SOUTH INDIA & ANDAMAN ISLANDS TOUR REPORT 2025

15 - 30 November 2025

Dave Farrow

A splendid tour around Tamil Nadu, Kerala and South Andaman, where with the help of expert local guide Jijo Matthews, we found 47 of the endemic birds of the region, plus an additional 23 near-endemics. This included 19 of the 20 available Andaman endemics, with selected highlights being Andaman Scops Owl, Andaman Woodpigeon, Andaman Crake, a flock of 67 Andaman Treepies, Andaman Cuckoo-Dove, Andaman Teal, Andaman Serpent Eagle, with a supporting cast of Long-tailed Parakeet, Grey-headed Lapwing, Ruddy Kingfisher and Daurian Starlings. On the mainland of Peninsula India we visited Ooty and Munnar high in the Western Ghats, the dry plateau of Mudumalai, the rich forest of Periyar and the lowland woodlands of Thattekad. We found virtually all the endemics available here (all bar one…) and enjoyed an abundance of birds alongside fine accommodation and some excellent local food. Highlights included Painted Bushquails, Nilgiri, Palani and Wayanad Laughingthrushes, Yellow-throated and Grey-headed Bulbuls, Jungle Nightjar, Mottled Wood Owl, White-bellied, Nilgiri, Rusty-tailed, Black-and-Orange, and Brown-breasted Flycatchers, Nilgiri and White-bellied Blue Robins, and Nilgiri Pipit, to name but a few.

As our group came together in the tropical warmth of Port Blair, we began our birding around the wetlands and mudflats that surround the bay. We found many Purple Swamphens, Medium Egrets, Pheasant-tailed Jacana and a White-bellied Sea Eagle with a huge nest. We found our first endemic in the form of Andaman Teal, with 17 busily feeding on a shallow muddy pond. We saw smart Eastern Yellow Wagtails, Eurasian Whimbrel and Wood Sandpiper, numerous Tibetan Sandplovers, Pacific Golden Plovers, Red-necked and Long-toed Stint, Eurasian Curlews and Curlew Sandpipers. At dusk we tried an urban site for Andaman Masked Owl, but without success.

Our first morning took us to a block of forest known as Kalathang, and in just a small area we had a busy session with a large birdflock, which held a staggering number of Andaman Treepie with at least 67 counted, many White-headed Starlings, and Andaman and Greater Racket-tailed Drongos feeding around a rubbish dump. We saw an adult Andaman Crake lurking under bushes, Andaman Green and Green Imperial Pigeons, diminutive Freckle-breasted Woodpeckers, Long-tailed Parakeet, a flyby Andaman Cuckoo-Dove, Andaman Flowerpecker, Greenish Warblers, Asian Fairy Bluebirds guzzling fruit, Crested Honey Buzzard, Black Baza and Changeable Hawk Eagle. In mangroves we found a Ruddy Kingfisher sitting quietly, Arctic Warbler and a vocal Mangrove Whistler.  In the afternoon we visited Chiriyatappu where we found Andaman Coucal, and a single Andaman Serpent Eagle sitting quietly watching the forest floor. We found a pre-roost gathering of at least five shy Andaman Woodpigeon, often the hardest endemic to find. An attempt at night birding was disturbed by noisy traffic, but we managed to see two Andaman Nightjars, and later a Walden’s Scops Owl and two Hume’s Boobooks showed well, to round off a great day.

Returning in the morning to Chiriyatappu, we walked the now peaceful road finding Andaman Shama, a confiding pair of Andaman Woodpecker, had a flight view of an Andaman Serpent Eagle, a pair of Oriental Cuckooshrikes, a roadside Forest Wagtail, a migrant Richard’s Pipit together with two Red-throated Pipits on a hotel lawn, Taiga Flycatcher, plenty of Andaman Drongos and Black-naped Orioles, and a brief view of a Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher.

In a different direction in the afternoon, we headed up the main trunk road to Ferrarganj. The tall forest here was quiet, but once darkness fell the Andaman Boobooks started calling and we had great views of one at the roadside. A little more trickery was required with our next target, Andaman Scops Owl. Stepping into the forest we started to lure one in, with a response coming fairly soon. Suddenly the bird appeared, giving us some stunning views at close range.

A return visit to the forests of Kalathang was in order, via a roadside marsh where we saw Japanese Sparrowhawk, Pacific Swift, Pintail Snipe, Crested Serpent Eagle and two Grey-headed Lapwing. We enjoyed more views of Andaman Crake, White-headed Starlings, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, a Violet Cuckoo, Small and Scarlet Minivets. In the afternoon we returned to Chiriyatappu, where an Andaman Cuckoo-Dove was found sat in a bush at the roadside. We revisited Andaman Woodpigeon, with at least five birds seen among forest giants, and after dark we searched once again for Andaman Masked Owl, but only a Hume’s Boobook could be found.

Our final day was rather different in terms of weather. We started again at Chiriyatappu, and under leaden skies had a great session watching a big bare tree that held both adult and vocal juvenile Changeable Hawk Eagles, many White-headed Starlings, Long-tailed Parakeets, Black-naped Orioles, Oriental Cuckooshrikes and Vernal Hanging Parrots. A flock of 14 Daurian Starlings flew in to join them all while another 39 Daurian Starlings flew overhead to join a mass of Green Imperial Pigeons in a fruiting tree. We also found Dusky Warbler, Pacific Swift, Stork-billed Kingfisher, White-rumped Munia and Crested Serpent Eagle, and just as the heavens opened we reached the shelter of a nearby teashop just in time. The torrential rain terminated all activity despite our efforts to continue birding, and in the afternoon we braved the intermittent showers to explore the wetlands near Port Blair, finding Gull-billed, Whiskered and White-winged Terns (a write-in), a flock of Broad-billed Sandpiper (another write-in), plus Curlew Sandpipers, several Yellow and Cinnamon Bitterns, Watercock and Purple Swamphens.

