One of the best birding regions of North East India comprises the state of Sikkim and the adjoining parts of North Bengal – Darjeeling and Kalimpong. It is a rugged strip of vertical mountain country wedged between Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and the North Bengal Plains of India. This birding hotspot rises from near sea level to 8,500 meters, in a very short distance, The great Himalayan Range with its giant spurs – Singelila and Chola, virtually enclose this region in a titanic horseshoe. Starting from the plains of North Bengal tangled interlacing ridges rise range after range to the foot of the great wall of high peaks and passes opening into Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.
The climate varies between the tropical heat of the valleys and the alpine cold of the snowy regions. With rainfall averaging 348cm, it is the most humid region of the Himalayas. Dry season is from November to March. The altitudinal zones of vegetation range from Tropical, through sub-tropical and temperate to Alpine. In some places only 10kms in a direct line separate the palm growing valleys from perpetual snow. This telescoping of terrain has created marked altitudinal zonation in the humidity, rainfall, climate and vegetation. This factor is responsible for the great variety and abundance of the resident bird life, making this area arguably one of the richest areas of its size anywhere in the world. Dr Salim Ali – one of India’s foremost ornithologists has recorded 527 species of resident birds. In addition there are vagrants, and transients on migration. It is estimated that more than 30 percent of the species of the Indian Sub continent can be spotted in this region.
Birding Sites within the State of Sikkim
East Sikkim:
Rumtek Gompa and Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary are rich in birdlife with most forest species being seen here. Tsomgo/Changu Lake (3,800m) and Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary (3,300m) can be explored by hardy birdwatchers for high-altitude Himalayan species.
South and West Sikkim:
Pelling/Pemayangtse and nearby villages have several interesting birding trails worth taking. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary starts at about 200m and gradually rises to 3,000m at Maenam Top. This is a good site to look out for satyr tragopan, blood pheasants, rusty-bellied shortwing, among others. Khecheopalri Lake hosts many waterfowl besides being the wintering habitat of the black-necked crane.
North Sikkim:
Places to visit include Yumthang, Lachung/Lachen, Chungthang and Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (2,900 - 4,300m).
Highlight Bird Species:
Blood Pheshant
Satyr Tragopan
Red Tailed Minla
Brown Parrotbill
Great Parrotbill
Grandala
Rusty Flanked Treecreeper
Fulvous Parrotbill
Spotted Laughingthrush
White Browed Bush Robin
Eyebrowed Fulvetta
Yellow Rumped Honeyguide
