Over many years I have had numerous opportunities to observe the feeding behaviour of the Pin-striped Tit-Babbler (Mixornis gularis). Although it largely feeds on insects/invertebrates (insectivores) it will also feed on fruit (frugivory). In the past I have seen it take the fruit of the Macaranga peltata, Macaranga heynei (Blue Mahang), Trema tomentosa and a dark oval fruit (plant species not seen).

On 13 April 2026 at the Kledang-Saiong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak I observed a pair of Pin-striped Tit-Babblers feeding on Commersonia bartramia (Brown Kurrajong, Scrub Christmas Tree) – it is most likely feeding on the arils attached to the seed. I have observed a number of sunbirds and minivets feeding on these arils/seeds in the past. Commersonia bartramia is usually 6-15 meters in height and often found in locations with full sunlight where forest has been cleared or damaged. It is usually difficult to photo-document these actual feeding, as arils/seeds are small and consumed quickly (Plate 1 & 2). No insects or invertebrate prey were taken during this feeding episode. The usual type of fruit/seed taken by Pin-striped Tit-Babblers appears to be small, 6mm or less in size.

Corlett (2017) describes frugivory and seed dispersal by vertebrates in tropical and subtropical Asia. On babblers he states: ”Most species are commonly described as insectivores, but every study that has looked at fecal samples or observed understory trees and shrubs has reported consistent levels of frugivory and most species appear to pass seeds intact…. The role of these rather inconspicuous birds in seed dispersal has not been studied, but their diversity and abundance in the north of the region suggest that they are likely to be important there, at least.”

The field guide on Birds of the Indian Subcontinent by Grimmett and the Inskipps has been the definitive field guide for the Indian Subcontinent for many years. I owned a copy of the first edition (2011) and used it extensively when birdwatching in Nepal and India. The guide is impressive in that it spans India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives – one of the most avian-diverse region, hosting approximately 12% to 13% of the total bird species found globally. I hence was delighted when I received a copy of the second edition (Plate 1).

What’s New in the Second Edition?

Since the 2011 edition, birdwatching has expanded extensively in the Indian Subcontinent. There has been widespread use of citizen science tools such as eBird, Bird Count India, Indian Birds (journal) and image and sound databases like the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Oriental Bird Club Image Database, Xeno-canto and others.

The authors have accessed these tools and the guide reflects this growth. The significant updates include:

• The second edition covers 1,429 species, an increase from the 1,375 in the earlier edition.
• Species texts have been significantly increased for nearly every bird.
• The book features 246 colour plates – 20 more than the previous edition.
• The guide now follows eBird/Clements taxonomy (v2023) minor exceptions.

Each species has a detailed description that focuses on plumage variations, including sexual dimorphism, racial differences, immature stages and habitats, supported by range maps (Plate 2). Vocalization descriptions are provided for most species. There are excellent illustrations for each species, and where useful, including juveniles – these were produced by 20 artists – some painted for this new edition.

This second edition retains the ‘Family Summaries’ at the front, before the species accounts – a very useful feature to aid those who are beginning their birdwatching experience. Another useful aspect of the field guide, which has been retained and enlarged from the first edition, is a ‘Vagrant Appendix’ – brief descriptions and illustrations for rare vagrants are grouped in a dedicated appendix at the end of the book.

The introduction has a conservation focus and outlines current threats and conservation measures. A total of 119 globally threatened species have been recorded in the subcontinent.

At 576 pages (528 in the first edition), the field guide is a substantial work but the authors have provided the most essential species identification information in a volume portable in the field.

The Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Second Edition) is an indispensable field guide, an essential companion for anyone exploring the birds in the Indian Subcontinent – whether you are a beginner or a seasoned birder.

The well-trodden path of ‘pocket-sized’ photographic guides from Helm, and latterly John Beaufoy publishing house are well-known to any visit to South-east Asia and beyond. This is the 19th in the ‘Helm Wildlife Guides’ series, 18 of which are about birds, https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/helm-wildlife-guides/.

This book covers Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, thus excluding the two East Malaysian states, which the similar sized Jon Beaufoy does (though I must add, that book, similar in size and layout, only covers 280 species, despite the much longer bird list). To me, adding in Singapore over East Malaysia makes perfect sense, with such a huge overlap of species, and being a country so well visited by the casual naturalist. In some respects, it makes the book better suited to Singapore, as so few species are likely on a birding outing in Singapore that aren’t covered in the book, whereas in Malaysia you would require a field guide if you’re beyond the ‘wildlife-friendly visitor’.

The biggest issue the authors face with producing these guides is selecting what species to include, as it’s not possible to include the 700+ species that occur across the two countries. Just over half, 374 have.                                                        

As an avid birder, obviously the first thing I do is frantically flick through for two things, one, what species were omitted, and two, how many misidentifications are there. In the older versions, you tended to find a few, but under these authors I was not surprised there were none, in fact, even in the text, it all reads well. I will come to the first point later.

Opening the book, we have a single page introduction to the book and the region, two pages on bird conservation, map, five pages on birdwatching habitats and locations (no map depicting where the birding localities are), with key species under each habitat. Species accounts taking up 207 pages. Further Reading and Resources, Acknowledgements, and finally Index.

Each species has one, sometimes two photos if there is a stark sexual dimorphism, or sometimes immature plumage shown. Text is kept simple and easy to read – identification, habits, habitat and where to see. Some accounts include vocalisations if deemed necessary / interesting.

The photographs are generally of a high quality, and well edited, really elevating the species accounts. Gone are the days of these photographic guides being a giddy mix of quality. The paper and print quality are of a very high standard too, it’s a sleek looking book.

As we know, keeping a birder fully satisfied is an impossible task. I found the selection of species chosen overall to be excellent, and well-thought out. However, I do have some quibbles. I was disappointed to see the only galliform was Red Junglefowl. Leaving out perhaps the regions most spectacular birds, Great Argus, was disappointing – even if it’s unlikely to be seen, for the unknowing to find such a bird exists would be exciting (Malayan Crested Fireback is often around the chalets at Taman Negara). A couple of the near-endemics, Mountain Peacock-Pheasant and Malayan Whistling Thrush not being shown was a little surprising, though the latter is mentioned in the Blue Whistling Thrush text. However, perhaps the biggest surprise were the authors choosing more species of similar-looking Malacopteron babblers than pittas – the latter didn’t even include Malayan Banded Pitta – usually a front cover species of any regional bird related book. Just shows how serious birders the authors are!

Overall, a very impressive guide, and an excellent choice for any visitor, or newbie or novice birdwatcher living in Malaysia and and Singapore.

James A. Eaton

The *March 2026 issue of the Malaysian Bird Report* is now available for download.
There are interesting articles on call playback, mistletoe & flowerpeckers, raptors with large prey and unusual breeding behaviours. The MNS-BCC Records Committee Report 2024-2025 is out with some detailed first record accounts. The bird identification series is particularly valuable – looking at  Pygmy Woodpeckers, Godwits and Dowitchers.

Please feel free to download & share the link to the report:
https://malaysianbird.report/report/vol-1-2026/

We are privileged to receive these fascinating contributions & welcome continued sharing of bird observations and insights.  

All photos are taken in Kluang unless stated otherwise.

1. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

This medium size aquatic bird of snowy white colour is a heron in the family Ardeidae. The adult little egret is 55–65 cm long with an 88–106 cm wingspan. It has slender black beak, yellow iris and long black legs with yellow feet. During breeding season, two long narrow plumes (about 15 cm long) are seen arising from the back of the head. Several broader and longer (20 cm) plumes are seen on the breast region. The tail is embellished with a bunch of fine, filly plumes.

2. Striated Heron (Butorides striata)

   The striated heron,is also known as mangrove heron, little green heron or green-backed heron.   Its small size (measuring between 35 and 48 cm in length) ,subtle plumage and hunting habit of keeping still for prolong period of time helps it blend perfectly into its environment of ponds, rivers and mangrove forests. Hence, to catch this inconspicuous bird, you have to actively look out for it.

This heron’s back and wings are a soft blue-grey, with a darker black crown that extends down the nape and into a set of long, graceful black plumes. During mating rituals these plumes can be raised to display the bird’s dominance or attraction. The heron’s underparts are whitish, contrasting with its darker back. Side views reveal a unique mosaic pattern in the wings, where dark grey feathers are edged with white, giving the bird an almost abstract, geometric appearance. The neck is light grey on the sides, creating a soft gradient of colour that enhances its elegance. The iris of the eye is a striking yellow. The relatively long yellow leg ends in four long independent toes (three forward pointing, and one backward), with curved pointed claws. This gives the heron added stability as it forages in the shallow waters, stepping on loose stones covered with slippery algae. There is only a small web between the 2^nd and 3^rd toes.

   A key field mark is a thin black stripe that runs from the base of its long and stout, black beak, beneath the eye, and continues backwards to pass under the ear tuff. In contrast, a whitish-yellow stripe can be seen arching from the base of the beak, going above the eye, and curling around the back of the eye.

   The striates   This striking feature is not commonly seen. The “striates” consists of 2-3 thin maroon stripes, separated by white stripes, confined in a narrow column, running from the frontal aspect of the neck, down to the chest. Hence  you would only get to see the striates in its full glory, if the heron is facing you in a full frontal view with its neck fully straightened upward. The other situation is when you are under a tree looking up with the heron roosting directly above you.

The Art of Bait Fishing

One of the most remarkable behaviors of the Striated Heron is its method of “bait fishing”—a technique that reveals its ingenuity and problem-solving ability. The heron uses tools to attract prey, demonstrating an intelligence that has often been underestimated in birds.

To catch fish, the Striated Heron will select a piece of bait—such as a dead insect, a small twig, a piece of bread, or even a small fruit—and carefully place it on the surface of a body of still water. It then waits patiently for a fish or other prey to approach the bait. If the bait drifts too far away, the heron will retrieve it and reposition it closer to where it can ambush the potential prey. When a suitable prey is within range, the “S” shape folded neck is suddenly straightened with a snap and the fish is caught in the long beak.

Interestingly, the heron has also been observed rescuing its bait. If a predator is larger than what it can handle approaches, the heron will quickly pick up the bait. Once the threat has passed, it will return the bait to the water, continuing its patient hunt. This behavior illustrates the heron’s ability to manipulate its environment, not just to survive, but to actively improve its chances of success in hunting.

A Sign of Intelligence
The Striated Heron’s use of tools is just one example of the growing body of evidence that challenges outdated ideas about bird intelligence. Traditionally, the phrase “bird-brained” has been used to suggest that birds lack cognitive sophistication. However, studies in recent years have shown that many species, including the Striated Heron, exhibit remarkable problem-solving abilities and complex behaviors. This heron’s ability to use bait and to reposition it to lure prey demonstrates a level of foresight and adaptability that rivals some of the most intelligent animals on the planet.

References

1. https://flamingogujarat.com/wencesp-content/uploads/2023/07/Flamingo-Oct-Dec2016.pdf#page=15

2. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2795&context=bird_observer

3. Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

   I had my first encounter on  31 July 2017 with this heron on the western bank of the Huangpu River, the Bund of Shanghai. This second encounter was on March, 2024, on the bank of Sungei Mengkibol, in the middle of Kluang town, Johore, West Malaysia. One early morning, I was walking leisurely on a footpath along the western bank of the river when I walked under a tree near the hawker centre known as “Ngepot Kabin”. There was a lot of bird splats on the footpath, and as I looked up, I saw the completely white underside of a medium sized bird. My first thought was an Egret, but what gave it away was it’s piercing crimson red eyes and the short yellow legs.

    It is actually a Black-crowned night heron. A closer look reveals a black crown spreading backwards down the nape and ending in two long, slender white plumes. The back is black but the wings, back of neck and the short tail are light grey. There is usually a thin white band between the base of the black beak and the black forehead. This band continues upward and backward as a white eyebrow.

   While hunting, they keep a more erect posture, unlike other herons which usually adopt a more horizontal posture. As it’s name suggested, hunting is mostly done at night but it is not uncommon for them to be seen hunting in broad daylight. This could be when the need for food is high, such as when it has babies to feed.

   They are among the seven heron species observed to engage in bait fishing.

4. White-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)

The White-breasted Waterhen is a waterbird of the rail and crake family Rallidae that is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, found in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia.

They are dark slaty birds with a clean white face, breast and belly. In addition, they have a yellow bill and legs. They also have a tiny red frontal shield, arising from the base of the upper beak, spreading a little way up the forehead. This frontal shield is more well-developed in their cousins, the Australian Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa) and the Australian Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus).

They are somewhat bolder than most other rails and are often seen stepping slowly with their tail cocked upright in open marshes. The lower belly and the under tail covert feathers are of a warm cinnamon colour. As they move, they continuously jerk their upright tail forward, an interesting trait to note.

These birds are adaptable and are commonly found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, rice paddies, ponds, and even artificial wetlands like urban parks and even plain roadside drains. However, these birds have their comfort zone: if you come too close to them, their laterally flattened body enable them to make a quick and silent disappearance into the tall grass or undergrowth beside them. These birds are usually seen singly or in pairs as they forage slowly along the edge of a waterbody in search of food, including small fishes, crustaceans, insects, seeds, and small invertebrates. Having long toes help them to maintain their balance as they walk on the uneven and slippery water edges. They are largely crepuscular in activity and during the breeding season after the first rains make loud and persistent croaky calls. After mating, the female lays a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The young are born precocial, meaning they are ready to walk and forage shortly after hatching.

5. Stork-billed kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)

   One weekday morning, after visiting the Kluang wet market, we made our way to the food centre about 200m away. We were enjoying a leisurely walk along the shady bank of the Sungei Mengkibol when I noticed a sudden flash of bright colour. I quickly freezed on the spot. There it was, a Stork-billed Kingfisher, perching on a lower branch of a huge tree overlooking the slow-flowing river. It is a lifer for me. The most striking thing is the huge scarlet red bill and legs. It has a curiously flattened olive-brown head. There is a buff-coloured nuchal ring, merging into the bright golden of the neck, breast, belly and vent. This contrasts with the electric blue of the wings, back and tail.

   The flattened looking head is most probably an adaptation for speed. One of it’s favourite hunting tactics is as an ambush predator, diving down from perches around 2-4 meters above ground or water. As can be seen in certain flight photos, when the bill, head and body are in a straight line, the kingfisher is transformed into a streamlined torpedo. There is no head hump to increase drag. This is especially important when the kingfisher plunges through the air-water interface.  

   The kingfisher uses its huge powerful beak to grab the fish while underwater. However, it is not averse to directly spearing it too. See besgroup post below :-

https://besgroup.org/2009/02/20/stork-billed-kingfisher-and-the-tilapia\

6. The Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

   The next bird I frequently see is the Common Sandpiper. Most of the sightings are of a solitary bird moving quietly and purposefully along the shallow sandbanks of the slow-moving river. Its small size and subtle movements blend into the surrounding landscape. The Common Sandpiper is a small bird, measuring about 18 to 20 cm (7.1–7.9 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 32–35 cm (13–14 inches). It has greyish-brown upperparts with fine darker barring on its wings which contrast with its bright white underparts. It has dark yellowish legs and relatively straight, long, slender bill with a pale base and dark tip. While foraging it has a curious habit of flicking its tail up and down, and at the same time bobbing its head forward and backwards. These movements are typical of the Actitis species and may have its use in flushing out hidden preys. The bird forages by sight, typically on the ground or in shallow water. It uses its keen vision to pick up small invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and other tiny creatures that inhabit the muddy shores. At times, the sandpiper may even catch insects in flight.

7. The Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)

   I was also fortunate enough to have a single encounter with another sandpiper, the Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola). It has roughly the same size and shape as the Common Sandpiper, maybe a bit larger. The difference is the darker brown of the upper parts with white spot pattern. The Wood Sandpiper probes for invertebrates, primarily aquatic insects, and crustaceans, by using its sensory bill tip to search through wet mud or shallow water.

8. Coppersmith barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus)

   Also known as the Crimson-breasted Barbet, it is a striking and melodious bird native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.

This small bird measuring between 15 and 17 cm in length, is predominantly green, with a crimson-red forehead and breast, and a contrasting yellow throat. The yellow cheek patch below, combined with the upper yellow eyebrow gives the eye, a highlighted spectacle effect, broken by the black eye stripe. The underparts are a pale green, streaked with grey and black, adding to the bird’s visual appeal. It also has a thin orbital ring of bare red skin and striking red legs. The base of the powerful black beak is surrounded by stiff hair-like feathers, known as “Rictal bristles”. The stout beak is very efficient in excavating tree holes for roosting and nesting. The birds feed primarily on fruits.

