BHUTAN TOUR REPORT 2023

19 April - 7 May 2023

by Craig Robson

The first Birdquest tour to Bhutan for 6 years saw us immersed in the fantastically diverse avifauna of the eastern Himalayas. With over 400 species of birds recorded by us during this wonderful journey, there were some superb highlights: Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Black-tailed Crake, Ibisbills with young, Tibetan Sand Plover, Solitary Snipe, five sightings of the magnificent White-bellied Heron, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Himalayan Owl, the lovely Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Black-headed Shrike-Babbler, Collared Treepie, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, 7 species of parrotbill, Rufous-throated, Bar-winged and Long-billed Wren-Babblers, Himalayan Cutia, 15 species of laughingthrush, Spotted Elachura, Beautiful Nuthatch, 3 treecreepers, 4 bush robins, 4 forktails, Altai Accentor, 3 species of grosbeak, 9 rosefinches, and Tibetan Serin. Our mammal list was not huge, but included Himalayan Goral, and Nepal Grey, Gee’s and Capped Langurs. 50 species of butterflies were noted, and there were many beautiful plants. The scenery was stunning throughout!

The tour got underway at out hotel in Delhi, where we did a little introductory birding before dinner. We were on our way very early the following morning, to catch a dawn flight to Paro, close to Bhutan’s capital Thimpu. We met our local guide Tandin Gyeltshen, and trusty driver Lambu Tshering, made ourselves at home on our comfortable bus, and set off on our journey into the Himalayan wilderness.

Dochu La, the first of many mountain passes, was our first port of call, for lunch. Several species of laughingthrush entertained us next to the restaurant, with White-throated, Black-faced, and a couple of stunning Spotted’s the highlight. Downhill at the Botanical Gardens we enjoyed Speckled Wood Pigeon and the local plain-headed form of Eurasian Jay. We continued on to our comfortable and well-poised hotel at Punakha.

The following day saw us focusing our efforts on a search for the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron. We scanned stretches of river to the north-east and north-west of the impressive Punakha Dzong, and south to its favourite haunts closer to Wangdue Dzong, but there was no sign. On our last morning, we were saddened to see two selfish and thoughtless photographers walking all over some of the best habitat, disturbing many breeding birds. Despite the lack of large statuesque herons, we enjoyed a good taste of the avifauna of the area, with the likes of Kalij Pheasant, Grey Nightjar, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, a pair of Ibisbills with three fluffy chicks, breeding River Lapwings, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Crested Kingfisher, Slender-billed Oriole, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, and Crested Bunting. A male Mandarin Duck, pairs of Red-crested Pochard and Great Crested Grebe, and Citrine Wagtails were a surprise, as were singles of Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Wood Sandpiper, and Pallas’s Gull.

We continued eastwards, taking a well-deserved lunch at Nobding, having just completed a fruitful late morning’s birding nearby, with a stunning pair of Ward’s Trogons, and our first Yellow-rumped Honeyguides and Himalayan Cutias. Next came lofty Pele La, where a short walk produced a nice selection of birds including Himalayan Griffon, Spotted Nutcracker, Red-billed Chough, Rufous-vented and Grey-crested Tits, Ashy-throated, Buff-barred, Lemon-rumped, Blyth’s Leaf and Whistler’s Warblers, White-browed Fulvetta, Stripe-throated and Rufous-vented Yuhinas, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, White-collared Blackbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, and several female Dark-breasted Rosefinches. Our first vividly-endowed Fire-tailed Myzornis made an all too brief appearance.

We reached our attractive hotel in the Phobjikha Valley in time to explore some marshy areas but turned up little ahead of a looming thunderstorm. A single Eurasian Hobby was noteworthy. There was nothing to show for our efforts early the following morning either, or we headed back up to the Pele La. Using the bus as a hide, we had fantastic views of several imperious Himalayan Monals, and added Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, ‘Himalayan’ Coal Tit, Large-billed Leaf Warbler, Grey-sided Bush Warbler, Rufous-fronted Bushtit, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, a female Hodgson’s Redstart, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Rosy and Olive-backed Pipits, Crimson-browed Finch, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch and an unexpected noisy flock of Tibetan Serins.
Before lunch in Trongsa, with its beautiful Dzong, we stopped to admire a large breeding colony of Nepal House Martins. The road climbed again after Trongsa, this time to the Yutong La. Highlights during an hour-long birding stop here included Rufous Sibia, Hoary-throated Barwing, Red-tailed Minla, and stunning Mrs Gould’s Sunbirds. Mid to late afternoon saw us checking bushes and a stream at Gaytsa, where we saw our first Black-rumped Magpies, and then flushed our only Solitary Snipe of the tour. A single Eurasian Coot, a tour write-in, was totally unexpected. The well-appointed Rinchenling Lodge near Jakar was our home for the night, complete with a calling Himalayan Wood Owl (which would have to wait) and White-collared Blackbirds in the garden.

Early the following morning, in a well-known bamboo-grove, three hefty Brown Parrotbills entertained us, as did a showy pair of Black-tailed Crakes on a nearby creak. Continuing onwards towards Ura, a pair of Himalayan Monals caught our attention, as did our first White-winged Grosbeaks, ‘Himalayan’ Common Crossbills, and Red-headed Bullfinches. Quality stuff – but only to be quickly upstaged by a superb male Satyr Tragopan poised amongst mauve-pink Drumstick Primroses right by the roadside. Just before Ura itself, a couple of flocks of Plain Mountain Finches swirled, and in the scrub and bushy vegetation around the settlement itself, we had nice views of Himalayan Beautiful and ‘Himalayan’ Common Rosefinches, and Rufous-breasted Accentor. Winding our way ever upwards, we arrived at the heady Thrumsing La, one of the two highest passes of the tour. We met our camp crew for the first time, as they served us a rather breezy and chilly lunch. Quickly walking through the pass and then moving somewhat lower in altitude, we warmed-up a bit, and started adding more great birds to our growing total. Blood Pheasant was seen briefly by some of us, while much better views of another Fire-tailed Myzornis were welcomed by all, along with our first sightings of the incredible Fire-tailed Sunbird. Some areas of bamboo under coniferous forest produced some responsive Great Parrotbills, but a Fulvous Parrotbill that came close, failed to reveal itself. Winding downhill we eventually arrived at Sengor and our first camp at the beginning of the Lingmethang Road.

A return to Thrumsing La was the option that we chose early the next day and, just over the top of the pass, we found what we were looking for, in the shape of a very tame pair of stunning Blood Pheasants. Retracing our steps a bit, we found one or two more wonderful Fire-tailed Myzornis, and lower still, an amazingly obliging Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Hume’s Bush Warbler, a fantastic pair of Slender-billed Scimitar Babblers, several Hodgson’s Treecreepers, a trio of bush robins, with a male of the scarce Rufous-breasted tagging along with Golden and Himalayan Bluetail, as well as our first Blue-fronted Redstart. Collared Grosbeaks were vocal but only seen well by one or two of us. A female Dark-rumped Rosefinch showed quite well, before an unexpected pair of rare Blanford’s Rosefinches appeared. After lunch back at camp we ventured lower along the Lingmethang Road. We found quite a different selection of birds this side of camp, with Short-billed Minivet, Green Shrike-Babbler, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Yellow-browed Tit, and Rufous-bellied Niltava amongst other species. At dusk, we enjoyed excellent looks at Himalayan Owl.

Breaking camp the following day we, we worked our way down to Yongkola. At the upper end of our route we tempted out a wonderful Bar-winged Wren-Babbler, and Himalayan Shortwing, and a male Crimson-browed Finch was welcome. A beautiful waterfall hosted Brown Dipper and Little Forktail, while lower still, at ‘tea break’, there was Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, a vocal Black-headed Shrike-Babbler, our first Striated Bulbul, Yellow-cheeked Tit, a pair of smart Scaly Laughingthrushes, White-tailed Nuthatch, and some of us managed to see the Orange-eared Parrotbill (a potential split from Black-throated). Not far from Yongkola Camp, our final birding session produced Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Grey-cheeked Warbler, White-naped Yuhina, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, and Black-throated Sunbird.

During our two days based at Yongkola, we explored various elevations and habitats. The best bird highlights included Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Speckled and White-browed Piculets within 100m of each other, Himalayan Bulbul, the much-wanted Beautiful Nuthatch, Yellow-vented Leaf and Black-faced Warblers, great views of both Rufous-throated and Long-billed Wren-Babblers, Nepal Fulvetta, Black-chinned Yuhina, Rufous-necked, Rufous-chinned, and the more slippery Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Spotted Forktail, and Spot-winged Grosbeak. As far as mammals were concerned, troupes of restricted-range Capped Langurs were much appreciated, and we enjoyed watching a huge Black Giant Squirrel coming down to carry away its stranded youngster.

A long day’s drive (by Bhutan standards) took us back to Bumthang, where our cravings for comfort were briefly satisfied. We picked up a couple of good new birds along the way, with White-spectacled Warbler and the lovely Golden-breasted Fulvetta. We also had our best views yet of a pair of Blood Pheasants.

A couple of hours birding back at the Yutong La the next morning was quite slow and hampered by poor weather. Craig found some Fulvous Parrotbills in a bamboo dip, but they were keen to get away. Another stop at some honeycombs produced three Yellow-rumped Honeyguides. After an early lunch in Trongsa, we enjoyed great views of a displaying pair of near-endemic Bhutan Laughingthrushes, before branching-off south along a narrow road towards Tingtibi. Soon afterwards we found our first troupes of beautiful Gee’s Golden Langurs, perhaps Bhutan’s most famous mammal. There were few other avian highlights as we completed another long drive to our newly situated camp beyond Tingtibi, but they included our first sighting of the now vocally familiar Collared Owlet, and more Kalij Pheasants.

We awoke refreshed, before what was to be one of our best birding days of the tour, in the Tingtibi area. As soon as we hopped off the bus at the bottom of the hill, there was a sultry Pin-tailed Green Pigeon in full view, and then almost immediately, two Pale-billed Parrotbills on a thin bamboo stem, followed quickly by great views of both White-hooded Babbler and White-breasted Parrotbill – a real bamboo-fest. Around the corner the bamboo-lovers continued, with Pale-headed Woodpecker and Rufous-faced and Yellow-bellied Warblers. The biggest surprise, however, was when Tandin calmly mentioned that there was a White-bellied Heron down on the river! We enjoyed scope views before it slipped out of site. Not to worry though as we were to have two more sightings of a presumed different individual in the afternoon. Either side of a picnic-lunch by the river near town, we also added Rufous-bellied Eagle, a superb Great Hornbill, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, White-throated and Ashy Bulbuls, and White-browed Scimitar Babbler etc.

We broke camp again and spent the day casually driving and birding to our next destination at Batasey, crossing the relatively low and well forested Tama La in the process. We encountered yet another distinct set of birds. A calling Grey Peacock-Pheasant and a couple of Red-headed Trogons evaporated, before our luck improved with Blyth’s Shrike-Babbler, Black-throated Bushtit, Sikkim Treecreeper, a well appreciated Spotted Elachura, Coral-billed (or Black-crowned) and Streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, Himalayan Cutia, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, singing Grey-winged Blackbirds, White-tailed Robin, Large and Small Niltavas, and several Scarlet Finches.

During a day based at Batasey Camp, we dodged thunderstorms and explored downhill towards Gelephu. Our diminishing crop of new birds was highlighted by a reactive Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo, a pair of wonderful Long-tailed Broadbills at their nest, the rare Collared Treepie, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Red-faced Liocichla, and our best views of the sneaky Blue-winged Laughingthrush.

The next day we headed downhill again, this time into the ‘Indian’ plains around the border town of Gelephu, where we had lunch before following the Indian border west to Sarpang, and then ascending the front-ranges once more to our final camp of the tour on Darachu Pass at 1950m asl. This was a full-on day with everyone keen to bag as many lowland species as possible, and we ended-up with a staggering 49 additions to the tour total! The many highlights included Indian Peafowl, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Green Imperial Pigeon, Jerdon’s Baza, Oriental Pied and Wreathed Hornbills, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Indochinese Roller, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Black-hooded Oriole, Rufous Treepie, Jungle Babbler, many Common Hill Mynas, Indian Pied Starling, a totally unexpected pair of Black-backed Forktails, Asian Fairy-bluebird and Crimson and Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds. Black Francolin and an unexpected Blue-naped Pitta were both only heard, the latter tantalizingly close.
There were limited birding opportunities during the drive up to our lovely hotel in a side-valley at Wangdue Phrodang. Nesting Barn and Red-rumped Swallows, and some fine architecture entertained us briefly in Damphu, while the best lowland forest that we passed produced good views of Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch – the latter an unexpected tour write-in. After lunch we said our goodbyes to the camp-crew and before long we had gone full circle on the tour and were scanning the river again at Bajo, Wangdue. Yet another White-bellied Heron was spotted at the river confluence by Wangdue Dzong, and we enjoyed scope views from the roadside. At Bajo, Bar-headed Goose, Common and Ruddy Shelducks, Garganey, Eurasian Teal, a feasting Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Temminck’s and Little Stints, and a ‘Tibetan’ Common Tern added some variety before we called it a day.

Early the next morning at Bajo, we had our fifth and final sighting of White-bellied Heron (likely the bird seen on the previous day), but there was little else to add. We continued up to the Botanical Gardens at Dochu La. Superb views of a male Hill Partridge was the highlight there, although a pair of Lesser Cuckoos, several smart Ultramarine Flycatchers and a dazzling male Scarlet Finch were also nice. Nearby, Russet Bush Warbler finally gave itself up for excellent views, and a group of Spot-winged Grosbeaks made a brief pass. Lunch was downed at the pass restaurant once more, before we continued our journey to Paro. Briefly calling-in at the windswept and eye-and nose- opening Thimpu Sewage Lagoons, we found a nice breeding-plumaged Tibetan Sand Plover (recently split from Lesser). In Paro, we found another pair of Ibisbills with a chick, and we finished-off the day with Indian Blue Robin and views of the famed Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Our last birding day was spent at Chele La, a 3,800m pass along the small windy road to Haa. Early morning brought no fewer than five pairs of Blood Pheasants by the roadside, and we also spotted several Himalayan Monals and 11 Kalij Pheasants. Chilled and with eyes streaming at the pass, we stumbled on a flock of eagerly foraging Altai Accentors, accompanied by two Plain Mountain Finches, and other morning highlights included White-browed Bush Robin, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, and good views of both Dark-rumped and Himalayan White-browed Rosefinches. The afternoon bombed somewhat, and we retired quite early to our hotel for some well-deserved R & R.

Before we knew it, the tour was over and we were heading home, but what a great adventure it had been!

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORE

BIRDS

Lesser Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna javanica   At least 90 at Gelephu Sewage Ponds.

Bar-headed Goose  Anser indicus   Two or three on the river at Bajo, Wangdue.

Common Shelduck  Tadorna tadorna   A single bird at Wangdue.

Ruddy Shelduck  Tadorna ferruginea

Mandarin Duck  Aix galericulata   A fine male along the Puna Tsang Chu, Punakha. Tour write-in.

Garganey  Spatula querquedula   A single female at Wangdue. Tour write-in.

Northern Shoveler  Spatula clypeata   Maximum of three females at Wangdue. Tour write-in.

Gadwall  Mareca strepera

Eurasian Wigeon  Anas penelope

Northern Pintail  Anas acuta   Three females at Wangdue. Tour write-in.

Eurasian Teal  Anas crecca   A pair at Wangdue. Tour write-in.

Red-crested Pochard  Netta rufina   A pair at Wangdue. Tour write-in.

Tufted Duck  Aythya fuligula

Common Merganser  Mergus merganser

Hill Partridge  Arborophila torqueola   Superb views of a male at Dochu La Botanical gardens. Commonly heard.

Chestnut-breasted Partridge  Arborophila mandellii  Heard-only.

Rufous-throated Partridge  Arborophila rufogularis  Heard-only.

Blood Pheasant  Ithaginis cruentus   A total of 16 seen, with some fantastic views.

Satyr Tragopan  Tragopan satyra   Single male and female seen.

Himalayan Monal  Lophophorus impejanus   Eight seen, with some fine males.

Kalij Pheasant  Lophura leucomelanos   At least 21 seen; melanota (west) and lathami (east).

Indian Peafowl  Pavo cristatus   A couple at Gelephu.

Grey Peacock-Pheasant  Polyplectron bicalcaratum   Heard-only.

Red Junglefowl  Gallus gallus 

Black Francolin  Francolinus francolinus   Heard-only. Gelephu Sewage Ponds.

Grey Nightjar  Caprimulgus jotaka   Seen well at our hotel at Punakha. Heard elsewhere.

Himalayan Swiftlet  Aerodramus brevirostris

White-throated Needletail  Hirundapus caudacutus

Asian Palm Swift  Cypsiurus balasiensis

Blyth’s Swift  Apus leuconyx   Regularly seen in Bhutan, where it breeds.

House Swift  Apus nipalensis

Lesser Coucal  Centropus bengalensis

Green-billed Malkoha  Phaenicophaeus tristis  

Chestnut-winged Cuckoo  Clamator coromandus   Several scattered sightings of this superb bird.

Asian Koel  Eudynamys scolopaceus

Asian Emerald Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx maculatus

Banded Bay Cuckoo  Cacomantis sonneratii  

Plaintive Cuckoo  Cacomantis merulinus   Heard-only.

Grey-bellied Cuckoo  Cacomantis passerinus   Seen well near Punakha and heard at Gelephu.

Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo  Surniculus lugubris

Large Hawk-Cuckoo  Hierococcyx sparverioides   

Hodgson’s Hawk-Cuckoo  Hierococcyx nisicolor   A good look at one below Batasey Camp.

Lesser Cuckoo  Cuculus poliocephalus   A pair seen at Dochu La Botanical Gardens. A few heard.

Indian Cuckoo  Cuculus micropterus   Heard-only.

Himalayan Cuckoo  Cuculus saturatus

Common Cuckoo  Cuculus canorus

Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon)  Columba livia   Birds at the hotel in Delhi were wild Rock Doves.

Speckled Wood Pigeon  Columba hodgsonii

Oriental Turtle Dove  Streptopelia orientalis

Spotted Dove  Spilopelia chinensis

Laughing Dove  Spilopelia senegalensis   One in the hotel garden in Delhi.

Barred Cuckoo-Dove  Macropygia unchall

Common Emerald Dove  Chalcophaps indica   

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon  Treron phoenicopterus   In the hotel garden in Delhi.

Pin-tailed Green Pigeon  Treron apicauda   Nice perched views near Tingtibi.

Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon  Treron sphenurus

Green Imperial Pigeon  Ducula aenea   Several at Gelephu.

Mountain Imperial Pigeon  Ducula badia   

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Coot  Fulica atra   One at Gaytsa, and four at Thimpu Sewage Lagoons. Tour Write-in.

Black-tailed Crake  Zapornia bicolor   Great views of a pair at Jakar.

White-breasted Waterhen  Amaurornis phoenicurus

Great Crested Grebe  Podiceps cristatus   Two on the river at Bajo, Wangdue.

Ibisbill  Ibidorhyncha struthersii   Two pairs seen with chicks (3 and 1).

Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus himantopus   One at Wangdue. A tour write-in.

River Lapwing  Vanellus duvaucelii   Still common in places, with chicks noted near Punakha.

Red-wattled Lapwing  Vanellus indicus

Little Ringed Plover  Charadrius dubius   Good numbers at Wangdue, where it breeds.

Kentish Plover  Charadrius alexandrinus   One at Wangdue.

Tibetan Sand Plover  Charadrius atrifrons  One in breeding plumage at Thimpu Sewage Lagoons. A recent split.

Temminck’s Stint  Calidris temminckii   Two at Wangdue. A tour write-in.

Little Stint  Calidris minuta   Three or four at Wangdue.

Solitary Snipe  Gallinago solitaria   A single bird at Gaytsa.

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos

Green Sandpiper  Tringa ochropus

Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola   One at Bajo, Wangdue.

Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia

Pallas’s Gull  Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus  One at Wangdue.  A tour write-in.

Common Tern  Sterna hirundo  One tibetana (Tibetan C T) at Wangdue. Another tour write-in.

Little Cormorant  Microcarbo niger   At least 11 occupied nests in a rookery at Gelephu. Another 3 birds at Sarpang.

Red-naped Ibis  Pseudibis papillosa   Non-leader. One flew over the hotel garden in Delhi.

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax   Heard-only. Several heard at night  >2000m asl. Tour write-in.

Striated Heron  Butorides striata   One on the river north of Gelephu.

Indian Pond Heron  Ardeola grayii

Eastern Cattle Egret  Bubulcus coromandus   A rookery at Gelephu contained many occupied nests.

White-bellied Heron  Ardea insignis   Five separate sightings, involving 3-4 individuals. Tingtibi and Wangdue.

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus   One at Wangdue.

Crested Honey Buzzard  Pernis ptilorhynchus

Jerdon’s Baza  Aviceda leuphotes   One at Gelephu was a tour write-in.

Himalayan Vulture  Gyps himalayensis   A total of 33 were logged.

Crested Serpent Eagle  Spilornis cheela

Mountain Hawk-Eagle  Nisaetus nipalensis

Rufous-bellied Eagle  Lophotriorchis kienerii

Black Eagle  Ictinaetus malaiensis

Shikra  Accipiter badius  

Besra  Accipiter virgatus 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk  Accipiter nisus

Black Kite  Milvus [migrans] govinda

Pallas’s Fish Eagle  Haliaeetus leucoryphus   An adult was seen well at Bajo, Wangdue.

Himalayan Buzzard  Buteo burmanicus

Collared Owlet  Glaucidium brodiei   Two seen well and many heard.

Asian Barred Owlet  Glaucidium cuculoides

Mountain Scops Owl  Otus spilocephalus   Heard-only.

Brown Wood Owl  Strix leptogrammica   Heard-only. A tour write-in at Yongkola.

Himalayan Owl  Strix nivicolum   Great views of one of a pair at Sengor. Heard elsewhere.

Red-headed Trogon  Harpactes erythrocephalus

Ward’s Trogon  Harpactes wardi   A pair seen well at Nobding. Awesome.

Eurasian Hoopoe  Upupa epops   

Great Hornbill  Buceros bicornis   Several seen well; Tingtibi to Gelephu.

Oriental Pied Hornbill  Anthracoceros albirostris

Indian Grey Hornbill  Ocyceros birostris   One in the hotel garden in Delhi.

Rufous-necked Hornbill  Aceros nipalensis   Not uncommon at the right altitude, with ten seen.

Wreathed Hornbill  Rhyticeros undulatus   One at Gelephu.

Indochinese Roller  Coracias affinis   Several at Gelephu.

White-throated Kingfisher  Halcyon smyrnensis

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis

Crested Kingfisher  Megaceryle lugubris

Blue-bearded Bee-eater  Nyctyornis athertoni

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater  Merops leschenaulti

Great Barbet  Psilopogon virens

Brown-headed Barbet  Psilopogon zeylanicus  One in the hotel garden in Delhi.

Lineated Barbet  Psilopogon lineatus

Golden-throated Barbet  Psilopogon franklinii

Blue-throated Barbet  Psilopogon asiaticus

Blue-eared Barbet  Psilopogon duvaucelii

Coppersmith Barbet  Psilopogon haemacephalus   One at the hotel in Delhi.

Yellow-rumped Honeyguide  Indicator xanthonotus   Five seen in all, attending honeycombs, with some scoped.

Speckled Piculet  Picumnus innominatus

White-browed Piculet  Sasia ochracea

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker  Yungipicus canicapillus

Crimson-breasted Woodpecker  Dryobates cathpharius

Rufous-bellied Woodpecker  Dendrocopos hyperythrus

Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker  Dendrocopos macei

Darjeeling Woodpecker  Dendrocopos darjellensis

Greater Yellownape  Chrysophlegma flavinucha

Lesser Yellownape  Picus chlorolophus

Grey-headed Woodpecker  Picus canus

Pale-headed Woodpecker  Gecinulus grantia   Heard near Lingmethang and Tingtibi; seen briefly at the latter.

