This 5-day birding tour offers the chance to see Bhutan’s rich avian diversity across varying ecosystems from high-altitude passes to fertile valleys. We have crafted this Itinerary specially to witness the extravagant white-bellied Heron
Location of White-Bellied Heron
Earlier, Herons were just limited to the banks of Punatshangchu, but latetly traces of heron chicks were sighted in Zhemgang in Central Bhutan. This means that Herons could possibly exist in other parts of Bhutan too.
Habitat of White belied Heron
Bhutan’s low elevation riparian environments below 1,700 m (5,600 ft)
What is special about white bellied heron?
The White-bellied Heron is identified by a combination of large size, grey color with white under parts and, in flight, grey upper wing and grey under wing contrasting with white linings. It is distinguished from the Grey Heron by its large size, especially the large bill, and the lack of dark “shoulder” patch.
Another characteristic feature of the herons is their unique courtship system which begins in the winter from January to February as the river water recedes. The birds chase after each other playfully with sticks, catching fish, basking in the sun and calling out to partners.
With roughly 200 White-Bellied Herons (Ardea Insignis) in the world today, herons are among the 50 rarest bird species on earth. Herons mostly dwell in Southeast Asian countries and presumably Bhutan shelters a little over 30 herons in the nation.
This critically endangered bird almost on the brink of extinction has found itself a befitting abode along the banks of Punatshangchu basin in central Bhutan. In Bhutan eight nesting sites have been identified amongst lofty flowing waters with pebbly substrates and Chir pine forests. Another characteristic feature of the herons is their unique courtship system which begins in the winter from January to February as the river water recedes. The birds chase after each other playfully with sticks, catching fish, basking in the sun and calling out to partners.
Earlier, Herons were just limited to the banks of Punatshangchu, but latetly traces of heron chicks were sighted in Zhemgang in Central Bhutan. This means that Herons could possibly exist in other parts of Bhutan too.
Attacks on birds and their eggs by predators have been a major cause in their reduction. The pressure on the birds has further risen with the lack of scientific approach and scanty awareness among the local communities. Heron habitat could also be defragmented with pro developmental activities such as, hydropower generation and road creation.
Similar Sightseeing
5 Days Bhutan Birding Tour Itinerary to see White Bellied Heron
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the guide and driven to Thimphu. En route, visit Tamcho Lhakhang and, if time permits, the largest Buddha statue overlooking the valley, followed by the Memorial Chorten. In the evening, visit Changyul Park and stroll by the river. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula, stopping for photos at Dochula. Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple), then head to the banks of Punatsang Chu for white-bellied heron watching. Enjoy lunch by the river, followed by a visit to the Suspension Bridge, Rinchengang village, and Punakha Dzong. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Paro and visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 and now a reminder of Bhutan's great victories. Enjoy views of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m) on a clear day. On the return, stop by Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, take a short drive to Satsam Chorten, followed by a 2-hour horse ride to the Tiger's Nest viewpoint. Walk through pine forests and reach the stunning Taktsang Monastery, perched 900 meters above the valley. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Paro Rinpung Dzong, then walk to a traditional covered bridge. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
That's the end of the 5 Days Bhutan Bird watching tour.
