VIETNAM REP 16 - Birdquest REP 16-ebook.pdf · 8 BirdQuest Tour Report Vietnam turned up a cracking pair of scarce Wire-tailed Swallows that were feeding at least one small chick

1 BirdQuest Tour Report Vietnam www.birdquest-tours.com

Male Blue-rumped Pitta at Cat Tien National Park (Craig Robson)

VIETNAM

6 – 27 MARCH 2016 LEADER CRAIG ROBSON 2016 saw another epic tour of this bird-rich South-East Asian hotspot, and the 15th by this leader alone. Things have changed dramatically since our first pioneering tour here in 1991 and one thing is for sure, we see a hell of a lot more specialities these days. Amongst the highlights in the south were Siamese Fireback, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Green Peafowl, Red-vented and Indochinese (or Annam) Barbets, Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas, Dalat (or Annam) Shrike-babbler, the soon to be split local form of White-spectacled Warbler, Grey-crowned Bushtit (spit from Black-throated), Grey-faced Tit-Babbler, Orange-breasted, Collared, Black-hooded and White-cheeked Laughingthrushes, Vietnamese Cutia, Grey-crowned Crocias, Black-crowned Fulvetta, Black-headed (or -crowned) Parrotbill, Vietnamese Greenfinch, and Vietnamese Crossbill. We were very fortunate to track down several singing Dalat Bush Warblers, another recent split that was a new species for the Birdquest world list. Relatively little known and unexplored Central Vietnam brought us Ratchet-tailed Treepie, the black-crested form of Sultan Tit, Limestone Leaf Warblers, Yellow-


billed Nuthatch, Sooty Babbler, Short-tailed Scimitar (or Indochinese Wren-) Babbler, Rufous-cheeked and Chestnut-eared Laughingthrushes, and Black-crowned Barwing. In the north, despite some poor weather, we found Malayan Night Heron, Pied Falconet, White-winged Magpie, Black-browed and Rufous-throated Fulvettas, Limestone Wren-Babbler, Grey Laughingthrush, and Fork-tailed Sunbird. Special mammals that we saw well included Buff-cheeked Gibbon, both Black-shanked and Red-shanked Douc Langurs, and an incredible herd of rare Gaur. The tour began at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), but we were soon on our way, along a brand new road system, to Cat Tien National Park. This is probably the best protected reserve in Vietnam, and it certainly shows these days, with markedly increasing and healthy populations of a number of birds and mammals that have sharply declined elsewhere. A lot of our time was spent along the forest edge, exploring small clearings and shady tracks. Green-legged (or Scaly-breasted) Partridge, Green Peafowl, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, and both Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pittas all showed really well, as did a last-minute male Siamese Fireback. Our very first evening was also highlighted by an amazing and completely unexpected herd of around 15 rare Gaur, and it was heart-warming to see several calves in the group.

A stunning male Green Peafowl (photo Werner Müller) In the extensive forests, interspersed with areas of tall bamboo we enjoyed the full range of South-East Asian classics, such as Orange-breasted Trogon, Banded Kingfisher, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Dusky, Banded and Black-and-red Broadbills and a wide range of woodpeckers, including Pale-headed, Heart-spotted, Black-and-Buff, White-bellied and Great Slaty. With increasing temperatures, scarce large waterbirds thermalled-up into view, and we spotted Oriental Darter, Lesser Adjutant and Woolly-necked Stork. As dusk fell huge Great Eared Nightjars emerged from their day-roosts to head out across the Dong Nai River and Large-tailed Nightjars skimmed overhead. Brown Boobook and many Asian Barred Owlets showed easily as usual. Working more open areas, we found wintering Grey-faced Buzzards, impressive flocks of Ashy-headed Green Pigeons, and scoped Vinous-breasted Starling and Indochinese Bushlark. Other good birds included Grey-faced Tit-Babbler and the cracking little Van Hasselt's Sunbird. Other good


mammals included Buff-cheeked Gibbon, Black-shanked Douc Langur, the fantastic little Northern Smooth-tailed Treeshrew, Lesser Mouse-Deer, and Sambar.

Angry male Bar-bellied Pitta (photo Werner Müller) From Cat Tien, we had a relatively easy drive to our hotel at Di Linh, pausing to sample some of the regions finest coffee en route. Based at this small town, we had the best part of two days to get to grips with the rich birdlife of the excellent forested pass referred to as Deo Nui San, along the Phan Thiet road. When we first

Part of an amazing herd of Gaur at Cat Tien NP (photo Werner Müller)

visited this site in 1991, the road was but a dirt track, and the logistics of reaching it were a bit of a nightmare. Things could hardly be different now, with easy and quick access; though the forest has been


pushed back from the roadsides. There were many specialities for us to chase here. Three regionally endemic laughingthrushes, Black-hooded, Orange-breasted and White-cheeked all showed, and we had some good views of a smart Blue Pitta. Green Cochoa unfortunately only showed for Steve. Gaudy

The near-endemic Black-headed (or -crowned) Parrotbill (photo Werner Mũller)

Indochinese Green Magpies were vocal enough but typically hard to get onto. Grey-crowned Bushtit and Black-headed Parrotbill were more obliging, as was a rather tame Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, some lovely

The near-endemic delacouri form of Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon (Craig Robson)

Long-tailed Broadbills, and wintering White-throated Rock Thrush. Both Red-vented and Indochinese (or Annam) Barbets proved highly scopeable. Also noteworthy were Yellow-vented Green Pigeon, Barred


Cuckoo-Dove, Dalat (or Annam) Shrike-babbler, Asian House Martin, the rather plain-looking local form of Grey-throated Babbler, and Black-chinned Yuhina. Moving on to Da Lat, we paused briefly at Da Tan La. This touristy waterfall is still surprisingly birdy too. We found our first Vietnamese Greenfinches and Kloss’s Leaf Warblers, and also enjoyed rather confiding

