No visit to the Cameron Highlands is complete without watching the Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris tahanensis). Food for such a common bird is not well documented. Wells 2007 says “no animal prey as yet identified” for this species locally. They are … Continued
I had an opportunity to observe part of the courtship ritual of Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis) today. In 2012 I had posted an observation about one type of courtship behaviour (Display Type I, Lansdown & Rajanathan 1993); repeated crest-raising displays … Continued
The Etlingera elatior, commonly known as the Torch Ginger or Bunga Kantan, is an important plant in Southeast Asia and has spectacular flowers. The plant is cultivated for the flowers to be used as herbs, spices in dishes (rojak, laksa, … Continued
Observed a female Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis malacensis) feeding on the nectar of the Cocos nucifera (Coconut) – one of the many food (nectar) sources these birds have. The bird made a number of calls while feeding. Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr) – Ipoh, … Continued
The following images of the Mountain Tailorbird (Orthotomus cucullatus malayanus) were captured by Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS, an avid birdwatcher based in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. On 12th November 2019, Amar travelled about 90 km to the state of Pahang to visit Cameron … Continued
I saw a Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) on 15th April 2022 at the Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak calling out, perched high up at the top of the canopy. The classical male advertising calls of “pwi, pwi, pwi” in … Continued
The Mimusops elengi tree, locally called the Tanjong Tree, Bunga Tanjung or Spanish Cherry, is a tree I am familiar with (native to Southeast Asia). I did know its name in the past but lost it (old age) until recently … Continued
I saw a pair of Raffles’s Malkoha (Rhinortha chlorophaea) foraging by examining dead leaves and scampering like squirrels. The female shown in these two posts. Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr) – Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia Location: Ulu-Kinta, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia Habitat: Mixed … Continued
The diet of the Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma trigonostigma) is not well documented in literature. Wells (2007) and Cheke, Mann & Allen (2001) list fruit, seeds, nectar, pollen and insects but the specific food items known are limited. Wells noted … Continued
I observed an adult female Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) while out in the field. Oriental Honey-buzzards are very polymorphic with variable plumage and some sexual dimorphism. Raptors are not my forte and I dug up my older images of this … Continued
