List of birds of Bhutan
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Bhutan. The avifauna of Bhutan include a total of 680 species, of which two have been introduced by humans and six are rare or accidental. Twenty-two species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Bhutan.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Bhutan
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Bhutan as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus
Cormorants
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful..
- Indian cormorant, Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
- Little cormorant, Microcarbo niger
Bitterns, herons and egrets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.
- Grey heron, Ardea cinerea
- White-bellied heron, Ardea insignis
- Eastern great egret, Ardea modesta
- Intermediate egret, Egretta intermedia
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta
- Indian pond heron, Ardeola grayii
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years.
- Black stork, Ciconia nigra
- Black-necked stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
- Lesser adjutant, Leptoptilos javanicus
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
- Greylag goose, Anser anser
- Bar-headed goose, Anser indicus
- Ruddy shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea
- Eurasian wigeon, Anas penelope
- Eurasian teal, Anas crecca
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
- Spot-billed duck, Anas poecilorhyncha
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Garganey, Anas querquedula
- Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata
- Ferruginous pochard, Aythya nyroca
- Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula
- Smew, Mergellus albellus
- Common merganser, Mergus merganser
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, kites and eagles
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
- Jerdon's baza, Aviceda jerdoni
- Black baza, Aviceda leuphotes
- Crested honey buzzard, Pernis ptilorhynchus
- Black-shouldered kite, Elanus caeruleus
- Black kite, Milvus migrans
- Brahminy kite, Haliastur indus
- Pallas's fish eagle, Haliaeetus leucoryphus
- Lesser fish eagle, Ichthyophaga humilis
- Grey-headed fish eagle, Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
- Lammergeier, Gypaetus barbatus
- Egyptian vulture, Neophron percnopterus
- White-rumped vulture, Gyps bengalensis
- Indian vulture, Gyps indicus
- Slender-billed vulture, Gyps tenuirostris
- Himalayan griffon, Gyps himalayensis
- Cinereous vulture, Aegypius monachus
- Red-headed vulture, Sarcogyps calvus
- Short-toed snake eagle, Circaetus gallicus
- Crested serpent eagle, Spilornis cheela
- Northern harrier, Circus cyaneus
- Pallid harrier, Circus macrourus
- Pied harrier, Circus melanoleucos
- Montagu's harrier, Circus pygargus
- Crested goshawk, Accipiter trivirgatus
- Shikra, Accipiter badius
- Besra, Accipiter virgatus
- Eurasian sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus
- Northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis
- White-eyed buzzard, Butastur teesa
- Himalayan buzzard, Buteo burmanicus
- Long-legged buzzard, Buteo rufinus
- Upland buzzard, Buteo hemilasius
- Black eagle, Ictinaetus malaiensis
- Greater spotted eagle, Clanga clanga
- Steppe eagle, Aquila nipalensis
- Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
- Bonelli's eagle, Aquila fasciata
- Rufous-bellied eagle, Lophotriorchis kienerii
- Booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus
- Changeable hawk-eagle, Nisaetus cirrhatus
- Flores hawk-eagle, Nisaetus floris
- Mountain hawk-eagle, Nisaetus nipalensis
Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 62 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Collared falconet, Microhierax caerulescens
- Pied falconet, Microhierax melanoleucus
- Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
- Amur falcon, Falco amurensis
- Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo
- Oriental hobby, Falco severus
- Laggar falcon, Falco jugger
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Pheasants and partridges
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.
- Snow partridge, Lerwa lerwa
- Tibetan snowcock, Tetraogallus tibetanus
- Black francolin, Francolinus francolinus
- Tibetan partridge, Perdix hodgsoniae
- Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica
- Common quail, Coturnix coturnix
- Hill partridge, Arborophila torqueola
- Chestnut-breasted partridge, Arborophila mandellii
- Rufous-throated partridge, Arborophila rufogularis
- Blood pheasant, Ithaginis cruentus
- Satyr tragopan, Tragopan satyra
- Blyth's tragopan, Tragopan blythii
- Temminck's tragopan, Tragopan temminckii (A)
- Himalayan monal, Lophophorus impejanus
- Sclater's monal, Lophophorus sclateri
- Red junglefowl, Gallus gallus (I)
- Kalij pheasant, Lophura leucomelanos
- Grey peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron bicalcaratum
- Indian peafowl, Pavo cristatus
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".
- Demoiselle crane, Anthropoides virgo
- Black-necked crane, Grus nigricollis
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
- Brown-cheeked rail, Rallus indicus
- Slaty-legged crake, Rallina eurizonoides (A)
- White-breasted waterhen, Amaurornis phoenicurus
- Black-tailed crake, Amaurornis bicolor
- Ruddy-breasted crake, Porzana fusca
Bustards
Order: Otidiformes Family: Otididae
Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.
