One of the most sought-after species when visiting the mangroves. While not rare, it’s often challenging to get a clear photo. Thankfully, this beautiful male Mangrove Pitta gave us a great view without much waiting—definitely a highlight!
– another bird that not so easy to be photograph center of Penisular Malaysia. a male that come out stay long for us
– 在蛮多鸟点都是蛮容易拍照的，在西马中部反而就很不容易。这公鸟站了还蛮久
202305, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
2. Greater Flameback, 大金背啄木鸟, 大金背啄木鳥,Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus, オオコガネゲラ,BELATUK-PINANG BESAR BIASA
update 202603
#####
Today was supposed to be all about finding the Kingfisher, but since it was nowhere to be found, we spent some time with this bird instead. It is always a joy to capture its flight on camera.
Same spot as last year where this bird was actively flying around. Everyone was excited to try for some bird-in-flight shots. For me, it was a great chance to test the Canon R6 Mark III’s AF tracking. So far, it performs well in the field—most of the time it can lock focus even when the bird is flying directly toward us, not just sideways.
和去年一样的地点，这只鸟又在附近飞来飞去，大家都很兴奋尝试抓拍飞行镜头。对我来说，是个很好的机会测试 Canon R6 Mark III 的自动对焦追踪功能。目前在实地表现不错，大多数时候即使鸟是朝着我们飞来而不是水平飞行，相机也能准确追焦。
202512, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
#####
update 202411
– One of the common woodpeckers found in Malaysia’s mangroves, this species stands out with its pale eyes, distinguishing it from the common Flameback.
– There have been so many photos of this woodpecker lately, and I love how the CANON R1 captured the action, especially the way the woodpecker swings its wings.
– One of the common woodpeckers found in Malaysia’s mangroves, this species stands out with its pale eyes, distinguishing it from the common Flameback.
– I’m thoroughly enjoying the new Continuous Pre-recording feature on the Canon R1. It virtually guarantees capturing the exact moment an action begins, without missing a beat. In this instance, I half-pressed the shutter before the bird moved, and once the action started, a full press ensured that the preceding 0.5 seconds were already recorded. The camera seamlessly continues with AF tracking. Check out the JPEG movie clips shared in the link for a closer look!
– a overall bigger common flameback, Black-yellow overall with pale eye instead
– Thanks Canon Malaysia having chance to have R1 to work out … as mentioned Continous Pre-capture is one of my favourite new features of new CANON R camera .. this is one of the test moment .. hope get more oppunity in wild to present to you all soon
– a waiting dusk for Nightjar and Owl, all of sudden this bird just flying across low. Even with the RF100-500 + 1.4x tc with such a small aperture (F10).. I still quickly got the bird focus and captured it flying into jungle
– a very common and beautiful hornbill of Malaysia
Our visit to the mangrove was brief, but we were fortunate to see all the main targets, including this talented singer of Malaysia’s mangroves. It didn’t stay for long, and unfortunately, my settings were off—I ended up shooting at ISO 25,600. Yes, 25,600! But surprisingly, the result turned out fine for me.
我们在红树林的停留时间很短，但很幸运地看到了所有主要目标，包括这位来自马来西亚红树林的优秀歌手。它停留的时间不长，而我却设置错误，竟然用 ISO 25600 拍摄。是的，25600！但结果对我来说还算可以。
202502, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202405
– a not so attractive bird for Mangrove special, but always a highly wanted bird by birders come to Malaysia.
– this time, a very lucky group.. while we walking at Mangrove.. someone talk to me.. a dull bird stand infront of .. is it common ? very soon I look at the direction, I saw it stand just open and everyone got their best view of this active shy bird.
5. Black-winged Kite, 黑翅鸢, 黑翅鳶, Elanus caeruleus, カタグロトビ, HELANG-TIKUS BIASA
update 202405
– another good start of the tour, not only hit most of the main targets but included some good view of common birds .. this small raptor got it’s prey and stand infront of us eating the rat …
6. Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker, 巽他啄木鸟, 巽他啄木鳥, Yungipicus moluccensis, マレーコゲラ, BELATUK-BELACAN KECIL BIASA
update 202411
– a very tiny Woodpecker, overall brown and white. Which normally found near mangrove, nearby river bank. But this time found near Palm oil Plantation which nearby mangrove area too
– while looking for more interesting subjects, this tiny bird came queitly whithout any vocal, but the movement attract me and got this moment
– – 小，棕+白小啄木鸟。通常在红树林，河边可以见到。可是这次在棕榈树见到。
– 在等更好的题材，这小小鸟静静地飞过来了。完全没声音。还好，动作吸引我见到这一刻。
202411, Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
#####
– a very tiny Woodpecker, overall brown and white. Which normally found near mangrove, nearby river bank.
– another moment with new CANON new R1 .. it is really fun and easy to capture any “birds in flight – begin, perch” just half press the shutter button enable the “Pre-capture” and when the moment after bird fly… press the shutter .. anything .5s before will be captured into the disk in full RAW without stop the Camera continous focus while the flying ..
