Bird diversity in northern Myanmar and conservation implications.

We conducted four bird biodiversity surveys in the Putao area of northern Myanmar from 2015 to 2017. Combined with anecdotal information collected between 2012 and 2015, we recorded 319 bird species, including two species (Arborophila mandellii and Lanius sphenocercus) previously unrecorded in Myanmar. Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae), babblers (Timaliidae), pigeons and doves (Columbidae), and pheasants and partridges (Phasianidae) were the most abundant groups of birds recorded. Species richness below 1 500 m a. s. l. was higher than species richness at higher elevations. Our results suggest that the current protected areas in this region should be expanded to lower elevations to cover critical conservation gaps.

INTRODUCTION

The northern part of Myanmar's Kachin State borders both China and India and lies in the Indo-Burma conservation hotspot (Myers et al., 2000). Although this area harbors rich biodiversity, conservation-related research in this region is lacking due to its steep topology, difficult transportation, and variable climate (Rao et al, 2010; Rappole et al., 2011). Since 1990, one new species of mammal (Muntiacus putaoensis) (Rabinowitz et al., 1999) and several new subspecies of birds, such as Tesia olivea chiangmaiensis (Renner et al., 2008), have been described in this region. This indicates that there are still opportunities for new discovery and exploration and that more information is needed for future conservation plans.

Since the 1990s, several bird surveys had been carried out in the Putao area (Rappole et al, 2011). Under the leadership of the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division (NWCD) of the Myanmar Forestry Ministry, two expeditions were launched in 1997–1998 (Aung & Oo, 1999) and 2001–2009 (Rappole et al., 2011), providing the most detailed inventory of local avian diversity thus far.

Between December 2015 and May 2017, the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-SEABRI), Forest Research Institute (FRI) of Myanmar, Hponkan Razi Wildlife Sanctuary (HPWS), and Hkakabo Razi National Park (HKNP) jointly conducted four general biodiversity surveys in the Putao area of the northwest part of Kachin State, Myanmar. The survey region covered part of HPWS and the surrounding areas south and northeast of Putao (Figure 1). These surveys were conducted to acquire basic biodiversity distribution data for future conservation policy making.

Figure 1

Survey area in Putao, Kachin, northern Myanmar

In this paper, we summarize the results of our four surveys as well as episodic observations of a local officer (Myint Kyaw, M.K.). The present research aimed to: (1) update the avian inventory of the study area; and (2) identify survey and conservation gaps in this region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study area

The survey area included the southern part of HPWS, one village south of Putao town, and areas northeast of Putao surrounding HKNP (Figure 1). The total survey area was around 5 000 km2. Elevation in the area varies from 400 m a.s.l. at Putao to 5 881 m a.s.l. at the Hkakabo Razi Snow Mountain peak (Renner et al., 2007). Vegetation includes lowland tropical rainforest dominated by Dipterocarpaceae between 400 m a.s.l. and 600 m a.s.l., tropical seasonal rainforest dominated by Terminalia myriocarpa and Dysoxylum sp. from 600 m a.s.l. to 1 200 m a.s.l., mountain tropical rainforest between 1 200 m a.s.l. and 2 000 m a.s.l., subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest dominated by Lauraceae and Fagaceae between 2 000 m a.s.l. and 2 600 m a.s.l., and bamboo-rhododendron habitats above 3 000 m a.s.l. (Renner et al., 2007; Yun-Hong Tan, personal communication). The temperature varies from 2 ℃ to 36 ℃. Annual precipitation ranges from 3 800–5 100 mm, with a cooler dry season from October to February and a rainy season from March to September (Robinowitz et al., 1999).

Bird survey

The surveyed habitats include cropland, small areas of riparian wetland (less than 10 count points), and the forest vegetation types mentioned above. Survey locations ranged from 400 m a.s.l. to 3 200 m a.s.l.. We conducted field surveys from 29 November 2015 to 4 January 2016; 23 April to 21 May 2016; 26 November 2016 to 5 January 2017; and 28 April to 26 May 2017.

Point counts and camera traps were combined to obtain bird diversity information. Points were situated along trails from 400 m a.s.l. to 3 200 m a.s.l.; each point was located at least 300 m from other points to ensure quasi-independence (Ralph et al., 1995). We stayed at each point for 12 min, recorded all birds seen or heard within a 100-m radius. We used camera traps to detect ground-dwelling birds and used binoculars to detect all other birds. In total, we established 53 camera stations ranging from 700 m a.s.l. to 3 200 m a.s.l.. The distances between any two camera stations always exceeded 500 m. The cameras were installed in the field between December 2015 and May 2016. The distribution of the point counts and camera traps were mapped out to show the sample effort at different elevations. In addition to systematic data obtained from point counts and camera traps, species observed during field trips were also recorded. The second author M.K., who works at HPWS and HKNP, is an experienced bird-watcher and collected anecdotal information and data through photography and direct observations between 2012 and 2015.

