Coursing your way through Africa!

Family: Glareolidae  Coursers, pratincoles

English: Coursers, pratincoles
Spanish: Corredores, canasteras
I am writing here just a short note on one of the most attractive of bird families I see on various travels throughout continental Africa. Coursers are wonderfully elegant species and also the variety of plummage adds to their appeal, at least for me! They are also very photogenic as witnessed here in this notation....

Everyone’s favourite? Judging by comments I get on various tours, coursers are certainly extremely popular and appreciated by all. Their habit of running, rather than flying, away makes them easy to observe, more so as most of them tend to live in open and arid areas. Many have cryptic plumage (see photo left Hueglin's Courser) and rely on this for concealment, those with a plain colour, like Cream-coloured Courser (see photo below right), also blend with their desert surroundings. All prefer open ground and feed much like plovers by using short runs and a peck to find insects, although members of the genus Cursorius will also use their curved bill to dig for larvae and sometimes take seeds using this technique.

It is rare for us to miss Cream-coloured Courser (photo right) on any of our main tours to Morocco, where it is most often found in desert areas. The bird’s reluctance to fly and habit of running in short bursts allows close views from our safari 4x4s and can be the day’s birding highlight. During our March safari tours pairs can have very young birds and tend to stay even closer guarding their charges, sometimes finding a small bush to crouch behind and relying on their perfectly coloured plumage to camouflage their whereabouts. On occasions when these birds fly, then their typical wader profile and long pointed wings give a spectacular display of the black wing bar and elegant shape.

In Gambia, we deliberately spend time looking for the elusive and sought after Egyptian Plover (photo left). It is allied and placed together with coursers, although it has been placed in its own family at times i.e. Pluvianidae and even subfamily Plivianinae. It is spectacularly marked and the colours and patterns make it an attractive bird, although the name can be misleading as it no longer occurs in Egypt, causing some concerns that it may be declining in some parts of its range. It is a species found in lowland river deltas with sand and gravel bars. Our own observations tend to suggest it prefers sandbars and small sandy islets on river systems where it can probe and dig soft areas for food. It is exceptional among the coursers as it prefers large tropical river systems with sandbars, whilst the remaining 8 species of this family prefer dry habitats ranging from open dry forest to extreme desert.

On our journeys further south in Africa, we can observe other species in this wonderful family, none more cryptically patterned than Hueglin’s Courser, also known as Three-banded Courser. Although it is not easy to spot, we normally can find Hueglin’s Courser on our tour to Kenya and usually in the Masai Mara reserve. It is a striking bird with large eyes that capture the hearts of fellow travellers and although elusive, once found we often spend time just revelling in their discovery! Together with our tour into Botswana, we will find other and equally appealing members of the courser family including Burchell’s and Temminck’s Courser (photo right), all so attractive in their own right and all adding to the reasons why you should join me on one or all of our tours to Africa!

Why not join Peter on one of his many tours undertaken in Africa?

Main Tour Index for Africa

Botswana

Gambia

Kenya

Morocco

Or why not join Peter on one of his famous day tours in Spain?

Serrania de Ronda - Birding in the high Sierras

Wetlands - From mountains to Lagoons

Steppe - A journey into Steppe country

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The many joys of birding in Andalucia




Collared Pratincole

 

"We guess ‘joy’ is a personal expression, but then anyone who knows Peter will appreciate his turn of phrase! Peter takes us on a journey through his beloved and adopted home Andalucia, his enthusiasm for this wonderful area is obvious and his knowledge of the various provinces within the region is remarkable. Many friends of Spanish Nature have been fortunate enough to have been guided by Peter, not just in his own back yard, but in many other countries throughout the world, so we hope his article will appeal to those who know him and enlighten others to the delights that are to be found in Andalucia….."

The many joys of birding in Andalusia

You would be extremely hard pressed to find another area within the whole of Europe as good as Andalucia for birdwatching. Its great diversity of habitats translate into such an array of birds, not to mention other wildlife, that frequent visitors are often surprised how, on each visit, they are able to record more and more species.

