Field Guides Tour Report. Borneo I Mar 11, 2013 to Mar 28, 2013 Rose Ann Rowlett & Hamit Suban (with Hazwan, Paul, & Osman)

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1 Field Guides Tour Report Borneo I 2013 Mar 11, 2013 to Mar 28, 2013 Rose Ann Rowlett & Hamit Suban (with Hazwan, Paul, & Osman) For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE. It was yet another fabulous tour to Borneo! As always, it was different from all previous tours in many of the specifics, from the weather (surprisingly dry throughout!) to some of the birds and other critters encountered. But there is great overlap among many of the spectacular basics from one tour to the next. And ours was a wonderful sampling of the best of Borneo. In an effort to start overcoming jetlag, most of us arrived a day or two early and managed to get in a little extra birding on the grounds of our Sepilok Nature Resort (where there was a "hot" fruiting fig) and at the nearby RDC canopy walkway (where activity varies with every visit). A major One of eight Orangutans we encountered in the wilds of Borneo, this was a young male along the Kinabatangan. (photo by participant Bill pre-tour highlight was Fraser) watching a Red Giant Flying Squirrel that climbed high up the trunk of a canopy emergent and then glided into a tree right in front of us, where it sat and preened even as it was still daylight! We began officially with another morning in the RDC canopy, enjoying a range of representative Asian species, from Blue-eared Barbets, Banded and Black-and-yellow broadbills, and Fiery Minivets to Violet Cuckoo, Raffles's & Chestnut-breasted malkohas, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, and Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. From a lower level we watched a trio of small Sundaland woodpeckers at very close range: Buff-rumped, Buff-necked, and the tiny Gray-and-buff! That afternoon we continued to Gomantong Cave, where we enticed in a pair of calling White-crowned Hornbills before entering the Black-nest Cave to scope out each of the echo-locating swiftlets on their distinctive nests. Back at the hill above the parking lot, we encountered a pregnant female Orangutan with a baby and watched it until the waning light triggered the emergence of discrete clouds of Wrinkle-lipped Bats that drifted off into the distance, attracting crepuscular Bat Hawks that would swoop through the swarms for their dinner. Continuing to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, we were greeted at dinner by a Buffy Fish-Owl perched on a nearby piling. We had mostly clear, warm weather in the Kinabatangan this visit. We birded by boat early mornings, late afternoons, and two evenings, working in some time along the boardwalk behind our rooms in between. Highlights included: watching Storm's and Lesser Adjutant storks circling overhead; finding a single Large Green-Pigeon in a fruiting fig (with lots of Green Imperial-Pigeons) that was also probably the attraction for two, seemingly sibling young Orangutans; an incredible view of an Oriental Bay-Owl by night along the Menanggul, in addition to at least 3 Buffy Fish-Owls and a Malay Civet; stunning scope views of a male Scarlet-rumped Trogon from the Sukau boardwalk; a group of at least a dozen striking Wrinkled Hornbills gathering to roost along the Kinabatangan; watching a nearby herd of ca. 30 Bornean Pygmy Elephants foraging through the elephant grass at the edge of the river; and, perhaps foremost, watching a whole troop of bizarre Proboscis Monkeys cross the Menanggul River by jumping, one at a time, from a high dead branch overhanging the river, to belly-flop into the water short of the bank and swim ashore! Field Guides Birding Tours

2 After a nice morning of birding along the Gomantong road--with a fine Black-headed Pitta, Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfishers, and an impressive array of babblers (including Patty's #6000)--we settled into Borneo Rainforest Lodge, our extraordinary base for birding in the heart of the tallest tropical rainforest on Earth. It was at BRL that we all managed to catch up with the Bornean Bristlehead, among the most-wanted birds of the trip. Though it was becoming drier each day, hard work produced a number of fabulous birds, from Blue-headed Pitta and Bornean Wren-Babbler to Black-throated Wren-Babbler, Rufoustailed Shama, Rhinoceros and Helmeted hornbills, Red-naped and Diard's trogons, and (perhaps foremost!) a male Great Argus that walked back and forth long enough for everyone to see it! Night drives at BRL produced Brown Wood-Owl and an astounding selection of mammals, from Malay Civets and Small-toothed Palm Civets to Colugos and Horsfield's Tarsiers! We began our highland birding in the Crocker Range, where we started right off with the rare and distinctive Whitehead's Spiderhunter, followed shortly by Long-tailed Broadbill and a number of submontane Bornean endemics, including wonderful Bornean and Mountain barbets. Lunch back at Gg. Alab netted us lovely views of the endemic Mountain Black-eye, and then we were on our way to Kinabalu Park. At Gunung Kinabalu, Borneo's center of endemism, we had wonderful views of such specialties as Crimson-headed and Red-breasted partridges, Bareheaded Laughingthrush, Cave Swiftlet, Bornean Stubtail, Mountain Wren-Babbler, Golden-naped Barbet, White-crowned (Bornean) Forktail, Mountain Serpent-Eagle, Fruit-hunters, and (ultimately) Whitehead's Trogon. Whitehead's Broadbills, though seen and heard, were uncooperative, and we had no trace of the little-known Everett's Thrush. But most of the regulars fell into place, and we saw the world's second-largest flower (Rafflesia keithii at Poring) and seven species of endemic, carnivorous pitcher plants, including the world's largest. And that's not to mention the many "other critters" that we encountered along the way, from those rusty-snouted white lantern bugs to that endemic Kinabalu Horned Frog. It's been fun reliving the trip while sorting through photos and annotating the list that follows. Hopefully, the annotations below will help to keep those memories alive, as well as to identify a number of the "other critters" we saw and photographed. Throughout the triplist, I've used "RDC" for the Rainforest Discovery Center and "BRL" for Borneo Rainforest Lodge. By "Sundaland specialty" we mean a species whose range is generally restricted to the Thai-Malay peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and Java, all of which were connected during the last ice age. The eastern boundary of Sundaland is Wallace's Line, a deepwater trench between Borneo and Sulawesi and between Bali and Lombok, east of which is Wallacea/Australasia. Many of the birds of Borneo, as marked with an S on the checklist, are Sundaland specialties. Conservation status is drawn from the publications of Birdlife International and the IUCN Red List. It's