   The Coppersmith Barbet’s bright colours are complemented by its distinctive vocalizations, which have earned it its name. Its call is a loud, metallic “tuk… tuk… tuk” or “tunk,” mimicking the sound of a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. This repetitive, metronomic call is often delivered at a steady rhythm, beginning softly and gradually building in volume and tempo. The bird can continue calling for long stretches, producing up to 204 notes per minute.

   When the Coppersmith Barbet calls, its beak remains closed, and a patch of bare skin on either side of its throat inflates and collapses with each “tuk,” much like a rubber bulb being squeezed. This rhythmic action is accompanied by bobbing of its head.

   The Coppersmith Barbet thrives in a variety of habitats, from urban gardens to rural groves and sparse woodlands. It favors areas with dead wood, which is essential for nest excavation. The bird is known to be a solitary creature or, at most, lives in small groups, often spotted perched high in trees or foraging for food in the canopy.

   Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), peepul (Ficus religiosa), and other wild figs are among the preferred trees for the Coppersmith Barbet, as they provide both shelter and sustenance. The bird’s diet consists primarily of fruits, including various drupes and berries, and occasionally insects caught in aerial sallies. It is also known to feed on flower petals, adding a touch of colour to its already colourful diet.

Vocalisations of Coppersmith Barbet :-

https://xeno-canto.org/species/Psilopogon-haemacephalus

9. Scaly-Breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)

   This small sparrow-sized finch ( measuring 11-12 cm in length ) is native to the tropical plains and grasslands of Asia, stretching from Pakistan and India eastwards to Taiwan and Philippines, and southwards from southern China, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore to Indonesia. They are found usually close to water and grassland and are especially common in paddy fields.

   It is also known in the pet trade as the Nutmeg Mannikin or Spice Finch. It has a bright cinnamon brown on its upper parts, the head region is of a darker brown. The whitish underparts are decorated with fine, black scale-like markings on its feathers, especially over the breast, belly and flank, giving the bird its name.

   The diet of the Scaly-Breasted Munia primarily consists of grass seeds, making it a vital contributor to seed dispersal in its native ecosystems. In addition to seeds, it occasionally feeds on berries and small insects.

   The Scaly-Breasted Munia builds a dome-shaped nest made of grass and bamboo leaves, typically in dense vegetation or low shrubs. Outside of the breeding season, they may even roost in mixed-species groups.

   In addition to its native range, the Scaly-Breasted Munia has been introduced to many parts of the world. Due to its popularity as a cage bird, feral populations have successfully established themselves in locations far from their native habitat. These populations can now be found in parts of Africa, Australia, and even in some Pacific islands.

10. Zebra dove (Geopelia striata)

   Zebra dove, also known as the barred ground dove, have a small and slender shape, measuring  20–23 centimetres in length. It belongs to the dove family, Columbidae, native to Southeast Asia (from southern Myanmar, to peninsular Thailand / Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, and eastwards to Borneo and Philippines).  

   The upper parts are predominantly brownish-grey in colour with a darker brown long tail. The feathers of the back and the covet feathers of the wings usually terminate with a squarish shape and a thin black stripe. This gives it a barred appearance. A second set of barred pattern consisting of horizontal fine black and white lines is also seen. This arises from the back of the neck, spreading to the front, and down to the breast and flank region. The unmarked midline region is covered with fine pinkish-buff feathers.

   The face has a bluish-grey look with bare bluish skin around the eyes. This powder blue orbital “spectacle” ring extends anteriorly with a horizontal loral stripe and backwards with a post-orbital stripe pointing downward towards the nuchal. The eye has a black pupil surrounded by an inner white iris ring, followed by a black scleral ring. The forehead and fore-crown is greyish blue while the hind-crown and nuchal are light brownish.

   The species is known for its pleasant, soft, staccato cooing calls

Sound Recordings:- e.g. Simon Elliott  XC  589483

https://xeno-canto.org/explore?query=Zebra%20dove   

The zebra dove is closely related to the peaceful dove of Australia and New Guinea and the barred dove of eastern Indonesia. In the peaceful dove (Geopelia placida), (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaceful_dove)  , the stripe pattern in the neck extends forward all the way, covering all the neck. However the flank has no stripe markings. In the Indonesian barred dove (Geopelia maugeus),( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barred_dove ) is similar to the zebra dove in appearance but has bare yellow skin around the eye and black-and-white barring which extends right across the breast, belly and flank.

11. Spotted-neck dove (Spilopelia chinensis)

   This dove is a small bird, measuring 28 to 32 cm in length and has a somewhat long tail. Its native range is on the Indian subcontinent and extends to East and Southeast Asia.

   Five subspecies are recognised:

      Spilopelia chinensis suratensis (Gmelin, JF, 1789) – Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan

      Spilopelia chinensis ceylonensis (Reichenbach, 1851) – Sri Lanka

Spilopelia chinensis tigrina (Temminck, 1809) – Bangladesh and northeast India through Indochina to Philippines and the Sunda Islands

      Spilopelia chinensis chinensis (Scopoli, 1786) – northeast Myanmar to central and east China, Taiwan

      Spilopelia chinensis hainana (Hartert, 1910) – Hainan (off southeast China)

The dove seen in Kluang is Spilopelia chinensis tigrina.

   The upper parts are generally brown. The wing covets have a tapering black streak along the central feather shaft. This together with the buff fringes of the feathers creates a beautiful pattern that breaks up the monotonous brown of the back. Higher up, there is a white-spotted black half collar patch on the back and sides of the neck, which gives the bird its name. This collar is actually created by black feather with a white tip. The eye has a black pupil surrounded by an orange inner iris ring, which in turn is surrounded by a thin black iris ring. The bluish grey orbital ring is made up of the eye lids and a bare patch of skin. The black loral line stretches from the front of the eye to the base of the upper black beak. The forehead is light greyish, merging with the light brownish crown and nape. There is a whitish ear patch. The rest of the face is light pinkish-buff, extending to the neck, breast, belly and merging into the white vent. The outer tail feathers are tipped in white and become visible when the bird takes flight. The long tail is also useful in helping the bird keep its balance, especially obvious when it lands on a high overhead power line.

   Spilopelia c. suratensis has a reddish iris ring.

   Spilopelia c. ceylonensis has a reddish iris ring, reddish orbital ring and a more beautiful wing pattern of black, brown and gold. This is due to the wing covet feathers having a more prominent buff colour in its terminal ends.

   Spilopelia c. chinensis is similar to our Kluang dove except that its wing markings are very light, not obvious at all if you do not purposely look for them. 

References :-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotted_dove

12. Oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis)

   The Oriental magpie-robin is a  distinctive small, black and white passerine bird, about 19cm in length, including the long tail. The tail is usually held cocked upright when hopping and foraging on the ground to get it out of the way. When perched high on a tree branch, singing a song, it’s tail is held horizontally, to help with its balance.

   It is similar in size and coloration pattern to the “Willy Wag Tail” of Australia. However, it does not have Willy’s white eye brows, instead it has a broad white wing-bar running from the shoulder to the tip of the wing.

   Its native home is in tropical southern Asia, ranging from eastern Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and east to Thailand, south China and southwards to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and eastern Indonesia. As a well-known song bird, it has spread via the bird trade to non-native regions, aided by escapee or voluntary release.

     They commonly frequent open woodland and cultivated areas, as well as urban gardens, hunting for insects and invertebrates like earthworms. In times of need, they may supplement their diet with flower nectar, centipedes, small lizards and fishes.

13. Brown shrike (Lanius cristatus)

   The Brown Shrike measuring 19-20cm, is mainly brown on its upper parts and long tail, contrasting with its creamy white underparts. The flanks and belly are rufous in colour. It has a characteristic black eye stripe (bandit mask). Females tend to have fine scalloping on the underside and the mask is dark brown, instead of black.

   It breeds in northern Asia from Siberia, Mongolia, north-east China, Korea to northern Japan. To escape the cold Northern Winter, it migrates to southern Asia :-  India, Indochina, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. It arrives in India about August and September and departs in April.

   It feeds mainly on insects, especially butterflies and moths.. Small birds and lizards are also sometimes preyed upon. It has a peculiar habit of impaling its prey onto thorns, to aid in tearing them into smaller morsels to eat. This earns them the name  “butcher bird”.  The thorny bush also serves as a safe larder.

Calls of the Brown Shirke :-   https://ebird.org/species/brnshr

Size :-   19-20cm  https://singaporebirds.com/species/brown-shrike/

14. Asian glossy starling (Aplonis panayensis)

   The adult bird is a slim looking black bird, measuring 22-25cm in length, with black beak and legs, and strickling fierce looking red eyes. However, in good lighting their black colour turns instantly into a brilliant metallic green sheen. The juvenile bird has greyish brown upperparts and creamy white underparts marked with bold black wavy streaks.

   They are found from Northeast India, Bangladesh, along the coast of Myanmar to South Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Borneo, Indonesia and the Philippines. They inhabit tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests and mangrove forests. With the spread of human civilisation, a huge number of this species also starts roosting in towns and cities. However, they are more wary than the rock pigeons, tending to occupy the more sparsely populated town area.

   They mainly feed on fruits and insects. As they are a highly social species there are usually huge numbers when foraging and roosting, resulting in a very noisy spectacle.

15. Mynah

Here we will mainly write about the Common Mynah (Acridotheres tristis) and the Javan Mynah (Acridotheres javanicus) . Both belong to the starling family Sturnidae, and are about 21-23 cm in length.

   Common Mynah is a brownish bird with black head, wing and tail feathers. The juveniles have brownish head, wings and tail. The square tip tail ends in a white line. The beak and legs are bright yellow. There is also a bright yellow patch of bare skin around the eyes, especially on the posterior aspect. This yellow eye patch is absent in the Javan Mynah. The primary feathers have white bases that form a striking white wing bar visible during flight. The iris of the eyes are a golden brown, in comparison to the lemon-yellow of the Javan Mynah.

   Javan Mynah is a blackish bird with deep black head, wings and tail. The rest of the body is greyish black. In good lighting, the may be a tinge of blue to the grey. The beak and legs are also yellow but the bare yellow skin patch around the eyes are absent. There is a short erectile feather crest on its forehead, leading down to the base of its beak. It usually feeds on the ground, where it usually walks with a hop and a skip.

Images of Common Mynah 15a – e

Images of Javan Mynah 15f – h

The Common Mynah is a native of Asia, ranging from Iran in the west to southern China and Japan in the east, and southward from Indochina to West Malaysia and Singapore. It is a very successful bird, so much so that in 2000 the IUCN Species Survival Commission declared it among 100 of the world’s worst invasive species. However, in Singapore the current situation has changed, the once plentiful Common Mynah has been replaced by it’s cousin the Javan Mynah. In 2026 when we see a mynah bird, 9 out of 10 times it is a Javan mynah. In Kluang, (Malaysia) the proportion of the two mynah species is still 50/50.

   The Javan mynah is a native of Java, Indonesia. However, it has spread all over the world, via the pet trade. The Javan mynah is possibly more successful in urban situation because it is more aggressive , more bold (less afraid of human) and it’s life cycle is a few days shorter than that of the Common Mynah’s.

A fig plant (Ficus sp.) was recently removed from the roof of a two-story house in my neighborhood. The seed was most likely brought in by a bird or a bat about 10 to 15 years ago. Had the plant grew in the ground, it would have grown into a large tree.

It took a large crane to lift two workers up to the roof edge to remove the plant.   The plant was stunted because the main root grew down the drain pipe to the cement ground below. Had the roots managed to find their way into the ground below, the plant would had been very much larger.

It took much effort to remove the plant as the main root had wedged tightly inside the drainpipe, almost filling it completely. This is typical of fig plants that can exploit narrow cracks in walls, roofs and drainage systems. When small, they are easy to remove. When fully grown, pulling them will invariably leave parts of the roots that can regenerate.

Fig seedlings of varying sizes can be seen growing from cracks on walls of old houses. They also grow from exposed drainage pipes on retaining walls. Most are small seedlings and easily removed by pulling them out. Once the roots get well attached to the wall, pulling will not totally remove the plant.

