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7-day private journey

Sichuan Forests to Chinese Monal Valley

Chengdu → Wawushan → Longcanggou → Kangding Lianghekou → Chengdu

A week linking humid endemic-rich forests with the dry high valleys west of the Sichuan Basin, combining parrotbills and Emei specialties with exceptional Chinese Monal viewing.

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Chinese Monal (Lophophorus lhuysii)
Chinese MonalLophophorus lhuysii
Duration7 days
Best seasonApril to June
Field rhythmFull birding days, one longer transfer and elevations above 3,000 m
Likely & priority birds101 species
Private price from$1,560 pp

Route strengths

Why choose this journey

Indicative private-tour pricing

Price per person, by group size

USD land-only estimates, based on shared twin rooms. Final pricing is confirmed for your dates, rooming, permits and route changes.

1 guest$3,100per person
2 guests$2,280per person
3 guests$1,950per person
4 guests$1,750per person
5–6 guests$1,560per person

Includes private ground transport, English-speaking bird guide, accommodation, meals, route permits and standard entrance fees. International flights, visa, travel insurance, drinks, personal spending and gratuities are not included.

Day by day

The complete itinerary

Each day includes both headline specialties and the more regular warblers, laughingthrushes, flycatchers, tits, finches and other likely additions for an international birder’s life list.

Day01

Wawushan foothills

Chengdu to Wawushan

Travel south-west and begin birding evergreen forest and bamboo edge during the afternoon.

Bird highlights for this day
Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis)
Emei Shan Liocichla
Golden-fronted Fulvetta (Schoeniparus variegaticeps)
Golden-fronted Fulvetta
Buffy Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus berthemyi)
Buffy Laughingthrush
Elliot’s Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron elliotii)
Elliot’s Laughingthrush
Slaty Bunting (Emberiza siemsseni)
Slaty Bunting
Chinese Wren-babbler (Pnoepyga mutica)
Chinese Wren-babbler
Likely & priority birds · 31
Day02

Wawushan National Forest Park

Wawushan summit day

Cover the mountain’s principal forest zones, spending the quietest hours in bamboo and old conifers and using the summit when visibility and transport permit.

Bird highlights for this day
Sichuan Treecreeper (Certhia tianquanensis)
Sichuan Treecreeper
Golden-fronted Fulvetta (Schoeniparus variegaticeps)
Golden-fronted Fulvetta
Emei Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus emeiensis)
Emei Leaf Warbler
Sichuan Bush Warbler (Locustella chengi)
Sichuan Bush Warbler
Sichuan Tit (Poecile weigoldicus)
Sichuan Tit
Przevalski’s Nuthatch (Sitta przewalskii)
Przevalski’s Nuthatch
Likely & priority birds · 59
Day03

Longcanggou

Wawushan to Longcanggou

A short final Wawushan session, then transfer to Longcanggou for afternoon birding along the access road and river valley.

Bird highlights for this day
Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis)
Emei Shan Liocichla
Golden-fronted Fulvetta (Schoeniparus variegaticeps)
Golden-fronted Fulvetta
Sichuan Treecreeper (Certhia tianquanensis)
Sichuan Treecreeper
Buffy Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus berthemyi)
Buffy Laughingthrush
Elliot’s Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron elliotii)
Elliot’s Laughingthrush
Emei Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus emeiensis)
Emei Leaf Warbler
Likely & priority birds · 50
Day04

Longcanggou native forest

Longcanggou full morning

Work the best middle-elevation forest slowly for mixed flocks, flycatchers, fulvettas and parrotbills, with a quieter second session after lunch.

