Articles from June 2012



Emerald Dove

It has been ages since I last posted anything on pigeons and doves.  So here is an Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica in an uncommon state of being perched on a bare branch.  Usually it is walking on the ground while searching for food or it is flying fast and low, away from you.  Over the last years, I have been having much more sightings of this bird and in a variety of habitat, from 1,800m on Mt Kinabalu down to the islands off Kota Kinabalu.  Signs of an healthy population?

Storm’s Stork

This individual Storm’s Stork Ciconia stormi is one of about 500 in the world population of this endangered species.  This number is spread out over southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.  The last stronghold for Sabah is the floodplains of the lower Kinabatangan river and the surrounding lowland forest including the Tabin Wildlife Reserve where this photo was taken.  Continued reduction of such habitat has contributed to the decreasing trend in its population.  The bird is generally solitary but likes to form small groups to soar in the late morning thermals.

Dark Hawk-cuckoo

The Dark Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx bocki was previously considered as a race of the Large Hawk-cuckoo.  Locally common in hill and montane habitat (Mt. Kinabalu, Rafflesia F.R.), it will be easier to find the bird if you could familiarised yourself with the call, a repeated two note whistle with a longer second note.  Enjoy.

Buff-necked Woodpecker

The Buff-necked Woodpecker is confined to the lowlands of the Sundaic region and is one of only 3 species in the Meiglyptes genus.  Although fairly common, habitat loss has caused it to be classified as near-threatened.  Sexes differ, with the female lacking a red malar stripe.