NORTHEAST INDIA TOUR REPORT 2024

7 - 29 April 2024

by Hannu Jännes

This comprehensive, bird-filled 23-day tour of NE India was a highly successful exploration of the remote northeast corner of the Indian subcontinent seeing almost 500 species of birds, including most of the region’s specialties and other highly desired bird species. The Himalayan section of the trip amongst the snowy heights of the Dirang Region produced Snow Partridge, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Black-tailed Crake, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Bar-winged Wren-Babbler, Brown Parrotbill and several splendid Grandalas. The magnificent Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary never disappoints, and we saw such great birds as Rufous-necked Hornbill, Ward’s Trogon, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler and Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, whilst the world famous Kaziranga National Park revealed Swamp Francolin, Greater Adjutant, Blue-naped Pitta and Brown Fish Owl and Dusky Eagle-Owls. A sidetrack into Nagaland rewarded us with Naga Wren-Babbler, Black-breasted Thrush, Mountain Bamboo Partridge and Spot-breasted, Assam, White-browed and Striped Laughingthrushes and Spot-breasted Parrotbill. On the Assam Plains along the Brahmaputra River, we discovered Swamp Grass Bird, Marsh Babbler and Black-breasted Parrotbill whilst the magnificent lowland forests of Assam held a great selection of quality birds including Malayan Night Heron, Austen’s Brown Hornbill, Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, a gorgeous Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Pale-capped Pigeon, Rufous-throated Fulvetta and Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush. In the remote Mishmi Hills, we tracked down many of the eastern Himalayan specialties with Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler, Mishmi and Long-billed Wren-Babblers and Beautiful Nuthatch. Mammals are an important part of this tour and in Kaziranga, we had great views of Asian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, and Asian (or wild Water) Buffalo.

Our epic journey began with a full day of travelling from Guwahati, the capital of the Assam province, to Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite the long drive we made time for some roadside birding, seeing River Lapwing, Small Pratincole, the only Osprey of the trip, a confiding Black-throated Prinia and our first Crested Kingfisher.

Our first birding destination in the Dirang region was the lofty Se La pass at 4170m asl. Birding at this altitude is hard work, and the effects of high altitude affected one of our number giving rise to their premature retreat to a lower altitude. The rest of us took full advantage of the pleasant sunny weather, and we were very successful in seeing most of the target birds. The magnificent Himalayan Monal was soon found, and we were lucky enough to observe its amazing display flight. We were able to get close to a showy pair of Blood Pheasants and also two male Red-fronted Rosefinches, a difficult to get bird here. Other interesting birds in this very scenic area included ten or so Grandalas, some stunning Snow Pigeons, White-browed and Rufous-breasted Bush Robins, Tibetan Blackbird, White-throated Dipper, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Rosy Pipit, a pair of White-winged Grosbeaks and Dark-breasted and Himalayan White-browed Rosefinches. Unfortunately, the Solitary Snipe that had been seen here earlier in the season was not found despite an extensive search. Another important target species, the Snow Partridge, took some finding but in the end, we found a confiding group of three birds, which showed well and provided brilliant photo opportunities. Other good birds seen during the day included Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous-vented and Coal Tit, Red-billed Chough, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Bhutan and Spotted Laughingthrush, the only Eurasian Wren of the tour, two Blue-capped Rock Thrushes and Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird.

The next morning saw us at Mandala and Phudung Roads, with their wide elevational range and associated habitats, where we birded for the whole day. The cool upper levels with mixed oak, Rhododendron and coniferous forests produced a number of quality birds including Green Shrike-babbler, Spotted Nutcracker, a pair of silent Bar-winged Wren-Babblers well spotted by Kathy, a confiding pair of Spotted Laughingthrushes, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, a showy Brown Parrotbill, a small group of cute Rufous-fronted Bushtits, Hume’s and Grey-sided Bush Warblers, Brown-throated Fulvettas, Grey-crested Tits and a single Goldcrest, a scarce bird on this itinerary. Commoner species feeding on the numerous flowering Rhododendrons included Bar-throated Minla, Stripe-throated and Rufous-vented Yuhinas, Buff-barred Warblers, Green-tailed and Fire-tailed Sunbirds and Beautiful Sibias. In the late afternoon, on the way down our local guide Pallab showed us amazing Golden-breasted Fulvettas, but our attempt to see the Black-tailed Crake at its regular roadside marsh failed, though good views of a brilliant male Daurian Redstart that frequented the same area provided some consolation.

Our last morning in the Dirang area saw us back on the Mandala road and the small marsh, where we managed to see the Black-tailed Crake. Other birds seen during the morning included couple of Speckled Piculets, some Short-billed Minivets, a Scaly-breasted Cupwing, two Russet Bush Warblers, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Orange-headed Thrush, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, several Grey-hooded Warblers, Rufous-bellied and Small Niltavas, Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher, White-tailed Robin, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker and a large flock of Yellow-breasted Greenfinches. From Dirang we drove to Lamacamp in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary for a two-night stay, stopping on route at a large river, where our main target of Long-billed Plover was eventually found with two birds seen. Other interesting birds included two Brown Dippers, two Bar-headed Geese, a well observed White-browed Wagtail (a great rarity in this part of India) and two forms (alboides and leucopsis) of White Wagtail. After lunch and shopping (beer, chocolate and water!) in Tenga, we entered the famous Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, where a stop by a cliff face gave us good scope views of Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. A late afternoon stroll below Lamacamp yielded an excellent Crested Goshawk, asleep on its perch.

A lot of our time at Lamacamp was spent searching for the relatively recently (in 2006) described Bugun Liocichla, which we unfortunately failed to see or even hear! We did, however, manage to see a good selection of other East Himalayan bird species including Asian Emerald and Himalayan Cuckoos, Black Eagle, Besra, Collared Owlet, Brown Wood Owl, Grey Nightjar, a very brief male Ward’s Trogon, Crimson-naped and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Yellow-browed Tit, Striated Bulbul, Pygmy Cupwing, Ashy-throated, Chestnut-crowned and Blyth’s Leaf Warblers, Rufous-capped Babbler, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Striated, Chestnut-crowned and Grey-sided Laughingthrushes, Himalayan Cutia, Streak-throated Barwing of the form daflaensis, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Red-billed Leiothrix, Red-tailed Minla, White-tailed Nuthatch, Grey-winged Blackbird, Pygmy and Sapphire Flycatchers, Himalayan Bluetail and Grey-headed Bullfinch. An unplanned late afternoon dash to Eaglenest pass initiated by our local guide Pallab, secured the much wanted Fire-tailed Myzornis, but unfortunately the light was failing and the views were not the best.

