– very brightly colors Trogon and very similar to Javan Trogon.. it is so many colors put on this Sumatra endemic
– 颜色非常鲜艳，与爪哇岛的非常像是。苏门答腊特有种。
update 202512
2025 has been so hectic that I didn’t even get a chance to visit this place—I really miss both the location and its birds. This stunning endemic trogon from Sumatra remains one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in Indonesia.
– On the last day of the trip, the bird came incredibly close and low, but the heavy mist made it difficult to capture a clear shot. I attempted to photograph it in flight and managed to get a few shots, though the image quality suffered due to the mist and low light conditions.
– One of the primary reasons to visit Sumatra Island in Indonesia is to witness this incredible endemic species. I must say, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of this bird when viewed through binoculars or a camera lens.
– Like other Trogons, it feeds incredibly quickly, finishing its meal in mere seconds.
– One of the primary reasons to visit Sumatra Island in Indonesia is to witness this incredible endemic species. I must say, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of this bird when viewed through binoculars or a camera lens.
– During our 6-day photography trip, we encountered this bird multiple times. On the final evening, despite the misty weather, we were fortunate to see it flying around to feed. It was the perfect chance to capture some shots of it in flight (BIF). The new Canon R1 made photographing BIF much easier, even in the challenging jungle environment.
– It’s an incredibly striking bird, with colors that might seem mismatched but come together beautifully in a single species. Truly stunning, and it’s fairly common in Sumatra’s sub-montane and montane regions.
– Returning to the Center-East for a bird photography group, we were fortunate to spot this bird on the very first morning. A stunning male appeared, displaying a vibrant array of colors on its back.
– just another beautiful bird that we saw it before heavy rain. It was under the shade very dark. Bird color cannot been seen, push the ISO10000 at F9 shutter speed still 1/30s …
– it is going to end the Sumatra Birding tour here, it is enjoyable we only hit into rain end of the tour which is amazing. My 2023 end with the memorize trip here. But overall is wet, muddy and few places of landslides. As we just concentrate on west-center, we mostly at Sub-montane or Montane birding. I am mostly using CANON RF200800 and CANON R3 for rainforest environment. It is challenging with such long focal length with small aperture (will share more experience later regard the lens)
– this bird seem quite common any where here, we seen and heard almost any where even night roosting at montane area. Such a beautiful bird and hope to see the Java version soon (which I missed 16 years ago)
– another Christmas spend with my best guest, buddy .. this time choose have special target tour to Sumatra. After whole day travel, we arrived first birding accommodation from 4am – 4pm .. 1+ hour flight and ~7hours drive ..next day morning, we decided to change ours original plan for Ground Cuckoo, but I didn’t see one and only heard twice for almost whole day in a very lovely forest.
– this bird flying in-front of us while we waiting ours target and having ours hot tea session. What a beauty, still remember ~18 years ago I missed my Java trogon … and today see this very look a-like endemic of Sumatra ..
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…
– active and moving within bushes and making various sharp, loud call
– 移动快在丛里，叫的蛮好听+响亮。
update 202312
– arrived the famous Tapan road, stop the first location as saw the whistling-thrush on the road and not long heard a not so familiar call and soon Dwi say it is a babbler and make some small effort to have it in view and not so open photo due to very lowlight. In the noon time very soon we have another chance to photograph it ..
– a very beautiful Ground-Cuckoo and it is as beautiful as the Bornean Ground-Cuckoo. it is shy, move fast on ground
– 非常漂亮的地鹃，就如婆罗洲地鹃一样的美。通常害羞+在地上快速走动
update 202412
Before I get busy again, I’d like to share an unforgettable moment from our photography trip to Sumatra. On Day 1, one of our members faced a “viewfinder” issue with the Canon R5 Mark II. While everything in the viewfinder appeared blurry, the AF points were still visible, and remarkably, every captured image was perfectly focused on the right subject—especially the bird’s eyes!
Shooting without a clear view through the viewfinder is no easy task, yet it’s incredible how this member managed to capture all the key targets with perfect bird-eye focus, relying entirely on the camera’s animal eye detection system. This even included the rare and stunning ground cuckoo.
在我再次忙碌之前，想分享我们苏门答腊摄影之旅中一个难忘的时刻。第一天，我们的一位队员的佳能 R5 Mark II 遇到了“取景器”问题。尽管取景器中的画面完全是模糊的，但自动对焦点仍然可见，令人惊讶的是，所有拍摄的照片都完美地对焦在目标上——尤其是鸟的眼睛！
– Last year, after searching for this beautiful bird for two days with another group, we were rewarded with an incredible view. From that experience, we learned that waiting patiently wasn’t enough—we needed to act quickly. Determined, we formed another group to return a year later. This time, on the first day, we only heard the bird but couldn’t catch a glimpse of it. However, on the second day, our efforts paid off with an amazing sighting of this rare and stunning endemic species of Sumatra. Happy for the group!
– no one can explain how excited we were when we got this super good view of this bird after 2 full morning waiting and this beautiful bird give us amazing view at the “not common” spot
– 很难讲诉我们当时的心情，等了2天后。这鸟在“鸟点”外出现。真的太美，兴奋。
20231225, Sg Penuh, Sumatra.
#####
update 202312
– one of ours Sumatra birding main target
– we spend 1 morning at “promising spot” but bird no show, and spend next morning again but just heard it 2 times. But luckily we make decision to walk around and finally with the Dwi sharing the behavior of the bird… manage to have good view and picture.
– a large and rare Pitta with overall blue and brown for male, large beak
update 202411
– 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 target bird, we found one while ours night birding after we got ours Rajah Scops-Owl. Happy to found one, before we heading to “feeding spot”. But we only have 2 chance which happen before enough light for better quality of picture.
– Any how it is 20th Pitta for guest…
– Am using new CANON RF200800 which is small aperture lens. But with a travel tripod assist, I managed to have most the picture hit on at ~1/10-1/30
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)
8. 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
– overall bulbul, leafbird and most of the colorful birds, songbirds are very low density at west Sumatra
– 一只非常有条纹的鹎，整体呈灰色。
– 在苏门答腊，鹎，叶鹎，鸠都几乎很难看到。
update 202401
– the famous Tapan road had few landslides so we mostly walking at the road (~15-20km) but overall Bulbul, leafbirds, dove almost not heard or visible … but this endemic came down to feed berry while we have good view of ~12 Blue Nuthatch.
– as other frogmouth it should be nocturnal and always good to meet one in day time look cute.
– 蟆口鸱是夜行鸟，早上见到他绝对是兴奋的一克
update 20240108
– one of ours main target, but missed the night and morning version on day1. But got it on day 2 for both night and day version. It really look like Bornean Frogmouth with “short” tailed
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 Wren-Babbler this one same moving really fast and active surprise it is not very shy. Moving in pair and bush fast
– 与其他鹪鹛一样动作非常快，草丛中跳来跳去，可是好像不是很害羞。
update 202401
– almost not possible to get the picture of this endemic bird with bird watcher … but lucky or not so lucky the main target is no show … while we waiting, I personal looking for this bird and lucky to have this better moment for photo and I actually got 3 in 1 frame.
– very common along the Tapan road, but just no luck to have better photo opportunity. Typical treepie call and big-long bird
update 202411
– A long brown bird with a metallic-sounding call.
– A relatively common Sumatran endemic, but slightly shy when approached for photographs. We were very fortunate to spot it resting and preening while searching for another target.
– saw so many of this bird but just dint get a chance to have good photo
– 蛮普通的见不停，可是每一次近点的。
202312, Tapan Road, Sumatra, Indonesia
15. Red-billed Partridge, 红嘴山鹧鸪, 紅嘴山鷓鴣, Arborophila rubrirostris, アカハシミヤマテッケイ, Puyuh-gonggong sumatera
a very beautiful dark, highland partridge, saw it move it pair
update 202401
– another bird suppose to hope come to feeding station but not, but we managed to heard and found the bird. Again this is another reason setup customize button for my R3 which can shoot in complex environment (just like this) point the focus points (I using 5 point) on to any part of the bird and eye will be lock focus ..very useful and suitable for people like shooting wildbird in move
16. 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.
– will be Sumatra again soon, this bird common at Fraser Hill and not that rare at Tapan road.
– 多几个星期就会到回苏门答腊，这鸟在马来西亚蛮普通。在哪Tapan 路夜蛮普通的。
202312, Tapan Road, Sumatra, Indonesia
17. Long-tailed shrike, 棕背伯劳, 棕背伯勞, Lanius schach, タカサゴモズ, TIRJUP EKOR PANJANG ASIA
update 202411
– A very common bird often found near urban areas, frequently making loud calls nearby.
– It’s our first bird sighting in Sumatra before we begin our long day at Mount Kerinchi. It stood right by the roadside as we walked up.
– 一种非常常见的鸟，经常出现在城市附近，时常在附近发出嘈杂的叫声。
– 在我们开始漫长一天之前，这是在苏门答腊看到的第一只鸟。当我们向上行走时，它就站在路边。
202411, Mount Kerinchi, Sumatra, Indonesia
18. Golden Babbler, 金头穗鹛, 金頭穗鶥, Cyanoderma chrysaeum, キガシラモリチメドリ, KEKICAU-KECIL EMAS
update 202411
– This active, tiny bird features a dark-streaked crown, a small black mask, and a vibrant golden-yellow body.
– After a successful first day, with nearly all our targets achieved, we ventured farther from the birding photography hide in search of more species. About 2 kilometers into the hike, as we decided to turn back, three of these birds appeared, feeding right in front of us and providing a perfect photo opportunity.
19. Marbled Wren-Babbler, 石纹鹪鹛, 石紋鷦鶥, Turdinus marmoratus, ウロコサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU-MURAI BESAR BUKIT
update 202411
– A large Wren-babbler that is highly vocal, active, and shy. It is one of the most thrilling birds to spot and photograph.
–
Another fortunate morning! After successfully spotting one of the main target Pittas, this bird, as always, actively looked for other interesting birds near the hotel.
20. Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler, 纹胸鹪鹛, 紋胸鷦鶥, Napothera epilepidota, コサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU KENING PANJANG
update 202412
always one of my favorite bird to be seen or photograph. This is one I seldom meet at Malaysia but it is pretty common at Sumatra, Indonesia
这是一种我在马来西亚很少见到的鸟，但在印度尼西亚的苏门答腊挺常见的。”
202411, Danau Kaco, Sumatra, Indonesia
#####
update 202411
– A tiny and very shy bird that is difficult to get a good view of or photograph. Based on my sightings across Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra, both Sumatra and Borneo offer slightly better chances of seeing this bird clearly. However, Sumatra seems to be the best place for capturing good photos. Without a doubt, the bird stayed long enough for me—even allowing me to record a video!
