Читать книгу Photographic Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia - Morten Strange - Страница 8
ОглавлениеLITTLE GREBE (Red-throated Little Grebe)
Tachybaptus ruficollis 25 cm F: Podicipedidae
Description: Unmistakable, Note yellow spot near bill in breeding plumage; non-breeding plumage is duller, breast and hind neck pale brown.
Voice: A sharp ke-ke-ke-ke.
Habits: Like all grebes, a strictly aquatic bird rarely seen flying. Swims in ponds and lakes near or among reeds and dives when disturbed. Feeds on fish and aquatic invertebrates. Disperses outside breeding season, small flocks sometimes gather at prime locations.
SPOT-BILLED PELICAN
Pelecanus philippensis 140 cm F: Pelecanidae
Description: Distinguished from other pelicans by spotted upper mandible on bill; also grey-tinged to white plumage.
Voice: Generally quiet.
Habits: Frequents a variety of shallow wetlands, from inland marshes and lakes, to brackish estuaries near the coast. Swims on surface and dives for fish, often in flocks with other water birds. Formerly widespread, numerous and locally abundant, with millions of birds in Myanmar atone. During the last few decades has declined drastically; now scarce throughout its range and vulnerable to global extinction.
MASKED BOOBY
Sula dactylatra 86 cm F: Sulidae
Description: Distinguished from other boobies by black facial mask contrasting with yellow bill; distinguished from Brown Booby also by large size and white (not brown) neck and wing coverts.
Voice: Quiet during migration; honks and whistles near nest.
Habits: A pelagic bird, sometimes found 1,000 km from nearest land. Only visits remote offshore islets to breed, however even these sites are not too remote for fishermen who collect eggs and young. Populations have been greatly reduced in Southeast Asia, but are still sizable in other regions such as the Pacific Ocean. Makes spectacular dives into the sea for large fish.
RED-FOOTED BOOBY
Sula sula 71 cm F: Sulidae
Description: Note diagnostic white tail. Also distinguished from previous species by smaller size, yellowish head and lack of mask.
Voice: Quiet during migration; honks and whistles near nest.
Habits: A pelagic bird that flies up to 150 km from breeding colony to forage on small flying fish and squid; never seen near the mainland. Mostly reduced in numbers in Southeast Asia, but over a million individuals are still found in the Pacific Ocean region, the Caribbean and off Australia.
BROWN BOOBY
Sula leucogaster 74 cm F: Sulidae
Description: Note diagnostic chocolate-brown upper parts and neck contrasting with white belly.
Voice: Quiet during migration; quacking calls near nest.
Habits: The most widespread member of its family in Southeast Asia, Occasionally seen near the mainland coast flying low, with characteristic shallow wing beats. Although no longer a resident in Thailand and other areas, still locally numerous on islands in the Malacca Strait, South China Sea and off the Philippines. A large colony is located on the Layang-Layang Islands, where this photograph was taken. Can be reached by direct flight from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.
GREAT CORMORANT (Cormorant)
Phalacrocorax carbo 81 cm F: Phalacrocoracidae
Description: Large size is diagnostic, Note whitish cheeks and throat.
Voice: Generally silent, although it grunts and groans at breeding sites.
Habits: Like other cormorants, it swims low in the water, diving for fish; between dives it often sits near water's edge drying off. A strong flyer, this species is trained to assist fishermen in China.
LITTLE CORMORANT
Phalacrocorax niger 52 cm F: Phalacrocoracidae.
Description: Distinguished with some difficulty from the generally less common Indian Shag, P. fuscicollis (64 cm), by its smaller size and shorter bill.
Voice: Usually silent, although it grunts and groans at breeding sites.
Habits: Lives around ponds, swamps and flooded fields, often near the coast, extending into tidal mangroves. Locally abundant in prime habitat, such as the wetlands south of Bangkok; often seen flying between its feeding grounds and its breeding colonies, located in low trees surrounded by water. Also perches in the open to dry out plumage after diving for fish.
DARTER (Oriental Darter)
Anhinga melanogaster 91 cm F: Anhingidae
Description: Unmistakable. Mote the long, thin neck and pale streaks in plumage. A unique species; an American species is the only other member of this family.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Found in inland swamps, overgrown reservoirs and rivers, often with wooded surroundings. Swims low in the water with only the head and neck above surface. Dives for fish as well as aquatic amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. Suns itself like a cormorant, see photo.
GREAT FRIGATEBIRD
Fregata minor 94 cm F: Fregatidae
Description: Photo shows mate; note complete lack of white in plumage. Female has white chest. Immature bird also has light brown head.
Voice: Silent; makes clappering noises when breeding.
