Krabi, Thailand, is a paradise for birders and nature lovers alike. Located on the Andaman Sea, Krabi is home to various birds, from resident to migratory species. There are hundreds of species of birds in Krabi, including many rare and endangered species.
The mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, and wetlands of Krabi provide an excellent habitat for these birds. Birdwatching in Krabi is a popular activity, as it is home to some of the world’s most spectacular and diverse birds.
From the brightly colored kingfishers to the majestic Brahminy kites, Krabi is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
6 Birds to Watch in Krabi
Krabi is a province in southern Thailand famous for its stunning beaches, islands, and limestone cliffs. But did you know that Krabi is also an excellent destination for birdwatching?
Krabi has a rich bird biodiversity, with over 300 species recorded in the area. Whether a beginner or an expert birder, you will find something to delight you in Krabi.
Here are six birds that you should not miss when you visit Krabi.
1. Mangrove Pitta
The mangrove pitta is a passerine bird that belongs to the family Pittidae. It is native to the eastern Indian Subcontinent and western Southeast Asia. It is part of a superspecies that includes the Indian, fairy pitta, and blue-winged pitta.
This species does not have any subspecies. The mangrove pitta is a colorful bird with a bright yellow face, a pale blue underside, and a dark green back. Its wings are black, and each feather has a white eye spot.
It is a small bird, growing to a length of about 18 cm and weighing around 60 g. The mangrove pitta is a forest-dwelling bird that prefers dense, wet, evergreen, or semi-evergreen forests. It is a shy and elusive bird and is rarely seen.
Its diet consists of insects, larvae, and small fruits. The mangrove pitta is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The pet trade threatens it, as some individuals are caught and sold as exotic birds.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species, such as habitat restoration and protection of existing forest areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pittidae |
| Genus | Pitta |
| Species | P. megarhyncha |
2. Lesser Crested Tern
The lesser crested tern is a species of seabird belonging to the family Laridae, which includes the gulls and terns.
This species of tern is found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and is most common in the coastal areas of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The lesser crested tern is a medium-sized seabird with a wingspan of around 24-28 inches.
It has a white body, with black wings and a yellow bill. Its distinguishing feature is its crest, a black patch on its forehead. The lesser crested tern is a social bird and feeds mainly on small fish, which it catches by plunge-diving into the water.
It is also known to feed on insects and other invertebrates. The lesser crested tern is a solitary species during the breeding season and nests on the ground. It lays two or three eggs at a time.
The lesser crested tern is an essential species for local fisheries, as it feeds on fish considered pests by fishermen. It also provides vital ecosystem services, as it helps control these fish populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Thalasseus |
| Species | T. bengalensis |
3. Ashy Tailorbird
The ashy tailorbird is a bird species previously classified under the “Old World warbler” assemblage. However, it is now placed in the family Cisticolidae, a group of passerine birds known for their songs.
This bird species has a wide range of habitats, as it can be found in several countries across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The ashy tailorbird has a unique form of communication, using a series of clicks, chirps, and whistles to communicate with its family and other nearby birds.
This bird is also known for its remarkable nesting behavior, as it uses the leaves of plants to create a nest shaped like a pouch.
Deforestation and other environmental changes threaten the ashy tailbird’s habitat, so protecting these birds and their habitats is essential to ensure their continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cisticolidae |
| Genus | Orthotomus |
| Species | O. ruficeps |
4. Dark-Necked Tailorbird
The dark-necked tailorbird is a species of songbird found in Bangladesh, Northeast India, and Southeast Asia. It was formerly classified with the Old World Warbler assemblage but is now in the Cisticolidae bird family.
This bird species is known for its distinctive dark neck and can be identified by its loud, melodic song. The dark-necked tailorbird is a small, slender bird with a grey-brown back and a pale grey-white underside.
Its wings are dark brown, while the tail feathers are blackish. This bird species is found in various habitats, including scrubland, grassland, and open woodland.
They feed on insects and other small invertebrates. The dark-necked tailorbird is a social bird often seen in large flocks. They are monogamous and form long-lasting pair bonds. The breeding season for this species typically takes place from April to August.
The male will build a nest from grass, leaves, and other material during this time.
The female will lay her eggs in the nest, and both parents take turns incubating them. The dark-necked tailorbird is an essential species in its local ecosystems as it helps to control insect populations.
Unfortunately, their population is declining due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Therefore, conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cisticolidae |
| Genus | Orthotomus |
| Species | O. atrogularis |
5. Golden-Bellied Gerygone
The golden-bellied gerygone is a small bird species found in Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Acanthizidae family, which includes other birds such as the rufous-tailed scrubwren and the little shrike thrush.
This species is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand and can be identified by its golden-brown belly. The golden-bellied gerygone prefers to inhabit subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
These habitats provide plenty of trees, shrubs, and vines for the birds to make their nests and forage for food. The gerygone is known to eat a variety of insects and other invertebrates.
It is also known to eat fruit, nectar, and seeds occasionally. The golden-bellied gerygone is a solitary bird usually seen alone or in pairs. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, though they may be seen throughout the day.
During breeding season, the males are known to sing a loud, melodious song to attract a mate. The golden-bellied gerygone is listed as the minors’ most serious concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and its current population is stable.
However, due to deforestation and other human activities, its population could be threatened. Therefore, it is essential to protect and conserve the natural habitats of this species to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Acanthizidae |
| Genus | Gerygone |
| Species | G. sulphurea |
6. Grey-Capped Pygmy Woodpecker
The grey-capped pygmy woodpecker is a bird species of the woodpecker family found in Asia. It has a subspecies known as Yungipicus canicapillus berries, predominantly found in Manchuria, eastern Siberia, and Korea.
However, some taxonomic authorities still categorize this species under the genus Dendrocopos or Picoides. This species is typically smaller than other woodpeckers and has distinctive grey caps on its head. It is an omnivorous bird that feeds on insects, fruit, and nuts.
It is known to inhabit areas with open forests or secondary growth and live in deciduous and coniferous forests. The species is considered the least concerning on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not endangered or threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Yungipicus |
| Species | Y. canicapillus |
Conclusion
Krabi is a haven for birdwatchers, with an impressive range of bird species in the region. From the iconic and brightly-colored kingfishers to the rare and elusive sunbirds, Krabi offers birders an excellent opportunity to observe a diverse range of avian species in the area.
With a combination of mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, and tropical islands, Krabi is a stunning area of natural beauty that is well worth a visit.