A long travel day followed, beginning with an early departure from Port Blair to Chennai, then a short onward flight to Coimbatore. Here we met our bus that would be with us for the next ten days, and inched our way towards Ooty, high in the Western Ghats at 2300m. A refreshment stop produced some White-browed Wagtails and our first Green Warblers, then we slowly made our way up the winding roads to the hill station. A herd of Gaur grazing in roadside tea plantations was an unusual sight, and the cool of the hills was quite a contrast to our previous location (as was the excellent buffet spread.)

Our well positioned hotel was close to the birding sites, and before breakfast we had close views of the charming Nilgiri Laughingthrushes, plus Indian Blackbird, Hill Swallow and a perched Crested Goshawk. In darker corners we found Nilgiri Blue Robin and Black-and-Orange Flycatchers, and a quick visit up to the Doddabetta Peak produced some smart Nilgiri Woodpigeons. Moving on, we drove downhill to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, and our lodgings for the next two nights at the excellent Bamboo Banks Lodge. The gardens were full of birds with Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Babbler and Orange Minivet all appearing soon after arrival. In the afternoon we explored the dry jungle habitat in the area, were shown two Oriental Scops Owls and a roosting Jungle Nightjar, plus we found Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Plum-headed Parakeet, Common Woodshrike, Jerdon’s Leafbird, Bay-backed and Long-tailed Shrikes, Yellow-eyed and Puff-throated Babbler, Indian Nuthatch, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Indian Paradise Flycatcher and Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Coppersmith and White-cheeked Barbet. It was great to see such an abundance of birds!

We began the day with a Jeep ride through scrubby woodland, finding a few birds along the way. A White-bellied Minivet showed briefly for some, we also saw several Booted Warblers, Peregrine Falcons, Painted Storks, a vagrant Daurian Starling among a flock of Chestnut-tailed Starling, and Grey Junglefowl. Returning to our lodge we spent the rest of the morning walking the extensive grounds seeing Greater and Indian Spotted Eagles, Booted, Tawny and Steppe Eagles, and Asian Woolly-necked Stork all circling overhead, Black-headed and Indian Cuckooshrikes, and a vocal Jungle Owlet posing nicely. In the afternoon we explored nearby areas on foot, finding a super Malabar Lark that was mimicking many other birds; Jerdon’s Bushlark, Yellow-crowned and Streak-throated Woodpeckers, White-spotted Fantail, an Indian Pitta in a tree, numerous Blyth’s Reed Warblers, and finished up with a trio of Spotted Owlet. Another great day.

In the twilight of dawn, the resident Jungle Owlet kept up his strident calls across the camp, and a last cruise around in the scrubby jungle produced Shikra, Black-headed Ibis and Green and Wood Sandpipers. On our way out of the park area we saw a huge Gaur cross the road, a Stripe-necked Mongoose, and a young White-eyed Buzzard. After a slow drive back up to Ooty along roads thronged with weekend tourists, we headed down to the Ooty Botanical Gardens for some afternoon birding. This was surprisingly good, and we found a smart Kashmir Flycatcher, a showy Indian Blue Robin, a Large-billed Leaf Warbler among the Greenish Warblers, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and Square-tailed Bulbuls. Rain came and mist descended to terminate our birding, and a final stop near our hotel in the fog revealed five Indian Blackbirds going to roost.

Despite waking up to thick mist, a short foray was rewarded with a trio of smart Painted Bushquails giving some great views. The wet and the fog defeated further birding, and it was time to commence our long journey southwards to Munnar. A few birds were seen along the way, such as Indian Rollers, Spot-billed Pelicans, Large Grey Babblers and Crested Hawk Eagles. We rolled into Munnar after dark, hoping for better weather tomorrow.

Our rather nice hotel had the added attraction of wide gardens and tall trees, and at dawn the Malabar Whistling Thrush sang sweetly from the roof. We also found our first Palani Laughingthrushes here, before heading out to Eravikulam National Park. We joined a throng of other tourists to ascend the hillside in a special bus, and soon after we began walking up the track where we happened upon a Nilgiri Pipit, sat on bracken at the side of the path and offering stunning views. A fortunate sighting, as this was the only one we saw! We saw more Palani Laughingthrushes, Plain Prinia, Steppe Buzzard, and numerous Greenish Warblers. Not until the last moment did we see Nilgiri Tahr, when five appeared on the skyline offering good scope views. After descending to the bottom of the hill, we checked various roadside places finding Nilgiri Flycatcher, Blue-capped Rock Thrush and Indian Black-lored Tit. In the afternoon we found a handsome male White-bellied Blue Robin (or Sholakili) that hopped around in a quiet corner. We also saw Indian Scimitar Babbler, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, Large-billed Leaf Warbler and a smart pair of Nilgiri Woodpigeons in a fruiting tree.

We continued southwards through the tea-covered hills towards our next destination. Along the route we found Rufous Babblers, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Plum-headed and Blue-winged Parakeets, before dropping back into Tamil Nadu down the steep escarpment of Bodi Ghat, a mountainside covered in rich thorny acacia jungle. At our first stop we found an obliging Yellow-throated Bulbul that performed well, plus White-browed Bulbul, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, and Common Iora in striking breeding plumage. Down at the base of the slope we found Blue-faced Malkoha, Jungle Prinia and Jacobin Cuckoo, and as the heat built up the sky was filled with Booted and Black Eagles and a swarm of eight Crested Honey Buzzards. We continued towards Periyar, arriving in time for an afternoon walk into the forest. With the invaluable assistance of the local guides we were led to a flock of Wayanad Laughingthrush, audible but skulking in the undergrowth. A quick chase was necessary, along a path very recently vacated by a group of Gaur, and we had good views of a flock that swelled to more than 30 birds. An excellent start to our Periyar stay. We continued along muddy paths where we found many footprints of Tiger, Leopard and Dhole, we also saw White-bellied Treepies, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, Jungle Owlet, Grey-fronted Green Pigeons and Loten’s Sunbird.

