this time , we visit both favorite birding spots Danum Valley and Sukau .. even didn’t get any lifer but got few improve picture capture .. one of them
as usual , this Monotypic species endemic to Borneo move fast .. this time more challenge due to the ground full with mud and leeches so make movement to chase more difficult .. I always enjoy to see and photograph Babblers and Wren-babblers here is some of my favorite Wren-babbler collection
1. Dark-throated Oriole, 黑喉黄鹂, 黑喉黃鸝, Oriolus xanthonotus, ムナフコウライウグイス, KUNYIT-BONGSU BIASA
– lovely bird found normally secondary and primary forest and mostly canopy
– 非常厉害唱歌。通常都在树顶上。
update 202409
– a not mistaken lowland forest “yellow bird with streak on chest” with lovely song. Male with black head.
– a late afternoon, we decided to make a last stop before end ours birding… what a good stop with this bird stay low and near for us …
– 马来西亚低海拔的黄鸟。雄鸟头部带黑。
– 中午时分，我们决定最后一停。非常不错，这么美的鸟停很低价近给我们拍。
#####
update 202103
update 2020 April 2
update 2017 Jan 16
2. Black Oriole, 黑鹂, 黑鸝, Oriolus hosii, スミゴロモ, KUNYIT HITAM BORNEO
one of the rare oriole or bird in the world .. it only can found near a small village at Sarawak, Malaysia (as for now) ..
update 202309
– a good moment with this special target bird, this year may not see it again but still hope to plan few days there to look for few other good birds there…
– going to be another busy months after short break, and can’t stop thinking how lucky we were with such close encounter … this was 560mm with minimum crop !!! a very rare Borneo endemic but not difficult bird to be seen but it is always high up on the tree with “small” size almost like a black dot
– another visit of this amazing place Paya Maga, but this trip we had a bad weather . Arrive hiking with heavy rain, missed one evening and night for anything just hearing the lovely natural music and good rest. Following with on and off rain. But this main target still show well for us and even come low and stay long for us to take picture.
– 再次到这美好的地方，Paya Maga . 可是这次天气真的不是很给力。几乎都下雨。上山时还下大雨。天气冷，下雨，鸟没活动还有比这差吗？还好我们到这的主打鸟还是拍到了。还下来低+久让我们拍好好。
202307, Paya Maga, Sarawak, Malaysia
update 202306
– this is a special Borneo endemic why we were at Paya Maga. The weather is wet almost everyday, muddy trail, cold shower, no electricity, sharing big hall for sleep. But good birds as usual, managed to have this bird first afternoon, and see it almost every day.
– 我们到Paya Maga 的原因（在这没电，冻水凉，湿泥土，下雨，大家睡在一个大空间）可是好鸟原因大家都没投诉。这非常稀有的婆罗洲特有种，到的第一个中午已拿下。之后每一天都看到。
202306, Paya Maga, Sarawak, Malaysia
###
update 2020 Sept
Black Oriole, 黑鹂,黑鸝, Oriolus hosii, スミゴロモ, KUNYIT HITAM BORNEO
3. Black-and-crimson Oriole, 绯胸黄鹂, 緋胸黃鸝, Oriolus cruentus, ヒムネスミゴロモ, KUNYIT HITAM BIASA
– another common bird at montane for both Pen Malaysia and Borneo.
4. Black-naped Oriole, 黑枕黄鹂, 黑枕黃鸝, Oriolus chinensis, コウライウグイス, KUNYIT BESAR
– one of the most common oriole near the urban/garden, mangrove, etc P. Malaysia
5. Ventriloquial Oriole, 巴拉望黑喉黄鹂, 巴拉望黑喉黃鷂, Oriolus consobrinus, KUNYIT-BONGSU TIMUR
update 202504
It was previously classified as the same species as the Dark-throated in Peninsular Malaysia but has now been split into the “Ventriloquial” species for Borneo. The female lacks the black hood.
1. Straw-headed Bulbul, 黄冠鹎, 黃冠鵯, Pycnonotus zeylanicus, キガシラヒヨドリ, BARAU-BARAU RAYA
– bird make very nice songs , that’s why always main target to be trap
– critical engendered species
update 202502
I was thrilled to spot this bird just five feet away from us and couldn’t help but shout, “Straw-headed!” We were incredibly lucky that it stayed long enough for us to enjoy a great view and capture some photos. A truly fortunate sighting after so many years!
