Birdwatching
in Khao Sok National Park
"Your Ultimate Guide to Avian Wonders"
Khao Sok National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of habitats that attract an impressive variety of bird species. Nestled in the heart of Thailand, Khao Sok boasts lush rainforests, serene lakes, and towering limestone cliffs, creating an ideal environment for birdwatching. From the vibrant colors of hornbills to the subtle beauty of kingfishers, Khao Sok provides birdwatchers with an unparalleled opportunity to observe these avian wonders in their natural habitat.
The park is home to over 300 species of birds, including rare and endemic varieties that can be found only in this region. Some of the most sought-after sightings include the Great Hornbill, Malayan Night Heron, and the Oriental Pied Hornbill. The dense canopy of the rainforest and the stillness of Cheow Lan Lake offer perfect settings for spotting these magnificent creatures. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for birdwatching, as the park comes alive with the songs and calls of its feathered residents.
Whether you are an experienced birder or a curious beginner, birdwatching in Khao Sok promises an unforgettable experience. With its rich biodiversity and tranquil surroundings, the park invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and marvel at the vibrant life above the treetops. Guided tours are available to help you navigate the best spots and provide insights into the unique behaviors and habitats of the park's birdlife, making your visit to Khao Sok both educational and exhilarating.
Hornbills
There are 57 different species of hornbill in the world, nine of which live in Khao Sok National Park. Hornbills are characterised by a long, down-curved bill, sometimes with a casque (horn) on the upper mandible (bill). The casque is hollow and serves no known purpose although they are believed to be the result of sexual selection. Both the common English and the scientific name of the family refer to the shape of the bill, "buceros" being "cow horn" in Greek. Males are usually larger than females being up to 17% heavier and with up to 21% greater wingspan. Hornbills can live up to the age of 30 years.
The Black, Great, Helmeted, Rhinoceros, White Crowned, and Wrinkled Hornbills are classified as ëlower risk, near threatenedí with the other three (Bushy-crested, Wreathed and Oriental Pied) ëlower risk, least concerní as per the IUCN Red list. The Great and Helmeted Hornbills are also in appendix I of CITES, since the casque can be used as a carving material, similar to ivory.
Kingfisher
There are 12 species of Kingfisher expected in Khao Sok National Park. The species can vary in colour; some being the classical bright blues, others like the ruddy Kingfisher is rusty red in colour. Most of these birds are classified as ëlower risk, least concerní except the Rufous-collared Kingfisher which is ëlower risk, near threatenedí and the blue-banded Kingfisher which is ëthreatened, vulnerableí on the IUCN Red list.
The kingfisher does not build a nest but finds nesting places in tree-holes or by digging holes in river banks, and occasionally nesting in termite mounds. Clutches consist of between 2 and 7 eggs (depending on species), both the female and the male share the incubation, with fledging usually occurring three to eight weeks after hatching.
Swifts
There are nine types of swift expected in Khao Sok National Park, including the Asian palm swift, which glues its nest to the undersides of palm leaves, using saliva and the Aerodramus fuciphagus which are one of the only species of birds capable of echo location and whose nests are used to make ëbirdís nest soupí.
In Thailand, swifts are best known for their nest. Birdís nest soup has been a delicacy in China for 600 years and Thailand is one of Chinaís main suppliers of nests. The nests can fetch values of up to US$ 1225 per kilo. The soup is made by soaking the nest in water, and cooking it together with herbs and sugar/honey.
Woodpeckers
There are 18 different species of Woodpecker expected in Khao Sok National Park. The Great Slaty Woodpecker is the largest in the world, about 50cm tall and 450g in weight. Members of the Picidae family have strong bills for drilling and drumming on trees and long sticky tongues for extracting food. Woodpeckers have zygodactyl feet, meaning they have four toes, two facing forwards and two facing backwards, giving the birds good grip on the vertical sides of trees. These birds are typically monogamous and make their nests by chipping holes in tree trunks, the male of the species is usually responsible for the excavation. The clutch comprises of 2 to 5 eggs, which are white in colour, making them easier to see in dim light. Incubation usually lasts around 11 to 14 days and is performed by both sexes. The young are ready to leave the nest after 18 to 30 days.
KHAO SOK
2 DAYS 1 NIGHT BIRDWATCHER’S PARADISE
Discover a great little adventure with our exclusive Half Day, Half Night Hike in Khao Sok National Park and Full Day Lake Bird Safari trip. This one-of-a-kind experience offers the perfect blend of excitement and discovery, combining our hands-on Jungle Cooking Experience with a thrilling Night Sky Safari, creating a unique evening escapade. Spend your afternoon learning this immersive experience combines exhilarating hikes through pristine jungle trails with expert-led birdwatching sessions, offering enthusiasts and nature lovers a chance to discover some of Southern Thailand's most captivating avian species in their natural habitat. Altogether, we prepare delicious, authentic dishes using local ingredients, then as dusk falls, transition into the nocturnal wonders of the jungle. Witness the enchanting wildlife, night birds and mysterious sounds of the night in their natural habitat. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, this program will be an evening of adventure and lasting memories.