4. Bornean Bristlehead, 棘毛伯勞, 棘头鵙, Pityriasis gymnocephala, ブタゲモズ, TIUNG-BATU KEPALA MERAH
#####
1. 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
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
2. Blyth’s Frogmouth, 星喉蟆口鸱, 星喉蟆口鴟, Batrachostomus affinis, コガマグチヨタカ, CUCUR BIASA
update 202409
– it is excited to see this bird in the day time and so cute ..
– such a long time never at Tabin, this time with special request to be in here trying to record as much I can ..trying for this bird night time but failed but got it on day time ! theory work !
Whenever I’m in Borneo, this active and beautiful bird is always high on my list—it’s one I definitely don’t want to miss! It can sticks to the forest edge and stayed around for a good while this time, giving us a great view.
– 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
4. Bornean Bristlehead, 棘毛伯勞, 棘头鵙, Pityriasis gymnocephala, ブタゲモズ, TIUNG-BATU KEPALA MERAH
update 202410
– an exclusive Borneo endemic, always one of the main target to Borneo
– another bird that I keep looking at is this, it is my first time sight it here … excite !!! too bad 3rd times of the trip so not much time spend on this …
normally at low land jungle/forest but it stands high up … and come by more than 1 …
update 202402
– few juvi bird feeding by the adult and managed to see this young bird just stay there but think capture by David Tseu not me .. he poison with the CANON RF200800 😀 ..
3. Rufous-winged Philentoma, 棕翅王鵙, 棕翅王鵙, Philentoma pyrhoptera, チャバネアカメヒタキ, REMBAH-BATU KECIL
– common lowland forest bird
– male with blue head and female with gray
update 202606
The jungle was quiet when we first heard this bird calling from a distance. Surprisingly, it approached us silently and swiftly—but we still managed to spot it and get a few good photo opportunities.
– depend on the checklist this split from Banded Kingfisher (if split it is Borneo endemic)
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
– it is so hot here, the weather look same like previous Chinese New Year… hot .. hot .. hot .. I am just like this cute little fellow want to shower and shower
– 有如之前华人新年一样，非常热。就热热。。。我就如这小可爱，要冲凉啊。
202402, Sepilok, Sabah
6. Van Hasselt’s Sunbird, 紫喉蓝肩花蜜鸟, 紫喉藍肩花蜜鳥, Leptocoma brasiliana, アンハッセルトタイヨウチョウ, KELICAP BELACAN BIASA
– one of the most beautiful Sunbird of Malaysia, it wont be wrong if you see reddish+purple
– 马来西亚最漂亮花蜜鸟之一吧。远远看红+紫。
update 202402
– quite hot and humid afternoon, heard the bird call… and very soon saw it stand at top of the tree. lovely and beautiful bird as usual
– 蛮闷热的一个中午。听到鸟叫，很快就找到。站在树顶上，漂亮吧
202402, Sepilok, Sabah
7. Sabah Partridge, 沙巴山鹧鸪, 沙巴山鷓鴣, Tropicoperdix graydoni, クリチャミヤマテッケイ, SERUK-BUKIT SABAH
– also call Sabah Partridge, the look slightly different on the chest & head.
– behavior, environment very similar
– comparative common or more sighting compare to the Arborophila Charlton
update 202402
– after got the Bornean Bristlehead, this bird soon come and make loud call for us .. really beautiful and loud call
9. Bornean Bristlehead, 棘毛伯勞, 棘头鵙, Pityriasis gymnocephala, ブタゲモズ, TIUNG-BATU KEPALA MERAH
– very special lowland Borneo endemic.
– overall black under and back. on top Red-Yellow-orange
– won’t miss the call as very weird calling
– male without red flanks where the female has
– 非常特別的婆羅洲特有種。
– 下半身都黑。頭頸部，紅-橙黃。
– 叫聲很特別。吵，有像狗叫。
update 202506
Such an exciting moment! After a long silence, this bird suddenly called out loudly—everyone was thrilled to spot it and watch it for a while. Then, to our surprise, three more showed up! What an amazing way to spend a hot afternoon.
– one of bird that not so rare but just need luck to be see one. Lucky guests have very good view even may not good chance to have good picture this round …
– just another close encounter of this bird, sometime just need some luck for this wonderful looking bird.
– 另一次的近距离拍摄这鸟。
202405, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202404
– a wonderful group and trip, even begin with little bit problem where Indonesia Mount Ruang eruption cause us reach Borneo with little be delay .. and group decided travel to Kuala Lumpur than direct to Sabah.
– we start ours day with Spotted Wood Owl and Dusky eagle owl .. follow with many good birds and today we had one of the highly wanted target .. 7 birds show up after 1 day search and day 2 early morning gave us very good picture opportunity
– a very Asian Brown like bird, but upper chest seem have brown streak
update 202507
Another great sighting of this uncommon bird—this time with two juveniles and one adult. Truly a lucky moment to end our day with such a close view of a species I’ve been hoping to see up close again.
– not my first time seeing this bird here, but few occasion and this time we saw it carry nesting material went into a canopy tree.. but not able to have record picture
It’s a noisy bird, but I always enjoy seeing it. It gives us great opportunities for photography, even though it’s just a plain black bird and not particularly striking. Its unique actions—like calling while moving its head up and down—make for special photo moments.
During a brief visit to RDC, we were scanning for birds to photograph when this one approached, making a noisy call. Suddenly, it flew toward us. Without hesitation, I pressed the shutter. Despite the low light in the forest and the high ISO, it still tracked well.
– another bird that use to be not so common at RDC but recently it become almost cannot miss bird .. a black bird that look similar to Peninsular Malaysia species but here without the white patch on wing
– another very close encounter of the lovely woodpecker, the story behind is the bird only have certain angle to have better view but it is always good to tolerate to have every got chance to have a good picture or view
Another commonly seen trogon at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah—though often confused with the equally common Diard’s Trogon. We were lucky that day, as this one stayed around long enough for us to enjoy and capture plenty of photos.
– same bird since last month stay same area. It stay so long for us .. not best angle but still can see how beautiful is the Trogon. a Lovely male, follow by Diard’s trogon stand just ~20m away … lucky day for Trogon ..
It’s nearly impossible to miss this bird at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah—it’s usually very common. On our last trip, it was a bit shy, but this time it was back to its usual self, coming really close. This shot was taken at around 400mm on a full-frame camera. From up close, it’s easy to see why its Chinese name translates to “Purple Crown.”
– a “purple” head trogon than wont be missed, and pretty common bird to be seen at Sepilok, Sandakan.
– 有如其名，紫顶。在山打根RDC蛮普通的。
202403, Sepilok, Sabah
15. Green Broadbill, 绿阔嘴鸟, 小綠闊嘴鳥, Calyptomena viridis, ミドリヒロハシ, Burung Selawit
update 202405
– it is my first time heard and see this bird in RDC .. may be I am not lucky ? but it is rare for myself .. it is so happy for everyone after we have few very good view like this.
While waiting for our main target, a few birds came close, giving us great photo opportunities. Among them was this lovely small cuckoo, which approached us to within 5–10 feet of the ground. It was a pleasure to see it up close, especially as it called loudly.
Another morning out searching for the main target, but it seems to be a no-show again. Still, I’m grateful for the abundance of birds around—including this charming woodpecker, which looked like it was putting on a little display to impress someone!
– a big “black” woodpecker which you wont go wrong with the ID here in Malaysia. It is not that rare but common at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah. Walk around very good chance to have very good view of this beautiful woodpecker.
– lucky group to have this bird stay for more than 20 minutes for us to take almost every angle of this bird
update 202405
– another casual birding behind the resort as already got all the targets .. but not bad got few good speciess include this beautiful woodpecker with close view
– a quite common “brown” woodpecker with “white” mark on neck
– 几乎所有目标都拿下了。就到酒店后面轻松拍拍，尽然遇上好几只鸟很近的让我们拍照。
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
22. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, 绒额䴓, 絨額䴓, Sitta frontalis, ビロウドゴジュウカラ, PEPATUK BIASA
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 ..
It is a common bird but often overlooked, as it can sometimes be mistaken for other species and tends to stay near the canopy.
它是一种常见的鸟类，但经常被忽视，因为它有时会与其他物种混淆，并且更喜欢在树冠附近活动。
202412, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202406
– it is flowering season, so many tree with flowers at RDC. Birds come feed near flower, nectar, insects etc .. included this not so common bird also come feed on the nectar.
– 在西必洛雨林公园，很多书都结花。很多鸟都为了花蜜，昆虫都飞的很近很低。
202406, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
25. Buff-rumped Woodpecker, 黄腰斑啄木鸟, 黃腰斑啄木鳥,Meiglyptes tristis, ヒメカレハゲラ, BELATUK-BATU BIASA
update 202407
– a small woodpecker overall “brown” with stripe front. sometime it is confuse with Buff-necked which is slight bigger with “white-neck” spot make it easier to different
update 202407
– a raining afternoon, almost lost full half day but before we call it a day. Got few birds gave us some good view include this Borneo endemic. a pair stay low and long for us.
– 几乎整个下午都下雨，看是没什么机会。我还是叫大家到有花的地方等雨停，还好好几只不错的鸟出现。包括这只婆罗洲特有种。
202407, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
27. 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
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.
28. Maroon Woodpecker, 小栗啄木鸟, 小栗啄木鳥, Blythipicus rubiginosus, エビチャゲラ, BELATUK-PUNGGUR MERAH
update 202408
– a common heard woodpecker but seldom good chance to be photograph. lovely yellow beak, mid size woodpecker. This bird make a surprise for us, fly infornt of ~5-10feet for us
– 在马来西亚（东马，西马）都很常听到而拍不到的鸟。这鸟很乖啊，飞过来5-10尺前让我们拍拍。
202408, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
29. Fiery Minivet, 火红山椒鸟, 火紅山椒鳥, Pericrocotus igneus, コベニサンショウクイ, BURUNG-MATAHARI KECIL BIASA
update 202408
– another close encounter of this lovely minivet and female just too close to us.
– 又一次幸运的这么近的看到这么漂亮的鸟。
202408, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
30. Large-tailed Nightjar, 长尾夜鹰, 長尾夜鷹, Caprimulgus macrurus, オビロヨタカ, TUKANG BIASA
update 202409
– it is a lucky sight, day roost of this common night bird just near the restaurant. It stay quiet and doesn’t move at all.
– 马来西亚蛮普通的夜鸟。多么不可思议，这鸟在我们餐厅旁休息。动都不动。
202404, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
31. Raffles’s Malkoha, 棕胸地鹃, 棕胸地鵑, Rhinortha chlorophaea, クリイロバンケンモドキ, CENUK KERAK
update 202410
– one of most easier and common Malkoha in this region. Male predominantly bright rufous-brown with darker tail, female has gray head and chest.
– a lucky moment, to see this bird flying toward us and with the new CANON R5mii.. just too easier to capture this bird flying toward us
– 在马来西亚，这算事最普通的地鹃。雄鸟，头是棕色。木鸟灰白色。
– 我们算事幸运的遇上这鸟飞向我们，在佳能R5markii的对焦+追焦功能。很容易吧这一刻拿下。
202410, Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia
32. 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
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.
– Brownish olive above with a yellow belly, faint yellow crescents around the eye, and faint speckling on the crown
– A fairly common bird that simply requires a bit of patience to photograph, as it will eventually come to the flowers.
– 上体呈褐橄榄色，腹部黄色，眼周有淡黄色弯月纹，头顶有淡淡的斑点。
– 一种相当常见的鸟，只需稍加耐心等待拍摄，它最终会来到花丛中。
202410, Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia
34. 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
update 202503
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!
35. Orange-backed Woodpecker, 橙背啄木鸟, 橙背啄木鳥,Reinwardtipicus validus, アカハラコガネゲラ, BELATUK DADA MERAH
update 202503
It’s a hectic day—I’m traveling from Borneo back to Kuala Lumpur, and within six hours, I have to catch a flight to Indonesia for another exciting trip. Unfortunately, my own mistake made the schedule quite chaotic.
Despite that, it was an incredible photography tour with great luck spotting woodpeckers. One of them even came down close and low, giving us a perfect opportunity for some great shots.
36. 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.
It’s a common sunbird, but I can’t remember the last time I had such a good view of a male. This time, it stayed low and gave us plenty of time for some great shots!
39. Scarlet Minivet, 赤红山椒鸟, 赤紅山椒鳥, Pericrocotus speciosus, シュイロサンショウクイ, BURUNG-MATAHARI BESAR BIASA
update 202509
One of the most common yet stunning birds of Malaysia’s lowland forests. While it’s not frequently seen at RDC, we were lucky to have a few individuals feeding just a few meters away. The lovely female gave us a longer and closer view than the male — a real treat!
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.
– just finish my fist long tour (19days) which sight 366++ (ebird).. many good memory for sure … and this common bird make us spent so much time to have a clear view and even the Bornean Bristlehead above us… no one want to have a look at it … all of suddenly these 2 birds pop up and making some displaying, dancing for us …
– a very active and normally not easy to have full open view
– 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 202508
What a wonderful morning! This bird started calling from a distance, then went silent for a while—suddenly, it began calling right behind us! Two of them were standing together, calling to each other. A truly amazing sight for everyone.
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 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
– this bird can be found easily near Lodge area but we seldom stay.. most of ours activities walk from the lodge but this time we got this bird easily just ~200-400m away on ground (~5cm from ground) … it pick the fruit for feeding ?
4. Chestnut-rumped Babbler, 红腰穗鹛, 紅腰穗鶥, Stachyris maculata, コシアカモリチメドリ, KEKICAU-KANTAN BESAR BIASA
update 202403
– another active bird that getting difficult to seen and photograph compare many years ago. But this time, this bird seem very good to come close but still moving fast
– another chance to photograph and see this bird.. this bird is not easy at most of the location except Danum Valley which is seem quite easier. Even after all people have a good look I still have chance to take a picture of this shy and active song bird
– another bird that we keep looking walk so far to look for one but this nearby to ours’ lodge area just one standing and calling attract ours attention
– not much activities near road side of BRL, really hope to go into trail more actions
– 为了这一只特有种，走上走下都没找到。第二天就在我们的饭店100米内站着等我们。
– 在大路上几乎鸟不多，很奇怪。可是太多人又不好走林道。
202405, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– a very tame and easy female this time, it just keep following us until we got the male after ~30-40minutes first saw this bird
– very large bird, which 150-170cm (included tail)
– female with white throat
– not easy to see
– another beautiful bird from Malaysia … it is a bird, call weird and beautiful
update 202408
– it is like a every trip bird for 2024, the current Bird families tour. Not that expected to see this but we sight this twice at 2 different location and this one with such a close and good view .. a lucky trip here ..
