birding tours asia

Birding Tours in Asia

Asia is the Earth’s largest and most populous continent and supports dense and large human settlements as well as vast and barely populated areas. Located primarily in the Eastern and Northern Hemispheres, Asia shares the continental landmass of Eurasia with the continent of  Europe  and the continental landmass of Afro-Eurasia with both Europe and  Africa . Asia is subdivided into 49 countries and six regions: North Asia, Central Asia, Western Asia (Near East), South Asia ( Indian Subcontinent ), East Asia (Far East), and Southeast Asia.

In terms of biogeography, the Asian continent is made up of four biogeographic realms, the whole of the Indomalayan realm (also known as the  Oriental Region ), a large portion of the Palearctic realm (the entire Eastern Palearctic, and a thin sliver of the easternmost edge of the Western Palearctic), part of the northeast of the Afrotropical realm (the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula), and the northwest of the Australasian realm (eastern Indonesia).

Asia has extremely diverse climates and geographic features and ranges from Arctic (Siberia is one of the coldest places in the Northern Hemisphere) and Subarctic in the north to tropical in  southern India  and Southeast Asia, and is dry in the interior. The Himalayas between  Nepal  and  China  is the tallest mountain range in the world, the Yangtze River in China is the longest river in the continent, and the famous Gobi Desert is in  Mongolia , Central Asia.

Following  International Ornithological Congress  (IOC) taxonomy, v10.2 (December 2020), the bird list of Asia stands at a staggering  3,832 species , 423 of these are globally threatened and several are monotypic families, like  Ibisbill ,  Crab-plover ,  Spotted Elachura ,  Grey Hypocolius ,  Hylocitrea ,  Rail-babbler ,  Wallcreeper , and  Przevalski’s Finch . We have an extensive range of exciting tours covering the breadth of the region, these are outlined below with links provided to more specific details like detailed tour itineraries, trip reports, client testimonials, and photo/video galleries. These tours make an ideal bird holiday:

  South Asia (Indian Subcontinent) Birdwatching Tours

India birdwatching tours.

India  offers so much for the visiting birdwatcher and provides an excellent option for anyone interested in birds and wildlife, whether that be listing species, photographing them, or just enjoying them. Our  Northern India  tour provides an amazing Himalayan foothill birding experience, with opportunities for  Ibisbill ,  Wallcreeper ,  Indian Skimmer , and  Bengal Tiger  at Corbett National Park. In  Northwest India  we have the chance to observe  Asiatic Lion  at the fantastic Gir National Park, plus top birds like  Crab-plover ,  Grey Hypocolius , and  Demoiselle Crane , while in  Northeast India , in the amazing Eastern Himalayas at Eaglenest, spectacular birds like  Temminck’s Tragopan ,  Spotted Elachura ,  Bugun Liocichla  can be found, while below on the plains of Kaziranga National Park we can find  White-winged Duck  and  Greater One-horned  (Indian)  Rhinoceros . Birdwatching in  Southern India  results in loads of Nilgiri and Western Ghats endemics like  Malabar Trogon ,  Black-and-orange Flycatcher , and  Nilgiri Thrush  and many more. We also have a specific tour extension looking for the Endangered ( BirdLife International )  Forest Owlet , a great add-on to our other longer tours. For those looking for more endemics, our  Andaman Islands  tour is sure to suit with  Andaman Woodpecker ,  Andaman Hawk-Owl , and  Andaman Crake  on the cards. Most of our  Indian  tours are during the early part of the year, though we do have one very good  Monsoon Specialties  tour looking for the Critically Endangered ( BirdLife International )  Great Indian Bustard  along with  Lesser Florican ,  Green Avadavat , and  Indian Spotted Creeper . Incredible ancient cultures and amazing food to go with the great birds, wildlife, and scenery are on offer throughout India.

Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan Birdwatching Tours

Further Indian Subcontinent  (South Asia) tours include an endemic-filled birding adventure in  Sri Lanka  where we find all the island’s endemics and specials like  Serendib Scops Owl ,  Sri Lanka Blue Magpie ,  Sri Lanka Frogmouth ,  Malabar Trogon , and  Red-faced Malkoha , along with overwintering beauties like  Pied Thrush ,  Kashmir Flycatcher , and  Indian Pitta . Our  Nepal  tour offers an easy introduction to Himalayan birding with some of the most spectacular scenery, great mammals ( Bengal Tiger  is possible), and the endemic  Spiny Babbler .  Bhutan  is great year-round, and we have  spring  and  fall  (autumn) tours. Key birds in Bhutan include  Ward’s Trogon ,  White-bellied Heron , and  Black-necked Crane . As with all our  Indian Subcontinent  tours these amazing destinations offer so much more than just the birds. We also offer short extensions to our Bhutan tours in  Northeast India , visiting Nameri and Kaziranga National Parks for more great birds and wildlife.

  North and Central Asia Birdwatching Tours

Mongolia, china, taiwan, and japan birdwatching tours.

Central Asia provides some of the most remote and thrilling birding opportunities in Asia and our Mongolia  tour offers  Henderson’s Ground Jay ,  White-naped Crane ,  Kozlov’s Accentor , and  Altai Snowcock . Our East Asia tours include  China  (Yunnan, Sichuan, and Qinghai), Japan, and Taiwan. In  Yunnan  we look for  White-eared Night Heron ,  Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant , and  Giant Nuthatch  as well as enjoying some amazing forest bird-feeding stations, while in  Sichuan  pheasants abound with Chinese Monal being one of the best, along with  Giant Laughingthrush ,  Grandala , and  Przevalski’s Finch . On the Tibetan plateau of  Qinghai   Tibetan Snowcock ,  Ibisbill , and  Crested Tit-warbler  can be found. The small island of  Taiwan  supports 28 endemic birds (including  Mikado Pheasant ,  Swinhoe’s Pheasant , and  Taiwan Blue Magpie ) and some top world birds like  Fairy Pitta ,  Chinese Crested Tern , and  Black-faced Spoonbill .  Japan  is a winter wonderland where endemic birds and cranes form a focal point, with  Hooded Crane ,  Red-crowned Crane ,  White-naped Crane , and others all possible. The mighty  Blakiston’s Fish Owl  and  Steller’s Sea Eagle  are both highlight birds too.

   Southeast Asia Birdwatching Tours

Thailand birdwatching tours.

Southeast Asia is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to 20% of the world’s flora and fauna with over 2,500 bird species recorded from the subregion. Thailand  has a national list of over 1,000 species, we have three tours to the county, these offer amazing birding, fantastic photographic opportunities, and great food.  Central Thailand  is a magnet to overwintering shorebirds with  Spoon-billed Sandpiper ,  White-faced Plover , and  Nordmann’s Greenshank  being the most-wanted.  Blue Pitta ,  Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo , and  Great Hornbill  are found in the forests here.  Northern Thailand  holds some excellent resident birds like  Giant Nuthatch ,  Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant , and  Rusty-naped Pitta , with a plethora of northern migrants like  Siberian Rubythroat ,  Baer’s Pochard , and  Pied Harrier .  Southern Thailand  is full of hornbills, pittas, and trogons with  Malayan Banded Pitta , Critically Endangered ( BirdLife International )  Helmeted Hornbill ,  Green Broadbill ,  Crested  (Shrikejay)  Jay , and  Scarlet-rumped Trogon .

Read More About Asia

Vietnam, cambodia, laos birdwatching tours.

Close to Thailand,  Vietnam  and  Cambodia  both offer incredible birds.  Southern and Central Vietnam  provides amazing views (and excellent photo opportunities) of highly sought-after secretive forest pheasants, pittas, and laughingthrushes, with Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Bar-bellied Pitta, Blue-rumped Pitta,  Golden-winged Laughingthrush , and Collared Laughingthrush being a few of the best. We have an extra small group tour here to maximize on birding enjoyment and comfort. Cambodia provides probably the best place in the world to see several globally rare species, such as  Bengal Florican ,  Giant Ibis ,  White-shouldered Ibis ,  Greater Adjutant ,  Milky Stork ,  White-rumped Falcon ,  Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo , and several Critically Endangered ( BirdLife International ) vultures coming to a “vulture restaurant”, as well as a visit to the  Angkor Wat World Heritage Site . We can also arrange custom tours for the rare and endemic  Bare-faced Bulbul  in Laos, please ask if you’re interested in looking for this unique species.

