List of birds of Hong Kong
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Hong Kong. The avifauna of Hong Kong include a total of 522 species, of which twenty-three have been introduced by humans. Twenty-nine species are globally threatened.[1]
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the Hong Kong Bird List published by Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Hong Kong.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Hong Kong
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Hong Kong as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
Loons
Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Loons, known as divers in Europe, are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. They are the size of a large duck or small goose, which they somewhat resemble when swimming, but to which they are completely unrelated. There are 5 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica (A)
- Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata (A)[2]
- Yellow-billed loon, Gavia adamsii (A)
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
- Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus
- Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus (A)
- Black-necked grebe, Podiceps nigricollis (A)
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide, of which 4 occurs in Hong Kong.
- Streaked shearwater, Calonectris leucomelas (A)
- Wedge-tailed shearwater, Puffinus pacificus (A)[3]
- Short-tailed shearwater, Puffinus tenuirostris (A)[4]
- Bulwer's petrel, Bulweria bulwerii (A)
Tropicbirds
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are a family, Phaethontidae, of tropical pelagic seabirds now classified in their own order Phaethontiformes. Their relationship to other living birds is unclear, and they appear to have no close relatives. They have predominantly white plumage with elongated tail feathers and small feeble legs and feet. There are 3 species worldwide, of which 1 occurs in Hong Kong.
- White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (A)
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Dalmatian pelican, Pelecanus crispus
Boobies and gannets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Masked booby, Sula dactylatra (A)
- Red-footed booby, Sula sula (A)
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (A)
Cormorants
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful. There are 38 species worldwide and 2 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
- Japanese cormorant, Phalacrocorax capillatus (A)[5]
Frigatebirds
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have coloured inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are 5 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Christmas Island frigatebird, Fregata andrewsi (A)
- Great frigatebird, Fregata minor (A)
- Lesser frigatebird, Fregata ariel (A)
Bitterns, herons and egrets
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae
The Ardeidae family contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills. There are 61 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Grey heron, Ardea cinerea
- Purple heron, Ardea purpurea
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Intermediate egret, Egretta intermedia
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta
- Chinese egret, Egretta eulophotes
- Pacific reef heron, Egretta sacra
- Chinese pond heron, Ardeola bacchus
- Eastern cattle egret, Bubulcus coromandus
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
- Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Japanese night-heron, Gorsachius goisagi (A)
- Malayan night heron, Gorsachius melanolophus (A)[6]
- Yellow bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis
- Von Schrenck's bittern, Ixobrychus eurhythmus (A)
- Cinnamon bittern, Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
- Black bittern, Ixobrychus flavicollis (A)
- Great bittern, Botaurus stellaris
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Black stork, Ciconia nigra (A)
- Oriental stork, Ciconia boyciana (A)
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are 36 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Black-headed ibis, Threskiornis melanocephalus
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (A)
- Eurasian spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia
- Black-faced spoonbill, Platalea minor
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 35 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Lesser whistling-duck, Dendrocygna javanica (A)
- Tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus (A)[7]
- Taiga bean goose, Anser fabalis (A)
- Tundra bean goose, Anser serrirostris (A)
- Greylag goose, Anser anser (A)
- Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons (A)[8]
- Lesser white-fronted goose, Anser erythropus (A)[9]
- Ruddy shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea (A)
- Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna
- Cotton pygmy-goose, Nettapus coromandelianus (A)
- Mandarin duck, Aix galericulata (A)
- Eurasian wigeon, Anas penelope
- Falcated duck, Anas falcata
- Gadwall, Anas strepera
- Baikal teal, Anas formosa (A)
- Green-winged teal, Anas carolinensis (A)
- Eurasian teal, Anas crecca
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
- Philippine duck, Anas luzonica (A)
- Indian spot-billed duck, Anas poecilorhyncha
