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A new restaurant site -- complete with a nearby vulture blind -- looks like a real keeper! We had a vagrant Himalayan Griffon (the monster in the middle) along with a trio of critically-endangered vulture species: White-rumped, Slender-billed and Red-headed. Photo by guide Phil Gregory.
This was the seventh Field Guides tour to this fascinating country, slightly earlier in the season than usual, with cooler weather, in what proved to be a very dry year. The pace was quite relaxed, and staying for some days at Siem Reap was really nice. The temples remain a world-class venue, with an enticing mix of good birds to liven things up -- White-throated Rock-Thrush, Forest Wagtail, and Black Baza, for example! Another good thing about the tour is that much of the money we pay goes directly back into grass-roots level conservation, where a relatively small amount of money seems to achieve a lot, and valuable employment is provided for the excellent guides and drivers.
The major waterbird rarity targets were a challenge, with Prek Toal only accessible at the margins, so our only Greater Adjutant was a juvenile soaring over, and Milky Stork was only glimpsed by a few. However, Sarus Crane and Eld's Deer showed nicely, and we had a record eight species of owl this time -- Barn Owl, Spotted Wood-Owl (at ATT again), Spotted Owlet (also at ATT), Brown Wood-Owl, Brown Fish-Owl, Oriental Scops-Owl, Brown Boobook (Hawk-Owl), and Asian Barred Owlet. Major stars were, of course, the amazingly rare Giant and White-shouldered ibises. Cambodia is the very last remaining stronghold for both, and we got great views of both on the first afternoon at Tmatboey.
Woodpeckers also featured nicely, with Black-headed, Great Slaty, White-bellied, Gray-capped, Freckle-breasted, Yellow-crowned, and Rufous-bellied all seen well. Savanna Nightjar was again excellent at dusk, hawking overhead and calling whilst it was still quite light, and an obliging Indian Nightjar sat in the track for ages at Prey Veng. Our new vulture restaurant site got off to a flying start, with a rare Silver Langur in the forest as we went out to the new low-level blind, where a vagrant Himalayan Griffon consorted with the regular trio of Critically Endangered (CR) vulture species (White-rumped, Slender-billed, and Red-headed). All were excellent and gave wonderful views, with the new, much closer, well-camouflaged blind enabling amazing views as the birds fed on the nearby carcass.
Bengal Florican at Prolay grassland was very good, with four males and a female, plus we had a very good Pied Harrier, and again managed to identify Manchurian Reed-Warbler. Asian Golden Weaver was nest building at Kratie and we caught up with Watercock there too. Mekong Wagtail was easy this year, with a pair feeding a youngster, as was Little Pratincole, though the bizarre Irrawaddy Dolphin was tricky this time. Our return to Phnom Penh this year got us fantastic looks at the newly described Cambodian Tailorbird, a very neat way to end the tour.
My thanks to Chea for his very cheerful and entertaining company, plus his excellent organizational and birding skills! Thanks to the staff at Sam Veasna Center for their usual very fine job, and to the assorted drivers and local guides who did so much for us. Also, thanks to Sharon at Field Guides HQ for a fine job with the tour logistics, and to you in the group for being such good company. I look forward to traveling with you on future adventures.
-- Phil
Our itinerary:
Feb 22 -- Phnom Kroam paddies, visit to Sam Veasna Center, and birding in Siem Reap
Feb 23 -- Angkor Wat, Tah Prom, and Angkor Thom
Feb 24 -- Taney and Preah Khan temples
Feb 25 -- Prek Toal and Tonle Sap lake, and brief visit to Phnom Kroam
Feb 26 -- Ang Trapaeng Thmor (ATT)
Feb 27 -- Prolay grasslands and Preah Veang
Feb 28 -- Preah Veang area
Feb 29 -- Preah Veang, then to Tmatboey arr. 1630
Mar 1 -- Tmatboey,Trapeang Beong, and Kokprea
Mar 2 -- Tmatboey River, then Baeng Toal Vulture restaurant
Mar 3 -- Baeng Toal, then Kratie and Kratie paddies
Mar 4 -- Kratie/ Mekong River trip, then to Phnom Penh
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
The distinctive gap in the beak of the Asian Openbill is thought to help the bird better handle its favored snail prey. Photo by participant George Sims.
COMB DUCK (OLD WORLD) (Sarkidiornis melanotos melanotos) – We had just 15 females at ATT and 3 flying by at Prolay. This is actually Knob-billed Duck, split from Comb Duck of South America by most.
WHITE-WINGED DUCK (Cairina scutulata) – Sadly only heard as it flew over in the dusk at Prey Veng, not coming to the usual roost. [*]
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus coromandelianus) – 7 at Preah Khan wetland, then 110 at ATT and 12 at Kratie marsh.
INDIAN SPOT-BILLED DUCK (Anas poecilorhyncha haringtoni) – Four day records, with 17 at ATT the most, and 4 on the Mekong at Kratie.
GARGANEY (Anas querquedula) – Four distant flybys at Phnom Kroam, then 3 males and 3 females showing quite well at ATT marsh.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
BLUE-BREASTED QUAIL (Synoicus chinensis) – Two of the tiny dark females flew up at Prolay grasslands, then a male was flushed later, good to get this elusive species.
CHINESE FRANCOLIN (Francolinus pintadeanus) – More often heard than seen with its raspy "pa-pa ma-ma" call, but those in the lead vehicle got a couple of views, and some of us saw one fly high over at Prey Veng.