Field meeting with ABS

In recent times the province has established its very own birdwatching society, the Andalucia Bird Society, with an ever increasing membership and with monthly field meetings, Andalucia birding is going from strength to strength. The society has introduced an element of serious bird study to the area, not simply casual observation, with both resident and visiting birders encouraged to supply data of their sightings and findings¹. Their website is always worth a visit and probably of equal interest is the well established open and free Forum they operate, a truly great source of information and such a wonderful way to communicate directly with local birders with local knowledge, a real bonus for those birdwatchers intending to visit Andalucia.

Hoopoe

Perhaps the most famous aspect for which birdwatching is renowned in Andalucia is the spectacle of migration. The Strait of Gibraltar provides the perfect short sea crossing for migrants to and from Africa. It is a route used from the early ages and the sheer numbers of raptors, storks and smaller passerines make it an attraction for birders from across the world. It is one of those natural wonders that all should make an effort to witness at least once in their lifetime! A great bonus, in recent times, has been the regular recording of the African species Rüppell's Vulture, seen annually and by many observers in the southern parts of the province.

Spoonbill

Of course so many areas offer excellent birding in southern Spain, just up the Atlantic coast from the Strait of Gibraltar is the wetlands of the Coto Doñana and here it’s possible to witness several mouth watering birding moments! The attractive Azure-winged Magpie is common and widespread in the Doñana and is always a must-see bird whilst visiting the area, but one of the spectacles here is the large colonies of mixed heron species breeding together, with of course the increasing Glossy Ibis present which nests alongside Purple, Black-crowned Night and Squacco Heron, Cattle and Little Egret. Raptors also attract attention and in particular the elusive Spanish Imperial Eagle. It is also possible to find odd breeding pairs of local water birds such as White-headed Duck, Marbled Teal and Crested Coot.

Bonelli's Eagle

Making your way back inland and heading southeast the areas Sierra de Grazalema and the Serranía de Ronda will not only provide a range of typical mountain birds, but scenically it probably has the most to offer in all of Spain. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the fauna and flora of particular interest. Here Bonelli’s Eagle has one of its highest densities in the world and this resident eagle is joined by Booted and Short-toed Eagle in the summer months. The resident Golden Eagle are increasing in this part of Andalucia and vie for breeding sites with Bonelli’s. The higher mountains hold one of the largest concentrations of Griffon Vulture in Europe and these can sometimes be joined by Black and Egyptian Vulture with Rüppell's Vulture becoming more frequent in the area. Long-legged Buzzard has a toe-hold in these parts and just adds to the wonderful array of raptors seen hereabouts! Better mention it whilst I’m here, before I forget, the area is known for its rarities and the most recent to have been sighted is Red-flanked Bluetail!

Greater Flamingo

Not too far away and going in a northerly direction from the Ronda Mountains, brings you to an area that is dotted with lagoons, the most famous of these being Fuente de Piedra. The region here is rich in agriculture and much of the land is given over to Olive production, interspersed with cereal crops. In the cultivated areas we can still find birds typical of open habitats and there remain good populations of Montagu’s Harrier, Little Bustard and lark species such as Calandra Lark. A small lagoon, the Laguna Dulce, is always worth a visit and can sometimes hold large numbers of White-headed Duck as well as the odd Crested Coot, but the real star site of this region is Fuente de Piedra with the largest breeding colony of Greater Flamingo in Europe. Most years this large lagoon holds staggering numbers of Greater Flamingo, normally in excess of 30,000 individuals during the springtime, with large areas painted pink as these large birds congregate and indulge in group courtship and displays. Gull-billed Terns have a large breeding colony here and other tern species are frequently seen in good numbers including Whiskered and Black Tern. Waders also use this lagoon during periods of migration and often rarities are reported.

Roller

Onwards and upwards we travel into the province of Granada, an area dominated by the Sierra Nevada, which has the highest mountain peak (3,482 metres) in all of mainland Spain. The higher areas of the province hold breeding Alpine Accentor and within the Sierra we can find Ortolan Bunting and Citril Finch, three much sought after species. Despite the high mountainous terrain of central Granada, it is a disappointment not to find higher numbers of raptor species, but on the plains Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Little Bustard make a journey here worthwhile, with Dupont’s Lark still remaining, if only tenuously, within the province as a resident bird. From Granada province we are spoilt for choice, continuing northwards to Jaén or southwards to Almería, both excellent areas for the exploring naturalist. For the sake of a more rounded journey, assuming the visitor’s main point of entry and departure is the central airport at Málaga, it is perhaps better to first proceed to Jaén province. If the main disappointment in the Granada area is the lack of good numbers of raptors, then this area provides instant relief with Black Vulture, Spanish Imperial and Golden Eagle widespread. In fact the raptors of the area, which also include Black-winged Kite, Goshawk and Lammergeier, make a visit an absolute must for the serious birdwatcher! Whilst large areas of the province is carpeted beneath swathes of Olive plantations, the areas Parque Natural de la Sierra de Andújar and the Sierra de Cazorla are very noteworthy for their birdlife, the former is probably the best in Spain for a chance to see the rare and elusive Pardel Lynx.

Slender-billed Gull

After visiting the other main regions of Andalucia, it is appropriate to finish the route in the very distinct landscape presented by Almería. The province has Europe’s only true desert area and is the driest of all the provinces in Andalucia. Here you can find Trumpeter Finch in arid habitats and of course the area of Gabo de Gata is in stark contrast with wetland species including Greater Flamingo. The coastal site and inlets of Gabo de Gata can be good areas to search for Slender-billed Gull as well as wader and duck species. Scrub areas near to this site can be worthwhile and Dupont’s Lark has often been sighted here. Inland mountain ranges are good for Great-spotted Cuckoo and on the higher and more sparsely vegetated areas Tawny Pipit and Northern Wheatear are common. Bonelli’s Eagle is frequent in the area and the recent breeding attempts by Cream-coloured Courser just add to the attraction of the region.

Whatever your pleasure as a birder and birdwatcher, a visit to the wonderfully colourful region of Andalucia will more than reward your efforts.

Why not join Peter on a tour in Spain or his 'special' Day Tours?

Some of the Day Tours available with Peter



Serrania de Ronda - Great day in the mountains



Steppe Country - Great Bustard land with Peter



Lagoons and Steppe - Flamingo Paradise

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India Birding - Trip Report Supplement - Species List

SPANISH NATURE TOUR: India 2010
November 15th to December 4th 2010

Bird Species Listing
Number of species: c.350

Tour Leader: Peter Jones
Tour Guide: Gajendra Singh
Author: Peter Jones

The bird species list is an appendix to the main tour trip reports, please see the 2 previous blogs.

The tour was in two parts, the first in the north of the continent and the second in central India. We visited many National Parks including Corbett, Kanha, Pench and Keoladeo. The tour included a visit to the Himalayan area near to Naini Tal.

Main Bird Species Listing.

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae

Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus

Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus
Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus
Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
Greylag Goose Anser anser
Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
Gadwall Anas strepera
Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Garganey Anas querquedula
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Common Pochard Aythya ferina
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala

PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae
Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala
Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
Black Stork Ciconia nigra
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

CICONIIFORMES: Threskiornithidae
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus
Red-naped Ibis Pseudibis papillosa
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae
Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta
Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

PELECANIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae
Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

PELECANIFORMES: Anhingidae
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster

FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
Collared Falconet Microhierax caerulescens
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

FALCONIFORMES: Accipitridae
Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Pallas's Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus
Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis
Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris

Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis

Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus

Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus

Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
Shikra Accipiter badius
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis
Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
Asian Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus limnaeetus
Mountain Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

GRUIFORMES: Gruidae

Sarus Crane Grus antigone

CHARADRIIFORMES: Burhinidae
Indian Stone-curlew Burhinus indicus
Great Stone-curlew Esacus recurvirostris

CHARADRIIFORMES: Ibidorhynchidae
Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii

CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii
Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Rostratulidae
Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae
Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Red Knot Calidris canutus
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
Ruff Philomachus pugnax

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae
Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica
River Tern Sterna aurantia
Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda
Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Pteroclididae
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
Common Pigeon Columba livia
Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus
Pin-tailed Green Pigeon Treron apicauda

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae
Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
Slaty-headed Parakeet Psittacula himalayana
Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala
Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus
Common Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius

STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia
Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia
Indian Eagle-Owl Bubo bengalensis
Dusky Eagle-Owl Bubo coromandus
Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis
Tawny Fish Owl Ketupa flavipes
Mottled Wood Owl Strix ocellata
Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica
Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum
Spotted Owlet Athene brama
Hume's Hawk-Owl Ninox obscura

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka

APODIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae
Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata

APODIFORMES: Apodidae
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
Common Swift Apus apus
Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus
House Swift Apus nipalensis

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
European Roller Coracias garrulus

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis

CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae
Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni
Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster

CORACIIFORMES: Upupidae
Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

CORACIIFORMES: Bucerotidae
Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris
Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus
Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis

PICIFORMES: Ramphastidae
Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica
Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata
Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala

PICIFORMES: Picidae
Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus
Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus
Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus
Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei
Brown-fronted Woodpecker Dendrocopos auriceps
Yellow-crowned Woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis
Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis
Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha
Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus
Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus
Himalayan Goldenback Dinopium shorii
Lesser Goldenback Dinopium benghalense
Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus

PASSERIFORMES: Incertae sedis
Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus

PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae

Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae
Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus
Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae
Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii

PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens
Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer
Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus

PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae
Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha
White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola

PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae
Black-headed Jay Garrulus lanceolatus
Red-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha
Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis
Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda
House Crow Corvus splendens
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
Northern Raven Corvus corax

PASSERIFORMES: Paridae
Spot-winged Tit Periparus melanolophus
Coal Tit Periparus ater
Great Tit Parus major
Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus
Himalayan Black-lored Tit Parus xanthogenys
Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus

PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Pale Martin Riparia diluta
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Streak-throated Swallow Petrochelidon fluvicola

PASSERIFORMES: Aegithalidae
Black-throated Bushtit Aegithalos concinnus

PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae
Singing Bush Lark Mirafra cantillans
Indian Bush Lark Mirafra erythroptera
Sand Lark Calandrella raytal
Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens
Crested Lark Galerida cristata
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix griseus

PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera
Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii
Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris
Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis
Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava
Plain Prinia Prinia inornata

PASSERIFORMES: Incertae sedis
Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius

PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae
Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps
Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus
Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys
White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala

PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae
Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus
Black-browed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Hume's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
Grey-hooded Warbler Phylloscopus xanthoschistos
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
Asian Desert Warbler Sylvia nana

PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae
Black-chinned Babbler Stachyris pyrrhops
Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense
Jerdon's Babbler Moupinia altirostris
Common Babbler Turdoides caudata
Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei
Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi
Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata
White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis
White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus
Striated Laughingthrush Garrulax striatus
Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus
Blue-winged Laughingthrush Garrulax squamatus
Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata

PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae
Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus

PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris
White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis

PASSERIFORMES: Certhiidae

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana

PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae
Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa
Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
Pied Myna Sturnus contra
Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus
Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina
Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul
Common Blackbird Turdus merula
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis
White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus
Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus caeruleocephala
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa
White-capped Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus
Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata

Grey Bush Chat Saxicola ferreus
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata
Brown Rock Chat Cercomela fusca
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica
Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae
Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara
Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis

PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae
Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons

PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae
Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile

PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae
Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica
Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus
Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja

PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans
Yellow-throated Sparrow Gymnoris xanthocollis

PASSERIFORMES: Ploceidae
Black-breasted Weaver Ploceus benghalensis
Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar
Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus

PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae

Red Avadavat Amandava amandava
Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica
White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata

PASSERIFORMES: Prunellidae
Altai Accentor Prunella himalayana

PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae
Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
White-browed Wagtail Motacilla madaraspatensis
Richards's Pipit Anthus richardi
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus

PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae
Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides
Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus

PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae
Crested Bunting Melophus lathami
Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata
Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps

India Wildlife Adventure Tour 1: 14th November to 23rd November 2011

India Wildlife Adventure Tour 2: 24th November to 6th December 2011

Wildlife Tours to Asia: Nature Tours in Asia

Wildlife Tours to Africa: Nature Tours in Africa

Wildlife Tours to the Americas: Nature Tours in the Americas



To contact Peter directly please use this link: Contact us

If you enjoyed reading Peter's account of India and his latest trip, please leave your comments or reactions below, thank you.

India Birding - Trip Report Part 2

Spanish Nature – India Tour part two
November 15th to December 4th 2010


Tour Leader – Peter Jones

Tour Guide – Gajendra Singh

Author – Peter Jones



Note: The account is a daily summary only and the full bird species listing will appear in a seperate post.

Free Day (day 10). Well if you ever wondered what a bird guide does in his spare time, it’s to go birding with all the friends who came on tour! We set off early in the morning and visited Okhla Bird Sanctuary in Delhi. The reserve covers some 400 hectares and is a real jewel in the crown of India’s bustling capital. 319 species of bird have been recorded here, with over 50% coming as migrants from such far flung places as Tibet, Europe and Siberia. We were soon watching rafts of waterfowl and these included Northern Shoveler, Indian Spot-billed Duck and Ruddy Shelduck, with the vegetation around the lagoon holding good numbers of smaller birds such as Red-breasted Flycatcher, Bluethroat and Blyth’s Reed Warbler, whilst the shallows and scrapes gave us good views of some waders including White-tailed Lapwing, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper and many more. Overhead Painted Storks flew pass and there seemed to be a constant stream of both Great and Little Cormorant, with the usual suspect Black Kite abundant. The group visited Delhi during the afternoon and came back laden with shopping!

Day Eleven. To reduce our time travelling by road and in particular clearing the metropolis of Delhi, we flew in the morning from Delhi to Jabalpur and then drove the 160kms by road to Kanha National Park. The drive was punctuated by the large numbers of Indian Roller sitting on various perches over open fields and these were put into the dark by the sighting of a European Roller, a rarity in these parts. We also managed to see Asian House Martin and Streak-throated Swallow along with a few waders and raptors. Once we had arrived in our accommodation we had time for a lunch and clean-up before going on our first game drive in the park. No luck this time with a Tiger sighting, but we saw great views of a pack of Indian Wild Dog and also many other mammal species including Jackal. Birds seen within the park included White-rumped Vulture, Crested Honey Buzzard and Hume’s Leaf Warbler with several other species finding their way onto our growing tour list. Around our hotel and in the gardens Greater Coucal and Spotted Owlet gave folk an interest to further explore the area.

Day Twelve. Today was game drive day with tours inside the park, both in the morning and afternoon. The park authorities, understandably, assign routes each day and in a quest to control disturbance enforce these with the accompaniment of a park guide. The park promised much, with large open meadows and high canopy woodland. Certainly the early morning mist and large number of deer species lent a wilderness feel to these drives. Once inside the park we saw surprisingly few species of bird, but did manage Lesser Whistling Duck, Black Stork, an Eastern Cattle Egret, White-rumped Vulture and several others, but always difficult to find and never in abundance. One problem for me was the obsession of the accompanying park guide with the finding of Tiger. Of course it is everyone’s dream to see this most noble of cats, but not at the expense of virtually everything else. Fortunately we were able to deflect the attention of our park guide and managed a few extra species of birds including Collared Scops Owl (photo above), Oriental Scops Owl and both Jungle and Spotted Owlet.

Day Thirteen. Game drives are a hit or miss affair and today was to underline the uncertainty with half of us having superb views of a male Tiger, within just a few metres, and the other half of the group, travelling in a different jeep, not able to enjoy a sighting. Again, we all found the lack of variety and numbers of birds surprising given the range of habitat. Despite the success of half our group seeing Tiger, we discussed skipping scheduled game drives for the afternoon and opted to take our jeeps outside the boundaries of the main park. It was an inspired choice; we had a wonderful afternoon with birds and scenery appreciated by us all. Yet again we were to turn-up a local rarity, this time a Red-necked Grebe and also many other first sightings of species such as Wryneck, Lesser Short-toed Lark and Wire-tailed Swallow. Perhaps the most enjoyable was the invitation by our driver to visit his village and home. It was a gesture and experience we all appreciated, giving us an insight into local life and being able to enjoy the hospitality of the family within the confines of their own home. Spontaneous and fun!

Day Fourteen. We again opted to explore the areas outside the park boundary in the morning. Our time was limited due to the need for us to journey to Pench National Park later in the day, so we set-off on more or less the same route as the previous afternoon. It wasn’t long before we saw a few new species including Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Common Woodshrike and a host of other species. It seemed most rivers and standing water were patrolled by the beautiful Pied Kingfisher (photo right) and in a small woodland area we found Yellow-crowned Woodpecker. Our journey to Pench was highlighted by the number of raptors seen in the more open areas and these included Marsh Harrier, Common and Long-legged Buzzard, Black-winged Kite and Lesser Kestrel. We had a packed lunch and relaxed with our food in the peaceful surrounding of woodland before heading off again on our journey. It seemed our road was lined by Rhesus Macaque as family troops made dangerous forays onto the road to pick-up scraps of food, before eventually we arrived at Pench.

Day Fifteen. Our early morning game drive started well with superb views of a perched Crested Serpent Eagle (photo left) just a short way into the drive. A short distance into the park we stopped by a flooded area and saw many birds, including another rarity, at least for this area, the European Bee-eater. Oriental Pied Hornbill, White-bellied Drongo, Lesser Whitethroat and Isabelline Wheatear featured in the morning session. Over lunch we all discussed whether or not to repeat the game drive during the afternoon. I think a major difference with the Spanish Nature tour set-up, compared to many other tour operators, is the ability to remain flexible and cater for the wishes of the tour party. It was soon agreed that we repeat the option to visit outside the main park boundary and explore the more open habitat for birds. We soon felt vindicated in our choice, finding a few new species such as Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush (another rare bird to this area), Yellow-throated Sparrow, Red-headed Bunting and the first real good views of the Brahminy Starling. It was also good to see something of the area and villages.

Day Sixteen. A bit of a travel day today, departing for Nagpur airport, onwards to Delhi and then by road to our next destination Chambal, via the city of Agra. As well as the flight went, we needed to make good time in order to leave Delhi by road avoiding heavy traffic. As it turned out it was a forlorn hope, maybe even wishful thinking as far as Delhi is concerned. Leaving a seemingly never ending built-up area was frustrating, but then again watching unorganised chaos has a kind of fascination for those who could stay awake! We had a reasonable lunch stop, the site was surrounded by wetlands and these offered good sightings of various water loving birds such as Great and Intermediate Egrets (photo right), Painted and Woolly-necked Stork plus several wildfowl, waders were also around so we did at least manage some birding. Passing through Agra was much less of a trial than expected, but still the volume of vehicles on virtually all of our journey made getting to our hotel a longer than planned day on the road. It was with much relief when we finally arrived and were able to relax with drinks and food.

Day Seventeen. I have to admit the Chambal, a river playing host to a rich diversity of life, is a favourite place for me in India. The day was in stark contrast to our long travels of yesterday, starting as it did with a leisurely cruise on the calm waters of the long and wide river. Even before we boarded the boat we saw many birds of interest, Temminck’s Stint, Kentish Plover, Sand Lark, Desert and Isabelline Wheatear plus the strange looking Great Stone Curlew. As soon as we set-off on our river journey we spotted both River and Black-bellied Tern with flocks of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse busy coming and going at the water’s edge in order to satiate their thirst. Indian Eagle Owl was seen resting in a shady nook on a riverside cliff, whilst Bonelli’s Eagle attracted the unwanted attention of mobbing Raven. Bar-headed Goose flocked as Osprey circled above with both Jungle Cat and Jackal seen strolling the shoreline. Soon we spotted some resting Indian Skimmer and yours truly got his 2nd lifer of the tour! We saw so many birds during the morning with another, the Variable Wheatear, making my day. A great day’s birding.

Day Eighteen. Today was options day and the group had pre-determined to visit Agra and the Taj Mahal. It is such a wonderful site and to come to India, to be so close, and not visit would be such a pity, so off the group went and returned having enjoyed their excursion. In the absence of the group, I wanted to visit one or two birding sites and do a recce for future tours. Along with a friend I ventured out to visit the Sarus Crane conservation area. We took around an hour to reach this wetland with cultivated areas and were soon seeing very large flocks of Red-headed Bunting (photo right) and Black-breasted Weaver, with Bluethroat also being common. Lots of small passerines were observed and the heron family including Purple Heron were in abundance, as of course were Sarus Crane. Visiting a lagoon we found many wildfowl and these included the ornate Cotton Pygmy Goose as well as many Black-headed Ibis feeding in the surrounding rice paddies. Yellow and Citrine Wagtail, Wood Sandpiper, Common and Jack Snipe plus a host of other species made this an area I will definitely visit again, in fact I took the group there late the same afternoon!

Day Nineteen. We left our hotel at Chambal in a fairly relaxed fashion and drove via Agra towards our next destination, the famous bird sanctuary at Bharatpur, known as Keoladeo National Park. The journey had been planned to be relaxed and so we had allowed a stop at a famous sweet and nut shop on the outskirts of Agra (where most stockpiled delicious goodies) and a drinks break nearer to Bharatpur. Before arriving at our hotel, we visited our guide’s home and village, where Gajendra spoilt us with drinks and savouries, again it was a privilege for us to be entertained and get a feel for ‘real’ India, and we also seemed to cause amusement for the local children and women, so perhaps we all benefited from the occasion. In the afternoon we visited a river habitat and wetland area on the northeast of the city, where we knew from previous visits we could get views of Great Painted Snipe (photo left) and other waders. We were not to be disappointed with great views of our target snipe and others such as Wood Sandpiper, Temminck’s Stint and Ruff plus usual suspects like Black-winged Stilt.

Day Twenty. And so we ventured into Keoladeo Park and bore witness to the spectacle of so many nesting herons, storks, cormorants and other water birds. It really is worth visiting this amazing area if only for seeing the large number of birds nesting in mixed colonies. However, before going into the wetland area, Gajendra had a thing or two up his sleeve to show us and I think we all very much appreciated him showing us the nesting Dusky Eagle Owl. We saw many raptors and among those showing really well were Imperial Eagle plus Lesser and Greater Spotted Eagle. Common Hawk Cuckoo, along with Asian Koel gave really close views whilst smaller birds to make an appearance were Purple Sunbird, Hoopoe, Long-tailed Minivet, Bay-backed Shrike, Clamorous and Blyth’s Reed Warbler with good views of the beautiful Orange-headed Thrush. Later in the day we again visited the park and soon saw Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher and lots of waterfowl, at last members of the group got good views of Pheasant-tailed Jacana and we also saw the secretive Black Bittern. Another memorable day!

Day Twenty One. Our last tour day and rather than go into the park during the morning, we decided to bird on our way back to Delhi. I knew of a site which, if there was enough water, normally gives good opportunities to see various waterfowl and waders. The area was not to let us down, there were hundreds of duck on the lagoon including Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck in high numbers, normally a scarce bird, Knob-billed or Comb Duck, Pintail, N.Shoveler, Eurasian Teal, Pochard and Wigeon, these were joined by Cotton Pygmy Goose and overhead we saw several Marsh Harriers as well as Greater Spotted Eagle. Many waders fed in the lagoon, but perhaps the greatest surprise was a flock that flew continuously not finding space that invited them to settle, they were Red Knot, just what were they doing in central India!! Sarus Crane were dancing, despite having a young bird with them and smaller birds were well represented too with Bluethroat giving good views again. It was a fitting finally to our birding, but having said that, we also managed lots of other species on our drive back!

Tour overview. For me it was such a pleasure to again visit this incredible destination. India always has the ability to surprise and delight the visitor and this tour was no exception for me. Of course my job was made easier and enjoyable by having such good friends as travelling companions, I really hope they took home great memories and enjoyed the diversity of the country as much as me. Although focused on birdlife, the tour also, almost inevitably, found other wildlife, both in abundance and great to witness. With around 350 species of birds seen, then you have to say it was a successful tour! I very much look forward to returning during 2011.

Why not join Peter and Spanish Nature on a wildlife adventure tour to India?

The above itinerary will be repeated in 2011, if you would like to find out more, please see the links below:

India Wildlife Adventure Tour 1: 14th November to 23rd November 2011


India Wildlife Adventure Tour 2: 24th November to 6th December 2011


Wildlife Tours to Asia: Nature Tours in Asia


Wildlife Tours to Africa: Nature Tours in Africa


Wildlife Tours to the Americas: Nature Tours in the Americas



To contact Peter directly please use this link: Contact us

If you enjoyed reading Peter's account of India and his latest trip, please leave your comments or reactions below, thank you.