SOUTH INDIA & ANDAMAN ISLANDS TOUR REPORT 2024

15 - 30 November 2024

by Craig Robson

The second outing of this recently revised itinerary, proved to be a great success once again. Another clean-sweep of all of the currently recognised Andaman Island endemics was followed by a comprehensive harvest of Southern Indian specialities. Highlights amongst this year’s grand total of 305 species were: Andaman Teal, Painted Bush Quail, Nilgiri and Andaman Wood Pigeons, Andaman Cuckoo-Dove, Malabar Imperial Pigeon, Andaman Crake, White-rumped & Indian Vultures, Andaman Serpent-Eagle, Tawny Eagle, 17 species of nightbird (seen), Malabar Trogon, 12 woodpeckers, including Heart-spotted, Yellow-crowned, Andaman & White-naped, Blue-winged Parakeet, Indian Pitta, White-bellied Minivet, Andaman Cuckooshrike, White-spotted Fantail, White-bellied & Andaman Treepies, Indian Black-lored Tit, Malabar Lark, Grey-headed, Andaman, Flame-throated and Yellow-throated Bulbuls, ten species of Phylloscopus warbler, including Tytler’s, Green, Sakhalin & Western Crowned, Jungle Prinia, Dark-fronted, Indian Scimitar and Rufous Babblers, Nilgiri, Palani & Wayanad Laughingthrushes, Indian Nuthatch, Southern Hill Myna, White-headed & Malabar Starlings, Nilgiri Thrush, Indian Blackbird, Nilgiri and White-bellied Blue Robins, Brown-breasted, Nilgiri, White-bellied Blue, Rusty-tailed, & Black-and-orange Flycatchers, Malabar Whistling & Blue-capped Rock Thrushes, Jerdon’s Leafbird, Nilgiri & Andaman Flowerpeckers, Purple-rumped & Crimson-backed Sunbirds, Black-throated Munia, and Nilgiri Pipit. The 23 species of mammal that we observed included Asian Elephant, Blackbuck, the immense Gaur, and a herd of 34 Nilgiri Tahr.

We began the tour just before lunchtime at our hotel near Port Blair, tucked-in by the ocean and, after chatting with our expert local guide Jijo Mathew, we prepared ourselves for the afternoons birding. With five nights here, we had ample time to enjoy the birding, while we tracked-down all of our target-birds. Much of our time was spent to the south of town, around Chidiyatapu. Exploring various areas of forest, and also some more open and coastal areas, we found Andaman Coucal, Andaman Green Pigeon, Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Bulbul, White-headed Starling, and Andaman Flowerpecker, as well as the more wide-ranging Long-tailed Parakeet. After nightfall, we added Andaman Nightjar, the endemic Walden’s form of Oriental Scops Owl, and Hume’s and Andaman Boobooks, but best of all were the wonderful point-blank views of an Andaman Scops Owl, thanks to Jijo. Andaman Wood Pigeon kept us on tenterhooks until our very last morning, when we found many. A short ferry ride was required to transport us to Khartang Reserved Forest, where Andaman Cuckoo-Dove, Andaman Crake, Andaman Serpent Eagle, Andaman Cuckooshrike, and Andaman Shama were all seen well. At a well-known spot in Port Blair we had a first-time success with Andaman Masked Owl, while the wetlands at Sippighat, Ograbraj and elsewhere produced Andaman Teal, as well as many other interesting marsh, open country and mangrove birds, such as the dark local form of Slaty-breasted Rail, a range of migratory shorebirds, including Grey-headed Lapwing, the endemic race of Blue-eared Kingfisher, Mangrove Whistler, and Indian (or Clamorous) Reed Warblers. In some forest along the main trunk-road north of Port Blair, we were lucky enough to see and sound-record the tricky Sakhalin Leaf Warbler, which winters here in suitable forest. Non-bird highlights included a Saltwater Crocodile hauled-out on a rock, and we found several endemic butterflies.