RED JUNGLEFOWL (Gallus gallus gallus) – Good at Prey Veng where one flock had 4 males and 3 females, with some resplendent males showing there. Also seen by some at Tmatboey.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (LITTLE) (Tachybaptus ruficollis poggei) – One at Tah Prom wetland, and 2 at Kratie.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
ASIAN OPENBILL (Anastomus oscitans) – Just 4 day records, with good views from Phnom Kroam, Prek Toal and ATT, max. 50 birds.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (ASIAN) (Ciconia episcopus episcopus) – Small numbers from Prey Veng and Tmatboey, max. 4 birds. This is split by HBW/BirdLife as Asian Woolly-necked Stork.
LESSER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos javanicus) – About 10 at Prek Toal that gave good views, then one at Prey Veng, 3 at Tmatboey and one at Baeng Toal.
GREATER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos dubius) – Tough this year, Phil glimpsed one miles away and the only sighting proved to be a lone juvenile that soared over and was identified from George's photos later from the blotching on the underwing coverts. We got spoiled last year when they were so easy!
The fabulous Angkor Wat temple complex is the largest religious monument in the world. Photo by guide Phil Gregory.
PAINTED STORK (Mycteria leucocephala) – Very few at Prek Toal due to the low water, about 200 distantly at ATT and a few near Prolay.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
INDIAN CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) – One at Phnom Kroam, then 4 at Tah Prom and 6 at Prek Toal.
GREAT CORMORANT (EURASIAN) (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) – Just a few at Prek Toal and Kratie.
LITTLE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax niger) – A single at Phnom Kroam, 10 at Prek Toal and then hundreds at Kratie with about 700 in big flocks late afternoon at the marsh, and over 400 over the Mekong next day. I checked carefully and all I saw well had the typical stubby bill and white throat of this species.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ORIENTAL DARTER (Anhinga melanogaster) – Six day records starting at Phnom Kroam, but the only significant count was 70 at Prek Toal.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
SPOT-BILLED PELICAN (Pelecanus philippensis) – 50 at Prek Toal and 10 near ATT. A rare waterbird these days with probably the largest surviving colony now at Prek Toal.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
CINNAMON BITTERN (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus) – Two flushed at Phnom Kroam, and one at Prek Toal.
BLACK BITTERN (Ixobrychus flavicollis) – Some folks saw one briefly at Prek Toal.
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Five day records of small numbers, with 15 at Phnom Kroam and 10 at Prek Toal the most.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – Four day records, with 20 at Prek Toal the most.
GREAT EGRET (EURASIAN) (Ardea alba alba) – Just 4 day records, with a tiny total of 10 at Prek Toal and 10 at ATT the most.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (INTERMEDIATE) (Mesophoyx intermedia intermedia) – As always, very scarce, we had 2 at Prek Toal and singles at ATT, Prey Veng and Kratie. Split by HBW/BirdLife from the African and Australian taxa.
LITTLE EGRET (LITTLE) (Egretta garzetta garzetta) – Nine day records but only very small numbers this year, 5 at ATT the most.
CATTLE EGRET (EASTERN) (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) – Widespread, with up to 30 seen at various wetlands. This taxon is split by IOC and HBW/BirdLife as Eastern Cattle Egret.
The Brahminy Kite is widespread across Asia, but we only recorded four on the trip -- including this handsome adult, seen at Prek Toal. Photo by participant George Sims.
STRIATED HERON (OLD WORLD) (Butorides striata javanica) – One at Prek Toal, always very scarce on this tour.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
BLACK-HEADED IBIS (Threskiornis melanocephalus) – 8 of this rare and endangered waterbird with the white wing tips were seen on the Prek Toal colony day, all as flyover birds.
WHITE-SHOULDERED IBIS (Pseudibis davisoni) – Very nice looks at 2 at Tmatboey Kor Koh Thnol on Feb 29, then next day one feeding in a tripping and seen nicely from the vehicles. The guides also showed us a surprisingly flimsy nest with an adult sitting on it not far from the main road. Just a few hundred birds survive, most in Cambodia, where 844 were counted in Oct 2014.
GIANT IBIS (Pseudibis gigantea) – We were lucky with 3 on the first afternoon Feb 29 at Kor Koh Thnol at Tmatboey, with some nice flight views and then at roost in a dead tree. They have been elusive of late it seems. Then a single flushed up at the woodpecker area next day, and also heard to call. The world population is around 230-350 birds, almost all in Cambodia.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Seen at ATT and then at Kratie, this is the Black-winged Kite of Europe and Africa, Black-shouldered Kite is the Australian species.....ah those Clements names!
ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD (Pernis ptilorhynchus) – Great views of 2 at Tmatboey, with one perched up for ages, and another at the river next day.
BLACK BAZA (Aviceda leuphotes) – 6 around Preah Khan, some calling in flight- cut posted to IBC, and 1 at Prey Veng, a poor year for this attractive species.
RED-HEADED VULTURE (Sarcogyps calvus) – Great views at the vulture restaurant with 6 birds on Mar 2 and 4 next day, out of a Cambodian population of about 25 birds. Only one male this year, we noted the eye colour difference with the sexes, seeing 5 females (dark) and one male (yellow). The pink dewlap was hanging like paddles and it is one very striking species with that great heavy bill. Sadly now very rare and listed as Critically Endangered like almost all the other Asian Vultures.
WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE (Gyps bengalensis) – Around 20 birds present on both days at the cow carcass, out of a Cambodian population estimated at 137 birds.
SLENDER-BILLED VULTURE (Gyps tenuirostris) – 10 on Mar 2 and Mar 3, a very good count of this Critically Endangered species. They look amazingly long-necked, and the contrast with the hulking Himalayan Griffon was very striking.
Long considered conspecific with its western cousin, the Eastern Marsh-Harrier is now a species in its own right. Photo by participant George Sims.
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE (Spilornis cheela) – Four day records, max 3 birds at Tmatboey.
CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus limnaeetus) – A nice view of one flying through the forest at Tmatboey.
GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE (Clanga clanga) – A bird perched up at Baeng Toal looks good for this species.
RUFOUS-WINGED BUZZARD (Butastur liventer) – Five day records, first from ATT as usual then small numbers seen well in the dry forests.
EASTERN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus spilonotus) – Four day records, starting at Phnom Kroam then Prek Toal and ATT before Prolay grasslands.
PIED HARRIER (Circus melanoleucos) – One of my favourites, we saw a ringtail (f or imm.) and then a male fly through at the Ashy Woodswallow site, then 3 on the ATT day and 2 males at Prolay Grasslands. A really striking species, that male is something else.
SHIKRA (Accipiter badius) – The default accipiter, very vocal at Angkor and seen well several times during 6 day records, mostly singles.
BESRA (Accipiter virgatus) – One perched up at Preah Khan, the broad dark tail bars made me confident of the i.d. These small accipiters are not easy to tell.
BLACK KITE (BLACK) (Milvus migrans govinda) – Just a single at ATT grasslands, the usual site for what is a remarkably scarce species in Cambodia.
BRAHMINY KITE (Haliastur indus) – 3 at Prek Toal, and a well-patterned immature at the marsh at ATT next day.
GRAY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) – One at Preah Khan marsh, a couple at Prek Toal seen very well perched, then up to 3 at Prey Veng where they were calling a lot.
Otididae (Bustards)
BENGAL FLORICAN (Houbaropsis bengalensis) – Very nice looks at 4 males and, briefly, a distant female at Prolay on Feb 27, the white wings are just amazing in flight. Another very rare bird.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN (Amaurornis phoenicurus) – One flushed up at Kratie and I glimpsed one on an island in the Mekong, typically skulking.
WHITE-BROWED CRAKE (Porzana cinerea) – Great looks at Phnom Kroam where a pair had 2 small dark juvs., then 2 at Kratie marsh.
WATERCOCK (Gallicrex cinerea) – Most folks saw one fly at Prey Veng marsh, and then we flushed 3 singles at Kratie marsh on Mar 3.
Sunrise on Tonie Sap -- time for another adventure! Photo by participant Deanna MacPhail.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – Some saw this at Prek Toal, and there were 2 at Kratie marsh.
Gruidae (Cranes)
SARUS CRANE (Grus antigone sharpii) – 36 in fields en route to ATT showed quite well in the early morning light, then we had 2 at Prolay and 2 in the marsh at Prey Veng which showed very nicely.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – 4 at Phnom Kroam and 6 there next time.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
RED-WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus indicus atronuchalis) – Just a handful at ATT and Tmatboey, also at Prolay. This eastern race has been split by HBW/BirdLife as it has much more black on the neck than the western birds.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (DUBIUS/JERDONI) (Charadrius dubius jerdoni) – 2 at Phnom Kroam and 1 at ATT, then also on an island in the Mekong on the last day.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
PHEASANT-TAILED JACANA (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) – Just 1 seen by a few at Phnom Kroam paddies, then 10 at ATT, all non-breeding dress. Then around 15 in the paddies at Kratie.
BRONZE-WINGED JACANA (Metopidius indicus) – 2 at Prek Toal were unexpected, then we had 5 at ATT, some in the spectacular breeding dress.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – Just one seen on the Mekong boat trip.
GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus) – One at Prey Veng and 2 there next day.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – Heard at Prolay. [*]
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – 10 at Phnom Kroam, then singles at Prek Toal, ATT and Prolay before 5 at Kratie marsh.
COMMON SNIPE (Gallinago gallinago) – Four day records starting at Phnom Kroam, all singles bar 2 at Kratie marsh.
PIN-TAILED SNIPE (Gallinago stenura) – 2 at Phnom Kroam, then 3 at ATT and a single at Prolay grasslands, the lack of white trailing edge to the wing and small size is helpful, also the flight call is distinct.
Turnicidae (Buttonquail)
A gang of 10 Orange-breasted Pigeons entertained us at the Steung Chuk River at Tmatboey. Photo by guide Phil Gregory.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE (Glareola maldivarum) – Seen at Phnom Kroam with 30 birds, then 40 at ATT and 30 at the Kompong Thom Prolay site. I am sure they overwinter here in Cambodia, but most of the population winters in Western Australia.
SMALL PRATINCOLE (Glareola lactea) – Great views of 10 of this delightful diminutive pratincole on a sandbank in the Mekong Mar 4. Calls posted on IBC.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) – One at Phnom Kroam, and around 150 at Prek Toal, as usual the only larid we saw.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Just a few Feral Pigeons in the urban areas. [I]
RED COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia tranquebarica) – Six day records, with 20 at Prey Veng the most.
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) – Small numbers around Tmatboey, ATT and Prey Veng.
ZEBRA DOVE (Geopelia striata) – A few around Phnom Kroam and Siem Reap.
ORANGE-BREASTED PIGEON (Treron bicinctus) – Great looks at 2 at Prey Veng, then 10 at the Steung Chuk river at Tmatboey, with various unidentified Treron flying by.
THICK-BILLED PIGEON (Treron curvirostra) – One at Tah Prom, a from behind view in dense foliage only!
YELLOW-FOOTED PIGEON (Treron phoenicopterus) – 3 at Prey Veng and 2 there next day, seen very nicely and one of the scarcer green pigeons.
