Cambodian Tailorbird

Overview

The Cambodian tailorbird, Orthotomus chaktomuk, is a very small bird species endemic to Cambodia and classified as Near Threatened. Formally described in 2013, it was first discovered in 2009 and remains confined to a limited area within the country.

Identification

• Length of 11–12 cm with a weight of 6–8 g.
• Orange-red crown or tuft on the head and a black throat.
• Body plumage is a mix of light and dark grey.
• Emits a loud call similar to that of the dark-necked tailorbird.

Habitat

This species inhabits a small area of dense scrubland and shrub habitat within the floodplain of the Mekong River. Its range is restricted to the 'four-faces' area in Phnom Penh where the Bassac River, Mekong, and Tonlé Sap meet, though its habitat is currently declining due to urbanisation.

Did you know?

The bird's scientific name, chaktomuk, derives from a Khmer word meaning 'four-faces', which describes the specific geographic junction of three rivers where the bird is found.