Early in 2004 my wife and I visited Vietnam spending most of our time in National Parks (N.P.) or protected areas. We went to Cat Tien N.P., the Dalat area, Bach Ma N.P., Cuc Phuong N.P., Tam Dao and Cat Ba Island. Mr. Viet of Vietam Travel made all our travel arrangements. I cannot overemphasize the advantages of doing this. Not only is Vietam Travel efficient, organized and friendly but also it is also easy to change the itinerary as needed. We arrived by plane in the early afternoon to find our luggage was still in Kuching, Sarawak. Mr. Viet himself was at the airport to meet us and told us he'd handle everything; we arrived at Cat Tien in time to hear the call of the Great-eared Nightjar. If you are traveling under your own steam, getting to Cat Tien N.P. requires an overnight in Saigon, finding the right bus station (few people spoke English), getting dropped at a town 20 km. from the park and traveling the rest of the way on the back of a motorcycle taxi.. Traveling on crowded buses and motorcycles can be fun but is not an efficient use of time especially when the birding can be difficult and time-consuming as it is in Vietnam. Four days later car and driver, who had our missing luggage in the trunk, picked us up. Mr. Viet arranged all our transportation, rail fares, internal flights and accommodation for 3 weeks for U.S. $650.00 each. This is good value for money. Mr. Viet can be contacted at vietntn@hcm.fpt.vn.
It is important to be aware of some of the differences in attitude between Vietnamese people and Westerners. We found them to be extremely helpful, friendly and courteous. Not once did we feel threatened; one needs to be careful in Saigon and Ha Noi, but we weren't robbed nor did we meet anyone who was. Unfortunately, they do not share our concerns for animals and we saw some awful examples of what we would call cruelty: monkeys crammed into tiny cages, every variety of bird you can think of dying in cages and most of the animals in Vietnam on the menu. Returning from birding near Tam Dao where I had been looking for forest birds, I noticed the first thing on the menu was "roast forest birds".
Money and Medicine
There are money-changing places at the major airports but they are often closed. Thus be sure to have a few U.S. $ bills to get into town and enough for a night in a hotel. U.S. currency can be used throughout the country. Be careful at the moneychangers! At 15,000 Dong to the U.S. dollar, $300 comes to a large stack, which you probably won't feel like counting after a long flight. When we did finally count our money, it was 1.2 million Dong short!
Although there is malaria in Vietnam, it is seasonal and worst in the rainy season. We didn't take anything for it, but Lariam is still effective in the country. This weekly medication is known to have serious psychiatric side effects. Malarone is a more effective drug but it is a daily dosage and each tablet costs approximately U.S. $5.00. Doxycyclin is cheap and effective but the side effect of skin sensitivity can cause serious sunburn. Leeches can also be a problem and can be discouraged by repellant with 98% DEET.
Timing
As a general rule it is best to avoid the parks during national holidays, particularly Tet as people take their annual leave in the adjacent weeks. This applies especially to Bach Ma where the best birding is along the one road to the summit which can become very busy. Cuc Phuong also has limited birding trails but Cat Tien and Dalat have a more extensive ones. Tam Dao is virtually deserted in winter but overflows during the summer months. It is difficult to say which are the best months to visit: when it is raining in the north, it tends to be dry in the south, and vice versa.
Holidays in Vietnam
January 1st: 1 day
Tet (Lunar New Year): 2005 8-11 February
2006 28-31 January
2007 17-20 February
Liberation Day: 30th April: 1 day
Labour Day: 1st May: 1 day
National Day: 2nd September: 1 day
Parks
Cat Tien
This park provides an extensive network of trails and no doubt was once an excellent example of mixed lowland forest. Sadly napalm was sprayed on the forest during the American war and the effects are still noticeable. To the west of the headquarters the remains of the forest are now open bush country which is still good for birding. The forest itself lacks a closed canopy but we saw two species of pheasant, two pitta species and a Malayan Night Heron, indicating that the forest is recovering. The staff are helpful and it is easy to arrange a jeep to travel to the more remote parts of the park. You would do well to make it clear to the driver that he must stop when you ask him to; we roared past a group of Siamese Firebacks, which he hardly seemed to notice. Both Duc Lua and the "lake" by the viewing platform were dry so be prepared for disappointment if you hope for water birds. The forest beyond Heaven Rapids is where the Malayan Night Heron has been seen on more than one occasion. Both Bar-bellied Pitta and Rusty-naped Pitta were seen on the 2 km. trail which is particularly productive. The boat trip on the river is worthwhile as six species of kingfisher can be seen as well as a visit to a heronry.
