Pulchowki Mountain, Kathmandu

Nepal Holidays - Red-billed Leiothrix

On the edge of Kathmandu city can be found the forested slopes of Phulchowki Mountain (2,780m/9,000ft) where the variety of laughing thrushes, babblers, bulbuls, flowerpeckers, flycatchers, sunbirds, tits and warblers is tremendous. Some of the many highlights should include Red-flanked Bluetail, Fire-tailed Sunbird, White-collared and Grey-winged Blackbirds, Long-tailed Minivet (below right), White-tailed Nuthatch, Orange-barred Leaf Warbler, Orange-bellied Leafbird and many more. More elusive species include Nepal Cutia, Kalij Pheasant, Red-billed Leiothrix and Black-faced Leaf Warbler. Before heading back to your hotel, a stop at the Godavari Botanical Gardens at the base of Phulchowki is worthwhile. Within this lightly wooded park you may hope to find some of the lower altitude species such as the spectacular Red-billed Blue Magpie, Pallas’s Warbler, Orange-gorgetted Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Fantail and perhaps the elusive Spotted Forktail (below left).