Peninsular Malaysia. Leader: Mike Nelson. Participants: Richard Schofield and Diane Butcher

Transcription

1 Peninsular Malaysia 20 th July 3 rd August 2014 Leader: Mike Nelson Participants: Richard Schofield and Diane Butcher Mountain Peacock Pheasant Mike Nelson / Birdtour Asia This custom tour of Peninsular Malaysia took in coastal mangroves and peatswamp up to higher elevation forest and lowland rainforest and delivered all the sought after endemics and many highlights along the way. The weather was very nice at Fraser s Hill and hot and humid in the lowlands with little rain and none that spoiled any birding. The trip started with crippling views of nesting Barred Eagle Owl and ended with Large Frogmouth and Malaysian Peacock Pheasant, with the Peninsular Malaysia near-endemics mixed in the middle as we had outstanding views of Mountain Peacock Pheasant, Malayan Partridge, Whistling Thrush and Laughingthrush. We didn t go for all the species as this was a target trip and as Borneo had been already covered many more familiar species were not concentrated on in favour of the targets.

2 We began in Kuala Lumpur, driving south toward Panti with a stop along the way for a breeding Barred Eagle Owl which showed very well on the nest, looking down on her just metres away. A great way to start the trip. We arrived in Kota Tinggi to a heavy downpour which cleared towards the afternoon and we took a short trip to Panti to knock off the more common species like Cream-vented, Red-eyed, Olive-winged, Black-headed, Spectacled and Grey-cheeked Bulbul. Several Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots were heard flying overhead with several foraging in the tree tops. Rufous-tailed and Dark-necked Tailorbird were quite vocal as were Pin-striped Tit-Babbler and Chestnut-winged Babbler. A lovely pair of Fluffy-backed Tit-Babblers put in an appearance bobbing through the undergrowth duetting and inflating their blue throat sacs. A trail into the forest gave us a chance for some more skulking species and a Banded Kingfisher singing from a high perch was eventually seen above us. The high pitched whistles from Rufous-winged Philentoma greeted us farther on with the steel blue head of a male coming into view. The constant drone of Red-crowned Barbet echoed through the forest and at the edge of the road we got some great looks at a pair foraging close by then singing, their whole bodies shaking with each chorus. With dusk getting close the evening symphony of insects began almost drowning out all bird song, a sign to pack things in for the night. Our first morning in the area was dedicated to one of Malaysia s most sought after new families, Rail-Babbler. We arrived at dawn as the songs of waking birds reverberated around us. Once the coffees had kicked in and we were prepped we headed into the forest. Creeping slowly down the trail we were greeted by a pair of Banded Broadbills above us which we quickly enjoyed before moving on. At a clearing the distant, short whistle of a Rail-Babbler reached us from farther down the trail. Manoeuvring into position near the trail so as not to be seen we waited. Shortly after the bright chestnut crown and white eyebrow of a Rail-Babbler appeared at the edge of the trail and gave stunning views as it crossed slowly over and continued foraging on the other side. It returned a short while later crossing back to give another show and the final family tick needed for Richard. We continued back along the jeep track and short while later heard another Rail-babbler this time in a less accessible area but none the less we gave it a try and though it came close we could not lay eyes on it. Seeing one and hearing another quite close was fantastic. Buoyed by our early success we hit another trail farther along, this time deeper into the forest and as we were trying for other species we heard a third Rail-Babbler shortly followed by a fourth. Finding a gap in the forest floor we waited and watched as a pair made their way across a few sunlit gaps providing some magic views, then crossing the trail to our front and across to the other side. The last view was a full profile as the last of the pair popped up onto a log, gave one farewell look back at us and dropped over onto the forest floor and continued on, delivering a long haunting whistle as they disappeared. As the heat rose so did the insectivorous birds and above us we had Grey-rumped and Whiskered Treeswift as well as many Edible-nest Swiftlets. The afternoon session was quieter and hotter but we managed a few birds with a flyby Violet Cuckoo and several more Red-crowned Barbets and another host of bulbuls for company. The four note song of Abbott s Babbler was heard and this dumpy babbler was seen moving through the forest edge understory. We arrived the next morning while it was still dark to try for Blyth s Frogmouth and though several were singing they stayed frustratingly out of view save for a brief flyby. The morning chorus added to our coffees as we waited for full light to see the birds with. First to greet us were several Rufous Woodpeckers foraging in a tall tree next to the road. The raucous calls of a group of Chestnutrumped Babblers drew us farther down the trail and we were soon surrounded by a small group of very active but attractive birds. A close Great Argus drew us into the forest in search of this elusive prize and though close it would not appear. We continued farther down the trail in search of our quarry but a deep growl from the forest told us some close mammal was not happy with our presence so we beat a hasty retreat and stuck to the jeep track for a while. A Yellow-crowned Barbet was heard and briefly seen from the treetops along with Spectacled Spiderhunter. A pair of Raffle s Malkoha moved through the canopy shortly followed by a pair of Chestnut-bellied Malkoha providing some nice views. This was the start of a small wave of birds as several bulbuls moved through with a pair of Checker-throated Woodpeckers and an Orange-bellied Flowerpecker. The distant calls of a pair of Red-naped Trogons lured us back into the forest but only the female showed with the male keeping farther into the deeper cover where we couldn t find him. A nice Scaly-crowned Babbler and very nice looks at Green Broadbill rounded out the day. On our third morning we headed to some peat-swamp forest to try for some of that habitat s specialities. We arrived along the dirt track and drove into suitable areas and spent the morning walking along a logging track checking for our target but as we scanned the flocks we were frustrated seeing plenty of Little and Thick-billed Green Pigeons but Cinnamon- headed stayed invisible. We did pick up plenty of other species including great looks at a pair of Common Hill Myna, Scarlet-rumped Trogon and Grey-and-buff Woodpecker and eventually we had great looks at a flying male Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon in the late morning light. We retired from the heat to cool down and came back in the afternoon picking up our other target here which was Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker and we soon had great looks at a pair circling above us along the track here.