Moving to a different part of the forest, we crossed the lake on a raft and walked on narrow trails under forest giants. We saw a confiding male White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, had a flyby of a pair of Red Spurfowl, saw Grey Junglefowl, Malabar and Common Flamebacks, Flame-throated Bulbul, a male Malabar Trogon, Brown-breasted and Rusty-tailed Flycatchers, and a flyover of three Malabar Imperial Pigeon. In the midday period we saw a Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Bulbul in the hotel garden, before returning to the forest once more. We found a delightful pair of Heart-spotted Woodpeckers, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Little Spiderhunter, many Malabar Starlings and Blue-winged Parakeets. As the light faded we were attracted to a great cacophany from irate Jungle Babblers, mobbing a Mottled Wood Owl sat in a coconut palm.

Onwards to our final destination of Thattekad, we drove narrow roads through forest, stopping to search for elusive Grey-headed Bulbuls. We found numerous Crimson-backed Sunbirds, plus Dark-fronted Babblers and Flame-throated Bulbul, before reaching our hideaway hotel. In the afternoon we eventually located our quarry of Grey-headed Bulbul, by waiting by a forest stream where Yellow-browed Bulbul, Bronzed Drongos and Blue-throated Flycatcher were dropping in. We had good looks at two pairs of furtive birds that came sneaking into bath and drink. We also found Orange-headed Thrush, Shikra, Southern Hill Mynas, Black-hooded Oriole, Nilgiri Flowerpeckers, Green Imperial Pigeons, Lesser Whistling Ducks and Pied Kingfishers, and at dusk we positioned ourselves on a bridge over the Periyar river. A flock of Black-throated Munias came into roost right beside us, then as dusk fell we were treated to the spectacle of at least 22 Great Eared Nightjars in a swarm feeding on emerging termites. We also saw Jerdon’s Nightjar perched in a tree and found an Indian Scops Owl. Another top day.

Cloudy dull weather dominated our last day, we began by watching from the vantage point of a rocky hill seeing a Brown Fish Owl, White-bellied Woodpeckers, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Crimson-backed Sunbirds, Rosy Starlings, a single Malabar Imperial Pigeon and Orange Minivets. Next, we were shown a roosting female Sri Lanka Frogmouth, plus we saw Crested Goshawks and Crested Serpent Eagle. In the afternoon we found White-rumped Spinetails feeding over the forest with Indian Swiftlets and Little Swifts, and a surprise pair of very smart Malabar Pied Hornbills, normally a very scarce bird on this tour. At dusk we glimpsed a sneaky Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, while a couple more Jerdon’s Nightjars flew by.

A final foray produced two Crested Honey Buzzard and a Black Baza sat in the ‘magic tree’ just outside our hotel. In nearby woodland we found a splendid Fork-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Jungle Owlet, Malabar Grey Hornbills and Loten’s Sunbirds. Then it was time to head for the Kochi airport and bring to a close our very successful tour of South Andaman, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and all head our separate ways. A special thanks of course to Jijo for his skill and efforts at ensuring we saw as much as we could on this tour.

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 AviList v2025 (AviList Core Team. 2025. AviList:The Global Avian Checklist, v2025).

Lesser Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna javanica  Frequent on South Andaman, also good numbers at Thattekad.

Andaman Teal ◊  Anas albogularis  Endemic. Our first of the tour, 17 seen at Sippighat.

Indian Peafowl  Pavo cristatus

Red Spurfowl ◊  Galloperdix spadicea  Endemic. A noisy flyby by a pair at Periyar.

Grey Junglefowl ◊  Gallus sonneratii  Endemic. A few seen at Mudumalai and Periyar.

Grey Francolin  Ortygornis pondicerianus

Painted Bush Quail ◊  Perdicula erythrorhyncha  Endemic. A last look at Ooty, and we saw two males and a female close to the road. Stunning!

Andaman Coucal ◊  Centropus andamanensis  Endemic. Fairly numerous on South Andaman.

Greater Coucal  Centropus sinensis

Blue-faced Malkoha ◊  Phaenicophaeus viridirostris  Near-endemic. A nice look at one on the Bodi Ghat road.

Jacobin Cuckoo (Pied C)  Clamator jacobinus  A couple seen at Mudumulai, another Bodi Ghat.

Asian Koel (Common K)  Eudynamys scolopaceus

Violet Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus  A female in a mixed flock at Kalathang, South Andaman.

Grey-bellied Cuckoo ◊  Cacomantis passerinus  One at Sippighat was unexpected. A scarce visitor here.

Fork-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo ◊  Surniculus dicruroides  Last addition to the tour list, good views of one at Thattekad.

Common Hawk-Cuckoo  Hierococcyx varius  Heard-only. Calling at our Periyar hotel.

Indian Cuckoo  Cuculus micropterus  Heard-only, on South Andaman.

Andaman Cuckoo-Dove ◊  Macropygia rufipennis  Endemic. The last day endemic we needed to find, after much searching we had a good view at Chiriyatappu.

Spotted Dove  Spilopelia chinensis

Laughing Dove  Spilopelia senegalensis

Red Collared Dove  Streptopelia tranquebarica

Eurasian Collared Dove  Streptopelia decaocto

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon ◊  Columba elphinstonii  Endemic.  A couple seen at Doddabetta at Ooty, then another two showed very well near Munnar.

