A close-up look at extremely rare bird species appearing in Hanoi

Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, the Fairy Pitta is one of the rarest migratory bird species in Vietnam. With its plumage blending many vibrant colors and its characteristic red belly, this bird has always been considered the “dream” of wildlife bird photographers.

During the late April migration season, this bird unexpectedly appeared in the Botanical Garden area and a tree-lined residential neighborhood in Cau Giay ward (Hanoi), quickly attracting a large number of nature lovers to observe and photograph it.

Because they usually live under dense forest canopies and are extremely sensitive to noise, approaching the Fairy Pitta is by no means easy. Photographers must maintain a safe distance, limit movement, and wait for the precise moment the bird steps into an area of beautiful lighting to capture the shot.

One of the most surprising discoveries for professionals this season is the appearance of the Eastern Moustached Laughingthrush. This bird impresses with its striking blue-white eyes and two black feather stripes running along both cheeks like a characteristic mustache. Its unusual appearance leads many to compare it to a “cartoon character” amidst the trees of Hanoi.

According to researchers, the Eastern Moustached Laughingthrush is primarily distributed in China. In Vietnam, this species has only ever been recorded in a very small area near the Cao Bang border. The appearance of this bird in the heart of Hanoi is considered a rare biological phenomenon.

According to photographer Tran Hong (Hanoi), the appearance of the Eastern Moustached Laughingthrush individual in Hanoi may stem from the fact that many pet bird owners have started raising awareness about wildlife protection, especially after legal regulations concerning the captivity and trade of wild animals were tightened. “Many people previously kept forest birds as pets, but once they understood the legal regulations and the significance of nature conservation, they proactively released the birds back into the natural environment,” Tran Hong shared.

Alongside rare migratory birds, the appearance of the Asian Paradise Flycatcher during the April 30 and May 1 holidays each year has also become a moment anticipated by many shutterbugs. Photo: Xuan Nguyen.

Unlike the commonly seen reddish-brown individuals, mature adult males bearing white plumage are considered extremely rare. Their graceful flight and long, flowing tails lead photography enthusiasts to liken this bird to a “white ghost” amidst the green forest. Photo: Tran Hong – Xuan Nguyen.

tp-giecuiz7706996007014-d8fc5ae31a0702e66c519dad9dc8a3eb.jpg — Hanoi has also recently recorded the appearance of a flock of Red-billed Blue Magpies nesting in the middle of a residential area, drawing the interest of many nature lovers. Every day, dozens of locals and tourists come to watch the birds and capture interesting moments.

Aside from rare species, Hanoi’s ecosystem has also recorded the presence of many beautiful and unique birds such as falcons, shrikes, bulbuls, flycatchers, and more.