Habits: A strictly pelagic bird, like all members of this small family. Only visits the shores of remote islets during breeding season, where it nests in colonies in low trees. Otherwise roams widely, surface dipping for fish and squid.
LESSER FRIGATEBIRD
Fregata ariel 76 cm F: Fregatidae
Description: Photo shows male. Distinguished from previous species by smaller size and white spots under wings. Female has white chest. Immature bird also light brown head.
Voice: Silent during migration.
Habits: This pelagic bird picks up fish and squid from surface waters far offshore and is rarely found near the coast. As well, some of this species, mostly females, chase terns and steal their fish, A very elegant flyer, this bird moves about singly or in small flocks, and is found at a few remote islets, sometimes in huge congregations.
GREAT-BILLED HERON
Ardea sumatrana 115 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Huge size and grey plumage are diagnostic, immature bird is more brownish and lacks the breeding adult's narrow, whitish plumes.
Voice: Sometimes a harsh croak.
Habits: A quiet and shy bird, usually seen standing alone and motionless along muddy seashores or offshore islets, on the lookout for fish and crustaceans. During high tide it rests among mangrove trees. Occasionally follows rivers inland. Flies off low across the water. Not numerous at any location.
GREY HERON
Ardea cinerea 95 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: White neck and head with grey upper parts are diagnostic.
Voice: Deep, guttural honks while in flight or at breeding site.
Habits: Occurs along coastal mudflats but also in freshwater swamps and along inland rivers. Feeds mainly on fish and other aquatic prey, but also on reptiles and rodents. Flies slowly, high above habitat. Breeds in dense colonies located in low, inaccessible trees near water.
PURPLE HERON
Ardea purpurea 90 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Look for diagnostic purple head and neck. Note how head is pulled back during flight.
Voice: A harsh croak, mainly uttered within breeding colony and when taking off.
Habits: An aquatic bird, usually seen near overgrown freshwater rivers and reservoirs, less often at the coast. Feeds on fish, which it stalks patiently at the water's edge. Forms dense colonies during the breeding season, often mixing with other herons.
LITTLE HERON (Striated Heron)
Butorides striatus 45 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: A small heron with crouching stance. Immature bird is brown with pale streaks. A unique, monotypic genus.
Voice: A loud kweak...kee-kee-kee-kee when taking off.
Habits: As a resident, most commonly found near the coast, where it nests in low mangrove trees, but occurs in all kinds of wetlands, including freshwater marshes and canals. Sometimes walks conspicuously out in the open along the water's edge.
CHINESE POND-HERON
Ardeola bacchus 45 cm F: Adeidae
Description: Photo shows non-breeding plumage. During breeding, the head and breast are dark chestnut, the back is black and wings flash white in flight.
Voice: Normally silent. Low croaks during breeding.
Habits: An attractive small heron usually found at overgrown ponds, marshes and paddy fields where it walks along slowly, looking for aquatic prey. Less common in mangroves. Breeds in colonies with other herons.
JAVAN POND-HERON
Ardeola speciosa 45 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Note the diagnostic pale chestnut breast and whitish head of breeding plumage; white wings flash brightly during flight. In non-breeding plumage is not easily distinguished from the Chinese Pond-heron.
Voice: Similar to previous species.
Habits: Moves about freshwater wetlands, flooded fields and sometimes among coastal mangroves, singly or in loose groups. A rather shy bird that walks slowly or stands waiting quietly for aquatic prey to appear.
CATTLE EGRET
Bubulcus ibis 50 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Small, stocky shape and yellow bill are diagnostic. A unique, monotypic genus. Orange plumes on head, chest and back during breeding season (see photo, bird in background).
Voice: Usually silent, although croaks at nest.
Habits: Numerous locally in open country and on cultivated fields; does not visit mudflats and beaches. Associates with grazing domestic animals, catching the insects, frogs and lizards that the cattle disturb. Large flocks form at communal roosts in the evenings and at breeding sites. A successful and expanding species.
PACIFIC REEF-EGRET (Reef Egret)
Egretta sacra 58 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Medium-sized egret with dull yellow bill; note dark tip on upper mandible (top). Northern birds often occur in a slate-black colour phase (bottom).
Voice: Sometimes a harsh arrk when disturbed.
Habits: A Strictly coastal egret that ventures only occasionally up tidal estuaries and canals. Prefers exposed sandy and rocky seacoasts; sometimes found on mudflats feeding on small fish in shallow waters during low tide, usually alone or in small groups. Nests on the ground on remote coastal outcrops.
CHINESE EGRET
Egretta eulophotes 68 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Photo shows breeding plumage; long crest and bright yellow bill and toes are diagnostic; orbital skin blue. In winter, only its longer legs and narrow bill distinguish it from the previous species.