Grey-crowned Crocias near Da Lat (Craig Robson) Orange-headed Thrushes amongst the leaf-litter, as well as Burmese Shrike, Hill Prinia, more White-cheeked Laughingthrushes, Chestnut-vented Nuthatch, Little Pied Flycatchers, and Grey Bushchat. In the afternoon we visited the Ta Nung Valley. Things were a little slow but we had nice close Black-headed

The striking endemic Orange-breasted Laughingthrush (Werner Müller)

Sibias, amongst other things, as well as the stunning johnsi form of Black-throated Sunbird – amazingly still not elevated to full species status. After dark we had nice looks at Collared Scops Owl, but Hodgson's


Frogmouth continued to be a pain in the ###. We returned to this site the following morning and were rewarded with some brilliant views of our main target-bird, the highly localised and endemic Grey-crowned Crocias. Along a secluded trail, we were amazed to get brilliant close views of Grey-bellied Tesia and Lesser

Annamese 'White-spectacled' Warbler at Lang Bian (Craig Robson) Shortwing. The weather was poor in the afternoon when we visited Ho Tuyen Lam, but some of us were lucky enough to see Bar-backed Partridge. Our second morning on the Da Lat Plateau saw us heading up in jeeps to Mt Lang Bian, with the endemic Collared Laughingthrush in our sights. Multiple encounters this year

A mega-billed 'Vietnamese' Crossbill near Da Lat (Craig Robson) involved at least four birds, with some coming very close to us. The rest of the morning went very well, with a string of other specialities, as we duly bagged the local form of White-spectacled Warbler (in the process of


being split), excellent little Black-crowned Fulvettas, a singing male Vietnamese Cutias, Yellow-billed Nuthatch, a neat pair of Yellow-cheeked Tits, and tame black-capped leucotis Eurasian Jays. In the afternoon we put on our exploration boots and went in search of the recently split and endemic Dalat Bush Warbler. We soon located some suitable grassland, though it seemed pretty quiet in the heat of the day, with just a pair of Yellow-eyed Babblers on show. Fortunately Craig, who rediscovered this form and first recorded its song in 1991, was able to employ his resources to lure one or two birds into view on multiple occasions, over an extended period – a very welcome new bird for the group, not to mention the Birdquest life-list!! We also enjoyed ridiculously close views of the hulking great endemic Vietnamese Crossbill (a long overdue split from Red).

Yellow-billed Nuthatch at Mang Canh (Craig Robson) Leaving Da Lat predawn, we headed to the regional airport and took a flight north to Pleiku, via Ho Chi Minh City. Continuing towards the mountainous interior, we arrived at our hotel in remote Mang Den in the early evening, excited at our prospects in the little-visited Central Highlands. We had a full day and a morning to explore the Mang Canh area near Mang Den, birding along narrow paved and rough logging roads. The main draw here is the near-endemic Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, which was only discovered in the 1990s. They were rather quiet compared to the same time the previous year, perhaps due to some of the strange weather that had recently occurred in Vietnam. However, after a number of attempts, we eventually found a bird that performed in the open for everyone to see. Black-hooded Laughingthrush was refreshingly common (here the slightly different sweeti form), we had multiple views of Ratchet-tailed Treepie, close encounters with more Yellow-billed Nuthatches, cracking little Rufous-faced Warblers, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, and best of all, an amazing Rusty-naped Pitta. Both Bar-backed Partridge and Blue Pitta showed again. As we departed the area, a final bit of birding in another forest area produced nice views for all of Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler and White-gorgeted Flycatcher. From Mang Den we penetrated further towards the Lao border, overnighting in a surprisingly good hotel not far north of infamous Dak To, the scene of fierce battles during the Vietnam War. A wetland area en route


turned up a cracking pair of scarce Wire-tailed Swallows that were feeding at least one small chick in a nest. By dawn the following morning we reached the Loxo Pass (Deo Loxo), home to another rare near-endemic, the striking Black-crowned Barwing. A group of four birds was soon found calling and, although we had to clamber uphill a little bit, we all got great views.

The near-endemic Black-crowned Barwing at Deo Loxo (Craig Robson) A few other odds-and-ends here included that inveterate skulker the Spot-throated Babbler, Silver-eared Mesia, Slaty-backed Forktail, and Plumbeous Redstart. We continued on towards Bach Ma National Park, passing through the impressive Hai Van Tunnel, and arriving at Lang Co Beach Resort in time for lunch. The gardens were a bit quiet but we did find Light-vented Bulbul and several Grey-capped Greenfinches. Once at Bach Ma, we headed straight up to the top – bagging a nice Jerdon's Baza on the way -, and spent what was left of the day along the Summit Trail. This proved to be a smart move, as we bumped-into a vocal Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler, our only one of the tour. This species is generally referred to as Indochinese Wren-Babbler these days, as it is thought to be congeneric with the Long-billed Wren-Babbler of the Himalayas, with which it shares several morphometric characteristics and a remarkably similar song. It is completely and utterly unrelated to the scimitar babblers! The next morning was spent exploring several trails, with our greatest success at the lowest elevations, where we were fortunate enough to see the highly localised endemic Annam Partridge. Although the species has been heard many times on previous tours, I think it may have only been seen once by the leader only. Also seen during the morning were our first black crested gayeti Sultan Tits, plenty of Indochinese Yuhinas, Masked Laughingthrush and Chinese Blackbird. After lunch along the main road, we continued on to our hotel in Dong Ha. The next stage of our Vietnamese adventure took us close to the Lao border once more, to some extensive areas of relatively undisturbed and really quite beautiful broadleaved evergreen forest in the vicinity of Deo


Sa Mu, in search of the seldom seen Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush - not so far from where Craig had rediscovered this form during his first expedition to Vietnam in 1988, and before he split it from Grey

Part of a mob of Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrushes at Deo Sa Mu (Craig Robson)

Laughingthrush in his South-East Asia field guide. Just as we found during our first visit here the previous year, it was a very birdy area. The laughingthrushes themselves were not uncommon and we managed to

Limestone Leaf Warbler (Craig Robson) get some pretty good views right next to the road, despite their rather fleeting nature. There were many other good birds during our early morning stint, including a berliozi race Silver Pheasant that fluttered across the road, Mountain Hawk Eagle, a fleeting Indochinese Green Magpie, Red-billed Scimitar Babbler, Silver-eared Mesia, a more typical form of Blue-winged Minla, and a more. We continued along a series of back roads, heading north, and arrived at our hotel adjacent to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with plenty of time


remaining for afternoon birding. Heading to the west gate of the park after a quick turn-around, we made good use of this time, with excellent close-up views of both of our main targets in this limestone-dominated landscape - Sooty Babbler and Limestone Leaf Warbler. A pair of Dusky Crag Martins flying around a cliff-face were a surprise write-in. We were also lucky enough to get some great views of a troupe of wonderful Red-shanked Douc Langurs.

Sooty Babbler (Werner Müller) Staying close to the national park, we enjoyed a full day in the field, and even had time to take a look at one of the spectacular caves that the park is world-renowned for. Bird-wise we added Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle, Besra, the resident Cook’s Swift (a split from Pacific or Fork-tailed), Black-browed Fulvetta, and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush amongst others. Lengthy battles with Tonkin Partridge, a potential split from Chestnut-necklaced (both lumped in Green-legged by IOC) somehow failed to bear fruit, despite the fact that a very vocal individual came really close to us. From Phong Nha, we drove to Dong Hoi Airport, and flew north to Hanoi for the final leg of our epic journey. In Hanoi we had time to visit the banks of the mighty Red River, where there was an excellent mixture resident and migrant birds, including Green Sandpiper, Oriental Turtle Dove, Grey-throated Martin, Pale-footed Bush, Lanceolated and Arctic Warblers, and large numbers of Light-vented Bulbuls and Grey-capped Greenfinches. We continued on to Cuc Phuong National Park, stopping en route at Van Long Nature Reserve. Unfortunately, poor visibility meant that it was impossible for us to scan the limestone crags for Delacour’s Leaf Monkey’s, which was very disappointing, but we still found some nice birds, including a totally unexpected Eurasian (or Great) Bittern, Black-backed Swamphen, White-browed Crake, and Pheasant-tailed Jacana.


We had two full days this year to explore Cuc Phuong, dividing our time between the Bong area, deep in the heart of the park, and open areas amidst wooded hills near the headquarters. The weather was rather challenging for the second year running, but we did a lot better this time, with a good string of highlights,

Black crested gayeti race of Sultan Tit at Bach Ma NP (Werner Müller) including Malayan Night Heron, Pied Falconet, White-winged Magpie, Rufous-throated Fulvettas, Limestone Wren-Babblers, Japanese, Black-breasted and White's Thrushes and Fork-tailed Sunbird. Eared Pitta was

Typical Sultan Tit at Tam Dao NP (Werner Müller) tantalizingly heard out of reach. From Cuc Phuong we had a longish drive to Tam Dao National Park. We had another look at Van Long Nature Reserve on the way. The weather was clear now but of course it was


the wrong time of day for the langurs. The best birds were a few Garganey, Eastern Marsh Harrier, an impressive 60 Asian Openbills, and a single Glossy Ibis.

Golden-throated Barbet (Craig Robson) We had a day and a bit to give Tam Dao National Park our best shot, and the weather was kind to us. We even saw the three peaks that give the park its name, which is a rare thing at this often fog-bound location.

Perky Indochinese Yuhinas (Craig Robson) Most of the main targets showed very well, and we enjoyed good views of Collared Owlet, Chestnut Bulbul, Grey Laughingthrush, Spot-necked Babbler, David’s Fulvettas, and Scaly Thrush. Good birds kept coming


right up until the last minute as we headed back to Hanoi Airport, with a consorting flock of Red-billed Blue Magpies and Grey Treepies, some migrating Sulphur-breasted Warblers, and a flushed Eurasian Woodcock.

A clear morning at Tam Dao National Park (Craig Robson)


SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). Garganey Anas querquedula 19 at Van Long Marsh. Chinese Francolin Francolinus pintadeanus One seen at Cat Tien National Park; heard below Mount Lang Bian. King Quail (Blue-breasted Q) Excalfactoria chinensis A male flushed at close range at Cat Tien NP. Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis (H) Bar-backed Partridge Arborophila brunneopectus Seen near Tuyen Lam and at Mang Canh. Orange-necked Partridge Arborophila davidi (H) Singly loudly at dusk Cat Tien NP, but unresponsive next morning. Green-legged Partridge (Tonkin P) Arborophila [chloropus] tonkinensis (H) Multiple attempts in north. See notes. Green-legged Partridge (Annam P) Arborophila [chloropus] merlini Several views of one bird at Bach Ma NP. Green-legged Partridge (Scaly-breasted P) Arborophila chloropus A few sightings at Cat Tien NP. Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Silver Pheasant Lophura nycthemera A single presumed berliozi fluttered across the road at Deo Sa Mu. Siamese Fireback Lophura diardi A fine male at Cat Tien, just in the nick of time.

A terrific male Siamese Fireback at Cat Tien NP (Werner Müller) Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron germaini Two sightings at Cat Tien, but rather quiet this year. Grey Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum (H) Distant at Tam Dao National Park. Green Peafowl Pavo muticus Easily seen in the grassland area at Cat Tien NP; 10+. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans 60 at Van Long Marsh. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus Nine at Cat Tien. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Four or five at Cat Tien NP. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus This and the next species were both surprise write-ins at Van Long Marsh. Eurasian Bittern (Great B) Botaurus stellaris Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis


Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Malayan Night Heron (Malaysian N H) Gorsachius melanolophus On the road then a tree bough at Cuc Phuong. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Heard calling at night at Cat Tien and Mang Canh. Striated Heron (Little H) Butorides striata Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus

Jerdon's Baza at Bach Ma National Park (Craig Robson) Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

White-browed Crake (Craig Robson) Great Egret (Eastern G E) Ardea [alba] modesta Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia Little Egret Egretta garzetta


Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster One flew over at Cat Tien. Western Osprey (Osprey) Pandion haliaetus Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Crested Honey Buzzard (Oriental H-b) Pernis ptilorhynchus Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni Singles at Deo Nui San, Bach Ma, Cuc Phuong, and Tam Dao. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus [cirrhatus] limnaeetus One at Ta Nung. Mountain Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis Singles at Ta Nung and Deo Sa Mu. Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii An adult and juvenile at Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP.. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata One at Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP. A rare resident in limestone areas. See notes. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus Shikra Accipiter badius Besra Accipiter gularis One at Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP and two at Tam Dao NP. Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus Just one at Van Long Marsh. Black Kite (Black-eared K) Milvus [migrans] lineatus Six migrating at Cuc Phuong. Grey-headed Fish Eagle Haliaeetus ichthyaetus (H) One calling at Cat Tien NP. Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus Himalayan Buzzard Buteo burmannicus One or two near Mang Den. See notes.

An angry Brown Hawk-Owl at Cat Tien (Werner Müller) White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca A couple scrambling off at Cat Tien NP. White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea Great views of several at Van Long Marsh. Black-backed Swamphen Porphyrio indicus One at Cat Tien, then several at Van Long Marsh. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator Two flushed by our vehicle at Cat Tien. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus 25+ at Van Long Marsh. Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola One flushed at close range at the lower levels of Tam Dao NP. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Singles at Cat Tien and by the Red River in Hanoi. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Rock Dove (R Pigeon, Feral P) (feral) Columba livia


Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis Six migrants by the Red River in Hanoi. Red Turtle Dove (R Collared D) Streptopelia tranquebarica Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Zebra Dove (Peaceful D) Geopelia striata Several at Cat Tien & 1 en route there from Ho Chi Minh. A recent colonist. Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicinctus Six at Cat Tien. Ashy-headed Green Pigeon Treron phayrei At least five identified At Cat Tien. Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra Yellow-vented Green Pigeon Treron seimundi (NL) Just one at Deo Nui San. Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenurus Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea 50+ at Cat Tien. Numbers have increased since a decline in the 1990s. Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis Green-billed Malkoha Rhopodytes tristis Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus (NL) One around Cat Tien NP HQ for the second year running. Asian Koel (Common K) Eudynamys scolopaceus (H). Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus Three males in a tizz at Cat Tien NP. Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris Large Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides (H) Two calling at Tam Dao NP. Hodgson’s Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor (H) Mang Canh, Deo Sa Mu and Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Seen at Mang Canh. Common Cuckoo (Eurasian C) Cuculus canorus One was calling near the summit of Bach Ma.

One of our excellent Collared Owlets (Craig Robson) Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus (H) Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia (H) One was calling in the daytime at Tam Dao. Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica (H) One called briefly at Bach Ma NP. Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei Great views of calling birds at Mang Canh and Tam Dao NP. Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides Often heard. Seen well at Cat Tien (rusty-streaked deignani). Brown Boobook Ninox scutulata Seen well at Cat Tien NP.


Hodgson’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus hodgsoni (H) At Deo Nui San and near Da Lat. Blyth’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus affinis (H) At Cat Tien NP. Great Eared Nightjar Lyncornis macrotis This huge harrier-like nightjar was easily seen at dusk at Cat Tien. Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka Seen Da Lat, Bach Ma, Phong Nha, Cuc Phuong. Heard Ta Nung and Mang Den. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris

Banded Kingfisher (Werner Müller) Germain’s Swiftlet Aerodramus germani Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus

Common Kingfisher (Craig Robson) Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis Pacific Swift Apus pacificus Six migrants at Deo Nui San. Cook’s Swift Apus cooki Good numbers of this resident at Phong Nha-Ke Bang.


House Swift Apus nipalensis Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni Orange-breasted Trogon Harpactes oreskios Seen well at Cat Tien (two). Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis Oriental Dollarbird (Dollarbird) Eurystomus orientalis Small numbers at Cat Tien; at least eight at Cuc Phuong. Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella A male scoped at Cat Tien NP; another heard. Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis A couple at Cat Tien NP. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops One at Cat Tien NP. Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis One seen at Cat Tien. Surprisingly heard at Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris

Our only Pied Falconet (Craig Robson) Red-vented Barbet Megalaima lagrandieri A number of good sightings of this regional endemic. Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata Green-eared Barbet Megalaima faiostricta Plenty of these regional endemics. Golden-throated Barbet M. franklinii In south (auricularis); Mang Canh & Deo Sa Mu (? race); Tam Dao (franklinii). Indochinese Barbet (Annam B) Megalaima annamensis Common in the Southern and Central Highlands. Moustached Barbet Megalaima incognita (H) Only one heard distantly at Deo Sa Mu. Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus One at Mang Canh. White-browed Piculet Sasia ochracea Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente Four at Cat Tien NP. Even saw the hearts!! Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis Three of these tremendous woodpeckers at Cat Tien. Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha (H) Laced Woodpecker Picus vittatus Grey-headed Woodpecker (Black-naped W) Picus [canus] guerini (H) Heard at Cat Tien NP. See Notes.


Common Flameback Dinopium javanense Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus

Black-and-red Broadbills at Cat Tien NP (Werner Müller) Pale-headed Woodpecker Gecinulus grantia A reactive pair were a bit too jumpy at Cat Tien. Heard at Phong Nha. Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis

A stunning male Bar-bellied Pitta (Craig Robson)

Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus Black-and-buff Woodpecker Meiglyptes jugularis One showed really well at Cat Tien. Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus Five at Cat Tien NP. Always good value.


Collared Falconet Microhierax caerulescens Single leader-only bird at Cat Tien. Sorry folks! Pied Falconet Microhierax melanoleucos One was spotted by Lois at Bong, Cuc Phuong NP. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Two at Phong Nha. Grey-headed Parakeet Psittacula finschii A surprise fly-by at Cuc Phuong NP. Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos Three lovely pairs at Cat Tien. Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae Silver-breasted Broadbill Serilophus lunatus (H) Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus Two scoped at Cat Tien NP. Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus Three were highly responsive at Cat Tien NP. Eared Pitta Hydrornis phayrei (H) One at Cuc Phuong responded but briefly. Blue-naped Pitta Hydrornis nipalensis (H) Several were calling at Tam Dao NP – down precipitous slopes! Blue-rumped Pitta Hydrornis soror Ridiculous views of a pair at Cat Tien. Rusty-naped Pitta Hydrornis oatesi One crossed the road at close at Mang Canh. Blue Pitta Hydrornis cyaneus Singles were seen at Deo Nui San and Mang Canh. Bar-bellied Pitta Hydrornis elliotii Brilliant views of at least six at Cat Tien. Another at Cuc Phuong.

leucotis Eurasian Jay at Lang Bian (Werner Müller) Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Great Iora Aegithina lafresnayei Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong. Another regional endemic that just gets into SW China. Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei Indochinese Cuckooshrike Coracina polioptera Three at Cat Tien NP. A further regional endemic. Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos Swinhoe’s Minivet (Brown-rumped M) P. cantonensis Cat Tien, Deo Nui San, and Deo Sa Mu; many this year. Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris 8 Mang Canh & 2 Bach Ma (deignani); 1 Tam Dao (griseogularis). Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus Several annamensis in the Southern Highlands. Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris Two or three at Mang Canh. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus


Burmese Shrike Lanius collurioides A few endemic nigricapillus in the south. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus One at Cuc Phuong NP, two at Tam Dao NP. White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca Blyth’s Shrike-babbler Pteruthius aeralatus Three ricketti at Tam Dao. A vireo not a babbler. Dalat Shrike-babbler (Annam S-b) Pteruthius aeralatus Several sightings in S & C Highlands (incl. Deo Sa Mu). Clicking Shrike-babbler Pteruthius intermedius Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Ashy Drongo D. leucophaeus Common. A few Chinese migrant leucogenis in the south; a potential split. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea

Wire-tailed Swallow (Craig Robson)

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Good numbers of black-caped leucotis in the Southern Highlands. Red-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa erythroryncha Two at Tam Dao. White-winged Magpie Urocissa whiteheadi Two scoped and watched for a long time at Cuc Phuong NP. Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis Fleetingly at Tam Dao. Indochinese Green Magpie Cissa hypoleuca At several different locations but as tricky as ever. Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae An unusually large group of 12 at Tam Dao NP. Racket-tailed Treepie Crypsirina temia Ratchet-tailed Treepie Temnurus temnurus Frequently encountered from Mang Canh northwards. Large-billed Crow (Southern Jungle C) Corvus [macrorhynchos] macrorhynchos Widespread. See notes. Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis Now placed in the Stenostiridae. Not a flycatcher. Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea See notes. Japanese Tit Parus minor Small numbers of commixtus at Lang Co Beach Resort and Tam Dao NP. Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus 4 legendrei in the S Highlands. Heard at Phong Nha-Ke Bang (yunnanensis?).


Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus Pairs at Lang Bian and Mang Canh (basileus). Indochinese Bush Lark (I Bushlark) Mirafra erythrocephala One in open fields at Cat Tien. Regional endemic. Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus flaviventris Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Light-vented Bulbul (Chinese B) Pycnonotus sinensis Large numbers of hainanus: 130 Hanoi, 25-50 Tam Dao etc. Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni Flavescent Bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens Common in the Southern and Central Highlands (sordidus). Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier Two at Lang Co Beach Resort were a write-in; expanding its range NE. Streak-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus blanfordi Common in the south. A lowland species, endemic to South-East Asia. Puff-throated Bulbul Alophoixus pallidus Ochraceous Bulbul A. ochraceus Endemic hallae (which most closely resembles Puff-throated) in the south. Grey-eyed Bulbul Iole propinqua In the south simulator, in the centre propinqua, and at Cuc Phuong aquilornis. Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii A few in the Central Highlands (griseiventer?). Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala A few in the Southern Highlands (remotus). Chestnut Bulbul Hemixos castanonotus Four or so at Tam Dao NP. Black Bulbul (Himalayan B B) Hypsipetes leucocephalus Grey-throated Martin Riparia chinensis About 20 at the Red River in Hanoi. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii A pair feeding at least one chick in a nest at wetlands near Dak To. Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor A pair flying around a limestone cliff at Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis dauurica Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis This little cracker was seen at Mang Den (Indochinese fulvifacies). Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus Actually a warbler, not a tailorbird.

Pale-footed Bush Warbler (Werner Müller) Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Horornis fortipes (H) At Tam Dao (davidiana). Grey-bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer Brilliant views of one at Ta Nung. Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea Not so co-operative at Tam Dao. Asian Stubtail Urosphena squameiceps One seen quite well at Bach Ma; heard at Tam Dao. Pale-footed Bush Warbler Urosphena squameiceps Showy at the Red River. Its placement in this genus is dubious. Black-throated Bushtit (Grey-crowned B) Aegithalos [concinnus] annamensis Often seen in S and C Highlands. Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus


Pallas's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus

Lanceolated Warbler (Werner Müller) Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Two-barred Warbler Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus Pale-legged Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes

Manchurian Reed Warbler at Cat Tien (Craig Robson) Blyth’s Leaf Warbler P. reguloides 1 Mang Canh. 10 Tam Dao may also have been Claudia's or Hartert's. Kloss’s Leaf Warbler (White-tailed L W) P. ogilviegranti Common in the Southern and Central Highlands (klossi). Limestone Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus calciatilis Three seen well & also heard at Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Sulphur-breasted Warbler Phylloscopus ricketti Two migrants at Tam Dao were unexpected. White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis One tame ocularis at Lang Bian. See notes. Bianchi’s Warbler Seicercus valentini Several showed at Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao NP's. Alström’s Warbler (Plain-tailed W) Seicercus soror One seen well in the south. Grey-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys A few in the Southern and Central Highlands. See notes.


Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps S & C Highlands (annamensis); one dependent fledgling noted. Black-browed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps A few at Cat Tien and Van Long Marsh. Manchurian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus tangorum A surprise write-in at Cat Tien NP. A rarity in Vietnam.

Red-billed Scimitar Babbler at Deo Sa Mu (Werner Müller) Russet Bush Warbler Locustella seebohmi (H) A couple singing briefly at Cuc Phuong NP. Dalat Bush Warbler Locustella idonia Two seen and others heard near Da Lat. New for Birdquest!! Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler (Rusty-rumped W) Locustella certhiola One at Cat Tien NP. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Golden-headed Cisticola (Bright-headed C) Cisticola juncidis Hill Prinia Prinia superciliaris In the Southern Highlands (klossi).

Endemic rileyi Grey-throated Babbler in the Southern Highlands (Werner Müller) Rufescent Prinia Prinia rufescens Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris One came right out at Cat Tien (delacouri); common at Red River (sonitans). Plain Prinia Prinia inornata Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius


Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis Large Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps (H)

Abbott's Babbler (Werner Müller) White-browed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps See notes. Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps A few reconditus at Tam Dao. Red-billed Scimitar Babbler (Orange-b S B) Pomatorhinus schisticeps Two alius at Deo Sa Mu. Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps Three dickinsoni at Mang Canh.

indochinense race of Scaly-crowned Babbler (Werner Müller) Sooty Babbler Stachyris herberti Four of these dumpy dark rock-hoppers at Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP. Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps Spot-necked Babbler Stachyris strialata Performed at Tam Dao. Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyridopsis ruficeps A few in the Southern Highlands (pagana).


Golden Babbler Stachyridopsis chrysaea In the Central Highlands (race still undescribed), and at Tam Dao (aurata). Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Macronus gularis

The ever-skulking Spot-throated Babbler (Werner Müller) Grey-faced Tit-Babbler Macronus kelleyi Common at Cat Tien NP. Heard distantly at Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP. Chestnut-capped Babbler Timalia pileata Black-crowned Fulvetta Alcippe klossi An excellent pair at Mount Lang Bian. Pseudoalcippe is the correct genus. Rufous-throated Fulvetta Alcippe rufogularis Frequent Cuc Phuong (stevensi). Schoeniparus is the correct genus.

Near endemic White-cheeked Laughingthrush (Werner Müller) Mountain Fulvetta (Annam F) Alcippe [peracensis] annamensis S & C Highlands and Bach Ma. A good split. Black-browed Fulvetta Alcippe grotei The common lowland nun-babbler (Phong Nha-Ke Bang & Cuc Phuong etc.). David’s Fulvetta Alcippe davidi The nun-babbler at Tam Dao NP. Limestone Wren-Babbler Gypsophila crispifrons Small numbers at Cuc Phuong (annamensis).


Streaked Wren-Babbler Napothera brevicaudata

A sneaky Collared Laughingthrush (Werner Müller) Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler Napothera brevicaudata A couple at Mang Den (amyae). Collared Babbler Gampsorhynchus torquatus (H) Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler (Indochinese Wren-B) Jabouilleia danjoui One showed well at Bach Ma. See note. Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abbotti Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum Subspecies indochinense throughout.

Vietnamese Cutia (Craig Robson)

Spot-throated Babbler Pellorneum albiventre Eventually we got it at Deo Loxo. Can be tricky. Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps Buff-breasted Babbler Pellorneum tickelli (H) White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus


Black-hooded Laughingthrush G. milleti 4 in the Southern Highlands (nominate); 19 in Central Highlands (sweeti). Grey Laughingthrush Garrulax maesi Quite common at Tam Dao. Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush Garrulax castanotis Quite common at Deo Sa Mu, with ten seen and two heard. Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush Ianthocincla konkakinhensis Three seen & three heard at Mang Den. Great bird. Masked Laughingthrush Garrulax perspicillatus Four at Bach Ma., and heard at the Red River in Hanoi Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax monileger At Bach Ma and Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP's (pasquieri). Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis Bits and pieces at Tam Dao (robini). Black-throated Laughingthrush Dryonastes chinensis White-cheeked Laughingthrush Dryonastes vassali Frequent in Southern & Central Highlands. Regional endemic. Orange-breasted Laughingthrush Stactocichla annamensis Subtly beautiful endemic in the Southern Highlands. Collared Laughingthrush Trochalopteron yersini Tricky endemic at Lang Bian; about four seen. Vietnamese Cutia Cutia legalleni Four of these excellent endemic babblers in the south Blue-winged Minla (B-w Siva) Minla cyanouroptera Plain endemic orientalis in south, typical wingatei Deo Sa Mu. Black-crowned Barwing Actinodura sodangorum Four gave scope views and reasonable close-ups at Deo Loxo. Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris Good numbers of cunhaci in the S & C Highlands, and ricketti at Tam Dao.

