Orange-Backed Woodpecker (Reinwardtipicus validus)

Orange-backed woodpeckers are one of the many species of woodpeckers which can be found in Malaysia and Thailand as well. A fact which Wikipedia needs to correct since it only mentioned Indonesia.  As there are not many literature about orange-backed woodpeckers in the web so i thought i would try to give a brief account of these wonderful woodpeckers.

I have always like to observe woodpeckers not only because of their bright plumage but also due to their peculiar behavior and flight patterns. Known for their habit of pecking into tree trunks to search for insect larvaes or as a means of communicating territorial possesion, they have also pecked into tree trunks to search for suitable nest i.e burrowing into tree trunks to be more precise. Some woodpeckers have also been observed occupying abandoned tree holes. Measuring about 30cm, orange-backed woodpeckers can be found in the forest and lowland jungles. Both male and female have a distinct dichotomy whereby male has a red crown and female has a blackish crown. Other distinct features which can be observed are the whitish  back on the female and orangey eyes on the male as opposed to black eyes of females. Locally named as "Belatuk Ranum' and is a fully protected bird.

The above two photos are male orange-backed woodpeckers. They are observed flying from a tree trunk to another.

They are followed by this female orange-backed woodpecker.

Later both were together on a tree trunk. Could it be that they were looking for a suitable trunk for nesting or perhaps they were just looking for an early morning snack? These photos were taken recently at about 8.15am (May 2011)

After this photo was taken both flew away to another tree trunk deeper in the forest.

Common mammals, reptiles and fauna of birding trips

There are times when wild animals would appear on one of the jungle trails which make birding trips even more exciting. Here are some which are commonly encountered:

Look who is lurking amongst the branches? This is a huge water monitor lizard waiting for unsuspecting birds.

These are long-tailed macaques. They could be found in most jungles and some even at urban parks. Ancient Egyptians must have learn from these primates about using eye shadows. Can be very adaptive in urban living and quite aggressive when comes to food - have seen one snatched food right from a tourist hand at Batu Caves.

Walking with its nose and tails up!! This is a male pig-tailed macaque. A nomadic macaque which can be found in the forest and often used to pluck coconuts by villages.

This is a dusky langur. It is generally greyish and has white rings around its eyes. Have seen one carry a newborn which is usually bright golden-yellow in colour. Can be found in coastal regions or secondary forest.

This is a Himalayan Striped Squirrel. Can be found in the forest but most which i have seen are in the sub-montane regions.

These are plantain squirrels. A common squirrel one would see in the forest as well as gardens, orchards, parks and plantations. The second photo shows that it is trying to chew off the bark of a trunk - it could be looking for some vege matters in its diets or the trunk could have some medicinal properties in it.

This is a giant squirrel. Although found mainly in the forest canopy but some can be seen lower when they are searching for food like this one. 

One of the most common flying lizard which you will encounter in the forest trails.

These are Rajah Brooke Butterflies. A much sort after butterflies for collectors.

A beautiful congregation of butterflies picking up minerals from the jungle trails. 

Birding in Serendah

A couple of days back i decided to do some birding at one of my favourite spots. Birding started from 7.30am - 12.30pm. This time instead of the usual trail i decided to try a new trail which looks abandoned and deeper in the jungle. Besides been greeted with the sound of Great Argus calling and white-rumped sharma whistling, i have also encountered a black snake, squirrels and at least 3 types of monkeys. Here are some of the photos i have managed to capture:

A Male Asian Fairy-Bluebird - taken at abt 7.30am. It was still quite dark.

Its already late April and this fellow is still around! An Asian Brown Flycatcher.

Next up is this female Chestnut-Beasted Malkoha. Look at its shiny plumage.

Tis is a male orange-bellied flower pecker. Quite a lot of these birds here and they are quite friendly too.

A male buff-rumped woodpecker. Quite common here as well.

Looking for some worms in a dead tree-trunk. I saw at least two of them.

This is a male Ruby-Cheeked Sunbird - back view

Front view.

This is the female ruby cheeked sunbird.

A Dark-Necked Tailor Bird - taken at the heat of the late morning sun.

A Forest Wagtail - taken on my way back from the trail.