Black-crowned Barwing

The black-crowned barwing (Actinodura sodangorum) is a non-migratory bird from Indochina in the family Leiothrichidae (laughingthrushes and allies). The genus name Actinodura is from Ancient Greek meaning "ray-like tail" (actinodes and ura), while the specific epithet sodangorum is from the Xo Dang tribe which lives in Ngoc Linh and other areas in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos where black-crowned barwings are found.

Taxonomy The first black-crowned barwing sighting was reported in April 1996 at Ngọc Linh, Vietnam. Prior to survey, the central highland area of Vietnam was mostly ornithologically undiscovered. Many observations were made by Jonathon Charles Eames and Roland Eve, but it took until 17 March 1998 to trap a male bird. An official species description was later published in 1999.