This babbler isn’t particularly common, whether in Peninsular Malaysia or Borneo. It’s easily recognizable by its grey head, distinctive white eye-ring, and a noticeable “mustache” marking.
1. Oriental Pratincole, 普通燕鸻, 普通燕鴴, Glareola maldivarum, ツバメチドリ, KEDIDI-PADANG BIASA
– a bird always rest on the ground .. nest on the ground … not too shy to human
– Adults are brown overall with an elegant black necklace and pale yellow throat. When in flight, note dark flight feathers, chestnut underwing coverts, bright-white trailing edge to the wings, and a flashing white rump. (ebird)
update 202105
202008, Sg Balang, Johor, Malaysia
update 2014 Jun 15
oriental pratincole 普通燕鴴
2. Small Pratincole, 灰燕鸻, 灰燕鴴, Glareola lactea, ヒメツバメチドリ, KEDIDI-PADANG KECIL
– a smaller brownish bird, white eye ring, short bill
We were on a long drive, and unexpectedly spotted this “new bird” along the way. Thankfully, I kept my camera ready even while driving — managed to snap this shot just in time!
– it is an old picture, another not a good memory to have .. too many pressure to cause the chick fledged too earlier …. it still not really able to fly, fall into the river few times and safe back … can’t do much beside wish them good luck
2. Slaty-backed Forktail, 灰背燕尾, Enicurus schistaceus, セアオエンビシキチョウ,CEGAR BESAR
– sub-montane , found near stream/rive longer tail and more grey instead black-white
Slaty-backed Forktail , 灰背燕尾 [Enicurus schistaceus]3. White-crowned Forktail, 白冠燕尾, 白额燕尾, Enicurus leschenaulti, frontalis, エンビシキチョウ, CEGAR RAYA BIASA
– very shy bird to be photograph
– at Borneo, found lowland and montane mostly Bornean Forktail (depend checklist)
update 202508
One of Malaysia’s shyer birds—still remember how we used to rely on a hide in Selangor years ago just to get decent photos. But this time at Danum Valley, they came incredibly close to us—no hiding needed! Not just one, but around four birds came in for a great photo session. 😄
What a morning surprise! While walking along the main road, this bird suddenly jumped out just about 10 feet in front of us.
真是个清晨的惊喜！当我们走在主路上时，这只鸟突然跳出来，距离我们大约只有十英尺远。
update 202506
What a morning surprise! While walking along the main road, this bird suddenly jumped out just about 10 feet in front of us.
真是个清晨的惊喜！当我们走在主路上时，这只鸟突然跳出来，距离我们大约只有十英尺远。
202505, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202408
– a very shy bird to have good view and photo, it normally found near small stream or wet ground near “water area”. a lowland species
– 非常害羞的鸟，通常见到。没办法拍好。通常在小溪边可以找到它。
202407, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– it is a bird that always avoid me, I didn’t got many chance to take photo of this common but shy bird. But this month within same tour, I got both Borneo-Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia-Pahang version … and surprise they are tame and allow us approach them ~10m
– Peninsular Malaysia only White-crowned at lowland without Bornean
update 202506
It was a great morning at Kinabalu National Park—we spotted nearly all of our target species. We then decided to try our luck with the forktail, and besides this shy bird, we were also rewarded with a Crimson-headed Partridge shortly after!
The weather shortened our trip to KNP, but we were lucky to spot most of the endemics with great views. For example, this shy forktail was just about 10 meters away and stayed for a while, giving us a perfect pose!
– another lucky moment have this bird close and feeding.. managed to captured with R3 slow motion mode too
– a Borneo montane endemic
– 非常幸运用佳能R3慢速度拍下它捉到小鱼。
– 婆罗洲特有种。
#####
update 202403
– another bird that easy confuse and found at KNP, always found near road side and near stream
– 在神山就这一种，也蛮容易见到。在路旁或小溪旁都可以看到
202308, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202308
– went here first morning, no bird around. 2nd visit make me able to captured some pictures before it flew away
– 第一天都没听到这鸟叫。今天，竟然让我拍几张照片。
202308, Sabah, Malaysia
####
51. Sunda Forktail, 姬燕尾, 姬燕尾, Enicurus velatus, ヒメエンビシキチョウ
– as other forktail, a small and very shy bird. But it is a beautiful one with rufous head instead ovarall black-and-white.
– 与其他燕尾一样，都是很怕人。也很不一样，大部分燕尾都是黑+白
update 202312
– while we walking on the trail for Ground Cuckoo, this bird always infront us but keep a distance. We didn’t spent too much time for it as rushing for the main target
“Short North-Thailand trip goals achieved! 😊 On our river adventure, our guide asked if we wanted to spot the elusive Black-backed Forktail. I said why not? 🤔 What followed was pure patience-testing magic! 🙄 We waited on a rock, and with some playback, the bird kept coming back for more… giving us an epic photo op 📸. Not sure who got the perfect shot, but I’m pretty sure C got it and the others got zilch 😂👍.”
The Accipitridae, one of the three families within the order Accipitriformes (the others being Pandionidae and Sagittariidae), are a family of small to large birds with strongly hooked bills and variable morphology based on diet
*** http://en.wikipedia.org
1. Brahminy Kite, 栗鸢, 栗鳶, Haliastur indus, シロガシラトビ, HELANG-TEMBIKAR MERAH
2. Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle, 马来鹰雕, 馬來鷹雕, Nisaetus alboniger, カオグロクマタカ, HELANG-HINDIK MELAYU
3. Black Baza, 黑冠鹃隼, 黑冠鵑隼, Aviceda leuphotes, クロカッコウハヤブサ, HELANG-GERIGI HITAM
4. Bat Hawk, 食蝠鸢, 食蝠鳶, Macheiramphus alcinus, コウモリダカ, Helang Malam
5. Lesser Fish-Eagle, 鱼雕, Haliaeetus leucogaster, シロハラウミワシ, HELANG-KANGUK KECIL
1. Brahminy Kite, 栗鸢, 栗鳶, Haliastur indus, シロガシラトビ, HELANG-TEMBIKAR MERAH
– very common raptor, from urban, mangrove
update 202011
– adult
– immature bird
#
2. Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle, 马来鹰雕, 馬來鷹雕, Nisaetus alboniger, カオグロクマタカ, HELANG-HINDIK MELAYU
– medium size, very beautiful raptor
– heavily black-streaked white underpart
– normally found near the hill
update 202105
– another lovely bird to be seen, never get bore to see this beautiful raptor.
– one of the most beautiful raptor of Malaysia
– 封城前一天的最後其中一隻鳥。
– 這麼美的猛禽，見多少會都會再看幾眼。
202105, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
#
Blyth’s hawk-eagle,马来鹰雕
3. Black Baza, 黑冠鹃隼, 黑冠鵑隼, Aviceda leuphotes, クロカッコウハヤブサ, HELANG-GERIGI HITAM
– a small bird of prey that migrate from north south , normally in big group
– beautiful bird with crest
update 2020 Aug
update 2014 Dec 5
black baza, 黑冠鹃隼
4. Bat Hawk, 食蝠鸢, 食蝠鳶, Macheiramphus alcinus, コウモリダカ, Helang Malam
– small raptor which normally catches pray at dusk
– It is named for its diet, which consists mainly of bats.
swift-like raptor with angular wings and a massive gape; capable of snatching prey from the air and devouring it in a flash while still on the wing. Dark with varying amounts of white on the underside; African birds have patchy white throughout the underparts, while white is restricted to the throat and lower belly on New Guinean birds and solely to the throat in Southeast Asian birds. Inactive during the day; hunts at dawn and dusk, and occasionally into the night if light is sufficient. Generally uncommon and localized, most reliably encountered near large bat roosts in forested areas, but can also be seen over open forest, fields, and fringes of habitation. (ebird)
It was a very quiet evening, but this bird gave us a great show on our way back to the hotel. It was trying to catch some swifts (based on its flight direction), but I think it still needs to polish its skills a bit.
– it is always good to see this weird and beautiful raptor with special flying shape
– 非常喜欢见到这鸟，站，飞都非常好看。也特别，一天就活动几个小时捉蝙蝠。
202208, Sukau, Malaysia
####
update 202106
– My friend recently share a great picture of this remind me the good moments every time I am there to witness this amazing moment
– if you come to Malaysia-Borneo, for me this is a must-seen “beauty of Nature” how the Bat Hawk starts hunting at dusk when millions of Bats come out from the cave ..
– 最近我的朋友分享一张很棒的照片。在沙巴这个地方，几乎每天都会上演食蝠鸢出来捉蝙蝠精彩的画面。
update 202105
201706, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
update
5. Lesser Fish-Eagle, 鱼雕,Haliaeetus leucogaster, シロハラウミワシ, HELANG-KANGUK KECIL
– sometime it is confuse with grey Fish-Eagle
– Belum-Temenggor , Malim-Nawar, Kinabatangan river, Taman Negara Kuala Tahan
update 202308
– a last day on the boat after have all target ticked. But happy to see new bird of the trip. This smaller overall and see the tail banded after you flying off.
– medium size raptor, male very beautiful as name Pied .. black and white
– normally fly low near the ground for prey
update 20250101
My year-end birding tradition often takes me to the paddy fields in search of winter visitors. If I recall correctly, my buddy and I were waiting for some warblers when, out of nowhere, this raptor flew in, staring right at us! But no—it wasn’t us it was focused on. The Purple Heron caught its attention, flying between us and the harrier. I couldn’t help but wonder what the harrier was thinking as it kept its eyes on the heron for quite a distance.
– large raptor, mostly brown and white upper and bottow
update 202101
- another day testing with X-T4 and 200mmF2
- mainly trying on AF lock speed and tracking for raptors
flying
- and this is an example using AF Zone in Video record 4k,
60p
update 202012
202011, Selangor, Malaysia
11. Black-winged Kite, 黑翅鸢, 黑翅鳶, Elanus caeruleus, カタグロトビ, HELANG-TIKUS BIASA
– very common widespread small raptor
– white mostly with some black on the wing
update 202405
– another good start of the tour, not only hit most of the main targets but included some good view of common birds .. this small raptor got it’s prey and stand infront of us eating the rat …
– 2 birds playing in the sky for a while. rush down handheld with this setup is a nightmare (heavy, weigh not balance etc) but the AF lock-on and tracking work perfect for this not that fast small raptor
14. Changeable Hawk-Eagle, 凤头鹰雕, 鳳頭鷹鵰, Nisaetus cirrhatus, カワリクマタカ, HELANG-HINDIK BIASA
Medium-sized eagle with massive rounded wings. Appears very small-headed in flight. The name is slightly misleading, as there are only really two color morphs, pale and black
– quite a distinct feature, black hood, mask (when flying) and rufous-chestnut underparts and wing coverts contrast with the white on the throat and breast
– exclusive Borneo montane endemic, KNP, and sometimes see it calling and flying around
update 202506
Another elusive Bornean endemic that really depends on luck to encounter. We were fortunate this time—with our guests from Taiwan—as this raptor flew straight toward us. A truly lucky moment!
– last day, we almost plan to go back and just stay up Gunung Alab to trying ours luck on this raptor. And not so long waiting, this bird calling from far and it coming toward us !!! BINGO …
– misty day after rain whole night. reach to next destination, saw this raptor sit on fence and allow us take some pictures before flew away.
– definite my best 5 of 202305
– 很大雾的一天。在到达下个鸟点前，尽然见到这么稀有的鹰。还让我们下车看够够才飞走。
– 这一定是我2023 5月最喜欢照片之一。
202305, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202304
– it is not that often to see this beautiful raptor close, this bird flying low and close after ours guests insist to wait for this amazing raptor after heard its’ call
– 很少机会见到这漂亮的猛禽飞的这么近与地。感谢客人的执着，等了蛮久的。
202208, KNP, SABAH, Malaysia
update 202211
– for year 2022, think this is my bird of the year. Over the years, this bird just high up for reasonable picture. But this year few times, managed to see it really low and close.
– 2022 年度只鸟。在这之前每次都飞的高高的，今年好几次都很低。
202210, KNP, SABAH, MALAYSIA
update 202209
– always love to see this special montane endemic low
– 这么难的机会，这么低的看这特别的婆罗洲特有种。
202208, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202208
– one of our long wait target while we heard it calling and we keep waiting in the open area for ~2hours for a best view of this montane endemic
18. Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle, 华氏鹰雕, 小鹰鵰, Nisaetus nanus, ウォーレスクマタカ, HELANG-HINDIK KECIL
– small size raptor normally found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
– overall brown, with dark brown wing, crest
– sometimes got confused with Blyth’s Hawk-eagle juvi, Jerdon’s Baza
update 202607
What a lucky morning! We were fortunate enough to witness a pair of Wallace’s Hawk-Eagles mating—and they gave us a solid 20 seconds of pure awe. Absolutely incredible to see!
真是太幸运的早晨了！有幸目睹了一对华氏鹰雕交配的罕见画面，整整持续了20多秒，太不可思议了！
202607, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202310
– clearing some 2023 pictures after busy months. It is good moment while seeing this bird having it’s meal to bring back to the nest
– a close encounter of this cool raptor with prey … witness it eat the rat
– 这么漂亮的猛禽，看他慢慢的把老鼠吃掉。好爽
202305, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202210
– a clear morning with this beautiful raptor just ~20m from us
– 一大早上，这鸟站我们20米前。还有鸟会来？
202210, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202105
201803, RDC, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
#
19. Jerdon’s Baza, 褐冠鹃隼, 褐冠鵑隼, Aviceda jerdoni, チャイロカッコウハヤブサ, HELANG-GERIGI PERANG
– winter visitor for Peninsular Malaysia and Resident for Borneo.
– sometimes confused with Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle and Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle
– the leg feather, Beak, and call make it tell the different
update 202606
Keep an eye out for this bird when you are cruising down the Kinabatangan River! While it is a fairly common sight in the area, it can easily be confused with Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle if you are not careful. Fortunately, it loves to call out while flying, making it much easier to lock in a confident identification. Have you spotted one on your river safaris?
