10,000 Birds https://www.10000birds.com Birds, Birding and Blogging Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:09:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-Logo-Square-32x32.png 10,000 Birds https://www.10000birds.com 32 32 Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp in its 3rd edition – what has changed? https://www.10000birds.com/birds-of-india-by-grimmett-inskipp-inskipp-in-its-3rd-edition-what-has-changed.htm?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=birds-of-india-by-grimmett-inskipp-inskipp-in-its-3rd-edition-what-has-changed https://www.10000birds.com/birds-of-india-by-grimmett-inskipp-inskipp-in-its-3rd-edition-what-has-changed.htm#respond Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:35:15 +0000 https://www.10000birds.com/?p=204625 The new, third edition of “Birds of India: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives” by Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp has 544 pages and in 246 colour plates depicts 1,429 species. For comparison, the previous, second edition (2016) had 100 pages, 20 colour plates and 54 species fewer. Also, while the previous edition weighed 2.05 pounds, the latest has reached 2.25 pounds, which is not exactly lightweight, especially compared to the first edition (1999) which had less than 400 pages and only 1.5 pounds (and I have fond memories of carrying it in my vest pocket)!On my trips to India, I field-tested both #1 and #2. The #1 was easy to carry, yet, annoyingly, all the range maps were mostly grouped at the back (curiously, it was already my second field guide that ended up completely soaked and, afterwards, wind-dried out of the car window). While significantly heftier, the #2 was nearly perfect. And the #3 is seductively pretty, and only marginally heavier.One way or another, with its 5.5 x 1.3 x 8.5 inches it still fits easily into the largest pocket of my reporter’s vest. And it comes in handy to be able to have it in your pocket in a minivan, or on an intercontinental flight. So, what is it that the third edition of Birds of India brings anew?Out of 544 pages, the first 45 are devoted to the usual introductory chapters on how to use this book, weather and habitats, threats and conservation, and family summaries (which are usually placed among plates), including the political map of the region. The taxonomy follows eBird/Clements 2023 version.The middle section is occupied by the 246 plates (right-hand side), with distribution maps and textual descriptions on the left. The text describes the measurements, distribution, plumages (while it is customary to show field marks in either bold or italics, it is not the case here), voice and habitat. Colour plates depict every species and many distinct plumages and races, and includes newly identified species.The last 39 pages are occupied by vagrants (descriptions plus one small illustration each), literature references, illustration credits, and the bird index of both scientific and common names.Updated and sixty-four more pages expanded, this third edition of Birds of India features revised colour plates, text, and distribution maps. Textual descriptions are rich with notes on identification, status, habitat and songs and calls. The distribution maps are noticeably more precise and accurate, which hardly comes as a surprise bearing in mind 71,000 eBirders in India alone. I remember seeing Crested Treeswifts in Gujarat (Gir) in 2010, and finding that the range map doesn’t show that population. The second edition corrected that, and now the third shows that the central Indian and Himalayan populations are separated and not connected, as in the first two editions. Also, the vagrant appendix has improved, the paintings are larger and the descriptions longer and more detailed. Richard Grimmett is head of conservation at BirdLife International. Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp are freelance wildlife consultants. The authors have travelled widely in Asia and together written a series of books on the continent’s birds.The publisher claims the guide to be comprehensive and definitive, and I have a problem with that. Never trust a field guide publisher’s claim of a definitive text, because each new edition is certain to bring more a definitive text than that from the previous edition!Yet, I also have to agree with the publisher, this is an indispensable guide for anyone birding in this part of the world. Without any doubt – the best field guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent.Publisher: Princeton University PressPublication date: March, 2026Edition: 3rdPrint length: 544 pagesISBN-10: 0691269823ISBN-13: 978-0691269825Item Weight: 2.25 poundsDimensions: 5.5 x 1.3 x 8.5 inches]]>

The new, third edition of “Birds of India: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives” by Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp has 544 pages and in 246 colour plates depicts 1,429 species. For comparison, the previous, second edition (2016) had 100 pages, 20 colour plates and 54 species fewer. Also, while the previous edition weighed 2.05 pounds…