RESULTS

During the four surveys, we collected information from 304 count points. Of the 53 cameras installed, one was stolen and one was broken. The remaining 51 cameras accumulated more than 7 500 working days of images.

In total, 319 species were recorded, representing 72 families and 18 orders (Table 1), with one species listed as critically endangered, five species listed as vulnerable, and 13 species listed as near threatened in the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2016). The percentage of birds of each family is shown in Figure 2. In terms of number of individuals recorded during the surveys, the most abundant families were Pycnonotidae (989 individuals), Leiothrichidae (850 individuals), and Columbidae (608 individuals). Several families recorded, such as Alaudidae, Artamidae, Indicatoridae, Psittacidae, Troglodytidae, and Upupidae, contained only one identified individual. The number of different species at different elevations is shown in Figure 3. The distributions of the point counts and camera traps at different elevations are shown in Figure 4. We observed 3 719 (82%) individuals from 215 (67%) species under 1 500 m a.s.l.. Sampling effort was biased towards elevations below 1 500 m a.s.l..

Table 1

Bird species observed in the Putao area of northern Myanmar from 2013 to 2017

Species	English name	IUCN*	Rappole et al., 2011**	Habitat***	Abundance****	Source*****
* LC: Least Concern; NT: Near Threatened; VU: Vulnerable; CR: Critically Endangered; NE: Not Evaluated.** "×" means the species was recorded in this study, but not in Rappole et al. (2011). *** Fo: Forest; V: Village; Fi: Field; R: River; G: Grassland. **** "+" means the number is between 1–10; "++" means the number is between 11–50; "+++" means the number is between 51–100; "++++" means the number is more than 100. ***** An: Anecdotal observation; CP: Counting point; CT: Camera trap.
ACCIPITRIFORMES
Accipitridae
Accipiter nisus	Eurasian Sparrowhawk	LC		Fo	+	An
Accipiter trivirgatus	Crested Goshawk	LC		Fo, V	+	CP, An
Accipiter virgatus	Besra	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Aviceda jerdoni	Jerdon's Baza	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Aquila heliaca	Eastern Imperial Eagle	VU	×	Fo	+	An
Buteo burmanicus	Himalayan Buzzard	LC		Fi, Fo	+	An
Buteo japonicus	Eastern Buzzard	LC	×	Fi	+	An
Circus cyaneus	Hen Harrier	LC		Fi	+	An
Circus melanoleucos	Pied Harrier	LC		V	+	An
Gyps himalayensis	Himalayan Vulture	NT	×	Fo	+	An
Haliaeetus humilis	Lesser Fish Eagle	NT	×	Fo, R	+	CP, An
Ictinaetus malaiensis	Black Eagle	LC		Fi, Fo	+	An
Lophotriorchis kienerii	Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle	LC		Fi	+	An
Milvus migrans	Black Kite	LC	×	Fi, Fo	+	An
Nisaetus nipalensis	Mountain Hawk-Eagle	LC		Fi, Fo	+	CP, An
Spilornis cheela	Crested Serpent Eagle	LC		Fi, Fo	+	CP, An
ANSERIFORMES
Anatidae
Mergus merganser	Common Merganser	LC		R	+	An
Tadorna ferruginea	Ruddy Shelduck	LC		R	++	An
APODIFORMES
Apodidae
Cypsiurus balasiensis	Asian Palm Swift	LC		Fi, V, G	++	CP, An
Hirundapus caudacutus	White-throated Needletail	LC	×	V, R	++	CP, An
Hirundapus giganteus	Brown-backed Needletail	LC		V, R	++	CP, An
BUCEROTIFORMES
Bucerotidae
Aceros nipalensis	Rufous-necked Hornbill	VU		Fo	+	CP, An
Buceros bicornis	Great Hornbill	NT		Fo	+	An
Rhyticeros undulatus	Wreathed Hornbill	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Upupidae
Upupa epops	Common Hoopoe	LC		V	+	An
CAPRIMULGIFORMES
Podargidae
Batrachostomus hodgsoni	Hodgson's Frogmouth	LC		Fo	+	An
CHARADRIIFORMES
Jacanidae
Actitis hypoleucos	Common Sandpiper	LC		Fi, R	+	An
Calidris temminckii	Temminck's Stint	LC	×	R	+	An
Gallinago gallinago	Common Snipe	LC	×	G	+	CP, An
CHARADRIIFORMES
Jacanidae
Lymnocryptes minimus	Jack Snipe	LC	×	Fi, R	+	An
Scolopax rusticola	Eurasian Woodcock	LC	×	Fo	+	CT
Tringa ochropus	Green Sandpiper	LC		R	+	An
Tringa stagnatilis	Marsh Sandpiper	LC		R	+	An
Charadriidae
Charadrius dubius	Little Ringed Plover	LC	×	Fi, R	+	An
Charadrius placidus	Long-billed Plover	LC	×	Fi, R	+	An
Vanellus cinereus	Grey-headed Lapwing	LC	×	G, R, Fi	+	CP, An
Vanellus duvaucelii	River Lapwing	NT		G, R, Fi	+	CP, An
Vanellus indicus	Red-wattled Lapwing	LC		G, R, Fi	+	CP, An
Vanellus vanellus	Northern Lapwing	NT	×	Fi, R	++	CP, An
Ibidorhynchidae
Ibidorhyncha struthersii	Ibisbill	LC		Fi, R	+	An
Turnicidae
Turnix suscitator	Barred Buttonquail	LC	×	Fi	+	CP, An
CICONIIFORMES
Ciconiidae
Ciconia nigra	Black Stork	LC		Fo, R	+	An
COLUMBIFORMES
Columbidae
Chalcophaps indica	Emerald Dove	LC	×	Fo	+	CP, An
Ducula aenea	Green Imperial Pigeon	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Ducula badia	Mountain Imperial Pigeon	LC		Fo	++++	CP, An
Macropygia unchall	Barred Cuckoo-Dove	LC		Fo	+	An