Bay Woodpecker  Blythipicus pyrrhotis

Rufous Woodpecker  Micropternus brachyurus   Heard-only.

Common Kestrel  Falco tinnunculus

Eurasian Hobby  Falco subbuteo   One at dusk in the Phobjikha Valley, where it is known to breed.

Red-breasted Parakeet  Psittacula alexandri

Rose-ringed Parakeet  Psittacula krameri

Long-tailed Broadbill  Psarisomus dalhousiae   A lovely pair at a nest below Batasey Camp.

Blue-naped Pitta  Hydrornis nipalensis   Heard-only. We were very close to seeing one near Gelephu. Another heard.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike  Hemipus picatus

Ashy Woodswallow  Artamus fuscus

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

Grey-chinned Minivet  Pericrocotus solaris

Short-billed Minivet  Pericrocotus brevirostris

Long-tailed Minivet  Pericrocotus ethologus

Scarlet Minivet  Pericrocotus speciosus

Large Cuckooshrike  Coracina macei

Black-winged  Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos

Brown Shrike  Lanius cristatus

Long-tailed Shrike  Lanius schach

Grey-backed Shrike  Lanius tephronotus

Green Shrike-Babbler  Pteruthius xanthochlorus

Black-eared Shrike-Babbler  Pteruthius melanotis

Black-headed Shrike-Babbler  Pteruthius rufiventer   A single male along the Lingmethang Road.

Blyth’s Shrike-babbler  Pteruthius aeralatus   

White-bellied Erpornis  Erpornis zantholeuca

Maroon Oriole  Oriolus traillii

Black-hooded Oriole  Oriolus xanthornus

Slender-billed Oriole  Oriolus tenuirostris

Bronzed Drongo  Dicrurus aeneus

Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo  Dicrurus remifer

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo  Dicrurus paradiseus

Hair-crested Drongo  Dicrurus hottentottus

Ashy Drongo  Dicrurus leucophaeus

White-throated Fantail  Rhipidura albicollis

Black-naped Monarch  Hypothymis azurea

Eurasian Jay  Garrulus glandarius   A few distinctive interstinctus noted, particularly at Dochu La Botanical Gardens.

Yellow-billed Blue Magpie  Urocissa flavirostris

Common Green Magpie  Cissa chinensis

Rufous Treepie  Dendrocitta vagabunda

Grey Treepie  Dendrocitta formosae

Collared Treepie  Dendrocitta frontalis   One seen well below Batasey Camp.

Black-rumped Magpie  Pica bottanensis   Common in some of the remote valleys.

Spotted Nutcracker  Nucifraga caryocatactes

Red-billed Chough  Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

House Crow  Corvus splendens

Large-billed Crow  Corvus macrorhynchos

Yellow-bellied Fantail  Chelidorhynx hypoxanthus

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher  Culicicapa ceylonensis

Yellow-browed Tit  Sylviparus modestus

Sultan Tit  Melanochlora sultanea

Rufous-vented Tit  Periparus rubidiventris

Coal Tit  Periparus ater

Grey Crested Tit   Lophophanes dichrous

Cinereous Tit  Parus cinereus

Green-backed Tit  Parus monticolus

Yellow-cheeked Tit   Machlolophus spilonotus

Oriental Skylark  Alauda gulgula

White-throated Bulbul  Alophoixus flaveolus

Striated Bulbul  Alcurus striatus

Ashy Bulbul  Hemixos flavala

Mountain Bulbul  Ixos mcclellandii

Black Bulbul  Hypsipetes leucocephalus

Black-crested Bulbul  Rubigula flaviventris

Red-whiskered Bulbul  Pycnonotus jocosus

Red-vented Bulbul  Pycnonotus cafer

Himalayan Bulbul  Pycnonotus leucogenys   Just a few, at Lingmethang.

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica   Noted breeding at Damphu.

Nepal House Martin  Delichon nipalense   We enjoyed a large active colony near Trongsa.

Red-rumped Swallow  Cecropis daurica   Noted breeding at Damphu.

Scaly-breasted Wren-babbler  Pnoepyga albiventer   One seen incredibly well at Thrumsing La.

Pygmy Wren-babbler  Pnoepyga pusilla   Heard-only.

Yellow-bellied Warbler  Abroscopus superciliaris

Rufous-faced Warbler  Abroscopus albogularis

Black-faced Warbler  Abroscopus schisticeps   A few in bamboo near Tingtibi.

Mountain Tailorbird  Phyllergates cuculatus

Brown-flanked Bush Warbler Horornis fortipes   Heard-only.

Hume’s Bush Warbler  Horornis brunnescens

Grey-bellied Tesia  Tesia cyaniventer

Slaty-bellied Tesia  Tesia olivea

Grey-sided Bush Warbler  Cettia brunnifrons

Chestnut-headed Tesia  Cettia castaneocoronata

Black-throated Bushtit  Aegithalos concinnus

Rufous-fronted Bushtit  Aegithalos iouschistos

Buff-barred Warbler  Phylloscopus pulcher

Ashy-throated Warbler  Phylloscopus maculipennis

Lemon-rumped Warbler  Phylloscopus chloronotus

Tickell’s Leaf Warbler  Phylloscopus affinis

Dusky Warbler  Phylloscopus fuscatus   A single bird at Gelephu Sewage Ponds.

White-spectacled Warbler  Phylloscopus affinis   Finally tracked-down in bamboo below Thrumsing La.

Grey-cheeked Warbler  Phylloscopus poliogenys

Green-crowned Warbler  Phylloscopus burkii   Just a couple of sightings.

Whistler’s Warbler  Phylloscopus whistleri   Common and reaching the highest forests.

Greenish Warbler  Phylloscopus trochiloides   Several ssp. trochiloides seen well.

Large-billed Leaf Warbler  Phylloscopus magnirostris

Chestnut-crowned Warbler  Seicercus castaniceps

Yellow-vented Warbler  Phylloscopus cantator   A common species in Bhutan, at the right altitude.

