Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
Chestnut-eared Laughingthus |
See full report at http://www.birdwatchingvietnam.net/reports/vietnam_birding_report_2011.pdf
Summary
Well it seemed hard going at times, especially in the damp, misty north but we stuck to our comprehensive itinerary (probably the most ambitious one ever undertaken in this marvellous country) which took us by road from the far south in the Mekong Delta to the far north at Ba Be, only 100km or so from the Chinese border. Birding has always been tough in Vietnam, the forested habitat is fragmented and distances between destinations are long, these same forests often seem lifeless for long periods of time and the specials are by nature shy and elusive. But Vietnam holds a large number of really special target birds, many of which can only be realistically searched for within its borders, and these are augmented by the richest variety of mammals, especially primates, in any country in South East Asia
There were an estimated 31 bird species endemic to Indo-China and found in Vietnam on our route. If we discount 3 species of Pheasant almost unknown in life our tally of 24 of these with another 2 heard underlines the success of our endeavours. We scored especially well on Babblers (39 species seen and several others heard), wintering and other Thrushes (11 species) and true Corvids (8 species). Add in another (Chinese Barbet) probably new for Vietnam, 3 new birds for NB to take his Vietnam tally to 735 and we can reflect on a great result. 25 species of mammal included 9 species of primate, some of them the rarest on earth (and we even missed the two commonest)
Our transport was a luxurious 10 seater Mercedes bus, our driver Hung safe, courteous and cheerful, our hotels and rest houses clean and comfortable and the quantities of Vietnamese food we consumed ranging from delicious to truly outstanding
Your writer is hugely indebted to Hoai Bao, not only for his intimate knowledge of the birds and mammals of his home country and his eyes and ears but also for undertaking, in 2010, a one month survey trip of our route. Not only did he explore areas where no tour group has ever gone before but he lined up primate experts where required and achieved his greatest feat by having his man on the spot at Ba Be, who located not only a roost but an active nest so that we could enjoy views of the almost unknown White-eared Night-Heron probably unmatched by any westerner ever.
1. Indian Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha)
2 at Van Long 22/2
2. Garganey (Anas querquedula)
A flock of around 40 at Van Long 22/2
3. Rufous-throated Partridge (Arborophila rufogularis)
Heard relatively close at Mt Langbian 11/2
4. Bar-backed Partridge (Arborophila brunneopectus)
Heard at Mang Den on 15/2 and at Ba Vi on 26/2
5. Orange-necked Partridge (Arborophila davidi)
So close but no cigar. 2 birds heard at Da Ban, one very close, on 9/2
6. Scaly-breasted Partridge (Arborophila chloropus)
3 by the Larges Stromia trail Cat Tien on 6/2, 2 on the Da Ban trail on 7/2
7. Annam Partridge (Arborophila merlini)
Heard at distance at Bach Ma 18/2
8. Chestnut-necklaced Partridge (Arborophila charltoni)
Heard at Phong Nha 20/2 and at Ba Vi 26/2/11
9. Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
Seen at Cat Tien, Phong Nha and Cuc Phong
10. Siamese Fireback (Lophura diardi)
4 on the Da Ban trail, Cat Tien on 7/2 but overshadowed by that magnificent cock strolling across the road at Phong Nha on 19/2
11. Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron germaini)
Common by voice at Cat Tien and views ranging from a head, a bird flushed from its roost and finally, for some, a whole bird on 7 and 8/2
12. Crested Argus (Rheinardia ocellata)
As ever, only a (loud) voice in the forest. One calling male from the Dak Blo road, Loxo Pass on 16/2. An almost never seen species
13. Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)
A splendid full tailed cock in the grasslands at Cat Tien on 6/2 was followed by 4 more hen plumaged birds
14. Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
15. Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)
3 over the grasslands at Cat Tien on 6/2
16. Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger)
Several at Can Gio on 5/2
17. Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis)
3 at Van Long on 22/2
18. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
19 Great Egret (Ardea alba modesta)
20. Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia)
Most notable was that mixed flock of this and 19 above, several hundreds strong, at Van Long on 22/2
21. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
22. Eastern Cattle Egret (Bubulcus (ibis) coromandus)
23. Striated Heron (Butorides striata actophila)
1 at Phong Nha on 19/2
24. Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
25. White-eared Night-Heron (Gorsachius magnificus)
Wow - the star of the show. Few have ever seen this bird and only a few, if any, of the few have had scope views like ours of our bird by the nest at Ba Be on 27/2. The shapes of a further 5 leaving their roost at dusk on the same day
26. Oriental Honey-Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus)
Only one, from the bus, between Cat Tien and Da Ban on 9/2
27. Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus)
28. Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Seen on the Ha Long Bay extension
29. Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)
The most regularly encountered raptor
30. Shikra (Accipiter badius)
A juvenile in the scope at Ba Be on 28/2
31. Besra (Accipiter virgatus)
A male perched briefly and in flight at Cuc Phong on 23/2
32. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
A female in flight at Cuc Phong on 23/2 was probably this species
33. Japanese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis)
A bird in female/juvenile plumage examined carefully in the scope at Ba Be on 27/2
34. Grey-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus)
Singles at Deo Sui Nan on 9/2 and 10/2 and a single near Da Lat on 17/2
35. Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis)
Several encounters in the centre and north
36. Rufous-bellied Eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii)
Adults at Loxo Pass on 16/2 and at Phong Nha on 19/2
37. Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis)
A soaring bird at Mt Langbian on 11/2
38. Pied Falconet (Microhierax melanoleucos)
Singles at Cuc Phong on 22/2 and at Ba Be on 27/2
39. Oriental Hobby (Fanco severus)
A perched pair gave walk away scope views at Ba Be on 27/2
40. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
One by some at Van Long on 22/2
41. White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)
Only from the bus by BN!
42. Ruddy-breasted Crake (Porzana fusca)
Heard at Van Long on 22/2
43. White-browed Crake (Porzana cinerea)
One flushed bird at Van Long on 22/2
44. Purple (Black-backed) Swamphen (Porphyrio (indicus) porphyrio)
A single bird at Van Long on 22/2
45. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
46. Grey-Headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus)
A flock of around a dozen was a rare highlight on the journey from Song Son to Cuc Phong on 21/2
47. Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellua indicus)
48. Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
Most of the following shorebirds were seen on our trip to Can Gio on 5/2
49. Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)
50. Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus)
51. Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii)
52. Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
53. White-faced (Kentish) Plover (Charadrius (alexandrinus) dealbatus)
A nice pair observed closely at Can Gio on 5/2. A likely split soon from Kentish
54. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
55. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
56. Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
57. Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
58. Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
59. Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
60. Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
61. Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)
62. Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
63. Pin-tailed Snipe (Gallinago stenura)
Several flushed at Van Long on 22/2
64. Wood Snipe (Gallinago nemoricola)
The large Snipe flushed from the forested roadside at dawn in Cuc Phong on 22/2 was likely this species
65. Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus)
3 partially plumaged birds at Van Long on 22/2
66. White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)
Several at Can Gio on 5/2
67. Pale-capped Pigeon (Columba punicea)
A total of 6 birds in flight at Mang Canh on 13 and 14/2 and another likely 2 near Song Son on 18/2. A relatively wide ranging but rarely seen species
68. Red-collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica)
Common along the grasslands road at Cat Tien on 6/2
69. Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)
70. Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)
Scattered sightings
71. Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon (Treron bicinctus)
Common at Cat Tien