The only drawback to the restaurant is that it doesn't open early enough for birders and there isn't a shop to buy bread or fruit. One solution is to go back across the river the day before on the boat-ferry and buy supplies at the numerous shops on the far side.
There are more than 5,000 people living in the park itself causing great pressure on the forest.
Dalat Area
Dalat City is a delightful place where the architecture dates back to the French colonial era. One legacy of the French is the making of wonderful pastries and French bread. Together with the memorable central market, it was great fun gathering lunch provisions. Datanla Falls is good for birds particularly if you get there early. If you miss the White-cheeked Laughing Thrush in the forest leading down to the falls, go back up to the parking lot and cross the nearby highway. A flock of these birds was in the undergrowth at the base of the conifers there. A macaque (monkey) has remained in a small cage near the entrance at Datanla Falls for 3 years without being let out; they plan to keep him a further 5 years. Keeping caged animals is against the law in Vietnam although nearby police officers didn't seem to care. Please take time to give him water to drink and oranges to eat (he doesn't like bananas), complain to the police and manager, and write to your embassy in Ha Noi about this. Vietnam is very self-conscious about its image and is well aware that such situations discourage tourism. You can make a difference.
The forest behind Ho Tuyen Lam Lake offers the best birding in the Dalat area. The turning to the lake is just before Datanla Falls. A boat across the lake is easily arranged (U.S. $10 return) at the boat dock but once at the far end we couldn't find the trails mentioned in David Fischer's report. He writes that the main trail branches and drops down to a bay of the reservoir without mentioning whether it's to the right or left. We tried both and found the right better for birds: Black-hooded Laughing-thrush, Yellow-billed Nuthatch and Silver Pheasant were all seen here whilst Vietnamese Greenfinch was found in the conifers. Sadly no Grey-crowned Crocias.
We didn't go to Mt. Lang Bien which we later regretted.
Bach Ma
We flew to Danang where one of Mr. Viet's drivers awaited us and took us to Bach Ma. Given the chance we would have preferred spending a night in Danang to relive some of its colourful history. Your time in Bach Ma will depend to a large extent on the weather. We were there for 3 days and not only did it rain the whole time but the summit was shrouded in mist and birding was terrible. However we did see Silver Pheasant on 4 occasions suggesting that the unexploded landmines in the area are having some effect by keeping people out of the forest.
We stayed in a lodge near the summit but it might be wise to stay at the accommodation at the headquarters at the bottom of the mountain first. This way you could assess the weather before going on to the summit. Birding the first 10 km. up the road is good and quite different from the top. The trip report by Van Bektas and Becker identifies places where birds were seen by kilometer posts along the road. Unfortunately each post shows the distance to the top on one side and the distance to the bottom on the other; confusion could result. At the entrance to the park there is a gate attached to what appears to be two tall tree trunks. On closer inspection these are made of concrete and nesting in the top of the right hand one was a Brown Fish Owl. The wardens said it always nested there so look for it by walking up the road and looking back on the hollow top.
Cuc Phuong
We took the train from Hue to Ha Noi but experienced none of the problems of others. The windows were sealed so theft from the outside was impossible. It is worth watching the passing paddy fields for water birds. From Ha Noi we went straight to Cuc Phuong where we stayed at the park center about 20 km from the entrance.
It was extremely cold (1 degree C at night) and having noted that Ha Noi is on the same latitude as Hawaii we had come unprepared. We were the only people staying there and the birding was poor probably due to the cold. Limestone Wren-babbler was however seen often on the loop trail. Eventually we beat a retreat to the park headquarters where it was warmer and the birding was better. A highlight was Rusty-naped Pitta in the middle of the main road around noon. A visit to the Endangered Primate Center 0.5 km. from the headquarters is worthwhile. Of the 25 most endangered primates in the world five live in Vietnam. The center only caters for Gibbons and Langurs and is the only place of its kind in the country. Don't miss it. There are 2,000 people living in Cuc Phuong Park and 50,000 living within 3 km. of its borders.
Sa Pa
Unfortunately we didn't have time to visit this interesting area. Details can be found in other trip reports.
Tam Dao
The forest surrounding this charming hill station should be declared a national park as it contains many threatened species and hunting is rife. The Green World Hotel is the best place to stay as the friendly manager speaks English and can point out the best birding areas.
