Lampang is home to a diverse range of birds, from migratory species to resident species. The vast forests, grasslands, and wetlands of Lampang provide a rich habitat for these birds, allowing them to thrive and flourish in the area.
Many of the birds found in Lampang can be seen in other parts of Thailand, though some of the species are unique to the region.
Bird watchers visiting Lampang can expect to see a wide variety of birds, from raptors to waders, from waterfowl to songbirds.
In addition to the wide range of birds, Lampang also offers some of the best birding opportunities in Thailand, with a number of birding trails and reserves offering excellent views of the region’s birds.
1. Spotted Dove
The spotted dove is a small, long-tailed bird that is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is a common breeding bird in these regions, and its range has been extended beyond its natural habitat due to human-aided introduction to other parts of the world.
In some places, feral populations of the species have been established, creating a sustainable population beyond its native range. The spotted dove is mainly found in open habitats such as farmland and grassland, as well as in urban areas.
It feeds on a variety of seeds, grains, and other small items such as insects. The species is known for its distinctively spotted plumage, which is grey with white spots.
The spotted dove is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating that it is not threatened with extinction.
In some parts of its native range, however, the species has experienced a decline in its population due to human activities such as habitat loss, hunting, and trapping.
As a result, conservation efforts are being made to ensure the long-term survival of the species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. chinensis |
2. Great Hornbill
The great hornbill is a large bird belonging to the hornbill family. It is found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
This species is mainly a frugivore, meaning it primarily feeds on fruit, but will also occasionally eat smaller animals such as mammals, reptiles, and other birds.
This species is also known as the concave-casqued hornbill, great Indian hornbill, or great pied hornbill. The great hornbill is a striking bird, with bright colors, a large bill, and a loud call.
This species is distinguishable by its large size, with a body length of up to one meter. The males of this species are generally black with white and yellow patches on their wings and tail, while females are usually dark brown with a white belly.
The most distinctive feature of this species is its long yellow and black bill, which can measure up to 20 centimeters in length.
The great hornbill is generally found in forests and woodlands and is an important species in maintaining the health of these ecosystems.
It plays an important role in seed dispersal and pollination of plants and feeds on a wide variety of fruits and seeds.
This species also feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and eggs of other birds. The great hornbill is under threat due to habitat loss and hunting for its feathers and meat.
It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list, and conservation efforts are underway to protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | Buceros |
| Species | B. bicornis |
3. Pink-Necked Green Pigeon
The pink-necked green pigeon is a beautiful species of bird belonging to the family Columbidae, which includes pigeons and doves.
It is found throughout Southeast Asia, from Myanmar and Vietnam in the north-south to the major islands of Indonesia and the Philippines.
This species is quite common in these regions and can be seen in both urban and rural environments. The pink-necked green pigeon has a distinctive pink neck and green body. Its wings and tail feathers are also green, while its legs and beak are dark grey or black.
Its feathers are soft and often glossy, making it a very attractive bird. The pink-necked green pigeon is a medium-sized bird, growing up to around 30 centimeters in length. This species feeds on a variety of fruits, seeds, and insects.
It is known for its acrobatic flight, which it often uses to escape from predators.
It is also known for its distinctive cooing call, which can be heard throughout the day. The pink-necked green pigeon is an important species in Southeast Asia, providing a valuable source of food for local populations.
It is also an important part of the region’s ecosystem, helping to keep the balance of nature in check. Unfortunately, the species is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
Conservation efforts are underway to ensure the survival of this species and other wildlife in Southeast Asia.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. vernans |
4. White-Breasted Waterhen
The white-breasted waterhen is a beautiful waterbird found in South and Southeast Asia. It is part of the rail and crake family, Rallidae, and has distinct physical features. Its body is mostly dark slaty in color, while its face, breast, and belly are snowy white.
This species is quite widespread in its range, making it a common sight in the area. The white-breasted waterhen is a predatory bird, typically found in wetlands and near water bodies. It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and small fish.
