“Birding in Walong: Search for Derbyan Parakeet & Yunnan Nuthatch

admin — Tue, 05 May 2026 05:07:00 +0000

Tour Leader: G. SHAKTIVEL

Tour Dates: 30th Apr-05 May, 2026. Summary: A flock of over 50 Red Crossbills photographed at a 10 m range, Derbyan Parakeets nesting and perched at eye level for over 30 mins, Multiple Chestnut-vented Nuthatch and a Yunnan Nuthatch, Closeup images of Spotted Nutcracker, Spot-breasted Parrotbill, Godlewski’s Bunting. Black-headed Greenfinch seen in multiple locations along with the Sinchuan Leaf Warbler and Tibetan Serin.

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Nicobar Endemics Birding Tour – May, 2026 Trip

admin — Sat, 02 May 2026 08:10:00 +0000

Guide: Prodip Sarder

Dates: 20 April- 2 May, 2026

This highly strategic island-hopping expedition delivered exceptional results across three distinct island ecosystems. Beginning with a brief but highly productive survey of Kamorta Island, the team successfully recorded eight Nicobar endemics, highlighted by definitive views of the localized Nicobar Bulbul. Moving south to Great Nicobar Island, the group enjoyed multiple encounters with the iconic Nicobar Pigeon, outstanding views of the endangered Nicobar Megapode, and superb looks at major regional rarities, including the elusive Red-legged Crake and the vulnerable Chinese Egret. Concluding the tour in the Andaman Islands, the itinerary focused sharply on clearing client target lists, cleanly securing 15 Andaman endemics and regional specialties, featuring the sought-after Andaman Wood-Pigeon, Ruddy Kingfisher, and Pale-footed Bush-Warbler.

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456 Species in 25 Days of North-East India Birding Expeditions in April, 2026

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:58:00 +0000

Tour Leader: G.SHAKTIVEL, Tour Dates: 05-28 Apr,2026

Highlights: Tim, Nick & Steve from United Kingdom spent 25 Days exploring the various regions of North-East India like Se La, Eagle’s Nest, Kaziranga, Khonoma, Maguri Beel and Mishmi Hill covering a staggering 456 species including the likes of Blyth’s Trogopan, Snow Partridges, Grandala, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Mishmi Wren-babbler, Purple Cochoa, Beautiful Nuthatch, Hodgson’s Frogmouth, Swamp Grass-Babbler, Spot-breasted Parrotbill and more.

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Nicobar Endemics Birding Tour – April, 2026 Trip

admin — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:57:00 +0000

Tour Guide: Prodip Sarder

Tour Dates: 30 March – 12 April, 2026

This extraordinary expedition achieved an ultimate clean sweep, recording all 27 target endemic bird species across the Andaman and Great Nicobar archipelagos. Field highlights included exceptional, open views of the rare Red-legged Crake, the elusive Malayan Night-Heron, and both Chinese and Javan Pond-Herons showcasing spectacular, vibrant breeding plumage. Coastal surveys documented nesting Black-naped Terns, while raptor watching yielded an impressive eight distinct species, featuring migratory Chinese and Japanese Sparrowhawks. This trip stands as a definitive benchmark for remote island birding.

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Narcondam Island Birding Trip Report – March, 2026

admin — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:31:00 +0000

Guide: G. SHAKTIVEL

Tour Dates: 19-22 March, 2026.

A landmark first expedition to the remote shores of Narcondam Island! We were immediately treated to a non-stop show by over 50 endemic Narcondam Hornbills bustling around the boat. The open-ocean crossings were equally spectacular, yielding a massive pod of Bottlenose Dolphins, Flesh-footed Shearwaters, and both Sooty and Bridled Terns. To top it all off, we made local birding history by spotting a Red-billed Tropicbird—the first officially documented record for the Andaman Islands.

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Andaman and nicobar Endemics Birding Tour: March, 2026 Expedition Report

admin — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:27:00 +0000

Tour Leader: G.SHAKTIVEL

Tour Dates: 28 Feb -15 Mar, 2026.

We spent 3 Nights at Andamans to cover the Andaman Wood-Pigeon, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Chinese Pond-Heron and 12 Nights at Great Nicobar clean swiping the 7 nicobar endemics, we only manage to hear both the Nicobar Crake and Red-legged Crake during our sessions there. we made a quick stop at Kamorta Island for another prized endemic the Nicobar Bulbul and the resident Pied Triller.

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Nicobar Endemics Birding Tour: October, 2025 Expedition Report

admin — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:40:00 +0000

Guide: G. SHAKTIVEL,

Tour Dates: 13-24 October, 2025.