72. Pompadour (Grey-headed) Green-Pigeon (Treron (phayrei) pompadora)
A single bird scoped at Cat Tien on 8/2. One of a possible 4 way split of this species
73. Thick-billed Green-Pigeon (Treron curvirostra)
A single bird scoped at Cat Tien on 9/2
74. Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon (Treron apicauda)
A close pair at Deo Nui San on 9/2 and 2 at Mang Den on 15/2
75. Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon (Treron sphenurus)
A single bird scoped at Ta Nung on 12/2 and a single at Mang Den on 15/2
76. Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea)
Several at Cat Tien on 6/2
77. Mountain Imperial Pigeon (Ducula badia)
Regular sightings
78. Blossom-headed Parakeet (Psittacula roseata)
This and the next species only at Cat Tien 6 – 8/2
79. Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri)
80. Vernal Hanging-Parrot (Loriculus vernalis)
2 by HB at Cat Tien 8/2
81. Large Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparverioides)
I at Cuc Phong 23/2
82. Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus)
Only heard
83. Banded Bay Cuckoo (Cacomantis sonneratii)
Often heard but one vocal bird seen at the Cuc Phong HQ on 24/2
84. Asian Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx maculatus)
Nice views of male birds at Mang Canh on 13/2 and at Loxo Pass on 16/2
85. Asian Drongo-Cuckoo (Sumiculus lugubris)
A couple of birds visible around park HQ, Cat Tien 6 – 9/2
86. Green-billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus tristis)
Scattered sightings
87. Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)
Ditto
88. Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis)
A juvenile bird at Loxo Pass on 15/2
89. Collared Scops-Owl (Otus bakkamoena)
1 on our night drive at Cat Tien 8/2
90. Collared Owlet (Glaucidium brodei)
Commonly heard in the centre and north
91. Asian Barred Owl (Glaucidium cuculoides)
Frequently heard and singles seen at Cat Tien on 9/2 and at Ba Be on 26/2
92. Brown Hawk-Owl (Ninox scutulata)
Around park HQ, Cat Tien
93. Great-eared Nightjar (Eurostopodus macrotis)
Several around park HQ, Cat Tien 8 and 9/2
94. Grey Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus)
Singles around Mang Den on 13 and 14/2
95. Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus)
1 on our night drive at Cat Tien on 8/2
96. Silver-backed Needletail (Hirundapus cochinchinensis)
A flock of around 15 above park HQ, Cat Tien on 9/2
97. Germain’s Swiftlet (Aerodromas germani)
A few over the salt pans at Can Gio on 5/2
98. House Swift (Apus affinis)
99. Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus)
3 over Phong Nha on 20/2 were our only record
100. Asian Palm Swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis)
101. Red-headed Trogon (Harpactes erythrocephalus)
Individuals seen at Mang Den and Cuc Phuong. Many more heard
102. Orange-breasted Trogon (Harpactes oreskios)
Heard only, at Cat Tien on 7/2
103. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
104. Banded kingfisher (Lacedo pulchella)
A superb male granted walk away views along the Da Ban trail at Cat Tien on 7/2
105. White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
106. Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris)
Several at Can Gio on 5/2
107. Blue-bearded Bee-Eater (Nyctyornis athertoni)
Only by NB (from the bus!) on the road to Pleiku on 12/2
108. Chestnut-headed Bee-Eater (Merops leschenauliti)
Only around Dalat and en route to Pleiku
109. Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
110. Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)
I at Cat Tien 6/2
111. Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
Cat Tien and Phong Nha
112. Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
A fine pair at Deo Nui San on 9/2
113. Red-vented Barbet (Megalaima lagrandieri)
Often heard but our only sighting was one near Mang Den on 13/2
114. Lineated Barbet (Megalaima lineate)
2 at Cat Tien on 6/2. Frequently heard there
115. Green-eared Barbet (Megalaima faiostricta)
Seen at Son Tran, Cuc Phuong and Ba Be
116. Golden-throated Barbet (Megalaima frnaklini)
Several seen with the best at Deo Nui San on 10/2
117. Indochinese Barbet (Megalaima annamensis)
With the four way split of Black-browed this becomes a near endemic. Common at Deo Nui San and around Da Lat
118. Chinese Barbet (Megalaima faber)
Several heard and one seen around Ba Be Village 27 and 28 February. Another split from Black-browed and possibly a new species for Vietnam. And a lifer for all except HB who missed it!
119. Blue-eared Barbet (Megalaima australis)
A common voice at Cat Tien with 1 seen on 8/2
120. Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Heard around park HQ at Cat Tien
