Top 15 Types Of Birds In Vietnam (With Pictures)

Spot Vietnam's top 15 bird species, from vivid bee-eaters to mysterious blackbirds, and discover their unique traits and habitats—see stunning photos!

bird diversity in vietnam

Vietnam boasts a diverse avifauna, including species like the Asian Green Bee-Eater, known for its striking green plumage and communal roosting habits. The Asian Openbill, distinctive with a light gray body and specialized beak for eating snails, is another notable bird. The Black Drongo, glossy and black with sharp red eyes, aggressively protects its territory. The Black Kite, with its impressive wingspan, thrives across various Vietnamese landscapes. Finally, the Chinese Blackbird features a black body and is known for its complex vocal skills. Each bird species is adapted uniquely to life in Vietnam's varied ecosystems, revealing more about their fascinating behaviors and traits.

Asian Green Bee-Eater

vibrant colored bird species

The Asian Green Bee-Eater, a striking bird characterized by its vibrant green plumage and elongated tail feathers, thrives in the diverse ecosystems of Vietnam.

This species, measuring 16-18 cm in length, features a bronze cap and a distinctive black necklace. Commonly seen in grasslands, scrublands, and forests, their communal roosting in large groups highlights their social nature and adds to their survival strategy.

Asian Openbill

unique asian bird species

Characterized by a distinctive white to light gray body and black wings, the Asian Openbill stands approximately 82 cm tall and is notable for its specialized beak, which twists with age.

Commonly found in Vietnam's wetland habitats, these birds feed primarily on snails, using their unique beaks to crack open shells.

They breed in colonies on submerged structures, exhibiting intriguing nesting behaviors.

Black Drongo

glossy black bird species

Moving from the water-bound Asian Openbill, we explore the terrestrial Black Drongo, a glossy black bird with distinctive red eyes and a forked tail. Found across Vietnam in savannas and urban areas, this small bird, known as 'King Crow,' aggressively defends its territory.

It skillfully hunts insects and communicates through varied calls, making it a notable presence in its habitat.

Black Kite

large predatory bird species

Renowned for its impressive wingspan and hunting prowess, the Black Kite thrives in Vietnam's diverse landscapes.

This bird of prey, measuring up to 60 cm in length and sporting a wingspan of 150 cm, showcases dark brown to reddish plumage.

Its curved beak is essential for capturing prey like frogs and rodents.

Commonly found near water and forest edges, they emit a distinctive, whistling call.

Chinese Blackbird

blackbird in chinese folklore

The Chinese Blackbird (Turdus mandarinus), measuring 28-29 cm in length, is distinguished by its striking black plumage, complemented by a yellow eye ring and beak.

This bird species thrives in various habitats across Vietnam, often nesting creatively in urban settings. This bird species thrives in various habitats across Vietnam, often nesting creatively in urban settings. Their adaptability is similar to various types of birds in Hong Kong, which have also managed to integrate into busy cityscapes. By utilizing available resources in human-dominated areas, these birds exemplify resilience and ingenuity, flourishing in environments that might seem challenging at first glance.

Known for their complex calls and mimicry, Chinese Blackbirds skillfully attract mates, showcasing their adaptability and vocal prowess within their environment.

Common Kingfisher

vibrant azure bird species

With its vivid blue upper parts and contrasting rufous chest, the Common Kingfisher stands out as a remarkable species in Vietnam's avian landscape.

This small, colorful bird is adept at diving into water to snatch fish with precision, thanks to its specialized eyes.

Despite high juvenile mortality, its striking appearance and hunting prowess make it a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers.

Common Myna

invasive bird species australia

Common Mynas, measuring 23 cm in length, are recognized by their distinctive yellow legs, bill tips, and eye patches. Identified as one of the Top 100 Most Invasive Species, they pose significant threats to biodiversity.

Known for their aggressive behavior, often termed 'King Crows,' these birds thrive in diverse habitats from savannas to urban areas, adeptly hunting insects with their agile flying skills.

