Discovering enchanting beauty of wild birds in Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park is often described as a paradise for wild birds, as this site is home to more than 40% of Vietnam’s bird species.

Covering more than 71,000 hectares, Cat Tien National Park is widely recognized for its rich biodiversity. The park is also known as a “haven for wildlife,” sheltering 96 mammal species, 94 reptile species, and more than 900 insect species. In terms of birdlife alone, Cat Tien is home to 343 species, representing over 40% of Vietnam’s total.

As a tropical lowland rainforest, the park has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

Primeval forests inside Cat Tien National Park. Photo: Vy Tran

From November to May is considered the ideal time to explore Cat Tien National Park. During the dry season, forest trails become more accessible, allowing visitors to fully experience the park’s natural beauty. More notably, this is also the best season to admire the park’s vividly colored birdlife.

Cat Tien is home to three species of pittas, including the bar-bellied pitta, blue-winged pitta, and blue-rumped pitta. All three species typically forage close to the forest floor and rarely fly high into the canopy. At night, they usually perch on low or moderately high branches to rest. In the photo: a female bar-bellied pitta searches for food on the forest floor. Photo: Vy Tran

The male bar-bellied pitta stands out with its striking turquoise belly patch, making it easy to distinguish from the female, whose yellowish-green underparts are more subdued. At night, the birds curl up on soft branches like tiny balls of fluff. Photo: Vy Tran

The blue-winged pitta features striking multicolored plumage, a harmonious blend of vibrant hues. Photo: Vy Tran

The Common Flameback is often regarded as a “forest doctor,” helping protect trees by feeding on harmful insects. Photo: Vy Tran

A female Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant leisurely approaches a small stream. Many wildlife photographers travel to Cat Tien hoping to capture images of this rare Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant. Photo: Vy Tran

A visit to Cat Tien would feel incomplete without photographing the green peafowl, as few places in Vietnam offer such opportunities to observe the species in the wild. In the photo: a green peafowl mother leads her chicks in search of food. Photo: Vy Tran

A pair of Black-and-red Broadbills stands out vividly against the lush green forest backdrop. Photo: Vy Tran

The greater coucal is another bird species commonly found foraging in shrubs and on the forest floor. It prefers habitats near rivers and streams. Photo: Vy Tran

Exploring Cat Tien forest along the trail to Bau Sau Wetland, visitors who hear rustling sounds among the leaves may encounter a family of Vietnam Partridges scratching for food. Photo: Vy Tran

Cat Tien National Park is also home to numerous medium and large birds of prey, including the Crested Serpent-Eagle pictured here. Other raptors commonly spotted in the park include osprey, Oriental honey-buzzards, and various species of hawks and falcons. Photo: Vy Tran

Cat Tien is also regarded as a paradise for the Oriental magpie-robin and the white-rumped shama. The white-rumped shama is especially admired for its long tail and melodious, richly toned mating calls. Interestingly, both males and females are equally gifted singers. Photo: Vy Tran

By V. Tran, V. Chinh – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho