CHINA’S SICHUAN & NORTHERN YUNNAN TOUR REPORT 2025

13/16 May - 5 June 2025

Simon Mitchell

China is increasingly regarded as a must-visit area for Palearctic birders. Despite the vagaries of geopolitical change, the wonderful array of habitat, birds and increasingly improved infrastructure and food make the country among one of the most sought-after destinations of any temperate itinerary.

The Birdquest 2025 tour to Sichuan and Yunnan took place against a backdrop of climactic Himalayan peaks, sheer scrub-lined slopes, alpine meadows and verdant high altitude planes. Pine forests gave way to belts of flowering rhododendrons that turned entire mountainsides pink. Elsewhere swathes of endless bamboo of every shape and size seemed like something from fairytales of lost travellers. Early morning mist lifted from rich broadleaved woodlands which began to thrum with birdsong, only to rise up the valleys and enshroud higher mountains with a cold thick fog that would sometimes suppress bird activity. Cascading highland streams swelled from tickles to torrents in a few minutes, whilst the stillness of tranquil mountain wetlands barely betrayed the fact it had ever rained. We experienced an intensely varied China; more complex and contradictory than ever presented in Western media. Staggering works of incredible road and rail engineering appear to surpass anything Britain even used to be capable of in both scale and efficiency, whilst clean streets and well-kept towns appeared to owe more to civic pride than government mandates. Whilst the locals thronged through tourist attractions with noisy enthusiasm, we also encountered numerous groups of Chinese photographers waiting patiently or scanning diligently for their target birds. And the food of course was rich and varied, with something to meet every palette – especially those of the spice-obsessed amongst us.

This year’s tour was a resounding success. Whilst numbers were not the focus, we tallied a very impressive 354 species (310 on the main tour).  There were an incredible array of highlights, the pick of which were an astounding 17 species of Galliformes. These included the stunning Golden Pheasant, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Temminck’s Tragopan, Chinese Monal, Tibetan Snowcock and Snow Partridge. Perhaps most difficult of all, we also gained good views of both Sichuan Partridge and Tibetan Partridge. A mind-boggling array of 12 laughingthrushes with the vast majority performing fantastically and including the point blank views of Biet’s, Spotted, Buffy, Western Moustached and even the often difficult Snowy-cheeked. Parrotbills never failed to delight, with splendid views all 12 species possible on the itinerary, including the highly restricted (and newly split) Eye-ringed (or Yunnan) Parrotbill, the chunky Three-toed and Brown Parrotbills and the undisputed ‘daddy’ of them all in the form of Great Parrotbill. On top of that, we found a dizzying number of Phylloscopus warblers (22 species, all seen well allowing us time to appreciate the nuances between these subtle congeners). A plentiful selection of waterbirds included highlights such as encounters with Brown-cheeked Rail, Chinese Spot-billed Duck and Pallas’s Gull. The unique Przevalski’s Pinktail and dapper Firethroat added even more splashes of colour. Mammals too were well represented with a total of 24 species, including highlights as varied as Himalayan Marmot, Pallas’s Striped Squirrel and several uber-cute Red Pandas.

The tour kicked off with a pre-tour extension in Lijiang, which proved to be one of the most fruitful parts of the trip. Our exploration of the dry pine forests and lush broad-leaved woodland valleys yielded several challenging species. Our first morning in the in the dry pine forests provided over 25 species including a number of tricky ones such as Spectacled Fulvetta, Black-bibbed Tit, Yunnan Nuthatch and Rufous-tailed Babbler. Elsewhere, we found Yunnan Fulvetta, Davidson’s and Kloss’s Leaf-warblers, Black-headed Sibia, and Blue-winged Minla, while taking in breathtaking views of Streak-breasted and Black-streaked Scimitar Babblers. The highlight was undoubtedly the trio of rare laughingthrushes we tracked down in a remote subalpine village; Biet’s, Spotted, and Western Moustached Laughingthrushes were remarkably cooperative, almost hopping at our feet. Lady Amherst’s Pheasants added a splash of colour, while forest edges revealed Chestnut-vented Nuthatch, Brown Dippers, Yellow-throated Bunting, Black-headed Greenfinch and Grey-crowned Warbler. In scrubby areas, we encountered Crested Finchbill, Daurian Redstart, and Russet Sparrow. An unexpected bonus came when a long evening vigil produced wonderful views of an exquisite pair of Mrs Hume’s Pheasants.

Elsewhere in Yunnan, we made stops for the taxonomically uncertain Eye-ringed Parrotbill taxa within the region. Whilst birds within the immediate area are morphologically closeer to this species, they consistently have dark (not pale iris and lack any rufous on the wing), suggesting their phytogenic relationships with Brown-winged Parrotbill still warrant further study. We also visited a number of wetlands, where we enjoyed sightings of Eurasian Teal, Chinese Pond Heron, Oriental Reed Warbler, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Black-capped Kingfisher and a surprise Slender-billed Oriole.

The main tour began in Chengdu, where local parks yielded several challenging species, including Fork-tailed Sunbird, Red-billed Starling, Ashy-throated Parrotbill and Vinous-throated Parrotbill. As we ventured into the hills, we found the weather distinctly more temperate. Our afternoon excursion consisted of taking a rather slippery four-wheel drive track further up the mountainside to a network of hides. We spent the afternoon patiently surveying a bamboo-choked clearing, where adorable Chinese Bamboo Partridges entertained and boisterous Buffy Laughingthrushes chased the local squirrels. It wasn’t long before the robust fiery form of a stunning male Temminck’s Tragopan strolled into view to a chorus of gasps and camera shutters. Our first Lady Amherst’s Pheasant was a dapper female which arrive not long after. With the last of the evening, we took a leisurely stroll to the other hides, adding Spot-breasted and Golden Parrotbills and a vocal Brownish-flanked Bush-warbler.

Returning to a different hide just before dawn the next morning we were we almost immediately treated to excellent views of the near-mythical Sichuan Partridge. A good supporting cast also included more Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Emei Shan Liocichla, Chinese Babax and Dusky Fulvetta. We spent the afternoon at lower altitudes where we managed to located both Alstrom’s and Kloss’s Leaf Warbler as well as our first Stripe-throated Yuhina, Great Barbet and Rufous-faced Warblers. Departing towards the Wawushan area the next morning we first made a stop-off along the lower slopes of Mt Emei. This proved an excellent tactic, with several David’s Fulvettas showing as well as White-crowned Forktail, Mountain Bulbul, our first Collared Finchbills, and best of all a confiding pair of Chinese Hwamei.

Our adventure at Wawushan began with a bus transfer that made the whole place feel rather like an airport, but we still managed to spot some great species on an evening walk from our park accommodation. Chestnut-crowned, Large-billed, and Claudia’s Leaf Warblers showed well as did Marten’s and Alstrom’s Warblers in the lower reaches. Over the next few days, the mid-elevation areas revealed broadleaved woodland specialists like Necklaced Woodpecker, Speckled Pigeon, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Himalayan Owl, Chestnut-flanked White-eye, White-collared Yuhina, Asian House Martin and Himalayan Cuckoo.

The Wawushan summit itself was a highlight of our trip. Each morning, we’d ride the cable car to the top and enter a different world. The 10km walkway, towering 30ft above the ground, offered incredible birdwatching opportunities. Despite the noise from tourists and loudspeakers, the birds were remarkably trusting. On our first mist-free morning, we spent hours in awe, unsure where to look next. We spotted an impressive array of species, including Lesser Cuckoo, Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Dark-bodied), Long-tailed, Coal, Rufous-vented, Grey-crested, Black-bibbed, and Green-backed Tits. White-throated Needletail and Himalayan Swiftlet zipped between the pines at breakneck speeds, while the undergrowth exploded with the songs of bush-warblers and chats. With careful listening, we coaxed Spotted, Yellow-bellied, and Aberrant Bush-warblers into view, along with White-browed Bush-robin, Golden Bush-robin, Himalayan Shortwing, and several showy Bianchi’s Warblers. Parrotbills were abundant and cooperative, with Brown, Great, Three-toed, Grey-hooded, Golden, and Fulvous all showing well. Laughingthrushes were unusually confiding, and photographers in the group captured stunning images of Black-faced, Red-winged, and Elliot’s laughingthrushes. Darjeeling and Three-toed Woodpeckers also showed fantastically, and Rosy Pipit, Buff-throated, Sichuan, and Buff-barred Warblers proved very confiding. Both days also brought moments of wonder as we came within a few meters of three different Red Pandas.

From Wawushan we moved on to the impressive Hailuoguo Glacier Park. Although we were hampered by constant heavy rain, we did manage an excellent array of species that evening, including crippling views of both Slaty-backed Flycatcher and Sichuan Treecreeper. Despite no improvement in the weather the following day, we found a number of tricky species during our umbrella-laden patrols of the roads and trails in the area. Fire-capped Tit, Chestnut-headed Tesia and White-backed Woodpecker were all welcome additions to our trip list and we also picked up showy Grey-sided Bush-warblers and Golden-breasted Fulvettas. Best of all however, were an extremely confiding pair of Pere David’s Tits.

From Hailuoguo we headed for the old mountain road at Erlangshan. The rain eased here, but rolling fog still gave us some troubles. We located Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Babbler and gained brief but splendid views of Firethroat, but a pair of Barred Laughingthrushes refused to immerge from the dense hillside vegetation. A Large Hawk Cuckoo gave a close flyby and singing Yellow-streaked and Claudia’s Leaf Warblers gave excellent views. Not all species were so generous however —Barred Laughingthrushes clung tight to the depths of thickets, not even allowing more than momentary glimpses through the chill. After another few hours driving, our next port of call was at Longgcangou. Whilst a grey afternoon walk around the village seemed to promise little, we still managed excellent views of a singing Chinese Blue Flycatcher as well as unbelievable open-ground sighting of the usually insanely skulky Sichuan Bush Warbler. Additional interest came from a flock of Brown Bullfinches and a confiding Pygmy Cupwing.

The next morning was invested primarily on searching out Golden-fronted Fulvetta. Although there were plenty of highlights while we searched in the form of White-backed and Bay Woodpeckers, Black Baza, Mountain Hawk-eagle and several show Alstrom’s and Kloss’s Leaf Warblers, it was still an increasingly nervous wait. When we had almost given up for the morning, a bird was glimpsed briefly and distantly with a mixed flock. Fortunately this turned out to be a pair which stayed put for a few minutes, allowing fantastic views as they flicked around a few meters away. There was still time for a stop in some more open habitat lower down where we connected with a good selection of birds including Himalayan Cuckoo and Chinese Sparrowhawk.

We broke up our long journey to Wolong up just South Ya’an where a patch of riparian woodland held a number of new species. As well as Black-naped Oriole and Asian Barred Owlet we found plenty of Collared Finchbills, and eventually, a small but showy flock of Brown-rumped Minivets. Continuing on we arrived to our accommodation at Wolong not long before dusk. We were ready to go early the next morning and wound our way up the mountain switchbacks for a dawn breakfast near the first tunnel at Balangshan. We spent most of the next two days between here and the far side of the north tunnel where the old (now inaccessible) road over the pass rejoins the main highway. Careful scanning of the hillsides and mountain meadows in the area eventually produced excellent views of multiple White-eared Pheasants, Chinese Monals and Blood Pheasants. Scanning the more distant ridges and scree slopes we found a group of Snow Partridge and a single Tibetan Snowcock. A flurry of new Rosefinch species, included Common, Chinese White-browed, Dark-breasted, Pink-rumped and Crimson-browed Finch. Redstarts delighted us throughout with White-capped, Plumbeous, White-throated, Daurian and Blue-fronted all pleasingly common. Mammals were represented too, with our first Himalayan Marmots. The lower slopes too held a range of top birds. Working hard, we dug out Giant Laughingthrush, Kessler’s Thrush and gained good views of the a spectacular male Firethroat. A long walk up towards the ice fields at Balangshan Pass produced several confiding Chinese Rubythroat for the group and Red-fronted Rosefinch and more Snow Pigeons for those that completed the long slog. After a foggy evening and dawn session on the lower slopes we were still lacking the Midas touch in finding Galliformes. However, persistence and luck on our final morning produced pleasing views of Slaty Bunting, Sooty Tit, and eventually, excellent views of an adult male Golden Pheasant only a few metres away for the whole group.

From Balangshan we began heading towards the Tibetan Plateau, first stopping overnight near Mengbishan. We were out first thing the next few days, listening intently and straining our eyesight against the fog-enshrouded pine forests to discern movement. Himalayan Bluetail, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Dark-rumped Rosefinch and Black Woodpecker flicked between the pines and Rhododendron giving decent views and as we made our way to the treeline we found Long-tailed Thrush and Streaked Rosefinch. Maroon-backed Accentors, Goldcrests, Three-banded Rosefinches, Crested Tit-warbler and Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush all perched out atop pine trees accommodatingly but it took a good amount of searching to finally gain good views of Sichuan Jay and Tibetan Serin. As we transitioned onto the flat of the Tibetan plateau we immediately began seeing new species. Black-necked Cranes stood unconcerned at roadside marshes and Ruddy Shelducks flapped between pools. Gaggles of Daurian Jackdaws, Black-rumped and Azure-winged Magpies were attendant on overhead wires. Stopping at a small quarry we were greeted by the sounds of stratospheric Oriental Skylarks hovering in the wind before plunging their way earthward. A pair of Citrine Wagtails buzzed from a small pool while Rock Sparrows and Eastern Black Redstarts flicked between boulders. Shortly after, an eagle-eyed spot of a Giant Shrike on the wires allowed us all to gain excellent views and a stop near some scree slopes produced a nesting pair of Black-winged Snowfinches.

A final stop of the day at the edge of an unassuming scrub-covered valley side produced our new bird of the day – the unique, monotypic Urocynchramidae that is Przevalski’s Pinktail. After watching a pair singing and giving their trail-angling display for several minutes, we tried for some of the trickier denizens of Tibetan scrub. An obliging White-browed Tit perched up singing whist a Tibetan Partridge eventually did the decent thing and gave scope views on a rocky outcrop. We also gained close views of singing Dusky Warbler and White-browed Tit-warbler as well as many of our first common plateau species including White-rumped Snowfinch and Eastern Black Redstart.

