An ornithological survey in north-east India

Forktail 20: 15–24.

We conducted surveys between October 2000 and June 2001 at nine sites in north-east India with low- to mid-elevation tropical evergreen forest, with a particular focus on forest species. We recorded 261 bird species, including five globally threatened species (White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata, Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis, Pallas’s Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus, Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus and Beautiful Nuthatch Sitta formosa), four Near Threatened species (White-cheeked Partridge Arborophila atrogularis, Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis, Brown Hornbill Anorrhinus tickelli and Blyth’s Kingfisher Alcedo hercules), three restricted-range species, several poorly known species, and a number of new altitudinal records. In general, north-east India remains deficient in avifaunal data. Further surveys, especially in the poorly known interior montane tracts, are needed to assist the identification of conservation priorities in the region.

(Photo: Grey Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum, Courtesy: Mizoram Forest Department.)