This is a list of the bird species recorded in Malaysia. The avifauna of Malaysia include a total of 855 species, of which 17 are endemic, and 19 have been introduced by humans. 63 species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2022 edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories, but not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring native species.
(A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Malaysia
(E) Endemic - a species endemic to Malaysia
(Ex) Extirpated - a species that no longer occurs in Malaysia although populations exist elsewhere (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Malaysia as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
Wandering whistling-duck, Dendrocygna arcuata
Lesser whistling-duck, Dendrocygna javanica
Knob-billed duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
Cotton pygmy-goose, Nettapus coromandelianus
Garganey, Spatula querquedula
Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata (A) Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope (A) Eastern spot-billed duck, Anas zonorhyncha (A) Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (A) Northern pintail, Anas acuta (A) Green-winged teal, Anas crecca (A) Sunda teal, Anas gibberifrons (A) White-winged duck, Cairina scutulata (Ex) Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula
Megapodes
Order: GalliformesFamily: Megapodiidae
The Megapodiidae are stocky, medium-large chicken-like birds with small heads and large feet. All but the malleefowl occupy jungle habitats and most have brown or black colouring.
Tabon scrubfowl, Megapodius cumingii
Pheasants, grouse, and allies
Order: GalliformesFamily: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.
Ferruginous partridge, Caloperdix oculea
Crested partridge, Rollulus rouloul
Black partridge, Melanoperdix niger
Malayan partridge, Arborophila campbelli
Red-breasted partridge, Arborophila hyperythra
Chestnut-necklaced partridge, Tropicoperdix charltonii
Sabah partridge, Tropicoperdix graydoni
Long-billed partridge, Rhizothera longirostris
Dulit partridge, Rhizothera dulitensis (E) Malayan crested argus, Rheinardia nigrescens Great argus, Argusianus argus Green peafowl, Pavo muticus (Ex) Crimson-headed partridge, Haematortyx sanguiniceps Malayan peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron malacense Bornean peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron schleiermacheri Mountain peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron inopinatum (E) Blue-breasted quail, Synoicus chinensis Red junglefowl, Gallus gallus Bulwer's pheasant, Lophura bulweri Malayan crestless fireback, Lophura erythrophthalma Bornean crestless fireback, Lophura pyronota Malayan crested fireback, Lophura rufa Bornean crested fireback, Lophura ignita
Flamingos
Order: PhoenicopteriformesFamily: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down.
Lesser flamingo, Phoeniconaias minor (A)
Grebes
Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.
Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
Pigeons and doves
Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.