- Bengal florican, Houbaropsis bengalensis
- Lesser florican, Sypheotides indicus
Buttonquails
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young.
- Yellow-legged buttonquail, Turnix tanki
- Barred buttonquail, Turnix suscitator
Ibisbill
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Ibidorhynchidae
The ibisbill is related to the waders, but is sufficiently distinctive to be a family unto itself. The adult is grey with a white belly, red legs, a long down curved bill, and a black face and breast band.
- Ibisbill, Ibidorhyncha struthersii
Avocets and stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
Stone-curlews
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.
- Indian stone-curlew, Burhinus indicus
- Great stone-curlew, Burhinus recurvirostris
Pratincoles and coursers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Collared pratincole, Glareola pratincola
- Small pratincole, Glareola lactea
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 66 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus
- River lapwing, Vanellus duvaucelii
- Red-wattled lapwing, Vanellus indicus
- Long-billed plover, Charadrius placidus
- Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius
- Snowy plover, Charadrius alexandrinus (A)
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Eurasian woodcock, Scolopax rusticola
- Solitary snipe, Gallinago solitaria
- Wood snipe, Gallinago nemoricola
- Common snipe, Gallinago gallinago
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus
- Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
- Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
- Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
- Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
- Temminck's stint, Calidris temminckii
- Long-toed stint, Calidris subminuta
- Ruff, Philomachus pugnax
Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet.
- Pallas's gull, Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus
- Brown-headed gull, Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus
- Slender-billed gull, Chroicocephalus genei (A)
Terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo (A)
- River tern, Sterna aurantia (A)
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia
- Hill pigeon, Columba rupestris
- Snow pigeon, Columba leuconota
- Speckled wood pigeon, Columba hodgsonii
- Ashy wood pigeon, Columba pulchricollis
- Oriental turtle dove, Streptopelia orientalis
- Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto
- Red collared-dove, Streptopelia tranquebarica
- Spotted dove, Spilopelia chinensis
- Laughing dove, Spilopelia senegalensis
- Barred cuckoo-dove, Macropygia unchall
- Emerald dove, Chalcophaps indica
- Orange-breasted green pigeon, Treron bicincta
- Ashy-headed green pigeon, Treron phayrei
- Thick-billed green pigeon, Treron curvirostra
- Yellow-footed green pigeon, Treron phoenicoptera
- Pin-tailed pigeon, Treron apicauda
- Wedge-tailed green pigeon, Treron sphenura
- Mountain imperial pigeon, Ducula badia
Old world parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
- Alexandrine parakeet, Psittacula eupatria
- Rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri (I)
- Grey-headed parakeet, Psittacula finschii
- Plum-headed parakeet, Psittacula cyanocephala
- Blossom-headed parakeet, Psittacula roseata
- Red-breasted parakeet, Psittacula alexandri
- Vernal hanging parrot, Loriculus vernalis
Cuckoos and anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.
- Pied cuckoo, Clamator jacobinus
- Chestnut-winged cuckoo, Clamator coromandus
- Large hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx sparverioides
- Common hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx varius
- Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx nisicolor
- Indian cuckoo, Cuculus micropterus
- Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus
- Himalayan cuckoo, Cuculus saturatus
- Lesser cuckoo, Cuculus poliocephalus
- Banded bay cuckoo, Cacomantis sonneratii
- Plaintive cuckoo, Cacomantis merulinus
- Asian emerald cuckoo, Chrysococcyx maculatus
- Violet cuckoo, Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
- Fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo, Surniculus dicruroides
- Asian koel, Eudynamys scolopacea
- Green-billed malkoha, Phaenicophaeus tristis
- Sirkeer malkoha, Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii
- Greater coucal, Centropus sinensis
- Lesser coucal, Centropus bengalensis
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
- Oriental bay owl, Phodilus badius
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
- Mountain scops owl, Otus spilocephalus
- Collared scops owl, Otus lettia
- Oriental scops owl, Otus sunia
- Rock eagle-owl, Bubo bengalensis
- Spot-bellied eagle-owl, Bubo nipalensis
- Dusky eagle-owl, Bubo coromandus
- Brown fish-owl, Ketupa zeylonensis
- Tawny fish-owl, Ketupa flavipes
- Brown wood owl, Strix leptogrammica
- Himalayan owl, Strix nivicolum
- Collared owlet, Glaucidium brodiei
- Asian barred owlet, Glaucidium cuculoides
- Jungle owlet, Glaucidium radiatum
- Spotted owlet, Athene brama
- Little owl, Athene noctua
- Brown hawk-owl, Ninox scutulata
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
Frogmouths
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Podargidae
The frogmouths are a group of nocturnal birds related to the nightjars. They are named for their large flattened hooked bill and huge frog-like gape, which they use to take insects. There are 12 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Hodgson's frogmouth, Batrachostomus hodgsoni
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Grey nightjar, Caprimulgus indicus
- Large-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus macrurus
- Indian nightjar, Caprimulgus asiaticus
- Savanna nightjar, Caprimulgus affinis
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 10 species which have been recorded in Bhutan.
