Black Ibis Credit: Rajesh Shrestha

Birds
A large variety of birds are found in the Himalayas. They are both resident and migratory. In fact, the Himalayas lie along the main migratory routes of birds flying into subcontinent from cold north and central Asia and back. Birds follow the valleys of the major rivers which originate in the Tibetan plateau and have cut across the main Himalayan mountain wall. The upper valleys of these rivers lie along the cold deserts of the Transhimalaya. These are the valleys of the rivers Indus, Chenab, Satluj and Kali. The birds simply glide on the air currents over the rivers and are thus able to save energy. The high altitude lakes, marshes and lower Himalayan provide an ideal habitat and breeding ground for birds.

Some of the important birds from different parts of the Himalayas include the snow goose,Sparrow hawk, Golden eagle , Himalayan griffon, Snow partridge, Himalayan and Tibetan snow cocks, Western tragopan , Monal pheasant, Black-necked crane, Ibis bill, Tibetan sand grouse, Himalayan rubythroat.