Sichuan, China 22nd May – 10th June 2017

Leader: Mike Nelson

Participants: Derek Antropik, Joelle Finley, Tim Fitzpatrick, Ken Harris, Pirjo Laakso, Chris Straw and John Ward

Streaked Barwing © Mike Nelson / Birdtour Asia

Sichuan has long been known as one of the jewels in the crown of Chinese birding with stunning scenery to accompany some of the best birding in the country and this year’s tour was no exception. From the deciduous mixed forest in the north following along the edge of the Tibet Plateau and its vast expanse of grassy planes and hills then dropping down into the conifer and bamboo forests of the south we racked up 292 species, with fourteen Phasianids seen including half an hour with a glowing male Temminck’s Tragopan, eight Lady Amherst’s Pheasants seen and seven sightings of Severtzov’s Grouse, fantastic corvids including nine Sichuan Jays, thirteen species of Laughingthrushes, ten parrotbills including the incredibly range restricted Przewalski’s Parrotbill down to a few feet, twenty-eight warblers, eleven rosefinches and other exciting jewels like Sichuan Forest Thrush, Pere David’s Owl calling during the day, the monotypic family Przewalski’s Pinktail up close and personal, both rainbow hued tit-warblers showed particularly well, Firethroat was brilliant again this year with several seen,

Crimson-browed Finch at one of the high passes, the incomparable Moupinia singing feet from us, Vivid Niltava and the stunning Streaked Barwing, just inches away rounding out a great trip. Our first day began with us heading out of the huge metropolis of Chengdu and heading north. Our long journey was only interrupted by a few Grey-backed Shrikes on wires and occasional Crested Mynas but once at our first birding stop things began to heat up. Our first of many Collared Finchbills were singing in the mixed scrub. A few Russet Sparrows were dotted around the place and the constant song of Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler reached our ears and we eventually tracked down one close by. A pair of Kloss’s Leaf Warblers showed up for our first dip into the deep pool of Phylloscopus warblers we would encounter. They were joined by a small flock of Black-throated Bushtit and behind us the sweet song of a Daurian Redstart alerted us to its presence. The buzzy calls of an Oriental Greenfinch helped us locate it sat atop a conifer and darting around the close by brush was a lone Vinous-throated Parrotbill. Having gotten a bit of birding under our belts we continued on for our first of many fine Sichuan meals before arriving in the early afternoon at Tang Jia He. No sooner had we stopped the bus that the action started. Tracking down the song of an Alstrom’s Warbler we managed to find it darting about in the understory and while taking in this fine songster another fine singer in the shape of the bright yellow Sulphur-breasted Warbler showed up. Further birding along a forest trail gave us Red-billed Blue Magpie, a constant companion on this tour, as well as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Oriental Honeybuzzard, an active flock of Black-chinned Yuhinas, Claudia’s Leaf Warbler and Chestnut-crowned Warbler. The tiny but no less good looking Pygmy Cupwing put in a very close appearance moving back and forth from undergrowth to a small snag to sing several times.

Przewalski’s Parrotbill, Tang Jia He Today was a big day, a hike up to the known spot for Przewalski’s Parrotbill. Things began well as we drove to our jump off point when we came screaming to a halt to take in a Crested Kingfisher perched on a branch over the river. Some jostling in the van allowed us all to get a view of it before we continued on. A few minutes later the brakes were applied again this time as a Chinese Serow ran out of the roadside cover it was foraging in and sped across the road in front of us and up the slope and out of view. We eventually arrived with the dawn chorus in full swing around us. Shortly after we began up the trail we located an Indian Blue Robin, a very vocal Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler and our first of several Martens’s Warblers. The altitude was noticeable here as we continued up into a clearing to pause and catch our breath we were treated to vistas of conifer clad mountains draped in snow which was stunning. The birds though had little time for the views and sang constantly around us so we pushed on and were rewarded with a vocal pair of Great Parrotbills shortly followed by a pair of raucous Barred Laughingthrush that showed very well. Always upward we continued on picking up Long-tailed Minivet, Yellow-browed Tit, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher and Green-backed Tit in a small flock and a bit farther up we located a pair of Blyth’s Shrike-vireo’s in one of the many Spruce trees. The warbler composition changed as we got higher up as well with Sichuan Leaf, Buff-barred and Hume’s Leaf all noticed. Goldcrest, Dark-breasted and Vinaceous Rosefinch and a nice pair of Sooty Bushtits were seen well before we reached the edge of the bamboo sea that covered the top of the mountain just above the tree line. Mixed in with the bamboo were many patches of Spruce and deciduous trees and it was in this habitat we found a nice Takin feeding across the valley. As we continued higher up the trees became thinner and the search for our main quarry intensified. Continual stopping to check calls from Golden-bellied Leioparus (what was, fulvetta) and Aberrant Bush Warbler kept us on our toes till we neared the top and this time stopping for a new set of calls. These were definitely from a parrotbill but we were

not quite close enough so we moved up the trail till the calls came from below us. Waiting expectantly the calls kept getting close till suddenly we were looking down on a diminutive Przewalski’s Parrotbill feet from us moving through the bamboo. It then crossed the path behind us and was just uphill moving through the tall stalks right in front of us for some amazing looks at this range-restricted little gem. Job done we began to make our way down and when we heard some more parrotbill calls we pulled up to find a nice orange pair of Fulvous Parrotbills feeding close to the trail, this was followed a short while later by a noisy pair of Spectacled Parrotbills that didn’t seem as keen to show but were seen none the less. The parrotbill theme continued as we descended when we found a pair of Three-toed Parrotbills feeding high up at the top of the bamboo then flying up to investigate an over hanging tree branch for our fifth parrotbill of the day. The high-pitched, trilling song of a Sichuan Treecreeper came from the same stand of conifers we’d found it in last year and soon enough we located the bird hitching up the side of one of trees moving up through the boughs then dropping down to the neighboring tree and repeating the process. Securing fantastic looks at this. Counting our luck, we proceeded down the narrow trail picking up White-browed Bush Robin, a decidedly silhouetted female Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Bianchi’s and Emei Leaf Warbler and Elliot’s Laughingthrush before reaching the bottom of the trail to walk to jeep track. Plumbeous and White-capped Redstarts hung out on rocks in the river while a pair of Streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers were coaxed out of hiding. A very colourful Golden Pheasant was seen moving uphill through the top of a small bush into a neighboring tree giving us wonderful looks and a fine end to the days birding. Our second day here was spent looking for another of the local specialties, Temminck’s Tragopan and a short hike in soon had us face to face with “big red” right next to the trail. After sauntering down to the river, he crossed and proceeded to forage on the other side for over half an hour as we watched him scratching at the ground and plucking leaves. Tearing ourselves away from him we continued up the trail and found several more good birds including White-throated Laughingthrush, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Yellow-bellied Tit, White-bellied Robin (which clearly isn’t a redstart!) and White-collared Yuhina. One other particular standout was an amazingly confiding Baikal Bush Warbler that perched out on a fallen branch right below us singing and turning to and fro. The afternoon was spent along a river side trail where no sooner had we gotten there that we picked up our two targets with a White-crowned Forktail calling and moving up a narrow creek and an aptly named Slaty Bunting perched above us. A good thing too that they showed up early as it began to rain a short while later and forced us back to the hotel for the evening.

Baikal Bush Warbler and Barred Laughingthrush, Tangjaihe

Our next stop, Jiuzhaigou, is famous for its amazing beauty, clear blue lakes, snowcapped peaks and steep mountains cloaked in tall stands of conifers. It’s also home to some fantastic birds – even though Rufous-headed Robin appears to have had its day here, with no records for the second year running. A full day birding here allowed us to find many of them like some very colorful Collared Grosbeaks, Grey-headed Bullfinches, Slaty-backed Flycatcher and Chestnut Thrush. Deep in the forest a very active flock presented us with Pere David’s and Coal Tit, Chinese Nuthatch, Bianchi’s Warbler and Hodgson’s Treecreeper. We also had a pair of Sichuan Treecreepers here with one coming to a crack in a broken stump, it disappeared into it and we thought it may be a nest but after the bird popped out again it continued to forage and joined its mate and together they moved off into the forest. There were several groups of Tibetan Siskins feeding in the conifers and below in the understory we found several Maroon-backed Accentors after peering into the canopy at one earlier. Another skulker came in the form of the slight but active Slaty-blue Flycatcher. After hearing the bird calling it took us all a few minutes to all get onto the bird as it whipped back and forth across the trail eventually sitting out for all to see. At one point we stopped for some begging sounds finding a Great Spotted Woodpecker bringing food to the young while a pair of Eurasian Nuthatches hitched up and down nearby trunks. Our last stop of the day was in a large patch of reeds where we could hear several Spectacled Parrotbills and we managed to get close enough

where we could see them popping up and out of the reeds even coming into the nearby bushes which alerted a curious Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler that came to have a look. A second day in the surrounding area had us visiting an area of higher stunted bush and coniferous forest. A cold morning greeted us but it had no effect on the birds with White-throated Redstart, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Alpine Leaf Warbler and several Siberian Rubythroats singing in the bushes. Once among the cramped and diminutive willows we could pick out the yak trail that would take us through to another open area of grasses where the tree lined sides held one of our main targets, a pair of Severtzov’s Grouse that hurriedly crossed in front of us. We immediately stopped but the views had been very brief. We had just begun to settle in and wait when one of the birds came sprinting back across and suddenly all eyes were down the slope when the male emerged and upon seeing us stopped his quick dash to a gentle stroll as if he’d been caught running and wanted to look all casual about it. This gave us the opportunity to admire his chestnut cap and cryptic plumage before he disappeared into the needle encrusted floor of the forest after his mate. Target one done gave us more time to bird around and we picked up Grey-hooded Fulvetta, a nice pair of Crested Tit-Warblers, Chinese White-browed Rosefinch, Himalayan Bluetails looking particularly bright in the morning sunlight. Scanning underneath the bushes we found Hume’s and Buff-barred Leaf Warblers and another White-bellied Robin. The slow hike back up the mountain was halted by a Chinese Thrush that was carrying food and a pair of White-winged Grosbeaks but the real gem came as we were nearing the top when the familiar hoots of a Pere David’s Owl reached our ears. Creeping slowly towards the edge of the Spruce forest we peered into each tree till Tim found it three trees back. Once we maneuvered into position we could all see the bird quite well. With a little jockeying and awkward stances on the slope we all managed some fantastic views and listened intently as it went through a few calls, throat billowing and tail pumping before we quietly backed off and continued on our way up the slope back to our van. An afternoon along some of the forest paths here allowed us some exploration of the area and we ran into a very vocal and obstinate Spotted Bush Warbler that once atop his preferred bush, blasting away, was loath to move though we were just feet from him. We also located another Sichuan Treecreeper singing a bit farther off the road though it was tough to beat our previous views it was nice to catch up with it again. It was also here that we tracked down our last treecreeper with a very flighty Bar-tailed Treecreeper doing its best to remain hidden as it darted about in the understory of a large stand of conifers. Eventually we all managed to get onto it. Bianchi’s Warblers were common here and we also ran into a pair of White-capped Redstarts pumping their burnt sienna and black tails. We also managed to find a pair of Pink-rumped Rosefinches feeding on flowers as we exited which was nice.

