Field Guides Tour Report

Nov 20, 2010 to Dec 11, 2010 Dave Stejskal & Uthai Treesucon

The magnificent and mountainous landscape of Tam Dao National Park in the north (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)

We didn't have the bitter cold temperatures in the north on this year's tour that we had on Field Guides' last tour here in 2009, which was a welcome change. I was really glad to see that the activity had retruned to what I would call 'normal' levels at Cuc Phuong NP, which was the hardest hit area in '09's freeze. We may have gotten a little more rain than usual as a trade-off, but overall the weather this year was certainly workable and we pulled off a good tour again in this intriguing, infrequently birded country.

We started our trip in what was clearly the tour's most -rich park, Cat Tien NP north of Ho Chi Minh City. Our four days of birding there were very productive ones, with many of the most sought-after species being seen quite well. A stop in the town of Di Linh on our way to Da Lat at the southern edge of the southern Annam highlands held a few specialties for us, including our first of several endemics on the trip. The Da Lat/Mt. Langbiang area was a little wetter than I'd like, and wood-cutting has taken its toll since I was last there, but we still managed just fine with the , scoring on yet more endemics and regional specialties there amid the abundant pine forest and remaining evergreen broadleaf forest.

In the north, Cuc Phuong NP's lush broadleaf cloaking stunning limestone karst landscape was certainly birdier than my last visit there. Though it was still pretty quiet at times, our birding was frequently punctuated with some outstanding finds. A day's journey to the coastal habitats of Xuan Thuy wasn't as productive as I had planned, but it sure was great to see that wintering flock of endangered Black-faced Spoonbills there! Our last stop in the north, at Tam Dao NP, produced some excellent birds during our nearly three days there, despite the intermittent wind and fog.

At the start of our tour, Vietnam held the largest number of endemics of any of the mainland Southeat Asian countries, but that total actually grew after we returned home when we saw that the latest Clements checklist update finally recognized many of the unique forms there as good species. Uthai and I tried to stress these forms throughout the tour whenever we encountered them with the group, but now there's even more reason to bird this fascinating country with the recognition of

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 1 Vietnamese , Orange-breasted Laughingthrush, Limestone Leaf-Warbler, Black-browed , Collared Babbler, Indochinese Yuhina, Indochinese Barbet, and Black-headed all being newly split.

In addition to these, which were seen well by most in the group, we delighted in such gems as Germain's Peacock- Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Green Peafowl, Pale-headed , Banded and Black-and-red broadbills, Banded Kingfisher, Blossom-headed Parakeet, White-browed , Blue-bearded Bee-eater, and the critically endangered Douc Langur at Cat Tien NP; Vietnamese Greenfinch, Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Red-vented Barbet, Pin-tailed Pigeon, and Mugimaki Flycatcher at Di Linh; Gray-crowned Crocias, the endemic meridionalis race of Red Crossbill, the regional endemic annamensis race of Black-throated Tit, Slender-billed Oriole, White-cheeked Laughingthrush, Jerdon's Baza, endemic races of both Gould's and Black-throated sunbirds, Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Spotted Forktail, and Black- headed Sibia in the Da Lat area; Pied Falconet, White-tailed Flycatcher, Green , Brown Wood-Owl, Bar-bellied Pitta, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, White-winged Magpie, Japanese, Black-breasted, and Gray-backed thrushes, Long-tailed Broadbill, Lesser Shortwing, Sultan Tit, Rufous-throated Fulvetta, Fork-tailed Sunbird, and Fujian at Cuc Phuong NP; and Short-tailed Parrotbill, Streaked and Eye-browed -babblers, Gray Laughingthrush, Coral-billed Scimitar- Babbler, Black-chinned Yuhina, Scaly , Orange-bellied Leafbird, Blue Magpie, Chestnut , and Slaty-bellied at Tam Dao NP. There are more than 300 others in our final triplist that follows, so read on for more of your personal highlights.

Thanks to Muoi, our ever-cheery man of action who helped us through the complicated logistics of this tour and the one who introduced us to that fabulous buffet in Hanoi (surely one of the many trip highlights)! And thanks to all of you from Uthai and myself for your good companionship throughout. It was a delight guiding for all of you in Vietnam and we both hope to see you again on another birding adventure!

--Dave

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

BIRDS Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) EURASIAN WIGEON (Anas penelope) [b] MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos) [b] EASTERN SPOT-BILLED DUCK (Anas zonorhyncha) – Several of these were seen quite well from the dikes at Xuan Thuy NP. [b] NORTHERN SHOVELER (Anas clypeata) [b] NORTHERN PINTAIL (Anas acuta) [b] GARGANEY (Anas querquedula) [b] GREEN-WINGED TEAL (EURASIAN) (Anas crecca crecca) [b] Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies) RUFOUS-THROATED PARTRIDGE (Arborophila rufogularis) [*] BAR-BACKED PARTRIDGE (Arborophila brunneopectus) [*] SCALY-BREASTED PARTRIDGE (Arborophila chloropus) [*] RED JUNGLEFOWL (Gallus gallus) – The only birds that we saw this trip were at Cuc Phuong NP. SILVER PHEASANT (Lophura nycthemera) – A number of us heard this striking species, but Marcia was the only lucky one to lay eyes on it at Tam Dao NP. SIAMESE FIREBACK (Lophura diardi) – We had just been talking about this bird in the truck when we suddenly turned a corner and found a pair on the shoulder of the park road at Cat Tien NP. GERMAIN'S PEACOCK-PHEASANT (Polyplectron germaini) – YESSS!!!! We had almost given up on this guy when the bird that had been calling emerged onto the trail at Cat Tien. This scarce regional specialty can be tough to track down, like all of the other peacock-pheasants.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 2 GREEN PEAFOWL (Pavo muticus) – Cat Tien NP is still an excellent place to see this scarce and declining species. Podicipedidae (Grebes) LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) YELLOW BITTERN (Ixobrychus sinensis) – A single quick flyby at Cat Tien NP this year. [b] GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) [b] GREAT EGRET (AUSTRALASIAN) (Ardea alba modesta) – The Europeans have split the Old World Great Egrets from the New World form, and I suspect that Clements will soon follow suit. INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia)

