Field Guide Birds of Ladakh

Field Guide
Birds of Ladakh
-hG----;m-!m-+--zz-em
Pankaj Chandan
Mohd. Abbas
Parikshit Gautam
FOREWORD
The Field Guide on the Birds of Ladakh is part of a series of bilingual (English and Ladakhi) field guides developed by WWF-India. The publication commemorates WWF-Indias efforts in conserving Ladakhs fragile wetlands, in collaboration with the State
Government and partner Organizations. Spread over a decade,
the work has helped in raising the profile of High Altitude Wetlands both at the local as well as national levels. A core component of the project has been to raise awareness of local youth
and involve them in conservation efforts. The publication of Field
Guides is yet another step towards this endeavour.
Given the pristine beauty of the land and its enigmatic inhabitants, Ladakh has been known as the Mountains of the Gods.
We are indeed fortunate to be able to participate in the conservation of this unique landscape.
My appreciation of the efforts put in by the authors and all those
involved in preparing this Field Guide. I hope that it will be a
handy companion for budding conservationists as well as visitors to Ladakh.
Ravi Singh
Secretary General & CEO,
WWF-India
PREFACE
The Field Guide on Birds of Ladakh has been specially designed

for the local youth of Ladakh. The Guide is a result of the intensive studies and surveys in harsh though unique environment of
Ladakh, secondary sources of information and then field testing
in different valleys of Ladakh. The field testing was done prior to
publishing the book so that only that language and information is
used which is easily understandable by the local youth.
The authors have particularly taken into account the interest of
the local youth as well as the general reader and thus the species have been described in such as way so that it can help in
easy identification.
This field guide puts into one place all the important information
about various key species of birds found in Ladakh. The same
information has been translated into local Ladakhi language so
that it helps those local youth who do not know English. It is
hoped that the field guide would not only be a source of reference for local youth but would also be a guide to birdwatchers
visiting Ladakh from across the world. It is also hoped that the
book will fill the gap for providing information to the local youth
in their own language.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The field guide is the result of exhaustive work by a large number of
people. There are many to whom we owe a great deal for helping to
produce this book.
We would like to thank Sh.Jigmet Takpa, IFS Regional Wildlife Warden Ladakh for his help in bringing out this publication.
Our special thanks to Ms.Nisa Khatoon, Project Officer, WWF-India,
Field Office Leh, for her help.
We wish to thank Sh. Abdul Rouf, Sh. Tsering Angchok and Sh. Lobzang Khatup-Range Officers, Wildlife division Leh, and other staff
members of Wildlife division Leh, especially Mrs. Tashi Lanzon for
their help.
We want to thank Ms.Archana Chatterjee, Regional Coordinator
WWF-India and Mr.Kishor Chandra, Admin Officer, WWF-India for
their help.
We are deeply grateful to Ms. Yamini Panchaksharam, Project Officer, WWF-India for helping us in editing the English version of the
guide.
We are grateful to Sh.Konchok Phandey, a renowned Ladakhi Scholar, for translating the field guide into the Ladakhi version. Without his
help the field guide in the local language could not have been possible.
We want to acknowledge Dr. Asad R. Rahmani, Director, BNHS, for
critically reviewing the draft. His comments have helped in further
improving the field guide.
Our special thanks to Sh. Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO,
WWF-India and Dr. Sejal Worah, Programme Director, WWF-India, for
their help and guidance.
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CONTENTS
Introduction
Birds of Ladakh
1. Great Crested Grebe
2. Red-Crested Pochard
3. Black-necked Crane
4. Bar-headed Goose
5. Ruddy Shelduck
6. Garganey
7. Northern Shoveler
8. Gadwall
9. Eurasian Wigeon
10. Ferruginous Pochard
11. Common Snipe
12. Common Redshank
13. Ruff
14. Black-winged Stilt
15. Pied Avocet
16. Ruddy Turnstone
17. Green Sandpiper
18. Marsh Sandpiper
19. Lesser Sand Plover
20. Black-tailed Godwit
21. Red-necked Phalarope
22. Common Tern
23. Golden Eagle
24. Lammergeier
25. Himalayan Griffon
26. Steppe Eagle
27. Pallas's Fish Eagle
28. Osprey
8
10
13
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
62
64
66
68
70
29. Upland Buzzard

30. Common Kestrel
31. Brown-headed Gull
32. Grey Heron
33. Pallas's Gull
34. Glossy Ibis
35. Ibisbill
36. Common Coot
37. Common Kingfisher
38. Oriental Turtle Dove
39. Blue Rock Pigeon
40. Snow Pigeon
41. Eurasian Eagle Owl
42. Little Owl
43. Red-billed Chough
44. Yellow-billed Chough
45. Tibetan Snowcock
46. Himalayan Snowcock
47. Tibetan Sandgrouse
48. Tibetan Partridge
49. Black-billed Magpie
50. Common Hoopoe
51. Alpine Swift
52. Great Rosefinch
53. Horned Lark
54. Common Redstart
55. Black Redstart
56. White-winged Redstart
57. Citrine Wagtail
58. Robin Accentor
59. Desert Wheatear
References
Annexure - Checklist of the Birds of Ladakh
72
74
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
102
104
106
108
110
112
114
116
118
120
122
124
126
128
130
132
134
136
INTRODUCTION
Ladakh represents the westernmost extension of the vast
Tibetan Plateau, covering an altitude range from 2700 to 7650
m. Two major mountain chains, the mighty Himalayas and the
Karakoram, demarcate its natural borders towards the south
and the north respectively, with the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges running through it cut by the flow of the Indus. It constitutes
over 80% of the Trans-Himalayan tract in India and is home to a
unique assemblage of flora and fauna. The region is also known
as a cold-desert and is characterized by severe, arid conditions.
Temperature may drop to 400C in the long winter months between December and April and may rise to 350C in the short
summer season from July August. The vegetation in the region
is sparse and productivity peaks only in the short summer season. This harsh environment is thus home to only highly adaptable flora and fauna.
Several species of mammals are found in the region, such as
the Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Tibetan Argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni), Tibetan Wild Ass (Equus kiang kiang), Himalayan Marmot (Marmota himalayana), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes),
Tibetan Gazelle (Procapra picticaudata), Snow Leopard (Uncia
uncia), Lynx (Lynx isabellina), Tibetan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsoni), and Wild Yak (Bos
grunniens). The flora of Ladakh falls under the Alpine and High
Alpine zones and many species recorded from the area are medicinal in nature. Some of the widely used medicinal plants are
Podophyllum hexandrum, Aconitum violaceum and Picrorhiza
kurrooa.
Ladakh, dotted with some of the Worlds most unique and spectacular wetlands, also holds the distinction of being the only
10
known breeding ground of Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in India. Most of these wetlands are of glacial origin and remain frozen from December to March. A unique tent dwelling
tribe, the Changpas, move around the wetlands of Ladakh in
search of pasturelands. Several species of birds also use these
wetlands as their breeding grounds, such as Bar-headed Goose
(Anser indicus), Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), Brownheaded Gull (Larus brunicephalus), Great-crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), Lesser
Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus).
Ladakh, like any other high-altitude desert in the world, has
a very fragile ecosystem and can be easily degraded by unplanned and unregulated developmental and tourism activities. Unplanned developmental activities and unregulated tourism activities in some areas of Ladakh are a direct threat to the
unique biodiversity of Ladakh. An important indirect threat to local wildlife is created by the disturbance and degradation of natural habitat due to overgrazing of pasturelands by ever-growing
livestock population. This occurs mainly in eastern and western Ladakh, which pushes wildlife, chiefly herbivores, out into
sub-optimal habitat. The resulting non-availability of natural prey
often further forces predators to go after livestock. The excessive grazing near the wetlands is leading to the degradation of
the vital breeding grounds of the rare and endangered migratory birds. At the same time unregulated tourism activities near
the wetlands are becoming a major threat to the breeding birds.
This is causing more damage as the peak period of biological
activity in Ladakh coincides with the peak tourism season.
11
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Birds of Ladakh:
Home to some of the most unique avifaunal species, Ladakhs
vast and remote landscape has drawn the attention of many researchers over the years. Some of them have had the opportunity and resources to conduct in-depth studies on site. Bird
species typical of the Palearctic and the Indo-Malayan zoogeographic regions (Ladakh lies on the border between these
two regions) have been documented. Also, eastern Ladakh lies
within the home range of characteristic Tibetan bird species. Till
date, more than 300 avifaunal species have been recorded in
Ladakh. The unique habitat is an important breeding and feeding ground for birds during the short and dry summer months. It
also serves as an important staging ground for birds while they
are crossing the mighty Himalayan range during the spring and
winter migrations.
On the basis of the time of occurrence, four bird groups have
been identified in Ladakh (Pfister 2004). They are:
Resident birds This group comprises of species adapted to
high altitudes. They are known to consume seeds, shoots, fruits
and insects (opportunistic feeders). They breed in summer primarily at very high elevations and retreat to the lower valley bottoms during the harsh winter months.
13
Summer visiting birds Arriving in huge numbers from the South

Asian plains and the Tibetan plateau, these birds use the highaltitude steppes, wetlands, meadows and fields as breeding
ground during April and May. As winter arrives, they return to
their warmer wintering areas.
Wintering birds October marks the arrival of the smallest group
of birds from northern breeding grounds. Due to the harsh weather conditions, they are mainly found around villages and along
the valley bottoms (especially near the Indus borders and sunny areas). They are known to return to their breeding ground in
the months of April-May.
Migrant birds This group is considered to be the largest and
most diverse of all four. These birds can be observed for a short
period of time in the region during the spring and autumn migrations. According to records, the avifaunal species encountered during the two migration periods differ. Also, diversity in
the migratory group is lesser during spring since Ladakhs frozen lakes and marshes prompt wetland-dependent birds to opt
for alternate migratory routes. Further, migratory birds frequent
the central and eastern regions of Ladakh more than the western region.
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14
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15
GREAT CRESTED GREBE

Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus
Changarankest
Description: The length

of the body is about 49
cm. This is largest of all
the grebes. A black line
is present from eyes to
base of bill. Both the
sexes are almost alike.
This is a tailless aquatic bird characterized
by slender white neck
and straight pointed bill
which is pinkish in colour. The legs are short in size and feet are
greyish in colour. The eyes are red-orange.
Habitat: The birds can be easily sighted swimming and diving
in open lakes. Both male and female perform elaborate courtship display. The nest is a floating nest towed by grass materials with the aquatic plants. The parents are often seen carrying
chicks on their back.
General Distribution: Breeds in high altitude areas of Baluchistan,
Pakistan and Ladakh. Winter visitor to the North of the Subcontinent from Pakistan east to North East India and South to Maharashtra and North East Andhra Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: During summer season the bird can be
easily sighted at Startsapuk Tso, Tsomoriri and at Tsokar.
16
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17
RED-CRESTED POCHARD
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Red-Crested Pochard
Netta rufina
Marzangmo
Description:
This is a diving duck

which is about 50 cm
in length. This is a
large duck with round
head and long neck.
In flight, both sexes show conspicuous
large white band on upper side of wings. In male, the head is
goldenorange with silky crest and tail is greybrown. Female is
brown with dark brown cape and hindneck while cheeks and
throat are pale. Bill is dark with pink edges and a band near tip.
Habitat: It is found in the open parts of deep water bodies and
irrigation reservoirs.
General Distribution: The bird breeds in west part of Central Asia
and moves to north parts of South and South-East Asia in the
non-breeding season.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Shey and Trishul Tso
near Leh and in some wetlands in eastern Ladakh.
18
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-z-G---WP-q-P-q-Tm-m-V--Vm-q-G-m-mG w--mw--GZ-;-D-bG-G-GG-q-;m-G-Tm-G-q--h-h-m-mG -w;m--G--G-Tz-bm-G-G-hP- WG-O-G-B-m-mG --;mG-q-G-mG-Tm-WP-eG-hP- I-q-hP- b-b-;m-B-G-m-mG
D-V-mG-q--;m-h-G-Tm-G--qG-GG-GG-m-mGGm--z-V-GbP-P-q-Tm-hP- P-;m-m-mP-P-P-hGu-zbP-Ez-DP-z----mz-xG--M-t-b--hP- -----P-xG--Mh-t-hq-h--V-G-hG--Ez-DP
-h--hP- b----;m--fP-P-mG -hG-P-fP-P--h;-hPm---m-;m----!q-fP-P-mG
19
BLACK-NECKED CRANE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Black-necked Crane
Grus nigricollis
Cha Thung Thung Karmo
Description: Black-necked Crane is a tall
bird with a height of about 135 cm and a
wingspan of about 62 64 cm. Both the sexes are almost of the same size but male is
slightly bigger than the female. The upper
long neck, head, primary and secondary
flight feathers, and tail are completely black
and body plumage is pale grey/whitish. A
conspicuous red crown adorns the head.
The bill is greenish and the legs and feet are
black. The juveniles have a brownish head
and neck and plumage is slightly paler than
that of adult.
Habitat: High altitude marshes are the most

common wetland types where the bird
breeds. These wetlands with small mounds
provide an excellent habitat to the birds for breeding. The marshes
range from 4000 to 4800 m. above sea level. Rice and potato fields are
the excellent wintering habitat for the species.
General Distribution: The high altitude marshes and lakes of Tibetan
Plateau (Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Gansu), Sichen (China), and eastern Ladakh (India) are the known breeding grounds of Black-necked
Crane. The species is a winter visitor in China and Bhutan. In western Arunachal Pradesh in India, it winters regularly in small number at
Santi valley.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in the wetlands in eastern Ladakh. Typical areas of encounter are Tsokar, Puga, Staklung,
20 Hanle, Chushul and some other wetlands.
-FP-FP-h;-
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P-
FP-FP-WP-mG
G--m-G--;-
-FP-FP-h;-
I-zh -FP-FP-WP-mG-m-GG-q-P-P-m---- 135 -hPGG-q-P-P---m---- 62 m- 65 h-q--Vm-q-G-m-mG

w--GZ-;---V-VP-G-G-m-mG m-mP--P-w--qG-V-Gm-mG WP-q-P-q-D-bG-hP-G-hP-w-z-GG-q-hP-q-hP-GZq-;m-hP-WG-O-;m-mG-P-hP-GG-q-h;-B-m-mG G--Tz-bmh-q-G-q-G-zMm-b-m-mG D-T-YP-;-hP-@P-;m-mG-q-m-mG
-yG-;m-m-G-hP-WP-q-G-q-hP-GG-q-;m- -Vm-q-P-hG-h-mmG
Gm- -FP-FP-;m-m--yG-wP--m-f---m-q-hP-h--;m-mmG h-G--f--m-q-KP-;m--yG-wP---hG-q-w-Gm-zh--m-mG h--;m-M--m-f---- 4000 m- 4800 --mmG -FP-FP-;m-hGm--hG----hP--- P-;m-zh-G-m-mG
v-zbP-Ez-DP zh-h-f--h--hP--;m-hP-M-mG-G-ZP-G-hP--W-P-hP-Gm--hP- q-Tm-FP-WP-mG-G--yG-wP--+h-IG-Tm-mmG -;m-hGm--M-mG-hP-G--;m--z-q-m-mG M-G----m-Ts-h- m-b-YP--hGm--D-TG-fP-P-mG
-hG-Ez-DP -hG--;m--xG---m-q-;m--fP-P-mG
-h;-hP-q-G-hP-eG-P-hP-m--hP-V--hP-Gm-P--m-q-h-;m--fP-P-mG-
21
BAR-HEADED GOOSE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicus
Nangpa
Description: Both the sexes are
alike. This is an asting-grey, white
and brown goose. The body size
is between 71-76 cm. The head
of adult is white with two black
bars. One bar is across the sinciput from eye to eye and the other
is shorter below on the nape. The
neck is brown with a white stripe
on each side. The legs and bill are
yellow-orange and the tip of the bill
is black.
At rest, wings extend beyond tail.

In flight, wing-coverts and belly
look grey with flightfeathers black.
Juvenile is like adult but is paler and without black bars on head.
Habitat: The bird breeds on high altitude freshwater as well as saline
lakes. It also breeds in marshes and rivers in high altitude areas. It is a
nocturnal feeder in grasslands near wetlands and riverbanks. Sometimes
it also feeds in the agricultural fields especially of wheat and barley.
General Distribution: The bird breeds in the uplands of Central Asia. In
India it breeds in high altitude wetlands in Changthang region of Ladakh.
The bird mainly moves to low-lying areas of India in non-breeding period.
Within the state of Jammu and Kashmir major wintering flocks are found
in Gharana wetland in Jammu and Hokersar wetland in Kashmir region.
Distribution in Ladakh: During summer season the bird can be easily sighted at Tsokar, Tsomoriri, Hanle, Chushul and along Upper Indus
Basin.
22
z-!-^^-G
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
z-!-^^-Gm-!-m-^-;PP-q-
I-zh w--GZ-;-G-h-h-m-mG !-z!-S!-P-hP-h;q-!hP-G-q-PP-q-m-mG

GG-q-zP-h- !m----71 m- 76
-hP-G-h;-q---mG-!q-GZ-P-P-mG --GTG-q-G-m-G-hPGTG-q-WP-eG-G-fP-P-G-m-mG WP-q-G-q-m-mGxG-GZ-;----h;-q-!-P-P-mG- @P-q-hP-D-V-;m--G-m-mG- D-VG-mG-q-h-h-m-mG
-;-hG--m-GG-q-;m-WG-O-G-q-zAP-GbP-P-mG
w--m-GG-q-z;z-e-Ih-q-S-P-t-mG-q-zT-h-h-m-mG PP-yG-;m-PP-qVm-q-G-P-P-mG m-mP-B-G-G-G-G-;---mG-q-h-q-m-mG!
Gm- -PP-q-;m-m-f--V-GP--hP--Tm-m--;m--PP-yG-wP-P-mG
-z--m-q-hP- IG-q-f--tP-fP-;m--m--m--zb-mG +z--IhP- m--P-;m-P-m--zb-mG
Ez-DP -PP-q-;m-m----hz---fm-q-;m--PP-yG-wP-P-mG
M-G---;m-m--hG--P-fP-YP--f--m-q-;m--Mh-t-z-m-mG Mht-h-q-h---PP-q-;m-M-G--h--;m--V-mG W--;---P-k-mP--;m-hGm-h--W--J-h-m--m-hP- D-V---;--;m--hG--mG-hG--Ez-DP -hG--h-h--u--z-q-m-zT-GTG-q-G-q----hP- -h;-hP- m--hP- V--hP- P-G-GP-q-eh-xG-;m--P-P-mG-
23
RUDDY SHELDUCK
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Brahminy Duck
Tadorna ferruginea
Muru
Description: This is a large rustyorange duck with pale head and
neck. The size of the duck is about
64 cm. During breeding season
male develops a narrow black collar on lower neck whereas female
is without black collar. During the
non-breeding season the collar is
absent in male.
Habitats: The duck breeds around

high altitude brackish water lakes
in Ladakh, Sikkim and Nepal. The
bird is a common winter visitor in lakes, marshes and rivers with extensive shingle banks. The nest is made in a carefully selected hole
in a cliff close to water source. The Ruddy Shelduck is most alert of
all the birds. Whenever present in a group of birds, this is the first
one to raise an alarm. Both the parents contribute equally in raising
the chicks.
General Distribution: Breeds in Central Asia and then moves to South
Asia and Northern part of South-East Asia in non-breeding period.
The breeding range is from Morocco to Central Siberia and North
China. In India the bird breeds around high altitude wetlands in eastern Ladakh and Sikkim.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be easily sighted around high
altitude wetlands in eastern part of Ladakh and in the upper Indus
basin from Likche to Demchok.
24
-^--^;
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
--m-^;b-^-m-w--W-m-
h--
I-zh-z-G-hP- WP-q-hG-B-G-h-Dm-m-V--D-Vm-q-G-m-mG zP-h-q-m----64m-mG Mh-t--Gm-h--w-;m-m-WP-q-;m--mG--y--G-hP- --;m--h-z-P-P--hG

Mh-t--Gm---m-q-h--w-;m-m-mG--q-fP-P--hGGm- -V--;m-m--hG-hP- -YP-hP- z-z-;m-m-f-z--Tm-m--VP-Pm-;m-m-D--Mh-t--G h-PP-q-;mhGm--IG-q-f---m-q-hP--;m--P-hG-G-Gmh-;m-V-hP-zG-GP-h-m-h-;m-m-mP-P-zdm-q--b-P--b-P-hG
-z--P--P-uP--b-hG-Dm-m-mG -P-q--e-h--m-WG--fP-m-P--P-Sm---z-;-T-GbP-hG -z---GZ-;-PP-yG;m-BP-hG
Ez-DP
---hz--M-t--b-----xG-hP- --P-xG-;m--Mht-h-q-h--V-hG Mh-t-q-Gm--m---;-m--z---hz-hPM-mG-H-P-xG-;m-m--hG---xG---m-q-;m-hP--YP-;m-Mm-t-hG
-hG--Ez-DP
-z--hG---xG--f--;m-hP-G--m-zh-VG-G-q-P-G-GPq-f--;m--fP-hG
25
GARGANEY
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Garganey
Anas querquedula
Sikkar
Description: The bird is

about 38 cm in length.
In flight the bird has conspicuous white bars on
each side of the speculum and belly is white in
colour. The bill is darkgrey and legs are grey
in colour. The male
has a black crown and a conspicuous white supercillium extends to nape. The head is purple-brown and wing-coverts
blue-grey. Female has a distinct black eye stripe and wingcoverts are grey-brown.
Habitat: It is found in almost all types of wetlands including lakes,
marshes and rivers.
General Distribution: The bird breeds in southern part of North
Asia and northern part of Central Asia. They move towards South
Asia, central and northern part of South-East Asia in non-breeding period. In Ladakh the bird arrives in the months of April-May
and can be easily sighted in almost all the wetlands of Ladakh
in the eastern region.
Distribution in Ladakh: In the wetlands of eastern Ladakh, marshes in upper Indus basin, Shey marshes and Nubra valley.
26
G-G-m
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
G-G-m
-m-;-;-I-
G-h;
I-zh -z-P-P---m----38P-hG --zw--m-xG-GZ-;-h;-q---G-q-fP-hG Ih-qh;-q-m-mG D-V-mG-B-hP- @P-q-;m-B-z-P-hG -w-Th-qm-mG-q-G-P-hG---h;-q-G-WP-q-G-q-P-hG

G-q-h-S-G-q-hP- GG-q-S-P-z;z-e-P-hG --;m--G--mGq-G-q-hP- GG-!q-z;z-Dm-;m-G-B-P-hGGm-- -z--m-q-h-q-Gm-P--hP- -hP- h--hP- IG-q-;m-P-hGu-zbP-Ez-DP -z--!--P-xG---P-hP- ---hz--PxG-;m--Mh-t-hG Mh-t-h-q-h------xG--hz-hP--P-P--Mh-t-hG
-hG--u--z-q-S-q-mP-P-P-e--hG--xG---m
-q-GP-P-fP-hG-hG--Ez-DP -hG---xG---m
-q-hP- eh-xG-!-P-GGP-q-h--;m-hP- ---h--hP- mz--;m--P-hG
27
NORTHERN SHOVELER
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Shoveler
Anas clypeata
Khamchu Kham
Description: The bird is about 50 cm in length. The bill is black.

In male, the head is black with green gloss. Female has brown
head with dark brown markings. Breast is white, upper and under tail-coverts are black and tail is white.
Habitat: It occurs in almost all types of shallow freshwater lakes,
rivers and marshes.
General Distribution: Breeds in North Asia and moves to South
Asia and northern South-East Asia in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be seen around the wetlands of eastern Ladakh, Trisul-Tso, Shey marshes, Suru valley
and Nubra valley.
28
m-f-m---
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
---m-;--q-D-V-D
I-zh
--z-P-P-m----50h-h-m-mG D-V-mG-q-m-mG -w-;mm-G-mG-q-hP- YP-D-hG-P-hG --;m-m-G-z-G-q--G-mG-GdG--P-hG P-xG-h;-q-hP- WG-O- eG-GG-;m-mG-q-m-mG
WG-O-h;-q-m-mGGm--!z---V-GP--GbP-Tm-h-q--hP- IG-q-hP- h--;m--P-hGu-zbP-Ez-DP---P-xG--Mh-t-b-----xG-hP- --P-P-xG---mz-;m-Mh-t-h-q-h--V-hG
-hG--Ez-DP-z--hG---xG---Eh-m-q-;m-hP- ----hP- -h--hP--hP- mz--YP-;m--P-hG-
29
GADWALL
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Gadwall
Anas strepera
Jugnagma
Description: The bird is about 50 cm in length. The plumage is

dull and uniformly coloured. In male, head and neck are grey
brown and body is dark grey with small black crescents on
breast. Belly is white and bill is black. Female is brown in colour
with dark brown markings and bill is black with well defined orange-yellow sides.
Habitat: Open lakes, marshes and rivers.
General Distribution: Breeds from Central Asia to northern part
of East Asia and moves to northern part of South Asia and East
Asia in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be observed in the marshes around
Shey and wetlands of eastern Ladakh.
30
G^-
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
G^--m-!-q-WG-mG-
I-zh-z-P-P-P----50h-h-m-mG t--;m-h-m-h-q-P--G-m- -w-;m-m-G-hP-WP-q-D-B-hP- GG-q-hG-mG-BhP- P--mG---h-h-m-mG Ih-q-h;-q- D-V-mG-q-m-mG

--;m-G-q-hG-G-G-mG-G-dG-h- D-V-mG-q--xG-;m--Gm-mGGm-
hG--m- V-hP- h--hP- IG-q-;m-m-mGu-zbP-Ez-DP---hz-m-----xG--P-P--Mh-t-m-----xG-hP-xG--V-mG-hG--Ez-DP-z-- Z-D--h--;m-hP- -hG--xG---m-q-;m--fP-P-mG-
31
EURASIAN WIGEON
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Wigeon
Anas penelope
Gobrakpa
Description: The bird is about 48 cm in length. It is a medium sized duck with neck and small bill. Male has a distinctive
creamy patch on forehead with rusty-red head and neck. Female is similar to male in eclipse but much duller. Bill is red with
white tip and legs are orange in colour.
Habitat: Freshwater shallow marshes, lakes, open reservoirs, rivers and pools. Avoid deep water overgrown with vegetation.
General Distribution: Breeds across North Asia and moves to
East Asia, northern part of South Asia, northern part of SouthEast Asia in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: In the wetland of eastern Ladakh, upper
Indus Basin and Shey marshes.
32
--m- -W-m
u-zbP-Pm-G-G-P-Gm--P-
-W-m
-m-q-m-z!Gz-G-q
I-zh-z-P-P-m----48m-mG V--z-h-TG-W!P-q-hP- D-VVP-Pm- -w-hs-z-;-fG-BP-Tm-m-G-hP- WP-!q-D-q-P-P-mG

--;m-w-hP- G-m-mG m-mP-G--Tm-m-mG D-V-h-qG-h;-q-m-mG @P-q-;m--G-m-mGGm-V-GP--hP- h--hP- -hP- P-hP- IG-q-hP- -VP-Pm-;m--hGG-mG V-GbP-Tm-hP- -fz-fz-h--hG-G--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP---P-xG--Mh-t-b- ----xG- ----xG--P-P-hP-----P-Pm-;m--Mh-t-h-q-h--V-mG-hG--Ez-DP
-hG---xG-hP- P-G-GP-q-H!m-xG-hP- -h--;m--P-P-mG
33
FERRUGINOUS POCHARD
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Pochard
Aythya nyroca
Ghustat

Head is dome shaped and
is brown in colour. Upper
parts are dark brown in
colour and under tail portion
is white in colour. In flight,
the bird shows a prominent
white wing bar. Breeding
male has white neck and
breast. Female has brown
neck and breast. Nest is a
pad of rushes lined with grasses and down feathers and placed
in islands close to water edge.
Habitat: Freshwater pools and irrigation tanks with extensive
marginal and submerged aquatic vegetation. Is also found in
coastal back waters and lagoons.
General Distribution: Breeds in Baluchistan, Pakistan, Kashmir
and Ladakh. Widespread winter visitor to the Indian subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh especially
Tsokar and Tsomoriri.
34
w--G-m-q-T^
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
q-T^
--f- m---
G-bb
I-zh
-z-P-h-m---- 42 m-mG G---hG-G-q-m-mG D-bGxG-q-G-mG-hP-WG-O-GG-;m-h;-q-m-mG- w--m---h;q-G-q-fP-P-mG Mh-t-!-Dm-m-wG-WP-q-hP-P-h;-P-P-mG
-;m--WP-q-hP-P-;m-G-q-m-mG V-f--;m--- P-G-z-Ghm-G-f---t-GbP-e--mG
hG-- V---P-hP--z-V-GG--P-P-Tm-hP-V-mP-P-B-Dmm--h--hG-G-mG M--f--;m-m-mP-P--V-Dz-b-h-DmhP-V-E--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP z--T-bm-hP-q-;-bm-hP-;---hP--hG-;m-Mht--mG hGm--M-G-JP
-Vm-m-xG-P--z-q-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
-hG--e--wG--hP--h;-hP-----hP- ----hP-hqfz-;m--hG-G-mG
35
COMMON SNIPE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Snipe
Gallinago gallinago
Tingtilling
Description: The length of this bird is about 26 cm. It has a long

bill. In flight, largely white under wings are clearly visible. Both
the sexes are alike. Legs and feet are dull olive- green.
Habitat: Rice fields, ponds, river banks and marshes. The bird
nests in shallow depressions lined with grasses.
General Distribution: Breeds in a broad belt across north of Asia
and spends non-breeding period in East Asia, South-East Asia
and South Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in the wetlands of eastern Ladakh, in Shey marshes and some marshes in Nubra valley.
36
;-m-o-qz
o-qG--m-G-G-m-WbP-b-P.
I-zh-z-P-h-m----26m-mG -z-D-V-P-q-P-P-mG w--mGG-q-GG-;m--h;-q-fP-P-mGw--GZ-;-G-P-P-mG-G-hP-@P-q-;m-YP--m-mG

hG-- --P-hP-XP-hP-IG-f-hP-h--;m--hG-G-mG--ff-h-q-Gz-z-P--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP
---P-xG--f--;m--Mh-t-b-----xG-hP---xG;m--Mh-t-h-q-h--hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
P-fP-P--xG---m-q-;m-hP- J- hP- -h--;m-hP- mz--hPP-h;-;m--h-h-m-mG-
37
COMMON REDSHANK
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Common Redshank
Tringa totanus
Kyalechit
It has a relatively long
stout bill and long legs.
Both the sexes are
alike. In breeding season the upper parts
are streaked and lower breast has dark crescent spots. Legs are
bright orange in colour.
Habitat: The birds occur

alone or in small groups
in marshes and along
edges of rivers and
lakes. Feeds by picking from surface while walking.
General Distribution: Breeds from Central Asia to northern part
of East Asia. During non-breeding period moves to South-East
Asia and southern part of East Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: During summer season the bird can be
easily sighted in eastern Ladakh, Suru valley, Nubra valley and
Shey marshes.
38
;-m-^-P
;-m-^-P-P-G---m--Th
I-zh-z-P-P-m----28P-P-mG -z-GG-q-hP- zbm-b-D-V-mb-hP- @P-q-P-q-P-P-mG w--GZ-;-G-hG Mh-t--h--ehxG-q---G-G-hP- P-xG-q-mG---xh-G--h-h-m-mG

@P-q-;m-G-G-h--m-mGhG--z-h--hP- IG-f-hP- -f-;m--GTG-q-P-m-D-TG--P-P-mG
I-m-I-m-m--zb-mGu-zbP-Ez-DP---hz-h-----xG--P-P--Mh-t--mG Mh-t-h-qh------xG---P-hP- -xG---P--hG-G-mG-hG--Ez-DPh--Gm--mP-P- -z--hG---xG-hP- --hP- mz--hP- h--;m--P-P-mG-
39
RUFF
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Ruff
Philomachus pugnax
Tingrilmo
Male is slightly bigger
than female. The bill is
relatively short and dark
brown in colour with yellowish base. Legs are
orange-yellow in colour.
Neck is long and head
is comparatively small in
size. Some back feathers
often stand up. Long upper tail-coverts and narrow wing-bar is clearly
visible.
Habitat: Rice fields, mudflats and marshes.
General Distribution: Breeds in northern part of North Asia and

spends non-breeding period in South Asia. Uncommon passage
migrant from South-East Asia northwards.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Shey marshes, Tsokar,
Hanle and Nubra valley.
40
w
w
w---D-qG-mGbP--
I-zh-z-P-h-m----28h-h-m-mG -w-z---P--qG-Vm-qh-h-m-mG-D-V--qG-fP-Pm-hP-G-mG-Tm-Ghm-----qG-m-mG
@P-q-;m-h--m-mG WP-q-P-q-hP-G--qG-VP-Pm--m-mG
Mz-xG--t--;m-Hm--P-b-WG-O-z;z-e-m-mG-GG-q-y--G-q-m-mG
Gm-
--P-hP-h--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP- --P-xP--P-P--Mh-t-b Mh-t-h-qh------xG--h-wh-h-mG ---mz-m-P-xG--V-mG

-hG--Ez-DP -z--FG--hP-mz--P-hG
41
BLACK-WINGED STILT
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Black-Winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus
Tabia
Distinct large black and
white with long bill and extremely long legs. Bill is
black and legs are pink in
colour. The adult has entirely white plumage except for a black back.
Tail is pale-grey in colour.
Males head tends to be
whiter than that of the female.
Habitat: The bird prefers

freshwater and brackish
water marshes but it is found in polluted village tanks and pools
too. It is also found in rice fields and estuarine mudflats.
General Distribution: Breeds from Central Asia to South and
continental South-East Asia. Northern breeders migrate south.
Distribution in Ladakh: In the wetlands of eastern Ladakh, Shey
marshes, upper Suru valley and Nubra valley.
42
z-G-!P^--
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
z-G-!P^--
m--q -m--q
b-z-
I-zh
-z-h-m---b- 32 h-h-m-mG-mG-q-Vm-q-G-q-hP- D-V-P-qh;-q-hP-@P-q-P-q-G-m-mG D-V-mG-q-m-mG @P-q-;m-h-B-mmG Vm-q-;m-m-Mz-xG--mG-q-G--GbG-GG-q-GP-q-G--m-mG
WG-O-B-G-m-mG -w--G---P--qG-h;-q-m-mG
hG- -z-V-GP--hP--V--qG-h-q-Gh--;m--fh-h-mG -z-q-V-zG-q-im-q-P-;m-P-fP-P-mG---P-hP-IG-q-Vz--h--;m-P-h-P-mG

u-zbP-z-DP.
---hz-hP--hP---;m--Mh-t--mG P-xG--Mh-t-Dm-;m-xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -hG---xG-hP--h--hP---Hm-xGhP-mz---m-q-;m--h-;G
43
PIED AVOCET
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosetta
Khamchuganlok
Description: The bird is about 43 cm in length. A marsh bird with

distinctive upturned bill. The bill is black and legs are blue-grey.
Adult has entirely white plumage except for a black back, black
wings above and below. Tail is pale-grey. Males head is whiter
than that of the female.
Habitat: Open inland marshes, rice fields, shallow and brackish
pools, saltpans and estuaries.
General Distribution: A winter passage migrant to North-West
India. Breeds in Central Asia and winters in South Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: Tsokar Basin and sometimes along Upper Indus Basin.
44
q^---
u-zbP-P-
Vm-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
--
-;----- --
D-V-Gm-G
I-zh -z-P-h-m---- 42 m-mGh--mP-P-hG-Dm-m--D-V-Hm--E-Dm-G-q-G-m-mG

D-V-mG-q-hP-@P-q-;m-S-B-m-mG
Vm-q-;m--Mz-hPGG-q-eG-GG-;m--GbG-GG-q-GP-q-t--h;-q-m-mG WG-O-BG-m-mG -q-;m-m-G---P-h;-q-m-mGhG- -;m-hG----h--hP---P-hP- h-h-V-Tm-hP-VzG-E-z-P-hP- -V-hP- IG-q-T-z-h--;m-m-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP M-G--mz-P-m--t-b-V-mG --hz--Mht-b-hGm------xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -D-P-Pm-G--h;--kz-;m--m-mG P-GGP-q-Mh-h---q--fP-hG--hG
45
RUDDY TURNSTONE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
Tangnak Ldogbi
Description: The
bird is about 23
cm in length. The
bill is black and
short legs are orange in colour.
In flight, unique
pattern of white
stripes on wings
and back and a
prominent black
tail band is clearly visible. Breeding adult has a prominent black
and white pattern on head, neck and breast. Juvenile has brown
upperparts and throat, and underparts are white.
Habitat: Rocky areas and also tidal mudflats, sandy shores and
islands near high altitude lakes.
General Distribution: Winter visitor mainly to coasts of the Indian subcontinent. Passage migrant in high altitude marshes and
wetlands.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Tsokar, Tsomoriri and
Tsigul Tso in Chushul.
46
-^-m-m
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P.
m-em
--m- m--q-
fP-mG-kG-z
I-zh -z-P-h--m---b- 23 m-mG D-V-mG-q-m-mG

@P-q-fP-Pm-;m--B-m-mG w--m-GG-q-;m-m-;---h;-q-hP-MzhP-WG-O-mG-q-G-q-fP-P-mG Lm-q-Mh-t--Dm-;m-m-G-hPWP-q-hP-P-;m--h;-q-hP-mG-q---zh--fP-hG VP-Pm-;m-mD-bG-hP-b-b-hP-GG-;m-h;-q-P-hG
hG-- f--;m--G-Tm-hP-h--hP-M--b-----hP-f--I-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP- M-G-JP-P-M--f--;m--hGm--hG-G-mG f-h--hP--m-q-;m--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP- -h;-hP-----;m--hG-G-mG
47
GREEN SANDPIPER
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Sandpiper
Tringa ochropus
Ldokbi

The upper parts are
greenish-brown and belly is white in colour. The
short legs are greenish in colour and upper
parts are less spotted.
In flight, the bird produces a loud ringing
call and underwings are
dark in colour. Breeding
adult has a white crown and neck and white spots are present
on the upper parts.
Habitat: Normally found in shallow waters with emergent vegetation. Is also found in marshes, village tanks, lakes and wet paddy fields.
General Distribution: Winter visitor throughout much of the Indian
subcontinent. Passage migrant in high altitude areas.
Distribution in Ladakh: Eastern high altitude plains including
Chumur, Tsomoriri, Tsokar, Startsapuk and in marshes of Shey
and Nubra valley.
48
G-m-m-^-q-q
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
m-^-q-q
-P-G ---q
kG-w
I-zh -z-P-h--m---- 24 h-h-m-mG D-bG-;mS-G-hP-Ih-q-h;-q-m-mG @P-q-fP-Pm-;m-!YP-D-m-mG D-bG-;m-F-G-P-q-h-q-m-mG w--m-;-T-Vm-q-GbP-P-mG

GG-q-GG-;m-fz-fz-m-mG Mh-t---Lm-q-;m-m-u-GG-hP-WP-q-h;-q-hP-D-bG-;m-P-h;-fG-P-P-mG
hG- P-V-z-V-h-h-h--;m--tP-m-b-h--;m--fP-P-mG
--h--hP-P-hP--hP---P-;m-P-P-P-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP M-G--JP
-P-xG-P---hGm--P-mG -f-;m--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -hG--xG--V--hP- ----hP-h;-hP-e-V-wG-hP- -hP-mz--h--;m--h-h-m-mG
49
MARSH SANDPIPER
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
Tselay Ling
Description : The bird is

The bill is straight and
black in colour. Long
legs are grayish-green
in colour. Tail and upper tail coverts are
white with fine brown
barring. Under parts
are white and under
wings are also white
except for black flightfeathers. During breeding season upper parts
are grayish-brown in colour and under parts are white with dark
angular spots on back.
Habitat: The bird is found in inland lakes, paddy field & marshes. Breeds in grassy marshes and forages actively at the edges
of water bodies or on mud.
General Distribution: Breeds in Central Asia and moves to South
and South-East Asia in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in the wetlands
of eastern Ladakh and at Shey marshes near Leh.
50
-m^-q-q-
-m-^-q-q--P-G eG-m----JP.
I-zh- -z-P-h-m----25P-P-mG D-V-iP-q-mG-qP-hG @P-q-P-q-;m-YP-B-m-mG WG-O-hP- WG-O-D-bGt--h;-q--G-q-y---zTh-h-P-hG GG-xG-hP- GGq-GG-;m-h;-q-P-hG w--m-t--mG-q--fP-hG

Mh-t--h--eG-xG-;m-B-G-G-q-hP- GG-xG-;m-h;-q-hP- Mz-mG-fG--P-hGhG-- -z-IP-Gz-z--;m-hP- --P-hP- h--;m--P-hG
-Tm-m-h--;m--Mh-t-b-V-E--hP- h-;m-m-m--z-hGu-zbP-Ez-DP- ---hz--Mh-t-b------xG--Mh-th-q-h--V-G-hG--Ez-DP- -z--hG--u--S-q-m-hG-q-G-q-fP-hG -hPFG--h--;m----fP-hG-
51
LESSER SAND PLOVER

Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Plover
Charadrius mongolus
Mignagtsellay
Description: The bird is about
21 cm in length. This is a medium sized but a long-legged
plover. The head is round
in shape and bill is smaller
and stouter. The long legs
are dark grey or grey-green
in colour. In flight, feet do not
usually extend beyond tail.
Habitat: Breeds in high-altitude semi desert on drying out edges of lakes and marshes. Winters on coasts mainly on inter tidal
mudflats and tidal creeks, and also on rocky and sandy shores.
General Distribution: Breeds in Ladakh, Lahul and Sikkim in India and also in Balistan in Pakistan and winters along coasts of
the subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Tsokar, Tsomoriri,
Hanle, Chushul and Lungparma.
52
--m-^-q--
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P-
q--
T--^--P-G-
G-mG--
I-zh -z-P-h--m---- 21 m-mG -z-z-h-TG-m-mG

m-P-@P-q-P-q-q--P-P-P-mG G---hP-D-V-VP-Pm-FGq-m-mG @P-q-P-q-;m-mG-B-P-m-YP-B-P-P-mG
w--m-;P-q-;mWG-O-P-P-P-zAP-P--mG
hG- -hP-h--z+-q--hP----+-m-q-Gm--f-;m--Mh-t--mG hGm--M--f--V-z--h--hP-V-z-z--hPG-hP---h-q--f-;m-P-P-P-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP M-G-- -hG-hP-G--hP--YP-hP- q-;bm-m-~-b-bm- P-hGm-- M-G-JP
-P-M--f--;m--hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -h;--q--hP- m--hP-V--hP- V-hP- -hP-FG--YP-;m--hG-G-mG
53
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosa
Thingril Jognak
Description: The bird is about 41cm in length. It has a long and

slightly upturned bill, legs are relatively short. The tip of bill is
black and flesh-pink at base. Both the sexes are alike but female
is slightly larger. In flight, broad white wing-bars, white rump and
black tail-tip is distinctive.
Habitat: Mostly found in freshwater lakes, shallow banks of rivers
and reservoirs. Sometimes also found in brackish lagoons, tidal
waters and coastal saltpans.
General Distribution: The bird breeds in North Asia and moves to
South and South-East Asia in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Hanle, Tsigul Tso,
54 Tsokar and some other areas in eastern Ladakh.
z-G-^- G^-u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
z-G-^- G^----q-q-m-;fP--WG-mG
I-zh -z-P-h--m----41 m-mG !-z-Hm---qG-EDm-m-D-V-P-q-G-P-P-mG @P-q-;m--qG-fP-Pm-m-mG D-VG-mG-q-hP- Ghm-D-q--Tm--G-m-mG w--GZ-;-G-m-mG

m-mP--;m--qG-V-G-m-mG w--m-GG-q-P-Tm-h;-q- --TmWG-O-h;-q--G-mG-q-G-q-P-P-mG
hG- V---GP---hP-IG-q-f--V-GbP-Tm-h--hP-P-;mhP- +z----qG-h-q-f--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP -z----P-xG--Mh-t-b-Mh-t!-h-q-h-----hP---xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -h;--h--;m--P-P-mG
55
RED NECKED PHALAROPE

Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus
Jingmar
Description: The bird is about 19 cm in length. A small phalarope

with slender longish black bill. Legs and toes are black in colour.
Compared to male, the female is longer in size. Female has a
dark grey crown and a small white patch above the eye.
Habitat: Winters at sea and is also found in rice fields, rivers and
sometimes in inland wetlands during migration.
General Distribution: An uncommon winter migrant. Breeds in
Arctic and winters in tropical seas across the world including
South-East Asia. Most migrate over sea, few also migrate over
land.
Distribution in Ladakh: On very few occasions bird can be sighted at Tsokar and at Shey marshes.
56
^-m-;!-w--z
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
w--z
w---q- -z-
WP-h
I-zh -z-P-h-q-m----19 P-hG D-V-mG-q--P-q-Tm-m-w--z-VP-Pm-G @P-q-hP-k--;m-mG-q w-hP-hq-b-;m--qG-P-P-P-hG -;m--Tz-bm-mG-B-G-hP-G-G-eG-G-h;-fGVP-Pm-G-P-hG

hG- Gm--t-z-h--hGm-- M--hP---P-hP-IG-q-hP-m-q-;m--P-hG
u-zbP-Ez-DP hGm--Gm--t-b-V-Dm- --G -;-G-G-Mht-b-hGm--!-----M--m-mG P-V-z-M--mP-P-m-mG
m-mP-D-TG--Eh-h-;P-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -hP-FG--;m--P-P-mG
57
COMMON TERN
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Tern
Sterna hirundo
Niaza
Description: The bird is about 35 cm in length. Breeding adult

has orange -red bill with black tip and orange-red legs. The upper parts are darker grey in colour and upper tail is white in
colour. Non-breeding adult has black bill with white forehead. In
juveniles, base of the bill is orange in colour.
Habitat: Mainly estuaries, tidal creeks and coastal water. Also
found in large inland lakes, jheels and rivers. Fishes mainly by
plunge-diving from the air.
General Distribution: Breeds in Ladakh at 3500 m and has been
reported to breed in Sri Lanka. Widespread but local winter visitor, mainly to coasts of the Indian subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at wetlands in eastern
Ladakh especially Tsomoriri, Tsokar, Hanle, Pangong Tso and
Chushul. The bird can also be sighted along Upper Indus Basin.
58
;-m-m
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
m

---m-h
Z--
I-zh -z-P-h-m---- 35 m-mG Mh-t--Dm-;m--DV-h-G-G-mG-q-hP-@P-q-;m--B-P-hG D-bG-xG-q-mG-B-hPWG-O-D-bG-;m-h;-q-m-mG Mh-t---Dm-;m-D-V-mG-q-hs-zh;-q-P-hG VP-Pm-;m-m-D-V-Ghm-;m--B-P-hG

hG- M--V-z-h--hP-M--f--M--m-mP-P-w-zGm-;m-hP-P-hP-IG-q-;m--hG-G-mG
Gm-D-m-V-mP-P-G-q-=G-zbP-b-Z-G--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP -hG-f-h--- 3500 --Gm-;m--hP--P;P-Mh-t--mG--hG
xG-P--P-P-mG m-mP-hGm---Gm-;m--P-P-mG G-V-z-MG-JP
-P-M--f--;m--P-P-mG
-hG-Ez-DP -hG--xG--f--m
-q-m--hP-V--hP-V----hP-----hP--h;-hP-q-m-D-hP--h-hP-m-h-hPq-m-G-mz--;m--h-h-m-mG
59
GOLDEN EAGLE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Laknak, Nele, Gyab-Lak
about 88 cm in length. This
is a large eagle with long
and broad wings. Tail is
long with distinctly protruding head and neck. When
soaring, wings are clearly raised and pressed forward in pronounced V
shape. Juvenile is very distinct with a white tail base
and white patch at base of
flight feathers.
Habitat: High rugged mountains, usually well above the treeline.

General Distribution: Resident of mainly North Baluchistan, Pakistan and the Himalayas from North Pakistan east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in Leh, Changthang, Nubra, Zanskar, Dras and Suru valleys.
60
G-^m--G
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P.
G-^m--G
!-;----D----
JG-mG-m- Mz-JG
I-zh -z-P-h-m-b--b- 88 m-mG -z-GGq-P-Tm-P-q-h-Dm-m-Mz-JG-Vm-q-G-m-mG WGO-z-G-hP-W-q-f-zAP-b-hG-Dm-m-P-q-G-m-mG

m-D-kP--m-GG-q-P-b-hm-xG--mm-b V G--z-e--mGVP-Pm-;m-m-WG-O--h;-q-hP-w-z-GG-q--h;-fG-G-q-P-P-mG
hG- UP--h--m-Hm--G-h-fm-Tm-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP z--T-bm-m-P-xG-hP-q-;-bm-hP-----PxG--q-;-bm-m--xG-hP---m-T-s-h-G-q-h-h-m-mG
-hG-Ez-DP --Hm-xG-hP-P-h;-hP--;-hP--G-hP-h;-hP-;-h-hP-m--GP-hP-Z-Z-D-;m--P-P-mG
61
LAMMERGEIER
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Bearded Vulture
Gypaetus barbatus
Skiaklag, Tangcar
Description: This is a huge sized
bird measuring about 115 cm in
length. Has long pointed wings
with small but well protruding
head and a large wedge-shaped
tail. In appearance, is quite unlike
any other raptor. Adult has yellowish or white head, black mask and
beard. Juvenile is mainly blackishbrown with grey face.
Habitat: Towns, villages and city
outskirts, especially around rubbish dumps and slaughter houses.
General Distribution: Widespread

resident with some altitudinal movements. Mainly found in
Pakistan, Nepal and India except the north-east and parts of
south-east.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Hanle, Chushul,
Tsokar, Puga, Lungparma, Nyoma, Loma, Suru and Zanskar.
62
--W--
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
z-^^-T
W-q-- z-z-
BG-JG fP-h;
-zh -z--Vm-q-G-m-h--m---114 h-h-m-mG Gy--h-q-GG-q-P-q-G m-mP-P-eG-e-hG-Dm-G-m-mG

WG-O-I-Vm-q-Tm-fP---P-;m-G--Dm-G Lm-q-;m--G-q-P-m-h;-q--P--mG-q-h-h-m-mG VP-Pm-;m-mG-G-m-q-hP-GhPB-z-P-hG
hG- IP-E-hP-IP-Gz-hP-M--;m-m-w--G-G-E--VG-VG-hP-G-Gh--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP f--P-ZP--Gm-G-P--hG-G-mG G-V-zq-;-bm-z-z-hP-M-G--h-;G-m-mP-P--VG-hP---DG-D-TGG-h-q-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP --YP--Hm-xG-hP-mz--YP-hP--- m-mq-G-hP--h;-hP-q-G-hP-m--hP-IP--YP---z-h-h-m-mG
63
HIMALAYAN GRIFFON
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Griffon
Gyps himalayensis
Thankar
Adult has a larger and
broader body and slightly longer tail. Wing coverts
and body are pale whitish
in coloration. Legs and feet
are pinkish with dark claws.
In flight, wings are held flatter with markedly upturned
fingers.
Habitat: Mountains, especially long routes well used

by pack animals. The bird
nests singly or sometimes in small colonies. Nest is a larger platform of sticks and rubbish placed on a cliff.
General Distribution: Resident of the Himalayas from North Pakistan East to West Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: Tsokar, Tsomoriri, Upper Indus Basin and
from Zanskar and Kargil.
64
---m-G--wm
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P.
---m-G--wm--T
W!z- ---m-fP-h;-
-zh! -z-P-h--m----125-h-h-mmG V--;m-m-GG-q-Vm-!q-P-Tm-hP- WG-O-P-q-!mmG GG-q-;m-t--z;z-e-GG-q-hG-B-G-TG-m-mG

G-G-hP-@P-q-;m-h-G-Tm-k--mG-q-P-P-mG w--m-G-G-;meG-G-eG-e-GG-q-P-Tm-G-e-z--mGhG- hh-I-;m-m-z;-Dm-m--xG---;m--hG-G-mG
+z--hG--P---q-P-P-mG m-mP-+z--P-D-TG--Gm-GTG-G-P-hG P-z-y--P-q-hP-E--VG-VG-;m-G-G-q-bG-bG-;--b-P-hGu-zbP-Ez-DP- q-;-bm-m-P-xG-m--xG-hP---m-T-s-h-mz-xG-G-q-----mP-P-hG-G-mG-hG--Ez-DP m--hP- z--hP- --m-m-q-G-hP- P-GGP-q-G-Gm-hP- P-h;-hP- h;-H-YP-;m--hG-G-mG-
65
STEPPE EAGLE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Eagle
Aquila nipalensis
Lhak or Rewgyab
Description: The bird is about 80 cm in length.

Appears heavier in body than some of the other similar species. Wings are broader and longer and primary tips more pronounced and spread. In flight, tail appears slightly longer and
protruding, head and neck are more pronounced.
Habitat: Wooded hills, larger lakes and open country.
General Distribution: Winter visitor mainly from Pakistan east to
North East India and south to Bangladesh, central Maharashtra,
south Madhya Pradesh and south Orissa.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Chumur, Hanle, Shey
and Stakmo.
66
q-q- -G
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
-G
---m-q-m-
JG
I-zh -z-P-h-m----80m-mG -z-G--G-D-TG-GP- GG-q-Vm-q-m-mG GG-q-P-Tm-P-q-hP- G-G-G-;-T-P-P-mG

w--m-WG-P-q-fP-P-mG- w-G-G-AP-Dm-m-G-hP-WP-q-;m-P-PwP-P-mGhG- mG-G-Tm-m--hP- -Vm-q-hP- fP-G-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP hGm--P-V-z-q-;-bm-m--xG-m-M-G--P-xG-hP-M-G-P--xG-hP--xG-zP--h-hP- ----hzhP- --s-h---xG-hP- -!---xG--h-h-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP UG---hP- -hP- FG--;m--hG-G-mG
67
PALLASS FISH EAGLE

Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Fishing Eagle
Haliaeetus leucoryphus
Nyallak
Description: The bird is about 84
cm in length. In flight, the bird
soars and glides with comparatively narrow wings and fairly
long tail. Adult has white throat
and neck and dark brown upper
and under wings. Juvenile is different in shape with broader arm
and longer tail.
Habitat: Mainly large rivers and
lakes. Is also found in tidal creeks
and mangroves. Feeds mainly on
fish and also on water birds such
as common coot.
General Distribution: Resident

and winter visitor. Mainly in Pakistan and in India from East Kashmir to North East India. Is also
found in south-east Rajasthan, North Madhya Pradesh and
south-east Orissa and Central Bangladesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted at Chumur,
Hanle, Shey and Stakmo.
68
q--w--G
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-!P.
-Gm-P.
q--w-P--G
!-------;-q
Z-G
I-zh --z-P-P-m---- 84 h-h-m-mG w--m-GG-q-y-hP-WG-O-P-q--b-kP--hP-zz---mG Vm-q-;m--+-WPq-h;-q-hP- GG-q-eG-GG-;m--G-mG-h-h-m-mG Vm-Pm-;m-mz-e---G-G-q-P-Tm-hP-WG-O-P-q-m-mG

hG- P-V-z-GP-q-P-Tm-hP--;m--h-h-m-mG
-f-hP-UP-Gz-;m-P-hG-G-mG P-V-z-Z--b-hG-G-mG V-G-P-z-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP hG-Dm-hGm--P-Dm-m-mG P-V-z-q-;-bmhP-M-G--D-V---xG-m-M-G--P--xG--m-mG -W-fm-m--hP--h-s-h--P-xG-hP------ hP-zP--h--h-;m-hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DP UG---D-hP-J- hP-FG-hP-----hP-V-;m--h-h-m-mG
69
OSPREY
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Nyallak thawo
It has a long, rather thin
wings and comparatively
short tail. Fine head is often held downwards and
when soaring and gliding
wings are sharply bowed.
At long range can be mistaken for a large gull.
Habitat: Major rivers, lakes,
large reservoirs, jheels,
coastal lagoons and estuaries. Feeds entirely on
fish present in these ecosystems.
General Distribution: Breeds in Himalayas, Kashmir, North Uttar Pradesh and Assam. Winters throughout much of the Indian
Subcontinent except Central India. In Pakistan the bird is common and a widespread winter visitor throughout the Indus Basin.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted along Upper Indus Basin, Hanle, Chushul and Chumur.
70
!-q!-!!
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P
-q-!
qm-^-m- -!--
Zm-G-F-z
I-zh -z-P-h-m---- 58 m-mG -z-GG-q-y--P-qhP-h-hP-hq-b-WG-O-fP-Pm-m-mG G-W-q-wV-KG-b-z--mG

w--m-HG-q-wz-q-m-mG fG-P-m-ze-m---G-Vm-q-G-m-mz--mG
hG- GP-q-Vm-q-;m-hP- -hP- V-P-Vm-q-;m-hP- -hPM--f--V-E--;m-hP-IG-f-;m--hG-G-mG Z--b-z-m-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP ----hP- ;--hP--b-s-h--P-xG-hP--;m--Mh-t-z-m-mG hGm--M-G--hz--GbG-GP-P--PP-mG q-;-bm--hGm--P-q-m-mG P-G-GP-q-Mh-h-P-P-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -hG---z-P-G-GP-q-Mh-h-UG---hP--hPFP--hP-V--hP-V----m-q-;m--fP-P-mG
71
UPLAND BUZZARD
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Upland Buzzard
Buteo hemilasius
Nyllsy Muoqpo
71 cm in length. Adult has grayish-white tail which is paler
towards base with two or three fine
bars towards the tip. Head is whitish with bold dark brown streaking.
Habitat: Open country, including
grasslands and cultivation in hills
and mountains.
General Distribution: Status uncertain because of confusion with
other buzzard species.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird

can be sighted at Hanle, Loma, Fukche, Tsokar and Puga.
72
q-m-^-!-^
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
q-m-^--^
z--- ----
Z--G-q
I-zh -z-P-h--m---- 71 m-mG-Vm-q-;m-B-G-WGO-h;-q-m-mG h-z-Ghm-xG--B-z-H-hG-h-m-G-G-q---GZG-G-P-hG G-z-h;-q-G-mG-G-G-Tm-F-G-m-mG

hG- M-fP-hP- -fP-hP--Mh--P-zbz-e-h-q-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP --^-Gm--G-;m-hP-m--h-q-P-G-hG-Gh---h;G-q-hG
-hG--Ez-DP -z--h;-hP- -G-hP- m--hP- --hP- V-hP. UG---hP- J-hP- FG--;m--fP-P-mG
73
COMMON KESTREL
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
Thha
Description: The bird is about 35 cm
in length. This is a medium-sized
falcon with relatively long wings
and long but broad tail. The bird
soars frequently with tail spread.
In flight, wings appear longer and
wing-tips are more rounded. Male
has grayish head with dark moustachial stripe. Female has diffuse and
narrow dark moustachial stripe.
Habitat: Open country, cultivated
land, grassland and semi-desert,
in hills and plains and open sub alpine and alpine slopes. Nest is usually in a cliff hole or on a cliff.
General Distribution: Breeding resident in mountains of West

Pakistan and Himalayas from North Pakistan east to Bhutan
and probably Manipur; also Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu and Sri
Lanka. Winter visitor throughout most of the subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh, Mahe, Nyoma, Shey and along Upper Indus Basin.
74
;-m-;--
u-zbP-Pm-VG-G-P-Gm--P-
;--w-;--mm-;-;F-
!I-zh -z-P-h-m---35m-mG -z-D-P-mPhq-b-GG-q-P-q-hP- WG-O-P-q-P-Tm-h-q-F-V-VP-zh-TG-m-mG -z-WG-O-zAP-b-mD-w-Dm-m-mG

w--m-GG-q-P-q-hP- GG-q-G-P-P-P-Tm-fP-P-mG w-;m--DV-Z-D--mG--Tm-m-G-B-G-P-P-mG -;m--D-V-Z-D--!m-bV-Dm-m-mG--fP-P-mGhG- -!z--YP-hP- zh-Dm-hP--zh-Dm-m-P-hP--fP-;mhP- -f-f-h-q--hP- fP-G-;m-hP- -fm-q-kz-;m--hG-G-mG
G-G-q-GP-hP- eG-;m--P--mGu-zbP-Ez-DP q-;-bm-m-mz-xG---Mh-hP- q-;-bmm-P-xG-m------Mh-m-G--hP- -m-q-hP- mzxG--J-hP- b--m-^-hP- --P-;-YP-;m--Mh-t--mG
JP-VP-Pm-P--hGm--P-P-mG-hG--Ez-DP -hG---xG-hP- mz--hP- --hP- -ThP- P-G-GP-q-Mh-J-hP- --hP- --hP- FG--;m--h-h-m-mG
75
BROWN-HEADED GULL
Common Name :
Scientific name :
Local Name
:
Brown-headed Gull
Larus brunnicephalus
Nayagar
about 42 cm in length and
both the sexes are alike.
The under parts are pale
grey. The legs and feet are
red in colour. The bill is
orange-red with black tip.
During the breeding season
the head is dark brown and
in non-breeding season head
is white with a vertical black
crescent mark near earcoverts.
Habitat: This is a gregarious
bird found in open water bodies, marshes and rivers. The
bird breeds in colonies along
with Bar-headed Goose in
islands in high altitude wetlands.

General Distribution: The bird breeds in Central Asia, moves to
South Asia, South East Asia and southern part of East Asia in
non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh and along
Upper Indus Basin.
76
z-m-!-^h-G
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
z-m-!-^h-G
--m-m-w-
Z-K
I-zh h--z---m----42 -P-P-hG w--GZ-;G-hG Ih-q-xG-;m-B-G-m-mG G-G-hP-@P-q-;m-h-q-m-mG

D-V-h--Tm-m-G-mG-q-m-mG Mh-t--Gm--mP-P-G-G-mGhP- Mh-t-h-q-h--G-h;-q-;-mG---xh-G--dG-G-nVG-G-q-P-P-mG
Gm- -z-P-q-Z-q-hG-Dm-m-mG V-h--hP- h-Tm-hPIG-q-f--hG-G-mG --z-f---m
-h--;m--PP-q-hPZ-q--yG-wP-P-mGu-zbP-Ez-DP --z----hz--Mh-!t--b-----xGhP- --xG-hP- ----xG---xG--Mh-t-h-q-h--z-qm-mG-hG--Ez-DP -hG---xG--f--;m-Hm-xG-P-G-GP-qf-f-f--;m--Mh-t-!-mG-
77
GREY HERON
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Bainlong
94 cm in length with long legs,
long neck and yellow bill. The
adult bird has a white crown,
white neck with black lateral
markings. The sides of belly are
black. Under wings are bluegrey. For part of the breeding
season bill and legs become
deep orange.
Habitat: Marshes, rivers, lakes,
rice fields, coral reefs and offshore islands.
General Distribution: Breeds

widely in Central, South, South
East Asia and Central part of East Asia. Northern breeders
move south in non-breeding period.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh, Upper Indus Basin and Suru Valley.
78
G--m-m
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
G---m
--- -m--
zP-P.
I-zh -z-P-h-!m----94 m-mG @P-q-P-q WP-q-Pq-hP-D-V--q-m-mG Lm-q-;m--Tz-bm-h;-q- WP-q-h;-q--mG--h-h-m-mG Ih-q-xG-GTG-mG-q-hP- GG-q-GG-;m-S-B-mmG Mh-t-z-Gm--DG-TG-G-D-V-hP-@P-q-;m-h-G-H-hG
hG- h--hP- IG-q-hP- -hP- --P-hP- --KP-hP-M-f--m-fG-P-zT-q-hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP !----xG--hz-hP--hP---hP- GP;m--Mh-t--mG P-xG--Mh-t--Dm-;m-Mh-t-h-q-h---
xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP !-z-mz--hP--hG---xG-hP--- hP-R-K
GP-q-Mh-;m--fP-P-mG
79
PALLAS'S GULL
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Gull
Larus ichthyaetus
Towgarma
Description: A large gull

which is about 70 cm in
length. At rest, wings clearly
extend beyond tail. Head has
distinct shape; long sloping
forehead rises to peak behind the eyes. In flight, wings
appear more pointed, narrower and longer than other
large gulls. In breeding season head and upper neck
are black with two crescent white patches, one above and one
below eye.
Habitat: Breeds on inland lakes and moves to coasts, lakes,
rivers etc in non-breeding period. Is also found at large rivers
and lakes as passage migrant.
General Distribution: Resident in Central Asia. Northern breeders move to south and South-East Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands and streams in eastern Ladakh,
along Upper Indus Basin and Suru valley.
80
q--G
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
G
-- G-f-G-
-G-
I-zh G-Vm-q-G-G-h-q-m----70 h-h-m-mG hG--mGG-q-;m-WG-O-P-w-G-G-z-q-m-mG G-z-e---G-m-mG

hs-z-P-q-G-m-Hm--M-b-m-mG w--m-GG-q-;m- G-Gm-;m-m-P- y--P-q-z-z-fP-hG Mh-t--Gm--h-- G-hPWP-eG-;m-mG-q-- G-G-eG-GG-GZ-;--h;-q--xh-h-z-e-b-PhG
hG- mP-P--h-q--;m--Mh-t-b-M--f--hP--hP-IGq-;m--V-G Mh-t-h-q-h-- IG-q-Vm-q-hP--hm-;m--P-hG
u-zbP-Ez-DP- ---hz--hG-G-mG P-xG--Mh-t--Dm;m-----hP---xG--V-mG
-hG--Ez-DP RK-GP-q-Mh-h-UG---hP-J-hP- FG--hP-hG--xG-hP- --;m--h-h-m-mG
81
GLOSSY IBIS
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
Charakpa
52 cm in length. A small dark
ibis with feathered head and
characteristic slender downcurved brown bill. In breeding
season upper parts are
maroon-brown and tail is
black glossed with green
and purple. In non-breeding
season head and neck are
brown and innermost wing
are glossy green-blue.

Habitat: Large lakes, marshes, paddy fields and grasslands
near shallow rivers.
General Distribution: Resident or visitor in south and South-East
Asia.
Distribution in Ladakh: Tsomoriri, Hanle and some other wetlands in eastern Ladakh.
82
G----z
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
G----z
q-!G-h- w--m
W-G-q
I-zh
!-z-P-h-m----52 m-mG t-Tm-m-GhP-D-V-G-q---GG-G-GG-Dm--z-mG-q-VP-Pm-G-m-mG
Mh-t--Gm--h--D-bG-xG-q-h-G-hP-WG-O-mG-q-G-G-YP-h-m-mG Mh-t-h-q-h--G-hP-WP-q-G-q-hP-GG-q-mPG-;m-YP-;-G-G-P-hG
hG- -Vm-q-hP-h--hP---P-hP- -fP-hP-IG-q-GbP-Tmh--;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP !----hP- --xG-;m--P-Pm-hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DP h---GG-D---GbG--hG--fP-P--mG
83
IBISBILL
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Ibisbill
Ibidorhyncha struthersii
Tunglakma
Adult bird has a black
face. Throat and breast
band are also black in
colour. It has grey upper parts, white under parts and strongly
down curved dark red
bill. In flight, it shows a
blackish tail-band. Juvenile has a whitish or
brown face.
Habitat: The bird is confined to shingle banks and sides of fast

flowing mountain streams and rivers. The bird breeds between
end March and mid May.
General Distribution: Northern part of South Asia. In India mainly
from Jammu and Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: Can be sighted near Indus river close to
Shey. Is also found in some other river valleys of Ladakh.
84
-z-z
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P-
-z-z
-z-^-m-T --f-^-m
hP-G-
I-zh
--z-P-P-m----41 m-mG--Lm-q-;m--GhP-mG-q-P-P-mG b-bhP-P-mP-mG-q-m-mG -z-D-bG-;m-B-z-hP-GG-D-;m-h;-q-hP-DV-mG-G-GG-GG-m-mG w--m--z-WG-O-mG-fz-fz-fP-P-mG
-yG-;m--GhP-;-q-P-m-G-q-P-P-mG
Gm- h--;m--;m-m-V-zG-q-f--;m--hG-G-mG -;m-mu--G-q-WG-m-S-q-h-G-q-Mh-t--mG
u zbP-Ez-DP
-xG----P-xG--M-G--P-V-z-W--;---m--xG---mT-s-h-G-q-P-P-mG-hG-Ez-DP
-Z-D--P-G-GP-q-hm--fP-P-mG
D-P-fP-P-mG
-hG--Gm-IG-q-;m-m-Z-
85
COMMON COOT
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Coot
Fulica atra
Hanta Chanluk
Adult is entirely greyish
-black with white bill
and large dull green
legs and feet. Juvenile is paler grey-brown
with whitish chin, throat
and breast.
Habitat: Lakes, jheels

and irrigation tanks with
large areas of open water and marginal emergent vegetation. Nest is a large mass of
vegetation among reeds, a little above the water level.
General Distribution: Resident and winter visitor. Throughout
much of the subcontinent, except parts of the North West and
North East Himalayas.
Distribution in Ladakh: Wetlands of eastern Ladakh, along Upper Indus Basin, Trishul Tso and Shey marshes.
86
;-m-;
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P-
;
w-;---
m-b-T-G
I-zh
-z-P-m-m---b- 38m-mG Lm-q-;m-mG-B-m-mG D-V-h;-qhP- G-G-hP-@P-q-;m-Vm-q-hP-YP-;-m-mG Vz-z-;m-G-B-hP-;-;-hPb-b-hP-P-;m-h;-q-m-mG
hG-- -z--hP-P-hP- -z- V-P-q-Dz-b-h--hP--Sm-B-bh--;m--hG-G-mG P-q-V-P--qG-D-bG-G-h-z--y--Pq-zB-b--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP hG--hP-hGm--P-- JP-P--Eh-P-m-mG m-mP-mz-P-hP-P-------;m--h-;G
-hG--Ez-DP- -hP-FG--hP-J-hP-mz--hP--h;-;m-m--m
q-;m--hG-G-mG
87
COMMON KINGFISHER
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Ngya-Za
Description:
The
bird is about 16 cm
in length. Both the
sexes are alike with
top of the head finely banded black
and blue. Chin and
throat are white with
a white patch on the
sides of the neck.
Dives for fish from
top and occasional-
ly hovers over water before diving.

Habitat: Streams, lakes, canals. The bird is also found in coastal
areas and mangrove swamps. Avoids shady forest.
General Distribution: Resident throughout much of the Indian
Subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: Eastern Ladakh mainly in and around
wetland areas, Leh and Nubra valleys.
88
;-m-;P-w-
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
;P-!w-
--h- -f
Z-
I-zh
-z-P-h--!m----16 m-mG w--GZ-;G-P-hG G-h-q-mG-q-hP-Sm-q--G-q-h-h-m-mG Iq-hP-b-b-;m-h;-q-hP-I-q-;m--h;-fG--P-hG V-Z-D--Im-hG-e-Z-G---w-Gm-D-m-V-mP-P-V-mG
hG- IG-q-hP-P-hP--z-;m--hG-G-mG !-z-M--f--hPh--UP-Gz-;m-P-hG-G-mG z-Tm-m-mG-G-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP M-G-JP-Vm-m-xG-P--P-P-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -hG--xG--m--hP-V--hP- -h--hPmz--;m--P-P-mG
89
ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE

Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Dove
Streptopelia orientalis
Kamru, Gondil
Description: The bird is about 33 cm in length. This is s

dusty-plumaged dove. The underparts are grey to pink.
There are black and bluish-grey barrings on sides of neck.
Juvenile is quite different in coloration with grey head and
underparts.
Habitat: Open areas often near cultivated land and orchards.
General Distribution: Resident and winter visitor to Himalayas,
North-East India, Bangladesh and Peninsular India south to
North Karnataka.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted around Leh, Nubra and Suru.
90
--m----^
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-!P-
-Gm--P.
^z
z--q- !-m--
;-- Gm-^
I-zh
-z-P-h- m---- 33 m-mG
-z-f-z-h-Dm-m-t-Tm-m-Gm-^-P-m-mG GG-;m-B-z-hP-h-G
m-mG WP-q-;m--mG-q-hP-S-B---h-;G VP-Pm-;m-m-hG--m-mG G-hP-Ih-q-B-z-m-mG
hG- zh-Hh---P-hP-UP-Gz-;m--hG-G-mG
---hP-M-G--P--hP-zP--h-hP-M-G--M--I--;-m-^G-G--mP-xG--hG-Dm-hGm--P-Dm-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
-z--hG----YP--GG-D-hP-J- hP. -hP. mz--zh-Bh-hPm-h-hP- q-m-G;m--fP-P-mG
91
BLUE ROCK PIGEON

Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Pigeon
Columba livia
Phurgon
Description: The bird is about 33 cm in length. Adult is greyish

with metallic green and purple sheen on neck, blackish terminal band on grey tail and broad black bars across inner wing. In
high altitude areas in Himalayas it is almost similar to Hill Pigeon,
but is darker grey and lacks whitish tail band.
Habitat: Lives in colonies all the year round in villages, towns
and cities. Wild birds frequent cliffs, gorges and ruins.
General Distribution: Throughout much of the Indian Subcontinent, except parts of the North West and North East. Both feral and wild populations occur. Is common and widespread from
sea level to high altitude areas.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted around Leh, Nubra and Zanskar.
92
z--;-q-Wm
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
q-Wm
;-z--
w-Gm
I-zh- -z-P-P-m----33 m-mG Lm-q-;m-B-G-G-G-WPq-D--YP-D-hP-S-h-G-G-WG-O-mG-B-hP- GG-q-mP-P-;m---P-hG -----fm-q-;m--hG-Dm-;m--w-Gm-G-PhG m-mP-mG-B-hP-WG-O-;m--h;-q-P-G--hG

hG- IP-Gz-hP-IP-E-hP-M--hP-G-hP-fP-z-hP-DP-P
-P-;m---GP-q-hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP mz-P-hP-P---GbG-q-M-G-JP-Vm-m-xGP---hG-G-mG -z-Dm-P-q-h-h-m-mG h--M--m-f-G-q-P-P-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -z-RK-GP-q-Mh-hP-D-GhP--hP-mz--;m-fP-P-mG
93
SNOW PIGEON
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Pigeon
Columba leuconota
Bujul, Phurgon
Description: The bird is about 34 cm in length. The

bird is a distinct pigeon found in high altitude areas in
Himalayas. The adult bird has a grey head, and creamy white
collar and underparts. Uppertail is blackish with a white band. At
rest, tail pattern is similar to that of Hill Pigeon but in flight white
band is in shape of inverted V.
Habitat: Is found in cliffs and gorges in the high altitude areas.
General Distribution: Resident with little altitudinal movement.
Found in the Himalayas from North Pakistan to East of Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in Zanskar,
Nubra and Changthang.
94
o-q-Wm
q-Wm;--z---;-m-z-W- w-Gm-
I-zh- -z-P-h-m----34m-mG --z-----f-;m--h-q-w-Gm-hG-z-G-m-mG w-Gm-Vm-q-;m-G-B-G-hP- ;--h;-q-hG-G-WP-q-hP- GG-xG-;m-m-mG

GG-q-eG--z-mG-fz-TG-G-h;-q-GG--P-hG -;-hG--m-WG-Oz--w-Gm-hP- G-hG-m-mP-w--m-;-q-GG-GG-q- V D-~z-zGbP-Dm-G-P-hG
hG- -z-f--YP--G-G-hP- fP-z-;m--P-hG
u-zbP-Ez-DP
-qG-f--;m--hG-G-mG ----mP-P-q-;-bm-m-P-xG-m---m-s-h---xG-G-q-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
---Hm-xG-m-P-h;-hP- -zG-G-eh-xG-m--h;-;m--h;G
95
EURASIAN EAGLE OWL

Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Eagle Owl
Bubo bubo
Ugpa
Description: The bird is more
than 56 cm in length. A very
large owl with bold dark brown
streaking. Ear tufts are prominent, eyes are orange and legs
are fully feathered. Bill is brown
in colour.
Habitat: Mainly nocturnal,
roosting by day in a rocky cliff
or among ruins. Usually perches on a prominent rock well
before sunset and again after
sunrise.
General Distribution: Resident
bird and is found throughout
much of the Indian Subcontinent, except parts of North
West and North East.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in Tangtse, Hanle,

Fukche and Nubra.
96
---m--G--
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
-G--
z-z-z-z
G-q
I-zh -z-P-h--m----56 h-h-m-mG --D-mG-hq-G-q-Vm-q-G- n-VG-t-Tm- G--q-hP- @P-q-t-Tm- D-V-D-q

hG- P-V-z-m--I-Dm-Z--h--G-hP-DP--;m--hGG-mG Z--zBh-q-Sm-hP--z-dP-m-G-;m-m-;-hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP
P---h-h-m-mG
mz-P-hP-P---DG-TG--GbG-M-G--xG-
-hG--Ez-DP mz--hP- -hG---m--hP-RK-GP-q-Mh;m--h-h-m-mG
97
LITTLE OWL
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Little owl
Athene noctua
Ugpa
23 cm in length. A white-spotted and sandy brown owl with
bold streaking on under parts. It
has neatly streaked crown with
white streaks arranged in lines.
Habitat: Rocky and earth cliffs,
gullies, bluffs of rivers and ruins
in open semi-desert. Nests in a
hole in a tree, rock, ruined wall
or earth cliff.
General Distribution: Local resident of Baluchistan in Pakistan,
Jammu & Kashmir, Nepal and
North Sikkim.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be

sighted in Hanle, Chushul, Tsokar and Nubra..
98
---
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
---
-f-m-mG-T
G-q
I-zh -z-P-P-m--- 23 m-mG h;-fG-Tm-m-G-q-D-qGG-xG-F-G-m-mG F-G-zh--G-hP-h;-F-Tm-qP-IG-b-m-mG

hG- G-hP-Gh-q-Bz-hP-IG-q- Gh-q-hP--z-hP- -Sm-f-fh-q-fP-G-;m--hG-G-mG- UP--hP-G-G-z-GP-hP- G-q-zGDm-hP--Gh-q-;m--P--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP. q-;-bm-m-z-;--bm-hP- W--hP-;-hP-zq-hP--YP--P-xG-;m--h-h-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
-h;-hP- q-G-hP--h-YP-hP-P-G-GP-q-Hm-xG-hP--;m--h-h-m-mG
99
RED-BILLED CHOUGH
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Chough
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Chunka-Khamar
Description: The bird is about 40 cm in length. It has a long,

thin and down curved red bill. In flight, has broader wing tips
and square-ended tail which equals width of wing base. Juvenile lacks metallic gloss of adult and has pinkish brown or blackish legs.
Habitat: High mountains with cliffs and adjacent pastures and
also upland cultivated areas in winter.
General Distribution: Resident with little altitudinal movement.
Higher mountain ranges of West Pakistan and in the Himalayas
from North Pakistan, east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in eastern Ladakh, Leh,
Nubra and Zanskar.
100
^-z^-Tw
Tw
q--G- q!--;-GTP-;-D-h
I-zh-z-P-h-m---- 40 m-mG -z-D-V-P-q-yz--GG-Pm-GG-e-h-Dm-h-q-h-h-m-mG w--m-GG-q-G-;m-PTm-hP- WG-O-I-z-Tm-GG-q--hP- im-i-P-h-h-m-mG

VP-Pm-;m--Vm-q-G--G-!G-h-q-m-mG @P-q-;m--G-P-m-mGfz-fz-P-P-mGhG-
hGm---G-q-;m-hP- -D-h--;m-hP- f--P-zbz--;m--hGG-mGu-zbP-Ez-DP
-qG-f--;m--I-m-hG--q-;-bm-m-mz-xG---fm-q-;m-hP----xG--q-;-bm-m-P-xG---m-T-s-h--Gm-;m--h-h-mmG-hG--Ez-DP
h-h--E-E-VP-Pm-m-mP-P--hG--xG-P---P-P-mG -4200--f--;m--P-P-mG P-zbz-e-h--;m-hP-G-Tm-m-kz;m--fP-P-mG-
101
YELLOW-BILLED CHOUGH
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Chough
Pyrrhocorax graculus
Chunka-Kasher
Description: The bird is about 39 cm in length. Compared to

Red-Billed Chough, this species has shorter and straighter yellow bill. In flight, the bird has narrow wing-tips and rounded tail
which is greater in length than width of wing base.
Habitat: High mountains with cliffs, alpine pastures and
cultivated areas. Generally occurs at higher altitudes than
Red-Billed Chough. In some overlap zones the species may occur together.
General Distribution: Resident, subject to some altitudinal movement. Mountains of West Pakistan and in Himalayas from North
Pakistan East to Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in Leh, eastern
Ladakh, Nubra and Zanskar.
102
--z-^-Twu-zbP-Pm-G-G-P-Gm--P-
Twq---;-G- G--;-TP-;-D--
I-zh-z-P-h-m----39P-hG TP-;-D-h-hP- hq--m--z-DV-fP-P-G-hP- D-iP-P-P-hG w--m-GG-q-G-y--hP- WG-Oh-h-hG h-z-GG-q--z-P-P-P-P-hGhG-

-fm-q-G-q--D-hP-zHh-zh-h--;m--hG-G-mG TP-;-D-h--P--G-q-f--;m--P-P-P-hG YP-DG--GZ-;-P-hG
u-zbP-Ez-DPf--hP-zem-b-hG-- q-;-bm-m-mz-xG---Mh-hP-----PxG--q-;m-bm-m--xG---m-T-s-h-G-q-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
h-h---z--hG--b-h--- 4500 --f--P---fP-hG
103
TIBETAN SNOWCOCK
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Snowcock
Tetraogallus tibetanus
Ticok, Te-ok, Congmo
Description: The bird is about 51 cm in length. The upper parts

are white with brand black stripes. In flight, wing pattern is very
different, showing a small amount of white in primaries and extensive white in secondaries. Juvenile is small in size and lacks
flank stripes.
General Distribution: Resident in the Himalayan region from Himachal Pradesh east to Arunachal Pradesh, subject to altitudinal movement. In Western Himalayas, the species summers well
above the tree line up to 5800 m, occasionally winters down to
3000 m.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted along major passes in
Ladakh, especially at Changla and Taklangla.
104
-z-bm-o;G
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
o-;G
-- G---z-m
b-;G -- GP-!
I-zh
-z-P-h--m---- 51 P-P-mG D-bG-;m--h;-q-;---mG-qh-h-m-mG w--m-GG-q-z-e---G-G--h;-q--qG-zem-
h-dP-m-h;-q-P-P-zem-b-m-mG VP-Pm-;m-m-zP-VP-Pm-hP-xGGZ-;----h-q-m-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP ----YP----T-s-h-m--!--m-T-sh-G-q-f-hm-;m--h-h-m-mG ----mz-xG--UP--h--mHm--f-h--- 5800 --fm-q-;m--hG-G-mG Gm--hP-zem-bhGm---- 3000 -G-q-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
P--hP- eG-P--hP. --hP- -h;-hP. ----;m--hGG-mG
105
HIMALAYAN SNOWCOCK
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Snowcock
Tetraogallus himalayensis
Ripja, Kong-mo-jukar
Description: The bird is about 72 cm in length. Both the sexes

are alike and overall plumage is grey, white and black. In flight,
shows extensive white in primaries, little or no white in secondaries and greyish rump. Under tail coverts are white and breast
is dark grey.
Habitat: High altitude rocky slopes and alpine meadows. Rocky
country above tree line. Generally found is small groups of 5-8
birds scratching and digging along hill sides.
General Distribution: Resident bird found in Himalayan high altitude areas from Kashmir to Kumaon and west Nepal.
Distribution in Ladakh: Hemis National Park, Suru, Dras, Zanskar
and some other areas in Kargil.
106
---m-o-;G
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P--
o-;G
----G-- ----m
z-W- GP--W-h;
I-zh -z-P-h-m----72 m-mG w--GZ-;-G-m-mG

t-P--B-z-hP-h;-q-hP-mG-q-m-mG w--m-h;-q-fP-P-mG dP-mWG-O-B-G-fP-P-mG WG-O-GG-q-h;-q-hP-P-mG-B-m-mG
hG- f--G-kz-hP--Mh-h--D-;m--hG-G-mG UP--h-m-Hm-xG-hP- -;m--S-m-zMh-G-q-E-mP-P--z@--hP-h-hmfP-P-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP D-V-m-;--m-hP-z-z-!----f--;m-h-h-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP --m-m-q-G-hP---hP- P-h;-;m--hh-m-mG
107
TIBETAN SANDGROUSE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Sandgrouse
Syrrhaptes tibetanus
Caling and Kagaling
Description: The bird is about 48 cm in length. This is a large,

pin-tailed sandgrouse, the only one occurring on the Tibetan
Plateau. Both the sexes are distinct with pale orange face and
throat. Both crown and breast have fine black barring. Lower
breast and belly are white in colour.
Habitat: High-altitude, barren, stony semi-desert. Lays eggs in a
depression on bare stony ground.
General Distribution: Resident, breeds in Ladakh, North
Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Sometimes moves to lower elevations in winters.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be easily observed around
Tsokar, Chushul, Hanle and Chumur and in winter it can be found
in Leh, Shey and Thikse area.
108
-z-bm-m^-G-
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
m^-G-
--q- -z--m
;-P. ;-G-P.
I-zh
-z-P-h-m---- 48 m-mG -z-zh--h-q-;-P-WG-O-z-zh-q--Vm-q-GTG-q-m-mG w--GZ-;--B---GhP-hP-b-b-h-qPm-G-Tm-m-mG u-GG-hP-P-xG--mG--y--h-h-m-mG
P-GG-hP-Ih-q-h;-q-m-mG
hG- f---+-l-z-Tm-Sm-q-P-e-h-Dm-Gm--;m--hG-G-mG
l-z-f-f-h-q--Eh----bm-F-GbP-P-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP
-hG-hP---Tm-s-h-hP--YP-;m--hG-e-Mh-t--mG +z-hGm--GG-G-zz-b-P-P-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
-z--h;-hP-V--hP-m--hP- V--;m--fP-P-mG hGm--J-hP-hP-FG--;m--fP-P-mG
109
TIBETAN PARTRIDGE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Tibetan Partridge
Perdix hodgsoniae
Shagpa-giao, De-shrak
Description: The bird is about 31 cm in length. Adult has a black

ear-covert patch on the whitish face. Bold black barrings are
present on under parts which form a black patch on belly. Juvenile has a crown and face is dark brown in colour.
Habitat: Trans-Himalayan semi-desert and on rocky slopes with
scattered Caragana and dwarf scrub.
General Distribution: Resident, extends marginally from Tibet
into North Nepal, North India and North Bhutan. Winters at 36604100 m and summer up to 5200 m.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted at Hanle, Chushul,
Tsokar and some other areas in eastern Ladakh.
110
-z-m-q--W-W
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
-z-mq--W
q-^G ^-W--m--
G-q-M- i-G
I-zh -z-P-h--m---- 31 P-P-mG Lm-q-;m--hPh;-q-;-n-VG-mG-q-Dz-b-P-P-mG GG-;m--mG-q---P-P-mG

h-z-Ih-q-;-m-Dm-G-H--mG VP-Pm-;m-u-GG-hP-GhP-G-mGh-h-m-mG
hG- ----w-xG---+-P-ZP-hP-G-kz-;m--l-z-hP-G-P--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP zh-m-z-z-P-xG-hP-G---P-xG-hPM-G-P-xG-;m--hG-G-mG hGm--f-h--- 3660 m- 4100
-hP. h--f-h- 5200 --fm-q-;m--hG-G-mG-hG-Ez-DP -z--h-D-hP-m--D--fP-G-;m--P-P-mG
111
BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Magpie
Pica pica
Katang-putit
Description: The bird is about 50 cm in length. Body is mainly

black with white flanks and belly. Has a metallic blue-black wing,
with long tail. Juvenile resembles adult, but has greyish-black
head and breast.
Habitat: Open cultivated upland valleys around villages with orchards and also in scrub forests.
General Distribution: Resident with little altitudinal movement. Is
found in West and North Pakistan, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh
and Bhutan.
Distributions in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted around Leh,
Nubra and some areas in eastern Ladakh.
112
z-G-z^-G-q-
G-q-q-;-q;D-iP-z-Fh-
I-zh-z-P-h-m----50h-h-m-mG GG-q-DG-P-V-z-mGq-;-h;-q-F-F-hP-Ih-q-h;-q-m-mG GG-q-Sm-q-G-G-mGq-WG-O-P-q-m-mG VP-Pm-;m-mP-Vm-q-hP-G-P-P-mG

m-mP-G-hP-P-;m-B-G-h-h-m-mGhG-
f--;m-hP- --UP-G-V-G-;m--hG-G-mGu-zbP-Ez-DP
-qG-f--;m--I-m-hG-G-mG -z-q-;-bm-m-mz-hP- P-xG-hP-hG-hP- --T-y-h-hP- G--;m-;m--P-P-mG-hG--Ez-DP
--hP- q-;-TG-hP- mz--hP- P-G-GP-q-YP-hP- V--fP-hP- zG-m----hP- IP--;m--h-h-m-mG-
113
COMMON HOOPOE
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Hoopoe
Upupa epops
Hututusay, Utu-tutse, Pupuk-shele
Description: The bird is about 31 cm in length. Wings and tail

are black and white in color. Most other body parts are rufousorange in color. The bill is thin and down curved. In flight, wings
appear broad and rounded.
Habitat: Open country, lightly wooded areas, cultivated land and
villages. Prefers area where there is some grass or herb cover.
General Distribution: Summer visitor to North and West Pakistan,
winters in South East Pakistan and North West India.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in almost all the
valleys of Ladakh.
114
;-m--q-
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
-q-
-q-q--q
-b-b-! -b-b-
I-zh
-z-P-h-m---- 31 h-h-m-mG GG-q-hP-WG-O-h;-mG-h-hm-mG GG-q-DG-Gm-P-V-z-h-G-h-h-m-mG D-V-z--f-GG-e-P-P-mG w--m-GG-q-;m-P-Tm-hP-G-G-P-P-mG
hG- P-mG-P-ZP-h--hP-zHh-zh----Eh-hP-IP-Gz-;m-hG-G-mG tP-hP--Sm-B-b-h--;m--P-P-hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP q-;-bm-m-mz-hP-P-xG--h--hG-G-mG
hGm--q-;-bm-m---hP-M-G--mz-P-m--hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -z--hG--S-k-k-h-q-h--hP--Eh--fmq-fP-G-hP. -+---kz-;m--h-h-m-mG
115
ALPINE SWIFT
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Swift
Tachymarptis melba
Kalakukti
It is larger and more
powerful
than
other
swifts. Both the sexes
are alike and wings are
long, sickle-shaped and
pointed. Has mid-brown
upper parts and wings
are paler brown. Throat is
white with brown breast
band.
Habitat: Mainly found on
the cliffs of the mountains.
General Distribution: Local resident in Himalayas from North Pakistan to Bhutan. From
South Rajasthan east to North Andhra Pradesh and south to Kerela and Sri Lanka.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in eastern
Ladakh, Dras and Suru.
116
-qm--w
u-zbP-P-
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P-
-w
-T-q---z;--;G-b
I-zh
-z-P-h--m----22 hP-Gm-;--;G-b-;mm-P-Vm-q-hP-G-Tm-m-mG w--GZ-;-G-P-P-mG GG-q-P-qz-z-!-z-z-e-P-P-mG D-bG-;m-D-q-G-hP- GG-q-;m-D-B-mmG b-b-h;-q-hP-P-D-q-m-mG
hG- P-V-z-G-G-;m--P-hG
u-zbP-Ez-DP q-;-bm-m-P-xG-m-G--G-q-h-h-m-mG
-W-fm--m--hP- m-h--s-h--P-xG-hP- ;---hP--P-;xG-;m--h-h-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP RK-GP-q-Mh-h-GhP----m-J-hP---;m-P-P-mG
117
GREAT ROSEFINCH
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Rosefinch
Carpodacus rubicilla
Lama-chipa, Ichu-gomar
Male has paler rose-pink
head and under parts. Upper parts are sandy-grey in
colour. Female has sandybrown upper parts and under parts are paler greybrown in colour. In flight,
both sexes show edge on
outer tail feathers.
Habitat: Arid, sparely vegetated and rocky ground in alpine zone. Is also found in Caragana
scrub in winter. Nest is built in a rock crevice or under stones.
General Distribution: Resident with only small altitudinal
movement. North Himalayas from North Pakistan east to Sikkim
in India.
Distribution in Ladakh: The bird can be sighted in eastern
Ladakh, Zanskar and Nubra.
118
G---wm-T
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P.
-wm-T
;-q-^-;--z--
---q -T-G-h
I-zh-z-P-h-m---- 20 m-mG w-;m-m-G-hP-Ih-q-;m--z--bG-GhG-h- h-m-mG-D-bG-;m-S-B-m-mG--;m-m-D-bG-xG-q-S-+-hP-GGxG-q-G-B-m-mG-w--m-w--GZ-;-WG-O-t-;m-zem-q-m-mG

hG- Sm-q-P-q-h-q--+-hP-G--fm-q-;m--hG-G-mG hGm---Tm-m--kz-;m-P-fP-P-mG G-z-P-m--z-GG-;m-P--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP f--VP-Pm--I-m-hG-G-mG q-;-bm-mP-xG-m-----P-xG-hP-M-G---xG--YP-G-q-h-hm-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
--Hm-xG-hP-P-h;-hP--;-hP-P-G-GP-q-Mh-hP-z--hPV--fP-hP-q-G-hP--h;-hP-----hP-m--hP-V---YP-;m-z-fP-P-mG
119
HORNED LARK
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Lark
Eremophila alpestris
Chipa-gut, Up-tshakir
Description: The bird

is about 18 cm in
length. Adult male has
black and white head
pattern with black
mask, horns and
band across crown.
Under
parts
are
creamy-white with a
black breast band.
Adult female has
black breast and diffuse dark mask. Juvenile has dark mask and
pale yellowish underparts.
Habitat: Breeds in high-altitude stony screes and alpine pastures, winters in fallow land in terraced cultivation, bare sand
stretches along mountain rivers and barren stony slopes of lower mountain valleys.
General Distribution: Resident with some altitudinal movement.
Found in the Himalayas from northern Pakistan towards eastern
part of Sikkim.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in eastern Ladakh, Zanskar and Nubra.
120
-m-;
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
;
--w-w--qm--
!-q-Gh
I-zh
-z-P-h-m---- 18 m-mG -q-w-;m--G--;-mG-G---hPG-u-G---T-G----h-hG
GG-;m--h;--Tm--mG---P-G-q- q--;m--IP-mG-qPhG VP-Pm-;m--fz-fz-hP--B-GG-xG--P-hG
hG-
l-z-Tm-m-f--;m--Mh-t-b--fm-q--D-hP-hGm--h--F-Tm-mP-zbz-Dm-hP--IG-q-zMh-h--fP-M-Dm-hP-m---;m-l-z-Tm-kz-;m--hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DPb--;m--I-m-hG-G-mG q-;-bm-m-P-xG-m-----m-YP---G-q-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP
--Hm-xG-hP-P-h;-hP--;-hP-P-G-GP-q-hP-P-fP-hP-mz-;m--fP-P-mG
121
COMMON REDSTART
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Kyakchit
Description: The bird is about 15 cm in length. Adult male can be

distinguished from male Black Redstart by paler grey crown and
generally more prominent white band across forehead. Adult female has brown upperparts and whiter throat and belly.
Habitat: Usually inhabits forest. Recorded in the Indian Subcontinent in arid areas.
General Distribution: Recorded in Subcontinent in arid areas.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in Leh, Nubra and Suru
valleys.
122
;-m-^-^
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
^-^
w--m-;-- w--m;-
ZG-xh
I-zh
-z-P-h-m---- 15 P-hG-w-Vm-q-;m- w-m-bG-mG-q-P-uGG-B-G-hP-hs-z-D--h;-P-h-q-P---G-G-q-fP-hG
w-Vm-q-;m-D-bG-G-G-q-hP-b-b-hP-Ih-q-h;-q-G-P-hG
hG-
P-V-z-mG-G-hP--+-Tm-m-JP
-;m--P-hG
u-zbP-Ez-DP -+-Tm-m-JP
-;m--P-hG -hG--Ez-DP-hP-FG--;m--P-hG
123
BLACK REDSTART
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Redstart
Phoenicurus ochruros
Tsilder, Santig-nagpo
Description:
The bird is about

15 cm in length. Male
has largely black
or dark grey upperparts with browner
wings, black throat
and breast. Some
show narrow whitish band across fore
crown and extending
as a line above the eye. Adult male has black plumage which
appears dull owing to extensive brownish-grey fringes to body
plumage. The bird vibrates its tail like most redstarts.
Habitat: Breeds in Tibetan steppe habitat in meadows and scree
above the tree line, stony ground with Caragana scrub and dwarf
Juniper. Winters in cultivation gardens, plantations by roadsides
and canals and riverine forest.
General Distribution: Altitudinal migrant, breeds in West Pakistan
and Himalayas from North Pakistan east to Sikkim. Winters in Himalayas and South through much of the Indian Subcontinent,
except Sri Lanka.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in almost all the valleys
of Ladakh.
124
z-G-^-c^
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P-Gm--P.
^- c^
w--m-;---D-M--k-m-bG-mG-q-
I-zh
-z-m-h-m---- 15 P-hG w-;m-mG-q-P-m-mG-B-GG-q-DbG-;m-G-q-hP-b-b-hP-P-mG-q-P-hG D-TG-G-G-hm-xG--fGh;-q-G-G-G-eG-G-q-P-hG w-V--;m--t-hG--G-+-GG-qz;z-e-P-hG h-WG-O--bG-P--G--zK-m-z-hG
hG-
-z-zh-h-UP-- h---fP-hP-G--Tm-m--kz-hP-UP--hP-G-qVP-P-f-f-h--;m--Mh-t-z-m-mG hGm-h--IP-q--hP.
UP-G-hP---G-Gm-hP--z-hP-IG-q-b--;m--hG-G-mGu-zbP-Ez-DP -fm-q-;m-I-Dm-;m-q-;-bm-mz-xG-hP----q-;-bm-m-mz-xG-m--YP-G-q-P-P-mG hGm-----hP-M-G---xG-G-q-P-;G m-mP-P-;--hG-G--mG
-hG-Ez-DP
-P-h-q-bP-bP-;m--GbG--hG--YP-P---!h-h-m-mG
125
WHITE WINGED REDSTART

Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Redstart
Phoenicurus erythrogaster
Sintic, Santic, Tsentic
Comparatively this is a
large redstart and adult
male has a white crown
with large white patch at
the base of flight feathers. Adult female resembles female Black Redstart. Juvenile has brown
head and body with diffuse spotting.
Habitat: Breeds in the

day alpine zone among glacial moraine and boulder-strewn
meadows.
General Distribution: Resident, subject to altitudinal movement
and winter visitor. Found in Himalayas from North Pakistan east
to Arunachal Pradesh.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted around Leh and in eastern Ladakh especially in Tsokar, Hanle and along Upper Indus
Basin. It can also be sighted in Zanskar and Nubra valleys.
126
^-P-G^-^-^
u-zbP-P-
m-G-GP.
-Gm--P.
^-^
w--m-;---^--G-
m-bG m-bG
-Gm--P.
m-bG m-bG
I-zh -z-P-h-m---b- 18 m-mG--z-m-G-Vm-q-G-mmG w-Vm-q-;m--u-GTP-h;-q-hP-w-z-GG-q--;m--h;-fG-hb-m-mG- -Vm-q-;m-m-bG-mG-q-G-m-mG-VP-Pm-;m-G-G-q-hPGG-q-;-fG-M-b-P-hG

hG- -Ghm-m-G-hP-tP-;m--Mh-t--mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP -f-h-;m-hP-hGm--I-Dm-m-mG----q-;-bm-P-xG-m--xG-hP---m-T-s-h-V-q-h-h-m-mG
-hG--Ez-DP -z--hG-GP-P-f--;m-hP--xG-hP--zG-GeP-xG-hP-eG-hP-D-hP--hP-P--hP-eG-P--hP-hq-fz-hP-Ph;-hP-mz--;m--fP-P-mG
127
CITRINE WAGTAIL
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Wagtail
Motacilla citreola
Sterzi, Star-zee
During breeding season adult male is readily distinguished by yellow head and under
parts. Breeding female
have greyish crown
and yellow under parts.
Non-breeding females
can be coloured and
has brownish crown
with black spotting
across breast.
Habitat: Summers in wet grasslands in Himalayan valleys and
on marshy patches on alpine slopes below glaciers and melting snow. Winters on marshes, around lakes, tanks and jheels
and on wet fields. Nest is a compact cup, made of dry grass,
rootlets and moss; placed on the ground under a bush, stone or
grass tussock.
General Distribution: Breeds in Baluchistan, Pakistan and in Himalayas from North Pakistan east to Himachal Pradesh. Winters
widely in the Indian Subcontinent.
Distribution in Ladakh: It can be sighted in eastern Ladakh and
in Dras and Nubra valleys.
128
--bm-G--
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P-
-Gm--P.
G--
------^-!-
d-
I-zh
-z-P-h-m---- 19 m-mG-Mh-t--h- w-Vm-q-;m-G-q-hP-GG-;m-m-G-q---mG Mh-t--Gm--mP-P--;m-G-Bz-hP-GG-xG---q-P-mG Mh-t-h-q-h---;m-hG-Tm-hP-uGG-G-q-hP. P-;m--mG-fG--P-hG
hG- h-h-----YP---m-q-hP-h--VP-Pm-hP--kzhP-GP--Ghm-hP-D-z-Dm-;m--hG-G-mG hGm---hm-m-h-hP. P-hP--m-q-;m--hG-G-mG -hP- l-z-hP-Ym-q-;m-m-GG-G-z-fG-hP- tP-+-q-hP--VG-VG-;m-zG-b-P-ym-b-zh---mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP
z---bm-hP-q-;-bm-hP-----mP-P-q-;-bm-m-P-xG-m--xGm--xG-hP---T-G-q-Mh-t--mG hGm--M-G--JP-;m--hh-mG
-hG--Ez-DP----D-hP--h;-hP. V--hP-m--hP-V----hP-h--hPmz--hP-P-G-GP-q-Mh-;m--hG-G-mG
129
ROBIN ACCENTOR
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Robin
Prunella rubeculoides
Bangma-tsildir, Tseldir, Bang-tsil
Description:
The
bird is about 17 cm
in length. Adult has
a well defined rustyorange band across
breast. Head and
throat are brownish
-grey.
Habitat: Summers
in dwarf willows,
Caragana
scrub
and sedge tussocks
around streams and
lakes. In winters on stay ground and around upland villages.
General Distribution: Resident, subject to attitudinal movements,
in the Himalayas from North Pakistan east to Bhutan.
in Zanskar, Markha and Nubra valleys.
130
-zm--m-
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--P.
-zm
i-m z-;--^-^
zG---k -k
I-zh
-z-P-h-m---- 17 m-mG Vm-q-;m--m-G-G--m--fh-P-hG G-hP-b-b-;m-G-B-P-hG
hG-
h--UP--VP-Pm-;m-hP-P-kP-VP-Pm-wP-e-h-q-hP. IG-q-hP-f--;m--hG-G-mG hGm--fP-hP--;m--hG-G-mG
u-bP-Ez-DP
P-fh--I--mG-q-;-bm-m-P-xG-hP-P-h;-hP--D-hP-zG-hP---hP-P-fP-;m--P-PmG
131
DESERT WHEATEAR
Common Name :
Scientific Name :
Local Name
:
Wheatear
Oenanthe deserti
Chiu-logzi
15 cm in length. This is a
comparatively small wheatear
which can be distinguished
in all plumages from other wheatears occurring in the
subcontinent. Both male and
female have a largely black
tail. In the breeding season
adult male is distinctive with
sandy brown upper parts and
black face and throat.
Habitat: Breeds on rock or candy plateaux with scattered

Caragana bushes, winters in barren semi-desert and on gravel
slopes, eroded earth cliffs and dunes with scattered scrub.
General Distribution: Breeds in North Hunza, Pakistan and from
East Kashmir to Nepal. Winter visitor mainly to Pakistan and
North West India.
in Zanskar and Suru valleys.
132
^--^-/--
u-zbP-P.
m-G-G-P.
-Gm--!-P.
--
--mm-f-^--
-G-
I-zh-z-P-h-m---- 15 m-mG JP
-h--Gm-Gm--;m--h-q-G--;m-m-P--z-- G--VP-Pm-G-m-mG h-Eh-q-h-h-m-mG
w--GZ-;--WG-O-mG-q-Vm-q-h-h-m-mG Mh-t--Gm--mP-P-wLm-q-;m-G-q-hP-GhP-hP-b-b-;m-mG-q-P-P-mG
hG- G-P-m--Sm-B-h-q-kz--;-Mh-t--mG hGm--+-hP-MP-h--hP-G--Tm-m--kz-hP-Gh-q-G--f-f-h--;m-hG-G-mG
u-zbP-Ez-DP m--P-xG-hP-q-;-bm-hP. ;---xGm-z-z-;m--Mh-t--mG
hGm--P-V-z-q-;-bm-hP-M-G--mz-P-;m--hG-G-mG
-hG--Ez-DP P-fP-P--h;-hP--h-hP- ----hP-m-hP-V--hP-IP--hP--D-Hm-xG-hP--hP-mz--;m--P-P-mG
133
REFERENCES
Ali, S. and Ripley, S.D. (1987): Compact Edition of the
Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan. Oxford University Press, New Delhi.
Akhtar S. A. (1989) : Some Observations on the Breeding
Behaviour of the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in
Ladakh. Asia Crane Congress Rajkot, India.
Chandan P, A Chatterjee, P Gautam, C M Seth, J Takpa, S
Haq, P Tashi and S Vidya (2005): Black-necked Crane-Status, Breeding Productivity and Conservation in Ladakh, India 2000-2004. WWF-India and Department of Wildlife Protection. Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gole P. (1983) Future of Black-necked Cranes in Indian Sub-continent. Proceedings International Crane Workshop 1983 Bharatpur India : 51-54 in G.W. Archibald and
R.F. Pasquier, eds., Proceedings of the 1983 International Crane Workshop. International Crane Foundation, Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA.
Hussain S.A. (1985) : Status of Black-necked Crane in
Ladakh 1983, Problems and Prospects. J. Bombay Nat.
Hist. Soc. 82: 449-458.
Ludlow, F. (1920) : Notes on the Identification of Certain
Birds in Ladak. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 27 : 141-146.
134
Mishra C and B. Humbert-Droz (1998): Avifaunal Survey of Tsomoriri Lake and Adjoining Nuro Sumdo Wetland in Ladakh, Indian Trans-Himalaya. Forktail 14: 865-867.
Pfister, O. (2004) : Birds and Mammals of Ladakh. Oxford University Press, New Delhi.
Sonobe, K and Usui, S. (1993) : A Field Guide to the Waterbirds
of Asia. Wild Bird Society of Japan, Tokyo.
135
Annexure - Checklist of the Birds of Ladakh
136
S.NO.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Grus nigricollis
Black-necked Crane
Anthropoides virgo
Demoiselle Crane
Ciconia nigra
Black Stork
Egretta garzetta
Little Egret
Ardea cinerea
Grey Heron
Casmerodius albus
Great Egret
Bubulcus ibis
Cattle Egret
Nycticorax nycticorax
Black-Crowned Night Heron
Ardeola grayii
Indian Pond Heron
10
Ixobrychus minutus
Little Bittern
11
Botaurus stellaris
Great Bittern
12
Phalacrocorax carbo
Cormorant
13
Plegadis falcinellus
Glossy Ibis
14
Ibidorhyncha struthersii
Ibisbill
15
Fulica atra
Common Coot
16
Gallinula chloropus
Common Moorhen
17
Rallus aquaticus
Water Rail
18
Gallinago stenura
Pintail Snipe
19
Gallinago solitaria
Solitary Snipe
20
Himantopus himantopus
Black-winged Stilt
21
Recurvirostra avosetta
Pied Avocet
22
Vanellus vanellus
Northern Lapwing
23
Charadrius leschenaultii
Greater Sand Plover
24
Charadrius mongolus
Lesser Sand Plover
25
Charadrius alexandrinus
Kentish Plover
26
Actitis hypoleucos
Common Sandpiper
27
Calidris minuta
Little Stint
28
Arenaria interpres
Ruddy Turnstone
29
Calidris temminckii
Temmincks Stint
30
Calidris ferruginea
Curlew Sandpiper
31
Phalaropus lobatus
Red-necked Phalarope
32
Philomachus pugnax
Ruff
33
Xenus cinereus
Terek Sandpiper
34
Tringa ochropus
Green Sandpiper
35
Tringa stagnatilis
Marsh Sandpiper
36
Tringa erythropus
Spotted Redshank
37
Tringa totanus
Redshank
38
Numenius phaeopus
Whimbrel
39
Numenius arquata
Eurasian Curlew
40
Calidris alpina
Dunlin
41
Anser indicus
Bar-headed Goose
42
Anser anser
Graylag Goose
137
138
43
Tadorna ferruginea
Ruddy Shelduck
44
Mergus merganser
Merganser
45
Aythya ferina
Common Pochard
46
Rhodonessa rufina
Red-crested Pochard
47
Anas strepera
Gadwall
48
Anas platyrhynchos
Mallard
49
Anas penelope
Eurasian Wigeon
50
Anas clypeata
Northern Shoveler
51
Anas acuta
Northern Pintail
52
Anas querquedula
Garganey
53
Anas crecca
Common Teal
54
Aythya fuligula
Tufted Duck
55
Larus brunnicephalus
Brown-headed Gull
56
Larus ichthyaetus
Pallass Gull
57
Larus ridibundus
Black-headed Gull
58
Sterna paradisaea
Arctic Tern
59
Sterna hirundo
Common Tern
60
Chlidonias leucopterus
White-winged Tern
61
Podiceps cristatus
Great Crested Grebe
62
Podiceps nigricollis
Black-necked Grebe
63
Tachybaptus ruficollis
Little Grebe
64
Cinclus cinclus
White-throated Dipper
65
Cinclus pallasii
Brown Dipper
66
Troglodytes troglodytes
Winter Wren
67
Gypaetus barbatus
Lammergeier
68
Gyps himalayensis
Himalayan Griffon
69
Neophron percnopterus
Egyptian Vulture
70
Aquila chrysaetos
Golden Eagle
71
Hieraaetus pennatus
Booted Eagle
72
Aquila nipalensis
Steppe Eagle
73
Buteo rufinus
Long-legged Buzzard
74
Buteo hemilasius
Upland Buzzard
75
Accipiter gentilis
Northern Goshawk
76
Accipiter nisus
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
77
Circus cyaneus
Hen Harrier
78
Circus pygargus
Montagu's Harrier
79
Circus aeruginosus
Eurasian Marsh Harrier
80
Elanus caeruleus
Black-shouldered Kite
81
Milvus migrans
Black Kite
82
Pernis ptilorhyncus
Oriental Honey Buzzard
83
Circaetus gallicus
Short-toed Snake Eagle
84
Haliaeetus leucoryphus
Pallass Fish-eagle
85
Aquila clanga
Greater Spotted Eagle
86
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine Falcon
139
140
87
Falco jugger
Laggar Falcon
88
Falco cherrug
Saker Falcon
89
Falco subbuteo
Eurasian Hobby
90
Falco tinnunculus
Common Kestrel
91
Falco columbarius
Merlin
92
Pica pica
Black-billed Magpie
93
Urocissa flavirostris
Yellow-billed Magpie
94
Garrulus lanceolatus
Black-headed Jay
95
Garrulus glandarius
Eurasian Jay
96
Corvus splendens
House Crow
97
Corvus corone
Carrion Crow
98
Corvus corax
Common Raven
99
Corvus macrorhynchos
Large-billed Crow
100
Corvus monedula
Eurasian Jackdaw
101
Coracias benghalensis
Indian Roller
102
Coracias garrulus
European Roller
103
Columba livia
Rock Pigeon
104
Columba rupestris
Hill Pigeon
105
Columba leuconota
Snow Pigeon
106
Columba eversmanni
Yellow-eyed Pigeon
107
Streptopelia orientalis
Oriental Turtle Dove
108
Streptopelia senegalensis
Laughing Dove
109
Streptopelia chinensis
Spotted Dove
110
Streptopelia decaocto
Eurasian Collared Dove
111
Asio otus
Long-eared Owl
112
Asio flammeus
Short-eared Owl
113
Athene noctua
Little Owl
114
Bubo bubo
Eurasian Eagle Owl
115
Clamator jacobinus
Pied Cuckoo
116
Cuculus canorus
Common Cuckoo
117
Tetraogallus tibetanus
Tibetan Snowcock
118
Lerwa lerwa
Snow Partridge
119
Alectoris chukar
Chukar
120
Coturnix coturnix
Common Quail
121
Coturnix coromandelica
Rain Quail
122
Perdix hodgsoniae
Tibetan Partridge
123
Dicrurus macrocercus
Black Drongo
124
Merops apiaster
Europian Bee-eater
125
Merops persicus
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
126
Merops leschenaulti
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
127
Upupa epops
Common Hoopoe
128
Sterna albifrons
Little Tern
129
Sterna aurantia
River Tern
130
Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Pheasant-tailed jacana
141
142
131
Glareola pratincola
Collared Pratincole
132
Stercorarius parasiticus
Parasitic Jaeger
133
Alcedo atthis
Common Kingfisher
134
Oriolus oriolus
Eurasian Golden Oriole
135
Tetraogallus himalayensis
Himalayan Snowcock
136
Pseudopodoces humilis
Hume's Groundpecker
137
Pyrrhocorax graculus
Yellow-billed Chough
138
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Red-billed Chough
139
Otus brucei
Pallid Scops Owl
140
Erthacus chrysaecus
White browed bush robin
141
Eudynamys scolopaceus
Asian Koel
142
Syrrhaptes tibetanus
Tibetan Sandgrouse
143
Caprimulgus europaeus
Eurasian Nightjar
144
Pandion haliaetus
Osprey
145
Lanius collurio
Red-backed Shrike
146
Lanius isabellinus
Rufous-tailed Shrike
147
Lanius tephronotus
Grey-backed Shrike
148
Lanius minor
Lesser Grey Shrike
149
Lanius schach
Long-tailed Shrike
150
Lanius excubitor
Great grey Shrike
151
Turdus philomelos
Song Thrush
152
Myophonus caeruleus
Blue Whistling Thrush
153
Monticola solitarius
Blue Rock Thrush
154
Turdus unicolor
Tickell's Thrush
155
Turdus merula
Eurasian Blackbird
156
Turdus ruficollis
Dark-throated Thrush
157
Turdus naumanni
Dusky Thrush
158
Picus squamatus
Scaly-bellied Woodpecker
159
Muscicapa striata
Spotted Flycatcher
160
Muscicapa dauurica
Asian Brown Flycatcher
161
Muscicapa ruficauda
Rusty-tailed Flycatcher
162
Ficedula parva
Red-breasted Flycatcher
163
Terpsiphone paradisi
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
164
Luscinia pectoralis
White-tailed Rubythroat
165
Luscinia svecica
Bluethroat
166
Cercotrichas galactotes
Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin
167
Tarsiger cyanurus
Orange-flanked Bush Robin
168
Phoenicurus erythrogaster
White-winged Redstart
169
Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
White-capped Water Redstart
170
Phoenicurus hodgsoni
Hodgson's Redstart
171
Phoenicurus frontalis
Blue-fronted Redstart
172
Phoenicurus erythronota
Rufous-backed Redstart
173
Enicurus scouleri
Little Forktail
174
Erithacus calliope
Eurasian Rubythroat
143
144
175
Oenanthe deserti
Desert Wheatear
176
Oenanthe pleschanka
Pied Wheatear
177
Oenanthe oenanthe
Common Wheatear
178
Oenanthe isabellina
Isabelline Wheatear
179
Oenanthe picata
Variable Wheatear
180
Oenanthe alboniger
Hume's Wheatear
181
Garrulax variegatus
Variegated Laughingthrush
182
Prunella strophiata
Rufous-breasted Accentor
183
Prunella rubeculoides
Robin Accentor
184
Prunella fulvescens
Brown Accentor
185
Prunella montanella
Sibarian Accentor
186
Prunella atrogularis
Black-throated Accentor
187
Prunella collaris
Alpine Accentor
188
Prunella himalayana
Altai Accentor
189
Bradypterus major
Long-billed Bush Warbler
190
Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Great Reed Warbler
191
Phylloscopus sindianus
Mountain Chiffchaff
192
Phylloscopus collybita
Common Chiffchaff
193
Phylloscopus neglectus
Plain Leaf Warbler
194
Phylloscopus pulcher
Buff-barred Warbler
195
Phylloscopus griseolus
Sulphur-bellied Warbler
196
Phylloscopus affinis
Tickells Leaf Warbler
197
Phylloscopus fuscatus
Dusky Warbler
198
Phylloscopus occipitalis
Western Crowned Warbler
199
Phylloscopus inornatus
Inornate Warbler
200
Phylloscopus trochiloides
Greenish Warbler
201
Phylloscopus humei
Humes Leaf Warbler
202
Phylloscopus magnirostris
Large-billed Leaf Warbler
203
Phylloscopus tytleri
Tytler's Leaf Warbler
204
Acrocephalus agricola
Paddyfield Warbler
205
Certhia himalayana
Bar-tailed Tree Creeper
206
Parus rufonuchalis
Rufous naped tit
207
Parus major
Great Tit
208
Sylviparus modestus
Yellow browed Tit
209
Regulus regulus
Goldcrest
210
Remiz coronatus
White-crowed Penduline Tit
211
Cephalopyrus flammiceps
Fire-capped Tit
212
Sylvia borin
Garden Warbler
213
Sylvia communis
Greater Whitethroat
214
Sylvia curruca
Lesser Whitethroat
215
Sylvia nisoria
Barred Warbler
216
Calandrella acutirostris
Humes Short-toed Lark
217
Calandrella brachydactyla
Greater Short-toed Lark
218
Melanocorypha maxima
Tibetan Lark
145
146
219
Melanocorypha bimaculata
Bimaculated Lark
220
Alaemon alaudipes
Greater Hoopoe Lark
221
Alauda gulgula
Oriental Skylark
222
Eremophila alpestris
Horned Lark
223
Calandrella cheleensis
Asian Short-toed Lark
224
Galerida cristata
Crested Lark
225
Fringilla montifringilla
Brambling
226
Emberiza cia
Rock Bunting
227
Emberiza citrinella
Yellowhammer
228
Emberiza leucocephalos
Pine Bunting
229
Emberiza buchanani
Grey-necked Bunting
230
Emberiza rutila
Chestnut Bunting
231
Emberiza hortulana
Ortolan Bunting
232
Emberiza pusilla
Little Bunting
233
Emberiza bruniceps
Red-headed Bunting
234
Emberiza schoeniclus
Reed Bunting
235
Carpodacus rubicilla
Great Rosefinch
236
Carpodacus thura
White-browed Rosefinch
237
Carpodacus erythrinus
Common Rosefinch
238
Carpodacus rhodochlamys
Red-mantled Rosefinch
239
Carpodacus rubicilloides
Streaked Rosefinch
240
Carpodacus puniceus
Red-fronted Rosefinch
241
Rhodopechys mongolica
Mongolian Finch
242
Leucosticte brandti
Brandts Mountain Finch
243
Leucosticte nemoricola
Plain Mountain Finch
244
Carduelis cannabina
Eurasian Linnet
245
Carduelis carduelis
European Goldfinch
246
Carduelis flavirostris
Twite
247
Serinus serinus
Serin
248
Rhodopechys sanguinea
Crimson-winged Finch
249
Motacilla citreola
Citrine Wagtail
250
Motacilla cinerea
Grey Wagtail
251
Motacilla alba
White Wagtail
252
Motacilla flava
Yellow Wagtail
253
Dendronanthus indicus
Forest Wagtail
254
Anthus cervinus
Red-throated Pipit
255
Anthus spinoletta
Water Pipit
256
Anthus hodgsoni
Olive-backed Pipit
257
Anthus roseatus
Rosy Pipit
258
Anthus trivialis
Tree Pipit
259
Tachymarptis melba
Alpine Swift
260
Apus apus
Common Swift
261
Apus pacificus
Fork-tailed Swift
262
Apus affinis
House Swift
263
Sturnus roseus
Rosy Starling
264
Sturnus vulgaris
Common Starling
147
148
265
Sturnus pagodarum
Brahminy Starling
266
Sturnus unicolor
Spotless Starling
267
Tichodroma muraria
Wallcreeper
268
Riparia paludicola
Plain Martin
269
Hirundo rustica
Barn Swallow
270
Hirundo rupestris
Eurasian Crag Martin
271
Riparia riparia
Sand Martin
272
Hirundo smithii
Wire-tailed Swallow
273
Hirundo daurica
Red-rumped Swallow
274
Delichon urbica
Northern House Martin
275
Delichon dasypus
Asian House Martin
276
Passer domesticus
House Sparrow
277
Passer hispaniolensis
Spanish Sparrow
278
Montifringilla taczanowskii
White-rumped Snowfinch
279
Montifringilla nivalis
White-winged Snowfinch
Tibetan Snowfinch
280
Montifringilla adamsi
281
Montifringilla blanfordi
Plain-backed Snowfinch
282
Acrocephalus dumetorum
Blyths Reed Warbler
283
Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
Black-browed Reed Warbler
284
Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Sedge Warbler
285
Tringa glareola
Wood Sandpiper
286
Tringa nebularia
Greenshank
PIP
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
m-G--P.
u-zbP-GP.
G-- m-G;
-
m-b-q-^- -G
-;-m- mG-
G--= G--=
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z-z-; -z
m!--;!- m!--;!-
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q-G-^ w--m-
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D^--^- --m-
z-G mG^- ;-m

^--- ;-m
z-G e;
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G- -m
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qm- b- -m!q
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z-G P^- bb
q^- --b
mkm- q-P.
G---m^- q--z
149
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
150
D^--^- P-G-
D^--^- -G-m-^-m
!D-- -q--;
D--^-- -m-
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;--^ b-D-;
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w---q- --b
w --T qG-mG
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-m-G -f--q
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m--m w--q
m--m !-D-
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m- !m-
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w
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49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
-m q-m-q
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q-^-;q ;---
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mw-m- q-mq--
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151
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
152
z--! ---
D-q- Wm-b-
G-q- m-
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--m --
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q-m q-b-!m-;!
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w ;- q-m-G-m
w;-WG-;
w ;- T-G
w ;- -z-
w;-;- z---
w-;- ;--z-
q- ;- q-;
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G-- m--!--b!
G-- G-m^-
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z-^
m-km- G-;
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m- -
m-b-G- -
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z-G ;
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q!!-- w- -G
G--- t-b^- -G
q!!-!G-m w-;!m
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;-m- ;--
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z-G-z^- G-q
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z!!-G -^^- W
--m- W
-- ;-
;-m-;-
;-m--m
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
;-- ;---T
;- -m-^-
;--; zm-G-m-
;--; G--
;--z- --
;--z- q-q-e-
;--z- --T-m-
;--z- !- z--m
e-q-b-q- --m-
q-b-q !- m-G-m-
q-b-q T-m-
q-b-q ^-;-
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z-z- z-z
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;--m ;--m-^--;
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h-- D---
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m-^m- -
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153
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
154
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q-q -qq
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m-m- --m-
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q-m-;- G-;-
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z-G^- z- -
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;-m-z-
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W-m- b-^- W-D-m
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150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
273
174
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b ^- w---
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m--;- ---
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q-;- -D- -
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b--G -
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w-m-;- -f-m-m-
w-m-;- w-m-b-
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155
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
156 200
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!-mm-f !-!-z--mm
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q--m- w--m
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w--;-q m^-m
w--;-q ;-z-z-
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w--;-q q-T
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G-- ^- z-
m-m- Tw-;w
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q-m- w- -z
zw- z^- z-
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201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
w--;-q
w--;-q G--
w--;-q bb--
w--;-q !G--;-
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q- -w-m-T
q- -W
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q-w-q- w-m--q
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;-m-i- b--b
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;-m-^-- T--
G-- ^ ;--b-b
w-PG-G- m--w
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z-
W- z^- w- z
b-w- w- z-
q-^-w^- z
z-^- -- ;-q
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G^-
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m^- G
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z-z-P.
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157
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
158
-z- -m-m-
-z- -;--w-m
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252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
--- w--
^m-h--mm-f- m-^-;
m-f ;--m
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m-f --
m-f ---
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qm
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m^- -m
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mkm- - -m
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-- t-
159
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
160
q- -q-m- m-
m--w-PG-G- G--m--;
m--w-PG-G- z-m-w^
m--w-PG-G- h--
m--w-PG-G- zm--m
--q-w- ^-m--m
--q-w- z-b-W-m
--q-w- -D--z-m
m-G G---
m-G m-z--
t-m- t-
- q^- m-wmT
q-m- ^- z-
-z-m- -m-wmT
Q-m- ^- z-
zf ^-z-
zf- ^- z-
^W- z-
^-m^-q-q
G-m-m;
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
About the Authors
Mr. Pankaj Chandan

Mr. Chandan is the Project Manager for the High Altitude Wetlands Conservation Project at WWF-India. He has over a decade
of field experience, working on the issue of conservation of the
High Altitude Wetlands in Ladakh.
Mohd. Abbas
Sh. Mohd. Abbas is a Range Officer with the Leh Forest Division.
He has over two decades of experience on working with the various conservation and wildlife issues of Ladakh.
Dr. Parikshit Gautam

Dr. Gautam is the Director, Freshwater & Wetlands Programme
at WWF-India. He has over two decades of field research
experience in avifaunal and other faunal species; and has successfully guided conservation projects in the Freshwater & Wetlands Programme as well as several inter-departmental projects
at WWF-India.

Field Guide Birds of Ladakh

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Field Guide Birds of Ladakh

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Field Guide

The Field Guide on Birds of Ladakh has been specially designed

29. Upland Buzzard

G-VG-o-G-Tm-;m--WG-q-h-h-m-mG -hG---xG-hP-mz-xG;m--hh-I-P-q-w-b--D-;m--P-e--q-P---Tm-;m--hG-h;m--P-e-m-mG h-mP-mP---Dm-;m--hG--h;G-q-P-e-m-mG

Summer visiting birds Arriving in huge numbers from the South

GREAT CRESTED GREBE

Great Crested Grebe

Description: The length

This is a diving duck

Habitat: High altitude marshes are the most

I-zh -FP-FP-WP-mG-m-GG-q-P-P-m---- 135 -hPGG-q-P-P---m---- 62 m- 65 h-q--Vm-q-G-m-mG

At rest, wings extend beyond tail.

I-zh w--GZ-;-G-h-h-m-mG !-z!-S!-P-hP-h;q-!hP-G-q-PP-q-m-mG

Habitats: The duck breeds around

I-zh-z-G-hP- WP-q-hG-B-G-h-Dm-m-V--D-Vm-q-G-m-mG zP-h-q-m----64m-mG Mh-t--Gm-h--w-;m-m-WP-q-;m--mG--y--G-hP- --;m--h-z-P-P--hG

Description: The bird is

I-zh -z-P-P---m----38P-hG --zw--m-xG-GZ-;-h;-q---G-q-fP-hG Ih-qh;-q-m-mG D-V-mG-B-hP- @P-q-;m-B-z-P-hG -w-Th-qm-mG-q-G-P-hG---h;-q-G-WP-q-G-q-P-hG

Description: The bird is about 50 cm in length. The bill is black.

Description: The bird is about 50 cm in length. The plumage is

I-zh-z-P-P-P----50h-h-m-mG t--;m-h-m-h-q-P--G-m- -w-;m-m-G-hP-WP-q-D-B-hP- GG-q-hG-mG-BhP- P--mG---h-h-m-mG Ih-q-h;-q- D-V-mG-q-m-mG

I-zh-z-P-P-m----48m-mG V--z-h-TG-W!P-q-hP- D-VVP-Pm- -w-hs-z-;-fG-BP-Tm-m-G-hP- WP-!q-D-q-P-P-mG

Description: The bird is

Description: The length of this bird is about 26 cm. It has a long

I-zh-z-P-h-m----26m-mG -z-D-V-P-q-P-P-mG w--mGG-q-GG-;m--h;-q-fP-P-mGw--GZ-;-G-P-P-mG-G-hP-@P-q-;m-YP--m-mG

Habitat: The birds occur

I-zh-z-P-P-m----28P-P-mG -z-GG-q-hP- zbm-b-D-V-mb-hP- @P-q-P-q-P-P-mG w--GZ-;-G-hG Mh-t--h--ehxG-q---G-G-hP- P-xG-q-mG---xh-G--h-h-m-mG

General Distribution: Breeds in northern part of North Asia and

u-zbP-Ez-DP- --P-xP--P-P--Mh-t-b Mh-t-h-qh------xG--h-wh-h-mG ---mz-m-P-xG--V-mG

Habitat: The bird prefers

hG- -z-V-GP--hP--V--qG-h-q-Gh--;m--fh-h-mG -z-q-V-zG-q-im-q-P-;m-P-fP-P-mG---P-hP-IG-q-Vz--h--;m-P-h-P-mG

Description: The bird is about 43 cm in length. A marsh bird with

I-zh -z-P-h-m---- 42 m-mGh--mP-P-hG-Dm-m--D-V-Hm--E-Dm-G-q-G-m-mG

I-zh -z-P-h--m---b- 23 m-mG D-V-mG-q-m-mG

Description: The bird is

I-zh -z-P-h--m---- 24 h-h-m-mG D-bG-;mS-G-hP-Ih-q-h;-q-m-mG @P-q-fP-Pm-;m-!YP-D-m-mG D-bG-;m-F-G-P-q-h-q-m-mG w--m-;-T-Vm-q-GbP-P-mG

Description : The bird is

I-zh- -z-P-h-m----25P-P-mG D-V-iP-q-mG-qP-hG @P-q-P-q-;m-YP-B-m-mG WG-O-hP- WG-O-D-bGt--h;-q--G-q-y---zTh-h-P-hG GG-xG-hP- GGq-GG-;m-h;-q-P-hG w--m-t--mG-q--fP-hG

LESSER SAND PLOVER

I-zh -z-P-h--m---- 21 m-mG -z-z-h-TG-m-mG

Description: The bird is about 41cm in length. It has a long and

I-zh -z-P-h--m----41 m-mG !-z-Hm---qG-EDm-m-D-V-P-q-G-P-P-mG @P-q-;m--qG-fP-Pm-m-mG D-VG-mG-q-hP- Ghm-D-q--Tm--G-m-mG w--GZ-;-G-m-mG

RED NECKED PHALAROPE

Description: The bird is about 19 cm in length. A small phalarope

I-zh -z-P-h-q-m----19 P-hG D-V-mG-q--P-q-Tm-m-w--z-VP-Pm-G @P-q-hP-k--;m-mG-q w-hP-hq-b-;m--qG-P-P-P-hG -;m--Tz-bm-mG-B-G-hP-G-G-eG-G-h;-fGVP-Pm-G-P-hG

Description: The bird is about 35 cm in length. Breeding adult

I-zh -z-P-h-m---- 35 m-mG Mh-t--Dm-;m--DV-h-G-G-mG-q-hP-@P-q-;m--B-P-hG D-bG-xG-q-mG-B-hPWG-O-D-bG-;m-h;-q-m-mG Mh-t---Dm-;m-D-V-mG-q-hs-zh;-q-P-hG VP-Pm-;m-m-D-V-Ghm-;m--B-P-hG

Habitat: High rugged mountains, usually well above the treeline.

I-zh -z-P-h-m-b--b- 88 m-mG -z-GGq-P-Tm-P-q-h-Dm-m-Mz-JG-Vm-q-G-m-mG WGO-z-G-hP-W-q-f-zAP-b-hG-Dm-m-P-q-G-m-mG

General Distribution: Widespread

-zh -z--Vm-q-G-m-h--m---114 h-h-m-mG Gy--h-q-GG-q-P-q-G m-mP-P-eG-e-hG-Dm-G-m-mG

Habitat: Mountains, especially long routes well used

-zh! -z-P-h--m----125-h-h-mmG V--;m-m-GG-q-Vm-!q-P-Tm-hP- WG-O-P-q-!mmG GG-q-;m-t--z;z-e-GG-q-hG-B-G-TG-m-mG

Description: The bird is about 80 cm in length.

I-zh -z-P-h-m----80m-mG -z-G--G-D-TG-GP- GG-q-Vm-q-m-mG GG-q-P-Tm-P-q-hP- G-G-G-;-T-P-P-mG

PALLASS FISH EAGLE

General Distribution: Resident

I-zh --z-P-P-m---- 84 h-h-m-mG w--m-GG-q-y-hP-WG-O-P-q--b-kP--hP-zz---mG Vm-q-;m--+-WPq-h;-q-hP- GG-q-eG-GG-;m--G-mG-h-h-m-mG Vm-Pm-;m-mz-e---G-G-q-P-Tm-hP-WG-O-P-q-m-mG

I-zh -z-P-h-m---- 58 m-mG -z-GG-q-y--P-qhP-h-hP-hq-b-WG-O-fP-Pm-m-mG G-W-q-wV-KG-b-z--mG

Distribution in Ladakh: The bird

I-zh -z-P-h--m---- 71 m-mG-Vm-q-;m-B-G-WGO-h;-q-m-mG h-z-Ghm-xG--B-z-H-hG-h-m-G-G-q---GZG-G-P-hG G-z-h;-q-G-mG-G-G-Tm-F-G-m-mG

General Distribution: Breeding resident in mountains of West

!I-zh -z-P-h-m---35m-mG -z-D-P-mPhq-b-GG-q-P-q-hP- WG-O-P-q-P-Tm-h-q-F-V-VP-zh-TG-m-mG -z-WG-O-zAP-b-mD-w-Dm-m-mG

islands in high altitude wetlands.