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A Report from birdtours.co.uk

Birding in Northern and Peninsular Thailand ,

Stephen Mawby

16TH TO 30TH APRIL 2000

Introduction

Participants on this two week birding trip (with tourist interest for partners) were Jan & Stephen Mawby and Sue & John Price-Stephens.

Flights from London [Heathrow] to Chiang Mai via Bangkok, Chiang Mai to Phuket via Bangkok and Phuket to London via Bangkok were all with Thai Air and were direct between London and Bangkok. All flight arrangements were handled by Wildwings.

Transport

Hire vehicles [4WD] were pre-booked for both centres from the UK by Wildwings. Pick-up and drop-off were at the airport in both cases. Roads through-out Thailand were found to be excellent with the exception of the Doi Chiang Dao ascent and the track into Khao Nor Chuchi. The latter was driveable with care but for the former, we had to arrange a 4WD pick-up and driver through Malee Keratitaweesuk at Malee's Nature Lovers Bungalows.

Accommodation

Hotels in Chiang Mai and Krabi were pre-booked from the UK by Wildwings and were selected from the Lonely Planet Guide. Accommodation at Doi Inthanon [Little Homes], Doi Chiang Dao [Malee's] and Fang [Chok Thani Hotel] were arranged on site with no problems. The pre-booked hotels were expensive by Thai standards but were to "western" standards and suited partners admirably. Accommodation booked on site was basic but adequate.

Field Guide

The Birds of Thailand
Craig Robson: Buy from Amazon.com orAmazon.co.uk

  • At last, the quality of field guides for the Far East has caught up with those of Europe and America. Craig Robson's "Birds of Thailand" is a tour de force...950 mouth watering species all beautifully illustrated and expertly described, each with its own distribution map. The natural riches of Thailand make it an ever more popular birding destination and this indispensible guide will set the standard there for years to come.

A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Craig Robson: Buy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

  • A new flexi-cover edition of this superb and influential book is now available (UK) making it far more useful in the field. The birds of South-East Asia details the identification, voice, breeding, status, habitat and distribution of the 1250 species and distinctive sub-species of the region covering Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, West Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. The illustrations are excellent and Craig Robson's text reflects his position as one of the foremost ornithological authorities of S.E.Asia. Indispensable for anyone visiting the area.

Guide to the Birds of Thailand. Lekagul & Round.- out of print

Reports

Birding trip to Thailand – an ornithological report. JanVermeulen (1992)
Thailand. Henk Hendriks (1998)
Thailand Update. Gooddie (1999)
Private trip reports of Cooper & Cooper (1992 &1999) and Piper & Osborne (1998)

Itinerary

Saturday 15th April - Fly from LHR to Chiang Mai via Bangkok.

Sunday 16th April - Arrive Chiang Mai. Doi Suthep-Pui; Agricultural & Vet.Science School, Chiang Mai. Night at Chiang Mai.

Monday 17th April - Doi Inthanon (entrance to summit). Night at chalets by park entrance.

Tuesday 18th April - Doi Inthanon (summit to entrance). Night at Chiang Mai.

Wednesday 19th April - Doi Saket (early am). Doi Chiang Dao temple and gully; Doi Chiang Dao approach. Night at Malee's, Doi Chiang Dao.

Thursday 20th April - Doi Chiang Dao DYK sub-station and approach. Night at Chiang Mai.

Friday 21st April - Tha Ton & Mae Kok river area. Doi Ang Khang. Night at Chok Thani Hotel, Fang.

Saturday 22nd April - Doi Ang Khang. Night at Chiang Mai.

Sunday 23rd April - Fly to Phuket and drive to Krabi. Night at Krabi.

Monday 24th April - Hotel grounds then Khao Noi Chuchi (KPBK). Night at Krabi.

Tuesday 25th April - Khao Noi Chuchi (KPBK) with Yothin Meekaeo. Night at Krabi.

Wednesday 26th April - Krabi mangroves with Mr Dai; Ban Noi Chong. Night at Krabi.

Thursday 27th April - Ban Noi Chong; Phanom Bencha; Khao Noi Chuchi (KPBK). Night at Krabi.

Friday 28th April - Rest day; Phanom Bencha. Night at Krabi.

Saturday 29th April - Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Ley. Night in Krabi.

Sunday 30th April - Phanom Bencha; Drive to Phuket (various reserves en route). Fly Phuket to LHR via Bangkok.

Monday 1st May - Arrive LHR

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
At least two birds noted on the lake at Doi Saket, north-west of Chiang Mai on the morning of the 19th.

LITTLE CORMORANT Phalacrocorax niger
One over Bangkok Airport on the 16th with another over the Krabi mangroves on the 26th.

CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis
Only specifically noted on the 30th when reasonable numbers were noted in roadside fields north of Phuket island.

GREAT EGRET Egretta alba
At least one bird noted over what appeared to be disused sand-pits west of Route 4 north of Khok Kloi on the 30th.

INTERMEDIATE EGRET Egretta intermedia
One around the Krabi mangroves on the 26th with a flock of 8 in flight over the Krabi Meritime on the 29th and unspecified numbers roadside, north of Phuket island on the 30th.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta
The only specific noting was of a bird in the Krabi mangroves on the 26th.

PACIFIC REEF HERON Egretta sacra*
Four birds, all dark-phase, were noted on the 29th during the trip to Ko Phi Phi from Ao Nang. The last sighting was particularly rewarding as the bird flew alongside the boat for some distance giving ample time to allow the study of the species in flight.

CHINESE POND HERON Ardeola bacchus*
Small numbers noted on five dates both in the north and down the Peninsula. All birds seen were in breeding plumage to a greater degree and therefore left no room for confusion with the following species.

JAVAN POND HERON Ardeola speciosa*
A single bird in flight over the northern end of Bangkok Airport on the morning of the 16th showed all the signs of being this species in full breeding plumage. The head/breast feathering was very sandy in colouration unlike that of the previous species which was more of a rich chestnut colour.

STRIATED HERON Butorides striatus
Good numbers noted on six dates with most being around the Krabi Meritime and the nearby mangroves. A bird noted inland at the Huay To waterfall, Khao Phanom Bencha NP on two dates was most unexpected.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON Nycticorax nycticorax
An adult, breeding plumaged bird in flight over the north end of Bangkok Airport on the 16th was the only sighting.