3 The next day we birded along a forest track and though a bit quiet we had great looks at a Buffy Fish Owl we spooked while walking next to a small creek. It perched up quite close and we were able to find some nice windows in the trees where we could see it looking back at us. We then began the long drive north past Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor where we spent the afternoon picking up some more of the common species like Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Little Bronze Cuckoo, Pied Triller and hordes of Long-tailed Macaques. The next morning we walked a track next to the mangroves where we picked up great views of Mangrove Blue Flycatcher singing well next to the trail. With that target under the belt we headed to the boardwalk where we found quite a few Mangrove Whistlers and Laced Woodpeckers. Cinereous Tit, Collared Kingfisher, Common Flameback, Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker, Malaysian Pied Fantail and Ashy Tailorbird were also found. There were also some large mudskippers with lovely iridescent blue markings vying for position on the mudflats. Several Sunda Silvered Langurs were also seen in the parking area. We spent the afternoon in an area of rice paddies looking for local species special to this habitat and came across White-breasted Woodswallow and load of White-rumped Munia. We also found a Cinnamon Bittern doing its I m a reed not a bird pose right next to the road. Loads of Eastern Cattle and Eastern Great Egret were seen here too as well as three Oriental Pratincole and a large group of Baya Weavers. Black-shouldered Kites circled over several of the paddies and we picked up a few Striated Herons as well. This morning we left early and headed up into the mountains to the east of Kuala Selangor stopping at the famous Gap on the way up. The morning chorus was very evident when we stopped for breakfast. The air was thick with bird song and for the remainder of the morning we spent our time hiking up the road lined on either side with terrific forest and bamboo stands. Our first bird was a noisy Moustached Babbler soon followed by a group of Golden Babblers and Yellow-bellied Warblers adding a splash of yellow to the surroundings. The croaking calls of Red-bearded Bee-eaters soon followed and we got fantastic looks at the pair perched over the road. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha skulked through the canopy providing fleeting but frequent views as a pair scurried along the branches above us. A small group of Erpornis moved noisily through the mid canopy showing well and when the heat began to rise the constant calls of Black-browed Barbets began to ring out and we found a close one and watched as it called with its whole body vibrating to the sound it was producing. With a bit of a drive still to do we headed up to Bukit Fraser for lunch. Large Niltava Mike Nelson / Birdtour Asia In the afternoon we headed along some of the local roads looking for moving flocks and were soon greeted by the whistled song of a Large Niltava. We found the female first but just below her was the deep and electric blue of the male. While taking in this lovely flycatcher the croaking call of a Fire-tufted Barbet rolled down the road towards us so we left the niltava and headed up for a gap in the road where we could look up at them. A pair flew out and across from us but was out of sight but thankfully another remained and we spent a while getting to grips with it but when it flew to a fruiting tree next to the road we were able to scope this fantastic barbet. Close by a pair of Streaked Spiderhunters danced around the understory chasing each other providing us with some spectacular

4 views of their lovely plumage and bright orange legs. A Fire-breasted Flowerpecker showed up shortly after while we were checking some other spots before heading up to telecom loop. We spent the rest of the afternoon up here checking several great mixed flocks often led by Mountain Fulvettas and including Golden Babbler, Silver-eared Mesia, Bronzed Drongo and Long-tailed Sibia. A pair of loud Sultan Tits joined in the noise and a Greater Yellownape ignored us as it foraged up a thick tree. The first of several Blue Nuthatches was seen and several Yellow-bellied Warblers and Chestnut-crowned Warblers were showy and large groups of noisy Spectacled Laughingthrush were common. As dusk crept towards us the evening chorus of Firetufted and Black-browed Barbets began joined by three screaming and wing wagging Malaysian Cuckooshrikes that put on quite a show as they chased and mobbed each other. After dinner the local Mountain Scops Owl began with its two note song that lasted well into the night. Rufous-browed Flycatcher Mike Nelson / Birdtour Asia The next morning we dropped down the winding road to the Gap again and spent the early hours of the day walking down past rich forest and stands of bamboo. The dawn chorus was evident and varied with many species singing away. A group of Ochraceous Bulbuls foraged close by and as we followed them we came across the bright yellow plumage and several Black-crested Bulbuls but it was the hollow drumming behind theirs songs that got our attention. In a thick stand of bamboo we could hear a pair of their namesake Bamboo Woodpeckers. They called and would drum before moving to another spot and suddenly one of the birds burst out of the tall stand and dropped across the road with its undulating flight and quick calls landing next to the road in a neighboring stand. It began hiking up the hollow shaft stopping to drum and call before moving up again. His bright red cap gave him away and we had great looks before the female called from the other side of the road and he flew back across to join here before they moved up the hill and out of sight. Some brightly coloured Blue-winged Leafbirds added a nice splash of color while above us several Silver-rumped Spinetails roved up and down the road gap hawking for insects. A pair of Checker-throated Woodpeckers and some skulking Chestnut-breasted Malkohas added to the show. Less obvious were the small group of Grey-throated Babblers that kept our bins dancing as we tried to followed them through the undergrowth. The barbets began again as the heat rose and we made our way back up towards Fraser s Hill for lunch. As we were making our way slowly up Mike caught sight of a Rufous-browed Flycatcher but it dropped down into a gulley before we could all get on it. Just about the time we d given up and thought about heading back a short, high pitched song came from the small creek gulley. We waited while it continued before heading into the vine tangled creek bed. The flycatcher continued to sing seeming to come from all round us but its ventriloquial song was finally tracked down and the stunning little bird was located sitting on a hidden snag. We watched for a while before it flew across the creek to the other side and continued quite close to where we were before moving back across and resting on a fallen bamboo stalk providing us with magnificent views. After lunch we headed back up the high roads of Fraser s Hill stopping at a spot we d found earlier with a much more showy Rufous-browed Flycatcher that was bringing food with its mate to a nest beside the road. Here they would land on either side of the road and call to each other before dropping into the foliage next to the road and quite comfortable with our presence we sat on the railing and watched for a while before this pair was joined by a lovely pair of Large Niltavas that gave great views as they perched over the road.

5 A group of calling Malayan Laughingthrushes stopped us next to the road and we watched as a pair moved close while they foraged calling to each other constantly. They gave great views very close showing some lovely rusty brown and mustard yellow hues. Telecom loop again was very active as we picked up Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike new for the trip and a couple of very noisy and striking Common Green Magpie. Several more mixed flocks held some great species but nothing we d not seen earlier. Great views were had of Lesser Yellownape and a pair of Blue Nuthatches as well as Silvereared Mesia. The next day we began at a carefully chosen spot for breakfast and soon enough while we were enjoying our coffee a lone Malayan Whistling Thrush shot in with its namesake high pitched whistle. It climbed up into the roadside vegetation and was lost so we waited for a while. Soon enough it began to venture down and at one point dropped down next to the road to forage in the leaf litter providing us with some stunning looks at the bird. It moved up the bank collecting some insects before flying across the road and into a drainage gulley where we were able to look down on it as it moved around the tangled branches. A great start to the day before we moved on to the entrance to Bishops Trail. Malayan Whistling Thrush Mike Nelson / Birdtour Asia Though still dark in the early morning light we began our way down the trail moving slowly and keeping an eye out for the many birds we were hearing about us. A short while down the narrow track we heard some movement and activity and then before us shot a small streaked brown shape which just as rapidly dropped into the undergrowth on the other side quickly replaced by another. A high pitched whistle told us they were Streaked Wren-Babblers and we managed to get onto a sizable group as they foraged through the waist high foliage popping up in gaps and on branches though never still for long they provided some great entertainment. We could hear a Red-headed Trogon calling below us but the other call we could hear excited us loads more as it was the near endemic Malaysian Partridge calling as a group below us. We proceeded down slope through some scrub to an open area where we could hear them calling below us. When the partridges stopped calling we moved back up to the main trail. As we crested the ridge to the trail we heard them again but much closer. They had outflanked us and moved up the ridge across the trail and were calling quite vigorously but deep in a scrub tangle that had grown up around a fallen tree so there was no way of seeing into it. Deciding that retreat was the better option so as not to drive them farther up the ridge we moved on. Rounding the corner of the trail we heard the high pitched, jumbled song of a Lesser Shortwing and moved down into the gulley to see if we could locate it. A few short bursts of playback enticed the bird quite close and it continued to sing as it moved upslope towards us so we froze where we were and soon enough it popped out on the trail ad onto a log where it sang them bobbed down the track to a rock to sing again before dropping over a small rise and out of sight.