Returning by air to Chennai, and then onwards to Coimbatore, we transferred to a small bus before continuing up to our hotel in Ooty, in the Nilgiri Hills. Before breakfast the following morning, we were searching for nearby roadsides and forest patches. The endemic Nilgiri Laughingthrush had already been notched-up in the garden, and we soon found further confiding individuals, along with a tame pair of Painted Bush Quails, our first of many Grey Junglefowl, Indian Blackbirds, Nilgiri Blue Robins, and the amazing little Black-and-orange Flycatcher. After breakfast, we descended the Nilgiris, and continued on to Bamboo Banks, close to Mudumalai National Park. In the afternoon, we explored the Murugan Temple Hill area, with the help of local guide Rajesh. An excellent variety of birds were found in the mixed habitats, included Indian Peafowl, Common Hawk-Cuckoo, Yellow-crowned and White-naped Woodpeckers, White-cheeked Barbet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Orange Minivet, White-spotted Fantail, White-bellied Drongo, Malabar Lark, Yellow-billed Babbler, Indian Nuthatch, Malabar Starling, Indian Robin, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Yellow-throated Sparrow, and White-browed Wagtail. After nightfall, Jungle Nightjar showed very nicely.

We still had a full day and a morning to explore various sites around Bamboo Banks and the outskirts of Mudumalai NP. Our local guides knew all the good places and we had a very successful birding experience. The cream of the crop included a superb Spot-bellied Eagle (thanks to Sidah), and a nice pair of White-bellied Minivets, as well as some good raptors, with White-rumped and Indian Vultures, and Tawny Eagle. We also added Grey Francolin, Jacobin Cuckoo, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Jungle Owlet, Brown-capped Pygmy and Streak-throated Woodpeckers, a lovely Indian Pitta, Jerdon’s Bush Lark, and Black-throated Munia. There were some good mammals on this leg too, with Asian Elephant, some fine Gaur, several Blackbuck, Nilgiri and Tufted Grey Langurs and Bonnet Macaque.

We returned to Ooty for another overnight stay, checking some good birding spots en route. At Cairn Hill Forest we found plenty of interesting Phylloscopus warblers. Three rare wintering Tytler’s Leaf Warblers were the highlight (a new bird for most of us, and the first seen by the leader for 42 years!), but there were also Yellow-browed, Tickell’s Leaf, Western Crowned, and Large-billed. Much of the afternoon was spent in search of the elusive Nilgiri Thrush, without success. Our fortunes took a turn to the miraculous after breakfast the following morning however, when the thrush was eventually tracked-down with twenty minutes to spare!

Leaving the Nilgiris behind, we continued our journey southwards to Munnar in the High Range, crossing the Kerala border in the process, and arriving at our hotel after dark. Early the next morning, our hotel grounds were already producing superb close views of Palani Laughingthrush, Indian Scimitar Babbler and Malabar Whistling Thrush – on our way to breakfast! In order to visit Eravikulam National Park, we rode up a narrow road in an official park bus. This year we made sure to be on the very first bus, ahead of the large hordes of tourists that now overwhelm the site on a daily basis. Our strategy paid-off and, with almost no-one around, we had the most superb views of three Nilgiri Pipits, as well as a couple of White-bellied Blue Robins, and a superbly confiding herd of 34 Nilgiri Tahr. A short stop on the way back to the hotel brought Malabar Flameback and our first Southern Hill Mynas and Square-tailed Bulbuls. A nice area of high-level forest and lush gardens south of Munnar was our venue for the afternoon. Nilgiri Wood Pigeon finally gave itself up with fine views, and an excellent range of other birds included, Indian Golden Oriole, Indian Black-lored Tit, Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, Indian Blue Robin, a fine male Blue-called Rock Thrush, and our first scintillating little Crimson-backed Sunbirds.

The following morning saw us winding our way downhill towards our hotel close to Periyar National Park. We drove through the habitat of the restricted-range Yellow-throated Bulbul on the way and, this year, we easily saw five birds, along with White-browed Bulbul, Jungle Prinia, and a pair of Jerdon’s Leafbirds.

