North-east India | The Birder's Paradise

Northeast is the birder’s paradise. As of now total bird species count in India is 1314, out of which Northeast India supports some of the highest bird diversities in the Orient, with about 850  species. The population and diversity of the region’s birds largely reflects the diversity of habitats associated with a wide altitudinal range. The Eastern Himalaya and the Assam plains have been identified as an Endemic Bird Area by the Royal Society for Protection of Birds. The global distribution of 24 restricted-range species is limited to this region. The region’s lowland and montane moist-to-wet tropical evergreen forests are considered to be the northernmost limit of true tropical rainforests in the world. WWF has identified the following priority eco-regions in North-East India: Brahmaputra Valley Semi Evergreen Forests, Eastern Himalayan Broadleaved Forests, Eastern Himalayan Sub-alpine Coniferous Forests, India–Myanmar Pine Forests.

Two major birding areas in northeast are Mishmi Hills and Eaglenest Wildlife sanctuary. These two areas are like Mecca for Birders.

Mishmi Hills

Mishmi Hills is a very popular birding area but less known to the people outside of the northeast. There are about 680 bird species in this region. Some of them are Sclater’s monal, Blyth’s and Temminck’s tragopan, Chestnut-breasted partridge, Rufous-necked hornbill, Pale-capped pigeon, Ward’s trogon, Dark-sided thrush, Green and Purple cochoa, Rusty-bellied and Gould’s shortwing, Beautiful nuthatch, Rusty-throated and Wedge-billed wren babbler, Fire-tailed myzornis, at least four parrotbill species, Black-headed greenfinch, Scarlet finch and Grey-headed bullfinch.

Eaglenest WLS

Eaglenest is well known as a major birding area. It is home to at least 454 species of birds including 3 cormorants, 5 herons, Black stork, Oriental white (black-headed) ibis, 4 ducks, 20 hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and vultures, 3 falcons, 10 pheasants, junglefowl, quail, and peafowl, black-necked crane, 3 rails, 6 plovers, dotterels, and lapwings, 7 waders, ibisbill, stone-curlew (Eurasian thick-knee), small pratincole, 2 gulls, 14 pigeons, 3 parrots, 15 cukoos, 10 owls, 2 nightjars, 4 swifts, 2 trogons, 7 kingfishers, 2 bee-eaters, 2 rollers, hoopoes, 4 hornbills, 6 barbets, 14 woodpeckers, 2 broadbills, 2 pittas, 2 larks, 6 martins, 7 wagtails, 9 shrikes, 9 bulbuls, 4 fairy-bluebirds, 3 shrike, brown dipper, 3 accentors, 46 thrushes, 65 Old World flycatchers, 6 parrotbills, 31 warblers, 25 flycatchers, 10 tits, 5 nuthatches, 3 treecreepers, 5 flowerpeckers, 8 sunbirds, Oriental white-eye, 3 bunting, 14 finches, 2 munia, 3 sparrows, 5 starlings, 2 orioles, 7 drongos, ashy woodswallow and 9 jays. The sanctuary has the distinction of having three tragopan species, perhaps unique in India.

Other Birding areas of North-east are listed below

Assam: Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park , Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas National Park ,Nameri National Park , Orang National Park, Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park , Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Digboi Oil Fields, Majuli Island. Arunachal Pradesh: Namdhapha Tiger Reserve, Eagles Nest and Sessa Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary(Mishmi Hills), Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, Dirang-Sangti Valley-Sela-Mandala, Yinkiyong, D’ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Mouling National Park. Meghalaya: Shillong, Cherrapunjee. Manipur: Shiroi Community Forest. Nagaland: Khonoma Tragopan Sanctuary. Mizoram: Blue Mountain National Park. Tripura :Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary ,The Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary.