GREEN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula aenea) – Just one flying by at the Pale-capped Pigeon site at Tmatboey, very scarce this year.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO (Hierococcyx sparverioides) – Just one out at Phnom Kroam, then some saw one at Preah Khan.
HIMALAYAN CUCKOO (Cuculus saturatus) – 2 day records, from Prek Toal and then Tmatboey, both singles. Formerly called Oriental Cuckoo but now split by voice, with Oriental further south supposedly.
This must surely be one of the luckiest of all Brown Fish-Owls! Caught in a trap, it was probably doomed -- except that we spotted it and called in the rescuers. Hopefully, it will make a complete recovery! Photo by guide Phil Gregory.
PLAINTIVE CUCKOO (Cacomantis merulinus) – Good looks at Phnom Kroam then at Prek Toal.
ASIAN EMERALD CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx maculatus) – A George photographic record from Prey Veng, I wish I'd seen it as it would be a new Cambodian bird for me! His pic shows a nice glossy green presumed male.
ASIAN KOEL (Eudynamys scolopaceus) – A few of us glimpsed one at ATT grasslands, and then a male flew by at the Pale-capped Pigeon site. It was also quite vocal this year, but as ever hard to see.
GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA (Phaenicophaeus tristis) – We had 5 day records of this rather skulking but exotic looking species, the first from Phnom Kroam.
GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis) – Heard on 3 days and seen at Tmatboey and Kratie.
LESSER COUCAL (Centropus bengalensis) – Seen at Phnom Kroam, then at Kratie marsh where it was right by a Greater Coucal.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – One fine roosting bird at ATT grasslands, well hidden against the trunk of a large tree in a thicket. Often now split as Western Barn Owl.
Strigidae (Owls)
ORIENTAL SCOPS-OWL (Otus sunia) – We tried several times, and finally got one very well when it came in quickly and without calling back at Baeng Toal, where Chea persisted after most of us had given up, and got it sat in the spotlight for ages, time enough for us to get back and see it!
BROWN FISH-OWL (Ketupa zeylonensis) – An amazing tale here: we came across a Brown Fish Owl caught in a snare in a bamboo grove near the camp at Prey Veang. Phil saw a lump sat on the ground that looked like it had ears – it proved to be a Brown Fish Owl sat about 10 m away looking straight at us! As we watched we saw it had metal around one leg, which proved to be a trap attached to the limb, so we decided to try and catch it. Paul had pair of leather gloves along and Phil gave them to the guide whilst he elected to go behind the owl and chuck a towel over it. He got very close but it flew up just as he was about to throw. Happily it landed again not far away and they stalked it again, this time with one of the guys grabbing it as the towel was thrown. We inspected the limb and found it was not broken, but the circulation had been cut off by the jaws of the strong spring trap, which we were able to pry open and which I now have as a. souvenir! We took bird back to camp and placed in a cut-out Angkor Beer box and tried feeding it. At first the globs of chicken were too big and it was in danger of choking so Phil cut them up smaller and gradually pushed them down into the birds mouth. We decided to take it with us when we left the next day, going to Tmatboey which is much easier for access to Siem Reap than the remote camp we were at. Now here comes the amazing part- there is an Animal Conservation (http://www.accb-cambodia.org/) rescue outfit there, sponsored by Munster Zoo, and they have rescued and rehabilitated Giant Ibis and White-winged Duck in the past. They called them up and Christel the lady running it left at once to come get the owl, a 2 and half hour drive from Siem Reap. We left the bird in the box at the lodge and by the time we got back from the afternoon birding Christel had arrived and taken the bird with her back to Siem Reap. When Phil called next day, half fearing the worst, the bird had not only survived, but was eating and drinking and the lady thought it had good chance of a full recovery despite the loss of the use of one foot at the moment. The group contributed $125 as a support fund too and felt very good about it despite the far from ideal circumstances of the rescue! We also saw a well grown juv. sat in a nest hollow at Tmatboey (and very hard to make out as it was so well camouflaged), with a huge female perched up nearby.
ASIAN BARRED OWLET (Glaucidium cuculoides) – Seen at Angkor Wat and then at Tmatboey, and heard quite often in the daylight in the drier forests. Joan was very proud to have spotted one when we were looking for the Brown boobook too, especially as none of us could see it......
SPOTTED OWLET (Athene brama) – One flighty bird at ATT grasslands eventually gave good views.
SPOTTED WOOD-OWL (Strix seloputo) – Two fine birds again in daylight near ATT, and we were able to not disturb them.
BROWN WOOD-OWL (Strix leptogrammica) – A great job from the Tmatboey guides, they had this one staked out but it took a while to get us into a spot where we could see it sat high in big leafy tree. Always elusive and a nice addition to the trip.
BROWN BOOBOOK (Ninox scutulata burmanica) – Heard quite close by when we were after the White-winged Duck, then happily the Tmatboey guides had a staked out bird which sat for nice views.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus macrurus bimaculatus) – A male in the forest at Prey Veng, and heard at a couple of other sites.
INDIAN NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus asiaticus asiaticus) – The nightjar on the track for ages at Prey Veng is tentatively this species, the wing and tail spots seem to match.
SAVANNA NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus affinis monticolus) – Two terrific birds at a stake out near Tmatboey, they began calling before dusk and came winging across, looking immense and with an odd rather rounded wing shape, quite unlike any other Caprimulgus I've seen.
Apodidae (Swifts)
BROWN-BACKED NEEDLETAIL (Hirundapus giganteus) – A coupe of needletails at Preah Khan were most likely this species.
This (probable) Indian Nightjar sat for ages in the middle of the track at Prey Veng. Photo by participant George Sims.