At Periyar, we had a day and a half to find the specialities with our allotted park guides. Rain curtailed our birding on the first afternoon, with a few highlights in the form of Grey-fronted Green Pigeons, Malabar Barbet, Blue-winged Parakeet, White-bellied Treepie, and Dark-fronted and Rufous Babblers. The weather forecast didn’t look great but, fortunately, things had sufficiently cleared up by early morning the next day and, on our way to the forest, we were lucky enough to walk right into a feeding flock of tricky Wayanad Laughingthrushes. Overnight downpours had triggered emergences of winged termites, providing food for a range of species, including the laughingthrushes. Some great birds followed during the remainder of the day, with a pair of Red Spurfowl, Malabar Imperial Pigeon, Great and Malabar Grey Hornbills, Malabar Trogon, day-roosting Indian and Oriental Scops Owls and Brown Boobook, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Malabar Woodshrike, our first wintering Green Warblers, a pair of White-bellied Blue Flycatchers, and Rusty-tailed Flycatcher.

From Periyar, we took the forested back roads to our final destination at Thattekad, one the best-known and birdiest places in the south. A few relatively short stops produced Fork-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo, our first Flame-throated Bulbuls, and our best views of Rufous Babbler. Around Thattekad itself, we were guided to a number of sub-locations in search of our remaining target-birds. This year’s haul was highlighted by day-roosting Sri Lanka Frogmouths and Mottled Wood Owls, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Blue-faced Malkoha, a glimpse of Slaty-legged Crake, Red Spurfowl and Grey-headed Bulbul (both somewhat fleetingly for some), more Dark-fronted Babblers, and bathing Brown-cheeked Fulvetta and Brown-breasted and Rufous-tailed Flycatchers. There were many local guides searching for roosting Sri Lanka Bay Owl, but it was unfortunately a no-show this time.

Our birding adventure in the southern Indian Subcontinent ended the following morning, as we drove the relatively short distance to Kochi (Cochin) Airport and connected with our onward flights home.

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 (v14.2).

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

Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus 20 on S Andaman.

Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha 20 near Ooty.

Andaman Teal ◊ Anas albogularis Near-endemic. Just 11 at Ograbraj, S Andaman.

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus

Red Spurfowl ◊ Galloperdix spadicea Endemic. A few at Periyar NP and Thattekad.

Grey Junglefowl ◊ Gallus sonneratii Endemic. Common enough. Female on a nest at Thattekad.

Grey Francolin Ortygornis pondicerianus

Painted Bush Quail ◊ Perdicula erythrorhyncha Endemic. A tame pair at Ooty.

Great Eared Nightjar Lyncornis macrotis One briefly at Thattekad (bourdilloni).

Jungle Nightjar ◊ (Indian J N) Caprimulgus indicus Near-endemic. Two at Murugan Temple Hill.

Jerdon’s Nightjar ◊ Caprimulgus atripennis Near-endemic. Several seen well at Thattekad.

Andaman Nightjar ◊ Caprimulgus andamanicus Endemic. A male spotlighted on S Andaman.

Sri Lanka Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus moniliger Near-endemic. A roosting pair at Thattekad.

Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata

Plume-toed Swiftlet ◊ Collocalia affinis

Indian Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus unicolor Near-endemic.

Edible-nest Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus fuciphagus

Brown-backed Needletail (B-throated N, Brown N) Hirundapus giganteus

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis

Blyth’s Swift Apus leuconyx One at Thattekad.

Little Swift Apus affinis

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis

Andaman Coucal ◊ Centropus andamanensis Endemic. At least five seen and many heard.

Blue-faced Malkoha ◊ Phaenicophaeus viridirostris Near-endemic. Several in the SW.

Jacobin Cuckoo (Pied C) Clamator jacobinus One briefly at Murugan Temple Hill.

Asian Koel (Common K) Eudynamys scolopaceus

Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus A flyover on S Andaman.

Fork-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo ◊ Surniculus dicruroides Near-endemic. 1 en route to Thattekad; another there.

Common Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius Near-endemic. Great views at Mudumalai.

Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus A couple on S Andaman.

Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) (introduced) Columba livia

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon ◊ Columba elphinstonii Endemic. Several eventually seen well near Munnar.

Andaman Wood Pigeon ◊ Columba palumboides Endemic. Seven at Chidiyatapu; good looks.

Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica

Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis

Andaman Cuckoo-Dove ◊ Macropygia rufipennis Endemic. Half a dozen in the end on S Andaman.

Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica

Grey-fronted Green Pigeon ◊ Treron affinis Endemic. Good numbers at Periyar.

Andaman Green Pigeon ◊ Treron chloropterus Endemic. c.40 recorded this year.

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus Just one at Mudumalai.