Voice: Generally silent.
Habits: Occupies a narrow niche of tidal mudflats near estuaries; does not occur inland or on rocky shorelines. Confusion with the Pacific Reef-Egret is possible during winter months, although this species feeds more actively, sometimes running through shallow water with open wings to stir up prey.
GREAT EGRET
Egretta alba 90 cm (Casmerodius albus) F: Ardeidae
Description: Huge size, long neck and strong bill are diagnostic. Bill is yellow (photo) during non-breeding season. During breeding season, bill is black and legs are reddish.
Voice: Sometimes a low, crow-like kraa-a when taking off.
Habits: Occurs in all types of wetlands, including coastal mangroves, estuaries and wet fields. Walks slowly or stands quietly, singly or in a small group, on the lookout for aquatic prey. Scattered groups may gather together at prime locations during winter months and can be very numerous locally.
PLUMED EGRET (Intermediate Egret)
Egretta intermedia 70 cm, Mesophoyz intermedia F: Ardeidae
Description: A medium-sized bird. Its fairly short yellow bill is diagnostic.
Voice: Usually silent, except for a deep kroa-kr when taking off.
Habits: Found in the company of other egrets, mostly in freshwater marshes and fields, but also on tidal mudflats and along estuaries. Generally less numerous than the Great Egret and Little Egret. Walks slowly in the search of small fish, frogs and insects.
LITTLE EGRET
Egretta garzetta 60 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: A small and slender egret. Note diagnostic thin, black bill and yellow feet. Feet black in Javan (nigripes) race which occurs in Singapore and Malaysia.
Voice: Usually silent, except for croaking calls at its nest.
Habits: The most common of the egrets, numerous at both freshwater and tidal wetlands. An attractive bird that feeds by walking quickly or running through shallow water, stirring up and chasing aquatic prey. Flocks disperse while feeding, but congregate at evening roosts and in breeding colonies.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON
Nycticorax nycticorax 61 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Unmistakable; legs red during breeding. Immature bird is brown, dotted with white.
Voice: A penetrating, deep wo-ok when taking off.
Habits: Spends the day roosting in trees above water in mangroves or swamps. In early evening flocks disperse, flying slowly, high in the sky, on their way to feed in ponds and marshes during the night, returning during the morning. Huge breeding colonies in the region have been known to contain tens of thousands of birds.
MALAYAN NIGHT-HERON
Gorsachius melanolophus 48 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Photo shows immature plumage. The adult is a uniformly dark rufous colour with a blackish cap, missing on the similar Japanese Night-Heron, G. goisagi which is sometimes seen in the region.
Voice: A series of deep oo notes.
Habits: Very secretive, staying inside flooded forests and overgrown lowland swamps. Also seen near cultivation during migration. Feeds mainly on insects, molluscs, small amphibians, reptiles and sometimes fish. Nocturnal and not often observed; breeding habits and movements little studied.
YELLOW BITTERN
Ixobrychus sinensis 38 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Small, slender, pale bittern. Note diagnostic black wingtips. Immature bird streaked with brown.
Voice: A short kakak-kakak when taking off.
Habits: Prefers freshwater swampland habitat. Lives among tail, dense marsh and riverside vegetation, where it climbs around at the bottom of the reeds, stalking aquatic invertebrates and tiny fish. Secretive and crepuscular in habit; sometimes seen clearly when it flies briefly out of the vegetation.
SCHRENCK'S BITTERN
Ixobrychus eurhythmus 38 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Photo shows female. Male has uniformly pale brown under-parts contrasting with dark brown upper-parts.
Voice: Low squawks in flight.
Habits: As a resident, it is most common near the coast, where it nests in low mangrove trees. During migration it occurs in all types of wetland, including freshwater marshes and canals. Sometimes walks conspicuously out in the open along the water's edge. Not numerous anywhere within its range.
CINNAMON BITTERN
Ixobrychus cinnamomeus 38 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Photo shows female. Male has uniformly pale rufous under-parts and darker upper-parts with no scales. In flight, uniformly rufous wings are characteristic.
Voice: Sometimes a low croak on take-off.
Habits: Found in freshwater swamps and along lakesides with some vegetation cover, never in tidal areas. An adaptable species that seems to prefer flooded grasslands and extensive paddy fields. Numerous, but never abundant. Not easy to observe as it searches for small aquatic prey near cover. Usually seen flying low over the grass before dropping back into cover.
BLACK BITTERN
Dupetor flavicollis 54 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Note very dark plumage and some pale streaks on neck; in flight appears all black.
Voice: Sometimes a deep croak on take-off; also a booming call during breeding.
