Trip Report: Southern Vietnam, March 13-27, 1999

My 11-year old son and I went on a birding trip to southern Vietnam for a couple of weeks in March. This was our first journey to Vietnam. We spent most of our time in Nam Bai Cat Tien National Park (Cat Tien) and in the Dalat area. Cat Tien is located in the hot lowlands and supports mostly tropical deciduous forest with some tropical evergreen and bamboo forests. Dalat is situated in the cool central highlands and is surrounded by hills with scented pines and patches of tropical montane forest. Cat Tien is approximately 160 kms north and Dalat about 300 kms north of Ho Chi Minh City.

We saw very little forest remaining in southern Vietnam, and none of what we visited was pristine. Cat Tien still shows the effects of defoliants that were sprayed during the Vietnam War. Large trees were present but these did not form a closed canopy. As a result, the undergrowth was dense, and visibility was reduced to a few meters off the trails. The tropical forests around Dalat have receded to the upper slopes of the mountains where they are still under continuous attack. We saw woodcutters in the forests every day and observed the felling of several large trees. Pits for making charcoal were a frequent sight. The future of the Dalat endemics does not look promising.

Our transport consisted of a car with driver arranged at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The car took us to Cat Tien and returned a few days later to take us to Dalat. The total cost for this service was US$130. Around Dalat, we used motorcycle taxis that could be found everywhere. All that was necessary was to write down the name of the desired destination and then hand the paper to the driver to receive an initial quote. We returned to Ho Chi Minh City from Dalat by bus, and this cost US$20 for the two of us.

Southern Vietnam is unlike any place that I have previously visited. The people are exceptionally friendly and often came up to speak with us or at least smiled and waved to us. Although we do not speak Vietnamese, we did not have problems organizing transport, food, or accommodation.

Itinerary

13 Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City.
14 Ho Chi Minh City to Nam Bai Cat Tien National Park.
15-17 Nam Bai Cat Tien National Park.
18 Nam Bai Cat Tien National Park to Dalat.
19 Ho Tuyen Lam.
20 Ho Tuyen Lam.
21 Datanla Falls.
22 Lang Bian.
23 Datanla Falls.
24 Ho Tuyen Lam.
25 Datanla Falls.
26 Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City.
27 Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne.

Notes On Sites

Nam Bai Cat Tien National Park

We had difficulty finding the national park. We mistakenly turned off the main highway at Ma Da Gui and travelled for more than an hour along a dusty road to the small village of Dong Nai. Our driver stopped and talked with the locals to ascertain the correct route into the park. After a couple of hours of further driving, we finally reached the park headquarters. We did not have reservations, and since it was a Sunday, we were lucky to find an empty cabin. One of the administrative staff provided me we the following email address where reservations may be made: wwfhcmc@bdvn.vnmail.vnd.net (telephone 84-8820-3995). The accommodation was nearly empty during the week but was heavily booked each weekend. Food at the national park was excellent with many courses served at both lunch and dinner for a total of US$5/day.

Most early mornings were foggy, so we birded along the road from the headquarters towards Dac Lua. We found a variety of birds perched in the leafless treetops including Orange-breasted and Pompadour Green Pigeons, Linneated and Red-vented Barbets, Long-tailed Broadbill, Gold-crested Mynas and Vinous-breasted Starlings. Later, as the day became hot, we ventured along various trails that passed through the interior of the deciduous forest. One day, we found a single male and several female Siamese Firebacks, a pair of Germain's Peacock-Pheasants, a pair of Scaly-breasted Partridges and a flock of Jungle Fowl along the trail that connects the Dac Lua road with the loop trail near the headquarters. Another good area during the hot hours of the day was the evergreen forest in the vicinity of the waterfall. Not only was it cooler there, but bird activity remained good throughout the day. Some of the highlights in the evergreen forest included Asian Barred-Owlets, Orange-breasted Trogon, Bar-bellied Pitta, and Grey-eyed Bulbuls.

We spent the last hour of most days watching a small pool in a streambed that was located near the loop trail. Many birds flew to the pool to bathe. The greatest surprise was the stealthy approach and bathing by a Slaty-legged Crake. The bird was extremely shy and darted back to cover on 4 occasions. We had terrific views of this secretive rail. Some of the other species that used this pool included numerous Siberian Robins, Puff-throated Babblers, Scaly-crowned Babblers, Tickell's Blue Flycatchers, Puff-throated Bulbuls, White-rumped Shamas, and a Stork-billed Kingfisher.

We hired (US$20) the park jeep one day to take us out to the bamboo forests in the vicinity of Dac Lua. We wanted to leave at 5 am but the driver was not ready until 5:45 am. We arrived too late to see the Green Peafowl fly from the bamboo hills, but we did hear a single peafowl calling. We also heard a partridge (not Scaly-breasted) calling from a bamboo-covered hill near Dac Lua. This is an area where the endangered Orange-necked Partridge may be found. We had great views of a Blue-bearded Bee-eater that sallied from bamboo stalks. Our driver took us a few kilometers from Dac Lua to a wetland known as Bao Beo. Unfortunately, the marsh was nearly dry. In the remaining wet area, we found a Red-wattled Lapwing, a Cinnamon Bittern, a Green Sandpiper and many breeding-plumaged Chinese Pond-Herons.

Dalat

Dalat was well worth a visit. Not only was the birding good, but the city was interesting to explore. As usual, there was a large central market where a variety of strange tropical fruits could be purchased. One of our favorites was the large, beautifully patterned (magenta and green) Dragon Fruit. While exploring the market, we encountered a man whose bicycle was covered with cages containing birds for sale. Several of the cages were filled with White-shouldered and Vinous-breasted Starlings that had been dyed canary yellow. Other unfortunate birds included some of the Dalat endemics such as Black-hooded and White-cheeked Laughingthrushes and the beautiful grey-backed race of the Black-backed Sibia.

The social event of the day seemed to be kite-flying. Between 4 and 5 p.m. every day, a few hundred people would gather near the reservoir in town to fly kites that were shaped like sharks, birds, butterflies or of more familiar designs. The kites often become tangled together and would then crash into the water to the amusement of the many onlookers. My son had a great time here.

The best birding in the Dalat area was on the forested slopes behind Ho Tuyen Lam. We usually left our hotel at 5:45 and then used a motorcycle taxi to take us on the 15-minute journey to the boat dock. A 30 minute boat ride (US$15 return) was then required to reach the far end of the reservoir. The main trail that should be followed is visible from a fair distance out on the water, and it progresses up a hillside that is covered with pine forest. In theses pines, we found Vietnamese Greenfinches, Red Crossbills, Chinese Francolins, Grey Bushchats, Brown-throated Creepers and Chestnut-vented Nuthatches on every visit. Several Slender-billed Orioles were sighted one day, and Cutias were seen twice.

The main trail continues through pine forest before branching and dropping down to a bay of the reservoir. It then follows a gully with a remnant patch of wet tropical forest before emerging at a small farm. This wet forest was good for Lesser Shortwings, Grey-bellied Tesia and White-spectacled Warbler. The trail passes through the middle of the farm and then forks. The trail to the left is Brian Gee's "Crocias" trail. We found the trail to the right to be better with more intact forest. This trail initially passes through disturbed habitat along a small creek before reaching a coffee plantation. It then continues through good forest for perhaps a couple of kilometers before reaching a ridgetop. The slope beyond the ridgetop was totally cleared.

This forest was very productive. We found the endangered Grey-crowned Crocias on two occasions. The first sighting was of a single bird that was travelling with a mixed-species flock near the ridgetop. On the second occasion, a pair was located with another mixed-species flock just above the coffee plantation. Other good birds included Bar-backed Partridges, a few flocks of the very shy Black-hooded Laughingthrushes, Grey-headed Parrotbills, Black-throated Tits, Yellow-billed Nuthatches and Gould's Sunbirds. The clearing beyond the ridgetop also produced a few interesting species such as Changeable Hawk-Eagles, Chestnut Buntings, and three Yellow-billed Nuthatches. We also glimpsed a few mammals (macaques, tree shrews, and squirrels including Giant Black) but these were exceptionally wary probably due to hunting pressures. We heard a few distant gunshots during our visits.

We climbed Mt. Lang Bian on one occasion. We hired motorbikes at 5:30 a.m. for the 40 minute journey to the trailhead. At first, the trail climbs through pine forest before dropping a little to a saddle between the pine-covered mountain and the tropical forest that grows on the upper slopes of Lang Bian. It took us about 2 hours to reach the saddle and then another hour to climb up the steep and slippery trail to the peak. Most of the trees on the upper slope were covered with moss. Birds in this mossy forest included Rufous-gorgeted Flycatchers, Black-throated Tits, Grey-bellied Tesia, Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babblers, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Rufous-fronted Babblers and a Black Eagle that soared over the summit.

In the early morning, the saddle area and upper slopes of Lang Bian were windy and few birds here heard or seen. On our descent at noon, there was greater activity. As we walked down the mountain, I played a tape of the Collared Laughingthrush and obtained responses at 4 locations. All of these birds were calling from thick cover on the saddle or the adjacent lower slope of Lang Bian. This species was shy, and only a single bird was briefly sighted. Other birds in the saddle area included Red Crossbills and Vietnamese Greenfinches that bathed in a pool of water on the trail, numerous Olive-backed Pipits and Grey Bushchats. After descending the mountain, we walked into the Lak village where we were able to arrange a car to drive us back to Dalat.

The other area near Dalat that we visited on three occasions was Datanla Falls. The site was not large, but we enjoyed the scenery and found quite a number of interesting birds. The valley along the river supported tropical forest, but pines covered the surrounding slopes. We tried to arrive before 7 am so that we were the first to walk down the trails each morning. Blue Whistling-Thrushes were easy to see at this time of the morning along the track to the falls. White-cheeked Laughingthrushes were also easy to find and were not nearly as shy as the other species of Laughingthrushes recorded on the trip. Other good birds included a pair of Slaty-backed Forktails at the falls, a pair of Red-headed Trogons, Lesser Shortwings and a stunning male Blue-and-White Flycatcher in good light. Many Vietnamese tourists visit the falls but birding usually remained good through the day. A number of beautiful butterflies was also sighted in the area including one the delicately patterned Asian Map Butterflies and an amazing Lacewing.

Systematic List Of Birds

1. Little Grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis - common Ho Tuyen Lam.

2. Little Cormorant, Phalacrocorax fusicollis - 1 Ho Tuyen Lam.

3. Little Egret, Egretta garzetta - a few Bao Beo, Cat Tien.

4. Great Egret, Ardea alba - a few Bao Beo, Cat Tien.

5. Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis - a few each day, Cat Tien.

6. Chinese Pond-Heron, Ardeola bacchus - up to 15 each day, Cat Tien.

7. Cinnamon Bittern, Ixobrychus cinnamomeus - 1 Bao Beo, Cat Tien, and 1 Ho Tuyen Lam.

8. Malaysian Night-Heron, Goraschius melanolophus - 1 along trail connecting Dac Lua road with loop trail, Cat Tien.

9. Woolly-necked Stork, Ciconia episcopus - 3 soaring near Dac Lua, Cat Tien

10. Osprey, Pandion haliaetus - pair each day at Ho Tuyen Lam and once at Cat Tien.

11. Black Baza, Aviceda leuphotes - several in transit to Cat Tien, and a few near the waterfall, Cat Tien.

12. Black-shouldered Kite, Elanus caeruleus - 2 seen while driving from Dalat to Saigon.

13. Crested Serpent-Eagle, Spilornis cheela - Pair near waterfall, Cat Tien and from ridgetop, Ho Tuyen Lam.

14. Crested Goshawk, Accipiter trivirgatus - displaying pair, Ho Tuyen Lam.

15. Shikra, Accipiter badius - Pair seen near headquarters and another lone bird near the waterfall, Cat Tien.

16. Grey-faced Buzzard, Butastur indicus - 1 at Lang Bian, and 1 at Datanla Falls.

17. Black Eagle, Ictinaetus malayensis - 1 over summit of Lang Bian.

18. Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Spizaetus cirrhatus - 1 adult and 1 young, Datanla Falls. 1 adult with dark barring in wings and tail from ridgetop, Ho Tuyen Lam.

    (Bonnelli's Eagle, Hieraaetus fasciatus - an immature large raptor that was mostly reddish brown below with barring on wings and tail was seen near Bao Beo, Cat Tien. It was thought to be this species.)

19. Chinese Francolin, Francolinus pintadeanus - frequently heard and 1 seen at Ho Tuyen Lam. Others were heard on the pine slope below Lang Bian.

20. Bar-backed Partridge, Arborophila brunneopectus - several heard or seen each day at Ho Tuyen Lam.

21. Scaly-breasted Partridge, Arborophila chloropus - several heard or seen each day at Cat Tien.

22. Red Junglefowl, Gallus gallus - common at Cat Tien, particularly at Bao Beo.

23. Siamese Fireback, Lophura diardi - a flock consisting of 1 male and several females was sighted along the track between the Dac Lua road and the loop track. The male reared and drummed its wings after running from the trail. A female was also sighted on the road early in the morning when driving to Dac Lua.

24. Germain's Peacock-Pheasant, Polyplectron germaini - a pair was sighted along the track between the Dac Lua road, (Cat Tien), with the loop track. Both birds were vocal.

25. Green Peafowl, Pavo muticus - 1 heard calling from a bamboo-covered hill near Dac Lua, Cat Tien.

26. Slaty-legged Crake, Rallina eurizonoides - 1 observed bathing in a small pool in a nearly dry streambed, Cat Tien. Superb views were obtained with a telescope from 5 m.

27. White-breasted Waterhen, Amaurornis phoenicurus - 1 observed bathing each evening in a small pool in a nearly dry streambed, Cat Tien. 1 flushed from flooded, grassy area, Ho Tuyen Lam.

