SICHUAN 2 25 MAY 2010 TOUR REPORT

Transcription

1 SICHUAN 2 25 MAY 2010 TOUR REPORT LEADER: HANNU JÄNNES The Birdquest tour to Sichuan province in Central China, once again proved a great success. A total of 302 species were recorded, including a large number of Sino-Himalayan specialties and 127 of Birdquest s special diamond birds. Families especially well represented included no fewer than 14 species of pheasants and partridges, 34 species of warbler (including 16 Phylloscopus ), 37 species of babblers (including a remarkable nine species of parrotbill) and a whopping 12 species of rosefinch! The bird-of-the-trip was the incredible Firethroat, which we saw very well in Wolong. Other highlights included such stunning and difficult to get species as Tibetan Snowcock, Snow Partridge, Lady Amherst s, Golden, White Eared and Blue Eared Pheasants, Severtzov's (or Chinese) Grouse, Black-necked Crane, Wood Snipe, Grandala, Severtzov s and Crested Tit-Warblers, Great, Greyhooded, Three-toed, Golden and Fulvous Parrotbills, Sukatschev s, Barred and Giant Laughingthrushes, Emei Shan Liocichla, Sooty, White-browed and Père David s Tits, Przevalski s Nuthatch, Sichuan Jay, Hume s Groundpecker, Slaty Bunting, and Sharpe's, Three-banded and Redbreasted Rosefinches. Mammal highlights included a Grey Wolf, many Chinese Ghorals, Tufted Deer and Hog Badger. Other features of this trip are the incredibly beautiful mountain scenery and the tasty food, which all contribute to make this trip such an enjoyable experience. As this was our first Sichuan tour after the devastating earthquake in 2008, which killed 70,000 people and completely destroyed a lot of the infrastructure in Western Sichuan, pre-tour I was a little worried about some stretches of the route, especially around the hard hit Wolong region, but everything turned out well. Admittedly we did experience some last minute changes in the itinerary and two 'emergency evacuations' because of a land slide and massive road works, which cost us a some birding time in prime habitats, but this seems to be more the norm than an exception when birding in Western China. The international group met in Chengdu, bustling capital of Sichuan province. At noon we were able to do a couple of hours birding in one of the city parks after formalities and check-in. During our afternoon visit the park was crowded with people due to national holiday, but we still managed to find some interesting lowland species including many Vinous-throated Parrotbills, Chinese Blackbirds, two Rufous-faced Warblers, Spotted Doves, lots of Chinese Bulbuls and White-browed Laughingthrushes, David's Fulvettas (a recent split from Grey-cheeked Fulvetta), Black-throated Tits 1 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

2 and a pair of Long-tailed Shrike. However, the most surprising find was a first-summer Crested Goshawk, which I had not seen here before. Early next morning we were back in the park and added Chinese Spot-billed Duck, Common Cuckoo, Common Koel, two Collared Finchbills, a singing Large-billed Leaf Warbler (apparently wintering here), Asian Paradise Flycatcher, a group of rather confiding Streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, two Rufous-capped Babblers, eight Yellow-billed Grosbeaks, one Black-faced Bunting and finally, after a search, Ashy-throated Parrotbill, to our bird list. Then it was time to head for the famous Wawu Shan stopping en route for a roadside Grey-faced Buzzard that showed brilliantly, a couple of Chinese Sparrowhawks, three Black Bazas, and a Black-capped Kingfisher. After entering the Wawu Shan Geopark, we soon located a Plain-tailed (or Alström's)Warbler, a few Kloss s Leaf Warblers, two Brown-breasted Flycatchers, some really showy Blue Magpies and a heard only Snowy-browed Flycatcher. On the drive up to our hotel a male Lady Amherst's Pheasant on the road side gave us an extra boost of adrenalin, but unfortunately it disappeared before we all managed to see it. We started our first full day in this birder's paradise with the traditional 'gamebird' drive along the main road, which produced several, typically rather brief, sightings of both male and female Lady A's for most of us, and also a brief female Temminck's Tragopan, a much more difficult bird to see here. In addition a White-backed Woodpecker and a group of Buffy Laughingthrushes were a bonus. Then we took the half an hour cable car ride to the top plateau of the Wawu mountain, which is a mixture of coniferous forest, with dense, impenetrable bamboo undergrowth, and beautiful flowering Rhododendrons. Our birding here, along the narrow trails, was a bit slow due to the rather thick mist, but we still managed to find excellent array of quality birds including Brown, Great, Three-toed and Fulvous Parrotbills, Black-faced and Elliot's Laughingthrushes, Aberrant and Brown Bush Warblers, Buff-throated Warbler, Golden and White-browed Bush Robins, Greenish, Buff-barred and Sichuan Leaf Warblers, Slaty-blue and Rufous-gorgeted Flycatchers, Grey-crested, Rufous-vented and Coal Tits, Hodgson's (split from Eurasian) and the range restricted Sichuan Treecreepers. Around noon the mist changed to drizzle, which gradually became stronger, and we decided to head down. After a relaxed coffee break at our accommodation we did another gamebird drive along the main road, which produced additional encounters with Lady Amherst's Pheasants, bringing the day's total of Lady A sightings to 11! Rain was the theme of the first part of our second day on Wawu, which was spent birding areas around, and below, our accommodation. Best birds included Emei Shan Liocichla, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, really excellent views of a flock of Fire-capped Tits, Chestnut-crowned, Grey-crowned and Marten's Warblers, and amazing Golden-breasted Fulvettas. Our search for Emei Leaf Warbler was less successful, however, as we only managed to hear two birds singing occasionally. One of these birds was moving with a large group of Kloss s and Claudia's Warblers, but it did not really respond to our playback and was impossible to locate in the flock. After lunch we took a walk on a narrow side trail looking for the Gold-fronted Fulvetta, which has been sighted here on and off during the last few years, but only found a Darjeeling Woodpecker. Late afternoon was spent again lower down, where we had really good views of two different groups of showy Golden Parrotbills. What an amazing little birds they are. The next morning, which thankfully was dry, the group was split into 'fulvetta' and 'game bird' teams. The 'fulvetta' team headed back into the dense bushes and had great time admiring a mixed flock of Golden-breasted and Grey-hooded Fulvettas, but the Gold-fronted Fulvetta was a no-show. Meanwhile the 'game bird' team scored five Lady A's lower down along the main road. Next on our schedule was a visit to the top of the mountain, which was delayed by an hour and a half due to a power cut. Whilst waiting near the cable car station we had excellent views of a pair of Emei Shan Liocichlas and a single Vinaceous Rosefinch. Once on the top, our primary target was the endemic, range restricted Grey-hooded Parrotbill, which we eventually located, and obtained really stunning views down to few meters. Other birds seen here included our first Rufous-breasted Accentor, two 2 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