Andaman Wood Pigeon ◊  Columba palumboides  Endemic. Often the hardest endemic to find, we had great views of six on two days at Chiriyatappu.

Rock Dove (introduced) (Feral Pigeon)  Columba [livia] var_domestica

Common Emerald Dove  Chalcophaps indica

Grey-fronted Green Pigeon ◊  Treron affinis  Endemic. Plenty seen at Periyar.

Andaman Green Pigeon ◊  Treron chloropterus  Endemic. Not uncommon on South Andaman.

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon  Treron phoenicopterus  Seen in the dry woodlands of Mudumalai.

Green Imperial Pigeon  Ducula aenea

Malabar Imperial Pigeon  Ducula cuprea  Endemic. Flyovers at Periyar and Thattekad.

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Coot (Common C)  Fulica atra

Purple Swamphen (Grey-headed S)  Porphyrio [porphyrio] poliocephalus

Watercock  Gallicrex cinerea  A few seen in the swamps of South Andaman.

White-breasted Waterhen  Amaurornis phoenicurus

Andaman Crake ◊  Rallina canningi  Endemic. Great views of a couple at Kalathang. A juvenile living in the garden of our Hotel sadly never showed once the tour had begun.

Pacific Golden Plover  Pluvialis fulva

Yellow-wattled Lapwing ◊  Vanellus malabaricus  A pair of these beauties at Mudumalai, plus a single.

Grey-headed Lapwing  Vanellus cinereus  Three seen in a marshy area near Ferrarganj on South Andaman.

Red-wattled Lapwing  Vanellus indicus

Tibetan Sand Plover  Anarhynchus atrifrons  At Sippighat

Greater Sand Plover  Anarhynchus leschenaultii  A few seen on coastal mudflats on South Andaman.

Pheasant-tailed Jacana  Hydrophasianus chirurgus  A couple on wetlands on South Andaman.

Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus  A good number at Sippighat.

Eurasian Curlew  Numenius arquata  Seen at Sippighat

Pin-tailed Snipe  Gallinago stenura  Many seen flying about on South Andaman wetlands.

Common Snipe  Gallinago gallinago  Non-leader.

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos

Green Sandpiper  Tringa ochropus  One at Mudumalai.

Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola  A few at Sippighat.

Common Redshank  Tringa totanus  Numerous at Sippighat.

Broad-billed Sandpiper  Calidris falcinellus A write-in, A flock of twelve at Sippighat on South Andaman.

Curlew Sandpiper  Calidris ferruginea  Quite a few at Sippighat.

Red-necked Stint  Calidris ruficollis  A few at Sippighat.

Long-toed Stint  Calidris subminuta  A small number at Sippighat.

Gull-billed Tern  Gelochelidon nilotica  A single at Sippighat.

Whiskered Tern  Chlidonias hybrida  Seen at Sippighat and Thattekad.

White-winged Tern  Chlidonias leucopterus  A write-in, two at Sippighat

Asian Openbill  Anastomus oscitans  A few noted in Tamil Nadu.

Painted Stork  Mycteria leucocephala

Asian Woolly-necked Stork  Ciconia episcopus  Seen in the air at Mudumalai.

Oriental Darter  Anhinga melanogaster  Some seen at Thattekad.

Little Cormorant  Microcarbo niger

Great Cormorant  Phalacrocorax carbo

Indian Cormorant ◊  Phalacrocorax fuscicollis  Seen at Periyar.

Black-headed Ibis  Threskiornis melanocephalus

Spot-billed Pelican ◊  Pelecanus philippensis  Some seen on a lake near Coimbatore.

Cinnamon Bittern  Botaurus cinnamomeus  Several seen in marshy areas of Sippighat.

Yellow Bittern  Botaurus sinensis  Numerous in a small marshy area of Sippighat.

Pacific Reef Heron  Egretta sacra  A few along the coasts of South Andaman.

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax  A single at Thattekad.

Little Heron  Butorides atricapilla

Indian Pond Heron  Ardeola grayii

Indian/Chinese Pond Heron  Ardeola grayii/bacchus  A couple seen on South Andaman.

Great Egret  Ardea alba

Medium Egret  Ardea intermedia

Eastern Cattle Egret  Ardea coromanda

Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea

Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea

Great Eared Nightjar  Lyncornis macrotis  A thrilling display at Thattekad, we watched a swarm of 22 birds feeding on rising termites.

Jungle Nightjar ◊  Caprimulgus indicus  Near-endemic. A roosting bird in a tree at Mudumalai was nice.

Andaman Nightjar ◊  Caprimulgus andamanicus  Endemic. Two seen in flight at Chiriyatappu,

Jerdon’s Nightjar ◊  Caprimulgus atripennis  Near-endemic. A perched bird at Thattekad, plus a couple more seen flying at dusk.

Sri Lanka Frogmouth ◊ (Ceylon F)  Batrachostomus moniliger  Near-endemic. A sleepy female seen at roost at Thattekad.

Crested Treeswift  Hemiprocne coronata

Brown-backed Needletail  Hirundapus giganteus  Often seen on South Andaman, a couple at Periyar.

White-rumped Spinetail ◊  Zoonavena sylvatica  Near-endemic. A couple seen feeding over the forest at Thattekad.

Asian Palm Swift  Cypsiurus balasiensis

Fork-tailed Swift ◊ (Blyth’s S)  Apus [pacificus] leuconyx  Two seen in a mixed flock at Periyar.

Fork-tailed Swift ◊ (Pacific S)  Apus [pacificus] pacificus  A couple seen on South Andaman.

Little Swift  Apus affinis

Plume-toed Swiftlet ◊  Collocalia affinis  The commoner on South Andaman, formerly in Glossy Swiftlet.

