FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: THAILAND · Inthanon, a single male Green Peafowl bedecked with a full train in the dry dipterocarp forest near Chiang Mai, and a Field Guides Birding

Field Guides Tour Report

THAILAND

Jan 15, 2011 to Feb 5, 2011Dave Stejskal & Uthai Treesucon

A lovely Doi Ang Khang vista (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)

It was a perfectly typical Thailand tour this year, and that translates into an excellent trip again for our group. Thetemperature wasn't too hot or too cool, rain was non-existent, the food was great, birds were around aplenty, our supportstaff was extraordinary, and the group was a wonderful mix that got along amazingly well for four weeks (including theextension) of birding together. Is it any wonder that I look forward to this tour year after year with such relish?

Thailand has almost no endemic birds and very few specialites, so why is it such a popular destination for birders? I thinkthe answer has a lot to do with its thoroughly modern infrastructure, its wide variety of accessible habitats from coastallowlands to forested mountain tops, a very friendly and accommodating people (who really know how to cook!), and thesimple fact that just about every characteristic Asian bird family is reperesented here so well. For those reasons alone,Thailand makes the perfect first destination for birders who want to sample the rich and diverse avifauna of the Orientalregion.

All of those varied habitats each hold a characteristic set of birds, and we were able to sample a majority of them.

The warm coastal lowlands near Bangkok produced many memorable finds, not least of which was the trio of criticallyendangered Spoon-billed Sandpipers found on our first full morning of the tour.

The limestone forests of Khao Yai N.P. yielded views of the local Coral-billed Ground-Cuckoo and Siamese Fireback,among others.

The malayan evergreen broadleaf forests of Kaeng Krachan N.P., perhaps our most species-rich habitat of the entire tour,gave up looks at the rare Ratchet-tailed Treepie and a number of malayan species reaching their northern range limit there.

In the north, we found the local Giant Nuthatch in the dry mixed pine/broadleaf forest on the slopes of Doi Chaing Dao, asinging Green Cochoa and a furtive group of Black-throated Parrotbills on the lush evergreen broadleaf slopes of DoiInthanon, a single male Green Peafowl bedecked with a full train in the dry dipterocarp forest near Chiang Mai, and a

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stunning Red-faced Liocichla picking at a ripe mango in the mixed forest right on the Myanmar border atop Doi Lang.

Other than those few birds mentioned above, our journey through Thailand north of the peninsula produced an impressivecollection of birds (nearly one-half of the entire list for the country!), the overwhelming majority of which were seen wellby all in the group. Read on for more of your favorites!

A hearty round of thanks go out to Wat & Co. for their tireless assistance on this trip -- we certainly could not have doneit, and done it so comfortably and effortlessly, without them. And a hearty thanks to all in the group on this year's tour --you all made this a true pleasure to guide for myself and Uthai! I hope to see each of you again at another wonderfulbirding venue sometime in the future!

--Dave

We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Thailand.

KEYS FOR THIS LISTOne of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced,E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDSAnatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

(Dendrocygna javanica) – Great views in flight near Rang Sit on our way to Khao Yai.

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies) (Arborophila brunneopectus) – A couple of folks got a glimpse of this partridge as it

foraged through the leaf litter just below the road at Kaeng Krachan NP. (Arborophila chloropus) [*]

(Bambusicola fytchii) [*] (Gallus gallus) – A couple of good looks at Kaeng Krachan - a perennial favorite.

(Lophura diardi) – Once again, we all enjoyed incredible looks at this wonderful pheasant, theThai national bird, near Khao Yai NP.

(Polyplectron bicalcaratum) [*] (Pavo muticus) – A single male roosting in a tree adjacent to the lakes stuck around just long

enough for a decent look before he disappeared into the dry forest for the day.

Podicipedidae (Grebes) (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Ciconiidae (Storks) (Anastomus oscitans) – One of the characteristic species in the wetlands throughout the greater

Bangkok area. (Mycteria leucocephala) – A few of these were spotted in the distance at Laem Pak Bia, but it was

nice to see three more fly right over our heads at Rang Sit. Recently, this bird has been seen much more frequently onthis tour.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) (Phalacrocorax niger)

Anhingidae (Anhingas) (Anhinga melanogaster) – Numbers of this widespread species (split again from the African and

Australian forms) in Thailand have really plummeted in recent decades, so it was heartening to see this one near KhaoYai.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) (Ixobrychus sinensis) – Outstanding views of this migrant from the north at Rang Sit.

LESSER WHISTLING-DUCK

BAR-BACKED PARTRIDGE

SCALY-BREASTED PARTRIDGEMOUNTAIN BAMBOO-PARTRIDGERED JUNGLEFOWLSIAMESE FIREBACK

GRAY PEACOCK-PHEASANTGREEN PEAFOWL

LITTLE GREBE

ASIAN OPENBILL

PAINTED STORK

LITTLE CORMORANT

ORIENTAL DARTER

YELLOW BITTERN


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Heart-spotted Woodpecker (Photo by guide DaveStejskal)

(Ixobrychus cinnamomeus) – Briefly for some at Rang Sit. (Ixobrychus flavicollis) – Our first afternoon of birding produced a rare view of this one, which is a

really scarce bird at this season in Bangkok. (Ardea cinerea) (Ardea alba)

(Mesophoyx intermedia) (Egretta garzetta)

(Egretta sacra) – Several birds, mostly dark-morph individuals, at Laem Pak Bia this year. (Bubulcus ibis coromandus)

(Ardeola bacchus) – I'm sure that we saw some Javan Pond-Herons around the Bangkok area,but it's impossible to tell at this season unless you get one individual that's decided to molt early.

(Butorides striata)

Pandionidae (Osprey) (Pandion haliaetus)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) (Aviceda leuphotes) – We pulled this one out of the hat at the final hour near Chiang Mai.

(Pernis ptilorhynchus) – Thatall-dark raptor that we saw and photographed at Mae Taeng onour way to Chiang Dao was likely this highly variable species.

(Elanus caeruleus) (Milvus migrans)

(Haliastur indus) (Spilornis cheela) – Nice views

at both Khao Yai and at Kaeng Krachan. Very often, this is themost common 'large' raptor on this tour.

(Circus melanoleucos) – All of the harriers thatwe saw on the tour appeared to be this migrant species.

(Accipiter trivirgatus) – This andShikra are the most likely Accipiters on this tour at this season.

(Accipiter badius) – Most memorable were the birdschasing after, and catching, the Wrinkle-lipped Bats near KhaoYai.

(Accipiter gularis) – That smallflyover Accipiter at Doi Ang Khang was surely this species.

(Butastur liventer) – Not thebest of looks in the harsh late afternoon light near Thaton.

(Butastur indicus) – That immaturebird on the way up Doi Lang was a fun plumage to study.

(Buteo buteo japonicus)– A single bird on Doi Ang Khang was the only one we found.Some taxonomists split this one into a few species.

(Aquila clanga) – At least one,and probably two, seen on our way back to Bangkok fromKaeng Krachan.

(Lophotriorchis kienerii) – Pretty far away, but identifiable. (Nisaetus nipalensis) – A few of us were lucky enough to see a trio of these hawk-eagles

just above eye-level on Doi Lang.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) (Microhierax caerulescens) – It took us until the very end of our walk on the lower slopes of

Doi Inthanon before we found some distant perched birds. The fact that the foliage was still on these deciduous treesclearly kept us from spotting this charming species earlier.

CINNAMON BITTERNBLACK BITTERN

GRAY HERONGREAT EGRETINTERMEDIATE EGRETLITTLE EGRETPACIFIC REEF-HERONCATTLE EGRET (ASIAN)CHINESE POND-HERON

STRIATED HERON

OSPREY

BLACK BAZAORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD

BLACK-SHOULDERED KITEBLACK KITEBRAHMINY KITECRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE

PIED HARRIER

CRESTED GOSHAWK

SHIKRA

JAPANESE SPARROWHAWK

RUFOUS-WINGED BUZZARD

GRAY-FACED BUZZARD

COMMON BUZZARD (JAPONICUS)

GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE

RUFOUS-BELLIED EAGLEMOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE

COLLARED FALCONET


(Microhierax fringillarius) – Phyllis spotted our only bird of the trip along the roadsideat Kaeng Krachan.

(Falco tinnunculus) (Falco peregrinus)

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) (Gallirallus striatus) – A quick flight view only for most folks.

(Amaurornis phoenicurus) – The adult with chicks was great to see. [N] (Amaurornis bicolor) – Cookies? Who knew?! Fantastic views on Doi Inthanon of what was

once thought to be a near mythical bird. (Porzana fusca) – Several fine views at Rang Sit.