On the way to Bompu camp, our base for the next two nights, we made several birding stops seeing Kalij Pheasant, Black-headed Shrike-babbler, Chestnut-headed Tesia and Blue-fronted Robin amongst others.

The first day in Bompu found us on the forested slopes between Bompu camp and Eaglenest pass, where one of our main targets, the amazing male Ward’s Trogon, showed well, and we had great views of this splendid bird. It was also good to obtain nice views of the bulky Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler. Other birds seen during the morning included Grey-chinned Minivet, four species of shrike-babblers, our first Mountain Tailorbirds, a pair of confiding Broad-billed Warblers, White-spectacled and Grey-cheeked Warblers, another pair of Golden-breasted Fulvettas, Sikkim Treecreeper, Large Niltava, Himalayan Shortwing and Slaty-blue and Snowy-browed Flycatchers. In addition, we heard Purple Cochoa and two Temminck’s Tragopans, which we were unable to see despite spending a great deal of time searching. While driving back towards our camp at sunset we (and five other vehicles) were stopped by a male elephant called Tyson that had been behaving quite irrationally and aggressively for the past couple of weeks. As Tyson refused to give way on the very narrow forest track, we had to retreat to a large clearing and wait there until Tyson had walked past us and the track was free to go again. It turned out that Tyson was in no hurry, and we didn’t reach our camp until around 21.30 in the evening.

The next day was spent birding the forests between Bompu (1900m asl) and Doimara camp (300m asl), just outside the wildlife sanctuary. The first target bird, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, was found easily along the main road just below Bompu. Further down, in the mid-elevation forests around Sessni we saw a number of new birds including a pair of magnificent Rufous-necked Hornbills, a pair of Rufous-throated Partridges, Hodgson’s Hawk-Cuckoo, Red-headed Trogon, Greater and Lesser Yellownapes, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Large Woodshrike, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Sultan Tit, a flock of Asian House Martins, several White-throated Needletails, Silver-eared Mesias, Long-tailed Sibias and a single Golden Babbler. Further down the road still we had our first Pin-striped Tit- Babbler and two Black-throated Sunbirds and a late afternoon scan by a bridge revealed our first Asian Fairy Bluebird and Pin-tailed Green Pigeon.

The next morning, we headed back to Eaglenest WLS, where we spent couple of hours in the bamboo zone above Khellong, where new birds included a heard only Hodgson’s Frogmouth, many White-throated Needletails, two White-browed Piculets, Fulvous-breasted, Pale-headed and Rufous Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied and Rufous-faced Warblers, Striated and White-naped Yuhinas, Buff-chested Babbler and Pale Blue Flycatcher. Lower down, along the river, we saw Yellow-vented Warbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Nepal Fulvetta and Plain Flowerpecker, all new birds for us. In addition, our guide Pallab found a Blyth’s Kingfisher, which unfortunately disappeared before anybody else got into it. We then drove back to Doimara for lunch and the rest of the day was spent travelling through the Assam lowlands to Kaziranga for a two-night stay. On the way we bypassed the northern edge of the Kaziranga National Park and saw our first Asian Elephants and Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros.

We now had one and a half days in the world-famous Kaziranga National Park visiting the tourist infested Central Range on two mornings and the more remote Burhapara area one afternoon in our open-topped vehicles, plus we also birded outside the park. Unfortunately, the weather gods were not on our side, and heavy rains combined with thunderstorms pretty much ruined our efforts to find some of the special grassland birds of this excellent area. Despite the poor weather we did see a good selection of the commoner birds of Kaziranga including Swamp Francolin, the usual array of storks, including at least five Black-necked Storks, Greater and Lesser Adjutants and Spot-billed Pelicans, while raptors included several Pallas’s and Grey-headed Fish Eagles, Changeable Hawk-Eagles and Himalayan Vultures. Other interesting birds in the mixed forest and grassland habitats included Dusky Eagle-Owl, some Great Hornbills, several Red Junglefowls, Green Imperial Pigeons, River Terns, numerous colourful Indochinese Rollers, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Blue-tailed, Asian Green and Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters, Lineated Barbet, the only Black-rumped Flameback of the tour, two Amur Falcons (a rare bird here at this time of the year), and a good selection of parakeets including the only Blossom-headed Parakeets of the tour and several Lesser Coucals. On the passerine front Bengal Bush Lark, Eastern Yellow and Citrine Wagtails, Dusky Warbler, Striated Grassbird, Plain Prinia (of the form fusca, a possible future split), Abbott’s, Striated and Chestnut-capped Babblers, the near endemic Bank Myna, a scarce bird on this itinerary, were new for the trip list as were Pale-chinned Flycatcher, Bluethroat, Chinese Rubythroat, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker and Ruby-cheeked and Crimson Sunbirds and Baya Weaver. Amongst the commoner waders, which included Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Common Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Common and Spotted Redshanks, Common Greenshank and Temminck’s Stint, Timo and Andreas observed a wader that was later identified as Long-billed Dowitcher, a great rarity in this part of the world. One of the most memorable moments during our stay in Kaziranga was to find a Brown Fish Owl (a difficult to see bird on the itinerary) along the busy main road when heading back to our hotel in rain whilst listening to a Malayan Night Heron booming in the background at the same time! Mammals are a prominent feature of this World Heritage Site, and we had no difficulty in getting multiple sightings of the ‘big four’: Asian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, Barasingha (or Swamp Deer) and Asian Buffalo. Other interesting mammals included several Smooth-coated Otters, Hog Deer, a single Sambar and Wild Boars. Leaving Kaziranga behind we drove to Nagaland arriving at our comfortable accommodations (we stayed in three homestays) in Khonoma in time for dinner.

The following morning saw us on the Dzüleki road and the Tragopan Sanctuary, where we climbed several hundred meters up a steep trail into the habitat of the range restricted Naga Wren-Babbler, which was located easily and had good views of a pair. In addition, there was a calling male Blyth’s Tragopan nearby, which we failed to see despite much searching. Other birds seen during this day included our first Mountain Bamboo Partridges, Flavescent Bulbul, several singing Grey-crowned Warblers, Brown Bush Warbler, Spot-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Striped and Assam Laughingthrushes, many Grey Sibias, Red-faced Liocichla, Black-breasted Thrush, a pair of Yellow-bellied Flowerpeckers, always a good find, Indian Blue and White-tailed Robins, Rusty-capped Fulvetta and several showy Rufous-crowned Prinias (a split within the Black-throated Prinia complex). A visit to another area in the mountains produced a singing pair of Spot-breasted Laughingthrushes skulking inside a bush, but nevertheless did allow decent views for some.

