carbo 81 cm F: Phalacrocoracidae
Description: Large size is diagnostic, Note whitish cheeks and throat.
Voice: Generally silent, although it grunts and groans at breeding sites.
Habits: Like other cormorants, it swims low in the water, diving for fish; between dives it often sits near water's edge drying off. A strong flyer, this species is trained to assist fishermen in China.
LITTLE CORMORANT
Phalacrocorax niger 52 cm F: Phalacrocoracidae.
Description: Distinguished with some difficulty from the generally less common Indian Shag, P. fuscicollis (64 cm), by its smaller size and shorter bill.
Voice: Usually silent, although it grunts and groans at breeding sites.
Habits: Lives around ponds, swamps and flooded fields, often near the coast, extending into tidal mangroves. Locally abundant in prime habitat, such as the wetlands south of Bangkok; often seen flying between its feeding grounds and its breeding colonies, located in low trees surrounded by water. Also perches in the open to dry out plumage after diving for fish.
DARTER (Oriental Darter)
Anhinga melanogaster 91 cm F: Anhingidae
Description: Unmistakable. Mote the long, thin neck and pale streaks in plumage. A unique species; an American species is the only other member of this family.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Found in inland swamps, overgrown reservoirs and rivers, often with wooded surroundings. Swims low in the water with only the head and neck above surface. Dives for fish as well as aquatic amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. Suns itself like a cormorant, see photo.
GREAT FRIGATEBIRD
Fregata minor 94 cm F: Fregatidae
Description: Photo shows mate; note complete lack of white in plumage. Female has white chest. Immature bird also has light brown head.
Voice: Silent; makes clappering noises when breeding.
Habits: A strictly pelagic bird, like all members of this small family. Only visits the shores of remote islets during breeding season, where it nests in colonies in low trees. Otherwise roams widely, surface dipping for fish and squid.
LESSER FRIGATEBIRD
Fregata ariel 76 cm F: Fregatidae
Description: Photo shows male. Distinguished from previous species by smaller size and white spots under wings. Female has white chest. Immature bird also light brown head.
Voice: Silent during migration.
Habits: This pelagic bird picks up fish and squid from surface waters far offshore and is rarely found near the coast. As well, some of this species, mostly females, chase terns and steal their fish, A very elegant flyer, this bird moves about singly or in small flocks, and is found at a few remote islets, sometimes in huge congregations.
GREAT-BILLED HERON
Ardea sumatrana 115 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Huge size and grey plumage are diagnostic, immature bird is more brownish and lacks the breeding adult's narrow, whitish plumes.
Voice: Sometimes a harsh croak.
Habits: A quiet and shy bird, usually seen standing alone and motionless along muddy seashores or offshore islets, on the lookout for fish and crustaceans. During high tide it rests among mangrove trees. Occasionally follows rivers inland. Flies off low across the water. Not numerous at any location.
GREY HERON
Ardea cinerea 95 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: White neck and head with grey upper parts are diagnostic.
Voice: Deep, guttural honks while in flight or at breeding site.
Habits: Occurs along coastal mudflats but also in freshwater swamps and along inland rivers. Feeds mainly on fish and other aquatic prey, but also on reptiles and rodents. Flies slowly, high above habitat. Breeds in dense colonies located in low, inaccessible trees near water.
PURPLE HERON
Ardea purpurea 90 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Look for diagnostic purple head and neck. Note how head is pulled back during flight.
Voice: A harsh croak, mainly uttered within breeding colony and when taking off.
Habits: An aquatic bird, usually seen near overgrown freshwater rivers and reservoirs, less often at the coast. Feeds on fish, which it stalks patiently at the water's edge. Forms dense colonies during the breeding season, often mixing