It was a dramatic day — we missed our target in the morning and were caught in heavy rain by noon. Fortunately, the evening brought reasonably good birding. The next morning, however, turned out to be truly special. We had a great encounter with this bird as it flew back to its roosting site, and we managed to capture the moment perfectly without any issues.
It was another fantastic experience to see this bird again—even if just once—as it flew straight toward us. Not a particularly tough challenge for me with the R1: 98 frames in about 3 seconds, all perfectly in focus
– a not so common owl found Malaysia. Big size and with very vocal if found the correct one.
– I am making some nearby forest for trying the new CANON R1 to trying for AF lock on, AF tracking, Image Quality, Pre-capture … and trying again the in camera upscale. Found this bird roost at one of the Palm Oil plantation before strong sunlight come in, the bird sudden flying out to its’ roosting side.the R1 as expected captured most of the frame without any issue even with background change.
Years ago (probably more than 10 years back), this Mangrove Pitta spot was also known for a pair of woodpeckers that often came down to feed. Today, while checking on the Mangrove Pitta, the main target didn’t show up—but instead, a pair of Laced Woodpeckers dropped in and entertained us. A very nice bonus encounter.
202602, Pulau Indah, Selangor, Malaysia202602, Pulau Indah, Selangor, Malaysia
#####
update 202411
– a quite common woodpecker found here (Penisular Malaysia), which normally found near Mangrove. area
– yet another R1 pre-capture moment captured .. it is real fun to have this Pre-capture function show how this bird “jump up” begin the flight. It is real cool to have Pre-cature every single moment and continue with normal operation like re-focus, tracking …
– 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
11. Oriental Reed Warbler, 东方大苇莺, 東方大葦鶯, Acrocephalus orientalis, オオヨシキリ, CEKUP-PAYA BESAR BIASA
update 202411
– It’s great to see them return to the paddy fields, where they are as active as ever in the morning. I came to test out the Canon R1, and with its new Continuous Pre-recording and advanced AF tracking features, I was able to capture the moment they took off and flew toward us. Later, I combined the JPEGs into a single movie file.
– One of the most common woodpeckers in Malaysia, this species can be found in a variety of environments—lowlands, mangroves, sub-montane forests, and even urban areas. Its overall rufous coloration makes it hard to miss.
– While testing the Canon R1’s “Continuous Pre-recording” feature, the bird was perched as usual. I half-pressed the shutter to activate Pre-recording, and only fully pressed it when the bird took off from the branch. Every frame of the action was captured in full RAW and saved to my card.
– 在测试佳能 R1 的“连续预录”功能时，这只鸟像往常一样站在树枝上。我半按快门开启预录功能，直到鸟从树枝起飞时才完全按下快门。整个动作的每一帧都被完整记录为 RAW 格式并存储在卡中。
202411, Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
#####
13. Common Flameback, 金背三趾啄木鸟, 金背三趾啄木鳥,Dinopium javanense, ズアカミユビゲラ, BELATUK-PINANG BIASA
update 202411
– Another common woodpecker in Malaysia, resembling the Greater Flameback but smaller in size with dark eyes.
– Another moment captured using the CANON R1’s Continuous Pre-record feature.
– 在马来西亚的另一种常见啄木鸟，外形与大金背啄木鸟相似，但体型较小，眼睛呈深色。
– 使用 CANON R1 的连续预录功能捕捉到的另一个瞬间。
202411, Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
14. Golden-bellied Gerygone, 黄胸噪刺莺,黃胸噪刺鶯, Gerygone sulphurea, マレーシアセンニョムシクイ, KELICAP-PEREPAT ASIA
Tiny and rather unobtrusive bird with brownish upperparts and luminous lemon-yellow underparts. Superficially similar to female and juvenile Olive-backed Sunbirds, but note gerygone’s short, uncurved bill. Forages in parks, forests, and plantations, where it often joins mixed flocks moving through the middle and upper layers. Song is variable throughout its range but invariably includes buzzy notes with obvious rises and falls in pitch. [Ebird]
It was a scorching afternoon with barely any bird activity—until we heard this one calling loudly. Not long after, it came right to us, proudly showing off those striking long legs!
A tiny bird with a beautiful song, it’s often challenging to capture a good photo due to its small size. However, this time, it came down close enough for us to get a clear shot.
My year-end birding tradition often takes me to the paddy fields in search of winter visitors. If I recall correctly, my buddy and I were waiting for some warblers when, out of nowhere, this raptor flew in, staring right at us! But no—it wasn’t us it was focused on. The Purple Heron caught its attention, flying between us and the harrier. I couldn’t help but wonder what the harrier was thinking as it kept its eyes on the heron for quite a distance.
16. Collared Scops Owl, 领角鸮, 领角鸮, Otus lettia, JAMPUK BIASA
update 202502
It was truly an owl-filled day—we spotted six owl species in just one day! This last one had been particularly elusive; we had tried to get a good view of it a few days ago without much success. But today, it seemed to stay in place for a long time, giving everyone a perfect view.
17. Eastern Barn Owl, 仓鸮, 東方倉鴞, Tyto alba, メンフクロウ, SERAK BIASA
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!
