New Species of Red-Headed Bird Discovered in Cambodian Capital

A new species of bird with distinct plumage and a loud call has been discovered in Phnom Penh, the Cambodia Capital.

The discovery of the new species was made by a team of scientists along with the Wildlife Conservation Society, BirdLife International, and other groups.

The new species named Cambodian tailorbird (Orthotomus chatomuk) spotted in Phnom Penh is one of the only two avian species that is endemic to Cambodia. The other is the Cambodian laughing thrush that is found only in the distant Cardamom Mountains. Its scientific name 'chaktomuk' is an old Khmer word, which means four-faces.

The wren sized gray bird is known by its red cap and black throat.  It mostly resides in the dense, humid lowland scrubs in Phnom Penh's urban regions as well as other sites in the floodplains.

The scientists recommend that the newly discovered species be classified as Near Threatened under the IUCN's Red List as the bird's habitat is declining. Their habitat may face a greater threat with agricultural and urban expansion.

Steve Zack, WCS coordinator of Bird Conservation, said in a press statement, "Asia contains a spectacular concentration of bird life, but is also under sharply increasing threats ranging from large scale development projects to illegal hunting. Further work is needed to better understand the distribution and ecology of this exciting newly described species to determine its conservation needs."

Investigation of the new species by lead author Simon Mahood of WCS began after it was captured in pictures taken by co-author Ashish John, also of WCS. On initially observing the bird species the authors thought it to be a coastal species of tailorbird. But further investigation revealed it to be a completely new unidentified bird.  

"The modern discovery of an un-described bird species within the limits of a large populous city - not to mention 30 minutes from my home - is extraordinary," said Mahood. "The discovery indicates that new species of birds may still be found in familiar and unexpected locations."

The finding was described in an online issue of the Oriental Bird Club's journal Forktail