Bird Watching in Chopta
Chopta is one such fantastic birding place for every birder, apart from the splendid natural beauty. Situated in the Western Himalayan Mountain ranges in the state of Uttarakhand, Chopta is a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by dense forests, Chopta supports rich biodiversity. The forests are home to rhododendron, oak, deodar, and Himalayan fir which provides habitat for various birds.
A birding hotspot, Chopta became famous because of its amazing bird diversity, which includes a long list of Western Himalayan birds. The region is the paradise for bird watchers. Many birds such as Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Griffon, Scarlet Finch, Mountain Hawk Eagle, GoldenEye, Hill Partridge are found here. The area has the identification of over 240 bird species and declared the Important Bird Area (BNHS and Birdlife International).
Get complete guide to birding in Chopta Region
Offers on Chopta Tour Packages
Chopta Bird Watching Guide
If you want to see birds in abundance or wish to be amazed by the music they create, visiting them in their natural habitat seems like the only option. And for that, Chopta is the ultimate place to enjoy birding. This can be best explored in a week-long visit. Covering; Chopta - Tungnath temple, Deoriatal, Mandal, Makku and agriculture fields, etc.
Trekking to Chopta means having a closer look of the lush grandeur and The Vivacious Himalayas while enjoying the pleasant weather of the Himalayas. Chopta is not only an exotic location for trekking in the Himalayas but it is also a haven for Ornithologists. It has a diverse range of Flora and Fauna with towering Rhododendron and Deodar trees.
Bird watching in Chopta not only helps to understand nature in a better way but it also creates a new dimension of enthusiasm in the hearts of the trekker. At Chopta one can find a varied species of birds in their natural habitat.
Check some of the Chopta Birds Pictures
Best Time for Bird Watching in Chopta
Chopta is the round the year destination for bird watching as, during different seasons, it becomes home for different migratory birds. To see most of the species of birds March to November are the best months. Check out Chopta Weather and How to reach Chopta.
In Winters: Some very famous birds like The Himalayan Monal, Bearded Vultures and Laughter Thrust are spotted in this area. If you’re traveling to Chopta in Winters then you will surely feel lucky on spotting the Snow Patridge from close quarters.
Tips: In Chopta an early summer trip might help you to spot the mysterious Spot-winged Starling and other gorgeous species.
Best place for bird watching around Chopta:
1. Duggalbitta (Chopta)
It is a paradise for bird lovers. This place is witnessed by more than 140 species of birds. Some of the birds that can be encountered here include Fire-tailed Sunbird, Brown Dipper, Kingfisher, Several Species of Woodpeckers, Snow Patridge, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Russett Sparrow, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler and many more. You can stay at Mayadeep Resort in Duggalbitta, located in scenic environs, Mayadeep Resort was a rejuvenating experience for the bird lover. The chirping of birds and cool salubrious breeze makes the morning perfect here, which make worth every moment.
2. Devdarshini point on Tungnath trek
Surrounded by forests of pine, Deodar, and rhododendron and is rich in flora and fauna, this place has rare species of birds. Some of the birds that can be seen here are; Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Chestnut-crowned Laughing thrush, Himalayan Bluetail, Fire-tailed sunbird, Himalayan Griffon, Red-billed Blue Magpie etc…..
3. Makku Math
This region is clothed with the lush green forests where several species can be found including; Long-tailed Minivets, Eurasian and Black-headed Jay, Great Barbet, Russet Sparrow, Tickell’s Thrush, Golden Bush Robin etc… When traveling to Makkumath in the Chopta region, you will find the rare finches and maybe a nested Pine Thrush. Move down this elevation and stop to see the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide.
4. Mandal
A small charming village situated in the laps of Himalayas. Away from city life, the village is the perfect place for birding. This place has one of the richest bird diversities. Common birds in the broad-lived forest at Mandal included the Red-billed, Yellow-billed, Blue Magpie, Long-tailed Minivet, Oriental Turtle Dove.
Types of Birds found in Chopta / Chopta Birds
This landscape has one of the richest bird diversities and is declared an Important Bird Area (BHNS and Birdlife International). There is a long list of different types of bird which you can spot in Chopta, especially the signature bird Himalayan Monal which is a relatively easy bird to see with several other birds.
Other variety of birds in Chopta
Koklass Pheasant, Various species of Tits like Rufous-vented, Grey-crested, Fire-capped, Black-throated, Spot-winged, Green-backed etc and several species of Warblers like Grey-hooded; Black-faced; Ashy-throated; Buff-barred; Western-crowned, etc. Other birds which you can spot are Mrs. Gould and Green-tailed Sunbird; Collard, Black & Yellow and Spot-winged Grosbeak; White-throated, Striated, Streaked & Variegated Laughing thrush, Rufous-gorget, Blue-throated, Ultramarine & Verditer Flycatcher, Himalayan, Rufous-bellied & Grey-headed Woodpecker; Great Barbet; White-tailed and Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch; Bar-tailed Treecreeper; Mistle Thrush etc.
Bird Watching Guides in Chopta Region
Mr. Yashpal Negi, Mr. Dinesh Negi, Mr. Dinesh Bajwal and Mr. Bharat Pushpwan are some of the top bird watchers in the region. If you need contact details/phone numbers of Bird watching guides then kindly fill the inquiry form.
Some Tips for Bird Watching in Chopta:
Birding requires a lot of discipline and patience. You have to remain quiet and may have to sit in one place for a long time.
- Do not wear clothes with bright colors.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes.
- A pair of binoculars.
- Remember to carry a bird book.
- A field guide with illustrations is must
- Carry a Cap and sun/rain protection gear.
- Turn off your phone or put it on silent mode.
- Serious bird watching can take long; it is advisable to carry drinking water and some food.
- Make sure you respect the birds and their habitat.
- Go with a bird-watching group.
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