– it is a critical endanger and rare bird, getting difficult to sight one since 5 years ago.. but this year seem good year sight it Johor, Sukau (multiple times), Danum Valley & Taman Negara.
– it is boring morning without much activities, before we heading back for breakfast. Saw a bulbul shape bird flying across and YES .. it just stand not that high and far from us ..
– it is a hot afternoon while we trying to find a Black-and-Red Broadbill nest which gone after the water level is over the nest. But all of sudden I saw these 2 birds just stand infront of us … wow wow .. it was so close for us to get some shot compare to normal high up at the canopy
– another fruiting tree “waiting” moment, this is very first bird that come close and low for us. Even missed Photograph the main target but managed to see both Black-and-white Bulbul & Chestnut-capped Thrush but still happy guests saw both species
– 遇上了果树，主要是耐心等待。虽然错过摄影黑白鹎与栗顶地鸫。可是客人看到已很足够了。下次吧
202406, Poring, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202012
###
Scaly-breasted Bulbul,鳞胸鹎, Rubigula squamata, ウロコヒヨドリ, Burung Merbah Bersisik
look like Pen Malaysia Black-crested Bulbul, this sub-montane endemic … many years ago, I ever say to my friend … “Black-crested Bulbul very common at Pen Malaysia la, I don’t need ”
update 202407
– another Borneo Endemic not that difficult to be missed if we have enough time to be at right time. But this time, we are lucky enough to have just park ours car and found this bird with another 2 endemic birds just in single area for feeding on this flower.
– normally moving in group, black crest with yellow body
– depend on the checklist, some have split as Pale-faced Bulbul which is montane Borneo endemic
– look very similar to Yellow-vented Bulbul
update 202407
– a recent split, it is a Borneo highland endemic. a common bird making a lot of noise while moving in group or pair.
– 最近才被分出来的婆罗洲高山特有种。蛮普通，通常群体活动。
202406, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202308
– a highland, bulbul that pretty common but recently gave me some hardtie to looking for it. previous trips just need more tie on this bird. Not sure what happen .. but last trip, it just show there when we arrive …
– some checklist already split this as Pale-faced Bulbul as Borneo endemic
– 高原的鹎，其实蛮普通可是最近不知道怎了，还是要点时间看到它。
– 有人已把它分成新婆罗洲特有种。
202306, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202011
201905, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
5. Spectacled Bulbul, 小褐鹎, 小褐鵯, Rubigula erythropthalmos, コアカメチャイロヒヨ, MERBAH MATA MERAH KECIL
– small brown’s Bulbul, which with Yellow eye ring
– a Buff-vented look-alike bulbul (Peninsular Malaysia) which absent from Borneo island.
– a “brown” bulbul, Borneo lowland endemic
– white eye, steak dark brown head
– 婆罗洲没”黄臀灰胸鹎“。把它分出这特有种。
– 白眼，头部明显暗纹
– very common brown bulbul endemic, it is Buff vented Bulbul (peninsular Malaysia) look alike
– 非常普通的婆罗洲特有种
update 202208
– a common lowland Borneo endemic. overall brown with darker brown-black on head
– a newly split from Ochraceous Bulbul, special to Borneo. additional of Borneo Endemic.
A brownish-olive bulbul with a wispy crest and a puffy, glowingly white throat. Inhabits lowland and montane forests, where it prefers primary or well-aged secondary growth. Forages in the middle and lower levels of the forest, usually in small, noisy flocks. (Ebird)
– 之前与西马的白喉褐冠鹎同类。之后分为婆罗洲特有种。
update 202308
– a new split Borneo endemic, which normally found Sub-montane or montane of Borneo. it look very Ochraceous Bulbul.