This Nicobar birdwatching tour successfully recorded all seven endemic bird species of the Nicobar Islands, alongside a historic ornithological milestone: the first documented record of the White-faced Plover (Charadrius dealbatus) in the Indian subcontinent. Offshore pelagic birding sessions yielded exceptional sightings of the Arctic Skua, Flesh-footed Shearwater, Bridled Tern, and a rare vagrant Javan Pond-Heron. The definitive highlights of the expedition included witnessing a rare territorial dispute between a pair of Nicobar Serpent-Eagles, alongside unparalleled, open views of the elusive Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis) in its native coastal habitat.

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Nicobar endemics Birding Tour – September, 2025 Report

admin — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:46:00 +0000

Guide: Prodip Sarder

Tour Dates: 8-20 September, 2025

This extraordinary expedition achieved sweeping success, recording 15 Andaman endemics in just two days before securing all seven Nicobar endemics on Great Nicobar. The ultimate highlight was a historic mega-pelagic rarity: a Barau’s Petrel, marking the first official record for the Andaman Islands and only the second for the entire Indian subcontinent.

The team also captured rare video of a Nicobar Megapode pair alongside exceptional views of the elusive Malayan Night-Heron and iconic Nicobar Pigeon.

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Owls & Nightjar: Noctural endemics of Andaman islands

admin — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 20:59:34 +0000

Owls & Nightjar: Nocturnal Endemics of Andaman Islands

In continuation of the previous post mentioning the 16 avian species that are Endemic to Andaman Islands

Below is the list of another 5 nocturnal endemic birds of Andaman, bringing the total to 21 species which are endemic to Andaman of which 20 species can easily be sighted on our carefully curated Andaman Endemic Birding Tour. Trip Itinerary

Andaman Scops Owl (Otus balli)

A small, nocturnal raptor endemic to the Andaman Islands. Typically 18-19cm in length, it exhibits brown or grey plumage, with subtle ear tufts, bright yellow eyes and bill. Its calls, often the primary means of detection, are distinctive.

This owl favours forested habitats and edges. They nest in tree hollows, breeding between February and April. This species is known to be difficult to spot, due to their reclusive nature and often heard more than seen.

Andaman Masked Owl (Tyto deroepstorffi)

A medium-sized barn owl, measuring 30-36 cm in length. It has a distinctive heart-shaped, reddish brown facial disc with a prominent orange-brown rim. Its upper-parts are dark brown with orange-buff spots, while the underparts are golden-rufous with blackish spots, fading to whitish on the belly.

Its call is a rather high-pitched, short, rasping “sshreeet” that ends abruptly. This nocturnal owl likely feeds on small mammals like rats and mice, similar to other Tyto owls. Endemic to the Andaman Islands, it inhabits semi-open landscapes with trees, often near human settlements.

Hume’s Boobook (Ninox obscura)

A captivating owl species, exclusively inhabits the Great Andaman Islands. This medium- sized owl, ranging from 25 to 30 cm in length, exhibits a predominantly dark chocolate- brown plumage with blackish-grey head, punctuated by striking yellow irises. A subtle white frontal spot distinguishes it from other Ninox owls.

Its vocalisations, characterised by a melodious, double-noted “whoo-up” similar to the Brown Boobook serve as a crucial means of territorial communication and mate attraction within its dense forest habitats.

These habitats primarily comprise subtropical or tropical moist lowland, mangrove forests and paddy fields, reflecting the species’ adaptation to the island’s diverse ecosystems. Ecologically, Hume’s boobook functions as a significant predator, relying on a diet encompassing large insects, amphibians, lizards, small birds, and mammals.

Andaman Boobook (Ninox affinis)

A small to medium-sized owl, around 25-28 cm long. It has a brownish face and upper-parts with bold, rust-coloured streaks on its whitish underparts. Its call is a distinctive low and resonant guttural “kroooo”

This nocturnal owl primarily feeds on insects, often hawking moths and beetles in flight.

Found scarcely in most Islands of Andaman Archipelago sharing its habitat with Hume’s Boobook, it inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and mangrove forests. These owls are relatively shy and are typically found in well- wooded areas, active outside daylight hours.

Andaman Nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus)

The only nightjar species in the Andamans, is a medium-sized nightjar formerly a sub-species of Large-tailed Nightjar, measuring
about 23-27 cm. Its plumage is a cryptic mix of blackish-brown and pale grey, providing
excellent camouflage against tree bark or leaf litter. The call is a continuous and four
notes short “tyuk tyuk” sound, repeated rapidly.

