White-breasted Woodswallow in courtship and
finally...copulation.(Video taken in Sekinchan rice field near Kuala Selangor Nature
Park, Malaysia - 4pm, 6th April 2007 by Mr Lee kok chung)
Malaysia still remains as one of the best
destination for tropical rainforest bird life. Malaysia is geographically
located in tropical climate zone and most of the territory is dominated by
tropical rainforest. However, it is believed that about 60% of the forest
has been lost because of oil palm and rubber plantation (or rather crop) and
industrialization in the Peninsular Malaysia. Although a large scale forest
is countable, there are still some good birding spots in the peninsular
Malaysia.
Malaysia Side of Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak)
still remains very big piece of virgin forest that home for many endemic
species. However most of the place is difficult to access until recently the
local government effort to convert some of the forest reserve to become
national park, game reserve and conservation area.
Around Kuala Lumpur (within 3 Hours driving)
1) Kuala Selangor Nature
Park, Selangor
About 1 ½ hr distance drive from Kuala Lumpur, located
next to the Kuala Selangor town, small fishing town. A small nature park,
located near to Bukit Melawati (light house). The nature park consists of
coastal forest, mangrove and mud flats and is the best point for observing
mangrove birds in Malaysia.
Major species, which can be seen, Brahminy
Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Red Junglefowl,
Pink-necked Pigeon, Peaceful Dove, Malayan Bronze-cuckoo, Stork-billed
Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher (winter
months), Greater Goldenback, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Mangrove Blue
Flycatcher, Pied Fantail, some rarities are Cinnamon-headed Pigeon,
Orange-breasted Pigeon, Buffy Fish-owl, Mangrove Pitta and Copper-throated
Sunbird.
Also, the nearby Jeram
and Bagan Sungai Buloh is another good place for Shore Birds and
migratory birds. Also, you can see some rare stork like Lesser Adjutant and
Milky Stork.
2) Sekinchan
Ricefield, Selangor (Tanjung Karang)
About 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, and
about 40 minutes driving distance from Kuala Selangor. Sekinchan are a
costal fishing village and also a large paddy field area where you are able
to see open country birds. Particularly, winter months are worthwhile to
visit.
Shorebirds, Black-shouldered Kite, Eastern
Marsh Harrier, Pied Harrier, Hen Harrier, Oriental Pratincole, Peaceful
Dove, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Black Drongo, Stonchat, Brown Shrike and
White-breasted Wood swallow could be spotted here.
3) Ulu Gombak/Genting Valley
(Old Gombak Road)
The birds are in the forest along this Old
Gombak Road.Located in northeast of Kuala Lumpur, about 30km. Before Karak
Highway (east-west) was constructed, this road is the main route to eastern
Peninsular Malaysia. The forest is suitable for observing lowland to lower
mountainous species. While birding is mainly from the road, canopy or
middle-upper storey birds are more frequently seen.
Common species are Mountain Imperial Pigeon,
Emerald Dove, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Indian Cuckoo, Drongo Cuckoo,
malkohas, treeswift, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher , minivets, leafbirds, ioras,
bulbuls, Grey-headed Flycatcher, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Thick-billed
Pigeon, Little Cuckoo-dove, barbets, woodpeckers, broadbills,
flycatcher-shrikes.
4) Sungai Tekala Recreation
Forest, Selangor
1 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, about 50 km
south of Kuala Lumpur and the area is protected as a forest reserve.One of
the best birding spot for searching lowland rainforest birds, especially
ground or lower storey birds. There are few walking trails which provide you
birds in the forest. Uncommon species, such as Red-naped, Diard's & Scarlet-rumped
Trogons, Blue-banded, Banded & Rufous-collared Kingfishers can be found
here.
5) Sungai Perdik, Selangor
About 1 ½ hr drive from Kuala Lumpur. Close to
Sungai Tekala. This is another lowland rainforest but is slightly open. Main
species are Bat Hawk. Walk along the stream, it’s a flat walking trail.