Important Bird Areas in Northeast India

  • Chaglagaum–Denning–Walong Unprotected Admin region Lohit Coordinates 27°50’N 96°50’E Altitude 1,000–5,000 m Area 200,000 ha Habitats Forest, Shrubland Threatened species Wood snipe, Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing, Snowy-throated babbler, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Chayang Tajo–Khenewa–Lada Unprotected Admin region East Kameng Coordinates 27°36’N 93°5’E Altitude 1,000–5,000 m Habitats Forest Threatened species Chestnut- breasted partridge, Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing, Beautiful nuthatch
  • D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region East Siang Coordinates 27°56’N 95°27’E Altitude 150 m Area 19,000 ha Habitats Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, Pallas’s fish eagle, Greater spotted eagle, Lesser kestrel, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Indian skimmer, Jerdon’s babbler, Black-breasted parrotbill
  • Dibang Reserve Forest and adjacent areas Unprotected Admin region Lower Dibang Valley Coordinates 28°6’N 95°38’E Altitude 100–400 m Area 20,200 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Marsh babbler, Jerdon’s babbler, Black-breasted parrotbill
  • Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Upper Dibang Valley Coordinates 29°16’N 96°12’E Altitude 2,000–5,356 m Area 414,900 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Chestnut-breasted partridge, Blyth’s tragopan, Sclater’s monal, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Ditchu Reserve Forest Unprotected Admin region Lohit Coordinates 28°12’N 97°21’E Altitude 1,100–3,800 m Area 179,200 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing, Snowy-throated babbler, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Eaglenest and Sessa Sanctuaries Protected Admin region West Kameng Coordinates 27°9’N 92°22’E Altitude 200–3,200 m Area 31,700 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing, Marsh babbler, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Papumpare Coordinates 27°6’N 93°30’E Altitude 250–460 m Area 14,030 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-
    winged duck, Lesser kestrel, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Kane Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region West Siang Coordinates 27°40’N 94°39’E Altitude 120–1,500 m Area 5,500 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-winged duck, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Koloriang–Sarli–Damin area Unprotected Admin region Lower Subansiri Coordinates 27°40’N 93°18’E Altitude 800–5,000 m Area 200,000 ha Habitats Forest; Shrubland Threatened species Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing
  • Magu Thingbu Unprotected Admin region Tawang Coordinates 27°40’N 92°10’E Altitude 2,000–4,000 m Habitats Forest Threatened species White-winged duck, Pallas’s fish eagle, Sclater’s monal, Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Manabum and Tengapani Reserve Forests Unprotected Admin region Lohit Coordinates 27°42’N 96°5’E Altitude 100–400 m Area 58,000 ha Habitats Forest; Wetlands Threatened species White-bellied heron, White-winged duck, Masked finfoot, Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Mechuka–Monigong–Jorgging Unprotected Admin region Upper Subansiri; West Siang Coordinates 28°30’N 94°30’E Altitude 1,300–5,000 m Area 250,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland Threatened species Eastern imperial eagle, Blyth’s tragopan, Sclater’s monal, Rufous-necked hornbill, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Lower Dibang Valley Coordinates 28°12’N 95°49’E Altitude 400–3,560 m Area 28,150 ha Habitats Forest Threatened
    species White-winged duck, Chestnut-breasted partridge, Blyth’s tragopan, Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Mouling National Park Protected Admin region East Siang; Upper Subansiri; West Siang Coordinates 28°32’N 94°46’E Altitude 750–3,064 m Area 48,300 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Chestnut-breasted partridge, Blyth’s tragopan, Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing,
