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.

Square-tailed drongo-cuckoo

The square-tailed drongo-cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) is a species of cuckoo that closely resembles a black drongo. It is found along the Himalayas, extending into Southeast Asia.

This species is known for its sharp, piercing whistles that rise in pitch but are delivered in a shrill, choppy manner. It can be distinguished by its downcurved beak, white-barred vent, outer undertail feathers, and a slightly notched tail with flared tips. In flight, a white wing-stripe is visible from below.

The square-tailed drongo-cuckoo is a brood parasite, primarily targeting small babblers. While its resemblance to drongos is not fully understood, it is suspected to aid in its parasitic strategy, similar to how hawk-cuckoos mimic hawks.

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."

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.

Large hawk-cuckoo

The large hawk-cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparverioides) is a cuckoo species found across temperate Asia, from the Himalayas to East Asia, with many populations migrating further south in winter. Known for its loud, repetitive calls, it resembles the common hawk-cuckoo but lacks the rising crescendo in its call. It is also larger, with a distinctive black patch on the chin distinguishing adults from their smaller relatives.

This species is a brood parasite, primarily targeting babblers and laughing-thrushes. It inhabits temperate forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests across a wide range, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Painted stork

The painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is a large wading bird native to tropical Asia, primarily found in wetlands south of the Himalayas, including the Indian Subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Its name comes from the striking pink tertial feathers seen in adults.

These birds forage in groups in shallow water, using their partially open beaks to sweep side to side, catching small fish by touch. They also stir the water with their feet to dislodge hidden prey. Painted storks typically nest in colonies, often sharing trees with other waterbirds.

While generally silent, they may produce soft moans or clatter their bills at nesting sites. They are not migratory but may travel short distances in response to food availability, weather changes, or breeding needs. Like other storks, they are often observed soaring gracefully on thermal air currents.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.