– A highly localized species, found almost exclusively in the kerangas and peatswamp forests of Borneo and Sumatra’s lowlands (rarely in adjacent wooded habitats). Fairly plain overall; note brown upperparts, off-white chest, pale yellow belly, and elegant white eyebrow. Long and heavy hook-tipped silver bill is diagnostic if seen well. Forages singly, in pairs, and in small bands, typically in the middle and lower levels of forest. Gives a variety of harsh scolding calls, including a nasal “jyaw, jyaw” and a quicker, drier rattle. [ebird]
– a boring raining morning, almost nothing calling or action.. except this bird gave us some good view … any how main target ticked
– 郁闷的下雨早上，（还在下雨）几乎没什么鸟叫。就这鸟乖乖的让我们看/拍。目标鸟看到了还好。
202309, KLIAS, SABAH, Malaysia
update 202306
– a Borneo extension quick drop-by for 2 hour and lucky to have this close and clear view
– 婆罗洲行之加行程1，第一站停了2个小时。非常幸运看到这么近
202306, Sabah, Malaysia
18. Cream-eyed Bulbul, 白眼鹎, Pycnonotus pseudosimplex, MERBAH MATA PUTIH BORNEO
– a very similar look with cream-vented bulbul but it is newly know to be Borneo endemic
– 与白眼褐鹎有点困扰。是最近被分为婆罗洲特有种。白眼，褐色
Dull dirt-brown bulbul with pale button eyes. Currently only known from northern Borneo, where it is the only plain brown bulbul with white eyes. Pale-eyed forms of closely related Cream-vented Bulbul do not overlap in range. Found in a range of forests and forest edges. Like other bulbuls, often joins flocks at fruiting trees. Gives loud “pinks” and quiet sputtering trills. (ebird)
update 202408
– after tired to search for Bornean Wren-babblers .. everyone saw it but not a very good view ::( .. decide to walk up to canopy for some relax birding and this bird stand in-front of us .. sometime it is easy to miss as a brown bird
– 在看到加里曼丹地鹛后，大家都筋疲力尽了。就上了树上不到简单看鸟，这一只好鸟竟然就站前面。
202408, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202404
– another species getting difficult to sight, may be we overlooked the “brown bird” .. pale white eye which very Cream-vented Bulbul look alike but absent from Borneo
– 另一种鸟越来越难见到，可能我们都饿没注意这鸟？与马来西亚的白眼褐鹎很像。可是在婆罗洲没有。
202403, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202307
– a recent visit to Danum Valley and used to see it quite common at RDC and Danum Valley. But than not really has good sight since ~2 years ago until now
olive above and yellow below with an especially pale throat. Like many other bulbuls, manages to be distinctive despite being utterly unremarkable-looking. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, in both primary and secondary growth. Moves through middle and upper levels of forest in pairs or small flocks, sometimes with other species. Gives rough “wek” and “kwik” calls when foraging, but otherwise fairly quiet. [Ebird]
– a uncommon bulbul, for most of the location except South of Peninsula Malaysia & Borneo Danum Valley
– 蛮稀有的除了，西马南部与丹浓古
update 202406
– as usual with morning walk to look for more missing “brown birds”, all of sudden saw Brown+Yellow bird and very soon heard the call .. I ask everyone to have a good view of this not so common brown bird
– a wonderful day to go out with buddy, still very quiet overall.. but surprise this bird so close to us. ~10 feet at eye level for us. Now can see so much clear on the crown view
– 与朋友去走走，森林还是非常安静。可是幸运地，这鸟站在我们10尺+地角度。它的冠是很漂亮的哦
20240111, Talang, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
#####
update 202307
– a raining afternoon, after some good flock of woodpeckers. This bird just stand at road side for us. lovely looking bulbul
– 下了一场雨后，来了一次啄木鸟的鸟浪。之后就发现这漂亮的鹎。
202307, Lenggor, Johor, Malaysia
20. Ochraceous Bulbul, 白喉褐冠鹎, 白喉褐冠鵯, Alophoixus ochraceus, シロハラカンムリヒヨドリ, MERBAH-BERJANGGUT GUNUNG BIASA
A brownish-olive bulbul with a wispy crest and a puffy, glowingly white throat. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, where it prefers primary or well-aged secondary growth. Forages in the middle and lower levels of forest, usually in small, noisy flocks. Calls consist primarily of loud, dry “chek” notes; variable song is pleasant and warbling. Extremely similar in appearance to closely related Puff-throated Bulbul, but smaller Ochraceous has darker and browner upperparts, duller yellow underparts, and a shorter crest. [ebird]
– 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.
