Khao Nor Chuchi - home of the Gurney’s Pitta

Khao Nor Chuchi represents the largest remaining area of lowland jungle in Southern Thailand. Almost all of the former lowland jungle has been cut down to plant rubber trees or oil palm trees. Khao Nor Chuchi is under constant threat from encroaching farmers. Unfortunately, cuts are made a little deeper into the preserve on a regular basis.

Khao Nor Chuchi Birding Habitat

Besides the lowland jungle, there is ample secondary growth, open country, farmland, plantations and bamboo forests. One of the most appealing features however is the abundance of crystal-clear spring water. There are two jungle pools within the protected area as well as several flowing creeks. The turquoise-colored water is truly breathtaking. The plant life includes orchids, carnivorous Pitcher Plants and a lot more.

The birding habitat can also be broken down further into tall forest, extremely lowland with gullies (the favorite habitat of the Gurney’s Pitta), forest edges and even villages. Some species such as sunbirds, flowerpeckers and bulbuls are often seen in the vicinity of villages.

Conservation efforts and village supporters
Khao Nor Chuchi Lowland Forest Project

There is an increasing number of local villagers who realize that they can generate revenue by jumping on the birding bandwagon. They have set up bungalows, restaurants, gift shops and small-scale mobile food vending stalls. This brings in considerable income to the local community. Unfortunately, a handful of villagers are still attempting to gain additional farmland. Unless something is done to curb their actions, the future looks pretty bleak.

By visiting the area, you are part of the solution and a contributor to the local community. If enough people visit, perhaps the remaining villagers will someday see the benefits incurred in saving this very rare ecosystem.

There is an education program which is designed to help local school teachers educate children on the importance of protecting this wonderful area for future generations. One important activity for the children is tree-planting.

The government has set up a headquarters in Khao Pra-Bang Khram No-Hunting Area in the village of Ban Bang Tieo.

Birding trails

There is a system of nature trails in Khao Nor Chuchi. Some trails produce certain species, while others are well-known for specific species. The Gurney’s Pitta prefers gullies. Some gullies are off of the trails however. Our success rate at seeing this rare bird is very high thanks to Khun Yotin’s knowledge of the region.

Other pittas reside in the park as well. The Blue-winged Pitta, Hooded Pitta, Banded Pitta and Giant Pitta can be seen in here. In addition to pittas, the area is great for malkohas, woodpeckers, broadbills, sunbirds, flowerpeckers, babblers, kingfishers (even the rare Rufous-collared Kingfisher), barbets and plenty more.

The combination of both Khao Nor Chuchi and Khao Sok allows
you to see a variety of terrain and therefore a larger variety of birds.

Gurney's Pitta

2 days in Khao Nor Chuchi - US$270 per person. US$250 per person for two to four guests. 2 person minimum.

3 days in Khao Nor Chuchi - US$345 per person. US$310 per person for two to four guests.

3 days in Khao Sok followed by three days in Khao Nor Chuchi - US$760 per person. US$690 per person for two to four guests.

This trip includes all transfers from nearest local airport, bus station or train station (airfare not included), all equipment, accommodations once on the trip, all meals, all snacks, all non-alcoholic drinks, and insurance. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary shirt.

Discounts are available for group bookings.