6 We continued down the trail eventually catching up with a Red-headed Trogon that alighted above us and sang for some time before moving to another tree affording us some nice views. Near the end of the trail we came across the loud calls of a large group of Black Laughingthrush that showed really well as they bobbed through the foliage above us and up the ridge we were hiking up. We followed them for a while before they were lost as the trail wound round but as we made our way to the trailhead we caught up with them again and enjoyed them as they pranced across the boughs of a tree next to the road as they crossed to the other side. Our good fortune continued as we took a break next to the entrance when a female Red-headed Trogon flew in right next to the road. We were taking in her smart plumage when a male showed up close by out in the open in very close proximity next to the road. So close, in fact, that Richard snapped a shot with his point and shoot. These two stunning birds were accompanied by a small group of much less brightly adorned Buff-breasted Babblers that seemed to comprise the opposite end of the spectrum. Having enjoyed a great hike with some fantastic birds we headed back for lunch. We spent the remainder of the afternoon picking through several mixed species flocks and though the birding was great there was nothing we added to the trip list. An early call at the pub was in order after a long day so we headed back for dinner. We headed back to Bishop s Trail the next morning to a predetermined spot to ambush the partridges. This time we would see our target. We arrived in plenty of time for some coffee and breakfast in order to start the day. A short hike down the trail to where we d heard them the day before and into our spot to wait. We could hear the familiar songs of Red-headed Trogon, Buff-breasted Babbler and Lesser Shortwing but not the partridges. We played back the recordings I d made the day before and thought we could hear a brief smattering of response from way down the valley. We continued to wait but only the surrounding insects kept us company. Again we could hear a small covey quite far below us but we took the chance and got into our chosen hiding spot behind the buttress of a large tree. Here we remained hidden seeing if they would come closer. We heard nothing for quite some time and Richard moved out from behind the buttress to see if he could hear them farther below. We both peered down into the wooded gulley listening intently and suddenly from our left came a loud blast of call from the covey. They were very close. We quickly got back into position behind the buttress next to the trail and waited. We could hear the rustling of leaves as they moved closer up through the gulley on the left side. We feared they would sprint across from that side where we wouldn t get as good a view but our fears were ill founded. Sensing that something might be amiss they dropped into the gully and up the other side and in a mad rush began to shoot across the trail. The first bird was a dark blur. The second sauntered across nonchalantly showing little concern, its white ear patch clearly visible. The third bird proceeded across with more haste. The fourth bird popped out directly down the trail and spotting Richard peering at it with his bins did a rapid about face and shot back into the brush wings all aflutter. The fifth bird came out onto the track and walked up and around the corner and was gone. In all a nice covey and a well-executed plan had come to fruition. Our last Fraser s Hill target was in the bag. Black-browed Barbet and Sultan Tit, Fraser s Hill After our great luck with the Malayan Partridges we stopped by the Malayan Whistling Thrush for coffee and as our luck was holding it was out next to the road for some great looks, it was joined by the Rufous-browed Flycatcher also showing remarkably well before we continued up to the beginning of the telecom loop when we heard several birds. A distant Collared Owlet had things stirred up but it never showed though several Black-eared and Blyth s Shrike-Babblers were in evidence as they hopped around. A pair of Mountain Bulbuls showed well with a high pitched Chestnut-crowned Warbler but the sudden two note whistle of a Pygmy Cupwing got our attention. After a few minutes of playback it popped into view for some very brief looks but nothing satisfying but without a response when the bird fell silent we continued to bird round the area. A few minutes later we again heard the cupwing down the road, this time very close. After a few minutes searching we found it perched on a snag behind

7 some leaf cover but with some contorting we got the perfect angle where we could watch it, wide gaped hurling its high pitched song out into the surrounding forest. Its small scaled breast inflated with each song showing of its cryptic pattern, crippling views considering the normal skulking nature of this bird, a fine cap to a great mornings birding. In the afternoon we began at the exit of the entrance road where we were treated to great views of Slaty-backed Forktail in a small creek. We followed the paved trail up the road picking up a nice flock of Mountain Fulvettas and some close looks at Golden Babbler, Mountain Leaf Warbler and Chestnut-crowned Warbler. We continued down to the entrance road and walked down checking for birds along the way though in the early afternoon it was fairly quiet. Eventually we came across a nice group of Silver-eared Mesia that was moving with some Spectacled Laughingthrushes and we managed some great eye-level looks at Blue Nuthatch as it foraged on several trees down slope from us. The raspy whistle of Black-and-Crimson Oriole led us to a female but the male continued to remain hidden above us. The action though remained sparse so as it was our last evening we headed for a high point to take in our last sunset on Fraser s Hill and listen to the barbet chorus before dinner. A fitting end to our time here. Red-headed Trogon and Lesser Shortwing, Fraser s Hill Departing Fraser s Hill began with a twisting road down towards the highway and eventually to Bukit Tinggi and up into the high forest here. We got set up on our target which was already there when we arrived but it scurried back into the forest. We waited for a while and soon enough a beautiful male Mountain Peacock-Pheasant appeared, did a short loop round an open area then disappeared back into the thick foliage next to us. After a short while it reappeared, crossing over a log into the open area again showing really well. From above we were serenaded by Gold-whiskered and Blue-eared Barbets the former showing really well in the botanic garden. A Hill Blue Flycatcher sang from next to the road and we located it the bird perched at eye level behind some leaves but were able to get some nice looks. From here we crossed over the central range of mountains and dropped into the eastern lowlands. The heat and humidity were evident and by the time of our arrival in the afternoon it was quite a drastic change to the cool of the mountains. After we d settled in and cooled off a bit we hit the trails being first treated to a Tickell s Blue Flycatcher singing next to the bungalow. A short distance down the trail we turned a corner and a lovely male Crested Fireback was sat in front of us, its metallic blue and white plumage shining against the green canvas surrounding us. Slowly it moved into the brush and meandered through the foliage and incredibly, for such a large, bright bird, disappeared after ten meters. A pair of loud Banded Woodpeckers showed well with their red faces as they foraged up a d dead snag next to the trail. This was followed a short while later by a small group of Sooty-capped Babblers. Though the forest was quiet this time of the day the forest was fantastic and when we got to the river landing we watched for a while Blacknest Swiftlets and Silver-rumped Spinetails circled for insects with several Pacific Swallows. Bulbuls were quite common on the return trip with Olive-winged, Asian Red-eyed and Cream-vented all drawing our attention. Our first morning at Taman Negara we tried in the early hours for some night birds but activity was very subdued with only two birds heard and no response. After a brief breakfast we headed back out into the forest and followed the main track into the forest. The familiar song of a Black-throated Babbler rose from the depths of a vine tangle and we were soon on this delightful little babbler that showed well and sang right above us as it moved around us and through the greenery above us. We followed the main track till it became a forest trail and no sooner had we reached a bend in the river that we were bombarded with the loud, musical song of a pair of Straw-headed Bulbuls. They raced around the canopy above us a few times but never gave satisfying looks so high up and were soon well into the forest and out of sight.