Spotted Bush Warbler and Pere David’s Owl One thing about China that you don’t at first realize is the sheer size and when an eight-hour bus journey to what seems like a relatively close spot on the map you understand the vastness of the country and it was with that in mind we set of the next day. Our first stop was for breakfast but the pass was cloudy and socked in with fog but we still hung out in the cold with our Tibetan bread and coffee when behind us came the billowing song of a pair of Blue Eared Pheasant. Waiting for clearings in the fog allowed us some great views though a bit clouded as the birds fed up the slope from us. Not wanting to hang out in the mist we drove on to our next destination along the way stopping at a few key spots to bird the stunted willows that lined the slopes of some of the hillsides we drove past. Little birding breaks along the way here gave us some nice looks at several further Blue Eared Pheasants, at one time flying over our heads with wind whistling through their feathers and long tails trailing behind making for an odd sight. Chinese Fulvettas put in an appearance albeit skulking and furtive. Several more Siberian Rubythroats were singing here and the huge Kessler’s Thrush was common. Dusky Warblers sang and called but always frustratingly unshowy

so some digging in the bushes eventually gave us all some views of this rather drab Phyllosc. Common Cuckoos began to appear on the wires as we continued ever upwards to the Tibetan Plateau eventually stopping for some afternoon birding in some very short bushes and though clear and fine weather it was a bit slow but we still managed White-browed Tit and Groun-tit, Siberian Stonechat and Tim found a Tibetan Partridge but the rest of us weren’t able to get onto it before it had gone. We eventually arrived at our hotel for the evening high up on the edge of the Tibet Plateau.

Blood Pheasant and Sichuan Jay The following day we were treated to some more great birding in a wonderful patch of coniferous forest that lined a steep valley. We arrived at dawn and while the sun crept up behind the mountains we had another field breakfast complete with the requisite hot coffee and with mugs firmly grasped we inspected the tops of the trees where Chestnut and Kessler’s Thrushes sang while in the bushes next to our picnic spot were a duo of Pere David’s Laughingthrushes moved about climbing up to the highest point before gliding across the road to the neighboring bushes. Once sated we spent the morning heading upwards into the thick forest. First on the list was the welcome sight of a Przewalski’s Nuthatch singing in full view and though we could hear some of the loud songs of Giant Laughingthrushes it was the silent one that snuck up behind us feeding in the grass that we all got onto, it pays to always check your six. Making our way along the trail as it wove through the gnarly branches of wind swept willows and birches we found a Sichuan Tit bringing food to an eyelevel nest only feet from us and once viewed we quickly headed off up the trail. From here our pathway turned right and began to wend its way upwards through the mixed deciduous and conifer forest till the broadleaf trees gave way to the solid curtain of deep green spruce. Along the way we go some great views of Three-banded Rosefinch, Greenish and Buff-barred Warblers, another pair of Chinese Fulvettas, Rufous-vented and Grey-crested Tits were also picked up, but it was two standout birds that really enlivened our morning’s birding. First were treated to some ridiculously close groups of Blood Pheasants walking back-and-forth in front of us as they went to investigate each other. We could see all the subtle nuances of the reds, ashy grey, moss green and fringed white as several birds hung out close to us and we all fired away with our cameras. The second episode was as we were hiking up and a Sichuan Jay caught Tim’s eye as it flew over and we were all looking skyward as another followed the first from a tall stand of Spruce across the valley in front of us and to the other side. This was trailed by a further three then two more and a further pair making for nine jays in total. A few sat out for some decent looks though a they were silhouetted we were still happy to see such a collection of this much sought-after bird. We ended up running into this group three more times with the final showing in great sunlight and full view. From our vantage point up here we could also pick out Blue Eared and Common Pheasant in the agricultural fields at the bottom of the valley. A wonderful dumpling soup lunch energized us for the afternoon and we drove down the valley then back up to another patch of forest where after some scrambling up a bank to the winding road we had come up on we managed to track down some fleeting views of Sukatchev’s Laughingthrush. Not wanting to make our way back down the bank we spent the rest of the time walking the road which paid huge dividends when a further three laughingthrushes crossed the road right in front of us for some wonderfully unobstructed views. They continued to call just over the bank and showed well and were soon joined by a busy flock of Rufous-vented and Sichuan Tits along with Hume’s and Buff-barred Warblers checking out all the commotion. Once we’d safely picked through the flock and identified everything we continued a slow walk down the road and had come to a long stretch when ahead at the bottom of the road sat a bird. Not expecting a Blue Eared Pheasant sat in the middle of the road we were all surprised when that is what it turned out to be and it just stood there not moving. Eventually it sauntered over to the ditch on the far side and kept coming back out to the road so we moved down towards it then realized it was checking to see if its mate was coming when that bird burst from cover and charged across the road to

pair up and then dove off for cover only to emerge along an open bank as we arrived giving us some brilliant views of this usually somewhat distant bird. Taking this as a good omen to end the day on we loaded up into our waiting van and headed back up the valley and onto the plateau towards our hotel for the night. The cold, windswept fringes of the Tibetan Plateau was our domain this day and an early start insured we were in position for our main target. When we arrived for breakfast though things didn’t look good with wind driven rain pounding the side of the van we remained huddled inside waiting for it to stop. Despite the conditions a few of us brave souls headed out to check the scrub and no sooner had we hiked up a wide gulley we stopped and could hear our desired target singing. Turning to our right we soon found a beautiful Przewalski’s Pinktail perched atop a lone stalk in full view. As it was so close to the road we decided to call up the van and within a few minutes we were all looking at the bird with wonderful scope views, with some venturing on as the bird flew to a new perch to get some photos – a regular fixture on the Sichuan itinerary since we found it here in 2014. With that family safely in the bag we continued on across the plateau in search of further targets like Tibetan Lark, Lammergeier, Saker Falcon and Upland Buzzard and we found a nice family party of five Tibetan Grey Shrikes. We also came across several pairs of Black-necked Cranes feeding casually near the road, a lone Black Stork perched atop a telephone pole was a nice addition and several showy Tibetan Wagtails with their bright yellow and black plumage added a splash of color. As we continued across the plateau we found some scrubby hillsides were a pair of multihued Severtzov’s Tit-warblers perched out in full view for all the active shutters while Hodgson’s Redstart, Kessler’s Thrush and Chinese Fulvetta added to the day before dropping down off the plateau to our next stop.

Verreaux’s Monal-Partridge (Mengbishan) © Joelle Finley Temminck’s Tragopan (Tangjaihe) The following morning it was dark out when we began. The cold, wet tarmac was all we could see, illuminated by our headlights with only the metronomic yellow center lines rolling by under our wheels for company. Huddled in silent anticipation we climbed the winding road up into the waning darkness. When we found our stopping point a faint grey glow had begun to creep over the looming mountains. As we peered out of the fogged windows we could see a vast carpet of spruce wearing the clouds like a sheep’s wool mantle. We could barely see past 10 meters. The rain that had been holding off began to sprinkle in earnest on the windows and the cold, as well, that we had kept at bay inside the van rushed in at us when we opened the door to inspect the scene. All around us though was not silent. Many of our targets and previous ticks sang out buried in the mist and spruce. This was a good sign. Gripping warm mugs of coffee, we waited in the growing light hoping the weather would clear. We retreated from the rain back inside the van to finish our breakfast and this was when we noticed the flecks of ice and slush mixed with the rain drops that now slid down the front windshield meant the weather was getting worse. This didn’t look good. We decided though to soldier on. We had little time to be concerned with the weather so we began to seek a way into the impenetrable curtain of thick spruce eventually finding a narrow yak trail that led up into the forest. The narrow trail was slick and rocky as we picked our way over fallen spruce boughs as the snow began to fall in ever thicker sheets. Up here the air was thin and we were all panting as we negotiated the steep trail. We eventually came to a small stand of Rhododendron whose waxy green leaves were covered with a fine layer of clinging, wet snow that crunched under our feet as we made our way through them. Ahead of us was a small clearing where several spruces had fallen making for some great cover so we approached spooking a Severtzov’s Grouse that sprinted away into the underbrush leaving a small trail of footprints in the freshly laid snow. Having seen this earlier it was not a priority so we waited, listening for our quarry. The constant hum of falling snow was all that met our ears along with several Greenish Warblers that were braving the elements.

By now the whole area was a carpet of white and deep green. The snow was pristine and above us the cloak of mist was lifting from the mountains around of us. It was then, as we were taking all this stunning beauty in, that we heard the distant song of our target bird. We continued to wait trying to gage if it was getting any closer. To our right another pair began to answer, the excitement level rose, there were now four birds close but none approaching our hiding place. We waited reluctantly for a while then made a break across the clearing to some stunted Rhododendron hiding back in a small culvert we set up again. A second bout of song, this time much closer, met our ears as we huddled in the cold pushed back against the snow-covered bushes behind us. Finally, a hint of movement. Through the boughs in front of us we could make out a bird walking slowly across the edge of the bushes above us. Five or six jerky steps and it would stop. Never out in the open and mostly obscured it would cock its head to listen, wait expectantly then slowly proceed on. Finally, it cleared the Rhododendrons making its way across the snowy ground to a small fallen bough that sat above the snow. Perched atop its chosen spot the male Verreaux’s Monal-Partridge gathered itself and the burst into song. Chest heaving and neck craning upwards with maw agape a long, loud series of calls exploded from this stocky bird. Its rufous throat stretched towards the heavens we could see its warm breath condensing in the cold air around it as it sang. It’s warm grey, brown plumage flecked with snow and a rufous tail dotted with white all spread and tense as it sang. Like the Pavarotti of the forest he finished his performance and slowly stepped down from his perch and exited stage left back into the darkness of the undergrowth. We almost felt like cheering such a dramatic performance in such a dramatic place. Exiting Mother Nature’s Teatro alla Scala we made our way back to the road having witnessed yet another of Sichuan’s natural treasures.

Przewalski’s Pinktail and Crimson-fronted Finch Mountain passes are often a great place to see birds as the roads up provide a viable entrance to their habitat and it was no different this morning. After finding our Verreax’s Monal-Partridge we decided to head to the top of the pass to try and get above the weather and this proved bountiful as we found a pair of Crimson-fronted Finches by the roadside feeding in a flowering bush. The finch theme continued throughout the morning with us finding a lovely pair of strawberry-headed Streaked Rosefinches, and several pairs of Pink-rumped and Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinches as well. Several Rufous-breasted Accentors were found singing along roadside bounding among the rocks and a small flock of Rufous-vented Tits attracted a very showy and close Crested Tit-warbler. Warblers were common and vocal up here with Buff-barred, Greenish and Hume’s all seen. Having done well and with the clouds descending we decided to head down the valley and no sooner had we stopped that we found four Chinese Babax sat out on a grassy knoll foraging. Occasionally darting back into the cover of some small trees they would emerge to feed again with their stripy plumage on show for all. Thankfully the sun had come out so we headed back up for some welcome lunch. We continued birding the coniferous clad slopes with several new birds for the day with a Goldcrest appearing below us allowing us to all take in its bright yellow and orange crown stripe while the jumbled song of a Eurasian Wren led us to his singing perch. Several white spots of the lower grassy hills gave away the position of six White Eared Pheasants and we also picked up a couple more Blood Pheasants as well. Giant Laughingthrush were vocal and common along the stands of Spruce and after searching for some time a feeding Long-tailed Thrush was located and seen foraging in the scrub below us. Yet another Lammergeier was seen this time circling over the adjoining hillside and a skulking female Three-banded Rosefinch was found preening in a roadside bush. With another great days birding under our belts we headed down for the night.

Our next day began with a nice roadside breakfast and six more White Eared Pheasant this time much closer and our descending drive took us past some agricultural fields with Black-eared Kite, Chinese Pond Heron and Red Collared Dove all seen before we entered some very contrasting habitat in some steep gorges where precipitous rock faces were dotted with conifers and some thick scrub that clung resolutely to the craggy bluffs surrounding us. Here we quickly located our first target in the stunning Long-tailed Rosefinch, of the sedentary henrici race, and noticeably different from the migrant races found further north and east, the elaborate patterns of pinks and whites offset against the surrounding green was quite eye-catching. In constant flight, up and down the valley were Eurasian Crag Martins and a pair of noisy Eurasian Jays called from across the river from us. Both Hodgson’s and Daurian Redstarts added their brand of rufous/orange to the scene and the more sombre but still welcomed Hill Pigeon were seen as well but as the heat of the day began to rise we needed to move on but not before a lone Lammergeier sailed over us on the rising thermals. This afternoon we rose up and over the Balang pass and as we descended down there were a couple of Eurasian Buzzards perched atop telephone wires but since it was foggy up here we continued down till we were below and in the clear. Once parked up we began birding getting stuck right in to a brilliant Sichuan Forest Thrush that perched at eye-level allowing eye filling views of its scaly breast and milk chocolate back and head. Scarlet colored Common Rosefinch were abundant with their “pleased to meet cha” song echoing around us joined by the usual suite of warblers. A close Himalayan Bluetail showed well while the calls of a Golden Bush Robin led us to a female while in the neighboring gulley the song of a White-browed Bush Robin attracted our attention to yet another female. With still a while to head down to our hotel for the night we continued on.

Sichuan Forest Thrush and Koklass Pheasant We had two full days here on the mountain but it didn’t start well, thick fog and drizzle were all the way down to our start point and as we droned on up the winding road things didn’t appear to be clearing up. Two thousand meters later and we were close to the pass when we encountered one of our targets, thankfully its cobalt blue plumage set it off against the thick gloom and we all managed to get onto a fantastic male Grandala. Continuing up we passed a Tibetan Snowcock on the side of the road just over the barrier but with the thick fog we couldn’t stop for fear of being plowed into by an oncoming vehicle. We continued up till we came to a pull off and decided to walk back down to see if we could find them. Making our way through the mist we could hear Rosy Pipits and Alpine Accentors singing but we could barely see our hands in front of our faces but then we picked out the long, drawn whistle of a snowcock. We could make out the barrier and figured we were in the right spot so just waited. Edging closer and closer we could hear the song just the other side of the barrier, they were close. We could see nothing but a bit of road, barrier and hillside in a tight ten-foot semicircle in front of us, all else was blocked by fog. Then the call came directly to our front, they must be over the barrier and that is when the pair came trotting down the road straight towards us. Oblivious of our presence in the road the two barreled onwards heading towards the calls of another pair on the slopes above us. They emerged from the fog like two road going chickens when they suddenly realized a wall of eight humans was blocking their path, a quick right turn and a cackle and they were up the slope pausing to gather themselves they looked back at us and their narrow escape. They then kindly proceeded to begin calling again and slowly moving up the grassy bank in full, though slightly foggy, view, what an experience. Continuing from here up to the pass we emerged on the far side in full daylight and bright sunshine. A perfect place to have breakfast. With hot coffee in hand we began to take in the birds of the high, snowcapped pass with Alpine Accentors, Plain and Brandt’s Mountain Finches in huge swirling flocks, several stocky Red-fronted and Streaked Rosefinches showed close by the roadside picking through the fine gravel and the distant call of Snow Partridge and another Tibetan Snowcock echoed from above us. It took some time finding the partridge but a distant scoped view of one sat atop the rocky peak above us left us wanting more so hanging out here for a while

