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Thailand is situated in South-east Asia, in the Indo-Chinese peninsula of the Oriental Region and has been described as a zoogeographic crossroads because the country's avifauna comprises Sino-Himalayan, Indo-Burmese, Indo-Chinese and Sundaic elements and there are a large number of migrant visitors from the Palaearctic Region. There are approximately 962 species (2 endemics) currently recorded, in other words 10% of the world species are present in Thailand. Thailand has a tropical monsoon climate. Generally the dry season is during November to April and the rainy season from May to October but, the southern and Southeastern provinces receive rain during November-January. Geologically the country can be divided in the following way. The Central Plain extends to the coast around Bangkok and consists of areas of marshy floodplains. The North lying between the Mekong and Salween Rivers, is mainly mountainous, the highest peak at Doi Inthanon is 2,565m above sea level. The Northeast consists of dry plateau (Korat Plateau) mostly consisting of dry soil but there are some good forests such as Khao Yai located in this region. The East and Southeast has the isolated mountains of Khao Soi Dao at the westward part of the country near the Cambodia border. The West and Southwest has a large forested area and is divided from the Burmese border by the Tanassarim range. The South lying between the Andaman sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Peninsula Thailand is the southern part, which is a part of Sunda faunal sub-region. Thailand has a variety of types of forest as follows: Evergreen Forest - Tropical rain forest is dense, continuous canopy has a middle storey and a herbaceous forest floor etc. In Thailand it can be divided into two subtypes; the Thai type of rainforest, which formerly occupied most the lowland of Thailand and the Malayan rainforest type which is confined to the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and southern Trang. Small areas of rainforest are also found in the wettest areas of South-east Thailand. Bird species diversity in this forest type is very high. Semi-evergreen, and dry-evergreen, forest is dense and stratified and usually has a deciduous component, these occur in the lowland and submontane slope below 900m throughout the country. This forest type also supports a great diversity of bird species including pheasants, pigeons, cuckoos, owls, trogons, hornbills, kingfishers, barbets, woodpeckers and many passerine families. Hill evergreen forests occur above 900m or 1,000m on the higher peaks throughout the country especially the north, west, some in the Southeast and Peninsula. Dominant trees are oaks and chestnuts etc. This type of forest supports a great diversity of birds including minivets, bulbuls and babblers and is especially good for Rufus-throated Partridge, Humes` Pheasant and Rufus-throated Hornbill etc. Deciduous Forests - are found in the lowlands where the rainfall is too seasonal to support evergreen forest. Mixed deciduous forests occur in the plains or valleys and on hill slope up to 1,000m, they are found in the North, Northeast and Southwest regions. Teak is dominant in this forest type. The bird species show less diversity than lowland evergreen forests but it is ideal habitat for Black-headed Woodpecker, Rufus Treepie and Golden-fronted Leafbird, Banded Broadbill, Blue Pitta etc. Dry Dipterocarp Forests - occur in all the lowlands but the largest and least disturbed areas are found in the north and west. This supports a lower range of birds species than other forest types as there is less middle story and under-story vegetation. Among the smaller birds are Black-winged Cuckoo-Shrike & Golden-fronted Leafbird, Rufescent Prinia, Brown Prinia, Great Slatey Woodpecker, While-bellied Woodpecker, Lineated Barbet, Eurasian Jay, Blue Magpie and Rufus Treepie etc. Coniferous Forests - occur on drier ridges and plateaus at elevations of 400m - 1,400m in the North, and Northeast regions. It supports a low diversity of bird species but is the place for Giant Nuthatch, Great tit, Grey-headed Woodpeckers, Greater Yellow-nape, Eurasian Jay and Grey Treepie etc. Bamboo - occurs as a mosaic with other forest habitats and a great many bird species utilise bamboo including White-browed Piculet, Rufus Warbler and Pin-tailed Parrotfinch, etc. Forests On Limestone - occur around the margins of the major mountain massifs. One species of forest bird, the Limestone Wren Babbler is confined to limestone habitats and is found in small areas of the North, Southwest and at the southwest margin of the Khorat Platteau in the Northeast region. Other species relate to this area including Dusky Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Peregrine Falcon etc. Mangrove Forests - are found in the Gulf of Thailand and along both Peninsular coasts. It provides nesting and roosting areas for large colonial water-birds. Species such as Brown-winged Kingfisher, the Mangrove Pitta, Ruddy Kingfisher, Flycatcher, Mangrove Whistler, Copper-throated Sunbird etc. are found in the mangrove. Freshwater Swamp Forest - Some small areas of secondary, scrub forest remain in Peninsular Thailand in Pa Phru of Narathiwat Province, in the far south. No species of birds are restricted to swamp forests but some species such as Cinnamon-headed pigeon, Large Green Pigeon, Red-crowned Barbet, Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler utilize this type of forest in particular. Birdwatching Activities More than 20 years ago a group of foreign birdwatchers and some Thais lead by Dr. Boonsong Lekagul founded a birdwatching group called the Bangkok Bird Club. The BBC has developed its activities and become the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST). The activity has been spreading to other NGOs, private organizations such as other bird clubs, bird tours or individuals and, in less than 10 years, birdwatching has become popular among Thais (both men and women). Birding Spots And Time To Observe There are 96 National Parks, 48 Wildlife Sanctuaries and a number of Non-Hunting areas, Watershed Reserves, Forest Parks and Biosphere Reserves that have been protected by law. These areas are the main birding spots all over the country where birds can be seen all year round. November-February is the peak time for migrating