Spiny Babbler: Nepal’s Endemic Marvel, Hidden Voice in the Hills.
The Spiny Babbler (Turdoides nipalensis), locally known in Nepali as “Kande Bhyakur” (literally, “thorny bird”), (Gurung people said “Kirkire”) in Lamjung area is the only bird species endemic to Nepal. First described by Brian Houghton Hodgson in 1836, this intriguing passerine bird remained an enigma for over a century until its rediscovery in the 1940s by the American ornithologist Sidney Dillon Ripley.
Highlights
- Endemic to Nepal – found nowhere else in the world.
- Prefers mid-hill scrublands in the central region.
- Medium-sized, shy, and ground-dwelling.
- Known for its spiky tail and loud calls.
- Near Threatened due to habitat loss.
- Rediscovered in the 1940s after being presumed extinct.
Habitat and Distribution
This bird is found primarily in the mid-hill regions of central Nepal, notably around the Kathmandu Valley, particularly in areas like Bushan, Shivapuri National Pank. It prefers scrub-covered hillsides, thorny bushes, and dense undergrowth, usually between 800 and 1,800 meters above sea level. These semi-arid, shrubby slopes provide perfect cover for its secretive behavior and ground-dwelling lifestyle.
Physical Description
The Spiny Babbler is a medium-sized bird, about 24–25 cm in length, with brownish-grey plumage, a streaked throat and chest, and a notably spiky tail—which gives the species its common name. Its plumage offers excellent camouflage against the dry, bushy habitat it frequents. Its calls are loud, varied, and melodious, often heard more easily than the bird is seen.
Behavior and Ecology
Known for being shy and elusive, the birds usually moves in pairs or small family groups, foraging on or near the ground for insects, small invertebrates, and seeds. Spiny Babbler is non-migratory and territorial, often seen hopping through underbrush or briefly perching on low branches. Despite its cryptic behavior, the Spiny Babbler becomes more visible during the breeding season, when males sing more frequently and engage in display flights.
Breeding peaks from April to July, with nests expertly concealed low in dense shrubs. Crafted from twigs, grass, and plant fibers, these nests offer secure shelter. True to babbler behavior, both sexes often share nesting duties—though much of their breeding biology remains a fascinating mystery yet to be fully uncovered.
Conservation and Significance
Although once thought to be extinct, the Spiny Babbler was rediscovered in the late 1940s by the American ornithologist Sidney Dillon Ripley. Today, while not globally threatened, it is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to its limited range, habitat fragmentation, and urban development pressures in the Kathmandu Valley. Efforts to conserve its habitat—especially scrubland and forested foothills—are essential to ensure its survival. The species is considered a flagship bird for conservation in Nepal, symbolizing the country’s rich biodiversity and unique natural heritage.
The (Turdoides nipalensis) is a super special bird—it’s endemic to Nepal, meaning it’s found nowhere else in the world. That alone makes it a top target for birders visiting the Himalayas for a Spiny Babbler Birding Tour in Nepal.
Spiny Babbler Birding Tour.
The (Turdoides nipalensis), Nepal’s only endemic bird, is found throughout the midhill range of the country, according to my research. Once considered elusive and limited to a few locations, recent observations suggest it is more widespread than previously thought. Preferring scrubby forests, bushy slopes, and open hillsides, it is known for its distinctive call and secretive behavior. The Spiny Babbler is a symbol of Nepal’s rich and unique avifauna, thriving in habitats shaped by traditional land use and local conservation awareness.
If anyone is interested in seeing the Spiny Babbler—Nepal’s only endemic bird—contact Nepal Birding Tour Guide for expert-led trips to its natural habitats. Our experienced guides specialize in finding this elusive species across the midhill regions, offering an unforgettable birding experience amidst Nepal’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a passionate birder or a nature enthusiast, we’ll help you explore the rich avifauna of Nepal, with the best chances to observe and photograph the remarkable Spiny Babbler in the wild.