Next morning we were back at the sanctuary area where roadside birding produced many of the same species as the day before plus Blue-winged Laughingthrushes. Later we visited an agricultural area where an extremely skittish Spot-breasted Parrotbill and some White-browed and Rufous-necked Laughingthrushes kept us busy. Then something of a rush back to our accommodation for an early lunch and check-out before continuing further into Nagaland to Pfütsero for a two a night stay.

We began our day trip from Pfütsero at 03.00 am in order to reach the dry secondary forest of Mellori between 700m and 1400m asl before it became too hot. The main reason for our visit was the Yellow-throated Laughingthrush, which occurs here in small numbers, but unfortunately, due to a massive ongoing road construction project most of the roadside habitat where this rare laugher used to be seen is now in poor shape or inaccessible. We tried birding along the narrow trails that took us into patches of undisturbed habitat but still failed to in our quest for the main target. Our hard work in rainy weather, that lasted for most of our stay, resulted in some interesting birds though, which included two singing Pale-footed Bush Warblers, Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher, many Rufescent and our first Grey-breasted Prinias, a single Spot-breasted Parrotbill, showing much better on this occasion, Puff-throated Babblers, a Spotted Elachura, a gorgeous male Siberian Rubythroat and several Blue-throated Blue Flycatchers. After lunch in a local guest house and more birding in Mellori, it was time to drive back to Pfütsero for the night.

Next morning was spent birding near Chezame and checking various spots along a road through a hillside forest. New birds here included a confiding Banded Bay Cuckoo and a splendid Jerdon’s Baza and it was also good to obtain more views of Red-faced Liocichla and Rusty-capped Fulvetta. After lunch in Pfütsero we drove to Dimapur for an overnight stay.

Leaving Dimapur early the next morning our first stop was at a roadside dhaba for a decent breakfast and accompanied by a nice Blue-eared Barbet just outside the restaurant. Then we spent a couple of hours birding in a reserve forest, where, as soon as we stepped out from our vehicles, we heard the booming call of the Malayan Night Heron. As the bird was close to the road, we did a brief playback experiment and manage to see the bird quite well. Other good birds in this great patch of lowland forest included Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, White-rumped Shama, Oriental Dollarbird, Dark-necked Tailorbird, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush and Yellow-vented Flowerpecker. The rest of the day was spent driving to Tinsukia, but a brief stop at a birdy roadside marsh produced two Cotton Pygmy Geese, including a handsome male, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas and two fine Stork-billed Kingfishers.

Next morning saw us on the shores of the mighty Brahmaputra, from where we were taken by a motorboat to three different islands during the morning. Our main target was the Swamp Grass Babbler, a rare denizen of the Assamese grasslands, which we saw well. Another specialty, Marsh Babbler, required a bit more work, but in the end, we had decent views of one individual. Other good birds seen during the morning included Swamp Francolin, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, several Striated Herons, Baikal Bush Warbler, Yellow-bellied and Delicate Prinias and Chestnut Munia. After lunch we headed for the Dihing-Patkai National Park, a large area of wet lowland forest with lots of birding potential, where we spent the rest of the day with Bijay, an excellent local bird guide. The new habitat brought us new birds with Green-billed Malkoha, Pale-capped Pigeon, Thick-billed Green Pigeon, Ruddy Kingfisher, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Greater Flameback, a showy Western Hooded Pitta, Black-crested Bulbul, White-crested Laughingthrush and Golden-fronted Leafbird.

The next day we were supposed to leave Tinsukia early and head straight for the Mishmi Hills, but the lure of the forests of Dihing-Patkai proved irresistible, and we decided to spend the morning there. Again, our excellent guide took us around his local patch and showed us several great new birds. For me personally the highlight was an opportunity to watch a very tame male Grey Peacock-Pheasant calling from a log just couple of meters away for half an hour or so. This species is usually so shy that if you manage to catch a more than a glimpse of it, you can consider yourself very lucky. Other desirable birds seen during the morning included Austen’s Brown Hornbill, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Rufous-throated Fulvetta and the restricted range Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush. In addition, we managed to see several commoner species including Black Baza, White-bellied Erpornis and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, all new for the list. The sighting of two Amur Falcons was also appreciated by those group members that missed the species earlier in Kaziranga. The rest of the day was spent travelling to Roing at the base of the Mishmi Hills, where some late afternoon birding around our nice accommodation produced a Eurasian Hobby and several White-throated Needletails.

For the next three and a half days we explored the seemingly endless forests between 600 and 2700m elevation along the remote Roing to Hunli road spending much of our time beyond the Mayodia pass at almost 2500m asl. The Mishmi Hills are famous for rains, but this year we were lucky enjoying mostly great weather and losing only one morning’s birding for the bad weather. The highlights of our stay included the range restricted Mishmi Wren Babbler, a few Cachar Wedge-billed Babblers, Long-billed and Bar-winged Wren Babblers, a leader only Himalayan Monal, two sightings of a total of three Beautiful Nuthatches and a brilliant encounter with two Fire-tailed Myzornis, a bird we had seen rather poorly at Eaglenest. A small dump behind the kitchen of a tiny restaurant at the Mayodia pass attracted a number of interesting birds including Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Black-faced and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrushes, Long-billed Thrush (a difficult to get bird here), Eurasian Jay, Little Bunting and Dark-rumped Rosefinch, which all allowed good views and decent photo opportunities. Other species worth a mention included Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Large-billed Leaf Warbler, Manipur and Brown-throated Fulvettas, Black-crowned Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-backed Sibia, Orange-bellied Leafbird and Hill Blue Flycatcher. One morning we visited the floodplain mosaic near Jia village, where we managed to see a rather skittish Black-breasted Parrotbill, some Brown-backed Needletails, Booted Eagle, Himalayan Buzzard and a Little Spiderhunter.

Leaving Mishmi hills behind, we headed back to Tinsukia for the last night stopping at a couple of sites by the Brahmaputra River crossing and seeing an excellent pair of Oriental Hobby, Coppersmith Barbet (first visual contact after couple of “heard only” birds), ocularis form of the White Wagtail and a Sand Lark. Another stop at a large agricultural area located a Chinese Pond Heron, a new bird for this itinerary.

