Bhutan stands as a sanctuary for avian biodiversity, offering exceptional opportunities for ornithologists and birding enthusiasts alike. To date, over 670 bird species have been documented within the country’s diverse ecosystems, with many more yet to be formally recorded. Among these, approximately 50 species are winter migrants, including ducks, waders, raptors, thrushes, finches, and buntings. Partial migrants, such as cuckoos, swifts, bee-eaters, warblers, and flycatchers, also frequent Bhutan, taking advantage of its pristine habitats during specific times of the year.
The nation’s rich ecological landscape supports more than 16 species classified as vulnerable, all of which are known to breed within its territory. These include notable species such as the Pallas’s Fish Eagle, White-bellied Heron, Satyr Tragopan, Grey-bellied Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Blyth’s Trogon, Wood Snipe, Dark-rumped Swift, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Grey-crowned Prinia, and the Beautiful Nuthatch.
Of particular conservation significance is Bhutan’s role in protecting critically endangered species. The country provides a crucial wintering ground for the Imperial Heron, one of the fifty rarest bird species globally as well as the Black-necked Crane, which migrates from the Tibetan Plateau across the Himalayas each year. These iconic cranes can be observed in key wintering sites, including the Phobjikha Valley (Western Bhutan), Bumthang (Central Bhutan), and Bomdeling (Eastern Bhutan), typically arriving between September and October and departing between February and March. Bhutan’s commitment to conservation, coupled with its unspoiled natural environment, makes it one of the most important and rewarding destinations in the world for avifaunal research and birdwatching.
The list of endangered birds of Bhutan are mentioned below
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1. Baer’s Pochard |
2. Beautiful Nuthatch |
3. Black-necked Crane |
4. Black-necked Stork |
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5. Blackish-breasted Babbler |
6. Blyth’s Kingfisher |
7. Chestnut-breasted Partridge |
8. Dark-rumped Swift |
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9. Eurasian Curlew |
10. Eurasian Peregrine Falcon |
11. Ferruginous Duck |
12. Gray-crowned PriniaDuck |
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13. Great Hornbill |
14. Imperial Heron |
15. Lesser Fish-eagle |
16. Palla’s Fish-eagle |
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17. Pallid Harriergle |
18. Rufous-necked Hornbill |
19. Rufous-throated Wren-babbler |
20. Satyr Tragopan |
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21. Ward’s Trogon |
22. White-bellied Heron |
23. White-rumped Vulture |
24. White-throated Bushcat |
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25. Woodsnipe |
26. Yellow-rumped Honeyguide |
What is included
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver
- All entrance fees and permits.
- Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels
- Single room supplement is additional of USD 45 per night per room
- All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
- Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
- Afternoon tea and snacks
- Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
- Visa fee and processing charges
- Tourism Development Fund
- Government taxes
- All administrative cost
- Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
What is not included
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
- Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange you tickets for you if you wish)
- Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
- Travel or health insurance
- Wire transfer
- Laundry
- Gratuity/Tip for guides and drivers