List of birds of Laos
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This is a list of the bird species recorded in Laos. The avifauna of Laos include a total of 701 species, of which two have been introduced by humans and eight are rare or accidental. Twenty-five species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 6th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Laos.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories, but not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring native species.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Laos
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Laos as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
Cormorants
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds which includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
- Little cormorant, Microcarbo niger
Darters
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.
- Oriental darter, Anhinga melanogaster
Bitterns, herons and egrets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.
- Grey heron, Ardea cinerea
- Purple heron, Ardea purpurea
- Eastern great egret, Ardea alba modesta
- Intermediate egret, Ardea intermedia
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta
- Chinese pond heron, Ardeola bacchus
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
- Black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Malayan night heron, Gorsachius melanolophus
- Yellow bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis
- Schrenck's bittern, Ixobrychus eurhythmus
- Cinnamon bittern, Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
- Black bittern, Ixobrychus flavicollis
- Great bittern, Botaurus stellaris
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.
- Black-headed ibis, Threskiornis melanocephalus
- White-shouldered ibis, Pseudibis davisoni
- Giant ibis, Pseudibis gigantea
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.
- Painted stork, Mycteria leucocephala
- Asian openbill, Anastomus oscitans
- Black stork, Ciconia nigra
- Woolly-necked stork, Ciconia episcopus
- Black-necked stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
- Lesser adjutant, Leptoptilos javanicus
- Greater adjutant, Leptoptilos dubius
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
- Lesser whistling duck, Dendrocygna javanica
- Swan goose, Anser cygnoides
- Greylag goose, Anser anser
- Bar-headed goose, Anser indicus
- Ruddy shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea
- Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna
- White-winged duck, Cairina scutulata
- Knob-billed duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
- Cotton pygmy goose, Nettapus coromandelianus
- Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope
- Falcated duck, Mareca falcata
- Eurasian teal, Anas crecca
- Spot-billed duck, Anas poecilorhyncha
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Garganey, Spatula querquedula
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, kites and eagles
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
- Jerdon's baza, Aviceda jerdoni
- Black baza, Aviceda leuphotes
- Crested honey buzzard, Pernis ptilorhynchus
- Black-winged kite, Elanus caeruleus
- Black kite, Milvus migrans
- Brahminy kite, Haliastur indus
- White-bellied sea eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster
- Lesser fish eagle, Ichthyophaga humilis
- Grey-headed fish eagle, Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
- White-rumped vulture, Gyps bengalensis
- Indian vulture, Gyps indicus
- Slender-billed vulture, Gyps tenuirostris
- Cinereous vulture, Aegypius monachus (A)
- Red-headed vulture, Sarcogyps calvus
- Short-toed snake eagle, Circaetus gallicus
- Crested serpent eagle, Spilornis cheela
- Eastern marsh harrier, Circus spilonotus
- Hen harrier, Circus cyaneus
- Pied harrier, Circus melanoleucos
- Crested goshawk, Accipiter trivirgatus
- Shikra, Accipiter badius
- Chinese goshawk, Accipiter soloensis
- Japanese sparrowhawk, Accipiter gularis
- Besra, Accipiter virgatus
- Eurasian sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus
- Rufous-winged buzzard, Butastur liventer
- Grey-faced buzzard, Butastur indicus
- Eastern buzzard, Buteo japonicus
- Black eagle, Ictinaetus malaiensis
- Greater spotted eagle, Clanga clanga
- Imperial eagle, Aquila heliaca
- Bonelli's eagle, Aquila fasciata
- Rufous-bellied eagle, Lophotriorchis kienerii
- Booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus (A)
- Changeable hawk-eagle, Nisaetus cirrhatus
- Mountain hawk-eagle, Nisaetus nipalensis
Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 62 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Laos.
- White-rumped falcon, Polihierax insignis
- Collared falconet, Microhierax caerulescens
- Pied falconet, Microhierax melanoleucus
- Lesser kestrel, Falco naumanni
- Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
- Amur falcon, Falco amurensis
- Merlin, Falco columbarius
- Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo
- Oriental hobby, Falco severus
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Pheasants and partridges
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Laos.
- Chinese francolin, Francolinus pintadeanus
- Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica
- Blue-breasted quail, Coturnix chinensis
- Rufous-throated partridge, Arborophila rufogularis
- Bar-backed partridge, Arborophila brunneopectus
- Scaly-breasted partridge, Arborophila chloropus
- Mountain bamboo-partridge, Bambusicola fytchii
- Red junglefowl, Gallus gallus
- Silver pheasant, Lophura nycthemera
- Siamese fireback, Lophura diardi
- Grey peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron bicalcaratum
- Crested argus, Rheinardia ocellata
- Green peafowl, Pavo muticus
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Sarus crane, Grus antigone
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
- Red-legged crake, Rallina fasciata
- Slaty-legged crake, Rallina eurizonoides
- Slaty-breasted rail, Lewinia striata
- Brown-cheeked rail, Rallus indicus
- White-breasted waterhen, Amaurornis phoenicurus
- Black-tailed crake, Amaurornis bicolor
- Baillon's crake, Porzana pusilla
- Ruddy-breasted crake, Porzana fusca
- Watercock, Gallicrex cinerea
- Black-backed swamphen, Porphyrio indicus
- Common moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
- Eurasian coot, Fulica atra
Sungrebe and finfoots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Heliornithidae
Heliornithidae is a small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Masked finfoot, Heliopais personata
Buttonquails
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young. There are 16 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Laos.
- Small buttonquail, Turnix sylvatica
- Yellow-legged buttonquail, Turnix tanki
- Barred buttonquail, Turnix suscitator
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.
- Pheasant-tailed jacana, Hydrophasianus chirurgus
- Bronze-winged jacana, Metopidius indicus
Painted-snipe
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted-snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Greater painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis
Avocets and stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
Stone-curlews
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The stone-curlews are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.
- Indian stone-curlew, Burhinus indicus
- Great stone-curlew, Esacus recurvirostris
Pratincoles and coursers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.
- Oriental pratincole, Glareola maldivarum
- Small pratincole, Glareola lactea
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 66 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Laos.
- Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus
- River lapwing, Vanellus duvaucelii
- Grey-headed lapwing, Vanellus cinereus
- Red-wattled lapwing, Vanellus indicus
- Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- Long-billed plover, Charadrius placidus
- Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius
- Kentish plover, Charadrius alexandrinus
- Lesser sandplover, Charadrius mongolus
- Greater sandplover, Charadrius leschenaultii
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.
- Eurasian woodcock, Scolopax rusticola
- Wood snipe, Gallinago nemoricola
- Pintail snipe, Gallinago stenura
- Swinhoe's snipe, Gallinago megala (A)
- Common snipe, Gallinago gallinago
- Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata
- Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus
- Common redshank, Tringa totanus
- Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
- Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
- Nordmann's greenshank, Tringa guttifer
- Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
- Grey-tailed tattler, Tringa brevipes
- Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
- Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
- Sanderling, Calidris alba (A)
- Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis (A)
- Temminck's stint, Calidris temminckii
- Long-toed stint, Calidris subminuta
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina
- Ruff, Calidris pugnax
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns, and skimmers. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish.
- Pallas's gull, Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus
- Brown-headed gull, Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
- Great crested tern, Thalasseus bergii
- River tern, Sterna aurantia
- Black-bellied tern, Sterna acuticauda
- Little tern, Sternula albifrons
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
- Indian skimmer, Rynchops albicollis
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia
- Speckled wood pigeon, Columba hodgsonii
- Ashy wood pigeon, Columba pulchricollis
- Pale-capped pigeon, Columba punicea
- Oriental turtle dove, Streptopelia orientalis
- Red collared dove, Streptopelia tranquebarica
- Spotted dove, Spilopelia chinensis
- Barred cuckoo-dove, Macropygia unchall
- Little cuckoo-dove, Macropygia ruficeps
- Emerald dove, Chalcophaps indica
- Zebra dove, Geopelia striata (I)
- Orange-breasted green pigeon, Treron bicincta
- Ashy-headed green pigeon, Treron phayrei
- Thick-billed green pigeon, Treron curvirostra
- Yellow-footed green pigeon, Treron phoenicoptera
- Yellow-vented green pigeon, Treron seimundi
- Pin-tailed green pigeon, Treron apicauda
- Wedge-tailed green pigeon, Treron sphenura
- White-bellied green pigeon, Treron sieboldii
- Green imperial pigeon, Ducula aenea
- Mountain imperial pigeon, Ducula badia
Old wolrld parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back.
- Alexandrine parakeet, Psittacula eupatria
- Grey-headed parakeet, Psittacula finschii
- Blossom-headed parakeet, Psittacula roseata
- Red-breasted parakeet, Psittacula alexandri
- Vernal hanging parrot, Loriculus vernalis
Cuckoos and anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.
- Chestnut-winged cuckoo, Clamator coromandus
- Large hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx sparverioides
- Moustached hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx vagans (A)
- Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx nisicolor
- Indian cuckoo, Cuculus micropterus
- Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus
- Himalayan cuckoo, Cuculus saturatus
- Oriental cuckoo, Cuculus optatus
- Lesser cuckoo, Cuculus poliocephalus
- Banded bay cuckoo, Cacomantis sonneratii
- Plaintive cuckoo, Cacomantis merulinus
- Asian emerald cuckoo, Chrysococcyx maculatus
- Violet cuckoo, Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
- Fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo, Surniculus dicruroides
- Asian koel, Eudynamys scolopacea
- Green-billed malkoha, Phaenicophaeus tristis
- Coral-billed ground cuckoo, Carpococcyx renauldi
- Greater coucal, Centropus sinensis
- Lesser coucal, Centropus bengalensis
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
- Oriental bay owl, Phodilus badius
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
- Mountain scops owl, Otus spilocephalus
- Collared scops owl, Otus lettia
- Sunda scops owl, Otus lempiji
- Oriental scops owl, Otus sunia
- Spot-bellied eagle-owl, Bubo nipalensis
- Brown fish owl, Ketupa zeylonensis
- Tawny fish owl, Ketupa flavipes
- Spotted wood owl, Strix seloputo
- Brown wood owl, Strix leptogrammica
- Himalayan owl, Strix nivicolum
- Collared owlet, Glaucidium brodiei
- Asian barred owlet, Glaucidium cuculoides
- Spotted owlet, Athene brama
- Brown hawk-owl, Ninox scutulata
- Long-eared owl, Asio otus
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
Frogmouths
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Podargidae
The frogmouths are a group of nocturnal birds related to the nightjars. They are named for their large flattened hooked bill and huge frog-like gape, which they use to take insects. There are 2 species which have been recorded in Laos.
- Hodgson's frogmouth, Batrachostomus hodgsoni
- Blyth's frogmouth, Batrachostomus affinis
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
- Great eared nightjar, Eurostopodus macrotis
- Grey nightjar, Caprimulgus jotaka
- Large-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus macrurus
- Indian nightjar, Caprimulgus asiaticus
- Savanna nightjar, Caprimulgus affinis
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 11 species which have been recorded in Laos.
- Himalayan swiftlet, Aerodramus brevirostris
- Indochinese swiftlet, Aerodramus rogersi
- Edible-nest swiftlet, Aerodramus fuciphagus
- German's swiftlet, Aerodramus germani
- White-throated needletail, Hirundapus caudacutus
- Silver-backed needletail, Hirundapus cochinchinensis
- Brown-backed needletail, Hirundapus giganteus
- Asian palm-swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis
- Pacific swift, Apus pacificus
- Cook's swift, Apus cooki
- House swift, Apus nipalensis
Treeswifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Hemiprocnidae
The treeswifts, also called crested swifts, are closely related to the true swifts. They differ from the other swifts in that they have crests, long forked tails and softer plumage. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Crested treeswift, Hemiprocne coronata
Trogons and quetzals
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.
- Red-headed trogon, Harpactes erythrocephalus
- Orange-breasted trogon, Harpactes oreskios
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Laos.
- Blyth's kingfisher, Alcedo hercules
- Common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
- Blue-eared kingfisher, Alcedo meninting
- Black-backed kingfisher, Ceyx erithacus
- Banded kingfisher, Lacedo pulchella
- Stork-billed kingfisher, Pelargopsis capensis
- Ruddy kingfisher, Halcyon coromanda
- White-throated kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis
- Black-capped kingfisher, Halcyon pileata
- Collared kingfisher, Todirhamphus chloris
- Crested kingfisher, Megaceryle lugubris
- Pied kingfisher, Ceryle rudis
Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Laos.
- Blue-bearded bee-eater, Nyctyornis athertoni
- Green bee-eater, Merops orientalis
- Blue-throated bee-eater, Merops viridis
- Blue-tailed bee-eater, Merops philippinus
- Chestnut-headed bee-eater, Merops leschenaulti
Typical rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.
- Indian roller, Coracias benghalensis
- Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis
Hoopoes
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Hoopoe, Upupa epops
Hornbills
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Bucerotidae
Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly coloured.
- Oriental pied hornbill, Anthracoceros albirostris
- Great hornbill, Buceros bicornis
- Austen's brown hornbill, Anorrhinus austeni
- Rufous-necked hornbill, Aceros nipalensis
- Wreathed hornbill, Rhyticeros undulatus
Barbets
Order: Piciformes Family: Megalaimidae
The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly coloured.
- Great barbet, Psilopogon virens
- Red-vented barbet, Psilopogon lagrandieri
- Lineated barbet, Psilopogon lineatus
- Green-eared barbet, Psilopogon faiostrictus
- Golden-throated barbet, Psilopogon franklinii
- Necklaced barbet, Psilopogon auricularis
- Indochinese barbet, Psilopogon annamensis
- Blue-throated barbet, Psilopogon asiaticus
- Moustached barbet, Psilopogon incognitus
- Blue-eared barbet, Psilopogon duvaucelii
- Coppersmith barbet, Psilopogon haemacephalus
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
- Eurasian wryneck, Jynx torquilla
- Speckled piculet, Picumnus innominatus
- White-browed piculet, Sasia ochracea
- Grey-capped woodpecker, Yungipicus canicapillus
- Freckle-breasted woodpecker, Dendrocopos analis
- Stripe-breasted woodpecker, Dendrocopos atratus
- Great spotted woodpecker, Dendrocopos major
- Yellow-crowned woodpecker, Leiopicus mahrattensis
- Crimson-breasted woodpecker, Dryobates cathpharius
- Rufous woodpecker, Micropternus brachyurus
- White-bellied woodpecker, Dryocopus javensis
- Greater yellownape, Chrysophlegma flavinucha
- Lesser yellownape, Picus chlorolophus
- Laced woodpecker, Picus vittatus
- Streak-throated woodpecker, Picus xanthopygaeus
- Red-collared woodpecker, Picus rabieri
- Black-headed woodpecker, Picus erythropygius
- Grey-faced woodpecker, Picus canus
- Common flameback, Dinopium javanense
- Greater flameback, Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus
- Pale-headed woodpecker, Gecinulus grantia
- Bamboo woodpecker, Gecinulus viridis
- Bay woodpecker, Blythipicus pyrrhotis
- Black-and-buff woodpecker, Meiglyptes jugularis
- Heart-spotted woodpecker, Hemicircus canente
- Great slaty woodpecker, Mulleripicus pulverulentus
Broadbills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Eurylaimidae
The broadbills are small, brightly coloured birds, which feed on fruit and also take insects in flycatcher fashion, snapping their broad bills. Their habitat is canopies of wet forests. There are 15 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Laos.
- Dusky broadbill, Corydon sumatranus
- Black-and-red broadbill, Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos
- Banded broadbill, Eurylaimus javanicus
- Long-tailed broadbill, Psarisomus dalhousiae
- Silver-breasted broadbill, Serilophus lunatus
Pittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae
Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many are brightly coloured. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates.
- Eared pitta, Hydrornis phayrei
- Blue-naped pitta, Hydrornis nipalensis
- Blue-rumped pitta, Hydrornis soror
- Rusty-naped pitta, Hydrornis oatesi
- Blue pitta, Hydrornis cyanea
- Bar-bellied pitta, Hydrornis elliotii
- Hooded pitta, Pitta sordida
- Fairy pitta, Pitta nympha
- Blue-winged pitta, Pitta moluccensis
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Laos.
- Australasian bushlark, Mirafra javanica
- Indochinese bushlark, Mirafra erythrocephala
- Oriental skylark, Alauda gulgula
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
- Sand martin, Riparia riparia
- Grey-throated martin, Riparia chinensis
- Dusky crag martin, Ptyonoprogne concolor
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Wire-tailed swallow, Hirundo smithii
- Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica
- Striated swallow, Cecropis striolata
- Rufous-bellied swallow, Cecropis badia
- Common house martin, Delichon urbicum
- Asian house martin, Delichon dasypus
- Nepal house martin, Delichon nipalensis
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Laos.
- Forest wagtail, Dendronanthus indicus
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba
- Mekong wagtail, Motacilla samveasnae
- Black-backed wagtail, Motacilla lugens
- Citrine wagtail, Motacilla citreola
- Yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
- Grey wagtail, Motacilla cinerea
- Oriental pipit, Anthus rufulus
- Olive-backed pipit, Anthus hodgsoni
- Red-throated pipit, Anthus cervinus
Cuckooshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured.
- Large cuckooshrike, Coracina macei
- Indochinese cuckooshrike, Coracina polioptera
- Black-winged cuckooshrike, Coracina melaschistos
- Rosy minivet, Pericrocotus roseus
- Brown-rumped minivet, Pericrocotus cantonensis
- Ashy minivet, Pericrocotus divaricatus
- Small minivet, Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
- Long-tailed minivet, Pericrocotus ethologus
- Short-billed minivet, Pericrocotus brevirostris
- Scarlet minivet, Pericrocotus flammeus
- Grey-chinned minivet, Pericrocotus solaris
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.
- Crested finchbill, Spizixos canifrons
- Black-headed bulbul, Brachypodius atriceps
- Striated bulbul, Pycnonotus striatus
- Red-whiskered bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus
- Brown-breasted bulbul, Pycnonotus xanthorrhous
- Light-vented bulbul, Pycnonotus sinensis
- Sooty-headed bulbul, Pycnonotus aurigaster
- Stripe-throated bulbul, Pycnonotus finlaysoni
- Flavescent bulbul, Pycnonotus flavescens
- Yellow-vented bulbul, Pycnonotus goiavier
- Streak-eared bulbul, Pycnonotus conradi
- Black-crested bulbul, Rubigula flaviventris
- Bare-faced bulbul, Nok hualon
- Puff-throated bulbul, Alophoixus pallidus
- Grey-eyed bulbul, Iole propinqua
- Ashy bulbul, Hemixos flavala
- Mountain bulbul, Ixos mcclellandii
- Black bulbul, Hypsipetes leucocephalus
Leafbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Chloropseidae
The leafbirds are small, bulbul-like birds. The males are brightly plumaged, usually in greens and yellows. There are 8 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Laos.
- Blue-winged leafbird, Chloropsis cochinchinensis
- Golden-fronted leafbird, Chloropsis aurifrons
- Orange-bellied leafbird, Chloropsis hardwickii
Ioras
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithinidae
The ioras are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub, but whereas that group tends to be drab in colouration, ioras are sexually dimorphic, with the males being brightly plumaged in yellows and greens. There are 4 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.
- Common iora, Aegithina tiphia
- Great iora, Aegithina lafresnayei
Dippers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements. There are 5 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Brown dipper, Cinclus pallasii
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
- Orange-headed thrush, Geokichla citrina
- Siberian thrush, Geokichla sibirica
- Long-tailed thrush, Zoothera dixoni
- Scaly thrush, Zoothera dauma
- Dark-sided thrush, Zoothera marginata
- Black-breasted thrush, Turdus dissimilis
- Japanese thrush, Turdus cardis
- Grey-winged blackbird, Turdus boulboul
- Eurasian blackbird, Turdus merula
- Chestnut thrush, Turdus rubrocanus
- Grey-sided thrush, Turdus feae
- Eyebrowed thrush, Turdus obscurus
Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
- Golden-headed cisticola, Cisticola exilis
- Brown prinia, Prinia polychroa
- Hill prinia, Prinia superciliaris
- Rufescent prinia, Prinia rufescens
- Grey-breasted prinia, Prinia hodgsonii
- Yellow-bellied prinia, Prinia flaviventris
- Plain prinia, Prinia inornata
- Common tailorbird, Orthotomus sutorius
- Dark-necked tailorbird, Orthotomus atrogularis
Cettid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cettiidae
- Chestnut-headed tesia, Cettia castaneocoronata
- Slaty-bellied tesia, Tesia olivea
- Grey-bellied tesia, Tesia cyaniventer
- Manchurian bush warbler, Horornis borealis
- Brown-flanked bush warbler, Horornis fortipes
- Aberrant bush warbler, Horornis flavolivaceus
- Asian stubtail, Urosphena squameiceps
- Pale-footed bush warbler, Urosphena pallidipes
- Mountain tailorbird, Phyllergates cuculatus
- Rufous-faced warbler, Abroscopus albogularis
- Yellow-bellied warbler, Abroscopus superciliaris
Locustellid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
- Spotted bush warbler, Locustella thoracicus
- Baikal bush warbler, Locustella davidi
- Chinese bush warbler, Locustella tacsanowskius
- Russet bush warbler, Locustella mandelli
- Lanceolated warbler, Locustella lanceolata
- Pallas's grasshopper warbler, Locustella certhiola
- Striated grassbird, Megalurus palustris
Acrocephalid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
- Black-browed reed warbler, Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
- Paddyfield warbler, Acrocephalus agricola
- Blunt-winged warbler, Acrocephalus concinens
- Oriental reed warbler, Acrocephalus orientalis
- Clamorous reed warbler, Acrocephalus stentoreus
- Thick-billed warbler, Arundinax aedon
Phylloscopid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Phylloscopidae
- Dusky warbler, Phylloscopus fuscatus
- Buff-throated warbler, Phylloscopus subaffinis
- Yellow-streaked warbler, Phylloscopus armandii
- Radde's warbler, Phylloscopus schwarzi
- Buff-barred warbler, Phylloscopus pulcher
- Ashy-throated warbler, Phylloscopus maculipennis
- Pallas's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus proregulus
- Chinese leaf warbler, Phylloscopus yunnanensis
- Yellow-browed warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus
- Hume's warbler, Phylloscopus humei
- Arctic warbler, Phylloscopus borealis
- Greenish warbler, Phylloscopus trochiloides
- Pale-legged leaf warbler, Phylloscopus tenellipes
- Sakhalin leaf warbler, Phylloscopus borealoides
- Eastern crowned leaf warbler, Phylloscopus coronatus
- Blyth's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus reguloides
- Davison's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus intensior
- Kloss's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus ogilviegranti
- Yellow-vented warbler, Phylloscopus cantator
- Sulphur-breasted warbler, Phylloscopus ricketti
- Limestone leaf warbler, Phylloscopus calciatilis
- Grey-cheeked warbler, Phylloscopus poliogenys
- Chestnut-crowned warbler, Phylloscopus castaniceps
- Grey-crowned warbler, Phylloscopus tephrocephalus
- Bianchi's warbler, Phylloscopus valentini
Old World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.
