Common Birds of Thailand

Once considered the world's rarest bird — rediscovered in Thailand in 1986; the Khao Nor Chuchi area in Trang is the last reliable Thai site, requiring local guide knowledge.

Thailand's most spectacular pheasant — a vivid combination of grey, white, and red with dramatic red facial wattles; walks forest trails at dawn in Khao Yai NP.

The world's largest nuthatch — a massive bird that creeps down pine trunks in pairs at high-elevation northern Thailand, found in the pine forests above 1,800 m.

Flies in spectacular flocks through southern Thailand national parks — the yellow and white gular pouch with dark bar distinguishes this large hornbill from similar species.

The wild peafowl of Southeast Asia — more slender and electric-green than the familiar Indian Peafowl; small populations persist in Huai Kha Khaeng World Heritage Area.

A large owl with horizontal ear tufts that hunts fish from overhanging branches at forest rivers — reliably found roosting in riverside trees in Kaeng Krachan NP.

One of Southeast Asia's most sought-after birds — a large, terrestrial cuckoo that runs through dense forest undergrowth, extremely difficult to see despite its loud calls.

The wild ancestor of all domestic chickens — pure wild birds are still found in Thailand's national parks; the crowing male in forest is a memorable encounter.