Nepal is internationally recognized as one of the most bird-rich countries in the world. With 895 recorded bird species, the country’s diverse geography - from tropical lowlands to the alpine Himalayan regions - offers an incredible variety of habitats, making it a premier destination for birdwatching.

Why is Nepal exceptional for birdwatching?

Nepal’s unique positioning at the intersection of the Indo-Malayan and Palearctic biogeographic realms, combined with its dramatic elevation range, creates ideal conditions for a wide variety of birdlife. The nation supports over 46 globally threatened species, highlighting its global importance in bird conservation.

Major Bird Watching Destinations

Nepal is home to several protected areas and natural hotspots that attract both resident and migratory birds. Some of the most notable birdwatching sites include:

Chitwan National Park is home to a wide range of habitats, including riverine forests, sal forests, grasslands, and wetlands. This rich environment supports over 650 species of birds. Visitors can spot quails, francolins, ducks, woodpeckers, barbets, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, cuckoos, parakeets, owls, orioles, flycatchers, warblers, laughing thrushes, buntings, flowerpeckers, sunbirds, munias, minivets, bitterns, raptors, babblers, pipits, wagtails, weavers, etc.

The park is also a vital sanctuary for several endangered and critically endangered birds, including the Bengal Florican, Lesser Adjutant, Bristled Grassbird, Slender-billed Babbler, Great Hornbill, Egyptian Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, and the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture.

The Sagarmatha National Park, with its alpine environments, is home to species like Nepal’s national bird, the Danphe (Himalayan Monal), and the Snow Partridge. Birdwatching in Nepal provides opportunities to observe both common and rare species in their natural habitats, from dense forests to wetlands and mountainous terrain.

Guided tours by experts like Dinesh Giri offer valuable insights into bird behavior, identification, and conservation. The rich biodiversity, combined with breathtaking landscapes, makes birdwatching in Nepal not only a thrilling adventure but also a chance to contribute to environmental awareness and conservation efforts.