Male Silver-eared Mesia at Deo Sa Mu (Craig Robson) Grey-crowned Crocias Crocias langbianis At least seven vocal birds seen well at Ta Nung. A scarce endemic. Rufous-backed Sibia Heterophasia annectans A couple of endemic eximia at Ta Nung. Black-headed Sibia Malacias desgodinsi The endemic robinsoni form was seen really well on the Da Lat Plateau. Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense A pair near Da Lat. Short-tailed Parrotbill Neosuthora davidiana (H) A bugger this year at Tam Dao. Grey-headed Parrotbill Psittiparus gularis Five laotianus in the Mang Canh area. Black-headed Parrotbill (B-crowned P) P. margaritae Many of these near-endemics at Deo Nui San. Indochinese Yuhina (Chestnut-collared Y) Staphida torqueola Sa Mu, Bach Ma & Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP’s. Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta Seen at Deo Nui San and Tam Dao. Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella Chestnut-vented Nuthatch Sitta nagaensis


Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis Yellow-billed Nuthatch Sitta solangiae A pair at Mount Lang Bian and three at Mang Canh. Brilliant views. Golden-crested Myna Ampeliceps coronatus Just two at Cat Tien NP. Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa

A surprisingly cooperative Lesser Shortwing near Da Lat (Werner Müller) Great Myna (White-vented M) Acridotheres grandis Six just outside Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Vinous-breasted Starling (V-b Myna) Acridotheres burmannicus Six at the edge of Cat Tien NP. Black-collared Starling Gracupica nigricollis Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina 2 leaf-tossing at Da Tan La (innotata); 1 at Cuc Phuong NP (aurimacula). White's Thrush Zoothera aurea A nice one on the road at Cuc Phuong, where it winters. Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma Two seen and others singing at Tam Dao. Black-breasted Thrush Turdus dissimilis A male and 1-2 females at Cuc Phuong. Japanese Thrush Turdus cardis Good views on the road at Cuc Phuong; common Chinese Blackbird Turdus mandarinus Singles at Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong NP's.. Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus Green Cochoa Cochoa viridis (NL) Steve saw one at Deo Nui San; a probable heard distantly at Tam Dao NP. Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica White-gorgeted Flycatcher Anthipes monileger Seen best near Mang Den. Hainan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis hainanus Seen at Bach Ma and Cuc Phuong NP’s. Pale Blue Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides The unusual race klossi at Deo Nui San; two males and a female. White-tailed Flycatcher Cyornis concretus A pain this year at Cuc Phuong NP, but several seen. Fujian Niltava Niltava davidi A male and a female at Cuc Phuong NP. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophris A really confiding bird at Ta Nung (langbianensis). Siberian Blue Robin Larvivora cyane Great views at Cat Tien NP. Another mealworm lover. Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliiope


First-winter female Siberian Blue Robin (Craig Robson) Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus One at Bach Ma, near the summit. Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus Nice views of one at De Loxo. Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki This winterer was seen often in the Southern and Central Highlands. Taiga Flycatcher (Red-throated F) Ficedula albicilla Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor One calling at Tam Dao NP. Plumbeous Water Redstart Phoenicurus fuliginosus A pair below the waterfall at Deo Loxo. Blue Rock Thrush (Asian R T) Monticola [solitarius] philippensis All blue pandoo & chestnut-bellied philippensis. White-throated Rock Thrush Monticola gularis Three sightings in the Southern Highlands. Stejneger’s Stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri This is a split from Eastern (or Siberian) Stonechat S. maurus. Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata Grey Bush Chat Saxicola ferreus Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile Two tail-waggling at Cat Tien NP. Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum Fire-breasted Flowerpecker D. ignipectus Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis A female at Lang Co Beach Resort. Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hypogrammicum Widespread. Thought to be close to the spiderhunters now. Van Hasselt's Sunbird Leptocoma brasiliana What a little cracker. Several at Cat Tien NP. Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis Mrs Gould’s Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae A few in the Southern (annamensis) & Central (race ?) Highlands. Fork-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga christinae A few at Cuc Phuong and Tam Dao NP’s. Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata Amazing johnsi in south; more typical ochra at Mang Canh. Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga saturata Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna Plain-backed Sparrow Passer flaveolus A small number in fields bordering Cat Tien NP. The name belies its beauty. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus


Pin-tailed Parrotfinch Erythrura prasina Zapping over at Mang Canh. White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea White Wagtail (Swinhoe's W) Motacilla [alba] ocularis 10 going to roost with the next 'species'. White Wagtail (Amur W, Chinese W) Motacilla [alba] ocularis 60 going to roost on roof-top in Dong Ha. Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Grey-capped Greenfinch Chloris sinica 3 at Lang Co Beach Resort (1 at nest); 60 at the Red River in Hanoi. Vietnamese Greenfinch Chloris monguilloti Ten on the Da Lat Plateau, to which it is endemic. Red Crossbill (Vietnamese C) Loxia [curvirostra] meridionalis A male near Da Lat; a long overdue endemic split.

A taste of forest birding (Werner Müller)


MAMMALS Black Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor (H) Pallas’s Squirrel (Belly-banded) Callosciurus erythraeus Races included flavimanus in south & erythraeus in north. Maritime Striped Squirrel (Indochinese S S, Eastern S S) Tamiops maritimus In S & C Highlands & at Tam Dao. Cambodian Striped Squirrel Tamiops rodolphei One at Cat Tien NP. Indochinese Ground Squirrel (Berdmore's S) Menetes berdmorei (NL) Brown Rat (Norway R) Rattus norvegicus Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica Fairly brief but quite good nccturnal view of one at Cat Tien NP. Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula One at Ta Nung. Red-shanked Douc Langur Pygathrix nemaeus Wonderful. Four at Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP, incl. Offspring. Black-shanked Douc Langur Pygathrix nigripes Rare south Indochina endemic. 26 at Cat Tien NP. Long-tailed Macaque (Crab-eating M) Macaca fascicularis Buff-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae At least three seen and many heard at Cat Tien NP. Northern Treeshrew Tupaia belangeri Northern Smooth-tailed Treeshrew Dendrogale murina Three of these fantastic little creatures at Cat Tien NP. Lesser Mouse Deer (L Malay M-D) Tragulus javanicus One at Cat Tien NP. Sambar Cervus unicolor Eight at Cat Tien NP. Gaur Bos gaurus A totally unexpected herd of about 15 at Cat Tien NP, including several youngsters.

A noisy Buff-cheeked Gibbon at Cat Tien NP (Werner Müller)


NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST Green-legged Partridge (Tonkin P) Arborophila [chloropus] tonkinensis Green-legged Partridge (Annam P) Arborophila [chloropus] merlini Some authorities split-off Tonkin Partridge and Annam Partridges as distinct species, with both being restricted-range endemics (E Tonkin south to northern C Annam in the former, and central or west-central C Annam in the case of the latter). Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata The sighting on this tour may be the first from C Annam. Himalayan Buzzard Buteo burmannicus I follow Rasmussen and Anderton (2005) Birds of South Asia in their treatment of regional Buteo species, and no-one has done any work, to my knowledge, to disprove Rasmussen’s conclusions therein. The form japonicus is restricted to Japan. Other east Asian populations are subsumed in burmannicus. Grey-headed Woodpecker (Black-naped W) Picus [canus] guerini Some authorities now split Black-naped Woodpecker as a distinct species, e.g.: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/factsheet/22726515. Large-billed Crow (Southern Jungle C) Corvus [macrorhynchos] macrorhynchos Eastern Jungle Crow C. levaillantii of nearby Thailand is often split-off now and so, by some authorities, is Southern Jungle Crow C. macrorhynchos. Northern continental birds become Large-billed Crow C. japonensis in the latter case. The distribution of Eastern and Southern Jungle Crows in Vietnam remains unclear. Literature tells us that it is the latter throughout much of the country, but logically the former should occur. Further research will no doubt clarify things. Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea Endemic southern Indochinese black-crested gayeti at Bach Ma NP, yellow-crested nominate from Phong Nha-Ke Bang northwards. There is some mileage in splitting gayeti. White-spectacled Warbler Seicercus affinis The endemic race ocularis differs genetically and vocally from Himalayan birds, and will eventually be split-off. Grey-cheeked Warbler Seicercus poliogenys The populations in the south and centre of Vietnam have different vocalizations from Himalayan birds, and are likely to be split in future. White-browed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus schisticeps In the south we saw klossi, and found a nest with three eggs. At Bach Ma NP we encountered the unusual form humilis, which sounds more similar to Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler. Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler (Indochinese Wren-B) Rimator danjoui Also heard at Mang Canh. Strangely, some ‘authorities’ still call this bird Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler Jabouilleia danjoui, even though it has clearly been shown to be con-generic with Rimator and is completely and utterly unrelated to scimitar babblers (apart from being a babbler).


APPENDIX 1 - Top 5 birds of the tour

1st

Bar-bellied Pitta

2nd

Siamese Fireback

3rd

Vietnamese Cutia

4th

Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler

5th

Pied Falconet APPENDIX 2 - Other fauna & flora recorded REPTILES Garden Lizard (G Fence L) Calotes versicolor Neon Blue Dragon Calotes bachae At least one at Cat Tien, but perhaps leader-only? Flat-tailed Gecko Cosymbotus platyurus The only ‘house’ gecko identified. Spiny-tailed Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus The only ‘house’ gecko identified. Tockay Gecko (Tokay G) Gekko gecko Speckled Forest Skink Mabuya macularia Along the Crocodile Lake Trail, Cat Tien.

Neon Blue Dragon at Cat Tien (photo by Brian Field)


BUTTERFLIES Black-and-white Helen Papilio nephelus Cuc Phuong. Great Mormon Papilio memnon Cuc Phuong. Bluebottle Graphium sarpedon Lesser Zebra Graphium macareus Cuc Phuong. Psyche Leptosia nina Yellow Orange Tip Ixias pyrene Common Wanderer Pareronia anais Common Emigrant Catopsila pomona Striped Tiger Danaus genutia Magpie Crow Euploea radamanthus Large Faun Faunis eumeus Blue Admiral Kaniska canace On the track at Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP. Common Jester Symbrenthia lilaea Blue Pansy Junonia orithya Little Map Cyrestis themire Phong Nha etc. Knight Lebadea martha Common Earl Tanaecia julii Cat Tien. Grey Count Tanaecia lepidea Bach Ma, Phong Nha.

Butterflies at Cuc Phuong NP: Black-and-white Helens, Great Mormons & Lesser Zebras (Craig Robson)

Documents

VIETNAM REP 16 - Birdquest REP 16-ebook.pdf · 8 BirdQuest Tour Report Vietnam turned up a cracking pair of scarce Wire-tailed Swallows that were feeding at least one small chick