Guide Book Birds Of Putrajaya

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First Printing, 2021
Copyright Corporate Communication Division of
Perbadanan Putrajaya
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording,
or other information storage and retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the Corporate Communication
Division of Perbadanan Putrajaya
Published in Malaysia by
Corporate Communication Division,
Corporate Services Department
PERBADANAN PUTRAJAYA
24, Persiaran Perdana,
Presint 3, 62675 PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia.
Telephone : 603 8000 8000 Fax : 603 8887 5000
Printed by
ISBN 978-0-9000000-0-0

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~ Contents ~

Introduction....................................................................... 6-7
Anatomy.................................................................................8
How to use this book............................................................9
Glossary.......................................................................... 10-11
Avifauna of Putrajaya................................................... 12-14
IUCN Red List Categories.................................................15
Birdwatching Essentials............................................... 16-17
Map of Putrajaya........................................................... 18-19

Photographic guide
Phasianidae......................................................................20
Junglefowl
Anatidae..................................................................... 20-21
Teal, Duck
Ciconiidae.................................................................. 21-22
Openbill, Stork
Ardeidae..................................................................... 23-30
Bittern, Egret, Heron, Pond-heron
Pelacanidae......................................................................30
Pelican
Phalacrocoracidae...........................................................31
Cormorant
Anhingidae......................................................................31
Darter
Falconidae........................................................................32
Falconet
Pandionidae.....................................................................32
Osprey
Accipitridae............................................................... 33-38
Baza, Kite, Hawk-eagle, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk,
Serpent-eagle, Honey-buzzard, Eagle, Sea-eagle
Rallidae....................................................................... 39-42
Moorhen, Swamphen, Crake, Rail, Watercock,
Waterhen
Turnicidae........................................................................43
Buttonquail
Charadriidae.............................................................. 43-44
Plover, Lapwing
Rostratulidae...................................................................44
Painted-snipe
Scolopacidae.............................................................. 45-46
Sandpiper, Snipe
Laridae..............................................................................46
Tern

3

~ Contents ~

Columbidae............................................................... 47-50
Dove, Fruit-dove, Pigeon
Psittacidae........................................................................51
Parrot, Parakeet
Cuculidae................................................................... 52-59
Koel, Cuckoo, Malkoha, Coucal, Hawk-cuckoo,
Drongo-cuckoo
Tytonidae.........................................................................59
Owl
Strigidae..................................................................... 60-62
Eagle-owl, Wood-owl, Fish-owl, Scops-owl
Caprimulgidae................................................................63
Nightjar
Apodidae................................................................... 64-67
Palm-swift, Swiftlet, Swift
Hemiprocnidae...............................................................67
Treeswift
Coraciidae........................................................................68
Dollarbird
Alcedinidae................................................................ 68-71
Kingfisher
Meropidae.................................................................. 71-72
Bee-eater
Bucerotidae......................................................................72
Hornbill
Megalamidae............................................................. 73-74
Barbet
Picidae........................................................................ 74-77
Woodpecker, Flameback
Eurylaimidae...................................................................77
Broadbill
Acanthizidae....................................................................78
Gerygone
Aegithinidae.............................................................. 78-79
Iora
Vangidae.................................................................... 79-81
Flycatcher-shrike, Woodshrike, Philentoma
Campephagidae........................................................ 81-82
Minivet, Triller
Laniidae............................................................................83
Shrike
Oriolidae..........................................................................84
Oriole

4

~ Contents ~

Dicruridae.................................................................. 84-85
Drongo
Rhipiduridae...................................................................86
Fantail
Muscicapidae............................................................. 86-91
Flycatcher, Robin, Stonechat, Shama
Monarchidae....................................................................91
Monarch
Corridae...........................................................................92
Crow
Hirundinidae...................................................................93
Swallow
Cisticolidae................................................................ 94-96
Tailorbird, Prinia, Cisticola
Pycnonotidae........................................................... 97-100
Bulbul
Phylloscopidae...................................................... 101-102
Warbler
Acrocephlidae...............................................................102
Warbler
Timaliidae......................................................................103
Tit-warbler
Pellorueidae...................................................................103
Babbler
Zosteropidae..................................................................104
White-eye
Sturnidae................................................................ 104-108
Starling, Myna
Chloropseidae...............................................................108
Leafbird
Dicaeidae................................................................ 109-111
Flowerpecker
Nectariniidae......................................................... 111-116
Sunbird, Spiderhunter
Passeridae......................................................................116
Tree-sparrow
Ploceidae........................................................................117
Weaver
Estrildidae.............................................................. 117-119
Munia
Motacillidae........................................................... 119-121
Wagtail, Pipit

Index........................................................................... 122-125
Acknowledgement.................................................... 126-127

5

~ Introduction ~

About the Book
This field guide covers the bird species that were recorded in
the green spaces of Putrajaya which includes Taman Wetland
Putrajaya, Taman Botani Putrajaya, Taman Rimba Alam, Taman
Saujana Hijau, Taman Cabaran, Taman Ekuestrian, Taman
Warisan Pertanian, Taman Putra Perdana and also the Upper
Bisa Catchment area. List of bird species presented in this book is
limited to the collation of records from various previous surveys
conducted in the area which are endorsed by the management of
Putrajaya to maintain its data integrity.

The aim of this field guide is to aid user with rapid field identification
either via attached live photographs, and/or the descriptive texts
provided alongside of each recorded species. Species listed here
follows taxonomical order, separated by families and further
divided following alphabetical order within each particular family.
Since there exist a few naming systems for birds, this field guide
will adopt the Clements Checklist for both the common names and
scientific names. As Clements Checklist aims to make it easy as
possible for any birders either professional or hobbyist to keep track
of the ever-changing list of birds due to species splits and clumps,
it acts as the main resource for the online open-source repository,
Ebird. This online platform is managed by the Cornell Lab of
Ornithology. As such, by following Clements naming system, it is
hoped that it will help user to identify their sightings and upload
their findings to EBird thus contributing to the growing list of global
bird sightings for the benefit of other users.

All local vernacular name, or Malay name of each species included
adopts official name from the Department of Wildlife and National
Parks (DWNP/PERHILITAN) which follows Abdul Rahman Ismail
(1981). However, it must be highlighted here that some of the names
used might not be accurate to be applied for scientific taxonomical
differentiation, too general and could be a direct translation from
its English name. There are various authors who try to adopt and
adapt thus formulating a newer Malay naming system, but none
manage to provide a comprehensive peer-reviewed checklist to act
as the basis of Malay name for avian diversity in the region yet.

6

~ Introduction ~

Photographs that were used in this book typically refers to the
male of the species, unless stated otherwise. Description of
morphological features of the birds will then start off with an
adult male of the particular species, followed by adult female and
finally the characteristic of the juvenile. In some cases where males
and females look alike, this book will only list down differences
between an adult and a juvenile of the particular species. When
none is highlighted, it is to be assumed that the species has similar
appearances for all stages of life and for both sexes.

This guide also aims to provide reader with an overview of the
birds’ ecology. As such, several key ecological characteristics
and lifestyle are included after describing the morphology of
the species. Understanding ecology of a bird species would be
beneficial to distinguish certain species from each other as some
species has similar look but have different ecological niches. These
includes information on the bird’s preferred habitat, global ranges,
local distributions, population status, general and specific dietary
components and their foraging technique. This field guide will also
include other names that has been associated with the particular
species due to the difference naming system available globally.

The information on birds’ current distribution in Putrajaya are also
included here only as a reference to readers. Since most birds are
highly mobile, their distribution could shift depending on several
factors such as local microclimate, tree phenology as well as
avoidance to anthropogenic disturbances. It is imperative to note
that due to the listed factors, total number of species listed here
including their distributions within Putrajaya are not limited to
what is featured in this field guide.

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~ Anatomy ~

56

4 7
3 8

2
1

9

1. Ear patch

2. Nape 6. Eyering

3. Ear covers 7. Forehead

4. Supercillium 8. Lores

5. Crown 9. Throat

4

3 5 7
6 89
2
1 10
11
23 22

21 12
13

20 19 14
18 15

16

17

1. Bill 9. Median coverts 16. Tarsus
2. Pupil 10. Tertials 17. Toes
3. Iris 11. Rump 18. Thigh
4. Crown 12. Undertail 19. Flanks
5. Eyestripe coverts/Vent 20. Belly
6. Mantle 13. Primaries 21. Breast
7. Lesser coverts 14. Tibia 22. Throat
8. Scapulars 15. Knee 23. Chin

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~ How to use this book ~
QR Code

Download any QR code reader app on Google
Play Store (Android users) or Apple App Store
(iOS or iPhone users)

Scan the QR code to obtain additional information
about species, location et cetera in the Malaysia
Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS) website,
www.mybis.gov.my/

All species information contained in this book is
found in the MyBIS website

Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS) is a
national biodivesity database that functions as a one-stop
reference centre for Malaysia. The system is established as
part of Malaysia’s commitment under the Convention on
Biological Diversity

Additional features - Checkboxes

Apart from nomenclatures, IUCN status, and QR Codes, each
species described in this book will be accompanied with a
checkbox. Bird enthusiasts can utilize the checkbox to tick birds
that have been observed where this will facilitate tracking their
personal life list.

