5 Days Bhutan Birding Tour

Itinerary Over view for White Bellied Heron

Location of White-Bellied Heron

Earlier, Herons were just limited to the banks of Punatshangchu. Recent traces of heron chicks were sighted in Zhemgang in Central Bhutan. This means that Herons could exist in other parts of Bhutan too. The founding was recently made along the Dangchu Punakha, Sunkosh highway around Kamichu.

Habitat of White belied Heron

Bhutan’s low-elevation riparian environments below 1,700 m (5,600 ft). From a total of 65 Birds in the world 25 are found in Bhutan. Bhutan is the best place to visit to see critically endangered birds.

What is special about white-bellied herons?

The White-bellied Heron is identified by a combination of large size, grey colour with white underparts and, in flight, grey upper wing and grey underwing contrasting with white linings. It is distinguished from the Grey Heron by its large size, especially the large bill, and the lack of a 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.
 
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. 

Cause of White Bellied Heron Decrease in Population
 
Attacks on birds and their eggs by predators have been a major cause of 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.

Best time to Visit Bhutan to see White Bellied Heron

The best time is from January to June. This is the time for Heron nesting. A few nesting around Kamichu and Sunkosh highways were found by the local forest officer from Tsirang Toed. RSPN the local NGO responsible for the protection of the birds. They said that more nesting areas have been discovered along the forest of Kamichu. You can also visit the White Bellied Heron information centre on the way to Tsirang. Mr Thinley Phuntsho will be a guide to take you around.

Itinerary Overview for Heron Explore

• Arrival at Paro Airport | Transfer to Thimphu | Distance 49.8 km | Driving time 1hr | Altitude 2300m
• Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula and to White Bellied Heron Center| Distance 140 km | Driving time 4 hrs | Altitude 1242m
• Tsirang Explore White-bellied Heron along Sunkosh Highway and drive to Paro| Distance 215 km | Driving time 7 hrs | Altitude 2200m
• Paro Excursion to Taktshang | Altitude 3120m
• Drop at Paro Airport and See Off

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