Biodiversity Mapping Survey/Study in Kaziranga National...
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Biodiversity Mapping Survey/Study in
Kaziranga National Park (KNP)
Birds Chapter
Final Report
Prepared by
Dr. Asad R. Rahmani and Dr. Raju Kasambe
With inputs by Anwaruddin Choudhury, Abidur Rahman, Rehan Ali and
Siddhesh Surve
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1. Introduction:
Kaziranga National Park is an internationally famed wilderness, mainly known for the Indian
One-horned Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis. However, Kaziranga has large populations of
many birds. According to Barua and Sharma (1999), Kaziranga harbours about 478 bird species.
Choudhury (2003) has listed 490 species. During our surveys and by collating information from
senior and experience ornithologists, we have come up with a list of 514 bird species. There are
as many as 27 globally Threatened species, among the highest recorded in an Important Bird and
Biodiversity Area in India. Kaziranga is one of the outstanding IBAs, especially for birds of tall,
wet grasslands of Endemic Bird Area 131 (Assam Plains Endemic Bird Area) and Biome 12
(Indo-Gangetic Plains) (BirdLife International, unpublished).
Out of the 514 bird species, more than 200 are residents; the rest are migrants, including local
migrants. Notable resident species with significant populations are: Spot-billed Pelican
Pelecanus philippensis, Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus, Swamp Francolin Francolinus
gularis, Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis, Pallas’s Fish-eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus,
Greater Grey-headed Fish-eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus, Black-necked Stork
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Bristled Grass-warbler Chaetornis striatus, Marsh Babbler
Pellorneum palustre, Black-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxornis flavirostris, and Finn’s Weaver
Ploceus megarhynchus.
Some of the uncommon vultures are the White-rumped Gyps bengalensis, Slender-billed G.
tenuirostris, and Red-headed Sarcogyps calvus. Six Slender-billed and four White-rumped
Vulture were seen in January 2014. A couple of nests of Slender-billed are being observed in
Kaziranga NP from 2001 to 2013, but the nests of White-rumped were not seen after 2005.
Carcasses from natural death of wild animals ably support flocks of Himalayan Griffon Gyps
himalayensis.
Other uncommon birds are Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda, Pied Falconet Microhierax
melanoleucos, Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius, Jerdon’s Bushchat Saxicola jerdoni, Rufous-
vented Prinia Prinia burnesii, Jerdon’s Babbler Chrysomma altirostre and Slender-billed
Babbler Turdoides longirostris. Some of the species, especially of the tall grasslands and thick
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shrubs may not be as rare as thought because finding them is rather difficult, especially on brief
bird watching surveys. The White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis is an occasional species.
Possibly, the Vulnerable Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea breeds in the park; it is
considered a summer visitor by Barua & Sharma (1999).
After Manas and Orang, Kaziranga has the largest and most secure population (about 30 adult
territorial males) of the Critically Endangered Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis in
Assam (Rahmani et al. 2014).
Kaziranga is also famous for its nesting colonies of Spot-billed Pelican, and Greater and Lesser
adjutants. Almost all species of tall, wet grasslands of the Brahmaputra floodplains are found
here. Thus, Kaziranga is one of the most important bird areas of India. This fabulous IBA also
has 23 Near Threatened species, some of them with significant wintering or breeding
populations.
According to the classification by BirdLife International (undated), this IBA lies in Biome 12
(Indo-Gangetic Plains). Of the 13 species listed in this biome, 12 are found in the park. Bird
species of at least six other biomes are also seen, generally in winter. For instance, Himalayan
Griffon Gyps himalayensis, Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus, and Grey-backed Shrike
Lanius tephronotus of Biome 5 (Eurasian High Montane) occur in Kaziranga in winter.
Similarly, Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii, Slaty Blue Flycatcher F. tricolor,
Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea, Himalayan Rubythroat Luscinia pectoralis,
Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata, Grey-bellied Tesia T. cyaniventer, Grey-sided
Bush-warbler Cettia brunnifrons, and Chestnut-crowned Bush-warbler C. major all belonging to
Biome 7 (Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forests) winter in this site.
Kaziranga is also famous for its large populations of waterbirds, especially Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicus. A Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus tagged in Mongolia was sighted there in 2013.
In all, more than 20,000 waterbirds are found in the beels and riverine tracts in the national park
area.
Methodology: We conducted many road surveys in the Park and adjoining Reserve Forests and
chaporis. Few boat surveys were also conducted in the Brahmaputra River passing through the
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Park. Line transect or Point Count methods could not be used in the Park as we were not allowed
to get down from the vehicle due to danger of Rhino, Elephant and Wild Buffalo. This prevented
us from taking quantified data on selected bird species. However, more than 50 aggregate visits
were made for collection of bird information. When any bird was seen, its location, number,
gender (if dimorphic) and behaviour were noted in field note books. Help of bird fieldguides
were taken for identification of birds in the field, and if possible photographs were taken which
were later used for further identification.
Due to rains and floods, we could not collect monsoon data as the Park was closed. As reported
earlier, logistic and field work was extremely difficult due to various restrictions on the foot
movement inside the Park for security reasons. Despite these difficulties, we were able to sight
more than 300 birds ourselves. Data on remaining birds were collated from experienced
birdwatchers who have been going to the Park for many years.
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2. Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kaziranga National Park
1. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Among the four species of grebes found in Assam, Little Grebe is perhaps the most
widespread and common. In Kaziranga, it is found in almost all major wetlands,
particularly just after the rains when water level is high. It does not occur in flowing
rivers and streams, preferring placid deep water beels.
2. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
It is found in large, deep beels of the Park, and also sometimes in the slow-flowing rivers.
It is regularly seen in the Brahmaputra and in Sohola Beel.
3. Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis (NT)
In the 1970s and 1980s, Agaratoli Range of Kaziranga was a well-known breeding area
of Spot-billed Pelican. Even now few 10-15 nests are found on tall Semul trees opposite
Rangamotia beat, but population appears to have declined in the Park (although its
overall numbers in India are on the increase: Rahmani 2012). According to Rehan Ali
(pers. comm.) till 1997-98, Sohola beel used to be full of these birds, sometimes more
than a thousand, but now they are not seen in that number. Even now they are seen in all
the ranges, sometimes in flock consisting of more than 100 individuals. We found them
in Agaratoli as well as Kohora ranges in good numbers.
4. Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus (VU)
Barua and Sharma (1999) and Choudhury (2000) have mentioned this as uncommon
winter visitor in the Park, but we did not see any bird during our surveys. Both Grimmett
et al. (2011) and Rasmussen & Anderton (2012) have not shown its distribution in north-
east India. We contacted many ornithologists and tour guides – no one has reported this
species. We suspect that it is a case of misidentification and the species should be
removed from the list.
5. Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
It is an uncommon winter visitor, sometimes seen in large flocks of 40-50 birds in large
beels in winter. Rehan has seen it in Mihibeel in Central Range in 2015. About 20 were
seen in Agaratoli in 2015.
6. Indian Shag Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
It is also called Indian Cormorant or Median Cormorant. It is uncommon on deep beels
and also slow flowing rivers, often seen perched, with other cormorants on dry branches
near water.
7. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
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Among cormorants, Great Cormorant is the most conspicuous due to its size and
numbers. Flocks consisting of 40-60 birds can be seen sitting on mounds, or swimming
together to do cooperative fishing. They prefer deep beels and shift when the beels
become shallow. They are often found in the Brahmaputra River and its large tributaries
in the Park. Sometimes they are seen fishing with Smooth-coated Otter.
8. Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger
It is found all over the Park, even in Water-Hyacinth covered beels with small exposed
water surface made by regular movement of Rhino. It is generally solitary but small
groups of 5-10 individuals are not uncommon to find perched on dry branches near
waterbody.
9. Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster (NT)
It is listed as Near Threatened by BirdLife International and IUCN due to decline of its
numbers in its vast range in South and South-east Asia. In India, it is still fairly common.
Its habitat requirement of deep clear water with plenty of fish is not available everywhere
due to pollution and overfishing. In Kaziranga it is found solitary or small scattered party
in all large beels and rivers.
10. Little Egret Egretta garzetta
It is found all over the Park, on the edges of large deep beels and rivers, and scattered
individuals on shallow, drying up beels. It feeds on small fish, frogs and aquatic insects.
It probably breeds in the Park in accessible heronries. During monsoon, the Park is closed
and most areas are unapproachable except through boat or elephant.
11. Great Egret Egretta alba
It is found all over the Park, on the edges of large deep beels and rivers, and scattered
individuals on shallow, drying up beels. It feeds on small fish, frogs, snails, snakes and
aquatic insects. It breeds with other heronry species in the Park and also bamboo clumps
outside the boundary of the Park, near Kohora.
12. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
Between the earlier two egret species, Intermediate Egret is uncommon or probably
misidentified. It is found in shallow beels where it can catch fish, frogs, snails and
insects.
13. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus
The Cattle Egret has been divided in to Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, not found in
India, and Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus found from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
to eastward to South-east Asia. In Kaziranga, Eastern Cattle Egret is very common in wet
grasslands, accompanying domestic and wild ungulates. Solitary birds or groups follow
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grazing Rhino, Wild Buffolo and Swamp Deer to feed on insects disturbed by their
movement. It is not uncommon to see a Cattle Egret sitting on a Rhino.
14. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
It is largely solitary so found in small numbers in beels and rivers, but widespread in the
Park in suitable habitats. In winter, number increase as migratory population arrives.
Rehan has not seen breeding. It is quite commonly seen in Daphlang and Sohola.
15. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Like the previous species, it is also solitary and seen in shallow beels and besides slow
flowing rivers. It breeds, like the earlier species, during monsoon when the Park is closed
so we cannot find the breeding areas. Nest is made in thick reeds or on tall foliage trees.
16. White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis (CR)
Kaziranga is always listed in its distribution range although there is no confirmed
photographic record of this species. Barua and Sharma (1999) have mentioned “Three at
Dunga in January 1994, one in the same area on 19 November 1995, one in Bandarkhal
Nullah on 31 February 1994 (Baguri) and one in Sohola on 14 December 1995
(Agaratoli).” We did not see any bird during out surveys of the Park. It is found on
boulder-strewed slow flowing rivers. This habitat is not available in the Park.
17. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Barua and Sharma (1999) have mentioned and record by Madge (995) on 13 April 1994
c. 3 km north of Mihimukh, and and an unconfirmed record from Lahorani Chapori
(Burapahar). Saikia and Bhattacharjee (1990) have listed it among the wader list of
Assam. Choudhury (1990) has listed it as occasional in Assam, without giving much
detail. Till good photographic evidence is gathered, we consider this species as
unconfirmed from the Park. We did not see any individual during out surveys of the Park.
18. Indian Pond-heron Ardeola grayii
Indain Pond Heron is one of the most widespread birds of India, and the same is true of
Kaziranga. It is found singly in all types of wetlands, but prefer shallow ditches and
drying up beels where it catches fish, frog and other small animals. We found it common
in all types of beels of the Park.
19. Chinese Pond-heron Ardeola bacchus
In northeast India, Chinese Pond Heron is also reported which is very similar to Indian
Pond Heron during the non-breeding season, hence easily confused for its more
widespread cousin. Perhaps it is rare winter visitor to Kaziranga as there is no record of
breeding bird being seen in the Park. The breeding individuals have deep chestnet head
and breast, and dark grey mantle, easy to distinguish from the Indian Pond Heron which
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does not have chestnut head and breast. The mantle is maroon, not dark grey. Barua and
Sharma (1999) also consider it as occasional in the Park.
20. Malayan Night-heron Gorsachius melanolophus
The Malayan Night-heron is resident in southern Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, and Nicobar,
and breeding visitor to parts of north-east India. Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported
it as uncommon in Kaziranga without giving much detail.
21. Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax
During day time, it is found roosting in thick-foliage trees growing near waterbody or
river. We found it in almost all parts of the Park.
22. Striated Heron Butorides striata or Ardeola striatus
Also know as Little Green Heron, it is a rare resident of the Park. Due to its skulking
habit, it is not easy to see and photograph. While Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported
it as uncommon resident in the Park, we did not see any bird during our survey but
according to birdguides, it is a common bird in the Park.
23. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis
Black Bittern is found in tall reeds and an uncommon resident in the Park.
24. Chestnut Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Although seldom seen due to its skulking behaviour, it is found all over the Park in reeds
near large beels and rivers. It is sometimes called Cinnamon Bittern due to its
colouration.
25. Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
It is mostly found singly besides reeds where it hides when disturbed, hence not easily
seen. It is supposed to be common resident in the Park. It breeds during monsoon when it
is not possible to inside the Park. It is also found in paddy fields and on edges of large
ditches.
26. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
It is an uncommon resident in the Park (Barua and Sharma 1999). We did not see any
bird during our surveys. It may not be uncommon but difficult to see due to its shy
nature.
27. Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris
This large bittern is an uncommon winter migrant. It is also known as Great Bittern due
to its large size. There is no confirmed record of this bird in the Park.
28. Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
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This large conspicuous stork is very common outside the Park in crop fields, less so
inside. It breeds inside the Park on large Silk Cotton trees in the Western Range, on way
to Donga tower. Choudhury (2000) has mentioned a large colony of about 800 nests in
1996-98 in Gotonga area.
29. White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Barua and Sharma (1999) have mentioned it as stray record. Except for their record, no
one has seen this species in northeast. As it is sometimes confused with Asian Openbill,
particularly from distance, we suspect it to be a case of mistaken identity.
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30. Asian Woollyneck Ciconia episcopus (VU)
One or two individuals of this species are always seen in large beels of the Park and also
outside the Park. It is an uncommon visitor.
31. Black Stork Ciconia nigra
It is winter migrant, seen in small parties consisting of 6-10 individuals, sometimes more
near water. Once we saw a flock of 12 birds in Agratoli Range.
32. Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus (NT)
Kaziranga NP is one of the best areas in India to see this large stork. As it is very
territorial, scattered pairs are found in large beels, either foraging or resting on mounds.
Juveniles are found with parents from October onwards. More than 20 pairs are found in
the Park.
33. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus (VU)
It could be seen singly or small parties all over the Park, particularly in drying up beels
where it forages on fish, frog, snakes and anything small which it can catch. For instance,
on April 28, 2014 a group of fifteen birds was seen feeding in a beel near Varuntika
camp, Kohora Range.
It nest on tall trees and 3-5 nests are found in each tree. Although we could not see nests
inside the Park, up to ten nests were found on Kaziranga-Nagaon road.
34. Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius (EN)
In the 1970s, Kaziranga was a well-known nesting area for this bird. Large colonies of
hundreds of nests were found in Agarotoli Range in 1970s but by 1990s, very few were
left. For instance, Barua and Sharma (1999) reported only three nests in Gotonga
(Baguri) and one in Kerasin in 1993, and up to 45 birds seen together in the non-breeding
season (Dunga Beel, Baguri March 1996). During our surveys in 2015-2016, we did not
see any bird inside the Park. In 2015, Rehan Ali has seen one bird in Kathphora beel in
central range.It is frequently seen in Sohola Beel. For example, 30 were counted in 2007
by Abidur Rahman. Another record is of two birds on March 30, 2014 near Tunikati
camp, Burapahar Range.
35. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
It is a rare bird in the northeast India. Barua and Sharma (1999) have not reported it from
the Park, but we have seen few birds in Agaratoli Range in 2015. Abidur Rahman has
seen more than 20 in Sohola in 2015.
36. Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus (NT)
It is quite uncommon in Assam unlike in other parts of India. We have seen one or two
birds in Sohola beel in Agaratoli. Barua and Sharma (1999) have also given records of
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four birds in Sohola Beel 1-10 December 1998 and one in the same area on 24 March
1999. They have mentioned another record by Jepson (1998) on 24 January 1998. More
birds are seen in December-January. For example, eight were seen in Kathpora beel. By
March, they probably move away and only 1-2 birds are left in the Park. Interestingly, its
sighting has become more regular during the last 7-8 years.
37. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
It is also a rare bird in Assam and Kaziranga. One bird was regularly seen in Sohola beel
in the winter of 2015.
38. Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
One of the finest places in the world to see this bird is Kaziranga NP. From November till
end March, large flocks consisting of up to 300-400 individuals are seen in all large beels
of the Park.
Scattered small flocks of 10-30 birds are seen even in April. We estimate that between 5-
7 thousand Bar-headed Goose winters in Kaziranga TR. The best areas are in the western
and eastern zones of the Park, (e.g. Sohola Beel, Baguri Beel), less seen in the central
zone. On 20 November 2015, 1200 geese were estimated at Sohola Beel.
39. Greylag Goose Anser anser
It is a winter migrant in the Park: always less in number than the previous species. A few
thousands are found in the whole Park, particularly in larger beels such as Sohola,
Baguri, and Kathpora. They are seen from December to mid-February.
40. Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus (VU)
This is the smallest, daintiest grey goose. This bird is a winter visitor to the Assam. It
occasionally occurs in flocks of Greylag Goose. One was seen on 17 January 1968
amongst a flock of Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus in Borbeel area (Baguri) (Mackenzie
1969). This species is listed as Vulnerable because it has suffered a rapid population
reduction in its key breeding population in Russia, and equivalent declines are predicted
to continue. In January 2016, five individuals were seen in Sohola Beel.
41. Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
This is an addition to the Park, as four seen in February 2016 by Abidur Rahman.
42. Fulvous Whistling-duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Earlier known as Large Whistling Teal, this species is mainly found in the north-east
India, with scattered records of north, central and even south India. It mainly breeds in
north-east, along with the more common Lesser Whistling Duck. Sometimes both occur
together, making it difficult to identify them as size, despite their common names, is not
the main criteria of identification as size difference is small. It is found in all the large
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beels of the Park throughout the year so it must be breeding in the Park although we
could not see any ducklings. They are mainly tree-hole nester.
43. Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica
It is widespread in India, including Assam. It is abundant to very common in large beels
of the Park, their whistling call cannot be missed. Rests on weed-covered tanks during
daytime, flighting to flooded rice fields, etc., to feed during the night. Walks well on
marshland, often grazing like a goose, and is a good diver.
44. Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
It is generally uncommon in India, but regularly seen in Kaziranga in small number. It is
a winter visitor to the Assam valley. It is more likely to be seen on larger lakes and rivers,
than in small beels. Usually keeps to mudflats than water.
45. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Ruddy Shelduck or Brahminy Duck is much more common than the earlier species as it
is found all over India, and also breeds in Ladakh and northern Sikkim (in small
numbers). In winter it spreads out all over India, particularly on rivers and large
lakes/beels. We have seen it in Sohola, Baguri, and other beels.
46. Cotton Pygmy-goose (Cotton Teal) Nettapus coromandelianus
It is a resident bird of Assam valley, breeds in single pairs during monsoon in tree-holes.
Found on all inland waters — jheels, rain-filled ditches, inundated paddy fields, irrigation
tanks, etc. Is swift on the wing, and can dive creditably on occasion. Not very common in
the Park, but regular sightings.
47. Garganey Querquedula querquedula
It is one of the first ducks to arrive in north India, including Assam, but most of the
individuals move to southern India. It is a gregarious bird often stays near cover. Birds of
this species are both diurnal and nocturnal feeders, and when migrating often travel by
night and rest on open water during the day. During our surveys in the winter of 2015-
2016, we did not come across this species although Barua and Sharma (1999) have listed
it from Kaziranga.
48. Falcated Duck Mareca falcata (NT)
It is an occasional winter visitor to the Assam valley. But, one or two individuals are
often seen in Sohola Beel. The bird is found singly or in pairs. It is largely vegetarian.
Although this species is clearly more abundant than once believed, it has been retained as
Near Threatened owing to moderately rapid declines in China.
49. Gadwall Mareca strepera
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It is one of the abundant ducks of India in winter, found in lakes, jheels and beels. In
Assam is it quite common and the same is true of Kaziranga where it is found with other
similar ducks. The species inhabits freshwater marsh or lake habitats in open lowland
grassland. It is predominantly herbivorous, most of times found feeding on water weeds.
50. Eurasian Wigeon Mareca Penelope
A very common winter visitor to the Assam valley, it is gregarious, forages by dabbling
and grazing, and by taking food brought up by the other species. In Kaziranga, it is found
in small numbers in all major beels.
51. Northern Shoveller Spatula clypeata
Another of the more common migratory ducks visiting India in winter, and amongst the
last to leave. The peculiar spatulate bill is adapted to its special method of feeding.
Swims with neck and bill stretched rigidly in front. Feeds in shallow waters, dabbling on
surface with neck and bill outstretched. This species has an extremely large global range
and is a common bird in India. In Kaziranga, it is found in all shallow beels along with
other ducks.
52. Northern Pintail Anas acuta
This is one of the most conspicuous ducks. It is highly gregarious, but often segregating
by sex. It is common on various types of freshwater and sheltered coasts. It is
omnivorous and opportunistic feeder. Extremely common in Sohola Beel and other large
waterbodies, particularly on return migration when large numbers congregate before
return migration.
53. Common Teal Anas crecca
It is one of the smallest ducks of India, abundant in shallow jheels and beels where it
feeds with other ducks. Flight is fast and erratic. Its diet consists of small aquatic
invertebrates such as adult and larval insects, planktonic crustaceans, annelids, amphibian
spawn, tadpoles, spiders, fish and the vegetative parts of aquatic plants. It can be seen all
over the Park in beels, less so in rivers and streams.
54. Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
The Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha was earlier divided in to two subspecies: the
nominate Anas poecilorhyncha poecilorhyncha and Anas poecilorhyncha zonorhyncha,
but now the subspecies have been elevated in to full species: Indian Spot-billed Duck
Anas poecilorhyncha and Chinese Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha. The Indian Spot-
billed Duck is resident of bird of the Assam valley, a fairly common in freshwater bodies
in Kaziranga NP. One of our most widely distributed resident ducks, but nowhere really
abundant. It feeeds mainly on vegetable matter. A surface feeder, obtaining its food
chiefly by tipping or ‘up-ending’ in shallow water. When reaching down for food thus,
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the tail end of the bird sticks out comically above the surface, the vertical stance being
maintained by a kicking of the legs.
55. Chinese Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha
Two individuals were seen by Rehan Ali in February 2016 and found were seen in the
same area in March 2016 by Abidur Rahman.
56. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
It is a winter visitor to Kaziranga in small numbers. In Europe, it is one of the most
common ducks. It is omnivorous but mainly feeds on plant matter by dabbling in water
and by grazing on the land.
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57. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
It is a winter visitor in Kaziranga on larger beels as it is often found in large freshwater
lakes, reservoirs and sheltered coastal locations such as brackish lagoons. The species is
omnivorous a major part of its diet consisting of molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic
insects, as well as grain and the seeds and vegetative parts of aquatic plants. It is mainly
found in Kaziranga in early winter when beels are full of water, and not many are seen
during spring migration as by that time most beels become shallow.
58. Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri (CR)
Much like Ferruginous Duck but larger, and darker-headed with a bigger bill. It is a
winter visitor to the Assam Valley. It is usually found in small numbers, often with
Ferruginous Duck; shy and wary. Two were seen on 28 December 1993 at Sohola
(Kovacs 1994). This species is classified as Critically Endangered as it is apparently
undergoing a extremely rapid population decline. Rehan Ali has seen two individuals in
December 2015 in Sohola beel.
59. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca (NT)
Ferrufinous Duck is a common winter visitor, found in almost every large beel,
throughout the Park. It rests during the day in the middle of open water safe from human
molestation, and flights inland after dusk to feed in inundated paddy fields and on grassy
tank margins. Also obtains much of its food by diving. There have been rapid declines in
population of this species in Europe, but evidence of declines in the larger Asian
populations is sparse, and sometimes contradictory, so it is currently listed as Near
Threatened by BirdLife International and IUCN.
60. Common Pochard Aythya ferina (VU)
Common Pochard is one of the commonest diving ducks of India, seen in large flocks and
rafts of over 300 to several thousands in the open waters of jheels, beels and reservoirs
with submerged vegetation. It is omnivorous but largely vegetarian. It is a winter visitor
to the plains of the Assam Valley. In Kaziranga it is found in larger deep beels such as
Sohola and the Brahmaputra River.
61. Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
It is rare winter migrant to Kaziranga as it prefers deep waters. It is mainly found in early
winter when beels have lot of water but as the water recedes and become shallow, this
bird moves to find suitable habitat. It is frequently seen in the Brahmaputra River, along
with Common Pochard and other diving ducks.
62. Smew Mergellus albellus
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We have not seen this bird during our surveys but Barua and Sharma (1999) have
reported a record on 30 January 1971 by Inskipp (1971). This species is highly migratory,
often resting and feeding on inland waterbodies when on passage.
17
63. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
This small raptor is quite frequent in heavily grazed grasslands such as Kohora as it feeds
on lizards, large insects and small birds. It is not found in tall grasslands and forested
parts of the Park.
64. Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni
Samant et al. (1995) have reported two individuals during their surveys in 1993-94. We
did not see any bird during our surveys. Abidur Rahman has seen it many times in
Panbari Range.
65. Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes
It frequents open forested areas of the Park, mainly seen on the upper canopy. It is mainly
found in summer and sighting are not uncommon in Burapahar area.
66. Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus
It is an uncommon bird in the Park, more often seen around villages. Numbers have
declined.
67. Black Kite Milvus migrans migrans/govinda
Very common around villages but infrequent inside the Park. We have multiple sightings
on every visit before entering the Park.
68. ‘Black-eared’ Kite Milvus [migrans] lineatus
It is very often seen on the islands of Brahmaputra.
69. Besra Sparrowhawk Accipiter virgatus
Barua and Sharma (1999) have not reported it from the Park. Choudhury (2000) has
mentioned it as rare winter migrant. Abidur Rahman has seen it in Kohora Range.
70. Shikra Accipiter badius
Very common amongst small raptors, more frequent outside the Park than inside as it
prefers open woodland, large avenue trees and orchards. We had multiple sightings of
this bird mainly outside the Park. Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it uncommon in the
Park.
71. Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis
We did not see this bird, but Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported as stray and
occasional. They saw it in Agaratoli Range on 21 January 1996. More than 100 years
ago, Steven (1915) had collected a specimen at Rungagora, Dibrigarh on 7 April 1901.
72. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Mainly found inside the Park, less frequent outside as it prefer deeper woods where it
catches small birds by chasing them. There are two subspecies of this bird in India:
18
Accipiter nisus melanochistos which is resident in Arunachal Pradesh and hills of Assam,
and perhaps moves to Assam plains in winter, and Accipiter nisus nisosimilis that is pure
migratory. We had multiple sightings of this species but could not identify the
subspecies.
73. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
It is quite rare in the Park. Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it but we did not see
any individual during our surveys.
74. ‘Steppe’ Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus
We say a couple of buzzard species and one of them looked like Steppe Buzzard but due
to its height of flying, we could not identify it fully. Barua and Sharma (1999) have
reported it as a common migratory bird. Choudhury (2000) reports that Japanese
subspecies Buteo beteo japonicas is found in Assam.
75. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Samant et al. (1995) have reported two birds in April/May 1991. Abidur Rahman has
seen this bird in the Park. We did not come across during our surveys.
76. Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
It is a common raptor of the Park, found in all parts particularly in open forest areas. We
had multiple sightings in all ranges.
77. White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa
It is mainly seen in summer in small numbers in open Simul woodland. Two were seen in
April/May in 1991 by Samant et al. (1995). We did not come across this bird but there
are reports by experienced bird tourist guides.
78. Crested Serpent-eagle Spilornis cheela
It is one of the most common raptors of the Park, particularly common in forested areas.
We had multiple sightings in almost all visits to the Park.
79. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
It is a bird of dry biotopes so not very common in the Park, but we have seen it in
Arimora and Debashri grasslands just after grass burning.
80. Rufous-bellied Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii
Earlier it was placed under genus Hieraaetus with other hawk-eagles. It is an uncommon
raptor of Kaziranga although thinly widespread in forested areas of north, north-east
Indian and Western Ghats. Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as uncommon
migrant in the Park.
81. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
19
It is purely migratory bird although both Barua and Sharma (1999) and Choudhury
(2000) consider it resident. It is easily confused with much commoner Bonelli’s Eagle
although smaller. We did not see any individual during our surveys but Abidur Rahman
has seen it.
82. Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata
It is uncommon in the Park in lightly wooded areas and edges of forests where it hunts
large birds such as Red Junglefowl, Kaleej Pheasant, peahen, francolins etc. We had a
couple of sightings in Agaratoli Range.
83. Mountain Hawk-eagle Nisaetus nipalensis
This large forest raptor of about 72 cm is an uncommon migrant to the Park. Barua and
Sharma (1999) have reported it although we did not see any individual during our
surveys. In recent years, Rehan Ali has seen it in the Park.
84. Changeable Hawk-eagle Nisaetus limnaeetus
It is resident and fairly common in wooded areas of the Park where it hunts birds, reptiles
and small mammls. It has a reputation of killing small fawns of deer and Black-naped
Hare. We had many sightings of this bird in almost all parts of the Park.
85. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis
We did not see any Black Eagle during our surveys, but Samant et al. (1995) have
reported this species from the Park hence it is included in the list. Rehan Ali has seen it
during the last five years.
86. Indian Spotted Eagle Clanga hastata (VU)
Earlier it was considered as a subspecies/race of Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle.
But now it has been separated and considered semi-endemic (India, Bangladesh and
Myanmar) (Rasmussen and Anderton 2012). Therefore, Barua and Sharma’s record of
Lesser Spotted Eagle is actually of this species. The Lesser Spotted Eagle is not found in
India. We did not see an Indian Spotted Eagle in the Park.
87. Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga (VU)
This is a Vulnerable species, according to BirdLife International and IUCN as its
population has declined. We saw it around all large beels such as Sohola, Baguri,
Kauladhar Beel, Borbeel, Kathphora, Daphlang Beel and also outside the Park.
88. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis (EN)
It is a common winter migrant, more common around garbage dumps so it was found
inside and outside the Park. It is often seen near Mihimukh of Central Range.
89. Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca (VU)
20
BirdLife and IUCN list this as a Vulnerable species as it has declined globally (Rahmani
2012). In India it is a winter migrant, arriving in small numbers by October end or early
November, and departing by end March. We once saw it in flight over Debashree
grasslands. Barua and Sharma (1999) have also listed it as stray in the Park.
21
90. Osprey Pandion haliaetus
This migratory species is very often seen on larger beels such as Sohola, Kauladhar,
Kathaphora, Daphlang, and also besides large streams. It is much more common on the
Brahmaputra River.
91. Lesser Fish-eagle Ichthyophaga humilis (NT)
It is resident in Kaziranga and frequently seen along the streams and on edges of larger
beels. Due to confusion with much commoner Grey-headed Fish-eagle, it is under-
reported wherever both the species occur together which is quite often the case. We have
seen it in Agaratoli and Kohora ranges.
92. Grey-headed Fish-eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus (NT)
This is the bird that cannot be missed in the Park due to it call and bold behaviour.
Almost on all our visits to the Park, we noticed it. Good photographs are available of it
feeding on fish, it main prey.
93. Pallas’s Fish-eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus (VU)
Kaziranga is perhaps the best place in the world to see and study this large raptor which
is now rare everywhere, hence listed as Vulnerable by IUCN and BirdLife International.
A nest was seen in the near Donga Beel, Bagori range on 17 December 2015 and a pair
was seen attending the nest. Courtship and mating was observed on the day. Almost all
the large beels have a breeding pair, and we estimate that not less than 25-30 pairs breed
in the Park.
94. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla
It is a migratory species in the Park, and almost the size of the Pallas’s Fish-eagle. The
major difference is its all-white tail easily visible in flight, contrast to terminally banded
tail of Pallas’s. Unlike Pallas’s, it is not common, and we had only one sighting in Sohola
beel.
95. White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis (CR)
This bird has massively declined all over its range thanks to killer-drug diclofenac.
Barua and Sharma (1999) based on their work in the early 1990s, have reported it
“common” in the Park, but we found it extremely rare, with less than 10 records in two
years of survey work.
96. Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris (CR)
This is another Critically Endangered species with almost 98 percent decline during the
last 20 years. Earlier, it was considered as subspecies of Long-billed Vulture Gyps
indicus tenuirostris, hence Barua and Sharma (1999) and Choudhury (2000) have listed it
as Long-billed Vulture. Rasmussen and Anderton (2005, 2012) have separated the two
subspecies as full species, and only Slender-billed Vulture is found in Assam, not Long-
22
billed. The Slender-billed Vulture still breeds in the Park, albeit in very small numbers.
We have seen three nests on tall Simul tree in Kohora, Central Range in 2015-16.
97. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus
It is an uncommon migratory species to the Assam Plains. Baru and Sharma (1999) have
listed it as uncommon. Most of the experienced birdwatchers have not seen it in the Park
during the last 10 years. Sachin Ranade (pers. comm. 2016), a vulture expert of BNHS
has not seen this species in Kaziranga. It record appears to be a case of mistaken identity.
98. Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis (NT)
Himalayan Griffon is the largest vultures of Gyps group. It is a migratory species, seen
mainly in winter in small numbers inside and outside the Park either soaring or on animal
carcasses, along with cogeners. Mayur Bawri (pers. comm. 2016) has recorded more than
50 individuals on a carcass. Its large size and creamish underparts, with contrasting black
wing feathers make its identification easy in flight. Juveniles are confused with juveniles
of Griffon Vulture. In India, we see more juveniles than adults of both species.
99. Red-headed Vulture Aegypius calvus (CR)
The Red-headed Vulture has massively declined due to unknown reasons hence it is
considered Critically Endangered. This vulture was never abundant as Gyps vultures were
at one time. It is found in very small numbers in the Park. For example, a pair was seen
soaring on 24 March 2016. Another bird was seen in Agaratoli range on 20 November
2015.
100. Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus (NT)
This winter migrant is uncommon visitor to the Park. We did not see this bird during our
survey but there have been many reports by other ornithologists and tourist guides.
According to Mayur Bawri (pers. comm. 2016) a bird was rescued from Podumoni Tea
Easte, Golaghat.
101. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus
Acommon winter visitor in central and peninsular India but unreported in the Assam
Valley except for a sighting of a male by Bishop (1996) from 14-20 March, 1996. We did
not see any individual of this species during our surveys.
102. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (NT)
It is considered as a Near Threatened species due to decline in its number in the breeding
areas in the temperate regions. It is a migratory species all over India in suitable dry
grasslands. We had few sightings in the dried up Sohola beel, Kohora grassland and few
other areas. Strangely, Barua and Sharma (1999) have not reported this bird from
Kaziranga.
23
103. Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos
Frequently see in the Park, possibly breed also as it has been found breeding in Manas
TR. Regularly seen in Debashwari grassland and sometimes even outside the Park, flying
over fallow fields. It is seen in all ranges of the Park.
104. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
A migratory species in the whole of Assam Valley, it is found in grassland and dry
wetlands, and also in crop fields just outside the Park. We had multiple sightings of this
species during our surveys.
105. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Perhaps the most conspicuous harrier of all, frequently seen skirting over beels in search
of sick or old bird which it pounces and kills by drowning. Sometimes, 3-4 are seen on
large beels such as Sohola, Kauladhar, Kathaphora and Daphlang. Arrives by October
and departs by early April.
106. Pied Falconet Microhierax melanoleucos
This small raptor is generally seen flying over the canopy of tall trees on search of
dragonflies and large insects. Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it occasional in the Park.
They have mentioned that it is occasional seen in Panbari forest. Rehan has seen it in
Agaratoli Range. It is quite common in Haldibari area – eight were seen together by
Abidur Rahman in November 2015.
107. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
Earlier, Lesser Kestrel was considered as Vulnerable species but better census shows that
it is fairly common in large parts of its range. In India it is purely a migratory species,
arriving in small flocks in October-November and departing by end March or early April.
In Assam it is mainly a passage migrant.
108. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Amongst Falco species, it is probably the most common migrant. It prefers short grazed
grasslands so commonly seen in Kohora, Debashri and Arimora (after burning). It is
more frequent outside the Park. We have multiple sightings of this species in dried up
part of Sohola beel.
109. Oriental Hobby Falco severus
We have not seen this species during our survey but Barua and Sharma (1999) mentions a
record of Gauntett (1971) of 4 March 1969. It is probably frequent winter visitor to the
Park, as Rehan Ali has seen it in Kohora Range, and Abidur Rahman has seen five
individuals in 2015-16 in different ranges.
110. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
24
Barua and Sharma (1999) have not mentioned this species in their list. We have also not
seen it. However, we have some sight records. For example, one bird was sighted by Ben
Schweinhart in Bagori Range on April 28 and 30, 2015. The species was also sighted
from adjoining areas such as Nameri National Park and Orang National Park by Ramit
Singal and Craig Robson respectively (eBird 2016).
25
111. Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
Amur Falcon is a passage migrant mainly over the hills, but occasionally large flocks are
seen on the Assam Plains. We did not see any Amur Falcon in Kaziranga but it has been
reported by many ornithologists and tourist guides.
112. Red-headed Falcon Falco chicquera (NT)
This is a bird of dry biotopes so Kaziranga is perhaps not the best habitat for this species.
However, Barua and Sharma (1999) have mentioned two records from Kaziranga. We did
not see any bird during our surveys. Rehan Ali has not seen during the last ten years, so
it must be extremely uncommon.
113. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus calidus
Peregrine Falcon is one of the most widespread raptors of the world, so is the case in the
Assam Valley. It can be found anywhere, appearing for few days and disappearing as
during non-breeding season it moves a lot. In Kaziranga it has been reported by many
birdwatchers, and we have also seen it in Debashree grasslands. It frequents waterbodies
where it hunts ducks but it equally comfortable in hilly and grassland areas. It avoids
thick forests.
114. Laggar Falcon Falco jugger
This is a bird of desert biotopes so in Assam it is quite uncommon, but nonetheless
recorded, particularly in recently burnt up grasslands and fallow fields. Barua and Sharma
(1999) have reported a sighting of this species in Sohola on 28 December 1993 by
Kavocs (1994). We did not come across this species during our surveys. Abidur Rahman
and Anwaruddin Choudhury, both experienced ornithologists have not seen it in the Park.
115. Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis (VU)
During the survey it was found commonly throughout the Park. This species is classified
as Vulnerable because it has undergone a rapid population decline which is projected to
continue, concurrent with the rapid decline in extent and quality of its specialised habitat.
Some specific records are: near Arimora camp, Kohora Range on April 19, 2014, and two
near Debeshwri Tiniali Tongia, Agoratoli Range on Mary 1, 2014.
116. White-cheeked Hill-partridge Arborophila atrogularis (NT)
It is a resident bird of Assam Valley and southern Assam hills. This poorly known
species is probably locally common where forest persists and where it is not hunted;
however, such places are becoming scarcer and its population is now likely to be
moderately small, and continuing to decline. For these reasons it is classified as Near
Threatened. Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it occasional and local migratory in the
Park, but we think it is not true because such partridges generally do not move long
distance. The White-cheeked Hill-partridge is confined to “moist undergrowth and
26
bamboo jungle in evergreen forest” Rasmussen and Anderton 2012). We did not come
across this bird during our surveys. According to Rehan Ali, it is found only in the
Panbari RF and foothills of North Karbi Anlong Wildlife Sanctuary.
117. Blue-breasted Quail Excalfactoria chinensis
It is a small, dark quail with bright yellow legs. It is partial to wet terrain and occurs in
pairs and small family parties. Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it occasional in the
Park, and probably breeds also. We did not come across this species during our surveys
but Abidur Rahman has seen it in Mihimukh.
118. Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus
This species is a common bird of the Kaziranga, often seen along sides of small roads. It
is a resident bird of Assam valley and come out in the early mornings and afternoons to
feed in stubble fields at the edge of forest, or on forest roads and firelines. We have seen
it all over the Park in forested areas, not in pure grasslands. Chicks were also seen in
May, proving breeding. Sometimes flocks of 5-8 birds are seen. For instance, in March
27, 2014 we found a group fo seven individuals feeding near Myte Camp in Burapahar
Range.
119. Grey Peacock-pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum
A very shy and elusive bird, confined to forested areas. It is seen mainly in Panbari
Range.
120. Kaleej Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos
Perhaps as common as the Red Junglefowl in suitable forest patches of the Park. Male,
female and young one have been seen during our surveys in Panbari, Agaratoli, Baguri,
and Kohora ranges.
121. Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator
It is also called Common Bustard-quail. This tiny bird is a great skulker and seen only
when encountered at the edge of grassland. It probably breeds in the Park in grassland
areas. A covey of four birds was seen in Debashree grassland.
122. Yellow-legged Buttonquail Turnix tanki
Like the earlier species, it is also very difficult to find as it is a shy bird. It is probably a
summer visitor. Probably much more common outside the Park, but status is not fully
known. We did not come across this species during our surveys.
123. Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis (CR)
Kaziranga, along with Manas, is perhaps the most important area for this Critically
Endangered species. In a survey conducted in summer of 2014, 32 adult males were seen
27
in grasslands, the maximum were sighted in Debashree area (Rahmani et al. 2014).
Three adult males and a female were regularly seen in Debeswari camp from April 28 to
May 1, 2014.
28
124. Slaty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus,
125. Eastern Water Rail Rallus indicus,
126. Slaty-legged Crake Rallina eurizonoides, and
127. Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca
As these birds are extremely shy and live in reed-covered shallow wetlands, they are not
easy to detect during short field surveys. They have been listed in Kaziranga bird list but
we do not have good information about their distribution and status. They are likely to be
present all over the Park in suitable beels.
128. Brown Crake Porzana akool
It is quite common on reed-covered shallow waterbodies, roadside ditches and paddy
fields but due to shy skulking habit, not easy to see. We saw one in Sohola beel. But, it is
likely to be present in many Water-hyacinth covered beels.
129. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
It is perhaps the most widespread and commonly seen members of this group, found all
over the Park in beels, large and small channels, and Water Hyacinth covered slow
meandering rivers. It breeds at the start of monsoon, but display call of male can be heard
from end May onward.
130. Watercock Gallicrex cinerea
It is much more common than people think of its status. Due to its shy nature in the non-
breeding season, it is not easy to detect. However, during the breeding season, which is
early monsoon, its loud call can be heard throughout the day, and even in the night.
131. Purple Swamphen Porphyrio [porphyrio] poliocephalus
It is also called Purple Swamphen. It is uncommon in the Park. It is one of the waterbirds
that benefits from spread of Water Hyacinth as it find nesting and feeding areas.
132. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Another common waterbird of shallow beels and jheels, found all over the Park in
suitable habitat. It is a resident bird and breeds just before the monsoon.
133. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
It is a migratory species, seen mainly from October onwards till end March or early
April. The best population is seen in Sohola beel.
134. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
It is found in shallow drying up wetlands, damp areas, roadside ditches, dirty sewage
pools outside villages and towns. We saw a few birds in Sohola beel.
29
135. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
It is mainly found in shallow coastal lagoons, salt pans and mudflats but also frequently
inland wetlands. Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as uncommon winter migrant
in the Park. We did not come across this species but Abidur Rahman has seen about 25
birds in Sohola Beel.
136. Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
It is often seen on vegetation-covered beels. We saw few in Sohola beel.
137. Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus
It is much more common that the earlier species, and found in many beels such as Sohola,
Kathaphora and Daphlang.
138. Small Pratincole Glareola lactea
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as occasional migrant.
139. Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum
It is not listed by Barua and Sharma (1999) but Abidur Rahman has seen it on the islands
of Brahmaputra between Agaratoli and Kohora.
140. Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris (NT)
This is a bird of rivers and large lakes. We have seen it on the banks of Brahmaputra
River. It is now considered Near Threatened by BirdLife International and IUCN due to
moderate decline of its numbers in many parts of its range.
141. Indian Stone-curlew Burhinus indicus
Two individuals recorded on May 3, 2014 near Hatichora camp in Agratoli Range.
142. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Very common on dried up beels and recently-burnt grasslands. It prefers heavily grazed
areas so frequently seen in Sohola areas, Kohora grassland and outside the Park. It breeds
just before monsoon in summer months.
143. River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii (NT)
As its name indicates, it is a bird of river banks, shingle beds, and stony river beds where
it merges perfectly due to its obliterated plumage. We have seen it on the Brahmaputra
River.
144. Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus
It is a migratory lapwing, common in the Assam Valley from October to March. It is
found mainly on fallow fields, dried beels and grazed areas in the Park. Sometimes up to
30
50-60 birds are present in a single flock. They are mostly silent and very shy. We have
also seen it outside the Park in fallow fields.
31
145. Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
This is another migratory lapwing, found from October to March-end, singly or in small
flocks of 4-6 individuals. Before return migration, larger flocks are seen. We found it in
many semi-dry beels and wet grasslands in the Park, particularly in Sohola beel which we
visited frequently for surveys.
146. Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it occasional in the Park. A flock of six birds was
seen at Donga Beel in Bagori range on 17 December 2015. It is a migratory species.
147. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
It is purely a migratory species, much more common on coastal wetlands. Barua and
Sharma (1999) have reported it occasional in the Park. We did not come across any
individuals.
148. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius jerdoni
Although found mainly on the coastal wetlands, mudflats and salt pans, during migration
and otherwise also, it is seen on the edge of freshwater wetlands and rivers. Barua and
Sharma (1999) have reported it occasional in the Park. We saw some individuals on
Sohola beel in March.
149. Kentish Plover Charadrius a. alexandrinus
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it occasional in the Park. We did not come across
any individuals. It is a migratory species.
150. Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus
Although this species was not seen by us neither by Barua and Sharma (1999), and it is
very difficult to identify in the wintering ground, we are including it in our list as we have
two records from experienced birdwatchers. One bird sighted in Kohora Range by Pritam
Baruah on February 16, 2014, and five seen on adjoining Majuli Islands by Divya
Mudappa and Kalyan Verma on February 29, 2016 (eBird 2016). Despite these two
records, we are inclined to include it in the tentative list.
151. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata (NT)
It is mainly found on coastal wetlands, mudflats and wet grasslands, during migration, it
is seen on the edge of freshwater wetlands and rivers. Barua and Sharma (1999) have
reported it as stray in the Park. We did not see it during our surveys.
152. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (NT)
Although very common in India (Rahmani 2012), BirdLife International and IUCN have
included it in Near Threatened category due to its population decline in many parts of its
range. It is best seen in brackish coastal wetlands, shallow lagoons, tide-inundated
32
mudflats and salt pans. However, it is not uncommon in freshwater shallow wetlands,
particularly as stopover sites during migration.
153. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
This is a bird of brackish coastal wetlands and occasionally seen in inland wetlands as
stop-over site during migration. We did not see any Terek Sandpiper in Kaziranga during
our surveys but Barua and Sharma (1999) have included it in their checklist. They saw a
single bird on 14 January 1993 on a tributary of Brahmaputra, which is rather strange as
January is not the migration time. Abidur Rahman has seen it in April 2013 in Karasin
Camp area. It is the time when return migration takes place so a stray bird could have
stopped for some days.
154. Spotted Greenshank Tringa guttifer (EN)
This is another unusual record by Barua and Sharma (1999) from Kaziranga. They saw a
s single bird in Daphlang Beel (Baguri) on 13 April 1994. First of all, it is an extremely
rare bird in India, secondly, it is not found in freshwater, and thirdly it can be easily
confused with Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia during non-breeding season
(winter). Common Greenshank is a very common bird in winter in all types of
waterbodies. According to Rasmussen and Anderton (2005, 2012) records from “India,
Nepal, Chagos and Sri Lanka all unconfirmed…and listing from inland Assam (Baker)
dubious (as is Baker’s report of breeding in Tibet)”.
BirdLife International and IUCN have listed Spotted Greenshank as Endangered due to
its population decline.
155. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Common on all types of shallow wetlands, inundated paddy fields and river banks. We
had multiple sightings of this species from various parts of the Park.
156. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Very common on all types of shallow wetlands, roadside ditches, inundated paddy fields,
and river banks. We had multiple sightings of this species from various parts of the Park.
157. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Very common on all types of shallow wetlands, roadside ditches, inundated paddy fields,
and river banks. We had multiple sightings of this species from various parts of the Park.
158. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Very common on all types of shallow wetlands, roadside ditches, inundated paddy fields,
and river banks. We had multiple sightings of this species from various parts of the Park.
159. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
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Frequently seen in shallow marshes, along with other small waders. Never in large flocks,
mainly seen singly or scattered individuals. Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it
common in the Park. We also have 2-3 sightings.
160. Common Redshank Tringa tetanus
Very common on all types of shallow wetlands, inundated paddy fields, and river banks.
We had multiple sightings of this species from various parts of the Park
161. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
It is an uncommon winter visitor to India. Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as
common in the Park. It is found in good numbers in all ranges, but Agaratoli. Sometimes,
Spotted Redshank is more in numbers than the Common Redshank.
162. Ruff and Reeve Philomachus pugnax
It is a large conspicuous wader there the male (Ruff) is about 31 cm, while female
(Reeve) is about 25 cm. It is mainly found in north India and eastern coast, with few
records from the west coast and the north-east. We saw 3-4 individuals in Sohola beel in
February-March 2015.
163. Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris (VU)
Barua and Sharma (1999) have listed it as occasional in the Park, but we did not see any
during our surveys. Rahan Ali and Abidur Rahman have also not seen it. It is a bird of
brackish coast. In the non-breeding season it is easily confused with other similar waders,
so we suspect that its presence in Kaziranga is highly unlikely. BirdLife International
and IUCN list it as Vulnerable due to its rapid population decline. In India, it is an
uncommon bird.
164. Temminck’s Stint Ereunetes temminckii
It is widespread in north and north-east India in all types of waters from damp, squelchy
drying up ponds, very shallow wetlands, edges of large rivers and lakes, and paddy fields.
We had multiple sightings of this species in Sohola beel. It is likely to be present all over
the Park in suitable habitats.
165. Little Stint Ereunetes minutes
It is often found with Temminck’s Stint. Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as
common, but we saw only few individuals during our surveys. Sometimes, it is not easy
to distinguish it from Temminck’s Stint.
166. Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis
It is an uncommon bird in the northeast. It is found in shallow marshes and drying up
pools.
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167. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
It may be not as uncommon as reported because it is difficult to see due to its camouflage
and shy nature. It is found in shallow marshes and drying up pools.
168. Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala
It is occasional in the Park (Barua and Sharma 1999). We did not see it during our
surveys.
169. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
It is fairly common in suitable habitat which is drying up beels, squelchy damp ground
and paddy fields. We saw it in Sohola beel from the road. It is probably more common
outside than inside the Park.
170. Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura
It is another common snipe, not always easy to identify. It shares its habitat with the
earlier species.
171. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it from Namdaur and Dhaphlang beels on 1
March 1994, but since then no one has seen them. Rehan Ali (pers. comm. 2016) has not
seen it during his many visits to the Park, nor Abidur Rahman have reported it during his
several visits to the Park in the last 10 years. We consider it a doubtful record from the
Park.
172. Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus
It is a common migrant to the Park seen from early October to end March. Sometime
seen with Common Black-headed Gull. Generally seen on the Brahmaputra River.
173. Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutes
An immature was seen in Sohola Beel (Agaratoli) on 19 March 1994; the first record for
Assam (Barua and Sharma 1999). We did not see it during our surveys.
174. Common Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
It is a common migrant to the Park seen from early October to end March.
175. Little Tern Sternula albifrons pusilla/ sinensis
Barua and Sharma (1999) consider this as an occasional migrant to the Park, but we did
not see any during our surveys. Rahan Ali has seen it in the Park.
176. Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Barua and Sharma (1999) consider this as an occasional migrant to the Park, but we did
not see any during our surveys. Rasmussen and Anderton (2012) have not listed it from
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the north-east. We asked many bird tour guides and none of them has seen this species, so
we consider it as unconfirmed till photographic evidence is available.
177. Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda (EN)
It is an uncommon visitor to the Park. It is suspected to breed on river islands (chaporis)
of Brahmaputra. A detailed survey is required as it is an Endangered species.
178. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
We did not see this species but Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as stray. We
asked many experienced and regular visitors to the Park. No one has seen this bird, so we
consider it as tentative till good photographic evidence is available.
179. River Tern Sterna aurantia (NT)
It is a common resident in Brahmaputra.
180. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrid
It is an uncommon resident in Brahmaputra. We did not see any, but it is listed by Barua
and Sharma (1999). Abidur Rahman has seen in the Brahmaputra chaporis.
181. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported one individual at Kerasin, Kohora in November
1997. We did not see it, nor do we have any other record.
182. Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Very common around human habitations, not so much inside the Park.
183. Green Imperial-pigeon Ducula aenea
It is a common resident of the forested areas of the Park, frequently seen in Burapahar
area.
184. Mountain Imperial-pigeon Ducula badia
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as uncommon. We did not see it during our
surveys.
In peak winters, it comes down from hills and occasionally seen in the Park. Abidur
Rahman has seen in Agaratoli.
185. Pale-capped Woodpigeon Columba punicea (VU)
It is perhaps local migratory in small numbers. We did not see any during our surveys,
but reported by many ornithologists, including Rehan Ali. It is not a regular bird in the
Park. In 2006, Abidur Rahman has seen few birds.
186. Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis meena
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It is quite common in forested areas of the Park, particularly eastern and western ranges.
Frequently seen by us in Burapahar area.
187. Red Collared-dove Streptopelia tranquebarica
It is a common resident in and outside the Park, more often seen on open woodland than
in thick forest or grassland.
188. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
It is a common resident in and outside the Park, more often seen on open woodland than
in thick forest or grassland.
189. Eurasian Collared-dove Streptopelia decaocto
It is an uncommon bird in the Park, more often seen outside the Park in cultivated fields.
We have some confirmed records from the Park. For instance, on March 29, 2014 a pair
was seen near Bahubeel Camp in Burapahar Range, and on May 1, 2014, another pair
was seen in Debaswari Tinali Rongi Camp.
190. Barred Cuckoo-dove Macropygia unchall
Not listed by Barua and Sharma (1999). Abid seen it in Burapahas and Panbari.
191. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
It is a common bird, frequently seen in dampled forest roads, picking up fallen seeds. We
had many sightings of this bird in the Park.
192. Ashy-headed Green-pigeon Treron phayrei
It is a common bird in forested areas all over the Park.
193. Thick-billed Green-pigeon Treron curvirostra
It is an uncommon resident in the Park, mainly seen in Panbari Range.
194. Orange-breasted Green-pigeon Treron bicinctus
It is sometimes seen in the Park, but we did not see it. Many ornithologists have not seen
it, so it must be rare in the Park.
195. Wedge-tailed Green-pigeon Treron sphenurus
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it but we did not see it during our visits. It is
more often seen in the forest areas of Kohora Range and also in Burapahar area.
196. Yellow-footed Green-pigeon Treron p. phoenicopterus
Very common inside the Park. We had multiple sightings.
197. Pin-tailed Green-pigeon Treron apicauda
It is an erratic species in the Park, sometimes comes in flock of more than 50 bird, absent
for many months.
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198. Vernal Hanging-parrot Loriculus vernalis
This small noisy bird is generally seen on the canopy of tall trees, seldom at mid level.
We have seen it in Agaratoli Range.
199. Finsch’s Parakeet or Grey-headed Parakeen Psittacula finschii (NT)
It is also known as Grey-headed Parakeet. It is perhaps the least common parakeet of the
Park. It was reported by Barua and Sharma (1999), but we could not see any bird during
our surveys in 2014-2015. Abidur Rahman has seen it many times.
200. Rosy-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata (NT)
Earlier it was called Eastern Blossom-headed Parakeet and some people considered it as a
subspecies. Now it is considered as a full species and named Rosy-headed Parakeet. It is
found in from eastern Nepal, West Bengal, Sikkim to Assam and further east. It is a rare
visitor to the Park. A pair was seen nesting in a tree in Baghmari camp on April 21, 2014.
201. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
It is found in open wooded areas of the Park.
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202. Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (NT)
It is a common resident bird of the Park, breeds from February onwards. Flocks
consisting of 10-15 birds are frequently seen flying around in open wooded areas, less so
in thick forest.
203. Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri (NT)
This noisy bird cannot be missed by anyone. It is extremely common both inside and
outside the Park, particularly in Burapahar area.
204. Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
Abidur Rahman has seen it in a tea garden near Wild Grass Resort, outside the Park. It is
likely to occur inside the Park, but like all cuckoos, this also has erratic movement.
205. Asian Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculates
It is a summer visitor to the Assam Valley. Barua and Sharma (1999) have mentioned a
record of this species by D. Bishop, but we did not see this bird during our surveys.
According to Abidur Rahman, it is often seen in May in the Park.
206. Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus
It is a resident bird of the Assam valley and shows local movement. The bird is active and
restless within the canopy. Males call from regular perches, often concealed.
207. Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii
It is a mid-sized cuckoo with fairly long curved bill. It is considered as a local migrant in
the Assam Valley. It is uncommon in Kaziranga.
208. ‘Square-tailed’ Drongo-cuckoo Surniculus lugubris
A small black cuckoo with a rather short, slightly curved bill and notched tail. The bird is
summer visitor to the NE India. It is inconspicuous and as easy to overlook as a drongo.
Arboreal, keeping to the canopy foliage of trees and shrubs. Flight is cuckoo-like. Usual
hosts are evidently small babblers but other host species have been reported.
209. Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus
A crested black-and-white cuckoo. It is a summer visitor to the Assam valley and
migration largely controlled by the SW. monsoon. Arrival and presence in a locality
advertised by the birds chasing one another, flying from tree to tree and calling excitedly.
Chiefly arboreal, but occasionally descends to ground and hops about in search of food,
grasshoppers, hairy caterpillars, and sometimes berries.
210. Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus
39
A slim and rather small cuckoo. A summer visitor to the Assam valley. Is found singly or
in loose parties of 3 or 4. Strictly arboreal. Usually furtive and not seen regularly at same
sites; usually joins passing mixed flocks.
