Best time to travel to Bhutan

Birdwatching in Bhutan

Rare and endangered, bright and colourful, and amazing at dancing and singing—birds in Bhutan posses all imaginable characteristics and varieties

Best time: November–May

Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching

Bhutanese people believe in deities, symbols, and the magic power of nature, so birds play a crucial role in their everyday life. The arrival of Black-Necked Cranes, for example, marks the end of harvest and time for families to migrate to lower altitudes.

There are about 670 bird species in Bhutan, with around 50 of them being winter migrators. Both professional bird watchers and amateurs will definitely enjoy visiting Bhutan, as all forests and even mountain slopes are truly a bird paradise. At an altitude above 4,000 meters, you can find Tibetan Snowcocks, Snow Partridges, and Blue-fronted Redstarts. Though hard to find on the ground, Golden Eagles are truly the king of mountains peaks. If you descend down to the subtropical forests, Rufous-necked Hornbills and Beautiful Nuthatch will meet you among the fruit trees where they feed and breed. Across the valleys, Bhutan also hosts such graceful and endangered species as Imperial Herons and Black-Necked Cranes.

Depending on your aim, you can choose to visit various bird watching spots across the country, but the most populated with birds are Phobjikha Valley, which welcomes cranes from November till mid-February, and lowland forests around Gelephu, where spring season brings birds mating dances and, of course, the beauty of blooming trees and flowers.

Practical info

What is the best timing for birdwatching in Bhutan?

To spot most of the bird species, it is recommended to visit Bhutan between November and May. Winter migratory birds arrive in November, and they stay till mid-February. During Spring, most birds breed and display their mating rituals. Show more

Which are the top birdwatching spots in Bhutan?

Phobjikha Valley and the lowland forests near Gelephu are the two best birdwatching spots in Bhutan. The Black-necked Cranes can be spotted in the Phobjikha Valley between November and mid-February. The lowland forests around Gelephu are ideal for birdwatching in Spring. Tibetan Snowcocks, Snow Partridges, and beautiful Nuthatches are some of the species one may get to see. Show more

How many bird species exist in Bhutan?

Bhutan has around 670 bird species, including about 50 migratory species. The country's diverse forest types and wetlands offer a varied topography and climate zones, providing an ideal habitat for several rare and endangered species. The Black-necked Crane and the Imperial Heron are some of the rare species in Bhutan that are protected under the government's conservation program. Show more

What is the significance of Black-Necked Cranes in Bhutan?

The significance of the Black-necked Cranes in Bhutanese culture is immense. Revered for their beauty, grace, and fidelity, they enjoy a sacred status. The arrival of these birds in Bhutanese folklore is a symbol of good fortune, and they bring happiness and prosperity. The Black-necked Crane festival takes place annually in Phobjikha Valley, celebrating their arrival in Bhutan. Show more

What are some of the rare and endangered bird species found in Bhutan?

Imperial Heron, White-Bellied Heron, Pallas's Fish Eagle, and Black-necked Crane are some of the rare and endangered bird species found in Bhutan. The country has established a conservation program for the birds in Bhutan. The entire area has diverse forests, wetlands, and topography, making it an ideal habitat for these birds. By birdwatching, tourists can witness the exquisite birds of Bhutan and play their part in conservation efforts. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin