Golden-bellied Gerygone

Taman Wetland Putrajaya

2 Sep 2004 / 4:53pm

Nikon D70 + Sigma 170-500mm

f/6.3, 1/60sec

 

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Gold-whiskered Barbet

Taman Rimba Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

10 Feb 2006 / 11:11am

Nikon D70 + Sigma 170-500mm

f/9, 1/500sec, ISO 800

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There is something deeply rewarding about guiding a friend you’ve known for nearly a decade. When Sudip first came to Malaysia to bird with me ten years ago, he was a passionate bird photographer. Fast forward to June 2026, and his vision has expanded beautifully into a wide-angle appreciation for landscapes, elusive mammals, and dynamic drone photography. 

When two old friends head to Borneo for an 11-day marathon, you don't waste a single second. Our official itinerary spanned June 5th to 15th, but since we both touched down a day early, we immediately hit the ground running. Our bonus day yielded a flock of Wandering Whistling-Ducks—the perfect prologue to an unforgettable expedition.

Rising Into the Mist: Gunung Alab to Trusmadi 

Day 1 took us up the winding roads to Gunung Alab early in the morning. The air was wonderfully cool and thick with montane mist. Setting up at the bird station felt like opening a treasure chest. The high-elevation specialists came thick and fast: the stunning Bornean Green Magpie, Chestnut-hooded and Sunda Laughingthrushes, Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher, and the legendary Whitehead’s Trogon. We spent hours working the station and exploring all the way to the peak.

From the peaks, we shifted our strategy to the dark, patient confines of the bird hides in Trusmadi for the next two days. Our ultimate target was a male Bulwer’s Pheasant. Nature didn't grant us the full-tailed male this time, but we were richly rewarded when a magnificent female stepped into the open early one morning. The Trusmadi hides kept the momentum going with deep-forest jewels like the Bornean Banded Pitta, Black-throated Wren-babbler, Dayak Blue Flycatcher, and Crimson-headed Partridge. 

Day 4 tested our patience. The weather turned sour as we blanked on the Whitehead’s Broadbill, but a male and female Whitehead’s Trogon saved the afternoon, offering spectacular frames despite the gloom.

Ground Jewels and Canopy Blockades: Telupid to Sepilok 

On Day 5, we were moving well before sunrise, transferring to a 4WD and trekking 40 minutes up a rugged trail to a remote hide in Telupid. The payoff? The legendary Bornean Peacock-Pheasant made numerous appearances. Right on its heels was the Western Hooded Pitta—a fascinating bird for us, featuring the distinct black crown rather than the chestnut crown of the migratory individuals we usually see in Peninsular Malaysia. 

By late afternoon, we reached the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), where a Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle perched quietly in the fading light, giving Sudip all the time he needed. The next morning at Sepilok brought a classic jungle curveball. We were hunting for the Black-faced subspecies of the Banded Kingfisher. 

We found the bird, but getting an eye-level shot from the canopy walk was entirely thwarted—a rowdy troop of Pig-tailed Macaques completely blockaded the walkway! Defeated by primates, we headed into the trails, only to stumble upon a lone Sabah Partridge at ridiculously close range and a beautifully shy Diard’s Trogon.

The Mighty Kinabatangan: Cruising the "Big Five" 

We spent the next three nights based in Sukau, exploring the dense waters of the Kinabatangan River. Torrential afternoon downpours became a daily ritual, which ultimately cost us our chance at the Bornean Pygmy Elephant. However, the river still delivered beautifully. 

We were targeting the region's famous wildlife icons. While the elephants eluded us, we cleanly logged the remaining heavyweights: Saltwater Crocodiles (also known as Estuarine Crocodiles) sunning on the mud banks, family groups of Proboscis Monkeys, wild Orangutans resting in the canopy, and the magnificent Rhinoceros Hornbill. 

Beyond the hornbills, the riverbanks were teeming with life. We even made the steep trek up the steps to the Gomantong platform to witness the spectacular, swirling vortex of the evening bat exodus.

The Kinabatangan "Mystery Monkey" 

During our river cruises, we kept a sharp eye out for the local primate populations, including Silvered Langurs. Interestingly, the lower Kinabatangan is famous in primatology for hosting rare hybrid Silvered Langurs (crosses between a male Proboscis Monkey and a female Silvered Langur). This cross-genus hybridization is a stark, direct result of habitat fragmentation; as palm oil plantations narrow the riverine forest patches, these two distinct species are forced into close quarters, leading to mixed-species troops and fascinating, unique offspring.

After leaving the river behind, a morning session at the specialized Kinabatangan hide treated us to a spectacular assembly: Bornean Crested Fireback, Ruddy Kingfisher, Rufous-collared Kingfisher (female), and the intricate Banded Broadbill. 

Final Stand in Taliwas and Silam 

Our final two days (June 14th and 15th) were spent in Lahad Datu to explore the pristine forest pockets of Taliwas and Silam. Borneo saved some of its best magic for the finale. We successfully saw the legendary Bornean Ground-Cuckoo and the striking Black-crowned Pitta. To our complete surprise, a Chestnut-capped Thrush made an unexpected appearance. To top it off, I bagged a personal lifer for the year—the Sunda Blue Flycatcher. Watching Sudip capture these final endemics with the refined eye of a decade-long veteran was the perfect end to a wild, rain-soaked, brilliant Bornean odyssey.

Trip Bird List (Categorized by Family)

Phasianidae (Partridges & Pheasants): Red-breasted Partridge (Endemic), Crimson-headed Partridge (Endemic), Crested Partridge, Sabah Partridge (Endemic), Bulwer's Pheasant (Female observed; Endemic), Bornean Peacock-Pheasant (Endemic), Bornean Crested Fireback (Endemic)

Anatidae (Ducks & Geese): Wandering Whistling-Duck

Columbidae (Pigeons & Doves): Various green-pigeons and cuckoo-doves recorded

Cuculidae (Cuckoos): Bornean Ground-Cuckoo (Endemic)

Ciconiidae (Storks): Storm's Stork, Lesser Adjutant

Sulidae / Anhingidae (Darters): Oriental Darter

Accipitridae (Hawks & Eagles): Wallace's Hawk-Eagle

Trogonidae (Trogons): Whitehead's Trogon (Endemic), Diard's Trogon

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers): Banded Kingfisher (Black-faced subspecies), Blue-eared Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, Rufous-collared Kingfisher

Meropidae (Bee-eaters): Blue-throated Bee-eater

Bucerotidae (Hornbills): Rhinoceros Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Black Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Bushy-crested Hornbill

Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets): Golden-naped Barbet (Endemic)

Eurylaimidae (Asian Broadbills): Banded Broadbill, Black-and-red Broadbill, Black-and-yellow Broadbill

Pittidae (Pittas): Bornean Banded Pitta (Endemic), Western Hooded Pitta (Black-crowned form), Black-crowned Pitta (Endemic)

Platylophidae & Corvidae (Magpies & Jays): Bornean Green Magpie (Endemic)

Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers & Shamas): Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher (Endemic), Little Pied Flycatcher, Dayak Blue Flycatcher (Endemic), Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, Sunda Blue Flycatcher (Lifer!), Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher, White-crowned Shama (Endemic)

Timaliidae & Pellorneidae (Babblers): Sunda Scimitar-Babbler, Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush (Endemic), Sunda Laughingthrush, Black-throated Wren-babbler (Endemic), Grey-hooded Babbler, Bornean Black-capped Babbler (Endemic)

Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls): Penan Bulbul (Endemic)

Turdidae (Thrushes): Chestnut-capped Thrush

Notable Mammals & Reptiles Logged: Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey (Endemic), Silvered Langur, Hybrid Silvered Langur, Pig-tailed Macaque, Long-tailed Macaque, Least Pygmy Squirrel, Prevost's Squirrel, Long-footed Treeshrew, Estuarine Crocodile

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In late May 2026, I had the absolute pleasure of guiding Susan and Jessica on their very first birding trip to Malaysia. They traveled across the world to explore our beautiful tropical rainforests and wetlands. Because it was their first time visiting the country, almost every single bird we encountered was completely new to them!

Our adventure took us through four of the best birding hotspots in Peninsular Malaysia: the lush lowlands of Hulu Langat, the beautiful foothills of Bukit Tinggi, the famous montane forests of Fraser’s Hill, and the coastal wetlands of Kuala Selangor.

Together, we found a mix of colorful rainforest species, rare mountain specialties, and iconic wetland birds.

Exploring the lowland and foothill forests of Hulu Langat and Bukit Tinggi gave Susan and Jessica an incredible introduction to tropical birds. We were incredibly lucky to see some of the most sought-after birds in Southeast Asia, including the stunning Silver-breasted Broadbill, the Black-and-red Broadbill, and the vibrant Black-and-yellow Broadbill.

