Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Rainforest Birds & Mammals

Transcription

1 Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Rainforest Birds & Mammals 9 th to 27 th March 2011 Tour Leaders: Erik Forsyth & Dennis Yong Trip Report compiled by Erik Forsyth Crested Fireback in Danum Valley by David Shackelford

2 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Tour Summary On our first morning in peninsular Malaysia, we headed off towards the coastal town of Kuala Selangor. Along our route we saw several interesting species, including a magnificent Crested Goshawk sunning itself in the morning sun atop a bare tree, White-throated Kingfisher, thousands of Edible-nest (Germaine s) Swiflets and the first of many Brahminy Kites. Reaching our hotel in Kuala Selangor, we soon departed for the Kuala Selengor Reserve. Here we found our first primates of the trip, Silvered Leaf Monkey and Long-tailed Macaque. The reserve protects an area of regenerating mangroves and associated brackish habitats, and we saw a few species largely confined to this type of habitat in Malaysia. These included Mangrove Blue Flycatcher, Grey Tit, Laced Woodpecker, Common Flameback, a male Brown-throated Sunbird and Pied Fantail, but we unfortunately only heard the elusive Mangrove Whistler. Overlooking the wetland area in the late afternoon we spotted a vagrant Little Black Cormorant, as well as White-breasted Waterhen and many fly-over Pinknecked Pigeons. Before breakfast the next morning and while it was still dark, we searched the hotel grounds for Largetailed Nightjar, which had been heard in the area the previous evening. After only a short walk we managed good views of this widespread species in the hotel grounds plus a pair of Asian Koels. Leaving after breakfast, a roadside stop produced a group of Long-tailed Parakeets, Indian Pond Heron and Yellow Bittern flushed nearby. From here we headed to Ulu Yam, an old tin mining area, where we soon found Barred Buttonquail very easily, though only in flight, while Pacific Golden Plover fed amongst the neat rows of vegetables. Around one of the flooded mining pools we also found Little Bronze Cuckoo and Yellow-vented Flowerpecker. Further down the road, while walking through some grassland, we flushed two Savanna Nightjars, a Lesser Coucal and some Chestnut Munias. After lunch we headed up to Fraser s Hill, our base for the next three nights. Birding along the roadside on our first afternoon produced one good bird after another in quick succession, including Long-tailed Sibia, Black-throated Sunbird, Blue-winged Minla, Silver-eared Mesia, Blue Nuthatch, Chestnutcapped Laughingthrush, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Fire-tufted and Black-browed Barbets, Large Niltava, Mountain Tailorbird and Arctic Warbler. During the next two days we birded various roads and trails on the hill itself, as well as along the road near The Gap. While birding was slow at times, we still managed to see plenty more memorable species. These included a stunning Red-bearded Bee-eater, Orange-breasted Trogon, Green Magpie, Black and Malayan Laughingthrushes, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Pygmy and Striped Wren-Babblers, Everett s White-eye, Rufousbrowed Flycatcher and, on one evening, Malaysian Eared Nightjar. A Grey Nightjar perched atop a pole just outside the hotel was seen by some, but the calling Mountain Scops Owl proved impossible to locate.

3 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report From Fraser s Hill we travelled by road to Taman Negara. Several exciting birds were seen en route as we ascended into lower altitudes. These included three Blyth s Hawk-Eagle s that gave us fantastic views as they flew around calling at eye-level, dainty Whiskered Treeswifts, smart Black-and-Yellow Broadbills and Brown Barbet. Arriving at Taman Negara, we checked into our chalets in the national park and birded around the grounds. A couple of Ficus benjamina trees planted between the cabins were in fruit and attracting plenty of birds. Several species of bulbul, including the beautiful Scaly-breasted and Grey-bellied, were frequenting the trees, along with both Thick-billed and Little Green Pigeons, all of which gave us marvelous views. Several Blue-rumped Parrots and the occasional Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot also flew over. Later, from a nearby hide, we were treated to our first views of the brilliant Black-and-Red Broadbill, a male Orange-backed Woodpecker and a wintering Tiger Shrike. We started our first full day in Taman Negara with a pre-dawn walk before breakfast. While no night birds were calling, we did manage incredible looks at a roosting Blue-winged Pitta. After breakfast, along the Tahan Trail, we then had great views of a number of species including a fabulous male Great Argus that Elzine found on the trail just ahead of us. We enjoyed walk-away views of this confiding individual a definite tour highlight! Other great birds seen over the next two days included stunning Garnet and Blue-winged Pittas, Black-throated Babbler, Malaysian Rail Babbler (seen crossing the trail three times!), several Black-thighed Falconets and scope looks at Great Slaty Woodpeckers. A short walk into the forest one afternoon produced a group of five Crested Firebacks that fed only a few meters away...brilliant! On our last afternoon we took a boat trip up the scenic but now heavily disturbed Tahan River where we encountered a number of good species, including the endangered Straw-headed Bulbul, Stork-billed Kingfisher and Lesser Fish Eagle. From Taman Negara we travelled back to Kuala Lumpur for our onward flight to Kota Kinabalu. From Kota Kinabalu we caught a short flight to Lahad Datu, and then transferred by 4x4 vehicles along about 75km of logging roads to the world famous lowland rainforests at Danum Valley. Due to a low pressure system hanging over Borneo, heavy rains had badly damaged the road to Danum and after several delays and ongoing road repairs we finally arrived at our lodge. This was not to stop a group of enthusiastic birders, however, and en route we picked up the endemic White-fronted Falconet, Black-winged Shrike-Babbler and the impressive Rhinoceros Hornbill, while a huge male Orangutan and Red Leaf Monkeys gave great views. Over the next two days we explored various trails near the rainforest lodge as well as the canopy walkway and entrance road. Although the rain persisted and washed out our afternoons, we nonetheless worked hard and found plenty of new birds, including the much sought-after Bornean and Black-throated Wren-Babblers, Wallace s Hawk-Eagle, Wrinkled Hornbill, Chestnut-necklaced Partridge, Dusky

