Spotting the Black-crowned Fulvetta in Vietnam: Top 4 Locations

Identification of Black-crowned Fulvetta

The Black-crowned Fulvetta is an adorable small bird with large, liquid cartoon-like eyes. It has a plain brown overall plumage. The dark crown is patterned with jagged pale streaks, and its pale face is marked by a broad black stripe above the ear and a distinctive “teardrop” mark below the eye.

Distinctive Features:
The Black-crowned Fulvetta is similar in appearance to the Rufous-winged Fulvetta. The easiest way to distinguish between them is by the wing and crown color. The Black-crowned Fulvetta lacks the rufous color on its wings, which are brown, and has a black crown instead of a rufous one.

Habitat and how to looking for that

Behavioral Traits:

This bird moves very quickly and rarely stays in one place for long while foraging. It is social and often found in mixed flocks, clambering around trunks and branches. Its song is a rapid, somewhat halting series of high-pitched chip notes, with calls that include similar chips, rattles, and sharp disyllabic notes.

Habitat Preferences:

The Black-crowned Fulvetta inhabits foothills and montane forests, where it is often seen actively foraging.

Best Seasons to Spot:

This species can be spotted throughout the year.

Sound Track

Top 4 Locations to Spot the Black-crowned Fulvetta

Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park

• Specific Areas/Trails: To spot the Black-crowned Fulvetta, you’ll need to venture deep into the jungle. Some trails lead into the dense forest, and it’s recommended to have a ranger guide or hire a bird guide to increase your chances of finding them. The park headquarters area isn’t ideal for spotting this species, but the forest trails outside offer good opportunities.
• Bird Hides: There are two bird hides in the park that provide excellent opportunities to photograph not only the Black-crowned Fulvetta but also other species like Collared, White-cheeked, and Black-hooded Laughingthrushes, as well as Niltava.
• Habitat: The Fulvetta is typically found in the evergreen forest areas of the park.
• Challenges: The Black-crowned Fulvetta is quick-moving, and the low light conditions in the jungle can make it difficult to get a good view or photograph.
• Best Time: The dry season, from December to the end of April, is ideal to avoid rain.
• Tips: Use an owl call outside of bird hides to attract flocks and identify individual birds. If you spot a flock of small birds, playing their calls can help attract them closer for better observation.

Dalat City

• Specific Areas/Trails: In Dalat City, the best spots to find the Black-crowned Fulvetta are in the evergreen forests. To reach these habitats, head up to Heaven Gate or Tanung Valley, both of which offer access to suitable forested areas.
• Bird Hides: Unlike some other locations, there are no bird hides in these areas for spotting the Fulvetta.
• Habitat: The Black-crowned Fulvetta is found in the evergreen forests around Dalat.
• Tips: Similar to Bidoup-Nui Ba, using an owl call outside the forest can attract mixed flocks, making it easier to spot individual birds. If you see a flock of small birds, try playing their calls to draw them closer for better observation.
• Challenges: The Fulvetta moves quickly, and the dense forest canopy can make lighting conditions challenging for both viewing and photography.

Di Linh – Gung Re

• Specific Areas/Trails: Walking trails within suitable habitats in Hon Ba are good for spotting this species. Pay attention to areas where mixed flocks are common.
• Best Time: The dry season (December to April) offers the best chances of sighting without rain interference.
• Tips: If you encounter a flock of small birds, try playing their calls to draw them in for a closer look.

Hon Ba National Park

Specific Areas/Trails: In Hon Ba National Park, the Black-crowned Fulvetta can be encountered in its natural evergreen forest habitat. Trails within the park provide access to these areas where sightings are relatively easy.

Bird Hides: There are no bird hides available in Hon Ba National Park.

Habitat: The Fulvetta thrives in the evergreen forests of the park.

Challenges: Spotting the Black-crowned Fulvetta in Hon Ba National Park is generally straightforward, with fewer challenges compared to other locations.

Trick

Tips: Use Owl’s calls to attract flocks when they are nearby, increasing the chances of spotting the Black-crowned Fulvetta.

Best Time: The dry season from December through April is recommended.

Tour include the chance to spot the Black-crowned Fulvetta

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