Birds of Surin are a diverse group of avian species that inhabit the beautiful country of Surin located in Southeast Asia.
With its varied habitats and topography, Surin is home to a variety of birds, including threatened species like the White-shouldered Ibis, the Giant Ibis, and the White-rumped Vulture.
Surin is also home to the only known population of the critically endangered Orange-breasted Trogon. With over 550 species of birds, Surin offers a unique opportunity for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts to observe some of the most beautiful and rare birds in the world.
1. Greater Coucal
The greater coucal is a large bird of the Cuculiformes order, commonly found in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is also known as the crow pheasant due to its resemblance to a pheasant, though it is not a true pheasant species.
The greater coucal is a non-parasitic species, which means it does not lay its eggs in the nest of other species. It is divided into several subspecies, with some of them being recognized as full species.
The greater coucal has a distinct plumage, with a blackish head, brownish-black wings and back, and paler underparts. Its size makes it relatively easy to spot in the wild, with a length of up to 60 cm and a wingspan of up to 90 cm.
The greater coucal is a ground-dwelling species, and is typically found in grassy areas, woodlands, and near water bodies. It is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of insects, small reptiles, fruits, and seeds.
The greater coucal is a solitary bird and is usually seen alone or in pairs. It does not migrate, and its loud and distinctive call is often heard in the early mornings and evenings.
The greater coucal is found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, forests, scrublands, grasslands, and agricultural fields. It is an important bird in the local ecosystem, as it helps to control insect and small animal populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. sinensis |
2. Square-Tailed Drongo-Cuckoo
The square-tailed drongo-cuckoo is a species of cuckoo that has the features and appearance of a black drongo. It is mainly found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
This species was formerly known as S. lugubris and included a subspecies called dicruroides, which is now considered a separate species called the fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo. This species has a blackish-brown upper body, with white underparts and a square-shaped tail.
The wings are predominantly white with black patches at the tips. The beak is long and curved. This species is omnivorous, feeding mainly on insects, fruit, and small invertebrates.
It is a fairly common species and can be found in open woodlands, grasslands, and near water bodies. They are usually seen in pairs or small groups, although sometimes they may be seen alone.
The fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo is also found in the same area, but is a much rarer species. It has a distinctively forked tail and is greyish-brown in colour, with white underparts and black tips on the wings.
This species is more likely to be found alone and is usually seen in the canopy of tall trees.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Surniculus |
| Species | S. lugubris |
3. White-Breasted Waterhen
The white-breasted waterhen is a waterbird of the rail and crake family, Rallidae, found across South and Southeast Asia. It is a dark slaty bird, which can be easily recognized by its distinctive white face, chest and belly.
This waterhen is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 30 cm in length, and is usually found in marshy wetlands, wet grasslands, and along the edges of rivers and streams.
The diet of the white-breasted waterhen consists of seeds, berries, insects, worms, and other small aquatic creatures. They are highly territorial and can often be seen chasing away other species of birds that enter their area of the wetland.
They are also known for their loud and distinctive call, which is made up of a series of sharp, staccato notes. White-breasted waterhens are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds.
Breeding usually takes place during the wet season, and the female typically lays 4-8 eggs which she incubates for around three weeks. The chicks are altricial, and the parents remain with the young until they are able to fly and forage for themselves.
Overall, the white-breasted waterhen is a common and widespread species across South and Southeast Asia. It is a hardy bird that is highly adaptable to a variety of habitats, making it an important species for wetlands across the region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Amaurornis |
| Species | A. phoenicurus |
4. Green Imperial Pigeon
The green imperial pigeon is a large forest-dwelling bird species found in a wide range of habitats. It is native to a variety of countries in Asia, including Nepal, southern India, Sri Lanka, southern China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
This species is renowned for its size due to it being larger than other pigeons, with a length of up to 40 centimeters.
The wingspan of the green imperial pigeon can reach up to 50 centimeters. These birds are found living in a variety of different habitats including evergreen and deciduous forests, woodlands, and plantations.