– It’s one of those tiny, mysterious birds that appears briefly and disappears just as quickly. Rare and shy, it’s often challenging to get a clear view. I photographed this bird in Sumatra last year, and this year, with the Photography group, we put in extra effort for a better shot. Finally, we were rewarded with some truly amazing moments with this elusive bird…
21. 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.
another great experience with great birders from Taiwan, we managed to seen 197 species of birds and all 34 endemics (with pictures and some record only pictures) for 10 days
非常幸运又台湾的鸟友，虽然非常多雨。我们在10天里也看到197种鸟，~10哺乳动物等。慢慢的分享。
1. Sri Lanka Bay-Owl, 斯里兰卡栗鸮, 斯里蘭卡栗鴞, Phodilus assimilis, スリランカメンフクロウ
lucky to see this rare owl at day time, after try for day2. It was after heavy rain everyone tired and wet. Everyone want to go back to Hotel for rest but local new is this owl spot some where ..we rush to the area with rain and it is there waiting for us
2. Asian Green Bee-eater, 绿喉蜂虎, 綠喉蜂虎, Merops orientalis, ミドリハチクイ
A small, dainty bee-eater of open woodlands, farmland, and sparse human habitation. Mainly green with a bluish throat, slender black eye mask and throat band, rufous or slightly rusty crown and back of the neck, and central tail streamers. Juveniles are duller than adults and lack the long tail feathers. In flight, note the rusty underwing with a black trailing edge. Flies gracefully as it catches insects and other prey. Calls are a series of gentle liquid trills or more staccato notes. [ebird]
– 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
5. Indian Peafowl, 蓝孔雀, 藍孔雀, Pavo cristatus, インドクジャク
An unmistakable, large ground bird. The unmistakable iridescent blue male spreads out its ornamental upper tail feathers when courting females. Females have a shorter tail, an iridescent green neck, and browner plumage. Found in forest, forest edge, and agricultural land. Often seen on paths or alertly feeding in the undergrowth. Can be fairly confiding especially when found close to human habitation. Its loud screaming “may-yow” calls are heard incessantly during the rainy season. [eBird]
– in Sri Lanka, the most common bird to be seen is not sparrow, crow .. but one of them is this beautiful and big bird which can found almost any where, urban, forest edge, forest etc.
– 在斯里兰卡岛上，这鸟几乎哪都看到。大+漂亮
202312, Yala NP, Sri Lanka
6. 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.
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
– with very lovely call, not shy
– 斯里兰卡非常普通的特有种，几乎在很多点都看到它。还很会唱歌。
202312, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
8. 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
– 非常普通的特有种鸟，我们也没特别找。看到就拍。
202312, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
######
9. Sri Lanka Blue-Magpie, 斯里兰卡蓝鹊, 斯里蘭卡藍鵲, Urocissa ornata, セイロンサンジャク
A large, long-tailed blue bird with a white-tipped tail, and chestnut hood and wings. Inhabits humid forest from lowlands to hills, where it often accompanies mixed canopy flocks, either singly or in small groups. There are no other large, long-tailed blue birds in its range. A noisy species. Sounds typically a series of high-pitched, piercing “clink” calls, as well as some rasping “krak” notes often given in a sequence. [Ebird]
– we only saw this at Sinharaja, few of them normally moving together .. the colors bright, big bird but many would say the colors combination just weird
– 我们的10天行，只在辛哈拉加森林保护区见到。都好几只一起行动。很鲜艳，可是颜色搭配有点怪。
202312, Sinharaja, Sri Lanka
10. Indian Roller, 印度佛法僧, 棕胸佛法僧, Coracias benghalensis, インドブッポウソウ
A brightly colored bird with various shades of blue on the wings, tails, and belly that are often more prominent in flight. Note the longitudinal white streaks on the throat and breast. Indochinese Roller has a purple-blue breast, a darker olive back, and is generally darker blue. Generally silent, but more vocal in breeding season with harsh calls. Prefers open areas, including agricultural landscapes, sitting on exposed perches including electric wires, occasionally pumping its tail slowly. Practically a resident roller with some movements in the western parts of its range. 【Ebird]
update 20231218
– wonderful moment to get close and stay long for us, it is so colorful
a very similar flameback woodpecker but female seem very yellowish
– 与我们的金背很像，可是母鸟很黄。
update 202312
– it seem not very common at Sri Lanka, local guide seem very worry to missed this species. When we arrived a village the bird just stand there for so long and sharing same tree with a Red-backed Flameback
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
a not so common Sri Lanka endemic, we only saw or heard it at Sinharaja … and it is moving along with bird wave. Same other Malkoha moving fast along the bushes
– a tough walk (it follow by very heavy rain after we saw this bird at only split second) .. wet, leeches …. and may be time planning for the location
even just split second, the CANON R3 just as I always say “focus monster” i point my lens toward the bird, it lock focus the bird and eye than got this.. no secret.. just the camera found it and take it…
– quite common overall at Center – South Sri Lanka. it have similar call and behavior of Lineated barbet found at Malaysia
– 与马来西亚的斑头绿拟啄木鸟非常相似的叫声+动态。
update 202312
– we found this pretty common and have few opportunity to photography this bird at few hotel garden. The head give it a right name
– 斯里兰卡蛮普通，从中部到南部都是它的叫声。头部颜色就是它的名来。
20231129, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
16. Brown Fish-Owl, 褐渔鸮, 褐漁鴞, Ketupa zeylonensis, ミナミシマフクロウ
– a overall dull brown fish owl which quite rare at Malaysia but seem quite common at Sri Lanka.
update 20240101
– a bird that sight by local village and brought us there, it was so far away (~60-80m) and so dark .. luckily my gear allow me lock the eye of the bird fast and accurate 😀
– 村里的人带我们去，这么远+鸟还是很害羞！还要很暗。
这鸟应该蛮普通。
202312, Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
17. Sri Lanka Hanging-Parrot, 斯里兰卡短尾鹦鹉, 斯里蘭卡短尾鸚鵡, Loriculus beryllinus, ズアカサトウチョウ
– as other Hanging-Parrot small, always canopy. Sri Lanka endemic make no different
– 与其他短尾鹦鹉一样，小小+站高高
update 20240102
– while ours’ trip to Sri Lanka, so much rain while we planning to go out for more birds on day 2 but rain just too heavy for us. But it is glad that Sri Lanka is a place almost any where possible to birding. (ecxcept the forest reserve, bird really scared around) Included the garden of hotel, we got few good birds just at lobby of the hotel even raining
18. Small Minivet, 小山椒鸟, 小山椒, Pericrocotus cinnamomeus, コサンショウクイ
– pretty common small minivet
Males have slaty gray crown, cheeks, and back. Throat and wings black, tail black with pale yellow edges. Breast orange, gradually fading into yellowish-white underparts. Black wings show a patch of orange. Female is duller than male, with light gray upperparts, cheeks and crown; dark gray wings; white throat; and light yellow underparts. Both males and females show an orange rump. Usually seen in small flocks, frequently uttering high-pitched “swee swee” call as they continuously move around feeding on insects, sometimes catching them mid-air like flycatchers. Inhabits various forested habitats, especially thorny jungles, scrub patches, and open dry forest. [Ebird]
update 20240105
– while we had ours rest time at Yala National Park, found few birds feed on tree nearby. very lucky tick on this bird with female too
– a thrush as its name, it is “pied”… moving in dark area
– “黑白”鸫，总是在暗的地方活动。
update 202401
– a shy bird moving in dark with very obvious white browed
– 蛮害羞的鸟，总喜欢到暗的地方活动。
20240112, Nuwara Eliya (Victory Park), Sri Lanka
22. 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
– 在斯里兰卡蛮普通在很多地方，环境都看到2这鸟。可是还是一个样子，害羞+动作快。几乎不停多过1秒
202312， Yala NP
23. Sri Lanka Wood-Pigeon, 紫头林鸽, 紫头林鸽, Columba torringtoniae, セイロンカノコモリバト
Large, plain gray pigeon with conspicuous black-and-white stripes on the nape. Underparts flushed mauve. Inhabits upper levels of forests and densely wooded areas in the hills and mountains, where occurs in pairs or small flocks. Combination of black-and-white neck markings and plain, unmarked, dark gray upperparts identifies this species from all other pigeons on Sri Lanka. Vocalizations include a single, deep “wooo”, and also an owl-like, double note “woo-oo”. [EBird]
update 20240115
– the only day we at Horton Plains NP, rain in the whole morning. We almost this endemic but found it very last moment while we leaving and we had ours late lunch because of this bird
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
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– 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 !
A large, front-heavy brown bird with a long, pale downcurved bill and a distinctive elongated head with a flat crown and a forehead tuft. Orange legs. Unmistakable males have a green-blue breast shield and long creamy-white plumes extending from the shoulders. Females are entirely earth-brown, lacking the shoulder extensions and shield. Immature resembles female. Found in canopy of tall forests in lowlands and foothills, confined to three islands in north Moluccas. Regularly sighted at known display sites. Very loud when displaying, giving raucous “WAA-WAA…” and “KEE-KEE…” notes. [Ebird]
update 202504
What a beautiful bird—one of the most easily accessible Birds-of-Paradise. I’ll definitely be visiting this site again soon. Can’t wait to see you once more!
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– this a weird scene I seen, or I missed out anything before .. why the female is on top and I record few times ..
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– 2nd trip to Halmahera 2023 and see you next week … never get bored to see it making noise and dance even the journey there bit challenge … I am coming
– lucky to see it display but not really full open view. capture video with 100p slowdown 50%
– 幸运的看到他在跳舞。可是没全露。可是还是记录下了。
###
another special tour, which has main target of this Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise.
It is a real good experience to be Halmahera, we just spend 3 nights. We easily got ours’ targets seen.
This is our main target, on 2nd morning. We hike 3.7km straight to the “hide” (on the way, we heard owlet-nightjar which is my favorite bird but we failed to see the bird and also rushing to the hide for main target.
Arrived before 6am, while every still dark. We can heard many of them already calling infront of us but just very brief view. after 30minutes, finally we got clear view of this amazing beautiful bird. But I still only got some extreme high ISO picture even with my CANON RF400mm F2.8.
Long story short, the birds stay for long and from ISO 25600 – ISO800, Managed to have perfect view of the bird and pictures… oohh video too .
Immediate of this target, we walking out and birding. There is another very good story to talk about “pick up service for the Pitta”
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.