- Himalayan swiftlet, Aerodramus brevirostris
- Black-nest swiftlet, Aerodramus maximus
- White-rumped needletail, Zoonavena sylvatica
- White-throated needletail, Hirundapus caudacutus
- Asian palm-swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis
- Alpine swift, Tachymarptis melba
- Common swift, Apus apus
- Pacific swift, Apus pacificus
- Blyth's swift, Apus leuconyx
- House swift, Apus nipalensis
Treeswifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Hemiprocnidae
The treeswifts, also called crested swifts, are closely related to the true swifts. They differ from the other swifts in that they have crests, long forked tails and softer plumage. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Crested treeswift, Hemiprocne coronata
Trogons and quetzals
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Red-headed trogon, Harpactes erythrocephalus
- Ward's trogon, Harpactes wardi
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
- Blyth's kingfisher, Alcedo hercules
- Common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
- Blue-eared kingfisher, Alcedo meninting
- Black-backed kingfisher, Ceyx erithacus
- Stork-billed kingfisher, Pelargopsis capensis
- Ruddy kingfisher, Halcyon coromanda
- White-throated kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis
- Crested kingfisher, Megaceryle lugubris
- Pied kingfisher, Ceryle rudis
Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Blue-bearded bee-eater, Nyctyornis athertoni
- Green bee-eater, Merops orientalis
- Chestnut-headed bee-eater, Merops leschenaulti
Typical rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Indian roller, Coracias benghalensis
- Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis
Hoopoes
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Hoopoe, Upupa epops
Hornbills
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Bucerotidae
Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly coloured. There are 57 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Oriental pied-hornbill, Anthracoceros albirostris
- Great hornbill, Buceros bicornis
- Rufous-necked hornbill, Aceros nipalensis
- Wreathed hornbill, Aceros undulatus
Barbets
Order: Piciformes Family: Megalaimidae
The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly coloured.
- Great barbet, Psilopogon virens
- Brown-headed barbet, Psilopogon zeylanicus
- Lineated barbet, Psilopogon lineatus
- Golden-throated barbet, Psilopogon franklinii
- Blue-throated barbet, Psilopogon asiaticus
- Blue-eared barbet, Psilopogon duvaucelii
- Coppersmith barbet, Psilopogon haemacephalus
Honeyguides
Order: Piciformes Family: Indicatoridae
Honeyguides are among the few birds that feed on wax. They are named for the greater honeyguide which leads traditional honey-hunters to bees' nests and, after the hunters have harvested the honey, feeds on the remaining contents of the hive. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Yellow-rumped honeyguide, Indicator xanthonotus
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
- Eurasian wryneck, Jynx torquilla
- Speckled piculet, Picumnus innominatus
- White-browed piculet, Sasia ochracea
- Brown-capped pygmy woodpecker, Yungipicus nanus
- Grey-capped pygmy woodpecker, Yungipicus canicapillus
- Fulvous-breasted woodpecker, Dendrocopos macei
- Rufous-bellied woodpecker, Dendrocopos hyperythrus
- Darjeeling woodpecker, Dendrocopos darjellensis
- Crimson-breasted woodpecker, Dryobates cathpharius
- Rufous woodpecker, Micropternus brachyurus
- Greater yellownape, Chrysophlegma flavinucha
- Lesser yellownape, Picus chlorolophus
- Scaly-bellied woodpecker, Picus squamatus
- Grey-faced woodpecker, Picus canus
- Himalayan flameback, Dinopium shorii
- Black-rumped flameback, Dinopium benghalense
- Greater flameback, Chrysocolaptes lucidus
- Pale-headed woodpecker, Gecinulus grantia
- Bay woodpecker, Blythipicus pyrrhotis
- Great slaty woodpecker, Mulleripicus pulverulentus
Broadbills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Eurylaimidae
The broadbills are small, brightly coloured birds, which feed on fruit and also take insects in flycatcher fashion, snapping their broad bills. Their habitat is canopies of wet forests. There are 15 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Long-tailed broadbill, Psarisomus dalhousiae
- Silver-breasted broadbill, Serilophus lunatus
Pittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae
Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many are brightly coloured. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates.