Our days in the Ruoergi region unfolded between two starkly contrasting realms: the resin-scented, pine-cloaked hollows of Baxi Forest and the expansive, wind-brushed plains and marshes of the high plateau where yaks sauntered placidly across the horizon. The forest birding demanded patience; its rewards hard-earned. Despite this we were graced with arresting encounters from a vivid cast through the course of the morning: Plain Laughingthrush, Siberian Rubythroat, Three-banded Rosefinch, Black and Grey-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-streaked Warbler, Sichuan Tit and the striking Blue-eared Pheasant. Our initial search for Spectacled Parrotbill yielded only faint, elusive calls echoing through the scrub, but persistence bore fruit; after a couple hour’s search we stood eye to eye with a remarkably obliging family group. A pair of Chinese Grouse darting through the fallen pine needles were frustratingly too brief for some.

Breaking the long journey back to Chengdu we stopped at Gonggangling Pass. Here we added Chinese Thrush and Crested Goshawk, although the spectacular scenery on a cloudless day was perhaps the biggest highlight. There was still time for an amazing evening meal in Chengdu and to reflect on some of our favourite experiences before parting ways for our early departing flights the next morning.

TOP 5 BIRDS OF THE TRIP 

1 Temminck’s Tragopan

2 Mrs Hume’s Pheasant

3 Chinese Rubythroat 

4 Przevalski’s Pinktail

5 Golden Pheasant / Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds or for some other reason (e.g., it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species). Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2024. IOC World Bird List (v14.1).

Bar-headed Goose ◊  Anser indicus A handful around Flower Lake, Zoigê

Greylag Goose  Anser answer A common breeding bird around Flower Lake, Zoigê 

Ruddy Shelduck  Tadorna ferruginea Common on wetlands throughout our visit to the Tibetan Plateau

Northern Shoveler  Spatula clypeata A pair at Flower Lake, 

Eurasian Teal   Anas crecca One at Lashi Lake, Yunnan

Eastern Spot-billed Duck (Chinese S-b D)  Anas zonorhyncha A few pairs at Lashi Lake, Yunnan

Mallard  Anas platyrhynchos Lashi Lake and Flower Lake both held small numbers

Red-crested Pochard  Netta rufina Good numbers around Flower Lake

Common Pochard  Aythya farina A few on drives in Ruoergi county and several at Flower Lake

Ferruginous Duck  Aythya nyroca Several showy birds at Flower Lake

Snow Partridge ◊  Lerwa lerwa

Blood Pheasant ◊  Ithaginis cruentus Several performed well at Balangshan. Heard elsewhere

Temminck’s Tragopan ◊  Tragopan temminckii Phenomenal views of a male from the hide at Tanshi with a female seen nearby

Verreaux’s Monal-Partridge ◊ (Chestnut-throated P)  Tetraophasis obscurus Fantastic views of birds just below the pass at Mengbishan.

Chinese Monal ◊  Lophophorus lhuysii Endemic. Wonderful views on the on hillsides around Balanagshan.

Chinese Grouse ◊  Tetrastes sewerzowi Endemic. Brief views for a couple of group members of a bird pair at Baxi Forest

Tibetan Partridge ◊  Perdix hodgsoniae One perched right out in the open on hillsides SW of Ruoergi

Golden Pheasant ◊  Chrysolophus pictus Endemic. After a patient wait we eventually found a superb adult male near Wolong

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant ◊  Chrysolophus amherstiae Several stunners from the hides at Tanshi and a couple of obliging males elsewhere

Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant ◊ Syrmaticus humiae Wonderful view of a pair that came into the hide at Sanchahe late evening.

Common Pheasant  Phasianus colchicus Not uncommon around the Baxi Forest and roadsides around Ruoergi county

White Eared Pheasant ◊  Crossoptilon crossoptilon Endemic. A couple of quite nice scope views of groups around Balangshan

Blue Eared Pheasant ◊  Crossoptilon auritum Endemic. Decent scope views in the Baxi forest.

Silver Pheasant ◊  Lophura nycthemera A pair bossing the feeders at Tanshi.

Chinese Bamboo Partridge ◊  Bambusicola thoracicus Endemic. Several obliging birds gave extended views from hides at Tanshi

Sichuan Partridge ◊  Arborophila rufipectus Endemic. A pair showed well early morning, visiting the feeders at Tanshi.

Tibetan Snowcock ◊  Tetraogallus tibetanus  One scoped fairly well from the upper reaches of the road at Balangshan

Snow Partridge  Lerwa lerwa

Himalayan Swiftlet  Aerodramus brevirostris Small numbers at several highland locations. Best seen feeding low around Longcanggou.

White-throated Needletail  Hirundapus caudacutus  Frequently encountered in the highlands – especially at close range around Wolong.

Cook’s Swift  Apus cooki

Salim Ali’s Swift ◊  Apus salimalii Small numbers recorded in from high elevations at numerous sites were clearly this species. Several birds presumed to be this species were feeding low over Flower Lake and Baxi Forest, however the species is virtually inseparable from formerly conspecific pacificus in the field, the migration route of which could conceivably include this area.

House Swift  Apus nipalensis

Asian Koel  Eudynamys scolopaceus Good views in the Longcanggou area.

Large Hawk-Cuckoo  Hierococcyx sparverioides Heard in various locations and seen fairly well at the summit at Erlangshan

Lesser Cuckoo  Cuculus poliocephalus A couple of showy individuals at the Wawushan summit.

Himalayan Cuckoo  Cuculus saturates  Regularly heard. One seen well in the Longcanggou area.

Common Cuckoo (Eurasian C)  Cuculus canorus Very common at the highest elevations around Balangshan and Ruoergi

Rock Dove (introduced) (Feral P)  Columba [livia] domestica Small numbers around urbanisation 

Hill Pigeon ◊  Columba rupestris Nice views of nesting bird in the gorges north of Balaangshan

Snow Pigeon ◊  Columba leuconota Good numbers were seen closely around the Balangshan tunnel. 

Speckled Wood Pigeon ◊  Columba hodgsonii A few singles

Oriental Turtle Dove  Streptopelia orientalis Small numbers around at mid-elevations. Best seen from the hides at Tanshi.

Spotted Dove (Eastern S D)  Spilopelia chinensis Common around human habitations in the lowlands. Best seen in Chengdu.

Brown-cheeked Rail ◊  Rallus indicus One performed well at Flower Lake

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus A few at Flower Lake

Eurasian Coot (Common C)  Fulica atra Several at both Lashi Lake, Yunnan and Flower Lake

Black-necked Crane ◊  Grus nigricollis Fairly common throughout our time on the Tibetan Plateau

Little Grebe  Tachybaptus ruficollis Common at Qingxi Park, Lijiang and Lashi Lake.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Common at Lashi Lake and Flower Lake.

Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus Himantopus At least a couple of pairs at Flower Lake.

Common Redshank  Tringa tetanus Fairly common on plateau wetlands.

Whiskered Tern  Chlidonias hybrida A few close birds at Flower Lake.

White-winged Tern  Chlidonias leucopterus A single adult was feeding over Flower Lake.

Common Tern  Sterna hirundo Birds of the distinctive dusky-breasted and short-billed race tibetana were common at Flower Lake and also noted feeding over many small water bodies around Ruoergi.

Little Tern Sternula albifrons One picked out by Erik at Flower Lake must constitute one of the few recent records for Sichuan.

Brown-headed Gull  Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus Over 100 cavorting with tourists at Flower Lake.

Pallas’s Gull (Great Black-headed G)  Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus Three feeding at Flower Lake gave distant scope views.

Black Stork  Ciconia nigra A pair whilst en route to Ruoergi.

Eurasian Bittern  Botaurus stellaris A single bird seen in flight at Flower Lake by some.

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax Commonest in Huanhuaxi Park, Chengdu in the large heronry.

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta Common in Chengdu and seen at a number of roadside wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau.

Little Heron  Butorides striata A surprise lone individual was at the pass at Balangshan.

Chinese Pond Heron  Ardeola bacchus First noted at Lashi Lake, Yunnan an unexpect bird roosting  theat Balangshan Tunnel.

Eastern Cattle Egret  Bubulcus coromandus First seen at Lashi Lake, several other scattered singletons.

Great Egret (Eastern G E)  Ardea [alba] modesta A couple flew over in Chengdu.

Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea Several birds around the heronries in Chengdu.

Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea A flyover in Chengdu and a chilly looking individual at Flower Lake

Black-winged Kite  Elanus caeruleus Two hunting over the airfield at Lijiang.

Cinereous Vulture (Eurasian Black V)  Aegypius monachus A single bird flew over near Baxi forest.

Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier)  Gypaetus barbatus Not uncommon in the most mountainous areas – at least 5 seen around Balangshan.

Crested Honey Buzzard (Eastern H B, Oriental H B)  Pernis [ptilorhynchus] orientalis First seen over the mid-elevation slopes at Wawushan  a few singles elsewhere.

Black Baza  Aviceda leuphotes A pair showed co-operatively at Xiaoshiba, Longgcangou.

Himalayan Vulture (H Griffon V)  Gyps himalayensis Several sightings in the most mountainous areas, including 10+ over the lower pass at Balangshan.

Mountain Hawk-Eagle  Nisaetus nipalensis Single at Xioshiba.

Black Eagle  Ictinaetus malaiensis One from the bus as we departed the outskirts of Chengdu.sibis

Golden Eagle  Aquila chrysaetos A few singles around Wolong and Balangshan.

Crested Goshawk  Accipiter trivirgatus A pair over Gongangling Pass.

Besra  Accipiter virgatus A brief single at Shanchahe, Yunnan.

Black Kite (Black-eared K)  Milvus [migrans] lineatus Common around the Tibetan Plateau and Baxi Forest.

Upland Buzzard ◊  Buteo hemilasius Fairly common around the plateau at Ruoergi.

Himalayan Buzzard  Buteo refectus Common around Balangshan and a single at Baxi Forest.

Himalayan Owl ◊ (H Wood O)  Strix nivicolum One gave brief views at night in middle-elevation forest at Wawushan.

Collared Owlet  Taenioptynx brodiei Several calling birds, including one close at Tanshi, but unfortunately none gave views.

Asian Barred Owlet  Glaucidium cuculoides Heard in a few places and a pair seen several times in flight near Ya’an.

Oriental Scops Owl  Otus sunia Heard on the lower slopes of Wawushan. 

Eurasian Hoopoe  Upupa epops A few scattered singles.

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis Singles at Qingxi Park and Lashi Lake.

Black-capped Kingfisher  Halcyon pileate A surprise migrant at Qingxi Park.

Great Barbet Psilopogon virens Several calling seen well at Tanshi and Wawushan

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker ◊ (Dark-bodied W)  Picoides [tridactylus] funebris Endemic. A frustratingly brief bird at Wawushan the summit. 

Necklaced Woodpecker ◊  Dryobates pernyii One showed well near out accommodations at Wawushan.

Darjeeling Woodpecker ◊  Dendrocopos darjellensis Fantastic views of a pair the Wawushan summit.

White-backed Woodpecker  Dendrocopos leucotos Good views along the river at Xiaoshiba and at Hailuoguo.

Black Woodpecker  Dryocopus martius A brief flyover at Baxi Forest.

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Black-naped W)  Picus [canus] guerini Singles in Lijiang, Erlangshan and Ling Yan Temple.

Bay Woodpecker  Blythipicus pyrrhotis Common by voice and seen well around  and Wawushan.

Common Kestrel  Falco tinnunculus Small numbers throughout.

Saker Falcon ◊  Falco cherrug A breeding pair near Ruoergi. 

Long-tailed Minivet  Pericrocotus ethologus Commonest at Wawushan, recorded from at least 8 locations.

Short-billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris A single bird seen early morning on the mid-slopes at Wawushan was seen by the whole group, but identification only confirmed from photos retrospectively.

Swinhoe’s Minivet ◊ (Brown-rumped M)  Pericrocotus cantonensis A roadside stakeout near Ya’an proved fruitful for this species.

Black-winged Cuckooshrike  Lalage melaschistos One flew past at Lashi Lake.

Green Shrike-babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus One showed well at Sanchahe.

Black-naped Oriole (Eastern B-n O)  Oriolus [chinensis] diffusus A couple along the river near Ya’an.

Slender-billed Oriole Oriolus tenuirostris One or two seen briefly in Qingxi Park.

Hair-crested Drongo  Dicrurus hottentottus Best seen from around Baoguo Temple, several elsewhere.

Ashy Drongo (Chinese White-faced D)  Dicrurus [leucophaeus] innexus A couple showed well at Sanchahe, Yunnan

Black Drongo  Dicrurus macrocercus Fairly common throughout open lowland areas 

White-throated Fantail (Y)  Rhipidura albicollis A couple around Sanchahe.

Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis A singing bird in Qingxi Park, Lijiang.

Giant Grey Shrike ◊  Lanius giganteus Endemic. At least two seen around the Tibetan Plateau. Now split by IOC from Chinese Grey Shrike Lanius sphenocercus with the name Giant Grey Shrike.

Brown Shrike  Lanius cristatus Singles near Ruoergi and Baxi Forest.

Grey-backed Shrike  Lanius tephronotus A common bird of open upland areas.

Sichuan Jay ◊  Perisoreus internigrans Endemic. At least three at Mengbishan and a single at Baxi Forest. Good views.

Eurasian Jay ◊ (Plain-crowned J)  Garrulus glandarius Several brief views around Mengbishan.

Azure-winged Magpie ◊ (Asian A-w M)  Cyanopica cyanus Several groups recorded along the road en route to Ruoergi.

Red-billed Blue Magpie  Urocissa erythroryncha Common in lower and middle elevations.

Black-rumped Magpie ◊  Pica bottanensis Several singles along the road to Ruoergi. Very similar to serica.