Main species are Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot,
barbets, malkohas, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Rarities are Red-naped Trogon,
White-bellied Woodpecker , Green Broadbill, Finsch's Bulbul, Grey-chested
Flycatcher, Brown-streaked Flycatcher, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Scarlet
Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird and Thick-billed Flowerpecker.
6) Genting Highland,
Selangor and Pahang (Mt Ulu Kali- Over 6000Ft)
It’s about 1 ½ hr drive from Kuala Lumpur. This
is very easy access place for birders, mainly Highland birds and montene
forest birds.
Birds seen here are mainly montaneous. For
example, raptors, Collared Owlet, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Blue-crowned
Hanging Parrot, Drongo Cuckoo, Red-headed Trogon, Bushy-crested Hornbill,
Fire-tufted Barbet, Green Magpie, Golden Babbler, Pygmy Wren-babbler,
Streaked Wren-babbler, Mountain Fulvetta
7) The Gap House, Selangor
and Pahang
1 ½ hr drive from Kuala Lumpur. Usually this is
the stopping place before birders heading up to Fraser hill.Wide variety of
birdlife here, mainly are highland forest birds with some lowland forest
birds.
8) Fraser's Hill, Pahang
About 2 ½ hrs drive from Kuala Lumpur, some
birder make it as a day trip, but it’s highly recommended to stay overnight
here in Fraser hill. Some highland resort develops since the early colonial
era. Fraser's Hill is well-known as a famous birding place throughout the
world and a bird race is annually held on June. You need to drive about 8 KM
narrow road to the hill, please remember that it’s odd hrs are for traffic
up and Even hours are for traffic coming down from the hill. The have many
trail on top of the Fraser hill. Birds life here are relatively easy to
spots.
9) Pasoh Forest Reserve,
Kuala Klawang, Negeri Sembilan (FIRM)
About 2 ½ hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, Pasoh
is located about 150 km southeast of KL in Negeri Sembilan state. The forest
reserve is maintained by FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia for their
institutional objectives. There are well-maintained paths but are placed in
dense forest, it is not suitable for searching canopy birds. For looking for
middle storey to canopy birds, you should walk along the road. The forest
reserve is well-known by the wide variety of nocturnal birds.
Main species are Oriental Bay Owl,
White-fronted Scops-Owl, Reddish Scops-Owl, Barred Eagle-Owl, Buffy
Fish-owl, Gould's Frogmouth, Javan Frogmouth and Malaysian Eared Nightjar.
For day time birding, you might be able to see trogons, hornbills, barbets,
woodpeckers, broadbills, Garnet Pitta and babblers.
10) Taman Pertanian
(Agricultural Park), Shah Alam, Selangor
About 40 km from Kuala Lumpur, located in
outskirts of Shah Alam. Well-maintained park which holds lowland rainforest
species. Particularly canopy or upper storey birds are well-observed.
Because of many visitors, avoid in the weekend. Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot,
malkohas, White-throated Kingfisher, barbets, woodpeckers, Ashy Minivet can
be found here.
11) Templer's Park, Rawang,
Selangor (Commonwealth Park)
Located in northeast of Kuala Lumpur, about 1
hour drive from Kuala Lumpur central. There are many waterfalls which
attract visitors in the weekend. Trails in the forest are not maintained
properly but may be good for looking for lower land forest birds. Templer's
Park is still a good birding spot for birdwatchers while the access is
relatively easy and less walk is required. Please also visit the
commonwealth park with is not far opposite this park about 1 KM away.
Crested Serpent Eagle, Emerald Dove, Forest
Wagtail, malkohas,
barbets, woodpeckers, flycatcher-shrikes, Blue-winged Leafbird, More
rarities are White-crowned Forktail, Orange-backed Woodpecker, Straw-headed
Bulbul, Rufous-chested Flycatcher, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher and
Red-throated Sunbird are recorded here.
