Bird Watching in Nepal

Bird watching in Nepal is undoubtedly a wonderful experience that can awaken almost all your senses. When you are walking through the dense forest with a cool breeze caressing your skin, you will smell this earthy scent from the trees. Suddenly, when you hear the chirping of the birds, your eyes will try to scan the birds from afar. Hence, birding in Nepal is not just spotting birds with your eyes; it goes beyond just sight.

With just 1% of the world’s landmass, Nepal boasts about 9% of bird species in the world, making it a paradise for bird lovers, avian enthusiasts, and ornithologists. With the diverse topography, whether you go for the Chitwan Jungle safari, the wetlands in Koshi Tappu, or the hills near Kathmandu, Nepal’s birdlife while touring in Nepal will reward you immensely, and maybe even a rare sighting you’ll never forget.

Why Bird Watching in Nepal?

Nepal has always boasted about its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystem. One of the most recognized biodiversity that this small country hosts is bird biodiversity. With over 892 recorded bird species, Nepal is widely recognized as a haven for birding.

From the lowlands of Terai, a lush hilly region, to the alpine Himalaya, Nepal offers you a plethora of opportunities for bird watching. Moreover, the wetlands, watersheds, grasslands, and riverine forest foster a more thriving ecosystem that supports a rich bird diversity.

Packed in the narrow geographical structure, Nepal is home to many resident and migratory birds, including rare, endangered, and endemic species. Moreover, the protection of and conservation of these birds in national parks and conservation areas in their natural habitat has made birding in Nepal more accessible and convenient.

Top Nepal Bird Watching Destinations

1. Chitwan National Park (Best for Jungle Birding)

Chitwan National Park is a great spot for birdwatching in the sub-tropical lowlands of the inner terai. Recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, this national park has recorded over 550 species of birds. With its dense Sal forest, grasslands, and marshy wetlands, Chitwan National Park has provided home and resting spots to many residents and migratory birds, including 22 globally threatened species. The wide array of Nepal birds this park hosts includes:

Resident Birds: Asian openbill Stork, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Common Kingfisher, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker

Migratory Birds: paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta, Brahminy ducks, pintails, bar-headed geese

Endangered Birds: Bengal Florican, Slender-billed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture

Best Spot For Chitwan Bird Watching In Nepal

Bish Hazari Tal: Recognized as a marshy wetland, this place is crucial for migratory birds.

Rapti River and Riu River: While canoeing or boating on these rivers, you can spot many birds at the rocky river banks. In the tranquil setting, you can spot waterbirds like storks, herons, and kingfishers, and other shorebirds and migratory birds.

Grasslands and Forests in the Sauraha: Among many things to do in Chitwan, a Jungle safari provides you with many chances for spotting birds in the area. During your jeep safari, elephant safari, you can spot various grassland species, including Bengal Florican, Grey-crowned Prinia Prinia cinereocapilla, and Slender-billed Babbler Turdoides longirostris.

Buffer Zone Community Forests: Usually, these places have a network of walking trails and watchtowers. You can enjoy birdwatching from vantage points in these buffer zones.

2. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Best for Wetland Birds)

Spread on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provides a home to around 441 species of birds. Covered with tall grasslands and riverine forest, this wildlife reserve boasts 14 endemic species, 20 duck species, and 2 Ibis bird species. The wetlands and rivers offer you spotting of about 30 shore birds and 114 water birds. Hence, visiting Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve will not only be your top birding experience, but it will be one of your best jungle safaris in Nepal, too. Some of the key birds are:

Endangered species: Swamp partridge, Bengal florican, White-rumped Vulture, Sarus Crane

Resident species: Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Brown Fish Owl, Nepal Rufous-vented Prinia

Ibises Species: White tailed Stonechat, Striated Marsh Warbler

Migratory Birds: Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Marsh Harrier

Best Spot For Koshi Tappu Bird Watching

Koshi Barrage: This place is famous as a resting place for migratory birds.

Wetlands like Nandan pond, Indian camp pond, and Kamaldaha pond: These wetlands and buffer zones are home to numerous waterbirds.

Karnali River and the Babai River: You can spot many waterbirds and shorebirds while canoeing or boating on these rivers.

Tall Grasslands: Jeep safaris amidst the tall grasslands provide keen exploration and spotting of various bird species.

3. Phulchowki Hill (Best for Endemic Birds)

With an elevation of 2782 m above sea level, Phulchowki Hill has been a great spot for bird watching for locals and even foreign bird watchers. One of the hills within the Kathmandu Valley, Phulchowki, shelters around 265 species of birds. Some of the noteworthy species of this region are:

Elusive Spiny Babbler

Resident Birds like eagles, minivets, warblers, tits, thrushes, woodpeckers

Migratory birds like the ultramarine flycatcher, the Green-tailed sunbird

Best Spot For Phulchowki Birding

Godawari Botanical Garden: The garden, located at the base of the hill, offers you a sighting of diverse birds such as Tibetan siskin, lesser racket-tailed drongo, and spotted forktail.

Upper Hill Forest Zone: You can spot many birds in their natural habitat amidst the dense forest of Oak and Rhododendron while making the way up to the top of the hill.

4. Bardiya National Park (Best for Raptors & Grassland Birds)

The vast wilderness of Bardiya National Park has recorded over 230 species of birds. The dense Sal forest, savannah forest, and grasslands provide an ideal atmosphere for birding in Nepal, in a less crowded and remote setting. With a diverse variety of resident and migratory birds,

Best Spot For Bardiya Bird Watching

Karnali River: You can spot many aquatic and shorebirds at the river and riverbeds.