  • Nacho–Limeking–Taksing–Majha Unprotected Admin region Upper Subansiri Coordinates 28°35’N 93°31’E Altitude 800–4,500 m Area 200,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Chestnut-breasted partridge, Sclater’s monal, Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Nafra–Lada area Unprotected Admin region East Kameng; West Kameng Coordinates 27°46’N 93°10’E Altitude 600–7,000 m Habitats Forest; Grassland; Shrubland Threatened species Chestnut-breasted partridge, Blyth’s tragopan, Sclater’s monal, Rufous-necked hornbill, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Namdapha–Kamlang Protected Admin region Changlang; Lohit Coordinates 27°38’N 96°38’E Altitude 200–4,578 m Area 259,082 ha Habitats Forest; Shrubland Threatened species White-bellied heron, White-winged duck, Indian vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing, Snowy-throated babbler, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Namsangmukh–Borduria Unprotected Admin region Tirap Coordinates 27°13’N 95°30’E Altitude 120–400 m Habitats Forest Threatened species White-bellied heron, White-winged duck, Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Pakhui or Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region East Kameng Coordinates 27°19’N 92°52’E Altitude 100–2,000 m Area 86,195 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-winged duck, Rufous-necked hornbill, Marsh babbler
  • Papum Reserve Forest Unprotected Admin region East Kameng Coordinates 27°0’N 93°10’E Altitude 100–1,600 m Area 106,300 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-winged duck, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Sangti Valley Unprotected Admin region West Kameng Coordinates 27°27’N 92°5’E Altitude 1,000–3,000 m Habitats Forest Threatened species Grus nigricollis, Blyth’s tragopan
  • Shergaon, Mandla–Phudung and Kalaktang Unprotected Admin region West Kameng Coordinates 27°24’N 92°18’E Altitude 1,000–3,700 m Area 50,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Taley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Lower Subansiri Coordinates 27°41’N 93°51’E Altitude 120–3,000 m Area 51,587 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Chestnut-breasted partridge, Blyth’s tragopan, Rufous-necked hornbill, Rusty-bellied shortwing, Beautiful nuthatch
  • The Chapories of Lohit Reserve Unprotected Admin region Lohit Coordinates 27°53’N 96°5’E Altitude 150 m Area 20,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican
  • Thungri–Chaglang–Poshingla Maji, Basti and Liak area Unprotected Admin region West Kameng Coordinates 27°32’N 92°22’E Altitude 2,000–3,500 m Area 50,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Chestnut-breasted partridge, Blyth’s tragopan, Sclater’s monal, Rusty-bellied shortwing
  • Yardi–Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region West Siang Coordinates 29°1’N 95°13’E Altitude 1,500–2,500 m Area 49,600 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Chestnut-breasted partridge, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Zemithang–Nelya Unprotected Admin region West Kameng Coordinates 27°42’N 92°23’E Altitude 2,000–5,000 m Area 30,000 ha Habitats Forest; Shrubland; Wetlands Threatened species Black-necked crane, Broad-tailed grassbird, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Amchang Hills Unprotected Admin region Kamrup Coordinates 26°6’N 91°45’E Altitude 50–569 m Area 7,400 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture
  • Barail Range Unprotected Admin region Cachar; North Cachar Hills Coordinates 25°0’N 92°53’E Altitude 100–1,959 m Area 80,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, Swamp francolin, Blyth’s tragopan
  • Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Darrang Coordinates 26°48’N 91°44’E Altitude 100–200 m Area 2,622 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland Threatened species Bengal florican
  • Bauwwa Beel Unprotected Admin region Hailakandi Coordinates 24°38’N 92°35’E Altitude 60 m Area 70 ha Habitats Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Greater spotted eagle
  • Behali Reserve Forest Unprotected Admin region Sonitpur Coordinates 26°55’N 93°23’E Altitude 80–150 m Area 14,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Bherjan–Borajan–Podumoni Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Tinsukia Coordinates 27°29’N 95°23’E Altitude 119–122 m Area 774 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture
  • Bordoibam–Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary Protected Admin region Dhemaji; Lakhimpur Coordinates 27°20’N 94°20’E Altitude 90–95 m Area 1,125 ha Habitats Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Lesser kestrel, Swamp francolin
  • Bordoloni–Sampora Unprotected Admin region Dhemaji; Lakhimpur Coordinates 27°25’N 94°23’E Altitude 90 m Area 3,000 ha Habitats Grassland Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, White-bellied heron, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin, Black-breasted parrotbill
