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Birdwatching at Doi
Inthanon National Park can be a fun and an interesting way to discover
nature at a leisurely pace. You can easily
cover many kilometers in a day without getting tired because you
spend more time looking then walking. You pay more attention to the
sounds and beauty of the forest so you discover many wonderful
things you would normally miss if just hiking. As you read this
article you will learn more about Doi Inthanon than
just birds but also about the environment in which they live.
A booklet with bird checklist
can be purchased at the store next to Park Headquarters for 40 baht.
Although printed in 1989 by Mahidol University, it is quite complete.
For further information on recent sightings check
with Mr Dang at the Birdwatching Center
just a few hundred meters past Park Headquarters on your left.
This article has the following
chapters:
- BIRDS OF DOI INTHANON
- BIRDWATCHING ON DOI INTHANON
- Park Gate - Km 14 (ca. 300 -
500 m: Zones 7 - 10)
- Km 14 - 23 (ca. 500 - 800 m:
Zones 6 - 8)
- Km 23 - 29 (ca 900 - 1200 m:
Zones 3 - 6)
- Km 30 - 34 (ca. 1200- 1500 m:
Zone 4)
- Km 34 - 40 (ca. 1500-1900 m:
Zone 2)
- Km 40 - 46 (ca. 2000 - 2565 m:
Zone 1)
- WHEN TO WATCH BIRDS ON DOI
INTHANON
- DOI INTHANON BIRDWATCHING CENTER
- MAP OF DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK
When reading this article, you may find
it helpful to refer to or print out the Map of Doi Inthanon National
Park.
BIRDS OF DOI INTHANON
Of the total of 382 species of
birds so far known from Doi Inthanon, at least 266 species
are resident or were formerly resident on the mountain. The status
of a further 12 species is unclear, but breeding is suspected in
many of these. The remainder ( 104 species) are nonbreeding winter
visitors or passage migrants.
If the known distribution of
species is examined in relation to ecological zone, it can
be seen that by far the highest species total has
been recorded in the moist, tall hill evergreen forest
Iying between 1500 and 2000 meters (Zone 2). While this may be
partly due to coverage (some other vegetation types, for example,
pine forest, are less frequently visited by birdwatchers and
certainly support a few more species than recorded here) this
nevertheless does appear to accurately reflect the real differences
in bird species diversity among these various zones. The small area
of hill evergreen forest above 2000 meters (Zone 1), has probably
been covered even more intensively than Zone 2 and although it
supports a number of rare and local high elevation
species which are not found elsewhere, it yet supports fewer species
overall than does Zone 2.
A surprisingly large total (139
species) has been recorded from deforested areas and cultivation
above 1000 m (Zone 4). However, only 59% of the species in this zone
are resident, compared with 78% in Zone 2. Fewer species still have
been recorded from the deciduous habitats (Zones 6 and 7).
Black-Throated
Sunbird
Doi Inthanon is of
particular conservation importance for those
species which inhabit the moist hill evergreen forests
of the upper slopes. Some, such as the Chestnut-tailed Minla and
White-browed Shortwing, which are abundant around the summit of Doi
Inthanon, occur in Thailand only on those few higher
mountain summits which have considerable areas of hill
evergreen forest above 1800 m. Doi Inthanon contains the only
significant protected populations of such species in
Thailand. The Ashy-throated Leaf-Warbler is found nowhere
else in Thailand while an endemic race of the Green-tailed
Sunbird (Aethopyga nipa/ensis angkanensis) is also completely
confined to the summit of Doi Inthanon. Both species are
among the more abundant birds found around the summit of the
mountain.
Doi Inthanon
comprises some of the tallest and best preserved
montane forest found anywhere in the entire country The predominance
of massive, huge-boled trees may be of particular significance for
trunk-foraging species such as the Brown-throated Treecreeper. The
profusion of epiphytes and the lush, moist understorey also
contribute to the great variety of foraging niches for small,
insectivorous birds.