Spilopelia chinensis	Spotted Dove	LC		Fi, Fo	++++	CP, An
Streptopelia orientalis	Oriental Turtle Dove	LC		Fi, Fo	++++	CP, An
Streptopelia decaocto	Eurasian Collared Dove	LC		Fi, Fo	+++	CP, An
Treron apicauda	Pin-tailed Green Pigeon	LC		Fo	++++	CP, An
Treron sphenurus	Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
CORACIIFORMES
Alcedinidae
Alcedo atthis	Common Kingfisher	LC		R	+	CP, An
Alcedo hercules	Blyth's Kingfisher	NT		R	+	An
Ceryle rudis	Pied Kingfisher	LC		R	+	CP
Halcyon smyrnensis	White-throated Kingfisher	LC		R	+	CP
Megaceryle lugubris	Crested Kingfisher	LC		R	+	CP
Meropidae
Merops orientalis	Green Bee-eater	LC		Fo	+	CP
Nyctyornis athertoni	Blue-bearded Bee-eater	LC		Fo	+	CP
CUCULIFORMES
Cuculidae
Cacomantis merulinus	Plaintive Cuckoo	LC		Fo	+	CP
Centropus bengalensis	Lesser Coucal	LC		Fo	+	An
Clamator coromandus	Chestnut-winged Cuckoo	LC		Fo	+	CP
Cuculus canorus	Common Cuckoo	LC	×	Fo	+	CP
Cuculus micropterus	Indian Cuckoo	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Cuculus poliocephalus	Asian Lesser Cuckoo	LC	×	Fo	+	CP, An
Hierococcyx sparverioides	Large Hawk-Cuckoo	LC		Fi, Fo	++	CP, An
Surniculus dicruroides	Fork-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
FALCONIFORMES
Falconidae
Falco severus	Oriental Hobby	LC		Fi	+	CP, An
Falco tinnunculus	Common Kestrel	LC	×	Fo	+	An
GALLIFORMES
Phasianidae
Arborophila atrogularis	White-cheeked Partridge	NT		Fo	++	CP, CT, An
Arborophila mandellii	Chestnut-breasted Partridge	VU	×	Fo	+	An
Arborophila rufogularis	Rufous-throated Partridge	LC		Fo	++++	CP, CT, An
Arborophila torqueola	Common Hill Partridge	LC		Fo	++++	CP, CT, An
Gallus gallus	Red Junglefowl	LC		G	+	An
Lophura leucomelanos	Kalij Pheasant	LC		Fo	++	CT
Polyplectron bicalcaratum	Grey Peacock Pheasant	LC		Fo	++	CP, CT, An
Tragopan blythii	Blyth's Tragopan	VU		Fo	+	CT
Tragopan temminckii	Temminck's Tragopan	LC		Fo	+	CT
GRUIFORMES
Rallidae
Amaurornis phoenicurus	White-breasted Waterhen	LC	×	G	+	An
Gruidae
Grus grus	Common Crane	LC		Fi, R	++	CP, An
PELECANIFORMES
Ardeidae
Ardea insignis	White-bellied Heron	CR		R	+	An
Ardeola bacchus	Chinese Pond Heron	LC	×	R	+	An
Bubulcus Ibis	Cattle Egret	LC		R	+	An
Butorides striata	Striated Heron	LC		R	+	An
Ixobrychus cinnamomeus	Cinnamon Bittern	LC	×	R	+	CP
PICIFORMES
Megalaimidae
Megalaima asiatica	Blue-throated Barbet	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Megalaima australis	Blue-eared Barbet	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Megalaima franklinii	Golden-throated Barbet	LC		Fo	+++	CP, An
PICIFORMES
Megalaimidae
Megalaima lineata	Lineated Barbet	LC		Fo	+	An
Megalaima virens	Great Barbet	LC		Fo	++++	CP, An
Picidae
Blythipicus pyrrhotis	Bay Woodpecker	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Chrysophlegma flavinucha	Greater Yellownape	LC		Fo	+	An
Dendrocopos canicapillus	Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker	LC		Fo	+	An
Dendrocopos cathpharius	Crimson-breasted Woodpecker	LC		Fo	+	An
Dendrocopos darjellensis	Darjeeling Woodpecker	LC		Fo	+	CT
Dendrocopos hyperythrus	Rufous-bellied Woodpecker	LC		Fo	+	An
Dendrocopos macei	Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Jynx torquilla	Eurasian Wryneck	LC		V	+	An
Picus chlorolophus	Lesser Yellownape	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Sasia ochracea	White-browed Piculet	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
PASSERIFORMES
Cettiidae
Abroscopus albogularis	Rufous-faced Warbler	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Abroscopus schisticeps	Black-faced Warbler	LC		Fo	+	An
Abroscopus superciliaris	Yellow-bellied Warbler	LC	×	Fo	+++	CP, An
Cettia brunnifrons	Grey-sided Bush Warbler	LC		Fi	+	An
Cettia castaneocoronata	Chestnut-headed Tesia	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Horornis fortipes	Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler	LC	×	G	++	CP, An
Tesia cyaniventer	Grey-bellied Tesia	LC		Fo	+	CP
Tesia olivea	Slaty-bellied Tesia	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Sturnidae
Acridotheres albocinctus	Collared Myna	LC		V	++++	An
Acridotheres tristis	Common Myna	LC		V	++++	An
Agropsar sturninus	Purple-backed Starling	LC	×	V	+	An
Ampeliceps coronatus	Golden-crested Myna	LC	×	V	+	An
Gracula religiosa	Hill Myna	LC		V	+	An
Sturnia malabarica	Chestnut-tailed Starling	LC		G, V	++	CP
Leiothrichidae
Actinodura egertoni	Rusty-fronted Barwing	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Actinodura waldeni	Streak-throated Barwing	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Aegithalidae
Aegithalos bonvaloti	Black-browed Bushtit	NE	×	Fo	+	CP
Aegithalos concinnus	Black-throated Bushtit	LC		Fo	+	CP
Nectariniidae
Aethopyga ignicauda	Fire-tailed Sunbird	LC	×	Fo	+	CP, An