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea

Malabar Imperial Pigeon Ducula cuprea Endemic. Several at Periyar.

Slaty-breasted Rail Lewinia striata Several dark endemic obscurior on S Andaman.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Coot (Common C) Fulica atra

Grey-headed Swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus

Slaty-legged Crake ◊ Rallina eurizonoides One glimpsed, and a number heard at Thattekad.

Andaman Crake ◊ Rallina canningi Endemic. Three seen and as many heard. Seen very well.

Watercock Gallicrex cinerea

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus

Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator Two in the Mudumalai area (taigoor).

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva

Yellow-wattled Lapwing ◊ Vanellus malabaricus

Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus 14 at Sippighat, S Andaman.

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus

Tibetan Sand Plover Anarhynchus atrifrons

Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Black-tailed Godwit (Eastern B-t G) Limosa [limosa] melanuroides One S Andaman; presumably this form.

Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Common Redshank Tringa totanus

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Maximum count of 68 at Sippighat, S Andaman.

Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta

Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica One at Sippighat, S Andaman.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans

Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster

Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger

Indian Cormorant ◊ Phalacrocorax fuscicollis

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis

Pacific Reef Heron (P R Egret) Egretta sacra

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Striated Heron Butorides striata

Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii

Great Egret Ardea alba

Medium Egret Ardea intermedia

Eastern Cattle Egret Ardea coromanda

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus

Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes One soaring over Mount Harriet, S Andaman.

White-rumped Vulture ◊ Gyps bengalensis <20 counted at Mudumalai.

Indian Vulture ◊ Gyps indicus At least two at Mudumalai.

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela

Andaman Serpent Eagle ◊ Spilornis elgini Endemic. A total of three seen.

Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus [cirrhatus] limnaeetus

Changeable Hawk-Eagle ◊ (Crested H-E) Nisaetus [cirrhatus] cirrhatus

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis

Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax A couple at Mudumalai were a tour write-in.

Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata A pair at Ooty and another bird at Eravikulam NP.

Crested Goshawk Lophospiza trivirgatus

Shikra Tachyspiza badius

Japanese Sparrowhawk Tachyspiza gularis A single bird over Mount Harriet.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus One near Murugan Temple Hill.

Black Kite Milvus [migrans] govinda

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus

White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster

Common Buzzard (Steppe B) Buteo [buteo] rufinus

Andaman Masked Owl ◊ (A Barn O) Tyto deroepstorffi Endemic. One seen well at dusk in Port Blair.

Brown Boobook Ninox scutulata One at Periyar.

Hume’s Boobook ◊ Ninox obscura Endemic. One seen well and many heard on S Andaman.

Andaman Boobook ◊ Ninox affinis Endemic. One seen well at Chidiyatapu.

Spotted Owlet Athene brama

Jungle Owlet ◊ Glaucidium radiatum A performer in the grounds at Bamboo Banks.

Andaman Scops Owl ◊ Otus balli Endemic. Brilliant views of one on S Andaman; thanks to Jijo.

Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia Four roosting in bamboo at Periyar.

Oriental Scops Owl ◊ (Walden’s S O) Otus [sunia] modestus Endemic. Two seen well, south of Port Blair.

Indian Scops Owl ◊ Otus bakkamoena One roosting at Periyar.

Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl ◊ Ketupa nipalensis One seen really well near Murugan Temple Hill; thanks to Sidah.

Mottled Wood Owl ◊ Strix ocellata Near-endemic. Super views of three at their day-roost at Thattekad.

Malabar Trogon ◊ Harpactes fasciatus Near-endemic. Two smart males at Periyar.

Eurasian Hoopoe (Common H) Upupa epops

Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis At least three of these juggernauts at Periyar.

Malabar Grey Hornbill ◊ Ocyceros griseus Endemic. Ten logged in the SW.

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis

Oriental Dollarbird (Common D) Eurystomus orientalis

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis

Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris

Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting One on S Andaman (endemic rufigastra).

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Asian Green Bee-eater (Little G B-e) Merops orientalis

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti

White-cheeked Barbet ◊ Psilopogon viridis Endemic. Common.

Malabar Barbet ◊ Psilopogon malabaricus Endemic. Common at Periyar.

Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus

Heart-spotted Woodpecker ◊ Hemicircus canente A good year, with six seen in the SW.

Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker ◊ (Indian P W) Yungipicus nanus

Yellow-crowned Woodpecker ◊ Leiopicus mahrattensis

Freckle-breasted Woodpecker ◊ Dendrocopos analis

White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis A territorial male seen well at Thattekad (hodgsonii).

Andaman Woodpecker ◊ Dryocopus hodgei Endemic. Five seen and others heard.

Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus

Streak-throated Woodpecker ◊ Picus xanthopygaeus

Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense

Malabar Flameback Chrysocolaptes socialis Endemic. Regularly encountered this time.

White-naped Woodpecker ◊ (W-n Flameback) Chrysocolaptes festivus Near-endemic. 3 at Mudumalai.

Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen F) Falco [peregrinus] peregrinator One at dusk near Murugan Temple Hill.

Plum-headed Parakeet ◊ Psittacula cyanocephala

Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri

Long-tailed Parakeet ◊ Psittacula longicauda Ten logged on South Andaman (tytleri).

Blue-winged Parakeet ◊ (Malabar P) Psittacula columboides Endemic. Not uncommon in the SW.

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria Birds on S Andaman were actually endemic magnirostris.

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

Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis

Indian Pitta ◊ Pitta brachyura One showed really well at Jungle Hut. Many heard.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus

Malabar Woodshrike Tephrodornis sylvicola Endemic. Eight seen this year.

Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

White-bellied Minivet ◊ Pericrocotus erythropygius Endemic. A pair at Mudumalai.

Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

Orange Minivet ◊ Pericrocotus flammeus Near-endemic. Fairly common in the SW.

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus Small numbers on South Andaman.

Oriental Cuckooshrike Coracina javensis A few on S Andaman (endemic andamana).

Andaman Cuckooshrike ◊ Coracina dobsoni Endemic. Five at Khartang RF.

Mangrove Whistler Pachycephala cinerea Two in suitable habitat south of Port Blair.

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus

Indian Golden Oriole ◊ Oriolus kundoo Many in the SW, particularly near Munnar.

Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis

Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus Widespread, with endemic otiosus on S Andaman.

Andaman Drongo ◊ Dicrurus andamanensis Endemic. Common.

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus

White-bellied Drongo ◊ Dicrurus caerulescens Near-endemic.

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus

White-spotted Fantail ◊ (Spot-breasted F) Rhipidura albogularis Endemic. 7 logged this year in the SW.

White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola

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

Indian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi

Bay-backed Shrike ◊ Lanius vittatus

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus Sightings on S Andaman included many lucionensis (Philippine).

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda

White-bellied Treepie ◊ Dendrocitta leucogastra Endemic. 10 logged; Periyar – Thattekad.

Andaman Treepie ◊ Dendrocitta bayleii Endemic. Only located twice, but seen well; 14 in all.

House Crow Corvus splendens

Eastern Jungle Crow Corvus levaillantii

Indian Jungle Crow Corvus culminatus

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis

Cinereous Tit (Grey Tit) Parus cinereus

Indian Black-lored Tit ◊ (I Yellow T) Machlolophus aplonotus Endemic. 5 this year at various SW locations.

Jerdon’s Bush Lark ◊ Plocealauda affinis Near-endemic. One at Murugan Temple Hill.

Malabar Lark ◊ Galerida malabarica Endemic. Great views of 15+ at Murugan Temple Hill.

Yellow-browed Bulbul ◊ Acritillas indica Near-endemic. Small numbers in the SW.

Square-tailed Bulbul ◊ (S-t Black B) Hypsipetes ganeesa Near-endemic. Especially near Munnar.

Grey-headed Bulbul ◊ Brachypodius priocephalus Endemic. Several seen but a struggle again this year.

Andaman Bulbul Brachypodius fuscoflavescens Endemic. Fairly common and confiding.

Flame-throated Bulbul ◊ Rubigula gularis Endemic. Good numbers this year in the SW.

White-browed Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus luteolus Near-endemic. A few seen well en route to Periyar.

Yellow-throated Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus xantholaemus Endemic. Five showed easily en route to Periyar.

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer

Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor

Hill Swallow ◊ Hirundo domicola Near-endemic. Seven logged in the SW uplands.

