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Few birdwatching experiences can compare with the spectacle of watching the massive flocks of the common shorebirds of Malaysia. Every northern winter season, countless numbers of migratory shorebirds congregate along the mudflats of Malaysia, where they’ll spend the winter. At certain hotspots, these shorebirds can number in the tens of thousands. The sight of innumerable birds flying, feeding and roosting together is awe-inspiring.

Common Shorebirds of Malaysia

During the northern winter (late August to early May), Malaysia’s muddy coastlines host many migrant shorebirds. Some pass through; however, many will overwinter here. During this time, birdwatching along the shores of Malaysia is potentially a highly rewarding activity.

Understandably, shorebird watching often proves challenging, frustrating and daunting, especially for beginners. These birds often look similar and mix freely, making identification a nightmare. Many people are put off by this, which is unfortunate, as these shorebirds are charismatic in their own right.

That being said, this article is not intended to be a definitive guide to identifying the common shorebirds of Malaysia. Instead, this article aims to:

Introduce readers to some of the common shorebirds of Malaysia.
A peek at the spectacle that graces Malaysia’s mudflats every year.
Hopefully, it will inspire beginning and veteran birdwatchers alike to go out and see these magnificent winter visitors!

What is a shorebird?

Shorebirds or waders typically refer to birds from the following families:

Plovers & Lapwings (Charadriidae)
Sandpipers, Shanks, Stints, Knots, Dowitchers, Godwits, Curlews & Snipes (Scolopacidae)
Stilts & Avocets (Recurvirostridae)
Jacanas (Jacanidae)
Painted-Snipes (Rostratulidae)
Thick-Knees (Burhinidae)

Globally, there are other shorebird families; however, only those listed above are found in Malaysia.

The following water-loving birds are not referred to as shorebirds/waders:

Egrets, herons, bitterns.
Gulls, terns.
Storks.
Ducks, Geese, Grebes.
Crakes, Rails, Swamphens, Waterhens, Watercock.

Introducing the common shorebirds of Malaysia

The following species are all migrants to Malaysia. They’re commonly seen along the coastal mudflats of Malaysia during the northern winter season. Many of them are also relatively easily identified; accordingly, they’re perfect for beginners to start with.

These shorebirds are usually seen in their winter (non-breeding) plumage. Some birds may show their breeding colours, especially in late August/early September and late April/early May. These birds often flock/mix together, especially at high tide roosts.

Links to the corresponding eBird pages are provided in each entry (for breeding plumage photos, recordings, etc.).

There are many more shorebird species in Malaysia; some are reasonably common, while several are rare and endangered. This list barely scratches the surface; to cover them all requires several articles! Therefore, this article will focus on the most easily seen species from my experience.

Sandpipers

1) Common Redshank

Malaysia shorebird Common Redshank — The Common Redshank is perfect for beginners to shorebirds because it’s common, readily identifiable, and easy to observe/photograph.

This species is one of the most common shorebirds in Malaysia. The Common Redshank is usually prominently seen on the mudflats, often foraging close to shore. The name comes from its bright red legs, frequently obscured by mud. These birds roost together in the thousands; however, they will disperse into smaller flocks to forage during low tide.

Malaysia Common Redshank — In-flight, the Common Redshank displays bright white patches on the trailing edge of the wings. This feature, in addition to their red legs, helps with identification. There’s also another species in this photo. Can you spot it?

The Common Redshank is a great ‘yardstick’ for comparing other shorebird species.

2) Curlew Sandpiper

A small sandpiper with a gently down-curving bill. They are frequently seen in flocks foraging on Malaysia’s mudflats. Dull brownish-grey in winter, they become much more colourful when breeding. The Curlew Sandpiper often roost together in large numbers with other species during high tide.

Malaysia Curlew Sandpipers — The brownish-grey birds with curved bills in the middle of the photo are the Curlew Sandpipers. This is their typical winter plumage. The larger golden birds are Pacific Golden-Plovers. These were spotted at Teluk Air Tawar, Penang.

Common shorebirds Malaysia Curlew Sandpiper — I believe this is an immature Curlew Sandpiper due to the scale-like pattern on its upperparts. Compare this with the previous photo of adult birds. Photo taken at Sungai Sembilang mudflats, Selangor.