Considerable confusion exists as to the location of the Water Tank Trail. At the top of the town is a water tank. From the nearby Buddhist shrine to the top of Tam Dao Mountain, where stands a telecommunications tower, runs a kilometer-long flight of steps. Despite the fact that birding is good along this trail, it is not the Water Tank Trail. Follow the road, which is at the same level as the Hoa Hong Hotel, westwards. As it curls around the mountainside the road forks; take the upper fork which gradually rises passing a large sign on the left on the side of a house saying NHA NGH' HVKTQS. Beyond this the tarmac ends and a gravel track begins which soon becomes a trail leading along a contour for miles through the forest ending up on Tam Dao II Mountain. To avoid misunderstanding I propose naming this the Tam Dao II Trail and the other one Tam Dao I Trail or TV Tower Trail, scrapping the words Water Tank altogether. For the first 2 days I was there I climbed up and down to the T.V. Tower before realizing I was in the wrong place. Then a thunderstorm hit Tam Dao and birding along the Tam Dao II Trail was severely restricted. However, I did see Bamboo Mountain-Partridge on the trail in driving rain. The waterfall below the Mela Hotel is worth a visit particularly for River Chat (White-capped Redstart).
Ha Noi
This vibrant city is fascinating to visit and the Botanical Gardens are quite good for birds. Don't miss the War Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The Water Puppet show is something you could see nightly for a week and the silk clothing is world class. The Camelia Hotel 2 at 13 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street is good. It is comfortable, safe and has free Internet in the lobby. A visit to Cat Ba Island is worthwhile: the birding is reasonable and the 70 remaining Cat Ba Langurs cling to survival.
Books and Trip Reports
Birds of Southeast Asia by Craig Robson.
This is by far the best field guide for Vietnam but it does try to do too much. It would have been better to have produced two books, one a field guide and the other a handbook, like the Birds of Ecuador by Ridgely and Greenfield. The plates are too busy and the individual species too small.
Birds of Southeast Asia by Ben King et al. This old standby is out of date and doesn't include the latest splits such as Vietnamese Greenfinch.
Birds of Thailand by Boonsong Lekagul and Philip Round. An excellent book but doesn't cover all of Vietnam.
Birds of South Vietnam by P. Wildash. Historical interest only.
Chim Vietnam (Birds of Vietnam) by Nguyen Cu, LeTrong Trai and Karen Phillips. Text in Vietnamese but the plates by Karen Phillips are good. Does not include all of Vietnam's birds.
Birding in Vietnam 13/4/1-2/5/1 by Jonathan Williams, ajwilliams20@hotmail.com. This is the e-mail provided on the trip report but it seems it no longer exists.
List of Birds in Cuc Phuong National Park by Quach Viet Phuong. Available at the park headquarters. Quite helpful.
Language
If you learn no other Vietnamese consider memorizing the following:
Hello - Xin Chao (Sin Chow)
Goodbye - Tam biet
Thank you - Cam on
Birds - Chims
My name is - Ten toi la
Sytematic List
This report would not have been possible without the help of Ian Routley
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis common at Ho Tuyen Lam
Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger Present, Ho Tuyen Lam
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogster single bird seen on River trip,Cat Tien
Gray Heron Ardea cinerea two birds at Cat Tien, seen from Hanoi train
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea single bird on river, Cat Tien
Great Egret Ardea alba recorded from Cat Tien, Dalat and Hanoi train
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia single bird seen at Cat Tien
Pacific Reef-Heron Egretta sacra three birds recorded from Ha Long Bay
Chinese Pond-Heron Ardeola bacchus common throughout the country
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis sporadic sightings throughout Vietnam
Striated Heron Butorides striatus a few birds at Cat Tien. Present Cuc Phuong
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax many seen at Cat Tien heronry
Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus single bird at Heaven Falls at Cat Tien
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus single bird at Cat Tien. Present at Bach Ma
Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans single bird at Cat Tien
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus four birds at Dac Lua
Lesser Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna javanica a flock seen at Crocodile Lake, Cat Tien
Osprey Pandion haliaetus seen at Cat Tien and Dalat
Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes seen at Cat Tien,Cuc Phuong,and Cat Ba
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus seen at Cat Tien, and Cuc Phuong
Black Kite Milvus migrans present at Cuk Phuong, seen at Halong Bay
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus recorded from Cat Tien, and Cuc Phuong
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster recorded from Cat Tien and Halong Bay
Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela two birds at Cuc Phuong,present Cat Tien, Dalat
Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos present Cuc Phuong
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus seen in Dalat area,and Cuc Phuong
Shikra Accipiter badius recorded from Cat Tien, and Cuc Phuong
Chinese Goshawk Accipiter soloensis present Cat Tien
Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis present Cat Tien
Besra Accipiter virgatus single bird at Bach Ma
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus present Cat Tien
Gray-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus seen at Cuc Tien. Present Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo seen at Cuc Phuong, and Tam Do
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis present Cuc Phuong and Dalat
Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca present at Cuc Phuong
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus single bird at Cuc Phuong
Collared Falconet Microhierax caerulescens single bird Cuc Phuong (nesting)
Pied Falconet Microhierax melanoleucus single bird at Cuc Phuong
Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus seen at Cuc Phuong
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo present Cuc Phuong
Oriental Hobby Falco severus present at Cuc Phuong