GERMAIN'S SWIFTLET (Aerodramus germani) – Swiftlets are amongst the most difficult of all species to identify, with specific limits also in flux. What were the pale brown swiftlets at Angkor late pm, that lacked any pale rump? Paul did see pale rumped Germain's here too, the usual site, but these others are a puzzle.
ASIAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus balasiensis) – Common and seen most days.
Hemiprocnidae (Treeswifts)
CRESTED TREESWIFT (Hemiprocne coronata) – Some great looks at them in flight in the dry dipterocarp woodlands at Prey Veng and Tmatboey.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops) – Seen nicely at Tah Noi and then Tmatboey, also very vocal and heard on a couple of other days.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
ORIENTAL PIED-HORNBILL (Anthracoceros albirostris) – A neat flock of 8 at Preah Khan, and 2 at Prey Veng.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
COMMON KINGFISHER (COMMON) (Alcedo atthis taprobana) – Eight day records, the first at Phnom Kroam.
STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER (Pelargopsis capensis) – A great look at one at Tmatboey river.
WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis perpulchra) – up to 3 at the wetland at Prey Veng, and heard at Baeng Toal.
BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon pileata) – Three day records, from Angkor, Preah Khan and Prek Toal, one spectacular kingfisher.
COLLARED KINGFISHER (ORIENTAL) (Todiramphus chloris humii) – A single at Kratie marsh was very unexpected and actually a Cambodian tick for Phil, a pity it wasn't more accommodating. I think they are mainly coastal in Cambodia but do wander inland in the dry, I missed one near Phnom Penh some years back. This whole complex is now being broken up so note the race involved, currently still in Collared K.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis leucomelanurus) – Very scarce again, we saw 5 at ATT and one over the Mekong, I am always amazed they are so uncommon in Cambodia.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATER (Nyctyornis athertoni athertoni) – Heard briefly at Tmatboey river, but sadly no response. [*]
GREEN BEE-EATER (RUSSET-CROWNED) (Merops orientalis ferrugeiceps) – Seen at Prek Toal, ATT and then near Tmatboey. I predict a number of splits in the complex, these don't look like the Arabian or African races, and HBW/BirdLife now split this one as Asian Green Bee-eater.
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater was widespread throughout the tour. Photo by participant George Sims.
CHESTNUT-HEADED BEE-EATER (Merops leschenaulti leschenaulti) – Just a couple of sightings at Tmatboey this trip, this is another spectacular member of the family and a forest dwelling species.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
INDIAN ROLLER (Coracias benghalensis affinis) – Nine day records of this striking bird, starting at Phnom Kroam and with a max. of 3 at Baeng Toal. HBW/BirdLife now split this as Indochinese Roller.
Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets)
COPPERSMITH BARBET (Psilopogon haemacephalus) – One at Angkor Thom sat up for ages, then one at Angkor Arts. Not very common in Cambodia.
LINEATED BARBET (Psilopogon lineatus) – Lovely views from Angkor and Tah Prom, and very vocal here and at Tmatboey, one of the typical sounds of the dry forest.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
GRAY-CAPPED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos canicapillus) – Four day records of this diminutive bird from Tmatboey.
FRECKLE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos analis) – One very showy bird at ATT, then I unwittingly photographed another at the woodpecker site at Tmatboey, the barred flanks showing very well in my picture.
YELLOW-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) – Good views of 3 of this uncommon bird at the usual spot at Tmatboey, another very local species.
RUFOUS-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos hyperythrus) – A pair at the woodpecker spot at Tmatboey, then another pair at Baeng Toal, one of the scarcer species.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus javensis) – A fine male from Tmatboey, one of the largest woodpeckers.
LESSER YELLOWNAPE (Picus chlorolophus) – One at the Pale-capped Pigeon site after one at Prey Veng, which showed very nicely.
GREATER YELLOWNAPE (Picus flavinucha) – Heard at the Pale-capped Pigeon site. [*]
BLACK-HEADED WOODPECKER (Picus erythropygius) – A noisy pair at the Tmatboey woodpecker spot, and a single next day, one of the big "woodpecker wants" on this trip
COMMON FLAMEBACK (Dinopium javanense) – Three day records from Tmatboey, the much smaller bill than Greater Flameback is very obvious.
Red-breasted Parakeets were vocal -- and showy -- around the Angkor Wat complex. Photo by participant Deanna MacPhail.
HEART-SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Hemicircus canente) – There were 2 near the river at Tmatboey, but most of us only saw one, this species is always hard to see well.
GREAT SLATY WOODPECKER (Mulleripicus pulverulentus) – 4 great noisy birds at Prey Veng wing-flicking and carrying on like they do, and another at Ben Toal, one of the priority woodpeckers for the tour.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
WHITE-RUMPED FALCON (Polihierax insignis) – A male was perched not too far from the road as we were going towards Tmatboey, and we saw another in the forest there. Quite a rare species.
COLLARED FALCONET (Microhierax caerulescens) – One near the White-rumped falcon, and another at Prey Veng, an easily missed bird.
EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) – Two at Phnom Kroam were unexpected, as was one near ATT, we don't see this every trip.
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET (Psittacula eupatria) – A pair mating at Tah Prom, and 3 at Preah Khan next day, then a single at Tmatboey. This is a scarce and declining species.
BLOSSOM-HEADED PARAKEET (Psittacula roseata) – Small numbers in the dry dipterocarp forest at Tmatboey, a beautiful little parrot.
RED-BREASTED PARAKEET (Psittacula alexandri) – Vocal and quite showy at the Angkor temple complexes, and quite common in the dry dipterocarp forests.
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
LARGE WOODSHRIKE (Tephrodornis virgatus) – Seen very nicely at Tmatboey on two dates, an uncommon bird.