Bird highlights for this day
Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis)
Emei Shan Liocichla
Golden-fronted Fulvetta (Schoeniparus variegaticeps)
Golden-fronted Fulvetta
Sichuan Treecreeper (Certhia tianquanensis)
Sichuan Treecreeper
Buffy Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus berthemyi)
Buffy Laughingthrush
Elliot’s Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron elliotii)
Elliot’s Laughingthrush
Emei Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus emeiensis)
Emei Leaf Warbler
Likely & priority birds · 50
Day05

Longcanggou to Lianghekou

Cross to Kangding

A longer transfer west through Ya’an and the Dadu River corridor. If time and conditions allow, make an initial late-afternoon reconnaissance above Lianghekou.

Bird highlights for this day
Chinese Monal (Lophophorus lhuysii)
Chinese Monal
White Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon crossoptilon)
White Eared Pheasant
Sichuan Tit (Poecile weigoldicus)
Sichuan Tit
Przevalski’s Nuthatch (Sitta przewalskii)
Przevalski’s Nuthatch
Chinese Rubythroat (Calliope tschebaiewi)
Chinese Rubythroat
Three-banded Rosefinch (Carpodacus trifasciatus)
Three-banded Rosefinch
Likely & priority birds · 29
Day06

Lianghekou, Kangding

Chinese Monal valley

Begin before first light at the established high-valley observation area. After the main pheasant activity, explore nearby scrub, forest edge and rocky slopes.

Bird highlights for this day
Chinese Monal (Lophophorus lhuysii)
Chinese Monal
White Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon crossoptilon)
White Eared Pheasant
Sichuan Tit (Poecile weigoldicus)
Sichuan Tit
Przevalski’s Nuthatch (Sitta przewalskii)
Przevalski’s Nuthatch
Chinese Rubythroat (Calliope tschebaiewi)
Chinese Rubythroat
Three-banded Rosefinch (Carpodacus trifasciatus)
Three-banded Rosefinch
Likely & priority birds · 29
Day07

Lianghekou to Chengdu

Final dawn and Chengdu

A second short dawn watch gives a valuable backup for Chinese Monal and changing weather. Return to Chengdu after breakfast.

Bird highlights for this day
Chinese Monal (Lophophorus lhuysii)
Chinese Monal
White Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon crossoptilon)
White Eared Pheasant
Sichuan Tit (Poecile weigoldicus)
Sichuan Tit
Przevalski’s Nuthatch (Sitta przewalskii)
Przevalski’s Nuthatch
Chinese Rubythroat (Calliope tschebaiewi)
Chinese Rubythroat
Three-banded Rosefinch (Carpodacus trifasciatus)
Three-banded Rosefinch
Likely & priority birds · 29

Illustrated route list

101 birds to watch for on this route

This is a realistic planning list rather than a sighting guarantee. Season, weather, access and recent bird activity determine the final daily priorities.

Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis)
Chinese endemicVulnerable

Emei Shan Liocichla

Liocichla omeiensis

A range-restricted Sichuan specialty that keeps low in dense evergreen undergrowth.

Yibin, Wawushan and Longcanggou
Buffy Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus berthemyi)
Chinese endemic

Buffy Laughingthrush

Pterorhinus berthemyi

A Chinese endemic often moving in noisy groups through thick low-elevation forest.

Southern Sichuan forest
Red-winged Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron formosum)

Red-winged Laughingthrush

Trochalopteron formosum

A richly coloured bird of bamboo, forest edge and rhododendron scrub.

Wawushan and Erlangshan
Black-faced Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus affinis)

Black-faced Laughingthrush

Pterorhinus affinis

A conspicuous high-mountain laughingthrush that often feeds in noisy parties.

Wawushan, Balangshan and Labahe
White-throated Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus albogularis)

White-throated Laughingthrush

Pterorhinus albogularis

A social laughingthrush of broad-leaved forest and dense edge habitat.

Longcanggou and Wawushan
Elliot’s Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron elliotii)
Chinese endemic

Elliot’s Laughingthrush

Trochalopteron elliotii

A widespread western Chinese mountain bird that is often among the first laughingthrushes encountered.

Wawushan, Balangshan and northern Sichuan
Streaked Barwing (Actinodura souliei)

Streaked Barwing

Actinodura souliei

A Chinese mountain specialty of bamboo, secondary forest and dense edge habitat.

Yibin, Erlangshan and Longcanggou
David’s Fulvetta (Alcippe davidi)

David’s Fulvetta

Alcippe davidi

A common understorey flock member in humid broad-leaved forest.

Wawushan and Longcanggou lower forest
Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler (Horornis fortipes)

Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler

Horornis fortipes

A vocal bird of bamboo, tea edge and regenerating forest.

Yibin, Wawushan and Longcanggou
Chestnut-crowned Tesia (Cettia castaneocoronata)

Chestnut-crowned Tesia

Cettia castaneocoronata

A tiny understorey bird that flicks through dense vegetation close to the ground.

Wawushan, Longcanggou and Labahe
Little Forktail (Enicurus scouleri)

Little Forktail

Enicurus scouleri

A compact black-and-white bird of fast rocky streams.

Wawushan and Longcanggou streams
Spotted Forktail (Enicurus maculatus)

Spotted Forktail

Enicurus maculatus

A striking stream specialist of shaded valleys and forest rivers.

Wawushan, Longcanggou and Erlangshan
Plumbeous Water Redstart (Phoenicurus fuliginosus)

Plumbeous Water Redstart

Phoenicurus fuliginosus

A familiar waterside redstart that feeds from rocks beside rushing water.

Mountain rivers throughout Sichuan
White-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus leucocephalus)

White-capped Redstart

Phoenicurus leucocephalus

A conspicuous black, red and white bird of fast-flowing rivers.

Western Sichuan mountain rivers
Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus)

Green-backed Tit

Parus monticolus

A common and colourful member of mixed forest flocks.

Forest throughout the Sichuan mountains
Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker (Yungipicus canicapillus)

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker

Yungipicus canicapillus

A small, common woodpecker of woodland edge and secondary forest.

Yibin and lower Sichuan forests
Grey Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae)

Grey Treepie

Dendrocitta formosae

A conspicuous long-tailed bird of forest edge, gardens and secondary growth.

Yibin and Sichuan Basin foothills
Slaty Bunting (Emberiza siemsseni)
Chinese endemic

Slaty Bunting

Emberiza siemsseni

A scarce Chinese endemic of dense mountain scrub and forest edge.

Wawushan and western Sichuan
Scaly-breasted Cupwing (Pnoepyga albiventer)

Scaly-breasted Cupwing

Pnoepyga albiventer

A tiny forest-floor bird, best found by its penetrating song beside mossy streams.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Pygmy Cupwing (Pnoepyga pusilla)

Pygmy Cupwing

Pnoepyga pusilla

A tiny forest-floor bird with an exceptionally powerful song.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Chinese Wren-babbler (Pnoepyga mutica)
Chinese endemic

Chinese Wren-babbler

Pnoepyga mutica

A Chinese endemic of mossy forest floor and shaded gullies.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Golden-fronted Fulvetta (Schoeniparus variegaticeps)
Chinese endemicNear Threatened

Golden-fronted Fulvetta

Schoeniparus variegaticeps

A colourful Chinese endemic of mixed flocks in dense broad-leaved forest.

Longcanggou and Wawushan
Golden-breasted Fulvetta (Lioparus chrysotis)

Golden-breasted Fulvetta

Lioparus chrysotis

A jewel-like member of fast-moving mixed flocks in bamboo and rhododendron.

Wawushan and Balangshan forest
Golden Parrotbill (Suthora verreauxi)

Golden Parrotbill

Suthora verreauxi

A tiny, bright bamboo bird that travels in fast-moving flocks.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Ashy-throated Parrotbill (Sinosuthora alphonsiana)

Ashy-throated Parrotbill

Sinosuthora alphonsiana

A characteristic bird of scrub and cultivated bamboo on the lower access road.

