Pangot is a small hamlet in Uttarakhand which lies just 15 km from Nainital. Walking into Pangot is like stepping into a remote Himalayan village. This birdwatchers’ paradise has 250+ species of birds in and around as recorded by Jungle Lore Birding Lodge. This Lodge is India’s first and foremost birding lodge and has been key to birding success in the region. The entire drive is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, the main habitats for excellent birding. The forests of Pangot and surrounding areas are dominated by thick Oak, Pine and Rhododendron. The
streams passing by the area makes it even more attractive place. Nainital covers the tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, sub-alpine zones. One can see Crested Serpent, Mountain Hawk & Black Eagle. Woodpeckers are Brown-fronted, Stripe-breasted, Rufous-bellied etc. Thrushes are Dark-throated, Mistle, etc. Striated Prinia and a very rare Grey-crowned Prinia can be seen in the terraced fields. Warblers are Tickell’s Leaf, Greenish, Grey-hooded etc.
Flycatchers are Asian Brown, Rusty-tailed, Ultramarine, Verditer. Rufous-bellied Niltava etc., Orange-flanked Blue Tail, Blue-capped Redstart. Laughingthrushes such as Streaked, White-throated, Striated & Chestnut-crowned etc. Look for Upland Pipit, Blue-winged Minla, Whiskered Yuhina etc. Slaty-headed & Red-breasted Parakeet, Grey Bushchat, Long-tailed & Grey-backed Shrike, Common Kestrel, Besra, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush etc.
Black-headed Jay, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Rufous Sibia are common birds here. Pheasants are Cheer, Koklas and Khalij. Rare species that can be seen here: Grey-crowned Prinia