species, most areas are good for birdwatching especially the north where the weather is cooler than in other areas. The most popular destinations are Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Pui/Suthep National Park, Doi Chiengdao Wildlife Sanctuary, Doi Angkhang of Chiengmai province and Chiengsaen of Chiengrai etc. The West and Southwest areas are also good at Kroeng-Kravia and Tung Yai Wildlife Sanctuary of Kanchanaburi province, Kaeng Krachan National Park of Petchaburi and further south at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park of Prachaubkirikhan. One of the most popular spots is Khao Yai National Park located at the Northeastern part of the country (a wonderful place for early morning birding as The Fat Birder can attest). March-June is the second best time for both passage migrants and resident species, which are then breeding. The best areas are the West, Southwest and the south. The most popular birding spots are Krabi province areas such as the mangroves, Khao Nor Chu Chi and newly established destination is Halabala Wildlife Sanctuary in the far south, Narathiwat province etc. July-October is the rainy season, a quiet time but good for resident species, breeding visitors and, in the later part of this period during August-October, passage migrants. The best areas are in the central plains such as suburban areas of Bangkok, Kampangsaen of Nakhon Pratom province etc. and during September-October at the coastal areas near Bangkok such as Bangpu and Samutsakhorn etc. Useful Reading Two field guides are widely used in Thailand. A Guide to the Birds of Thailand written by B. Lekagul and Philip D. Round published in 1991 is very easy to use for field identification but has become very hard to get at the moment. The new guidebook for Thailand and South-east Asia was published this year (2000); A Field Guide to the Birds of Thailand and South-East Asia written by Craig Robson. (The title of the book in Thailand has a name different from that in Europe) How To Prepare How to dress and what to bring - While bird-watching in the tropical forest wearing shorts is not advised because, in some areas, there are lots of insects and thorny plants and the forest trails are not like the smooth paths of woodlands in Europe. Light cotton long-sleeved shirt and trouser are recommended for most areas during day time but some areas in the mountains, especially during early mornings and evenings, can be cooler. During December-January, early mornings in the mountains of the north can be very cold so a sweater or jumper is useful. Solid walking shoes are necessary as well as leech-proof socks which may be needed in some areas, particularly during the rainy season (something else The Fat Birder can attest). Apart from a hat, a folded umbrella (dull colour) can be very useful either to protect you from bright sunshine or from rain. Insect repellent and torch are also advised. (Some parts of this text have been extracted from Resident Forest Birds in Thailand by Philip D. Round, ICBP 1988.) Good Birding! |
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Chiang Mai - Doi Angkhang
InformationSatellite View
Doi Angkhang is an easier version of Doi Chiang Dao, it is easily accessed unlike the hair raising ride needed to get to the best birdwatching on the former mountain but it does lack a certain something and the main ingredient lacking is forest. Nevertheless, it does have the open montane scrubland that attracts certain north Asian birds such as the White-browed Laughingthrush Garrulax sannio and the Brown-breasted Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthorrhous.
Chiang Mai - Doi Chiang Dao
Satellite ViewDoi Chiang Dao is situated approximately 60km. due north of Chiang Mai and it is noted for being the southernmost range of the north asian birds. Three birds that are the main target of the more fanatical birdwatchers are the very rare Deignan's Babbler Stachyris rodolphei, the rare Hume's Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae and the uncommon Giant Nuthatch Sitta magna.
Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon
InformationSatellite View
Doi Inthanon and Mae Klang River lies 60km. south-west of Chiang Mai and at 2,565 metres is the highest mountain in Thailand. Because of its height it has certain montane species that can be found nowhere else in Thailand, among these are the Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis and the Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis-angkanensis. This sunbird is, in fact, endemic to the summit of Doi Inthanon.
Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Satellite ViewDoi Suthep Pui is the mountain that forms a backdrop to the city of Chiang Mai (1,685m) and is the most convenient for people who are in a hurry and can only manage a half day tour. It has other attractions such as a large Buddhist Temple perched halfway up the mountain, it can be seen with its golden chedi from the city below.
Chiang Mai - Mae Hia
Satellite ViewMae Hia is another lowland area consisting of scrub, grassland and dipterocarp. For some reason it plays host to a whole range of lowland birds and it is not unusual to list 40-50 species of birds in a couple of hours. Blue Magpies Urocissa erythrorhyncha, Green Bee-Eaters Merops orientalis, the Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus and the Hoopoe Upupa epops are almost certain to be seen.
Chiang Mai - Tha Thon
Satellite ViewTha Thon, this is a lowland area and again can produce some rare and uncommon birds, three that come to mind are the rare Jerdon's Bushchat Saxicola jerdoni, the rare Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus and the rare Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola. Tourists aren't left out altogether as a little farther north we come to the Mekong river and the Golden Triangle, also a whole host of birds.
Chonburi - Bang Pra
Satellite ViewThis lowland site, just over an hour southeast of Bangkok, consists of open water, grassland, scrub and dry dipterocarp woodland. An excellent variety of birds can be found here and 50-60 species can often be seen in a morning. This is a good place to look for Rain Quail Coturnix coromandelica, Chinese Francolin Francolinus pintadeanus and Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda; this is also an attractive place for a morning or afternoon walk.