Indian Swiftlet ◊  Aerodramus unicolor

Edible-nest Swiftlet ◊  Aerodramus fuciphagus   A few seen on South Andaman.

Andaman Boobook ◊ (A Hawk-Owl)  Ninox affinis  Endemic. A good look at one at Ferrarganj.

Hume’s Boobook ◊ (H’s Hawk-Owl)  Ninox obscura  Endemic. Four individuals seen on South Andaman.

Spotted Owlet  Athene brama  At least three seen at Mudumalai.

Jungle Owlet ◊  Glaucidium radiatum  Great views of a vocal bird in the garden of Bamboo Banks, more seen in Periyar where they are of the malabaricum subspecies, also heard at Thattekad.

Andaman Scops Owl ◊  Otus balli  Endemic. Superb looks at this shy endemic on South Andaman, exhibiting some threat display to a recording of his call.

Indian Scops Owl ◊  Otus bakkamoena  One lured into a big tree at Thattekad.

Oriental Scops Owl  Otus sunia  Two roosting birds seen in a bamboo thicket at Mudumalai.

Oriental Scops Owl ◊ (Walden’s S O)  Otus [sunia] modestus  Endemic. Good views of one at Chiriyatappu, others heard.

Brown Fish Owl  Ketupa zeylonensis  One at roost at Thattekad.

Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl ◊  Ketupa nipalensis  A sneaky bird glimpsed and heard at Thattekad.

Mottled Wood Owl ◊  Strix ocellata  Endemic. One in a palm tree at Periyar being noisily mobbed by Jungle Babblers.

Black-winged Kite  Elanus caeruleus

Black Baza  Aviceda leuphotes  Several seen in the South Andaman forests.

Crested Honey Buzzard (Oriental H B)  Pernis ptilorhynchus  Frequent sightings, with a flock of seven at Bodi Ghat.

Red-headed Vulture ◊  Sarcogyps calvus  At least three seen soaring over Mudumalai

White-rumped Vulture ◊  Gyps bengalensis  A rare sight, a few seen soaring over Mudumalai.

Crested Serpent Eagle  Spilornis cheela   On South Andaman davisoni, in Kerala melanotis.

Andaman Serpent Eagle ◊  Spilornis elgini  Endemic. A perched bird seen at Chiriyatappu, a second seen in flight.

Changeable Hawk-Eagle  Nisaetus [cirrhatus] limnaeetus  Those on South Andaman belong to the andamanensis subspecies.

Changeable Hawk-Eagle ◊ (Crested H-E)  Nisaetus [cirrhatus] cirrhatus  Near-endemic. Seen en route to Munnar and at Periyar.

Rufous-bellied Eagle  Lophotriorchis kienerii  One over the forest at Periyar.

Black Eagle  Ictinaetus malaiensis

Indian Spotted Eagle ◊  Clanga hastata  Good views of a juvenile circling over Bamboo Banks.

Greater Spotted Eagle  Clanga clanga  A few seen soaring over Mudumalai.

Booted Eagle  Hieraaetus pennatus  A couple seen at Mudumalai.

Tawny Eagle  Aquila rapax  Good views of a juvenile circling over Bamboo Banks.

Bonelli’s Eagle  Aquila fasciata  A couple of juvenile birds seen at Mudumalai.

Crested Goshawk  Lophospiza trivirgata  A perched bird at Ooty, two at Thattekad gave good views.

Besra  Tachyspiza virgata  A juvenile bird sat by the road near Ooty.

Japanese Sparrowhawk  Tachyspiza gularis  A couple of fly-bys on South Andaman.

Shikra  Tachyspiza badia  Several seen along our route.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk  Accipiter nisus

Brahminy Kite  Haliastur indus

Black Kite  Milvus [migrans] govinda

White-bellied Sea Eagle  Icthyophaga leucogaster  Common on South Andaman, with a large nest seen.

White-eyed Buzzard ◊  Butastur teesa  A juvenile bird seen (twice!) along the road to and from Mudumalai.

Common Buzzard  Buteo [buteo] vulpinus  A couple seen at Eravikulam National Park at Munnar

Malabar Trogon ◊  Harpactes fasciatus  Endemic. A male showed well at Periyar, a pair seen at Thattekad.

Common Hoopoe  Upupa epops

Great Hornbill (G Pied H)  Buceros bicornis  Heard-only, at Periyar.

Malabar Grey Hornbill ◊  Ocyceros griseus  Endemic. Several sightings at Periyar and Thattekad.

Malabar Pied Hornbill ◊  Anthracoceros coronatus  Near-endemic. A striking pair seen at Thattekad was unexpected.

Oriental Dollarbird (Common D)  Eurystomus orientalis  One at Chiriyatappu, one at Thattekad.

Indian Roller  Coracias benghalensis

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater  Merops leschenaulti

Asian Green Bee-eater  Merops orientalis  Only seen in the dry country of Mudumalai.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater  Merops philippinus

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis

Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher  Ceyx erithaca  A brief sighting at Chiriyatappu on South Andaman.

Pied Kingfisher  Ceryle rudis  A pair at Thattekad entertained us.

Stork-billed Kingfisher  Pelargopsis capensis  Several sightings on South Andaman.

Ruddy Kingfisher  Halcyon coromanda  One in the mangroves at Kalathang on South Andaman.

White-throated Kingfisher  Halcyon smyrnensis  Notably common on South Andaman, saturatior subspecies.

Collared Kingfisher  Todiramphus chloris

Malabar Barbet ◊  Psilopogon malabaricus  Endemic. Several sightings at Periyar and Thattekad.

Coppersmith Barbet  Psilopogon haemacephalus

White-cheeked Barbet ◊  Psilopogon viridis  Endemic. Frequently encountered in Kerala and TN.