Aethopyga nipalensis	Green-tailed Sunbird	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Aethopyga saturata	Black-throated Sunbird	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
PASSERIFORMES
Nectariniidae
Aethopyga siparaja	Crimson Sunbird	LC		Fo	+	An
Arachnothera longirostra	Little Spiderhunter	LC		Fo	+	An
Arachnothera magna	Streaked Spiderhunter	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Chalcoparia singalensis	Ruby-cheeked Sunbird	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Alaudidae
Alauda gulgula	Oriental Skylark	LC		G	+	An
Pellorneidae
Alcippe castaneceps	Rufous-winged Fulvetta	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Alcippe cinerea	Yellow-throated Fulvetta	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Alcippe morrisonia	Grey-cheeked Fulvetta	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Alcippe nipalensis	Nepal Fulvetta	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Alcippe poioicephala	Brown-cheeked Fulvetta	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Alcippe rufogularis	Rufous-throated Fulvetta	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Motacillidae
Anthus hodgsoni	Olive-backed Pipit	LC		Fi, Fo	++	CP, An
Anthus richardi	Richard's Pipit	LC		V	+	An
Anthus roseatus	Rosy Pipit	LC	×	Fi	++	An
Anthus rufulus	Paddyfield Pipit	LC	×	Fi	+	An
Motacilla alba	White Wagtail	LC		R	++	CP, An
Motacilla cinerea	Grey Wagtail	LC		V	+	An
Motacilla citreola	Citrine Wagtail	LC		V	+	An
Artamidae
Artamus fuscus	Ashy Woodswallow	LC		V	+	An
Elachuridae
Elachura formosa	Spotted Wren-babbler	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Muscicapidae
Anthipes monileger	White-gorgeted Flycatcher	LC		Fo	+	An
Brachypteryx hyperythra	Rusty-bellied Shortwing	NT		Fo	+	CP
Brachypteryx montana	White-browed Shortwing	LC		Fo	+	An, CT
Chaimarrornis leucocephalus	White-capped Water Redstart	LC		R	++	CP, An
Copsychus saularis	Oriental Magpie Robin	LC		V, Fi, G	++	CP, An
Cyornis banyumas	Hill Blue Flycatcher	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Cyornis rubeculoides	Blue-throated Flycatcher	LC		Fo	+	An
Cyornis tickelliae	Tickell's Thrush	LC		Fo	+	An
Enicurus leschenaulti	White-crowned Forktail	LC		R	+	An
Enicurus maculatus	Spotted Forktail	LC		R	+	CP, An
Enicurus schistaceus	Slaty-backed Forktail	LC		R	++	CP, An
Enicurus scouleri	Little Forktail	LC		R	+	CP, An
Eumyias thalassinus	Verditer Flycatcher	LC		Fo	+	CP
Ficedula albicilla	Taiga Flycatcher	LC	×	Fo	+	CP, An
PASSERIFORMES
Muscicapidae
Ficedula hyperythra	Snowy-browed Flycatcher	LC		Fo	+	An
Ficedula strophiata	Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Ficedula superciliaris	Ultramarine Flycatcher	LC	×	Fo	+	CP
Luscinia svecica	Bluethroat	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Monticola solitarius	Blue Rock Thrush	LC		R	+	CP
Muscicapa ferruginea	Ferruginous Flycatcher	LC	×	Fo	+	CP
Myiomela leucura	White-tailed Robin	LC		Fo	+	CT
Myophonus caeruleus	Blue Whistling Thrush	LC		Fo, V, R	+++	CP, An
Niltava grandis	Large Niltava	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Niltava macgrigoriae	Small Niltava	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Niltava sundara	Rufous-bellied Niltava	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Phoenicurus auroreus	Daurian Redstart	LC		Fo, V	+	CP
Phoenicurus hodgsoni	Hodgson's Redstart	LC	×	V	+	CP, An
Rhyacornis fuliginosa	Plumbeous Water Redstart	LC		R	++	CP, An
Saxicola caprata	Pied Bushchat	LC		Fo	+	An
Saxicola ferreus	Grey Bushchat	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Saxicola torquatus	Siberian Stonechat	LC		V	+	An
Tarsiger hyperythrus	Rufous-breasted Bush Robin	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Tarsiger indicus	White-browed Bush Robin	LC	×	Fo	++	CT
Campephagidae
Coracina melaschistos	Black-winged Cuckooshrike	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Pericrocotus brevirostris	Short-billed Minivet	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Pericrocotus ethologus	Long-tailed Minivet	LC		Fo	+	CP
Pericrocotus roseus	Rosy Minivet	LC		Fo	+	CP
Pericrocotus solaris	Grey-chinned Minivet	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Pericrocotus speciosus	Scarlet Minivet	LC		Fo	+	CP
Chloropseidae
Chloropsis hardwickii	Orange-bellied Leafbird	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Cinclidae
Cinclus pallasii	Brown Dipper	LC		R	++	CP, An
Cisticolidae
Cisticola juncidis	Zitting Cisticola	LC	×	V	+	An
Orthotomus sutorius	Common Tailorbird	LC		G, V	+	CP, An
Prinia crinigera	Striated Prinia	LC	×	Fo	+	CP
Prinia inornata	Plain Prinia	LC	×	G	+	An
Prinia rufescens	Rufescent Prinia	LC	×	G	+	An
Prinia superciliaris	Hill Prinia	LC		G	+	An
Corvidae
Cissa chinensis	Common Green Magpie	LC		Fo	++	CP
Corvus macrorhynchos	Large-billed Crow	LC		Fo, V	+++	CP, An