Chinese Francolin Francolinus pintadeanus present Dalat
Bar-backed Partridge Arborophila brunneopectus present Cat Tien
Scaly-breasted Partridge Arborophila chloropus present Dalat,and Bach Ma
Mountain Bamboo-Partridge Bambusicola fytchii single bird seen at Tam Dao
Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus not uncommon in Cat Tien,and Cuc Phuong
Silver Pheasant Lophura nycthemera recorded from Dalat 2,Bac Ma 8,Cuc Phuong 6
Siamese Fireback Lophura diardi four birds recorded from Cat Tien
Germain's Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron germaini single bird seen on km 2 trail Cat Tien
Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata seen Cat Tien, heard Bach Ma
Green Peafowl Pavo muticus single bird seen at Cuc Phuong
Yellow-legged Buttonquail Turnix tanki present Tam Dao
Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator present Cuc Phuong
Slaty-legged Crake Rallina eurizonoides present at Cat Tien and Bach Ma
Slaty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus single bird at Crocodile lake Cat Tien
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus recorded from Cat Tien, Dalat, and Cuc Phuong
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio pair seen at crocodile lake Cat Tien
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus seen in paddy fields near Cat Tien
Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus seen at crocodile lake at Cat Tien
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus small flock at Dac Lua,Cat Tien
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata heard at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia recorded from Cat Tien and Dalat
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos birds seen in Cat Tien,Dalat and Tam Dao
Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis widespread
Red Collared-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica occasional at Cat Tien
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis widespread
Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall heard at Cat Tien and Bach Ma
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica sporadic at Cat Tien, Dalat, Bach Ma and C.P.
Orange-breasted Pigeon Treron bicincta occasional at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Pompadour Green-Pigeon Treron pompadora few in treetops at Cat Tien,and Cuc Phuong
Thick-billed Pigeon Treron curvirostra not uncommon at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Yellow-vented Pigeon Treron seimundi occasional at Cuc Phuong
Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea common at Cat Tien,Dalat and Bach Ma
Mountain Imperial-Pigeon Ducula badia occasionally at Cuc Phuong
Gray-headed Parakeet Psittacula finschii uncommon in Dalat
Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri common at Cat Tien
Vernal Hanging-Parrot Loriculus vernalis common in Cat Tien
Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus occasional at Cat Tien
Large Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides heard Cuc Phuong,Tam Dao and Sa Pa
Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus heard at Dalat and Cac Phuong
Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus heard at Cuc Phuong, Tam Dao and Sa Pa
Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii heard at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus heard at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus occasional bird at Cuc Phuong
Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus heard at Cat Tien
Asian Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris occasional bird seen at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea heard at Cat Tien, Bach Ma. Seen Cuc Phuong
Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis widespread
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis not uncommon in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis occasional in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus heard at Bac Ma, Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Collared Scops-Owl Otus lettia heard in Dalat area
Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis nesting at Bach Ma
Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides diuranal at Cat Tien
Great Eared-Nightjar Eurostopodus macrotis numerous at dusk in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Jungle Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus heard at Cuc Phuong
Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus heard at Cat Tien. Seen Cuc Phuong
Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis single bird seen at Cuc Phuong
German's Swiftlet Aerodramus germani rare at Tan Dao
Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis infrequent at Tam Doa
Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis flocks seen around Hanoi
Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus small flocks over Cat Ba island
House Swift Apus nipalensis flocks seen at Emperors tomb
Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus occasional pairs noted at Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Orange-breasted Trogon Harpactes oreskios uncommon at Cat Tien
Blyth's Kingfisher Alcedo hercules recorded from Cuc Phuong
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis recorded from Cat Tien, Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting recorded from Cuc Phuong
Black-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus isolated record from Cuc Phuong
Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella few birds at Cat Tien
Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis fairly widespread
Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda recorded from Cuc Phuong
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis not uncommon at Cat Tien,Cuc Phuong and paddies
Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata few birds seen at Cuc Phuong
Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris recorded from Cuc Phuong
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis recorded from Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni occasional birds at Cat Tien Cuc Phuong
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus migrates through Cat Tien and Cuc Phoung
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti common at Cat Tien
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis not uncommon at Cat Tien
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis seen often at Cat Tien, Bac Ma and Cuc Phuong
