Bird Watching in Nepal



For a country that boasts of 847 species of birds (about 8% of the world’s total population), no sport can be better than bird watching.

The wetlands and the open fields in the valley make a diverse habitat for many species of birds. Phulchoki, Godavari, Nagarjun and Taudaha are the best bird watching spots in Kathmandu. Regularly recorded resident species in Kathmandu include Besra, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge, Ashy Woodpigeon, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Mountain Scops Owl, Collared Owlet, Golden-throated Barbet, Speckled Piculet and so on.

Outside the valley, Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and Makalu Barun Conservation Area are the best places for bird watching. If you are at Chitwan National Park, keep your eyes peeled to the limbs above! Chitwan National Park records more than 450 species of birds including the endangered birds are the Bengal florican, Giant horn bill, Lesser florican, Black stork and White stork. Common birds seen in the park include the Peafowl, Red jungle fowl, and different species of Egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Fly catchers, and Wood peckers.

A careful observation at Bardia National Park and you can see the Bengal florican, Lesser florican, Silver-eared mesia and the Sarus crane. Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area protects over 400 species of birds. This includes two species of bird never before seen in Nepal- the Spotted wren babbler and the Olive ground warbler.

So, what are you waiting for? Go get your binoculars!