It’s a common and not particularly beautiful bird, but each time it’s spotted, its size and leaf-like appearance still spark excitement.
这是一种常见且不算特别美丽的鸟，但每次看到它时，它的体型和如叶子般的外形仍然让人感到兴奋。
202504, Sungai Relau, Merapoh, Pahang
2. Garnet Pitta, 榴红八色鸫, 榴紅八色鶇, Erythropitta granatina, ムラサキヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
Update 202505
It was exciting to spot one moving on the ground without being disturbed by our presence—there were ten of us constantly shifting around for a better angle. We were lucky to encounter this Pitta without a long wait or much effort.
We spent our morning at the canopy, enjoying many great views of different birds. One was especially memorable—at eye level, feeding slowly instead of just flying past. A lovely Malkoha.
4. Malayan Banded-Pitta, 马来蓝尾八色鸫, 馬來藍尾八色鶇, Hydrornis irena，マラヤシマヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT BELANG MELAYU
update 202508
Always a pleasure catching up with one of the best birders/guides I know—Matthew and Hoi Ling! He made a short visit and requested a few lifers, so we left KL at 2:30am and headed to Merapoh. Despite the morning rain, we managed to tick off two lifers soon after arrival. Once the rain stopped, we got lucky again with this special lifer—it showed up twice (I missed the first photo opportunity)! Such a stunning Pitta, and a great moment getting both Garnet and this species away from the usual “stage”.
5. Thick-billed Green-Pigeon, 厚嘴绿鸠, 厚嘴綠鳩, Treron curvirostra, ハシブトアオバト, PUNAI ARA BIASA
update 202508
This is one of the most common green pigeons in the region—medium-sized and easily recognized by its thick, pale green eye-ring.
With a fruiting tree nearby, spotting them wasn’t too hard. Although we hoped for more species, we’re glad our guests got to tick off two of their targets here!
This is one of those birds we often hear or briefly see, but rarely get a good photo opportunity with. However, last month we were lucky to enjoy two amazing encounters—one in Peninsular Malaysia and another in Borneo.
As we were walking out of the forest after getting our main target, we heard its call nearby. Moments later, it appeared almost at eye level, just around 5 meters from us. What a moment!
Had an incredible time birding with a patient group from Canada. After a quiet start at our first stop, we headed deeper into the National Park. Suddenly, I caught a familiar call—I couldn’t help but shout, ‘Jayshrike!’ We got so lucky when it flew out and perched right in front of us. What a spectacular view, absolutely brilliant!
After hitting guest 6,500th species milestone, we decided to keep the momentum going in search of more lifers—aiming to get as close as possible to the 7,000 mark. Upon arriving at the tree top tower, I was incredibly lucky to spot two
Upon arriving at the tower, we were greeted by a beautiful, fast-moving bird circling the structure without pause. I quickly made my way to the top of the observation deck to get an eye-level shot and capture its grace.
Modern camera technology truly makes capturing such fast subjects feel almost effortless.
202602,
Taman Negara Sungai Relau, Pahang, Malaysia
10. Malayan Peacock-Pheasant, 凤冠孔雀雉, 鳳冠孔雀雉,Polyplectron malacense, マレーエボシコクジャク,KUANG-CERMIN MELAYU
update 202602
Last year, right after we spotted the Great Argus, everyone else was busy looking for other rare sightings. That’s when I noticed a smaller bird quietly approaching the feeding spot. It didn’t take long for this little visitor to start showing up regularly, eventually becoming the star attraction of Sg Relau National Park in Merapoh.
We just arrived at the viewing tower and the bird calls are everywhere! We heard three of them right next to us at the canopy level. We were hoping for a glimpse, and soon enough, both the male and female flew right up to eye level. They stayed close enough for us to get some great pictures.
202602,
Taman Negara Sungai Relau, Pahang, Malaysia
We just arrived at the viewing tower and the bird calls are everywhere! We heard three of them right next to us at the canopy level. We were hoping for a glimpse, and soon enough, both the male and female flew right up to eye level. They stayed close enough for us to get some great pictures.
202602, Taman Negara Sungai Relau, Pahang, Malaysia
12. Brown Fulvetta, 褐雀鹛, 褐雀鶥, Alcippe brunneicauda, ムジチメドリ, KEKICAU-SAMPAH MELAYU
update 202603
Even though this bird has a modest appearance, its song is absolutely beautiful. I’m so glad we could successfully find and check this target species off the list for our guest.
虽然这只鸟外表平凡，但它的歌声动听极了。很高兴能为客人顺利找到这个目标鸟种。
202602,
Taman Negara Sungai Relau, Pahang, Malaysia
Another milestone for the trip! We heard them calling and saw them fly off several times, but never got a clear look until last morning. This one was incredibly vocal and perched right in front of us.
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 big montane endemic of Borneo, not rare but not really a easy bird to get close .. beautiful much easier than the Sumatra Treepie very look alike
– 婆罗洲高山特有种，蛮普通。可是也不容易接近。
202409, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
3. Dark Hawk-Cuckoo, 婆罗鹰鹃, 婆羅鷹鵑, Hierococcyx bocki, クロジュウイチ, SEWAH-TEKUKUR GUNUNG
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
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.
5. 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 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.
8. 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 202503
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.
9. Mountain Barbet, 山拟鴷, 山擬鴷,Megalaima monticola, ヤマゴシキドリ, TAKUR BUKIT BORNEO
update 202509
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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 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!
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 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.
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.
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.
14. Golden-naped Barbet, 金枕拟鴷, 金枕擬鴷, Psilopogon pulcherrimus, キエリゴシキドリ, TAKUR TOPENG HITAM GUNUNG
update 202509
One of the most common and easiest Borneo endemic barbets to see. This species often comes down to feed and is quite tolerant of people.
We were lucky to get a few great photo opportunities with this beautiful bird.
这是婆罗洲最常见、最容易看到的特有拟啄木鸟之一，通常会飞到低处觅食，也不太怕人。
我们很幸运，有几次不错的拍照机会，记录下这只可爱的鸟。
202509, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
15. 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.
No matter how rare or beautiful a bird is, once a photographer captures it too easily, it somehow loses its charm after being “ticked.”
Me and my best buddy first heard the call here, and we later saw it dashing across the area. Since then, this pair has been showing up quite frequently at a particular spot. Strangely, not many people come to see them, even though they’re such a photogenic pair in a perfect setting.
– after long missing this bird at Bukit Tinggi, finally it is back to the common spot. Luckily to have it calling in front of us
– 这鸟几乎不见了，可是最近又出现了。这次很幸运，在我们面前叫不停。
#####
update 202407
– from last first back, it become more brave willing to come open and slow walk. even with the bigger Pheasant arrive it still feed together. Sad it still looking for his mate, making his call bit weird and tired.
– one of the most beautiful partridge for Malaysia.
– another bird that everyone still hope to see while looking for while visiting one of the feeding spot. But it is never easy to meet this bird … finally it is active last few weeks and I managed to see it for 3/4 trips there.