On our last morning, before heading to the airport in Dibrugarh, we visited Maguli Bheel, where couple of hours walk along the road produced a surprisingly good selection of birds, many of which were new for us. These included Cinnamon and Yellow Bitterns, Smoky, Dusky, Blyth’s Reed and Thick-billed Warblers, one Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler, Spotted Bush Warbler, Black-faced Bunting and two Tree Pipits, a rarity here and a lifer for our local guide Pallab. Back in the hotel it was time for some packing, lunch, bird list and transportation to the airport, from where we took flight back to Delhi, where it was time to say our goodbyes, and to thank everyone for their excellent company, which, together with all the wonderful birds and exciting places, combined to make such a memorable trip.

BIRDS OF THE TOUR

1^st Grey Peacock-Pheasant

2^nd Beautiful Nuthatch

3^rd Himalayan Monal

4^th Blood Pheasant & Snow Partridge

5^th Fire-tailed Myzornis

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE 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 follows Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2024. IOC World Bird List (v14.1).

Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

BIRDS

Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Singleton in Kaziranga.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus Two, including a male, at a roadside marsh in Assam.

Gadwall Mareca strepera Three in Kaziranga.

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

Northern Pintail Anas acuta Three in Kaziranga.

Eurasian Teal Anas crecca

Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola Heard only.

Chestnut-breasted Partridge ◊ (C-b Hill-P) Arborophila mandellii One was seen at Eaglenest. In addition birds were heard at Eaglenest, in Mishmi Hills and in Nagaland.

Rufous-throated Partridge ◊ (R-t Hill-P) Arborophila rufogularis ssp rufogularis. Two seen at Eaglenest. In addition, birds were heard at Eaglenest, in Mishmi Hills and in Nagaland.

White-cheeked Partridge ◊ Arborophila atrogularis Heard only in the lowland forests of Assam.

Snow Partridge ◊ Lerwa lerwa A confiding group of three at Sela pass.

Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus ssp tibetanus. A confiding pair at Sela pass.

Blyth’s Tragopan ◊ Tragopan blythii Heard only. Encountered at Eaglenest (ssp molesworthi) and in Nagaland (blythii).

Temminck’s Tragopan ◊ Tragopan temminckii Heard only near Eaglenest pass.

Himalayan Monal ◊ Lophophorus impejanus Brilliant male and a brief female near Sela pass. Also, one female for the leader only at Mayodia pass.

Kalij Pheasant (Kaleej P) Lophura leucomelanos ssp lathami Seen on three days at Eaglenest WLS.

Grey Peacock-Pheasant ◊ Polyplectron bicalcaratum Brilliant walk away views of a male and brief views of a female at Dihing-Patkai NP. Also heard there and at Eaglenest WLS.

Mountain Bamboo Partridge Bambusicola fytchii ssp hopkinsoni Rather common in Nagaland.

Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus ssp murghi

Swamp Francolin ◊ Ortygornis gularis

Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka ssp hazarae.

Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Heard only near Doimara camp. Ssp bimaculatus.

Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis Heard only near Doimara camp.

Hodgson’s Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus hodgsoni Heard only at Eaglenest WLS. Ssp hodgsoni.

Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris Quite widespread in the mountains. Ssp brevirostris.

White-throated Needletail (S) Hirundapus caudacutus ssp nudipes Seen on four days with excellent close-up views.

Brown-backed Needletail (Brown-throated N, Brown N) Hirundapus giganteus ssp indicus A flock of ten at Jia grassland near Roing.

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis ssp infumatus Widespread in small numbers in the lowlands.

Blyth’s Swift Apus leuconyx Small numbers noted on six days.

House Swift Apus nipalensis

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis ssp sinensis

Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis ssp bengalensis

Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis ssp tristis A total of four on our afternoon visit to Dihing-Patkai.

Chestnut-winged Cuckoo ◊ Clamator coromandus A total of three were seen.

Asian Koel (S) Eudynamys scolopaceus ssp malayanus Widespread in the lowlands.

Asian Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculatus A total of three males seen.

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii ssp sonneratii Great views near Chezame in Nagaland.

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus ssp querulus Heard only.

Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris Fairly widespread in small numbers in the lowlands.

Large Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides Widespread and vocal.

Hodgson’s Hawk-Cuckoo ◊ Hierococcyx nisicolor One was seen at Eaglenest WLS. In addition, a handful of birds were heard during the tour.

Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus ssp micropterus Widespread in the lowlands.

Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus Widespread in the mountains.

Common Cuckoo (Eurasian C) Cuculus canorus ssp bakeri Widespread in the mountains.

Rock Dove (R Pigeon) Columba livia

Snow Pigeon ◊ Columba leuconota 20 at Sela pass.

Pale-capped Pigeon ◊ Columba punicea Two at Dihing-Patkai.

Oriental Turtle Dove (Rufous T D) Streptopelia orientalis ssp agricola

Red Collared Dove (Red Turtle D) Streptopelia tranquebarica

Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis ssp tigrina

Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall ssp tusalia

Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica ssp indica

Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra ssp nipalensis 50 or so in Dihing-Patkai during our afternoon visit.

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron Phoenicopterus ssp phoenicopterus

Pin-tailed Green Pigeon ◊ Treron apicauda ssp apicauda One at Eaglenest WLS and another in Dihing-Patkai.

Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenurus One non-leader bird on the lower slopes of Mishmi Hills.

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea ssp sylvatica

Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia ssp griseicapilla

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Grey-headed Swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus ssp poliocephalus

Black-tailed Crake ◊ Zapornia bicolor Good views of a singleton along the Mandala road in the Dirang region.

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus ssp phoenicurus Widespread in small numbers.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis One at Maguli Bheel.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Six in Kaziranga.

Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta A flock of five in Kaziranga.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Two sightings.

Long-billed Plover ◊ Charadrius placidus Two birds on route to Tenga.

River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus Two at a roadside marsh in Assam and another five at Maguli Bheel on our last day.

Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus Noted on five days.

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Timo and Andreas sighted one in Kaziranga, which disappeared before the rest of us were able to see it. This bird was also seen, and photo documented by another birding team that visited the area around the same time. A rarity in this part of the world.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Common Redshank Tringa totanus

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii

Small Pratincole Glareola lactea

River Tern Sterna aurantia

Black-headed Gull (Common B-h G) Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans

Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus

Greater Adjutant ◊ Leptoptilos dubius 25 or so on both days in Kaziranga.

