19 March 2026

Pacific Swallow

 Passeriformes - Hirundinidae - Hirundo javanica (Layang-layang Biasa)

Common swallow of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, often in cities and towns as well as above fields, lakes, and forests. Adult iridescent blue above and grayish buff below, with orangish throat and forehead. Similar to Barn Swallow, which has longer outer tail feathers and a dark line separating the throat and breast, lacking in Pacific. Frequently perches on telephone lines, often with other swallow species.
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18 March 2026

Asian Openbill

 Ciconiiformes - Ciconiidae - Anastomus oscitans (Upih Paruh Sepit)

A relatively small stork species with a grayish to white body and black wings and tail with a hint of gloss. The Asian Openbill gets its name from a distinctive gap in the dull grayish yellow bill. Note the pinkish legs. Asian Openbills inhabit wetland habitats including shallow marshes, flooded agricultural fields, and lakes. From a distance they could be confused with herons, but they can be clearly distinguished from herons by their feeding habits—wading slowly through shallow water. Soars frequently, often in large dense flocks; note extended neck, unlike retracted neck of herons and egrets.
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Slowness or deliberateness - for whom it benefits that matters.



15 March 2026

Black Kite

Accipitriformes - Accipitridae - Milvus migrans (Helang-Kembara Hitam) 

Medium-sized, rather nondescript raptor with overall dark plumage. Varies considerably across range, but always note tail fork (can disappear when tail is fully open), and short head and neck. Juvenile averages paler and more contrastingly-marked. Flight style buoyant, gliding and changing direction with ease. Frequently forages in urban areas, rubbish dumps, aquatic habitats, and grassland, but usually avoids heavily forested areas. Sometimes solitary, but also gathers in large flocks on migration and at good feeding areas.
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13 March 2026

Red Collared-Dove

 Columbiformes - Columbidae -  Streptopelia tranquebarica (Tekukur Merah)

Medium-sized dove of open spaces with trees and bushes. Male is red with a bluish-gray head and female is brown overall. Both sexes have a dark collar. Female may be confused with other collared-doves, but is smaller with a shorter tail. Often forages in pairs, but may congregate in large flocks, particularly in agricultural fields where seeds have been spilled. Song is a hoarse and muffled-sounding series of three or four hoots.
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12 March 2026

Brown Shrike

Passeriformes -  Laniidae - Lanius cristatus (Tirjup Biasa)

Medium-sized shrike with a slender black mask and rufous-brown rump and tail. Plumage varies across range: “Japanese” has the warmest rufous tones, “Philippine” has a gray-washed head and back, and “Brown” averages in between. Averages stronger-billed in appearance than other medium-sized “brownish” shrikes. Male’s repetitive song often incorporates imitations of other birds. Most common call is a dry “ch-ch-ch.” Favors open forests and fields with scattered trees and bushes; often in parks and gardens.
(eBird)