For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
Greater Adjutants at Prek Toal, just outstanding this trip (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
This was our sixth Field Guides tour to this fascinating country, this time for Denis Kania and his very diverse Chicago area group, who all knew each other well and had a good camaraderie going. Peter was the good-humored focus for many a tricky species, and I commend his aplomb in dealing with it all, clearly a well trodden route here! The pace was deliberately fairly relaxed, and staying for some days at both Tmatboey and Siem Reap is really nice, whilst the temples remain a world-class venue with an enticing mix of good birds to liven thing up, such as White-throated Rock-Thrush, Forest Wagtail, and Black Baza.
Another good thing about the tour is that much of the money we pay goes directly back into grass-roots level conservation, where relatively little seems to achieve a lot, and valuable employment is provided for the various excellent local guides and drivers.
Our first-time-ever extension over to Seima on the Vietnam border was also very rewarding, and well worth doing as we saw a lot of new species not on the main tour, we may well offer this as an extension in future years. The rare Green Peafowl was one of the birds of the trip here, and seeing Black-shanked Douc was also exciting.
We managed the major great rarity targets much as advertised, though getting far closer to Greater Adjutant than usual with 30 in one day at Prek Toal being very special. A family of Black-necked Storks was a plus also, as were 2 Milky Storks, plus a hybrid. Major stars were of course nice views and experiences with the amazingly rare Giant and White-shouldered ibises, for which Cambodia is the very last remaining stronghold.
Sarus Crane and the rare Eld's Deer showed nicely, and we had a record 7 species of owl in daylight this trip -- Barn Owl, Spotted Wood-Owl, a bonus Brown Wood Owl the new SVC guides found for us at a temple near Tah Prom, Spotted Owlet (also at ATT), Brown Fish-Owl (on nest too), and Brown Hawk-Owl, plus Asian Barred Owlet, of course, not forgetting Oriental Scops-Owl one night that snuck in silently, just as on the previous trip. We also had Large-tailed, Indian, and Savanna nightjars seen in the same area, a highly productive nighttime foray if I say so myself.
Woodpeckers featured nicely, with White-bellied, Black-headed, Great Slaty, Freckle-breasted, Gray-capped, both Flamebacks, Yellow-crested, and Rufous-bellied all seen well plus a brief look at the rare Pale-headed at Seima. Nice additional species at Tmatboey were Van Hasselt's and Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and Orange-breasted Trogon, albeit sadly later killed off its nest.
Savanna Nightjar at Veal Krous was excellent at dusk, hawking over the pond as it was still quite light for great views, but eclipsed by a wonderful show from 3 Brown-backed Needletails that came in just beforehand and spent some time doing low circuits over the pond, scooping up emergent insects I think, so close we could hear their wings in flight, and just amazing views. The 3 species of Critically Endangered (CR) vulture (White-rumped, Slender-billed and Red-headed) were excellent and again gave wonderful views on the carcass -- going in pre-dawn is a very good strategy here.
Bengal Florican at Kompong Thom was good, and we got a good view of Manchurian Reed Warbler. Yellow-breasted Bunting was seen at Tmatboey (unexpectedly) and then Kompong Thom, and Asian Golden Weaver had a colony of 8 nests at Kratie, a nice stakeout. Mekong Wagtail was easy this year, as was Little Pratincole.
Then it was time to drive north eastwards to Seima on the Vietnam border, a slightly higher-altitude region with moister forest and mercifully cooler conditions at night. Logging here is a major problem despite the nominal Reserve status, the collection of impounded vehicles caught carrying illicit timber at the Park HQ was quite impressive, ranging from bikes and motos to cars, vans, and lorries and numbering in the hundreds!
The destruction of the bamboo forest here was going on around us, and Orange-necked Partridge may now be a thing of the past, but we did manage Pale-headed Woodpecker in the remnants, and almost saw Bar-bellied Pitta! Gray-faced Buzzard was a nice find here too, and we found the very restricted-range Annam and Red-vented barbets quite easily. Banded Broadbill calling really well was a good find, and our lunch-time hotel had very rewarding grounds that gave us a lot of new things including Blue Whistling Thrush for some, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Gray-eyed, Black, Puff-throated and Ochraceous bulbuls, Crimson Sunbird, and the stunning Asian Fairy Bluebird.
A timber smuggler came barrelling out of the forest one morning not long after dawn in a beat-up old car, saw us, and belted past straight out onto the road, almost broadsiding a passing 4WD which swerved wildly across the road and then tried to block him, sadly without success (maybe just as well!) Frontier districts once again proved diverting, but it shows the scale of the problem here, visit this while some habitat remains!
The higher altitude at Dac Dam gave us Barred Cuckoo-Dove, Flame-breasted Flowerpecker, Streaked Spiderhunter, and good looks at the rare Black-shanked Douc (langur). The last day saw us revisit the devastated bamboo forest for a successful try for Pale-headed Woodpecker, then it was back to Phnom Penh en route home, and fantastic looks at the newly described Cambodian Tailorbird, a very neat way to end what was I had thought a very successful trip.
As to tour favorites for the group: The great rarities of the tour did not disappoint, with excellent looks at Giant and White-shouldered ibises, Greater Adjutant, Bengal Florican, the 3 vultures, and Asian Golden Weaver plus Green Peafowl. The waterbird colony at Prek Toal is a fabulous experience, and the dry dipterocarp woodlands are a fascinating place, so great for owls and woodpeckers too. Mekong Wagtail and now Cambodian Tailorbird must also rate highly! Peter got his #4000 on this trip on the penultimate day, the quest to get there was to prove quite entertaining I must say, and Denis got 210 lifers after an expectation nearer 185, so that was very pleasing. Phil also nailed 9 lifers, with 7 seen and 2 heard, also better than I had hoped, and I think almost everyone saw considerably more than expected.
My thanks to Srun for his good, very cheerful, and entertaining company, and excellent organizational and steadily developing birding skills. Language proved to be something of an issue as folks found both him and me hard to understand it would seem, and getting everyone's attention was at times impossible!
Thanks to the Sam Veasna Center for their usual fine job, and to Koarn, Kang and Sovan the main drivers (very good as always, and also useful mechanics), and the sundry local guides who did so much for us. Also thanks to Karen at Field Guides HQ for a fine job with the tour logistics.
And finally, my thanks to Denis for proposing and co-ordinating the trip, and to the group for being very well-prepared, unusually diverse in expectations, and generally good company -- I do hope you enjoyed the trip despite the heat and tummy troubles. Enjoy your future travels.
--Phil in Dubai and Accra
Our itinerary:
Feb 22 -- Group arrives Phnom Penh late evening.