sobering to realize how many of the species we saw are considered Near Threatened, Vulnerable, or even Endangered. We'll hope that our visit will contribute a bit toward their longterm preservation. Taxonomy follows the Clements checklist with online updates, including the most recent (Sep 28, 2012); it contains the most current treatment at the species level, thus elevating a couple of what were listed as Borneo races on our checklist to full-species status, making for a few more Bornean endemics. To access or download the updated Clements checklist, simply google "Clements checklist." We thank Karen at Field Guides, Erica at Borneo Eco Tours, our great local guides (Hazwan, Paul, & Osman), our captains, boatmen, and the staffs of our great lodgings throughout for taking such good care of us. Special thanks to Bill Fraser for sharing his many wonderful photos, which I've used liberally throughout (including 3 cover photos: Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Golden-naped Barbet, and Red Giant Flying Squirrel); and to Marcy Clements for her cover photo of the Oriental Bay-Owl. The rest of the cover photos are mine. Credits are given for each photo included in the body of the online triplist. And thanks to all of you for coming! Hamit and I had a great time sharing the wonders of Borneo with you. --Rose Ann (& Hamit) KEYS FOR THIS LIST One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant BIRDS Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) WANDERING WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna arcuata) Between Sepilok and Gomantong, we made a slight detour to an algae-choked pond to see this species (seeing 6 of them). The species occurs in Australasia as well. Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies) RED-BREASTED PARTRIDGE (Arborophila hyperythra) Seen on the road edge, and then flying across the road, near the bottom entrance to the Bukit Ular trail. [E] CHESTNUT-NECKLACED PARTRIDGE (Arborophila charltonii) [*] CRIMSON-HEADED PARTRIDGE (Haematortyx sanguiniceps) We had terrific looks at this, the most striking of the partridges, along the Kinabalu power station road after Hamit saw one cross the road. We found it foraging at a small pile of trash (perhaps containing rice?) back inside the forest. We heard their loud duetting regularly, and the "down group" on the Bukit Ular trail encountered another pair beside the trail. [E] GREAT ARGUS (Argusianus argus) We had heard one along the Gomantong road, but they were very quiet while we were at BRL. With incredible luck, a male Great Argus flew across the BRL entrance road right in front of our truck, as Jim yelled "Great Argus." We got down and used some playback to call it back and forth in the undergrowth until everyone had a good view. Bill even managed a photo! What a treat! Ciconiidae (Storks) STORM'S STORK (Ciconia stormi) Classified as Endangered (with a population of fewer than 500 birds) by the IUCN, this small stork is one of the Field Guides Birding Tours

3 real specialties of the Kinabatangan, which is considered its world stronghold. We were lucky this trip, seeing 4 birds on our first day in the Kinabatangan. That's in an area where a breeding population of only 40+ birds was censused between 1999 and With increased fragmentation of their habitat, the species has declined throughout its limited range, mostly in Borneo and Sumatra. LESSER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos javanicus) We had a nice view of one circling fairly low over the Menanggul on our first cruise up that tributary. This species is more common well downriver, close to the coast. Anhingidae (Anhingas) ORIENTAL DARTER (Anhinga melanogaster) Fairly common and widespread. Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) YELLOW BITTERN (Ixobrychus sinensis) Hazwan showed us two birds in the elephant grass along the Kinabatangan one night. This species has become a fairly common resident in Borneo, where it used to be mainly a winter visitor, probably owing to the increase in rice padis. CINNAMON BITTERN (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus) We saw two birds at a targeted stop along the road between Sukau and Gomantong. One sat for scope views. PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) Small numbers in the Kinabatangan. GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) Fairly common and widespread. INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) We had lovely views of a bird on the hyacinth island at Sepilok Nature Resort and then saw one in the Kinabatangan. LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) Small numbers in the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, and Poring areas. CATTLE EGRET (ASIAN) (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) This fairly common nonbreeding visitor was seen scattered throughout the lowlands. This eastern race is sometimes considered a full species. [b] STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) Individuals were seen at Sepilok, in the Kinabatangan, and at BRL. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) We saw good numbers at a big roost area along the Kinabatangan near the Rasang. They were also flying over the Lahad Datu airport. Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) Wayne and I saw one on utility lines on our way to the Lahad Datu airport. ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD (Pernis ptilorhynchus) I didn't see this species, knowingly that is, on the tour. But Bill got a terrific photo of one in flight. I asked him about it, and he said it was taken from the BRL canopy walkway, where we all saw it on 20 Mar. Sometimes it takes a good photo to allow sufficient study of the details of plumage to permit ID. Thanks, Bill! JERDON'S BAZA (Aviceda jerdoni) We studied one bird along the Kinabatangan and were convinced it was this species. MOUNTAIN SERPENT-EAGLE (Spilornis kinabaluensis) Jim spotted this rarity, considered Vulnerable, while we were looking for a singing hawk-cuckoo at Kinabalu Park. This endemic, with the lovely flight pattern, replaces the next species in the mountains of Sabah. [E] CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE (Spilornis cheela) Seen on 9 different days, this is the most common forest-edge raptor in Sabah. Outstanding was seeing one (from the lunch table at Sepilok Nature Resort) fly in and land, carrying a very long, green snake. BAT HAWK (Macheiramphus alcinus) After scoping a perched bird, we watched this big-eyed specialist diving through clouds of bats emerging from Gomantong Caves--and usually coming up with dinner. Another bird was seen by some in the Kinabatangan. The species is widespread but local, occurring in Africa, Australasia, and SE Asia. The Borneo birds belong to the nominate race. CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus cirrhatus) ID of "changeable" and