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~ Glossary ~

aerial
pertaining to the air as in aerial feeding by swifts and swiftlets
arboreal
tree dwelling
breeding plumage
a distinct and usually bright colored plumage or soft part of the
male, acquired during breeding
brood host
bird in whose nest has been deposited the eggs of brood parasites
brood parasite
bird which lays its eggs in the nest of other birds, leaving them to
incubate the eggs and raise the young, e.g. parasitic cuckoos
diagnostic
distinct features in plumage or sound of sufficient character to
allow for positive identification
diurnal
active by day
endemic
indigenous to a particular geographical location and not found
elsewhere
feral
non-indigenous species that have established breeding populations
frugivorous
fruit eating
gliding
straight and level flight with wings outstretched or slightly swept
back with no flapping
greater sundas
Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and Bali. Together with the Malay
Peninsula, collectively referred to as the Sunda subregion
gregarious
in large groups
insectivorous
insect eating
juvenile
the distinctive first plumage of a young bird once it has fledged
morph
a distinct plumage type and which may exist in the same breeding
population as one or more distinct forms

nocturnal
active at night
non-breeding
plumage the usually dull colored plumage of the male outside the
breeding season

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~ Glossary ~

non-passerines
all orders of birds other than Passeriformes
omnivorous
feeding on both animal and vegetable matter
passage migrant
migratory bird that stops briefly over at a place to refuel before
moving on to wintering quarters
plumage
the feathers covering a bird
polymorphic
occurring in many different plumage varieties as in the Oriental
Honey-buzzard
primary forest
original undisturbed forest usually void of excessive undergrowth
raptor
loose term to describe diurnal birds of prey (Falconidae and
Accipitridae)
resident
a bird which breeds and remains in the same region throughout
the year
roost
resting or sleeping place for birds
secondary forest
new forest regenerated after logging of primary forest. Usually
has luxuriant undergrowth
soaring
rising flight on rising thermals with fully outstretched wings
without flapping, utilized by storks and large raptors
subadult
a later stage in juvenile plumage prior to acquiring full adult
plumage
subspecies
a specific population of a species in one geographical area which
is morphologically distinct from other populations of the same
species in different geographical areas throughout its range
talons
the feet and claws of birds of prey
terrestrial
ground dwelling
winter visitor
migratory bird that spends the entire winter in a particular
tropical location

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~ Avifauna of Putrajaya ~

Putrajaya Green Spaces & Avitourism
Putrajaya, officially known as the Federal Territory of Putrajaya
is the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. The decision of
shifting the federal government administration from the congested
city of Kuala Lumpur was made in 1993 while this area is still
largely ‘under-developed’ with vast numbers of estates primarily
of rubber and few oil-palm plantations as the main land-use
cover. Envisioned by the fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir
Mohamad in establishing a new centre between Kuala Lumpur
and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), a piece of
approximately 5,000 hectares of land formerly known as Prang
Besar was acquired from Selangor to establish the Malaysian new
federal administrative centre.

Putrajaya’s development masterplan entailed a sustainable
approach to turn the area following the Garden City Concept by
incorporating green technologies and ensuring the integration
of existing natural environment into the development and
management stages. As such, a total of 20 management and
residential precincts alongside of 40% of open or green spaces was
established within Putrajaya followed by efforts to plant more than
a million trees in the area. A lake with approximately 400 hectares
was also created alongside at least 200 hectares of wetlands
which act as natural filtration system for the city as opposed to
conventional method. These green areas and wetlands further act
as a carbon sink for Putrajaya.

Malaysia’s commitment in reducing our carbon emissions by
40% in 2020 during the 2009 Conference of Parties (COP) of the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) are expected to be realised, by developing Putrajaya
and its neighbour, Cyberjaya as exemplary townships in Green
Technology to be followed by other cities in the country. The new
approach will transform Putrajaya from previously a Garden City
into a Green City with detailed framework including land use
management, integrated transportations, waste management and
adopting environmentally friendly economy including tourism.
One of the main pillars of achieving the Green City Target is to
promote human interaction with nature apart from minimizing
negative environment impacts from the use of natural resources.
As such, by utilizing the available green spaces and to engage
local communities to interact with nature, Putrajaya through
Perbadanan Putrajaya embarked on a new mission to promote
Avitourism within Putrajaya, focusing on the main wetlands and
available parks throughout the city.

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~ Avifauna of Putrajaya ~

Albeit relatively new in Avitourism, Putrajaya’s dedication in
recording, maintaining, enhancing and marketing their natural
heritage has been remarkable. A continuous monitoring effort on
avifauna population has been conducted in focal areas of the lakes
and wetlands since 2007. This initiative was then followed with
another effort in documenting bird diversity in other green spaces of
Putrajaya to complement and enhance the available checklist. One
of the highlights of Putrajaya’s achievement in avitourism includes
the initiation of Putrajaya Bird Race 2019, where it is planned to be
an annual event for the country, alongside other prominent bird
events such as the Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race.

Climate & Vegetations
Similar to most of Peninsular Malaysia, Putrajaya is blessed with
tropical climate throughout the year. Relatively hot and humid
all year long, Malaysia’s insignificant drier season are normally
from February to May, while experiencing more torrential rain
from November to late January. Most resident birds are seen to
begin nesting during the dry season and fledged before the start
of the wet season. Migratory birds are to be expected from as early
as August up to late April, peaking in numbers from October to
January.

The vegetation structure of Putrajaya is mainly comprised of man-
made forests and planted wetlands surrounding artificial lakes.
Most of these areas are planted with tropical shade trees such as
Syzygium polyanthum (Pokok salam), Dillenia suffruticosa (Simpoh
air), Ficus racemose dan Xanthostemon chrysanthus (Jambu kuning).
As Putrajaya was formerly predominantly rubber plantations
surrounded by secondary forests, some of the parks are enriched
with other tropical trees such as Nephelium lappaceum (Rambutan),
Artocarpus heterophyllus (Nangka), Euphoria malaiense (Mata kucing)
dan Parkia speciosa (Pokok petai) which provides suitable niches for
birds to seek refuge in these areas. The sustainable management
of reedbeds of the wetlands on the other hand allow significant
number of waterbirds to habituate those areas.

Avifauna Composition
More than 200 species of birds from at least 59 families have been
recorded within Putrajaya. Herons, Egrets and Bitterns (Ardeidae)
as well as Cuckoos (Cuculidae) made up the highest number of
species recorded, followed by Eagles and Hawks (Accipitridae),
Flycatchers (Muscicapidae) and Sunbirds (Nectariniidae). Other
major families include Rails (Rallidae), Pigeons and Doves
(Columbidae), Owls (Strigidae), Swift and Swiftlets (Apodidae),
Kingfishers (Alcedinidae), Woodpeckers (Picidae), Bulbuls

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~ Avifauna of Putrajaya ~

(Pycnonotidae), and Mynas and Starlings (Sturnidae). The richness
of bird species with different functional diversity and foraging
guilds indicates that the designated green spaces in Putrajaya are
able to provide the niche required by different species of birds to
utilize and cohabitate.

At least 127 species of birds recorded within Putrajaya are resident
in Malaysia, 37 species are strictly migrants, 24 species have both
resident and migrant population in the country, and at least four
(4) are considered vagrants in Malaysia. A few feral birds typically
the Mynas and Starlings were also a usual sighting in Putrajaya.

On the other hand, several species recorded in Putrajaya are of
global conservation concern. The Endangered Milky Stork (Mycteria
cinerea) can be observed in Taman Wetland Putrajaya, seen among
the more common albeit Near-Threatened Painted Stork (Mycteria
leucocephala). Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) which is assessed as
globally Vulnerable was also recorded in Taman Wetland although
this species usually prefers to spend their winter near coastal plains
and mangroves mudflats. Several other Near-Threatened species
such as Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Jambu Fruit-dove
(Ptilinopus jambu), Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda),
Reddish Scops-owl (Otus rufescens), Yellow-crowned Barbet
(Psilopogon henricii) and Green Iora (Aegithina viridissima) were also
recorded within Putrajaya green spaces.