Habits: A wetland bird that prefers wooded swamps with tall reeds and trees nearby. Also visits flooded rainforest and tidal areas during migration. Rarely seen in open fields. Feeds secretively on fish, frogs and invertebrates, usually during low light periods. Often spotted making short flights and sometimes perching in trees.
GREAT BITTERN
Botaurus stellaris 76 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Unmistakable. Note massive size and sandy-brown, barred plumage.
Voice: Quiet during migration.
Habits: This secretive wetland bird requires extensive swamps with vast reed beds to thrive, but during migration it might turn up at smaller ponds or cultivated areas. Feeds quietly on small animals and in spite of its size is difficult to spot. Freezes or walks away when approached and prefers not to fly during the day.
MILKY STORK
Mycteria cinerea 92 cm F: Ciconiidae
Description: Note diagnostic white under-parts and under-wing coverts; also yellow bill and red face.
Voice: Silent.
Habits: A shy mangrove bird that feeds on the mudflats for about two hours each day during low tide, catching mudskippers and other fish, as well as snakes and frogs. Nests in small colonies in trees in remote mangrove forests.
PAINTED STORK
Mycteria leucocephala 102 cm F: Ciconiidae
Description: Blackish breast-band and wings are diagnostic. Captive photo.
Voice: Silent..
Habits: Unlike the similar Milky Stork, this freshwater bird feeds in marshes, lakes and occasionally wet fields, mainly on fish, but also catches frogs, reptiles and insects. Breeds in colonies in trees near the water, often in the company of other storks and herons.
ASIAN OPENBILL
Anastomus oscitans 81 cm F: Ciconiidae
Description: Smallest of the Asian storks. Size and a peculiar bill that does not close are diagnostic.
Voice: Generally silent.
Habits: Feeds almost exclusively on apple snails in freshwater marshes and wet fields, extracting snails with its specialized bill. Best place to see this species is the spectacular breeding colony in Wat Phai Lom, Thailand from November to April, when the semi-tame birds can be observed from special viewing towers. Populations disperse outside breeding season.
BLACK STORK
Ciconia nigra 100 cm F: Ciconiidae
Description: Black neck, wings and mantle are diagnostic; also note red bill. Captive photo.
Voice: Silent.
Habits: Found in marshes, along large rivers and around ponds behind the coast. Often occurs in somewhat vegetated areas, but during migration avoids closed forest. Feeds mainly on fish, but also takes a variety of other small aquatic and terrestrial prey. Recorded infrequently during the northern winter months from November to March. Seems to have declined in numbers in recent years.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK
Ciconia episcopus 91 cm F: Ciconiidae
Description: Note diagnostic white extending across whole neck. The rare Sunda subregion resident subspecies is often treated as a full species. Storm's Stork, C. stormi, has black lower neck and yellow (not blue) facial skin.
Voice: Silent.
Habits: Occurs in marshes and wet fields in the lowlands that often have some trees, but is not found in forest. Also found behind estuaries and mangroves, but not on tidal mudflats, walking slowly, picking up fish, frogs, reptiles and large insects. Usually solitary and not numerous anywhere. Seems to have declined in numbers. Rarely observed.
BLACK-NECKED STORK
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus 132 cm F: Ciconiidae
Description: Note huge size, massive black bill and white back.
Voice: Silent.
Habits: Frequents marshes, monsoon-flooded savanna forest, and coastal swamps and lagoons; occasionally found in tidal mangroves. Feeds mainly on fish, but also takes frogs, reptiles and insects. Seems to require extensive, undisturbed wetlands to thrive, and has declined almost to extinction in Southeast Asia. In India and Australia, where it lives near villages and farmlands, it has adapted better to disturbed conditions.
GREATER ADJUTANT
Leptoptilos dubius 145 cm F: Ciconiidae
Description: Distinguished from following species by larger size, and grey panel in wing and neck pouch. Captive photo.
Voice: Silent.
Habits: Occurs around freshwater marshes and large lakes, also in fields and drier grassland areas. Feeds on carrion; also catches fish, reptiles and injured animals. An abundant bird in the 19th century, with millions reported in India and Myanmar. Even in the early 20th century it was numerous, entering villages to feed on garbage and resting on rooftops. Now numbers have decreased alarmingly and the species is considered endangered with global extinction.
LESSER ADJUTANT
Leptoptilos javanicus 114 cm F: Ciconiidae
Description: A large stork with massive build. Note diagnostic orange neck and dark under-wings.
Voice: Silent.
Habits: In SE Asia restricted to the mangrove habitat, feeding on exposed mudflats at low tide. Nests in trees in remote forest patches over the water, usually in small colonies near other water birds. Feeds on mudskippers, crustaceans and also carrion. A shy bird, but seen clearly when flying, sometimes flapping its huge wings slowly, at other times soaring high like an eagle.
