1

Greater White-fronted Goose

(Anser albifrons)

A medium-sized brownish-grey goose with a rather dark head and neck, similar to Greylag Goose. Adult has white band at front of head, black barring on belly, orange-pink bill; and orange-legs and feet. Upperwing more uniform than in Greylag Goose. Juvenile lacks white frontal band and belly barring. Rare passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 75.5 cm

Ave Weight: 2825 g

7.2905

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

2

Lesser White-fronted Goose

(Anser erythropus)

A small and compact, long-necked brown duck with darker crown and less distinct dark stripe on lower hindneck. Adult distinguished from Greater by half-moon white frontal band on head (white typically extending as point at front of crown), and yellow eye-ring. Has slightly darker head and neck, and less extensive black barring on belly. Rare passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 59.5 cm

Ave Weight: 2125 g

6.7895

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

3

Greylag Goose

(Anser anser)

A large pale grey goose with pink bill, eye-ring and legs, and head and neck not much darker than breast. Juvenile is similar to adult, but has less prominent pale fringes to upperparts, flanks and belly; more scaly with duller bill. Shows pale grey forewing in flight. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Greylag Goose Anser anser ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 82.5 cm

Ave Weight: 3580 g

7.7352

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
feb, mar, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

4

Bar-headed Goose

(Anser indicus)

Very pale grey goose with white face, dark hindneck and lower flanks and small black-tipped yellow bill and yellowish legs. Adult has white head with black banding across crown, and white line down grey neck. Juvenile has white face and dark grey crown and hind neck. Uncommon passage migrant through major waterways and lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly eastern parts. Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 73.5 cm

Ave Weight: 2500 g

7.0711

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
feb, mar, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

5

Mute Swan

(Cygnus olor)

A large, elegant swan with gracefully curved neck, dished pale bill with black base and long pointed tail. Neck usually held more curved than Whooper and Tundra Swan. Adult is white with orange bill with black base and knob. Juvenile is mottled sooty-brown and has grey bill with black base. Vagrant to major waterways and lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, with no latest records. Mute Swan Cygnus olor ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 142.5 cm

Ave Weight: 10800 g

10.1943

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

6

Whooper Swan

(Cygnus cygnus)

A very large, long-necked and full-breasted swan with a triangular head and flat-profiled bill. Adult is white with black and yellow bill; yellow on bill extends as wedge towards tip. Juvenile is smoky-grey, with pinkish bill. Longer neck and more angular head shape than Tundra. Vagrant to major waterways and lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, with no latest records. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 152.5 cm

Ave Weight: 11350 g

10.3216

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

7

Ruddy Shelduck

(Tadorna ferruginea)

A large, heavy-bodied, bright orange-chestnut duck with whitish head, black bill and legs, and blackish rear body. Breeding male has black neck-collar. Female very similar to male, but lacks neck-collar and often has diffuse whitish face patch. Juvenile as female, but with browner and duller upperparts and underparts, and greyish tone to head. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly western parts. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 66 cm

Ave Weight: 1420 g

6.1386

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
feb, mar, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

8

Common Shelduck

(Tadorna tadorna)

A large and very distinctive, mostly white duck with dished bill. Adult has greenish-black head and neck, and largely white body with chestnut breast-band and black scapular stripe. Female is very similar to male, but slightly duller. Juvenile lacks breast-band and has sooty-brown upperparts. Uncommon passage migrant through major waterways and lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly western parts. Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 62.5 cm

Ave Weight: 1165 g

5.8423

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

9

Gadwall

(Mareca strepera)

A rather large drab duck with a plain head and steep forehead, slight dark eyeline and rather dished bill. White patch on inner secondaries in all plumages. Male is mainly grey with white belly and dark patch at rear; bill is dark grey. Female similar to female Mallard, but has orange sides to dark bill and clear-cut white belly. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Gadwall Mareca strepera ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 52 cm

Ave Weight: 825 g

5.3594

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
feb, mar, apr, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

10

Eurasian Wigeon

(Mareca penelope)

A compact duck with a small blue-grey bill with black tip and pointed tall. Male has yellow forehead and forecrown, chestnut head and pinkish breast; shows white forewing in flight. Female has rather uniform head, breast and flanks. In all plumages, shows white belly and rather pointed tail in flight. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 48 cm

Ave Weight: 800 g

5.3183

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

11

Mallard

(Anas platyrhynchos)

A rather large, heavy duck with a longlsh bill and head. In all plumages, has white-bordered purplish speculum. Male has yellow bill, dark green head and purplish-chestnut breast. Female is pale brown and boldly patterned with dark brown; bill variable, patterned mainly in dull orange and dark brown. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 60 cm

Ave Weight: 1335 g

6.0446

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

12

Northern Shoveler

(Spatula clypeata)

A rather large long-bodied duck with an exceptionally long spatulate bill and bluish forewing. Male has dark green head, white breast, chestnut flanks, and blue forewing. Female recalls female Mallard in plumage, but has greyish-blue forewing and lacks prominent white trailing edge. Eclipse male recalls female. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 49.5 cm

Ave Weight: 650 g

5.0493

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

13

Northern Pintail

(Anas acuta)

A rather large, slim, long-necked duck with a pointed tail. Male has chocolate-brown head, with white stripe down sides of neck. Female has comparatively uniform buffish head, slender grey bill, and (as male) shows white trailing edge to secondaries and greyish underwing in flight. Eclipse male resembles female. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Northern Pintail Anas acuta ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 58 cm

Ave Weight: 940 g

5.5371

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

14

Garganey

(Querquedula querquedula)

A small teal with a prominently striped head and rather long dark bill. Male has white stripe behind eye, and brown breast contrasting with grey flanks; shows blue-grey forewing in flight. Female has patterned head with pale supercilium, whitish loral spot, pale line below dark eye-stripe, dark cheek-bar, and whiter throat. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Garganey Querquedula querquedula ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 39 cm

Ave Weight: 390 g

4.4439

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, aug, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

15

Baikal Teal

(Sibrionetta formosa)

Slightly larger than Common Teal, and smaller-billed than Garganey, with grey forewing and broad white trailing edge to wing in flight. Male has striking head pattern of black, yellow, bottle-green and white; also black-spotted pinkish breast, black undertail-coverts and chestnut-edged scapulars. Female superficially resembles female Common Teal. Vagrant during passage through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Baikal Teal Sibrionetta formosa ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 41 cm

Ave Weight: 440 g

4.58

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

16

Common Teal

(Anas crecca)

The smallest and shortest-billed teal. In flight, broad white band along greater coverts, and green speculum with narrow white trailing edge. Male has chestnut head with green band behind eye, white stripe along scapulars, and yellowish patch on undertail-coverts. Female has rather uniform head, lacking pale loral spot of female Garganey. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Common Teal Anas crecca ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 36 cm

Ave Weight: 350 g

4.3253

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

17

Red-crested Pochard

(Netta rufina)

A rather large diving duck with a rounded head and rather long, fine-tipped bill. Shape more like dabbling duck. Male has rusty-orange head, black neck and breast, and white flanks. Female has pale cheeks contrasting with brown cap. Both sexes have largely white flight feathers on upperwing, and whitish underwing. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly western parts. Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 55.5 cm

Ave Weight: 1160 g

5.836

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

18

Common Pochard

(Aythya ferina)

A medium-sized diving duck with a long grey dished bill, sloping forehead and peaked crown. Male has chestnut head, black breast, and grey upperparts and flanks. Female has brownish head and breast contrasting with paler brownish-grey upperparts and flanks; lacks white undertail-coverts; eye is dark, and bill has grey central band. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Common Pochard Aythya ferina ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 45.5 cm

Ave Weight: 912.5 g

5.4961

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

19

Ferruginous Pochard

(Aythya nyroca)

A lightly built pochard, on water looking very dark with white undertail-coverts and no pale patch on foreflank. Chestnut head, breast and flanks and white undertail-coverts. Female is duller than male and has a dark iris. In flight, shows extensive white wing-bar and white belly. Uncommon passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 40 cm

Ave Weight: 600 g

4.9492

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

20

Tufted Duck

(Aythya fuligula)

A rather small diving duck with dark foreparts and back and paler flanks and either a nape-tuft or a peak at hindcrown. Breeding male is glossy black, with prominent crest and white flanks. Eclipse/immature males are duller, with greyish flanks. Female is dusky brown, with paler flanks, usually show tufted nape and squarer head shape. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 43.5 cm

Ave Weight: 810 g

5.3348

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

21

Greater Scaup

(Aythya marila)

A rather large diving duck with a large, rounded dark head with large but not long grey bill. Larger and stockier than Tufted Duck, and lacking any sign of crest. Male has grey upperparts that contrast with black rear-end. Immature male is duller. Female has broad white face-patch, which is less extensive on juvenile/immature. Vagrant during passage in the major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Greater Scaup Aythya marila ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 45.5 cm

Ave Weight: 1111 g

5.7734

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

22

Common Goldeneye

(Bucephala clangula)

A sea duck with a dark triangular head, golden eye, peaked forehead, very short bill and rather long tail. Stocky, with bulbous head. Male has dark green head, with large white patch on lores. Female and immature male have brown head, indistinct whitish collar, and grey body, with white wing-patch usually visible at rest. Rare passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 46 cm

Ave Weight: 1147 g

5.8196

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

23

Smew

(Mergellus albellus)

A small compad sea duck with slightly tufted square head and tiny dark bill. In flight, shows dark upperwing with white wing-covert patch. Male is mainly white, with black face, crest-stripe, breast stripes and back. Flanks are grey. Female, and eclipse male, have chestnut cap and white cheeks, and mainly dark grey body. Rare passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Smew Mergellus albellus ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 39.5 cm

Ave Weight: 737.5 g

5.2112

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

24

Common Merganser

(Mergus merganser)

Very long-bodied with full single crest; deeper-based bill, with a larger nail. Male has dark green head and whitish breast and flanks (with variable pink wash). Female, and eclipse male, have chestnut head and upper neck with shaggy crest, which contrasts with white throat and greyish neck, and show white secondaries in flight. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly eastern parts. Common Merganser Mergus merganser ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 65 cm

Ave Weight: 1700 g

6.4211

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

25

White-headed Duck

(Oxyura leucocephala)

A compact large-headed, dark rufous-brown duck with swollen-based, dished bill and long tail. Breeding male has white head with black cap, and bright blue bill. Eclipse male has duller, less rufous body, grey bill, and black of cap more extensive and less clearly defined. Female and juvenile have grey bill, and striped head pattern. Vagrant through the major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala ducks-geese anatidae Anseriformes

Ave Size: 45.5 cm

Ave Weight: 709 g

5.1601

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Anatidae, Type: Ducks-Geese

26

Common Quail

(Coturnix coturnix)

Very small and plump, rufous brown streaked back and rufous breast with pale streaking. Male has black ‘anchor’ mark on throat (which may be lacking), and bull or rufous breast with pale streaking. Female lacks ‘anchor’ mark and has blackish spotting on buffish breast. Historically common passage migrant through the central areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, but rare now. Common Quail Coturnix coturnix pheasants phasianidae Galliformes

Ave Size: 18 cm

Ave Weight: 105 g

3.2011

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
mar, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phasianidae, Type: Pheasants

27

Chukar

(Alectoris chukar)

A stocky, medium-sized dull brown to grey partridge. Has black stripe through eye which extends to form black gorget, encircling creamy-white throat; broad chestnut and black rib-like bars on flanks, and bright red bill and legs. Displays rufous corners to tail in flight. Common resident present in all the mid to higher valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. Chukar Alectoris chukar pheasants phasianidae Galliformes

Ave Size: 35.5 cm

Ave Weight: 652 g

5.0531

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phasianidae, Type: Pheasants

28

Tibetan Snowcock

(Tetraogallus tibetanus)

A large chunky partridge with grey head, clean white underparts with diagonal black strips. From Himalayan Snowcock by prominent white or buffish patch on ear-coverts offset against grey of head and neck, double band of grey across upper breast, white underparts with broad black flank stripes, and whitish fringes to coverts and scapulars. Rare resident in the higher northern tip of Hunza district in Gilgit-Baltistan. Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus pheasants phasianidae Galliformes

Ave Size: 53 cm

Ave Weight: 1625 g

6.3491

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phasianidae, Type: Pheasants

29

Himalayan Snowcock

(Tetraogallus himalayensis)

Very large partridge with white head and throat, fine black and white stripes down grey underparts. Broad dark chestnut stripes down sides of neck which join to form band across upper breast, greyish-white breast (variably barred with black) contrasting strongly with dark grey underparts. Common resident and partial altitudinal migrant all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis pheasants phasianidae Galliformes

Ave Size: 63 cm

Ave Weight: 2814.5 g

7.2837

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phasianidae, Type: Pheasants

30

Himalayan Monal

(Lophophorus impejanus)

Large sized dimorphic pheasant with iridescent male and smaller crested uniform greyish brown female. Male is iridescent green, copper and purple, with white patch on back and cinnamon-brown tail. Female has white throat, short crest, boldly streaked underparts, white crescent on uppertail-coverts, and narrow white tip to tail. Uncommon resident in the south-western parts of Diamer, Gilgit and Ghizer districts. Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus pheasants phasianidae Galliformes

Ave Size: 71 cm

Ave Weight: 2180 g

6.833

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phasianidae, Type: Pheasants

31

Snow Partridge

(Lerwa lerwa)

Large non-dimorphic partridge appearing grey above and chestnut below. Has head, neck, upper breast and upperparts finely vermiculated dark brown and white, and with a chestnut wash. Underparts are heavily streaked with chestnut. Bill, legs and feet are red. Blackish primaries and finely barred tail. Common resident mainly in higher areas of Hunza, Ghizer, Shigar and parts of Astore and Diamer. Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa pheasants phasianidae Galliformes

Ave Size: 35 cm

Ave Weight: 581.5 g

4.9106

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phasianidae, Type: Pheasants

32

Western Tragopan

(Tragopan melanocephalus)

Large sized dimorphic pheasant with orange-red male and smaller dull greyish brown female. Male has orange fore-neck, blackish underparts that are boldly spotted with white, red hind-neck, and red facial skin. Female is dull greyish brown in coloration, with white spotting on underparts. Rare resident in the southern most border areas of Diamer and Astore districts. Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus pheasants phasianidae Galliformes

Ave Size: 71 cm

Ave Weight: 1975 g

6.6664

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phasianidae, Type: Pheasants

33

Cheer Pheasant

(Catreus wallichii)

Large sized, not brightly coloured but nevertheless unmistakable very long, pointed and graduated tail. Male has bottle-green head and ear-tufts, white neck-patch, chestnut on underparts, and streaked appearance to grey upperparts. Female has white throat, short buff ear-tufts, and heavily streaked body. Historically possible resident in the south-western areas of Diamer district. Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii pheasants phasianidae Galliformes

Ave Size: 104 cm

Ave Weight: 1525 g

6.2491

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phasianidae, Type: Pheasants

34

Koklass Pheasant

(Pucrasia macrolopha)

Medium sized pheasant with fully feathered face. Long, broadly barred tail, pronounced crest, and red facial skin. Male has bottle-green head and ear-tufts, chestnut on breast, and streaked appearance to body. Female has white throat, short buff ear-tufts, and streaked body. Rare resident restricted to the central areas of Diamer and Gilgit districts. Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha pheasants phasianidae Galliformes

Ave Size: 61 cm

Ave Weight: 1275 g

5.9755

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phasianidae, Type: Pheasants

35

Little Grebe

(Tachybaptus ruficollis)