Heart-spotted Woodpecker ◊  Hemicircus canente  A well-received pair of these cuties showed well at Periyar.

Common Flameback  Dinopium javanense  A few seen at Periyar in mixed flocks.

Black-rumped Flameback  Dinopium benghalense

Lesser Yellownape  Picus chlorolophus  One at Periyar.

Streak-throated Woodpecker ◊  Picus xanthopygaeus  A male seen well at Mudumalai.

Andaman Woodpecker ◊  Dryocopus hodgei  Endemic. Splendid views at Chiriyatappu.

White-bellied Woodpecker  Dryocopus javensis  Great views of two or three at Thattekad.

Malabar Flameback ◊  Chrysocolaptes socialis  Endemic. Good views at Periyar, also seen at Thattekad.

Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker ◊  Yungipicus nanus Some at Mudumalai, another at Thattekad.

Yellow-crowned Woodpecker ◊  Leiopicus mahrattensis  A couple of these attractive birds at Mudumalai.

Freckle-breasted Woodpecker ◊ (Spot-b Pied W)  Dendrocopos analis  Seen well on South Andaman.

Common Kestrel  Falco tinnunculus

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus  Three at Mudumalai of the peregrinator subspecies, aka ‘Shaheen Falcon’.

Alexandrine Parakeet  Psittacula eupatria  A few seen on South Andaman, magnirostris subspecies.

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

Plum-headed Parakeet ◊  Psittacula cyanocephala

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

Red-breasted Parakeet  Psittacula alexandri  Quite common on South Andaman.

Long-tailed Parakeet ◊  Psittacula longicauda  Quite a few seen on South Andaman.

Vernal Hanging Parrot  Loriculus vernalis

Indian Pitta ◊  Pitta brachyura  One came up into a bare tree at Mudumalai to show off for a short while.

White-bellied Minivet ◊  Pericrocotus erythropygius  Endemic. Non-leader, seen by some at Mudumalai.

Small Minivet  Pericrocotus cinnamomeus  In wet forest on South Andaman, dry forest on the mainland.

Scarlet Minivet ◊ (Orange M)  Pericrocotus [flammeus] flammeus  Endemic. Vocally and visually different.

Scarlet Minivet (Scarlet M)  Pericrocotus [flammeus] speciosus  Quite common on South Andaman, andamanensis.

Indian Cuckooshrike  Coracina macei  Near-endemic. A few seen around Mudumalai.

Oriental Cuckooshrike  Coracina javensis  A couple of pairs seen on South Andaman.

Andaman Cuckooshrike ◊  Coracina dobsoni  Endemic. Great views of a pair at Kalathang, one with a large green katydid, possibly Holochlora japonica.

Black-headed Cuckooshrike ◊  Lalage melanoptera  Just a single female seen, at Bamboo Banks.

Ashy Woodswallow  Artamus fuscus

Common Iora  Aegithina tiphia  Males in striking breeding plumage at Bodi Ghat probably of subspecies multicolor, yet elsewhere all birds seen were in non-breeding plumage, and probablyof a diffenerent race.

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

Malabar Woodshrike  Tephrodornis sylvicola  Endemic. A flock coming to drink at Periyar.

Common Woodshrike  Tephrodornis pondicerianus

Black-hooded Oriole  Oriolus xanthornus

Indian Golden Oriole ◊  Oriolus kundoo

Black-naped Oriole  Oriolus chinensis  Frequent sightings on South Andaman.

Mangrove Whistler  Pachycephala cinerea  A demure but vocal fellow seen at Kalathang.

White-spotted Fantail ◊ (Spot-breasted F)  Rhipidura albogularis  Endemic. Good views at Mudumalai, also at Ooty.

White-browed Fantail  Rhipidura aureola

Bronzed Drongo  Dicrurus aeneus

Andaman Drongo ◊  Dicrurus andamanensis  Endemic. Commonly found in the Andaman forests.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo  Dicrurus paradiseus  Plenty seen on South Andaman, a few elsewhere.

White-bellied Drongo ◊  Dicrurus caerulescens

Ashy Drongo  Dicrurus leucophaeus

Black Drongo  Dicrurus macrocercus

Black-naped Monarch  Hypothymis azurea

Indian Paradise Flycatcher  Terpsiphone paradisi  A full-on white male at Periyar, some females seen elsewhere.

Bay-backed Shrike ◊  Lanius vittatus  Such a smart looking bird, plenty seen in Mudumalai.

Long-tailed Shrike  Lanius schach  Many seen in Mudumalai.

Brown Shrike  Lanius cristatus  Regular sightings throughout.

Rufous Treepie  Dendrocitta vagabunda

White-bellied Treepie ◊  Dendrocitta leucogastra  Endemic. A few seen well in Periyar.

Andaman Treepie ◊  Dendrocitta bayleii  Endemic. A remarkable flock of at least 67 birds seen at Kalathang on South Andaman.

House Crow  Corvus splendens

Large-billed Crow (Eastern Jungle C)  Corvus [macrorhynchos] levaillantii  On South Andaman.

Large-billed Crow (Indian Jungle C)  Corvus [macrorhynchos] culminatus

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher  Culicicapa ceylonensis

Cinereous Tit (Grey Tit)  Parus cinereus

Indian Black-lored Tit ◊ (I Yellow T)  Machlolophus aplonotus  Endemic. A pair at Munnar.

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark ◊ (A-c Finch-L)  Eremopterix griseus  A brief single en route to Munnar.

Jerdon’s Bush Lark ◊  Plocealauda affinis  Near-endemic. A single at Mudumalai.

Malabar Lark ◊  Galerida malabarica  Endemic. A very vocal bird found at Mudumalai, including in his song mimicry of Savanna Nightjar, Red-wattled Lapwing, Grey Francolin and Common Woodshrike.