It is also known to scavenge for food, as well as feed on grain, fruit, and the occasional insect. In terms of size, the white-breasted waterhen is relatively small, measuring between 35 and 38 centimeters in length, and weighing between 150 and 200 grams.
Its wingspan is typically between 50 and 55 centimeters. The white-breasted waterhen is a social bird and is often seen in pairs or small groups. During the breeding season, they display a variety of courtship behaviors, such as chasing and preening.
They also produce loud calls and whistles.
Breeding pairs will typically build their nest near water, and the female will lay between four and eight eggs. The white-breasted water is an important part of the local ecosystem, providing food for predators and helping to maintain a healthy balance of aquatic life.
It is also an important species for birdwatchers, providing a great opportunity to observe a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Amaurornis |
| Species | A. phoenicurus |
5. Red-Rumped Swallow
The red-rumped swallow is a type of small bird found in the swallow family. It is found in many different places including temperate southern Europe and Asia, India, Sri Lanka, and tropical Africa.
The birds located in Europe and other Asian countries migrate during certain times of the year. In contrast, those located in India and Africa remain in the same area and do not migrate.
The red-rumped swallow is found in places such as Portugal Spain, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, and tropical Africa. In these regions, they breed in open, hilly country areas.
The European and other Asian birds migrate during the winter season, while the birds in India and Africa remain in the same location throughout the year. The red-rumped swallow is a fascinating bird that can be found in many different places.
It is a small passerine bird that is found in the swallow family. They breed in open, hilly country areas and can migrate or remain in the same area depending on the region. They can be found in temperate southern Europe and Asia, India, Sri Lanka, and tropical Africa.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Cecropis |
| Species | C. daurica |
6. Chestnut-Winged Cuckoo
The chestnut-winged cuckoo or red-winged crested cuckoo is a species of cuckoo that is native to Southeast Asia and some parts of South Asia. It is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive black head adorned with a long crest and chestnut wings.
Its upper parts are a glossy black, while its underside is a dusky shade. The bird also has a long, graduated, glossy black tail and a narrow white nuchal half-collar.
The chestnut-winged cuckoo is also known for its rufous throat, which helps to distinguish it from other cuckoos. This species of cuckoo can be found in various habitats, such as tropical evergreen forests, open woodlands, and even urban gardens.
It is usually found alone or in pairs, but occasionally in small flocks. This species feeds mainly on insects but also takes small fruits and some nectar. The chestnut-winged cuckoo is an important species in its range, as it helps to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Clamator |
| Species | C. coromandus |
7. Garganey
The garganey is a small species of dabbling duck that is native to much of Europe and the Palearctic region. It is a strictly migratory bird, with the entire population undertaking a large-scale migration for the winter season.
During this period, they travel south to warmer climates in Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Australasia. This seasonal movement brings large flocks of garganey to those regions, where they can remain until the onset of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
The garganey is an important species in many ecosystems, and its annual migration helps to maintain the balance between its various habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
8. Red-Wattled Lapwing
The red-wattled lapwing is a species of bird native to Asia. It belongs to the Charadriidae family, which includes lapwings and large plovers. Lapwings are ground birds and are unable to perch.
This means that they can only move around on the ground and cannot sit on branches or other elevated surfaces like some other birds. Instead, they spend their time foraging for food, nesting, and keeping a lookout for predators.
The red-wattled lapwing has a unique physical feature that sets it apart from other lapwings; it has a bright red-colored wattle on the side of its head. This wattle is used to attract mates and to help identify members of the same species.
The red-wattled lapwing is a relatively large bird, with a length of up to 33 cm and a wingspan of up to 70 cm. It has a white head, a brown back, and a white belly. Its wings are brown with black markings.
The red-wattled lapwing is a common sight in Asia, particularly in open grasslands and wetlands. It feeds mainly on insects, but will also eat small mammals and reptiles. It typically nests in shallow depressions in the ground, and can lay up to four eggs.
The red-wattled lapwing is a hardy species and has a large population across its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. indicus |
9. Banded Bay Cuckoo
The banded bay cuckoo, or bay-banded cuckoo, is a species of small cuckoo found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is easily identifiable by its round nostril, which is a trait shared by other cuckoos of the same genus.
These birds tend to inhabit well-wooded areas, typically in the lower hills, where they find ample food and shelter. The banded bay cuckoo is an active species that spends much of its time foraging for fruit, insects, and small lizards.
It often moves from one tree to another in search of food, and it is known to travel long distances to find new sources of food.
In addition, the species plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem by helping to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cacomantis |
| Species | C. sonneratii |
10. Ruddy-Breasted Crake
The ruddy-breasted crake, also known as the ruddy crake, is a species of waterbird belonging to the rail and crake family Rallidae. It is native to South Asia, ranging from the Indian subcontinent east to south China, Japan, and Indonesia.
Its breeding habitat is typically found in wetlands, such as swamps, marshes, and other waterlogged areas. This species is medium-sized, with a body length ranging from 16 to 20 centimeters. It has a reddish-brown breast and greyish-brown upperparts, with a dark, barred tail.
The underside is white, with a dark streak on each side of the breast. The head is black with a white stripe on either side of it, and it has a long, yellow bill with a black tip. This species feeds mainly on aquatic insects, mollusks, and other small invertebrates.
They are often found foraging in shallow waters at the edges of ponds, streams, and other bodies of water. They are also known to eat small fish and frogs.
This species is threatened by habitat destruction, as much of its wetland habitat is being destroyed or degraded due to human activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Zapornia |
| Species | Z. fusca |
11. Crested Treeswift
The crested treeswift is a species of tree swift that is found in many parts of the world.
It was originally thought to be the same species as the eastern relative, the gray-rumped treeswift, but recent studies have shown that the two birds do not interbreed when their ranges overlap. This suggests that they are, in fact, two distinct species.
The crested treeswift is a medium-sized bird, with a light brown body, a white head, and a black crest. Its wings are brownish-grey, and it has a broad white band across its chest. The gray-rumped treeswift, on the other hand, has a darker body and a grayish-brown back.
It also has a pale rump and a white throat. The two species are found in different regions, but some areas of overlap do exist. However, it appears that the two species do not interbreed in these areas, suggesting that they are, in fact, distinct species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Hemiprocnidae |
| Genus | Hemiprocne |
| Species | H. coronata |
12. Blue-Breasted Quail
The king quail is a species of Old World quail that is found in the family Phasianidae. This species of quail is often referred to by a variety of different names, such as the blue-breasted quail, Asian blue quail, Chinese painted quail, or Chung-Chi.
It is a small, ground-dwelling bird that is native to East Asia and prefers to live in areas with thick vegetation, such as fields and grasslands. The king quail is a colorful bird, with a blue breast and its body covered in various shades of red, brown, black, and white.
Males have a distinctive black crest on their heads, and both sexes have a white patch of feathers around their eyes. The king quail is a relatively small bird, measuring only around 14 centimeters in length.
In addition to its beautiful colors, it also has a distinctive call that can be heard in the early morning and evening. The king quail is a popular pet, due to its playful nature and attractive appearance. It is also an important game bird and is widely hunted in some areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Synoicus |
| Species | S. chinensis |
13. Violet Cuckoo
The violet cuckoo is one of the few species of cuckoo that belongs to the Cuculidae family. This species is a medium-sized bird with a length of about 30 cm and a weight of approximately 100 g. Its plumage is mainly grey-brown but it has a distinctive purple head and neck.
It has a long tail with a black tip and a white undertail.
Its distinctive call is a loud “cuck-oo” sound. The violet cuckoo is native to South and Central America and is mostly encountered in tropical rainforest habitats, where it feeds on insects, fruit, and other small vertebrates.
It is usually seen in pairs or small groups and is an active forager. It also can mimic the calls of other birds and even other animals. Despite its beauty, this species is not very common in the wild and it is considered to be near threatened.