A very small, short-billed grebe, rump often appearing very fluffy. Shows whitish secondaries in flight. In breeding plumage, has rufous cheeks and neck sides and yellow patch at base of bill. In non-breeding plumage, has buff cheeks, foreneck and flanks. Juvenile has brown stripes across cheeks. Uncommon summer visitor to major waterways and lakes in south-western Gilgit-Baltistan. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis grebes podicipedidae Podicipediformes

Ave Size: 27 cm

Ave Weight: 183 g

3.678

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
jun, jul, aug
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Podicipedidae, Type: Grebes

36

Horned Grebe

(Podiceps auritus)

A small, chunky, dark grebe, triangular-shaped head, with crown peaking at rear. Bill is stouter and not upturned. Has two white patches on upperwing, with white patch on wing-coverts. White cheeks contrast with black crown and white fore-neck in non-breeding plumage. Yellow ear-tufts and rufous neck and breast in breeding plumage. Rare passage migrant through major waterways and lakes in the western Gilgit-Baltistan. Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus grebes podicipedidae Podicipediformes

Ave Size: 34.5 cm

Ave Weight: 385 g

4.4296

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Podicipedidae, Type: Grebes

37

Great Crested Grebe

(Podiceps cristatus)

A large and spindly pale grebe with a long thin neck and bill and triangular head. Black crown does not extend to eye, and has white cheeks and foreneck in non-breeding plumage. Rufous-orange ear-tufts and white cheeks and foreneck in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to non-breeding, but has brown striping on cheeks. Uncommon passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus grebes podicipedidae Podicipediformes

Ave Size: 53.5 cm

Ave Weight: 1043 g

5.6829

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Podicipedidae, Type: Grebes

38

Black-necked/Eared Grebe

(Podiceps nigricollis)

A small, dumpy grebe, much like vagrant Homed, but bill looks upturned, and plumage less pied. Steep forehead, with crown typically peaking at front or centre. Black of crown extends below eye, ear-coverts are dusky grey, and white throat curves up behind ear-coverts in non-breeding plumage. Yellow ear-tufts, black neck and breast in breeding. Uncommon passage migrant through major waterways and lakes in the eastern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Black-necked/Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis grebes podicipedidae Podicipediformes

Ave Size: 31 cm

Ave Weight: 357.5 g

4.3483

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Podicipedidae, Type: Grebes

39

Black Stork

(Ciconia nigra)

A medium-sized glossy black stork with white belly and vent; and slightly curved bill. Adult mainly glossy black, with white lower breast and belly, and red bill and legs; in flight, white underparts and axillaries contrast strongly with black neck and underwing. Juvenile has brown head, neck and upperparts, bill and legs greyish-green. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Black Stork Ciconia nigra storks ciconiidae Ciconiiformes

Ave Size: 97.5 cm

Ave Weight: 2950 g

7.3698

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ciconiidae, Type: Storks

40

White Stork

(Ciconia ciconia)

A medium-sized white stork with black rear scapulars, feathered head with black line through dark eye, and straight bill. Mainly white, with black flight feathers and striking red bill and legs. Generally has cleaner black-and-white appearance. Juvenile is similar to adult but with brown greater coverts and duller brownish-red bill and legs. Rare passage migrant through major waterways and lakes all across Gilgit-Baltistan. White Stork Ciconia ciconia storks ciconiidae Ciconiiformes

Ave Size: 101 cm

Ave Weight: 3337.5 g

7.6007

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ciconiidae, Type: Storks

41

Great Cormorant

(Phalacrocorax carbo)

Large cormorant, relatively short-tailed, and white of face extending above gape onto cheek. Thick neck and stout bill. Adult breeding is glossy black, with orange facial skin, white cheeks and throat, white head plumes and white thigh-patch. Nonbreeding is more blackish brown, and lacks white head plumes and thigh patch. Common passage migrant through major waterways and lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly western parts. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo cormorants phalacrocoracidae Suliformes

Ave Size: 90 cm

Ave Weight: 2310 g

6.9327

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Phalacrocoracidae, Type: Cormorants

42

Great Bittern

(Botaurus stellaris)

A large, heavily-built tawny bittern with blackish cap, heavily streaked plumage, pale, similar to juvenile Black-crowned Night-heron. Golden-brown and cryptically patterned, with black crown and moustachial stripe. Juvenile very much like adult but crown and moustachial streak brownish, less conspicuous, also upperparts less strongly marked. Uncommon passage migrant migrant through the western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris bitterns ardeidae Pelecaniformes

Ave Size: 72 cm

Ave Weight: 1405 g

6.1224

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ardeidae, Type: Bitterns

43

Little Bittern

(Ixobrychus minutus)

A very small bittern with medium-length bill, dark cap, pale wing-coverts and black flight feathers. Male has black crown and mantle/ scapulars, and buff neck. Female has brown mantle/scapulars, with brownish-buff streaking on fore-neck. Juvenile has warm buff upperparts streaked with dark brown, and brown streaking on underparts. Uncommon passage migrant through the western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus bitterns ardeidae Pelecaniformes

Ave Size: 32.5 cm

Ave Weight: 104.5 g

3.1973

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ardeidae, Type: Bitterns

44

Grey Heron

(Ardea cinerea)

A large, elegant, pale grey heron, with a slim bill and black stripes on fore neck. Adult has yellow bill, whitish head and neck with black head plumes, and black patches on belly. Immature has dark cap with variable crest, greyer neck, and lacks or has reduced black on belly. Common passage migrant through all major waterways and lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea herons-egrets ardeidae Pelecaniformes

Ave Size: 94 cm

Ave Weight: 1546.5 g

6.271

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ardeidae, Type: Herons-Egrets

45

Great Egret

(Ardea alba)

The largest white egret, with a long heavy bill, strongly kinked neck, and long heavy legs. Black line of gape extends behind eye. In breeding plumage, bill is black, lores blue and tibia reddish, and has prominent plumes on breast and mantle. In non-breeding plumage, bill is yellow and lores pale green. Uncommon passage migrant through all the waterways and lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan. Great Egret Ardea alba herons-egrets ardeidae Pelecaniformes

Ave Size: 92 cm

Ave Weight: 1200 g

5.8857

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ardeidae, Type: Herons-Egrets

46

Little Egret

(Egretta garzetta)

A small, delicate, all-white egret with slender, blackish bill and mostly black legs with yellowish toes. In breeding plumage has two elongated nape plumes, and mantle plumes, and lores and feet become reddish during courtship. Bill in non-breeding and immature can be paler and pinkish or greyish at base, legs can be yellowish or greenish. Uncommon summer visitor along Indus River up to lower areas of Diamer and Gilgit districts. Little Egret Egretta garzetta herons-egrets ardeidae Pelecaniformes

Ave Size: 60 cm

Ave Weight: 495 g

4.7168

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
may, jun
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ardeidae, Type: Herons-Egrets

47

Indian Pond-Heron

(Ardeola grayii)

Stocky with rather short stout bill, yellow lower mandible and lores and chestnut feathers on foreparts. Whitish wings contrast with dark saddle. Adult breeding has yellowish-buff head and neck and maroon-brown mantle/ scapulars. Head, neck and breast streaked/spotted in non-breeding plumage. Rare summer visitor to the western parts of Ghizer district along Gilgit River. Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii herons-egrets ardeidae Pelecaniformes

Ave Size: 42.5 cm

Ave Weight: 253 g

3.9882

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer
may, jun, jul
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ardeidae, Type: Herons-Egrets

48

Black-crowned Night-Heron

(Nycticorax nycticorax)

A stocky, large-headed, thick-necked heron with large eyes, swollen-looking bill and rather short yellowish legs. Adult has black crown and mantle contrasting with grey wings and whitish underparts. Juvenile boldly streaked and spotted. Immature has unstreaked brown mantle/scapulars. Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant through the western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax herons-egrets ardeidae Pelecaniformes

Ave Size: 60.5 cm

Ave Weight: 689 g

5.1234

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
mar, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ardeidae, Type: Herons-Egrets

49

Glossy Ibis

(Plegadis falcinellus)

A small dark, slender ibis with relatively thin-based curved bill and long thin legs. Adult breeding deep chestnut, glossed with purple and green; has narrow white surround to bare lores. Adult non-breeding duller, with white streaking on dark brown head and neck. Juvenile similar to adult non-breeding. Uncommon passage migrant through the eastern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Baltistan. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus ibises threskiornithidae Pelecaniformes

Ave Size: 57.25 cm

Ave Weight: 595 g

4.9389

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Threskiornithidae, Type: Ibises

50

Eurasian Spoonbill

(Platalea leucorodia)

A white ibis-like bird with spoon-shaped bill, long curved neck and dark legs. Adult has black bill with yellow tip; has crest and yellow breast patch when breeding. Juvenile has pink bill; in flight, shows black tips to primaries. In flight, neck is outstretched, and flapping is rather stiff and interspersed with gliding. Rare passage migrant through the south-eastern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, absent from north-west. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia spoonbills threskiornithidae Pelecaniformes

Ave Size: 82.5 cm

Ave Weight: 1545 g

6.2695

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Threskiornithidae, Type: Spoonbills

51

Osprey

(Pandion haliaetus)

A large raptor with white head, neck and underparts, a broad blackish eye-stripe, and chocolate-brown upperparts. Long wings, typically angled at carpals, and short tail. Has whitish head with black stripe through eye, white underbody and underwing-coverts, and black carpal patches. Rare passage migrant through the south-eastern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Osprey Pandion haliaetus osprey pandionidae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 56.5 cm

Ave Weight: 990 g

5.6093

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Pandionidae, Type: Osprey

52

Lammergeier

(Gypaetus barbatus)

Huge, with a mostly feathered head and black feather-tuft drooping over thin bill and long wedge-shaped tail. Adult has pale head with black mask and beard, greyish-black upperparts, wings and tail, and cream or rufous-orange underparts contrasting with black underwing-coverts. Juvenile has blackish head-neck and grey-brown underparts. Common resident and partial altitudinal migrant in higher elevations all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus vultures accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 109.5 cm

Ave Weight: 5800 g

8.7268

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Vultures

53

Egyptian Vulture

(Neophron percnopterus)

A small vulture with unfeathered face and full bristly nape, and a longish, very thin bill. Adult mainly dirty white, with bare yellowish face and black flight feathers. Juvenile blackish-brown with bare grey face. With maturity, tail, body and wing-coverts become whiter and face yellower. Uncommon summer visitor to the south-western parts of Ghizer and Diamer districts. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus vultures accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 62 cm

Ave Weight: 2000 g

6.6874

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Vultures

54

Oriental Honey-buzzard

(Pernis ptilorhynchus)

An extremely variable large raptor with an odd pigeon-headed look and tail is usually irregularly banded. Long, broad wings and tail, narrow neck and small head with small crest. Very variable in plumage; often shows dark moustachial stripe and gular stripe, and gorget of streaking across lower throat. Lacks dark carpal patch. Common passage migrant through the Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in eastern parts of Baltistan region. Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 60 cm

Ave Weight: 1015 g

5.6444

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Kharmang
may, jun, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

55

Cinereous Vulture

(Aegypius monachus)

Huge and almost all dark, with heavy bill, downy crown and large neck-ruff. Adult blackish brown with paler brown ruff; may show paler band across greater underwing-coverts, but underwing darker and more uniform than on vulture species. Juvenile blacker and more uniform than adult. Rare passage migrant through the central and western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, prefering lower altitudes. Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus vultures accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 110 cm

Ave Weight: 9250 g

9.807

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Vultures

56

Himalayan Griffon

(Gyps himalayensis)

An immense vulture with all-downy head, long spiky neck ruff feathers, pinkish legs and feet. Wing-coverts and body pale buffish in adult, contrasting strongly with dark flight feathers and tail, and ruff is buffish. Legs and feet pinkish with dark claws, and has yellowish bill and pale blue cere and facial skin. Common resident and altitudinal migrant in all the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis vultures accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 106.5 cm

Ave Weight: 10000 g

10

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Vultures

57

Griffon Vulture

(Gyps fulvus)

Huge vulture with whitish head, neck and collar; dark centres to greater upperwing-coverts. Yellowish bill with blackish cere, downy head and neck, fluffy white ruff, rufescent-buff upper/underparts and dark grey legs and feet; rufous-brown underwing-coverts usually show prominent whitish banding. Rare passage migrant through the central and western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus vultures accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 101.5 cm

Ave Weight: 8000 g

9.4574

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Vultures

58

Short-toed Snake-Eagle

(Circaetus gallicus)

Large snake-eagle with mid-length tail, comparatively small body, protruding head and long broad wings. Pattern variable, often with dark head and breast, barred underbody, dark trailing edge to underwing, and broad subterminal tail-band; can be very pale on underbody and underwing. Rare passage migrant through the central and western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Short-toed Snake-Eagle Circaetus gallicus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 66 cm

Ave Weight: 1800 g

6.5136

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang
oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

59

Greater Spotted Eagle

(Clanga clanga)

Medium-sized eagle with rather short and broad wings, stocky head and short tail. Has less protruding head in flight, with shorter wings and less deeply fingered wing-tips; bill is smaller with rounded, nostril and shorter gape; lacks barring on underside of flight and tail feathers, and dark trailing edge to wing, and has a dark chin. Rare passage migrant through the central and eastern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 65 cm

Ave Weight: 1700 g

6.4211

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
feb, mar, apr, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

60

Booted Eagle

(Hieraaetus pennatus)

A small compact eagle, dark brown above with pale scapular patches. Head, body and wing-coverts whitish, brown or rufous, respectively, in pale, dark and rufous morphs. Always shows white shoulder patches, pale median-covert panel, pale wedge on inner primaries, white crescent on uppertail-coverts, and greyish undertail with darker centre and tip. Common passage migrant and summer visitor to western and northern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 46.5 cm

Ave Weight: 640 g

5.0297

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
mar, apr, may, jun, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

61

Steppe Eagle

(Aquila nipalensis)

Medium-sized to large, raggedy, lax plumage; large head and massive yellow gape reaching rear edge of eye. Broader and longer wings than those of Greater Spotted, with more pronounced and spread fingers, and more protruding head and neck; wings flatter when soaring, and less distinctly angled down at carpals when gliding. Uncommon passage migrant through all the major valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 70.5 cm

Ave Weight: 2750 g

7.2416

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

62

Imperial Eagle

(Aquila heliaca)

Large, with large head, very deep and mostly pale bill, relatively small body. Adult has almost uniform upperwing, small white scapular patches, golden-buff crown and nape, and two-toned tail. Juvenile has pronounced curve to trailing edge of wing, pale wedge on inner primaries, streaked buffish body and wing-coverts. Rare passage migrant or vagrant through all the major valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 78 cm

Ave Weight: 2585 g

7.1304

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

63

Golden Eagle

(Aquila chrysaetos)

Very large-bodied and powerfully built. Long and broad wings (with pronounced curve to trailing edge), long tail, and distinctly protruding head and neck. Adult has pale panel across upperwing-coverts, gold crown and nape, and two-toned tail. Juvenile has white base to tail and white patch at base of flight feathers. Common resident in all the higher elevation valleys and mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 78 cm

Ave Weight: 3695 g

7.7966

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

64

Eurasian Marsh-Harrier

(Circus aeruginosus)

A large, broad-winged bulky harrier, in most plumages dark with cream-white head. Male has brown mantle and upperwing-coverts contrasting with grey secondaries/inner primaries; female mainly dark brown, except for cream on head and on leading edge of wing. Juvenile may be entirely dark. Common passage migrant through the central waterways and lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan. Eurasian Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 48.5 cm

Ave Weight: 567.5 g

4.8808

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
mar, apr, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

65

Northern/Hen Harrier

(Circus cyaneus)

