How to Birding in Tan Phu forest & Ma Da Nature Reserve [update 2023]

Why birding in Tan Phu Forest & Ma Da Nature reserve

Tan Phu forest and Ma Da Nature reserve is the best choice for taking a short birding trip from Sai Gon where you could see the diversity of lowland evergreen forests unique to South Vietnam. Many beautiful birds that you could see in 1-2 days of birding.

Tan Phu is 2.5 hour’s drive from Sai Gon where you could take an early drive there and a full day of birding and get back to the city later afternoon.

Ma Da is 2 hour’s drive from Sai Gon and you could do the same itinerary as Tan Phu but also good for spending later on Owls and some Herping if you are interested in that subjects.

What to see?

Bird fauna Tan Phu

This evergreen forest presenting for an ecosystem of lowland with very high diversified biology, which including over 170 bird species, 35 mammals, 60 reptiles and amphibians, and over 200 butterflies were confirmed.

Especially, this forest is also home to many important birds such as Orange-necked Partridge, Germain’s Peacock, Siamese Fireback, Lesser Adjutant, Wooly-necked Stork, Bar-bellied Pitta, Grey-faced Tit Babbler. Visiting Tan Phu FE., you also really interest in soaking your legs in a hot-water stream, enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Mai stream, and more.

The Orange – necked Partridge (Arborophila davidi), is an endemic species to Vietnam, and this species was listed as an endangered category in IUCN red list. Although the distribution range of this species covers Binh Phuoc – Dong Nai and a part of Lam Dong province nowhere we are easy to find them, except Tan Phu forest enterprise. From 2004 to 2006, Nguyen Hoai Bao led a research group to monitor Orange-necked Partridge and species in the Pheasant family population, result showed a density of 0.086 individuals per hectare. 

Bird fauna in Ma Da Nature Reserve

The bird diversity of Ma Da is the same of Cat Tien National Park (both parks actually share diversity)

Most highlights Tan Phu & Ma Da

Tan Phu: Orange-necked Partridge, Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pitta, Black-and-buff, Pale-headed Woodpecker

Ma Da: Updating

When is the best time for birding in Tan Phu & Ma Da?

The weather and season both Tan Phu and Ma Da is sharing with Cat Tien National Park,

It enjoys a tropical savanna climate (with dry winter) in accordance with the Köppen-Geiger classification. The yearly average maximum temperature in both sites is 33°C (ranging from 31°C in September to 36°C in march). Annual rainfall is 3412mm, with a minimum of 18mm in February and a maximum of 578mm in august.

• In the month of January, the climate is perfect. The temperature rises to 33°C and you can expect to have 33mm of rainfall/month during this period.
• Between February and April, the climate is beautiful. the thermometer goes up to 35°C°C.
• Between the months of may and November the climate is passable, but still OK. The record temperature this month is 35°C.
• In the month of December, the climate is good. It is for example 32°C as the maximum temperature in December and you can expect to have 62mm of rainfall/per month during this period.

Monthly Averages

Historical monthly average weather conditions for Tan Phu & Ma Da

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“The best time for birding in Tan Phu & Ma Da is from Nov to Apr when it is not much rain and migratory time”

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Where birding in Tan Phu & Ma Da

Birding routes

Birding along the main road through the park

Tips for birding in Tan Phu & Ma Da

Transportation

Mostly travel by private car

Accommodations

There are a few guest-house around birding spots if you like to take overnight

The best tour cover Birding in Tan Phu & Ma Da