Hoopoe Upupa epops occasional sightings at Cuc Phuong
Oriental Pied-Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris common at Cuc Phuong,Bach Ma and Cat Tien
Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis 3 birds at Heaven rapids,Cat Tien
Brown Hornbill Anorrhinus austeni occasional sightings at Cuc Phuong
Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus seen on route to Dalat
Great Barbet Megalaima virens isolated sightings at Cuc Phuong
Red-vented Barbet Megalaima lagrandieri few sightings from Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata commonest Barbet at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Green-eared Barbet Megalaima faiostricta occasional records from Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Golden-throated Barbet Megalaima franklinii recorded from Cat Tien, Bac Ma and Cuc Phuong
Black-browed Barbet Megalaima oorti occasional sightings at Cat Tien and Bach Ma
Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis few birds at Cat Tien
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala heard often at Cat Tien
Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus infrequent at Cuc Phuong
White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea occasional birds in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Gray-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus not uncommon at Dalat and occasional,Cuc Phuong
Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus occasional at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis infrequent in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus occasional at Cat Tien
Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha not uncommon in Cat Tien,Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Laced Woodpecker Picus vittatus not uncommon in Cat Tien
Red-collared Woodpecker Picus rabieri occasional at Cuc Phuong
Common Flameback Dinopium javanense occasional in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus occasional in Cat Tien
Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis frequent around Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Black-and-buff Woodpecker Meiglyptes jugularis occasional in Cat Tien
Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente infrequent at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus rare in Cat Tien
Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos occasional birds at Cat Tien
Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus infrequent at Cuc Phuong
Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae uncommon in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Silver-breasted Broadbill Serilophus lunatus occasional at Cat Tien
Blue-rumped Pitta Pitta soror rare in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Rusty-naped Pitta Pitta oatesi single bird seen on road at Cuc Phuong
Blue Pitta Pitta cyanea rare in Cuc Phuong
Bar-bellied Pitta Pitta elliotii not infrequent in Cat Tien, Cuc Phuong & Tam Dao
Fairy Pitta Pitta nympha rare in Bach Ma
Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis rare in Cuc Phuong
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica recorded from CatTien,Dalat,Bach Ma & Cuc Phuong
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica recorded from CatTien,Dalat,Bach Ma & Cuc Phuong
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica infrequent at Cat Tien
Striated Swallow Hirundo striolata few birds seen at Tam Dao
Nepal Martin Delichon nipalensis occasional birds at Tam Doa
Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus single birds seen at Cat Tien,Cuc Phuong & Hanoi
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava occasional at Cuc Phuong
Gray Wagtail Motacilla cinerea few birds around Dalat
Oriental Pipit Anthus rufulus occasional birds at Cat Tien
Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi infrequent at Cat Tien
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni occasional at Bach Ma,Tam Doa and Sa Pa
Large Cuckoo-shrike Coracina macei occasional birds seen at Cuc Phuong
Indochinese Cuckoo-shrike Coracina polioptera infrequent Cat Tien,Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus not common in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus infrequent at Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus regular at Cat Tien,Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Gray-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris occasional bird seen in Dalat area & Bach Ma
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus occasional at Cat Tien
Crested Finchbill Spizixos canifrons infrequent at Cuc Phuong and Tam Doa
Collared Finchbill Spizixos semitorques rare at Tam Doa
Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps regular Cat Tien, Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus widespread throughout Vietnam
Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus country wide
Brown-breasted Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthorrhous few records from Tam Doa
Light-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis infrequent in Cuc Phuong
Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster few seen near Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnonotus eutilotus isolated records from Cuc Phuong
Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni recorded from Cat Tien,Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Flavescent Bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens regular at near Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier few records from Cuc Phuong
Streak-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus blanfordi seen at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Puff-throated Bulbul Alophoixus pallidus occasional throughout the country
Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceus occasional seen at Cuc Phuong and Tam Doa
Gray-eyed Bulbul Iole propinqua occasional in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivacea rare in Cuc Phuong
Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala isolated record near Dalat and Tam Doa
Chestnut Bulbul Hemixos castanonotus recorded from Cuc Phuong and Tam Doa
Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii recorded from the Dalat area and Tam Doa
Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus recorded from the Dalat area and Cuc Phuong
Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis infrequent at Cuc Phuong
Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons occasional records from Cat Tien & Cuc Phuong
Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii recorded at Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia infrequent at Cat Tien
Great Iora Aegithina lafresnayei regular at Cat Tien, Cuc Phuong & Tam Dao
Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius recorded in entire report area
Blue Whistling-Thrush Myophonus caeruleus recorded from Dalat,Bach Ma,Cuc Phuong and Tam D
Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina recorded from Cuc Phuong
Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica infrequent at Cuc Phuong
Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma common in Cuc Phuong
Gray-backed Thrush Turdus hortulorum recorded from Cuc Phuong
Black-breasted Thrush Turdus dissimilis frequent at Cuc Phuong
Japanese Thrush Turdus cardis recorded from Cuc Phuong
Gray-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul quite common in Cuc Phuong
Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula quite common in Cuc Phuong
Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys rare near Dalat
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis small groups in Cuc Phuong
Brown Prinia Prinia polychroa noted at Cuc Phuong
Hill Prinia Prinia atrogularis not uncommon in Dalat,Cuc Phuong and Sa Pa
Rufescent Prinia Prinia rufescens recorded from Cat Tien,Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Gray-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii recorded from Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris few records from Cuc Phuong
Plain Prinia Prinia inornata a few records from Bach Ma
Gray-bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer few birds seen in Dalat and Sa Pa
Asian Stubtail Urosphena squameiceps recorded from Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Manchurian Bush-Warbler Cettia canturians isolated records at Cuc Phuong
Stub-tailed Bush-Warbler Cettia squameiceps recorded from Cuc Phuong
Pale-footed Bush-Warbler Cettia pallidipes infrequent at Cuc Phuong
Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler Cettia fortipes recorded from Cuc Phuong and Sa Pa
Chinese Bush-Warbler Bradypterus tacsanowskius recorded from Cuc Phuong
Russet Bush-Warbler Bradypterus seebohmi few records from Cuc Phuong
Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata single bird seen at Cuc Phuong
Black-browed Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps recorded from Cuc Phuong
Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola seen near Tam Dao
Blunt-winged Warbler Acrocephalus concinens recorded from Tam Dao
Oriental Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis common at lake in Cat Tien
Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon present in Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus a few birds seen in Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius common in Cuc Phuong
Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis common throughout Vietnam
Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus recorded from Sa Pa
Buff-throated Warbler Phylloscopus subaffinis recorded from Cuc Phuong and Sa Pa
Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii recorded from Cuc Phuong and Hanoi Bot.gdns
Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi recorded from Cuc Phuong, Tam Dao & Hanoi Bot.gd
Bianchi's warbler Phylloscopus bianchii recorded form Tam Dao and Sa Pa
Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus recorded from Cuc Phuong
Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus regular at CatTien,Dalat,Bach Ma,Cuc Phuong,Hano
Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis frequent at Dalat,Bach Ma & Cuc Phuong
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides recorded from Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Pale-legged Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes recorded from Cuc Phuong and Hanoi Bot. gdns
Eastern Crowned Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus recorded from Sa Pa
Blyth's Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides recorded from Cuc Phuong
White-tailed Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus davisoni infrequent at Bach Ma, Cuc Phuong and Sa Pa
Yellow-vented Warbler Phylloscopus cantator few records from Cuc Phuong
Sulphur-breasted Warbler Phylloscopus ricketti occasionaly seen at Cuc Phuong
Golden-spectacled Warbler Seicercus burkii a few birds seen in Cuc Phuong
White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis recorded from the Dalat area
Gray-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys recorded from Bach Ma
Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps recorded from Dalat and Tam Dao
Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis recorded from Cuc Phuong
Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris recorded from Cuc Phuong
Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps infrequent at Cuc Phuong
Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris occasional at Cuc Phuong
Siberian Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica sporadic in Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica common in Cat Tien,Dalat,Cuc Phuong & Tam Dao
Korean Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia recorded from Cuc Phuong
Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina recorded from Cuc Phuong
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki occasionaly seen in Cuc Phuong
Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii recorded from Cuc Phuong
Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata recorded from Cuc Phuong
Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva uncommon in Cat Tien,Dalat,Cuc Phuong & Sa Pa
Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra recorded from Cuc Phoung and Sa Pa
White-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula monileger recorded from Bach Ma and Tam Dao
Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni not uncommon around Dalat
Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana recorded from Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina regular at Cat Tien,Cuc Phuong and Sa Pa
Large Niltava Niltava grandis common around Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae recorded from Sa Pa
Fujian Niltava Niltava davidi recorded from Cuc Phuong
Hainan Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis hainanus common around Cuc Phuong
Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides recorded from Dalat
Tickell's Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae regular at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Pygmy Blue-Flycatcher Muscicapella hodgsoni recorded from Cuc Phuong
Gray-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis recorded:Cat Tien,Dalat,CucPhuong,BachMa & Sa Pa
Rufous-tailed Robin Luscinia sibilans recorded from Tam Dao
Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope common in Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane occasional records form Cat Tien and Tam Dao
Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus recorded from Tam Dao
Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis common in Cat Tien,Dalat,Cuc Phuong & Sa Pa
White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus frequent in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus recorded from Tam Dao
White-capped Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus single bird seen at Cuc Phuong,Tam Dao & Sa Pa
Plumbeous Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosus recorded from Tam Dao and Sa Pa
White-tailed Robin Cinclidium leucurum a few records from Cuc Phuong
Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri recorded from Tam Dao and Sa Pa
Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus quite common near Dalat and Bach Ma
White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti seen at Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Stonechat Saxicola rubicola frequent at Cat Tien,Dalat,Tam Dao and Sa Pa
Gray Bushchat Saxicola ferrea recorded from Dalat, Cuc Phuong and Sa Pa
White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis seen at CatTien,Dalat,BachMa,CucPhuong & Sa Pa
White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola recorded from Cuc Phuong
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea frequent at Cat Tien, Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi not uncommon at Cat Tien,Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Masked Laughingthrush Garrulax perspicillatus recorded from Cuc Phuong
White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus flock seen at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax monileger recorded from Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis seen in Cuc Phuong
Black-hooded Laughingthrush Garrulax milleti party found near Dalat
Gray Laughingthrush Garrulax maesi seen at Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Black-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax chinensis foraging seen at Bach Ma
White-cheeked Laughingthrush Garrulax vassali recorded from Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Hwamei Garrulax canorus recorded from Cuc Phuong
Collared Laughingthrush Garrulax yersini recorded from Dalat area
Abbott's Babbler Malacocincla abbotti isolated records from Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Buff-breasted Babbler Pellorneum tickelli recorded from Cat Tien and Dalat
Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps fairly common at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum recorded from Cat Tien, Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Large Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus hypoleucos recorded from Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus erythrocnemis a few records from Cuc Phuong
White-browed Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps quite common in Dalat, Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis recorded from Bach Ma and Tam Dao
Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps single bird seen near Tam Dao
Limestone Wren-Babbler Napothera crispifrons infrequently seen at Cuc Phuong
Streaked Wren-Babbler Napothera brevicaudata recorded from Cuc Phuong
Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler Napothera epilepidota infrequent at Cuc Phuong
Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla recorded near Dalat
Buff-chested Babbler Stachyris ambigua seen at Cat Tien. Recorded from Bach Ma & Cuc P.
Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps recorded from Dalat,Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea common at Tam Dao. Seen at Bach Ma & Cuc Phuong
Gray-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps recorded from Cuc Phuong
Spot-necked Babbler Stachyris striolata a few records from Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis occasional at Cat Tien
Gray-faced Tit-Babbler Macronous kelleyi recorded from Cat Tien
Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris occasional records from Dalat and Tam Dao
Cutia Cutia nipalensis seen near Dalat
White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis common around Dalat and Bach Ma
Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius aenobarbus seen near Dalat
White-hooded Babbler Gampsorhynchus rufulus recorded from Tam Dao
Spectacled Barwing Actinodura ramsayi recorded from Sa Pa
Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera few records from the Dalat Area
Chestnut-tailed Minla Minla strigula recorded from Tam Dao
Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta recorded from Tam Dao
Golden-breasted Fulvetta Alcippe chrysotis seen near Sa Pa
Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps recorded from Sa Pa
Streak-throated Fulvetta Alcippe cinereiceps recorded from Sa Pa
Rufous-throated Fulvetta Alcippe rufogularis recorded from Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Gray-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe morrisonia a few birds at Cuc Phuong
Mountain Fulvetta Alcippe peracensis daily at Dalat, Bach Ma,Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Gray-crowned Crocias Crocias langbianis single bird seen near Dalat
Rufous-backed Sibia Heterophasia annectens recorded from Dalat
Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps recorded from Bach Ma and Tam Dao
Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis seen at Bach Ma
Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis recorded from Sa Pa
White-collared Yuhina Yuhina diademata recorded from Sa Pa
Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta a pair seen at Tam Dao. Others at Sa Pa & Bach M
White-bellied Yuhina Yuhina zantholeuca recorded from the Dalat area
Gray-headed Parrotbill Paradoxornis gularis pair seen near Dalat
Spot-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxornis guttaticollis recorded from Sa Pa
Vinous-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis webbianus recorded from Sa Pa