Medium-sized harrier with relatively short legs; comparatively broad-winged and stocky. Male has dark grey upperparts, extensive black wing-tips and lacks black secondary bars. Female has broad white band across uppertail-coverts and rather plain head pattern. Juvenile has streaked underparts as female, but with rufous-brown coloration. Common passage migrant and winter visitor though out Gilgit-Baltistan. Northern/Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 46 cm

Ave Weight: 350 g

4.3253

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

66

Pallid Harrier

(Circus macrourus)

Small and lightly built, with pointed wing-tip, and longer legs and more upright stance. Male has pale grey upperparts, dark wedge on primaries, very pale grey head and underbody, and lacks black secondary bars. Female has distinctive underwing pattern: pale primaries, irregularly barred and lacking dark trailing edge. Rare passage migrant through all across Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly through the western parts. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 44 cm

Ave Weight: 325.5 g

4.2475

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

67

Montagu's Harrier

(Circus pygargus)

Very like Pallid but with proportionately shorter legs and more horizontal stance; wing-tips reach tail-tip. Male has black band across secondaries, extensive black on underside of primaries, and rufous streaking on belly and underwing-coverts. Female is distinctly and evenly barred underside to primaries, with dark trailing edge. Rare passage migrant in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly through the western parts. Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 44 cm

Ave Weight: 266 g

4.0385

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

68

Shikra

(Accipiter badius)

A smallish accipiter with lightly marked thighs and lower underparts. Male has pale blue-grey upperparts, indistinct grey gular stripe, fine brownish-orange barring on underparts, unbarred white thighs, and unbarred or only lightly barred central tail feathers. Upperparts of female are more brownish grey. Uncommon resident and summer visitor to the southern areas of Diamer and Gilgit districts. Shikra Accipiter badius hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 34.75 cm

Ave Weight: 146.5 g

3.479

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

69

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

(Accipiter nisus)

Rather small, dashing accipiter, with very finely dark- streaked throat without mesial streak and very thin legs. Male has dark slate-grey upperparts and reddish-orange barring on underparts. Female is dark brown on upperparts, with dark brown barring on underparts. Juvenile has dark brown upperparts and barred underparts. Common summer visitor and resident in all the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 34 cm

Ave Weight: 150.5 g

3.5025

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

70

Northern Goshawk

(Accipiter gentilis)

The largest accipiter, with comparatively long wing, with bulging secondaries and relatively short tail. Male has grey upperparts, white supercilium and finely barred underparts. Female is considerably larger, with browner upperparts. Juvenile has heavy streaking on buff-coloured underparts. Uncommon passage migrant through the central and western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 54.5 cm

Ave Weight: 813.5 g

5.3406

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

71

Black Kite

(Milvus migrans)

A large, dark brown kite with only slightly pale head, and a long, moderately forked brown tail with narrow dark barring. Dark rufous brown, with variable whitish crescent at primary bases on underwing, and pale band across median coverts on upperwing. Juvenile has broad whitish or buffish streaking on head and underparts. Common passage migrant in all the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly through central parts. Black Kite Milvus migrans hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 55 cm

Ave Weight: 779 g

5.283

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

72

Pallas's Fish-Eagle

(Haliaeetus leucoryphus)

Large, mostly dark with rather small pale head, longish and deep bill, fairly long neck, and ample rounded tail. Adult has pale head and neck, dark brown upperwing and underwing, and mainly white tail with broad black terminal band. Juvenile less bulky, looks slimmer-winged, longer-tailed and smaller-billed. Rare resident along the Indus River in Diamer and Skardu districts, exact range unknown. Pallas's Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 78 cm

Ave Weight: 2650 g

7.1748

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

73

White-tailed Eagle

(Haliaeetus albicilla)

Huge and bulky, with broad parallel-edged wings, short wedge-shaped tail, protruding head and neck, and heavy bill. Adult has yellow bill, pale head, and white tail. Juvenile is mainly blackish-brown with whitish centres to tail feathers, pale patch on axillaries, and variable pale band across underwing-coverts; bill becomes yellow with age. Rare passage migrant through the central and western waterways of Gilgit-Baltistan. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 83 cm

Ave Weight: 4250 g

8.0742

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

74

Common Buzzard

(Buteo buteo)

Stocky, with broad wings and moderate-length tail, similar to Long-legged. Extremely variable, and usually has rufous tail. Generally dark brown above and often rusty on most of underbody and underwing coverts; from below, wingtip and trailing edge of wing dark, flight feathers barred, pale area in outer primaries. Rare passage migrant through the central and estern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 46 cm

Ave Weight: 893.5 g

5.4673

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

75

Himalayan Buzzard

(Buteo refectus)

Medium-sized polymorphic buteo with dark brown belly-sides and plain to weakly barred dark uppertail, narrow and weak or absent whitish tail-tip. Typically with variable streaking on breast and brown patches on sides of belly; tail is grey-brown to greyish-white with diffuse dark barring; shows prominent dark carpal patches on underwing. Common passage migrant and winter visitor all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Himalayan Buzzard Buteo refectus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 49 cm

Ave Weight: 803.5 g

5.3241

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

76

Long-legged Buzzard

(Buteo rufinus)

Large with long neck, large head and eyes, body plumage always unbarred, and at rest wing-tips reach tail-tip. Pale head and upper breast, rufous-brown lower breast and belly, more uniform rufous underwing-coverts, more extensive black carpal patches, large pale primary patch on upperwing, and unbarred pale orange uppertail. Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor mainly to south-eastern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus hawks-eagles accipitridae Accipitriformes

Ave Size: 52.5 cm

Ave Weight: 935.5 g

5.5305

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Accipitridae, Type: Hawks-Eagles

77

Little Bustard

(Tetrax tetrax)

Small, stocky bustard with white panel across secondaries and inner primaries. Breeding male has grey face, and black-and-white pattern on neck and breast. Female is warm buff-brown, with extensive black streaking on head and neck; has coarse blackish markings on upperparts, and black barring and chevrons on breast and flanks. Rare winter visitor to the central areas of Ghizer and Gilgit districts. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax bustards otididae Otidiformes

Ave Size: 42.5 cm

Ave Weight: 884.5 g

5.4535

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Otididae, Type: Bustards

78

Water Rail

(Rallus aquaticus)

Medium sized with slightly down-curved bill with red at base and pinkish legs. Adult has dark-streaked olive-brown upperparts, grey underparts, black-and-white barring on flanks, and white undertail-coverts. Juvenile has upperparts similar to adult, but underparts are buff with extensive dark brown mottling. Common passage migrant through the central areas in Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Astore and Baltistan. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus rails-coots rallidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 26.5 cm

Ave Weight: 139 g

3.4336

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
mar, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Rallidae, Type: Rails-Coots

79

White-breasted Waterhen

(Amaurornis phoenicurus)

Relatively large, distinctive colored and unmistakable species, with yellow bill and legs. Adult birds have combination of dark slate grey upperparts and flanks, prominent white face and underparts, and rufous rear flanks, vent and undertail-coverts. Female smaller, sometimes with duller bill. Vagrant or rare migrant through the western half of Gilgit-Baltistan. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus rails-coots rallidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 30.5 cm

Ave Weight: 264 g

4.0309

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Rallidae, Type: Rails-Coots

80

Spotted Crake

(Porzana porzana)

Rather plump crake with profuse white spotting on head, neck and breast. Stout bill, barred flanks, and unmarked buff undertail-coverts. Adult has yellowish bill with red at base, and grey head and breast. Juvenile has buffish-brown head and breast, and bill is brown. Uncommon passage migrant through eastern Gilgit-Baltistan, rarely in Ghizer and Diamer. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana rails-coots rallidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 23 cm

Ave Weight: 102 g

3.178

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Rallidae, Type: Rails-Coots

81

Brown Crake

(Zapornia akool)

Medium sized, very plain olive brown and greyish crake. Olive-brown upperparts, grey face and breast, and olive-brown flanks and undertail-coverts; underparts lack barring. Has red iris, greenish bill and pinkish-brown to purple legs. Juvenile is similar to adult, but has dull iris and paler grey underparts. Uncommon resident along Indus and Gilgit rivers, in Ghizer, Gilgit and Diamer districts. Brown Crake Zapornia akool rails-coots rallidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 27 cm

Ave Weight: 142 g

3.452

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Rallidae, Type: Rails-Coots

82

Little Crake

(Zapornia parva)

A very small crake, similar to Baillon's Crake, with red at base of bill. Male is blue-grey below. Female has blue-grey on supercilium and cheeks, but underparts are buff. Juvenile is similar to female, but with whiter face and breast, and more extensive barring on flanks (but less than on Baillon's). Uncommon passage migrant through the western half of Gilgit-Baltistan, rarely in Baltistan. Little Crake Zapornia parva rails-coots rallidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 19 cm

Ave Weight: 51 g

2.6723

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
mar, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Rallidae, Type: Rails-Coots

83

Baillon's Crake

(Zapornia pusilla)

Tiny rufous-brown crake with white markings, similar to Little Crake. Adult has rufous-brown upperparts, extensively marked with white. Flanks are barred. Bill and legs are green. Juvenile has buff underparts; compared with Little, wings are shorter, barring on underparts more extensive. Common passage migrant through the western half of Gilgit-Baltistan, rarely in Baltistan. Baillon's Crake Zapornia pusilla rails-coots rallidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 18 cm

Ave Weight: 34 g

2.4147

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
mar, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Rallidae, Type: Rails-Coots

84

Common/Eurasian Moorhen

(Gallinula chloropus)

Medium-sized gallinule, appearing essentially black at distance, with prominent yellow-tipped red bill. Breeding adult has blackish head and neck, slate-grey underparts, and dark olive-brown upperparts. Non-breeding adult has duller bill and legs. Juvenile has dull green bill, and is mainly brown with whitish throat, grey wash to breast and flanks. Common passage migrant and summer visitor all across Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in north-east. Common/Eurasian Moorhen Gallinula chloropus rails-coots rallidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 34 cm

Ave Weight: 371 g

4.3888

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Rallidae, Type: Rails-Coots

85

Eurasian Coot

(Fulica atra)

Medium sized water bird, mostly black in color, with white bill and shield. Shows paler trailing edge to secondaries in flight. Immature duller than adult with whitish throat. Juvenile grey-brown, with whitish throat and breast. Sexes alike, female averages smaller. Common passage migrant and summer visitor all across Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in north-east. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra rails-coots rallidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 37.5 cm

Ave Weight: 905 g

5.4848

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Rallidae, Type: Rails-Coots

86

Demoiselle Crane

(Anthropoides virgo)

A relatively small, ornate grey crane very similar to common crane. Adult has black head and neck with white tuft behind eye, and grey crown; black neck feathers extend as a point beyond breast, and elongated tertials project as shallow arc beyond body, giving rise to distinctive shape. Immature similar to adult. Common passage migrant mainly through eastern Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in the west. Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo cranes gruidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 95 cm

Ave Weight: 2500 g

7.0711

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Gruidae, Type: Cranes

87

Common Crane

(Grus grus)

A large, tall, pale grey crane with slate-grey body, with black primaries; dark head. Adult has mainly black head and fore-neck, with white stripe behind eye extending down side of neck. Immature has brown markings on upperparts, with buff or grey head and neck. Adult head pattern apparent on some by first winter. Rare passage migrant through the region, mainly eastern parts of Baltistan region. Common Crane Grus grus cranes gruidae Gruiformes

Ave Size: 107.5 cm

Ave Weight: 5600 g

8.6506

Gilgit-Baltistan, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Gruidae, Type: Cranes

88

Black-winged Stilt

(Himantopus himantopus)

Black and white, slender appearance, long pinkish legs, and fine straight bill. Adult at rest shows mainly white head, neck and underbody, contrasting with upperparts, and reddish-pink legs. Both sexes can show variable amounts of black and/or dusky grey on the crown and hind neck. Juvenile has browner upperparts with buff fringes. Common passage migrant all across Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Shigar, Ghanche and Kharmang. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus stilts recurvirostridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 37.5 cm

Ave Weight: 185.5 g

3.6905

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
mar, apr, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Recurvirostridae, Type: Stilts

89

Pied Avocet

(Recurvirostra avosetta)

Unmistakable mainly black and white stilt type bird with upward kink to black bill. Mainly white with black forehead, crown to below eyes, nape and upper hindneck; at rest, shows three distinctive black bands on mantle and scapulars, lesser and median upperwing-coverts; bill black and strongly upcurved, long legs blue-grey. Rare passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly through eastern areas. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta avocets recurvirostridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 43.5 cm

Ave Weight: 296 g

4.1478

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Recurvirostridae, Type: Avocets

90

Ibisbill

(Ibidorhyncha struthersii)

Unmistakable wader with long, decurved brown to crimson bill and contrasting plumage. Adult has black face, and black and white breast-bands. In flight, shows white patch at base of inner primaries and blackish tail-band. Juvenile has brownish upperparts with buff fringes, faint breast-band, and dull legs and bill. Rare resident in specific location in eastern districts of Shigar, Skardu and Kharmang. Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii ibisbill ibidorhynchidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 40 cm

Ave Weight: 320 g

4.2295

Gilgit-Baltistan, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Ibidorhynchidae, Type: Ibisbill

91

Eurasian Oystercatcher

(Haematopus ostralegus)

Medium sized black and white, with broad white wing-bar and long reddish bill. Adult has head, neck and upper breast all black; scapulars, upperwing-coverts and tail also black; broad white wingbar from inner secondaries to middle primaries; middle and lower back, rump, uppertail-coverts, lower breast and belly white. Vagrant during passage migration in Gilgit-Baltistan, rare inland and with no latest records. Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus oystercatchers haematopodidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 43.75 cm

Ave Weight: 615 g

4.9799

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Haematopodidae, Type: Oystercatchers

92

Black-bellied/Grey Plover

(Pluvialis squatarola)

Medium sized chunkier plover with sparkling silver upperparts with contrasting black underparts. White underwing and black axillaries. Stockier, with stouter bill and shorter legs. Whitish rump and prominent white wing-bar. Has extensive white spangling to upperparts in breeding plumage; upperparts mainly grey in non-breeding. Rare passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, with no latest records. Black-bellied/Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola plovers charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 29 cm

Ave Weight: 280 g

4.0906

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Plovers

93

Pacific Golden-Plover

(Pluvialis fulva)

Small sized, slim-bodied, long-necked and long-legged plover. Has golden-yellow markings on upperparts, and dusky grey underwing-coverts and axillaries. In flight, shows narrower white wing-bar and dark rump. Non-breeding usually shows prominent pale supercilium and dark patch at rear of ear-coverts. Vagrant during passage migration in Gilgit-Baltistan, with no latest records. Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva plovers charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 24.5 cm

Ave Weight: 164 g

3.5786

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Plovers

94

Northern Lapwing

(Vanellus vanellus)

Strikingly distinct lapwing, metallic glossy green upperparts, blackish crest and bronze scapulars; very broad wings. Black crest, white (or buff) and black face pattern, black breast-band, and dark green upperparts. Juvenile has prominent buff fringes to mantle, scapulars and wing-coverts. Has very broad, rounded wing-tips. Uncommon passage migrant mainly through the western areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus lapwings charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 29.5 cm

Ave Weight: 229 g

3.8901

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
feb, mar, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Lapwings

95

Red-wattled Lapwing

(Vanellus indicus)

Boldly patterned lapwing with small red wattles and long yellow legs. Sexes alike. Black cap and breast, red bill with black tip, and yellow legs. In flight, shows white greater-covert wing-bar and black tail band. Juvenile is duller than adult, with whitish throat. Uncommon summer visitor to the lower areas of Diamer district along Indus. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus lapwings charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 33.5 cm

Ave Weight: 170 g

3.6109

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Lapwings

96

Sociable Lapwing

(Vanellus gregarius)