COMMON WOODSHRIKE (Tephrodornis pondicerianus) – Quite common on a couple of days at Tmatboey.
BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE (Hemipus picatus) – Three day records of this tiny bird from Prey Veng and Tmatboey.
Artamidae (Woodswallows)
ASHY WOODSWALLOW (Artamus fuscus) – Six at the usual spot, the only place I have seen this in Cambodia! Recording of the flight call posted to IBC.
Aegithinidae (Ioras)
COMMON IORA (Aegithina tiphia) – Five day records from the dry forests.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
SMALL MINIVET (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) – Seen daily at Prey Veng and Tmatboey with up to 10 birds.
SCARLET MINIVET (Pericrocotus speciosus) – One calling at Prey Veng, a fine male, sound cut posted to IBC.
ASHY MINIVET (Pericrocotus divaricatus) – Brief looks from Angkor and Tmatboey river, not very obliging this trip.
BROWN-RUMPED MINIVET (Pericrocotus cantonensis) – Two at Prey Veng were a nice find, a scarce species that is good to get. Formerly called Swinhoe's Minivet until renamed by the OBC in their political correctness campaign.
LARGE CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina macei) – Three singles from the Tmatboey area.
INDOCHINESE CUCKOOSHRIKE (Lalage polioptera) – Quite common by voice, and we saw birds most days in the dry forests.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
BROWN SHRIKE (Lanius cristatus) – Three birds from Phnom Kroam were all we saw.
BURMESE SHRIKE (Lanius collurioides) – Seen in the dry forests at Prey Veng and Tmatboey, and surprisingly vocal.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE (Oriolus chinensis) – Very few this trip, just a handful from Angkor and George saw one at Tmatboey.
BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE (Oriolus xanthornus) – Great looks in the forest around Tmatboey, another lovely oriole.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
BLACK DRONGO (Dicrurus macrocercus) – Widespread, seen almost every day in small numbers with a max. of 40 on Feb 22 at Phnom Kroam and Kratie Mar 3, it looked as if many were migrants.
ASHY DRONGO (Dicrurus leucophaeus) – A few around Angkor and the temples, all of the ashy type, and one with a tiny nest at Prey Veng.
HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO (Dicrurus hottentottus) – Three day records, from Preah Khan Tmatboey. The upcurled tail sides are a useful fieldmark, and we saw the filamentous head plumes on one.
GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus paradiseus) – Heard at several sites and seen at Preah Khan and Tmatboey.
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
MALAYSIAN PIED-FANTAIL (Rhipidura javanica) – Seen at ATT and Kratie.
WHITE-BROWED FANTAIL (Rhipidura aureola) – The best was at Prey Veng, and some saw one at Tmatboey, this is surprisingly low density.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
It's not often you find a Velvet-fronted Nuthatch on the ground! This youngster was still being fed by its parents. Photo by guide Phil Gregory.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
RED-BILLED BLUE-MAGPIE (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) – Seen at Prey Veng, where it was skulking and hard to see, and also very nicely on the feeder at Tmatboey.
RUFOUS TREEPIE (Dendrocitta vagabunda) – A couple of sightings at Tmatboey, calling noisily.
RACKET-TAILED TREEPIE (Crypsirina temia) – Glimpsed at Prey Veng, then luckily a very showy bird feeding amongst sparse leafy branches at Kratie, quite what it was taking I am not sure.
LARGE-BILLED CROW (LARGE-BILLED) (Corvus macrorhynchos macrorhynchos) – Widespread in small numbers, and sounding totally unlike their Japanese counterparts! Split as Southern Jungle Crow by Robson in his field guide.
Alaudidae (Larks)
AUSTRALASIAN BUSHLARK (Mirafra javanica horsfieldii) – Seen in the fields en route to ATT, and then at Prolay grasslands.
INDOCHINESE BUSHLARK (Mirafra erythrocephala) – Seen a couple of times in the dry forest at Tmatboey.
ORIENTAL SKYLARK (Alauda gulgula) – Seen en route to ATT and then singing at Prolay grasslands.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
GRAY-THROATED MARTIN (Riparia chinensis) – Just 3 of this diminutive martin over the river at the Mekong Wagtail site, it seems very sparse in Cambodia.
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – 15 at Phnom Kroam and small numbers at ATT and Prolay. The Sand Martin of Eurasia.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Quite widespread, but no big numbers beyond 40 at Phnom Kroam.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica) – One at ATT, and then a few over the clearings at Tmatboey.
Sittidae (Nuthatches)
BURMESE NUTHATCH (Sitta neglecta) – Good views at Tmatboey, this has a checkered taxonomic history as Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, then Neglected Nuthatch and now Burmese Nuthatch! There seems to be some sexual dimorphism as one bird was much richer chestnut below than the other.
VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH (Sitta frontalis) – Good views from Prey Veng and Tmatboey, then a juvenile on the ground and being fed by the parents at Baeng Toal Mar 2 and 3.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
The group checks out a Brown Boobook at Tmatboey. Photo by guide Phil Gregory.
BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus flaviventris) – Deanna saw one with the Black-headed Bulbul flock, then one showed well at Tmatboey river.
SOOTY-HEADED BULBUL (Pycnonotus aurigaster) – Small numbers from around Tmatboey and Prey Veng.
STRIPE-THROATED BULBUL (Pycnonotus finlaysoni) – Two at Angkor were unexpected, then there was one at Tmatboey river where we usually see this attractive species.
YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus goiavier) – Good views from Phnom Kroam, then around Siem Reap and the temples.