Longcanggou foothills
Lady Amherst’s Pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae)

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

Chrysolophus amherstiae

A secretive pheasant of forest edge, bamboo and regenerating mountain woodland.

Longcanggou, Erlangshan and Labahe
Temminck’s Tragopan (Tragopan temminckii)

Temminck’s Tragopan

Tragopan temminckii

One of Sichuan’s most spectacular forest pheasants, best sought at quiet dawn feeding sites.

Yibin, Erlangshan and Labahe
Fire-capped Tit (Cephalopyrus flammiceps)

Fire-capped Tit

Cephalopyrus flammiceps

A tiny seasonal canopy bird with a brilliant orange crown.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Chinese Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis glaucicomans)

Chinese Blue Flycatcher

Cyornis glaucicomans

A scarce breeding visitor of shaded valleys and mature broad-leaved forest.

Longcanggou
White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos)

White-backed Woodpecker

Dendrocopos leucotos

A large woodpecker associated with mature forest and abundant standing deadwood.

Longcanggou and Wawushan
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos hyperythrus)

Rufous-bellied Woodpecker

Dendrocopos hyperythrus

A handsome montane woodpecker of mature broad-leaved and mixed forest.

Wawushan, Labahe and Jiuzhaigou
Emei Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus emeiensis)
Chinese endemic

Emei Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus emeiensis

A locally distributed Chinese breeding endemic best identified by voice.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Kloss’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus ogilviegranti)

Kloss’s Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus ogilviegranti

A canopy warbler of humid subtropical mountain forest.

Longcanggou lower forest
Marten’s Warbler (Phylloscopus omeiensis)

Marten’s Warbler

Phylloscopus omeiensis

A locally common breeding warbler in humid evergreen mountain forest.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Claudia’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus claudiae)

Claudia’s Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus claudiae

A common canopy warbler whose song helps separate it from similar species.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Bianchi’s Warbler (Phylloscopus valentini)

Bianchi’s Warbler

Phylloscopus valentini

A bright leaf warbler of cool montane forest and rhododendron.

Wawushan, Balangshan and Jiuzhaigou
Buff-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus pulcher)

Buff-barred Warbler

Phylloscopus pulcher

A high-elevation leaf warbler with obvious pale wing bars.

Wawushan, Balangshan and Mengbishan
Buff-throated Warbler (Phylloscopus subaffinis)

Buff-throated Warbler

Phylloscopus subaffinis

A Chinese breeding specialty of scrubby upper slopes and forest edge.

Wawushan and Balangshan
Sichuan Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus forresti)

Sichuan Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus forresti

A widespread western Sichuan conifer specialist best identified by voice.

Wawushan, Balangshan, Jiuzhaigou and Baxi
Large-billed Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus magnirostris)

Large-billed Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus magnirostris

A regular summer breeder along wooded mountain streams.

Wawushan, Longcanggou and Labahe
Rufous-faced Warbler (Abroscopus albogularis)

Rufous-faced Warbler

Abroscopus albogularis

A tiny active warbler of bamboo and streamside forest.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler (Horornis acanthizoides)

Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler

Horornis acanthizoides

A common but skulking bird of dense mountain undergrowth.

Wawushan and Balangshan
Brown Bush Warbler (Locustella luteoventris)

Brown Bush Warbler

Locustella luteoventris

A secretive ground-level warbler of dense bamboo and scrub.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Spotted Bush Warbler (Locustella thoracica)

Spotted Bush Warbler

Locustella thoracica

A skulking montane warbler usually found first by its rich song.

Wawushan, Labahe and Balangshan
Aberrant Bush Warbler (Horornis flavolivaceus)

Aberrant Bush Warbler

Horornis flavolivaceus

A regular bird of dense scrub from upper forest to the treeline.

Wawushan and Balangshan
Sichuan Bush Warbler (Locustella chengi)
Chinese endemic

Sichuan Bush Warbler

Locustella chengi

A recently described Chinese endemic, usually located first by its repeated song.