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.
1. 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
– a sub-montane bird which big in size .. shy and move fast
– normally low almost close to ground
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.
– as usual, this shy bird always hiding behind something. But this time with CANON R3, using single point to touch any part of the bird body. The bird eye will be lock focus and track. So simple compare to old time.
How I wish can spend more time with this beautiful bird, but guests still has targets.. lets move on.
– lowland bird that can found both 2nd forest and primary forest
– very beautiful calling
– small Wren-babbler with white breasted and normally move in pair
update 202503
It is a stunning and energetic bird that is almost impossible to miss in Danum Valley. However, this time, it posed a real challenge to photograph as it approached us but mostly stayed on the ground. Still, everyone had a great view of it.
– a bird that usually quite difficult to be photograph at Peninsula Malaysia, seem easier at Borneo. Almost never missed this bird at Danum Valley. But when I am at another famous birding spot Tabin Wildlife Reserve, this bird seem same like Danum Valley. not really shy … easy to get picture too
– a difficult to miss bird in Danum Valley, it will come even from far and normally just stand quite still not far from us. A lovely Wren-babbler
– 丹浓谷非常普通也很少会错过的鸟。非常漂亮
202409, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202408
– almost never miss bird from Danum Valley, very first few bird for the morning. It just stand there for us ..but still dark .. ISO 10000
– 丹浓谷几乎不会错过的鸟。在第一个早上，这鸟一大早就跳出来让我们看个够。
202408, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202407
– a bird that never miss and bore to see and photograph again and again. This time, it just appear just ~100m from the lodge. very active to be calling non stop
– this bird seem not easy at any where, but Danum Valley, BRL seem very easy .. I almost never miss this bird even for picture … but not this time, day1…day2 we tried very hard even went into trail but this bird seem very quick show and gone no one seem have good view except me 🙁 …but this bird just sudden appear at main road after we got the Finsch’s Bulbul … it just stand there and sing+dance for us
– very lucky moment, I am suppose to look for ours last missing target. But I saw these 2 birds keep moving together and I decided to spend minutes to have some good video and pictures. After I got few clips, the Giant Pitta call and that’s the best moment happen. Got the Giant pitta calling for everyone of us
– this lovely bird always accompany me when I looking for some special targets for guests. As usual, think one of most easy place to see this bird is Sabah.
– 这鸟每次当我找目标鸟时，它总是在附近叫不停。在沙巴这鸟应该很容易看到。
202305, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
update 2017 Jul 18
update 2016 Sept 19
beautiful call
update 2016 Jul 10
3. Streaked Wren-Babbler, 短尾鹪鹛, 短尾鷦鶥, Turdinus brevicaudatus, ノドフサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU-MURAI GUNUNG BIASA
– streaky breast small wren-babbler
– another small and moving non stop found near sub-montane and montane area
update 202410
– a very active Wren-Babbler as other Wren-Babbler. Very good in details if photograph close.
– lucky morning meet this pair active bird real close and stay long for us to capture many lovely photos.
– 与其他鹪鹛一样，非常活跃。很上镜的一只鸟，拍起来非常好看。
– 一个幸运的早上，遇上这一对鸟。非常的乖，跑来很近+就让我们拍到美美。
202410, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
CANON R3, CANON RF200-800mm
Pahang, Malaysia
– lucky to have this bird calling non stop at road side when we just arrive to check out
4. Large Wren-Babbler, 大鹪鹛, 大鷦鶥, Turdinus macrodactylus, オオサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU-MURAI BESAR BIASA
– big and active Wren Babbler
– many different calls
– lowland
update 202412
After returning from Lombok, Ramesh was eager to tick off the long-awaited Large Wren-Babbler from his list. So, we decided to visit Lanchang, Pahang. We spent about an hour on one trail, where we only heard the bird’s call but were entertained by a few other birds. Opting to change locations, we entered another trail, and before long, the bird started calling again. With some patience and a bit of luck, the Large Wren-Babbler emerged, calling for several minutes. What a lucky encounter!
