Our second post-pandemic foray into Cambodia was a very rewarding tour, and it came at a time when tourism is trying very hard to revive here. I thought visitor numbers at Angkor were about 50% of those on my last pre-pandemic visit in 2019, and this made it a pleasant place to visit without the crowds. Many hotels remain shuttered and even though a new international airport is built at Siem Reap, designed to take the huge A380's, there is a very long way yet to go before the industry gets back to anything like what it was.
Cambodia Bird Guides (CBGA) managed to survive the shutdown and most of its key conservation initiatives still exist, something I had been concerned about beforehand, but the news is good here. The wetlands at Ang Trepeang Thmor (ATT) are intact and have their local guides, as does the grassland site at Pro Lay near Kompong Thom, the 4 vulture restaurants and the very important dry dipterocarp forest at Tmatboey, last haven for the two critically endangered ibis. We even bought the CBGA T-shirts for the Endangered Bengal Florican, Giant Ibis, and White-rumped Falcon, wisely not wearing them until we had seen the birds...
We began in Siem Reap and used various vans to get round the sites, with a morning out at Phnom Krom as an introduction, with a new colony of Asian Golden Weaver as a very good sighting. We had a very successful day trip to the blind at Changkran Roy ecotourism reserve, where we saw a fantastic Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo after a protracted wait of 4 hours, and heard Green-legged Partridge, and a frustratingly invisible Bar-bellied Pitta.
ATT was good with Sarus Cranes and several Indian Spotted Eagles, plus Spotted Wood-Owl, Western Barn-Owl, and Spotted Owlet as a good start for the owl family. A distant big flock of Black-tailed Godwit, Pied Harrier and and both Indian and Greater Spotted Eagle were other good species to get here.
Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple complexes made for a fantastic cultural experience, with our expert guide reeling off details of the Hindu cosmology and the bewildering outbreaks of Hindu and Buddhist religious fanaticism that led to the building of these extraordinary vast monuments. This must have been the New York of its time, with a huge population. We learned about nagas, devas, garudas, the sea of milk, avatars of Vishnu, and the amazing variety of of gods and mythical creatures associated with them. Birds here were also quite rewarding, with Asian Barred Owlet, Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo, Hainan Blue Flycatcher, White-throated Rock-Thrush, and Forest Wagtail among the stars.
The boat trip to Prek Toal on the vast Tonle Sap lake was a tough day, being hot and with much of the breeding already done, for the first time ever we did not see Greater Adjutant or Milky Stork. We did see Painted Stork, Lesser Adjutant Asian Openbill, Spot-billed Pelican, and many herons including Purple Heron and both Glossy and the rare Black-headed Ibis.
Kompong Thom Pro Lay grasslands came up with Bengal Florican and Manchurian Reed Warbler; Mr Ry the local guide is expert at finding the latter rarity. Siamese Pied Starling, Lanceolated Warbler, Oriental Pratincole plus Oriental Skylark, Australasian Bushlark, and Asian Green Bee-eater were nice additions.
Tmatboey is a trip highlight and the simple rustic cabins were fine, thankfully this year with no noisy Khmer wedding (!) nearby. The star birds here are, of course, the Giant and White-shouldered ibises, and we had very good experiences with both. White-rumped Falcon also showed well, and we enjoyed great looks at Rufous-bellied, Yellow-crested, Gray-capped Pygmy-, Great Slaty, and White-bellied woodpeckers, as well as Lesser Yellownape and both flamebacks. Owls were also good, with Asian Barred Owlet again, Brown Boobook and Brown Fish-Owl, and fine views of Savanna Nightjar on a nest.
The vulture restaurant at Baeng Toel was next, with a pleasant night in the large tents. White-rumped and Slender-billed vultures showed well, and we had 5 of the very rare Red-headed Vulture, our timing was perfect. Owls here were great too, with wonderful views of Oriental Scops on the second attempt at dawn.
Kratie and the Mekong boat trip were good, with the rare Irrawaddy River Dolphin seen well, plus Mekong Wagtail, Little Ringed Plover and yet more swiftlet condos, the huge blocks built for Germain's Swiftlets and the harvesting of the saliva nests, now a very big business indeed.
The final few days over in the cooler highlands at Seima and Dak Dam on the Vietnam border were interesting and added a lot of species, though tourism here was very hard hit and the huge hotel and resort building programs are only gradually restarting. This area gave us several new barbets in Red-vented, Indochinese and Blue-eared, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Gray-faced Babbler, Black-throated Yuhina, Black-throated Tit, Plain (Blue-eared) Minla, Golden-crested Myna, and the distinctive White-faced (Eurasian) Jay.
Heading back to the capital we avoided the traffic and had good views of Cambodian Tailorbird before lunch this time.
It was a fun trip with a very compatible and good-humored group replete with good spotters, and we did well for the birds. We also had our own Turkish butterfly expert which added a nice dimension to the trip, thanks Ahmet. Thank you all for coming, I hope our paths may cross again in the future and safe travels. Sorry Susan had to leave us early on, it did not get any cooler in the lowlands, but Seima was higher altitude and better temperatures.
Chea Seab from CBGA was a skilled, hardworking and helpful guide who knew where to find most things, he did well by us and our thanks to him and the hard-working drivers who routinely did long days without complaint. Thanks also to Karen at Field Guides who got it all put together; we even got to stay at Tmatboey which was in doubt initially. I am looking forward to 2025 already.
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
LESSER WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna javanica)
Distant views at Phnom Krom and ATT.
KNOB-BILLED DUCK (Sarkidiornis melanotos)
We finally saw a flock at Prolay; they were elusive this year with none at ATT.
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus coromandelianus)
Seen at Phnom Krom, then some good numbers at ATT.
GARGANEY (Spatula querquedula)
A flock of over 100 at ATT, a winter migrant here.
INDIAN SPOT-BILLED DUCK (Anas poecilorhyncha haringtoni)
Small numbers at Phnom Krom, ATT and the Mekong at Kratie.
BAR-BACKED PARTRIDGE (Arborophila brunneopectus)
One of the birds of the trip. Chea told me had heard one at Dak Dam, so I went off to do playback whilst everyone was busy with a Banded Bay Cuckoo. I got a response from both sides of the track, and calling everyone together worked on getting it closer. After about 15 min, we got one to fly across, then another stepped out onto the track for a great view. This was a lifer for all of us, Chea included.
GREEN PEAFOWL (Pavo muticus)
Laurel and Ken saw one female fly across late one afternoon at Dak Dam with a second later, and happily next day we had 2 females on the track for a brief but quite close view. A rare bird classified as Endangered, with our usual site now trashed, so this was a nice find.
SCALY-BREASTED PARTRIDGE (GREEN-LEGGED) (Tropicoperdix chloropus olivacea) [*]
Heard from the blind early morning at Changkran Roy, but did not come in this year.
GERMAIN'S PEACOCK-PHEASANT (Polyplectron germaini) [*]
Heard very close at Seima and I thought we were going to see it until a dog appeared down the track and began barking.....,
RED JUNGLEFOWL (Gallus gallus gallus)
Seen at Dak Dam; these are the wild form of the domestic chicken.