Longcanggou and montane scrub
Sichuan Tit (Poecile weigoldicus)
Chinese endemic

Sichuan Tit

Poecile weigoldicus

A Chinese endemic of cool conifer forest at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Balangshan, Mengbishan and Ruoergai forests
Przevalski’s Nuthatch (Sitta przewalskii)
Chinese endemic

Przevalski’s Nuthatch

Sitta przewalskii

A western Chinese conifer specialist with a long bill and clear white face.

Balangshan, Jiuzhaigou, Mengbishan and Baxi
Rufous-vented Tit (Periparus rubidiventris)

Rufous-vented Tit

Periparus rubidiventris

A regular high-elevation tit in mixed feeding flocks.

Wawushan, Balangshan and Mengbishan
Grey-crested Tit (Lophophanes dichrous)

Grey-crested Tit

Lophophanes dichrous

A crested tit of cool conifer and mixed mountain forest.

Wawushan, Balangshan and Jiuzhaigou
White-collared Yuhina (Yuhina diademata)

White-collared Yuhina

Yuhina diademata

A frequent member of fast-moving mixed flocks in upper forest.

Wawushan, Balangshan and Labahe
White-browed Fulvetta (Fulvetta vinipectus)

White-browed Fulvetta

Fulvetta vinipectus

A lively high-altitude fulvetta found in scrub and open conifer forest.

Balangshan, Mengbishan and Baxi
Chestnut Thrush (Turdus rubrocanus)

Chestnut Thrush

Turdus rubrocanus

A common upper-forest thrush, especially visible around open feeding areas.

Balangshan, Jiuzhaigou and Mengbishan
Dark-sided Flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica)

Dark-sided Flycatcher

Muscicapa sibirica

A regular summer flycatcher of mature mountain forest.

Wawushan, Jiuzhaigou and Mengbishan
Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata)

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher

Ficedula strophiata

A small forest flycatcher frequently seen at shaded edges and clearings.

Wawushan, Labahe and Jiuzhaigou
Vinaceous Rosefinch (Carpodacus vinaceus)

Vinaceous Rosefinch

Carpodacus vinaceus

A deep wine-red rosefinch of bamboo, scrub and forest edge.

Wawushan, Balangshan and Mengbishan
Grey-headed Bullfinch (Pyrrhula erythaca)

Grey-headed Bullfinch

Pyrrhula erythaca

A quiet bird of montane conifer forest, often travelling in small groups.

Wawushan, Jiuzhaigou and Mengbishan
White-throated Redstart (Phoenicurus schisticeps)

White-throated Redstart

Phoenicurus schisticeps

A high-altitude redstart of rhododendron scrub and open conifers.

Balangshan, Mengbishan and Baxi
Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis)

Blue-fronted Redstart

Phoenicurus frontalis

A colourful redstart that perches openly along mountain roads and forest edge.

Balangshan and Mengbishan
Sichuan Treecreeper (Certhia tianquanensis)
Chinese endemicNear Threatened

Sichuan Treecreeper

Certhia tianquanensis

An old-conifer specialist with a small global range centred on Sichuan.

Wawushan, Erlangshan and Labahe
Sichuan Forest Thrush (Zoothera griseiceps)
Chinese endemic

Sichuan Forest Thrush

Zoothera griseiceps

A discreet forest-floor endemic whose clear song carries through damp mountain woodland.

Wawushan montane forest
Grey-hooded Parrotbill (Suthora zappeyi)
Chinese endemic

Grey-hooded Parrotbill

Suthora zappeyi

A Chinese endemic that moves quickly through high-elevation bamboo in compact flocks.

Wawushan bamboo
Great Parrotbill (Conostoma aemodium)

Great Parrotbill

Conostoma aemodium

The largest parrotbill, favouring dense montane bamboo and often detected by its powerful calls.

Wawushan and Labahe
Brown Parrotbill (Cholornis unicolor)

Brown Parrotbill

Cholornis unicolor

A bamboo specialist of cool upper-elevation forest.