– a big hornbill that cannot mistaken with long tail. Male with red-throat and longer tail, female with white-throat and shorter tail
– another lucky moment, where this bird flying across while we trying to looking for another hornbill. The CANON R1, Pre-capture make this picture where I know it is in the bush and half-press shutter to enable pre-focus .. when the bird fly out .. press the shutter and Bingo.
– few days ago meet up a pair of this rare, big and beautiful honrbill. Today ours lucky day, where we only have 2 Honrbill target after lunch we got it within 30minutes with very good view .. lucky lucky
202407, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia202407, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
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– another amazing encounter for a boring day, it was raining in the morning so we missed ours birding morning… this is on the way to hotel and managed to have this pair bird flying across ours head.
– another bird that always see it far, this is far far away and lucky because of far .. accident captured the female also in a frame (actually crop 50% after 800mm focal length)
– lovely sunset, heard the bird call loud not long we managed to saw it stand far up ..
– arrive Bukit Tinggi noon time which is not much thing we can do, but trying to look for this lovely bird. Stop at first spot and found this bird stay not that high up. But there is a path to climb up to have eye level. Very soon I found it and spoke to small kid (Dev) without any delay he follow me climb up ~20-30m for this picture .. while we going down only he found out we actually climb up quite high 😀 good work boy
– this location use to be one of the easiest place to see this bird, for last few years seem getting slight challenge. Lucky Dev have this real close and long for us
7. Mountain Peacock-Pheasant, 山孔雀雉, アカコクジャク, KUANG-CERMIN GUNUNG
update 202510
This bird holds so many memories — I still remember those early days with Lee, sitting quietly in the hide, waiting patiently just to catch a glimpse. Our first photo and video of it felt like a real achievement. Now, it’s become so easy to see that many no longer appreciate how beautiful and special it truly is.
My final Malaysia birding tour of the year ended here. As expected, the bird showed up early with the partridges, and to our surprise, even displayed a bit — though the female showed no interest. That moment somehow felt like a reflection of myself… perhaps it’s time to seek more “green food” in life again.
– one of the bird I see and photograph most. Years back, we have so many tours just for the Malaysia endemic (Malaya) .. it come to feeding spot over the years and seldom miss
– one of the most beautiful and easy bird to be found and photograph, make me want to find this bird to show to young photographer, Dev. But this time we failed to found one at Fraser Hill but found this family of 3 birds at Bukit Tinggi.
9. 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 202408
– a special tour make us wait for long here, main target got close but dont show .. but many good birds around.. Green Broadbill and this bird show well .. this little fellow never fail to amaze people such a small bird make loud druming sound.
– This is a common bird found in Malaysia’s lowland forests, but it is often overlooked because both the male and female have relatively plain appearances, except for the male’s distinctive blue or dark forehead.
– During our chit-chat session, my buddy suddenly spotted something flying in. He was thrilled to notice it before anyone else—such is the joy of birding: the excitement of discovering it yourself!
14. Black-thighed falconet, 黑腿小隼, Microhierax fringillarius,モモグロヒメハヤブサ, RAJAWALI-BELALANG MELAYU
update 202502
The female remained in the same position for days, made a brief stop, and was quite vocal. Eventually, the male arrived, and the mating session took place—it was a lengthy one, lasting over two minutes in total.
This is our very first bird of this long tour. There’s so much rubbish around, unfortunately. But on a funny note, it seems “he” also enjoys Starbucks coffee!
这是我们这次你啊团遇到的第一只鸟。可惜这里垃圾很多。不过有趣的是，似乎“它”也喜欢星巴克咖啡！
202502, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
16. 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 202504
“I’ve always liked wren-babblers, and this is one of the least-seen species in Malaysia. I happened to hear and spot this bird by chance—it was such a different experience compared to before. Finally, I managed to get some good photos!
It was a pleasure to encounter this beautiful bulbul on the first day, right at eye level, giving us the perfect view. I took the opportunity once again to capture some action shots.
18. Sooty Barbet, 马来褐拟鴷, 馬來褐擬鴷, Caloramphus hayii, ススイロゴシキドリ, TAKUR-DAHAN MELAYU
update 202507
It was a quiet day birding with a few close friends at this birding spot. Not much action, but luckily, this species came to the rescue—four of them called nearby and came in close, giving everyone a chance for some great photos.
it is last Peninsular Malaysia birding tour for 2025 (as for now), it was real luck even raining season but we have full 1 day without any rain with 42 birds photograph ! I am day1 using Canon new R6 markiii, due to busy schedule can;t share much like last time (but if you need more info how’s it perform from actual field experience in Malaysia rain forest do PM me)
this is one of the bird that we had so many sights and few times it is low and good light for us. lovely not so common bulbul
202511, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
20. Dusky Broadbill, 暗阔嘴鸟, 暗闊嘴鳥, Corydon sumatranus, ガマヒロハシ, HUJAN-HUJAN BESAR
update 202511
What a surprise to spot this species here! Although not the first time, it’s still quite rare to see them in this area. Even better, they were feeding very close to us—right at eye level—giving us a great photography opportunity.
A noisy flock too, making their presence known and helping us locate them easily!
One of our guests’ top targets! While we don’t have a specific spot for this bird, we were lucky enough to spot it twice during our 8-day trip. This particular one perched just a meter away, staring right back at us.
– 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
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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。
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
– 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
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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。
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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
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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
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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
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)!
21. Wreathed Hornbill, 花冠皱盔犀鸟, Rhyticeros undulatus, シワコブサイチョウ, ENGGANG GUNUNG BIASA
####
1. Reddish Scops-Owl, 棕角鸮, 棕角鴞, Otus rufescens, アカチャコノハズク, JAMPUK MERAH
update 202402
– this bird do not make any vocal when we were at Taman Negara, but come to here it call non stop and after boring for 1 hour. This bird just sudden appear .. cute and persistent call owl in the forest
2. 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
3. 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
#####
update 202405
– 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
– 有如其他鸟人，到京河。都想看看这犀鸟，这犀鸟其实在其他点很不容易见到。
202403, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
4. 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
– medium size bird
– Large orange-brown owl with prominent “horns” and bright yellow eyes (ebird)
– common found near ponds, stream, and river
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 ..
– 一个1.5小时的夜观，见到不少于8只马来鱼鸮。这鸟蛮普通的，在河边，湖边都不难见到。
202403, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
5. Common Kingfisher, 普通翠鸟, 普通翠鳥, Alcedo atthis, カワセミ, RAJAUDANG CICIT
update 202403
– this bird seem pretty common at Kinabatangan River .. not less than 20 birds over 2.5 days there
– 今年没什么候鸟，可是这一种却还好。2.5天看到不下20只吧
202403, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
6. Oriental Darter, 黑腹蛇鹈, 黑腹蛇鵜, Anhinga melanogaster, アジアヘビウ, KOSA-ULAR ASIA
update 202403
– very common bird Kinabatangan River, come at the right place can get close to the bird as close as 10 feet … they are not shy at all
“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.
– wonderful moment while looking for this bird so long open on tree calling non stop .. it is total excitement to get one in the wild ..
– 没几个人感受到我们的兴奋，这么害羞的鸟站哪叫很久。在野拍的到这么一只鸟是多么兴奋。
9. Straw-headed Bulbul, 黄冠鹎, 黃冠鵯, Pycnonotus zeylanicus, キガシラヒヨドリ, BARAU-BARAU RAYA
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
– 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
12. 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
– 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.
– 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
16. 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.
– 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 ..
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
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!
19. 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.
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!
21. 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.
29. 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
30. Little Cuckoo-Dove, 小赤鹃鸠, 小赤鵑鳩, Macropygia ruficeps, ヒメオナガバト, Burung Tekukur Api
#####
update 202409
– 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 …
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
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!
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.
– another bird that we seldom missed since pandemic “covid” (previously seem more shy). This bird just pop up when we trying to locate the partridge. Cute, small and fast
– “side effect” of the CANON RF200800, this bird small, fast and always in lowlight .. end up ISO20000 needed
– as usual very fast moving and tiny bird.but now with the AI camera CANON R7. so much easier with the animal eye detect. almost like point the lens to the bird and press shutter
– 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!
– 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
– 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 ? ”
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 ..
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.
– 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.
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.
– 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
#####
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
11. 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
#####
update 202405
– 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 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.
14. Temminck’s sunbird, 特氏太阳鸟, 特氏太陽鳥, Aethopyga temminckii, ミヤマタイヨウチョウ, KELICAP MERAH EKOR API
update 202408
– it is not first time but good chance to record this moment a sunbird feed on small insect. It is keep few times to got the spider on mouth.
– 不是第一次看到太阳鸟吃昆虫。可是这次终于记录到他吃蜘蛛，可是他也不容易试了好几次才捉到。
202408, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– a pretty common bird found Kinabalu National Park, which cannot be wrong active making continuous noisy call and “red”
– 在神山非常普通的鸟。很少会错，红+吵的小小东西就是它了。
202404, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
15. 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
update 202504#####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
#####
16. 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
– 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
19. 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.
– 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
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
– 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
24. 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.
– 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..
– 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
26. 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.
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!
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!
29. 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
30. 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.
– what you want is what other want ? for sure NOPE .. for the first time in Fraser with guests we not going for most of the targets but just concentrate few for photo (they are first time birding-Photography in Malaysia) .. but always patient pay off
– the moment it came so close <10feet, it is so beautiful to look it close … definite best 2024 moment …
– 还在沉迷在哪一刻，这漂亮的鸠就站在我们10尺内。很漂亮哦。这肯定是2024最美好的其中一刻。
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202402
– we spent ours “rest hours” at “tower instead shower” reward with many good birds and pictures .. this is one of them <10 feet with such a beautiful and rare bird
2. Black-thighed falconet, 黑腿小隼, Microhierax fringillarius,モモグロヒメハヤブサ,RAJAWALI-BELALANG MELAYU
update 202402
– it came so close, have a close view and low view for this bird just simply awesome. lovely
– 这鸟下来太低了。在这么好角度看，这鸟太漂亮了。
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
3. Large Cuckooshrike, 大鵑鵙, Coracina macei, オオオニサンショウクイ, Burung Sewah Besar
– common at Fraser Hill
update 202402
– another great experience it came low and close for moth just like ~15 years ago Jelai Hotel ? such a beauty when have close view
– 有如回到～15年前，“Jelai”酒店时代。鸟下来很低吃飞蛾。近距离看，这鸟也很美。
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Mal
4. Silver-breasted Broadbill, 银胸丝冠鸟,銀胸絲冠鳥, Serilophus lunatus, ギンムネヒロハシ, HUJAN-HUJAN PERAK
update 202403
– very lucky moment while everyone just got the eye level of Trogon, this bird just not far from the Trogon. But I am not happy with some foreign photographers with us… we found the Trogon and stand at best position for the view but another group of Photographers lead by other Guide just stand infront of us when they saw us looking at the bushes … and I actually told them they blocking us .. but they just ignore us !!!!! please be polite and considerate ..
– a lucky decision to change location of birding and managed to have this cute fellow moving in big groups (~12 of them) .. and follow by main target of Helmeted Hornbill
– 突然换了决定，经过大路突然听到这鸟叫。停下后看到一群（12只左右）。。。没很久也拿下盔犀鸟
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
5. Dark Hawk-Cuckoo, 婆罗鹰鹃, 婆羅鷹鵑, Hierococcyx bocki, クロジュウイチ, SEWAH-TEKUKUR GUNUNG
update 202402
– before we heading to lowland forest, saw it perch very low and immediate stop the car and rush everyone out to have good view but I miss the best eye-contact moment
– a forest Bee-eater, that everyone love to see it while in Malaysia. especially see in close for photo. The call make everyone remember this lovely bird.
– ours’ last bird of Fraser Hill, saw it one day before but this is close for such a good view
– 来马来西亚几乎每个人都想看的鸟。摄鸟当然也不例外，尤其近距离的看。
– 我们在福隆港最后的一只鸟。我们在一天前看到他吃甲虫，这次时近距离看到的。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– it is almost same season for last year, this bird very active now … seem carrying food, actively eating … even common but who will say no to such a beautiful bird
– 每年都大概这季节，它都忙吃+捉吃的。虽然蛮普通可是谁会不要这鸟？
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
7. Black-browed Barbet, 黑眉拟鴷, 黑眉擬鴷, Psilopogon oorti, ゴシキドリ, TAKUR BUKIT BIASA
update 202408
– another day with CANON new R5markii, I cannot do too many testing while working with guests. But I really trying to test the AF, AF tracking my best with the option I have. This picture show how the camera can quickly found the bird even with not much contrast .. it found the eye immediate I point the camera to the bird.
– it is not really that normal to see Barbet feed on insect, it feed 2 (a big cicada before this) and not far it is fruiting tree.. it is always good to see this bird close and eye level
– 在福隆港虽然很普通的鸟，应该也没什么见过这鸟吃“肉” 吧。见到它吃第二只。在近距离就有果树啊。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
8. Fire-tufted Barbet, 火簇拟鴷, 火簇擬鴷, Psilopogon pyrolophus, アカフサゴシキドリ, TAKUR API
update 202403
– another not so common for a Barbet feed on insect but not bring back to feed young. As usual this beautiful Barbet attract all ours attention …
– 这拟鴷还是这么美丽，可是还是蛮不寻常。他们吃昆虫而不是果子，通常在喂小孩时会带回去喂。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
9. Collared Owlet, 领鸺鹠, 領鵂鶹, Glaucidium brodiei, ヒメフクロウ, PUNGGUK-KECIL GELANG
update 202602
We were just out for a casual walk when we heard a strange alert sound coming from the birds. It turned out to be some birds trying mobbing to this tiny owl! It perched quite low and stayed remarkably close while we were heading to lunch. Even though we weren’t specifically looking for owls today, who could possibly resist such a cute little thing?
We spent around 30 minutes listening to the Red-throated Barbet calling, but couldn’t get a clear view. Luckily, a few other species came in close, including this tiny and adorable owl!