8 Next to a bridge we found a pair of Black-capped Babblers and a family group of Malaysian Blue Flycatchers with both female and male attending two well grown chicks. We watched for a while as they bobbed around us begging for food from the adults. While we were taking this in we again heard the Straw-headed Bulbuls but this time from across the river. Instead of being perched high though, they sat at eyelevel in a flowering bush from some great looks on the far bank. Farther on we came across a small bird party but the main song we concentrated on was that of a Large Wren- Babbler that after some probing we managed to locate in a vine tangle but it didn t stay long. We continued to follow as it moved higher and through many more vine tangles only showing briefly till it had moved farther into the forest and out of reach. Rufous-crowned Babbler, Rufous-collared Kingfisher, Red-throated Barbet, Black-and- Red Broadbill, Moustached Babbler and Chestnut-winged Babbler all put in an appearance making for a great mornings birding. In the afternoon we hired a boat and visited the other side of the river following a trail that led into some nice forest. After pausing for Yellow-bellied Bulbul, Crimson Sunbird and a small group of Sooty-capped Babblers we heard the metallic song of Malayan Black Magpies. A pair of these rather large birds swooped over us as they continued to sing, moving back and forth through the foresta short climb onto the ridge and we were looking down the trail into some primary forest. Thick and lush we walked along the trail for a while before a short, distant whistle brought us up short. We listened for a while and it continued only intermittently. We moved closer and in a downwards section of the trail we knew we were close when the clear whistle reached us, Garnet Pitta. Once we established where it was, about 20 meters up in a tree singing we moved through some tangled brush to where we could see up into the canopy. We heard the wing flaps of the bird in flight and it shot right into a tree in front of us. Here it perched looking down on us for a few seconds before flying off uphill. We went off in pursuit locating it again up another tree but out of sight. Again we could hear the wings flapping as it moved to another perch and through a window set against a tall bright trunk it landed showing its bright blue and red plumage, sadly only for a few seconds before moving to another perch that was fairly clear save for one leaf which it managed to cover part of itself with. It continued to peer over the leaf and showed quite well. As it was getting time to head back to catch the boat we had to leave the bird and we arrived after a short hike back at the landing beach and had a nice cool ride back to the lodge. Along the way we had some nice looks at Blue-banded Kingfisher to round out the afternoon. Black-thighed Falconet and Black-throated Babbler, Taman Negara The next morning we arrived at the same spot in the darkness we had tried the day before but this time Gould s Frogmouth was already singing. There were at least four here and they seemed to be reacting to each other rather than the playback we had so we moved into the forest and tried quietly moving through the foliage. As we arrived at the forest opening we put the torch up on several trees but to no avail. The bird had moved and was singing farther away. Some more bush whacking and we came to another open spot where the bird had just been. Our third try on a very close bird paid dividends when our torch put a lovely tan Gould s Frogmouth in the spotlight. We all had great looks as the bird sat perched for a while before fluttering off. Dawn was beginning to creep through the forest as a Blyth s Frogmouth called but we were unable to get onto this bird before the light had all the night birds tucked in for the day. We than took a boat up river to another forest trail getting a bit damp along the way as we crashed through some rapids. It mattered little as we would soon be soaked with sweat anyway. We did get onto a small group of flying Large Green Pigeons flying down the river as well as spooking a pair of Buffy Fish Owls that were next to the river that took off up into the cover of a large tree. The trail went past several abandoned bungalows and thankfully in my hast to catch up I missed the turn and when Richard and Di came up behind me they flushed a Malayan Banded Pitta across the trail. A pair was here and called from either side of the trail but the brief looks were enough to confirm the ID and show the bright blue plumage and orange eyebrow.

9 From here we headed up the forest trail and into the main part of the forest. The birding was very good here and we were soon into another Large Wren-Babbler that did its usual hide-and-seek with us but showed briefly a few times. Olive-winged Bulbul and Grey-and-Buff Woodpecker showed better. A Black-bellied Malkoha was a nice new bird that gave us some great views. Maroon and Checker-throated Woodpecker were also ticked along the trail, Spectacled and Hairy-backed Bulbuls showed well and a Blue-naped Monarch put in an appearance and the constant song and white flashes of White-rumped Shama were a regular sight. We arrived back at the jetty quite tired and sweaty from a heavy morning of birding ready for lunch. We spent the afternoon close to the lodge as we d had a long morning but didn t pick up any new species and headed for an early dinner and a good night s sleep. Golden Babbler, Fraser s Hill and Yellow-bellied Bulbul, Taman Negara When morning arrived we headed to the start of one of the hide trails and though the beginning was a bit hilly we found a nice secluded forest track and birded here for a while picking up Grey-cheeked Bulbul, Scarlet-rumped Trogon and Dusky Broadbill before heading back. Along the way we ran into a juvenile Black-and-Red Broadbill and a very vocal Black-capped Babbler. With the crowds picking up we headed back to the lodge and packed up for the drive to a different area of Taman Negara for a couple of nights. Birds were getting active late in the day and we tried for a very vocal Garnet Pitta that we got a brief glimpse of and a loud Great Argus showed little interest in our playback and remained rooted in the forest on the slope above us. Back in the open area near the bungalows we waited for nightfall with hordes of Black-nest Swiftlets circling us till it was seriously dusk and the three note whistle of Malayan Eared Nightjars clued us in that they were here. Soon enough we were watching three or four hawk for insects. A Bat Hawk flew past at one point diving on the remaining swiftlets before taking a swipe at a bat that narrowly escaped its clutches. As it was getting very dark we headed back with the Bat Hawk foraging down the road in front of us at one point. Some eyeshine up ahead indicated a mammal was up ahead and slowing the car we spotted one of three Leopard Cats in the headlights and my torch. Two had a bit of a tiff before dispersing farther into the oil palms. Farther along a Small-toothed Palm Civet crossed right in front of us as the mammal show continued but soon we were at the end of the road and on the way back to hour hotel. The next morning we arrived early after some heavy rain the night before. We tried for Large Frogmouth and got a response but intermittently and never very close. So before the gates opened we took a forest path on the near side of the river picking up Short-tailed Babbler, Lesser Cuckooshrike, Red-throated Barbet and hearing a close Maroon-breasted Philentoma we tried but it showed little interest. Once the gates were open we began to head across when Di noticed a Pin-striped Tit-Babbler mobbing a drongo but on closer inspection the white spots told us it was an Asian Drongo-Cuckoo showing fantastically well right from the bridge. Farther down the trail we could hear quite a few birds but nothing we needed though the chorus of Sooty-capped and Moustached Babblers was nice we continued on. A nice look at a lone Ferruginous Babbler next to the trail was a good start. We could hear a Garnet Pitta singing farther in and finding an open area next to the trail we moved into the understory for a while before finding a good place and shortly after we saw the bright red and blue plumage as the bird circled to our rear then across a small open area showing really well. It foraged behind a log for a bit and would poke its head up from time to time then suddenly something startled it as it shot up onto a nearby snag right in front of Richard for some crippling views. Having had great views of this bird we moved farther along the main track picking up Green Broadbill and a surprising Long-billed Spiderhunter in the mid-canopy. Gold-whiskered, Yellow-crowned and Red-throated Barbets sang from the high reaches of the canopy while scanning through the forest we found a lovely Crimson-winged Woodpecker foraging up a huge truck as well as a pair of Banded Woodpeckers just above the road. A small party above us had both Red-throated and Crimson Sunbird and we got a quick glimpse of a Yellow-eared Spiderhunter

10 on two occasions as it foraged among the flowers at the top of the tree. Chestnut-winged Babbler sang constantly from the forest edge and we found them on several occasions. We decided to take one of the forest trails farther along that took us deep into the forest. We were in some fantastic habitat and there were quite a few birds about but nothing we were really targeting until we heard the distant chuckle of a Malayan Peacock-Pheasant. Along the trail there was thick cover on both sides and a drop down to an open area where we could hear two birds calling. The two birds remained rooted where they were despite our best efforts so we moved on. In the afternoon we came back and again walked the paved section with the constant blast of Great Argus from time to time and an overhead Changeable Hawk-Eagle for company. We continued to walk along till we heard Malayan Peacock-Pheasant, again, right next to the road. There was one on each side so we figured it might be the same pair and tried for them here for a while and though they would come close to the road they would never cross, so we found an area of the forest that was fairly open and tried here for a bit. Frustratingly we only managed to lure the one from the far side of the track over to our side. When we heard a Malayan Banded Pitta we decided to try for that instead but it too gave us short shrift. As it was getting late we decided to come back and try tomorrow. We arrived early again and followed the track down a little ways till we were out of the lights and tried again for Large Frogmouth. There was close response and we waited for a while, seeing the bird cross the trail in front of us. Quietly we scurried down the trail a bit to where we d seen the bird go in and in short order found the bird perched under the canopy. Absolute cracking views were had and we watched as the bird sang. Its size was reminiscent of a South American Potoo as it sat close to the main trunk. We headed back to where we d heard the Malayan Peacock-Pheasants the day before and walked the trail for a while eventually catching up with them near a forest watering hole. The tracks of many mammals were all over the soft mud and we found a good hiding spot and waited. Both birds called close by but never came close. Frustrated with this attempt we continued on to where we could hear one calling close by the trail. We tried here but it just melted away into the forest calling from farther along. We continued farther along to a small river gulley and crossed here. We could hear one quite close so tried here for a while hiding behind several tall trunks. Above us we could hear a Wrinkled Hornbill calling but all eyes were on the trail in front of us. The peacock-pheasant sang very close to the trail and judging by the volume it was just in front of Richard. For several minutes we all waited motionless but the bird never budged. It just sang repeatedly. We then moved forward to where it was singing behind a berm. Richard peered over the top and there it sat looking up at him. It quickly turned and moved off back into the forest but not before our last endemic was under the belt. It did not go far and continued singing from in the forest. I decide to try going round and herd it towards Richard and Di but as it got close to the trail it spotted them and hung a left crossing out of sight. Having secured our last target we left the forest and headed back to the entrance as we had to make our way back to Kuala Lumpur. Peninsula Malaysia provided us with some memorable birding with some stunning birds and great looks at many difficult and endemic birds. We had little rain to speak of that kept us from birding and most days were very good. Though many birds we post breeding we managed to attract many of the specialties and regional targets. For information regarding our tours to Malaysia please click here. Alternatively please contact us via or phone regarding organising a custom tour to Malaysia. Bird of the Tour 1. Rail Babbler 2. Mountain Peacock-Pheasant 3. Malaysian Partridge 4. Gould s Frogmouth 5. Barred Eagle-Owl Systematic List PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae Black-crowned Night Heron Striated Heron Eastern Cattle Egret Purple Heron Grey Heron Little Egret Nycticorax nycticorax Butorides striata Bubulcus coromandus Ardea purpurea Ardea cinerea Egretta garzetta

11 CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae Painted Stork ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae Bat Hawk Black-shouldered Kite Brahminy Kite Grey-headed Fish Eagle Crested Serpent Eagle Blyth's Hawk Eagle Changeable Hawk Eagle Macheiramphus alcinus alcinus Elanus caeruleus hypoleucos Haliastur indus Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus Spilornis cheela Nisaetus alboniger Nisaetus limnaeetus GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae Malaysian Partridge Arborophila campbelli Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Malayan [Crested] Fireback Lophura [ignita] rufa Mountain Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron inopinatum Malayan Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron malacense Great Argus Argusianus argus heard only GRUIFORMES: Rallidae White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae Spotted Dove Little Cuckoo Dove Barred Cuckoo Dove Asian Emerald Dove Peaceful Dove Little Green Pigeon Pink-necked Green Pigeon Thick-billed Green Pigeon Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon Large Green Pigeon Green Imperial Pigeon Mountain Imperial Pigeon Stigmatopelia chinensis Macropygia ruficeps malayana Macropygia unchall Chalcophaps indica indica Geopelia striata Treron olax Treron vernans Treron curvirostra Treron fulvicollis Treron capellei Ducula aenea Ducula badia PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Blue-rumped Parrot Long-tailed Parakeet Loriculus galgulus Psittinus cyanurus Psittacula longicauda FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus Little Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus peninsularis Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus heard only Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis Asian Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris brachyurus Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus

12 Raffles's Malkoha Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Chestnut-bellied Malkoha Black-bellied Malkoha Greater Coucal Lesser Coucal Rhinortha chlorophaea Phaenicophaeus curvirostris Phaenicophaeus sumatranus Phaenicophaeus diardi Centropus sinensis Centropus bengalensis STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius badius heard only heard only STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus vulpes heard only Barred Eagle Owl Bubo sumatranus Buffy Fish Owl Bubo ketupu Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica maingayi heard only Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei brodiei heard only CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Podargidae Large Frogmouth Gould's Frogmouth Blyth's Frogmouth Batrachostomus auritus Batrachostomus stellatus Batrachostomus affinis affinis CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae Malaysian Eared Nightjar Large-tailed Nightjar Eurostopodus temminckii Caprimulgus macrurus APODIFORMES: Apodidae Glossy Swiftlet Edible-nest Swiftlet Silver-rumped Spinetail Brown-backed Needletail House Swift Collocalia esculenta cyanoptila Aerodramus fuciphagus germani Rhaphidura leucopygialis Hirundapus giganteus Apus [affinis] nipalensis APODIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae Grey-rumped Treeswift Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis Hemiprocne comata TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae Red-naped Trogon Scarlet-rumped Trogon Orange-breasted Trogon Red-headed Trogon Harpactes kasumba kasumba Harpactes duvaucelii Harpactes oreskios uniformis Harpactes erythrocephalus chaseni CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae Rufous-collared Kingfisher Banded Kingfisher Stork-billed Kingfisher White-throated Kingfisher Collared Kingfisher Rufous-backed Kingfisher Blue-banded Kingfisher Actenoides concretus peristephes Lacedo pulchella pulchella Pelargopsis capensis malaccensis Halcyon smyrnensis perpulchra Todiramphus chloris humii Ceyx rufidorsa rufidorsa Alcedo euryzona peninsulae CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae Red-bearded Bee-eater Blue-throated Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus Merops viridis viridis CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

13 BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris convexus Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros rhinoceros heard only Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus heard only Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus PICIFORMES: Megalaimidae Fire-tufted Barbet Gold-whiskered Barbet Red-throated Barbet Black-browed Barbet Yellow-crowned Barbet Blue-eared Barbet Coppersmith Barbet Brown Barbet Red-crowned Barbet Psilopogon pyrolophus Psilopogon chrysopogon laeta Psilopogon mystacophanos mystacophanos Psilopogon oorti Psilopogon henricii Psilopogon duvaucelii duvaucelii Psilopogon haemacephala Caloramphus fuliginosus hayii PICIFORMES: Picidae Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis Sunda Woodpecker Dendrocopos moluccensis Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus squamigularis White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis javensis heard only Banded Woodpecker Picus miniaceus malaccensis Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus observandus Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus chlorolophus Checker-throated Woodpecker Picus mentalis humii Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha wrayi Laced Woodpecker Picus vittatus Common Flameback Dinopium javanense intermedium Bamboo Woodpecker Gecinulus viridis viridis Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus Orange-backed Woodpecker Reinwardtipicus validus xanthopygius Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis grammithorax Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki tukki Grey-and-buff Woodpecker Hemicircus concretus sordidus Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus heard only PASSERIFORMES: Eurylaimidae Green Broadbill Black-and-red Broadbill Banded Broadbill Black-and-yellow Broadbill Dusky Broadbill Calyptomena viridis Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos Eurylaimus javanicus Eurylaimus ochromalus Corydon sumatranus PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae Rusty-naped Pitta Hydrornis oatesi heard only Malayan Banded Pitta Hydrornis irena Garnet Pitta Erythropitta granatina PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica PASSERIFORMES: Tephrodornithidae Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Large Woodshrike Rufous-winged Philentoma Maroon-breasted Philentoma Hemipus picatus Hemipus hirundinaceus Tephrodornis virgatus Philentoma pyrhoptera Philentoma velata PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae

14 Malaysian Cuckooshrike Lesser Cicadabird Pied Triller Fiery Minivet Grey-chinned Minivet Coracina [javensis] larutensis Lalage fimbriata neglecta Lalage nigra nigra Pericrocotus igneus igneus Pericrocotus solaris montanus PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps atriceps Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus Scaly-breasted Bulbul Pycnonotus squamatus weberi Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnonotus eutilotus Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier personatus Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus plumosus Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex simplex Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus brunneus Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmos Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceus sordidus Grey-cheeked Bulbul Alophoixus bres tephrogenys Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaeocephalus Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivacea Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis heard only Cinereous Bulbul Hemixos cinereus PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae Lesser Green Leafbird Blue-winged Leafbird Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon Chloropsis cochinchinensis Chloropsis hardwickii PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae Common Iora Aegithina tiphia horizoptera PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae Malayan Whistling Thrush Blue Whistling Thrush Slaty-backed Forktail White-crowned Forktail Lesser Shortwing Myophonus robinsoni Myophonus caeruleus Enicurus schistaceus Enicurus leschenaulti Brachypteryx leucophrys PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae Rufescent Prinia Yellow-bellied Prinia Common Tailorbird Dark-necked Tailorbird Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Ashy Tailorbird Prinia rufescens extrema Prinia flaviventris rafflesi Orthotomus sutorius maculicollis Orthotomus atrogularis atrogularis Orthotomus sericeus hesperius Orthotomus ruficeps cineraceus PASSERIFORMES: Cettidae Yellow-bellied Warbler Mountain Tailorbird Abroscopus superciliaris sakaiorum Phyllergates cucullatus malayanus PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae Mountain Leaf Warbler Chestnut-crowned Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus parvirostris Seicercus castaniceps PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae Oriental Magpie Robin White-rumped Shama Copsychus saularis musicus Copsychus malabaricus

15 Rufous-tailed Shama Trichixos pyrropygus heard only Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus Pale Blue Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor Hill Blue Flycatcher Cyornis banyumas coerulifrons Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae Malaysian Blue Flycatcher Cyornis turcosus Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra Rufous-browed Flycatcher Anthipes solitaris Large Niltava Niltava grandis PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae White-throated Fantail Pied Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Rhipidura javanica PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae Black-naped Monarch Asian Paradise Flycatcher Hypothymis azurea Terpsiphone paradise PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae Buff-breasted Babbler Pellorneum tickelli Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratum Ferruginous Babbler Trichastoma bicolor Abbott's Babbler Malacocincla abbotti Short-tailed Babbler Malacocincla malaccensis Moustached Babbler Malacopteron magnirostre Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus montanus occidentalis Large Wren Babbler Napothera macrodactyla Streaked Wren Babbler Napothera brevicaudata leucosticta Pygmy Cupwing Pnoepyga pusilla Golden Babbler Stachyridopsis chrysaea Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculate Black-throated Babbler Stachyris nigricollis Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris erythroptera Pin-striped Tit Babbler Mixornis gularis Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronus ptilosus Black Laughingthrush Garrulax lugubris Spectacled Laughingthrush Rhinocichla mitrata Malayan Laughingthrush Trohalopteron peninsulae Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris Blue-winged Siva Siva cyanouroptera Brown Fulvetta Alcippe brunneicauda brunneicauda heard only Mountain Fulvetta Alcippe peracensis peracensis Long-tailed Sibia Heterophasia picaoides PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Blue Nuthatch Sitta frontalis Sitta azurea PASSERIFORMES: Acanthizidae Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Brown-throated Sunbird Red-throated Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis Anthreptes malacensis Anthreptes rhodolaemus