CHINESE FRANCOLIN (Francolinus pintadeanus)
The raspy "Pa-pa-ma-ma" call is one of the most iconic sounds of the dry forests of this part of the world. It is truly a memorable vocalization, and we saw the species nicely a couple of times, which isn't always guaranteed.
BLUE-BREASTED QUAIL (Synoicus chinensis)
We did well at Prolay with this one, flushing birds several times with at least 3 and maybe 4 individuals.
LITTLE GREBE (LITTLE) (Tachybaptus ruficollis poggei)
Seen at Phnom Krom, where one was sadly trapped and unreachable in a fishing net, heard at Prek Toel, then 6 at ATT and 1 at Kratie paddies.
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
A few in the cities.
PALE-CAPPED PIGEON (Columba punicea)
None at Tmatboey, but we did well at Dak Dam with several flybys late one afternoon; a rare species which we don't always see as they are quite nomadic.
ORIENTAL TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia orientalis orientalis)
Just one at Dak Dam; it is scarce in Cambodia.
RED COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia tranquebarica)
Small numbers from Phnom Krom and Kratie.
SPOTTED DOVE (Spilopelia chinensis)
Seen at Siem Reap onwards; widespread, and now split as Eastern Spotted Dove by HBW/BirdLife.
BARRED CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia unchall)
A single flyby at the hilltop near Sen Monorom.
ASIAN EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica)
Great views from the blind at Changkran Roy with up to 7 birds, and one flyby at Seima.
ZEBRA DOVE (Geopelia striata)
Widespread, even in Siem Reap; a recent (1998) colonist in Cambodia it seems.
THICK-BILLED GREEN-PIGEON (Treron curvirostra)
Seen at Tmatboey and Seima in small numbers.
YELLOW-FOOTED GREEN-PIGEON (Treron phoenicopterus)
Nice looks at Tmatboey with up to 7 birds; it's uncommon and not seen every trip.
PIN-TAILED GREEN-PIGEON (Treron apicauda)
Great looks around Dak Dam with up to 8 birds seen well.
GREEN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula aenea)
A few from Tmatboey.
MOUNTAIN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula badia)
Seen at Dak Dam.
BENGAL FLORICAN (Houbaropsis bengalensis)
Lovely flight views of a male at Prolay, skillfully herded towards us by the guides, and a female as soon as we arrived. Classified as Critically Endangered with a population between 250 and 1000 birds, these grasslands are a very important centre for the species.
CORAL-BILLED GROUND-CUCKOO (Carpococcyx renauldi)
Perhaps bird of the trip, this mega took some getting, and we had no luck in the morning from a cramped and amazingly uncomfortable blind, but that afternoon one appeared and walked in to feed, a really spectacular creature. The guides light a fire and make some noise as they spread the termites, as the birds forage at picnic sites it seems, a very odd technique that worked nicely.
GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis)
Good views from Phnom Krom and ATT.
LESSER COUCAL (Centropus bengalensis)
One at Prek Toel.
GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA (Phaenicophaeus tristis)
Seen at Angkor by some, and later at Tmatboey.
CHESTNUT-WINGED CUCKOO (Clamator coromandus)
A good find at the Kratie paddies; I managed to lure it back out eventually as most of us missed it initially. A bonus tick for Bill and my first in Cambodia.
ASIAN KOEL (Eudynamys scolopaceus)
Heard on most days and seen at Tmatboey.
ASIAN EMERALD CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx maculatus)
A surprise at the temple as we came back from Prek Toel, and a lucky pick-up as they are difficult to find.
BANDED BAY CUCKOO (Cacomantis sonneratii)
Seen at Dak Dam and quite vocal.
PLAINTIVE CUCKOO (Cacomantis merulinus)
Seen well at Phnom Krom and Prek Toel.
SQUARE-TAILED DRONGO-CUCKOO (Surniculus lugubris lugubris)
A single at the Preah Khan temple woodlands; the taxonomy is vexed and this is currently placed with Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo irrespective of the slightly forked tail!
HODGSON'S HAWK-CUCKOO (Hierococcyx nisicolor)
A lucky pick-up at Baeng-Toel, where we got one in the scope for an excellent view. The status in Cambodia is not well-known and it is seldom reported; a bonus tick for most of the group.
INDIAN CUCKOO (Cuculus micropterus)
Vocal at Tmatboey and seen quite well a couple of times.
LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus macrurus bimaculatus) [*]
Heard at Tmatboey but did not come in.
SAVANNA NIGHTJAR (NORTHERN) (Caprimulgus affinis monticolus)
Wonderful looks at a nesting bird at Tmatboey, see the video on Smugmug.
SILVER-BACKED NEEDLETAIL (Hirundapus cochinchinensis)
A needletail seen briefly at Seima by John is either this or Brown-Backed Needletail.
GERMAIN'S SWIFTLET (Aerodramus germani)
Good views starting at Siem Reap and Angkor, even seeing the pale rump, and then just about everywhere else except parts of Seima. This species has become much more frequent thanks to the provision of industrial-scale swiftlet condos, where the saliva nests are harvested for restaurants and bird's nest soup. When we began this tour back in 2008 we would only see this species around Angkor in small numbers!
HOUSE SWIFT (Apus nipalensis)
A single as we came on to Lake Tonle Sap, quite scarce.
ASIAN PALM SWIFT (Cypsiurus balasiensis)
Widespread and common in small numbers.
CRESTED TREESWIFT (Hemiprocne coronata)
Great views and vocals from the Tmatboey region.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)
4 at Kratie paddies.
EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)
A very good count at ATT this year, with 45 birds, far more than usual.
GRAY-HEADED SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio poliocephalus viridis)
Many at ATT, and some at Phnom Krom as well.
WHITE-BROWED CRAKE (Poliolimnas cinereus)
Seen at the paddies at Kratie.
WATERCOCK (Gallicrex cinerea)
One briefly in flight at the paddies at Kratie.
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN (Amaurornis phoenicurus)
One on the track at the Kratie paddies.
SARUS CRANE (Antigone antigone sharpii)
Good looks at 12 of this rare taxon up at ATT grasslands.
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)
24 at Phnom Krom and 90 at ATT.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (DUBIUS/JERDONI) (Charadrius dubius jerdoni)
8 at Phnom Krom, one at ATT and 2 on the Mekong at Kratie.
RED-WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus indicus atronuchalis)
Remarkably scarce this trip and only seen in very small numbers at ATT, Pro Lay and Tmatboey. This is the Black-necked taxon which is split by BirdLife.
PHEASANT-TAILED JACANA (Hydrophasianus chirurgus)
50 at Phnom Krom, a couple at ATT and 5 at Kratie paddies.
BRONZE-WINGED JACANA (Metopidius indicus)
This striking bird is always far scarcer than its sibling, we saw 1 at Phnom Krom and 2 at ATT.
PIN-TAILED SNIPE (Gallinago stenura)
Two at Prolay grasslands; they lack the white trailing edge to the wing shown by Common Snipe.
COMMON SNIPE (Gallinago gallinago)
A single at Prolay grasslands.
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)
Just one at Phnom Krom and 1 on the Mekong at Kratie.