– it is another great trip, we saw this bird 2 times from Fraser Hill and Danum Valley. While we having ours afternoon walk, this bird just flew in and after we managed to have some good view of the male (didn’t found where the female perch) … the male decide to leave than we saw the female 😀
– another bird quite common at Danum Valley and not else where, and this time meet this bird at Canopy bridge and it show weird reaction shaking its head ..
– 另一只在丹绒谷蛮普通的鸟（在其他地方蛮难找的）。这次还在高桥处看到他的特别摇头动作。
202403, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
9. White-crowned Forktail, 白冠燕尾, 白额燕尾, Enicurus leschenaulti, frontalis, エンビシキチョウ, CEGAR RAYA BIASA
update 202508
One of Malaysia’s shyer birds—still remember how we used to rely on a hide in Selangor years ago just to get decent photos. But this time at Danum Valley, they came incredibly close to us—no hiding needed! Not just one, but around four birds came in for a great photo session. 😄
What a morning surprise! While walking along the main road, this bird suddenly jumped out just about 10 feet in front of us.
真是个清晨的惊喜！当我们走在主路上时，这只鸟突然跳出来，距离我们大约只有十英尺远。
#####
update 202506
What a morning surprise! While walking along the main road, this bird suddenly jumped out just about 10 feet in front of us.
真是个清晨的惊喜！当我们走在主路上时，这只鸟突然跳出来，距离我们大约只有十英尺远。
202505, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202408
– a very shy bird to have good view and photo, it normally found near small stream or wet ground near “water area”. a lowland species
– 非常害羞的鸟，通常见到。没办法拍好。通常在小溪边可以找到它。
202407, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– it is a bird that always avoid me, I didn’t got many chance to take photo of this common but shy bird. But this month within same tour, I got both Borneo-Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia-Pahang version … and surprise they are tame and allow us approach them ~10m
It’s always a pleasure to see this owl resting quietly in the open. This individual seemed to be keeping its distance from a nearby Buffy Fish Owl. Hopefully, there won’t be any territorial dispute between them.
– it is a lucky night, after got the Barred Eagle Owl… this bird just stand there for us .. another good picture to show the different between indranee Group (Peninsular Malaysia) & leptogrammica Group (Borneo)
11. 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
update 202508
This is one of the less common Borneo endemics, but almost guaranteed if you visit Danum Valley. Despite being active and often tricky to photograph, we were lucky this time. After getting all our main targets, we spent some extra time and finally managed a decent look and a few shots—even if it didn’t stay still for long!
– it is one of the beautiful non black-and-white forktail here .. beautiful and shy as usual .. not that difficult to see it near the stream.
– 马来西亚蛮漂亮的燕尾，也是唯一不是黑+白的。蛮害羞，在溪边蛮容易看到的。
202403, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
13. Cream-eyed Bulbul, 白眼鹎, 白眼鵯, Pycnonotus pseudosimplex, MERBAH MATA PUTIH BORNEO
update 202510
This may not be the flashiest Bornean endemic, and sightings aren’t often reported, but it’s actually quite common in Danum Valley. While we were focused on looking for our main target, this bird unexpectedly came low and offered us a great photo opportunity — a nice bonus for the day!
– 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
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
15. Great Argus, 大眼斑雉, 大眼斑雉, Argusianus argus, セイラン, KUANG-RAYA BIASA
update 202409
– another revisit of the dancing ground, the bird still there calling the mate .. sad no one see interest on him … this time with the CANON RF200-800mm. Trying to walk slight close to have closer shot .. can see some ticks on the face .. and remember my buddy say it is ugly bird ! what a beauty
– we have ours main targets ticked, so we look for any other target … we walk real slow in the morning until the first spot and the bird not there .. continue walking and reach 2nd location … we just walk into the trail for nothing to hope but when we got close it calling loud and when we reach the bird seem shy .. than we decided to walk further … and wait .. not that long they bird sudden appear and displaying for us !!!! wow wow
– a post make us think, why me and my best buddy (i think he think the same now) always got something unexpected. It is boring to know the result while you going for … buddy hope everything is fine for you … I really miss ours time, you make me strong, you make me ignore gossip …
– one of the best moment 2024, it is a relax birding day after we had all 3 main targets of the Families DONE. When we arrive the dancing ground, the bird seem shy and walk to a side .. and we decided to move further to monitor the bird and get some pictures. Nothing to expect, all of sudden it start displaying (dancing) … Immediate got the “one of the best moment of 2024” .. (still like a dream
– a big bird .. real big and shy if not found the “dancing ground” which always heard but not seen. But Danum Valley still one of best place to see it and photograph it .. one of few good view of this bird
– active and common Borneo endemic in certain places like Sabah RDC, Danum Valley BRL
– for the group this is the only bird that keep seeing again and again in very close distance.
– 在婆罗洲, 西必洛,丹浓谷保护区 都不难拍到这鸟。
– 在上一团，这可是见最多的婆罗洲特有种。还要是特别近距离的。
202405, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
17. Bornean Bristlehead, 棘毛伯勞, 棘头鵙, Pityriasis gymnocephala, ブタゲモズ, TIUNG-BATU KEPALA MERAH
update 202412
Another great moment 2024—after missing this bird at RDC, we were fortunate to encounter it up close and low on our way to Danum Valley. It made quite a lot of noise, even while feeding on insects.
– finally back from a stress tour, leading 10 (2 cannot make it ) for 3 special monotypic families, we spend 2.5 days for this.. Everyone seem tired but still patient for the process of waiting and looking (thanks for the trust) finally we have very good view of this Borneo endemic for ~2-3 minutes low … lucky group also managed to record 200+ birds (only lowland forest and some amazing species)
– we had some hard time to have this main target at RDC due to just very short stop over. Everyone seem stress while we arrive Danum Valley with heavy rain … but lucky with rain slow down and we stop a quick birding .. and not that long, we have good view of the bird ! with some flying action too (may be due to raining)
– 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
20. Rufous Piculet, 棕啄木鸟, 棕啄木鳥,Sasia abnormis, マレーミツユビコゲラ, BELATUK-KERDIL API MELAYU
update 202406
– a tiny woodpecker always excited to see them actively moving and drum loud for such a small bird.
– a place quite common to see them, Danum Valley not that difficult to photograph too
– 一只每次客人看到都很惊讶的一只小小啄木鸟。跳动快，啄木声很大。。。就这么小不点。
– 在马来西亚低海拔森林，不难见到。在沙巴丹浓谷，更是容易见到，拍到。
202406, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
21. 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
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!
– 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
22. Oriental Bay-Owl, 栗鸮, 栗鴞,Phodilus badius, ニセメンフクロウ, PUNGGUK-API BIASA
update 202407
– I do not have much luck on this special looking and cute owl … but last tour, I had 2 different locations which included this sight at Danum Valley and 3 of them standing surrounding me and making very soft call
– last morning at Danum, walk little slower as waiting more light to go into trail for more species but this bird just come out from bush and walk infront of us and Spread your wings
– a lovely “song bird” make a very lovely song almost just like Sooty-capped babbler .. moving in flock and fast
– 一只非常会唱歌的鸟，有时会与也非常厉害的纯色树鹛相似。通常群体活动。
202408, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
26. Sabah Partridge, 沙巴山鹧鸪, 沙巴山鷓鴣, Tropicoperdix graydoni, クリチャミヤマテッケイ, SERUK-BUKIT SABAH
update 202408
– this bird seem not really easy to have picture in Danum, but it is a lucky day.. the bird just stand there for so long .. but it is under the dark area .. ISO16000 used 🙁
27. Green Broadbill, 绿阔嘴鸟, 小綠闊嘴鳥, Calyptomena viridis, ミドリヒロハシ, Burung Selawit
update 202409
– still remember a lucky day with 2nd encounter of Bornean Bristlehead. Someone also had the Bornean Wren-Babbler .. I shut Green Broadbill close .. real close .. she just stand ~5-10 feet away trying to grab the nesting material ..
One of the least common fantails—often tricky to identify—but this time, it stayed close and long enough for a clear confirmation. A wonderful encounter with this active and charming little bird!
This babbler isn’t particularly common, whether in Peninsular Malaysia or Borneo. It’s easily recognizable by its grey head, distinctive white eye-ring, and a noticeable “mustache” marking.
32. Red-throated Barbet, 丽色拟鴷, 麗色擬鴷, Psilopogon mystacophanos, ノドアカゴシキドリ, TAKUR RENGKUNG MERAH BIASA
update 202508
What a wonderful stretch—after seeing the Bornean Bristlehead and Bornean Banded Pitta, this beautiful barbet showed up right at eye level for us to enjoy!
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 special trip, which photograph any bird on flight. lucky to have this bird for twice over days. and it fly close toward use to have almost no fit into a frame.
– 特别的“飞行” 团。幸运的看到这么一只难的鸟2次，还飞来近距离。
202409, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202401
– so many sighting for last 2 weeks, Taman Negara, Sepilok and Kinabatangan River. Such a lovely bird which normally sight far distance but this time no.. before heavy down rain, it came so close and long for us
normally at low land jungle/forest but it stands high up … and come by more than 1 …
update 202402
– few juvi bird feeding by the adult and managed to see this young bird just stay there but think capture by David Tseu not me .. he poison with the CANON RF200800 😀 ..
4. Rufous-winged Philentoma, 棕翅王鵙, 棕翅王鵙, Philentoma pyrhoptera, チャバネアカメヒタキ, REMBAH-BATU KECIL
– common lowland forest bird
– male with blue head and female with gray
update 202606
The jungle was quiet when we first heard this bird calling from a distance. Surprisingly, it approached us silently and swiftly—but we still managed to spot it and get a few good photo opportunities.
– another very close encounter of the lovely woodpecker, the story behind is the bird only have certain angle to have better view but it is always good to tolerate to have every got chance to have a good picture or view
– 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
– it is so hot here, the weather look same like previous Chinese New Year… hot .. hot .. hot .. I am just like this cute little fellow want to shower and shower
– 有如之前华人新年一样，非常热。就热热。。。我就如这小可爱，要冲凉啊。
202402, Sepilok, Sabah
8. Van Hasselt’s Sunbird, 紫喉蓝肩花蜜鸟, 紫喉藍肩花蜜鳥, Leptocoma brasiliana, アンハッセルトタイヨウチョウ, KELICAP BELACAN BIASA
– one of the most beautiful Sunbird of Malaysia, it wont be wrong if you see reddish+purple
– 马来西亚最漂亮花蜜鸟之一吧。远远看红+紫。
update 202402
– quite hot and humid afternoon, heard the bird call… and very soon saw it stand at top of the tree. lovely and beautiful bird as usual
– 蛮闷热的一个中午。听到鸟叫，很快就找到。站在树顶上，漂亮吧
202402, Sepilok, Sabah
9. Sabah Partridge, 沙巴山鹧鸪, 沙巴山鷓鴣, Tropicoperdix graydoni, クリチャミヤマテッケイ, SERUK-BUKIT SABAH
– also call Sabah Partridge, the look slightly different on the chest & head.
– behavior, environment very similar
– comparative common or more sighting compare to the Arborophila Charlton
update 202408
– this bird seem not really easy to have picture in Danum, but it is a lucky day.. the bird just stand there for so long .. but it is under the dark area .. ISO16000 used 🙁
– after got the Bornean Bristlehead, this bird soon come and make loud call for us .. really beautiful and loud call
– 看到棘头鵙后，这鸟就来很近+叫的很大声。这鸟也很漂亮虽然叫的大声恐怖。
10. 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
– a rare and Endangered species
– Borneo Tabin and Kinabatangan river are 2 places easier to see this bird
– 珍稀瀕危物種
– 婆羅洲塔賓與京河是比較見到這鳥的鳥點。
update 202509
This is one of those birds that can easily be overlooked, even though it’s quite easy to spot along the Kinabatangan River. But if you take a moment to look closely, it’s truly a beautiful bird.
这是一种很容易被忽略的鸟，虽然在京那巴当岸河很容易看到。但如果你认真看，它其实非常漂亮。
202506, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202410
– another bird that we always looking while we on Kinabatangan River, it is a big bird that always perch near river bank.
– it is rare opportunity, it stand low and close to us .. and really good to see it face to face angle
– 在京河我们都会尽量找着你一只极度濒危的鸟。可是在这，不难见到。在河边通常可以见到他们站高高。
– 容易见到，可是不容易拍到。这次，运气站在我们这。真很低+近啊。
202402, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202402
– a Photography trip at here, lucky us to have this bird stay low and long with weird hairstyle even quite a lot of rain…
– 摄影团，虽然很多雨。可是都拍到主要目标，包括这一只还要站蛮低+久。还给个新发型让我们拍。
202402,
Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
13. Bornean Bristlehead, 棘毛伯勞, 棘头鵙, Pityriasis gymnocephala, ブタゲモズ, TIUNG-BATU KEPALA MERAH
– very special lowland Borneo endemic.
– overall black under and back. on top Red-Yellow-orange
– won’t miss the call as very weird calling
– male without red flanks where the female has
– 非常特別的婆羅洲特有種。
– 下半身都黑。頭頸部，紅-橙黃。
– 叫聲很特別。吵，有像狗叫。
update 202506
Such an exciting moment! After a long silence, this bird suddenly called out loudly—everyone was thrilled to spot it and watch it for a while. Then, to our surprise, three more showed up! What an amazing way to spend a hot afternoon.
Another great moment 2024—after missing this bird at RDC, we were fortunate to encounter it up close and low on our way to Danum Valley. It made quite a lot of noise, even while feeding on insects.
– one of bird that not so rare but just need luck to be see one. Lucky guests have very good view even may not good chance to have good picture this round …
– an exclusive Borneo endemic, always one of the main target to Borneo
– another bird that I keep looking at is this, it is my first time sight it here … excite !!! too bad 3rd times of the trip so not much time spend on this …
– finally back from a stress tour, leading 10 (2 cannot make it ) for 3 special monotypic families, we spend 2.5 days for this.. Everyone seem tired but still patient for the process of waiting and looking (thanks for the trust) finally we have very good view of this Borneo endemic for ~2-3 minutes low … lucky group also managed to record 200+ birds (only lowland forest and some amazing species)
– we had some hard time to have this main target at RDC due to just very short stop over. Everyone seem stress while we arrive Danum Valley with heavy rain … but lucky with rain slow down and we stop a quick birding .. and not that long, we have good view of the bird ! with some flying action too (may be due to raining)
– just another close encounter of this bird, sometime just need some luck for this wonderful looking bird.
– 另一次的近距离拍摄这鸟。
202405, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202404
– a wonderful group and trip, even begin with little bit problem where Indonesia Mount Ruang eruption cause us reach Borneo with little be delay .. and group decided travel to Kuala Lumpur than direct to Sabah.
– we start ours day with Spotted Wood Owl and Dusky eagle owl .. follow with many good birds and today we had one of the highly wanted target .. 7 birds show up after 1 day search and day 2 early morning gave us very good picture opportunity
It’s not very common to spot this bird here at Gunung Alab, but we heard its call while waiting for another target. Not that long, we saw it perched nearby! Yet another great sighting.
