Thursday, December 11, 2014

West Himalayan Butterflies

Here are photos of some of the butterflies that we saw in Garhwal. Naturally butterflies were far more common in May as compared to November 2014.
Sanjay Sondhi's help with ID's is much appreciated.

Stately Nawab

Sailor, Common (or Pallas')
Forester, sp.
Himalayan Blackvein
Himalayan Sergeant
Lascar, sp.

Banded Treebrown
Hedge Blue (probably Margined)
Pea Blue

Chocolate Pansy

Tabby
Pale Hedge Blue

Copper, Common and White-bordered




Azure Sapphire (female & male)


Orange-bordered Brown Argus

Sapphire, female

Common Grass Yellow
 Pale Clouded Yellow
Lilacline Bushbrown
Other butterflies included the ubiquitous Indian Tortoiseshell, a couple of Argus species, Hill Jezebels in large numbers on the canopy of flowering trees, Common Crow, Common Wall and several Blues. 

Monday, December 1, 2014

Garhwal birdlist - May and November 2014 trips

Here is an annotated checklist of birds that we observed over two trips to Govind National Park in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India.
Trip dates: 12th to 20th May 2014 (Summer) & 15th to 23rd November 2014 (Winter).
While the birding in summer was good, winter was probably more exciting as we encountered some significant species - Upland Buzzard, Chaffinch and Long-billed Thrush, to name a few.
I shall later post a trip report and some photos of the highlights from our trip in November 2014.
Many thanks to Happy(C V Singh) and Somendra for photos and lists of some of the trickier species from which this checklist has been compiled.

Here is a link to an earlier post that shows the lay of the land where these species were observed.
http://jaipurbirding.blogspot.in/2014_05_01_archive.html


No.Common NameWhen observed(S=Summer/May; W=Winter/November)Notes
1ChaffinchW1 male each at two different locations near Sankri. In fallow cultivation with scattered bushes, trees.
2Spot-winged GrosbeakS7-8 individuals feeding on conifers past Dhaula beside river Rupin in rain. Probably driven down valley by weather in S.
3Black and Yellow GrosbeakWMixed flock of B&Y and Collared Grosbeaks on conifers around Sankri
4Collared GrosbeakWMixed flock of vocal B&Y and Collared Grosbeaks on conifers around Sankri
5Small NiltavaS1 individual at Istragad in dense bushes near rivulet.
6Rufous-bellied NiltavaS1 individual in plantation near Jakhol; 1 below Taluka FRH near Tons.
7Black-backed ForktailS1 individual at same location as small niltava on Istragad; 1 near Jakhol at roadside ditch.
8Spotted ForktailWSeveral individuals in bush-choked rivulets near Sankri and Taluka. Also in larger rivulets flowing into Tons.
9Small ForktailS&WOne pair in S on Supin; and several individuals in small streams around Sankri and Taluka
10Brown DipperS&WCommon on larger streams, Supin, Rupin and Tons. Many juveniles with parents in S. Few adults in W.
11WallcreeperW1 individual on rocky cliff in Supin valley above Jakhol; also pair in lower Jamuna valley en route.
12Bar-tailed TreecreeperW1 individual in open forest near Sankri.
13White-tailed NuthatchW1 individual in mixed forest North of Sankri, later also bathing at Nursery waterhole.
14Chestnut-bellied NuthatchS1 individual in forest Taluka-Sankri road.
15Black-chinned BabblerS&WOccasional small groups and individuals with other species in mixed forest. 
16Scaly-breasted Wren BabblerWScattered individuals at different locations near Sankri in dense undergrowth. Skulker.Distinctive call.
17White-browed Shrike BabblerWGroup of 4-6 birds mixed in with forest species(thrushes,blackbirds) in broadleaf and deodar forest north of Sankri near Nursery.
18Himalayan BluetailWOccasional individuals (both M & F) in forest openings near Sankri.  
19Golden Bush RobinW1 male south of Sankri in dense vegetation near orchard; 1 female at Nursery waterhole.
20Alpine AccentorWSmall group of 4-6 birds on rocky cliff between Sankri-Taluka. Also few birds near Supin below Jakhol. 
21Rufous-breasted AccentorW1 individual on bushes with rosefinches and buntings in fallow fields south of Sankri.
22Black-throated AccentorW1 individual on scattered bushes and trees in fallow cultivation near Sankri.
23Black BulbulS&WFew sightings of small groups 2-4 birds in S at Naitwar FRH; similar in W near Sankri.
24Himalayan BulbulS&WCommon in S and W all over.
25Kaleej PheasantS&WSeveral individuals and pairs observed and a few flushed from heavy cover in forest and near villages.
26White-capped Water RedstartS&WCommon near all major streams and rivers.
27Plumbeous RedstartS&WCommon near all rivers.
28Blue-fronted RedstartWFew individuals around Sankri. Best observed at Nursery waterhole on Sankri-Taluka road.
29Blue-capped RedstartWVery few individuals near Sankri. Best observed at Nursery waterhole.
30Yellow-bellied Fantail W1 individual with tits, warblers, babblers en route near Purola at lower elevation.
31Black-lored TitSFew individuals near Naitwar FRH.
32Great TitSFew individuals near Naitwar FRH. 
33Spot-winged TitS&WCommonest tit in W near Sankri
34Green-backed TitS&WCommon at most locations in S and W.
35Black-throated TitS&WFlock of 8+ birds in W near Sankri; also flock at Naitwar FRH in S.
36Dark-sided FlycatcherSFew individuals near Naitwar FRH.
37Grey-headed Canary FlycatcherS1 individual near Naitwar FRH.
38Ultramarine FlycatcherS1 individual in open forest Naitwar - Taluka road.
39Verditer FlycatcherS1 individual near Naitwar FRH.
40Long-tailed MinivetSPair at Taluka FRH; Pair on Naitwar - Dhaula road.
41Grey BushchatS&WBreeding pair near Naitwar FRH. Pairs occasionally seen elsewhere.
42Pied BushchatS1 individual near Naitwar FRH.
43Siberian StonechatS&WOccasional individuals in fallow cultivation perching on stalks.
44Grey TreepieS&WFew pairs in open forest particularly near Naitwar. 
45Great BarbetS&WCommon and vocal in S; very few in W.
46Red-billed Blue MagpieS&WCommon all over. Nesting pair at Taluka in S. Small parties 3-6 birds in S & W.
47Blue-capped RockthrushS1 male between Naitwar and Dhaula.
48Chestnut-bellied RockthrushSNesting pair in forest Taluka-Sankri track. 
49Maroon OrioleW1 individual on conifer near Naitwar FRH; 1 bird on lower Yamuna valley
50Slaty-headed ParakeetSFew scattered individuals near Naitwar and other lower elevations.
51Wedge-tailed Green PigeonS5 individuals on leafy tree at Naitwar FRH
52Spotted DoveS&WScattered individuals near Naitwar FRH. Others near villages.
53Rufous-turtle DoveS&WFew individuals on trees near Naitwar FRH. Few other individuals near cultivation.
54Streaked LaughingthrushS&WCommon all over both in summer and winter.
55Striated LaughingthrushS&WFew small groups mainly on trees in open forest.
56Chestnut-capped LaughingthrushS&WFlocks of 6+ individuals in orchard/bushes/open forest near Taluka and Sankri.
57Variegated LaughingthrushW3-5 individuals in bushes and open forest near Sankri
58White-throated LaughingthrushWFlock of 6+ in forest trees between Taluka and Sankri.
59Himalayan SwiftletS&WOccasionally seen over deep river valleys in large numbers.
60Fork-tailed SwiftSFlock observed opposite limestone cliff on Naitwar-Jakhol road.
61Red-rumped SwallowSFew birds around villages.
62Asian Barred OwletW1 individual observed twice on trees during the day near Sankri.
63Brown Hawk OwlSHeard calling at Taluka FRH at night. Not seen.
64Mountain Scops OwlSHeard calling at Naitwar FRH. Not seen.
65Himalayan GriffonS&WSeveral individuals observed in flight over high mountain ridges almost every sunny day.
66Eurasian HobbyS1 individual in overhead flight over forested hillside.
67Common KestrelS&W1 individual in open forest around Sankri. Probably same bird seen multiple times.
68Mountain Hawk EagleW1 adult perched eye-level on bare tree on steep hillsideTaluka-Sankri road. Observed from close from vehicle in afternoon.
69Upland BuzzardW1 individual seen over multiple days at same location on lookout perches south of Sankri. 
70Himalayan BuzzardW1 individual perched on tree with prey upstream from Taluka.
71LammergeirWFew individuals in flight over higher reaches of  Supin and Rupin river valleys.
72Eurasian SparrowhawkW1 individual perched on tree near Sankri. Possibly same bird in flight on other occasions.
73Golden EagleWPossibly 5 different indiduals (2 juvenile and 3 adult) in flight over hill upstream from Taluka.
74Crested Serpent EagleS1 in flight and at perch on Naitwar-Jakhol road. 
75Speckled PiculetW1 individual on fruiting trees and bushes near Taluka. In loose mixed flock of sivas, fulvettas, etc.
76Greater YellownapeS1 individual at Naitwar FRH
77Lesser YellownapeS1 individual at Naitwar FRH hawking insects like flycatcher in sunshine after rain.
78Himalayan WoodpeckerS&WSeveral individuals at most locations during both trips.
79Brown-fronted WoodpeckerS&WMany individuals at several locations; more common in winter.
80Scaly-bellied WoodpeckerS&WPair in summer and individuals in winter near Sankri in forest. 
81Rufous-bellied WoodpeckerS1 female in thick forest near Sankri. On same tree as himalayan woodpecker.
82Grey-headed WoodpeckerWFew individuals in open forest near Sankri.
83Aberrant Bush WarblerWDusky-olive warbler in thick bushes near Sankri.
84Grey-hooded WarblerS&W
85Western Crowned WarblerS1 individual Taluka-Sankri forest.
86Greenish WarblerS1 individual near Naitwar FRH.
87Tickell's Leaf WarblerS1 individual in bushes on dry hillside upstream from Taluka.
88Lemon-rumped WarblerW1 individual in forest Taluka-Sankri.
89Ashy-throated WarblerW1 individual near Sankri.
90Whistler's WarblerW1 individual at lower altitude in winter. Same area as yellow-bellied fantail.
91Common ChiffchaffW1 individual near Sankri.
92Grey-crested WarblerW
93Eurasian BlackbirdS&WSolitary bird in summer at Naitwar FRH; 1 individual in forest near Sankri Nursery area in winter.
94Grey-winged BlackbirdSPair in undergrowth of dense forest on Sankri-Taluka road.
95White-collared BlackbirdWPair observed in forest trees mixed with thrushes and shrike-babblers near Sankri Nursery.
96Indian Blue RobinS1 individual at Naitwar FRH; 1 in dense forest undergrowth on Sankri-Taluka road.
97Long-tailed ShrikeS&WFew individuals in scrubby areas perching on bushes near villages.
98Whiskered YuhinaS&WFew birds in forested glade on Obragad in summer. 1 individual near Sankri in winter.
99Stripe-throated YuhinaWSolitary individual on small trees in open area south of Sankri.
100Plain-backed ThrushS1 individual near Naitwar FRH.
101Long-billed ThrushWPossibly 4 different individuals at different locations in wet roadside bushy ravines near Sankri.
102Chestnut ThrushWPair in mixed flock of blackbirds and shrike-babblers in dense broadleaf forest Sankri-Taluka road.
103Spotted NutcrackerS&WSmall bands commonly seen feeding on conifers in forest near Sankri and Taluka.
104Red-headed BullfinchSFlock of 6+ individuals in forest Sankri-Taluka road. Probably same flock seen on different days.
105Brown BullfinchS&WFlock of 8+ individuals in open forest and orchards near Taluka and Sankri.
106Plain Mountain FinchWFlocks of 100+ individuals in fallow fields around Taluka and Sankri.
107Yellow-breasted GreenfinchW1 individual observed in Sankri.
108Indian CuckooS1 individual in dense broadleaf forest Taluka-Sankri road.
109Lesser CuckooS1 individual calling incessantly from hillside near Taluka FRH. Not seen.
110Common Hawk-CuckooS1 individual calling in forest on Sankri-Taluka road same area as Indian cuckoo. Not seen.
111Eurasian JayS&W1 individual in forest in summer. Pair observed in winter in same area.
112Rufous SibiaWSeveral bands of 5-8 birds on fruiting trees.
113Winter WrenW1 individual on track from Taluka to Osla. Later froze on short leafy tree and stalky bush.
114Bar-throated SivaWFlock of 7-8 birds just off track from Taluka to Osla. On bushes and fruiting trees.
115White-tailed RubythroatS1 individual observed near Taluka on trekking path to Har-ki-dun in open scrubby hillside.
116Striated PriniaS&W1 individual each in dense grass and bushes beside river. Near Taluka(W) and Dhaula(S). Skulker.
117White-browed FulvettaS&W2 bands of 4-6 birds near Taluka and Sankri in open forest and bushy scrub.
118Pink-browed RosefinchS&WOnly 1 invidual in S near Taluka; several in W at most locations around Sankri.
119Beautiful RosefinchWFew individuals around Sankri in open areas in fallow fields, on bushes.
120Dark-breasted RosefinchWPair observed south of Sankri in mixed flock crossing track.
121Rock BuntingWCommon in W. Few males and several females and juveniles observed.
122HoopoeS1 individual near Taluka.
123White WagtailS1 individual in marshy area at Taluka near Tons.
124Grey WagtailS&WParents feeding 3 young at Taluka on Tons in summer. Few scattered individuals near streams.
125Large-billed CrowS&WCommon all over especially near villages.
126Russet SparrowS&WVery common.
127House SparrowS&WFew individuals in villages even in winter.
128Common MynaS&WFew individuals in villages.
129Blue Whistling ThrushS&WCommon all over in open forest near water.
130Oriental White EyeS&WSmall group on flowering tree at lower elevation in winter. Few birds in summer.
131Black FrancolinS&W1 female photographed near Sankri in W; calling often in S in cultivation.
132White-capped BuntingW1 individual photographed in winter.
133Common Wood PigeonWFlock of 8+ individuals in flight over forested ridge above Sankri-Taluka road. ID from Somendra's photos.
134Partridge?W1 individual in thick cover in forest Sankri-Taluka roadside. Glimpsed twice - either Hill or Rufous-throated Partridge.
135Chough?WFlock of birds very high over grassy ridge. Too far to ID whether red or yellow-billed choughs.