Bird Watching in Nepal
Nepal is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 800 species of birds, making up nearly 8% of the world's total recorded bird population. This rich diversity is due to the country's varied geography, ranging from the lowland jungles of the Terai to the high-altitude plateaus of the Himalayas. In just a span of about 200 kilometers, you can experience a vast array of bird habitats. In the lowland regions like the Koshi Tappu Barrage, you can spot waterfowl and storks, while the middle hills, covered with rhododendron and oak forests, offer sightings of pheasants and cuckoos. The high Himalayas are home to unique species adapted to the alpine environment. Notable bird species include eight types of stork, egret, woodpecker, and black-headed shrike, as well as six species of pheasant and 17 species of cuckoo. The best times for bird watching in Nepal are from March to December, when the weather is mild, and the birds are most active.