– this bird can be found easily near Lodge area but we seldom stay.. most of ours activities walk from the lodge but this time we got this bird easily just ~200-400m away on ground (~5cm from ground) … it pick the fruit for feeding ?
15. Bold-striped Tit-Babbler, 宽纹胸巨鹛, 寬紋胸巨鶥, Mixornis bornensis, シマムシクイチメドリ, KEKICAU-BERJALUR TIMUR
update 202503
It is a very common lowland bird in Borneo, known for being quite noisy. However, it is not easy to photograph due to its highly active nature.
它是婆罗洲非常常见的低地鸟类，以吵闹著称。然而，由于它非常活跃，拍摄起来并不容易。
202502, Kinabatangan River, Sabah
#####
update 202403
– another active bird, but this was quite easy for us to have good view and good picture too … happy
– 另一只不停的鸟。可是这次，这鸟非常乖，没几分钟就让我们看好好。拍好好
202403, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
16. Chestnut-rumped Babbler, 红腰穗鹛, 紅腰穗鶥, Stachyris maculata, コシアカモリチメドリ, KEKICAU-KANTAN BESAR BIASA
update 202403
– another active bird that getting difficult to seen and photograph compare many years ago. But this time, this bird seem very good to come close but still moving fast
– another chance to photograph and see this bird.. this bird is not easy at most of the location except Danum Valley which is seem quite easier. Even after all people have a good look I still have chance to take a picture of this shy and active song bird
18. Wrinkled Hornbill, 皱盔犀鸟, 皺盔犀鳥,Aceros corrugatus, ズグロサイチョウ, ENGGANG BERKEDUT MELAYU
update 202406
– one of the most lucky group, this bird stay long and flying around for of of the best pictures opportunity.
– for me one of the most beautiful Hornbill of Malaysia
– 算2024最幸运的一组。这么漂亮的鸟站蛮近，久还要飞来飞去。让我们拍够够。
– 这可算我们最漂亮的犀鸟之一。
202405, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– one of the most beautiful Hornbill of Malaysia for me, it is not that common but not really easy to miss at Kinabatangan river.
– lucky group to have this pair feeding so low and long for use capture so many good photo of it.
– 对我而言，这是马来西亚秀美犀鸟之一。不容易见到，可是在沙巴京河很少会错过。
– 这一组摄鸟人，非常幸运。竟然见到他们这么低的吃东西，还要非常久。
202404, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
– it is wonderful month for this hornbill, got so many good low angle pictures over last 3 trip there .. amazing and lovely Hornbill.
– 非常神奇，这两个月来。都拍到这鸟非常低，几乎没再这么低。这犀鸟算时最美犀鸟之一吧。
202405, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
– for the last 2 trips to Kinabatangan River, it is so weird that the number Wrinkled Hornbill that I sight more than Rhinoceros Hornbill..
– what a close encounter of this beautiful honrbill, just ~10 feet away ..
– 这么近的看这鸟真的很不一样，真的很美。这次我们只站他的10尺左右。
– 最后2次（1个月内）到京河真的很不一样。尽然遇上皱盔犀鸟比马来犀鸟多。好像很怪。
202405, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– as usual most of the guests arrive here is looking for this not so common Hornbill of Malaysia in other location. But it is pretty common in Kinabatangan River
– another bird that we keep looking walk so far to look for one but this nearby to ours’ lodge area just one standing and calling attract ours attention
– not much activities near road side of BRL, really hope to go into trail more actions
– 为了这一只特有种，走上走下都没找到。第二天就在我们的饭店100米内站着等我们。
– 在大路上几乎鸟不多，很奇怪。可是太多人又不好走林道。
202405, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– a very tame and easy female this time, it just keep following us until we got the male after ~30-40minutes first saw this bird
– a big hornbill that make everyone excited each time heard or see it ….
– same location last 2 weeks ago had good view and picture of the female and today lucky group have both male and female real close flying across
– 一只蛮大的鸟。每次听到见到都令每个人都非常兴奋。
– 2个星期前，在同一个点看到拍到母鸟。这次，幸运的到来。公+母鸟都飞过还蛮低的。
202410, Kinabatangan River, Sabah
#####
– a really big bird to be seen, the call make everyone excited. A bird that really make me worry… as over the years, never seen young so far.
– looking for this bird for days, finally saw the heard the call and waiting for not long.. finally it flying across us …
– 一只很大的鸟，叫声夜蛮恐怖。可是这一只鸟是我最担心的一只鸟。几乎没见过幼鸟。
202410, Kinabatangan River, Sabah
#####
update 202408
– it is like a every trip bird for 2024, the current Bird families tour. Not that expected to see this but we sight this twice at 2 different location and this one with such a close and good view .. a lucky trip here ..
– within 3 weeks saw this birds 3 times in the different locations are excited. such a big handsome boy ..
– ours’ cruise start afternoon, we saw 6 species of hornbills in 2 hours, Orangutan and many more .. a good start
– 3个星期内在3个不一样地方遇上这么英俊的鸟。真的很兴奋。
– 今天我们下午出去船游时，见到到6种犀鸟。真的幸运的开始
202407, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– it is another great trip, we saw this bird 2 times from Fraser Hill and Danum Valley. While we having ours afternoon walk, this bird just flew in and after we managed to have some good view of the male (didn’t found where the female perch) … the male decide to leave than we saw the female 😀
– another bird quite common at Danum Valley and not else where, and this time meet this bird at Canopy bridge and it show weird reaction shaking its head ..
– 另一只在丹绒谷蛮普通的鸟（在其他地方蛮难找的）。这次还在高桥处看到他的特别摇头动作。
202403, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
22. White-crowned Forktail, 白冠燕尾, 白额燕尾, Enicurus leschenaulti, frontalis, エンビシキチョウ, CEGAR RAYA BIASA
update 202508
One of Malaysia’s shyer birds—still remember how we used to rely on a hide in Selangor years ago just to get decent photos. But this time at Danum Valley, they came incredibly close to us—no hiding needed! Not just one, but around four birds came in for a great photo session. 😄
What a morning surprise! While walking along the main road, this bird suddenly jumped out just about 10 feet in front of us.
真是个清晨的惊喜！当我们走在主路上时，这只鸟突然跳出来，距离我们大约只有十英尺远。
#####
update 202506
What a morning surprise! While walking along the main road, this bird suddenly jumped out just about 10 feet in front of us.
真是个清晨的惊喜！当我们走在主路上时，这只鸟突然跳出来，距离我们大约只有十英尺远。
202505, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202408
– a very shy bird to have good view and photo, it normally found near small stream or wet ground near “water area”. a lowland species
– 非常害羞的鸟，通常见到。没办法拍好。通常在小溪边可以找到它。
202407, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– it is a bird that always avoid me, I didn’t got many chance to take photo of this common but shy bird. But this month within same tour, I got both Borneo-Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia-Pahang version … and surprise they are tame and allow us approach them ~10m
– both indranee Group & leptogrammica Group both show have different look and call .. Borneo one seem smaller too
update 202510
It’s always a pleasure to see this owl resting quietly in the open. This individual seemed to be keeping its distance from a nearby Buffy Fish Owl. Hopefully, there won’t be any territorial dispute between them.
– it is a lucky night, after got the Barred Eagle Owl… this bird just stand there for us .. another good picture to show the different between indranee Group (Peninsular Malaysia) & leptogrammica Group (Borneo)
24. Buffy Fish Owl , 马来渔鸮, 馬來漁鴞, Ketupa ketupu, マレーウオミミズク, TUMBUK-KETAMPI BIASA
update 202405
– this is my 2nd time saw this owl catch a fish in the day time, just in-front of us. The bird with one eye injured but how it can catch prey in day time instead ?
– 这是我第二次见到这猫头鹰在光天化日下捉鱼。虽然他的一只眼受伤了，可是他还是活了很多年。
202404, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 2024003
– another good night outing, we had >8 Buffy Fish Owl in 1.5 hours. Very common owl that normally live near river, lake ..
– a very Asian Brown like bird, but upper chest seem have brown streak
update 202507
Another great sighting of this uncommon bird—this time with two juveniles and one adult. Truly a lucky moment to end our day with such a close view of a species I’ve been hoping to see up close again.
– not my first time seeing this bird here, but few occasion and this time we saw it carry nesting material went into a canopy tree.. but not able to have record picture
– Peninsular Malaysia only White-crowned at lowland without Bornean
update 202506
It was a great morning at Kinabalu National Park—we spotted nearly all of our target species. We then decided to try our luck with the forktail, and besides this shy bird, we were also rewarded with a Crimson-headed Partridge shortly after!
The weather shortened our trip to KNP, but we were lucky to spot most of the endemics with great views. For example, this shy forktail was just about 10 meters away and stayed for a while, giving us a perfect pose!
It’s a noisy bird, but I always enjoy seeing it. It gives us great opportunities for photography, even though it’s just a plain black bird and not particularly striking. Its unique actions—like calling while moving its head up and down—make for special photo moments.
During a brief visit to RDC, we were scanning for birds to photograph when this one approached, making a noisy call. Suddenly, it flew toward us. Without hesitation, I pressed the shutter. Despite the low light in the forest and the high ISO, it still tracked well.
– another bird that use to be not so common at RDC but recently it become almost cannot miss bird .. a black bird that look similar to Peninsular Malaysia species but here without the white patch on wing
– another raining day and today is from 8am rain non stop until evening … so cold at mountain area … just got morning session some good birds but target birds still missing .. this bird come so close to us
– this was captured during heavy rain, it is just how amaze the bird still active in such heavy rain.. we almost cannot see the bird but the camera still able to find the bird and lock focus .. it is a wet bird and photographer moment
Another commonly seen trogon at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah—though often confused with the equally common Diard’s Trogon. We were lucky that day, as this one stayed around long enough for us to enjoy and capture plenty of photos.
– same bird since last month stay same area. It stay so long for us .. not best angle but still can see how beautiful is the Trogon. a Lovely male, follow by Diard’s trogon stand just ~20m away … lucky day for Trogon ..
– a bird that quite easy at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah. the male with almost all red with blue eye-ring.
– we saw few times of this and guests just like it so much and almost non stop pressing shutter each time meeting this beauty.
– 在沙巴RDC， 这鸟还是很普通的。几乎，只要有耐心都可以拍到。
– 公鸟几乎全红+蓝颜圈。
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202403
– this bird getting less sighting compare to years back but at Sepilok.. it is still a common seen bird .. it always together with Diard’s trogon.
– 这几年来，这鸟几乎越来越难见到。除了在西必洛, 沙巴 还是蛮容易的。
202403, Sepilok, Sabah
31. 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
update 202510
We were searching for a special target, but this bird unexpectedly showed up and stayed in the open for over 10 minutes! Interestingly, both the previous and next tours spent so much time trying to get a clear view of it. What an incredible bird when seen up close!
It’s quite funny—this bird gave us such a hard time in our previous tours, but this time, she just showed up right in front of us while we were focusing on another target! And she stayed at the same spot like she was taking a nap!
Unfortunately, I told my friend to check the same spot later… but no sign of the bird at all!
This is one of the less common Borneo endemics, but almost guaranteed if you visit Danum Valley. Despite being active and often tricky to photograph, we were lucky this time. After getting all our main targets, we spent some extra time and finally managed a decent look and a few shots—even if it didn’t stay still for long!
– 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 bird use to easy to get a good photo but it become more patient needed for better picture .. and this picture like the bird : “are you looking for me ? ”
– a casual relax short break with only camera and myself .. managed to have few good birds and enjoy my cold drink with beautiful beach view. Lucky to have few birds included this use to be shy bird and came out feeding without worry about me.
37. Cream-eyed Bulbul, 白眼鹎, 白眼鵯, Pycnonotus pseudosimplex, MERBAH MATA PUTIH BORNEO
update 202510
This may not be the flashiest Bornean endemic, and sightings aren’t often reported, but it’s actually quite common in Danum Valley. While we were focused on looking for our main target, this bird unexpectedly came low and offered us a great photo opportunity — a nice bonus for the day!
– 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
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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
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 …
It’s nearly impossible to miss this bird at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah—it’s usually very common. On our last trip, it was a bit shy, but this time it was back to its usual self, coming really close. This shot was taken at around 400mm on a full-frame camera. From up close, it’s easy to see why its Chinese name translates to “Purple Crown.”
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.
“There it is!” — I find myself saying this every time I see this bird, forgetting that “there” means nothing unless everyone is looking from the same angle, direction, and height. Fortunately, the bird stayed long enough for us all to get a good view. Truly a wonderful bird to observe!
Lucky moment again! We spotted a pair walking from left to right, then back again before climbing up a tree to check us out. Everyone got a look—some with a perfect view, others like me with a slightly blocked one. Still, the excitement was real! Just sharing a memorable shot from our March visit with another group to this amazing and beautiful place – Kinabatangan River.
– not really like 2023, miss and hit this bird on 2024… but it gave us a long, close view last week .. it is ~15m from us for more than 30s full open view.
Almost every trip this year, we’ve only managed to see this Borneo endemic without getting any photos. But this time, we were lucky—two birds stayed around long enough and allowed us to get close for some decent shots.
– it getting difficult to sight this Borneo Endemic again, use to be so easy just walking in the morning should see 1-2 of them but recent trip to KNP make few challenge search before had it. We walking to search last 4 targets and thick mist without any big hope but this guy just came and not far for everyone good view. Lucky …(also happy for a small Photographer able to capture this not so easy photograph bird in such a close distance)
– another Borneo endemic easier to see but difficult to be photograph but recently getting much easier compare old time. a bird active in dusk and dawn ..
44. Mountain Barbet, 山拟鴷, 山擬鴷,Megalaima monticola, ヤマゴシキドリ, TAKUR BUKIT BORNEO
update 202509
######
This is one of the best spots to photograph this beautiful Borneo endemic—it comes close and low if we stay calm and respectful. We had a great session earlier, but my guest wanted to try again, maybe from a different angle.
When we returned, another group with a tour leader arrived after spotting the bird. Unfortunately, they stood way too close—just 1–2 meters from the fruiting tree where the bird was feeding. Isn’t it basic birding etiquette to give the bird space if we want better views and photos?
Anyway, we were already happy with our previous shots. After the group left, the bird came close again, almost like saying goodbye—what a lovely way to end the tour.
This Borneo endemic is far from dull—when sunlight hits its feathers, it reveals a surprisingly beautiful display of color.
这种婆罗洲特有种一点也不单调——当阳光照射在它的羽毛上时，展现出令人惊艳的美丽色彩。
202506, Crocker range, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202503
It’s a chilly day at 16°C with strong winds. The morning was lovely, though the afternoon turned misty. Fortunately, after the rain and misty period, we were lucky to spot both endemic Barbets up close, including this adorable one.
