The diverse avifauna of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, includes, but not limited to a fascinating array of species locally known by distinct names that reflect the region’s cultural and ecological identity.
The landscape of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan is home to a large diversity of birds. The land itself is very dramatic, with deep river gorges, large glaciers, green valleys, and permanent snowfields. These features create the exact conditions that support a wide variety of birds, making every expedition rewarding. The rough terrain acts as a natural shelter, providing opportunities to spot birds in safe breeding spots, abundant feeding areas, and along important migration routes. This makes the region one of Pakistan's most critical locations for birds.
Be sure to check out the text on each picture to learn more about these wonderful species. All pictures are sourced from the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
Himalayan Griffon
The Tyof (ٹیوف), or Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach), is a striking bird often seen perched on shrubs and fences, skillfully hunting insects and small vertebrates. It appears in the region in the early spring season.
Soaring high above the valleys, the Ghalwanj (غلوانج), known as the Juvenile Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), represents the region’s powerful raptors, often seen gliding gracefully on thermal currents.
The gentle cooing of the Kalkor (کلکور), or Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), adds a melodic charm to farmlands and orchards, walnut trees or willows.
The lively Shabok Boik (شبوک بویک), the White-winged Redstart (Phoenicurus erythrogastrus), enlivens the alpine meadows with its bright plumage and active movements.
Tiny and agile, the Chichi Bon (چچی بون), or Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), flits through wooded areas, emitting its characteristic cheerful calls.
Clinging to tree trunks, the Kanchoch (کانچوݯ), or Bar-tailed Treecreeper (Certhia himalayana), uses its slender bill to extract insects from bark crevices, a true specialist of montane forests.
Above the grasslands, the melodious Toor Pichu (ٹور پیچو), or Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis), fills the air with its continuous song.
The elusive Dabaa (دبہ), or Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), remains well camouflaged among moist woodland floors.
Along mountain streams, the Oughaly (اؤغیڑ), known as the White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus), can be seen diving underwater in search of aquatic insects.
The delicate Chilingi (چلنگی), or Brook’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus subviridis), flits tirelessly among foliage, feeding on tiny insects.
Sharbalang: Adding a splash of color to the lower valleys, the Sharbalang (شربالانگ), or Starling (Sturnia pagodarum), and the charismatic Buubuk (بوبک), or Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops), are easily recognizable by their striking plumage and distinctive calls.
Buubuk: Adding a splash of color to the lower valleys, the Sharbalang (شربالانگ), or Starling (Sturnia pagodarum), and the charismatic Buubuk (بوبک), or Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops), are easily recognizable by their striking plumage and distinctive calls.
The Khnjol (کہنجوڑ), or Blue Whistling Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus), is another emblematic species, its rich blue sheen and melodious whistle echoing through river gorges.
Along water channels, the Cheer Boik (چھیربوئیک), or White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis), can often be seen flicking its tail as it forages along riverbanks.
The intelligent and social Kishipi (کیݰیپی), or Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica), stands out with its bold black-and-white plumage, symbolizing adaptability and resilience within he rugged mountain ecosystems of Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.
A striking summer visitor, the Eurasian Golden Oriole—locally known as Mayon—is admired for its radiant golden-yellow plumage and melodious flute-like call. Found in the orchards, poplar groves, and riverine forests of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan during the warmer months, this elegant bird adds color and song to the highland landscape. Males are bright golden with contrasting black wings, while females are greenish-yellow, offering excellent camouflage among foliage. The oriole feeds mainly on insects and fruits, playing an important ecological role in pest control and seed dispersal.
Shams Uddin
Shams Uddin in a wildlife guide and protector from Chitral valley, northern Pakistan.
The diverse avifauna of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, includes, but not limited to a fascinating array of species locally known by distinct names that reflect the region’s cultural and ecological identity.
The landscape of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan is home to a large diversity of birds. The land itself is very dramatic, with deep river gorges, large glaciers, green valleys, and permanent snowfields. These features create the exact conditions that support a wide variety of birds, making every expedition rewarding. The rough terrain acts as a natural shelter, providing opportunities to spot birds in safe breeding spots, abundant feeding areas, and along important migration routes. This makes the region one of Pakistan's most critical locations for birds.
Be sure to check out the text on each picture to learn more about these wonderful species. All pictures are sourced from the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
Himalayan Griffon
The Tyof (ٹیوف), or Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach), is a striking bird often seen perched on shrubs and fences, skillfully hunting insects and small vertebrates. It appears in the region in the early spring season.
Soaring high above the valleys, the Ghalwanj (غلوانج), known as the Juvenile Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), represents the region’s powerful raptors, often seen gliding gracefully on thermal currents.
The gentle cooing of the Kalkor (کلکور), or Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), adds a melodic charm to farmlands and orchards, walnut trees or willows.
The lively Shabok Boik (شبوک بویک), the White-winged Redstart (Phoenicurus erythrogastrus), enlivens the alpine meadows with its bright plumage and active movements.
Tiny and agile, the Chichi Bon (چچی بون), or Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), flits through wooded areas, emitting its characteristic cheerful calls.
Clinging to tree trunks, the Kanchoch (کانچوݯ), or Bar-tailed Treecreeper (Certhia himalayana), uses its slender bill to extract insects from bark crevices, a true specialist of montane forests.
Above the grasslands, the melodious Toor Pichu (ٹور پیچو), or Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis), fills the air with its continuous song.
The elusive Dabaa (دبہ), or Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), remains well camouflaged among moist woodland floors.
Along mountain streams, the Oughaly (اؤغیڑ), known as the White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus), can be seen diving underwater in search of aquatic insects.
The delicate Chilingi (چلنگی), or Brook’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus subviridis), flits tirelessly among foliage, feeding on tiny insects.
Sharbalang: Adding a splash of color to the lower valleys, the Sharbalang (شربالانگ), or Starling (Sturnia pagodarum), and the charismatic Buubuk (بوبک), or Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops), are easily recognizable by their striking plumage and distinctive calls.
Buubuk: Adding a splash of color to the lower valleys, the Sharbalang (شربالانگ), or Starling (Sturnia pagodarum), and the charismatic Buubuk (بوبک), or Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops), are easily recognizable by their striking plumage and distinctive calls.
The Khnjol (کہنجوڑ), or Blue Whistling Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus), is another emblematic species, its rich blue sheen and melodious whistle echoing through river gorges.
Along water channels, the Cheer Boik (چھیربوئیک), or White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis), can often be seen flicking its tail as it forages along riverbanks.
The intelligent and social Kishipi (کیݰیپی), or Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica), stands out with its bold black-and-white plumage, symbolizing adaptability and resilience within he rugged mountain ecosystems of Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.
A striking summer visitor, the Eurasian Golden Oriole—locally known as Mayon—is admired for its radiant golden-yellow plumage and melodious flute-like call. Found in the orchards, poplar groves, and riverine forests of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan during the warmer months, this elegant bird adds color and song to the highland landscape. Males are bright golden with contrasting black wings, while females are greenish-yellow, offering excellent camouflage among foliage. The oriole feeds mainly on insects and fruits, playing an important ecological role in pest control and seed dispersal.
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