Olive-brown lapwing with bold, white supercilia meeting on forehead and nape; black crown and lores. Black bill and legs. In flight, white secondaries contrast with black primaries and sandy-brown upperwing-coverts, and has black tail band. Adult breeding has yellow wash to sides of head, and black-and-maroon patch on belly. Rare passage migrant through the western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, with no latest records. Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius lapwings charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 28.5 cm

Ave Weight: 205 g

3.7839

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Lapwings

97

Lesser Sand-Plover

(Charadrius mongolus)

Small size plover with black eyepatch, broad rufous-red breast band and hind neck collar; legs typically longer and dark grey. Breeding male typically shows full black mask and forehead and more extensive rufous on breast. In flight, feet do not usually extend beyond tail and white wing-bar is narrower across primaries. Uncommon passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, and common summer visitor in Skardu. Lesser Sand-Plover Charadrius mongolus plovers charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 19.5 cm

Ave Weight: 74.5 g

2.9379

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Plovers

98

Greater Sand-Plover

(Charadrius leschenaultii)

Medium-sized plover, with larger, broader head, larger bill, longer paler greyish green legs and somewhat paler upperparts. Longer legs are paler, with distinct yellowish or greenish tinge. In flight, feet project noticeably beyond tail, has more pronounced dark subterminal band to tail, and has broader white wing-bar across primaries. Rare passage migrant in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly through the eastern areas. Greater Sand-Plover Charadrius leschenaultii plovers charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 22.5 cm

Ave Weight: 88 g

3.0628

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Plovers

99

Kentish Plover

(Charadrius alexandrinus)

Small size, stocky and pale plover with fine black bill. White hind collar and usually small, well-defined patches on sides of breast. Upperparts pale and sandy. Legs usually appear blackish, but may be tinged brown or be olive-yellow. Male has rufous cap and black eye-stripe and forecrown. Uncommon passage migrant through western Gilgit-Baltistan, absent from Hunza, Nagar, Astore and Baltistan. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus plovers charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 16.25 cm

Ave Weight: 44 g

2.5755

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Plovers

100

Common Ringed Plover

(Charadrius hiaticula)

Slightly larger robust plover with prominent breast-band and white hind-collar. Adult breeding has orange legs and bill-base (legs duller in non-breeding, more olive-yellow in juvenile; bill mainly dark). Non-breeding and juvenile have prominent whitish supercilium and forehead compared with Little Ringed. Rare passage migrant through eastern Gilgit-Baltistan, absent from Ghizer, Hunza, Gilgit and Diamer. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula plovers charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 19 cm

Ave Weight: 60 g

2.7832

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer
sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Plovers

101

Little Ringed Plover

(Charadrius dubius)

Small size, elongated and small-headed appearance, and uniform upperwing with only a very narrow wing-bar. Bill small and mainly dark. Legs yellowish or pinkish. Adult breeding has striking yellow eye-ring. Adult non-breeding and juvenile have more uniform head pattern than Common Ringed with buff forehead and supercilium. Common passage migrant mainly through the central areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius plovers charadriidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 15.5 cm

Ave Weight: 39.5 g

2.507

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, may, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Charadriidae, Type: Plovers

102

Greater Painted-Snipe

(Rostratula benghalensis)

Medium sized, strong sexual dimorphism in plumage and also in size. Rail-like wader, with broad, rounded wings and longish, downcurved bill. White or buff 'spectacles' and 'braces'. Adult female has maroon head and neck and dark greenish wing-coverts. Adult male and juvenile duller, and have buff spotting on wing-coverts. Vagrant in Gilgit-Baltistan with a single record from Gilgit district. Greater Painted-Snipe Rostratula benghalensis snipes rostratulidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 25.5 cm

Ave Weight: 145 g

3.4701

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Rostratulidae, Type: Snipes

103

Whimbrel

(Numenius phaeopus)

Medium-sized curlew with mid-sized curved bill. Smaller than Eurasian Curlew, with shorter bill, often with more marked downward kink. Has prominent whitish supercilium and crown-stripe, contrasting with blackish eye-stripe and sides to crown, resulting in more striking head pattern. Juvenile as adult. Rare passage migrant through the north-western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, very rare in Baltistan and Astore. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus curlews scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 43 cm

Ave Weight: 409 g

4.4971

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Curlews

104

Eurasian Curlew

(Numenius arquata)

Large greyish-brown curlew with long curved bill and plain head pattern. Head, neck, breast and upperparts buffy brown with dark streaking, although plumage variable; pale underwing, white rump and lower back; belly white, flanks streaked. Juvenile has breast more buff and flanks less streaked. Rare passage migrant through the north-western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, very rare in Baltistan and Astore. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata curlews scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 55 cm

Ave Weight: 710 g

5.162

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer
sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Curlews

105

Black-tailed Godwit

(Limosa limosa)

Tall, elegant godwit with chestnut breast and upper belly; long, straightish bill orange pink at base; long legs. White wing-bars and white tail-base with black tail-band. In breeding plumage, male has rufous-orange neck and breast, with blackish barring on underparts and white belly; breeding female is duller. Rare passage migrant through the north-western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, very rare in Baltistan and Astore. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa godwits scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 40 cm

Ave Weight: 300 g

4.1618

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Godwits

106

Ruff

(Calidris pugnax)

Extreme sexual dimorphism, males larger than females. Distinctive shape, with long neck, small head, short and slightly downcurved bill, and long yellowish or orangey legs. In all plumages, lacks prominent supercilium and, in flight, shows narrow white wing-bar and prominent white sides to uppertail-coverts. Uncommon passage migrant through the north-western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, very rare in Baltistan. Ruff Calidris pugnax sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 29 cm

Ave Weight: 192 g

3.7224

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

107

Curlew Sandpiper

(Calidris ferruginea)

Medium-sized rusty rufous to deep chestnut-red sandpiper with longish neck and legs, and long, decurved bill. Adult breeding has chestnut-red head and underparts. Adult non-breeding paler grey than Dunlin, with more distinct supercilium. Juvenile has strong supercilium, buff wash to breast, and buff fringes to upperparts. Uncommon passage migrant through the north-western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, very rare in Baltistan. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 20.5 cm

Ave Weight: 80.5 g

2.9954

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jul
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

108

Temminck's Stint

(Calidris temminckii)

Small, short-legged stint with broad white sides to tail and rump. In flight, shows white sides to tail. Legs yellowish. In all plumages, lacks mantle and is usually rather uniform, with complete breast-band and indistinct supercilium. Adult breeding has irregular dark markings on upperparts. Common passage migrant through all the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly central areas. Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 14 cm

Ave Weight: 25.5 g

2.2472

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, may, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

109

Dunlin

(Calidris alpina)

Smallish, short-necked sandpiper with hunched posture; longish bill noticeably decurved, especially towards tip. Adult breeding has black belly. Adult non-breeding darker grey-brown than Curlew Sandpiper, with less distinct supercilium. Juvenile has streaked belly, rufous fringes to mantle and scapulars, and buff mantle. Uncommon passage migrant through the central region of Gilgit-Baltistan, absent from east and west. Dunlin Calidris alpina sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 19 cm

Ave Weight: 59 g

2.7715

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

110

Little Stint

(Calidris minuta)

Tiny, compact stint with short bill; upperparts have dark brown and pale rufous feathers. In flight, shows grey sides to tail. Adult breeding has pale mantle, rufous wash to face, neck sides and breast, and rufous fringes to upperpart feathers. Non-breeding has untidy, mottled/streaked appearance, with grey breast sides. Common passage migrant through the western Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Astore and Baltistan. Little Stint Calidris minuta sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 13 cm

Ave Weight: 30.5 g

2.35

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, may, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

111

Solitary Snipe

(Gallinago solitaria)

Largest of Palearctic snipes; large and heavy, with rather long bill; plumage somewhat variable. Colder-coloured and less boldly marked than Common Snipe, with less striking head pattern, white spotting on ginger-brown breast, and fine white mantle and scapular stripes. Has fine white trailing edge to wing, and underwing is heavily barred. Rare winter visitor central and western Gilgit-Baltistan, along Gilgit River in Ghizer, Gilgit and Skardu. Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria snipes scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 30 cm

Ave Weight: 176.5 g

3.6449

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Astore, Shigar, Skardu

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Snipes

112

Common Snipe

(Gallinago gallinago)

Small to medium-sized snipe, with rather long bill and white belly; plumage variable. Compared with Pintail, wings are more pointed and it has faster and more erratic flight; shows prominent white trailing edge to wing and white banding on underwing-coverts. Buff supercilium contrasts with white cheek-stripe. Common passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly in the western districts, rare in Baltistan. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago snipes scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 26 cm

Ave Weight: 126.5 g

3.3537

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
mar, apr, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Snipes

113

Pin-tailed Snipe

(Gallinago stenura)

Medium-sized snipe, very similar to Common Snipe, with shorter bill, more rounded wings, and slower flight. Shows little or no tail projection beyond wings. Usually shows bulging supercilium in front of eye, with little contrast between buff supercilium and cheeks, and eye-stripe often narrow in front of eye and poorly defined behind. Rare passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly in the western districts. Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura snipes scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 26 cm

Ave Weight: 133 g

3.396

sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Snipes

114

Eurasian Woodcock

(Scolopax rusticola)

A large and bulky bird, with bill long and straight, but relatively shorter; broad and rounded wings. Mainly rufous brown and reddish above providing good camouflage; broad rounded wings. Crown and nape banded black and buff; lacks sharply defined mantle and scapular stripes. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor to central Gilgit-Baltistan, absent from Astore and Baltistan. Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola snipes scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 34 cm

Ave Weight: 275.5 g

4.0741

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Snipes

115

Terek Sandpiper

(Xenus cinereus)

A strange sandpiper with squat, horizontal stance, short, bright yellowish legs and a distinctly upcurved long bill. Adult breeding has blackish scapular lines. Juvenile is similar to adult breeding, but has buff fringes and dark subterminal marks to feathers of upperparts. Rare passage migrant in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly through central waterways and lakes. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 23.5 cm

Ave Weight: 88 g

3.0628

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jul
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

116

Red-necked Phalarope

(Phalaropus lobatus)

Smallest phalarope, with needle-like bill and slender neck; shorter wings and tail. Adult breeding has white throat and red stripe down side of grey neck. Adult non-breeding has prominent black mask and cap, with dark line running down hind neck; has dark grey upperparts. Uncommon passage migrant through major waterways and lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 18.5 cm

Ave Weight: 34 g

2.4147

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

116

Red Phalarope

(Phalaropus fulicarius)

The chunkiest and a straight bill, somewhat thicker than that of red-necked phalarope. In breeding is dark brown and black above, with red underparts, white cheek patches and black tipped yellow bill. In winter, grey above, white below with black bill, but the black eyepatch is always present. Vagrant during passage migration to Gilgit-Baltistan, with a single record from Hunza. Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 21.5 cm

Ave Weight: 52 g

2.6789

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza
sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

117

Common Sandpiper

(Actitis hypoleucos)

A small, short-necked wader with crouched carriage on short legs and a shortish bill. White wing-bar and brown rump and centre of tail in flight, with distinctive rapid shallow wing beats and bowed-wing glides. In breeding plumage, has irregular dark streaking and barring on upperparts, lacking in non-breeding. Common passage migrant and summer visitor to all the areas in Gilgit-Baltistan. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 20 cm

Ave Weight: 63 g

2.8173

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

118

Green Sandpiper

(Tringa ochropus)

A rather small, very dark sandpiper, stockier, darker greenish-yellow legs. Adult breeding has white streaking on crown and neck, heavily streaked breast, and prominent whitish spotting on upperparts. Adult non-breeding is more uniform on head and breast, and is less distinctly spotted on upperparts. Common passage migrant through all the major waterways and lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 22.5 cm

Ave Weight: 86 g

3.0453

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

119

Spotted Redshank

(Tringa erythropus)

Similar to Common Redshank but longer-legged; longer, finer bill slightly drooped at tip. Red at base of bill, and red legs. Non-breeding plumage is paler grey above and whiter below than Common with more prominent white supercilium. Underparts black in breeding plumage. Juvenile similar to non-breeding adult. Uncommon passage migrant through the wester districts of Ghizer and Diamer. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 30.5 cm

Ave Weight: 163.5 g

3.5759

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Diamer
oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

120

Common Greenshank

(Tringa nebularia)

Green legs; distinctly larger than other green-legged shorebirds, with a dark, rather stout bill slightly upturned at tip. Upperparts grey and foreneck and underparts white in non-breeding plumage. In breeding plumage, foreneck and breast streaked, upperparts untidily streaked. Juvenile has dark-streaked upperparts with fine buff. Common passage migrant through all the major waterways and lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 32.5 cm

Ave Weight: 212.5 g

3.818

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
may, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

121

Marsh Sandpiper

(Tringa stagnatilis)

A strikingly long-legged, dainty stilt-shaped sandpiper with a very fine straight bill; small-headed and delicate. Legs greenish or yellowish. Upperparts are grey and foreneck and underparts white in non-breeding, when the pale lores, forehead and chin create a pale-faced appearance. In breeding foreneck and breast streaked and upperparts barred. Rare passage migrant through south-western waterways and lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 24 cm

Ave Weight: 81.5 g

3.0046

sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

122

Wood Sandpiper

(Tringa glareola)

A smallish dark sandpiper browner, with coarser marks above, a long prominent pale supercilium. Adult breeding has heavily streaked breast and barred flanks; upperparts barred and spotted pale grey-brown and white. Adult non-breeding has more uniform grey-brown upperparts, spotted whitish, and breast brownish and lightly streaked. Common passage migrant through south-western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 21 cm

Ave Weight: 66 g

2.8503

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Kharmang
apr, may, aug, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

123

Common Redshank

(Tringa totanus)

Slightly smaller and more compact than other shanks, red-legged sandpiper, with a heavier straight bill more extensively of red on base. Non-breeding plumage is grey-brown above, with grey breast. Neck and underparts heavily streaked in breeding plumage; upperparts with variable dark brown and cinnamon markings. Common passage migrant through all the major waterways and lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan. Common Redshank Tringa totanus sandpipers scolopacidae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 28 cm

Ave Weight: 120 g

3.3098

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Ghanche
mar, apr, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Scolopacidae, Type: Sandpipers

124

Black-legged Kittiwake

(Rissa tridactyla)

Medium sized gull, black-tipped wings and has slightly forked tail. Adult has white head in summer with grey hind neck, dark grey upperparts shading to whitish before black tip; yellowish bill and blackish legs. First year has dark 'W' pattern across wings and black tail-band. Vagrant during passage migration to Gilgit-Baltistan, with a single record from Hunza. Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla gulls laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 39 cm

Ave Weight: 408.5 g

4.4957

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza
dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Gulls

125

Black-headed Gull

(Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Medium sized gull, with white ‘flash’ on primaries of upperwing and black on wing-tips. Smaller than Brown-headed, with finer bill and narrower and more pointed wings. Bill blackish-red and hood uniform dark brown in breeding plumage. In non-breeding bill tipped black and head largely white with dark ear-covert patch. Common passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Shigar and Ghanche districts. Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus gulls laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 40 cm

Ave Weight: 260 g

4.0155

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Gulls

126

Brown-headed Gull

(Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus)

Larger, stockier and flatter-crowned gull, with more rounded wing-tips and broader bill. Adult has broad black wing-tips (broken by white ‘mirrors’) and white patch on outer wing; underside to primaries largely black; iris pale yellow. In breeding plumage, hood paler brown than Black-headed’s. Common passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Ghizer, Shigar and Ghanche. Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus gulls laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 43 cm

Ave Weight: 582 g

4.9117

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Gulls

127

Pallas's Gull

(Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus)

