22 Most Common Birds Of Ko Samui

Ko Samui, a beautiful island in Thailand, is home to a diverse range of bird species. With its lush landscape, abundant vegetation, and peaceful atmosphere, it is no wonder that many birds choose to call this paradise home.

From common birds like doves, pigeons, and mynahs to rare and exotic ones like hornbills and kingfishers, visitors to Ko Samui can observe a wide variety of avian life.

Whether you are an avid bird enthusiast or simply a traveler looking to witness the island's natural beauty, the birds of Ko Samui are sure to captivate and awe.

1. Mandarin duck

The Mandarin Duck is a stunningly beautiful bird native to the East Palearctic region. It has striking plumage, with the males featuring brightly-colored feathers of purple, blue, and green on their head, back, and wings as well as an orange bill.

The females are duller in color but still have attractive markings. They measure between 16 and 19 inches long with a wing span of 26 to 30 inches wide.

These ducks prefer freshwater habitats like lakes or rivers but will also forage for food in nearby grasslands or wooded areas if needed.

During the breeding season, they form pairs that nest either high up in trees near water sources or more commonly next to reeds close by ponds where they lay around 10 eggs at once.

After hatching their young remain together until autumn when they begin migrating southwards towards wintering grounds further away from their northern homes.

However, some individuals can stay put depending on local climate conditions and availability of resources such as food supply during colder months of the year before returning north.

They again come springtime when temperatures rise again allowing them easier access to aquatic vegetation that sustains them throughout the summer months ahead then repeat this cycle each year thereafter.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Aix
Species	A. galericulata

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2. Lesser whistling duck

The Lesser Whistling Duck is a species of whistling duck found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

It has an unmistakable appearance, with its brown body, white-streaked wings and distinctive black tail feathers.

The adult ducks have red bills, eyes and legs with yellowish webbed feet for swimming.

They are generally nocturnal feeders but during the day they can be seen around lakes or wet paddy fields in flocks perching on trees or even building their nest inside tree hollows.

Their diet mainly consists of seeds from aquatic plants as well as small fish, mollusks and insects occasionally taken while wading or diving into water bodies to find food sources.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Dendrocygna
Species	D. javanica

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3. Indian roller

The Indian roller is a beautiful bird of the Coraciidae family. It has an average length of 12-13 inches and weighs 5.9 to 6.2 ounces with a wingspan of 26-29 inches.

Its face and throat are pinkish, while its head and back are brown with blue on its rump, light blue markings on one side of the wing, dark blue markings on other side making it easily distinguishable in flight.

Both male and female have same colouration but males tend to be slightly larger than females though they can only be differentiated when seen together closely due to similar colouring pattern between sexes.

The Indian Roller makes spectacular aerial dives from great heights during courtship display which attracts many viewers each year.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Coraciiformes
Family	Coraciidae
Genus	Coracias
Species	C. benghalensis

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4. Red-crested pochard

The Red-crested Pochard is a beautiful diving duck, easily recognizable by its golden-red head and neck. 

Found in southern Europe and Central Asia to Mongolia, this large bird also spends winter months along the Indian subcontinent and Africa.

They inhabit lowland marshes and lakes where they feed on aquatic plants as well as small fish or insects that they dive for. 

In flight, their wings make a loud whistling sound due to their size which gives away their presence even when far off.

These birds are social creatures often found swimming in flocks of several dozens making them an impressive sight indeed.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Netta
Species	N. rufina

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5. Spotted dove

The Spotted Dove is a common species of pigeon found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It has an elegant, slender body with small head, long tail feathers and spotted wings.

Its coloring ranges from grey to brownish-grey on its upperparts with white underparts that are speckled black or dark grey. The male generally has more prominent spots than the female.

 They feed mainly on seeds but will also consume insects when available during breeding season as well as berries, grains and fruits throughout their range.

These birds typically live in pairs or small groups near water sources such as ponds, rivers or streams where they can find food easily while staying safe from predators like cats and hawks.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Spilopelia
Species	S. chinensis

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6. Sunbird

Sunbirds are a family of passerine birds known as the Nectariniidae, found mainly in Africa and parts of Asia. These small, slender birds have downward-curved bills and often feature brightly coloured iridescent feathers.

The males usually display longer tail feathers than females. Sunbird diets consist mostly of nectar from flowers which they sip using their long bill while hovering above them like hummingbirds do.

They also eat insects such as spiders and moths to supplement their nutrition needs.

Sunbirds can be seen flitting around gardens or parks looking for food sources - sometimes alone but more commonly in pairs or families during breeding season when they become quite territorial over an area where they feed on plants with abundant supplies of nectar.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Superfamily	Passeroidea
Family	Nectariniidae Vigors, 1825

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7. Yellow-footed green pigeon

The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon is a common species of green pigeon found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It has yellow feet and legs, with emerald green body plumage that stands out from its surroundings.

This vibrant bird is also the state bird of Maharashtra, where it's called "Haroli" or "Hariyal". Its diet consists mainly of fruit like Ficus racemosa, Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cumini etc., which are important sources for wild animals.

With their impressive vocalizations and adaptability to different environments they have become popular among city dwellers as well.

The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by providing food to other wildlife while dispersing seeds through defecation - helping propagate new plants across vast areas.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Treron
Species	T. phoenicopterus

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8. White-bellied sea eagle

The White-bellied sea eagle is an impressive large bird of prey that belongs to the Accipitridae family.

It was first described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788 and it is closely related to Sanford's sea eagle found in the Solomon Islands.

The adult white-bellied sea eagles have a stunning appearance with their white heads, dark brown bodies, and long wings which span up to 1.8 meters across.

They can be seen soaring above coastal areas searching for fish, reptiles or small birds as they hunt for food.

These majestic creatures are also known for being incredibly vocal when nesting – making loud cackling noises at dawn and dusk near riverside forests.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Haliaeetus
Species	H. leucogaster

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9. Brahminy kite

The Brahminy Kite is a majestic bird of prey native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia. It was formerly known as the red-backed sea eagle in Australia.

This medium-sized raptor has a distinctive white head with rufous brown feathers covering its body, making it easily recognisable from far away. The wingspan can reach up to 5 feet wide.

Brahminy kites are found mainly on coasts and inland wetlands where they feed mostly on dead fish or carrion left by other animals.

They also hunt for small mammals such as rodents or reptiles like lizards and snakes during dry spells when food sources become scarce.

These birds have adapted well over time and will even scavenge for food near picnic sites or urban areas if need be.

Overall these beautiful creatures are an important part of their local ecosystems which rely heavily upon them for keeping animal populations balanced through natural predation methods instead of manmade ones; this ensures that nature remains healthy so future generations may enjoy it too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Haliastur
Species	H. indus

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10. Black-capped kingfisher

The Black-capped Kingfisher is a beautiful species of tree kingfishers found in tropical Asia from India east to China, Korea and Southeast Asia.

Its striking features include its black cap that contrasts with its bright blue back, wings and tail.

It has white underparts which makes it easily identifiable when perched atop trees or flying above the ground searching for food.

During winter months some northern populations migrate south seeking warmer climates such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo and Java.

The diet of this bird consists mainly of insects but may also feed on small reptiles like lizards or snakes if available.

They can be seen generally near water bodies where they hunt their prey by diving into the waters from a high perch.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Coraciiformes
Family	Alcedinidae
Subfamily	Halcyoninae
Genus	Halcyon
Species	H. pileata

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11. White-winged duck

The white-winged duck is a large species of bird once classified in the same genus as Muscovy ducks.

It has distinctive white wing feathers and is otherwise mainly brown with some darker patches on its wings, back and head.

These birds are found primarily in tropical southern Asia, where they inhabit lakes, rivers and wetlands.

They feed mostly on aquatic plants but may also take insects or small fish when available.

Despite their size, these ducks fly well - although not for long distances - making them an impressive sight to behold when taking off from water bodies.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Asarcornis Salvadori, 1895
Species	A. scutulata

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12. Olive-backed sunbird

The Olive-backed Sunbird is a vibrant species of sunbird found in Southern Asia and Australia. Its striking yellow underbelly complements its olive upperparts, making it an attractive sight to behold.

First described by Mathurin Jacques Brisson in 1760 based on a specimen from the Philippines, this small songbird loves nectar but will also feed on insects as well as other tiny invertebrates.

It feeds mainly while hovering or perching with its bill pointing downwards - quite an impressive feat.

This bird has adapted to both forested areas and urban gardens meaning they can be seen all over their range.

With conservation efforts in place for this beautiful creature we are sure that the Olive-backed Sunbird will continue to bring joy to our lives for many years yet.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Nectariniidae
Genus	Cinnyris
Species	C. jugularis

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13. Pink-necked green pigeon

The Pink-necked green pigeon is a beautiful bird of the Columbidae family, native to Southeast Asia. Its body is mainly covered with emerald feathers and only the male has an eye-catching pink neck.

It can be found from Myanmar and Vietnam down to Indonesia and even in parts of Philippines, where it's known as "punay".

This medium sized species loves feeding on fruits such as figs or guavas but also enjoys snacking on insects from time to time.

In its natural habitat, this colorful avian often nests high up in trees for better protection against predators.

All in all, the unique beauty of Pink-necked Green Pigeon makes it one truly remarkable bird.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Treron
Species	T. vernans

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14. Red-whiskered bulbul

The Red-whiskered Bulbul is a passerine bird native to tropical Asia. It has an unmistakable black head, white cheek patch, and red whiskers on each side of its beak.

This brightly colored bulbul feeds mainly on fruits but also eats small insects from time to time.

The birds are known for their loud call which consists of three or four notes in succession and can often be heard emanating from treetops or other high perches where it likes to sit conspicuously.

Introductions have been made in many parts of the world outside its original range, with populations establishing themselves successfully in various locations including Hawaii and Florida within the United States.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Pycnonotidae
Genus	Pycnonotus
Species	P. jocosus

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15. Parrots

Parrots are a diverse group of birds, found in tropical and subtropical regions. They make up the order Psittaciformes, which is divided into three superfamilies: "true" parrots (Psittacoidea), cockatoos (Cacatuoidea) and New Zealand Parrots (Strigopoidea).

Many species have brightly colored feathers that can be red, yellow or blue. Their strong curved bills allow them to feed on fruits, nuts and seeds.

Parrot behavior ranges from playful to aggressive depending on their environment and socialization with humans.

Some even learn human words. As beloved pets they bring joy to many households around the world though it's important for owners to understand how best to care for these intelligent creatures so as not to cause distress or harm.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Clade	Psittacopasserae
Order	Psittaciformes Wagler, 1830

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16. Common emerald dove

The Common Emerald Dove is a beautiful bird that can be found in tropical and subtropical parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Its distinctive features include its grey-capped head, while its wings are an emerald green colour.

It has also earned itself the nickname "green dove" or "green-winged pigeon". This species plays an important role in Tamil Nadu's ecology, which makes it fitting for them to have named it their state bird.

The Pacifric Emerald Dove is closely related to this species but they differ slightly in appearance and habitat preferences; however both make great pets due to being gentle by nature.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Chalcophaps
Species	C. indica

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17. Little cuckoo-dove

The Little Cuckoo-Dove is a species of bird found in many parts of Southeast Asia. It has reddish brown plumage, and measures up to 28 cm (11 inches) long.

It feeds mainly on fruits, seeds and buds from trees or shrubs. This bird is rated as being of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List due to its wide distribution range and stable population trend throughout its habitat range.

Despite this, it still faces threats such as deforestation which can degrade their habitats leading to reduced food resources available for them.

Therefore preserving these birds' natural habitats should be considered an important conservation priority so that we may continue to enjoy the beauty they bring into our lives.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Macropygia
Species	M. ruficeps

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18. Pied imperial pigeon

The Pied Imperial Pigeon is a stunning bird native to Southeast Asia. It has striking black and white plumage, with the lower half of its body being predominantly white while its head, neck and upper breast are black.

This species can be found in various habitats such as forests, woodlands, mangroves, plantations and scrub across Myanmar, Thailand Indonesia Philippines & New Guinea regions.

They mainly nest on small islands or coastal areas near coral reefs where they feed primarily on fruits like figs but also occasionally insects & crustaceans too.

These birds form large flocks during breeding season which makes them an impressive sight to behold.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Ducula
Species	D. bicolor

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19. Amazon parrot

Amazon Parrots are medium-sized, short-tailed parrots native to the Americas. They belong to the genus Amazona and family Psittacidae which comprises of 92 genera and three families of true parrots.

Amazon breed is known for its vibrant colors from blues, greens to yellows that make them an eye-catching beauty in addition to their playful personalities.

These birds have a long lifespan with some living up to 80 years or more making them great companions if well taken care off.

They also possess talking abilities although this does vary between species as some will mimic human speech better than others do.

With proper training they can learn different tricks such as doing somersaults etc., providing hours of entertainment.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Psittaciformes
Family	Psittacidae
Tribe	Androglossini
Genus	Amazona Lesson, 1830

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20. Greater racket-tailed drongo

The Greater racket-tailed drongo is a medium-sized bird that inhabits forests in Asia. This bird is easily recognized by its elongated outer tail feathers which have webbing only at the tips.

The Greater racket-tailed drongo is part of the Dicruridae family, which also includes other types of drongos.

They are known for their conspicuous nature, often perching out in the open and using a variety of loud calls that include perfect mimicry of other birds and animals.

They are skilled at attracting attention, and can be seen flashing their long tails to intimidate predators or attract mates.

The Greater racket-tailed drongo is an important member of its ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and acting as a key prey species for predators.

Overall, this bird is a fascinating and important species of the Asian forests it inhabits.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Dicruridae
Genus	Dicrurus
Species	D. paradiseus

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21. Thick-billed green pigeon

The thick-billed green pigeon is a member of the Columbidae family. It was first described in 1789 and given the scientific name Treron curvirostra. It has a thick bill and is green in color.

The bird is native to certain regions in Asia, such as India and Sri Lanka. Its diet primarily consists of fruits and seeds.

The thick-billed green pigeon plays an important role in seed dispersal within its habitat.

It is considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, habitat destruction and hunting pose a threat to the species in certain areas.

Overall, the thick-billed green pigeon is a unique and interesting bird found in parts of Asia.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Treron
Species	T. curvirostra

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22. Yellow-browed warbler

The Yellow-browed warbler is a migratory bird that breeds in eastern Palearctic and winters in South and Southeast Asia. It can also be found in small numbers in western Europe during winter.

This warbler belongs to the Phylloscopidae family and was once included in the Old World warbler group. The Yellow-browed warbler is a leaf warbler and has a distinct yellow eyebrow. It is an active bird and is known for its distinctive call.

The habitat of this bird includes coniferous and deciduous forests. These birds are known to be quite adaptable and can survive in a wide range of environments.

Despite their small size, they can cover large distances during migration, traveling thousands of miles.

Overall, the Yellow-browed warbler is a fascinating bird that is highly adaptable and capable of long-distance flight.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Phylloscopidae
Genus	Phylloscopus
Species	P. inornatus

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