Mukdahan is a province in northeast Thailand, home to some of the country’s most diverse and exciting bird species.
The province is blessed with lush forests, wetlands, and rivers that provide a perfect habitat for the many species of birds in the area. The province is an essential stopover for migrating waterbirds and an excellent spot for birdwatching.
There are more than 300 species of birds that can be spotted in Mukdahan, including rare and endangered species like the Lesser Adjutant, Milky Stork, and White-shouldered Ibis.
The province also has some of the most beautiful birds, such as the Great Hornbill and Grey-headed Fish Eagle. Whether you are a beginner or an expert birder, Mukdahan is the perfect destination for a birding adventure.
17 Birds to Watch in Mukdahan
Mukdahan is a province in northeast Thailand, home to some of the country’s most diverse and exciting bird species. The province is blessed with lush forests, wetlands, and rivers that provide a perfect habitat for the many species of birds in the area.
The province is an essential stopover for migrating waterbirds and an excellent spot for birdwatching. Here are 17 birds that you should not miss when you visit Mukdahan:
1. Green-Billed Malkoha
The green-billed malkoha is a species of bird that resides in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They are part of the non-parasitic cuckoo family, meaning they do not rely on other species to raise their young.
They have a characteristic waxy blue-black plumage and an impressively long, graduated tail with white tips. The bill of this bird is a standout feature, as it is prominent and curved.
The green-billed malkoha prefers to live in dry scrub and thin forests, so they are found in these areas of their natural habitats. The species has adapted to the environment and has a few unique traits.
For instance, their coloring helps them to blend in with their surroundings, allowing them to remain unseen by potential predators. Their curved bill is also beneficial, as it helps them get to the insects and other invertebrates hidden deep in the trees and plants.
This bird species is a remarkable example of how nature adapts to its environment and creates a species suited for its surroundings.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Phaenicophaeus |
| Species | P. tristis |
2. Spotted Dove
The spotted dove is a small species of pigeon belonging to the Columbidae family. Its long tail characterizes it, and it is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is a common breeding bird in these regions and has adapted well to the local environment.
The species has also been introduced to many other parts of the world, where it has managed to establish feral populations. These populations can sometimes become quite large, with the dove adapting to the new environment.
The spotted dove is a pretty adaptable bird species in various habitats, from forests and woodlands to urban parks and gardens. It is a reasonably pleasant bird, often seen in flocks, and is known to form strong pair bonds with other individuals.
Its diet consists mainly of grains, seeds, and other small food items.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. chinensis |
3. Zebra Dove
The zebra dove is a bird species within the Columbidae family, commonly known as the dove family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is characterized by its small size and long tail.
The bird is predominantly brownish-grey, with bicolor-and-white barring, which gives it the distinct name of “zebra dove.” This un.”ue coloring helps the bird blend in with its natural environment, making it difficult to spot amongst the foliage.
The zebra dove can be found in various habitats, such as woodland, scrubland, and grassland. It feeds mainly on the ground, searching for seeds, fruits, and insects. The zebra dove is a relatively common species, not considered threatened or endangered.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Geopelia |
| Species | G. striata |
4. Red-Collared Dove
The red-collared dove, also known as the red turtle dove, is a small pigeon native to the tropics of Asia. It is distinguishable by its unique coloration, with the male having a blue-grey head and a red-brown body.
The female is much less noticeable, with a plainer plumage similar to the giant Eurasian collared dove. This dove is a resident breeding bird in its native habitat, which is why it is commonly seen in these areas.
The red-collared dove is a small bird with a unique coloration that makes it stand out in the tropics of Asia. The male has a striking blue-grey head and a red-brown body, while the female has a more subtle pale brown plumage.
Despite its small size, the red-collared dove is a resilient species that can survive in its native habitat as a resident breeding bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. tranquebarica |
5. Asian Palm Swift
The Asian palm swift is a small species of swift found in the tropical regions of Asia. It is similar in appearance to the African palm swift, Cypsiurus parvus, and the two species were thought to be the same in the past.
However, they are now classified as distinct species. The Asian palm swift is a common resident breeding bird in its range, stretching from India to the Philippines.
It is a relatively small species, usually found in open woodlands, streams, and other areas with plenty of available water. Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it catches in mid-air while flying.
It builds its nest as a cup, usually in the hollow of a tree or on a cliff face. The Asian palm swift is an essential species in its range, as it helps to keep the insect population in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Cypsiurus |
| Species | C. balasiensis |
6. Chestnut-Winged Cuckoo
The chestnut-winged cuckoo is a cuckoo species found in Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. It is a beautiful bird with dark, glossy upperparts and a long, black crest that extends from its head.
Its wings are chestnut-colored, and its tail is long and glossy black. Its throat is rufous, its underside is dusky, and it has a narrow, white half-collar just below its neck. Its head is black, and its eyes are large and golden.
This bird is unique in its appearance and stands out among other species of cuckoos.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Clamator |
| Species | C. coromandus |
7. White-Breasted Waterhen
The white-breasted waterhen is a species of waterbird found in countries across South and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes.
These birds are predominantly dark in color, with slaty tones, and have a striking white patch on their face, chest, and belly. This white patch is an identifying feature that differentiates them from other waterbirds.
The white-breasted water is usually found near water, such as lakes, rivers, and marshes, where it can feed on aquatic insects, small fish, and seeds. It is a shy bird that usually keeps to itself but is sometimes seen in pairs or small groups.
It is also known to be quite territorial and will sometimes chase away other birds from its area. The white-breasted waterhen is an essential species to its habitat, as it plays a vital role in the ecosystem.
It is a frequent prey item for many birds of prey, making it an important food source for these predators.
It is also an important seed disperser, as the seeds it consumes are spread across the area when it defecates. In recent years, white-breasted water has faced several threats due to human activities.
Pollution and destruction of its habitat have caused the population to decline, and it is now considered a vulnerable species. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Amaurornis |
| Species | A. phoenicurus |
8. Chinese Pond Heron
The Chinese pond heron is a species of bird that belongs to the heron family and is native to East Asia. It is one of the six species of herons referred to as “pond herons.”
The Chinese pond heron has two closely related species that inhabit nearby regions: the Indian pond heron to the west and the Javan pond heron to the south. These three species are believed to be so closely related that they form a single larger species, known as superspecies.
This means that the Chinese pond heron, Indian pond heron, and Javan pond heron are all closely related and share many physical and behavioral characteristics. The Chinese pond heron is medium-sized, with a body length of up to 50 cm and a wingspan of up to 1 meter.
It usually has a grayish-brown back, white belly, and black legs. It is generally found near shallow ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. It feeds mainly on small fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates.
It is also known to hunt insects, small reptiles, and even small mammals. The Chinese pond heron is an important species to local ecosystems as it helps regulate small aquatic animal populations.
It is also an important food source for predators like owls, hawks, and eagles. Unfortunately, habitat loss, pollution, and hunting threaten the Chinese pond heron. Despite this, it is still a relatively common species, and its population is stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardeola |
| Species | A. bacchus |
9. Silver Pheasant
The silver pheasant is a bird species found in the forests of mainland Southeast Asia and eastern and southern China. It is also present in an introduced population on Victoria Island in Nahuel Huapi Lake, Neuquén, Argentina.
The male silver pheasant is a striking black and white bird, and the female is mainly brown. They are primarily found in mountain regions and prefer to stay in the forest. They are quite shy birds and not easily seen in the wild.
However, they can be found in small numbers throughout the areas they inhabit. The silver pheasant is a unique species not found in many other places worldwide. It has a distinctive coloration and is quite different from the other pheasant species.
Despite its rarity, it is an essential environmental species and a symbol of wildlife in Southeast Asia and China.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Lophura |
| Species | L. nycthemera |
10. Red-Wattled Lapwing
The red-wattled lapwing is a species of wading bird native to Asia. It is a member of the Charadriidae family, which includes other large plovers and lapwings.
Unlike other birds, which can perch on branches, the red-wattled lapwing is a ground bird, meaning it spends most of its time walking on the ground.
Its long legs and the shape of its feet are specially adapted for walking on the ground and wading through shallow waters. The red-wattled lapwing is mainly brownish-grey, with white and black markings on its wings and head.
It has a distinctive red patch around its eyes, which gives it its name. Its diet mainly consists of tiny insects and worms found on the ground. The red-wattled lapwing is a social bird, often seen in groups in open grasslands and wetlands.
Breeding pairs are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. Both parents take part in raising the young. The red-wattled lapwing is an essential species in its native Asia and is an umbrella species, meaning that its presence indicates an ecosystem’s health.
It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is at risk due to habitat destruction and degradation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. indicus |
11. Herons
Herons are a type of bird that can be found in both freshwater and coastal habitats. They belong to the Ardeidae family and are 72 species recognized in this family.
Although they are all part of the same family, some species of herons are called egrets or bitterns. Herons are distinguishable by their long legs and long necks. They can be found in various habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands.
The most common species of herons are the great blue heron, the great egret, and the snowy egret. They typically feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and amphibians. Herons are essential to local ecosystems, as they help keep smaller animal populations in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
12. Brown-Backed Needletail
The brown-backed needletail, or brown needletail, is a species of large swift native to certain parts of the world. These birds have very short legs, primarily for clinging to vertical surfaces.
This species of swift never settles voluntarily on the ground and instead spends most of its life in the air, surviving on the insects they catch with their beaks. The brown needletail is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 13 inches.
It has a distinctive brown back, which sets it apart from other swift species. The birds’ tiny legs are not used for walking but for clinging to vertical surfaces, such as tree trunks and cliffs.
They can even cling to the sides of buildings. The brown needletail is known for its incredible speed and agility in the air. It can reach up to 43 miles per hour and rapidly change direction while flying.
This allows them to catch their prey in mid-air. It is also able to use its beak to catch insects while flying. In addition to its unique physical characteristics, the brown needletail has an exciting lifestyle.
They never settle voluntarily on the ground and spend most of their lives in the air. They can sleep while flying and only come to the ground to nest.
They are most active around dawn and dusk when they forage for food in the air. The brown-backed needletail is an exciting species of swift with a unique lifestyle and set of characteristics.
Its tiny legs, incredible speed, and agility make it well-adapted to life in the air. Spending most of its life in the air, it survives on the insects it catches in mid-air with its beak.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Hirundapus |
| Species | H. giganteus |
13. Crested Serpent Eagle
The crested serpent eagle is a raptor species in various tropical Asian habitats. It is a medium-sized bird of prey, typically between 20 and 25 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 40 inches.
This species has a distinctive black crest on the back of its head and neck, which gives the bird its name.
It also has a white face, a yellow bill, and a brownish-black body. The crested serpent eagle can be found in various forested habitats, including rainforests, deciduous forests, and mangrove forests.
It usually perches atop tall trees and uses its excellent eyesight to spot its prey on the ground below.
The crested serpent eagle feeds mainly on reptiles and small mammals, such as snakes, lizards, and rodents, which it captures with its powerful talons. This species is also known for its vocalizations, which consist of loud whistles and trills.
These calls are used to communicate with other eagles and to warn off potential predators.
The crested serpent eagle is also quite territorial, and the birds can be seen fiercely defending their territories from intruders. Overall, the crested serpent eagle is an impressive bird of prey that can be seen in many tropical Asian forests.
Its unique appearance and behavior make it an interesting species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Spilornis |
| Species | S. cheela |
14. Blue-Breasted Quail
The king quail is a species of quail that is native to the Old World. Several other names, such as the blue-breasted quail, Asian blue quail, Chinese painted quail, and Chung-Chi, also know it.
This quail species belongs to the family Phasianidae, which includes other quail species, pheasants, partridges, and grouse. The king quail is a small bird that grows to be around six inches long. It has a round body and is primarily grayish-brown in color.
It has a white face and throat with a distinctive blue breast. This quail is known for its white and black barred tail feathers and long red legs. The king quail is usually found in grassy fields, forests, and shrublands.
It is native to parts of Asia and is often seen in open grasslands and cultivated fields. It feeds on small insects, seeds, and fruits. The king quail is a famous bird in aviculture and can make a great pet.
It has a gentle temperament and gets along well with other quail species. It is also relatively easy to care for and can thrive in captivity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Synoicus |
| Species | S. chinensis |
15. Malaysian Night Heron
The Malayan night heron is a species found in southern and eastern Asia. It is also commonly called the Malaysian night heron and tiger bittern.
This heron species is of medium size, making it distinct from other herons, which can be much more significant. The Malayan night heron is native to many countries in Asia. This includes India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and Thailand.
It is also found in some parts of Myanmar, Singapore, and Laos. Its range extends from the Indian Subcontinent to the Philippines. The Malayan night heron is typically found in wetlands, such as marshes, swamps, and rivers.
It will also inhabit grasslands and agricultural areas. This heron species is usually found in small flocks but can also be seen alone. The Malayan night heron feeds on various prey, such as insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
It has also been known to scavenge for food. Its diet is primarily dependent on the habitat it is in. The Malayan night heron nests in trees, usually near water. It builds its nest from sticks and twigs and can be found in colonies.
The female lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for around 24 days. The chicks are then cared for by both the male and female for around 60 days before they leave the nest.
The Malayan night heron is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN, meaning its population is stable and not threatened. This species is still hunted in some places, which could endanger their population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Gorsachius |
| Species | G. melanolophus |
16. Little Egret
The Little Egret is a species of small heron belonging to the Ardeidae family. It has elegant white plumage and a very slender black beak. Its legs are also black, and its feet are a vibrant yellow in the Western race.
It can be found in shallow water and on land as an aquatic bird. Its diet includes various small creatures, such as insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish.
It is a graceful bird, often seen standing in one place with its wings outspread or flying with slow wingbeats.
The Little Egret is a familiar sight in many parts of the world. It is an integral part of the ecosystem, playing a role in controlling insect populations and maintaining the balance of aquatic life.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. garzetta |
17. Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo
The greater racket-tailed drongo is a bird species native to Asia. It is medium-sized and easily recognizable due to its unique tail feathers. These feathers are elongated and have webbing only at the tips.
The greater racket-tailed drongo is a member of the Dicruridae family, which is also home to other drongo species. The greater racket-tailed drongo has a wide distribution across Asia, inhabiting areas such as India, China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia.
It is an omnivorous bird that mainly feeds on insects but eats fruit, nectar, and small mammals. The greater racket-tailed drongo is also an aggressive and territorial bird, fiercely defending its food and nesting area.
The greater racket-tailed drongo is an essential species for the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and aiding in seed dispersal. Its distinctive tail feathers are used in courtship displays and to communicate with other birds of the same species.
The greater racket-tailed drongo is also an essential species in Hindu mythology, appearing in several stories and religious texts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. paradiseus |
Conclusion
Mukdahan offers a rich and diverse avian habitat, attracting birdwatchers from all over the world. With its unique geographical location and varied ecosystems, this region presents a haven for bird species, showcasing a remarkable array of avifauna.
From migratory birds traversing vast distances to resident species thriving in lush forests and wetlands, Mukdahan presents an unparalleled opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts to witness the beauty and wonder of nature.