July 29, 2025

Tucked between the high Himalayas and subtropical forests, Bhutan is one of the world’s most rewarding yet underexplored destinations for birdwatchers. With over 770 recorded species, including many rare and endangered birds, Bhutan’s pristine forests and national parks have earned it a reputation as the “birding capital of the Eastern Himalayas.”

1. Why Bhutan is a Birder’s Dream

Unlike many biodiversity hotspots, Bhutan remains almost untouched by mass tourism, deforestation, or urban encroachment. Its protected areas and altitudinal range—from 150 meters to over 7,000 meters—create ideal habitats for a wide variety of species, from lowland waders to high-altitude specialists.

Bhutan lies in the Indo-Malayan and Palearctic ecozones, creating a convergence of ecosystems and bird species rarely seen elsewhere. This also makes it a vital part of the East Asian Flyway for migratory birds.

2. Iconic and Endangered Birds You Might See

Some of Bhutan’s most sought-after bird species include:

  • Black-necked Crane – Found in the Phobjikha Valley in winter, this majestic bird is revered in Bhutanese culture.
  • Satyr Tragopan – A vibrantly colored pheasant seen in forested elevations around 3,000 meters.
  • Ward’s Trogon – Elusive and rare, found in the moist evergreen forests of Bhutan’s middle hills.
  • Beautiful Nuthatch – A globally threatened species with limited range.
  • Himalayan Monal – Bhutan’s national bird, famous for its iridescent feathers.
  • Rufous-necked Hornbill – Found in lowland forests of the south; vulnerable due to habitat loss.

Bhutan is also a great place for laughingthrushes, babblers, yuhinas, minivets, and bushchats—with high chances of spotting mixed flocks.

3. Best Birdwatching Regions in Bhutan

  • Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey): Winter home of the Black-necked Cranes and many alpine meadow species.
  • Trongsa to Bumthang Road: A hotspot for satyr tragopan, bar-winged cuckoo doves, and sunbirds.
  • Mo Chhu & Punatsangchhu Valleys: Low-elevation zones rich in hornbills, kingfishers, and parakeets.
  • Tingtibi and Zhemgang: In southern Bhutan, this subtropical zone hosts trogons, pittas, and the rare Blyth’s kingfisher.
  • Jigme Dorji National Park & Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary: Ideal for rare eastern Himalayan species and forest birds.

4. When to Go Birding in Bhutan

The best seasons are:

  • Spring (March to May) – Breeding season with courtship displays and clear sightings.
  • Autumn (September to November) – Migration season with diverse flocks and favorable weather.
  • Winter (November to February) – Best time to see Black-necked Cranes and high-altitude birds that descend to valleys.

Even in monsoon (June–August), Bhutan’s birding remains productive in the south—especially for lowland specialties.

5. Birding with Purpose

Birdwatching tours in Bhutan contribute to local conservation efforts and communities. Many treks and lodges, such as those in Phobjikha and Zhemgang, are run by locals trained in avian knowledge. Bhutan also integrates traditional conservation beliefs—like viewing the crane as a sacred messenger—with modern science.