Borneo Birds

This wintering flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica must feel really at home around the hilly habitat of Penampang, just south of Kota Kinabalu. I spotted this bird about two months ago and it is still around the same patch of forest today. Previously I have seen this bird in the montane forest of Mt Trus Madi around 1,600m above sea level, so it does get around. When not in flight, it is usually sitting upright on a bare branch.

This common shrike Lanius cristatus arrives here every year without fail. There has been no study done on this migrant here but I feel that there has been a steady decline in numbers over the years. Most arrivals here are young with various stages of barring on the flanks and back. This particular bird was spotted around a low bush making repeated forays on grasshoppers on the ground.

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!

The Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis is the only roller found in Borneo. It’s a common resident of the lowland and coastal forests where it is frequently seen perched on exposed or dried branches from where it makes aerobatic flights at insects. The bird often appears all dark at a distance, its splendid plumage better enjoyed through a scope. In flight, a silvery patch is prominent under each wing. This is also displayed in other mynas.

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.