They are also found in more open habitats such as scrub or grassland, agricultural areas, and even urban areas.
They typically feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds found in the forests they inhabit, although they have been known to eat flowers and other vegetation as well. The green imperial pigeon is a highly social species, often seen in large flocks of up to 50 individuals.
Their nesting habits are also unique, as they typically build large, shared nests in trees, often in colonies of up to 50 nests.
These colonies can become quite large, with some colonies containing hundreds of nests. The green imperial pigeon is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to its wide range, stable population, and lack of significant threats to its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Species | D. aenea |
5. Blue-Breasted Quail
The king quail is a species of quail that is native to the Old World. It is also known by a variety of other names, such as blue-breasted quail, Asian blue quail, Chinese painted quail, or Chung-Chi.
It is a member of the family Phasianidae, which includes birds such as pheasants, partridges, and francolins. The king quail has a distinctive blue breast, with the rest of its plumage varying from gray to brown.
It is a small bird, measuring between 8.3 and 9.4 inches in length. It has a relatively short tail and a pointed bill. The king quail is found in a variety of habitats, from grasslands and scrublands to woodlands and cultivated fields.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds, but it will also eat small insects, shoots, and fruits. It is usually found in small groups of up to 10 individuals, but larger flocks can sometimes form.
The king quail is an important game bird in some parts of its range, and is also kept as a pet in many parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Synoicus |
| Species | S. chinensis |
6. Orange-Breasted Green Pigeon
The orange-breasted green pigeon is a species of pigeon found in the tropical parts of Asia, stretching from the Himalaya to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is part of the green pigeon family, which is characterized by its small size and distinctive plumage.
They usually feed on small fruits, such as berries, and are mostly seen in pairs or small flocks. These birds prefer to forage slowly and quietly in the trees, making them difficult to spot.
Though they may not be the most colorful of birds, they are still admired for their unique appearance and distinctive call.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. bicinctus |
7. Purple Heron
The purple heron is a species of wading bird that is part of the family Ardeidae, which is a type of heron. It is native to several countries across the world, including Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The scientific name for this species comes from Latin, with ardea meaning heron and purpureus meaning coloured purple. The purple heron breeds in many different areas of Africa, including central and southern parts.
It also breeds in southern and eastern Asia and in various parts of Europe. The species is wide-ranging, meaning it can be found in many different countries, rather than just one or two.
The purple heron is a large bird, with a long neck and a white head that has a black streak running along the crown and a black line over the eye. The rest of its body is a mix of blue-purple and grey.
Its wingspan can reach up to 140 cm in length, and its call is a loud and harsh croak. Overall, the purple heron is an impressive species of wading bird that is well-adapted to various habitats. It is easily recognizable due to its unique coloring and size.
It is a wide-ranging species, which is why it can be found in many different countries across the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. purpurea |
8. Common Sandpiper
The common sandpiper is a small Palearctic wader, a species of bird belonging to the genus Actitis. It is found in parts of Eurasia and Africa, and shares its genus with the spotted sandpiper, its sister species found in the Americas.
These two species have a geographical overlap and are classified as parapatric, meaning they are two separate species that inhabit the same geographical region.
As a result, it is not uncommon for stray birds of either species to settle down and breed with the other, resulting in hybridization.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Actitis |
| Species | A. hypoleucos |
9. Brahminy Kite
The brahminy kite is a medium-sized bird of prey found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It is known as the red-backed sea-eagle in Australia.
It belongs to the family Accipitridae, which includes many other diurnal raptors, such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. These raptors are all birds of prey that hunt during the day.
The brahminy kite is a graceful bird of prey with a white head and chest, and brown wings and back. Its tail is white with a black band at the tip. Its wingspan is typically between 90cm and 105cm, and its body length is around 55cm. It has a hooked bill and yellow eyes.
The brahminy kite is a scavenger and feeds mainly on fish, but also on small mammals, reptiles, and carrion. It is usually seen soaring over water bodies, searching for food.
It also sometimes feeds on insects, and is known to hunt in pairs, with one bird distracting the prey while the other swoops in for the kill. The brahminy kite usually nests in tall trees near water bodies.
The nest is made of sticks, and the female typically lays two to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The young fledge after around 45 days. The brahminy kite is a beautiful bird of prey that is now threatened by habitat destruction and poaching.
It is protected by law in India, but is still threatened by illegal hunting and capture for the pet trade. As a result, its population is declining, and conservation efforts are needed to ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliastur |
| Species | H. indus |
10. Grey-Faced Buzzard
The grey-faced buzzard is a bird of prey, native to parts of Asia. It is a relatively small raptor, measuring 41–46 cm in length and with a wingspan of up to 80 cm.
This bird is found in Manchuria, Korea and Japan, where it breeds, and in South-east Asia, where it migrates for the winter. It prefers open land as its habitat, and feeds mainly on lizards, small mammals and large insects.
Its diet is supplemented by the occasional carrion or other small birds. The grey-faced buzzard is a solitary bird, rarely seen in large groups. It is an adept hunter, and uses its keen eyesight to spot potential prey from a distance.
It usually hunts by soaring in the air and then swooping down to capture its victim with its talons. Due to its small size, the grey-faced buzzard is vulnerable to predators such as larger birds of prey. The grey-faced buzzard is a species of conservation concern.
It is under pressure from poaching and habitat loss due to human activities. It is also threatened by the use of pesticides and the destruction of its wintering grounds in South-east Asia.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species, such as protecting its nesting sites and limiting the use of pesticides in areas where it is found.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Butastur |
| Species | B. indicus |
11. Large Green Pigeon
Source: ebird.org
The large green pigeon is a species of bird in the Columbidae family, which is commonly found in the countries of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. It typically occupies moist, lowland forests, where it can find a plentiful supply of food and shelter.
Unfortunately, this species is currently facing a significant threat due to the destruction of its natural habitat. Its habitat is being destroyed by human activities, such as deforestation, land clearing for agriculture, and the draining of wetlands.
As a result, these birds are losing the resources they need to survive, and their population is in decline. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect this species and ensure its survival in the future.
By protecting its habitat and reducing human impacts, we can help to protect the large green pigeon and ensure that it continues to be a part of our natural world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. capellei |
12. White-Bellied Sea Eagle
The white-bellied sea eagle, also known as the white-breasted sea eagle, is a large bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. It is a diurnal bird, meaning it is active during the day.
This species was originally described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788 and is closely related to Sanford’s sea eagle of the Solomon Islands. Because of this close relationship, the two species are considered to be part of the same superspecies.
The white-bellied sea eagle has a large wingspan, typically measuring around 1.2 to 1.7 meters. This helps them to soar and swoop gracefully over the open ocean and coastal areas. The eagle has a white head and chest, while the body and tail are dark brown.
Its eyes are yellow and its bill is black. It mainly feeds on fish, which it catches either by swooping down on them or by snatching them from the surface of the water.
The white-bellied sea eagle is found in parts of south and south-east Asia, as well as some parts of Australia. It is usually found near the coast, where it can find plenty of food sources. It nests in large trees and builds its nest with sticks and branches.
It is also known to use artificial structures such as pylons as nesting sites. The white-bellied sea eagle is an iconic species and is protected by law in many countries. It is important to protect this species to ensure its future survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Icthyophaga |
| Species | I. leucogaster |
Conclusion
The birds of Surin are a diverse and fascinating group of species. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and their behaviors and habitats are equally varied.
From the bright and lively parrots of the rainforest to the majestic and mysterious raptors of the mountains, Surin is home to a wide variety of birds that make it an important habitat for many species of avifauna.
With a greater understanding of the birds of Surin, we can continue to protect and conserve their habitats and ensure that these unique and important species continue to thrive for generations to come.