PASSERIFORMES
Corvidae
Dendrocitta formosae	Grey Treepie	LC		Fi, Fo	+++	CP, An
Dendrocitta frontalis	Collared Treepie	LC		Fo, V	++	CP, An
Garrulus glandarius	Eurasian Jay	LC		Fo	+	An
Urocissa flavirostris	Yellow-billed Blue Magpie	LC		Fo	+	An
Dicaeidae
Dicaeum minullum	Plain Flowerpecker	LC		Fo	+	CP
Dicruridae
Dicrurus aeneus	Bronzed Drongo	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Dicrurus hottentottus	Hair-crested Drongo	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Dicrurus leucophaeus	Ashy Drongo	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Dicrurus macrocercus	Black Drongo	LC		Fi, Fo	++++	CP, An
Dicrurus paradiseus	Greater Racket-tailed Drongo	LC		Fo	+	An
Dicrurus remifer	Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo	LC		Fi, Fo	+	CP, An
Emberizidae
Emberiza pusilla	Little Bunting	LC		Fi	++	CP, An
Estrildidae
Lonchura striata	White-rumped Munia	LC		Fi, G	++	CP, An
Eurylaimidae
Psarisomus dalhousiae	Long-tailed Broadbill	LC		Fo, V	+	An
Serilophus lunatus	Silver-breasted Broadbill	LC		Fo	+	An
Fringillidae
Carpodacus erythrinus	Common Rosefinch	LC		G	+	CP, An
Procarduelis nipalensis	Dark-breasted Rosefinch	LC		G	++	CP, An
Hirundinidae
Hirundo rustica	Barn Swallow	LC		V	+	An
Riparia chinensis	Asian Plain Martin	NE		R	+++	CP, An
Indicatoridae
Indicator xanthonotus	Yellow-rumped Honeyguide	NT	×	Fo	+	An
Irenidae
Irena puella	Asian Fairy Bluebird	LC		V	+++	An
Laniidae
Lanius collurioides	Burmese Shrike	LC		V	+	An
Lanius cristatus	Brown Shrike	LC		V	+	An
Lanius schach	Long-tailed Shrike	LC		Fo, V	++	CP, An
Lanius sphenocercus	Chinese Grey Shrike	LC	×	V	+	An
Lanius tephronotus	Grey-backed Shrike	LC		Fo, V	+	CP, An
Leiothrichidae
Cutia nipalensis	Himalayan Cutia	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Garrulax caerulatus	Grey-sided Laughingthrush	LC	×	Fo	++	CP, CT
Garrulax leucolophus	White-crested Laughingthrush	LC		Fo	++++	CP, CT, An
PASSERIFORMES
Leiothrichidae
Garrulax monileger	Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush	LC		Fo	+	CP
Garrulax pectoralis	Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush	LC		Fo	++	CP, CT
Garrulax ruficollis	Rufous-necked Laughingthrush	LC	×	Fo	++	CP, An
Garrulax rufogularis	Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush	LC		Fo	+	CP
Garrulax striatus	Striated Laughingthrush	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Garrulax nuchalis	Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush	NT		Fo	+	An
Heterophasia annectans	Rufous-backed Sibia	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Heterophasia picaoides	Long-tailed Sibia	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Heterophasia pulchella	Beautiful Sibia	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Leiothrix argentauris	Silver-eared Mesia	LC		Fo, G	++++	CP, An
Leiothrix lutea	Red-billed Leiothrix	LC		Fo	+	An
Minla cyanouroptera	Blue-winged Minla	LC		Fo	+++	CP, An
Minla ignotincta	Red-tailed Minla	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Minla strigula	Bar-throated Minla	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Trochalopteron affine	Black-faced Laughingthrush	LC		Fo	++	CT
Trochalopteron squamatum	Blue-winged Laughingthrush	LC		Fo	++	CT
Trochalopteron subunicolor	Scaly Laughingthrush	LC		Fo	++	CT
Liocichla phoenicea	Red-faced Liocichla	LC		Fo	+	An
Locustellidae
Megalurus palustris	Striated Grassbird	LC		G	+	An
Monarchidae
Hypothymis azurea	Black-naped Monarch	LC		Fo	+	CP
Terpsiphone paradisi	Indian Paradise Flycatcher⑧	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Oriolidae
Oriolus traillii	Maroon Oriole	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Paridae
Machlolophus spilonotus	Yellow-cheeked Tit	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Melanochlora sultanea	Sultan Tit	LC		Fo	+	An
Parus monticolus	Green-backed Tit	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Periparus ater	Coal Tit	LC		Fo	+	An
Periparus rubidiventris	Rufous-vented Tit	LC		Fo	+	CP
Passeridae
Passer domesticus	House Sparrow	LC		V	++	An
Passer montanus	Eurasian Tree Sparrow	LC		G, V	++++	CP, An
Passer rutilans	Russet Sparrow	LC	×	V	+	An
Pellorneidae
Gampsorhynchus rufulus	White-hooded Babbler	LC		Fo	+	CP
Pellorneum albiventre	Spot-throated Babbler	LC		Fo	+	CP
Pellorneum ruficeps	Puff-throated Babbler	LC		Fo	+	CP
PASSERIFORMES
Phylloscopidae
Phylloscopus cantator	Yellow-vented Warbler	LC		Fo	+	CP
Phylloscopus claudiae	Claudia's Leaf Warbler	LC	×	Fo	++	CP, An
Phylloscopus davisoni	Davison's Leaf Warbler	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Phylloscopus fuscatus	Dusky Warbler	LC		Fo	+	An
Phylloscopus maculipennis	Ashy-throated Warbler	LC		Fo	+	CP
Phylloscopus reguloides	Blyth's Leaf Warbler	LC		Fo	+	CP
Phylloscopus whistleri	Whistler's Warbler	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Seicercus affinis	White-spectacled Warbler	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Seicercus burkii	Green-crowned Warbler	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Seicercus castaniceps	Chestnut-crowned Warbler	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Seicercus poliogenys	Grey-cheeked Warbler	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Seicercus tephrocephalus	Grey-crowned Warbler	LC		Fo	+	An
Pittidae
Hydrornis nipalensis	Blue-naped Pitta	LC	×	Fo	++	CT
Pnoepygidae
Pnoepyga pusilla	Pygmy Wren-Babbler	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Pycnonotidae
Alophoixus flaveolus	White-throated Bulbul	LC		Fo	+++	CP, An
Alophoixus pallidus	Puff-throated Bulbul	LC	×	Fo	++	CP, An
Hemixos flavala	Ashy Bulbul	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Hypsipetes leucocephalus	Black Bulbul	LC		Fo, V	++++	CP, An
Iole propinqua	Grey-eyed Bulbul	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Ixos mcclellandii	Mountain Bulbul	LC		Fo	+	CP
Pycnonotus cafer	Red-vented Bulbul	LC		Fo, V, Fi, G	+++	CP, An
Pycnonotus flaviventris	Black-crested Bulbul	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Pycnonotus jocosus	Red-whiskered Bulbul	LC		Fo, V, Fi, G	++++	CP, An
Pycnonotus striatus	Striated Bulbul	LC		G	+	An
Rhipiduridae
Rhipidura albicollis	White-throated Fantail	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Sittidae
Sitta cinnamoventris	Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Sitta frontalis	Velvet-fronted Nuthatch	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Sitta himalayensis	White-tailed Nuthatch	LC		Fo	+	An
Stenostiridae
Chelidorhynx hypoxantha	Yellow-bellied Fantail	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Culicicapa ceylonensis	Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher	LC		Fo, V	++	CP, An
Strigidae
Glaucidium brodiei	Collared Owlet	LC		Fo	+	An
Glaucidium cuculoides	Asian Barred Owlet	LC		Fo, V	++	CP, An
Otus spilocephalus	Mountain Scops Owl	LC		Fo, V	+	An
PASSERIFORMES
Sylviidae
Chleuasicus atrosuperciliaris	Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Lioparus chrysotis	Golden-breasted Fulvetta	LC	×	Fo	+	CP
Psittiparus bakeri	Rufous-headed Parrotbill	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Psittiparus gularis	Grey-headed Parrotbill	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
Suthora poliotis	Grey-breasted Parrotbill	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Tephrodornithidae
Hemipus picatus	Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike	LC		Fo	++	CP
Timaliidae
Pomatorhinus ferruginosus	Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps	Red-billed Scimitar Babbler	LC		Fo	+	CP
Pomatorhinus ruficollis	Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler	LC	×	Fo	+	CP
Stachyris roberti	Chevron-breasted Babbler	N/A		Fo	++	CT
Stachyridopsis chrysaea	Golden Babbler	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Stachyridopsis ruficeps	Rufous-capped Babbler	LC		Fo	++	CP
Stachyridopsis rufifrons	Rufous-fronted Babbler	LC		Fo	+	An
Stachyris nigriceps	Grey-throated Babbler	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Stachyris oglei	Snowy-throated Babbler	VU		Fo	+	An
Troglodytidae
Troglodytes troglodytes	Eurasian Wren	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Harpactes erythrocephalus	Red-headed Trogon	LC		Fo	+	CT
Harpactes wardi	Ward's Trogon	NT	×	Fo	+	An
Turdidae
Cochoa viridis	Green Cochoa	LC	×	Fo	+	An
Turdus boulboul	Grey-winged Blackbird	LC		Fo	+	An
Zoothera mollissima	Plain-backed Thrush	LC	×	Fo	+++	An, CT
Vireonidae
Erpornis zantholeuca	White-bellied Erpornis	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Pteruthius aeralatus	White-browed Shrike Babbler	LC		Fo	+	CP
Pteruthius aenobarbus	Chestnut-fronted Shrike Babbler	LC	×	Fo		An
Pteruthius melanotis	Black-eared Shrike Babbler	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Pteruthius xanthochlorus	Green Shrike Babbler	LC		Fo	+	CP
Zosteropidae
Yuhina bakeri	White-naped Yuhina	LC		Fo	+++	CP, An
Yuhina castaniceps	Striated Yuhina	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Yuhina flavicollis	Whiskered Yuhina	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Yuhina gularis	Stripe-throated Yuhina	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Yuhina nigrimenta	Black-chinned Yuhina	LC		Fo	++	CP, An
Zosterops erythropleurus	Chestnut-flanked White-eye	LC	×	Fo	+	CP, An
Zosterops palpebrosus	Oriental White-eye	LC		Fo	+	CP, An
PSITTACIFORMES
Psittacidae
Psittacula finschii	Grey-headed Parakeet	NT		V	+	An
SULIFORMES
Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocorax carbo	Great Cormorant	LC		R	+++	CP, An

Figure 2

Taxonomic families observed in the bird surveys

Figure 3

Species distribution in different elevations

Figure 4

Distribution of count points in different elevations

New record

We observed three new bird records for northern Myanmar (Agropsar sturninus, Aviceda jerdoni, and Ampeliceps coronatus) and two new record species (Arborophila mandellii and Lanius sphenocercus) for Myanmar.

Purple-backed Starling (Agropsar sturninus)

One individual was photographed (Figure 5) by M.K. on 30 April 2012 in Makung Ghang Station (E98°16′56″, N27°38′54″) in the Hkakabo Razi direction.

Figure 5

Photograph of Purple-backed Starling (Agropsar sturninus) (photo by Myint Kyaw)

Jerdon's Baza (Aviceda jerdoni)

One individual was photographed by Z.X.L. (fifth author) on 5 May 2016 around camp 2 at Hponyin Razi (E96°59′3″, N27°36′10″).

Golden-crested Myna (Ampeliceps coronatus)

One individual was photographed by M.K. on 23 November 2013 at Ziadam village (E97°5′56″, N27°34′13″).

Chestnut-breasted Partridge (Arborophila mandellii)

One individual was photographed (Figure 6) by M.K. on 17 November 2013. The bird was hunted by a local villager close to camp 1 at Hponyin Razi (E96°58′52″, N27°36′21″).