Feb 23 -- Early flight to Siem Reap then travel to Tmatboey.
Feb 24 -- Tmatboey Giant Ibis site at Trapaeng Beong, and Pale-capped Pigeon site at Trapaeng Chambok
Feb 25 -- Steung Chuk River and Tmatboey area, Phnom Raeng nightjar site.
Feb 26 -- Steung Chuk River and nearby Trapaeng Pring Thom temple before travel to Veal Krous camp.
Feb 27 -- Veal Krous vulture restaurant; Preah Vihear then Siem Reap
Feb 28 -- Ang Trapaeng Thmor (ATT)
Mar 1 -- Prek Toal and Tonle Sap Lake boat trip.
Mar 2 -- Angkor Wat/ Ta Som/ Bayon and Tah Prom temples
Mar 3 -- Phnom Kroam, Sam Veasna Centre, Royal Garden and Preah Khan temple
Mar 4 -- Prolay grasslands and Kompong Thom
Mar 5 -- Kompong Thom grasslands then to Kratie via Mekong ferry
Mar 6 -- Kratie/ Mekong River trip and then Mondolkiri Province at Sen Monorom via Seima via Forest HQ.
Mar 7 -- Forest at Seima, Oramis and than Dac Dam
Mar 8 -- Forest at Seima, Oramis and different site at Dac Dam
Mar 9 -- Seima forest HQ then to Phnom Penh and departure home
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)
White-rumped Falcon fermale near Tmatboey, an elusive species and nice to see so well (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
COMB DUCK (OLD WORLD) (Sarkidiornis melanotos melanotos) – 100 at ATT and 36 at Kompong Thom Prolay grassland, split by many now as Knob-billed Duck, Comb Duck being the South American species.
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus coromandelianus) – 250+ at ATT was a very high count, and we had 4 at Preah Khan reservoir later.
INDIAN SPOT-BILLED DUCK (Anas poecilorhyncha haringtoni) – 40 at ATT and a small number on 4 other days at Kratie and Kompong Thom. Split from Chinese Spotbill.
GARGANEY (Anas querquedula) – 20 at ATT.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
CHINESE FRANCOLIN (Francolinus pintadeanus) – The raspy grating "pa-pa ma-ma" call is a typical forest sound late afternoon and early morning at Tmatboey and Veal Krous, and also at Dac Dam, but the bird is hard to see. Our group got one from the road once, which I managed to miss.
SCALY-BREASTED PARTRIDGE (Arborophila chloropus) – Heard very close at one site at Seima, really worth the effort to try and see it but sadly the undergrowth was just too thick. Also heard at the Park HQ. [*]
RED JUNGLEFOWL (Gallus gallus gallus) – A male and 2 females were out on the sandbank at the Stung Chuk river at Tmatboey, a great view of what can be a tough bird to see well.
GERMAIN'S PEACOCK-PHEASANT (Polyplectron germaini) – Heard quite close by in the forest at Seima at two sites, but sadly out of view. [*]
GREEN PEAFOWL (Pavo muticus) – The SVC guys have a site for this at Seima, but a new road camp has set up right by it! We heard the amazingly loud trumpeting call, then Joe spotted a male walking over a rocky bank, and we had very nice scope views of 2 males with the full tail train, and another with a rather shorter train. A rare species, and great to see it behaving naturally, one of the trip favorites.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (LITTLE) (Tachybaptus ruficollis poggei) – One at the reservoir at Preah Khan, of this yellow eyed race.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
ASIAN OPENBILL (Anastomus oscitans) – A few at Phnom Kroam and then at Prek Toal and ATT.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (ASIAN) (Ciconia episcopus episcopus) – A couple of sightings from Tmatboey, with one at the Giant Ibis roost and then another flying later. Now split by HBW/Birdlife as Asian Woolly-necked Stork.
BLACK-NECKED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus asiaticus) – 4 of this rare race asiaticus at ATT, looked to be 2 adults and 2 immatures, a potential split too. We could see a green neck gloss, it is supposed to be more bluish with this taxon.
LESSER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos javanicus) – Nice looks at Prek Toal this trip.
GREATER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos dubius) – Outstanding, our best ever trip for this rare species, we saw 1 distantly at the Eld's Deer site, then had over 30 out at Prek Toal including multiple very close views as they fed in the shallow creek.
MILKY STORK (Mycteria cinerea) – Two fine adults and a hybrid at Prek Toal, a rare bird in Cambodia with just a handful of breeding pairs.
The Kania group at Angkor Wat (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
INDIAN CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) – Nice looks at ATT and Prek Toal, amazingly like Little Black Cormorant in Australia.
GREAT CORMORANT (EURASIAN) (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) – 20 at Prek Toal and a few at ATT.
LITTLE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax niger) – Five day records, small numbers with 30+ at Kratie the most, the stubby bill and white chin patch are quite distinctive.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ORIENTAL DARTER (Anhinga melanogaster) – 40 at Prek Toal then 1 at Phnom Kroam and 3 at Kratie, another quite rare bird where Cambodia probably has the bulk of the remaining population.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
SPOT-BILLED PELICAN (Pelecanus philippensis) – 40 at ATT, and about 90 at Prek Toal, with some fantastic views.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
YELLOW BITTERN (Ixobrychus sinensis) – Two in the narrow channel as we came from Prek Toal, a good spot from Denis initially of this much wanted bird, then 4 at Phnom Kroam later, seen very well.
CINNAMON BITTERN (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus) – A single at Prek Toal and another at Phnom Kroam.
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Seven day records, with 30 at Prek Toal the most.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – Three day records, with 3 at ATT and 5 from Prek Toal and a single at Kompong Thom.
GREAT EGRET (EURASIAN) (Ardea alba alba) – Very few, the most being 150 at Prek Toal and then just singles at odd sites.
Alexandrine Parakeet was seen at just a couple of sites, with the Tomb Raider temple being very good for it. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
LITTLE EGRET (LITTLE) (Egretta garzetta garzetta) – Eight day records, in small numbers with 200 at Prek Toal the only large count.
CATTLE EGRET (ASIAN) (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) – Small numbers were widespread, this race is often split these days.
CHINESE POND-HERON (Ardeola bacchus) – Seen most days of the tour, maxima were 70 at ATT and 90 at Prek Toal, the latter the only site that we saw breeding dress birds where just a couple were coming into this plumage. Some of the non-breeders could be Javan Pond Heron but doesn't seem to be separable with certainty in this plumage.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Joe and DD saw one at ATT.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (EURASIAN) (Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax) – 50 at Prek Toal was the only record.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
BLACK-HEADED IBIS (Threskiornis melanocephalus) – A good trip for this rare bird, we saw 6 on the Siem Reap boat channel side, then about 15 out at Prek Toal.
WHITE-SHOULDERED IBIS (Pseudibis davisoni) – A very good look at one feeding quietly in a trapaeng at Tmatboey, seen nicely from the cars and one of the very few times I've seen this bird on the ground. Photo on the website.
GIANT IBIS (Pseudibis gigantea) – A memorable experience with 4 at Tmatboey, at the dawn roost where 2 were up in a big dead tree with a Woolly-necked Stork, and began calling as it got light- they say "0-lug" which is Khmer for "father take me away" according to a folk tale Srun told us. We saw another 2 in flight later and had looks at one sat up. There are between 250- 360 left, almost all in Cambodia.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Three day records, 4 at Kompong Thom the most.
ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD (Pernis ptilorhynchus) – One near the river at Tmatboey, perched up too.
BLACK BAZA (Aviceda leuphotes) – 4 at Tmatboey, clearly migrants, then 1 at Veal Krous and a single in trees by the river at Kompong Thom town.
RED-HEADED VULTURE (Sarcogyps calvus) – There were 5 adults at the cow carcass at Veal Krous, and we noted the eye colour difference with the sexes, seeing at least 3 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) – 4 the first day and a good count of 27 on the second at Veal Krous, some great looks and with a few immatures present too.
SLENDER-BILLED VULTURE (Gyps tenuirostris) – One at Veal Krous on arrival day, then 6 at the carcass next day, one of the rarest of the vultures too.
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE (Spilornis cheela) – Four day records on the main tour starting at Tmatboey, and seen well at Seima too.
CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus limnaeetus) – A fine bird at Seima, see the photos on the website.
BLACK EAGLE (Ictinaetus malaiensis) – One over the hotel at Oramis gave a good flight view and was a Cambodian tick for me.
INDIAN SPOTTED EAGLE (Clanga hastata) – At least 2 were at Veal Krous, with a puzzling pale headed individual with them that might be an immature of this species. Our photos were not great, only enough to rule out the hoped for Eastern Imperial!
GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE (Clanga clanga) – One at ATT was the only sighting.
RUFOUS-WINGED BUZZARD (Butastur liventer) – Six day records from Tmatboey and Veal Krous where we saw one or two each day.
GRAY-FACED BUZZARD (Butastur indicus) – A fine bird at Seima Park HQ gave some very nice looks and was a Cambodian tick for Phil.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle at Seima (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
PIED HARRIER (Circus melanoleucos) – This is one of the best of the harriers, we saw 2 males en route to ATT then had a female and then another male at Kompong Thom. I still need a decent shot of one!
CRESTED GOSHAWK (Accipiter trivirgatus) – One at Seima was a Cambodian tick for Phil.
SHIKRA (Accipiter badius) – Seen daily at Tmatboey and Veal Krous, with 6 on the first day and singles thereafter. A perched immature on that first day was a very odd looking thing but seems to be one of these. A bird at Tah Prom looked to have a dark iris and a mesial stripe, but the great and the good seem to think it was just a Shikra male in odd light, and not a Japanese Sparrowhawk.
BRAHMINY KITE (Haliastur indus) – Three singles of what is an uncommon bird here, from Prek Toal, ATT and then Kompong Thom grasslands where I had not seen it before.
GRAY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) – Great looks at 2 at Prek Toal, a spectacular large bird.
Otididae (Bustards)
BENGAL FLORICAN (Houbaropsis bengalensis) – I personally saw 7 males and 3 females at Prolay grasslands, and I think some folks saw 2 or 3 more than I did, seen both at rest and in flight. Another very rare bird. The call is a weird squeaky "ksub" which I just missed on tape!
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN (Amaurornis phoenicurus) – One at the entrance channel for Tonle Sap, and one very nicely at Veal Krous again.
WHITE-BROWED CRAKE (Porzana cinerea) – 4 seen very well at Phnom Kroam, a species which I am familiar with in Australia of course.
WATERCOCK (Gallicrex cinerea) – One at ATT in rice paddy, ably flushed by Srun after we just saw the head poking out, then another at Phnom Kroam, always an elusive bird on this trip.
PURPLE SWAMPHEN (BLACK-BACKED) (Porphyrio porphyrio indicus) – 30 at ATT and 6 at Prek Toal, this taxon has a very gray head and is way overdue for splitting out into the component 6 species suggested long ago.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – Just 2 at the reservoir at Preah Khan.
Gruidae (Cranes)
SARUS CRANE (Grus antigone sharpii) – 10 at ATT grasslands, and then 3 at Kompong Thom grasslands. Another very rare bird in Cambodia and of an endemic race. They call rather differently to the Australian birds too.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – 20 at ATT and 25 at Phnom Kroam.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis fulva) – 12+ in the grasslands at Kompong Thom, and one by the Mekong ferry.
RED-WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus indicus atronuchalis) – Five day records, first at Tmatboey, then nicely at Veal Krous and Kompong Thom, this race is split by HBW/BirdLife from the paler necked western birds.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (SOUTHERN) (Charadrius dubius jerdoni) – Five day records of very small numbers, from Phnom Kroam and Kratie as well as the Mekong ferry.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
PHEASANT-TAILED JACANA (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) – 20 at ATT and 30 at Phnom Kroam, all in non-breeding dress but still very nice in flight with those very white wings.
White-shouldered Ibis at Tmatboey, not often you get to see one this close (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – One on the Mekong at Kratie, quite a scarce visitor here and one we often miss.
SPOTTED REDSHANK (Tringa erythropus) – Two singles, from ATT and Kompong Thom.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – Four day records of singles or two birds.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – Four day records with 8 at Phnom Kroam the most.
COMMON SNIPE (Gallinago gallinago) – A single at Phnom Kroam, then two at Kompong Thom, the white trailing edge to the wing is useful in flight.
PIN-TAILED SNIPE (Gallinago stenura) – 2 at ATT then singles at Kompong Thom and Phnom Kroam, the dark trailing edge is distinctive in flight and at rest they have a very broad supercilium in front of the eye.
Turnicidae (Buttonquail)
SMALL BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix sylvaticus) – A single at ATT, seen running on the bare earth and then in flight, and so aptly named! Some folks saw one at Kompong Thom too.
BARRED BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix suscitator) – Denis gripped everyone off by seeing one from the hide at Veal Krous.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE (Glareola maldivarum) – A good trip for them I am sure they overwinter here, we saw 15 at ATT, 20 at Phnom Kroam and up to 30 at Kompong Thom where one was performing a distraction display and may have been nesting.
SMALL PRATINCOLE (Glareola lactea) – One at the Mekong ferry and then nice looks at 4 from the boat on the Mekong itself at Kratie.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
BROWN-HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus) – A subadult flew by the boat en route to Prek Toal, and Denis saw another later, uncommon on this tour, this was the first for a while.
This frieze of Sarus Cranes is quite famous at Angkor Thom temple. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – A few in the towns. [I]
PALE-CAPPED PIGEON (Columba punicea) – None at last trip's site, but we had 3 fly right past near Tmatboey River, a very nice pick-up of a rare species.
RED COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia tranquebarica) – Very small numbers, seen on most days.
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) – Also seen on most days in small numbers.
BARRED CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia unchall) – One flying right over us at Dak Dam on March 8 was an unexpected lifer for Phil, a large bird too.
EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica) – Seen very well at Oramis, this is the pale capped race split by many as Common Emerald Dove, the Australian ones are Pacific Emerald Dove C. longirostris.
ZEBRA DOVE (Geopelia striata) – A few around Phnom Kroan and Siem Reap, also at Kratie and Kompong Thom.
ORANGE-BREASTED PIGEON (Treron bicinctus) – 6 at Tmatboey River and 1 at Veal Krous.
THICK-BILLED PIGEON (Treron curvirostra) – Three singles from Tmatboey and Veal Krous.
YELLOW-FOOTED PIGEON (Treron phoenicopterus) – A single one day and 10 the next dat Tmatboey, quite a scarce species too.
PIN-TAILED PIGEON (Treron apicauda) – A great view of one at Oramis on March 7, and 4 at Dac Dam next day, this was a lifer for me too, that long pointed tail is very distinctive..
GREEN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula aenea) – Up to 5 at Tmatboey.
MOUNTAIN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula badia) – A couple of sightings from Seima, a Cambodian tick for Phil.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO (Hierococcyx sparverioides) – Great views of an adult of this amazingly Accipiter-like species at Preah Khan temple, this is a good site for it.
HIMALAYAN CUCKOO (Cuculus saturatus) – A hepatic phase female at the Tmatboey river. Split by voice from Oriental Cuckoo, and listed on range as they are inseparable in the field if not calling.
The Critically Endangered Red-headed Vulture showed very well at Veal Krous vulture restaurant. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
PLAINTIVE CUCKOO (Cacomantis merulinus) – 3 at ATT paddies, and up to 6 at Phnom Kroam, they seem to like the lotus stalks for perches.
VIOLET CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus) – Singles from Tmatboey where it was calling but quite elusive.
FORK-TAILED DRONGO-CUCKOO (Surniculus dicruroides dicruroides) – Two at Angkor Wat were unexpected, an easily overlooked species that we have done well for of late.
ASIAN KOEL (Eudynamys scolopaceus) – Heard at Tmatboey but none seen this trip. [*]
GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA (Phaenicophaeus tristis) – A nice look at the ancient temple near Tmatboey river, with another at Seima later.
GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis) – Heard at various sites and seen at Prek Toal.
LESSER COUCAL (Centropus bengalensis) – Seen at Phnom Kroam and then at Prolay and KT grasslands.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – One at the ATT grasslands unfortunately flushed from its roost and gave good flight views.
Strigidae (Owls)
ORIENTAL SCOPS-OWL (Otus sunia) – A fabulous little bird that came in again without calling one night near Tmatboey and sat right by us, with everyone getting on it right away for once! It began calling later too.
BROWN FISH-OWL (Ketupa zeylonensis) – One roosting in a huge fig at Tmatboey showed very nicely, a massive owl.
ASIAN BARRED OWLET (Glaucidium cuculoides) – We saw 2 well at Angkor, and it was quite often heard in the forests in the daytime. Denis also saw it at Tmatboey.
SPOTTED OWLET (Athene brama) – A fine bird in daylight at Tmatboey.
SPOTTED WOOD-OWL (Strix seloputo) – Still at its roost at the ATT grasslands, we saw it very nicely and managed not to flush it!
BROWN WOOD-OWL (Strix leptogrammica) – Missed at Tmatboey again, but the SVC guides checked out one at a temple near Tah Prom several times and called when they found it, cutting short a temple tour but getting us a fine view of a roosting adult of this uncommon species at Tah Som on March 2.
BROWN BOOBOOK (Ninox scutulata burmanica) – A very nice roosting bird at the Pale-capped Pigeon site at Tmatboey.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus macrurus bimaculatus) – Heard at the Giant Ibis roost, and most folks saw it at the Oriental Scops Owl site. It was singing well at dawn at Veal Krous too, I posted a cut of this one on the IBC website.
INDIAN NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus asiaticus asiaticus) – This was a surprise, a calling bird at the Oriental Scops site near Tmatboey was able to be tracked down and showed well at rest and in flight, the first time I have had this species here. It was also heard at Veal Krous again.
SAVANNA NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus affinis monticolus) – A fine bird calling and then seen in flight at the Oriental Scops site, the third nightjar species in half an hour here, and also seen again late afternoon over the pond at Tmatboey.
Apodidae (Swifts)
SILVER-BACKED NEEDLETAIL (Hirundapus cochinchinensis) – 4 hunting over the road at Seima one morning, they spent several hours hawking here and showed very well.
BROWN-BACKED NEEDLETAIL (Hirundapus giganteus) – A trip highlight were the 4 birds that appeared late afternoon at Veal Krous pond, and then came shooting by hawking and dipping repeatedly over it. I think they were feeding on insects or some aquatic life, and it was great seeing and hearing the rush of the wings as they were so close.
Crested Treeswift is a showy species of the dry dipterocarp forest. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
HOUSE SWIFT (Apus nipalensis) – Denis saw a couple of these on our boat trip as we came into Lake Tonle Sap. Oddly localized in Cambodia.
ASIAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus balasiensis) – Common and seen on most days.
Hemiprocnidae (Treeswifts)
CRESTED TREESWIFT (Hemiprocne coronata) – Some great looks at them in the dry dipterocarp woodlands at Tmatboey and Veal Krous, with up to 10 birds.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
ORANGE-BREASTED TROGON (Harpactes oreskios) – Ah, a sad story here- the female nesting atop the broken sapling at Tmatboey river was still there, and allowed scope views, but when we went back next day we found to of the distinctive long orange tail feathers on the river bank, and the nest site was bare. Predated by some local people we fear, such a shame. We also saw a fine male at Seima one day.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
COMMON KINGFISHER (COMMON) (Alcedo atthis taprobana) – Quite common in small numbers at many wetlands.
STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER (Pelargopsis capensis) – Some saw this at Tmatboey, and the bird at Veal Krous pond was again a star that afternoon there. Also heard at Seima.
WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis perpulchra) – A single at Tmatboey and seen again at Seima.
BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon pileata) – One at Tmatboey, and one unexpectedly from the channel out to Tonle Sap, a very fine looking bird.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis leucomelanurus) – 2 at ATT, 5 at Kompong Thom and also seen on the Mekong at the ferry and at Kratie.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATER (Nyctyornis athertoni athertoni) – Heard at Tmatboey river but would not show itself, a very sporadic caller. [*]
GREEN BEE-EATER (Merops orientalis ferrugeiceps) – Three sightings of pairs at Tmatboey and also seen by some at KT, this race is split as Asian Green Bee-eater by HBW/BirdLife.
BLUE-TAILED BEE-EATER (Merops philippinus) – Six day records starting from ATT and Phnom Kroam.
CHESTNUT-HEADED BEE-EATER (Merops leschenaulti leschenaulti) – Seen very nicely at Tmatboey with 2 birds by the river, then also seen at Oramis.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
INDIAN ROLLER (Coracias benghalensis affinis) – Six day records on the main tour of one or two birds each time, then a few seen at Seima. This race is split by HBW/BirdLife as Indochinese Roller, it is fairly distinct to the Indian and middle eastern birds.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops) – Two single sightings at Tmatboey, then a couple at Veal Krous; Joe finally got onto one at Dac Dam!
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
ORIENTAL PIED-HORNBILL (Anthracoceros albirostris) – 5 day records on the main tour, with a group of 9 at Preah Khan being a good number of what is a low density species. Also seen at Seima in ones and twos.
Two rarities together at Prek Toal: Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets)
COPPERSMITH BARBET (Psilopogon haemacephalus) – Some very nice looks on the main tour, better than usual as we saw it well at Tmatboey and Angkor.
BLUE-EARED BARBET (Psilopogon duvaucelii) – One seen calling at the Tmatboey river, the first I'd actually seen in Cambodia, then it proved vocal and easily seen at Seima.
RED-VENTED BARBET (Psilopogon lagrandieri) – Great looks on two days at Seima, a very localised species that just squeaks into Cambodia here, otherwise in Laos and Vietnam only. A lifer for Phil.
GREEN-EARED BARBET (Psilopogon faiostrictus) – Two birds seen very well at Seima that morning at Km 159, a Cambodian tick for Phil.
LINEATED BARBET (Psilopogon lineatus) – Noisy, and seen very well at Tmatboey, Angkor and Tah Prom. I posted a sound cut from Angkor Wat on the IBC.
INDOCHINESE BARBET (Psilopogon annamensis) – This was a very nice bird to find at Seima, where we had very good views, especially at Dac Dam after the first at Oramis on March 7. Another vocal barbet, this one is basically an Annam endemic and was a lifer for Phil.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
GRAY-CAPPED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos canicapillus) – Good views of this tiny bird at Tmatboey.
FRECKLE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos analis) – Two at ATT showed very well, and Phil saw one briefly at Tmatboey, before a fine male at Kratie by the weavers' nests. Apparently Spot-breasted Woodpecker of the SE Asia FG is preoccupied by a South American species, so this name will work.
YELLOW-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) – A good look at a female at Tmatboey, one of the scarce species here.
RUFOUS-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos hyperythrus) – Another of the hard ones, we got a great look at a single at Tmatboey.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus javensis) – A very fine male at Tmatboey, I even got a photo which I will post on the website.
GREATER YELLOWNAPE (Picus flavinucha) – I believe the Yellownape that flew past us at Seima was actually this species.
LACED WOODPECKER (Picus vittatus) – A very good look at a very responsive male bird at Tmatboey river, the first time I have seen this species here.
BLACK-HEADED WOODPECKER (Picus erythropygius) – Two seen very well at Tmatboey, a really terrific bird.
COMMON FLAMEBACK (Dinopium javanense) – 3 from Tmatboey, 2 at Veal Krous and a male at ATT.
PALE-HEADED WOODPECKER (Gecinulus grantia) – Our first afternoon effort in the bamboo forest remnants at Seima Park HQ was too hot, but we were able to squeeze in about 90 minutes here en route back to Phnom Penh, and Srun succeeded in getting 2 birds to respond, calling and drumming. We got several flight views but none in good light, but a BVD is better than none; a lifer for Phil and a new genus too.
RUFOUS WOODPECKER (Micropternus brachyurus) – Phil saw one at Prek Toal very briefly, and DD got one at Tmatboey, the only person to see it.
BLACK-AND-BUFF WOODPECKER (Meiglyptes jugularis) – Denis and one or two others saw this one at Seima, but it did not linger!
GREATER FLAMEBACK (Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus guttacristatus) – Nice views of 2 at Tmatboey.
HEART-SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Hemicircus canente) – A single at Tmatboey then a group of 5 carrying on and interacting noisily there next day, a delightful little bird. Phil had a sad sighting out in the devastation of the rubber plantations en route back from Seima, where one of these little chaps flew in front of the car and landed in some pitiful scrap of roadside woodland, all that remains of its once beautiful home.
Divine blessings on your equipment is no bad thing to have -- this monk at Seima was very taken with the scope. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
WHITE-RUMPED FALCON (Polihierax insignis) – A great look at a female by the roadside en route to Tmatboey, we always have to do this one in the baking heat, but it worked out nicely today, photo on the website.
COLLARED FALCONET (Microhierax caerulescens) – A fine pair by the roadside en route to Tmatboey, they showed really well, then there was one in the forest remnants at Seima Park HQ. An easily missed species.
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET (Psittacula eupatria) – 10 at Tah Prom and 10 at Tmatboey where I don't usually see them. A declining species.
BLOSSOM-HEADED PARAKEET (Psittacula roseata) – Seen well at Tmatboey, a very attractive species, but only small numbers.
RED-BREASTED PARAKEET (Psittacula alexandri) – 8 at Angkor and up to 14 at Tah Prom and Preah Khan where they were very vocal.
VERNAL HANGING-PARROT (Loriculus vernalis) – Heard at Tmatboey and seen briefly by Phil and Peter, then seen nicely at Seima.
Eurylaimidae (Asian and Grauer's Broadbills)
BANDED BROADBILL (Eurylaimus javanicus) – Calling very well by the roadside at Seima and eventually seen very well, several birds were interacting here.
Pittidae (Pittas)
BAR-BELLIED PITTA (Hydrornis elliotii) – Heard distantly at one one site and then very close by the park HQ where I really thought we might see it, the problem is any movement tends to spook these things. An Almost. [*]
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
LARGE WOODSHRIKE (Tephrodornis gularis) – Seen on one day at Tmatboey by a few.
COMMON WOODSHRIKE (Tephrodornis pondicerianus) – Three day records from the Tmatboey area.
BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE (Hemipus picatus) – 4 birds on one day at Tmatboey where we seem to be finding them regularly now.
Artamidae (Woodswallows)
ASHY WOODSWALLOW (Artamus fuscus) – The site on the way back from the boat trip on Tonle Sap eventually came good with 4 birds seen nicely, it is curiously local in Cambodia.
Aegithinidae (Ioras)
COMMON IORA (Aegithina tiphia) – Five day records from the dry forests.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
SMALL MINIVET (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) – Fairly common in the dry forests, we had some great views.
SCARLET MINIVET (Pericrocotus speciosus) – A female at Tmatboey on the first day.
ASHY MINIVET (Pericrocotus divaricatus) – Some saw this at the Tmatboey river, and there were 10 at Angkor Wat.
BROWN-RUMPED MINIVET (Pericrocotus cantonensis) – Seen twice at Tmatboey with up to 5 birds on 26th Feb, and a single at the temples.
Mekong Wagtail, the great prize on the river at Kratie (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
BLACK-WINGED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Lalage melaschistos) – Seen twice at Seima, the dark wings and tail shape distinguish it from the local race of Indochinese Cuckooshrike.
INDOCHINESE CUCKOOSHRIKE (Lalage polioptera) – Four day records from the drier forests.
Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Allies)
MANGROVE WHISTLER (Pachycephala cinerea) – Srun had a new site for this species which we don't see on the tour, and we made a visit with a local guide. Much tape playing basically got no vocal response, but one bird that flew up and sat certainly looked like this species, had it called at all I'd have been certain. A good try anyway.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
BROWN SHRIKE (Lanius cristatus) – Five day records from scattered sites, very small numbers.
BURMESE SHRIKE (Lanius collurioides) – Nice views at Tmatboey of this attractive species, then again at Seima.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
WHITE-BELLIED ERPORNIS (Erpornis zantholeuca) – I found one in a forest patch at Seima, and there was another at the Oramis Hotel later. Formerly known as White-bellied Yuhina.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE (Oriolus chinensis) – Four day records, and quite vocal in the temple forests.
BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE (Oriolus xanthornus) – Vocal and showed well on 4 days at the dry dipterocarp forests.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
BLACK DRONGO (Dicrurus macrocercus) – Widespread and seen every day of the trip.
ASHY DRONGO (Dicrurus leucophaeus) – Six day records, and some good views.
BRONZED DRONGO (Dicrurus aeneus) – Up to 4 of this quite small billed species from riparian forest at Tmatboey.
LESSER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus remifer) – This was seen a couple of times at Seima.
HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO (Dicrurus hottentottus) – Seen at Tmatboey where we had 6 birds on Feb 26th at the old temple near the river, and it was also seen at Veal Krous.
GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus paradiseus) – A few from Tmatboey.
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
MALAYSIAN PIED-FANTAIL (Rhipidura javanica) – Seen very nicely at ATT.
WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL (Rhipidura albicollis) – One along the stream at Oramis was a nice find.
WHITE-BROWED FANTAIL (Rhipidura aureola) – Good looks at Tmatboey with 8 in one day.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
BLACK-NAPED MONARCH (Hypothymis azurea) – A few sightings from Tmatboey and the temple complexes.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
RED-BILLED BLUE-MAGPIE (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) – Seen a couple of times at Tmatboey, where some saw it nicely at the feeding station. One spectacular bird.
RUFOUS TREEPIE (Dendrocitta vagabunda) – Seen at Tmatboey.
RACKET-TAILED TREEPIE (Crypsirina temia) – Seen at the Steung Chuk River at Tmatboey and at ATT, the first being a group of 6 birds.
LARGE-BILLED CROW (LARGE-BILLED) (Corvus macrorhynchos macrorhynchos) – Now split by many as Southern Jungle Crow, this was widespread in small numbers and certainly sounds different to the Japanese birds.
Alaudidae (Larks)
AUSTRALASIAN BUSHLARK (Mirafra javanica horsfieldii) – A couple at ATT and then at the Kompong Thom grasslands.
Spotted Wood-Owl showed very well at ATT. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
ORIENTAL SKYLARK (Alauda gulgula) – Seen and heard in the typical skylark song flight at Kompong Thom, amazing to hear this in such a setting.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
GRAY-THROATED MARTIN (Riparia chinensis) – 6 over the Mekong at Kratie.
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – Small numbers at several wetland sites.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Widespread and seen most days, the max. being 100 at Phnom Kroam.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica) – Five day records of small numbers, from Tmatboey and Veal Krous.
Sittidae (Nuthatches)
BURMESE NUTHATCH (Sitta neglecta) – Nice views of two at Tmatboey, also variously called Chestnut-bellied or Neglected Nuthatch.
VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH (Sitta frontalis) – A fine pair at Tmatboey late one afternoon.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
BLACK-HEADED BULBUL (Pycnonotus atriceps) – Seen at Steung Chuk River, and then again at Preah Khan and finally for Joe at Seima.
BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus flaviventris) – Some nice views of this striking bird from Tmatboey.
RED-WHISKERED BULBUL (Pycnonotus jocosus) – This was an addition from Seima, with good views at Oramis in particular.
SOOTY-HEADED BULBUL (Pycnonotus aurigaster) – Common at Tmatboey and Veal Krous.
STRIPE-THROATED BULBUL (Pycnonotus finlaysoni) – Nice views of this striking bird at the Steung Chuk River.
YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus goiavier) – Small numbers around Siem Reap.
STREAK-EARED BULBUL (Pycnonotus blanfordi) – Widespread in small numbers, the streaky ears are quite hard to see unless very close.
PUFF-THROATED BULBUL (Alophoixus pallidus) – Another addition from Seima.
OCHRACEOUS BULBUL (Alophoixus ochraceus) – Likewise, we had one at Oramis where it was close to the previous species and clearly smaller and less well-defined on the throat.
GRAY-EYED BULBUL (Iole propinqua) – Another one from Seima, the nasal call is very distinctive and it was quite widespread there.
BLACK BULBUL (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) – Good looks at Oramis, quite an odd looking species with a distinctly notched tail and red bill.
Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers)
DUSKY WARBLER (Phylloscopus fuscatus) – Six day records, it was widespread and quite vocal around the Angkor area and at Prek Toal, where it showed very well from the boat.
RADDE'S WARBLER (Phylloscopus schwarzi) – Most folks saw this at the Tmatboey feeders and there was another at Prek Toal from the boat.
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER (Phylloscopus inornatus) – Very vocal and active at Tmatboey and I think most folks got onto them eventually.
ARCTIC WARBLER (Phylloscopus borealis) – One bird at the Steung Cheuk River showed the classic features of this migrant, with a long supercilium, single wing-bar and whitish underparts.
TWO-BARRED WARBLER (Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus) – One at the Mangrove Whistler site at Preah Vihear looked good for this species, and there was another next day at ATT.
PALE-LEGGED LEAF WARBLER (Phylloscopus tenellipes) – The sharp metallic call was heard from Tmatboey and the temples but it can be hard to see and does not respond well to playback. [*]
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
THICK-BILLED WARBLER (Iduna aedon) – 2 at Phnom Kroam were a good pick-up of a scarce species, formerly placed in Acrocephalus.
BLACK-BROWED REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus bistrigiceps) – Seen nicely at Phnom Kroam in the paddies there.
MANCHURIAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus tangorum) – Amazingly enough we were lucky and got convincing views of this tricky species at Kompong Thom, it sat up nicely so we could see the long bill and broad supercilium in front of the eye. Rare and poorly known.
ORIENTAL REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus orientalis) – The first was from ATT and there were several at Phnom Kroam, a large Acro.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
STRIATED GRASSBIRD (Megalurus palustris) – An extraordinary bird, very vocal and large and seen well at Phnom Kroam and Kompong Thom.
The Kania group by the moat at Angkor (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
ZITTING CISTICOLA (ZITTING) (Cisticola juncidis tinnabulans) – Heard at Kratie and seen at Kompong Thom grasslands.
GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola exilis equicaudatus) – Some folks saw this one at Veal Krous.
COMMON TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus sutorius) – As ever, we struggled to actually see it and finally got one at ATT.
DARK-NECKED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus atrogularis) – Responsive and showy at Steung Chuk River and then at Prek Toal.
CAMBODIAN TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus chaktomuk) – The finale of the tour, we quickly got onto a pair at the second site we tried in Phnom Penh. Now formally named and described, it is a distinctive smart looking thing, endemic to the Four Arms Plain, looking like a cross between Ashy and Dark-necked Tailorbird. [E]
BROWN PRINIA (Prinia polychroa) – Just 2 at Tmatboey.
RUFESCENT PRINIA (Prinia rufescens) – Two seen nicely at Veal Krous.
GRAY-BREASTED PRINIA (Prinia hodgsonii) – 4 at Tmatboey were a nice trip bird.
YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA (Prinia flaviventris) – One was seen briefly at Prek Toal, then we had a good one on the island in the Mekong at Kratie.
PLAIN PRINIA (Prinia inornata) – Seen around the Siem Reap area, but only small numbers.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE (Zosterops palpebrosus) – A good pick up at Oramis in Seima.
Timaliidae (Tree-Babblers, Scimitar-Babblers, and Allies)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BABBLER (Timalia pileata) – This showed well at Steung Chuk River, and then at Veal Krous as well.
PIN-STRIPED TIT-BABBLER (Mixornis gularis) – Seen very briefly at the Steung Chuk River.
GRAY-FACED TIT-BABBLER (Mixornis kelleyi) – A Seima bird that we taped in at the morning forest stop.
Pellorneidae (Ground Babblers and Allies)
SCALY-CROWNED BABBLER (Malacopteron cinereum) – This was the very vocal babbler at the Seima forest site where we had the Great Hornbill, but it did not show at all well and was identified from my tape later.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax leucolophus) – Seen very well at the Tmatboey feeders, a very spectacular and quite noisy species.
Irenidae (Fairy-bluebirds)
ASIAN FAIRY-BLUEBIRD (Irena puella) – Great looks at Oramis at Seima, this was the official # 4000 for Peter, a fine choice too.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa latirostris) – Widespread in small numbers.
ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus saularis) – Seen at Veal Krous pond and Phnom Kroam, an attractive bird too.
WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA (Copsychus malabaricus) – This was hard and only showed badly at Preah Khan for most.
HAINAN BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis hainanus) – Just at couple at Angkor.
Giant Ibis at Tmatboey (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
VERDITER FLYCATCHER (Eumyias thalassinus) – One from Tmatboey and another at Dac Dam, a scarce species in Cambodia.
BLUETHROAT (Luscinia svecica) – Great looks at the Prolay grasslands where I personally saw 10+ birds and everyone got nice looks at quite well plumaged males.
TAIGA FLYCATCHER (Ficedula albicilla) – Up to 5 at Tmatboey and also seen at Angkor.
WHITE-THROATED ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola gularis) – A fine female at Angkor Wat, this is a regular site for this elusive species.
BLUE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola solitarius philippensis) – One female of uncertain race out in open country near Tmatboey was unexpected, and there was another at Angkor.
SIBERIAN STONECHAT (SIBERIAN) (Saxicola maurus przewalskii) – 7 day records starting with a male near Tmatboey, but the whole taxonomy remains vexatious as yet.
PIED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola caprata) – Six day records of small numbers, starting at Tmatboey.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
GOLDEN-CRESTED MYNA (Ampeliceps coronatus) – About 4 at the Green Peafowl site, they looked very odd, almost as if the heads were dusted with yellow pollen!
COMMON HILL MYNA (Gracula religiosa) – Small numbers around Angkor and Preah Khan temples, it has become rare due to trapping for the cage bird trade. Also a few at Seima.
GREAT MYNA (Acridotheres grandis) – Usually called White-vented Myna, we had small numbers at ATT and en route to Prek Toal.
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Widespread but not unduly common, it was seen most days.
VINOUS-BREASTED STARLING (Acridotheres burmannicus) – A good trip for them, with 130+ up at Veal Krous being a very good count, and singles at Tmatboey.
BLACK-COLLARED STARLING (Gracupica nigricollis) – Seen on four days, starting with 2 near Tmatboey then again at Veal Krous.
ASIAN PIED STARLING (Gracupica contra) – One at ATT was a real surprise here, a good record.
WHITE-SHOULDERED STARLING (Sturnia sinensis) – 6 out at Phnom Kroam eventually, they have been here some time but this is generally very scarce.
CHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING (Sturnia malabarica) – Nice views of 4 at Veal Krous pond after a very brief sighting from Tmatboey.
Chloropseidae (Leafbirds)
BLUE-WINGED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis cochinchinensis) – Two sightings from Tmatboey river, a very attractive species.
GOLDEN-FRONTED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis aurifrons) – Seen nicely at Tmatboey Lodge.
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
THICK-BILLED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum agile) – A good view of one at Tmatboey, it is amazing just how few flowerpeckers we see in Cambodia.
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker is one of the much less common species in the dry forests. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
PLAIN FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum minullum) – A single from Tmatboey, an odd nondescript thing with a slightly decurved bill.
FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum ignipectus) – One at Dac Dam was the only sighting.
SCARLET-BACKED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum cruentatum) – Heard several times but only seen at Veal Krous where a male showed well.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD (Chalcoparia singalensis) – A female at Tmatboey river, and one from Preah Khan later.
PLAIN-THROATED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes malacensis) – 3 Brown-throated Sunbird were seen at the SVC in Siem Reap as last year, again the only ones we saw!
VAN HASSELT'S SUNBIRD (Leptocoma brasiliana emmae) – A beautiful male showed very well eventually at Tmatboey River. This is a split from Purple-throated Sunbird L. sperata.
PURPLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris asiaticus) – Small numbers from the dry dipterocarp forests.
OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD (OLIVE-BACKED) (Cinnyris jugularis flammaxillaris) – One from Angkor, this does not sound anything like the birds in Queensland, and the group is badly in need of splitting out as it's obviously several species.
BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRD (Aethopyga saturata) – I think some of the group got onto this at Dac Dam late one afternoon, but it was very elusive.
CRIMSON SUNBIRD (Aethopyga siparaja) – Great looks at males in the hotel grounds at Oramis.
STREAKED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera magna) – One from Dac Dam was a nice find, but only showed briefly. Peter saw one at Oramis earlier too.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (EASTERN) (Motacilla tschutschensis tschutschensis) – Just a single at Phnom Kroam, this taxon used to be called similllima but that got axed (unfortunately) for this horribly hard to spell new name!
EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (MANCHURIAN) (Motacilla tschutschensis macronyx) – Unlike previous years, most of the Flava Wagtails we saw belong to this group, lacking any supercilium and with a greyish head. Seen at Phnom Kroam, Prolay and Kompong Thom, but only very small numbers.
GRAY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea) – One at Oramis showed well, and Denis caught up with it later being blissfully unaware of it earlier despite us all looking at it! (and to be fair the White-throated Fantail as well, but who needs fairness?)
MEKONG WAGTAIL (Motacilla samveasnae) – Great looks at 2 or 3 on the bushy islands in the Mekong, the boatmen know just where to go and we scored quickly this year! Photos on the website and sound cut on XC. This species was described as recently as 2001, being previously overlooked, and commemorates Cambodian ornithologist Sam Veasna of SVC fame.
ORIENTAL PIPIT (Anthus rufulus) – A few sightings from the grasslands, I prefer the more descriptive Paddyfield Pipit to this meaningless general name.
RED-THROATED PIPIT (Anthus cervinus) – Seen at a wet area en route to ATT, and then quite well at Kompong Thom, the sibilant call is a good way to find it.
One of the exit gates at Angkor Thom -- the stone faces here are world famous. (Photo by guide Phil Gregory)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza aureola) – One at Tmatboey was a new bird for that area as the local guides did not know it at all, and we had just one at the Kompong Thom grasslands, well down from 2 weeks ago.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – This is spreading fast, we had about 30 at Kompong Thom way out in the fields and 2 also at Phnom Kroam. They are very white cheeked and quite striking looking, I wonder which race this is here? I also wonder how it will affect Plain-backed Sparrow? [I]
PLAIN-BACKED SPARROW (Passer flaveolus) – Very nice looks at Phnom Kroam of this rather local species after a single from ATT.
EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus) – The default sparrow of the urban areas.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
STREAKED WEAVER (Ploceus manyar) – One at ATT, and one at Phnom Kroam, this has become elusive of late and is easily missed.
BAYA WEAVER (Ploceus philippinus) – Seen at ATT.
ASIAN GOLDEN WEAVER (Ploceus hypoxanthus) – The little colony near Kratie was even more accessible with nest building in some smaller trees now. Quite a rare bird, often trapped for the cage bird trade.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
WHITE-RUMPED MUNIA (Lonchura striata) – Just one from the Kompong Thom grasslands was the only sighting.
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura punctulata) – Singles from ATT and Phnom Kroam, and about a dozen at Kratie.
MAMMALS
LYLE'S FLYING FOX (Pteropus lylei) – The camp in the centre of Siem Reap is always worth a look, the group saw about 80 of them here.
CRAB-EATING MACAQUE (Macaca fascigularis) – Seen nicely at Angkor Wat and Preah Khan, more usually called Long-tailed Macaque.
PIGTAIL MACAQUE (Macaca nemestrina) – One was seen at Seima.
FINLAYSON'S SQUIRREL (Callosciurus finlaysoni) – This is the handsome reddish-chestnut squirrel with the white tail base that we saw at Tmatboey and Angkor.
INDOCHINESE GROUND SQUIRREL (Menetes berdmorei) – A few folks saw this at Tmatboey.
IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN (Orcaella brevirostris) – About 10 individuals of this rare mammal were seen in the Mekong at Kratie, they give a soft whooshing blow as they surface and are the basis of the tourist industry here. Sadly gravely threatened by dam building upriver and getting entangled in fishing nets.
SMALL ASIAN MONGOOSE (Herpestes javanicus) – One was seen at Tmatboey by Phil and a couple of others as it dashed across a track.
MUNTJAC (BARKING DEER) (Muntiacus muntjak) – One with tail fluffed and erect in alarm ran in front of my car at Tmatboey, not long after a hunter and his dogs had gone by! Also heard at Veal Krous giving a coughing bark at night.
ELD'S DEER (Rucervus eldii) – A very good count of 15 of this rare brow-antlered deer at ATT grasslands, a great place to see them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
OTHER CREATURES
Tokay Geckoes were heard at many sites, they have a loud oddly human sounding "Gek-ko" (or to-kay) call.
Eastern Butterfly Lizard (Leiopsis reevesii) was seen at Tmatboey.
Our day at ATT was enlivened by seeing how the local guys dig to collect small eels from the dry ground, and Denis was quite a proficient collector as it turned out.
A water snake was seen at Prek Toal, and a brown barred black small one at Phnom Kroam.
A couple of additional mammals were great looks at the rare Black-shanked Douc (Pygathrix nigripes) at the Green Peafowl site, then at Dac Dam. We also heard the even rarer Yellow-cheeked Gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae) at one of the Seima sites and the guide did a great imitation of its call using a bamboo leaf! Pity it did not appear.....
A small bat appeared on our boat at Tonle Sap and kept flying in and out, I fear it eventually fell into the water and disappeared before I could rescue it. Unsure which species, maybe a tomb bat
TREES
Many species were in flower, including the lovely pink and white star-flowered Dipterocarpus at Tmatboey which is one of just 5 species used for nesting by Giant Ibis. It was also fascinating to see how the sap is gathered from the large holes cut in so many trees to collect the fluid which is used as a varnish and water repellent after the cut is burned to stimulate the flow of sap.
Totals for the tour: 297 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa