Bird Watching in Swat Valley: A Comprehensive Overview

All photos taken by the author 

 

Introduction

The Swat Valley, which lies within the majestic Hindu Kush mountains, is a heaven for biodiversity and avian enthusiasts. Our bird-watching trip, undertaken in August 2023, aimed to explore and document the diverse bird species thriving in various hotspots of this enchanting valley.

Geographic Setting of Swat Valley

Surrounded by natural geographic boundaries, the Swat Valley is embraced by lofty mountains and traversed by the meandering Swat River. The valley is ensconced by the Panjkora River to the west, the Gilgit Valley to the north, and the Indus River gorge to the east. To the south lies the expansive Peshawar valley, separated by a chain of low mountains.

Hotspots Explored

Our birdwatching team, comprising Mirza Ali Usman Baig and Muhamad Ayaz Mahmood, ventured into key hotspots within the Swat Valley:

Gabbin Jabba: Situated approximately 65 km from Mingora on the Matta Sakhra road, Gabbin Jabba captivates with its lush meadows, dense forests, snow-capped peaks, and mineral springs.

Izmi Lake & Jungle: Nestled in the Swat District, Izmi Lake stands above the tree line, surrounded by natural caves, hence deriving its name from the Kohistani term for "caves."

Utror and Shahi Bagh: Located 14 kilometers from Utror and 30 kilometers from Kalam Valley, Shahi Bagh offers breathtaking vistas amidst towering mountains, serene streams, and exquisite landscapes.

Bird Species Documented

During our four-day exploration, we meticulously observed and photographed 41 distinct bird species, capturing the vibrant avian life thriving in Swat Valley. Noteworthy sightings include:

Family Fringillidae (Finches):

1. Eastern or Himalayan Goldfinch - Spinus thibetanus (Family: Fringillidae - Finches)

2. Kashmir Nuthatch - Sitta cashmirensis (Family: Sittidae - Nuthatches)

3. Eurasian Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes (Family: Troglodytidae - Wrens)

4. Rufous-napped Tit - Periparus rufonuchalis (Family: Paridae - Tits)

 

5. White-bellied Redstart - Hodgsonius phaenicuroides (Family: Muscicapidae - Old World Flycatchers)

 

6. Altai Accentor - Prunella himalayana (Family: Prunellidae - Accentors)

7. Alpine Accentor - Prunella collaris (Family: Prunellidae - Accentors)

8. Mistle Thrush - Turdus viscivorus (Family: Turdidae - Thrushes)

9. Russet Sparrow - Passer rutilans (Family: Passeridae - Sparrows)

10. Verditer Flycatcher - Eumyias thalassinus (Family: Muscicapidae - Old World Flycatchers)

 

11. Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus (Family: Falconidae - Falcons and Caracaras)

 Trek to Izmi Lake Swat

"In the heart of a rocky world, where boulders stand as sentinels, lies 'Kestrel's Sanctuary' – a realm adorned by the rugged elegance of nature's own sculptures."

 

12. Rosy Pipit - Anthus roseatus (Family: Motacillidae - Wagtails and Pipits)

13. Variegated Thrush - Ixoreus naevius (Family: Turdidae - Thrushes)

 

14. Himalayan Rubythroat - Calliope pectoralis (Family: Muscicapidae - Old World Flycatchers)

15. Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus (Family: Fringillidae - Finches)

16. Tytler's Warbler - Sylvia tytleri (Family: Sylviidae - Old World Warblers)

 First photographic record from the Swat

Tytler's Warbler

Utror, Swat KPK Pakistan

22nd Augst 2023

17. Rufous-breasted Accentor - Prunella strophiata (Family: Prunellidae - Accentors)

18. Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis (Family: Motacillidae - Wagtails and Pipits)

19. Bar-tailed Treecreeper - Certhia himalayana (Family: Certhiidae - Treecreepers)

 

20. Rock Bunting - Emberiza cia (Family: Emberizidae - Buntings and New World Sparrows)

 

21. Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros (Family: Muscicapidae - Old World Flycatchers)

 

22. Plumbeous Water Redstart - Phoenicurus fuliginosus (Family: Muscicapidae - Old World Flycatchers)

 

23. Green-backed Tit - Parus monticolus (Family: Paridae - Tits)

24. Oriental Turtle Dove - Streptopelia orientalis (Family: Columbidae - Pigeons and Doves)

 

25. Gray Bushchat - Saxicola ferreus (Family: Muscicapidae - Old World Flycatchers)

26. Siberian Stonechat - Saxicola maurus (Family: Muscicapidae - Old World Flycatchers)

 

27. Sulphur-bellied Warbler - Phylloscopus griseolus (Family: Phylloscopidae - Leaf Warblers)

28. White-capped Redstart - Chaimarrornis leucocephalus (Family: Muscicapidae - Old World Flycatchers)

29. Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides (Family: Phylloscopidae - Leaf Warblers)

30. Cinereous Tit - Parus cinereus (Family: Paridae - Tits)

 

31. Asian House Martin - Delichon dasypus (Family: Hirundinidae - Swallows and Martins)

 

32. Dark-sided Flycatcher - Muscicapa sibirica (Family: Muscicapidae - Old World Flycatchers)

33. White-throated Dipper - Cinclus cinclus (Family: Cinclidae - Dippers)

34. Tickell's Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus affinis (Family: Phylloscopidae - Leaf Warblers)

35. Blyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorum (Family: Phylloscopidae - Leaf Warblers)

36. Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos (Family: Corvidae - Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

37. Yellow-breasted Greenfinch - Chloris spinoides (Family: Fringillidae - Finches)

          38. Streaked Laughing Thrush

          39.  Lemon-rumped Warbler   

          40. Gray Wagtail ( Family:- Motcillidae) 

          41. Citrine Wagtail

These birds are grouped according to their respective families for better understanding of their taxonomic classification.

The Swat Valley stands as a sanctuary for avifauna, boasting a diverse range of bird species across its varied landscapes. Our expedition aimed to not only document but also raise awareness about the rich biodiversity thriving in this mesmerizing region.

The stunning and plentiful birds in Swat Valley show how crucial it is to protect their habitat. Saving these natural places is essential for the people who love birds and nature now, as well as for those who will come after us.