121. White-browed Piculet (Sasia ochracea)
Singles at Mang Canh on 14/2 and Loxo Pass on 16/2
122. Grey-capped Woodpecker (Dendrocopos canicapillus)
Phong Nha and Cuc Phuong
123. Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos macei)
Singles at Mang Canh on 13 and 14/2
124. White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus javensis)
1 at Cat Tien 9/2
125. Lesser Yellownape (Picus chklorolophus)
1 at Phong Nha on 20/2
126. Greater Yellownape (Picus flavinucha)
Mt Langbian and Cuc Phuong
127. Laced Woodpecker (Picus vittatus)
Heard at Son Tra on 17/2. A cry in the mist
128. Greater Flameback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus)
Several along the grasslands road at Cat Tien 6/2
129. Bay Woodpecker (Blythipicus pyrrhotis)
Often heard and several times seen but never well
130. Black-and-Buff Woodpecker (Meiglyptes jugularis)
A nice pair at the park HQ on 9/2
131. Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae)
1 at Ta Nung on 10/2 and a group of 5 on 12/2
132. Silver-breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus)
3 in the mist at Ba Vi 25/2
133. Banded Broadbill (Eurylaimus javanicus)
Heard along the Dab Ban trail at Cat Tien on 7/2
134. Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus)
A group of 3 along the Da Ban trail at Cat Tien on 7/2
135. Eared Pitta (Pitta phayrei)
A couple of calling birds along the Village trail at Cuc Phuong on 22/2. One seen briefly by BN
136. Blue-rumped Pitta (Pitta soror)
Heard daily at Bach Ma, Phong Nha and Cuc Phuong. We worked on several birds finally getting one to come in for walk away close views in the Botanic Gardens at Cuc Phuong on 23/2
137. Rusty-naped Pitta (Pitta oatesi)
Heard but inaccessible at Phong Nha on 14/2
137. Bar-bellied Pitta (Pitta elliotii)
A superb male on the Larges Stromia trail on 6/2 and heard in several places thereafter
138. Golden-bellied Gerygone (Gerygone suphurea)
Its characteristic song heard several times at Can Gio on 5/2
139. Large Woodshrike (Tephrodornis gularis)
2 at Mang Den on 15/2 and 1 at Phong Nha on 20/2
140. Ashy Woodswallow (Artamus fuscus)
Regularly encountered
141. Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia)
Ditto
142. Great Iora (Aegithina lafresnayei)
A flock member at Cat Tien, Phong Nha and Cuc Phuong
143. Large Cuckoo-Shrike (Coracina macei)
1 at Mt Langbian on 11/2
144. Indochinese Cuckoo-Shrike (Coracina polioptera)
Regularly encountered in south and central Vietnam
145. Black-winged Cuckoo-Shrike (Coracina melaschistos)
Phong Nha only
146. Ashy Minivet (Pericrocotus divaricatus)
Several at Cat Tien 7 and 8/2
147. Long-tailed Minivet (Pericrocotus ethologus)
Common around Da Lat. The race annamensis
148. Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus (flammeus) speciosus)
The nominate race in the Indian sub-continent is split by some
149. Grey-chinned Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris)
Around Dalat and at Mang Canh. Race deignani
150. Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike (Hemipus picatus)
Common in the highlands
151. Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)
152. Burmese Shrike (Lanius collurioides)
Around Da Lat only
153. Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach)
154. Grey-backed Shrike (Lanius tephronotus)
One individual around our accommodation at Ba Vi
155. Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis)
Heard only at Da Ban 9/2
156. Slender-billed Oriole (Oriolus tenuirostris)
A couple at Ho Tuyen Lam on 11/2
157. Black-hooded Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus)
Around park HQ at Cat Tien 6-9/2
158. Maroon Oriole (Oriolus traillii)
Several at Deo Nui San, Mt Langbian and Mang Den
159. Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)
160. Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucocephalus)
Both nominate leucophaeus and the migrant leucogenis
161. Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus)
162. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus remifer)
In highland forest
163. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus)
Lowland forest at Cat Tien
164. Hair-crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus)
3 at Cat Tien on 6/2
165. White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollois)
Common in highland forest
166. Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)
167. Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
4 at Deo Nui San on 10/2. The black capped form leucotis
168. Red-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha)
3 at the park resort at Ba Vi on 26/2
169. White-winged Magpie (Urocissa whiteheadi)