Oriental Magpie  Pica serica Often seen at the roadside at lower elevations.

Spotted Nutcracker (Eurasian N)  Nucifraga caryocatactes Commonest in Yunnan, a few around Wolong.

Red-billed Chough  Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Common during our time around the Tibetan plateau and 80+ around Balangshan.

Alpine Chough (Yellow-billed C)  Pyrrhocorax graculus A few around the higher peaks at Balangshan.

Daurian Jackdaw ◊  Coloeus dauuricus Scattered birds seen from the road around Ruoergi.

Carrion Crow ◊ (Oriental C)  Corvus [corone] orientalis  A couple at Baxi Forest.

Large-billed Crow  Corvus macrorhynchos Fairly common in highland forest throughout.

Northern Raven (Common R)  Corvus corax A handful around Balangshan and Ruoergi

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher  Culicicapa ceylonensis Fairly common throughout in lower elevation woodlands

Fire-capped Tit ◊  Cephalopyrus flammiceps  A fairly brief pair at Hailuoguo 

Yellow-browed Tit  Sylviparus modestus Several cooperative individuals including at Erlangshan and Langcangou.

Rufous-vented Tit  Periparus rubidiventris  First seen at Wawushan. Common in the highest elevation forests.

Coal Tit (Himalayan C T)  Periparus [ater] aemodius Lots of nice views of this distinctive crested form in high elevation pine forest.

Yellow-bellied Tit ◊  Pardaliparus venustulus Endemic. Occasional in broadleaf mid elevation forest including Erlangshan and Wolong. 

Grey-crested Tit  Lophophanes dichrous Scarce at Wawushan but commoner at Baxi and Gonggangling.

White-browed Tit ◊  Poecile superciliosus  Endemic. Four tracked down SW of Ruoergi after some effort.

Pere David’s Tit ◊ (Rusty-breasted T)  Poecile davidi Endemic. Excellent views of a pair at Hailuoguo.

Black-bibbed Tit ◊  Poecile hypermelaenus Two seen well in Yunnan 

Sichuan Tit ◊ (Tibetan T)  Poecile weigoldicus  Endemic. Common around Balangshan and Baxi Forest

Ground Tit ◊  Pseudopodoces humilis  An easily spotted feature of open landscapes around Ruoergi were small numbers were seen in the open pastures each day. 

Japanese Tit (Asian T)  Parus minor Common in Yunnan and a handful in Sichuan.

Green-backed Tit  Parus monticolus One of the commonest birds of mid-elevation forests. 

Oriental Skylark  Alauda gulgula  Common on the plateau around Ruoergi

Horned Lark ◊ (Himalayan H L)  Eremophila alpestris A handful seen around the Ruoergi area

Tibetan Lark ◊  Melanocorypha maxima Several seen around Flower Lake

Mountain Bulbul (Northern M B)  Ixos mcclellandii A single seen well at Baoguo Temple.

Black Bulbul (Himalayan B B)  Hypsipetes leucocephalus Common in degraded and forested habitats below ~2000m

Crested Finchbill ◊ (Y)  Spizixos canifrons A handful each day in Yunnan.

Collared Finchbill ◊  Spizixos semitorques  First seen near Wuchuan. A couple of confiding birds at Baoguo

Brown-breasted Bulbul ◊  Pycnonotus xanthorrhous  Common throughout the lowlands and ever recorded at over 4000m at Balanshan

Light-vented Bulbul (Chinese B)  Pycnonotus sinensis  Small numbers throughout the lowlands

Pale Martin  Riparia diluta A couple of groups around Lashi Lake, Yunnan and Flower Lake

Eurasian Crag Martin  Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica  Small number in the lowlands and around Ruoergi

Asian House Martin  Delichon dasypus Nesting in the uplands as high as 3800m including on accommodations and park buildings. 

Red-rumped Swallow  Cecropis daurica  Common in Yunnan lowlands and a couple in Baxi Forest

Pygmy Cupwing (P Cupwing)  Pnoepyga pusilla One showed at close proximity near Longcanggou

Chestnut-headed Tesia  Cettia castaneocoronata

Rufous-faced Warbler ◊  Abroscopus albogularis  Heard in a number of spots, seen well at Tanshi.

Brown-flanked Bush Warbler  Horornis fortipes Commonly heard from the mid-elevation understory. Seen well at Tanshi

Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler ◊  Horornis acanthizoides Endemic. Common in highest-elevation scrub. Seen well at Wawushan summit.

Aberrant Bush Warbler ◊ (Perplexing B W)  Horornis [flavolivaceus] intricatus Commonest at Wawushan summit where seen well. 

Grey-sided Bush Warbler ◊  Cettia brunnifrons A very showy bird in the high reaches of Erlangshan

White-browed Tit-warbler ◊  Leptopoecile sophiae A responsive pair male gave itself up at near Ruoergi

Crested Tit-warbler ◊  Leptopoecile elegans A couple showed well at Mengbishan

Black-throated Bushtit (B-t Tit, Red-headed T)  Aegithalos concinnus  Common in the lowlands of Yunnan and Chengdu

Black-browed Bushtit ◊ (B-b Tit)  Aegithalos bonvaloti Common

Sooty Bushtit ◊ (S Tit)  Aegithalos fuliginosus  Endemic. A small group showed well from near the hide at Wolong.

Buff-barred Warbler  Phylloscopus pulcher Perhaps the commonest warbler of very high altitude scrub

Ashy-throated Warbler  Phylloscopus maculipennis Several record on the Wawushan summit.

Hume’s Leaf Warbler  Phylloscopus humei Common by voice in higher altitude pinewoods.

Chinese Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus yunnanensis Endemic. A few singletons at Mengbishan and Baxi Forest

Gansu Leaf Warbler ◊ Phylloscopus kansuensis Endemic. One photographed at Baxi Forest was unfortunately when the group was briefly split. 

Sichuan Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus forresti Endemic. Best seen at Wawushan summit, but several elsewhere in highlands.

Yellow-streaked Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus armandii A few scattered sightings including at Baxi Forest

Tickell’s Leaf Warbler ◊ (Alpine L W)  Phylloscopus [affinis] occisinensis Endemic subspecies. Migrants in Yunnan and breeding birds at Erlangshan. Alpine Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus occisinensis was previously split from Tickell’s Leaf Warbler P. affinis (Martens et al. 2008) but is relumped with P. affinis based on bioacoustic, morphological and genomic analyses (Zhang et al. 2019; IOC 2024).

Dusky Warbler  Phylloscopus fuscatus Many migrants in Qingxi and a singing bird near Ruoergi.

Buff-throated Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus subaffinis  A couple on territory at the Wawushan summit and elsewhere.

Grey-crowned Warbler Phylloscopus tephrocephalus Fairly frequent on degraded forest edges, particularly in Yunnan. Seen around the lower slopes at Longgcangou.