28. Green Sandpiper, Tringa ochrops - 1 Bao Beo, Cat Tien

29. Common Sandpiper, Tringa hypoleucos - 1 at waterfall, Cat Tien.

30. Red-wattled Lapwing, Vanellus indicus - 1 Bao Loc, Cat Tien

31. Spotted Dove, Streptopelia chinensis - common Cat Tien, a few at Ho Tuyen Lam.

32. Red Collared-Dove, Streptopelia tranquebarica - several along dirt track to Dong Nai.

33. Barred Cuckoo-Dove, Macropygia unchall - small numbers flying over forest at Ho Tuyem Lam and Lang Bian on each visit.

34. Emerald Dove, Chalcophaps indica - 2 each day, Cat Tien.

35. Orange-breasted Pigeon, Treron bicincta - a few each morning in treetops, Cat Tien.

36. Pompadour Green-Pigeon, Treron pompadora - a few each morning in treetops, Cat Tien.

37. Thick-billed Pigeon, Treron curvirostra - common at Cat Tien.

38. Green Imperial-Pigeon, Ducula aenea - 2 at headquarters, Cat Tien.

39. Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Ducula badia - several seen or heard each trip to Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian, and Datanla Falls.

40. Vernal Hanging-Parrot, Loriculus vernalis - common Cat Tien.

41. Grey-headed Parakeet, Psittacula finschii - 4 Ho Tuyen Lam.

42. Red-breasted Parakeet, Psittacula alexandri - common at Cat Tien

43. Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Cuculus sparverioides - 1 heard at Cat Tien.

44. Indian Cuckoo, Cuculus micropterus - 1 heard at Datanla Falls.

45. Banded Bay Cuckoo, Cacomantis sonneratii - a few by call each day at Cat Tien, Ho Tuyen Lam and Datanla Falls.

46. Plaintive Cuckoo, Cacomantis merulinus - 1 Cat Tien.

47. Violet Cuckoo, Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus - 1 Cat Tien.

48. Drongo Cuckoo, Surniculus lugubris - Heard daily at Cat Tien and Ho Tuyen Lam.

49. Asian Koel, Eudynamys scolopacea - 1 heard at Cat Tien and 1 heard at Datanla Falls.

50. Green-billed Malkoha, Phaenicophaeus tristis - several daily at Cat Tien and Datanla Falls.

51. Greater Coucal, Centropus sinensis - 1 seen and others heard at Cat Tien.

52. Lesser Coucal, Centropus bengalensis - several each day at Cat Tien.

53. Collared Scops-Owl, Otus lempiji - 1 pair heard and sighted in the pine forest, Ho Tuyen Lam.

54. Asian Barred Owlet, Glaucidium cuculoides - at least 2 birds sighted Cat Tien.

55. Great Eared-Nightjar, Eurostopodus macrotis - Up to 6 heard or seen near headquarters and 1 flushed from trail, Cat Tien. Very large nightjar.

56. Large-tailed Nightjar, Caprimulgus macrurus - several heard each morning and evening, Cat Tien.

57. Silver-backed Needletail, Hirundapus cochinchinensis - a few at Cat Tien.

58. Asian Palm-Swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis - several each day, Cat Tien.

59. House Swift, Apus nipalensis - common Dalat, a few Cat Tien.

60. Orange-breasted Trogon, Harpactes oreskios - seen twice near waterfall, Cat Tien.

61. Red-headed Trogon, Harpactes erythrocephalus - one or two seen daily at Ho Tuyen Lam or Datanla Falls.

62. Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis - 1 at small pool in a nearly dry streambed, Cat Tien. 1 at Ho Tuyen Lam.

63. Banded Kingfisher, Lacedo pulchella - 1 male heard and seen in woodland beyond the bamboo hills near Dac Lua, Cat Tien.

64. Stork-billed Kingfisher, Pelargopsis capensis - 1 at small pool in a nearly dry streambed, Cat Tien.

65. White-throated Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis - 1 seen daily at Cat Tien.

66. Pied Kingfisher, Ceryle rudis - 1 near Dong Nai.

67. Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Nyctyornis athertoni - pair along loop trail near headquarters and 1 in bamboo forest near Dac Lua.

68. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Merops leschenaulti - several each day at Cat Tien.

69. Indian Roller, Coracias benghalensis - several each day at Cat Tien

70. Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis - several each day at Cat Tien

71. Oriental Pied-Hornbill, Anthracoceros albirostris - a maximum of 6 at Cat Tien. One evening, we saw a cloud of dust arising from the road as returned from the waterfall to the headquarters. With the telescope, we could see 6 of these birds dust-bathing. They covered themselves with so much dust that a puff of dust arose from them when they flew and landed in a nearby tree and later when the left this tree to fly to another.

