Home to over 889 species of Birds, Nepal is truly a bird paradise. Sandwiched between two giant nations, the diverse landscape of Nepal supports diverse species. From the flat lands in the south of the country to snow capped mountains to the North, Nepal is home to species that inhabit the grasslands, marshes, wetlands, thick canopy, broadleaf forests and snowy landscapes. From peacocks in the grasslands to Chukars in the mountains.
Terai, the southern region of Nepal is home to many protected areas and national parks that are home to huge numbers of Birds. Chitwan National park at the center of the country, Nepal’s oldest and first national park, is home to 576 species of Birds. Chitwan birding experience comes with a grassland, riparian forest and wetlands. Narayani, Rapti and Reu river are filled with many migratory waterfowl and shorebirds during the migration season. Beeshazari taal is another excellent birding area in and around the national park. The forests of Chitwan are filled with the songs of Greater Racquet tailed Drongos, Common Iora, lots of species of parakeets and one of the most famous and flagship species that you can get in Chitwan – The Great Hornbill.
East of the Chitwan national park lies Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Koshi Tappu is a pilgrimage for birders. 485 species of birds are recorded from Koshi Tappu. It is a famous birding destination during migration season in Nepal. Eagle owls, Cuckooshires, Stonechats, many species of woodpeckers, owls and hundreds of other birds are notable species.
Jagdishpur Taal, Ghodaghodi Taal, Bardiya National Park and Shuklaphanta National Park are other really good destinations for birding in Nepal.
Moving up to the hilly region of Nepal, Kathmandu valley is home to over 500 species of birds. Shivapuri national park at the heart of the city holds over 300 species. Hills around Kathmandu valley are exceptional birding areas.
As we move up the higher himalayas, various national parks across the nation are home to different and a large number of high altitude species. One of the flagship species, the national bird of Nepal, the himalayan monal flies around with the background of himalayas. One of the most beautiful pheasants, a trip to the himalayas is a must to get these beautiful species. Along with monal, other pheasants, various species of vulture including the bearded vultures, griffon are seen in the himalayan skies. Snowcocks, finches, choughs, accentors, falcons, flycatchers are some of the species that we find along the trails as we move up the mountains. A combination of Terai, Hill and Himalayas will bring you close to over a few of the best birds that south Asia holds.