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.
4. 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.
这是一种体型较瘦、尾巴较长的鸽子，在婆罗洲和马来半岛的中高海拔地区都很常见。
202507, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
– another common bird submontane & montane
Little Cuckoo-Dove, 小赤鵑鳩, Macropygia ruficeps, ヒメオナガバト, Burung Tekukur Api
5. Asian Emerald Dove, 绿翅金鸠, 翠翼鳩, Chalcophaps indica,キンバト, PUNAI-TANAH BIASA
– common walking on trail
– very shy and always see it flying across low
update 202308
– at one of the feeding station, this bird keep secretive walking around but still possible to get good picture. Very common but normally difficult to get good picture
– 在沙巴其中一个喂食点，这鸟在科室还是鬼鬼祟祟的。。虽然很普通的鸟，要拍好还是不容易。
202308, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
####
– before we got ours’ first target, this bird flying and perch nicely. A common but always flying across and very beautiful bird
– 我们刚到， 目标鸟还没出现。这鸟飞了过来。蛮普通的可是每次都是飞过，害羞，美丽的小鸟
202307, Lenggor, Johor, Malaysia
update 202204
– after 2 leech bites, here come a lovely bird come infront of me. always like to see this bird close so can see the beautiful color
– 被两只蚂蝗咬了后。这漂亮的鸟突然飞到我的面前，非常喜欢近距离看这鸟。可以看它的漂亮颜色。
202204, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202110
– a beautiful and shy bird, always feeding on ground
– 很漂亮的害羞鸟，通常在地上觅食。
202110, Selangor, Malaysia
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Asian Emerald Dove, 綠翅金鳩, Chalcophaps indica, キンバト, Punai Tanah
6. Zebra Dove, 斑姬地鸠, 斑姬地鳩, Geopelia striata, チョウショウバト, MERBUK BIASA
7. Nicobar Pigeon, 尼柯巴鸠, 尼柯巴鳩, Caloenas nicobarica, ミノバト, MERPATI-EMAS BIASA
– rare remote island or island
– with good light , very lovely and good looking bird
update 202011
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Nicobar Pigeon, 尼柯巴鳩,, Caloenas nicobarica,ミノバト, Punai Emas
8. Little Green-Pigeon, 小绿鸠, 小綠鳩, Treron olax, チビアオバト, PUNAI KECIL
– small green pigeon which refers to females with mostly green. But a male with Gray head, orange, green front, and maroon wing
– common at lowland forest
#
update 202401
– a boring morning at National Park, which can be due to rain but after lunch session become more interesting included this bird come quite ok angle for picture
– 可能是雨季尾声，鸟况还是不是很好。下午竟然还不错。横斑翠鸟, 凤冠火背鹇等。
20240126, Taman Negara, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202104
– I am in progress testing the Canon EF lens on Fujifilm Camere with a Fringer adapter. so I spend few days at the forest edge waiting for any birds that flying past and trying to use this setup to capture any pictures
– this lovely male with a grey head, orange neck, maroon wing
– 这几天我在森林周边的开阔地方。试佳能镜头，富士机身, Fringer EF-FX pro 。任何鸟飞过我都 试试看看可以用区域对焦+追焦。
– 公鸟，灰头，橙颈。
202103, Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
#
Little Green-Pigeon, 小綠鳩, Treron olax, チビアオバト, Punai Siul
– very common green pigeon, male with grey head, pink neck, orange breast .. female is green
– found near urban , mangrove area
update 202402
– a very common & beautiful bird here, male show lovely colors and female mostly green. Normally male will “display” to attract female but this pair seem different the female trying to attract attention of the handsome male
– – male with orange-red head, female overall green. Both with red-and-white bill
– rare in Peninsular Malaysia, sight only South West, common in few locations North-East Borneo
update 202407
– our first morning here and no main target sight, but one of the good bird we have … this lovely green pigeon.stay high up but it is really good to see them.
– 我们的第一个早上，目标鸟没叫可是看到这鸟也是够兴奋。虽然不是客人新鸟种。
202407, Lenggor, Johor, Malaysia
#####
update 202307
– another raining afternoon, make a decision not go far but surprise to have this bird call and very soon locate it just above us
11. 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
– another beautiful green pigeon with a “green” eye ring
– male with maroon+yellow wing, female with almost full greenish
– quite common at lowland to sub-montane
#
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!
– a medium-size common, beautiful green pigeon. male with maroon wing
– I am in progress testing the Canon EF lens on Fujifilm Camere with a Fringer adapter. so I spend few days at the forest edge waiting for any birds that flying past and trying to use this setup to capture any pictures
– this bird seems near me and I managed to capture a series of them flying toward me. will create another sharing regard to this setup.
– 非常漂亮的绿鸠
– 这几天我在森林周边的开阔地方。试佳能镜头，富士机身, Fringer EF-FX pro 。任何鸟飞过我都 试试看看可以用区域对焦+追焦。
202103, Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
#
Thick-billed Green-Pigeon, 厚嘴綠鳩, Treron curvirostra, ハシブトアオバト, Punai Daun (male)
Thick-billed Green-Pigeon, 厚嘴綠鳩, Treron curvirostra, ハシブトアオバト, Punai Daun (female)
12. Large Green-Pigeon, 大绿鸠, 大綠鳩, Treron capellei, オオアオバト, PUNAI BAKUK
– sign Taman Negara Kuala Tahan, Belum
Large Green-Pigeon, 大綠鳩, Treron capellei, オオアオバト, Punai
13. Yellow-vented Green-Pigeon, 白腹针尾绿鸠, 白腹針尾綠鳩, Treron seimundi, シロハラハリオアオバト, PUNAI GUNUNG BAHU MERAH
– big green pigeon wont miss it’s blue eye-ring connect to bill, long needle-pointed tail, yellow vent
– rare and shy big green pigeon
– normally sight sub-montane
update 202305
– after back from Sulawesi-Halmahera, really missed all the pigeons, dove songs. Here Malaysia do not have so many of them. This species is one of my favorite. This male stand there for long, need patient to see its’ small movement.
– another lucky day for guests, with minimum walking, Large Wren-babbler again and much better view, Black Magpie, and this beautiful pigeon with amazing view.
– 幸运的客人，行动不是很方便。可是也看到拍到大鹪鹛，白翅鹊与这只害羞+稀有的鸠。
20230408, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
update 2020 Aug
Yellow-vented Green-Pigeon,白腹针尾绿鸠, 白腹針尾綠鳩, Treron seimundi, シロハラハリオアオバト, Burung Punai Ekor Panjang, PUNAI GUNUNG BAHU MERAH
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Yellow-vented Green-Pigeon, 白腹針尾綠鳩, Treron seimundi, シロハラハリオアオバト, Burung Punai Ekor Panjang
14. Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon, 楔尾绿鸠, 楔尾綠鳩, Treron sphenurus, オナガアオバト, PUNAI BUKIT BARAT
-making very interesting call
– both male and female mostly greenish, male with extra maroon upper wing
– rare montane species
Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon, 楔尾綠鳩, Treron sphenurus, オナガアオバト, Burung Punai Bukit
– 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
#####
– 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
– one of the most beautiful bird of Malaysia. this lovely dove only easy to spot when fruiting tree.
– another reason prefer R3 than R7. The 4k 100fps slow motion with 4k quality
– a common lowland beautiful small colorful dove at Sulawesi
– male with obvious white head, yellow, purple vented. Female overall green
– 苏拉威西蛮普通的果鸠
– 公鸟，头部白，颈黄。臀部黄紫。母鸟全身绿
update 202512
#####
What a delightful evening—two stunning and tiny fruit-doves perched low and nearby, giving us fantastic photo opportunities. We even attempted a few bird-in-flight shots. Though not endemic, these birds truly charmed everyone, and we ended up spending about 1.5 hours enjoying their presence.
This special moment, Photographers using nearly all camera brands were there to capture the moment, but not everyone managed to get that perfect shot.
What a wonderful evening—two beautiful and tiny fruit-doves perched low and close, giving us a great opportunity to enjoy and photograph them. We even tried for some bird-in-flight shots. Though not endemic, everyone was delighted to spend around 1.5 hours with these charming birds.
What an amazing start to our time at Tangkoko—almost all our targets were seen and photographed in just one morning! In the evening, we aimed for some special species, and this bird turned out to be very active, giving us great chances to capture some bird-in-flight shots. A lucky moment once again, made even better thanks to the superb tracking performance of the Canon R5 Mark II.
：
我们在Tangkoko有个非常棒的开始——几乎所有目标鸟/动物种在一个早上就拍到了！
傍晚我们尝试寻找一些特别的鸟类，结果这只鸟非常活跃，不断飞来飞去，给了我们拍摄飞行照的好机会。
又是一次幸运的时刻，多亏了Canon R5 Mark II出色的追焦能力！
Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
update 202401
– another bird keep calling us while we looking for ours target, but I still really to see and photograph the fruit-dove which is so beautiful .. and share this because some one lazy move got the white background instead .. move move move .. choose choose choose
52. Superb Fruit-Dove, 华丽果鸠, 壯麗果鳩, Ptilinopus superbus, クロオビヒメアオバト, Walik Raja
– one of the most beautiful bird, it can be found in Sulawesi Sub-montane area
– maybe been poach over the years, most of the time high up
– 算是我看或最漂亮的鳥。
– 通常都站高，害羞。
update 202505
Our 10-day birding trip to North Sulawesi and Halmahera ended on a high note with this incredible bird. It took us nearly the whole morning to find it, but in the end, it rewarded us with a great view.
A distinctive large, spectacularly-marked pigeon. Green with a conspicuous pale gray head, a red eye-ring around a beady yellow eye, a dark neck and chest, a bold white belly, a chestnut base to the undertail, and a broad white band in the otherwise dark tail. Shows subtle bronze tones in some parts of the plumage, such as the nape. Singles, pairs, and small groups inhabit the upper levels of forests and forest edges, mostly in the hills and mountains, less often lower down. Gives a very deep, two-noted call, descending on the second note: “woop-mooo.” Also gives single “woop” notes. [Ebird]
– a very surprise to have eye level of Sulawesi Myna, Sulawesi Hawk Eagle follow by this always hidden bird. and it stay so long for us to have front, side, back view.
A large fruit-dove from Sulawesi. Very pale gray head has a diagnostic red mask that extends onto the nape as a black band. Juveniles duller, with subdued mask, and lack band on nape. Upperparts green in central and north Sulawesi, gray in the south. Underparts largely pale gray, with dark markings on the undertail. A montane species found in singles and pairs within the understory and canopy. Voice is a short, clipped “whoOP,” often becoming slightly louder at the end. [ebird]
update 202310
– a shy and quite big size of fruit-dove. Glad to find a small open window for everyone to have some good view and “open picture”
– a very beautiful fruit-dove as usual, with overall white and red on back-head
– 有如其他果鸠，都漂亮。这只，很白头背带红。
update 202401
– we actually stop for other bird, and heard this bird calling and very soon Esli found one super high up but still make me shoot >10 frames for such a lovely bird. But after 30minutes waiting and checking. Actually Denny found one just so close and eye level … wow wow wow amazing beautiful spot and bird
– 我们其实在这拍翠鸟，突然这鸟叫的很近。我们从20-30米高追到同角度。漂亮！
20240119 – Langgaliru, Sumba, Indonesia
59. Nicobar Pigeon, 尼柯巴鸠, 尼柯巴鳩, Caloenas nicobarica, ミノバト, MERPATI-EMAS BIASA
update 202507
While we were waiting for the pitta to come down—yes, it had been staying up in the treetops all day—we got a surprise visitor! Out of nowhere, this bird walked into view and gave us a chance for a record shot.
Small and stunning—another beautiful fruit-dove!
In all my previous visits, we only had brief glimpses, often high up and far away. But this time, it came down low and stayed with us for a good while. What a treat!
61. Green Imperial-Pigeon (Rufous-naped), 绿皇鸠, 綠皇鳩, Ducula aenea paulina, ミカドバト, Burung Pergam Hijau
update 202511
It’s a very common species here, though it looks quite different from the ones we see in Malaysia. Usually, it stays high and far, but this time we were lucky—it perched at a reasonable distance, at eye level, and under beautiful lighting. A truly lovely bird!
This bird can be heard calling everywhere, but getting a clear view is always a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, we were lucky—one showed up in the open, allowing us to get some great shots. Moments like this remind me that bird photography is still very rewarding.
101. Sri Lanka Wood-Pigeon, 紫头林鸽, 紫头林鸽, Columba torringtoniae, セイロンカノコモリバト
Large, plain gray pigeon with conspicuous black-and-white stripes on the nape. Underparts flushed mauve. Inhabits upper levels of forests and densely wooded areas in the hills and mountains, where occurs in pairs or small flocks. Combination of black-and-white neck markings and plain, unmarked, dark gray upperparts identifies this species from all other pigeons on Sri Lanka. Vocalizations include a single, deep “wooo”, and also an owl-like, double note “woo-oo”. [EBird]
update 20240115
– the only day we at Horton Plains NP, rain in the whole morning. We almost this endemic but found it very last moment while we leaving and we had ours late lunch because of this bird
After 18 unforgettable days in Kenya, I’m finally back in Malaysia. This birding trip truly opened my eyes—aside from Sri Lanka, Kenya has become one of my favorite places. Even without any feeding stations, birds were easy to find and photograph. On just Day 1, we photographed 98 species! By the end of the tour, the group had recorded 414 species—and I got about 10 more during solo walks in free time. I’ll definitely return, though 2026/2027 is already fully booked… and I’m too tired to think about 2028 now. Time to relax. More photos coming soon!
It’s not a lifer, but this time we had several close encounters with this seemingly common bird. The two distinct spots on its wings stood out beautifully, especially when the light hit just right. Moments like this remind us how stunning even familiar species can be.