    (Great Hornbill, Buceros bicornis - heard a few times at Cat Tien. Seen by other birders during our visit.)

72. Wreathed Hornbill, Aceros undulatus - flock of 10 seen flying over a forested gorge of the escarpment near Bao Loc (transit from Cat Tien to Dalat). We would have missed the birds had it not been for our overheating car.

73. Red-vented Barbet, Megalaima lagrandieri - 2 seen Cat Tien.

74. Lineated Barbet, Megalaima lineata - the most common barbet at Cat Tien.

75. Golden-throated Barbet, Megalaima franklinii - seen once at Ho Tuyen Lam, and heard at Lang Bian.

76. Black-browed Barbet, Megalaima oorti - commonly heard and seen at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanla Falls.

77. Blue-eared Barbet, Megalaima australis - several heard and seen each day at Cat Tien.

78. Coppersmith Barbet, Megalaima haemacephala - commonly heard and seen at Cat Tien.

79. White-browed Piculet, Sasia ochracea - one seen with a mixed species flock in bamboo near Bao Beo. Another seen near the loop trail, Cat Tien.

80. Grey-capped Woodpecker, Dendrocopos canicapillus - several in pines at Ho Tuyen Lam.

81. Rufous Woodpecker, Celeus brachyurus - pair in bamboo near Dac Lua, Cat Tien.

82. Greater Yellownape, Picus flavinucha - 1 along loop trail, Cat Tien. Active nest found in a dead pine at Ho Tuyen Lam.

83. Laced Woodpecker, Picus vittatus - 1 along road, Cat Tien, and 1 at Datanla Falls.

84. Common Flameback, Dinopium javanense - a few each day at Cat Tien.

85. Greater Flameback, Chrysocolaptes lucidus - a few sightings at Cat Tien and Ho Tuyen Lam. These birds were easier to recognize than I originally expected. The bills are distinctly larger than those of Common Flamebacks, and the three white-malar stripes could easily be seen with a telescope.

86. Bay Woodpecker, Blythipicus pyrrhotis - pair heard and seen at Ho Tuyen Lam.

87. Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Hemicircus canente - a pair of these beautiful woodpeckers was seen most days near the checkstation that is located about a km from the headquarters of Cat Tien.

88. Great Slaty Woodpecker, Mulleripicus pulverulentus - heard near the waterfall and from isolated trees in the bamboo forest at Bao Beo, Cat Tien.

89. Black-and-Buff Woodpecker, Meiglyptes jugularis - pair sighted near the trail that connects the Dac Lua road and the loop trail, Cat Tien.

90. Bar-bellied Pitta, Pitta elliotii - 1 briefly sighted as it flushed from the trail which follows the bank of the Dong Nai River near the waterfall, Cat Tien.

91. Long-tailed Broadbill, Psarisomus dalhousiae - seen once in a leafless treetop near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

92. Black-and-Red Broadbill, Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos - seen near the trail that connects the Dac Lua road and the loop trail, and near Dac Lua, Cat Tien.

93. Banded Broadbill, Eurylaimus javanicus - heard on a few occasions along the loop trail and the trail that connects the Dac Lua road and the loop trail, Cat Tien.

94. White-throated Fantail, Rhipidura albicollis - fairly common at Ho Tuyen Lam and Datanla Falls.

95. Black-naped Monarch, Hypothymis azurea - One near the headquarters and another in bamboo forest near Dac Lua, Cat Tien.

96. Asian Paradise-Flycatcher, Terpsiphone paradisi - Males seen twice at Cat Tien.

97. Black Drongo, Dicrurus macrocercus - common in the rice fields near Dong Nai.

98. Ashy Drongo, Dicrurus leucophaeus - at least 2 each day in the pine forest at Ho Tuyen Lam. Also seen at Lang Bian.

99. Bronzed Drongo, Dicrurus aeneus - seen twice at Cat Tien.

100. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus remifer - common in the tropical forest at Ho Tuyen Lam.

101. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus - common at Cat Tien.

102. Eurasian Jay, Garrulus glandarius - 1 at Ho Tuyen Lam, 1 at Lang Bian, and a pair on all days at Datanla Falls.

103. Racket-tailed Treepie, Crypsirina temia - a few at Cat Tien and along the road when driving to/from Cat Tien.

104. Large-billed Crow, Corvus macrorhynchos - 1 in Ho Chi Minh City.

105. Ashy Woodswallow, Artamus fuscus - several over rice fields near Dong Nai and others in transit along the escarpment near Bao Loc.

