Significant recent ornithological records from Manipur, north-east India, with an annotated checklist

The state of Manipur in India, a part of the Eastern Himalaya Endemic Bird Area, is a poorly known area for birds. The findings of a recent study are documented here. Noteworthy records include some globally threatened and near-threatened species such as Blyth's Tragopan Tragopan blythii, Green Peafowl Pavo muticus, Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis and Mrs Hume's Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae. Five species were recorded for the first time: Brown Hornbill Anorrhinus tickelli, Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius, Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri, Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus and Common Rosefinch Garpodacus erythrinus. An annotated checklist of all the birds (607 species) recorded so far is also presented. Some important observations are presented in greater detail. Conservation problems are discussed briefly and recommendations are made for protection of habitat and birds.