40
211. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus
Is a brood-parasitic. Arboreal and frequents gardens, groves and open country abounding
in large leafy trees. Silent in winter, thus often overlooked and recorded as absent.
Becomes increasingly noisy with the advance of the hot weather, and then one of the
earliest bird voices at dawn. The call begins with a low kuoo, rises in scale with each
successive kuoo until it reaches fever pitch at the seventh or eighth, and breaks off
abruptly.
212. Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus
This bird is summer visitor to the Assam valley. Is chiefly arboreal, keeping singly to top
canopy. Seen flying hawk-like above the forest canopy. Feeds on caterpillars and other
large insects in canopy, sometimes on ground, and takes termite alates in air.
213. Common (Eurasian) Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Although we have not seen this species, it was reported by a very experienced
ornithologists, Shashank Dalvi, who saw it in Golaghat on 30 May 2015 and by Josh
Engel and Stuart White in Panbari Range on 3 April 2015 (eBird 2016).
214. Large Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides
A very large cuckoo. It is resident bird of Assam valley. It’s a canopy dwelling and shy
bird. Sings from treetops by day and into the night. In flight resembles accipiters,
passinglow with quick wing-beats interspersed by glides, before rising to perch. This is a
nest-parasite bird.
215. Common Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx varius
Also known as Brainfever bird due to its loud, screaming brain-fever, brain-fever,
repeated with monotonous persistency 5 or 6 times, rising in crescendo and ending
abruptly. Heard all through the day and frequently during moonlit nights. Nest-parasitic.
Inhabits light forest; also partial to gardens, groves and mango topes, etc., near human
habitations. Mostly silent during winter, and therefore liable to be overlooked. Becomes
increasingly obstreperous with the advance of the hot weather.
216. Whistling Hawk-cuckoo or Hodgson’s Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor
It is often seen in Panbari Range.
217. Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis
A dusky malkoha with an extraordinarily long tail. It is a resident bird. The bird is
sluggish, skulker keeping to impenetrable thickets, clambering among the dense cover. It
feeds upon insects, lizards and other small animals. It is a non-parasitic cuckoo. It is very
common in lightly wooded part of the Park. We had many sightings in areas like Panbari,
Kanchenjudi, Agaratoli, Ahatguri etc.
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218. Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis
Kaziranga is one of its strongholds in the country as it prefers tall wet grasslands. We saw
it or heard in every part of the Park wherever tall, wet grassland is present.
219. Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
Common in lightly wooded areas of the Park, and also outside in villagers, crop field and
private small forested patches. We had many sightings of this species in the Park. There
appears to be ecological segregation between Greater and Lesser coucals which will be
interesting to study.
220. Common Barn-owl Tyto alba
It is a bird of human habited zone and often seen outside the Park.
221. Brown Hawk-owl Ninox scutulata
It is resident in Kaziranga and found mainly in forested patches.
222. Tawny Fish-owl Ketupa flavipes
We did not see this bird during our surveys but it is reported from Kaziranga. To see
owls, we need to survey during night which is not allowed in the Park, hence we must
have missed many species.
223. Brown Fish-owl Ketupa zeylonensis
It is regularly seen in Agaratoli range in a well-known spot close to Brahmaputra River.
224. Dusky Eagle-owl Bubo coromandus
It is reported by Barua and Sharma (1999) but we did not see any individual. Rehan Ali
also considers it as doubtful in the Park.
225. Eurasian Eagle-owl Bubo bubo
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as uncommon in the Park. We did not see any
during our surveys. Although our nocturnal survey was limited, we doubt the presence of
this species in the Park. Rasmussen and Anderton (2012) and Grimmett et al. (2011) do
not show its distribution in Assam. The taxonomy of Bubo species is under flex due to
genetic studies and till it is settled, we will not know which Bubo species are found in
Assam and Kaziranga.
226. Brown Wood-owl Strix leptogrammica
Barua and Sharma (1999) have not reported it from the Park. We have not seen this
species in the Park, but one bird was seen by Josh Engel in Kohora Range on March 31,
2010 (eBird 2016).
227. Collared Scops-owl Outs lettia
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Barua and Sharma (1999) have not reported it from the Park. According to Abidur
Rahman, it is very common. He saw 15 together in a day roost.
228. Oriental Scops-owl Otus sunia
It is a common resident in the Park.
229. Spotted Owlet Athene brama
Frequently found outside the Park in human dominated landscape. We found it in
Bokakhat town as well as in tea estates. It is also common on the edges of the Park, may
be inside also.
230. Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides
It is a common resident in the Park. Frequently heard outside the Park in well-wooded
countryside.
231. Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei
According to Barua and Sharma (1999), it is very are in the Park. We did not come across
it during our surveys, but Rehan Ali has seen it frequently.
232. Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka
Nightjars are extremely difficult to identify unless they call. Barua and Sharma (1999)
have listed Grey Nightjar as occasional. We have few sightings, mainly outside the Park
or just outside the Park.
233. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus
We have seen and heard this species in Agaratoli Range where we did maximum field
work. It was also heard outside the Park in reserve forest such as Panbari.
234. Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis
Although Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it occasional, we found it quite
common in the grasslands. Its call can be heard, and bird seen flying over on almost in all
grasslands during summer months.
235. Asian Palm-swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
Very common all over Park and common outside the Park.
236. Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris
Uncommon migrant in winter in the Park.
237. Indian White-rumped Spinetail Zoonavena sylvatica
It is a species that is perhaps not noticed properly due to similarity with congers. We have
not seen it Rehan Ali has seen it. There are two more records: seen by Kadambari
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Devarajan in Bagori Range on December 06, 2015 abd by Sue Milks in Tezpur on March
25 and 27, 2016 (eBird 2016).
238. Little or House Swift Apus affinis
Very common in and around houses, less so in the Park.
239. Blyth’s Swift Apus leuconyx
Barua and Sharma (1999) have not listed it but Rehan Ali has seen it many times.
240. White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus
Barua and Sharma (1999) have not listed it, and we have also not seen it, but Abidur
Rahman has seen it in Haldibari area.
241. Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it an occasional migrant. We did not see it during
our surveys, but Abidur Rahman has seen it many times.
242. Brown-throated Needletail Hirundapus giganteus
We did not come across this species, but Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported sighting
by D. Bishop. Later, Abidur Rahman has seen it many times.
243. ‘Black-billed’ Roller Coracias benghalensis affinis
Resident in Assam Valley and is commonly found in and around Kaziranga. Abundant in
open cultivation, light deciduous forest, groves, often near human habitation.
244. Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
It is found in forested parts of the Park. We had multiple sightings in Agaratoli Range. It
breeds in the Park.
245. Common Hoopoe Upupa e. epops
This species has an extremely large range and is a local migrant. Is a solitary bird seen
foraging in short grass, probing and digging with long bill. Takes dust-baths, and fans
crest in excitement or alarm; crest is held flat by relaxed birds. In flight has a distinctive
shallow undulating pattern, with wing-beats in short irregular bursts. Very often seen on
the road or over-grazed grasslands.
246. Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus
It is a resident bird of the Southern Assam hills and is considered as a local migrant to
Kaziranga National Park. Feeds on insects such as caterpillars, moths, beetles,
grasshoppers, cicadas; also eats berries. The foot of this bird is so poorly developed that it
is incapable of walking also if the bird has to turn while perched on branch then it cannot
do so without flying. Mainly found on canopy of tall trees.
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247. Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis
Very common all over the Park.
248. Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda
One at Baguri in February 1996 and a pair at Panbari on 22 April 1999 (Barua and
Sharma 1999). This is an entirely rufous kingfisher, with brilliant lilac-purple sheen
above whitish throat, and bright coral-red bill and legs. A very secretive species, more
often heard than seen; calls from inside tree canopy. Feeds on large vertebrates as well as
fish, and can be found in dense forest far from any river.
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249. Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata
This is the only regional kingfisher with black cap. It is a winter visitor to Kaziranga. It is
largely dependent on the presence of water, chiefly salt or brackish, for its food — fish,
crabs, etc. — its habits are quite similar to those of the more familiar white-throated
species.
250. White-throated or White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Very common in Kaziranga and seen in all ranges. It is least dependent upon water and
can be seen in grazed grasslands, preying on large insects, snakes, frogs and even birds.
251. Lesser Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
This is one of the most conspicuous and widely distributed kingfishers of Kaziranga, seen
in all ranges.
252. Blyth’s Kingfisher Alcedo hercules (NT)
Based on Jepson (1998) record of one bird seen on 26 January 1998, Barua and Sharma
(1999) have included it in the list, but we did not see any nor know of any record by
ornithologists and bird guides. It is mostly recorded from foothills to 1200 m. It prefers
clear streams deep inside forests. There is no such habitat in Kaziranga.
253. Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting
It is very similar to Common Kingfisher, but lacks rufous cheek-patch. This is a summer
visitor to the Assam valley. Often shy, usually near cover. It is confined to forests
preferably evergreen or bamboo. It keeps singly to stretches of forest streams. Barua and
Sharma (1999) consider it stray in the Park, which is probably true as we have not seen it.
Only Abidur Rahman has seen in the Park in recent years.
254. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
This species has an extremely large range and is resident throughout the North-east India.
Ubiquitous small blue kingfisher found in open wetlands.
255. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti
Is a summer visitor to Assam valley and few present in winter. Occurs patchily and
locally in fairly well-wooded country intermediate between the moist-evergreen and the
dry-deciduous types. Large gatherings collect at nightly roosts in favourite leafy trees.
Food and general habits similar to Small Bee-eater.
256. Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus
This bird is known as Jeea khate in Assamese. Is a breeding visitor to Assam valley.
Mainly feeds on dragonflies, bees and wasps. Nests in colonies in sandy and muddy
47
banks along rivers or cliffs, with egg-laying in mid-May. Both sexes share in excavating
nest-tunnel and feeding young
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257. Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
A small, delicate and rather monochromatic green bee-eater with a blue-green throat.
Inhabits open country — the neighbourhood of cultivation, forest clearings, fallow land,
gardens, golf links, etc. Also partial to the zone above sandy beach along the seacoast.
Launches aerial sallies after bees, etc., snapping them up in its bill and circling back
gracefully on outstretched motionless wings to the perch, where the quarry is battered to
death and swallowed.
258. Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni
This bird is found in Western Ghats as well as North East India. Is a resident bird of
Assam. It is a shy bird, usually pearching quietly in mid-storey in pairs (but not clumping
together like other bee-eaters). Does not soar, and flight is rapid, undulating and
relatively graceless. Courtship display involves food offerings, bowing and tail-fanning.
Breeds during Feb–Aug in holes in banks.
259. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
This species has an extremely large range, and is resident bird of Assam. Locally
common in moist deciduous forest, secondary and fragmented forests, sometimes around
cultivation. The most widespread and common large forest hornbill, more tolerant of
habitat disturbance than others. It is quite common in the Park, and its environs. It is even
seen in Bokakhat town. A pair was seen in Bokakhat in November 2015.
260. Great Pied Hornbill Buceros bicornis (NT)
An immense pied hornbill with a very large yellow bill. It is often found in evergreen and
moist-deciduous forest from plains to 1500 m in the W. Ghats; 2000 m in the Himalayas.
Arboreal, occasionally descends to the ground. In pairs or small parties, large gatherings
at abundantly fruiting trees. Often roost communally in congregations. Covers a large
feeding circuit. Flight laboured and noisy, heard at considerable distances. The bird may
have a moderately small population and is likely to be declining moderately rapidly
throughout its range; it is therefore listed as Near Threatened.
261. Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus
Wreathed Hornbill is found from the Himalayan foothills to about 700 m elevation. In
Kaziranga is it reported occasionally from Burapahar. We did not see any individual in
the main Park.
262. Coppersmith Barbet Xantholaema haemacephala
It is one of the commonest barbets of India with all India distribution, except in the arid
areas of western Rajasthan. It is seen in the Park, but more often outside in human-
dominated landscape.
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50
263. Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica
This is a resident bird of the Assam Valley and common in open deciduous and evergreen
forests, parkland and wooded gardens. Like the earlier species, it is also found in villages
and towns with tall trees. Its call can heard everywhere. We had multiple sightings. A
nest was being excavated in a dried tree branch in Kanchanjudi area on 19 November
2015.
264. Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis
Its characteristic call can be heard from February onward in the Park, although it is not
easy to see it due to its comafluage and shy nature.
265. Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata
No one can miss the call of this species in and outside the Park, actually in the whole of
northeast. It appears to be everywhere
266. Great Barbet Megalaima virens
This large barget of 33 cm prefers forests, usually from 1000 to 3000 m, but may occurs
as low as 150 m. It was recorded from Panbari and Burapahar areas.
267. Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
We have not seen this species but Barua and Sharma (1999) have mentioned two records:
one seen at Kathpora (Kohora) on 25 March 1998 (Bishop 1998), and another by by
Sonowal (1978).
It is a very characteristic bird so could not be missed wherever it occurs in good numbers.
It appears to be a stray in the Park.
268. Speckled Piculet Vivia innominata
It is a common resident in Assam, and found in the Park. It is usually found in understory
of lower strata of forest, singly or in dispersed pairs.
269. White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea
It may be a resident bird in the Park although we do not have any record of nest. Actually
detailed study on birds of Kaziranga has not bee conducted till now.
270. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus;
271. Fulvous-breasted Pied Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei;
272. Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus;
273. Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha;
274. Lesser Yellownape Picus c. chlorolophus;
275. Grey-faced Woodpecker Picus canus;
276. Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus
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Kaziranga is a paradise of woodpeckers thanks to well-protected forest with large old
trees which provide them food and opportunity to prepare nest holes. All the above-
mentioned woodpeckers are quite common in the Park.
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277. Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis
Local Migrant. Usually keeps to lower parts of forest, foraging regularly on dead stumps
and logs, and occasionally on ground. Occasionally in mixed flocks; constantly agitated,
keeps calling a while but hard to see.
278. Pale-headed Woodpecker Gecinulus grantia
A bird was regularly seen in a tea garden behind the resort known as Wild Grass.
Although it is recorded from the boundary of the Park, it is likely to occur there.
279. Common Flameback Dinopium javanense
According to Rasmuseen and Anderton (2012) it is found in the southern Western Ghats,
and Manipur-Mizoram states bordering Myanmar. Its status is considered as uncommon
by Barua and Sharma (1999). Resident status of this bird in the Park is unclear.
280. Himalayan Flameback Dinopium shorii
Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it as uncommon resident. We did not see it during our
surveys. Two leading birdwatchers, Rehan Ali and Abidur Rahman have also not seen it
despite their regular visit to the Park as bird guides.
281. Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense
It is a common resident in Assam, often found in pairs and or mixed flocks, feeding at all
levels in trees and on ground, often at arboreal and terrestrial ant nests. It breeds between
February and July. We had multiple sightings in the Park. It is also common in cities,
villages and orchard, wherever there are tall old trees.
282. Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus
We have not seen this species in the Park. However, Barua and Sharma (1999) have
mentioned two sightings: one seen 30 January 1971 (Inskipp 1971), and one on 18
December 1998 (Holt 1998). Choudhury (2003) has listed this species from the Park as
resident and common but under Chrysocolaptes lucidus. As it is quite similar to other
flamebacks, it is perhaps easily mistaken. It is mainly found in the foothills, up to 1000 m
in broadleaved forests. Its habitat is present in the Park.
283. Silver-breasted Broadbill Serilophus lunatus
It is an uncommon bird but there are regular records from the Park. It was sighted in
Panbari area. Barua and Sharma (1999) have mentioned it as occasional and local
migrant.
284. Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae
Abidur Rahman has seen it in Agraratoli Range. It is not mentioned by Barua and Sharma
(1999) and Choudhury (2003).
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285. Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida
Hooded Pitta was first time sighted on 2 July 2008 in the central range (Kohora) by
Udayan and Das (2010).
286. Blue Pitta Hydrornis cyanea
Barua and Sharma (1999) have listed it as stray. We have not seen it during our visits.
Rehan Ali, an experienced birdwatcher has also not seen it during his numerous visits.
287. Blue-naped Pitta Hydrornis nipalensis
It is uncommon in the Park. Rehan Ali and Abidur Rahman have seen it during their
birding tours in the Park. Choudhury (2003) has mentioned that it is local migrant and
occasional in the Park. We did not see it during our suveys.
288. Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura
Barau and Sharma (1999) have mentioned a record by M. Watson in March 1999. No one
has seen it after that. It could be a stray record or a case of mistaken identity.
289. Bengal Bushlark Mirafra assamica
It is very common resident on heavily grazed grasslands, road, fallow fields and chaporis.
It is also known as Rufous-winged Buchlark.
290. Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
Like the earlier species, very common on heavily grazed grasslands, roads and chaporis.
291. Sand Lark Calandrella raytal
It is an uncommon bird of chaporis, heavily-grazed grasslands and fallow fields.
292. Common Sand-martin Riparia riparia
These were seen in good numbers at Nikorighat area on the Dhansiri River on 25
November 2015.
293. Grey-throated Sand-martin Riparia chinensis
These were seen in good numbers at Nikorighat area on the Dhansiri River on 25
November 2015.
294. Nepal House-martin Delichon nipalense
It is not included by Barua and Sharma (1999) and Choudhury (2003). It could be a
winter migrant to the Park in small numbers. Fabio Olmas reported this species from
Bagori Range on November 17, 2015 (eBird 2016).
295. Pale Sand-martin Riparia d. diluta
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We have not seen this bird but Barua and Sharma (1999) mention K. Kazmierczak record
of 27 March 1996. Kaziranga is too far from its normal distribution. Unless there is
photographic evidence, it is difficult to accept this record.
296. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Very common resident in Assam Valley
297. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Winter migrant to the Park
298. Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata
It is an occasional bird in the Assam Valley. Barua and Sharma (1999) have mentioned
record by D. Bishop in 1998.
299. Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava beema
Winter migrant to many parts of the Park. Four subspecies are reported in India, and
beema is found in Kaziranga.
300. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
This wagtail is a widespread winter visitor throughout India. It has a white supercilium,
grey upperparts and yellow vent in all plumages. It is found almost near every wetland, in
marshy areas (like beels) in Kaziranga. Possibly the commonest wagtail.
301. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla c. citreola
This wagtail is a widespread winter visitor throughout India. It breeds in the Himalayas.
It is occasionally seen in wetlands in Kaziranga.
302. Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus
This forest-dwelling wagtail is a winter visitor to north-east and south-west India,
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It has olive-brown upperparts, white supercilium and wings
bars and two black bands on breast. It is seen along the paths and clearings in tropical
evergreen forest, also shady areas in tea plantations and deciduous forests. It was
occasionally recorded from Kaziranga.
303. White Wagtail Motacilla alba leucopsis
This wagtail is widespread winter visitor across India. It has white underparts with grey
or black above and white forehead. It has largely white wing, and black hindcrown and
breast. It has many races and is highly variable. It is seen in open areas near water, mostly
near beels.
304. White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis
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This wagtail is a widespread resident species across India. It is a large wagtail with black
mantle, black head and white supercilium. It occurs in wetland habitats, including river
banks, beels, lakes etc.
305. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus h. yunnanensis
This is a winter visitor pipit and is widespread throughout India, except north-west and
south-east parts. It inhabits open forests. It is less streaked on upperparts compared to the
similar looking race Anthus h. hodgsonii. The upperpart is greenish and has a strong
eyebrow.
306. Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus
This pipit is a winter visitor to the plains and foothills in northern parts of India including
north-east India. It breeds in high Himalayas on slopes above the tree line. The breeding
habitat includes marshes, damp grassland and cultivation.
307. Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi
This pipit is a widespread but sporadic winter visitor to India. It prefers moist grassland
and cultivation for wintering.
308. Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus
This pipit species is a widespread resident in India, exscpt in some parts of north-east and
north-west. It prefers short grassland habitats
309. Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii
This pipit is a widespread winter visitor. In Kaziranga it is a passage migrant and seen
mainly during autumn. It prefers grassland areas and cultivation.
310. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
It has been found in Burapahar range. It is normally not found in the north-east so this
must be the first record.
311. Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus
This species is a resident of eatern, southern and south-eastern parts of India. It has a
harsh “check- check- check” call. A flock of 5-7 birds was seen roosting in Bokakhat
town on 26 November 2015 and every evening in December 2015 during the survey. It is
found in open wooded country.
312. Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis
It is also referred to as Tephrodornis virgatus. This woodshrike is a resident of the
Himalayan foothills, eastern, north-east and south-eastern parts of India. The calls are
musical notes “kew-kew-kew”. It inhabits broadleaved forest and well-wooded areas.
Some ornithologists and bird tour guides claim to have seen this species in the Park.
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313. Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus
This woodshrike species is widespread resident throughout India. It prefers open
broadleaved forest, secondary growth and well-wooded areas. It is often seen in the Park.
It was seen in Panbari area and in Karbi-Anglong area on
314. Black-winged Cuckooshrike Lalage melaschistos
This cuckooshrike breeds in the Himalayas and hills of north-east India. It winters mainly
in the Himalayan foothills, eastern and north-east India and Bangladesh. The call is a
monotonous but sweet descending ‘pity-to-be’. It inhabits open forest so found on the
edges and in open-wooded parts of the Park. It probably breeds in the Park. It was seen in
the Panbari area on 18 November 2015 and in Karbi-Anglong area on 23 November
2015.
315. Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
This cuckooshrike is a widespread resident of India, except the drier parts of north-west.
Open woodland and trees in cultivation. It was seen in Agaratoli Range, and also in tea
plantation areas around Kaziranga.
316. Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus
This is a resident species of the Himalayas and north-east India. It winters in south and
central India. It prefers forest and well-wooded areas for wintering. We had multiple
sightings in the Park.
317. Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris
This is a resident species of the Himalayas and north-east India. It prefers broadleaved
forest and forest edges. It is very similar to Scarlet Minivet, but smaller so easily
confused.
318. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus
This is a resident minivet species of the Himalayas, hills of central and eastern India,
Eastern Ghats, andamans and Bangladesh. It is found in forested areas in Kaziranga in
mixed flocks with Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris.
319. Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris
This is a resident minivet species of the Himalayas and north-east India. It is found in
forested areas in Kaziranga in mixed flocks with Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus.
It prefers moist broadleaved forest. There are many records of this species from
Kaziranga (eBird 2016).
320. Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
It is widespread resident minivet species in India. It prefers open wooded areas. There are
many records of this species from Kaziranga (eBird 2016).
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321. Rosy Minivet Pericrocotus roseus
This is a resident species. It breeds in the Himalayas and north-east India. It winters
mainly in north-east India and in eastern parts of India and Bangladesh. It prefers forested
areas. In Kaziranga it appears to be local migratory.
322. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer bengalensis
This is a widespread resident bulbul species in India. In and around Kaziranga, only the
P. c. bengalensis subspecies is found. It is common in forested areas, tea plantations as
well as human dominated habitation. It was seen on all survey days.
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323. Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus
This is a widespread resident species of bulbul. It is unrecorded in parts of north and
north-west India. This noisy bulbul prefers open forests, scrub jungle, tea estates and
human habitation. Very often seen in and outside Kaziranga.
324. Himalayan Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus
It is a resident of the Himalayas and north-east India. A flock of 12 birds was seen on 22
November 2015 near Morphuloni camp in Bagori range of Kaziranga. It prefers
broadleaved evergreen forest.
325. Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala
This bulbul is a resident of the Himlayas, north-east India and Bangladesh. This is a
distinctive crested mostly grey bulbul. It prefers broadleaved forest.
326. White-throated Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus
This is a resident bulbul of the Himalayas, north-east India and Bangladesh. It prefers
undergrowth in evergreen forest and secondary growth.
327. Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris
This is a resident bulbul of the Himalayas, north-east India and Bangladesh. This is a
black headed bulbul with a black erect crest and yellow iris.
328. Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps
This is a resident bulbul of north-east India and Bangladesh. This is a crestless olive-
green and yellow bulbul with black head. This is found in open forest. One bird seen by
Anoop King in Kohora range on December 03, 2014 and there is an old record by
Praveen J. from 2001 from the same range. We have not seen this bird during our
surveys.
329. Flavescent Bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens
This is resident bulbul species of the north-east Indian hills. It is a gregarious species and
keeps in flocks. A flock was seen on 22 November 2015 in Bagori range in Kaziranga in
dense forest undergrowth. It prefers forests with plenty of undergrowth, thick bushes and
secondary growth. Possibly this is the first record of the species in Kaziranga.
330. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
This is a widespread resident bird species of India, except the north-western part. It is
found in open forest and well-wooded areas. Its song is a long drawn out whistle which
can be heard in and outside the Park. It was seen on 25 November 2015 in Kaziranga, and
also many times in Bokakhat town.
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331. Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii
This is a resident species of the Himalayas, north-east India and Bangladesh. It prefers
broadleaved forest. The calls include varied whistles, chuckles, and rattles with much
mimicry.
Sighting from Bagori range by Kadambari Devarajan on December 06, 2015, by Howard
Laidlaw from Kohora range on March 31, 2006 and one more record from Kohora range
by Fabio Olmos on November 19, 2015 (eBird 2016).
332. Gold-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons
This is a resident species of the Himalayas, north-east, east, south and south-west India,
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It prefers broadleaved forest and secondary growth. It is very
common in the Park.
333. Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis
It is a resident species of the hills of north-east Indian and Bangladesh. It prefers open
forest and well-wooded areas. The calls include varied whistles, chuckles, and rattles
with much mimicry. We have seen it in the Park.
334. Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella
It is a resident species of the Himalayan foothills, hills of north-east, east and south India.
The male is glistening violet-blue on upperside and black on the underside, so
unmistakable. It is found in evergreen and moist deciduous forest.
335. ‘Black-headed’ Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach tricolor group
This race tricolor of the Long-tailed Shrike is found in east and north-east India. It has a
black hood and long black tail. It prefers open dry scrub and also is seen regularly in
cultivation (tea plantation) in and around Kaziranga. It is a common shrike in Kaziranga.
We had multiple sighting during most of our visits. It was seen on almost all days in
November 2015 during the bird survey.
336. Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus
This species breeds in the Himalayas and winters in adjacent plains in north and north-
east India and Bangladesh. It prefers bushes in cultivation, scrub and secondary growth. It
is a common shrike in Kaziranga. It was seen on almost all days in November 2015
during the bird survey.
337. Brown Shrike Lanius c. cristatus
This is a widespread winter visitor to most parts of India, less common in north-west and
north India. It is seen if scrub forest and forest edges. It was seen on three occasions, on
20 and 25 November 2015 and 18 December 2015 during the bird survey.
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338. Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
This species is a widespread resident across India. It inhabits broadleaved forest. It has a
habit of making multiple sallies from a perch to catch insects.
339. Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi
This species is a widespread resident across India. It is found in forests and well-wooded
areas. The male of this species has either white or rufous upperparts and long tail
streamers. Feeds on flying insects. In Kaziranga, it appears to be breeding resident.
340. Yellow-bellied Fantail Chelidorhynx hypoxantha
This species is resident of the Himalayas, north-east India and Bangladesh. It has a habit
of erecting and fanning the tail feathers other fantails. It feeds on flying insects. It prefers
and is regularly seen in forested areas like Panbari and Burapahar.
341. White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
It is resident of the Himalayas, north-east and eastern India. It inhabits forested areas,
secondary growth and wooded areas. It is resident as well as migrant to the Park.
342. Green Cochoa Cochoa viridis
This species is a resident of the Himalayas and north-east India. This is a mostly green
bird with blue crown and nape. It inhabits moist broadleaved evergreen forest so it is seen
occasionally only in the forest parts of the Park.
343. Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina
It is a resident of the North-east, Central and Western India and a summer visitor to the
Himalayas. It is a rich sweet and melodious song and prefers damp and shady places in
forests.
344. Blue Whistling-thrush Myiophonus caeruleus
This thrush is a resident of north-east Indian and the Himalayas. It is usually seen in
forests and well wooded area. It prefers areas near to the streams. It has melodious
whistling song.
345. Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul
This blackbird species is resident in the Himalayas and winters south to the north-east
India. It prefered habitat in summer is moist broadleaved and mixed broadleaved
coniferous forest. The witering habitat is open forest and forest edges.
346. Small-billed Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma
This thrush is breeds in the Himalayas and winters in southern parts upto Odisha and
north-east India. It is found in forests and well-wooded areas in winter.
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347. Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophris
Barua and Sharma (1999) have given three records of this species from the Park.
Choudhury (2003) has also listed it possibly based on these records. We have not seen it
in Kaziranga.
348. White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
Common in bamboo thickets and crane brakes in the Park. We have multiple sightings.
349. Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis
Very common in human-dominated landscape and lightly wood country, not so much in
the forest where it is replaced by White-rumped Shama.
350. White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti
It is sometimes seen in the streams at Panbari. It was reported by Barua and Sharma
(1999) quoting D. Bishops sighting.
351. Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus
It is an uncommon vistor to the Park, mainly seen in the buffer zone in Panbari area. It
was reported as uncommon local migrant (Barua and Sharma 1999). There are many
records of this species from various ranges of Kaziranga (eBird 2016).
352. Bluethroat Luscinia s. svecica
Fairly common winter visitor to damp areas in the Park. We have multiple sightings of
this species in the Park.
353. Himalayan Rubythroat Calliope pectoralis
Uncommon winter visitor to that Park.
354. Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope
Uncommon winter visitor to that Park.
355. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros rufiventris
Common winter visitor to that Park
356. Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus
Common winter visitor to that Park. Found in damp areas, mainly in undershrub.
357. Plumbeous Water-redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosus
Uncommon winter visitor to that Park.
358. White-capped River-chat Phoenicurus leucocephalus
Uncommon winter visitor to that Park, mainly seen in Panbari area. This species is also
called as White-capped Water Redstart (Chaimarrornis leucocephalus). It is a resident of
the hills in north-east India and the Himalayas. It prefers the riverine habitat.
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359. Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata
Barua and Sharma (1999) have not listed it, and Abidur Rahman has not seen it in the
Park. We have not seen it, but there is a record by Samyak Kaninde, Tim Wood and
Shameeka Rao from Kohora and Bagori range (eBird 2016).
360. White-throated Bushchat Saxicola insignis (VU)
Extremely uncommon winter visitor, perhaps overlooked also. One was seen in 2014 in
non tourist zone in Baguri Range. Rehan Ali has also seen it in the same area earlier.
361. Siberian Stonechat Saxicola m. maurus/indicus
Common winter migrant in the Park. It is frequently seen outside in crop field, fallow
fields and grazing areas. It was seen almost everyday during the bird surveys in
November and December 2015.
362. White-tailed Stonechat Saxicola leucurus
Not uncommon but overlooked. It is always found in damp grasslands and drying beels
with few cm of water. We have seen it in all the ranges of the Park, particularly in Sohola
Beel.
363. Jerdon’s Bushchat Rhodophila jerdoni (NT)
It is an uncommon resident bird of the Park, possibly overlooked. It prefers tall wet
grassland, so a sizable number of this Near Threatened species should be present in the
Park.
364. Grey Bushchat Rhodophila ferrea
Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it as stray in the Park but now there are multiple
records of the species by Snehasis Sinha, Kadambari Devarajan, Mark Robbins, Toby
Austin, Pritam Baruah and Simon Tonge (eBird 2016).
365. Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica
Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it as occasional in the Park. We did not come across
this species during our survey. Seen by Frani Lowe and Frank Murphy in 2008 and by
Tao Zhang in 2016 in Kohora range (eBird 2016).
366. Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa latirostris
Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it as uncommon visitor in the Park. It was seen in
Baguri range in Kaziranga and Karbi Anglong in November 2015.
367. Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
This flycatcher is common winter migrant to the Park and seen in all ranges. A single
bird was photographed on 22 December 2015 in Panbari range. There are reports of many
sightings from Kaziranga including oneby Pritam Baruah (eBird 2016).
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368. Red-throated (Taiga) Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
It is a common winter migrant to the Park and seen in all ranges. We have multiple
sightings, all in winter. This species was previously treated as conspecific with Red-
breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva.
369. Orange-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata (not seen by Abid)
It is not reported by Barua and Sharma (1999), nor by Abidur Rahman and Rehan Ali.
We have also not seen it, but in eBirds 2016 there are two records that is why we are
including it in our list. One from Western Range by Kadambari Devarajan on December
06, 2015, and another by Christian Artuso from Panabari in 2002 (eBird 2016).
370. Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor
It is a winter migrant to the Park in small numbers. We have seen in all ranges.
371. Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula sordida
Barua and Sharma (1999) find it stray in the Park. We have not seen any bird, nor Abidur
Rahman has also not seen it despite his many birding visits to the Park. It was seen by
Pritam Baruah on February 16, 2014 in Kohora range (eBird 2016).
372. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra
It is a common winter migrant to the Park, seen in lightly forest areas.
373. Pygmy Blue Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsoni
It is also called Slaty-backed Flycatcher. Barua and Sharma (1999) have listed it as stray
in the Park. We did not come across this species.
374. Pale-chinned Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys
It is common in the Park in winter. It was formerly called Brooks’s Blue Flycatcher. It
comes in varied plumage and its taxonomy is still debatable.
375. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
It is uncommon winter migrant.
376. Pale Blue Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor
It is a winter migrant to the Park. It was not reportd by Barua and Sharma (1999) and
Choudhury (2003). Craig Robson reported this bird from Kohora range in 2009, and there
are sightings by Fabio Olmos and Ramit Singal in 2015 (eBird 2016).
377. Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara
Barua and Sharma (1999) and Choudhury (2003) have not reported it. We have also not
seen it during our surveys. However, we are including it in our list as it was reported by
Frani Lowe and Frank Murphy in 2008, and by Karl Overman in 1988 from Mikir Hills
(eBird 2016).
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378. Large Niltava Niltava grandis
It is a common bird in winter in dense undershrub hence difficult to see.
379. Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae
It is much more common that the Large Niltava in winter in Kaziranga as it is found in
dense undergrowth, reeds and grass-covered jungle.
380. Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush Ianthocincla rufogularis
Five birds were seen by Craig Morley in Hatikhuli Tea Estate on March 18, 2015 (eBird
2016).
381. Rufous-necked Laughingthrush Dryonastes ruficollis
Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it as an uncommon resident in the Park. There are
records of the species from Kohora range by Pritan Baruah, Josh Engel, Duan Biggs and
Christian Artuso (eBird 2016).
382. White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus
It is often seen during peak winter (mainly December-January) in Mikir Hills. Barua and
Sharma (1999) consider it as resident in the Park.
383. Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis
Like the earlier species, it is also mainly seen in Mikir Hills. Barua and Sharma (1999)
consider it as resident in the Park.
384. Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush Leucodioptron monileger
Like the earlier species, it is also mainly seen in Mikir Hills. Barua and Sharma (1999)
consider it as resident in the Park.
385. Jerdon’s Babbler Chrysomma altirostre (VU)
As it is globally threatened species, we gave special attention to find this bird. It was
mainly seen near Daphlang Tower in Western Range. It could be uncommon resident in
the Park but more detailed surveys are required. Kaziranga grasslands could be globally
important for this Vulnerable species.
386. Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense
It is fairly common in open shrubland and grassy forested patches in the Park. We had
multiple sightings in almost all ranges, but particularly in Eastern Range.
387. Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata
Not easy to see but heard frequently in grass patches all over the Park.
388. Pin-striped Tit-babbler Mixornis gularis
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It was mainly found in Mikir Hills and Burapahar area in grassy jungle, secondary
growth and open forest. Its chunk chunk chunk call, much like the Common Tailorbird
can be heard everywhere although the bird is not easy to see.
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389. Rufous-fronted Babbler Cyanoderma (Stachyris) rufifrons
It is not a common bird in Kaziranga but perhaps overlooked as it is found in forest
edges, dense grassy glades, secondary jungle and bamboo thickets.
390. Golden Babbler Cyanoderma (Stachyris) chrysaea
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as occasional in the Park. We did not come
across this species during our surveys.
391. Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as uncommon. We did not come across it
392. Slender-billed Babbler Turdoides longirostris (VU)
As this is a Vulnerable species, we gave special attention to search it. We have confirmed
records from three grasslands although it is found all over the Park in suitable habitat.
Frequently seen after call playback in Baguri grassland, near Daphlang Tower, Kohora
Range. Another site in this range is near Arimora Camp where we saw it on 20 April
2014. We also sighted it in the grasslands of Debeswari Camp, Agoratoli Range on April
20, 2014
393. Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei
Very common in grasses near Brahmaputra and streams passing through the Park.
394. Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata
Common everwhere, particularly in secondary jungle, forest edges and outside the Park
395. White-browed Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps
Barua and Sharma (1999) consider it as an uncommon resident in the Park. There
arerecords of the species from Bagori and Kohora range by Kadambari Devarajan and
Pritam Baruah respectively (eBird 2016).
396. Large Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus hypoleucos
Barua and Sharma (1999) reported that the heard calling at Panbari on 26 March 1998
were probably of this species (D. Bishop and MB; Bishop 1998). Pritam Baruah and
Duan Biggs reported it from Kohora Range in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Also
Kadambari Devarajan reported it from Bagori range in 2015 (eBird 2016).
397. Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta
We have not seen it, nor some other senior ornithologists but Praveen J. in 2001 reported
a single bird from Kohora Range (eBird 2016).
398. White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca
It has been seen in Panbari, Burapahar and Agaratoli areas many times by Abidur
Rahman.
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71
399. Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala
Barua and Sharma (1999) mention that it is an uncommon local migrant in the Park. A
flock was seen only once in Panbari area during the survey in December 2016.
Kadambari Devarajan saw it in Bagori Range in 2015. Other records are from 2001 and
2002 (eBird 2016).
400. Indian White-hooded Babbler Gampsorhynchus rufulus
It is an uncommon local migrant in the Park.
401. Pygmy Wren-babbler Pnoepyga pusilla
It is a rare migrant to the Park. It is sometimes heard in Agaratoli area: could be present
in other parts of the Park.
402. Buff-breasted Babbler Pellorneum tickelli
It is not reported by Barua and Sharma (1999) but Abidur Rahman has seen it in
adjoining tea gardens, although very rare. It is generally found in understorey of
broadleaved evergreen forest, secondary growth, bamboo, sometimes mixed deciduous
forest (Rasmuseen and Anderton 2012).
403. Marsh Babbler Pellorneum palustre (VU)
It is mainly records in the Eastern zone of the Park but could be present in other parts. A
detailed survey of this species is required in the Park.
404. Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abbotti
It is a common resident in the Park. There are many records of the species from the Park
(eBird 2016).
405. Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps
It is a common resident in the Park.
406. Black-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxornis flavirostris (VU)
It is found in Debashree grasslands and Dhanshiri Eco-Camp in the Park, and few areas
just outside the Park. A detailed survey of all grasslands of the Park is required to know
the status of this Vulnerable species.
407. Bright-capped Cisticola Cisticola exilis
This species was also known as Golden-headed Cisticola. It is a graslandland specialist
species and prefer tall grassland (terai) alongwith other grassland species. It was seen to
be common in tall grassland patches like Nikorighat along the Dhansiri River. It was
phtotographed on 26 November 2016. It is a resident species of the terai grasslands in
north-east and south Indian hills.
408. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
72
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common resident of the Kaziranga.
Typically a grassland species, it is also seen in fallow paddyfields.
409. Indian (Rufous-rumped) Grassbird Graminicola bengalensis
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a occasional resident of the Kaziranga. We
did not come across this typical grassland species.
410. Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common resident of the Kaziranga. We saw
it to be very vocal in November in terai grassland patches. It has a habit of calling
continuously from bush tops. Good population was seen in Nikorighat area along the
Dhansiri river.
411. Bristled Grassbird Chaetornis striata (VU)
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common resident of the Kaziranga.
412. Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional resident of the Kaziranga. It
prefers grasslands as well as paddyfields and is found in and around human habitation.
Specific records are from the grasslands of Arimora (4 April 2014) in Kohora Range, and
Debeswari (April 29, 2014) in Agratoli Range.
413. Rufous-vented Prinia Prinia burnesii (NT)
Barua and Sharma (1999) quotes Anwaruddin Chaudhury had seen it once in Kaziranaga.
We did not come across it during outr surveys.
414. Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional resident of the Kaziranga. It
prefers grasslands and in swamp patches.
415. Plain Prinia Prinia inornata
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common resident of the Kaziranga. It
prefers grasslands.
416. Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon resident of the Kaziranga. It
prefers grasslands.
417. Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera
An inhabitant of the tall grasslands. We did not come across this species during our
survey in Kaziranga.
418. Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis
73
This prinia was seen in the tall grassland near Nikorighat in the Dhansiri River basin on
27 November 2016.
419. Swamp Prinia Prinia cinerascens
This prinia prefers tall grassland habitat (elephant grass). Common in the Brahmaputra
river basin and Central Zone
420. Strong-footed (Brown-flanked) Bush-warbler Horornis fortipes
This is a rare resident species of Kaziranga seen only once by Abidur Rahman. It prefers
open forest and thickets. Abidur Rahman has heard it in Panbari area.
421. Russett Bush-warbler Bradypterus mandelli
A rare resident of of the Eastern Himalayas, this species was seen only once in Agaratoli
range in Kaziranga in February 2016 by Abidur Rahman (pers. comm.).
422. Large (Chestnut-crowned) Bush-warbler Oligura major
There is a published record of a single bird sighting on 17 December 1998 (Holt 1998).
We did not come across it during our survey.
423. Grey-sided Bush-warbler Oligura brunnifrons
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a occasional migrant in Kaziranga. One seen
in February 1994 (Alström et al. 1994). We did not come across it during our survey.
424. Pale-footed Bush-warbler Urosphena pallidipes
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a occasional migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. Abidur Rahman has not seen it. There are no
records on eBird (2016). We consider it an tentative record till confirmed records with
photographs are available.
425. Chinese Bush-warbler Locustella tacsanowskia
bidur Rahman heard its calls in the Central Range of the Park. There is another published
record of its sighting on 16 February 1994 (Alström et al. 1994). There are no records on
eBird (2016).
426. Spotted Bush-warbler Locustella thoracica
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey.
427. Indian Reed-warbler Acrocephalus [stentoreus] brunnnescens
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common migrant in Kaziranga. We did not
come across it during our survey.
428. Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon
74
A pair was seen in Burapahr range on 25 December 2015 in bushes near the forest camp.
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common migrant in Kaziranga.
429. Blyth’s Reed-warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. It prefers grassland habitat.
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430. Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola
There is a published record of a single bird sighting in February 1994 (Alström et al.
1994). Duan Biggs reported this bird from Kohora range (eBird 2016).
431. Blunt-winged Warbler Acrocephalus concinens stevensi
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. It prefers grassland habitat.
432. Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
It was seen in Kohora range, Bagori range and in Karbi Anglong during the survey in
November 2015. It was also seen in human dominated areas regularly.
433. Black-necked (Dark-necked) Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon resident in Kaziranga. One
bird was seen during a survey in the Karbi-Anglong area. It prefers semi-evergreen
forest.
434. Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional local migrant in Kaziranga. We
did not come across it during our survey. It prefers swamps and semi-evergreen patches.
Craig Robson has reported it from Eastern Range in 2007 (eBird 2016).
435. Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. It prefers semi-evergreen forest. Pritam Baruah and
Ramit Singal have reported it from Kohora and Panbari Forest Respectively (eBird
2016).
436. Yellow-browed (Grey-bellied) Tesia Tesia cyaniventer
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as a common resident in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. It prefers swamps and semi-evergreen forest.
Pritam Baruah and Ramit Singal have reported it from Kohora and Panbari Forest
Respectively (eBird 2016).
437. Chestnut-headed Tesia Oligura castaneocoronata
There is a published record of a single bird sighting in February 1994 (Alström et al.
1994).
438. Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon resident in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. It prefers swamps and semi-evergreen forest. Craig
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Robson has reported it in 1999 and recent record is by Ramit Singal in 2015 from Karbi-
Anglong area (eBird 2016).
77
439. Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. It prefers swamps and semi-evergreen forest.
Pritam Baruah and Duan Biggs have reported it from Kohora range (eBird 2016).
440. Grey-hooded Warbler Phylloscopus xanthoschistos
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. It prefers swamps and semi-evergreen patches.
441. Grey-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. It prefers swamps and semi-evergreen patches.
Seen by Pritam Baruah in 2014 (eBird 2016).
442. White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey. It prefers swamps and semi-evergreen patches.
443. Green-crowned (Golden-spectacled) Warbler Seicercus burkii
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common resident in Kaziranga. We did not
come across it during our survey. It prefers swamps and semi-evergreen patches.
444. Whistler’s Warbler Seicercus whistleri
A bird was photographed in forest understory in Kaziranga during survey in December
2015.
445. Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
It is a common migrant in Kaziranga and was regularly seen during the surveys. Barua
and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common migrant in Kaziranga. It prefers semi-
evergreen forest.
446. Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus [collybita] tristis
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey.
447. Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus f. fuscatus
A single bird was photographed near Kamargaon in Brahmaputra flood plains on 27
November 2015 in a grassland patch. Another record is from near Phuloguri camp,
Burapahar Range on March 26, 2014.
It is a migratory leaf-warbler visiting Himalayan foothills of eastern Nepal to North-east
India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur), Bangladesh, Andaman Islands and Northern
Myanmar.
78
448. Smoky Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus fuligiventer
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey.
449. Tickell’s Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus affinis
Barua and Sharma (1999) have reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. One
bird was seen by us on March 26, 2014 near Phuloguri Camp, Burapahar Range. We have
multiple sighting in November 2016.
450. Greenish Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides trochiloides
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common migrant in Kaziranga.
451. Large-billed Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris
There is a published record of a single bird sighting in February 1994 (Alström et al.
1994).
452. Blyth’s Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus reguloides
A common winter migrant. Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an common
migrant in Kaziranga. We did not come across it during our survey.
453. Yellow-browed Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common migrant in Kaziranga. We did not
come across it during our survey.
454. Lemon-rumped Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus
Resident of the Himalayas and local migrant to the north-east Indian hills. There is a
pubished record of its sighting in Kaziranga when it was in January 1998 (Jepson 1998).
455. Yellow-vented Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus cantator
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey.
456. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca halimodendri
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a stray migrant in Kaziranga. We did not
come across it during our survey.
457. Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus
It is a common resident species in and around Kaziranga. It was seen almost on days
during the surveys. Seen in human habitation as well as forested areas.
458. Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional migrant in Kaziranga. We saw
it only once during our survey in December 2015.
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459. Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a stray migrant in Kaziranga. We did not
come across it during our survey.
460. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. We
found it often in forest areas of Agaratoli Range till March.
461. Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris
It is a common resident species of Kaziranga. Barua and Sharma (1999) has also reported
it as a common resident in Kaziranga.
462. Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon local migrant in Kaziranga.
We did not come across it during our survey.
463. Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum (D. concolour)
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional resident in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey.
464. Thick-billed Flowerpecker Pachyglossa agile
This is a common resident flowerpecker of Kaziranga. Barua and Sharma (1999) has also
reported it.
465. Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Pachyglossa chrysorrhea
This is a uncommon resident flowerpecker of Kaziranga. Barua and Sharma (1999) has
also reported it.
466. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum
This is a common resident flowerpecker of Kaziranga. Barua and Sharma (1999) has also
reported it.
467. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus
The species is particle to fruits and nectar, particularly of mistletoes (including Scurrula
rhododendricolus), figs (Ficus) and also spiders. It was seen in Karbi-Anglong area on 23
November 2015.
468. Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus
It was seen in Kohora range on 21 Novembr 2015 and in Bagori range on 22 Novembr
2015 in small parties. 484 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis
Four-five birds were seen chasing each other on 19 November 2015 in Kanchanjudi area
of Kaziranga with lot of calling.
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469. Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus
It was listed by Sonowal (1978) to occur in Kaziranga. We did not come across it during
our survey.
470. Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja
It was seen in Kohora range on 21 November and in Karbi-Anglong on 23 November
2015.
471. Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon local migrant in Kaziranga.
We did not come across it during our survey.
472. Black-breasted Sunbird Aethopyga saturata
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey.
473. Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis
One bird was reported in Kohora range by Niels Poul Dreyer on March 31, 2013 (eBird
2016).
474. Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an occasional migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey.
475. Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon resident in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey.
476. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common migrant in Kaziranga. We did not
come across it during our survey.
477. Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola VU
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common migrant in Kaziranga. We did not
come across it during our survey.
478. Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as an uncommon migrant in Kaziranga. We did
not come across it during our survey.
479. Red Avadavat Amandava amandava
Uncommon resident species. It prefers plains, grasslands and scrub habitats.
83
480. Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla
Uncommon resident species and prefers wet grasslands.
84
481. Tricoloured (Black-headed) Munia Lonchura malacca
It is a common resident species of munia seen in and around Kaziranga.
482. White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata
This species is seen in good numbers in paddyfields and in human dominated landscape
in Kaziranga. It was seen in Panbari as well as Karbi-Anglong areas in November 2015.
483. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
This species is seen in good numbers in paddyfields and in human dominated landscape
in Kaziranga.
484. House Sparrow Passer domesticus
House Sparrow is common in villages and in cultivation in and around Kaziranga. The
House Sparrow stays more in the human dominated landscape. It is not found in forested
areas.
485. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
This sparrow is seen near Forest Rest Houses in forested areas Kaziranga. It was seen in
Panbari, Kanchanjudi, Kohora, Baguri areas in November 2015. It replaces the House
Sparrow in these places. The House Sparrow stays more in the human dominated
landscape.
486. Cinnamon Sparrow Passer rutilans
It is a uncommon resident species. Prefers hill forests and scrub.
487. ‘Eastern’ Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus burmanicus
It is a common resident species. Many used nests were seen in villages around Kaziranga
on trees in December 2016.
488. Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar
It is a common resident species.
489. Finn’s Weaver Ploceus megarhynchus (VU)
Barua and Sharma (1999) has reported it as a common migrant in Kaziranga. It was seen
by Rehan in Burapahar range. We did not come across this bird despite intensive watch.
It is very rare in the Park.
490. Black-breasted Weaver Ploceus benghalensis
It is a common resident species.
491. Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii
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This maroon coloured oriole prefers broadleaved forest. It is a resident of the Himalayas
and the north-east India. It was seen in Kanchanjudi area on 19 November 2015 during
the survey.
86
492. Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
This is a resident oriole of most parts of India, excluding the arid north-west. It is the
commonest oriole in Kaziranga and was seen on almost all days during the surveys. It is
seen in open broadleaved forest and well-wooded areas and in tea estates.
493. Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis diffuses
It is a winter visitor to India. It prefers broadleaved forest. It can be located because of
it’s cat or jay like squealing calls.
494. Black Drongo Edolius macrocercus
It is common open areas, around human habitation and in and around cropfields. The
calls are reminiscent of those of the Shikra Accipiter badius. Often seen perched on
powerlines along the highway passing through Kaziranga. Common in tea estates.
495. Ashy Drongo Edolius leucophaeus
This species is seen well wooded areas, unlike the Black Drongo, which prefers open
areas.
496. Bronzed Drongo Chaptia aeneus
Resident of the Himalayan foothills besides other parts of India. This drongo prefers
moist broadleaf forest. It is seen foraging with other nectarivorous birds on flowering
trees.
497. Crow-billed Drongo Dicrurus annectans
This drongo is seen in Himalayan foothills and prefers moist broadleaf forest.
498. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer
It is a resident of the Himalayan foothills and prefers moist broadleaf forest. It has a
tufted forehead but lacks the crest of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. It’s calls are
musical whistling and includes much mimicry of the other birds.
499. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus
This large sized drongo and prefers broadleaved forest and bamboo jungle. It is very
vocal, produces varied musical whistling and mimics the calls of many other bird species,
confusing us. Very common in all parts of the Park.
500. Hair-crested (Spangled) Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
It has a broad tail with upward twisted corners. It has a hair like crest. It is a resident of
the Himalayan foothills and prefers moist broadleaf forest. Fairly common in the forested
parts of Kaziranga.
501. Spot-winged Starling Saroglossa spiloptera
87
It was reported as fairly common migrant species by Barua and Sharma (1999). Some
birds arrive in July although there is maximum concentration during February-March
when the Silk Cotton Bombax ceiba is in blossom. Alström et al. (1994) have recorded
up to 2,000 birds in February 1994.
502. Grey-headed Starling Sturnia malabarica
These are seen flying swiftly in varied sized flocks. Mixed flocks along with those of
Jungle Myna were seen in the evenings and early mornings. On 22 December around 20
Grey-headed Starlings were seen in a flock of Jungle Mynas.
503. Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum
About 15 were seen in Sohola Kathoni (Agaratoli range) on 14 January 1994 (Barua and
Sharma 1999). Previously recorded as a straggler to Assam (Choudhury 1990). Not seen
during this survey.
504. Asian Pied Starling Gracupica contra
This is a common starling seen mostly around human habiatation and near beels. It was
seen almost on all days of bird surveys.
505. Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus
This Myna prefers cultivation, damp grassland and human habitation. It was reported as
uncommon resident of Kaziranga by Barua and Sharma (1999). It is mainly found on the
Brahmaputra river bank in the Park. For example on April 19, 2014, we found nest on the
river bank near Arimora camp, Kohora Range, and later near Debeswari Camp, Agaratoli
Range.
506. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
This is a resident species in and around Kaziranga and is seen in abundance. Big flocks
can be seen in the evening around tea plantations for roosting. Mostly these are seen
feeding on garbage dumps along with crows.
507. Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus
Big flocks of 100 plus birds were seen in early mornings and evenings with Grey-headed
Starlings in fewere numbers. These were often seen foraging on garbage dumps with the
Common Mynas and crows. Seen around tea plantations as well as around human
habitation.
508. White-vented Myna Acridotheres grandis
A resident species of the north-east India (including Assam, Nagaland, Manipur) and
south-east Asia. It was reported as common resident by Barua and Sharma (1999) in
disturbed areas, grassland and swamp forest. However, we did not find it so common in
the Park.
88
509. Common Hill-myna Gracula religiosa
It is an uncommon resident of Kaziranga. It is seen in disturbed areas, semi-evergreen
patches and in swamp forest and riparian woodland (Barua and Sharma 1999).
510. House Crow Corvus splendens
A common species mostly seen congregating around human habitation and on garbage
dumps along the roads in Kaziranga. Few birds were seen in Panbari and Kanchajudi and
Gahori beel areas.
511. Large-billed Crow Corvus [macrorhynchos] japonensis
A less common species in numbers compared to the House Crow. Few birds are seen in
congregations of House Crows around human habitation and on garbage dumps along the
roads in Kaziranga. It was seen inside well wooded areas, especially in Panbari,
Kanchajudi, Agaratoli and Kohora areas.
512. Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis
It is an uncommon resident of Kaziranga (Barua and Sharma 1999). It prefers semi-
evergreen broadleaved forest, riparian woodland and secondary growth.
513. Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae
It is an uncommon resident of Kaziranga (Barua and Sharma 1999). It prefers
broadleaved forest and secondary growth.
514. Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda
It was seen in one or twos but almost on all days of the surveys in foresteted as well as
human dominated areas. It was seen daily in Bokakhat town in November 2015.
89
3. References
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Smitterberg, P. and Alind, P. (1994) Birds and mammals observed in Assam in February
1994. Unpublished.
Barua, M. (1996) Birds of Agartoli, Kaziranga. J. Ecol. Soc. 9: 30-38
.
Barua, M. (1997) Occurrence of the White Stork in Assam. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 37: 99-
100.
Barua, M. (1998) 200 species in a day in Kaziranga. Newsletter forBirdwatchers 38: 15.
Barua, M. (1998) On a large concentration of Northern LapwingsVanellus vanellus in Kaziranga
National Park, Assam. Newsletterfor Birdwatchers 38(3): 57.
Barua, M. and Sharma, P. (1999) Birds of Kaziranga National Park, India. Forktail 15: 47-60.
Bhattacharjee, P. C. (1993) Conservation of Greater Adjutant Stork in Assam. Unpublished
project report (WWF Project No.4630).
Bishop, K.D. (1996) Assam: March 14-20. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. Unpublished trip
report.
Bishop, K.D. (1998) Assam 1998: The birds and mammals observed on the 1998 VENT Assam
tour. March 23-29. Unpublished trip report.
Champion, H.G. and Seth, S.K. (1968) A revised survey of the forest types of India. New Delhi:
Government of India Publications.
Choudhury, A. (1990a) Checklist of the birds of Assam. Guwahati: Sofia Publishers.
Choudhury, A. (1990b) Status of Barheaded Goose and Cranes in Assam. J. Ecological Soc. 3:
31-36.
Choudhury, A. (1994) On a possible sight record of the Little Gull Larus minutus Pallas in
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Annexure VIII: Photos of Birds of
Kaziranga National Park
94
Black-naped Monarch
Blue-throated Barbet
Fulvous-breasted Pied Woodpecker
Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker
95
Great Pied Hornbill
White-rumped Munia
Whistler’s Warbler
Brown Shrike
All
photo
s by D
r. R
aju
Kas
ambe
96
Stork-billed Kingfisher
River Lapwing
Blyth's Leaf-warbler
Olive-backed Pipit
Citrine Wagtail
Common Kestrel
All
photo
s by D
r. R
aju
Kas
ambe
97
Common Stonechat
Coppersmith Barbet
Crimson Sunbird
Flavescent Bulbul
Kaleej Pheasant
Lesser Adjutant
All
photo
s by D
r. R
aju
Kas
ambe
98
Oriental Magpie Robin
Grey-chinned Minivet
Scarlet Minivet
Red-throated Flycatcher
White Wagtail
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird
All
photo
s by D
r. R
aju
Kas
ambe
All
photo
s by D
r. R
aju
Kas
ambe
99
Bright-capped Cisticola
Striated Grassbird
Oriental Turtle Dove
Spotted Dove
100
Baya Weaver nests
Blue-throated Barbet nest
Pallas’s Fish Eagle nestg
Slender-billed Vulture nest
All
photo
s by D
r. R
aju
Kas
ambe