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis)
One seen briefly at Prolay grasslands by some of us.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola)
6 at Phnom Krom and 11 at ATT.
SPOTTED REDSHANK (Tringa erythropus)
A fine single bird by the road at ATT, and another later that day.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia)
Just 2 at Phnom Krom was it.
LONG-TOED STINT (Calidris subminuta)
Nice views of 3 of this uncommon migrant on the mud at Phnom Krom.
BARRED BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix suscitator)
Some folks saw one at Tmatboey.
SMALL BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix sylvaticus)
A good flight view of one at Prolay grasslands.
ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE (Glareola maldivarum)
6 at ATT and one at Prolay grasslands, fewer than normal, and no sign of Small Pratincole this trip; the rivers seemed to be too high.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida)
70 at Phnom Krom, 40 at ATT, 250 + at Prek Toel and a few at Prolay, all in winter plumage.
ASIAN OPENBILL (Anastomus oscitans)
50 at Prek Topel and 40 at ATT.
ASIAN WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus episcopus)
A fine single at Tmatboey was new for most folks.
LESSER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos javanicus)
Just 4 at Prek Toel, where the season was largely over, and a single at Tmatboey.
PAINTED STORK (Mycteria leucocephala)
3 at Phnom Krom, 150 at Prek Toel and 60 at Prolay, plus one or two seen in transit on other days. The nesting was largely over by now; they began early.
ORIENTAL DARTER (Anhinga melanogaster)
2 at Phnom Krom, 3 at Angkor, 70 at Prek Toal, singles at ATT and Kratie and 10 at Prolay. Classified as Near Threatened by BirdLife.
LITTLE CORMORANT (Microcarbo niger)
Small numbers from Phnom Krom, Prek Toal and the Mekong, but a huge flypast at Kratie paddies with over 3000 birds in large flocks late pm.
GREAT CORMORANT (EURASIAN) (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)
5 at Prek Toel and 7 at ATT, uncommon.
INDIAN CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis)
90 at Prek Toel were the only record this trip.
SPOT-BILLED PELICAN (Pelecanus philippensis)
15 at Prek Toel was very low count, then we encountered 40 at Prolay. Classified as Near Threatened with less than 12,000 birds remaining.
CINNAMON BITTERN (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus)
One was seen at Prek Toel from Chea's boat; a very poor year for them.
YELLOW BITTERN (Ixobrychus sinensis)
One at Phnom Krom, then one at Kratie paddies; another waterbird species that we saw very few of this year.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (EURASIAN) (Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax)
3 at Prek Toel and 5 at ATT.
LITTLE EGRET (WESTERN) (Egretta garzetta garzetta)
Small numbers at the wetland sites, max. 70 at Phnom Krom.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
Just one from ATT.
CHINESE POND-HERON (Ardeola bacchus)
The commonest heron, seen in all wetland habitats, with over 150 at Prek Toal, in a great variety of plumages too. Winter dress is indistinguishable from Javan Pond Heron and it may be we are overlooking this as we don't see them in breeding dress.
GREAT EGRET (ALBA) (Ardea alba alba)
Very small numbers at the wetland sites, 10 at Prek Toel the most.
MEDIUM EGRET (Ardea intermedia)
A couple at Phnom Krom, 10 at Prek Toel and a few at ATT. Now split from the African and Australasian taxa but what a terrible name!
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea)
Very small numbers at the wetland sites.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea)
One at Phnom Krom and 4 at Prek Toel.
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)
Eight flying over at the stork colony at Prek Toal.
BLACK-HEADED IBIS (Threskiornis melanocephalus)
Good views of about 10 on the Prek Toal boat trip, and a single at ATT. A quite rare bird, classified as Near Threatened by BirdLife.
WHITE-SHOULDERED IBIS (Pseudibis davisoni)
Two on arrival day Tmatboey, then seen again next day with good flight views, plus a nesting bird near Tmatboey. Now classified as Critically Endangered.
GIANT IBIS (Pseudibis gigantea)
One of the great charismatic megas of the trip and virtually a Cambodian endemic now. We went to a nest and saw an adult briefly with the large juvenile in the nest, then next day had great looks at two perched up in the forest. Critically Endangered, with a population of maybe 250-300. Localized drought, forest clearing, disturbance and the growing human population pose grave threats.
BLACK-WINGED KITE (Elanus caeruleus)
Strangely scarce; we saw 2 at ATT and some saw it at Prolay.
ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD (NORTHERN) (Pernis ptilorhynchus orientalis)
Four day records from Tmatboey and Seima, one bird each time except for 2 at the former site.
BLACK BAZA (Aviceda leuphotes)
Glimpsed at Angkor, then Bill found us 2 beautiful birds at km 157 at Seima on the very last morning, even seen perched.
RED-HEADED VULTURE (Sarcogyps calvus)
We were lucky and saw 5 individuals; the male has a yellow eye and the female dark. One bird had a transmitter attached. This is the most Critically Endangered of them all in Cambodia.
WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE (Gyps bengalensis)
17 on the first afternoon and 9 next morning at Baeng Toel, one with a transmitter attached. Critically Endangered.
SLENDER-BILLED VULTURE (Gyps tenuirostris)
9 on the first afternoon and 18 next morning at the dead cow at Baeng Toel. We timed it well as a group just after us missed it; they come and go and if well fed don't show. A Critically Endangered species, numbers are very low overall. The only breeding colony in Southeast Asia is in the Steung Treng province of Cambodia. This colony is thought to number about 50–100 birds. The survival of the vultures in Cambodia may have been partly because diclofenac, which is poisonous to vultures, is not available there.
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE (Spilornis cheela)
5 day records with one at Dak Dam hilltop giving the best views. Also heard on a couple of days.
CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE (CHANGEABLE) (Nisaetus cirrhatus limnaeetus)
A single from Dak Dam, a brief view only.
BLACK EAGLE (Ictinaetus malaiensis)
2 from Dak Dam were a nice find.
INDIAN SPOTTED EAGLE (Clanga hastata)
Nice flight views of this species at ATT; the uniform underwing helps tell from Greater Spotted and it seems more slightly built. Not a regular on the trip.
GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE (Clanga clanga)
5 up at ATT, a major wintering site for the species.
RUFOUS-WINGED BUZZARD (Butastur liventer)
The common small buzzard in the dry dipterocarp forest, and seen very nicely.
EASTERN MARSH HARRIER (Circus spilonotus)
5 at ATT and one from Prolay.
PIED HARRIER (Circus melanoleucos)
Two males at ATT gave good views, a very striking species.
CRESTED GOSHAWK (Accipiter trivirgatus)
One from Baeng Toel, and one at Dak Dam.
SHIKRA (Accipiter badius)
The default small grey accipiter with 7 day records, max. 3 birds. The first were at the Royal Gardens in Siem Reap.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)
8 birds on the ATT day the only records; it is curiously local in Cambodia.
BRAHMINY KITE (Haliastur indus)
A single from Prek Toel was the only sighting; odd it is so scarce here in Cambodia.
GRAY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE (Icthyophaga ichthyaetus)
3 on the Prek Toal boat trip.
BARN OWL (EASTERN) (Tyto alba stertens)
7 birds flushed from the thicket by the Spotted Wood Owl at ATT, with some very nice perched views too. Long since split by IOC.
COLLARED SCOPS-OWL (Otus lettia lettia)
Lucky here, the Tmatboey bird was a no show, but I heard one give a single call as we were loading up at the Nature Lodge, and we were able to call it right in for a lovely view. Not seen every trip.
ORIENTAL SCOPS-OWL (Otus sunia)
It proved very hard at Tmatboey with two heard-only attempts, but one at Baeng Toal came good thanks to Chea's persistence at dawn after a very brief look the previous evening.
BROWN FISH-OWL (Ketupa zeylonensis)
A good view of 2 birds at Tmatboey; see Smugmug photo of this impressive large owl.
ASIAN BARRED OWLET (Glaucidium cuculoides)
First at Angkor Wat, and also seen at Tmatboey; quite common by voice in those areas.
SPOTTED OWLET (Athene brama)
A single in the ATT grasslands, perched for quite good views.
SPOTTED WOOD-OWL (Strix seloputo seloputo)
A good find up at the ATT grassland thickets; it took some tracking down but we had good views eventually.
BROWN WOOD-OWL (BROWN) (Strix leptogrammica laotiana)
A wonderful juvenile at Tmatboey, see the video on Smugmug and my FB page, with an adult flying by later.
BROWN BOOBOOK (Ninox scutulata burmanica)
A day-roosting bird at Tmatboey camp gave good views.
EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)
Seen nicely at Tmatboey and Baeng Toal, and heard calling.
ORIENTAL PIED-HORNBILL (Anthracoceros albirostris)
Seen at Tmatboey, then at Seima with 3 birds the most.
COMMON KINGFISHER (COMMON) (Alcedo atthis taprobana)
Seen at Phnom Krom, Prek Toal, ATT and Kratie.
WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis perpulchra)
Three day records all of singles, at Prek Toel. Baeng Toel and Seima.
BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon pileata)
Seen very nicely at Angkor Wat, also at Phnom Krom and Prek Toel.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis leucomelanurus)
Oddly scarce here, we saw individuals at Phnom Krom, ATT and Kratie.
BLUE-BEARDED BEE-EATER (Nyctyornis athertoni athertoni)
Two at the hilltop at near Sen Monorom, uncommon and low-density.
ASIAN GREEN BEE-EATER (Merops orientalis ferrugeiceps)
Fairly widespread starting at Prolay, and at last split by Clements as Asian Green Bee-eater, as per BirdLife and IOC.
BLUE-TAILED BEE-EATER (Merops philippinus)
Widespread and common in appropriate habitat, the first from Phnom Krom.
CHESTNUT-HEADED BEE-EATER (Merops leschenaulti leschenaulti)
Oddly, we saw none at Tmatboey, but had 3 at the hilltop near Sen Monorom.
INDOCHINESE ROLLER (Coracias affinis)
Small numbers only this trip, at Tmatboey and Baeng Toel.
COPPERSMITH BARBET (Psilopogon haemacephalus)
Seen nicely at the Royal Gardens in Siem Reap and another later in the trip near Tmatboey; more often heard than seen.
BLUE-EARED BARBET (Psilopogon cyanotis)
Two seen at Dak Dam.
RED-VENTED BARBET (Psilopogon lagrandieri)
A fine bird from Seima, a stonking great thing with a big bill, and very localized.
LINEATED BARBET (Psilopogon lineatus)
Very vocal and seen well at several sites, starting at Angkor.
INDOCHINESE BARBET (Psilopogon annamensis)
Common at Dak Dam and the Sen Monorom hilltop and very vocal, with up to 4 in day seen.
SPECKLED PICULET (Picumnus innominatus)
Basically only glimpsed at Dak Dam, I saw it fly, such a shame.
HEART-SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Hemicircus canente)
Excellent views at Seima Km164, a great little bird.
GRAY-CAPPED PYGMY WOODPECKER (Yungipicus canicapillus)
Nice views of this widespread diminutive species from Tmatboey, Baeng Toel and Seima.
YELLOW-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Leiopicus mahrattensis)
A very low density species, and a nice pickup at Tmatboey.
RUFOUS-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos hyperythrus)
A rather lovely woodpecker, seen at Tmatboey and again at Baeng Toal.
FRECKLE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos analis)
A single male at ATT.
GREATER FLAMEBACK (Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus guttacristatus)
A single from Phnom Reang at Tmatboey.
RUFOUS WOODPECKER (Micropternus brachyurus)
One was drumming at Tmatboey; one of the much less frequent species and I'd never seen it drum before; video on Smugmug and my FB page.
COMMON FLAMEBACK (Dinopium javanense)
4-day records from Tmatboey, Baeng Toel and Seima, the much smaller bill than Greater Flameback being a good field mark.
LESSER YELLOWNAPE (Picus chlorolophus)
One from Phnom Reang and again at Dak Dam near the Greater Yellownape.
STREAK-THROATED WOODPECKER (Picus xanthopygaeus)
Basically a heard for most of the group; I got a brief look at it but it was very uncooperative despite calling the single raspy note repeatedly at Tmatboey. One we seldom see on the tour.
GRAY-HEADED WOODPECKER (BLACK-NAPED) (Picus canus hessei)
One from Seima at the overlook spot Km 157 on the last day; a split as Black-naped Woodpecker by IOC and BirdLife.
BLACK-HEADED WOODPECKER (Picus erythropygius)
2 at Baeng Toel; they were quite vocal but we saw it only once this trip.
GREATER YELLOWNAPE (Chrysophlegma flavinucha)
Two at Dak Dam at Seima, near the Lesser Yellownape.
GREAT SLATY WOODPECKER (Mulleripicus pulverulentus)
Lovely views of a noisy group of 5 at Tmatboey, with 2 others later; a big and spectacular species, I was surprised it was new for well-traveled Bill.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus javensis)
Seen very nicely twice at Tmatboey; a huge and striking woodpecker that is always a highlight.
COLLARED FALCONET (Microhierax caerulescens)
Great views of one on a roadside wire in the cutover country as we neared Tmatboey.
WHITE-RUMPED FALCON (Neohierax insignis)
A fine female at Tmatboey, then a male at Baeng Toel; quite a hard bird to get, a rare Near Threatened species and on the CBGA T-shirt.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
Some of the group saw one spotted by Ahmet at ATT, but I was focused on Indian Spotted Eagle and managed to miss it, rare on the tour.
ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET (Psittacula eupatria)
One from Tah Prom, and then 6 at the woodpecker site at Phnom Reang at Tmatboey, an uncommon species.
BLOSSOM-HEADED PARAKEET (Psittacula roseata)
Lovely looks from Tmatboey, where it was quite vocal.
RED-BREASTED PARAKEET (Psittacula alexandri)
The widespread parakeet, seen in the drier wooded habitats at Angkor and Tmatboey.
VERNAL HANGING-PARROT (Loriculus vernalis)
Seen on two days at Dak Dam with up to 5 birds, always in flight.
LONG-TAILED BROADBILL (Psarisomus dalhousiae)
A nice look at Dak Dam, one striking bird.