- Chinese spot-billed duck, Anas zonorhyncha
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Garganey, Anas querquedula
- Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata
- Common pochard, Aythya ferina (A)
- Ferruginous pochard, Aythya nyroca (A)
- Baer's pochard, Aythya baeri (A)
- Red-crested pochard, Netta rufina (A)
- Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula
- Greater scaup, Aythya marila (A)
- White-winged scoter, Melanitta fusca (A)
- Black scoter, Melanitta americana (A)
- Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula (A)
- Smew, Mergellus albellus (A)
- Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator
Osprey
Order: Falconiformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Western osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, kites and eagles
Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight. There are 233 species worldwide and 23 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Black baza, Aviceda leuphotes
- Crested honey buzzard, Pernis ptilorhynchus (A)
- Black-winged kite, Elanus caeruleus (A)
- Black kite, Milvus migrans
- Brahminy kite, Haliastur indus (A)
- White-bellied sea eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster
- Eurasian black vulture, Aegypius monachus (A)
- Crested serpent eagle, Spilornis cheela
- Eastern marsh-harrier, Circus spilonotus
- Pied harrier, Circus melanoleucos (A)
- Crested goshawk, Accipiter trivirgatus
- Chinese goshawk, Accipiter soloensis
- Japanese sparrowhawk, Accipiter gularis
- Besra, Accipiter virgatus
- Eurasian sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus (A)
- Northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis (A)
- Grey-faced buzzard, Butastur indicus
- Eastern buzzard, Buteo buteo
- Greater spotted eagle, Aquila clanga
- Imperial eagle, Aquila heliaca
- Steppe eagle, Aquila nipalensis
- Bonelli's eagle, Aquila fasciatus
- Mountain hawk-eagle, Spizaetus nipalensis (A)
Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 62 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
- Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
- Amur falcon, Falco amurensis[10]
Pheasants and partridges
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Chinese francolin, Francolinus pintadeanus
- Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica
Buttonquails
Order: Gruiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young. There are 16 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Yellow-legged buttonquail, Turnix tanki (A)
- Barred buttonquail, Turnix suscitator (A)
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Siberian crane, Grus leucogeranus (A)
- Common crane, Grus grus (A)
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Slaty-legged crake, Rallina eurizonoides (A)
- Slaty-breasted rail, Gallirallus striatus
- Eastern water rail, Rallus indicus
- Western water rail, Rallus aquaticus (A)
- Brown crake, Amaurornis akool (A)
- White-breasted waterhen, Amaurornis phoenicurus
- Baillon's crake, Porzana pusilla (A)
- Ruddy-breasted crake, Porzana fusca (A)
- Band-bellied crake, Porzana paykullii (A)
- White-browed crake, Porzana cinerea (A)
- Watercock, Gallicrex cinerea
- Common moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
- Eurasian coot, Fulica atra
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There 8 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Pheasant-tailed jacana, Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Painted snipe
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Greater painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis
Stone-curlews
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The stone-curlews, also known as dikkops or thick-knees, consist of nine species within the family Burhinidae, and are found throughout the tropical and temperate parts of the world, with two species found in Australia and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Great stone-curlew, Esacus recurvirostris (A)
Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are a group of waders; they form the family Haematopodidae, which has a single genus, Haematopus. There are 12 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Eurasian oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus (A)
Avocets and stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
- Pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta
Pratincoles and coursers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Oriental pratincole, Glareola maldivarum
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 66 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus
- Grey-headed lapwing, Vanellus cinereus
- Pacific golden plover, Pluvialis fulva
- Grey plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (A)
- Long-billed plover, Charadrius placidus (A)
- Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius
- Kentish plover, Charadrius alexandrinus
- Lesser sand plover, Charadrius mongolus
- Greater sand plover, Charadrius leschenaultii
- Oriental plover, Charadrius veredus (A)
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 40 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Eurasian woodcock, Scolopax rusticola
- Pintail snipe, Gallinago stenura
- Swinhoe's snipe, Gallinago megala
- Common snipe, Gallinago gallinago
- Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus (A)
- Asian dowitcher, Limnodromus semipalmatus
- Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica
- Little curlew, Numenius minutus (A)
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata
- Far Eastern curlew, Numenius madagascariensis
- Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus
- Common redshank, Tringa totanus
- Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
- Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
- Nordmann's greenshank, Tringa guttifer
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes (A)
- Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
- Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
- Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
- Grey-tailed tattler, Heterosceles brevipes
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Great knot, Calidris tenuirostris
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis
- Little stint, Calidris minuta (A)
- Temminck's stint, Calidris temminckii
- Long-toed stint, Calidris subminuta
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos (A)
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina
- Spoon-billed sandpiper, Eurynorhynchus pygmeus
- Broad-billed sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus
- Ruff, Philomachus pugnax
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (A)
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (A)
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus (A)
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (A)
Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris
- Mew gull, Larus canus (A)
- Glaucous-winged gull, Larus glaucescens (A)
- Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus (A)
- Heuglin's gull, Larus heuglini
- Vega gull, Larus vegae
- Caspian gull, Larus cachinnans
- Pallas's gull, Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus (A)
- Slaty-backed gull, Larus schistisagus (A)
- Brown-headed gull, Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
- Slender-billed gull, Chroicocephalus genei (A)
- Saunders's gull, Chroicocephalus saundersi
- Relict gull, Ichthyaetus relictus (A)
- Little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus (A)
- Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla (A)
Terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Great crested tern, Thalasseus bergii (A)
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii (A)
- Black-naped tern, Sterna sumatrana
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Little tern, Sternula albifrons
- Aleutian tern, Sterna aleutica (A)
- Bridled tern, Sterna anaethetus
- Sooty tern, Sterna fuscata (A)
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybridus
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
Auks, murres and puffins
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colours, their upright posture and some of their habits, however they are not related to the penguins and differ in being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest. There are 24 species worldwide and 2 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Ancient murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiquus (A)
- Japanese murrelet, Synthliboramphus wumizusume (A)
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
- Oriental turtle dove, Streptopelia orientalis
- Red turtle dove, Streptopelia tranquebarica
- Spotted dove, Spilopelia chinensis
- Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto
- Barred cuckoo-dove, Macropygia unchall (A)
- Common emerald dove, Chalcophaps indica
- Orange-breasted green pigeon, Treron bicinctus [11]
- Thick-billed green pigeon, Treron curvirostra (A)
- White-bellied green pigeon, Treron sieboldii (A)
Cockatoos
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Cacatuidae
The cockatoos share many features with other parrots including the characteristic curved beak shape and a zygodactyl foot, with two forward toes and two backwards toes. They differ, however in a number of characteristics, including the often spectacular movable headcrest. There are 21 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Yellow-crested cockatoo, Cacatua sulphurea (I)
Parrots, macaws and allies
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back. There are 335 species worldwide and 2 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Alexandrine parakeet, Psittacula eupatria (I)
- Rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri (I)
Cuckoos and anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Chestnut-winged cuckoo, Clamator coromandus
- Large hawk-cuckoo, Cuculus sparverioides
- Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx nisicolor (A)
- Northern hawk-cuckoo, Cuculus hyperythrus (A)
- Indian cuckoo, Cuculus micropterus
- Oriental cuckoo, Cuculus optatus
- Lesser cuckoo, Cuculus poliocephalus (A)
- Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus (A)
- Plaintive cuckoo, Cacomantis merulinus
- Asian emerald cuckoo, Chrysococcyx maculatus (A)
- Asian koel, Eudynamys scolopacea
- Greater coucal, Centropus sinensis
- Lesser coucal, Centropus bengalensis
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Eastern grass owl, Tyto longimembris (A)
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 195 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Collared scops owl, Otus lettia
- Oriental scops owl, Otus sunia (A)
- Eurasian eagle owl, Bubo bubo (A)
- Brown fish owl, Ketupa zeylonensis (A)