106. Common Iora, Aegithina tiphia - a pair each day along the Dong Nai River near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

107. Great Iora, Aegithina lafresnayei - a pair each day along the road near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

108. Black-naped Oriole, Oriolus chinensis - seen twice at Cat Tien.

109. Slender-billed Oriole, Oriolus tenuirostris - at least 3 one morning in the pine forest at Ho Tuyen Lam.

110. Black-hooded Oriole, Oriolus xanthornus - A pair on most days along the road near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

111. Large Cuckoo-shrike, Coracina macei - seen twice at Ho Tuyen Lam and once at Lang Bian.

112. Indochinese Cuckoo-shrike, Coracina polioptera - one in mixed species flock near the waterfall, Cat Tien. Several each day in the pine forest of Ho Tuyen Lam. Often singing.

113. Ashy Minivet, Pericrocotus divaricatus - 2 seen near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

114. Long-tailed Minivet, Pericrocotus ethologus - several at Ho Tuyen Lam and at Lang Bian.

115. Scarlet Minivet, Pericrocotus flammeus - a pair along the road near the headquarters of Cat Tien. Another pair was sighted in the pine forest of Ho Tuyen Lam.

116. Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Hemipus picatus - pair at Cat Tien, and another pair sighted during each visit to Datanla Falls.

117. Asian Fairy Bluebird, Irena puella - seen once near the waterfall of Cat Tien.

118. Blue-winged Leafbird, Chloropsis cochinchinensis - a few each day at Cat Tien.

119. Brown Shrike, lanius cristatus - 1 at Datanla Falls and 1 at Ho Tuyen Lam.

120. Burmese Shrike, Lanius collurioides - several each in the pine forest of Ho Tuyen Lam. Unless the light angle is very good, the cap appears to be entirely black.

121. Blue Rock-Thrush, Monticola solitarius - a single bird with a chestnut belly was repeatedly sighted on the rooftops of the buildings at the headquarters of Cat Tien. Another seen in pine forest while climbing Lang Bian.

122. Blue Whistling-Thrush, Myiophonus caeruleus - 2 pairs of these large thrushes were seen early in the morning along the walkways and garden beds near Datanla Falls. One male occasionally sang.

123. Lesser Shortwing, Brachypteryx leucophrys - fairly common by call in streamside forest at Ho Tuyen Lam. These birds were very easy to see with tape assistance. Others were heard at Lang Bian and at Datanla Falls.

124. Black-collared Starling, Sturnus nigricollis - 1 pair in transit to Cat Tien. Common in the agricultural fields around Ho Tuyen Lam.

125. Vinous-breasted Starling, Sturnus burmannicus - common early in the mornings in the treetops near the headquarters and near Dac Lua, Cat Tien.

126. Golden-crested Myna, Ampeliceps coronatus - common early in the mornings in the treetops near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

127. Hill Myna, Gracula religiosa - a few each day, Cat Tien, and 1 pair, Ho Tuyen Lam.

128. Red-throated Flycatcher, Ficedula parva - a few along the roadsides, Cat Tien. Seen once at Ho Tuyen Lam and at Datanla Falls.

129. Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Ficedula strophiata - pair in the mossy forest near the peak of Lang Bian

130. Little Pied Flycatcher, Ficedula westermanni - pair at Datanla Falls, and 1 sighting at Ho Tuyen Lam.

131. Blue-and-White Flycatcher, Cyanoptila cyanomelana - spectacular male seen in good light in scrub along upper walkway, Datanla Falls.

132. Verditer Flycatcher, Eumyias thalassina - Single birds sighted at Ho Tuyen Lam especially along the edge of the clearing at the ridgetop. Single birds also sighted at Datanla Falls, and Lang Bian. Pleasant song.

133. Large Niltava, Niltava grandis - Seen twice at Ho Tuyen Lam.

134. Tickell's Blue-Flycatcher, Cyornis tickelliae - seen a number of times at Cat Tien.

135. Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Culicicapa ceylonensis - a few at Cat Tien, Ho Tuyen Lam and Datanla Falls.

136. Siberian Blue Robin, Luscinia cyane - seen once in the forest and many times in the evening at a roadside pool, Cat Tien. All birds were immature males or females.

137. Oriental Magpie-Robin, Copsychus saularis - a few each morning at Cat Tien.

138. White-rumped Shama, Copsychus malabaricus - common in the undergrowth, Cat Tien.

139. Slaty-backed Forktail, Enicurus schistaceus - a pair was sighted each morning along the walkway to the waterfall or on rocks along the river, Datanla Falls.

140. Siberian Stonechat, Saxicola maura - 1 pair in the open, marshy area of Bao Beo, Cat Tien.

141. Grey Bushchat, Saxicola ferrea - 1 pair at Datanla Falls and in the pine forest of Ho Tuyen Lam. Several sighted in pine forests while ascending Lang Bian.

