: Mystical , March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

A Tropical Birding SET DEPARTURE tour

Thailand: Mystical Asia March 3-18, 2019

Blue is an absolutely stunning and one of the many great reasons to visit Thailand.

TOUR LEADER: Phil Chaon, Report and photos by Phil Chaon

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INTRODUCTION

Thailand is a place that needs to be visited to be understood. Whether it is for the legendary food, the spectacular temples, or the pristine beaches millions of people make the journey to this country, some time and again. Among the myriad of reasons to visit the Kingdom of Thailand, the birdlife is paramount for a select few who will be treated to a slice of the country experienced by few. With an incredible variety of , a country list hovering around 1000 , and comfortable, easy travel Thailand is truly a world class birding destination.

In only two and a half weeks, we saw well over 500 species including many of Thailand’s most sought after . Birding the famous coastal wetlands of Pak Thale we found what is considered by many to be THE bird in Thailand – Spoon-billed Sandpiper. The supporting cast of hundreds of thousands of shorebirds including the endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank made the searching all the more exciting. Heading inland to the steamy hills of Kaeng Krachan (Thailand’s largest national park) we tracked down the full compliment of Broadbills, Banded Kingfisher, Scaly-breasted and Bar-backed Partridges and the celestial . Turning north to Khao Yai National Park we toured the rolling hills, towering and open plains in search of Silver Pheasant and Siamese Fireback, which we came up with in a thrilling last minute encounter. A rare encounter with a flock of Brown Hornbills and a sublime sunset with the mind-blowing Great-eared were a fantastic bonus.

Our long journey to Himalayan influenced northern mountains was highlighted by an incredible evening spent with the otherworldly Green Peafowl. We reached new birding heights at the peak of Thailand’s highest mountain where in the cool mossy forests we tracked down shy Rufous-throated Partridges, the mouse-like Pygmy Cupwing and a glittering cadre of . Following Doi Inthanon, we watched Pin-tailed Pigeons and Great Barbets from the golden spires of the Tham Pha Plong temple en route to the majestic gardens of Doi Ang Khang. The manicured orchards and flowerbeds of the Ang Khang Royal Projects held many avian delights - from the gargantuan Giant to the crimson-blushing Scarlet-faced Liocichla this location offered spectacular birds and ideal viewing situations in a spectacular locale. Our last major site, Doi Lang may have been a case of saving the best for last. Everything fell into place as we were greeted by a long-staying Ultramarine Flycatcher before reaping the benefits of an incredible flowering tree where Gray-headed and Spot-breasted Parrotbills held court with the legendary Himalayan . A displaying Hume’s Pheasant could not have been more cooperative, rearing up and beating the air as if he and his mate where the only living creatures around. A final dash to see an elusive Rusty-naped Pitta was a great end to this incredibly successful tour.

Thailand is full of surprises, great birds and varied experiences. Even veteran birders will see new species after multiple trips and newcomers to Asia can expect hundreds of lifers and a broad exposure to the region’s classic families. It is easy to see why Thailand is a perennial favorite for guides and clients alike.

March 3rd: Bangkok to Pak Thale

After a brief introduction the night before and an evening shaking off the jet lag, we were all eager to begin our journey through the spectacular kingdom of Thailand. Navigating the mega-city of Bangkok, the teeming www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.2 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report metropolis slowly gave way to suburbs and small towns before we reached a patch of mangroves in a small coastal village by mid-morning.

Our first birding foray into the mangroves quickly turned up two specialists of this endangered – Mangrove Whistler and Golden-bellied Gerygone, the only members of their respective families in Thailand. Apart from the specialties we had our first encounters with a host of common birds that would become familiar over the coming weeks – Malaysian Pied Fantail, Olive-backed , and Great . Quickly jumping back in the van we continued south west along the narrow roads through the endless maze of rice- paddies, salt pans and shrimp farms that make up coastal Thailand. With the near constant distraction of , storks, and kingfishers we arrived at an isolated lake to check for some decidedly less numerous waterbirds. A scan of the teeming waters revealed a cohort of new birds. A pair of Black-headed Ibis joined the groups of strutting Great Egrets and slinking Chinese Pond-Herons working the flooded grasses right in front of us. Large groups of Indian and Little Cormorants sat drying their wings in the sun and several massive Spot-billed Pelicans sat in the distance along with our only Eurasian Wigeons of the trip. By the point, the day was truly hot and with Black Kites kettling overhead we finished the drive to our hotel for a midday break. Black-necked Stilt is an impossibly elegant resident of wetlands all over Thailand

With things cooling down by mid-afternoon we made the short drive to shorebird mecca of Pak Thale. A series of active salt-pans, this small coastal area is one of the most important shorebird wintering ground in Asia and home to several endangered species, including the legendary Spoon-billed Sandpiper. The scene was nearly overwhelming – after passing dozens of workers actively collecting salt, we reached an undisturbed impoundment teeming with birds. Working our way through the flock we were immediately drawn to a mixed group of lanky and long-billed Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits. Continuing to scan we swept over Curlew, Broad-billed, and Marsh Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank, Common Greenshank, Temminck’s, Long-toed and Red-necked Stints. Sneaking down a narrow channel, we found our first major target for the area – the oddly proportioned and increasingly rare Chinese Egret. Buoyed by our success we pressed on searching through thousands of small sandpipers in hopes of finding the grail bird of the perhaps the entire trip. In spite of some careful scanning, and many new species there was no sign of the spoonie and with light fading we left to regroup before redoubling our efforts in the morning.

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March 4th : Pak Thale to Kaeng Krachan

Rising early, we drove north to Pak Thale, ready for a rematch with Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Along the way we stopped near a small salt-storage barn to scan an irresistibly large roosting group of shorebirds. Among the thousands and thousands of Great Knots, we spotted several ghostly pale – the critically endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank, second only to the Spoon-billed in rarity. A couple more sweeps turned up large numbers of Kentish , Greater and Lesser Sand-plover and an odd Malaysian Plover, well out of its normal habitat.

Less than 20 minutes later we were back on the narrow roads of Pak Thale, winding past colorful Painted Storks, cackling Collared Kingfishers and dozens of elegant Black-necked Stilts we headed back to the largest concentration of shorebirds. We sifted for hours, rapidly filling out our shorebird list with all the regular wintering birds – impossibly long-billed Eurasian and Far Eastern Curlews, Common Redshanks, Red Knot, golden Ruffs, and wary Wood Sandpipers. Small islands of drying mud were packed edge to edge with Chinese and Javan Pond-Herons, petite Little Terns and swarms of White-winged and Whiskered Terns. With hundreds of thousands of birds and only two Spoon-billed Sandpipers, they had won yet another round. Vowing to return for a third and final round, we headed inland towards the sprawling forests of Kaeng Krachan National Park.

After a short nap in our shady bungalows (decked out in luxurious dark hardwood and with a mercifully powerful AC unit) and a brief visit with a pair of roosting Brown Boobooks, we wound our way into the surrounding hills and down a small private road. Parking at a small pull-out we were met by the landowner and led down a small winding path to a hide. Nearing the end of a remarkably parched dry season, birds and mammals from all over were attracted to the small water feature placed Bar-backed Partridge has become remarkably confiding just outside of in the by the hide’s Kaeng Krachan. operator. As we sat in silence birds slowly began to appear – a group of rotund and animated Bar-backed Partridges scurried through, while an oddly familiar Red Junglefowl strutted through the clearing. A shy but vibrant Asian Emerald Dove paced the margins while more daring headed directly for the tantalizing water. A noisy and gregarious group of blue-eyed Racket-tailed Treepies ran the scene while Black-crested , Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher made quick visits to bathe and drink. A group of stunning White- browed Scimitar Babblers made an appearance and the rare and impressive Large Scimitar Babbler would www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.4 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report have been bird of the evening if not for the final visitor. From the edge of the undergrowth we caught a quick flash of brilliant orange. Several minutes later another flash of bright blue. Finally, after a few tense minutes, a Blue Pitta emerged in full view! Incredibly shy and with an otherworldly set of colors, any pitta is a trip highlight but the Blue has to be one of the best. Knowing we wouldn’t be able to top it, we headed back for some delicious curry and fresh banana blossom salad.

March 5th : Kaeng Krachan

This morning we began our first of two full days exploring Thailand’s famous Kaeng Krachan National Park. With the recent closure of the summit road, we were restricted to the lower sections of the park, thankfully there was more than enough to keep us busy down low. Dawn broke at a large clearing, a perfect vantage point for the early morning bird rush. Things started off with a bang with several diminutive Black-thighed Falconets emerging from a communal roost in an old hole. While watching this spectacle, an unusually cooperative Square- tailed Drongo Cuckoo perched up on a low limb of the very same tree. Meanwhile a few prominent dead snags were great locations for us to observe multiple species of as Greater and Common Flamebacks and Greater Yellownape all drummed out their territorial claims. The weedy edges of the forest held a couple of the skulky Radde’s Warbler and surprise Baikal Bush Warbler – a vagrant to the region.

Continuing up the winding road we bumped into a flock of the massive, saffron tufted Sultan Tits. Always a crowd favorite we had extended looks at their acrobatic displays as they foraged along the forest edge. A series of croaks from deep in a fig led us to a pair of Black-and-red A stunning member of one of Asia's classic Broadbills – and while their jet and crimson was families, Banded Broadbill performed incredibly admirable in its own right, the otherworldly fluorescent well. blue-green of the bill blew our group away. A Green-eared Barbet rhythmically calling from a snag provided some good variety but the highlight of the morning was a productive foray down a side road. On a short stroll we tracked down both Banded and Black-and-yellow Broadbills – spectacular in palate and form and true stars of this incredible family. The red letter bird of the morning though, was a Banded Kingfisher which sat patiently for us as we enjoyed low scope views of this often stratospheric species. Barred blue and black with a shockingly red bill – this odd, canopy loving kingfisher was one of our major targets for the region and a great note to end the morning on.

After our midday break, we headed back out to visit another nearby hide for some productive but relaxed afternoon birding. Again, activity slowly built throughout the afternoon but with some patience we had www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.5 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report wonderful looks at some typically shy forest species including more Bar-backed Partridges, Puff-throated Babbler, Pin-striped -babbler, and Chinese Blue Flycatcher. The highlight of the afternoon however, was just outside the hide in the form of a roosting Large-tailed Nightjar. Even knowing its exact location the bird seemed to disappear with even a momentary shifting of gaze – a truly incredible feat of crypsis.

March 6th : Kaeng Krachan

Returning for yet another morning at Kaeng Krachan, we bypassed the lower sections of the road and headed straight for the roadblock at the campground. While unable to drive, we opted instead to walk the lower sections of the closed summit road, a classically productive area. With no other traffic, the road was even more productive than normal as we kicked things off with a Bamboo Woodpecker! Notoriously tricky, this individual played hide and seek from a deep tangle before eventually giving us all a look. A short-ways further a Stripe-breasted Woodpecker was decidedly more cooperative, actively tapping away on a bare limb. Nearby a Blue Pitta began calling and while pausing to try to locate it, soft rustling exploded into a clamorous escape as a pair of Kalij Pheasants took off upslope. A Blue-bearded Bee-eater on a snag loomed leviathan in comparison to other members of the family and the morning continued at a pleasant pace. Chestnut- breasted and Black-bellied Malkohas crept through the tree tops while a nearby Collared Owlet drew the ire of many small birds. Our broadbill luck continued as we managed reasonable views of Silver-breasted Broadbill and after some work had an eye-level, point-blank encounter with the dayglo bright Orange- breasted Trogon. Our grand finale for the morning was an extended visit with a family group of raucous and grinning Dusky Broadbills, a less flashy but no less entertaining member of this great clade of birds.

Continuing our theme of afternoon hide visits, we headed to our third and final blind in the region. This was perhaps the most productive of the blinds visited as we saw everything that we encountered at the other hides (except Blue Pitta) and more. Noisy groups of Greater and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush ran the show, coming in big waves and chasing off any other contenders. In between their visits, we picked up a few shy Scaly-breasted Partridges, a quivering Siberian Blue Robin and perhaps best of all a pair of outrageously Common Green Magpie is anything but common looking. An gaudy Common Green Magpies. Just as absolute stunner and crowd favorite. these mint-green masked denizens were leaving, a shockingly small Lesser Mouse Deer came in for a drink. Barely two feet at the shoulder and balanced on stilt like legs, this flighty ungulate was one of our favorite mammals of the trip and well worth the wait.

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March 7th : Kaeng Krachan to Khao Yai

We departed Kaeng Krachan before dawn with a singular goal in mind – redemption. Swiftly moving back towards Pak Thale, we paused to investigate a swirling mass of birds in the pale gray light. Within minutes we had managed to pick out Asian Golden, Streaked and Baya Weavers as well as Chestnut, White-rumped and Scaly-breasted Munia all feasting on a ripening field of rice. Just before leaving a Cinnamon Bittern flushed from the field – an auspicious start to the day. By 7 am we had arrived back at Pak Thale and were striding purposefully out to the best shorebird habitat found on our previous visit. We set up our scopes and settled in to scan for our quarry. Within minutes a cry went up – there was a Spoon-billed Sandpiper right in front of us foraging actively! After such a long hard fought battle it was almost too easy, though we didn’t mind, savoring our moment with one of the world’s rarest birds. The flock was soon scattered by a passing Brahminy Kite and the spoonie was lost but having all enjoyed satisfying looks none of us were too worried. We spent another hour or so, leisurely scoping, and coming across Pallas’s Gull, Great Crested Tern and Red-necked Phalaropes among the throngs of waterbirds.

With time to spare we headed to the Nong Pla Lai rice paddies for a little extra open country birding. In addition to enjoying great looks at many of the species we had seen previously, we managed some satisfying looks at a furtive Yellow Bittern, the surprisingly attractive Plain-backed Sparrow and a few elegant Black- winged Kites. With a long road ahead of us we grabbed a quick lunch and set about crossing the sprawling expanse of Bangkok and the fertile agricultural lands beyond.

Arriving outside Khao Yai in the golden light of evening, we pulled into a small reserve with a clear view of some towering riparian trees. As the sun sank lower, dozens of Red-breasted Parakeets came into roost. Calling and cavorting, they perfectly matched the pastel hues of sunset and whet our appetites for what lay in store inside the park.

March 8th – Khao Yai National Park

Our first of two full days in Thailand’s flagship national park began with sunrise at a sweeping vista. With forested hills rolling for miles in the background we watched as several Oriental Pied Hornbills cruised by with lazy wingbeats. A pair of tiny Vernal Hanging Parrots fed on some overhanging flowers and a smartly patterned Black-and-Buff Woodpecker flew in, paused briefly and took off again. A stroll down a nearby forest trail gave us our first sighting of the rambunctious and charismatic White-crested Laughingthrush. A shocking crimson Red-headed Trogon stopped us in our tracks and a pair of gargantuan Wreathed Hornbills preened each other in the limbs of a towering tree.

Following lunch, we headed to a high overlook to escape the heat and look for soaring raptors. While raptor activity was low, we did find a pair of Olive-backed Pipits bobbing along the limb of a pine and a handsome Moustached Barbet gobbling down small fruits. Walking along the road we won a long battle with a pair of Black-throated only to find an incredibly cooperative eating discarded rice behind the guards kitchen. Lower down, things were disappointingly quiet and we were just getting ready to head out when a massive Great Hornbill came swooping in over the road and landed nearby. Tracking it down we found it clinging to the side of a tree, investigating a nest cavity! While admiring one of Asia’s most impressive forest birds a series of piercing whistles led us to a pair of Long-tailed Broadbills – less imposing, but no less www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.7 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report impressive and the last broadbill we needed for the tour. With a satisfying end to the day, we wound our way down the mountain and back to town.

March 9th – Khao Yai

We began our second day with an early morning cruise for any pheasants that might be strolling down the road. Reaching the end of the road near a large waterfall without any pheasants we hopped out of the van and into our first mixed flock of the day. With the first rays of sun hitting the trees a busy mixture of Ashy, Brown-rumped and Rosy were found actively gleaning among the sparse foliage. A noisy Black-winged was not far away A Black-throated Laughingthrush was robbing rice from a rangers outpost, and a mixed group of Common allowing for excellent views. Hill and Gold-crested Mynas passed low overhead, only pausing briefly. With things off to a great start we raced off to chase the morning rush elsewhere. A nearby forest trail netted us a pair of Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrikes and a calling Blue Pitta but not much else. Venturing deeper into the forest we picked up a couple of rarer warblers, the sunflower yellow Sulphur-breasted Warbler and a stripe-headed Alstrom’s Warbler. With things starting to warm up we cruised to a nice overlook to see what was riding the thermals and were rewarded with soaring Rufous-bellied and Black Eagles.

The middle of the day birds came in drips and drabs but nothing new appeared. As the afternoon cooled off, we headed to a large pond to watch an evening spectacle. En route we found a formidable though remarkably tame Malayan Porcupine, but the real show began a few minutes later. Over a dozen Brown-backed and Silver-backed Needletails appeared from the stratosphere to bathe and drink on the wing over this pond. Among the world’s largest swifts and fastest birds, watching these incredible aerialists zoom and splash around us is one of Thailand’s great sights and really the only way to watch swifts. The day wasn’t done yet though and heading to a clearing we waited to stake out one of Khao Yai’s other oversized avian residents. While waiting, the real surprise of the day came as a squeaking flock of 6 Brown Hornbills perched in a bare tree for the evening. Unpredictable and rare, these demure frugivores were a lifer for everyone, including the guide. As dusk fell and the hornbills departed, our final target for the day came soaring over the tops of the trees – Great , the largest nightjar on earth. More harrier than goatsucker, we were all awe- struck by this graceful, silent king of the night. Thrilled with the outcome of our evening we dipped out for www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.8 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report some green curry, fresh mushroom salad, and a couple of cold Chang at a nearby restaurant before calling it a night.

March 10th: Khao Yai to Bueng Boraphet

Still missing our target pheasants we headed back into the park for one more shot at these two major targets. Cruising slowly we scoured the edges for any sign of these handsome chickens but came up empty. Turning around, we suddenly were slamming on the brakes as a Silver Pheasant strutted along the roadside, casually walking off into the forest. Riding this wave of luck we shot down to a forest trail to try for fireback and were before long heard three pheasants running off into the brush unseen. Shockingly, one turned around and ran back towards us down the middle of the trail giving us open views of the sharp-looking Siamese Fireback, our main target for Khao Yai! While we would prefer getting them early on, the excitement of these last minute saves was not something any of us were complaining about. Heading back to the car we took some time to admire a cooperative pair of Heart-spotted Woodpeckers sitting on a large vine before hitting the road to our next short stop.

By the time we arrived at the towering karst hills of the Phra Puhuttabat Noi temple it was already later and warmer than we had planned. Searching the ornate steps of the temple we were escorted by a troop of local dogs and Long-tailed Macaques, and despite many eyes, things were quiet. We hopped in the car to leave, pausing just outside the gate to scan one more cliff. A slight movement on the hillside led to a mad scramble and soon we all locked on to the small, endemic Rufous Limestone Wren-babbler, a tiny subdued specialist of this incredible landscape. With all targets in the bag we headed north to Bueng Boraphet – Thailands largest freshwater lake.

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With the temperature climbing over 100 degrees Fahrenheit we waited for some relief from the heat before heading out the try and bird the shady grounds of a fisheries research center. While the main reason for the compound was to study the endemic of the lake, the large pools filled with Siam Crocodiles outside were the main entertainment. Circling the ponds teeming with these intimidating reptiles, Pink-necked Pigeons watched from a safe distance. A dead snag in the middle of the pond was a safe perch for a Freckle-breasted Woodpecker and a single, elegant Oriental Pratincole flew by overhead. As we made our way out, an Asian Barred Owlet was waking up and peering down from the large limbs of the spreading shade trees. Cruising a short distance we got our first look at the expansive lake, scanning the masses of waterbirds from a small dock. A flock of squeaking Lesser Whistling and Garganey rested along the shoreline where a Pheasant-tailed Jacana patrolled more actively. A tuxedoed Pied Kingfisher waiting on the dock seemed like a good note to leave the lake on, eager to return in the morning.

March 11th: Bueng Boraphet to Doi Inthanon

Today was largely a travel day as we transitioned from central Thailand to Doi Inthanon, our gateway to the north. Before leaving though, we had a morning boat cruise through the incredible aquatic ecosystems of Bueng Boraphet. As our pontoon slowly motored away from the dock down a narrow channel birds were everywhere. Hundreds of Asian Openbill, Great, Intermediate, Cattle and Little Egrets lined the shores. Colorful Gray-headed Swamphens stood stoically on the floating vegetation while a tiny Baillon’s Crake quickly disappeared into the dense reeds. Further along, a Ruddy-breasted Crake was slightly more cooperative but still vanished in typical rail fashion. In the dense reeds along the more skulky residents lurked – a tiny Yellow Bittern sat unaware that is had been spotted and Black-browed Reed Warblers and Striated Grassbirds Stunning doesn't begin to describe the flabbergasting Green occasionally popped up to sing brief bouts of Peafowl. bubbling song. Reaching the open water large numbers of cormorants and terns passed back and forth across the lake in search of the richest fishing grounds. After a good deal of searching we managed to locate a small flock of the undoubtedly adorable Cotton Pygmy Geese, one of the worlds smallest waterfowl and a difficult bird to find without the aid of a www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.10 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report boat. Pleased with this last score we turned to shore, admiring the sheer volume of life at this freshwater oasis. Before reaching the shore we noticed a small bird that was trapped inside one of the lakes many fish traps. Motoring to the trap we waded over to the site of the caged bird and quickly managed to free a small Oriental Reed Warbler which dashed back to the shade and safety of the reeds.

The rest of the day was spent driving northwards, passing through winding hills, dry forest and small farms. Other than a quick lunch stop we made a bee-line for a site in the hills outside of Doi Inthanon. Arriving in the late afternoon, large dry leaves dropped slowly to the forest floor outside a small ranger station on the edge of a vast expanse of forest. We didn’t have to wait long before our target emerged. Several glittering Green Peafowl were walking casually just inside the forest, bejeweled in emeralds and a thousand shining false eyes in a way that is almost impossible to believe. Truly one of the world’s most spectacular birds we watched them until the light faded and we had to finish our drive to our hotel on the footsteps of Thailand’s tallest mountain.

March 12th: Doi Inthanon

For our first full day on the mountain we started low and slowly worked our way up. In the pale light of predawn we spotted our first birds – a pair of shy Black-backed Forktails bobbing alongside a stream cutting its way through the dry forests of the lower slopes. Heading into the dry forest itself we stopped to watch a pair of tiny Collared Falconets sunning themselves on a snag in the crisp morning air. A much larger raptor – Rufous-winged Buzzard chose a less obvious perch, though there were an abundance of dead limbs. All of the dry dead trees around made this area inviting to a variety of woodpeckers and barbets. From the tiny Gray- capped Woodpecker to the loud and flashy Lesser Yellownape the forest was full of distant drumming as we searched for the multi-hued Black-headed Woodpecker. After some serious searching and a few close run ins we eventually got brief views of this shy dry forest specialist before leaving the rapidly warming dry forest behind us.

Further upslope the air was still cool and birds quite active in the open woodlands of Doi Inthanon’s main campground. We left the van for a round of walk and flock, strolling the roads hoping to encounter bands of birds. A few noisy Black Bulbuls fed high in the tree, their coral bills working deftly to devour small berries and while Gray-chinned and Scarlet Minivets foraged more quietly alongside them. Rounding a bend we found our first flock of the morning as the noisy chatter of sentinel species turned our attentions to the mid- story. Chestnut-flanked and Oriental White-eyes, Striated Yuhinas, Hume’s and Yellow-browed Warblers all darted through the trees while Hill Blue and Slaty-backed Flycatchers moved more slowly in association with their hyperactive flock mates. The flock soon dissipated, leaving the campground quiet except for the boiling trill of a Black-tailed Crake somewhere deep in the grass. We decided to move on as well.

Our afternoon was spent birding a small boardwalk loop that meandered through a swamp at the summit of Doi Inthanon. These moss laden forests adorned in crimson blossoms hold a number of birds found nowhere else in Thailand and have more in common with the Himalaya than with adjacent mountains. After a little work we managed to find a mixed flock dominated by the confusing Phylloscopus warblers that reach peak diversity here. Davison’s, Blyth’s, Claudia’s and Chinese Leaf Warblers were all participants in the flock, along with more colorful Chestnut-tailed Minla and Yellow-bellied Fairy Fantail. A muddy stream was a perfect foraging location for the odd, terrestrial Dark-sided and an irruptive pair of Gray-sided Thrushes. Near the end of the loop we encountered a few glittering Green-tailed Sunbird of the endemic Doi www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.11 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Inthanon (sometimes considered a full species). With a good chunk of our high elevation targets ticked off, we cruised down to our hotel for one last birding stop. In the dry forest near our lodging we arrived just as the aptly named Blossom-headed Parakeets were coming to roost. Dozens of these Tyrian-crowned birds gathered in the trees as the sun sank low in the hazy sky and Chinese Francolins crowed in the distance. An idyllic end to a great first day on the mountain.

March 13th: Doi Inthanon

Our second morning on Doi Inthanon was decidedly cooler than the previous ones. After several days of temperatures nearing triple digits, it was a pleasant change to don a jacket as we birded the road near the summit. Things started off well as we found a tree full of Speckled Wood-Pigeon, our main target on this stretch of road. This allowed us to quickly move onto checking flocks as we quickly turned up Golden-throated Barbet, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Gray-sided and Eye-browed Thrushes and Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush. A petite Pygmy Flycatcher was a welcome The tiny Snowy-browed Flycatcher is a rare resident on Doi surprise as we continued the rest of the way Inthanon's summit. to the summit. We returned to the Ang Ka boardwalk to try and clean up the rest of our targets, though as we neared the end of the boardwalk it seemed as though this wasn’t to be. The piercing call of a Pygmy Cupwing sounded off right near our feet and we began scanning carefully for movement. In the process we found a handsome male White-browed Shortwing before locating a tiny ping-pong ball of a bird scurrying along a mossy log – Pygmy Cupwing. Thrilled with our last minute success we headed up the stairs to the parking lot when suddenly a Rufous- throated Partridge sprinted in front of us! Three more waited partially hidden along the edge and each ran across the path one at a time, right at our feet. A fantastic way to sweep the summit specialties. Further down, a stroll along an old Jeep track turned up Chestnut-crowned and Yellow-vented Warblers and some hard-fought looks at the dinky, tailless Slaty-bellied Tesia to finish off our morning.

Some post lunch roadside birding brought us face to face with a few productive bird waves. The first big flock again netted us a rare warbler – Martens’s Warbler as well as an Indochinese Cuckooshrike and a handsome set of Clicking and Black-eared Shrike-Babblers. The afternoon continued to treat us well as a late stop at a roaring waterfall included some good birds with the spectacular view. Plumbeous and White-capped Redstarts were sharing the same mist-drenched rock. Summarily ignored by the groups of selfie snapping tourists, we enjoyed these birds to ourselves before exiting in the park for some night birding. Overlooking a reservoir, we enjoyed a few cold drinks and watched the sun set behind Doi Inthanon as Indochinese Bush Larks sang exuberantly and Green and Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters hawked low over the water. As sunset turned to dusk began calling and we were soon treated to great views of Large-tailed and Indian Nightjars, both perched and skimming across the placid surface of the moonlit lake. After a late dinner, serenaded by chattering Spotted Owlets, we turned in for the night. www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.12 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

March 14th: Doi Inthanon to Doi Chiang Dao

Our final morning at Doi Inthanon was spent birding a quiet side road hoping to pick up a few more species with the mixed flocks. A social and charismatic group of the with wide-eyed Spectacled started things off right as they proceeded to feed and allopreen at eye-level for several minutes. Continuing up the quiet red earth road, we were greeted by a large bird wave containing Chestnut-vented, Velvet-fronted and Burmese , a Buff-barred Warbler and a watchful Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo. Just around the bend while searching for a pair of Bay Woodpeckers a decidedly smaller bird was noticed hitching up the trunk – Hume’s Treecreeper. With this target in the bag we turned back, stopping to admire a pair of Gray-throated Babblers actively bringing food to a nest. Before we could begin our drive, one last flock moved in and we were bid farewell by the miniscule Speckled Piculet and a cadre of minivets.

The afternoon was sweltering when we arrived in Chiang Dao and the eponymous massif was obscured in smoke from fires in neighboring . Relaxing until late afternoon, we set off to bird some nearby rice paddies and other agricultural lands. The heat suppressed activity until late activity with only a light smattering of common field birds to show for our effort. The final field of the day changed all that, scoping out we found 20 of the usually uncommon Gray-headed Lapwings and some perfect snipe habitat. Phil walked slowly out into the rice paddy while the group watched for anything that might flush up. Nearly a dozen Common and Pin-tailed Snipes burst from the wet grass before settling back down. On the final bend, a tiny Jack Snipe flushed nearly under foot, flying a short distance and vanishing. Less than annual in Thailand, this species is probably under detected due to its exceedingly cryptic nature. Happy with our successful snipe hunt, we watched a graceful Pied Harrier cruising low over the fields in the final purple glow of dusk.

We ended the day with a short nightwalk and while the birds were vocal, nothing seemed interested in responding to our calls. Still, standing in the forest under a full moon and listening to the sounds of Blyth’s , Spot-bellied Eagle Owl and Mountain Scops-Owl was a wonderful experience in its own right.

March 15th: Chiang Dao to Doi Ang Khang

Our morning was spent birding in one of the most peaceful places I have ever been, the temple at Wat Tham Pha Plong. Our main target greeted us in the parking lot as several Pin- tailed Pigeons dined lazily in the treetops. Climbing the long flight of stairs, we spent a while relaxing at the top of the temple and watching Crested Finchbill is a handsome and unique member of the the aerobatic displays of hundreds of family. House Swifts as they moved in tight www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.13 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report formation around the tall golden spires. As we scanned from our excellent vantage point a group of White- rumped Munia and Pin-tailed Parrotfinch zipped by all too briefly. Thankfully Black-hooded Oriole, Blue- throated Barbet and Thick-billed Flowerpecker all took a more leisurely approach, spending the long languid morning carefully feeding among the flowering trees. On a distant ridge, a Great Barbet sat on a dead snag, allowing for a far but clear look at a bird we had thought we had missed. We descended as morning prayers began behind us, travelling northward to the Myanmar border.

Arriving at Doi Ang Khang midday we entered the famous Royal Projects, a beautiful agricultural station with immaculate grounds and spectacular fruiting and flowering trees. Birding around the restaurant as we dined on mushroom green curry and other locally sourced delicacies, a few Crested Finchbills stopped to feed on the small green fruits surrounding the veranda. In the gardens below, a cooperative Black-breasted Thrush and Daurian Redstart made an appearance when given an offering of meal worms. Behind the amphitheater at another small feeding station, a pair of Hill Blue Flycatchers contended with an overly aggressive and gluttonous White-tailed Robin. A final pass of the grounds turned up a pair of giant-billed Spot-winged Grosbeaks resting on branch, no doubt digesting a meal of the garden’s abundant cherries.

A small army outpost on the Myanmar border has traditionally been a good site for Yellow-streaked Warbler. While we didn’t find any this time, a pair of Burmese Shrikes, Brown-breasted Bulbul and a Slender-billed Oriole with both nice additions for the day. With the unfortunate closure of the Ang Khang Nature Resort we needed to make the long drive down to Fang for the night. Heading down the slope, we had barely left the mountain when a group of small partridge were noticed foraging on the road. Making a quick u-turn, we were amazed to find 3 Mountain Bamboo-Partridge feeding in the short grass underneath a guard rail – an unexpected treat given the typically retiring nature of this bird and a fitting preview of the day to come.

March 16th: Doi Ang Khang to Doi Lang

Starting well before dawn, we left Fang and started the long and uneventful drive back up the mountain. Arriving near the summit just before sunrise, we stopped at a small scrubby pasture to look for Yellow-streaked Warbler, which we found quickly and jetted off to our first earnest birding location of the morning. Up at the Ang Khang campground, we stood a small overlook, pine scent on the cool morning air and a distinctive call on the breeze. In no time, the mythical Giant Nuthatch appeared. A true Silver-eared Mesia makes an insane variety of colors work in a behemoth among the family we spectacular way. were able to enjoy clear views for www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.14 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report several minutes before it disappeared back down the slope. With the big target in the bag, we birded our way down the road adding a nest building pair of Long-tailed Minivets, a Blue Rock-Thrush and a distantly calling Green Cochoa to our list. Behind a small guard building a pair of blushing Scarlet-faced Liocichlas were visiting a leaky pipe for a quick drink. Seeing this resplendent olive and crimson laughingthrush is always a treat but, seeing them this well was truly special.

A small trip down a side-trail was relatively quiet, except for a noisy pair of Gray Treepies that gave a few of us clear looks. Our next stop was also fairly slow but did provide some wonderful views of the handsome Golden-throated Barbet and an unexpected encounter with a stunning Crimson-breasted Woodpecker. With a little time before lunch, we stopped back in at the feeding station at the Royal Projects. In the brief absences of the bullying White-tailed Robin, we had some nice visits from Large and Rufous-bellied Niltavas and a pair of Silver-eared Mesias – arguably the regions most attractive bird.

Following lunch, we took a little used back road from Doi Ang Khang to our next birding destination, Doi Lang, saving ourselves a few hours of driving in the process. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, much of the pine forest we stopped to bird had recently undergone a prescribed burn to our great concern. Thankfully the birds didn’t seem to mind as we quickly picked up Maroon Oriole, Gray-faced Buzzard and most exciting of all – Ultramarine Flycatcher. This same individual (presumably) has been returning to this wintering site for at Scarlet-faced Liocichla is a bird whose praises you can sing least 8 years and we were thrilled to see he was until you're red in the face. still defending his long-term winter home.

Further up slope things continued to get better. Birding a small section of the summit road, we visited a feeding station that had a flowering tree above it and hit the jack pot. At the mealworms, White-bellied Redstart, Slaty-blue Flycatcher and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler all greedily gobbled down worms. Immediately above the feeding area, a family of the ornate and adorable Black-throated Tits were busy feeding young, only days away from fledging. However, the real prize was in the flowering trees above. In addition to the constant stream of bulbuls, scimitar babblers, Rufous-backed Sibia, and orioles, a pair of Gray- headed Parrotbills dropped in to feast on flowers and nectar. The real treasure of the evening came moments later, when a group of three Himalayan Cutia flew into the tree. We all enjoyed scope views of these boldly- patterned, unique and rare birds as they fed on red blossoms for nearly fifteen minutes. With sunset approaching and a long day behind us we headed back down but not without one more surprise. In the middle of the road, a male Hume’s Pheasant was walking in plain view. Stopping the van, we watched as he displayed, beating his wings and rearing up furiously until the last of the light had faded. Truly this was one of the single best afternoons of birding I have experienced in Thailand.

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March 17th: Doi Lang to Mae Kok River

With so many targets nailed the day before, we had most of the day to bird leisurely and pick up odds and ends. Climbing back up the mountain in the early morning we stopped to spend some more time watching displaying Hume’s Pheasants while Oriental Turtle Dove, Siberian Rubythroat, and Ultramarine Flycatcher played supporting roles. Back at the flowering tree we were entertained by a large-billed and charismatic Spot- breasted Parrotbill. This individual sang only feet away from us and charmed the entire group – easily one of our favorite birds of the trip. Further along we picked Watching the incomparable Black-throated Tit attending to a up a few skulking warblers – the nest was a major tour highlight. butterscotch colored Buff-throated Warbler and a mouse-like Russet Bush Warbler.

Walking a far stretch of road, we passed a small army checkpoint where a surveying error allowed us to dip into Myanmar without any formal border presence. This brief foray brought us good views of many familiar species as well as some chattering Hill Prinias and our first Gray-backed Shrike. With the morning warming up, we rolled back down hill, grabbed our bags and headed to our next hotel. With time to spare we took the opportunity to relax on the beautiful grounds along the Mae Kok river before heading out to bird some agricultural areas adjacent to the river before dark.

Parking on the edge of a partially fallow field, we made our way down towards the riverbank. A small patch of wet, rank grass yielded one of best birds of the evening – a rare Blunt-winged Warbler, not 50 meters from the van. Dull and rare is fine but we were all a little more excited to see the flocks of Small and Oriental Pratincoles wheeling overhead. Scanning the closest field yielded a few more pratincoles sitting on the ground, along with the confusing species pair Richard’s and Paddyfield Pipit, allowing for close study. Reaching the river, things were relatively quiet. A few Temminck’s Stints and Green Sandpiper fed in the muddy shallows, a Red-throated Pipit squealed overhead and a sun-bright Citrine Wagtail livened up the scene. Heading down along the river we searched for buntings to no avail. As the light waned, small flocks of buntings began passing overhead, diving into the dense thorny grass and scrub lining the river. While many went unidentified, we managed to identify Chestnut-eared, Chestnut and the critically endangered Yellow- breasted Bunting among the hundreds of birds headed to roost. With the light gone and a final morning of birding ahead he left the river behind us and headed off to sleep.

March 18th: Mae Fah Luang to Bangkok

With one final morning of birding left, we decided to go big before going home. Having heard rumors of a cooperative pitta, we made a slight change of plans and detoured to a large arboretum positioned on the www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.16 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Myanmar border. Arriving in the early morning we traipsed down the garden path before arriving at mossy log on the edge of a large thicket. Patiently waiting, we were entertained as a pair of Silver Pheasants strolled the grounds and a Himalayan Bluetail quivered nervously on the margins. Finally, just as we were running short on time, a Rusty-naped Pitta appeared! Standing tall for a few minutes on the velvety green log, we all enjoyed long looks at our second pitta of the tour before it bounced back into the undergrowth. Though we still had a little birding to do, we celebrated with a cup of local coffee before finishing our drive to Chiang Saen. After a relaxed few hours of wetland birding, we added Indian Spot-billed and Chestnut- tailed to our trip list for a whopping 530 species. It had been an incredible tour, full of great birds, wonderful people, delicious food and varied landscapes. We had a wonderful group and our collective efforts and enthusiasm made for an incredibly enjoyable two and a half weeks exploring the Kingdom of Thailand. This is truly one the best countries to bird on earth and every visit is exceptionally unique. As always, I am patiently counting the days until I return. Until then, the birds will be waiting.

This Rusty-naped Pitta was an incredible note to end the tour on.

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BIRD LIST

The of the bird list follows eBird/Clements (available here: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/)

(H) indicates a species that was HEARD only. (G) indicates a species recorded by the GUIDE ONLY.

ANSERIFORMES: Lesser Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna javanica Cotton Pygmy-Goose Nettapus coromandelianus Garganey Spatula querquedula Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha Northern Pintail Anas acuta : Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis Bar-backed Partridge Arborophila brunneopectus Scaly-breasted Partridge Arborophila chloropus Green Peafowl Pavo muticus Chinese Francolin Francolinus pintadeanus Mountain Bamboo-Partridge Bambusicola fytchii Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Hume's Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae Silver Pheasant Lophura nycthemera Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos Siamese Fireback Lophura diardi PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala SULIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis SULIFORMES: Anhingidae Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.18 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

PELECANIFORMES: Pelecanidae Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis : Ardeidae Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis Gray Ardea cinerea Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Great Egret Ardea alba Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes Little Egret Egretta garzetta Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Chinese Pond-Heron Ardeola bacchus Javan Pond-Heron Ardeola speciosa Striated Heron Butorides striata Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax PELECANIFORMES: Threskiornithidae Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus ACCIPITRIFORMES: Pandionidae Osprey Pandion haliaetus ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae Black-shouldered/-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus Aviceda leuphotes Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus limnaeetus Rufous-bellied Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis Rufous-winged Buzzard Butastur liventer Gray-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus Eastern Marsh-Harrier Circus spilonotus Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus Shikra Accipiter badius www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.19 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Black Kite Milvus migrans Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus GRUIFORMES: Rallidae Slaty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Ruddy-breasted Crake Zapornia fusca Baillon's Crake Zapornia pusilla Black-tailed Crake Zapornia bicolor Gray-headed Swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus Eurasian Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Eurasian Coot Fulica atra : Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus CHARADRIIFORMES: Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva Gray-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Lesser Sand-Plover mongolus Greater Sand-Plover Charadrius leschenaultii Malaysian Plover Charadrius peronii Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Red Knot Calidris canutus Ruff Calidris pugnax Broad-billed Sandpiper Calidris falcinellus www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.20 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmea Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Sanderling Calidris alba Dunlin Calidris alpina Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Nordmann's Greenshank Tringa guttifer Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Common Redshank Tringa totanus CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum Small Pratincole Glareola lactea CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus Pallas's Gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus Little Tern Sternula albifrons Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Common Tern Sterna hirundo Great Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae Rock Pigeon Columba livia Speckled Wood-Pigeon Columba hodgsonii www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.21 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis Red Collared-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall Asian Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Zebra Dove Geopelia striata Pink-necked Pigeon Treron vernans Thick-billed Pigeon Treron curvirostra Yellow-vented Pigeon Treron seimundi Pin-tailed Pigeon Treron apicauda Mountain Imperial-Pigeon Ducula badia CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris Black-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris Large Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus Collared Scops-Owl Otus lettia Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl Bubo nipalensis Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides Spotted Owlet Athene brama Brown Boobook Ninox scutulata : Podargidae Blyth's Frogmouth Batrachostomus affinis CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae Great Eared-Nightjar macrotis Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.22 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Apodidae Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus Himalayan brevirostris Germain's Swiftlet Aerodramus germani Pacific Apus pacificus Cook's Swift Apus cooki House Swift Apus nipalensis Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata Gray-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus Orange-breasted Trogon Harpactes oreskios BUCEROTIFORMES: Upupidae Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis Brown Hornbill Anorrhinus austeni Oriental Pied-Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella White-throated (-breasted) Halcyon smyrnensis Kingfisher Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.23 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis : Megalaimidae Coppersmith Barbet haemacephalus Blue-eared Barbet Psilopogon duvaucelii Great Barbet Psilopogon virens Green-eared Barbet Psilopogon faiostrictus Lineated Barbet Psilopogon lineatus Golden-throated Barbet Psilopogon franklinii Moustached Barbet Psilopogon incognitus Blue-throated Barbet Psilopogon asiaticus PICIFORMES: Picidae Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus Gray-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus Freckle-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos analis Stripe-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos atratus Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos cathpharius Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha Streak-breasted Woodpecker Picus viridanus Black-headed Woodpecker Picus erythropygius Common Flameback Dinopium javanense Bamboo Woodpecker viridis Black-and-buff Woodpecker Meiglyptes jugularis Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus Bay Woodpecker pyrrhotis Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente : Collared Falconet caerulescens Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus PSITTACIFORMES: Psittaculidae Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri Vernal Hanging-Parrot Loriculus vernalis PASSERIFORMES: www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.24 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae Silver-breasted Broadbill Serilophus lunatus Banded Broadbill javanicus Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae Rusty-naped Pitta Hydrornis oatesi Blue Pitta Hydrornis cyaneus PASSERIFORMES: Acanthizidae Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea PASSERIFORMES: Vangidae pondicerianus Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae Common Aegithina tiphia Great Iora Aegithina lafresnayei PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae Gray-chinned Pericrocotus solaris Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus Pericrocotus divaricatus Brown-rumped Minivet Pericrocotus cantonensis Pericrocotus roseus Large Cuckooshrike macei Black-winged Cuckooshrike melaschistos Indochinese Cuckooshrike Lalage polioptera PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae Mangrove Whistler Pachycephala cinerea PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus Burmese Shrike Lanius collurioides Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Gray-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.25 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

PASSERIFORMES: Vireonidae Blyth's Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius aeralatus Black-eared Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius melanotis Clicking Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius intermedius White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis Slender-billed Oriole Oriolus tenuirostris Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Crow-billed Drongo Dicrurus annectans Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae Malaysian Pied-Fantail Rhipidura javanica PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae Eurasian (White-faced) Jay Garrulus leucotis Common Green-Magpie Cissa chinensis Gray Treepie Dendrocitta formosae Racket-tailed Treepie Crypsirina temia Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos levaillantii PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae Australasian Bushlark Mirafra javanica Indochinese Bushlark Mirafra erythrocephala PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae Gray-throated Martin Riparia chinensis Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.26 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata Asian House-Martin dasypus PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae Yellow-bellied Fairy-Fantail Chelidorhynx hypoxantha Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis PASSERIFORMES: Paridae Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus Melanochlora sultanea Japanese Tit minor Yellow-cheeked Tit Machlolophus spilonotus PASSERIFORMES: Aegithalidae Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae Burmese Nuthatch Sitta neglecta Chestnut-vented Nuthatch Sitta nagaensis Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis Giant Nuthatch Sitta magna PASSERIFORMES: Certhiidae Hume's Treecreeper Certhia manipurensis PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae Crested Finchbill canifrons Black-headed Bulbul atriceps Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Brown-breasted Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthorrhous Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni Flavescent Bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier Streak-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus conradi Puff-throated Bulbul Alophoixus pallidus Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceus Gray-eyed Bulbul Iole propinqua Olive (Baker's) Bulbul Iole viridescens www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.27 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii PASSERIFORMES: Pnoepygidae Pygmy Cupwing Pnoepyga pusilla PASSERIFORMES: Scotocercidae Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cucullatus PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus Buff-throated Warbler Phylloscopus subaffinis Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis Pallas's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Chinese Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus yunnanensis Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Two-barred Warbler Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus Pale-legged Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus Blyth's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides Claudia's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus claudiae Davison's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus davisoni Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator Sulphur-breasted Warbler Phylloscopus ricketti Plain-tailed (Alstrom's) Warbler Seicercus soror Martens's Warbler Seicercus omeiensis Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae Thick-billed Warbler Iduna aedon Black-browed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps Blunt-winged Warbler Acrocephalus concinens Oriental Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.28 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris Baikal Bush Warbler Locustella davidi Russet Bush Warbler Locustella mandelli PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis Hill Prinia Prinia superciliaris Gray-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris Plain Prinia Prinia inornata PASSERIFORMES: Paradoxornithidae Gray-headed Parrotbill Psittiparus gularis Spot-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxornis guttaticollis PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps Chestnut-flanked White-eye Zosterops erythropleurus Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Mixornis gularis Rufous-fronted Babbler Cyanoderma rufifrons Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps White-browed Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps Large Scimitar-Babbler Megapomatorhinus hypoleucos Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler Megapomatorhinus Gray-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps PASSERIFORMES: Pellorneidae Rufous-winged Fulvetta Schoeniparus castaneceps Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps Spot-throated Babbler Pellorneum albiventre Buff-breasted Babbler Pellorneum tickelli Abbott's Babbler Turdinus abbotti www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.29 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Limestone Wren-Babbler Turdinus crispifrons PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala Yunnan (Gray-cheeked) Fulvetta Alcippe fratercula Himalayan Cutia Cutia nipalensis White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax monileger Spot-breasted Laughingthrush Garrulax merulinus Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Ianthocincla pectoralis Black-throated Laughingthrush Ianthocincla chinensis White-browed Laughingthrush Ianthocincla sannio Silver-eared Laughingthrush Trochalopteron melanostigma Black-backed Sibia Heterophasia melanoleuca Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris Rufous-backed Sibia Minla annectens Scarlet-faced Liocichla Liocichla ripponi Spectacled Actinodura ramsayi Blue-winged Minla Actinodura cyanouroptera Chestnut-tailed Minla Actinodura strigula PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus White-gorgeted Flycatcher Anthipes monileger Hainan Blue Flycatcher hainanus Chinese Blue Flycatcher Cyornis glaucicomans Hill Blue Flycatcher Cyornis banyumas Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana Siberian Blue Robin Larvivora cyane White-bellied Redstart Luscinia phaenicuroides Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Blue Whistling-Thrush Myophonus caeruleus www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.30 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura Himalayan Bluetail rufilatus Slaty-backed Flycatcher sordida Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra Pygmy Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsoni Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla Plumbeous Redstart Phoenicurus fuliginosus White-capped Redstart Phoenicurus leucocephalus Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush Monticola rufiventris Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius Siberian (Tibetan) Stonechat Saxicola maurus (przewalskii) Siberian (Japanese) Stonechat Saxicola maurus (stejnegeri) Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata Gray Bushchat Saxicola ferreus PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae Dark-sided Thrush Zoothera marginata Black-breasted Thrush Turdus dissimilis Gray-sided Thrush Turdus feae Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus Green Cochoa Cochoa viridis PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae Golden-crested Ampeliceps coronatus Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Black-collared Starling Gracupica nigricollis Asian Pied Starling Gracupica contra Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica Common Myna tristis Great Myna Acridotheres grandis PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.31 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae Plain- (Brown-) throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja Little Arachnothera longirostra Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Gray Wagtail Motacilla cinerea White Wagtail Motacilla alba Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus Plain-backed Sparrow Passer flaveolus www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] p.32 Thailand: Mystical Asia, March 3-18, 2019 Tropical Birding - Trip Report

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus PASSERIFORMES: Ploceidae Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus Asian Golden Weaver Ploceus hypoxanthus PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae Pin-tailed Parrotfinch Erythrura prasina White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla

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