  • Chakrasila Complex Protected Admin region Dhuburi; Kokrajhar Coordinates 26°19’N 90°22’E Altitude 30–455 m Area 5,300 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Baer’s pochard, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle
  • Chandubi Lake and adjoining areas Unprotected Admin region Kamrup Coordinates 25°52’N 91°25’E Altitude 70–150 m Area 2,000 ha Habitats Forest; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, Pallas’s fish eagle
  • Deobali Jalah Unprotected Admin region Nagaon Coordinates 26°15’N 92°16’E Altitude 60 m Area 1,000 ha Habitats Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Bristled grassbird
  • Dhansiri Reserve Forest Unprotected Admin region Karbi Anglong Coordinates 25°40’N 93°27’E Altitude 150–598 m Area 77,000 ha Habitats Forest; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Green peafowl, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Dibru–Saikhowa Complex Protected Admin region Dhemaji; Dibrugarh; Tinsukia Coordinates 27°41’N 95°21’E Altitude 90–100 m Area 80,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, White-bellied heron, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, White-winged duck, Baer’s pochard, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin, Manipur bush quail, Sarus crane, Bengal florican, Nordmann’s greenshank, Indian skimmer, Pale-capped pigeon, Marsh babbler, Jerdon’s babbler, Black-breasted parrotbill, Finn’s weaver
  • Dipor Beel Bird Sanctuary Protected Admin region Kamrup Coordinates 26°7’N 91°40’E Altitude 53 m Area 414 ha Habitats Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Baer’s pochard, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Spoon-billed sandpiper
  • Dum Duma-Dangori–Kumsong Reserve Forests Unprotected Admin region Tinsukia Coordinates 27°40’N 95°44’E Altitude 140 m Area 6,050 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Masked finfoot
  • East and North Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuaries Protected Admin region Karbi Anglong Coordinates 26°28’N 93°22’E Altitude 80–500 m Area 11,818 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Garampani, Nambor and Doigrung Protected Admin region Karbi Anglong Coordinates 26°25’N 93°44’E Altitude 100–120 m Area 15,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck
  • Gibbon (Hollongapar) Sanctuary Protected Admin region Jorhat Coordinates 26°38’N 94°23’E Altitude 119 m Area 2,098 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture
  • Habang Unprotected Admin region Karbi Anglong Coordinates 25°48’N 92°15’E Altitude 700–900 m Area 1,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland
  • Inner Line, Kathakal and Barak Reserve Forests Unprotected Admin region Cachar; Hailakandi Coordinates 24°11’N 92°30’E Altitude 50–600 m Area 130,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Swamp francolin, Green peafowl, Masked finfoot
  • Jamjing and Sengajan Unprotected Admin region Dhemaji Coordinates 27°35’N 94°54’E Altitude 90–100 m Area 9,500 ha Habitats Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, White-bellied heron, Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin
  • Jatinga Unprotected Admin region North Cachar Hills Coordinates 25°6’N 92°59’E Altitude 500–1,000 m Area 1,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-winged duck, Rufous-necked hornbill, Turdus feae, Spelaeornis longicaudatus, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Jengdia Beel and Satgaon Unprotected Admin region Kamrup Coordinates 26°16’N 91°46’E Altitude 45–50 m Area 500 ha Habitats Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Pallas’s fish eagle
  • Jhanjimukh–Kokilamukh Unprotected Admin region Jorhat Coordinates 27°13’N 94°28’E Altitude 90 m Area 2,500 ha Habitats Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Baer’s pochard, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin
  • Kaziranga National Park Protected Admin region Golaghat; Nagaon; Sonitpur Coordinates 26°39’N 93°21’E Altitude 67–80 m Area 84,980 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Dalmatian pelican, Spot-billed pelican, White-bellied heron, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Lesser white-fronted goose, Marbled duck, Baer’s pochard, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Eastern imperial eagle, Lesser kestrel, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Nordmann’s greenshank, Indian skimmer, Pale-capped pigeon, White-throated bush chat, Marsh babbler, Jerdon’s babbler, Slender-billed babbler, Black-breasted parrotbill, Finn’s weaver
