2006 VIETNAM EXPEDITION to the mountains of South Annam
(12 March - 2 April: 22 days)
Recently 3 new species of babblers, Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, Garrulax konkakinhensis, Golden-winged Laughingthrush, Garrulax ngoclinhensis, and Black-crowned Barwing, Actinodura sodangorum, were described from two remote sites in central Vietnam. A dozen new subspecies were also described from there at the same time, including some that are likely to be raised to species level eventually. The area is also good for some of the other special species of Vietnam, such as: Crested Argus (extremely difficult to see), Red-vented Barbet, Short-tailed Scimitar-Babbler, Black-hooded, White-cheeked, and Red-tailed Laughingthrushes, Indochinese Fulvetta (Alcippe danisi), Grey-crowned Tit, Yellow-billed Nuthatch, White-winged and Indochinese Magpies, and Ratchet-tailed Treepie. Other interesting species include: Rufous-throated and Bar-backed Partridges, Silver Pheasant, Brown Hornbill, Silver-breasted and Long-tailed Broadbills, Rusty-naped Pitta, Green Cochoa, Large, Red-billed and Coral-billed Scimitar-Babblers, Cutia, Golden-breasted and Rusty-capped Fulvettas, and Black-throated Parrotbill. This is an expedition involving trekking and camping. You'll need to be in good health and moderate physical shape. Join us for a grand adventure. Leader: Ben King.