BORNEO (SABAH) REP 2019 - birdquest-tours.com...1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Borneo: Sabah Storm’s Stork (Craig Robson) BORNEO: SABAH 12 – 26 OCTOBER 2019 LEADER CRAIG ROBSON It was

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Borneo: Sabah www.birdquest-tours.com

Storm’s Stork (Craig Robson)

BORNEO: SABAH

12 – 26 OCTOBER 2019 LEADER CRAIG ROBSON It was back to basics in 2019, with this two-week tour focussing on the Malaysian province of Sabah. Luck was on our side I think, as we succeeded in seeing an excellent range of specialities and endemics. At Kina-balu Park, we found the crucial trio of Whitehead’s Trogon, Whitehead’s Broadbill and Whitehead’s Spider-hunter, as well as the much-wanted Fruithunter - which made an exceptional showing this year -, and Moun-tain Blackeye. At Sepilok and Gomantong we added Bat Hawk and Black-crowned Pitta, while the Kina-batangan River brought us the likes of Storm’s Stork, Bornean Ground Cuckoo, Wrinkled Hornbill, and Hooded Pitta. Our final destination at the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge, in Danum Valley Conservation Area, produced the bird of the tour - Bornean Bristlehead - as well as ‘Bornean’ Crested Fireback, Barred


Eagle-Owl, Large, Gould’s and Sunda Frogmouths, Blue-headed and Bornean Banded Pittas, and Bornean and Black-throated Wren-Babblers. Mammals featured prominently too with several Bornean Orangutans, hundreds of Proboscis Monkeys, and several fantastic Horsfield’s Tarsiers to name but a few. There was also a wide range of other interesting wildlife, from reptiles like Bornean Keeled Pit Viper, to spectacular butterflies like Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing. Having all met up at the airport in Kota Kinabalu, around midday, we headed off birding for the rest of the day. First up was Lok Kawi Beach, where we observed a range of shorebirds, including a dapper pair of Malaysian Plovers, and common migrant species such as Terek Sandpiper and Grey-tailed Tattler. Moving on, we explored some marshes and ricefields near Papar. Here we found a nice range of wetland species, including Wandering Whistling Duck, White-browed Crake, Long-toed Stint and Striated Grassbird. Back in KK, after dinner at our hotel, we paid a visit to Taman Tun Fuad Stephen. Light rain somewhat hampered our night-birding, but we did get some views of a Sunda Scops Owl, though rather obscured.

Whitehead’s Broadbill (Dave Williamson)

The next morning, with an early start, we headed inland to the Crocker Range. After our picnic breakfast at the Rafflesia Reserve, we began to see some of the specialities of the Bornean highlands, like Mountain and Bornean Barbets, Long-tailed Broadbill, Black-and-crimson Oriole, Bornean Treepie, Sunda and Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrushes, Bornean, Cinereous and Ochraceous (or Chestnut-vented) Bulbuls, Grey-chinned (or Grey-throated) Minivet, Bornean Leafbird, Yellow-breasted Warbler, Grey-throated (or Montane) Babbler, Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Black-capped White-eye, and Temminck’s Sunbird. A little further along the road we found a couple of cryptic Pygmy White-eyes, and had some great views of Golden-whiskered Barbet. A flighty Whitehead’s Spiderhunter was seen all too briefly, but more were to follow! We continued


the drive to our accommodation at Kundasang, where we spent five-nights in the daunting shadow of Mt. Kinabalu.

One of the many Fruithunters that were on show this year (Dave Williamson)

Over the following four full days, we explored various elevations and trails at Kinabalu Park. Quite a lot of time was lost to rain this year, but mostly in the afternoons, so thankfully it didn’t seem to cost us many target birds. At the highest drivable point, around Timpohon Gate, we found a range of goodies this year, including a small flock of lovely Fruithunters, incredible close-ups of a singing Bornean Stubtail, a couple of pairs of Mountain Blackeyes foraging through some smaller tree tops, and our second Whitehead’s Spiderhunter of the tour. Along the various forest trails on the way down to the headquarters buildings we found several fan-tastic Whitehead’s Broadbills along with more Fruithunters, and had our only sighting of Crimson-headed Partridge. Bornean Shortwings (now usually split from White-browed) showed well on a number of occa-sions, and we saw two different pairs of diminutive Bornean Forktails. One productive stretch of road held a large mixed-species feeding flock, which included Checker-throated Woodpecker, Bornean Spangled Drongo (a split from Hair-crested), Bornean Whistler, Bare-headed Laughingthrush amongst the commoner Sunda and Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrushes, gaudy Bornean Green Magpies, and even one or two tag-


along Whitehead’s Broadbills. Early mornings were also productive in this area, with close-ups of rather con-fiding Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatchers, and even a Brown Wood Owl during one early morning stint. A Pair of Everett’s Thrushes that were flushed by our vehicles were unfortunately only seen well by the leader. We spent a long time tracking down the lovely Whitehead’s Trogon, eventually getting some very nice prolonged views of a pair along the Liwagu River Trail. Nearby, we had some amazingly tame Mountain Wren-Babblers, and one of the tours most interesting mammals, in the form of a Bornean Water Shrew swimming in a tiny trail-side stream. A smaller trail closer to the headquarters brought our only views of Red-breasted Partridge. On one morning, by the Liwagu Restaurant, we had absolutely superb close-up views of White-head’s Spiderhunter. During a side-trip to Mesilau, on a rainy afternoon, we managed to locate the local form of Flavescent Bulbul, which is usually now split as Pale-faced Bulbul. On another afternoon, after a tip-off, we twitched a huge flowering Rafflesia at Poring - a very memorable experience.

Whitehead’s Spiderhunter (Craig Robson)

Leaving Kinabalu behind, we drove to Sepilok, for a very comfortable overnight stay at a well-situated resort. Although famous for its Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sepilok also has a good-sized patch of well pro-tected lowland tropical forest. In the afternoon we visited the well-known canopy walkway. Bornean Bristle-head’s are often seen here but we drew a blank on this occasion. However, we did get good views of an Umber Flycatcher (a proposed split from Brown-streaked), as well as Black Hornbill and a range of other species. Two Bornean Orangutans were seen going to roost nearby, perhaps recently released from rehabili-tation. As nightfall approached we embarked on a well-guided night walk through the forest, during which highlights included face-to-face views of a roosting Rufous-backed (or Oriental Dwarf) Kingfisher, Small-toothed (or Bornean Striped) Palm Civet, three species of flying squirrel, and Bornean Keeled Pit Viper. Up at dawn we tried the canopy walkway again, before taking some trails through the forest. Our best birds were Diard’s Trogon, Red-bearded Bee-eater, a singing Black-crowned Pitta, and Long-billed Spiderhunter.