BLACK-HEADED IBIS
Threskiornis melanocephalus 80 cm F: Threskiornithidae
Description: Unmistakable, as is the only white ibis in this region.
Voice: Silent.
Habits: Found in freshwater marshes and wet fields behind the coast, less often on tidal mudflats. Feeds on frogs and aquatic invertebrates, also some fish. Always moves in flocks; nests in colonies in tall trees such as coconut palms near water and sometimes in villages.
GLOSSY IBIS
Plegadis falcinellus 64 cm F: Threskiornithidae
Description: Small size and all-black colouration are diagnostic.
Voice: Silent.
Habits: Occurs in marshy areas, mainly shallow freshwater lakes and flooded fields, but also in coastal wetlands and tidal lagoons. Nests in colonies in tow trees near fresh water. A social species that breeds and feeds in flocks, often with other water birds. Walks along feeding on aquatic invertebrates, sometimes also small fish and frogs.
GREY-LAG GOOSE
Anser anser 84 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Distinguished from the rarer Bean Goose, A, fabalis, by its paler neck and breast, pink (not orange) feet and pale (not dark) bill. Distinguished in flight by distinctive pale forewing.
Voice: Honks like a domesticated goose.
Habits: The only goose in the region likely to appear regularly in any great numbers. Often found swimming in marshes and in nearby fields where it feeds on grasses and grain. This genus is one of the few groups of birds able to digest the cellulose in ordinary grass. An elegant flier, its flocks form characteristic V-shaped formations during their tong travels.
LESSER TREEDUCK (Lesser Whistling-duck)
Dendrocygna javanica 41 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Light brown plumage and scaly wings are diagnostic. Rounded wings in flight. Distinguished from other tree-ducks by lack of white streaks on flanks.
Voice: Its alternative name indicates a vocal duck, constantly uttering a high-pitched, three-note whistle during flight.
Habits: An attractive small duck found in freshwater habitats such as marshes, reservoirs and lakes with plenty of vegetation; visits ponds, but never brackish or tidal areas. Forms dense flocks outside of breeding season, locally numbering thousands. A crepuscular feeder that visits paddy fields at night. Its nest is built in trees or among dense lakeside reeds.
WANDERING TREEDUCK (Wandering Whistling-duck)
Dendrocygna arcuata 45 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Note dark rufous wing coverts and black flight feathers in flight. Previous species appears much paler brown. On the water white flanks show prominently.
Voice: A high-pitched whistle, often during flight.
Habits: Prefers freshwater habitats such as marshes and lakes; also fish ponds just behind the coast, but never saline water. Often feeds at night by dabbling for plant food on the water surface or just below. Roosts in tall grass near water, seldom in trees.
RUDDY SHELDUCK
Tadorna ferruginea 64 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Unmistakable. Picture shows captive female. Male has thin black collar.
Voice: Goose-like honks.
Habits: Found on lakes, marshes and flooded fields, where it feeds on vegetable matter and invertebrates. Dabbles in water as well as feeding on land, nibbling grass and picking out larvae.
COMMON PINTAIL (Northern Pintail)
Anas acuta 56 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Male unmistakable (left). The female's long, pointed tail is diagnostic. Captive photo.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Mainly frequents freshwater ponds and takes, and sometimes visits brackish coastal wetlands. Feeds by dabbling and up-ending to search the shallow bottom for food.
COMMON TEAL
Anas crecca 38 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Male unmistakable. Female (feeding in foreground of photo) distinguished with some difficulty from the Gargany duck by lack of pale eyebrow.
Voice: A short melodic krick.
Habits: Frequents freshwater ponds and lakes; also visits tidal lagoons during migration. Feeds on vegetable matter in shallow water. Like all dabbling ducks, it takes off vertically from the water's surface when disturbed and flies rapidly to another pond.
SPOT-BILLED DUCK
Anas poecilorhyncha 61 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Note diagnostic yellow tip of bill; also look for fine black eye-stripe and white patch in closed wing.
Voice: A Mallard-like quack.
Habits: Occurs in shallow freshwater ponds and lagoons where it feeds by dabbling for vegetable matter along vegetated edges. An adaptable species also found in flooded fields and rice paddies. Much hunted, but recovers quickly in protected areas.
PHILIPPINE DUCK (Philippine Mallard)
Anas luzonica 53 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Unmistakable; sexes similar.
Voice: A Mallard-like quack-quack both in flight and on the water.
Habits: The most numerous duck in the country, both in the lowlands and at montane elevations. Although still seen regularly in freshwater marshes, lakes, ponds and rivers where it feeds by dabbling on the water's surface, it has declined in numbers. Its habits have been little studied. Seems to breed year round, but its nest has never been found in the wild.