Malaysia (Peninsular and Borneo) Birdwatching Tours

Peninsular Malaysia  provides the chance of  Rail-babbler ,  Mountain Peacock-Pheasant , and  Malaysian Partridge .  Borneo  is a naturalists dream,  Sabah  is full of endemics like  Whiteheads’s Trogon ,  Whitehead’s Broadbill , and  Bornean Ground Cuckoo  plus four endemic pittas ( Blue-headed Pitta  and  Blue-banded Pitta  take some beating). The chance for  Bornean Orangutan  and  Proboscis Monkey  should not be missed, it is a perfect wildlife holiday. Our tour of  Sarawak  focusses on localized endemic birds like  Dulit Frogmouth ,  Bornean Frogmouth , and  Black Oriole  and is an amazing off-the-beaten-track birding experience.

Philippines and Indonesia Birdwatching Tours

Two vast-stretching archipelagic countries wrap up the Southeast Asia sub-region, with  the Philippines  and  Indonesia  providing some of the greatest birds and birding in the world, these two countries have almost 700 endemics between them. Our tour of  the Philippines  visits the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, and Palawan, looking for  Philippine  (Monkey-eating)  Eagle ,  Palawan Peacock-Pheasant ,  Wattled Broadbill ,  Celestial Monarch , and  Whiskered Pitta  along with overwintering  Japanese Night Heron  and  Chinese Crested Tern . We have seven tours in  Indonesia , with more on the way soon. Our  West Papua  tour is the one to go for if you want birds-of-paradise.  Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise  is considered one of  the  best-looking birds in the world, but the rest are not bad either! Other possibilities on our tour include  Vogelkop Bowerbird ,  Western Crowned Pigeon , and  Spotted Jewel-babbler . For some more adventure, our special Biak, Numfor, and Kofiau tour is full of stunning endemic birds like  Numfor Paradise Kingfisher ,  Biak Paradise Kingfisher ,  Kofiau Paradise Kingfisher  and loads more!  Sulawesi and Halmahera  is just as exciting with  Hylocitrea ,  Maleo ,  Ivory-breasted Pitta , (Wallace’s)  Standardwing , and numerous endemic kingfishers available. Our comprehensive tour of the  Lesser Sunda  islands takes in Sumba, Rote, West Timor, Alor, Flores, and Komodo Islands, and targets the region’s endemics like  Flores Hawk-Eagle ,  Sumba Buttonquail ,  Rote Boobook ,  Alor Myzomela ,  Flores Monarch , and  Komodo Dragon . Our Bali and East Java tour connects with special endemics like  Bali Myna ,  Black-winged Starling , and  Javan Banded Pitta  and we now also offer Bali birdwatching day tours. Situated next to Bali, the island of Lombok has an endemic owl ( Rinjani Scops Owl ) and some interesting endemic subspecies that makes for a great relaxing trip. Further jaw-dropping birds like  Javan Trogon ,  Sumatran Trogon ,  Schneider’s Pitta ,  Graceful Pitta , and  Bonaparte’s Nightjar  are features of our West Java and Sumatra birding tour.

Western Asia Birdwatching Tours

Azerbaijan, georgia, and israel birdwatching tours.

Western Asia is also great for birding, and we also have tours to Azerbaijan and  Georgia  in the fall (autumn) and winter. We can offer custom tours to  Israel  any time of the year, though the passage periods are often the most exciting time for birding here.

Our  Azerbaijan tour  features loads of top birds of the eastern edge of the Western Palearctic and the western edge of Asia such as  Red-fronted Serin ,  Black Lark ,  White-winged Lark ,  Pallas’s Gull ,  Grey-headed Swamphen , and  Caspian Snowcock .

We have a  fall tour  to the famous Batumi bottleneck in Georgia, a raptor paradise (for example  Steppe Eagle ,  Lesser Spotted Eagle , and  Eastern Imperial Eagle ) with many other interesting passerines present too, while our  winter tour  provides an opportunity for the localized  Caucasian Grouse ,  Caucasian Snowcock ,  Little Bustard ,  Güldenstädt’s Redstart ,  Mountain Chiffchaff ,  Great Rosefinch ,  Krüper’s Nuthatch , and  Wallcreeper .

We can also provide customized tours in Asia, we advise booking as far in advance as possible because  our guides  get booked up two or three years in advance.

India: The South – Western Ghats & Nilgiri Endemics January 2025/2026

Philippines: Spectacular Endemic Birding January 2025/2026/2027

India: The North – Tigers, Amazing Birds & the Himalayas January 2025/2026

Sri Lanka: Island Endemics, Wintering Specialties & Blue Whale Pelagic January 2025/2026

India: The Northwest – Lions & Desert Birding in Gujarat February 2025/2026

India: Andaman Islands Endemics February 2025/January 2026/2027

Japan: Spectacular Winter Birds February 2025/2026/2027

Birding Tour India: Forest Owlet Extension February 2025/2026

Bhutan: Complete Bhutan – Spring Birding in the Eastern Himalayas February 2025/April 2026/2027

Georgia: Mountain & Steppe Birding in Winter March 2025/2026

Vietnam: Southern and Central Vietnam: Endemics and Regional Specials March 2025/2026

Nepal: Easy Himalayan Birding March 2025/2026/2027

India: The Northeast – Spectacular Birds & Mammals April 2025/2026

Taiwan: Endemic Birding Extravaganza April 2025

China: Yunnan Tour May 2025/2026

Mongolia: Steppes & Gobi Desert Birding May 2025/2026

Indonesia: Biak, Numfor, & Kofiau – Stunning Paradise Kingfishers and Small-Island Endemics May 2025

China: Sichuan Tour May 2025/2026

Indonesia: Lombok Extension – Rinjani Scops Owl Premium Tour June 2025

China: Qinghai Tour June 2025/May 2026

Indonesia: Bali and East Java – Bali Myna and Other Rare Regional Specials June 2025

Indonesia: The Lesser Sunda Islands – Comprehensive Tour June 2025

Indonesia: Sulawesi & Halmahera – Spectacular Endemic Birding July 2025

Birding Tour Indonesia: West Papua and Southwest Papua – Birds-of-Paradise & Endemic Birds of the Arfak Mountains and Waigeo Island August 2025

India: Rajasthan – Monsoon Specialties August 2025/2026

Papua New Guinea: New Britain Premium Extension – Bismarck Archipelago Birding September 2025

Peninsular Malaysia September 2025

Borneo: Sarawak – Restricted Range Endemics September 2025

Georgia: Eagles & Endemics in Fall September 2025/2026

Borneo: Sabah Classic Tour September 2025

Bhutan in Fall: Monals, Cranes and Mountains November 2025/2026

Cambodia Birding Tour: Regional Specials & Globally Rare Birds January/December 2026

Central Thailand Birding Tour: Shorebird Spectacle & Jungle Birding January 2026

Northern Thailand Birding Tour: Spectacular Resident & Migrant Birds February 2026

Southern Thailand Birding Tour: Jewels of the South February 2026

Asia gallery.

Ultramarine Flycatcher

Malayan Banded Pitta

Sulawesi Scops Owl

Greater Yellownape

Wreathed Hornbill

Whitehead's Trogon

Mangrove Pitta

Red-headed Trogon

Spoon-billed Sandpiper

Wallcreeper

White-crowned Forktail

Black-and-yellow Broadbill

Buffy Fish Owl

Green-tailed Sunbird

Gurney's Pitta

King Bird-of-paradise

Lesser Adjutant

Testimonials from our asia birding tours.

The 2016 Northern India Birding Ecotours trip was everything I had hoped for and more. As a novice both when it came to Asian birds and Indian travel, the trip couldn’t have been better. Andy Walker, our guide, was brilliant at finding the expected birds and some amazing rarities and getting us good looks. I managed close to 400 lifers combined with Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj Mahal, some fascinating glimpses of rural India and a spectacular time in the Himalayan foothills. Our driver, van, train travel and hotels were all comfortable and worked like clockwork. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime.

Highlights of the Western Ghata and Nilgiri tour included seeing the regional endemic bird species such as Nilgiri Blue Robin, White-bellied Blue Robin, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Sri Lanka Bay Owl, giant squirrels and Asian Elephants. The local cuisine was also a highlight! Dylan was friendly and professional with a good sense of humour. He knew when to be intense, when to lighten up on the birding and was always cordial. Dylan was never demeaning when answering questions. Our local guides were excellent, especially in Thattekad and Masinagudi.

