Malaysian Birds

Parrots are birds found in most warmer climates such as that of the tropical regions. Basically, Parrots are usually grouped into two main families. The "true" Parrots -under Psittacidae and those looking like Parrots - Cacatuidae. The Cockatoos are examples. Lastly another group- Lorikeets. they can be said to be the third group, Loriidae. But now most often considered a subfamily of the Psittacidae . The latter 2 groups of birds commonly found in Australia and none in Malaysia. Just some background to start this subject of Parrots.

World wide, there are 358 species that come under this groupings. In South-east Asian tropical forest - 11 species. Malaysia itself has 5 species. Parrots in Malaysia are small to medium size when compared to those seen for example in Australia. Malaysian Parrots are seldom seen and it is hard to accidentally bump into them. But if they are around, you could easily detect their presence. By their noisy calls and that they move around in flocks.

Some main characteristic features of Parrots. they have strong curved bill, stand upright, strong legs with zygodactyl feet [with two toes facing forward and two toes facing rearward on each foot]. Like most Parrots, Malaysian Parrots are green with some other colors on the head or neck. Such colors do not go the extend of making them colorful or outstanding. They by their silhouette are nice looking birds. Our Parrots are not known to imitate human voices but their appearance as Parrots too make them popular pets.

In the wild, Parrots being vegetarian, feeds on seeds, nuts, fruit, buds and other plant materials. They build their nests in holes found on trees.

Of the couple frequently seen species, the Blue-crowned is specially picked as a caged birds. I suppose they poachers have no difficulties in locating them and bringing them home.

While in cage, passer-by could also detect their presence by their incessant sharp calls. For the exercise on this page, the names of the Malaysian Parrots are:-

Blue-rumped Parrot	Psittinus cyanurus
Rose-ringed Parakeet	Psittacula krameri
Long-tailed Parakeet	Psittacula longicauda
Vernal Hanging-Parrot	Loriculus vernalis
Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot	Loriculus galgulus

The only "Parrot" that we occasionally meet up with these days would be the Long-tailed Parakeets. Up to the time some years back, the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots were common in our forest edges. Within a few years, all these birds were taken away by poachers and sold to Pet Shop. Seeing one Blue-crowned hanging Parrot, is a rarity and the last one I saw in Taman Negara. How sad?

Size & diagnostic markings:- 19 Cm. This is the only true "parrot" Malaysian Parrot that we have. I don't know where to find them, but the places I used to see them. they kept appearing. Though not every time but I do meet them again in the same places. The measurement is small but this bird bulkier in looks larger in real life. It has green wings with lines on the upper part, then a green under part. The breast and front part of the belly is gray giving it a purplish-blue body look. Head is grayish-blue with a red bill.

Distribution :- The bird is resident in Sumatra and Borneo Islands

Habitats & preferences:- This is a lowland forest bird, staying up in the canopy of tall trees. Descending to the lower storey or scrubs in fruiting seasons.

In Malaysia, where can the bird be found:- Seen the bird in open areas in Taman Negara and fairly often in Perdik.

My personal jottings :-

This Parrot at 19 cm behaves similarly as the more common Blue-crown Hanging Parrot. It also shares the same type of habitats that is broad leaves lowland forest and forest edge.

What differentiate this bird from the Hanging Parrots is that it appear broader. To me I feel that it moves or changes places of feeding less frequent. The bird remained at a single spot foraging slowly. The few encounters I had with the birds in Perdik was that the birds moves in family of few birds. Then, with its typical call to signify its presence in the area. The bird remains in the canopy area even when it is down in low heights. Move quickly without stopping. I was lucky that in 2 seasons I met the bird feeding at low level feeding on the Marcaranga Fruits.

This is a rare bird that is not easily spotted because of its small size and it keeps its distance with human. Robson wrote that the bird is resident in Sumatra and Borneo. My pictures were all taken in Perdik and Taman Negara.

Blue-rumped Parrot 1

Blue-rumped Parrot 2

Blue-rumped Parrot 3

Size & diagnostic markings:- 14 Cm. This is truly a small bird. When the bird is present in the area, it gives that sharp call drawing attention. The bird is almost in very bright green with contrasting red colored patches. Diagnostic would be the a prominent blue dot on it crown. Behind the head on the back is a yellow patch. Comes a red patch at the bottom of the throat and another one on top of the tail.

Distribution :- This is also a bird from the Sumatra and Borneo Island.

Habitats & preferences:- This is a lowland forest bird making very distinctive calls in captivity while in the forest, the calls are hardly heard but the bird is quietly crawling around.

In Malaysia, where can the bird be found:- It was plentiful in Taman Negara and also in Ulu Langat but the bird is hardly seen for a long time.

Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot 1

Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot 2

Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot 3

My personal jottings :-

One of the easiest Parrots to meet up with in Malaysia should be this Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. In fact, this could be the only Parrot you could see, if you are ever out on a trip to look for one.

Though not so commonly seen, the bird is found in most places in peninsula Malaysia. A lowland bird usually and one that avoid the high mountains. Though a forest bird in nature, it is found mostly in forest edge and those with human settlements. That could also classify the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot as a garden bird if you garden is in very remote places like Taman Negara. With its habit of staying near human and such a cute bird, widespread poaching for the pet shop trade has reduced the population of this bird.

I have seen the bird feeding alone but most occasions there was another bird somewhere nearby. It could be in pair though they did not feed side by side. The most number of birds I have seen at one time, was in Taman Negara. In the compound of the chalet where I normally stay during my visit. On almost all previous trips, there would be over 15 birds feeding on the same Acacia Mangium tree. Their action was that of cracking open the pods for the seeds and also gleaning the twigs for some insects or saps.

On subsequent trips to Kuala Tahan, that same tree was removed and the flock of birds did not gather at the neighboring trees. I still see the bird in other part of the compound but as a lone feeder.