferus].
Crested Honey Buzzard (Oriental H B)  Pernis ptilorhynchus  One on the way back to Dhaka [ruficollis].
Crested Serpent Eagle  Spilornis cheela  Noted on five days [cheela].
Greater Spotted Eagle  Clanga clanga  One at Baikka Beel.
Crested Goshawk  Lophospiza trivirgata  Two in Satchari and one in the Sundarbans [indicus].
Shikra  Tachyspiza badia  Rather common in the Sundarbans and one in Satchari [poliopsis].
Eurasian Sparrowhawk  Accipiter nisus  One in the Sundarbans.
Eastern Marsh Harrier  Circus spilonotus  One in Karamjal.
Brahminy Kite  Haliastur indus
Black Kite  Milvus migrans  Both forms [lineatus] and [govinda] were seen in more inhabited areas.
Common Hoopoe  Upupa epops
Oriental Pied Hornbill  Anthracoceros albirostris  Two in Satchari.
Oriental Dollarbird  Eurystomus orientalis  A few in Satchari [cyanocollis].
Indochinese Roller  Coracias affinis  Few birds were noted in the agricultural areas.
Blue-bearded Bee-eater  Nyctyornis athertoni  Two in Satchari.
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater  Merops leschenaulti  Rather common in Satchari [leschenaultia].
Asian Green Bee-eater  Merops orientalis  Only a few were noted [ferrugeiceps].
Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis [bengalensis].
Pied Kingfisher  Ceryle rudis  A few sightings only.
Brown-winged Kingfisher ◊  Pelargopsis amauroptera  Conspicious and common in the Sundarbans.
Ruddy Kingfisher ◊  Halcyon coromanda  Two sightings in the Sundarbans [coromanda].
Black-capped Kingfisher  Halcyon pileata  Conspicious and common in the Sundarbans.
White-throated Kingfisher  Halcyon smyrnensis  Noted on most days [perpulchra].
Collared Kingfisher  Todiramphus chloris  Small numbers in the Sundarbans [humii].
Coppersmith Barbet  Psilopogon haemacephalus  A handful of birds seen [indicus].
Blue-eared Barbet  Psilopogon cyanotis  A few in Satchari.
Lineated Barbet  Psilopogon lineatus  A few in the north [hodgsoni].
Blue-throated Barbet  Psilopogon asiaticus  Great views in Satchari, and a few more in Halia village [asiatica].
Eurasian Wryneck  Jynx torquilla  One at Kamargaon [chinensis].
Speckled Piculet  Picumnus innominatus  Four with some brilliant views [innominatus].
Rufous Woodpecker  Micropternus brachyurus  Great views of one at Kalabogi [phaioceps].
Common Flameback  Dinopium javanense  One at Kalabogi boardwalk [intermedium].
Black-rumped Flameback  Dinopium benghalense  A handful of birds in the Sundarbans [benghalense].
Lesser Yellownape  Picus chlorolophus  Two sightings.
Streak-breasted Woodpecker  Picus viridanus  Two birds at the Karamjal boardwalk.
Grey-headed Woodpecker  Picus canus  Noted on six days [hessei].
Greater Yellownape  Chrysophlegma flavinucha  Rather common in all taller forests [flavinucha].
Greater Flameback  Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus  Fairly widespread, noted on six days [guttacristatus].
Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker  Yungipicus canicapillus  Quite widespread, noted on four days [canicapillus].
Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker  Dendrocopos macei  Non-leader. One seen by Mika at Halia village [macei].
Rose-ringed Parakeet (introduced)  Psittacula krameria  Four encounters.
Blossom-headed Parakeet  Psittacula roseata  Noted on six days.
Red-breasted Parakeet  Psittacula alexandri  Rather common in Satchari.
Vernal Hanging Parrot  Loriculus vernalis  Small numbers in Satchari.
Blue-naped Pitta  Hydrornis nipalensis  Heard only. Two birds were heard at Satchari.
Mangrove Pitta ◊  Pitta megarhyncha  Great views of one at Kalabogi. In addition several birds were heard only.
Small Minivet  Pericrocotus cinnamomeus  Fairly common in the Sundarbans. Also sighted at Satchari [vividus].
Scarlet Minivet  Pericrocotus flammeus  Small numbers at Satchari [semiruber].
Swinhoe’s Minivet ◊  Pericrocotus cantonensis  Non-leader. Two for Mika at Satchari.
Rosy Minivet ◊  Pericrocotus roseus  Seen at Satchari and in Kamargaon.
Oriental Cuckooshrike  Coracina javensis  One at Karamjal [nipalensis].
Black-winged Cuckooshrike  Lalage melaschistos  One at Satchari.
Ashy Woodswallow  Artamus fuscus  Small numbers on five days.
Common Iora  Aegithina tiphia  Small numbers almost daily [tiphia].
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike  Hemipus picatus  Small numbers on five days [capitalis].
Large Woodshrike  Tephrodornis virgatus  Two at Satchari.