- Grey-headed parrotbill, Psittiparus gularis
- Rufous-headed parrotbill, Psittiparus bakeri
- Spot-breasted parrotbill, Paradoxornis guttaticollis
- Black-throated parrotbill, Suthora nipalensis
- Golden parrotbill, Suthora verreauxi
- Short-tailed parrotbill, Neosuthora davidianus
- Black-browed parrotbill, Chleuasicus atrosuperciliaris
- Yellow-eyed babbler, Chrysomma sinense
- Indochinese fulvetta, Fulvetta danisi
Old World flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
- White-throated rock thrush, Monticola gularis
- Chestnut-bellied rock thrush, Monticola rufiventris
- Blue rock thrush, Monticola solitarius
- Blue whistling thrush, Myophonus caeruleus
- Lesser shortwing, Brachypteryx leucophrys
- White-browed shortwing, Brachypteryx montana
- Siberian flycatcher, Muscicapa sibirica
- Asian brown flycatcher, Muscicapa dauurica
- Ferruginous flycatcher, Muscicapa ferruginea
- Yellow-rumped flycatcher, Ficedula zanthopygia
- Narcissus flycatcher, Ficedula narcissina
- Mugimaki flycatcher, Ficedula mugimaki
- Slaty-backed flycatcher, Ficedula hodgsonii
- Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, Ficedula strophiata
- Taiga flycatcher, Ficedula albicilla
- Snowy-browed flycatcher, Ficedula hyperythra
- Little pied flycatcher, Ficedula westermanni
- Slaty-blue flycatcher, Ficedula tricolor
- Sapphire flycatcher, Ficedula sapphira
- White-gorgeted flycatcher, Anthipes monileger
- Rufous-browed flycatcher, Anthipes solitaris
- Blue-and-white flycatcher, Cyanoptila cyanomelana
- Verditer flycatcher, Eumyias thalassina
- Large niltava, Niltava grandis
- Small niltava, Niltava macgrigoriae
- Fujian niltava, Niltava davidi
- Rufous-bellied niltava, Niltava sundara
- Vivid niltava, Niltava vivida
- White-tailed flycatcher, Cyornis concretus
- Hainan blue flycatcher, Cyornis hainanus
- Pale blue flycatcher, Cyornis unicolor
- Blue-throated flycatcher, Cyornis rubeculoides
- Hill blue flycatcher, Cyornis banyumas
- Tickell's blue flycatcher, Cyornis tickelliae
- Pygmy blue-flycatcher, Muscicapella hodgsoni
- Japanese robin, Erithacus akahige
- Rufous-tailed robin, Luscinia sibilans
- Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica
- Siberian blue robin, Luscinia cyane
- White-bellied redstart, Luscinia phaenicuroides
- Siberian rubythroat, Calliope calliope
- Red-flanked bluetail, Tarsiger cyanurus
- Oriental magpie-robin, Copsychus saularis
- White-rumped shama, Copsychus malabaricus
- Daurian redstart, Phoenicurus auroreus
- Blue-fronted redstart, Phoenicurus frontalis
- White-capped redstart, Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
- Plumbeous redstart, Rhyacornis fuliginosus
- White-tailed robin, Cinclidium leucurum
- Blue-fronted robin, Cinclidium frontale
- Slaty-backed forktail, Enicurus schistaceus
- White-crowned forktail, Enicurus leschenaulti
- Purple cochoa, Cochoa purpurea
- Green cochoa, Cochoa viridis
- Siberian stonechat, Saxicola maurus
- Pied bushchat, Saxicola caprata
- Jerdon's bushchat, Saxicola jerdoni
- Grey bushchat, Saxicola ferreus
Fantails
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhipiduridae
The fantails are small insectivorous birds which are specialist aerial feeders.
- White-browed fantail, Rhipidura aureola
- Pied fantail, Rhipidura javanica
Fairy flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Stenostiridae
- Yellow-bellied fantail, Chelidorhynx hypoxanthus
- Grey-headed canary flycatcher, Culicicapa ceylonensis
Monarch flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Laos.