Many larger birds,
such as the White-winged Wood-Duck and most hornbills, have probably
been extirpated due to hunting pressure. Great
Hornbills were last reported by Dickinson ( 1964) and although a
single Rufous-necked Hornbill (a species which is threatened
throughout its world range from the Himalayas across to Northern
Indochina) was reliably seen as recently as 1986, it is however,
appear to have fared better: Black Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle and
Mountain Hawk-Eagle are all frequently seen. Although both
galliformes and pigeons have also suffered adversely from illegal
hunting, some species are still fairly common .
BIRDWATCHING ON DOI INTHANON
Since most visitors will approach Doi
Inthanon along the road from Chom Thong, we describe the route as it
ascends the mountain, point out those habitat features of particular
interest and suggest which bird species to look out for.
Park Gate - Km 14
(ca. 300 - 500 m: Zones 7 - 10).
Soon after entering the park gate, the
road climbs steeply through a cutting before leveling out, passing
the Doi Inthanon National Park Information Center,
overlooking the Mae Klang river on the left. The road passes through
open dry dipterocarp forest and after crossing over to the left bank,
follows the course of the river, overlooking it. This forest type is
of rather low stature trees, chiefly Shorea siamensis and S. obtusa,
with Dipterocarpus tuberculatus and D. obtusifolius being
co-dominant in some places. In the dry season, the leaves of the
trees become yellow and red, before being shed. There is usually a
fresh flush of green foliage in April, however, when the first
showers announce the impending wet season. The understorey is open
and grassy. Fires, deliberately set by local people, sweep through
the ground story in the dry season, from February onwards.
Yellow-cheeked
Tit
In the heat of the day, this forest
type may seem to be almost devoid of birds, but in fact, it is quite
rich, especially in medium to large-sized species. Early
morning is the best time to birdwatch here. Look out for
Collared Falconets and Lineated Barbets perched high up in dead
snags. The Indian Roller is also common. Many species of woodpeckers
occur, including the scarce Black-headed and White-bellied
Woodpeckers, while Eurasian Jay is fairly common. The beautiful Blue
Magpie and strikingly marked Rufous Treepie are less easy to see.
The magpies are highly social and usually found in small flocks,
especially in the early morning, when they often descend to the
river to drink. The Chinese Francolin haunts the grassy understorey
while, if you scan the skyline, you may pick up a soaring bird of
prey. The Shikra is common, but Black Baza, Crested Serpent Eagle
and Rufous-winged Buzzard are often seen.
Smaller birds appear scarce
and are apt to be concentrated in small feeding flocks,
especially in bamboo brakes and denser foliage in steep gullies and
along small permanent streams. Look out for Common Wood-Shrike,
Small Minivet, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, White-crested and Greater
Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Blue-throated and Tickell's Blue
Flycatchers. A number of migrant species, including both
Yellow-streaked and Radde's Warblers, may be found.
It is worth carefully
searching along the edges of the river for riparian species.
The rather scarce Black-backed Forktail is a typical inhabitant of
streams of the foothills and wintering Little Herons, White Wagtails
and Grey Wagtails may also be seen.
Km 14 - 23 (ca.
500 - 800 m: Zones 6 - 8).
As the road climbs gradually, an evergreen
gallery forest begins develop along the banks of the river,
supporting many tall and stately dipterocarp trees. Away from the
river, however, the forest type is still predominantly dry
dipterocarp. In addition to the bird species found in the preceding
area, Large Wood-Shrike and Black-hooded Oriole should be looked for.
Soaring birds of prey can sometimes be seen over
the steep ridge on the north side of the road, on the opposite bank
of the Nam Mae Klang. The more level areas in the vicinity of the
river are now cultivated and support small areas of orchard or
vegetable gardens. The exposed rocks of road cuttings sometimes
support the Blue Rock Thrush, a winter visitor.
The impressive Vachiratharn
waterfall is situated towards the upper end of this section
and has a vertical drop of roughly 50 meters This is one of the best
sites on the mountain for observing birds of
fast-flowing streams. Walk down the steps leading to the
main fall, looking out for the Plumbeous Redstart and the River Chat,
which often perch on boulders in mid-stream, fly catching to take
insects from the air or from the water's edge. The large and more
robust Blue Whistling Thrush often wades into the stream to pluck
out food items, or sits unobtrusively under rock overhangs. The
Brown Dipper, recorded here in the past, has not been seen for many
years. Where the current is weaker, well upstream of the main fall,
the Slaty-backed Forktail can sometimes be seen. This illustrates
well the altitudinal segregation between this species, which is more
a bird of the mountains, and Black-backed Forktail, which is
strictly a bird of the foothills, well downstream of the waterfall.
The constant fine spray from the fall
appears to allow more evergreen trees to grow here and a few birds
characteristic of higher elevations, such as the White-headed Bulbul,
begin to appear.
Km 23 - 29 (ca 900 - 1200 m: Zones 3
- 6).
Above the waterfall, the road once
again crosses over the Mae Klang river and continues to ascend the
mountain, following the north bank. The surroundings change very
abruptly in character, and pines predominate in many areas. The pine
forest appears to support a lower diversity of
birds than other forest types. A few species, such as the
Great Tit, are more or less confined to pine forests in northern
Thailand but most other species which occur here, such as Large
Hawk-Cuckoo, Grey-headed Woo pecker, Eurasian Jay and Velvet-fronted
Nuthatch are ecologically tolerant species which also occur in a
variety of other woodland types. The Inornate Warbler, Red-throated
Flycatcher and Olive Tree-Pipit are among the commonest wintering
species found. Such broadleaved woodlands as remain are mostly
low-stature , secondary regrowth but support a number of smaller
resident species, including Buff-breasted Babbler and Brown-cheeked
Fulvetta.
The rare Giant Nuthatch,
which is one of the few species which is positively associated with
pines, has not been seen on Doi Inthanon for many years but should
be looked for in this zone, particularly towards
its upper altitudinal limits where the pines begin to intergrade
with broadleaved evergreen trees such as oaks .
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Along the course of the Mae Klang are
many Karen rice terraces. Dry stubble occasionally supports
White-rumped Munias and the occasional wintering Chestnut Bunting or
even Chestnut-eared Bunting. In recent years, however, many more
cabbages and other vegetable crops are being grown on these terraces
and they generally support fewer birds.
Look out for birds of prey, such as
Crested Honey-Buzzard, or the wintering Common Buzzard or Grey-faced
Buzzard. Towards the end of this section, a rocky crag
overlooks the road and may provide nesting habitat
for species such as House Swift Apus affinis and Red-rumped Swallow
Hirundo daurica.
Km 30 - 34 (ca.
1200 - 1500 m: Zone 4).
This area has borne the brunt of deforestation
due to upland shifting cultivation and virtually all native forest
has been cleared. Little more than a decade ago, the area was
dominated by scrub and grassland, among which were scattered a few
opium poppy fields. During the past few years, however, there has
been a great increase in horticultural activity under the auspices of
the Highland Agricultural Project and a great
variety of fruits and vegetables are now grown. In
addition, many areas have been replanted with Pinus kesiya, so that
dense stands of conifers are beginning to cover the formerly denuded
hills. This area also supports a large human population. In addition
to nearby Hmong and Karen villages, there are many government offices
and residential buildings. including the headquarters of the National
Park and various highway and construction works.
In spite of such a high level of human
activity, the scrublands and cultivated areas
continue to support a great variety of birds.
Lowland species such as Red-whiskered and Sooty-headed Bulbuls,
White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Pied Bushchat and Long-tailed Shrike
occur alongside such mountain birds as Flavescent Bulbul,
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler, Hill Prinia and Pale-footed
Bush-Warbler. In such moist secondary growth as remains, particularly
along watercourses, a number of the more tolerant forest birds,
including Orange-bellied Leafbird and Slaty-blue Flycatcher are found.