Sometimes, there’s too much info on social media—but here’s my experience: I used the Canon R5 Mark II with full-area AF and animal eye detection. The owl was about 30 meters away, and paired with the RF 100-500mm, it locked onto the eye perfectly without hesitation. Highly recommend trying it out yourself!
有时候，社交媒体上的信息太多了，反而容易迷茫。但这里是我实际的经验：我使用的是 Canon R5 Mark II，相机设置为全区域自动对焦+动物眼睛识别。这只猫头鹰大约在30米远的地方，用 RF100-500mm 拍摄，相机毫无犹豫就锁定了眼睛对焦。推荐大家亲自试试！
202510, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202506
We were lucky to witness this owl perched low and calling right in front of us. It looked like it was putting its whole body into each call—an incredible sight!
– After returning from Sumatra, Indonesia, some of us extended our trip by two days to Fraser’s Hill, Malaysia. As anticipated, the rainy season brought limited activity. However, this tiny owl made our day by perching very low, just about 10 feet away—our first sighting of it!
– a very special Photography tour, which parent come with a kid (12 years old) for birds Photography. I told them the behavior of this bird and we were lucky patient wait to have it came really low and close.
– it is a good fruiting tree, gave us very good view (eye level) of few good birds. Included this lovely colorful Barbet
– 这果树真的很好，好几只好鸟都是平视角。包括这只非常漂亮的鸟。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
11. Brown Wood-Owl, 褐林鸮, 褐林鴞, Strix leptogrammica, オオフクロウ, CARIK-KAFAN COKLAT BIASA
update 202403
– this is one of the common Fraser bird, getting difficult .. due to some reason ? or behavior change ? 6-8 years ago, it is so easy to get a good view of this bird… but now most of them shy and standing high up .. for reason ?
– I am lucky 2024, 2 trips got this bird with good view for more than 10 minutes
– 在6-8年前，福隆港是很普通的鸟。可是为什么这几年连看都难看到？什么理由？
– 2024 非常幸运，已2团都看的不错。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
12. Red-headed Trogon, 红头咬鹃, 紅頭咬鵑, Harpactes erythrocephalus, ズアカキヌバネドリ, KESUMBA GUNUNG BIASA
update 202403
– this pair of Trogon is so tame come so close and while I having 800mm on hand .. zoom all the way to get closest look and the “lady” give us a look back view…
– 这一对咬鹃是多么的乖，这么巧800mm就来个大头照。还要这美女来个“回眸一笑“
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
– it is a pretty bird, the male overall red look an amazing under right lighting …
– 这鸟虽然普通，可是在真确光线下很漂亮啊。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
13. Streaked Wren-Babbler, 短尾鹪鹛, 短尾鷦鶥, Turdinus brevicaudatus, ノドフサザイチメドリ, KEKICAU-MURAI GUNUNG BIASA
update 202507
As active as ever, but thankfully it gave us a brief window for some nice shots. While many are complaining about the 1.0.3 firmware, I personally didn’t face any AF issues. The R1 still locks focus quickly and tracks the bird really well!
update 202410
– a very active Wren-Babbler as other Wren-Babbler. Very good in details if photograph close.
– lucky morning meet this pair active bird real close and stay long for us to capture many lovely photos.
– 与其他鹪鹛一样，非常活跃。很上镜的一只鸟，拍起来非常好看。
– 一个幸运的早上，遇上这一对鸟。非常的乖，跑来很近+就让我们拍到美美。
202410, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
CANON R3, CANON RF200-800mm
Pahang, Malaysia
– lucky to have this bird calling non stop at road side when we just arrive to check out
– another possible Trogon found Fraser Hill gap, it is not easy compare to Bukit Tinggi to have better view and picture but it still another option have this beautiful bird at Center of Peninsular Malaysia
– another bird that getting difficult to seen in Bukit Fraser, use to be pretty common but now missing from many previous spots
– 福隆港另一只越来越难见到的鸟。以前蛮多点都可以见到的。可是现在几乎都就几个点。
202404, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
22. Sultan Tit, 冕雀, Melanochlora sultanea, サルタンガラ, SESERAI SULTAN
update 202507
This bird has been especially active lately—seems to show up almost everywhere during our birding at Fraser’s Hill. This one even came in nice and close to us!
最近这只鸟特别活跃，我们在福隆港观鸟时几乎到处都能看到它。这次它还靠得特别近，太棒了！
202507, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
#####
update 202406
– a bird that Photographers never boring with, ours’ pre-CANON sharing session. We had this bird came to eye level for us but it still a active moving around to have some good photo.
– a overall Yellow-black active bird that can found lowland up to sub-montain
– 黑黄活跃的鸟，在低海拔-中海拔（～1200米）都蛮普通
– 在我们佳能活动前这鸟下来很低。让每个人拍的很好。
202406, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202404
– a quite boring day at Fraser Hill morning, but this bird came down to say hi to everyone just before rain
– it is very common bird at Peninsular Malaysia from lowland – sub-montane. beautiful song bird
– 西马，蛮普通的鸟，很会唱歌。
2024043 Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
24. Malayan Partridge, 砍氏山鹧鸪, 馬來山鷓鴣, Arborophila campbelli, スマトラミヤマテッケイ, SERUK-GUNUNG MELAYU
update 202405
– another bird that use to be so difficult but now just need patient wait… still a beautiful bird
– 福隆港另一只之前非常难见到的鸟，可是现在有耐心就好。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
25. Sunda Brush Cuckoo, 锈胸丛杜鹃, 銹胸叢杜鵑, Cacomantis sepulcralis, チャムネヒメカッコウ, MATINAK DADA JINGGA BIASA
update 202503
Another change since the last update: the Brush Cuckoo is now classified as the Sunda Brush Cuckoo. It is easily recognizable by its gray head and “rusty” breast, though it can sometimes be confused with the Plaintive Cuckoo.
– a bird that always heard and sometime just fly too close and hide from us to be seen or photograph.. Brush or Rusty breasted ? now it call Brush in eBird
– something happen in the group and make the whole schedule late but still trying to do some late evening birding at GAP, Fraser Hill. Not bad for short time have Green Broadbill, Brush Cuckoo, Rufous Bellied Swallow, Black Laughingthrush etc …
– a very common bird of Fraser Hill, moving in flock. Overall Grey, red eye and long tailed.
– as usual at one of the “feeding” spot at Fraser hill, this lovely and noisy birds came for food too
– 福隆港非常普通的一只鸟。通常群体活动。灰，红眼，长尾。
– 在一个“鸟点”等主要目标时，几只这蛮好不错的鸟下来蛮低的吃东西。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
27. Buff-breasted Babbler, 棕胸幽鹛, 棕胸幽鶥, Pellorneum tickelli, チャムネムジチメドリ, KEKICAU-TANAH PERANG
update 202405
– a very common overall brown little active babbler in Fraser Hill.
