Nagaland’s Amazing Amurs and Mishmi Hills
This special tour experiences one of the birding wonders of the entire world. For just a few weeks at the end of October and early November in Nagaland, in India’s Northeast, phenomenal numbers of the beautiful Amur Falcons gather together to feed and roost during their remarkable migration from eastern Russia and China to southern Africa. To stand at dusk with hundreds of thousands of Amur Falcons swirling around above our heads, and in total silence except for their calls, is truly awe-inspiring.
We start the trip though at Kaziranga National Park in Assam. With two-thirds of the world’s population of Great One-horned, or Indian, Rhinoceros, a high density of Tigers, and large populations of Asian Elephants, Wild Water Buffalo and Swamp Deer, Kaziranga is a World Heritage Site. On the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, it is a fantastic place for birdwatching, and recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
The Mishmi Hills of northeastern Arunachal Pradesh has become popular in recent years as travel restrictions in the state have eased. The area covers a large altitudinal range over a relatively short ground distance which means bird diversity is excellent. The highlight species is the localised Mishmi, or Rusty-throated, Wren-babbler which, after being described from one specimen collected in 1947, was not seen again until 2004. Other superb birds include Blyth’s Tragopan, Sclater’s Monal (this being the prime time of year to see them), Himalayan Owl, Chevron-breasted Babbler (Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler), Gould’s Shortwing, and Purple and Green Cochoas. One highlight will be a stay at the bizarre Mayodia Coffee House where we can guarantee that you certainly won’t get good coffee!
Target Species
- Golden Babbler
- Rufous-bellied Eagle
- Dusky Warbler
- Large Scimitar Babbler
- Bay Woodpecker
- Lesser Adjutant
- Finn’s Weaver
- Broad-billed Warbler
- Jerdon’s Bush Chat
- Nepal House Martin
- Dusky Thrush
- Ruby-cheeked Sunbird
- Grey-cheeked Warbler
- Golden-throated Barbet
- Black-headed Shrike-babbler
- Streaked Spiderhunter
- Grey-sided Bush Warbler
- Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler
- White-naped Yuhina
- Gould’s Shortwing …