Doi Lang - Tha Ton
Satellite ViewDoi Lang (2200m) is an extension of Doi Pahompok yet has its own share of uncommon to rare birds, including flocks of Black-throated Tits, Crested Finchbills, Red-faced Liocichlas and Crimson-breasted Woodpecker. Around March is not a good time to go as there is a lot of polution due to slash and burning. A good place to stay is the Garden Home Nature Resort.
Khok Kham
Satellite ViewKhok Kham salpans extend for 10km and there seem to be flocks of waders all over the place. Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus and Red-necked Stints Calidris ruficollis. If any birders are going to try for Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmeus at Khok Kham I would strongly recommend they pay a visit to the Bird Centre sign posted just before the double bridges. They keep a log book here with updates and location details.
Petchaburi - Laem Pak Bia
Satellite ViewThis is a large area of salt pans with some mangrove remnants and a sand spit. It is probably the premier birdwatching site for shorebirds in Thailand with many rare species putting in regular appearances. This is a reliable spot for Spoon-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus, Nordmann's Greenshank Tringa guttifer and Pallas's Gull Larus ichthyaetus. In fact there are shorebirds and seabirds just about everywhere you look here and this is a good place to add a species to the Thai list!
Samut Prakarn - Bang Poo
For some reason this area of mudflats and scrubby ponds proves very attractive to large numbers of wintering waders and a flock of two to three thousand Brown-headed Gulls Larus brunnicephalus. Less than an hour from central Bangkok this is a reliable place to see Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus in the winter and Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes in April/May. A number of rarities consistently turn up here too, maybe it's to eat at the excellent seafood restaurant!Nick Upton
Some top siteshttp://www.thaibirding.com
Tony Ball
Tour Leader
(Chiang Mai [All Chiang Mai top sites were contributed by Tony])
tonyball@loxinfo.co.th
Patcharee Komolphalin
ntrails@samart.co.th
Number of bird species: 948
Number of endemics: 2
White-eyed River-Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae Deignan's Babbler Stachyris rodolphei
White-eyed River-Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae Deignan's Babbler Stachyris rodolphei
* Field Guides & Bird Song
For a comprehensive list of recommended titles covering Asia as a whole - please see the Asia page of FatbirderA Birders Checklist of the Birds of Thailand
Edited by Dave Sargeant 20 pages 1993ISBN: 41904
Buy this book from NHBS.com
A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Craig Robson Hardcover - 504 pages ( 1 February, 2000) New Holland Publishers (UKISBN: 1843307464
Buy this book from NHBS.com
A guide to the birds of Thailand
Boonsong Lekagul & Philip D. Round - Saha Karn Bhaet Co. Ltd. 1991ISBN: 9748567362
Buy this book from NHBS.com
A Photographic Guide to Birds of Thailand
Michael Webster and Chew Yen Fook Series: PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDES SERIES (NEW HOLLAND NATURAL HISTORY) 144 pages, 300 colour photos. New Holland Publishers 2002ISBN: 1843300133
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds of Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand
Checklist and Guide to Bird Finding 60 pages, 1 map. Center for Conservation Biology 1989ISBN: 9947
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds of Thailand
Roland Eve and Anne-Marie Guigue 178 pages, 150 col illus. Times Editions 1996ISBN: 9812044418
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Field Check-List of Thai Birds
by Philip D. Round, BCST, Re-printing 2007ISBN: 9748589552
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Field Guide to the Birds of Thailand
by Craig Robson - Illustrations by Richard Allen, Tim Worfolk, Stephen Message, Jan Wilczur, Clive byers, Mike Langman, Ian Lewington, Christopher Schmidt, Andrew mackay, John Cox, Anthony Disley, Hilary Burn, Daniel Cole & Martin Elliott. New Holland 2005 ?24.99p See Fatbirder ReviewISBN: 1843309211
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Resident Forest Birds in Thailand
by Philip D. Round, ICBP (International Council for Bird Preservation) Paperback 1988ISBN: 0946888132
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST)
69/12 Ramindra 24, Jarakheebua, Ladprao, Bangkok 10230. + 66 2519 3385 bcst@boxl.a-net.net.th
Proact
Coordinator: none (why not apply?) see http://www.proact-campaigns.net/coordinators
Members: 3
Join us at http://www.proact-campaigns.net/team
WWF
WebsiteThailand, with its unique geography and natural attractions, has long been a draw for visitors. The country's mountainous north is bordered to the east by the Mekong river and Laos, and Cambodia further to the southeast...
Doi Inthanon National Park
InformationSatellite View
Birdwatching at Doi Inthanon National Park can be a fun and an interesting way to discover nature at a leisurely pace. You can easily cover many kilometers in a day without getting tired because you spend more time looking then walking. You pay more attention to the sounds and beauty of the forest so you discover many wonderful things you would normally miss if just hiking. As you read this article you will learn more about Doi Inthanon than just birds but also about the environment in which they live.
Doi Inthanon National Park
InformationSatellite View
Doi Inthanon National Park, at 482 square kilometres, protects four major watersheds and, of course, Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, which has its summit 2565 metres (8415 feet) above sea level. This national park, in Chiang Mai province, is unique in Thailand as it is 300 metres higher than any other mountain in the country which allows it to support a tract of upper montane forest and Thailand's only sphagnum bog (albeit a very small one)...
Kaeng Krachan National Park
InformationSatellite View
Among the birds recorded in the park are six species of hombills, red junglefowl, both Kalij and grey peacock-pheasants, woolly-necked stork, black eagle, and many species of songbirds, woodpeckers, and other forest birds. The ratchet-tailed treepie, first seen here by members of the Bangkok Bird Club (Bird Conservation Society of Thailand) on an outing in 1991, has not been recorded anywhere else in Thailand.
