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Birds
Bang Kachao is a haven for birdwatchers. From colorful Stork-billed kingfishers and White-throated kingfishers to Little egrets and Green-billed malkohas, the area teems with life. Visitors can also spot different migratory species throughout the year, with the peak months for migratory birds being October to April.
Click on a photo to learn more about the animal.
Stork-billed kingfisher
The stork-billed kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) is a tree kingfisher found across the tropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, from India to Indonesia. It is a resident species throughout its range. It measures 35 cm (14 in) in length, and boasts green, blue, and olive-brown plumage with a vibrant red bill and legs.
Found in wooded areas near water bodies, it hunts fish, frogs, crabs, rodents, and fledgling birds. Despite its size, its flight is direct but laborious. This territorial bird emits a distinctive call— "peer-por-por" and "ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke."
Found in wooded areas near water bodies, it hunts fish, frogs, crabs, rodents, and fledgling birds. Despite its size, its flight is direct but laborious. This territorial bird emits a distinctive call— "peer-por-por" and "ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke."
Asian golden weaver
The Asian golden weaver (Ploceus hypoxanthus) is a bird species in the Ploceidae family, native to Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. It inhabits subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grasslands, swamps, and arable lands, but faces threats from habitat loss. These medium-sized birds have distinctive yellow and black upperparts, yellow underparts, a black face, yellow crown, and a robust black bill, averaging 22 centimeters in length.
Indochinese roller
The Indochinese roller (Coracias affinis) or Burmese roller, is a member of the roller bird family. It occurs widely from Nepal, eastern India to Myanmar and Southeast Asia.
It is a stocky bird with a blue crown and vent. Its primaries are deep purplish-blue with a pale blue band, while the tail is sky blue with a Prussian blue terminal band and dull green central feathers. Rollers feature a long, compressed bill with a curved upper edge and a hooked tip. Their face and breast are purplish-brown and unstreaked, and they possess deep blue underwing coverts.
It is a stocky bird with a blue crown and vent. Its primaries are deep purplish-blue with a pale blue band, while the tail is sky blue with a Prussian blue terminal band and dull green central feathers. Rollers feature a long, compressed bill with a curved upper edge and a hooked tip. Their face and breast are purplish-brown and unstreaked, and they possess deep blue underwing coverts.
Green-billed malkoha
The green-billed malkoha (Phaenicophaeus tristis) is a non-parasitic cuckoo species found across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. These birds have waxy bluish-black plumage with a long graduated tail tipped in white. Their bill is prominent and curved.
Typically inhabiting dry scrub and sparse forests, they measure around 50–60 cm in length and weigh 100–128 g. They often display a clear white border to the red face patch, with a salty gray coloration on the face and neck. Adult green-billed malkohas feature dark grey plumage with a green gloss above and oily green wings.
Typically inhabiting dry scrub and sparse forests, they measure around 50–60 cm in length and weigh 100–128 g. They often display a clear white border to the red face patch, with a salty gray coloration on the face and neck. Adult green-billed malkohas feature dark grey plumage with a green gloss above and oily green wings.
Black-naped monarch
The black-naped monarch (Hypothymis azurea), also known as the black-naped blue flycatcher, is a slender and agile bird from the monarch flycatcher family, native to southern and southeastern Asia. This species displays sexual dimorphism, with males showcasing a prominent black patch on the nape and a narrow black "necklace" on their throat. In contrast, females are less vibrant, with olive-brown wings and no black markings on the head. The bird’s call is reminiscent of the Asian paradise flycatcher, and pairs often join mixed-species foraging groups in tropical forest environments. There are subtle variations in plumage and size among different populations.
The black-naped monarch breeds across tropical regions of southern Asia, from Iran and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines, typically inhabiting dense forests and well-wooded areas. Its call is a sharp, abrupt "skrip." In India, the primary breeding season is from May to July, during which the female lays two to three eggs in a cup-shaped nest placed in a tree fork, often adorned with spider-egg cases.
The black-naped monarch breeds across tropical regions of southern Asia, from Iran and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines, typically inhabiting dense forests and well-wooded areas. Its call is a sharp, abrupt "skrip." In India, the primary breeding season is from May to July, during which the female lays two to three eggs in a cup-shaped nest placed in a tree fork, often adorned with spider-egg cases.
Plaintive cuckoo
The plaintive cuckoo (Cacomantis merulinus) is a small bird found in Asia, ranging from India and Nepal to China and Indonesia.
Measuring about 21–24 cm in length, the adult male is grey-brown above and orange below, with a grey head, throat, and upper breast, along with white-tipped tail feathers. It has yellow legs and feet, a red eye, and a black upper bill with a yellow lower bill. The adult female may resemble the male but often exhibits a reddish-brown "hepatic" morph, with dark bars above and paler underparts with fainter barring. It also features a pale stripe over the eye and dark bars along the entire length of the tail.
Measuring about 21–24 cm in length, the adult male is grey-brown above and orange below, with a grey head, throat, and upper breast, along with white-tipped tail feathers. It has yellow legs and feet, a red eye, and a black upper bill with a yellow lower bill. The adult female may resemble the male but often exhibits a reddish-brown "hepatic" morph, with dark bars above and paler underparts with fainter barring. It also features a pale stripe over the eye and dark bars along the entire length of the tail.
Northern boobook
The northern boobook (Ninox japonica), a member of the Strigidae family (true owls), is a raptorial owl native to eastern and southern Asia. With a body length averaging 29 to 33 cm and a wingspan of 60 to 70 cm, it features striking yellow-gold eyes, a black beak, and yellow talons. Its belly is mostly white with rust-colored specks.
Found in low-altitude deciduous forests with dense vegetation, it nests within trees, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Preying primarily on invertebrates, it occasionally targets vertebrates.
Found in low-altitude deciduous forests with dense vegetation, it nests within trees, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Preying primarily on invertebrates, it occasionally targets vertebrates.
Purple heron
The purple heron (Ardea purpurea) is a heron species found across a wide range, including Africa, parts of central and southern Europe, and the southern and eastern Palearctic regions. While populations in the Western Palearctic migrate seasonally between breeding and wintering areas, those in Africa and tropical Asia tend to remain in place, with some occasional dispersal.
Slightly smaller and more slender than the common grey heron, the purple heron has darker plumage and prefers more secluded environments, typically near water with dense vegetation like reed beds. Its diet consists of a variety of prey such as fish, rodents, frogs, and insects, which it captures by either stalking or waiting in ambush.
Slightly smaller and more slender than the common grey heron, the purple heron has darker plumage and prefers more secluded environments, typically near water with dense vegetation like reed beds. Its diet consists of a variety of prey such as fish, rodents, frogs, and insects, which it captures by either stalking or waiting in ambush.
Coppersmith barbet
The coppersmith barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus), also known as the crimson-breasted barbet, is an Asian bird distinguished by its crimson forehead and throat. Recognized for its distinctive call resembling a coppersmith striking metal, it resides in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
This bird nests by carving holes in trees and primarily feeds on fruit, though it occasionally consumes insects like winged termites.
This bird nests by carving holes in trees and primarily feeds on fruit, though it occasionally consumes insects like winged termites.
Chinese pond heron
The Chinese pond heron (Ardeola bacchus) is a freshwater bird from East Asia, belonging to the heron family (Ardeidae). Measuring around 47 cm long, it features white wings, a yellow bill with a black tip, and yellow eyes and legs.
During breeding season, its plumage showcases red, blue, and white hues, while at other times, it appears greyish-brown with white flecks. This species inhabits shallow freshwater and saltwater wetlands and ponds in China and nearby temperate and subtropical regions of East Asia.
During breeding season, its plumage showcases red, blue, and white hues, while at other times, it appears greyish-brown with white flecks. This species inhabits shallow freshwater and saltwater wetlands and ponds in China and nearby temperate and subtropical regions of East Asia.
Amur paradise-flycatcher
The Amur paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone incei) is a bird belonging to the Monarchidae family. It is found in China and Primorsky Krai in the Russian Far East and migrates to Southeast Asia for the winter. Prior to 2015, this bird was classified as a subspecies of the Asian paradise flycatcher.
Male Amur paradise flycatchers exhibit two variations in the coloration of their upperparts, but all adult males have distinctive features including black hoods, white underparts, small crests, and blue eye rings. During the breeding season, their tails can grow to be twice the length of their bodies.
Male Amur paradise flycatchers exhibit two variations in the coloration of their upperparts, but all adult males have distinctive features including black hoods, white underparts, small crests, and blue eye rings. During the breeding season, their tails can grow to be twice the length of their bodies.
Little egret
The little egret (Egretta garzetta), a small heron in the Ardeidae family, is characterized by its white plumage, slender black beak, long black legs, and, in the western variant, yellow feet. Primarily found in wetlands across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe, it feeds both in shallow water and on land, consuming various small creatures.
This bird breeds colonially, often alongside other water bird species, constructing platform nests of sticks in trees, bushes, or reed beds. Its successful colonization has led to stable and self-sustaining populations as far north as the United Kingdom.
This bird breeds colonially, often alongside other water bird species, constructing platform nests of sticks in trees, bushes, or reed beds. Its successful colonization has led to stable and self-sustaining populations as far north as the United Kingdom.
Asian emerald cuckoo
The Asian emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx maculatus) is a particularly colourful member of the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, found across various parts of Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. This bird inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests.
It primarily forages in the upper canopy, feeding on insects and small invertebrates such as ants, caterpillars, and bugs. Like many cuckoos, it is a brood parasite, with females laying eggs in the nests of other bird species, including the crimson sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) and the little spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra). While the Asian emerald cuckoo has a broad range, it is generally considered an uncommon species.
It primarily forages in the upper canopy, feeding on insects and small invertebrates such as ants, caterpillars, and bugs. Like many cuckoos, it is a brood parasite, with females laying eggs in the nests of other bird species, including the crimson sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) and the little spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra). While the Asian emerald cuckoo has a broad range, it is generally considered an uncommon species.
Brahminy kite
The brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), also known as the red-backed sea-eagle in Australia, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the Accipitridae family, which includes eagles, buzzards, and harriers.
Found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia, they inhabit coastal areas and inland wetlands, feeding primarily on dead fish and other prey. Adults display reddish-brown body plumage contrasting with a white head and breast, making them easily distinguishable from other raptors.
Found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia, they inhabit coastal areas and inland wetlands, feeding primarily on dead fish and other prey. Adults display reddish-brown body plumage contrasting with a white head and breast, making them easily distinguishable from other raptors.
Black-naped oriole
The black-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis) is a medium-sized passerine bird found across Asia. It features a golden overall plumage with a pinkish bill, a broad black mask, and nape. Adult males have yellow-tipped central tail feathers, while females have a more greenish mantle.
This species inhabits forests, gardens, and plantations, feeding on berries and insects in the canopy.
This species inhabits forests, gardens, and plantations, feeding on berries and insects in the canopy.
Scarlet-backed flowerpecker
The scarlet-backed flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum) is a small passerine bird in the Dicaeidae family, measuring 9 cm and weighing 7 to 8 grams.
It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the male sporting navy blue upperparts and a bright red streak from crown to tail coverts, while the female and juvenile are mainly olive green. This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and occasionally in gardens across South and East Asia.
It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the male sporting navy blue upperparts and a bright red streak from crown to tail coverts, while the female and juvenile are mainly olive green. This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and occasionally in gardens across South and East Asia.
Ornate sunbird
The ornate sunbird (Cinnyris ornatus) is a bird species endemic to Mainland Southeast Asia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. Previously considered a subspecies of the olive-backed sunbird, it is now recognized as a distinct species.
Measuring 10–11.4 cm in length, it exhibits sexual dimorphism. The male features olive upperparts, black remiges with green edges, a black tail with a white tip, and blue-black iridescent throat, neck, and breast, with yellow underparts. The female lacks the iridescent throat, has greenish-olive upperparts, and a yellow supercilium.
Resident in Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, it inhabits various habitats including mangroves, forest edges, open scrub, as well as parks and gardens.
Measuring 10–11.4 cm in length, it exhibits sexual dimorphism. The male features olive upperparts, black remiges with green edges, a black tail with a white tip, and blue-black iridescent throat, neck, and breast, with yellow underparts. The female lacks the iridescent throat, has greenish-olive upperparts, and a yellow supercilium.
Resident in Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, it inhabits various habitats including mangroves, forest edges, open scrub, as well as parks and gardens.
Asian openbill
The Asian openbill or Asian openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans), a large wading bird in the Ciconiidae family, is primarily found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It displays greyish or white plumage with glossy black wings and tail. Notably, adults feature a distinct gap between their arched upper mandible and recurved lower mandible, facilitating snail handling, their main prey.
While typically resident in their habitat, they engage in long-distance movements in response to weather and food availability. They predominantly forage in inland wetlands and are infrequently observed along river banks and tidal flats.
While typically resident in their habitat, they engage in long-distance movements in response to weather and food availability. They predominantly forage in inland wetlands and are infrequently observed along river banks and tidal flats.
Yellow-vented bulbul
The yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), also known as the eastern yellow-vented bulbul, is a passerine bird belonging to the bulbul family.
Resident breeders in southeastern Asia, they inhabit open habitats excluding deep forests. Commonly found in cultivated areas, they display a nomadic behavior, regularly roaming between different locations.
Resident breeders in southeastern Asia, they inhabit open habitats excluding deep forests. Commonly found in cultivated areas, they display a nomadic behavior, regularly roaming between different locations.
White-breasted waterhen
The white-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is a waterbird belonging to the rail and crake family, Rallidae, and is widely found across South and Southeast Asia.
These birds are dark and slate-colored with a distinctive clean white face, breast, and belly. They exhibit a bolder demeanor compared to most rails, often observed moving slowly with an upright tail in open marshes or drains near roads. Primarily crepuscular in activity, they become particularly vocal during the breeding season, emitting loud and repetitive croaking calls shortly after the onset of the first rains.