  • Kuarbari–Dalani Unprotected Admin region Lakhimpur Coordinates 27°14’N 94°19’E Altitude 90 m Area 15 ha Habitats Grassland Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture
  • Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest Unprotected Admin region North Cachar Hills Coordinates 25°34’N 93°8’E Altitude 150–500 m Area 49,300 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-winged duck, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Laokhowa and Burhachapori Sanctuaries Protected Admin region Nagaon; Sonitpur Coordinates 26°33’N 92°46’E Altitude 60–70 m Area 11,417 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Shrubland; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Baer’s pochard, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Nordmann’s greenshank, Marsh babbler
  • Lumding–Marat Longri Protected Admin region Karbi Anglong; Nagaon Coordinates 25°48’N 93°1’E Altitude 100–500 m Area 67,400 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Green peafowl
  • Majuli Unprotected Admin region Jorhat Coordinates 26°54’N 94°1’E Altitude 85 m Area 88,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Shrubland; Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Baer’s pochard, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Marsh babbler, Jerdon’s babbler, Black-breasted parrotbill
  • Manas National Park Protected Admin region Barpeta; Bongaigaon Coordinates 26°43’N 90°56’E Area 50,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Lesser kestrel, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Rufous-necked hornbill, White-throated bush chat, Marsh babbler, Jerdon’s babbler, Slender-billed babbler, Black-breasted parrotbill, Prinia cinereocapilla, Bristled grassbird, Finn’s weaver
  • Nameri National Park Protected Admin region Sonitpur Coordinates 27°1’N 92°47’E Altitude 100–350 m Area 20,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species White-bellied heron, Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, Pallas’s fish eagle, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Eastern imperial eagle, Lesser kestrel, Swamp francolin, Chestnut-breasted partridge, Great Indian bustard, Bengal florican, Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill, White-throated bush chat, Marsh babbler, Slender-billed babbler, Grey-crowned prinia
  • Orang National Park Protected Admin region Darrang; Sonitpur Coordinates 26°38’N 92°23’E Altitude 40–50 m Area 7,881 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Baer’s pochard, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Bristled grassbird, Finn’s weaver
  • Pabho Reserve Forest Unprotected Admin region Lakhimpur Coordinates 27°3’N 94°0’E Altitude 90 m Area 4,900 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Shrubland; Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin, Black-breasted parrotbill
  • Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Marigaon Coordinates 26°9’N 92°11’E Altitude 50 m Area 3,883 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, White-bellied heron, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Lesser kestrel, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Nordmann’s greenshank, Marsh babbler, Finn’s weaver
  • Pani-Dihing Bird Sanctuary Protected Admin region Sibsagar Coordinates 27°4’N 94°35’E Altitude 90 m Area 4,000 ha Habitats Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Baer’s pochard, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin, Black-breasted parrotbill
  • Ripu and Chirang Reserve Forest Unprotected Admin region Kokrajhar Coordinates 26°48’N 90°20’E Altitude 100–300 m Area 120,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland Threatened species Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Rufous-necked hornbill, White-throated bush chat, Marsh babbler, Jerdon’s babbler, Black-breasted parrotbill
  • Sibsagar Tanks Unprotected Admin region Sibsagar Coordinates 26°59’N 94°38’E Altitude 100 m Area 150 ha Habitats Forest; Shrubland; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Baer’s pochard, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture
  • Son Beel Unprotected Admin region Karimganj Coordinates 24°40’N 92°27’E Altitude 40 m Area 1,500 ha Habitats Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Swamp francolin
  • Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Sonitpur Coordinates 26°55’N 92°35’E Altitude 100–300 m Area 22,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland Threatened species White-winged duck, Slender-billed vulture, Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Subansiri Unprotected Admin region Dhemaji; Lakhimpur Coordinates 27°34’N 94°18’E Altitude 100–1,000 m Habitats Forest; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Swamp francolin, Chestnut-breasted partridge, Bengal florican, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Tamaranga–Dalani–Bhairab Complex Unprotected Admin region Bongaigaon Coordinates 26°15’N 90°30’E Altitude 30–499 m Area 4,600 ha Habitats Forest; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, Baer’s pochard, Pallas’s fish eagle, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture
  • Tirap–Burhidihing Unprotected Admin region Tinsukia Coordinates 27°20’N 95°51’E Altitude 100–250 m Area 15,450 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Masked finfoot
  • Upper Dihing (East) Complex Unprotected Admin region Tinsukia Coordinates 27°24’N 95°38’E Altitude 120–200 m Area 19,200 ha Habitats Forest; Shrubland Threatened species White-bellied heron, Lesser adjutant, Greater adjutant, White-winged duck, Anas formosa, White-rumped vulture, White-rumped vulture, Greater spotted eagle, Masked finfoot, Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill, Snowy-throated babbler
  • Upper Dihing (West) Complex Unprotected Admin region Dibrugarh; Tinsukia Coordinates 27°16’N 95°29’E Altitude 120–474 m Area 46,775 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-bellied heron, Lesser adjutant, White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill, Beautiful nuthatch
  • Urpod Beel Unprotected Admin region Goalpara Coordinates 26°5’N 90°36’E Altitude 40 m Area 1,000 ha Habitats Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant, White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture
  • Ango or Anko Hills Unprotected Admin region Ukhrul Coordinates 25°13’N 94°34’E Altitude 500–2,000 m Area 40,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Green peafowl, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Tamenglong Coordinates 25°4’N 93°32’E Altitude 1,000–1,800 m Area 11,580 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Dzuku Valley Unprotected Admin region Senapati Coordinates 25°31’N 93°48’E Altitude 1,500–2,990 m Area 2,500 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Dark-rumped swift
  • Jiri–Makru Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Imphal East; Tamenglong Coordinates 24°51’N 93°17’E Altitude 80–500 m Area 19,800 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-winged duck, Green peafowl, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Churachandpur Coordinates 24°12’N 93°25’E Altitude 500–2,018 m Area 18,750 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park Protected Admin region Bishnupur; Imphal West Coordinates 24°35’N 93°50’E Altitude 767–813 m Area 20,000 ha Habitats Wetlands Threatened species Spot-billed pelican, Lesser adjutant, Greater spotted eagle
  • Shiroi Community Forest Unprotected Admin region Ukhrul Coordinates 25°6’N 94°28’E Altitude 1,500–2,570 m Area 5,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Yangoupokpi–Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Chandel Coordinates 24°18’N 94°13’E Area 18,480 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Green peafowl
  • Zeilad Lake Sanctuary Protected Admin region Tamenglong Coordinates 24°54’N 93°23’E Altitude 200–240 m Area 2,100 ha Habitats Forest; Wetlands Threatened species White-winged duck
  • Balpakram Complex Protected Admin region South Garo Hills Coordinates 25°15’N 90°53’E Altitude 50–1,026 m Area 26,947 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species White-winged duck, White-rumped vulture
  • Mawphlang Sacred Grove Unprotected Admin region East Khasi Hills Coordinates 25°28’N 91°44’E Altitude 1,800 m Area 100 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Tawny-breasted wren-babbler
  • Nokrek National Park Protected Admin region East Garo Hills; West Garo Hills Coordinates 25°31’N 90°12’E Altitude 600–1,412 m Area 4,748 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture
  • Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Ri-Bhoi Coordinates 25°52’N 91°50’E Altitude 200–950 m Area 2,900 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland Threatened species White-rumped vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Wood snipe, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Norpuh Reserve Forests Unprotected Admin region Jaintia Hills Coordinates 25°9’N 92°27’E Altitude 100–1,000 m Area 16,110 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Rufous-necked hornbill, Tawny-breasted wren-babbler