18. Oriental Bay-Owl, 栗鸮, 栗鴞,Phodilus badius, ニセメンフクロウ, PUNGGUK-API BIASA
update 202504
“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.
19. Malaysian Eared-Nightjar, 马来毛腿夜鹰, 馬來毛腿夜鷹, Lyncornis temminckii, ミミヨタカ, TAPTIBAU MELAYU
update 202505
After a long wait in the heavy rain at dusk, this bird finally appeared silently. I couldn’t help but shout, “Malaysian Eared-Nightjar!” and managed to capture it using a very high ISO of #ISO51200. Despite the challenging conditions, it’s still great to see details of its back and chest.
在黄昏时分的大雨中等待良久，这只鸟终于悄无声息地出现了。我忍不住喊出：“马来短耳夜鹰！”并用非常高的 ISO 值 #ISO51200 拍下了它。尽管拍摄条件艰难，仍然能清楚看到它的背部和胸部细节，令人欣喜。
202505, Selangor, Malaysia
20. Pacific Swallow, 洋燕, Hirundo tahitica, リュウキュウツバメ, LAYANG-LAYANG BIASA
Update 202508
It was a beautiful evening by the river, with swifts and swallows flying low to feed and drink.
We tried capturing the action and were lucky to get a nice series of shots—here’s one of a swallow drinking mid-flight.
傍晚在河边真是美好时光，燕子和雨燕在河面上飞来飞去觅食和喝水。
我们试着拍下这一幕，幸运地捕捉到一些精彩画面，这张就是其中一张——燕子边飞边喝水。
21. Common Kingfisher, 普通翠鸟, 普通翠鳥, Alcedo atthis, カワセミ, RAJAUDANG CICIT
update 202509
This year it arrived a bit later than last year, but returned to the same spot with the same behavior—just like the past 5 years. Always a joy to see this beautiful kingfisher back for its winter break!
22. Slaty-breasted Rail, 灰胸秧鸡, 灰胸秧雞, Lewinia striata, ハシナガクイナ, SINTAR BIASA
update 202510
This bird carries a lot of memories for me—there was even a time I ended up at the police station just for photographing it!
Now, it appears regularly at a feeding spot, but still remains very sensitive to our movements. A special bird, always worth the patience.
23. Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, 白眉姬鹟, 白眉姬鶲, Ficedula zanthopygia, マミジロキビタキ, SAMBAR KUNYIT KENING PUTIH
update 202510
This is a fairly common winter visitor in the area, though this season we’ve noticed more females than males. Still, it’s always a pleasure to photograph this species—especially when it offers such a beautiful pose.
24. Dollarbird, 三宝鸟, 三寶鳥, Eurystomus orientalis, Eurystomus orientalis, TIUNG-BATU BIASA
update 202512
It was just a casual birding outing with friends, but this bird stayed low and actively flew around, giving everyone a chance to practice bird-in-flight shots. A common species, yet its colors are always a treat to see in flight.
During this season, this bird is surprisingly quiet. It hardly calls at all—just appears silently, perching nearby, preening and resting with very little movement. A calm and peaceful presence in the field.
pitta – a bird normally long leg, short tailed, hopping around on forest floor for food , shy ….
many of the bird photographers just enjoy this bird very much and spend years, months, days, hours .. stay inside hide just to view, photograph this forest gem ..
*** will be keep updating this along my pitta fever *** so please book here 😀
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八色鸫 – 通常都长脚，短尾，害羞的在森林的地面，到处乱窜乱跳的找食物…
我们观/拍鸟人都很喜爱这种鸟。有些更会用上几年/月/星期/天躲在帐篷里等它的出现 ….
1. giant pitta,大蓝八色鸫
update 2018 Oct 4
update 2018 Aug 24
another good found, birds nearby there for months .. just need patient and luck to see it
Mangrove Pitta, 紅樹八色鶇,Pitta megarhyncha, マングローブヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Bakau,
update 2020 Jan 16
a missing or shy “Kuala Lumpur Mangrove Pitta” for almost whole year 2019 birding season … it finally return 2020 hope the small left over Mangrove can be protect for it
##
5. Blue-winged pitta, 馬來八色鶇
update 2020 May 6
Blue-winged pitta ,馬來八色鶇,Pitta moluccensis, ミナミヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Sayap Biru
update 2020 Jan 17
6. Garnet Pitta , 榴红八色鸫
update 2020 May
Garnet Pitta , 榴紅八色鶇,Erythropitta granatina,ムラサキヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
update 2020 May
Garnet Pitta , 榴紅八色鶇，Erythropitta granatina,ムラサキヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
pitta – a bird normally long leg, short-tailed, hopping around on forest floor for food, shy ….
many of the bird photographers just enjoy this bird very much and spend years, months, days, hours .. stay inside hide just to view, photograph this forest gem ..
