Kathmandu, May 20 :

Sixteen new species of birds were found in the area between Hugdi of Dhading and Hatiiwang of Chitwan district along the Mahabharat ridge during a five-day excursion undertaken by a 32-member team, the Bird Education Society (BES) said in a press release.

As the region remains almost untouched, more species could be discovered there in future, birds expert Hem Subedi said in the release.

Large niltava, orange-flanked bush robin, broad-billed warbler, striated laughing-thrush, chestnut-crowned-laughing thrush, streaked-breasted-scimitar babbler, silver-eared mesia, red-billed leothrix, cutia, rufous-winged fullvetta, whiskered yuhina, rufous sibia, fire-breasted flowerpecker, pale blue flycatcher, Asian house martin and black eagle were the species of birds found in the region.The birds were found in Siraichuli, Jyandala, Chisapanitar, Upardanggadhi, Shaktikhor, Siddhi Tindovan, Majhwang, Chitrang, Jharana and Deujar.

The area lies at an altitude range of 1275-1875 metres. Altogether 556 species of birds have been found in Chitwan district so far.