Khao Nor Chuchi Lowland Forest Project
InformationSatellite View
Khao Nor Chuchi Lowland Forest Project is implemented by the Center for Conservation Biology, Mahidol University and DOF-BirdLife Denmark, in cooperation with Krabi Province Administration and Wildlife Conservation Division, Royal Forest Department, with support from DANCED (Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development).
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
InformationSatellite View
The entire area of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park plus the whole area of Sam Roi Yot freshwater marsh and adjacent areas of coastal beaches and shallow sea outside the national park boundary (3,000 m outwards); including villages and prawn ponds.
Muang Boran Fish Ponds
InformationSatellite View
Muang Boran Fishponds, in Samut Prakarn province, consists of a patchwork of shallow fish ponds and drainage ditches of varying size, with areas of reeds, open water and lillies. This is a really good place to visit whilst staying in Bangkok, a taxi will only take about 30-40 minutes from the city centre early in the morning...
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
WebsiteSatellite View
Stretching over more than 600,000 ha along the Myanmar border, the sanctuaries, which are relatively intact, contain examples of almost all the forest types of continental South-East Asia. They are home to a very diverse array of animals, including 77% of the large mammals (especially elephants and tigers); 50% of the large birds and 33% of the land vertebrates to be found in this region...
Wetlands
WebsiteThailand presently has 10 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 370,600 hectares...
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2001 [January ] - Bill & Doreen Stair
ReportOn the train from Bangkok, we saw plenty of Indian Rollers, Little Egrets, Barn Swallows, Eurasian Collared Doves and Asian Openbills. The grounds of the Garden Lodge have Green-billed Malkohas crashing around, and in the fields next door we found Plain-backed Sparrows. On the afternoon we arrived we mistakenly signed up for their general nature tour, (we stupidly forgot that we`d been given Nang`s name back in Nepal by someone who`d just stayed at the lodge); and while waiting for the millions of wrinkle-lipped bats to fly out of their cave, we spied a Hainan Blue Flycatcher. When the bats did fly out - quite an amazing sight - a Peregrine swooped amongst them, searching for an evening meal...
2001 [May] - Garry George
ReportThailand`s geographical location, stable politics by a benevolent monarchy and economic development policies are unique in SE Asia and have given Thailand a leading place in that region. Educational benefits, a booming tourism infrastructure and political safety have collaborated in making Thailand a well-studied and well-travelled ornithological destination for over a century...
2001 [May] - Tom & Marie Tarrant
ReportIn early 2001 we received an email from Singapore inviting us to attend an informal birding-trip to Thailand primarily to search for the Big G or Gurney`s Pitta, a lowland species of a bird currently thought to number fewer than 30 in the wild. Our friends Lim Kim Seng and his brother Kim Chuah were organizing a trip to the Krabi area of southern Thailand to look for the pitta and then planning to spend some time further north at Kaeng Krachan National Park accompanied by birding friends from Singapore and Malaysia. Peter Ericsson a swedish birder resident in Bangkok was asked to act as our guide due to his fluency in the Thai language and experience in birding in the country.
2002 [April] - Mark & Sandra Dennis - Southern Thailand
ReportEver since the 1970s and the British Birds magazine reports of exotic trips, Thailand has been an ambition destination. As ever, time was at a premium so we opted for a flights and car package booked through Wildwings who have never let us down. In all we managed ten days of fairly intensive birding, identifying 216 species and missing out on a handful of others. We dipped on seeing Gurney`s Pitta and hope, when we finally return to Southern Thailand, there might still be a few to enjoy, somehow though I doubt it.
2002 [February] - Moira and Graeme Wallace - Chiang Dao
ReportOn the trip as a whole we recorded 447 different species including 14 pheasants/partridges,15 woodpeckers,4 hornbills, 6 pittas, 10 laughingthrushes and some uncommon waders...
2002 [February] - Nick Ransdale - Kaeng Krachan and the north, with Krabi
ReportA total of 360 species seen made for another enjoyable trip to Thailand. Highlights included Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Black-tailed Crake, Yellow-footed Pigeon, Pale-capped Pigeon, Ground-Cuckoo, Orange-backed Woodpecker, Red-faced Liocichla, 2 parrotbills, 5 true thrushes, many flycatchers including all seven blue flycatchers, and Pin-tailed Parrotfinch. Quality waders included Grey-headed Lapwing, Malaysian Plover, Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Nordmann`s Greenshank...
2002 [February] - Peter Ericsson - Khao Yai
Report...He then proceeded to tell me of all the wonderful birds he had seen during his two weeks in Northern Thailand and also revealed that the latest hot spot for birding was at campsite, Khao Yai. For a couple of weeks a Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo has been showing up at the back of a restaurant whose waste water is being let out behind its kitchen...
2002 [June] - Gareth Watkins - Bangkok, Karon (Phuket); Phi Phi & Krabi
ReportThis is a summary of the birds seen on a largely non-birding holiday to Southern Thailand which included four bases – Bangkok, Karon (Phuket); Phi Phi Don and Krabi. Obviously we didn`t go at the best time of year bird-wise and we intend to go back at a better time when I hope to be able to visit one or two of the obvious hotspots...