One of the largest gulls, angular head with gently sloping forehead. Bill large, ‘dark-tipped’, with bulging gonys. Adult breeding has black hood with bold white eye-crescents, and distinctive wing pattern. Adult non-breeding has largely white head with variable black mask. Common passage migrant through the eastern Gilgit-Baltistan, uncommon in north-west. Pallas's Gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus gulls laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 66 cm

Ave Weight: 1450 g

6.1708

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, aug, sep, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Gulls

128

Mew Gull

(Larus canus)

Smaller and daintier gull, with shorter and finer bill. Adult has darker grey mantle than Caspian, with more black on wing-tips; bill yellowish green, with dark subterminal band in non-breeding plumage, and dark iris. Head and hind-neck heavily marked in non-breeding. Vagrant during passage migration in Gilgit-Baltistan, with no latest records from the area. Mew Gull Larus canus gulls laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 43 cm

Ave Weight: 421 g

4.5297

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Gulls

129

Caspian Gull

(Larus cachinnans)

Much larger and broader-winged, elongated appearance, with smaller head, longer parallel-edged bill and longer legs. More elongated appearance structurally, with smaller head, longer parallel-edged bill and longer legs, compared with Heuglin’s. Adult has paler grey upperparts and head whiter and less heavily marked than Heuglin’s. Uncommon passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Ghizer, Shigar and Ghanche. Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans gulls laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 63 cm

Ave Weight: 1090 g

5.7459

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Gulls

130

Lesser Black-backed Gull

(Larus fuscus)

A medium-sized, slenderer gull, with a more rounded head, slightly thinner and more drooping bill. Generally stockier and squarer-headed than Caspian. Adult has darker grey upperparts; head more heavily streaked in non-breeding plumage. Eyes yellow. Adult shows more extensive black on wing-tips than Caspian. Uncommon passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Ghizer, Shigar and Ghanche. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus gulls laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 56 cm

Ave Weight: 875 g

5.4388

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Gulls

131

Little Tern

(Sternula albifrons)

Typical small tern, with white forehead, black cap and lores, bright yellow bill with small dark tip. Adult breeding has white forehead and black lores, black-tipped yellow bill, orange legs and feet, and black outer primaries. Adult non-breeding and immature have blackish bill, black mask and nape band, dark lesser-covert bar, and dark legs. Rare passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly in the central and western parts. Little Tern Sternula albifrons terns laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 25 cm

Ave Weight: 55 g

2.7233

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Terns

132

Gull-billed Tern

(Gelochelidon nilotica)

Medium sized, unique heavy-billed, long-legged tern with slightly forked tail, broad wings and very pale body. Adult breeding has black cap, and darker grey upperparts than in other plumages. Black half-mask in non-breeding and immature plumages, lacking black 'U' across hind crown. Juvenile less heavily marked on upperparts than juvenile Sandwich. Common passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in the eastern parts. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica terns laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 38 cm

Ave Weight: 225 g

3.873

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Terns

133

White-winged Tern

(Chlidonias leucopterus)

Very distinctive in breeding plumage, appearing markedly black and white. In breeding blackhead and body contrast with pale upperwing-coverts, and has black underwing-coverts. Black underwing-coverts are last part of plumage to be lost during moult into non-breeding plumage (always white in Whiskered). Rare passage migrant in Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly through central waterways. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus terns laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 25 cm

Ave Weight: 60.5 g

2.7889

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Terns

134

Whiskered Tern

(Chlidonias hybrida)

Slender, medium-small tern, with wings more rounded; shortish tail with only slight fork. In breeding white cheeks contrast with grey underparts; lacks greatly elongated outer tail feathers. In non-breeding, from Whitewinged by larger bill, grey rump concolorous with back and tail, and different patterning of black on head. Uncommon passage migrant through Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in the western parts. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida terns laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 26 cm

Ave Weight: 80.5 g

2.9954

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Terns

135

Common Tern

(Sterna hirundo)

Typical tern; forehead and crown black, and long tail streamers. Grey mantle contrasts with white rump and uppertail-coverts. In breeding plumage has orange-red bill with black tip, pale grey wash to underparts, and long tail streamers. Has dark bill, whitish forehead and dark lesser-covert bar in non-breeding plumage. Common passage migrant through the south and eastern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, absent in the north. Common Tern Sterna hirundo terns laridae Charadriiformes

Ave Size: 35.5 cm

Ave Weight: 121.5 g

3.32

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Laridae, Type: Terns

136

Tibetan Sandgrouse

(Syrrhaptes tibetanus)

A large pin-tailed sandgrouse, with pale orange face patch and throat. Fine black barring on crown and breast, sandy upperparts with bold black spotting on scapulars, and white lower breast and belly. Male has unbarred sandy mantle and wing-coverts. Female has fine black barring on mantle, coverts and breast. Possible resident in the extreme northern border areas of Hunza and Ghizer. Tibetan Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes tibetanus sandgrouse pteroclidae Pterocliformes

Ave Size: 40 cm

Ave Weight: 347 g

4.316

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Pteroclidae, Type: Sandgrouse

137

Rock Pigeon

(Columba livia)

Medium sized, widespread archetypal bluish grey pigeon. Grey tail with blackish terminal band, and broad black bars across greater coverts and tertials/secondaries. Back varies from whitish to pale grey (note difference in tail pattern compared with Hill Pigeon). Common resident in the lower valleys in all the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Rock Pigeon Columba livia pigeons columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 32.5 cm

Ave Weight: 270 g

4.0536

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Pigeons

138

Hill Pigeon

(Columba rupestris)

Medium sized, similar in appearance to Rock Pigeon. But paler grey, with white back and with white band across tail contrasting with blackish terminal band. Juvenile is browner and lacks iridescence on neck; feathers of neck and breast are fringed with rusty-buff. Common resident in the higher elevation valleys all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris pigeons columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 33 cm

Ave Weight: 290 g

4.1267

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Pigeons

139

Snow Pigeon

(Columba leuconota)

Slightly larger in size hill pigeon with head, rump and tail. Adult has slate-grey head, creamy-white collar and underparts, fawn-brown mantle contrasting with pale grey wing-coverts, white back contrasting with blackish rump and uppertail-coverts, and white band across blackish tail. Common resident in the higher elevation valleys all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota pigeons columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 32.5 cm

Ave Weight: 281 g

4.0943

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Pigeons

140

Yellow-eyed/Pale-backed Pigeon

(Columba eversmanni)

Small and pale hill pigeon, with broad pale yellow eye-ring. Smaller than Rock, with narrower and shorter black wing-bars. Brownish cast to upperparts, purplish cast to grey crown and nape, and extensive greyish-white back and upper rump. Also slight differences in tail pattern from Rock. Rare passage migrant through the central and western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Yellow-eyed/Pale-backed Pigeon Columba eversmanni pigeons columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 28 cm

Ave Weight: 208.5 g

3.7999

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Pigeons

141

Common Wood-Pigeon

(Columba palumbus)

A large heavy pale grey pigeon with relatively short wings and long tail. White wing patch and dark tail-band, buff neck patch, and deep vinous underparts. In flight, from below, shows greyish-white band across tail and grey undertail-coverts are concolorous with base of tail. Rare resident in the central and south Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Gilgit, Astore and Diamer districts. Common Wood-Pigeon Columba palumbus pigeons columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 43 cm

Ave Weight: 487 g

4.6977

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Pigeons

142

Speckled Wood-Pigeon

(Columba hodgsonii)

A fairly large, mostly dark slaty woodpigeon with a paler head. Speckled underparts, and white spotting on wing-coverts. Male has maroon mantle and maroon on underparts, replaced by grey on female. In flight, from below, shows dark grey undertail-coverts and underside to tail. Rare resident limited to the lower valleys of Astore district, neighboring Kashmir. Speckled Wood-Pigeon Columba hodgsonii pigeons columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 39 cm

Ave Weight: 219.5 g

3.8491

Gilgit-Baltistan, Astore

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Pigeons

143

European Turtle-Dove

(Streptopelia turtur)

Slimmer, slightly smaller and paler than very similar oriental turtle-dove. Has white sides and tip to tail. Told from Oriental by smaller size and slimmer build; broader, paler rufous-buff fringes to scapulars and wing-coverts; and greyish-pink breast becoming whitish on belly and undertail-coverts. Vagrant to the extreme northern borders of Hunza and Ghizer districts. European Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur doves columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 28 cm

Ave Weight: 134.5 g

3.4055

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Doves

144

Oriental Turtle-Dove

(Streptopelia orientalis)

Large stout dove, mostly rufous upper and dusky underparts, darker then European Turtle-dove. Rufous-scaled scapulars and wing-coverts, dusky underparts, and barring on neck. In flight, has dusky-grey underwing and has grey sides and tip to the tail. Juvenile lacks neck-barring, and has buffish-grey head and underparts. Common resident and altitudinal migrant in the lower valleys all over Gilgit-Baltistan. Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis doves columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 34 cm

Ave Weight: 219.5 g

3.8491

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Doves

145

Eurasian Collared-Dove

(Streptopelia decaocto)

A Medium sized, vary pale sandy dove with a narrow black hind collar. Sandy-brown with black half-collar, white sides to tail, and white underwing coverts. Forehead and crown pale grey often merging into vinous-buff on nape and hindneck. Juvenile lacks neck-collar, and feathers of upperparts are fringed with buff. Rare summer visitor in the central Gilgit-Baltistan, especially Gilgit, Diamer, Hunza and Nagar. Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto doves columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 31 cm

Ave Weight: 205 g

3.7839

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jun, jul
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Doves

146

Spotted Dove

(Streptopelia chinensis)

Medium sized, long tailed pale pinkish dove, with a large white spotted black patch on hind neck. Upperparts are scaled or spotted with pinkish-buff. Has extensive black-and-white chequered patches on sides of neck, vinaceous-pink tinged neck and breast, and dark grey-brown rump and tail with blackish base to outer tail feathers. Uncommon summer visitor lower valleys in southern parts of Diamer district. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis doves columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 28.75 cm

Ave Weight: 152 g

3.5112

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer
may, jun, jul, aug
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Doves

147

Laughing Dove

(Streptopelia senegalensis)

Slim, small dove with fairly long tail. Brownish-pink head and underparts merging into creamy white belly which passes into white undertail-coverts, uniform upperparts, and dark stippling on upper breast. Juvenile duller, lacks dark stippling, and has whitish fringes to scapulars and coverts. Locally common resident in lower parts of Gilgit, Diamer and east of Ghizer districts. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis doves columbidae Columbiformes

Ave Size: 27 cm

Ave Weight: 81.5 g

3.0046

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Columbidae, Type: Doves

148

Asian Koel

(Eudynamys scolopaceus)

Mid sized cuckoo with red eyes, heavy hooked bill and rounded tail. Male is glossy black (with green iridescence), with a dull lime-green bill and brilliant red eye. Female is brown above (with faint green gloss), spotted and barred with white and buff, and white below, strongly barred with dark brown. Summer vagrant to the lower valleys of Gilgit and Diamer districts, with records from Gilgit. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus cuckoos cuculidae Cuculiformes

Ave Size: 42.5 cm

Ave Weight: 163 g

3.5731

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer
may
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Cuculidae, Type: Cuckoos

149

Lesser Cuckoo

(Cuculus poliocephalus)

Smaller and more lightly built than other cuckoos. Adult male slate-grey and female rufous above, tail and uppertail-coverts contrastingly blackish, tail with white tip and white spots at sides; throat and breast light grey, belly white with black bars. Eyering yellow and bill black with yellow base. Uncommon summer visitor only limited to lower areas of Astore district. Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus cuckoos cuculidae Cuculiformes

Ave Size: 24.5 cm

Ave Weight: 49.5 g

2.6525

Gilgit-Baltistan, Astore

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Cuculidae, Type: Cuckoos

150

Common Cuckoo

(Cuculus canorus)

Medium sized, almost identical to Oriental/Himalayan and best distinguished by song. Adult male dark ashy-grey above, tail blackish brown, spotted and tipped with white, unevenly barred black, underparts white with black bars, eyering yellow, bill black with yellow base and feet yellow. Female similar with rufous-tinged. Locally common summer visitor to all the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, mianly to the central and west parts. Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus cuckoos cuculidae Cuculiformes

Ave Size: 33 cm

Ave Weight: 123.5 g

3.3336

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Cuculidae, Type: Cuckoos

151

Eurasian Scops-Owl

(Otus scops)

A rather small, maily grey scops-owl with rufous accents, yellow eyes and dark bill. Browner or darker grey than Pallid Scops, with more pronounced darkening around eyes, more prominent white spots on scapulars, pale horizontal bars across streaked underparts, and more numerous pale barring on tail. Common summer visitor western and central districts of Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza and Nagar. Eurasian Scops-Owl Otus scops owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 18 cm

Ave Weight: 97.5 g

3.1423

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Astore
apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

152

Pallid Scops-Owl

(Otus brucei)

Pale scops-owl with distinct fine streaking and short ear tufts. Paler and greyer than grey-morph Eurasian Scops; has less distinct (buff not white) scapular spots, and narrow streaking on underparts, which lack pale horizontal panels. Facial disc paler and plainer with black border finer and stronger. Scarce summer visitor to the central Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar and Diamer. Pallid Scops-Owl Otus brucei owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 19.5 cm

Ave Weight: 105 g

3.2011

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

153

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

(Bubo bubo)

Large to huge, almost barrel-shaped, with prominent ear-tufts, powerful bill and feet. Upperparts mottled dark brown and greyish-buff; breast heavily streaked. Larger, paler and greyer than Indian Eagle Owl, with less heavily marked upperparts, plainer facial discs (lacking pronounced dark border) and less heavily barred tail. Widespread resident in the north-western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, very rare in Astore and Baltistan. Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 64.5 cm

Ave Weight: 2175 g

6.8291

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

154

Snowy Owl

(Bubo scandiacus)

Large white owl with small eyes, rudimentary ear tufts normally not erect. Male almost entirely white, sometimes with narrow, sparse, pale grey or brown barring on back, wings and/or tail. Female noticeably larger, wings and tail more prominently barred blackish, but variable, sometimes almost male-like. Possible vagrant in the winter to Gilgit-Baltistan, with no latest records. Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 58.5 cm

Ave Weight: 1605 g

6.3295

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

155

Collared Owlet

(Glaucidium brodiei)

Tiny owl with rounded head, large for size of body. Has distinct buff spectacles on upper mantle which frame blackish patches (creating pattern of owl's face). Crown appears spotted rather than neatly and finely barred, and is barred rather than diffusely streaked on flanks, and has white eye-brows. Scarce resident in lower valleys of southern parts of Diamer district, bordering Kohistan and Malakhand. Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 16 cm

Ave Weight: 58 g

2.7597

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

156

Little Owl

(Athene noctua)

Compact, plump, variable color and relatively small, with wings broad and rounded. Sandy coloured owl with white 'spectacles', white throat and bold white spotting on upperparts. Streaked breast and flanks, and streaked crown. From Spotted Owlet by streaked rather than spotted breast and flanks. Uncommon resident in the norther border areas, limited to northern parts of Hunza district. Little Owl Athene noctua owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 22 cm

Ave Weight: 169.5 g

3.6082

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Ghanche
jan, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

157

Tawny Owl

(Strix aluco)

Medium-sized owl with noticeably stocky body, large and round head with dark eyes. Grey and uniform in colour. Mantle is prominently streaked, tertials and flight feathers are less prominently barred, underparts more cleanly streaked (with much less pronounced 'splashes' of white and dark cross-barring). Locally common resident in Gilgit, Astore, Ghizer and Diamer districts. Tawny Owl Strix aluco owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 38 cm

Ave Weight: 496.5 g

4.7204

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

158

Long-eared Owl

(Asio otus)

Medium-sized owl with large, round head and conspicuous ear tufts. From Short-eared at rest by erect ear-tufts, orange-brown coloration to facial discs, orange (rather than yellow) eyes, greyish (rather than buff) background coloration to upperparts, and more heavily streaked belly and flanks. Scarce summer visitor to the central areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Shigar, Gilgit and Ghizer. Long-eared Owl Asio otus owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 36.5 cm

Ave Weight: 262.5 g

4.0252

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Shigar
apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

159

Short-eared Owl

(Asio flammeus)

Medium-sized owl with distinctive moth-like flight, wing beats bouncing, high and flapping. From Long-eared at rest by short or apparently absent ear-tufts, buffish-white coloration to facial discs, yellow eyes, buff background coloration to upperparts, and non-existent or indistinct streaking on belly and flanks. Rare passage migrant through the central areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit and Diamer. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 38 cm

Ave Weight: 301 g

4.1653

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
mar, oct, nov
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

160

Boreal Owl

(Aegolius funereus)

A smallish owl, a little larger than Little Owl. Has relatively large, square-shaped head, greyish-white facial discs encircled with black (with angular upper edge giving rise to alert expression), and white spotting on forehead and crown. Juvenile has uniform brown crown, mantle and underparts. Vagrant in the Hunza and Nagar districts, with historical records from Nagar. Boreal Owl Aegolius funereus owls strigidae Strigiformes

Ave Size: 23 cm

Ave Weight: 102.5 g

3.1819

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Strigidae, Type: Owls

161

Eurasian Nightjar

(Caprimulgus europaeus)

Medium-sized sexually dimorphic sandy-grey or pale grey nightjar. Bold streaking on crown, nape and scapulars. Underparts are neatly barred and generally paler grey. Buffish outer edges to scapulars form prominent line, and spotting on wing-coverts is usually clearly defined. Rare and elusive summer visitor to the southern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Gilgit, Diamer and Ghizer. Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus nightjars caprimulgidae Caprimulgiformes

Ave Size: 26.25 cm

Ave Weight: 76 g

2.9526

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Caprimulgidae, Type: Nightjars

162

Alpine Swift

(Apus melba)

Very large swift with broad wings and shallowly forked tail. Best told by white throat with brown breast-band, and white breast and belly contrasting with brown underwing, flanks and vent. Birds breeding in the Himalayas have mid-brown upperparts and wings, paler brown than Common Swift. Common summer visitor the western areas of Ghizer and Diamer districts, neighboring Chitral and Malakhand. Alpine Swift Apus melba swifts apodidae Caprimulgiformes

Ave Size: 21 cm

Ave Weight: 102.5 g

3.1819

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Apodidae, Type: Swifts

163

Common Swift

(Apus apus)

Large rakish swift with long, deeply forked tail and sharply pointed wings. Black-brown mantle, outer wing, lesser coverts, tail, crown and underparts beneath small off-white throat patch; slightly paler inner wing, greater coverts of underwing, forehead and rump. Juvenile very black, with little contrast between tracts. Common summer visitor and passage migrant through all the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Common Swift Apus apus swifts apodidae Caprimulgiformes

Ave Size: 17 cm

Ave Weight: 41.5 g

2.5381

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Apodidae, Type: Swifts

164

Little Swift

(Apus affinis)

Small swift with relatively chunky body, blunt wing-tips and square tail. Black above, with slightly paler forehead and uppertail-coverts, and very distinct broad white rump-patch, which extends onto lower part of flanks; underparts blackish apart from inner wing and rounded white throat-patch. Possible summer visitor to the western parts of Diamer district, neighboring Malakhand. Little Swift Apus affinis swifts apodidae Caprimulgiformes

Ave Size: 12 cm

Ave Weight: 25 g

2.2361

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer
apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Apodidae, Type: Swifts

165

Eurasian Hoopoe

(Upupa epops)

Unmistakable, with long, thin, decurved bill and large crest. Mainly rufous-orange to orange-buff, with striking black-and-white wings and tail, black-tipped fan-like crest which is usually held flat, and downcurved bill. Broad, rounded wings and like giant butterfly in flight. Common summer visitor to all the valleys and towns of Gilgit-Baltistan. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops hoopoes upupidae Bucerotiformes

Ave Size: 25.5 cm

Ave Weight: 52.5 g

2.6918

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Upupidae, Type: Hoopoes

166

Common Kingfisher

(Alcedo atthis)

Small kingfisher with turquoise upperparts and orange underparts. Rufous loral spot, black eyestripe, rufous ear-coverts, white neckstripe; crown and malar stripe barred blue and black; upperparts and tail brilliant azure-blue, wings dark greenish-blue with paler blue spots; white chin and throat, rufous underparts. Uncommon summer visitor to lower southern areas of Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer and Skardu. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis kingfishers alcedinidae Coraciiformes

Ave Size: 17 cm

Ave Weight: 29.5 g

2.3305

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, may, jun, jul
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Alcedinidae, Type: Kingfishers

167

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

(Merops persicus)

A large, slim mostly green bee-eater with long wings. From Blue-tailed by bronze-green tail, whitish forehead and turquoise-and-white supercilium. Turquoise and green on ear-coverts, and more restricted chestnut on throat. Upperparts and underparts are a purer green. Juvenile similar to juvenile Blue-tailed. Uncommon passage migrant mainly through the western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus bee-eaters meropidae Coraciiformes

Ave Size: 31 cm

Ave Weight: 47 g

2.6183

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
mar, apr, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Meropidae, Type: Bee-eaters

168

European Bee-eater

(Merops apiaster)

Large, highly distinctive with multicolored plumage. Has combination of yellow throat and black gorget, turquoise underparts, chestnut crown, nape, mantle and patch in wing-coverts, golden-yellow scapulars, and green tail. Female is slightly paler, with green in scapulars and less chestnut in wing. Locally common summer visitor to specific locations in Ghizer, Diamer and Skardu districts. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster bee-eaters meropidae Coraciiformes

Ave Size: 28 cm

Ave Weight: 61 g

2.7947

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Diamer, Skardu
apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Meropidae, Type: Bee-eaters

169

European Roller

(Coracias garrulus)

A large roller, proportionately larger-headed and in flight appears long-necked. Turquoise-blue head and underparts, and rufous-cinnamon mantle and tertials. Primaries and secondaries are black, and has black corners to tail. In non-breeding the colors much duller. Common summer visitor to western districts of Ghizer, Diamer, Gilgit, Nagar and Hunza. European Roller Coracias garrulus rollers coraciidae Coraciiformes

Ave Size: 31.5 cm

Ave Weight: 143.5 g

3.4611

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Coraciidae, Type: Rollers

170

Eurasian Wryneck

(Jynx torquilla)

Small, aberrant, long-tailed woodpecker with short, pointed bill very narrow across nostrils. Cryptically patterned with grey, buff and brown. Has dark stripe through eye, irregular dark stripe down nape and mantle, buff to pale rufous throat and breast which are finely barred with black, and long, barred tail. Common summer visitor to all the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, except for eastern Baltistan region. Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla woodpeckers picidae Piciformes

Ave Size: 17 cm

Ave Weight: 40 g

2.5149

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Picidae, Type: Woodpeckers

171

Himalayan Woodpecker

(Dendrocopos himalayensis)

Medium sized, typical black and white woodpecker. Black mantle, white wing-patch and unmarked underparts. Has black rear border to ear-coverts. Underparts and head white or plain pale buff with black Y-shaped mark on neck and cheeks. The crown is red in males and black in females. Locally common resident in lower valleys of Gilgit, Diamer and Astore districts. Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis woodpeckers picidae Piciformes

Ave Size: 24 cm

Ave Weight: 71 g

2.9028

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Picidae, Type: Woodpeckers

172

Scaly-bellied Woodpecker

(Picus squamatus)

Large greenish woodpecker, with scaling on underparts. Larger yellowish bill, prominent dark moustachial stripe, unstreaked throat and upper breast, boldly scaled underparts, and prominent whitish barring on tail. Male has red crown, which is black (streaked with grey) on female. Common resident and partial altitudinal migrant in all valleys across Gilgit-Baltistan. Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus woodpeckers picidae Piciformes

Ave Size: 35 cm

Ave Weight: 175 g

3.6371

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Picidae, Type: Woodpeckers

173

Eurasian Kestrel

(Falco tinnunculus)

Medium sized, long, rather broad tail; wing-tips more rounded than on most falcons. Male has grey head and tail, and rufous upperparts heavily marked with black. Female have rufous crown and nape streaked with black, diffuse and narrow dark moustachial stripe, rufous upperparts heavily marked with black, and dark barring on rufous tail. Common resident and altitudinal migrant in all the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus falcons falconidae Falconiformes

Ave Size: 31 cm

Ave Weight: 194 g

3.7321

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Falconidae, Type: Falcons

174

Merlin

(Falco columbarius)

Distinctive small, stocky, dashing falcon, with short, pointed wings. Male has blue-grey upperparts, broad black tail-band, diffuse patch of rufous-orange on nape, and rufous-orange streaking on underparts. Female has brown upperparts with variable buffish markings, heavily streaked underparts, and barred uppertail. Rare passage migrant and winter visitor through the western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Merlin Falco columbarius falcons falconidae Falconiformes

Ave Size: 28 cm

Ave Weight: 179.5 g

3.6603

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Falconidae, Type: Falcons

175

Eurasian Hobby

(Falco subbuteo)

Small sized, slim, with long, pointed wings and medium-length tail. Adult has broad black moustachial stripe, cream underparts with bold blackish streaking, and rufous thighs and undertail-coverts. Juvenile has dark brown upperparts with buffish fringes and pale buffish heavily streaked underparts. Common summer visitor to all the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, except for the eastern parts. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo falcons falconidae Falconiformes

Ave Size: 32 cm

Ave Weight: 181.5 g

3.6704

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Falconidae, Type: Falcons

176

Barbary Falcon

(Falco pelegrinoides)

Large and more compact, with a narrower and weaker moustache, and pale supercilium and nape-band. Adult has pale blue-grey upperparts, buffish underparts with only sparse streaking and barring, rufous on crown and nape, a fine pale supercilium, and a narrow dark moustachial stripe. Common and widespread resident the the western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, absent from Baltistan region. Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides falcons falconidae Falconiformes

Ave Size: 43 cm

Ave Weight: 735 g

5.2068

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Falconidae, Type: Falcons

177

Saker Falcon

(Falco cherrug)

A large, heavily built brown falcon, with long wings and long tail. Adult has paler crown, less distinct moustachial stripe, and pale rufous-brown upperparts; has less heavily marked underparts. Outer tail feathers more prominently barred. Juvenile has greyish cere and greyish legs and feet; otherwise similar to adult. Vagrant to the western most part of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly in western tip of Ghizer. Saker Falcon Falco cherrug falcons falconidae Falconiformes

Ave Size: 51 cm

Ave Weight: 860 g

5.4153

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Diamer

Group: Non-passerine, Family: Falconidae, Type: Falcons

178

Peregrine Falcon

(Falco peregrinus)

A fairly large, powerful falcon with a dark hood, with relatively short tail. Adult has slate-grey upperparts, broad and clean-cut black moustachial stripe, and whitish underparts with narrow blackish barring; juvenile has browner upperparts, heavily streaked underparts, broad moustachial stripe, and barred uppertail. Uncommon passage migrant through all the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly through east and central areas. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus falcons falconidae Falconiformes

Ave Size: 43 cm

Ave Weight: 735 g

5.2068

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
sep, oct
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Falconidae, Type: Falcons

179

Rose-ringed Parakeet

(Psittacula krameri)

Fairly large with long tail noisy bird, predominantly yellowish green appearance. Green head and blue-green tip to tail. Male has black chin stripe joining pink hind collar. Female lacks the chin stripe and collar, and is all green (with indistinct pale green collar). Introduced resident in the main urban areas of Gilgit and Diamer district. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri parakeets psittaculidae Psittaciformes

Ave Size: 40 cm

Ave Weight: 119 g

3.3028

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Non-passerine, Family: Psittaculidae, Type: Parakeets

180

Long-tailed Minivet

(Pericrocotus ethologus)

Large, slim, elongated bird, both male and female are quite colorful. Male red and black, with red wing patch extending as narrow panel along tertials and secondaries. Underparts are a scarlet-red, and black throat. Female has yellow wash on forehead and supercilium and pale yellow throat and breast. Common summer visitor to central parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Gilgit, Skardu and Astore districts. Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus cuckooshrikes campephagidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 19 cm

Ave Weight: 18 g

2.0598

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Group: Passerine, Family: Campephagidae, Type: Cuckooshrikes

181

Red-backed Shrike

(Lanius collurio)

Rather small shrike with fairly short wings and longish tail. Male has rufous mantle, pink underparts, and white sides to tail. No black forehead or white in wing. Female has grey cast to head and especially nape, contrasting slightly with rufous-brown mantle, and dark brown tail with white outer edge. Uncommon passage migrant through Hunza and Nagar districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio shrikes laniidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 18 cm

Ave Weight: 28.25 g

2.3054

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar
sep, oct
Group: Passerine, Family: Laniidae, Type: Shrikes

182

Red-tailed Shrike

(Lanius phoenicuroides)

Rather small, compact but long-tailed shrike. Compared with Isabelline, male has rufous cast to crown and nape, contrasting with darker grey-brown mantle, whiter supercilium, whiter underparts, and deeper rufous-brown tail. These features are often apparent in female and first-winter. Uncommon passage migrant through central and western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Baltistan. Red-tailed Shrike Lanius phoenicuroides shrikes laniidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 17.25 cm

Ave Weight: 31.5 g

2.3691

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
oct
Group: Passerine, Family: Laniidae, Type: Shrikes

183

Isabelline/Rufous-tailed Shrike

(Lanius isabellinus)

Rather small, compact but long-tailed shrike. Has a pale sandy-brown mantle, contrasting with rufous rump and tail. Supercilium is buffish and mask is incomplete in front of eye. Female has paler ear-coverts than male, and usually has faint dark scaling on breast and flanks. Common passage migrant through central and western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Baltistan. Isabelline/Rufous-tailed Shrike Lanius isabellinus shrikes laniidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 17.25 cm

Ave Weight: 29.75 g

2.3355

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
apr, aug, sep, oct
Group: Passerine, Family: Laniidae, Type: Shrikes

184

Long-tailed Shrike

(Lanius schach)

Medium-sized shrike with long to very long, graduated tail. Adult has grey mantle, rufous scapulars and upper back, narrow black forehead, rufous sides to black tail, and small white patch on primaries. Juvenile has (dark-barred) rufous-brown upperparts; dark greater coverts and tertials fringed rufous. Common summer visitor to lower valleys in all the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach shrikes laniidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 22.5 cm

Ave Weight: 51.5 g

2.6789

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Laniidae, Type: Shrikes

185

Bay-backed Shrike

(Lanius vittatus)

A comparatively small shrike with relatively long and graduated tail. Adult has black forehead and mask contrasting with pale grey crown and nape, deep maroon mantle, whitish rump and white patch at base of primaries. Juvenile very similar to Long-tailed and first-year like washed-out version of adult. Uncommon summer visitor to south-western border areas of Diamer and Ghizer districts. Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus shrikes laniidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 18 cm

Ave Weight: 22 g

2.1657

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore
jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Laniidae, Type: Shrikes

186

Steppe Grey Shrike

(Lanius excubitor)

A rather large shrike with medium-length tail, colored white, grey and black. Lacks of black on forehead and a more restricted dark mask; has a paler grey mantle, generally a horn-coloured bill, and often shows a pink wash on breast. White of scapulars, wing and tail conspicuous in flight. Uncommon passage migrant through central and western Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Baltistan and Astore. Steppe Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor shrikes laniidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 24.5 cm

