Aural Mountain Birding Report (2024–2025)

Aural Mountain Birding Report (2024–2025)

Organized by Vana Adventure Travel

www.vanatravel.com

Introduction

Between March 2024 and April 2025, Vana Adventure Travel organized three birdwatching

expeditions and over twenty trekking trips to Aural Mountain, the highest peak in Cambodia.

These trips were conducted with a focus on ecological tourism and biodiversity observation.

Aural Mountain, rising to 1,813 meters above sea level, lies on the eastern edge of the Cardamom

Mountains, one of Southeast Asia’s most biologically rich and ecologically significant regions. The

area offers a remarkable variety of habitats, supporting an extensive diversity of avian life,

including several endemic species and distinctive subspecies.

I. Endemic and Notable Subspecies of Aural Mountain

During our guided expeditions, our birding experts recorded over 100 bird species, including rare

and endemic birds unique to Cambodia. Some of the highlights include:

1. Cambodian Laughingthrush (Garrulax ferrarius)

A shy and elusive bird, endemic to the highland forests of southwestern Cambodia. Usually found

in dense undergrowth, it is known for its loud, musical calls and gregarious behavior.

2. Cambodian Blue Robin (Myiomela cambodiana)

This recently identified species/subspecies inhabits dense, moist broadleaf evergreen forests,

especially in scrubby undergrowth and near flowing streams in river valleys. Males are visually

striking, with rich blue plumage. Its presence further confirms the uniqueness of the Cardamom

Mountain ecosystem.

3. Cambodian Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cambodianum)

A range-restricted species found only in the Cardamom Mountains (extending slightly into eastern

Thailand). The adult male is dark blue above and creamy white below with a distinct black stripe

on the belly. The species was previously considered a subspecies of the Fire-breasted

Flowerpecker, but recent studies elevate its status to a separate species.

4. Mountain Bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii)A widespread but regionally variable bulbul, commonly seen at mid to high elevations. Its

melodic, flute-like call is a familiar sound in the upper forests of Aural Mountain.

II. Comprehensive Bird List of Aural Mountain (2024–2025)

Our observations are divided into two elevation zones:

• Zone A: From foothill to the first camp (~200m–600m)

• Zone B: From first camp to the summit (~600m–1,813m)

A. Zone A – Foothill to First Camp

This zone features a mix of cultivated fields, bamboo groves, secondary forests, and freshwater

streams. Notable species recorded include:

1. Chinese Francolin

2. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater

3. Coppersmith Barbet

4. White-throated Kingfisher

5. Asian Green Bee-eater

6. Common Flameback

7. Black Drongo

8. Black Eagle

9. Alexandrine Parakeet

10. Cambodian Flowerpecker

11. Rufescent Prinia

12. Ashy Drongo

13. Red-wattled Lapwing

14. Scarlet Minivet

15. Racket-tailed Drongo

16. Taiga Flycatcher

17. Asian Fairy-bluebird18. Golden-fronted Leafbird

19. Little Spiderhunter

20. Crested Treeswift

21. Black-naped Oriole

22. Orange-headed Thrush

23. Collared Owlet

24. White-crested Laughingthrush

25. Crested Serpent Eagle

26. Indochinese Roller

27. Dark-necked Tailorbird

28. Black-crested Bulbul

29. Common Tailorbird

30. Blue-winged Pitta

31. Red-collared Dove

32. Asian Brown Flycatcher

33. Thick-billed Green Pigeon

34. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker

35. White-rumped Munia

36. White-rumped Shama

37. Green-billed Malkoha

38. Lineated Barbet

39. Ashy Minivet

40. Grey Wagtail

41. Hainan Blue Flycatcher

42. Black-winged Cuckoo shrike

43. Brown Shrike44. Small Buttonquail

45. Lesser Whistling Duck

46. Javan Pond Heron

47. Spotted Dove

48. Oriental Magpie-robin

49. Ornate Sunbird

50. Red-breasted Parakeet

51. Asian pied Starling

52. Verditer hanging parrot

B. Zone B – First Camp to Summit

This higher elevation zone offers dense, primary forest, with steep slopes, cool temperatures,

and richer biodiversity. Species of note include:

53. Banded Kingfisher

54. Dusky Broadbill

55. Bamboo Woodpecker

56. Little Hornbill

57. Great Hornbill

58. Wreathed Hornbill

59. Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher

60. White-throated Rock Thrush

61. Orange-headed Rock Thrush

62. Orange-breasted Trogon

63. Mountain Bulbul

64. Green Imperial Pigeon

65. Mountain Scops Owl

66. White-browed Scimitar-Babbler67. Eared Pitta

68. Cambodian Laughingthrush

69. Green Cochoa

70. Banded Bay Cuckoo

71. Large Wood shrike

72. White-browed Shrike-babbler

73. Brown Drongo

74. Red-headed Trogon

75. Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush

76. Blue-winged Minla

77. Long-tailed Broadbill

78. Asian Barred Owlet

79. Silver-breasted Broadbill

80. Silver Pheasant

81. Black-throated Sunbird

82. Large Niltava

83. Indochinese Blue Flycatcher

84. Verditer Flycatcher

85. Blue-bearded Bee-eater

86. White throated pied fantail

87. Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike

88. Large-tailed Nightjar

89. Streaked Wren-babbler

90. Rufous-bellied Eagle

91. Pin-striped Tit-babbler

92. Oriental Honey Buzzard93. Grey-chinned Minivet

94. Mustached Barbet

95. Blue Pitta

96. Mugimaki Flycatcher

97. Chestnut-headed Partridge

98. Siberian Thrush

99. Black hooded Oriole

100. Velvet fronted Nuthatch

III. How to Get There & Birding Tips

Aural Mountain is accessible from Kampong Speu Province, approximately 2–3 hours by road

from Phnom Penh. The trail to the summit begins in the village of Tropaing Chor, where local

porters and guides assist visitors with multi-day treks. The length of the trip could be between 3 day to 4 days or more if needed.

Travel and Birding Recommendations:

• Best birding seasons: February to June (breeding season), and October to January (dry

season).

• Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides, and sound recording devices for call

identification.

• Be prepared for steep terrain, humid conditions, and overnight camping at elevation.

• Respect local communities and forest conservation regulations.

Conclusion

Aural Mountain is one of Cambodia’s most important birding and ecotourism destinations. With

over 100 species recorded—including endemic, rare, and range-restricted birds—the area offers

invaluable opportunities for scientific research, nature photography, and sustainable tourism.

Vana Adventure Travel remains committed to responsible ecotourism and invites birdwatchers,

conservationists, and adventure seekers to experience the biodiversity of Aural firsthand.