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 202310
– 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]
– 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
####
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.
5. North Moluccan Pitta, 北摩鹿加八色鸫, 北摩鹿加八色鳥, Erythropitta rufiventri
– 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 202310
– 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。
####
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。
– a small owl, found near forest here which call really funny like frog
– lovely and not so boring boobook.
update 202309
– 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.
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 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 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 202401
– 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 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.
– 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。
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, 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.
– 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 202310
– 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
– 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
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]
– 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
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 202311
– 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 202306
– a rather common endemic, but normally high up at canopy. a lucky moment it stand quite low for us this time. (few occasions)
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 202310
201908, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
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 202311
– 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
a beautiful bird that real shy and not get close to humans….
update 202401
– my first trip to Taman Negara 2024, birding is not fun with quite a lot of rain. But reward with many star birds included Rail-Babbler, Crested Fireback, Garnet Pitta and this lovely forest Kingfisher and etc
– always happy to see this beautiful forest kingfisher low… the female especially so adorable
– 每次看到这森林的翠鸟都非常兴奋。尤其是母鸟特别，优雅。
202307, Panti, Johor, Malaysia
update 202307
– this beautiful girl standing there for long and low. male also nearby but ours’ target yet to been found so skip it but still have some chance to click few photo of the good model
– 这美女，站那很久也很低·。可是一大早，目标鸟还没找到。所以只能按几次就继续找鸟。
202307, Panti, Johor, Malaysia
update 202204
– this bird never failed us coming to show us front/side view
– 这鸟几乎每天都在这让我们拍。
202204, Selangor, Malaysia
####
– this canopy bird come down low today before I heading home, and making call
– 通常都站很高的鸟。在我离开前，尽然站很低还叫了几声
update 202203
– another small forest been destroy and sad this bird has to stay in orchard instead soon
– 可怜的鸟，栖居的小森林被砍完乐。
202203, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
update 202110
– another Kuala Lumpur star bird, thanks for those found it but with the current status and situation. very sad ….
– 吉隆坡的另一只明星鸟。可是，这个“状况”非常令人担忧。可是，没办法。一样的事每年都一样的重复。
update 2020 Oct
update 2018 Oct 9
update 2015 Jun 29
– another female close captured … a real beautiful bird that never get bore to see it again
3. Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher, 棕背三趾翠鸟, 棕背三趾翠鳥, Ceyx rufidorsa, セアカミツユビカワセミ, RAJAUDANG-API BIASA
– a forest kingfisher but still prefer near the waterfall, stream … tiny
– depend on checklist, it different from the Black-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher
update 202407
– a very special and lovely bird from lowland forest. with the shy “red”. Lucky bird before we leaving BRL, Danum Valley
– 非常漂亮的翠鸟，在我们离开丹浓谷前。竟然看到这鸟。
202407, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202401
– another good start, after lovely Bornean Bristlehead follow by this cute and beautiful Kingfisher stay calm and long.
– 非常好的2024开始，我们先看/拍到婆罗洲棘头鵙。出来时就看到拍到这么快的“小红”
202402, Sandakan, Sabah
#####
update 202211
– a very beautiful and tiny bird. but it just stay a distance from us.
– 非常漂亮，小的小鸟。可是总是站很远。
202211, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202210
– this beautiful bird use to be very common, tame and easier to see and photography at RDC, Sandakan, Sabah. But not sure what’s happen this bird just become too mystery, shy for years. Now sudden it seem quite tame and easy again.
– a lovely and beautiful forest kingfisher of Malaysia
– I am using R7 with CANON RF 100-500mm which also 160-800mm (35mm equivalent) and I tested all with 500mm (800mm 35mm equivalent). without any tripod, monopod just handheld with various shutter speed and 10-50 shots (average)
– tiny bird that shies with humans, active in catch fishes …
– active near stream looking for fish, prawn …
– mainly blue and underpart yellow
update 202308
– so far think Kinabatangan river is a best place for this bird, we never missed it even for picture. lovely blue and very common at river bank but the vibrant blue always attract any one
– 京河应该是最容易拍到这鸟的地方。几乎没错失过。虽然普通可是它的蓝几乎都会让每个人停下来看看它
202308, Kinabatangan river, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202105
– getting lazy, ~2km walk with another 2 kingfishers (this and Banded) – this is a male bird that thinks looking for its mate… making call nonstop
– 懒散的一个早上。可是幸运遇上2种小翠鸟。 – 公鸟，叫不停。应该找不到女朋友。
202105, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
#
– getting lazy, ~2km walk with another 2 kingfishers (this and Banded) – this is a male bird that thinks looking for its mate… making call nonstop
5. Blue-banded Kingfisher, 蓝带翠鸟, 藍帶翠鳥, Alcedo euryzona,アオムネカワセミ,RAJAUDANG BUKIT MELAYU
– small and shy river kingfisher
– normally prefer clean stream, river or pond
update 202302
– 2022, a pair of shy kingfishers appear in a feeding spot and it make some happening season. after the “season” bird begin to less active and no show after than
– it is not frequent I see the female and decide to share this picture. when I told this picture, just got new CANON R7. even at lowlight ISO6400 situation. the picture still acceptable.