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus ssp asiaticus

Asian Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster

Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Heard only

Malayan Night Heron ◊ Gorsachius melanolophus A co-operative individual gave good views in Nambar Forest Reserve. Another one was heard in Kaziranga.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta ssp garzetta

Striated Heron Butorides striata ssp javanica

Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii

Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus One in the Assam lowlands. Scarce but regular visitor to Assam plains in late spring-summer.

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus

Great Egret Ardea alba

Medium Egret Ardea intermedia

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea ssp manilensis

Spot-billed Pelican ◊ Pelecanus philippensis

Osprey Pandion haliaetus ssp haliaetus

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus ssp vociferus

Crested Honey Buzzard (Oriental H B) Pernis ptilorhynchus ssp ruficollis

Jerdon’s Baza (S) Aviceda jerdoni One in Chezame in Nagaland.

Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes Two sightings involving groups of two and five birds.

Himalayan Vulture (H Griffon V) Gyps himalayensis Scarce this year; but four at Sela pass and three in Kaziranga.

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela ssp cheela

Mountain Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis ssp nipalensis One to three birds seen on five days.

Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus ssp limnaeetus Two birds sighted on both days in Kaziranga.

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis ssp perniger A total of five birds were noted.

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus ssp indicus Three birds were identified including a perched individual.

Shikra Accipiter badius ssp poliopsis One in Kaziranga.

Besra Accipiter virgatus ssp affinis Two birds around Lamacamp, one seen by the leader only and the other one by the whole group. Identification of both individuals confirmed afterwards from photographs.

Black Kite Milvus migrans ssp govinda

Pallas’s Fish Eagle ◊ Haliaeetus leucoryphus Small numbers seen in Kaziranga.

Grey-headed Fish Eagle ◊ Icthyophaga ichthyaetus Small numbers seen in Kaziranga.

Himalayan Buzzard Buteo refectus

Collared Owlet Taenioptynx brodiei ssp brodiei Two sightings of this diminutive owl at Eaglenest WLS. In addition 10 or so were heard only.

Spotted Owlet Athene brama One in Kaziranga.

Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides ssp austerum Widespread.

Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus Heard only. Ssp spilocephalus.

Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia Heard only. Ssp lettia

Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis. One wet and quite unhappy looking bird in Kaziranga. Ssp leschenaulti.

Dusky Eagle-Owl ◊ Ketupa coromanda One in Kaziranga.

Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica One showy bird at Lamacamp. Ssp newarensis.

Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus ssp erythrocephalus

Ward’s Trogon ◊ Harpactes wardi Two sightings and two heard only birds in the Eaglenest area.

Eurasian Hoopoe (Eurasian H) Upupa epops

Great Hornbill (Great Pied H) Buceros bicornis A total of three in Kaziranga.

Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris ssp albirostris One in Dihing-Patkai.

Austen’s Brown Hornbill ◊ Anorrhinus austeni Handful of birds in Dihing-Patkai.

Rufous-necked Hornbill ◊ Aceros nipalensis Good views of a pair at Eaglenest WLS. Also heard there and a single individual in Mishmi Hills.

Indochinese Roller Coracias affinis

Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis ssp cyanicollis Two birds in Nambar Reserve Forest.

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis ssp capensis

Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda ssp coromanda One seen and two more heard in Dihing-Patkai.

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis ssp perpulchra

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erythaca ssp erithaca Good views of perched bird in the Soraipur range of Dihing-Patkai NP.

Crested Kingfisher (Himalayan Pied K) Megaceryle lugubris

Pied Kingfisher (Lesser Pied K) Ceryle rudis ssp leucomelanurus

Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni ssp athertoni

Asian Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis ssp ferrugeiceps

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti ssp leschenaulti

Great Barbet Psilopogon virens ssp magnifica and apparently ssp clamator in Nagaland

Lineated Barbet Psilopogon lineatus ssp lineatus and ssp hodgsoni

Golden-throated Barbet Psilopogon franklinii ssp franklinii

Blue-throated Barbet Psilopogon asiaticus ssp asiaticus

Blue-eared Barbet Psilopogon cyanotis ssp cyanotis

Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus

Yellow-rumped Honeyguide ◊ Indicator xanthonotus

Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla

Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus ssp innominatus

White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea ssp ochracea

Crimson-naped Woodpecker (C-b Pied W) Dryobates cathpharius ssp catpharius

Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus ssp hyperythrus

Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker (F-b Pied W) Dendrocopos macei

Darjeeling Woodpecker (D Pied W) Dendrocopos darjellensis

Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha ssp flavinucha

Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus ssp chlorolophus

Grey-headed Woodpecker (G-faced W) Picus canus ssp hessei

Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense ssp benghalense

Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus Ssp guttacristatus

Pale-headed Woodpecker ◊ Gecinulus grantia ssp grantia

Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis Heard only. Ssp pyrrhotis

Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus ssp phaioceps

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus ssp interstinctus

Amur Falcon ◊ Falco amurensis Two in Kaziranga and another two in Dihing-Patkai. Apparently, a scarce bird in NE India during spring migration.

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo One was seen and photographed at our accommodation in Roing. Scarce bird in the area.

Oriental Hobby ◊ Falco severus A pair showed well by the bridge over Brahmaputra. An unexpected bonus species.

Blossom-headed Parakeet (Rosy-h P) Psittacula roseate ssp juneae

Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri ssp fasciata

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria ssp avensis

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Ring-necked P) Psittacula krameria ssp borealis

Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae Heard only.

Blue-naped Pitta ◊ Hydrornis nipalensis Heard only. Ssp dalhousiae

Western Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida Good views of a calling bird in Dihing-Patkai. Ssp cucullate.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Pied F-s) Hemipus picatus ssp capitalis

Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus ssp pelvicus

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia ssp tiphia

Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris ssp solaris

Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris

Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus ssp semiruber

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus

Black-winged Cuckooshrike Lalage melaschistos

Green Shrike-babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus ssp xanthochlorus

Black-eared Shrike-babbler Pteruthius melanotis ssp melanotis

Black-headed Shrike-babbler ◊ Pteruthius rufiventer

White-browed Shrike-babbler (White-browed S-b) Pteruthius aeralatus ssp validirostris

White-bellied Erpornis (W-b Yuhina) Erpornis zantholeuca ssp zantholeuca

Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii ssp traillii

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus ssp xanthornus

Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus ssp aeneus

Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer ssp tectirostris

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus ssp grandis

Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus ssp hottentottus

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus ssp hopwoodi

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus ssp albirictus

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis ssp stanleyi

Black-naped Monarch (B-n Blue M) Hypothymis azurea ssp stanyi

Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis A singleton in Mellori.