Our flock of Black-faced Spoonbills (with a Gray Heron interloper) at the Xuan Thuy wetlands (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)

LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) CATTLE EGRET (ASIAN) (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) CHINESE POND-HERON (Ardeola bacchus) [b] STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) [*] Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) BLACK-FACED SPOONBILL (Platalea minor) – We found a group of at least twenty-five of these endangered spoonbills roosting in the at Xuan Thuy NP. [b] Ciconiidae (Storks) WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus) – A single high-flying bird at Cat Tien NP this year. Pandionidae (Osprey) OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – These birds were all the nominate subspecies. Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) JERDON'S BAZA (Aviceda jerdoni) – We watched one fairly cooperative bird hunting in the canopy across the valley near Da Lat. ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD (Pernis ptilorhynchus) – A couple of birds only at the end of the trip at Tam Dao NP. [b] BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – A couple of these were soaring over the rice paddies on our way to Hanoi from Tam Dao NP. [b] CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE (Spilornis cheela) – Great views at Cat Tien NP. EASTERN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus spilonotus) – A couple of these big harriers were the only ones identified on the tour this year. [b] CRESTED GOSHAWK (Accipiter trivirgatus) – The most common of our three species of Accipiters.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 3 SHIKRA (Accipiter badius) – We only saw one of these, which is far fewer than I would expect. JAPANESE SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter gularis) – A single bird near Da Lat was our only one of the tour. [b] GRAY-FACED BUZZARD (Butastur indicus) – A least one of these was seen from the bus as we left Cat Tien NP bound for the Di Linh area. Numbers throughout the range of this species have been on the decline. [b] EURASIAN BUZZARD (JAPONICUS) (Buteo buteo japonicus) – A few in the Tam Dao area, which is where we typically run into this one. The Europeans have split this one into at least a couple of species, with this form wintering widely in much of S.E. . [b] BLACK EAGLE (Ictinaetus malayensis) – A couple of brief sightings this year near Di Linh and at Cuc Phuong. Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) PIED FALCONET (Microhierax melanoleucos) – Tom was responsible for the majority of our sightings at Cuc Phuong this year, and we all had great looks in the scopes! EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) [b] PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Including our 'usual' bird on the tower in Da Lat. Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN (Amaurornis phoenicurus) – The best was a pair on our way from Cuc Phuong to Ninh Binh. RUDDY-BREASTED CRAKE (Porzana fusca) – One of these was i.d.'ed with certainty crossing the road at Cat Tien, but the first crake that we saw crossing the road in the gloomy late afternoon light a couple of days before may have been something else (like a Slaty-legged Crake). WHITE-BROWED CRAKE (Porzana cinerea) – Great views in the paddy next to the road on our way to Ninh Binh. PURPLE SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio viridis) COMMON MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) [b] SNOWY PLOVER (KENTISH) (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus) – Watch for a split of this one sometime soon, with the Old World birds being called Kentish Plover (ours are the true Snowy Plovers). [b] Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) [b] GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus) [b] SPOTTED REDSHANK (Tringa erythropus) [b] COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) [b] MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis) [b] WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) [b] COMMON REDSHANK (Tringa totanus) – That last mudflat that we checked on our way out of Xuan Thuy NP had a fine selection of Tringa sandpipers, all allowing very close comparisons. [b] WHIMBREL (SIBERIAN) (Numenius phaeopus variegatus) [b] BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa) [b] SANDERLING (Calidris alba) [b] RED-NECKED STINT (Calidris ruficollis) [b] DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) [b] Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) BLACK-HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [b] GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL (Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus) – Several of these with the numerous Lesser Black-backed (Heuglin's) Gulls at The lovely Mugimaki Flycatcher, photographed by Xuan Thuy. Also called the Pallas's Gull. [b] guide Dave Stejskal LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (HEUGLIN'S) (Larus fuscus heuglini) [b] SLATY-BACKED GULL (Larus schistisagus) – One first-cycle bird at Xuan Thuy appeared to be this species, but it didn't

