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.
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.
Medium-sized slender bird, pale gray above, white below, with a small dark bridge between the bill and eye (lores) and faint partial white eyering. Immature lacks distinct mask of Black-faced Cuckooshrike. Dark morph shows large but variable black bib and breast, mottled or barred at the edges. Inhabits eucalypt forest and other woodlands in Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Call a high-pitched, two-note squeak. [Ebird]
– a not so attractive bird for Mangrove special, but always a highly wanted bird by birders come to Malaysia.
– this time, a very lucky group.. while we walking at Mangrove.. someone talk to me.. a dull bird stand infront of .. is it common ? very soon I look at the direction, I saw it stand just open and everyone got their best view of this active shy bird.
– an active and noisy bird to be seen Fraser Hill. Dark-Neck + full rufous crown. Not so “yellow” compare to Borneo
– 在福隆港蛮普通的鸟。黑颈+棕头冠。与婆罗洲的有些不一样。婆罗洲看起来“黄” +“黑京”也较大
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202110
– an active bird that normally moving fast
– A brightly-colored tailorbird of lowland tropical forests, forest edges, and gardens. Long-billed with olive upperparts, pale underparts, and a rufous crown. Dark neck patch is only present in males and is unique if seen well but is sometimes concealed and difficult to see. (Ebird)
101. Golden-headed Cisticola, 金头扇尾莺, 黃頭扇尾鶯, Cisticola exilis, タイワンセッカ, Cici Merah
Tiny, sandy-colored bird with short tail and dark-streaked back. Breeding adult males have orange-gold crown. Song a thin, high-pitched, drawn-out buzzing. Inhabits grasslands of northern and eastern Australia, where perches prominently. In similar grassland habitats, Tawny Grassbird has much longer tail. Very similar Zitting Cisticola always has a streaked crown and a very different “tick-tick-tick” song but otherwise almost identical. [Ebird]
A small bird with a distinctive sequence of calls, often perched high to observe human activity, seemingly curious about us when we arrive at a new location.
– A dark-brown stork with green-bronze iridescence on the wings and breast. It has a distinctive white ruffled neck, a white tail, and a dark salmon-tipped bill. Resident and migrant. Individuals and small groups forage in rivers, shallow wetland margins, urban grassy areas, and flooded grasslands for insects and small vertebrates. May gather in groups of several hundred when conditions are suitable. (EBird)
– while I am keeping my eye to flying pacific swift and saw this big bird flying high
– 当我在测试R6拍飞的燕子时，看到这较大的鸟飞的很高。
202201, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202105
– what a surprise when going through my hardisk (202104) when I was there for some waders. I still remember why the Lesser Adjutant flying so high up and actually it is not Adjutant.
– 非常惊讶，在清理影碟照片时。发现这稀有候鸟。当时，我还在想为什么小秃鹳飞的这么高。
202104, Kapar, Selangor, Malaysia
#
update 202401
– when we first saw it, we ask the van to stop … and make the right decision. It is best view after this for the next 7-8 days
– another Borneo montane endemic – bigger than other white-eyes
– with a black eye mask
婆羅洲高山特有種。不很稀有。
update 202408
– 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
– 一个下雨的早上，没办法带上雨伞一样的找鸟。还好这漂亮的特有种站的这么近。
202408, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202306
– surprise for last trip, it was so tough to meet one of this common bird, even we had many sights again last day of the long tour. But this bird gave us very good view and picture opportunity
3. Hume’s White-eye, 休氏绣眼鸟, 休氏繡眼鳥, Zosterops auriventer, KELICAP-KACAMATA RIMBA MELAYU
– previously belong to Everett’s White-eye.
– almost cannot differentiate with another similar white-eye Swinhoe’s (Oriental). but easier distinct from the environment. Where Hume’s normally found near forest instead of mangrove.
– 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 202411
– 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
– 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
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.
