Sabah, Borneo Custom Tour

Systematic List

26th May – 12th June 2006

Leader; Rob Hutchinson

Trip List:

Tabon Scrubfowl Megapodius cumingii
Common on Pulau Tiga where 10+ seen daily.

Chestnut-necklaced Partridge Arborophila charltonii
Heard once along the Kinabatangan River and commonly at Danum Valley where we had excellent views of a pair.

Red-breasted Partridge   Arborophila hyperythra - Heard only
Regularly heard at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Crimson-headed Partridge          Haematortyx sanguiniceps          - Heard only
Regularly heard at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
‘Bornean’ Crested Fireback         Lophura ignita
Regularly seen at Damun Valley with some great views particularly around the lodge in the early mornings and evening

Great Argus                               Rheinardia argus                        - Heard only
Heard daily at Danum Valley but always distant.
Rufous Piculet                            Sasia abnormis
Single close to our lodge along the Kinabatangan River, total of 6 seen at Danum Valley.

Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus
2 singles at Danum Valley.

White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis
1 along the Kinabatangan river, seen twice at Danum Valley with particularly good views of a noisy pair there.

Banded Woodpecker                   Picus mineaceus
Single bird seen at Danum Valley.
Crimson-winged Woodpecker      Picus puniceus
2 birds at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve and 2 sightings at Mount Kinabalu.
Checker-throated Woodpecker    Picus mentalis
Seen once with a large feeding flock at Mount Kinabalu.
Common Flameback                   Dinopium javanense
One at Likas Bay on the first evening of the tour.
Maroon Woodpecker                   Blythipicus rubiginosus
Singles seen twice at Danum Valley and once at Poring.
Orange-backed Woodpecker       Reinwardtipicus validus
Pair at Danum Valley, single at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve and 2 at Mount Kinabalu.
Buff-rumped Woodpecker           Meiglyptes tristis
Seen on 3 occasions at Danum Valley and 2 birds at Poring.
Buff-necked Woodpecker            Meiglyptes tukki
Single at Danum Valley.
Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus
Often heard at Danum Valley with 2 seen in flight on one occasion.
Mountain Barbet                      Megalaima monticola
Endemic to Borneo.
At least 3 seen during our first visit to Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve and one on the higher parts of the road at Mount Kinabalu.
Golden-naped Barbet Megalaima pulcherrima
Endemic to Borneo.
Regular sightings at Mount Kinabalu particularly along the higher parts of the road and we enjoyed some fantastic close views of these unobtrusive birds.

Bornean Barbet                       Megalaima eximia
Endemic to Borneo.
One calling in the early morning during our second visit to Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve was very elusive and showed only briefly.
Gold-whiskered Barbet   Megalaima chrysopogon
Heard at Danum Valley, Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve and Poring, with 1 seen at the latter site.

Red-crowned Barbet                   Megalaima rafflesii
One seen at Danum Valley.
Red-throated Barbet                   Megalaima mystacophanos          - Heard only
Heard on two days at Danum Valley.
Yellow-crowned Barbet   Megalaima henricii                      - Heard only
Heard just once at Danum Valley where frugivores were noticeably scarce during our visit.

Blue-eared Barbet                      Megalaima australis
Fantastic views of one bird at Danum Valley which responded exceptionally well to playback of its song by appearing in low bushes right beside us.
‘Bornean’ Brown Barbet Calorhamphus fuliginosus
1 near Sandakan, 4 on the Kinabatangan River, 2 at Danum Valley, 3 at poring and 2 at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

Oriental Pied-Hornbill      Anthracoceros albirostris
Common along the Kinabatangan River and on Pulau Tiga.
Black Hornbill                             Anthracoceros malayanus
Several sightings along the Kinabatangan River, one seen at Danum Valley.
Rhinoceros Hornbill                     Buceros rhinoceros
Common along the Kinabatangan River and at Danum Valley.
Helmeted Hornbill                       Buceros vigil
Finally seen at Danum Valley where 2 birds seen on 2 dates, the birds flying directly overhead calling loudly were particularly memorable.
Bushy-crested Hornbill    Anorrhinus galeritus
Heard only at Danum Valley and Poring but excellent views of several noisy groups at Danum Valley.

White-crowned Hornbill Aceros comatus
Wonderful views of 2 birds along the banks of the Kinabatangan River in the evening.

Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus
Quite common along the Kinabatangan River, one of the best sites to enjoy this declining species.

Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulates
Sightings of 6 and 2 birds on separate dates at Mount Kinabalu, 2 at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

Whitehead's Trogon                Harpactes whiteheadi
Endemic to Borneo.
Mega prolonged views of a spectacular male at Mount Kinabalu during a particularly memorable morning was probably the highlight of the tour.
Red-naped Trogon                      Harpactes kasumba
A pair and a single male at Danum Valley where heard daily.

Diard's Trogon               Harpactes diardii
One male at Danum Valley, 3 together (Male and 2 immature birds) at Poring.
Cinnamon-rumped Trogon          Harpactes orrhophaeus - Heard only
Heard on one occasion at Danum Valley but we couldn’t track down this elusive bird.

Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii
Often heard at Danum where we had sightings of single male and female birds.

Common Dollarbird                    Eurystomus orientalis
Daily along the Kinabatangan River and on Pulau Tiga.
Common Kingfisher                    Alcedo atthis
Singles on the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and on Pulau Tiga.
Blue-eared Kingfisher                 Alcedo meninting
3 seen along the Kinabatangan River included point blank views of a roosting bird during a night cruise.

Black-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus
Daily sightings of 1-2 birds along the Kinabatangan River and at Danum Valley.
Rufous-backed Kingfisher            Ceyx rufidorsa
1 seen well perched in the forest near our lodge on the Kinabatangan River.

Stork-billed Kingfisher    Pelargopsis capensis
Regular along the Kinabatangan River, 1 seen at Danum Valley.

Ruddy Kingfisher                        Halcyon coromanda
A bird calling along the Kinabatangan River on 2 dates was elusive only showing in flight as it flew from one side to the other.

Collared Kingfisher                     Todirhamphus chloris
Common on Pulau Tiga and regularly seen along roadsides when traveling between sites.

Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis
Regular during cruises along the Kinabatangan River and seen by the roadside between Kuala Penyu and Kota Kinabalu.

Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus vegans
A bird calling from high in the canopy at Danum Valley was difficult to view. Also heard along the Kinabatangan River.

Indian Cuckoo                           Cuculus micropterus                   - Heard only
Heard daily at Danum Valley.
Sunda Cuckoo                           Cuculus lepidus
Often heard at Mount Kinabalu where we eventually tracked one down and enjoyed excellent views. Also heard at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Banded Bay Cuckoo                   Cacomantis sonneratii     - Heard only
Heard along the Kinabatangan River, at Danum Valley and at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus
Often heard in the lowlands. Singles seen along the Kinabatangan River and at Likas Bay.

Rusty-breasted Cuckoo   Cacomantis sepulcralis    - Heard only
Heard at the Kinabatangan River.
Little Bronze-Cuckoo                  Chrysococcyx minutillus
Singles seen twice along the Kinabatangan River.
Violet Cuckoo                            Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
Singles seen along the Kinabatangan River, at Danum Valley and at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris
Often heard in the lowlands, singles seen along the Kinabatangan River, at Danum Valley and at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

Asian Koel                                 Eudynamys scolopacea - Heard only
Heard at the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and in Kota Kinabalu.                                                                                                                                                        .
Raffles's Malkoha                       Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus
Several sightings along the Kinabatangan River and at Danum Valley
Red-billed Malkoha                     Phaenicophaeus javanicus
2 from the canopy walkway at Danum Valley.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha         Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
1 seen at Danum Valley.

Bornean Ground-Cuckoo Carpococcyx radiceus
1 heard calling from the canopy walkway at Danum Valley one afternoon was eventually tracked down in the forest was very shy but showed well on one occasion. The sighting was particularly appreciated after the no-show at the Kinabatangan River where birds have been seen regularly in recent years. This species still ranks as one of Borneo’s most enigmatic and exciting endemics.

Greater Coucal             Centropus sinensis
Seen at Likas Bay, Kinabatangan River and at Danum Valley.
Lesser Coucal                            Centropus bengalensis
One sighting at Danum Valley.

Blue-naped Parrot                      Tanygnathus lucionensis
Daily sightings of 1-2 birds on Pulau Tiga.

Blue-rumped Parrot                    Psittinus cyanurus
3 near Sandakan.
Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot      Loriculus galgulus
Daily at Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Pulau Tiga.
Waterfall Swift               Hydrochous gigas
An opportune photo stop at Mount Kinabalu produced the incredible sight of a group of 80+ of this little known swiftlet. The birds had presumably roosted nearby and gave great views before disappearing en-mass.

Glossy Swiftlet               Collocalia esculenta
Common in the lowlands.

Cave Swiftlet Collocalia linchi
This species is difficult to separate from the Glossy Swiftlet in the field but most if not all birds in the mountains appear to be Cave Swiftlets. Birds nesting on our hotel at Mount Kinabalu clearly showed the green-tinged upperparts of this species.

Mossy-nest Swiftlet                     Collocalia salangana
Collocalia swiftlets were commonly seen in the lowlands but field separation from the next two species is difficult (or impossible). Only birds seen at Gomantong caves were positively identified where they can be easily separated by their distinctive nest structures.
Edible-nest Swiftlet                     Collocalia fuciphaga
Identified at Gomantong caves.
Black-nest Swiftlet                      Collocalia maxima
Identified at Gomantong caves.

Germain’s Swiftlet                      Collocalia germani
1 on Pulau Tiga.
Silver-rumped Swift                    Rhaphidura leucopygialis
1 along the Kinabatangan River, good numbers daily at Danum Valley and at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus
Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
House Swift                               Apus nipalensis
Seen at Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, Pulau Tiga and near Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

Grey-rumped Treeswift   Hemiprocne longipennis
Likas Bay, Kinabatangan River and en-route to Mount Kinabalu.
Whiskered Treeswift                   Hemiprocne comata
Several sighings at Danum Valley where we enjoyed some great views.
Reddish Scops-Owl                     Otus rufescens               - Heard only
Heard during one of the night drives at Danum Valley.
Buffy Fish-Owl                Ketupa ketupu
3 during a night cruise along the Kinabatangan River and 1 during a night drive at Danum Valley

Brown Wood-Owl                        Strix leptogrammica
1 close to our lodge at the Kinabatangan River, pair at Danum Valley.
Spotted Dove                             Streptopelia chinensis
Often seen around settlements or along roadsides while traveling between sites.

Litttle Cuckoo-Dove                    Macropygia ruficeps
Common at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Emerald Dove                            Chalcophaps indica
Several sightings at Danum Valley.
Zebra Dove                               Geopelia striata
Several sightings.
Nicobar Pigeon               Caloenas nicobarica
Brief sightings of singles on 2 separate dates at Pulau Tiga.
Pink-necked Green-Pigeon          Treron vernans
Seen in Kota Kinabalu town and common on Pulau Tiga.
Thick-billed Green-Pigeon           Treron curvirostra
Common along the Kinabatangan River.

Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea
Common along the Kinabatangan River and several sighting at Danum Valley and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

Mountain Imperial-Pigeon            Ducula badia
Flocks seen on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu.
White-breasted Waterhen            Amaurornis phoenicurus
Seen at Likas Bay and along the Kinabatangan River.
White-browed Crake                   Porzana cinerea
1 at Likas Bay.
Black-backed Swamphen            Porphyrio indicus
At least 3 on our first visit to Likas Bay on 1 on our return visit.
Common Moorhen                      Gallinula chloropus
Several at Likas Bay.
Oriental Pratincole                      Glareola maldivarum
On at Kuala Lumpur International Airport while waiting for our flight to Sabah.
Great Crested-Tern                    Sterna bergii
60+ daily off Pulau Tiga.

Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus
4+ seen from Pulau Tiga, other more distant Bridled/Sooty terns remained unidentified.

Sooty Tern                                Sterna fuscata
1 Imm fishing offshore from Pulau Tiga.
Whiskered Tern             Chlidonias hybridus
1 Imm bird seen during our outward boat trip to Pulau Tiga.
Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus
I seen along the Kinabatangan River.
Black-Shouldered Kite    Elanus caeruleus
6 between Kuala Penyu and Kota Kinabalu, 1 near Kota Kinabalu.
Brahminy Kite                            Haliastur Indus
Seen at Likas Bay, Kinabatangan River and Pulau Tiga.
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Singles along the Kinabatangan River and at Pulau Tiga.
Lesser Fish-Eagle                       Ichthyophaga humilis
1 at Likas Bay, 2 along the Kinabatangan River.
Grey-headed Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
Up to 2 birds seen on 3 dates along the Kinabatangan River.
Crested Serpent-Eagle                Spilornis cheela
Seen along the Kinabatangan River and at Danum Valley.

