Birds are a beloved part of the Region’s natural world. They are everywhere, from our backyards to our forests, and represent various species.
From the common robin to the majestic bald eagle, birds in the Region provide us with a unique glimpse into the beauty of nature and the fantastic diversity of life.
From their magnificent songs to their colorful plumage, birds are an integral part of our environment and our culture. Whether you’re a passionate bird watcher or enjoy seeing them fly, the Region is home to some of the most striking birds in the world.
8 Birds to Watch in Region
If you are a bird lover or a curious observer, you might want to check out some of the amazing birds that can be found in the Region.
Here are eight birds to watch for in different habitats and seasons.
1. Mountain Scops Owl
The mountain scops owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae and is sometimes referred to as the spotted scops owl. This owl species is found in several parts of Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, and Thailand.
This species is locally common in its primary habitat and is spread across the regions mentioned. The mountain scops owl is a small owl with a short, high-pitched call. It is mainly active at night, making its presence known through its call.
The species is usually found in areas with dense vegetation or semi-open habitats such as shrubland, open woodland, and grassland.
It is also commonly found in agricultural lands and human settlements. The mountain scops owl feeds mainly on small invertebrates such as beetles, moths, and flying ants. It also consumes some small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
It usually hunts by flying low over the ground and seizing its prey with its talons. The mountain scops owl is a solitary species that breeds mainly during the monsoon season. Its nesting sites are usually found in hollows of trees, rocky crevices, or buildings.
The female lays two to four eggs in a clutch. Both males and females incubate the eggs and raise the chicks. Overall, the mountain scops owl is a unique species of owl still relatively common in certain parts of Asia.
It is an integral part of the ecosystem and should be conserved to protect its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. spilocephalus |
2. Black-Chinned Fruit Dove
The black-chinned fruit dove is a beautiful species of bird found in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, some parts of Indonesia, and the Philippines. It belongs to the family Columbidae, which includes other species of doves and pigeons.
The black-chinned fruit dove has a unique appearance: its black chin and throat, bright green body, and tail feathers. It is a medium-sized bird with a length of around 25 cm and a wingspan of 33 cm. The bird feeds mainly on fruit, thus its name.
It can be seen in various habitats, including forests, gardens, and woodlands. It is also known as the black-throated fruit dove or Leclancher’s dove after the French naturalist described the species in 1847.
The black-chinned fruit dove is a vocal species, producing a variety of calls, including a low-pitched cooing sound and a loud, metallic ringing call. It is a relatively common species, although its population is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Species | P. leclancheri |
3. Barred Rail
The barred rail is found in many places within the Philippines, including Sulawesi and Salawati. It is a common species of rail, but it can be difficult to spot because it is shy and tends to stay out of sight.
This rail species is found in wet habitats like mangroves, swamps, and marshes. It is a medium-sized bird, growing up to 18 cm in length. Its body is mostly grey with black and white barring on its wings and tail. It has a short, curved bill and a short tail.
The barred rail is an omnivore, eating various foods such as insects, small mammals, crustaceans, and seeds. It is a territorial species, and it is known to make a variety of soft, low-pitched calls to mark its territory.
The barred rail is considered an essential bird species as it helps maintain the balance of the ecosystem in which it lives.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Hypotaenidia |
| Species | H. torquata |
4. Bar-Bellied Cuckooshrike
The bar-bellied cuckoo shrike is an exciting bird species in several Southeast Asian countries. It is part of the Campephagidae family, which includes many species of passerine birds.
This species is found in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines and lives in various habitats. It can be found in mangroves, dry, swamp, and secondary forests.
The bar-bellied cuckoo shrike is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 20-25 cm long. It has a brownish-grey body with a light-colored belly and a black head. Its wings are tipped with white, and its tail is long and pointed.
It has a distinctive call reminiscent of a cuckoo, hence its name. The bar-bellied cuckoo shrike is a solitary bird that spends most of its time perching or flying.
It feeds on insects, small reptiles, and fruits, and its diet is supplemented by occasional scavenging. The bird is monogamous, with pairs typically staying together for life.
During the breeding season, the pairs construct cup-shaped nests from bark, leaves, and other plant materials. The female typically lays two to three eggs, which both parents incubate.
The bar-bellied cuckoo shrike is relatively widespread throughout its range and is considered the least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, its population is thought to be decreasing due to habitat loss and other human activities.
It is, therefore, essential to protect the bird’s habitat to ensure its continued survival in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Campephagidae |
| Genus | Coracina |
| Species | C. striata |
5. Balicassiao
The balicassiao is a species of bird that belongs to the Dicruridae family. It is only found in the Philippines and is considered an endemic species. This species is usually found in forests with subtropical or tropical climates that are moist and low-lying.
The balicassiao is a passerine bird with sharp claws and a strong beak to feed on insects, fruits, and seeds. It is also known for its beautiful song and is often seen in pairs or small groups.
The balicassiao is an important species to the Philippine ecosystem as it helps control insect populations and disperse seeds, which helps maintain a healthy forest.
Unfortunately, this species is under threat due to habitat loss due to deforestation and farming. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the balicassiao and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. balicassius |
6. Black-Naped Oriole
The black-naped oriole is a passerine bird belonging to the oriole family. It is found in various parts of Asia, from India to the Philippines. The bird is known for its wide distribution range, encompassing multiple distinct populations.
In the past, one of these populations, the slender-billed oriole, was classified as a subspecies. As a result, the black-naped oriole can be found in various shapes and sizes depending on the specific population.
For example, individuals in the Indian subcontinent have larger bills than those found in East Asia. Furthermore, coloration and other morphological features may also vary between populations.
Overall, the black-naped oriole is a species with a diverse range and many distinct populations, and the classification of the slender-billed oriole as a subspecies is evidence of this.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Oriolidae |
| Genus | Oriolus |
| Species | O. chinensis |
7. Cuckooshrike
The cuckoo shrikes and their allies in the family Campephagidae are a group of passerine birds ranging in size from small to medium-sized. These birds are found in subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia.
They can be identified by their long tails, bright colors, and short, powerful beaks. There are a total of 93 species of cuckoo shrikes and allies, which are divided into 11 genera. They are mainly insectivorous, but some species feed on fruits and nectar.
They inhabit many habitats, including forests, woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands. Some species can be found in urban areas, and a few species are also known to migrate.
Cuckoo shrikes and allies are vocal birds, with some species having a vast repertoire of calls and songs. Their behavior is often considered quite aggressive, as they defend their territory and food sources aggressively.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Campephagidae |
8. Pachycephalidae
The Pachycephalidae family is an ancient bird species originating from the Australo-Papuan Region. These birds are known as songbirds and are typically found in the warmer climates of Australia, New Guinea, and other nearby islands.
The family contains 64 species, which can be divided into five genera. These genera include the whistlers, shrike thrushes, and three of the pitohuis. The whistlers are small birds that are known for their unique whistling calls.
The shrike thrushes are larger birds known for their loud, raspy calls. The three pitohuis are known for their short, sharp notes. These birds are known for their beautiful songs and have a long history in the Australo-Papuan Region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pachycephalidae |
Conclusion
Birds play an important role in the Region, providing essential ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. They are also crucial to the locals, giving food, recreation, and aesthetic beauty.
The diversity and abundance of birds in the Region are dependent on the availability of suitable habitats and the implementation of effective conservation measures.
Conservation efforts should be geared towards protecting and restoring habitats, reducing threats from human activities, and reducing the impacts of climate change.