Koh Kood is a picturesque island located in the Gulf of Thailand, renowned for its abundant natural beauty and serene ambiance. The island is home to various flora and fauna, including a diverse variety of bird species.
Koh Kood’s lush vegetation and temperate climate provide an ideal habitat for these colorful avian species. From majestic eagles soaring above the island’s skies to charming kingfishers diving into the clear waters, the island is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various types of birds found on the island and their significance to the island’s ecosystem.
1. Collared Owlet
The Collared Owlet is a small species of owl found in Oriental Asia. It measures just 15cm and weighs 60g, making it the smallest owl in its region.
Its natural habitat consists of submontane and montane forests with open spaces.
This bird was first described back in 1836 by English ornithologist Edward Blyth as Noctua brodiei, though over time it has been more commonly referred to as Taenioptynx Brodiei or simply the Collared Pygmy Owl.
As its name implies, this little creature sports an impressive array of collar-like feathers around its neck which makes for quite a striking sight.
The Collared Owlet is generally solitary but can be seen flying together during migration periods where they will form flocks up to several hundred birds strong – truly amazing.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Taenioptynx |
| Species | T. brodiei |
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2. 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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3. Greater Coucal
The Greater Coucal is a large, crow-like bird that belongs to the Cuculiformes order. It has a long tail and coppery brown wings.
These birds are found in many habitats across India and Southeast Asia, ranging from jungles to suburban gardens.
They feed on insects as well as small vertebrates such as frogs, lizards or snakes which they capture with their strong beak.
The males have glossy black plumage while females are dark brown above with buff underparts.
During breeding season these birds make loud croaking calls and can often be heard at night when they become active after sundown looking for food sources like termites or grasshoppers between bushes or low branches of trees close by water bodies like rivers, lakes etc.
This species plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance in its habitat by controlling pest populations through predation so it is essential that we protect them from hunting and other threats for future generations to enjoy.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. sinensis |
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4. Common Kingfisher
The Common Kingfisher is a small, sparrow-sized bird that can be found across Eurasia and North Africa. It has the typical short tail and large head of kingfishers with seven different subspecies recognized in its range.
They are mainly resident birds but will migrate away during winter when rivers freeze over. The species usually live near bodies of water such as streams or lakes.
Where they hunt for fish by diving from above into the water after spotting their prey below them.
These brightly coloured birds have an unmistakable vibrant blue plumage along with orange underparts and white patches on their wings which makes them easy to recognize amongst other similar looking species.
Their call is loud and shrill making it one of the most recognizable sounds heard around wetlands throughout Europe.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Alcedininae |
| Genus | Alcedo |
| Species | A. atthis |
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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. 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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8. Vernal Hanging Parrot
The Vernal hanging parrot is a small, colourful bird native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It has bright green feathers with black edging above its wings and tail, while its chest and belly are yellow-green in colour.
They feed mainly on fruit, seeds, buds and blossoms which they find by frequenting banyan trees for their fruits as well as plantain trees for nectar from flowers.
Although it typically stays within one area throughout the year there have been occasions where this species will move around due to changes in food availability or seasonality.
As such these birds can be found across various habitats including forests, woodlands and urban areas too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Loriculus |
| Species | L. vernalis |
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9. Yellow-Vented Bulbul
The Yellow-vented Bulbul is a stunning passerine bird from southeastern Asia, with its bright yellow and black plumage. It breeds in open habitats such as cultivated areas, but rarely enters deep forests.
They tend to be nomadic, wandering around and searching for food sources. During the breeding season they form pairs and build their nests at least two metres above ground level in trees or shrubs.
The female lays 2–4 eggs which are incubated by both parents over 13–14 days before hatching into chicks that fledge after 16–17 days of nestling stage..
These birds feed mainly on fruits or berries found in gardens or fields; insects like caterpillars may also make up part of their diet.
As beautiful as it looks, this species has a loud call which can become quite irritating if heard frequently.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Pycnonotus |
| Species | P. goiavier |
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10. Little Egret
The Little Egret is a small white heron with sleek black beak, long black legs and in some cases yellow feet.
It can be found near aquatic areas where it feeds on molluscs, amphibians and insects while also occasionally feeding of land creatures such as lizards or rodents.
Breeding seasonally they make platform nests of sticks being built either by themselves or in colonies alongside other water birds.
They are widely distributed across the world from Europe to Africa, Asia to Australia making them an easily recognisable bird species often seen at waterside locations searching for their next meal.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. garzetta |
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11. Crested Serpent Eagle
The Crested serpent eagle is a majestic bird of prey found across tropical Asia. With its prominent black and white crest, this medium-sized raptor can be seen soaring above forests in search of food.
It has an extensive range which includes the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and East Asia; some experts even argue that certain subspecies should be treated as separate species altogether.
This magnificent creature feeds on small animals such as lizards or rodents but will occasionally take larger birds or mammals if it gets the chance.
The Crested serpent eagle remains one of nature’s most impressive creatures to behold.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Spilornis |
| Species | S. cheela |
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12. Macronus Gularis
The Macronus gularis bird, commonly known as the Pin-Striped Tit-Babbler or Yellow-Breasted Babbler, is a species of Old World babbler found in South and Southeast Asia.
It was first described by American naturalist Thomas Horsfield in 1822 based on specimens collected from Sumatra.
The name ‘Macronus’ comes from the Greek words for “long” and “nose”, referring to its long beak.
They have brownish gray upperparts with paler underparts covered with bold black streaks along their sides and wings; they also have yellow throats which make them easily recognizable at a distance.
Macronus gularis are social birds that live in small groups of 3-10 individuals and communicate through loud calls such as chirps or trills but also use contact calls like whistles when separated from other members of their group.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, fruits, seeds, flowers buds – making them important pollinators.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Timaliidae |
| Genus | Mixornis |
| Species | M. gularis |
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13. Black-Crested Bulbul
The Black-crested bulbul is a passerine bird belonging to the Bulbul Family. It can be found in India, Southeast Asia and other parts of the Indian subcontinent.
This species was first described under genus Vanga but later moved to Pycnonotus. However recent studies have revealed that this genus is polyphyletic leading five bulbuls including black-creasted ones to be placed in different genera.
The adult has an entirely black plumage with yellowish ventral side while juveniles are brownish grey above and whitish below having some pale streaks on their backsides as well.
Its diet consists mainly of fruits, insects and flower nectar which it feeds upon foraging among foliage or perching atop trees nearby water bodies like pools and streamsScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Rubigula |
| Species | R. flaviventris |
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14. Pin-Tailed Snipe
The Pin-tailed Snipe is a species of bird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It breeds in northern Russia and migrates south during non-breeding seasons, travelling as far as Pakistan, Indonesia and even Australia.
This remarkable little bird has adapted well to its environment; it prefers wetland habitats such as marshes for breeding season and open grassy areas with low vegetation when migrating.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, worms and molluscs which are found on or near the ground amongst dense vegetation.
The pin-tailed snipe’s plumage helps camouflage it from predators while searching for food along damp grounds.
All in all this small yet resilient creature is an amazing example of evolution at work.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Gallinago |
| Species | G. stenura |
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15. Black-Naped Monarch
The Black-naped Monarch is a beautiful and agile passerine bird native to Southern and South East Asia.
With its distinct black patch on the back of it’s head, this small but strong species stands out among other birds in the area.
The male has vibrant blue plumage with an elegant narrow black half collar (“necklace”) which makes him even more attractive.
Females are comparatively duller with olive brown wings and light yellowish underparts which helps them blend into their environment better for camouflage purposes.
These birds feed mainly on insects, spiders and fruits making them beneficial as they help reduce pests while also providing nutrients to local vegetation by dispersing seeds from fruit consumption.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Monarchidae |
| Genus | Hypothymis |
| Species | H. azurea |
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16. Scaly-Breasted Munia
The Scaly-breasted Munia is a small estrildid finch native to tropical Asia. It was formally described and named by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, as its name suggests from the distinct scale-like feather markings on the breast and belly.
The adult bird has brown upperparts, with white lower parts spotted blackish-brown. Its head is pale grey or whitish with an orange beak and legs; the eyes are dark brown.
This species feeds mainly on grass seeds, but also eats insects such as caterpillars in some areas of their range during breeding season.
An interesting fact about this bird is that it builds its nest out of plant stems woven together into a cup shape suspended from trees or shrubs.
Overall they are quite common birds which can often been seen hopping around near human habitation looking for food scraps.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Lonchura |
| Species | L. punctulata |
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17. Black-Naped Tern
The beautiful Black-naped Tern is a seabird found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
These terns measure around 30 cm long, with a wing span of 21 to 23 cm, black beaks and legs, yellow bill tips, long forked tails and white faces.
The breast has grayish-white feathers that extend down its back – forming an elegant nape hence their name.
They are rarely seen inland but they can stay close to coastal waters or even venture further out depending on seasonal changes.
Their diet consists mainly of fish which they hunt from above by hovering before plunging into the sea at high speed after prey. They also feed on crustaceans sometimes too.
All in all these birds have an interesting lifestyle; incredibly graceful when airborne yet ferocious hunters underwater making them quite a sight.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. sumatrana |
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18. Brown Shrike
The Brown Shrike is a beautiful bird belonging to the shrike family, found mainly in Asia. It has a distinctive crest which gives it its Latin name ‘cristatus’.
They feed on insects and small vertebrates like lizards and mice, hence they are also called ‘butcher birds’.
These birds have brown upperparts with rufous wings, tail tipped white along with black mask through the eyes giving them an impressive look.
Despite their predatory nature these birds still remain quite popular amongst birdwatchers due to their vibrant colors and wide-ranging habitats across much of South East Asia making them easy targets for photography enthusiasts too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Laniidae |
| Genus | Lanius |
| Species | L. cristatus |
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19. White-Rumped Shama
The White-rumped shama is a beautiful and popular bird of the Muscicapidae family. Native to densely vegetated habitats in India, Southeast Asia and other places due to its popularity as a cage-bird, it was formerly classified under the thrush family Turdidae.
It has distinctive features such as white rump patch on upper tail coverts which helps identify this species from others easily.
The male birds are known for their melodious singing capabilities while females lack that quality or sing very little compared to males making them perfect pets in households all over the world.
They feed mainly on insects but occasionally take fruits too, they prefer living close to water bodies like streams making them easy prey among predators when away from home.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Copsychus |
| Species | C. malabaricus |
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20. Crested Goshawk
The Crested Goshawk bird is a diurnal raptor found in tropical Asia. Belonging to the Accipitridae family, it shares characteristics with buzzards, harriers, and eagles.
Its wings are short and broad, with a long tail, aiding in its movement through trees. The larger female Crested Goshawk can grow up to 46 cm in length, much bigger than the male.
These birds are skilled hunters and have adapted well to their forest habitats, using their sharp talons and beaks to catch prey.
Despite their ferocity, Crested Goshawks are still threatened by habitat destruction across Asia, rendering them vulnerable in many regions.
Overall, the Crested Goshawk bird is a graceful predator that perfectly exemplifies the beauty and ferocity of the natural world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. trivirgatus |
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21. 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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22. Brown-Throated Sunbird
The brown-throated sunbird, also known as the plain-throated sunbird, is a small bird that belongs to the family Nectariniidae.
Commonly found in south-east Asia, it inhabits a variety of semi-open habitats, from Myanmar to the Lesser Sundas and west Philippines.
This species is recognized by its brownish plumage and distinctive brown throat, which differentiates it from the grey-throated sunbird species found in the Philippines.
The brown-throated sunbird has a slender beak that allows it to feed on nectar from flowers and insects.
It is known for its acrobatic flight and can often be seen flitting rapidly between flowers in search of food.
These birds are essential pollinators for many plant species, making them an important contributor to the ecosystems in which they live.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Anthreptes |
| Species | A. malacensis |
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23. Paddyfield Pipit
The Paddyfield pipit, also known as Oriental pipit, is a small bird found in southern Asia. This non-migratory bird usually breeds in open scrub, grassland, and cultivated areas.
It is one of the few pipits that breeds in the Asian region. However, during winters, identifying this bird can be challenging as several other species migrate into the area.
With its distinctive color and behavior, it is easy to spot the Paddyfield pipit as it forages on the ground for insects and seeds.
This bird has a melodious voice that is a delight to hear. The Paddyfield pipit’s conservation status is of least concern as it has a widespread distribution and large population. It is a common bird, and many bird enthusiasts love watching it.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Anthus |
| Species | A. rufulus |
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24. Black-Headed Bulbul
The black-headed bulbul is a bird belonging to the Pycnonotidae family. It can be found in forests across southeastern Asia.
Originally thought to be a member of the genus Turdus, it was later moved to Pycnonotus as Pycnonotus atriceps.
Recent research has shown that this genus is polyphyletic, leading to the creation of a new genus, Brachypodius, and the species being renamed Brachypodius melanocephalos.
This bird is easily recognizable due to its black head and yellow underparts. It feeds on fruit and insects, and is known for its sweet song.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Brachypodius |
| Species | B. melanocephalos |
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