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 4 stick around long enough to be photographed to make sure of the i.d. [b] CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia) (Pigeons and Doves) ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I] RED COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia tranquebarica) SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica) POMPADOUR GREEN-PIGEON (Treron pompadora phayrei) THICK-BILLED PIGEON (Treron curvirostra) PIN-TAILED PIGEON (Treron apicauda) – It turns out that the bird we found perched close to the road near Di Linh was a Pin-tailed Pigeon and not Yellow-vented (pictures don't lie!). The birds that we saw perched in the Gray-crowned Crocias valley near Da Lat were also likely this species. WEDGE-TAILED PIGEON (Treron sphenurus) [*] GREEN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula aenea) – Not as common as they once were at Cat Tien NP. MOUNTAIN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula badia) Psittacidae (Parrots) BLOSSOM-HEADED PARAKEET (Psittacula roseata) – A pair of these on one of our late afternoon drives at Cat Tien was a bit of a surprise. RED-BREASTED PARAKEET (Psittacula alexandri) – Far fewer of these than there used to be at Cat Tien. VERNAL HANGING-PARROT (Loriculus vernalis) – We finally got one of these tiny parrots to perch long enough to get a scope on it! Cuculidae (Cuckoos) LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO (Cuculus sparverioides) – A couple of restless birds were briefly seen in the Da lat area. BANDED BAY CUCKOO (Cacomantis sonneratii) – One of these came in very close for some great views in the Ta Nung Valley near Da Lat. VIOLET CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus) – A single adult male put in a brief appearance along the road in Cat Tien NP. ASIAN DRONGO-CUCKOO (Surniculus lugubris) – One bird at Cat Tien was particularly cooperative. GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA (Phaenicophaeus tristis) – At least one of these was seen on most days of this tour. One of the few non-parasitic cuckoos in Vietnam. GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis) LESSER COUCAL (Centropus bengalensis) – Great views of this and the above species in the weedy roadside growth at Cat Tien NP. Strigidae (Owls) COLLARED SCOPS-OWL (Otus lettia) – Excellent views right by the rooms at Cat Tien NP. ORIENTAL SCOPS-OWL (Otus sunia) [*] COLLARED OWLET (Glaucidium brodiei) [*] ASIAN BARRED OWLET (Glaucidium cuculoides) BROWN WOOD-OWL (Strix leptogrammica) – We enjoyed fantastic views of a responsive bird along the main road in Cuc Phuong NP. BROWN HAWK-OWL (Ninox scutulata burmanica) – This bird was recently split into three, and ours was the resident form that's easy to i.d. by voice. Nice looks near the Cat Tien 'dock'. Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) GREAT EARED-NIGHTJAR (Eurostopodus macrotis) – We had impressive numbers of these huge nightjars every evening at Cat Tien NP. GRAY NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus indicus) – We were able to see well at least four of these birds feeding above the canopy when we lingered on the road near Di Linh one evening. LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus macrurus) – Kristine spotted one perched on a nearby tree limb one evening at Cat Tien, allowing all great looks before it flew off to feed.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 5 Apodidae (Swifts) HIMALAYAN SWIFTLET (Aerodramus brevirostris) – Only near Di Linh this year. GERMAN'S SWIFTLET (Aerodramus germani) – A common sight in Saigon. FORK-TAILED SWIFT (Apus pacificus) – Sometimes called the White-rumped or Pacific Swift. [b] HOUSE SWIFT (Apus nipalensis) ASIAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus balasiensis) Hemiprocnidae (Treeswifts) CRESTED TREESWIFT (Hemiprocne coronata) – Several at Cat Tien one afternoon was a good find there. Trogonidae (Trogons) RED-HEADED TROGON (Harpactes erythrocephalus) – We heard quite a few, but didn't end up seeing that many. ORANGE-BREASTED TROGON (Harpactes oreskios) – At Cat Tien NP only on this tour. Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) COMMON KINGFISHER (Alcedo atthis) BANDED KINGFISHER (Lacedo pulchella) – You couldn't beat the look we had along the roadside at Cat Tien this year! WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis) BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon pileata) PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – A pair along the river at Cat Tien NP. A widespread species that's particularly common in Africa. Meropidae (Bee-eaters) BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATER (Nyctyornis athertoni) – Cat Tien NP was the best place for this one, but we also found it in the Da Lat area this year. CHESTNUT-HEADED BEE-EATER (Merops leschenaulti) – A regular feature at Cat Tien NP. Coraciidae (Rollers) INDIAN ROLLER (Coracias benghalensis) DOLLARBIRD (Eurystomus orientalis) Bucerotidae (Hornbills) ORIENTAL PIED-HORNBILL (Anthracoceros albirostris) – Still relatively common at Cat Tien NP. Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets) RED-VENTED BARBET (Megalaima lagrandieri) – This regional specialty was seen exceptionally well along the road above Di Linh and we then detected nearly daily afterward on the tour. LINEATED BARBET (Megalaima lineata) – On this tour, this bird prefers the semi-deciduous woodlands of Cat Tien. GREEN-EARED BARBET (Megalaima faiostricta) – Several fine looks at both Cuc Phuong and Cat Tien. GOLDEN-THROATED BARBET (Megalaima franklinii) – This highland barbet was recorded at both Da Lat and at Tam Dao NP. BLACK-BROWED BARBET (Megalaima oorti annamensis) – Recently split from Black-browed and now called Indochinese Barbet (M. annamensis). This one is restricted to the foothills and highlands of Vietnam and . BLUE-EARED BARBET (Megalaima australis) COPPERSMITH BARBET (Megalaima haemacephala) – Curiously, only in Saigon this year. Picidae () SPECKLED PICULET ( innominatus) – We had a brief look at one above Di Linh this year. WHITE-BROWED PICULET (Sasia ochracea) – We tracked down a drumming bird for some super views in the scope at Cat Tien NP. GRAY-CAPPED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos canicapillus) – Really not much bigger than a White-breasted Nuthatch. RUFOUS WOODPECKER (Celeus brachyurus) – A couple of very brief sightings at Cat Tien and near Da Lat for some. LESSER YELLOWNAPE ( chlorolophus) – We probably had our best looks at Cuc Phuong NP. GREATER YELLOWNAPE (Picus flavinucha) – Likewise, best at Cuc Phuong NP this year. LACED WOODPECKER (Picus vittatus) – This bird was difficult to pin down for a look high in the canopy.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 6 RED-COLLARED WOODPECKER (Picus rabieri) [*] GRAY-FACED WOODPECKER (Picus canus) – Another one that gave us some trouble, but we all eventually caught up with it. COMMON ( javanense) – Good looks along the main road at Cat Tien NP. (Chrysocolaptes lucidus) – Only at Cat Tien NP this year. PALE-HEADED WOODPECKER (Gecinulus grantia) – A couple of furtive birds at Cat Tien didn't give us much of a chance to enjoy them. A close relative of the Bamboo Woodpecker. BAY WOODPECKER (Blythipicus pyrrhotis) [*] HEART-SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Hemicircus canente) – This was likely the bird that briefly visited the hole in the dead tree in Cat Tien. [*] Eurylaimidae (Broadbills) BLACK-AND-RED BROADBILL (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos) – A couple of these at the edge of the clearing at Cat Tien as we made our way to lunch on the first day was a nice intro to the riches of this fabulous park. LONG-TAILED BROADBILL (Psarisomus dalhousiae) – High above our heads at Cuc Phuong, but good looks nonetheless. BANDED BROADBILL (Eurylaimus javanicus) – Excellent scope looks at Cat Tien NP. Pittidae (Pittas) EARED PITTA (Pitta phayrei) [*] BLUE-NAPED PITTA (Pitta nipalensis) – Very close, but not quite. [*] BLUE-RUMPED PITTA (Pitta soror) – Likely seen by some as it flushed at Cuc Phuong. [*] BAR-BELLIED PITTA (Pitta elliotii) – Most folks got some sort of a look at this beauty at either Cat Tien or Cuc Phuong. An Indochinese specialty. Prionopidae ( and Allies) LARGE WOODSHRIKE (Tephrodornis gularis) – Best in the pines below Tam Dao one afternoon. Artamidae (Woodswallows) ASHY WOODSWALLOW (Artamus fuscus) Aegithinidae (Ioras) Birding at Tam Dao National Park (Photo COMMON IORA (Aegithina tiphia) by guide Dave Stejskal) GREAT IORA (Aegithina lafresnayei) – An easy bird at Cat Tien NP. Campephagidae (Cuckoo-shrikes) LARGE CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina macei) INDOCHINESE CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina polioptera) – A couple of single birds with flocks here and there. BLACK-WINGED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina melaschistos) – Nicely up at Cuc Phuong NP. BROWN-RUMPED MINIVET (Pericrocotus cantonensis) – We had some wintering birds, usually associating with Ashy Minivets, at Cat Tien. [b] ASHY MINIVET (Pericrocotus divaricatus) [b] LONG-TAILED MINIVET (Pericrocotus ethologus annamensis) – This one is typically associated with pine habitat, but wintering flocks can be found lower. SCARLET MINIVET (Pericrocotus flammeus) GRAY-CHINNED MINIVET (Pericrocotus solaris) – We probably had this one best along the road above Di Linh. BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE (Hemipus picatus) Laniidae (Shrikes) BROWN SHRIKE (Lanius cristatus) BURMESE SHRIKE (Lanius collurioides) – Vietnam is an excellent place to see this small and distinctive shrike.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 7 LONG-TAILED SHRIKE (Lanius schach) GRAY-BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius tephronotus) – At Cuc Phuong only this year. [b] Oriolidae (Old World Orioles) BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE (Oriolus chinensis) – Daily at Cat Tien NP. SLENDER-BILLED ORIOLE (Oriolus tenuirostris) – We all had excellent, close views of some very confiding birds near Da Lat in the pines. BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE (Oriolus xanthornus) – Nicely at Cat Tien NP. MAROON ORIOLE (Oriolus traillii) – We scored on a very obliging male along the road above Di Linh this year. Despite the shared name, none of these Old World orioles are closely related at all to the New World orioles. Dicruridae (Drongos) BLACK DRONGO (Dicrurus macrocercus) ASHY DRONGO (Dicrurus leucophaeus) – Recorded almost every single day on the tour. ASHY DRONGO (Dicrurus leucophaeus leucogenis) – We had a few of these white-faced migrants from on the route. [b] BRONZED DRONGO (Dicrurus aeneus) LESSER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus remifer) – This one typically occurs at higher elevations than the similar Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO (Dicrurus hottentottus) GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus paradiseus) Rhipiduridae (Fantails) WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL (Rhipidura albicollis) – This one replaces the Pied Fantail at higher elevations. PIED FANTAIL (Rhipidura javanica) – A pair at the Saigon Zoo that first afternoon was all we had. Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers) BLACK-NAPED MONARCH (Hypothymis azurea) ASIAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone paradisi) – It was a little tough to get a good look at this one at Cat Tien NP. Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) EURASIAN JAY (Garrulus glandarius leucotis) – For some folks at the Ta Nung Valley near Da Lat. BLUE MAGPIE (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) – A rather large flock of these magpies worked through the pines above our vantage point on the road below Tam Dao. WHITE-WINGED MAGPIE (Urocissa whiteheadi) – This regional specialty proved elusive at Cuc Phuong NP with only a few folks getting a decent look at them high in the canopy over the road. GREEN MAGPIE (Cissa chinensis) [*] YELLOW-BREASTED MAGPIE (Cissa hypoleuca) – These colorful magpies, like all of the others on this tour, seemed shy and elusive despite our best efforts to see them. Also called the Indochinese Magpie. GRAY TREEPIE (Dendrocitta formosae) [*] RACKET-TAILED TREEPIE (Crypsirina temia) – We had some moderately good luck at seeing this unusual corvid at Cat Tien NP. RATCHET-TAILED TREEPIE (Temnurus temnurus) – Of all of the corvids on this tour, we may have had the best luck with this regional specialty. That tail is really something! LARGE-BILLED CROW (Corvus macrorhynchos) – Our few birds belong to the nominate subspecies (C. m. macrorhynchos). There's been a fair amount of talk about splitting this one into multiple species, so you'll need to keep track of where you see them. Hirundinidae (Swallows) BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b] RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica) – All of our birds appeared to be this species, and not the similar Striated. ASIAN HOUSE-MARTIN (Delichon dasypus) – Seems like they're always flying high and in bad light... Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers) GRAY-HEADED CANARY-FLYCATCHER (Culicicapa ceylonensis) – This confiding little bird is a common flock

