Within the Kathmandu valley alone, over 500 species of birds have been recorded. The surrounding hills offer a varied ecology ranging from primary and secondary forests to rhododendron, oak and pine forests. In addition, the wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds.
The most popular bird watching spot is the Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20 km South East of Kathmandu, with some 265 species recorded to date. The birds seen here included babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchoki hill where the Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.
Nepal can be a bird watchers and nature lovers delight with its abundant species of birds. The country is blessed with over 800 diverse species, which amounts to more than 8% of the world’s total number of birds; further, more than 500 species are found in Kathmandu itself. Phulchoki, Godavari, Nagarjun, Bagmati River, Taudaha are celebrated spots for birdwatching in Kathmandu. March and December are the most favorable seasons for indulging in a pleasant bird watching. Moreover, there are many national parks and wildlife reserves outside Katmandu that has treasured species of birds. Royal Chitwan National Park is one of the favorites for birdwatching in Nepal. It displays 450 species of birds, even the rare species like- bengal florican, giant horn bill, lesser florican, black stork, etc. Where as the familiar birds like pea-fowl, red jungle fowl, herons, kingfishers, woodpeckers and the like are seen everywhere.
