Bird-Watching Sites in Western Bhutan. Western Bhutan, encompassing five distinct districts, offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Here are some key birding sites worth exploring:

Paro: The Gateway to Birding in Bhutan: Paro, serving as the gateway to Bhutan, is an ideal starting point for birdwatchers. Its convenient access allows birding enthusiasts to experience the vibrant avian diversity of Western Bhutan, especially for those on a short visit.

Chelela Pass: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise. Chelela Pass, situated between Haa and Paro, features semi-alpine meadows that host numerous fascinating species. Notably, you can observe three different pheasants: the Himalayan Monal, Kalij, and Blood Pheasant. The Satyr Tragopan is visible during April and May. Depending on the season, various Rosefinches, such as the Himalayan White-browed, Dark-rumped, and Dark-breasted Rosefinches, can be found here. Other notable species include the Blue-fronted, White-throated, and Hodgson’s Redstarts, Alpine, Rufous-breasted, and Himalayan Accentors, two species of Grosbeak, Darjeeling and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Snow Pigeon, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, and a variety of Tits. Chelela Pass is a key birding site in Bhutan and is included in any birding itinerary in the region.

Paro River (Pa Chu) and Wetlands. The Paro River and surrounding wetlands are prime locations for spotting the Ibisbill, a special bird of the Himalayas with an elegant stature and long, curved bill. Other birds of interest in this area include the River Lapwing, Brown Dipper, White Wagtail, Black-tailed Crake, and regular winter sightings of the Solitary Snipe.

Dochula Pass: A Scenic Birding Destination. Dochula Pass, the scenic route between Thimphu and Punakha, features diverse habitats including conifer trees, rhododendrons, oaks, and bamboo forests. This area is home to various charming bird species, including the impressive Spotted Laughingthrush and the Fire-tailed Myzornis, which appears during the spring months. Other notable species include the Great Parrotbill, Green-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, and White-collared Blackbird.

Lamperi Botanical Garden: A Biodiverse Haven. The Royal Botanical Park in Lamperi, Bhutan’s first botanical park, serves as the scenic backdrop to Dochula Pass. Covering 47 square miles (120 km²), it connects Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. Birding within the central area offers a delightful hour-long walk where visitors can encounter key species like Darjeeling and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Brown Parrotbill, Streaked-breasted Scimitar Babbler, and Black-tailed Crake. Seasonal sightings include Golden-breasted and Black-throated Parrotbill. In winter, the park hosts species such as Alpine Thrush, Blue-fronted and Hodgson’s Redstart, and Rufous-breasted Accentor. Ward’s Trogon is a highlight species, alongside 46 species of rhododendrons.

Punakha – Gasa (Jigme Dorji National Park): Discover the rich birdlife of Punakha-Gasa in Jigme Dorji National Park. Renowned for its diverse habitats, including riverine and warm cool broadleaved forests, this park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Spot key bird species like the endangered Palla’s Fish Eagle and other critically endangered species. Observe various woodpeckers such as the Bay, Lesser, and Greater Yellownape, along with the Tawny Fish Owl. Explore unique Forktail species, including the Little, Slaty-backed, and Spotted Forktails. Encounter elusive birds like the Chestnut-headed and Slaty-bellied Tesia, Lesser Shortwing, and the recently classified Spotted Elachura, now recognized as its own unique family. Occasionally, you may also spot the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.

Bajo: Birdwatching Along the Punatshangchu River. Bajo, situated along the Punatshangchu River, features riverine habitats predominantly characterized by cobbles and sandy shingles, making it an excellent location for observing waterbirds from late fall to early spring. Here, visitors can spot a variety of ducks, including the Ruddy Shelduck, Common Merganser, Great Cormorant, Mandarin Duck, and more. Other shorebirds present include the Ibisbill, River Lapwing, Little-ringed Plover, and various sandpipers. Occasionally, rare and endangered species such as the White-bellied Heron and Palla’s Fish Eagle are also sighted in this area.

Nobding: A Birdwatcher’s Delight . Nobding is characterized by its extensive cool broadleaved forests, harboring a diverse array of bird species. Notable highlights include the highly sought-after Ward’s Trogon and the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, one of Asia’s two honeyguide species. This area also hosts the Himalayan Cutia, Fire-capped Tit, Blyth’s Shrike Babbler, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Short-billed Minivet, and Bhutan Laughingthrush, prominent during the spring months. The rock cliffs alongside the road provide ideal habitat for wintering Wallcreepers, while the small shrubs and bushes here are home to the Fire-tailed Myzornis, both observed during the winter season.

Phobjekha Valley: A Winter Haven for Endangered Black-necked Cranes. Phobjekha Valley is one of the largest marshland areas, serving as a crucial winter habitat for the endangered Black-necked Cranes. Out of a global population exceeding 17,000, more than 600 Black-necked Cranes migrate to this valley each winter. Due to its significance as a habitat for these cranes, Phobjekha Valley has been designated as a conservation area.

While the valley is primarily known for its crane population, it also hosts a limited number of other species. Notable among these are the Himalayan Owl, Oriental Skylark, and Hen Harrier. During the winter, a few species of Thrushes and Redstarts also visit the valley. Additionally, there have been occasional sightings of the rare Woodsnipe.

Pelela Old Abandon Road: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise. The old abandoned road at Pelela offers open meadows and lush Rhododendron forests, creating ideal habitats for various notable bird species. Bird enthusiasts can spot the magnificent Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Spotted and Black-faced Laughingthrushes, and Brown Parrotbill in this area. The road also attracts White-winged and Collared Grosbeaks, White-throated Redstart, White-browed and Dark-rumped Rosefinches, White-browed Fulvetta, and the Chestnut-tailed Minla.

Additionally, birdwatchers may encounter the Red-headed Bullfinch, the elusive Bar-winged Wren Babbler, and the skulking Scaly-breasted Cupwing. During the spring months, this road is particularly favorable for spotting the enchanting Satyr Tragopan.