Bhutan holds one of the richest bird lists in the Himalayas relative to its size. Recorded checklists list more than 700 species across the country. Some updated counts push the total closer to 774 species. This range depends on the source and the latest survey data. Nearly 90 bird families appear somewhere within Bhutan borders.
This guide breaks the checklist down by status rather than listing every name. It also covers the best spotting sites for each type of habitat. Use it as a starting point before booking a dedicated birding trip.
How Many Bird Species Live in Bhutan
Bird surveys across the country have recorded more than 700 species. Wikipedia lists 760 species based on the Clements checklist framework. Other trackers such as Fatbirder report more than 770 species. Bird tour operators in the region often cite a figure near 774. New species keep appearing as remote valleys get surveyed further. This list groups birds across nearly 90 families and 22 orders.
Why Bhutan Supports Such Rich Bird Diversity
Bhutan spans an unusually wide range of elevation for its size. Land rises from about 100 meters near the southern border. It climbs past 7,000 meters at the northern peaks. This range creates subtropical, temperate and alpine habitats within short distances. Forest cover remains above 70 percent of the total land area. National policy keeps a large share of that forest under protection. Birds move between these zones with the seasons, adding to the count.
Notable Bird Families Represented in Bhutan
Laughingthrushes form one of the largest and most colorful families present. More than 20 species turn up across mid and high elevation forest. Pheasants and partridges also do well here, thanks to dense forest cover. Six pheasant species breed within the country, an unusually high number. Hornbills, sunbirds and woodpeckers add further variety to forest habitats. Raptors range from tiny falconets to large fish eagles along major rivers. Wetland birds cluster around Phobjikha, Bumdeling and the lowland river systems.
Understanding Bird Status Categories on This Checklist
Bird checklists sort species by how often and when they appear. Resident birds live and breed in the country through the year. Winter visitors arrive from colder regions and leave by spring. Summer visitors breed locally, then migrate south for the winter. Passage migrants pass through briefly during spring or autumn movement. Vagrants show up rarely, often far outside their normal range. Globally threatened species carry extra conservation weight on any checklist. This guide highlights each category rather than listing all 700 plus names.
Globally Threatened Birds of Bhutan
BirdLife International lists 14 bird species from the country as globally threatened. These birds face a real risk of decline or extinction worldwide. Habitat loss, hydropower development and river changes drive most of the pressure. The table below covers some of the most notable threatened species.
| Species | IUCN Status | Where It Is Found |
|---|---|---|
| White-bellied Heron | Critically Endangered | Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu river basins |
| Bengal Florican | Critically Endangered | Grasslands of Royal Manas National Park |
| Pallas's Fish Eagle | Endangered | Major rivers below 1,400 meters |
| Black-necked Crane | Vulnerable | Phobjikha and Bumdeling valleys in winter |
| Rufous-necked Hornbill | Vulnerable | Broadleaf forests of Zhemgang and Trongsa |
| Chestnut-breasted Partridge | Vulnerable | Subtropical forests of eastern Bhutan |
| Blyth's Tragopan | Vulnerable | Forests of far eastern Bhutan |
| Wood Snipe | Vulnerable | Cool broadleaf forests at mid elevation |
| Beautiful Nuthatch | Vulnerable | Mixed forests of southern and eastern valleys |
The White-bellied Heron stands out as the rarest bird on this list. Fewer than 60 individuals survive worldwide across three countries. The country now holds around half of that global population. A 2026 survey recorded 31 individuals, the highest count so far. Most sightings come from the Punatsangchhu river basin in the west.
The National Bird of Bhutan
The Common Raven holds the honor of national bird in the country. Its local name is Bja Oro. The raven appears on the royal crown as a sacred symbol. It represents the protective deity Gonpo Jarodonchen in local belief. Visitors often confuse it with the more common Large-billed Crow.
Best Bird Spotting Sites in Bhutan
Protected areas cover more than half of the entire country. This network gives birders reliable access to a wide range of habitats. The sites below cover lowland forest, wetland valleys and high mountain passes.
Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha stands as the most visited birding site in Bhutan. Black-necked Cranes arrive here from Tibet each November. They stay through winter before returning north by February. The valley also hosts Himalayan Monal and spotted nutcracker sightings. A crane festival each November draws both birders and local families.
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
Bumdeling sits in the far northeast, near Trashi Yangtse. This sanctuary forms a second wintering ground for Black-necked Cranes. Fire-tailed Myzornis and Himalayan Cutia also appear in its forests. The sanctuary spans a huge elevation range, from lowland to alpine.
Royal Manas National Park
Royal Manas is the oldest national park in Bhutan. Dense subtropical forest here supports hornbills, partridges and rare raptors. Birders often call it the Amazon of Bhutan for its density. Bengal Florican and White-bellied Heron both appear within its boundaries.
Zhemgang and Tingtibi
Zhemgang district holds some of the richest lowland forest in Bhutan. Rufous-necked Hornbill sightings are common along its forest edges. Satyr Tragopan begins courtship display here early in the year. Tingtibi village serves as a convenient base for exploring the area.
Trongsa and Yotongla Pass
Yotongla Pass connects central and eastern Bhutan through dense forest. Ward's Trogon is a major draw for birders passing through. Mixed flocks of warblers and flycatchers move through the canopy here. Trongsa town makes a good overnight stop for early morning birding.
Chele La and Dochula Passes
These high mountain passes sit above 3,300 meters near Paro and Thimphu. Blood Pheasant and Himalayan Monal favor the rhododendron scrub near the top. Spring brings peak activity as pheasants display for mates. Clear mornings offer the best chance of a sighting.
Punakha Valley
Punakha sits at a lower, warmer elevation than most of Bhutan. Rivers here attract kingfishers, forktails and the White-capped Water Redstart. Ibisbill sometimes appears along the wide gravel riverbanks. The valley pairs well with a visit to Punakha Dzong.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Sakteng lies in the far east, close to the border with India. The sanctuary protects high alpine terrain along with lower forest belts. Blood Pheasant and several rare warblers turn up in its remote valleys. Reaching Sakteng takes real effort, so crowds here stay small. Birders willing to trek gain access to species missed elsewhere.
Endemic and Near-Endemic Birds Worth Seeking
A small group of birds occurs only in the eastern Himalayas. These near-endemic species draw dedicated birders to specific valleys in Bhutan. Chestnut-breasted Partridge counts as one of the hardest of these to find. Ward's Trogon and the Beautiful Nuthatch also fall into this group. Grey-crowned Prinia has one of the smallest known ranges of any bird. Spotting these species usually requires a guide familiar with local call sites.
Planning a Birding Trip to Bhutan
All travel in Bhutan runs through a licensed local tour operator. Visitors pay a Sustainable Development Fee for each night of the stay. This fee supports conservation work, including habitat and species protection programs. Most birding trips last between one and two weeks. Longer trips allow time to cover both lowland and high altitude sites. Booking several months ahead helps secure guides who specialize in birding.
Best Time of Year for Birdwatching in Bhutan
Winter, from November to February, is best for Black-necked Cranes. Spring, from March to May, brings the highest overall bird activity. Breeding displays peak during this window across most elevation zones. Pheasants such as the Himalayan Monal display heavily in April. Autumn, from September to November, offers clear skies and migrating raptors. Each season favors a different mix of species and locations.
Tips for Birdwatching Trips in Bhutan
A licensed local guide is required for all travel in Bhutan. Many guides specialize in birding and know key call sites. Binoculars, a spotting scope and a field guide are worth packing. Early morning hours bring the most bird activity in most habitats. Warm layers help during high altitude birding at passes like Chele La. Leech socks are worth packing for lowland forest visits in summer. Respecting protected area rules helps keep these habitats intact for birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bird species are there in Bhutan?
Checklists place the total between 745 and about 774 species. Wikipedia and Avibase commonly cite a figure near 760 species.
What is the national bird of Bhutan?
The Common Raven, known locally as Bja Oro, is the national bird. It appears on the royal crown as a protective symbol.
Which bird is the rarest in Bhutan?
The White-bellied Heron is the rarest and most threatened bird in the country. Fewer than 60 individuals survive worldwide, and Bhutan holds about half.
When is the best time to see Black-necked Cranes?
Black-necked Cranes arrive in Phobjikha and Bumdeling each November. They remain through winter before leaving by February for Tibet.
Do birders need a guide to visit Bhutan?
Yes, a licensed local guide is required for all travel in Bhutan. Guides also help locate specific species and navigate protected areas.