4 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Broadbill, Rufous-winged and Maroon-breasted Philentoma s, stunning scope looks at several Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers, as well as four species of trogon and six species of spiderhunter! Mammals also provided us with some great memories. On our last morning we were privileged to have the most incredible views of a huge male Orangutan that was feeding in a giant emergent tree in the open near the trail, giving us the most amazing views. And then, during our evening night drive, we had spectacular close views of a Leopard Cat! From here we drove to the Kinabatangan River and after a short boat ride checked into our lodge. Our early morning boat rides up the river were spectacular with three more Orangutans and a family of Proboscis Monkeys feeding right next to the river, allowing very close views. Birding highlights included Lesser and Grey-headed Fish Eagles as well as our main quarry, and one of the region s most threatened species, a Storm s Stork perched close to the river. Not long afterwards we saw two more circling nearby, along with Lesser Adjutant Storks and several Oriental Darters. A night boat trip was another highlight and we found three Buffy Fish Owls, Yellow Bittern, and both Common and Blue-eared Kingfishers. Leaving Sakau we then drove to the Gomantong Caves, en route seeing a smart Bat Hawk roosting in a tree alongside the main road! At the caves, Dennis gave us a detailed tour and talked about the harvesting of nests for bird s nest soup. An hour s birding in the nearby forest produced several excellent sightings including a very close Blyth s Hawk-Eagle, a scoped smart Ruddy Kingfisher and a pair of Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers flying up and down the road. A short flight then brought us to Kota Kinabalu, from where we drove up to our hotel near the slopes of Southeast Asia s tallest peak, Mount Kinabalu. The low pressure system was still around and brought a constant rain/drizzle pattern to our time here. During the next three days we explored the trails and birded the roads of the park; where, despite the weather, we managed to see a host of great birds. These included Short-tailed Green Magpie, Chestnut-hooded and Sunda Laughingthrushes, Bornean Treepie, Bornean Forktail, Bornean Whistler, Black-capped White-eye, Mountain and Golden-naped Barbets, Black-sided Flowerpecker, Eye-browed Jungle Flycatcher, Indigo Flycatcher and a superbly plumaged wintering male Blue-and-White Flycatcher, Bornean Whistling Thrush and further views of Bornean Forktail. On our last morning, several members of the group ascended the Summit Trail and enjoyed great looks at the Kinabalu Friendly Warbler. Meanwhile, the group that opted not to climb the mountain saw Red-breasted Partridge, Mountain Barbet, and Snowy-browed, Mugimaki and Dark-sided Flycatchers. Later in the day we had good views of Short-tailed Magpie and very close looks at Bornean Forktail and the tiny Bornean Stubtail. It was with some reluctance that we finally left Mount Kinabalu and its special birds and headed back to Kota Kinabalu, where a brief visit to the coast netted us

5 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report a few additional species, including Blue-naped Parrot, Crested Myna, Olive-backed Sunbird and Pied Triller. Later in the morning we flew back to KL and onto our final destination home! It had been a wonderful trip with many memorable birds, great food and a really nice group of people. Special thanks are due to Dennis Yong for his excellent handling of our tour logistics, expertise and superb knowledge of the wildlife we encountered. Photos credits: Silver-eared Leiothrix by Markus Lilje, Mangrove Blue Flycatcher by Choi Wai Mun, Little Green Pigeon, Leopard Cat, Buffy Fish Owl & Bornean Whistling Thrush by Markus Lilje. Total species recorded: 365 Annotated List of Bird Species recorded Key to Abbreviations: ME: Malaysia peninsula endemic BE: Bornean endemic Checklist follows taxonomy treated as a full species in (IOC): Birds of the World. A Checklist. Pheasants, Fowls and Allies Phasianidae Red-breasted Partridge (BE) Arborophila hyperythra Excellent close looks at five birds were seen feeding on the track at the summit trail on Mt Kinabalu. Chestnut-necklaced Partridge Arborophila charltonii We had very good looks at five birds in a clearing at Danum Valley. Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus We enjoyed excellent looks of both sexes near Kuala Lumpur and in Taman Negara. Crested Partridge Rollulus rouloul Heard calling and frustratingly close to the trail but not seen at Taman Negara. Crested Fireback Lophura ignita We had outstanding views of a both males and females at Taman Negara and also at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The two subspecies involved are very different and the Bornean birds are likely to be recognized as an endemic species in the future. Malayan Peacock-Pheasant (ME) Polyplectron malacense We had one very close at Taman Negara but it never showed itself. Great Argus Argusianus argus Incredibly, a male appeared on the trail just ahead of us at Taman Negara and we enjoyed long and unbeatable views one of the most spectacular and most sought after of all Asia s birds! Also heard daily at the Danum Valley in Borneo. Lesser Whistling Duck A singleton was seen at Hulu Yam. Ducks, Geese and Swans Anatidae Dendrocygna javanica Storm s Stork Storks Ciconidae Ciconia stormi

