Bird Watching in Nepal

Bird-watching in Nepal

Globally, Nepal is well known for comprising diverse avifauna, almost 9% of the world’s bird species. Nepal has a small size, but due to variation in elevational gradients within the short distance and meeting place of different biomes, it supports many bird species. Although ornithological studies date back to 1793 by W. J. Kirkpatrick, more comprehensive studies were performed by Brian Hodgson between 1820 and 1843. After a long time, contributions were made by S. D. Replay, D. Proud, Flemings, etc. Fleming et al. 1976 first field guide on birds of Nepal. A field ornithologist, Hari Sharan Nepali, and other ornithologists from different parts of the world added their contributions. Further remarkable contributions were made by Carol and Tim Inskipp, producing the book A Guide to the Birds of Nepal in 1991. Dr. Hem Sagar Baral, a Nepalese ornithologist and different field ornithologist, further continued in bird research in Nepal. A Field Guide to Birds of Nepal by Grimmett et al. (2000) is available for bird identification and study.

At present, 897 bird species have been identified in Nepal, comprising 16 Orders and 68 Families in Nepal. Around 62% of birds are primarily residents, 14% are winter visitors, 12% are passage migrants, 6% are summer visitors, 5% are residents and migrants, and 1% are summer and winter visitors. The Spiny Babbler (Turdoides nipalensis) is the only endemic bird species in Nepal. 172 species were assessed as nationally threatened; globally threatened 39 and 9 species were already extinct from the Nepal. Similarly, 27 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are identified in Nepal, which support a large number of bird species. Important Bird-watching Areas in Nepal