142. Chestnut-vented Nuthatch, Sitta nagaensis - common in the pine forest of Ho Tuyen Lam, Datanla Falls and Lang Bian.

143. Yellow-billed Nuthatch, Sitta solangiae - 3 birds sighted as they flew to an isolated tree in the clearing at the ridgetop, Ho Tuyen Lam. Another lone bird was sighted as it travelled with a mixed species flock near the ridgetop on a different date.

144. Brown-throated Treecreeper, Certhia discolor - 1 at Ho Tuyen Lam.

145. Black-throated Tit, Aegithalos concinnus - a small flock was found along the upper slopes of Lang Bian, and another flock was found along the trail to the ridgetop, Ho Tuyen Lam. This race has a white cap and white throat.

146. Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica - fairly common along the Dong Nai River, Cat Tien and at Lang Bian.

147. Red-rumped Swallow, Hirundo daurica - A few over Bao Beo and others near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

148. Black-headed Bulbul, Pycnonotus atriceps - a few each day at Cat Tien.

149. Black-crested Bulbul, Pycnonotus melanicterus - common at Cat Tien, Ho Tuyen Lam and Datanla Falls.

150. Red-whiskered Bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus - common at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanal Falls.

151. Stripe-throated Bulbul, Pycnonotus finlaysoni - the most common bulbul at Cat Tien.

152. Flavescent Bulbul, Pycnonotus flavescens - fairly common at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanla Falls.

153. Streak-eared Bulbul, Pycnonotus blanfordi - common only in the vicinity of Dac Lua, Cat Tien.

154. Puff-throated Bulbul, Alophoixus pallidus - a pair seen once along the loop trail and once in the evening at the roadside pool, Cat Tien.

155. Grey-eyed Bulbul, Iole propinqua - a few in mixed species flocks near the waterfall, Cat Tien.

156. Ashy Bulbul, Hemixos flavala - fairly common at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanla Falls.

157. Black Bulbul, Hypsipetes leucocephalus - common at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanla Falls.

158. Hill Prinia, Prinia atrogularis - common in grassy areas of Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanla Falls.

159. Rufescent Prinia, Prinia rufescens - 1 only at Cat Tien.

160. Grey-breasted Prinia, Prinia hodgsonii - several each day in the tall grass near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

161. Grey-bellied Tesia, Tesia cyaniventer - the loud song of this species (like Australian Pilotbird) was often heard at Ho Tuyen Lam and Lang Bian, but the birds were only occasionally seen.

162. Oriental Reed-Warbler, Acrocephalus orientalis - 1 in marshy area of Bao Beo, Cat Tien.

163. Mountain Tailorbird, Orthotomus cuculatus - common at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian, and Datanla Falls.

164. Dark-necked Tailorbird, Orthotomus atrogularis - fairly common near headquarters, Cat Tien.

165. Inornate Warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus - one or two each day, Cat Tien.

166. Two-barred Greenish Warbler, P. (trochiloides) plumbeitarsus - commonest Phylloscopus at Ho Tuyen Lam and Lang Bian.

167. White-tailed Leaf-Warbler, Phylloscopus davisoni - a few sighted at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanla Falls.

168. White-spectacled Warbler, Seicercus affinis - pair seen twice in wet gully of Ho Tuyen Lam.

169. Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Seicercus castaniceps - a few near the ridgetop, Ho Tuyen Lam and in moss forest at Lang Bian.

170. White-crested Laughingthrush, Garrulax leucolophus - common by call at Cat Tien, but only obtained brief views of this shy species. Often fed on the ground.

171. Black-hooded Laughingthrush, Garrulax milleti - a Dalat endemic. This species was extremely shy. I once watched a flock from a distance of 10 m. The birds were actively digging and probing into the leaf litter. One of the birds spotted me and gave an alarm call. Almost immediately, the entire flock flew to the lower branches of a tree and then quickly vanished into thick cover. Small groups of these birds were seen at Ho Tuyen Lam on 3 occasions.

172. White-cheeked Laughingthrush, Garrulax vassali - a Dalat endemic. This species was not nearly as shy as the other laughingthrushes. The birds were quite easy to see early in the morning at Datanla Falls.

173. Collared Laughingthrush, Garrulax yersini - a Dalat endemic. One briefly sighted when it responded to a taped call, and others were heard but not seen. All birds were either on the saddle or the adjacent slope of Lang Bian. The call of this species was deceptively soft.

174. Abbott's Babbler, Malacocincla abbotti - a pair was twice seen bathing in a roadside pool, Cat Tien.

175. Puff-throated Babbler, Pellorneum ruficeps - a pair seen bathing in roadside pool, Cat Tien.

176. Scaly-crowned Babbler, Malacopteron cinereum - fairly common at Cat Tien

177. White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus schisticeps - a single bird was seen as it foraged at the base of a tree that was growing in a partially flooded area along the main trail, Ho Tuyen Lam.