The presence of migratory species and species of global conservation
significance in Putrajaya are important indicators of a healthy
ecosystem provision by the green spaces within the township.
Furthermore, the wetlands area and Upper Bisa catchments have
been an important roosting and new breeding ground for the
colony of water birds such as the Grey Heron, Purple Heron, and
Black-crowned Night Heron. The current trend has also shown
that population of Grey Heron among other waterbirds has been
increasing and they have begin to establish a new breeding ground
in the central wetland area. As such, it is imperative for the local
administration to maintain and enhance the ecosystem integrity
by adopting green and clean management techniques in line with
Putrajaya Structure Plan in enhancing ecology, water body, and
biodiversity in the area.

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~ IUCN Red List Categories ~

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red
List of Threatened Species provides a comprehensive inventory
of the global conservation status of most biological species. It
evaluates extinction risks of thousands of species through specific
sets of criteria which are relevant and feasible to be adopted
throughout the world. By focusing on evidence-based data
through population assessments, IUCN Red List is internationally
recognized as the most authoritative guide to biodiversity status,
on a global perspective.

The main objective of having a global population status of each
species is to draw attention to the magnitude of extinction threats
towards a particular species thus conveying the urgency to address
conservation needs to public and policy makers. As a result of rapid
anthropogenic destructions and the ever-changing taxonomical
splits due to advancement in technology, IUCN Red List will be
constantly updated in order to assess current population status
of a particular species and to identify the main extinction threats
unique to that species.

This field guide follows the latest assessment of IUCN Red List
which varies according to species. Since IUCN does not follow the
Clements Checklist, scientific names of the closest species, sister
species, or parent species will be used to obtain the species current
population status, only if it differs from the name used in Clements.

Extinct Threatened Least Concern

EX EW CR EN VU NT LC DD NE

Extinct (EX): Endangered (EN): Least Concern (LC):
No reasonable Facing a very high Population is stable
doubt that the latest risk of extinction in enough that it is
individual has died. the wild. unlikely to face
extinction in the
Extinct in the Wild Vulnerable (VU): near future.
(EW): Facing a high risk
Known only to of extinction in the Data Deficient
survive in captivity, wild. (DD):
cultivation or well Not enough
outside its natural Near Threatened information on
range. (NT): abundance or
close to qualifying, distribution to
Critically or likely to estimate its risk of
Endangered (CR): qualify for a extinction.
Facing extremely threatenedcategory
high risk of in the near future. Not Evaluated (NE):
extinction in the Has not yet been
wild. assessed by IUCN.

15

~ Birdwatching Essentials ~

Binocular
A pair of binoculars is the most important tool for birdwatching.
Birdwatching without a binocular might cause confusions, strain
our necks and exhausting for a long time. Binocular is important
for an observer in observing every little detail of the birds’
morphology and behavior. It also aids in identifying birds that are
shy and elusive from a safe distance. As such, binoculars help in
the observation of essential details needed to ascertain positive
identification. It is imperative to invest in the most affordable pair
and avoiding cheap options. A pair of binoculars with high-quality
optics provides observer with greater details and accurate colour
judgement, all of which is very important for positive identification.

Scope
A spotting scope is optional, not as necessary as a binocular for
birdwatching purposes. Scopes can magnify subjects from 20
times or more depending on the eyepiece. Relatively heavy, scope
usually need to be mounted on a good tripod. Scopes are an
excellent choice to be used for waders on mudflats, shy passerines
in open areas and forest edges with sufficient light but can be quite
troublesome in a poorly lit forests especially on steep hill slopes.
As scopes are able to magnify subjects greatly, they allow more
morphological and behavioural details to be observed closely.
A scope is also better utilised for prolonged observation such as
nesting behaviour, particularly on shy birds making observation
from a safe distance with minimal disturbances.

Bird Photography
Technological advancements have made bird photography
relatively accessible to anyone as compared to few decades ago.
The vast options available for photographers to choose from,
either an expensive telephoto lens affixed to a Digital Single Lens
Reflex (DSLR) camera, or a bridge camera with up to 100 times
optical zoom or even phones attached to a binocular or spotting
scopes via an adapter could provide exquisite bird images.
Although more technical as compared to binoculars and scopes,
bird photography provides fast and reliable information to an
observer which can be shared among his/her circle of friends. Bird
photography has also proven as a worthy tool in identification of
rarities, vagrants and even country’s first records which are among

16

~ Birdwatching Essentials ~

the most sought after by birders. Bird photography is also widely
used in behavioural studies either to identify food items, nesting
behaviours and even habitat preferences. However, it is imperative
for a bird photographer to put the welfare of the birds as the utmost
importance to avoid stressing out the birds.
Field notes
During a birdwatching excursion, remember to jot down the
morphology of the birds especially their coloration and some
sketching if possible, in your field notes which will eventually
aid in positive identification. Make a list of all the birds seen or
heard without neglecting the common ones. Information on time,
date and place of sighting or location is important to match with
the ecological description of a species during the identification
process. Comparing notes with other birdwatchers who observed
the same species will help to bridge some gaps in your knowledge
and aid the identification process. If possible, important unique
observations should be published in journals, magazines or
ornithological bulletins as these
records will become an
important source of
reference.

17

18

19

~ Phasianidae ~

Red Junglefowl
Ayam Hutan
Gallus gallus

LC

Description: Male: Possess a
striking rufous to golden-yellow
neck feathers (hackles) with pale
orange to reddish brown iris. Has
black greyish or brownish grey
legs. Prominent white ear-patch.
Differs from the domesticated population which has yellow legs. Female:
Has very short or no hackles and brown iris. Pale brownish-rufous overall.
Juvenile: Similar to female with darker underparts. Size: 65–78cm.
Ecology: Extensive range occupying tropical and subtropical habitats.
Prefers flat or sloping terrain and utilizes secondary and edge
habitats. Can be found widespread throughout South and Southeast
Asia; can also be found as an introduced species around the world.
Common resident throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Omnivorous and
opportunistic depending on seasonal preferences and food availability.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam, Taman Ekuestrian,
Taman Cabaran, Taman Wetland and Taman Botani.

~ Anatide ~ Eurasian Teal
Itik Eropah
LC
Anas crecca

Description: Male: Plumage
mostly greyish and pinkish
breast with small black
spots. Cinnamon head with broad green patch from eye to nape with
buff lines extended to base of bills. Blackish bill. Distinct creamy yellow
triangle on sides of vent. Female: Mottled brown body with pale fringes
and dusky white belly. Gray-black bill with orange yellow tinge bill.
Size: 34-38cm.
Ecology: Habituates small freshwater lakes, pools, and abandoned
mining pond. Breed throughout Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and Asia.
Feral population in Putrajaya. Omnivorous and opportunistic. Diet
includes seeds of sedges, grasses, and aquatic vegetations; aquatic
insects, larvae, mollusks, and crustaceans.
Also known as: Common Teal.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

20

~ Anatide ~

LC
Lesser Whistling-duck
Belibis
Dendrocygna javanica

Description: The smallest
whistling duck. Uniform
plumage with rounded,
dark wing with reddish-
chestnut lesser and upperwing-covert distinctive. Size: 38-42cm.
Ecology: Usually found on shallow water bodies with abundant marshy
vegetation that are surrounded by trees, used for roosting. Also occurs
in less-wooded area including villages. Large range from Pakistan,
India, and Sri Lanka to South-east China, and through South-East Asia
to Sumatra, Borneo, Java and Bali. Common to fairly common resident
in Peninsular Malaysia. Feeds mostly on grasses but also consumes
small mollusks as well as small fish and frogs.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

~ Ciconiidae ~

Asian Openbill
Botak Asia
Anastomus oscitans

LC

Description: Moderately large,
greyish-white stork. Blackish
flight feathers and tail. Straight
bill with significant gap between
mandibles when bills are closed.
. Juvenile: Overall plumage brownish-grey and brown bill. Size: 68-
81cm.
Ecology: Frequent freshwater marshes, grassland, cultivation and
paddyfields. Can be found across the Indian subcontinent and mainland
of Southeast Asia south to Peninsular Malaysia. Uncommon to fairly
common non-breeding visitor to Peninsular Malaysia, expanding its
range from northern states. Apple snails are said to be the main diet but
occasionally takes on frogs, crabs and large invertebrates. Its specialized
bills and technique enable it to coup abundant source of food, which is
inaccessible to most other potential predators.
Also known as: Open-billed Stork.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

21

~ Ciconiidae ~

EN

Milky Stork
Botak Upeh
Mycteria cinerea

Description: Large stork with milky
white plumage. Bill bright yellow.
Distinct red facial skin. Red legs.
Juvenile: Greyish-brown overall
plumage and yellow head skin.
Size: 92-97cm.
Ecology: Found in coastal habitats
such as mangroves, tidal mudflats,
estuaries and occasionally inland
ponds. Frequent shallow pools in
mangrove with high density of fish.
Distributed in Cambodia, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java and
Sulawesi. Population in Peninsular Malaysia are low and restricted in
several areas in west-coast such as the Matang Mangroves. Diet includes
mudskippers, small fish, snakes and frogs.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

NT

Painted Stork
Botak Padi
Mycteria leucocephala

Description: Large white
stork with black breast-band,
black tail, and black-and-
white wings. Head and legs
bright reddish with pinkish-
yellow bill. Pinkish tinge on
tertials and inner greater
coverts. Juvenile: Greyish-
brown for overall plumage
and absence of pectoral band.
Size: 93-102cm.
Ecology: Favors shallow freshwater habitats such as lakes, grassy
marshlands and paddy fields up to 1000m. Normally roost and nest on
trees or near water. Distributed along Indian subcontinent and mainland
of South-East Asia, south to Thai-Malay Peninsula. Predominantly preys
on fish but also take takes frogs, reptiles, crustaceans, and insects.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

22

~ Ardeidae ~

LC

Black Bittern
Pucung Hitam
Ixobrychus flavicollis

Description: Relatively large.
Male: Overall dark plumage
contrast with yellow neck, bill
reddish brown to dark brown,
eyes yellow to brownish red
with facial skin dusky to green.
Has buffy streaking black and white at side of throat, neck and upper
breast. Legs and feet black while the rest of underparts dark greyish-
brown. Female: Similar to male but with darker brown upperpart, has
dark-brown or olive-green legs and feet. Juvenile: Brownish plumage
and feathers with pale fringes make up scaly appearances. Has yellow
streaking on brown breast. Size: 54-66cm.
Ecology: Frequent near reservoirs, paddyfields, marshes and reedbeds.
Widely distributed across Indian subcontinent and mainland of South-
East Asia but uncommon migrant in Malay Peninsula. Feeds on fish,
frogs, mollusks, crustaceans and insects.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

Cinnamon Bittern
Pucung Bendang
Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

LC

Description: Adult breeding: Yellow
or orange iris, orange bill and yellow
legs. Adult non-breeding: Uniform
appearance of rufous-brown
upperpart and wings. Underparts
buffy-brown with pale stripes, black
crown absent and has olive-yellow legs. In flight, it has uniform rufous-
brown back and wings. Female: Overall looks is duller than male
with white and dark spot above its body. Juvenile: Brown and barred
heavily marked with brown streaks. Size: 40-41cm.
Ecology: Mainly lives in grassy areas and flooded rice fields, also often
found near human habitation. Active in paddyfields even with people
working nearby. Very secretive. Distributed across Indian subcontinent,
China, Russia, mainland of South-East Asia, Taiwan and Philippines.
Locally common resident and passage migrant in Peninsular Malaysia.
Mainly feeds on fish (including eels) but also forages for frogs, mollusks,
insects and prawns.
Also known as: Chestnut Bittern.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

23

~ Ardeidae ~

LC
Von Schrenck’s Bittern
Pucung Gelam
Ixobrychus eurhythmus

Description: Slightly larger than Yellow bittern but much smaller than
Cinnamon bittern. Male: Small and dark bittern with rich chestnut
upperpart that contrasts with buffy-white underparts. In flight, pale
grey wing-covert and chestnut back contrast with dark grey flight
feathers. Female: Has white spot densely on back and wings, buff
underparts has brown streaking. Juvenile: Like female but notably less
patterned. Size: 33-42cm.
Ecology: Frequent in marshes with reedbeds, wet, grassy meadows,
paddyfields, swamps in flat, open areas of low-lying river valleys
and coasts. Breeds in Southeast Russia, China and winter from Malay
Peninsula to the Greater Sundas, Sulawesi and Philippines. Uncommon
passage migrant and winter visitor to Peninsular Malaysia. Known to be
solitary and secretive. Little known on its diet but believed to eat small
fish, frogs, shrimps, variety of insects and their larvae.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

Yellow Bittern
Pucung Merah
Ixobrychus sinensis

LC

Description: Male: Small, slender
and pale brown in color. Darker
mantle and dull blue-black crown.
Brown and buff streaked across
neck. Female: Has dark-streaked
crown and brown patch/streak all
over its body. Juvenile: Back and
underparts are mostly streaked.
Size: 30-40cm.
Ecology: Stays on freshwater marshes, flooded paddyfields, mangroves
and reedbeds. Distributed along Indian subcontinent, Southeast Russia,
Greater and Lesser Sundas, Philippine and New Guinea. Uncommon
resident and winter visitor in Peninsular Malaysia. Solitary. Usually
feeds on aquatic insects, larvae and also small fishes.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

24

~ Ardeidae ~ Cattle Egret
Bangau Kendi
LC
Bubulcus ibis

Description: Relatively small
stocky egret with thick, short
neck. Yellow bill and black leg.
Breeding adult has reddish
bill, red eyes and pinkish leg.
Size: 46-56cm.
Ecology: Found in mangroves,
grasslands, paddyfields, open
fields and marshes. Distributed
across South, East and South-
East Asia, Sundas, Philippines
and introduced in Australia.
Common resident in North-
west Peninsular Malaysia and
a common winter visitor throughout the country. Opportunistic feeder
subject to location, season, date and time. Observed to eat insects;
mostly grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, flies and also small vertebrates
such as frogs.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Cabaran, Taman Wetland and Upper
Bisa.

VU

Chinese Egret
Bangau China
Egretta eulophotes

Description: Adult breeding:
Orange bill, presence of
plumes on nape and crown
with blue facial skin. Adult
non-breeding: All white plumage with relatively short greenish yellow
leg. Possess bicolor bill, with black bill on upper mandible and yellowish
lower mandible. Size: 65-68cm.
Ecology: Found in mudflats, estuaries and occasionally mud reefs.
Breeds on coast of Russia Far East, Korea and China. Winter throughout
coast of mainland South-East Asia, Peninsular Malaysia, Greater Sundas
and Philippine. Rare winter visitor or passage migrant in Peninsular
Malaysia. Main diet includes fish, shrimps and crabs but also consumes
frogs and grasshoppers.
Also known as: Swinhoe’s Egret.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

25

~ Ardeidae ~

LC

Great Egret
Bangau Besar
Ardea alba

Description: Large, all-white egret with the longest neck among all
white egrets. Gape extends behind the rear of the eyes. Adult breeding:
Posses black bill, greenish lores and eye-ring and bluish facial skin. Long
plumes extending beyond tail which erects during courtship displays.
Adult non-breeding: Has long yellow bill and facial skin, long kinked
S-shaped neck. Black legs and feet. Plumes reduced and crest absent.
Plumes on head or breast also absent. Adult non-breeding: Has long
yellow bill and facial skin, long kinked S-shaped neck. Black legs and
feet. Plumes reduced and crest absent. Plumes on head or breast also
absent. Size: 80-104cm.
Ecology: Found in all kind of wetlands; coastal or inland including
paddyfields and ponds. Breeds widely across Americas, Eurasia, Africa
and Australia. Uncommon resident in the west of Peninsular Malaysia.
Common non-breeding visitor in the rest of the country. Opportunistic
feeder including fish, crustaceans and also other vertebrates.
Also known as: Large Egret.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

LC
Intermediate Egret
Bangau Kerbau
Ardea intermedia

Description: Medium-sized
all-white egret. Gape does
not extend behind eyes.
Adult breeding: Filamentous plumes extended beyond tail, green lores,
red-coloured eyes and black bills. Adult non-breeding: Filamentous
plumes near fore-neck, breast and scapular. Yellow bills and lores with
horn-colored eyes. Neck not noticeably kinked. Size: 65-72cm.
Ecology: Can be found in all inland wetlands, paddyfields and wet
fields. Widely spread across Eurasia, Africa and Australasia. Common
winter visitor throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
Mainly feeds on fishes but also consider frogs, snakes, crustaceans and
terrestrial preys such as grasshoppers and lizards.
Also known as: Plumed Egret.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

26

~ Ardeidae ~

LC
Little Egret
Bangau Kecil
Egretta garzetta

Description: Smallest among
white egrets. Adult breeding:
Presence of two elongated plume
at nape. Adult non-breeding:
Yellow feet contrast with black
leg, yellow facial skin and black
bill. Size: 55-65cm.
Ecology: Occurs in all wetlands
including urban concertized
canals. Breed across Eurasia, Africa and Australasia. Common migrant
and resident in Malaysia. Highly opportunistic feeder including aquatic
and terrestrial insects with their larvae, crustaceans and also small fishes.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

LC
Black-crowned Night Heron
Pucung Kuak
Nycticorax nycticorax

Description: Medium-sized heron
with stocky build and relatively
short neck and leg. Has black cap
and mantle that contrast with
white plumage. Black-colored bill,
red eyes and yellow legs. Juvenile:
Dark brown overall plumage with white spots on wing. Size: 58-66cm.
Ecology: Found in mangroves, mudflats, rivers and reservoirs. The most
widespread heron worldwide except for Antartica and Australia region
that are represented by another genus. Common resident in Peninsular
Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Active mainly during dawn and dusk.
Omnivorous and opportunistic feeder including leeches, earthworms,
aquatic and terrestrial insects, prawns and crayfish, clams, mussels,
squid, freshwater and marine fishes.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

27

~ Ardeidae ~

Grey Heron
Pucung Seriap
Ardea cinerea

LC

Description: Large, grey-and-white
heron. Head, neck and breast are
white with black eye-strip extending
to form nouchal crest. Back and wing
grey with paler underwing patch.
Breeding adults have bright pinkish-
orange bill and leg, with long plumes
of breast and scapulars. Juvenile:
Uniformly grey Size: 90-98cm.
Ecology: Forages along sandy
beaches, reefs, mangroves, mudflats
and marshes. Can be found widespread across Eurasia and Africa. A
locally common resident in Peninsular Malaysia. Feeds mainly on fish,
but diet varies with habitat and season, and this species is considered
highly opportunistic.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam, Taman Wetland and
Upper Bisa.

