List of birds of Laos

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Laos. The avifauna of Laos includes a total of 701 species, of which 2 have been introduced by humans, and 8 are rare or accidental. 25 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 Clements's 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflects 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 certain relevant categories. It must be noted that 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.

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Grebes

Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large sized 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"

loas in gay

Cormorants

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Phalacrocoracidae

The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds that 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. There are 38 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.

*Great Cormorant "Phalacrocorax carbo"
*Little Cormorant "Phalacrocorax niger"

Darters

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Anhingidae

Darters are frequently referred to as "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 a 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. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.

*Darter "Anhinga melanogaster"

Bitterns, Herons and Egrets

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Laos.

*Grey Heron "Ardea cinerea"
*Purple Heron "Ardea purpurea"
*Great Egret "Ardea alba"
*Intermediate Egret "Egretta 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"

torks

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Laos.

*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"

Ibises and Spoonbills

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Threskiornithidae

The 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. There are 36 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Laos.

*Black-headed Ibis "Threskiornis melanocephalus"
*White-shouldered Ibis "Pseudibis davisoni"
*Giant Ibis "Pseudibis gigantea"

Ducks, Geese and Swans

Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae

The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Laos.

*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"
*Comb Duck "Sarkidiornis melanotos"
*Cotton Pygmy-goose "Nettapus coromandelianus"
*Eurasian Wigeon "Anas penelope"
*Falcated Duck "Anas falcata"
*Eurasian Teal "Anas crecca"
*Spot-billed Duck "Anas poecilorhyncha"
*Northern Pintail "Anas acuta"
*Garganey "Anas querquedula"

Osprey

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Pandionidae

The Pandionidae family 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: FalconiformesFamily: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include 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. There are 233 species worldwide and 36 species which occur in Laos.

*Jerdon's Baza "Aviceda jerdoni"
*Black Baza "Aviceda leuphotes"
*Oriental Honey-buzzard "Pernis ptilorhynchus"
*Black-shouldered Kite "Elanus caeruleus"
*Black Kite "Milvus migrans"
*Brahminy Kite "Haliastur indus"
*White-bellied Sea-Eagle "Haliaeetus leucogaster"
*Lesser Fish-Eagle "Ichthyophaga humilis"
*Gray-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 Eagle "Circaetus gallicus"
*Crested Serpent-Eagle "Spilornis cheela"
*Eastern Marsh-Harrier "Circus spilonotus"
*Northern 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"
*Gray-faced Buzzard "Butastur indicus"
*Eurasian Buzzard "Buteo buteo"
*Black Eagle "Ictinaetus malayensis"
*Greater Spotted Eagle "Aquila clanga"
*Imperial Eagle "Aquila heliaca"
*Bonelli's Eagle "Aquila fasciatus"
*Booted Eagle "Aquila pennatus" (A)
*Rufous-bellied Eagle "Aquila kienerii"
*Changeable Hawk-Eagle "Spizaetus cirrhatus"
*Mountain Hawk-Eagle "Spizaetus nipalensis"

Caracaras and Falcons

Order: FalconiformesFamily: 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 feet. 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: GalliformesFamily: 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 may 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"

Buttonquails

Order: GruiformesFamily: 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"

Cranes

Order: GruiformesFamily: 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: GruiformesFamily: 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, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Laos.

*Red-legged Crake "Rallina fasciata"
*Slaty-legged Crake "Rallina eurizonoides"
*Slaty-breasted Rail "Gallirallus striatus"
*Water Rail "Rallus aquaticus"
*White-breasted Waterhen "Amaurornis phoenicurus"
*Black-tailed Crake "Amaurornis bicolor"
*Baillon's Crake "Porzana pusilla"
*Ruddy-breasted Crake "Porzana fusca"
*Watercock "Gallicrex cinerea"
*Purple Swamphen "Porphyrio porphyrio"
*Common Moorhen "Gallinula chloropus"
*Eurasian Coot "Fulica atra"

ungrebe and Finfoots

Order: GruiformesFamily: Heliornithidae

The Heliornithidae are 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"

Jacanas

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found worldwide in 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: CharadriiformesFamily: 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: CharadriiformesFamily: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the 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"

Thick-knees

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Burhinidae

The thick-knees 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. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.

