Bird Watching
North Bengal is widely known for its verdant greenery and rich wildlife that separates the region from the rest. With diverse topography spread across different altitudes, the area is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks making it one of the best places for bird lovers. Being located adjacent to the Bhutan and Nepal border you can witness both native as well as migratory birds. From endangered Himalayan bird species to migratory birds of the west, here you can find a diverse variety of birds. Darjeeling, Sikkim and Kalimpong are some of the major towns to indulge in a bird-watching experience.
Here are the top sites for bird-watching
Lava
Situated at a distance of 35km from the city of Kalimpong, Lava is a picturesque village known for its lush greenery and rich wildlife. Being home to the Neora Valley National Park, the region is filled with offbeat destinations and verdant valleys making it a bird watcher’s delight. Over the years the locals have sighted more than 200 variety of bird species some of which belong to the Himalayan regions. Ashy Wood-pigeon, Rufous-throated and Spotted Wren Babblers, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Red-faced Liocichla, Rusty-belied Shortwing, Blue-fronted Robin and Long-billed Thrush are some of the most commonly found bird species. On average 2-3 days of birding can help you see some of the most popular birds of this region.
Singalila Range
Home to some of the most popular trekking routes such as Sandakhphu and Phalut, the Singalila range is the most popular birding destination. Known for its serene environment with blissful climatic conditions, the place offers a peaceful habitat for numerous species of birds. The place is known to inhabit approximately 300 Himalayan bird species that can be rarely found in other parts of the country. Blood Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Collared Pygmy Owlet, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Spotted Nutcracker, Satyr Tragopan, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Brown & Black-throated Parrotbill, Chestnut-crowned Laughing Thrush, Plain Mountain Finch and White-winged Grosbeak are some of the birds that can be sighted in this ranges.
Kitam Bird Sanctuary
With an elevation range of 1200ft to 3200ft above sea level, the Kitam Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers located in the Kitam Valley of Sikkim. Being situated on the bank of river Rangeet the place has emerged as one of the most prominent sites when it comes to sighting rare and endangered bird species. Being placed on the southern part of Sikkim, the bird sanctuary is home to numerous bird species some of which are Rufous-necked Hornbill, Grey-crowned Prinia, Rufous-throated Wren-babbler, Grey-crowned Prinia, Wedge-billed Wren-babbler and many more.
Panbu Forest
Panbu is an offbeat destination beautifully placed in the Kalimpong district has been able to emerge as a paradise for a nature lover. The place along with a blissful atmosphere and verdant environment is also popular among bird lovers. There are various tour guides and birding guides who with their binoculars and birding equipment will help you sight some of the rare and endangered bird species of this region making it a must-visit site for a surreal experience.
Latpanchar
When it comes to immersing in an amazing birding experience, Latpanchar is one of the most prominent names that arise among tourists. Placed in the northern part of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and the eastern foothills of the Himalayan region, the village is one of the best places to sight various species of birds. Surrounded by rich wildlife and numerous bird sighting spots this is the best place to visit for a unique birding experience. Rufous-necked Hornbill, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Black Baza and Collared Scops Owl are some of the popular birds sighted in this region.
