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Xe Pian has 51 key species of birds – the highest number recorded for any current or proposed NPA. Seven of these species have not been recorded from any other protected area in Lao PDR.
Species of “Acute National Conservation Priority” include:
- Giant Ibis
• Black Ibis
- Sarus Crane
- White-winged Duck
- White-rumped Vulture
- Long-billed Vulture
- Red Headed Vulture
Species of “High National Conservation Priority” include:
- Woolly-necked Stork
- Lesser Adjutant
- River Tern
- Masked Finfoot
- Green Peafowl
- Great Hornbill
- Wreathed Hornbill
Xe Pian is vitally important for the conservation of large water birds.
- The NPA is globally important for the conservation of Giant and Black Ibis.
- It is one of only 2 areas in the country where Sarus Crane and Masked Finfoot have been recorded recently and where viable populations of Lesser Adjutant are found.
- It is regionally important for the conservation of Woolly-necked Stork.
Xe Pian is regionally important for the conservation of Green Peafowl and 3 species of Vulture. Xe Pian is a stronghold for a range of larger ground birds like pheasants, partridges, jungle fowl and pittas, including the key species of Siamese Fireback, Blue-rumped Pitta and Bar Bellied Pitta.
Bird Watching
Bird watching can be done in Kiet Ngong, by taking a guided walk or a boat trip (wet season only) to the Kiet Ngong wetlands. There is a watch tower in the middle of the wetland, accessible by canoe most of the year, which offers a nice, shaded location to sit and bird watch. There is also a good viewpoint of the wetland from the village guesthouse. Taking a two-day trek to Ban Ta Ong, there is a good opportunity to see birds on the canoe ride down the Ta’Euang River, during the early morning forest walk and at the ponds near Ban Phalai (ask your guide about this). Treks and boating tours on the Xe Pian River in Attapeu is the best option for seeing rare and unique species such as the Mekong Wagtail and the Wooly-necked Stork..
There are trained bird watching guides who work at the Kingfisher Ecolodge (Guides: Mr. Serm and Mr. Sinthavong), Green Discovery (Guide: Mr. Sak), Diethelm Travel (Guide: Mr. Udorn), and at the Provincial Tourism Information Office located in Pakse (Guides: To, Tiger, Bounpheng and Mr. Chanphaserth).
Bird Lists
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