After lunch we drove to Gomantong Cave, and quickly made our way to the main cavern where Mossy- and Black-nest Swiftlets were both seen on their tell-tale nests - though in very small numbers. Back outside, at dusk, the first Wrinkle-lipped Free-tailed Bats began to emerge, and we enjoyed entertaining views of at least four Bat Hawks. It was then just a short drive and a five-minute boat ride to our riverside lodge near Bilit.

Roosting Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Dave Williamson)

We had two days and an early morning to explore the forested stretch of the Kinabatangan River between Bilit and Sukau, as well as its major tributaries. Almost all of our birding was done in a pretty relaxed fashion from our boat. Perhaps our number one target, was the rare and retiring Bornean Ground Cuckoo. They were rather quiet during this visit but on one early morning, two birds called to each other from opposite banks of the Sungei Tenegang, and we succeeded in seeing one of them reasonably well, although rather too briefly. Nightbirds were also high on the agenda and required a couple of predawn starts under the cover of darkness. Two different Buffy Fish Owls were easily seen, while we failed to connect with an erratically calling Large Frogmouth on multiple occasions! Other avian highlights were Chestnut-necklaced Partridge, a couple of neat Storm’s Storks, Jerdon’s Baza - which is quite common here -, Grey-headed and Lesser Fish Eagles, Little Green Pigeon, Wrinkled Hornbill, White-bellied Woodpecker, our only White-fronted Falconet of the tour, many Long-tailed Parakeets, two Hooded Pittas, a couple of wintering Crow-billed Drongos, and Malaysian Blue Flycatcher. This was also a fantastic place for mammals. The narrower tributaries brought the best views of the wonderful Proboscis Monkeys, and we also found lots of Silvered Langurs, and a su-perb mature male Bornean Orangutan. It was then time to cross the river to our waiting bus and commence the journey to Lahad Datu, before being transported to the legendary Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Before long, we were travelling through an increas-ingly wild jungle landscape. At BRL, we were lucky enough to be joined by Azmil, one of the most experi-enced and capable guides there.


We had the best part of four days at this superb birding hotspot, exploring the entrance road, canopy walk-way area, and various well-known side trails. Our foremost target bird was of course Bornean Bristlehead. Being in its own family, it is always a big draw for birders visiting Borneo. Fortunately, Azmil made it his mis-sion to find this bird for us and, with the use of one of the new lodge buggies, succeeded in tracking down a small group for us on our last full day. Luckily, after he came to get us, the birds were still there and gave some great views foraging and flying through the tree-tops, as well as posing for scope views.

Whiskered Treeswift (Craig Robson)

The relative openness of the access road made it easy to scan for a wide range of species, with non-passerines typically prominent. Highlights included several rather tame Wallace’s Hawk-Eagles, Whiskered Treeswift, a male Banded (or Black-faced) Kingfisher - a potential split -, White-crowned Hornbill, Red-bearded Bee-eater, a small and typically reactive group of Dusky Broadbills, Maroon-breasted Philentoma, a small group of Fiery Minivets, and a singing Black-throated Wren-Babbler. The various secluded trails brought us into contact with Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo, Red-naped, Diard’s and Scarlet-rumped Trogons, Green Broadbill, both Blue-headed and Bornean Banded Pittas, Rufous-winged Philentoma, Crested Jay, ‘Bornean’ Black Magpie, Spotted Fantail, a wide range of babblers including Chestnut-backed (or Sunda) Scimitar Babbler, Horsfield’s (or Salvadori’s), Black-capped (or Bornean Black-capped) Babblers, the lovely Striped Wren-Babbler, and endemic Bornean Wren-Babbler, Bornean and Sunda Blue Flycatchers, Rufous-chested Flycatcher, and Rufous-tailed Shama. Bulbuls were typically prominent and included Grey-bellied, Puff-backed, Finsch’s, Yellow-bellied (or Sabah Yellow-bellied) and Charlotte’s, and we were lucky enough to find an adult Cream-eyed Bulbul feeding a recently fledged (and dark-eyed) juvenile. The latter is an en-demic species that has only very recently been described, having previously been considered a morph of Cream-vented. Woodpeckers were a bit thin on the ground but included Maroon, Buff-necked and Buff-rumped, as well as Rufous Piculet.


Barred Eagle-Owl and Large Frogmouth at BRL (Craig Robson)


After dark, we embarked on a series of night-drives. Mammals were the primary focus. Azmil seemed to have a knack for spotting Horsfield’s Tarsiers. Considering that this was a three-star mammal, it was amaz-ing that he managed to find us three different individuals over two nights. Otherwise, diversity was quite low however, but we managed Sunda Flying Lemur, Binturong and Malay Civet. The only nightbird was a Sunda Frogmouth which we studied at close range. Night time forays into the forest on foot brought memorable en-counters with two more species of frogmouth, the amazing Large, and the rather scarce Gould’s. Although not a nightbird, we also observed a male ‘Bornean’ Crested Fireback on his roost-perch on several nights running. At first light one morning, as we were getting ready to head out after breakfast, one of the lodge staff alerted us to a superb Barred Eagle Owl that had flown in right next to the restaurant, where it was tear-ing-apart a forest rat at point-blank range! BRL is always good for mammals and, away from the night-drives, we enjoyed several more Bornean Orangutans, as well as Müller’s (or Bornean) Gibbon, and Bearded Pigs. After an early lunch on our final day, we drove back to Lahad Datu and then flew to Kota Kinabalu where the tour ended at the airport.

