Various black and white birds found in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, including cranes and geese

5 Black and White Birds Found in the High Altitude Region of Ladakh

Ladakh is a good range of homes for birds.

In Ladakh, many bird species live, some species you already know but some of the bird species you didn’t even hear of before.

So, Let’s dive into the blog post where we explore 5 beautiful black and white birds of Ladakh.

What kinds of black and white birds are found in Ladakh?

There are only 5 birds with black and white colors found in Ladakh.

Black and White birds of ladakh infograph
Black and White Birds of Ladakh infographics

These birds have different color patterns black and white and also have different diets, habitats, and characteristics.

Here is the list:

  • black-necked crane
  • Himalayan snowcock
  • bar-headed goose
  • brown-headed gull
  • Tibetan snowcock

Let’s explore these birds.

Black-necked Crane:

Black-necked crane in Ladakh's wetlands, with its distinctive black head and white body
The black-necked crane, a rare and elegant bird, is often seen in the wetlands of Ladakh during the breeding season.

The black-necked Cranes are medium-sized black and white birds of Ladakh.

This crane breeds on the Tibetan Plateau, other parts of India, and Bhutan.

Key Facts:

  • Size: Up to 139 cm long
  • Wingspan: 235 cm
  • Weight: 5 to 5.5 kg
  • Distinctive features: Black head, red crown patch
  • Conservation status: Endangered

They can grow up to 139cm long with a wingspan of 235cm (Wikipedia), and weigh between 5 to 5.5 kg.

They have black heads, tails, and legs. Also, they have gray and whitish bodies and red crown patches.

The black-necked Crane is an Endangered animal.

Learn more about Black-necked Crane conservation efforts from the International Crane Foundation

Himalayan Snowcock:

The Himalayan snowcock belongs to the pheasant family primarily found in the Himalayan ranges and parts of the Pamir range of Asia.

Himalayan snowcock perched on rocky terrain in Ladakh, displaying its black and white plumage
The Himalayan snowcock, known for its black and white feathers, is found in the rocky high-altitude areas of Ladakh.

They live on rocky slopes at almost 4,500m. They can grow up to 54-72 cm with a wingspan of 85-97 cm, weighing 2-3.5 kg.

They mostly eat grasses, leaves, fruits, berries, etc.

Key Facts:

  • Size: 54-72 cm long
  • Wingspan: 85-97 cm
  • Weight: 2-3.5 kg
  • Diet: Grasses, leaves, fruits, berries
  • Where to spot: Hemis National Park, Suru, Drass, Zanskar

In Ladakh, they can be found in Hemis National Park, Suru, Drass, Zanskar, etc.

Explore Hemis National Park’s wildlife on the official Ladakh Tourism website

Bar-headed Goose:

The bar-headed goose is found in the Himalayas and Central Asia. They known as Ngangpa in Ladakh.

Bar-headed goose with black stripes on its head and white body, flying over Ladakh's lakes
The bar-headed goose, famous for its high-altitude migration, can be seen in Ladakh’s lakes during the summer.

They can grow up to 68-78 cm in length with a wingspan between 140 to 160 cm. They prefer to stay at altitudes up to 4000-6000m.

The bar-headed goose has orange legs and black bars on the white head, that’s why they named it.

They mainly eat grasses, grains, fish, and insects.

In Ladakh, you easily found this goose in the Wetlands of the Changthang region.

Key Facts:

  • Size: 68-78 cm long
  • Wingspan: 140-160 cm
  • Preferred altitude: 4000-6000m
  • Local name: Ngangpa
  • Diet: Grasses, grains, fish, insects
  • Best spot: Wetlands of Changthang region

Read about Bar-headed Geese migration on WWF

Brown-headed Gull

The brown-headed gulls are black and white birds in Ladakh. This bird breeds in the Wetlands of the Changthang region.

Brown-headed gull with a white body and black-tipped wings, flying over the lakes of Ladakh
The brown-headed gull, with its black-tipped wings and white body, can be seen in Ladakh’s lakes during the migratory season.

They can grow up to 40-45 cm in length, and weigh between 450-700g. They can live up to 11 years.

They mostly eat fish and invertebrates.

In Ladakh, you can easily find these birds in the Wetlands of the Changthang region and the Upper Indus Valley.

Key Facts:

  • Size: 40-45 cm long
  • Weight: 450-700g
  • Lifespan: Up to 11 years
  • Diet: Fish and invertebrates
  • Where to find: Changthang wetlands, Upper Indus Valley

Tibetan Snowcock:

The Tibetan Snowcock is a white and black snowbird found at altitudes between 3,700m to 5,700m.

Tibetan snowcock standing on rocky ground in Ladakh, showcasing its black and white feathers
The Tibetan snowcock, with its striking black and white plumage, is a common sight in Ladakh’s high-altitude rocky regions.

They can grow up to 50-56 cm and weigh between 1 to 1.6 kg both male and female.

They have white, gray, and black bodies with red bills. You can easily identify males by the spurs on the legs.

They mostly eat roots, leaves, fruits, berries, seeds, etc. In Ladakh, they are found in high mountains.

Key Facts:

  • Size: 50-56 cm long
  • Weight: 1 to 1.6 kg
  • Altitude range: 3,700m to 5,700m
  • Distinctive features: Red bill, spurs on male legs
  • Diet: Roots, leaves, fruits, berries, seeds

Best Times to Spot Birds of Ladakh

  • Spring (April-May): Migration season
  • Summer (June-August): Breeding season
  • Early morning and late afternoon: Most active times

Birdwatching Tips for Ladakh

  1. Bring warm clothes
  2. Use binoculars
  3. Stay quiet
  4. Respect bird habitats
  5. Join a guided tour

Find reputable Ladakh tour operators on Responsible Travel

Conservation Efforts for Birds of Ladakh

Many birds of Ladakh face threats from climate change and habitat loss. Local organizations work to protect these species:

  • Wildlife Protection Department of Ladakh
  • WWF-India Ladakh Program
  • Ladakh Ecological Development Group

Support bird conservation through the Bombay Natural History Society

Comparison of Ladakh’s Black and White Birds:

Bird SpeciesSize (cm)Wingspan (cm)Weight (kg)DietHabitat
Black-necked Crane1392355-5.5OmnivoreWetlands
Himalayan Snowcock54-7285-972-3.5HerbivoreRocky slopes
Bar-headed Goose68-78140-160Not providedOmnivoreWetlands
Brown-headed Gull40-45Not provided0.45-0.7Fish, invertebratesWetlands
Tibetan Snowcock50-56Not provided1-1.6HerbivoreHigh mountains

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

  1. What is the best time to see birds in Ladakh?

    The best time to see birds in Ladakh is during spring (April-May) for migration and summer (June-August) for breeding season.

  2. Are there any endangered birds in Ladakh?

    Yes, the Black-necked Crane found in Ladakh is classified as an Endangered species.

  3. What equipment do I need for birdwatching in Ladakh?

    Essential equipment includes binoculars, a field guide, warm clothing, and a camera for documenting your sightings.

  4. Can I go birdwatching on my own in Ladakh?

    While possible, it’s recommended to join a guided tour for safety and to benefit from local expertise in spotting and identifying birds.

Conclusion:

Ladakh has various bird species like the Indian Roller, Red-vented Bulbul, and Oriental Magpie Robin, each with a unique diet and habitat. It’s an excellent destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.