Articles from May 2009



Red-crowned Barbet

Red-crowned Barbet by Ck Leong

Many birders have complained of the difficulty of finding the Red-crowned Barbet Megalaima rafflesii. I believe this is because most birders, including myself, seldom go birding in disturbed secondary forest where this is a common bird. On quite a few occasions, I have seen this barbet and also Blue-eared and Gold-whiskered barbets feeding on the ripe fruits of the Vitex (Verbenaceae) and other fruiting plants which are commonly found in secondary scrub.

Crested Goshawk

Crested Goshawk by Ck Leong

I have seen many photos of the Crested Goshawk on the net and I thought perhaps one more wouldn’t dampen your appreciation for this superb accipiter. It is fairly common throughout the lowlands of Borneo, often seen circling slowly over treetops. When not in flight, it can be seen perched on even the shorter trees. Race in Borneo A. t. microstictus. Happy hunting!