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 8 component in most of the forest habitats that we visited. Paridae (Chickadees and Tits) GREAT TIT (Parus major) – Our birds at Cuc Phuong NP and at Tam Dao belong to the eastern P. m. minor group, which has been split off by the Europeans from the P. m. major group to the north and west. I'm sure that Clements will follow suit eventually. GREEN-BACKED TIT (Parus monticolus legendrei) – This race is restricted to the highlands of s. Annam in Vietnam and seems to be a good candidate for a split sometime in the future, given its disjunct range and distinctive appearance. SULTAN TIT (Melanochlora sultanea) – Unmistakable! (Bush-Warblers and Allies) SLATY-BELLIED TESIA (Tesia olivea) – Some folks got a look at this shy bird along the tower steps above Tam Dao. GRAY-BELLIED TESIA (Tesia cyaniventer) – Likewise, a few folks got onto this one in the thick understory on Mt. Langbiang near Da Lat. ( squameiceps) – Not all that uncommon at Cuc Phuong, but darned difficult to see. PALE-FOOTED BUSH-WARBLER ( pallidipes) – After a little work, we ended up seeing this shy bush-warbler pretty well below Tam Dao. BROWNISH-FLANKED BUSH-WARBLER (Cettia fortipes) – Some of us got a great view of this shy bird along the road at Tam Dao NP. ABERRANT BUSH-WARBLER (Cettia flavolivacea) [b*] MOUNTAIN ( cuculatus) – This one was correctly moved out of the typical Asian tailorbird (Orthotomus) and into a new genus and new family as well. Nice views for just about everyone. Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits) BLACK-THROATED TIT (Aegithalos concinnus annamensis) – This highly disjunct and distinctive race, endemic to the c. highlands of Vietnam and adjacent Laos was curiously left un-split in the latest update of the Clements checklist. Most folks got great looks at this endearing little bird. Sittidae (Nuthatches) CHESTNUT-VENTED NUTHATCH (Sitta nagaensis) – Quite common in the widespread pine of the Langbiang Plateau. VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH (Sitta frontalis) – Quite unlike the familiar N. American nuthatches that we're used to seeing. Pycnonotidae () BLACK-HEADED BULBUL (Pycnonotus atriceps) BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus melanicterus) RED-WHISKERED BULBUL (Pycnonotus jocosus) SOOTY-HEADED BULBUL (Pycnonotus aurigaster) STRIPE-THROATED BULBUL (Pycnonotus finlaysoni) FLAVESCENT BULBUL (Pycnonotus flavescens) STREAK-EARED BULBUL (Pycnonotus blanfordi) PUFF-THROATED BULBUL (Alophoixus pallidus) – This one replaces the very similar Ochraceous Bulbul in the north of Vietnam. OCHRACEOUS BULBUL (Alophoixus ochraceus) GRAY-EYED BULBUL (Iole propinqua) – The birds in Cat Tien NP sound more like Buff-vented Bulbul to me than they do Gray-eyed. MOUNTAIN BULBUL (Ixos mcclellandii) ( flavala) CHESTNUT BULBUL (Hemixos castanonotus) – A local specialty of the higher elevations at Tam Dao and a close relative of Ashy Bulbul. BLACK BULBUL ( leucocephalus) Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers) DUSKY WARBLER (Phylloscopus fuscatus) – A glimpse or two at Xuan Thuy NP for some. [b] PALLAS'S LEAF-WARBLER (Phylloscopus proregulus) – Tam Dao is the place for this one on the tour. [b]

