Photographic Guide to the Birds of Malaysia & Singapore. Morten Strange

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Photographic Guide to the Birds of Malaysia & Singapore - Morten Strange


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      Description: Photo shows mate; note complete lack of white in plumage. Female has white chest. Immature bird also has light brown head.

      Voice: Silent; makes clappering noises when breeding.

      Habits: A strictly pelagic bird, like all members of this small family. Only visits the shores of remote islets during breeding season, where it nests in colonies in low trees. Otherwise roams widely, surface dipping for fish and squid.

      LESSER FRIGATEBIRD

      Fregata ariel 76 cm F: Fregatidae

      Description: Photo shows male. Distinguished from previous species by smaller size and white spots under wings. Female has white chest. Immature bird also light brown head.

      Voice: Silent during migration.

      Habits: This pelagic bird picks up fish and squid from surface waters far offshore and is rarely found near the coast. As well, some of this species, mostly females, chase terns and steal their fish, A very elegant flyer, this bird moves about singly or in small flocks, and is found at a few remote islets, sometimes in huge congregations.

      GREAT-BILLED HERON

      Ardea sumatrana 115 cm F: Ardeidae

      Description: Huge size and grey plumage are diagnostic, immature bird is more brownish and lacks the breeding adult's narrow, whitish plumes.

      Voice: Sometimes a harsh croak.

      Habits: A quiet and shy bird, usually seen standing alone and motionless along muddy seashores or offshore islets, on the lookout for fish and crustaceans. During high tide it rests among mangrove trees. Occasionally follows rivers inland. Flies off low across the water. Not numerous at any location.

      GREY HERON

      Ardea cinerea 95 cm F: Ardeidae

      Description: White neck and head with grey upper parts are diagnostic.

      Voice: Deep, guttural honks while in flight or at breeding site.

      Habits: Occurs along coastal mudflats but also in freshwater swamps and along inland rivers. Feeds mainly on fish and other aquatic prey, but also on reptiles and rodents. Flies slowly, high above habitat. Breeds in dense colonies located in low, inaccessible trees near water.

      PURPLE HERON

      Ardea purpurea 90 cm F: Ardeidae

      Description: Look for diagnostic purple head and neck. Note how head is pulled back during flight.

      Voice: A harsh croak, mainly uttered within breeding colony and when taking off.

      Habits: An aquatic bird, usually seen near overgrown freshwater rivers and reservoirs, less often at the coast. Feeds on fish, which it stalks patiently at the water's edge. Forms dense colonies during the breeding season, often mixing with other herons.

      LITTLE HERON (Striated Heron)

      Butorides striatus 45 cm F: Ardeidae

      Description: A small heron with crouching stance. Immature bird is brown with pale streaks. A unique, monotypic genus.

      Voice: A loud kweak...kee-kee-kee-kee when taking off.

      Habits: As a resident, most commonly found near the coast, where it nests in low mangrove trees, but occurs in all kinds of wetlands, including freshwater marshes and canals. Sometimes walks conspicuously out in the open along the water's edge.

      CHINESE POND-HERON

      Ardeola bacchus 45 cm F: Adeidae

      Description: Photo shows non-breeding plumage. During breeding, the head and breast are dark chestnut, the back is black and wings flash white in flight.

      Voice: Normally silent. Low croaks during breeding.

      Habits: An attractive small heron usually found at overgrown ponds, marshes and paddy fields where it walks along slowly, looking for aquatic prey. Less common in mangroves. Breeds in colonies with other herons.

      JAVAN POND-HERON

      Ardeola speciosa 45 cm F: Ardeidae

      Description: Note the diagnostic pale chestnut breast and whitish head of breeding plumage; white wings flash brightly during flight. In non-breeding plumage is not easily distinguished from the Chinese Pond-heron.

      Voice: Similar to previous species.

      Habits: Moves about freshwater wetlands, flooded fields and sometimes among coastal mangroves, singly or in loose groups. A rather shy bird that walks slowly or stands waiting quietly for aquatic prey to appear.

      CATTLE EGRET

      Bubulcus ibis 50 cm F: Ardeidae

      Description: Small, stocky shape and yellow bill are diagnostic. A unique, monotypic genus. Orange plumes on head, chest and back during breeding season (see photo, bird in background).

      Voice: Usually silent, although croaks at nest.

      Habits: Numerous locally in open country and on cultivated fields; does not visit mudflats and beaches. Associates with grazing domestic animals, catching the insects, frogs and lizards that the cattle disturb. Large flocks form at communal roosts in the evenings and at breeding sites. A successful and expanding species.

      PACIFIC REEF-EGRET (Reef Egret)


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