Chonburi is a province located in the eastern part of Thailand and is home to various birds. The region is home to various bird species with its lush forests, mangroves, and wetlands.
From the iconic and endangered White-shouldered Ibis to the colorful Asian Golden Weaver, Chonburi is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Ornithologists have identified over 300 species of birds in the province, including several rare and endangered species.
Whether you’re looking for a day of birdwatching or a more extensive exploration of local wildlife, Chonburi has something to offer everyone.
15 Birds Found in Chonburi
Creating a list of 15 birds found in Chonburi, Thailand, involves highlighting the diverse birdlife in this region, known for its varied habitats, including coastal areas, wetlands, and forests.
Chonburi is a province that offers rich birdwatching opportunities with its array of local and migratory birds.
Here’s a list that captures the diversity of avian species in the area:
1. Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo
The greater racket-tailed drongo is a medium-sized bird native to parts of Asia. It is easily recognizable due to its unique tail feathers, elongated and webbing only at the tips.
This species of bird is classified within the Dicruridae family, which encompasses other species of drongos. The greater racket-tailed drongo primarily feeds on insects, but it also preys on small vertebrates such as lizards and frogs.
It is often found in forests and woodlands, perching on the edges of trees or branches, from where it can watch for prey.
This bird is also noted for its distinctive vocalizations, which sound like a series of chirping or whistling notes. The greater racket-tailed drongo is a colorful species, typically displaying glossy black plumage with purplish-blue highlights.
The tail feathers, which name the bird, are typically white with black patches at the tips. This bird species is also known for its aggressive behavior, often chasing away larger birds like eagles from its hunting grounds.
Overall, the greater racket-tailed drongo is a unique species of bird that stands out due to its striking colors, elongated tail feathers, and aggressive behavior.
It is an important part of the Asian bird population and is classified within the Dicruridae family alongside other species of drongos.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. paradiseus |
2. Red-Wattled Lapwing
The red-wattled lapwing is a species of bird found in Asia. It is a member of the Charadriidae family, which includes large plovers and wading birds.
The red-wattled lapwing is a ground bird, meaning it cannot perch on branches or other structures like some other species of birds. Instead, it uses its long legs to walk or run on the ground. It can also use its wings to take off and fly.
The red-wattled lapwing is well adapted to life on the ground and can be found in grasslands, marshes, and mudflats. It feeds on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.
Its distinctive red wattles on its face are used to attract a mate and to signal other lapwings. The red-wattled lapwing is an important part of the Asian ecosystem and is a crucial species for the balance of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. indicus |
3. Racket-Tailed Treepie
The Racket-tailed Treepie is a species of bird native to Asia. It belongs to the Corvidae family, also known as the Crow family.
This bird is quite distinctive in its appearance, with a black forehead covered in short, plush black feathers and the rest of its body being an oil-green color, though it appears black in dim light.
The feathers on the back of the bird almost look like a tail, giving it its name. The bird’s wings are generally black, and its beak and legs are usually a light yellowish-green. This bird is a great sight, with its unique and vibrant coloring.
It is also a very social bird, living in large groups and often seen in parks and gardens. They are known for their vocalizations and are considered quite good singers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Crypsirina |
| Species | C. temia |
4. Red-vented Bulbul
The red-vented bulbul is a species of bird belonging to the bulbul family of passerines. It is found throughout the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, eastwards to Burma, and parts of Bhutan and Nepal.
This bird species is a resident breeder, meaning they stay in the same area all year round to breed. They are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including urban areas, gardens, and woodlands.
The red-vented bulbul is a medium-sized bird measuring 18 to 22 cm in length. It is mainly brown with a darker head and has a distinctive red patch on its vent.
The red-vented bulbul is omnivorous, feeding on various foods, including fruits, insects, nectar, and small reptiles. It is a noisy and active bird, often seen in groups, and has a variety of calls ranging from whistles to harsh chatter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Pycnonotus |
| Species | P. cafer |
5. White-Throated Kingfisher
The white-throated kingfisher, also known as the white-breasted kingfisher, is a species of tree kingfisher found across the Asian continent, from the Sinai desert in the west to China and Indonesia in the east.
This species is a permanent resident in many regions it inhabits, although some populations may make short-distance migrations.
The white-throated kingfisher is mainly found in open woodlands along the edges of rivers, streams, swamps, and lakes.
It is also found in agricultural areas and urban parks and is often seen perched on wires and trees. It has a distinctive white throat and breast, and the rest of the body is a bright blue.
The wings and tail are black, with white spots and bars. The white-throated kingfisher is a solitary and territorial bird. It feeds on a range of prey, including small fish, frogs, lizards, insects, and even small birds.
The bird will perch on a branch or wire and wait for its prey to pass before swooping to catch it in its bill. The white-throated kingfisher is a vocal bird whose call is a distinctive ‘kwee-kwee-kwee’ sound.
The birds form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and build a nest in a hole in a tree or bank. The female lays 4-5 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating.
The chicks fledge after around 3 weeks and will remain with their parents for another few weeks before dispersing. Overall, the white-throated kingfisher is a widespread species across its range.
It is generally not threatened, although its population may suffer from habitat loss due to human development.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Halcyon |
| Species | H. smyrnensis |
6. Asian Openbill
The Asian openbill stork is a large wading bird belonging to the Ciconiidae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and is easily identified by its distinctive bill.
The bill is shaped like an open clamshell, with a mandible on each side of the gap that allows the stork to feed on snails and other mollusks.
In terms of size, the Asian openbill stork is about the same size as the Eurasian black stork, standing at around 90 cm tall, and having a wingspan of up to 170 cm.
The Asian openbill stork mostly inhabits wetlands and marshlands, such as floodplains, ponds, and swamps.
It also frequents shallow water areas like fishponds, rice fields, and mangrove swamps. The bird feeds mainly on mollusks, such as snails and clams, but it also eats amphibians, fish, insects, and other invertebrates.
The Asian openbill stork is usually found in small flocks and is known to migrate during winter, flying to warmer climates in search of food.
The Asian openbill stork plays an important role in its environment, as it helps to control the populations of snails and other mollusks.
It also helps to aerate the soil, which is beneficial to the growth of the plants in the area. Due to its importance in its environment, the Asian openbill stork is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Anastomus |
| Species | A. oscitans |
7. Paddyfield Pipit
The Paddyfield Pipit, also known as the Oriental Pipit, is a small passerine bird species belonging to the Pipit and Wagtail family.
It is a resident breeder, meaning it stays in the same area throughout the year, and is found in open scrub, grassland, and cultivation in Southern Asia and the Philippines.
The bird is typically small, with a brownish-grey back, white throat, and breast.
It has a long, thin, slightly upturned bill and longish legs. The Paddyfield Pipit feeds mostly on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates but is also known to eat berries and other fruits.
It is usually seen alone or in small groups and is often seen perched on low shrubs or grasses. The bird is usually quite secretive and is rarely seen in flight.
The Paddyfield Pipit is an important part of the Southern Asian ecosystem, helping control insect populations and provide food for various predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Anthus |
| Species | A. rufulus |
8. Golden-Headed Cisticola
The golden-headed cisticola, also known as the bright-capped cisticola, is a species of warbler in the family Cisticolidae. It is native to Australia and thirteen Asian countries, ranging from India to the Philippines.
The golden-headed cisticola is a small bird, typically 12 cm long. It is mainly a brownish-grey bird with black streaks on its back, and its head is yellowish-gold. Its wings are chestnut, and its tail is black and white.
The species is usually found in grassland and scrubland, especially in areas with tall grass or dense undergrowth, and it can also be found in open woodlands and thickets. It is a territorial species and can be seen singing from bushes and trees during the breeding season.
The golden-headed cisticola primarily feeds on insects but will also consume small invertebrates and plant material. It is an important part of the local ecosystem, controlling insect populations, consuming weed seeds, and providing food for other animals.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the golden-headed cisticola a species of least concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cisticolidae |
| Genus | Cisticola |
| Species | C. exilis |
9. Green-Billed Malkoha
The green-billed malkoha is an intriguing species of non-parasitic cuckoo found throughout the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. This bird stands out not only for its remarkable green bill but also for its distinct plumage.
The body of the malkoha is a waxy bluish-black, offset by its long and graduated tail.
The tail feathers have white tips, making the bird look even more stunning. The bill of the green-billed malkoha is particularly prominent, and it curves outward, giving the bird a unique look.
This cuckoo species prefers to live in dry scrub and thin forests, often found perching on the tops of trees or flying near the ground. The green-billed malkoha is a fascinating sight that will captivate any bird watcher.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Phaenicophaeus |
| Species | P. tristis |
10. Indian Roller
The Indian roller is a bird of the Coraciidae family, native to Asia and parts of the Middle East. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 30 and 34 cm in length and having a wingspan of 65 to 74 cm. It is quite lightweight, weighing between 166 and 176 g.
The Indian roller has a distinctive coloration, with a pinkish face and throat, a brown head and back, and bright blue plumage on its rump, wings, and tail, with light and dark blue feathers interspersed.
The Indian roller is a beautiful and unique bird, with its colorful plumage making it a sight to behold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae |
| Genus | Coracias |
| Species | C. benghalensis |
11. Ashy Woodswallow
The ashy wood swallow is a species of bird found in South Asia. It is also known as the ashy swallow shrike. It is a member of the wood swallow family and shares many physical characteristics with its relatives. It has a short, curved bill, a square tail, and long wings.
These features are typical of the wood swallow family, allowing the ashy wood swallow to identify its relations easily. The ashy woodswallow is a small bird with a length of about 18 cm and a wingspan of 28 cm.
Its head and throat are pale grey, and its back and wings are ash-grey. Its underside is white, with a white patch on its wings.
The ashy wood swallow feeds mainly on insects and usually lives in open woodland and forest edges.
Its diet consists of beetles, grasshoppers, and other small insects. The ashy wood swallow is a social species often seen in small groups.