This nocturnal bird feeds primarily on large insects like moths, beetles, and grasshoppers, which it catches in flight. Endemic to the Andaman Islands, it inhabits tropical moist lowland and open forests, including coastal and teak forests. These nightjars perch along branches, relying on their camouflage for daytime concealment.

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birds of Andaman & nicobar islands

admin — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:41:39 +0000

Endemic Birds of Andaman Islands

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, represent the highest peaks of an underwater mountain range. Rising from the sea floor 38 million years ago, it is an extension of Myanmar’s Arakan range and the Sumatran Barisan range. Its geographical isolation for over 10,000 years allowed evolution to take its course. Now these islands play host to an absolute treasure trove of endemic wildlife.

Below is the list of endemic birds of Andaman:

Andaman Wood Pigeon (Columba palumboides), a large pigeon endemic to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Reaches 35-40 cm. Its silvery-gray small head fades to pale gray underparts, with darker wings and back. reddish skin and yellow eyes with distinct pink feet add to its unique look.

It inhabits dense, broadleaved forests, feeding on fruits and seeds. Its deep, hooting calls resonate through the canopy. Threatened by habitat loss, this pigeon’s presence is vital to the island & ecosystem.

Andaman Bulbul (Pycnonotus fuscoflavens) is a passerine endemic to the Andaman archipelago.

Characterized by its olive-yellow plumage, darker head, light blue eyes, and subtle vocalizations, it is about 14 to 17 cm in size. Its calls, often described as metallic five notes, resonate through its preferred habitats: evergreen and deciduous forests, and
secondary growth.Dietary habits center on frugivory, supplemented by insect consumption.

Andaman Serpent Eagle (Spilornis elgini), Endemic to the Andaman Islands, captivates with its striking appearance.

Measuring around 55-74 cm, it sports dark brown plumage with white spots till the neck, sex alike

These eagles prefer forested habitats, where they hunt reptiles, small mammals, and birds. Diet primarily consists of snakes, hence its name. They are often seen soaring above the canopy or perched on tall trees.

Andaman Woodpecker (Dryocopus hodgei), a large woodpecker, approximately 40-45 cm in length. Its plumage is characterized by a predominantly black coloration, punctuated by a prominent red crest.

This species occupies dense forested habitats, where it functions as an arboreal insectivore. Foraging primarily on beetle larvae and other insects. It exhibits a preference for old-growth forests with an abundance of dead or decaying wood, reflecting its ecological reliance on such habitats where its loud, resonant drumming patterns and sharp calls can be heard.

White-headed Starling (Sturnia erythropygia), a species endemic to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands,

A passerine, measuring approximately 20-22 cm in length. Its distinctive plumage features a striking white head and body contrasting markedly with its dark grey to black wing. Additionally, it exhibits a reddish-orange bill and legs with blue eyes and a shade of blue in lower mandible. This species occupies a diverse range of habitats, including forested areas, woodlands, and cultivated landscapes. It demonstrates an omnivorous diet, foraging on fruits, insects, and nectar.

Andaman Cuckooshrike (Coracina dobsoni), endemic to the Andaman Islands and is extremely range-restricted to certain forest patches of the main islands only.

A medium-sized bird, about 25-27 cm long. It displays predominantly dark grey to black plumage, with a crucial identifying feature: barred underparts and red eyes. Its calls consist of harsh, grating notes and occasional soft whistles.

This species inhabits dense forests and woodlands, foraging for mostly insects and berries primarily within the canopy. Its movements are often slow and deliberate.

Andaman Shama (Copsychus albiventris), a captivating songbird found exclusively in the Andaman Islands, measures roughly 20-22 cm. Its plumage is a striking contrast of glossy black on the upperparts and a clean white on the underparts, accentuated by a distinctive reddish- orange vent.

This bird inhabits dense forests and woodlands, preferring areas with thick undergrowth. It feeds on insects, fruits, and berries. Its complex, melodious song, a blend of whistles and trills, resonates through the forest.

Andaman Coucal (Centropus andamanensis), with its warm brown plumage and chestnut wings, is a striking island resident. Reaching 60-70 cm, it inhabits forests and gardens. Sexes are visually similar, with the female being pale in color.
This terrestrial bird forages for insects, reptiles, and fruits. Distinctively, it produces deep, resonant “hoop” notes, along with chuckling and grating calls, echoing through its secluded habitat.

These unique vocalizations are a signature sound of the Andaman
wilderness, adding to the island’s rich biodiversity.