*** will keep updating this along with my pitta fever *** so please book here 😀
201. Indian Pitta, 印度八色鸫, 印度藍翅八色鳥, Pitta brachyura, インドヤイロチョウ
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201. Indian Pitta, 印度八色鸫, 印度藍翅八色鳥, Pitta brachyura, インドヤイロチョウ
A colorful stubby-tailed bird, also known as “Navrang,” translated as “nine colors.” Colors are most striking when the bird is in flight. This bird has long, strong legs and a stout bill, a buffy crown with a black stripe in the middle, a black eye-stripe, and and buffy underparts with bright red on the vent. Upperparts are green, with a blue shoulder patch. It is usually seen foraging on forest floors with thick undergrowth, catching insects in leaf litter. This bird is vocal, giving its characteristic two-noted whistle call at dusk and dawn. [Ebird]
update 202602
Starting the new year with a plan to revisit a wonderful destination. Sri Lanka’s birding is truly world-class. Looking back at my last visit, this bird was a constant companion; we heard it everywhere, and it was remarkably easy to photograph.
– same month again, the bird active late, 3 weeks ago when I am there no bird call or sight. But yesterday, it is so active to gave us everyone very good view. and I only have this angle view after first found it and brought all other guests over to have this bird. last bird of the group..
– Danum Valley still a best place to see this bird, and found this “tame” bird last few hours before we leaving to other destination. But it still give us good look.
– a shy and big bird
– at this situation between tree, branch, the CANON R7 easily lock the bird eye … soon we will forgot whats is “focus points”
– 丹绒谷还是看这鸟最好的地方。在我们离开前2个小时才找到这只蛮乖的。可是它还是让我们看的蛮久的。
– 在这样的情况，树中间，鸟前有阻碍。佳能R7轻松的自己找到鸟眼。我其实就按快门而已。
202208, Sabah, Malaysia
update 2018 Oct 4
update 2018 Aug 24
another good found, birds nearby there for months .. just need patient and luck to see it
– after spent 5 days in lowland forest without ours’ target, decided to spend last day in other kind of forest to have some new tick for customer. Never prepare anything, no worm just go to the “feeding spot” and wait. This bird appear and stand for long for us .. so this consider “feeding” ? (for me yes as without the feeding activities the bird wont be there for us)
– this Pitta would be mist difficult Pitta for myself, exclude the feeding spot picture or sighting. I have only 2 open 1-2s moment to have pictures and total <30s view over the years .. who have non feeding picture ? I know my best buddy and I spent our days and weeks …
– found Borneo, which is black head instead Peninsular Malaysia’s rufous head
update 202510
The special target tour has finally come to an end. Unfortunately, for the first time ever, we missed 2 out of our 3 main targets — a tough pill to swallow. It’s my first time missing them during this special tour. But on the brighter side, we still did very well with many other species, including this beautiful pitta that gave us a great view and photo opportunity.
Such an exciting moment—first, we heard its call nearby, then spotted it quietly resting high up in a tree. It didn’t take long before we all got a great view. Moments like this are what make birding so much fun!
– another bird which can be very easy at certain period but very difficult even have a look at wrong season. But again it is much easier to have a look at feeding spot. Thanks some effort of the birder for keep the good place allow many other photograph this bird as not everyone has so much time (come at right time) for non feeding …
4. Western Hooded Pitta, 绿胸八色鸫, 黑領八色鳥, Pitta sordida, ズグロヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT HIJAU BIASA
– common winter visitor for Peninsular Malaysia
update 202603
This bird is truly a stunner to observe and photograph. It brings back memories of years ago when we trekked just a bit further to capture this same Pitta species with the whole crew. There is nothing like enjoying nature and birding with great friends.
After sharing so many overseas sightings, it’s time to post a familiar face from Malaysia. A very common bird, yet always beautiful to watch and photograph. This winter visitor has been returning to the same spot year after year.
– another bird that I rarely photograph beside feeding spot… this as usual a bird capture at feeding spot. It is tame as usual come together with another lovely Kingfisher
– 这鸟应该是我拍最少野拍八色鸫。这一只是喂食点的，与之前一样都很乖啊。
202403, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
#####
update 202302
– a bird that we use to see it every year before covid but getting difficult to have picture since the lockdown. today lucky moment where this bird seem resting and give good time for me
– look alike blue-winged pitta with very similar call
update 202602
During this season, this bird is surprisingly quiet. It hardly calls at all—just appears silently, perching nearby, preening and resting with very little movement. A calm and peaceful presence in the field.
– another bird found, quite tame too even not feed
– 另一只红树林八色鸫，没喂食拍到还是很不错的。
202404, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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– this bird have abnormal behavior this year, seem get active quite late…
– I am really giving respect to my buddy, friend, bos .. AhLee … how the hack he found this spot for this bird !!! dont think I can imagine this bird just here !
– a raining morning, I got wet without any rain gear.. but the bird also very wet when it show up. Still very dirty look ahh
– 一大早，下雨。我没带雨衣，雨伞。全身都湿湿的，可是这鸟看来也忘了？
202308, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
####
– few months didn’t visit this pitta, amazing.. it gave us a good show just ~3minutes .. but why so dirty !!!