Common Tailorbird  Orthotomus sutorius

Grey-breasted Prinia  Prinia hodgsonii

Jungle Prinia ◊  Prinia sylvatica  Near-endemic. A singing bird on the Bodi Ghat road.

Ashy Prinia ◊  Prinia socialis  Non-leader.

Plain Prinia  Prinia inornata

Booted Warbler ◊  Iduna caligata  Several of these hopping about at Mudumalai.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus dumetorum

Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler  Helopsaltes certhiola  Heard-only, at Sippighat on South Andaman.

Dusky Crag Martin  Ptyonoprogne concolor

Hill Swallow ◊  Hirundo domicola  Near-endemic. Found around Ooty and Munnar.

Pacific Swallow  Hirundo javanica  Uncommon on South Andaman.

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

Western House Martin  Delichon urbicum  Some obvious House Martins at Periyar were likely to be this.

Eastern Red-rumped Swallow  Cecropis daurica

Tickell’s Leaf Warbler  Phylloscopus affinis  A couple seen at Ooty.

Dusky Warbler  Phylloscopus fuscatus  Seen on South Andaman.

Green Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus nitidus  Not uncommon in lowland Kerala.

Greenish Warbler  Phylloscopus trochiloides  Common in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, also quite a few on South Andaman where the calls are clearly different to those on the mainland, intermediate between P. trochiloides and P. plumbeitarsus.

Large-billed Leaf Warbler  Phylloscopus magnirostris  Some good views around Munnar, heard more widely.

Arctic Warbler  Phylloscopus borealis  A couple of sightings on South Andaman.

Grey-headed Bulbul ◊  Microtarsus priocephalus  Endemic. Typically skulking and hard to find, we enjoyed good views of a couple of furtive pairs coming to drink at Thattekad.

Andaman Bulbul ◊  Microtarsus fuscoflavescens  Endemic. Frequent sightings.

Flame-throated Bulbul ◊  Rubigula gularis  Endemic. A few seen around Periyar and Thattekad.

White-browed Bulbul ◊  Pycnonotus luteolus  Near-endemic.

Yellow-throated Bulbul ◊  Pycnonotus xantholaemus  Endemic. A swift connection and close views with a couple of these on the Bodi Ghat road.

Red-whiskered Bulbul  Pycnonotus jocosus

Red-vented Bulbul  Pycnonotus cafer

Yellow-browed Bulbul ◊  Acritillas indica  Near-endemic. A few seen in the Kerala forests.

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

Lesser Whitethroat ◊ (Hume’s W)  Curruca [curruca] althaea

Yellow-eyed Babbler  Chrysomma sinense  A few at Mudumalai.

Indian White-eye  Zosterops palpebrosus

Tawny-bellied Babbler ◊  Dumetia hyperythra  Near-endemic. A couple at Mudumalai of the white-throated subspecies.

Dark-fronted Babbler ◊  Dumetia atriceps  Near-endemic. A confiding pair near Thattekad.

Indian Scimitar Babbler ◊  Pomatorhinus horsfieldii  Endemic.

Puff-throated Babbler  Pellorneum ruficeps  One at Mudumalai, heard in several other forests.

Brown-cheeked Fulvetta  Alcippe poioicephala  Heard-only.

Nilgiri Laughingthrush ◊  Montecincla cachinnans  Endemic. A handsome bird seen well near our hotel at Ooty, and at Doddabetta Peak.

Palani Laughingthrush ◊  Montecincla fairbanki  Endemic. Not uncommon around Munnar, with many good sightings.

Large Grey Babbler ◊  Argya malcolmi  Near-endemic. A group of 6 en route to Munnar.

Rufous Babbler ◊ (Indian R B)  Argya subrufa  Endemic. Two seen in a tea plantation south of Munnar.

Yellow-billed Babbler ◊  Argya affinis

Jungle Babbler  Argya striata

Wayanad Laughingthrush ◊ (Wynaad L)  Pterorhinus delesserti  Endemic. A furtive yet very active flock of 30 or more in the undergrowth at Periyar.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch  Sitta frontalis

Indian Nuthatch ◊  Sitta castanea  Near-endemic. Seen well at Mudumalai.

Common Hill Myna  Gracula religiosa  Present in the Andaman forests.

Southern Hill Myna ◊  Gracula indica  Endemic.

Rosy Starling  Pastor roseus  Regular sightings in drier habitats.

Daurian Starling  Agropsar sturninus  A flock of 39 birds seen at Chiriyatappu, a single at Mudumulai was unusual.

Brahminy Starling  Sturnia pagodarum

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

Chestnut-tailed Starling ◊ (Malabar S)  Sturnia [malabarica] blythii  Endemic.

White-headed Starling ◊  Sturnia erythropygia  Endemic. Plenty seen on South Andaman, often in mixed flocks.

Common Myna  Acridotheres tristis

Jungle Myna  Acridotheres fuscus

Orange-headed Thrush  Geokichla citrina  Seen on South Andaman, and also at Periyar and Thattekad.

Indian Blackbird ◊ (Nilgiri B)  Turdus simillimus Near-endemic. Nice examples at Ooty.

Indian Robin (I Black R)  Copsychus fulicatus

Oriental Magpie-Robin  Copsychus saularis

Andaman Shama ◊  Copsychus albiventris  Endemic. Common by voice, good views available.

Asian Brown Flycatcher  Muscicapa dauurica

Brown-breasted Flycatcher ◊  Muscicapa muttui  A small number seen at Periyar and Thattekad..

Nilgiri Blue Robin ◊  Sholicola major  Endemic. Good views of a couple in the gloom of Ooty.

