Hiding in plain sight: New species of bird discovered in capital city- Cambodia

A species of bird that is completely new to science has been discovered - hiding in plain sight in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh.

The Cambodian tailorbird (Orthotomus chaktomuk), as it has been named, was first spotted in 2009 during routine checks for avian flu.

More specimens have since been found in regions around the city and discerned from similar tailorbird species.  The discovery is outlined in the Oriental Bird Club journal, Forktail.

 

Cambodian Tailorbird Credit: (c) James Eaton / Birdtour Asia