– another visit of this lovely forest, good weather…good birds (montane and sub-montane). While we trying to find few of ours target, found this bird busy making some hole .. lovely Borneo endemic
– a boring day, we came for both Bornean and Mountain Barbets but both no calling at all for almost an hour. But it is lucky to sudden spot this bird low and near just next to road side feeding on flower ..
– another not so common endemic to be Photograph, but it is always heard at Sub-montane forest
– 另一只特有种通常都是听，可是没什么办法拍好的婆罗洲特有种。
202311 – Tambunan, Sabah, Malaysia
45. Great Argus, 大眼斑雉, 大眼斑雉, Argusianus argus, セイラン, KUANG-RAYA BIASA
update 202409
– another revisit of the dancing ground, the bird still there calling the mate .. sad no one see interest on him … this time with the CANON RF200-800mm. Trying to walk slight close to have closer shot .. can see some ticks on the face .. and remember my buddy say it is ugly bird ! what a beauty
– we have ours main targets ticked, so we look for any other target … we walk real slow in the morning until the first spot and the bird not there .. continue walking and reach 2nd location … we just walk into the trail for nothing to hope but when we got close it calling loud and when we reach the bird seem shy .. than we decided to walk further … and wait .. not that long they bird sudden appear and displaying for us !!!! wow wow
– a post make us think, why me and my best buddy (i think he think the same now) always got something unexpected. It is boring to know the result while you going for … buddy hope everything is fine for you … I really miss ours time, you make me strong, you make me ignore gossip …
– one of the best moment 2024, it is a relax birding day after we had all 3 main targets of the Families DONE. When we arrive the dancing ground, the bird seem shy and walk to a side .. and we decided to move further to monitor the bird and get some pictures. Nothing to expect, all of sudden it start displaying (dancing) … Immediate got the “one of the best moment of 2024” .. (still like a dream
– a big bird .. real big and shy if not found the “dancing ground” which always heard but not seen. But Danum Valley still one of best place to see it and photograph it .. one of few good view of this bird
It was raining when we arrived at the national park, so we stayed near the hut and continued birding while waiting for it to stop. To our surprise, a Bornean Green-Magpie appeared during the wait. Not long after, the rain stopped—and we were rewarded with a Black-sided Flowerpecker perched perfectly for photos. As we continued on in search of more target birds, this beauty showed up again—right at eye level for everyone to enjoy and capture. A truly lucky day!
One of Borneo’s most sought-after birds had remained quiet for the second morning in a row. However, shortly after we began our walk, we had a close encounter—though not a clear view—of both this elusive bird and the Bare-headed Laughingthrush. Not long after, David called out that he had heard the Fruit-hunter about 500 meters away. Everyone rushed to the spot, and soon enough, we all enjoyed excellent views of the bird.
– after a tired morning, hiking and keep looking for fast moving shy bird… decided make a move to other place try some lifer for my buddies. After we got the Bornean Shortwing, this bird show up when heavy mist 🙁 but still a lifer for them .. happy men ….
– another long plan and excited Borneo Photography with Taiwan group and thanks for the trusted continue book for 2025 … very dramatic tour, cannot arrived to Kota Kinabalu on time due to Volcano eruption at Sulawesi North but finally arrived but 2 days late. But we still catch up most of the plan and got many good birds such as Dusky Eagle Owl day roost, 3 Whitehead’s, Fruit-hunter, Bristlehead, Helmeted Hornbill and etc ..
– we were lucky on this, we got Everett’s Thrush, Whitehead’s Broadbill, Bornean Green-Magpie and follow by this super close and low Fruit-hunter … and still like a dream everything happen within an hour.It came low and chase away many other bird and stay long.
47. Green Broadbill, 绿阔嘴鸟, 小綠闊嘴鳥, Calyptomena viridis, ミドリヒロハシ, Burung Selawit
update 202409
– still remember a lucky day with 2nd encounter of Bornean Bristlehead. Someone also had the Bornean Wren-Babbler .. I shut Green Broadbill close .. real close .. she just stand ~5-10 feet away trying to grab the nesting material ..
– it is my first time heard and see this bird in RDC .. may be I am not lucky ? but it is rare for myself .. it is so happy for everyone after we have few very good view like this.
48. Gray-and-buff Woodpecker, 灰黄啄木鸟, 灰黃啄木鳥,Hemicircus concretus, カンムリコゲラ, BELATUK-DAUN DAHI MERAH
update 202405
– one of the cutest bird, small and active small woodpecker. Male with red-crown, which female missing
– amazing photography trip with Taiwan guests, this bird just jump infront of us for such a good picture
– 最可爱的啄木鸟之一，公鸟头部红，母鸟没红。
– 一次与非常幸运的台湾朋友们。好运到，这鸟自己跳到我们面前。
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
49. White-fronted Falconet, 白额小隼, 白額小隼, Microhierax latifrons, ボルネオヒメハヤブサ, RAJAWALI-BELALANG DAHI PUTIH
update 202508
It was a hot afternoon, and we were just trying our luck to see some target species—nothing came close. But we were lucky to spot this Borneo endemic. Even though it wasn’t the best angle, we’re still happy to see it.
– a very tiny special Endemic of Sabah. Cute and normal stand high up to look for prey
– another lucky came to this spot normally just for “bird seeing” which the small bird just stand 30-40m above from ground .. but when we arrive and looking for this bird just for bird watch. But after I walk around, I call everyone down it is low !!!! and 2 together ..
It was a fortunate 1.5 days with such a limited birding window. We managed to spot and photograph Whitehead’s trio. Though it’s somewhat an environmental shot, it’s still great to see the bird again.
It was a quick visit to check on the flowers while meeting a few friends. Within an hour, the bird appeared twice, giving me the perfect chance to capture its flight using the R1 Continuous Pre-record mode. It worked perfectly!
Over the years, by understanding what the bird feeds on, it has gone from being difficult to spot to becoming a fairly common sight today.
– a special Borneo endemic, this year seem not that difficult for this very beautiful bird
– 婆罗洲特有种蛮多人喜爱的一只。今年几乎不难遇上
202405, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202405
– it is a not so rare but not so easy bird to be seen, but for last months.. the favorite flower (Wightia borneensis) it become patient can make it possible .. just wait …. the bird will be coming … But today, it make different the bird decided come nearer tree and came down for us .. amazing lucky moment even didn’t get any picture while it is at lowest view .. but it is good and close to have this view
53. 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 endegered 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
54. Sunda Owlet, 巽他鸺鹠, 巽他鵂鶹, Taenioptynx sylvaticum, ヒメフクロウ, PUNGGUK-KECIL GELANG SELATAN
update 202505
Day 1 at KNP started strong—we got both Whitehead’s Trogon and Whitehead’s Spiderhunter. Later, we had another great moment with the Bornean Stubtail. I heard this Owlet call, and shortly after, we spotted it perched in the open, looking right at us.
– a small owl making constant call which sometime can be very miss-leading direction. another bird that recently split from Collared Owlet
– in the right season, it can be any where but when it is not active .. no sound at all and can be stay at same place just non move.
– 非常小的鸮，通常一直叫不停。它的叫声，有时非常非常难找到它的方向。
– 在不对的季节，他可以完全不叫。
202406, KNP, Sabah
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update 202407
– a long waiting day, today patient pay off with different prize. Missed the Bulwer’s Pheasant male…. after long wait … before we call it a day, heard this owl far away .. just try ours’ luck after long wait before we decided to walk back to ours’ car I saw this bird flying toward car park. Not long after walk toward car park, after got the Bornean Leaf bird and got this bird stay there for long for us.
– a lucky trip to KNP, saw this bird yesterday with some reasonable photo. Today saw it mating and than stay low and quite long for us (even it is misty)
– only Montane of Borneo, and it may split as separate endemic species . a shy bird
update 202501
Another shot captured using the CANON R1’s Continuous Pre-record feature, showcasing this tiny, active, and shy Borneo endemic.
使用佳能R1的连续预录功能拍摄的另一张照片，展现了这只小巧、活跃且害羞的婆罗洲特有鸟。
202412, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202412
The final tour of 2024 began on a high note, featuring eight stunning images of Borneo endemics. Thanks to the new Canon R1’s Continuous Pre-record feature, I seized the opportunity to capture the action at ISO 16000, including remarkable shots of this tiny and lively bird.
– a very active and shy bird of Borneo, normally moving low near ground. Male dark overall and female some how very beautiful bird instead
– 非常活跃与害羞的婆罗洲特有种。通常在地面上跳动。雄鸟暗蓝色，母鸟非常漂亮。
202409, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202405
– another good bird to be seen open and stay for may be <2 seconds for everyone .. lovely female, active, shy and making loud long call almost any where in KNP recently. (last month not even single bird making call)
Not sure what happened—there’s been so much rain, and this season, the birds don’t seem very active at all. But luckily, this morning, we got our three targets in the same location, including this lovely broadbill, though it was perched high and remained quiet.
While waiting for our main target, a few birds came close, giving us great photo opportunities. Among them was this lovely small cuckoo, which approached us to within 5–10 feet of the ground. It was a pleasure to see it up close, especially as it called loudly.
– another close encounter of this beautiful bird for guests so happy for everyone.
– small cuckoo with correct lighting, the violet so cool
– 客人高兴到极点吧。这么近距离拍这鸟。还要遇上光线好。
– 这鹃蛮小，要在有光线下看那紫。。。真的很美丽
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
58. Oriental Bay-Owl, 栗鸮, 栗鴞,Phodilus badius, ニセメンフクロウ, PUNGGUK-API BIASA
update 202510
This is one of those owls that can be confusing—tame and not rare, yet still tricky to spot at times. Thankfully, this location rarely disappoints. Once again, the owl stayed low and gave us plenty of time to enjoy and photograph it.
– a lovely owl, always give a cute look, overall white
– while we walking into forest .. heard the Bay owls calling to each other .. keep looking .. ohh. it is just in-front of us .. but standing not that low this time ..
– I do not have much luck on this special looking and cute owl … but last tour, I had 2 different locations which included this sight at Danum Valley and 3 of them standing surrounding me and making very soft call
Everyone seems to be having a hard time spotting this common bird at KNP lately. But we were lucky enough to see it twice in a single day. The excitement among birders over this bird still strong
It’s a fantastic morning! We started with Whitehead’s Trogon, a Spiderhunter, and a Squirrel, along with many other endemics. The Trogon gave us a great view, bringing smiles to our faces.
– after failed to get main target of the trip, spent few hours in KNP and seem few groups looking for this Trogon. We just casual looking for anything.. all of sudden a Juvi fly and perch in-front of me and calling all the people I know and everyone smile .. few moment the juvi seem still stand close to either adult male or female ..this is one good moment where papa with daughter .. remind me and JieXi
– new workflow with new DXO pure Raw, seem faster than my previous workflow but the picture seem look flat …
– it is beautiful, and really sometime because too many sight or view make many think this is not as beautiful as other. But see by yourself, it is sure a beauty from Borneo
– we already got this Trogon in the morning with satisfy picture. But Amy asked, can we see the Trogon again … and I just replied it can be any where while we driving … she shout “Trogon” .. haha better view
update 202407
– a raining afternoon, almost lost full half day but before we call it a day. Got few birds gave us some good view include this Borneo endemic. a pair stay low and long for us.
– 几乎整个下午都下雨，看是没什么机会。我还是叫大家到有花的地方等雨停，还好好几只不错的鸟出现。包括这只婆罗洲特有种。
202407, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
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update 202405
– active and common Borneo endemic in certain places like Sabah RDC, Danum Valley BRL
– for the group this is the only bird that keep seeing again and again in very close distance.
Another morning out searching for the main target, but it seems to be a no-show again. Still, I’m grateful for the abundance of birds around—including this charming woodpecker, which looked like it was putting on a little display to impress someone!
– a big “black” woodpecker which you wont go wrong with the ID here in Malaysia. It is not that rare but common at RDC, Sepilok, Sabah. Walk around very good chance to have very good view of this beautiful woodpecker.
– lucky group to have this bird stay for more than 20 minutes for us to take almost every angle of this bird
– 一只蛮大+黑的啄木鸟，应该很好认的鸟。在西必洛，沙巴在林子里走走。见到的机会是蛮大的。
– 这一幸运的摄鸟组，这鸟在很低的角度站了20+分钟。拍到够够啊。
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
64. Black-sided Flowerpecker, 黑胁啄花鸟, 黑脅啄花鳥,Dicaeum monticolum, ボルネオノドアカハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI GUNUNG BORNEO
– while we are on ours boat cruise, a pair of lovely “brown with white neck” woodpecker stay low and long for everyone have good view. Lovely male with red malar stripe
– 我们京河在船上舒服的观鸟时，这鸟站的很低很久。雄鸟脸颊带红。
202405, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– another casual birding behind the resort as already got all the targets .. but not bad got few good speciess include this beautiful woodpecker with close view
– a quite common “brown” woodpecker with “white” mark on neck
– 几乎所有目标都拿下了。就到酒店后面轻松拍拍，尽然遇上好几只鸟很近的让我们拍照。
– some good efforts from some good Birders (Photographer – KK Lee) over the years finally managed to create a good “spot” for this bird and some other good bird for Photography… I do not have many trip there but only for extension for some special tour .. but still quite enjoy the birds and environment there.
– a male with “white tail” , blue face, red leg which come for feeding food but it still shy with big movement and sound.
– 经过好几年的经营 KK Lee 把这个鸟点搞得有声有色。这个鸟点可是摄鸟的天堂，虽然我没到很多（几乎都带观鸟团）可是有些“加长版”还是有来这鸟。
– 公鸟，长白尾，蓝脸，红脚。几乎很少错过来这吃吃东西。可是还是害羞。
202404, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
67. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, 绒额䴓, 絨額䴓, Sitta frontalis, ビロウドゴジュウカラ, PEPATUK BIASA
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 ..
– 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
69. Mountain Tailorbird, 金头缝叶莺, 山縫葉鶯, Phyllergates cucullatus, PERENJAK-GUNUNG BIASA
– a named to be Tailorbird but not a truth Tailodbird. very active bird to be photograph
– 名为缝叶莺可是属
3. Mountain Tailorbird, 金头缝叶莺, 山縫葉鶯, Phyllergates cucullatus, PERENJAK-GUNUNG BIASA
– very active bird that named after Tailorbird but not actually a Scotocercidae
– bright yellow overall and rufous crown
– 非常活跃的鸟，被名为缝叶莺。可是属于树莺科。
update 202406
– very lucky day to have this bird come so close and long keep singing in-front of us.
– very tiny active bird, note gray-brown upperparts, yellow-washed underparts, pale gray face, pale eyes, and white-speckled “scaly” forehead.
– 非常活跃与小的婆罗洲特有种。全是几乎白灰，身下带黄。
update 202506
We had been trying hard to photograph this bird, but with no luck—until the final five minutes of our two-day birding trip at Kinabalu National Park. Finally, success just before the end!