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]]> https://www.10000birds.com/birds-of-india-by-grimmett-inskipp-inskipp-in-its-3rd-edition-what-has-changed.htm/feed 0 Bird Species with the most subspecies https://www.10000birds.com/bird-species-with-the-most-subspecies.htm?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bird-species-with-the-most-subspecies https://www.10000birds.com/bird-species-with-the-most-subspecies.htm#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.10000birds.com/?p=202686 Subspecies – which self-respecting birder doesn’t secretly dislike them? And yet, some bird species seem determined to accumulate as many of them as possible. The table below shows the worst offenders. RankEnglish nameScientific nameSubspecies1Horned LarkEremophila alpestris422BananaquitCoereba flaveola413Crested LarkGalerida cristata354Eurasian JayGarrulus glandarius344Mangrove WarblerSetophaga petechia346Common PheasantPhasianus colchicus307Puff-throated BabblerPellorneum ruficeps287Eurasian WrenTroglodytes troglodytes287Rufous-collared SparrowZonotrichia capensis2810Common ChlorospingusChlorospingus flavopectus2611Great Spotted WoodpeckerDendrocopos major2411Song SparrowMelospiza melodia2413Rock PtarmiganLagopus muta2313Strong-billed WoodcreeperXiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus2313Black-naped MonarchHypothymis azurea2316Variable GoshawkTachyspiza hiogaster2216Pacific KingfisherTodiramphus sacer2216Rufous-browed PeppershrikeCyclarhis gujanensis2216Desert LarkAmmomanes deserti2216Red-winged BlackbirdAgelaius phoeniceus22 Of course, each of these species would claim to have a perfectly good excuse. Most point to their enormous geographical range, their occurrence on numerous isolated islands, or the existence of many isolated mountain populations. Convenient excuses, but not necessarily convincing ones. Note: List based on the current AviList taxonomy. Photo: Horned Lark, Ruoergai, China. Please do not ask for the subspecies.]]>

Subspecies – which self-respecting birder doesn’t secretly dislike them? And yet, some bird species seem determined to accumulate as many of them as possible. The table below shows the worst offenders. Of course, each of these species would claim to have a perfectly good excuse. Most point to their enormous geographical range, their occurrence on numerous isolated islands…

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]]> https://www.10000birds.com/bird-species-with-the-most-subspecies.htm/feed 2 Demotivational Posters for Birds (XLVI) https://www.10000birds.com/demotivational-posters-for-birds-xlvi.htm?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=demotivational-posters-for-birds-xlvi https://www.10000birds.com/demotivational-posters-for-birds-xlvi.htm#respond Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.10000birds.com/?p=202595 Most of the birds we regularly communicate with admit that they rarely read ornithological papers, including papers specifically about themselves. Their main objection is that such papers tend to reduce their lives to breeding success, foraging efficiency, and avoiding premature death, while portraying individual birds as mechanistic puppets of hormones and evolution. Several birds have told us that there is more to life than this, though they have so far been unable to provide convincing examples.They are much more enthusiastic about our series of demotivational posters for birds, which they praise for “providing realistic insights into the daily struggle of avian life.” Their phrasing can sometimes be a bit pompous, but we appreciate the support. So, we keep publishing these posters.]]>

Most of the birds we regularly communicate with admit that they rarely read ornithological papers, including papers specifically about themselves. Their main objection is that such papers tend to reduce their lives to breeding success, foraging efficiency, and avoiding premature death, while portraying individual birds as mechanistic puppets of hormones and evolution. Several birds have told us…