Wawushan and Labahe
Three-toed Parrotbill (Cholornis paradoxus)
Chinese endemic

Three-toed Parrotbill

Cholornis paradoxus

A scarce Chinese endemic associated with thick mountain bamboo.

Wawushan and Labahe
Fulvous Parrotbill (Suthora fulvifrons)

Fulvous Parrotbill

Suthora fulvifrons

A high-elevation bamboo specialist and the seventh member of Wawushan’s celebrated parrotbill set.

Wawushan summit bamboo
Grey-hooded Fulvetta (Fulvetta cinereiceps)
Chinese endemic

Grey-hooded Fulvetta

Fulvetta cinereiceps

A small mixed-flock bird of bamboo and montane scrub.

Wawushan and western Sichuan
Streak-throated Fulvetta (Fulvetta manipurensis)

Streak-throated Fulvetta

Fulvetta manipurensis

A quiet fulvetta of bamboo and dense upper-montane vegetation.

Wawushan upper forest
Spotted Laughingthrush (Ianthocincla ocellata)

Spotted Laughingthrush

Ianthocincla ocellata

A large montane laughingthrush with bold white spotting and resonant calls.

Wawushan and Balangshan
White-bellied Redstart (Hodgsonius phaenicuroides)

White-bellied Redstart

Hodgsonius phaenicuroides

A skulking mountain bird that reveals itself with a distinctive, ringing song.

Wawushan and upper forest
Golden Bush Robin (Tarsiger chrysaeus)

Golden Bush Robin

Tarsiger chrysaeus

A bright but secretive inhabitant of mossy upper forest and rhododendron.

Labahe and Balangshan
White-browed Bush Robin (Tarsiger indicus)

White-browed Bush Robin

Tarsiger indicus

A quiet bird of dense rhododendron and upper conifer undergrowth.

Balangshan and Mengbishan
Himalayan Shortwing (Brachypteryx cruralis)

Himalayan Shortwing

Brachypteryx cruralis

A secretive ground bird of damp upper forest and rhododendron.

Wawushan and Labahe
Darjeeling Woodpecker (Dendrocopos darjellensis)

Darjeeling Woodpecker

Dendrocopos darjellensis

A large pied woodpecker of mature mountain forest.

Wawushan and Labahe
Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker

Picoides tridactylus

A sought-after conifer specialist that feeds on dead and beetle-damaged trees.

Wawushan summit and Baxi
Speckled Wood Pigeon (Columba hodgsonii)

Speckled Wood Pigeon

Columba hodgsonii

A large forest pigeon often seen flying between high ridges and fruiting trees.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus)

White-throated Needletail

Hirundapus caudacutus

A powerful aerial specialist sometimes sweeping close over the summit in summer.

Wawushan summit
Himalayan Swiftlet (Aerodramus brevirostris)

Himalayan Swiftlet

Aerodramus brevirostris

Aerial flocks feed over forested valleys and mountain ridges.

Wawushan and Longcanggou skies
Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus)

Lesser Cuckoo

Cuculus poliocephalus

A regular summer cuckoo of upper forest and bamboo.

Wawushan and Longcanggou
Himalayan Cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus)

Himalayan Cuckoo

Cuculus saturatus

A frequently heard summer breeder whose repeated call carries across valleys.

Mountain forest throughout Sichuan
Blanford’s Rosefinch (Carpodacus rubescens)

Blanford’s Rosefinch

Carpodacus rubescens

A subdued high-mountain rosefinch that feeds low in forest openings.

Wawushan and western Sichuan
Dark-breasted Rosefinch (Carpodacus nipalensis)

Dark-breasted Rosefinch

Carpodacus nipalensis

A dark mountain rosefinch that feeds in bamboo and rhododendron.

