Himalayan Avifauna
Birds of Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal's unique combination of a deep freshwater lake, marshy shorelines, and dense oak-pine hillsides supports a magnificent diversity of bird species. Explore our detailed ecological logs.
Black-throated Bushtit
Aegithalos concinnus
An exceptionally tiny, social passerine with a striking black throat and warm rufous crown, active in fast canopy flocks.
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Red-billed Blue Magpie
Urocissa erythroryncha
A gorgeous, large corvid with an extraordinarily long tail, bright red bill, and highly social, intelligent behavior.
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Himalayan Bulbul
Pycnonotus leucogenys
A cheerful and bold garden companion with a distinctive forward-curling black crest and bright yellow under-tail coverts.
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Grey Bushchat
Saxicola ferreus
A handsome, active flycatcher-like chat, often seen perched conspicuously atop exposed branches and fence posts.
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Flycatchers
Ficedula / Eumyias spp.
Summertime gems of the mountains, showcasing electric copper-blue plumage or striking deep blue-and-white patterns.
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Grey-breasted Prinia
Prinia hodgsonii
A small, active warbler with a distinct grey breast band, frequently seen flitting through thick shrubbery and low hedges.
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White-throated Kingfisher
Halcyon smyrnensis
A bold, colorful hunter with brilliant turquoise-blue wings, a chocolate-brown head, and a large crimson bill.
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Slaty-headed Parakeet
Psittacula himalayana
A graceful, swift parakeet of the hill forests, recognized by its slate-grey head and long, elegant yellow-tipped tail.
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Plumbeous Water Redstart
Phoenicurus fuliginosus
A charismatic stream companion. The male is slate-blue with a rusty-red tail, constantly bobbing on rocks near the water.
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Rufous Sibia
Heterophasia capistrata
An abundant, noisy canopy dweller with a sleek black crest, warm rufous body, and lovely musical ringing call notes.
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Crimson Sunbird
Aethopyga siparaja
A tiny, brilliantly colored nectar feeder. The male sports a deep crimson chest, metallic green crown, and long tail plumes.
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White-breasted Waterhen
Amaurornis phoenicurus
A slate-grey marsh bird with a clean white face and chest, frequently spotted skulking around the lake's reed beds.
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Greater Yellownape
Chrysophlegma flavinucha
A striking woodpecker of broadleaf forests, featuring olive-green wings and a brilliant yellow crest and nape.
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