Buffer zone of Babai Valley: Bardia National Park Jungle Safari in the buffer zone area can be a great place to spot raptors.

Badhaiya Lake, Satkhalauwa Lake: These wetlands offer you birding in a tranquil setting.

5. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (Best for Himalayan Birds)

Lying in the north of the Kathmandu Valley, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a great destination if you don’t want to go far but still enjoy birdwatching. Covered with pine, oak, and rhododendron forests, this national park has recorded over 300 bird species in Nepal. Since Shivapuri National Park lies at the transition zone between subtropical and temperate climates, it offers great sights of the Himalayan and mid-hill bird species. Some of the key birds that avianists love to spot are:

Endemic spiny babbler, elusive White-gorgeted Flycatcher
Resident birds like Red-billed blue magpie, Bonelli’s Eagle, Kalij pheasant, Great Barbet, and Himalayan bulbul

Best Spot For Shivapuri Birding

Nagarjun Forest: The lush forest area has many forested birds like Mountain Bulbul, Grey-winged Blackbird, Barred Cuckoo, etc.

Shivapuri Peak: This highest point in the whole park, with an elevation of 2732 m is a great place for spotting birds.

Best Time For Birding in Nepal

If you ask which is the best time for bird watching in Nepal, we may recommend all four seasons. Birding in Nepal doesn't need any special time. However, your preference, objective, and the species you are interested in can certainly make some seasons ideal for bird watching.

Spring Birding Watching Tour In Nepal

Usually, spring is considered the breeding and migration season for birds. The birds that migrated during the winter start to fly back home, making Nepal a great resting spot. So, with already existing resident birds and migratory birds, you will witness a greater variety of birds during spring.

Likewise, this breeding season makes birds more active and easier to identify. Resident and migratory birds wear the colorful plumage and show their unique courtship behavior for breeding. Hence, during the spring bird watching tour, you will not only spot birds but also witness cute bird behaviors.

Autumn Birding in Nepal

Generally, autumn(September to November) is considered the best time to visit Nepal, including for bird watching. The clear skies and good visibility provide a wonderful time for bird watching. Moreover, you can witness many birds during their return migration. This season is a good time to watch the overlap between seasonal breeds when summer species are leaving and early winter species are arriving.

Monsoon Bird Watching in Nepal

Monsoon is considered the off-season for most of the travel activities in Nepal. However, monsoon bird watching can be really rewarding for avid and keen bird watchers. Being one of the breeding seasons for birds, you can witness birds in their colorful feathers being vocal in the forest. However, with excessive rainfall, it can decrease visibility to spot birds. At the same time, insects like leeches, etc, make it inconvenient for birding.

Winter Birding in Nepal

Winter birdwatching is really popular in Nepal, especially in the lowlands of Terai. The areas like Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are flocked with bird watchers from all over the world. When the birds migrate from the cold Siberia or central Asia to warmer areas like India, Nepal becomes a great resting spot for these winter migratory birds. However, make sure to put on warm clothes during winter bird watching in Nepal.

What Can Affect Your Bird Spotting in Nepal?

1. Season

Usually, birds migrate to other places because of the seasons. During winter, Siberian birds migrate to warm places. Hence, in the case of Nepal, the number of birds you spot can really depend on the season you go for birding.

2. Time of the Day

Birds don’t have watches, but they follow the time of day quite sincerely. When it's about sunrise time, you can hear the chirping of birds. Birds are most active during dawn and dusk. So, when you are planning for birding in Nepal, we recommend that you go in the morning and evening.

3. Weather Condition

Like humans, birds also don’t get active during harsh weather conditions. When you go bird watching during extreme hot, rainy, or windy days, it is normal not to spot birds. So, you can choose good weather if you want to spot more birds.

4. Location

Location also plays a vital role in spotting birds. For instance, the famous resting spot for birds in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the Koshi Barrage. So, instead of going near these places, if you go somewhere else, you will definitely not see as much variety as you can see in the Koshi Barrage. Likewise, if you want to watch waterfowl like storks, then you have to visit wetlands, not grasslands or forests.

5. Disturbance

You should remember that birds are sensitive to noise. Loud noises and movements can easily scare them. So you should try to stay quiet and blend with the environment if you are bird watching in Nepal.

6. Availability of Equipment

If you have good gear and equipment, it will ultimately enhance your birding experience. For instance, you saw a bird on the branch of the tree in the distance. If you use binoculars to see the same bird, it will definitely help you have a closer-up view.

Gears and Equipment for Birding in Nepal

Binoculars
Camera
Earthy or Neutral colored clothing
Notebook or Birding Journal
Sunscreen and Insect Repellant
Sturdy Footwear
Backpack
Water Bottle
Power Bank

Dos and Don’ts While Bird Watching in Nepal

Try to maintain silence. Do not make loud noises.
Make sure you do not get close to the resting area or breeding areas
Do not wear colorful clothes that can easily attract attention
Do not feed the birds
Try to be patient while waiting for the birds

Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or a nature lover, Nepal offers diverse ecosystems teeming with exotic bird species. From wetlands to jungles and high-altitude forests, every region promises a different experience of bird watching in Nepal. Mountain Adventure Trekking offers you many opportunities to enjoy the beauty of avian creatures. Contact us.