mimicking raptors in Borneo is difficult. We identified this species, based on Hamit's experience, at the RDC canopy walkway. WALLACE'S HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus nanus) We identified adults at RDC and BRL and a young bird at BRL, where it had been hanging out with an adult. BLACK EAGLE (Ictinaetus malayensis) We had this big raptor with the fingered primaries a couple of times at BRL. CRESTED GOSHAWK (Accipiter trivirgatus) This species was seen from the RDC walkway, where it was displaying in characteristic courtship flight, and then in the Kinabatangan, where we had great scope views of a perched bird from the Sukau boardwalk. BRAHMINY KITE (Haliastur indus) Fairly common and widespread, especially in secondary habitats. WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) We watched two birds circling in beautiful light from the RDC canopy walkway. LESSER FISH-EAGLE (Ichthyophaga humilis) Considered Near Threatened by the IUCN, this fish-eating raptor was seen first in the Kinabatangan, and then Patty spotted one along the Danum River at BRL; that one hung around for very nice scope views. Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN (Amaurornis phoenicurus) Seen nicely, first at the Sepilok Nature Resort, and then mostly at road edges throughout the lowlands. What a call! Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) Individuals were seen in the car park at RDC and in the Kinabatangan area several times. [b] Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) Some wintering individuals were seen in the Kinabatangan. [b] Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) Sukau town. [I] SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis) Common and widespread in non-forested areas. RUDDY CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia emiliana) These premontane specialists were streaming across our viewing area on our afternoon at Poring. A Sundaland specialty that's scarce on our route. LITTLE CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia ruficeps) Fairly common, especially in the montane forest, and we had good looks, starting near the Tambunan Rafflesia Center and then at Kinabalu Park. Field Guides Birding Tours

4 EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica) Heard at RDC and seen by one boat group (with Hamit) in the Kinabatangan. ZEBRA DOVE (Geopelia striata) Seen at Sandakan and Sepilok, near the nesting Baya Weavers. [I] LITTLE GREEN-PIGEON (Treron olax) We had a good study of a juvenile at the Baya Weaver nest colony at Sepilok and then saw multiple adults, from Gomantong through the Kinabatangan. [N] PINK-NECKED PIGEON (Treron vernans) Seen at RDC, Sepilok, and in the Kinabatangan. LARGE GREEN-PIGEON (Treron capellei) Specializing in feeding on large figs only, this species is the scarcest of the green-pigeons. We were lucky to find a fruiting fig with big, orange fruits clustered on short stems emerging from the trunks and branches, that big pigeons were feasting on. We were along the big Kinabatangan, and there was one Large Green-Pigeon amid a host of Green Imperial-Pigeons. GREEN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula aenea) This was the common big pigeon of the lowlands, and we had many good views, from the RDC canopy walkway through the Kinabatangan to BRL. MOUNTAIN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula badia) Brooke saw some flyovers near the Rafflesia Center, and then we heard several distant birds calling at Kinabalu, where most folks managed to get a view of one at some point. Cuculidae (Cuckoos) LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO (DARK) (Hierococcyx sparverioides bocki) We had heard it calling near the Rafflesia Center and on several days at Kinabalu, but Marcy finally found the source of the incredibly loud calling along the power station road, and we all had great scope views. The race bocki is restricted to Sundaland and considered a distinct species, Dark Hawk-Cuckoo, by some. MOUSTACHED HAWK-CUCKOO (Hierococcyx vagans) [*] MALAYSIAN HAWK-CUCKOO (Hierococcyx fugax) This Sundaland specialty was sitting out, right over the river, after a rain shower along the Menanggul one morning. We had lovely looks. INDIAN CUCKOO (Cuculus micropterus) Given the incessant calling of this one throughout the lowlands, Hamit and I were delighted to have seen it well on our first two days in the RDC canopy walkway. SUNDA CUCKOO (Cuculus lepidus) We heard this Sundaland specialty regularly in the highlands, but the morning it responded to playback, it went back and forth overhead, never giving us a sustained good look. BANDED BAY CUCKOO (Cacomantis sonneratii) We had nice views of this canopy specialist from the RDC canopy walkway. PLAINTIVE CUCKOO (Cacomantis merulinus) Heard daily in the lowlands (even during the night!), but, believe it or not, it was ultimately heard only. Sorry we put it off too long, always expecting to see it easily. At least it's a common and widespread Sundaland specialty, just waiting for you in Thailand! [*] VIOLET CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus) This colorful little cuckoo was seen beautifully from the RDC canopy tower, where it was doing its flight display and responded well to playback. It was displaying throughout the lowlands during our visit. ASIAN DRONGO-CUCKOO (Surniculus lugubris) Seen from the RDC canopy walkway and then heard throughout the lowlands. BLACK-BELLIED MALKOHA (Phaenicophaeus diardi) We had but a fleeting look at one bird that flew across the BRL entrance road one afternoon. RAFFLES'S MALKOHA (Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus) Reminiscent of the Squirrel Cuckoo of the neotropics, this handsome Sundaland specialty was seen well from the RDC canopy walkway and by some at BRL. RED-BILLED MALKOHA (Phaenicophaeus javanicus) Another Sundaland specialty, this one was seen only once, from the RDC canopy tower, where Carol got to see two birds pre tour. We never saw them again. CHESTNUT-BREASTED MALKOHA (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) First seen on the grounds of the Sepilok Nature Resort (pre tour), this Sundaland specialty was seen well again from the RDC walkway and at BRL. GREATER COUCAL (Centropus sinensis) Heard almost daily in the lowlands, it was seen by Joanna at the BRL road edge and then by others along the road near Kundasang. Tytonidae (Barn-Owls) ORIENTAL BAY-OWL (Phodilus badius) Hamit had seen one sitting quietly off the Sukau boardwalk (while his roommate was showering), and we all went back to try for it, managing to induce it to call its alluring call. But it wouldn't come in, and we couldn't see it. After dinner we headed up the Menanggul on a night cruise, and, astoundingly, when the boats suddenly slowed, Hazwan hollered "Oriental Bay-Owl." And there it was in the spotlight, perched in typical fashion on a vertical trunk close to the river, its big, flattened, heart-shaped head staring right at us. This one stayed on its perch, allowing us to approach a bit closer for truly fabulous looks at a rarely seen bird. Yip! Yip! Yip! Strigidae (Owls) REDDISH SCOPS-OWL (Otus rufescens) This Sundaland specialty, which is typically a very poor responder, was heard on a night drive well out the BRL entrance road. [*] MOUNTAIN SCOPS-OWL (Otus spilocephalus) Its two-note call was heard almost nightly (though sometimes in the wee hours!) from our lodgings in Kinabalu Park. Since it is widespread and seen more easily elsewhere, we didn't make a special effort for it. [*] SUNDA SCOPS-OWL (Otus lempiji) We heard this species calling the first night of the tour on the grounds of the Sepilok Nature Resort. Playback drew it in a couple of times, and some folks got on it before it flew again, seeming quite averse to our lights hitting it. BUFFY FISH-OWL (Ketupa ketupu) We had marvelous views of this yellow-eyed fisherman in the Kinabatangan, first when staff pointed out a bird on a piling post visible from the dining deck, then on each of our night cruises, with as many as 4 individuals on one night! COLLARED OWLET (Glaucidium brodiei) Heard at Kinabalu, where it's a generally scarce diurnal owl. [*] BROWN WOOD-OWL (Strix leptogrammica) This big beauty was seen beautifully near the staff quarters at BRL on one of our night drives. BROWN HAWK-OWL (BROWN) (Ninox scutulata borneensis) We saw two birds on the grounds of the Sepilok Nature Resort pre tour, and then Hamit spotted another bird the next night from the RDC walkway. The birds we saw (and heard) were of the breeding race, which is smaller and darker than wintering birds from Asia. Podargidae (Frogmouths) LARGE FROGMOUTH (Batrachostomus auritus) This alluring Sundaland specialty was heard on one of our night cruises along the Menanggul. Field Guides Birding Tours

5 But, as usual, it refused to move into view. [*] Apodidae (Swifts) SILVER-RUMPED NEEDLETAIL (Rhaphidura leucopygialis) First seen drinking on the wing at the Sepilok NR lake and later throughout the lowlands. BROWN-BACKED NEEDLETAIL (Hirundapus giganteus) This big swift was seen on a couple of days at BRL, perhaps best well out the entrance road. WATERFALL SWIFT (Hydrochous gigas) We identified what we believe to have been this poorly known, Near Threatened, "globally scarce mystery swiftlet" (Phillipps) flying above the Poring parking lot. This is a challenging ID, but we studied a number of swifts in the late afternoon at Poring. These were bigger than the "echo-locating swiftlets" and Asian Palm-Swifts, a few of which were around for direct comparison, yet smaller than the Gray-rumped Treeswifts that circled with them. They appeared all blackish, and we could see a deeply notched tail in some when they spread their tails. They sailed on set wings, occasionally flapping rapidly. It was a partly cloudy late afternoon with some big cumulus building up. GLOSSY SWIFTLET (Collocalia esculenta) Seen essentially every day of the trip, this commonest swiftlet was nesting under the eaves of various structures. Unlike the echo-locating swiftlets of the genus Aerodramus, this species needs some light for nesting, thus building under eaves or near the mouth of caves. We examined their nests at the Kinabalu Park HQ, comparing them to those of the Cave Swiftlet; it would be hard to ID them based on their (rather variable) nest structures. [N] CAVE SWIFTLET (BORNEAN) (Collocalia linchi dodgei) Endemic to the mountains of Borneo (mostly to upper Kinabalu), the race dodgei of this swiftlet (otherwise known from Sumatra, Java, Bali, & Lombok) is considered a full species, Bornean Swiftlet, by some authors. It differs from Glossy Swiftlet by the green (rather than bluish) gloss to its plumage (an unreliable feature like the gloss on the heads of Greater & Lesser Scaup) and by the absence of a feather tuft on its hind toe, a feature seen only in the hand. Thanks to the University of Montana bird research team working at Kinabalu, we got to see this difficult-to-identify species on their nests, where the researchers had netted and verified them as dodgei. We were delighted to be able to count this species that, without verification of handheld birds, we have usually lacked the confidence to count. [EN] MOSSY-NEST SWIFTLET (Aerodramus salangana) One of the three similar, echo-locating swiftlets that nest inside Gomantong Cave; they're so similar, in fact, that they are not reliably separated unless seen on their distinctive nests. This species builds a cup nest of sticks glued together with saliva and covered with moss, often placed on a small ledge, sometimes at low elevation. Their nests contain too much foreign material to be edible and hence are not harvested. We saw several birds sitting on their nests when we toured the Black-nest Cave at Gomantong. No telling how many we saw flying about! [N] BLACK-NEST SWIFTLET (Aerodramus maximus) The Black-nest Cave at Gomantong was named for this species, as it is generally the most abundant nester. Their nests, harvested at least twice a year, are shallow cups of their own dark feathers glued with their own saliva. During our visit, they seemed to be just starting to nest, with some birds clustered on nests way high on the ceiling of the cave. Their nests were blackish in appearance. Teams of workers clean these nests up for the market, and we saw their nests for sale in the KK airport. [N] EDIBLE-NEST SWIFTLET (Aerodramus fuciphagus) At the time of our visit, the beautiful little white nests of this species, composed almost entirely of the birds' saliva, were the most conspicuous nests in the cave. They were in little clusters in niches of the vertical walls. They are the most highly prized for the Chinese delicacy, bird's-nest soup, as illustrated by the price asked for the packages of 6 nests that we examined in the KK international airport: 580RM, or about $188 U.S.! Despite the nest harvesting--once just after they're built (when the birds will surely renest), and then after the nestlings have fledged--the Gomantong Caves are said to have supported a healthy population of swiftlets for centuries, traced to the times of the Chinese Emperor. Today the caves are administered by Sabah's Wildlife Department, who licenses contractors who hire the locals to harvest the nests by hand, using rattan ladders, ropes, and poles, as well as great skill and caution. [N] PACIFIC SWIFT (Apus pacificus) Jim pointed out a few of these big migrants sailing over the Sepilok Nature Resort on the day before the the tour officially started. [b] ASIAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus balasiensis) A few of these were circling with the big swift flock at Poring. Hemiprocnidae (Treeswifts) GRAY-RUMPED TREESWIFT (Hemiprocne longipennis) Seen at Sepilok Nature Resort, from the RDC canopy walkway, at BRL, and then in numbers above the parking lot at Poring Hot Springs. WHISKERED TREESWIFT (Hemiprocne comata) This beauty was a real favorite, being seen (at extremely close range!) first at our rest stop en route to BRL, where it also joined us for lunch one cloudy day. Trogonidae (Trogons) RED-NAPED TROGON (Harpactes kasumba) Considered Near Threatened, this big Sundaland beauty was seen well by RAR's group along the Jacuzzi trail and by Hamit's group along the Hornbill trail, all at BRL. DIARD'S TROGON (Harpactes diardii) Heard first along the Menanggul, then on the Gomantong road (where a few folks got on it with their binocs), and ultimately by all at BRL. Another handsome Sundaland specialty. WHITEHEAD'S TROGON (Harpactes whiteheadi) Perhaps the most beautiful of the Bornean endemics, a stunning male of this species was finally (!) seen well on our very last morning of birding at Kinabalu Park. One of the toughest of the Kinabalu endemics, this one takes some luck and some persistence. Yip! Yip! Yip! [E] SCARLET-RUMPED TROGON (Harpactes duvaucelii) Like a miniature version of the Red-naped Trogon, this Sundaland beauty was seen first along the Gomantong road, then from the Sukau boardwalk, and finally at BRL. Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) BLUE-EARED KINGFISHER (Alcedo meninting) Another small beauty, it was common and seen repeatedly in the Kinabatangan area. RUFOUS-BACKED DWARF-KINGFISHER (Ceyx rufidorsa) Note the new official English name, according to Cornell's Clements updates. This cutie was seen beautifully through the scopes along the Gomantong road, where a pair seemed to be nesting. [N] STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER (Pelargopsis capensis) This big, noisy, colorful guy was fairly common throughout the lowland waterways. RUDDY KINGFISHER (Halcyon coromanda) [*] COLLARED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus chloris) This widespread kingfisher was seen along the wires through the vast palm plantations between Sukau and Lahad Datu, where we scoped one bird. RUFOUS-COLLARED KINGFISHER (Actenoides concretus) Heard at Poring, where it shot past in response to playback. [*] Field Guides Birding Tours

6 Meropidae (Bee-eaters) RED-BEARDED BEE-EATER (Nyctyornis amictus) This Sundaland beauty was heard from the RDC canopy walkway (where we tried for it, to no avail, and then seen by half the group well out the BRL entrance road. Our second attempt for it in the same area failed. Sorry. BLUE-THROATED BEE-EATER (Merops viridis) Common throughout the lowlands, these were our constant companions at BRL, where they were nesting in holes in the small sandy mounds along the Danum River floodplain. Dazzling! [N] Coraciidae (Rollers) DOLLARBIRD (Eurystomus orientalis) Seen throughout the Kinabatangan, at Gomantong, and near BRL. Bucerotidae (Hornbills) ORIENTAL PIED-HORNBILL (Anthracoceros albirostris) First seen at Sepilok, this was the commonest hornbill along the rivers in the Kinabatangan; but it was absent from the primary forest at BRL. Of special note was the male that roosted nightly near the entrance to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. BLACK HORNBILL (Anthracoceros malayanus) Considered Near Threatened, this noisy Sundaland specialty was seen first at Sepilok, then in the Kinabatangan, and also in small numbers at BRL. We saw at least one male variant (with the white brow). RHINOCEROS HORNBILL (Buceros rhinoceros) Also considered Near Threatened, this dramatic Sundaland hornbill may be the handsomest of them all. We had breathtaking views of them, starting at RDC, but even better in the Kinabatangan and at BRL. HELMETED HORNBILL (Buceros vigil) Its maniacal calls were often heard at BRL, but usually from a great distance. We all got to see a perched female from the canopy walkway, but half the group ultimately got to see a male, well out the entrance road. Another terrific Sundaland specialty! BUSHY-CRESTED HORNBILL (Anorrhinus galeritus) The commonest of the hornbills in the lowland rainforest; a family group of this social species was seen as we walked out the BRL entrance road. They are usually more conspicuous than they were on this trip. WHITE-CROWNED HORNBILL (Aceros comatus) The scarcest of the hornbills in Borneo, this fabulous Sundaland specialty was seen wonderfully when we called in a pair near the mouth of the Gomantong cave. It has a call to match it crest! We were quite lucky. WRINKLED HORNBILL (Aceros corrugatus) It was getting down to the wire. We kept hearing about them from others, but we kept missing them. Then, on a bank of the big Kinabatangan, we hit the mother lode: a dozen of more of this handsome, Near Threatened, Sundaland specialty in lovely, late-afternoon light. We saw another pair at BRL. Yip! Yip! WREATHED HORNBILL (Aceros undulatus) This big hornbill, more widespread than most, is generally scarce on this tour in March; apparently, most of the figs they prefer fruit later in the year. They travel long distances to good fruiting trees, sometimes gathering in large groups at a fruit bonanza. We had a couple of birds whooshing over at BRL, then saw 6 flying along the distant ridge at Poring; they range to higher elevation than the other hornbills. Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets) BROWN BARBET (Calorhamphus fuliginosus) This aberrant, monotypic barbet is another Sundaland specialty, the Bornean birds having red legs and feet. We saw them well on various occasions, first at the RDC canopy, then along the Menanggul, at BRL, and near the Rafflesia Center. GOLD-WHISKERED BARBET (Megalaima chrysopogon) We all saw this big Sundaland specialty well from the canopy tower at BRL. It was seen again at Poring. RED-THROATED BARBET (Megalaima mystacophanos) Another Sundaland specialty, this one was seen well along the Menanggul, where it was singing spontaneously and quite responsive. MOUNTAIN BARBET (Megalaima monticola) We had exceptional luck with this lower-montane endemic along the road above Masakob Waterfall, where we saw it calling and feeding, especially in a fruiting tree that was attracting many species. We also heard it at several sites at Kinabalu, where it is scarce. This was the one that stops to take a breath after delivering a series of notes. [E] YELLOW-CROWNED BARBET (Megalaima henricii) The toughest barbet to see, it too is a Sundaland specialty. We heard a number of birds near the huge fruiting figs at BRL, but they were invariably in the upper canopy, out of good view. [*] GOLDEN-NAPED BARBET (Megalaima pulcherrima) A Kinabalu/Crocker Range endemic, it was seen beautifully from the Timpohon gate platform at Kinabalu Park and then heard or seen daily. It was vocal and fairly conspicuous during our visit. [E] BLUE-EARED BARBET (Megalaima australis) A more widespread species, this one was seen well repeatedly, starting in the fruiting fig right on the grounds of the Sepilok Nature Resort. BORNEAN BARBET (Megalaima eximia) A generally tough endemic; we usually struggle to locate this one. But this trip we had remarkably good looks above Masakob Waterfall, where we saw them easily, including at the "hot" fruiting tree. This was the one that sings continuously, seemingly never stopping to take a breath! [E] Picidae (Woodpeckers) RUFOUS PICULET (Sasia abnormis) Our first was along the Gomantong boardwalk, but we saw it well several times in the lowlands, and Marcy finally caught up with it. It's another Sundaland specialty--and a real cutie. RUFOUS WOODPECKER (Celeus brachyurus) This widespread woodpecker was seen along the Gomantong boardwalk toward the cave, even as we were watching our first Rufous Piculet. WHITE-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus javensis) Wow! What a great way to start our lowland birding! We saw this dramatic woodpecker well from the RDC canopy tower and then again briefly along the Menanggul. BANDED WOODPECKER (Picus miniaceus) This handsome Sundaland specialty was seen well by half the group (with RAR) from the canopy walkway, as well as from the road nearby. CRIMSON-WINGED WOODPECKER (Picus puniceus) RDC & BRL [*] CHECKER-THROATED WOODPECKER (Picus mentalis) We had good looks at ta pair of this lovely Sundaland specialty along the lower section of the Bukit Ular trail, just before the Whitehead's Broadbill showed up. A terrific woodpecker! MAROON WOODPECKER (Blythipicus rubiginosus) This Sundaland woodpecker was seen best along the Menanggul, where two birds responded well near the edge of the river. BUFF-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Meiglyptes tristis) We had some terrific views of this one, both male and female, from the RDC canopy walkway and again at BRL. It too is restricted to Sundaland. Field Guides Birding Tours

7 BUFF-NECKED WOODPECKER (Meiglyptes tukki) Also a Sundaland specialty, this one is considered Near Threatened. We had wonderful fun watching a pair at close range along the RDC walkway, where they were foraging near the next species. A fun woodpecker experience! GRAY-AND-BUFF WOODPECKER (Hemicircus concretus) What a fabulous little woodpecker! It's one of Asia's smallest woodpeckers and a Sundaland specialty to boot. We had marvelous looks at it, at very close range, from the RDC canopy walkway. Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) WHITE-FRONTED FALCONET (Microhierax latifrons) We stopped for our first one along the drive through the Danum valley en route to BRL, when our driver Rizwan spotted one sitting atop a tall tree. We all had great scope views of that one and then saw nice pair of these tiny raptors from the BRL canopy walkway. Endemic to Borneo and considered Near Threatened. [E] PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) Some of us saw this migrant circling high over the BRL buildings on our way to lunch one day. [b] Psittacidae (Parrots) LONG-TAILED PARAKEET (Psittacula longicauda) First seen at Sepilok, but mostly in flight. Eventually, we all had good looks at well-lit birds along the Menanggul. It's another Sundaland specialty. BLUE-CROWNED HANGING-PARROT (Loriculus galgulus) Often, in fact almost daily, seen (when heard) as a midget flyby in the lowlands, this tiny parrot can be tough to see well. Most of us had terrific scope views of a perched male in the parking lot of the Sepilok Nature Resort, but that was before everyone had arrived. We saw it again from the RDC walkway, but only in flight, and we never caught up with it again. Sorry. Calyptomenidae (African and Green Broadbills) GREEN BROADBILL (Calyptomena viridis) This spiffy Sundaland broadbill was seen by half the group (with RAR & Paul) along the Jacuzzi trail at BRL. Good spotting, Joanna! WHITEHEAD'S BROADBILL (Calyptomena whiteheadi) This fancy endemic was heard along the Bukit Ular trail, where it responded to playback, but got away quickly a couple of times. We eventually encountered one again, along the upper Silau-Silau trail, where both a male and a female were seen, if mostly in flight. Note that it is now placed (with Green Broadbill & the African broadbills) into a family distinct from that of the other Asian broadbills. [E] Eurylaimidae (Asian and Grauer's Broadbills) BLACK-AND-RED BROADBILL (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos) The typical Asian broadbills are exquisite too! This Sundaland specialty was seen quite well, starting at the RDC walkway (for some), but especially at Gomantong and from our boats in the Kinabatangan, where we saw several at active nests and noted a blue upper mandible protruding from some nests. [N] LONG-TAILED BROADBILL (Psarisomus dalhousiae) Fairly widespread, but what a bird! We saw one at a nest near Masakob Waterfall and another at a different nest up the road. [N] BANDED BROADBILL (Eurylaimus javanicus) This one was seen well, first from the RDC walkway, and then from the BRL canopy, where a pair was carrying nesting material to the crotch of a fork in a nearby tree. Presumably the same pair used this same site last year. Another Sundaland specialty. [N] BLACK-AND-YELLOW BROADBILL (Eurylaimus ochromalus) Could this extraordinary and confiding small broadbill be the fairest of them all? Certainly, the soft pink is a rare color in passerines. Commonly heard and seen throughout the lowlands, it too is restricted to Sundaland. [N] DUSKY BROADBILL (Corydon sumatranus) But this one has the biggest bill of all! In fact, it has what is proportionately the broadest bill of all the passerines. We saw one very responsive group from the Sukau boardwalk and then saw a couple of others at BRL. It's restricted to SE Asia, Sumatra, and Borneo. Pittidae (Pittas) BLUE-HEADED PITTA (Pitta baudii) The pittas weren't calling much during our dry spell at BRL. During our first trail birding, the group with Paul and RAR stumbled into a female along the Segama Trail. Brooke got on it before it melted into the leaf litter. With some playback, most of us managed to see the male, which responded vocally only by giving an occasional scold. The following day there was no response at all at this spot, but the group with Hamit found a responsive male along the Hornbill cutoff trail. Unfortunately, it was the same group of people who saw it twice, and we couldn't find another one during the remainder of our (increasingly dry) stay. It's classified as Vulnerable, mostly owing to habitat destruction. [E] BLACK-HEADED PITTA (Pitta ussheri) We did find a couple of responsive males of this local endemic, along the Gomantong road. Most folks got some kind of view, ranging from terrific to merely fleeting. It's a real beauty, but quite a project! [E] HOODED PITTA (Pitta sordida mulleri) This colorful pitta was heard on our first afternoon at Gomantong, just as we started the walkway to the caves. A bit of playback brought two birds flying across before us, exposing their striking "silver dollar" wing patches. They didn't seem interested in coming close again. The species is widespread, occurring from India to New Guinea, but the race that breeds in Borneo has an entirely black hood (with no brown cap). Prionopidae (Helmetshrikes and Allies) RUFOUS-WINGED PHILENTOMA (Philentoma pyrhoptera) We saw this species (typical morph) as we walked out the entrance road on our first morning at BRL. MAROON-BREASTED PHILENTOMA (Philentoma velata) Another Sundaland specialty, this one is a fancier cousin of the last species. We saw it best from the BRL canopy walkway. Artamidae (Woodswallows) WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus leucorynchus) A common and widespread resident of open country, it is the only woodswallow in Borneo. We saw it along the Kinabatangan River and near Lahad Datu. Pityriaseidae (Bristlehead) BORNEAN BRISTLEHEAD (Pityriasis gymnocephala) One of the most distinctive birds of Borneo, it is now placed in its own family, the only bird family endemic to Borneo. Its generic name derives from the Greek word for "suffering from dandruff," its specific moniker meaning "bald-headed." The bright yellow-orange "bristles" on its crown are actually a dense carpet of filaments indicative of the most basic developmental level of feather growth. Its closest relatives are thought to be the bushshrikes and vangas. Fascinating and still poorly understood, this weirdly wonderful bird is considered Near Threatened and is easily missed. Carol, who came 3 days early, got to see one from the RDC canopy walkway before the tour Field Guides Birding Tours

8 started. Then one lucky group (with Paul & RAR) at BRL stumbled into a group of about 6 birds very close to the BRL chalets at the end of our forest walk; they were calling in the tall trees above and provided good scope views before working their way toward the river. They were not to be refound the following day. But, fortunately, we spotted another bird sitting up high from our moving truck one early morning, and we stopped to see a pair of Bristleheads in the scope. Yip! Yip! Yip! [E] Aegithinidae (Ioras) COMMON IORA (Aegithina tiphia) Seen first at the Baya Weaver nest colony and then in the Kinabatangan. GREEN IORA (Aegithina viridissima) Considered Near Threatened owing to habitat pressure, this Sundaland canopy specialist was seen well repeatedly, especially from the towers and walkways. Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes) FIERY MINIVET (Pericrocotus igneus) Another Near Threatened Sundaland specialty, this small beauty was seen at very close range from the RDC canopy walkway and again from the BRL canopy. GRAY-CHINNED MINIVET (Pericrocotus solaris) The highland minivet, it was seen with foraging flocks in Kinabalu Park, usually traveling in pairs or family groups. They seem to GLOW in the early sunlight. SUNDA CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina larvata) Seen well one morning near the Liwagu Restaurant at Kinabalu. It's yet another Sundaland specialty. LESSER CUCKOOSHRIKE (Lalage fimbriata) Its smaller cousin, also restricted to Sundaland, was seen from the RDC canopy walkway and at BRL. BLACK-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE (Hemipus hirundinaceus) This Sundaland specialty was fairly common throughout the lowlands and seen well repeatedly. Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Allies) BORNEAN WHISTLER (Pachycephala hypoxantha) This montane endemic, with the strong song, was seen regularly with the mixed flocks at Kinabalu Park. [E] Laniidae (Shrikes) LONG-TAILED SHRIKE (Lanius schach bentet) This race, a Sundaland inhabitant of open country, has been expanding its range in Borneo; it was not known to breed in Sabah until recently. We saw it first at a targeted stop in the oil palm plantation country en route to Gomantong, and Wayne pointed out another in the open country near Kundusang. Vireonidae (Vireos) BLYTH'S SHRIKE-BABBLER (BLYTH'S) (Pteruthius aeralatus robinsoni) Formerly classified as subspecies of White-browed Shrike-Babbler, the aeralatus group (including robinsoni, of the highlands of Borneo) has been elevated to a full species, as Blyth's Shrike-Babbler. Recent genetic studies have shown that the shrike-babblers are more closely related to vireos than to the babblers (Timaliidae) and that the whole group needed reassessment; hence the changes. The aeralatus group occurs from N Pakistan to S China and through Sundaland. We had very close looks at a male and female of the Bornean subspecies along the Bukit Ular trail at at Tambunan Rafflesia Center and along the Bukit Ular trail, and again from the Mempening trail ridge, at Kinabalu. WHITE-BELLIED ERPORNIS (Erpornis zantholeuca) This widespread Asian species has only recently been reassigned to the vireo family, based on genetic evidence. We saw it along the Silau-Silau trail (near the junction with the Bukit Tupai trail) while working on Snowy-browed Flycatchers. Oriolidae (Old World Orioles) DARK-THROATED ORIOLE (Oriolus xanthonotus) Another Sundaland specialty that's considered Near Threatened, this handsome oriole was seen well from the RDC canopy walkway (and later by some at BRL). BLACK-AND-CRIMSON ORIOLE (Oriolus cruentus) Even more restricted than the last species, this chunky highland oriole is found only on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. We all had good looks at it near Masakob Waterfall and again at Kinabalu Park. Dicruridae (Drongos) ASHY DRONGO (Dicrurus leucophaeus) Of the endemic race stigmatops, this handsome gray drongo was fairly common throughout the highlands. BRONZED DRONGO (Dicrurus aeneus) Seen only at BRL, where we stopped for a pair en route from Lahad Datu and then saw again several times during our stay. HAIR-CRESTED DRONGO (Dicrurus hottentottus) Heard well below our vista point along the Mempening trail at Kinabalu, where Hamit got a quick look at it. But I think it was heard only by others. [*] GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus paradiseus brachyphorus) Fanciest of the drongos, this one was seen well from the RDC walkway and again at Poring. Rhipiduridae (Fantails) WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL (Rhipidura albicollis) The common fantail of the highlands. PIED FANTAIL (Rhipidura javanica) The common and confiding fantail of the lowlands; some of us got to see its tiny nest at Sepilok Nature Resort. [N] SPOTTED FANTAIL (Rhipidura perlata) But this spiffy Sundaland specialty is scarce by comparison; only one pair was seen well this trip, and that was with a flock a short way up the Belian trail at BRL (for half the group). Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers) BLACK-NAPED MONARCH (Hypothymis azurea) This handsome monarch was seen nicely in the lowlands, from the RDC to BRL. ASIAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone paradisi) We saw some knockout males of this long-tailed monarch (and some females as well), beginning with those along the Gomantong road. Most of the adult males in Borneo are white morphs. Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) CRESTED JAY (Platylophus galericulatus) This secretive Sundaland specialty was seen from the back of our truck along the entrance road to BRL when Hamit heard one calling as we drove past. It responded to some playback by flying back and forth across the road and perching where we could Field Guides Birding Tours

9 all see it. The race coronatus, brown instead of blue-black, is restricted to Borneo and Sumatra. BLACK MAGPIE (Platysmurus leucopterus aterrimus) The all-black race, endemic to Borneo, is a good candidate for a split from birds of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. On this trip they were seen nicely at RDC, in the Kinabatangan, and at BRL. SHORT-TAILED MAGPIE (Cissa thalassina) This stunning corvid, found only in Borneo and Java, was another favorite at Kinabalu, where we watched it with mixed big-bird flocks. What colors! BORNEAN TREEPIE (Dendrocitta cinerascens) This distinctive specialty was first seen near the Tambunan Rafflesia Center and then seen almost daily at Kinabalu Park. We had a close look at a little nestling that some boys near Gg. Alab had as a pet--evidence of recent nesting. [EN] SLENDER-BILLED CROW (Corvus enca) Encountered daily in the lowlands. Hirundinidae (Swallows) BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) Small numbers of these migrants were seen along the Tenangang and the larger Kinabatangan. [b] PACIFIC SWALLOW (Hirundo tahitica) Common throughout and seen nesting in various places, especially under the eaves at BRL. [N] Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers) GRAY-HEADED CANARY-FLYCATCHER (Culicicapa ceylonensis) Seen first at BRL and then nest building near the Tambunan Rafflesia Center. [N] Sittidae (Nuthatches) VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH (Sitta frontalis) This widespread, but delightful, nuthatch was seen well in both the lowlands (in our Sepilok fruiting fig, RDC, BRL) and the highlands (at Kinabalu). Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls) PUFF-BACKED BULBUL (Pycnonotus eutilotus) This Sundaland specialty was seen nicely right in the fruiting fig on the grounds of our Sepilok Nature Resort. BLACK-HEADED BULBUL (Pycnonotus atriceps) A pretty bulbul of widespread distribution; it was seen along the Kinabatangan River. STRAW-HEADED BULBUL (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) One of the fanciest (and usually toughest!) of the bulbuls on this tour route and a Sundaland specialty. Spontaneously singing pairs were seen (eventually) in response to playback at BRL. BORNEAN BULBUL (Pycnonotus montis) As split from Black-crested Bulbul, this yellow-throated, dark-eyed bulbul is endemic to the lower montane forests of north-central Borneo. A few folks got on it along the road near the Tambunan Rafflesia Center. [E] FLAVESCENT BULBUL (Pycnonotus flavescens leucops) The pale-faced race leucops, elevated to full-species status by some, is restricted to the mountains of north-central Borneo and looks quite distinctive. Myers calls it Pale-faced Bulbul. Folks had great views of it on the Nepenthes Trail excursions at Mesilau. YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus goiavier) Common and widespread in disturbed habitats of the lowlands. OLIVE-WINGED BULBUL (Pycnonotus plumosus) Seen only at the RDC on this trip, and that was pre tour. RED-EYED BULBUL (Pycnonotus brunneus) This Sundaland bulbul, common throughout the lowlands, had consistently flesh-colored legs. Only Hamit managed to see well (at the entrance to the BRL property) its close look-alike, Cream-vented, which should have dark gray legs. SPECTACLED BULBUL (Pycnonotus erythropthalmos) Another Sundaland specialty, this one was seen well from the RDC canopy walkway, where they perched at very close range and we could see the red iris and yellow eyering. We later saw it at BRL as well. HAIRY-BACKED BULBUL (Tricholestes criniger) This distinctive bulbul, with the big yellow eyering and the whiny call, was seen well from the RDC walkway pre tour, then in the Kinabatangan, on one day at BRL, and finally at Poring. It's another Sundaland specialty. FINSCH'S BULBUL (Alophoixus finschii) This Sundaland specialty, considered Near Threatened, was first seen from the BRL canopy walkway and then, up close and in better light, in a shrub at the boundary of the BRL property. OCHRACEOUS BULBUL (Alophoixus ochraceus) This big, puff-throated, montane bulbul was seen well several times in the highlands, starting near Tambunan Rafflesia Center and including Kinabalu Park. GRAY-CHEEKED BULBUL (Alophoixus bres) The lowland counterpart of the last species, this puffy-throated bulbul was seen first along the Gomantong road and then again at BRL. YELLOW-BELLIED BULBUL (Alophoixus phaeocephalus) This pretty Sundaland bulbul was seen by one group at BRL. It too is a Sundaland specialty. BUFF-VENTED BULBUL (Iole olivacea) This was the big one with the pale iris, seen well several times from the RDC canopy walkway. It's another Sundaland bulbul that is considered Near Threatened. ASHY BULBUL (CINEREOUS) (Hemixos flavala connectens) The Bornean race connectens is split by some from birds of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, and those birds are sometimes split from flavala, of the Himalayas to Thailand. It's one to watch, as it could be elevated to a Bornean endemic. We saw it well near the Tambunan Rafflesia Center, its white throat puffed out. STREAKED BULBUL (Ixos malaccensis) This Near Threatened Sundaland specialty was seen first in the "hot" fruiting fig on the grounds of our Sepilok Nature Resort, then from the RDC canopy walkway, and again at BRL. Cettiidae (Bush-Warblers and Allies) BORNEAN STUBTAIL (Urosphena whiteheadi) What a cutie! Its yellow mouth lining is quite exposed as it opens its mouth widely to sing. And its song competes with that of a Blackpoll Warbler to test a birder's hearing! Our good looks were along the trail to the Nepenthes at Mesilau. Note the scientific name: It's another Whitehead's endemic! [E] YELLOW-BELLIED WARBLER (Abroscopus superciliaris) This was the bamboo specialist (with the sweet song) that we saw well along the road above the Tambunan Rafflesia Center. MOUNTAIN TAILORBIRD (Phyllergates cucullatus) Another real cutie, but not actually a tailorbird; now placed in the Cettidae. It was seen first near the Tambunan Rafflesia Center and then at Kinabalu. SUNDA BUSH-WARBLER (Cettia vulcania) We saw this one quite well at the Gg. Alab road edge, and then we had it repeatedly at Kinabalu as well. As implied by its name, this is yet another Sundaland specialty--and far more friendly than the "Friendly" Bush-Warbler. Field Guides Birding Tours