White-bellied Blue Robin ◊  Sholicola albiventris  Endemic. It took a while, but we had a great look at one near Munnar.

Nilgiri Flycatcher ◊  Eumyias albicaudatus  Endemic. Three only, around Munnar.

White-bellied Blue Flycatcher ◊  Cyornis pallidipes  Endemic. A smart male in the forest at Periyar showed well.

Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher  Cyornis rubeculoides  A smart male at our Periyar hotel.

Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher  Cyornis tickelliae

Malabar Whistling Thrush ◊  Myophonus horsfieldii  Endemic. Vocal pre-dawn at Munnar, with many seen along our route.

Indian Blue Robin  Larvivora brunnea

Rusty-tailed Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula ruficauda  A few noted around Periyar, a winter visitor from the Western Himalayas.

Kashmir Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula subrubra  Near-endemic. A nice surprise to find this striking fellow at Ooty.

Taiga Flycatcher  Ficedula albicilla

Black-and-orange Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula nigrorufa  Endemic.  Nice examples at Ooty and Munnar.

Blue-capped Rock Thrush  Monticola cinclorhyncha  A smart and confiding male at Munnar.

Blue Rock Thrush  Monticola solitarius

Pied Bush Chat  Saxicola caprata

Siberian Stonechat (Amur S)  Saxicola [maurus] stejnegeri  A single at Sippighat.

Thick-billed Flowerpecker  Pachyglossa agilis   Seen at Mudumalai and Thattekad.

Pale-billed Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum erythrorhynchos   Seen at Mudumalai.

Nilgiri Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum concolor  Endemic. Frequent sightings from Munnar onwards.

Andaman Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum virescens  Endemic. Several seen.

Little Spiderhunter  Arachnothera longirostra  A couple seen well at Periyar.

Purple-rumped Sunbird ◊  Leptocoma zeylonica  Fairly common on the mainland.

Crimson-backed Sunbird ◊ (Small S)  Leptocoma minima  Endemic. Many in lowland forest around Thattekad.

Purple Sunbird  Cinnyris asiaticus

Ornate Sunbird  Cinnyris ornatus  Only on South Andaman.

Loten’s Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris lotenius  Near-endemic. Great looks at Periyar and Thattekad.

Jerdon’s Leafbird ◊  Chloropsis jerdoni  Near-endemic. A few around at Bamboo banks.

Golden-fronted Leafbird  Chloropsis aurifrons  Seen at Thattekad only.

Asian Fairy-bluebird  Irena puella

Indian Silverbill ◊  Euodice malabarica  A couple at Mudumalai.

Black-throated Munia ◊  Lonchura kelaarti  Near-endemic. A small flock came to roost at Thattekad.

White-rumped Munia  Lonchura striata

Tricolored Munia ◊ (Black-headed M)  Lonchura malacca  Three at Mudumalai only in flight.

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Chestnut-shouldered Petronia)  Gymnoris xanthocollis  Pleasingly common at Mudumalai.

House Sparrow  Passer domesticus

Forest Wagtail  Dendronanthus indicus  A single jay-walking bird at Chiriyatappu together with the following species.

Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea

Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Alaskan W)  Motacilla [tschutschensis] tschutschensis  Quite common on South Andaman.

White-browed Wagtail ◊  Motacilla maderaspatensis

Richard’s Pipit  Anthus richardi  A single migrant on a hotel lawn at Chiriyatappu.

Paddyfield Pipit  Anthus rufulus

Nilgiri Pipit ◊  Anthus nilghiriensis  Endemic. Stunning close views at Eravikulam, the benefit of being on the first bus!

Red-throated Pipit  Anthus cervinus  Two of these migrants on a hotel lawn at Chiriyatappu.

MAMMALS

Asian Elephant (Indian E)  Elephas maximus  Only footprints, at Periyar.

Leopard  Panthera pardus  Clear footprint seen at Periyar.

Tiger  Panthera tigris   Many clear footprints of a male Tiger seen at Periyar.

Small Indian Mongoose  Urva auropunctata  Two at Bamboo Banks.

Indian Grey Mongoose  Urva edwardsii  A couple seen from our Ooty hotel.

Stripe-necked Mongoose  Urva vitticolla  One at the roadside at Mudumalai.

Eurasian Wild Pig  Sus scrofa

Chital (Spotted Deer)  Axis axis

Northern Red Muntjac (Indian M)  Muntiacus vaginalis  Seen at Periyar, one at Mudumalai.

Sambar  Rusa unicolor

Gaur (Indian Bison)  Bos gaurus  Rather bizarre to find these in a tea plantation. Also seen in Periyar, seemingly unconcerned by our hurried passing en route to some Laughingthrushes!

Nilgiri Tahr  Nilgiritragus hylocrius  Five beasts appeared on the mountain at Eravikulam.

Indian Flying Fox  Pteropus giganteus  Hundreds roosting at Periyar.

Bonnet Macaque  Macaca radiata

Nilgiri Langur  Semnopithecus johnii

Tufted Gray Langur  Semnopithecus priam 

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

Indian Crested Porcupine  Hystrix indica  Non-leader. One at Bamboo Banks.

Indian Palm Squirrel (Three-striped P S)  Funambulus palmarum

Northern Palm Squirrel  Funambulus pennantii  Seen on South Andaman.

Nilgiri Palm Squirrel  Funambulus sublineatus  Seen at Eravikulam.

Jungle Palm Squirrel  Funambulus tristriatus  Seen at Thattekad.

Indian Giant Squirrel  Ratufa indica

Brown Rat (introduced)  Rattus norvegicus

REPTILES

Large-scaled Pit Viper  Craspedocephalus macrolepis  Seen at Eravikulam.

Anamalai Pit Viper  Craspedocephalus anamallensis  Seen at Thattekad.