Bianchi’s Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus valentine Uplands of Yunnan and showy at Wawushan summit

Alström’s Warbler ◊ (Plain-tailed W)  Phylloscopus soror Endemic. The trickiest to find of the ‘Grey-crowned’ complex – eventually seen at Tanshi and lower part of Wawushan

Martens’s Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus omeiensis Endemic. Common at mid-elevations, especially at Wawushan

Greenish Warbler  Phylloscopus trochiloides A ubiquitous warbler, present to even the highest elevations 

Two-barred Warbler Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus One photographed on the Wawushan summit seems to have wingbars too prominent for trochiloides

Emei Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus emeiensis Small numbers in the Wawushan and Xioshiba areas.

Chestnut-crowned Warbler  Phylloscopus castaniceps Seen well at Wawushan and Longgcangou. 

Blyth’s Leaf Warbler (Y)  Phylloscopus reguloides Several seen well at Sanchahe, Yunnan

Claudia’s Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus claudiae Endemic. Common in mid-elevation broadleaf woodlands

Kloss’s Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus ogilviegranti Several around Tanshi village.

Davison’s Leaf Warbler ◊ (Y)  Phylloscopus intensior A few sighted on the Yunnan extensions.

Oriental Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus orientalis A few around Qingxi Park .

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus One singing at Qingxi Park.

Spotted Bush Warbler ◊  Locustella thoracica Showy birds at Wawushan summit. Heard in a couple of other highland sites.

Sichuan Bush Warbler ◊  Locustella chengi Excellent views at Longgcangou.

Plain Prinia  Prinia inornata A couple singing at the first bend of the Yangtze river.

Golden-breasted Fulvetta ◊  Lioparus chrysotis Over a dozen totalled from mid-elevation woodlands, including Wawushan and Tanshi.

Maniupur Fulvetta ◊ Fulvetta manipurensis 

Spectacled Fulvetta ◊  Fulvetta ruficapilla Endemic. Seen well at Shanggri Xionggu scenic area in Yunnan.

Yunnan Fulvetta ◊  Fulvetta fratercula Small groups at Jinan Road, Lijiang.

Chinese Fulvetta ◊  Fulvetta striaticollis Endemic. A group showed well in Baxi Forest. 

Grey-hooded Fulvetta ◊  Fulvetta cinereiceps Endemic. Seen well at several sites – perhaps best at Wawushan summit.

Spot-breasted Parrotbill ◊  Paradoxornis guttaticollis A small pair showed well at Tanshi, Yunnan

Great Parrotbill ◊  Paradoxornis aemodius Several birds performed splendidly at Wawushan summit.

Brown Parrotbill ◊  Paradoxornis unicolor Singles groups each day on the Wawushan summit

Three-toed Parrotbill ◊  Paradoxornis paradoxus Endemic. A couple of pairs each day on the Wawushan summit

Grey-headed Parrotbill  Paradoxornis gularis A pair tracked down with some effort on the mid-slopes at Wawushan

Fulvous Parrotbill ◊  Suthora fulvifrons Small groups each day on the Wawushan summit

Golden Parrotbill ◊  Suthora verreauxi Common in dense bamboo stands on the lower hills, although tricky to photograph!

Spectacled Parrotbill ◊  Suthora conspicillata Endemic. A single bird on the scrubby hillsides at Baxi Forest

Grey-hooded Parrotbill ◊  Suthora zappeyi Endemic. At least 8 at Wawushan around the summit.

Eye-ringed Parrotbill ◊ (Y)  Suthora ricketti Endemic. A flock of 10 or so found in riverside scrub not far from Lijiang. Formerly considered a race of Brown-winged Parrotbill Suthora brunnea, but now split by both Clements and IOC (14.1)

Ashy-throated Parrotbill ◊  Suthora alphonsiana A handful in the parks of Chengdu

Vinous-throated Parrotbill ◊  Suthora webbiana A singleton in Huanhuaxi Park

White-collared Yuhina ◊  Parayuhina diademata One of the commonest birds of highland woodlands throughout.

Black-chinned Yuhina  Yuhina nigrimenta 

Stripe-throated Yuhina  Yuhina gularis 

Rufous-vented Yuhina ◊  Yuhina occipitalis  A couple at Sanchahe, Yunnan and also seen well at Hailuoguo

Chestnut-flanked White-eye ◊  Zosterops erythropleurus  Small numbers around Wawushan.

Swinhoe’s White-eye  Zosterops simplex Regularly seen in at lower elevations especially in Yunnan. Also in Longgcanggou. Formerly considered part of Warbling White-eye Zosterops japonicus.

Rufous-tailed Babbler ◊  Moupinia poecilotis A couple near  Lijian and a showy pair at Erlangshan.

Rufous-capped Babbler  Cyanoderma ruficeps Common by voice in mid-elevation forests. Seen well at Xioshiba.

Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler  Pomatorhinus ruficollis Common in Yunnan. Also recorded in Wawushan and Fazhan

Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler ◊  Erythrogenys gravivox Multiple obliging groups in Yunnan pine forests. Brief views at Erlangshan

Golden-fronted Fulvetta ◊  Schoeniparus variegaticeps Endemic. A confiding pair at Xioshiba.

Rusty-capped Fulvetta ◊ (Y)  Schoeniparus dubius A couple around Sanchahe, Yunnan 

Dusky Fulvetta ◊ (Brown-capped F)  Schoeniparus brunneus Endemic. Seen well from the hides at Tanshi

David’s Fulvetta ◊  Alcippe davidi Small groups at Longgcangou and Xiaoshiba.

Yunnan Fulvetta ◊ (Y)  Alcippe fratercula Obliging groups at Jian Road, Yunnan

Black-faced Laughingthrush  Trochalopteron affine A handful of cooperative birds at the Wawushan summit

Elliot’s Laughingthrush ◊  Trochalopteron elliotii The commonest Laughingthrush. First seen in Yunnan and present in high elevation woodland and scrub throughout.

Red-winged Laughingthrush ◊  Trochalopteron formosum  A few at Tanshi and several at Wawushan

Black-headed Sibia ◊  Heterophasia desgodinsi Some cooperative birds in Yunnan where several were seen. A single at Wawushan

Streaked Barwing ◊  Actinodura souliei Heard distantly a couple of times at Hailuoguo.

Blue-winged Minla  Actinodura cyanouroptera  A few at Jinan Road, Yunnan and at Wawushan.

Red-billed Leiothrix  Leiothrix lutea Common in mid-elevation scrub to almost the point of annoyance!

Red-tailed Minla  Minla ignotincta Several showy birds, including on the summit at Wawushan

Emei Shan Liocichla ◊  Liocichla omeiensis Endemic. Wonderful views from the hides at Tanshi and a couple found at Wawushan

Chinese Hwamei ◊  Garrulax canorus Endemic. Great views of a pair along the lower slopes of Mt Emei.

Snowy-cheeked Laughingthrush ◊  Lanthocincla sukatschewi  Endemic. Excellent views on two occasions at around Baxi Forest

Moustached Laughingthrush ◊ (Western M L)  Lanthocincla [cineracea] strenua An obliging bird at the stakeout at Sanchahe. Nominate and strenua forms actually constitute the Western clade – a strong contender for a future split from Eastern already adopted by Birdlife.

Spotted Laughingthrush ◊  Lanthocincla ocellata Two very showy birds at Sanchahe 

Giant Laughingthrush ◊  Lanthocincla maxima Endemic. Fairly common and obliging in the highest elevation scrub around Balangshan at Baxi Forest

White-speckled Laughingthrush ◊ (Y) (Biet’s L)  Lanthocincla bieti Endemic. A wonderful performance by a pair at our stakeout near Sanchahe.

Barred Laughingthrush ◊  Lanthocincla lunulata Endemic. Heard close by at Erlangshan but frustratingly refuse to show.

White-browed Laughingthrush ◊  Pterorhinus sannio Common in low lying woodlands including Qingxi Park and Chengdu.

Plain Laughingthrush ◊  Pterorhinus davidi Endemic. Only seen around Baxi Forest, where we had good views.

Chinese Babax ◊  Pterorhinus lanceolatus Small numbers throughout. Most obliging from hides at Tanshi.

Buffy Laughingthrush ◊  Pterorhinus berthemyi Endemic. A common visitor to the hides at Tanshi.

Goldcrest  Regulus regulus A couple before the pass at Balangshan, Mengbishan and numerous in Baxi Forest (yunnanesnsis / sikkimensis)

Eurasian Wren  Troglodytes troglodytes Common in the highest altitude woodlands and scrub, first seen at Mengbishan (tschuanus). “Recent DNA work suggests that species consists of four distinct clades, in Europe, Caucasus, Nepal and East Asia, respectively, which has been interpreted as cryptic speciation” (Birds of the World). 

Przevalski’s Nuthatch ◊  Sitta przewalskii A couple showed well in Baxi Forest

Yunnan Nuthatch ◊ (Y)  Sitta yunnanensis  Pleasingly easy just outside Lijiang.

Chestnut-vented Nuthatch  Sitta nagaensis  Showy birds at Sanchahe and Fuguo Temple, Yunnan

Hodgson’s Treecreeper ◊  Certhia hodgsoni Common at Wawushan summit, a few elsewhere

Chinese Nuthatch ◊  Sitta villosa A large nuthatch which flew over at Baxi Forest was this species by process of elimination.

Eurasian Nuthatch  Sitta europaea A couple of brief birds at Hailuoguo.

Sichuan Treecreeper ◊  Certhia tianquanensis Heard at both Wawushan and excellent views at Hailuoguo

Crested Myna  Acridotheres cristatellus A few around Chengdu

Red-billed Starling ◊ (Silky S)  Spodiopsar sericeus Fairly common around urban areas in the lowlands near Chengdu.

Grandala ◊  Grandala coelicolor A handful scoped very distantly from the upper reaches of both Erlangshan and Balangshan

Long-tailed Thrush ◊  Zoothera dixoni One perched up singing gave great scope views at Mengbishan

Sichuan Thrush ◊  Zoothera griseiceps Heard multiple times around Wawushan and Balangshan, nut unfortunately no birds came into view.

Chinese Thrush ◊ (C Song T)  Turdus mupinensis A couple of brief birds at Mengbishan.

Chinese Blackbird ◊  Turdus mandarinus Best seen in Chengdu.

Grey-winged Blackbird  Turdus boulboul First seen Qingxi Park, Yunnan a few others including near Wolong.

White-backed Thrush ◊ (Kessler’s T)  Turdus kessleri Common in the higher reaches of Balangshan and Ruoergi county

Chestnut Thrush ◊  Turdus rubrocanus A common inhabitat of high-elevation forest up to the treeline, though generally lower than the former. First seen Wawushan summit.

Oriental Magpie-Robin  Copsychus saularis Several in Chnegdu and also at Fazhan.

Dark-sided Flycatcher  Muscicapa sibirica  Several migrants, and a breeding pair above Wolong.

Ferruginous Flycatcher ◊  Muscicapa ferruginea  A number of scattered migrants including 3 at Wawushan

Fujian Niltava ◊  Niltava davidi  Decent views on the mid-slope at Wawushan.

Rufous-bellied Niltava  Niltava sundara A couple at the hides in Sanchahe, Yunnan

Verditer Flycatcher  Eumyias thalassinus Fairly common in mid-elevation woodland

Chinese Blue Flycatcher ◊  Cyornis glaucicomans Endemic. Close views of a singing male at Longgcangou.

White-bellied Redstart ◊  Luscinia phaenicuroides Several by voice in highland scrub. Seen well Baxi Forest

White-tailed Robin  Myiomela leucura Heard regularly from the thickest bamboos stands. Seen briefly at Wawushan.

Firethroat ◊  Calliope pectardens  Breeding endemic. Nice views of both males at mid-elevations of Erlangshan and Balangshan

Siberian Rubythroat  Calliope calliope A couple of singing birds at Baxi Forest.

Chinese Rubythroat ◊  Calliope tschebaiewi Some considerable physical exertion allowed us to get high enough to find a stunning singing bird at Balangshan.

White-crowned Forktail  Enicurus leschenaultia A bird seen briefly at mid-elevation at Buogao Temple.

Blue Whistling Thrush (Black-billed W T)  Myophonus caeruleus Common in Yunnan along most watercourses, a couple in Sichuan

Himalayan Shortwing  Brachypteryx cruralis One showed at the summit at Wawushan

Indian Blue Robin  Larvivora brunnea Seen well around the hides at Sanchahe.

Slaty-blue Flycatcher  Ficedula tricolor Common by voice, seen at Erlangshan

Slaty-backed Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula erithacus Nice views around Wawushan and especially Baxi Forest.

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher  Ficedula strophiata Seen well at Wawushan summit and a few other spots

White-browed Bush Robin ◊  Tarsiger indicus Heard at numerous spots throughout. Seen briefly at Wawushan summit.

Golden Bush Robin ◊  Tarsiger chrysaeus A couple of smart birds at Wawushan.

Himalayan Bluetail (H Red-flanked B)  Tarsiger rufilatus Nice views at Mengbishan and Baxi Forest

Blue-fronted Redstart  Phoenicurus frontalis First seen at Hailuoguo, common thereafter.

White-throated Redstart ◊  Phoenicurus schisticeps  Very common around Ruoergi country and Baxi Forest

Plumbeous Water Redstart  Phoenicurus fuliginosus Common along watercourses throughout.

White-capped Redstart (River Chat)  Phoenicurus leucocephalus Common along watercourses throughout.

Black Redstart (Eastern B R)  Phoenicurus ochruros Common around the Tibertan Plateau. 

Daurian Redstart  Phoenicurus auroreus Scattered individuals throughout. Best seen in Yunnan

Hodgson’s Redstart ◊  Phoenicurus hodgsoni Excellent view in Baxi Forest

Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris One (initially assumed to be a Blue Rock Thrush) perched briefly atop a pine tree at Mengbishan and was re-identified from photographs 

Blue Rock Thrush (Eastern B R T)  Monticola [solitarius] philippensis A couple seen on journeys from the bus, most notably on the return to Chengdu

Grey Bush Chat  Saxicola ferreus  Several in Yunnan. An obliging bird near Longgcangou. 

Siberian Stonechat (Tibetan S)  Saxicola [maurus] przewalskii Plenty seen from roadsides and some close views in Yunnan.

White-throated Dipper  Cinclus cinclus Single along the river at Balangshan and Hailuoguo

Brown Dipper  Cinclus pallasii  Seen well in Yunnan and a couple along the river near Longgcangou.

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker  Dicaeum ignipectus Common in Yunnan, a handful at lower level forest in Sichuan

Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker** ◊  Dicaeum melanozanthum A brief but close bird at Sanchahe

Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird ◊ (Scarlet-breasted S)  Aethopyga [gouldiae] dabryii Common in mid-elevation woodlands, particularly in Yunnan.

Fork-tailed Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga christinae A single in Huanhuaxi Park, Chengdu. 

Rock Sparrow  Petronia petronia A handful during our time around Ruoergi county.

White-rumped Snowfinch ◊  Onychostruthus taczanowskii The commonest passerine of well-grazed areas of the Tibetan Plateau.

Rufous-necked Snowfinch ◊  Pyrgilauda ruficollis Common in rockier areas of Ruoergi county

Black-winged Snowfinch* ◊ (Tibetan S)  Montifringilla adamsi

Russet Sparrow  Passer cinnamomeus A few in Yunnan and small numbers at Fazhan village.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow  Passer montanus Common around human habitation.

Scaly-breasted Munia (Y)  Lonchura punctulate A few at the first bend of the Yantze, near Lijiang.

White-rumped Munia  Lonchura striata Two in Longuanzhen ancient town.

Alpine Accentor  Prunella collaris Heard only, high up at Balangshan

Rufous-breasted Accentor ◊  Prunella strophiata Common at the highest reaches of Erlangshan and Balangshan.

Maroon-backed Accentor ◊  Prunella immaculata A couple at Mengbishan and a good views at Baxi Forest

Citrine Wagtail ◊ (Southern C W, Tibetan W)  Motacilla [citreola] calcarata Great views of this stunner around Flower Lake

Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea  First seen in Yunnan and common at Tanshi.

White Wagtail (Himalayan W)  Motacilla [alba] alboides The stunningly distinctive 

Blyth’s Pipit ◊  Anthus godlewskii A couple in long grass on the Ruoergi plateau area.

Olive-backed Pipit  Anthus hodgsoni Scattered singles throughout in pine forest and highland scrub.

Rosy Pipit ◊  Anthus roseatus Commonest above the treeline at Erlangshan

Przevalski’s Finch ◊  Urocynchramus pylzowi Endemic. Stunning views of at total of 6 birds on scrubby hillsides around Ruoergi.

Spot-winged Grosbeak ◊  Mycerobas melanozanthos

Collared Grosbeak ◊  Mycerobas affinis Nice views of a male at the Balangshan tunnel.

White-winged Grosbeak ◊  Mycerobas carnipes A flock gave goodviews views at Mengbiashan

Chinese Grosbeak ◊ (Yellow-billed G)  Eophona migratoria A brief birds at Qingxi Reservoir, Lijiang.

Brown Bullfinch  Pyrrhula nipalensis

Grey-headed Bullfinch ◊  Pyrrhula erythaca Common in submontane scrub around Balangshan and Baxi Forest.

Dark-breasted Rosefinch  Procarduelis nipalensis Numerous singles and pairs, including some confiding birds at Erlangshan and Mengbishan.

Plain Mountain Finch  Leucosticte nemoricola A few birds showed well at Balangshan.

Common Rosefinch  Carpodacus erythrinus Plenty around Balangshan and Mengbishan

Streaked Rosefinch ◊ (Eastern Great R)  Carpodacus rubicilloides Nice views of a pair at Mengbishan

Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch ◊  Carpodacus pulcherrimus Several at Geliping and Gonggangling

Pink-rumped Rosefinch ◊  Carpodacus waltoni Endemic. Common in the upper reaches of Balanagshan where nice views were had. 

Sharpe’s Rosefinch ◊  Carpodacus verreauxii A pair briefly at Mengbishan.

Vinaceous Rosefinch ◊  Carpodacus vinaceus Nice views at Wawushan summit and the hide at Wolong. 

Three-banded Rosefinch ◊  Carpodacus trifasciatus An inconspicous group eventually seen well at Mengbishan.

Chinese White-browed Rosefinch ◊  Carpodacus dubius Endemic. Seen well and the distinctive nasal call was a constant feature of upland pine forest.

(Chinese) Long-tailed Rosefinch* ◊  Carpodacus sibiricus

Crimson-browed Finch ◊  Carpodacus subhimachalus A duo performed briefly to a few of the group at Erlangshan.

Grey-capped Greenfinch  Chloris sinica A couple showed well on the village edges at Fazhan

Black-headed Greenfinch ◊ (Y)  Chloris ambigua Nice views at Sanchahe, Yunnan.

Twite  Linaria flavirostris A handful of this dark-billed and different-sound birds around Flower Lake.

Red Crossbill (Common C)  Loxia curvirostra A couple of flyovers at Mengbishan.

Tibetan Serin ◊ (T Siskin)  Spinus thibetanus Surprisingly just sing bird, which perched up for a couple of minutes at Mengbishan.

Slaty Bunting ◊  Emberiza siemsseni A couple of pairs around Wolong showed brilliantly.

Godlewski’s Bunting ◊  Emberiza godlewskii A single en route to Mengbishan and another dug out at Baxi Forest for those who had dipped.

Godlewski’s Bunting ◊ (Yunnan B)  Emberiza [godlewskii] yunnanensis Common throughout the pine forest of Yunnan.

Little Bunting  Emberiza pusilla A pair at Qingxi Park, Lijiang.

Yellow-throated Bunting ◊ (Elegant B)  Emberiza elegans Common in Yunnan. 

MAMMALS

Western Red Panda  Ailurus fulgens Good views of four different individuals – three at Wawushan summit and fourth by the cable car station at Erlangshan

Eastern Roe Deer Capreolus pygargus Three en route to the Tibetan Plateau

Sika Deer  Cervus nippon A small group at Baxi Forest

Tibetan Macaque  Macaca thibetana A few potentially troublesome troops around Wawushan and Longgcangou.

Woolly Hare  Lepus oiostolus Four or five on hillsides around Ruoergi

Plateau Pika (Black-lipped P)  Ochotona curzoniae Abundant on the Tibetan Plateau.

Moupin Pika (Forest P)  Ochotona thibetana Small numbers around Erlangshan and Balangshan

Pallas’s Squirrel  Callosciurus erythraeus Common in broadleaved woodland, particularly the feeders at Sanchahe.

Perny’s Long-nosed Squirrel  Dremomys pernyi Common in broadleaved woodland, particularly the feeders at Sanchahe.

Himalayan Marmot  Marmota himalayana Abundant around Zoige.

Swinhoe’s Striped Squirrel  Tamiops swinhoei Common and tame around the summit at Wawushan

BUTTERFLIES

Violet Copper Helleia helle One at Sanchahe

Mongol Araschnia prorsoides At least one photographed at Sanchahe

Common Punch Dodona durga One at Sanchahe

Pallas’ Sailer Neptis sappho Several around Sanchahe