The ashy wood swallow is a solitary species in its natural habitat, although it may form small flocks when food is abundant.
The ashy wood swallow is generally found in open woodlands and forest edges, where it builds its nest in a tree or shrub. It is an active bird and can often be seen flying swiftly between trees and bushes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Artamidae |
| Genus | Artamus |
| Species | A. fuscus |
12. Scaly-Breasted Munia
The scaly-breasted munia, also known as the spotted munia, is a small bird in the estrildid finch family. It is native to tropical parts of Asia and popularly kept as a pet, known in pet stores as the nutmeg mannikin or spice finch.
It is a small bird, about the size of a sparrow, and is recognizable by its scaly-breasted feathers. The species was first described and named by the famous botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
The scaly-breasted munia is a gregarious species, usually seen in small flocks of up to 10 birds. They feed on various seeds, grains, and insects and have many habitats, from open grasslands to light woodlands and even urban parks.
They are known for their sociable behavior and are known to form bonds with other birds in their flock. The scaly-breasted munia is a relatively hardy species popularly kept as a pet, particularly in Asia.
They are easy to care for and can adapt to various environments. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of seeds, grains, and insects and should have access to a variety of perches and toys.
They are known to form strong bonds with their owners and can be trained to perform various tricks. The scaly-breasted munia has a place in history, first documented and named by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Since then, they have been widely studied and appreciated in the wild and captivity. This species is an important part of the ecosystem and has a unique beauty, making it a popular pet for centuries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Lonchura |
| Species | L. punctulata |
13. Chestnut-Headed Bee-Eater
The chestnut-headed bee-eater, also known as the bay-headed bee-eater, is a species of bird found in the Meropidae family. It is a resident of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, stretching from India eastwards.
Like other bee-eaters, this species is characterized by its vivid, attractive colors.
Its slender body is adorned with chestnut, brown, and yellow tones, giving it a striking appearance. The chestnut-headed bee-eater is a near passerine bird, closely related to the passerines or perching birds.
It is an agile creature, able to maneuver through the air easily. Its diet consists mainly of bees, wasps, and other small insects which it swoops down to catch.
As its name implies, it is particularly adept at catching bees. The chestnut-headed bee-eater is a resident breeder, meaning it builds nests in the same area yearly during the breeding season.
It prefers open woodlands and savannas, although it can also be found in gardens and cultivated fields.
Its nests are typically made of twigs and leaves in tree holes or depressions. The chestnut-headed bee-eater is an important bird species, playing a vital role in controlling insect populations.
It is also popular among birdwatchers, with its colorful plumage and aerial acrobatics making it an interesting subject for observation. As such, it is important to ensure its conservation so that future generations can enjoy its beauty.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. leschenaulti |
14. White-Rumped Shama
The white-rumped shama is a species of small perching bird that belongs to the family Muscicapidae, comprised of other species like the flycatcher and the robin.
Native to areas throughout the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, this species is well-known for its beautiful song. It has been kept in captivity as a caged bird for many years.
As a result of its popularity, it has been introduced to other parts of the world, most notably locations in the Americas. White-rumped shamas typically live in densely vegetated habitats in tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and urban gardens.
Their diet consists of insects, small worms, and fruit; they are known to be active during the day. They are typically found in small flocks, and their singing is loud and melodious.
It has been described as a “liquid trill” composed of melodic whistles and warbles. The white-rumped shama is a beautiful species of bird known for its distinctive white rump patch and black and brown feathers.
It is an important part of the ecosystem as they consume various insects and other small creatures and help dispersing seeds. They are also seen as a symbol of good luck in some parts of India and are kept as pets in many homes.
As such, their populations are declining in some areas due to habitat destruction, trapping, and the pet trade.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Copsychus |
| Species | C. malabaricus |
15. White-Breasted Waterhen
The white-breasted waterhen is an aquatic bird belonging to the Rallidae family. It is found in many parts of South and Southeast Asia, making it a widely distributed species.
It has a distinct appearance, mostly dark slaty in color but with a starkly contrasting white face, breast, and belly. The combination of its slaty coloration and white accents makes it one of the most easily recognizable waterbirds in its region.
In terms of behavior, the white-breasted waterhen is a very secretive bird, often staying close to the water’s edge and hiding in thick vegetation. It feeds mainly on small insects, crustaceans, other aquatic invertebrates, and some fruits and seeds.
It builds its nest close to the ground, typically in dense vegetation, and usually lays three to four eggs. Both the male and the female take part in raising the young.
Overall, the white-breasted waterhen is a fascinating bird with an iconic appearance, making it a popular subject for birdwatching.
With its wide distribution and adaptability, it is also a species that will likely remain around for several more years.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Amaurornis |
| Species | A. phoenicurus |
Conclusion
Birds are an integral part of the natural environment of Chonburi.
They provide food for many other wildlife species, their songs and feathers add beauty to the natural landscape, and their presence serves as a reminder of the importance of conserving our natural resources.
By taking proactive steps to protect birds, we can ensure that they continue to be a part of the rich landscape of Chonburi for generations to come.