This striking near endemic was encountered at Mang Canh on 14 and 15/2 and a trio at Ba Be on 27/2. Heard elsewhere
170. Common Green Magpie (Cissa chinensis)
4 at Ba Vi on 25/2
171. Indochinese Green Magpie (Cissa hypoleuca)
Strangely silent and only heard at Man Den on 13/2
172. Collared Treepie (Dendrocitta frontalis)
At least three noisy birds in a flock at Ba Vi on 25/2. A rarely seen Corvid
172. Racket-tailed Treepie (Crypsirina temia)
2 at Cat Tien on 6/2 and also seen at Phong Nha and Cuc Phong
173. Ratchet-tailed Treepie (Temnurus temnurus)
Singles at Mang Canh on 13 and 14/2 and also seen at Phong Nha on 20/2 and several at Cuc Phuong 23 and 24/2. Although it has an outpost in Thailand and Burma this bird is rarely seen outside of Vietnam
174. Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchus)
Scattered records around various towns. This species is becoming a taxonomic nightmare with some authors splitting it into several species
175. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
176. Pacific Swallow (Hirundo pacifica)
2 at Loxo Pass on 15/2
177. Striated Swallow (Creopsis striolata)
Several around park HQ at Cat Tien 6 and 9/2
178. Asian House Martin (Delichon dasypus)
2 from the Dak Blo Road on 16/2
179. Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher (Culicapilla ceylonensis)
180. Great Tit (Parus major)
At Van Long, Ba Vi and Ba Be. These grey forms are another taxonomic mess. Some consider this one to be Japanese Tit (P. minor) but it is difficult to see why
181. Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus)
The very black below race legendrei was common in pine forests around Da Lat
182. Yellow-cheeked Tit (Parus spilonotus)
Around Da Lat and Mang Canh
183. Sultan Tit (Melanochlora sultanea)
A conspicuous and noisy member of bird flocks with the black crested gayeti at Mang Canh and the nominate yellow crested form further north
184. Grey-bellied Tesia (Tesia cyaniventer)
A couple on Mt Langbian on 11/2 and heard at Loxo Pass on 16/2
185. Mountain Tailorbird (Phyllergates cucullatus)
Commonly heard and seen in montane areas. Recent DNA research indicates this species is not a Tailorbird at all
186. Grey-crowned Tit (Aegithalos annamensis)
Now generally considered separate from Black-throated and thus now an Indo-Chinese endemic. Common around Da Lat and at Mang Canh
187. Chestnut-vented Nuthatch (Sitta nagaensis)
Only heard at Mt Langbian on 11/2
187. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis)
Pairs at Mang Den on 13/2 and Cuc Phuong on 23/2
188. Yellow-billed Nuthatch (Sitta solangiae)
This near endemic can be tricky to find but it was a common member of mixed bird flocks at Mang Canh on 13 and 14/2 and, more unexpectedly, a trio were seen along the Dak Blo road on 16/2
189. Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus)
190. Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)
191. Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster)
192. Stripe-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus finlaysoni)
Cat Tien only
193. Flavescent Bulbul (Pycnonotus flavescens)
The race sordidus was common around Da Lat and at Deo Sui Nan with the race viridis at Loxo Pass
194. Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier)
195. Puff-throated Bulbul (Alophoixus pallidus)
Common and noisy throughout
196. Ochraceous Bulbul (Alophoixus ochraceus)
Phong Nha and Cuoc Phong
197. Grey-eyed Bulbul (Iole propinqua)
Cat Tien and Deo Sui Nan
198. Mountain Bulbul (Ixos macclellandi)
Race griseiventer around Da Lat, possibly race similis at Mang Canh
199. Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala)
The distinctive dull race remonus around Da Lat and Mang Den
200. Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus)
Frequently encountered from all black (concolor and probably migrant sinensis) to white breasted and white headed (leucothorax)
201. Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)
Frequent in the south as far as Mang Den
202. Two-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus)
Recorded at Mang Canh and Cuc Phuong
203. Pale-legged Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus tenellipes)
Seen, and common by voice, at Cat Tien. Also at Bach Ma and Phong Nha
204. Blyth’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus reguloides)
Common around Mang Den and Mang Canh
205. White-tailed Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus ogilviegranti)
The endemic race klossi was seen around Da Lat and also at Bach Ma. Now sometimes recognised as split from P. davisoni
206. Limestone Warbler (Phylloscopus calciatilis)
Regularly heard at Phong Nha and one very responsive bird showed well on 20/2. Newly split from Sulphur-breasted Warbler (P. ricketti)