Pacific Swallow Hirundo javanica

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Eastern Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus One at Cairn Hill Forest, Ooty.

Tytler’s Leaf Warbler ◊ Phylloscopus tytleri Near-endemic. Three at Cairn Hill Forest. A great find.

Tickell’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis

Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus

Green Warbler ◊ Phylloscopus nitidus Several seen and others heard in the SW; over 4 dates.

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides

Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris

Sakhalin Leaf Warbler ◊ Phylloscopus borealoides Two or three on S Andaman, with one sound-recorded.

Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis A vocal bird seen well on S Andaman.

Western Crowned Warbler ◊ Phylloscopus occipitalis Near-endemic. Three at Cairn Hill Forest.

Clamorous Reed Warbler ◊ (Indian R W) Acrocephalus [stentoreus] brunnescens Ograbraj, S Andaman.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum

Thick-billed Warbler Arundinax aedon One on S Andaman.

Booted Warbler ◊ Iduna caligata Non-leader. One near Munnar.

Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler (Rusty-rumped W) Helopsaltes certhiola Several at Ograbraj, S Andaman.

Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii

Jungle Prinia ◊ Prinia sylvatica Near-endemic. Elusive, but one showed briefly but well en route to Periyar.

Ashy Prinia ◊ Prinia socialis

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius

Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense

Indian White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus

Dark-fronted Babbler ◊ Dumetia atriceps Endemic. Skulky pairs at Periyar and near Thattekad (bourdilloni).

Indian Scimitar Babbler ◊ Pomatorhinus horsfieldii Endemic. Widespread.

Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps

Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala

Nilgiri Laughingthrush ◊ Montecincla cachinnans Endemic. Only five logged, but easily seen.

Palani Laughingthrush ◊ Montecincla fairbanki Endemic. At least 15 seen.

Rufous Babbler ◊ Argya subrufa Endemic. Two groups Periyar-Thattekad, with 10 birds in total.

Jungle Babbler Argya striata

Yellow-billed Babbler ◊ Argya affinis Near-endemic.

Wayanad Laughingthrush (Wynaad L) Pterorhinus delesserti Endemic. Superb views of c.15 at Periyar.

Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis

Indian Nuthatch ◊ Sitta castanea Near-endemic. A total of five at Mudumalai.

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa

Southern Hill Myna ◊ (Lesser H M) Gracula indica Near-endemic. Widespread in the SW.

Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

White-headed Starling ◊ (Andaman W-h S) Sturnia erythropygia Endemic. Fairly common.

Malabar Starling ◊ Sturnia blythii Endemic. Frequently seen.

Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum

Nilgiri Thrush ◊ Zoothera neilgherriensis Endemic. One. Last gasp appearance at Ooty!!

Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina Singles S Andaman (andamanensis) and Periyar (cyanota).

Indian Blackbird ◊ Turdus simillimus Near-endemic. Quite a few in the Nilgiris (nominate).

Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis

Indian Robin (I Black R) Copsychus fulicatus

Andaman Shama ◊ Copsychus albiventris Endemic. Often heard; a nice male seen.

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus

Brown-breasted Flycatcher ◊ Muscicapa muttui A couple at Thattekad.

Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica

Nilgiri Blue Robin ◊ (N Sholakili) Sholicola major Endemic. Five seen in the Nilgiris.

White-bellied Blue Robin ◊ (W-b Sholakili) Sholicola albiventris Endemic. Four logged in the Munnar area.

Nilgiri Flycatcher ◊ Eumyias albicaudatus Endemic. Small numbers seen well in the SW uplands.

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus

Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides

White-bellied Blue Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis pallidipes Endemic. A smart pair at Periyar.

Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae Near-endemic.

Malabar Whistling Thrush ◊ Myophonus horsfieldii Endemic. Quite common.

Indian Blue Robin Larvivora brunnea

Rusty-tailed Flycatcher ◊ Ficedula ruficauda Endemic. Three winterers in the SW.

Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla Heard-only.

Black-and-orange Flycatcher ◊ Ficedula nigrorufa Endemic. Seven seen & many heard in the SW uplands.

Blue-capped Rock Thrush Monticola cinclorhyncha A smart male near Munnar.

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata

Amur Stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri One at Ograbraj. S Andaman.