Ave Weight: 64.5 g

2.8339

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
aug, sep, oct, nov
Group: Passerine, Family: Laniidae, Type: Shrikes

187

Eurasian Golden Oriole

(Oriolus oriolus)

Medium sized golden yellow bird, with black mask and mainly black wings. Male has largely black wings, two-thirds black on outertail feathers, and black mask does not extend behind eye. Female and immature variable, and much as 'Indian'. Bill shorter, less downcurved than 'Indian', and darker red in adult. Vagrant to the north-western areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Hunza, Nagar and Ghizer districts. Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus orioles oriolidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 24.5 cm

Ave Weight: 72 g

2.913

Group: Passerine, Family: Oriolidae, Type: Orioles

188

Indian Golden Oriole

(Oriolus kundoo)

Medium sized golden yellow bird, with black mask and mainly black wings. Adult male has small black eye-patch, golden-yellow head and body, largely black wings with yellow carpal patch and prominent tips to tertials/secondaries. Adult female has yellowish-green upperparts and blackish streaking on whitish underparts. Common summer visitor to all the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, only avoiding higher elevations. Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo orioles oriolidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 24.5 cm

Ave Weight: 77.5 g

2.9671

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Oriolidae, Type: Orioles

189

Black Drongo

(Dicrurus macrocercus)

Medium sized, mainly glossy black bird, long tail deeply forked, outer pair of rectrices curving slightly outwards. Adult has glossy blue-black underparts and white rictal spot. Immature has black underparts with bold whitish fringes. From Ashy Drongo, by blacker upperparts and shiny blue-black throat and breast and eye is duller. Locally uncommon summer visitor to the western parts of Ghizer and Diamer districts. Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus drongos dicruridae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 30.5 cm

Ave Weight: 49 g

2.6458

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Diamer
jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Dicruridae, Type: Drongos

190

Ashy Drongo

(Dicrurus leucophaeus)

Medium sized bird, black to ashy grey, long tail deeply forked, outer rectrices slightly flaring outwards. Adult has dark grey underparts and slate-grey upperparts with blue-grey gloss; iris bright red. First-winter has brownish-grey underparts with indistinct pale fringes (underparts blacker and whitish fringes more distinct in Black). Possible summer visitor to the south-western border areas of Diamer, Astore and Ghizer. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus drongos dicruridae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 28 cm

Ave Weight: 47.5 g

2.6253

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore
jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Dicruridae, Type: Drongos

191

Asian/Indian Paradise-Flycatcher

(Terpsiphone paradisi)

Small attractive bird, exhibits marked plumage dichromatism. Male has black head and crest, with white or rufous upperparts and long tail-streamers. Intermediate birds, showing rufous and white in plumage, occur. Female and immature are similar to rufous male, but have shorter crest and short square-ended tail. Uncommon summer visitor to south-western border areas of Diamer and Ghizer districts. Asian/Indian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi flycatchers monarchidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 20 cm

Ave Weight: 19 g

2.0878

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Monarchidae, Type: Flycatchers

192

Black-headed Jay

(Garrulus lanceolatus)

Unmistakable large sandy grey bird, with black hood. Has black (slightly crested) head, white-streaked black throat, stout grey bill, and pinkish-fawn upperparts and underparts variably washed with blue-grey. Wings have patches of blue barring, white carpal patch and tips to tertials and flight feathers. Rare resident in the extreme southern parts of Ghizer and Diamer district, neighboring Chiral and Malakhand. Black-headed Jay Garrulus lanceolatus jays-magpies corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 33 cm

Ave Weight: 94 g

3.1137

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Diamer
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Jays-Magpies

193

Eurasian Magpie

(Pica pica)

Large very distinctive glossy black and white magpie. Body is mainly black with weak purple-and-green sheen, white scapulars, flanks and belly. Has metallic blue-black wings, with white inner webs to primaries showing as a white flash in flight. Tail is long, graduated, and metallic bronze-green and purple. Common resident in all the valleys and towns of Gilgit-Baltistan, uncommon in southern parts. Eurasian Magpie Pica pica jays-magpies corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 48 cm

Ave Weight: 216 g

3.8337

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Jays-Magpies

194

Kashmir Nutcracker

(Nucifraga multipunctata)

Medium sized distinctive corvid with boldly spotted plumage. Appearing largely whitish at long range; medium-short tail slightly rounded at corners, relatively slim bill conical and pointed, with straight culmen. Compared with Spotted has larger white spots on body, and on wing coverts and tertials. Common resident in the central Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly in Gilgit, Astore, Diamer and parts of Nagar. Kashmir Nutcracker Nucifraga multipunctata jays-magpies corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 35 cm

Ave Weight: 166 g

3.5894

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Jays-Magpies

195

Red-billed Chough

(Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)

A medium-sized, relatively small-headed and short-legged corvid. Longer, more downcurved, red bill is best feature from Alpine Chough. In flight, has broader wing-tips with more pronounced fingered primaries, and square-ended tail which equals width of wing-base. Common resident and altitudinal migrant at higher elevations all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax crows corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 39.5 cm

Ave Weight: 291 g

4.1302

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Crows

196

Yellow-billed Chough

(Pyrrhocorax graculus)

Medium-sized, relatively small-headed corvid with fairly long tail. Shorter and straighter yellow bill is best feature from Red-billed. In flight, has narrower wing-tips with less pronounced fingered primaries, more pronounced curve to trailing edge of wing, and longer rounded tail. Juvenile lacks metallic gloss. Common resident and altitudinal migrant at higher elevations all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus crows corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 36 cm

Ave Weight: 235.5 g

3.9174

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Crows

197

Eurasian Jackdaw

(Corvus monedula)

Small, sociable crow with moderately long tail somewhat rounded at tip. Adult has silky-grey nape and hind neck, whitish half-collar, slate-grey underparts, and pale grey iris. Juvenile has darker grey nape and hind neck, and darker grey iris. In flight looks blunt-headed with oval-shaped wings and comparatively long tail. Uncommon winter visitor to lower valleys of Gilgit and Diamer districts. Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula crows corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 36.5 cm

Ave Weight: 200.5 g

3.763

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Crows

198

House Crow

(Corvus splendens)

A relatively small crow, rather slim-bodied. Two-toned appearance, with paler nape, neck and breast. Adult has gloss to black of plumage, and 'collar' is well defined and becomes paler with wear. Juvenile lacks gloss, and 'collar' is duskier and less well defined. Uncommon resident in the lower valleys of Diamer and Gilgit, along Indus and Gilgit Rivers. House Crow Corvus splendens crows corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 41.5 cm

Ave Weight: 308 g

4.1893

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Crows

199

Rook

(Corvus frugilegus)

Medium sized, relatively small-headed and short-legged crow. Adult has whitish skin around base of bill and throat. Juvenile has black feathering on face and throat, and lacks gloss to black plumage. Juvenile more closely resembles Carrion and Large-billed, and best told by thinner and more pointed bill. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor to the lower valleys of central and southern Gilgit-Baltistan. Rook Corvus frugilegus crows corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 45 cm

Ave Weight: 448 g

4.6007

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
jan, feb, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Crows

200

Carrion Crow

(Corvus corone)

A rather compact archetypal crow with relatively flat crown running onto slightly arched culmen. From Large-billed Crow by smaller bill with straighter culmen, and flatter forehead and crown. Wing-tips almost reach tail-tip at rest (noticeably shorter than tail in Large-billed). Widespread resident all across Gilgit-Baltistan, except in Hunza and Nagar districts. Carrion Crow Corvus corone crows corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 50.5 cm

Ave Weight: 499 g

4.7263

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Crows

201

Large-billed Crow

(Corvus macrorhynchos)

A medium-sized to large crow, varying much in size, long dagger-like bill with somewhat arching culmen. Lacks any contrast between head and neck/breast as in House Crow, and bill is stouter with more pronounced curve to culmen. Bigger and with heavier bill, wedge-shaped tail, and harsher calls, compared with jungle crows. Common and widespread resident in all the valleys and regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos crows corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 52.5 cm

Ave Weight: 725 g

5.189

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Crows

202

Common Raven

(Corvus corax)

The largest corvid; large, powerful bill with nasal bristles covering half and long throat feathers. From Large-billed, by longer neck, longer and more angled wings with more pronounced fingered primaries, and more markedly wedge-shaped tail. On the ground, stouter bill with straighter culmen, prominent throat hackles and flatter crown. Widespread resident all over Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly at higher elevations. Common Raven Corvus corax crows corvidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 63.5 cm

Ave Weight: 1292.5 g

5.9959

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Corvidae, Type: Crows

203

Horned Lark

(Eremophila alpestris)

A very pale sandy-grey medium-sized lark with short bill, fairly long tail, and striking head pattern. Male has black-and-white head pattern, with black mask, ‘horns' and band across crown. Also black breast-band and sandy upperparts with vinous cast to nape. Female is similar but mask is duller, crown and mantle are heavily streaked. Common resident and altitudinal migrant in all the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris larks alaudidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 15.5 cm

Ave Weight: 35 g

2.4323

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Alaudidae, Type: Larks

204

Greater Short-toed Lark

(Calandrella brachydactyla)

A small chunky, neat, pale and short-billed lark. Stouter bill than Hume’s, with more prominent supercilium and eye-stripe; upperparts generally warmer, with more prominent streaking; dark breast-side patches often apparent. Breast has warm rufous-buff wash, especially at sides. Common passage migrant and summer visitor all across Gilgit-Baltistan, except from south-eastern borders. Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla larks alaudidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 14.5 cm

Ave Weight: 20 g

2.1147

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
aug, sep, oct
Group: Passerine, Family: Alaudidae, Type: Larks

205

Hume's Lark

(Calandrella acutirostris)

A very drab samll lark with an unstreaked breast. Greyer and less heavily streaked upperparts than Greater, with pinkish uppertail-coverts; dark breast-side patch usually apparent, with greyish-buff breast-band. Head pattern less pronounced than Greater’s, with rather uniform ear-coverts. Locally common summer visitor southern parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, except for Hunza, Nagar, Shigar and Ghanche. Hume's Lark Calandrella acutirostris larks alaudidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 13.5 cm

Ave Weight: 20 g

2.1147

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Alaudidae, Type: Larks

206

Bimaculated Lark

(Melanocorypha bimaculata)

Large, fairly robust lark with deep-based heavy bill, rather long wings, short tail. Long, broad-based wings and comparatively short tail. Has prominent white supercilium and eye-ring, black patch on side of breast, dark grey underwing lacking white trailing edge, and whitish tip to tail. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor to western areas of Ghizer, Gilgit and Diamer districts. Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata larks alaudidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 17.5 cm

Ave Weight: 54.5 g

2.7171

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer

Group: Passerine, Family: Alaudidae, Type: Larks

207

Asian Short-toed Lark

(Alaudala cheleensis)

A short-billed, small, heavily streaked lark with primaries extending beyond tertials on close wing. Bill is shorter and stouter. Has a broad gorget of well-defined streaking across breast, with streaking often apparent on lower throat and flanks, more finely streaked upperparts, less striking head pattern with less prominent supercilia. Rare passage migrant through the central parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly in Hunza, Ghizer and Gilgit. Asian Short-toed Lark Alaudala cheleensis larks alaudidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 13.5 cm

Ave Weight: 23.5 g

2.2017

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
nov
Group: Passerine, Family: Alaudidae, Type: Larks

208

Eurasian Skylark

(Alauda arvensis)

Medium-sized, fairly stout lark with shortish bill, relatively long tail and short erectile crest. Upperparts are paler sandy-brown and underparts whiter. Larger than Oriental Skylark, although very similar with slight crest. Told from that species by longer tail, noticeable extension of primaries beyond tertials on closed wing. Common passage migrant and winter visitor all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis larks alaudidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 17.5 cm

Ave Weight: 42.5 g

2.5533

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
mar, apr, sep, oct, nov
Group: Passerine, Family: Alaudidae, Type: Larks

209

Oriental Skylark

(Alauda gulgula)

Small lark with medium-long and thin bill, fairly short tail and small erectile crest. Very variable in colour and prominence of streaking on upperparts and underparts, buffish-white outer tail feathers, and indistinct rufous wing-panel. Compared to Eurasian rufous cast to ear-coverts and tertials almost reach primary tips. Common and widespread summer visitor higher elevation plains all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula larks alaudidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 16.75 cm

Ave Weight: 27 g

2.2795

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Alaudidae, Type: Larks

210

Crested Lark

(Galerida cristata)

Medium-sized, rather bulky lark with prominent long, spiky crest and rather long bill. Sandy upperparts and well-streaked breast; broad, rounded wings, rufous-buff underwing-coverts and outer tail feathers. From Skylarks by larger size and erect crest, broader rounded wings, rufous-buff outer tail feathers and underwing. Common resident in the lower elevation areas of Gilgit and Diamer districts. Crested Lark Galerida cristata larks alaudidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 18 cm

Ave Weight: 42.5 g

2.5533

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Alaudidae, Type: Larks

211

Pale Sand Martin

(Riparia diluta)

Small, contrastingly marked and very much like common sand martin. Upperparts are paler and greyer, the breast-band is less clearly defined, the throat is greyish-white and grades into the pale greyish-brown ear-coverts, and the tail-fork is shallower. Juvenile has stronger contrast between breast and belly. Scarce summer visitor limited to the southern parts of Diamer district. Pale Sand Martin Riparia diluta swallows hirundinidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 12 cm

Ave Weight: 16.65 g

2.02

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer

Group: Passerine, Family: Hirundinidae, Type: Swallows

212

Eurasian Crag-Martin

(Ptyonoprogne rupestris)

A large, stocky, pale grey-brown martin similar to Sand Martin. Upperparts and underwing-coverts dark brown, and has dusky throat, dusky brown flanks and vent, and more distinct pale fringes to undertail-coverts; blackish underwing-coverts contrast with rest of underwing. Shows white spots in tail when spread. Common and widespread summer visitor all the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Eurasian Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris swallows hirundinidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 14.5 cm

Ave Weight: 25 g

2.2361

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
Group: Passerine, Family: Hirundinidae, Type: Swallows

213

Barn Swallow

(Hirundo rustica)

Medium sized, distinctive plumage pattern and long tail-streamers. Adult has bright red forehead and throat, blue-black breast-band and upperparts, and long tail-streamers. Underparts vary from white to rufous. Immature has duller orange forehead and throat, breast-band is browner and less well defined. Common summer visitor to western Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Hunza and Nagar. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica swallows hirundinidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 18 cm

Ave Weight: 20 g

2.1147

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Hirundinidae, Type: Swallows

214

Red-rumped Swallow

(Cecropis daurica)

Small, a highly variable swallow with a black deeply forked tail. Rufous-orange neck sides and rump, finely streaked buffish-white underparts, and black undertail coverts. From Barn in having rufous-orange sides of neck, rufous-orange rump, finely streaked buffish-white underparts, and black undertail-coverts. Common summer visitor to lowers valleys in central Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Diamer and Gilgit. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica swallows hirundinidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 16.5 cm

Ave Weight: 24 g

2.2134

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
may, jun, jul, aug
Group: Passerine, Family: Hirundinidae, Type: Swallows

215

Common House-Martin

(Delichon urbicum)

A small martin with distinct dark blue and white colors. Adult told from Asian House Martin by combination of whiter underparts, longer and more deeply forked tail, and paler underwing-coverts. Juvenile has browner upperparts, whitish tips to tertials, and has shallower tail-fork. Common summer visitor all across Gilgit-Baltistan, except for the north-eastern parts. Common House-Martin Delichon urbicum swallows hirundinidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 13.5 cm