*Eurasian Thick-knee "Burhinus oedicnemus"
*Great Thick-knee "Burhinus recurvirostris"

Pratincoles and Coursers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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: CharadriiformesFamily: 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, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Laos.

*Northern Lapwing "Vanellus vanellus"
*River Lapwing "Vanellus duvaucelii"
*Gray-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"
*Snowy Plover "Charadrius alexandrinus"
*Lesser Sandplover "Charadrius mongolus"
*Greater Sandplover "Charadrius leschenaultii"

andpipers and allies

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Scolopacidae

The Scolopacidae are 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 species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 24 species which occur in Laos.

*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"
*Terek Sandpiper "Xenus cinereus"
*Common Sandpiper "Actitis hypoleucos"
*Gray-tailed Tattler "Heterosceles brevipes"
*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 "Philomachus pugnax"
*Red-necked Phalarope "Phalaropus lobatus"

Gulls

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Laos.

*Great Black-headed Gull "Larus ichthyaetus"
*Brown-headed Gull "Larus brunnicephalus"
*Black-headed Gull "Larus ridibundus"

Terns

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Sternidae

Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds 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 now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Laos.

*Great Crested Tern "Sterna bergii"
*River Tern "Sterna aurantia"
*Little Tern "Sterna albifrons"
*Black-bellied Tern "Sterna acuticauda"
*Whiskered Tern "Chlidonias hybridus"
*White-winged Tern "Chlidonias leucopterus"

kimmers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Rynchopidae

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. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.

*Indian Skimmer "Rynchops albicollis"

Pigeons and Doves

Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in Laos.

*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 "Streptopelia chinensis"
*Barred Cuckoo-Dove "Macropygia unchall"
*Little Cuckoo-Dove "Macropygia ruficeps"
*Emerald Dove "Chalcophaps indica"
*Zebra Dove "Geopelia striata" (I)
*Orange-breasted Pigeon "Treron bicincta"
*Pompadour Green-Pigeon "Treron pompadora"
*Thick-billed Pigeon "Treron curvirostra"
*Yellow-footed Pigeon "Treron phoenicoptera"
*Yellow-vented Pigeon "Treron seimundi"
*Pin-tailed Pigeon "Treron apicauda"
*Wedge-tailed Pigeon "Treron sphenura"
*White-bellied Pigeon "Treron sieboldii"
*Green Imperial-Pigeon "Ducula aenea"
*Mountain Imperial-Pigeon "Ducula badia"

Parrots, Macaws and allies

Order: PsittaciformesFamily: Psittacidae

Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Laos.

*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: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Laos.

*Chestnut-winged Cuckoo "Clamator coromandus"
*Large Hawk-Cuckoo "Cuculus sparverioides"
*Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo "Cuculus vagans" (A)
*Northern Hawk-Cuckoo "Cuculus hyperythrus"
*Indian Cuckoo "Cuculus micropterus"
*Common Cuckoo "Cuculus canorus"
*Oriental Cuckoo "Cuculus saturatus"
*Lesser Cuckoo "Cuculus poliocephalus"
*Banded Bay Cuckoo "Cacomantis sonneratii"
*Plaintive Cuckoo "Cacomantis merulinus"
*Asian Emerald Cuckoo "Chrysococcyx maculatus"
*Violet Cuckoo "Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus"
*Asian Drongo-Cuckoo "Surniculus lugubris"
*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: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae

Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.

*Barn Owl "Tyto alba"
*Oriental Bay-Owl "Phodilus badius"

Typical owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Strigidae

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. There are 195 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Laos.

*Mountain Scops-Owl "Otus spilocephalus"
*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"
*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: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Podargidae

The frogmouths are a group of nocturnal birds related to the nightjars. They are named for their large flattened hooked bills and huge frog-like gape, which they use to take insects. There are 12 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.

*Hodgson's Frogmouth "Batrachostomus hodgsoni"
*Javan Frogmouth "Batrachostomus javensis"

Nightjars

Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Laos.