The main threats it faces are deforestation, hunting, and trapping. Conservation efforts need to be made to ensure the survival of this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Chrysococcyx |
| Species | C. xanthorhynchus |
14. Orange-breasted green Pigeon
The orange-breasted green pigeon is a species of pigeon that is found in tropical Asia. It ranges from south of the Himalayan region to parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
This species of pigeon is known for its diet of mainly fruit, which it can be seen foraging for in small pairs or flocks. It is a slow-moving bird that is usually silent while in search of food.
This species is part of the green pigeon family, which is a diverse group of birds that are found in many different parts of the world. They can be identified by their bright green plumage and their orange-breasted chests.
These birds are generally found in habitats that are near water sources, as this is where they obtain most of their food.
The orange-breasted green pigeon plays an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds of trees and plants, thus helping to promote the growth of vegetation.
This is especially important in tropical regions, where the growth of trees and vegetation is vital to the health of the environment.
Furthermore, this species of pigeon is also an important source of food for larger animals, such as raptors, as it provides a reliable food source. Overall, the orange-breasted green pigeon is an important species of bird, both in its native habitat and around the world.
Its diet of mainly fruit helps to promote the growth of vegetation, while its presence in the ecosystem helps to provide a reliable food source for larger animals.
As such, it is important that this species is protected and that its habitat is preserved, to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. bicinctus |
15. Bronze-Winged Jacana
The bronze-winged jacana is a type of wading bird found throughout South and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Jacanidae and is the only species in the genus Metopidius. This bird is known for its unique way of foraging for food.
It eats lilies and other floating vegetation that grow in and around the water. Its long legs are designed to allow it to spread its weight across the surface of the water, rather than sinking beneath it.
This allows it to move quickly across the water’s surface, searching for food. In addition to this unique adaptation, the bronze-winged jacana also has bronze-colored wings, which add to its beauty.
By being able to stand on the surface of the water, the bronze-winged jacana can access food sources that other wading birds cannot reach, giving it an advantage in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Jacanidae |
| Genus | Metopidius |
| Species | M. indicus |
16. White-Bellied Sea Eagle
The white-bellied sea eagle, also known as the white-breasted sea eagle, is a large, diurnal bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae.
This species of eagle was first described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788 and is closely related to the Sanford’s sea eagle, which is native to the Solomon Islands. Both species are so closely related that they are considered to be part of the same superspecies.
White-bellied sea eagles have a distinctive white belly, which is where the species gets its name from. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and are generally a grayish-brown color with a distinct white underside. They have a long, hooked yellow bill, and yellow talons.
The white-bellied sea eagle is found around the coasts of Australia, New Zealand, India, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. These eagles are most commonly found near large bodies of water and are highly skilled hunters.
They prey on a range of small animals, including fish, rabbits, seabirds, and reptiles. These eagles typically hunt during the day and will often soar high in the sky before diving down to catch their prey.
The white-bellied sea eagle is an important species in its ecosystem and is a protected species in many countries. It is also a popular subject for birdwatchers, as it is an impressive species to observe in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Icthyophaga |
| Species | I. leucogaster |
17. Little-Ringed Plover
The little ringed plover is a small wading bird from the genus Charadrius. The scientific name Charadrius comes from Late Latin, which was used in the fourth-century Vulgate Bible.
This Latin word was derived from the Ancient Greek kharadrios, which originally referred to a bird that was commonly found in river valleys. The little ringed plover is distinguished by its small size and yellowish coloration.
It is a migratory species, capable of traveling long distances in search of food and better nesting sites. They typically inhabit wetlands and coastal areas, where they feed on small insects, worms, and aquatic animals.
They are very adaptable birds, able to survive in a variety of habitats. The little-ringed plover is an important species of conservation concern, as its population has been declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect and restore its populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. dubius |
Conclusion
Lampang has a wide variety of bird species that can be found in its forests and wetlands. Many of these species are endemic to Thailand and are considered to be threatened or endangered, making it important to conserve and protect them.
Birdwatching in Lampang is a great way to experience the beauty of nature and appreciate these amazing creatures.