6 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report We had good views of a perched bird and at least ten others in flight along the Kinabatangan River. Lesser Adjudant Leptoptilos javanicus We saw a singleton of this increasingly rare species along the Kinabatangan River. Cormorants and Shags Phalacroporacidae Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger A singleton was found at Kuala Selengor. A vagrant to Malaysia. Bitterns and Herons Ardeidae Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Great views were obtained by some of a roosting bird along the Kinabatangan River. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Many were seen at Kuala Selangor. Little [Striated] Heron Butorides striata Observed at Kuala Selengor and at Sakau. NOTE: A polytypic and cosmopolitan superspecies with over 30 recognized forms. Clements recognizes two full species, the North American Green Heron B. virescens and the widespread nominate form which we recorded in Malaysia. This split is not recognized by the now out-dated early volume of Handbook of Birds of the World (del Hoyo et al) who lump both these forms under the nominate. Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus Three were encountered near Kuala Selangor and a singleton on our trip to Frasers Hill. [Eastern] Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus ibis A cosmopolitan species encountered at many sites, recently split by some authors into two species. Gray Heron Ardea cinerea Several were seen on the first two days of the tour with scattered sightings thereafter. Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana A single bird was seen very well at Danum Valley. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Observed on four dates with up to 5+ a day. [Eastern] Great Egret Ardea modesta (alba) Small numbers encountered at most wetland sites. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia One seen on our first day and singleton s seen at three other sites. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Small numbers were encountered at several sites during the tour. Pacific Reef Egret Egretta sacra Two seen in Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu. Anhingas Anhingidae Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Seen daily along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. NOTE: The resident African form A. rufa is sometimes lumped with the Asian A. melanogaster and the enlarged species called Darter. Clements uses the latter treatment of lumping these forms. Kites, Hawks & Eagles Accipitridae Jerdon s Baza Aviceda jerdoni We had great views of singletons at the Danum Valley and en route from Taman Negara to Kuala

7 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Lumpur. Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus Up to five birds were seen along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus We had superb views of one perched near Gomantong Caves. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Six were seen by the roadside grasslands en route to Frasers Hill. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Observed on six dates. White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Recorded along the river at Taman Negara and along the Kitabatangan River at Sakau. Lesser Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis We had good views of one in Taman Negara and another at Sakau. Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus A singleton was found along the Kitabatangan River at Sakau. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela This was the commonest raptor during the trip (11 dates) and we enjoyed some great views of this impressive raptor. Mountain Serpent Eagle Spilornis kinabaluensis Heard only at Mt Kinabalu. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus This widespread raptor was seen on three dates. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis One seen very well below Fraser s Hill and another on the road out of Taman Negara Crested Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus kienerii We found this species in open areas near Taman Negara NP and at Sakau. Blyth s Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus alboniger We were treated to a fabulous sighting of three birds alongside the road below Fraser s Hill. A further sighting of a close bird sitting in a palm tree at the Gomantong Caves was a suprise find as this is predominantly a mountain species. Wallace s Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus nanus An immature bird was seen calling and perching in trees near the lodge at Danum Valley. Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius A pair was seen opposite the hide in a dead tree at Taman Negara. White-fronted Falconet (BE) Microhierax latifrons Spectacular views of one on snags at Danum Valley on two days. Buttonquails Turnicidae Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator Two birds were flushed from the roadside at Ulu Yam on our second day. Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus A fairly common species at most wetlands, we had great views on a number of occasions.

8 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio A singleton was found at Lukas Bay, Kota Kinabalu. Plovers Charadriidae Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva A singleton at Ulu Yam and ten at Lukas Bay, Kota Kinabalu Snipes and Sandpipers Scolopacidae Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura A single bird was identified at Ulu Yam. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 15 seen at Lucas Bay, Kota Kinabalu. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Small numbers were seen at the Kinabatangan River at Sakau and at Lukas Bay. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Three were scoped at Lukas Bay, Kota Kinabalu Long-Toed Stint Calidris subminuta Eight were found at Lukas Bay, Kota Kinabalu. Gulls, Terns and Skimmers Laridae Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida A singleton was found on a quiet backwater on the Kinabatangan River. Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Common Pigeon Columba livia Recorded in cities throughout the tour. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Small numbers seen on at least eight dates. Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps A few at Fraser s Hill and many found in fruiting trees at the summit trail on Mount Kinabalu. Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Heard daily at Taman Negara and a singleton seen only by Denis. Zebra Dove Geopelia striata Up to 20 near Kuala Selangor and a few at other sites. Little Green Pigeon Treron olax Two at Taman Negara, and further views of three at Bilit Rainforest lodge along the Kinabatangan River. Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans Common at Kuala Selengor and along the Kinabatangan River. Thick-billed Pigeon Treron curvirostra Many at Taman Negara, where we had fantastic views. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea A couple at Mt Kinabalu and ten along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia Seen daily at Fraser s Hill and heard in Kinabalu Park

9 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Parrots and Cockatoos Psittacidae Blue-rumped Parrot Psittinus cyanurus Several were seen in flight at Taman Negara. Long-tailed Parakeet Psittacula longicauda Eighteen were seen en route to Frasers Hill. Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus galgulus Flight views of several at Taman Negara and couple of perched and many flyovers on the Kitabatangan River at Sakau. Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis Six were seen at Likas Bay on the last day. Probably introduced from the Philippines, but this is not certain. Cuckoos Cuculidae Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Good views along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. Raffles Malkoha Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus A common lowland forest bird encountered on six dates. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris Seen daily at Taman Negara with up to three a day. Red-billed Malakoha Zanclostomus javanicus A singleton was seen well at Taman Negara Black-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi Seen at Taman Negara Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis Singletons were seen well at Fraser s Hill, Taman Negara and at the Danum Valley. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Seen well at our hotel at Kuala Selengor. Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus Brief looks at a male at Danum Valley followed by good flight and perched views along the Kitabatangan River. Little Bronze Cuckoo Chyrsococcycx minutillus A single bird was seen very well near Ulu Yam. Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Heard on several dates but only seen very well as it hawked for insects at our lodge in the Danum Valley. Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis A single bird was seen in the Danum Valley. Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris The mournful notes of this cuckoo were a dominant sound of lowland rainforests and we sighted this species Taman Negara and at Sakau. Large Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides Heard on the lower slopes of Fraser s Hill. Heard on three dates but never seen. Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Heard calling at Taman Negara. Sunda Cuckoo Cuculus lepidus Heard regularly at Fraser s Hill and in Kinabalu Park where a singleton was seen.

10 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Barn Owls Tytonidae Eastern Barn Owl Phodilus badius Audrey saw a bird flying at night while we were travelling en route from Kota Kinabalu to Mt Kinabalu. Owls Strigidae Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus Heard calling very close at Fraser s Hill but not seen. Collared Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena Heard nightly at Taman Negara. Buffy Fish Owl Ketupa ketupu We were treated to superb views of two four individuals along the Kinabatangan River. Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica Heard and then only seen by Erik in the Danum Valley. Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei We had incredible scope views of an individual located by its diurnal call at Fraser s Hill. Nightjars Caprimulgae Malaysian Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus temminckii We had good reasonable looks at dusk of two individuals of this distinctive species in flight one evening at Fraser s Hill. Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus Single birds observed on two days at Fraser s Hill. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Observed at close range near our hotel in Kuala Selangor. Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis Two birds were flushed from a grassland at Ulu Yam. Treeswifts Hemiprocnidae Gray-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis Seen well from the canopy tower in the Danum Valley. Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis We had good looks at Taman Negara and daily at Danum Valley. Swifts Apodidae Glossy Swiftlet Aerodramus esculenta This species was encountered in good numbers at most sites. Bornean [Cave] Swiftlet (BE) Aerodramus linchi This recently recognized Bornean endemic was seen in the upper parts of Kinabalu Park. Mossy-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus salangana A singleton was found on its distinctive nest in the Gomantong Caves. Black-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus maximus Several birds were seen at their nests in the Gomantong Caves. Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus First seen in large numbers near Kuala Selengor and then seen on its distinctive nest at the Gomantong

11 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Caves. Silver-rumped Needletail Rhaphidura leucopygialis Seen almost daily at the Danum Valley. Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus Excellent looks at low-flying bird were enjoyed at Taman Negara. Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis Ten birds were seen en route to Kuala Selengor on our first day. Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus This migrant was seen well at Fraser s Hill. House Swift Apus nipalensis Small numbers were seen during the first few days of the trip. Trogons Trogonidae Red-naped Trogon Harpactes kasumba We had good looks at three birds at Taman Negara. Diard s Trogon Harpactes diardii We found a single bird at Taman Negara and another male at Danum Valley. Cinnamon-rumped Trogon Harpactes orrhophaeus A male was seen well at Taman Negara. Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii Great views in Taman Negara and another was later seen at Danum Valley. Orange-breasted Trogon Harpactes oreskios We had wonderful views of a male at Fraser s Hill. Rollers Coraciidae Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis A widespread species that we encountered regularly throughout the tour. Kingfishers Alcedinidae Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella We had fabulous scope looks at a female at Taman Negara. We had a further sighting of a male bird at Danum Valley. Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis This magnificent bird was seen on five dates with up to four a day on the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis This urban kingfisher was seen many times in Peninsula Malaysia. Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata One seen at Taman Negara and another at Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu. Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris This widespread species was encountered on four dates. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithaca Fantastic views were had at Taman Negara, Danum Valley and at Sakau. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis A couple seen well on the Kitabatangan River at Sakau. Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting Singletons were seen daily along the Kinabatangan Rivers, Sakau.

