Thailand Birding 2023: Day 12 & 13: Friday and Saturday - 3 & 4 March 2023

Doi Inthanon National Park protects Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, which has its summit 2565 metres (8415 feet) above sea level. This Park is unique in Thailand as it is 300 metres higher than any other mountain in the country which allows it to support a tract of upper montane forest and Thailand's only sphagnum bog (albeit a very small one). We will have two full days to explore this park. Although there is quite extensive deforestation in places, due to a sizeable hill-tribe population, there remain large areas of quality habitat which is home to a very high number of species.

Golden-fronted Leafbird

White-capped Redstart

Cosmos

Blyth's Leaf Warbler

Asian Emerald Cuckoo

Banded Bay Cuckoo

The long road to the summit provides many places to stop and access the forest which is magnificent in places; particularly the moss-clad forest at higher altitudes. Doi Inthanon has so many birding highlights it is almost impossible to mention them all without giving the entire checklist for the National Park.

Spiderhunter

Silver-eared Laughingthrush

Rufous-winged Fulvetta

Doi Inthanon Sunbird

This mountain spans a number of habitats and consequently contains the birds associated with them. The summit area, which is higher than any other in Thailand, provides some of the most memorable bird watching on the mountain, perhaps even the whole country; Chestnut-tailed Minla, Green-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-winged Fulvetta and Silver-eared Laughingthrush are very abundant in this area. The sheer size of Doi Inthanon National Park means that a high species total can be expected on any visit.