Wawushan, Balangshan and Mengbishan
Grey-headed Parrotbill (Psittiparus gularis)

Grey-headed Parrotbill

Psittiparus gularis

A chunky parrotbill of bamboo and dense subtropical forest.

Yibin and Longcanggou foothills
Red-tailed Minla (Minla ignotincta)

Red-tailed Minla

Minla ignotincta

A brightly patterned canopy and mid-storey bird of humid mountain forest.

Longcanggou and Wawushan
Blue-winged Minla (Actinodura cyanouroptera)

Blue-winged Minla

Actinodura cyanouroptera

A colourful flocking bird of subtropical broad-leaved forest.

Longcanggou lower forest
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis)

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher

Culicicapa ceylonensis

An active yellow flycatcher of humid forest mid-storey.

Longcanggou and Wawushan
Chinese Monal (Lophophorus lhuysii)
Chinese endemicVulnerable

Chinese Monal

Lophophorus lhuysii

A spectacular, globally threatened endemic of western China’s high mountains.

Lianghekou, Labahe and Balangshan
White Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon crossoptilon)
Chinese endemicNear Threatened

White Eared Pheasant

Crossoptilon crossoptilon

A large Chinese endemic of alpine scrub, meadow edge and open conifer forest.

Lianghekou, Balangshan and Mengbishan
Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus)

Blood Pheasant

Ithaginis cruentus

A high-elevation pheasant often feeding quietly along the edge of snow and scrub.

Labahe, Balangshan and Mengbishan
Grandala (Grandala coelicolor)

Grandala

Grandala coelicolor

Electric-blue males enliven exposed alpine ridges and cliffs.

Balangshan and high western passes
Chinese Rubythroat (Calliope tschebaiewi)
Chinese endemic

Chinese Rubythroat

Calliope tschebaiewi

A brilliant endemic breeding in dense scrub above the treeline.

Balangshan alpine scrub
Three-banded Rosefinch (Carpodacus trifasciatus)
Chinese endemic

Three-banded Rosefinch

Carpodacus trifasciatus

A handsome Chinese endemic of high forest edge and alpine scrub.

Jiuzhaigou, Balangshan and Mengbishan
Chinese White-browed Rosefinch (Carpodacus dubius)
Chinese endemic

Chinese White-browed Rosefinch

Carpodacus dubius

A Chinese endemic rosefinch of high scrub and open conifers.

Balangshan and Mengbishan
Streaked Rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilloides)

Streaked Rosefinch

Carpodacus rubicilloides

A large rosefinch of alpine scrub, meadows and plateau edge.

Balangshan, Mengbishan and Ruoergai
Collared Grosbeak (Mycerobas affinis)

Collared Grosbeak

Mycerobas affinis

A bold yellow-and-black finch of high conifer forest.

Balangshan and Mengbishan
White-winged Grosbeak (Mycerobas carnipes)

White-winged Grosbeak

Mycerobas carnipes

A powerful high-mountain finch usually found in conifers or fruiting shrubs.

Balangshan, Mengbishan and Baxi
Snow Pigeon (Columba leuconota)

Snow Pigeon

Columba leuconota

A high-mountain pigeon often feeding around cliffs, tunnels and rocky alpine slopes.

Balangshan and western high passes
Ibisbill (Ibidorhyncha struthersii)

Ibisbill

Ibidorhyncha struthersii

A unique river specialist whose grey plumage disappears against shingle banks.

Rocky rivers below western Sichuan passes
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
Near Threatened

Bearded Vulture

Gypaetus barbatus

A huge mountain raptor often seen cruising high ridges and plateau cliffs.

Balangshan, Mengbishan and Ruoergai
Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis)
Near Threatened

Himalayan Vulture

Gyps himalayensis

A huge plateau scavenger frequently seen circling mountain ridges and open grassland.

Balangshan, Mengbishan and Ruoergai
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

A major alpine raptor regularly scanned for above ridges and open plateau.

Balangshan, Mengbishan and Ruoergai

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