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]]> https://www.10000birds.com/demotivational-posters-for-birds-xlvi.htm/feed 0 Fixing the Dips https://www.10000birds.com/fixing-the-dips.htm?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fixing-the-dips https://www.10000birds.com/fixing-the-dips.htm#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.10000birds.com/?p=204581 A couple years ago I detailed my misadventures searching for a few birds in Guyana’s wild interior. That post made mention of three species; the writer has since managed to make eye contact with two of those. While everyone was winding down and spending quality time with their friends and families at the end of last year, we were (naturally) birding furiously in Guyana’s emerald heart. On our prior visit, we achieved the dubious distinction of being our friend Leon’s first unsuccessful mission to find the endangered Sun Parakeet. In that futile search, the Rupununi heat truly got under my skin, and I crashed in spectacular fashion upon my return to Trinidad a few days later. This time – just as we did on the previous visit – we commenced in the pre-dawn, quietly determined but keenly aware of the vagaries and inconsistencies of the natural world. As always, we picked up our village guide, who distinctly remembered – and often jovially recalled – our failed mission for the parakeets. I hadn’t a clue but we were already legends, albeit not by virtue of achievement in any form. On that failed mission, we combed the vegetation, tuning and re-tuning our ears to filter any similar sounds that may distract us from our goal. This time, we barely birded for ten minutes before a sunshine-tinged movement caught our eyes. The sun hadn’t quite crested the hills and there we were, with a small flock of around eleven Sun Parakeets generously distributed all around us. We were mentally and emotionally prepared for another arduous morning; the sight of these gorgeous birds washed us with waves of relief. One doesn’t truly know the weight of expectation until it is lifted – and oh did that weight take wing with the sight of these birds. Sun Parakeet Waiting a couple of years to see these beauties at eye-level was entirely worth it. Sun Parakeets are highly threatened, mostly by the pet trade, they are well-known in those circles as “Sun Conure“ Sun Parakeets are endemic to the Roraima-Rupununi savanna ecosystem; the majority of the population lives in Brazil. Only a sliver remains in Guyana, we remain wholly grateful to be able to bask in the presence of so many! Birds of the World states that the total wild population is likely fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. The unpalatable nature of humanity weaves a great tragedy; between 2005 and 2016 more than 20,000 Sun Parakeets were imported into Singapore. For cages, of course. When will we learn? Ref: Aloysius, S. L. M., D. L. Yong, J. G. Lee, and A. Jain (2019). Flying to extinction: understanding the role of Singapore’s international parrot trade in growing domestic demand. Bird Conservation International 30(1):139–155.]]>

A couple years ago I detailed my misadventures searching for a few birds in Guyana’s wild interior. That post made mention of three species; the writer has since managed to make eye contact with two of those. While everyone was winding down and spending quality time with their friends and families at the end of last year, we were (naturally) birding furiously in Guyana’s emerald heart.

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]]> https://www.10000birds.com/fixing-the-dips.htm/feed 1 Ask a Birder: Can Birds be Pessimistic? https://www.10000birds.com/ask-a-birder-can-birds-be-pessimistic.htm?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ask-a-birder-can-birds-be-pessimistic https://www.10000birds.com/ask-a-birder-can-birds-be-pessimistic.htm#respond Wed, 26 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.10000birds.com/?p=203299 Probably not in the way humans like me are. But research shows that some birds can display something similar to pessimism. The experimental setup is quite clever. Birds are trained to associate one signal with a reward (food) and another with no reward. Then, they are presented with a signal somewhere in between. Do they now expect a reward – as an “optimistic” bird would – or expect to be disappointed, as a “pessimistic” bird would? Their expectations even depend on their circumstances. Birds under stress tend to act more “pessimistically” (source), leading to research papers with interesting titles such as “Stereotyping Starlings are more ‘pessimistic‘”. To be fair, this may not be quite the same as my kind of pessimism. Presumably, the birds’ previous experiences have made them more cautious – a sensible survival strategy rather than a gloomy outlook on life. But then again, who says the same does not apply to me?]]>

Probably not in the way humans like me are. But research shows that some birds can display something similar to pessimism. The experimental setup is quite clever. Birds are trained to associate one signal with a reward (food) and another with no reward. Then, they are presented with a signal somewhere in between. Do they now expect a reward – as an “optimistic” bird would – or expect to be…