Ave Weight: 16.65 g

2.02

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Hirundinidae, Type: Swallows

216

Asian House-Martin

(Delichon dasypus)

A small martin with distinct glossy dark blue and white colors. Adult from Common House Martin by uniform pale dusky grey-brown wash to underparts, shallower fork to shorter tail and darker underwing with dark grey coverts concolorous with underside of flight feathers. Widespread and rare summer visitor to all the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. Asian House-Martin Delichon dasypus swallows hirundinidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 12.5 cm

Ave Weight: 18 g

2.0598

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jun, jul, aug
Group: Passerine, Family: Hirundinidae, Type: Swallows

217

Fire-capped Tit

(Cephalopyrus flammiceps)

Tiny olive-and-yellow warbler like with slightly notched short tail. Greenish upperparts and yellowish to whitish underparts. Lacks crest, has sharply pointed bill. Male br. has bright orange forecrown, chin and throat, and golden-yellow breast. Female br. has yellowish forecrown and olive-yellow throat and breast. Uncommon summer visitor to the central parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly Gilgit, Shigar, Skardu and Astore. Fire-capped Tit Cephalopyrus flammiceps tits-titmice paridae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 9 cm

Ave Weight: 7 g

1.6266

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
jun, jul
Group: Passerine, Family: Paridae, Type: Tits-Titmice

218

Spot-winged/Black-crested Tit

(Periparus melanolophus)

Small to medium-sized slaty-grey tit with pointed black crest. White nape and cheeks, and black throat and breast. It has whitish tips to median and greater coverts. Small size and whitish wing spots separate it from other black-crested tits. Juvenile lacks crest, and cap and bib are brownish. Common resident in the south-western Gilgit-Baltistan, mainly in Gilgit, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer and Astore. Spot-winged/Black-crested Tit Periparus melanolophus tits-titmice paridae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 11.5 cm

Ave Weight: 8.4 g

1.7024

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Paridae, Type: Tits-Titmice

219

Rufous-naped/Black-breasted Tit

(Periparus rufonuchalis)

Medium-sized to large, dark tit with short peaked crest and bright white cheeks. Has variable rufous wash to white nape and rufous patch on sides of breast. From 'Spot-winged' by larger size, uniform wings, and more extensive black bib. Juvenile has shorter crest; mantle and belly are suffused with brown and black bib is duller. Common resident and altitudinal migrant in the western half of Gilgit-Baltistan, absent from Baltistan region. Rufous-naped/Black-breasted Tit Periparus rufonuchalis tits-titmice paridae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 13 cm

Ave Weight: 13.05 g

1.9007

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Paridae, Type: Tits-Titmice

220

Azure Tit

(Cyanistes cyanus)

Medium-sized to large, short-billed and fairly long-tailed tit with fluffy plumage. Mainly whitish head, with dark stripe through eye and band across nape, grey mantle, white underparts and broad white wing-bar and tips to tertials. Similar in appearance to Yellow-breasted Tit but without yellow on breast. Winter vagrant to the region, with a single record from Hunza, possible in the northern border areas. Azure Tit Cyanistes cyanus tits-titmice paridae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 13.5 cm

Ave Weight: 13.3 g

1.9097

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza

Group: Passerine, Family: Paridae, Type: Tits-Titmice

221

Cinereous Tit

(Parus cinereus)

Large, black-headed tit with large white face patch, and pale underparts divided by black ventral line. Black breast centre and line down belly, greyish mantle, greyish-white breast sides and flanks, and white wing-bar. Juvenile has yellowish-white cheeks and underparts, and yellowish-olive wash to mantle. Common resident in relatively lower valleys all across Gilgit-Baltistan. Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus tits-titmice paridae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 13.25 cm

Ave Weight: 17 g

2.0305

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Paridae, Type: Tits-Titmice

222

Ground Tit

(Pseudopodoces humilis)

Looks a bit like a dusty brown tiny corvid, doesn’t resemble any other tit and lacks any conspicuous markings. Has a strong and slightly downcurved black bill. The underside is a greyish-fawn in colour, with a tawny hue. The upper parts are mostly a darker fawn-brown, head with a darker cap and light nape patch. Rare resident in extreme north of Gilgit-Baltistan, with only records from Hunza. Ground Tit Pseudopodoces humilis tits-titmice paridae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 19 cm

Ave Weight: 45 g

2.59

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza
dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Paridae, Type: Tits-Titmice

222

White-crowned Penduline-Tit

(Remiz coronatus)

A clearly patterned penduline-tit with small, narrowly conical bill and relatively slender legs and toes. Male has blackish mask and variable nape band, whitish crown and collar, and chestnut band across mantle. Nape band absent in fresh plumage; crown largely black in worn plumage. Female and first-year male are duller and paler. Rare passage migrant through the central and western parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. White-crowned Penduline-Tit Remiz coronatus tits-titmice remizidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 10.5 cm

Ave Weight: 9.9 g

1.7738

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu

Group: Passerine, Family: Remizidae, Type: Tits-Titmice

223

White-browed Tit-Warbler

(Leptopoecile sophiae)

Tiny passerine with relatively long, graduated tail, males startlingly colored. All plumages have white supercilium, rufous crown, greyish upperparts, white outer tail feathers, and bluish flanks and rump. Male has lilac wash to crown, and violet-blue sides to head, throat and breast. Female is pale grey-brown. Common resident and altitudinal migrant in all the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, absent in east and west borders. White-browed Tit-Warbler Leptopoecile sophiae tits-titmice aegithalidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 9.25 cm

Ave Weight: 7 g

1.6266

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Aegithalidae, Type: Tits-Titmice

224

White-cheeked Tit

(Aegithalos leucogenys)

A typical long-tailed tit in shape, with medium-long tail, white cheek patch and blackish bib. Adult best told by a combination of black bib and throat, narrow dark mask, pronounced white cheeks, cinnamon crown, yellowish iris, and grey-brown mantle. Juvenile has buffish-white throat and streaking on breast. Uncommon resident in the south-western parts of Diamer district, neighboring Malakhand. White-cheeked Tit Aegithalos leucogenys tits-titmice aegithalidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 11 cm

Ave Weight: 7 g

1.6266

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Aegithalidae, Type: Tits-Titmice

225

White-throated Tit

(Aegithalos niveogularis)

Typical long-tailed tit, with medium-long tail. Adult best told by combination of rufous crown, white chin and black throat, and grey mantle. Juvenile has white throat and indistinct black-spotted breast-band. Juvenile is possibly confusable with White-throated. Uncommon/possible resident in the south-western parts of Diamer district. White-throated Tit Aegithalos niveogularis tits-titmice aegithalidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 11.5 cm

Ave Weight: 7.8 g

1.6712

Group: Passerine, Family: Aegithalidae, Type: Tits-Titmice

226

Kashmir Nuthatch

(Sitta cashmirensis)

A medium-sized nuthatch, typical in shape and behavior. Has uniform undertail-coverts and lacks clearly defined white cheeks. Larger and longer-billed, no white at base of tail. Female underparts are paler, with flanks and undertail-coverts more deep cinnamon, and whitish cheek patch is less clearly defined. Common resident in the western parts of Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan. Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis nuthatches sittidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 14 cm

Ave Weight: 19.1 g

2.0905

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Sittidae, Type: Nuthatches

227

White-cheeked Nuthatch

(Sitta leucopsis)

A medium-sized, relatively long-billed nuthatch. Very distinctive nuthatch, with black crown and nape, white face, lacking black eyestripe and throat with beady eye and whitish underparts with buffish wash becoming rufous on rear flanks and undertail-coverts. Juvenile has faint barring on underparts. Common resident in Gilgit, Astore, Diamer and Ghizer districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis nuthatches sittidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 13 cm

Ave Weight: 14.7 g

1.9581

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Sittidae, Type: Nuthatches

228

Wallcreeper

(Tichodroma muraria)

Unmistakable in all plumages, but small in size; long, thin and slightly decurved bill. Largely crimson wing-coverts and bases to black flight feathers, with two rows of white spots across primaries. Male has black throat and upper breast. Female has whitish chin, and variable blackish patch on lower throat and upper breast. Common but widespread resident all across Gilgit-Baltistan, wintering in lowers valleys. Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria wallcreeper tichodromidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 16.75 cm

Ave Weight: 18 g

2.0598

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Tichodromidae, Type: Wallcreeper

229

Hodgson's Treecreeper

(Certhia hodgsoni)

A smaller treecreeper, with very defined and clear features and coloration. From Bar-tailed by shorter, less downcurved bill, uniform (unbarred) tail, and more prominent buff banding across wing. Whitish throat and breast, dull brown tail, and more pronounced white supercilium. Locally common resident in parts of Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Astore and Diamer districts. Hodgson's Treecreeper Certhia hodgsoni treecreepers certhiidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 11.5 cm

Ave Weight: 9.8 g

1.7693

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Certhiidae, Type: Treecreepers

230

Bar-tailed Treecreeper

(Certhia himalayana)

Rather distinctive treecreeper with well-defined dark bars on tail, and longest bill in genus. Dull plumage lacking strong rufous tones. From other treecreepers by combination of longer, more downcurved bill and dark cross-barring on tail. Supercilium and pale banding across wings are less distinct than on Hodgson’s. Common resident and altitudinal migrant in all the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana treecreepers certhiidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 14 cm

Ave Weight: 9.05 g

1.7345

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Certhiidae, Type: Treecreepers

231

Eurasian Wren

(Troglodytes troglodytes)

A restless mouse-like, small and squat bird with stubby erect tail. Rather long, pointed and dark bill. Has buffish supercilium, barred wings and tail, and variably barred underparts. Dark brown upperparts with heavy blackish barring, and smoky-brown underparts including throat. Common resident and partial altitudinal migrant in all the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes wrens troglodytidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 9.5 cm

Ave Weight: 9 g

1.7321

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Troglodytidae, Type: Wrens

232

White-throated Dipper

(Cinclus cinclus)

Medium sized water side bird, actions similar to any dipper. From Brown by white throat and breast contrasting with brown belly; also has brown head and nape merging into blackish-slate of mantle, wings and tail. Juvenile has greyer coloration to upperparts, without prominent spotting. Locally common resident in higher elevations all across Gilgit-Baltistan, except for Ghanche. White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus dippers cinclidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 18.5 cm

Ave Weight: 53 g

2.6982

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Cinclidae, Type: Dippers

233

Brown Dipper

(Cinclus pallasii)

Large water side bird, actions similar to any dipper. Adult is entirely brown, lacking white throat and breast of White-throated. Juvenile from juvenile White-throated by browner coloration with conspicuous spotting on upperparts, extensive dark scaling on underparts, and prominent pale fringes to wing. Common resident and partial altitudinal migrant in all the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii dippers cinclidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 22 cm

Ave Weight: 75 g

2.9428

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Cinclidae, Type: Dippers

234

Himalayan Bulbul

(Pycnonotus leucogenys)

Medium-sized, jaunty, conspicuous bulbul with prominent forward-pointing crest. White cheeks, brownish-grey upperparts, and yellow vent. Told from White-eared by prominent forward-pointing brown crest, brown nape, smaller white cheek-patch with black crescent at rear, and variable narrow white supercilium. Common resident in the lower valleys of Gilgit, Astore and Diamer in Gilgit-Baltistan. Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys bulbuls pycnonotidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 19.5 cm

Ave Weight: 36 g

2.4495

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Pycnonotidae, Type: Bulbuls

235

Black Bulbul

(Hypsipetes leucocephalus)

Large, noisy, conspicuous bulbul with ragged crest, broadly triangular tail notched and splayed. Has bright red bill, legs and feet, pale fringes to undertail-coverts, and shallow fork to tail (at times recalling a drongo). Juvenile lacks crest; has whitish throat, grey breast-band, brownish cast to upperparts, and browner bill, legs and feet. Uncommon resident in the westerns parts of Diamer district, neighboring Malakhand. Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus bulbuls pycnonotidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 25 cm

Ave Weight: 53 g

2.6982

Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamer
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Pycnonotidae, Type: Bulbuls

236

Goldcrest

(Regulus regulus)

Tiny olive passerine, fairly compact in appearance, with distinctive face pattern. Greenish upperparts; very plain face, which lacks supercilium and eye-stripe, pale ring around large dark eye, and brilliant yellow to orange crown bordered by black. Juvenile lacks striking crown pattern of adult. Common resident and altitudinal migrant all across the western Gilgit-Baltistan, except for Baltistan region. Goldcrest Regulus regulus kinglets regulidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 9 cm

Ave Weight: 5.85 g

1.5552

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Group: Passerine, Family: Regulidae, Type: Kinglets

237

Cetti's Warbler

(Cettia cetti)

Medium-sized robust-looking bush-warbler with fairly short rounded wings and tail, short and fine bill. Very white on breast and with greyish-white supercilium. Compared to others shorter and less prominent supercilium, greyish (rather than olive) breast sides and flanks, dull white tips to long greyish-brown undertail-coverts. Rare passage migrant through the western parts of Ghizer and Diamer districts. Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti bush-warblers cettiidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 14 cm

Ave Weight: 14.25 g

1.9429

Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghizer, Diamer
sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Cettiidae, Type: Bush-Warblers

238

Common/Siberian Chiffchaff

(Phylloscopus collybita)

A medium-sized, rather plain leaf-warbler with relatively compact primary projection. Whitish or buffish supercilium and greyish to brownish upperparts with olive-green cast to rump, wings and tail. Underparts whitish, with buffish or greyish on sides of breast and flanks. Blackish bill and legs and less prominent supercilium. Common passage migrant and winter visitor to the south western half of Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Baltistan. Common/Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita leaf-warblers phylloscopidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 11.5 cm

Ave Weight: 8.45 g

1.705

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu, Kharmang, Ghanche
mar, apr, may, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
Group: Passerine, Family: Phylloscopidae, Type: Leaf-Warblers

239

Mountain Chiffchaff

(Phylloscopus sindianus)

A smallish brown to grey-brown leaf-warbler with well-defined face pattern and short primary projection. Much as Common, but lacks olive-green tinge to rump and has buffish edges of wing and tail feathers. In fresh plumage, shows warm buff coloration to ear-coverts, breast sides and flanks. Bend of wing is often whitish. Common summer visitor to all the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan except for Ghanche and Kharmang. Mountain Chiffchaff Phylloscopus sindianus leaf-warblers phylloscopidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 11.25 cm

Ave Weight: 7 g

1.6266

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Skardu
apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Phylloscopidae, Type: Leaf-Warblers

240

Tickell's Leaf Warbler

(Phylloscopus affinis)

A small to medium-sized leaf-warbler with yellowish supercilium and underparts. From Sulphur-bellied by greenish-brown upperparts, greenish edges to wing feathers, and brighter lemon-yellow underparts. Supercilium is similar in coloration to throat, and eye-stripe is more clearly defined, contrasting with yellowish ear-coverts. Common summer visitor to the Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer and Astore; and parts of Hunza and Skardu. Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis leaf-warblers phylloscopidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 10.5 cm

Ave Weight: 6.625 g

1.6043

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Phylloscopidae, Type: Leaf-Warblers

241

Sulphur-bellied Warbler

(Phylloscopus griseolus)

A small to medium-sized leaf-warbler, very similar to Tickell's. From Tickell's by colder brownish-grey upperparts lacking any greenish tones, greyish-white edges to remiges, and duller buffish underparts. Supercilium is bright sulphur-yellow, brighter than throat, and has grey-brown ear-coverts and sides of breast. Common summer visitor western half of Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in Astore and Baltistan region. Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus leaf-warblers phylloscopidae Passeriformes

Ave Size: 10.75 cm

Ave Weight: 8 g

1.6818

Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu
apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep
Group: Passerine, Family: Phylloscopidae, Type: Leaf-Warblers