3 Golden Bush and several White-browed Bush Robins, heard only Chestnut-crowned Bush Warbler, Stripe-throated Yuhinas and Dark-rumped Rosefinch. In the afternoon we had an emergency evacuation from the upper part of the mountain due to a landslide lower down the road, which threatened to close the road completely for days, and we moved to another hotel at the base of the mountain one day earlier than we had planned. The next morning we had a pre-breakfast birding session around the gate to Wawu Shan, where two glimpsed Chinese Bamboo Partridges, two Slaty-backed Forktails, a very confiding Russet Bush Warbler and some Black-chinned Yuhinas were seen. We then tried to enter the Wawu Shan Geopark again to search for low and middle altitude species we were still missing, but our (and everybody else's) access was denied as the road was now closed for three days because of road repairs. As there was nothing we could do where we were, we headed lower down the hills, where the birding was surprisingly good, but didn't cover all the species we had lost. Best birds along the route to Qingcheng Shan, our destination for the night, included an attractive male Asian Emerald Dove, which was a write-in, a showy Brown-capped (or Dusky) Fulvetta, Hwamei, Brown-breasted Bulbul, Taiga Flycatcher, yet another Chinese Sparrowhawk, our first Oriental Turtle Doves and Plain-tailed Warbler. Our accommodation at Qingcheng Shan was an interesting labyrinth of staircases and narrow corridors! The next morning we started our journey to Wolong very early, as our driver wanted to pass the notorious epicentre area of the 2008 earthquake, before the workers at the massive road works in the area would start their job, and slow us down. The view at the epicentre was a shock. All the forest and soil on the steep slopes of the valley had disappeared, leaving behind a moonscape devoid of life. At Sauwan village, which had also been badly affected by the earthquake, we checked into the best available accommodation. It was actually quite comfortable, but nothing compared with the now abandoned three star hotel in which we used to stay. The rest of the day was spent birding around the village, which produced, despite the continuous rain, some good birds including the only Red Turtle Dove of the trip, our first Daurian Redstarts, Chestnut Thrushes, Slaty-backed Flycatchers, Greybacked Shrikes and Spotted Nutcrackers, a nice Chinese Babax, a flock of Grey-headed Bullfinches, two Yellow-throated Buntings, one brief Slaty Bunting, and, best of all, a pair of Sharpe's Rosefinches (split from Spot-winged Rosefinch), a species seldom seen on this route. The biggest surprise of the day was a first-summer Blue-throated Flycatcher, a vagrant here. The new day at Wolong dawned clear and sunny, and we worked pretty hard on a steep forested hillside near our accommodation, where our primary goal was the elusive Golden Pheasant. This time we were very lucky as most of us secured a quick, decent view, of a marvellous male climbing a small tree. Further up the slopes there was another male, but for the leader only, and five or so heard only birds, a pair of Slaty Buntings that showed for all of us, two Sooty Tits, Indian Robin, and another Blue-throated Flycatcher, seen well and photographed! This was getting a bit spooky, two vagrant Blue-throated Flycatchers in as many days, or perhaps it was the same bird that had moved! After lunch the main group headed higher up along the main road, while Dominique and Bob went back to the pheasant area for another try. Our attempt to reach some high altitude pine forest was prevented by a roadworks, so we had to bird some less interesting looking roadside habitats, which produced a big flock of Phylloscs, mainly Sichuan and Buff-barred Leaf Warblers, but also Alpine Leaf (split from Tickell's) and Claudia's Warblers. A nice surprise was to find four Long-tailed Rosefinches feeding on buds, and hear a singing Firethroat, which unfortunately refused to show. Meanwhile, after crawling under bushes, our pheasant team had obtained great views of a pair of Golden Pheasants. The next morning was spent climbing the steep ascent to Wuyipeng Panda Research Station, seeing a stunning male Firethroat (bird of the trip) on the way. Other birds encountered here, along the 'tragopan trail' and around the research station, included heard only Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Redflanked Bluetail, several Rufous-bellied Niltavas, an excellent Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, a single 3 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

4 Great Parrotbill, and several Père David's and Sooty Tits. After a night in the rather basic conditions of the research station, we walked the tragopan trail again, but only managed brief views of a male tragopan. However, when we returned to the research centre, we realised that our local guide was standing in front of our accommodation watching a female tragopan feeding in a tree close by and giving excellent prolonged views. Later we climbed another, much steeper, trail, which was rather unproductive, and turned back at around 3000m a.s.l. All that is except Dominique, who ascended half a kilometre more seeing a gripping Red Panda. On the way down we had brief views of two Barred Laughingthrushes. While the main group birded the Wu Yi Peng area, those who opted to stay in Sauwan, had seen, among other things, a Swinhoe's Minivet. This morning we left our hotel well before sunrise to make sure that we had enough time to reach the key area for Wood Snipe before dawn. As soon as we arrived at our stake-out we heard three snipes displaying around us in the darkness, but our attempts to see them, against a sky that grew slowly paler, were unsuccessful, and it was obvious that we would need to change our strategy if we wanted to see the bird. A quick ascent about 100 meters up the hill proved to be the thing do, and we soon had great views of a displaying snipe both in flight and on the deck in lovely sunshine. After admiring the grand vista over the mountains and valleys of Balang Shan, and a group of White-eared Pheasants on a distant hill side, we headed for the area, where Chinese Monals are often seen. Unfortunately our search was hampered by low cloud, which drifted over the mountains for the rest of the day, and largely prevented us from scanning the hill sides. We did, however, see a good selection of other birds, many of them new for us, including Lammergeier, Himalayan Buzzard, an obliging Verreaux's Monal Partridge, gorgeous Blue-fronted Redstarts, Chestnut and Kessler's Thrushes, Giant Laughingthrush, two very confiding Chinese Fulvettas, Chinese Beautiful, Sharpe's and Chinese White-browed Rosefinches. In the late afternoon we checked the extremely foggy Balang Shan pass (4500m a.s.l.) for anything of interest, and managed, despite the poor visibility, to find Snow Pigeons, Alpine Accentors, four Grandalas, and Plain Mountain Finches. We drove to Rilong town, situated on the other side of the Balang Shan pass, for the night. Early next morning we were back in the monal area, but things were not looking good as the visibility was even poorer than the previous day with low cloud. We spent the first half of the day birding in the general area waiting for the cloud to clear, but they didn't! Best birds of a rather frustrating morning included really good views of four White-eared Pheasants, two Collared Grosbeaks and Vinaceous Rosefinch. For the lunch we drove some distance down towards Wolong, and birded road side scrub, chasing a very skulking Firethroat (another one was heard nearby) and Chestnut-crowned Bush-warbler, and found a group of Chinese Babax. Dominique, our mammal specialist, scanned distant hillsides for anything interesting and found five different Chinese Ghorals. Other good mammals sighted here included Tufted Deer and Hog Badger. In the evening we worked the still foggy Balang Shan pass as we still needed several high altitude species, and managed to find rather distant, but still very acceptable, calling Snow Partridge. Then we drove down to Rilong for the night in heavy rain. Next morning the sky was finally clear, and we headed straight to the Balang Shan pass, which was covered in fresh snow from previous night. Our first target bird, a pair of magnificent Tibetan Snowcock were spotted on the road side, and later watched walking on the hillside, the male calling to another snowcock male higher up. After enjoying this spectacular bird for quite some time, we moved higher up admiring the amazing view over the snow covered valleys and distant mountain tops bathing in the early morning sun. Thanks to the excellent weather birds were very active and the birding was easy. In quick succession we bagged a nice Snow Partridge (four more were heard), several Snow Pigeons, many Alpine Accentors, a few, unfortunately rather distant, Grandalas, Alpine and Red-billed Choughs, Plain and Brandt's Mountain Finches, and five Red-breasted Rosefinches including some really good close-up views. On the way down to Rilong we stopped in what looked to be good habitat, and soon were admiring an excellent male White-tailed Rubythroat in full song. The rest of the day was spent driving to Maerkang, a city with a strong Tibetan feel. En route we 4 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

5 stopped for a surprise Tiger Shrike, Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martins, Hodgson's Redstart, and a Wallcreeper (for most of us). We spent the next day birding in a splendid, rather peaceful, high-altitude forest near the city of Maerkang. The forest is predominantly coniferous, but there are some Rhododendrons at a high pass, and deciduous forest lower down in the valley. We started birding at a pass which looked good for the Chinese Monal, and spent couple of hours there scanning the hill sides and walking around, finding some interesting birds which included a pair of Tibetan Snowcock and two Grandalas. Our main quarry in these high altitude forests was the Sichuan Jay, which we managed to secure later in the morning, and had great views of a family party of six circling around us for quite some time. A supporting cast of other interesting birds included four Crested Tit-Warblers, which played hide and seek with us, a really showy male Blood Pheasant, Northern Goshawk, two Eurasian Sparrowhawks, Golden Eagle, Verreaux s Monal Partridge, Giant Laughingthrush, Grey-crested, Sichuan (split from Songar Tit), Rufous-vented and Coal Tits, Chinese Beautiful, Pink-rumped, Chinese White-browed and an excellent male Streaked Rosefinch, and White-winged and Collared Grosbeaks. Next morning we were back in the high-altitude forest and found, after initially struggling, a great Long-tailed Thrush singing in a tree top and giving good scope views, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker sharing a tree with Great Spotted Woodpecker, a noisy flock of 40 Common Crossbills and three calling Three-banded Rosefinches. We then had a phone call from our ground agent warning us about massive road works between us and our next destination, which would close the road for three days! As we had no desire to stay where we were for couple of extra days, we rushed back to our hotel in Maerkang, packed our things and headed for the Tibetan plateau and Hongyuan one day earlier than planned for. This was our second 'emergency evacuation' of the trip, and cost us one good birding site on the way. The road under repair was in the worst possible condition, and it is difficult to believe that it could be improved much during the three days it was closed! Anyway, we finally reached the vast, open Tibetan plateau, and birded there en route to our accommodation in Hongyuan, finding several new birds for us including Black Stork, many Ruddy Shelducks, Black-eared Kite, Blacknecked Cranes, a roosting Eurasian Eagle Owl showing well, Azure-winged Magpies and Daurian Jackdaws. Having gained an extra day because of our early departure from Maerkang, it was time improvise again. Instead of staying at Hongyuan for two nights, we decided to head for Ruoergai, another town nearby often visited by birdwatchers, for the second night. As Ruoergai would be new to me, I spent quite some time in the evening searching cyberspace for any useful information, made couple of phone calls to Chinese friends, and finally managed to connected with a Chinese birder who gave me some inside information about the birding possibilities there. On the way to Ruoergai on a beautiful sunny morning, we stopped along the route, and some of the group did the traditional search for Tibetan Partridge, which, once again, proved to be a tricky bird to find here, and only two of us saw the pair running away from us. Other birds in this beautiful area included singing Dusky Warblers, excellent Severtzov's Tit-Warblers, curious Père David's Laughingthrushes and a few White-browed Tits giving great views. Further along the road to Ruoergai we encountered a host of new species including a single Goosander, several Upland Buzzards, over 30 Black-necked Cranes, Pallas's and Brown-headed Gulls, Common Terns, Little Owl, Eurasian Hoopoes, singing Eurasian Wryneck, many Tibetan and Horned Larks, Oriental Skylarks, Pale Martins, two Citrine Wagtails, a White-throated Dipper, several Black Redstarts, bizarre Groundpeckers, Japanese Tits (a split from Great Tit) of the highland form tibetana, Common Ravens, Rock Sparrows, Twites and Godlewski's Buntings. The mammalian highlight of the day was a Grey Wolf, spotted by Dominique, while others were admiring a pair of Tibetan Snowfinches. Early next morning we found ourselves in a promising looking high altitude forest near Ruoergai, where we began by admiring a pair of Blue-eared Pheasants which Phil found, even before the leader, had had time to finish his morning coffee! Then we walked around the area checking an 5 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