There are three common species of fig plants in Singapore that can create problems to buildings: Banyan Tree (F. benghalensis), Weeping Fig (F. benjamina) and Bodhi Tree (F. religiosa) (https://besgroup.org/2014/02/21/trees-for-birds-1-ficus-benjamina-waringin-weeping-fig/) as well as wayside trees (https://besgroup.org/2014/01/17/strangling-figs-and-their-host-trees/).

Fig seedlings also establish themselves on branches of wayside trees. Over time their roots grow downwards and wrap around the host tree’s trunk. Eventually the roots fuse together and literally “strangle” the host tree, depriving it of space and resources. As a result, many wayside trees were taken over by fig trees in the past https://besgroup.org/2023/02/23/nature-singapore-2-killer-fig-trees/).

Today, such occurrences are rare as fig plants on buildings and wayside trees are regularly removed as part of our urban and natural environment maintenance. Nevertheless, these observations highlight the extraordinary resilience and adaptability of figs, as well as their significant impact on both natural and built environments in Singapore.

On 02 January 2026 at a coastal, mangrove region in Perak, Malaysia I observed a new food source for the Copper-throated Sunbird (Leptocoma calcostetha) and Ornate Sunbird (Cinnyris ornatus). They were seen feeding often on the nectar of the flowers of Volkameria inermis (synonym Clerodendrum inerme). This a native, common shrub found in coastal areas, which often grows in a tangled heap. The common names are Wild Jasmine, Sorcerers Bush and Bunga Pawang. The flowers are tubular with very long white-purple stamens. I saw the birds access the nectar by both fluttering to reach the flowers or at times resting on one of the trailing branches. Images show females of both species feeding. Feeding was not competitive interspecific or intraspecific.

A new food source for the Ornate Sunbird (Cinnyris ornatus). Observed a male feeding on the nectar of the Euphorbia coalcomanensis at Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia on 01 January 2026. The plant is often called the ‘Little Bird Flower’ as the cream/green inflorescence (cyathia) is shaped like a bird. Another plant that looks like it is the Euphorbia bracteata (Slipper Plant) which is also a favourite of some sunbirds.

Reference

1. Cheke, R.A, Mann, C.F. & Allen, R. (2025). Sunbirds of the World – Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers, Spiderhunters and Sugarbirds, Second Edition. Helm Identification Guide, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

2. Cheke, R., S. G. Mlodinow, C. Mann, G. M. Kirwan, and D. A. Christie (2025). Ornate Sunbird (Cinnyris ornatus), version 1.2. In Birds of the World (B. K. Keeney and S. M. Billerman, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA.

The *Dec 2025 issue of the Malaysian Bird Report* is now available for download.

We have a  bumper publication with articles on ID of Hume’s v Swinhoe’s White-eye;

-ID of the Javan Plover;

-Hornbills Feeding on Bats & Snakes;

-new rarities (Javan Plover & Australian Tern);

-Malaysian Peregrine Falcon Survey; Birdcall Mnemonics;

-Daytime Behaviour of the Large-tailed Nightjar;

-Becoming a Good Bird Guide;

and lots more. The editorial focuses on the Impact of AI Generated & Edited Images on Birdwatching. We also celebrate the life of our pioneer ornithologist Bertram E. Smythies.

Please feel free to download & share the link to the report:

https://malaysianbird.report/report/vol-4-2025

We are delighted with the significant increase in contributions & welcome your continued sharing of bird observations and insights. 

Editorial Committee,

Malaysian Bird Report

I have often seen egrets and herons take fish but have yet to see any of the species feed on mudskippers. On 11 December 2025 on the coast at Kuala Gula, Perak, Malaysia, I observed a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) take a mudskipper, possibly Pseudapocryptes elongatus (Elongate Mudskipper). The bird was foraging in the muddy, shallow pools left behind in the rocks when the tide went out. Mudskippers are not described in the diet of the Little Egret (Wells 1999, Mlodinow 2024). There are posts online of mudskippers eaten by a Reef Heron and a Great Egret.

References

1.     Mlodinow, S.G., G.M. Kirwan, and P. Pyle (2024). Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), version 2.1. In Birds of the World (B. K. Keeney, N. D. Sly, and S. M. Billerman, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA.

2.     Wells, D. R. (1999). The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula: Vol. 1. Non-passerines. London: Academic Press.