LESSER WHISTLING DUCK Dendrocygna javanica
Twelve on the lake at Doi Saket on the 19th, with pairs noted in flight around Krabi and KNC on the 24th, 27th, 28th and 30th.

ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD Pernis ptilorhyncus
One on the 24th over the main road between Krabi and Khlong Thom gave excellent flight views, close at first as it rose from roadside trees, then circling higher allowing time to assess many relevant features.

BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus
Two on the 21st around the Thaton/Fang area with another noted roadside south of Fang the following day. The final sighting was of a roadside bird near to Phuket Airport on the 30th.

BRAHMINY KITE Haliastur indus
Only noted on the 26th with 2 around the Krabi mangroves and on the 29th with a minima of 10 most of which were noted around the Ko Phi Phi islands.

WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE Haliaeetus leucogaster
Singles on the 26th and 28th over the Krabi mangroves with two on the 29th, the first on Ko Phi Phi with second over the Krabi Meritime in the evening, on its way to roost.

CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE Spilornis cheela
One on the 21st over the car park at Doi Chiang Dao with singles noted on the three dates down the Peninsula with a perched bird noted on the 25th at Khao Nor Chuchi.

RUFOUS-WINGED BUZZARD Butastur liventer*
The only sighting was of an adult bird over the road near Km10 on Doi Inthanon on the 18th. The bird circled within good view for several minutes before disappearing. The under wing and under body markings made identification easy.

CRESTED GOSHAWK Accipiter trivirgatus
Singles only noted on the 20th and 21st both around the Doi Chiang Dao temple area.

BESRA Accipiter virgatus
A bird, probably this species, was noted on Doi Inthanon on the 17th.

ASIAN BLACK EAGLE Ictinaetus malayensis
A single of what was undoubtedly this species was noted over Doi Chiang Dao on the morning of the 21st.

RUFOUS-BELLIED EAGLE Hieraaetus kienerii
A distant large raptor in what was possibly display on the 25th at Khao Nor Chuchi was thought to be this species (YM) but views were somewhat unsatisfactory. However, on the 27th a bird took to the wing from roadside trees close to the main gate to the Khao Phanom Bencha NP and gave excellent views as it slowly circled and gained height. All plumage features were noted with the black face and cap and white throat along with the rufous belly and under wing coverts being particularly striking.

CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus
A single bird of what was probably this species was noted on the 27th at Khao Nor Chuchi.

MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus nipalensis*
A pair circling together over the Doi Chiang Dao temple area on the 19th with another on the 21st were the only sightings.

COLLARED FALCONET Microhierax caerulescens
One on the 18th, roadside near Km10 on Doi Inthanon was the only sighting.

BLACK-THIGHED FALCONET Microhierax fringillarius*
At least 2 but possibly 3 birds noted on the 25th around Khao Nor Chuchi. All showed themselves well as they perched on dead trees long enough to get the 'scopes onto them.

KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
A single, roadside, on the 22nd between Fang and Chiang Mai was the only sighting.

RUFOUS-THROATED HILL-PARTRIDGE Arborophila rufogularis*
A party of 3 were seen relatively briefly around the water tanks behind the visitor centre at the summit of Doi Inthanon.

MOUNTAIN BAMBOO PARTRIDGE Bambusicola fytchii*
One seen briefly trackside on the 20th close to the DYK sub-station on Doi Chiang Dao; two seen well along the ridge path beyond the Km21.5 jeep track on Doi Ang Khang on the 21st with three along the road by the "nuthatch ridge" off the Ban Khoum road on Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd.

RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus
A female with young disappeared quickly down a roadside ravine along the Vachirathan waterfall approach road on the 17th, with 2 males noted on the 20th along the track up to the DYK sub-station on Doi Chiang Dao.

SILVER PHEASANT Lophura nycthemera*
An unexpected bonus was a male of this species seen, albeit very briefly, as it moved quickly through vegetation below our position along the Km37.5 jeep track on Doi Inthanon.

HUME'S PHEASANT Syrmaticus humiae*
Very brief views of what was probably a male disappearing into bamboo scrub alongside the trail to the "nuthatch" ridge on Doi Chiang Dao was followed almost immediately by another male running along the narrow track ahead of us. This latter bird showed for several seconds allowing time to get the binoculars onto it before it disappeared from view. A third bird, a female was seen very briefly in flight shortly after the second male disappeared.

BARRED BUTTONQUAIL Turnix suscitator*
One on the 25th with another on the 27th, both at Khao Nor Chuchi. The latter bird showed well, being reluctant to leave the track along which we were driving. Another, unseen bird in grassland at Ban Nai Chong was probably this species.

WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN Amaurornis phoenicurus
One on the 19th at Doi Saket with another on the 30th at a garage north of Khok Kloi were the only sightings.

COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
Only noted on the 19th at Doi Saket.

RED-WATTLED LAPWING Vanellus indicus
Two or possibly 3 birds noted at the dis-used sand-pits north of Khok Kloi on the 30th.

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
One on sand-bars in the Krabi river off the Meritime jetty on the 23rd was the only sighting.

BLACK-NAPED TERN Sterna sumatrana*
Highlight of the boat trip to the Ko Phi Phi islands on the 29th was seeing at least 10 pairs of this beautiful "white" tern. Nesting on ledges around Ko Phi Phi Ley, just above the water-line, several birds showed themselves well in their breeding plumage.

BRIDLED TERN Sterna anaethetus
At least 10 birds were noted off the southern end of Ko Phi Phi Ley on the 29th apparently nesting alongside the previous species.

ROCK DOVE Columba livia
Only noted on the 16th around Bangkok Airport.

SPECKLED WOOD-PIGEON Columba hodgsonii*
A minima of 20 birds were noted in tree-tops at around Km42 on Doi Inthanon on the 18th. They perched high in the trees, but stayed long enough to get good 'scope views. Something of an unexpected bonus.

SPOTTED DOVE Streptopelia chinensis
Noted on five dates in the north; relatively common in urban areas.

EMERALD DOVE Chalcophaps indica
Up to 2 birds noted at Khao Nor Chuchi 0n the 25th with singles noted on the 27th, 28th and 30th with the ones seen at the Khao Phanom Bencha NP showing particularly well alongside the stream below the track to the waterfall. A species seen well on this trip.

THICK-BILLED PIGEON Treron curvirostra
Three pigeon sp. seen in flight at Ban Nai Chong on the 26th were thought to be this species with a single showing well in a tree at the entrance to the Khao Phanom Bencha NP on the 30th.

PIED IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula bicolor*
At least 10 birds noted on the 29th around the Ko Phi Phi islands with the majority being seen on Ko Phi Phi Ley. Although most were "in flight" views, one bird sat in a tree somewhat distantly for some time allowing distant perched views.

VERNAL HANGING PARROT Loriculus vernalis
Brief flight views of 2 at Ban Nai Chong on the 26th, with upwards of 6 birds in a bare tree on the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau on the 27th and at least two in a similar tree at Khao Phanom Bencha on the 30th. Views were distant as the trees they frequented were tall.

LESSER HAWK-CUCKOO Cuculus vagans*
An unexpected bonus was a calling/singing bird along the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau track. Identified by YM. It sat low in a tree showing itself very well for several minutes.

COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus canorus
Not seen, but heard on both dates on Doi Chiang Dao. It had been seen by a Thai birder present on site who found the sighting very exciting.

PLAINTIVE CUCKOO Cacomantis merulinus
A single on the 25th on the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau was calling constantly, but was only seen in flight. It was heard again and seen again in flight on the 27th in the same location.

ASIAN EMERALD CUCKOO Chalcites maculatus*
Three females seen in total, all around the Km37.5 area, Doi Inthanon on the 17th and 18th, with the first being a roadside bird that showed very well for several minutes sat on top of a low dead tree. The other two sightings, again for a reasonable time were in the lower canopy along the jeep track at Km37.5.

DRONGO CUCKOO Surniculus lugubris*
Distant but good views of a calling bird in a dead tree, somewhere in Khao Nor Chuchi (near the Gurney's Pitta site). By the time the 'scope was put up, the bird had flown.

BLACK-BELLIED MALCOHA Rhopodytes diardi*
One seen briefly but well enough to identify, in company with a Raffle's Malcoha at the start of Trail D, Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th. Initially dismissed as a Green-billed Malcoha, it was only the presence of YM who drew attention to the lack of grey shown by the bird which confirmed the new identification.

GREEN-BILLED MALCOHA Phaenicophaeus tristis
One on Doi Suthep on the 16th with another at Doi Chiang Dao on the 19th with further singles seen around the Krabi mangroves on the 24th and 28th, the latter visiting the hotel gardens.

RAFFLE'S MALCOHA Rhinortha chlorophaea*
The briefest of views of a male in low canopy at the start to Trail D in Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th. Associating with a Black-bellied Malcoha, longer views would have been nicer.

CHESTNUT-BREASTED MALCOHA Rhamphococcyx curvirostris*
The last but one "tick" of the trip was this bird which showed itself extremely well along one of the tracks at the Khao Phra Kaeo NP on Phuket Island on the 30th.

GREATER COUCAL Centropus sinensis
One on the 16th on Doi Suthep and one on the 30th in the Krabi Meritime hotel grounds were the only sightings.

LESSER COUCALCentropus bengalensis*
Two on the 19th, the first roadside south of Chiang Dao, the second on Doi Chiang Dao itself, with a further sighting en route up Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th. A single at Khao Nor Chuchi on the 24th was the only other sighting.

SPOTTED WOOD-OWL Strix seloputo*
One, roosting high in a tree in Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th (at YM's regular site) was not showing itself as well as it normally does. However, the 'scope enabled us to get a fairly good view of what is an uncommon bird.

BROWN HAWK-OWL Ninox scutulata
Two birds "hawking" over the mangroves and watched from the hotel balcony at the Krabi Meritime on the evenings of both the 28th and 29th. Although fairly distant, the colouration, shape and jizz made identification straight-forward.

GREAT-EARED NIGHTJAR Eurostopodus macrotis
Noted on three dates from the hotel balcony at the Krabi Meritime, with up to 6 birds present at any one time. With the light failing rapidly, it was impossible to get any plumage details on any of the birds, even though they often flew close.

LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus macrurus
A nightjar sp. flushed from the road on the drive into Khao Nor Chuchi on the early morning of the 25th was identified as this species by the white shown on the wings and tail and on range.

OUSTALET'S SWIFTLET Aerodramus germani*
Birds, considered to be this species (rather than Edible-nest Swiftlet A.fuciphagus), were seen around Ko Phi Phi Ley on the 29th, visiting the Viking Cave where their nests are regularly harvested by the local residents. Swiftlets seen over the mainland forests - particularly the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau area may have also been this species or more probably Black-nest Swiftlets (A.maximus)

HIMALAYAN SWIFTLET Aerodramus brevirostris*
Good numbers of swiftlets believed to be this species over the mountain areas of Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th and 21st and Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd and 23rd. Birds seen from the ridge beyond the Km21.5 jeep track at the latter site were seen particularly well.

BLACK-NEST SWIFTLET Aerodramus maximus*
Swiftlets visiting nesting caves where there was no attempt by the locals to harvest the nests were considered to be this species. Probably inseparable in the field from Oustalet's Swiftlet, the majority of the swiftlets seen over the mainland forests were possibly this species.

SILVER-RUMPED SPINETAIL Rhaphidura leucopygialis*
Three noted on the 25th on the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau, mostly flying low over the coffee plantations, with one at the same site on the 27th.

ASIAN PALM-SWIFT Cypsiurus balasiensis
Noted on most dates in small numbers, being particularly frequently encountered down the Peninsula.

PACIFIC SWIFT Apus pacificus
Specifically noted on 3 dates in the north but probably overlooked.

HOUSE SWIFT Apus affinis
Noted on six dates in reasonable numbers.

CRESTED TREESWIFT Hemiprocne coronata
At least 12 noted around the Doi Chiang Dao temple area on the 19th with 2 there on the 21st. These were the only sightings.

GREY-RUMPED TREESWIFT Hemiprocne longipennis*
A bird briefly seen in flight over the Krabi Meritime on the 23rd was considered to be this species. At least 5 seen both perched and in flight on the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau on the 25th with at least 10 present in the same area on the 27th, with a minima of 3 over the Krabi mangroves on the 26th.

WHISKERED TREESWIFT Hemiprocne comata*
What was possibly the same bird seen on both the 25th and 27th alongside the track up onto the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau. Seen extremely well both perched and in flight, it was a species that I had particularly wanted to see.

ORANGE-BREASTED TROGON Harpactes oreskios
The only trogon sighting was a female of this species, sitting above the pathway at the start of Trail D, Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th.

COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
One on the 19th at Doi Saket with further singles on the 26th and 29th around the Krabi mangroves.

BROWN-WINGED KINGFISHER Pelargopsis amauropterus*
Singles noted both around the Krabi Meritime lake and the nearby mangroves on three dates.

RUDDY KINGFISHER Halcyon coromanda*
Brief but tickable flight views of one or possibly two birds on Mr Dai's mangrove boat trip on the 26th.

WHITE-BREASTED KINGFISHER Halcyon smyrensis
One on the 21st, roadside near to Fang with at least 3 on the 27th between Krabi and Khao Nor Chuchi with at least 2 on the 30th between Krabi and Phuket. The most frequently encountered kingfisher and often seen away from obvious water.

BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER Halcyon pileata
An unexpected bird in an unexpected location. What was probably a migrating bird was seen on the river near Km13 on Doi Inthanon on the 17th.

MANGROVE KINGFISHER Todiramphus chloris
A single seen in flight and then distantly perched on the 26th at the start of the mangrove boat trip with Mr Dai.

BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATER Nyctyornis athertoni
Singles on the 17th along the Km37.5 jeep track, Doi Inthanon and on the 19th around the Doi Chiang Dao temple area.

BLUE-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops viridis*
Two seen perched on dead trees in the Krabi mangroves on the 26th during Mr Dai's boat trip.

BAY-HEADED BEE-EATER Merops leschenaulti
Two on the 27th, one near Khao Phanom Bencha with another at Khao Nor Chuchi, with the only other sighting being of one at the sand-pits north of Khok Kloi on the 30th.

INDIAN ROLLER Coracias benghalensis
One or possibly two birds as fly-overs at Km10, Doi Inthanon on the 18th with another over the main road north on the 19th and 2 roadside near Phang-nga on the 30th.

DOLLARBIRD Eurystomus orientalis*
At least 2 birds, but possibly 3 on the 26th, the first 2 in display flight over the Krabi mangroves on Mr Dai's boat trip.

EURASIAN HOOPOE Upupa epops
Two on the summit area of Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th were unexpected.

GOLDEN-THROATED BARBET Megalaima franklinii
Two seen on the 17th and a further 2 on the 18th, all on Doi Inthanon towards the summit and 1 on the 22nd on Doi Ang Khang.

BLUE-THROATED BARBET Megalaima asiatica
Singles seen on the 19th, 20th and 21st, all around the Doi Chiang Dao temple area.

COPPERSMITH BARBET Megalaima haemacephala
The most frequently heard barbet but only occasionally seen with sightings on the 24th and 26th only, both around the Krabi Meritime hotel.

MALAYSIAN HONEYGUIDE Indicator archipelagus*
The apparently long-returning bird shown to us by YM on the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau on the 25th. Not a particularly stunning bird but a rarity and a difficult to observe species.

SPECKLED PICULET Picumnus innominatus
Two on the 16th around Doi Suthep were the only sightings.

GREY-CAPPED WOODPECKER Picoides canicapillus
One on the 17th on Doi Inthanon, roadside near Km13 was the only sighting.

STRIPE-BREASTED WOODPECKER Picoides atratus*
Three seen on the 18th, roadside between the Phra's and the summit of Doi Inthanon and although seen only briefly perched, there was no doubting their identification. At least 5 were seen on the 20th on Doi Chiang Dao, all seen very well between the sub-station and the ridge. The final sighting was of one of the 21st, again in the Doi Chiang Dao area.

BANDED WOODPECKER Picus miniaceus*
The last species looked at on the trip was a probable female of this species which flew in calling and then sat atop a dead tree in the car park area of the Khao Phra Kaeo NP on Phuket island on the evening of the 30th. It remained atop the tree for several minutes allowing good views, before it flew off calling.

STREAK-BREASTED WOODPECKER Picus viridanus*
Two or possibly three birds seen, 2 in flight and one poking it's head out of a nest hole, all in the Krabi mangroves and seen from Mr Dai's boat trip on the 26th.

GREY-HEADED GREEN WOODPECKER Picus canus
One on the 20th on Doi Chiang Dao.

COMMON FLAMEBACK Dinopium javanense
Two flameback sp. seen on the 29th around the Krabi Meritime hotel were considered to be this species. Other flameback sp. had been seen briefly throughout the two weeks although none had stayed still long enough to be specific on identification.

GREY-AND-BUFF WOODPECKER Hemicircus concretus*
A pair seen exceptionally well on the 25th along Trail D, Khao Nor Chuchi whilst with YM. Although reasonably high in the canopy, they spent some time feeding on bare branches, thereby allowing good clear views.

BANDED PITTA Pitta guajana*
Disappointing but none-the-less tickable views of a bird on a nest alongside Trail D at Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th. The head pattern was seen particularly well although most of the body was obscured.

GURNEY'S PITTA Pitta gurneyi*
Probably the bird of the trip, certainly the rarest, was the stunning male seen well as it moved through the leaf litter feeding. Located in a remnant piece of secondary forest with rubber plantations nearby, it was seen extremely well over several minutes during which all features were seen. A male, the bird performed better than could possibly have been hoped for. A nearby calling female flew into cover on the far side of a forest pond without being seen.

BLUE-WINGED PITTA Pitta moluccensis*
First heard calling from a rubber plantation at Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th, close to the Gurney's site, it was first glimpsed in flight as it flew across a track ahead of us. It then perched in full view below the plantation canopy for several minutes before dropping to the ground and out of site. In flight, our first reaction was that it was a forest kingfisher. Another was heard on the 30th at the Khao Phra Kaeo NP on Phuket island.

MANGROVE PITTA Pitta megarhyncha*
Several heard calling whilst moving through the mangroves on Mr Dai's boat trip on the 26th, and one continually answered his whistled call. It was only my playing of the taped call once, that brought an individual in to a tree right alongside the waterway and it stood there in full view for several seconds before moving to a partially obscured position where it remained for a couple of minutes.

RUFOUS-WINGED BUSHLARK Mirafra assamica*
A specific visit to the Agricultural Research Station, south-west of Chiang Mai on the 16th for other specific species, produced this species which was seen very well, perched both on overhead wires, wooden fence posts and feeding in a recently burned scrubby area close to the entrance road.

DUSKY CRAG MARTIN Hirundo concolor
Three on the 16th on Doi Suthep were the only ones specifically noted in the north, but they were noted on four dates down the Peninsula, seeming to favour the limestone outcrops, common in the area.

BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
Only specifically noted on the 16th around Doi Suthep.

WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW Hirundo smithii
One of the specifically targeted species at the Agricultural Research Station, Chiang Mai on the 16th. Three were seen flying over a small lake late afternoon.

STRIATED SWALLOW Hirundo striolata
The most widely recorded swallow sp. with many of the birds in the Peninsula being of the "badia" sub-species.

ASIAN HOUSE MARTIN Delichon daspyus
Brief flight views of a party of over-flying martin sp. on the 19th at Doi Chiang Dao were considered to be this species.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava
A single flyover on the 21st at Thaton was the only sighting.

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea
Singles noted on the 17th and 18th around the Vachirathan waterfall on Doi Inthanon.

PADDYFIELD PIPIT Anthus rufulus
Birds considered to be this species were noted on the 21st in the Thaton paddy fields, and on the watered lawns of the Krabi Meritime hotel on the 24th, 27th and 28th. None were closely scrutinised so they may have been nominate Richards Pipits (A.novaeseelandiae).

INDOCHINESE CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina polioptera
Two on the 20th on Doi Chiang Dao and one on the 21st on Doi Ang Khang were the only sightings.

LESSER CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina fimbriata*
Two perched in the open, atop a dead (or leafless) tree on the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau on the 25th with another at Ban Nai Chong on the 27th.

GREY-CHINNED MINIVET Pericrocotus solaris
Four on the 18th along the Km37.5 jeep track on Doi Inthanon were the only specifically identified ones seen.

LONG-TAILED MINIVET Pericrocotus ethologus
A minimum of 4 on the 20th around the Doi Chiang Dao temple with 2 on the 22nd on Doi Ang Khang.

SHORT-BILLED MINIVET Pericrocotus brevirostris
One on the 17th on Doi Inthanon with 2 on the 20th around the Doi Chiang Dao temple area.

SCARLET MINIVET Pericrocotus flammeus
The most frequently observed minivet sp., being noted on four dates in the north with a brief sighting on the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau on the 25th probably being of this species although Fiery Minivet (P.igneus) was not ruled out.

BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE Hemipus picatus
Birds noted on seven dates in suitable habitat with a day maxima of 5 on the 17th on Doi Inthanon.

LARGE WOODSHRIKE Tephrodornis gularis
Noted on both the 17th and 18th on Doi Inthanon with up to 4 on the latter date, with at least 2 noted at Ban Nai Chong on the 26th.

CRESTED FINCHBILL Spizixos canifrons*
One of the specialities of Doi Ang Khang and one that not every visitor sees. A party of 5 seen extremely well along the Km21.5 jeep track on the 21st with 2 present the following day. A group of naturalists led by a Thai birder informed us that their presence in the area is not guaranteed and that they appear to be eruptive at this time of the year from nearby (and inaccessible) hills.

STRIATED BULBUL Pycnonotus striatus
Two on Doi Inthanon on the 17th with up to 4 on Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd.

BLACK-HEADED BULBUL Pycnonotus atriceps
Two on Doi Inthanon on the 17th in the dry dypterocarp forest area was the only sighting in the north, whereas down the Peninsula, it was the most frequently encountered bulbul sp., being noted on four dates.

BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL Pycnonotus melanicterus
Noted on five dates in the north and three in the Peninsula. The most common bulbul sp. overall.

RED-WHISKERED BULBUL Pycnonotus jocosus
Noted on five dates in the north, mostly in pairs.

BROWN-BREASTED BULBUL Pycnonotus xanthorrhous*
The other species limited to Doi Ang Khang and seen in good numbers on both dates visited with 10 being the minimum number seen, many in song.

SOOTY-HEADED BULBULPycnonotus aurigaster
Noted on six dates in the north in small numbers.

STRIPE-THROATED BULBUL Pycnonotus finlaysoni
Pairs seen on three dates down the Peninsula either at Khao Nor Chuchi or Ban Nai Chong.

FLAVESCENT BULBUL Pycnonotus flavescens
Noted on four dates all at the highest elevations of either Doi Inthanon or Doi Ang Khang, with 10 being the highest count on the 21st.

YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL Pycnonotus goiavier*
Singles on the 27th and 28th with a minimum of 3 at Thai Muang NP on the 30th. Quite a striking bird when seen.

STREAK-EARED BULBUL Pycnonotus blanfordi
One on the 24th and 2 on the 26th, both sightings being around the Krabi Meritime.

RED-EYED BULBUL Pycnonotus brunneus*
Noted on the 25th, 26th and 27th in the forest areas and possibly under-recorded due to it's dull appearance.

OCHRACEOUS BULBUL Alophoixus ochraceous*
Upwards of 6 birds noted on the 25th around Khao Nor Chuchi.

YELLOW-BELLIED BULBUL Alophoixus phaeocephalus*
Singles seen on the 24th and 25th, both at Khao Nor Chuchi.

HAIRY-BACKED BULBUL Tricholestes criniger*
Singles seen on both the 24th and 25th around Khao Nor Chuchi.

BUFF-VENTED BULBUL Iole olivacea*
Two on the 25th at Khao Nor Chuchi were the only ones seen.

MOUNTAIN BULBUL Hypsipetes mcclellandii
Noted on six dates in the north with 6 on the 21st on Doi Ang Khang being the highest day count.

BLACK BULBUL Hypsipetes leucocephalus
One on the 16th on Doi Suthep, at least 6 around the Doi Chiang Dao temple area on the 19th with a similar number there on the 21st.

WHITE-HEADED BULBUL Hypsipetes thompsoni
Two on a roadside dead tree, near to the summit of Doi Ang Khang, on the 21st.

COMMON IORA Aegithina tiphia
Two on the 20th at the Doi Chiang Dao temple with singles on the Peninsula on the 25th and 26th with 2 at Thai Muang NP just north of Phuket island on the 30th.

GREATER GREEN LEAFBIRD Chloropsis sonnerati*
A single on the 25th along the approach track to the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau was the only sighting.

LESSER GREEN LEAFBIRD Chloropsis cyanopogon*
Singles noted on the 26th at Ban Nai Chong and the 28th at the Khao Phanom Bencha NP.

BLUE-WINGED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis cochinchinensis
One on the 27th around the car park at the Khao Phanom Bencha NP was again, the only sighting.

GOLDEN-FRONTED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis aurifrons
A single, showing itself well roadside at Km13, Doi Inthanon on the 17th was the only sighting.

ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD Chloropsis hardwickii
Two on the 19th high in trees close to the Doi Chiang Dao temple were overshadowed by a stunning male seen much closer on the 20th, also at Doi Chiang Dao.

TIGER SHRIKE Lanius tigrinus*
An unexpected bonus was a superb male of this species seen well along the forest edge of the jeep track at Ban Nai Chong on the 26th.

BROWN SHRIKE Lanius cristatus
Two at the Km37.5 marker on Doi Inthanon on the 17th and one at Doi Ang Khang on the 21st with sightings in the south of 2 on the 24th and 25th at Khao Nor Chuchi with a single there on the 27th.

WHITE-BROWED SHORTWING Brachypteryx montana
Up to 6 birds noted around the summit marsh on Doi Inthanon on both the 17th and 18th, with stunning males predominating. Also noted along the Km37.5 jeep track.

CHESTNUT-BELLIED ROCK-THRUSH Monticola rufiventris*
A stunning male perched on a roadside tree near Km18 on the road up Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd remained for several minutes allowing plenty of time to get the 'scopes onto it to allow superb views.

BLUE ROCK-THRUSH Monticola solitarius
Distant views of two birds considered to be this species on a huge rock face at the end of the beach on Ko Phi Phi Don on the 29th.

BLUE WHISTLING-THRUSH Myiophoneus caeruleus
In the north, only noted on Doi Inthanon on both the 17th and 18th, whilst in the south, birds that were considered to be this species were seen on the huge rock face at the end of the beach on Ko Phi Phi Don.

ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN Copsychus saularis
Noted on nine dates in small numbers. Widespread and relatively common.

WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA Copsychus malabaricus
Singles noted on five dates. Almost as widespread as the previous species but appearing to be more tied to forested areas.

WHITE-CAPPED WATER-REDSTART Chaimarrornis leucocephalus*
Another contender for "bird of the trip" after Gurney's. Seen on both the 17th and 18th at the base of the Vachirathan waterfall but without it's partner the Plumbeous Redstart.

CHESTNUT-NAPED FORKTAIL Enicurus ruficapillus*
An un-expected bonus was a probable male feeding along the stream at the base of the Huay To waterfall, Khao Phanom Bencha NP on the 30th.

SLATY-BACKED FORKTAIL Enicurus schistaceus
Two at the top of the Vachirathan waterfall on the 17th could not be found the following day but a further two were found on the stream alongside the track up Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th, just before the first hill village.

STONECHAT Saxicola torquata
A lone male noted on the 22nd on Doi Ang Khang.

PIED BUSHCHAT Saxicola caprata
Noted on three dates in suitable lowland areas in the north.

GREY BUSHCHAT Saxicola ferrea
Noted on three dates with 6 on the 22nd around Doi Ang Khang being the highest count. They appear to replace Pied Bushchat in the mountains.

ABBOTT'S BABBLER Trichastoma abbotti
Singles on the 25th at Khao Nor Chuchi and the 27th alongside the track to the Huay To waterfall at Khao Phanom Bencha NP.

PUFF-THROATED BABBLER Pellorneum ruficeps
One feeding along the edge of the track at Km120, Ban Nai Chong on the 26th was the only sighting.

BLACK-CAPPED BABBLER Pellorneum capistratum*
A single calling bird showed very well (and extremely closely) alongside the main track (Trail A) at Khao Nor Chuchi both on the way out and on the way back. Very confiding, it looked a great deal better than the field guide illustration.

RUSTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus erythrogenys*
At least three moving through the scrub alongside the ridge path between the DYK sub-station, Doi Chiang Dao and the summit on the 20th with 2 seen briefly but well along the Km21.5 jeep track on Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd.

WHITE-BROWED SCIMITAR-BABBLER Pomatorhinus schisticeps
A single on the 21st along the Km21.5 jeep track, Doi Ang Khang was the only one seen.

PYGMY WREN-BABBLER Pnoepyga pusilla*
Several heard calling around the Doi Inthanon summit and marsh on the 17th but the only views were of one "taped-in" at the roadside near to the visitor centre on the 17th. Although remaining in cover, sufficient of it was seen (and heard) to clinch the identification.

STRIPED TIT-BABBLER Macronous gularis
Two seen on Doi Inthanon on the 17th with a single alongside the Doi Chiang Dao temple steps on the 19th.

CHESTNUT-CROWNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax erythrocephalus
At least three seen around the summit marsh, Doi Inthanon on both the 17th and 18th.

RED-FACED LIOCICHLA Liocichla phoenicea*
One seen briefly but well, several times along the Km21.5 jeep track Doi Ang Khang.

SILVER-EARED MESIA Leiothrix argentauris*
Even more stunning than the field guide suggests when seen in the flesh. A single briefly disappearing into bamboo scrub at the start of the Km34.5 jeep track, Doi Inthanon with two at the roadside near Km21, Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd. These latter two showed very well for a minute or so enabling us to take in the stunning plumage - a real oriental crippler.

WHITE-BROWED SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius flaviscapis
Noted on four dates, with 3 around Doi Inthanon on the 17th being the largest day count.

CHESTNUT-FRONTED SHRIKE-BABBLER Pteruthius aenobarbus*
Singles along the Km37.5 jeep track on both the 17th and 18th with a further single on Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th.

SPECTACLED BARWING Actinodura ramsayi
At least 6 in the vicinity of the Km37.5 jeep track, Doi Inthanon on the 17th, with one on Doi Ang Khang on the 21st with at least 4 noted the following day.

BLUE-WINGED MINLA Minla cyanouroptera*
A single along the roadside at Km21, Doi Ang Khang was far more striking than the field guide suggests and quite a stunner.

CHESTNUT-TAILED MINLA Minla strigula
Only noted on the summit of Doi Inthanon, with 2 on the 17th and 5 on the 18th.

RUFOUS-WINGED FULVETTA Alcippe castaneceps
Only noted around Doi Inthanon above the Km37.5 jeep track area, with 4 on the 17th and 2 on the 18th.

BROWN-CHEEKED FULVETTA Alcippe poioicephala
Two on the 17th, roadside, close to the Phra’s, was the only sighting.

GREY-CHEEKED FULVETTA Alcippe morrisonia
Two on the 17th and 2 on the 18th, both sightings on Doi Inthanon.

RUFOUS-BACKED SIBIA Heterophasia annectens
One noted on the Km37.5 jeep track, Doi Inthanon on the 17th with 2 along the Km21.5 jeep track, Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd.

BLACK-HEADED SIBIA Heterophasia melanoleuca
Noted on four dates with 5 on Doi Inthanon on the 17th being the largest day count.

STRIATED YUHINA Yuhina castaniceps*
At least 4 seen along the track behind the village on Doi Suthep on the 16th with up to 3 noted on the 20th on Doi Chiang Dao.

WHITE-BELLIED YUHINA Yuhina zantholeuca
Five around Doi Suthep on the 16th with one on Doi Inthanon the following day being the only sightings.

HILL PRINIA Prinia atrogularis
Noted on three dates and seen on all three northern mountain sites.

RUFESCENT PRINIA Prinia rufescens
A minimum of 2 on the 25th around Khao Nor Chuchi with one noted there on the 27th.

GREY-BREASTED PRINIA Prinia hodgsonii
Two noted around the Agricultural Research Station, Chiang Mai on the 16th, with 2 around the Thaton paddy fields on the 21st and a single roadside on the 22nd.

YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA Prinia flaviventris*
The only definite sighting was of a bird in forest edge scrub at Ban Nai Chong on the 27th, but 2 birds seen on Doi Suthep on the 16th were also probably this species.

PLAIN PRINIA Prinia inornata
A minimum of 4 birds noted on the 21st around the Thaton paddy fields.

RUSSET BUSH-WARBLER Bradypterus seebohmi*
An unexpected species was two singing birds along the roadway by the nuthatch ridge off the Ban Khoum road on Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd. Seen and heard well, there was no disputing their identity.

STRIATED GRASSBIRD Megalurus palustris*
Two birds seen exceptionally well around the Thaton paddy fields on the 21st. In song and perching high in the vegetation there was no mistaking their identity.

COMMON TAILORBIRD Orthotomus sutorius
Only noted around Doi Chiang Dao on two dates, with a family party of 4 on the 21st.

DARK-NECKED TAILORBIRD Orthotomus atrogularis
Noted on five dates down the Peninsula, most daily sightings being of singles.

ASHY TAILORBIRD Orthotomus ruficeps*
Three noted around the mangroves on Mr Dai's boat trip on the 26th.

ASHY-THROATED WARBLER Phylloscopus maculipennis
At least 2 noted in song around the summit marsh on the morning of the 18th.

ARCTIC WARBLER Phylloscopus borealis
Singles noted on three dates around Khao Nor Chuchi but under-recorded as many phylloscs. were not examined too closely.

TWO-BARRED GREENISH WARBLER Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus
Only specifically noted on the 18th on Doi Inthanon, though probably overlooked on other dates.

WHITE-TAILED LEAF-WARBLER Phylloscopus davisoni*
A minima of 10 noted around the summit marsh on the morning of the 18th, many of them in song. Having now identified them from their song, I feel sure that I saw them but failed to identify them on the November trip.

CHESTNUT-CROWNED WARBLER Seicercus castaniceps*
One, in a feeding flock, seen along the Km37.5 jeep track, Doi Inthanon on the 17th was reasonably obliging for such a small warbler.

YELLOW-BELLIED WARBLER Abroscopus superciliaris*
A single, feeding in bamboo scrub alongside the footpath up the Vachirathan waterfall at Km20, Doi Inthanon on the 17th.

SIBERIAN FLYCATCHER Muscicapa sibirica
A single on the 25th along the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau track on the 25th was a late departing winter visitor.

VERDITER FLYCATCHER Eumyias thalassina
Noted on five dates in the north in small numbers.

LITTLE PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula westermanni*
A superb male was seen along the roadside at the Km21 marker on Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd.

HILL BLUE-FLYCATCHER Cyornis banyumas
One on the 16th on Doi Suthep was the only sighting surprisingly.

TICKELL'S BLUE-FLYCATCHER Cyornis tickelliae
One at Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th.

MANGROVE BLUE-FLYCATCHER Cyornis rufigastra*
Two blue flycatchers seen in the mangroves during Mr Dai's boat trip on the 26th were considered to be this species rather than the uncommon passage migrant Blue-Throated Flycatcher (C.rubeculoides).

GREY-HEADED FLYCATCHER Culicicapa ceylonensis
Noted on the 16th on Doi Suthep and the 25th around Khao Nor Chuchi.

ASIAN PARADISE FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone paradisi
Six on the 24th and 2 on the 25th, all at Khao Nor Chuchi were the only sightings with both white and rufous morph birds being seen (with the long tail streamers).

RUFOUS-WINGED PHILENTOMA Philentoma pyrhopterum*
Two on the 24th and 1 on the 25th, all at Khao Nor Chuchi, were all of the typical rufous-winged morph.

BLACK-NAPED MONARCH Hypothymis azurea
One on Doi Suthep on the 16th, 2 at the Doi Chiang Dao temple area on the 19th, one at Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th and one at Ban Nai Chong on the 26th. Seen less frequently than expected.

YELLOW-BELLIED FANTAIL Rhipidura hypoxantha
Two at the summit of Doi Inthanon on the 18th were the only sighting.

WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL Rhipidura albicollis
Noted on four dates with 2 on the 16th on Doi Suthep being the largest day count.

GREAT TIT Parus major
Two on Doi Suthep on the 16th, one on Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th and 2 on Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd.

YELLOW-CHEEKED TIT Parus spilonotus
Only seen on Doi Inthanon, predominantly around the Km37.5 jeep track area, with 10 on the 17th and 2 on the 18th.

CHESTNUT-VENTED NUTHATCH Sitta nagaensis
Four noted on Doi Inthanon on the 17th with 2 around the Doi Chiang Dao temple on the 19th.

VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH Sitta frontalis
Noted on three dates with 5 around Doi Suthep on the 16th being the highest count although the 2 on the 20th on Doi Ang Khang were the most significant - see below.

GIANT NUTHATCH Sitta magna*
A single was eventually tracked down to the bare branch of a pine close to the ridge trail on Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th. It only remained briefly as it was "seen-off" by a pair of Velvet-fronted Nuthatches. Disappointingly, very brief but definitely tickable views.

YELLOW-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER Prionochilus maculatus*
One on the 24th and 2 on the 25th all at Khao Nor Chuchi.

ORANGE-BELLIED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum trigonostigma*
Brighter than the field guide plate, with one on the 25th along Trail D, Khao Nor Chuchi and 2 on the 27th at Khao Phanom Bencha NP.

FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum ignipectus
One on Doi Inthanon on the 18th and one at the Doi Chiang Dao temple area on the 19th.

SCARLET-BACKED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum cruentatum
A single on Doi Suthep on the 16th, six around Trail D, Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th and 2 at Khao Lam Pi NP on the 30th.

BROWN-THROATED SUNBIRD Anthreptes malacensis
At least two noted at the Khao Phra Kaeo NP on the 30th including a smart male.

RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD Anthreptes singalensis
A male on the 16th at Doi Suthep with 3 further birds at Ban Nai Chong on the 26th were the only sightings.

PURPLE-THROATED SUNBIRD Nectarinia sperata*
A beautiful male at the start of Trail B, Khao Nor Chuchi on the 24th.

GREEN-TAILED SUNBIRD Aethopyga nipalensis
At least 10 noted between the Km37.5 jeep track and the summit area of Doi Inthanon on the 18th.

BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRD Aethopyga saturata
A single on the 19th at Doi Saket was the only one seen.

CRIMSON SUNBIRD Aethopyga siparaja*
A superb male along the jeep track at Km120, Ban Nai Chong on the 26th.

LITTLE SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera longirostra
One on the 24th at Khao Nor Chuchi.

YELLOW-EARED SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera chrysogenys*
A single seen briefly on the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau on the 25th.

GREY-BREASTED SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera affinis*
One seen on the 25th on the Khao Nor Chuchi plateau with another at the same location on the 27th, with one seen at Ban Nai Chong on the 26th.

STREAKED SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera magna*
One alongside the track as we descended from the DYK sub-station on Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th showed itself very well and was a much larger bird than expected.

ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpebrosus
Two roadside, on Doi Suthep on the 16th with a single noted on the 22nd.

BLACK DRONGO Dicrurus macrocercus
Noted on three dates in suitable lowland habitat.

ASHY DRONGO Dicrurus leucophaeus
Noted on five dates in the northern forested mountains.

LESSER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus remifer
Singles on the 17th and 18th on Doi Inthanon were the only ones specifically noted.

GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus paradiseus
Noted on Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon in the north and at Khao Nor Chuchi in the south. Specific numbers not recorded.

ASHY WOODSWALLOW Artamus fuscus
Noted on five dates in the north being relatively common around Chiang Mai in particular.

EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius
A single on the 20th at Doi Chiang Dao gave only flight views.

RUFOUS TREEPIE Dendrocitta vagabunda
Two on the 21st along the Km21.5 jeep track on Doi Ang Khang.

GREY TREEPIE Dendrocitta formosae
One or possibly two birds noted roadside at around Km18 on the climb up Doi Ang Khang.

RACKET-TAILED TREEPIE Crypsirina temia*
Brief fly-past of a pair, at the entrance to the Little Home Guest House chalets at the foot of Doi Inthanon on the 18th.

JUNGLE CROW Corvus levaillantii
Two on the 20th with singles on the 21st and 22nd in the north, with 2 on the 29th in the south being the only sightings.

SLENDER-BILLED ORIOLE Oriolus tenuirostris*
At least four birds seen alongside the track up to the DYK sub-station on Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th.

BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE Oriolus xanthornus
One on the 21st in the vicinity of the Doi Chiang Dao temple.

MAROON ORIOLE Oriolus traillii
At least 4 (all females) noted around the ridge trail on the summit of Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th, with a pair noted along the Km21.5 jeep track at Doi Ang Khang on the 22nd.

ASIAN GLOSSY-STARLING Aplonis panayensis
Four noted around the Krabi Meritime on the 24th.

WHITE-SHOULDERED STARLING Sturnus sinensis
Good close views of a starling sp. at the Agricultural Station, Chiang Mai on the 16th defied identification initially but on reflection, it was probably an immature/female of this species.

COMMON MYNA Acridotheres tristis
Widespread and common throughout.

WHITE-VENTED MYNA Acridotheres javanicus
Widespread and common in the north.

CHESTNUT BUNTING Emberiza rutila*
A smart male seen briefly in the scrubby area alongside the track behind the DYK sub-station on Doi Chiang Dao on the 20th.

WHITE-RUMPED MUNIA Lonchura striata
A single on the 21st along the summit trail to the north of Doi Chiang Dao, was the only sighting.

SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA Lonchura punctulata
Noted on five dates both north and south, in small numbers.

WHITE-BELLIED MUNIA Lonchura leucogastra*
Six in bamboo along Trail A at Khao Nor Chuchi on the 25th, with at least 10 along the Km120 jeep track at Ban Nai Chong on the 26th.

PLAIN-BACKED SPARROW Passer flaveolus*
Two around the Agricultural Research Station, Chiang Mai on the 16th were the only ones encountered. A species that is not as common as the field guide suggests. A very smart sparrow sp. and a pleasing list addition.

EURASIAN TREE SPARROW Passer montanus
Widespread and common.

 

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