- Brown wood owl, Strix leptogrammica (A)
- Asian barred owlet, Glaucidium cuculoides
- Brown hawk-owl, Ninox japonica (A)
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus (A)
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Grey nightjar, Caprimulgus jotaka (A)
- Savanna nightjar, Caprimulgus affinis
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Himalayan swiftlet, Aerodramus brevirostris
- White-throated needletail, Hirundapus caudacutus
- Silver-backed needletail, Hirundapus cochinchinensis (A)
- Brown-backed needletail, Hirundapus giganteus (A)
- Common swift, Apus apus (A)
- Pacific swift, Apus pacificus
- House swift, Apus nipalensis
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Ruddy kingfisher, Halcyon coromanda[12]
- Common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
- White-throated kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis
- Black-capped kingfisher, Halcyon pileata
- Collared kingfisher, Todirhamphus chloris (A)
- Crested kingfisher, Megaceryle lugubris (A)
- Pied kingfisher, Ceryle rudis
Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Blue-throated bee-eater, Merops viridis (A)
- Blue-tailed bee-eater, Merops philippinus
Typical rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 2 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis
- Eurasian roller, Coracias garrulus
Hoopoes
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Hoopoe, Upupa epops (A)
Barbets
Order: Piciformes Family: Capitonidae
The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly coloured. There are 84 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Great barbet, Megalaima virens
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 218 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Eurasian wryneck, Jynx torquilla
- Speckled piculet, Picumnus innominatus (A)
- Rufous-bellied woodpecker, Dendrocopos hyperythrus (A)
- Rufous woodpecker, Micropternus brachyurus (A)
- Grey-faced woodpecker, Picus canus (A)
- Bay woodpecker, Blythipicus pyrrhotis (A)
Pittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae
Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many are brightly coloured. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates. There are 32 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Fairy pitta, Pitta nympha (A)
- Blue-winged pitta, Pitta moluccensis
Woodswallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Artamidae
Woodswallows are soft-plumaged, somber-coloured passerine birds. There is a single genus, Artamus. The woodswallows are either treated as a subfamily, Artaminae, in an expanded family Artamidae, which includes the butcherbirds and Australian magpie, or as the only genus in that family. There is 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Ashy woodswallow, Artamus fuscus (A)
Cuckooshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckooshrikes and allies in the Campephagidae family are small to medium-sized passerine bird species found in the subtropical and tropical Africa, Asia and Australasia. There are 85 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Black-winged cuckooshrike, Coracina melaschistos
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Greater short-toed lark, Calandrella brachydactyla (A)
- Eurasian skylark, Alauda arvensis (A)
- Oriental skylark, Alauda gulgula
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Pale martin, Riparia diluta
- Grey-throated martin, Riparia chinensis (A)
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica
- Asian house martin, Delichon urbicum (A)
- Common house martin, Delichon dasypus (A)
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Forest wagtail, Dendronanthus indicus
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba
- Citrine wagtail, Motacilla citreola (A)
- Yellow wagtail, Motacilla tschutschensis
- Grey wagtail, Motacilla cinerea
- Richard's pipit, Anthus richardi
- Blyth's pipit, Anthus godlewskii (A)[13]
- Olive-backed pipit, Anthus hodgsoni
- Pechora pipit, Anthus gustavi
- Rosy pipit, Anthus roseatus[14]
- Red-throated pipit, Anthus cervinus
- Buff-bellied pipit, Anthus rubescens
- Water pipit, Anthus spinoletta[15]
- Upland pipit, Anthus sylvanus
Cuckoo-shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckoo-shrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured. There are 82 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Black-winged cuckoo-shrike, Coracina melaschistos
- Swinhoe's minivet, Pericrocotus cantonensis
- Ashy minivet, Pericrocotus divaricatus
- Scarlet minivet, Pericrocotus speciosus
- Grey-chinned minivet, Pericrocotus solaris
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests. There are 130 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Red-whiskered bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus
- Chinese bulbul, Pycnonotus sinensis
- Sooty-headed bulbul, Pycnonotus aurigaster
- Mountain bulbul, Ixos mcclellandii[16]
- Chestnut bulbul, Hemixos castanonotus
- Black bulbul, Hypsipetes leucocephalus (A)
Leafbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Chloropseidae
The leafbirds are small, bulbul-like birds. The males are brightly plumaged, usually in greens and yellows. There are 8 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Orange-bellied leafbird, Chloropsis hardwickii (A)
Waxwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Japanese waxwing, Bombycilla japonica (A)
