BIRDS
Worldwide, there are 8,600 species of birds (class Aves) divided into 27 orders comprising 155 families. Of this large number, Malaysia has 624 species of birds belonging to 78 families. Only 426 are resident species. The others are migrants or vagrants which use the East Asian Flyway to migrate from the northern hemisphere at the beginning of winter. Some winter in Malaysia, flying north again at the approach of the northern summer; others stop for only a short time before continuing their long journey.
In this book, only a small number of these numerous species can be included. One of the most significant orders of Malaysian birds is the hornbills, of which the country has 10 species. Although often associated with Sarawak because of the strong cultural significance to that state, Peninsular Malaysia has more species of these large forest birds. Also closely associated with Sabah and Sarawak are the economically important edible birds' nest swiftlets. These birds are also found in Peninsular Malaysia, but it is from Sabah and Sarawak that collection of these nests has become valuable business. Trade in birds' nests, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, began several centuries ago as barter trade with China, but the processed nests are now exported to many parts of the world.
Other birds of cultural importance are some of the songbirds, by far the largest order of birds. Malays have traditionally kept two dove species, the zebra or peaceful dove (merbuk) (Geopelia striata) and the spotted-necked dove (tekukur) (Streptopelia chinensis), as cage birds because of their melodious voice. In recent years, songbird contests for these two species, as well as others, such as the white-rumped shama (murai batu) (Copsychus malabaricus) and the red-whiskered bulbul (merbah telinga merah) (Pycnonotus jocosus), have become very popular. Birds which constantly win prizes in such contests can become very valuable. Mynas are also well liked as cage birds because they are good mimickers, especially the hill myna (tiong mas) (Gracula religiosa), which can even mimic human speech, and the common myna (tiong gembala kerbau) (Acridotheres tristis).
There are two distinct types of birds of prey, the magnificent eagles and hawks of the order Falconiformes, which are active during the day, and the nocturnal birds—owls of the order Strigiformes and frogmouths and nightjars of the order Caprimulgiformes—which sleep by day and hunt at night.
Deep in the rainforest are found the birds with many 'eyes' on their wings, the pheasants. These are the only Malaysian birds which clear, and jealously guard, dancing grounds for performances to attract a female. One species, the Javanese green peafowl (merak) (Pavo muticus), has been hunted to extinction. However, there are plans to reintroduce it to its natural habitat, using captive birds.
Waterbirds are found not only along the coast, but also at inland bodies of water, both natural and man-made. This group includes a wide variety of species, both residents and migrants. Among these species are herons, storks, egrets and waterhens as well as ducks and geese. One very rare species, the milky stork (Mycteria cinerea) has been successfully bred in captivity at Zoo Negara.