6 entrance to a narrow forested valley, where we had great views of an immaculate male White-bellied Redstart, and then a close, very cute Przevalski s Nuthatch. Excited by our success we tried another valley, where some glimpsed a Severtzov's Grouse rushing over the trail. In order to obtain good views of this quality bird for everyone, we drew up a plan that would have made even Rommel envy us, but as often happens, in the end we all had to rush up a steep hillside before the bird gave up and showed very well. Later in the morning we scanned some open areas nearby spotting 25 Crested Honey Buzzards on migration, and many Oriental Crows, a new bird for our list. In the afternoon we drove to Jiuzhaigou stopping en route at yet another high altitude pass, where a short birding session produced excellent views of a pair of Crested Tit-warbler, two Chinese Fulvettas and a brief Severtzov's Grouse for some. We reached our accommodation in Jiuzhaigou, our base for the next three nights, before dusk. As the gates to Jiuzhaigou didn t open until 7.30 am, we had a bit of a lie in before entering this very scenic World Heritage site, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of China. We first headed for a peaceful side valley, where our target bird, the little known and enigmatic Rufousheaded Robin lives. We soon located two different singing birds, but as usual they were real skulkers and very difficult to see. In the end, after several attempts, only couple of us had managed to glimpse the bird. Later we checked other sites inside the park, where many Slaty-backed Flycatchers, two Wallcreepers, two House Sparrows (!), two Three-banded Rosefinches, and three Spectacled Parrotbills (ninth parrotbill species of the trip) offered some consolation. Next morning we headed back to the robin valley, stopping en route for an excellent pair of Severtzov's Grouse and a Chinese Nuthatch, a new bird for us. Once in the valley we apparently found a new, third robin, which again was very shy, and gave only the briefest of glimpses. Other birds in this pleasant area included Lesser Cuckoo, another new for our list. During a buffet lunch in a local 'feeding station', it started to rain, and the valley, where we spent next couple of hours, was very, very wet and completely devoid of birds! Despite the heavy rain we decided to continue birding, and took yet another walk, this time at Primeval Forest, where we found a really good Maroon-backed Accentor, and a close, but wet, male Three-banded Rosefinch. On the way back to our vehicle we came across a roofed terrace, which offered perfect shelter from the rain, and decided to have a scan around from there. It didn't take long before we had bagged in a Blyth's Pipit (grounded migrant here), a pair of Slaty-backed Flycatchers, two pairs of close Three-banded Rosefinches and an excellent perched Northern Goshawk. A nice end to a rather tough day's birding! Next morning started before sunrise outside our hotel, where we first heard, and then saw, two Grey Nightjars flying over a scrubby hillside. Then we headed for the Gongangling area, where we worked hard for a vocal, but uncooperative Sukatschev's Laughingthrush. Luckily later in the morning we had another chance for this range restricted species, and had decent views of a pair. Also two Blue-eared Pheasants, 50 migrating Oriental Honey Buzzards, and a Przevalski s Nuthatch were seen during the morning session. After yet another picnic lunch, we headed for a lake, where some Mallards, a Blyth's Pipit, Common Moorhens, Brown Shrike and a surprise Grey-headed Lapwing, kept us entertained. In the late afternoon we checked some scrub in the outskirts of Jiuzhaigou city, finding a family party of six Black-streaked Scimitar-babblers, a new bird for the list. The next morning we saw an excellent Spectacled Fulvetta, yet another new bird for us, before heading towards Qingcheng Shan and the lowlands. Again, due to yet more road works, we were forced to change our plan and follow a route that took us eleven, rather than the usual eight, hours. On the way we had a comfort stop at a pass which produced two magnificent White-throated Needletails, and another stop for lunch, where we found couple of Russet Sparrows, a bird we still needed for the list. We reached Qingchenshan well after sun set. Our last morning in Sichuan began with birding in the vicinity of our hotel, where in a couple of hours we saw some interesting birds including Sulphur-breasted Warbler, Black-naped Oriole, Forest 6 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

7 Wagtail, Swinhoe's Minivet, a brief Bamboo Partridge, Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo, Buff-bellied (or Fire-breasted) Flowerpecker, David's and Brown-capped Fulvettas, several Hair-crested Drongos and a pair of Tiger Shrikes. Then it was time to head back to Chengdu for a good lunch before commencing our homeward journeys. 7 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

8 SYSTEMATIC LIST Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). PODICEPIDIDAE Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis: Scattered few in suitable habitats. ARDEIDAE Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: Rather common at Du Fu's. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus: Scattered records in the lowlands and on the Tibetan plateau. Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus: Scattered records of small numbers. Little Egret Egretta garzetta: Scattered records of small numbers. CICONIIDAE Black Stork Ciconia nigra: One in the Hongyuan region. ANATIDAE Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea: Quite common in the Hongyuan region Mallard Anas platyrhynchos: Fairly common at a lake near Jiuzhaigou. Chinese Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha: One in Chengdu. Goosander (Common Merganser) Mergus merganser: One in the Hongyuan region. ACCIPITRIDAE Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes: Three on the way to Wawu Shan were a surprise. Subspecies wolfei. Crested Honey Buzzard (Oriental H B) Pernis ptilorhyncus: Scattered records including 25 on migration at Baxi forest and 50 at Gongaling few days later. These northward migrating birds belong to subspecies orientalis. Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus: One in Wolong, and fairly common in the Hongyuan-Ruoergai region. Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus: A total of four adults in the Balang Shan area. Himalayan Griffon Vulture (H Griffon) Gyps himalayensis: Small numbers were noted almost daily from Wolong to Jiuzhaigou. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis: Singletons at Mengbi Shan, Baxi forest and Jiuzhaigou, where we had great views of a perched adult. Subspecies khamensis. Chinese Sparrowhawk (Chinese Goshawk) Accipiter soloensis: Total of four on the hills on the way to Wawu Shan. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus: Two at Mengbi Shan, and one non-leader bird at Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies melaschistos. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus: One first-summer bird showing well at Du Fu's park in Chengdu was a bit of a surprise. Subspecies indicus. Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus: Great views of one on the way to Wawu Shan. Himalayan Buzzard Buteo burmanicus: Small numbers from Balangshan to Jiuzhaigou. Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius: 12 individuals in the Hongyuan region, and three between Ruoergai and Gongangling. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos: One at Mengbi Shan and two in Jiuzhaigou. FALCONIDAE Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus: A handful of birds were noted. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus: One at Sauwan village in Wolong. 8 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

9 PHASIANIDAE Severtzov s Grouse Bonasa sewerzowi: after a short, steep and very quick climb views of a male at Baxi, and great views of a pair on the main road in Jiuzhaigou. Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa: First two relatively distant individuals and then a closer individual at Balang Shan. In addition several groups were heard in the same general area. Verreaux s Monal Partridge (Chestnut-throated P) Tetraophasis obscurus: Great views of one at Balang Shan, where a few groups were also heard. Some views were also obtained at Mengbi Shan. Jules Pierre Verreaux ( ) was a French natural historian. He was employed as an ornithologist and plant collector for the Musée d'histoire Naturelle, in Paris, which sent him to Australia in He returned back to France ten years later with a collection of natural history specimens reported to number 115,000 items! Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus: Great views of three birds at Balang Shan pass, and two were noted by some of us at Mengbi Shan too. Tibetan Partridge Perdix hodgsoniae (NL): Brief views of two in the Hongyuan region. Chinese Bamboo Partridge Bambusicola thoracica: Two were flushed at Wawu Shan, and one more at Qingcheng Shan. In addition a few birds were heard in both places. Nominate subspecies. Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus: This time only one sighting for the whole group, an excellent male at Menbi Shan. In addition Dominique saw one above Wu Yi Peng, and another one at Baxi forest. In addition a few birds were heard at Wu Yi Peng, and Mengbi Shan. Subspecies involved is apparently berezowskii. Temminck s Tragopan Tragopan temminckii: Rather difficult to find this year. First one, a female, on the roadside at Wawu Shan, was close, but took off a little too soon. At Wu Yi Peng we had our first decent views of a male, but not all of us, and later the same day an obliging female was foraging in a tree next to the research station at Wu Yi Peng giving great prolonged views. In addition a female was seen very briefly the same morning by the leader only, and Dominique had five females on his walk above the research station. Coenraad Jacob Temminck ( ) was a Dutch ornithologist, illustrator and collector, who was the first Director of the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, in Leiden. Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha (H): Heard at Wu Yi Peng, Balangshan and Mengbi Shan. The subspecies involved is ruficollis. White Eared Pheasant Crossoptilon crossoptilon: First a distant group of eight at Balangshan, then the next day a much closer group of four giving great views. In addition one was heard at Balangshan, and another in the forests of Mengbi Shan. It is considered as Nearthreatened by BirdLife International in Threatened Birds of the World. Blue Eared Pheasant Crossoptilon auritum: Good scope views of two at Baxi Forest, where we also heard one individual, and Dominique saw a third individual. In addition two birds were seen, and a few more heard at Gongangling. Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus: Scattered records of small numbers from Balang Shan to Jiuzhaigou. Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus: Common and easily heard but difficult to see at Wolong. After hard work most of us had good views of a male at Sauwan one morning, and another, leader only male, a later the same morning. Dominique and Bob, unhappy with their earlier sighting, spent the afternoon in the same area eventually getting great views of a pair. Lady Amherst s Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae: Easy to see on Wawu Shan this year. On best day we had a total of, typically rather brief, 11 sightings, including several stunning males. RALLIDAE White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus: One at Wolong. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: Three near Jiuzhaigou. 9 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

10 GRUIDAE Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis: First five on the way to Hongyuan, and a total of 39 the next day between Hongyuan and Ruoergai, with excellent views. It is considered as Nearthreatened by BirdLife International in Threatened Birds of the World. CHARADRIIDAE Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus: One at the lake near Jiuzhaigou was a surprise. SCOLOPACIDAE Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola: We had really great views of one in broad daylight both in display flight and on the deck at Balang Shan. In addition two more birds were heard lower down the valley. Common Redshank Tringa totanus: A handful of birds in the Hongyuan region. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: One in the Hongyuan region. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: Four in the Hongyuan region. LARIDAE Pallas's Gull Larus ichthyaetus: Five in the Hongyuan region. German zoologist Peter Simon Pallas ( ) was one of the greatest of the 18th century naturalists, who earned his doctorate at the age of just 19 years! He explored widely in the lesser known areas of Russia, and described many new species of mammals, birds, fish and insects. Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus: Two in the Hongyuan region. STERNIDAE Common Tern Sterna hirundo: Small numbers of the dark tibetana subspecies at wetlands in the Hongyuan region. COLUMBIDAE Rock Dove (R Pigeon) Columba livia: Feral birds were fairly common in the Red Basin, with a few elsewhere. Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris: Three in the gorge country between Balang Shan and Maerkang, and 20 in the fields near Gongangling. Nominate subspecies. Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota: Up to 15 per day of these ultra smart pigeons at Balang Shan. Subspecies gradaria. Red Turtle Dove (R Collared D) Streptopelia tranquebarica: One female at Sauwan in Wolong. Subspecies humilis. Oriental Turtle Dove (Rufous T D) Streptopelia orientalis: Small numbers at Wolong, and one in Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies orientalis. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis: Small numbers in Chengdu and at Qingcheng Shan. Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides: Widespread and fairly common in forested areas. Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus (H): Two birds were heard at Qingcheng Shan. Common Cuckoo (Eurasian C) Cuculus canorus: Widespread and fairly common from Wolong to Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies bakeri. Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus (H): Several were heard from Wawu Shan to Wolong, and again in the Jiuzhaigou area. This southern form has been recently split from the form breeding in northern Eurasia, which is now called Horsfield s Cuckoo Cuculus optatus. Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus: One seen rather distantly, and another one heard at Jiuzhaigou. Nominate subspecies. Fork-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus dicruroides: A few birds were seen, with some good scope views, and heard in the Qingcheng Shan area. This is a recent split within the widespread Drongo-Cuckoo complex. 10 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

11 Common Koel (Asian K) Eudynamys scolopacea: One male was seen in Chengdu. In addition we heard the species in the lowlands between Wawu Shan and Qingcheng Shan, and at Qingcheng Shan. Subspecies chinensis. Asian Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculatus: A male in the hills below Wawu Shan en route to Qingcheng Shan was a great surprise and a write-in. STRIGIDAE Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia (H): One was calling outside our accommodation at Wawu Shan, and another one was outside our hotel at the base of the mountain. World listers take note that according to Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide, significant and consistent geographic variation in song congruent with morphology among races of this species indicates that further studies may lead to new splits among this widely distributed species. Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo: One roosting bird showed really well on the plateau near Hongyuan. Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei (H): One was heard at Wu Yi Peng. Nominate subspecies. Little Owl Athene noctua: One between Hongyuan and Ruoergai. CAPRIMULGIDAE Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka: Two were first heard, then seen, flying over a hill side near our hotel in Jiuzghaigou at dawn. Not the greatest views, but two pairs of flying eye-flashes and a silhouette against the paler sky (plus the song) were enough to make some of us happy. Based on consistent morphological and vocal differences, Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide, now splits off this northern form from the South Indian and Sri Lanka taxa, which it calls Indian Jungle Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus. APODIDAE Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris: Small numbers almost daily from Wawu Shan to Wolong. Subspecies innominata. White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus: Two at a high pass on the way from Jiuzhaigou to Qingcheng Shan. Fork-tailed Swift (Pacific S) Apus pacificus: Fairly widespread but patchy, in small or moderate numbers. Subspecies kanoi. House Swift Apus nipalensis: Two in Chengdu. Subspecies subfurcatus. ALCEDINIDAE Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata: Two along the approach road to Wawu Shan. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: One at the lake near Jiuzhaigou. UPUPIDAE Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops: Two in the Hongyuan region. PICIDAE Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla: One calling bird showed well in the backyard of our lunch place near Hongyuan. Subspecies chinensis. Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius: One was seen, and another one heard, in Jiuzhaigou, and one was heard at Mengbi Shan. The subspecies involved is khamensis. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major: One at Mengbi Shan, and another one at Baxi forest. The subspecies involved is stresemanni, which looks somewhat different from the birds we are used to seeing in Europe. Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis: One seen and another one heard on the top of Wawu Shan. Subspecies desmursi. 11 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

12 White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos: Two at Wawu Shan. The subspecies involved is tangi, which looks quite different from the form occurring in the north of Palearctic region. Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus: One superb bird at Mengbi Shan was at the edge of the species range. A scarce bird in northern Sichuan. Nominate subspecies. Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus: Noted at Wawu Shan, Wolong, and at Jiuzhaigou. The subspecies in concern is setschuanus. Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis (H): Heard at Wawu Shan and Wolong. Subspecies sinensis. ALAUDIDAE Tibetan Lark (Long-billed Calandra L) Melanocorypha maxima: A total of ten in the Hongyuan region, here at the edge of the species distribution. Nominate subspecies. Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula: Common in the Hongyuan region. Subspecies inopinata. Horned Lark (Shore L) Eremophila alpestris: A handful of birds in the Hongyuan region. Subspecies khamensis. HIRUNDINIDAE Pale Martin Riparia diluta: A few in the Hongyuan region, and at the wetland near Jiuzhaigou. Eurasian Crag Martin (Mountain C M) Hirundo rupestris: Scattered records from Rilong area to Jiuzhaigou. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: Scattered records of small numbers. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica: Fairly common in the lowlands. In addition one between Rilong and Maerkang. Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus: Fairly widespread away from the plains and sometimes fairly numerous, with up to 120 in a day. MOTACILLIDAE Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii: One grounded migrant, on a small patch of grass at the parking lot near Primeval Forest in Jiuzhaigou was a surprise. Another one at the lake near Jiuzhaigou the next day. Olive-backed Pipit (O Tree P) Anthus hodgsoni: Small numbers in suitable habitat from Wawu to Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies involved is nominate hodgsoni. Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus: Common at Wolong and across Balang Shan, and higher reaches of Mengbi Shan. Also one near Jiuzhaigou. Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus: One of these marvellous birds was seen well at Qingcheng Shan, and a few more were heard there. In addition one was heard near Wavu Shan. Citrine Wagtail (Yellow-hooded W) Motacilla citreola: Two breeding birds near Hongyuan were of the handsome black-backed subspecies calcarata. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: Rather common at Wawu Shan, Wolong and Jiuzhaigou. Himalayan Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alboides: Common throughout. Amur Wagtail Motacilla alba leucopsis: Three near our hotel at Jiuzhaigou. CAMPEPHAGIDAE Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus: Fairly common in all higher altitude forested areas. Nominate subspecies. Swinhoe s Minivet (Brown-rumped M) Pericrocotus cantonensis: Six, with some great views, at Qingcheng Shan on our last morning. In addition Ann, Bob and Avril had one at Sauwan village in Wolong. PYCNONOTIDAE Collared Finchbill (C Finch-billed Bulbul) Spizixos semitorques: Two at Du Fu's park, two along the approach road to Wawu Shan, and two at Wolong. Nominate subspecies. 12 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

13 Brown-breasted Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthorrhous: Two in the hills when departing Wawu Shan, and two near Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies andersoni. Chinese Bulbul (Light-vented B) Pycnonotus sinensis: Fairly common in the Red Basin up to the foothills. In addition Dominique had one at nearly 4000 meters between Maerkang and Hongyuan, a rather remarkable record for this lowland bird. Nominate subspecies. Himalayan Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus: Twenty on the hills when departing Wawu Shan, and six at Qingcheng Shan. According to Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide, the entire Asian complex of this widespread species is very diverse and requires taxonomic review (meaning new splits in the future?)! CINCLIDAE White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus: One near Hongyuan, and another one in the Jiuzhaigou area. Subspecies przewalskii. Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii: Three at Wawu Shan, and one at Wolong. Nominate subspecies. TROGLODYTIDAE Winter Wren (Northern W) Troglodytes troglodytes: Recorded in small numbers at Balang Shan, Mengbi Shan, Baxi Forest and in the Jiuzhaigou area. The relatively dark subspecies encountered is szetschuanus. PRUNELLIDAE Maroon-backed Accentor Prunella immaculata: First encounter with a rather flighty individual was at Mengbi Shan, and a total six in the Jiuzhaigou area. In addition Dominque had one above the research station at Wu Yi Peng. Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata: Small numbers at high altitudes at Wawu Shan, Balang Shan, Mengbi Shan, and in the Jiuzhaigou area. Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris: Up to ten in a day high up at Balang Shan. Subspecies berezowskii. TURDIDAE White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana: One was heard from the sky lift on Wawu Shan, and one was seen by Dominque above the research station at Wu Yi Peng. Subspecies cruralis. White-tailed Rubythroat Luscinia pectoralis: One was seen extremely well at Balang Shan, and another one was heard there. The form concerned is the distinct and taxonomically interesting tschebaiewi, which may merit species status. For details, see Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide. Rufous-headed Robin Luscinia ruficeps: This ultra skulker gave us a really tough time this year. Despite hard work on two days only glimpses were obtained. Apparently three different singing males were heard. One of the least known birds in Asia! Firethroat Luscinia pectardens: We had really great views of a male on the way to Wu Yi Peng. In addition we worked on some singing roadside birds below Bayankala Shan, but only managed to obtain quick views for some. Bird of the trip! Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea: Fairly common at Wolong and Jiuzhaigou, although only two were actually seen. Himalayan Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger rufilatus: Fairly common at higher levels in the Maerkang region, Wolong and at Jiuzhaigou. According to Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide this Sino- Himalayan form and the North Eurasian cyanurus have consistent morphological and vocal differences, and they are better treated as separate species. Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus: Three of these glowing birds at upper levels on Wawu Shan, and one by Dominique above Wu Yi Peng. Nominate subspecies. White-browed Bush Robin Tarsiger indicus: Several birds were seen and heard at Wawu Shan, and several more were heard at Wolong. Subspecies yunnanensis. 13 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

14 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros: Common in the Hongyuan region. Subspecies involved is the orange bellied rufiventris. Hodgson s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni: Rather common between Rilong and Ruoergai. Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis: Common in high level forests and alpine meadows at Balang Shan and Mengbi Shan. Also one near Jiuzhaigou. Brian Houghton Hodgson ( ) was an official of the East India Company living in Nepal from 1825 until 1843, and in Darjeeling between 1845 an Hodgson wrote books on Indian birds with Hume and others. He amassed a collection of 9,512 specimens of birds, belonging to 672 species, of which 124 were new to science. He got credit for describing 79 of these, but failed to describe the rest before others did. He described no fewer than 138 different passerines and lodged many species with the British Museum. White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps: Small numbers of these very smart redstarts were seen in the Maerkang region and at Jiuzhaigou. Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus: Three at Wolong and one near Rilong. Subspecies leucopterus. Plumbeous Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosus: Widely distributed and fairly common along rivers throughout, apart from the Hongyuan region. Nominate subspecies. White-bellied Redstart Hodgsonius phaenicuroides: Great views of one at Baxi forest, where another one was heard. Two more were heard at Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies ichangensis. White-tailed Robin Cinclidium leucurum (H): Two were heard at Wawu Shan. Nominate subspecies. White-capped Redstart (River R, River Chat) Chaimarrornis leucocephalus: Fairly common throughout. Grandala Grandala coelicolor: A total of seven at Balang Shan, and two in flight over the pass at Mengbi Shan. Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura: Common in the Hongyuan region, two in the Wawu Shan region, one in Wolong and one at Gongangling. area. Subspecies concerned is przewalskii. Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea: Four on the way from Wawu Shan to Qingcheng Shan. Subspecies haringtoni. Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis: Small numbers at Chengdu and at Qingcheng Shan. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius: One on the way to Maerkang. Subspecies pandoo. Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus: Rather common at Wawu Shan and again en route to Maerkang. In addition single individuals were seen at Wolong and in the Maerkang area. Nominate subspecies. Long-tailed Thrush Zoothera dixoni: One was seen well, and two more heard at Mengbi Shan. In addition one was heard at Baxi, and yet another at a high pass between Jiuzhaigou and Qingcheng Shan. Chinese Blackbird (Mandarin B) Turdus mandarinus: Common at Chengdu and on the way to Qingcheng Shan. Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus: Fairly common from Wolong to Jiuzhaigou, although absent from the Hongyuan region. Subspecies involved is gouldii. Kessler s Thrush (White-backed T) Turdus kessleri: Fairly common from Balang Shan to the approaches to Jiuzhaigou. Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus: Two on the lower slopes of Wawu Shan. SYLVIIDAE Chestnut-headed Tesia Tesia castaneocoronata: One was heard at Wu Yi Peng, and another one was seen there by Dominique. Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes: Common at Wawu Shan, and lower parts of the Wolong valley. In addition, a few were heard near Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies davidiana. Chestnut-crowned Bush Warbler Cettia major: One distant bird was heard at Wawu, but luckily we managed to see one, albeit briefly, at Wolong. Aberrant Bush Warbler Cettia flavolivacea: Common at Wawu Shan. Subspecies dulcivox. 14 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