Blyth’s Leaf Warbler  Phylloscopus reguloides   One of the commonest and most frequently recorded species.

Grey-hooded Warbler  Phylloscopus xanthoschistos

Blyth’s Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus dumetorum   A single migrant at Trongsa. A tour write-in.

Russet Bush Warbler  Locustella mandelli   Two seen, one particularly well, near Dochu La.

Himalayan Prinia  Prinia crinigera

Black-throated Prinia  Prinia atrogularis

Rufescent Prinia  Prinia rufescens

Common Tailorbird  Orthotomus sutorius

Fire-tailed Myzornis  Myzornis pyrrhoura   1 at Pele La & 3 at Thrumsing La. Some good looks at ‘the special one’.

Golden-breasted Fulvetta  Lioparus chrysotis   A couple of pairs of this cracker below Thrumsing La.

White-browed Fulvetta  Fulvetta vinipectus

Great Parrotbill  Conostoma aemodium  A lively threesome in bamboo below Thrumsing La.

Brown Parrotbill  Cholornis unicolor   At least three at Jakar. Nice performance.

Grey-headed Parrotbill  Psittiparus gularis   An all too brief sighting of two below Batasey Camp.

White-breasted Parrotbill  Psittiparus ruficeps   Also showed brilliantly near Tingtibi (three birds).

Fulvous Parrotbill  Suthora fulvifrons   Heard near Thrumsing La, and heard and seen (by Craig) at Yutong La.

Black-throated Parrotbill [Orange-eared P] S. [nipalensis] humii  Near-endemic. Seen by a couple of us.

Pale-billed Parrotbill  Chleuasicus atrosuperciliaris  Fantastic views of two near Tingtibi.

Striated Yuhina  Staphida castaniceps

Black-chinned Yuhina  Yuhina nigrimenta

Whiskered Yuhina  Yuhina flavicollis

White-naped Yuhina  Yuhina bakeri

Stripe-throated Yuhina  Yuhina gularis

Rufous-vented Yuhina  Yuhina occipitalis

Indian White-eye  Zosterops palpebrosus

Pin-striped Tit-Babbler  Mixornis gularis

Golden Babbler  Cyanoderma chrysaeum

Rufous-capped Babbler  Cyanoderma ruficeps

Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler  Spelaeornis caudatus   One seen nicely along the Lingmethang Rd. Others heard.

Bar-winged Wren-Babbler  Spelaeornis troglodytoides  One seen well along the Lingmethang Road (sherriffi).

Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler (Black-crowned S B)  Pomatorhinus ferruginosus   Gave itself up near Batasey.

Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler  Pomatorhinus superciliaris   Eventually showed well near Thrumsing La.

Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler  Pomatorhinus ruficollis

White-browed Scimitar Babbler  Pomatorhinus schisticeps

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler  Pomatorhinus erythrogenys

Grey-throated Babbler  Stachyris nigriceps

White-hooded Babbler  Gampsorhynchus rufulus   Several in bamboo near Tingtibi.

Yellow-throated Fulvetta  Schoeniparus cinereus

Rufous-winged Fulvetta  Schoeniparus castaneceps

Puff-throated Babbler  Pellorneum ruficeps

Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler  Napothera epilepidota   Heard-only. Below Batasey Camp.

Long-billed Wren-Babbler  Napothera malacoptila   A great look at this mini-kiwi near Yongkola.

Nepal Fulvetta  Alcippe nipalensis

Striated Laughingthrush  Grammatoptila striata

Himalayan Cutia  Cutia nipalensis

Scaly Laughingthrush  Trochalopteron subunicolor   A pair along the Lingmethang Road.

Blue-winged Laughingthrush  Trochalopteron squamatum   Eventually showed quite well below Batasey Camp.

Bhutan Laughingthrush  Trochalopteron imbricatum   Near-endemic. A superb pair at Trongsa.

Black-faced Laughingthrush  Trochalopteron affine

Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush  Trochalopteron erythrocephalum

Rufous Sibia  Heterophasia capistrata

Hoary-throated Barwing  Actinodura nipalensis

Blue-winged Minla  Actinodura cyanouroptera

Bar-throated Minla  Actinodura strigula

Rusty-fronted Barwing  Actinodura egertoni

Red-billed Leiothrix  Leiothrix lutea

Silver-eared Mesia  Leiothrix argentauris

Red-tailed Minla  Minla ignotincta

Red-faced Liocichla  (Crimson-f L)  Liocichla phoenicea   Seen well below Batasey Camp.

Jungle Babbler  Argya striata

Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush  Garrulax monileger

White-crested Laughingthrush  Garrulax leucolophus

Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush  Ianthocincla rufogularis   One popped up, rather too briefly, near Lingmethang.

Spotted Laughingthrush  Ianthocincla ocellata   Best views of this stunner were at Dochu La.

Rufous-necked Laughingthrush  Pterorhinus ruficollis

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush  Pterorhinus pectoralis   Four birds below Damphu were a bonus.

White-throated Laughingthrush  Pterorhinus albogularis

Grey-sided Laughingthrush  Pterorhinus caerulatus

Asian Fairy-bluebird  Irena puella   Just a noisy female at Gelephu.

Goldcrest  Regulus regulus   Nice views of a couple of ‘Asian’ Goldcrests at Chele La (sikkimensis).

Spotted Elachura  Elachura formosa   Excellent views below Batasey Camp.

Eurasian Wren  Troglodytes troglodytes   Great views of a dark nipalensis at Chele La. One of a pair.

Beautiful Nuthatch  Sitta formosa   A very responsive individual showed well near Lingmethang.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis   One below Damphu was a surprising tour write-in.

White-tailed Nuthatch  Sitta himalayensis

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch  Sitta cinnamoventris

Hodgson’s Treecreeper  Certhia hodgsoni   Good views of a few at the highest forest levels.

Rusty-flanked Treecreeper  Certhia nipalensis   Several at higher levels

Sikkim Treecreeper  Certhia discolor   Seen a couple of times in the Tama La area.

Common Hill Myna  Gracula religiosa   Found in very good numbers near Gelephu.

