Wildlife and birds · Gairibas
Dawn chorus birding in the Gairibas clearing
Stay a night at Gairibas and step out at dawn into one of the richest bird zones on the ridge, where forest edge, bamboo and clearing meet. Spring brings song, colour and the outside chance of a satyr tragopan.
Gairibas sits in the middle of the ridge's temperate forest belt, and the clearing gives you an open view of the forest edge. At dawn in April and May, laughingthrushes, minivets, yuhinas, sunbirds and flycatchers are active and noisy. Woodpeckers drum in the oaks and flocks of tits move through.
The shy pheasants are the prize. The satyr tragopan, a crimson bird with blue facial skin, lives in these forests, along with the kalij pheasant lower down and the blood pheasant higher up. They are most often seen early on quiet trails, crossing or feeding at the edge. Listen for the tragopan's wailing call in spring.
Bring binoculars and stand still at the clearing edge for twenty minutes before walking. Then walk slowly up the trail toward Kaiyakatta before the first trekkers arrive from Tumling around 9 am.
Cost: Included in your guide fee
Questions people ask
Good to know
Can I see a satyr tragopan at Gairibas?
It is possible but not common. Satyr tragopans live in the forests of Singalila and are most often seen in spring, early in the morning on quiet trails. Listen for their call and walk slowly with your guide.
Is a night at Gairibas worth it for birding?
Yes, if birds matter to you. Sleeping at Gairibas puts you in the forest at dawn before trekker traffic. The trekkers' hut is basic, so bring a warm sleeping bag and check it is open.
What should I bring for birding in Singalila?
Binoculars, a field guide or bird app with offline data, dull-coloured clothes, and patience. A camera with a zoom lens helps. Bring a warm layer for standing still in the cold dawn.
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