10 common bird species in Thailand
Asiatic Cool (Eudynamys scolopaceus)
Last Saturday we posted the last photo in the series about birds in Thailand. Especially for enthusiasts one last article about birds in Thailand, about the 10 common bird species.
Thailand is home to a wide variety of bird species, due to its diverse ecosystems and tropical climate. Here are 10 of the common bird species you may encounter in Thailand:
- Asian Cool (Eudynamys scolopaceus): A member of the cuckoo family, known for its striking blue-black color and red eyes.
- Starling (Sturnidae): There are several species of starling in Thailand, such as the common starling and the velvet starling, which often live in groups and feed on insects and fruits.
- Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata): A small, graceful looking pigeon with a characteristic black and white striped pattern on the nape.
- Great Crested Hornbill (Buceros bicornis): A large and striking bird with a huge, curved beak and striking black and white color.
- Asian Rail Heron (Ardeola bacchus): A medium-sized heron with distinctive plumage that is green and orange-brown.
- Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus): A conspicuous, medium-sized wading bird with a bright red skin flap (wattled) at the base of the beak.
- Asian Palm Swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis): A fast, agile bird that feeds mainly on insects and is often seen around palm trees.
- White vented Myna (Acridotheres grandis): A member of the starling family with glossy black plumage and a distinctive white spot on the rump.
- Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis): A small white heron often seen near livestock where it feeds on insects hunted by the animals.
- Great Egret (Ardea alba): A large, graceful white heron often seen in shallow water, searching for fish and other prey.
Of course, these are just a few of the many bird species found in Thailand. The country offers excellent opportunities for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts to observe a wide variety of native and migratory birds.
Great Crested Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
Where according to spotting in Thailand?
In Thailand, most bird species can be found in national parks and protected areas, where biodiversity is high and different habitats come together. Some of the best locations for bird watching are:
- Khao yai national park: One of the oldest and largest national parks in Thailand, home to a wide variety of bird species, including hornbills, pittas and drongos.
- Kaeng Krachan National Park: Thailand's largest national park, located in the west of the country. It provides a diverse habitat for over 400 bird species, including the rare Ratchet-tailed Treepie.
- Doi inthanon national park: Known as the "Roof of Thailand," this national park is located in the north of the country and is home to a variety of bird species that live in high-altitude forests, such as the Green-tailed Sunbird and the Ashy-throated Warbler.
- Bang Phra Non-hunting Area: This area in Chonburi province is a popular spot for birdwatchers, with a wide variety of waterfowl and migratory birds.
- Bye Lang: Located in the north of Thailand, near the Myanmar border, Doi Lang is known for its high biodiversity and home to many rare and endemic bird species.
Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)
An excellent resource for bird species in Thailand is the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST) website. The BCST is Thailand's premier organization dedicated to bird and habitat conservation, and their website provides extensive information on bird species native to the country.
Website: Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST)
Another helpful resource is the book “A Field Guide to the Birds of Thailand” by Craig Robson. This book provides detailed information on more than 1.000 bird species native to Thailand, including illustrations, descriptions, and information about their habitat and behavior.
Book: Robson, Craig. “A Field Guide to the Birds of Thailand.” New Holland Publishers, 2002.
Asian palm swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis)
For online bird sightings and discussions about birds in Thailand, you can also check out eBird, a global bird sighting reporting and exploration platform operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Website: eBird
Think that the little egret, the stilt, some drongos and bulbuls belong earlier in this list of common birds than the hornbill.
I think the Asian Koel is best known for the striking loud sound it produces.
During the day but especially (very) early in the morning.
If you look him up on YouTube he also doesn't have many fans because of this 😀
Very true John.
I also find the list a bit odd.
The number 8, in Dutch the big maina, you do indeed see regularly, but not every day, in contrast to the weeping maina (acridotheres tristis) that you see everywhere every day.
This bird can be found in every place you can think of, gardens, towns, villages and on and along roads.
An interesting piece about this bird can be read on Wikipedia.
The numbers are completely out of control in several places.
In the 80s I have seen many of these Asian birds. And that in a small farming village in the Netherlands. Yes Netherlands. Especially the smaller birds were kept in a tropical pen that was around 28 degrees all year round. I have also seen the great hornbills there, but in an aviary. Those hornbills had to be moved inside a heated shed when it got colder.
There was also someone else from that small farming village who started a business in Thailand in the 80s. But not only in Thailand, but all over the world.