- Blue-naped pitta, Hydrornis nipalensis
- Blue pitta, Hydrornis cyanea
- Hooded pitta, Pitta sordida
- Indian pitta, Pitta brachyura
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Bengal bushlark, Mirafra assamica
- Ashy-crowned sparrow-lark, Eremopterix grisea
- Tibetan lark, Melanocorypha maxima
- Hume's short-toed lark, Calandrella acutirostris
- Sand lark, Alaudala raytal
- Oriental skylark, Alauda gulgula
- Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
- Sand martin, Riparia riparia
- Pale martin, Riparia diluta
- Grey-throated martin, Riparia chinensis
- Eurasian crag martin, Ptyonoprogne rupestris
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Wire-tailed swallow, Hirundo smithii
- Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica
- Common house martin, Delichon urbica
- Asian house martin, Delichon dasypus
- Nepal house martin, Delichon nipalensis
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country.
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba
- White-browed wagtail, Motacilla maderaspatensis
- Citrine wagtail, Motacilla citreola
- Yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
- Grey wagtail, Motacilla cinerea
- Oriental pipit, Anthus rufulus
- Blyth's pipit, Anthus godlewskii
- Long-billed pipit, Anthus similis
- Olive-backed pipit, Anthus hodgsoni
- Red-throated pipit, Anthus cervinus
- Rosy pipit, Anthus roseatus
- Water pipit, Anthus spinoletta
- American pipit, Anthus rubescens
Cuckooshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured.
- Large cuckooshrike, Coracina macei
- Black-winged cuckooshrike, Coracina melaschistos
- Black-headed cuckooshrike, Coracina melanoptera
- Rosy minivet, Pericrocotus roseus
- Small minivet, Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
- Long-tailed minivet, Pericrocotus ethologus
- Short-billed minivet, Pericrocotus brevirostris
- Scarlet minivet, Pericrocotus flammeus
- Grey-chinned minivet, Pericrocotus solaris
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.
- Striated bulbul, Pycnonotus striatus
- Black-crested bulbul, Pycnonotus flaviventris
- Red-whiskered bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus
- White-cheeked bulbul, Pycnonotus leucogenys
- Red-vented bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer
- White-throated bulbul, Alophoixus flaveolus
- Olive bulbul, Iole virescens
- Ashy bulbul, Hemixos flavala
- Mountain bulbul, Ixos mcclellandii
- Black bulbul, Hypsipetes leucocephalus
Kinglets
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
The kinglets, also called crests, are a small group of birds often included in the Old World warblers, but frequently given family status because they also resemble the titmice. There are 7 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Goldcrest, Regulus regulus
Leafbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Chloropseidae
The leafbirds are small, bulbul-like birds. The males are brightly plumaged, usually in greens and yellows. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Golden-fronted leafbird, Chloropsis aurifrons
- Orange-bellied leafbird, Chloropsis hardwickii
Ioras
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithinidae
The ioras are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub, but whereas that group tends to be drab in colouration, ioras are sexually dimorphic, with the males being brightly plumaged in yellows and greens. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Common iora, Aegithina tiphia
Dippers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements. There are 5 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Bhutan.
- White-throated dipper, Cinclus cinclus
- Brown dipper, Cinclus pallasii
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 80 species worldwide (of which all but one are New World species) and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Eurasian wren, Troglodytes troglodytes
Accentors
Order: Passeriformes Family: Prunellidae
The accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows. There are 13 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Alpine accentor, Prunella collaris
- Himalayan accentor, Prunella himalayana
- Robin accentor, Prunella rubeculoides
- Rufous-breasted accentor, Prunella strophiata
- Maroon-backed accentor, Prunella immaculata
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
- Pied thrush, Geokichla wardii
- Orange-headed thrush, Geokichla citrina
- Plain-backed thrush, Zoothera mollissima
- Long-tailed thrush, Zoothera dixoni
- Scaly thrush, Zoothera dauma
- Long-billed thrush, Zoothera monticola
- Dark-sided thrush, Zoothera marginata
- Tickell's thrush, Turdus unicolor
- White-collared blackbird, Turdus albocinctus
- Grey-winged blackbird, Turdus boulboul
- Tibetan blackbird, Turdus maximus
