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From moss covered
mountain ranges to muddy mangroves, the
Malaysian landscape teems with hundred of birds
which thrive in the tropical environment. With
over 600 species inhabiting the peninsula and
some 580 species in Borneo, it is easy to
understand why bird watchers are drawn to
Malaysia. Due to the diversity of habitats,
there are many places with abundant birdlife to
choose from. An activity for the family or small
groups, bird watching is made more interactive
with more eyes to peer into thick brush or scan
the skies as well as by sharing the different
markings of the birds seen by fellow
participants.
HABITATS
Malaysia is
separated into two main birding regions namely
Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and
Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Many birds are
common to both geographic areas though
some species, known as endemics, are unique to a
certain location, such as the Malayan Whistling
Thrush in the peninsula and the Bornean Blue
Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker in
Sabah.
Underscoring the
importance of forests, birding activities are
concentrated in three distinctive habitat types
which are montane forests, lowland rainforests and
mangroves. Montane forests generally occur above
an elevation of 900 m, where species such as the
Mountain Peacock-Pheasant and Mountain Blackeye
thrive, in the cool damp climates and stunted
trees of these high altitude regions.
Lowland rainforests,
including freshwater swamp, peat and hill
dipterocarp forests, remain the most extensive
habitat for all over 200 birds and are crucial
to Storm's Stock and Green Imperial Pigeon.
Other birds such as
the Common Kingfisher depend on the mangrove
forest ecosystems where salt and freshwater
environs meet on the coastline fringe. While
each habitat provides an excellent birding
experience, try to visit several sites in
different ecological zones to enjoy the
variation in birdlife.
EASY ACCESS SITES
For the first-time
bird watcher or the avid amateur, there are
three excellent bird watching sites within a few
hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. These sites are
easily accessible by bus or car and are equipped
with a variety of accommodation for those who
wish to spend time away from the city.
Fraser's Hill and
Cameron Highlands both offer lush green
surroundings with panoramic views and walkable
hiking trails where bird life abound. For a
pleasant day trip, check out the Kuala Selangor
Nature Park, a mangrove swamp along the west
coast that supports 130 bird species and some
seasonal migrants including the rare Spoonbilled
Sandpiper.
In addition, those
with more time may also want to travel further
inland into Malaysia's premier national park,
Taman Negara where dense lowland forests are
home to over 200 bird species.
The Kota Kinabalu
City Bird Sanctuary, a refuge and feeding ground
for many species of resident birds and several
migratory species from Northern Asia is easily
accessible to visitors to the capital of Sabah
on the island of Borneo.
SEASONS
The tropical climate
of Malaysia allows bird watching to be a
year-round activity. Of course, visitors will
have to keep the rainy season in mind when
planning excursions and take along rain gear or
a poncho. Rain usually falls heaviest from
September to December in the west coast and from
October to February in the east coast and in
Sabah and Sarawak. Migratory birds use
Malaysia's west coast flyway to travel to
Sumatra and beyond with peak movements in April
and October.
As with all
wildlife, all possible care and respect is to be
given to the birds and their habitats. It is
illegal to harass, disturb, shoot or capture any
bird in a gazetted bird sanctuary and
trafficking in protected species is prohibited
under the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 in
Peninsular Malaysia, with separate acts enforced
in Sabah and Sarawak.
Permits from the
Forestry Department of the various states may be
needed at some bird sanctuaries. Bird watchers
are advised to check with their guides or tour
agent.
See also:-
Bird Watching Sites
Practical Bird
Watching Tips
Commonly Sighted
Birds
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