MALLARD
Anas platyrhynchos 58 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Male unmistakable, with green head and chestnut breast. Female (photo) distinguished with difficulty from other ducks by facial pattern and short tail.
Voice: Quacks like a domestic duck.
Habits: The most widespread and numerous of all ducks in the world and the wild form of the domestic duck. Adaptable and tolerant to human disturbance. Frequents freshwater marshes, lakes and ponds; seen less often on tidal river estuaries. Avoids tropical conditions and is not successful in this region.
GADWALL
Anas strep era 51 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Top photo shows female on location in Singapore. Note diagnostic wing pattern. Male has bluish-grey flanks and pale head.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Found in freshwater ponds and lakes, where it feeds by dabbling through the water surface, picking out vegetable matter such as seeds, leaves and roots of aquatic plants. Flight is fast, strong and direct.
GARGANEY
Anas querquedula 41 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Small size and rapid flight are characteristic. Breeding mate has prominent white eyebrows. Female has pale brown plumage, with diagnostic light brown stripes across its head.
Voice: Usually silent; sometimes a slight kwak.
Habits: By far the most widespread and numerous migratory duck in the region. Found in prime habitats during the northern winter, sometimes by the thousands. Frequents lakes and reservoirs, also tidal ponds and coastal lagoons, feeding on both vegetable and animal aquatic food found at the water's surface
NORTHERN SHOVELER
Anas clypeata 52 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Photo shows male in captivity. Female is a uniform scaly-brown, but its peculiar bill is always diagnostic.
Voice: A Mallard-like quack.
Habits: Frequents freshwater lakes and reservoirs, but seen less often in coastal wetlands. Feeds by dabbling through the water's surface, extracting both vegetable and tiny animal food with its specialised bill.
COMMON POCHARD
Aythya ferina 44 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Male (photo) unmistakable. Note pate grey body and reddish-brown head. Female is a nondescript brown; lacks the white wing bar in flight
Voice: Usually quiet; sometimes a low hissing call.
Habits: Found in vegetated freshwater ponds and lakes. Often moves out to coastal lagoons and tidal estuaries in winter. Unlike previous species (dabbling ducks in genus Anas) this species belongs to a small group of diving ducks. it feeds on plants and small invertebrates on the water's surface, but readily dives and can swim several metres under water.
TUFTED DUCK
Aythya fuligula 43 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Female (photo) distinguished by small tuft and whitish patch at base of bill. Male has black body contrasting sharply with white planks.
Voice: Usually quiet; during courtship a soft whistling and cooing.
Habits: Frequents freshwater lakes with plenty of vegetation cover and often moves to lagoons and tidal river estuaries, nearer to the coast, during winter. Swims and dives for aquatic plants and insects. A strong flier, like other diving ducks, with a rapid, direct flight. Runs across water surface before lift-off. Dabbling ducks take off vertically.
MANDARIN DUCK
Aix galericulata 48 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Male unmistakable. Female (behind) has diagnostic white 'spectacle'. Captive photo.
Voice: Soft whistle.
Habits: Frequents lakes and pools that are often surrounded by deciduous forest. Also found along flowing rivers, and has a preference for little islands in streams. Feeds by dabbling through the surface water for vegetable food and aquatic invertebrates. The pair forms a strong bond. The nest is built inside a cavity in a tree.
COTTON PYGMY GOOSE
Nettapus coromandelianus 33 cm F: Anatidae
Description: Note diagnostic white head of male (left). Female is pale brown.
Voice: Soft, melodic quacking.
Habits: Not related to and does not resemble a goose, in spite of its name. This small duck frequents lakes and vegetated ponds, where it grazes on floating vegetation. A retiring and shy bird, it is not easy to view clearly. Sometimes seen perching on branches. Nests inside tree-hollows.
WHITE-WINGED DUCK
Cairina scutulata 75 cm F: Anatidae
Description: A large duck with unmistakable plumage and pale head. In flight displays prominent white wing coverts. Captive photo.
Voice: Short honks.
Habits: A shy and retiring duck rarely seen in the wild. Total world population may number less than 1,000 birds. Found around forested ponds and streams in the lowlands and at submontane elevations. Feeds mainly at night and spends the day among dense vegetation along banks.
OSPREY
Pandion haliaetus 55 cm F: Pandionidae
Description: Long, narrow wings, pale underparts and dark mask across eyes are diagnostic.
Voice: Usually silent, but near its nest, a loud, plaintive whistle.
Habits: Only member of family. A successful species specialising wholly in catching live fish, often diving spectacularly into the water from a great height. Fishes in the sea, but also in freshwater sources. Avoids montaneous regions.
JERDON'S BAZA
Aviceda jerdoni 46 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Note broad wing shape and barring under wing and body. At rest, long wings and crest combined with rufous barring are diagnostic.
Voice: A soft, airy pee-weeow.
Habits: Occurs in primary forest and along forest edges. Seems to prefer low hills, although it has been recorded to 1,400 metres during migration. A low-density species, not often observed, although sometimes seen soaring low over the forest. Perches in large trees and pounces on small prey, mainly large insects, on the ground; some frogs and reptiles are also taken.
BLACK BAZA
Aviceda leuphotes 33 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Note diagnostic rounded wings and black band across breast. Long, thin crest visible when perched.
Voice: A soft, airy 1- to 3-noted scream.
Habits: Frequents open woodlands, often perching in large trees near clearings and villages. Gregarious during migration and forms scattered flocks in winter quarters. Flies low with flapping wings when hunting insects and small vertebrate prey; soars high when shifting location.
ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD (Crested Honey-buzzard)
Pernis ptilorhynchus 50 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Plumage varies from dark brown to almost white; look instead for flight silhouette with diagnostic long neck and tail, small head and fairly long wings.
Voice: Silent during migration; a high-pitched call during breeding.
Habits: Occurs in all types of forested habitat, from submontane rainforest (residents) to open woodlands (migratory birds). Moves about singly, but will form flocks during peak migration. Has a unique preference for raiding beehives and feeding on the larvae inside.
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Black-winged Kite)
Elanus caeruleus 30 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: A small, elegant raptor. Plumage and behaviour are unmistakable.
Voice: Short, soft whistle.
Habits: Frequents open woodlands, savanna and forest edges, where it sits on an exposed perch. Patrols the terrain, flying low with lifted wings or hovering low over the ground before dropping into the grass to catch insects and small vertebrate prey. The nest is built of sticks in a tree, at a height of 2 to 20 metres.
BLACK KITE
Milvus migrans 65 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Shape, large size and overall dark plumage are diagnostic. Tail is slightly forked when closed.
Voice: A rather faint, prolonged scream.
Habits: Frequents open country, often populated areas, villages and the outskirts of towns. Moves near the coast during migration. Feeds on all kinds of meat, both live prey and carrion, often scavenging at garbage dumps and fishing areas.
BRAHMINY KITE
Haliastur indus 45 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: A relatively small hawk; bright chestnut brown upperparts and black wing-tips are diagnostic. Immature bird is mottled brown.
Voice: A nasal, mewing call.
Habits: Usually a coastal bird found in mangroves, estuaries and harbour areas, but also occurs in wooded lowlands far from water. An opportunistic feeder. It takes all meats, often picking up debris from the water's surface or catching live fish. Also hunts small terrestrial prey. Its nest is built high in a large tree, often near water.
WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE (White-bellied Fish-Eagle)
Haliaeetus leucogaster 70 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Massive size, grey upperparts and V-shaped lifted wings when soaring are diagnostic; immature bird is brownish.
Voice: Loud, honking call used frequently around nesting site.
Habits: A coastal bird often found on offshore islands far from the mainland; also ventures up large rivers and to reservoirs some distance from the sea. Picks large fish out of the water in spectacular swoops without getting wet; also takes a variety of other prey and scavenges along the shoreline. The nest is a massive structure in a large tree or on an offshore rock.
GREY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE
Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus 68 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Distinguished from the similar and sympatric Lesser Fish-eagle, l. humilis (58 cm), only by larger size and distinct white base to tail.
Voice: A wailing scream with short, chuckling notes heard at dawn and dusk.
Habits: This shy forest bird frequents large rivers in the lowland and lower montane forest areas; also found around stagnant ponds and reservoirs. Usually seen as it takes off from its forest edge perch and flies low out of sight along the river. Seems to feed almost exclusively on freshwater fish; feeding and breeding habits little studied.
HIMALAYAN GRIFFON
Gyps himalayensis 130 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Unmistakable; largest of all raptors with a massive 10-kg body and 3-metre wingspan. Photo shows two immature birds.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Resident from 1,500 to 4000 metres. Immature birds seem to disperse in small groups and may be found near forested hills. Soars on motionless, outstretched wings, covering ground and shifting elevation with incredible swiftness and speed.
WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE (White-backed Vulture)
Gyps bengalensis 89 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Distinguished from the similar and sympatric Long-billed Vulture G. indicus by blackish (not sandy brown) wings and prominent white rump.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Feeds on carrion, mainly cattle carcasses. Remarkably tolerant of the human presence, often seen feeding on busy rubbish dumps and nesting in large trees in villages. Previously numerous in much of the region, but numbers are now much reduced, even in its stronghold of northern India, for reasons not fully understood.
