Shah Alam, a bustling suburb of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, is not typically known for its birdwatching opportunities. However, amidst the urban sprawl, there are pockets of green where nature thrives and surprises await. One such delightful surprise is the sighting of the Blue-winged Pitta (Pitta moluccensis) at a feeder in the Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam. This vibrant bird, with its striking colors and unique behaviors, has captivated bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
I arrive in the brutal midday heat. I am almost the only one in the car park who has parked their car. First I pay 5 Ringgit for the parking space, then – as a foreigner – 5 R for entry to the not so badly done botanical garden. Yes, she knows the hide. At least that is what the parking attendant says. But she seems to be the only one. Others only ever point me in one direction. Finally I can spot a lone moped driver under a tin roof who also wants to describe something to me. I simply ask him if he can drive me there. And he can. With all my gear (tripod, lens and camera, walkstool) I take a seat on the pillion. Then it is actually not far along asphalt paths to a junction. There are already a few guys in camouflage clothing. When I come around the corner, they turn out to be amateur photographers who proudly show me their achievements on the display. Yes, I would be just right for the Pitta here. Sometimes the Hooded Pitta comes too. Unfortunately, they don’t speak English very well. So that they can show me their skills, they all get ready on their chairs. One of them scatters mealworms. A small Babbler is the first to jump around. It is a Short-tailed Babbler (Malacocincla malaccensis), but I initially address it as Abbott’s Babbler (Malacocincla abbotti). But that has more to do with its trustfulness. Then comes the big moment. I don’t know if it has something to do with the newly laid out mealworms or the playback of its calls. In any case, a beautiful Blue-winged Pitta suddenly appears on the heavy, large tree trunk in the background. There it first sips the worms, then comes closer and even places itself on the trunk just 8 meters away at eye level. All the cameras are rattling. As if the local photographers didn’t have the Blue-winged Pitta constantly in front of their lenses anyway. Whatever the case, the attempts to attract the Western Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida) fail.
The Blue-winged Pitta is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the family Pittidae. Known for its vivid plumage, the bird boasts a kaleidoscope of colors. Pitta moluccensis has bright blue wings and tail, green back and shoulders, buff-colored underparts and a striking black head with a bold white stripe above the eye.
These features make the Blue-winged Pitta one of the most visually stunning birds in its range, which extends across Southeast Asia. Typically, the Blue-winged Pitta inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, mangroves, and bamboo thickets. It is a migratory bird, spending its breeding season in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, and migrating to Indonesia and Thailand during the non-breeding season.
Spotting a Blue-winged Pitta at a well-known feeder in Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam is not really a rare treat. Although urban areas are not their usual habitat, some possible reasons for this encounter might be:
- Habitat Fragmentation: Urban development can sometimes push wildlife into unexpected areas as they search for food and shelter.
- Migration Stopover: The bird might be using the city as a stopover during its migration, taking advantage of the available food resources.
- Adaptability: Some bird species show remarkable adaptability to urban environments, and the Blue-winged Pitta might be displaying such behavior.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a Blue-winged Pitta at a feeder, here are some tips to enhance your birdwatching experience. First of all, stay quiet and still. Sudden movements and loud noises can scare the birds away. Stay as quiet and still as possible. Use binoculars; a good pair of binoculars will help you get a closer look without disturbing the bird. If you wish to photograph the bird, use a zoom lens and avoid using flash, as it can startle the bird.
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