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- White-throated rock thrush, Monticola gularis (A)
- Chestnut-bellied rock thrush, Monticola rufiventris (A)
- Blue rock thrush, Monticola solitarius
- Blue whistling-thrush, Myophonus caeruleus
- Orange-headed thrush, Geokichla citrina
- Siberian thrush, Geokichla sibirica (A)
- White's thrush, Zoothera aurea
- Grey-backed thrush, Turdus hortulorum
- Japanese thrush, Turdus cardis
- Common blackbird, Turdus merula
- Eyebrowed thrush, Turdus obscurus
- Pale thrush, Turdus pallidus
- Brown-headed thrush, Turdus chrysolaus (A)
- Red-throated thrush, Turdus ruficollis (A)
- Naumann's thrush, Turdus naumanni (A)
- Dusky thrush, Turdus naumanni
- Chinese thrush, Turdus mupinensis(A)[17]
Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. There are 111 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
- Golden-headed cisticola, Cisticola exilis
- Yellow-bellied prinia, Prinia flaviventris
- Plain prinia, Prinia inornata
Old World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs. There are 291 species worldwide and 48 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Asian stubtail, Urosphena squameiceps
- Japanese bush warbler, Horornis diphone
- Manchurian bush warbler, Horornis borealis
- Pale-footed bush warbler, Urosphena pallidipes (A)
- Brownish-flanked bush warbler, Horornis fortipes
- Japanese bush warbler, Horornis diphone
- Russet bush warbler, Locustella seebohmi
- Baikal bush warbler, Locustella davidi (A)[18]
- Brown bush warbler, Locustella luteoventris (A)
- Lanceolated warbler, Locustella lanceolata
- Pallas's grasshopper warbler, Locustella certhiola
- Middendorff's grasshopper-warbler, Locustella ochotensis (A)
- Styan's grasshopper warbler, Locustella pleskei
- Japanese swamp warbler, Locustella pryeri (A)
- Black-browed reed warbler, Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
- Paddyfield warbler, Acrocephalus agricola (A)
- Blunt-winged warbler, Acrocephalus concinens (A)
- Manchurian reed warbler, Acrocephalus tangorum (A)
- Blyth's reed warbler, Acrocephalus dumetorum (A)
- Oriental reed warbler, Acrocephalus orientalis
- Thick-billed warbler, Iduna aedon
- Sykes's warbler, Iduna rama (A)
- Common tailorbird, Orthotomus sutorius
- Mountain tailorbird, Phyllergates cuculatus[19]
- Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus (A)
- Common chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita (A)
- Dusky warbler, Phylloscopus fuscatus
- Yellow-streaked warbler, Phylloscopus armandii (A)
- Radde's warbler, Phylloscopus schwarzi (A)
- Pallas's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus proregulus
- Chinese leaf warbler, Phylloscopus yunnanensis (A)
- Yellow-browed warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus
- Hume's warbler, Phylloscopus humei (A)
- Arctic warbler, Phylloscopus borealis
- Japanese leaf warbler, Phylloscopus xanthodryas (A)
- Two-barred warbler, Phylloscopus trochiloides (A)
- Pale-legged leaf-warbler, Phylloscopus tenellipes
- Sakhalin leaf warbler, Phylloscopus borealoides (A)
- Eastern crowned warbler, Phylloscopus coronatus
- Goodson's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus goodsoni
- Sulphur-breasted warbler, Phylloscopus ricketti (A)[20]
- White-spectacled warbler, Seicercus affinis (A)[21]
- Grey-crowned warbler, Seicercus tephrocephalus (A)
- Bianchi's warbler, Seicercus valentini (A)
- Alstrom's warbler, Seicercus soror (A)
- Chestnut-crowned warbler, Seicercus castaniceps (A)
- Rufous-faced warbler, Abroscopus albogularis (A)
- Chinese grassbird, Graminicola striatus
- Lesser whitethroat, Sylvia curruca[22]
Old World flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. There are 274 species worldwide, 36 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Brown-chested jungle-flycatcher, Rhinomyias brunneatus (A)
- Grey-streaked flycatcher, Muscicapa griseisticta
- Dark-sided flycatcher, Muscicapa sibirica
- Asian brown flycatcher, Muscicapa dauurica
- Brown-breasted flycatcher, Muscicapa muttui[23]
- Ferruginous flycatcher, Muscicapa ferruginea (A)
- Yellow-rumped flycatcher, Ficedula zanthopygia
- Narcissus flycatcher, Ficedula narcissina
- Green-backed flycatcher, Ficedula elisae (A)
- Mugimaki flycatcher, Ficedula mugimaki
- Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, Ficedula strophiata (A)
- Red-breasted flycatcher, Ficedula parva
- Red-throated flycatcher, Ficedula albicilla
- Blue-and-white flycatcher, Cyanoptila cyanomelana
- Zappey's flycatcher, Cyanoptila cumatilis
- Verditer flycatcher, Eumyias thalassinus
- Small niltava, Niltava macgrigoriae (A)
- Fujian niltava, Niltava davidi (A)
- Hainan blue flycatcher, Cyornis hainanus
- Hill blue flycatcher, Cyornis banyumas
- Chinese blue flycatcher, Cyornis glaucicomans
- Grey-headed canary-flycatcher, Culicicapa ceylonensis
- Lesser shortwing, Brachypteryx leucophris
- Japanese robin, Erithacus akahige (A)
- Rufous-tailed robin, Luscinia sibilans
- Siberian rubythroat, Luscinia calliope
- Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica
- Siberian blue robin, Luscinia cyane (A)
- Red-flanked bluetail, Tarsiger cyanurus
- Oriental magpie robin, Copsychus saularis
- Black redstart, Phoenicurus ochruros (A)
- Hodgson's redstart, Phoenicurus hodgsoni (A)
- Daurian redstart, Phoenicurus auroreus
- Plumbeous water redstart, Rhyacornis fuliginosa
