Birds of Himachal Pradesh

The northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its stunning scenery, snowy peaks, and untainted rivers, is also a paradise for birdwatchers. A wide variety of resident bird species thrive in the state because of its varied geography, which includes everything from subtropical woods to alpine meadows. 

Some of the most notable local bird species in Himachal Pradesh are as follows:

1.The Western Tragopan, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, is a very rare and indigenous bird of the western Himalayas, where it has declined to the point of being considered extinct in the wild. The male bird has a vivid red head and yellow legs, which contribute to the bird’s already eye-catching appearance. The Great Himalayan National Park and the Tirthan Valley are two of its most common habitats.

2.The Himalayan Monal, or Impeyan Monal, is a vibrantly plumed pheasant native to the western Himalayas. Iridescent feathers allow it to appear a different colour from different perspectives. You can spot this bird frequently in Shimla, Kullu, and Manali’s woods.

3.A large raptor found in the Himalayas, the Himalayan Griffon Vulture prefers the mountainous, high-altitude portions of its range. The bird’s impressive wingspan can reach heights of up to nine feet. The regions of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh are where you’re most likely to come across them.

4.The Himalayan Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker that lives in the woods of the western Himalayas. The bird is easily recognisable by the pounding sound it makes when communicating with others of its kind. Shimla and Kullu have the greatest concentrations of these trees.

5.A huge and brilliantly coloured bird, the Crested Kingfisher inhabits the rivers and streams of the western Himalayas. The bird’s call is a high-pitched whistle, and it is easily recognisable. The waters around Shimla, Kullu, and Manali are rich in them.

6.The Koklass Pheasant is another type of pheasant that lives in the Himalayan forests. The bird’s unique call resembles a sequence of metallic whistles and has earned it widespread recognition. Pine and oak forests, especially in the Kullu Valley, are its preferred habitats in the state.

7.The western Himalayas are home to the Cheer Pheasant, a huge and colourful bird. Males of this species make a call that resembles “cheer, cheer, cheer,” hence the bird’s name. The Kullu and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh are the most common places to find them.

8.The Himalayan Snowcock is a huge game bird native to the western Himalayas’ highland regions. The bird has a peculiar whistled call that has made it well-known. The Himalayan regions of Lahaul and Spiti are the most common places to see them.

9.The Himalayan Bulbul is a little but loud bird native to the western Himalayan woodlands. The bird’s cry is easily recognisable, sounding like a happy whistle. 

Our resort in Palampur brings to you various activities and adventures like nature walks, treks, the natural spring water stream and much more to bring you closer to nature.  Himachal Pradesh is rich with bird species, some of which are large and attractive like pheasants, while others are little and quiet like songbirds. Many more species of birds live here, but these are some of the most common. The state’s forests, rivers, and mountains provide ideal locations for birdwatchers seeking to observe these magnificent creatures in their native environments.