STREAK-EARED BULBUL (Pycnonotus blanfordi) – 5 at Phnom Kroam, then odd singles from the temples and the river at Tmatboey and Kratie.
PUFF-THROATED BULBUL (Alophoixus pallidus) – One at Preah Khan was a surprise, then heard at Tmatboey river but very skulking there.
Phylloscopidae (Leaf Warblers)
DUSKY WARBLER (Phylloscopus fuscatus) – Seen at Phnom Kroam, Prey Veng and Kratie, a real skulker of wayside vegetation.
RADDE'S WARBLER (Phylloscopus schwarzi) – A couple seen very well at Prey Veng, and some saw it at Tmatboey.
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER (Phylloscopus inornatus) – Heard much more than seen, we did get to look at a couple at the temples and then Tmatboey.
TWO-BARRED WARBLER (Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus) – One seen well at Prey Veng.
PALE-LEGGED LEAF WARBLER (Phylloscopus tenellipes) – This for once showed very well at Angkor, and then again at ATT, but heard more often than seen as usual.
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
BLACK-BROWED REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus bistrigiceps) – We left it late , but got scope views of one at Kratie marsh on Mar 3.
MANCHURIAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus tangorum) – The guides at Prolay know this well by now, and we managed to corrall one into giving quite good views of the head pattern with the broad supercilium in front of the eye, the buffy appearance and the longish bill.
ORIENTAL REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus orientalis) – Seen at Phnom Kroam, Prolay and then Kratie, a large reed warbler with a short supercilium.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
We had lovely views of the newly described Cambodian Tailorbird -- an excellent way to end the tour! Photo by participant Deanna MacPhail.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
ZITTING CISTICOLA (ZITTING) (Cisticola juncidis tinnabulans) – One at Prolay grasslands.
GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola exilis equicaudatus) – Once again, only heard on the tour, this time at Prolay grasslands. I must make an effort to see one again! [*]
COMMON TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus sutorius) – Common seems a misnomer, we saw it at Siem Reap at our hotel, and heard it at Kratie.
DARK-NECKED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus atrogularis) – This became something of a grudge as we kept hearing it but not seeing them until Preah Khan and Tmatboey.
CAMBODIAN TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus chaktomuk) – This recently described species is a Cambodian endemic in the 4 Arms Plains, and resembles a cross between Dark-necked and Ashy Tailorbird. e had very good looks at two as we came back into Phnom Penh, the very last addition to the trip. [E]
BROWN PRINIA (Prinia polychroa) – Four day records from Prey Veng and Tmatboey.
RUFESCENT PRINIA (Prinia rufescens) – Four birds at Prey Veng, only the second time we have seen the species on the tour.
GRAY-BREASTED PRINIA (Prinia hodgsonii) – 3 at Prey Veng showed quite well, an odd small thin-tailed Prinia.
YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA (Prinia flaviventris) – Paul saw this on a reedy island in the Mekong and we heard it there and at Phnom Kroam, it is always elusive.
PLAIN PRINIA (Prinia inornata) – 3 at Phnom Kroam and a few at Prolay.
Timaliidae (Tree-Babblers, Scimitar-Babblers, and Allies)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BABBLER (Timalia pileata) – A nice view of 2 at Phnom Kroam.
PIN-STRIPED TIT-BABBLER (Mixornis gularis) – A couple seen at Prey Veng and then by the river at Tmatboey, quite a vocal bird but hard to get a clear view.
Pellorneidae (Ground Babblers and Allies)
One of the tents we called home at Preah Veng. Photo by guide Phil Gregory.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax leucolophus) – A noisy flock in the forest at Tmatboey were very wary and did not show well, and none came to the feeders this year as far as I know. Also heard at the Prey Veng river at dusk.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa latirostris) – Eight day records of one's and two's, with 4 on the Angkor day
ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus saularis) – Vocal, but only seen a couple of times this trip, from Angkor and Tmatboey.
WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA (Copsychus malabaricus) – A skulker at Angkor Tom showed for most of us, then again at Prey Veng.
HAINAN BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis hainanus) – Seen a couple of times at Angkor and also at Prey Veng, the male is quite a good looking bird.
BLUETHROAT (Luscinia svecica) – Two at the Prolay grasslands, but not showing very well this time.
TAIGA FLYCATCHER (Ficedula albicilla) – Four day records, seen well at the temple complexes and in the park at Siem Reap.
WHITE-THROATED ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola gularis) – A male and female on Feb 10 at Angkor Wat gave good looks and photographs, then a fine male next day at Preah Khan, one of the specials from the Angkor area. Photos on IBC site.
BLUE ROCK-THRUSH (SOLITARIUS GROUP) (Monticola solitarius solitarius) – An immature male of one of the blue-bellied races was at Preah Khan.
SIBERIAN STONECHAT (PRZEWALKSI'S) (Saxicola maurus przewalskii) – Small numbers starting at Phnom Kroam, with 6 the most. Expect more splits in the Stonechat complex in due course, this will likely be Stejneger's Stonechat.
PIED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola caprata) – Four day records, starting at Phnom Kroam and ending at Kratie.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
COMMON HILL MYNA (Gracula religiosa) – 3 at Angkor Tom Feb 23 and 1 at Tah Prom next day, before 2 at Prey Veng, it has become very uncommon due to trapping.
BLACK-COLLARED STARLING (Gracupica nigricollis) – Two at Phnom Kroam, then1 at Tmatboey at the Pale-capped Pigeon site, always a very low density species.
We found an immature male Blue Rock-Thrush (one of the blue-bellied races) at Preah Khan. Photo by guide Phil Gregory.