15 Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler Cettia acanthizoides: Scattered records from high altitude bamboo, with one seen well at Wawu Shan. Nominate subspecies. Grey-sided Bush Warbler Cettia brunnifrons (H): Three heard at Wolong. Spotted Bush Warbler Bradypterus thoracicus (H): One was heard at Wawu Shan. Brown Bush Warbler Bradypterus luteoventris: One came very close, but allowed only brief views, at Wawu Shan. Russet Bush Warbler Bradypterus mandelli: One was seen very well on the lower slopes of Wawu Shan. The scientific name mandelli should be used for this species as the name seebohmi, which is found in many field guides, is in fact a junior synonym. Plain-tailed Warbler Seicercus soror: A few were noted on the lower slopes of Wawu Shan. Nominate subspecies. This is the lowest altitude representative of the Golden-spectacled Warbler complex. Rheindt (2006) suggests the name Alström s Warbler for this species. For further details, see Splits galore: the revolution in Asian leaf warbler systematics. Birding Asia 5 (2006) 25-39). Grey-crowned Warbler Seicercus tephrocephalus: Two were seen, and a few more heard at middle altitude at Wawu Shan. Also heard in the Jiuzhaigou area. Emei Spectacled Warbler (Marten's W) Seicercus omeiensis: Another middle altitude representative of the Golden-spectacled Warbler complex, which was recorded in good numbers at Wawu Shan and also in Wolong. In addition to the small but clear differences in the call and song between this and the previous form, these two species seem to have different habitat preferences too. Rheindt (2006) suggests the name Marten s Warbler for this species. Bianchi s Warbler Seicercus valentini: Common in most high altitude areas. Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaneiceps: Small numbers at Wawu Shan. Subspecies sinensis. Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis: Small numbers in Chengdu, and at Qingcheng Shan. Subspecies fulvifacies. Sulphur-breasted Warbler Phylloscopus ricketti: Three birds with some good views at Qingcheng Shan. Subspecies involved is ricketti. Kloss s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus ogilviegranti: Small numbers of this species were recorded on three days at Wawu Shan. The White-tailed Leaf Warbler is now split into two species Phylloscopus davisoni and Phylloscopus ogilviegranti, which is represented in Sichuan by the subspecies disturbans. Claudia s Warbler Phylloscopus claudiae: Common to fairly common in all mid-altitude forests from Wawu Shan to Jiuzhaigou. Following the splitting of the widespread polytypic Blyth s Leaf Warbler into three separate species, this northernmost taxon becomes Phylloscopus claudiae, Claudia s Warbler. Emei Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus emeiensis (H): A few birds were singing on two days at Wawu Shan, but apparently they were not yet territorial, as they were not responding to our playback. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides: Recorded in small numbers from Wawu Shan to Jiuzhaigou. Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris: Commonly recorded from all forested areas at moderate to high altitudes. Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher: Recorded in good numbers in all high altitude forests. Nominate subspecies. Pallas's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus: One at Du Fu's park in Chengdu on our first day. A transient migrant this far south. Sichuan Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus forresti: Numerous in all higher altitude forested areas. Following the recent splitting of the Sino-Himalayan Lemon-rumped Warbler into two separate species, this monotypic eastern taxon becomes Sichuan Leaf Warbler Ph. forresti. Chinese Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus yunnanensis: Surprisingly scarce this year, possibly due to the earlier timing of this year's tour. Only a handful, with some good views, at Jiuzhaigou. In addition one was heard at Wolong. This recently (1992) described species was originally 15 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

16 named as Ph. sichuanensis, but subsequent studies revealed that five individuals had already been described as Ph. proregulus yunnanensis by La Touche in 1922, which name should thus prevail. For details, see Rheindt (2006). Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus: One seen and two more heard at Du Fu's park in Chengdu, and one in Wolong. A transient migrant this far south. Hume s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei: Small to moderate numbers from the Maerkang region to Jiuzhaigou. In addition one was heard at Wawu Shan, and a total of four in Wolong. The form concerned is mandellii. Allan Octavian Hume ( ) was a famous Theosophist and poet, and an expert in Indian ornithology. He joined the Bengal Civil Service at the age 20 and his ornithological works include three-volume classic 'The Game Birds of India', 'Indian Oology and Ornithology', 'The Nest and Eggs of Indian Birds' and 'Stray Feathers'. A total of 13 bird species have been named after him. Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii: Small numbers from the Maerkang region to Jiuzhaigou. In addition one in Wolong. Nominate subspecies. Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus: One seen and one heard at Du Fu's park in Chengdu, two in Wolong, and a total of six near Hongyuan. The subspecies of Chengdu birds is probably the migrating nominate fuscatus, whereas breeding birds at Hongyuan are apparently robustus (which belongs to Dusky Warbler) and not, as I earlier thought, weigoldi, which has recently been transferred to Smoky Warbler complex. It should be mentioned that the literature of the exact distribution of robustus and weigoldi in Sichuan is rather scant, and somewhat controversial, but a sound sample of a Hongyuan bird seems to match better robustus (Dusky Warbler) than weigoldi (Smoky Warbler). For further details see Martens et al 2008 (intraspecific differentiation of Sino-Himalayan bush-dwelling Phylloscopus leaf warblers with description of two new taxa Vertebrate Zoology 58 (2) ). Alpine Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus occisinensis: Fairly common in high altitude scrub from Balang Shan to the Jiuzhaigou region. Martens et al. (2008): Vertebrate Zoology 58: , splits the Chinese populations of Tickell s Leaf Warbler from the Himalayan populations Ph. affinis. This new species is named as Alpine Leaf Warbler in IOC s World Bird List ( Buff-throated Warbler Phylloscopus subaffinis: Small numbers at Wawu Shan. Goldcrest Regulus regulus: Small numbers from Wolong to Jiuzhaigou. The subspecies in concern is yunnannensis. Severtzov s Tit-Warbler (White-browed T-W) Leptopoecile sophiae: Great views of two in the Hongyuan region. Subspecies obscura. Crested Tit-Warbler Leptopoecile elegans: A total of four, with frustratingly brief views, at Mengbi Shan, but then really great views of two for all of us at Gongangling. It is considered as Near-threatened by BirdLife International in Threatened Birds of the World. MUSCICAPIDAE Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara: Six birds at Wolong, and two near Jiuzhaigou. In addition one was heard near our hotel at Wawu Shan. Subspecies denotata. Chinese Blue Flycatcher Cyornis glaucicomans (H): We pretty much missed our chances to see this bird because of a land slide, which forced us to leave Wawu Shan earlier than planned. The one we heard singing on the way to Qingshenshan was way too high on a steep hillside to be approached. Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides: One first summer male on two consecutive days on the slopes behind Sauwan village in Wolong. The two observations were made ca500 meters from each other, and it is somewhat unclear whether one or two males were involved. The most bizarre observation of the trip, but photographs speak for themselves. The nearest breeding areas of Blue-throated Flycatcher is in SE Xizang (Tibet)! Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina: Several of these handsome birds were encountered at Wawu Shan. Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui: Two at the base of Wawu Shan. 16 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

17 Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor: Fairly common at Wawu Shan, and at Wolong. Subspecies involved is diversa. Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii: Fairly common from Wolong to Jiuzhaigou. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra: One was seen at Wolong, and another one heard at Wawu Shan. Nominate subspecies. Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata: Small numbers in high altitude forested areas from Wawu to Wolong, and a singleton in Jiuzhaigou. Nominate subspecies. Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla: One at Du Fu's park in Chengdu, one showed well in the hills below Wawu Shan, and a total of three in Wolong. Grey-headed Flycatcher (G-h Canary F) Culicicapa ceylonensis: Small numbers at Wawu Shan, Wolong, and Qingcheng Shan. MONARCHIDAE Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi: One at Chengdu. Subspecies incei. TIMALIIDAE Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus gravivox: A family party of six in the outskirts of Jiuzhaigou A recent review of Asian babblers divides the Spot-breasted Scimitar Babbler P. erythrocnemis group into four species. The species found in Sichuan is P. gravivox. Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis: Good views of three in Chengdu. In addition birds were heard at Wawu Shan, Qingcheng Shan, and Wolong. Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer: We had great views of one at Wuyipeng in Wolong. In addition birds were at Wawu Shan and Wolong. Nominate subspecies. Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla (H): Birds were heard at Wawu Shan and Wolong, but unfortunately we were unable to lure out any of these little mouse like birds. Nominate subspecies. Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps: Two birds at Chengdu. In addition a few more were heard at Wawu Shan. Subspecies davidi. Great Parrotbill Conostoma oemodium: A total of seven including some really great views at Wawu Shan, and a singleton at Wu Yi Peng. Three-toed Parrotbill Cholornis paradoxus: Good views of two on the top of Wawu Shan. This and the following species have recently been separated to genus Cholornis. Nominate subspecies. Brown Parrotbill Cholornis unicolor: Six at Wawu Shan with excellent views. Spectacled Parrotbill Sinosuthora conspicillatus: At least three birds were seen, and one more heard at Jiuzhaigou. Nominate subspecies. This and three following species have recently been separated to genus Sinosuthora. Ashy-throated Parrotbill Sinosuthora alphonsianus: Two at Du Fu's park with a flock of the next species, and a total of eight in the Wawu area. Vinous-throated Parrotbill Sinosuthora webbianus: Common at Chengdu and a couple at Qingcheng Shan. Grey-hooded Parrotbill (Crested P) Sinosuthora zappeyi: This very range restricted endemic took some time to find, but in the end we managed really great, prolonged views of a flock of four on the top of Wawu Shan. In addition we heard the calls of another group there. Nominate subspecies. Fulvous Parrotbill Suthora fulvifrons: A total of 12 of these beautiful, and very inquisitive, little birds at Wawu Shan. Subspecies cyanophrus. This and the following species have recently been separated to genus Suthora. Golden Parrotbill Suthora verreauxi: A total of eight with some stunning views at Wawu Shan. Nominate subspecies. Chinese Babax Babax lanceolatus: Small numbers were encountered at Wolong with good views. Père David s Laughingthrush (Plain L) Garrulax davidi: Fairly common in the Hongyuan area and at Baxi Forest. Subspecies concolor. 17 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

18 Sukatschev s Laughingthrush (Snowy-cheeked L) Garrulax sukatschewi: Three at Gongangling were hard work but eventually gave decent views. Barred Laughingthrush Garrulax lunulatus: Very close, but brief, views of a pair at Wuyipeng, where we also heard one individual. Nominate subspecies. Giant Laughingthrush Garrulax maximus: Small numbers from Wolong to Baxi Forest with some great views. What a stunning bird. Spotted Laughingthrush Garrulax ocellatus (H): Small numbers were heard only at Wawu and Wolong. Buffy Laughingthrush Garrulax berthemyi: A group of four at Wawu Shan. Hwamei Garrulax canorus: One along the approach road to Wawu Shan. Nominate subspecies. White-browed Laughingthrush Garrulax sannio: Common at Chengdu, and also six on the way from Wawu Shan to Qingcheng Shan. Subspecies oblectans. Elliot s Laughingthrush Garrulax elliotii: Fairly common in all higher altitude forested areas. Nominate subspecies. Black-faced Laughingthrush Garrulax affinis: Small numbers at Wawu Shan, and a total of four in Wolong. Subspecies blythii. Red-winged Laughingthrush Garrulax formosus: Small numbers at Wawu Shan. Emei Shan Liocichla Liocichla omeiensis: Small numbers of these attractive birds were regularly recorded at Wawu Shan. Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea: Common at Wawu Shan. Nominate subspecies. Golden-breasted Fulvetta Alcippe chrysotis: Small numbers of these superb little babblers at Wawu Shan. Subspecies swinhoii. Chinese Fulvetta Alcippe striaticollis: Small numbers, with some stunning views, from Balang Shan to Jiuzhaigou. Spectacled Fulvetta Alcippe ruficapilla: After some frantic searching on our last morning in Jiuzhaigou we found a very obliging bird which gave stunning views. In addition three more birds were heard the same morning. Nominate subspecies. Grey-hooded Fulvetta (Streak-throated F) Alcippe cinereiceps: Common at Wawu Shan, with two at Wolong. Nominate subspecies. IOC (worldbirdnames.org) suggests a change of the English name from misleading Streak-throated Fulvetta to descriptive Grey-hooded Fulvetta with splits of A. manipurensis and A. formosana. Brown-capped Fulvetta Alcippe brunnea: One was seen very well on the way from Wawu Shan to Qingcheng Shan, and another bird was heard at Qingcheng Shan. David's Fulvetta (Northern Grey-cheeked F) Alcippe davidi: Four at Chengdu, and few more at Qingcheng Shan. A recent study based on DNA material and morphology suggests that this widespread polytypic taxon is actually better treated as four different species! We encountered the northern species Alcippe davidi. Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis: Two at Wawu Shan, and three in Wolong. Subspecies omeiensis. White-collared Yuhina Yuhina diademata: Fairly common at Wawu Shan and Wolong. Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta: Small numbers at Wawu Shan. Subspecies intermedia. VIREONIDAE [Recent studies suggests that Shrike babblers are not babblers after all, but closer to vireos!] White-browed Shrike Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis (H): One was heard at Wawu Shan. A recent study based on a genetic and morphological analysis preliminarily recognised nine different phylogenetic species within this taxon, and another study based on biological species concept and using some additional characters preliminary recognised four different species. The form encountered on this tour is ricketti. Stay tuned! AEGITHALIDAE Sooty Tit (White-necklaced T) Aegithalos fuliginosus: Small numbers in Wolong, and in the Jiuzhaigou area. 18 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

19 Black-throated Tit (Red-headed T) Aegithalos concinnus: Good numbers in Chengdu and at Qingcheng Shan. Nominate subspecies. PARIDAE Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus: Three at Wawu Shan and 12 at Wolong. White-browed Tit Poecile superciliosus: Half a dozen birds in the high altitude scrub in the Hongyuan area with some really good views of this handsome endemic. Sichuan Tit Poecile weigoldicus: Small numbers at Maerkang, Baxi and Jiuzhaigou. Formerly part of the Songar Tit complex (which is now lumped in Willow Tit), but recent studies show that the form which we encountered on this tour, weigoldicus, is very distinct, and better treated as a distinct species, Sichuan Tit. Père David s Tit (Rusty-breasted T) Poecile davidi: Small numbers at Wolong and Jiuzhaigou. Yellow-bellied Tit Periparus venustulus: Small numbers at Wawu Shan, Qingcheng Shan, Wolong and Jiuzhaigou. Rufous-vented Tit Periparus rubidiventris: Fairly common at Wawu Shan, Wolong, Mengbi Shan and in the Jiuzhaigou area. Subspecies beavani. Coal Tit Periparus ater: Small numbers were noted at Wawu Shan, Wolong, Mengbi Shan and Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies aemodius. Grey-crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous: Small numbers in most high altitude forested areas. Subspecies wellsi. Japanese Tit Parus [major] minor: Scattered records of small numbers at the Red Basin (Chengdu- Qingcheng Shan), and again on the Tibetan Plateau in the Hongyuan region, and in Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies concerned are minor in the lowlands and tibetanus on the plateau. Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus: Fairly common in most forested areas. Groundpecker Parus humilis: 11 of these funny little birds in the Hongyuan region, right at the edge of their range. Recent genetic research suggests that this species is an aberrant, terrestrial tit rather than ground jay (Corvid)! SITTIDAE Chinese Nuthatch (Snowy-browed N) Sitta villosa: Two at Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies bangsi. This Chinese endemic is considered as Near-threatened by BirdLife International in Threatened Birds of the World. Przevalski s Nuthatch Sitta przewalskii: One performed well at Baxi forest, and another one near Jiuzhaigou. This distinct form is geographically isolated from the White-cheeked Nuthatch S. leucopsis of the western Himalayas, and should again be recognized as a distinct species. General Nikolai Mikhailovitch Prjevalsky ( ) was a Russian Cossak naturalist who explored Central Asia, and was undoubtedly one of the greatest explorers the world has ever seen. He did four major expeditions, one to Russian Far East, and others to Mongolia. He died of typhus at the age of 49, whilst preparing for his fifth major expedition. Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea: Four at Wolong. Subspecies sinensis. TICHODROMADIDAE Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria: One en route to Maerkang, and two flying high up in the sky at Jiuzhaigou. Not the best of views. Subspecies nepalensis. CERTHIIDAE Sichuan Treecreeper Certhia tianquanensis: Small numbers at Wawu Shan, and one non-leader bird at Wolong. This interesting relict form was originally described as a new race of Eurasian Treecreeper but has recently been treated as a full species (and is actually more closely related to Rusty-flanked Treecreeper C. nipalensis). 19 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

20 Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana (H): One was heard at Mengbi Shan, and another three at Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies yunnanensis. Hodgson s Treecreeper Certhia hodgsoni: A few at Wawu Shan, and at Wolong and a singleton at Jiuzhaigou. This is a rather recent split from Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris based on genetic studies and vocal differences. The subspecies involved is khamensis. REMIZIDAE Fire-capped Tit Cephalopyrus flammiceps: Ten at Wawu Shan with some really great views, and one at Wuyipeng in Wolong. Subspecies olivaceus. NECTARINIIDAE Gould s Sunbird (Mrs Gould s S) Aethopyga gouldiae: Small numbers at Wawu Shan and at Wolong. Subspecies dabryii. DICAEIDAE Buff-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus: One seen and two more heard at Qingcheng Shan. Nominate subspecies. ZOSTEROPIDAE Chestnut-flanked White-eye Zosterops erythropleurus: 20 at Wawu Shan. Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus: Small numbers in the lowlands, and one at Wolong. Subspecies simplex. ORIOLIDAE Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis: A total of six at Qingcheng Shan. Subspecies diffusus. LANIIDAE Tiger Shrike Lanius tigrinus: One on the roadside after leaving Rilong was unexpected especially at such a high elevation. Later we had a pair at Qingcheng Shan. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus: One showing the characters of the form lucionensis near Jiuzhaigou. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach: Fairly common in the Red Basin. Nominate subspecies. Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus: Common or fairly common from Wolong to Jiuzhaigou. Nominate subspecies. DICRURIDAE Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus: Scattered records of single individuals. Subspecies cathoecus. Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus: Rather common at Qingcheng Shan, and one at Wawu Shan and two at Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies brevirostris. CORVIDAE Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius: Fairly common at Wawu Shan and a few at Jiuzhaigou. Subspecies sinensis. Sichuan Jay Perisoreus internigrans: A total of seven at Mengbi Shan. Some really great views were obtained. Blue Magpie (Red-billed B M) Urocissa erythrorhyncha: Not uncommon at Wawu Shan, Wolong and Qingcheng Shan. Azure-winged Magpie (Asian A-w M) Cyanopica cyanus: Common in the Hongyuan region. Subspecies kansuensis. Eurasian Magpie Pica pica: Small numbers in Chengdu (subspecies sericea), and again in the Hongyuan region (subspecies bottanensis). According to Cheng 1987 (A synopsis of the Avifauna of China) these two forms are intergrading with each other, but opinions of the specific distinctness of bottanensis (as Himalayan or Tibetan Magpie) have also been presented. 20 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

21 Spotted Nutcracker (Eurasian N) Nucifraga caryocatactes: Small to moderate numbers at Wolong and Jiuzhaigou. The subspecies concerned is macella. Alpine Chough (Yellow-billed C) Pyrrhocorax graculus: Three at Balang Shan. Subspecies digitatus. Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax: Small numbers from Balang Shan to Qingcheng Shan. Subspecies himalayanus. Daurian Jackdaw Corvus dauuricus: Small numbers in the Hongyuan region. Subspecies insolens. Oriental Crow Corvus orientalis: Ten at Ruoergai, and one non-leader bird at Jiuzhaigou. Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchus: Scattered records of small numbers from Wawu Shan to Jiuzhaigou. The subspecies involved is tibetosinensis. Bearing in mind the recent splitting of three different forms in India, some splitting can also be expected among other populations of this widely distributed Asian species. Common Raven Corvus corax: Five individuals of the huge Tibetan race tibetanus in the Hongyuan area. STURNIDAE Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus: Rather common on roadside wires in the Red Basin. PASSERIDAE House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Two at Jiuzhaigou. Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans: Six at a lunch stop en route from Jiuzhaigou to Qingcheng Shan. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus: Recorded in small to moderate numbers in the Red Basin and the Maerkang/Hongyuan region. Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia: Six between Hongyuan and Ruoergai. Subspecies brevirostris. Tibetan Snowfinch (Black-winged S) Montifringilla adamsi: Two on the roadside on the way to Ruoergai. Nominate subspecies. FRINGILLIDAE Grey-capped Greenfinch Carduelis sinica: Small numbers in the lowlands. Nominate subspecies. Tibetan Siskin (T Serin) Carduelis thibetana (H): Unfortunately flying birds were heard only (three times) in the Jiuzhaigou area. Twite Carduelis flavirostris: 26 in the Hongyuan-Ruoergai region. Subspecies involved is miniakensis, which is very different in appearance from the nominate race of northwest Europe. Common Crossbill (Red C) Loxia curvirostra: A noisy, nervous flock of 40 at Mengbi Shan, and three at Jiuzhaigou. Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola: Small numbers at Balang Shan, and one at the pass at Mengbi Shan. Nominate subspecies. Brandt s Mountain Finch Leucosticte brandti: A total of 15 at Balang Shan. Subspecies walteri. Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis: Two on the top of Wawu Shan. Nominate subspecies. Common Rosefinch (Scarlet R) Carpodacus erythrinus: Two on the way to Wawu Shan, and a total of 12 in the Hongyuan-Ruoergai regions. Subspecies roseatus. Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus davidianus: One at Balang Shan, 20 or so at higher altitude at Mengbi, and total of 10 in the Hongyuan-Ruoergai regions. Pink-rumped Rosefinch (Stresemann s R) Carpodacus eos: Handful of birds at Mengbi Shan. Vinaceous Rosefinch Carpodacus vinaceus: One at Wawu Shan, and another one at Wolong. Nominate subspecies. Dark-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus edwardsii: One at Wawu Shan. Nominate subspecies. Three-banded Rosefinch Carpodacus trifasciatus: A group of three with rather unsatisfactory views, at Mengbi Shan, but later a really good show, including two pairs, at Jiuzhaigou, where a total of eight birds were noted. This species is generally considered as rather silent, but, once the call is learned, it proves to be quite vocal and easy to find on the basis of the call. 21 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

22 Sharpe's Rosefinch Carpodacus verreauxii: A total of five at Wolong, including some really good views, were unexpected. This form is recently split from Spot-winged Rosefinch Carpodacus rodopeplus. Chinese White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus dubius: Small numbers at Balang Shan, in the Maerkang region, Baxi Forest and at Jiuzhaigou. Streaked Rosefinch (Eastern Great R) Carpodacus rubicilloides: Poor views of two in the mist at Balang Shan, but later a male on the road side at Mengbi Shan. Nominate subspecies. Red-breasted Rosefinch (Red-fronted R) Carpodacus puniceus: Excellent views of five including singing males at Balang Shan when the mist finally cleared! Long-tailed Rosefinch Uragus sibiricus: Four at Wolong in one day was a complete surprise. Subspecies henrici. Grey-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythaca: Small numbers were encountered in most high altitude forests. Nominate subspecies. Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis: Small numbers at Balangshan, Mengbi Shan and Jiuzhaigou. White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes: Small numbers in most high altitude forests. Yellow-billed Grosbeak Eophona migratoria: Eight seen well at Chengdu. Subspecies sowerbyi. EMBERIZIDAE Slaty Bunting Latoucheornis siemsseni: A total of seven with some good views at Wolong, and a singleton at Jiuzhaigou. Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala: One at Chengdu and one singing bird at Wolong. Subspecies involved is sordida. Godlewski s Bunting Emberiza godlewskii: Small numbers in the Hongyuan-Ruoergai regions. Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans: Two at Wolong. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla: One at Wawu Shan. MAMMALS Woolly Hare Lepus oiostolus: Singletons at Mengbi Shan, near Hongyuan, and at Baxi forest. Pallas's Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus: One on the hills en route to Qingcheng Shan. Swinhoe's Striped Squirrel Tamiops swinhoei: A few on the top of Wawu Shan. Siberian Chipmunk Tamias sibiricus: Small numbers at Jiuzhaigou. Himalayan Marmot Marmota himalayana: Common in the Hongyuan region. Red Fox Vulpes vulpes: Three between Hongyuan and Ruoergai. Grey Wolf Canis lupus: One near Ruoergai was spotted by Dominique whilst others were admiring a pair of Tibetan Snowfinches. Weasel sp Mustela sp: One at Gongangling. Hog Badger Arctonyx collaris: One at lower end of Balang Shan was seen well. A distant badger high up in Balangshan was, based on altitude, probably also this species. Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (NL): One was seen by Dominique on his solo ascent behind Wu Yi Peng research station in Wolong. Chine Goral Nemorhaedus caudatus: A total of six at Wolong-Balangshan area, and three at Jiuzhaigou. Pretty much the speciality of our mammal specialist Dominique, who kept picking these up from distant mountain slopes. Tufted Deer Elaphodus cephalophus: at Wolong-Balangshan area, and two at Baxi Forest. 22 Birdquest: Sichuan 2010

23 Asian Emerald Cuckoo (P. Tizzard) Black-necked Crane (P. Tizzard) Brown-breasted Flycatcher (P. Tizzard) Rufous-vented Tit (P. Tizzard) Elliot's Laughingthrush was hit by a car but recovered quickly (P. Tizzard)

24 Chestnut Thrush (D. Morgan) Kessler's Thrush (P. Tizzard) Chinese Babax (P. Tizzard) Chinese Fulvetta (P. Tizzard) View over Tibetan plateau near Hongyuan (H. Jännes)

25 Grey-faced Buzzard (P. Tizzard) White-tailed Rubythroat (H. Jännes) Tibetan Lark (P. Tizzard) Sichuan Jay (P. Tizzard) Tibetan Snowcock (Hannu Jännes)

26 Red-fronted Rosefinch (P. Tizzard) Verreaux's Monal Partridge (P. Tizzard) White-bellied Redstart (P. Tizzard) Fulvous Parrotbill (P. Tizzard) View from Balang Shan pass (H. Jännes)