White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)

The White-throated Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis, also known as the White-breasted Kingfisher or Smyrna Kingfisher, is a tree kingfisher which is widely distributed in south east Asia. This kingfisher is essentially resident over much of its range, apart from seasonal movements.

The first of the alternative English names is to be preferred because the geographical name is too restrictive for this widespread bird, and the easternmost race lacks a white breast.

This is a large kingfisher, 28 cm in length. The adult has a bright blue back, wings and tail. Its head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly are chestnut, and the throat and breast are white.

There are four races differing mainly in plumage shades, but H. s. gularis of the Philippines has only the neck and throat white. The flight of the White-throated Kingfisher is rapid and direct, the short rounded wings whirring. The large bill and legs are bright red.

In flight, large white patches are visible on the blue and black wings. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult. The call of this noisy kingfisher is a chuckling chake-ake-ake-ake-ake.

White-throated Kingfisher is a common species of a variety of habitats with some trees, and its range is expanding. It perches conspicuously on wires or other exposed perches within its territory, and is a frequent sight in south Asia. This species mainly hunts large insects, rodents, snakes, fish and frogs. It is reputed to eat tired migratory passerine birds like Chiffchaffs where the opportunity arises.

White-throated Kingfisher has a striking display in which the wings are spread to show the white patches. The nest is a 50cm tunnel in an earth bank. A single clutch of 4-7 round white eggs is typical.

NOTE: I was working on that day (construction site - saujana hotel) having discussion and inspection, suddenly something flew in front of me (blue colour). I am curious what was that, i asked everyone in front of me, no one noticed what actually happen. After the inspection (15 minutes later) i try to spot the bird and finally got it with my naked eyes.... lovely day ...

Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)

The Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea), also known as the Black-naped Blue Monarch, is a small passerine bird.

The Black-naped Monarch breeds across tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and the malaysia. This species is usually found in thick forests and other well-wooded habitats. Three eggs are laid in a small cup nest in a tree.

The adult male Black-naped Monarch is about 16 cm long, and is mainly pale blue apart from a whitish lower belly. It has a black nape and a neat black gorget. The female is duller and lacks the black markings. Her wings and back are grey-brown. Males of the Sri Lankan race H. a. ceylonensis lack the black nape and gorget.

The Black-naped Monarch has short legs and sits very upright whilst perched prominently, like a shrike. It is insectivorous, often hunting by flycatching.

Two Indonesian subspecies, blasii and puella, are sometimes split as the Pale-blue Monarch, Hypothymis puella.

NOTE: One thing about this bird reminded me somewhere in bukit rengit i almost hit him...... (lifer on my hand ...hehehhehehe) .. managed to rescue him ... tq to all birders (especially Aun Tiah) on that day.

Common Myna (Tiong Gembala Kerbau)-(Acridotheres tristis)

The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) , is a myna, a member of the starling family. This bird is native in southern Asia from Iran and Kazakhstan to Malaysia and China, and in Egypt. It is also known as the Indian Myna and as the Talking Myna for its ability to mimic human speech. In India, it is called Lali or Lalee. In urban settings, it thrives on household trash and restaurant waste.

It has been introduced widely elsewhere, including adjacent areas in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Africa, Israel, North America, Australia, New Zealand and various oceanic islands, including a very prominent population in Hawaii.

This abundant passerine is typically found in open woodland, cultivation and around habitation. The Common Myna builds a nest in hole in a tree or wall. The normal clutch is 4–6 eggs.

Although this is an adaptable species, its population has been decreasing significantly in Singapore and Malaysia due to competition with its cousin, the introduced Javan Myna.

This 25-cm-long bird has dark brown body and wing plumage, with large white wing patches obvious in flight. The head and throat are dark grey. The bill, bare skin around the eyes and strong legs are bright yellow. The sexes are similar. Mynas mate for life.

Like most starlings, the Common Myna is omnivorous. It feeds on insects and fruits and discarded waste from human habitation. It forages on the ground among grass for insects, and especially for grasshoppers, from which it gets the generic name Acridotheres, "grasshopper hunter". It walks on the ground with occasional hops.

The song includes croaks, squawks, chirps, clicks and whistles, and the bird often fluffs its feathers and bobs its head in singing. The Common Myna screeches warnings to its mate or other birds in cases of predators in proximity. Common Mynas are popular as cage birds for their singing and "speaking" abilities.

Olive-winged Bulbuls (Pycnonotus plumosus)

Olive winged bulbul (Brachypus plunosus) is not a difficult species to be seen in Malaysia. Maybe some people assume the bird is not pretty or have an interesting color. As for me all birds pretty and wonderful (they are unique).

Olive-winged Bulbuls (Pycnonotus plumosus) are doing very well in Malaysia (east/west), Singapore and other Asian country, often seen along rainforest edges and young regenerating and scrubby growths.

They nest on trees and palms, even in hollows of dead palms. Nests are cup-shaped structures constructed from twigs, dried leaves, roots and lined with floss and grass. Two eggs are normally laid, with both chicks or only one fledging.

Above image of the Olive-winged Bulbul was photographed in Sungai Ramal Kajang (malaysia), around March 2009 (taken by me). It shows an adult with olive color on winged /grey and brown color .on the breast and back body.

How to ID the bird : The key features are the red eyes (photo can't see it - bad lighting) white streaks at the "ears" position and the olive wings (Prominent) .

Conservation Efforts Make A Difference

Conservation ethics must center around the importance of using resources responsibly, allocating them effectively, and protecting them to ensure they remain safe and viable. In simpler terms, and specifically for birdwatchers, we recognize conservation as keeping environments safe, clean, abundant, and healthy, so they can provide safe homes and rich food for all manner of bird life. By being a part of conservation efforts, we can take our appreciation and support for birds to the next level; making a difference to help birds survive and thrive!

Deforestation, overfishing, and harm of biological diversity are all elements that threaten conservation for birds. Every ecosystem is a complex, inter- dependent matrix of plant and animal life that together compose the whole – any danger to one element may drastically and unpredictably affect the others. Global warming and clear-cutting present huge challenges to bird life, and are a result of human activity. We must seek to live in harmony by managing our environmental impact.

We are often reminded of water conservation in the warmer months, when watering and car washing bans are in effect. However, the birdwatching enthusiast would keep such concerns in mind year round, particularly if they are fans of shore and water birds such as ducks, plovers, ibises, sandpipers, lapwings, curlews, and so many more.

Why not make every day one in which you recognize your love of birds by choosing water-saving technologies such as low-flow shower heads and toilets, responsible wastewater reuse, and rainwater harvesting.

Change our mind set toward Conservation Efforts ............