WHITE-SHOULDERED STARLING (Sturnia sinensis) – A single at the Ashy Woodswallow site was a good find of an uncommon bird.
CHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING (Sturnia malabarica) – 4 at the White-rumped Falcon spot showed very well, then one later at Baeng Toal.
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Small numbers were widespread, but we sure see far more in Queensland unfortunately!
VINOUS-BREASTED STARLING (Acridotheres burmannicus) – 6 at Prey Veng, then 3 at Baeng Toal cow carcass.
GREAT MYNA (Acridotheres grandis) – Five day records, starting at Phnom Kroam, of what is usually called White-vented Myna, the most being 10 in the paddies en route to ATT.
Chloropseidae (Leafbirds)
GOLDEN-FRONTED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis aurifrons) – 3 at Prey Veng and a couple of sightings from Tmatboey.
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
SCARLET-BACKED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum cruentatum) – Five day records were more than usual, and we eventually saw them well. There was a juv. at Siem Reap.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD (Chalcoparia singalensis) – Two males and a female calling and chasing at Prey Veng, I made a recording which is now on the IBC site.
PLAIN-THROATED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes malacensis) – A pair at the SVC centre in Siem Reap and another pair at ATT, then 3 at Prey Veng.
VAN HASSELT'S SUNBIRD (Leptocoma brasiliana emmae) – 2 fine males were at the Tmatboey river, the only place we ever see this split from Copper-throated Sunbird.
PURPLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris asiaticus) – Six day records of one's and two's, with some good males seen in the dry dipterocarp forests, starting at Prey Veng.
OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD (OLIVE-BACKED) (Cinnyris jugularis flammaxillaris) – Four day records from the Angkor temples , Prey Veng and Tmatboey. This complex is long overdue for splitting as they sound nothing like the Australian birds.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
FOREST WAGTAIL (Dendronanthus indicus) – Two at Angkor Wat, once again skulking in the forest interior, a very striking species that seems to be regular here now.
The beautiful White-throated Rock-Thrush is one of the specialties of the Angkor Wat area. Photo by guide Phil Gregory.
GRAY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea) – One at Tmatboey river was the first time we have seen this species on the main tour.
MEKONG WAGTAIL (Motacilla samveasnae) – Great looks at a pair feeding a juv. on the bushy islands in the Mekong, then 3 more later, the boatman know just where to go and we scored quickly this year! This species was described as recently as 2001, being previously overlooked, and commemorates Cambodian ornithologist Sam Veasna of SVC fame.
PADDYFIELD PIPIT (Anthus rufulus) – Seen at Phnom Kroam, ATT and Prolay, the common large pipit here.
OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus hodgsoni) – Two at Prey Veng, then 2 at Tmatboey later the same day.
RED-THROATED PIPIT (Anthus cervinus) – About 10 in a wet field en route to ATT, and 3 at Kratie later, the distinctive sibilant "psss" call is a help in finding them.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Nesting on an aerial at the Ashy Woodswallow site, and seen in Siem Reap. It does seem to be spreading in Cambodia.
PLAIN-BACKED SPARROW (Passer flaveolus) – Seen at Phnom Kroam, then 2 males right by the bird market in Siem Reap and finally up at ATT at the marsh and the ranger station, an uncommon bird, also called Pegu Sparrow.
EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus) – Widespread in the suburban areas.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
BAYA WEAVER (Ploceus philippinus) – Hard this year, a few were seen by some at Prek Toal and ATT, and a flock flew over at Baeng Toal, this species seems to get harder each time.
ASIAN GOLDEN WEAVER (Ploceus hypoxanthus) – Another rare bird that is a victim of trapping, but luckily this site from last year near Kratie was still good, and we had brilliant looks at a male nest-building, with briefer views of a couple of females.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
RED AVADAVAT (Amandava amandava) – A female plumaged bird at Prolay grasslands gave brief views, and was the only one we saw.
WHITE-RUMPED MUNIA (Lonchura striata) – 8 were seen at Prey Veng, and all of us caught up with a small flock at Kratie.
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura punctulata) – 3 at Phnom Kroam. 30 at ATT and 3 at Kratie, surprisingly uncommon as always.
MAMMALS
LYLE'S FLYING FOX (Pteropus lylei) – The camp of flying-foxes in the park in Siem Reap is this smallish species.
CRAB-EATING MACAQUE (Macaca fascigularis) – Long-tailed Macaques were common at Bayon, the only place we saw them this time.
FINLAYSON'S SQUIRREL (Callosciurus finlaysoni) – This is the handsome reddish-chestnut beast that often has a white ring around the base of the tail. We saw it at Angkor and at Tmatboey.
INDOCHINESE GROUND SQUIRREL (Menetes berdmorei) – This small squirrel with the striped back was seen well at Prey Veng and Tmatboey, I even got a photo, but why it's called a ground squirrel escapes me as it's highly arboreal.
IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN (Orcaella brevirostris) – Tough this year, it took ages to locate some and then views were indifferent, i just hope the small population is not in even steeper decline.
MUNTJAC (BARKING DEER) (Muntiacus muntjak) – Heard giving the coughing bark loudly at Baeng Toal, where I got a good recording of it. Commonly snared and hunted for bushmeat. [*]
ELD'S DEER (Rucervus eldii) – Also hard this dry year, we got onto a group of 9 females with young at ATT grasslands, but saw no stag. This is a very rare species, as are all the brow-antlered deer.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
No snakes seen this time and not much in the way of herps. Some of us had cute golden-brown frogs in the bathroom at Tmatboey.
Germain's or Silver Langur (Trachypithecus germaini) was a fine addition to the trip mammal list from Baeng Toal.
Totals for the tour: 245 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa