Bird Watching

Uttarakhand’s bird species range from colorful pheasants to majestic raptors. Some of the most sought-after sightings include:

Himalayan Monal: The state bird of Uttarakhand, known for its spectacular iridescent plumage.

Pheasants: Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, and Kalij Pheasant.

Raptors: Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and Mountain Hawk-Eagle.

Thrushes: Blue Whistling Thrush, Blue-capped Redstart, and various types of Laughingthrushes.

Woodpeckers: Himalayan Pied Woodpecker, Great Slaty Woodpecker, and Scaly-bellied Woodpecker.

Other Species: Great Barbet, Rufous-bellied Niltava, and various species of Flycatchers, Warblers, and Parakeets.

Best Time for Bird Watching
While bird watching is possible year-round, the most productive seasons are:

Spring (March to May): This is a prime time as the weather is pleasant, and many resident birds are active and preparing for the breeding season.

Autumn/Winter (October to March): This period is ideal for spotting winter migrants from higher altitudes and the Palaearctic region, as well as wetland birds that flock to the lower-lying areas. Birds are often more active and in mixed feeding flocks, making sightings more frequent.