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]]> https://www.10000birds.com/ask-a-birder-can-birds-be-pessimistic.htm/feed 0 When Sharing a Rare Bird Sighting Does More Harm Than Good https://www.10000birds.com/when-sharing-a-rare-bird-sighting-does-more-harm-than-good.htm?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=when-sharing-a-rare-bird-sighting-does-more-harm-than-good https://www.10000birds.com/when-sharing-a-rare-bird-sighting-does-more-harm-than-good.htm#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:09:24 +0000 https://www.10000birds.com/?p=204573 If you’re an avid bird watcher, you’re likely familiar with the elation that comes with spotting a rare bird. After excitedly snapping that photo, your first instinct might be to post it right away, tagging the exact spot so the birding world knows where you saw a Snowy Owl two states south of where it’s supposed to be in February.  While that instinct can feel generous, it’s an impulse that can turn a rare and vulnerable bird’s hiding spot into a destination overnight when multiplied across thousands of birders with phones in their pockets. For birdwatching enthusiasts, knowing the difference between sharing that helps and sharing that harms is critical.  The Rush an Ultra-Rare Bird Can Bring Birders call an unusual sighting a mega, and word travels fast once one shows up, especially with apps like eBird that send alerts when certain species are spotted. Regional listservs and group chats get active, and within an hour, a quiet patch of woods can fill with cars and long lenses. Most of the time, this energy is a wonderful thing. It connects people and gets more eyes counting birds for science.  Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that a handful of species carry a different kind of weight. Owls and certain grouse species draw attention from poachers and traffickers who follow the same public alerts as everyone else. It doesn’t take long for a precise GPS pin attached to a post to spread, even if you think your audience is being careful.  Photo by Noureddine BOUABDALLAH on Unsplash How Photos Can Endanger a Species In Scotland’s Cairngorms, the Western Capercaillie has become a clear example of what happens when a species and social media collide. Fewer than 550 of these birds remain in Scotland, and the vast majority live inside a single national park.  Male Capercaillie gather each spring at traditional display grounds called leks, and disturbing them during that window is against the law. After all, habitat loss is one of the top reasons bird species end up endangered.  Journalists have documented cases of birders and photographers posting sightings online in pursuit of likes and clout, sometimes drawing crowds large enough to scare birds away from breeding grounds for the season. Conservation groups now run public campaigns urging birders to exclude Capercaillie locations from their posts entirely. Those incidents show how quickly a rare sighting can shift from shared excitement into conflict, as crowds, photographers and conservationists end up at odds over whether access is worth the risk to the birds. Photo by Matthieu Rochette on Unsplash Sharing sightings is one of several human habits that locate birds in ways that nature didn’t intend. For example, feeders have been observed to act as bait, drawing predators toward unusually high prey densities. Research on European songbirds has linked feeding stations to changed migration patterns in Blackcap Warblers each winter. Evidently, wherever humans concentrate birds, whether through a feeder or a viral post, the risk to the birds often goes up.  When Ecotourism Gets It Right The encouraging news is that plenty of birding destinations have figured out how to share access responsibly. In Michigan, guided tours to see the Kirtland’s Warbler run through experienced forest managers who control both timing and group size, protecting nesting habitat while still letting people see one of North America’s rarest Songbirds.  During nesting season, Kirtland’s Warbler nesting areas are closed to the public, highlighting a dedication to preservation over spectacle. This model works because access is managed and not left to chance.  In Brazil’s Pantanal, the Hyacinth Macaw Project has worked directly with local ranchers to protect nest sites. Lodges built around the Hyacinth Macaw serve to preserve the species and be a source of tourism.  This structure allows guests to enjoy a genuine wildlife encounter while providing the Hyacinth Macaws with consistent protection in return. Today, there is virtually no trafficking of Hyacinth Macaws in the South Pantanal. Ecotourism, when built this way, turns a species’ rarity into its best defense rather than its biggest vulnerability.  Another example demonstrating that tourism can replace the financial incentive to trap rare birds is the Morite Ecolodge, a community-based birding operator. The Moluccan Cockatoo is found nowhere on Earth but eastern Indonesia. Its population has declined due to illegal trading, making it critically endangered. Residents who once trapped and smuggled the salmon-crested cockatoo now lead birdwatching tours to protect it.  Photo by Diane Helentjaris on Unsplash Understanding the Code and Building the Right Habits Sharing your finds is still worth doing. What’s important is that you know where the line sits. The American Birding Association has provided a widely used code of conduct that covers situations like these.  Following these rules still leaves plenty of room for birding and posting, with a short pause before hitting send to think about who else might be watching that pin drop. A key principle here is to respect the birds’ well-being and habitat, ensuring that your actions do not negatively impact either. Ultimately, the bird’s welfare comes before the photo or the post.  Waiting a day or two before posting a sensitive sighting, especially during breeding season, is a simple habit that goes a long way here. Additionally, aim to share general regions instead of exact coordinates when a species is known to be vulnerable. Enjoy the Environment Without Endangering It The next time you find something extraordinary through your binoculars, remember that the excitement is worth celebrating. Give yourself a beat before you post it to the world. Ask whether the species can handle a crowd and whether the exact location needs to stay a little more private. Being thoughtful about what you share makes you the kind of birder that rare species need more of.]]>