2002 [June] - Peter Ericsson - Southern Thailand
ReportI just had the opportunity to travel with my immediate family for a 10 days journey to the South of Thailand. My father has settled there and wanted me to visit the completion of his new house. We decided to combine it with our annual vacation and make it into an experience for all. Though rains fell heavily at times, it helped to keep temperatures down and the intensity of the rain forests greenery was immense...
2002 [November] - Adriaan & Sytske Dijksen
ReportWe did see only a part of all the species mentioned in several tripreports on the net. For example: no Pittas (a French couple heard Rusty-naped); no Broadbills and Laughing-Thrushes only heard (we did not use a tape to attract birds)...
2003 [April] - Peter Ericsson - Hala Bala, Southern Thailand
ReportTo visit Hala Bala has long been a desire of mine. Where else would one go to see plenty of Hornbills in a pristine and lush lowland rainforest in Thailand? Yes, Taman Negarah in Malaysia is a good option but for me being essentially a Thai birder, there is no real choice. The park has been open to the public for 7 years now...
2003 [January] - Peter Ericsson - Central and Northern Thailand
Report...Khao Yai didn`t let us down. We had birds pretty much throughout our day there. The day started with some Red-breasted Parakeets just outside the park and pretty much kept adding lifers for especially Michael who hadn`t been to Thailand before. By the day was done, Michael ended up with 54 lifebirds...
2003 [March] - John van der Woude - Northern Thailand
Report...Driving down from Chiang Mai to Bangkok we visited the dry forest of Mae Ping NP, the Bung Borapet marsh reserve, and the famous tropical hills of Khao Yai NP. We had sunny weather all the time, except the last night at Khao Yai...
2003 [March] - Nick Upton - Ko Phi Phi Marine National Park
ReportAs my girlfriend and I were staying at Ko Phi Phi for a relaxing few days, I felt it would be rude not to go and look for frigatebirds near the sea stack beyond Phi Phi Ley where they had been reported in the past. Plenty of boatmen hang around the main pier area waiting to be hired for day trips, and my tactic was to wander around asking them if they knew of Nok Jon Sa-Lat (Thai for frigatebird, click here to see script for printing). I was fortunate to find a boatmen who clearly knew where to see them, naming the sea stack where they congregate; he also told us that it was best to go and see them an hour or two before dusk. I trusted in his judgement and at 600 baht for as long as we liked the price seemed pretty good too...
2003 [May] - Hanno Stamm - Southern Thailand
Report...What a spectacle to see the birds flitting in and out at incredible speeds! Other birds seen around the temple were Magpie Robin, White-vented Myna, Common Myna, Tree Sparrow, Whiskered Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Little Egret, Javan Pond Heron, Zebra Dove, Little Cormorant, Red Turtle Dove, and Cattle Egret...
2003 [October] Peter Ericsson
ReportI picked them up at the airport before lunch and while having a refreshing drink we had our first birds. A flock of Openbills were soaring overhead not too far from the airport. We promptly set off for Khao Yai but dropped by Maharat Boys Home where I take boy’s birdwatching regularly. Here we had some interesting encounters with new birds for the two. Bronze-winged Jacana with young was feeding in the pond. Coppersmith Barbets were perched in the treetops filling the bins with plenty of color. A Black-naped Kingfisher faithfully kept to its perch in search for food. Several Red-throated Flycatchers kept calling and at times dropping to the ground for an insect. Then our eyes fell on a passing wet season migrant, the Ferruginous Flycatcher...
2004 [April] - Ken Cole - Central & Southern Thailand
Report...The first four participated in a pretrip on March 14 to the mudflats south of Bangkok at Khok Kham, then were part of a separate trip in Viet Nam and returned to Thailand for the trip covered in this report...
2004 [August] - Hanno Stamm
ReportAfter an excellent trip last year, we decided to go to Thailand again. Yes, I know: middle of the rainy season. If I had been given a Dollar for every “no birds now, should have been here in March”, I wouldn’t have to work and could indeed visit in March...
2004 [March] - Dave Farrow
ReportThis was the first Easybird Best of Thailand and Cambodia tour, and was a very successful trip, combining...
2004 [March] - Vincent van der Spek - Central & South Thailand
ReportPhoto-rich report...
2004 [November] - Keith Barnes
ReportTaiwan combines an eclectic mix of phenomenal south Chinese montane birding, 14 endemic species and nearly 60 endemic sub-species – several of which are ripe for splitting – and extraordinary food, ancient culture mixed with a people that could not be more inviting and friendly...
2005 [April] - Vincent van der Spek - North& Southeast Thailand
ReportPhoto-rich report...
2005 [February] - Adam Riley
ReportSpecies list only
2006 [April] - Peter Ericsson - Phi Phi Island
Report...The site is next to mangroves and scrub and held a good number of birds i.e. Rusty-breasted Crake, Yellow-bellied Prinias, Little Grebe and Yellow Wagtails. Then we were off for Krabi...
2006 [January] - Lars Olausson & Kans-Erik Persson - Krabi
Report...We birded almost every day from 6,30 until 9-9,30 when it already was too hot. A few afternoons we took a short trip or walk, but to be honest, the hotel roof was usually much more productive...
2006 [June] - Dominic Le Croissette - Doi Angkhang
ReportOf the three “Doi’s” visited, Doi Angkhang provided by far the most challenging birding...... Birds at Angkhang, particularly the specialities, were scarce, generally wary, and hard to see in the abundance of thick cover...