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius Schach ssp tricolor

Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus

Eurasian Jay (Plain-crowned J) Garrulus [glandarius] bispecularis ssp interstictus

Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris ssp flavirostris

Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis Heard only. Ssp chinensis

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda ssp vagabunda

Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae ssp himalayensis

Spotted Nutcracker (Southern N) Nucifraga caryocatactes ssp macella

Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax ssp himalayanus

House Crow Corvus splendens ssp splendens

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos ssp tibetosinensis

Eastern Jungle Crow Corvus levaillantii

Yellow-bellied Fantail (Y-b Fairy Flycatcher) Chelidorhynx hypoxanthus

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis ssp calochrysea

Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus ssp modestus

Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea ssp sultanea

Rufous-vented Tit Periparus rubidiventris ssp allaji

Coal Tit (Himalayan C T) Periparus [ater] aemodius

Grey-crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous

Cinereous Tit (Grey T) Parus cinereus ssp nipalensis

Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus ssp yunnanensis

Yellow-cheeked Tit (Black-spotted Y T) Machlolophus spilonotus ssp spilonotus

Bengal Bush Lark ◊ Mirafra assamica

Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula Heard only

Sand Lark ◊ Alaudala raytal ssp raytal One singing bird, which was also seen briefly by the Brahmaputra bridge.

White-throated Bulbul ◊ Alophoixus flaveolus ssp flaveolus

Striated Bulbul Alcurus striatus ssp striatus

Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala ssp flavala

Mountain Bulbul (Northern M B) Ixos [mcclellandii] mcclellandii

Black Bulbul (Himalayan B B) Hypsipetes leucocephalus ssp nigrescens

Black-crested Bulbul Rubigula flaviventris ssp flaviventris

Crested Finchbill Spizixos canifrons ssp canifrons

Flavescent Bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens ssp flavescens

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus ssp monticola

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer ssp bengalensis

Grey-throated Martin (Plain Martin, G-t Sand M) Riparia chinensis

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica ssp gutturalis

Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus ssp cashmeriense

Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalense ssp cutting

Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata

Scaly-breasted Cupwing (S-b Wren-Babbler) Pnoepyga albiventer ssp albiventer.

Pygmy Cupwing (P Wren-Babbler) Pnoepyga pusilla ssp pusilla

Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris ssp flaviventris/drasticus

Rufous-faced Warbler ◊ Abroscopus albogularis ssp albogularis

Black-faced Warbler ◊ Abroscopus schisticeps ssp flavimentalis

Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cucullatus ssp coronatus

Broad-billed Warbler ◊ Tickellia hodgsoni ssp hodgsoni

Brown-flanked Bush Warbler (Strong-footed B-w, Brownish-f B-w) Horornis fortipes ssp fortipes

Hume’s Bush Warbler Horornis brunnescens

Grey-bellied Tesia (Yellow-browed T) Tesia cyaniventer Heard only.

Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea Heard only. Ssp olivea

Grey-sided Bush Warbler Cettia brunnifrons ssp muroides/umbratica

Chestnut-headed Tesia Cettia castaneocoronata ssp castaneocoronata

Pale-footed Bush Warbler Hemitesia pallidipes Two birds in Mellori, Nagaland, the only place we have observed this species on this tour. Ssp pallidipes.

Black-throated Bushtit Aegithalos concinnus ssp rubricapillus & manipurensis

Rufous-fronted Bushtit ◊ Aegithalos iouschistos

Buff-barred Warbler (Orange-b W) Phylloscopus pulcher

Ashy-throated Warbler (A-t Leaf W, Grey-faced L W) Phylloscopus maculipennis ssp maculipennis

Yellow-browed Warbler (Y-b Leaf-W, Inornate W) Phylloscopus inornatus

Lemon-rumped Warbler (L-r Leaf W) Phylloscopus chloronotus

Tickell’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis

Smoky Warbler ◊ (Smoky Leaf W) Phylloscopus fuligiventer One at Maguli Bheel on our last morning.

Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus ssp fuscatus One in Kaziranga and four at Maguli Bheel on our last morning.

White-spectacled Warbler ◊ Phylloscopus intermedius ssp zosterops

Grey-cheeked Warbler ◊ Phylloscopus poliogenys

Grey-crowned Warbler Phylloscopus tephrocephalus

Whistler’s Warbler Phylloscopus whistleri ssp nemoralis

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Heard only.

Large-billed Leaf Warbler ◊ Phylloscopus magnirostris

Chestnut-crowned Warbler Phylloscopus castaniceps ssp castaniceps

Yellow-vented Warbler ◊ Phylloscopus cantator ssp cantator

Blyth’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides ssp assamensis

Grey-hooded Warbler Phylloscopus xanthoschistos ssp flavogularis/tephrodiras

Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum One at Maguli Bheel on our last morning.

Thick-billed Warbler Arundinax aedon Four at Maguli Bheel on our last morning.

Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler (Rusty-rumped W) Helopsaltes certhiola One at Maguli Bheel on our last morning.

Brown Bush Warbler ◊ Locustella luteoventris One near Khonoma in Nagaland.

Baikal Bush Warbler ◊ Locustella davidi One on one of the islands of Brahmaputra came to check our playback.

Spotted Bush Warbler Locustella thoracica One was seen and another one was heard at Maguli Bheel on our last morning.

Russet Bush Warbler ◊ Locustella mandelli ssp mandelli A handful of mostly heard only birds in the Dirang area.

Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris ssp toklao

Black-throated Prinia Prinia atrogularis A handful of sightings during the first six days of the tour.

Rufous-crowned Prinia ◊ Prinia khasiana A recent split from the previous species. Several sightings in Nagaland.

Rufescent Prinia Prinia rufescens ssp rufescens A few were noted in the Chezame area.

Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii ssp rufula

Delicate Prinia Prinia lepida A recent split from the Graceful Prinia.

Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris ssp flaviventris

Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis ssp stewarti

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata The form encountered (fusca) is a potential split from Plain Prinia.