During the late dry season, from January onwards, a number of
red-flowed Erythrina trees are in blossom. These produce copious
nectar which attracts a great many birds. Look out for the rather
scarce White-headed Bulbul among the commoner species such as
Red-whiskered Bulbul Occasional flocks of Long-tailed Minivets may
also be seen during the winter months.
This area supports a great
number of winter visitors, including Siberian Rubythroat,
and Buff-throated, Yellow-streaked and Radde's Warblers, all of which
inhabit dense banks of scrub and herbage, while Stonechats, Olive
Tree-Pipits, White Wagtails and Little Buntings occur in the more
open areas. The Grey Bushchat may be seen here commonly during the
winter months as a breeding bird, however, it is usually restricted
to the higher elevations .
The national park headquarters
is situated at Km 30, beyond the Hmong village of
Ban Khun Klang.
Km 34 - 40 (ca.
1500 - 1900 m: Zone 2).
This section supports some of the best
remaining broadleaved hill-evergreen forest on the mountain.
Although the action of fire, sweeping into the margins of this zone
from the cultivated areas below, combined with road construction
activities, has "thinned" the forest edge in places, large
expanses of dense forest supporting many tall, large-boled trees
remain and there is a good deal of lush, moist ground storey
vegetation, particularly along small forest brooks. The vegetation
along the road is much disturbed with many secondary and pioneer
fruit-bearing shrubs. As already mentioned, this zone has a higher
bird species diversity than any other: among its
characteristic reside species are the Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Great
Barbet Golden-throated Barbet, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Bay
Woodpecker, Maroon Oriole, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Golden Babbler,
White-necked Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Minla Grey-cheeked Fulvetta,
Rufous-backed Sibia and Large Niltava among many more. In the more
disturbed edges may be found the Silver-eared Mesia, Spectacled
Barwing and Mountain Tailorbird. Tall dead trees are a favoured haunt
of the Chestnut-vented Nuthatch. Birdwatching along the road can be
quite productive, particularly in the vicinity of the checkpoint at
Km 37.5, where a road forks off towards the village of Mae Chaem, or
at Km 3 where a dirt road forks off towards the south.
There are very few trails,
which makes access into the areas of moist forest understorey
difficult. By the check-point at Km 37.5 a dirt track leads off to
the north and provides access into the forest interior. Otherwise,
the more adventurous observer must find his own way, usually by
following ridge tops or seeking out small streams and following them.
Among the many scarce arboreal
birds to look out for are Red-headed Trogon, Long-tailed
Broadbill, Brown-throated Treecreeper and Green Cochoa. The many
secretive ground-living and understorey birds include Rufous-throated
Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Rusty napped Pitta, Pygmy Wren-Babbler,
Lesser Shortwing, White-tailed Robin, Slaty-bellied and Chestnut
headed Tesias, White-gorgetted Flycatcher and Small Niltava. No
birdwatcher ever manages to see all of these species on a single
visit, and indeed the impossibility of predicting which of these or
any other species one will encounter is something which merely adds
to one's excitement and constant sense of anticipation. The resident
White-tailed Leaf Warbler is one of the commonest birds in the forest,
though a number of wintering leaf-warblers are also found here.
Another winter visitor, the Eye-browed Thrush, is often seen in small
flocks feeding either on the forest floor or in the treetops.
Km 40 - 46 (ca.
2000 - 2565 m: Zone 1).
The road continues through this section
to the summit. It initially traverses an exposed, windswept grassy
ridge, before once more entering the forest. Here, where rocky
road cuttings are found adjacent to forest trees, one should
look out for the Dusky Crag Martin and for the Chestnut-bellied Rock
Thrush which has been recorded throughout the year and is believed to
breed here.
The forest in this zone is
Characterized by an abundance of Rhododendron and
other species of the families Ericaceae, Theaceae and Magnoliaceae.
The trees are of lower stature than in the preceding zone and are
frequently swathed in epiphytes.
Many of the bird species in this zone
are shared with the preceding zone but some, such as
the Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush and Rufous-winged Fulvetta, are much
more abundant here. The Chestnut-tailed Minla and
Black-headed Sibia are among the commonest babblers. The Mountain
Imperial Pigeon is still the commonest pigeon species, though both
the scarce resident Ashy Wood-Pigeon and the wintering Speckled
Wood-Pigeon should be looked out for. Thailand's second resident
species of leaf-warbler, Ashy-throated Leaf-Warbler, is extremely
common, occurring alongside the White-tailed Leaf-Warbler. The
migrant Orange-barred Leaf-Warbler is also abundant during the winter
months. Another winter visitor, the Common Rosefinch, may sometimes
be seen in large numbers This species often frequents the dense banks
of brambles (Rubus sp.) along the roadside margins. Both the Grey
Bushchat and the Hill Prinia are also common here.
Olive-back
Sunbird
Across the road from the highest point
of the mountain, a narrow footpath leads down into a
small sphagnum moss bog. This is one of the best
spots on the entire mountain for birdwatching. Many of the
birds are extremely confiding and will approach quite close to a
quiet and patient observer. The brightly-colored and endemic form of
Green-tailed Sunbird, which is resident on the mountain, is extremely
common. During the winter months, it may be seen alongside the
somewhat similarly-marked Gould's Sunbird, which is a migrant visitor.
One of the greatest treats in store for the observer
in February or March is to watch both these "living jewels"
feeding on the nectar of the beautiful blood-red flowers of
Rhododendron delavayi, one of the many species of flowering
plants for which Doi Inthanon is the only station in
Thailand.
In addition to the great variety of
arboreal birds, the watcher should look out for the many shy
or scarce ground-feeding species which frequent moist,
leaf-strewn muddy patches around the margins of the bog. The
White-browed Shortwing is quite common; normally rather shy and
somewhat difficult to see, it becomes very bold and confiding
during the breeding season, from February
through to May. The resident Dark-sided Thrush can sometimes
be seen digging craters in the soft mud with its heavy, curved bill
while one or two pairs of Snowy-browed Flycatchers haunt the ground
storey vegetation.
The Eurasian Woodcock is an annual
winter visitor, as is the Orange-flanked Bush-Robin. Wintering
thrushes can be abundant here; in most years, one or two scarce
Grey-sided Thrushes can be seen feeding unobtrusively on the forest
floor or sitting in the treetops with the much commoner, but
similarly marked, Eye-browed Thrush. In some years, irruptions of
other thrush species occur, perhaps with the onset of unusually cool
weather in south-west China. Long-tailed Thrush, Chestnut Thrush,
Red-throated Thrush and Dusky Thrush have all been seen on the summit
of Doi Inthanon.
A national park substation and toilet
facilities are provided at the mountain summit.
WHEN TO WATCH
BIRDS ON DOI INTHANON
Doi Inthanon is good for
birdwatching throughout the year though perhaps the best time
is from February through to April when most resident species
are breeding and, in addition, a full complement of winter
visitors is usually present. Also, during the early part of
the breeding season many of the resident species are more inclined to
be singing or calling and are therefore more easily
located.
The early wet season,
during May to July, is also a very
interesting time for the birdwatcher, especially since many
species are still feeding fledged young. In addition, some ground
feeding species such as pittas and thrushes, which favor wetter
conditions, now start to breed. Though showers are fairly frequent at
this time, the weather is seldom bad enough to interfere too much
with birdwatching, unless you are unlucky enough to time your arrival
on the mountain with the passage of a deep monsoon trough.
Later in the wet season, however, rain is more of a
problem, particularly around the summit, which can be
blanketed in mist and rain for days on end. This period, from July
onwards to October, is usually the quietist period
for birds, though even then, many interesting observations
can be made. It is a particularly good time to look out for passage
migrants and for the return of the first winter visitors.
(This article is contributed by All
Thailand Experiences - Editor.)
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