*Great Eared-Nightjar "Eurostopodus macrotis"
*Gray Nightjar "Caprimulgus indicus"
*Large-tailed Nightjar "Caprimulgus macrurus"
*Indian Nightjar "Caprimulgus asiaticus"
*Savanna Nightjar "Caprimulgus affinis"

wifts

Order: ApodiformesFamily: Apodidae

Swifts are small aerial birds, spending 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 that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 10 species which occur 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"
*Fork-tailed Swift "Apus pacificus"
*House Swift "Apus nipalensis"

Treeswifts

Order: ApodiformesFamily: Hemiprocnidae

The treeswifts or crested swifts are aerial near passerine birds, 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: TrogoniformesFamily: 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: CoraciiformesFamily: 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: CoraciiformesFamily: 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 colorful 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: CoraciiformesFamily: 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: CoraciiformesFamily: 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: CoraciiformesFamily: 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. There are 57 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Laos.

*Oriental Pied-Hornbill "Anthracoceros albirostris"
*Great Hornbill "Buceros bicornis"
*Brown Hornbill "Anorrhinus austeni"
*Rufous-necked Hornbill "Aceros nipalensis"
*Wreathed Hornbill "Aceros undulatus"

Barbets

Order: PiciformesFamily: Capitonidae

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. There are 84 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Laos.

*Great Barbet "Megalaima virens"
*Red-vented Barbet "Megalaima lagrandieri"
*Lineated Barbet "Megalaima lineata"
*Green-eared Barbet "Megalaima faiostricta"
*Golden-throated Barbet "Megalaima franklinii"
*Black-browed Barbet "Megalaima oorti"
*Blue-throated Barbet "Megalaima asiatica"
*Moustached Barbet "Megalaima incognita"
*Blue-eared Barbet "Megalaima australis"
*Coppersmith Barbet "Megalaima haemacephala"

Woodpeckers and allies

Order: PiciformesFamily: 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. There are 218 species worldwide and 26 species which occur in Laos.

*Eurasian Wryneck "Jynx torquilla"
*Speckled Piculet "Picumnus innominatus"
*White-browed Piculet "Sasia ochracea"
*Gray-capped Woodpecker "Dendrocopos canicapillus"
*Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker "Dendrocopos macei"
*Stripe-breasted Woodpecker "Dendrocopos atratus"
*Yellow-crowned Woodpecker "Dendrocopos mahrattensis"
*Crimson-breasted Woodpecker "Dendrocopos cathpharius"
*Great Spotted Woodpecker "Dendrocopos major"
*Rufous Woodpecker "Celeus brachyurus"
*White-bellied Woodpecker "Dryocopus javensis"
*Lesser Yellownape "Picus chlorolophus"
*Greater Yellownape "Picus flavinucha"
*Laced Woodpecker "Picus vittatus"
*Streak-throated Woodpecker "Picus xanthopygaeus"
*Red-collared Woodpecker "Picus rabieri"
*Black-headed Woodpecker "Picus erythropygius"
*Gray-faced Woodpecker "Picus canus"
*Common Flameback "Dinopium javanense"
*Greater Flameback "Chrysocolaptes lucidus"
*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: PasseriformesFamily: Eurylaimidae

The broadbills are small, brightly coloured birds that 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: PasseriformesFamily: Pittidae

Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards, and stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many, but not all, are brightly coloured. They are spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrate prey which they find there. There are 32 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Laos.

*Eared Pitta "Pitta phayrei"
*Blue-naped Pitta "Pitta nipalensis"
*Blue-rumped Pitta "Pitta soror"
*Rusty-naped Pitta "Pitta oatesi"
*Blue Pitta "Pitta cyanea"
*Bar-bellied Pitta "Pitta elliotii"
*Hooded Pitta "Pitta sordida"
*Fairy Pitta "Pitta nympha"
*Blue-winged Pitta "Pitta moluccensis"

Larks

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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"

wallows and Martins

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Hirundinidae

The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Laos.

*Bank Swallow "Riparia riparia"
*Plain Martin "Riparia paludicola"
*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 urbica"
*Asian Martin "Delichon dasypus"
*Nepal Martin "Delichon nipalensis"

Wagtails and Pipits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Motacillidae

The Motacillidae are 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"
*Gray Wagtail "Motacilla cinerea"
*Oriental Pipit "Anthus rufulus"
*Olive-backed Pipit "Anthus hodgsoni"
*Red-throated Pipit "Anthus cervinus"

Cuckoo-shrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Campephagidae

The cuckoo-shrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured. There are 82 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Laos.

*Large Cuckoo-shrike "Coracina macei"
*Indochinese Cuckoo-shrike "Coracina polioptera"
*Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike "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"
*Gray-chinned Minivet "Pericrocotus solaris"
*Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike "Hemipus picatus"

Bulbuls

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Pycnonotidae

Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throat or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.There are 130 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Laos.

*Crested Finchbill "Spizixos canifrons"
*Striated Bulbul "Pycnonotus striatus"
*Black-headed Bulbul "Pycnonotus atriceps"
*Black-crested Bulbul "Pycnonotus melanicterus"
*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 blanfordi"
*Puff-throated Bulbul "Alophoixus pallidus"
*Gray-eyed Bulbul "Iole propinqua"
*Ashy Bulbul "Hemixos flavala"
*Mountain Bulbul "Ixos mcclellandii"
*Black Bulbul "Hypsipetes leucocephalus"

Leafbirds

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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: PasseriformesFamily: Aegithinidae

The ioras are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub, but whereas that group tends to be drab in coloration, 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: PasseriformesFamily: 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: PasseriformesFamily: 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. There are 335 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Laos.

*White-throated Rock-Thrush "Monticola gularis"
*Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush "Monticola rufiventris"
*Blue Rock-Thrush "Monticola solitarius"
*Blue Whistling-Thrush "Myophonus caeruleus"
*Orange-headed Thrush "Zoothera citrina"
*Siberian Thrush "Zoothera sibirica"
*Long-tailed Thrush "Zoothera dixoni"
*Scaly Thrush "Zoothera dauma"
*Dark-sided Thrush "Zoothera marginata"
*Black-breasted Thrush "Turdus dissimilis"
*Japanese Thrush "Turdus cardis"
*Gray-winged Blackbird "Turdus boulboul"
*Eurasian Blackbird "Turdus merula"
*Chestnut Thrush "Turdus rubrocanus"
*Gray-sided Thrush "Turdus feae"
*Eyebrowed Thrush "Turdus obscurus"
*Lesser Shortwing "Brachypteryx leucophrys"
*White-browed Shortwing "Brachypteryx montana"

Cisticolas and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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. There are 111 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Laos.

*Zitting Cisticola "Cisticola juncidis"
*Golden-headed Cisticola "Cisticola exilis"
*Brown Prinia "Prinia polychroa"
*Hill Prinia "Prinia atrogularis"
*Rufescent Prinia "Prinia rufescens"
*Gray-breasted Prinia "Prinia hodgsonii"
*Yellow-bellied Prinia "Prinia flaviventris"
*Plain Prinia "Prinia inornata"

Old World warblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sylviidae

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae 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. There are 291 species worldwide and 48 species which occur in Laos.

*Chestnut-headed Tesia "Tesia castaneocoronata"
*Slaty-bellied Tesia "Tesia olivea"
*Grey-bellied Tesia "Tesia cyaniventer"
*Asian Stubtail "Urosphena squameiceps"
*Manchurian Bush-Warbler "Cettia canturians"
*Pale-footed Bush-Warbler "Cettia pallidipes"
*Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler "Cettia fortipes"
*Aberrant Bush-Warbler "Cettia flavolivacea"
*Spotted Bush-Warbler "Bradypterus thoracicus"
*Chinese Bush-Warbler "Bradypterus tacsanowskius"
*Russet Bush-Warbler "Bradypterus seebohmi"
*Lanceolated Warbler "Locustella lanceolata"
*Pallas's Warbler "Locustella certhiola"
*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 "Acrocephalus aedon"
*Mountain Tailorbird "Orthotomus cuculatus"
*Common Tailorbird "Orthotomus sutorius"
*Dark-necked Tailorbird "Orthotomus atrogularis"
*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"
*Lemon-rumped 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"
*White-tailed Leaf-Warbler "Phylloscopus davisoni"
*Yellow-vented Warbler "Phylloscopus cantator"
*Sulphur-breasted Warbler "Phylloscopus ricketti"
*Grey-cheeked Warbler "Seicercus poliogenys"
*Chestnut-crowned Warbler "Seicercus castaniceps"
*Rufous-faced Warbler "Abroscopus albogularis"
*Yellow-bellied Warbler "Abroscopus superciliaris"
*Striated Grassbird "Megalurus palustris"
*Grey-crowned Warbler "Seicercus tephrocephalus"
*Bianchi's Warbler "Seicercus valentini"

Old World flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. There 274 species worldwide and 53 species which occur in Laos.

*Siberian Flycatcher "Muscicapa sibirica"
*Asian Brown Flycatcher "Muscicapa dauurica"
*Ferruginous Flycatcher "Muscicapa ferruginea"
*Korean Flycatcher "Ficedula zanthopygia"
*Narcissus Flycatcher "Ficedula narcissina"
*Mugimaki Flycatcher "Ficedula mugimaki"
*Slaty-backed Flycatcher "Ficedula hodgsonii"
*Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher "Ficedula strophiata"
*Red-breasted Flycatcher "Ficedula parva"
*Snowy-browed Flycatcher "Ficedula hyperythra"
*White-gorgeted Flycatcher "Ficedula monileger"
*Rufous-browed Flycatcher "Ficedula solitaris"
*Little Pied Flycatcher "Ficedula westermanni"
*Slaty-blue Flycatcher "Ficedula tricolor"
*Sapphire Flycatcher "Ficedula sapphira"
*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"
*Gray-headed Canary-flycatcher "Culicicapa ceylonensis"
*Japanese Robin "Erithacus akahige"
*Rufous-tailed Robin "Luscinia sibilans"
*Siberian Rubythroat "Luscinia calliope"
*Bluethroat "Luscinia svecica"
*Siberian Blue Robin "Luscinia cyane"
*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-bellied Redstart "Hodgsonius phaenicuroides"
*White-tailed Robin "Cinclidium leucurum"
*Siberian Stonechat "Saxicola maura"
*Blue-fronted Robin "Cinclidium frontale"
*Slaty-backed Forktail "Enicurus schistaceus"
*White-crowned Forktail "Enicurus leschenaulti"
*Purple Cochoa "Cochoa purpurea"
*Green Cochoa "Cochoa viridis"
*Pied Bushchat "Saxicola caprata"
*Jerdon's Bushchat "Saxicola jerdoni"
*Gray Bushchat "Saxicola ferrea"

Fantails

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Rhipiduridae

The Fantails are small insectivorous birds which are specialist aerial feeders. There are 44 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Laos.

*Yellow-bellied Fantail "Rhipidura hypoxantha"
*White-browed Fantail "Rhipidura aureola"
*Pied Fantail "Rhipidura javanica"

Monarch flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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"
*Asian Paradise-Flycatcher "Terpsiphone paradisi"

Whistlers and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 grisola"

Babblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Timaliidae

The babblers or timaliids are somewhat diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. There are 270 species worldwide and 70 species which occur in Laos.

*White-crested Laughingthrush "Garrulax leucolophus"
*Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush "Garrulax monileger"
*Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush "Garrulax pectoralis"
*White-necked Laughingthrush "Garrulax strepitans"
*Black-hooded Laughingthrush "Garrulax milleti"
*Grey Laughingthrush "Garrulax maesi"
*Black-throated Laughingthrush "Garrulax chinensis"
*White-cheeked Laughingthrush "Garrulax vassali"
*Rufous-vented Laughingthrush "Garrulax gularis"
*Spot-breasted Laughingthrush "Garrulax merulinus"
*Hwamei "Garrulax canorus"
*White-browed Laughingthrush "Garrulax sannio"
*Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush "Garrulax erythrocephalus"
*Red-tailed Laughingthrush "Garrulax milnei"
*Red-faced Liocichla "Liocichla phoenicea"
*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"
*Large Scimitar-Babbler "Pomatorhinus hypoleucos"
*Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler "Pomatorhinus erythrocnemis"
*White-browed Scimitar-Babbler "Pomatorhinus schisticeps"
*Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler "Pomatorhinus ruficollis"
*Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler "Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps"
*Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler "Pomatorhinus ferruginosus"
*Short-tailed Scimitar-Babbler "Jabouilleia danjoui"
*Limestone Wren-Babbler "Napothera crispifrons"
*Streaked Wren-Babbler "Napothera brevicaudata"
*Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler "Napothera epilepidota"
*Pygmy Wren-Babbler "Pnoepyga pusilla"
*Spotted Wren-Babbler "Spelaeornis formosus"
*Buff-chested Babbler "Stachyris ambigua"
*Rufous-capped Babbler "Stachyris ruficeps"
*Golden Babbler "Stachyris chrysaea"
*Sooty Babbler "Stachyris herberti"
*Grey-throated Babbler "Stachyris nigriceps"
*Spot-necked Babbler "Stachyris striolata"
*Striped Tit-Babbler "Macronous gularis"
*Grey-faced Tit-Babbler "Macronous kelleyi"
*Chestnut-capped Babbler "Timalia pileata"
*Yellow-eyed Babbler "Chrysomma sinense"
*Silver-eared Mesia "Leiothrix argentauris"
*Cutia "Cutia nipalensis"
*White-browed Shrike-Babbler "Pteruthius flaviscapis"
*Black-eared Shrike-Babbler "Pteruthius melanotis"
*Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler "Pteruthius aenobarbus"
*White-hooded Babbler "Gampsorhynchus rufulus"
*Spectacled Barwing "Actinodura ramsayi"
*Black-crowned Barwing "Actinodura sodangorum"
*Blue-winged Minla "Minla cyanouroptera"
*Chestnut-tailed Minla "Minla strigula"
*Red-tailed Minla "Minla ignotincta"
*Yellow-throated Fulvetta "Alcippe cinerea"
*Rufous-winged Fulvetta "Alcippe castaneceps"
*Spectacled Fulvetta "Alcippe ruficapilla"
*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"
*Rufous-backed Sibia "Heterophasia annectens"
*Black-backed Sibia "Heterophasia melanoleuca"
*Long-tailed Sibia "Heterophasia picaoides"
*Striated Yuhina "Yuhina castaniceps"
*Whiskered Yuhina "Yuhina flavicollis"
*Stripe-throated Yuhina "Yuhina gularis"
*Black-chinned Yuhina "Yuhina nigrimenta"
*White-bellied Yuhina "Yuhina zantholeuca"

Parrotbills

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Paradoxornithidae

The parrotbills are a group of birds native to East and Southeast Asia, though feral populations are known from elsewhere. They are generally small, long-tailed birds which inhabit reedbeds and similar habitats. There are 20 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Laos.

*Grey-headed Parrotbill "Paradoxornis gularis"
*Spot-breasted Parrotbill "Paradoxornis guttaticollis"
*Black-throated Parrotbill "Paradoxornis nipalensis"
*Golden Parrotbill "Paradoxornis verreauxi"
*Short-tailed Parrotbill "Paradoxornis davidianus"
*Black-browed Parrotbill "Paradoxornis atrosuperciliaris"
*Rufous-headed Parrotbill "Paradoxornis ruficeps"

Long-tailed tits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 that includes insects. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.

*Black-throated Tit "Aegithalos concinnus"

Chickadees and Titmice

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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. There are species 59 worldwide and 5 species which occur in Laos.

*Great Tit "Parus major"
*Green-backed Tit "Parus monticolus"
*Yellow-cheeked Tit "Parus spilonotus"
*Yellow-browed Tit "Sylviparus modestus"
*Sultan Tit "Melanochlora sultanea"

Nuthatches

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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. There are 24 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Laos.

*Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch "Sitta castanea"
*Chestnut-vented Nuthatch "Sitta nagaensis"
*White-tailed Nuthatch "Sitta himalayensis"
*Velvet-fronted Nuthatch "Sitta frontalis"
*Yellow-billed Nuthatch "Sitta solangiae"
*Beautiful Nuthatch "Sitta formosa"

Treecreepers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.

*Brown-throated Treecreeper "Certhia discolor"

Penduline tits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Remizidae

The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds, related to the true tits. They are insectivores. There are 13 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Laos.

*Fire-capped Tit "Cephalopyrus flammiceps"

unbirds and Spiderhunters

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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. There are 131 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Laos.

*Ruby-cheeked Sunbird "Chalcoparia singalensis"
*Plain-throated Sunbird "Anthreptes malacensis"
*Purple-naped Sunbird "Hypogramma hypogrammicum"
*Purple-throated Sunbird "Leptocoma sperata"
*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: PasseriformesFamily: Dicaeidae

The flowerpeckers are very small, stout, often brightly coloured birds, with short tails, short thick curved bills and tubular tongues. There are 44 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Laos.

*Thick-billed Flowerpecker "Dicaeum agile"
*Yellow-vented Flowerpecker "Dicaeum chrysorrheum"
*Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker "Dicaeum melanoxanthum"
*Plain Flowerpecker "Dicaeum concolor"
*Fire-breasted Flowerpecker "Dicaeum ignipectus"
*Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker "Dicaeum cruentatum"

White-eyes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Zosteropidae

The white-eyes are small and are mostly of undistinguished appearance, the plumage above being generally either some dull color 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 the eyes. There are 96 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Laos.

*Chestnut-flanked White-eye "Zosterops erythropleurus"
*Oriental White-eye "Zosterops palpebrosus"
*Japanese White-eye "Zosterops japonicus"

Old World Orioles

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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: PasseriformesFamily: 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"

hrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 31 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Laos.

*Tiger Shrike "Lanius tigrinus"
*Brown Shrike "Lanius cristatus"
*Burmese Shrike "Lanius collurioides"
*Long-tailed Shrike "Lanius schach"
*Gray-backed Shrike "Lanius tephronotus"

Helmetshrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Prionopidae

The helmetshrikes are similar in build to the shrikes, but tend to be colourful species with distinctive crests or other head ornaments, such as wattles, from which they get their name. There are 12 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Laos.

*Large Woodshrike "Tephrodornis gularis"
*Common Woodshrike "Tephrodornis pondicerianus"

Drongos

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Dicruridae

The drongos are mostly are 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 whilst perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Laos.

*Black Drongo "Dicrurus macrocercus"
*Ashy Drongo "Dicrurus leucophaeus"
*Crow-billed Drongo "Dicrurus annectans"
*Bronzed Drongo "Dicrurus aeneus"
*Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo "Dicrurus remifer"
*Hair-crested Drongo "Dicrurus hottentottus"
*Greater Racket-tailed Drongo "Dicrurus paradiseus"

Woodswallows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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: PasseriformesFamily: Corvidae

The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behavior. 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"
*Gray Treepie "Dendrocitta formosae"
*Racket-tailed Treepie "Crypsirina temia"
*Ratchet-tailed Treepie "Temnurus temnurus"
*Eurasian Magpie "Pica pica"
*Large-billed Crow "Corvus macrorhynchos"

tarlings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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. There are 125 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Laos.

*Golden-crested Myna "Ampeliceps coronatus"
*Common Hill Myna "Gracula religiosa"
*White-vented Myna "Acridotheres grandis"
*Crested Myna "Acridotheres cristatellus"
*Common Myna "Acridotheres tristis"
*Vinous-breasted Starling "Acridotheres burmannicus"
*Black-collared Starling "Gracupica nigricollis"
*Asian Pied Starling "Gracupica contra"
*Daurian Starling "Sturnia sturnina"
*White-shouldered Starling "Sturnia sinensis"
*Chestnut-tailed Starling "Sturnia malabarica"

Weavers and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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: PasseriformesFamily: 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 a wide variation in plumage colours and pattern. 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: PasseriformesFamily: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as 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. There are species 275 worldwide and 8 species which occur in Laos.

*Crested Bunting "Melophus 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"

iskins, Crossbills and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 12 tail feathers and 9 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 "Carduelis ambigua"
*Yellow-billed Grosbeak "Eophona migratoria" (A)
*Spot-winged Grosbeak "Mycerobas melanozanthos"
*Scarlet Finch "Haematospiza sipahi"

parrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Laos.

*House Sparrow "Passer domesticus" (I)
*Russet Sparrow "Passer rutilans"
*Plain-backed Sparrow "Passer flaveolus"
*Eurasian Tree Sparrow "Passer montanus"

ee also

*List of birds
*Lists of birds by region

References

*cite web
last = Lepage
first = Denis
authorlink =
coauthors =
year =
url = http://www.bsc-eoc.org/avibase/avibase.jsp?region=la&pg=checklist&list=clements
title = Checklist of birds of Laos
format =
work = Bird Checklists of the World
publisher = Avibase
accessdate = 27 April
accessyear = 2007
*cite book
title=Birds of the World: a Checklist
first= James F.
last = Clements
publisher = Cornell University Press
date = 2000
id = ISBN 0934797161
pages = 880