We spent three weeks with Andy in Thailand and enjoyed the trip thoroughly. Andy worked so hard to find the birds, and get us on them. He was very patient and took the time we needed. He knew all the best places to go, knew what birds would be expected, identified them in an instant and still managed to find some pretty good rarities along with the known birds, Himalayan Cutia anyone? And we spent literally hours getting great looks at Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Andy got us very close without disturbing the birds or any other birders. It was a highlight of the trip. We are hoping to see Andy in York later this year for a days birding on his home patch!

All Rights Reserved, Birding Ecotours

Join our newsletter for exclusive discounts and great birding information!

Nature Travel Birding

Private and Small group Birding tours

In Asia you will be treated to everything unique and wonderful; from magical forests to the untouched jungle with spectacular scenery and superb photography opportunities all around.

Choose your destination from our list below to see the birding tours we currently offer. Keep in mind that we can customize any tour according to your specific requirements.

• Bhutan • Borneo • Vietnam • Cambodia • China • India • Mongolia • Papua New Guinea • Sulawesi • Sri Lanka • Thailand • Oman

For more information on any of our Asia Birding Tours get in touch with us at [email protected]

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Nam, Botswana, Zambia
• Australasia
• Central America
• South America
• North America
• Short and Day Tours
• Birding Video Gallery
• Client Reviews
• Terms & Conditions
• What’s new

Pitta Nature Tours Southeast Asia Birding Tours

An ocean away from North American birders lays Southeast Asia with incredible Pittas, sparkling Kingfishers, raucous Hornbills, and more than 3,000 species of unique birds. Endemic species are found in incredible densities here—especially in Indonesia.

Tour Details

It was just easy and fun to spend a long day of birding with Tim. I came away from the experience wanting to go back.

Lesley M Custom Tour , 2017

Featured tour, bali & the lesser sundas no set dates at this time.

The remote Indonesian islands of Sumba, Rote, Timor, and Flores—the Lesser Sundas, are home to nearly 90 endemic species of birds. Along with a day trip to see Komodo Dragons, and several days birding on Bali this is a tour you won’t soon forget.

Tours Offerings

No set dates at this time bali & the lesser sundas view details, 2023 dates tbd java & lombok view details.

Looking for something else? Want to go somewhere not listed? Besides our set tours, we have experience birding all over the world and know numerous talented and local guides.  We can help put you in touch with the right guides in the right places. Just Ask!

2020, '22, & '23 Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Award Consistently earning great reviews from birders!

Himalayan Snowcock and Cassia Crossbill! Another trip with Tim, another success! These were the “big two” for this trip and Tim delivered in spades.

Paul K Most Wanted , 2018

Recent tours & updates, august 27-29, 2023 2023 himalayan snowcock expedition view trip report, july 27-31, 2023 2023 most wanted view trip report, july 25-30, 2023 2023 georgia audubon custom view trip report, june 15-17, 2023 2023 cassia crossbills & more view trip report, april 18-24, 2023 2023 texas - lrgv, aransas, & hill country custom view trip report, january 12-23, 2023 2023 chiapas view trip report, august 28-30, 2022 2022 himalayan snowcock expedition view trip report, july 19-23, 2022 2022 most wanted #2 view trip report, july 15-19, 2022 2022 most wanted #1 view trip report, june 23-25, 2022 2022 cassia crossbills & more view trip report, may 11-14, 2022 2022 utah highlights view trip report, august 5-9, 2021 2021 most wanted #2 read recap, july 30 - august 1, 2021 2021 himalayan snowcock expedition read recap, july 25-30, 2021 2021 georgia audubon custom read the recap, july 15-19, 2021 2021 most wanted tour #1 read recap, july 8-10, 2021 july 2021 idaho custom tour read the recap, june 24-28, 2021 2021 lake-cook audubon custom tour read the recap, june 6-8, 2021 2021 cassia crossbills and more tour recap read the recap, may 27, 2021 may 2021 utah custom day tour read the recap, may 16, 2021 2021 marathon birding tour read the recap, march 8, 2021 press release: mwbirdco is now pitta tours read the release, january 21, 2021 january 2021 utah custom day tour recap read the recap, march 14, 2020 2019 bali & the lesser sundas recap read the recap, check out our blog to see more updates and recaps,   see more updates on on our blog read more, january 27, 2021 january 2020 utah custom day tour recap read the recap, january 5, 2021 yucatan and cozumel 2022 dates announced learn more, september 3, 2020 2020 flammulated owling season recap read the recap, august 20, 2020 2020 mini most wanted tour recap read the recap, july 15, 2020 2020 cassia crossbills and more tour recap read the recap, december 31, 2019 2019 year in review read the recap, march 3, 2020 java and lombok tour announced learn more, february 10, 2020 yucatan and cozumel 2021 dates announced learn more, february 2, 2020 gullstravaganza 2020 recap read the recap, january 24, 2020 yucatan and cozumel 2020 recap read the recap, september 8, 2019 mini most wanted 2019 recap read the recap, august 31, 2019 mountain west most wanted 2019 recap read the recap, frequently asked questions, what is mountain west birding company.

When we started guiding in 2007, we never imagined taking our tours beyond the confines of Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada—thus Mountain West Birding Company was born. Mountain West specialized in Flammulated Owl, Himalayan Snowcock, and Cassia Crossbill Tours.

Do your tours require a deposit?

For any full-day or longer tour we require a 25% deposit to hold your space. Final payments are generally required 90-days before the start of the tour. For our smaller tours we often don’t require payment till the time of the tour, but ask if you decide to cancel please provide a weeks notice so we can try and fill your space.

What is your cancellation & refund policy?

We understand that emergencies happen. We offer a full refund up to 90 days prior to the start of most multi-day set itineraries, with a 5% processing fee. Any cancellations made between 89-60 Days are subject to a 50% fee. Cancellations made less than 59 days before the start date forfeit the cost of the tour. If you have to make a last-minute cancellation, we will do everything we can to work with you on a refund or reschedule! For our smaller tours we often don’t require payment till the time of the tour, but ask if you decide to cancel please provide a weeks notice so we can try and fill your space.

How many clients are allowed on your tours?

From the start we’ve always desired to keep our tours both manageable and enjoyable. For that reason all of our public tours cap at 7 or 8 people. This keeps our groups smaller and provides a more comfortable experience while traveling together. We do offer private tours for individuals, and small groups, as well as large groups. We can accommodate almost any size of private group, just send us an inquiry to learn more.

Why did you change your name to Pitta?

After a decade leading tours in the western United States we expanded our offering with new tours in Southeast Asia and Central America. As we work on expanding further and offering more International options,, we decided we needed a name that reflected that change!

What forms of payment do you accept?

For most tours we accept cash, check, Venmo, and all major credit cards. Credit card payments do come with a 5% processing fee. We can also accept bank transfers for international clients—however these also include a processing fee determined by the transfer amount.

How strenuous are your tours?

Most of our tours are not physically demanding. Often birding from well maintained roads, by car, and lightly on foot. However, in the mountains of the western United States we do offer some tours with hikes at high elevation, and with a large elevation gain. These hikes generally require our guests to be in good physical shape. Many of our tours also offer long days with early starts and late ends. While not physically demanding, the pace can be strenuous. Check in the tour details at the bottom of each tour to read about the pace and difficulty, and feel free to ask if you’re unsure or would like more information!

Can you guarantee we will see our target birds?

While we cannot guarantee we will see every target bird, we make every possible attempt to find our targets on our tours. Birds have wings, ranges and distribution fluctuate, and habits change. But with more than 25 years birding experience and some of the best local guides available during our international tours, we have a very high success rate on locating our targets. Some times birds don’t cooperate and things don’t work out as planned, in which case all we can do is keep trying while we have time!

Check out our FAQs page to see more questions and answers!

Recent photos from our tours, check out more tour photos on flickr, mailing list.

Sign up for our mailing list so you never miss an update, get our latest tour news, and exclusive deals on new products and tours!

Thailand - Highlights 2024 - ()

Thailand - highlights.

• Dates, Leaders and Pricing
• Trip Reports
• Tour Enquiry

Our Thailand Highlights tour is designed around the very best birding sites in Northern and Central Thailand, offering a superb selection of spectacular and sought-after Southeast Asian specials, along with a huge array of migrants from the north, which spend the frigid winters in these warmer climates. Time will be spent exploring the wetlands near Bangkok where we stand excellent chances of finding the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann’s Greenshank and Chinese Egret. Major reserves visited include Kaeng Krachan, Khao Yai and Doi Lang where targets include the stunning Green Peafowl, Siamese Fireback, Silver Pheasant, gorgeous Silver-breasted Broadbill, Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo, Blue Pitta, White-rumped Falcon, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Green Cochoa – and much more! In addition, culturally Thailand has few equals, and you will have opportunities to visit some of the many spectacular pagodas and shrines that adorn this friendly, varied and spectacular land.

This is a short yet comprehensive alternative to our longer Northern & Central: Asian Birding at its Best tour ,  and is suitable for both birders and non-birding spouses alike.

Spoon-billed Sandpiper; Green Peafowl; Silver Pheasant; Siamese Fireback; Great & Tickell’s Brown Hornbills; Banded Kingfisher; Silver-breasted & Dusky Broadbills; Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo; Blue & Eared Pittas; Great Slaty Woodpecker; Ratchet-tailed Treepie; Grey Peacock-Pheasant; Green Cochoa; Nordmann’s Greenshank; Asian Dowitcher; Chinese Egret; Malaysian Plover; Black-backed Forktail; Slaty-bellied Tesia; Red-bearded Bee-eater; Asian Stubtail; Dark-sided Thrush.

Top Mammals

Lar & Pileated Gibbons; Giant Squirrel; Asian Elephant; Yellow-throated Marten; Northern Red Muntjac; Northern Pig-tailed Macaque; Dusky Langur.

Habitats Covered

lowland and montane rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, coastal mudflats

Expected Climate

cool but generally comfortable in the higher areas, warmer and more humid lower down. Rain and mist is possible

Max Group Size

10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking

moderate pace, undemanding walking on forest trails and along forest roads, mostly in national parks

Accommodation

comfortable hotels and resorts

Ease of Birding

moderate with a few challenging rainforest species

Number of Species Expected

Other attractions.

pagodas and temples, great food, rainforests, friendly people

Photographic Opportunities

What our clients say about us.

BD, Thailand 2020

My Rockjumper guide, Andre Bernon, is the best guide I have birded with. I continue to be amazed at his impressive birding skills and he will do whatever it takes to make sure that his guests see the birds. I saw so many awesome birds on this tour because Andre would sometimes physically place me in the right spot so I could see the bird. How many guides have that much dedication to their guests? His excellent guiding skills ensured that all logistics of the birding tour went smoothly. Andre can read his guests and he knows when breaks are needed to avoid fatigue and frustration. His time management skills enabled his guests to arrive at their accommodations on time so that they could enjoy the check list, dinner and relaxation each evening. And Andre's wit and sense of humor made this a very fun birding tour.

SS, Thailand 2020

Andre was great as a guide and trip leader. He did an excellent job of spotting birds and getting us on them quickly, kept us informed on logistics and made the trip so much fun with his humor. I definitely want to travel with him again.

AM, Thailand 2019

"This was my first Rockjumper trip and I have never before done an extended birding bird out of Australia. I have nothing but praise for the whole operation. Our local guide & Forrest were fantastic and are both to be commended for their knowledge, expertise, patience & energy. Was wonderful having 2 experts with us."

DC, Thailand 2018

Andre Bernon and Uthai formed a great team and complemented one another in finding all the birds and then getting everybody on to them.

DM, Thailand 2023

Great tour, logistics we excellent, bird finding was great, both leaders were excellent at finding and identifying birds

Thailand - Highlights (Relaxed) 2025

19 Mar 2025 - 01 Apr 2025 (14 days)

THB181,500 - Spaces Available

Tour Leader: Lev Frid

Tour price (Per person): THB181,500 * USD5,315 * GBP4,080 * EUR4,787 * AUD7,886

Single Supplement: THB19,900 * USD583 * GBP447 * EUR525 * AUD865

Flight costs: THB6,160 * USD180 * GBP138 * EUR162 * AUD268

Can be linked with:

Thailand - Highlights (Relaxed) 2026

05 Dec 2026 - 18 Dec 2026 (14 days)

THB188,800 - Spaces Available

Tour Leader: Nigel Redman

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): THB188,800 * USD5,529 * GBP4,244 * EUR4,980 * AUD8,203

Thailand - Asian Birding at its Best (Small Group) 2024 - March 2024

Thailand - Southern Extension I 2024 - March 2024

Thailand - Asian Birding at its Best I 2024 - February 2024

Thailand - Highlights 2024 - February 2024

Thailand - Southern Extension II 2023 - December 2023

Thailand - Asian Birding at its Best II 2023 - November 2023

Thailand - Southern Extension: Rainforest Birding II 2022 - December 2022

Thailand - Northern & Central: Asian Birding at its Best II 2022 - November 2022

Thailand - Blisard 2022 - April 2022

Thailand - Northern & Central: Asian Birding at its Best I 2020 - February 2020

Thailand - Northern & Central: Asian Birding at its Best II 2019 - November 2019

Thailand - Highlights 2019 - November 2019

Thailand - Northern & Central: Asian Birding at its Best I 2019 - February 2019

Thailand - Highlights 2018 - November 2018

Thailand - Northern & Central: Asian Birding at its Best I 2018 - February 2018

Thailand - Highlights 2017 - December 2017

Thailand - Northern & Central: Asian Birding at its Best II 2017 - November 2017

Thailand - Bonace Northern & Central 2017 - March 2017

Thailand - Northern & Central: Asian Birding at its Best I 2017 - February 2017

Thailand - Highlights 2016 - December 2016

Your details

• Title Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. Prof. Sir.
• Name * First Last
• Your country Your country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati North Korea South Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sudan, South Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe
• Hidden Tour of Interest
• Tour of Interest Select Tour of Interest Thailand - Highlights (Relaxed) 2025 Thailand - Highlights (Relaxed) 2026
• Your Enquiry *

Contact permission

We would love to send you Newsletters (twice yearly).via Type a message, Promotions/Discounts (weekly), Blog Articles/Image of the Month (monthly) and other content that we think you would find interesting. If you are happy with this then please select your preferences below. If you would like to unsubscribe from previous subscriptions, or leave our mailing list entirely, then please do so by visiting the Preference Centre link at the bottom of these emails.

• Yes, I would like to receive this content of interest and to better filter the content sent to me, I am a :
• Hardcore (target focussed with a strong desire to see as many species as possible on each trip)
• Middle of the road (target focussed but more relaxed by nature and do not expect to see everything)
• Relaxed (enjoy birds but am happy seeing whatever we see)
• Photographer
• No thanks, I don't want to hear about any of these offers or content
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tour Route Map

Get Special Offers From Rockjumper Birding

Sign up now and get the best deals straight in your inbox!

• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Modal title

Enquire about booking a tour.

• Tell us about your dream tour
• How many people do you expect to be on the tour? (optional)
• What are the date ranges you are looking at for this tour? (optional)
• How many days would you like the tour for? (optional)
• What is your price range for the tour? (optional)
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Enquire about booking a tour 5

Your passport.

Add Attachment

Arrival Tour Information

Departure tour information.

Naturalist Journeys is pleased to offer Asian birding tours. This year we offer a Thailand birding tour that follows an exciting, bird-filled itinerary. Click the tour below to learn more about this Thai birding tour.

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-13 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

Like what we do?

Sign up for our weekly enews to stay up to date, get to know our favorite destinations each week. we promise no spam..

Birdtours 2 A sia

Expert guided birding tours

Taipei - Taipei Aprox. 3085 USD 2420 GBP

single room supplement 375 USD

The cost includes all accommodation   transport all meals and snacks -all drinks- guiding fees entrance fees The cost excludes international flights insurance

e-mail for bookings [email protected]

We power your vacation

Priceless info?

Taiwan Endemics & Black-faced Spoonbills.

Our March 2019 tour report Group size max. 5

Sunday 24 March - Tuesday 2 April 2024 ; Tour report will follow

Sunday 5 May - Tuesday 14 May 2024 ; See our trip list.

Sunday 23 March - Tuesday 1 April 2025 ; Tour is full.