If you’re an avid bird watcher, you’re likely familiar with the elation that comes with spotting a rare bird. After excitedly snapping that photo, your first instinct might be to post it right away, tagging the exact spot so the birding world knows where you saw a Snowy Owl two states south of where it’s supposed to be in February. While that instinct can feel generous, it’s an impulse that…

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]]> https://www.10000birds.com/when-sharing-a-rare-bird-sighting-does-more-harm-than-good.htm/feed 3 Ecuador – Profile for Birders https://www.10000birds.com/ecuador-profile-for-birders.htm?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ecuador-profile-for-birders https://www.10000birds.com/ecuador-profile-for-birders.htm#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:32:00 +0000 https://www.10000birds.com/?p=203740 Highlights Despite its relatively small size, Ecuador is one of the world’s greatest birding destinations, with more than 1,600 recorded bird species. Its remarkable diversity of ecosystems—from the Pacific lowlands and Chocó Cloud Forest to the Andes and Amazon Rainforest—allows birdwatchers to observe an extraordinary variety of species within just a few hours of travel. In addition, Ecuador offers excellent opportunities for bird photography, a high level of endemism, and professional local guides. Key Bird Species and Families Hummingbirds Quetzals Macaws Toucans Antbirds Violet-tailed Sylph Best Regions for Birding 1. Chocó Andean Cloud Forest Main Locations Nanegal Tandayapa Mindo Milpe Mashpi Refugio Paz de las Aves Highlights Chocó endemic species Toucan Barbet Plate-billed Mountain Toucan Andean Cock-of-the-rock Moss-backed Tanager Orange-breasted Fruiteater Exceptional hummingbird diversity 2. High Andes Main Locations Antisana National Park Yanacocha Reserve Papallacta Pass Zuroloma Highlights Andean Condor Black-faced Ibis Giant Hummingbird Ecuadorian Hillstar Sword-billed Hummingbird Silvery Grebe 3. Eastern Andean Slopes Main Locations Wildsumaco Guango Lodge San Isidro Cosanga Baeza Highlights Cock-of-the-rock Inca Jay Mountain Toucans Torrent Ducks Mixed-species flocks 4. Amazon Rainforest Main Locations Loreto Shandia Misahuallí Río Napo Yasuní National Park Highlights Macaws Toucans Hoatzin Antbirds Cotingas Hundreds of rainforest specialties 5. Southern Ecuador Main Locations Tapichalaca Buenaventura Jorupe Podocarpus National Park Highlights Jocotoco Antpitta El Oro Parakeet Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan Rainbow Starfrontlet Golden-headed Quetzal Best Birding Season One of Ecuador’s greatest advantages as a birding destination is that excellent birdwatching is possible throughout the year. Because the country lies on the equator, there are no extreme seasonal changes, allowing visitors to enjoy outstanding birding in every season. However, weather conditions and bird activity vary slightly between regions. January – May This period is considered one of the best times to visit the Chocó Andean Cloud Forest and many parts of the Amazon. Forests are lush and green, birds are highly active, and many species are breeding or displaying. Butterfly diversity is also at its peak. Highlights Excellent bird activity Peak butterfly season Beautiful green landscapes Great opportunities for bird photography June – August These months generally bring drier weather to the Andean region, making hiking and birding more comfortable. High-Andean destinations such as Antisana National Park and Yanacocha Reserve often experience clear mornings with spectacular mountain views. Highlights Clear mountain scenery Excellent condor observation Comfortable hiking conditions September – December Another outstanding period for birdwatching across Ecuador. Activity increases again in many cloud forest areas, and weather conditions are often excellent for photography. Highlights Excellent bird activity Pleasant weather Outstanding photography opportunities Ideal for Chocó endemics and hummingbirds Conclusion Although Ecuador offers world-class birdwatching throughout the year, the periods from