RED-HEADED VULTURE
Sarcogyps calvus 81 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Note diagnostic red head and feet.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Much reduced in numbers and no longer occurs near human habitation anywhere within this region. Mainly found as territorial pairs in remoter areas, especially along forested river valleys, from the lowlands to 2,000 metres. Shyer and less gregarious than other vultures. Feeds on carcasses of large mammals, often together with other scavengers.
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE
Spilornis cheela 81 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Somewhat scaly plumage and small crest are diagnostic (left); note white wing band on flying bird (right).
Voice: A penetrating wheew-wheew when soaring carries far. Vocal.
Habits: Essentially a forest bird that seems to prefer mature secondary growth along forest edges and clearings. Sits motionless on a mid-storey branch watching for prey, mostly tree snakes, but also some small mammals and birds. Often soars high over the forest on late morning thermals.
PHILIPPINE SERPENT-EAGLE
Spilornis holospilus 56 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Unmistakable within its range. Recently accepted as a full species. Distinguished from previous species by more well-defined spots on underparts and wings.
Voice: Similar to previous species.
Habits: Occurs in forest and along forest edges, often seen in clearings and river valleys. Tolerant of environmental disturbance and often seen soaring over nearby open areas. Feeds on amphibians, reptiles and other live prey. Otherwise little studied and its nest has not yet been described.
EASTERN MARSH-HARRIER
Circus spilonotus 50 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Photo shows immature bird; the underpants of immature and female birds are less streaked than other harriers. The male is pale grey with black wing coverts.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Found in open country, especially in extensive marshes, reed beds, tall grass areas and wet fields. The most numerous harrier (genus: Circus) in the region. Flies low, hugging the contours of the terrain, flapping briefly and gliding intermittently. Dives into the grass to catch slow-moving birds and rodents.
JAPANESE SPARROWHAWK
Accipiter gularis 27 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Photo shows female bird. The male is smaller and has more rufous underparts with thin barring. The immature bird has a streaked (not barred) chest.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Typical Accipiter raptor. Flies low with amazing agility when hunting for prey, almost exclusively small passerine birds surprised and caught in flight. Found during winter in all types of wooded habitat, from forest edges to semi-open country and around villages. Sometimes soars high, late in the morning or during migration.
BESRA
Accipiter virgatus 33 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Plumage variable with sex, age and subspecies. Photo shows female. Distinguished with great difficulty from previous species by heavier streaks on its throat.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: A forest bird found in a variety of wooded habitats, often in elevated areas up to 2,400 metres. Status somewhat uncertain as this species is very difficult to distinguish in the field from previous migratory species. Feeds on small birds caught on the wing; less often on reptiles and small mammals hunted on the ground. Its small nest is built high in a large forest tree.
CRESTED GOSHAWK
Accipiter trivirgatus 40 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Note the short, rounded wings and streaked/barred underparts; crest hardly noticeable.
Voice: A shrill, prolonged scream he-he-he-he-he.
Habits: A forest hawk found in lowland and submontane rainforest and along forest edges. Flies low to hunt for squirrels, lizards, birds and large insects. Sometimes soars on thermals over its territory, screaming loudly.
SHIKRA
Accipiter badius 32 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Male (photo) has diagnostic bluish wings and back. Female is larger with brownish upperparts.
Voice: A high-pitched kyeew near its nest, otherwise silent.
Habits: Frequents woodlands and nearby open country, often seen near plantations, roads and villages. Hunts from a perch by dashing out to catch lizards, small mammals and large insects on nearby branches or in the grass below; does not chase flying birds.
COMMON BUZZARD
Buteo buteo 55 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Note broad tail, short neck and diagnostic black spot on carpal joint (shoulder) of wing.
Voice: Usually silent during migration.
Habits: Found along forest edges and in wooded areas and open country from lowlands to montane altitudes, usually alone. Often seen soaring high. Perches on an open branch or hovers in the air to swoop down and catch prey in grass below.
BLACK EAGLE
Ictinaetus malayensis 69 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Plumage a uniform blackish colour. Unique; the only member of its genus. Distinguished from the following species by characteristic flight silhouette with wings narrowing in at the body.
Voice: Silent during migration.
Habits: A low-density species preferring the montane forest habitat, from the foothills to 2,500-metre elevations. Sometimes ventures into lowlands and forest edges. Soars low over the treetops on the lookout for prey such as birds, reptiles, frogs and small mammals. Especially adept at raiding other birds' nests and picking up roosting bats. Like other eagles, the pair engages in acrobatic display flights near their large nest built in a tall tree on a forested slope.
GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE
Aquila clanga 68 cm F: Accipitridae
