Among the many species of birds in Bhutan, the Ward’s trogon is the prized avian prize. These tiny birds are a rarity outside Bhutan, so visitors should take the time to learn more about them. In this article, you’ll learn about the best places to see these fascinating creatures. The following information will help you spot these birds in the wild. Also read about the birds of Bhutan that are endemic to the region.
Fairy-bluebirds
Fairy-bluebirds are tiny passerine birds that are native to southern Asia and are closely related to the bulbul-like ioras. They are sexually dimorphic and are often seen chirping and singing. Fairy-bluebirds typically feed on fruit and insects, though they also occasionally eat small mammals. Their song is incredibly beautiful, and they are highly endangered in most areas.
The fairy-bluebird’s name is also used to describe many other bird species that are similar to it. The taxonomic classification of the Fairy-bluebird places it within the family of Irenidae, which includes ioras and leafbirds. Some authors place Fairy-bluebirds with orioles, bulbuls, and leafbirds, while others include them in the Irenidae family.
The plumage of the fairy-bluebird is exceptional. The plumage is derived from naked feather-tip barbs, and they are more visible in the sunlight than in darkness. While fairies are found in a variety of forests, their preferred habitat is in fruit-producing forests. Fairy-bluebirds live in the canopy, but they also seem to live in a wide range of forest habitats.
Ibisbills
Ibisbills of Bhutan are a unique species of shorebird. They have a down-curved, distinctive bill, red legs, and a white belly. Their distinctive plumage allows them to blend into rocky riverbeds. The ibisbill is unique among shorebirds in that it is placed in its own family and genus. Although most species of Ibisbill are solitary birds, they may gather in small groups.
Ibisbills are not the only birds found in Bhutan. The Himalayan Monal is one of the most striking, with its brilliant iridescent plumage contrasting with its stark black underparts. The female is a streaky brown overall with a distinctive white throat and eye patch. Both sexes have an upturned crest. The Himalayan Monal is also found in Nepal, India, and China.
Ibisbills of Bhutan are found throughout the country, including in the capital. While you’re there, make sure to get a close look at these birds. Many of them are endangered. Those in Bhutan should be careful not to harm them. If you do happen to spot one, make sure to tell the guide that you saw it! It might surprise you! And don’t forget the other hornbills that visit the Himalayas. They may look a little different, but they’re all beautiful birds.
Besides the Ibisbills of Bhutan, you should also look for rare species in the surrounding area. The Himalayan Monal is particularly interesting. The Rufous-necked Hornbill and Ward’s Trogon are also special birds. In addition, you can see some beautiful birds such as the Great Hornbill and the Blue Robin. You may also come across the Indian Peafowl and the Spotted Elachura.
Chestnut-breasted partridge
The Chestnut-breasted partridge, a species of hill partridge, is found in the Eastern Himalayas. Its scientific name is Arborophila mandellii, after an Italian naturalist. Listed as a threatened species by the IUCN, it is currently considered a low-impact pest in its range. The population is estimated to be 2,500 individuals, although more comprehensive surveys are needed to determine the exact numbers.
The Chestnut-breasted partridge’s range is at risk because of shifting agriculture and extensive grazing, two of the primary causes of takin decline. Despite Bhutan’s admirable forestry policy, there are a number of threats to the takin’s existence, such as shifting agricultural practices. While Bhutan is committed to conserving its natural resources, extensive grazing and shifting agriculture will continue to threaten its range and population.
The White-bellied heron, also known as the Black-Necked guillemot, is an extremely rare bird in Bhutan. It has dark grey wings, a white belly, and is critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. The species is rare and its population is estimated at 50-250 mature birds. A recent survey found that white-bellied herons can be seen in 10 locations in the country, six of them in the Punatsangchhu River basin, and four in the central Trongsa district.
A rare diving duck, Baer’s Pochard is an exceptional example. Its head has a dark green gloss, while the sides are chestnut and white. These birds live in large bodies of water during winter. Black-necked storks are large crow-like birds that live in wetlands. They can be seen in Bhutan, China, India, and Thailand.
Ward’s trogon
The Ward’s Trogon is a species of bird that lives in northeast Asia, from the Indian subcontinent to Vietnam and the Republic of China. It is a threatened species, whose habitat is in constant jeopardy due to habitat loss. It is found in Bhutan, China, Myanmar, and India, as well as parts of Vietnam. In Bhutan, it is a common resident, though its population is disjunct.
The Ward’s Trogon is a monogamous bird that is monogamous. During mating season, it emits a rapid succession of kwooooo notes. Its courtship display isn’t well known, but it is often accompanied by the raising of the tail feather to reveal luminous underbelly feathers. This action is not a sign of love, and is actually a combative gesture.
The Ward’s Trogon lives in a mountainous region of Bhutan. It nests in rotting trees and is thought to breed during March to April. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, the bird may nest in a hole it excavates with its bill. While it’s a resident species, Ward’s Trogons do make local altitudinal migrations, often moving down to lower altitudes in the foothills to spend the winter.
Although most trogons live in tropical forests, they are cosmopolitan in their distribution. Some species migrate, including the resplendent quetzal in Costa Rica. While ringing studies are hard to conduct, evidence is growing for other species. The Narina trogon in Africa is thought to undertake short-distance migrations over part of its range. It is difficult to study the life cycle of trogons due to their thick tarsi.
Black-necked crane
In Bhutan, the majestic black-necked crane is revered, and it is also considered a symbol of luck and prosperity. Its migration route through the country is named after the crane’s sacred valley, Bumdeling. Locals wore crane costumes and waved goodbye to the birds from their balconies. The bird is an important symbol to the Bhutanese people, and the government has a plan to create an eco-lodge in the Bumdeling valley.
The Black-necked crane is a rare species in the Himalayan region. They migrate to Bhutan from Tibet in late autumn, and their arrival signals the end of harvest season and the beginning of farmer relocations. In Bhutan, the bird is known as ‘Thrung Thrung Keh Narp,’ and over 300 flocks converge in the Phobjikha Valley each autumn. The cranes often loop over the Gangtey Goenpa monastery, and some Bhutanese folklore attributes this behaviour to the birds asking for protection.
Conservation efforts are ongoing, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) has begun implementing eco-tourism for the benefit of the local community. The society has lobbied for an underground power grid, and has also initiated peaceful coexistence projects to protect crane habitat. It has also expanded protection of wetland habitat. The government of Bhutan also places great importance on Gross National Happiness, a concept that strives to balance economic growth with the non-material aspects of a person’s life.
The Black-necked crane is a rare bird in the world. This species mainly resides on the Tibetan Plateau. In autumn and winter, they migrate to neighbouring Bhutan and spend their winters in the Phobjikha Valley. During the migration, the birds sometimes venture into uncharted territory, which results in misdirection or death. A group of three47 cranes was reported in the Phobjikha Valley in 2010, indicating a high number of birds settling in the area. In recent years, there have been frequent monsoon floods that wash away the paddy fields in Bumdeling.
John is passionate about discovering the beautiful birds of the globe. He is researching & sharing the best birds of all countries that he can find to share his passion & hobby with the world.