– a very tiny small pale Borneo endemic, which normally moving in group
– a special endemic for the group, which told them very small bird and not very attractive but they say want have a try .. bingo .. got it quite low for us take picture
It is a common bird but often overlooked, as it can sometimes be mistaken for other species and tends to stay near the canopy.
它是一种常见的鸟类，但经常被忽视，因为它有时会与其他物种混淆，并且更喜欢在树冠附近活动。
202412, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202406
– it is flowering season, so many tree with flowers at RDC. Birds come feed near flower, nectar, insects etc .. included this not so common bird also come feed on the nectar.
– 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
– after ours’ morning mega Pheasant and we waiting at fruiting tree for some good bird .. (we got Black-and-White Bulbul and Chestnut-capped Thrush) this bird came nearby to feed on caterpillar
This bird seems to be everywhere this time—so much easier to spot compared to last year, when it sometimes took multiple visits just to catch a glimpse of this Bornean endemic!
這次這隻鳥似乎到處都能看到，比起去年容易多了！去年有時候得跑好幾趟才有機會瞄到這種婆羅洲特有種！
202506, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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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
78. Green Imperial-Pigeon, 绿皇鸠, 綠皇鳩, Ducula aenea, ミカドバト, PERGAM DAUN BIASA
update 202407
– a fairy common bird found at Sabah, Borneo. especially at Kinabatangan River. Big, light-pale front and green back
– 沙巴京河，蛮普通的一只鸟。蛮大，前身湿白色+背时绿色。
202405, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
79. Buff-rumped Woodpecker, 黄腰斑啄木鸟, 黃腰斑啄木鳥,Meiglyptes tristis, ヒメカレハゲラ, BELATUK-BATU BIASA
update 202407
– a small woodpecker overall “brown” with stripe front. sometime it is confuse with Buff-necked which is slight bigger with “white-neck” spot make it easier to different
This is a bird that’s easy to miss—even though it’s not rare—mainly because there aren’t many reliable spots to see it regularly, except this special location. The wait can be a bit boring since it only comes for fruit 2–3 times a day, but we were lucky to have a great session with this beautiful Borneo endemic.
– 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
81. Island Thrush, 岛鸫, 白頭鶇, Turdus poliocephalus, ハイガシラツグミ, MURAI-BELANDA GUNUNG TIMUR
update 202407
– a bird that never though to be sight and photograph before I make some plan to hike up to Laban Rata for missing 2 birds of Malaysia. But today while we looking for missing 3 birds .. Azmil message me he sight the Island Thrush.. without any wait we move to the place .. we try to locate but seem missing while I heard Fruit-hunter calling and trying to locate it but seem still bit a distance to see this bird… Hugo call us … Thrush … and bingo make my Malaysia lifer. (683)
– it is not really shy, it just moving around even many people walking around .. beautiful bird …
– 这是一只我完全没想过的马来西亚鸟（在我安排爬上去神山的路上）。今天但我们在神山寻找3只还没看到的鸟时。朋友Azmil 让我知道这鸟出现，没等我们立刻到了那个鸟点。找了10-20分钟是没找到，我听到食果鸫叫，找了很久还是蛮远没办法看到。在远方，Hugo向我们招手。这就拿下我的马来西亚新鸟种。（683)
– 这鸟很不怕人。
– 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.
What a wonderful morning! This bird started calling from a distance, then went silent for a while—suddenly, it began calling right behind us! Two of them were standing together, calling to each other. A truly amazing sight for everyone.
Whenever I’m in Borneo, this active and beautiful bird is always high on my list—it’s one I definitely don’t want to miss! It can sticks to the forest edge and stayed around for a good while this time, giving us a great view.
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
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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。
202409
– 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
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202408, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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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
One of Borneo’s rare, shy, active, and truly beautiful endemics. We spent two evenings and one morning searching at this spot.
Finally, on the last morning, the bird showed up and stayed for around 30 minutes—but still didn’t come low or stay still for long. Only a few quick stops, but enough for a few precious photos of this lovely bird.
It’s becoming more challenging to get a good look at this bird, but our relaxed birding approach seems to pay off. We’ve come across a few nice pairs over the past 2–3 years, and while this time wasn’t the best, everyone still got to see it. That classic “Where? There!” moment never gets old—still exciting every time!
– 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
86. 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
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.
– last morning at Danum, walk little slower as waiting more light to go into trail for more species but this bird just come out from bush and walk infront of us and Spread your wings
88. Maroon Woodpecker, 小栗啄木鸟, 小栗啄木鳥, Blythipicus rubiginosus, エビチャゲラ, BELATUK-PUNGGUR MERAH
update 202408
– a common heard woodpecker but seldom good chance to be photograph. lovely yellow beak, mid size woodpecker. This bird make a surprise for us, fly infornt of ~5-10feet for us
– common Borneo montane white eye with obvious black forehead and lores
update 202408
– a raining morning, everyone got wet, but it still do not stop everyone continue look for their target .. this bird came close and give us very good view
– 下了一整天雨，也停不了大家看鸟的心情。（可是我很冷啊）。这鸟虽然普通，很少站这么近+平视角。
202408, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
92. Pied Triller, 黑鸣鹃鵙, 黑原鵑鵙, Lalage nigra, マダラナキサンショウクイ, SELANCANG MELAYU
– a black and white bird that normally found near mangrove or coast area.
update 20408
– it is a one of the bird that we always looking at Tg Aru, Sabah. It is very much depend luck to see it as the population may not that many ..
This common Bornean endemic can still be highly luck-dependent to see well. During our short few-hour visit to Kinabalu Park, luck was on our side—we had an excellent, close-up view of this bird after waiting less than five minutes.
– a heavy rain morning, make us lost direction just birding with umbrella and raincoat. Lucky to have this bird so close at eye-level. beautiful Borneo endemic
– it is almost one of the rareness bird to be seen in Malaysia, I dont have chance see this bird too much every year.. but it is such a good experience seeing this from Peninsula Malaysia and Borneo within 1 month ..
– one of the main reason visit KLIAS forest reserve, Sabah …
– a bird always making call near forest edge, this year seem active bit too early ? Trying to looking for a target for my buddy but the target not sight but few good birds for good photo. Included this bird stay open and close for us
– target bird no show so spend sometime with the beautiful bird instead.
– the bird keep open the tail while making call, but this happen very quickly. With the new CANON R5markii Pre-capture (it work continuous as long as buffer not fill up) … what a cool feature to have for Wildlife Photographers ..I half press shutter when the bird stand still, and open full press the shutter after the bird open the tail and call … everything happen before I full press the shutter .5s will be write full raw into my card .. so I have 15 frames of the bird open tail shots ..and without waiting, I can half press again and make this happen again
This Borneo endemic is very common and almost impossible to miss in the Crocker Range. Still, we were lucky to have such a close and special encounter with it!
202506, Crocker range, Sabah, Malaysia202506, Crocker range, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202409
– one of the most common Borneo endemic at montane. Normally moving fast with bird flock.
– 婆罗洲非常普通的特有种。通常与其他鸟群体活动，跳的很快。
202409, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
98. Large-tailed Nightjar, 长尾夜鹰, 長尾夜鷹, Caprimulgus macrurus, オビロヨタカ, TUKANG BIASA
update 202409
– it is a lucky sight, day roost of this common night bird just near the restaurant. It stay quiet and doesn’t move at all.
– 马来西亚蛮普通的夜鸟。多么不可思议，这鸟在我们餐厅旁休息。动都不动。
202404, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
99. Blyth’s Frogmouth, 星喉蟆口鸱, 星喉蟆口鴟, Batrachostomus affinis, コガマグチヨタカ, CUCUR BIASA
update 202409
– it is excited to see this bird in the day time and so cute ..
– such a long time never at Tabin, this time with special request to be in here trying to record as much I can ..trying for this bird night time but failed but got it on day time ! theory work !
100. Scarlet-rumped Trogon, 红腰咬鹃, 紅腰咬鵑, Harpactes duvaucelii, コシアカキヌバネドリ, KESUMBA KECIL PINGGUL MERAH
update 202412
This marks my final bird of the 2024 tours after a hectic year. Before another busy year kicks off on January 1, I’ll take a few days to rest. Capturing birds in flight within a forest is no easy feat, especially with a lens that has such a small aperture. However, the CANON R1 made it surprisingly manageable, even though the image quality is somewhat compromised at ISO 51200. Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed watching how the camera’s autofocus tracked the bird in the forest.
– arrived this KK nearby location for a target bird, but all local birders tell us.. that bird only here afternoon !!! so we walk nearby for some birding.. this bird make soft call and not very long it come to us with beautiful pose.
It was quite a stressful morning as we missed the Trogon twice, and the male Black-sided Flowerpecker didn’t show up. However, this bird flew close, giving me a chance to capture it in flight. What a beautiful sight!
– every year, I having some special request .. this time a full 10 days for only flying Tropical birds … especially big one or may be main targets all Hornbills of Borneo. We are lucky with this beautiful Rhinoceros Hornbill.
104. Long-tailed Parakeet, 长尾鹦鹉, 長尾鸚鵡, Psittacula longicauda, オナガダルマインコ, BAYAN MELAYU
update 202410
– a lovely colorful bird with noisy call ..
– a bird that can easily seen and found near few location at Malaysia. Hope no more people keep this as pet. Think this is a escape bird
– 非常吵闹的鸟，蛮漂亮的。
– 在马来西亚好几个地方都蛮容易见到。都应该是放生的吧。
202408, Tg Aru, Sabah, Malaysia
105. Bornean Barbet, 加里曼丹拟鴷, 加里曼丹擬鴷,Megalaima eximia, ノドグロゴシキドリ, TAKUR TUKANG GUNUNG
update 202506
Out of the three Borneo endemic Barbet, this is one of the least photographed. We were lucky this time—it didn’t take long, and it wasn’t too far. It perched for a while, but because of its small size, it still looks tiny in the frame.
This is one of Borneo’s small endemic birds, often heard but rarely seen or photographed. However, this time, it perched right in front of us, offering an exceptional view.
– a small Borneo endemic Barbet, which normally heard but not easy to spot and due to the size. It is always difficult to photograph. Overall very bright color with blue face.
– what a lucky moment saw this bird perch low even not really close .. but still always good to see it here..
– 一直很小的婆罗洲特有种。通常站高，叫不停。不容易见到活拍好。脸不带蓝+红。
– 非常幸运在这看到它这么低，虽然还是有点距离。可是这个角度看他还是非常好棒的。
202309, Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
106. Raffles’s Malkoha, 棕胸地鹃, 棕胸地鵑, Rhinortha chlorophaea, クリイロバンケンモドキ, CENUK KERAK
update 202410
– one of most easier and common Malkoha in this region. Male predominantly bright rufous-brown with darker tail, female has gray head and chest.
– a lucky moment, to see this bird flying toward us and with the new CANON R5mii.. just too easier to capture this bird flying toward us
– 在马来西亚，这算事最普通的地鹃。雄鸟，头是棕色。木鸟灰白色。
– 我们算事幸运的遇上这鸟飞向我们，在佳能R5markii的对焦+追焦功能。很容易吧这一刻拿下。
202410, Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia
107. 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
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.
– a small size montane bird that quite normal, it is common across North Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. A female with grey and male with black top.
– when we walking back to the vehicle, saw few small birds moving along the roadside. This female stay long after got caterpillar
– 泰国北部，西马，婆罗洲蛮普通的高山鸟。雌鸟头部灰，雄鸟头部黑。
– 当我们慢慢走回车里。见到鸟浪，这鸟站了很久也找到食物。
202410, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
109. Dark Hawk-Cuckoo, 婆罗鹰鹃, 婆羅鷹鵑, Hierococcyx bocki, クロジュウイチ, SEWAH-TEKUKUR GUNUNG
update 202502
As usual, this bird is always calling but not easy to spot. However, this time it stayed long enough for all of us to get a good view.
像往常一样，这只鸟总是鸣叫，但不容易看到。不过这次它停留了很久，让我们都能清楚地观赏。
202502, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202410
– a birds that very common heard at both Fraser Hill & KNP .. but it can be very difficult to have good view .. it can be confuse with some Hawk Cuckoo
– when we on the way to Breakfast, sudden saw this bird stand so nice with backlight .. got the bird real close view
I spent my rest day near a paddy field and spotted some great birds, including this beautiful Grassbird flying around. I really wished I had my 400mm f/2.8 with me to capture these special moments. I had to use ISO 16,000 for a fast shutter speed, but it still wasn’t quite enough to freeze the bird in motion.
我在附近稻田度过了我的休息日，看到了一些不错的鸟类，其中包括这只美丽的草鹛在空中飞舞。真希望当时我带着我的 400mm f/2.8 镜头来捕捉这些精彩瞬间。为了提高快门速度，我使用了 ISO 16000，但仍然不足以完全凝固这只鸟的飞行姿态。
202503, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202411
– A streaky brown bird commonly found in fields, scrubby edges, and dense thickets. This large but elusive warbler is usually spotted as a quick glimpse of its chestnut rump and long, trailing tail as it flushes from nearby cover. It occasionally perches in the open, sometimes even on telephone wires.
– On our first day, we managed to get incredibly close to this bird, just 5-10 feet away. It’s not a rare or particularly striking bird, but it’s always a pleasure to encounter one, especially since we don’t often visit its habitat.
112. Sunda Cuckoo, 巽他杜鹃, 巽他杜鵑, Cuculus lepidus, スンダツツドリ, SEWAH GUNUNG MELAYU
update 202506
This spot is now one of the best in Borneo for seeing a wide variety of montane endemics and non-endemics all in one place. While some birds do come for feeding, many are also drawn by natural food sources like moths and insects. This particular bird seems to show up often—we hear it almost every visit and spot it on most trips too.
This striking “black-faced” blue-and-white flycatcher is a fairly common winter visitor here. However, this year, many individuals have been spotted at Gunung Alab, including males, females, and juveniles. It is noticeably distinct from Zappey’s Flycatcher.
It’s time to sort through some 2024 photos before archiving them. Here’s another common hornbill of Malaysia, typically seen moving in groups. I’m really impressed with the R3—it rarely lets me down when capturing what I want. Even this shot, taken in a dark area with a background change, turned out great!
It’s a rainy day, and a few birds are perched on a tree. I quickly enable “pre-continuous shooting” and adjust the settings to the maximum speed possible at ISO 25600 and F7.1—1/1600s. Hoping for the best, I got lucky, and the shot of the bird flying down turned out well.