12 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Bee-eaters Meropidae Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus We had excellent views at Frasers Hill, and some had a brief view in Taman Negara. Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus We found this good looking species near Kuala Lumpur and near Ulu Yam. Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis This widespread lowland species seen on nine dates. Hornbills Bucerotidae Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus First recorded near Taman Negara with others seen at Danum Valley and at Sakau. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris Found along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus A smart hornbill with significant sexual dimorphism, we had a great sighting on seven dates. Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros A singleton was seen at Taman Negara, where large hornbills now seem to be increasingly rare, we went on to see several very well in Borneo, at Danum Valley and along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. Helmeted Hornbill Buceros vigil Frustratingly heard only at Taman Negara. Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus Ten of these impressive but now rare lowland birds were seen along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus Eight were seen at Taman Negara and a singleton at Mount Kinabalu. Barbets and Toucans Capitonidae Fire-tufted Barbet Psilopogon pyrolophus These unusual barbets, confined to Sumatra and the Malay Peninsular, were seen daily at Fraser s Hill. Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata Heard only in the mangrove area at Kuala Selangor. Gold-whiskered Barbet Megalaima chrysopogon Only seen at Taman Negara. Red-throated Barbet Megalaima mystacophanos Heard at Taman Negara. Black-browed Barbet Megalaima oorti Very common in the highlands of Peninsular Malaysia where seen regularly at Fraser s Hill. Golden-naped Barbet (BE) Megalaima pulcherrima We enjoyed great views on Mt. Kinabalu, a beautiful species. Mountain Barbet (BE) Megalaima monticola Half the group saw this mid montane species at the summit trail in Kinabalu Park. Yellow-crowned Barbet Megalaima henricii Heard at Danum Valley. Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis First seen at Frasers Hill and heard almost daily thereafter.

13 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala We enjoyed fantastic views at Kuala Selangor. Brown Barbet Calorhamphus fuliginosus First seen below Fraser s Hill, then at Taman Negara, thereafter seen along the Kinabatangan River and at Danum Valley. Woodpeckers Picidae Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis Excellent close looks at singleton s daily at the Danum Valley. Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus Two seen at Danum Valley. White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis This huge woodpecker was seen at the Gomantong Caves. Banded Woodpecker Picus miniaceus One seen well in the campground at Taman Negara. Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus Individuals seen along the Kinabatangan River and at Mt Kinabalu. Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus Heard a few times at Frasers Hill where we eventually got reasonable views of one. Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha We enjoyed good views at Fraser s Hill and at Mt Kinabalu. Checker-throated Woodpecker Picus mentalis Good views of a pair at Taman Negara Laced Woodpecker Picus vittatus A singleton seen at Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Olive-backed Woodpecker Dinopium rafflesii Heard only at the Gomantong Caves. Common Goldenback (Flameback) Dinopium javanense Brief views for some of the group at Kuala Selangor. Greater Goldenback (Flameback) Chrysocolaptes lucidus One seen well in the mangroves on our first day. (Note that Philippine forms and others of this widespread species are about to be split) Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus Good views at one in Taman Negara. Orange-backed Woodpecker Reinwardtipicus validus Fantastic views in Taman Negara. Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis Seen at Taman Negara and at the Danum Valley. Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki Pairs seen on two days in Taman Negara and at Danum Valley. Grey-and-buff Woodpecker Hemicircus concretus One seen briefly from the tower at Taman Negara. Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus Fantastic scope views from the hide at Taman Negara. Green Broadbill Broadbills Eurylaimidae Calyptomena viridis

14 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report We had an excellent sighting in Taman Negara where a group was feeding in a fruiting tree. Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos Excellent looks in lowland forest below Frasers Hill and at our lodge along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus Great looks at three birds at Taman Nagara and at Danum Valley. Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus We enjoyed incredible close views on our way up to Fraser s Hill, Taman Negara and at our lodge along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. Another spectacular denizen of Malaysian forests. Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus Scope views of ten at the Danum valley and eight along the Kinabatangan River at Sakau. Pittas Pittidae Black-crowned Pitta (NE) Pitta ussheri Heard only in the Danum Valley. Garnet Pitta Pitta granatina Fantastic close looks at Taman Negara. Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida Heard only at the Gomantong Caves Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis Found on one of our pre-dawn walks, roosting on a vine at Taman Negara. Golden-bellied Gerygone [Flyeater] Heard only at Kuala Selangor. Australasian Warblers Acanthizidae Gerygone sulphurea Whipbirds and Jewel Babblers Eupetidae Malaysian Rail-babbler Eupetes macrocerus Seen very well by all the group as it criss-crossed the trail at Taman Negara. Family Uncertain Incertae sedis Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus A group of eight was seen very well at Frasers Hill and a single bird at Danum Valley. Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhopterum Good looks at this smart bird in the Danum Valley Maroon-breasted Philentoma Philentoma velatum We had brilliant views of this beautiful species at Danum Valley. Woodswallows Artamidae White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus Seen in small numbers sporadically through the tour. Ioras Aegithinidae Common Iora Aegithina tiphia We had good views on our first day near Kuala Selangor.

15 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Green Iora Aegithina viridissima Small numbers were seen at Taman Negara and in the canopy at Danum Valley. Great Iora Aegithina lafresnayei A single bird was seen at Taman Negara. Cuckooshrikes Campephagidae Javan Cuckooshrike Coracina javensis Seen daily at Fraser s Hill. Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina striata We enjoyed great views on a couple of occasions in Taman Negara. Lesser Cuckooshrike Coracina fimbriata Seen daily at the Danum Valley. Pied Triller Lalage nigra Two seen in Kota Kinabalu town. Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus Seen at Kuala Selengor and at Taman Negara. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus igneus Small numbers seen daily in the Danum Valley. Gray-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris We enjoyed great views on a number of occasions at Fraser s Hill and again in the Kinabalu Park. Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus A few seen at Fraser s Hill. Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus Seen well at Danum Valley and at Sakau. Whistlers Pachycephalidae Mangrove Whistler Pachycephala cinerea (grisola) Heard by the group in the mangroves at Kuala Selangor but only seen very briefly by Dennis. Bornean Whistler (BE) Pachycephala hypoxantha We enjoyed close sightings of several per day on Mt Kinabalu. Shrikes Laniidae Tiger Shrike Lanius tigrinus Singleton s seen below Fraser s Hill and at Taman Negara. A migrant that winters in forest edge. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus We had good views of small numbers in the Kuala Selangor area. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Three were observed at Ulu Yam. Orioles and Figbirds Oriolidae Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus We had great views of this species at Taman Negara and in Danum Valley. Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis Good numbers were seen at Kuala Selengor and a singleton at Taman Nagara. Black-and-Crimson Oriole Oriolus cruentus A few seen well at Fraser s Hill and one in Kinabalu Park.

16 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Drongos Dicruridae Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus We found the pale endemic Bornean race, stigmatops in Kinabalu Park. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Seen at Frasers Hill. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer Seen daily in flocks at Fraser s Hill. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus Good numbers were seen daily at Taman Negara. Fantails Rhipiduridae White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Small numbers were seen daily at both Fraser s Hill and in Kinabalu Park. Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica We had good numbers near Kuala Selangor, some along the Kinabatangan and a few at Danum Valley. Spotted Fantail Rhipidura perlata We enjoyed some fabulous views at Taman Negara and Danum Valley. Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea We enjoyed several sightings in Taman Negara at Danum Valley. Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi Small numbers were seen in Taman Negara and at Danum Valley where we had spectacular views of a fully-tailed white male stunning! Jays and Crows Corvidae Crested Jay Platysmmurus galericulatus Three birds were heard and then seen as they flew around us on two occasions at Taman Negara. Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus Excellent close looks at a few pairs at Taman Negara and a group of four at Danum Valley. Notes: the bornean race is often regarded as a full species, Bornean Black Magpie Green Magpie Cissa chinensis A gorgeous bird, a singleton was seen well at Fraser s Hill on both days. Short-tailed Magpie Cissa thalassina This stunner was seen on two occasions in the Kinabalu Park. Note that the population on Java probably represents a different species and this is likely to become a Bornean endemic in the future. Bornean Treepie (BE) Dendrocitta cinerascens We had superb views of this impressive endemic daily at Mt. Kinabalu. House Crow Corvus splendens Many were seen on the first two days. A common urban bird. Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca Seen regularly in the lowland forests of Sabah. Large-billed [Southern Jungle] Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Seen regularly in small numbers in the peninsular.

17 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Tits and Chickadees Paridae Great Tit Parus major (cinereus) We found a pair in the mangroves at Kuala Selangor. Some authors treat this as a separate species, Grey Tit, which in Malaysia is confined to mangroves. Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea A flock of five birds were seen while walking to The Gap at Fraser s Hill. Martins and Swallows Hirundinidae Sand Martin Riparia riparia A singleton of this rare winter was seen only by Erik on the Kitabatangan River at Sakau. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Good numbers were seen on thirteen days. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Good numbers seen almost daily throughout the tour. Cisticolas & Allies Cisticolidae Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris First seen at Kuala Selengor and at Ulu Yam with further sightings at Danum Valley. Family Uncertain Incertae sedis Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates (Orthotomus) cucullatus Seen regularly at Fraser s Hill and on Mt Kinabalu. Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Phyllergates (Orthotomus) sericeus Several seen well at the Danum Valley. Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius This species was sighted near Kuala Selangor and at Taman Negara. Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis Singleton s below Fraser s Hill. Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps This common species was heard or seen on at least six dates. Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus This endangered species was found at Taman Negara and along the Kitabatangan River at Sakau. Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps This widespread species was seen on six dates. Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus We found these smart looking birds at Fraser s Hill. Scaly-breasted Bulbul Pycnonotus squamatus These beautiful bulbuls were seen visiting figs at Taman Negara on all three days there Grey-bellied Bulbul Pycnonotus cyaniventris Singleton s seen daily in Taman Negara. Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni Small numbers were seen daily near our lodge in Taman Negara. Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier The commonest bulbul in non-forest habitats and seen in good numbers throughout the tour.

