Due to the diversity of habitats, there are many places with abundant birdlife to choose from. An activity for the family or small groups, bird watching is made more interactive with more eyes to peer into thick brush, or scan the skies as well as by sharing the different markings of the birds seen by fellow participants.

::HABITATS::
Malaysia is separated into two main birding regions - Peninsular Malaysia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Many birds are common to both geographic areas though some species, known as endemics, are unique to a certain location, such as the Malayan Whistling Thrush in the peninsula and the Bornean Blue Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker in Sabah.

Underscoring the importance of forests, birding activities are concentrated in three distinctive habitat types - montane forests, lowland rainforests and mangroves. Montane forests generally occur above an elevation of 900 metres, where species such as the Mountain Peacock-Pheasant and Mountain Blackeye thrive, in the cool damp climates and stunted trees of these high altitude regions.

Lowland rainforests, including freshwater swamp, peat and hill dipterocarp forests, remain the most extensive habitat for over 200 birds and are crucial to Storm's Stork and Green Imperial Pigeon.

Other birds such as the Common Kingfisher depend on the mangrove forest ecosystems where salt and freshwater environs meet on the coastline fringe. While each habitat provides an excellent birding experience, try to visit several sites in different ecological zones to enjoy the variation in bird life.

Pictures and Information courtesy of Tourism Malaysia. All information contained herein is correct at time of production. Tourism Malaysia and marimari.com.my cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracy, ommission or alteration that may occur.