Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo

Idealism is a bird 'in' hand, one at a distance adulterates perfection but attainment does make up for the imperfection.

It's a pop-up least expected but much welcomed, unlike those ubiquitous cyber irritants.

Perhaps a little 'busybody', this Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo emerged to the busy exchange between a pair of resident cuckoos.

Rock Pigeon

Seeking order in pattern, there is no order.  In disorder is found variegation and rhythm, and therein order.

A rather uncommon plumage of probably a sub-adult.

And one that looked like an adult.

AI Overview:

Introduction to Malaysia

The pigeons commonly seen in Malaysian cities (known locally as Pergam Batu or Merpati) are considered an introduced species. They are a classic example of human-commensal species, meaning they live alongside humans and rely on urban environments for food and nesting sites, such as building ledges which mimic their ancestral cliff habitats. 

"Evolution" in Malaysia

The "evolution" in the Malaysian context refers more to the local adaptation and population dynamics of these feral birds within an urban landscape, rather than a unique speciation event. 

Behavioral Adaptations: They have adapted to human activity, utilizing anthropogenic food sources and infrastructure for roosting and nesting.

Plumage Variation: Unlike the wild ancestor, which has a consistent blue-grey plumage with two black wing bars, feral pigeons in Malaysia display a wide variety of colors and patterns due to their mixed domestic ancestry.

Health and Ecology: Studies in Malaysia have focused on the health aspects of these populations, such as characterizing potential pathogens in their stool, as they can be considered a public health nuisance in dense urban areas.

Common Iora

 Suppose I had let you go.  Suppose I didn't even try for a click.

What would I have missed. Perhaps nothing, perhaps something.  Perhaps I should move your beauty from my eyes to my heart.

The Common Iora, a common garden bird, by common understanding.

Barn Swallow, Swiftlets

 The migrant Barn Swallows must have graced the bukit sky before but it's my first time recording them due to their numbers which caught my attention, not an east feat despite the numerous presence.

It was sheer test of focus and dexterity following their flights as these tiny birds performed acrobatics pursuing flying insects as if erratically to the human eyes, yet 'there is method in the madness'!

It was truly a fest in the sky as these swallows soared, swooped and dived joining the numerous local Aerodrammus sp such as the Germain's swiftlets present.

And could this one have polluted the air above?!

And they were high and they were low, even down to tree canopy level.

The local swiftlet sp.

Blyth's Paaradise Flycatcher

Its distinct harsh calls preceded its arrival, and the next thing I knew it had landed on the branch.

The keen eyes of the Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher must have already spied its caterpillar prey from afar.