207. White-spectacled Warbler (Seicercus affinis)
One along the Dak Blo road on 16/2 and 2 at Ba Vi on 26/2. In good voice. The race ocularis, possibly again destined for a split
208. Grey-cheeked Warbler (Seicercus affinis)
Another potential split seen on Mt Langbian on 11/2 and Mang Canh on 14/2
209. Chestnut-crowned Warbler (Seicercus castaniceps)
I in a mixed flock at Mang Canh on 14/2
210. Thick-billed Warbler (Acrocephalus aedon)
1 at the Primate Research Centre gate at Cuc Phuong on 23/2
211. Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola jundicis)
1 at Van Long 22/2
212. Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius)
213. Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis)
214. Brown Prinia (Prinia polychroa)
2 at Bong, Cuc Phuong on 22/2
215. Hill Prinia (Prinia atrogularis)
Common, especially by voice, at Deo Nui San, Ta Nung and Loxo Pass
216. Rufescent Prinia (Prinia rufescens)
Cat Tien and Son Tra
217. Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata)
218. Grey-headed Parrotbill (Paradoxornis gularis)
Common at Mang Canh 13 and 14/2
219. Black-headed Parrotbill (Paradoxornis margaritae)
An extraordinary flock of over 100 birds at Deo Nui San on 10/2 and a pair at Ta Nung on 12/2. Now an Annam endemic specific from P. gularis
220. Asian Fairy Bluebird (Irena puella)
Regularly encountered but always a crowd pleaser
221. Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa daurica)
Cat Tien only
222. Mugimaki Flycatcher (Ficedula mugimaki)
Several at Deo Nui San, Mt Langbian and Ta Nung 9 – 11/2
223. Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassinus)
Regularly encountered
224. Large Niltava (Niltava grandis)
A male by NB at Deo Nui San on 10/2
225. Small Niltava (Niltava macgrigoriae)
A male along the Dak Blo road on 16/2
226. White-tailed Flycatcher (Cyornis concretus)
A fine male flirting his white edged tail on the Village trail, Cuc Phuong on 22/2
227. Hainan Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis hainanus)
Several male birds at Cat Tien 7 – 8/2
228. Blue-throated Flycatcher (Cyornis rubeculoides)
Males at Mang Den and Bach Ma
229. Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis tickelliae)
1 along the Da Ban trail, Cat Tien on 7/2
230. Taiga Flycatcher (Ficedula albicilla)
Singles at Mang Den on 15/2 and Phong Nha on 19/2
231. Siberian Blue Robin (Luscinia cyane)
A few female plumaged birds at Cat Tien 7 and 8/2
232. Orange-flanked Bush-Robin (Tarsiger cyanurus)
1 female plumaged bird at Ba Vi on 26/2
233. Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis)
234. White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)
235. Plumbeous Redstart (Rhyacornis fuliginosa)
A pair at Loxo Pass on 15/2
236. Slaty-backed Forktail (Enicurus schistaceus)
Not much of a view at Mang Den on 15/2
237. Spotted Forktail (Enicurus maculatus)
Heard only at Deo Sui Nan on 10/2
238. Green Cochoa (Cochoa viridis)
Well the situation was right, the shape, size and jizz were right and the green underparts were just visible in the mist at Ba Vi on 25/2. It hopped about in the upper branches for a moment or two then melted away. Whatever your fantasies about your first view of this species this was definitely not them. Probable the biggest bogey bird left for HB in SE Asia and still only partially put to bed
239. Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola maura)
240. Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata)
A pair in the grasslands at Cat Tien on 6/2
241. Grey Bushchat (Saxicola ferreus)
A pair at Mt Langbian on 11/2
242. White-throated Rock-Thrush (Monticola gularis)
A pleasing male along the Deo Sui Nan trail on 10/2
243. Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
244. Blue Whistling-Thrush (Myophorus caeruleus)
245. Orange-headed Thrush (Zoothera citrina)
Excellent scope views of an unconcerned bird feeding on the trail at Ho Tuyen
Lam on 11/2
246. Siberian Thrush (Zoothera sibirica)
A fine series of 6 females then a full male on the Bach Ma road at dawn on 18/2
247. Scaly Thrush (Zoothera dauma)
Birds at dawn at Bach Ma, Cuc Phong and Ba Vi were probably migrant aurea (White’s Thrush) still sometimes considered distinct from the smaller resident dauma
248. Japanese Thrush (Turdus cardis)
3 at Phong Nha on 20/2 then a series of males and females (up to 10 birds) at dawn along the Cuc Phuong road on 22 and 24/2
249. Dusky Thrush (Turdus naumanni)
1 of the red form amongst the Japanese at Cuc Phuong on 22 and 24/2
250. Grey-backed Thrush (Turdus hortulorum)
2 pairs by the Primate Centre gate at Cuc Phuong on 23/2 were a lifer for NB and his 734th species in Vietnam
251. Black-breasted Thrush (Turdus dissimilis)
A male bird was just discernible in the gloom at Ba Vi on 25/2
252. Eurasian (Chinese) Blackbird (Turdus (mandarinus) merula)
Birds seen at Phong Nha and Ba Be were of this large race, sometimes considered a distinct species
253. Lesser Shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophrys)
Heard at Mt Langbian and along the Dak Blo road
254. Masked Laughingthrush (Garrulax perspicillatus)
Heard only, at Bach Ma on 17/2
255. White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus)
Common by voice but only fleeting glimpses at Cat Tien 8/2
256. Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax monileger)
Heard at Phong Nha on 20/2 but too far away to work on
257. Black-hooded Laughingthrush (Garrulax milleti)
A nice flock came in for close views at Mang Canh on 13/2
258. White-cheeked Laughingthrush (Garrulax vassalIi)
Encountered several times but the first was best, a flock of up to 100 birds cascading over the road at Tuyen Lam on 11/2
259. Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush (Garrulax konkakinhensis)
One of the great coups of the trip. BN had discovered this almost unknown bird at Mang Canh in 2010 and he led us straight to a responsive pair by the roadside on 13/2. Others heard and another seen on 14/2. A highly restricted range endemic seen by few westerners
260. Orange-breasted Laughingthrush (Garrulax annamensis)
A brief glimpse of 1 on the Deo Sui Nan trail on 10/2 was followed by excellent views of a pair at Ta Nung on 12/2. Now split from Spot-breasted and endemic to south Vietnam
261. Collared Laughingthrush (Garrulax yersini)
Virtually endemic to Mt Lagbian and two responsive pairs there on 11/2
262. Red-tailed Laughingthrush (Garrulax milnei)
A bird at the very end of the forest on the Dak Blo road came in for definitive looks. Restricted to south China and Vietnam
263. Abbott’s Babbler (Malacocincla abbotti)
A single bird in the bamboo at Da Ban on 9/2
264. Buff-breasted Babbler (Pellorneum tickelli)
A pair finally surrendered at Phong Nha on 19/2
265. Spot-throated Babbler (Pellorneum albiventre)
Common, at least by voice, in the southern highlands
266. Puff-throated Babbler (Pellorneum ruficeps)
Heard only, at Cuc Phuong and Ba Be
266. Scaly-crowned Babbler (Malacopteron cinereum)
4 birds at Cat Tien on 7/2
267. Large Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus hypoleucos)
Heard only, at Cat Tien and Phong Nha
268. White-browed Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus schisticeps)
Again mostly only heard but glimpsed by some at Bach Ma on 18/2
269. Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps)
Another voice in the mist, at Ba Vi on 25/2
270. Short-tailed Scimitar-Babbler (Jabouilleia danjoui)
This near endemic was heard along the Dak Blo road on 16/2 but a hyper responsive pair gave great looks at Bach Ma on 18/2
271. Limestone Wren-Babbler (Gypsophila crispifrons)
Great looks at two flocks along the Village trail at Cuc Phuong on 22/2. At least a dozen birds. The distinctive endemic race annamensis
272. Streaked Wren-Babbler (Napothera brevicaudata)
Heard several times but only seen briefly by some at Phong Nha on 20/2
273. Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler (Napothera epilepidota)
Only heard in the gloom at Ba Vi on 25/2
274. Pygmy Wren-Babbler (Pnoepyga pusilla)
Heard on Mt Langbian on 11/2
275. Rufous-capped Babbler (Stachyris ruficeps)
2 at Mt Langbian on 11/2 and 1 at Loxo Pass on 16/2
276. Golden Babbler (Stachyris chrysaea)
Common at Mang Canh
277. Sooty Babbler (Stachyris herberti)
The opening of new roads into Phong Nha now seems to have made finding this, once tricky, limestone inhabitant something of a formality. Great views of up to 20 birds on 19 and 20/2
278. Spot-necked Babbler (Stachyris striolata)
4 birds at last succumbed at Ba Vi on 25/2
279. Pin-striped Tit-Babbler (Macronous gularis)
280. Grey-faced Tit-Babbler (Macronous kelleyi)
Perhaps not the most exciting near endemic but common enough at Cat Tien on 7 and 8/2
281. Chestnut-capped Babbler (Timalia pileata)
2 birds in the grasslands at Cat Tien on 6/2
282. Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris)
The local form ricketti was encountered several times at Loxo Pass and at Ba Vi
283. Vietnamese Cutia (Cutia legalleni)
A pair at Tuyen Lam on 11/2 and a superb trio at Ta Nung on 12/2. Now an Annam endemic pretty well restricted to pine forests around Da Lat
284. White-browed Shrike-Babbler (Pteruthius flaviscapis)
Common around Da Lat and also seen at Mang Canh. Around Da Lat the endemic race annamensis. Watch for several splits in this group (which may be more closely related to vireos than to Babblers) in the future
