Bird Watching in Central Bhutan: Discover Top Sites: Central Bhutan, spanning Bumthang, Trongsa, and Zhemgang districts, offers diverse birdwatching opportunities. While Bumthang and Trongsa provide rewarding birding experiences, it’s the isolated Zhemgang District with its expansive forest cover that charms bird enthusiasts. Explore these essential bird watching sites across the region:

Yotongla Pass: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise. Nestled amid fir, rhododendron, and bamboo forests, Yotongla Pass hosts a rich array of avian species. Birdwatchers can admire Great and Brown Parrotbills, Red-headed Bullfinches, Streaked-breasted and Slender-billed Scimitar Babblers, Scaly-breasted and Bar-winged Wren Babblers, Green-tailed and Mrs. Gould’s Sunbirds, and the elusive Satyr Tragopan—a sought-after sighting in Bhutan.

Tharpaling Monastery: A Hidden Gem. Tharpaling Monastery, lesser-known among birders, has become a sanctuary for bird photographers. Capture stunning images of the Himalayan Monal, often seen around the monastery due to its affinity with the monks. Other notable species include the Snow Pigeon, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, White-throated and Blue-fronted Redstarts, Alpine and Rufous-breasted Accentors, and more.

Trongsa to Koshala Stretch: Ideal for Birding. This stretch offers varied habitats—from settlements to farmlands and scrublands—supporting a diverse bird population. Look out for the Crested Bunting, Rufous-necked and White-crested Laughingthrushes, Blue-bearded Bee-eaters, Streak-breasted Scimitars, and White-browed Scimitar Babblers. Spot woodpeckers like the Rufous, Bay, and Crimson-breasted varieties, as well as Lesser and Greater Yellownapes and the Speckled Piculet. Keep an eye out for Black-throated and Himalayan Prinias, and chances to observe birds of prey including the Black Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, and Common Kestrel.

Zhemgang – Dakphal Road: Premier Birding Site. Explore cool and warm broadleaved forests, home to rare species like the Rufous-necked Hornbill and Beautiful Nuthatch. Encounter various Laughingthrushes such as the Bhutan Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, and Red-faced Liocichla. Common sightings include Scarlet and Grey-chinned Minivets, the Himalayan Cutia, Blyth’s Shrike Babbler, and a variety of Tits including the Sultan, Yellow-cheeked, Green-backed, and Black-throated Tits. Don’t miss the elusive Blue-naped Pitta during spring.

Tingtibe – Gomphu – Panbang: Gateway to Royal Manas National Park. Journey through subtropical forests and bamboo groves towards Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest. Encounter the White-hooded Babbler, Pale-billed Parrotbill, Pale-headed and Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, Bay and Fulvous-breasted Woodpeckers, and the White-browed Piculet. Look for the Grey-throated Babbler, Mountain Tailorbird, Yellow-bellied, and Rufous-faced Warblers, and raptors like the Crested Serpent-Eagle, Emerald Dove, and Red-headed Trogon. Watch for the Lesser Yellownape, Long-tailed and Silver-breasted Broadbills, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, White-bellied Erpornis, Bronzed and Lesser racket-tailed Drongos, and the Rufous-necked and Great Hornbills. Keep an eye out for owls including the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Tawny Fish Owl, Brown Boobook, Asian-barred Owlet, and Collared Owlet. Don’t miss the chance to spot Barbets such as the Great, Blue-throated, and Golden-throated, and watch for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.