– 几个月没见这鸟，还是很乖3分钟左右就让我们看够够。可是怎么这么难看！
20230731, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202302
– 3rd birds of the new tour, just wait less than 5 minutes this time. stay for long for us
– 这团的第3只鸟。等了3-5分钟就出来了。还很乖的站好好
202302, Selangor, Malaysia
###
– another lucky guests, we just wait less than 10 minutes for a good view and pictures.
– 非常幸运的客人，只等了10分钟。就把这八色鸫拿下。
202302, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202301
– mangrove forest is one most affect by development for pass few years near center of Peninsular Malaysia. Lost many habitat of this pitta since 2014. Getting real difficult to see it.
Mangrove Pitta, 紅樹八色鶇,Pitta megarhyncha, マングローブヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Bakau,
update 2020 Jan 16
a missing or shy “Kuala Lumpur Mangrove Pitta” for almost whole year 2019 birding season … it finally return 2020 hope the small left over Mangrove can be protect for it
##
6. Blue-winged pitta, 马来八色鸫, 馬來八色鶇, Pitta moluccensis,ミナミヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT SAYAP BIRU
– mostly winter visitor Nov-April
– also local breed at Northern Peninsular Malaysia
update 202602
A stunning Pitta that many have started to take for granted. Because it’s a common sight every season and easy to capture on camera, its beauty is often ignored. But like clockwork, it returns to the same spot every year, waiting for us.
– 2024 official day1 working, it is faithful start … we arrive the “feeding spot” but without put any “food” the bird just stand there waiting so are we shoot at feeding bird ? … but it is real challenge having long focal length + high megapixel camera … CANON R7 + CANON RF200800. I am shooting ISO6400, F8, 538mm, 1/50
– 在马来西亚雨林，早上真的很不容易拍。高像素+长焦段。佳能R7, RF200800. CANON R7 + CANON RF200800. I am shooting ISO6400, F8, 538mm, 1/50
20240103, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
#####
update 202301
– a winter visitor, look mangrove a like
– really like the R3 video AF it is really track the animal eye non stop even very low light condition
– 马来西亚半岛。12月-4月蛮普通的候鸟。
– 非常喜欢佳能R3视屏对焦。一直对焦动物眼。
#####
– still prefer the old position. this bird simply awesome
– 久的。还是最好。站这非常的美。
update 202301
– same bird, same place after years … it is always a good bird to see and photograph and test new camera.
– 3-4 年了。同一时间，同一点，同一只鸟。可是还是很好看，拍的鸟。可是用来试试新相机，脚架。
202301, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202101
Focal length: 300mm+1.4x tc ISO: 640
F number: 8.0
Shutter Speed: 1/60
4k 16:9, 59.94p, 200 Mbps MOV/H.265 (HEVC) LPCM, 4:2:0 10bit
Zone AutoFocus - can see with the lowlight condition and mess environment the Autofocus will trying to confuse by the nearby moving objects (eg leaf)
update 2020 May 6
Blue-winged pitta ,馬來八色鶇,Pitta moluccensis, ミナミヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Sayap Biru
update 2020 Jan 17
7. Garnet Pitta, 榴红八色鸫, 榴紅八色鶇, Erythropitta granatina, ムラサキヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
– Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak lowland pitta
– call very similar to Blue-Banded Pitta, Malaysian Rail-Babbler
Update 202505
It was exciting to spot one moving on the ground without being disturbed by our presence—there were ten of us constantly shifting around for a better angle. We were lucky to encounter this Pitta without a long wait or much effort.
– this year is good for this Garnet Pitta, my 3rd times seeing this bird (2 times in Taman Negara – Kuala Tahan and now at Merapoh) seem getting better ? easier and more heard ? this feeding station are seem not active lucky to heard it than got it
– one of the star birds of Peninsula Malaysia and it was there for years … just wish no much disturbance because of any reason. And it is no one spot it is a national park for years .. just enjoy the nature and birding
– a wet day, bird seem busy looking for ground food. such a dirty bird
– always a lovely bird to be seen and photograph
– 几天都是下雨天，这鸟特别肮脏。
– 一只看几次都不闷的鸟。
202209, Taman Negara Sg Relau, Kelanatan, Malaysia
update 202105
– this picture capture before the famous birding spot been “build” “Tiger cage”
– forest pitta, overall red-blue-black
– 马来西亚森林的宝石。很美丽的八色鸫。
201504, Pahang, Malaysia
update 2020 May
Garnet Pitta , 榴紅八色鶇,Erythropitta granatina,ムラサキヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
update 2020 May
Garnet Pitta , 榴紅八色鶇，Erythropitta granatina,ムラサキヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
update 2019 Dec
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update 2015 Jun 14
Angry Garnet
8. Malayan Banded-Pitta, 马来蓝尾八色鸫, 馬來藍尾八色鶇, Hydrornis irena，マラヤシマヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT BELANG MELAYU
– Peninsular Malaysia – South Thailand very beautiful “Yellowish” pitta
– a very beautiful forest bird
– male bird with blue on belly 馬來西亞最漂亮的八色鶇之一。
公鳥肚有藍。母鳥全黃黑班。
update 202601
Definitely not a lifer—I’ve photographed this species over 50 times! But this is the first time seeing such vibrant colors and such a confiding individual. The bird hide offered an amazing experience with this lovely bird, and everyone was really happy with the results.
This is a stunning female!
Always a pleasure catching up with one of the best birders/guides I know—Matthew and Hoi Ling! He made a short visit and requested a few lifers, so we left KL at 2:30am and headed to Merapoh. Despite the morning rain, we managed to tick off two lifers soon after arrival. Once the rain stopped, we got lucky again with this special lifer—it showed up twice (I missed the first photo opportunity)! Such a stunning Pitta, and a great moment getting both Garnet and this species away from the usual “stage”.
– one of the most beautiful pitta of Malaysia. It is not easy bird to be seen without feeding. But feeding can create problem for the bird ? YES and NO ?
One of the most beautiful pittas in Borneo—not rare, but often shy and habitat-specific. We were lucky to enjoy a wonderful encounter with this species at Danum Valley. It might even be the least pitta I see this year (2025)!
– a revisit a same place after 10 years +, the bird still same spot but now handling and feed by local Photographer Subki & Ambo. Make chance to have picture of this beauty of Borneo much easier compare those day… It is quite challenge too, you need patient to sit and wait ….
– a special tour to Sabah for this beautiful Borneo endemic Pitta, it took us long wait even we managed to get other birds while waiting but it just too long and tired waiting but than when the Pitta show everyone just a big relief. A beautiful Pitta ..
10. Black-crowned Pitta, 黑头八色鸫, 黑頭八色鶇, Erythropitta ussheri, クロアカヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA SABAH
– very special Borneo endemic, which limited only to East-North Borneo (Sabah)
– behavior, environment, call same Garnet Pitta (red-crown)
update 202306
– another good moment while we just had short wait at “feeding spot”. The bird came in pair looking left-right-up-down
– beautiful Borneo endemic Pitta which is most common among all other
– 当我们到达‘喂食点“时，等了几分钟。鸟就出来了。2只鸟跳上跳上，好可爱。
– 婆罗洲特有种之一。与其他几种特有种八色鸫，最普通的一种。
202306, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202301
– 2022 is not a pitta year for me. Didn’t have special Pitta tour, and too busy for own photography for Pitta. But this is definitely Pitta I shoot most of 2022. last session of 2022, very dark, handheld, with R7 and RF100500.
– for year 2022, I really feel there are few good options for birder or Bird guide photography setup. for good weight, size, AF and Image quality.
– look at the image quality for this very lowlight condition picture.
– a special Borneo endemic which only for North-East
– many of them singing in the forest, and only this bird show it’s face
– 非常特别的婆罗洲特有种，只限于婆罗洲东北部
– 几乎那都听到这鸟叫，可是就这一只给我们看看。
202205, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202106
– too many pictures of this beauty. and here is one of the video how’s this bird making call which same to Garnet Pitta and similar to Rail-babber, Blue-banded Pitta
– it is Garnet Pitta alike except the crown is full black instead of red
– very special Borneo endemic which is only limited to East-North Borneo island which is Sabah
– 马来西亚算是我见最多的八色鸫。
– 与榴红八色鸫几乎一样。生活环境，叫声，活动方式等。
– 婆罗洲蛮特别的特有种。这只是在东北部（沙巴）
201706, RDC, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
#
update 202101
- a special Borneo endemic which limited to only North-East (Sabah)
- call, behavior same as Garnet Pitta - one of the Pitta I photograph most
#
update 2020 May 9
Black-headed pitta, 黑頭八色鶇, Erythropitta ussheri, クロアカヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA SABAH
11. Blue-headed Pitta, 蓝头八色鸫, 藍頭八色鶇, Hydrornis baudii, ズアオヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Kepala Biru
– another Borneo lowland endemic
– male have blue-head, red-back, purple-blue chest-bellied. female overall with blue-tailed.
– 婆罗洲特有种。
– 公鸟-蓝头，尾。红背。胸腹是紫蓝。母鸟都是棕色，蓝尾
update 202510
Another rewarding visit to Danum Valley! As usual during this season, this beautiful pitta showed well — just about 50 meters from the lodge lobby. It stood in the open and called for a while, giving us a great view to start our day!
It’s a great way to start the month with two sightings of this stunning Borneo endemic Pitta. It wasn’t far, but I stuck with my 500mm lens, avoiding getting closer to disturb it before others had their chance to capture it. Such incredible colors!
– another bird always to look for when we are at Borneo. This month, we saw it few times at Danum Valley and Tabin. Amazing colors on this particular bird.
