BLACK THROATED SUNBIRD

05/07/2025

BURUNG KELICAP GUNUNG

Black throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata)

The Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata) is a striking and vibrant species of sunbird found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

Male:

• Long-tailed and dark above with a midnight-black throat
• Wine-red back and breast, purplish-blue crown
• In good light, the throat may show a metallic violet gorget

Female:

• Much duller with greenish-brown upperparts
• Pale underparts with a gray wash over the head
• A pale rump patch helps distinguish her from other sunbirds

Habitat & Distribution

Found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. Prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests.

IUCN Redlist: Least Concern (LC)

CINTAI ALAM SEMULAJADI FLORA DAN FAUNA KITA

MOUNTAIN IMPERIAL PIGEON

 06/07/2025

BURUNG PERGAM GUNUNG

Mountain Imperial Pigeon (Ducula badia)

Found across South and Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Vietnam. Prefers subtropical or tropical moist forests, both lowland and montane, and is often seen from sea level up to 2,500 meters in elevation. Typically inhabits old-growth forests, especially in foothills and mountainous regions.

IUCN Redlist 2016: Least Concern (LC) - Population decreasing

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RUSTY NAPED PITTA

 Another lifer this year

05/07/2025

BURUNG PACAT TEPUS

Rusty Naped Pitta (Hydrornis Oatesi)

The Rusty-naped Pitta (Hydrornis oatesi) is a shy and elusive bird that’s as intriguing as it is beautiful.

• Found in Indochina, southern China, and parts of the Malaysia Peninsula.

• Prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, especially bamboo forests

• Typically inhabits elevations above 800 meters (2,600 ft)

IUCN Redlist - Least Concern

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BRONZE WINGED JACANA

Gopeng 05/05/2025

9.00am - 11.00am

Today was a very exciting day for me! I discovered two species of jacana at the same location. During my observation, I spotted two male pheasant-tailed jacanas. I spent nearly two hours before moving on to my next journey.

 

PHEASANT TAILED JACANA

BURUNG TERATAI EKOR PANJANG

Pheasant-tailed Jacana(Hydrophasianus chirurgus)

Lokasi: Gopeng, Perak

Another Lifer of the Year 2025

The Pheasant-tailed Jacana is a striking waterbird found across tropical Asia, from Yemen to the Philippines. It is the only jacana species that migrates long distances and has distinct breeding and non-breeding plumages.

Physical Characteristics

• Breeding plumage: Features elongated central tail feathers, giving it a pheasant-like appearance. The body is chocolate brown, the face is white, and the nape has silky golden-yellow feathers. The wings are predominantly white with black borders.
• Non-breeding plumage: The head and back turn dark brown, with only traces of the golden nape feathers remaining. A dark eyestripe runs down the sides of the neck.
• Young birds: Have brown upper parts and a broken dark necklace. They are distinguishable from similar species by their white wings and black neck stripe.

Behavior & Habitat

• They walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes, thanks to their elongated toes and nails.
• They forage by swimming or wading, primarily feeding on invertebrates.
• Females are larger than males and are polyandrous, meaning they lay multiple clutches that different males raise.

This species is truly fascinating, especially with its seasonal plumage changes and unique reproductive strategy

 

CRESTED GOSHAWK

03/04/2025

BURUNG LANG SIKA / SIKAP

Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus)

Sungai Siput

The Crested Goshawk is a medium-sized bird of prey found in forests and wooded areas across South and Southeast Asia. It is recognized for its distinctive crest, which gives it a regal appearance. 

• Physical Characteristics: It has a compact build, with broad wings and a relatively short tail. Its plumage is brownish above with paler underparts featuring streaks or barring. The most striking feature is its raised crest, which becomes prominent when the bird is alert.
• Behavior: Crested Goshawks are agile hunters, relying on surprise attacks to catch prey. They primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are known for their ability to ambush prey from dense foliage.
• Habitat: Preferring dense forests, they are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Malaysia. They can adapt to urban parks and gardens with sufficient tree cover.
• Breeding: These birds build nests high in trees, usually laying two to four eggs. They are known for their fierce territorial defense during the breeding season.
• Conservation Status: The Crested Goshawk is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, meaning its population is relatively stable.

"A couple of its flew up and down, preparing their nests on the durian tree in my hometown, during the Aidilfitri holiday."