这是一个下雨天，几只鸟停留在树上。我迅速开启“预连续拍摄”模式，并将设置调整到 ISO 25600、F7.1 下的最高速度——1/1600 秒。抱着一丝希望，幸运的是，拍到了一张鸟儿俯冲的精彩瞬间。
202503, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
116. Orange-backed Woodpecker, 橙背啄木鸟, 橙背啄木鳥,Reinwardtipicus validus, アカハラコガネゲラ, BELATUK DADA MERAH
update 202503
It’s a hectic day—I’m traveling from Borneo back to Kuala Lumpur, and within six hours, I have to catch a flight to Indonesia for another exciting trip. Unfortunately, my own mistake made the schedule quite chaotic.
Despite that, it was an incredible photography tour with great luck spotting woodpeckers. One of them even came down close and low, giving us a perfect opportunity for some great shots.
It was a laid-back birding session on day one. We first heard the bird calling from a distance, and soon after, it flew right above us, giving everyone plenty of time to snap photos from different angles.
118. 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.
One of the least common fantails—often tricky to identify—but this time, it stayed close and long enough for a clear confirmation. A wonderful encounter with this active and charming little bird!
It’s the final day of our long tour. After successfully finding our main target, something dark suddenly flew past in a split second. As we walked closer to the beach, we spotted this bird seemingly enjoying the shore alongside the many other tourists.
121. Great Slaty Woodpecker, 大灰啄木鸟, 大灰啄木鳥, Mulleripicus pulverulentus , ボウシゲラ, BELATUK-KELABU BESAR
update 202506
Now recognized as the largest woodpecker in the world, it’s not exactly rare, but spotting one can still be a challenge. They’re usually seen in pairs, moving through the forest with loud, distinctive calls.
122. Plume-toed Swiftlet, 毛趾金丝燕, 毛趾金絲燕, Collocalia affinis, ハネアシユビアナツバメ, LAYANG-LAYANG KECIL BIASA
update 202506
This species is very common in both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. However, in Borneo—especially in the highlands—it often causes confusion, particularly with the Bornean Swiftlet. I spent my only rest day here monitoring and photographing every nearby “white-bellied” swiftlet, as there have been many reports of Bornean Swiftlets in the area.
When I first spotted these two perched birds, I thought, “Smaller… greenish… from the binoculars, the crown looks less contrasting.” But once I started editing the photos, my opinion changed immediately—it wasn’t Bornean. Even though many flying around looked less glossy or “duller,” that effect came from lighting or depth of field. Before editing, with lower contrast and no shadow adjustments, they might appear dull through binoculars—but after reviewing the whole series, I’m convinced I didn’t see a true Bornean. Still, a beautiful and glossy Green Swiftlet.
It was still early in the morning when we had just started walking toward our target species—and this little Bornean endemic showed up beautifully for us! The young bird even seemed able to catch its own food already. What a great start to the day!
Another elusive Bornean endemic that really depends on luck to encounter. We were fortunate this time—with our guests from Taiwan—as this raptor flew straight toward us. A truly lucky moment!
125. Wreathed Hornbill, 花冠皱盔犀鸟, Rhyticeros undulatus, シワコブサイチョウ, ENGGANG GUNUNG BIASA
update 202507
It’s not the most common bird along the Kinabatangan River, but we still managed to spot it a few times—unlike the Rhinoceros Hornbill, which gave us zero sightings during our two days on the river.
This babbler isn’t particularly common, whether in Peninsular Malaysia or Borneo. It’s easily recognizable by its grey head, distinctive white eye-ring, and a noticeable “mustache” marking.
A fairly common resident species in Borneo, but sightings have become less frequent lately. That bright orange crown makes it absolutely unmistakable!
这是一种婆罗洲常见的留鸟，但最近出现得比较少。头顶鲜艳的橙色非常醒目，不会和其他鸟搞混！
202505, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
130. 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
update 202507
One of the most common and charming birds in Malaysia’s montane regions. The male stands out with a red chest, while the female appears mostly black—including the beak!
这是马来西亚高山地区最常见又迷人的鸟之一。雄鸟有鲜红的胸部，雌鸟几乎全身黑色，包括喙！
202502, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
131. Little Cuckoo-Dove, 小赤鹃鸠, 小赤鵑鳩, Macropygia ruficeps, ヒメオナガバト, Burung Tekukur Api
update 202507
A slimmer, long-tailed dove that’s fairly common from sub-montane to montane areas in both Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.
It’s a common sunbird, but I can’t remember the last time I had such a good view of a male. This time, it stayed low and gave us plenty of time for some great shots!
133. Red-throated Barbet, 丽色拟鴷, 麗色擬鴷, Psilopogon mystacophanos, ノドアカゴシキドリ, TAKUR RENGKUNG MERAH BIASA
update 202508
What a wonderful stretch—after seeing the Bornean Bristlehead and Bornean Banded Pitta, this beautiful barbet showed up right at eye level for us to enjoy!
这是非常精彩的时刻！看完婆罗洲棘头鵙和婆罗洲斑八色鸫后，这只漂亮的拟啄木鸟就在我们眼前出现！
202508, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
134. Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler, 纹胸鹪鹛, 紋胸鷦鶥, Napothera epilepidota, コサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU KENING PANJANG
update 202509
Just returned from a very special birding trip. My guest, Jonathan, had high expectations for bird photography. Although we didn’t see or photograph a large number of species, it was still a rewarding and memorable experience for both of us.
We stayed mobile throughout the trip, adjusting plans based on bird activity and Jonathan’s target species. One highlight was our determination to get a better shot of the Crimson-headed Partridge—which led to an unforgettable moment. A normally shy and fast-moving wren-babbler suddenly came into the open and stayed there, calling non-stop for almost 10 minutes! This species usually disappears after 1–2 seconds, so it was truly a rare and special encounter.
刚刚结束了一次非常特别的摄鸟之旅。我的客人 Jonathan 对鸟类摄影有很高的要求。虽然这次看到和拍到的鸟不算多，但对我们来说却是一次非常有意义和难忘的经历。
Finally got my photo lifer for Sabah! This bird has always been tricky—I had seen it twice before but never had the chance to photograph it. Today, I heard its unique call, and not long after, it came in silently and stood in the shadows. What a stunning bird!
It’s not a rare Borneo endemic, but it’s always tricky to photograph since it usually feeds high up or blends in so well that it’s hard to spot.
We were lucky this time—after a long wait, a few of them came down low to feed, giving us a great chance to enjoy and capture this special Bornean species.
136. Gray-chinned Minivet, 灰喉山椒鸟, 灰喉山椒鳥, Pericrocotus solaris, ベニサンショウクイ, Burung Mas Dagu Kelabu, BURUNG-MATAHARI GUNUNG BIASA
update 202509
One of the most common montane birds in Borneo—males shine in bright red, while females glow in yellow. After a long wait for another target species, this male finally stayed close, giving us a great view.
It was a lucky and memorable evening! We arrived around 3 PM, and soon had excellent views of Whitehead’s Trogon and a Spiderhunter. Not long after, this beautiful bird perched just 5 feet in front of us, stayed for quite a while, calling and giving us great opportunities for both photos and video.
138. Scarlet Minivet, 赤红山椒鸟, 赤紅山椒鳥, Pericrocotus speciosus, シュイロサンショウクイ, BURUNG-MATAHARI BESAR BIASA
update 202509
One of the most common yet stunning birds of Malaysia’s lowland forests. While it’s not frequently seen at RDC, we were lucky to have a few individuals feeding just a few meters away. The lovely female gave us a longer and closer view than the male — a real treat!
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)!
140. Crimson-Headed partridge, 红头林鹧鸪, 紅頭林鷓鴣, Haematortyx sanguiniceps, アカガシラシャコ, SERUK KEPALA MERAH
update 202512
I still remember the early days when we worked hard to photograph this beautiful Bornean endemic. Back then, it felt special to get a clean shot. At Kinabalu National Park, the bird is quite used to people, giving great photo opportunities. Nowadays, though, there are many reliable spots where you can get good views and photos of this stunning bird.
A large, front-heavy brown bird with a long, pale downcurved bill and a distinctive elongated head with a flat crown and a forehead tuft. Orange legs. Unmistakable males have a green-blue breast shield and long creamy-white plumes extending from the shoulders. Females are entirely earth-brown, lacking the shoulder extensions and shield. Immature resembles female. Found in canopy of tall forests in lowlands and foothills, confined to three islands in north Moluccas. Regularly sighted at known display sites. Very loud when displaying, giving raucous “WAA-WAA…” and “KEE-KEE…” notes. [Ebird]
update 202504
What a beautiful bird—one of the most easily accessible Birds-of-Paradise. I’ll definitely be visiting this site again soon. Can’t wait to see you once more!
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– this a weird scene I seen, or I missed out anything before .. why the female is on top and I record few times ..
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– 2nd trip to Halmahera 2023 and see you next week … never get bored to see it making noise and dance even the journey there bit challenge … I am coming
– lucky to see it display but not really full open view. capture video with 100p slowdown 50%
– 幸运的看到他在跳舞。可是没全露。可是还是记录下了。
###
another special tour, which has main target of this Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise.
It is a real good experience to be Halmahera, we just spend 3 nights. We easily got ours’ targets seen.
This is our main target, on 2nd morning. We hike 3.7km straight to the “hide” (on the way, we heard owlet-nightjar which is my favorite bird but we failed to see the bird and also rushing to the hide for main target.
Arrived before 6am, while every still dark. We can heard many of them already calling infront of us but just very brief view. after 30minutes, finally we got clear view of this amazing beautiful bird. But I still only got some extreme high ISO picture even with my CANON RF400mm F2.8.
Long story short, the birds stay for long and from ISO 25600 – ISO800, Managed to have perfect view of the bird and pictures… oohh video too .
Immediate of this target, we walking out and birding. There is another very good story to talk about “pick up service for the Pitta”
A small owl with ear tufts, a black facial border, yellow eyes, prominent black streaking on pale underside, and intricately patterned upperparts with conspicuous white wing markings. Occurs in gray and rufous forms. Adult’s crown is streaked; juvenile’s is barred. Inhabits forest and plantations within lowlands and foothills.[Ebird]
– pretty common across the center of Halmahera, almost can heard it’s call.
– cute and not that shy owl.
– 很特别的叫声，外表也不一样。蛮好看。
– 在哈马黑拉岛的特有种。几乎很普通，那都可以听到叫声。
– 可爱，也不很害羞的鸮。
update 202304
– first night, after heavy rain and long travel. we decided not look for the owl and owlet-nightjar. Next night, we didn’t spend much time to ticked this bird and Moluccan Owlet-nightjar at the same spot.
3. Ivory-breasted Pitta, 白胸八色鸫, 牙白胸八色鳥, Pitta maxima
A distinctive large, plump, short-tailed, long-legged forest bird with a black upperside and white underside, a striking red area on the lower belly, and a conspicuous silvery-blue shoulder patch. Juvenile duller, with buff on underparts. Shy, more often heard than seen. Usually found singly or in pairs in humid lowland and hill forest. Forages on the ground, but while calling often perches high in the understory or canopy. Very vocal; frequently given song is a mournful wolf whistle. [Ebird]
– 非常大的八色鸫。背部全黑。前部白+红。很特别。在这岛上，几乎那都听到这鸟的叫声。
update 202310
– arrived Halmahera, before anything go for this main target … due to long travel everyone seem tired but luckily the bird appear not that long compare to other waiting 😀 and it is huge in size, some with 800mm little bit suffer to take whole bird into frame
– 2nd trip to Halmahera coming soon, can;t visit this amazing place again. Hope get some better pictures of night birds this time .. and this Pick up service Pitta sure another highlight of the tour soon
– post this before I get busy months again. This is one of the most amazing experience on this trip. When day 1 arrived with heavy rain, after rain stop we did quick birding surrounding our homestay. when we walk near the river, owner say why not we go for quick try on the Pitta and keep mentioned “if the bird is nearby or little bit distance he can do pick-up service” !! (I am thinking pick-up service hmmm). But the bird came without long wait or any issue. (so we missed the pick-up service show)
– next day after Standardwing BOP, we walk back to homestay and pass by the Pitta spot. We would like to try for this pitta again for male. After long wait (~15minutes) , he say the bird is far lets’ him pick-up the pitta .. I was like hmm how ? But he walk into the bush and use whistler/call. After ~10minutes wait, we heard the bird call getting nearer and soon we saw him walking out from the bush. and you can see the Pitta is following him coming out from the bush (may be ~10-15m away) !!!!!! “pick up service”
4. Common Paradise-Kingfisher, 普通仙翡翠, 普通仙翡翠, Tanysiptera galatea, ラケットカワセミ, Cekakak-pita biasa
– A long-tailed kingfisher of lowland forests. White underparts and rump, dark blue upperparts with pale blue shoulder and crown. Long white tail with 2 extended central tail feathers ending in spatula tips. Sits still for long periods whilst slowly pumping its tail. Very similar to Little Paradise-Kingfisher, but Common Paradise-Kingfisher is larger, with a paler crown, white rather than blue outer tail feathers and a heavier bill. The safest way to separate, however is by vocalization. Heard more often than seen. Song, a rapidly accelerating and slightly rising series of dry notes. [Ebird]
One of the more common yet challenging birds to photograph is the kingfisher. Even though it often appears at feeding spots, we usually don’t have time to focus on it due to our busy shooting schedule. However, our local guide, Pak Wan, mentioned that it’s actually easy to spot near our hotel. So, we decided to spend a quick morning there after breakfast. To our delight, three kingfishers were flying around, and on several occasions, one even perched for us! The excitement of seeing them in flight had everyone in awe. It was absolutely worth it—even if we hadn’t managed a photo. But we did!
– a beautiful Kingfisher, even is common but shy for picture
– 蛮漂亮的翠鸟。虽然普通，可是还是不容易拍照。
202304, Halmahera, Indonesia
####
update 202304
– a beautiful Kingfisher, and for the first time feel such a beautiful bird such annoying. Each time the Pitta come near, this bird will fly from far to flush the Pitta away 🙁 no choice to wait and wait until it get bored.
– another “Red-bellied” pitta, and it classified as North Moluccan Pitta which is endemic of Halmahera.
– it is very near to Ivory-Breasted Pitta spot
– 另一只“红胸八色鸫”分出来的摩鹿加特有种。
update 202602
It is always the most rewarding and enjoyable experience to see a Pitta without using feeding. During our last visit to Halmahera, we were told that one Pitta was active in the area, even though it was not being fed. Still, everyone was excited to give it a try. The rule was simple: stay completely still, photograph only what appears in front of you, and make no movement or sound. After nearly two hours of patience, everyone was rewarded with great views and satisfying photos of this non-fed Pitta. Many thanks to my team for always placing their trust in me.
– the Bird making call on tree and stand there for so long ..