– a very shy kingfisher, which normally prefers a clean, small river/pond. – male with blue-banded on the chest and female orange chest-bellied
– 算時馬來西亞最害羞的翠鳥。通常出現較乾淨小溪/湖。
#
– normally very shy and found near a clean stream, river. – a male bird’s sight for continuous few days but missing yesterday. – a day tour main target, didn’t see the male but saw the 2xfemale in a morning.
– a rare and shy bird – main target of the tour, we hit it early in the morning and got another good view of females also later. – female is distinct from male, the front, whole orange.
– 非常稀有有害羞的鳥。 – 封城前的團主要目標。早上8點就把她拿下。 – 母鳥，橙腹胸。
202105, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
update 2020 June 3
2nd last tour before Malaysia lock down .. this bird stay so long and near for first time
Blue-banded Kingfisher, 藍帶翠鳥, Alcedo euryzona, アオムネカワセミ,RAJAUDANG BUKIT MELAYU
6. Stork-billed Kingfisher, 鹳嘴翡翠, 鸛嘴翡翠, Pelargopsis capensis, コウハシショウビン, PEKAKA-EMAS BIASA
– a big kingfisher which found low dense forest, mangrove etc
update 202410
– a big yellow and “big beak” Kingfisher, it does look slight different from Peninsular Malaysia/Thailand/India
– 3 years ago, I am testing R3 at Kuala Selangor with this bird flying and managed to have good result. Now, finally the high megapixel R5markii finally also come with good focusing system. The bird dive into pond without any notice and without any fish it flying back to nearby perch. I didnt prepare for any dive shots but managed to get the bird focus almost immediate I point my camera to the bird.
– finally managed to have some open space for me to trying out more AF test on BIF. many swifts, raptors and etc flying around but it is at various direction and can be any where. You won’t know where the bird come from but just what flying in your’s view than use the Camera capability to focus and track the bird in various Background (river, sky and forest-green)
– this bird flying from forest crossing the river toward me … very soon I point the setup toward the bird. Focus LOCK and track in very fast response. I will review all the files soon to see how many is tacked and how many lost later (I am not a DPP user it really slow even I want try to crop the picture … need more time to use to the DPP for short while)
this is Sabah which look slight different on forehead
Stork-billed Kingfisher ,鸛嘴翡翠
7. Common Kingfisher, 普通翠鸟, 普通翠鳥, Alcedo atthis, カワセミ, RAJAUDANG CICIT
– small size, winter visitor
– found near small river, paddy field with water, water pond etc
– shy to human
update 202403 – this bird seem pretty common at Kinabatangan River .. not less than 20 birds over 2.5 days there – 今年没什么候鸟，可是这一种却还好。2.5天看到不下20只吧
202403, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 20221012
– a common winter visitor, which normally very shy to human when arrive
– 非常普通的候鸟。可是非常害羞。
202209, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
update 20220924
– when on tour, we seldom having a lot of time for single bird. But lucky to see this bird suddenly dive in and with the simple setup CANON R7 and RF100500 managed to got few pictures.
– a common kingfisher here (Malaysia) … easily found near mangroves, beaches … some location, it is easy to get close …
– medium size, blue and white
– juvi sometimes confuse with Sacred Kingfisher
update 20230323
– a date to be remember, a beautiful lights with 2 noisy kingfisher start our’s day and received a bad new…. my best buddy leave me 🙁 he will be forever with me …
– this Kingfisher just like someone, like eat crab so much
– 这翠鸟，有如某人非常喜欢螃蟹。
202211, Jeram, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202201
– always got free crab to eat
– 终于有螃蟹吃咯
202201, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202104
– drop by here to looking for any bird in flight again before heading for meeting friend for main target birding
– this bird finally got a crab for breakfast, got this manual focus before it lands on a perch
– 去目的地之前，到这看看有什么鸟飞版拍拍。尽然看到这翡翠一早捉了一只螃蟹。手动对焦拍下这一幕。
202104, Selangor, Malaysia
update 2020 Nov
202011, Sg Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
#######
Collared Kingfisher 白領翡翠 humii Group
9. Rufous-collared Kingfisher, 栗领翡翠, 栗領翡翠, Actenoides concretus, アオヒゲショウビン, PEKAKA-RIMBA MELAYU
– medium size jungle kingfisher, male and female look different
update 202407
– a bird that use to quite easy at Sabah but getting tough to have good view .. may be I am losing luck to see ti good at Sabah. But a lucky group of people see it close and good with front, side and back view.
– a forest Kingfisher that normally stay not that high from ground.
– sometime I really thing, without disturb how long a bird will stay at nearby active area for how long.. this bird seem active here (Panti) since 2013 and each time I am there sure it will show up…
– 是不是越少打扰，鸟会一直活跃在一个地方永久或很久？
202308, Panti, Johor, Malaysia
update 202307
– a very good birder from Canada (born Malaysia), “enjoy the moment”
– not a very rare bird, but it is a last request from guest. It calling deep in the jungle. light got dark and we decided to walk in to find it .. lukcy not that long found it and it allow us approach ~12 feet from it
– a very quiet in the forest, this bird stand low and quiet at the edge of forest.
– 非常安静的一个下午。这鸟一样的静静的站在森林边缘。
202210, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202208
– few months ago, everyone seem concentrate on Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher and now everyone seem waiting for Blue-banded Kingfisher instead. same this bird no one really care … a beautiful bird .. one of my favorite
– 几个月前，每个人都拍小红（棕背三趾翠鸟）。现在，每个人在意小蓝(蓝带翠鸟).一样没人理会这鸟。
202208, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202205
– everyone seem attract by the “red” one .. no one care about me .. lovely male forest kingfisher
– 几乎全部人去拍小红了。没人理会这林翡翠
202205, Ulu Langat, Selangor
update 202105
– one of the 3 forest kingfishers of Malaysia. This considers medium size Kingfisher, male with overall blue on the wing and female greenish with yellow dots.
– not really common to meet female at this spot over the years. But lucky to have it calling in the morning lets us found it and photograph it.
– 馬來西亞3種森林翠鳥的其中一種。母鳥較少見到。通常在潮濕暗的林子裡活動。
202105, Sg Congkak, Selangor, Malaysia
#
– one of the lovely forest kingfishers of Malaysia. she made a call low and only available at the small open window
– 马来西亚另一种森林翠鸟。很漂亮的母鸟。在低，暗的一直叫。
#
update 2020 May 12
Rufous-collared Kingfisher,栗領翡翠, Actenoides concretus,アオヒゲショウビン, PEKAKA-RIMBA MELAYU
– a very shy bird … it is difficult to approach to take photo or video
– winter visitor prefer to be at mangrove area or river
update 202411
– a mid-size of Kingfisher calling Collared Kingfisher alike, but unmistakable with bright white-with rufous on chest and dark-blue back+black.
– a casual visit nearby beach which I told my buddy, his target Black-capped Kingfisher can be found here … very good environment. But I didn’t see it last 3 visits but today.. when I arrive, spot a familiar bird far and inside palm tree. After a while of keep looking, found it making pre-roosting shower … bingo
– depend on the checklist this split from Banded Kingfisher (if split it is Borneo endemic)
update 202405
– wonderful last day of the tour, this main target came down low after long wait .. and it carry a mantis to feed his wife too
– a canopy bird that coming low for use take some wonderful picture of this handsome
– 一年前安排的摄影行，几乎要被取消（火山爆发）。可是朋友们的执着，到最后一天+最后一只主要目标。
– 这鸟都是在树顶活动的，很小通常都不好拍。这次下来低+捉了只螳螂喂老婆。
202404, Sugud, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202404
– another good bird seen while waiting for target bird, this bird just came not that high and making some call .. beautiful male bird
– 沙巴另一只低海拔的主要目标鸟。在等其他鸟，这鸟飞在我们附近不高。
202403, Sepilok, Sabah
#####
update 202402
– while we waiting for ours target, a pair of this special Borneo endemic came really low while the target also came close to us… make everyone of us so busy to look for 3 of them 。。 this such a beautiful girl
– ours’ last day at the Tawau, just want spend a morning for anything as main target ticked. everyone seem happy with yesterday Blue-Banded Pitta show, and today almost not really in mood for anything and raining… we just walking around but all of sudden this bird make a call and with little bit of wait and searching .. it stand at eye-level for us.. but sad one of outs’ team fall down with minor injure hope he recover soon
– a bird that every love to seen and photography. Before heading to no internet again, let’s share another good picture from previous tour. This bird just stand so low giving us a good view and picture.
– 应该是最上镜鸟之一吧。等会又开始没网的日子。让我分享上一团我蛮喜欢的照片之一。
202307, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
###
– a lucky quick walk, this bird just stand so low for good view and picture
– 非常幸运的遇上这么美丽的鸟站这么低
202307, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202210
– lucky of the day, we got this lovely bird end of the day even quite dark but still good view of the female
– 非常幸运的在最后一刻，看到这么漂亮的母鸟。
202210, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202106
– depend which checklist, this bird may split as Borneo endemic
the male bird in Borneo look different from Banded Kingfisher (Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Java, Vietnam etc). The mae with obvious black face but female look same
– 不一样的鸟单, 有些新的把这鸟分为婆罗洲特有种。
– 只有公鸟脸是黑的。母鸟一样，叫声，都一样。
201808, RDC, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202105
– one of the most beautiful forest kingfishers of Malaysia. Some split this from Banded Kingfisher which has the same behavior and call. except the male have black-face
– 馬來西亞最漂亮的森林翠鳥之一。與馬來西亞西馬的橫斑翠鳥相同。除了，公鳥帶有黑臉。
201805, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
update 2019 Dec 13
one of the big print for Panasonic G9 ..
update 2018 Aug 18
finally little bit free time to update what I got last few months
lucky to see 2 stand together again .. may be the angle how come the female bigger than male so much !!!
update 2018 Aug 20
it is amazing how this kingfisher calling without move it head
– another very common kingfisher which found urban, edge of forest
update 202211
– common kingfisher of Malaysia, but it is still a such beautiful bird to seen and photograph
– 马来西亚非常普通的翠鸟。可是，看或拍起来非常漂亮。
202211, Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
update 202110
– another long distance tour after the long lockdown. But the target bird seem missing and we driving around to take opportunity to test the CANON EOS R3 capability.
– this common kingfisher widely spread across Peninsular Malaysia and pretty common to found them at Paddy field
– 封城后，第2次远行（700+公里）。可是，目标鸟没看到。当然，在这么好的稻田。我尽量运用手上的“新”佳能 EOS R3。 测试对焦的本领，拍飞行鸟照。
– 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 old picture captured 2014, clearing my hdd and I think worth to process one more to plan more trip to Indonesia. with beautiful light think very beautiful bird
20. 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]
– 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
####
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.
– a small kingfisher just like other Dwarf-Kingfisher but overall blue
– 非常小的翠鸟。
update 202310
– a small kingfisher seem like to stay together with the North Moluccan Pitta, always calling while we waiting for the Pitta
– 这翠鸟，总喜欢与八色鸫一起生活。在等八色鸫时总听到它叫。
202304, Ternate, Indonesia
23. Small Blue Kingfisher, 小蓝翠鸟, 小藍翠鳥, Alcedo coerulescens, ヒメアオカワセミ, Rajaudang Biru
a very common small blue-white small Kingfisher at Bali-Java, can be seen almost any where near stream, pond …but quite shy as usual
这小翠鸟在巴厘岛几乎蛮普通，可是还是不容易拍。很害羞。
update 202402
– this is a very good example of need more fps .. so not always correct we do not need .. I normally shoot ~15fps in most of the camera by default … when this bird sudden dive in I am too late to change the fps .. and most of the frame without very good “eye contact” or I would say too less frame within the dive action (~7frames)
– small and noisy Kingfisher pretty common at East Sumba Island almost heard any where .. and saw few locations . region endemic here
– 小，漂亮的翠鸟。这区域的特有种。
update 202402
– ours 2nd target of the day after the beautiful Pitta. very soon we stop we heard and spot the bird and the bird around for almost whole day while we looking for other bird. It still around calling and appeal
1.Black-crowned Night-Heron, 夜鹭,夜鷺,Nycticorax nycticorax, PUCUNG-KUAK BIASA
– 46-60 cm
– common, widespread, like to roosting big group in same area
Adults have a black crown and back with the remainder of the body white or grey, red eyes, and short yellow legs. They have pale grey wings and white under parts. Two or three long white plumes, erected in greeting and courtship displays, extend from the back of the head. The sexes are similar in appearance although the males are slightly larger. Black-crowned night herons do not fit the typical body form of the heron family. They are relatively stocky with shorter bills, legs, and necks than their more familiar cousins, the egrets and “day” herons. Their resting posture is normally somewhat hunched but when hunting they extend their necks and look more like other wading birds.
Immature birds have dull grey-brown plumage on their heads, wings, and backs, with numerous pale spots. Their underparts are paler and streaked with brown. The young birds have orange eyes and duller yellowish-green legs. They are very noisy birds in their nesting colonies, with calls that are commonly transcribed as quok or woc.