LC Description: Large grey overall with distinct
chestnut-brown neck. Black cap and neck plumes.
Purple Heron Two black lines runs down to neck. Chestnut-
Pucung Serandau maroon belly and flanks. Brown-chestnut bills and
Ardea purpurea legs. Juvenile: Overall light brown with less neck
markings. Size: 78-90cm.
Ecology: Forages along water bodies including
mangroves, rivers, marshes and man-made
lakes. Can be found widespread across Eurasia
and Africa. A locally common resident and non-
breeding visitor in Peninsular Malaysia. Feed
mainly on fish, frogs and crustaceans. Occasionally
takes on lizards, snakes and small mammals.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam,
Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

28

~ Ardeidae ~

LC

Striated Heron
Pucung Keladi
Butorides striata

Description: Relatively
small. Grey overall
body with black crown
and forehead, chestnut-
maroon neck, and
blackish-yellow legs. Bill
black with yellow at tip.
Juvenile: Browner with white spotting on wing coverts. Size: 35-48cm.
Ecology: Forages in mangroves, ponds, coastal mudflats, rivers and
reservoirs. Occurs across tropics and subtropical region in South
America, Asia, Africa and Australasia. Common resident and winter
visitor in Peninsular Malaysia. Feeds on fish including mudskippers,
insects and their larvae, spiders, crabs and prawns.
Also known as: Little Heron.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Botani, Taman Ekuestrian, Taman
Wetland and Upper Bisa.

Chinese Pond-heron
Pucung Cina
Ardeola bacchus

LC

Description: Relatively small heron
with chestnut and gray upperparts.
Yellow bill with black tip. Adult
breeding: Chestnut head, neck and
breast. Upper back has long black
plumes, white throat, blackish mantle
and scapulars. Adult non-breeding:
Brown-streaked head, neck and breast
with brown upperpart. White wings and underside. Female: Has paler
foreneck, shorter plumes and slaty patch on breast absent. Juvenile:
Brown, heavy streaking of buff and dark brown, whitish underparts
with heavy brown streaking. Size: 42-52cm.
Ecology: Can be found near lakes, ponds, reservoirs, mangroves and
coastal mudflats. Breeds from Russian Far East, China and Japan to
India and Myanmar; winters in mainland of South-East Asia, Greater
Sundas and Philippines. Common winter visitor and passage migrant
in Peninsula Malay. Feeds on small frogs, worms, aquatic invertebrates,
fish, mollusks, some terrestrial insects and even small birds.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

29

~ Ardeidae ~

LC

Javan Pond-heron
Pucung Jawa
Ardeola speciosa
Description: Adult
Breeding: Creamy
head, crest and neck
with two long buff-white crest plumes, has elongated slate-back
feathers, rufous to cinnamon lower neck. Breast and white underparts
tinged orange. Rest of the body white. Orange eyes and pinkish-red legs.
Adult non-breeding: Buff-streaked head, brown-streaked neck and
breast. Pale olive-brown upperpart, yellow bills and eyes, pale yellow
legs and white wings. Size: 45-47cm.
Ecology: Frequent near rivers, mangroves, ponds, coastal mudflats,
paddyfields and reservoirs. Found throughout mainland of South-East
Asia, Greater and Lesser Sundas, Philippines and Sulawesi. Rare migrant
recorded from Kedah and Perak. Normally solitary. Predominantly feed
on fish, frogs, tadpoles and aquatic insect as passive feeder.
Also known as: Javanese Pond Heron.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

~ Pelecanidae ~

LC

Pink-backed Pelican
Undan Belakang Merah
Jambu
Pelecanus rufescens

Description: Small by pelican standards. Adult breeding: Most of
feathers long and lanceolate. Overall white mixed with greyish nape
feathers forming full shaggy crest. Upperpart feathers have narrow
blackish shafts. Base of foreneck and central chest with slight pale
yellowish tinge. Underwing with grey remiges darkest at tips with
white shafts. Juvenile: Similar to adult but has shorter greyish-brown
feathers. Size: 125-132cm.
Ecology: Occurs in variety of habitats including freshwater lakes,
swamps, rivers, sometimes along coasts, especially in bays. Distributed
along subtropical and tropical Africa from Senegal east to Sudan,
Somalia, south to north South Africa and Namibia and also southwest
Arabia. Non-native in Malay Peninsula. Predominantly feeds on fishes.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

30

~ Phalacrocoracidae ~

LC
Little Cormorant
Pependang Kecil
Microcarbo niger

Description: Adult breeding:
Glossy bronze-black cormorant
with black bill and plumes on
head and behind eye. Adult non-
breeding: Dull bronze-black with
white patch on chin and flesh-
colored bill. Size: 51-56cm.
Ecology: Can be found at
freshwater marshes, lakes, rivers
and mining ponds. Ranged from
Indian subcontinent, east to mainland of South-East Asia, Sumatran and
Java. Locally common to uncommon migrant in Peninsular Malaysia.
Predominantly feeds on small fishes, frog and tadpoles.
Also known as: Javanese Cormorant.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

~ Anhingidae ~

Oriental Darter
Pependang Timur
Anhinga melanogaster

NT

Description: Large dark waterbird
with long snake-like neck and
long, sharp bill. Adult breeding:
Crown look blackish and more
chestnut on foreneck. Adult non-breeding: Brown overall with whitish
streak on wing coverts, distinctive white strip extending from eye down
to sides of neck. Facial skin and bill yellow. Juvenile: Overall looks paler
and browner. Size: 85-97cm.
Ecology: Frequent in freshwater marshes, reservoirs, forested lakes,
mangroves and large rivers. Distributed widely across Indian
subcontinent, east to mainland South-East Asia, Greater and Lesser
Sundas, Philippines and Sulawesi. Currently a rare non-breeding visitor
and previously considered as vagrant to Peninsular Malaysia. Feeds on
fish, amphibians, water snakes, terrapins and also aquatic invertebrates
such as molluscs and crustaceans.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

31

~ Falconidae ~

LC
Black-thighed Falconet
Falko Rajawali
Microhierax fringillarius

Description: Very small raptor
with pointed wings. Black eye-
patch, crown and upperparts are
prominent. Forehead and streak
behind eyes are white belly and
vent are rufous. Juvenile: Resembles adult but with rufous forehead and
ear-streaks. Size: 15-17cm.
Ecology: Can be found in primary, logged and secondary forest mostly
in lowlands up to 1500m. They are distributed across Myanmar, Thai-
Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and Java. Fairly common resident in
Peninsular Malaysia. Mostly preying on large insects; cicadas, butterflies,
moths but also consumes birds (babbler and sunbird) and lizards.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

~ Pandionidae ~

LC
Osprey
Lang Tiram
Pandion haliaetus

Description: Male: Long and slender winged with dark brown
upperparts in contrast with pale head and underparts. Has dark brown
eye strip extending to mantle, white crown, head, forehead, breast and
belly. White legs and four toes. Female: Similar to male but with broader
breast-band and dark carpal patch. Juvenile: Similar to adults but has
scaly upperparts. Size: 55-63cm.
Ecology: Commonly found in large waterbodies such as lakes, man-
made reservoirs, as well as mangroves and mudflats along seacoasts.
Widely distributed across Americas, Africa, Eurasia and east to South-
East Asia. Uncommon to locally common winter visitor in Peninsular
Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Predominantly feeds on live fish either
on freshwater or saltwater.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

32

~ Accipitridae ~

LC

Black Baza
Lang Baza Berjambul
Aviceda leuphotes

Description: Unmistaken relatively small
black-and-white raptor with long crest.
Black head and upperparts with distinctive
white patch on breast and chestnut band
on belly. Black undertail covert. Juvenile:
Overall plumage looks duller with more
white patches on upperpart. Size: 28-35cm.
Ecology: Habituates logged and secondary
forests, forest edges and sometimes
cultivation areas (orchards). Resident in
south and east India, China and South-East
Asia. Migrant from northern population
wintering in South-East Asia to Sumatra. Common passage migrant but
uncommon winter visitor in Peninsular Malaysia. Mainly feeds on large
insects with their larvae especially grasshoppers but also take lizards,
small birds and mammals occasionally.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Ekuestrian and Taman Rimba Alam.

LC

Black-winged Kite
Helang Kepak Hitam
Elanus caeruleus

Description: Medium-sized raptor
with relatively long wings. Crown
in pale grey, wings and mantle
greyish with black shoulder patch
together with white underparts.
Yellow leg and red iris. Juvenile:
Yellow iris, tinged brown
upperparts and marked with
whitish scales. Size: 30-37cm.
Ecology: Prefers open areas such as ricefields, young plantations,
mangrove edges, and freshwater swamps. Can be found through
North and South America, Africa, Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia
to Indonesia Archipelago to Australia. Fairly common resident at low
elevation from in Peninsular Malaysia to Singapore. Diet mainly consists
of rodents, shrews, bats, small birds, reptiles and insects.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam and Taman Wetland.

33

~ Accipitridae ~

LC
Brahminy Kite
Lang Merah
Haliastur indus

Description: Medium-sized raptor. White head and breast with fine
streaking while rest of body rich rufous-brown. In flight, tip of wing
black, rounded tail-base. Juvenile: Dark brown overall plumage with
pale streaks underparts. Size: 44-52cm.
Ecology: Habituates secondary forests, mangroves, cultivation areas
and coastal scrubs. One of the most conspicuous raptor in coastal
areas. Breeds in the Indian subcontinent, south China and much
of coastal South-East Asia to New Guinea and Australia. Common
resident through the Malay Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak. Diverse
diet including mammals, reptiles, birds, arthropods, crustaceans, even
reported to take in road-killed vertebrates.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Botani, Taman Saujana Hijau, Taman
Wetland and Upper Bisa.

Changeable Hawk-eagle
Lang Hindek
Nisaetus cirrhatus

LC

Description: Medium-sized with
different plumages morph. In flight,
notably four narrow bands on tail with
broad subterminal. Adult Pale morph:
Upperparts brown, white underpart,
pale brown head with small crest. Adult
Dark morph: Uniform dark brown
plumage overall with only barred tarsus.
Juvenile: Generally pale-looking with brown upperparts, white head
and underparts. Size: 52-82cm.
Ecology: Habituates primary, secondary and logged forests from
lowland up to 800m and also cultivation areas (including oil-palm
plantation) and scrubs. Can be found in urban areas. Widespread
across Indian subcontinent, south China, east to mainland South-East
Asia, Greater Sundas and Philippines. Common resident throughout
Peninsular Malaysia. Diet consists of small and large birds, snake, frogs,
lizards and mammals including squirrels and rats.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam and Taman Wetland.

34

~ Accipitridae ~

Chinese Sparrowhawk
Lang Rajawali
Accipiter soloensis

LC

Description: Relatively a small raptor.
Upperparts grey, white underparts with
orange vertical barring on breast. Cere,
legs and feet generally bright orange or
yellow. In flight, shows black tips on
underwing of flight feathers. Female:
Iris yellow, more rufous on underpart
and wing coverts. Juvenile: Upperpart
dark brown with extensive streak on
breast. Size: 25-35cm.
Ecology: Found in primary, secondary
and logged forest, cultivation, scrubs
and parkland. Breeds in Northeast China, Korea and Russia Far East,
wintering South-East Asia, Wallacae and New Guinea. Common
passage migrant and winter visitor through Peninsular Malaysia. Preys
on frogs, large insects, lizards and small birds.
Also known as: Chinese Goshawk.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

Crested Goshawk
Lang Sika/ Lang Sikap
Accipiter trivirgatus

LC

Description: Medium-sized raptor
with short crests. Dark brown
upperparts, white underparts with
brown streaking on breast and belly.
Grey head with distinctive stripe on
throat. In flight, three black bands
across flight feathers on underwings.
Juvenile: Browner than adult with
heavily streaked on underparts. Size:
30-46cm.
Ecology: Habituates primary,
secondary and logged forests from
lowland up to 1500m. Also prefers cultivation areas such as rubber
and oil palm plantations. Ranges from the Himalayan foothills, south
and east India, south China, South-East Asia, east to Borneo and Java.
Common resident in Peninsular Malaysia. Feeds on small mammals,
lizards, frog, birds and large insects.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

35

~ Accipitridae ~

Crested Serpent-eagle
Lang Berjambul
Spilornis cheela

LC
Description: Unmistaken raptor with rounded dark crests and yellow
bills extended from eyes and lores. Prominent pale band in tail and
along the trailing edge of underwings are distinctive patterns in flight.
Two subspecies; S. c. malayensis and S. c. pallidus. Adult malayensis:
Upperparts dark brown with white spots on breast and belly, black crest
and yellow facial skin. In flight, black tail with white subterminal band
and brown underwings coverts. Adult pallidus: Paler than malayensis
with cheeks and throat gray in color. Juvenile: Overall plumage pale
brown with fine streaked white underparts. Size: 50-74cm.
Ecology: Prefers wooded habitat including primary, secondary and
logged forests from coastal lowlands up to 1200m, mangroves and
scrubs, plantations near forest, but can be found adapted to urban
settings. Distributed across the Indian subcontinent, China, mainland
of South-East Asia, east to Borneo, Sumatra and Java. Common resident
in Peninsular Malaysia(malayensis). Predominantly feeds on reptiles
especially tree snakes. Less commonly found eating mammals, birds
and amphibians.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam, Taman Botani, Taman
Wetland, Taman Saujana Hijau, Taman Cabaran, Taman Ekuestrian and
Upper Bisa.

36

~ Accipitridae ~

Japanese Sparrowhawk
Lang Sewah /Lang Sawah
Accipiter gularis

LC

Description: Similar to Chinese
Sparrowhawk. Upperparts grey, mostly
white underparts with faint orange
barring on breast. In flight, lack black
tips to primaries which is unlike of
Chinese sparrowhawk, and tail shows
broad terminal bands. Female: Strongly
marked than male and pale iris.
Juvenile: Dark brown upperparts, pale underparts with heavy marking
on breast. Size: 23-30cm.
Ecology: Habituates primary, secondary and logged forests, cultivations,
scrubs and parklands. Breeds on eastern Russia, Northeast China,
Mongolia and Japan, wintering to South-East Asia, east to Sulawesi
and Lesser Sundas. Common passage migrant and winter visitor to
Peninsular Malaysia. Mainly feeds on small forest passerines and
occasionally medium-sized birds.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

Oriental Honey-buzzard
Lang Lebah
Pernis ptilorhynchus

LC

Description: Medium-sized raptor with
various plumages and have the potential in
biomimicry of other raptor species. Adult
pale orientalis: Greyish-brown upperparts
and absence of crest with barred brown belly.
Juvenile pale orientalis: Mostly buffy-white
underparts with fine streaking. Adult dark
orientalis: Overall dark brown plumage
with pale throat. Underwings pattern similar
to pale morph but strongly marked. Adult
torquatus: Richer and darker plumage than orientalis, notably with
long crest. Rufescent-brown upperparts with pale underparts. Tweedale
morph mimics the Blyth’s Hawk Eagle.Size: 52-68cm.
Ecology: Found in primary, secondary and logged forests up to
montane elevation, forest edges and sometimes mangroves. Breeds
in the Indian subcontinent and South-East Asia with the migratory
population from northern wintering across India and South-East Asia.
Subspecies orientalis is common passage migrant and winter visitor in
Peninsular Malaysia. Dietary preference includes social bees and wasps
with their larvae and bits of honeycombs, but will also take on insects,
invertebrates and vertebrates occasionally.
Also known as: Crested Honey-buzzard.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam, Taman Cabaran,
Taman Warisan Pertanian and Taman Botani.