Great Myna  Acridotheres grandis

Jungle Myna  Acridotheres fuscus

Common Myna  Acridotheres tristis

Indian Pied Myna  Gracupica contra   Surprisingly common around Gelephu.

Chestnut-tailed Starling  Sturnia malabarica

Scaly Thrush  Zoothera dauma   Heard-only. A long overdue tour write-in.

Grey-winged Blackbird  Turdus boulboul

Tickell’s Thrush  Turdus unicolor

White-collared Blackbird  Turdus albocinctus

Oriental Magpie-Robin  Copsychus saularis

White-rumped Shama  Copsychus malabaricus

Dark-sided Flycatcher  Muscicapa sibirica

Asian Brown Flycatcher  Muscicapa dauurica   Three seen well at Lingmethang, where they looked to be breeding.

White-gorgeted Flycatcher  Anthipes monileger

Pale Blue Flycatcher  Cyornis unicolor

Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher  Cyornis rubeculoides

Rufous-bellied Niltava  Niltava sundara

Large Niltava  Niltava grandis

Small Niltava  Niltava macgrigoriae

Verditer Flycatcher  Eumyias thalassinus

Lesser Shortwing  Brachypteryx leucophris

Himalayan Shortwing  Brachypteryx cruralis   Showed well along the Lingmethang Road.

Indian Blue Robin  Larvivora brunnea   Seen near Paro, on its breeding grounds.

White-tailed Robin  Myiomela leucura

White-browed Bush Robin  Tarsiger indicus   One seen well on the Chele La.

Rufous-breasted Bush Robin  Tarsiger hyperythrus   A male below Thrumsing La was a pleasant surprise.

Himalayan Bluetail  Tarsiger rufilatus

Golden Bush Robin  Tarsiger chrysaeus   Several below Thrumsing La.

Little Forktail   Enicurus scouleri

Black-backed Forktail  Enicurus immaculatus   Superb pair at Gelephu. A totally unexpected tour write-in.

Slaty-backed Forktail  Enicurus schistaceus

Spotted Forktail  Enicurus maculatus

Blue Whistling Thrush  Myophonus caeruleus

Pygmy Flycatcher  Ficedula hodgsoni

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher  Ficedula strophiata

Ultramarine Flycatcher  Ficedula superciliaris

Little Pied Flycatcher  Ficedula westermanni

Slaty-blue Flycatcher  Ficedula tricolor   Just a single male near Chele La.

Snowy-browed Flycatcher  Ficedula hyperythra   Heard-only.

Hodgson’s Redstart  Phoenicurus hodgsoni   Just one female at Pele La.

Blue-fronted Redstart  Phoenicurus frontalis

Plumbeous Water Redstart  Phoenicurus fuliginosus

White-capped Redstart  Phoenicurus leucocephalus

Blue Rock Thrush  Monticola solitarius   A male at Bajo, Wangdue.

Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush  Monticola rufiventris

Blue-capped Rock Thrush  Monticola cinclorhyncha

Siberian Stonechat  Saxicola maurus   A single female at Wangdue.

Grey Bush Chat  Saxicola ferreus

Brown Dipper  Cinclus pallasii

Golden-fronted Leafbird  Chloropsis aurifrons

Orange-bellied Leafbird  Chloropsis hardwickii

Plain Flowerpecker  Dicaeum minullum

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker  Dicaeum ignipectus

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird  Chalcoparia singalensis   A nice male between Gelephu and Sarpang.

Purple Sunbird  Cinnyris asiatica   Heard-only. One at Gelephu was a tour write-in.

Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird  Aethopyga gouldiae

Green-tailed Sunbird  Aethopyga nipalensis

Black-throated Sunbird  Aethopyga saturata

Crimson Sunbird  Aethopyga siparaja

Fire-tailed Sunbird  Aethopyga ignicauda   A dozen or so at the higher levels of the Thrumsing La.

Streaked Spiderhunter  Arachnothera magna

Russet Sparrow  Passer rutilans

Eurasian Tree Sparrow  Passer montanus

White-rumped Munia  Lonchura striata

Altai Accentor  Prunella himalayana   An excellent flock of ten at Chele La.

Rufous-breasted Accentor  Prunella strophiata

Eastern Yellow Wagtail  Motacilla tschutschensis   2 at Wangdue. Now the default yellow wagtail in NE subcontinent.

Citrine Wagtail  Motacilla citreola   Several ‘Grey-backed’ males at Wangdue.

Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea

White Wagtail [Amur W, Chinese W]  Motacilla [alba] leucopsis

White Wagtail [Himalayan W]  Motacilla [alba] alboides

White-browed Wagtail  Motacilla maderaspatensis   A pair at Bajo, Wangdue.

Paddyfield Pipit  Anthus rufulus

Olive-backed Pipit  Anthus hodgsoni

Rosy Pipit  Anthus roseatus

Collared Grosbeak  Mycerobas affinis

Spot-winged Grosbeak  Mycerobas melanozanthos   Small groups at Yongkola and Dochu La.

White-winged Grosbeak  Mycerobas carnipes

Red-headed Bullfinch  Pyrrhula erythrocephala

Blanford’s Rosefinch  Agraphospiza rubescens   A pair at Thrumsing La were a great write-in for the tour.

Dark-breasted Rosefinch  Procarduelis nipalensis

Plain Mountain Finch   Leucosticte nemoricola

Common Rosefinch  Carpodacus erythrinus

Scarlet Finch  Carpodacus sipahi   Three at Tama La and a smart male at Dochu La Botanical Gardens.

Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch  Carpodacus pulcherrimus   Five seen well in scrub at Ura.

Dark-rumped Rosefinch  Carpodacus edwardsii

Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch  Carpodacus thura

Crimson-browed Finch  C. subhimachalus   Two female-types at Pele La, and a male along the Lingmethang Road.

Yellow-breasted Greenfinch  Chloris spinoides

Red Crossbill  Loxia curvirostra

Tibetan Serin  Spinus thibetanus   A flock of ten at Pele La.

Crested Bunting  Emberiza lathami

Little Bunting  Emberiza pusilla

MAMMALS

Northern Red Muntjac  Muntiacus vaginalis   Several seen. Split from Indian.

Himalayan Goral (Common G) Nemorhaedus goral   Two on a grassy slope below Damphu.

Assam Macaque  Macaca assamensis   Regular sightings. Common.

Rhesus Macaque  Macaca mulatta   Several in a lowland forest patch at Gelephu. A tour write-in.

Nepal Grey Langur  Semnopithecus schistaceus   12 noted in more westerly areas.

Gee’s Golden Langur  Trachypithecus geei   36 logged, from Trongsa to Gelephu.

Capped Langur  Trachypithecus pileatus   12 seen near Yongkola.

Moupin Pika  Ochotona thibetana  Widespread sightings

Black Giant Squirrel  Ratufa bicolor   A mother and baby below Yongkola Camp.

Orange-bellied Himalayan Squirrel  Dremomys lokriah

Irrawaddy Squirrel  Callosciurus pygerythrus

Himalayan Striped Squirrel  Tamiops mcclellandii

Northern Palm Squirrel  Funambulus pennantii   In the hotel garden in Delhi.

AMPHIBIANS

White-lipped Treefrog  Zhangixalus smaragdinus   Mating pair in puddle at Tingtibi.

 REPTILES

Oriental Garden Lizard  Calotes versicolor   Tingtibi.

Mountain Worm-eating Snake  Trachischium monticola   Spotted by Tandin at Tama La. Great sighting.

BUTTERFLIES

Fivebar Swordtail  Graphium antiphates   Tingtibi.

Common Mime Swallowtail  Papilio clytia   Near Tingtibi.

Common Redbreast  Papilio alcmenor   Lingmethang Road

Old World Swallowtail  Papilio machaon   Dochu La.

Common Peacock  Papilio polyctor

Dark Clouded Yellow  Colias fieldii   Several seen at higher levels.

Yellow Orange Tip  Ixias pyrene

Chocolate Albatross  Appias lyncida

Spot Puffin  Appias lalage   Massing in huge numbers at lower levels.

Indian Cabbage White  Pieris canidia   Widespread.

Common Gull  Cepora nerissa   Chele La Road.

Lesser Gull  Cepora nadina   Tingtibi.

Spotted Sawtooth  Prioneris thestylis   Tingtibi.

Hill Jezebel  Delias belladonna  Jainala Pass Road and Tama La area.

Yellow Jezebel  Delias agostina   Near Tingtibi.

Pioneer  Belenois aurota   In the hotel garden in Delhi.

Common Tit  Hypolycaena erylus   Below Damphu.

Purple Sapphire  Heliophorus epicles   Gelephu etc.

Pea Blue  Lampides boeticus

Pale Grass Blue  Pseudozizeeria maha   In the hotel garden in Delhi.

Red Pierrot  Talicada nyseus   In the hotel garden in Delhi.

Common Hedge Blue  Acytolepis puspa   Tingtibi.

Dark Judy  Abisara fylla  Jainala Pass Road.

Punchinello  Zemeros flegyas   Lingmethang etc.

Club Beak  Libythea myrrha   Tingtibi.

Striped Tiger  Danaus genutia

Glassy Tiger  Parantica aglea   Lingmethang.

Chestnut Tiger  Parantica sita

Chocolate Tiger  Parantica melaneus

Striped Blue Crow  Euploea mulciber   Below Damphu.

Common Evening Brown  Melanitis leda   Near Tingtibi.

Common Forester  Lethe isana   Lingmethang Road.

Yellow Labyrinth  Neope armandii   Near Batasey.

Yellow Coster  Acraea issoria  Lingmethang Road.

Himalayan Queen Fritillary  Issoria issaea   Dochu La.

French Duke  Euthalia franciae   Tingtibi.

Common Map  Cyrestis thyodamas   Tingtibi.

Popinjay  Stibochiona nicea  Lingmethang Road etc.

Angled Castor  Ariadne ariadne   Gelephu.

Common Jester  Symbrenthia lilaea   Lingmethang.

Indian Red Admiral  Vanessa indica   Lingmethang Road

Painted Lady  Vanessa cardui   Widespread sightings.

Indian Tortoiseshell  Aglais caschmirensis   Widespread.

Common Jester  Symbrenthia lilaea   Lingmethang.

Painted Lady  Vanessa cardui   Widespread sightings.

Indian Red Admiral  Vanessa indica   Lingmethang Road

Orange-breasted Freak  Calinaga buddha  Jainala Pass Road.

Chocolate Pansy  Junonia iphita

Lemon Pansy  Junonia lemonias

Orange Oakleaf  Kallima inachus   Quite widespread. Many sightings.

MOTHS

Erebid moth  Arsacia rectalis   Near Tingtibi.

Black-bordered Bradina  Bradina diagonalis

Cyana moth  Cyana catorhoda

Scarce Bordered Straw  Helicoverpa armigera   Kichu Resort, Wangdue.

Orange Underwing Forester  Sarbanissa transiens   Lingmethang Road.

Marbled White Moth   Nyctemera adversata   Below Batasey Camp.

Hawaiian Beet Webworm Moth  Spoladea recurvalis   Lingmethang Road.

PLANTS

Wingless Ainsliaea  Ainsliaea aptera

Nepal Alder  Alnus nepalensis

Ringed Begonia  Begonia annulata

Primrose  Bryocarpum himalaicum

Rockspray Cotoneaster  Cotoneaster microphyllus

Wild Turmeric  Cucurma aromatica

Lokta  Daphne bholua

Fireglow Spurge  Euphorbia griffithii   Paro etc.

Himalayan Strawberry  Fragaria nubicola   Abundant.

Taiwan Pieris  Pieris formosa   In the Blue Pine forests along the Dochu La Road.

Blue Pine  Pinus wallichiana

Drumstick Primrose  Primula denticulata   Abundant.

Candelabra Primrose  Primula smithiana   Chele La road, Paro etc.

Primrose  Primula griffithii   Chele La road.

Tree Rhododendron  Rhododendron arboreum

Cinnabar Rhododendron  Rhododendron cinnabarinum

Griffith’s Rhododendron  Rhododendron griffithianum

Lindley’s Rhododendron  Rhododendron lindleyi   Sometimes epiphytic.