In Malaysia, there are over 600 species of birds in the tropic's most pristine forests. Some of the better-known birdwatching sites attract Malaysians and foreign visitors who all talk about the rich birdlife. In a three-week trip, birders can expect to capture 350 species of birds!
From moss-covered mountain ranges to muddy mangroves, the Malaysian landscapeteems with hundreds 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.
The country's lowland forests are among the world's oldest with varied environment making it a hot spot of world biodiversity. Vast areas of undisturbed forest still remain, and they are home to some of the tropics' most exquisite birds. Peninsular Malaysia offers a rich blend of mainland Asian birds and specialities. Sabah and Sarawak are centres of biological richness for the Indo-Malayan region.
Malaysia is separated into two main birding regions - 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 - montane forests, lowland rainforests and mangroves. Montane forests generally occur above an elevation of 900 metres, 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 over 200 birds and are crucial to Storm's Stork and Green Imperial Pigeon.
Birding experience is superb here as Malaysia is one of the safest and most comfortable places to bird the tropics. As to bird enthusiasts in Peninsular Malaysia, there are many good birdwatching spots, which are within easy reach of Kuala Lumpur. Most sites offer range of accommodations and other facilities including well marked and easy-to-follow jungle trails. |
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