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Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Red-billed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps ©Dubi Shapiro Website

Laos, officially the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is the only landlocked country in southeast Asia, traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. It is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia at the heart of the Indochinese peninsula, bordered by Myanmar (Burma) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southwest, and Thailand to the west and southwest. It covers an area of 236,800 km2 (91,400 square miles) with a population of about nine million people. The capital and largest city of Laos with about 750,000 inhabitants is Vientiane and other major cities include Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Pakxe. The country is one of four in the opium poppy growing region known as the “Golden Triangle”. It has a low-income economy, with one of the lowest annual incomes in the world.

Laos has a thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia at 9,242 feet, with some plains and plateaus. The Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand.

Mekong River, Luang Prabang – ©Allie Caulfield CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The mountains of the Annamite Chain form most of the eastern border with Vietnam. here are 2 plateaus, the Xiangkhoang in the north and the Bolaven Plateau at the southern end. Laos can be considered to consist of 3 geographical areas: north, central, and south.

The climate is tropical and monsoonal. There is a distinct rainy season from May to November, followed by a dry season from December to April. Local tradition holds that there are three seasons (rainy, cold and hot) as the latter two months of the climatologically defined dry season are noticeably hotter than the earlier four months.

Birding Laos

The government set aside 21% of the nation’s land area as National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCA), which it intended to be developed into a national park system.

Laos is the home to the Indochinese tiger, giant gaur, Javanese rhinoceros and Asian elephant as well as no less than six gibbon species, two bears and many smaller mammals from pot-bellied pig and leopard cat to marbled cat and hog badger. Reptiles, amphibians and fish are also well represented. A number of animal species have been discovered or re-discovered in Laos in recent years. The Annamite Range has high endemism and species there include the striped or Annamite rabbit, the saola, Truong Son Muntjac and most recently the Laotian rock rat or kha-nyou. All these being discovered in the last two decades.

In the south of the country, mostly within about 50 km (30 miles) of the Mekong River, there are wetlands and swamp forests. These include lakes and ponds, some permanent and some temporary, swamps, and seasonally-flooded grasslands, and these and the surrounding woodlands support a very biodiverse community.

780 species of birds have been recorded although only one is endemic (Bare-faced Bulbul). However, many species are present in greater numbers than other countries because of the less developed country and greater forest cover. Much of Laos still retains its natural tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forest. In the south there are tropical pine forests and on the southern plateau more open deciduous forest with more shrubs and under storey.

Much of Laos lacks adequate infrastructure with no railway system and few paved roads apart from major routes. However, tourism is increasingly important and provision is rapidly growing.

Kuang Si Falls – ©Basile Morin CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Conservation is legally ratified but poorly policed meaning continuing trade in endangered species, forest clearance and killing of wild animals including birds for food. This has led to heavily populated areas having scant bird populations.

With growing wealth and green tourism these trends may diminish as there are still many areas little visited and very much under recorded.

Contributors
Number of Species

  • Number of bird species: 780

    (As at January 2025)
Endemics

  • Number of endemics: 1

    Bare-faced Bulbul Nok hualon
Checklist

  • Avibase

    PDF Checklist
    This checklist includes all bird species found in Laos , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers. If you find any error, please do not hesitate to report them.

  • Wikipedia

    Annotated List
    This is a list of the bird species recorded in Laos. The avifauna of Laos include a total of 779 species, of which two have been introduced by humans.

  • eBird

    PDF Checklist
    This checklist is generated with data from eBird (ebird.org), a global database of bird sightings from birders like you. If you enjoy this checklist, please consider contributing your sightings to eBird. It is 100% free to take part, and your observations will help support birders, researchers, and conservationists worldwide.
Useful Reading

  • A Photographic Guide to Birds of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

    | By Peter Davidson | New Holland | 2009 | Paperback | 144 pages, 260 colour images, one full-colour map | Out of Print | ISBN: 9781847731418 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • Birds of Southeast Asia

    | By Craig Robson | Helm | 2018 | Edition 2 | Paperback | 544 pages, 120 plates with 3600+ colour illustrations; 3 b/w illustrations, 1 colour & 1 b/w map | ISBN: 9781472970404 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • Collins Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia

    | By Norman Arlott | William Collins | 2017 | Hardback | 432 pages, 178 plates with colour illustrations; colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9780007429547 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • Pocket Photo Guide to the Birds of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

    | By Peter Davidson | Bloomsbury Publishing | 2020 | Paperback | 144 pages, colour photos, 1 colour map | Out of Print | ISBN: 9781472982117 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • The 125 Best Bird Watching Sites in Southeast Asia

    | Edited by Yong Ding Li & Low Bing Wen | John Beaufoy Books | Edition 2 | 2018 | 404 pages, colour photos, colour maps | ISBN: 9781912081523 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birding Aps

  • Vietnam Bird Guide

    Apple iOS |
    The app includes bird species occur in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand; advanced gallery view for easy comparison and search; field mark calls; "your observation" can be shared among community of birders or keep as your research database.

Organisations

  • Association Anoulak

    Website
    Association Anoulak (conservation in Lao language) is a French-registered association (registered in September 2014) dedicated to the long-term conservation of biodiversity and human minority communities resilience in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR or Laos), in particular in the Annamite Mountains

  • Bird@Laos

    Facebook Page
    This group is for the discussion and sharing of interesting sightings and photos of birds in Laos.

  • Birdlife International

    Webpage
    BirdLife International in Indochina website covers our activities in Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. You can read about our recent work and the updated news by visting our latest newsletter The Babbler…

  • Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) i

    Website
    Over the past 25 years, WCS Lao PDR has successfully implemented 23 projects with the Government of Lao PDR, supported by more than 30 donors.
Reserves

Abbreviations Key

  • *Protected areas of Laos

    InformationSatellite View
    Interactive lists of national parks, biodiversity areas etc.

  • NBCA Dong Ampham

    InformationSatellite View
    Dong Ampham National Biodiversity Conservation Area contains some of the last intact areas of lowland and tropical forests remaining in mainland Southeast Asia. Rivers flowing through the park include Xe Kaman River and Xe Xou River. The wetlands are home to populations of Siamese crocodiles and elephants and large cats are known to inhabit the park.

  • NBCA Dong Hua Sao

    InformationSatellite View
    Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area is a national protected area in Champasak Province in southern Laos. This forested park rises from the Mekong river lowlands eastwards into the Bolaven Plateau.

  • NBCA IBA Nam Ha

    InformationSatellite View
    Nam Ha National Protected Area is located about 5 kilometres (3 mi) southwest of Luang Namtha and covers parts of all five of the province's districts. The park's area is 2,224 square kilometres (860 sq mi). The park encompasses the Nam Ha Important Bird Area with an area of 1,845 square kilometres (710 sq mi).The park is host to diverse bird species: about 300 species are recorded here.[2] A few species are unique in Laos to Nam Ha: crested finchbill, white-bellied redstart and white-necked laughingthrush.

  • NBCA IBA Phou Xieng Thong

    InformationSatellite View
    The native forests of Phou Xieng Thong host a large variety of animals and birds, including endangered species. At least 16 mammal species and 188 bird species have been catalogued. Animal species include Asian black bear, Sumatran serow, banteng, pangolin, monitor lizard and leopard. The Phou Xiang Thong Important Bird Area (IBA) is located within the park. The IBA covers an area of 367 square kilometres (140 sq mi) including part of the Mekong's eastern bank. Endangered bird species in the IBA include green peafowl, grey-headed parakeet and red-collared woodpecker. Bird species rare within the park include red-vented barbet, eared pitta and grey-faced tit-babbler.

  • NBCA IBA Xe Pian

    InformationSatellite View
    This forested, hilly park is home to significant wetlands and a great diversity of animal, bird and fish species. A large part of the park's boundary follows the border with Cambodia. The park's decreed area is 2,400 square kilometres (930 sq mi) but there have been recent higher estimates of size. Threatened animal species include elephant, tiger, yellow-cheeked gibbon, gaur, dhole, Asian black bear, sun bear, banteng and the critically endangered Sunda pangolin. A part of the Xe Khampho–Xe Pian Important Bird Area (IBA) overlaps the park. 750 square kilometres (290 sq mi) of the IBA's approximate area of 2,000 square kilometres (770 sq mi) lies in Xe Pian. Bird species of important conservation status in the common IBA and park area include white-winged duck, masked finfoot and white-rumped vulture. Elsewhere in the park important species include giant ibis, sarus crane, red-headed vulture, woolly-necked stork and green peafowl.

  • NBCA Nakai-Nam Theun

    InformationSatellite View
    Nakai-Nam Theun covers approximately 3,445 km2 of the Annamite mountains and the adjacent Nakai Plateau in the provinces of Khammouane and Bolikhamxay. More than 400 bird species have been conclusively identified in Nakai–Nam Theun and the adjacent northern extension. This is by far the highest avian species richness of any site yet surveyed in Laos and is the highest recorded in a single protected area in South-East Asia.

  • NBCA Nam Et-Phou Louey

    InformationSatellite View
    The Nakai–Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA), located in Laos, comprises one of the most pristine wildernesses remaining in Southeast Asia. Nakai–Nam Theun NBCA covers approximately 3,445 km2 of the Annamite mountains and the adjacent Nakai Plateau in the provinces of Khammouane and Bolikhamxay. The reserve headquarters is located in Nakai, the capital of Nakai District.The park consists mainly of mountains and hills, with elevations ranging between 336 and 2257 metres. The area is the source of many rivers. It is named after the Nam Et River and Phou Louey Mountain ('Forever Mountain'). The area has a high level of biodiversity and endangered species including tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, marbled cat, civet, gaur, Sambar deer, white-cheeked gibbon, sun bear, black bear, Asian elephant, dhole, hornbill and three species of otter.

  • NBCA Nam Kading

    InformationSatellite View
    Surveys in Nam Kading have documented many endangered species. There are at least 13 globally and 12 regionally threatened mammals. Gaur, sun bear, and both northern and southern white-cheeked crested gibbon are present, making the area particularly important for gibbon conservation…

  • NBCA Phou Khao Khouay

    InformationSatellite View
    It is located 40 kilometres (25 mi) northeast of Vientiane. It was established on 29 October 1993 covering an area of 2,000 km2 extending into Xaisomboun Province, Vientiane Prefecture, Vientiane Province, and Bolikhamsai Province. It includes a large stretch of mountain range with sandstone cliffs, river gorges and three large rivers with tributaries which flow into the Mekong River. Animals found in the park include elephants, tigers, bears, 13 pairs of white-cheeked gibbons, langurs, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Sightings of the green peafowl have been reported near Ban Nakhay and Ban Nakhan Thoung, although it was generally once considered extinct in Laos.

  • NBCA Phou Xang He

    InformationSatellite View
    This mostly pristine forested park is home to a large variety of important animal and bird species. The park's area has been estimated at 1,180 square kilometres (460 sq mi). Bird life includes the threatened red-collared woodpecker. Other less vulnerable species include ratchet-tailed treepie and mountain fulvetta.

  • NR Bokeo

    InformationSatellite View
    Bokeo Nature Reserve is located in Bokeo Province, Laos. The protected area was created to protect its population of the black-cheeked gibbon, discovered in 1997 which was previously thought to be extinct. The protected area, 475 square miles (1,230 km2) in size, is characterized by a mix-deciduous forest and mountainous terrain (elevation ranging from 500-1500m). Asian elephants and wild water buffalo migrate through the reserve; bears and tigers are also present.

  • NR NBCA Hin Namno

    InformationSatellite View
    Hin Namno National Biodiversity Conservation Area is a nature reserve in Khammouane Province, Laos. This area borders Phong Nha-Ke Bang of Vietnam to the east.

  • WII Xe Champhone Wetlands

    InformationSatellite View
    Xe Champhone Wetlands located in Savannakhet Province, in southern Laos and includes a large plain containing perennial and seasonal river channels, scattered lakes, ponds, permanent and seasonal freshwater marshes and rice paddy fields.

  • Wetlands of International Importance

    WebpageSatellite View
    The Lao People's Democratic Republic currently has 2 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 14,760 hectares.
Sightings, News & Forums
Guides & Tour Operators

  • BirdQuest

    Tour Company
    CAMBODIA & LAOS – from Giant and White-shouldered Ibises and Milky Stork to Bare-faced Bulbul and Cambodian Laughingthrush

  • Birdfinders

    Tour Company
    An extension to Laos for Bare-faced Bulbul is also available.

  • Cambodia Bird Guide Association

    Local Tour Company
    Our trip to Laos targets the country’s one endemic species, the recently discovered Bare-faced Bulbul, as well as several other rare and range-restricted species in the limestone karst forest such as Red-collared and Pale-headed Woodpeckers, Sooty Babbler and Limestone Leaf Warbler.

  • Paradissa

    Tour Company
    Follow the dedicated on the ground birders at Paradissa on amazing bird quests and bird watching tours through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

  • Rockjumper

    Tour Company
    Laos - Bare-faced Bulbul Extension

  • Royle Safaris

    Tour Company
    Travel to and discover one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept travel secrets; Laos is a wonderful destination, full of great people, forests, rugged mountains and some of the world’s rarest wildlife.

  • WildBirdEco

    Tour Company
    Our tour service has run the business for 15 years. We are also well known to local media as Thailand
Trip Reports

  • 2016 [02 February] - Mike Nelson - Laos & Cambodia

    PDF Report
    ...So it was fitting we began our tour in the landlocked Laos where we secured great looks at the aforementioned bulbul as well as a fine suit of accompanying birds including Red-vented Barbet, Limestone Leaf Warbler and Sooty Babbler...

  • 2018 [02 February] - Mike Nelson - Cambodia & Laos

    PDF Report
    The dry deciduous forests, open grasslands, marshy wetlands and limestone karst of Cambodia and Laos make for some brilliant birding. Some of South-east Asia's most sought-after rarities reside here like Giant and White-shouldered Ibis, Greater Adjutant, Milky Stork, Bengal Florican, Cambodian Laughingthrush and recently described Bare-faced Bulbul, and these were just a few of the mouthwatering species we encountered on this tour.

  • 2019 [02 February] - Craig Robson - Cambodia & Laod

    PDF Report
    This year’s tour saw several additions to the itinerary, with Okoki, Phnom Aural and Pursat Grasslands. The main highlights amongst our total of 331 Species were: Chestnut-headed Partridge, Siamese Fireback, Milky Stork at the nest, Greater Adjutant, Giant and White-shouldered Ibises, White-rumped Vulture, Bengal Florican, Oriental Bay Owl, Blyth’s Frogmouth, White-rumped Falcon, Bamboo Woodpecker, Bare-faced Bulbul, Cambodian Tailorbird, Cambodian Laughingthrush, Sooty Babbler, Chinese Grassbird, Green Cochoa, Jerdon’s Bush Chat, Asian Golden Weaver, and Mekong Wagtail. Irrawaddy Dolphin headed-up the mammal list as usual.

  • 2020 [02 February] - Mike Nelson

    PDF Report
    ...Wintering Manchurian Reed Warbler and Yellow-breasted Buntings were greatly appreciated, and in neighbouring Laos the recently described Bare-faced Bulbul inhabits the limestone karst of the western Annamites.

  • 2023 [03 March] - Bill Simpson

    PDF Report
    ...Laos easily produced the Bare-faced Bulbuls and Sooty Babblers. We could have spent less time in Laos as it wasn’t that good away from Na Hin, and if we did I would have seen the Wood Snipe at Doi Inthanon...

  • 2023 [11 November] - Geoff Upton

    PDF Report
    In transit from Cairns to Laos we had to stay a night at a hotel opposite Suvarnabhumi airport, where I enjoyed looking at the abundant birds in the patchy green spaces between the concrete buildings. Red Collared-doves were particularly numerous, with at least one Zebra Dove among them. Common Mynas were accompanied by some White-vented Mynas and a Siamese Pied Myna. A Malaysian Pied Fantail sang constantly outside our window, and a perusal of the palm tree tops from the window provided an Ashy Drongo, a Long-tailed Shrike and some Asian Palm Swifts zipping around.

  • 2024 [03 March] - Craig Robson

    PDF Report
    2024 saw another highly successful tour of these two South-East Asian neighbours. A

  • 2024 [03 March] - Rob Jansen

    PDF Report
    This trip report covers our trip to Laos & Cambodia. We travelled there from the 18th of February until the 15th of March 2024. F

  • 2024 [03 March] - Sin Yong Chee Keita

    PDF Report
    A quick solo trip to Laos, a nation that is ornithologically rather underexplored. My birding targets included the endemic Bare-faced Bulbul, almost endemic Sooty Babbler, habitat specific Limestone Leaf Warbler, isolated population of Green-backed Tit, and call me unrealistic, but Spot-bellied Eagle-owl. T
Other Links

  • Birds of Laos

    Website
    This is a list of the bird species recorded in Laos. The avifauna of Laos include a total of 701 species, of which two have been introduced by humans and eight are rare or accidental. Twenty-five species are globally threatened.

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