Figure 6

Photograph of Chestnut-breasted Partridge (Arborophila mandellii) (photo by Myint Kyaw)

Chinese Grey Shrike (Lanius sphenocercus)

One individual was photographed (Figure 7) by M.K. on 23 November 2013 at Jobali village close to Putao town (E97°35′, N27°2′). It was identified by its large body size, black facial mask, grey nape and upperparts, white scapular, and white spot on the wings.

Figure 7

Photograph of Chinese Grey Shrike (Lanius sphenocercus) (photo by Myint Kyaw)

DISCUSSION

Because our data came from direct observations and camera trap photos, some species could be under sampled, particularly those living in shrub and canopy habitats. Our sampling effort was more intensive in lower elevations, partly because a larger proportion of the survey area occurred at lower elevations and partly because of easier transportation in the lowland plain. The overrepresentation of lower elevation habitats in our study could explain the low frequency of many bird families in our surveys. In the future, surveys should be conducted at higher elevations, especially in the mountains above 3 000 m a.s.l.. Although our sampling effort and checklist is incomplete, the present work provides preliminary data for local diversity research and conservation projects.

Rappole et al. (2011) conducted five bird surveys in a 10 000 km2 area in the Hkakabo Razi region, mainly covering the east. While the present study area also lies within the same region, we focused on the western part of Putao. Furthermore, Rappole et al. (2011) set mist nets from 500–3 000 m a.s.l., and recorded 413 species, of which 159 were not observed during our surveys. Of the 319 species recorded in the present research, 65 were not recorded by Rappole et al. (2011). The greatest difference in species occurred in the families Muscicapidae (n=7) and Accipitridae (n=6). This disparity between studies is likely explained by the different study areas sampled as well as the differences in methodology. Our methodology was more suited for detecting certain species. For example, birds of prey (Accipitridae) can be more easily observed during point counts, and some cryptic species can be captured by camera trap. In our study, one Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) was captured by camera trap at 1 190 m a.s.l.. We believe future exploration of new survey routes and a combination of different survey methods will lead to the discovery of additional species not previously recorded here.

The Chestnut-breasted Partridge was identified by its rufescent crown, white gorget, and chestnut breast. It was previously only known from Bhutan, Southeast Tibet, China, and Northeast India (McGowan et al., 2017). The Chinese Grey Shrike was previously recorded in eastern Mongolia to southeast Russia, northern China, and North and South Korean, also known to migrate to east and southeast China and Korea (Yosef & International Shrike Working Group, 2017). The finding of these species formerly unrecorded in the area not only increase two new species of birds for Myanmar, but also reiterates the high biodiversity in this region and highlights the importance of long-term field observations.

Based on our observations, the forest is in good condition. The Leiothrichidae, Columbidae, and Phasianidae species are forest-adapted, and their high abundance shows adequate food and resources for breeding in the local forest. Hornbills were observed almost every day around the camp sites at 1000–1 500 m a.s.l. during winter, and gibbons (Hoolock spp.) were often heard from the camp sites below 2 000 m a.s.l.. The most abundant species observed belonged to Pycnonotidae, Leiothrichidae, Columbidae, and Phasianidae. The bulbuls (Pycnonotidae) are common birds living in tropical and subtropical areas, which can adapt to diverse habitats (Fishpool & Tobias, 2017).

In addition to the forest, the local cropland also provides important habitat for many migrating species. Farmers in Putao plant large areas of rice in June-July and harvest it in October-November. The land is barren in other months of the year. These fallow lands provide important habitat for migrating bird species. M.K. observed more than 10 000 common cranes (Grus grus) migrating through Putao in March 2016, where they forage in the fallow rice paddies and wetlands by the Malika riverside.

Figure 3 shows that both abundance and species richness were higher below 1 500 m a.s.l.. Species of high conservation value, (e.g., critically-endangered White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), vulnerable Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), and near-threatened Lesser Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus humilis)) were all recorded under 1 500 m a.s.l.. We also observed some birds with narrow ranges such as the Snowy-throated Babbler (Stachyris oglei) at lower elevations. Current protected area boundaries are set too high in minimal elevation (1 000 m a.s.l. for HPWS and 900 m a.s.l. for HKNP) and should be lowered to accommodate greater biodiversity, a conclusion also drawn by former researchers (Rabinowitz et al., 1999; Renner et al., 2007). The Burmese government currently plans to extend these two protected areas to incorporate lower elevations, and is applying for World Heritage Site status for these two regions. This is an important decision with long-term benefits for local conservation. The HPWS forest connects to the Hukawng Valley extension in the west. Extending the current HPWS and HKNP borders will ensure the protection of the largest forest complex in northern Myanmar and will maintain intact habitat for important wildlife.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful for the support from the HPWS and HKNP Offices and FRI of Myanmar during field work. We thank Mr. Kyaw Win Maung, Mr. Kyaw Win Myint, and Mr. Dee Shin for their help during field work. We appreciate Mr. Francis Commercon for improving the language of the manuscript.