– 这鸟一直在树上叫。叫了好几个小时。
####
update 202310
– another “different look” North Moluccan which photograph at feeding station at Ternate Island
– a not very easy walk as keep going steep downward sloop
– 另一只北摩鹿加八色鸫，在不一样的岛拍的。样子有点不一样。这个喂食点，也不是太容易。。。一直往下走。
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202304, Center Halmahera, Indonesia
6. Halmahera Boobook, 哈岛鹰鸮, 哈馬赫拉鷹鴞, ハルマヘラアオバズク, Pungguk maluku
– a small owl, found near forest here which call really funny like frog
– lovely and not so boring boobook.
update 202511
Years ago, we had to travel far to see this species, but now it’s being found much closer to regular birding areas. Still, it’s always a joy to see and hear it again — a wonderful Halmahera endemic owl.
– it is fun to trying to find this owl without knowing where it should be. We just trying ours’ luck and yes.. it is calling dusk and managed to have good view of it not too late of the night.
Another wonderful day in the field! It was raining on the way to the Standardwing display site, but the rain stopped just as we arrived. Right after watching the incredible display of the Standardwing, this little bird popped its head out to look at us—so adorable!
– a Halmahera endemic, overall pied like Kingfisher
update 202504
Night birding can be a bit challenging at times, but it’s been incredible to photograph 11 species of kingfishers over the past 7 days—including this special Halmahera endemic with food in its beak!
Medium-sized slender bird, pale gray above, white below, with a small dark bridge between the bill and eye (lores) and faint partial white eyering. Immature lacks distinct mask of Black-faced Cuckooshrike. Dark morph shows large but variable black bib and breast, mottled or barred at the edges. Inhabits eucalypt forest and other woodlands in Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Call a high-pitched, two-note squeak. [Ebird]
This endemic kingfisher of Halmahera is fairly common, but we were lucky to enjoy an incredibly close encounter—especially for our lucky ladies’ group. Truly a beautiful bird!
14. Nicobar Pigeon, 尼柯巴鸠, 尼柯巴鳩, Caloenas nicobarica, ミノバト, MERPATI-EMAS BIASA
update 202507
While we were waiting for the pitta to come down—yes, it had been staying up in the treetops all day—we got a surprise visitor! Out of nowhere, this bird walked into view and gave us a chance for a record shot.
One of Halmahera’s common yet stunning endemics, with a lovely song to match. We encountered this beauty at several locations—it really seems quite widespread.
I’ve visited Halmahera a few times, and this species has always been a challenge to observe properly—my first sighting was just a quick flyby across the road. But today, luck was truly on our side. Despite expecting a full day of rain, we ended up getting great views of Kingfishers, Pitta, Fruit-Dove, and this special bird. It stayed in the open for a long time, and the close view made it look even more stunning.
After a failed attempt to see our main target due to heavy rain, we drove further to a drier location. Luckily, the rain had stopped, and we enjoyed a pleasant evening birding with several interesting species — including this beautiful male of a special endemic bird.
1. Eastern Barn Owl, 仓鸮, 東方倉鴞, Tyto alba, メンフクロウ, SERAK BIASA
– small pale owl, normally found near palm oil plantation, paddy field etc
– Pale owl; white below and orangey with gray spotting above. Heart-shaped white facial disc. (ebird)
– common almost anywhere Malaysia, use to control pest at paddy
update 202504
Met up with a customer-turned-friend who hasn’t really been birding for the past 2–3 years. He mentioned he needed a bit of a spark to get back into it and wanted to learn more about the post-shooting workflow too.
We started the day missing our main target — no luck with the Rail-babbler — but he was totally fine with that. After a heavy rain, things turned around quickly. In just over 90 minutes, we saw 7 owls! What a fantastic night.
This was one of his main targets — and not long after we arrived, we got a great view of it staying around for quite a while!
– a tour with so much of rain, missed both owl at Fraser due to full day raining. Luckily got 5 lowland owls happen in one day. we had ~7-8 this owl for 1 hour and this is one quietly sit and enjoy the meal.
Barn owl,仓鸮, 倉鴞,Tyto alba, メンフクロウ, Burung Jampok Kubur,
Barn owl,仓鸮, 倉鴞,Tyto alba, メンフクロウ, Burung Jampok
barn owl 仓鸮
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2. Oriental Bay-Owl, 栗鸮, 栗鴞,Phodilus badius, ニセメンフクロウ, PUNGGUK-API BIASA
one of the most common can found , near garden, 2nd forest and primary forest .. just always hear but not seen
update 202510
This is one of those owls that can be confusing—tame and not rare, yet still tricky to spot at times. Thankfully, this location rarely disappoints. Once again, the owl stayed low and gave us plenty of time to enjoy and photograph it.
“It’s been a wonderful week for owls—spotted 1 out of the 8 owls! It’s a shame it didn’t show well on the second visit, but still great to see it again here. ***Interestingly, it seems like the other owls don’t like this one—many came by to check it out while we were searching for it.
– a lovely owl, always give a cute look, overall white
– while we walking into forest .. heard the Bay owls calling to each other .. keep looking .. ohh. it is just in-front of us .. but standing not that low this time ..
– I do not have much luck on this special looking and cute owl … but last tour, I had 2 different locations which included this sight at Danum Valley and 3 of them standing surrounding me and making very soft call
– another success night birding just less than an hour, we had nightjar (nesting) and this lovely small owl.
– small owl that normally not that shy to human
– 另一个美好的夜观，一只夜鹰，加这只漂亮的小猫头鹰。
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202309
– another view of the favorite owl of Malaysia… it is so cute and found one tame.. it can stand there for hours
– 马来西亚最喜欢鸮的另一个角度。非常可爱，如果找到一只乖的。可以站那好几个小时
202309, Sabah, Malaysia
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– another main target of the tour… the owl seem calling each other in the forest. walk slowly and managed to found where it perch and calling .. thanks for the group, we got some pictures and leave the owl alone
– what a cute owl to be seen again. Cute and stay close for us
– 蛮可爱的的小鸮。通常站在同一地方叫不停。
202210, RDC, SABAH, MALAYSIA
update 2018 Aug 20
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51. Sulawesi Masked-Owl, 苏拉仓鸮, 蘇拉威西蒼鴞, Tyto rosenbergii
A very large barn-owl with a gray facial disk, gray crown, and rufous upperparts and wings with scattered dark markings. Prefers open country, like agricultural land, plantations, and forest edge, from lowlands to mountains. Limited to Sulawesi. Distinguished from smaller Minahassa Masked-Owl by gray face, gray forecrown, more extensive dark markings across wings and upperparts, and preference for open country.[Ebird]
While we were trying to get better shots of the boobook, this owl started calling right at dusk. It remained a bit shy and didn’t perch too close, but I did my best with the Canon R5 Mark II + RF 400mm + 1.4x extender to capture a decent shot.
当我们正努力拍摄鹰鸮时，这只猫头鹰在黄昏时分开始鸣叫。虽然它有些害羞，没有停在太近的位置，但我依然尽力用 Canon R5 Mark II + RF 400mm + 1.4x 增距镜拍下了它的身影。
202511, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
update 202410
– a Sulawesi endemic with very Barn Owl look alike and call alike … white overall compare to Minahasa Masked Owl more “light rufous” and slight look different
– a owl that we tried many times, many location.. but after few tried what a surprise to see it in one dusk but missed the picture opportunity. But went for 2nd night and got it flying on the sky .. and lucky to have CANON focus monster R3 with RF400mm F2.8 to have this ..
– last night of birding, after Speckled Boobook, immediate got this rare endemic and managed to capture few flying (not really enough shutter speed for sharp picture) . It flying high up with torch the light still not enough for any picture opportunity. Thanks CANON R3 it lock focus in such dark environment and track it down.
– almost time to finish off Malaysia tours, and time for lovely places again. I am going Sulawesi and Halmahera again Oct. Anyone interest on 2025 ? 2024 full 😀
– hopefully see this owl again, lovely and wait for me.
202304, North Sulawesi, Indonesia202304, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
52. Minahassa Masked-Owl, 米纳仓鸮, 米納倉鴞, Tyto inexspectata, ミナハサメンフクロウ, Serak Minahasa
A forest barn-owl with rich rufous coloration over its entire body. Particularly note the rufous facial disk and forecrown to aid identification. Juvenile is browner-winged, with speckled gray underparts. Inhabits forest understory within lowlands and mountains, avoiding open country. Confined to Sulawesi. Smaller and more richly rufous-colored overall than Sulawesi Masked-Owl, with a rufous facial disk and forecrown and fewer dark markings on the wings and upperparts. Also note preference for closed-forest habitat. Call is a single long piercing screech: “SHEEEEEEEER.” [Ebird]
update 202310
– a special owl, seem everyone wanted to have a look at Sulawesi (included the local) as believe lucky ? but it is always challenge to looking for one.
– 蛮特别的鸮，几乎每个观鸟的到这都想看到。（本土人也很希望看到，代表幸运）
201908, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
53. Sri Lanka Bay-Owl, 斯里兰卡栗鸮, 斯里蘭卡栗鴞, Phodilus assimilis, スリランカメンフクロウ
– one of 2023 Dec Sri Lanka Birding trip main target, missed it day1 and got it ir after heavy rain and all wet ..
– look slight bigger and brown compare to ours Oriental ?
update 202312
– we looking for last endemic bird of the tour, Red-faced Malkoha after got it with record picture .. heavy rain came and all wet, after basic lunch at village house. We thought of going back hotel for rest but ours local guide told us someone found Bay-owl .. without wait we straight go the spot for the owl
1. Dollarbird, 三宝鸟, 三寶鳥, Eurystomus orientalis, Eurystomus orientalis, TIUNG-BATU BIASA
– not rare, medium size blue-greenish bird
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.
101. Purple-winged Roller, 藍翅佛法僧, 紫翅佛法僧, Coracias temminckii, セレベスブッポウソウ, Tiong-lampu sulawesi
– a very beautiful bird, just like Malaysia Indochinese Roller but this with less vibrant colors and a “purple” wing-tail. Sulawesi endemic.
– 非常漂亮的佛法僧，非常害羞。蘇拉威西特有種。
update 202505
This species is always one of my main photography targets whenever I’m at Tangkoko. It’s a darker-colored roller, typically found near the forest edge, with striking overall purple plumage.
51. Indian Roller, 印度佛法僧, 棕胸佛法僧, Coracias benghalensis, インドブッポウソウ
A brightly colored bird with various shades of blue on the wings, tails, and belly that are often more prominent in flight. Note the longitudinal white streaks on the throat and breast. Indochinese Roller has a purple-blue breast, a darker olive back, and is generally darker blue. Generally silent, but more vocal in breeding season with harsh calls. Prefers open areas, including agricultural landscapes, sitting on exposed perches including electric wires, occasionally pumping its tail slowly. Practically a resident roller with some movements in the western parts of its range. 【Ebird]
update 20231218
– wonderful moment to get close and stay long for us, it is so colorful
– 非常漂亮的鸟，与马来西亚的种不一样。这只很乖站了很久也蛮近的
202312, Yala NP, Sri Lanka
201. European Roller, 蓝胸佛法僧, 藍胸佛法僧, Coracias garrulus, ニシブッポウソウ
update 20501
In South Africa’s western region, this season is perfect for birdwatching as many common species are abundant. It’s been an enjoyable time spotting various targets, with the bonus of encountering a few truly stunning birds along the way.
Another stunning bird that caught our attention—some had lost their long tails. But this one stayed close for quite a while, giving almost everyone the chance to capture a great shot.
Such a beautiful bird! Unfortunately, we only managed a single sighting during a rushed midday drive. The intense heat waves badly affected the photo quality, but we had no choice and still tried our best to capture the beauty of this bird.
101. Eurasian Coot, 白骨顶, 白骨頂, Fulica atra, オオバン, PANGLIN-HITAM BIASA
THAILAND
201. Gray-headed Swamphen, 紫水鸡, 灰頭紫水雞, Porphyrio poliocephalus, ハイガシラセイケイ, PANGLIN BIASA
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1. Eurasian Moorhen, 黑水鸡, 黑水雞, Gallinula chloropus, バン, TIUNG-AIR BIASA
– common black-red bird that stay near fresh water
– normally shy to human
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2. Slaty-breasted Rail, 灰胸秧鸡, 灰胸秧雞, Lewinia striata, ハシナガクイナ, SINTAR BIASA
– a common rail that can found a pond, a river that near to the urban area
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.
Male is unmistakable, with black body, brown-edged wing coverts, and red-and-yellow bill with raised, spiky red frontal shield (unlike smaller moorhen). Females and immature are similarly large but speckled brown above with tan faces, and lack male’s frontal shield. (*EBird)
– very shy bird to be seen and photographed
– normally found near fresh water pond, stream etc
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– a shy big, normally the female and non-breeding overall brown. Wing with bars
– breeding male overall black, spiky red frontal shield, yellow-red bill, brown-edged wing coverts
– very lucky to have a few, not that shy bird allow us captured pictures and video
– male breeding is an overall black, red-yellow crown, yellow bill, brownish mark wing. female/juvi/male non-breeding is overall brownish and wing marking
202104, Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia (male)202104, Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia (male)202104, Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia (female)
update 202103
– a shy bird and lucky to have the male breeding plumage. ready to go home or ready to breed?
– 非常害羞的鸟。繁殖羽了。是为了回家还是繁殖？
202103, Selangor, Malaysia
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6. White-breasted Waterhen, 白胸苦恶鸟, 白胸苦惡鳥, Amaurornis phoenicurus, シロハラクイナ, RUAK-RUAK BIASA
– medium size, very common and widespread (urban, river, stream, pond, paddy-field etc)
– overall black upper and white underpart, red-yellow bill, white face
update 202105
Pulau Indah, Selangor, Malaysia
7. White-browed Crake, 白眉田鸡, 灰田雞, Amaurornis cinerea, マミジロクイナ, RUAK-RUAK KENING PUTIH
– medium size, common at fresh water pond, stream
– overall light brown, yellow-orange bill and obvious white-browed and black mask
update 202105
Dengkil, Selangor, Malaysia
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8. Red-legged Crake, 红腿斑秧鸡, 紅腿斑秧雞, Rallina fasciata, ナンヨウオオクイナ, SINTAR-MERAH KAKI API
– overall orange, the orange from head to chest. bellied are a black-white bar and red leg. smaller bill
Small, chickenlike inhabitant of marshes, vegetated river edges, ditches, wet croplands, sometimes dry fields. Brown above, with orange from lower cheek to lower breast. Similar to Band-bellied Crake, but more brightly colored and lacks white wing markings. (*Ebird)
– sub-s celebensis, only at Sulawesi and satellite islands
– a pretty common near urban, orchard etc
– this is a different sub-s torquatus compare to Phil-Borneo
– 在蘇拉威西蠻普通的。在果園，公園，等。
這與菲律賓，婆羅洲的亞種 （torquatus）不一樣
update 202102
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#
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China
101. Eurasian Coot, 白骨顶, 白骨頂, Fulica atra, オオバン, PANGLIN-HITAM BIASA
– also known as the common coot, or Australian coot
– overall black and white crown-bill, moving in group
update 202105
– captured while bird watching trip at Shangri-La, Yunnan, China
Shangri-La, Yunnan, China
202601
update 202601
This bird is very common here in Yunnan—you can easily see it up close around streams, rivers, and lakes. I’m here on a family holiday, enjoying a relaxed time with coffee and loved ones, casually watching the birds nearby. Suddenly, this bird started showing some action. My camera didn’t miss the moment—I captured everything and compiled the shots into this MP4.