Jerdon’s Leafbird ◊ Chloropsis jerdoni Endemic. A pair seen very well en route to Periyar.

Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons

Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile Non-leader. One at Bamboo Banks.

Pale-billed Flowerpecker ◊ Dicaeum erythrorhynchos

Nilgiri Flowerpecker ◊ Dicaeum concolor Endemic. Not uncommon locally.

Andaman Flowerpecker ◊ Dicaeum virescens Endemic. Five seen and several heard.

Purple-rumped Sunbird ◊ Leptocoma zeylonica Near-endemic.

Crimson-backed Sunbird ◊ (Small S) Leptocoma minima Endemic. Best seen near Munnar.

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus

Ornate Sunbird Cinnyris ornatus

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra Heard-only.

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Chestnut-shouldered Petronia) Gymnoris xanthocollis

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata

Black-throated Munia ◊ Lonchura kelaarti Near-endemic. Scattered sightings in the SW.

White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata

Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus Several on S Andaman.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Alaskan W) Motacilla [tschutschensis] tschutschensis Common on S Andaman.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Green-headed W) Motacilla [tschutschensis] taivana One on S Andaman.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

White-browed Wagtail ◊ Motacilla maderaspatensis Small numbers in the SW.

Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus

Nilgiri Pipit ◊ Anthus nilghiriensis Endemic. Three showed brilliantly at Eravikulam NP.

MAMMALS

Asian Elephant (indian E) Elaphus maximus Three seen, with one raiding a garden.

Indian Grey Mongoose Urva edwardsii Non-leader.

Indian Brown Mongoose Urva fusca Near-endemic. One near Munnar.

Eurasian Wild Pig Sus scrofa

Chital (Spotted Deer) Axis axis

Northern Red Muntjac (Indian M) Muntiacus vaginalis

Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor Heard-only.

Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra Near-endemic. Three at Murugan Temple Hill.

Gaur (Indian Bison) Bos gaurus Total of 31 logged at several locations.

Nilgiri Tahr Nilgiritragus hylocrius Endemic. A superb herd of 34 at Eravikulam NP.

Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus 100s seen in a roost area en route to Munnar.

Black-eared Flying Fox Pteropus melanotus Large numbers flying over Port Blair after nightfall.

Bonnet Monkey Macaca radiata Endemic.

Nilgiri Langur Semnopithecus johnii Endemic. Not uncommon in the SW.

Tufted Gray Langur Semnopithecus priam Near-endemic. The widespread grey langur on this itinerary.

Indian Hare (Black-naped H) Lepus nigricollis Non-leader. One at Bamboo Banks.

Indian Palm Squirrel (Three-striped P S) Funambulus palmarum Near-endemic. Lowland SW.

Five-striped Palm Squirrel (Northern Palm S) (introduced) Funambulus pennantii S Andaman.

Nilgiri Palm Squirrel Funambulus sublineatus Endemic. One near Ooty.

Jungle Palm Squirrel Funambulus tristriatus Endemic. Periyar & Thattekad.

Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica Endemic.

Brown Rat (introduced) Rattus norvegicus

Lesser Bandicoot Rat Bandicota bengalensis Two seen in the highlands.

REPTILES

Eastern Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor

Western Ghats Flying Lizard Draco dussumieri One at Thattekad.

South Indian Rock Agama (Rock Dragon) Psammophilus dorsalis Thattekad – red head.

Dussumier’s Forest Skink Sphenomorphus dussumieri Thattekad – red tail.

Water Monitor Varanus salvator Chidiyatapu etc., South Andaman.

Oriental Rat Snake Ptyas mucosa

Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris One en route to Munnar.

Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus One at Chidiyatapu, S Andaman.

AMPHIBIANS

Asian Common Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus

Paddy Field Frog Fejervarya limnocharis Sippighat, S Andaman.

BUTTERFLIES

Indian Blue Mormon Papilio agenor polymnestor

Common Mormon Papilio polytes S Andaman.

Common Rose Pachliopta aristolochiae

Malabar Rose Pachliopta pandiyana Thattekad.

Blue Tiger Tirumala limniacePeriyar NP.

Psyche Leptosia nina Widespread.

Mottled Emigrant Catopsilia pyranthe Mudumalai.

Yellow Orange Tip Ixias pyrene andamana Chidiyatapu.