– a large and really shy bird, keep changing call. sometime can difficult to spot even it stand near and close
– travel 1 hour special target to this bird, first bird sight .. only heard and not seen. 2nd bird came close and stay so long .. everyone has good view
– another example to show .. my picture is different ? I am sure many say, why so bad quality, not an open picture, bla bla … but do you know ? most of my situation … the bird is in the forest, I need to make sure my guests have a view of it and gave them good angle than only my turn to look for “leftover” angle to have a photo … no complaint ahhhhh …give a like please haha
– and normally we see it mean we need to look for other bird soon .. not stay there waiting ..
– a day tour end up with this amazing active bird which stay at open for more than 25 minutes … good view, picture and video
– 一日观鸟，尽然遇上这么一只很“傻”的活跃+害羞的鸟。站着叫了最少25分钟。
202308, Lanchang, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202308
– a very tough trip at Taman Negara, even we had some good birds but most the birds really difficult to even seen. This bird make use suffer for 3 days, finally in the evening stand so long for us to have good view
– a very active bird, lucky to have few moment captured it calling but too bad I can’t handle the 400mm well with handhled. can see shaky
– as usual it making funny calls, it change call for more than 4 differents
– lucky guest to see this bird for 2 times in 2 days. He insist to have a better look at this target bird. But the first bird seem does not cooperate for him to have good look. Next day , next destination this bird stand long for us.
– Borneo Endemic , which shy move fast as usual Wren-babbler ..
– most the time move close to ground
– white with streak on breast , long bill
update 202412
Another unforgettable moment with this rare, incredibly shy, and active Borneo endemic. It’s hard to believe it stayed in front of us, slowly moving, for quite a while—just about 10 feet away. Truly a remarkable memory to cherish for 2024.
– so far, this bird just too difficult to capture video, saw them display before but inside dark area and deep in bush or else moving fast and calling .. finally one of the moment I want to share .. how this bird making this song and hope one day capture how it making the call .
– another good moment with this bird, it is difficult to while this bird love to moving near ground and very active. Some of us just see the bird jumping around … but after lunch I decide to check out again. Very lucky to have this bird just ~10 feet from me ..
– never want to missed this bird while I am in Borneo, one of my top 3 birds to be seen and photograph. It happen to my last bird of long main tour. Good view for all, record picture for this super active bird.
– a must see bird at Danum Valley, one of favorite. It is always active and good to have good view.
– 婆罗洲我最喜欢鸟之一。每次到丹浓谷，我都非常期待看到他。他的活跃，叫声是多么的吸引人。
202403, Danum Valley, Sabah
#####
update 202310
– 2023 is very good year, I didn’t missed any chance to look for this at Danum Valley. active and beautiful bird for photography
– 2023 我在丹绒谷，几乎没错过一次拍这鸟。很活跃，漂亮的鸟。
202307, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
udpate 202309
– Wren-Babbler always my favorite bird to photograph, it is just challenge , beautiful … this bird always my number 1 bird to be chase each time I am at Borneo
– 鹪鹛是我最喜欢拍摄鸟种之一。因为充满挑战+漂亮。特别是这一只，每次到婆罗洲我都要挑战他的。
202307, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202307
– really like the front view of this active bird. most of the time on low near ground.
– 它的正面，真的很好看。这鸟，通常在很低活动。
202307, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
####
– this bird seldom stop more than 1-2s. it always on the move and on low ground. I had tried long to get a video. But always failed, not even more than 3s so far .. finally this time I got ~10s even it is not really focus and good view but this is how the bird behave – hope one day can have better video … – 这鸟总是不停的动，几乎不停多过1-2秒。还要主要在地上，试了好几年还是没办法拍多过3秒的视频。还是觉得，不是这么容易。这次拍到好几秒它怎么动。虽然，没很好对焦。可是先加减看看。
###
– when look close it is so gorgeous especially the front pattern
– most of them really shy, it is so difficult to have a open view this time. But I still meet one over the after lunch walk. managed to have some pictures and “walking” video
– as usual, a fast moving “ground” level wren-babbler come close to me but just quiet stand there looking at me while the Stripe Wren-Babbler calling non stop nearby,
– 这鸟如常鬼鬼祟祟的在附近看我，以为我看不到他。真的很喜欢这鸟。
202306, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202305
– my favorite bird and this make another favorite picture for me as it look at me for ~1s just like the way it stand and sing.