– it appear in most of the “bird spot”. Everyone seem attract Lesser Shortwing rather than this bird
– 福隆港很普通的一只鸟。可是还是非常活跃跳动的。
– 客人们都被短尾鸫吸引，没太大理会这鸟。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
28. Black Eagle, 林雕, 林鵰, Ictinaetus malaiensis, カザノワシ, HELANG HITAM ASIA
update 202405
– it is good season to see this ? sight so many times in Fraser HIll and it flew real close sometime just ~20m from us.
– a not really black overall if with lighting and big raptor which quite frequent found Fraser Hill
– 这个季节怎么这么多这个猛禽？几乎没几个小时就见到还要很低（我们都在不一样的地方）还要飞很低。
– 英文叫“黑鹰”可是在有光线下不黑的。
202405, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
29. Blue Nuthatch, 蓝䴓, 藍䴓, Sitta azurea, ズグロゴジュウカラ, PEPATUK GUNUNG MELAYU
update 202510
This marks my final Malaysia tour for 2025, and once again, it came with its own unique challenges—just like 3 out of my last 4 tours.
This time, the guest had limited mobility, making it difficult to walk or even adjust position to look for our main targets. Despite that, luck was on our side. While simply sitting in a chair, this beautiful bird came in close and gave us a wonderful photo opportunity!
– a good season for this beautiful bird ? when we having ours Canon-Gitzo Photography sharing session, we saw this 2 days in the row and actually heard it more than twice while we have quite limited time for the birding.
– an active & beautiful bird that not that rare but just need some luck to see it.
– 非常活跃，漂亮的小鸟。不稀有，因为小活跃。也是属于群体活动（与其他鸟）遇上这鸟需要点运气。
– 在我们2天1夜佳能+捷信摄影分享营。见到2次+听到4-5次。可能季节到了？
202406, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
30. Sunda Scimitar-Babbler, 巽他钩嘴鹛, 巽他鉤嘴鶥, Pomatorhinus bornensis, セアカマルハシ, KEKICAU-MELENGKUNG BERCELAK MELAYU
update 202407
– I do not have many luck on this bird, many times meet this bird close wihtout camera. finally today it came very low while we waiting for Orange-Breasted Trogon.
– an active moving fast and around bird with curve beak.
– 我与这鸟没什么缘分。经常看到，可是就没相机。但我们在等橙胸咬鹃，这鸟自己找上门。
202407, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
31. Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush, 栗头噪鹛, 栗頭噪鶥, Ianthocincla mitrata, チャガシラガビチョウ, KEKICAU-RAYA BIASA
update 202407
– one of the most common birds from Fraser Hill, lovely, beautiful too
– 福隆港最普通的一种鸟之一，几乎哪都看到。可是还是很美的小鸟。
202407, Bukit Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia
32. Brown-backed Needletail, 褐背针尾雨燕, 褐喉針尾雨燕, Hirundapus giganteus, オオハリオアマツバメ, LAYANG-LAYANG BESAR BIASA
update 202408
– fantastic afternoon, we miss ours main target but so many good bird show up even at noon time. 4 of this big “flying fast” bird passing by few times and managed to have it .. and suddenly feel the R3 not fast enough 😀 even managed to have good few frames.
– 一个很慢的中午，目标鸟完全没声没影。可是很多很好的鸟却出来看看我们
202408, Fraser Hill 55, Pahang, Malaysia
33. Golden-throated Barbet, 金喉拟鴷, 金喉擬鴷, Psilopogon franklinii, キンノドゴシキドリ, TAKUR SAYAP TARUM BIASA
update 202408
– a Barbet that not that common in Fraser Hill area, but it is show well for few days here. with the complex environment. The new CANON R5markii, full area focus found the bird almost immediate. I really like the R5markii … you ?
– one of my favorite birds of Malaysia, it is small, cute, active and lovely bird. It always moving with wing span open. But it almost invisible by naked eye.
– with the new canon Pre-continuous Shooting function, simple when see the bird stay still, half-press shutter .. and when see the wing open or move press the shutter .. than anything happen in before .5s will be record as raw into camera .. make this kind of picture simple
It’s a quiet afternoon without much happening, but we’re still on the hunt for our “6500” target. Shortly after arriving at a bamboo forest, three of them appeared within a minute, offering us this fantastic view.
– This is not a rare bird, but it is certainly one of the more challenging birds to spot in Malaysia.
– As the tour was coming to an end and we prepared to head back to town, we made a few stops for this bird. Shortly after, we were rewarded with an excellent view of a female.
– This small bird, commonly heard at Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands, Sumatra’s Kerinci, and Genting Highlands, is often challenging to spot or photograph despite its frequent calls. However, at specific feeding spots, it tends to become tame and reliably appears when humans approach, displaying behavior similar to the Pygmy Cupwing. Notably, it often moves with its wings raised, making its behavior quite distinctive.
– With the new Canon R1’s Continuous Pre-recording feature, every time the bird perches, I half-press the shutter to keep it in focus. As soon as the bird moves or raises its wings, I fully press the shutter, capturing everything that occurred 0.5 seconds prior. This ensures I never miss the perfect moment.
37. Malayan Whistling-Thrush, 马来啸鸫, 馬來嘯鶇, Myophonus robinsoni, マラヤルリチョウ, TIUNG-BELACAN GUNUNG
update 202507
On day one, this bird was right on the railing—such an exciting moment (at least for me, and I hope for my guests too). It might not be the most eye-catching bird for everyone, but I still tried hard to get a good shot since it was such a great opportunity. Even though I’ve had two close, daytime encounters with it this year and got decent photos, I’m still thrilled every time I see this Peninsular Malaysia endemic.
What a surprise to encounter this bird twice during our stay at Fraser’s Hill! Despite the short trip and bad weather, we saw it once in extremely low light and again at midday, offering a much better view.
What a fantastic day at Fraser’s Hill—surrounded by stunning views and so many amazing birds! I missed capturing a few, but this tiny, colorful one couldn’t escape my lens.
It was so exciting to hear this just as we were leaving Fraser’s Hill. In our group, three of us are seriously working on seeing bird families around the world, and although we had three sightings during the tour, this one gave us the best view—perhaps even better than the one at Sungai Relau. Plus, I managed to get a photo of this one. Such a lovely bird!
40. Bay Woodpecker, 黄嘴栗啄木鸟, 黃嘴栗啄木鳥,Blythipicus pyrrhotis, ヤブゲラ,BELATUK-PUNGGUR BELANG
update 202602
Day 2 of our tour was a major success, with most of our target goals achieved. A highlight was when a typically shy and hyperactive woodpecker approached us almost immediately, right as we spotted our Malayan Laughingthrush. It stayed low and close by for quite a while. Fast forward to Day 3, and the luck continues—another bird just perched right in front of us at eye level, only about 5 meters away.
What a lucky day! We started with a Sunda Cuckoo, then enjoyed a close-up view of the stunning Red-headed Trogon, and were soon treated to this surprisingly “tame” and active woodpecker. Everyone had fantastic views and managed great shots!