- Black-naped monarch, Hypothymis azurea
- Japanese paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone atrocaudata
- Oriental paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone affinis
Whistlers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pachycephalidae
The family Pachycephalidae includes the whistlers, shrike-thrushes, shrike-tits, pitohuis and crested bellbird. There are 57 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Mangrove whistler, Pachycephala cinerea
Laughingthrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Leiothrichidae
- White-crested laughingthrush, Garrulax leucolophus
- Lesser necklaced laughingthrush, Garrulax monileger
- White-necked laughingthrush, Garrulax strepitans
- Black-hooded laughingthrush, Garrulax milleti
- Grey laughingthrush, Garrulax maesi
- Rufous-cheeked laughingthrush, Garrulax castanotis
- Spot-breasted laughingthrush, Garrulax merulinus
- Chinese hwamei, Garrulax canorus
- Greater necklaced laughingthrush, Ianthocincla pectoralis
- Black-throated laughingthrush, Ianthocincla chinensis
- White-cheeked laughingthrush, Ianthocincla vassali
- Rufous-vented laughingthrush, Ianthocincla gularis
- White-browed laughingthrush, Ianthocincla sannio
- Silver-eared laughingthrush, Trochalopteron melanostigma
- Red-tailed laughingthrush, Trochalopteron milnei
- Red-faced liocichla, Liocichla phoenicea
- Silver-eared mesia, Leiothrix argentauris
- Vietnamese cutia, Cutia legalleni
- Blue-winged minla, Minla cyanouroptera
- Chestnut-tailed minla, Minla strigula
- Red-tailed minla, Minla ignotincta
- Spectacled barwing, Actinodura ramsayi
- Black-crowned barwing, Actinodura sodangorum
- Rufous-backed sibia, Heterophasia annectens
- Black-backed sibia, Heterophasia melanoleuca
- Long-tailed sibia, Heterophasia picaoides
Ground babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pellorneidae
- Abbott's babbler, Malacocincla abbotti
- Buff-breasted babbler, Pellorneum tickelli
- Spot-throated babbler, Pellorneum albiventre
- Puff-throated babbler, Pellorneum ruficeps
- Scaly-crowned babbler, Malacopteron cinereum
- Short-tailed scimitar babbler, Jabouilleia danjoui
- Limestone wren-babbler, Napothera crispifrons
- Streaked wren-babbler, Napothera brevicaudata
- Eyebrowed wren-babbler, Napothera epilepidota
- Collared babbler, Gampsorhynchus torquatus
- Yellow-throated fulvetta, Alcippe cinerea
- Rufous-winged fulvetta, Alcippe castaneceps
- Rufous-throated fulvetta, Alcippe rufogularis
- Dusky fulvetta, Alcippe brunnea
- Rusty-capped fulvetta, Alcippe dubia
- Brown-cheeked fulvetta, Alcippe poioicephala
- Grey-cheeked fulvetta, Alcippe morrisonia
- Mountain fulvetta, Alcippe peracensis
- Black-browed fulvetta, Alcippe grotei
- Yunnan fulvetta, Alcippe fratercula
Babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Timaliidae
The babblers, or timaliids, are somewhat diverse in size and colouration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage.
- Large scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus hypoleucos
- Black-streaked scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus gravivox
- White-browed scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus schisticeps
- Streak-breasted scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus ruficollis
- Red-billed scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps
- Coral-billed scimitar babbler, Pomatorhinus ferruginosus
- Buff-chested babbler, Stachyridopsis ambigua
- Rufous-capped babbler, Stachyridopsis ruficeps
- Golden babbler, Stachyridopsis chrysaea
- Sooty babbler, Stachyris herberti
- Grey-throated babbler, Stachyris nigriceps
- Spot-necked babbler, Stachyris striolata
- Pin-striped tit-babbler, Macronus gularis
- Grey-faced tit-babbler, Macronus kelleyi
- Chestnut-capped babbler, Timalia pileata
Cupwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pnoepygidae
- Pygmy wren-babbler, Pnoepyga pusilla
Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
- Pied shrike-babbler, Pteruthius flaviscapis
- Black-eared shrike-babbler, Pteruthius melanotis
- Clicking shrike-babbler, Pteruthius intermedius
- White-bellied erpornis, Erpornis zantholeuca
Spotted elachura
Order: Passeriformes Family: Elachuridae
- Spotted elachura, Elachura formosa
Long-tailed tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Black-throated tit, Aegithalos concinnus
Chickadees and titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects.
- Japanese tit, Parus minor
- Green-backed tit, Parus monticolus
- Yellow-cheeked tit, Parus spilonotus
- Yellow-browed tit, Sylviparus modestus
- Sultan tit, Melanochlora sultanea
- Fire-capped tit, Cephalopyrus flammiceps
Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet.
- Chestnut-bellied nuthatch, Sitta castanea
- Chestnut-vented nuthatch, Sitta nagaensis
- Burmese nuthatch, Sitta neglecta
- White-tailed nuthatch, Sitta himalayensis
- Velvet-fronted nuthatch, Sitta frontalis
- Yellow-billed nuthatch, Sitta solangiae
- Beautiful nuthatch, Sitta formosa
Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees.
- Hume's treecreeper, Certhia manipurensis
Sunbirds and spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed.
- Ruby-cheeked sunbird, Chalcoparia singalensis
- Brown-throated sunbird, Anthreptes malacensis
- Purple-naped sunbird, Hypogramma hypogrammicum
- Van Hasselt's sunbird, Leptocoma brasiliana
- Purple sunbird, Cinnyris asiaticus
- Olive-backed sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis
- Gould's sunbird, Aethopyga gouldiae
- Green-tailed sunbird, Aethopyga nipalensis
- Fork-tailed sunbird, Aethopyga christinae
- Black-throated sunbird, Aethopyga saturata
- Crimson sunbird, Aethopyga siparaja
- Little spiderhunter, Arachnothera longirostra
- Streaked spiderhunter, Arachnothera magna
Flowerpeckers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicaeidae
The flowerpeckers are very small, stout, often brightly coloured birds, with short tails, short thick curved bills and tubular tongues.
- Thick-billed flowerpecker, Dicaeum agile
- Yellow-vented flowerpecker, Dicaeum chrysorrheum
- Yellow-bellied flowerpecker, Dicaeum melanoxanthum
- Plain flowerpecker, Dicaeum minullum
- Fire-breasted flowerpecker, Dicaeum ignipectus
- Scarlet-backed flowerpecker, Dicaeum cruentatum
White-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
The white-eyes are small and mostly undistinguished, their plumage above being generally some dull colour like greenish-olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests, many species have a white ring around each eye.
- Chestnut-flanked white-eye, Zosterops erythropleurus
- Oriental white-eye, Zosterops palpebrosus
- Japanese white-eye, Zosterops japonicus
- Striated yuhina, Yuhina castaniceps
- Indochinese yuhina, Yuhina torqueola
- Whiskered yuhina, Yuhina flavicollis
- Stripe-throated yuhina, Yuhina gularis
- Black-chinned yuhina, Yuhina nigrimenta
Old World orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Laos.
- Black-naped oriole, Oriolus chinensis
- Slender-billed oriole, Oriolus tenuirostris
- Black-hooded oriole, Oriolus xanthornus
- Maroon oriole, Oriolus traillii
Fairy-bluebirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Irenidae
The fairy-bluebirds are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub. The males are dark-blue and the females a duller green. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Asian fairy-bluebird, Irena puella
Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 5 species which occur in Laos.
- Tiger shrike, Lanius tigrinus
- Brown shrike, Lanius cristatus
- Burmese shrike, Lanius collurioides
- Long-tailed shrike, Lanius schach
- Grey-backed shrike, Lanius tephronotus
Woodshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tephrodornithidae
- Large woodshrike, Tephrodornis gularis
- Common woodshrike, Tephrodornis pondicerianus
- Bar-winged flycatcher-shrike, Hemipus picatus
Drongos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
The drongos are mostly black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground.
- Black drongo, Dicrurus macrocercus
- Ashy drongo, Dicrurus leucophaeus
- Crow-billed drongo, Dicrurus annectens
- Bronzed drongo, Dicrurus aeneus
- Lesser racket-tailed drongo, Dicrurus remifer
- Hair-crested drongo, Dicrurus hottentottus
- Greater racket-tailed drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus
Woodswallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Artamidae
The woodswallows are soft-plumaged, somber-coloured passerine birds. They are smooth, agile flyers with moderately large, semi-triangular wings. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.
- Ashy woodswallow, Artamus fuscus
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 120 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Laos.
- Eurasian jay, Garrulus glandarius
- Blue magpie, Urocissa erythrorhyncha
- White-winged magpie, Urocissa whiteheadi
- Green magpie, Cissa chinensis
- Yellow-breasted magpie, Cissa hypoleuca
- Rufous treepie, Dendrocitta vagabunda
- Grey treepie, Dendrocitta formosae
- Racket-tailed treepie, Crypsirina temia
- Ratchet-tailed treepie, Temnurus temnurus
- Oriental magpie, Pica serica
- Large-billed crow, Corvus macrorhynchos
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.
- Golden-crested myna, Ampeliceps coronatus
- Common hill myna, Gracula religiosa
- Great myna, Acridotheres grandis
- Crested myna, Acridotheres cristatellus
- Common myna, Acridotheres tristis
- Vinous-breasted starling, Acridotheres burmannicus
- Black-collared starling, Gracupica nigricollis
- Pied myna, Gracupica contra
- Daurian starling, Agropsar sturninus
- White-shouldered starling, Sturnia sinensis
- Chestnut-tailed starling, Sturnia malabarica
Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.
- Baya weaver, Ploceus philippinus
- Asian golden weaver, Ploceus hypoxanthus
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns. There are 141 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Laos.
- Pin-tailed parrotfinch, Erythrura prasina
- White-rumped munia, Lonchura striata
- Nutmeg mannikin, Lonchura punctulata
- Chestnut munia, Lonchura atricapilla
Buntings, sparrows, seedeaters and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.
- Crested bunting, Emberiza lathami
- Tristram's bunting, Emberiza tristrami (A)
- Chestnut-eared bunting, Emberiza fucata
- Little bunting, Emberiza pusilla
- Yellow-breasted bunting, Emberiza aureola
- Chestnut bunting, Emberiza rutila
- Black-headed bunting, Emberiza melanocephala
- Black-faced bunting, Emberiza spodocephala
Siskins, crossbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Laos.
- Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus
- Black-headed greenfinch, Chloris ambigua
- Yellow-billed grosbeak, Eophona migratoria (A)
- Spot-winged grosbeak, Mycerobas melanozanthos
- Scarlet finch, Haematospiza sipahi
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
- Russet sparrow, Passer cinnamomeus
- Plain-backed sparrow, Passer flaveolus
- Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus
See also
References
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Laos". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 27 April 2007.
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(help) - Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 0-934797-16-1.