Mixed flocks are a staple of tropical birding and are usually described with enthusiasm.
We hope to encounter several active mixed flocks, providing exciting birding opportunities.
What it means:
If we find a flock, there will be many birds moving quickly, allowing only brief views.
Mixed flocks are often most enjoyable once they are over.
Photo: Blue-winged Minla, Baihualing, Yunnan, March 2026
Kai has lived in Shanghai for 22 years. He only started birding after moving to China, so he is far more familiar with Chinese birds than the ones back in his native Germany. As a birder, he considers himself strictly average and tries to make up for it with photography, which he shares on a separate website. Alas, most of the photos are pretty average as well.
He hopes that few clients of his consulting firm—focused on China’s chemical industry—ever find this blog, as it might raise questions about his professional priorities. Much of his time is spent either editing posts for 10,000 Birds or cleaning the litter boxes of his numerous indoor cats. He occasionally considers writing a piece comparing the two activities.
Mixed flocks are called bird parties in Africa. Sounds more fun! But is it? Many times I have been chasing such a party like possessed just to see who was at the party. It felt like high school all over again.