3. 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 202310
– 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
– 2nd trip to Halmahera coming soon, can;t visit this amazing place again. Hope get some better pictures of night birds this time .. and this Pick up service Pitta sure another highlight of the tour soon
– 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”
4. Common Paradise-Kingfisher, 普通仙翡翠, 普通仙翡翠, Tanysiptera galatea, ラケットカワセミ, Cekakak-pita biasa
– A long-tailed kingfisher of lowland forests. White underparts and rump, dark blue upperparts with pale blue shoulder and crown. Long white tail with 2 extended central tail feathers ending in spatula tips. Sits still for long periods whilst slowly pumping its tail. Very similar to Little Paradise-Kingfisher, but Common Paradise-Kingfisher is larger, with a paler crown, white rather than blue outer tail feathers and a heavier bill. The safest way to separate, however is by vocalization. Heard more often than seen. Song, a rapidly accelerating and slightly rising series of dry notes. [Ebird]
One of the more common yet challenging birds to photograph is the kingfisher. Even though it often appears at feeding spots, we usually don’t have time to focus on it due to our busy shooting schedule. However, our local guide, Pak Wan, mentioned that it’s actually easy to spot near our hotel. So, we decided to spend a quick morning there after breakfast. To our delight, three kingfishers were flying around, and on several occasions, one even perched for us! The excitement of seeing them in flight had everyone in awe. It was absolutely worth it—even if we hadn’t managed a photo. But we did!
– a beautiful Kingfisher, even is common but shy for picture
– 蛮漂亮的翠鸟。虽然普通，可是还是不容易拍照。
202304, Halmahera, Indonesia
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update 202304
– a beautiful Kingfisher, and for the first time feel such a beautiful bird such annoying. Each time the Pitta come near, this bird will fly from far to flush the Pitta away 🙁 no choice to wait and wait until it get bored.
– 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
6. 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.
Another wonderful day in the field! It was raining on the way to the Standardwing display site, but the rain stopped just as we arrived. Right after watching the incredible display of the Standardwing, this little bird popped its head out to look at us—so adorable!
– a Halmahera endemic, overall pied like Kingfisher
update 202504
Night birding can be a bit challenging at times, but it’s been incredible to photograph 11 species of kingfishers over the past 7 days—including this special Halmahera endemic with food in its beak!
Medium-sized slender bird, pale gray above, white below, with a small dark bridge between the bill and eye (lores) and faint partial white eyering. Immature lacks distinct mask of Black-faced Cuckooshrike. Dark morph shows large but variable black bib and breast, mottled or barred at the edges. Inhabits eucalypt forest and other woodlands in Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Call a high-pitched, two-note squeak. [Ebird]
This endemic kingfisher of Halmahera is fairly common, but we were lucky to enjoy an incredibly close encounter—especially for our lucky ladies’ group. Truly a beautiful bird!
14. Nicobar Pigeon, 尼柯巴鸠, 尼柯巴鳩, Caloenas nicobarica, ミノバト, MERPATI-EMAS BIASA
update 202507
While we were waiting for the pitta to come down—yes, it had been staying up in the treetops all day—we got a surprise visitor! Out of nowhere, this bird walked into view and gave us a chance for a record shot.
One of Halmahera’s common yet stunning endemics, with a lovely song to match. We encountered this beauty at several locations—it really seems quite widespread.
I’ve visited Halmahera a few times, and this species has always been a challenge to observe properly—my first sighting was just a quick flyby across the road. But today, luck was truly on our side. Despite expecting a full day of rain, we ended up getting great views of Kingfishers, Pitta, Fruit-Dove, and this special bird. It stayed in the open for a long time, and the close view made it look even more stunning.
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.
1. Eastern Barn Owl, 仓鸮, 東方倉鴞, Tyto alba, メンフクロウ, SERAK BIASA
– small pale owl, normally found near palm oil plantation, paddy field etc
– Pale owl; white below and orangey with gray spotting above. Heart-shaped white facial disc. (ebird)
– common almost anywhere Malaysia, use to control pest at paddy
update 202504
Met up with a customer-turned-friend who hasn’t really been birding for the past 2–3 years. He mentioned he needed a bit of a spark to get back into it and wanted to learn more about the post-shooting workflow too.
We started the day missing our main target — no luck with the Rail-babbler — but he was totally fine with that. After a heavy rain, things turned around quickly. In just over 90 minutes, we saw 7 owls! What a fantastic night.
This was one of his main targets — and not long after we arrived, we got a great view of it staying around for quite a while!
– a tour with so much of rain, missed both owl at Fraser due to full day raining. Luckily got 5 lowland owls happen in one day. we had ~7-8 this owl for 1 hour and this is one quietly sit and enjoy the meal.
Barn owl,仓鸮, 倉鴞,Tyto alba, メンフクロウ, Burung Jampok Kubur,
Barn owl,仓鸮, 倉鴞,Tyto alba, メンフクロウ, Burung Jampok
barn owl 仓鸮
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2. Oriental Bay-Owl, 栗鸮, 栗鴞,Phodilus badius, ニセメンフクロウ, PUNGGUK-API BIASA
one of the most common can found , near garden, 2nd forest and primary forest .. just always hear but not seen
update 202510
This is one of those owls that can be confusing—tame and not rare, yet still tricky to spot at times. Thankfully, this location rarely disappoints. Once again, the owl stayed low and gave us plenty of time to enjoy and photograph it.
“It’s been a wonderful week for owls—spotted 1 out of the 8 owls! It’s a shame it didn’t show well on the second visit, but still great to see it again here. ***Interestingly, it seems like the other owls don’t like this one—many came by to check it out while we were searching for it.
– a lovely owl, always give a cute look, overall white
– while we walking into forest .. heard the Bay owls calling to each other .. keep looking .. ohh. it is just in-front of us .. but standing not that low this time ..
– I do not have much luck on this special looking and cute owl … but last tour, I had 2 different locations which included this sight at Danum Valley and 3 of them standing surrounding me and making very soft call
– another success night birding just less than an hour, we had nightjar (nesting) and this lovely small owl.
– small owl that normally not that shy to human
– 另一个美好的夜观，一只夜鹰，加这只漂亮的小猫头鹰。
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202309
– another view of the favorite owl of Malaysia… it is so cute and found one tame.. it can stand there for hours
– 马来西亚最喜欢鸮的另一个角度。非常可爱，如果找到一只乖的。可以站那好几个小时
202309, Sabah, Malaysia
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– another main target of the tour… the owl seem calling each other in the forest. walk slowly and managed to found where it perch and calling .. thanks for the group, we got some pictures and leave the owl alone
– what a cute owl to be seen again. Cute and stay close for us
– 蛮可爱的的小鸮。通常站在同一地方叫不停。
202210, RDC, SABAH, MALAYSIA
update 2018 Aug 20
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51. Sulawesi Masked-Owl, 苏拉仓鸮, 蘇拉威西蒼鴞, Tyto rosenbergii
A very large barn-owl with a gray facial disk, gray crown, and rufous upperparts and wings with scattered dark markings. Prefers open country, like agricultural land, plantations, and forest edge, from lowlands to mountains. Limited to Sulawesi. Distinguished from smaller Minahassa Masked-Owl by gray face, gray forecrown, more extensive dark markings across wings and upperparts, and preference for open country.[Ebird]
While we were trying to get better shots of the boobook, this owl started calling right at dusk. It remained a bit shy and didn’t perch too close, but I did my best with the Canon R5 Mark II + RF 400mm + 1.4x extender to capture a decent shot.
当我们正努力拍摄鹰鸮时，这只猫头鹰在黄昏时分开始鸣叫。虽然它有些害羞，没有停在太近的位置，但我依然尽力用 Canon R5 Mark II + RF 400mm + 1.4x 增距镜拍下了它的身影。
202511, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
update 202410
– a Sulawesi endemic with very Barn Owl look alike and call alike … white overall compare to Minahasa Masked Owl more “light rufous” and slight look different
– a owl that we tried many times, many location.. but after few tried what a surprise to see it in one dusk but missed the picture opportunity. But went for 2nd night and got it flying on the sky .. and lucky to have CANON focus monster R3 with RF400mm F2.8 to have this ..
– last night of birding, after Speckled Boobook, immediate got this rare endemic and managed to capture few flying (not really enough shutter speed for sharp picture) . It flying high up with torch the light still not enough for any picture opportunity. Thanks CANON R3 it lock focus in such dark environment and track it down.
– almost time to finish off Malaysia tours, and time for lovely places again. I am going Sulawesi and Halmahera again Oct. Anyone interest on 2025 ? 2024 full 😀
– hopefully see this owl again, lovely and wait for me.
202304, North Sulawesi, Indonesia202304, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
52. 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 forest barn-owl with rich rufous coloration over its entire body. Particularly note the rufous facial disk and forecrown to aid identification. Juvenile is browner-winged, with speckled gray underparts. Inhabits forest understory within lowlands and mountains, avoiding open country. Confined to Sulawesi. Smaller and more richly rufous-colored overall than Sulawesi Masked-Owl, with a rufous facial disk and forecrown and fewer dark markings on the wings and upperparts. Also note preference for closed-forest habitat. Call is a single long piercing screech: “SHEEEEEEEER.” [Ebird]
update 202310
– a special owl, seem everyone wanted to have a look at Sulawesi (included the local) as believe lucky ? but it is always challenge to looking for one.
– 蛮特别的鸮，几乎每个观鸟的到这都想看到。（本土人也很希望看到，代表幸运）
201908, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
53. Sri Lanka Bay-Owl, 斯里兰卡栗鸮, 斯里蘭卡栗鴞, Phodilus assimilis, スリランカメンフクロウ
– one of 2023 Dec Sri Lanka Birding trip main target, missed it day1 and got it ir after heavy rain and all wet ..
– look slight bigger and brown compare to ours Oriental ?
update 202312
– we looking for last endemic bird of the tour, Red-faced Malkoha after got it with record picture .. heavy rain came and all wet, after basic lunch at village house. We thought of going back hotel for rest but ours local guide told us someone found Bay-owl .. without wait we straight go the spot for the owl
One of the reasons to own 8k video most probably is to crop the video like this one to get more clarity (but I didn’t reduce it to 4k just want to show 8k video and zoom in)
let’s have a look at 4k and tell me how’s this video looks like? very good? good? normal?
A dark, sleek, medium-sized bird with a black crest and a white rump. The red color under the tail is often difficult to see. Eats fruit, flower buds, and insects. Conspicuous and sometimes gregarious, often seen high in trees or perched on wires in urban and rural areas; generally prefers scrubby edge habitat instead of dense forest. Calls include a variety of chirps and whistles. Native to South and Southeast Asia. Introduced to Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and some Polynesian islands, including Hawaii. [Ebird]
update 202412
It seems this bird is quite common in the region—I may have seen it before in Sri Lanka or somewhere else. Still, it’s great to spot our first bird here after a long journey and a relaxing stay at the homestay in Baihualing, Yunnan, China.
I’ve quickly adapted to the setup (Canon R1), and capturing these in-flight shots felt almost seamless. The bird flew straight toward us, and I managed to get all 19 frames perfectly in focus.
3. 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 gregarious babbler with a dark back and underparts spangled with scaly silver markings. At first glance, may resemble a cupwing, but this babbler is much larger and longer-tailed, and does not stick as closely to the ground as cupwings do. Often moves deep in dense shrubbery, but will occasionally forage in the middle layers of the forest as well, scaling trees and creeping along branches. [Ebird]
One of the stunning babblers has such flat body feather details that it almost resembles a drawing.
An 8-day journey to Yunnan, particularly to this bird photography paradise, is almost at its end. As expected, capturing great photos of many species was as simple as sitting and waiting. However, a bit of luck was still needed. According to local, the number of bird species visiting has decreased, and with more hides available, the birds may now spread out instead of gathering in the usual spots. Regardless, we thoroughly enjoyed our authentic photography experience here.
Although the trip isn’t over yet, this moment stands out as one of my favorites. The bird was incredibly active, appearing for just a split second with an almost surreal “flat” look to its body—like a 2D drawing. But with patience, it rewarded us with some fantastic views as the day drew to a close.
This tiny bird moves swiftly through the bushes, making it incredible that we managed to spot it.
It’s a bird everyone on this trip has been eager to photograph. Yesterday, only Amy and I were lucky enough to capture it, while others could only catch a glimpse without getting any photos. However, luck was on our side today! Two different Tesias came close to us within just 15 minutes, giving everyone the chance they had been hoping for. Tonight, we can all sleep soundly, content with the experience.
An active little bird with a bright yellow belly and a pale-tipped fan-like tail. Most common in foothill and submontane broadleaf forests, where it forages energetically and acrobatically in the middle and lower levels, often with fulvettas, warblers, and other small passerines in mixed-species foraging flocks. Very similar in shape to fantails but much smaller, and actually more closely related to tits. Song is a series of high “tsit” notes interspersed with twitters and trills. Call is often repeated at length, akin to a song, but much simpler, a series of high “tsip” notes. [Ebird]
An active little bird with a bright yellow belly and a pale-tipped fan-like tail. Most common in foothill and submontane broadleaf forests, where it forages energetically and acrobatically in the middle and lower levels, often with fulvettas, warblers, and other small passerines in mixed-species foraging flocks. Very similar in shape to fantails but much smaller, and actually more closely related to tits. Song is a series of high “tsit” notes interspersed with twitters and trills. Call is often repeated at length, akin to a song, but much simpler, a series of high “tsip” notes.
update 202412
One of the most active birds, behaving much like a fantail. While it’s not a lifer for me—I previously recorded it in Northern Thailand—it’s still a challenge to spot here in Yunnan, China. Thankfully, luck was on our side, and we managed to witness it spreading its tail, giving us a few great moments for some good photo opportunities.
One of a number of mind-numbingly similar Seicercus warblers. Greenish-yellow above and bright yellow below, with a faint wingbar, a yellow eyering, and a grayish crown marked by two black stripes. Gray of the crown is weaker than that of White-spectacled and Plain-tailed Warblers, but this feature is difficult to see in the shade of the understory, where it usually forages. Breeds in submontane and montane forest up to the treeline; averages higher Martens’s Warbler. Descends into submontane and hill forest in the non-breeding season. Song is an unremarkable but lively burst of whistled notes, lower in pitch than that of Plain-tailed Warbler. [Ebird]
A tiny warbler with a sudden flash of “yellowish” plumage appeared, and I immediately thought, “It’s a new bird!” Naturally, everyone quickly grabbed their cameras to capture it. It only showed up briefly while we were casually waiting for birds to come to the water.
8. Small Niltava, 小仙鹟, 小仙鶲, Niltava macgrigoriae, チビアオヒタキ
Size distinguishes this species from other niltavas; coloration is quite similar to Large Niltava, which is double the size. Male Small Niltava is bright blue with the brightest patches on the shoulder and forehead. Female is brown with a white eyering and a rufous tail and wingtips. Forages in the lower and middle levels of hilly and montane forests, usually singly. Listen for its distinctive song, a cleanly descending “wee-dee-dee.” [EBird]
Another bird we encountered, found only at a single hide despite visiting many others, initially appeared quite shy. However, after a few hours of brief appearances, it gradually became more comfortable and eventually stayed long enough for some great photos.
We chose this hide specifically for this bird and spotted it early in the morning. Afterward, we decided to move to another hide. The male arrived briefly before leaving, but luck was on our side as we caught the moment.
One of the standout birds at Baihualing, Yunnan, China is often seen as a highlight by both locals and visitors. Whenever someone spots or photographs one, it becomes big news in the village, quickly drawing bird enthusiasts and photographers to the area. This one shows up unexpectedly, as it did this time to take a drink, it captivates everyone around. It is a beautiful bird, with the female being particularly striking.
This is a fairly common bird in the area, but it moves too quickly to capture good shots. It often hides in dark and damp spots, making it a wonderfully active but elusive subject.
Tiny, stumpy bird of dense undergrowth. Male is dark slate-blue with broad white eyebrows that give him the appearance of a furious little old man. Female is warm pale brown all over. In areas of overlap with Chinese and Lesser Shortwings, look out for the all-dark lower belly, which is white in those species. Inhabits hill and montane forest, where it forages in dense undergrowth, frequently in proximity to streams. Song is composed of high thin whistles with short bursts of clicking chattering mixed in.
While everyone was focused on a few main target birds, one of our buddies, who could be considered a new birder, suddenly shouted, “Shortwing!” He was so proud of himself for identifying a bird on his own. Honestly, I think he should be even happier if he managed to spot a rare bird feeding instead!
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.
Tiny brown flycatcher with a triangular white bib bordered with black. Gray head, frosty white brow, and ruddy wings and tail are not as eye-catching as the throat patch, but just as distinctive. Unobtrusive and retiring, generally keeping to the dense lower levels of foothill forests. Frequently forages in inaccessible gorges and thick streamside vegetation. Usually seen singly, occasionally in pairs. [Ebird]
A beautiful little gamebird of foothill and highland forests with extensive ground-level cover, where it moves about in medium-sized convoys through the dense undergrowth. Usually quiet, though sings melodically and loudly at dusk and dawn. Brightly-colored, even for a partridge; both sexes have a bright orange throat, a bluish-gray chest, and orange-and-white spotting on the sides [Ebird]
At almost every hide we visited, the owners assured us that this bird is always around. However, we didn’t spot it at any of those hides, except on day one when it briefly walked past. Hopefully, everyone on our team managed to capture a photo of this beautiful partridge.
Small songbird of forest edges, open scrub, and farmland, usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Male is silvery gray overall with black face and white supercilium, throat, belly, and wing patches. Female dull brown overall, with a rufous tail and faded version of the male’s head pattern. Bold but not very active, usually seen perching for long periods on posts and overhead wires. Song is bright and melodious, but often has a somewhat faltering quality, trailing off towards the end. Most common call is a harsh rising “bzeeet!”. [EBird]
During one of the quieter moments while waiting for a Scarlet Finch, a female caught my attention. As it flew around, I decided to enable Continuous Pre-record mode, just in case. Suddenly, it spread its wings, and I seized the perfect moment to press the shutter after see the action, capturing this stunning shot.
Adorable tiny bird that loosely resembles a minute tailless wren. Warm dark brown above with rufous overtones, and scaled below; pale-morph birds have white edgings to black “scales,” while dark-morph birds have edgings that are coffee-stain tan. Smaller Pygmy Cupwing lacks the tan spots speckling the crown and neck of Scaly-breasted. Scaly-breasted inhabits dark, damp areas in dense forest, often around boulders, streams, and ravines. Song is a jumbled series of high-pitched melodic warbles, notably more complex than the song of Pygmy Cupwing. [Ebird]
On our last day in Baihualing, we spotted two distinctly different tiny, tailless birds. At a distance of about 10-15 meters, I initially assumed they were the same Pygmy Cupwing. However, upon reviewing the captured photos, it was clear they were different species.
Knowing their behavior of spreading their wings when moving, I enabled Continuous Pre-record mode and pressed the shutter the moment the bird moved. Got it!
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.
Possibly the species to which the moniker of “scimitar-babbler” attaches most fittingly, as this inhabitant of high-altitude evergreen forests has a bill shaped like a curved sword. Predominantly orange-brown, with a gray head and jagged white eyebrow. Easily identified, even if seen only in silhouette; no other babbler in its range has such a long, sharply curved bill. Moves through the lower levels of the forest in large, noisy flocks. [ebird]
This bird has an oddly thin and curved beak, giving it a truly unique appearance. Though active, it’s not hard to spot here. At many bird hides, it readily comes out to grab food before retreating, making it relatively easy to see and photograph.
One of the most captivating birds of Baihualing, Yunnan, with its vibrant and striking colors, complemented by a charming crest, is both active and beautiful.
Birding in Yunnan, China last December was incredibly easy. We simply chose a hide, settled in, and waited—and sure enough, the birds came! In fact, there were so many, it was just a matter of picking which ones to photograph. We specifically came to this hide hoping to see the woodpecker, but we were also treated to a few star species like the Great Barbet, Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler, and more.
This was a family holiday, so there wasn’t much birding planned. Still, I carried a wide-angle lens and the RF 100–500mm with me. In winter, there are plenty of gulls around, especially near the lake. One morning, I came across a group of gulls feeding very close by. I spent a few quick moments capturing this beautiful bird at close range.
It was a freezing morning at around –6°C. We went to Napa Lake mainly to revisit some good memories from years ago. After waiting for a beautiful sunrise, I was almost ready to return to the car when I suddenly heard a bird calling very close by. The bird stayed low to the ground, barely moving—likely due to the cold—with ice clearly visible around it.
I managed to capture some close shots, and that moment became the happiest highlight of this casual, relaxing trip to Yunnan.
23. Eurasian Coot, 白骨顶, 白骨頂, Fulica atra, オオバン, PANGLIN-HITAM BIASA
update 202601
This bird is very common here in Yunnan—you can easily see it up close around streams, rivers, and lakes. I’m here on a family holiday, enjoying a relaxed time with coffee and loved ones, casually watching the birds nearby. Suddenly, this bird started showing some action. My camera didn’t miss the moment—I captured everything and compiled the shots into this MP4.
We decided to walk along the boardwalk instead of taking a boat ride. While strolling, this bird came surprisingly close to us. I quickly opened my bag, grabbed the Canon RF100–500, and managed to capture this cute little bird.
Surprised that I haven’t shared this beautiful yet very common bird before. I’ve photographed it in many places—Malaysia (Kuala Gula, Kota Kinabalu), South Africa, Thailand, Kenya, and China.
This time was special, as it was the closest encounter so far. The bird was feeding right outside our hotel and wasn’t bothered at all, even when we got quite close.
This bird was surprisingly tame at Potatso National Park. It even hopped along the boardwalk like a little tour guide leading us on our walk. Many of them were feeding in the trees too, and honestly, I much prefer this pose compared to the ones “walking” on the boardwalk.
The weather today is exceptional. The deep blue of the sky is reflecting perfectly on the lake, creating a beautiful color contrast with this immature Brown-headed Gull. However, it is disappointing to see so many people feeding the birds various kinds of human food. While people likely have good intentions, but feeding with wrong food can be affect the bird health
Is a long journey from Malaysia – Sulawesi – Jayapura (~26 hours without a bed, too much coffee and waiting) …for the day1 when we arrive, we give Magnificent Riflebird a try but failed to have any photo .. but the bird was well seen above our “hide”
Day2 – Nimbokrang
We start our drive, walk ~430am, 15 min drive and ~20min walk … the first Bird-of-paradise is waiting for us .. before we walk into our “hide”. The bird keeps calling, trying to attract female … but seem it is not attractive enough. only one female comes close and fast. The male trying to “show off” with some action but the female flew off just immediate it trying to show his “dance”
I am mostly recording video, so this picture I share is a Jpeg extract from Canon Digital Photo Professional software …
– one of the most easier, walk not that far and the birds just there without any waiting
– first Bird-of-Paradise of the trip and amazing beautiful
非常漂亮的天堂鳥。
update 202508
It’s amazing how this bird kept calling during all three of our visits—only once did it attempt to display for a nearby female. I really enjoy watching this species dance; it’s not as dark or fast-moving as some other birds-of-paradise, which makes it even more enjoyable to observe.
It’s our last day at the first birding spot, and we were happy with our choice—got an even better view of this stunning Bird-of-Paradise. Since I already had good shots of its display, I focused on capturing it in flight. And yes… it flew off right after a nearby female called!
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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update 202507
After several years, I’m finally back in West Papua—so excited to return! Our first bird-of-paradise of the trip was the same as before: a beautiful male Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, calling at dawn in the dim morning light.
– let’s share some old pictures and video
– this was 2019 Oct, our West Papua Bird Photography trip first Birds-of-Paradise and one of the most easier.
– special of this bird is the tails
2. King Bird-of-paradise, 王极乐鸟, 王天堂鳥, Cicinnurus regius, ヒヨクドリ, Cendrawasih Raja
update 202602
This is one of my absolute favorite birds, and seeing it always gets my heart racing. This trip was particularly special because we found a much better vantage point. Unlike the first spot where the birds stayed high up after a 15-minute walk, this site offered open, low-level views for everyone. It did require a 40-minute trek through flat, muddy trails, but the proximity was worth it. Some of us even went back for a second round to capture better shots. I am already looking forward to returning in August 2026. Who wants to join me?
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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update 202508
This is definitely one of my favorite birds-of-paradise. It usually stays high in the canopy, but with some luck, you can still capture its stunning poses and display.
For this trip, we were lucky—it came down really low, giving us a perfect chance to photograph this beautiful bird up close!
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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BoP #2 which is my target #1 for this tour, was just about 20min walking after Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, but this is so much smaller, higher & active makes only a very limited angle to get the full view. I am lucky to have this just ~5min wait.
King Bird-of-paradise, 王极乐鸟
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3. Lesser Bird-of-paradise, 小极乐鸟, 小天堂鳥, Paradisaea minor, コフウチョウ, Cendrawasih Kecil
– The only BoP we didn’t see much and dancing .. just hear most of the time … the location we wait seem not the really correct location for “dancing” … but it did flying across and let us record
– 在非常高的樹上叫不停，就見到它們飛來飛去。幸運都停了一會。
update 202508
Same as before—it stayed high up in the trees. But this time, we were lucky to be much closer (surprisingly, we didn’t walk much on this tour—except one guest who followed me for the Black Sicklebill). Still, the bird was displaying with a few females nearby, and everyone was happy with the show!
– another not so obvious Bird-of-Paradise got from Irian Jaya.
– this is so far away, and somehow it still belongs to BoP .. we got it record ..
– 鳥不是特別出色，還要在遠遠的。
– 攝於伊里安查亚
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After 5 days of “enjoy”, reasonable food, easy walk (flat), air-cond room, not far from airport and bird spots .. we finally move to 2nd destination Arfak Mountain..
After got the information before, we get ready with some extra food … sleeping beg, insect repellent, etc .. just before we going into a “no Phone” (only a particular spot can get a phone signal which is a bit distance from our “homestay”. After ~2 hours of offroad travel, we arrive at our homestay a little bit late and with rain .. so we call this a day and enjoy our cold stay
Here, we need to split into a few groups to decide on different BoP hide due to limited “hole” for photography …
Day1 at Arfak Mountain
5. Western Parotia, 阿法六线风鸟, 阿法六線風鳥, Parotia sefilata, カンザシフウチョウ, Parotia Arfak
– lucky to have this amazing, lovely bird for bird #1 .. we walk a very steep hike ~45-60 degree uphill for ~500m … we saw the bird-eating, calling for the whole morning but just not dancing … at ~9 am, we almost give up … the female came to the dancing group, followed by the male than the moment begin …
update 202602
This is one of our main target species, both to photograph and to witness in person just how incredible its display can be. It is a big bird, and once it starts displaying, it looks both spectacular and amusing at the same time. No matter how many times we watch it, the display never gets boring. Sometimes, we even return again in the afternoon, hoping to catch more action.
##### It’s hard to miss this amazing bird when visiting West Papua—but getting good photos during its “dance” is still a big challenge. The bird moves in every direction with lightning speed, often in low light. Once we had enough photos, everyone switched to video mode, hoping to capture its incredible display. This shot shows the moment it ends its dance—standing still and shaking its head. Captured at 40fps and turned into a short video. Hopefully, I’ll get to share the full display video soon!
– a big overall blackbird, with a colorful throat depends on the angle and also have a Blue eye
– the male famous with ballerina dance displaying to attract female
– 非常特别的天堂鸟。大，黑，喉会变黄绿。为吸引母鸟会跳草裙舞
201910, Mount Arfak, West Papua, Indonesia
update 2020 Jul
Western Parotia, 阿法六線風鳥, 阿法六线风鸟, Parotia sefilata
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so amazing to see it dancing ..
update 2020 Jan 16
a close look at the Juv
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6. Red Bird-of-paradise, 红极乐鸟, 紅極樂鳥, Paradisaea rubra, ジュウニセンフウチョウ, Cendrawasih Mati-kawat
actually, this is the last BoP of the tour but I really like it so much when I process the pictures …. can’t wait to share this great moment with you all. Endemic, common but somehow I really like this
update 202508
This year’s setup is much better—a shorter walk and an improved bird hide gave us a better viewing angle. Unfortunately, no female showed up, so the bird just did a short display as if preparing, then left. Still, a stunning bird and a moment worth witnessing.
This marks the final Bird of Paradise for our 16-day West Papua trip. Everyone was thrilled to see this beautiful and relatively easier species. It looked like it was just starting to display and call for a female—but no luck today. Still, it was fun watching it practice its dance moves!
– another BoP that really amazes us, it keeps cleaning the “dancing” ground and displaying (dancing) to attract a female. make a lot of photo opportunity
– one of the easiest and beautiful Bird-of-Paradise
– every morning, it will come to “dance” ground clearing and calling the female – this is a moment after an hour clearing, no female is approaching so it is resting and preening nearby
– 一隻蠻普通+漂亮的風鳥，天堂鳥。
– 每天它都會到這清理，呼叫。希望母鳥的到來。
update 202602
This is one of the easiest Birds-of-Paradise to see, yet it is still among the most stunning and beautiful. This time, the display site was amazingly right beside the roadside! Compared to past trips, where we needed to hike 1–2 hours on steep slopes, this felt like a real luxury. If we have an extra morning, I would definitely return to enjoy this spectacular display again.
I will be revisiting West Papua in 2026 — anyone interested in joining?
update 202509 ##### Still remember the moment—our porters and local guides were late, so everyone rushed to the birding spot without them. Luckily, we arrived just in time to witness something special. A truly lucky group to see this stunning Bird-of-Paradise performing its display to attract a female. Such an incredible experience with these amazing birds! 还记得当时的情景——我们的挑夫和当地向导迟到了，大家只能自己快步前往观鸟点。幸运的是，我们还是赶上了精彩的时刻。 真是幸运的一组人，看到天堂鸟为了吸引雌鸟而展示求偶舞。这种鸟真是太神奇了！
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update 202105
– one of the most seen, photograph BoP, but still like this bird very much. the body contains so much color and the chest “green” can changing depend on lighting and angle to “purple”
It’s not a lifer for me, but watching this bird display openly—with such a unique courtship dance and even mating—definitely made my July 2025 unforgettable. Even with highlights like the dancing Western Parotia, displaying Black Sicklebill, close views of King Bird-of-paradise, a flying Twelve-wired BOP, and up-close Owlet-nightjars… this moment will stick with me forever.
It’s truly a privilege to witness this amazing courtship display. We were lucky to see it many times and even managed to capture it in slow motion with new technology—something that would’ve been nearly impossible just a few years ago. Enjoy the moment!
Frogmouth is one of my favorite bird family .. and I like to see them at night .. this frogmouth is huge !!! average 53cm !!!! We do not really look for it but on the way to our BoP saw it on the wire, road site so I decided to walk down shoot it with handheld .. yes handheld 😀 to reduce time waste …
It’s a massive bird (according to the field guide, 45–60 cm), and it truly looks huge when seen up close. We were lucky that Ahmad took us to his house—yes, just right across from it—to see three of them roosting. But I still hope to see it one day at night, with those glowing red eyes!
这是一只体型非常大的鸟（根据图鉴约45–60厘米），现场看真的很大！
很幸运 Ahmad 带我们去他家（就在他家对面）看到3只正在栖息的鸟。但我还是很想哪天能在夜晚看到它，看到那双“红眼睛”的样子。
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
– One of the most beautiful Monarch seen so far …this male just lovely with a blue eye-ring.
– male Blue-white and female is orange-rufous
– 非常特別與漂亮的王鶲
update 202102
– when I first saw the female, I was like wow this Monarch is just gorgeous. then we spent quite some time getting the male into the frame too.– as other Monarch, active and noisy bird– 當我們見到母鳥時真的不能相信這麼漂亮的王鶲– 讓後我們都決定用一點時間把公鳥拍下。
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– heard this bird calling many places but just too shy to show
– obvious bill shape
– 很多點都能聽到它叫。就是很難見到。
update 202507
Excited to revisit this amazing birding spot soon! During our last trip, we spent quite a bit of time searching for this unique “hook-billed” bird—but the effort was totally worth it. Can’t wait to try again in West Papua!
58. Vogelkop Bowerbird, 褐色园丁鸟, 褐色園丁鳥, Amblyornis inornata, チャイロニワシドリ, Namdur Polos
– one of the amazing birds, how this bird behaves… we spend our rest time to monitor this bird for 2 evenings.. it just amazing collect and put the same color “rubbish” to decorate the house.
– while we hiking for other birding sites, I actually notice some colorful rubbish been hide in some hole …think the bird knows how to keep the “rubbish” in another location if it is not required.
– 蠻大，沒什麼顏色的鳥。
– 非常特別的鳥，會把不一樣的”垃圾“。顏色分類。真的很厲害。
update 202105
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59. Common Paradise-Kingfisher, 普通仙翡翠, 普通仙翡翠, Tanysiptera galatea, ラケットカワセミ, Cekakak-pita biasa
– Blue-white, red bill & long-tailed
– this bird is common especially at Raja Ampat, but it just too active and shy ..
– 印尼拉賈安帕群島蠻普通的鳥，可是很害羞。不容易拍照片。
Common Paradise-Kingfisher, 普通仙翡翠, 普通仙翡翠, Tanysiptera galatea
– pink crown, green black-white breast- orange-yellow belly
– 非常漂亮的果鳩
– 粉紅頭冠，灰白臉與胸，綠背。
– 非常害羞。
update 202508
Small and stunning—another beautiful fruit-dove!
In all my previous visits, we only had brief glimpses, often high up and far away. But this time, it came down low and stayed with us for a good while. What a treat!
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!
update 202102
- this bird very active and beautiful for both male and female
- captured our stay at our hotel at Raja Ampat
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62. Lesser Frigatebird, 白斑军舰鸟, 白班軍艦鳥, Fregata ariel, コグンカンドリ, Cikalang Kecil
– one of the least common in this region with the Greater
– male is easier to distinct but females sometimes confuse.
– LF which refers has obviously the extended spurs which absent from Greater Frigatebird. some angles may confuse with Christmas Island Frigatebird.
update 202101
- captured this at our hotel near the beach while our stay at Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- the spurs extend from the center white breast
- blackhead, the white breast should be an adult female?
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63. Golden Monarch, 金王鹟, 黑黃王鶲, Carterornis chrysomela, キイロカササギビタキ, Kehicap Emas
One of the most common birds around, but this time it kept its distance and wasn’t too friendly. Still, we managed to get plenty of nice flight shots.
Such a beautiful bird, especially when its wings are fully open!
This bird is endemic to Papua Island, and unlike some species that require long waits, this one was a quick and lucky tick! It perched right where we wanted—such a satisfying moment.
Big thanks to the team for their persistence! We finally got a good look at this fairly common lowland forest bird in West Papua. It was a bit of a shame the first one only I managed to photograph—but luckily, we found it again and everyone got their shot!
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!
It’s a huge bird with a brightly colored head. I missed it during my last trip, but this time I finally got to see two—moving around almost like pets, even with names! Really happy to finally see this massive and beautiful bird.
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
69. Mountain Owlet-nightjar, 灰裸鼻鸱, 山裸鼻鴟, Aegotheles albertisi, ミヤマズクヨタカ, Atoku gunung
update 202508
This is another one of my favorite bird families—always a top priority whenever I visit sites where it’s possible to see them. During our 4-day stay at Mount Arfak, we saw four individuals: three Mountain and one Feline Owlet-nightjar. This one was especially memorable—so beautiful and just about 5–8 feet away, staring right at us!
It’s not a new family or species — I’ve definitely photographed this bird before during a previous visit to the Arfak area. But this time, I got to witness it fighting with a Lophorina superba while trying to attract a female at the “stage.”
This tiny parrot was feeding—maybe on ants?—along a tree trunk. Luckily, a few came down low near the village, giving us a great look. Up close, it’s truly beautiful; otherwise, it just looks like a little green blur zipping around!
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.
This is one of the most common birds on Waigeo Island—you can often see them flying around. We were lucky to stay at a resort where they flew close by and occasionally perched on nearby fruit trees. Just before heading out for our evening birding session, this lovely female came really close and low for us—what a treat!
74. Beach Kingfisher, 白头翡翠, 海灘翡翠, Todiramphus saurophagus, シロガシラショウビン, Cekakak Pantai
update 202509
This kingfisher is quite common from Maluku to Papua Island—not a rare bird, but like many kingfishers, it can be shy when approached. Also, it’s not the easiest to photograph, especially with its bright head that’s easy to overexpose.
After our noon break, we explored along the river and were lucky to spot one perched nearby. Even better, it came back again for another look!
One of the exciting moments was spotting this shy and rare bird through the thick morning mist. Thanks to Pak Esli’s persistence, he returned the next morning and got a much better view!
This bird behaves much like a fantail but has the appearance of a drongo—a truly unique combination. While the rest of the group was in the hide, I was left outside (no seat available), which turned out to be a blessing, as I got to enjoy this strange and wonderful bird up close!
78. Brown Oriole, 褐鹂, 褐色黃鸝, Oriolus szalayi, チャイロコウライウグイス, Kepudang Coklat
update 202509
It gives off a call similar to an oriole, yet its appearance is rather plain and understated. Despite its simple look, it’s a species we rarely get to see up close or capture in photographs, making this encounter quite special.
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!
It’s not a new mammal family, but definitely a new addition to our collection! Spotted this stunning-looking mammal on Waigeo Island. While everyone was enjoying coffee and waiting for fruit-doves, some local kids called us into the forest. We couldn’t really understand what they were saying—but soon enough, this beautiful creature appeared, low and close. What a surprise and such a beautiful moment!
this is a special bird for Sulawesi as it is only for South-Sulawesi (we got this from Makassar). the rest of the area having “Blue-headed” instead of Black-headed
update 202310
– a special target at South Sulawesi, it is not as easy as the Tangkoko version of Green-backed. Look different on head , darker
– an endemic for the Sulawesi that found near the mangrove. someone say this is the ugliest bird from Sulawesi… but not for me .. it is handsome for sure
Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, 鱗胸翡翠, Actenoides princeps
just another endemic of 5 Kingfishers
a male bird. slightly shy compare to female .. cant get close to the bird
female. very tame captured think ~10m away
6. Sacred Kingfisher, 白眉翡翠, 白眉翡翠, Todiramphus sanctus, ヒジリショウビン, Cekakak Australia
– winter Migrant (South) before heading home
– look very similar to Collared Kingfisher with more white overall
– 與白領翡翠像。
Got this extra bonus while we at Mangrove Boat ride for the Great Billed Kingfisher
7. Ruddy Kingfisher, 赤翡翠, Halcyon coromanda, アカショウビン, Cekakak Merah
– another common resident, widespread across Asia
– 亞洲蠻普通的翡翠。赤色，帶紫。
Got this extra bonus while we at Mangrove Boat ride for the Great Billed Kingfisher
8. Sulawesi Pitta,苏拉威西八色鸫, 蘇拉威西八色鶇, Erythropitta celebensis, スラウェシヤイロチョウ
– 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 202311
– a bird that we shoot nearby feeding station for this bird, but we didn’t feed the bird… so do we consider take photo of feeding bird ? Yes or No ?
– 我们在喂食点附近见到，拍到。可是这属于拍喂食点的鸟？ 有对有不对？
201909, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
####
update 202012
– small and red-bellied pitta
– a split from Red-bellied pitta, as the name stated. An endemic of Sulawesi.
update 202105
201911, Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202012
#############
missed this at Tangkoko, thought going to miss this .. somehow got it just ~1 hour arrived Tomohon and 15 min after got the Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
9. Knobbed Hornbill, 苏拉皱盔犀鸟, 蘇拉皺盔犀鳥, Rhyticeros cassidix, アカコブサイチョウ, Julang Sulawesi
– another endemic for Sulawesi. very beautiful Hornbill
– 非常漂亮的特有種犀鳥。
update 202511
This was one of our main targets here, and we were lucky to have three individuals giving us great views and photo opportunities.
Personally, I think this is one of the most stunning hornbill species I’ve ever seen.
这是我们此行的目标之一，很高兴我们遇到了三只，都给了我们绝佳的观赏和拍摄机会。
对我来说，这是最美丽的犀鸟种类之一。
202511, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
update 2020 May 5
Knobbed Hornbill, 蘇拉皺盔犀鳥, Rhyticeros cassidix, アカコブサイチョウ, Julang Sulawesi
########
it is nesting season , so almost all will got the same tree, same angle 😀
so lucky saw ~6 birds flying across ..
10. 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)
– 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
####
#
15. White-faced Cuckoo-Dove, 白脸蕉鸠, 白臉蕉鳩, Turacoena manadensis, カオジロクロバト, Merpati-hitam sulawesi
– a common endemic Sulawesi but as other cuckoo-doves very shy
– medium size, white-face, green
– 蠻普通蘇拉威西特有種，可是很害羞。不容易接近。
– 白臉，大部分綠
16. 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 Barn-owl endemic and the name derived from Minahassa Peninsula described as a breeding bird
– 非常稀有的蘇拉威西特有種。
update 202310
– a special owl, seem everyone wanted to have a look at Sulawesi (included the local) as believe lucky ? but it is always challenge to looking for one.
– 蛮特别的鸮，几乎每个观鸟的到这都想看到。（本土人也很希望看到，代表幸运）
201908, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
17. Sulawesi Woodpecker, 苏拉威西啄木, 蘇拉威西啄木, Yungipicus temminckii, セレベスコゲラ, Caladi Sulawesi
– very small endemic woodpecker
– 很小的啄木。蘇拉威西特有種。
update 202310
– another lucky bird my fellow buddy believe. He always think, after we got any woodpecker sign. The luck will be good .. so we normally look for woodpecker before look for ours target
Sulawesi Woodpecker, 坦氏啄木鳥, Yungipicus temminckii,セレベスコゲラ, Caladi Sulawesi
18. Yellow-billed Malkoha, 苏拉黄嘴地鹃, 蘇拉黃嘴地鵑, Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus, セレベスバンケンモドキ, Kadalan Sulawesi
– a very active and big Sulawesi endemic
– bill upper yellow down red
– rufous upper and bottom dark black-blue
– 蘇拉威西特有種
– 嘴 – 黃-紅。
– 與其他地鵑一樣，活躍。
update 202501
This large and beautiful bird is a common endemic of Sulawesi, but it’s always a pleasure to photograph. I was very fortunate to capture it in flight!
Still figuring out where to go for a few days in April 2025—anyone up for a quick Sulawesi trip?
这种体型大而美丽的鸟是苏拉威西的常见特有种，但拍摄它依然是一种享受。我很幸运能捕捉到它的飞行瞬间！
2025年4月还有几天行程待定，有人想来一趟苏拉威西短途旅行吗？
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202304
– a pre-tour day, arrive Tangkoko a day earlier. Decided to walk with guests in the evening. never saw so many of them.. total ~10 of them feeding on same tree.
take opportunity to trying BIF shot. not bad overall.
19. Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, 金衣盘尾鹦鹉, 金衣盤尾鸚鵡, Prioniturus platurus, ウチワインコ, Kring-kring bukit
– one of the very special Sulawesi endemic
– this parrot with racket-tailed
– this is a female bird
非常特別鸚鵡，這隻有盤尾。蘇拉威西特有種。
這是母鳥。
update 202102
#
20. Isabelline Bush-hen, 苏拉苦恶鸟, 蘇拉苦惡鳥, Amaurornis isabellina, チャバラバンクイナ, Kareo Sulawesi
– a shy Sulawesi endemic
– making a very noisy call just like other Rallidae (crake-hen)
– 很害羞的蘇拉威西特有種
– 與其他秧雞一樣都很吵。
#
21. Superb Fruit-Dove, 华丽果鸠, 壯麗果鳩, Ptilinopus superbus, クロオビヒメアオバト, Walik Raja
– one of the most beautiful bird, it can be found in Sulawesi Sub-montane area
– maybe been poach over the years, most of the time high up
– 算是我看或最漂亮的鳥。
– 通常都站高，害羞。
update 202505
Our 10-day birding trip to North Sulawesi and Halmahera ended on a high note with this incredible bird. It took us nearly the whole morning to find it, but in the end, it rewarded us with a great 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 202511
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.
– small endemic owl captured from Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#
23. Great-billed Heron, 大嘴鹭, 大嘴鷺, Ardea sumatrana, スマトラサギ, Cangak Laut
- lucky to have these 2 birds displaying and managed to have a good session with them
- a not so common heron
非常幸運，拍到它們在配偶行為。
update 202102
- while w on the way to Great-billed Kingfisher. Saw these 2 birds displaying and stop to capture the good moment.
#
#
24. Purple-winged Roller, 藍翅佛法僧, 紫翅佛法僧, Coracias temminckii, セレベスブッポウソウ, Tiong-lampu sulawesi
– a very beautiful bird, just like Malaysia Indochinese Roller but this with less vibrant colors and a “purple” wing-tail. Sulawesi endemic.
– 非常漂亮的佛法僧，非常害羞。蘇拉威西特有種。
update 202505
This species is always one of my main photography targets whenever I’m at Tangkoko. It’s a darker-colored roller, typically found near the forest edge, with striking overall purple plumage.
– 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
– as other’s flowerpecker, good to find near some flowering tree
– 蘇拉威西特有種
update 202310
– our simple no target day at Tomohon, come across this best spot for all the small birds .. good photography spot … so close and good lighting and background
– a very active and shy bird
– reddish eye-ring
– first saw at Sabah, also same very active and shy
非常活躍與害羞的鳥。與在沙巴見得都一樣。
update 202511
It’s strange how this species, once commonly heard and briefly seen in Tangkoko, has become harder to encounter in recent visits. But this time, luck was on our side—it was feeding just beside the trail and gave us a rare opportunity for some decent photos.
– white eye-ring, a black forehead. White chest-bellied
– 苏拉威西特有种。
– 白眼圈，前头部黑。白胸-腹
update 202105
201909, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
#
34. 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
A very large barn-owl with a gray facial disk, gray crown, and rufous upperparts and wings with scattered dark markings. Prefers open country, like agricultural land, plantations, and forest edge, from lowlands to mountains. Limited to Sulawesi. Distinguished from smaller Minahassa Masked-Owl by gray face, gray forecrown, more extensive dark markings across wings and upperparts, and preference for open country.[Ebird]
While we were trying to get better shots of the boobook, this owl started calling right at dusk. It remained a bit shy and didn’t perch too close, but I did my best with the Canon R5 Mark II + RF 400mm + 1.4x extender to capture a decent shot.
当我们正努力拍摄鹰鸮时，这只猫头鹰在黄昏时分开始鸣叫。虽然它有些害羞，没有停在太近的位置，但我依然尽力用 Canon R5 Mark II + RF 400mm + 1.4x 增距镜拍下了它的身影。
202511, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
#####
update 202410
– a Sulawesi endemic with very Barn Owl look alike and call alike … white overall compare to Minahasa Masked Owl more “light rufous” and slight look different
– a owl that we tried many times, many location.. but after few tried what a surprise to see it in one dusk but missed the picture opportunity. But went for 2nd night and got it flying on the sky .. and lucky to have CANON focus monster R3 with RF400mm F2.8 to have this ..
– almost time to finish off Malaysia tours, and time for lovely places again. I am going Sulawesi and Halmahera again Oct. Anyone interest on 2025 ? 2024 full 😀
– hopefully see this owl again, lovely and wait for me.
– last night of birding, after Speckled Boobook, immediate got this rare endemic and managed to capture few flying (not really enough shutter speed for sharp picture) . It flying high up with torch the light still not enough for any picture opportunity. Thanks CANON R3 it lock focus in such dark environment and track it down.
35. Black Sunbird, 黑花蜜鸟, 黑花蜜鳥, Leptocoma aspasia, クロタイヨウチョウ, Burung-madu hitam
A small songbird with a long downcurved bill. Male is blackish with iridescent areas: crown glossed greenish or blue, and shoulders, rump, and tail glossed with blue. Throat iridescent reddish-purple in most of range, but blueish in the north Moluccas and Kai islands. Female is nondescript, with a grayish head, white throat, olive upperparts, and yellowish underparts over much of range. In the south Moluccas and Aru islands, underparts are grayish. Juvenile resembles female, but yellower on throat. Inhabits forest edge, open forest, gardens, and scrub in lowlands and hills. Male can be separated from dark-bellied forms of male Olive-backed Sunbird by glossy, iridescent crown and black back. Females differ from Olive-backed Sunbird by absence of eyebrow, absence of white tail tip, white throat, grayish head, and duller yellow underparts. Females lack eye-ring, unlike larger female Brown-throated Sunbird, and are less uniform underneath than female Elegant Sunbird. [EBird]
蛮普通的花蜜鸟，在苏拉威西等附近岛屿。光线不好时，几乎都是黑的。可是在光线好时，它真的很美。
update 202511
One of the most stunning birds in my opinion—and definitely not just “black”!
We missed it at the usual location where it only perched far away. But today, while we were escaping the afternoon heat in a shaded area, this beauty flew in and stayed for a long time right in front of us.
– a bird with good lighting, it become so colorful instead of “black”
– 在光线好的时候，这鸟不是黑的！
202304, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
####
update 202304
– last evening birding, we enjoy the cold weather. surprise so many small birds come to same area in close range. It look like we are birds photography instead of watching.
– we enjoy so much all the small bird such a good view and pictures
– the good evening light make the “black” bird so beautiful.
A large green parrot with a thin pair of tail rackets, confined to North Sulawesi and satellite islands. Entirely green, except for distinct yellow wash on breast and collar. Males show a small red crown patch. Juveniles lack rackets. Found in pairs and groups in canopy of forests and edges in lowlands and foothills. Prominent yellow breast and large size of this species distinguish it from Golden-mantled Racquet-tail. If rackets are not seen, note the silvery-gray bill, unlike Blue-naped Parrot. Noisy, giving varied vocalizations. Song is a high-pitched “kut-ut-ut-kler-kler.” Also gives screeches, squeaking, piping, and ear-splitting “kraa” notes. [Ebird]
– Racquet-tail always attract us, even just the common Greater Racquet-tail at Malaysia. This colorful parrot with Racquet-tail, just another bird that I want to photograph i close range. finally it perch so just infront of us.
– always seeing this flying for the pass and finally before got “tick attack” (suspect we got the 200-400 tick bites here)we got this bird sitting good for good view to all and some picture opportunity.
A distinctive large, spectacularly-marked pigeon. Green with a conspicuous pale gray head, a red eye-ring around a beady yellow eye, a dark neck and chest, a bold white belly, a chestnut base to the undertail, and a broad white band in the otherwise dark tail. Shows subtle bronze tones in some parts of the plumage, such as the nape. Singles, pairs, and small groups inhabit the upper levels of forests and forest edges, mostly in the hills and mountains, less often lower down. Gives a very deep, two-noted call, descending on the second note: “woop-mooo.” Also gives single “woop” notes. [Ebird]
– a very surprise to have eye level of Sulawesi Myna, Sulawesi Hawk Eagle follow by this always hidden bird. and it stay so long for us to have front, side, back view.
– 非常幸运，低角度见了苏拉王椋鸟, 苏拉鹰雕.这害羞的鸠也让我们看了很久。
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
38. Sulawesi Myna, 苏拉王椋鸟, 蘇拉威西王椋鳥, Basilornis celebensis, セレベスオオサマムクドリ
A glossy-black starling with a rounded crest and prominent pale markings on cheeks and breast sides. Juvenile dark brown with a pale underside. Inhabits canopy of forest, forest edge, and nearby degraded areas within lowlands and foothills, typically in pairs or small groups. Distinguished from Short-tailed and Asian Glossy Starlings by large-headed appearance (due to crest) and conspicuous pale patches in plumage. Calls include a clear, metallic, piercing “tzew” and “tzip” as well as “zowee” notes; also gives quiet buzzy warbles. [EBird]
– 几乎全黑.脸颊和胸前有白。蛮可爱的鸟。可是通常都站高高的。
这次很幸运的站了很低让我们拍。
update 202310
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202305
– always seen bird but always high up without any reasonable view or picture. finally this bird decided to stand low for us.
An unmistakable long-tailed, black-and-white myna. Black except for broad white breast band and collar. South Sulawesi form has a pale-tipped bill; in north, bill is entirely dark. Juveniles less glossy and shorter-tailed than adults. Found in pairs or small groups in canopy of forest and forest edge in lowlands and foothills. Often perches out on prominent dead branches. Restricted to Sulawesi, satellite islands, and Togian Islands. Gives a variety of odd calls, including high-pitched piercing “keer,” soft low-pitched “kyop,” and other whistles and metallic notes. (ebird)
update 202511
Another productive morning clearing one more target on our final 2025 Sulawesi Bird Photography Tour. As we arrived at the location, this bird was already perched out in the open, offering great views and photo opportunities.
Never before has this bird stayed out in the open for us this long—easily 10 to 20 minutes! After such an extended view, everyone got ready for a flight shot… and yes, it finally took off with a perfect pose.
A tiny, short-tailed songbird. Unmistakable male is dark with a red cap, breast spot, and rump. Underparts white, with a dark vertical line on the belly and white tufts on sides of breast. Female is gray, with red confined to rump; this color patterning is diagnostic. Juvenile resembles female, but lacks the red rump. Singles or pairs inhabit the upper reaches of hill and montane forest and forest edges. Restricted to Sulawesi. Gives thin, high-pitched “tzeet” and “kwit” call notes. Song starts with “tzeet-tzeet” phrases, then descends into a rapid warble.
[ebird]
update 202307
– a lovely and beautiful bird to be seen, previously saw it high up and finally have it low and beautiful view
– anyone want join me Oct 2023 for Photography trip to Sulawesi ?
– a special almost represent Sulawesi as almost any where you can see symbol
A massive black-and-white megapode with a rose-pink breast and a diagnostic prominent knob on the nape. Found in lowland and hill forest, in areas near beaches or areas with volcanic sands in which they lay their eggs. Immatures show a blacker head with a white throat and a tufted crest. Occurs in pairs that forage on the ground and roost in trees by night. Often best seen at known egg-laying sites, either during laying sessions, or roosting in trees nearby. Generally silent, but occasionally gives a loud, bubbling “waow.” [Ebird]
update 202310
– another main target for a short Photography tour, not really a difficult bird to be seen but it stay far from the hide and very alert with sounds. But there are few individual come to the ranger area which gave some close pictures.
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!
46. Bay Coucal, 苏拉鸦鹃, 蘇拉鴉鵑, Centropus celebensis, セレベスバンケン, Bubut Sulawesi
A reddish-brown cuckoo with a long, often shaggy-looking tail. Juvenile shows a pale eye and a paler breast and throat than adults. The species favors vine tangles within forest and forest edge in lowlands and foothills, where it is usually encountered singly or in pairs. The entirely brown body, lacking black, separates this species from Lesser Coucal. Song is a series of “hoot” notes that often encourages other nearby coucals to respond. Alarm call is a harsh, short rasping “burr.” [ebird]
– as other coucal, shy, moving in bushes … very coucal call alike
– 有如其他鸦鹃，害羞，喜欢活动在草丛里。
update 202512
This is a very common but typically shy species in Sulawesi. Fortunately, we had a few great moments where it took flight in open view, allowing us the rare chance to capture some nice bird-in-flight photos of this elusive bird.
– a bird always heard at lowland of Sulawesi, it is not so boring coucal overall but same it spend us sometime to have a good look of this bird
– 在苏拉威西，这特有种。通常都很容易听到。可是要拍到不是太容易。
201909, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
47. Sulawesi Myzomela, 苏拉摄蜜鸟, 蘇拉威西攝蜜鳥, Myzomela chloroptera, セレベスクレナイミツスイ, Myzomela merah-tua sulawesi
update 202602
As Chinese people, we embrace red as the essential color of the festive season; however, photographers also find beauty in a full spectrum of colors.
作为华人，我们在节日期间对红色情有独钟，但摄影师也同样热爱色彩斑斓的世界。
202511, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
update 202503
it is one of very common endemic for Sulawesi, you wont miss the active “red” bird always feeding nearby flowers.
I am leaving to Sulawesi soon, hope more visit to the lovely Island in future.
它是苏拉威西岛常见的特有物种，你一定不会错过那只活跃在花丛间觅食的鲜红色鸟儿。
我马上要前往苏拉威西，希望未来能更多次造访这座美丽的岛屿！
202310, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
48. Black-billed Koel, 黑嘴噪鹃, 黑嘴噪鵑, Eudynamys melanorhynchus, スラウェシオニカッコウ, Tuwur Sulawesi
A commonly heard but very shy bird, with a call resembling that of the Malaysian Asian Koel—though its “woo” is slightly shorter.
这是一种常听见却非常害羞的鸟，它的叫声与马来西亚的亚洲噪鹃相似，但“喔”的声音稍微短一些。
update 202505
It was a dull and cloudy day when we first heard the call a few times and caught a glimpse of the bird flying, but no one managed a photo. Fortunately, the bird began circling near us, and while everyone searched for a perch shot, I took the opportunity to capture it in flight.
49. Sulawesi Crow, 苏拉威西乌鸦, 蘇拉威西烏鴉, Corvus celebensis
update 202507
This is a very common crow in Sulawesi, recently split from the Slender-billed Crow. With its new status as a separate species and a Sulawesi endemic, I made an extra effort on this trip to get better photos of it.
It’s rare! After so many visits to Tomohon without a single sighting, I finally managed to see one this year. Not the most colorful, but still a lovely bird to see.
51. Sulawesi Hornbill, 白颊犀鸟, 白頰斑嘴犀鳥, Rhabdotorrhinus exarhatus, カオジロサイチョウ, Kangkareng Sulawesi
update 202511
Another key target for Koel, and we got it almost immediately after arriving at the spot. A beautiful and small endemic hornbill. It made some soft calls too—hopefully I can convert the video and share it soon.
Soon heading back to Sulawesi! I’ve visited during different seasons, and this endemic bird has always been one of our key targets—alongside the impressive Knobbed Hornbill, another iconic endemic of Sulawesi.
Simplified Chinese Translation:
即将再次前往苏拉威西！我曾在不同季节造访这里，这种特有鸟类一直是我们重点寻找的目标之一，另一个就是体型更大的苏拉威西特有种——苏拉皱盔犀鸟。
202504, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
51. Purple-bearded Bee-eater, 须蜂虎, 紫鬚蜂虎, Meropogon forsteni, セレベスハチクイ, Cirik-cirik sulawesi
update 202511
It’s always one of our main targets when visiting Central Sulawesi. We’ve been here for two days and managed to see this bird twice, though still from a bit of a distance. We’re hoping to get a closer look soon!
A truly special Sulawesi endemic for us. Two more target species to go in the next day and a half — wish us luck!
This is truly one of the most beautiful mynas! We had seen this species a few times before, but usually perched high up near the canopy, offering only distant views.
This time, we were fortunate — a few individuals came down to feed, giving us a clear and close view, along with great photo opportunities.
这是最美丽的八哥之一！我们之前几次都看到过这种鸟，但总是停在高高的树冠上，只能远远望见。
这次非常幸运，有几只飞下来觅食，距离很近，让我们有清晰的观察和拍照机会，实在太棒了！
202511,
Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
53. Hylocitrea, 林啸鹟, 橙脇嘯鶇, Hylocitrea bonensis, Hylocitrea bonensis, Kancilan Buah
update 202511
Our main target at Lore Lindu turned out to be not as tough as we expected. We managed to see it twice, and both sightings were not high up in the canopy. Unfortunately, the lighting wasn’t ideal, making the photos appear a bit dull—but still a great bird to observe!
202511,
Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
54. 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!
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
57. 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.
What a delightful evening—two stunning and tiny fruit-doves perched low and nearby, giving us fantastic photo opportunities. We even attempted a few bird-in-flight shots. Though not endemic, these birds truly charmed everyone, and we ended up spending about 1.5 hours enjoying their presence.
This special moment, Photographers using nearly all camera brands were there to capture the moment, but not everyone managed to get that perfect shot.
What a wonderful evening—two beautiful and tiny fruit-doves perched low and close, giving us a great opportunity to enjoy and photograph them. We even tried for some bird-in-flight shots. Though not endemic, everyone was delighted to spend around 1.5 hours with these charming birds.
What an amazing start to our time at Tangkoko—almost all our targets were seen and photographed in just one morning! In the evening, we aimed for some special species, and this bird turned out to be very active, giving us great chances to capture some bird-in-flight shots. A lucky moment once again, made even better thanks to the superb tracking performance of the Canon R5 Mark II.
：
我们在Tangkoko有个非常棒的开始——几乎所有目标鸟/动物种在一个早上就拍到了！
傍晚我们尝试寻找一些特别的鸟类，结果这只鸟非常活跃，不断飞来飞去，给了我们拍摄飞行照的好机会。
又是一次幸运的时刻，多亏了Canon R5 Mark II出色的追焦能力！
Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
59. 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!
60. Green Imperial-Pigeon (Rufous-naped), 绿皇鸠, 綠皇鳩, Ducula aenea paulina, ミカドバト, Burung Pergam Hijau
update 202511
It’s a very common species here, though it looks quite different from the ones we see in Malaysia. Usually, it stays high and far, but this time we were lucky—it perched at a reasonable distance, at eye level, and under beautiful lighting. A truly lovely bird!
61. Ivory-backed Woodswallow, 白背燕鵙, 白背燕鵙, Artamus monachus, セレベスモリツバメ, Kekep Sulawesi
update 202512
This is one of those birds that often gets overlooked, as it closely resembles the White-breasted Woodswallow. But this time, we were lucky to get a clear, eye-level view. A great Sulawesi endemic!
This bird can be heard calling everywhere, but getting a clear view is always a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, we were lucky—one showed up in the open, allowing us to get some great shots. Moments like this remind me that bird photography is still very rewarding.
63. 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!
One of the most common primates in Tangkoko—often seen moving in groups. They may look intimidating, but they’re generally not aggressive. Still, it’s best to keep a respectful distance just to be safe!
After years, finally back to this amazing island … this time we come here for 6 days Photography .. let share some pictures from this trip
one of the main attraction for this Black Macaques
just another day spend on Tangkoko National Park
1. Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher, 苏拉蓝耳翠鸟
another lovely endemic Kingfisher
2. Sulawesi Dwarf-Kingfisher, 小三趾翠鸟
a lovely and tiny endemic kingfisher
3. Knobbed Hornbill, 苏拉皱盔犀鸟
we were lucky to have this pair stand outside long enough before going back to nest to feed the chick
. another beautiful endemic
4. Ochre-bellied Boobook, 赭腹鹰鸮
another lovely endemic
5. Yellow-billed Malkoha, 火红嘴地鹃
as other Malkoha, keep moving not easy to have open picture. Another lovely and beautiful endemic
6. Ashy Woodpecker, 暗黄啄木鸟
another common endemic , but want to get a open and close picture is not really an easy work
7. Green-backed Kingfisher, 绿背翡翠
coming to Sulawesi North, top 5 endemic Kingfisher. and this this is one most common
8. Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle, 苏拉鹰雕
another lovely endemic , lucky to see it got it’s prey
9. Tabon Scrubfowl, 菲律宾塚雉
moving non stop on ground .. trying best already
10. Gray-sided Flowerpecker, 灰胁啄花鸟
another lovely and common endemic
11. White-faced Cuckoo-Dove, 白脸蕉鸠
so shy , but lovely endemic
12. Rusty-backed Thrush, 红背地鸫
wrong setting , record shot of this beautiful endemic
13. Speckled Boobook, 斑鹰鸮
lucky to have this endemic just for ~2 s looking at us
very relaxing, we go nearby a open hill spot for some dove, parrot etc .. we can see the birds mostly on or below eye level but little bit of distance ..
14. Green Imperial-Pigeon (Rufous-naped), 绿皇鸠
look different from where we saw in Borneo . look so beautiful ..
15. Silver-tipped Imperial-Pigeon, 苏拉斑皇鸠
another lovely pigeon, endemic to Sulawesi , so active in the morning.. but slowly disappear …
16. Finch-billed Myna, 雀嘴八哥
another very common endemic , any where but we didnt spent much time to get better picture .. too common here but beautiful
17. Sooty-headed Bulbul, 白喉红臀鹎
just another common bird found here
18. Azure-rumped Parrot, blue-backed parrot, 蓝背鹦鹉
many dove, pigeons, parrot found here . this is another amazing looking parrot