Birding at Kinabalu Park (Craig Robson)


SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR BIRDS Total of bird species recorded: 297. Red-breasted Partridge Arborophila hyperythra Rather brief views on two occasions at Kinabalu Park. Chestnut-necklaced Partridge Arborophila charltonii One seen well along Kinabatangan R.; heard at BRL. Crimson-headed Partridge Haematortyx sanguiniceps Although regularly heard, only seen once at Kinabalu Park. Crested Fireback (Bornean C F) Lophura ignita A male was seen several nights running on his roost-branch at BRL. Great Argus Argusianus argus Basically heard-only at BRL, though one was flushed along the Hornbill Trail. Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Six at the Papar wetlands. Large Frogmouth Batrachostomus auritus One spotlighted brilliantly at BRL, thanks to Azmil. Gould’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus stellatus Ditto. Sunda Frogmouth B. comutus Ditto. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus (H) Once at Sepilok. Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata Frequent at BRL Plume-toed Swiftlet Collocalia affinis Formerly lumped in Glossy Swiftlet. Bornean Swiftlet Collocalia dodgei Formerly lumped in Cave (or Linchi) Swiftlet. A Sabah montane endemic. Mossy-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus salangana Small numbers of this and next species on nests at Gomantong Caves. Black-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus maximus Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus Lowland occasional; mainly near KK, where swiftlet houses occur. Silver-rumped Spinetail (S-r Swift) Rhaphidura leucopygialis Only seen along the river at BRL. Needletail Hirundapus sp. One at Kinabalu Park. House Swift Apus nipalensis Short-toed Coucal Centropus rectunguis (H) Heard a couple of times calling from impenetrable jungle at BRL. Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Bornean Ground Cuckoo Carpococcyx radiceus One seen, of two calling, along Silau Tenegang, Kinabatangan. Raffles's Malkoha Rhinortha chlorophaea Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus Seen just once at BRL. Little Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus One at BRL, just before we ‘twitched’ Bornean Bristlehead. Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii (H). Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris (H). Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx vagans Two or three seen, in typical fashion, at BRL. Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus One seen calling near Gomantong Cave. Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps Widespread and common in highland areas. Common Emerald Dove (Asian E D) Chalcophaps indica Zebra Dove (introduced) Geopelia striata Little Green Pigeon Treron olax Small numbers along the Kinabatangan R. Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans Commoner along the Kinabatangan R. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea Two at Kampung Benoni Marsh. Black-backed Swamphen Porphyrio indicus Three at Kampung Benoni Marsh. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Two at the Papar wetlands. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva 10 at Lok Kawi Beach. Malaysian Plover Charadrius peronii A very nice pair at Lok Kawi Beach. Lesser Sand Plover (Tibetan P) Charadrius [mongolus] atrifrons c.30 at Lok Kawi Beach.


Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii c.12 at Lok Kawi Beach. Whimbrel (Eurasian W) Numenius phaeopus Two at Lok Kawi Beach. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 14 at Lok Kawi Beach. Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta Five at the Papar wetlands. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago One at the Papar wetlands was a tour write-in. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Eight at Lok Kawi Beach. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes Just a single bird at Lok Kawi Beach. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis One at the Papar wetlands. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola /////. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Storm's Stork Ciconia stormi At least 3 along Kinabatangan R., with some nice perched views. Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Four near Papar, and several along Kinabatangan. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Striated Heron Butorides striata Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Great Egret Ardea alba Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Little Egret Egretta garzetta Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra Two at Lok Kawi Beach/Papar wetlands. Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus Just a single bird at Lok Kawi Beach. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Jerdon's Baza Aviceda jerdoni Easily seen along the Kinabatangan R., with 11 logged. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela Mountain Serpent Eagle Spilornis kinabaluensis (H) Heard distantly one morning at Kinabalu Park. Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus Great views at least four hunting emerging bats at Gomantong Cave. Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus [cirrhatus] limnaeetus A single dark morph bird along the Kinabatangan R. Blyth's Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus alboniger Frequently seen in the uplands. Wallace's Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus nanus A handful at BRL, where it was very easy to see. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus White-bellied Sea Eagle (W-b Fish E) Haliaeetus leucogaster Lesser Fish Eagle Haliaeetus humilis Small numbers of this and the next species along the Kinabatangan R. Grey-headed Fish Eagle Haliaeetus ichthyaetus Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus (H) Close, but no cigar, at Kinabalu Park. Sunda Scops Owl Otus lempiji One rather poor view at Taman Tun Fuad Stephen (park), KK. Heard at Sepilok. Barred Eagle-Owl Bubo sumatranus Amazing views of one eating a forest rat outside the restaurant at BRL. Buffy Fish Owl Ketupa ketupu Great views of singles at Bilit and BRL. Brown Wood Owl (Bornean W O) Strix leptogrammica A flighty bird early one morning at Kinabalu Park. Collared Owlet (Sunda O) Glaucidium [brodiei] sylvaticum (H) Twice distantly at Kinabalu Park. A good split. Red-naped Trogon Harpactes kasumba Three at BRL. Diard's Trogon Harpactes diardii One at Sepilok RDC, and two at BRL. Whitehead's Trogon Harpactes whiteheadi After a long search, a pair along the Liwagu R. Trail, Kinabalu Park. Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii Three seen at BRL. White-crowned Hornbill Berenicornis comatus Three at BRL, but not the best showing. Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros Several great encounters in the lowlands. Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil (H) Unfortunately, no sightings this time. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus Plenty of sightings in the lowlands. Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus Occasional small flocks noted. Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus


Crested Goshawk and Buffy Fish Owl (Craig Robson)


Wrinkled Hornbill Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus Great views near Bilit, Kinabatangan R. 11 logged. Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Banded Kingfisher (Black-faced K) Lacedo [pulchella] melanops A nice male at BRL. Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis Many along the Kinabatangan R. Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris Blue-banded Kingfisher (Malay B-b K) Alcedo [euryzona] peninsulae Dave found 1 below BRL canopy walkway. Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting Common along the Kinabatangan R. Juvenile by the hotel at Sepilok. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis One along the Kinabatangan. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Rufous-backed K) Ceyx [erithaca] rufidorsa A lovely roosting bird at Sepilok (motleyi). Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus Singles at Sepilok and BRL. Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis Golden-whiskered Barbet (Golden-faced B) Psilopogon [chrysopogon] chrysopsis Just 1 seen; many heard. Red-throated Barbet Psilopogon mystacophanos Mountain Barbet Psilopogon monticola Ten seen in the Crocker Range; heard once Kinabalu Park. Yellow-crowned Barbet Psilopogon henricii (H) A couple at BRL. Golden-naped Barbet Psilopogon pulcherrimus Common in montane Sabah. Blue-eared Barbet (Black-e B) Psilopogon duvaucelii Bornean Barbet Psilopogon eximius Four seen in the Crocker Range. Brown Barbet (Bornean B B) Caloramphus fuliginosus Common in the lowlands. Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis Three seen at BRL. Grey-and-buff Woodpecker Hemicircus [concretus] sordidus One seen and another heard at Sepilok. Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Yungipicus canicapillus Three at BRL (aurantiiventris). Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker (Sunda W) Yungipicus moluccensis A couple at Lok Kawi Beach/Papar. White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis One along the Kinabatangan. Banded Woodpecker Chrysophlegma miniaceum (H) Once at BRL. Checker-throated Woodpecker (Chequer-t Yellownape) Chrysophlegma [mentale] humii One at Kinabalu. Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus Singles seen at Kinabalu Park and BRL Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes [tristis] grammithorax One at BRL. Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki Five at BRL. White-fronted Falconet Microhierax latifrons Just a couple along the Kinabatangan R. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus One at Kinabalu Park. Long-tailed Parakeet Psittacula longicauda Good numbers along the Kinabatangan R., with 66 logged. Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus galgulus None perched; just zapping over. Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae A pair in the Crocker Range. Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus Just one seen at BRL. Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus Great views at BRL, where a group of three were highly responsive. Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis Just one female seen at BRL; surprisingly scarce. Whitehead's Broadbill Calyptomena whiteheadi 6-8 seen at Kinabalu Park, and really well. Blue-headed Pitta Hydrornis baudii Two males seen at BRL. A real cracker. Bornean Banded Pitta Hydrornis schwaneri One was lured into view along a forest trail at BRL. Black-crowned Pitta (Black-and-crimson P) Erythropitta ussheri Brilliant views of one at Sepilok RDC. Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida Two seen at the Kinabatangan; nice views for all of us of one. Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea (H). Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus Just two seen at BRL. Endemic frenatus. Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhoptera Singles seen at Sepilok and BRL. Maroon-breasted Philentoma Philentoma velata A nice showy pair at BRL. Bornean Bristlehead Pityriasis gymnocephala Good views of a group of four at BRL, along the main access track. White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus


Diard’s Trogon (Craig Robson); Whitehead’s Trogon and Black Hornbill (Dave Williamson)


Wrinkled Hornbill and Stork-billed Kingfisher at the Kinabatangan River (Craig Robson)


Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Green Iora Aegithina viridissima Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus Just one group of six at BRL. Grey-chinned Minivet (Grey-throated M) Pericrocotus [solaris] montanus Common in uplands (cinereigula). Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus Just a male at Sepilok RDC (insulanus). Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike (Roving C) Coracina [striata] sumatrensis Rather fleeting views of three at BRL. Sunda Cuckooshrike (Black-faced C-S) Coracina larvata Occasional at Kinabalu Park. Lesser Cuckooshrike Coracina fimbriata Just one seen at BRL (schierbrandi). Bornean Whistler Pachycephala hypoxantha Common at Kinabalu Park. Long-tailed Shrike (Philippine L-t S) Lanius [schach] nasutus Several on the way to Kinabalu Park from our hotel. White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca A few scattered sightings (brunnescens). Blyth's Shrike-babbler Pteruthius aeralatus Frequent in montane areas (robinsoni). Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus One at Sepilok and a couple at BRL (consobrinus). Black-and-crimson Oriole Oriolus cruentus Singles seen in the Crocker Range and at Kinabalu Park (vulneratus). Ashy Drongo (Bornean Grey D) Dicrurus [leucophaeus] stigmatops A very distinctive form, common in uplands. Crow-billed Drongo Dicrurus annectens Two wintering birds seen well along Sungai Menanggol, Kinabatangan. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Hair-crested Drongo (Bornean Spangled D, B Blue D) D. [hottentottus] borneensis Not uncommon in mountains. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus One seen at BRL (small and short crested brachyphorus). White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Common in uplands (N Borneo endemic kinabalu). Malaysian Pied Fantail (Sunda P F) Rhipidura javanica Spotted Fantail Rhipidura perlata Three seen at BRL. Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher (Asian P F) Terpsiphone affinis Just three at BRL (borneensis). Crested Jay (Jay Shrike) Platylophus galericulatus A typically tricky pair along the Hornbill Trail, BRL (lemprieri). Black Magpie (Bornean B M) Platysmurus [leucopterus] atterimus Seven logged at BRL. Bornean Green Magpie Cissa jefferyi At least five of these beauties seen at Kinabalu Park. Bornean Treepie Dendrocitta cinerascens Common in the highlands throughout. Slender-billed Crow (Sunda C) Corvus [enca] compilator Common in lowlands. Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps Bornean Bulbul Pycnonotus montis Six in the Crocker Range. Grey-bellied Bulbul Pycnonotus cayniventris (NL) One near our cabins at BRL (paroticalis). Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnonotus eutilotus Several seen at BRL. Flavescent Bulbul (Pale-faced B) P. [flavescens] leucops Two scoped at Mesilau, Kinabalu Park. Yellow-vented Bulbul (Sunda Y-v B) Pycnonotus [goiavier] analis Common and widespread. Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus Three at Sepilok (hutzi). Cream-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus pseudosimplex An adult feeding a juvenile at BRL. Newly split endemic. Asian Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus Singles at Kinabatangan R. and BRL; the latter a juvenile. Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmos Finsch's Bulbul Alophoixus finschii Four at BRL. Ochraceous Bulbul (Chestnut-vented B) Alophoixus [ochraceus] ruficrissus Widespread in upland areas. Yellow-bellied Bulbul (Sabah Y-b B) Alophoixus [phaeocephalus] connectens Just three at BRL (connectens). Hairy-backed Bulbul (Sabah H-b B) Tricholestes [criniger] ssp. Common in lowland forests (viridis). Charlotte's Bulbul (Buff-vented B) Iole charlottae Singles at Poring Hot Springs and BRL. Cinereous Bulbul Hemixos cinereus Six in the Crocker Range. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus Frequently encountered in the highlands (cinereicollis). Sunda Bush Warbler Horornis vulcanius A few at higher elevations in Kinabalu Park. Bornean Stubtail Urosphena whiteheadi Good views of one at Kinabalu Park. Many heard. Yellow-breasted Warbler Seicercus montis Common at Kinabalu Park (nominate). Mountain Leaf Warbler (Sunda Mountain W) Phylloscopus trivirgatus Fairly common at Kinabalu Park.


Bornean Bristlehead (left: Dave Williamson, right: Craig Robson) & Black-crowned Pitta (Craig Robson)


Adult and dependant fledged juvenile Cream-eyed Bulbuls at BRL & Bornean Stubtail at Kinabalu (Craig Robson)


Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris A couple near Papar. Also en route to Mesilau. Yellow-bellied Prinia (Bornean P) Prinia [flaviventris] latrunculus Widespread. Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis Small numbers at BRL (humphreysi). Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps Widespread (borneoensis). Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler (Sunda S B) Pomatorhinus [montanus] bornensis 1 seen and 2 heard BRL. Grey-throated Babbler (Montane B) Stachyris [nigriceps] larvata Quite numerous in montane areas. Grey-headed Babbler Stachyris poliocephala A pair along a forest trail at BRL. Tricky. Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculata Around eight seen at BRL. Chestnut-winged Babbler (Grey-hooded B) Stachyris [erythroptera] bicolor Frequent in lowland forests. Rufous-fronted Babbler (Sunda Leaf B) Stachyridopsis [rufifrons] poliogaster 1 seen, 2 heard BRL. Bold-striped Tit-Babbler Macronus bornensis Small numbers at Kinabatangan and BRL. Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronus ptilosus One at Kinabatangan and a pair at BRL (trichorrhos). Brown Fulvetta (Bornean F) Alcippe [brunneicauda] eriphaea Small numbers at BRL. Bornean Wren-Babbler Ptilocichla leucogrammica One at BRL showed really well. Black-throated Wren-Babbler Napothera atrigularis Azmil drew out a showy bird at BRL. Often tough. Mountain Wren-Babbler Napothera crassa Five logged at Kinabalu Park. Unbelievably close views. Horsfield's Babbler (Salvadori’s B) Malacocincla [sepiaria] rufiventris Two seen and one heard at BRL. Short-tailed Babbler (Leaflitter B) Malacocincla [malaccensis] sordidum One at Sepilok RDC and two at BRL. Moustached Babbler (Sabah M B, Bornean M B) Malacopteron [magnirostre] ssp. One seen well at BRL. Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine Not uncommon at BRL (phoeniceum); heard at Sepilok. Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum Three noted at BRL (saba). White-chested Babbler Trichastoma rostratum Frequent along lowland forest watercourses (macropterum). Ferruginous Babbler Trichastoma bicolor One performed well, and another heard at BRL. Striped Wren-Babbler Kenopia striata One performed well at BRL; several others heard. Temminck's Babbler Pellorneum pyrrogenys Occasional in uplands, though typically skulking (canicapillus). Black-capped Babbler (Bornean B-c B) Pellorneum [capistratum] capistratoides Kinabatangan and BRL (2 seen). Sunda Laughingthrush Garrulax palliatus Common in montane areas (schistochlamys). Bare-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax calvus Often tricky, but three seen well at Kinabalu Park. Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush Garrulax treacheri Common at higher elevations. Chestnut-crested Yuhina Yuhina everetti Common in the highlands. Pygmy White-eye (P Ibon) Oculocincta squamifrons Close views of a pair in the Crocker Range. Mountain Blackeye Chlorocharis emiliae Three pairs seen: Timpohon Gate to Bukit Ular Trail, Kinabalu Park. Black-capped White-eye Zosterops atricapilla Common in uplands. Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella Just a few in more lowland areas (crinigera). Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis A few seen at Kinabalu Park and BRL (corallipes). Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Crested Myna (introduced) Acridotheres cristatellus (NL) Several noted near Kota Kinabalu. Javan Myna (introduced) Acridotheres javanicus On the way to Sandakan and then in the Kinabatangan area. Everett's Thrush Zoothera everetti Kinabalu: 2 few from roadside, with 1 perching on branch; basically leader-only. Fruithunter Chlamydochaera jefferyi Seen on three days with a total of ten logged, and some excellent views. Oriental Magpie-Robin (Black M-R) Copsychus [saularis] amoenus Widespread sightings. Rufous-tailed Shama Copsychus pyrropygus One seen on our last morning at BRL. White-crowned Shama Copsychus stricklandii Often seen and heard in the lowlands. Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta One briefly at Kinabalu Park. Dark-sided Flycatcher (Siberian F) Muscicapa sibirica One at BRL. Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica One at Poring. Brown-streaked Flycatcher (Umber F) M. [williamsoni] umbrosa One above the canopy walkway at Sepilok RDC. Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea Singles at Kinabalu Park and Sepilok. Sunda Blue Flycatcher (Large-billed B F) Cyornis caerulatus Three seen well at BRL (nominate). Bornean Blue Flycatcher Cyornis superbus Just a showy female at BRL.


Striped and Mountain Wren-Babblers (top: Dave Williamson; bottom: Craig Robson)


Chestnut-crested Yuhina and Black-capped White-eye at Kinabalu Park (Craig Robson)


Malaysian Blue Flycatcher Cyornis turcosus Small numbers near Bilit, Kinabatangan R. and a female at BRL. Indigo Flycatcher (Rufous-vented F) Eumyias [indigo] ruficrissa Frequent in the higher montane areas. White-browed Shortwing (Bornean S) Brachypteryx [montana] erythrogyna Common Kinabalu, with seven seen. Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher (White-browed J F) Vauriella gularis Common along roadsides at Kinabalu Park. Siberian Blue Robin Larvivora cyane Two along trails at BRL, including a nice male. White-crowned Forktail (Malayan F) Enicurus [leschenaulti] frontalis Up to six seen at BRL. Bornean Forktail Enicurus borneensis Two pairs seen well at Kinabalu Park. Bornean Whistling Thrush Myophonus borneensis Quite common at Kinabalu Park. Rufous-chested Flycatcher Ficedula dumetoria A smart male at BRL. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra Frequent in the mountains (sumatrana). Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Occasional in upland areas (nominate). Pygmy Flycatcher (P Blue F) Muscicapella hodgsoni A calling bird was glimpsed at Kinabalu Park (sondaica) Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis sonnerati Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon Bornean Leafbird Chloropsis kinabaluensis Six in the Crocker Range, and three at Kinabalu Park. Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus Small numbers at BRL (nominate). Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker Prionochilus xanthopygius Two males at BRL. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma The commonest lowland flowerpecker (dayakanum). Black-sided Flowerpecker Dicaeum monticolum Often seen in montane areas throughout. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum Just one near Kota Kinabalu (nigrimentum). Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex One at Poring Hot Springs. Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis Small numbers in the lowlands. Olive-backed Sunbird (Ornate S) Cinnyris [jugularis] ornatus Occasional in lowlands. Crimson Sunbird (Lesser C S) Aethopyga siparaja Frequent in the lowlands. Temminck's Sunbird Aethopyga temminckii Common in montane areas. Purple-naped Sunbird Kurochkinegramma hypogrammicum Common in the lowland forests. Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra Frequently encountered in more lowland areas (buettikoferi). Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera robusta Two seen well at Sepilok RDC. A tough spiderhunter to find. Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera chrysogenys Just one at BRL. Bornean Spiderhunter Arachnothera everetti Small numbers seen well at BRL. Whitehead's Spiderhunter A. juliae Great views at Kinabalu Park (3), and also briefly at the Crocker Range (1). Eurasian Tree Sparrow (introduced) Passer montanus Dusky Munia Lonchura fuscans Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Five near Papar (cabanisi) Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla Scattered in the lowlands (jagori). Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Alaskan W) Motacilla tschutschensis 2 near Kota Kinabalu & Papar, 1 Kinabatangan R. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea


MAMMALS Total of mammal species recorded: 31. Sunda Flying Lemur (Colugo, Malayan F L) Galeopterus variegatus One at BRL. Large Tree Shrew Tupaia tana One along the Kinabatangan. Horsfield’s Tarsier Tarsius bancanus Amazingly, three seen over two night-drives at BRL. Fantastic. Crab-eating Macaque (Long-tailed M) Macaca fascicularis Southern Pig-tailed Macaque (Sunda P-t M) Macaca nemestrina Proboscis Monkey Nasalis larvatus Common near Bilit, Kinabatangan R., with probably over 200 noted. Maroon Langur (M Leaf Monkey, Red L M) Presbytis rubicunda Seen at several locations later in the tour. Silvered Langur (Silvery Lutung, S Leaf Monkey) Trachypithecus cristatus Over 100 near Bilit, Kinabatangan R. Müller’s Gibbon (Bornean G) Hylobates muelleri Just a couple seen, at BRL. Often heard in lowland forests. Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus 2 at Sepilok RDC, a huge male along Kinabatangan R., and three at BRL. Bornean Water Shrew Chimarrogale phaeura One swimming in a tiny stream along the Liwagu River Trail, Kinabalu. Black Flying Squirrel Aeromys tephromelas Great views of one during our night-walk at Sepilok RDC. Thomas’s Flying Squirrel Aeromys thomasi Two spotlighted at Sepilok RDC. Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus Bornean Black-banded Squirrel Callosciurus orestes Prevost’s Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel Dremomys everetti Up to 20 logged at Kinabalu Park. Least Pygmy Squirrel (Plain P S) Exilisciurus exilis Many sightings. Tufted Pygmy Squirrel (Whitehead’s P S) Exilisciurus whiteheadi Just one at Kinabalu Park. Great ears! Common Giant Flying Squirrel (Red G F S) Petaurista petaurista Three spotlighted at Sepilok, and one at BRL. Pale Giant Squirrel (Common G S, Cream-coloured G S) Ratufa affinis Jentink’s Squirrel Sundasciurus jentinki Binturong Arctictis binturong One was spotlighted at BRL. Small-toothed Palm Civet (Bornean Striped C) Arctogalidia [trivirgata] stigmatica 1 during Sepilok night-walk. Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga One during a night drive at BRL. Bearded Pig Sus barbatus Lesser Oriental Chevrotain (L Mouse-Deer, L Malay C) Tragulus kanchii A couple spotlighted at Sepilok RDC. Greater Oriental Chevrotain (G Mouse-Deer, G Malay C) Tragulus napu Two at Sepilok RDC, and one at BRL. Bornean Yellow Muntjac Muntiacus atherodes (H) BRL. Wrinkle-lipped Free-tailed Bat Chaerephon plicatus Countless numbers at Gomantong Caves, particularly at dusk. Creagh’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus creaghi Still thought to be this species in large numbers at Gomantong.


Horsfield’s Tarsier and Bornean Orangutan (Craig Robson)


NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST Crested Fireback (Bornean C F) Lophura ignita Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) treat the endemic nominate form as a distinct species, Bornean Crested Fireback. Lesser Sand Plover (Tibetan P) Charadrius [mongolus] atrifrons The atrifrons group of subspecies may in the future be split off as a distinct species, Tibetan Plover or Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius atrifrons. The mongolus group would then be renamed Siberian or Mongolian Plover. Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus [cirrhatus] limnaeetus Many authors now lump the former Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus limnaeetus in Crested Hawk-Eagle N. cirrhatus, using the same common name for the enlarged species. Brown Wood Owl (Bornean W O) Strix leptogrammica Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al.) treat the nominate form as a distinct species, Bornean Wood Owl. Collared Owlet (Sunda O) Glaucidium [brodiei] sylvaticum Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al.) treat this form as a distinct species, Sunda Owlet Glaucidium sylvaticum. The voice of Bornean birds is certainly unrecognisable as Collared Owlet G. brodiei. Banded Kingfisher (Black-faced K) Lacedo [pulchella] melanops Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) treat the endemic Bornean form as a distinct species, Black-faced Kingfisher Lacedo melanops. Blue-banded Kingfisher (Malay B-b K) Alcedo [euryzona] peninsulae Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) now split off the Javan form as an endemic species, Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher Alcedo euryzona, leaving the remaining forms as Malay Blue-banded Kingfisher A. peninsulae. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Rufous-backed K) Ceyx [erithaca] rufidorsa Some authorities still treat this form as a distinct species, Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa. Golden-whiskered Barbet (Golden-faced B) Psilopogon [chrysopogon] chrysopsis Some authorities suggest treating the endemic Bornean form as a distinct species, Golden-faced Barbet Psilopogon chrysopsis. Grey-and-buff Woodpecker Hemicircus [concretus] sordidus Some authors now split-off Javan birds as a separate species, Red-crested (or Lilliput) Woodpecker Hemicircus concre-tus. Under these circumstances, the birds in Borneo are re-named H. sordidus. Checker-throated Woodpecker (Chequer-t Yellownape) Chrysophlegma [mentale] humii Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) split off the endemic Javan subspecies as a distinct species, Javan Yellownape Chrysophlegma mentale. The residual forms (including the one seen on this tour) are then treated as Chequer-throated Yellownape C. humii. Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes [tristis] grammithorax Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) split off the endemic Javan subspecies as a distinct species, White-rumped Wood-pecker Meiglyptes tristis. The residual forms (including the one seen on this tour) are then treated as Buff-rumped Woodpecker M. grammithorax. Grey-chinned Minivet (Grey-throated M) Pericrocotus [solaris] montanus Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) treat the two Sundaic forms as a distinct species, Grey-throated Minivet Pericroco-tus montanus.


Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike (Roving C) Coracina [striata] sumatrensis Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al.) split-off the Sundaic forms as a distinct species, Roving Cuckooshrike Coracina su-matrensis. In this case, Philippine forms retain the name Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina striata. Long-tailed Shrike (Philippine L-t S) Lanius [schach] nasutus Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest treating the forms occurring in NE Borneo, the Philippines and east New Guinea as a distinct species, Philippine Long-tailed Shrike Lanius nasutus. Ashy Drongo (Bornean Grey D) Dicrurus [leucophaeus] stigmatops Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest treating the very distinctive Bornean form as a separate species, Bornean Grey Drongo Dicrurus stigmatops. Hair-crested Drongo (Bornean Spangled D, Bornean Blue D) Dicrurus [hottentottus] borneensis Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al. and BirdLife/HBW) treat the endemic form as a distinct species, Bornean Spangled or Bornean Blue Drongo. Black Magpie (Bornean B M) Platysmurus [leucopterus] atterimus Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) split off the endemic Bornean form as a distinct species, Bornean Black Magpie Platysmurus atterimus. Slender-billed Crow (Sunda C) Corvus [enca] compilator Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest treating this form, which occurs in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Bor-neo, as a separate species, Sunda Crow Corvus compilator. Flavescent Bulbul (Pale-faced B) Pycnonotus [flavescens] leucops Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest treating the endemic Bornean form as a distinct species, Pale-faced Bulbul Pycnonotus leucops. Yellow-vented Bulbul (Sunda Y-v B) Pycnonotus [goiavier] analis Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest splitting-off this form as a distinct species, Sunda Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus analis. Ochraceous Bulbul (Chestnut-vented B) Alophoixus [ochraceus] ruficrissus Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest treating the endemic Bornean form as a distinct species, Chestnut-vented Bulbul Alophoixus ruficrissus. Yellow-bellied Bulbul (Sabah Y-b B) Alophoixus [phaeocephalus] connectens Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest treating this form as a distinct species, Sabah Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alo-phoixus connectens. Hairy-backed Bulbul (Sabah H-b B) Tricholestes [criniger] ssp. Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest treating this form as a distinct species, Sabah Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricho-lestes ssp. Yellow-bellied Prinia (Bornean P) Prinia [flaviventris] latrunculus Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest treating this endemic form as a distinct species, Bornean Prinia Prinia la-trunculus. Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler (Sunda S B) Pomatorhinus [montanus] bornensis Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest splitting-off the forms found in Java and Bali as a distinct species, Javan Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus montanus. The residual forms would then become Sunda Scimitar Babbler P. bornensis.


Grey-throated Babbler (Montane B, Southern G-t B) Stachyris [nigriceps] larvata Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al., BirdLife/HBW) suggest splitting-off the Sundaic forms as a distinct species, Montane or Southern Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris larvata. Chestnut-winged Babbler (Grey-hooded B, Bicoloured B) Stachyris [erythroptera] bicolor Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) split-off the Bornean forms as a distinct species, Grey-hooded or Bicoloured Bab-bler Stachyris bicolor. Rufous-fronted Babbler (Sunda Leaf B) Stachyridopsis [rufifrons] poliogaster Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al.) suggest splitting-off the Sundaic forms as a distinct species, Sunda Leaf Babbler Stachyridopsis poliogaster. Brown Fulvetta (Bornean F) Alcippe [brunneicauda] eriphaea Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al., BirdLife/HBW) suggest splitting-off the forms found in Borneo and the N Natuna Is as a distinct species, Bornean Fulvetta Alcippe eriphaea. Horsfield's Babbler (Salvadori’s B) Malacocincla [sepiaria] rufiventris Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al., BirdLife/HBW) suggest splitting-off the Bornean forms as a distinct species, Salva-dori’s Babbler Malacocincla rufiventris. Short-tailed Babbler (Leaflitter B) Malacocincla [malaccensis] sordidum Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al.) suggest splitting-off this NE Bornean form as a distinct species, Leaflitter Babbler Malacocincla sordidum. Moustached Babbler (Sabah M B) Malacopteron [magnirostre] ssp. Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al.) suggest splitting-off this NE Bornean form as a distinct species, Sabah Moustached Babbler Malacopteron ssp. Black-capped Babbler (Bornean B-c B) Pellorneum [capistratum] capistratoides Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) suggest splitting-off Bornean forms as a distinct species, Bornean Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratoides. Oriental Magpie-Robin (Black M-R) Copsychus [saularis] amoenus Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al., BirdLife/HBW) suggest splitting-off the forms found in Borneo, E Java and Bali as a distinct species, Black Magpie-Robin Copsychus amoenus. Brown-streaked Flycatcher (Umber F) Muscicapa [williamsoni] umbrosa Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al.) treat this sedentary Sundaic form as a full species, Umber Flycatcher M. umbrosa. Indigo Flycatcher (Rufous-vented F) Eumyias [indigo] ruficrissa Some authorities (e.g. BirdLife/HBW) split-off the forms found in Sumatra and Borneo as a distinct species, Rufous-vented Flycatcher Eumyias ruficrissa. White-browed Shortwing (Bornean S) Brachypteryx [montana] erythrogyna Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al., BirdLife/HBW) split-off this form as a distinct endemic species, Bornean Shortwing Brachypteryx erythrogyna. White-crowned Forktail (Malayan F) Enicurus [leschenaulti] frontalis Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al.) split-off this form as a distinct species, Malayan Forktail Enicurus frontalis. Olive-backed Sunbird (Ornate S) Cinnyris [jugularis] ornatus Some authorities (e.g. Eaton et. al.) split-off the forms found in South-East Asia to the Sundaic Region as a distinct spe-cies, Ornate Sunbird Cinnyris ornatus.