18 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus We had our first sighting at Taman Negara and others were seen at Gomantong and at Danum Valley. Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex Several seen in Taman Negara. [Asian] Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus We had several sightings at Taman Negara and further views below Fraser s Hill and at Danum Valley. Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmos Recorded at Taman Negara and at Danum. Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceus Seen daily at Fraser s Hill and in the Kinabalu Park with maximum of about six at the latter site. Gray-cheeked Bulbul Alophoixus bres Seen in Taman Negara and at Danum. Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaeocephalus Small numbers of this attractive species were found in the Danum Valley. Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger Several were seen at Taman Negara. Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivacea A few were observed at Taman Negara. Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis Seen daily in small numbers in Taman Negara. Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii Several seen at Fraser s Hill. Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala Recorded on two days at Fraser s Hill. Old World Warblers Sylviidae Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris Three birds were seen in plantation fields en route from Danum to Sakau. Bornean Stubtail (BE) Urosphena whiteheadi We had superb views of three of these inconspicuous birds in Kinabalu Park. Sunda Bush Warbler Cettia vulcania We had great views of several very obliging birds on Mt. Kinabalu. Friendly Bush Warbler Bradypterus accentor Good views were had on the summit trail of Mt Kinabalu. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Small numbers of were seen at Taman Negara. Eastern Crowned (Leaf) Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus Good looks at Kuala Selengor and at Taman Negara. Mountain (Leaf) Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus Several seen at Mt Kinabalu where represented by the endemic race kinabaluensis. Yellow-breasted Warbler Seicercus montis We had daily sightings of this beautiful bird at Mt. Kinabalu. Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris We enjoyed good views of several at Fraser s Hill. Babblers and Parrotbills Timaliidae Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratum

19 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report This common forest floor species proved to be unusually elusive and was only seen on a couple of occasions at Taman Negara and at Danum Valley. White-chested Babbler Trichastoma rostratum We enjoyed superb views of this riverine forest specialist in Taman Negara and again near Sakau. Ferruginous Babbler Trichastoma bicolor A single bird seen well at Danum Valley. Abbott s Babbler Malacocincla abbotti Seen well at Taman Negara. Horsefield s Babbler Malacocincla sepiaria One seen well at Danum Valley. Short-tailed Babbler Malacocincla malaccensis Single bird seen at Taman Negara. Moustached Babbler Malacopteron magnirostre Two at Taman Negara. Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine First seen well at Taman Negara and later at Danum Valley where we encountered the distinctive brown-crowned endemic race phoeniceum, a possible future split. Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum Two seen at Taman Negara and others heard at Danum Valley. Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum Only seen in Danum Valley. Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus montanus Two seen very well on our walk down to the Gap at Fraser s Hill. The population on Java is about to be split off as a separate species. Bornean Wren-Babbler Ptilocichla leucogrammica We had fantastic close looks at a confiding pair at the Danum Valley. Streaked Wren-Babbler Napothera brevicaudata Excellent views of a pair along a forest trail at Fraser s Hill. Black-throated Wren-Babbler Napothera atrigularis Wonderful open views of a responsive pair in the Danum Valley. Mountain Wren-Babbler (BE) Napothera crassa Seen very well on Mout Kinabalu. Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla Unbelievably close looks at a very confiding individual at Fraser s Hill. Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyris rufifrons Good looks at a pair at Taman Negara. Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea Two were seen at Fraser s Hill. Gray-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps Small numbers at Fraser s Hill and daily sightings along the trails in Kinabalu Park. Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculata Seen daily at Danum Valley. Black-throated Babbler Stachyris nigricollis Everyone saw this species well at Taman Negara, a beautiful bird. Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris erythroptera Several sightings in Taman Negara and a few Danum Valley. Pin-Striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis

20 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Seen at the Gap, Fraser s Hill and around Taman Negara. Bold-Striped Tit-Babbler (BE) Macronous bornensis Seen well at Danum Valley. Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronous ptilosus This striking species gave us sensational views at Taman Negara. Sunda Laughingthrush Garrulax palliates We enjoyed excellent views at Mt. Kinabalu on a couple of occasions. Black Laughingthrush Garrulax lugubris We enjoyed great views at Fraser s Hill of a flock of this fairly localised montane endemic. Bare-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax calvus Eight birds were seen at Mt Kinabalu. Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush (ME) Garrulax mitrata We enjoyed superb sightings of many flocks at Fraser s Hill. A recently recognized endemic. Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush (BE) Garrulax treacheri Common in the Kinabalu Park. Malayan Laughingthrush (ME) Garrulax treacheri Singletons of this skulking understory endemic were seen at Fraser s Hill. Silver-eared Leiothrix (Mesia) Leiothrix argentauris Small flocks of this stunning gem were seen daily at Fraser s Hill. White-browed Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis We had views of several of the subspecies cameronani at Fraser s Hill and small numbers of the endemic Bornean race (soon to be split and become an endemic) robinsoni in the Kinabalu Park. Black-eared Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius melanotus A singleton was seen at Fraser s Hill. Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera Seen regularly at Fraser s Hill. Brown Fulvetta Alcippe brunneicauda We had several sightings at Danum Valley. Mountain Fulvetta Alcippe peracensis Seen daily at Fraser s Hill associating with mixed species flocks. Long-tailed Sibia Heterophasia picaoides Common and conspicuous at Fraser s Hill. Chestnut-crested Yuhina (BE) Yuhina everetti This lovely Bornean endemic was seen daily in flocks at Mt. Kinabalu. White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca A singleton was seen near The Gap at Fraser s Hill. White-eyes Zosteropidae Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus Seen near Kuala Selangor on our first day. Black-capped White-eye Zosterops atricapillus Seen daily in Kinabalu Park where common. Pygmy Ibon Oculocincta squamifrons Four birds were seen near our lodge at the Danum Valley. Mountain Black-eye (BE) Chlorocharis emiliae We all had superb views of a few birds daily at Mt. Kinabalu.

