Pied Imperial Pigeon by Ck Leong

On a recent trip (with the Oundle School natural history trip to Borneo) to Lankayan Island off the north-east coast of Sabah, the Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor was without doubt the standout of a rather short list of avian fauna there.  This island inhabitant displays a creamy white head and body with black flight feathers and uppertail.  It feeds on fruits and will migrate to other islands or coastal mainland in their search for food.  I also saw a small flock of them on the beach picking on small pieces of broken coral.

Thanks to Lyn Hunt.

Here’s a common bird found in all kinds of habitat up to submontane forest.  The Little Green Pigeon Treron olax moves around in small flocks, feeding on berries and figs.  Sometimes one gets lucky when the bird comes down to feed on a low branch, affording great views as I did with this bird.  I have to admit that I have difficulty distinguishing the calls of the different Treron pigeons but no matter, they all look good.

The Little Cuckoo-dove Macropygia ruficeps is a common resident of the montane forest of Borneo.  It makes  quick flights with its powerful wings and forages in mid-storey and canopy of flowering trees.  At rest, it announces itself with a distinct and repeated wook wook.  For the birder, there is a much higher chance of seeing it in flight  than perched.

Heh, it’s the New Year! So I went out early in the morning to greet the birds around Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia where I live. I was alone but felt okay with that, knowing thousands of birders around the world are doing the same thing. I suspect my wishes for the coming year will be very similar to that of a lot of other birders. To be able to see more birds, doing all that is natural to them and in healthy surroundings.

My 3 hour outing ended with the first 42 birds for my 2009 list. It has some winter migrants while others are familiar faces including this Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata. This bird features in singing contests in many parts of South East Asia. It is most probably a descendant of birds released in the past. Due to its adaptability to living around towns and villages, the local population is well established and expanding. If this bird stands for peace, I am all for it. Happy Birding!

This large pigeon Ducula badia is a widespread resident of the mountain ranges of Borneo. At certain times of the year, the bird has also been known to leave the mountains to visit the coast. This bird is conspicious both in flight and at rest. In the early morning, it may be seen either singly or in small parties, flying at great height. At rest, its booming call can be heard from quite a long distance. On Mt Kinabalu, this species has either grey or red iris.