2006 [June] - Dominic Le Croissette - Kaeng Krachan NP
ReportI made a three day visit to the Kaeng Krachan national park from my temporary base in Hua Hin. This was part of a recent series of short visits to birding areas whilst in Thailand on a generally non-birding holiday...
2006 [March] - Peter Ericsson - Lampakbia & Kaengkrachan
ReportHighlights include several trips to Khao Yai with grateful first-time birders who are always overwhelmed with the stupendous sight of the majestic hornbills, splendid-colored Leaf Birds, Bluebirds , Minivets etc...
2006 [May] - Peter Ericsson - Doi Lang (Pahompok), Fang, Chiang Mai
Report...Here at about 1187m above sea level is a more or less sure area for Jerdon’s Bushchat. Adam and spouse had gone up the mountain before us and located a female bird feeding young...
2006 [November] - Stijn De Win - Southern Thailand
ReportOur trip started with a quick look at the paddies and marsh area south of Thai Muang golf course (Phang Nga province). We arrived at 10 am and that means it was already hot, but birds where everywhere and numerous. As usual the three Lapwing species where present with several River Lapwings and approx. 40 Grey-headed Lapwings being a high count. A few Purple-backed Starlings had perched high up a casuarinas tree and where joined by 2 Chestnut-tailed Starlings...
2007 [February] - Suthin Niraphai
ReportHaving heard WFS Owl previously in May 2006 I decided it was about time to put in some serious effort and managed to see the Owls at both Kaeng Krachan NP during 15-19 February and the forest fragment close to Khao Nor Chuchi Wildlife Sanctuary on 25th and 26th February. I did saw the Owls 2 out of 3 nights at Kaeng Krachan and on both dates at KNC...
2007 [January] - Björn Anderson - 300 Club
ReportThis was a combined family holiday and birding trip. We started off with a few days of general sightseeing around Luang Prabang in Laos before travelling south to well-known Khao Lak in peninsular Thailand...
2007 [January] - Dave Williams
Report...Shortly after that, we spotted some Red-wattled Lapwings. They are always in this area, as are Grey-headed and River Lapwings. We strolled over to a lagoon that’s just inside the sea shore. A pair of River Lapwings were standing in the shade of some trees. A Common Sandpiper was spotted across the water. Pacific Swallows zipped by from time to time. We walked back to the marsh area and spent quite some...
2007 [June] - Bob & Jessica Allen & Tom Bex
ReportThis was our first birding trip to Thailand and it has been highly successful. We got lucky to get to know Tom Bex who has been our guide for two weeks...
2007 [March] - Benjamin Schwartz - Tropical Birding
Report...After having all met the previous evening, we were very excited for our first day out birding and our first target species of the trip; the Spoon-billed Sandpiper. We started off early with a drive down to the saltpans of Petchaburi. Here we found an amazing array of shorebirds including Temminck’s and Long-toed Stints, though Red-necked Stint was definitely the most common bird around. The small number of Spoon-billed Sandpiper in the area made finding them a seemingly impossible task; it’s amazing how much a Red-necked Stint with a glob of mud on its bill can resemble this prized wader. However, we persevered and were eventually rewarded with great looks of our bird...
2008 [April] - Ashley Banwell
ReportThe aim of this short stop over was to see Asian Golden Weaver and White-fronted Scops Owl. I also wanted to visit Laem Pak Bia on the off chance of some good waders...
2008 [August] - Geoff Dobbs
ReportThe aim of this trip was to get as many of the Sabah endemics as possible, and to get three species of Pitta in southern Thailand on the way back, with some of the other Southern Thailand birds...
2008 [February] - David Hoddinott
ReportOur trip total of 517 species in 21 days reflects the immense birding potential of Thailand. Participants were treated to an amazing number of star birds including Rufous-throated Partridge, spectacular Silver Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant, Green Peafowl, White-rumped Falcon, Pied Harrier, Malaysian Plover, newly described White-faced Plover, Eurasian Woodcock, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Coral-billed Ground-Cuckoo, Javan & Gould’s Frogmouths, Great Eared Nightjar, Black-headed & Great Slaty Woodpeckers, Gurney’s, Banded, Blue and Mangrove Pittas, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Large Scimitar Babbler, Limestone Wren Babbler, White-necked Laughingthrush, Red-faced Liocichla, Spot-breasted Parrotbill, Giant Nuthatch, Dark-sided Thrush, Black-backed Forktail, Mrs Gould’s Sunbird and Nicobar Pigeon...
2008 [March] - Andy Howes
Report...our first comfort stop at a garage forecourt where we quickly notched up 30 or more species, the most notable of which included Baya Weavers and Plain-backed Sparrows. Eventually we arrived at the salt pans at Pak Thale and within minutes had close views of two Spoon-billed Sandpipers. The surrounding pools held a sprinkling of Long-toed and Rufous-necked Stints, plus Great Knots...
2008 [March] - Peter Collaerts
ReportThe last part of the boat ride took more then two hours while paddling through magnificent mangroves. We saw hundreds of cormorants, Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans...
2010 [April] - Charley Hesse
ReportWe timed this custom tour to overlap with the southern extension of the set departure tour. This enabled us to join another group for forest birding in the south where we picked up some real gems like Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Long-tailed & Green Broadbills and Banded Pitta...