21 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Fairy-Bluebirds Irenidae Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella Found daily in Taman Negara and below Fraser s Hill. Only one seen in Sabah, at Danum Valley. Nuthatches and Wallcreeper Sittidae Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis Singleton s at the canopy tower in Danum and at our lodge along the Kitabatangan River at Sakau. Blue Nuthatch Sitta azurea We had superb views of this stunning nuthatch at Fraser s Hill. Starlings Sturnidae Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis Seen regularly at scattered sites throughout. Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa A singleton was seen at Taman Negara. This used to be a common forest bird but seems to have declined markedly. Javan Myna Acridotheres javanicus Seen on five dates this species seems to have displaced Jungle Myna from many sites, including Taman Negara. Jungle Myna Acrdotheras fuscus A few birds were seen near Kuala Selengor. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Small numbers were seen around Kuala Selangor. Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus Six were seen at Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu. Daurian Starling Agropsar (Sturnus) sturninus A singleton of this migrant was seen in the camp at Taman Negara. Thrushes Turdidae Bornean Whistling Thrush (BE) Myophonus borneensis We enjoyed several sightings of this retiring species at Mt. Kinabalu. Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica A singleton was seen by a few of us at Frasers Hill. Eye-browed Thrush Zoothera obscurus This migrant was first seen at Taman Negara with further sightings at Danum Valley and several seen at Mt Kinabalu. Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys A single bird was seen fairly well at Fraser s Hill. White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana Great looks at a bird that crossed the trail at Kinabalu Park. Chats, Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis Common and widespread, seen on most days of the trip. White-crowned Shama (BE) Copsychus stricklandii Good looks at this shy species at Danum Valley.

22 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus Seen well and regularly at Taman Negara while we heard many more. Rufous-tailed Shama Trichixos pyrropygus Excellent close looks at this shy forest bird at Danum Valley. Chestnut-naped Forktail Enicurus ruficapillus A singleton was seen by Denis at Fraser s Hill. White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti Eventually seen well at Fraser s Hill. Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus Singletons seen on two days at Fraser s Hill. Bornean Forktail (BE) Enicurus borneensis We enjoyed some great sightings of this newly recognized endemic species at Mt Kinabalu. Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher (NE) Rhinomyias gularis We had good views of a pair on Mt. Kinabalu. Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica A singleton at Mt Kinabalu. Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica Individuals seen on seven separate dates. Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia Brief views of males seen in Kuala Selengor Reserve and at Taman Negara. Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki This common winter visitor and migrant was encountered on four dates. Rufous-chested Flycatcher Ficedula dumetoria A singleton seen briefly at Taman Negara. Rufous-browed Flycatcher Ficedula solitaries Seen well at Fraser s Hill, a very attractive but shy forest flycatcher. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra Seen along the trails in Kinabalu Park. Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Small numbers were seen daily at both Fraser s Hill and in Kinabalu Park. Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana This Beautiful migrant flycatcher was seen at Taman Negara and in Kinabalu Park. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina Several observed at Fraser s Hill. Indigo Flycatcher Eumyias indigo Up to three were seen daily in Kinabalu Park. Tickell s Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae A singleton was seen only by Erik in Taman Negara. Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra A pair was seen at close range in the mangroves on our first day at Kula Selengor Reserve. Large Niltava Niltava grandis This good looking bird was well seen on the forested trails on Fraser s Hill on two days. Gray-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis Singleton s seen below Fraser s Hill and at Taman Negara. Greater Green Leafbird Leafbirds Chloropseidae Chloropsis sonnerati

23 RBT Malaysia & Borneo Trip Report Good looks of single birds at Danum Valley. Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon We found several feeding in a tree by our lodge in the Danum Valley. Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis A couple at Fraser s Hill and small numbers were seen at Taman Negara and on Mount Kinabalu. Notes: A distinct population of this species on Mount Kinabalu is believed to be a full species, Bornean Leafbird. Orange-bellied Leafbird Three birds were seen at Fraser s Hill. Chloropsis hardwickii Flowerpeckers Dicaeidae Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculates This widespread flowerpecker was seen on five dates. Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker (BE) Prionochilus xanthopygius Most of us enjoyed views at Danum Valley. Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agilie A single bird was near The Gap on the lower elevations at Frasers Hill. Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus thoracicus Some of us saw this rarely seen species in Taman Negara. Black-sided Flowerpecker (BE) Dicaeum monticolum Excellent looks in Kinabalu Park. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma This common species was seen on seven dates, being most common in Sabah. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus Seen very well at Fraser s Hill on several occasions. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum A singleton was seen well at Kuala Selengor Reserve on our first day. Sunbirds Nectariniidae Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis First seen at Kuala Selengor with further sightings at Taman Negara and others seen at Danum Valley. Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex This common sunbird was seen in lowland forest on five dates. Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis A singleton was seen on our first day. Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis One seen in the camp at Danum Valley. Purple-throated Sunbird Leptocoma sperata A few seen along the Kitabatangan River at Sakau. Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hypogrammicum Good looks from Jaques and Elzina s balcony in Danum Valley. Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis Recorded at Kuala Selengor and at Likas Bay on Sabah. Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata We found quite a number at Fraser s Hill including several stunning males. Temminck s Sunbird Aethopyga temminckii This is another beautiful species which we saw daily in Kinabalu Park. (Eastern) Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja