Nepal is a utopia for bird watchers from all around the world. Albeit small in size, the country of Nepal hosts several wildlife conservation areas that are dedicated to protecting its unique flora and fauna. Under this protective umbrella, Nepal hosts a group of over 850 species of birds. Most of these species of birds reside in the Birds and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) of Nepal. More than 500 species of birds can be found in and around Kathmandu alone. Some of the birds’ species are native to and can only be found in certain parts of Asia, including Nepal.
Bird Watching in Nepal
Bird watching in itself is a rejuvenating endeavor, but bird watching in Nepal is a different experience altogether. For one, there is the thrill of looking over some of the rarest and most beautiful species of birds in the world. And then there is the backdrop of stunning mountain ranges and the picturesque natural beauty of Nepal. The white and green background illuminates the birds’ beauty, so get your camera ready to capture perfect photographs.
Bird Watching in Southern Plain
The tropical forests of the Terai region of Nepal host the total number of birds in Nepal. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the best places for bird watching in Nepal as it holds a total of 423 species of birds, of which 170 species can be viewed in a day. It is also home to 13 of the most endangered species of birds in Nepal.
Grey-headed Fish Eagles, Black-bellied Tern, Indian Skimmer, White-Tailed Eagles, Imperial Eagles, Spot Bellied Pelican, Black-necked stork, Yellow-vented warbler are among the many species that can be seen from the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
Chitwan National Park also holds many near-extinct species like Indian Spotted Eagle, Bengal Florican, Grey-crowned Prinia, Slender Billed Babbler, and so on. Bardia National Park and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve are also among the places best for bird-watching in Nepal.
Bird Watching around Kathmandu Valley
Shivapuri, for bird watchers, is a must-visit site. The Spiny Babbler, which was considered the only endemic bird of Nepal, can be found in the forests of Shivapuri National Park. It is extremely shy so locating one is always a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone, especially bird-watchers.
There are also places around Kathmandu, which are famous as bird watching sites. These include places like Godavari, Phulchowki, Nagarjun, Rani Ban, Bagmati River, and the beautiful Taudaha Lake, where you can enjoy the beautiful view of several migratory birds.
Bird Watching in Mountains of Nepal
The mountain regions of Nepal are filled with several species of predatory birds like eagles and vultures. Danphe (Impeyan Pheasant), the national bird of Nepal, can be found best in the higher altitudes. Also, Wood Snipe, Nepal Wren-Babbler, Cinereous Vultures, Himalayan Monal, and so on can be spotted in the higher altitudes.
Best time for Bird Watching in Nepal
Bird-watching in Nepal is extremely affordable and cheap if you have your bird-watching equipment. If not, you can buy high-quality equipment in Nepal at a reasonable price as well. Most of the bird-watching trips last for one day to 15 days according to your wishes.
The best time for bird watching falls between October and March. At this time, you can not only view a larger species of birds under the clear skies but are also greeted with the stunning view of mountains in the background.
Conclusion
For avid bird-watchers, Nepal is a site of extreme importance and one you shouldn’t miss out on. The view of hundreds of species of endangered birds flying along the tall Himalayan Massifs is something that will remain in your memories forever.
