What started as a small online group of bird lovers has grown into a massive project to document Bhutan’s wildlife. Released recently on World Environment Day, ‘Birds of Bhutan, Habitat and Distribution’ is one of the most comprehensive guides, produced in the country. The book records 769 bird species and draws heavily on photographs and field observations contributed by citizens from across the country.
More than a decade ago, a group of bird lovers created the Birds of Bhutan Facebook page. What started as casual sharing of bird photographs soon grew into a vibrant online community.
Birdwatchers from across the country began uploading sightings, identifying species, and mapping where different birds were found.
Over time, thousands of photographs and field observations were collected, creating a rich digital record of Bhutan’s bird diversity.
In 2015, the Birds of Bhutan Facebook group was formally established. Today, it has grown to more than 36,000 members. Later, in 2021, the Bhutan Birdlife Society Facebook group was formed, adding another 6,000-plus members to the growing community.
Years of voluntary effort, passion, and collaboration have now resulted in a major publication. On World Environment Day celebrated recently, the Bhutan Birdlife Society launched Birds of Bhutan: Habitat and Distribution, a comprehensive guide documenting the country’s avian diversity.
Kelzang Dorji, Co-Founder of Bhutan Birdlife Society said, “The book is dedicated to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. It will benefit everyone, especially students and bird lovers who want to learn and do research on birds. The book will serve as a guide, providing details about different bird species and where they can be found in the country.”
The publication documents 769 bird species of the 774 bird species found in Bhutan. Likewise, the book also highlights 34 species that were historically recorded in Bhutan but have not been reported during the past decade.
Much of the information featured in the book was sourced from the Birds of Bhutan Facebook group, established in 2015, and the Bhutan Birdlife Society Facebook group, formed in 2021.
Together, the two online communities have attracted more than 42,000 members, demonstrating the growing interest in birdwatching and conservation in Bhutan.
The Bhutan Birdlife Society says the publication is also aligned with Bhutan’s biodiversity goals, particularly efforts to make environmental information more accessible and encourage public participation in conservation.
Passang Dorji