– it is always good reason to visit Danum Valley for this wonderful Pitta, this bird can be either very challenge or very easy to see especially the right time and place. (plan for right time, the bird can be like this one just give up show infront of 10 of us and stay for photo)
– when the time come, right season make this so much easier ..compare to last few months. The bird just come and check and I am just ~10 feet from him. I think this is one of the Pitta I really enjoy to see its’ behavior than waiting for hours in spot … so much fun to see ~5 birds just 2 km in the trail .. 3 of them gave me good chance to have photographs
– it is not a new site for this feeding station, 12-13 years ago I got my Blue-headed Pitta similar site and it is not feeding .. the bird just there and it was very fun trip with few good buddies .. Andy Pau, Jasnnie, Ah Lee, Shunfa .. this time we went for feed !!! but the bird came while we arrive and came infornt of me ~4-5feet away without food or hide !!! But after wait for 3 hours .. it came with a chick few times but not the male .. it is a tough time spent with almost 8 hours for Blue-Banded and 3 hours for no male … but this female really beautiful and I think I never got any good picture of female of this bird
– working on some old hdd transfer to new backup-working hardiscs . This is one of the most amazing moment I meet this bird so far, it keep chasing us from ~100m away
– 在搬硬碟，这是6年前的非常兴奋的一刻。这鸟一直跟着我们。
201708, Danum Valley, Sabah
update 202309
– it is so tame, 9 people standing 10feet from it.. it still coming back same area just slow and display a bit for picture … so amazing to see this behaviors again
– previously under the same species of Banded Pitta which now split to 3 different species. Malayan Banded Pitta, Borneo Banded Pitta, and Javan Banded Pitta. all of them with slightly different looks especially male. But all with the same call, behavior.
– 之前与其他两种马来亚，与婆罗洲归为同种。叫声一样。
– 爪哇特有种
update 202105
– male bird with a blue neck, head yellow instead of rufuos
– another “Red-bellied” pitta, and it classified as North Moluccan Pitta which is endemic of Halmahera.
– it is very near to Ivory-Breasted Pitta spot
– 另一只“红胸八色鸫”分出来的摩鹿加特有种。
#####
update 202602
It is always the most rewarding and enjoyable experience to see a Pitta without using feeding. During our last visit to Halmahera, we were told that one Pitta was active in the area, even though it was not being fed. Still, everyone was excited to give it a try. The rule was simple: stay completely still, photograph only what appears in front of you, and make no movement or sound. After nearly two hours of patience, everyone was rewarded with great views and satisfying photos of this non-fed Pitta. Many thanks to my team for always placing their trust in me.
– the Bird making call on tree and stand there for so long ..
– 这鸟一直在树上叫。叫了好几个小时。
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update 202310
– another “different look” North Moluccan which photograph at feeding station at Ternate Island
– a not very easy walk as keep going steep downward sloop
– 另一只北摩鹿加八色鸫，在不一样的岛拍的。样子有点不一样。这个喂食点，也不是太容易。。。一直往下走。
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202304, Center Halmahera, Indonesia
#
54. Ivory-breasted Pitta, 白胸八色鸫, 牙白胸八色鳥, Pitta maxima
A distinctive large, plump, short-tailed, long-legged forest bird with a black upperside and white underside, a striking red area on the lower belly, and a conspicuous silvery-blue shoulder patch. Juvenile duller, with buff on underparts. Shy, more often heard than seen. Usually found singly or in pairs in humid lowland and hill forest. Forages on the ground, but while calling often perches high in the understory or canopy. Very vocal; frequently given song is a mournful wolf whistle. [Ebird]
– 非常大的八色鸫。背部全黑。前部白+红。很特别。在这岛上，几乎那都听到这鸟的叫声。
update 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
– post this before I get busy months again. This is one of the most amazing experience on this trip. When day 1 arrived with heavy rain, after rain stop we did quick birding surrounding our homestay. when we walk near the river, owner say why not we go for quick try on the Pitta and keep mentioned “if the bird is nearby or little bit distance he can do pick-up service” !! (I am thinking pick-up service hmmm). But the bird came without long wait or any issue. (so we missed the pick-up service show)
– next day after Standardwing BOP, we walk back to homestay and pass by the Pitta spot. We would like to try for this pitta again for male. After long wait (~15minutes) , he say the bird is far lets’ him pick-up the pitta .. I was like hmm how ? But he walk into the bush and use whistler/call. After ~10minutes wait, we heard the bird call getting nearer and soon we saw him walking out from the bush. and you can see the Pitta is following him coming out from the bush (may be ~10-15m away) !!!!!! “pick up service”
a very similar to Borneo Black-headed Pitta and Garnet pitta call and similar look. But it is an endemic to Sumatra island
– 与婆罗洲的黑头八色鸫，西马的榴红八色鸫非常像。叫声也很像。
update 202411
– this year seem not much luck on this bird, not that many sighting compare to last year and each sight very short time for picture opportunity. Luckily that still managed to have few click before it disappear.
– while we looking for the Ground-cuckoo, that area actually plenty of this Pitta. We saw one just 3-5feet from us stand there and cannot take any picture and this bird same just came to us and look at us .. beautiful moment even not a good picture compare to previous feeding station picture but it is a different satisfaction to find one wild..