41. Black Laughingthrush, 黑噪鹛, 黑噪鶥, Garrulax lugubris, クロガビチョウ, KEKICAU-RAYA HITAM BIASA
update 202506
Like in my other sharings, I always enjoy showing what birding looks like today. There’s no absolute right or wrong way—whether it’s through feeding or simply walking, listening, and observing, the joy of birding is what matters. In this final sharing session, we came across this active and noisy bird—quite uncommon, especially to photograph!
It was a slow afternoon—so hot even at 5pm that bird activity was low. But this bird quietly approached and surprised us by showing up just 20–30 feet away! Sadly, it wasn’t in the best position for a good photo.
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
44. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, 红胸啄花鸟, 红胸啄花鸟, Dicaeum ignipectu, ハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI GUNUNG BIASA
update 202509
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 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
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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
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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
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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
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– 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
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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
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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
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– 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
#####
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
#####
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
#####
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
#####
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
#####
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
#####
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
#####
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
#####
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
#####
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.
had been birding at Taiwan 2005-2007 but it was way too long ago, recently a casual trip to Taiwan.. plan some time for Birding and let’s start Birds of Taiwan here
Secretive, handsome endemic pheasant of Taiwan’s mountains. Male slaty blue from nape to flanks, with contrasting white upper back, brown mantle, and dark gray wings; female mostly rich brown with pale markings above. Both sexes have red facial skin, more extensive in male. Forages quietly in pairs in the forest understory, occasionally along forest edge on trails or roads. Both sexes give subtle clucking calls and a high-pitched squeaky alarm call. Male has white in tail and back, unlike Mikado Pheasant; female distinguished by richer plumage tones, broader tail, pale bill, reddish legs, and unmarked underparts. [Ebird]
update 202312
– finish my Taiwan trip last 10days ago and now finish Sumatra, 2023 going to end… a busy year and another busy year coming… what’s everyone plan ?
– I had the same Pheasant 16years +- ago but I remember it was either 30/40d 100400 and misty, dark … so I don’t even remember I had keep the photo or not. But finally this time I got opportunity to see it for longer time, better weather … hope see it again future
– a casual trip to Taiwan, spend some of the time for birding and while going down from DaxueShan (大雪山）, stop by ~17 years ago spot and update by local birder the bird can be found there but not very promising due to no feeding allow policy apply. But I am just walk up and down birding at the famous 23.5k got some birds and meet up Kuan-Chieh Hung (Taiwan Bird guide) with guests. After some chit chat session, one of the guesst say .. come come come .. which not really at casual location. 1 male and 3 female relaxing for more than 5 minutes
– female see very beautiful with so much body pattern
a montane common endemic, normally moving in flock feeding together make a lot sound
高山特有种，蛮普通。通常群体活动。
update 20240105
– so many good pictures opportunity, December in Taiwan but I am there not just for Photography … lets plan 2024 ? 2025 ? Autumn color with birds .. 😀
– this endemic normally moving in group and active making soft call
– 这特有种通常群体活动，蛮普通。叫的很小声。
– 台湾12月很多红叶，应该可以拍些好照片。。2024，2025再去？
202312, DaXueShan, Taiwan
update 20231218
– the only species that I saw 2 day in the row at DaXueShan, lovely and moving fast as other Yuhina.
– the RF200800 does not failed me to fast lock focus and track the bird even I missed quite a lot due to low light (low shutter speed while moving the lens direction fast) but as long as the bird stand still for a second or more most of the continuous series I had more than 70% keeper.
– while I am spending time to look for the Pheasant, this bird keep entertain me.. even at ours’ accommodation area, 1 pair seem very tame and flying around
Critically endangered, highly distinctive stint with spatulate bill tip that can be difficult to spot at a distance when held in profile. A coastal mudflat specialist, it stays close to wet and muddy areas near or in water, unlike Red-necked Stint, which often feeds in much drier areas. Breeding adults have a rusty head that resembles that of Red-necked, but the head tends to be darker and the rusty color extends farther down the breast. Nonbreeding adults and juveniles lack the rusty head, have prominent fine stripes on the crown, dark ear patch, and are overall paler than Red-necked. Flight call a soft “prreee.” [Ebird]
– lucky day, while ours trip there… friend told us, everyone is at a mud beach for this bird and may be I can try my luck… so I try my luck in one morning .. and bingo less than 10 minutes wait the bird came really close for very good view, picture and video
– 蛮幸运的台湾行，当我们到新竹区。朋友让我知道，这明星鸟就在我的酒店不远处。所以我就用个早上试试运气。当我到了，很快就见到这鸟可是蛮远。等了10分钟左右。这鸟居然飞来很近。
#####
update 20231219
– after some official stuff and follow by family trip, spent morning session at the “螃蟹步道“. just 30minutes spent, when I arrived I managed to see it far away which 80-120m… and I managed to captured and quite happy with it .. than continue with other birds that come real close.. not long 2 birds spot by local birders and I rush there and managed to have quite good series picture for this rare bird.. managed to have this star bird get close and with my lucky CANON RF200-800 (now I name it as Lucky 28) …
– a very cute active bird that moving in flocks and with other birds as well
– overall orange with black on face
– 非常可爱，通常群体活动。橙+黑脸
update 20231220
– I am walking suddenly saw a flocks of birds and I know must be good chance to see this cute bird again.. 15-16 years ago managed to photograph this bird and I say I will back again aas those time using 30/40d with 100400 EF but version1. Finally managed to have few keeper as it moving real fast and high
– a very fast moving tiny bird with very soft call bird, it is so difficult to have a open picture .. but with the current new mirrorless animal detect and tracking. It is some how quite easy to have some picture even at complicated environment like this
– 非常小+快的小鸟。叫的很小声。也喜欢在丛里跳来跳去。现在无反的动物+动物眼的 AI ，被不大可能做成比较容易。只要一有机会，我都有办法拿下它。
Small, pale plover with broken black collar, sandy upperparts, grayish legs, and rather fine black bill. Breeding plumage has black mask and black tabs at sides of breast (not a complete band). Nonbreeding plumages have black replaced by brown. Mainly coastal, on sandy beaches, dry mudflats, and at salt ponds, usually near water; also locally inland. Migrants will join with flocks of other shorebirds. [Ebird]
– a bird that not really so common at Malaysia and so far I only saw it here non-breeding plumage. Finally I see breeding plumage at such close range and very good focal range (800mm +1.4 = 1120mm .. also use on R7 .. ===1792mm)
– I still remember years ago, when we had one visit Malaysia.. drove 2 hours… sit in the hide before light … the bird stand 200-500m away .. and here (Taiwan) so easy and so many … and now I shooting with 1792mm (R7 with 1.6 crop, 800mm + 1.4x tc).. the plumage also look good .. check out the CANON RF200800 update for actual size JPEG
– I am checking whats bird in the bird wave, this bird sudden fly down and feed infront of me just 10 feet away. when view close it look beautiful instead
A dark, sleek, medium-sized bird with a black crest and a white rump. The red color under the tail is often difficult to see. Eats fruit, flower buds, and insects. Conspicuous and sometimes gregarious, often seen high in trees or perched on wires in urban and rural areas; generally prefers scrubby edge habitat instead of dense forest. Calls include a variety of chirps and whistles. Native to South and Southeast Asia. Introduced to Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and some Polynesian islands, including Hawaii. [Ebird]
update 202412
It seems this bird is quite common in the region—I may have seen it before in Sri Lanka or somewhere else. Still, it’s great to spot our first bird here after a long journey and a relaxing stay at the homestay in Baihualing, Yunnan, China.