BAR-BELLIED PITTA (Hydrornis elliotii) [*]
Heard near the blind at Changkran Roy, but regrettably did not show this year
GOLDEN-BELLIED GERYGONE (Gerygone sulphurea)
One singing in riverside trees at Kratie boats stop was a surprise. This is the only mainland Asian Gerygone, formerly know as Flyeater.
SMALL MINIVET (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus)
Common at Tmatboey.
SCARLET MINIVET (Pericrocotus speciosus)
Small numbers from the dry woodlands; a bird at Baeng Toel had an odd orange face.
ASHY MINIVET (Pericrocotus divaricatus)
One at ATT and 12 at the hilltop near Sen Monorom.
BROWN-RUMPED MINIVET (Pericrocotus cantonensis)
3 at Angkor and 8 at Dak Dam, one of the less common species.
LARGE CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina macei)
4 at Tmatboey and two day records from Seima.
INDOCHINESE CUCKOOSHRIKE (Lalage polioptera)
Seen on two dates at Baeng Toel, where quite vocal too.
WHITE-BELLIED ERPORNIS (Erpornis zantholeuca)
A single at Sen Monorom hilltop and then Dak Dam next day; formerly called White-bellied Yuhina but now seemingly a member of the vireo family, and the only one in the Old World.
BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE (Oriolus chinensis)
5 at Angkor and then again at Seima. This complex is likely to be split into 4 or 5 species, this being the East Asian one.
BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE (Oriolus xanthornus)
A beautiful dry forest species, seen well at Tmatboey and Baeng Toal.
MAROON ORIOLE (Oriolus traillii)
Great views of this attractive bird at Dak Dam, and a nest was seen.
ASHY WOODSWALLOW (Artamus fuscus)
The temple at Don Chhreum near Tonle Sap eventually gave us this one, then there were 20 hawking about over burning grassland at Dak Dam.
LARGE WOODSHRIKE (Tephrodornis virgatus)
I think some saw this at Baeng Toel, they were sparse this year.
COMMON WOODSHRIKE (Tephrodornis pondicerianus)
Small numbers from Tmatboey, the white outer tail fathers are distinctive.
BAR-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE (Hemipus picatus)
Just a single at the hilltop near Sen Monorom.
COMMON IORA (Aegithina tiphia)
Small numbers from Tmatboey and Baeng Toel, with the call a feature of the forest there.
MALAYSIAN PIED-FANTAIL (Rhipidura javanica)
Seen at ATT and then at Kratie paddies.
WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL (Rhipidura albicollis)
5 at Dak Dam, it seems quite uncommon.
WHITE-BROWED FANTAIL (Rhipidura aureola)
Seen on two days at Tmatboey, a dry forest species.
BLACK DRONGO (Dicrurus macrocercus)
The common drongo, widespread and seen in the early part of the trip, with 70 at ATT.
ASHY DRONGO (Dicrurus leucophaeus)
Seen at Tmatboey and Seima, unsure which subspecies.
ASHY DRONGO (SOOTY) (Dicrurus leucophaeus bondi)
Seen at Angkor and Tmatboey, this sooty grey one lacks the white face and is a potential split.
ASHY DRONGO (WHITE-CHEEKED) (Dicrurus leucophaeus leucogenis)
Two at Angkor were the only certain sighting, another good candidate for a split.
BRONZED DRONGO (Dicrurus aeneus)
Just one at the hilltop near Sen Monorom.
LESSER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus remifer)
Just one at the hilltop near Sen Monorom, the rackets seen nicely.
HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO (Dicrurus hottentottus)
Nice looks at Tmatboey and Dak Dam, the up-curled tail is quite distinctive.
GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus paradiseus)
The group saw this at Angkor early on the first morning.
BLACK-NAPED MONARCH (Hypothymis azurea)
Heard at Angkor and lovely views from the blind at Changkran Roy.
BLYTH'S PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (BLYTH'S) (Terpsiphone affinis indochinensis)
A single female type at Tah Prom; this is the species we usually see but it's always very low numbers.
BROWN SHRIKE (BROWN) (Lanius cristatus cristatus)
Seen at Phnom Krom, Prek Toel and Dak Dam.
BURMESE SHRIKE (Lanius collurioides collurioides)
Seen in the dry forest at Tmatboey and Baeng Toal, also one at km 157 at Seima, always uncommon.
BURMESE SHRIKE (Lanius collurioides nigricapillus)
One of this rather distinct taxon was at the Dak Dam hilltop late one afternoon, the blackish cap was very different to the Tmatboey birds. It is not yet on the Cambodian checklist, being a Vietnam bird.
EURASIAN JAY (WHITE-FACED) (Garrulus glandarius leucotis)
One at Km 157 on the last morning, quite nice views and an obvious split here as per BirdLife.
RED-BILLED BLUE-MAGPIE (Urocissa erythroryncha)
Good around Tmatboey and very nice on the feeders there.
RUFOUS TREEPIE (Dendrocitta vagabunda)
Two day records from. the Tmatboey area.
RACKET-TAILED TREEPIE (Crypsirina temia) [*]
Only heard at Changkran Roy this trip, it's usually easy at Phnom Krom.
LARGE-BILLED CROW (LARGE-BILLED) (Corvus macrorhynchos macrorhynchos)
A proposed split as Southern Jungle Crow, they were widespread in small numbers.
GRAY-HEADED CANARY-FLYCATCHER (Culicicapa ceylonensis)
Seen at Changkran Roy and Angkor.
SINGING BUSHLARK (AUSTRALASIAN) (Mirafra javanica horsfieldii)
Only seen at Prolay grasslands this trip; it seems to be a scarce bird in Cambodia. Absurdly lumped with Singing Bushlark of Africa, needs to be corrected!
INDOCHINESE BUSHLARK (Mirafra erythrocephala)
Just 2 at Tmatboey near the Giant Ibis nest.
ORIENTAL SKYLARK (Alauda gulgula)
Singing well and skylarking at Prolay grasslands.
COMMON TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus sutorius)
Common in disturbed and second growth habitats but quite hard to see. Even present in Siem Reap.
DARK-NECKED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus atrogularis)
Heard at Angkor and seen at Prek Toel from the tower.
CAMBODIAN TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus chaktomuk) [E]
We did very well for this, getting one before lunch near Kompong Cham despite the baking heat. A range restricted and only recently described species, endemic to the Four Arms Plain around the capital. Field Guides was the first tour group to get to see them back in 2013 when it was yet to be described.
BROWN PRINIA (Prinia polychroa)
This big uncommon prinia was seen at Tmatboey.
RUFESCENT PRINIA (Prinia rufescens)
Also seen at Tmatboey.
GRAY-BREASTED PRINIA (Prinia hodgsonii)
Another from the 3 prinia day at Tmatboey, a delicate species with a breast band.
YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA (Prinia flaviventris)
Lovely view at the Kratie paddies and heard on the Mekong trip, this can be a hard bird to see.
PLAIN PRINIA (Prinia inornata)
Common around Phnom Krom, Siem Reap, Pro Lay, Kratie, and Sen Monorom.
ZITTING CISTICOLA (DOUBLE ZITTING) (Cisticola juncidis tinnabulans) [*]
Heard at Prolay grasslands and undoubtedly a split in waiting as the vocals are quite distinct.
GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola exilis equicaudatus)
Seen at the Kratie paddies, another species complex long overdue to splitting up.
BLACK-BROWED REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus bistrigiceps)
One at Phnom Krom and one at Baeng Toel.
MANCHURIAN REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus tangorum)
Mr Ry did us proud at Prolay and we got one to show quite well, he knows exactly where they are and how to dig them out. An obscure and little known species.
ORIENTAL REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus orientalis)
One at Phnom Krom, and heard at Kratie.
LANCEOLATED WARBLER (Locustella lanceolata)
A real skulker at Prolay grasslands, we flushed it several times but it was impossible to see on the ground.
STRIATED GRASSBIRD (Megalurus palustris)
One from Phnom Krom, and one at Prolay grasslands
GRAY-THROATED MARTIN (Riparia chinensis)
Nice views over the Mekong at Kratie where 15 was a good count and they looked to be nesting in sandbank in the river.
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia)
One from Prek Toel and 2 at ATT, I was looking for Pale Martin but did not see enough of them to confirm. These looked like regular Sand Martins.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Widespread, quite common over the grasslands and wetlands.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica)
Very few this trip, with small numbers from Tmatboey, Baeng Toal and Seima.
PUFF-THROATED BULBUL (Alophoixus pallidus)
Seen very well from the blind at Changkran Roy.
GRAY-EYED BULBUL (Iole propinqua)
This is the one with the nasal mewing call, seen and heard at Changkran Roy, Dak Dam and Seima.
ASHY BULBUL (Hemixos flavala)
Seen thrice at Dak Dam and Sen Monorom hilltop, a scarce migrant.
BLACK BULBUL (Hypsipetes leucocephalus)
A smart skinny blackish migrant bulbul with a long slender red bill and red legs; we saw them around Dak Dam and Seima, but none of the race with white heads this year.
BLACK-HEADED BULBUL (Microtarsus melanocephalos)
Seen at Dak Dam and Sen Monorom hilltop, an uncommon species, much scarcer than the Black-crested.
BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL (Rubigula flaviventris)
Seen at Tah Prohm temple, Changkran Roy and then at Tmatboey and Dak Dam, quite widespread.
STREAK-EARED BULBUL (Pycnonotus conradi)
Seen at Siem Reap, Angkor and Tmatboey, low density and unobtrusive.
STRIPE-THROATED BULBUL (Pycnonotus finlaysoni)
Attractive and uncommon, we saw them at Changkran Roy, then at Tmatboey and Seima.
RED-WHISKERED BULBUL (Pycnonotus jocosus)
A few in the Dak Dam area, an attractive species, nice to see real wild ones and not feral birds.
YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus goiavier)
Quite common at Siem Reap and Angkor and also seen at Kratie, but not in the dry country areas or Seima.
SOOTY-HEADED BULBUL (Pycnonotus aurigaster)
Seen daily in the dry dipterocarp forests from Tmatboey on; this taxon has the yellow undertail coverts.
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER (Phylloscopus inornatus)
Widespread around Siem Reap, Angkor and Seima but always hard to see well and in good light. The call is the best indicator of it being there.
RADDE'S WARBLER (Phylloscopus schwarzi)
Most folks saw this one near the Giant Ibis nest whilst Bill and I stayed back there.
DUSKY WARBLER (Phylloscopus fuscatus)
More often heard than seen, with the harsh takking call, the first were at Phnom Krom, then at Prek Toal.
TWO-BARRED WARBLER (Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus)
One at Sen Monorom hilltop showed well.
PALE-LEGGED LEAF WARBLER (Phylloscopus tenellipes)
The sharp metallic "tip" call is often heard, but seeing them is usually hard, but we got a nice one at Changkran Roy and again at Dak Dam.
ARCTIC WARBLER (Phylloscopus borealis)
One at Dak Dam border area, with very greyish upperparts, a good supercilium and a single wing bar. Luckily the amazingly similar siblings are not known from Cambodia!
BLACK-THROATED TIT (GRAY-CROWNED) (Aegithalos concinnus annamensis)
A very good find at Dak Dam border area, with good views of 2 of this odd grey-crowned taxon, a likely split from Black-throated Tit as it looks so different.
BLACK-CHINNED YUHINA (Yuhina nigrimenta)
A very good find at Dak Dam border area with 4 birds seen well; quite a striking species that just gets over the border from Vietnam here.
INDIAN WHITE-EYE (Zosterops palpebrosus siamensis)
Seen at Dak Dam on three days, small numbers only.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BABBLER (Timalia pileata)
Great looks at Baeng Toel after quite some effort.
GRAY-FACED TIT-BABBLER (Mixornis kelleyi)
4 at the Sen Monorom hilltop gave quite good looks.
PIN-STRIPED TIT-BABBLER (Mixornis gularis)
Vocal and seen well at Changkran Roy.
LARGE SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Erythrogenys hypoleucos) [*]
This was heard at Changkran Roy, a Cambodia tick for Phil but did not come into view.
PUFF-THROATED BABBLER (Pellorneum ruficeps)
Great looks at Changkran Roy, a striking species.
ABBOTT'S BABBLER (Malacocincla abbotti)
Great looks at Changkran Roy blind.
BLUE-WINGED MINLA (Actinodura cyanouroptera orientalis)
A pleasing find from Dak Dam border area; this distinctive taxon is split by BirdLife as Plain Minla and is very different to the usual Blue-winged Minla.
WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax leucolophus)
Seen very nicely from the blinds at Changkran Roy and Tmatboey and near the GIant Ibis nest; quite a showy species and usually pretty shy.
WHITE-CHEEKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Pterorhinus vassali) [*]
A very localized and shy species that just gets over the border here, we heard it at Dak Dam.
VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH (Sitta frontalis)
Seen at Tmatboey, Baeng Toel and Dak Dam.
BURMESE NUTHATCH (Sitta neglecta)
Great looks at Tmatboey of this striking species.
GOLDEN-CRESTED MYNA (Ampeliceps coronatus)
Two at Seima Km 164 were a very nice find of what is quite a scarce species, and a single next day at Km 157.
COMMON HILL MYNA (Gracula religiosa)
Seen at Angkor and Tmatboey, and 1 at Seima, sad it still bears the name Common as it's now very scarce indeed.
BLACK-COLLARED STARLING (Gracupica nigricollis)
Just two sightings from Phnom Krom and the temple near Tonle Sap.
SIAMESE PIED STARLING (Gracupica floweri)
Only seen at Prolay grasslands this trip, with 2 birds.
WHITE-SHOULDERED STARLING (Sturnia sinensis)
One briefly at the temple near Tonle Sap, but it flew just after we saw it.
CHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING (Sturnia malabarica)
Good looks on the cow carcasses at Baeng Toel. and then at Dak Dam.
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis)
Widespread, and nice to see wild birds as opposed to introduced ones.
VINOUS-BREASTED MYNA (Acridotheres leucocephalus)
These showed very well at Baeng Toal, feeding on the flies on the cow carcasses, then a handful around Dak Dam and a high count of 15 at km 157 on the last morning.
GREAT MYNA (Acridotheres grandis)
Widespread on the first portion of the tour.
ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa dauurica)
The common small flycatcher seen at most woodland sites.
BROWN-STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa williamsoni)
A surprise find of 2 at Baeng Toel, the diffuse streaks below and yellowish base to the lower mandible indicate this little-known species, a lifer for most.
ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus saularis)
Heard more than seen, including at our hotel in Siem Reap, it was seen at Prek Toel, Kratie and Sen Monorom.
WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA (Copsychus malabaricus)
Seen very well at Changkran Roy and heard at Tmatboey.
VERDITER FLYCATCHER (Eumyias thalassinus)
One at Angkor, and several sightings from the Seima area and Sen Monorom hilltop.
HAINAN BLUE FLYCATCHER (Cyornis hainanus)
Great looks from Angkor and then at Changkran Roy.
INDOCHINESE BLUE FLYCATCHER (Cyornis sumatrensis indochina)
One at Dak Dam was an unexpected find and new for me in Cambodia, a pity it did not show for long.
SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN (Larvivora cyane)
Seen well at Changkran Roy, with a male and several female types feeding and bathing there.
SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT (Calliope calliope) [*]
Heard at Phnom Krom.
TAIGA FLYCATCHER (Ficedula albicilla)
Singles from Changkran Roy and Phnom Reang at Tmatboey.
WHITE-THROATED ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola gularis)
Lovely looks at a male and 2 females of this scarce species at Angkor.
BLUE ROCK-THRUSH (PANDOO) (Monticola solitarius pandoo)
A fine blue-bellied male was on the temple at Angkor Wat.
AMUR STONECHAT (Saxicola stejnegeri)
Seen at Phnom Krom, ATT and Prolay; stonechat taxonomy remains vexed and this is often called Stejneger's or Japanese Stonechat, an IOC split as well.
PIED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola caprata)
Common and widespread in appropriate open habitats.
PLAIN FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum minullum)
One from Dak Dam.
FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum ignipectus)
Seen on two days at Dak Dam including a male on Feb 17; it is quite rare in Cambodia and just gets over the border here.
SCARLET-BACKED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum cruentatum)
One from Angkor and a male at Dak Dam.
RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD (Chalcoparia singalensis)
A female was seen at Angkor.
BROWN-THROATED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes malacensis malacensis)
Seen well at the Royal Gardens in Siem Reap.
VAN HASSELT'S SUNBIRD (Leptocoma brasiliana emmae)
A fine male at Dak Dam, an uncommon species and unexpected here.
PURPLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris asiaticus)
Quite common in the dry forest areas.
ORNATE SUNBIRD (ORNATE) (Cinnyris ornatus flammaxillaris)
Seen a few times, this taxon is a split from Olive-backed Sunbird, and very different to the Australian taxon.
BLACK-THROATED SUNBIRD (DALAT) (Aethopyga saturata johnsi)
Seen at Dak Dam, this race (presumably johnsi) is an Annam endemic and a likely split as it is so distinct.
CRIMSON SUNBIRD (Aethopyga siparaja)
Good views of males at Dak Dam.
STREAKED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera magna)
Good views from Sen Monorom hilltop and Dak Dam.
ASIAN FAIRY-BLUEBIRD (Irena puella)
Seen at Sen Monorom hilltop and Dak Dam, a lovely bird but now in trouble with trapping for the cage bird trade.
BLUE-WINGED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis moluccensis)
Singles at Dak Dam and Sen Monorom hilltop.
GOLDEN-FRONTED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis aurifrons)
Nice views on two days at Tmatboey.
BAYA WEAVER (Ploceus philippinus)
Just one at ATT this trip.
ASIAN GOLDEN WEAVER (Ploceus hypoxanthus)
The new colony was near Phnom Krom and we had lovely views of both sexes at the nest, a rare species.
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura punctulata)
10 at Phnom Krom, 7 at Prolay and 6 at Baeng Toel.
RED AVADAVAT (Amandava amandava)
Two at Phnom Krom were the only ones of the trip, nice to see males with the red color.
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
Small numbers in Siem Reap, and at ATT and Kompong Thom.
PLAIN-BACKED SPARROW (Passer flaveolus)
Good views from Phnom Krom and in a paddyfield at Tmatboey, then at Baeng Toal and single at Dak Dam. This species seems to be getting more widespread.
EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus)
The common and widespread sparrow here, but only in small numbers.
FOREST WAGTAIL (Dendronanthus indicus)
Lovely views of one or two of these unusual forest dwelling wagtails at Angkor Wat.
EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (EASTERN) (Motacilla tschutschensis tschutschensis)
Nice views at Phnom Krom, the only site of the trip.
EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (MANCHURIAN) (Motacilla tschutschensis macronyx)
A single of this taxon was at Phnom Krom, it lacked any supercilium.
MEKONG WAGTAIL (Motacilla samveasnae)
Great views of 3 of this distinctive and recently described species on our Mekong River boat ride, the name commemorates Sam Veasna, the Cambodian ornithologist who sadly died of malaria in 2002.
WHITE WAGTAIL (CHINESE) (Motacilla alba leucopsis)
One from the boat as we were chasing Mekong Wagtail, an uncommon migrant here.
RICHARD'S PIPIT (Anthus richardi)
One in rough grassland at Dak Dam, a large heavily streaked pipit that is a migrant here.
PADDYFIELD PIPIT (Anthus rufulus)
The widespread grassland pipit, seen at ATT, Prolay and Baeng Toel.
OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus hodgsoni)
One at Dak Dam was a nice find.
LYLE'S FLYING FOX (Pteropus lylei)
The large colony of flying-foxes by the Royal Palace at Siem Reap are this species, one of the smaller members of the family.
NORTHERN TREESHREW (Tupaia berlangeri)
Some folks saw one at Tmatboey on the feeders there, and I think one was seen by some at Changkran Roy.
CRAB-EATING MACAQUE (Macaca fascigularis)
Common at Angkor and more usually called Long-tailed Macaque.
PIGTAIL MACAQUE (Macaca nemestrina)
One at Angkor was busy grooming a Crab-eating Macaque, and both looked very content! Then a single over at Dak Dam.
BLACK-SHANKED DOUC LANGUR (Pygathrix nigripes)
Two sightings of very wary animals over at Seima; it was obvious from their behavior that they are hunted, this being a major problem over here. This is a rare restricted range species too.
PALLAS'S RED-BELLIED SQUIRREL (Callosciurus erythraeus)
One from Dak Dam.
FINLAYSON'S SQUIRREL (Callosciurus finlaysoni)
The beautiful reddish squirrel with the white tail band was seen at Angkor and Changkran Roy, also called Variable Squirrel.
CAMBODIAN FLYING SQUIRREL (Tamiops rodolphii)
One of these striped squirrels was seen at Phnom Reang at Tmatboey.
IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN (Orcaella brevirostris)
Nice looks at a small group on the Mekong, but i did not like the way they were pursued by the tourist boats. It's a rare and declining species with a bleak future, the population around Kratie is 15-20 animals it seems, and globally it is Critically Endangered with about 300 in existence in Cambodia, Burma and Indonesia.
YELLOW-THROATED MARTEN (Martes flavigula)
When Bill told me "I have a marten" I assumed he meant Eastern House Martin, and was puzzled as to why he was looking at a tree- which actually held 2 of this large mustelid! A very nice find and my first in Cambodia.
SMALL ASIAN MONGOOSE (Herpestes javanicus)
A coupe of very brief sightings from Phnom Krom and Tmatboey, native here and not an introduced menace.
Germain's Silver Langur, Trachypithecus gemaini, was the monkey species we saw from the boat at Prek Toal, scarce and declining and a good find.
Herps were very thin on the ground, with no snakes at all. Some saw Tokay Gecko, which was vocal at Siem Reap and Tmatboey.
A Flying Lizard, Draco volans, was seen at Changkran Roy, with a strange orangey-pink throat flap that it could raise and lower.
Birds of the trip were very varied and included Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo. Bengal Florican, Pied Harrier, White-bellied Woodpecker, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Black-headed Woodpecker, Brown Wood Owl and Bar-backed Partridge.
Ahmet was very informative about the butterflies, I managed about 15% of what he saw but FYI here is the complete list, and a very worthwhile reference site. Thanks to Ahmet for compiling this.
PAPILIONIDAE: SWALLOWTAILS
Graphium agamemnon--TAILED JAY
Graphium arycles--SPOTTED JAY
Graphium doson—COMMON JAY
Graphium megarus—SPOTTED ZEBRA
Graphium sarpedon—COMMON BLUEBOTTLE
Pachliopta aristolochiae—COMMON ROSE
Papilio castor—COMMON RAVEN
Papilio demoleus—LIME SWALLOWTAIL
Papilio nephelus—BLACK-AND-WHITE HELEN
Troides aeacus—GOLDEN BIRDWING
PIERIDEA: WHITES AND YELLOWS
Catopsilia pomona—LEMON EMIGRANT
Catopsilia pyranthe—MOTTLED EMIGRANT
Catopsilia scylla—ORANGE EMIGRANT
Eurema andersonii—ONE SPOT GRASS YELLOW
Eurema hecabe-COMMON GRASS YELLOW
Gandaca harina—TREE YELLOW
Appias albina—COMMON ALBATROSS
Appias lyncida—CHOCOLATE ALBATROSS
Appias olferna—EASTERN STRIPED ALBATROSS
Cepora iudth—ORANGE GULL
Cepora nadina—LESSER GULL
Cepora nerissa—COMMON GULL
Delias agostina—YELLOW JEZEBEL
Delias decombesi—REDSPOT JEZEBEL
Hebomoia glaucippe—GREAT ORANGE TIP
Ixias pyrene—YELLOW ORANGE TIP
Leptosia nina—PYSCHE
Pareronia valeria—MALAYAN WANDERER
LYCAENIDAE: GOSSAMERWINGS (BLUES, HAIRSTREAKS AND RELATIVES)
Curetis bulis—BRIGHT SUNBEAM
Miletus chinensis—COMMON BROWNIE
Anthene emolus—CILIATE BLUE
Caleta roxus—STRAIGHT PIERROT
Castalius rosimon—COMMON PIERROT
Euchrysops cnejus—GRAM BLUE
Everes lacturnus—INDIAN CUPID
Jamides celeno—COMMON CERULEAN
Megisba malaya--MALAYAN
Prosotas dubiosa—TAILLESS LINEBLUE
Prosotas lutea—BROWN LINEBLUE
Prosotas nora—COMMON LINEBLUE
Tarucus callinara—SPOTTED PIERROT
Zizeeria karsandra—DARK GRASS BLUE
Zizina otis—LESSER GRASS BLUE
Zizula hylax—TINY GRASS BLUE
Ahmetia achaja—SIAMESE ONYX
Arhopala asobia—PLAIN TAILLESS OAKBLUE
Arhopala centaurus—DULL OAKBLUE
Cheritra freja—COMMON IMPERIAL
Hypolycaena amasa—FLUFFY TIT
Hypolycaena erylus—COMMON TIT
Loxura atymnus--YAMFLY
Neomyrina hiemalis—GREAT WHITE IMPERIAL
Surendra quercetorum—COMMON ACACIA BLUE
RIODINIDAE: METALMARKS
Abisara bifasciata—DOUBLE-BANDED JUDY
NYMPHALIDAE: BRUSHFOOTS
Ariadne merione—COMMON CASTOR
Charaxes bernardus—TAWNY RAJAH
Danaus genutia—COMMON TIGER
Euploea core—COMMON CROW
Euploea doubledayi-GREAT STRIPED BLACK CROW
Euploea modesta—PLAIN BLUE CROW
Parantica aglea—GLASSY TIGER
Tirumala septentrionis—DARK BLUE TIGER
Acraea terpsicore—TAWNY COSTER
Cethosia biblis—RED LACEWING
Cethosia cyane—LEOPARD LACEWING
Cirrochroa surya—LITTLE YEOMAN
Cirrochroa tyche—COMMON YEOMAN
Cupha erymanthis--RUSTIC
Athyma perius—COMMON SARGEANT
Dophla evelina—REDSPOT DUKE
Lexias pardalis—ARCHDUKE
Moduza procris—COMMANDER
Neptis hylas—COMMON SAILER
Neptis nata—CLEAR SAILER
Pantoporia hordonia—COMMON LASCAR
Parthenos sylvia—CLIPPER
Phaedyma columella—SHORT-BANDED SAILER
Tanaecia lepidea—GRAY COUNT
Hypolimnas bolina—GREAT EGGFLY
Junonia almana—PEACOCK PANSY
Junonia atlites—GRAY PANSY
Junonia hierta—YELLOW PANSY
Junonia lemonias—LEMON PANSY
Junonia iphita—CHOCOLATE PANSY
Elymnias hypermnestra—COMMON PALMFLY
Lethe rohria—COMMON TREEBROWN
Melanitis leda—COMMON EVENING BROWN
Melanitis zitenius—GREAT EVENING BROWN
Mycalesis mineus—DARK-BRANDED BUSHBROWN
Mycalesis perseus-DINGY BUSHBROWN
Orsotriaena medus—SMOOTH-EYED BUSHBROWN
Ypthima baldus—COMMON FIVE-RING
Yphthima horsefeldii—MALAYAN FIVE-RING
Yphthima huebneri—COMMON FOUR-RING
Ypthima savara—PALLID FIVE-RING
Zeuxidia masoni—BURMESE SATURN
HESPERIIDAE: SKIPPERS
Tagiades menaka—SPOTTED SNOW FLAT
Amppittia dioscorides—BUSH HOPPER
Ancistroides folus—GRASS DEMON
Astictopterus jama—FOREST HOPPER
Hyarotis adrastus—TREE FLITTER
Iambrix salsala—CHESTNUT BOB
Parnara ganga—CONTINENTAL SWIFT
Pelopidas mathias—DARK SMALL-BRANDED SWIFT
Potanthus https://yutaka.it-n.jp
—PLAIN DART
TOTAL: 105 species
A Check List of Butterflies in Indo-China,
Chiefly from THAILAND, LAOS, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM
https://yutaka.it-n.jp
Totals for the tour: 305 bird taxa and 11 mammal taxa