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 9 YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER (Phylloscopus inornatus) – Essentially recorded on every day of the tour. Formerly called the Inornate Warbler (poor thing). [b] GREENISH WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochiloides plumbeitarsus) – Quite similar to the Yellow-browed, but the calls are different and the tertials lack those crisp white edgings. [b] PALE-LEGGED LEAF-WARBLER (Phylloscopus tenellipes) – The very distinctive call makes this one easy to detect in the forest understory. [b] BLYTH'S LEAF-WARBLER (Phylloscopus reguloides) – A couple of birds at Cuc Phuong NP were likely wintering there from farther north in China and was likely P. r. claudiae. There's more work being done on several Phylloscopus species and this and the White-tailed below are likely to be split into a few different species, so keep track of where you see them! [b] WHITE-TAILED LEAF-WARBLER (Phylloscopus davisoni klossi) – All of our birds in the Da Lat area were this regional endemic race. LIMESTONE LEAF-WARBLER (Phylloscopus calciatilis) – This recently described species is very similar to Sulphur- breasted Warbler, the differs in voice, range, habitat preference, and a few minor plumage/structural differences. GRAY-CROWNED WARBLER (Seicercus tephrocephalus) [b*] MARTENS'S WARBLER (Seicercus omeiensis) – We were able to hear the differences in the call notes between this and the next species at Cuc Phuong NP. An alternate name for this one is Omei Spectacled Warbler. [b] BIANCHI'S WARBLER (Seicercus valentini) – This and the two above species resulted from the splitting of Golden- spectacled Warbler several years ago. [b] GRAY-CHEEKED WARBLER (Seicercus poliogenys) – Seen by about half of the group at the Ta Nung valley near Da Lat. Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies) THICK-BILLED WARBLER (Acrocephalus aedon) – This big, brown warbler was seen by most folks in the tall roadside grass at Cat Tien NP. [b] Megaluridae (Grassbirds and Allies) RUSSET BUSH-WARBLER (Bradypterus seebohmi idoneus) – This bird was unusually cooperative and allowed decent looks for several of us at Cuc Phuong. LANCEOLATED WARBLER (Locustella lanceolata) – Another skulking warbler that allowed atypically good views in the Da Lat area. [b] Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies) ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis) COMMON TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus sutorius) DARK-NECKED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus atrogularis) HILL PRINIA (Prinia atrogularis) RUFESCENT PRINIA (Prinia rufescens) YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA (Prinia flaviventris) [*] PLAIN PRINIA (Prinia inornata) (Old World Warblers) GRAY-HEADED PARROTBILL (Paradoxornis gularis margaritae) – This one was recently split from the Gray-headed Parrotbill, which was the correct course to take. We found a big, noisy flock of these along the road above Di Linh, and all got great views. [E] SHORT-TAILED PARROTBILL (Paradoxornis davidianus) – Most folks got a good look at this tiny bamboo specialist at Tam Dao NP. RUFOUS-HEADED PARROTBILL (Paradoxornis ruficeps) – Tom heard this one calling above the road at Tam Dao NP. [*] Irenidae (Fairy-bluebirds) ASIAN FAIRY-BLUEBIRD (Irena puella) – Fairly common and widespread, but still a stunner! Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers) DARK-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa sibirica) – Formerly called the Siberian Flycatcher. [b] ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa dauurica) [b]

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 10 MUGIMAKI FLYCATCHER ( mugimaki) – The Di Linh/Da Lat area was particularly good for this handsome flycatcher this year. [b] TAIGA FLYCATCHER (Ficedula albicilla) – A recent split from the Red-throated Flycatcher to the west. [b] LITTLE PIED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula westermanni) – Surprisingly few this year on the tour. SLATY-BLUE FLYCATCHER (Ficedula tricolor) [b*] BLUE-AND-WHITE FLYCATCHER (Cyanoptila cyanomelana) – A couple of migrants lingered this year in the Da Lat area. [b] VERDITER FLYCATCHER (Eumyias thalassinus) LARGE NILTAVA (Niltava grandis) – In the higher elevation broadleaf forest on Mt. Langbiang only. SMALL NILTAVA (Niltava macgrigoriae) – A couple of folks saw this one below Tam Dao, but most of us had to be content with hearing the high-pitched song of the male. FUJIAN NILTAVA (Niltava davidi) – Cuc Phuong NP is a particularly good place to see this scarce migrant from s.e. China. We were lucky to see an adult male so well there. WHITE-TAILED FLYCATCHER ( concretus) – This one is pretty much restricted to evergreen broadleaf forest in limestone karst areas. We had fantastic views of a responsive male at Cuc Phuong NP. HAINAN BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis hainanus) – This was the common Cyornis away from the bamboo at Cat Tien NP. TICKELL'S BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis tickelliae) – Usually associated with bamboo thickets in lowland forest. RUFOUS-TAILED ROBIN (Luscinia sibilans) – A couple of folks got a look at this shy wintering bird at Cuc Phuong NP. SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT (Luscinia calliope) [*] SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN (Luscinia cyane) – I think that the only birds seen on this year's tour were female-plumaged birds. RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL (Tarsiger cyanurus) – We saw a single female bird along the road at Tam Dao NP. Though it was very likely this species, I don't know if the plumage differences have been worked out for females of this species and the recently split Himalayan Bluetail (which likely also winters in Vietnam). ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus saularis) WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA (Copsychus malabaricus) WHITE-TAILED ROBIN (Cinclidium leucurum) – A couple of birds only at Cuc Phuong NP and at Tam Dao NP. SPOTTED FORKTAIL (Enicurus maculatus) – Those of us who ventured up the forest stream in the Ta Nung valley had an excellent view of this one. (Cochoa viridis) – WOWWWW!!! What a surprise it was to find this one feeding in the same tree with all of those Turdus thrushes at the Bong substation in Cuc Phuong NP! Great looks at this scarce bird for all. STONECHAT (SIBERIAN) (Saxicola torquatus maurus) – Surprisingly few of these in the abundant open country habitat along our route. PIED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola caprata) GRAY BUSHCHAT (Saxicola ferreus) Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) BLUE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola solitarius) BLUE WHISTLING-THRUSH (Myophonus caeruleus) – The bird that we had along the Dong Nai R. at Cat Tien NP was a yellow-billed resident bird, while the bird seen at Tam Dao NP was a dark-billed migrant from China. SCALY THRUSH (Zoothera dauma aurea) – We had some excellent views of these migrant birds at both Cuc Phuong NP and at Tam Dao. Some taxonomists split this wide-ranging thrush into several species. All of ours were likely migrants from the north, the "White's" Thrush (Z.d. aurea). GRAY-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus hortulorum) – This season is great for seeing newly arrived wintering Turdus thrushes, like this bird, at Cuc Phuong NP. BLACK-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus dissimilis) – Every day for most folks at Cuc Phuong NP. JAPANESE THRUSH (Turdus cardis) – This seemed to be the most common of the wintering thrushes at Cuc Phuong, and we were able to see a variety of plumages as they foraged in fruiting trees near our rooms and at the Bong substation. EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (EURASIAN) (Turdus merula mandarinus) – A number of these were present daily near our rooms at Cuc Phuong. Some taxonomists split this form and call it Chinese Blackbird (T. mandarinus). EYEBROWED THRUSH (Turdus obscurus) – Relatively few of these migrants on this trip. LESSER SHORTWING (Brachypteryx leucophrys) – A few folks saw this one at Mt. Langbiang, but we all caught up with a

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 11 surprising bird singing along the trail at Bong substation in Cuc Phuong NP - a much lower elevation than either Uthai or I had ever recorded it before. Timaliidae (Babblers) WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax leucolophus) – Some may have glimpsed this widespread species at Cat Tien early on in the tour. [*] BLACK-HOODED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax milleti) – A couple of folks apparently saw a bird or two in the sneaky flock of these regional endemic as they made their way across the slope above the road near Di Linh. GRAY LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax maesi) – I think most folks eventually caught up with this one at Tam Dao NP on our last day there. BLACK-THROATED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax chinensis) – Briefly at Tam Dao for some people. WHITE-CHEEKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax vassali) – This regional endemic laughingthrush presented itself much more willingly than the other members of the genus on this trip near Da Lat. SPOT-BREASTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax merulinus annamensis) – Clements just recently split this form from the true Spot-breasted Laughingthrush to the north and west of the Annam highlands of Vietnam. As such, it's another new Vietnamese endemic. [E] COLLARED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax yersini) – Several folks heard this one in the high elevation broadleaf forest above Da Lat, but Tom was the only lucky one to get a look. They seem to be getting tougher every year. [E] ABBOTT'S BABBLER (Malacocincla abbotti) – Singing up a storm at Cat Tien NP. BUFF-BREASTED BABBLER (Pellorneum tickelli) [*] SPOT-THROATED BABBLER (Pellorneum albiventre) – Most of these Pellorneum babblers are really difficult to see well, or at all! PUFF-THROATED BABBLER (Pellorneum ruficeps) – By far, the easiest of the Pellorneum babblers on this tour. SCALY-CROWNED BABBLER (Malacopteron cinereum) – Excellent looks on our last full day at Cat Tien NP. LARGE SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Pomatorhinus hypoleucos) – Very difficult to see in the dark understory at Cuc Phuong NP. WHITE-BROWED SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Pomatorhinus schisticeps) – For some folks in the Annam highlands. STREAK-BREASTED SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Pomatorhinus ruficollis) – Mostly heard only in and around Tam Dao NP, bet perhaps seen by a few. RED-BILLED SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps) – The pair above Di Linh was exceptionally cooperative, giving all good looks when they emerged at the road edge. CORAL-BILLED SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Pomatorhinus ferruginosus) – Another difficult, shy scimitar-babbler, but a few of us prevailed after some patience. LIMESTONE WREN-BABBLER (Napothera crispifrons) – Largely unresponsive in the limestone karst of Cuc Phuong NP, but seen by some. STREAKED WREN-BABBLER (Napothera brevicaudata) – Most had a good look at this skulker on our final day at Tam Dao NP. EYEBROWED WREN-BABBLER (Napothera epilepidota) – Nice views for those who ventured up the steps to the tower above Tam Dao. PYGMY WREN-BABBLER (Pnoepyga pusilla annamensis) [*] RUFOUS-CAPPED BABBLER (Stachyris ruficeps) GOLDEN BABBLER (Stachyris chrysaea) – Mostly in the bamboo of the Tam Dao NP rd. GRAY-THROATED BABBLER (Stachyris nigriceps) SPOT-NECKED BABBLER (Stachyris striolata) – Generally a real skulker, most folks came away with decent views at Tam Dao as it made its way down the slope. STRIPED TIT-BABBLER (Macronous gularis) – This widespread species was just split by Clements with the other species, Bold-striped Tit-Babbler (M. bornensis), mostly confined to . GRAY-FACED TIT-BABBLER (Macronous kelleyi) – This regional specialty looks a lot like the above species, but the voice is very different. Great views daily at Cat Tien NP. CHESTNUT-CAPPED BABBLER (Timalia pileata) CUTIA (Cutia nipalensis legalleni) – Another split recognized by Clements, this one is confined to the highlands of c. and s. Annam. Great views and audio as we headed down the road into the Ta Nung Valley. [E] WHITE-BROWED SHRIKE-BABBLER (Pteruthius flaviscapis annamensis) – The I.O.C. checklist splits this endemic race out

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 12 from the others, but I'm doubtful that's a valid treatment. WHITE-HOODED BABBLER (Gampsorhynchus rufulus torquatus) – Yet another split recognized by Clements just recently, this one occurs mostly east of the Himalayas in s.e. Asia. The true White-hooded Babbler occurs in the foothills of the e. Himalayas e. to w. Yunnan and disjunctly in the highlands of . BLUE-WINGED MINLA (Minla cyanouroptera orientalis) – This endemic race pretty much lacks any blue pigment in the wings or tail - and I'm not sure I've ever heard this race vocalize - so I do wonder about its affinities to the other, more typical races. RUFOUS-THROATED FULVETTA (Alcippe rufogularis) – This local specialty is a common understory bird at Cuc Phuong NP. GRAY-CHEEKED FULVETTA (Alcippe morrisonia) – The common fulvetta species at Tam Dao NP. (Alcippe peracensis grotei) – Another newly-recognized split by the Clements checklist. Very similar to the next species, but the voice and habitat preference differ. We had this one on a couple of days at Cuc Phuong NP. Nice to get more lifers after the tour's over! MOUNTAIN FULVETTA (Alcippe peracensis annamensis) – Common in the Da Lat area. GRAY-CROWNED CROCIAS (Crocias langbianis) – YESSSS!! We had to try a couple of times, but most folks came away with a decent to a great view of this recently re-discovered Vietnamese endemic. [E] RUFOUS-BACKED SIBIA (Heterophasia annectens) – The endemic race in the Da Lat area, H. a. eximia, has essentially all black upperparts except for a rufous rump. BLACK-HEADED SIBIA (Heterophasia desgodinsi) – Just a couple of brief looks in the Da Lat area this year. I remember this one being common here in the 90's, so I fear that it may be targeted by the cagebird trade. STRIATED YUHINA (Yuhina castaniceps torqueola) – You guessed it, another split recognized by the Clements checklist folks. True Striated Yuhina (Y. castaniceps) occurs to the west of here. BLACK-CHINNED YUHINA (Yuhina nigrimenta) – We ran into a bunch of these cute little yuhinas along the Tam Dao road this year. WHITE-BELLIED YUHINA (Yuhina zantholeuca) – It's been shown pretty conclusively that this one is not a yuhina, or a babbler for that matter, and should be taken out of this genus and family. The new name would be the White-bellied Erpornis. JAPANESE WHITE-EYE (Zosterops japonicus) – I was a little surprised that the only white-eyes that we i.d.'d on this tour were Japanese. Sturnidae (Starlings) GOLDEN-CRESTED MYNA (Ampeliceps coronatus) – Cat Tien NP has proven to be a good place to see this distinctive myna. COMMON HILL MYNA (Gracula religiosa) CRESTED MYNA (Acridotheres cristatellus) COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) BLACK-COLLARED STARLING (Gracupica nigricollis) RED-BILLED STARLING (Sturnus sericeus) – A small flock of these near Xuan Thuy NP was a good find there. Also called Silky Starling. Chloropseidae (Leafbirds) BLUE-WINGED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis cochinchinensis) ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis hardwickii) – The close bird at Tam Dao was particularly memorable. Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers) THICK-BILLED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum agile) YELLOW-VENTED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum chrysorrheum) PLAIN FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum concolor) FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum ignipectum ignipectum) SCARLET-BACKED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum cruentatum) Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters) RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD (Chalcoparia singalensis) PURPLE-NAPED SUNBIRD (Hypogramma hypogrammicum) – Great views at Cat Tien NP on a couple of occasions.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 13 PURPLE-THROATED SUNBIRD (Leptocoma sperata) OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris jugularis) GOULD'S SUNBIRD (Aethopyga gouldiae annamensis) – The endemic race here is quite different-looking than birds you may have seen elsewhere with this one having a yellow (not red) breast and a blue (not yellow) rump. FORK-TAILED SUNBIRD (Aethopyga christinae) – This beautiful regional specialty was no problem to find at either Cuc Phuong or at Tam Dao NP. BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRD (Aethopyga saturata johnsi) – This fancy endemic race looks much more like a Gould's Sunbird than it does any other race of Black-throated. EASTERN CRIMSON SUNBIRD (Aethopyga siparaja) – This was a daily feature outside our rooms at Cuc Phuong NP. LITTLE SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera longirostra) STREAKED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera magna) Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits) EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla tschutschensis) – A couple of birds flying around at Xuan Thuy were probably this species and not Western Yellow Wag. GRAY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea) WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba) – I suspect that all of the birds we saw were migrant M. a. leucopsis. ORIENTAL PIPIT (Anthus rufulus) – Sometimes called the Paddyfield Pipit. OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus hodgsoni) – Always at the forest edge and never in fields like other pipits. Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) VIETNAMESE GREENFINCH (Chloris monguilloti) – This striking endemic greenfinch was easy to find and observe in the Di Linh/Da Lat area. A relatively recent split from the Yellow-breasted Greenfinch. [E] RED CROSSBILL (Loxia curvirostra meridionalis) – For those who ventured up Mt. Langbiang, we were treated to multiple pairs of this endemic, disjunct race. Some of us even saw a pair copulate in the rain! Like all of these far-flung and disjunct races of Red Crossbill, the potential for a split is high. Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) PLAIN-BACKED SPARROW (Passer flaveolus) EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus) Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies) WHITE-RUMPED MUNIA (Lonchura striata) NUTMEG MANNIKIN (Lonchura punctulata)

MAMMALS SMALL SMOOTH-TAILED TREE SHREW SP. (Dendrogale murina) – We had some really close encounters with this squirrel-like mammal at Cat Tien NP. RHESUS MONKEY (Macaca mulatta) – The individuals at Cuc Phuong NP were natural residents there, but the one we saw at close range in the bamboo at Cat Tien was an introduction there. PIGTAIL MACAQUE (Macaca nemestrina) – At Cat Tien only and quite shy, in sharp contrast to the ones along the roads and in campgrounds at Khao Yai NP in . DOUC LANGUR (Pygathrix nemaeus) – We were lucky enough to see several of these handsome, critically endangered leaf- monkeys at Cat Tien NP. BLACK GIANT SQUIRREL (Ratufa bicolor) – Huge! RED-BELLIED SQUIRREL (Callosciurus erythraeus) – Really a handsome squirrel if you see it well. (Callosciurus inornatus) – I believe this is what Uthai was calling the Pallas's Squirrel (perhaps split from Variable Squirrel (C. finlaysoni)?). HIMALAYAN STRIPED SQUIRREL (Tamiops macclellandi) – This is another squirrel whose has changed a bit. The ones we saw in Saigon were apparently Cambodian Striped Squirrel, and the others are now called Western Striped Squirrel. BERDMORE'S PALM SQUIRREL (Menetes berdmorei) – At Cat Tien NP for some. RED-CHEEKED SQUIRREL SP. (Dremomys rufigenis) [*]

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 14 NORWAY (BROWN) RAT (Rattus norvegicus) [I] MUNTJAC (BARKING DEER) (Muntiacus muntjak) – Tom was the only one to see this one at Cat Tien NP.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 352 bird taxa and 12 mammal taxa

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