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."

MALAYSIAN RAIL BABBLER

My Super Duper Rare of The Year 

20/03/2025

BURUNG SINTAR RIMBA

MALAYSIAN RAIL BABBLER (Eupetes macrocerus)

The Malayan Rail Babbler, also known as the Malaysian Rail-babbler, is a fascinating and unique bird. It is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling songbird, measuring about 28 to 30 cm (11–12 inches) in length and weighing between 66 to 72 grams (2.3–2.5 ounces). Its appearance is striking, with a slender body, long legs, neck, and tail, and a long black bill. The plumage is predominantly brown, with a reddish forehead and crown, and a rich chestnut color on the chin, throat, and foreneck.

One of its most distinctive features is the black eyestripe extending from the bill to the side of the neck, bordered by a broad white supercilium. Additionally, it has a strip of bare blue skin on the side of its neck, which becomes visible during calls and displays, likely serving as a signaling feature in its dim forest-floor habitat.

This bird is known for its shy and reclusive nature, often found in dense lowland and foothill forests. It walks with a rail-like gait, jerking its head like a chicken, and prefers running to flying when disturbed. Its haunting whistle-like call adds to its mystique.

The Malayan Rail Babbler is native to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, inhabiting primary forests. Unfortunately, its population is declining due to habitat loss, but it is still locally common in some areas. 

IUCN Redlist 2022: Near Threatened - NT

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LESSER COUCAL

BURUNG BUT BUT KECIL

Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis)

The Lesser Coucal is a bird species found across South and Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. It is a member of the cuckoo family but exhibits behaviors more typical of ground-dwelling birds.

This bird measures about 38–40 cm in length and has a distinctive appearance. Its upperparts are dark brown to black, with a glossy sheen, while the wings are a rich reddish-brown (rufous) in color. It has a long, black tail and striking red eyes, which stand out against its plumage.

The Lesser Coucal is an omnivore, feeding on insects, small animals, and even seeds. It is often seen foraging on the ground or among tall grasses, moving stealthily through dense vegetation.

Unlike most cuckoos, the Lesser Coucal does not practice brood parasitism. Instead, it builds its own nests in the grass or shrubs and raises its chicks directly. It is shy and secretive, often making low, booming calls that echo through its habitat.

The Lesser Coucal is adaptable and thrives in diverse environments, such as grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields. It is not currently considered threatened, but habitat changes could impact its populations in the future.

IUCN Redlist - Least Concern (LC)

LONG TAILED PARAKEET

BURUNG BAYAN NURI

Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda)

Sg. Siput - 23/11/2024

The Long-tailed Parakeet is a colorful and graceful bird native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. It thrives in lowland forests, mangroves, and even plantations, adapting well to varied environments.

This medium-sized parakeet measures around 40 cm in length, with more than half of this length attributed to its long, slender tail. Its plumage is vibrant: the body is predominantly green, while the face features a striking red patch on the cheeks. Males have a distinctive black stripe running across their lores and throat, whereas females lack this marking. Both sexes have bluish hues on their tail feathers.

The Long-tailed Parakeet feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, and nuts. It is highly social, often found in large, noisy flocks that fly swiftly through the treetops. Their loud, screeching calls are typical of parakeets and help maintain group cohesion.

Unfortunately, their populations are declining due to habitat destruction, including deforestation and conversion of forests into agricultural lands. Conservation efforts are essential to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.

LONG TAILED SHRIKE

17/08/2024

BURUNG TIRJUP EKOR PANJANG

The Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach)

The Long-tailed Shrike also known as the Rufous-backed Shrike, is a striking and adaptable bird found across Asia, from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and China. It is known for its bold appearance and aggressive hunting behavior.

This medium-sized bird measures about 25–28 cm in length, with a long, rounded tail that gives it its name. Its plumage varies by region, but generally, it features a rich rufous or orange-brown back, gray or white underparts, and a black mask that extends from its beak to the nape. The wings are a mix of black, white, and brown, and its tail is black with white edges.

Long-tailed Shrikes are skilled predators and opportunistic feeders, preying on insects, small birds, lizards, and rodents. This bird thrives in open habitats such as grasslands, farmlands, and forest edges. It is highly adaptable and often seen perching prominently on shrubs or wires, scanning for prey.

IUCN Redlist 2024 List Concern (LC)

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BLACK TIGHTED FALCONET

BURUNG HELANG RAJAWALI

Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius)

Burung pemangsa - 10/08/2024

The Black-thighed Falconet is one of the smallest birds of prey, often compared in size to a sparrow. It is native to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and is known for its striking appearance and agile hunting skills.

This tiny raptor measures about 14–16 cm in length, with a wingspan of 27–32 cm. Its plumage is glossy black above, with a white forehead streak that curves around its black cheeks. The throat is white or rufous-washed, transitioning to a white breast and a rufous-colored abdomen. True to its name, its thighs and flanks are black. The tail is squarish and often spread, with three white bars visible underneath.

Black-thighed Falconets are skilled hunters, feeding primarily on insects like moths, butterflies, and dragonflies, as well as small birds and lizards. They often hunt in social groups, taking prey during quick flights from a perch.

These birds inhabit forests, forest edges, and open wooded areas, often near rivers or paddy fields. They are generally found at elevations below 1,500 meters. Despite their small size, they are bold and social, often seen in pairs or small flocks.

STORK BILLED KINGFISHER

BURUNG PEKAKA EMAS

Stork billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)

Habitat paya bakau. memiliki saiz yang agak besar antara burung pekaka dengan warna biru dari belakang tengkuk ke ekor, dan warna kuning keemasan dari tengkuk sehingga bahagian bawah badan. Bahagian atas kepala berwarna agak coklat dan paruhnya agak besar berwarna merah dan kaki berwarna merah. Sekeliling matanya ada lilitan warna berwarna merah. Kombinasi warnanya amat menyerlah. Semasa terbang ia akan berbunyi dengan agak kuat.

The Stork-billed Kingfisher is a large and striking bird, widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. It is commonly found near rivers, lakes, mangroves, and coastal areas.

Measuring about 35 cm in length, this kingfisher boasts a robust, long red bill reminiscent of a stork’s—hence its name. Its plumage is colorful: a green back, blue wings, and tail, complemented by a buff crown and underparts. Its head is grayish, adding contrast to its vibrant appearance.

Stork-billed Kingfishers are skilled hunters, feeding on fish, amphibians, crabs, and even small rodents. They perch quietly near water before diving quickly to catch their prey. Their call is a loud and distinctive "ke-ke-ke-ke."

IUCN Redlist 2016 - Least Concern (LC)

CINTAI ALAM SEMULAJADI FLORA DAN FAUNA KITA