Sunday 4 May - Tuesday 13 May 2025 ; 2 places available

Taiwan is a beautiful, safe and friendly island which offers some of the finest birding in Asia together with some excellent photo opportunities. Our tour to Taiwan will focus on the many superb endemics and all possible future splits. There's more than endemic taxa on offer though, as Taiwan is one of the best places to see Fairy Pitta and most of the tiny world population of Black-faced Spoonbills winters in the Tsengwen river estuary. (608 seen during our November 2010 tour, which was over 1/3 of the total population at the time.) Further, there're also a host of more widely ranging but highly-prized species; White-bellied Green Pigeon, Rufous-faced Warbler, Pale Thrush, Ferruginous Flycatcher, White-backed Woodpecker, Collared Finchbill... The rugged mountains of the interior make for some of the most stunning scenery in Asia and the roads, food and accommodation are good with high biodiversity and great habitats another feature. No need to be shy for a statement; Taiwan has it all!!

Day 1 Afternoon/evening arrivals at Taipei international airport. The river, rice paddy and fields behind our hotel close to the airport has some very good birding on a quiet road. This may be excellent for those with early arrivals. Birds seen in the area on previous trips include Eastern Water Rail, Siberian Rubythroat, Dusky Warbler, Black-faced Bunting, Oriental Greenfinch, Red-necked Phalarope, Painted Snipe, Taiwan Scimitar Babbler, Pale Thrush, Vinous-throated Parrotbill.

Day 2 After breakfast we’ll drive for 2 hours to Anmashan and the famous Dasyueshan Forest where we bird the rest of the day to see our first endemics and more. Besides our first chance to see Swinhoe's Pheasant we should easily pick up Steere’s Liochicla, Formosan Whistling Thrush, White-eared Sibia, Collared Bush Robin, Yellow Tit, Flamecrest, Taiwan Yuhina, Taiwan Scimitar Babbler, Dusky Fulvetta... We spend the night in Dongshih, just down the mountain.

Day 3 + 4 Full days birding Dasyueshan (Anmashan) where we visit the different habitats and ever changing birdlife at various altitudes. We have a first good chance on finding Mikado Pheasant and others to look for include Golden Parrotbill, Taiwan Bush Warbler, White-whiskered Laughingthrush, White-backed Woodpecker, Scaly Thrush, Rusty Laughingthrush, White-browed Robin, Taiwan Barwing...

Day 5 An early start will see us at Huisun Forest Reserve which is an excellent site to find the stunning Taiwan Blue Magpie, Birding2asia’s favourite Taiwan endemic. Malayan Night Heron, Red Oriole, Varied Tit, Taiwan Partridge, Chinese Bamboo Partridge and Collared Finchbill are some of the regular goodies at the site. After lunch we will bird at our first site in the Wushe area, Chun Yang experimental Farm which is a site for Rusty Laughingthrush, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Taiwan Hwamei and Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler. Hotel near Wushe.

Day 6 We spend the morning and afternoon on the famous Blue Gate trail with a visit to some higher areas at the Hehuan Pass in Taroko National Park just before noon. Targets for the day will include Alpine Accentor, Taiwan Barwing, White- bellied Green Pigeon, Brown Bullfinch, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Flamecrest, Vinaceous Rosefinch [formosanus-Taiwan], Taiwan Wren Babbler and Taiwan Shortwing. Same hotel near Wushe.

Day 7 Birdwatching at Bedongyueshan, the best spot for Taiwan Partridge, Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush, Swinhoe's Pheasant and Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler. A mid-day drive will see us birding in Yushan National Park in the evening. We stay in Alishan, which has hotels in a forest recreation area next to Yushan NP.

Day 8 Full morning birding in Yushan NP with another excellent chance for Mikado Pheasant. Golden Parrotbill and Flamecrest are regular goodies in the park. Collared Bush Robins and White-whiskered Laughingthrush are everywhere and Yushan also is a good place for Taiwan Rosefinch [Vinaceous], Beavan's Bullfinch, Taiwan Wren Babbler and Taiwan Bush Warbler. In the afternoon we travel to Chiali for the night.

Day 9 Birding the Tsengwen river estuary in the morning; waders, Black-faced Spoonbills... We then move on to Kenting where we bird Longluan lake where Styan’s Bulbul is common and this is also a good stake-out for Taiwan Hwamei and Taiwan Bamboo Partridge. We might also bird the Kenting Forest Park, a beautiful area and famous for it's Grey-faced Buzzard migration. Late afternoon return to Chiali town.

Day 10 Today we will have ample time for birdwatching in Huben and surroundings. Good birds in the area include Taiwan Scimitar Babbler, Malayan Night Heron, Besra, Collared Finchbill, Taiwan Partridge, Oriental Cuckoo, Taiwan Barbet and Dusky Fulvetta. In the afternoon we return to the airport in Taipei to connect with our evening flights.

General info : Comfortable accommodation in high standard hotels with private facilities. Transport by air-conditioned minibus. Walking is easy and most birding is done on level roadside/tracks/trails. Weather is mild and mostly pleasant, but it can be chilly in the early morning in the mountains. Fog is always a possibility in the mountains and some rain can be expected. Excellent photographic opportunities are a feature on this tour.

• Spring migration in Central Asia | A unique birding adventure
• Floating hide Photography: expedition to the northern steppes of Central Asia
• Exciting fall migration in a Palearctic hotspot | With visit to Chokpak ringing-station
• A photography special | The Flora & Fauna of Altai

A photography expedition | Highlights of Central Asia

• Mammal Quest | An adventurous expedition for Snow Leopard & Pallas’s Cat
• From Altai Snowcocks to Mongolian Ground-Jays | A birding tour in Altai
• An expedition to the Indigirka Delta for Ross’s Gull & more
• Birding the Far East | A unique birding tour in Russia
• Ornithological expedition to Lake Baikal, the pearl of Siberia!

A birding expedition into the Pamir Mountains

• An adventure for the Zarudny Sparrow
• Machiel Valkenburg
• Bonny Valkenburg
• Jandaulyet Yerbolat
• Aleksander Povarintsev
• Arend Wassink
• Harish Sharma
• Enquire now

WELCOME TO RUBYTHROAT BIRDING

YOUR TRUSTED WILDLIFE LEADERS IN CENTRAL ASIA

OUR UPCOMING TOURS

Uncover the immense natural diversity of Tajikistan

I'm thrilled to share an exciting update regarding our inaugural expedition to Tajikistan. In June, we embarked on a remarkable journey with an enthusiastic group from Belgium, venturing into the stunning Pamirs. Our expedition took us along the Afghan border, leading us to the awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks and the sprawling highland plateau.

During this expedition, we had the privilege of encountering an array of exceptional bird species and captivating wildlife. From the elusive Markhor sheep to the majestic Lammergeier, and from the charming Eastern Rock Nuthatch to the rarely spotted Large-billed Reed Warbler – often referred to as the world’s least-known bird – the diversity of wildlife left us in awe.

Tajikistan’s landscapes are a testament to nature’s artistry, spanning from towering mountain ranges to lush valleys. This wide range of habitats provides a unique haven for an incredible variety of bird species and exceptional mammals.

For avid birders and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled and rewarding adventure, our birding and wildlife tours in Tajikistan offer an unforgettable experience. We’re thrilled to provide you with more details and extend our assistance in planning your upcoming expedition into the captivating wilderness of Tajikistan.

To explore our diverse range of tours to Tajikistan, please visit our website. Your next extraordinary adventure awaits!

Why choose Rubythroat?

Exceptional leaders.

Our leaders inspire, motivate, and teach. They are visionaries with a clear sense of purpose, excellent communicators, and fun people to be on tour with. They will make sure you have the experience of a lifetime.

Authentic destinations

Our adventures provide a unique and genuine experience, offering a glimpse into the local culture, history, and way of life. We prioritize environmental sustainability and strive to minimize our impact.

Breaking news from the field

Like to receive the latest information on our tours? Register for our newsletter. We keep you updated with our observations from our various tours, latest tour releases and updates on availability.

Experience an authentic nomadic lifestyle

Ready for your next adventure.

Are you interested in learning about new cultures or increasing your life list? Start packing and join us on one of our thrilling adventures.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

• Destinations
• Search for:

We'd love to hear from you

For any inquiries about Birdwatching, Wildlife Watching, Nature tours , or quotation requests, please use this contact form.

Experience a captivating Birding Tour near Ho Chi Minh City. Our tours promise a bird-watching haven, ranging from a brief 1-day escape to an immersive 4-day adventure. Witness the mesmerizing diversity of avian life, with opportunities to spot anywhere from 40 to an astonishing 250 species. Dive deep into nature’s rhythm and discover the winged wonders of Vietnam.

Spanning 7 to 25 days, journey through regions teeming with endemic birds and endangered species, depending on your preferences. Witness between 150 to over 433 unique species, with at least 7 endemic bird species ensured. Our tours guarantee an enriching encounter with Vietnam's rarest avian wonders

Our Birding & Culture Tours takes you across South Vietnam, from the Mekong Delta to Cat Tien National Park and ends at the Dalat Plateau. Witness 100 to 200 bird species while immersing in Vietnam's rich culture over 10 to 14 days. Explore floating markets, vast rice fields, and how highland inhabitants survive freezing temperatures. Nature and tradition are harmoniously entwined here.

Short Birding Tours

1 – 6 days Tours

Long Birding Tours

7 – 25 days Tours

Birding & Culture

Combination Tours

Vietnam Birding Fixed date tour on 2024

Perfect for birders with limited time or newcomers to birdwatching, these tours offer a snapshot of Vietnam’s bird diversity. Traverse through select habitats and witness a diverse array of bird species, all within a compact timeframe.

[1 day] Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Birding near Ho Chi Minh City, Discover Can Gio Birds

40-60 Species; Easy tour

[1 day] Tan Thanh - Go Cong

Special target: Searching for Spoon-billed Sandpiper

30 - 60 Species, easy tour

[1 day] Ma Da National Reserve

Tropical Forest: Impress your self

40-80 species, easy tour

[2 days] Ta Kou - Nui Dinh

Combine: Mountain, Country side, Wetland, Open-forest

70-120 species, easy tour

[3 Days] Cat Tien National Park

Best-choice: Explore birds in lowland forest

100-200 species, easy tour

[4 Days] Dalat Plateau

Endemic hunter: Join for highland birds

160-250 species, easy tour

Dive deep into the heart of Vietnam’s ornithological treasures with our Long Birding Tours. Designed for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, these extended tours provide comprehensive explorations of diverse habitats & unique birds. From the dense rainforests to tranquil wetlands, immerse yourself in the symphony of chirps, songs, and calls, and discover the rich of bird species that Vietnam hosts.

[7 days] Cat Tien & Dalat

The best birdwatching tour with enjoyable Birds

150-280 Species; Easy

[12 days] Central Highland & South Vietnam

Endemic runs with diversity of landscape and cultural

200-280 Species, advanced

[14 days] North & South Vietnam

Pick choice to compare with culture things

220-330 species, advanced

[17 days] Central & South Vietnam

Best of Vietnam’s Endemic Birds

300-360 species, challenges

[18 Days] Vietnam hotspots

Reach all Vietnam unique birding spots for target birds

250-360 species, Challenges

[25 Days] Vietnam

Comprehensive Vietnam Birds diversity with all unique

300-433 species, Challenges

Marry of birdwatching with the richness of Vietnamese culture in our Birding & Culture Tours. Beyond the birds plumage and melodious calls, delve into the traditions, history, and customs of Vietnam. As you spot exotic bird species, also immerse yourself in local culture, culinary delights.

[10 days] South Vietnam

Enjoyable Birding, Wildlife, Culture and Cuisine

100-200 Species; Easy tour

[14 days] South & Central Vietnam

Enjoyable Birds, Primates, rich cultural and historical context

100-200 Species, easy tour

“Join us for a truly unforgettable birding or bird photography experience in Vietnam! With our expert local knowledge, years of experience, and commitment to safety, we guarantee you won’t find a better option.”

Local Knowledge: Our guides are highly knowledgeable about the local habitats, birds, and wildlife in Vietnam, giving you an in-depth understanding of the region and ensuring you have the best possible birding experience.

Experiences: Our team has years of experience leading birding and wildlife tours in Vietnam and have developed a deep understanding of the best spots to go and the best times to visit. This means you can be confident that your trip will be a success.

Trust and Safety: Our top priority is the safety and comfort of our visitors. We understand the importance of trust when it comes to traveling and is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience. We have a track record of delivering top-quality services, and our clients trust us to provide the best possible birding and wildlife-watching experiences in Vietnam.

All tours & Activities

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Quick Intouch

Custom tours

In addition to our scheduled tours, we also offer custom-designed birding tours for groups or individuals. We have extensive experience throughout South Asia, Southeast Asia, North and East Asia, Philippines, New Guinea and Indonesia, and we can organise and guide tours to all areas covered by our scheduled tours and most other destinations in the region.

Custom tours looking for participants

Lesser Sundas: September 2025. Three participants are looking for 2-4 people to join them on a tour following our schedule tour itinerary, with James leading, 13-30 September 2025. Please do get in touch if it is of interest.

Please click on the pins on the interactive map to get a flavour of each region and country and what is possible for us to organise for your tailormade tour. ‍ ‍ Custom tours have many advantages over our main tours; they are inherently more flexible, with group sizes and ground arrangements organised to your specific requirements. They are ideal for those who prefer to travel alone or with small groups of friends, birders with inflexible holidays that do not coincide with our scheduled tour dates or those with specific target species, which may be difficult to see on our main tours.We can also organise custom extensions to any of our scheduled tours. If you would like to add extra time to one of these tours, please contact us with your plans and we will gladly offer information and advice to help you organise an itinerary which meets your requirements.

Catch-up tours

Many participants ask us about the possibility of creating itineraries to plug-in the missing gaps, either due to species missed on previous tours, or because new sites and species have become available since they visited certain areas. We encourage people to contact us with their specific requests and we will advertise on this page to help link you with like-minded birders. Custom tours are often comparable in cost to our scheduled departures and therefore offer fantastic value for money. For more information on our popular custom tour service, please contact us via e-mail or telephone to speak directly to one of our experienced leaders about your plans.

Latest custom tour reports

Bali - Aceh, Indonesia catch-up

Saudi Arabia and Oman

China: East + Sichuan

Philippines: custom

Eastern Himalaya custom

Cuckoo-chasing, Sumatra

Peninsular Malaysia

Tajikistan & Pakistan

• Ascension Island
• Tristan da Cunha
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo Republic
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eswatini (Swaziland)
• Guinea Bissau
• North Sudan
• São Tomé & Príncipe
• Sierra Leone
• Eastern Cape
• KwaZulu Natal
• Northern Cape
• Northwest Province
• Western Cape
• South Sudan
• Western Sahara
• Afghanistan
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Heilongjiang
• Inner Mongolia
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Andhra Pradesh
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Lakshadweep
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• West Bengal
• Indonesian Borneo
• Lesser Sundas
• Kuala Lumpur
• Peninsular Malaysia
• Sarawak & Sabah
• North Korea
• Philippines
• South Korea
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan
• Netherlands Antilles
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Lucia
• St Vincent & Grenadines
• St. Kitts & Nevis
• Turks & Caicos
• South Ossetia
• Republic of Croatia
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Hauts-de-France
• Île-de-France
• Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• Pays-de-la-Loire
• Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Baden-Württemberg
• Brandenburg
• Lower Saxony
• Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
• North Rhine-Westphalia
• Rhineland Palatinate
• Saxony-Anhalt
• Schleswig-Holstein
• Liechtenstein
• Lake Skadar
• Netherlands

Central Russia

• Eastern Siberia
• Northwest Russia
• Russian Arctic
• Russian Far East
• South Russia
• Western Siberia
• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Castilla y Leon
• Castilla-La Mancha
• Extremadura
• Switzerland
• Avon & Bristol
• Bedfordshire
• Buckinghamshire
• Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
• Gloucestershire
• Greater London
• Greater Manchester
• Herefordshire
• Hertfordshire
• Isle of Wight
• Isles of Scilly
• Leicestershire & Rutland
• Lincolnshire
• Northamptonshire
• Northumberland
• Nottinghamshire
• Oxfordshire
• Staffordshire
• Warwickshire
• West Midlands
• Worcestershire
• Yorkshire – East
• Yorkshire – North
• Yorkshire – South
• Yorkshire – West
• Isle of Man
• Angus & Dundee
• Clyde Islands
• Dumfries & Galloway
• Isle of May
• Moray & Nairn
• North-east Scotland
• Orkney Isles
• Outer Hebrides
• Perth & Kinross
• Upper Forth
• Brecknockshire
• Caernarfonshire
• Carmarthenshire
• Denbighshire
• East Glamorgan
• Meirionnydd
• Montgomeryshire
• Pembrokeshire
• Radnorshire
• Vatican City
• Vancouver Island
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Aguascalientes
• Baja California
• Baja California Sur
• Mexico City
• Quintana Roo
• San Luis Potosí
• St Pierre & Miquelon
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Rio Grande Valley
• West Virginia
• American Samoa
• Christmas Island
• Coral Sea Islands
• New South Wales
• Norfolk Island
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Cocos Islands
• Cook Islands
• French Polynesia
• Marshall Islands
• New Caledonia
• Stewart Island
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Wallis & Futuna
• Buenos Aires City
• Buenos Aires Province
• Santiago del Estero
• Tierra del Fuego
• Espírito Santo
• Federal District
• Mato Grosso
• Mato Grosso do Sul
• Minas Gerais
• Rio de Janeiro State
• Rio Grande do Norte
• Rio Grande do Sul
• Santa Catarina
• Easter Island
• Northern Ecuador
• French Guiana
• Saudi Arabia
• Farne Islands
• Birding Tour Companies
• Bird Fairs & Festivals
• Trip Report Repositories
• Weather & Tides
• Rarity Alerts
• Ornithological Journals
• Birding Magazines
• Websites with Mega-links
• Books for Birders
• Bird Book Publishers
• Software, DVDs, Recordings etc.
• Bird Writers
• Bird Art & Artists
• Digiscoping
• Photos, Photography & Photographers
• Webcams & Nestcams
• Bird Watching Books
• Bird Watching Telescopes
• Birdfeeders, Birdhouses etc
• Optics Retailers
• Optics Companies
• Outdoor Clothing for Birders
• Other Birding Equipment & Accessories
• Tripod Companies
• Banding or Ringing
• Study & Bird Behaviour
• Birders & Ornithologists
• Threatened & Extinct Species
• Conservation
• Ornithology Courses
• Identification
• Invasive Species
• Taxonomy & Bird Names
• Acanthisittidae – New Zealand Wrens
• Acanthizidae – Australasian Warblers
• Acrocephalidae – Reed & Brush Warblers Etc.
• Aegithalidae – Bush Tits
• Aegithinidae – Ioras
• Alaudidae – Larks
• Arcanatoridae – Dapple-throat & Allies
• Artamidae – Woodswallows, Butcherbirds & Currawongs
• Atrichornithidae – Scrub-birds
• Bernieridae – Malagasy Warblers
• Bombycillidae – Waxwings
• Buphagidae – Oxpeckers
• Calcariidae – Longspurs & Snow Buntings
• Callaeidae – Kokako & Saddlebacks
• Campephagidae – Cuckooshrikes, Cicadabirds, Trillers & Minivets
• Cardinalidae – Cardinals, Grosbeaks & Allies
• Certhiidae – Treecreepers
• Cettidae – Bush Warblers, Tesias & Allies
• Chaetopidae – Rockjumpers
• Chloropseidae – Leafbirds
• Cinclidae – Dippers
• Cisticolidae – Cisticolas, Prinia, Tailorbirds & Allies
• Climacteridae – Australasian Treecreepers
• Cnemophilidae – Satinbirds
• Coerebidae – Bananaquit
• Conopophagidae – Gnateaters
• Corcoracidae – Australian Mudnesters
• Corvidae – Crows, Jays, Magpies & Allies
• Cotingidae – Cotingas, Fruiteaters & Allies
• Dasyornithidae – Bristlebirds
• Dicaeidae – Flowerpeckers
• Dicruridae – Drongos
• Donacobiidae – Donacobius
• Dulidae – Palmchat
• Elachuridae – Spotted Wren-babbler
• Emberizidae – Buntings, New World Sparrows & Allies
• Erythroceridae – Yellow Flycatchers
• Estrildidae – Waxbills, Munias & Allies
• Eulacestomatidae – Ploughbill
• Eupetidae – Rail-Babbler
• Eurylaimidae – Broadbills
• Formicariidae – Antthrushes
• Fringillidae – Finches, Seedeaters, Euphonias & Allies
• Furnariidae – Ovenbirds
• Grallariidae – Antpittas
• Hirundinidae – Swallows & Martins
• Hyliotidae – Hyliotas
• Hylocitreidae – Yellow-flanked Whistler
• Hypocoliidae – Hypocolius
• Icteridae – Oropendolas, Orioles, Blackbirds & Allies
• Ifritidae – Blue-capped Ifrit
• Incertae Sedis – Uncertain Families
• Irenidae – Fairy-bluebirds
• Laniidae – Shrikes
• Leiothrichidae – Turdoides Babblers, Laughingthrushes, Barwings & Sibias
• Locustellidae – Grassbirds & Allies
• Machaerirhynchidae – Boatbills
• Macrosphenidae – Crombecs, Longbills & African Warblers
• Malaconotidae – Bushshrikes, Tchagras, Puffbacks & Boubous
• Maluridae – Australasian Wrens
• Melampittidae – Melampittas
• Melanocharitidae – Berrypeckers & Longbills
• Melanopareiidae – Crescent-chests
• Meliphagidae – Honeyeaters
• Menuridae – Lyrebirds
• Mimidae – Mockingbirds, Thrashers & Allies
• Mohoidae – O’os
• Mohouidae – Whitehead, Yellowhead & Brown Creeper
• Monarchidae – Monarchs, Paradise Flycatchers & Allies
• Motacillidae – Longclaws, Pipits & Wagtails
• Muscicapidae – Old World Flycatchers
• Nectariniidae – Sunbirds & Spiderhunters
• Neosittidae – Sitellas
• Nicatoridae – Nicators
• Notiomystidae – Stitchbird
• Oreoicidae – Australasian Bellbirds
• Oriolidae – Old World Orioles, Pitohuis & Figbirds
• Orthonychidae – Logrunners & Chowchilla
• Pachycephalidae – Whistlers & Allies
• Panuridae – Bearded Reedling
• Paradisaeidae – Birds-of-paradise
• Paramythiidae – Painted Berrypeckers
• Pardalotidae – Pardalotes
• Paridae – Tits & Chickadees
• Parulidae – New World Warblers
• Passeridae – Old World Sparrows
• Pellorneidae – Fulvettas, Ground Babblers & Allies
• Petroicidae – Australasian Robins
• Peucedramidae – Olive Warbler
• Philepittidae – Asities
• Phylloscopidae – Leaf Warblers & Allies
• Picathartidae – Rockfowl
• Pipridae – Manakins
• Pittidae – Pittas
• Pityriaseidae – Bristlehead
• Platysteiridae – Wattle-eyes & Batises
• Ploceidae – Weavers, Widowbirds & Allies
• Pnoepygidae – Wren-babblers
• Polioptilidae – Gnatcatchers
• Pomatostomidae – Australasian Babblers
• Prionopidae – Helmetshrikes
• Promeropidae – Sugarbirds
• Prunellidae – Accentors
• Psophodidae – Whipbirds, Jewel-babblers & Quail-thrushes
• Ptilogonatidae – Silky-flycatchers
• Ptilonorhynchidae – Bowerbirds & Catbirds
• Pycnonotidae – Bulbuls
• Regulidae – Goldcrests & Kinglets
• Remizidae – Penduline Tits
• Rhagologidae – Mottled Berryhunter
• Rhinocryptidae – Tapaculos
• Rhipiduridae – Fantails
• Sapayoidae -Sapayoa
• Scotocercidae – Streaked Scrub Warbler
• Sittidae – Nuthatches
• Stenostiridae – Fairy Flycatchers
• Sturnidae – Starlings, Mynas & Rhabdornis
• Sylviidae – Sylviid Babblers, Parrotbills & Fulvettas
• Tephrodornithidae – Woodshrikes & Allies
• Thamnophilidae – Antbirds
• Thraupidae – Tanagers & Allies
• Tichodromidae – Wallcreeper
• Timaliidae – Babblers
• Tityridae – Tityras, Becards & Allies
• Troglodytidae – Wrens
• Turdidae – Thrushes
• Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatchers
• Urocynchramidae – Przevalski’s Finch
• Vangidae – Vangas
• Viduidae – Indigobirds & Whydahs
• Vireonidae – Vireos, Greenlets & Shrike-babblers
• Zosteropidae – White-eyes, Yuhinas & Allies
• Accipitridae – Kites, Hawks & Eagles
• Aegothelidae – Owlet-nightjars
• Alcedinidae – Kingfishers
• Alcidae – Auks
• Anatidae – Swans, Geese & Ducks
• Anhimidae – Screamers
• Anhingidae – Darters
• Anseranatidae – Magpie Goose
• Apodidae – Swifts
• Apterygidae – Kiwis
• Aramidae – Limpkin
• Ardeidae – Herons, Egrets & Bitterns
• Balaenicipitidae – Shoebill
• Brachypteraciidae – Ground Rollers
• Bucconidae – Puffbirds
• Bucerotidae – Hornbills
• Bucorvidae – Ground Hornbills
• Burhinidae – Thick-knees & Stone Curlews
• Cacatuidae – Cockatoos
• Capitonidae – New World Barbets
• Caprimulgidae – Nightjars & Nighthawks
• Cariamidae – Seriemas
• Casuariidae – Cassowaries
• Cathartidae – New World Vultures
• Charadriidae – Plovers, Lapwings & Dotterels
• Chionidae – Sheathbill
• Ciconiidae – Storks
• Coliidae – Mousebirds
• Columbidae – Doves & Pigeons
• Coraciidae – Rollers
• Cracidae – Chachalacas, Curassows & Guans
• Cuculidae – Old World Cuckoos
• Diomedeidae – Albatrosses
• Dromadidae – Crab Plover
• Dromaiidae – Emu
• Eurypygidae – Sunbittern
• Falconidae – Falcons, Kestrels & Caracaras
• Fregatidae – Frigatebirds
• Galbulidae – Jacamars
• Gaviidae – Divers or Loons
• Glareolidae – Coursers & Pratincoles
• Gruidae – Cranes
• Haematopodidae – Oystercatchers
• Heliornithidae – Finfoots & Sungrebe
• Hemiprocnidae – Treeswifts
• Hydrobatidae – Northern Storm Petrels
• Ibidorhynchidae – Ibisbill
• Indicatoridae – Honeyguides
• Jacanidae – Jacanas
• Laridae – Gulls, Terns & Skimmers
• Leptosomatidae – Cuckoo Roller
• Lybiidae – African Barbets
• Megalimidae – Asian Barbets
• Megapodiidae – Megapodes
• Meropidae – Bee-eaters
• Mesitornithidae – Mesites
• Momotidae – Motmots
• Musophagidae – Turacos, Plantain-eaters & Go-away-birds
• Numididae – Guineafowl
• Nyctibiidae – Potoos
• Oceanitidae – Austral Storm Petrels
• Odontophoridae – New World Quails
• Opisthocomidae – Hoatzin
• Otididae – Bustards, Floricans & Korhaans
• Pandionidae – Ospreys
• Pedionomidae – Plains Wanderer
• Pelecanidae – Pelicans
• Pelecanoididae – Diving Petrels
• Phaethontidae – Tropicbirds
• Phalacrocoracidae – Cormorants & Shags
• Phasianidae – Pheasants, Grouse, Partridges & Allies
• Phoenicopteridae – Flamingos
• Phoeniculidae – Wood Hoopoes & Scimitarbills
• Picidae – Woodpeckers
• Pluvianellidae – Magellanic Plover
• Pluvianidae – Egyptian Plover
• Podargidae – Frogmouths
• Podicipedidae – Grebes
• Procellariidae – Petrels, Diving Petrels & Shearwaters
• Psittacidae – African & New World Parrots
• Psittaculidae – Old World Parrots
• Psophiidae – Trumpeters
• Pteroclidae – Sandgrouse
• Rallidae – Rails, Crakes, Gallinules & Coots etc.
• Ramphastidae – Aracari, Toucans & Toucanets
• Recurvirostridae – Avocets & Stilts
• Rheidae – Rheas
• Rhynochetidae – Kagu
• Rostratulidae – Painted Snipe
• Sagittariidae – Secretarybird
• Sarothruridae – Flufftails
• Scolopacidae – Woodcock, Snipe, Sandpipers & Allies
• Scopidae – Hammerkop
• Semnornithidae – Toucan Barbets
• Spheniscidae – Penguins
• Steatornithidae – Oilbird
• Stercorariidae – Skuas or Jaegers
• Strigidae – Owls
• Strigopidae – New Zealand Parrots
• Struthionidae – Ostriches
• Sulidae – Gannets & Boobies
• Thinocoridae – Seedsnipe
• Threskiornithidae – Ibises & Spoonbills
• Tinamidae – Tinamous
• Todidae – Todies
• Trochilidae – Hummingbirds
• Trogonidae – Trogons & Quetzals
• Turnicidae – Buttonquails
• Tytonidae – Barn & Grass Owls
• Upupidae – Hoopoes
• Big Days & Bird Races
• Apocryphal Birding Stories & Urban Myths
• Bird Humour
• Listing & Listers
• Twitching & Twitchers
• Hints & Tips
• Angling & Birds
• Gardening For Birders
• Birding Blogs
• Accessible Birding
• Birding Organisations
• Birds on Stamps
• Fatbirder’s Birding Advice

Birding Central Russia

By Central Russia we mean the heartland around Moscow consisting of 18 federal areas; the ‘Oblasts’ of Bryansk, Belgorod, Vladmir, Voronezh, Ivanovo, Kaluga, Kostroma, Kursk, Lipetsk, Moscow, Novogorod, Orel, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tambov, Tver, Tula, Yaroslavyl and the City of Moscow (The city of Moscow is not Oblast, but unlike capital cities of other oblasts it is absolutely independent from the Oblast government).

The total area of this part of Russia is 650,700 square kilometers; the population is 36,951,800 people, of whom 29,100,900 live in cities. Over 40 % of the population lives in the City of Moscow and the Moscow region (oblast). This is the most developed area of Russia. Occupying only 3.8% of Russia it is home for 25.4% of population of the country. It is on the leading edge in both social and economical development among remaining 6 Federal Districts of Russia.

This Federal District has a moderate continental climate and covers several natural zones from North to South – coniferous woods, dense woods, forest-steppe and steppe. Areas covered with woods ranges from 60% in the North to 5% in the South. The main terrain type is plain with hills of various sizes and heights. However, there are swamps in the north and da eveloped network of rivers, lakes and ponds make it rather diverse in habitat and appearance.

The variety of birds in the region largely overlaps with the general avifauna of Europe, but it is more diverse than individual European countries. Birding is not developed in this region, in line with Russia in general, either as an individual hobby or as an industry. That is why, for travelling birders it is advisable to find a local person who may assist you in finding your way around, and getting to the birds.

There are numerous good birding spots around the City of Moscow and in the whole district. Most of them are territories of national parks or nature reserves. However, because of long distances, it is difficult to see a lot in a short period of time. The best season for birding is Spring-Summer (from early May to mid June), further on, in the summer nesting period birding is less rewarding, but it takes off again in the period of autumn migration (September-October) which creates a fascinating opportunity to observe considerable number of bird species in one day.

Birding Smolensk If you need to visit Smolensk on business there are several interesting areas to bird.Smolensk Lake (about a mile to the south of the city is a large lake approx 1Km x 2Km. There is a large power station situated on the northern shore. To the south of the lake is a large reed bed, and an adjacent, smaller, more vegitated lake).Lakes near Przhevalskoye About 50 miles north of Smolensk there are some lakes which are a popular day trip destination for the residents of Smolensk. There is a bus service, and it is possible to stay at several homes by the small town of Przhevalskoye (named after the famous Russian naturalist explorer. The small museum dedicated to him is well worth a visit ).The tiny village of Veyeno, which is about 30 Km east of Smolensk just south of the main Smolensk – Moscow motorway.Highlights include: Bittern, White Stork, olden Eagle, Lesser=spotted Eagle, Montague’s Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Goshawk, Hazel Grouse, Quail, Whiskered Tern, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Citrine Wagtail, Penduline Tit, Nutcracker, Golden Oriole, Common Rosefinch, Savi’s Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Icternine & Booted Warbler etc.

Bryansky Les Reserve

Ugra national park, zhuravlinaya roina reserve, andrey nedossekin.

Moscow | [email protected]

Olga Batova

Ornithologist - Ecological Travel Center - Moscow | [email protected]

Pavlo Zaltowski

| [email protected]

Atlas - Birds of Moscow City and the Moscow Region

State darwin museum of natural history - moscow, rbcu - central chernozemie branch, rbcu - moscow branch.

Abbreviations Key

NR Bryansky Les

Nr zhuravlinaya rodina, 2006 [06 june] - paul mollatt - suzdal, birds of obninsk, tits of the moscow region.

Fatbirder - linking birders worldwide... Wildlife Travellers see our sister site: WAND