Spotted a pair of White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis perpulchra) bathing in a pool of water. They would hover in the air and then plunge down into the puddle. One would stand guard while the other enjoyed itself. From the condition … Continued
There are few sites in the city where it is possible to watch resident Dollarbirds (Eurystomus orientalis orientalis). The images here show an adult in the early morning light. Dato’ Amar-Singh HSS Dr Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia Location: … Continued
The song and calls of the Copper-throated Sunbirds (Leptocoma calcostetha) are not well described. Wells (2007) says “A disyllable somewhat like the Brown-throated Sunbird, but no more detail available, and songs undescribed”. Cheke & Mann (2001) state “A deep trill, … Continued
Over the years I have observed Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) in non-breeding plumage around the November to February period. Breeding plumage is seen from March onwards, especially in April when I have observed them breeding locally. Today I saw … Continued
Continue to observe the Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica) fruit feeding and have numerous observations now. The commonest fruit that I have seen taken is the Blue Mahang (Macaranga heynei) (below). Another reasonably common item is the Common Mahang (Macaranga … Continued
First winter (or first autumn) Tiger Shrikes (Lanius tigrinus) can occasionally be confused with first winter Brown Shrikes (Lanius cristatus). Their habitat is different but overlaps; Tiger Shrikes preferring more forested areas and Brown Shrikes more open areas but have … Continued
Saw a number of Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus infortunatus) feeding on the sessile spikelets of the Chrysopogon aciculatus, locally called Love Grass because it sticks to our socks and pants. The bird climb up the stalks and their weight will often … Continued
I recently (13th January 2019) posted a short discussion on whether Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus infortunatus) females are involved in nest building. I summarised by saying that “some female Baya Weaver do assist in nest building but the contribution is … Continued
Quite a number of White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis perpulchra) are breeding in the city and using man-made holes, especially blocked drainage holes. Note mud-stained beak in the above image. We wonder if, after some generations, they will have impaired abilities to … Continued
White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus amydrus) are ubiquitous in the East Malaysian cities of Borneo. In West Malaysia they were in the past confined to the coastal regions of Perak and Selangor; assumed to be birds that made a sea crossing … Continued
