Malaysian Birds
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Fantails Fantails are small insectivorous songbirds The bird belong to the genus Rhipidura There are numerous species of Fantails. Found in Indonesia, the Philippines and in South East Asia, and the family ranges into southern China, India and the Himalayas. Of the whole Lot, Willie Wagtail, native to Australasia, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. is the most well known The name Fantail was given to the birds as it opens its tail feathers into the shape of a hand fan while foraging. It is a medium size bird about 15 to 18 cm (5.9 to 7.1 in) long. The Australian Willie Wagtail is a little larger, While they are specialist aerial feeders, an expert hunter of insects on the wing, but most times they are seen foraging on the ground. They get better results in getting on terrestrial prey Most fantails, particularly the tropical or insular forms, are sedentary and undertake no migration. Their common habitats are primary forest although they could survive in a variety of habitats. Mangrove forests is one that they are seen very often. Overall their primary habitats is primary rainforest. Of all the spices the most adaptable species is the Willie Wagtail, which is abundant in every habitat type in Australia. Out of the four species seen in Malaysia, the Australian Willie Wagtail is hardly seen and could be an occasional passage migrants. I had encountered the Spotted Wagtail few occasion and all this happened in pristine forest with very briefed appearance. No good or useable picture for me to use
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PASSERIFORMES
Rhipiduridae
Fantail
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PASSERIFORMES
Muscicapidae
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Forktail The Forktail, a group of seven bird species belonging to the Enicurus genus, exclusively inhabits Asia, primarily the Himalayan region. Among these avian species, six boast elongated tails, measuring approximately 28 cm in length. Notable examples include the Spotted Forktail and the Black-backed Forktail, both prevalent in the Indochina region. In contrast, the Little Forktail, found in Taiwan, possesses a comparatively shorter tail. Taxonomically, Forktails are typically categorized within the Old World flycatchers family Muscicapidae, falling under the order Passeriformes. These birds exhibit a distinctive foraging behavior, picking insects from stones situated along mountain streams. Their presence is often signaled by loud whistling calls. Most Forktails display a striking black and white pattern and are characterized by deeply forked tails that they sway up and down. Primarily inhabiting remote mountain forests and areas adjacent to streams in Southeast Asia, these forest-dwelling species are associated with the genus Enicurus. The majority of Forktails construct nests in rock crevices, where they typically lay 2 to 4 eggs. Notably, these birds feature tails or posterior ends that are deeply cleft, with outer feathers or rays extending beyond the central ones, contributing to their distinct appearance.
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White-crowned Forktail |
Enicurus leschenaulti
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Bornean Forktail
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Enicurus borneensis
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Chestnut-naped Forktail
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Enicurus ruficapillus
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Slaty-backed Forktail
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Enicurus schistaceus
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PASSERIFORMES
Motacillidae
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Wagtail Pied Wagtails, distinctive birds characterized by their striking patterns, are commonly found along beaches, meadows, and streams. These avians prefer nesting on the ground but choose trees for roosting. Their name is derived from the constant, rhythmic movement of their long tails, which they incessantly wag up and down. Within their breeding habitats and during feeding sessions, Pied Wagtails exhibit a unique foraging behavior. They walk through low vegetation, such as grazed fields, disturbing insects and either capturing them on the ground or swiftly catching them mid-air as the insects attempt to escape. During the winter, these birds congregate in large roosts to maintain warmth during the night. Pied Wagtails are insectivores with opportunistic feeding habits, targeting both airborne insects and those dwelling on the ground. They are known to seek out easy meals, including insects trapped in car radiator grills. Contrastingly, in the folklore of certain Indigenous peoples, Willie Wagtails carry a mystique as secret stealers and omens of misfortune. It is believed that these birds are most vocal during full moon nights, though this perception has been anecdotal rather than scientifically proven. One theory posits that the distinctive tail-wagging behavior aids in flushing out insects. Despite the fact that wagtails also wag their tails during preening, this function seems less plausible. An alternative perspective suggests that tail wagging serves a social purpose, with individuals signaling potential mates about their overall condition. Grey Wagtails, when observed near houses or among hens, were historically associated with impending bad weather in folklore. If spotted between a person and their dwelling, it was considered a harbinger of imminent eviction. Most of these behaviors are thought to be related to communication with conspecifics, predators, or prey, with tail flashing potentially inducing movement in the bird's prey, rendering it more vulnerable to capture.
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Forest Wagtail | Dendronanthus indicus |
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Gray Wagtail
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Motacilla cinerea
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Eastern Yellow Wagtail | Motacilla tschutschensis |
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Citrine Wagtail
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Motacilla citreola |
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White Wagtail
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Motacilla alba
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With Will would Wander |
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