- Chestnut thrush, Turdus rubrocanus
- Eyebrowed thrush, Turdus obscurus
- Dark-throated thrush, Turdus ruficollis
- Grandala, Grandala coelicolor
Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
- Golden-headed cisticola, Cisticola exilis
- Striated prinia, Prinia criniger
- Black-throated prinia, Prinia atrogularis
- Grey-crowned prinia, Prinia cinereocapilla
- Rufescent prinia, Prinia rufescens
- Grey-breasted prinia, Prinia hodgsonii
- Jungle prinia, Prinia sylvatica
- Yellow-bellied prinia, Prinia flaviventris
- Ashy prinia, Prinia socialis
- Plain prinia, Prinia inornata
- Common tailorbird, Orthotomus sutorius
Cettid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cettiidae
- Slaty-bellied tesia, Tesia olivea
- Grey-bellied tesia, Tesia cyaniventer
- Pale-footed bush warbler, Urosphena pallidipes
- Brown-flanked bush warbler, Horornis fortipes
- Aberrant bush warbler, Horornis flavolivacea
- Hume's bush warbler, Horornis brunnescens
- Chestnut-crowned bush warbler, Cettia major
- Chestnut-headed tesia, Cettia castaneocoronata
- Grey-sided bush warbler, Cettia brunnifrons
- Mountain tailorbird, Phyllergates cuculatus
- Rufous-faced warbler, Abroscopus albogularis
- Yellow-bellied warbler, Abroscopus superciliaris
- Black-faced warbler, Abroscopus schisticeps
- Broad-billed warbler, Tickellia hodgsoni
Locustellid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
- Spotted bush warbler, Locustella thoracica
- Chinese bush warbler, Locustella tacsanowskia (A)
- Russet bush warbler, Locustella mandelli (A)
- Brown bush warbler, Locustella luteoventris
- Striated grassbird, Megalurus palustris
- Bristled grassbird, Chaetornis striatus
Acrocephalid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
- Blyth's reed warbler, Acrocephalus dumetorum
- Clamorous reed warbler, Acrocephalus stentoreus
- Thick-billed warbler, Iduna aedon
Phylloscopid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Phylloscopidae
- Common chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita
- Mountain chiffchaff, Phylloscopus sindianus
- Dusky warbler, Phylloscopus fuscatus
- Smoky warbler, Phylloscopus fuligiventer
- Tickell's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus affinis
- Sulphur-bellied warbler, Phylloscopus griseolus
- Buff-barred warbler, Phylloscopus pulcher
- Ashy-throated warbler, Phylloscopus maculipennis
- Lemon-rumped warbler, Phylloscopus proregulus
- Pale-rumped warbler, Phylloscopus chloronotus
- Yellow-browed warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus
- Greenish warbler, Phylloscopus trochiloides
- Large-billed leaf warbler, Phylloscopus magnirostris
- Western crowned leaf warbler, Phylloscopus occipitalis
- Blyth's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus reguloides
- Yellow-vented warbler, Phylloscopus cantator
- Grey-hooded warbler, Phylloscopus xanthoschistos
- Green-crowned warbler, Seicercus burkii
- White-spectacled warbler, Seicercus affinis
- Grey-cheeked warbler, Seicercus poliogenys
- Chestnut-crowned warbler, Seicercus castaniceps
- Whistler's warbler, Seicercus whistleri
Old World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.
- Yellow-eyed babbler, Chrysomma sinense
- Jerdon's babbler, Chrysomma altirostre
- Golden-breasted fulvetta, Lioparus chrysotis
- White-browed fulvetta, Fulvetta vinipectus
- Manipur fulvetta, Fulvetta manipurensis
- Brown-throated fulvetta, Fulvetta ludlowi
- Fire-tailed myzornis, Myzornis pyrrhoura
- Great parrotbill, Conostoma aemodium
- Brown parrotbill, Cholornis unicolor
- Grey-headed parrotbill, Psittiparus gularis
- White-breasted parrotbill, Psittiparus ruficeps
- Black-breasted parrotbill, Paradoxornis flavirostris
- Fulvous parrotbill, Suthora fulvifrons
- Black-throated parrotbill, Suthora nipalensis
- Pale-billed parrotbill, Chleuasicus atrosuperciliaris
Old World flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
- Blue-capped rock thrush, Monticola cinclorhynchus
- Chestnut-bellied rock thrush, Monticola rufiventris
- Blue rock thrush, Monticola solitarius
- Blue whistling thrush, Myophonus caeruleus
- Gould's shortwing, Brachypteryx stellata
- Lesser shortwing, Brachypteryx leucophrys
- White-browed shortwing, Brachypteryx montana
- Siberian flycatcher, Muscicapa sibirica
- Asian brown flycatcher, Muscicapa dauurica
- Ferruginous flycatcher, Muscicapa ferruginea
- Slaty-backed flycatcher, Ficedula hodgsonii
- Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, Ficedula strophiata
- Taiga flycatcher, Ficedula albicilla
- Snowy-browed flycatcher, Ficedula hyperythra
- Little pied flycatcher, Ficedula westermanni
- Ultramarine flycatcher, Ficedula superciliaris
- Slaty-blue flycatcher, Ficedula tricolor
- Sapphire flycatcher, Ficedula sapphira
- White-gorgeted flycatcher, Anthipes monileger
- Verditer flycatcher, Eumyias thalassina
- Large niltava, Niltava grandis
- Small niltava, Niltava macgrigoriae
- Rufous-bellied niltava, Niltava sundara
- Pale-chinned blue flycatcher, Cyornis poliogenys
- Pale blue flycatcher, Cyornis unicolor
- Blue-throated flycatcher, Cyornis rubeculoides
- Large blue flycatcher, Cyornis magnirostris
- Pygmy blue flycatcher, Muscicapella hodgsoni
- Siberian rubythroat, Luscinia calliope
- White-tailed rubythroat, Luscinia pectoralis
- Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica
- Firethroat, Luscinia pectardens
- Indian blue robin, Luscinia brunnea
- White-bellied redstart, Luscinia phaenicuroides
- Red-flanked bluetail, Tarsiger cyanurus
- Himalayan bluetail, Tarsiger rufilatus
- Golden bush-robin, Tarsiger chrysaeus
- White-browed bush robin, Tarsiger indicus
- Rufous-breasted bush robin, Tarsiger hyperythrus
- Oriental magpie-robin, Copsychus saularis
- White-rumped shama, Copsychus malabaricus
- Blue-capped redstart, Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus
- Black redstart, Phoenicurus ochruros
- Hodgson's redstart, Phoenicurus hodgsoni
- White-throated redstart, Phoenicurus schisticeps
- Daurian redstart, Phoenicurus auroreus
- White-winged redstart, Phoenicurus erythrogaster
- Blue-fronted redstart, Phoenicurus frontalis
- White-capped redstart, Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
- Plumbeous redstart, Rhyacornis fuliginosus
- White-tailed robin, Cinclidium leucurum
- Blue-fronted robin, Cinclidium frontale
- Little forktail, Enicurus scouleri
- Black-backed forktail, Enicurus immaculatus
- Slaty-backed forktail, Enicurus schistaceus
- Spotted forktail, Enicurus maculatus
- Purple cochoa, Cochoa purpurea
- Green cochoa, Cochoa viridis
- Siberian stonechat, Saxicola maurus
- White-throated bushchat, Saxicola insignis
- Pied bushchat, Saxicola caprata
- Grey bushchat, Saxicola ferreus
- Desert wheatear, Oenanthe deserti
Fantails
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhipiduridae
The fantails are small insectivorous birds which are specialist aerial feeders.
- White-throated fantail, Rhipidura albicollis
- White-browed fantail, Rhipidura aureola
Fairy flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Stenostiridae
- Yellow-bellied fantail, Chelidorhynx hypoxantha
- Grey-headed canary flycatcher, Culicicapa ceylonensis
Monarch flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Black-naped monarch, Hypothymis azurea
- Indian paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone paradisi
Laughingthrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Leiothrichidae
- White-throated laughingthrush, Garrulax albogularis
- White-crested laughingthrush, Garrulax leucolophus
- Lesser necklaced laughingthrush, Garrulax monileger
- Greater necklaced laughingthrush, Garrulax pectoralis
- Striated laughingthrush, Garrulax striatus
- Rufous-necked laughingthrush, Garrulax ruficollis
- Rufous-vented laughingthrush, Garrulax gularis
- Rufous-chinned laughingthrush, Garrulax rufogularis
- Spotted laughingthrush, Garrulax ocellatus
- Grey-sided laughingthrush, Garrulax caerulatus
- Streaked laughingthrush, Trochalopteron lineatus
- Bhutan laughingthrush, Trochalopteron imbricatum
- Scaly laughingthrush, Trochalopteron subunicolor
- Blue-winged laughingthrush, Trochalopteron squamatus
- Black-faced laughingthrush, Trochalopteron affinis
- Chestnut-crowned laughingthrush, Trochalopteron erythrocephalus
- Red-faced liocichla, Liocichla phoenicea
- Slender-billed babbler, Turdoides longirostris
- Jungle babbler, Turdoides striatus
- Silver-eared mesia, Leiothrix argentauris
- Red-billed leiothrix, Leiothrix lutea
- Himalayan cutia, Cutia nipalensis
- Rusty-fronted barwing, Actinodura egertoni
- Hoary-throated barwing, Actinodura nipalensis
- Blue-winged minla, Minla cyanouroptera
- Chestnut-tailed minla, Minla strigula
- Red-tailed minla, Minla ignotincta
- Rufous-backed sibia, Heterophasia annectens
- Rufous sibia, Heterophasia capistrata
- Long-tailed sibia, Heterophasia picaoides
Ground babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pellorneidae
- Abbott's babbler, Malacocincla abbotti
- Spot-throated babbler, Pellorneum albiventre
- Puff-throated babbler, Pellorneum ruficeps
- Long-billed wren-babbler, Rimator malacoptilus
- Eyebrowed wren-babbler, Napothera epilepidota
- Indian grassbird, Graminicola bengalensis
- White-hooded babbler, Gampsorhynchus rufulus
- Yellow-throated fulvetta, Alcippe cinerea
- Rufous-winged fulvetta, Alcippe castaneceps
- Rufous-throated fulvetta, Alcippe rufogularis
- Nepal fulvetta, Alcippe nipalensis
Babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Timaliidae
The babblers, or timaliids, are somewhat diverse in size and colouration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage.
- Spot-breasted scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus erythrocnemis
- Rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus erythrogenys
- White-browed scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus schisticeps
- Streak-breasted scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus ruficollis
- Coral-billed scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus ferruginosus
- Slender-billed scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus superciliaris
- Rufous-throated wren-babbler, Spelaeornis caudatus
- Bar-winged wren-babbler, Spelaeornis troglodytoides
- Buff-chested babbler, Stachyridopsis ambigua
- Rufous-fronted babbler, Stachyridopsis rufifrons
- Rufous-capped babbler, Stachyridopsis ruficeps
- Golden babbler, Stachyridopsis chrysaea
- Grey-throated babbler, Stachyris nigriceps
- Pin-striped tit-babbler, Macronus gularis
- Chestnut-capped babbler, Timalia pileata
- Sikkim wedge-billed babbler, Sphenocichla humei
Cupwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pnoepygidae
- Scaly-breasted wren-babbler, Pnoepyga albiventer
- Pygmy wren-babbler, Pnoepyga pusilla
Spotted elachura
Order: Passeriformes Family: Elachuridae
- Spotted elachura, Elachura formosa
Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
- Black-headed shrike-babbler, Pteruthius rufiventer
- Pied shrike-babbler, Pteruthius flaviscapis
- Green shrike-babbler, Pteruthius xanthochlorus
- Black-eared shrike-babbler, Pteruthius melanotis
- White-bellied erpornis, Erpornis zantholeuca
White-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
- Striated yuhina, Yuhina castaniceps
- White-naped yuhina, Yuhina bakeri
- Whiskered yuhina, Yuhina flavicollis
- Stripe-throated yuhina, Yuhina gularis
- Rufous-vented yuhina, Yuhina occipitalis
- Black-chinned yuhina, Yuhina nigrimenta
Long-tailed tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects.
- White-browed tit-warbler, Leptopoecile sophiae
- Black-throated tit, Aegithalos concinnus
- Black-browed tit, Aegithalos iouschistos
Chickadees and titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects.
- Coal tit, Periparus ater
- Black-breasted tit, Periparus rufonuchalis
- Rufous-vented tit, Periparus rubidiventris
- Grey-crested tit, Lophophanes dichrous
- Cinereous tit, Parus cinereus
- Green-backed tit, Parus monticolus
- Black-lored tit, Parus xanthogenys
- Yellow-cheeked tit, Parus spilonotus
- Yellow-browed tit, Sylviparus modestus
- Sultan tit, Melanochlora sultanea
- Fire-capped tit, Cephalopyrus flammiceps
Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. There are 24 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Chestnut-bellied nuthatch, Sitta castanea
- White-tailed nuthatch, Sitta himalayensis
- Velvet-fronted nuthatch, Sitta frontalis
- Beautiful nuthatch, Sitta formosa
Wallcreeper
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tichodromidae
The wallcreeper is a small bird related to the nuthatch family, which has stunning crimson, grey and black plumage.
- Wallcreeper, Tichodroma muraria
Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees.
- Hodgson's treecreeper, Certhia hodgsoni
- Rusty-flanked treecreeper, Certhia nipalensis
- Brown-throated treecreeper, Certhia discolor
Sunbirds and spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Ruby-cheeked sunbird, Chalcoparia singalensis
- Purple sunbird, Cinnyris asiaticus
- Gould's sunbird, Aethopyga gouldiae
- Green-tailed sunbird, Aethopyga nipalensis
- Black-throated sunbird, Aethopyga saturata
- Crimson sunbird, Aethopyga siparaja
- Fire-tailed sunbird, Aethopyga ignicauda
- Little spiderhunter, Arachnothera longirostra
- Streaked spiderhunter, Arachnothera magna
Flowerpeckers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicaeidae
The flowerpeckers are very small, stout, often brightly coloured birds, with short tails, short thick curved bills and tubular tongues.
- Thick-billed flowerpecker, Dicaeum agile
- Yellow-vented flowerpecker, Dicaeum chrysorrheum
- Yellow-bellied flowerpecker, Dicaeum melanoxanthum
- Pale-billed flowerpecker, Dicaeum erythrorhynchos
- Plain flowerpecker, Dicaeum minullum
- Fire-breasted flowerpecker, Dicaeum ignipectus
- Scarlet-backed flowerpecker, Dicaeum cruentatum
White-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
The white-eyes are small and mostly undistinguished, their plumage above being generally some dull colour like greenish-olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests, many species have a white ring around each eye. There are 96 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Oriental white-eye, Zosterops palpebrosus
Old World orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Indian golden oriole, Oriolus kundoo
- Slender-billed oriole, Oriolus tenuirostris
- Black-hooded oriole, Oriolus xanthornus
- Maroon oriole, Oriolus traillii
Fairy-bluebirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Irenidae
The fairy-bluebirds are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub. The males are dark-blue and the females a duller green. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Asian fairy-bluebird, Irena puella
Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Brown shrike, Lanius cristatus
- Bay-backed shrike, Lanius vittatus
- Long-tailed shrike, Lanius schach
- Grey-backed shrike, Lanius tephronotus
Woodshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tephrodornithidae
- Large woodshrike, Tephrodornis gularis
- Common woodshrike, Tephrodornis pondicerianus
- Bar-winged flycatcher-shrike, Hemipus picatus
Drongos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
The drongos are mostly black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Black drongo, Dicrurus macrocercus
- Ashy drongo, Dicrurus leucophaeus
- White-bellied drongo, Dicrurus caerulescens
- Crow-billed drongo, Dicrurus annectans
- Bronzed drongo, Dicrurus aeneus
- Lesser racket-tailed drongo, Dicrurus remifer
- Hair-crested drongo, Dicrurus hottentottus
- Greater racket-tailed drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus
Woodswallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Artamidae
The woodswallows are soft-plumaged, somber-coloured passerine birds. They are smooth, agile flyers with moderately large, semi-triangular wings. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bhutan.
- Ashy woodswallow, Artamus fuscus
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 120 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Eurasian jay, Garrulus glandarius
- Gold-billed magpie, Urocissa flavirostris
- Green magpie, Cissa chinensis
- Rufous treepie, Dendrocitta vagabunda
- Grey treepie, Dendrocitta formosae
- Collared treepie, Dendrocitta frontalis
- Eurasian magpie, Pica pica
- Eurasian nutcracker, Nucifraga caryocatactes
- Red-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
- Yellow-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax graculus
- House crow, Corvus splendens
- Large-billed crow, Corvus macrorhynchos
- Common raven, Corvus corax
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.
- Spot-winged starling, Saroglossa spiloptera
- Common hill myna, Gracula religiosa
- Jungle myna, Acridotheres fuscus
- Bank myna, Acridotheres ginginianus
- Common myna, Acridotheres tristis
- Asian pied starling, Gracupica contra
- Chestnut-tailed starling, Sturnia malabarica
- Brahminy starling, Sturnia pagodarum
Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Streaked weaver, Ploceus manyar (A)
- Yellow weaver, Ploceus megarhynchus
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns. There are 141 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Bhutan.
- White-rumped munia, Lonchura striata
- Nutmeg mannikin, Lonchura punctulata
Buntings, sparrows, seedeaters and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are 275 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Bhutan.
- Crested bunting, Melophus lathami
- Rock bunting, Emberiza cia
- Little bunting, Emberiza pusilla
- Yellow-breasted bunting, Emberiza aureola
- Chestnut bunting, Emberiza rutila
- Black-faced bunting, Emberiza spodocephala
Siskins, crossbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 26 species which have been recorded in Bhutan.
- Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla
- Plain mountain-finch, Leucosticte nemoricola
- Black-headed mountain-finch, Leucosticte brandti
- Crimson-browed finch, Pinicola subhimachalus
- Blanford's rosefinch, Carpodacus rubescens
- Dark-breasted rosefinch, Carpodacus nipalensis
- Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus
- Beautiful rosefinch, Carpodacus pulcherrimus
- Pink-browed rosefinch, Carpodacus rhodochrous
- Dark-rumped rosefinch, Carpodacus edwardsii
- Three-banded rosefinch, Carpodacus trifasciatus
- White-browed rosefinch, Carpodacus thura
- Streaked rosefinch, Carpodacus rubicilloides
- Great rosefinch, Carpodacus rubicilla
- Red-fronted rosefinch, Carpodacus puniceus
- Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
- Yellow-breasted greenfinch, Chloris spinoides
- Tibetan serin, Spinus thibetanus
- Brown bullfinch, Pyrrhula nipalensis
- Red-headed bullfinch, Pyrrhula erythrocephala
- Grey-headed bullfinch, Pyrrhula erythaca
- Collared grosbeak, Mycerobas affinis
- Spot-winged grosbeak, Mycerobas melanozanthos
- White-winged grosbeak, Mycerobas carnipes
- Golden-naped finch, Pyrrhoplectes epauletta
- Scarlet finch, Haematospiza sipahi
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Bhutan.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus
- Russet sparrow, Passer rutilans
- Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus
See also
References
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Bhutan". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 27 April 2007.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 0-934797-16-1.
- Inskipp, Carol; et al. (2004). Timeless Field Guides: Birds of Bhutan. Timeless Books. p. 192.