Species in Nepal - Birds

During mating season, peacocks (<i>Pavo cristatus</i>) display their fancy tails.

During mating season, peacocks (Pavo cristatus) display their fancy tails.
© WWF-Canon / Helena Telkanranta

More than 800 species of birds!

A male ashy drongo (<i>Dicrurus leucophaeus</i>) overseeing his territory. Drongos sing in a loud and clear tone that is easily distinguishable in spring.

Asian openbill (<i>Anastomus oscitans</i>) depends on wetlands to survive. Its long bill is a handy tool for opening mussels and other delicacies.

Black francolins (<i>Francolinus francolinus</i>) live in grasslands and shrubs. The male has a distinct colouring to attract females, whereas the female has better camouflage to hide from predators with her young.

A black ibis (<i>Pseudibis papillosa</i>) looking for a resting place at dusk after having spent the day feeding in wetlands and riversides.

Nepal has more than 800 species of birds. About half of them live in the Terai. Nowadays, about 15% of the bird species of Nepal are threatened nationally.

In most cases, habitat loss is the main cause as two thirds of the threatened species are forest dwelling. Fortunately, there is still a lot left to save.