(Gallicrex cinerea) – Very brief views for most of us on our first afternoon. (Porphyrio porphyrio viridis) – This highly variable, widespread species is

due for a taxonomic revision, so stay tuned. (Gallinula chloropus)

Burhinidae (Thick-knees) (Burhinus oedicnemus) – We ended up with the best (daytime) looks I've ever had of this

species at Kaeng Krachan.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) (Vanellus cinereus) – Very reliable in the wet paddies north of Chiang Mai at this season. (Vanellus indicus) (Pluvialis squatarola) (Pluvialis fulva)

(Charadrius mongolus) – We had some great side-by-side comparisons between this one andthe next species.

(Charadrius leschenaultii) (Charadrius peronii) – We ended up with at least 30 (!) of these scarce birds at Laem Pak Bia.

The recent protection afforded this species here have really led to a population boom. (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus) – Watch for a split between these Old World

birds and our New World birds. (Charadrius dubius)

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) (Himantopus himantopus)

(Recurvirostra avosetta) – A very rare winter visitor this far south in SE Asia.

Jacanidae (Jacanas) (Hydrophasianus chirurgus)

(Metopidius indicus) – We had some excellent, prolonged viewing of this species at RangSit.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) (Xenus cinereus)

(Actitis hypoleucos) (Tringa ochropus) – Francois found our most cooperative bird at Mae Taeng.

(Tringa erythropus) (Tringa nebularia)

(Tringa stagnatilis) (Tringa glareola)

(Numenius phaeopus variegatus) (Numenius arquata) – A huge flock of these were seen in poor, backlit conditions, but we had

bigger fish to fry at the time.

BLACK-THIGHED FALCONET

EURASIAN KESTRELPEREGRINE FALCON

SLATY-BREASTED RAILWHITE-BREASTED WATERHENBLACK-TAILED CRAKE

RUDDY-BREASTED CRAKEWATERCOCKPURPLE SWAMPHEN (BLACK-BACKED)

COMMON MOORHEN

EURASIAN THICK-KNEE

GRAY-HEADED LAPWINGRED-WATTLED LAPWINGBLACK-BELLIED PLOVERPACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVERLESSER SAND-PLOVER

GREATER SAND-PLOVERMALAYSIAN PLOVER

SNOWY PLOVER (KENTISH)

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

BLACK-WINGED STILTPIED AVOCET

PHEASANT-TAILED JACANABRONZE-WINGED JACANA

TEREK SANDPIPERCOMMON SANDPIPERGREEN SANDPIPERSPOTTED REDSHANKCOMMON GREENSHANKMARSH SANDPIPERWOOD SANDPIPERWHIMBREL (SIBERIAN)EURASIAN CURLEW


Banded Broadbill, the first of five species of broadbill seenon the tour (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)

(Limosa limosa) (Limosa lapponica)

(Calidris tenuirostris) (Calidris alba)

(Calidris ruficollis) (Calidris temminckii)

(Calidris subminuta) (Calidris ferruginea)

(Eurynorhynchus pygmeus) – YESSSS!!!! There are loads of shorebirds to see south ofBangkok on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, but none more alluring than this critically endangered species fromSiberia wintering here in very small numbers. After a bit of searching, we were able to enjoy long scope views of atleast three birds feeding with other shorebirds in the shallow salt pans near Pak Thale.

(Limicola falcinellus) (Philomachus pugnax)

(Gallinago gallinago) (Gallinago stenura) – A lucky flyby for

most in the paddies near Chiang Mai on our final morning.

Turnicidae (Buttonquail) (Turnix sylvaticus) – This was a

surprise as we were leaving the dry fields after viewing scoresof pipits near Thaton.

(Turnix tanki) – Aquick flyby for some folks near Chiang Mai.

Rostratulidae (Painted-Snipes) (Rostratula benghalensis) – We

all caught up with this one when it flushed from the wet paddynear Chiang Mai on our final morning.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus)

(Sternula albifrons) (Gelochelidon nilotica)

(Hydroprogne caspia) (Chlidonias hybrida)

(Thalasseus bergii) – That birdperched on the post at Laem Pak Bia gave us quite a study.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) (Columba livia) [I]

(Columba hodgsonii) – That onespot on the road to the summit is incredibly reliable for this highland species.

(Columba pulchricollis) – This is the scarcer of the two Columbas high on Doi Inthanon. (Streptopelia orientalis) – Just barely on the road to Doi Lang.

(Streptopelia tranquebarica) (Streptopelia chinensis) (Chalcophaps indica)

(Geopelia striata) – It's thought that the birds in central Thailand are the progeny of an introducedpopulation. Birds in the isthmus in the south are native in origin. [I]

(Treron curvirostra) – This one is usually the most common of the 'green-pigeons' that we seeon this tour. We sure didn't see many this year, though.

(Treron seimundi) – A flyby only for some folks at Kaeng Krachan.

BLACK-TAILED GODWITBAR-TAILED GODWITGREAT KNOTSANDERLINGRED-NECKED STINTTEMMINCK'S STINTLONG-TOED STINTCURLEW SANDPIPERSPOON-BILLED SANDPIPER

BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPERRUFFCOMMON SNIPEPIN-TAILED SNIPE

SMALL BUTTONQUAIL

YELLOW-LEGGED BUTTONQUAIL

GREATER PAINTED-SNIPE

BROWN-HEADED GULLLITTLE TERNGULL-BILLED TERNCASPIAN TERNWHISKERED TERNGREAT CRESTED TERN

ROCK PIGEONSPECKLED WOOD-PIGEON

ASHY WOOD-PIGEONORIENTAL TURTLE-DOVERED COLLARED-DOVESPOTTED DOVEEMERALD DOVEZEBRA DOVE

THICK-BILLED PIGEON

YELLOW-VENTED PIGEON


(Treron apicauda) – We've had great luck with this distinctive 'green-pigeon' at that temple overthe years.

(Treron sphenurus) [*] (Ducula badia) – A real monster of a pigeon.

Psittacidae (Parrots) (Psittacula eupatria) – This was the second of our four species of Psittacula parakeets on

the tour this year, and one of three species that we saw at the temple on that first afternoon. Very local and very scarcein Thailand now.

(Psittacula finschii) – The last of our parakeets this year, this one is also getting scarcewithin the country, at least in the places where our itinerary takes us.

(Psittacula roseata) – The male at the temple in Bangkok on our first afternoon wasa big surprise there.

(Psittacula alexandri) (Loriculus vernalis) – It's often not easy to get the scope views that we enjoyed on this

tour.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos) (Clamator coromandus) – Usually gone by this season, this was a big surprise on our

first afternoon in Bangkok. (Hierococcyx sparverioides) – Not seen very well this year, but we sure heard our share of

them. (Cacomantis sonneratii) – Thank goodness it landed in the open!

(Cacomantis merulinus) (Chrysococcyx maculatus) – At least three birds along that little side road on Doi Inthanon

provided some great looks in between the cochoa and the parrotbills. (Surniculus lugubris) – It's a little early in the season for this one to be singing, but I'm

glad this one was. (Eudynamys scolopaceus) – This brood parasite specializes on mynas, of which Thailand has more than its

share. (Phaenicophaeus tristis) – This is the only malkoha north of Kaeng Krachan in Thailand.

(Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus) – A couple of these gave us the run-around in the lower forestsof Kaeng Krachan.

(Carpococcyx renauldi) – This difficult bird is becoming rather expected atKhao Yai since the photo blinds have gone in there. We all had wonderful views this year.

(Centropus sinensis)

Strigidae (Owls) (Otus spilocephalus) [*] (Otus lettia) – This one didn't cooperate for us until we got to Inthanon this year.

(Otus sunia) [*] (Glaucidium brodiei) – It doesn't get any better than that for this little owl.

(Glaucidium cuculoides) – Like the Collared Scops-Owl, we had to wait until Inthanonbefore we laid eyes on this one.

(Athene brama) – Fantastic views on our first afternoon of birding. (Strix leptogrammica) [*] (Ninox scutulata) – That roost site that Uthai knew about paid off quite nicely for us -- and for

the couple birding there on their own.

Podargidae (Frogmouths) (Batrachostomus hodgsoni) [*]

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) (Eurostopodus macrotis) [*]

PIN-TAILED PIGEON

WEDGE-TAILED PIGEONMOUNTAIN IMPERIAL-PIGEON

ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET

GRAY-HEADED PARAKEET

BLOSSOM-HEADED PARAKEET

RED-BREASTED PARAKEETVERNAL HANGING-PARROT

CHESTNUT-WINGED CUCKOO

LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO

BANDED BAY CUCKOOPLAINTIVE CUCKOOASIAN EMERALD CUCKOO

ASIAN DRONGO-CUCKOO

ASIAN KOEL

GREEN-BILLED MALKOHARAFFLES'S MALKOHA

CORAL-BILLED GROUND-CUCKOO

GREATER COUCAL

MOUNTAIN SCOPS-OWLCOLLARED SCOPS-OWLORIENTAL SCOPS-OWLCOLLARED OWLETASIAN BARRED OWLET

SPOTTED OWLETBROWN WOOD-OWLBROWN HAWK-OWL

HODGSON'S FROGMOUTH

GREAT EARED-NIGHTJAR


Chestnut Thrush at Doi Inthanon (Photo by guide DaveStejskal)

(Caprimulgus macrurus) – We had an excellent view of this one in the light very near ourKaeng Krachan rooms.

(Caprimulgus asiaticus) – Just barely! (Caprimulgus affinis) [*]

Apodidae (Swifts) (Hirundapus giganteus) – For some folks at Kaeng Krachan.

(Aerodramus germani) – Really abundant now along the coast south of Bangkok with theadvent of the numerous swiftlet 'apartment' buildings in the area. The real common name of this one should beGermain's Swiftlet.

(Apus pacificus) – The Ang Khang/Doi Lang area has always been the best region for this oneon our tour.

(Apus nipalensis) – Relatively scarce along our route. (Cypsiurus balasiensis)

Hemiprocnidae (Treeswifts) (Hemiprocne coronata) – The birds near our Inthanon accommodations really performed for us!

(Hemiprocne longipennis) –Excellent views of a perched bird below the first campgroundat Kaeng Krachan NP.

Trogonidae (Trogons) (Harpactes erythrocephalus) – Darn

it! [*] (Harpactes oreskios) – We

had a fantastic look at a very close bird in Khao Yai along thestream trail. This one always seems to be more common andmore visible than the above species.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) (Alcedo atthis)

(Lacedo pulchella) – After hearing afew of these rather distantly, we all got a break when a femaledecided to come out of the thick foliage and land on the powerline next to the road. Sweet!

(Pelargopsis capensis) – Thiswas another one of the quality finds in Bangkok on our firstafternoon of birding.

(Halcyon smyrnensis) –The most widespread of our six species of kingfishers on thetour.

(Halcyon pileata) – I'd justlike one colorful, fancy kingfisher in the New World...

(Todiramphus chloris) – The bestwere in the mangroves at Laem Pak Bia.

Meropidae (Bee-eaters) (Nyctyornis amictus) – We reeled this one in from a ways off and it eventually landed

right over our heads above the road at Kaeng Krachan. (Nyctyornis athertoni) – Not quite as fancy as the above species, but still a knockout!

Great views at Khao Yai. (Merops orientalis) – A common roadside bird in some areas that we drove through.

(Merops philippinus) – Bangkok is always best for this one at this season. (Merops leschenaulti) – We didn't have the big numbers that we usually record at

Kaeng Krachan at this season on this year's tour.

LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR

INDIAN NIGHTJARSAVANNA NIGHTJAR

BROWN-BACKED NEEDLETAILGERMAN'S SWIFTLET

FORK-TAILED SWIFT

HOUSE SWIFTASIAN PALM-SWIFT

CRESTED TREESWIFTGRAY-RUMPED TREESWIFT

RED-HEADED TROGON

ORANGE-BREASTED TROGON

COMMON KINGFISHERBANDED KINGFISHER

STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER

WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER

BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER

COLLARED KINGFISHER

RED-BEARDED BEE-EATER

BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATER

GREEN BEE-EATERBLUE-TAILED BEE-EATERCHESTNUT-HEADED BEE-EATER


Coraciidae (Rollers) (Coracias benghalensis) – A much better-looking bird in flight than when it's perched.

(Eurystomus orientalis) – Just a couple of birds this year at Kaeng Krachan.

Upupidae (Hoopoes) (Upupa epops) – Good numbers again of these wintering birds at our Kaeng Krachan

accommodations.

Bucerotidae (Hornbills) (Anthracoceros albirostris) – As is usually the case, this was our most common and

widespread hornbill on the tour. (Buceros bicornis) – Fantastic views of this huge bird at both Khao Yai and at Kaeng Krachan NP.

(Anorrhinus tickelli) – All we saw of the female was her bill tip sticking out of the treecavity. The visiting mate gave us a much better look. A recent split from Brown Hornbill. [N]

(Aceros undulatus) – A close pair of these flying right over the road at Khao Yai took ourcollective breath away.

Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets) (Megalaima virens) – Nicely in the scope on our way up the road at Kaeng Krachan NP.

(Megalaima lineata) – This one's fond of the drier dipterocarp forest at the lower elevations. (Megalaima faiostricta) – One of the common voices at both Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan.

(Megalaima mystacophanos) – We found that fruiting fig at the end of the Kaeng Krachanroad which turned out to be hosting a number of feeding barbets, including this gaudy species. Much more commonfarther south in Thailand.

(Megalaima franklinii) – This was the last of our nine species of barbets on the maintour.

(Megalaima asiatica) – Maybe best at Kaeng Krachan NP. (Megalaima incognita) – One of the more local of the barbet species in the country.

(Megalaima australis) – We came away with a couple of fine views of this small barbet in thescopes.

(Megalaima haemacephala) – A common background voice in the lowlands throughout thetour.

Picidae (Woodpeckers) (Jynx torquilla) – This strange woodpecker suddenly appeared as we were straining to see that

calling Spot-breasted Parrotbill below the road on Doi Ang Khang. (Sasia ochracea) – This was another pleasant surprise on Doi Ang Khang as it made its

way through the thick understory. (Dendrocopos canicapillus) – Not much bigger than a nuthatch, this widespread

woodpecker occupies a wide variety of habitats in Thailand. (Dendrocopos macei) – The briefest of looks near our hotel near Doi

Inthanon. (Dendrocopos atratus) – This one really favors the drier pine forests of the

northwest. (Dendrocopos cathpharius) – This Himalayan species just barely gets into

n.w. Thailand, so we were lucky to get the good looks that we did on Doi Lang. (Picus chlorolophus) – Great views on the Doi Ang Khang road on our last morning there.

(Picus flavinucha) – This was one of the few birds that we saw well in the dry forest beforewe got to the Siamese Fireback spot.

(Picus viridanus) – We had a wonderful woodpecker day in Kaeng Krachan,which included this infrequently seen species.

(Picus vittatus) [*] (Picus canus hessei) – Nicely at both Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan.

(Dinopium javanense) – We saw this widespread Asian species a few more times than we

INDIAN ROLLERDOLLARBIRD

EURASIAN HOOPOE

ORIENTAL PIED-HORNBILL

GREAT HORNBILLRUSTY-CHEEKED HORNBILL

WREATHED HORNBILL

GREAT BARBETLINEATED BARBETGREEN-EARED BARBETRED-THROATED BARBET

GOLDEN-THROATED BARBET

BLUE-THROATED BARBETMOUSTACHED BARBETBLUE-EARED BARBET

COPPERSMITH BARBET

EURASIAN WRYNECK

WHITE-BROWED PICULET

GRAY-CAPPED WOODPECKER

FULVOUS-BREASTED WOODPECKER

STRIPE-BREASTED WOODPECKER

CRIMSON-BREASTED WOODPECKER

LESSER YELLOWNAPEGREATER YELLOWNAPE

STREAK-BREASTED WOODPECKER

LACED WOODPECKERGRAY-FACED WOODPECKERCOMMON FLAMEBACK


Our group birding at the Chiang Dao temple(Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)

typically do on this tour. (Chrysocolaptes lucidus) – This one is often the most common and widespread of the many

woodpeckers on this tour. (Gecinulus viridis) – We found just the right hole to peer through with the scope to get a

good look at this responsive male at Kaeng Krachan. (Blythipicus pyrrhotis) – This one is usually one of the most difficult of Thailand's many

woodpeckers to see well, but that bird at the upper campground really spoiled that notion. (Meiglyptes tristis) – We usually run across this one on less than about 20% of the

trips, so we were quite lucky to see it so well at Kaeng Krachan. (Meiglyptes jugularis) – That active nest with the female's bill and forehead

sticking out was a real treat to see -- thanks Sally! [N] (Hemicircus canente) – That

bird at Khao Yai on our first morning there was really cooperative. (Mulleripicus pulverulentus) [N]

Eurylaimidae (Broadbills) (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos) –

A pair below the lower campground at Kaeng Krachan performednicely for us.

(Psarisomus dalhousiae) – Their habitof foraging in the canopy sometimes makes seeing this fantasticbroadbill a challenge. We eventually trained our scopes on a couple ofthese at Kaeng Krachan for some great views.

(Serilophus lunatus) – This smallbroadbill has become increasingly difficult to see in recent years, sowe were lucky to get on these birds as we headed back down themountain on Doi Chiang Dao.

(Eurylaimus javanicus) – All of the broadbillsthat we saw possess extraordinary plumage and it's difficult to pick afavorite -- this was our first if five species seen on the tour, so he getsa few extra points.

(Eurylaimus ochromalus) –Thanks to the persistence of Francois, we all enjoyed a wonderfulscope study of this extraordinary little broadbill.

Pittidae (Pittas) (Pitta cyanea) – Seen well by a lucky few only. If this was

your first, brace yourself for more of the same on your subsequenttours to Asia.

Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies) (Gerygone sulphurea) [*]

Prionopidae (Helmetshrikes and Allies) (Tephrodornis gularis) – The Doi Chiang Dao birds were much easier to see than our first

attempt on Doi Inthanon. (Tephrodornis pondicerianus) – Another species that seems to be declining in numbers

along our route.

Artamidae (Woodswallows) (Artamus fuscus) – A common roadside and open country species.

Aegithinidae (Ioras) (Aegithina tiphia) – Another common voice throughout.

(Aegithina lafresnayei) – Some folks never caught up with this one on the main tour, but scored on ourfirst morning of the extension.

GREATER FLAMEBACK

BAMBOO WOODPECKER

BAY WOODPECKER

BUFF-RUMPED WOODPECKER

BLACK-AND-BUFF WOODPECKER

HEART-SPOTTED WOODPECKER

GREAT SLATY WOODPECKER

BLACK-AND-RED BROADBILL

LONG-TAILED BROADBILL

SILVER-BREASTED BROADBILL

BANDED BROADBILL

BLACK-AND-YELLOW BROADBILL

BLUE PITTA

GOLDEN-BELLIED GERYGONE

LARGE WOODSHRIKE

COMMON WOODSHRIKE

ASHY WOODSWALLOW

COMMON IORAGREAT IORA


Campephagidae (Cuckoo-shrikes) (Coracina macei) – Never a really great look at this one.

(Coracina melaschistos) – The most common and widespread cuckoo-shrike inthe country.

(Pericrocotus roseus) – We all finally caught up with this migrant species on our final morning nearChiang Mai. This one is almost always associated with Ashy and Brown-rumped minivets (migrants themselves).

(Pericrocotus cantonensis) – Not always that easy to separate from the similar Ashy. (Pericrocotus divaricatus)

(Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) – Another quality find on our first afternoon in Bangkok. (Pericrocotus ethologus) – Most of ours were resident birds in the pines, but we did run

across a couple of migrant flocks away from the pines. (Pericrocotus brevirostris) – A bird of upper elevation evergreen broadleaf forests.

(Pericrocotus flammeus) – We enjoyed this widespread species throughout the tour in a variety offorested habitats.

(Pericrocotus solaris) – Best for all on Doi Ang Khang. (Hemipus picatus) – Just about everywhere except for Bangkok.

Laniidae (Shrikes) (Lanius cristatus)

(Lanius collurioides) – It was interesting to see that young bird, but I'm glad we got another, moretypical one later.

(Lanius schach) – Just in the north this year. (Lanius tephronotus) – A bird at Khao Yai was farther south than I typically see it on this

tour.

Oriolidae (Old World Orioles) (Oriolus chinensis) – I believe that all of the birds we recorded on the tour were wintering

birds from farther north. (Oriolus xanthornus) – Really difficult this year in the dry forest at the base of Doi

Inthanon. (Oriolus traillii) – The only breeding oriole in Thailand that departs from the black & yellow theme.

Dicruridae (Drongos) (Dicrurus macrocercus) – Every day in open country.

(Dicrurus leucophaeus) – Nearly recorded on every single day of the trip. Most were the resident allslate-colored birds, but several were white-faced migrants from China.

(Dicrurus aeneus) – More of a forest edge/canopy bird. (Dicrurus remifer) – Typically at higher elevations than the Greater and not

nearly as common as that species. (Dicrurus hottentottus) – The taxonomy of this bird is really messed up at the moment, but

all of our birds were the nominate subspecies D.h. hottentottus. (Dicrurus paradiseus) – Delightfully common.

Rhipiduridae (Fantails) (Rhipidura hypoxantha) – The bog atop Doi Inthanon held a few of these energetic,

charming little fantails. (Rhipidura albicollis) – This one is the upper elevation replacement of the following

species. (Rhipidura javanica) – Common even in greater Bangkok.

Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers) (Hypothymis azurea) – This one is with nearly every mixed species flock in the lowlands

and foothills. (Terpsiphone paradisi) – Our one bird at Kaeng Krachan didn't really cooperate for

LARGE CUCKOO-SHRIKEBLACK-WINGED CUCKOO-SHRIKE

ROSY MINIVET

BROWN-RUMPED MINIVETASHY MINIVETSMALL MINIVETLONG-TAILED MINIVET

SHORT-BILLED MINIVETSCARLET MINIVET

GRAY-CHINNED MINIVETBAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE

BROWN SHRIKEBURMESE SHRIKE

LONG-TAILED SHRIKEGRAY-BACKED SHRIKE

BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE

BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE

MAROON ORIOLE

BLACK DRONGOASHY DRONGO

BRONZED DRONGOLESSER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO

HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO

GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO

YELLOW-BELLIED FANTAIL

WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL

PIED FANTAIL

BLACK-NAPED MONARCH

ASIAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER


The Spotted Owlet seen so well on our first afternoon (Photoby guide Dave Stejskal)

us.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) (Garrulus glandarius) – The birds here don't look much like birds that you may have seen in Europe.

(Urocissa erythrorhyncha) – It was a real treat to see this one sitting up in the open near Chiang Mai onour final morning - they tend to be shy and difficult to observe (let alone savor in the scope) in Thailand.

(Cissa chinensis) – It took some work, but most, if not all, got a look at this shy bird at KaengKrachan.

(Dendrocitta vagabunda) – Great views near our rooms at Kaeng Krachan. (Dendrocitta formosae) – Another shy one, but some folks got a look of some sort on Doi Ang Khang.

(Crypsirina temia) – A couple of birds working through the canopy just above the lowercampground at Kaeng Krachan gave everyone a look at this odd jay.

(Temnurus temnurus) – It tooka couple of tries, but we all eventually got decent looks at thisodd bird at Kaeng Krachan. This highly disjunct population islikely a distinct subspecies that has yet to be formerlydescribed.

(Corvus macrorhynchos) – Watch fora revision of this one in the near future. Our birds were thenominate race, C.m. macrorhynchos.

Alaudidae (Larks) (Mirafra erythrocephala) – Great

views in the scopes at our accommodations near KaengKrachan.

(Alauda gulgula) – A few of thesewere spotted while we checked that field near Laem Pak Biafor the missing Black-headed Ibis.

Hirundinidae (Swallows) (Riparia riparia) (Hirundo rustica)

(Hirundo smithii) – Nicely nearMae Taeng.

(Cecropis daurica) – Just about allof the 'red-rumped' swallows that we checked appeared to bethis species.

(Cecropis striolata) – We finally sawsome that we were satisfied with on our way to Chiang Daofrom Inthanon. A tough call unless you see that nape/crownarea really well.

(Delichon dasypus) – A common sight overhead in the mountains of the northwest.

Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers) (Culicicapa ceylonensis) – We had lots of these endearing little

flycatchers throughout the trip.

Paridae (Chickadees and Tits) (Parus major nubicolus) – This widespread and variable species is likely to get split soon, so you'll need to

keep track of which subspecies you've seen. Ours is likely to be part of the Japanese or Eastern Great-Tit complex. (Parus spilonotus) – I remember this one being much more common than it appears to be

now, but we still came away with some great looks up in the northwest. (Sylviparus modestus) – That pair at the bog on Doi Inthanon couldn't have been more

confiding, though I guess they could have landed on us! (Melanochlora sultanea) – This gorgeous bird was seen at Kaeng Krachan NP only this year.

EURASIAN JAYBLUE MAGPIE

GREEN MAGPIE

RUFOUS TREEPIEGRAY TREEPIERACKET-TAILED TREEPIE

RATCHET-TAILED TREEPIE

LARGE-BILLED CROW

INDOCHINESE BUSHLARK

ORIENTAL SKYLARK

BANK SWALLOWBARN SWALLOWWIRE-TAILED SWALLOW

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW

STRIATED SWALLOW

ASIAN HOUSE-MARTIN

GRAY-HEADED CANARY-FLYCATCHER

GREAT TIT

YELLOW-CHEEKED TIT

YELLOW-BROWED TIT

SULTAN TIT


Cettiidae (Bush-Warblers and Allies) (Tesia olivea) – Though it was difficult to get our bins on this furtive little guy, most of us

came away with at least some great naked-eye views. (Cettia flavolivacea) – Some got a look at this one on Doi Ang Khang. One of the more

easily seen bush-warblers. (Abroscopus superciliaris) – This bamboo specialist performed quite well for us on

our way up the road in Kaeng Krachan. (Phyllergates cucullatus) – Except for the long bill and the rusty crown, this one reminds

me quite a lot of the above species.

Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits) (Aegithalos concinnus) – A very local bird indeed in Thailand. The race here is talifuensis,

which is not the race pictured in the field guide.

Sittidae (Nuthatches) (Sitta castanea tonkinensis) – A very difficult bird on this tour recently, we lucked

out with great views of a responsive bird at the base of Doi Inthanon. (Sitta nagaensis) – Very common in all of the mountain habitats up in the

northwest on this tour. (Sitta frontalis) – This odd, but gorgeous, nuthatch was seen quite well both in the

north and the south on this tour. (Sitta magna) – This very local species stuck around on that dead snag just long enough for

everyone to get multiple views in the scope. We heard a few more of these guys in the pines on Doi Ang Khang, too.

Certhiidae (Creepers) (Certhia discolor shanensis) – We enjoyed a couple of fine views of this one

up on Doi Inthanon. Another split candidate, so keep track of where you see 'em.

Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls) (Spizixos canifrons) – We ran across a pretty sizable flock of these in the agriculture up on Doi

Ang Khang. (Pycnonotus striatus) – This one is at higher elevations than most bulbul species in Thailand.

(Pycnonotus atriceps) – Kaeng Krachan NP is usually the easiest place to see thiswidespread species.

(Pycnonotus melanicterus) – Pretty much everywhere on this tour, even up high. (Pycnonotus jocosus) – This one is now quite difficult to find in much of Thailand due to

the cage bird trade. Uthai says that it's been extirpated from the south. (Pycnonotus xanthorrhous) – Very local in the northwest.

(Pycnonotus aurigaster) – We had both yellow-vented and red-vented birds on this tour. (Pycnonotus finlaysoni) – If you see the face well, this is really quite a pretty bulbul.

(Pycnonotus flavescens) – One of the most conspicuous of all birds up high. (Pycnonotus goiavier)

(Pycnonotus blanfordi) (Alophoixus pallidus) – This one is mostly replaced by the next species in the far west.

(Alophoixus ochraceus) – On this tour, only at Kaeng Krachan. (Iole propinqua) – This and the next are really similar to each other, and I'm really glad there's

no overlap on this tour. Voice is the best way to i.d. them. (Iole olivacea) – This one replaces the above in the west and south.

(Ixos mcclellandii) – One of the noisiest of the many bulbul species on this tour. (Hemixos flavala) – The birds in Kaeng Krachan look pretty different from the other race we saw

elsewhere. They all sound the same, though. (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) – All of our birds this year were the typical all-black race.

(Hypsipetes thompsoni) – That site on Doi Inthanon has proven to be very reliable for thepast three years. Of all of the bulbul species on this tour, this one has the smallest world range.

SLATY-BELLIED TESIA

ABERRANT BUSH-WARBLER

YELLOW-BELLIED WARBLER

MOUNTAIN TAILORBIRD

BLACK-THROATED TIT

CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH

CHESTNUT-VENTED NUTHATCH

VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH

GIANT NUTHATCH

BROWN-THROATED TREECREEPER

CRESTED FINCHBILL

STRIATED BULBULBLACK-HEADED BULBUL

BLACK-CRESTED BULBULRED-WHISKERED BULBUL

BROWN-BREASTED BULBULSOOTY-HEADED BULBULSTRIPE-THROATED BULBULFLAVESCENT BULBULYELLOW-VENTED BULBULSTREAK-EARED BULBULPUFF-THROATED BULBULOCHRACEOUS BULBULGRAY-EYED BULBUL

BUFF-VENTED BULBULMOUNTAIN BULBULASHY BULBUL

BLACK BULBULWHITE-HEADED BULBUL


Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers) (Phylloscopus fuscatus) – A very widespread winterer on this tour, but we heard far more than we

saw. (Phylloscopus subaffinis) – One bird only this year, and that one bird stuck around for

a very short time on Doi Ang Khang. (Phylloscopus schwarzi) – This was a particularly good year for this migrant species at Khao Yai.

(Phylloscopus pulcher) – A little scarcer than usual up in the northwest this year. (Phylloscopus maculipennis) – If you want to see this one in Thailand, Doi Inthanon is

the only place to find it. This is the smallest of all of our leaf-warblers on the tour. (Phylloscopus inornatus) – Daily.

(Phylloscopus humei) – This one seems to be everywhere in the northwest wherever there arepines.

(Phylloscopus trochiloides) [*] (Phylloscopus trochiloides plumbeitarsus) – This was the form that we saw

throughout the south and it far outnumbered the above form. (Phylloscopus tenellipes) – Seen pretty well by most folks at Khao Yai. Don't ask

me how to separate it from Sakhalin Leaf-Warbler. (Phylloscopus reguloides claudiae) – This and the next species will likely be split into

multiple species sometime soon, so keep track of your races. (Phylloscopus davisoni davisoni) – Abundant in the mountains of the northwest.

(Phylloscopus ricketti) – There seemed to be more of these around than usual atKaeng Krachan.

(Seicercus tephrocephalus) – A couple of birds at the end of the Doi Chiang Dao roadshowed pretty well before it disappeared back into the weeds.

(Seicercus soror) [*] (Seicercus whistleri nemoralis) – It looks like the most recent revision of the Clements

checklist calls the bird that we've long called Martens's (Omei Spectacled) Warbler is now thought to be a race ofWhistler's Warbler.

(Seicercus valentini) – This and the above three Seicercus warblers were all split out from theGolden-spectacled Warbler in a six-way split. Four of the six occur in Thailand, and this one seems to be the mostlocal and scarcest of the bunch.

(Seicercus castaniceps) – That was one of the best looks I've ever had of this oneup on Doi Lang.

Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies) (Acrocephalus bistrigiceps) – It's easy to hear in those reeds, but pretty darned

difficult to see sometimes. (Acrocephalus orientalis) – The size of this one is always a little bit of a surprise.

(Acrocephalus aedon) – We had far more of these wintering warblers on this year's tourthan we usually have - we're usually lucky to get one or two.

Megaluridae (Grassbirds and Allies) (Bradypterus thoracicus davidi) [*]

(Bradypterus seebohmi idoneus) – If you happened to be watching the right hole in theweeds, you may have seen this extreme skulker cross from one side to the other next to the road on Doi Ang Khang.

(Locustella lanceolata) [*] (Locustella certhiola) – Briefly for some in the reeds at Rang Sit.

Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies) (Cisticola juncidis)

(Orthotomus sutorius) – This one shuns the forested areas, which is occupied by the nextspecies.

(Orthotomus atrogularis)

DUSKY WARBLER

BUFF-THROATED WARBLER

RADDE'S WARBLERBUFF-BARRED WARBLERASHY-THROATED WARBLER

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLERHUME'S WARBLER

GREENISH WARBLERGREENISH WARBLER (TWO-BARRED)

PALE-LEGGED LEAF-WARBLER

BLYTH'S LEAF-WARBLER

WHITE-TAILED LEAF-WARBLERSULPHUR-BREASTED WARBLER

GRAY-CROWNED WARBLER

PLAIN-TAILED WARBLERWHISTLER'S WARBLER

BIANCHI'S WARBLER

CHESTNUT-CROWNED WARBLER

BLACK-BROWED REED-WARBLER

ORIENTAL REED-WARBLERTHICK-BILLED WARBLER

SPOTTED BUSH-WARBLERRUSSET BUSH-WARBLER

LANCEOLATED WARBLERPALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER

ZITTING CISTICOLACOMMON TAILORBIRD

DARK-NECKED TAILORBIRD


(Prinia polychroa) – Not much to look at, but this was a quality bird to dig out of the undergrowth inthe dry forest near the fireback spot.

(Prinia atrogularis) – It took a while, but it finally got out into the open to sing its little head off on DoiChiang Dao.

