DUCK 12/15 - Sunda Teal (Lifer 573/688)

 This is a medium size duck of upto 43cm; I always thought teal is small in size like grebe. The Sunda teal (Anas gibberifrons), also known as the Bebek cokelat or Itik benjut, is a dabbling duck found in open wetlands in Indonesia. The species formerly included the Andaman teal Anas albogularis and the grey teal, Anas gracilis as subspecies, but is currently considered monotypic. 

Subki mentioned that they are breeding now in Tawau port; but he is afraid soon the abandoned fish ponds will reactivated and the manmade habitat may be disturbed. In the evening I only got to shoot a single duck. The following morning the duck was missing from the pond

By the way the Sunda Teal was not mentioned in my bird bible (CraigRobson) as a Malaysia bird.....

It is a dull, brown duck with ruby-red eyes. Also note rounded forehead with noticeable bulge and bright green-and-white wing patches. Found in freshwater, brackish, and occasionally marine habitats, forages primarily by dabbling. Typically moves in pairs or small groups.

DUCK 13/15 - Wandering Whistling Duck (Lifer 572/688) April 2023

In peninsula Malaysia we usually see the Lesser Whistling Duck but in Sabah waters the Wandering Whistling is easily seen at watersheds like flood retention pond, housing estate lakes and abandoned fish ponds. It is fortunate that there are not hunted by the town folks and they still propagate in abundance in man made habitat. 

Breeding occurs during the tropical wet season usually between December and May. During this time six to fifteen eggs are laid in a nest not far from water and usually in high grass or a sheltered area.

Formerly named tree ducks, the wandering whistling duck has its new name because of their loud whistling calls and the whistling noise their wings make during flight. They have long necks and legs and look like a cross between a goose and a duck. They have a strong head and neck with a darker crown and hindneck. The breast contains black spotting and the feathers are mostly dark brown. They range in size from 54–60 cm in height and weigh on average 750 grams. They mainly feed on grasses, waterlilies, water plants and occasionally insects and aquatic vertebrae.

PITTA 9/12 - Blue Banded Pitta (Lifer 571/688) Borneo Endemic

I extended 3 weekdays to my diving trip to Tawau -Semporna  with Subki. Unfortunately he is a working teacher in a Chinese school and can only spare me his guiding in the afternoon. He has created a nice port (abate without a shelter against the rain) for this special pitta. I would agree with you if you say that this is the most elegant and beautiful pitta in Malaysia. The RM300 fees to see this bird is worthy won't you agree.

This was my target bird in Tawau; you guys should not miss. Usually you have to go to Maliau Basin about 6-7 hours out from Tawau.   The bird is most active in the morning. In my encounter it came out only twice but stayed a while until the bloody squirrel came  and the pitta scuttered down the ravine in a hurry.  Apparently there is a pair of them there but only one of them come out at a time I think.....meaning they are breeding I would not know. So if you are lucky you may see a family of the pitta coming out to feed in the coming May. After that the bird would probably move on as pittas are known to be nomadic. 

This colourful bird has a black head with a yellow/orange streak above the eye, an orange-red nape, a brown throat, a chest barred with orange and dark blue (more orange towards the sides and more blue towards the centre), and a blue belly. The back is brown and the tail is blue.

Size wise its about 16-17  cm slightly the size of the Garnet. 

The Malayan banded pitta is native to tropical south-eastern Asia where its range includes Malaysia, Thailand and Sumatra. It typically inhabits primary lowland evergreen forests, including swamp forests, but can occur at altitudes of up to 1,500 m (5,000 ft). It also occurs in secondary forest, but may not persist well in this environment. Its diet is mainly insects and fruits

I would rather call it Blue-necklaced Pitta as the blue band is more speckled and patchy. 

Other birds that I  missed  in Tawau is the Rufous-tailed Sharma, White-fronted Falconet, Jerdon's Baza

Jungle Flycatcher 5/5 - Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher (Lifer 570/688)

Yes I can close the chapter on Jungle Flycatchers (5 species) of Malaysia. This is a resident bird of Borneo Sabah and more a Sulawesi descent. It is a highland flycatcher where else the Grey-chested Fc is a lowland bird in Malaysia. It is also called Crocker Jungle Fc,

 There is not much writing of this bird. It is almost similar looking as the Grey-chested but smaller at 18cm

Waterbird Feb 2023 (Lifer 569/688) - Pied Avocet

News in  January 2023 a Pied Avocet was reported sighted in Batu Kawan Penang brought much attention to the bird fraternity. For interstate birding I rely on company before deciding  rather to hunt alone. 

This bird is a vagrant migrant to Peninsula more so in Sabah waters. These birds forage in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocets). They mainly eat crustaceans and incests.

Their breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud. They nest on open ground, often in small groups, sometimes with other waders. Three to five eggs are laid in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation. [Wiki]

Photos courtesy of AlanT 

Pied avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. It is approximately 16.5–17.75 in (41.9–45.1 cm) in length of which the bill is approximately 2.95–3.35 in (7.5–8.5 cm) and the legs are approximately 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm). Its wingspan is approximately 30–31.5 in (76–80 cm). Males and females look alike. The juvenile resembles the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones.

The call of the avocet is a far-carrying, liquid, melodious kluit kluit.

[Wiki]

 

Avian Sighting Feb 2023 - Banded Pitta (Peninsula)

It was an overnite trip up north with my gang of 4. Birding from  Malim Nawar Gopeng to Seberang Perai and then Jitra Wang Kelian and Taman Rekreasi G Keriang. So it was a tight schedule. One of the highlight is the reacquaintance with  the Malayan Banded Pitta, The pair have been active here in Bukit Wang for awhile. Pittas are normally nomadic in nature and once 3food is scarce at the area they will move on until breeding again.