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius ssp patia

Dark-necked Tailorbird (Black-n T) Orthotomus atrogularis ssp nitidus

Fire-tailed Myzornis ◊ Myzornis pyrrhoura Brilliant encounter with two birds in Mishmi Hills and less satisfactory views of two at Eaglenest pass.

Golden-breasted Fulvetta ◊ (Himalayan G-b F) Lioparus chrysotis ssp chrysotis

Brown-throated Fulvetta ◊ Fulvetta ludlowi

Manipur Fulvetta ◊ (Streak-throated F) Fulvetta manipurensis

Black-breasted Parrotbill ◊ Paradoxornis flavirostris One in the grasslands near Roing.

Spot-breasted Parrotbill ◊ Paradoxornis guttaticollis Good views of one at Mellori and a less satisfactory encounter in Khonoma.

Brown Parrotbill ◊ Paradoxornis unicolor One along the Mandala road performed nicely for us.

Striated Yuhina Staphida castaniceps ssp rufigenis

Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis

White-naped Yuhina ◊ Yuhina bakeri

Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis ssp gularis

Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis ssp occipitalis

Indian White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus ssp palpebrosus

Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata ssp bengalensis

Pin-striped Tit-Babbler (Striped T-B) Mixornis gularis ssp rubicapilla

Golden Babbler Cyanoderma chrysaeum ssp chrysaeum

Rufous-capped Babbler Cyanoderma ruficeps ssp ruficeps

Buff-chested Babbler Cyanoderma ambiguum ssp ambiguum

Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler ◊ Spelaeornis caudatus One was seen and 10 or so heard in the Eaglenest area.

Mishmi Wren-Babbler ◊ Spelaeornis badeigularis Endemic. One showy bird in Mishmi Hill plus another one heard there.

Bar-winged Wren-Babbler ◊ Spelaeornis troglodytoides ssp sherriffi A silent pair in Mandala gave good views as did the singleton near Mayodia pass.

Naga Wren-Babbler ◊ Spelaeornis chocolatinus Endemic. A pair in Tragopan Sanctuary near Khonoma.

Black-crowned Scimitar Babbler ◊ Pomatorhinus ferruginosus ssp ferruginosus

Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler ◊ (Sickle-b S B) Pomatorhinus superciliaris ssp superciliaris

Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis ssp godwini & bakeri

White-browed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps ssp salimali

Spot-breasted Scimitar Babbler ◊ Erythrogenys mcclellandi

Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps ssp nigriceps

Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler ◊ (Blackish-breasted B) Stachyris humei A pair near Bompu camp seen quite well. In addition, there was a singleton lower down near Sessni.

Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler ◊ (Chevron-breasted B) Stachyris roberti Great views were obtained in Mishmi Hills.

Yellow-throated Fulvetta ◊ Schoeniparus cinereus

Rufous-winged Fulvetta Schoeniparus castaneceps ssp castaneceps

Rufous-throated Fulvetta ◊ Schoeniparus rufogularis A showy individual in Dihing-Patkai.

Rusty-capped Fulvetta ◊ Schoeniparus dubius ssp mandellii Quite common in Nagaland.

Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps ssp pectorale

Marsh Babbler ◊ Pellorneum palustre First seen on an island in the middle of the Brahmaputra and then heard in the Roing grassland.

Swamp Grass Babbler ◊ Laticilla cinerascens Endemic. A total of three, of which one gave us decent views, on an island of the Brahmaputra.

Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abbotti

Long-billed Wren-Babbler Napothera malacoptila

Nepal Fulvetta ◊ Alcippe nipalensis ssp nipalensis

Striated Laughingthrush Grammatoptila striata ssp brahmaputra

Himalayan Cutia Cutia nipalensis ssp nipalensis

Blue-winged Laughingthrush ◊ Trochalopteron squamatum

Bhutan Laughingthrush ◊ Trochalopteron imbricatum

Striped Laughingthrush ◊ Trochalopteron virgatum

Black-faced Laughingthrush Trochalopteron affine ssp bethalae

Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush ◊ Trochalopteron erythrocephalum ssp godwini

Assam Laughingthrush ◊ Trochalopteron chrysopterum

Long-tailed Sibia ◊ Heterophasia picaoides ssp picaoides

Beautiful Sibia ◊ Heterophasia pulchella Ssp pulchella in the Mishmi Hills and ssp nigroaurita in the west.

Grey Sibia ◊ Heterophasia gracilis

Streak-throated Barwing ◊ (Grey-breasted B) Actinodura [waldeni] daflaensis

Blue-winged Minla Actinodura cyanouroptera ssp cyanouroptera & aglae

Bar-throated Minla Actinodura strigula ssp strigula & yunnanensis

Rusty-fronted Barwing ◊ Actinodura egertoni

Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea ssp calipyga

Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris

Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta ssp ignotincta

Rufous-backed Sibia Leioptila annectens

Red-faced Liocichla ◊ (Crimson-f L) Liocichla phoenicea ssp phoenicea & bakeri

Striated Babbler ◊ Argya earlei ssp earlei

Spot-breasted Laughingthrush ◊ Garrulax merulinus A self-found pair in the Khonoma area was a nice surprise.

White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus ssp leucolophus.

Spotted Laughingthrush ◊ Ianthocincla ocellata ssp ocellata

Rufous-necked Laughingthrush ◊ Pterorhinus ruficollis

Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush ◊ Pterorhinus nuchalis A singleton at Dihing-Patkai showed briefly.

White-browed Laughingthrush Pterorhinus sannio

Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Pterorhinus pectoralis ssp pectoralis

Grey-sided Laughingthrush ◊ Pterorhinus caerulatus Ssp caerulatus.

Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella ssp sikkimensis

Goldcrest Regulus regulus ssp sikkimensis

Spotted Elachura ◊ (Spotted W-b) Elachura formosa

Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes ssp nipalensis

Beautiful Nuthatch ◊ Sitta formosa In addition to three birds seen in Mishmi Hills we heard one individual at Sessni in Eaglenest WLS.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis ssp frontalis

White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris ssp koelzi

Sikkim Treecreeper (Brown-throated T) Certhia discolor

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa ssp intermedia Heard only.

Great Myna (White-vented M) Acridotheres grandis

Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus ssp fumidus

Bank Myna ◊ Acridotheres ginginianus

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis ssp tristis

Indian Pied Myna (Asian Pied Starling) Gracupica contra ssp superciliaris

Chestnut-tailed Starling (Grey-headed S) Sturnia malabarica ssp malabarica

Grandala ◊ Grandala coelicolor A flock of ten at Sela pass.