– saw this bird yesterday while waiting ours target, the bird stand 5 feed at us looking at us and definitely not able to focus to have a picture. Today, go to the “easy side” but 2 landslides happen car cannot drive through, we birding and walk ~8km to reach. While we cooking coffee, the bird calling and came…
another “green pitta” almost can heard any where of “east Sumba” almost like other Pitta, so difficult to spot one even can heard many places
– 另一只绿色八色鸫，在东部几乎那都听到。可是与其他八色鸫一样都是听多过看。
#####
update 202401
– one of the main target, but know it is “feeding spot” it make we not worry of this bird to be photograph. after first night failed of owling, everyone seem tired next day and choose to go the “station”. When we arrive just after <30minute drive from ours hotel and walk less than 5 minutes, the local who manage the “hide” say bird already seen so immediate everyone getting ready the “big lens and camera”. without long wait we have very good view and picture but very quick one than stay near bush for quite some time before 2nd appearance and after 2nd round it stay nearby and I got this picture which I think I prefer this instead perfect view 😀
Large-headed and long-legged, this rare and rotund Sumatran endemic is found only in foothill forests between 900 to 2400 meters (typically in the upper half), where it is most easily detected by its strange song, a spaceship-like “oowOOOOwooWOOH.” Male has a sky-blue back and incomplete black collar, while the female has a dull brownish back and a dull blue tail. [EBird]
update 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 typical pitta: plump, short-tailed, long-legged, and primarily terrestrial (sometimes perches up to call). Bright green above with electric blue shoulder patch and rump and black head with conspicuous pale brow. Underside golden-buff with black and bright red on the belly. Juvenile duller, with little blue in wing, an orange-tipped bill, and a pinkish belly. Resident in woodland, forest, scrub, and plantations in the lowlands and hills of the Lesser Sundas, from Lombok east to Alor. Formerly regarded as a subspecies of Elegant Pitta, to which it is very similar; Ornate averages more extensively black on the throat and lower belly, and has a fairly evenly divided rufous-and-white “eyebrow.” Also note Ornate’s whistled two-note call [Ebird]
After successfully getting all our target birds, we took it easy and birded along the main forest road. Suddenly, 3–4 of these Pittas started calling nearby, and one of them came as close as 10 feet from me!
This individual even stood out in the open for 2–3 minutes, giving us a fantastic natural encounter—not at a feeding station, but in the wild. A very different kind of excitement.
Hope everyone enjoyed this Lombok bird photography trip. And Imran—see you next time!
Finally had the chance to revisit this spot again. As usual, the Pitta was quite tame but didn’t make it easy for everyone to get a good shot. Still, I was lucky enough to get a satisfying photo.
Despite the light drizzle, we managed to photograph two of our main targets during this one evening session.
A special arrangement was made with Ramesh for a relaxing birding trip focused on collecting a few endemic species. As usual, pittas, owls, and woodpeckers were our primary targets. Upon arriving at the airport, we had a ~1.5-hour drive followed by a short walk to the feeding spot. After less than 15 minutes of waiting, the bird showed up beautifully, allowing for this “pre-poo” moment to be captured perfectly.
update 202503 ##### This is one of the most photogenic Pittas ever captured. It constantly showcases different expressions and responds to calls from both males and females—sometimes even standing nearby while calling repeatedly.
This was another tricky bird to get! We spent two hours on the first afternoon, and only I managed to get a partial shot of the head and body. The next day trying for Papuan Pitta was another tough one—again, I was the only one who got a photo. On our final evening, Ahmad suggested trying a new bird hide. （bird not come for feed) —just walked and flew around. But in the end, everyone finally got a look at this Papua endemic!
This bird showed up a few times throughout our West Papua trip and became one of our frequently seen species. Unfortunately, only I managed to get some record shots—others only saw it walk past! It actually paused in this spot for around 4 seconds, but due to the bird hide’s viewing angle, not everyone could get a photo.
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
62. Banda Sea Pitta, 斑达八色鸫, 斑達八色鶇, Pitta vigorsii, バンダカイノドグロヤイロチョウ
update 202511
This Indonesia bird photography trip was a last-minute decision, but it turned out to be quite a successful one. One of our target birds showed up early, and I managed to capture this shot using Canon R1 at ISO16000—surprisingly good results despite the low light!
101. Blue Pitta, 蓝八色鸫, 藍八色鶇, Hydrornis cyaneus, ルリヤイロチョウ
Only the male of this rotund ground-dweller is truly blue; the female only has a hint of blue on the rump and tail. Male is brilliant and eye-catching if seen well: sky-blue on the back with a polka-dotted light blue breast and belly. Female has gray-brown wings and finely barred white underparts. Both sexes boast a pale face and a thin black eyebrow, above which flames a lava-red crown (darker in males than in females) (Ebird)
A plump, short-tailed, long-legged terrestrial bird with a red belly, a black throat, a blue chest band, and a ruddy-colored head. Juvenile is dull brown with blue in rump and tail and a horn-colored bill with a pale tip and base. Singles or pairs inhabit forest, degraded patches, and bamboo thickets in lowlands and hills. Differs from Whiskered Pitta in smaller size, black throat, lack of a pale whisker, and more extensive ruddy head coloration. (EBird)
Blue pitta, 藍八色鶇,Hydrornis cyaneus
