The breeding avifauna of the sub-Himalayan zone of northern Kachin State, Myanmar

Abstract

—The breeding avifauna of northern Myanmar is extremely poorly known, largely because of unfavorable rainy-season conditions. Previous breeding-season surveys in this high-biodiversity region are lacking, and very few voucher specimens document breeding altitudes and periods. During June to July 2006, we conducted mist-netting, visual, and auditory surveys of the sub-Himalayan avifauna in Putao District, northern Myanmar. A total of 138 species were definitely recorded. Because of the preliminary nature of the surveys, only specific records and general patterns are discussed here. We netted juveniles of two species (Cyornis magnirostris and Dicrurus annectans) not previously known to breed in northern Myanmar. Most babblers (Timaliinae) were present in the same areas during the nonbreeding and breeding seasons, which supports the hypothesis that few, if any, migrate altitudinally. However, Jabouilleia naungmungensis was not encountered at the same low elevations in the breeding season as in the nonbreedin...