January to May and September to December are generally considered the most rewarding for visitors seeking exceptional bird diversity, photography opportunities, and unforgettable experiences in the country’s diverse ecosystems. Toucan Barbet Birding Trip Suggestion(s) Suggested Route: Quito Nanegal – Chocó Cloud Forest Mindo Antisana National Park Cosanga – Eastern Andes Amazon Rainforest Southern Ecuador Suggested Tours: Choosing the Right Trip Trip LengthBest For1 DayShort visits from Quito3 DaysIntroduction to cloud forest birding7 DaysChocó endemic specialties14 DaysEcuador’s major birding regions21 DaysComplete birding experience 1. One-Day Birding Tour Best for: Visitors with limited time. Suggested destinations Yanacocha Reserve Antisana National Park Nanegal Cloud Forest Mindo Cloud Forest Highlights Hummingbirds Andean Condor Toucan Barbet Golden-headed Quetzal 2. Three-Day Cloud Forest Birding Tour Best for: First-time visitors. Suggested route Quito ? Nanegal ? Tandayapa ? Mindo Highlights Chocó endemic birds Cock-of-the-rock Hummingbird feeders Butterfly photography 3. Seven-Day Northwest Ecuador Birding Tour Best for: Birdwatchers seeking Chocó endemics. Suggested route Quito ? Nanegal ? Mashpi ? Milpe ? Tandayapa ? Mindo Highlights Toucan Barbet Plate-billed Mountain Toucan Moss-backed Tanager Orange-breasted Fruiteater 4. Fourteen-Day Ecuador Birding Tour Best for: Birders wanting to explore Ecuador’s main ecosystems. Suggested route Quito ? Chocó Cloud Forest ? High Andes ? Eastern Andes ? Amazon Rainforest Highlights More than 500 bird species Hummingbirds Quetzals Macaws Toucans Antbirds Mixed-species flocks 5. Twenty-One-Day Grand Ecuador Birding Expedition Best for: Serious birdwatchers and photographers. Suggested route Chocó Cloud Forest High Andes Eastern Andes Amazon Rainforest Southern Ecuador Highlights Ecuador’s most important birding regions Endemic species Bird photography Wildlife observation Butterfly photography Andean Condor Practical Tips – General A successful birdwatching trip in Ecuador is about more than choosing the right destination. Proper preparation, suitable equipment, and respect for nature will greatly improve your experience while helping protect the country’s extraordinary biodiversity. 1. Start Early Bird activity is highest during the first hours after sunrise. Most birding tours begin between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., when birds are actively feeding and singing. 2. Wear Appropriate Clothing Choose comfortable clothing in neutral colors such as green, brown, or gray to blend into the environment. Recommended: Lightweight long-sleeved shirts Long pants Waterproof jacket Hiking boots with good grip Hat or cap 3. Bring the Right Equipment Essential equipment includes: Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) Camera with a telephoto lens (optional) Extra batteries and memory cards Rain cover for your camera Small backpack Reusable water bottle 4. Be Patient and Quiet Many birds will approach naturally if you remain still and avoid sudden movements. Speaking softly and moving slowly will increase your chances of observing shy species. 5. Respect Wildlife Never disturb nesting birds. Stay on designated trails. Do not feed wildlife. Avoid excessive use of bird-call playback. Leave no litter behind. Responsible birdwatching helps protect Ecuador’s unique ecosystems for future generations. 6. Prepare for Changing Weather Weather conditions in Ecuador can change quickly, especially in cloud forests and the Andes. Always carry: A light rain jacket Waterproof protection for electronics Quick-drying clothing 7. Hire a Local Birding Guide A knowledgeable local guide can greatly improve your birding experience by helping you locate target species, recognize bird vocalizations, and understand local habitats and conservation efforts. Conclusion With proper preparation and a respectful attitude toward nature, birdwatching in Ecuador can become one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in the world. Patience, curiosity, and an appreciation for the country’s remarkable biodiversity will...]]>