Flying Curlew Sandpipers — Curlew Sandpipers in-flight. Also from Sungai Sembilang mudflats, Selangor.

3) Terek Sandpiper

This small and cute bird is one of Malaysia’s more recognizable common shorebirds. Their noticeably upturned bill is a key identification feature. The legs are bright orange and relatively short, giving the Terek Sandpiper a stubby appearance!

Common shorebirds Malaysia Terek Sandpipers — Terek Sandpipers are easily identified by their thin, upturned bills. This pair was photographed at Kuala Sungai Burung, Penang Island.

4) Ruddy Turnstone

Another stubby, short-legged shorebird. However, unlike many shorebirds, the Ruddy Turnstone is strikingly plumaged, even in winter. This bird can be found on mudflats and rocky beaches throughout Malaysia. True to its name, the Ruddy Turnstone really does turn over stones and pebbles while foraging!

Common shorebirds Malaysia Ruddy Turnstone — In contrast to many shorebirds, the Ruddy Turnstone is quite bold in appearance, even in winter plumage. The birds in this photo were barely 20 metres away from me. Photographed at Pantai Remis, Selangor.

5) Common Sandpiper

The Common Sandpiper is widespread throughout Malaysia. It’s quite the generalist, frequenting various wet habitats, including inland freshwater wetlands and urban waterways. Unlike many shorebirds, the Common Sandpiper forages singly. In Malaysia, they’re not seen in large flocks and tend to keep to themselves (not mixing with other shorebirds).

The Common Sandpiper has an endearing habit of bobbing its tail up and down as it forages for food.

Malaysia Common Sandpiper — The Common Sandpiper usually forages alone. Its brown upperparts contrasts nicely with the white undersides. Additionally, there’s a white crescent-shaped ‘slash’ at the shoulders.

6) Red-necked Stint

These tiny birds are often overlooked in mixed flocks due to their small size. During low tide, they disperse and forage actively on the mudflats in small groups. Their namesake ‘red-neck’ is only present during breeding, although some birds may show it when they first arrive.

Malaysia Red-necked Stints — These Red-necked Stints show a hint of their namesake ‘red-neck’.

red-necked stint flock — The birds in the middle of the photo are the Red-necked Stints. This photo shows their typical non-breeding plumage. Location: Pantai Jeram mudflats.

There are several confusingly similar stints wintering in Malaysia. However, most stints on Malaysia’s mudflats are Red-necked Stints.

7) Eurasian Curlew

Undoubtedly, one of the most iconic common shorebirds of Malaysia. The Eurasian Curlew stands out by its large size and long, down-curved bill. Its rump flashes white in-flight (differentiating it from the rarer Far Eastern Curlew). It’s usually seen on the mudflats singly or in small groups. Nevertheless, large flocks occasionally fly along the coast as they commute between their feeding and roosting sites.

Malaysia Eurasian Curlew — The stately Eurasian Curlew demands attention whenever it appears on the mudflats! This bird was photographed at Pantai Jeram, Selangor.

8) Whimbrel

A smaller relative of the Eurasian Curlew, with a shorter, down-curved bill and distinct white ‘eyebrows’. There’s also a dark stripe running through the eye. While it prefers mudflats, the Whimbrel is also found in a variety of coastal habitats during migration.

Malaysia Whimbrels — Whimbrels are smaller and shorter billed compared to the Eurasian Curlew. Additionally, note the Whimbrel’s head patterns. These birds were photographed at Kuala Sungai Abdul, Penang.

Plovers

1) Tibetan and Greater Sand-Plovers

The Tibetan and Greater Sand-Plovers are very common shorebirds in Malaysia. Unfortunately, they’re challenging to tell apart, especially in winter plumage. Making things worse, these two liberally mix together in their hundreds, even thousands!

Nevertheless, Sand-Plovers are charming little shorebirds. They’re often seen foraging across the mudflats in a running-then-stopping method. Sand-Plovers are identified by their short bills, relatively large eyes, brownish-grey upperparts, and lack of white collar around the neck.

Note: The Tibetan Sand-Plover was recently split from the Lesser Sand-Plover.

Malaysia Tibetan Sand-Plover — This Sand-Plover (I believe it’s the Tibetan) was foraging quite close to where I was sitting.

Sand-Plover flock. — A large flock of mixed shorebirds mostly made up of Sand-Plovers. This flock was photographed at Pantai Jeram, Selangor.

2) Pacific Golden-Plover

Larger than the Sand-Plovers, these birds are more commonly seen in freshwater wetlands. However, they’re not opposed to mudflats and are frequently seen in small to medium-sized flocks. The Pacific Golden-Plover is aptly named: in winter, they only show a golden tint. However, their plumage becomes resplendent with gold and black during the breeding season.

A close relative, the Black-bellied Plover, also occurs in Malaysia. The Black-bellied is slightly chunkier and lacks the golden hues. Additionally, it shows black ‘armpits’ in flight. The Black-bellied Plover also goes by another name – Grey Plover.

More photos

shorebird massive flock — The sight of thousands of shorebirds taking flight simultaneously is awe-inspiring! This massive flock was spotted at Pantai Jeram, Selangor.

Shorebird flock — While not as coordinated as a murmuration of starlings, shorebirds flock for similar reasons, primarily safety in numbers. These flocks often perform sudden directional changes to confuse predators.

Ruddy Turnstone and Common Redshank — BFF! Shorebirds are often gregarious and mix with other species frequently. Common Redshank (left) and Ruddy Turnstone (right).

Shorebirds mix with Sanderling — This is an example of the challenge facing birders during shorebird watching. There is one bird not covered in this article among this flock of common shorebirds. It’s called a Sanderling and looks like a larger Red-necked Stint. Can you spot it? The more you become familiar with the common shorebirds of Malaysia, the easier it is to spot the uncommon ones. It’s a fun challenge to take on!

Where can you see these common shorebirds of Malaysia?

The locations listed below are examples of where you can see these birds.

Selangor: the mudflats at Pantai Jeram, Pantai Remis, Sungai Janggut and Sungai Sembilang. These are part of the North-Central Selangor Coast IBA.
Penang: Kuala Sungai Abdul, part of the Teluk Air Tawar IBA
Johor: Tanjung Piai NP and Mersing.
Sarawak: Bako-Buntal Bay IBA, Sejingkat Power Station ash ponds, Kuching.

Look out for future articles detailing shorebird-watching hotspots in Malaysia!

Here are a few beginner tips to watch the common shorebirds of Malaysia:

These migrant birds are typically present from late August until early May.
Check the tide charts beforehand.
Timing is important to avoid arriving when the birds are already too far out:
1. Arrive at the highest tide and wait for the birds to come as the tide recedes (I prefer this method).
2. Alternatively, arrive 2-3 hours before high tide and observe the birds coming closer as the tide rises.
A good field guide is crucial to aid identification.
Spotting scopes and/or cameras with long telephoto lenses are ideal. Binoculars are helpful, especially for scanning the flocks.
Wear sun protection!

More information

For a general guide on shorebird watching in Malaysia, check out the article linked below. It has more details on timing, birdwatching locations, optical equipment, etc.

Shorebird Watching in Malaysia

Feel ready and inspired to tackle the challenge of identifying the common shorebirds of Malaysia? Head on to the following link, a blog by Malaysia-based bird expert Mr. Dave Bakewell.

A Beginner’s Guide to Wader Identification. Part 1

Also, check out our articles on various shorebirds/waders of Malaysia:

Conclusion

The swarms of common shorebirds of Malaysia provide a fantastic spectacle few can compare. Undeniably, identifying some of them is often challenging, especially for beginners. However, I believe there’s no better way to learn than to experience these majestic birds in the field. Hopefully, this article gets the ball rolling and inspires birders to go out there and see these shorebirds!

References

Puan, C.L., Davison, G. & Lim, K.C. (2020). Birds of Malaysia. Covering Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo and Singapore. Lynx and BirdLife International Field Guides. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

Robson, C. (2005). New Holland Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (Concise Edition). New Holland Publishers, London, England.

Common Shorebirds of Malaysia