Chestnut-breasted Malkoha

 Cuculiformes - Cuculidae - Phaenicophaeus curvirostris (Cenuk Dada Perang/Cenuk Ekor Coklat)

Combination of a bright red face, staring pale eyes, and chunky bicolored bill lends this lowland and foothill forest species a clownlike countenance. Dark glossy greenish above and rich chestnut-brown below, this oversized cuckoo clumps about amongst foliage, looking rather squirrel-like in its movements. Sometimes joins mixed flocks. Gives a range of strange calls, including hollow knocks and hoarse crowing and mewing notes.

(eBird)

Know the duality of comparison, and choice.

Asian Fairy Bluebird

Passeriformes - Irenidae - Irena puella (Murai-Gajah Besar)

Chunky tree-dweller with blood-red eyes. Spectacular male is decked out in midnight black and electric blue. Female is dark turquoise with dark wingtips. Gathers at fruiting and flowering trees. A species of lowland and foothill evergreen forests, though will occasionally venture into gardens and plantations. Song includes various notes, often paired, such as “wit!” and “wi’wit!” Gives “tik” calls when flying overhead.

(eBird)

To not not want is perhaps to not know.

Diard's Trogon

 Trogoniformes - Trogonidae - Harpactes diardii (Kesumba Diard)

Chunky, sluggish bird of lowland and foothill tropical broadleaved forests. Male has brilliant crimson underparts, a black head, and a triangular pinkish nape. Female is brown-headed with a sharp and solid white line between head and red breast. Red-headed Trogon female has a thinner, incomplete white collar. Often perches quietly at middle levels, frequently in pairs. Song is an echoing series of rising hoots that levels off.

(eBird)

\

Compare and desire, compare and let go.

Paddyfield Pipit

Passeriformes - Motacillidae - Anthus rufulus (Apit-apit Biasa) 

A sparrow-sized, resident pipit with brown plumage that varies in tones in different parts of its range. All birds have a bi-colored bill with a curve to the tip of the upper bill. The breast is streaked and the upperparts have variable amounts of streaking. Juveniles show distinct and dark mottling on the upperparts. It is common in open habitats such as wetlands, farms, fields, and even large parks. Very similar to Blyth’s and Richard’s Pipits, but relatively compact and has a more distinct eyebrow, fainter or no streaking on the back of the neck, a larger head, and a shorter tail than either Blyth’s or Richard’s. Calls include short “tsip” and “tissip” notes.

(eBird)

Claim if one must; move on.

Black-thighed Falconet

 Falconiformes - Falconidae - Microhierax fringillarius (Rajawali-Belalang Melayu)

Dwarfed by shrikes and thrushes, this tiny raptor looks almost parakeet-like as it perches on exposed branches. Coloration distinctive: birds are black above with a white chest and rusty orange belly. Black forehead “earmuffs” are unique among the region’s raptors. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, where it is generally fairly uncommon. Rather social for a raptor, often seen preening and feeding together in small flocks.

(eBird)

Name it and you desire it; nameless, desireless.

Malaysian Pan-Fantail

Passeriformes - Rhipiduridae - Rhipidura javanica (Murai Gila)

 
A bold and adaptable songbird of wooded areas, ranging from open forests to parks and gardens. Dark above and white below; note slender white eyebrows, black chest band, and white-tipped black tail. Combination of all-white belly and plain back separates this species from similar dark fantails within its range. Very active, often bobbing and fanning its tail. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Song is a very high-pitched, squeaky “chee-wee-chee-wee-chee-wee-chit”, with a short, falling last note. Calls include harsh churring and high-pitched squeaky chattering.

(eBird)

Art of attainment and letting go