Highlights Despite its relatively small size, Ecuador is one of the world’s greatest birding destinations, with more than 1,600 recorded bird species. Its remarkable diversity of ecosystems—from the Pacific lowlands and Chocó Cloud Forest to the Andes and Amazon Rainforest—allows birdwatchers to observe an extraordinary variety of species within just a few hours of travel. In addition…

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]]> https://www.10000birds.com/ecuador-profile-for-birders.htm/feed 1 Bird Guides of the World: Adarsh Nagda, Kenya https://www.10000birds.com/bird-guides-of-the-world-adarsh-nagda-kenya.htm?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bird-guides-of-the-world-adarsh-nagda-kenya https://www.10000birds.com/bird-guides-of-the-world-adarsh-nagda-kenya.htm#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.10000birds.com/?p=203010 What is your favorite bird species? The Narina Trogon. I even feel like it could be a good candidate for our national bird, carrying all the colours of the Kenyan flag. It’s not a bird you simply stumble across; you must earn the sighting by tracking its ventriloquial calls. It immediately draws me deep into the forest, a place where I feel most at peace. As both a photographer and a guide, locking focus on that vibrant green and bright red plumage makes the moment even more rewarding. What is your name, and where do you live? My name is Adarsh Nagda, and I am from Nairobi, Kenya Lilac-breasted Roller What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide? I cover birding sites across the entirety of Kenya and offer tailor-made tours based entirely on each birder’s budget, birding style, target species, and whether they’d like to see other wildlife. I also have a number of reliable locations for specific target species, so a tour with me goes beyond just the classic birding sites. Variable Sunbird How long have you been a bird guide? I have been guiding for three years. Straw-tailed Whydah How did you get into bird guiding? Birding feels like one of those hobbies that slowly creeps up on you. For me, it started in April 2023 at Nairobi National Park. I vividly remember spotting a striking white bird of prey perched at the top of a tree. I took a photo and posted it to ask for an ID, and was told it was a Palm-nut Vulture, a very rare sighting for Nairobi. At the same time, just opposite the vulture, was a Lesser Grey Shrike. I found out it was a migrant species, which completely changed the way I saw birds. The idea that something in front of me had travelled across continents was fascinating. The next day I went down a rabbit hole learning about bird migration, downloaded a few birding apps, and the rest is history. Violet-backed Starling What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most? I love meeting international birders from all over the world, and the fact that we can connect so easily. I also love celebrating every bird with my clients, whether it’s someone’s first Variable Sunbird or their long-awaited Hinde’s Pied Babbler. Watching someone finally connect with a target species is just as rewarding as finding it myself. The biggest challenge is that being considered a good bird guide is often linked with decades of experience. As a young guide, I definitely have to prove myself more, and many client relationships begin with trust before we’ve even stepped into the field together. Malachite Sunbird Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area? Please briefly describe the locations, the key birds and the approximate duration of such a trip A full day of birding at Nairobi National Park. It’s my favourite birding hotspot in the country due to its sheer abundance of birdlife. Recording over 200 species here in a single day during the right season is not uncommon, and I take most of my clients with limited time in Kenya on a day trip here. Seeing well over 150 species is a realistic target when birding with me! For someone’s first visit to Kenya, it’s the perfect place to get a taste of what hardcore birding here is all about. Throughout the day we pass through a variety of habitats, including open grassland, acacia woodland, riverine forest, wetlands, and rocky valleys, allowing us to target a wide array of species in a relatively small area. Some of the highlights include Secretarybird, Kori Bustard, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Grey Crowned Crane, and a fantastic variety of raptors, waterbirds, and migrants depending on the time of year. What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that are the most interesting for visiting birders? It’s extremely difficult to narrow down a list of over 1100 birds, but these are some of the species visiting birders to Nairobi are often most excited about: Hartlaub’s Turaco, Hinde’s Pied Babbler (Endemic), Jackson’s Widowbird, Superb Starling, Kikuyu White-eye (Endemic), Giant Kingfisher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Lilac-breasted Roller Hartlaub’s Turaco What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?  November to April is fantastic because Kenya hosts large numbers of Palearctic migrants. Birding during the long rains is often overlooked; however, it can be incredibly productive. Temperatures are cooler, many birds are breeding or have recently fledged their chicks, and the overcast conditions often keep bird activity high throughout the day. A scope is generally not necessary, as many birds are seen at relatively close range, but a long camera lens is recommended for national parks where you cannot leave your vehicle. African Green-Pigeon If any readers of 10,000 Birds are interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you? My email address is adarsh.nagda@gmail.com Hinde’s Pied Babbler Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds? As a young guide, I hope I represent a new generation of birders that blends traditional field skills with photography, technology, and conservation. My journey from a nine-year-old wildlife enthusiast with a fixed-lens camera to co-hosting National Geographic and Disney’s Team Sayari has taught me how to share nature in a way that people genuinely connect with. My goal is to help birders remember their fabulous Kenyan birding experience long after they’ve returned home. All bird photos by Adarsh Nagda]]>

What is your favorite bird species? The Narina Trogon. I even feel like it could be a good candidate for our national bird, carrying all the colours of the Kenyan flag. It’s not a bird you simply stumble across; you must earn the sighting by tracking its ventriloquial calls. It immediately draws me deep into the forest, a place where I feel most at peace. As both a photographer and a guide…

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