- Stejneger's stonechat, Saxicola stejnegeri
- Slaty-backed forktail, Enicurus schistaceus (A)
- Grey bushchat, Saxicola ferreus
- Pied wheatear, Oenanthe pleschanka (A)
Monarch flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Black-naped monarch, Hypothymis azurea
- Japanese paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone atrocaudata
- Asian paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone paradisi
Babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Timaliidae
The babblers, or timaliids, are somewhat diverse in size and colouration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. There are 270 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Masked laughingthrush, Garrulax perspicillatus
- Greater necklaced laughingthrush, Garrulax pectoralis (I)
- Black-throated laughingthrush, Garrulax chinensis (I)
- Chinese hwamei, Garrulax canorus
- White-browed laughingthrush, Garrulax sannio (I)
- Streak-breasted scimitar-babbler, Pomatorhinus ruficollis (I)
- Pygmy wren-babbler, Pnoepyga pusilla (A)
- Rufous-capped babbler, Stachyris ruficeps (I)
- Chinese babax, Babax lanceolatus (I)
- Blue-winged minla, Minla cyanouroptera (I)
- Silver-eared mesia, Leiothrix argentauris (I)
- Red-billed leiothrix, Leiothrix lutea (I)
- Huet's fulvetta, Alcippe hueti (A)
- Chestnut-collared yuhina, Yuhina castaniceps
- White-bellied Erpornis, Erpornis zantholeuca
Parrotbills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paradoxornithidae
The parrotbills are a group of birds native to East and Southeast Asia, though feral populations exist elsewhere. They are generally small, long-tailed birds which inhabit reed beds and similar habitats. There are 20 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Vinous-throated parrotbill, Sinosuthora webbiana
Long-tailed tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Black-throated tit, Aegithalos concinnus (A)
Chickadees and titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are 59 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Varied tit, Poecile varius
- Yellow-bellied tit, Pardaliparus venustulus
- Cinereous tit, Parus cinereous
- Yellow-cheeked tit, Parus spilonotus (I)
Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. There are 24 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Velvet-fronted nuthatch, Sitta frontalis (I)
Penduline tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Remizidae
The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores. There are 13 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Chinese penduline-tit, Remiz consobrinus (A)
Sunbirds and spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 2 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Mrs. Gould's sunbird, Aethopyga gouldiae[24]
- Fork-tailed sunbird, Aethopyga christinae
Flowerpeckers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicaeidae
The flowerpeckers are very small, stout, often brightly coloured birds, with short tails, short thick curved bills and tubular tongues. There are 44 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Plain flowerpecker, Dicaeum minullum (A)
- Fire-breasted flowerpecker, Dicaeum ignipectus
- Scarlet-backed flowerpecker, Dicaeum cruentatum
White-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
The white-eyes are small and mostly undistinguished, their plumage above being generally some dull colour like greenish-olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests, many species have a white ring around each eye. There are 96 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Chestnut-flanked white-eye, Zosterops erythropleurus
- Japanese white-eye, Zosterops japonicus
Old World orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Black-naped oriole, Oriolus chinensis
Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Tiger shrike, Lanius tigrinus (A)
- Bull-headed shrike, Lanius bucephalus (A)
- Brown shrike, Lanius cristatus
- Red-backed shrike, Lanius collurio (A)
- Long-tailed shrike, Lanius schach
Drongos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
The drongos are mostly black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Black drongo, Dicrurus macrocercus
- Ashy drongo, Dicrurus leucophaeus
- Hair-crested drongo, Dicrurus hottentottus
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 120 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Eurasian jay, Garrulus glandarius
- Azure-winged magpie, Cyanopica cyanus
- Red-billed blue magpie, Urocissa erythrorhyncha
- Grey treepie, Dendrocitta formosae
- Eurasian magpie, Pica pica
- Daurian jackdaw, Corvus dauuricus (A)
- House crow, Corvus splendens (I)
- Carrion crow, Corvus corone (A)
- Large-billed crow, Corvus macrorhynchos
- Collared crow, Corvus torquatus
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Crested myna, Acridotheres cristatellus
- Common myna, Acridotheres tristis (I)
- Black-collared starling, Gracupica nigricollis
- Chestnut-cheeked starling, Sturnia philippensis
- White-shouldered starling, Sturnia sinensis
- Chestnut-tailed starling, Sturnia malabarica (A)
- Rosy starling, Pastor roseus (A)
- Red-billed starling, Sturnus sericeus
- White-cheeked starling, Sturnus cineraceus
- Common starling, Sturnus vulgaris (A)
- Daurian starling, Agropsar sturninus (A)
Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Baya weaver, Ploceus philippinus (I)
