This article describes the birds of Malaysia. In this article we’ll discuss the Lesser Yellownape, the Malay Bullfinch, the Malay Crested Argus, and the Oriental Cuckoo.
You may also want to read our previous articles about the Lesser Yellownape and the Malay Crested Argus. These birds are found in Peninsular Malaysia above 1,065m.
Lesser Yellownape
The Lesser Yellownape of Peninsular Malaysia is a species of woodpecker found in Peninsular Asia. This species is widely distributed, with a range from eastern India to Southeast Asia.
Listed as a threatened species, it is nevertheless widely distributed throughout its range. The Lesser Yellownape is protected by the Malaysian government. To observe one, just visit a local forest, where you will be able to see the bird in its natural habitat.
The Lesser Yellownape is an endemic species to Peninsular Asia. The bird can be found in lowland forests and can be seen in a wide range. It has an extremely large range, but is decreasing and its distribution appears to be fragmented. In addition, its population trend seems to be stable. However, it is still a vulnerable species under the range size and population trend criterion.
Malay Bullfinch
The Malay Bullfinch is a endemic bird of the mountains of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also known as the Brown Bullfinch. While it is not always easy to see, this species is commonly found in Fraser Hill.
There are many bird guides to Peninsular Malaysia, so if you’re wondering whether or not you’ll be able to spot the Malay Bullfinch, the information in these guides should help.
The BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the World includes a checklist of all birds of Malaysia. The guide lists 847 species, including five endemics and 15 near-endemics.
Some of the endemic species are only found in the peninsular region, although some also occur in Kalimantan. These guides are updated frequently with the latest data and features, and they are an excellent resource for identification.
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Malay Crested Argus
The Malayan Crested Argus is a large, peafowl-like bird in the pheasant family. It has a black and dark-brown plumage, a heavy pink bill, brown irises, and blue skin around the eyes.
Its contrasting white underbelly and wings are also eye-catching. Its distinctly patterned plumage makes it easy to spot in the wild.
The Malayan Crested Argus is a shy, nocturnal bird found in primary forests in submontane regions in Southeast Asia. Its diet includes insects, small reptiles, and berries.
It also eats plants and bamboo shoots. Although it is a shy bird, it is thought to be polygamous. It is one of the most endangered birds in Southeast Asia, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The Malayan Crested Argus is an endemic species in Peninsular Malaysia. It is known to breed only in mountain ranges with elevations higher than 600 m.
It was first described in 1902, but recent surveys have discovered new sites. It is currently endemic to Taman Negara National Park in Peninsular Malaysia. It is an important part of the environment, and its habitat is changing.
Oriental Cuckoo
The Oriental Cuckoo of Malaysia is a medium-sized cuckoo that breeds throughout eastern Asia. Its plumage is predominantly dark grey and heavily barred with black.
It has a grey head, chest and upper wings. The plumage of male Oriental Cuckoos is more striking, with bold white barring. The male Oriental Cuckoo’s tail is also prominently barred. Its vocalizations are similar to those of other species.
The Asian oriental cuckoo breeds throughout Asia and is found in much of the region of the Malay Peninsula. The Malayan population is primarily resident in this area, with the rest migrating to New Zealand, Australia and the Philippines.
It is found in forests, farmland, and lightly forested areas, and in suburban gardens. Its calls are often heard at night. The male Oriental Cuckoo is slightly lower-pitched than its female counterpart. The male Oriental Cuckoo tends to stay inside the foliage of trees, and they are brood parasites, laying eggs in the nests of the host species and pushing them out in just a few days.
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Malay Peacock Pheasant
The Malayan Peacock Pheasant, also known as the ‘Malay Pheasant’, is an elusive, endangered species that has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons.
Though the bird has a beautiful plumage, its distinctive blue-green eye spots and iridescent tail make it a striking bird in any garden or wildlife habitat.
The Malay Peacock Pheasent, also known as the ‘Malayan’ or ‘crested’ peacock pheasant’, is a member of the family Phasianidae.
While it was previously included in the Bornean peacock pheasant, its range is now almost completely gone, with the remaining population concentrated in central Malaysia.
The Malaysian Peacock Pheasant’s plumage is warm brown with distinctive green eye-shaped spots. The males are distinctly different from the females, with tawny outer rings around the ocelli and a short crest. Females are smaller and lighter-colored, with a minute crest and eye-shaped spots on the tail and wings.
Silvery Pigeon
The Silvery Wood Pigeon or Grey Wood Pigeon is a species of pigeon that can be found in the forests of Masokut Island in Peninsular Malaysia. Although the species was previously thought to be extinct, recent research has revealed that the birds still live in the wild.
In 2008, photographs taken in Simeulue confirmed the species’ continued existence. Fortunately, these photographs have helped raise awareness about this species and its plight.
The silvery pigeon of Malaysia has full protection in Indonesia since 2018. It is also protected nationally in Malaysia. However, its population may be much higher than previously thought. Poaching is a major threat to this species, which is also listed as endangered in Indonesia.
According to Muhammad Iqbal, a biology professor at Sriwijaya University, many local people still capture silvery pigeon chicks from nests because they don’t realize they’re endangered.
Locustellidae
Locustellidae are small insectivorous birds of Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. These brownish-coloured birds inhabit mountainous regions of South East Asia. They differ from other bird families in their streamlined bodies and long pointed wings, and their short bills have a wide gape.
Like other members of the Sylviidae family, Locustella are known locally as Burung Cekup and Burung Kecici. Their short, pointed bills and feet are well adapted for perching. The front toes are partially joined at the base.
There are several species of swifts in Malaysia. The black-headed pitta is an endemic species of Southeast Asia’s island of Borneo. John Gould first described the species in 1877, and his type locality was the Lawas River in northern Sarawak.
A related species, the Malayan partridge, is found in highlands of Peninsula Malaysia. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the grey-breasted partridge.
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Range maps
High quality field guides always include range maps of birds. Malaysia, with its two main islands of Borneo and peninsula, is a prime example.
These maps have been revised to be more accurate, and are printed alongside illustrations of the species. Whether you are looking for a more detailed description of a particular species or a more detailed look at the distribution of a particular group of birds, a range map is always an excellent tool.
The text in the Birds of Malaysia includes short descriptions of each species and its distribution in the country. The guidebook also contains information on the species’ habitat preferences, references to its status in Malaysia, and the names of the birds in Malay.
The range maps are helpful for both amateur and professional birdwatchers. Range maps also feature the endemic subspecies of each species, making them a good reference for beginners and experts alike.
Photographic identification guide
A Photographic Identification Guide to Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore is a superb, easy-to-use reference that features more than 250 species of birds from Peninsular Asia. Each species description is accompanied by at least one high-quality colour photograph.
Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the diversity of birds in Peninsular Malaysia’s tropical forests and along its coastline. In addition to bird species, the book highlights the most spectacular birdwatching locations throughout the peninsula.
This comprehensive photographic identification guide is written by a professional birdwatcher with many years of experience. The photographs included in the guide are all taken by top-level nature photographers, and descriptions of each species include plumage and nomenclature.
In addition, a brief introduction to the region’s climate and geography provides context for understanding the varied species. The checklist includes common and scientific names, as well as regional status.
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