285 Black-eared Shrike-Babbler (Pteruthius melanotis)
1 in a mixed flock at Mang Canh on 14/2. The nominate race melanotis
286. Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler (Pteruthius aenobarbus)
2 at Mt Langbian on 11/2 and 1 at Mang Canh on 14/2. The endemic race indochinensis
287. White-bellied Yuhina (Epornis)
Regularly encountered with sordida in the south and the darker tyrannula in the north. Again probably not a Yuhina but nearer to an aberrant Vireo
288. Black-crowned Barwing (Actinodura sodangorum)
This recently described endemic was in the end easily located in its preferred scrubby habitat at Loxo Pass with 1 on 15/2 and up to 6 on 16/2
289. Blue-winged Minla (Minla cyanouroptera)
Seen around Da Lat, at Mang Canh (the endemic orientalis with no blue in the wing) and Loxo Pass (wingatei)
290. Black-crowned Fulvetta (Alcippe klossi)
Easily seen on Mt Lagbian on 11/2 with up to 20 being found. Now endemic to Annam and split from Rufous-winged
291. Rufous-winged Fulvetta (Alcippe castaneceps)
A small group of the probable race exul along the Dak Blo road on 16/2 were a new bird for Vietnam for BN
292. Rufous-throated Fulvetta (Alcippa rufogularis)
Several groups encountered at Cuc Phuong 22 and 23/2
293. Mountain Fulvetta (Alcippa paracensis)
Common at Mang Canh and also seen at Bach Ma
293. Black-browed Fulvetta (Alcippe grotei)
Recently split from Mountain Fulvetta and also common at Mang Den and Mang Canh
294. Grey-crowned Crocias (Crocias langbianis)
As its name suggests this restricted range endemic was seen at Ta Nung on 10 and 12/2 (excellent scope views of a pair on the latter date) with a pair at Ho Tuyen Lam on 11/2
295. Black-headed Sibia (Heterophasia desgodinsi)
Several of the distinctive race robinsoni at Deo Nui San on 10/2 and Mt Langbian on 11/2
296. Rufous-backed Sibia (Heterophasia annectens)
Only a single bird with the Cutia / Parrotbill flock at Ta Nung on 12/2. The distinctive dark-backed endemic race eximia
297. Black-chinned Yuhina (Yuhina nigrimenta)
A common enough member of mixed bird flocks at Mang Canh on 14/2 and also seen along the Dak Blo road on 16/2
298. Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus)
299. Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonica)
Replacing 298 in the north
300. Golden-crested Myna (Ampeliceps coronatus)
Only a flock of 5 at Mang Canh on 14/2
301. Crested Myna (Acidotheres cristatellus)
302. Common Myna (Acidotheres tristis)
303. Vinous-breasted Starling (Acidotheres burmannicus)
4 in flight at Cat Tien on 6/2 and a couple with White-collared Starlings at Loxo Pass on 16/2. Race leucocephalus
304. Black-collared Starling (Gracupica nigicollis)
Regularly encountered
305. Blue-winged Leafbird (Chloropsis cochinchinensis)
306. Orange-bellied Leafbird (Chloropsis harwickii)
A vocal pair at Ba Vi on 25/2
307. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma)
1 at Cat Tien on 9/2
308. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus)
Only a single at Loxo Pass on 16/2
309. Purple-naped Sunbird (Hypogramma hypogrammicum)
1 at Cat Tien on 8/2. Race mariae
310. Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis)
A female at Can Gio on 5/2
311. Gould’s Sunbird (Aethopyga gouldiae)
This attractive species was common around Da Lat and at Mang Canh
312. Fork-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga christinae)
The common Sunbird from Mang Canh north, often in mixed bird flocks
313. Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata)
Encountered several times around Da Lat (the red-throated form johnsoni) and at Mang Canh (ochra)
314. Eastern Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
Encountered at Cat Tien and Cuc Phong
315. Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra)
Commonly heard but ignored at Cat Tien
316. Streaked Spiderhunter (Arachnothera magna)
Encountered in highland areas throughout. Endemic remota around Da Lat
317. Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Wintering cinerea
318. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
The few we saw closely in the north seemed to be the white-faced leucopsis
319. Richard’s Pipit (Anthus richardi)
1 at Can Gio on 5/2
320. Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus)
Singles at Van long and Ba Be
321. Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni)
Regularly encountered
322. Vietnamese Greenfinch (Chloris monguilloti)
A pair of these Annam endemics at Deo Sui Nan on 10/2 and 5 at Ho Tuyen Lam on 11/2
323. Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
324. Nutmeg Mannikin (Lonchura punctulata)