37

~ Accipitridae ~

NT
Rufous-bellied Eagle
Lang Bendang
Lophotriorchis kienerii

Description: Black upperparts, white
throat and breast, rufous belly and
undertail coverts. In flight shows rufous
underwing-coverts bordered by black
band, flight feathers pale gray with
blackish terminal band. Juvenile: Dark
brown upperparts, white underparts
with distinct black eye-stripe. In flight,
white underwings and underparts with
fine marking. Size: 46-61cm.
Ecology: Preferred habitats are primary, secondary and logged
forests up to 1280m (montane forest) but might strays into cultivation
areas. Breeds in south, east India, east to South-East Asia, Sulawesi
and Moluccas. The northern population winters in South-East Asia.
Uncommon resident and winter visitor through Peninsular Malaysia.
Aerial hunter who feeds on birds and small mammals such as squirrels.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

LC
White-bellied Sea-eagle
Lang Siput
Haliaeetus leucogaster

Description: Large raptor with
white head, neck and underparts.
Wings and back are greyish.
Possess black wing-tip. In flight,
dark flight feathers and wedge-
shaped tail are prominent features. Juvenile: Dirty-white underparts, has
brown patch on breast and brownish undertail. Size: 75-85cm.
Ecology: Common in coastal forests (including islands), mangroves, and
secondary forests near to the coast. Can be found widespread across
Indian subcontinent, south China, much of South-East Asia, New
Guinea and Australia. Common resident throughout coastal areas in
Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. They feed on mammals, small
bird, reptiles, fish, sea snakes, carrion, and fruit bats.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

38

~ Rallidae ~

LC
Common Moorhen
Tiong Air
Gallinula chloropus

Description: Male: Black plumage with white line along the flanks.
Brownish upperparts with greyish underparts. Bright red bills with
yellow tip. The undertail coverts are white colored at the sides. Two
large white oval patchs present and can be seen on undertail coverts
when the tail is cocked. Green legs. Size: 30-38cm.
Ecology: Found at both natural and man-made freshwater wetlands
including lakes, dams, rivers, ponds, and canals. Distributed across
tropical and temperate latitudes worldwide except for New Zealand
and Australia. Within Peninsular Malaysia, it is fairly common resident
at low elevations west of the Titiwangsa Range, south to Singapore.
Ominovrous in which the plant-based food includes algae, moss, seeds,
and fruits while animal foods are insects and its larvae, crustaceans, and
earthworms.
Also known as: Moorhen.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

LC
Gray-headed Swamphen
Pangling
Porphyrio poliocephalus

Description: Male: Glossy purple underparts, head and neck. The
undertail covert is white while the upperpart is blue with greenish-olive
tinge. Reddish legs. Reddish bills with yellow tip. Blue frontal shield is
diagnostic. Juvenile: Paler in color and the frontal shield is generally
duller than adult. Size: 27-36cm.
Ecology: Common in inland wetlands such as flooded rice fields,
abandoned mining pools, and ditches. Ranges from Africa through
southern Europe and the Middle-East through the Indian subcontinent
and South-East Asia through Australia, New Zealand, and the Western
Pacific. Fairly common resident at low elevations in Peninsular Malaysia,
south to Singapore, where it is a rare resident. The diet consists of
various parts of aquatic plants such as flowers, fruits, and seeds
Also known as: Purple Swamphen or Purple Gallinule.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

39

~ Rallidae ~

LC
Red-legged Crake
Sintar Api
Rallina fasciata

Description: Cinnamon colored head, breast and neck. Narrow black
bars on belly and flanks. Red legs. Juvenile: Brown colored breast and
neck, white underparts, and brownish feet. Size: 23-25cm.
Ecology: Commonly found in marshes, freshwater swamps, paddy
fields, rivers, watercourses, and wet areas in forested habitats. Its
breeding range is in North-East India, Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular
Malaysia and Greater Sundas. Northern population is migratory,
wintering south to the Malay Peninsula. This bird is an uncommon and
localized resident, passage migrant and winter visitor at low elevation,
south to Singapore. Both resident and migrant populations are found in
Peninsular Malaysia. No recorded evidence about this bird main diet.
Also known as: Malayan Banded Crake.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

LC
Ruddy-breasted Crake
Sintar Belacan
Zapornia fusca

Description: Male: Dull reddish
chestnut head and underparts.
Dark olive- brown upperparts.
Black and white stripes mark on
hind flanks and undertail coverts. Red legs. Female: Generally has
whiter throat and paler in contrast to the male. Size: 21-23cm.
Ecology: Mainly found around water bodies such as swamps, wet
grassland, edges of lakes, and canals. Distributed in Indian subcontinent
to China and Japan, south through South-East Asia to the Greater and
Lesser Sundas, Sulawesi, and Philippines. This bird is locally common
resident and a migrant in Peninsular Malaysia at low elevation, south
to Singapore. This bird usually feeds on aquatic insects and its larvae,
seeds, and shoots of plants that grows in marsh.
Also known as: Ruddy Crake.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

40

~ Rallidae ~

LC

Slaty-breasted Rail
Sintar Dada Kelabu
Lewinia striata

Description: Male:
Long reddish bill,
chestnut-coloured crown and nape with blue-grey breast, and
blackish flanks and undertail. Female: More whitish belly and duller
upperparts. Juvenile: Brownish underparts white barring less distinct.
Upperparts, including crown and hindneck, indistinctly streaked
darker. Size: 25-30cm.
Ecology: Common in wetlands areas such as paddy fields, mangroves,
marshes, and damp areas near villages. Diet consists of worms,
crustaceans, insects, and molluscs. Found in the Indian subcontinent
and southern China through South-East Asia, east to the Greater and
Lesser Sundas, Sulawesi, and Philippines. This bird is locally common
resident at low elevation, south to Singapore.
Also known as: Blue-breasted Banded Rail.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam.

LC

Watercock
Ayam-ayam
Gallicrex cinerea

Description: Adult breeding (male):
Blackish grey upperparts. Reddish
yellow bills and legs. Red frontal shield
on forehead. The undertail coverts barred
black and buff. Adult non-breeding and
Female: Legs are yellowish green. Buff brown with dark streaks and
narrow barrings on flanks. Size: male: 42-43cm, female: 34-36cm.
Ecology: Prefers freshwater habitats especially swampy areas such as
grassy swamps, flooded paddy fields, rivers, freshwater swamps and
sometimes brackish swamps. Breeding range includes India, east to
eastern Russia, China, Korea, and Japan, South-East Asia to Philippines.
Wintering populations found south to the Greater Sundas and Sulawesi.
Uncommon and localized resident at low elevations in Perlis and Kedah.
Migratory populations can be found in other places within Peninsular
Malaysia especially at low elevation. This bird usually eats aquatic
insects, grasshoppers, seeds, and paddy.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

41

~ Rallidae ~

LC
White-breasted Waterhen
Ruak-ruak
Amaurornis phoenicurus

Description: Male: White
face and underparts while
the upperpart is greyish in
color. The bill is yellow colored with red base. Cinnamon undertail and
greenish legs. Female: Relatively smaller than male and have duller
colored bill. Size: 28-33cm.
Ecology: Found near grassy swamps, tall grass, paddy fields, and inland
freshwater swamps. Ranges from the Indian subcontinent and southern
China through South-East Asia, east to the Greater and Lesser Sundas,
and Philippines. This bird is common and widespread resident and
migrant in Peninsular Malaysia at low elevation, south to Singapore.
Usually feed and prey on certain insects like grasshoppers and beetles,
spiders and worms. Occasionally small fish are also taken.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Ekuestrian, Taman Wetland, Taman
Warisan Pertanian, Taman Botani and Upper Bisa.

LC
White-browed Crake
Sintar Dahi Puteh
Amaurornis cinerea

Description: Male: Slim body with greenish yellow long legs and toes.
Greenish bills with red base. Greyish head with stripes below eye, white
supercilium, and black eyeline. White throat and breast. Size: 15-20cm.
Ecology: Common in terrestrial wetland like marshes, rivers, and
flooded paddy fields. Distributed across the Greater Sundas, east to
New Guinea, Australia, Western Pacific and Polynesia. Fairly common
resident in Peninsular Malaysia at low elevation, south to Singapore.
Diet consists of slugs, leeches, frogs, small fishes, and also seeds and
the leaves of aquatic plants.
Also known as: White-browed Rail.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Ekuestrian.

42

~ Turnicidae ~

LC
Barred Buttonquail
Puyuh Tanah
Turnix suscitator

Description: Male: Upperparts mottled brown, while the underparts
has bright rufous buff from flanks down to belly and undertail coverts
but lacks black throat and upper breast compared to female. Grey bill
and legs. Female: Black throat diagnostic. Black bars on sides of breast.
Size: 13-18cm.
Ecology: Commonly seen in open grassland, forest edges and
cultivation area such as sugarcane fields or oil palm plantations. Ranges
from the Indian subcontinent and southern China through South-East
Asia to Sumatra, Java and Bali. A fairly common resident in Peninsular
Malaysia. Diets consist of various types of invertebrate and plant shoots,
grass and weeds seeds.
Also known as: Bustard Quail.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam.