and watching the antics of the Alpine Choughs eventually allowed us to find another Snow Partridge farther down that had snuck over the grassy verge of the right-hand slope. Now clearly visible against the grass we were able to take in all the subtle colours before it disappeared. A short drive down and we located some foraging Snow Pigeons and while taking those in the sweet song of a Chinese Rubythroat – a recent split from its Himalayan counterpart - got our attention. As we scanned we found a close Tibetan Marmot and using him as a reference point we were all able to get onto the Rubythroat as it moved from perch to perch around the feeding mammal. How many Marmots can add Rubythroat to their garden list? The rest of the day was spent dodging in and out of rain and cloud to the point where we eventually drove all the way down to get under it which turned out to be a good choice as we picked up Large Hawk-Cuckoo, some very showy Red-billed Blue Magpies, Grey-crowned and Martens’s Warblers, Asian Brown, Dark-sided and Ferruginous Flycatchers and our first Mrs. Gould’s Sunbirds. Heavy overnight rain didn’t bode well and there were still a few lingering clouds but for the most part it was clear so we quickly headed up to our start point arriving to fully clear, grassy slopes above us, perfect for Chinese Monal, and no sooner had we exited the van that we could hear them singing with their mournful whistle. Scopes out they were soon filling our eyes with their iridescent plumage while above us a more elusive target began to sing out its gruff song. Scanning furiously along the upper reaches of the slope we could not locate the bird though it seemed to be singing directly up from us. At one point an Asian Badger popped out raising the excitement level and though a fantastic mammal but it quickly moved back in to cover so our scanning for the main target could begin again. Patience paid off though as a male Koklass Pheasant soon took flight and glided down the slope to the ridge just above us. Disappearing behind a bush it soon emerged on the other side for all to see. For the next half hour, we enjoyed our breakfast in the company of this strangely crested pheasant as it moved from opening to opening occasionally cocking back its head and croaking out its song. Our timing was perfect as no sooner had we finished breakfast that the clouds rolled in and blocked our views of both birds. Heading lower allowed us to sneak under the rising fog and some clear gaps gave us the chance for the infamous Firethroat whose complex song led us to the fire engine red patch in the scrubby understory where we could see the bird singing. We also secured great looks at Aberrant Bush Warbler, Giant Laughingthrush and moving up with the rising fog enabled us to find another localized species with a brilliant pair of Sharpe’s Rosefinch. Having done well here the next day we took the long drive farther south arriving at yet another pass road in some mixed deciduous and conifer forest this time at a much lower altitude which gave us a whole new suite of birds. Raucous, marauding bands of Nutcrackers were very showy as they cruised up and down the slopes around us. Many familiar species for us now were taken in but our main target here was elusive till we stopped a bit farther down near a scrubby slope and he we picked out the song of a Moupinia. Moving a bit closer, we soon found it singing in some bushes next to the road. Though it moved around we all managed to pick up great views of this taxonomic anomaly. Another nice bird here were a very noisy Black-streaked Scimitar Babblers. Though they were easy to hear they proved a little difficult to see but with some patience we all got on to them as one eventually perched out before both glided down over the road for some nice flight views. Even better was a nice female Lady Amherst’s Pheasant that ran across the track in front of us. Sadly, not seen by all but we would remedy that the next day. We arrived early the next day, predawn and watched as the sun crept up behind the surrounding mountains. When there was enough light to see clearly, we began to edge up the mountain road keeping an eye out for our prey. Soon enough a young male Lady Amherst’s Pheasant popped out and a few more of us managed to get views of this bird before it disappeared back into the bushes lining the roadside. Again, making our way slowly up the road Ken found a male up at the edge of a clearing but it quickly disappeared over the top of a rise before anyone else got onto the bird. We waited for a while listening to it call from below us but it never reappeared. The rest of the morning was spent higher up around some bamboo and mixed pines where we found Brown Parrotbill, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Lesser Cuckoo, Golden Bush Robin, Common Cuckoo, Great Parrotbill and Rosy Pipit. Following the road down added little that we had not seen until we came across a noisy flock and at the back of it was a pair of Yellow-throated Buntings. The Black-browed Bushtits, Coal Tits, Leaf Warblers and Mrs. Gould’s Sunbirds added to the mix. Farther along Chris found a perched Godlewski’s Bunting and we located a very vocal Buff-throated Warbler to round out the proceedings. Having rounded up our targets here we headed south to our last stop of the tour, Longcanggou. Two and a half days in this fantastic park gave us some more exciting birding beginning the first morning lower down as the fog draped mountains didn’t look very inviting. Our first tick was a noisy group of Buffy Laughingthrush that bounded around the canopy above us. Kloss’s and Claudia’s Leaf Warblers were common along here and we eventually tracked down a Chinese Blue Flycatcher that played hide-and-seek with us for a bit. Next up several Red-tailed Minla appeared along with a pair of Pere David’s Fulvetta. Lesser, Oriental and Large Hawk Cuckoo were all seen perched out on top of the many emergent conifers and despite the rain we found a calling Fujian Niltava. A stop by a local tree lined river allowed us to find a nice Spotted Forktail as it foraged on the boulders in the river disappearing behind one only to pop up cocking its tail as it moved jerkily from perch to perch. Roadside birding in a stand of bamboo eventually enabled us all to get onto a Rufous-faced Warbler. A group of Chestnut-flanked White-eyes didn’t help as they bobbed around drawing our eyes to the movement and away from our intended target. Birding higher up in the park gave us the chance to check out the bamboo up here finding our main target, Grey-hooded Parrotbill close to the track, a near-Sichuan endemic. Up here Lesser Cuckoo’s were numerous singing and flying about and as we continued walking down the hill we found an Emei Liocichla at the base of a short conifer, a White-browed Shortwing made life difficult as it sang constantly but showed reluctantly and both Darjeeling and Crimson-breasted Woodpeckers were found along with a stubborn pair of Red-winged Laughingthrush who eventually showed, fiery red wings and tails on display as they edged up to the track and flew across running up into the stunted Rhododendrons. A raptor heading straight for us turned out to be a Besra replete with prey gripped in its talons. Its dark chest bands visible as it raced past us and into the cover to cover

of the forest to consume its meal. A small mixed flock contained a single Fire-capped Tit but a close woodpecker got our attention and we left them behind. Further still we found another of the local specialties and after a bit of patience we were rewarded with fantastic views of Streaked Barwing for several minutes as it moved through the canopy above and below us sometimes at eye-level allowing us views of all angles of its brilliant plumage. On the way back a very showy little Scaly-breasted Cupwing landed on a log that had fallen across a small gulley and exploded into song for us, presenting us with some great views. Some dusk birding allowed us great views of a juvenile and adult Lady Amherst’s Pheasant walking the road edge before we continued down to some scrubby habitat to root out a Sichuan Bush Warbler with its buzzy, droning song – only described in 2015. A final morning up here brought us more good fortune early on when we found a pair of Chinese Tawny Owls predawn. Chris picked out the distant silhouette atop a spruce before it took flight. Moving up the road Tim found it on a power pole and we got it in the torch light as it flew across and up onto a nearby conifer. As we searched for it up the bank the second of the pair came up behind us and perched close-by before dropping down out of sight and becoming silent in the early morning light. We spent the rest of the morning locating a few last goodies with another male Lady Amherst’s Pheasant walking the road in front of us. Farther up we found a diminutive little Golden Parrotbill, our tenth of the trip, rooting around in some bamboo. Next an unexpected pair of Vivid Niltavas was heard and found singing right next to the road allowing some uninterrupted views of the seldom-seen mainland race, and clearly different from its well-known Taiwanese counterpart. A side road, lined with deciduous trees and scrub, led us to a large feeding flock with loads of birds darting about around us in the canopy. Black-chinned Yuhina, Green-backed Tit, Kloss’s Leaf Warbler, Ashy-throated Warbler, Chestnut-flanked White-eye, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Tit and a surprising Ultramarine Flycatcher all showed up to see what was going on. This made for a nice conclusion here and a short drive back to Chengdu gave us the chance in one of the local parks where we found Chinese Blackbird, Oriental Greenfinch, Black-crowned Night Heron and a pair of Vinous-throated Parrotbills. Some further birding behind the hotel in another small park turned up a pair of Chinese Grosbeaks.

Grey-hooded Parrotbill and Lady Amherst’s Pheasant For information regarding our tours to China please click here. Alternatively please contact us via e-mail or phone +44 1332 516254 regarding organising a custom tour to China. Bird-of-the-tour:

1. Lady Amherst’s Pheasant 2. Koklass Pheasant 3. Przewalski’s Parrotbill 4. Verreaux’s Monal-Partridge 5. Streaked Barwing

Sichuan Treecreeper and Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Tangjaihe

Fulvous Parrotbill and Three-toed Parrotbill, Tangjaihe

Great Parrotbill and Brown Parrotbill, Erlangshan

Spectacled Parrotbill and Collared Grosbeak, Jiuzhaigou

Maroon-backed Accentor and Chinese Nuthatch, Jiuzhaigou

Vinaceous Rosefinch and Chinese Babax, Jiuzhaigou

Himalayan Vulture, Balangshan and Upland Buzzard, Tibetan Plateau

Black-necked Crane and Tibetan Grey Shrike, Tibetan Plateau

Blue Eared Pheasant, Baxi and White-eared Pheasant, Mengbishan

Buff-barred Warbler, Jiuzhaigou and Chinese White-browed Rosefinch, Mengbishan

Severtzov’s Tit-Warbler, Tibetan Plateau and Crested Tit-Warbler, Mengbishan

Streaked Rosefinch, Balangshan and Long-tailed Rosefinch

Scaly-breasted Cupwing and Chinese Tawny Owl, Tangjaihe

Systematic List ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca Goosander Mergus merganser GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa Verreaux's Monal Partridge Tetraophasis obscurus Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus Tibetan Partridge Perdix hodgsoniae Chinese Bamboo Partridge Bambusicola thoracica Heard only Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus berezowskii Temminck's Tragopan Tragopan temminckii Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha ruficollis Chinese Monal Lophophorus lhuysii White Eared Pheasant Crossoptilon crossoptilon Blue Eared Pheasant Crossoptilon auritum Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus suehschanensis Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus Lady Amherst's Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae Severtzov's Grouse Tetrastes sewerzowi COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota Speckled Wood Pigeon Columba hodgsonii Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis orientalis Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor Heard only Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea APODIFORMES: Apodidae Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus Pacific Swift Apus pacificus pacificus Salim Ali's Swift Apus salimalii House Swift Apus nipalensis CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae

Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka Heard only GRUIFORMES: Gruidae Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae Common Redshank Tringa totanus CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus Common Tern Sterna hirundo tibetana White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae Black Stork Ciconia nigra CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Little Egret Egretta garzetta Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus Eastern Cattle Egret Ardea coromandus Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae Oriental Honeybuzzard Pernis [ptilorhynchus] orientalis Black-eared Kite Milvus [milgrans] lineatus Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Besra Tachyspiza virgatus Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Himalayan Buzzard Buteo refectus Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae Chinese Tawny Owl Strix nivicola Pere David's Owl Strix [uralensis] davidi PICIFORMES: Capitonidae Great Barbet Psilopogon virens Heard only PICIFORMES: Picidae Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus Heard only Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis Crimson-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos cathpharius Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Grey-faced Woodpecker Picus canus sordidor

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae Saker Falcon Falco cherrug PASSERIFORMES: Vireonidae Blyth's Shrike Babbler Pteruthius aeralatus ricketti PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae Swinhoe's Minivet Pericrocotus cantonensis Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus brevirostris PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus lucionensis Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach schah Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus Tibetan Grey Shrike Lanius [sphenocercus] giganteus PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae Sichuan Jay Perisoreus internigrans Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius sinensis Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyana kansuensis Red-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha Eurasian Magpie Pica pica bottanensis Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes macella Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax himalayanus Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus digitatus Daurian Jackdaw Corvus dauuricus insolens Carrion Crow Corvus corone orientalis Large-billed Crow Corvus japonensis tibetosinensis Corvus japonensis colonorum PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis PASSERIFORMES: Paridae Fire-capped Tit Cephalopyrus flammiceps Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus Sichuan Tit Poecile [songarus] weigoldei White-browed Tit Poecile superciliosa Pere David's Tit Poecile davidi Coal Tit Periparus ater aemodius Rufous-vented Tit Periparus rubidiventris Yellow-bellied Tit Pardaliparus venustulus Grey-crested Tit Lophophanes dichrous Ground-tit Pseudopodoces humilis Japanese Tit Parus minor minor Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae Tibetan Lark Melanocorypha maxima

Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris khamensis PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae Pale Martin Riparia diluta tibetana Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae Collared Finchbill Spizixos semitorques Brown-breasted Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthorrhous Chinese Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus leucothorax PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae Rufous-capped Babbler Cyanoderma ruficeps Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus gravivox Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae Black-faced Laughingthrush Turdoides affinis Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus Buffy Laughingthrush Ianthocincla berthemyi White-throated Laughingthrush Ianthocincla albogularis Chinese Babax Ianthocincla lanceolatus White-browed Laughingthrush Ianthocincla sannio Pere David's Laughingthrush Ianthocincla davidi Sukatshev's Laughingthrush Ianthocincla sukatschewi Barred Laughingthrush Ianthocincla lunulata Spotted Laughingthrush Ianthocincla ocellata heard Giant Laughingthrush Ianthocincla maxima Elliot's Laughingthrush Trohalopteron elliotii Red-winged Laughingthrush Trohalopteron formosum Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea Emei Liocichla Liocichla omeiensis Streaked Barwing Actinodura souliei Blue-winged Minla Actinodura cyanouroptera Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae Pere David's Fulvetta Alcippe [morrisonia] davidi Chinese Fulvetta Alcippe striaticollis Grey-hooded Fulvetta Alcippe cinereiceps Moupinia Moupinia poecilotis Golden-breasted Lioparus Lioparus chrysotis Great Parrotbill Conostoma oemodium Three-toed Parrotbill Cholornis paradoxus Brown Parrotbill Cholornis unicolor Spectacled Parrotbill Sinosuthora conspicillatus Vinous-throated Parrotbill Sinosuthora webbianus Ashy-throated Parrotbill Sinosuthora alphonsianus Grey-hooded Parrotbill Sinosuthora zappeyi Przewalski's Parrotbill Sinosuthora przewalskii Fulvous Parrotbill Suthora fulvifrons cyanophrys Golden Parrotbill Suthora verreauxi verreauxi PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae

White-collared Yuhina Yuhina diademata Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta Chestnut-flanked White-eye Zosterops erythropleurus Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus simplex PASSERIFORMES: Regulidae Goldcrest Regulus regulus yunnanensis PASSERIFORMES: Troglodytidae Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes szetschuanus PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus robustus Alpine Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus [affinis] occisinensis Buff-throated Warbler Phylloscopus subaffinis Yellow-streaked Warbler Phylloscopus armandii armandii Buff-barred Warbler Phylloscopus pulcher pulcher Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis Sichuan Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus [chloronotus] forresti Chinese Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus yunnanensis Hume's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei mandellii Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris Claudia's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus claudiae Emei Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus emeiensis Kloss's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopsus ogilviegranti disturbans Sulphur-breasted Warbler Phylloscopus ricketti Grey-crowned Warbler Seicercus tephrocephalus Bianchi's Warbler Seicercus valentini valentini Alstrom's Warbler Seicercus soror Marten's Warbler Seicerus omeiensis Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps sinensis PASSERIFORMES: Aegithalidae Black-throated Bushtit Aegithalos concinnus concinnus Black-browed Bushtit Aegithalos iouschistos Sooty Bushtit Aegithalos fuliginosus Severtzov’s Tit-warbler Leptopoecile sophiae obscura Crested Tit-warbler Leptopoecile elegans elegans PASSERIFORMES: Cettiidae Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis fulvifacies Chestnut-headed Tesia Cettia c. castaneocoronata Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Horornis fortipes davidiana Aberrant Bush Warbler Horornis flavolivacea intricata Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler Horornis acanthizoides acanthizoides PASSERIFORMES: Pnoepygidae Scaly-breasted Cupwing Pnoepyga albiventer Pygmy Cupwing Pnoepyga pusilla PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae Spotted Bush Warbler Locustella thoracicus thoracicus Baikal Bush Warbler Locustella davidi Sichuan Bush Warbler Locustella chengi PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae Chestnut-vented Nuthatch Sitta nagaensis montium Chinese Nuthatch Sitta villosa bangsi Przewalski's Nuthatch Sitta przewalskii

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea PASSERIFORMES: Certhiidae Hodgson's Treecreeper Certhia hodgsoni Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana Sichuan Treecreeper Certhia tianquanensis PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus Red-billed Starling Sturnus sericeus PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius pandoo Sichuan Forest Thrush Zoothera griseiceps Long-tailed Thrush Zoothera dixoni Chinese Blackbird Turdus mandarinus Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus gouldi Kessler's Thrush Turdus kessleri Chinese Thrush Turdus mupinensis PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor diversa Fujian Niltava Niltava davidi Vivid Niltava Niltava [vivida] oatesi Chinese Blue Flycatcher Cyornis glaucicomans Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope Himalayan Rubythroat Calliope pectoralis tschebaiewi Firethroat Calliope pectardens White-bellied Robin Luscinia phoenicuroides Indian Blue Robin Larvivora brunnea Himalayan Bluetail Tarsiger rufilatus Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus White-browed Bush Robin Tarsiger indicus yunnanensis Himalayan Shortwing Brachypteryx [montana] cruralis Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros rufiventris Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis White-capped Redstart Phoenicurus leucocephalus Plumbeous Redstart Phoenicurus fuliginosus White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura przevalksii Grandala Grandala coelicolor White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti sinensis Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus Blue Whistling-thrush Myophonus caeruleus caeruleus PASSERIFORMES: Cinclidae White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus przewalskii

Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii pallasii PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae Mrs Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae dabryii PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus House Sparrow Passer domesticus Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia brevirostris PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata PASSERIFORMES: Prunellidae Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata Maroon-backed Accentor Prunella immaculata PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus White Wagtail Motacilla alba alboides Tibetan Wagtail Motacilla [citreola] calcarata Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni hodgsoni Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus PASSERIFORMES: Urocynchramidae

Przewalski's Pinktail Urocynchramus pylzowi PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola Brandt's Mountain Finch Leucosticte brandti Crimson-browed Finch Pinicola subhimachalus Dark-breasted Rosefinch Carpodacus nipalensis Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus roseatus Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch Carpodacus pulcherrimus Pink-rumped Rosefinch Carpodacus eos Vinaceous Rosefinch Carpodacus vinaceus Three-banded Rosefinch Carpodacus trifasciatus Long-tailed Rosefinch Carpodacus sibiricus henrici Sharpe's Rosefinch Carpodacus verreauxii Chinese White-browed Rosefinch Carpodacus dubius Streaked Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilloides Red-fronted Rosefinch Carpodacus puniceus Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Oriental Greenfinch Carduelis sinica Twite Carduelis flavirostris miniakensis Tibetan Sisken Serinus thibetanus Grey-headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythaca Chinese Grosbeak Eophona migratoria sowerbyi Collared Grosbeak Mycerobas affinis White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae Slaty Bunting Emberiza siemsseni

Godlewski's Bunting Emberiza godlewskii Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans MAMMALS Tibetan Macaque Macaca thibetana Perny's Long-nosed Squirrel Dremomys pernyi Swinhoe's Striped Squirrel Tamiops swinhoei Himalayan Marmot Marmota himalayana Pere David's Rock Squirrel Sciurotamias davidianus Woolly Hare Lepus oiostolus Asian Badger Meles leucurus Eurasian Wild Pig Sus scrofa Tufted Deer Elaphodus cephalophus Reeve's Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi Takin Budorcas taxicolor Chinese Serow Capricornis milneedwardsii

Erlangshan

For information regarding our tours to China please click here. Alternatively please contact us via e-mail or phone +44 1332 516254 regarding organising a custom tour to China.