Velvet-fronted Nuthatch

 Passeriformes - Sittidae - Sitta frontalis (Pepatuk Dahi Hitam)

One of the few nuthatches to break the general neutral color scheme of the family, this stunner can be quite common in lowland and foothill evergreen forests. Aquamarine upperparts, crimson bill, and black patch on the forehead make this active little species unmistakable. Forages by creeping along trunks and branches, often upside down. Often moves in groups, frequently as a member of mixed-species flocks. Song is a high-pitched chittering trill; calls like isolated fragments of song.

(eBird)

Cut to the chase - know what is, what is more, what is less.

Bushy-crested Hornbill

Bucerotiformes - Bucerotidae - Anorhinnus galeritus (Enggang Belukar/Buluh) 

Plain, medium-sized dark hornbill. Glossy black with a bicolored tail and pale patches of bare facial skin. Male has an all-dark ebony bill, while female’s bill has a pale brown tip. Quite social; forages in medium-sized groups. Can be quite vocal, giving garrulous yelps, barks, and squawks. Found in lowland to foothill forests, usually in dense areas, but can often be seen in breaks in the foliage, such as clearings or riversides.

(eBird)

Knowing how it all begins, know how to deal with it.

Scarlet Minivet

Passeriformes - Campephagidae - Pericrocotus speciosus (Burung Matahari Besar)

Brilliantly-colored forest bird, typically encountered in flocks. Coloration varies significantly throughout wide distribution, with males ranging from black-and-crimson (most of mainland Asia) to black-and-yellow (southern Philippines) and black-and-orange (Java and Bali). Females are predominantly gray-and-yellow, but southern Philippine and western Indonesian birds are black-and-yellow. In all subspecies, note colored “blotches” on the wings (other minivets have cleaner wing patterns) and female’s yellow forehead. Gives high whistled “wheeep” notes, often when flying over the treetops.

(eBird)

Humility in being first, being only.

Rufous Piculet

 Piciformes - Picidae - Sasia abnormis (Belatuk Kerdil/Belatuk-Kerdil Api Melayu)

Absolutely miniscule woodpecker. Tailless and round-bodied, resembling a wren or cupwing in shape. Olive above and orange below; lacks the white brow patch of White-browed Piculet. Forages in dense secondary growth from lowlands up into the foothills, often in bamboo stands. Clambers around in and flutters between low-lying vegetation, seldom high up in the canopy. Makes sharp squeaks somewhat resembling shoes rubbing on wet floors. Drums are surprisingly loud for its size.

(eBird)

Yin and Yang, no absolutes; let go, no ownership.

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)

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Compare and desire, compare and let go.