178. Pygmy Wren-Babbler, Pnoepyga pusilla - 1 heard on Lang Bian

179. Rufous-capped Babbler, Stachyris ruficeps - several pairs at Ho Tuyen Lam and Lang Bian.

180. Striped Tit-Babbler, Macronous gularis - several at Cat Tien.

181. Grey-faced Tit-Babbler, Macronous kelleyi - several along road near headquarters, Cat Tien.

182. White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Pteruthius flaviscapis - common by call, Ho Tuyen Lam and Lang Bian.

183. Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler, Pteruthius aenobarbus - several at Ho Tuyen Lam including a nesting pair. Others seen at Datanla Falls.

184. Blue-winged Minla, Minla cyanouroptera - a few each day at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanla Falls.

185. Cutia, Cutia nipalensis - A pair of these magnificent birds was sighted on two occasions in the pines near the trailhead at Ho Tuyen Lam. They slowly ascended the pines and spent much time probing into cracks in the bark especially at the base of the branches. One afternoon, the pair flew to an open branch where they perched side-by-side and the male preended the feathers of the female.

186. Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Alcippe castaneceps - a single bird was observed as it crept along a moss-covered branch in the forest just below the peak of Lang Bian.

187. Mountain Fulvetta, Alcippe peracensis - common Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian, and Datanla Falls.

188. Grey-crowned Crocias, Crocias langbianis - a Dalat endemic. 1 was sighted as it fed with a mixed species flock (minivets, minlas, shrike-babblers, Phylloscopus) near the ridgetop of Ho Tuyen Lam. A pair was found on a different day again moving with a mixed species flock (Black-throated Tits, Phylloscopus, fulvettas). The Crocias remained high in the canopy during both observations.

189. Rufous-backed Sibia, Heterophasia annectens - seen on two occasions in mixed species flocks along the boundary of the tropical and pine forest, Ho Tuyen Lam. Birds were of the black-backed race.

190. White-bellied Yuhina, Yuhina zantholeuca - singles sighted at Ho Tuyen Lam.

191. Grey-headed Parrotbill, Paradoxornis gularis - 4 of the black-capped race sighted at Ho Tuyen Lam. They were active and noisy birds and fed in the upper branches of a large tree.

192. Green-backed Tit, Parus monticolus - common in the pines of Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanla Falls.

193. Yellow-cheeked Tit, Parus spilonotus - One pair with a mixed species flock in the trees behind the last coffee plantation before the trail rises up to the ridgetop, Ho Tuyen Lam. A single bird was sighted on the upper slope of Lang Bian.

194. Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus - surprisingly few in most towns and villages.

195. White-rumped Munia, Lonchura striata - a few each day at Cat Tien and Ho Tuyen Lam.

196. Scaly-breasted Munia, Lonchura punctulata - a few each day at Ho Tuyen Lam.

197. Grey Wagtail, Motacilla cinerea - 1 near the waterfall, Cat Tien, and 1 at the reservoir opposite the market in Dalat.

198. Oriental Pipit, Anthus rufulus - 1 in marshy grassland, Bao Beo, Cat Tien.

199. Olive-backed Pipit, Anthus hodgsoni - fairly common in the pine forests of Lang Bian.

200. Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Dicaeum agile - 1 near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

201. Yellow-vented Flowerpecker, Dicaeum chrysorrheum - a few most days near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

202. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Dicaeum ignipectus - 1 Cat Tien.

203. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Dicaeum cruentatum - several each day near the headquarters and along the walk to the waterfall, Cat Tien.

204. Purple-throated Sunbird, Nectarinia sperata - 1 male seen in good light along the road near the headquarters, Cat Tien.

205. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Anthreptes singalensis - several each day at Cat Tien.

206. Gould's Sunbird, Aethopyga gouldiae - common at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanal Falls.

207. Crimson Sunbird, Aethopyga siparaja - 1 seen along road near headquarters, Cat Tien.

208. Streaked Spiderhunter, Arachnothera magna - several each day at Ho Tuyen Lam and Datanla Falls.

209. Vietnamese Greenfinch, Carduelis monguilloti - a Dalat endemic. These birds were seen daily at Ho Tuyen Lam, Lang Bian and Datanla Falls.

210. Red Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra - a few at Ho Tuyen Lam and Lang Bian in pine forests.

211. Chestnut Bunting, Emberiza rutila - 1 male and 3 females were seen on the cleared hillside beyond the ridgetop, Ho Tuyen Lam.

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