Daurian Redstart

colorful asian bird species

Daurian Redstarts, measuring 14-15 cm in length, display striking sexual dimorphism in their coloration. Males boast a rust-colored belly and a grey cap, contrasting with black wings that feature a white patch.

Females, however, present a more subdued brownish-gray with hints of orange on the tail and rump.

Native to Vietnam, these birds are often spotted in open forests and urban green spaces, feeding primarily on insects, berries, and seeds.

Eastern Spot-Billed Duck

beautiful duck with spots

The Eastern Spot-Billed Duck, distinguished by its yellow-spotted bill and orange legs, thrives in the diverse aquatic landscapes of Vietnam.

Measuring 55-63 cm in length, this bird features a blue speculum on its wings and engages in dabbling feeding habits.

Commonly seen in wetlands and rice paddies, these ducks are essential for observing the variety of passerine birds in Vietnam.

Grey Heron

elegant wading bird species

Elegantly poised, the Grey Heron is a formidable predator found throughout Vietnam's diverse aquatic environments.

Standing at 100 cm with a wingspan up to 195 cm, it features striking bluish-black stripes and a distinct long, thin crest.

Inhabiting wetlands and riverbanks, they use their long tail feathers expertly in hunting, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling fish and amphibian populations.

Indian Peafowl

majestic bird with iridescent feathers

Indian Peafowls, recognized by their vivid and ornate tail feathers, are a spectacular species found across various Vietnamese landscapes.

These birds are notable for their extravagant plumage and impressive courtship displays. Males, with over 200 brightly colored tail feathers, use these features to attract females.

Common in diverse habitats, they contribute a flash of natural beauty and fascinating behavior to Vietnam's avian diversity. Vietnam is home to a wide variety of bird species, including kingfishers, sunbirds, and hornbills. These types of birds are not only visually stunning, but they also play important roles in the ecosystem, from pollinating flowers to controlling insect populations. Their presence adds to the richness of Vietnam’s avian diversity and contributes to the overall health and balance of its natural environments.

Indochinese Roller

colorful bird of laos

Following the Indian Peafowl, another notable bird that enhances Vietnam's avian tapestry is the Indochinese Roller.

This species, measuring 30-34 cm, flaunts vibrant violet, turquoise, and navy blue wings against an olive body.

They thrive in open landscapes like pastureland and rice fields, where they are agile flyers, performing tumbling maneuvers to snag insects and even frogs, adding dynamic beauty to their surroundings.

Japanese Tit

japanese bird species identification

The Japanese Tit, a small yet vibrant bird, showcases a striking black head and white cheek patches, making it a standout species in Vietnam's diverse bird population.

Inhabiting forests and woodlands, it thrives on a diet of insects, seeds, and fruits.

Its acrobatic flight patterns highlight its agility, mesmerizing birdwatchers and contributing uniquely to the region's ecological tapestry.

Light-Vented Bulbul

eurasian bird with crest

Continuing our exploration of Vietnam's avian diversity, the Light-Vented Bulbul emerges as a species well adapted to both natural and urban settings. Approximately 19 cm long, it features a distinctive beige bib and a smoky grey back.

This bird prefers open spaces like lightly wooded forests for nesting, skillfully using rootlets and leaves to construct secure, warm nests for breeding.

Are the Types of Small Birds in Vietnam Similar to the Types in Ireland?

Yes, the types of small birds in Vietnam are quite different from the types of small birds in Ireland. Vietnam is home to colorful species such as the blue-crowned laughingthrush and the yellow-billed nuthatch, while Ireland is known for its native birds like the Eurasian wren and the common chiffchaff.

Olive-Backed Sunbird

small colorful tropical bird

Renowned for their vibrant colors and adaptability, Olive-Backed Sunbirds represent a common yet fascinating avian species in Vietnam.

These small, brightly colored birds feature a distinct appearance with males displaying blue-black throats and bright yellow underparts.

They adeptly adjust to human environments and construct unique, flask-shaped nests with decorative entrances, underscoring their intricate nesting behavior and versatility in various habitats.