Birds of Bhutan – Part VII

Bhutan Tourism, Birding, International By footlooseinme Feb 11, 2026 No Comments

Welcome to Birds of Bhutan – Part VII of the ongoing blog post series. We are still in Gelephu, enjoying the quiet charm of this peaceful town. Situated in the foothills of Bhutan, the town is largely flat land, interrupted by rivers that were running dry during that season. The vast forested stretches were filled with familiar species of trees. The backyards of the houses, too, had gardens blooming with known varieties of flowering plants.

Red-wattled Lapwing chick - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Red-wattled Lapwing chick

It was hard to believe that we were still in a foreign land. A strange familiarity prevailed through this town. Every moment, we felt connected to the place. The inhabitants of Gelephu seemed to live a calm, peaceful life, nestled among the forests adored by the birds.

Mountain Imperial Pigeon - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Mountain Imperial Pigeon

Birds of Bhutan – Part VII brought us to this beautiful destination, and after a quick tour of the town, we got back to birding. Gelephu not only charmed us with its magic but also blessed us with sightings of all the hornbills of the Subcontinent. But the star attraction of the day was, once again, the pretty, tiny Long-tailed Broadbill.

Greater Flameback Woodpecker - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Greater Flameback Woodpecker

So, wasting no more time, let’s begin the pictorial tour.

A Great Hornbill carrying a prey which is another bird chick — A Great Hornbill carrying a prey, which is another bird chick

Changeable Hawk Eagle - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Changeable Hawk Eagle

Brown Fish Owl - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Brown Fish Owl

Streak-throated Woodpecker - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Streak-throated Woodpecker

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch

Long-tailed Broadbill - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Long-tailed Broadbill

Long-tailed Broadbill watch out for the lizard - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Long-tailed Broadbill, watch out for the lizard

The little birdie showing off its pretty wings - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — The little birdie is showing off its pretty wings

Wreathed Hornbill Female - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Wreathed Hornbill Female

Wreathed Hornbill Male - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Wreathed Hornbill Male

Wreathed Hornbill Male in flight - Birds of Bhutan - Part VII — Wreathed Hornbill Male in flight

Stay tuned for the next post to meet the remaining Hornbills of the Subcontinent, as you find the others in my previous post. – Birds of Bhutan – Part VI

Birds of Bhutan – Part I

Birds of Bhutan – Part II

Birds of Bhutan – Part III

Birds of Bhutan – Part IV

Birds of Bhutan – Part V

Birds of Bhutan – Part VI

Birdwatching in Bhutan – Part I

Birdwatching in Bhutan – Part II

Amazing Flora and Fauna of Bhutan

Off to Bhutan – The Land of Thunder Dragon