We also found the elusive, ground-dwelling Rusty-naped Pitta, which gave our guests a spectacular view. Watching their faces light up as they photographed these colorful species for the very first time reminded me why I love being a bird guide in Malaysia.

Up in the cool air of Fraser’s Hill, the birding changed completely. We encountered amazing flocks filled with unique montane species. The highlights here were truly elite: we got fantastic views of the secretive Mountain Peacock-Pheasant and the rare Malayan Partridge.

The trees were alive with the bright colors of the Silver-eared Mesia, Grey-chinned Minivet, and the brilliant Red-headed Trogon. Susan and Jessica also managed to photograph tiny forest residents like the Pygmy Cupwing and the beautiful Rufous-browed Flycatcher.

We wrapped up our journey in the mangroves and open wetlands of Kuala Selangor. The landscape here is vastly different from the mountains, and it brought a whole new set of birds for the cameras. We watched large Painted Storks and Asian Openbills wading through the shallow waters. Overhead, the Crested Serpent Eagle scanned the ground, while bright Collared Kingfishers and Oriental Pied Hornbills flew between the trees along the coast.

It was an unforgettable short trip filled with non-stop "lifers" (first-time bird sightings) for Susan and Jessica. Malaysia truly is a paradise for wildlife photography and birdwatching!

Trip Bird List 

Below is the official list of the birds and major highlights encountered during our May 2026 tour.

### Phasianidae (Partridges, Pheasants, and Quail)

 * Malayan Partridge *(Malayan specialty)*

 * Mountain Peacock-Pheasant *(Montane specialty)*

### Ciconiidae (Storks)

 * Asian Openbill

 * Painted Stork

### Rallidae (Rails, Crakes, and Waterhens)

 * White-breasted Waterhen

### Cuculidae (Cuckoos and Malkohas)

 * Raffle’s Malkoha

 * Asian Koel

### Strigidae (True Owls)

 * Brown Wood-Owl

### Hemiprocnidae (Treeswifts)

 * Whiskered Treeswifts

### Trogonidae (Trogons)

 * Red-headed Trogon

### Bucerotidae (Hornbills)

 * Oriental Pied Hornbill

### Coraciidae (Rollers)

 * Dollarbird

### Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

 * Collared Kingfisher

### Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets)

 * Gold-whiskered Barbet

 * Black-browed Barbet

 * Red-throated Barbet

### Picidae (Woodpeckers)

 * Laced Woodpecker

### Eurylaimidae (Asian Broadbills)

 * Black-and-red Broadbill

 * Black-and-yellow Broadbill

 * Silver-breasted Broadbill

### Pittidae (Pittas)

 * Rusty-naped Pitta

### Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes and Minivets)

 * Grey-chinned Minivet

### Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)

 * Black-naped Oriole

### Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)

 * Scaly-breasted Bulbul

 * Ochraceous Bulbul

 * Grey-bellied Bulbul

 * Black-crested Bulbul

 * Red-eyed Bulbul

 * Mountain Bulbul

### Cettiidae (Bush Warblers and Allies)

 * Pygmy Cupwing

### Zosteropidae (White-eyes)

 * Hume’s White-eye

### Timaliidae (Babblers and Scimitar Babblers)

 * Grey-throated Babbler

 * Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush

### Pellorneidae (Ground Babblers)

 * Buff-breasted Babbler

### Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)

 * Silver-eared Mesia

 * Long-tailed Sibia

### Sittidae (Nuthatches)

 * Blue Nuthatch

### Paridae (Tits)

 * Sultan Tit

### Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers and Robins)

 * Oriental Magpie Robin

 * White-tailed Robin

 * Lesser Shortwing

 * Large Niltava

 * Hill Blue Flycatcher

 * Rufous-browed Flycatcher

 * Little Pied Flycatcher

### Irenidae (Fairy-bluebirds)

 * Asian Fairy-bluebird

### Chloropseidae (Leafbirds)

 * Lesser Green Leafbird

 * Blue-winged Leafbird

### Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)

 * Fire-breasted Flowerpecker

### Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)

 * Black-throated Sunbird

 * Streaked Spiderhunter

### Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)

 * Dark-necked Tailorbird

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From Highlands to Lowlands: An Epic 12-Day Birding Sweep of Sabah Borneo

What a journey! I recently returned from a 12-day expedition across Sabah (April 25 – May 6, 2026), and the "Land Below the Wind" truly lived up to its reputation. I met up with Khandan and our eager group—Bruce, Moira, Mike, and Diane—in Kota Kinabalu, ready to tackle everything from coastal paddy fields to the misty heights of Mount Kinabalu and the deep river systems of the Kinabatangan.

The "Whitehead’s Trio" and Highland Rarities

After a fantastic warm-up in the Kota Kinabalu paddy fields—where we were greeted by dozens of Wandering Whistling-Ducks and a White-bellied Sea-Eagle with its prey—we headed straight for the highlands. The bird hides provided front-row seats to Borneo’s montane gems. We watched in awe as the Bornean Banded Pitta, Black-throated Wren-Babbler, and both Red-breasted and Crimson-headed Partridges stepped into view.

_________________________________________________________________________Crimson-headed Partridge | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 26 April 2026

_________________________________________________________________________Chestnut-crested Yuhina | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 26 April 2026

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Sunda Laughingthrush | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 26 April 2026

_________________________________________________________________________Bornean Green-Magpie | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 26 April 2026

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Lantern Bug | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 3 May 2026

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Bornean Peacock-Pheasant | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 1 May 2026

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Bornean Peacock-Pheasant | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 1 May 2026

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Bornean Peacock-Pheasant | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 1 May 2026

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Long-footed Tree Shrew | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

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Pale-faced Bulbul | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | April 2026

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Whitehead's Trogon | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | April 2026

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Whitehead's Trogon | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | April 2026

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Dayak Blue Flycatcher | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | April 2026

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Crimson-headed Partridge | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | April 2026

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Black-throated Wren-babbler | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | April 2026

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Crested Partridge | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 27 April 2026

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White-crowned Shama | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 27 April 2026

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Whitehead's Trogon | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 29 April 2026

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Bushy-crested Hornbill | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 3 May 2026

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Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 5 May 2026

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Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 5 May 2026

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Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 5 May 2026

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Proboscis Monkey | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 5 May 2026

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Blue-eared Kingfisher | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 3 May 2026

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Blue-eared Kingfisher | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 3 May 2026

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Blue-eared Kingfisher | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 3 May 2026

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Bornean Pygmy Elephant | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 3 May 2026

The absolute highlight of our time in Kinabalu Park was completing the "Whitehead’s Trio." We had incredible, close-range encounters with the Whitehead’s Trogon, the neon-green Whitehead’s Broadbill, and even caught a glimpse of the Whitehead’s Spiderhunter. We capped off the highland leg by spotting the Mountain Black-eye immediately upon arrival at the summit, followed by the elusive Bare-headed Laughingthrush. To add a touch of botanical magic, the group even witnessed a Rafflesia flower in full bloom.

The Quest for the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant

Leaving the mist behind, we embarked on a rugged 4x4 journey followed by a 45-minute uphill trek to a remote village hide. Our target? The Bornean Peacock-Pheasant. The effort paid off instantly; a magnificent male was waiting for us, eventually joined by a female before we departed.

Our transition to Sepilok and the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) shifted the pace. From the canopy walk, we marveled at Rhinoceros Hornbills, Red-naped Trogons, and the massive Great Slaty Woodpecker. Nature even threw in a bonus: an Orangutan feeding nearby and a Slow Loris during our night walk.

River Cruises and Rare Pittas

The final leg of our trip took us to the mighty Kinabatangan River. Despite the tropical heat, our river cruises were spectacular, offering views of Storm’s Storks, Lesser Adjutants, Hornbills and a herd of Bornean Pygmy Elephants cooling off by the water.

White-crowned Hornbill | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

Storm's Stork | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

Malaysian Pied Fantail | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

Black-and-yellow Broadbill | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

Oriental Darter | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

Oriental Pied Hornbill | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

Rhinoceros Hornbill | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

Rufous-bellied Eagle | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

_________________________________________________________________________White-bellied Woodpecker | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

_________________________________________________________________________Bornean Pygmy Elephant | Sony α6700 + Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS (SEL70350G) | 4 May 2026

The grand finale occurred at a specialized forest hide an hour from the river. There, we finally caught up with the birds we had "dipped" on earlier: the Sabah Partridge and the stunning Black-crowned Pitta. We also added the Bornean Crested Fireback and the rare Rufous-collared Kingfisher to our list before a final afternoon cruise revealed a roosting Buffy Fish Owl.

Ready to tick the Whiteheads off your life list?

Whether you are looking for the endemics of Sabah or the forest specialists of Peninsular Malaysia, our 2027 tours are designed to put you exactly where the birds are. Khandan is already confirmed to return next year, and spots are filling fast!

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The forest dawn is an entirely separate world. For wildlife photographers, it’s a canvas of possibility, painted in cool mists and the first warming light. I had begun my morning elsewhere, chasing shadows and calls at dawn. It was a productive start, but a month of demanding assignments had kept me away from one of my favorite 'patches,' and a nagging thought pulled me towards Hulu Langat. Sometimes, the forest you know well calls you back.

By midday, I was in position, deeply embedded in the Peninsular Malaysia rainforest undergrowth. My lens was focused, but not on my target. My target was the ultimate forest phantom: the Malayan Rail-babbler. This is not a bird you casually encounter; you negotiate with it. You wait. While a nearby individual was calling—that distinct, hollow whistle—it was not making an appearance. The silence of deep waiting ensued, broken only by the hum of the tropical humidity.

The Hulu Langat biodiversity is an ecosystem of constant distraction, and sometimes, those distractions are even grander than the target. Just as the Rail-babbler’s calls faded, a sound from the canopy shook the air: the thunderous flight calls of the mighty White-bellied Woodpecker, a pterodactyl-like presence in the Malaysian jungle. Moments later, a sharper, rattling call—an Orange-backed Woodpecker. This was too much potential to ignore.

I had a crucial decision: remain motionless for the ghost that might never show, or move for the definitive woodpeckers. I broke cover. Finding the woodpeckers was exhilarating, but they were high, fast, and uncooperative. The moment was electric, but I couldn’t manage to acquire focus for a single clean image. I lost the prize I was waiting for, and I lost the prize I chased.

I was back at square one, waiting for the forest to reset. But nature rarely follows our plans.

Instead of returning to wait for the Rail-babbler, three figures descended. It was a trio of Sooty Barbets. These are not the flamboyant, jewel-toned barbets of the high mountains; they are specialist residents of the lowland sub-canopy. Their beauty lies in their subtly: the rich, velvety, ash-brown plumage, the heavy, formidable bill, and the surprising flash of deep orange on their feet.

Initially, they were distant. But barbets are inquisitive. One eventually began a meticulous descent, moving from high perch to lower perch, investigating the area around me. This was the moment of quiet reward. The forest had offered a consolation prize that was, in itself, a perfect subject. It was calling, its heavy bill agape, perhaps vocalizing to the other two individuals still hidden in the leaves above.

This image, with its perfect green bokeh, is more than a species identification shot. It captures that momentary silence before the sky turned dark with storm clouds and forced me to pack. It represents the value of being present, of chasing every lead, and of having the humility to wait for the next offering. Hulu Langat birding is never just about one species. It’s an immersion in an ancient habitat where every encounter, from the rarest ghost to the local resident, tells a deep story.

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Shadows of the Understory: The Secret Lives of Malaysia’s Phasianids

While members of the family Phasianidae are found in almost every corner of the globe—from the common quails of Europe to the wild turkeys of the Americas—the Malaysian representatives are a world apart. In the dense, humid rainforests of the Malay Peninsula and Borneo, pheasants and partridges have evolved into some of the most specialized and visually stunning birds on the planet. Unlike the open-country pheasants familiar to more temperate climates, Malaysian phasianids are masters of the deep shadows. They represent the "Sundaic" pinnacle of ground-dwelling birds; many are relict species that rely on primary, undisturbed forests that have existed for millions of years. For the international birder, seeing a pheasant in Malaysia is more than a sighting; it is an encounter with a living legacy of the ancient jungle.

Malaysia is a primary hub for phasianid diversity, boasting several unique species that act as massive draws for eco-tourism. In the highlands of Peninsular Malaysia, the Mountain Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron inopinatum) reigns as a localized treasure. While long considered a strict endemic of the Titiwangsa Range, recent records from the southern zone of Thailand have expanded our understanding of its range, reflecting the natural continuity of the mountain ranges that link our two nations. Crossing the South China Sea to Borneo, the stakes rise with the presence of the Bulwer’s Pheasant (Lophura bulweri) and the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron schleiermacheri). These birds are the guardians of their respective montane and lowland niches, making the protection of these landscapes critical for the survival of the entire family.

To understand where partridges and pheasants roam is to understand the vertical complexity of the rainforest. Partridges, such as the Crested Partridge (the famous "Roul-roul") or the Long-billed Partridge, are typically found in the lower understory, constantly tossing leaves to find fallen seeds, small fruits, and invertebrates. Pheasants, being larger, require more territory and are often found along ridgelines or near ancient salt licks deep within the forest interior. Despite being ground-dwellers, their safety depends on the verticality of the trees. At night, they do not sleep on the forest floor where they are vulnerable to terrestrial predators. Instead, they use their powerful legs and short, rounded wings to flutter into the lower canopy or onto sturdy horizontal branches, roosting high above the ground in a state of alert slumber.

Of all the magnificent species in our region, the Great Argus (Argusianus argus) is undeniably one of the most remarkable. It is a bird of superlatives, possessing some of the longest feathers in the avian world and a ringing "wow-wow" call that defines the soundscape of the jungle. For a bird of such massive size—the male can exceed two meters in length including the tail—its ability to avoid detection is extraordinary. The Great Argus relies on a complex cryptic plumage; its feathers are a masterpiece of brown, buff, and ocellated spots that mimic the dappled light and dead leaves of the forest floor. When it stands still, it effectively vanishes. Furthermore, the Argus is incredibly wary; it possesses acute hearing and will slip away into the undergrowth long before an observer even realizes it was there.

The mating rituals of these pheasants are among the most elaborate in nature. The Great Argus male painstakingly clears a circular patch of the forest floor, removing every leaf and twig to create a clean stage. When a female approaches, he performs a breathtaking display, fanning his enormous wing feathers over his head to create a giant screen of "eyes" (ocelli), hiding his body behind a wall of shimmering patterns. In contrast, the newly split Malayan Fireback and Bornean Fireback use vibrant facial skin—blue wattles for the male—and explosive bursts of movement to attract mates. Most of these tropical pheasants are polygynous; they do not mate for life. The males invest their energy into spectacular displays and territory defense, while the females handle the arduous task of nesting and raising the chicks in the dense undergrowth.

These birds are incredibly fragile, both as individuals and as a population. Their reliance on primary forest makes them highly susceptible to habitat changes. Because they are heavy-bodied and primarily terrestrial, they cannot easily traverse large clearings, which can lead to habitat isolation. Culturally, their beauty has been respected and celebrated for centuries. In many indigenous traditions throughout Southeast Asia, the feathers of the Argus and Peacock-Pheasants are highly valued, often used in ceremonial headdresses and traditional costumes that symbolize a deep spiritual connection to the natural world. These feathers represent status and respect, reflecting the high regard in which these birds are held by the people who share their forest home.

Ultimately, a pheasant sighting is a gift of patience and a reminder of the forest's hidden wonders. Whether waiting at the edge of a clearing or walking silently through the mossy forests of the Titiwangsa Range, these birds remind us that the most beautiful aspects of the natural world are often the hardest to find. They are the true royalty of the forest floor, and their presence is a testament to the health and majesty of our wilderness.

Pheasant and Partridge Species Checklist (Verified eBird/Clements)

Peninsular Malaysia

1. Great Argus (Argusianus argus)

2. Malayan Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron malacense) – ENDEMIC

3. Mountain Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron inopinatum) – Shared with S. Thailand

4. Malayan Fireback (Lophura rufa) – RECENT SPLIT

5. Malayan Crestless Fireback (Lophura erythrophthalma)

6. Crested Partridge (Rollulus rouloul)

7. Long-billed Partridge (Rhizothera longirostris)

8. Black Partridge (Melanoperdix niger)

9. Ferruginous Partridge (Caloperdix oculeus)

Borneo Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak)

1. Great Argus (Argusianus argus) – Subspecies grayi

2. Bulwer’s Pheasant (Lophura bulweri) – BORNEAN ENDEMIC

3. Bornean Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron schleiermacheri) – BORNEAN ENDEMIC

4. Bornean Fireback (Lophura ignita) – RECENT SPLIT

5. Bornean Crestless Fireback (Lophura pyronota) – BORNEAN ENDEMIC

6. Crested Partridge (Rollulus rouloul)

7. Dulit Partridge (Rhizothera dulitensis) – BORNEAN ENDEMIC / Extremely Rare

8. Red-breasted Partridge (Arborophila hyperythra) – BORNEAN ENDEMIC

9. Crimson-headed Partridge (Haematortyx sanguiniceps) – BORNEAN ENDEMIC

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