Malaysia is one of the global biodiversity hotspots; its diverse habitats are home to various resident bird species. Situated within the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, these habitats also serve a vital role as stopovers or wintering sites for many migratory birds. However, besides the ongoing conservation challenges such as habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and illegal trade, the growing impact of climate change on birds awaits further study.

Climate change, a global concern, reshapes environments and species distributions worldwide. Rising temperatures, changing humidity levels, and unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting many ecosystems and affecting species across the planet. Birds, sensitive indicators of environmental change, are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Studies conducted in Malaysia have shed light on the effect of land use change and human disturbance on birds, revealing how even subtle shifts in microclimates can influence bird composition, distributions and habitat use.

Highlands in Malaysia are a hotspot for birdwatchers, especially for montane species like the Rusty-naped Pitta and Himalayan Cutia. Similar to elsewhere, local observations over the past two decades suggest an exciting trend: montane birds gradually move to higher altitudes in response to warmer temperatures. In contrast, lowland residents such as Yellow-vented Bulbul are expanding their range to high elevations. While such observations highlight the adaptability of some birds to changing environmental conditions, the survival of the montane bird communities is of significant concern as temperatures continue to rise. The consequences of this displacement are serious, as evidenced by the disappearance of highland species like the Tawny-breasted Parrotfinch in other regions.

Furthermore, climate change can lead to hybridisation when species distributions are altered. In the case of waterbirds and waders, rising sea levels are expected to affect coastal habitats and, hence, the distribution and survival of these birds. The change in migration behaviour, magnitude, and timing of migratory species concerning climate change must be monitored in this region; long-term data is crucial to achieve such an aim.

While research on these topics is limited in Malaysia, studies in other parts of the world offer insights. For example, the overlapping ranges of species like the Carolina Chickadee and Black-capped Chickadee in Pennsylvania highlight the impacts of climate-induced range shifts on species interactions and genetic diversity. Moreover, the disappearance and decline of birds associated with climate change would cause a cascading effect on other taxa and their ecological functions. Urgent actions via adaptive conservation strategies and research are needed to safeguard Malaysia's rich avian diversity. Measures such as habitat restoration, expansion of protected areas, and climate-smart land management practices are essential in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the role of citizen scientists in monitoring bird populations and contributing to conservation efforts must be considered. By participating in initiatives like e-Bird, individuals can make meaningful contributions to bird conservation while deepening their appreciation for nature's wonders.