Forest near Borneo Rainforest Lodge (Craig Robson)

APPENDIX 1 - Top 5 birds of the tour 1st Bornean Bristlehead 2nd Barred Eagle-Owl 3rd Fruithunter 4th Whitehead’s Broadbill 5th Large Frogmouth APPENDIX 2 - Other fauna & flora recorded AMPHIBIANS Harlequin Flying Frog Rhacophorus pardalis BRL frog ponds; what a beauty! File-eared Treefrog Polypedates otilophus BRL frog ponds and night drive. Dark-eared Treefrog Polypedates macrotis BRL frog ponds. White-lipped Frog Chalcorana raniceps BRL frog ponds. Bornean endemic. River Toad Phrynoidis asper Thought to be this species on rocks by waterfall at Jacuzzi Pool, BRL


REPTILES Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus Just one along the Kinabatangan River. Red-tailed Green Ratsnake Gonyosoma oxycephalum Danum-L. Datu. Can inflate air-sac in neck when stressed. Red-sided Keelback Xenochrophis trianguligerus BRL frog ponds. Mangrove Snake Boiga dendrophila Day-roosting at our hotel at Sepilok. Rear-fanged and mildly venomous. Bornean Keeled Pit Viper Tropidolaemus subannulatus Sepilok night walk. Split from Wagler’s Pit-viper T. wagleri. Common House Gecko (Asian H G) Hemidactylus frenatus Flat-tailed House Gecko Hemidactylus platyurus Spotted House Gecko Gekko monarchus (NL) Sepilok c/o Dave. Smith’s Green-eyed Gecko Gekko smithi (H) Sepilok etc. Reminiscent of Tokay Gecko. Horsfield’s Flying Gecko Ptychozoon horsfieldii BRL. Can glide up to 60m! Striped Tree Skink Apterygodon vittatum (NL) Dave recorded it at our accommodation at Bilit. Bornean Angle-headed Lizard Gonocephalus bornensis Seen at close range along a forest trail at BRL. Asian Water Monitor Varanus salvator Sepilok, BRL etc.

Harlequin Flying Frog and Horsfield’s Flying Gecko (Dave Williamson)

MOTHS Silkmoth sp. Antheraea diehli BRL restaurant. Huge stunner. Asota kinabaluensis Kinabalu Park. Hypopyra ossigeroides Kinabalu Park. Phyllodes staudingeri BRL restaurant. BUTTERFLIES Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing Trogonoptera brookiana Frequent in the highlands. Kinabalu Birdwing Troides andromache Kinabalu Park. Borneo endemic. Photographed by Dave. Malay Birdwing Troides amphrysus BRL. Banded Swallowtail Papilio demolion BRL. Great Mormon Papilio memnon esperi BRL. Common Mormon Papilio polytes BRL. Psyche Leptosia nina Poring etc. Common Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe BRL. Common Tiger (Striped T) Danaus genutia BRL etc. Chocolate Tiger Parantica melaneus Crocker Range.


Common Tree Nymph Idea stolli Kinabatangan R., BRL etc. Great Marquis Bassarona dunya BRL. Horsfield’s Baron Tanaecia iapis ambalika BRL. Common Archduke Lexias pardalis Kinabalu Park. Common Mapwing Cyrestis maenalis Crocker Range; where we finished up. Great Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina Kinabatangan River. Chocolate Pansy Junonia iphita Poring Hotsprings. Rustic Cupha erymanthis Kinabatangan R. etc. Cruiser Vindula dejone BRL. Little Yeoman Cirrochroa surya Kinabatangan R. etc. Clipper Parthenos sylvia Sepilok, Kinabatangan R. etc. Malayan Owl Neorina lowii BRL. Common Imperial Cheritra freja Eliot’s Bushbrown Mycalesis patiana Mesilau, Kinabalu. Borneo endemic. White Ringlet Ragadia annulata Endemic photographed at Kinabalu Park. Malaysian Ringlet (Brown-banded R) Ragadia makuta BRL. Common Three-ring Ypthima pandocus Widespread. Yellow-barred Pan Xanthataenia busiris BRL. Saturn Zeuxidia amethystus Kinabatangan R. Sumatran Gem Poritia sumatrae milia (NL) BRL; c/o Dave. Pale Mottle Logania marmorata (NL) BRL; c/o Dave. Cornelian Deudorix epijarbas Poring Hotsprings. Dark Posy Drupadia theda BRL.

Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing at Kinabalu Park (Craig Robson)


DRAGONFLIES Sundanese Gossamerwing Euphaea variegata Kinabalu Park. Gossamerwing sp. Euphaea subcostalis Kinabalu Park. Photographed by Dave. Spine-legged Redbolt Rhodothemis rufa Poring. Crimson Dropwing Trithemis aurora Poring. Indigo Dropwing Trithemis festiva Poring Hotsprings. Spine-tufted Skimmer Orthetrum chrysis Poring. Slender Skimmer Orthetrum sabina Poring. Straight-edged Red Parasol Neurothemis terminata Poring Hotsprings. Pale-spotted Emperor Anax guttatus Poring. BUGS Bornean Lantern Bug Pyrops whiteheadi BRL, by frog ponds. Mallotus Shield Bug Canteo ocellatus Kinabalu Park. Six O'clock Cicada Pomponia merula BRL. Cryptic mantis sp. Theopompa borneana BRL restaurant. Trilobite beetle sp. Platerodrilus (Duliticola) sp. Kinabalu Park. Tropical Carpenter Bee Xylocopa latipes BRL (gardens); enormous. Arboreal tarantula sp. Phormingochilus everetti BRL night drive. Borneo endemic. PLANTS Showy Asian Grapes (S Melastome) Medinilla speciosa Classic regional plant of Kinabalu Park. ‘Keith’s’ Rafflesia Rafflesia keithii In full flower at Poring, on its third day. Bamboo Orchid Arundina graminifolia Kinabalu Park etc. Orchid sp. Calanthe pulchra Kinabalu Park. Giant orchid Grammatophyllum speciosum BRL. One of the World’s largest orchids; can weigh more than a ton. Orchid sp. Coelogyne rhabdobulbon Kinabalu Park.

Rafflesia keithii at Poring (Craig Robson)

Documents

BORNEO (SABAH) REP 2019 - birdquest-tours.com...1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Borneo: Sabah Storm’s Stork (Craig Robson) BORNEO: SABAH 12 – 26 OCTOBER 2019 LEADER CRAIG ROBSON It was