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Central and Northern Thailand, 7th to 18th November 1999,
Introduction
The participants on this two week trip to Khao Yai [Central Thailand] and Doi Inthanon [Northern Thailand] were John King and Stephen Mawby.
Flights from London [Heathrow] to Bangkok were with Royal Brunei Airlines which involved touch-down at Singapore en route to Bandar Seri Bagawan [Brunei], followed by a lay-over in Brunei before flying back to Bangkok. The return flight, again via Brunei, made a brief touch-down in Abu Dhabi. Although circuitous, the fare was considerably less than any other airline. Wildwings handled the flight booking.
Transport
A hire car was pre-booked in the UK through Wildwings. The roads throughout Thailand were of an extremely good quality with little traffic away from the main cities. The journey from Khao Yai to Doi Inthanon was made in approx. 8 hours and route signing was found to be good, with primary destinations in English.
Accommodation
All accommodation was arranged on arrival with little or no difficulty although English was not widely spoken or understood in the areas visited. The chalet used at Khao Yai was less than 5 minutes from the Park entrance and had a good restaurant on site which was used every evening. The chalets at the Park Headquarters on Doi Inthanon were very basic as were the cafes on the main road by the HQ. However they were sufficient for our needs. The second and final nights at Doi Inthanon were spent in a chalet just outside the Park entrance [Little Homes] and were better than those in the Park but unsuitable for early morning birding at the summit due to the distance involved. The meal on the final night was taken in Chong Thom.
Field Guide
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The Birds of Thailand
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| A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
|
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Guide to the Birds of Thailand. Lekagul & Round. Saha Karn Bhaet. ISBN 974-85673-6-2
Reports
Birding trip to Thailand - an ornithological report.
Jan Vermeulen (1992)
Thailand. Eddie Myers (1990 & 1992)
Private trip reports of Cooper & Cooper (1992) and Piper & Osborne (1998)
Itinerary
5th November 1999 - Depart London Heathrow on Royal Brunei flight to Bangkok via Dubai, Singapore and Bandar Seri Bagawan (Brunei) with a 2 hour stop over at the latter.
6th November 1999 - Arrive Bangkok, 7.30pm local time and eventually check into hotel - Comfort Suites, Airport.
7th November 1999 - Leave at dawn, unable to locate Rangsit Marshes so bird at wetlands north of Rangsit on west side of Highway 1 until 10.00am. Continue toward Khao Yai, birding early afternoon at Wat Tampraprotisat. Arrive Khao Yai park entrance just prior to dusk and check into accommodation - arranged on arrival.
8th November 1999 - Khao Yai - viewpoint; area near roadside salt-lick; HQ area inc. start of Trail 6. Prachin Buri road south from TAT motor lodge; Haew Narrok waterfall restaurant area (Km20 on Prachin Buri road.
9th November 1999 - Khao Yai - ex-golf course area; viewpoint road behind HQ; main road from TAT motor lodge towards Orchid waterfalls (Kms.44 to 49); TAT area.
10th November 1999 - Khao Yai - "military" road, trail 1 (HQ), roadside from HQ to TAT, "military" road, TAT lake area.
11th November 1999 - Khao Yai - "military" road, Haew Narrok waterfall; trail 7? (ridge trail), HQ area, accommodation area outside park.
12th November 1999 - Leave Khao Yai 5.00am and drive to Doi Inthanon, arriving 2.00pm. Check into accommodation in park for nights of 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th. Bird trail leading into forest from chalets.
13th November 1999 - Doi Inthanon - summit marsh and visitor centre area; Km34.5; Km12.5. Night at chalets just outside of park gates.
14th November 1999 - Doi Inthanon - Km10; Km15; Km37.5; HQ area.
15th November 1999 - Doi Inthanon - Roadside HQ to summit; summit marsh; Km37.5; Km34.5 gully; HQ area.
16th November 1999 - Doi Inthanon - Heavy rain. Drive to Chom Thong to confirm return flights. Km37.5 (track and roadside nearby); Km34.5 track.
17th November 1999 - Doi Inthanon - Roadside Km42.5; Km13 ridge and river trails; summit marsh.
18th November 1999 - Doi Inthanon - HQ area; Mae Pen waterfall trail; Km37.5 track; Km34.5 gully; HQ agricultural area; Km25 fields; Vachirathan waterfall area (Km20); Km13 ridge trail. Night at chalets outside park.
19th November 1999 - Depart accommodation at 3.00am, drive to Chiang Mai for 7.00am flight to Bangkok. 3 hours Bangkok airport, then Royal Brunei flight to Bandar (5 hour stop over) before return flight to LHR via Abu Dhabi.
20th November 1999 - Arrive LHR 5.30am.
Systematic List of Species Seen
Taxonomy, sequence and nomenclature follow A World Bird Species Checklist by M.G.Wells (1998).
New species indicated by *
LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
One was noted on the wetlands north of Rangsit on the 7th.
LITTLE CORMORANT Phalacrocorax niger
A minimum of 30 birds were noted around the wetlands on the morning of the 7th.
GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
One on the 7th was the only sighting.
CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis
Noted on three dates in suitable habitat (including airports) but no numbers
noted.
GREAT EGRET Casmerodius albus
At least 6 noted on the 7th with many more noted on the 12th between Khao Yai
and Doi Inthanon in suitable habitat.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET Egretta intermedia
Noted around wetlands in central Thailand on the journey from Khao Yai to Doi
Inthanon on the 12th.
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta
Noted on the 7th and 12th in suitable habitat and in good numbers.
POND-HERON Ardeola sp.
Widespread in suitable habitat (including the TAT lake at Khao Yai) and with
all birds being in non-breeding plumage, specific identification was impossible.
ASIAN OPENBILL Anastomus oscitans
At least 10 noted rather distantly around the wetlands on the 7th with one bird
flying over our heads giving much closer views.
LESSER WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna javanica
At least 50 were noted on the 7th, mostly in flighty small flocks.
COTTON PYGMY GOOSE Nettapus coromandelianus
Three on a water hyacinth choked pond at the wetlands on the 7th were the only
ones seen. None were in breeding plumage.
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus
One alongside the main road north out of Bangkok on the 7th with at least 3
noted roadside on the 12th between Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon.
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE Spilornis cheela
One flew through the forest at KY and landed in a somewhat distant tree on the
9th along the road between the TAT Motor lodge and the Orchid Waterfalls, with
brief, through-the-forest, flight views of another along the track to the Mae
Pen Waterfall (off the Mae Chaem road), DI on the 18th.
EASTERN MARSH HARRIER Circus spilonotus
*
Two birds, both hunting over low-lying ground between Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon
on the 12th were considered to be this species.
CRESTED GOSHAWK Accipiter trivirgatus
*
A bird noted in distant flight over KY on the 10th was considered to be this
species, whilst a perched bird in a bare tree-top alongside the summit road
at DI shortly after dawn on the 15th gave good views.
SHIKRA Accipiter badius
Singles noted on the 7th, 8th and 11th around KY and on the 15th and 18th around
DI
COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo
One on the 14th over the road between the park HQ and Km37, DI was the only
sighting.
CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus
Three circling eagles on the 8th and one on the 10th over KY were all considered
to be this species, whilst birds seen over DI were too distant to be identified.
WHITE-RUMPED FALCON Polihierax insignis
*
Brief (and untickable) flight views as a bird flew away from its perched location
on the 17th along the Km13 ridge trail, DI with good close perched views given
the following day of a male along the same trail during late afternoon.
COLLARED FALCONET Microhierax caerulescens
*
Two or 3 birds seen both perched and in flight along the Km13 ridge trail, DI
on the 17th with 4 seen in almost adjoining trees along the same trail the following
afternoon. Cracking little falcons which looked especially unusual in flight.
ORIENTAL HOBBY Falco severus *
One perched in a tree-top overlooking the rice paddies near Km25, DI gave reasonable
views and in flight eliminated the possibility of it being anything other than
this species.
RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus *
Birds were heard calling throughout KY and DI but the only views obtained were
of birds in brief flight into cover along the road to the radar station (Khao
Khieo) on the 9th and near the start of Trail 9 on the 10th.
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN Amaurornis phoenicurus
Only one noted around the wetlands north of Rangsit on the 7th.
BRONZE-WINGED JACANA Metopidius indicus
A minima of 20 around the wetlands north of Rangsit on the 7th included some
nice "bronzed" adults.
RED-WATTLED LAPWING Vanellus indicus
One, roadside north of Rangsit on the 7th with 5 around the old golf course
at KY on the 9th and one also at KY on the 10th, were the only birds noted.
WOOD-PIGEON Columba sp.
Birds noted in flight around DI summit on several dates could not be assigned
to any particular species.
RED-COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia tranquebarica
*
A party of feeding doves was seen on a track around the wetlands on the 7th,
and when they flew they were found to be this species, although initially they
were thought to be Eurasian Collared Doves (no previous Thai records). Singles
were noted at roadside locations on two further dates.
SPOTTED DOVE Streptopelia chinensis
Noted on five dates around forest areas with a minima of 10 on the 10th being
the largest day count.
BARRED CUCKOO-DOVE Macropygia unchall
*
A single bird perched partially in cover along the radar station road at KY
on the 10th, initially caused identification problems and it was only when the
bird turned partially to reveal some breast barring that it's true identity
was established.
ZEBRA DOVE Geopelia striata *
A lone bird along a track through the wetlands on the 7th was the only sighting
of the whole trip.
THICK-BILLED PIGEON Treron curvirostra
*
A bird in flight across the grasslands just south of the HQ at KY on the 11th
was probably this species, whilst at least 3 birds were positively identified
in the top of a fruiting tree along the Km13 river trail, DI on the 17th.
WEDGE-TAILED PIGEON Treron sphenura *
Positive identification was made of a single bird alongside the track to the
Mae Pen Waterfall, DI on the 18th, with possibles noted previously on the 15th
around the summit area.
IMPERIAL-PIGEON Ducula badia
Noted on four dates around KY with a maxima of 6 on the 9th. Several birds were
seen well, perched in the open in low tree tops.
VERNAL HANGING PARROT Loriculus vernalis
Two on the 9th and one on the 10th at KY, all of which showed themselves well
in tree tops were the only sightings noted.
PLAINTIVE CUCKOO Cacomantis merulinus
*
Two, an adult and a juvenile, on the 7th around the wetlands were seen well,
and were the only true cuckoo sightings.
GREEN-BILLED MALCOHA Rhopodytes tristis
*
Noted on four dates around KY with a day maxima of 2 on both the 8th and 9th
with a single sighting on the 17th along the Km13 river trail at DI.
GREATER COUCAL Centropus sinensis
A brief view of a bird on the 9th at KY was considered to be this species, whilst
one which flew into roadside cover near the Km37.5 check-point, DI on the 16th
was probably this species.
ORIENTAL SCOPS-OWL Otus sunia *
One perched in pines around the HQ chalets, DI on the morning of the 18th gave
brief views of itself at low level before becoming quite flighty and moving
to higher cover. Birds had been heard calling early evening on previous dates
but with insufficient lighting, no effort had been made to see one.
BROWN HAWK-OWL Ninox scutulata *
An individual unexpectedly brought into view by "pishing" close to
the monastery at Wat Tampraprotisat was as much surprised by us as we were by
it. Although quite flighty, it came back three times to pishing and although
views were brief, there was no disputing it's identity. One of the finds of
the trip.
GREAT EARED-NIGHTJAR Eurostopodus macrotis
*
Between 2 and 4 birds seen reasonably well at dusk on the 9th over the former
park chalets near the TAT Motor lodge, KY on the 9th with up to 5 seen at dawn
the following morning close to our accommodation just outside the park boundary
with one the following morning. Although no specific plumage features could
be seen, their size alone made identification certain.
LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus macrurus
*
Two on the evening on the 9th seen with the previous species and one at dawn
on the 10th were considered to be this species, again only on size with no plumage
features seen.
BROWN NEEDLETAIL Hirundapus giganteus
A party of at least six over the TAT lake, KY on the morning of the 11th was
the only sighting.
PALM-SWIFT Cypsiurus balasiensis
Widely noted in small numbers.
ORANGE-BREASTED TROGON Harpactes oreskios
*
A female on the 9th and a male on the 11th were both just inside the forest,
close to the road leading to the radar station at KY. Although not a rarity,
a member (along with the following) of a bird family that I particularly enjoy.
RED-HEADED TROGON Harpactes erythrocephalus
*
Three on the 10th along the road to the radar station at KY included one fine
male, whilst brief views were had of another male along the Km37.5 jeep trail,
DI on the 14th.
COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
One around the wetlands on the 7th with another on the river near the park HQ
at KY on the 8th were the only sightings.
BANDED KINGFISHER Lacedo pulchella *
One, found by Andrew Rodhouse in the forest edge along the radar station road
on the 10th comes close to being the "bird of the trip".
WHITE-BREASTED KINGFISHER Halcyon smyrnensis
Noted on four dates with 3 on the 7th around the wetlands being the highest
day count, with the other dates only producing singles.
BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATER Nyctyornis athertoni
*
One of the trip highlights was the finding of one of this species on the late
afternoon of the 8th, roadside just south of the TAT Motor lodge, KY with a
further 2 along the main road towards the Orchid Falls at Km 45 the following
day. The final sighting was of one on the 17th along the Km 13 ridge trail at
DI.
BAY-HEADED BEE-EATER Merops leschenaulti
Noted on four dates around KY with a large flock of upwards of 100 birds around
the TAT lake on the evening of the 8th.
LITTLE GREEN BEE-EATER Merops orientalis
One on the 7th was the only sighting.
INDIAN ROLLER Coracias benghalensis
Noted on six dates around central Thailand with 5 on the 10th being the highest
day count.
WREATHED HORNBILL Aceros undulatus *
Two (fly-overs) near Wang Jumpee, KY on the 8th, with one on the 9th and 3 on
the 10th all along the radar station road, KY were the only sightings.
ORIENTAL PIED HORNBILL Anthracoceros albirostris
*
By far the commonest hornbill species with roosting flights of at least 30 birds
on both the 8th and 9th over the Prachin Buri road south of the TAT Motor lodge,
KY and a similar number late afternoon behind the tower hide just south of the
park HQ, KY on the 11th.
GREAT HORNBILL Buceros bicornis *
Two seen well on the 8th near the Wang Jumpee hide area, KY with a single near
the start to Trail 1 close to the park HQ, KY on the 10th were the only sightings.
LINEATED BARBET Megalaima lineata *
Two on the 7th, one at Wat Tampraprotisat and one at dusk in a tree-top at our
chalet park just north of the Khao Yai park boundary with the final sightings
being of singles on the 14th and 18th around DI.
GREEN-EARED BARBET Megalaima faiostricta
*
At least two in trees along the stream at Wat Tampraprotisat on the 7th with
up to 4 around KY on the 8th, were the only sightings.
GOLDEN-THROATED BARBET Megalaima franklinii
*
Only noted around DI with singles on the 13th near the summit and 16th along
the Km 34.5 jeep track, with 2 on the 17th along the Km 13 ridge trail.
BLUE-THROATED BARBET Megalaima asiatica
*
One on the 16th along the Km 34.5 jeep track, DI was the only sighting of this
supposed common resident.
MOUSTACHED BARBET Megalaima incognita
*
At least 10 noted at KY on the 8th, mainly in trees near the salt-lick north
of the park HQ, with a lone bird on the 10th along the radar station road.
BLUE-EARED BARBET Megalaima australis
*
A minima of 4 around Wat Tampraprotisat on the 7th with 2 on the 8th around
KY were the only sightings.
COPPERSMITH BARBET Megalaima haemacephala
One on the 17th along the Km13 ridge trail, DI was the only sighting, although
they had been heard on several occasions both around DI and around KY.
SPECKLED PICULET Picumnus innominatus
One eventually showed itself well at the entrance to the Km34.5 gully, DI on
the 13th with another in trees virtually outside our chalet near the park HQ,
DI the following day.
WHITE-BROWED PICULET Sasia ochracea *
An unexpected find was what appeared to be an adult male along the steep path
into the Km34.5 gully DI on the 18th. It appeared from hanging vegetation alongside
the path and landed on a short branch no more than 10 feet in front of us. It
seemed as startled by us as we were by it and having given brief but excellent
views of itself it disappeared into thicker cover.
GREY-CAPPED WOODPECKER Picoides canicapillus
*
Up to 6 birds noted on the 17th along the ridge trail at Km13, DI, with a least
4 together in the same small tree on one occasion.
RUFOUS WOODPECKER Celeus brachyurus
One, briefly perched in a dead tree along the radar station road at KY on the
10th was, surprisingly, the only sighting.
LESSER YELLOWNAPE Picus chlorolophus
*
Again, brief views of a bird which flew in and landed low down, at the back
of a roadside tree at the start of the jeep track to the Mae Pen Waterfall,
DI only showed it's head on three occasions before being lost from sight for
some minutes prior to flying off from a position close to the crown of the tree.
An elusive bird and something of a disappointment.
GREATER YELLOWNAPE Picus flavinucha *
Brief views of a bird which alighted on a dead tree briefly along the Km37.5
jeep trail, DI on the 14th with similar brief views of a bird along the Km13
ridge trail, DI on the afternoon of the 18th.
LACED WOODPECKER Picus vittatus *
Good views of a female on the 9th in a low roadside tree alongside the track
up to the viewpoint behind KY park HQ with brief but excellent views of a male
in trees alongside the radar station road also at KY, on the 11th.
COMMON FLAMEBACK Dinopium javanense
One in a dead tree top on the 10th along the radar station road, KY was the
only confirmed sighting of this species although other Flameback species seen
only in flight may well have been this species.
BAMBOO WOODPECKER Gecinulus viridis *
A good sighting (by JK) was of this species on the outer edge of a bamboo clump
along the Km13 river trail, DI on the afternoon of the 17th. It gave excellent
views of itself for several minutes at reasonably close range.
BLACK-AND-BUFF WOODPECKER Meiglyptes jugularis
*
Brief flight views of a small woodpecker which on detail seen, could only have
been this species on the 9th over the road to the viewpoint behind the park
HQ at KY with better views of a preening bird high in a tree-top along the radar
station road at KY on the 11th. On this latter occasion, there was probably
up to three birds in the top of the same tree but only one showed itself at
all well.
DUSKY BROADBILL Corydon sumatranus *
An unexpected bonus was a party of 5 birds in tree-tops along the radar station
road, KY on the 10th with at least 8 at the same location the following day.
My first broadbill sp. and a nice one to begin with -really strange looking
birds.
BLUE PITTA Pitta cyanea *
Brief views of a male walking away from me through leaf litter just off the
side of the road just south of the TAT Motor lodge, KY. JK was elsewhere at
the time and missed the sighting - gutted!!!
SAND-MARTIN Riparia riparia
Noted on the 7th only around the wetlands alongside Highway 1 north of Rangsit.
DUSKY CRAG-MARTIN Hirundo concolor *
A party of at least 10 birds noted over Km37 on DI on the afternoon of the 16th.
BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
Recorded on most dates.
PACIFIC SWALLOW Hirundo tahitica *
One noted at Bandar Seri Bagawan Airport (Brunei) on the 6th with up to 3 birds
noted there during the return journey on the 19th.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo daurica
Birds that were probably of this species noted over the wetlands on the 7th.
STRIATED SWALLOW Hirundo striolata *
Widely noted throughout but at the time identified as Red-rumped Swallow.
ASIAN HOUSE-MARTIN Delichon dasypus *
Noted on four dates around DI in small parties.
GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea
Noted on three dates in central Thailand and five in the north, with a day maxima
of 4 on the 18th.
WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba
Noted on six dates in small numbers. Birds had a different appearance to their
European cousins.
PADDYFIELD PIPIT Anthus rufulus
Singles were noted on the 7th around the wetlands, on the 10th along the track
to the tower hide south of the park HQ, KY and on a flat roof at Chiang Mai
Airport on the 19th.
OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT Anthus hodgsoni
Noted on five dates, always around the HQ chalets, DI with a maxima of 8 on
the 14th.
INDOCHINESE CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina polioptera
*
Four birds were noted around KY on the 8th with one seen on the 9th with another
single on the 17th along the Km13 ridge trail on DI.
BLACK-WINGED CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina melaschista
Noted on four dates around KY with a day maxima of 6 on the 10th.
ASHY MINIVET Pericrocotus divaricatus
*
Parties noted on four dates around KY with a day maxima of 8 on the 10th.
GREY-CHINNED MINIVET Pericrocotus solaris
*
Six noted on the 14th and 5 on the 15th, all along the Km37.5 jeep track, DI
and all forming a part of a "bird-wave".
LONG-TAILED MINIVET Pericrocotus ethologus
*
Four on the 17th formed part of a "bird-wave" along the Km13 ridge
trail, DI.
SHORT-BILLED MINIVET Pericrocotus brevirostris
*
Four on the 14th with a similar number on the 16th, all along the Km37.5 jeep
track, DI.
SCARLET MINIVET Preicrocotus flammeus
Noted on four dates both at KY and DI with a maxima of 10 on the 10th around
KY.
BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE Hemipus picatus
A single on the 9th at KY was the only sighting of the entire trip.
COMMON WOODSHRIKE Tephrodornis pondicerianus
*
Two on the 17th along the Km13 ridge trail, DI showed extremely well as they
formed part of a slow-moving "bird-wave".
STRIATED BULBUL Pycnonotus striatus *
Two birds, huddled close together at an evening roost alongside the Km34.5 jeep
track, DI on the 16th with another at Km42.5 near the summit of DI on the 17th.
BLACK-HEADED BULBUL Pycnonotus atriceps
*
Two seen briefly along the Km13 ridge trail, DI on the 17th were an unexpected
bonus.
BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL Pycnonotus melanicterus
Noted on ten of the twelve dates and the most widely recorded bulbul species.
Birds around KY were of the P.m.johnsoni sub-species whilst those at
DI were of the nominate form.
RED-WHISKERED BULBUL Pycnonotus jocosus
Noted on three dates with 6 on the 12th around Wat Tampraprotisat, 2 around
Km12.5 on the 13th and 4 on the 18th around Km13, DI.
SOOTY-HEADED BULBUL Pycnonotus aurigaster
*
Noted on five dates around both the wetlands, KY and DI in small numbers with
6 on the 13th being the highest day count.
STRIPE-THROATED BULBUL Pycnonotus finlaysoni
*
One noted along the main road through KY near Km44 on the 9th, with 2 at the
start of the radar station road, KY on the 10th and one at the Haew Narrok waterfall
area at Km20 on the Prachin Buri road, also at KY on the 11th.
FLAVESCENT BULBUL Pycnonotus flavescens
*
Noted on five dates around Doi Inthanon and probably the second most common
bulbul species in the area.
STREAK-EARED BULBUL Pycnonotus blanfordi
*
Five around the wetland area on the 7th were the only sightings.
PUFF-THROATED BULBUL Alophoixus pallidus
*
Noted on four dates around the Khao Yai forest with a day maxima of 10 on the
9th. Whereas the Black-crested Bulbul (P.melanicterus) preferred the
more open areas, this species was more frequently found the denser forest situations.
GREY-EYED BULBUL Iole propinqua *
Two noted on the 8th alongside the Prachin Buri road just south of the TAT Motorlodge,
KY with singles on the 9th and 11th.
ASHY BULBUL Hemixos flavala *
A single on the 8th alongside the road south to Prachin Buri from the TAT Motorlodge,
KY was the only sighting.
MOUNTAIN BULBUL Hypsipetes mcclellandii
*
Noted on six dates around DI in singles and with the following species, the
most frequently encountered bulbul species.
BLACK BULBUL Hypsipetes leucocephalus
Small flocks of this species were noted on four dates around Doi Inthanon, with
10 birds on the 16th being the highest count.
WHITE-HEADED BULBUL Hypsipetes thompsoni
*
A distant flock of "white-headed" birds from the Km34.5 look-out,
DI on the 13th were probably these species as they were seen again in nearby
areas on both the 15th and 18th. A really smart looking bird.
COMMON IORA Aegithina tiphia
Two in trees around the wetlands on the 7th with another 2 on the 17th along
the Km13 ridge trail on Doi Inthanon.
BLUE-WINGED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis cochinchinensis
*
Noted on three dates in Khao Yai, mainly along the radar station road, with
6 on both the 9th and 10th.
GOLDEN-FRONTED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis aurifrons
Four on the 17th were the only sightings with the first being at Km42.5 near
the summit of Doi Inthanon early morning, with the remaining 3 along the Km13
ridge trail later in the day.
ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis hardwickii
*
The sighting of a probable female high (and distant) in the canopy at Km42.5,
DI on the 17th was eclipsed by a stunning male in the agricultural area close
to the park HQ, DI on the 18th.
FAIRY-BLUEBIRD Irena puella
Noted on three dates around KY with 10 on the 8th being the largest count. Mainly
females were seen although at least 3 males were noted.
BROWN SHRIKE Lanius cristatus *
Three noted on the 7th around the wetlands, a minimum of 4 around KY on the
8th and singles at KY on the 10th and 11th and DI on the 16th and 18th. The
most frequently encountered shrike sp. with both brown and grey headed forms
noted.
BURMESE SHRIKE Lanius collurioides *
Singles noted on DI near Km42.5 on the 17th and near the park HQ on the 18th.
LONG-TAILED SHRIKE Lanius schach
A minimum of 4 birds noted around the wetlands on the 7th with other singles
around KY on the 9th and one between KY and DI on the 12th.
GREY-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius tephronotus
*
Birds were noted around the summit area of DI, with one at the radar station
on the 13th, another near the Phra's on the 14th, and 3 at various sites on
the 15th.
WHITE-BROWED SHORTWING Brachypteryx montana
*
Brief but good views of a female, showing the orange forehead and lores in thick
scrub alongside the Slaty-bellied Tesia (Tesia olivea) along the Km37.5
jeep track, DI on the 15th.
BLUE ROCK THRUSH Monticola solitarius
A juvenile on the roof of one of the Phra's near the Doi Inthanon summit on
the 15th was followed by one or possibly 2 adults of the sub-species M.s.philippensis
alongside the road at Km42.5. When first seen, we both thought it was a Chestnut-bellied
Rock Thrush (M.rufiventris), and were elated, but a check of the field
guide soon revealed our error.
WHISTLING THRUSH Myophonus caeruleus *
One on the 7th along the stream at Wat Tampraprotisat and then noted daily in
good numbers around DI. NB: Both dark-billed and yellow-billed forms of the
species were seen, the first seen being of the former, with mainly dark-billed
noted around DI.
ORANGE-HEADED THRUSH Zoothera citrina
One, in forest alongside the radar station road at KY on the 10th was the only
sighting of any of the Zoothera thrushes.
ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN Copsychus saularis
Two on the 7th around the wetlands and thereafter noted on four dates around
DI with the highest day total never exceeding 2.
WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA Copsychus malabaricus
Four individuals noted on four dates around Khao Yai.
PLUMBEOUS WATER-REDSTART Rhyacornis fuliginosus
*
A brilliant end to the trip was the finding of a female/juvenile of this species
at the top of the Vachirathan waterfall at Km20, DI, following several unsuccessful
visits during the week. It showed the distinctive black and white tail pattern
and the whitish spotting across the wing coverts.
SLATY-BACKED FORKTAIL Enicurus schistaceus
*
One found walking/feeding along the Km37.5 jeep track, DI following heavy rainfall
was an unexpected bonus. We had failed on all the rivers/streams we had visited
and here it was in the middle of the forest.
STONECHAT Saxicola torquata
Noted on four dates around grassland areas in Khao Yai. No specific count made.
GREY BUSHCHAT Saxicola ferrea *
Noted on four dates around Doi Inthanon with a maxima of 10 on the 14th. The
males are particularly striking birds.
ABBOTT'S BABBLER Malacocinia abbotti *
One on the 9th and one on the 10th, both along the radar station road at Khao
Yai.
BUFF-BREASTED BABBLER Pellorneum tickelli
*
Two by a bamboo clump close to the rubbish bins a short way down the steps at
the Vachirathan waterfalls, DI was an unexpected bonus as very few species have
been reported from this site. However, it was an early morning, it was raining
and there was no-one about.
WHITE-BROWED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus
schisticeps *
One seen well in the conifer woodland along the track to the fields beyond the
HQ chalets, DI on the afternoon of the 12th. Quite a surprise and a stunning
bird.
GOLDEN BABBLER Stachyris chrysaea *
Between 2 and 4 birds noted in the Km34.5 gully, DI on the 15th.
GREY-THROATED BABBLER Stachyris nigriceps
*
Two in thick undergrowth alongside the track to the fields beyond the HQ chalets,
DI on the afternoon of the 12th was an unexpected bonus.
STRIPED TIT-BABBLER Macronous gularis
*
Noted on five dates, three at Khao Yai and two at Doi Inthanon. A maximum day
count of 8 on the 11th, mainly noted along the radar station road. At DI, two
were noted on the 12th along the track beyond the HQ chalets, with a further
two along the track to the Mae Pan waterfall on the 18th.
WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax leucolophus
*
A party of four were heard calling from scrub close to the roadside at Km15,
DI on the 14th. With patience, they showed themselves reasonably well. A species
that I had particularly wanted to see.
LESSER NECKLACED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax monileger
*
One was seen particularly well along the forest trail to the Haew Narrok waterfall
at Km20 on the Prachin Buri road, KY. As with all the sightings, the birds seen
formed part of small groups of this and allied species. One was noted with White-crested
Laughing-Thrushes (G.leucolophus) on the 14th at Km15, DI whilst at least
3 were noted close to the start of the Km13 river trail, DI on the afternoon
of the 17th.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED LAUGHING-THRUSH Garrulax
erythrocephalus *
Only noted around the summit visitor centre and bog on Doi Inthanon, with a
minimum of 6 on the 13th and 2 on the 17th. The birds at the visitor centre
were particularly confiding.
WHITE-BROWED SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius flaviscapis
*
Brief views of a male on the 14th along the Km37.5 jeep track, DI with 4 on
the 16th along the Km34.5 jeep track, DI and at least 5 noted along the track
to the Mae Pan waterfall, DI on the 18th.
SPECTACLED BARWING Actinodura ramsayi
*
Three on the 16th, at the roadside close to Km37.2, DI was the only sighting
of this striking bird. It gave close views which enabled scrutiny of its plumage
features.
CHESTNUT-TAILED MINLA Minla strigula *
Good numbers noted around the summit of Doi Inthanon on all occasions visited,
with a minimum of 15 recorded on each visit. Birds around the visitor centre
were again, quite confiding.
RUFOUS-WINGED FULVETTA Alcippe castaneceps
*
A frequent member of "bird-waves" within the forest behaving similarly
to a nuthatch (Sitta sp.). Noted on five dates around Doi Inthanon with
a minimum of 6 noted on the 16th.
BROWN-CHEEKED FULVETTA Alcippe poioicephala
A minimum of 3 birds noted in the thick scrub along the track towards the fields
beyond the HQ chalets at Doi Inthanon on the afternoon of the 12th.
GREY-CHEEKED FULVETTA Alcippe morrisonia
*
Common in "bird-waves" and noted on all dates around Doi Inthanon.
RUFOUS-BACKED SIBIA Heterophasia annectens
*
One seen briefly along the Km37.5 jeep track, DI, on the 15th with another roadside
at Km37.2 the following day.
BLACK-HEADED SIBIA Heterophasia melanoleuca
*
Noted on five dates around Doi Inthanon with two dates producing counts of at
least 6 birds. A species frequently encountered.
WHITE-BELLIED YUHINA Yuhina zantholeuca
*
Noted on seven dates, with Khao Yai providing the greater number of sightings.
Max day count of 6 on the 9th, mainly along the roadside between Kms 44 and
49.
ZITTING CISTICOLA Cisticola juncidis
Noted in the grasslands close to the park HQ, KY on several dates.
HILL PRINIA Prinia atrogularis *
Singles noted on the 12th, 13th and 14th around Doi Inthanon.
RUFESCENT PRINIA Prinia rufescens *
Singles on the 13th in the fields beyond the HQ chalets, DI and on the 18th
around the HQ chalet pond.
GREY-BREASTED PRINIA Prinia hodgsoni
One on the 8th, roadside south of the TAT Motorlodge, KY with 2 noted around
the agricultural area close to the park HQ, DI on the 18th.
PLAIN PRINIA Prinia inornata
At least 10 were noted around the wetlands on the 7th.
SLATY-BELLIED TESIA Tesia olivea *
Two birds, one briefly in display, "appeared" on a twiggy shrub just
clear of the forest floor along the Km37.5 jeep track, DI on the 15th. Following
their appearance together, one disappeared whilst the other moved around the
forest floor feeding disturbing the vegetation as it went giving brief views
every now and then. One was seen again briefly on the 18th in the same location,
again moving about feeding. A real stunner and a species I had particularly
hoped to see, and for me probably bird of the trip.
ORIENTAL REED-WARBLER Acrocephalus orientalis
*
Three were seen well around the wetlands on the 7th.
MOUNTAIN TAILORBIRD Orthotomus cuculatus
*
The only sighting was of one in a small "bird-wave" along the roadside
by the visitor centre at the Doi Inthanon summit on the 17th.
COMMON TAILORBIRD Orthotomus sutorius
Noted on four dates around Khao Yai with a minimum of 4 noted on the 11th.
DARK-NECKED TAILORBIRD Orthotomus atrogularis
*
Two on the 8th alongside the viewpoint close to Km20, KY was the only sighting.
RADDE'S WARBLER Phylloscopus schwarzi
Singles noted in low roadside scrub around Khao Yai on three dates and on one
date on Doi Inthanon.
BUFF-BARRED WARBLER Phylloscopus pulcher
*
At least one of this species was noted roadside at Km42.5, DI on the 17th although
there were probably others present.
ASHY-THROATED WARBLER Phylloscopus maculipennis
*
Noted in good numbers around the summit of Doi Inthanon on all occasions visited.
Not encountered below the Phra's.
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus
Widespread and common around both Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon.
TWO-BARRED GREENISH WARBLER Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus
Widespread and common and specifically noted at KY on the 11th and around DI
on four other dates but probably overlooked as not all phyllosc. flocks were
studied.
BLYTH'S LEAF-WARBLER Phylloscopus reguloides
*
One along the radar station road, KY on the 9th and along the Km37.5 jeep track,
DI on the 14th were the only ones specifically identified although others were
probably overlooked.
YELLOW-VENTED WARBLER Phylloscopus cantator
What was undoubtedly this species was seen on the 17th at Km42.5 near the summit
of Doi Inthanon, but only the under parts were seen and therefore without seeing
the head, the species remains untickable.
GOLDEN-SPECTACLED WARBLER Seicercus burkii
*
At least 2 were seen on the 11th along the military road at KY, whilst in the
north around DI, 3 were seen on the 14th, 1 on the 15th and 1 on the 18th.
SIBERIAN FLYCATCHER Muscicapa sibirica
*
Noted on three dates around Khao Yai with 4 being noted on the 10th. All were
birds that sat out in the open allowing good views of themselves.
FERRUGINOUS FLYCATCHER Muscicapa ferruginea
*
What was a real unexpected bonus was a male of this species that showed itself
extremely well in the Km34.5 gully, DI on the 13th. It fulfilled all of the
field guide characters and was an incredibly good find for an American birder
who put us onto it.
VERDITER FLYCATCHER Eumyias thalassina
Singles noted on five dates although others were probably overlooked or not
recorded.
RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva
The most frequently encountered flycatcher sp. and noted throughout on eight
dates, with a day maxima of 4 on the 8th.
WHITE-GORGETTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula monileger
*
Having missed a sighting of this species on the 15th, I was pleased to see a
splendidly marked bird in the Km34.5 gully, DI on the 18th. The bird kept in
low cover but remained still for several minutes allowing good views of itself,
although this time JK missed out on seeing it.
LARGE NILTAVA Niltava grandis *
Two cracking males showed themselves well along the Km37.5 jeep track, DI on
the 14th.
SMALL NILTAVA Niltava macgrigoriae *
A male showed itself well, albeit briefly, along the Km37.5 jeep track, DI on
the 14th, with both a male and a female being seen in the Km34.5 gully the following
day.
VIVID NILTAVA Niltava vivida *
Brief views of a calling bird alongside the track to the Mae Pan waterfall,
DI on the 18th.
HILL BLUE FLYCATCHER Cyornis banyumas
*
A female/immature male was specifically identified at the rubbish tip behind
the cafe at the Haew Narrok waterfall car park, at Km20 on the Prachin Buri
road, KY on the 11th, with both males and females/immature males being noted
at various sites at DI on three dates.
GREY-HEADED CANARY FLYCATCHER Culicicapa ceylonensis
*
Singles noted on three dates at Khao Yai, with 2 on Doi Inthanon on the 13th
and 5 at various sites on the 14th.
ASIAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone paradisi
A rufous-morph bird was seen briefly along Trail 6, KY on the 8th and that remained
the only sighting. It was missed by JK.
BLACK-NAPED MONARCH Hypothymis azurea
One at Wat Tampraprotisat on the 7th, one along Km37.5 jeep track, DI on the
14th, a minimum of 4 on the 17th at the two Km13 tracks, DI and 2 on the 18th
alongside the Mae Pan waterfall track, DI.
YELLOW-BELLIED FANTAIL Rhipidura hypoxantha
*
Good numbers, with up to 4 being noted on any one date, on five dates around
Doi Inthanon. Superb little birds and a species that always showed itself well.
PIED FANTAIL Rhipidura javanica *
Up to 3 birds noted around bushes/trees at the wetlands on the 7th.
WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL Rhipidura albicollis
Noted on three dates around Doi Inthanon with 3 being noted on the 15th. A bird
that tended to move with the ground/lower level "bird-waves" often
accompanying fulvetta sp.
GREAT TIT Parus major
One on the 14th and 2 on the 18th, all noted around the HQ chalets, DI.
YELLOW-CHEEKED TIT Parus spilonotus *
Noted on five dates at various sites around Doi Inthanon, mainly in "bird-waves",
with the highest day count being 10 on the 15th.
CHESTNUT-VENTED NUTHATCH Sitta nagaensis
*
Two on the 12th in the trees by the HQ chalets, DI, one on the 14th along the
Km37.5 jeep track, DI with another there on the 16th with finally, 2 on the
18th, again around the HQ chalets.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH Sitta castanea
*
Two on the 17th showed themselves exceptionally well along the Km13 ridge track,
DI.
VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH Sitta frontalis
Two on the 14th in a "bird-wave" along the Km37.5 jeep track, DI was
the only sighting.
BROWN-THROATED CREEPER Certhia discolor
*
Singles on the 13th and 15th around the Km34.5 jeep track and gully, DI.
YELLOW-VENTED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum chrysorrheum
*
Singles of this species noted along the viewpoint road, KY on the 9th and along
the radar station road also at KY on the 10th. A smart little bird.
PLAIN FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum concolor
Only noted on the 9th along the viewpoint road, KY.
FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum ignipectus
*
First noted on the 9th, with a minimum of 3 along the viewpoint road behind
park HQ at KY with at least 4 the following day along the radar station road.
SCARLET-BACKED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum cruentatum
*
One, a male, at the rubbish tip behind the cafe at the Haew Narrok waterfall,
KY on the 11th was the only sighting.
BROWN-THROATED SUNBIRD Anthreptes malacensis
*
One in the flowering tree close to the terminal building at Bandar Seri Bagawan
(Brunei) airport on the 19th.
RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD Anthreptes singalensis
*
One around the monastery at Wat Tampraprotisat on the 7th, 2 around the park
HQ, DI on the 18th and one at Bandar Seri Bagawan (Brunei) airport on the 19th.
OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD Nectarinia jugularis
*
Up to three were noted at Bandar Seri Bagawan (Brunei) airport on the 6th with
singles noted at the wetlands on the 7th and at KY on the 9th.
GOULD'S SUNBIRD Aethopyga gouldiae *
Only noted around the higher elevations of DI, with one on the 13th, 2 on the
14th and one again on the 15th. All were males as we did not bother trying to
identify the females.
GREEN-TAILED SUNBIRD Aethopyga nipalensis
*
Even more catholic in its preference for higher ground, this species was noted
on four dates around the summit, with a maxima of 4 on the 13th.
BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRD Aethopyga saturata
*
First noted along the radar station road at KY on the 10th, when 2 were present,
with another 2 there the following day. At DI, 2 were seen beyond the HQ chalets
on the 12th with another on the 14th around HQ.
LITTLE SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera longirostra
Two on the 9th at KY were the only sighting.
CHESTNUT-FLANKED WHITE-EYE Zosterops erythropleurus
*
Good numbers noted in flocks around DI on both the 13th and 16th.
JAPANESE WHITE-EYE Zosterops japonicus
*
One on the 12th in company with the following species around the bushes along
the track beyond the HQ chalets at DI.
ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpebrosus
*
Noted around DI on three dates in small flocks.
BLACK DRONGO Dicrurus macrocercus
Only noted on the 7th and 8th, being absent from the forested areas were it
was replaced by the following species.
ASHY DRONGO Dicrurus leucophaeus
Widely recorded throughout Thailand in forested areas.
CROW-BILLED DRONGO Dicrurus annectans
*
A bird that displayed features of this species was noted on the 9th along the
main road through Khao Yai, east of the TAT Motorlodge.
BRONZED DRONGO Dicrurus aeneus
Recorded on nine dates and a fairly common forest species.
LESSER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus remifer
*
One on the 13th, 2 on the 14th and one on the 17th, all around Doi Inthanon
were the only sightings.
HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO Dicrurus hottentottus
Small numbers noted on four dates both around Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon.
GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus paradiseus
Noted on six dates, being more frequently encountered around Khao Yai.
ASHY WOODSWALLOW Artamus fuscus
Three noted alongside the road to Wat Tampraprotisat on the 7th with singles
at KY on the 8th and 10th.
WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW Artamus leucorhynchus
*
Four birds noted sitting on the floodlights at Bandar Seri Bagawan airport (Brunei)
on the afternoon of the 19th.
EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius
A single bird was noted along the Km13 ridge trail on Doi Inthanon on the 17th.
GREEN MAGPIE Cissa chinensis *
Brief flight views of what was obviously this species in the forest along the
Haew Narrok waterfall trail, KY on the 11th, with singles seen well in the fields
beyond the HQ chalets, DI on the late afternoons of the 14th and 15th. A stunningly
green bird.
GREY TREEPIE Dendrocitta formosae *
A pair seen distantly but well in trees above the fields beyond the HQ chalets,
DI on the 15th with one seen well and another heard calling along the track
toward the Mae Pen waterfall on the 18th.
HOUSE CROW Corvus splendens
Several birds noted around Chiangi Airport, Singapore on the 6th.
JUNGLE CROW Corvus levaillantii *
Noted on four dates around Khao Yai in small numbers with the only recording
at Doi Inthanon being of two in tree-tops above the fields beyond the HQ chalets,
DI on the late afternoon of the 14th.
BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE Oriolus chinensis *
Good numbers noted around Khao Yai on four dates.
BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE Oriolus xanthornus
An adult male seen very well along the Km13 river trail, DI on the 17th.
MAROON ORIOLE Oriolus traillii *
An adult male in a roadside tree at Km42.5, DI on the 17th was a real bonus
and it showed itself very well for several minutes.
ASIAN GLOSSY-STARLING Aplonis panayensis
Up to 50 birds noted around Bandar Seri Bagawan (Brunei) airport prior to roosting
at dusk, with up to 4 seen close to the terminal building in a tree.
ASIAN PIED STARLING Sturnus contra *
A minimum of 4 around the wetlands on the morning of the 7th.
WHITE-SHOULDERED STARLING Sturnus sinensis
*
A minimum of 5 birds noted around the wetlands on the morning of the 7th, was
the only sighting.
COMMON MYNA Acridotheres tristis
Noted in small numbers on both the 7th and 12th as we journeyed through Thailand.
JAVAN MYNA Acridotheres javanicus *
Noted (albeit distantly) at Chiangi (Singapore) airport on the 6th.
WHITE-VENTED MYNA Acridotheres grandis
*
Large numbers noted on the 7th and 12th as we travelled through Thailand and
at an evening roost at Chom Thong on the 18th.
HILL-MYNA Gracula religiosa *
Noted around KY mostly either early morning or late evening on three dates with
up to 30 noted on the 8th, whilst at DI, 2 on the 16th and 2 on the 18th were
the only sightings.
WHITE-RUMPED MUNIA Lonchura striata
Two at the rubbish tip of the cafe at the Haew Narrok waterfall, KY on the 11th.
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA Lonchura punctulata
A minimum of 15 around the wetlands on the 7th.
JAVA SPARROW Padda oryzivora *
Two noted at Bandar Seri Bagawan (Brunei) airport on the 6th with at least 50
and possibly more in a roost alongside the terminal building on the evening
of the 19th.
EURASIAN TREE SPARROW Passer montanus
Noted on the 7th, 12th and 18th, away from the National Parks.
Total species 226
New species 138
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