Ashy-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis alphonsianus recorded from Sa Pa
Golden Parrotbill Paradoxornis verreauxi recorded from Sa Pa
Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus recorded from Dalat, Bach Ma, Cuc Phuong & Tam D
Great Tit Parus major often seen at Cuc Phuong and Hanoi Bot. gdns
Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus seen at Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus recorded from Cuc Phuong
Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus recorded from Cuc Phuong
Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea recorded from Bach Ma, Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Chestnut-vented Nuthatch Sitta nagaensis seen near Dalat and Cuc Phuong
White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis recorded from Tam Dao
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis recorded from Cuc Phuong
Yellow-billed Nuthatch Sitta solangiae single bird seen near Dalat
Brown-throated Treecreeper Certhia discolor recorded from Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis a few seen in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Plain-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis isolated records from Cat Tien
Purple-throated Sunbird Leptocoma sperata recorded from Cuc Phuong
Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis occasional in Cuc Phuong
Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae not uncommon around Dalat and Sa Pa
Fork-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga christinae recorded from Cac Phuong
Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata recorded from Sa Pa
Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja frequent at Cat Tien,Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna occasional at Cuc Phuong
Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile recorded from Cat Tien
Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum recorded from Cat Tien
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus recorded from Cat Tien
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum occsional in Cat Tien
Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus recorded from Cuc Phuong
Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus common around Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis recorded from Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Slender-billed Oriole Oriolus tenuirostris occasional near Dalat
Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus seen at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii recorded from Cuc Phuong
Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella recorded from Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Tiger Shrike Lanius tigrinus recorded from Cuc Phuong
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus regular at Cat Tien,Dalat,Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Burmese Shrike Lanius collurioides infrequent at Dalat and Cuc Phuong
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach a few at Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong
Gray-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus occasional at Cuc Phuong
Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis infrequent at Cuc Phuong
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus common in Cat Tien,Cuc Phuong and Sa Pa
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus not infrequent in Cat Tien,Cac Phuong,Sa Pa
Crow-billed Drongo Dicrurus annectans occasional at Cat Tien
Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus recorded from Cat Tien and Cac Phuong
Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer less common than Greater in Cat Tien,Dalat & CP
Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus recorded from Cuc Phuong
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus frequently seen in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus small flocks at Cat Tien
Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius common around Dalat
Blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha recorded from Cuc Phuong
White-winged Magpie Urocissa whiteheadi not uncommon in Cuc Phuong
Green Magpie Cissa chinensis recorded from Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Gray Treepie Dendrocitta formosae recorded from Cuc Phuong
Racket-tailed Treepie Crypsirina temia frequent in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Ratchet-tailed Treepie Temnurus temnurus occasional in Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao
Eurasian Magpie Pica pica recorded from Cuc Phuong
Carrion Crow Corvus corone recorded from some urban areas
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos recorded from Bach Ma,Cuc Phuong & Cat Ba island
Collared Crow Corvus torquatus recorded from Cuc Phuong
Golden-crested Myna Ampeliceps coronatus small flocks at Cat Tien
Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa few seen in Cat Tien,Dalat and Cuc Phuong
White-vented Myna Acridotheres grandis recorded from Cuc Phuong
Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus recorded from Cuc Phuong
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis recorded from Cuc Phuong
Vinous-breasted Starling Acridotheres burmannicus small groups at Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
Black-collared Starling Gracupica nigricollis recorded from Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong
White-shouldered Starling Sturnia sinensis recorded from Cuc Phuong
Red-billed Starling Sturnus sericeus recorded from Cuc Phuong
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris recorded from Cuc Phuong
White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata recorded from Cat Tien and Dalat
Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata recorded from Dalat
White-bellied Munia Lonchura leucogastra common at Cat Tien
Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla recorded from Sa Pa
Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola recorded from Cuc Phuong
Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila recorded from Dalat
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus recorded from Sa Pa
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra recorded from Dalat
Vietnamese Greenfinch Carduelis monguilloti seen at Ho Tuyen Lam, near Dalat
Black-headed Greenfinch Carduelis ambigua recorded from Sa Pa
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus widespread throughout Vietnam