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns. There are 141 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- White-rumped munia, Lonchura striata
- Scaly-breasted munia, Lonchura punctulata
- Chestnut munia, Lonchura atricapilla (I)
Buntings, sparrows, seedeaters and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are 275 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Slaty bunting, Emberiza siemsseni
- Crested bunting, Melophus lathami
- Ortolan bunting, Emberiza hortulana (A)[25]
- Tristram's bunting, Emberiza tristrami
- Chestnut-eared bunting, Emberiza fucata
- Little bunting, Emberiza pusilla
- Yellow-browed bunting, Emberiza chrysophrys (A)
- Rustic bunting, Emberiza rustica (A)
- Yellow-throated bunting, Emberiza elegans (A)
- Yellow-breasted bunting, Emberiza aureola
- Chestnut bunting, Emberiza rutila
- Black-headed bunting, Emberiza melanocephala (A)
- Red-headed bunting, Emberiza bruniceps
- Japanese yellow bunting, Emberiza sulphurata
- Black-faced bunting, Emberiza spodocephala
- Pallas's reed bunting, Emberiza pallasi (A)
- Japanese reed bunting, Emberiza yessoensis (A)
- Common reed bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus (A)
Siskins, crossbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Hong Kong.
- Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla
- Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus (A)
- Eurasian siskin, Carduelis spinus (A)
- Grey-capped greenfinch, Carduelis sinica (A)
- Hawfinch, Coccothraustes coccothraustes (A)
- Chinese grosbeak, Eophona migratoria
- Japanese grosbeak, Eophona personata (A)
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Hong Kong.
- Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus
See also
References
- ↑ "List of HK Birds - 2013-12-11". Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2001-02. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2007. p. 257.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2003-04. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2009. p. 239.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2003-04. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2009. p. 239.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2005-06. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2010. p. 247.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2003-04. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2009. p. 239.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2001-02. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2007. p. 257.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2003-04. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2009. p. 239.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2005-06. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2010. p. 247.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2001-02. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2007. p. 257.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2005-06. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2010. p. 247.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2005-06. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2010. p. 247.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2001-02. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2007. p. 257.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2005-06. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2010. p. 247.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2001-02. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2007. p. 257.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2001-02. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2007. p. 257.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2003-04. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2009. p. 239.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2003-04. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2009. p. 239.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2001-02. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2007. p. 257.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2005-06. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2010. p. 247.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2003-04. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2009. p. 239.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2001-02. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2007. p. 257.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2001-02. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2007. p. 257.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2005-06. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2010. p. 247.
- ↑ Hong Kong Bird Report 2005-06. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. 2010. p. 247.
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Hong Kong". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 27 April 2007.
- HKBWS, Record Committee (2013). "List of Hong Kong Birds". HKBWS Record Committee. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 962-7508-02-0.
- G.J. Carey, M.L. Chalmers, M.L. Diskin, D.A. Diskin, P.R. Kennerley, P. J. Leader, M.R. Leven, R.W. Lewthwaite, D.S. Melville, M. Turnbull and L. Young (2001). The Avifuan of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. p. 563. ISBN 962-7508-02-0.
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