Ribbon-tailed Drongo

Loud but sluggish and difficult-to-see canopy inhabitant of the Annamite highlands in western Vietnam, eastern Laos, and far eastern Cambodia. Green with an electric-blue face, pale yellow crown and throat, and thick black eyebrows. Also note heavy dark bill with long bristles at the base. More often heard than seen; listen for its long, unending series of hollow-sounding notes. Like many other barbets, it can be difficult to locate when singing; more readily seen at fruiting trees. Formerly considered a subspecies of Black-browed Barbet.

Small, retiring quail of forest understory. Rarely seen, but can be located by listening for noisy rustling in the leaf litter as birds scratch like chickens. Prefers to run away rather than flush. Loud song often reveals its presence, given mainly early and late in the day: first few notes similar to Little Tinamou song, but then breaks into rollicking choruses that can be almost deafening if close by. Male has rusty face and gray body, female colors reversed, with gray face and rusty body.

Small, fast-flying swift of humid tropical lowlands. Usually seen in pairs flying low over the forest canopy, but also ranges out over adjacent open areas, lakes, and rivers. Often in loose association with other small swifts, especially Vaux’s. Note the very narrow wings and long swallow tail, which is usually held closed in a long fine point rather than being spread to show the fork. The small size and bright white throat that contrasts with the black cap and body are distinctive.