Purple Cochoa ◊ Cochoa purpurea Heard only at Eaglenest WLS and in the Tragopan Sanctuary near Khonoma.

Green Cochoa ◊ Cochoa viridis Heard only at Eaglenest WLS and in Mishmi Hills.

Long-billed Thrush ◊ (L-b Ground T) Zoothera monticola Great views of one visiting the dump near Mayodia pass in Mishmi Hills. Ssp monticola.

Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina A non-leader bird along the Mandala road.

Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul

Black-breasted Thrush ◊ Turdus dissimilis

Tibetan Blackbird ◊ Turdus maximus A total of three at Sela pass.

White-collared Blackbird Turdus albocinctus

Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis ssp erimelas

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus ssp macrourus

Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica ssp cacabata

Brown-breasted Flycatcher ◊ Muscicapa muttui

Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara

Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae ssp signata

Large Niltava Niltava grandis ssp grandis

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus ssp thalassinus

White-gorgeted Flycatcher Anthipes monileger Heard only. Ssp leucops

Pale Blue Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis unicolor ssp unicolor

Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides ssp rubeculoides

Hill Blue Flycatcher Cyornis whitei

Pale-chinned Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis poliogenys

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica ssp svecica

White-tailed Robin (W-t Blue R) Myiomela leucura

Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope

Chinese Rubythroat ◊ Calliope tschebaiewi

Black-backed Forktail ◊ Enicurus immaculatus

Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus

Blue-fronted Robin ◊ Cinclidium frontale ssp orientale

Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus ssp temminckii

Himalayan Shortwing ◊ Brachypteryx cruralis

Rusty-bellied Shortwing ◊ Brachypteryx hyperythra Heard only.

Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys ssp nipalensis

Indian Blue Robin ◊ Larvivora brunnea

Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor ssp tricolor ssp cerviniventris

Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra ssp hyperythra

Pygmy Flycatcher ◊ Ficedula hodgsoni

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher (Orange-g F) Ficedula strophiata ssp strophiata

Sapphire Flycatcher ◊ Ficedula sapphira ssp sapphira

Ultramarine Flycatcher ◊ Ficedula superciliaris ssp aestigma

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni ssp australorientis

White-browed Bush Robin ◊ Tarsiger indicus One male at Sela pass. Ssp indicus

Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus ssp chrysaeus

Rufous-breasted Bush Robin Tarsiger hyperythrus One male at Sela pass

Himalayan Bluetail (Orange-flanked Bush-robin) Tarsiger rufilatus ssp rufilatus

Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis

Plumbeous Water Redstart Phoenicurus fuliginosus ssp fuliginosus

White-capped Redstart (River Chat) Phoenicurus leucocephalus

Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus

Blue-capped Rock Thrush ◊ (B-headed R-t) Monticola cinclorhyncha

Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

Grey Bush Chat Saxicola ferreus ssp haringtoni

Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus

White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus ssp przewalskii One beyond Sela pass.

Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii ssp dorjei

Golden-fronted Leafbird (Gold-f L) Chloropsis aurifrons ssp aurifrons

Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii ssp hardwickii

Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum ssp chrysochlore

Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum melanozanthum A pair in the Tragopan Sanctuary near Khonoma.

Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum ssp olivaceum

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus ssp ignipectus

Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum ssp cruentatum

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis A pair near our accommodation in Kaziranga and a singleton in Dihing-Patkai NP.

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus Two males near Nambor Reserve Forest and one heard only bird in the Assam lowlands on our first day.

Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae ssp gouldiae

Green-tailed Sunbird ◊ Aethopyga nipalensis ssp koelzi

Black-throated Sunbird (B-breasted S) Aethopyga saturate ssp assamensis

Crimson Sunbird (Greater C S) Aethopyga siparaja ssp labecula

Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda ignicauda

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra ssp longirostra

Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna ssp magna

Russet Sparrow (Cinnamon S) Passer cinnamomeus ssp cinnamomeus

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus ssp burmanicus

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata ssp subundulata

Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla ssp atricapilla

Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata ssp strophiata

Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Alaska W) Motacilla [tschutschensis] tschutschensis

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

White Wagtail (East Siberian W) Motacilla [alba] ocularis

White Wagtail (Amur W) Motacilla [alba] leucopsis

White Wagtail (Himalayan W) Motacilla [alba] alboides

White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis Good scope views for all near Rupa. Common in most of the Indian Subcontinent, but rare in the NE corner of the country. Endemic to Indian Subcontinent and a new species for this tour.

Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus

Tree Pipit  Anthus trivialis The two birds perched out in the open at Maguli Bheel in Assam on our last morning gave good scope views. Another species that is rarely seen in the NE corner of India but is a common winter visitor further west in India. A new bird for our local guide Pallab and a tour write-in.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni ssp hodgsoni

Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus

White-winged Grosbeak ◊ Mycerobas carnipes ssp carnipes

Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis

Grey-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythaca

Dark-breasted Rosefinch Procarduelis nipalensis

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus ssp roseatus

Dark-rumped Rosefinch ◊ Carpodacus edwardsii

Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch ◊ Carpodacus thura

Red-fronted Rosefinch ◊ Carpodacus puniceus Usually a difficult species to get on this tour, but this time we were lucky and found two males at Sela pass.

Yellow-breasted Greenfinch (Himalayan G) Chloris spinoides

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla

Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala

MAMMALS

Asian Elephant Elephas maximus Numerous in Kaziranga.

Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata A party of five in Kaziranga.

Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula A group of three at Eaglenest WLS.

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis Numerous in Kaziranga.

Eurasian Wild Pig (Wild Pig, Indian W P) Sus scrofa Small numbers in Kaziranga.

Hog Deer Axis porcinus Common sight in Kaziranga.

Northern Red Muntjak (Indian M) Muntiacus vaginalis heard only at Eaglenest WLS.

Barasingha (Swamp Deer) Rucervus duvaucelii Common in Kaziranga.

Sambar Rusa unicolor One in Kaziranga.

Asian Wild Buffalo (Wild Water B) Bubalus arnee Common in Kaziranga.

Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus A few were seen.

Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta

Western Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock hoolock Heard only.

Irrawaddy Squirrel (Hoary-bellied S) Callosciurus pygerythrus

Orange-bellied Himalayan Squirrel Dremomys lokriah

Black Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor

Himalayan Striped Squirrel Tamiops macclellandii