These birds are dark and slate-colored with a distinctive clean white face, breast, and belly. They exhibit a bolder demeanor compared to most rails, often observed moving slowly with an upright tail in open marshes or drains near roads. Primarily crepuscular in activity, they become particularly vocal during the breeding season, emitting loud and repetitive croaking calls shortly after the onset of the first rains.
Ashy drongo
The ashy drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) is a bird species in the drongo family Dicruridae, widely distributed across eastern and Southeast Asia. Its populations vary in grey shade, migration patterns, and presence of white eye patches. Breeding occurs in tropical southern Asia from eastern Afghanistan to southern China, Ryukyu Islands (particularly Okinawa), and Indonesia. Many northern populations are migratory.
With short legs, it perches upright on trees and feeds mainly on insects through aerial sallies or by gleaning from tree trunks. These birds are typically seen alone, in pairs, or small groups, and during migration, they fly in small flocks.
With short legs, it perches upright on trees and feeds mainly on insects through aerial sallies or by gleaning from tree trunks. These birds are typically seen alone, in pairs, or small groups, and during migration, they fly in small flocks.
Common myna
The common myna or Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a member of the Sturnidae family native to Asia. An adaptable omnivore with a strong territorial instinct, it thrives in urban environments.
Recognizable by its brown body, black hooded head, and bare yellow patch behind the eye, it also features bright yellow bill and legs, with a white patch on the outer primaries and white wing lining underneath. Typically seen in pairs, males and females resemble each other. The common myna's rapid range expansion led to its classification as one of the world's most invasive species by the IUCN Species Survival Commission in 2000, posing a threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and human interests.
Recognizable by its brown body, black hooded head, and bare yellow patch behind the eye, it also features bright yellow bill and legs, with a white patch on the outer primaries and white wing lining underneath. Typically seen in pairs, males and females resemble each other. The common myna's rapid range expansion led to its classification as one of the world's most invasive species by the IUCN Species Survival Commission in 2000, posing a threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and human interests.
Collared kingfisher
The collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) is a medium-sized kingfisher belonging to the subfamily Halcyoninae. Also known as the white-collared kingfisher, black-masked kingfisher, or mangrove kingfisher, it ranges from the Red Sea across southern Asia to Polynesia.
Measuring 23 to 25 cm in length, males weigh 51 to 90 g, while females weigh 54–100g. Its upper parts range from blue to green, while the underparts can be white or buff, featuring a distinctive white collar around the neck. The collared kingfisher emits various calls, with the most common being a loud, harsh, metallic "kee-kee-kee" repeated several times.
Typically found in coastal areas, particularly mangrove swamps, it also inhabits farmland, open woodland, grassland, and gardens. In some regions, especially on islands, it ventures further inland into forests or mountain areas. These birds often perch conspicuously on wires, rocks, or bare branches.
Measuring 23 to 25 cm in length, males weigh 51 to 90 g, while females weigh 54–100g. Its upper parts range from blue to green, while the underparts can be white or buff, featuring a distinctive white collar around the neck. The collared kingfisher emits various calls, with the most common being a loud, harsh, metallic "kee-kee-kee" repeated several times.
Typically found in coastal areas, particularly mangrove swamps, it also inhabits farmland, open woodland, grassland, and gardens. In some regions, especially on islands, it ventures further inland into forests or mountain areas. These birds often perch conspicuously on wires, rocks, or bare branches.
Green-backed flycatcher
The green-backed flycatcher (Ficedula elisae) belongs to the Muscicapidae family, which includes Old World flycatchers. Originally thought to be a subspecies of the narcissus flycatcher, it is now recognized as a distinct species due to differences in appearance and vocalizations. This bird breeds in northeastern China and migrates to Southeast Asia for the winter.
Pink-necked green pigeon
The pink-necked green pigeon (Treron vernans) is a medium-sized bird in the Columbidae family, commonly found across Southeast Asia from Myanmar and Vietnam to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Featuring predominantly green plumage, only the male exhibits the pink neck characteristic of the species. It inhabits various forested and human-altered environments, with a preference for open habitats. Its diet primarily consists of fruit, especially figs. Breeding pairs lay two eggs in a flimsy twig nest placed in trees, shrubs, or hedges, jointly incubating and raising the chicks. This species is considered a significant seed disperser and has adapted well to urban environments, thriving in cities where fruiting trees are available.
Featuring predominantly green plumage, only the male exhibits the pink neck characteristic of the species. It inhabits various forested and human-altered environments, with a preference for open habitats. Its diet primarily consists of fruit, especially figs. Breeding pairs lay two eggs in a flimsy twig nest placed in trees, shrubs, or hedges, jointly incubating and raising the chicks. This species is considered a significant seed disperser and has adapted well to urban environments, thriving in cities where fruiting trees are available.
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