I’ve quickly adapted to the setup (Canon R1), and capturing these in-flight shots felt almost seamless. The bird flew straight toward us, and I managed to get all 19 frames perfectly in focus.
3. Great Barbet, 大拟啄木鸟, 大擬啄木, Psilopogon virens, オオゴシキドリ
This largest of the barbets is colorful, but often appears all-dark from a distance. No other barbet in its range combines the features of a massive pale bill, black head, and dark olive back. Sluggish and shy; tends to stick to dense forest canopy, where it is difficult to see. Its loud hooting song (typically a series of two repetitive notes) is often the only indication of this species’s presence. Also gives a harsh, screaming “karrrrr” that has a gull-like quality. [Ebird]
I’ve seen this bird many times in various places but never had the chance to capture a photo—until now. Here, we finally had numerous opportunities to take some great shots.
Seeing the photo afterward was a completely different kind of excitement, as the vibrant colors that define the bird truly stood out. Simply incredible!
A gregarious babbler with a dark back and underparts spangled with scaly silver markings. At first glance, may resemble a cupwing, but this babbler is much larger and longer-tailed, and does not stick as closely to the ground as cupwings do. Often moves deep in dense shrubbery, but will occasionally forage in the middle layers of the forest as well, scaling trees and creeping along branches. [Ebird]
One of the stunning babblers has such flat body feather details that it almost resembles a drawing.
An 8-day journey to Yunnan, particularly to this bird photography paradise, is almost at its end. As expected, capturing great photos of many species was as simple as sitting and waiting. However, a bit of luck was still needed. According to local, the number of bird species visiting has decreased, and with more hides available, the birds may now spread out instead of gathering in the usual spots. Regardless, we thoroughly enjoyed our authentic photography experience here.
Although the trip isn’t over yet, this moment stands out as one of my favorites. The bird was incredibly active, appearing for just a split second with an almost surreal “flat” look to its body—like a 2D drawing. But with patience, it rewarded us with some fantastic views as the day drew to a close.
This tiny bird moves swiftly through the bushes, making it incredible that we managed to spot it.
It’s a bird everyone on this trip has been eager to photograph. Yesterday, only Amy and I were lucky enough to capture it, while others could only catch a glimpse without getting any photos. However, luck was on our side today! Two different Tesias came close to us within just 15 minutes, giving everyone the chance they had been hoping for. Tonight, we can all sleep soundly, content with the experience.
An active little bird with a bright yellow belly and a pale-tipped fan-like tail. Most common in foothill and submontane broadleaf forests, where it forages energetically and acrobatically in the middle and lower levels, often with fulvettas, warblers, and other small passerines in mixed-species foraging flocks. Very similar in shape to fantails but much smaller, and actually more closely related to tits. Song is a series of high “tsit” notes interspersed with twitters and trills. Call is often repeated at length, akin to a song, but much simpler, a series of high “tsip” notes. [Ebird]
An active little bird with a bright yellow belly and a pale-tipped fan-like tail. Most common in foothill and submontane broadleaf forests, where it forages energetically and acrobatically in the middle and lower levels, often with fulvettas, warblers, and other small passerines in mixed-species foraging flocks. Very similar in shape to fantails but much smaller, and actually more closely related to tits. Song is a series of high “tsit” notes interspersed with twitters and trills. Call is often repeated at length, akin to a song, but much simpler, a series of high “tsip” notes.
update 202412
One of the most active birds, behaving much like a fantail. While it’s not a lifer for me—I previously recorded it in Northern Thailand—it’s still a challenge to spot here in Yunnan, China. Thankfully, luck was on our side, and we managed to witness it spreading its tail, giving us a few great moments for some good photo opportunities.
One of a number of mind-numbingly similar Seicercus warblers. Greenish-yellow above and bright yellow below, with a faint wingbar, a yellow eyering, and a grayish crown marked by two black stripes. Gray of the crown is weaker than that of White-spectacled and Plain-tailed Warblers, but this feature is difficult to see in the shade of the understory, where it usually forages. Breeds in submontane and montane forest up to the treeline; averages higher Martens’s Warbler. Descends into submontane and hill forest in the non-breeding season. Song is an unremarkable but lively burst of whistled notes, lower in pitch than that of Plain-tailed Warbler. [Ebird]
A tiny warbler with a sudden flash of “yellowish” plumage appeared, and I immediately thought, “It’s a new bird!” Naturally, everyone quickly grabbed their cameras to capture it. It only showed up briefly while we were casually waiting for birds to come to the water.
8. Small Niltava, 小仙鹟, 小仙鶲, Niltava macgrigoriae, チビアオヒタキ
Size distinguishes this species from other niltavas; coloration is quite similar to Large Niltava, which is double the size. Male Small Niltava is bright blue with the brightest patches on the shoulder and forehead. Female is brown with a white eyering and a rufous tail and wingtips. Forages in the lower and middle levels of hilly and montane forests, usually singly. Listen for its distinctive song, a cleanly descending “wee-dee-dee.” [EBird]
Another bird we encountered, found only at a single hide despite visiting many others, initially appeared quite shy. However, after a few hours of brief appearances, it gradually became more comfortable and eventually stayed long enough for some great photos.
We chose this hide specifically for this bird and spotted it early in the morning. Afterward, we decided to move to another hide. The male arrived briefly before leaving, but luck was on our side as we caught the moment.
One of the standout birds at Baihualing, Yunnan, China is often seen as a highlight by both locals and visitors. Whenever someone spots or photographs one, it becomes big news in the village, quickly drawing bird enthusiasts and photographers to the area. This one shows up unexpectedly, as it did this time to take a drink, it captivates everyone around. It is a beautiful bird, with the female being particularly striking.
This is a fairly common bird in the area, but it moves too quickly to capture good shots. It often hides in dark and damp spots, making it a wonderfully active but elusive subject.
Tiny, stumpy bird of dense undergrowth. Male is dark slate-blue with broad white eyebrows that give him the appearance of a furious little old man. Female is warm pale brown all over. In areas of overlap with Chinese and Lesser Shortwings, look out for the all-dark lower belly, which is white in those species. Inhabits hill and montane forest, where it forages in dense undergrowth, frequently in proximity to streams. Song is composed of high thin whistles with short bursts of clicking chattering mixed in.
While everyone was focused on a few main target birds, one of our buddies, who could be considered a new birder, suddenly shouted, “Shortwing!” He was so proud of himself for identifying a bird on his own. Honestly, I think he should be even happier if he managed to spot a rare bird feeding instead!
Medium-sized owl with significant variation in plumage and vocalizations across its large range. Either gray or brown in coloration, with prominent pale ear tufts and pale face outlined in black. Fond of open wooded habitats from lowlands to foothills, often found roosting in temples, houses, and gardens, particularly in rural areas. Larger and more strongly tufted than both Oriental and Mountain Scops-Owls; both also lack the black facial border. Listen for this species’ incisive, short hoots, given at well-spaced intervals (often around 10 seconds). [Ebird]
It is quite a common bird, even in Malaysia. It was previously classified as the Sunda Scops-Owl but is now considered part of the Collared Scops-Owl. We often had one just outside our room, almost every day.
There is always debate about using torches or flashlights on birds, with no clear consensus on whether it is right or wrong for nature. However, there are certain actions we should never take or support, such as keeping them in cages or tying them up. It’s disheartening to know that many people still do such things, often just for the sake of a photograph.
Tiny brown flycatcher with a triangular white bib bordered with black. Gray head, frosty white brow, and ruddy wings and tail are not as eye-catching as the throat patch, but just as distinctive. Unobtrusive and retiring, generally keeping to the dense lower levels of foothill forests. Frequently forages in inaccessible gorges and thick streamside vegetation. Usually seen singly, occasionally in pairs. [Ebird]
A beautiful little gamebird of foothill and highland forests with extensive ground-level cover, where it moves about in medium-sized convoys through the dense undergrowth. Usually quiet, though sings melodically and loudly at dusk and dawn. Brightly-colored, even for a partridge; both sexes have a bright orange throat, a bluish-gray chest, and orange-and-white spotting on the sides [Ebird]
At almost every hide we visited, the owners assured us that this bird is always around. However, we didn’t spot it at any of those hides, except on day one when it briefly walked past. Hopefully, everyone on our team managed to capture a photo of this beautiful partridge.
Small songbird of forest edges, open scrub, and farmland, usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Male is silvery gray overall with black face and white supercilium, throat, belly, and wing patches. Female dull brown overall, with a rufous tail and faded version of the male’s head pattern. Bold but not very active, usually seen perching for long periods on posts and overhead wires. Song is bright and melodious, but often has a somewhat faltering quality, trailing off towards the end. Most common call is a harsh rising “bzeeet!”. [EBird]
During one of the quieter moments while waiting for a Scarlet Finch, a female caught my attention. As it flew around, I decided to enable Continuous Pre-record mode, just in case. Suddenly, it spread its wings, and I seized the perfect moment to press the shutter after see the action, capturing this stunning shot.
Adorable tiny bird that loosely resembles a minute tailless wren. Warm dark brown above with rufous overtones, and scaled below; pale-morph birds have white edgings to black “scales,” while dark-morph birds have edgings that are coffee-stain tan. Smaller Pygmy Cupwing lacks the tan spots speckling the crown and neck of Scaly-breasted. Scaly-breasted inhabits dark, damp areas in dense forest, often around boulders, streams, and ravines. Song is a jumbled series of high-pitched melodic warbles, notably more complex than the song of Pygmy Cupwing. [Ebird]
On our last day in Baihualing, we spotted two distinctly different tiny, tailless birds. At a distance of about 10-15 meters, I initially assumed they were the same Pygmy Cupwing. However, upon reviewing the captured photos, it was clear they were different species.
Knowing their behavior of spreading their wings when moving, I enabled Continuous Pre-record mode and pressed the shutter the moment the bird moved. Got it!
A common inhabitant of lowland and foothill tropical forests, where it sings brightly but often unseen from the canopy; listen for its repeated 3- or 4-syllabled ‘took-o-rrook!’ Tends to be more common in edge areas and degraded forests than other barbets. Bright green with a blue throat, a red-and-yellow crown, and a heavy, pale-based bill. Birds at the northern and western parts of this species’ range have a black brow, while southern birds don’t. [Ebird]
A vibrant bird with a predominantly blue head, commonly found in BaiHuaLing, Yunnan, China. Its calls are nearly constant throughout the area, and it occasionally comes down to forage for food and water.
Possibly the species to which the moniker of “scimitar-babbler” attaches most fittingly, as this inhabitant of high-altitude evergreen forests has a bill shaped like a curved sword. Predominantly orange-brown, with a gray head and jagged white eyebrow. Easily identified, even if seen only in silhouette; no other babbler in its range has such a long, sharply curved bill. Moves through the lower levels of the forest in large, noisy flocks. [ebird]
This bird has an oddly thin and curved beak, giving it a truly unique appearance. Though active, it’s not hard to spot here. At many bird hides, it readily comes out to grab food before retreating, making it relatively easy to see and photograph.
One of the most captivating birds of Baihualing, Yunnan, with its vibrant and striking colors, complemented by a charming crest, is both active and beautiful.
Birding in Yunnan, China last December was incredibly easy. We simply chose a hide, settled in, and waited—and sure enough, the birds came! In fact, there were so many, it was just a matter of picking which ones to photograph. We specifically came to this hide hoping to see the woodpecker, but we were also treated to a few star species like the Great Barbet, Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler, and more.
This was a family holiday, so there wasn’t much birding planned. Still, I carried a wide-angle lens and the RF 100–500mm with me. In winter, there are plenty of gulls around, especially near the lake. One morning, I came across a group of gulls feeding very close by. I spent a few quick moments capturing this beautiful bird at close range.
It was a freezing morning at around –6°C. We went to Napa Lake mainly to revisit some good memories from years ago. After waiting for a beautiful sunrise, I was almost ready to return to the car when I suddenly heard a bird calling very close by. The bird stayed low to the ground, barely moving—likely due to the cold—with ice clearly visible around it.
I managed to capture some close shots, and that moment became the happiest highlight of this casual, relaxing trip to Yunnan.
23. Eurasian Coot, 白骨顶, 白骨頂, Fulica atra, オオバン, PANGLIN-HITAM BIASA
update 202601
This bird is very common here in Yunnan—you can easily see it up close around streams, rivers, and lakes. I’m here on a family holiday, enjoying a relaxed time with coffee and loved ones, casually watching the birds nearby. Suddenly, this bird started showing some action. My camera didn’t miss the moment—I captured everything and compiled the shots into this MP4.
We decided to walk along the boardwalk instead of taking a boat ride. While strolling, this bird came surprisingly close to us. I quickly opened my bag, grabbed the Canon RF100–500, and managed to capture this cute little bird.
Surprised that I haven’t shared this beautiful yet very common bird before. I’ve photographed it in many places—Malaysia (Kuala Gula, Kota Kinabalu), South Africa, Thailand, Kenya, and China.
This time was special, as it was the closest encounter so far. The bird was feeding right outside our hotel and wasn’t bothered at all, even when we got quite close.
This bird was surprisingly tame at Potatso National Park. It even hopped along the boardwalk like a little tour guide leading us on our walk. Many of them were feeding in the trees too, and honestly, I much prefer this pose compared to the ones “walking” on the boardwalk.
The weather today is exceptional. The deep blue of the sky is reflecting perfectly on the lake, creating a beautiful color contrast with this immature Brown-headed Gull. However, it is disappointing to see so many people feeding the birds various kinds of human food. While people likely have good intentions, but feeding with wrong food can be affect the bird health
