Despite their often vivid colours, forest birds are adept at remaining cunningly concealed in the foliage. The key to successful forest birding is familiarity with the birdcalls, and a little preparation will be of great help in locating many of the more inconspicuous species.

An unobtrusive, patient approach is often very successful: try remaining still occasionally and birds will come alive around you. Another good strategy is to try to locate the noisy mixed-species feeding flocks, or ‘bird parties’, and to remain with them until you have seen all the participants.