– common small raptors, can found urban, forest edge, sub-montane, montane etc
– Adult has a gray head, brown wings, whitish underparts with thick orange-brown stripes in belly and streaks in breast, and white throat with black borders. Juvenile similar but with brown head, sparingly marked underparts, and very short crest. Appears stockier and relatively shorter-tailed in flight than other accipiters. Flying adults may also show a fluffy white clump of feathers on both sides of the tail. (Ebird)
update 202208
– a very boring morning, where a pair of Rhinoceros Hornbill standing/sleeping on same tree for whole morning. After we lost our patient we come here and lucky to see this bird having it’s breakfast
– many raptors endemic of Sulawesi, this is a small raptor
– overall rufous-light brown with a black-white tail (whit spot)
– 蘇拉威西很多猛禽特有種。小猛禽，棕色與黑白尾。
update 202309
– ours’ boring morning which cannot find the thrush and heard this bird and slowly we trying to locate this lovely bird .. small and beautiful
– 很闷的一个早上。没什么鸟，可是当我们走远时听到这鸟叫。没很久，就找到这么美丽的猛禽
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
53. Sulawesi Goshawk, 苏拉凤头鹰, 灰頭鳳頭鷹, Lophospiza griseiceps, セレベスオオタカ, Elang-alap kepala-kelabu
update 202511
This is a species that’s not always easy to see at Tangkoko, but on this trip, we were lucky to encounter it twice — including an eye-level view and even a flight shot as it came toward us!
54. Sulawesi Serpent-Eagle, 苏拉蛇雕, 蘇拉威西蛇鵰, Spilornis rufipectus, スラウェシチュウヒワシ, Elang-ular sulawesi
update 202512
This is one of those birds that always seems to ignore me—despite being a common Sulawesi endemic, I’ve only seen it 2–3 times over the years. This time, it finally showed up, though only briefly above our heads. Still, a lovely species to enjoy!
It was another relatively quiet day with few new birds, but our quick decision to hike down the main road definitely paid off. While we were struggling to spot the small, fast-moving birds high up in the canopy, Xing Hui suddenly shouted, “Fast, fast, raptor!” We ran over, looked toward a nearby perch, and managed to get some shots. We were initially confused by its appearance, but thanks to its long crest and confirmation from local experts, we verified it. It is definitely one of the top bird highlights of our East Java tour!
– medium size of raptor, and it look very similar to Malaysia one except have “high crest”
– 体型中。与马来西亚凤头鹰雕很像除了冠很高。
update 202402
update 202402
– before I forgot, another best moment when we at Sri Lanka.. this good looking raptor give us very good looking it is close and not happy
– 我去忙前，这是2023我最特别的其中一刻。这猛禽，真的很漂亮。站很近，看我们。有点不高兴。
202312， Yala NP
####
– our 2nd try for the Leopard at another entrance of Yala National Park, not very productive afternoon but we saw this raptor standing on ground and walk across the trail and looking at us !
Every birder has their own focus—you can always tell what a birder is watching, even if something else exciting is happening nearby! 😄
In this moment, both the bird and the lions were locked onto what interested them—a group of lions feeding, which is why the vulture flew in and waited nearby.
We were lucky to see it land and stay on the ground right in front of us.
We waited quite a while hoping the Silver Cat would come out from its “nest,” but eventually gave up and only got a few head shots. Just as the car started moving, I spotted a large raptor flying nearby and asked the driver to reverse. At first, we took some record shots through the window glass. Then, due to a small miscommunication with the driver, we ended up stopping just about 5 meters from the bird—resulting in this amazing close-up!
I really enjoy seeing vultures up close.
– a rare Borneo Borneo Endemic which prefer feeding on a small stream
update 202607
Another lucky day in the field. Right after the heavy rain stopped, we headed out to search for this special Bornean endemic. It wasn’t a long walk at all before we landed incredible views. We were even able to slip back to the vehicle, grab the camera, and get close enough to secure some fantastic shots.
I’ve been missing out on this bird for the past few months, but when we finally sighted it today, the excitement was completely beyond words. It’s one of those rare Borneo endemics that everyone is searching for. Honestly, I think we have the rain to thank for this lucky encounter.
Almost every trip this year, we’ve only managed to see this Borneo endemic without getting any photos. But this time, we were lucky—two birds stayed around long enough and allowed us to get close for some decent shots.
– it getting difficult to sight this Borneo Endemic again, use to be so easy just walking in the morning should see 1-2 of them but recent trip to KNP make few challenge search before had it. We walking to search last 4 targets and thick mist without any big hope but this guy just came and not far for everyone good view. Lucky …(also happy for a small Photographer able to capture this not so easy photograph bird in such a close distance)
– another Borneo endemic easier to see but difficult to be photograph but recently getting much easier compare old time. a bird active in dusk and dawn ..
– we arrived KNP evening and it was misty … but we still trying ours best to look for some bird… first session looking for Bulbul failed… but follow by Whitehead’s Broadbill and this amazing endemic. it feed infront of us ~10-15m for quite long until some car passby
– as usual morning session, but lucky today have 1 pair still feeding with quite good available light.
– a shy Borneo montane endemic
– 婆罗洲高山特有种。不很稀有，就是有点害羞。
– 如常，我们一大早就找这鸟。好幸运，遇上一对在还有光线的时候还在。
202308, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202307
– a bird that always make us wake up early. This special bird come to us dusk, which still have quite good light. CANON R7 with 400mm F2.8 still working perfect for lowlight
– we normal look for this bird dusk/dawn with almost no light situation. A very lucky moment while we walking, got this bird came out for very close for picture (not this) but love this while it standing
– pretty common winter visitor range from lowland – montane
– male dark blue with white browed , female brown
update 2020 May 30
– female
update 202502
This is our very first bird of this long tour. There’s so much rubbish around, unfortunately. But on a funny note, it seems “he” also enjoys Starbucks coffee!
这是我们这次你啊团遇到的第一只鸟。可惜这里垃圾很多。不过有趣的是，似乎“它”也喜欢星巴克咖啡！
202502, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
Siberian Thrush, 白眉地鶇,Geokichla sibirica, マミジロ, Murai Hitam Siberia
update 2020 May 13
Siberian Thrush, 白眉地鶇,Geokichla sibirica, マミジロ, Murai Hitam Siberia
It is always a thrill to see the Fruit-hunter, even when it stays high in the canopy. While this perspective is a great find for birdwatchers, it can be a challenge for photographers who often wonder why they stay so far up. Regardless, I am very excited about this sighting.
It was raining when we arrived at the national park, so we stayed near the hut and continued birding while waiting for it to stop. To our surprise, a Bornean Green-Magpie appeared during the wait. Not long after, the rain stopped—and we were rewarded with a Black-sided Flowerpecker perched perfectly for photos. As we continued on in search of more target birds, this beauty showed up again—right at eye level for everyone to enjoy and capture. A truly lucky day!
One of Borneo’s most sought-after birds had remained quiet for the second morning in a row. However, shortly after we began our walk, we had a close encounter—though not a clear view—of both this elusive bird and the Bare-headed Laughingthrush. Not long after, David called out that he had heard the Fruit-hunter about 500 meters away. Everyone rushed to the spot, and soon enough, we all enjoyed excellent views of the bird.
– after a tired morning, hiking and keep looking for fast moving shy bird… decided make a move to other place try some lifer for my buddies. After we got the Bornean Shortwing, this bird show up when heavy mist 🙁 but still a lifer for them .. happy men ….
– another long plan and excited Borneo Photography with Taiwan group and thanks for the trusted continue book for 2025 … very dramatic tour, cannot arrived to Kota Kinabalu on time due to Volcano eruption at Sulawesi North but finally arrived but 2 days late. But we still catch up most of the plan and got many good birds such as Dusky Eagle Owl day roost, 3 Whitehead’s, Fruit-hunter, Bristlehead, Helmeted Hornbill and etc ..
– we were lucky on this, we got Everett’s Thrush, Whitehead’s Broadbill, Bornean Green-Magpie and follow by this super close and low Fruit-hunter … and still like a dream everything happen within an hour.It came low and chase away many other bird and stay long.
– misty, rain morning. Dec definite not a good month birding here.
– 每天下雨，雾大。12月真的不是来这看鸟好时侯。
update 202210
– a very dramatic day, raining, heavy mist follow by lucky encounter Bornean Green-Magpie, Whitehead’s Trogon than this “rare” endemic and we had 7-8 birds in one tree for long time
– before getting busy, a very special bird got from previous tour. This is a 2nd bird of the trip and lucky to have the male bird close and female slightly higher for photo
8. Island Thrush, 岛鸫, 白頭鶇, Turdus poliocephalus, ハイガシラツグミ, MURAI-BELANDA GUNUNG TIMUR
update 202407
– a bird that never though to be sight and photograph before I make some plan to hike up to Laban Rata for missing 2 birds of Malaysia. But today while we looking for missing 3 birds .. Azmil message me he sight the Island Thrush.. without any wait we move to the place .. we try to locate but seem missing while I heard Fruit-hunter calling and trying to locate it but seem still bit a distance to see this bird… Hugo call us … Thrush … and bingo make my Malaysia lifer. (683)
– it is not really shy, it just moving around even many people walking around .. beautiful bird …
– 这是一只我完全没想过的马来西亚鸟（在我安排爬上去神山的路上）。今天但我们在神山寻找3只还没看到的鸟时。朋友Azmil 让我知道这鸟出现，没等我们立刻到了那个鸟点。找了10-20分钟是没找到，我听到食果鸫叫，找了很久还是蛮远没办法看到。在远方，Hugo向我们招手。这就拿下我的马来西亚新鸟种。（683)
– 这鸟很不怕人。
A spectacular chestnut-backed thrush with striking white facial patches, black-and-white wings, and bold pied markings below. Juvenile shows buff streaks on crown and back and buff throat. Terrestrial, feeding on the forest floor singly or in pairs within the lowlands and low hills. Unmistakable within its limited range on islands of Sulawesi and Kabaena. Mournful song is a phrase of several high-pitched whistled notes, “deee-der-doo” or “deee-der.” Calls include “chak” notes and a high-pitched “peep” call. [Ebird]
update 202511
Compared to all my past visits, this bird has been surprisingly easy to photograph during the last two trips to Tangkoko—both within just two weeks! Still took some effort to get a clean shot, but it was definitely worth it. Such a lovely and stunning Sulawesi endemic!
52. Sumatran Cochoa, 苏门答腊宽嘴鸫, 蘇門答臘寬嘴鶇, Cochoa beccarii, スマトラミヤマツグミ, Ciung-mungkal sumatera
update 202610
I’ve run into this mystery bird a few times before without getting a clear look—in fact, I’d never actually managed to see its signature pink eye-ring. This time, however, our luck changed. We initially spotted a small flock of 3 to 4 birds high up, giving us the best and closest view we’ve ever had in this area. After securing a few good shots, the mist began to roll in, so we decided to head back. Right around Pos 1, a mid-sized bird—roughly the size of a thrush—perched at eye level. Everyone in the group immediately snapped photos, and sure enough, it turned out to be the same bird, providing us with an even closer, crystal-clear view right where we hoped to find it.
Brown thrush with bold dark spots on the underparts, white spots in the wings, and black facial stripes below the eye. Occurs in pairs or singly, on or near the ground, in forest, forest edge, and gardens, mostly in the Wet Zone, but also locally in the Dry Zone. No other thrush on Sri Lanka shows distinct rows of white spots on the wings, and bold spotting below. Gives very high-pitched “sweeeee” call; song is a highly variable collection of rich, rising and falling, melodious whistles and warbles. [ebird]
update 202312
– another very common endemic, which found most of the lowland urban areas, forest edge, forest
1. Mountain Peacock-Pheasant, 山孔雀雉, アカコクジャク, KUANG-CERMIN GUNUNG
– endemic to Peninsular Malaysia or some believe Southern Thailand-Peninsular Malaysia
update 202510
This bird holds so many memories — I still remember those early days with Lee, sitting quietly in the hide, waiting patiently just to catch a glimpse. Our first photo and video of it felt like a real achievement. Now, it’s become so easy to see that many no longer appreciate how beautiful and special it truly is.
My final Malaysia birding tour of the year ended here. As expected, the bird showed up early with the partridges, and to our surprise, even displayed a bit — though the female showed no interest. That moment somehow felt like a reflection of myself… perhaps it’s time to seek more “green food” in life again.
– one of the bird I see and photograph most. Years back, we have so many tours just for the Malaysia endemic (Malaya) .. it come to feeding spot over the years and seldom miss
– another quick target, these 2 female show up not long we arrived and allow us to have other birding on last moment. Later come a male trying to impress these 2 female with some action but not scuess
– special targets tour, this is one of most easier target overall but it still make us wait for more than 2 hours until it came and displaying while female get close – 这算是目标鸟最容易之一。可是也没很乖，也等了2+小时才出来。可是这次带着母的还表演了一次。“孔雀开屏“。。慢动作哦
update 202302
– not sure what’s happen, this special bird become very shy and worry. After 5th trips there finally 2 male seem quite brave to come out to give us good time.
2. Great Argus, 大眼斑雉, 大眼斑雉, Argusianus argus, セイラン, KUANG-RAYA BIASA
– big, shy bird
update 202409
– another revisit of the dancing ground, the bird still there calling the mate .. sad no one see interest on him … this time with the CANON RF200-800mm. Trying to walk slight close to have closer shot .. can see some ticks on the face .. and remember my buddy say it is ugly bird ! what a beauty
– we have ours main targets ticked, so we look for any other target … we walk real slow in the morning until the first spot and the bird not there .. continue walking and reach 2nd location … we just walk into the trail for nothing to hope but when we got close it calling loud and when we reach the bird seem shy .. than we decided to walk further … and wait .. not that long they bird sudden appear and displaying for us !!!! wow wow
– a post make us think, why me and my best buddy (i think he think the same now) always got something unexpected. It is boring to know the result while you going for … buddy hope everything is fine for you … I really miss ours time, you make me strong, you make me ignore gossip …
– one of the best moment 2024, it is a relax birding day after we had all 3 main targets of the Families DONE. When we arrive the dancing ground, the bird seem shy and walk to a side .. and we decided to move further to monitor the bird and get some pictures. Nothing to expect, all of sudden it start displaying (dancing) … Immediate got the “one of the best moment of 2024” .. (still like a dream
– a big bird .. real big and shy if not found the “dancing ground” which always heard but not seen. But Danum Valley still one of best place to see it and photograph it .. one of few good view of this bird
– someone say this bird is ugly 🙁 … I really like this bird big and near (for 2023) it is so much easier in Danum Valley … lovely male and still looking for his lady
– a very lucky to have dancing ground, we monitor this bird clearing the dancing ground, calling with distance follow by slight close but the bird just ignore us. this bird will be at same spot for calling his mate. But we even heard it ~7-8pm after dark 🙁 .. hope it found it’s mate soon.
– travel in group , big size and not very shy to human
Update 202504
It was a lucky evening—just as we were about to call it a day, a group of firebacks appeared right in front of us, walking by and flipping their wings. Such a stunning bird!
– last morning at Danum, walk little slower as waiting more light to go into trail for more species but this bird just come out from bush and walk infront of us and Spread your wings
– As customer want different experience than birding . We had very late evening jungle trail walk . This bird just slow walk on the trail while we were there .. but it is too dark and this was captured with ISO16000
– still a big and beautiful bird to be seen and photograph
5. Malayan Peacock-Pheasant, 凤冠孔雀雉, 鳳冠孔雀雉,Polyplectron malacense, マレーエボシコクジャク,KUANG-CERMIN MELAYU
– very shy pheasant
update 202602
Last year, right after we spotted the Great Argus, everyone else was busy looking for other rare sightings. That’s when I noticed a smaller bird quietly approaching the feeding spot. It didn’t take long for this little visitor to start showing up regularly, eventually becoming the star attraction of Sg Relau National Park in Merapoh.
– a very beautiful and shy Borneo Endemic, without the feeding spot.. my previous view of this bird at Kalimantan just a dark shadow moving around. Now, we finally can have very good view of this lovely bird
– another wonderful wait for this “hide” for this special Borneo Endemic. with right lighting such a beauty
– 又一次到这鸟点，没等很久。这鸟尽然，走猫步。梳毛。让每个人都笑哈哈
update 202305
– a pre-tout visit a feeding spot for this Borneo rare endemic. It is a real beautiful gem of Borneo forest. Look at the back, it is open like a coral such a beautiful . (sorry for bad quality with crop as only 500mm use which require heavy crop)
– another visit to the famous BPP site, many of friends waiting long or missed this bird. make us worry and decided to have 2 days try. today after breakfast heading to the “hide” and got in ~8am. surprise we only wait 2.5 hour which is a joke with friend day before we make appointment with the bird at 1030am !!! and it appear 10:32am. stand there and feed for quite long.
– and today a bit weird behavior which keep making calls
– finally completed another Borneo special task. But not really a good trip as almost everyday raining. Bird activity as expected still low. But this main target show well without long wait and come close.
– what a nature beauty. For me bird is far beautiful than human.
– even not a lifer for me, but see it near and stay is a totally different feeling. This bird is so beautiful when lighting hit at the right position of the body.
– a lovely and beautiful pheasant with beautiful white tail.
– 非常漂亮与害羞的鹇，走动时白色尾巴摇摆。非常漂亮
update 202405
– some good efforts from some good Birders (Photographer – KK Lee) over the years finally managed to create a good “spot” for this bird and some other good bird for Photography… I do not have many trip there but only for extension for some special tour .. but still quite enjoy the birds and environment there.
– a male with “white tail” , blue face, red leg which come for feeding food but it still shy with big movement and sound.
– 经过好几年的经营 KK Lee 把这个鸟点搞得有声有色。这个鸟点可是摄鸟的天堂，虽然我没到很多（几乎都带观鸟团）可是有些“加长版”还是有来这鸟。
– 公鸟，长白尾，蓝脸，红脚。几乎很少错过来这吃吃东西。可是还是害羞。
202404, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202310
– I didnt update any pictures for 2023, even I went to 2 feeding station for multiple times. This bird is amazing and I recommended look at yourself … the color and whole bird is un-real.
– an adult female walk together with a juvi bird lovely 2 birds
– 幸运的拍到雌成鸟带着亚成鸟
202207, Sabah, Malaysia
– a very rare Borneo endemic and it is recently found outside from Borneo-Indonesia (Balikpapan) after such a long missing period it is recently confirm found 2016
– please to have chance to photograph this rare and beautiful bird
as other Peacock-Pheasant, it is shy and look at the body feather pattern, this Peacock-Pheasant simply beautiful
update 202312
– as other Peacock-Pheasant, it is shy and not easy to have a good view in the wild. This pair of Sumatra endemic, will show up at one of the feeding station but this male will chase any bird that come close make us only saw the main target Schneider’s Pitta (2 times before light, 1 time night)
53. Salvadori’s Pheasant, 黑尾鹇, 黑尾鷴, Lophura inornata, クロウチワキジ, Sempidan Sumatera
Chunky pheasant endemic to Sumatra’s highlands and foothills. Male is dark iridescent blue, while the female is warm brown with a dark tail. Both sexes have short tails, bright red patches of bare facial skin, and pale bills with a faint hook. Forages quietly on the forest floor, typically singly, sometimes in pairs. Generally fairly quiet; deep “bwoop” contact calls sometimes given, and males give a wing-whirring display that can be audible at close range. [Ebird]
– One of the most striking pheasants, we missed the chance to photograph it last year. This year, however, the female appeared at a feeding spot around noon and lingered for a long time, showing no signs of leaving.
101. Sri Lanka Junglefowl, 蓝喉原鸡, 藍喉原雞, Gallus lafayettii， セイロンヤケイ
Wild chickenlike bird. Male is burnt orange with dark streaks, cockerel-like glossy black tail, and a prominent red comb marked with yellow on the crown. Gray-brown female has white streaks and prominent barring on its wings. Terrestrial, found in pairs or small groups in forests of lowlands and highlands over much of Sri Lanka. Generally keeps to cover. Only confusion is with domestic chicken; note lack of white at tail base, and yellow marking on comb of males, and bars in wings of females in Sri Lanka Junglefowl. Song a harsh “chyok-cher-chow”. Also stuttering “kik-kik-kik-kik” notes. [Ebird]
– very beautiful and noisy bird and common almost any where too
– 非常漂亮，吵，蛮普通的鸡
update 202312
– a pretty common endemic bird, we didn’t really spend time looking for it just take picture whenever we meet it
Secretive, handsome endemic pheasant of Taiwan’s mountains. Male slaty blue from nape to flanks, with contrasting white upper back, brown mantle, and dark gray wings; female mostly rich brown with pale markings above. Both sexes have red facial skin, more extensive in male. Forages quietly in pairs in the forest understory, occasionally along forest edge on trails or roads. Both sexes give subtle clucking calls and a high-pitched squeaky alarm call. Male has white in tail and back, unlike Mikado Pheasant; female distinguished by richer plumage tones, broader tail, pale bill, reddish legs, and unmarked underparts. [Ebird]
– finish my Taiwan trip last 10days ago and now finish Sumatra, 2023 going to end… a busy year and another busy year coming… what’s everyone plan ?
– I had the same Pheasant 16years +- ago but I remember it was either 30/40d 100400 and misty, dark … so I don’t even remember I had keep the photo or not. But finally this time I got opportunity to see it for longer time, better weather … hope see it again future
– a casual trip to Taiwan, spend some of the time for birding and while going down from DaxueShan (大雪山）, stop by ~17 years ago spot and update by local birder the bird can be found there but not very promising due to no feeding allow policy apply. But I am just walk up and down birding at the famous 23.5k got some birds and meet up Kuan-Chieh Hung (Taiwan Bird guide) with guests. After some chit chat session, one of the guesst say .. come come come .. which not really at casual location. 1 male and 3 female relaxing for more than 5 minutes
– female see very beautiful with so much body pattern
1. Blyth’s Paradise-Flycatcher, 中南寿带, 中南壽帶, Terpsiphone affinis, ブライスサンコウチョウ, MURAI-GADING BIASA
– male come either white, rufous morph with long-tailed
update 202311
– it is pretty common at lowland forest of Borneo, and this year seem it is my lucky bird. Each time after meet up this bird, ours’ main target will appear very soon.
– 在婆罗洲，很普通的鸟。今年，好几次都成为我的幸运鸟。遇上它后，目标鸟终是出现。
202307, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202103
– another good moment with this active bird
– 非常活躍的鳥。他在看我在做什麼。
#
update 202102
– lucky moment to meet 3 of this beautiful Paradise-Flycatcher
– they make a lot of noise while moving around
– 幸運遇上3只這麼漂亮的壽帶 – 很吵，一直都跳不停。
#
update 202102
– a beautiful Paradise-Flycatcher, male with long-tail and come either white-morph or rufous-morph
– this is a beautiful male passing with another male (not the full tail and another female
– they make a lot of noise when moving inside the forest
– 馬來西亞非常漂亮的鳥。他與其他兩只一起追逐也叫很多。
#
update 2014 Jul 4
Asian Paradise Flycatcher, 壽帶鳥
from Borneo – Tawau Hill
2. Amur Paradise-Flycatcher, 寿带, 壽帶, Terpsiphone incei, アムールサンコウチョウ, MURAI-GADING UTARA
– it is easy to see the difference between the female, look at the gray transition
202009, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
3. Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher, 紫寿带, 紫壽帶, Terpsiphone atrocaudata, サンコウチョウ, MURAI-GADING UNGU
One of the most common lowland birds in West Papua—but still very special, especially when it opens its mouth, showing off that bright, shiny color. And the female is just as stunning! (I’ll post her next time.)
For us, after a long day of travel, this was the first bird to welcome us—right outside our room!
After a failed attempt to see our main target due to heavy rain, we drove further to a drier location. Luckily, the rain had stopped, and we enjoyed a pleasant evening birding with several interesting species — including this beautiful male of a special endemic bird.
101. Indian Paradise-Flycatcher, 印缅寿带, 印度綬帶, Terpsiphone paradisi, カワリサンコウチョウ
– another “Paradise Flycatcher” split previously but it is quite obvious “crest”
A graceful looking flycatcher, the adult male sport a long ribbonlike tail. The males occur in two color morphs cinnamon and white. Both color morphs sport a glossy black head with blue ring around the eye, but white morph is entirely white below while the cinnamon morph has cinnamon upperparts and tail, and dirty white underparts. The females are cinnamon above with a grayish throat, a shorter tail, and they lack the male’s blue eyering. They make short aerial sallies after insects, usually returning to the same perch. Occasionally descends to ground to pull apart insects. Chiefly found in wooded habitats. Their call is a harsh “shreew.” [ebird]
update 202401
– a bird that we saw many locations but it is just like others Paradise-Flycatcher, active and shy .. moving fast and almost no stop more than 1 second
It’s always a joy to see this long-tailed, fast-moving bird. So far, we’ve seen it twice — once a white morph on day 1, and it was actually the second bird of the tour! It moves quickly, so not everyone may have gotten a perfect shot, but I’m sure everyone managed to capture at least a few photos of this stunning bird.
The barred eagle-owl (Bubo sumatranus), also called the Malay eagle-owl, is a species of eagle owl in the family Strigidae. It is a member of the large genus Bubo which is distributed on most of the world’s continents. This relatively little-known species is found from the southern Malay Peninsula down a string of several of the larger southeast Asian islands to as far as Borneo.
update 202606
We had a very hot and quiet afternoon session as usual at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), but things brightened up when we suddenly spotted this cute little bird. The juvenile looked so adorable and just kept staring right at us.
This species was one of the birds that truly drew me into the world of birding. Although I had started birding earlier, I wasn’t particularly active until my best friend took me to see the Barred Eagle-Owl, Malayan Laughingthrush, and Collared Owlet.
Despite many sightings over the years, I realized I didn’t have any nighttime photos of this bird—only daytime shots, including a few encounters at Trus Madi. To fix that, we wrapped up our mangrove birding session early and headed to a park to try our luck. Bingo! We spotted both the Barred Eagle-Owl and the Buffy Fish-Owl within a single hour. This bird looks absolutely incredible.
– if everyone have a bird to attract you to Birding ? for me this is one of them, many years ago a garden nearby house… this bird build their nest same location for almost every years.. I spend many many time to look at them .. monitor especially with my love one (family, best buddies …)
– happy to see the chick still always looking for it’s parent before roosting
– a new game change, found this with Thermal camera, have this months ago but just too busy to explore but finally with a very close friends group and use it for few occasion and found colugo and this pair owl from total dark
– 新的热感照相机, 真的很容易找到晚上的物种。在这次婆罗洲行，试了一下。找到猫猴与这对鸮。
202309, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202112
– this bird use to urban jogging area Penang, we were lucky to have it low this trip
– 这只鸟已在这公园生活很久，非常幸运的2年后。旧地重游，还站这么低。
202112, Penang, Malaysia
update 202101
- it is weird to see the bird calling in the morning ~11am
update 2016 Jul 21
2. Buffy Fish Owl, 马来渔鸮,馬來漁鴞, Ketupa ketupu, マレーウオミミズク, TUMBUK-KETAMPI BIASA
– medium size bird
– Large orange-brown owl with prominent “horns” and bright yellow eyes (ebird)
– common found near ponds, stream, and river
update 202405
– this is my 2nd time saw this owl catch a fish in the day time, just in-front of us. The bird with one eye injured but how it can catch prey in day time instead ?
– 这是我第二次见到这猫头鹰在光天化日下捉鱼。虽然他的一只眼受伤了，可是他还是活了很多年。
202404, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 2024003
– another good night outing, we had >8 Buffy Fish Owl in 1.5 hours. Very common owl that normally live near river, lake ..
– 一个1.5小时的夜观，见到不少于8只马来鱼鸮。这鸟蛮普通的，在河边，湖边都不难见到。
202403, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202303
– few days of raining, from center to North. rain seem continuous for last 3 days. We did night owl searching at night under rain too. Look at the Buffy, the face seem not happy with the rain
– after long lock-down, we just can’t go out for outdoor activities. hope the pandemic will end very soon.
– 马来西亚已封城几个月。终于，开放低程度的户外活动。这鸟，尽然出现在我家附近的一个小森林。
202109, Kuala Lumpur
update 202101
– a tiring day where I spend my nights for owling and morning for some warbles
– lucky to spotted 5 species of Owl with pictures and 1 heard only
– this is one of the most seen owls in the night where I spotted a minimum 4 different individual
202101, Selangor, Malaysia
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update 2017 April 10 finally got another 2 stand together in the morning 😀
update 2016 Jul 22
3. Collared Owlet, 领鸺鹠, 領鵂鶹, Glaucidium brodiei, ヒメフクロウ, PUNGGUK-KECIL GELANG
– smallest Owl in Asia ~15cm, 60g +-
– normally found submontane, montane area but also found lowland before
– always making a loud call
update 202602
We were just out for a casual walk when we heard a strange alert sound coming from the birds. It turned out to be some birds trying mobbing to this tiny owl! It perched quite low and stayed remarkably close while we were heading to lunch. Even though we weren’t specifically looking for owls today, who could possibly resist such a cute little thing?
We spent around 30 minutes listening to the Red-throated Barbet calling, but couldn’t get a clear view. Luckily, a few other species came in close, including this tiny and adorable owl!
Sometimes, there’s too much info on social media—but here’s my experience: I used the Canon R5 Mark II with full-area AF and animal eye detection. The owl was about 30 meters away, and paired with the RF 100-500mm, it locked onto the eye perfectly without hesitation. Highly recommend trying it out yourself!
有时候，社交媒体上的信息太多了，反而容易迷茫。但这里是我实际的经验：我使用的是 Canon R5 Mark II，相机设置为全区域自动对焦+动物眼睛识别。这只猫头鹰大约在30米远的地方，用 RF100-500mm 拍摄，相机毫无犹豫就锁定了眼睛对焦。推荐大家亲自试试！
202510, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202506
We were lucky to witness this owl perched low and calling right in front of us. It looked like it was putting its whole body into each call—an incredible sight!
– After returning from Sumatra, Indonesia, some of us extended our trip by two days to Fraser’s Hill, Malaysia. As anticipated, the rainy season brought limited activity. However, this tiny owl made our day by perching very low, just about 10 feet away—our first sighting of it!
– a very special Photography tour, which parent come with a kid (12 years old) for birds Photography. I told them the behavior of this bird and we were lucky patient wait to have it came really low and close.
– last bird of Fraser Hill for current Photography tour, customers happy with ~20m away … I am happy too .. what a cute bird
– 福隆港摄鸟团最后一只鸟，客人对20米外的它已满足。当然我也高兴。好可爱啊
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202302
– a quite morning, and suddenly heard this cute owl calling near lucky to have few minutes before it continue it’s chase.
– 非常安静的一个早上。突然这鸟叫的很大声，很快的找到他后。拍了1-2分钟就飞高了。
202301, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202210
– a very boring day, but luckily this bird gave us good look before raining
– 非常安静的一天。幸好有这鸟出现让我们在下雨前拍到好好的。
202210, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202209
– another bird that never get bore, guests say they either want to see an owlet or snake for the tour.. lucky to see this low and long
– 另一只百看不厌的小可爱。客人讲他们一就看到最少一只鸺鹠或一条蛇。还好，不然又要去找蛇了。
202209, Fraser HIll, Pahang, Malaysia
#
– a bird that we always love to see or photograph. But the size and behavior （always at canopy) always make us just skip this bird each time we heard it
– 一只每个鸟人都喜欢的鸟。可是他的习惯，通常我们都当没听到。（都站高高）
202208, Fraser Hill, Malaysia
update 202206
– a very casual walk around with few friends, this bird seem to active and gave us good view.
update 2018 Aug 20 – Borneo Collared Owlet got this from KNP
4. Oriental Scops-Owl,东方角鸮,東方角鴞, Otus sunia,コノハズク,JAMPUK KECIL ASIA
– very small owl, winter visitor
– Smallish scops-owl with bright yellow eyes (ebird)
#################
– we were very lucky to see 2 pairs which is very close in the morning for a day trip near the mangrove – 非常幸运的在一日游，看到两对。。。
update 2015 Jan 12
oriental scops owl,东方角鸮, Otus sunia
update 2014 Aug 21
oriental scops owl,东方角鸮 [Otus sunia]
5. Reddish Scops-Owl, 棕角鸮, 棕角鴞,Otus rufescens, アカチャコノハズク, JAMPUK MERAH
– very small owl, rufous in color with prominent ear-tufts
– a small and common seen at secondary/primary forest always make constant call.
update 202402
– this bird do not make any vocal when we were at Taman Negara, but come to here it call non stop and after boring for 1 hour. This bird just sudden appear .. cute and persistent call owl in the forest
– a weird single individual, sometime very shy, sometime very tame … any how happy to see it again
– 非常有性格的一只鸟（应该是同一只，附近没这鸟叫了）。有时很乖，有时害羞到累。可是见到已很好。
202309, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202306
– this little owl not that common but also not difficult to seen but my camera no luck on this owl for long. saw it many times just <10m away but without camera. Finally this time with camera and it is really near.
– 这只小可爱，总与我的相机无缘。很多次它站低时，相机总是不在我身边。这次终于很近的看到他。
202306, Kinabatangan River, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
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6. White-fronted Scops-Owl,白额角鸮,白額角鴞,Otus sagittatus, ハナジロコノハズク, JAMPUK KENING PUTIH
– rare bird for Malaysia. not that many locations for this bird
– make high speed repeat vibration call (refer video below)
– Large for a scops-owl. This predominantly light brown species is most readily identified by its bright silvery-gray brow. Like other scops-owls, can be difficult to see; listen for its call, a series of low, rapid, trembling hoots that cut off quickly. Predominantly found in lowland forest, though also ventures into lower foothills. (ebird)
update 2020 Jul 9
White-fronted Scops-Owl,白额角鸮, 白額角鴞, Otus sagittatus, ハナジロコノハズク, Burung Hantu Kening Putih
update 2020 April 25
White-fronted Scops-Owl , 白額角鴞, Otus sagittatus, ハナジロコノハズク, Burung Hantu Kening Putih
update 2018 Oct 8
saw this owl 2 different location in 2 day, suppose to look for frogmouth but saw these birds twice but missed the Blyth’s frogmouth for 2 nights 🙁
update 2017 Jul 30 – rare owl for Malaysia .. was lucky to spot it months back.. too bad was too busy to tried for a picture .. finally got a record shot. The same week, got a very good photo of the owl at another location … very lucky saw it keep calling
Very lucky to witness how it call and shake the body .. it is a 4k record
– A very large, grayish-brown owl with yellow eyes and distinctive ears. Note the fine barring and dark streaks on the pale underparts, and white patches on the shoulders.
Update 202504
It was a dramatic day — we missed our target in the morning and were caught in heavy rain by noon. Fortunately, the evening brought reasonably good birding. The next morning, however, turned out to be truly special. We had a great encounter with this bird as it flew back to its roosting site, and we managed to capture the moment perfectly without any issues.
It was another fantastic experience to see this bird again—even if just once—as it flew straight toward us. Not a particularly tough challenge for me with the R1: 98 frames in about 3 seconds, all perfectly in focus
– a not so common owl found Malaysia. Big size and with very vocal if found the correct one.
– I am making some nearby forest for trying the new CANON R1 to trying for AF lock on, AF tracking, Image Quality, Pre-capture … and trying again the in camera upscale. Found this bird roost at one of the Palm Oil plantation before strong sunlight come in, the bird sudden flying out to its’ roosting side.the R1 as expected captured most of the frame without any issue even with background change.
– a wonderful dawn light with lovely bird looking at us. It is time to go back to sleep.
– 早上漂亮的光线。它看着我们，应该是讲晚安。下次再见
202303, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202302
– a bird that make me excited everytime I see it. and especially in the day time with flying toward me .. with CANON R to capture this kind of photo is so easy
– 每次见这鸟都兴奋无比。尤其见他飞向我。佳能R 这种对焦+追焦。多么容易
202010, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202209
– in one month, 2 sites 6 birds found. Lucky guests, 4 birds calling and 2 are so near to use. They might fighting for territory.
– a good practice of my guests, we leave them alone after short time of photograph session. They say “don’t disturb them too long” ! and they are photographers .
– 一个月内2个地方见到4只（遇到6只，2只听到看到很远）。这4只一直在叫，可能在争区域。
– 2位摄影客人，只是拍了几分钟就要离开了。他们讲不要打扰太久。
202209, Selangor, Malaysia
#
– what a day end with fantastic bird, heard the bird call once. Think guest doubt about my hearing (i think). But I am pretty sure the bird make call few times and roughly know the direction. After 1++ hour spent, we had good view of this bird.
Dusky eagle-owl, 乌雕鸮,烏雕鴞, Bubo coromandus, ウスグロワシミミズク, Burung Hantu Bertanduk, BURUNG-HANTU BERTANDUK KELABU ASIA
update 2020 Aug
Dusky eagle-owl, 乌雕鸮,烏雕鴞, Bubo coromandus, , ウスグロワシミミズク, Burung Hantu Bertanduk, BURUNG-HANTU BERTANDUK KELABU ASIA
update 2020 Jul8
Dusky eagle-owl, 乌雕鸮,烏雕鴞, Bubo coromandus, , ウスグロワシミミズク, Burung Hantu Bertanduk
update 2020 May 21
2020 March 19
– still same place, same tree
2018 Aug 20
– one of the most beautiful owl so far I saw
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8. Brown Wood-Owl, 褐林鸮, 褐林鴞, Strix leptogrammica, オオフクロウ, CARIK-KAFAN COKLAT BIASA
– very common Peninsular Malaysia, ranging from lowland to highland
– this bird making a different common call and stay long
– a quite common owl across Malaysia, mostly on montane but also found lowland forest
– 叫不一樣的叫聲。蠻普通的鴞。
– Borneo one look different and having different call (refer to picture below)
update 202403
– this is one of the common Fraser bird, getting difficult .. due to some reason ? or behavior change ? 6-8 years ago, it is so easy to get a good view of this bird… but now most of them shy and standing high up .. for reason ? – I am lucky 2024, 2 trips got this bird with good view for more than 10 minutes – 在6-8年前，福隆港是很普通的鸟。可是为什么这几年连看都难看到？什么理由？ – 2024 非常幸运，已2团都看的不错。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202101
– a good moment to see this owl making some call
– shooting this with car body as support
幸運的見到這鴞在叫。 這攝頻沒用腳架，只是靠在車拍的。
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#
update 2018 Aug 20
*** Borneo one seem to have different call and look
Brown Wood-Owl, 褐林鴞,Strix leptogrammica, オオフクロウ, leptogrammica Group
1#
9. Mountain Scops-Owl, 黄嘴角鸮, 黃嘴角鴞,Otus spilocephalus, タイワンコノハズク, JAMPUK GUNUNG BIASA
– small mountain owl
– very shy and not easy to been seen and photograph
update 202606
It happened again! This tiny owl stayed with us for an unusually long time. It was honestly one of the best photography sessions ever for a bird that is normally so light-shy. We could hear it so close, and it perched nearby too. We were so worried it would fly away the moment we turned on the bright white torch, but we got so lucky. It just stayed and stayed for us.
Great trip with Taiwanese friends. We checked off many tough target birds but missed a few common endemics. The highlight was right after dinner. We tracked a nearby call and finally got a clear view of this shy owl.
– for me to choose one of the most common wide spread but difficult bird to be seen in Malaysia… this is one of them .. and finally got one really close and stay but never want look at ours; angle….
Mountain Scops-Owl, 黄嘴角鸮,黃嘴角鴞, Otus spilocephalus, タイワンコノハズク, Burung Hantu Gunung
update 2018 Aug 20
– one of the most often hear but not seen bird
10. Sunda Scops-Owl, 巽他领角鸮, 巽他領角鴞,Otus lempiji, スンダオオコノハズク, JAMPUK BIASA
– common wide spread
– garden, forest palm oil plantation ..
– Both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo having different call
update 202502
It was truly an owl-filled day—we spotted six owl species in just one day! This last one had been particularly elusive; we had tried to get a good view of it a few days ago without much success. But today, it seemed to stay in place for a long time, giving everyone a perfect view.
– last bird ? no .. the Blyth’s Frogmouth decided to give us good view after this owl appear .. close and cute always
– 西马行最后一只鸟？不。。。这鸟出来后，星喉蟆口鸱也出来让我们看看他的可爱。
202402, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202310
– a quick Owl session with buddies, but only heard the main target calling but manage to have 2 nightjar, 4 owl ?this guy seem very tame on today
– 朋友们突然要去找鸮，来个几个小时。主要目标听到看不到。可是还是2只夜鹰，4只猫
202310, Selangor, Malaysia
update 2018 Aug 20
another common garden to forest owl
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11. Brown Boobook, 鹰鸮, 鷹鴞, Ninox scutulata, アオバズク,PUNGGUK BETEMAK BIASA
– small and common
– brown and big yellow eye
– Brown hawk-like owl with large, unsettling yellow eyes. Note solid brown back, patchily brown-spotted white breast, and the pale triangle above the bill. Adaptable, found in a wide range of forested habitats from primary rainforest to orchards and gardens. Most active at night and dusk; often hunts from an exposed perch. Gives a series of rising hoots: “woo-wuh! woo-wuh! woo-wuh!” (ebird)
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update 202206
– another casual morning with buddies, lovely owl to greet us.
– 与朋友的一个愉快的早上。一位朋友没来，只有tag他了。
202206, Selangor, Malaysia
#
– another poor bird, not sure nesting or why active near falconet nest but the falconet very aggressive chasing this owl and make it flying around.
– 可怜的鸟，不知道为何在这非常活跃。可是这里黑腿小隼在筑巢（喂食），一直会去追它。
202206, Ulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202205
– a very casual birding day with my buddy in Sandakan, a bird that give us a good time even common for both of us.. let’s birding …and Salt fish time
– 与我的好鸟友轻松的摄鸟日。虽然不是什么特别的鸟，可是我们也拍的高高心心。然后去吃咸鱼。
202205, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
202203
– found this lovely owl making call and manage to found it
– 这鸟叫不停，不难找道它
update 202103
– cloudy day make the forest more humid and the owl went for a bath before sleeping in the dawn
– 可能天氣悶，這貓頭鷹。盡然睡前去洗個澡。
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update 202102
– lucky to have this while we looking for our target bird close
202102, Selangor, Malaysia
#
update 2018 Aug 20
12. Northern Boobook, 北鹰鸮,北鷹鴞,Ninox japonica, アオバズク, PUNGGUK BETEMAK UTARA
rare winter migrant, very brown boobook alike
update 202101
- a rare (or overlook of similar look Brown Boobook) winter visitor
- found this bird stand near the light and keep catching moth and insects
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13. Spotted Wood-Owl, 点斑林鸮, 點斑林鴞, Strix seloputo, マレーモリフクロウ,CARIK-KAFAN BERBINTIK ASIA
update 202209
– a special evening with new camera AF, overall quite dark but the AF still working good
– 非常漂亮夕阳，新的相机对焦。虽然有点暗了，对焦还是行的。
202209, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202204
– this bird seem active after dawn making noise attract my attention
– 奇怪的猫头鹰，日出后还叫不停。
202204, Tg Karang, Selangor, Malaysia
update202105
– another lockdown, so missed the chance to revisit u again. stay safe – another special outing to test the new Fujifilm XF70-300
15. Sunda Owlet, 巽他鸺鹠, 巽他鵂鶹, Taenioptynx sylvaticum, ヒメフクロウ, PUNGGUK-KECIL GELANG SELATAN
– a recent split (202110) from Collared Owlet and this only found Borneo Island
– 近期分出来的鸟种，这只只发布在婆罗洲鱼苏门答腊
update 202505
Day 1 at KNP started strong—we got both Whitehead’s Trogon and Whitehead’s Spiderhunter. Later, we had another great moment with the Bornean Stubtail. I heard this Owlet call, and shortly after, we spotted it perched in the open, looking right at us.
– a small owl making constant call which sometime can be very miss-leading direction. another bird that recently split from Collared Owlet
– in the right season, it can be any where but when it is not active .. no sound at all and can be stay at same place just non move.
– 非常小的鸮，通常一直叫不停。它的叫声，有时非常非常难找到它的方向。
– 在不对的季节，他可以完全不叫。
202406, KNP, Sabah
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update 202407
– a long waiting day, today patient pay off with different prize. Missed the Bulwer’s Pheasant male…. after long wait … before we call it a day, heard this owl far away .. just try ours’ luck after long wait before we decided to walk back to ours’ car I saw this bird flying toward car park. Not long after walk toward car park, after got the Bornean Leaf bird and got this bird stay there for long for us.
– a lucky trip to KNP, saw this bird yesterday with some reasonable photo. Today saw it mating and than stay low and quite long for us (even it is misty)
– another tiny bird from far … but still amaze who can find this owl (me !!! haha I also wonder how I found it). no choice to be part of environment shot
– both indranee Group & leptogrammica Group both show have different look and call .. Borneo one seem smaller too
update 202510
It’s always a pleasure to see this owl resting quietly in the open. This individual seemed to be keeping its distance from a nearby Buffy Fish Owl. Hopefully, there won’t be any territorial dispute between them.
– it is a lucky night, after got the Barred Eagle Owl… this bird just stand there for us .. another good picture to show the different between indranee Group (Peninsular Malaysia) & leptogrammica Group (Borneo)
17. Collared Scops Owl, 领角鸮, 领角鸮, Otus lettia, JAMPUK BIASA
update 202502
It was truly an owl-filled day—we spotted six owl species in just one day! This last one had been particularly elusive; we had tried to get a good view of it a few days ago without much success. But today, it seemed to stay in place for a long time, giving everyone a perfect view.
– a Sulawesi endemic – small size owl just like other Boobook
– 蘇拉威西特有種 – 與其他鷹鴞一樣，都蠻小的。
update 202608
On our very first afternoon right after stepping off the plane, we successfully spotted the Scaly-breasted Kingfisher and spent a great time birding with several small birds. Shortly after, we came across this cute little Sulawesi endemic. What a fantastic start to Day 1!
This species has always been a favorite and rarely disappoints when it comes to good views. This time, four individuals came close, and two were even feeding together—such a cute moment! Big thanks to the guests for trusting the wait.
update202310 – as usual, even special target tour. we still spend some time for my lovely owls. Arrive here, not very long. There are 4birds calling and 2 of them perch near for us to take pictures. – 如常，目标鸟团。我们一样晚上找找我喜爱的猫头鹰。到达折后，没等很久。4只鸟在叫，2只还让我们拍好好。
202310, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202304
– 2023 April Sulawesi-Halmahera Bird watch trip end. Today finally got to sleep until 6am and wake up for proper breakfast. Tomorrow another new challenge.
– a special boobook, with special call.
– this bird is first ever bird we saw so tame, it stand there for such a long time for us to have good view.
– overall rufous front, brown back. Yelloweye, white-browed
– 蘇拉威西特有種的貓頭鷹。
– 棕色，前部淺棕色。
update 202511
We spent over 20 days in Sulawesi last month, and overall did quite well with owls. Among them was this small Sulawesi endemic owl—once considered common, but now increasingly harder to photograph.
Thankfully, we had a few great views and good opportunities to capture this shy species. A real treat for the tour!
– it is a season where most of them not roosting at common area. We stay until dusk (~5pm) and managed to have good view of a pair of them .. just wake up with stretch wing
– 在这季节，在他们平时睡觉的点都没见到这鸟。只好留到下午5点左右。终于骗到他出来，伸伸身体。
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
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update 202102
#
53. Minahassa Masked-Owl,米纳仓鸮, 米納倉鴞, Tyto inexspectata, ミナハサメンフクロウ, Serak Minahasa
– a rare Sulawesi endemic, light brown, heart shape face
A small owl with ear tufts, a black facial border, yellow eyes, prominent black streaking on pale underside, and intricately patterned upperparts with conspicuous white wing markings. Occurs in gray and rufous forms. Adult’s crown is streaked; juvenile’s is barred. Inhabits forest and plantations within lowlands and foothills.[Ebird]
– pretty common across the center of Halmahera, almost can heard it’s call.
– cute and not that shy owl.
– 很特别的叫声，外表也不一样。蛮好看。
– 在哈马黑拉岛的特有种。几乎很普通，那都可以听到叫声。
– 可爱，也不很害羞的鸮。
update 202304
– first night, after heavy rain and long travel. we decided not look for the owl and owlet-nightjar. Next night, we didn’t spend much time to ticked this bird and Moluccan Owlet-nightjar at the same spot.
55. Halmahera Boobook, 哈岛鹰鸮, 哈馬赫拉鷹鴞, ハルマヘラアオバズク, Pungguk maluku
– a small owl, found near forest here which call really funny like frog
– lovely and not so boring boobook.
update 202511
Years ago, we had to travel far to see this species, but now it’s being found much closer to regular birding areas. Still, it’s always a joy to see and hear it again — a wonderful Halmahera endemic owl.
– it is fun to trying to find this owl without knowing where it should be. We just trying ours’ luck and yes.. it is calling dusk and managed to have good view of it not too late of the night.
56. Sulawesi Scops-Owl, 苏拉威西角鸮, 蘇拉威西角鴞, Otus manadensis manadensis, セレベスコノハズク, Celepuk Sulawesi
– common Sulawesi endemic
– 蠻普通的蘇拉威西特有種
update 202511
Incredible to see that this bird still remembers me since my last visit in June—it’s just as tame and approachable as before. It perched around 6 meters above ground and stayed for 10–15 minutes, giving us a lovely session.
– it is almost not possible to miss this bird either day time or night time. me and my buddy+guests like owl and and woodpecker for start .. and this is very first owl we got and before we meet our “torch holder” (guide found us in the dark in the forest)
a owl we always heard and wanted to see in Borneo, even it can be different sub-species or species (in future) but It is much easier here .. a small owl like other small and active in dark
– even it is high chance to find it’s roosting bird, but we always like to find the bird in night. Ours’ first morning, have a good try and the bird didn’t make any sound… I am amaze how I found it (haha, by the thermal camera.. found it once very near and 2nd time quite a distance)
– as other Boobook, the bird small and making a lot of noise
– looking for owl always my birding trip target, we spent first night with see it flying and calling non stop at casual spot. But 2nd night managed to have it just road side.want to revisit … hope can plan .. anyone ?
A small brown owl with feathered ear tufts and yellow eyes, restricted to Lombok. Mostly brown with scattered white and pale markings on wings, sparsely streaked underparts, and a clear “double” facial disk with both blackish and white borders. Found in various forests and plantations in the lowlands and foothills. Distinctive: the only small owl on Lombok, and the only owl there with ear tufts. Gives a single note song, “woot,” ascending slightly at the end [Ebird]
This is one of our main targets for visiting Lombok Island. It didn’t take long to spot the bird, but we had to wait patiently for a better photo opportunity.
Although it’s a common owl on Lombok, getting a clean shot still required some effort—but it was worth it!
这是我们前往龙目岛的主要目标鸟种之一。虽然很快就观测到它，但我们花了不少时间等待更好的拍摄机会。
尽管这只猫头鹰在龙目岛相对常见，但想要拍到干净漂亮的照片依然不容易——不过一切都是值得的！
202512, Lombok island, Indonesia
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update 202412
This special, quick, and relaxed trip to Lombok, Indonesia, focused on our second main target. We spotted a few birds, but only one came reasonably close and perched low. It resembled other scops-owls, offering another great sighting enhanced by modern technology.
This has to be one of the cutest scops-owls I’ve ever encountered—endemic to the Banggai Islands. Its curious nature, constantly tilting its head while watching us, made the encounter even more delightful. Always a joy to see this charming little owl again!
Another endemic owl from Lore Lindu on our current Indonesia birding trip. This tiny species prefers to perch high and call frequently—thankfully, not too challenging to locate with a bit of patience.
202511, Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
62. Sulawesi Masked-Owl, 苏拉仓鸮, 蘇拉威西蒼鴞, Tyto rosenbergii, Serak Sulawesi, セレベスメンフクロウ
update 202511
Not a lifer, but definitely a pleasant surprise! We were searching for another target when this lovely owl showed up. It stayed around for a while, giving us a great chance to enjoy and photograph it—always a joy to see.
One of the easiest and most rewarding night birding moments! This lovely endemic owl started calling right at dusk near the roadside. We didn’t have to wait long — just a short walk into the bushes, and there it was, perched and showing well for everyone. A truly special night encounter!
– small owlet like other owlet always like to be calling long at canopy and make other birds attention. But this endemic’s back of the owl simply awesome
– 与其他鸺鹠一样小小只。喜欢站高高，叫不停。可是这一只特有种背部很特别美。
update 20231211
– the bird just sit there !!! actually local make tree hole for them nesting so the area become territory of both bird… just look for them without call back or any action
Very small rufescent owl, with yellow-orange eyes, and sparse, light speckles on the underparts. Although does not possess true ear tufts it can show “false” ones when alert. Occurs within extensive humid rainforests in the lowlands of Wet Zone of Sri Lanka. Roosts singly or in pairs in the understory, but also found in upper levels of trees at night. Combination of small size, all rufous color, lack of prominent facial border, and only limited markings below separates it from all other owls on Sri Lanka. Song is a short “woOLoo”, rising in the middle. [Ebird]
– 被发现少于20年的斯里兰卡特有种。
update 20231222
– one of the bird I really want to see, we went same site for 2 days both day also not full open for picture but we had very good view of this very special endemic bird
Medium-sized owl with significant variation in plumage and vocalizations across its large range. Either gray or brown in coloration, with prominent pale ear tufts and pale face outlined in black. Fond of open wooded habitats from lowlands to foothills, often found roosting in temples, houses, and gardens, particularly in rural areas. Larger and more strongly tufted than both Oriental and Mountain Scops-Owls; both also lack the black facial border. Listen for this species’ incisive, short hoots, given at well-spaced intervals (often around 10 seconds). [Ebird]
It is quite a common bird, even in Malaysia. It was previously classified as the Sunda Scops-Owl but is now considered part of the Collared Scops-Owl. We often had one just outside our room, almost every day.
There is always debate about using torches or flashlights on birds, with no clear consensus on whether it is right or wrong for nature. However, there are certain actions we should never take or support, such as keeping them in cages or tying them up. It’s disheartening to know that many people still do such things, often just for the sake of a photograph.
This was one of my main targets for our Kenya birding trip, and I’m so glad we got it—our very first owl of the trip! As expected, it was sleeping during the day. Of course, we all wished for a shot with its eyes open or in a better pose, but I’m happy we chose not to disturb it just for a photo. Big thanks to my amazing team—you all are awesome!
Our Costa Rica birding adventure is officially underway. We spent a pre-tour day at the hotel to adjust to the time difference and managed to photograph about 25 species right on the grounds, including this charming little owl. On the first official day of the tour, we spotted and photographed 65 species, featuring this same owl in an impressively spirited pose. We have encountered so many incredible species and captured so many great shots already. Stay tuned for more updates.
On our way back to the hotel after a boat ride, our guide heard an owl calling. We rushed over with limited light and soon spotted this beautiful Black-and-white Owl perched right by the roadside. Such a stunning bird.
We’re offering a special tour led by expert local guides to track down one of the region’s rarest owls. Our latest outing was a huge success—in just two hours, we spotted two mammals, one owl, and one nightjar. Although the owl was vocal, it remained shy and difficult to spot on the forest trails. Fortunately, through persistence and teamwork, almost everyone in the group managed to capture photos of it at different locations. Great effort by the whole team.
We photographed nine owl species during this trip, and this pair was one of the easiest encounters — we had them almost immediately upon reaching the location. A local guide led us straight to the tree; he is also a talented local artist with an impressive collection of wildlife photographs and artworks available for sale.
We are now on the way back, rushing to the forests of Malaysia for another assignment. There may not be many opportunities to share photos from this trip, but I will try my best to post a few special highlights.
The rain was closing in, so we rushed to see this bird immediately after spotting the Crested Owl. Luck was on our side as we found another pair roosting together. We managed to see our Potoo right after this, just before the rain started. What an incredible day for everyone.
pitta – a bird normally long leg, short-tailed, hopping around on forest floor for food, shy ….
many of the bird photographers just enjoy this bird very much and spend years, months, days, hours .. stay inside hide just to view, photograph this forest gem ..
*** will keep updating this along with my pitta fever *** so please book here 😀
201. Indian Pitta, 印度八色鸫, 印度藍翅八色鳥, Pitta brachyura, インドヤイロチョウ
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201. Indian Pitta, 印度八色鸫, 印度藍翅八色鳥, Pitta brachyura, インドヤイロチョウ
A colorful stubby-tailed bird, also known as “Navrang,” translated as “nine colors.” Colors are most striking when the bird is in flight. This bird has long, strong legs and a stout bill, a buffy crown with a black stripe in the middle, a black eye-stripe, and and buffy underparts with bright red on the vent. Upperparts are green, with a blue shoulder patch. It is usually seen foraging on forest floors with thick undergrowth, catching insects in leaf litter. This bird is vocal, giving its characteristic two-noted whistle call at dusk and dawn. [Ebird]
update 202602
Starting the new year with a plan to revisit a wonderful destination. Sri Lanka’s birding is truly world-class. Looking back at my last visit, this bird was a constant companion; we heard it everywhere, and it was remarkably easy to photograph.
– same month again, the bird active late, 3 weeks ago when I am there no bird call or sight. But yesterday, it is so active to gave us everyone very good view. and I only have this angle view after first found it and brought all other guests over to have this bird. last bird of the group..
– Danum Valley still a best place to see this bird, and found this “tame” bird last few hours before we leaving to other destination. But it still give us good look.
– a shy and big bird
– at this situation between tree, branch, the CANON R7 easily lock the bird eye … soon we will forgot whats is “focus points”
– 丹绒谷还是看这鸟最好的地方。在我们离开前2个小时才找到这只蛮乖的。可是它还是让我们看的蛮久的。
– 在这样的情况，树中间，鸟前有阻碍。佳能R7轻松的自己找到鸟眼。我其实就按快门而已。
202208, Sabah, Malaysia
update 2018 Oct 4
update 2018 Aug 24
another good found, birds nearby there for months .. just need patient and luck to see it
– after spent 5 days in lowland forest without ours’ target, decided to spend last day in other kind of forest to have some new tick for customer. Never prepare anything, no worm just go to the “feeding spot” and wait. This bird appear and stand for long for us .. so this consider “feeding” ? (for me yes as without the feeding activities the bird wont be there for us)
– this Pitta would be mist difficult Pitta for myself, exclude the feeding spot picture or sighting. I have only 2 open 1-2s moment to have pictures and total <30s view over the years .. who have non feeding picture ? I know my best buddy and I spent our days and weeks …
– found Borneo, which is black head instead Peninsular Malaysia’s rufous head
update 202510
The special target tour has finally come to an end. Unfortunately, for the first time ever, we missed 2 out of our 3 main targets — a tough pill to swallow. It’s my first time missing them during this special tour. But on the brighter side, we still did very well with many other species, including this beautiful pitta that gave us a great view and photo opportunity.
Such an exciting moment—first, we heard its call nearby, then spotted it quietly resting high up in a tree. It didn’t take long before we all got a great view. Moments like this are what make birding so much fun!
– another bird which can be very easy at certain period but very difficult even have a look at wrong season. But again it is much easier to have a look at feeding spot. Thanks some effort of the birder for keep the good place allow many other photograph this bird as not everyone has so much time (come at right time) for non feeding …
4. Western Hooded Pitta, 绿胸八色鸫, 黑領八色鳥, Pitta sordida, ズグロヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT HIJAU BIASA
– common winter visitor for Peninsular Malaysia
update 202603
This bird is truly a stunner to observe and photograph. It brings back memories of years ago when we trekked just a bit further to capture this same Pitta species with the whole crew. There is nothing like enjoying nature and birding with great friends.
After sharing so many overseas sightings, it’s time to post a familiar face from Malaysia. A very common bird, yet always beautiful to watch and photograph. This winter visitor has been returning to the same spot year after year.
– another bird that I rarely photograph beside feeding spot… this as usual a bird capture at feeding spot. It is tame as usual come together with another lovely Kingfisher
– 这鸟应该是我拍最少野拍八色鸫。这一只是喂食点的，与之前一样都很乖啊。
202403, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
#####
update 202302
– a bird that we use to see it every year before covid but getting difficult to have picture since the lockdown. today lucky moment where this bird seem resting and give good time for me
– look alike blue-winged pitta with very similar call
update 202602
During this season, this bird is surprisingly quiet. It hardly calls at all—just appears silently, perching nearby, preening and resting with very little movement. A calm and peaceful presence in the field.
– another bird found, quite tame too even not feed
– 另一只红树林八色鸫，没喂食拍到还是很不错的。
202404, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
#####
– this bird have abnormal behavior this year, seem get active quite late…
– I am really giving respect to my buddy, friend, bos .. AhLee … how the hack he found this spot for this bird !!! dont think I can imagine this bird just here !
– a raining morning, I got wet without any rain gear.. but the bird also very wet when it show up. Still very dirty look ahh
– 一大早，下雨。我没带雨衣，雨伞。全身都湿湿的，可是这鸟看来也忘了？
202308, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
####
– few months didn’t visit this pitta, amazing.. it gave us a good show just ~3minutes .. but why so dirty !!!
– 几个月没见这鸟，还是很乖3分钟左右就让我们看够够。可是怎么这么难看！
20230731, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202302
– 3rd birds of the new tour, just wait less than 5 minutes this time. stay for long for us
– 这团的第3只鸟。等了3-5分钟就出来了。还很乖的站好好
202302, Selangor, Malaysia
###
– another lucky guests, we just wait less than 10 minutes for a good view and pictures.
– 非常幸运的客人，只等了10分钟。就把这八色鸫拿下。
202302, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202301
– mangrove forest is one most affect by development for pass few years near center of Peninsular Malaysia. Lost many habitat of this pitta since 2014. Getting real difficult to see it.
Mangrove Pitta, 紅樹八色鶇,Pitta megarhyncha, マングローブヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Bakau,
update 2020 Jan 16
a missing or shy “Kuala Lumpur Mangrove Pitta” for almost whole year 2019 birding season … it finally return 2020 hope the small left over Mangrove can be protect for it
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6. Blue-winged pitta, 马来八色鸫, 馬來八色鶇, Pitta moluccensis,ミナミヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT SAYAP BIRU
– mostly winter visitor Nov-April
– also local breed at Northern Peninsular Malaysia
update 202602
A stunning Pitta that many have started to take for granted. Because it’s a common sight every season and easy to capture on camera, its beauty is often ignored. But like clockwork, it returns to the same spot every year, waiting for us.
– 2024 official day1 working, it is faithful start … we arrive the “feeding spot” but without put any “food” the bird just stand there waiting so are we shoot at feeding bird ? … but it is real challenge having long focal length + high megapixel camera … CANON R7 + CANON RF200800. I am shooting ISO6400, F8, 538mm, 1/50
– 在马来西亚雨林，早上真的很不容易拍。高像素+长焦段。佳能R7, RF200800. CANON R7 + CANON RF200800. I am shooting ISO6400, F8, 538mm, 1/50
20240103, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
#####
update 202301
– a winter visitor, look mangrove a like
– really like the R3 video AF it is really track the animal eye non stop even very low light condition
– 马来西亚半岛。12月-4月蛮普通的候鸟。
– 非常喜欢佳能R3视屏对焦。一直对焦动物眼。
#####
– still prefer the old position. this bird simply awesome
– 久的。还是最好。站这非常的美。
update 202301
– same bird, same place after years … it is always a good bird to see and photograph and test new camera.
– 3-4 年了。同一时间，同一点，同一只鸟。可是还是很好看，拍的鸟。可是用来试试新相机，脚架。
202301, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202101
Focal length: 300mm+1.4x tc ISO: 640
F number: 8.0
Shutter Speed: 1/60
4k 16:9, 59.94p, 200 Mbps MOV/H.265 (HEVC) LPCM, 4:2:0 10bit
Zone AutoFocus - can see with the lowlight condition and mess environment the Autofocus will trying to confuse by the nearby moving objects (eg leaf)
update 2020 May 6
Blue-winged pitta ,馬來八色鶇,Pitta moluccensis, ミナミヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Sayap Biru
update 2020 Jan 17
7. Garnet Pitta, 榴红八色鸫, 榴紅八色鶇, Erythropitta granatina, ムラサキヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
– Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak lowland pitta
– call very similar to Blue-Banded Pitta, Malaysian Rail-Babbler
Update 202505
It was exciting to spot one moving on the ground without being disturbed by our presence—there were ten of us constantly shifting around for a better angle. We were lucky to encounter this Pitta without a long wait or much effort.
– this year is good for this Garnet Pitta, my 3rd times seeing this bird (2 times in Taman Negara – Kuala Tahan and now at Merapoh) seem getting better ? easier and more heard ? this feeding station are seem not active lucky to heard it than got it
– one of the star birds of Peninsula Malaysia and it was there for years … just wish no much disturbance because of any reason. And it is no one spot it is a national park for years .. just enjoy the nature and birding
– a wet day, bird seem busy looking for ground food. such a dirty bird
– always a lovely bird to be seen and photograph
– 几天都是下雨天，这鸟特别肮脏。
– 一只看几次都不闷的鸟。
202209, Taman Negara Sg Relau, Kelanatan, Malaysia
update 202105
– this picture capture before the famous birding spot been “build” “Tiger cage”
– forest pitta, overall red-blue-black
– 马来西亚森林的宝石。很美丽的八色鸫。
201504, Pahang, Malaysia
update 2020 May
Garnet Pitta , 榴紅八色鶇,Erythropitta granatina,ムラサキヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
update 2020 May
Garnet Pitta , 榴紅八色鶇，Erythropitta granatina,ムラサキヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
update 2019 Dec
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update 2015 Jun 14
Angry Garnet
8. Malayan Banded-Pitta, 马来蓝尾八色鸫, 馬來藍尾八色鶇, Hydrornis irena，マラヤシマヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT BELANG MELAYU
– Peninsular Malaysia – South Thailand very beautiful “Yellowish” pitta
– a very beautiful forest bird
– male bird with blue on belly 馬來西亞最漂亮的八色鶇之一。
公鳥肚有藍。母鳥全黃黑班。
update 202603
This birding tour has been truly special, with our sights set firmly on the incredible
Pittas. As this journey finally draws to a close, we have just one last stop to make before we head off to Costa Rica. Best of luck to everyone on this final stretch!
Definitely not a lifer—I’ve photographed this species over 50 times! But this is the first time seeing such vibrant colors and such a confiding individual. The bird hide offered an amazing experience with this lovely bird, and everyone was really happy with the results.
This is a stunning female!
Always a pleasure catching up with one of the best birders/guides I know—Matthew and Hoi Ling! He made a short visit and requested a few lifers, so we left KL at 2:30am and headed to Merapoh. Despite the morning rain, we managed to tick off two lifers soon after arrival. Once the rain stopped, we got lucky again with this special lifer—it showed up twice (I missed the first photo opportunity)! Such a stunning Pitta, and a great moment getting both Garnet and this species away from the usual “stage”.
– one of the most beautiful pitta of Malaysia. It is not easy bird to be seen without feeding. But feeding can create problem for the bird ? YES and NO ?
I was supposed to spend my holiday in Taiwan, but plans changed when friends from Taiwan decided to hunt for a few target species here in Borneo instead. Things started off a bit rocky—two of our main targets had vanished before we even arrived, including a specific Pitta that hadn’t been seen for over three weeks.
In birding, you have to be flexible. We shifted focus and successfully photographed several other Borneo endemics and interesting species. Initially, we avoided the Pitta’s feeding spot because other groups had waited days with zero sightings. However, on our very last day, we decided to sit in for one final try.
Less than 30 minutes in, Shu Jen suddenly whispered, “A red bird!” Everyone snapped into action. One person unfortunately missed the first glimpse, so we sat in dead silence, praying for a second chance. Luckily, the bird returned to a log and stayed for 10–20 seconds—plenty of time for everyone to get the shot. What a lucky end to the trip!
One of the most beautiful pittas in Borneo—not rare, but often shy and habitat-specific. We were lucky to enjoy a wonderful encounter with this species at Danum Valley. It might even be the least pitta I see this year (2025)!
– a revisit a same place after 10 years +, the bird still same spot but now handling and feed by local Photographer Subki & Ambo. Make chance to have picture of this beauty of Borneo much easier compare those day… It is quite challenge too, you need patient to sit and wait ….
– a special tour to Sabah for this beautiful Borneo endemic Pitta, it took us long wait even we managed to get other birds while waiting but it just too long and tired waiting but than when the Pitta show everyone just a big relief. A beautiful Pitta ..
10. Black-crowned Pitta, 黑头八色鸫, 黑頭八色鶇, Erythropitta ussheri, クロアカヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA SABAH
– very special Borneo endemic, which limited only to East-North Borneo (Sabah)
– behavior, environment, call same Garnet Pitta (red-crown)
update 202306
– another good moment while we just had short wait at “feeding spot”. The bird came in pair looking left-right-up-down
– beautiful Borneo endemic Pitta which is most common among all other
– 当我们到达‘喂食点“时，等了几分钟。鸟就出来了。2只鸟跳上跳上，好可爱。
– 婆罗洲特有种之一。与其他几种特有种八色鸫，最普通的一种。
202306, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202301
– 2022 is not a pitta year for me. Didn’t have special Pitta tour, and too busy for own photography for Pitta. But this is definitely Pitta I shoot most of 2022. last session of 2022, very dark, handheld, with R7 and RF100500.
– for year 2022, I really feel there are few good options for birder or Bird guide photography setup. for good weight, size, AF and Image quality.
– look at the image quality for this very lowlight condition picture.
– a special Borneo endemic which only for North-East
– many of them singing in the forest, and only this bird show it’s face
– 非常特别的婆罗洲特有种，只限于婆罗洲东北部
– 几乎那都听到这鸟叫，可是就这一只给我们看看。
202205, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202106
– too many pictures of this beauty. and here is one of the video how’s this bird making call which same to Garnet Pitta and similar to Rail-babber, Blue-banded Pitta
– it is Garnet Pitta alike except the crown is full black instead of red
– very special Borneo endemic which is only limited to East-North Borneo island which is Sabah
– 马来西亚算是我见最多的八色鸫。
– 与榴红八色鸫几乎一样。生活环境，叫声，活动方式等。
– 婆罗洲蛮特别的特有种。这只是在东北部（沙巴）
201706, RDC, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
#
update 202101
- a special Borneo endemic which limited to only North-East (Sabah)
- call, behavior same as Garnet Pitta - one of the Pitta I photograph most
#
update 2020 May 9
Black-headed pitta, 黑頭八色鶇, Erythropitta ussheri, クロアカヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA SABAH
11. Blue-headed Pitta, 蓝头八色鸫, 藍頭八色鶇, Hydrornis baudii, ズアオヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Kepala Biru
– another Borneo lowland endemic
– male have blue-head, red-back, purple-blue chest-bellied. female overall with blue-tailed.
– 婆罗洲特有种。
– 公鸟-蓝头，尾。红背。胸腹是紫蓝。母鸟都是棕色，蓝尾
update 202510
Another rewarding visit to Danum Valley! As usual during this season, this beautiful pitta showed well — just about 50 meters from the lodge lobby. It stood in the open and called for a while, giving us a great view to start our day!
It’s a great way to start the month with two sightings of this stunning Borneo endemic Pitta. It wasn’t far, but I stuck with my 500mm lens, avoiding getting closer to disturb it before others had their chance to capture it. Such incredible colors!
– another bird always to look for when we are at Borneo. This month, we saw it few times at Danum Valley and Tabin. Amazing colors on this particular bird.
– it is always good reason to visit Danum Valley for this wonderful Pitta, this bird can be either very challenge or very easy to see especially the right time and place. (plan for right time, the bird can be like this one just give up show infront of 10 of us and stay for photo)
– when the time come, right season make this so much easier ..compare to last few months. The bird just come and check and I am just ~10 feet from him. I think this is one of the Pitta I really enjoy to see its’ behavior than waiting for hours in spot … so much fun to see ~5 birds just 2 km in the trail .. 3 of them gave me good chance to have photographs
– it is not a new site for this feeding station, 12-13 years ago I got my Blue-headed Pitta similar site and it is not feeding .. the bird just there and it was very fun trip with few good buddies .. Andy Pau, Jasnnie, Ah Lee, Shunfa .. this time we went for feed !!! but the bird came while we arrive and came infornt of me ~4-5feet away without food or hide !!! But after wait for 3 hours .. it came with a chick few times but not the male .. it is a tough time spent with almost 8 hours for Blue-Banded and 3 hours for no male … but this female really beautiful and I think I never got any good picture of female of this bird
– working on some old hdd transfer to new backup-working hardiscs . This is one of the most amazing moment I meet this bird so far, it keep chasing us from ~100m away
– 在搬硬碟，这是6年前的非常兴奋的一刻。这鸟一直跟着我们。
201708, Danum Valley, Sabah
update 202309
– it is so tame, 9 people standing 10feet from it.. it still coming back same area just slow and display a bit for picture … so amazing to see this behaviors again
– a special moment that miss and match. Safety is most important …
– 突然出来。也错过了另一只鸟。什么都好，安全第一。
#
13. Fairy pitta, 仙八色鸫, 仙八色鶇, Pitta nympha, ヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT UTARA
– a rare winter visitor to North Borneo (Nov-April)
Indonesia
51. Sulawesi Pitta, 苏拉威西八色鸫, 蘇拉威西八色鳥, Erythropitta celebensis, スラウェシヤイロチョウ, Paok sulawesi
– small and red-bellied pitta
– a split from Red-bellied pitta, as the name stated. An endemic of Sulawesi.
– previously under Red-bellied Pitta and split
– one of the lovely endemic
– 紅胸八色鶇分出來的
– 蘇拉威西特有種。
update 202608
What an incredible bird photography trip! Over 10 days, we successfully encountered five species of Pitta. Despite navigating flight schedule shifts, windy conditions, and ferry timetables, we managed to help most of our guests photograph their primary target species—including this remarkable Sulawesi endemic.
This particular individual was easily one of the most tame Pittas we have ever observed, remaining just half a meter away from the hide owner.
– previously under the same species of Banded Pitta which now split to 3 different species. Malayan Banded Pitta, Borneo Banded Pitta, and Javan Banded Pitta. all of them with slightly different looks especially male. But all with the same call, behavior.
– 之前与其他两种马来亚，与婆罗洲归为同种。叫声一样。
– 爪哇特有种
update 202607
My very first photograph of this Pitta was taken exactly 10 years ago in 2016. I still remember the temporary bird hides we used back then, and how incredibly shy the bird was, appearing for only a split second. This time around, almost every bird hide and photography spot yielded an amazing show. Nobody can resist a bird as colorful as a Pitta, so everyone just kept pressing their shutters for this lovely creature.
– another “Red-bellied” pitta, and it classified as North Moluccan Pitta which is endemic of Halmahera.
– it is very near to Ivory-Breasted Pitta spot
– 另一只“红胸八色鸫”分出来的摩鹿加特有种。
#####
update 202602
It is always the most rewarding and enjoyable experience to see a Pitta without using feeding. During our last visit to Halmahera, we were told that one Pitta was active in the area, even though it was not being fed. Still, everyone was excited to give it a try. The rule was simple: stay completely still, photograph only what appears in front of you, and make no movement or sound. After nearly two hours of patience, everyone was rewarded with great views and satisfying photos of this non-fed Pitta. Many thanks to my team for always placing their trust in me.
– the Bird making call on tree and stand there for so long ..
– 这鸟一直在树上叫。叫了好几个小时。
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update 202310
– another “different look” North Moluccan which photograph at feeding station at Ternate Island
– a not very easy walk as keep going steep downward sloop
– 另一只北摩鹿加八色鸫，在不一样的岛拍的。样子有点不一样。这个喂食点，也不是太容易。。。一直往下走。
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202304, Center Halmahera, Indonesia
#
54. Ivory-breasted Pitta, 白胸八色鸫, 牙白胸八色鳥, Pitta maxima
A distinctive large, plump, short-tailed, long-legged forest bird with a black upperside and white underside, a striking red area on the lower belly, and a conspicuous silvery-blue shoulder patch. Juvenile duller, with buff on underparts. Shy, more often heard than seen. Usually found singly or in pairs in humid lowland and hill forest. Forages on the ground, but while calling often perches high in the understory or canopy. Very vocal; frequently given song is a mournful wolf whistle. [Ebird]
– 非常大的八色鸫。背部全黑。前部白+红。很特别。在这岛上，几乎那都听到这鸟的叫声。
update 202608
One of the primary target species on our Sulawesi & Halmahera bird photography tour is this large pitta, which remarkably resembles a penguin. We didn’t have to wait long before two birds showed up, offering us fantastic views. However, this large pitta moved quickly, making it a bit of a challenge to get a clean shot.
– arrived Halmahera, before anything go for this main target … due to long travel everyone seem tired but luckily the bird appear not that long compare to other waiting 😀 and it is huge in size, some with 800mm little bit suffer to take whole bird into frame
– post this before I get busy months again. This is one of the most amazing experience on this trip. When day 1 arrived with heavy rain, after rain stop we did quick birding surrounding our homestay. when we walk near the river, owner say why not we go for quick try on the Pitta and keep mentioned “if the bird is nearby or little bit distance he can do pick-up service” !! (I am thinking pick-up service hmmm). But the bird came without long wait or any issue. (so we missed the pick-up service show)
– next day after Standardwing BOP, we walk back to homestay and pass by the Pitta spot. We would like to try for this pitta again for male. After long wait (~15minutes) , he say the bird is far lets’ him pick-up the pitta .. I was like hmm how ? But he walk into the bush and use whistler/call. After ~10minutes wait, we heard the bird call getting nearer and soon we saw him walking out from the bush. and you can see the Pitta is following him coming out from the bush (may be ~10-15m away) !!!!!! “pick up service”
a very similar to Borneo Black-headed Pitta and Garnet pitta call and similar look. But it is an endemic to Sumatra island
– 与婆罗洲的黑头八色鸫，西马的榴红八色鸫非常像。叫声也很像。
update 202411
– this year seem not much luck on this bird, not that many sighting compare to last year and each sight very short time for picture opportunity. Luckily that still managed to have few click before it disappear.
– while we looking for the Ground-cuckoo, that area actually plenty of this Pitta. We saw one just 3-5feet from us stand there and cannot take any picture and this bird same just came to us and look at us .. beautiful moment even not a good picture compare to previous feeding station picture but it is a different satisfaction to find one wild..
– saw this bird yesterday while waiting ours target, the bird stand 5 feed at us looking at us and definitely not able to focus to have a picture. Today, go to the “easy side” but 2 landslides happen car cannot drive through, we birding and walk ~8km to reach. While we cooking coffee, the bird calling and came…
another “green pitta” almost can heard any where of “east Sumba” almost like other Pitta, so difficult to spot one even can heard many places
– 另一只绿色八色鸫，在东部几乎那都听到。可是与其他八色鸫一样都是听多过看。
#####
update 202401
– one of the main target, but know it is “feeding spot” it make we not worry of this bird to be photograph. after first night failed of owling, everyone seem tired next day and choose to go the “station”. When we arrive just after <30minute drive from ours hotel and walk less than 5 minutes, the local who manage the “hide” say bird already seen so immediate everyone getting ready the “big lens and camera”. without long wait we have very good view and picture but very quick one than stay near bush for quite some time before 2nd appearance and after 2nd round it stay nearby and I got this picture which I think I prefer this instead perfect view 😀
Large-headed and long-legged, this rare and rotund Sumatran endemic is found only in foothill forests between 900 to 2400 meters (typically in the upper half), where it is most easily detected by its strange song, a spaceship-like “oowOOOOwooWOOH.” Male has a sky-blue back and incomplete black collar, while the female has a dull brownish back and a dull blue tail. [EBird]
update 202610
It was a challenging trip, as we didn’t get any sight or call of this Pitta on our first day at Mount Kerinci. However, on day two, as we walked up in the morning, a female was perched right there for everyone to see, despite the very dark lighting. Shortly after, the male visited the Dwi bird hide several times. What a lucky day to see this endemic Pitta, made even more special after such a wonderful session with the handsome male.
– One of our main targets for this trip, but it didn’t show up at the “feeding spot.” After waiting at two locations, it suddenly appeared not far away. Everyone quickly grabbed their gear, and although it remained tame, it never came to the feeding spot. Still, we were thrilled to see the female, especially since we missed it last year—though this year, we missed the male!
A typical pitta: plump, short-tailed, long-legged, and primarily terrestrial (sometimes perches up to call). Bright green above with electric blue shoulder patch and rump and black head with conspicuous pale brow. Underside golden-buff with black and bright red on the belly. Juvenile duller, with little blue in wing, an orange-tipped bill, and a pinkish belly. Resident in woodland, forest, scrub, and plantations in the lowlands and hills of the Lesser Sundas, from Lombok east to Alor. Formerly regarded as a subspecies of Elegant Pitta, to which it is very similar; Ornate averages more extensively black on the throat and lower belly, and has a fairly evenly divided rufous-and-white “eyebrow.” Also note Ornate’s whistled two-note call [Ebird]
After successfully getting all our target birds, we took it easy and birded along the main forest road. Suddenly, 3–4 of these Pittas started calling nearby, and one of them came as close as 10 feet from me!
This individual even stood out in the open for 2–3 minutes, giving us a fantastic natural encounter—not at a feeding station, but in the wild. A very different kind of excitement.
Hope everyone enjoyed this Lombok bird photography trip. And Imran—see you next time!
Finally had the chance to revisit this spot again. As usual, the Pitta was quite tame but didn’t make it easy for everyone to get a good shot. Still, I was lucky enough to get a satisfying photo.
Despite the light drizzle, we managed to photograph two of our main targets during this one evening session.
A special arrangement was made with Ramesh for a relaxing birding trip focused on collecting a few endemic species. As usual, pittas, owls, and woodpeckers were our primary targets. Upon arriving at the airport, we had a ~1.5-hour drive followed by a short walk to the feeding spot. After less than 15 minutes of waiting, the bird showed up beautifully, allowing for this “pre-poo” moment to be captured perfectly.
update 202503 ##### This is one of the most photogenic Pittas ever captured. It constantly showcases different expressions and responds to calls from both males and females—sometimes even standing nearby while calling repeatedly.
This was another tricky bird to get! We spent two hours on the first afternoon, and only I managed to get a partial shot of the head and body. The next day trying for Papuan Pitta was another tough one—again, I was the only one who got a photo. On our final evening, Ahmad suggested trying a new bird hide. （bird not come for feed) —just walked and flew around. But in the end, everyone finally got a look at this Papua endemic!
This bird showed up a few times throughout our West Papua trip and became one of our frequently seen species. Unfortunately, only I managed to get some record shots—others only saw it walk past! It actually paused in this spot for around 4 seconds, but due to the bird hide’s viewing angle, not everyone could get a photo.
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
62. Banda Sea Pitta, 斑达八色鸫, 斑達八色鶇, Pitta vigorsii, バンダカイノドグロヤイロチョウ
update 202511
This Indonesia bird photography trip was a last-minute decision, but it turned out to be quite a successful one. One of our target birds showed up early, and I managed to capture this shot using Canon R1 at ISO16000—surprisingly good results despite the low light!
The Minahasa Hooded Pitta (Pitta forsteni) is an elusive species, and we had dipped on it multiple times in the past since it only tends to show during very specific windows in Tangkoko.
This time around, our timing was spot on. Though it gave us the slip on our first evening, the following morning rewarded us with an unforgettable encounter with this rare Sulawesi specialty. To top it all off, it even came hopping right over and stood barely a meter in front of us!
101. Blue Pitta, 蓝八色鸫, 藍八色鶇, Hydrornis cyaneus, ルリヤイロチョウ
Only the male of this rotund ground-dweller is truly blue; the female only has a hint of blue on the rump and tail. Male is brilliant and eye-catching if seen well: sky-blue on the back with a polka-dotted light blue breast and belly. Female has gray-brown wings and finely barred white underparts. Both sexes boast a pale face and a thin black eyebrow, above which flames a lava-red crown (darker in males than in females) (Ebird)
A plump, short-tailed, long-legged terrestrial bird with a red belly, a black throat, a blue chest band, and a ruddy-colored head. Juvenile is dull brown with blue in rump and tail and a horn-colored bill with a pale tip and base. Singles or pairs inhabit forest, degraded patches, and bamboo thickets in lowlands and hills. Differs from Whiskered Pitta in smaller size, black throat, lack of a pale whisker, and more extensive ruddy head coloration. (EBird)
– medium size barbet, normally found mangrove and urban garden/forest
Lineated Barbet ,绿拟啄木鸟
3. Black-browed Barbet, 黑眉拟鴷, 黑眉擬鴷, Psilopogon oorti, ゴシキドリ, TAKUR BUKIT BIASA
– sub-monatane colorful bird
– very common at Fraser Hill
update 202408
– another day with CANON new R5markii, I cannot do too many testing while working with guests. But I really trying to test the AF, AF tracking my best with the option I have. This picture show how the camera can quickly found the bird even with not much contrast .. it found the eye immediate I point the camera to the bird.
– it is not really that normal to see Barbet feed on insect, it feed 2 (a big cicada before this) and not far it is fruiting tree.. it is always good to see this bird close and eye level
– 在福隆港虽然很普通的鸟，应该也没什么见过这鸟吃“肉” 吧。见到它吃第二只。在近距离就有果树啊。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202309
– before we start ours day, this bird just stand at eye level outside ours’ hotel. spend few minutes to have good view and picture for this common bird of Fraser Hill
– 一大早，这鸟在我们酒店门口下来很低。我们都高兴的拍到好照片。这时福隆港普鸟
202305, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202207
– a very common Barbet that always heard at Fraser Hill. But always good to see it at same eye level
– 福隆港很普通的鸟，满山都可以听到他的声音。可是在低角度看到它，还是很美的鸟。
202207, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#
Black-browed Barbet, 五色鳥
4. Mountain Barbet, 山拟鴷, 山擬鴷,Megalaima monticola, ヤマゴシキドリ, TAKUR BUKIT BORNEO
– Borneo sub-montane endemic
– medium size, pale color
update 202606
It was a wonderful morning! While we managed to spot around 16 Bornean endemics, this particular species had been silent and nowhere to be found all day. Just as we were heading to our final stop before lunch, it suddenly flew in from the undergrowth and perched on a low branch. It stayed there long enough for me to wait for the vehicle, grab my camera, and capture the moment while it continued to call from the same tree.
This is one of the best spots to photograph this beautiful Borneo endemic—it comes close and low if we stay calm and respectful. We had a great session earlier, but my guest wanted to try again, maybe from a different angle.
When we returned, another group with a tour leader arrived after spotting the bird. Unfortunately, they stood way too close—just 1–2 meters from the fruiting tree where the bird was feeding. Isn’t it basic birding etiquette to give the bird space if we want better views and photos?
Anyway, we were already happy with our previous shots. After the group left, the bird came close again, almost like saying goodbye—what a lovely way to end the tour.
This Borneo endemic is far from dull—when sunlight hits its feathers, it reveals a surprisingly beautiful display of color.
这种婆罗洲特有种一点也不单调——当阳光照射在它的羽毛上时，展现出令人惊艳的美丽色彩。
202506, Crocker range, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202503
It’s a chilly day at 16°C with strong winds. The morning was lovely, though the afternoon turned misty. Fortunately, after the rain and misty period, we were lucky to spot both endemic Barbets up close, including this adorable one.
– another visit of this lovely forest, good weather…good birds (montane and sub-montane). While we trying to find few of ours target, found this bird busy making some hole .. lovely Borneo endemic
– a boring day, we came for both Bornean and Mountain Barbets but both no calling at all for almost an hour. But it is lucky to sudden spot this bird low and near just next to road side feeding on flower ..
– another not so common endemic to be Photograph, but it is always heard at Sub-montane forest
– 另一只特有种通常都是听，可是没什么办法拍好的婆罗洲特有种。
202311 – Tambunan, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202310
– just another common heard, or high up view bird. but today it decided to come low and making call to allow us to capture some good photo of this endemic
– 婆罗洲另一只通常听到，站高高的鸟。可是今天他很乖的下来叫还要让我们拍。
202309, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
update 2020 April 16
#######
5. Brown Barbet, 褐拟鴷, 褐擬鴷, Caloramphus fuliginosus, チャイロゴシキドリ, TAKUR-DAHAN BORNEO
a Borneo endemic , lovely bird that making noisy around
update 202605
We see this bird quite often, but because its colors are a bit more subtle than other barbets, we rarely give it a second look. Today, it came surprisingly close, reminding us that even the most ‘ordinary’ visitors deserve our attention.
我们经常见到这种鸟，但因为它不像其他拟啄木鸟那样艳丽，我们很少认真观察它。不过今天它离我们很近。
202604, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202408
– a pretty common Borneo lowland endemic, normally moving in group. lucky to have this eye level view.
– 婆罗洲低海拔特有种，蛮普通。通常群体活动。非常幸运拍到这么好的角度。
202408, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
#####
update 202406
– a not so attractive Borneo endemic and pretty common across the Borneo lowland forest.
– overall brown with “red leg”
– 一只不大有吸引力的婆罗洲特有种。也蛮普通。
– 几乎褐色+红脚
202405, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– a pretty common Borneo endemic making some high pitch call, normally moving in group
– overall brown with reddish leg
– got this almost eye level at canopy with small fruiting tree
– 婆罗洲蛮普通的鸟，叫声有点小高音
– 几乎都是褐色，红脚。
– 在天空吊桥在近距离看到。
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 20230124
– the only brown or boring looking Barbet of Malaysia. But it still look gorgeous.
– 马来西亚唯一的棕色或看起来很无聊的擬鴷。但它看起来仍然很华丽。
202312, RDC, SABAH, Malaysia
update 2017 Oct 17
6. Sooty Barbet, 马来褐拟鴷, 馬來褐擬鴷, Caloramphus hayii, ススイロゴシキドリ, TAKUR-DAHAN MELAYU
– split from Brown Barbet which now Bornean Endemic
– the only plain color Barbet of Malaysia, normally moving in a group
update 202507
It was a quiet day birding with a few close friends at this birding spot. Not much action, but luckily, this species came to the rescue—four of them called nearby and came in close, giving everyone a chance for some great photos.
– this is my casual birding spot, same branch with more than 10 species birds bird stand here for us. This common Barbet make it’s appear when the tree with quite a lot of flower
It’s a rare treat when this bird comes down so low, especially without a fruiting tree nearby to draw it in. This time, luck was on our side and it stayed long enough for some incredible, clear shots!
– a visit to Merapoh Canopy walk, and there is fruiting tree just at right time. Managed to have few good birds and this is one good allow us for good photo
– 到Merapoh, 有点时间去了新的雨林吊桥.也很巧，有果树。看到蛮多好鸟，这一只也来的很近
202311, Merapoh, Kelantan, Malaysia
####
update 202103
– a very good morning walk, manage to have an owl, barbet, and 3 species of Iora (same tree) and etc for a good photo opportunity
– this tiny barbet also join the Iora party
– 早上到森林周边走走。竟然遇上马来西亚3种雀鹎还要在同一棵树。
– 这小小的蓝耳拟鴷也一起来趁热闹。
202103, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202012
#######
8. Bornean Barbet, 加里曼丹拟鴷, 加里曼丹擬鴷,Megalaima eximia, ノドグロゴシキドリ, TAKUR TUKANG GUNUNG
– Borneo sub-montane Endemic
– small and very colorful Barbet
update 202503
This is one of Borneo’s small endemic birds, often heard but rarely seen or photographed. However, this time, it perched right in front of us, offering an exceptional view.
– a small Borneo endemic Barbet, which normally heard but not easy to spot and due to the size. It is always difficult to photograph. Overall very bright color with blue face.
– what a lucky moment saw this bird perch low even not really close .. but still always good to see it here..
– 一直很小的婆罗洲特有种。通常站高，叫不停。不容易见到活拍好。脸不带蓝+红。
– 非常幸运在这看到它这么低，虽然还是有点距离。可是这个角度看他还是非常好棒的。
202309, Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202311
– one of the small barbet of Borneo, pretty common to heard at Trusmadi – Bakelalan
– 婆罗洲特有种，蛮小，普通。可是还是不容易见到他。
202309, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
####
update 202309
– special target tour, suppose to be last day target but when after ours “chickens” target.. it is a fruiting tree full of barbet calling. very soon we tick both Mountain and Bornean barbet
9. Fire-tufted Barbet, 火簇拟鴷, 火簇擬鴷, Psilopogon pyrolophus, アカフサゴシキドリ, TAKUR API
– big size Barbet, found sub-montane – montane
– common at Fraser Hill , Cameron Highlands
update 202403
– another not so common for a Barbet feed on insect but not bring back to feed young. As usual this beautiful Barbet attract all ours attention …
– 这拟鴷还是这么美丽，可是还是蛮不寻常。他们吃昆虫而不是果子，通常在喂小孩时会带回去喂。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202309
– target bird no sound at all any where, decided just birding on roadside. found this bird so close feeding for more than 15minutes
– 目标鸟没出现。决定在马路上随便看看鸟，竟然看到这漂亮的鸟在哪吃东西都不理我们。
202309, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202307
– not really spend a lot of time at Fraser Hill 2023, but last tour we had very good time there with this lovely and beautiful barbet stand together
– a very common Barbet to be seen at Fraser Hill
– 2023 没太多时间在福隆港。上一团还是很不错，这里的普鸟还站一起让我们拍照。
202307, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202303
– time for cicada, it is feeding chick. We see this barbet commonly feed on fruit. But when nesting time, it do bring back insect for feeding the young
– 这鸟通常都是吃果子的。在筑巢时，有时会喂小鸟吃虫。
202303, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202208
– one of the large Barbet, which show a lot of characters. Very common in Fraser Hill
– 蛮大的鸟。在福隆港蛮普通。
202208, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202106
– big size barbet, which wont mistake by the forehead “fire-tufted”, gray-cheek, overall green, neck with yellow-white band
After getting our main target—the Malaysian Rail-babbler—we enjoyed a more relaxed birding session. This bird had been calling loudly for a few days, but we were too focused on the Rail-babbler to pay much attention.
Finally, we took the time to look for it—and wow, it really is a gorgeous bird!
What a wonderful morning in the field! We were treated to some incredible sightings, including the Malayan Peacock-Pheasant, Cinnamon-rumped Trogon, Banded Kingfisher, and Rufous-collared Kingfisher. Following a distinct drumming sound, it did not take long for this lovely bird to descend to a lower branch.
What a wonderful stretch—after seeing the Bornean Bristlehead and Bornean Banded Pitta, this beautiful barbet showed up right at eye level for us to enjoy!
这是非常精彩的时刻！看完婆罗洲棘头鵙和婆罗洲斑八色鸫后，这只漂亮的拟啄木鸟就在我们眼前出现！
202508, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– it is a good fruiting tree, gave us very good view (eye level) of few good birds. Included this lovely colorful Barbet
– 这果树真的很好，好几只好鸟都是平视角。包括这只非常漂亮的鸟。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202102
202009, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
###
12. Golden-naped Barbet, 金枕拟鴷, 金枕擬鴷, Psilopogon pulcherrimus, キエリゴシキドリ, TAKUR TOPENG HITAM GUNUNG
– common montane Borneo Endemic
– very common found at KNP, Sabah
The highest-ranging of Borneo’s endemic barbets, found in montane forest from 1000 m up to 3000 m or more. Stunning emerald-green with neon-powder-blue crown and throat; namesake golden nape only visible from certain angles. Yellow-crowned Barbet is similar in appearance, but the two do not overlap in altitudinal range. Slow-moving and often difficult to locate; forages at middle and upper levels. Best detected by voice: two bright, hollow-sounding notes followed by a brief ascending trill. [EBird]
update 202509
One of the most common and easiest Borneo endemic barbets to see. This species often comes down to feed and is quite tolerant of people.
We were lucky to get a few great photo opportunities with this beautiful bird.
这是婆罗洲最常见、最容易看到的特有拟啄木鸟之一，通常会飞到低处觅食，也不太怕人。
我们很幸运，有几次不错的拍照机会，记录下这只可爱的鸟。
202509, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202407
– a lovely Borneo montane endemic, the color just amazing combination
– a last bird just before we leave KNP, it stay there so long even I back to car and took my pack camera,
– a bird use to easy to get a good photo but it become more patient needed for better picture .. and this picture like the bird : “are you looking for me ? ”
– 这鸟， 越来越不好拍。以前几乎很近，很容易。现在耐心+运气缺少不行啊。
202404, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
####
update 202311
– common Montane endemic, as other Barbet, it is always heard but perch high-up.
– 婆罗洲高山特有种。如其他拟鴷。通常站高高的叫不停
201603, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
13. Yellow-crowned Barbet, 黄顶拟鴷, 黃頂擬鴷, Psilopogon henricii, キンカブリゴシキドリ, TAKUR TOPENG HITAM BIASA
– a not so common medium size Barbet
– not difficult to ID , as without Red and crown – Yellow Gold
update 202406
– a common heard but seldom seen Barbet, it is most attractive Barbet but sure a beautiful bird to photograph
– 一只通常听到看不到的鸟。虽然不是很吸引人的鸟，可是还是很色彩的鸟。
202206, Ulu Langat, Selangor
#####
14. Golden-throated Barbet, 金喉拟鴷, 金喉擬鴷, Psilopogon franklinii, キンノドゴシキドリ, TAKUR SAYAP TARUM BIASA
– montane and only Peninsular Malaysia but not Borneo
update 202408
– a Barbet that not that common in Fraser Hill area, but it is show well for few days here. with the complex environment. The new CANON R5markii, full area focus found the bird almost immediate. I really like the R5markii … you ?
– it is under the same species but looks different from the one found in Peninsular Malaysia. The Bali one, head over all more red-black instead of red-yellow-black
– 与马来西亚半岛的头部很不一样。红-黑而已。
update 202105
201605, West Balu National Park, Bali, Indonesia
52. Fire-tufted Barbet, 火簇拟鴷, 火簇擬啄木鳥, Psilopogon pyrolophus, アカフサゴシキドリ, TAKUR API, Burung Takor Api
update 202411
– This is one of the most common birds at Fraser’s Hill, Malaysia, but its beauty never fails to captivate me. I never tire of seeing or photographing it, even when we’re in Sumatra, Indonesia. My buddy and I were hiking to find other targets, with no much luck—only hearing calls without seeing anything. Then, this bird appeared, coming down low to feed, offering us a perfect opportunity.
Although this isn’t a lifer, it’s the very first time we’ve had the chance to photograph this bird from such a close and low angle. It looks remarkably similar to the Yellow-crowned Barbet. What a wonderful month—fruiting trees are everywhere, making it easy to spot all the barbets of Bali. But this time, this Yellow-eared Barbet came exceptionally low and close to us.
It is another species endemic to Sri Lanka, primarily green-yellow with a blue face. It is fairly common throughout the country.
它是另一种斯里兰卡特有种，整体呈绿色和黄色，脸部呈蓝色，在该国相当常见。
202312, Sri Lanka
150. Great Barbet, 大拟啄木鸟, 大擬啄木, Psilopogon virens, オオゴシキドリ
This largest of the barbets is colorful, but often appears all-dark from a distance. No other barbet in its range combines the features of a massive pale bill, black head, and dark olive back. Sluggish and shy; tends to stick to dense forest canopy, where it is difficult to see. Its loud hooting song (typically a series of two repetitive notes) is often the only indication of this species’s presence. Also gives a harsh, screaming “karrrrr” that has a gull-like quality. [Ebird]
I’ve seen this bird many times in various places but never had the chance to capture a photo—until now. Here, we finally had numerous opportunities to take some great shots.
Seeing the photo afterward was a completely different kind of excitement, as the vibrant colors that define the bird truly stood out. Simply incredible!
A common inhabitant of lowland and foothill tropical forests, where it sings brightly but often unseen from the canopy; listen for its repeated 3- or 4-syllabled ‘took-o-rrook!’ Tends to be more common in edge areas and degraded forests than other barbets. Bright green with a blue throat, a red-and-yellow crown, and a heavy, pale-based bill. Birds at the northern and western parts of this species’ range have a black brow, while southern birds don’t. [Ebird]
A vibrant bird with a predominantly blue head, commonly found in BaiHuaLing, Yunnan, China. Its calls are nearly constant throughout the area, and it occasionally comes down to forage for food and water.
This was our very first Barbet of the tour, and it couldn’t have been better. The bird perched unusually low and very close to us. I still remember my first Tinkerbird sighting—way up in the canopy, 20–30 meters high. This cute fellow, however, stayed low and fed calmly just a short distance away.
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Blue pitta, 藍八色鶇,Hydrornis cyaneus