~ Charadriidae ~

LC
Pacific Golden Plover
Rapang Kerinyut
Pluvialis fulva

Description: Adult breeding
(male): Golden-yellow
feathers. Black face, throat,
and underparts. Golden-yellow wings and mantle. Narrow stripes or
bands from supercilium and forehead area goes down until flanks.
Adult non-breeding and Female: Dark brown upperparts mottled with
golden yellow spots. Pale brown underparts. Whitish-yellow narrow
supercilium. Size: 23-26cm.
Ecology: Usually found at both wet and dry grasslands, mudflats, and
sandy shores. Breeding range in Artic of North-East Asia and Alaska.
Winters in south to South-East Asia, Australia and Western Pacific.
Locally, this bird is common and widespread passage migrant and
winter visitor at low elevations, south to Singapore. Main source of
foods includes invertebrates, berries, seeds, and leaves.
Also known as: Lesser Golden Plover or Asiatic Golden Plover.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

43

~ Charadriidae ~

LC
Red-wattled Lapwing
Rapang Duit
Vanellus indicus

Description: Male: Black
head and black-colored breast.
White patch on ear coverts.
White underparts with brown
upperparts. Red colored bills with black tips. Long yellow legs. Red
wattles in front of the eyes diagnostic. Juvenile: White throat, greyish
breast and crown, duller than adult. Size: 32-35cm.
Ecology: Usually found near open areas nearby rivers, and inland pools.
Common in cultivated land such as grass fields and paddy fields. Ranges
from the South-West Asia to Indian subcontinent and southern China to
South-East Asia. Locally common resident at low elevations. Main diet
consists of mainly insect such as beetles, ants, bugs and grasshoppers,
apart from worms and crustaceans.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Ekuestrian, Taman Rimba Alam and
Upper Bisa.

~ Rostratulidae ~

LC
Greater Painted-snipe
Meragi
Rostratula benghalensis

Description: Male: Pale yellow bill and yellowish central crown stripe
on the head region. Broad white stripe curving along shoulder from
white underparts diagnostic. Brownish neck with buff spots. Yellowish
eye-stripe and eye-ring. Female: Eye-ring and eye-stripe is white.
Chestnut at both sides of neck. Dark brown upperparts with faint buff
streaks. Size: 23-28cm.
Ecology: Generally found in wetlands, open freshwater marshes and rice
fields. Distributed across Africa, Indian subcontinent east to Japan and
south through South-East Asia to Australia. Locally common resident
at low elevations, south to Singapore. Known to be omnivorous, eating
animals including insects, earthworms, snails, and some crustaceans
and plant-based foods such as grass, paddy, and various seeds.
Also known as: Painted Snipe.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

44

~ Scolopacidae ~

LC
Common Sandpiper
Kedidi Pasir
Actitis hypoleucos
Description: Male:
Small sized with straight
dark bill. Olive brown
crown and upperparts,
white breast and belly
with conspicuous white bars on wings. White supercilium with thin
black eyelline. Adult Breeding: Has olive brown streak on side of
neck and breast area, forming a full breast band. Adult non-breeding:
Upperparts paler, streaks on sides of neck and breast become indistinct,
disappearing from the middle of the breast, forming a broken breast
band. Legs yellow in all seasons. Size: 19-21cm.
Ecology: Commonly found in riverbanks, freshwater ponds, mudflats,
and estuaries. Ranges across Europe through temperate Asia and also
in Himalayas, wintering south to Africa, South-East Asia to Australasia.
This bird is abundant and widespread passage migrant and winter
visitor in Peninsular Malaysia. Its diet consists of adult insects and its
larvae, small fish, spiders, tadpoles, and frogs.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Ekuestrian, Taman Wetland and
Upper Bisa.

LC
Common Snipe
Berkek Ekor Kapas
Gallinago gallinago

Description: Male: Greyish
feather. Heavily marked
neck, breast and flanks.
Long brown bill with dark
tip. During flight, the upperwing will show thin white trail at the edge of
the wing. Whitish bars on the wing coverts of the underwing. Yellowish
to greenish legs. Size: 25-27cm.
Ecology: Found near both brackish and fresh marshland with
abundance of plants and vegetations. Breeding range ranges through
temperate North America east through Europe and temperate Asia, and
wintering south to tropical latitudes worldwide. This bird is uncommon
localized and winter visitor in small numbers at low elevations in
Peninsular Malaysia. Diet includes insects and its larvae, small spiders
and crustaceans, seeds, and some plants.
Also known as: Fantail Snipe.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

45

~ Scolopacidae ~

LC
Pintail Snipe
Berkek Berbintik
Gallinago stenura

Description: Male:
Brown upperparts with
black and white streaks. Underparts are white with blackish-brown
bars at flanks. Brown colored bills with dark tip. Yellow legs. Female:
Appearance is similar to male, but longer bill. Size: 25-27cm.
Ecology: Usually seen in wet areas such as open freshwater swamp,
wet grassland, and paddy fields. Breeds in northern temperate Asia,
and winters south to South and South-East Asia to Australia. This bird
is a common passage migrant and winter visitor at low elevations in
Peninsular Malaysia. Diets consist of molluscs, earthworms, insects,
larvae, seeds, and other part of plants.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

~ Laridae ~

LC
White-winged Tern
Camar Kepak Putih
Chlidonias leucopterus

Description: Adult breeding: Entire
head, back, throat, breast, upper
belly and underside of wing coverts
black. Upperwing coverts, lower
belly and undertail coverts white.
Pale grey upperwing. Red bill and
legs. Adult non-breeding: Has
black bill. White crown and hindneck with black streak. Bill and legs
black. Juvenile: Has silver-gray wings, and blackish-brown saddle.
Blackish crown, mantle and back. Size: 23-27cm.
Ecology: Common in Inland water bodies such as swamps, freshwater
lakes, and also sea-coast. Breeds throughout Europe and temperate
Asia; wintering south to Africa and South-East Asia and Australia. This
bird is a fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor in Peninsular
Malaysia. Main diet includes insects, small fish and tadpoles.
Also known as: White-winged Black Tern.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

46

~ Columbidae ~

LC
Asian Emerald Dove
Punai Tanah
Chalcophaps indica

Description: Male: Dark
iridescent green mantle together
with vinaceous red sides of
head and underparts diagnostic.
Bluish-grey crown and nape
with white supercilium. Bright
red bill and legs. Female: Duller
grey colored forehead and supercilium. Brownish crown and nape.
Size: 23-27cm.
Ecology: Habitats include forests and the forest edges, mangroves, and
plantations. Distributed across Indian subcontinents and China through
South-East Asia and Indonesian Archipelago to New Guinea, Australia,
and the western Pacific. Locally, this bird is common and widespread
resident from low elevations up to 1400m. Uncommon south to
Singapore. This bird feed on seeds and fruits, occasionally invertebrates.
Also known as: Green-winged Pigeon.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam and Taman Wetland.

NT
Jambu Fruit-dove
Punai Jambu
Ptilinopus jambu

Description: Male: Dark green upperparts with white underparts. It has
whitish orbital skin, with orange or yellow bills. Red legs. Diagnostic
feature is the striking pink face and pink spots on the breast. Dark brown
undertail coverts. Female: Greenish grey breast without any colored
spot. Juvenile: Duller with greenish face and pale-yellow throat. Lacks
white orbital skin. Size: 22-28cm.
Ecology: Found in wooded areas, forests, forest edges, and mangroves.
This bird can be found in Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. Fruits
make up the main diet especially figs and berries.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland and Taman Botani.

47

~ Columbidae ~

LC

Little Green Pigeon
Punai Daun
Treron olax

Description: Male:
Bluish grey head,
orange breast patch diagnostic. Maroon mantle and upperparts.
Chestnut undertail coverts. Female: Greyish crown that merges with
the green colored sides of the head. Green upperparts. Buff streaked on
pale green undertail-coverts. Size: 21-22cm.
Ecology: Commonly found at lowland and foothill of forests, wooded
parks and gardens. Ranges from Southern Thailand, Peninsular
Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra. A locally common resident in Peninsular
Malaysia. Frugivorous diet including various types of fruit such as wild
figs. Usually found foraging in middle storey and canopy layer.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Wetland.

LC

Pink-necked Green Pigeon
Punai Gading
Treron vernans

Description: Male: Head and
mantle light bluish grey with
vinous pink on the hindneck.
Pink colored sides of neck,
breast, and band across upper
breast diagnostic. Bright orange lower breast. Yellowish-green
underparts. Back and wing-coverts bright olive-green with yellow
edges. Female: Has less striking appearance than male. Underparts
are yellow. Buff undertail coverts. Lacks pink breast and orange
lower breast. Size: 23-30cm.
Ecology: Commonly found in forests and forest edges, mangroves,
gardens, plantations, patches of isolated forests within cities and
cultivated lands. This bird can be found from Myanmar to the Greater
Sundas, Sumbawa, Sulawesi, and Philippines. It is locally common and
widespread resident in Peninsular Malaysia. Its diet mostly consists of
various types of fruit like figs, seeds, and sometimes shrubs and plant
shoots.
Distribution in Putrajaya: Taman Rimba Alam, Taman Ekuestrian,
Taman Saujana Hijau, Taman Putra Perdana, Warisan Pertanian, Taman
Botani, Taman Wetland and Upper Bisa.

48