(Prinia rufescens) – We had a couple of shots at this one, though January isn't the best month toget a response from this one.

(Prinia hodgsonii) – A few of these came in for a look, but I fear they slipped away beforeall got on them.

(Prinia flaviventris) – The Rang Sit marshes are full of these little guys. (Prinia inornata) – The most widespread and common of the prinias here.

Sylviidae (Old World Warblers) (Chrysomma sinense) [*]

(Paradoxornis gularis) – Most folks got on a big flock of these moving through thecanopy on Doi Chiang Dao, just before we connected with the Giant Nuthatch.

(Paradoxornis guttaticollis) – Patience paid off with fantastic looks at this strangebird on Doi Ang Khang.

(Paradoxornis nipalensis feae) – It's a good thing that we kept on finding morebirds to look at along that little side road on Doi Inthanon, that kept us in place at that spot until that flock of parrotbillsdecided to move through. Great looks!

Irenidae (Fairy-bluebirds) (Irena puella) – A truly stunning bird.

Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers) (Muscicapa sibirica) – Very few this year at Kaeng Krachan. Formerly known as

Siberian Flycatcher. (Muscicapa dauurica) – Superficially, it's a bit like our Empidonax flycatchers in N.

America, but it's entirely unrelated. (Ficedula mugimaki) – That cooperative bird at Khao Yai was a real 'looker'! We ended

up with a couple of others in the south on the tour. (Ficedula hodgsonii) – A fairly common wintering bird in the pine and mixed

pine/broadleaf forest in the mountains of the northwest. (Ficedula strophiata) – That male at the checkpoint on Doi Lang was certainly

confiding. (Ficedula albicilla) – Formerly lumped with the Red-throated Flycatcher of the w. Palearctic, we

detected this widespread winterer almost daily on this tour. (Ficedula monileger) – We finally caught up for some good looks at Doi Lang.

(Ficedula solitaris) – This is a close relative to the above White-gorgeted and it's abird that we hear far more often than we see it.

(Ficedula westermanni) – Reliably seen in just about all of the mixed pine/broadleafforest of the northwest.

(Ficedula superciliaris) – We found a female along the roadside at Doi Inthanon.Almost a dead ringer for a female Little Pied F., but this one lacks the rusty in the tail and it seems to always show thatpale line up the middle of the abdomen. In fifteen years of doing this tour, this was only the 2nd one there that I've everseen.

(Ficedula tricolor) – Very briefly for some on the slopes of Doi Chiang Dao. One of themost difficult of the Ficedula flycatchers to see since it's such a skulker.

(Eumyias thalassinus) – Seen almost daily on this tour. (Niltava grandis) – Our best was the bird at the feeding station on Doi Lang.

(Niltava vivida) – A male high in the forest canopy on Doi Inthanon didn't stick around long enough tosatisfy all in the group.

(Cyornis hainanus) – Nice looks at our first two forested venues. (Cyornis unicolor) – Uthai stuck with this one on the final day of the tour and we all came

BROWN PRINIA

HILL PRINIA

RUFESCENT PRINIA

GRAY-BREASTED PRINIA

YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIAPLAIN PRINIA

YELLOW-EYED BABBLERGRAY-HEADED PARROTBILL

SPOT-BREASTED PARROTBILL

BLACK-THROATED PARROTBILL

ASIAN FAIRY-BLUEBIRD

DARK-SIDED FLYCATCHER

ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER

MUGIMAKI FLYCATCHER

SLATY-BACKED FLYCATCHER

RUFOUS-GORGETED FLYCATCHER

TAIGA FLYCATCHER

WHITE-GORGETED FLYCATCHERRUFOUS-BROWED FLYCATCHER

LITTLE PIED FLYCATCHER

ULTRAMARINE FLYCATCHER

SLATY-BLUE FLYCATCHER

VERDITER FLYCATCHERLARGE NILTAVAVIVID NILTAVA

HAINAN BLUE-FLYCATCHERPALE BLUE-FLYCATCHER


away with good scope looks. Not an understory inhabitant like the other Cyornis that we saw on this tour. (Cyornis rubeculoides dialilaemus) – This was the race that we saw in the dry

dipterocarp forest at the base of Doi Inthanon, where it breeds. (Cyornis rubeculoides glaucicomans) – This distinctive race, often called Chinese

Blue-Flycatcher, gave us some fine views along the roadside in Kaeng Krachan NP. (Cyornis banyumas) – By far, this is the most common and widespread of the Cyornis

flycatchers on this tour. (Muscicapella hodgsoni) – A very nice surprise find at our first forested stop on Doi

Lang. The pair disappeared soon after they were found, though. (Luscinia sibilans) – If you happened to be in the right spot, you might have gotten an

identifiable glimpse of this scarce wintering bird at Khao Yai. (Luscinia calliope) – We usually get a better look at this wintering bird on this tour.

(Luscinia svecica) – Nicely responsive at Thaton. (Luscinia cyane) – This was a bonus bird for some folks at the Coral-billed Ground-Cuckoo

spot. (Tarsiger cyanurus) – I've seen this fancy little wintering bird a number of times at the

summit of Doi Inthanon, but never like that! What a confiding couple of male birds! (Copsychus saularis) – Usually one of the first birds that we seen on the grounds of our

Bangkok hotel. (Copsychus malabaricus) – A number of fine views at our first two national parks of the

tour. (Chaimarrornis leucocephalus) – Fantastic looks of a close bird in appropriate habitat on

our first afternoon of birding on Doi Inthanon. (Rhyacornis fuliginosa) – A little farther downstream from the above species that same

afternoon. (Hodgsonius phaenicuroides) [*]

(Cinclidium leucurum) – Glimpsed by some folks in the north. (Enicurus immaculatus) – An all too brief encounter with this fancy bird along the

stream at the base of our dry forest trail. (Enicurus schistaceus) – We had a much more leisurely look at this one along the same

stream that hosted the two redstarts. If you've never seen a forktail before this trip, you now know why they are soalluring to birders in the region.

(Enicurus leschenaulti) – We spent quite a bit of time trying to track this beauty downalong the side of the road on Doi Chiang Dao, coming away with mixed results.

(Cochoa viridis) – Harlan was the one to spot this bird sitting and singing in a distant tree. We allcame away with fabulous looks in the scope of this scarce and beautiful species.

(Saxicola torquatus maurus) – Common in the roadside stubble. (Saxicola caprata)

(Saxicola jerdoni) – This scarce bird has all but disappeared from our route in Thailand, so wewere incredibly fortunate to find a singing male along the roadside on Doi Lang.

(Saxicola ferreus) – Very shrike-like in appearance.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) (Monticola gularis) – That male at the photographers' stake-out in Khao Yai

was really something! (Monticola solitarius) – Both in the north and south.

(Myophonus caeruleus eugenei) – This is the yellow-billed breeding race that weencountered in the north and south.

(Myophonus caeruleus caeruleus) – This was the dark-billed migrant race from Chinathat we found in the northwest.

(Zoothera citrina) – A couple of these in the south made brief appearances. (Zoothera marginata) – After a couple of times around the boardwalk, we finally came away

BLUE-THROATED FLYCATCHER

BLUE-THROATED FLYCATCHER

HILL BLUE-FLYCATCHER

PYGMY BLUE-FLYCATCHER

RUFOUS-TAILED ROBIN

SIBERIAN RUBYTHROATBLUETHROATSIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN

RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL

ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN

WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA

WHITE-CAPPED REDSTART

PLUMBEOUS REDSTART

WHITE-BELLIED REDSTARTWHITE-TAILED ROBINBLACK-BACKED FORKTAIL

SLATY-BACKED FORKTAIL

WHITE-CROWNED FORKTAIL

GREEN COCHOA

STONECHAT (SIBERIAN)PIED BUSHCHATJERDON'S BUSHCHAT

GRAY BUSHCHAT

WHITE-THROATED ROCK-THRUSH

BLUE ROCK-THRUSHBLUE WHISTLING-THRUSH

BLUE WHISTLING-THRUSH

ORANGE-HEADED THRUSHDARK-SIDED THRUSH


with some fantastic views of this difficult, skulking thrush that looks so at home in the mud. (Turdus dissimilis) – We had some tough luck with this one this year. We saw about a

half dozen birds, but mostly flying, and few of us, if anyone at all, got a decent look on Doi Ang Khang. (Turdus rubrocanus) – Fabulous looks on both days that we visited the summit bog on Doi

Inthanon. (Turdus feae) – A few birds were seen on Doi Inthanon, as usual. (Turdus obscurus) – A couple of fine looks at this migrant species in the north.

(Brachypteryx montana) – An adult male came out of his dark understory home onDoi Inthanon to give us all a look.

Timaliidae (Babblers) (Garrulax leucolophus) – Probably the most widespread of the several

laughingthrushes on this tour. (Garrulax monileger) – Our best looks were had at the little dump near

the Kaeng Krachan HQ. We couldn't turn any of them into Greaters, though. (Garrulax pectoralis) – Brief views along the lower road at Kaeng

Krachan NP. (Garrulax strepitans) – It took a couple of tries, but those birds came back to

the same perches a couple of times, giving all a good look at this skulking species. (Garrulax chinensis) – That was about as good of a look at this shy

species as I have ever had. (Garrulax sannio) – Uncharacteristically, these shy birds were out in the

open when we spotted them at the end of the little fruit orchard on Doi Ang Khang. (Garrulax melanostigma) – A characteristic bird of the Doi Inthanon summit,

this bird was very recently split from the Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush of the Himalayas to the northwest ofThailand.

(Liocichla phoenicea ripponi) – We gave those first birds on Doi Ang Khang a good try, butif we had known what was to come...

(Malacocincla abbotti) – We found a very confiding pair of these skulking babblers at the parkheadquarters at Khao Yai.

(Pellorneum tickelli) – We finally caught up with this one near Chiang Dao. (Pellorneum albiventre) [*] (Pellorneum ruficeps) – We had a couple of fine looks, especially at the dump near the

Kaeng Krachan HQ. (Pomatorhinus hypoleucos) – Again, near the dump at the Kaeng Krachan HQ.

(Pomatorhinus erythrogenys) – Great views on Doi Ang Khang! (Pomatorhinus schisticeps) – Our best was at the upper campground in

Kaeng Krachan NP. (Pomatorhinus ferruginosus) – A couple of pairs of these gave us the run-

around on Doi Lang, but most folks got a look of some sort. (Gypsophila crispifrons) – This one isn't always easy, like this year, but we came

away with good looks on our way to Khao Yai NP. The first of our nearly 45 babblers on this tour! (Napothera epilepidota) – That wasn't the easiest place to see this shy bird, but most

got a look of some kind. (Pnoepyga pusilla) – Very difficult this year, but most folks got a naked-eye look, at least.

(Stachyris rufifrons) (Stachyris chrysaea) – This one sounds very much like the above species, but looks entirely

different. (Stachyris nigriceps) [*]

(Stachyris striolata) – We must have been right in the center of this one's territory at KaengKrachan NP. Incredible looks!

(Macronous gularis) – Called Striped Tit-Babbler in all of the books and on the

BLACK-BREASTED THRUSH

CHESTNUT THRUSH

GRAY-SIDED THRUSHEYEBROWED THRUSHWHITE-BROWED SHORTWING

WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

LESSER NECKLACED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

GREATER NECKLACED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

WHITE-NECKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

BLACK-THROATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

WHITE-BROWED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

SILVER-EARED LAUGHINGTHRUSH

RED-FACED LIOCICHLA

ABBOTT'S BABBLER

BUFF-BREASTED BABBLERSPOT-THROATED BABBLERPUFF-THROATED BABBLER

LARGE SCIMITAR-BABBLERRUSTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAR-BABBLERWHITE-BROWED SCIMITAR-BABBLER

CORAL-BILLED SCIMITAR-BABBLER

LIMESTONE WREN-BABBLER

EYEBROWED WREN-BABBLER

PYGMY WREN-BABBLERRUFOUS-FRONTED BABBLERGOLDEN BABBLER

GRAY-THROATED BABBLERSPOT-NECKED BABBLER

PIN-STRIPED TIT-BABBLER


checklist, this bird was recently split into two. Ours was the widespread (mostly) mainland form. If you've seen theother species (Bold-striped Tit-Babbler), you likely saw it on Borneo or on Java.

(Timalia pileata) – Very distinctive and frustratingly shy. (Leiothrix argentauris) – We had several fine views of this gorgeous babbler on Doi Inthanon

and elsewhere in the northwest. One of John's most memorable of his highlights. (Pteruthius flaviscapis) – This and the next two shrike-babblers were very

recently found to be more closely related to the New World vireos than to the Old World babblers. (Pteruthius melanotis) – That male on Doi Lang behaved very nicely for all of

us. (Pteruthius aenobarbus) – That male eventually came in over our heads

along the same dirt road that produced the Green Cochoa and the Black-throated Parrotbills -- nice road! (Gampsorhynchus torquatus) – It's tough to not call this one the White-hooded Babbler

anymore, but I'll have to get used to saying Collared Babbler now that it's been split from that species. Great looks atKaeng Krachan NP.

(Actinodura ramsayi) – Always a crowd-pleaser, we got some super views of this dapperbird along the main road at Doi Inthanon NP.

(Minla cyanouroptera) – Not as gaudy or confiding as its chestnut-tailed cousin, but we didwind up with some good views of this one at a few sites up north. [N]

(Minla strigula) – Fantastic views, again, on Doi Inthanon. (Alcippe castaneceps) – It was fascinating watching a pair of these busily adding to

their nest in the cavity of a tree trunk up at the summit bog on Doi Inthanon. [N] (Alcippe poioicephala) – The two races that we saw (one in Kaeng Krachan, the other

on Doi Inthanon) have very different voices, making one wonder if there may be two species involved here in Thailand. (Alcippe morrisonia) – One of the most common understory species in the mountains

of the northwest. (Heterophasia annectens) – In terms of behavior, this species is very different than the other

two species of sibia that we saw on this tour. (Heterophasia melanoleuca) – That feeding station on Doi Lang was a great place to study

these pied babblers. (Heterophasia picaoides) – This one is quite rare and local in Thailand, but we've been very

lucky the past few years with it up on Doi Lang.

Zosteropidae (White-eyes) (Yuhina castaniceps) – This is another species that has recently been split, and the other species,

the Indochinese Yuhina, does indeed occur in Thailand, but only in the n.e. part of the country and outside our standardroute.

(Yuhina flavicollis) – We found a couple of very confiding birds on the slopes of Doi Lang. (Yuhina zantholeuca) – Not really a yuhina, and not really a babbler, as far as the most

recent biochemical analysis can figure. Best called the White-bellied Erpornis. (Zosterops erythropleurus) – We usually don't run into this one until we get to

the north, but they seemed to be everywhere this year. (Zosterops palpebrosus) – The white-eyes were just subsumed into the babbler family, now

making that family one of the largest of all. (Zosterops japonicus) (Zosterops everetti) – We had just a few of these darker, resident white-eyes in the upper

reaches of Kaeng Krachan NP.

Sturnidae (Starlings) (Saroglossa spiloptera) – Seeing a dozen or so of these rare (in Thailand) starlings feeding

in a flowering Erythrina tree in Kaeng Krachan NP was a big surprise for both myself and Uthai. (Ampeliceps coronatus) – Kaeng Krachan NP is usually a great place to see this

uncommon starling. (Gracula religiosa) – This vocal and distinctive myna was present in much greater numbers at

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BABBLERSILVER-EARED MESIA

WHITE-BROWED SHRIKE-BABBLER

BLACK-EARED SHRIKE-BABBLER

CHESTNUT-FRONTED SHRIKE-BABBLER

COLLARED BABBLER

SPECTACLED BARWING

BLUE-WINGED MINLA

CHESTNUT-TAILED MINLARUFOUS-WINGED FULVETTA

BROWN-CHEEKED FULVETTA

GRAY-CHEEKED FULVETTA

RUFOUS-BACKED SIBIA

BLACK-BACKED SIBIA

LONG-TAILED SIBIA

STRIATED YUHINA

WHISKERED YUHINAWHITE-BELLIED YUHINA

CHESTNUT-FLANKED WHITE-EYE

ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE

JAPANESE WHITE-EYEEVERETT'S WHITE-EYE

SPOT-WINGED STARLING

GOLDEN-CRESTED MYNA

COMMON HILL MYNA


Khao Yai NP than it was on our 2010 tour. (Acridotheres grandis)

(Acridotheres tristis) (Acridotheres burmannicus) – We found a pair of these local specialties at the final

hour on our hotel grounds near Kaeng Krachan NP. (Gracupica nigricollis)

(Gracupica contra) (Sturnia malabarica) – We often find the odd White-shouldered or Daurian Starling

mixed in with flocks of these, but not this year. (Temenuchus pagodarum) – A vagrant stake-out near Laem Pak Bia was nice to see, but the

setting could have been better.

Chloropseidae (Leafbirds) (Chloropsis sonnerati) – Fantastic scope views at the end of the road at Kaeng Krachan

NP. (Chloropsis cochinchinensis) – The most common and widespread of our four leafbird

species on this tour this year. (Chloropsis aurifrons) – Good comparisons with the above species at both Khao Yai

and Kaeng Krachan NP. (Chloropsis hardwickii) – Certainly one of the most beautiful members of a beautiful

family.

Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers) (Dicaeum agile) – We all had good looks at that orange eye in the scope.

(Dicaeum chrysorrheum) – One of our first flowerpecker species at Khao Yai. (Dicaeum concolor) – 'Plain' sums it up pretty well.

(Dicaeum ignipectum ignipectum) – We had a fantastic encounter with this onealong the boardwalk at the summit bog on Doi Inthanon.

(Dicaeum ignipectum cambodianum) – This distinctive lowland race lacks thered on the chest of the highland races.

(Dicaeum cruentatum) – Just about everywhere in the lowlands throughout.

Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters) (Chalcoparia singalensis) – A single male at Khao Yai NP was all that we could muster

this year. (Anthreptes malacensis) [*]

(Hypogramma hypogrammicum) [*] (Leptocoma sperata) – A backlit view of a male at Khao Yai was about it for this

one, until we went on to the extension. (Cinnyris asiaticus) – Very common in the dry dipterocarp forest at the base of Doi Inthanon.

(Cinnyris jugularis) [N] (Aethopyga gouldiae) – Lots of cracking males in the mountains of the northwest, especially on

Doi Lang. (Aethopyga nipalensis angkanensis) – This endemic race is truly

stunning! (Aethopyga saturata) – Both in the north and in the south on this tour. (Aethopyga siparaja) – Just at Khao Yai NP on this year's tour.

(Arachnothera longirostra) – One of the most common voices in Khao Yai, but we had it allof the way north to Doi Chiang Dao as well.

(Arachnothera modesta) – This is one that we often miss on this tour, since it'smostly a bird of the peninsula region, reaching its northern limit near Kaeng Krachan.

(Arachnothera magna) – Really striking with those bright orange feet.

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

WHITE-VENTED MYNACOMMON MYNAVINOUS-BREASTED STARLING

BLACK-COLLARED STARLINGASIAN PIED STARLINGCHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING

BRAHMINY STARLING

GREATER GREEN LEAFBIRD

BLUE-WINGED LEAFBIRD

GOLDEN-FRONTED LEAFBIRD

ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD

THICK-BILLED FLOWERPECKERYELLOW-VENTED FLOWERPECKERPLAIN FLOWERPECKERFIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER

FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER

SCARLET-BACKED FLOWERPECKER

RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD

PLAIN-THROATED SUNBIRDPURPLE-NAPED SUNBIRDPURPLE-THROATED SUNBIRD

PURPLE SUNBIRDOLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRDGOULD'S SUNBIRD

GREEN-TAILED SUNBIRD (DOI INTHANON)

BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRDEASTERN CRIMSON SUNBIRDLITTLE SPIDERHUNTER

GRAY-BREASTED SPIDERHUNTER

STREAKED SPIDERHUNTER


(Motacilla flava taivana) – That bird that we called in at RangSit was this form, which is now assigned to the Western Yellow Wagtail (instead of the more expected Eastern YellowWagtail). The fact that it responded so vigorously to the song of Eastern from Alaska really makes me wonder if itought to be re-assigned to Eastern, though.

(Motacilla tschutschensis) – These were the birds that we had in the coastal habitatsearly in the trip.

(Motacilla cinerea) – Unlike the other species of wagtails on this trip, this one shies away fromagricultural areas and prefers road edges and rocky streambeds.

(Motacilla alba leucopsis) (Anthus richardi) – We had some great audio of this migrant species in the dry fields near Thaton on

the evening we arrived there. Very close to Oriental Pipit in plumage, but the vocal differences are quite distinct. (Anthus rufulus) – Also called the Paddyfield Pipit and a resident bird in Thailand.

(Anthus hodgsoni) – Always at the edge of forest and often flushes into trees. (Anthus cervinus) – We had some great studies of this wintering species near Thaton.

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Melophus lathami) – A pair of flybys at Thaton was all that we could find this year with the

continued disappearance of riverine habitat there. (Emberiza pusilla) – Most had an excellent study of this attractive bunting in the orchard on Doi Ang

Khang. (Emberiza rutila) – Doi Chiang Dao was again a good spot for this wintering species.

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) (Carpodacus erythrinus) – Good scope looks up at the White-headed Bulbul spot on Doi

Inthanon. (Chloris ambigua) – Only a couple of folks got a brief look at this one on Doi Ang

Khang before it disappeared.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) (Passer domesticus indicus) – A recent invader to the country.

(Passer flaveolus) – For a Passer, this one is kinda pretty. (Passer montanus)

Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies) (Ploceus philippinus) – Only a few female-plumaged birds, looking quite a bit like female House

Sparrows.

Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies) (Erythrura prasina) – Wat spotted this one for us in the seeding bamboo at the end of the

road at Kaeng Krachan NP. Great looks at this nomadic, scarce species. (Lonchura striata) – A little more widespread this year compared to most tours.

(Lonchura punctulata) – Scaly-breasted Munia in some books. (Lonchura atricapilla) – Nice views of a small group of these handsome munias in the Rang Sit

marshes.

MAMMALS (Tadarida [Chaerephon] plicata) – Quite a spectacle! (Tupaia glis) – This one looks quite a bit like a chipmunk or a small squirrel, but it's not even

very remotely related to those. (Macaca fascigularis) – Also called the Long-tailed Macaque.

(Macaca nemestrina) – Once rarely seen in Khao Yai (can you believe that!), it's now a realnuisance in the park, especially in the campgrounds.

(Presbytis obscura) – Kaeng Krachan is the place to see these endearing primates. (Hylobates pileatus) [N]

WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (GREEN-HEADED)

EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL

GRAY WAGTAIL

WHITE WAGTAIL (BLACK-BACKED)RICHARD'S PIPIT

ORIENTAL PIPITOLIVE-BACKED PIPITRED-THROATED PIPIT

CRESTED BUNTING

LITTLE BUNTING

CHESTNUT BUNTING

COMMON ROSEFINCH

BLACK-HEADED GREENFINCH

HOUSE SPARROWPLAIN-BACKED SPARROWEURASIAN TREE SPARROW

BAYA WEAVER

PIN-TAILED PARROTFINCH

WHITE-RUMPED MUNIANUTMEG MANNIKINCHESTNUT MUNIA

WRINKLE-LIPPED BATCOMMON TREESHREW

CRAB-EATING MACAQUEPIGTAIL MACAQUE

DUSKY LEAF MONKEYPILEATED GIBBON


(Hylobates lar) – This one is often pretty difficult to see at both Khao Yai and at KaengKrachan, though you hear plenty of them each day that you're there.

(Ratufa bicolor) – At first glance, you're sure this one is going to be a big, black monkey. (Callosciurus flavimanus) – At Doi Ang Khang only this year.

(Callosciurus finlaysoni) – We often call this one Variable Squirrel, and it is quite variablein its pelage.

(Callosciurus caniceps) – One of the most common 'tree' squirrels in the forested venues. (Tamiops macclellandi) – This was the tiny chipmunk-like squirrel that we found

throughout the tour. (Menetes berdmorei) – We had a good look at this one at the dump near the

Kaeng Krachan HQ. Also called the Berdmore's Palm Squirrel. (Dremomys rufigenis) – A few of these darted across the roads on the tour.

(Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) – At least three of these strange mammals on our drive out ofKaeng Krachan after sunset.

(Herpestes javanicus) – A single animal in the paddies near Thaton. (Muntiacus muntjak) – This and the Sambar are fairly common sights along the roadside

at Khao Yai NP. (Mantiacus feae) – This was the small barking deer that Uthai and I called Fea's Barking Deer at Kaeng

Krachan NP. (Cervus unicolor)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 474 bird taxa and 19 mammal taxa

WHITE-HANDED GIBBON

BLACK GIANT SQUIRRELMOUNTAIN RED-BELLIED SQUIRRELFINLAYSON'S SQUIRREL

GRAY-BELLIED SQUIRRELHIMALAYAN STRIPED SQUIRREL

INDOCHINESE GROUND SQUIRREL

RED-CHEEKED SQUIRREL SP.COMMON PALM CIVET

SMALL ASIAN MONGOOSEMUNTJAC (BARKING DEER)

MUNTJAC SP.

SAMBAR


Documents

FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: THAILAND · Inthanon, a single male Green Peafowl bedecked with a full train in the dry dipterocarp forest near Chiang Mai, and a Field Guides Birding