Birds of Malaysia
The beauty of birds of Malaysia ... ahhh... they are so hauntingly spectacular that they sometimes turn simple humans into "birdnuts" forever. Birdnuts? Well, I'm actually referring to the bird-watchers and bird-photographers of Malaysia, and yes, generally the birding community of the world. These birders are, to my mind, really a special and honorable breed of humans who had been spellbound, bewitched and hooked by the beauty, variety and attractiveness of the God-created bird fauna of the world. They, indeed, will go on to seek and find one "lifer" after another, even going to difficult and far away places to find other avian species they have not sighted or captured in camera. Oh, enough chatter, I”m digressing...
Bird-watching and Bird-photography in MalaysiaBeing blessed with a tropical climate, the birds of Malaysia can be found in their natural habitats, widely ranging from the lush lowlands and montane rain-forests to islands, mangrove coasts and sea beaches.
The Malaysian Nature Society organises the annual Raptor Watch at Tanjung Tuan, Negeri Sembilan, to observe thousands of migrating raptors crossing the Straits of Malacca during the migrating season between February and April. And normally in June every year, since 2001, there is an International Bird Race held at Fraser's Hill in the state of Pahang.
Bird Species in MalaysiaWith its rich bio-diversity, there are more than 742 species of the birds of Malaysia, belonging to 85 families. They range from the endemic and resident to migratory and vagrant birds. Peninsular Malaysia has a total of 644 species with 4 endemics, while Sabah has 568 species with 4 endemics, and Sarawak with 550 species, with 3 endemics. In fact Malaysia ranks among the 17 diverse countries which contain about 70% of the world's bird species. Check this link for the best books and field guides on the birds of Malaysia.
Where to Find Birds in MalaysiaWhile there are many species of common and conspicuous birds in the backyards of towns and urban areas, the more interesting species of the birds of Malaysia can be especially found thriving in the rural jungle and designated nature parks, wildlife and bird sanctuaries, and coastal areas. Generally, different species of birds will be found at different elevation and geographical habitats. So usually different birds will be found at hilly and montane forests, compared to lowland forests, or at the coastal and open habitats.
In fact, bird-watchers and photographers in Malaysia can choose from the exotic coastal beaches like Penang, Langkawi, Tioman, Sipadan, Layang-layang and other islands, or the lush lowland rainforest of Taman Negara, Endau-Rompin, Mulu National Park and Danum Valley, or to the cool montane forests of Fraser's Hill, Cameron Highlands and Kinabalu Park. Visit this Birding Locations in Malaysia webpage for the list of popular birding sites and watching places in Malaysia.
But sadly, as the humankind has been known to be killers of birds, they will instinctively fly some distance away when humans are around.
Bird ParadiseA bird paradise nation with so many varieties of birds, like other cultures there are many Malay folk-tales, folk-lores and mythical beliefs on some of the birds.
For instance, there are folk-tales on the reason why weaver birds build their nests low. Or why the woodpecker flies high and low, or how the woodpecker got its crest. Interesting, isn't it? Well, observing and capturing images of the birds of Malaysia are really not for the bird-nuts only. Everyone, young and old, can be entertained not only by the colorful sight but also by the melodious songs of the birds. But the birders especially will definitely find this country a paradise for bird-watching and bird-photography because of the incredible diversity and enchanting beauty of the bird species here. Happy birding.
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