Great Orange Tip Hebomoia glaucippe Widespread.

Common Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe Widespread.

Dark Wanderer Pareronia ceylanica naraka S Andaman.

Dull Oak Blue Arhopala centaurus Mount Harriet, S Andaman.

Angled Pierrot Caleta decidias

Common Pierrot Castalius rosimon Mudumalai.

Common Imperial Cheritra freja En route to Thattekad.

Indian Cupid (Small C) Chilades parrhasius En route to Munnar.

Plains Cupid Luthrodes pandava

Large Fourline Blue Nacaduba pactolus S Andaman.

Quaker Neopithecops zalmora

Common Line Blue Prosotas nora Thattekad.

Red Pierrot Talicada nyseus Bamboo Banks.

Lesser Grass Blue Zizina otis S Andaman.

Rustic Cupha erymanthis

Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus

Common Tiger (Striped T) Danaus genutia

Common Palmfly Elymnias hypermnestra cottonis S Andaman.

Andaman Crow Euploea andamanensis Mount Harriet.

Grey Pansy Junonia atlites

Chocolate Pansy Junonia iphita

Lemon Pansy Junonia lemonias

Dark Evening Brown Melanitis phedima Periyar.

Malabar Glad-eye Bushbrown Mycalesis junonia Periyar.

Dark-branded Bushbrown Mycalesis mineus Periyar.

Chestnut-streaked Sailer Neptis jumbah S Andaman.

Common Sailer Neptis hylas

Smooth-eyed Bushbrown Orsotriaena medus Thattekad.

Common Lascar Pantoporia hordonia S Andaman.

Clipper Parthenos sylvia

Small Leopard Phalantga alcippe S Andaman.

Andaman Viscount Tanaecia cibaritis S Andaman.

Red-disc Bushbrown Telinga oculus Eravikulam NP.

Pygmy Scrub Hopper Aeromachus pygmaeus Thattekad.

Indian Awlking Choaspes benjaminii

Chestnut Bob Iambrix salsala Thattekad.

Common Dartlet Oriens gola S Andaman.

Pied Flat Tagiades japetus Chidiyatapu, S Andaman.

Tamil Grass Dart Taractrocera ceramas Thattekad.

MOTHS

Marbled White Moth Nyctemera coleta Periyar.

DRAGONFLIES

Stream Ruby Heliocypha bisignata Thattekad.

Green Metalwing Neurobasis chinensis

Plain Flashwing (Clear-winged Forest Glory) Vestalis gracilis

Variable Wisp Agriocnemis femina S Andaman.

Orange-tailed Marsh Dart Ceriagrion cerinorubellum S Andaman.

Yellow Featherlegs Copera marginipes

Blue Bush Dart Copera vittata Mudumalai & Thattekad.

Common Bluetail Ischnura senegalensis S Andaman.

Oriental Blue Dasher Brachydiplax chalybea S Andaman.

Scarlet Skimmer Crocothemis servilia S Andaman.

Chalky Percher Diplacodes trivialis

Asian Blood Tail Lathrecista asiatica S Andaman.

Brown-backed Red Marsh Hawk Orthetrum chrysis Widespread.

Pied Paddy Skimmer Neurothemis tullia Thattekad.

Brown-backed Red Marsh Hawk Orthetrum chrysis

Slender Skimmer Orthetrum sabina

Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens

Common Picturewing Rhyothemis variegata

Twister Tholymis tillargaS Andaman.

Ferruginous Glider Tramea limbata S Andaman.

Crimson Marsh Glider Trithemis auroraThattekad.

Indigo Dropwing Trithemis festivaThattekad.

Emerald Cascader Zygonyx iris Thattekad.

HYMENOPTERA

Cricket hunter (Jewel wasp) Chlorion lobatum Thattekad – large and shiny green.

ARACHNIDS

Black Golden Orbweaver Nephila kuhli Huge spider in the SW lowlands.

PLANTS

East Indian Arrowroot Curcuma angustifolia

Green-lipped Dendrobium Dendrobium ovatum Thattekad.

Antique Spurge Euphorbia antiquorum

Mysore St John’s-wort Hypericum mysurense

Malabar Melastome Melastomus malabathricum

Net-leaved Bladderwort Utricularia reticulata