Black-hooded Oriole  Oriolus xanthornus  Noted daily [xanthornus].
Black-naped Oriole (Chinese Golden O)  Oriolus [chinensis] diffusus  A total of four in the Sundarbans.
White-throated Fantail  Rhipidura albicollis  Heard only. Several birds were heard singing, but no visual contact [stanleyi].
Bronzed Drongo  Dicrurus aeneus  Common in the Sundarbans [aeneus].
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo  Dicrurus paradiseus  Noted almost daily [grandis].
Hair-crested Drongo  Dicrurus hottentottus  Seen on three days [hottentottus].
Ashy Drongo  Dicrurus leucophaeus  Sighted in Satchari on both days and also in Karamjal [hopwoodi].
Black Drongo  Dicrurus macrocercus  Locally very common [albrictus].
Black-naped Monarch  Hypothymis azurea  Widespread [stanyi].
Long-tailed Shrike  Lanius schach  Rather common in the agricultural areas [tricolor].
Brown Shrike  Lanius cristatus  Only a few noted [cristatus].
Rufous Treepie  Dendrocitta vagabunda  [vagabunda]
House Crow  Corvus splendens  [splendens]
Large-billed Crow (Eastern Jungle C)  Corvus [macrorhynchos] levaillantii
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher  Culicicapa ceylonensis  A handful of birds in Satchari [calochrysea].
Cinereous Tit  Parus cinereus  Noted daily in the Sundarbans [nipalensis].
Bengal Bush Lark ◊  Plocealauda assamica  Singing birds at Baikka Beel and Kamargaon.
Common Tailorbird  Orthotomus sutorius  Noted daily [patia].
Delicate Prinia  Prinia lepida  A few with great views at Kamargaon [stevensi].
Plain Prinia  Prinia inornata  Noted at Kamargaon and in Halia. Subspecies involved is [fusca], ‘Brahmaputra Prinia’, a potential split.
Zitting Cisticola  Cisticola juncidis  Noted at Kamargaon and in Halia [cursitans].
Paddyfield Warbler  Acrocephalus agricola  A few with excellent views at Kamargaon.
Blyth’s Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus dumetorum  Noted at Kamargaon and in Halia.
Thick-billed Warbler  Arundinax aedon  One at Kamargaon.
Striated Grassbird  Megalurus palustris  Common at Baikka Beel and Kamargaon. Also noted on the way back to Dhaka [toklao].
Grey-throated Martin  Riparia chinensis  Two at Kamargaon.
Sand Martin (Bank Swallow)  Riparia riparia  Non-leader. One at Baikka Beel.
Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica  Widespread.
Yellow-browed Warbler  Phylloscopus inornatus  Heard on most days, but sighted only a couple of times.
Dusky Warbler  Phylloscopus fuscatus  Noted almost daily.
Green-crowned Warbler  Phylloscopus burkii  One was seen and another one heard at Katchari.
Greenish Warbler  Phylloscopus trochiloides  Noted almost daily [trochiloides].
Yellow-vented Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus cantator  Good views of one at Satchari.
Black-headed Bulbul  Microtarsus melanocephalos  Common at Satchari.
Black-crested Bulbul  Rubigula flaviventris  Rather common at Satchari [flaviventris].
Red-whiskered Bulbul  Pycnonotus jocosus  Noted at Satchari, Shekkertrek and Karamjal [monticola].
Red-vented Bulbul  Pycnonotus cafer  Widespread [bengalensis].
White-throated Bulbul ◊  Alophoixus flaveolus  Several birds at Satchari.
Cachar Bulbul ◊  Iole cacharensis  Two at the drinking pool in Satchari. Great views!
Indian White-eye  Zosterops palpebrosus  Widespread [palpebrosus].
Pin-striped Tit-Babbler  Mixornis gularis  Widespread but more often heard than seen [rubricapilla].
Puff-throated Babbler  Pellorneum ruficeps  Good views at Satchari [chamelum].
Abbott’s Babbler  Malacocincla abbotti  Good views at Satchari [abbotti].
Striated Babbler  Argya earlei  Noted at Baikka Beel and Kamargaon.
Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush  Pterorhinus pectoralis  Good views at Satchari [pectoralis].
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch  Sitta frontalis  Noted daily in the Sundarbans [frontalis].
Common Hill Myna  Gracula religiosa  Rather common in Satchari [peninsularis].
Indian Pied Myna  Gracupica contra  Common in the agricultural areas [sordida].
Chestnut-tailed Starling  Sturnia malabarica  Widespread [malabarica].
Bank Myna ◊  Acridotheres ginginianus  Six at a stake-out on the way back to Dhaka.
Common Myna  Acridotheres tristis  Common in the agricultural areas.
Jungle Myna  Acridotheres fuscus  Locally common in the agricultural areas.
Black-breasted Thrush  Turdus dissimilis  One gorgeous male at Satchari.
Oriental Magpie-Robin  Copsychus saularis  Widespread, noted almost daily [erimelas].
White-rumped Shama  Copsychus malabaricus  Two birds in Satchari [indicus].
Verditer Flycatcher  Eumyias thalassinus  One in Satchari [thalassinus].
Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher  Cyornis rubeculoides  Non-leader bird at Satchari [rogersi].
Bluethroat  Luscinia svecica  A few birds at Kamargaon and Halia.
Siberian Rubythroat  Calliope calliope  One female at Kamargaon and a showy male at Halia.
White-tailed Robin  Myiomela leucura  Couple of sightings at the drinking pool in Satchari [leucura].
Taiga Flycatcher  Ficedula albicilla  A handful of birds.
White-tailed Stonechat ◊  Saxicola leucurus  One at Kamargaon.
Siberian Stonechat  Saxicola maurus  Three at Kamargaon [maurus].
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker  Dicaeum trigonostigma  A few at Karamjal boardwalk. Good looking bird!
Pale-billed Flowerpecker  Dicaeum erythrorhynchos  Sighted at Satchari and Kamargaon.
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker  Dicaeum cruentatum  Widespread in small numbers [cruentatum].
Little Spiderhunter  Arachnothera longirostra  A few at Satchari NP [longirostra].
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird  Chalcoparia singalensis  Two at Satchari NP [assamensis].
Purple-rumped Sunbird  Leptocoma zeylonica  Noted at Satchari and then again at Karamjal and Halia.
Van Hasselt’s Sunbird  Leptocoma brasiliana  Great scope views of a singing male at Satchari. What a bird! [brasiliana]
Crimson Sunbird  Aethopyga siparaja  Widespread in small numbers [labecula].
Purple Sunbird  Cinnyris asiaticus  Small numbers seen daily in the Sundarbans [intermedius].
Golden-fronted Leafbird  Chloropsis aurifrons  Noted on five days with amazing close-up views in Satchari [aurifrons].
Asian Fairy-bluebird  Irena puella  Heard only. A few were heard in Satchari [puella].
Baya Weaver  Ploceus philippinus  15 at Kamargaon [burmanicus].
Scaly-breasted Munia  Lonchura punctulata  Noted on two days [subundulata].
White-rumped Munia  Lonchura striata  One at Karamjal and another at the Halia village [acuticauda].
Chestnut Munia  Lonchura atricapilla  A flock of 40 at Kamargaon.
House Sparrow  Passer domesticus  Rather common around villages/towns [indicus].
Forest Wagtail ◊  Dendronanthus indicus  Two at Karamjal.
Citrine Wagtail  Motacilla citreola  Small numbers at Baikka Beel and Kamargaon [citreola].
Eastern Yellow Wagtail  Motacilla tschutschensis  Small numbers at Baikka Beel and Kamargaon
White Wagtail (Himalayan W)  Motacilla [alba] alboides  One at Karamjal and another at Halia village
White-browed Wagtail  Motacilla maderaspatensis  A few sightings.
Richard’s Pipit  Anthus richardi  Small numbers at Baikka Beel and Kamargaon.
Paddyfield Pipit  Anthus rufulus  Two at Kamargaon and one in Halia [rufulus].
Rosy Pipit  Anthus roseus  Five at Baikka Beel.
Common Rosefinch  Carpodacus roseus  Non-leader bird at the Halia village.

MAMMALS
Jungle Cat  Felis chaus  Good views at Kamargaon.
Mainland Leopard Cat  Prionailurus bengalensis  Two sightings in the Sundarbans.
Small Indian Mongoose  Urva auropunctata  One near the Halia village.
Golden Jackal (Common J)  Canis aureus  Five with some good views at Kamargaon.
Asian Small-clawed Otter ◊  Lutra cinerea  Several sightings in the Sundarbans.
Eurasian Wild Pig  Sus scrofa  Several sightings in the Sundarbans.
Chital  Axis axis  Common in the Sundarbans.
Northern Red Muntjac  Muntiacus vaginalis  Seen and heard in Katchari NP.
Ganges River Dolphin  Platanista gangetica  Twenty on the cruise from Khulna to Kalabogi on our first evening, but only a scattered few after that.
Irrawaddy Dolphin  Orcaella brevirostris  Non-leader. Jesper had two on our last day in the Sundarbans.
Assamese Macaque  Macaca assamensis  One in Katchari.
Rhesus Macaque  Macaca mulatta  Widespread, noted almost daily.
Capped Langur  Trachypithecus pileatus  Small numbers in Katchari.
Western Hoolock Gibbon  Hoolock hoolock  Small numbers in Katchari.
Irrawaddy Squirrel  Callosciurus pygerythrus  Small numbers in Katchari.
Black Rat  Rattus rattus  A few in our vessel!
Greater Bandicoot Rat  Bandicota indica  Noted on all our ‘night drives’ in the Sundarbans.

REPTILES
Asian Monitor  Varanus salvator  Two sightings.
Saltwater Crocodile  Crocodylus porosus  Two sightings.