– 最喜欢鸟种之一，这也是我最喜欢照片之一。这样看我很可爱。
202305, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
###
– one of my favorite bird of Malaysia, I heard Blue-headed Pitta, Striped Wren-Babbler & this bird calling and while I am hiding and waiting for Blue-headed Pitta to show. This bird suddenly appear as this, shooting 500mm at almost no crop.
– never boring to see this bird and happy to see it again after long
– 疫情关系，2年没到婆罗洲非常高兴又见到它了。
202205, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
update 2020 March 22
– rare lowland Borneo Endemic
update 2017 June 12
#
6. Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler, 纹胸鹪鹛, 紋胸鷦鶥, Napothera epilepidota, コサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU KENING PANJANG
– an active small wren-babbler ..
– limited locations for this bird
update 202504
“I’ve always liked wren-babblers, and this is one of the least-seen species in Malaysia. I happened to hear and spot this bird by chance—it was such a different experience compared to before. Finally, I managed to get some good photos!
It is a very special bird to see again, and this time, it is not as shy as it was years ago. It’s great to know they are still around and have found a partner.
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…
– another favorite bird of mine, active and beautiful Borneo endemic. But for last few months, seem difficult to have some photo of this bird. Lucky morning to have this small flock moving along the road side.
– very small wren-babbler no tail that move very fast
– split to different family Pnoepygidae, may make another sharing
– 被分鹩鹛属
update 202409
– one of my favorite birds of Malaysia, it is small, cute, active and lovely bird. It always moving with wing span open. But it almost invisible by naked eye.
– with the new canon Pre-continuous Shooting function, simple when see the bird stay still, half-press shutter .. and when see the wing open or move press the shutter .. than anything happen in before .5s will be record as raw into camera .. make this kind of picture simple
9. Black-throated wren-babbler, 黑喉鹪鹛, 黑喉鷦鶥, ノドグロサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU-MURAI BESAR BORNEO
– Borneo endemic
– few different calls
– can perch high up after alert
update 202409
– long time never been Tabin Wildlife Reserve, this time come here for quick one and meet up my very first Guide from Danum Valley BRL .. Paul .. We spend 3 mornings and 2 evening for birding .. not really bad overall, got all 3 Wren-Babbler .. this is one active moving around
– a Borneo endemic pretty common lowland – sub-montane forest. It is a bird seldom miss at Danum Valley.. but still difficult to have a good photo.
– 一只婆罗洲特有种从低海拔-中海拔都能找到。在丹浓谷很少或看不到。可是拍好照片还是需要点运气。
202406, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 20240324
– another reason to be at Danum Valley, as this bird is common here and difficult to miss it. active and with few different amazing “call”
– 另一个理由要到丹浓谷观鸟。这鸟在这蛮普通，几乎很难错过的。这鸟也蛮活跃+吵的。
202403, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202307
– all of sudden almost any where also heard this bird calling. very active moving as usual. but this bird seem willing to stand here for me take some good pictures and video
– 突然几乎每个森林都听到他叫。可是还是超活跃，可是这家伙。站蛮久。几乎全部都客人都看的非常好。
202307, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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– a bird that make many different call, very active and shy for photography.
– 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.
1. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, 绒额䴓, 絨額䴓, Sitta frontalis, ビロウドゴジュウカラ, PEPATUK BIASA
– common found from lowland up to 1000+- m from SEA level
– move fast around the tree
update 202406
– a bird that normally active, moving fast and high on tree trunk… as usual this is fast and active … but we saw it just ~5-7 feet from use .. a great view of this bird ..
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, 絨額鳾, Sitta frontalis,ビロウドゴジュウカラ, Burung Patuk Baldu
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2. Blue Nuthatch, 蓝䴓, 藍䴓, Sitta azurea, ズグロゴジュウカラ, PEPATUK GUNUNG MELAYU
– another bird moving nonstop
– found higher altitude from SEA level so far
update 202406
– a good season for this beautiful bird ? when we having ours Canon-Gitzo Photography sharing session, we saw this 2 days in the row and actually heard it more than twice while we have quite limited time for the birding.
– an active & beautiful bird that not that rare but just need some luck to see it.
– 非常活跃，漂亮的小鸟。不稀有，因为小活跃。也是属于群体活动（与其他鸟）遇上这鸟需要点运气。
– 在我们2天1夜佳能+捷信摄影分享营。见到2次+听到4-5次。可能季节到了？
202406, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202303
– a tour with some main target birds, Blue Nuthatch is one of the main target. After 2 days trying, finally had a good look at 3 birds.
– 这一团有些指定目标鸟。这蓝䴓是最重要之一。幸好，在福隆港第2天终于看到这么漂亮的小鸟。
202304, Pahang, Malaysia
update 20221030
– a lucky morning, due to some reason. Guests decided fly back to home before tour end. But lucky morning before any rain, humid. got This beautiful bird, Lesser Yellownape, Bay Woodpecker and others just not far after we drive.
– as usual fast moving bird but with the new AI AF, most the frame lock focus on the head/eye of this tiny and fast bird.
More pictures from Flickr: Sittidae series: Nuthatch | 鳾科 | liewwk Nature
More Videos: Sittidae series: Nuthatch | 鳾科 | liewwk Nature
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51. Giant Nuthatch, 巨䴓, 巨鳾, Sitta magna, オニゴジュウカラ
– a quite big size for Nuthatch, overall grey-blue and long beak. Like other Nuthatch, very active moving bird
– 蛮大的䴓，灰+蓝的鸟，长嘴。与其他䴓一样，非常活跃的鸟
update 202401
– ours last year bird Photography trip, very misty day and found this bird moving fast .. lovely bird to be photograph
– 我们上一年的泰国鸟摄行，记得非常大雾。可是我们还是把它拿下。
– male with ref bellied and tailed , female without the red
update 202305
– just another good decision to make, we change ours original plan to looking for this beautiful bird and it did show quite well for all of us. Still one of most beautiful bird of Malaysia
– 我们赌了一把，换了原本路线。到这找找这鸟。尽然真的看到，还要蛮久。马来西亚最漂亮鸟之一吧。
202305, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202209
– a special arrangement for guest, lucky to found this handsome again.
– 客人的特别要求，安排到这。幸运的见到几只很近的距离。
202209, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202205
– never get bore to see this lovely and colorful bird and it was a lucky day it show up to us in the early morning
– 谁看到这鸟会不喜欢？幸运的一个早晨，一对在我与客人的面前出现。
202205, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202106
– normally moving in group, male with brighter color (blue face, yellow, red) belly and longer tail
– this is a special morph, Yellow or Golden which is more rare
– 通常群体活动
– 公鸟，颜色较鲜艳。头部较多蓝，腹部红，尾巴较长。
– 这是较特别个体，尾部鱼腹部都是黄的。比较稀有。
202009, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 2020 Sept
update 2016 Nov 1
– as usual the season is coming .. it show actively now
– a very beautiful appear at a very weird place where just near beach, dry area and strong wind. A small little pond attract so many of this bird keep coming.
A small finch with a striking white head and dark body. Rich chestnut brown above, with reddish tail and pale peach-washed underside. Juveniles much duller and browner, but usually show a paler head. Gregarious, found in terrestrial flocks, often with other finches, in open country such as marshes, croplands, grasslands and scrub, in the lowlands. Juvenile has a paler head and a noticeably smaller bill than juvenile Five-colored Munia. Gives weak, high-pitched “weee” and stronger, metallic “wit-wit-wit” notes [Ebird]
This munia is very common in the open areas of Lombok Island and can be spotted almost everywhere. It resembles the White-headed Munia but features a darker back and front.
For Peninsula Malaysia a blackbird that loves to moving fast in the forest …. we make a trip just for this bird .. but found out it is not really active but was lucky it appear for food just 10-15min before we leaving … ~33cm
For Borneo ~28cm , smaller . Brownish color but behave same, moving fast and making a lot of noise.
– finally all 5 special 2 bird family tours done for Rail-Babbler & this Jayshrike .. this year lucky to have 100% . This bird normally quite straight forward but it missing for the 1st day and only heard but without show us . Day2, early morning when we step down from car, immediate I heard the call within 2 minutes we got the bird and Bingo !!
– another special trip to this “South” of Peninsular Malaysia but this time we actually target only Malaysian Rail-Babbler and Cinnamon-rumped Trogon. Day1 , we already have this bird again with better view and photo and the Rail-Babbler give a good view but …
– an active bird that everyone seem special look for this bird family
– another very good encounter from Borneo, which smaller and color different from Peninsular Malaysia/Thailand species (which is bigger and Black)
– not really sure just me, it getting difficult to have good view for this bird at Borneo .. it just get more shy compare to before pandemic
– 在婆罗洲行，另一只突然听到，看到，拍到的好鸟。与马来西亚西马，泰国的颜色不一样+小一点。
– 不知道是我而已还是有点变化，疫情前蛮容易看到。可是疫情后，几乎那个地方都很害羞。
202405, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202406
– a uncommon special bird family, a very black and active bird to be seen. It is not easy almost whole Malaysia except some South part of Malaysia
– we keep heard and miss this special bird for a long tour but it is so easy at the end of the extension.
– 蛮不普通的其中一种鸟种。非常害羞，活跃。几乎都不容易见到，除了在西马南部
– 19天观鸟团，就见到它飞来飞去。非常不容易，就在加长部分非常容易就见到了。
202406, Lenggor, Johor, Malaysia
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update 202307
– a special Rail-Babbler tour, and what a bonus of so many special birds included this cool looking, active bird.
– 白眉长颈鸫特别团，也看到很多很特别的鸟。包括这只稀有，害羞，有形有款的黑鸟。
202307, Lenggor, Johor, Malaysia
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– an early morning with quite heavy rain, while I am waiting in the car a group of 5 birds keep flying around and making calls. I still walking out to captured some pictures and 2 sg Bird Photographers join me the raining chasing fun
– a black bird, use to be very active and shy. But not this time, very friendly to us.
– a very special bird to be seen and it was a 2nd bird of the day and it make our good day and trip 2 hour travel. It stay for very long for us to have very good view, pictures, videos.
– 一只非常活跃，害羞的鸟。这次非常的友善。站了很久很近，让我们拍的好好的。
20230216, Lenggor, Johor, Malaysia
update 202105
– just another 2017 archive picture, never get bored to see this special bird which really noisy in the forest and active moving around
1. Black Laughingthrush, 黑噪鹛, 黑噪鶥, Garrulax lugubris, クロガビチョウ, KEKICAU-RAYA HITAM BIASA
– difficult bird to get open, noisy bird
– found this ~700mm from sea level
update 202307
– a very lucky morning with this shy and active bird stay so low and long for everyone good view and picture session
– 非常幸运的一个早上。这么活跃与害羞的鸟，尽然站了这么低这么久让我们看+拍够。
202308, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202305
– while we walking for general birding after long wait for the partridge. All of sudden this bird calling from far, we toward the direction and this bird just stand ~10feet from us .. what a lucky day after Malayan Whistling-Thrush, Bamboo Woodpecker, Malayan Hawk-Cuckoo, Mountain Scops Owl and many good birds today.
– newly update it may not belong to the Laughingthrush family
– rare and shy montane Borneo endemic
update 202409
– one of my best moment of 2029, this bird stay close and one of best view of this bird
– 我的2029最好的一刻，这鸟站这个位置真的最好角度看这鸟。
202407, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
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– another main target of the short trip, it is close and fast .. all of us saw the bird .. but sad my buddies didn’t got the picture of it feeding on “fruit” (think my first time saw this bird eat fruit) …
– the bird moving fast and inside dark bush, 2 of the Z9 failed to got the bird in focus 🙁 lucky me with new R5markii , if bring mark 1 may be also dont have this best moment of this rare bird
– 与朋友的几天，主要目标之一。这鸟来的蛮近的。可是有入常态，动很快，在暗的地方动。朋友们Z9都没办法对上焦（在这站了好几秒大家都看到）。幸好佳能R5Mark ii 好好表现还是对上了几张。这鸟非常害羞，稀有。非常不容易拍照，还加上第一次看到它吃果子（通常吃昆虫）.
202409, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202408
– before archive the folder, make another picture one of best moment of 2024. This bird stand here more than 3 minutes … making call.. looking at us ..such a handsome
– one of my favorite birds of Malaysia, it is not that rare just too active to have good view. But when lucky strike, me and David enjoy few minutes of best moment with this bird .. amazing bird to look at