  • Riat Khwan – Umiam Lake Unprotected Admin region East Khasi Hills; Ri-Bhoi Coordinates 25°37’N 91°49’E Altitude 900–1,400 m Area 1,500 ha Habitats Forest; Wetlands Threatened species Greater spotted eagle
  • Saipung Unprotected Admin region Jaintia Hills Coordinates 25°20’N 92°45’E Area 15,000 ha Habitats Forest
  • Upper Shillong Unprotected Admin region East Khasi Hills Coordinates 25°32’N 91°50’E Altitude 1,800–1,961 m Area 1,296 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Tawny-breasted wren-babbler
  • Cherapunjee: cliffs, gorges and sacred groves Unprotected Admin region East Khasi Hills Coordinates 25°17’N 91°43’E Altitude 1,350 m Area 1,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Rocky Areas Threatened species Dark-rumped swift
  • Blue Mountain (Phawngpui) National Park Protected Admin region Saiha Coordinates 22°39’N 93°2’E Altitude 1,360–2,157 m Area 5,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Dark-rumped swift
  • Dampa Tiger Reserve Protected Admin region West Phaileng Coordinates 23°39’N 92°25’E Altitude 500–1,100 m Area 50,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland
  • Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Champhai Coordinates 23°50’N 93°13’E Altitude 400–2,141 m Area 12,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Dark-rumped swift
  • Murlen National Park Protected Admin region Champhai Coordinates 23°41’N 93°20’E Altitude 400–1,700 m Area 20,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Dark-rumped swift
  • Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region West Phaileng Coordinates 22°29’N 92°49’E Altitude 170–550 m Area 11,000 ha Habitats Forest
  • Palak Dil Unprotected Admin region Saiha Coordinates 22°20’N 92°57’E Altitude 650 m Area 2,000 ha Habitats Forest; Grassland; Wetlands Threatened species White-winged duck
  • Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary and Saramati area Protected Admin region Tuensang Coordinates 25°49’N 94°57’E Altitude 2,000–3,842 m Area 30,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Intaki National Park Protected Admin region Dimapur; Kohima Coordinates 25°35’N 93°26’E Altitude 100–1,000 m Area 20,202 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species White-winged duck, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary Protected Admin region Kohima Coordinates 25°40’N 94°2’E Altitude 1,900–2,750 m Area 2,500 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Dark-rumped swift
  • Mount Paona Unprotected Admin region Kohima Coordinates 25°30’N 93°39’E Altitude 1,400–2,062 m Area 3,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Mount Zanibu Unprotected Admin region Phek Coordinates 25°41’N 94°21’E Altitude 1,600–2,426 m Area 4,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Pale-capped pigeon, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Mount Ziphu Unprotected Admin region Phek Coordinates 25°39’N 94°45’E Altitude 1,500–2,500 m Area 5,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Wood snipe, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Pfutsero-Chizami Unprotected Admin region Phek Coordinates 25°36’N 94°20’E Altitude 1,400–2,300 m Area 7,000 ha Habitats Forest; Shrubland Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant
  • Puliebadze-Dzukou-Zapfu Protected Admin region Kohima Coordinates 25°53’N 94°0’E Altitude 1,600–3,048 m Area 10,923 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Dark-rumped swift
  • Satoi Range Unprotected Admin region Phek; Zunheboto Coordinates 25°52’N 94°40’E Altitude 1,800–2,400 m Area 5,000 ha Habitats Forest Threatened species Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Rufous-necked hornbill
  • Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region Dhalai; South Tripura Coordinates 23°39’N 91°47’E Area 38,954 ha Habitats Forest; Wetlands Threatened species Lesser adjutant
  • Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Admin region South Tripura Coordinates 23°20’N 91°23’E Altitude 200 m Area 19,470 ha Habitats Forest

SOURCES OF IBA DATA: The information presented here is taken from Islam and Rahmani (2004). The principal contributors to that directory were A. R. Rahmani, A. Choudhury, K. Lahkar, U. Lachungpa, M. Kulshreshtha, B. Pandav, V. Kannan, A. Mishra, R. Kaul, T. Gandhi, S. Laad and A. Malekar.