201. Gray-headed Swamphen, 紫水鸡, 灰頭紫水雞, Porphyrio poliocephalus, ハイガシラセイケイ, PANGLIN BIASA
update 202601
It was our arrival day, and while waiting for our main target, we were treated to an amazing scene—about 15 of them feeding together in the same open area. Some even started fighting, adding plenty of action. Under the bright sunshine, they looked absolutely beautiful.
101. Sulawesi Myna, 苏拉王椋鸟, 蘇拉威西王椋鳥, Basilornis celebensis, セレベスオオサマムクドリ
A glossy-black starling with a rounded crest and prominent pale markings on cheeks and breast sides. Juvenile dark brown with a pale underside. Inhabits canopy of forest, forest edge, and nearby degraded areas within lowlands and foothills, typically in pairs or small groups. Distinguished from Short-tailed and Asian Glossy Starlings by large-headed appearance (due to crest) and conspicuous pale patches in plumage. Calls include a clear, metallic, piercing “tzew” and “tzip” as well as “zowee” notes; also gives quiet buzzy warbles. [EBird]
– 几乎全黑.脸颊和胸前有白。蛮可爱的鸟。可是通常都站高高的。
这次很幸运的站了很低让我们拍。
update 202310
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202305
– always seen bird but always high up without any reasonable view or picture. finally this bird decided to stand low for us.
An unmistakable long-tailed, black-and-white myna. Black except for broad white breast band and collar. South Sulawesi form has a pale-tipped bill; in north, bill is entirely dark. Juveniles less glossy and shorter-tailed than adults. Found in pairs or small groups in canopy of forest and forest edge in lowlands and foothills. Often perches out on prominent dead branches. Restricted to Sulawesi, satellite islands, and Togian Islands. Gives a variety of odd calls, including high-pitched piercing “keer,” soft low-pitched “kyop,” and other whistles and metallic notes. (ebird)
update 202511
Another productive morning clearing one more target on our final 2025 Sulawesi Bird Photography Tour. As we arrived at the location, this bird was already perched out in the open, offering great views and photo opportunities.
Never before has this bird stayed out in the open for us this long—easily 10 to 20 minutes! After such an extended view, everyone got ready for a flight shot… and yes, it finally took off with a perfect pose.
– a rather common endemic, but normally high up at canopy. a lucky moment it stand quite low for us this time. (few occasions)
– 蛮普通的苏拉威西特有种。可是总是站高高，这次也幸运见到几次都蛮低。
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
103. Bali Myna, 长冠八哥, 峇里島長冠八哥, Leucopsar rothschildi, カンムリシロムク, Jalak Bali
An eye-catching white starling with black tips to the tail and wings, bare blue facial skin, and long plumes that hang down the nape. Juvenile is shorter-crested than adult, with yellow wash. Found in small groups in open forest, where it spends time in the trees and foraging on the ground. Avoids dense forest. Restricted to northwest Bali. Differs from Black-winged Starling in having the black on the wings confined to tips, and in showing blue facial skin. Song is an untidy jumble of scratchy, chattering notes and whistles. [Ebird]
This is truly one of the most beautiful mynas! We had seen this species a few times before, but usually perched high up near the canopy, offering only distant views.
This time, we were fortunate — a few individuals came down to feed, giving us a clear and close view, along with great photo opportunities.
这是最美丽的八哥之一！我们之前几次都看到过这种鸟，但总是停在高高的树冠上，只能远远望见。
这次非常幸运，有几只飞下来觅食，距离很近，让我们有清晰的观察和拍照机会，实在太棒了！
202511, Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
A small starling with dramatically different-looking sexes, although both sexes sport a distinctive dark bill and a lemon-yellow eye. The male is iridescent, ranging from plum-violet to purple-blue depending on the light, except for the white belly and vent. The female and juvenile have brown-streaked white bellies and darker brown-streaked upperparts. Pairs and small flocks occupy open woodland, riverine forest, and wooded parkland, where they feed on fruit and berries, being an important dispersal agent of mistletoes, although they also opportunistically take insects, particularly winged termites and ants. Some populations are resident, but most are migratory or nomadic. [Ebird]
Before planning this Africa trip, I was really curious about how a starling could have such a vivid violet color (even though we also have the Violet Cuckoo with a similar hue). I really wanted to photograph this bird in good lighting, despite everyone saying it’s common. But in 17 days, we only had two great opportunities. Now, I’m happy with what I got—until the next visit!
A medium-sized iridescent blue-green glossy starling with a dark ear-patch and contrasting royal blue to violet flanks and belly. Pairs and small groups occupy savanna, where they feed on the ground and in trees on fruit and insects; occasionally up to 300 may gather at fruiting trees. Often the species scavenges from people. It gives a cat-like nasal “squuee-aar” contact call that is distinctive. The similar Lesser Blue-eared Starling differs from Greater Blue-eared Starling by being smaller with a more compact head and finer bill, by having a smaller ear-patch, and by preferring broadleaf woodland. The Cape Starling differs from the “blue-eared” starlings by having greener ear-patches, belly, and flanks. [Ebird]
One of the colorful starlings of South Africa, this bird displays bright metallic colors whether standing or flying. It’s a stunningly beautiful and common species.
This was the very first bird we sighted the moment we stepped off the plane. They were everywhere around the airport area. An incredibly beautiful bird, very common and surprisingly tame in Kenya. But honestly, who cares how common it is? Beauty is beauty.
– winter visitor (North) that normally moving in a group
– very colorful back if at correct lighting
update 202411
– a small starling which come in big flocks, white front/head, black(greenish, purple back)
– it is a time to see many of this bird again, mean the migration bird already here from North. Lucky to have it so low even a little bit shy
– 蛮小的椋鸟，头部，前半部都是灰白。北部带青，紫，黑。
– 当我们又见到这鸟，证明是北部的候鸟已到达。这次很幸运拍到很低，虽然夜害羞。
202411, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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update 202012
202012, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia202011, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Common Hill Myna, 鹩哥, 鷯哥, Gracula religiosa, キュウカンチョウ, TIUNG-EMAS BIASA
– lovely beautiful songbird, many people like to keep this as a pet bird
– always obvious shying yellow and stand high up a myna
update 202104
– I am in progress testing the Canon EF lens on Fujifilm Camere with a Fringer adapter. so I spend few days at the forest edge waiting for any birds that flying past and trying to use this setup to capture any pictures
– a very good songbird normally stand up to canopy with very loud and lovely sounds
*more testing sharing later
– 这几天我在森林周边的开阔地方。试佳能镜头，富士机身, Fringer EF-FX pro 。任何鸟飞过我都 试试看看可以用区域对焦+追焦。
Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
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update 202101
3. Asian Glossy Starling, 亚洲辉椋鸟, 亞洲輝椋鳥, Aplonis panayensis, ミドリカラスモドキ, PERLING-KILAT ASIA
– very common urban birds, normally moving in a big group
– male glossy green-black, juvenile streaky breast and gray
update 202101
202012, Parit Jawa, Johor, Malaysia
4. Rosy Starling, 粉红椋鸟, 粉紅椋鳥, Pastor roseus, バライロムクドリ, PERLING JAMBU
– escape/release pet bird and not native for Malaysia
update 202101
6. Asian Pied Starling, 斑椋鸟, 斑椋鳥, Gracupica contra, ホオジロムクドリ,PERLING TELINGA PUTIH
– escape/release pet bird and not native for Malaysia
update 202101
7. Common Myna, 家八哥, Acridotheres tristis, インドハッカ, GEMBALA-KERBAU RUMAH
– common urban area, near the forest edge
– getting less due to Javan Myna number increase
update 202402
– a quick out for continue the CANON R5 with CANON RF200800mm, can see the advantage of high megapixel when the lighting is good. But most of my situation is extreme low light … so it is very subjective …
– one of the most dangerous species for Malaysia where after Javan Myna been introduced
– sometimes confuse with Javan myna with more gray and bill
– found forest edge and urban area
– bill below (back) got the blue mark
update 202101
202101, Malim Nawar, Perak, Malaysia
9. Javan Myna, 爪哇八哥, Acridotheres javanicus, ジャワハッカ, Tiong Jambul Jawa
– introduced species affected almost whole Peninsular Malaysia Myna population (reduce)
update 202101
10. Great Myna, 林八哥, Acridotheres grandis, オオハッカ, GEMBALA-KERBAU SAWAH INDOCHINA
– an introduced myna but not as good as Javan Myna
– only found some urban garden
update 202106
– a long lockdown since May, I am stucked near my housing area. This bird come to my window everyday try to search for my cat daily. I also finally found it when my daily simple walking/jogging/birding, they are doing well here minimum 5 birds found.
1. Plain Flowerpecker, 纯色啄花鸟, 純色啄花鳥, Dicaeum minullum, ムジハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI KECIL BIASA
– plain overall
update 20240110
– so many of dull fellow, meet up minimum 3 birds in 2-3 hour. very active but this bird just stay there for so long
– 一个早上，尽然遇上好几只。通常非常活跃，可是今天2只站很久
20240105, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
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202205
– the bird still active, even not so colorful but it is a lifer for guest is always a good bird
– 还好还在，虽然很普通的鸟（鸟如其名）。可是还是客人新鸟种。
202205, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202204
– a plain color bird but as same as other flowerpecker, small and active
– 鸟如其名。纯色，可是还是一样的活跃。
202105, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202112
– just another casual birding day and see this plain and small bird
– 没目标的一天，见到这淡+小的鸟。陪我过了30钟。
202112, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202105
– a pale bird, that not that common. but 2 days in a row saw 4 birds in different locations.
– overall pale brown-light green, with no mark on the face.
– 如名。純色。蠻不起眼的小鳥。
202105, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
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Plain Flowerpecker, 纯色啄花鸟,純色啄花鳥, Dicaeum minullum,ムジハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI KECIL BIASA
– common, found near the forest edge, parks, mangrove, sub-montane etc
– with bright orange mostly front-underpart
update 202508
It’s a very common but still incredibly beautiful bird of Malaysia. However, because of its small size, it’s always a challenge to get a really good photo of it.
这是马来西亚非常常见但又很漂亮的一种鸟。不过因为体型小，总是很难拍到理想的照片。
202507, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202011
3. Black-sided Flowerpecker, 黑胁啄花鸟, 黑脅啄花鳥,Dicaeum monticolum, ボルネオノドアカハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI GUNUNG BORNEO
– montane Borneo endemic
update 202504
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update 202407
– it is always co-operative for us, this time even lower and closer for us. While we busy to get good view of the Bornean Treepie. This bird just perch few feet from us and lets everyone has good view
– after long, again using R5 for this long trip, hope I change my view on this camera.
– 通常都很合作的鸟，今天竟然站离我们几尺而已。没个人都看的很好。
– 好几年没再认真用佳能R5，这次会在婆罗洲用上。希望会对它有点改观。
202407, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202405
– it is a raining day, this common montane endemic just stand there for so long for us .. lovely Borneo endemic
– 在下雨天，这婆罗洲特有种。很乖的站很久让我们拍够够。
202405, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202309
– an endemic that not that difficult but beautiful to be seen …
– common lowland small flowerpecker, overall yellow
Update 202508
There were plenty of Green Broadbills in the national park—we heard and saw several during just 1.5 days of birding. This particular pair stood out, as they came in close to us, looking curious and unbothered.
– similar look as Borneo endemic Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker
update 202509
The forest has been unusually quiet for the past two days — even common species like bulbuls, flowerpeckers, and sunbirds are nowhere to be seen. Thankfully, this bird was one of the few that came low and close, feeding calmly without being bothered by our presence.
– it is almost one of the rareness bird to be seen in Malaysia, I dont have chance see this bird too much every year.. but it is such a good experience seeing this from Peninsula Malaysia and Borneo within 1 month ..
– one of the main reason visit KLIAS forest reserve, Sabah …
– rare, or always overlook brown canopy small flowerpecker
update 202311
– at the same fruiting tree, we had both dull brown-white flowerpecker. One with dark eye and the other pale eye .. but need to show customers the Brown-backed so I missed the chance again 🙁
– 同一棵果树。见到两只淡淡的啄花鸟。一只眼暗色，另一只“白”可惜又错过拍哪只褐背啄花鸟。
202311, Merapoh, Kelantan, Malaysia
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update 202301
– a rare occasion where more than 10 of this species bird on same fruiting tree
– Borneo endemic, which very similar to Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker which is rare in Borneo.
– different by the rumped and breast “red”
update 202407
– a raining afternoon, almost lost full half day but before we call it a day. Got few birds gave us some good view include this Borneo endemic. a pair stay low and long for us.
– 几乎整个下午都下雨，看是没什么机会。我还是叫大家到有花的地方等雨停，还好好几只不错的鸟出现。包括这只婆罗洲特有种。
202407, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
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update 202405
– active and common Borneo endemic in certain places like Sabah RDC, Danum Valley BRL
– for the group this is the only bird that keep seeing again and again in very close distance.
– 在婆罗洲, 西必洛,丹浓谷保护区 都不难拍到这鸟。
– 在上一团，这可是见最多的婆罗洲特有种。还要是特别近距离的。
202405, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202012
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9. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, 朱背啄花鸟, 朱背啄花鳥, Dicaeum cruentatum, セアカハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI BELAKANG MERAH
– common flowerpecker for Malaysia
– urban, mangrove, and 2nd forest
– 非常普通的啄花鳥
update 202405
– one of pretty common flowerpecker but not sure what happen. keep miss this bird recently and finally have this again with good view.
– 慢普通的，可是最近终是见不到这鸟。终于还是飞来我们面前让我们拍好好。
202405, Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202103
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10. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, 红胸啄花鸟, 红胸啄花鸟, Dicaeum ignipectu, ハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI GUNUNG BIASA
– a montane flowerpecker which male having overall blue with “ref-fire” on breast
One of the most common birds at Fraser’s Hill, often seen feeding around flowers. Like other flowerpeckers, it’s small and constantly on the move—making it a fun but challenging subject to photograph.
– a common, tiny and active bird found Fraser Hill.
– with new camera AI technology, capture such a active and tiny bird picture with much easier compare to old DLSR time. Anyone want share how you shoot active (AF)and small bird with yours’ Camere ?
– as other’s flowerpecker, good to find near some flowering tree
– 蘇拉威西特有種
update 202310
– our simple no target day at Tomohon, come across this best spot for all the small birds .. good photography spot … so close and good lighting and background
A 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 ?