Andaman Teal (Anas albogularis), a vulnerable species endemic to the Andaman Islands, is a small duck, 40-45cm, with a distinctive white throat and face against dark brown plumage.

It inhabits freshwater wetlands, mangroves, and coastal lagoons,
feeding on aquatic plants and invertebrates. Habitat loss from human encroachment of wetlands significantly threatens its population. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect its remaining habitat and ensure the survival of this species.

Andaman Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia rufipennis), characterized by its medium body size with longer tail, ranging from 38-41 cm.

This pigeon displays a warm, rufous-brown plumage,
complemented by darker and a distinct barred pattern on its body starting from the neck to the underparts. Its primary habitat consists of dense, broadleaf evergreen environments.

Primarily a frugivore, it sustains itself on a diet of fruits and berries, foraging primarily within the upper canopy. Its vocalizations, characterized by soft two notes—first a short upper note accompanied by a long downward note cooing—contribute to the sonic
landscape of its habitat.

Andaman Drongo (Dicrurus andamanensis), is a medium-sized passerine, approximately 28-30 cm in length. Its glossy black plumage and deeply forked tail with a slight outward curve are readily identifiable morphological features. This species primarily occupies forested and woodland habitats, where it functions as an aerial insectivore, exhibiting remarkable agility in capturing insects during flight.

Perched on prominent branches, it maintains vigilance over its territory.
Its vocalizations are characterized by a diverse repertoire of loud
often metallic calls and a variety of short, harsh notes. These calls serve territorial and communicative functions within its habitat.

Andaman Green-Pigeon (Treron chloropterus) A large, dull-green pigeon with a thick pale bill and a gray forehead. The dark olive-green and maroon wings have contrasting yellow lines below the shoulders, and the undertail is dull yellow with green patches, blending perfectly with its forest habitat.

These pigeons are primarily frugivores. often seen in large numbers feeding on fruits and berries found in the dense tropical forests. They inhabit both.
primary and secondary forests, often seen in the canopy. Their soft, cooing calls resonate through the trees.

Habitat loss and hunting pose a threat to this beautiful and unique pigeon, making its conservation crucial.

Andaman Crake (Rallina canningi), a small, elusive bird endemic to the Andaman Islands, measures around 20-23 cm. Its plumage is primarily dark reddish-brown, white, and black bands.
underparts with apple-green beak and leg, blending seamlessly into its preferred habitat of
dense forests and bushy shrub areas.

This secretive crake forages on the forest floor, consuming insects, seeds, and small invertebrates. Often heard but rarely seen, its calls, a series of soft, clicking notes, echo through the undergrowth.

This shy bird remains a
rare and precious sight.

Andaman Treepie (Dendrocitta bayleyi) is a distinct corvid species exclusively found in the Andaman Islands. This medium-sized bird is characterized by its slender build and relatively long tail. Its plumage features a combination of dark grey to black on the face, wings, and tail, with reddish-brown underparts and back. Notably, it has a small white patch on its wings.

It inhabits well-wooded lowland forests often in mixed hunting flocks. This omnivorous species feeds on insects, fruits, seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates. Its calls encompass a variety of metallic sounds, harsh screeches, dry trills, and soft whistles.

Andaman Flowerpecker (Dicaeum virescens) is the only flowerpecker of the Andaman Islands.
Measuring roughly 8-9 cm, its olive-green upperparts and paler underparts have a small hint of yellow patch separating it from the Plain Flowerpecker. Its slender, curved bill is perfect for extracting nectar. Sex alike.

These birds are primarily nectarivorous, supplementing their diet with insects, spiders, and small fruits, particularly figs. They thrive in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, navigating the canopy with agility, and are also seen in gardens and parks.

Narcondam Hornbill (Rhyticeros narcondami), the smallest Rhyticeros hornbill, and it has the smallest global range among hornbills. endemic to the tiny (6.82 km²) island of Narcondam, in the Andaman Archipelago. Resides in the fairly open mixed forest, which covers most of the island, from sea level to the peak.

It uses mature, undisturbed forests with large trees for nesting and roosting. The species nests in holes on the trunk or broken branches of large trees, and the female is sealed into a nest cavity for the duration of egg-laying and chick-rearing.

With a population of only 300-600 mature individuals currently occupying the restricted Narcondam Island, visiting the island is off-limits for Indian & foreign tourists and is not part of our birding tours.

The Andaman Islands are also home to five endemic nocturnal birds of andaman, click on the below button to learn more about the endemic owls & nightjars of the islands.