2010 [August] - ThaiBirding
ReportWe had guided Colin a few months before on a shorter trip around Phuket and he returned as soon as he could make it for an extended tour of South Thailand. Colin had birded a lot in South East Asia and was keen to pick up a few more ticks. His overriding remit though was just to spend a few days in the field and enjoy whatever came along...
2010 [February] - Gareth Jones
ReportMy wife Maria and I spent 2 weeks at on Ko Rah island at the ecolodge in February 2010. This is an amazingly tranquil place and after a few days of “island time” you totally relax...
2010 [February] - Peter Ericsson
Report...I had been doing a lot of trips to Lampakbia and Kaengkrachan in Dec/Jan so a trip to the North was more then welcomed. The North always has a real pull on me in the cool season as the temperatures drop, birds show and migrants are here....
2010 [February] - Stefan Lithner
Report...During a visit to the island Koh Mai Nai, a short boat trip from the mainland on Jan 24 we discovered an Indochinese Ground-squirrel whichs tail was stuck in a hole in the ground, while the animal was leaping for its life, eventually managing to tear its tail off, but kept leaping like a mouse having taken in poison does...
2010 [March] - Uthai Treesucon
ReportThailand has to be one of the best birding destinations in Asia, with good accommodation, excellent food, friendly people, wonderful National Parks and phenomenal birding! Our trip total of 565 species in 23 days reflects the immense birding potential of this remarkable country.
2010 [May] - Hala Bala
Report...In all 159 bird species were seen and a further 8 were heard. This includes an afternoon visit to the nearby peat swamp forest at Pa Pru....
2010 [May] - Uthai Treesucon
ReportOur trip total of 551 species in 23 days reflects the immense birding potential of Thailand. Participants were treated to an amazing number of star birds...
2011 [November] - David & Amanda Mason
ReportAfter a lengthy trip to Australia we had the opportunity of a few days in Thailand on the way home and the chance to see Spoonbill Sandpiper on its wintering grounds was just too good to miss....
Nick Upton
ReportA series of reports
This section sponsored by:
All Thailand Experiences
Tour OperatorBirdwatching at Doi Inthanon National Park can be a fun and an interesting way to discover nature at a leisurely pace. You can easily cover many kilometers in a day without getting tired because you spend more time looking then walking. You pay more attention to the sounds and beauty of the forest so you discover many wonderful things you would normally miss if just hiking.
Birding in Southern Thailand
Tour OperatorPaddleAsia specializes in small group birding tours to remote and/or unspoiled destinations in southern Thailand. We've developed birding programs that allow you to genuinely experience the destination in a comfortable kayak. Our birding tours in southern Thailand are fun, educational and easy. No experience is needed. You don't even have to be a birder, just a nature lover.
Birding Pal
InformationLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Nature Trails
Tour OperatorKAMOL KOMOLPHALIN is one of the illustrators of the Thai bird guided book A Guide to the Birds of Thailand and the Identification Guide, Starling & Mynas. He is not only a Thai world-class wildlife artist but also one of Thailand's most experienced bird leaders. He has long experience in leading birdwatching groups and individuals from many countries as well as the residents of Thailand or expatriates which trips organized during weekends. Nature Trails organizes the professional BIRD WATCHING holidays with experienced leaders and arrangements. Recommended by Fatbirder Users
Nature Travel Specialists
Tour OperatorNature Travel Specialists believes that travel is most enjoyable when it expands the horizons of both visitor and visited, when both give and receive from each other. With this in mind we design itineraries that enable our travelers to explore the natural areas of the world, in the company of English-speaking local tour guides who know their country and region intimately...
Paddle Asia
Boat TripsThe birding in Thailand is outstanding! Paddle Asia offers several trips, which include birding. Dave Williams, Paddle Asia's birding specialist, is a fanatic birdwatcher. His enthusiasm for this wonderful pastime motivates non-birders as well as seasoned birders.
Rittichai Kengsongnone - Guide with Green Leaf Travel
mailto: GuideRittichai Kengsongnone or Nine grew up just a few kilometres form the main park entrance and is a dedicated & enthusiastic bird watcher with an unparalleled knowledge of the several hundred species of birds that can be seen in the park. He conducts tours in the park at least two to three times a week and speaks conversational English. The tour company he works with is Green Leaf Travel based in Pak Chong just north of the park. No website yet so email: birdman_nine@hotmail.com
River Rovers
Boat TripsRiver Rovers Bird Watching Charters invite you to visit this wonderful land and experience the magnificent and diverse avifauna of Thailand. Discover the Bird Life of Thailand. There is an astonishing wealth of shapes, colour and behaviour of the birds of this country. More than 920 species of birds have been identified, of which approximately two thirds are resident while one third are migratory. Over 200 species of these birds are in the mangrove forests...
Rockjumper Birding Tours
Tour OperatorOur Northern & Central Thailand tour provides a detailed overview of the major sites of this quintessential Southeast Asia birding destination. Our Southern Extension then takes us to the Malay Peninsula, which supports some of the world’s most endangered birds, including the critically endangered Gurney’s Pitta.
South Nature Travel
Tour OperatorAll over the world nature is under pressure. We work closely with the local people and try to provide a partnership so that appropriate tourism offers better possibilities for earning a living in the long term than illegal logging and poaching. We specialize in tour arrangements of 2 to 7 days for individual travelers and small groups, tailor-made to the request of the customer. They are accompanied by experienced English-speaking guides and introduce visitors to the culture and landscapes of the South as well as to the unique nature and wildlife of the numerous national parks.
South Thailand Birding
Tour OperatorSouth Thailand Birding offers budget birding tours around peninsular Thailand. Guided by Miss Punjapa Phetsri (aka Games) you will have an itinerary put together to suit your timeframe and wishlist. Cut out the middleman (international and local tour companies) and book directly. We are based in Phuket but know all the birding sites from Kaeng Krachan NP to Hala Bala WS...
Thailand Bird
Tour OperatorThailand is well recognized by avid birdwatchers as one of the most bird-rich countries in the world...
Wild Watch Thailand - Birdwatching in Thailand
Tour OperatorWild Watch offers flexible birdwatching trips that can be tailored to suit the requirements of your group. Your trip is led by one of our field ecologists, all of whom have an intimate knowledge of the local avifauna. Our birding programmes concentrate on western Thailand and Khao Yai National Park, areas harbouring some of the country's most impressive and rare species such as the Alexandrine Parakeet, the Great Slaty Woodpecker and the Red-headed Vulture. Here the great hornbill, Asian fairy bluebird, black-naped oriole, blue magpie and other such colourful species are locally common inhabitants. All the protected forest areas we use for bird watching trips are within approximately 3-4 hours drive of Bangkok.
Wildbirdeco
Tour OperatorWe are a group of well-known birdwatchers who have for a long time handled activities on bird and nature conservation in Thailand, since 1986. As a result, we have known good birding spots in Thailand and all respects about our native bird species. Simultaneously, we also have had a good relationship with both local and foreign birdwatchers in order to introduce our feathered heritage and help promote birdwatching in Thailand...
Chiang Dao Nest - North Thailand
AccommodationNorth Thailand`s best kept secret. Doi Chiang Dao is one of the less well known birding sites in Thailand. It is gaining recognition amongst birders as there are over 300 documented species which visit this area. Stars of the show are the Mrs. Hume`s Pheasant and the Giant Nuthatch, but the supporting cast is pretty impressive too. 6 Simple, Clean Bungalows with amazing views.
Garden Home Nature Resort - Thaton
WebsiteTel: 053-373015. Garden Home Nature Resort at Tha Ton, is down a quiet road; it's a great place right on the Maekok River. It is locally owned, clean and made up of cute cottages/bungalows...
Gecko Villa - Northeast Thailand
AccommodationGecko Villa offers a convenient base from which to explore the local woods, meadows, and fields, and in particular from which to explore the listed wetlands of Nong Han Kumphawapi. The lake and wetlands are easily accessed by bicycle (or car), and deeper excursions into the region may be made by small boat. Alternatively of course, Gecko Villa's rural location and extensive decks make it an excellent place in which to laze on one of the terraces with a pair of binoculars to observe the local bird life. Endangered species and migratory waterfowl will be of principal interest to bird watchers...
HotelThailand
AccommodationThailand Hotels & Resorts Reservation Service. We offer a wide variety of Thailand hotels, resorts and accommodations with comprehensive and helpful information to assist you in making up your mind as where to stay, travel or visit while you are in Thailand. We look forward to being able to offer you the best possible service at an affordable price.
Malee's Nature Lovers Bungalows
AccommodationMalee Nature Lovers Bungalows lies at the base of the Chiang Dao. It is a beautiful area with lots of trails. More information about the nature can be found at the Chiang Dao pages.
Thailand EHotel
AccommodationThey claim to offer the cheapest bookings at the widest range of Hotels in Thailand.
A Birdwatcher's Diary (Thailand)
BlogMy eighteen years of living in Thailand haven't been wasted,though others might think so, It has been spent studying the birds of Thailand. Also doing bird checklists for various national parks, writing articles on birds, taking out birding tours and recording bird-calls which has resulted in three CD's, Birds of Thailand 1 & 2 and Thai Soundscape. Long may it continue...
Amazing Thailand & its Amazing Birds
WebsiteAn illustrated article by a bird expert about Thai birds. Part of a major net resource on Thailand. Includes hotel bookings and amazing tour opportunities.
Birds and other wildlife around Chiang Dao
WebsiteAt the moment of writing nearly 300 bird species have been discovered around Doi Chiang Dao. The region is less visited than other parks, as Doi Inthanon NP or Doi Suthep. So probably more will be found in the next years. Chiang Dao is known for specialities as Deignan`s Babbler (an endemic to this region); Hodgson`s Frogmouth, Giant Nuthatch and Hume`s Pheasant.
Krabi
WebsiteKrabi`s mountainous physical geography is broken by highlands and plains on the mainland.The provincial administration also covers more than 130 islands in the Andaman Sea. Natural forest cover is chiefly mangrove and Cassia trees...
Ornithology
WebsiteSome papers relevant to birding in Thailand...
Thai Birding
Website...the most comprehensive site on the internet for birdwatching in Thailand. This site has been created to answer many of the regularly asked questions about birdwatching in Thailand. Free information is available for many birdwatching locations throughout the country, with maps and checklists for each site and trip reports for many others. Obtaining reliable information when planning a birding holiday to Thailand can be difficult; hopefully this site will now make it a lot easier.
Photographer - Peter Ericsson
GalleryBirds in Thailand are beautiful. Thailand is tropical and lush with beaches, fields, mountains and exotic birdlife. Consequently, Thailand makes for a great holiday destination. I have lived here since 1982 which is almost half of my life!
Photographer - Pierre-Alain Devaud
GalleryWildlife photogrpher with some great bird photos from Switzerland and Thailand...
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