Mountain Serpent-Eagle Spilornis kinabaluensis
Endemic to Borneo.
1 from the restaurant at Mount Kinabalu and 2 soaring together at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
2 along the Kinabatangan River and singles on 2 dates at Danum Valley.

Besra Accipiter virgatus
A pair were nesting close to the roadside at Mount Kinabalu with 1 bird seen well.

Black Eagle                                Ictinaetus malayensis
Seen at Danum Valley and Mount Kinabalu.
Rufous-bellied Eagle                   Hieraaetus kienerii
2 along the Kinabatangan River.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus
1 adult at Mount Kinabalu and an immature near Poring.
Blyth's Hawk-Eagle                     Spizaetus alboniger
1 at Danum Valley.
Wallace's Hawk-Eagle     Spizaetus nanus
Common along the Kinabatangan River where several seen daily.

White-fronted Falconet          Microhierax latifrons
Endemic to Borneo.
1 along the Kinabatangan River was the only record.
Oriental Darter               Anhinga melanogaster
Common along the Kinabatangan River, several sightings of single birds at Danum Valley.

Little Egret                                 Egretta garzetta
Seen at Likas Bay and between Kuala Penyu and Kota Kinabalu.
Pacific Reef-Egret                       Egretta sacra
3 at Likas Bay, single bird on Pulau Tiga.
Purple Heron                              Ardea purpurea
Common at Likas Bay and along the Kinabatangan River.
Intermediate Egret                     Mesophoyx intermedia
Common at Likas Bay, along the Kinabatangan River and between Kuala Penyu and Kota Kinabalu.
Cattle Egret                               Bubulcus ibis
Seen driving to the Kinabatangan River and to Poring.
Striated Heron                           Butorides striatus
Pulau Tiga and Likas Bay.
Black-crowned Night-Heron         Nycticorax nycticorax
Common at Likas Bay, several along the Kinabatangan River.
Rufous Night-Heron                    Nycticorax caledonicus
2 at dusk flying off from their daytime roost at Likas Bay lagoons.

Cinnamon Bittern                       Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
2 at Likas Bay.
Storm's Stork                            Ciconia stormi
Seen daily along the Kinabatangan River, with a maximum of 3 birds. Excellent views of one feeding close to our lodge.

Lesser Adjutant             Leptoptilos javanicus
8 circling low overhead along the Kinabatangan River were a spectacular sight.
Blue-headed Pitta                   Pitta baudii
Endemic to Borneo.
A stunning male at close range in riverine forest along the Kinabatangan River and prolonged scope views of a pair feeding on the trail at Danum Valley.

Banded Pitta Pitta guajana - Heard only
Heard just once at Danum Valley.

Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida
Great views of one along the Kinabatangan River, others heard there and at Danum Valley.

Black-crowned Pitta                Pitta ussheri
Endemic to Borneo.
Great views of one calling from an exposed branch along the Kinabatangan River. frequently heard here and at Danum Valley.

Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos
Several seen along the Kinabatangan River and one at Danum Valley.
Banded Broadbill                        Eurylaimus javanicus
2 seen at Danum Valley.
Black-and-yellow Broadbill          Eurylaimus ochromalus
Several sightings at the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.
Long-tailed Broadbill                   Psarisomus dalhousiae
1 at the Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Whitehead's Broadbill Calyptomena whiteheadi
Endemic to Borneo.
Spectacular views of a pair of this huge luminous-green broadbill at Mount Kinabalu as they ‘cackled’ at us from the canopy. 1 the following day was associated with a mixed feeding flock. Also heard at Tabunan Raffelsia Reserve.

Green Broadbill             Calyptomena viridis
2 singles seen at Danum Valley.
Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea
1 at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve where several heard.
Asian Fairy-bluebird                    Irena puella
2 at the Kinabatangan River where our only sighting.
Greater Green Leafbird   Chloropsis sonnerati
2 at Danum Valley.
Lesser Green Leafbird                 Chloropsis cyanopogon
Several sightings daily at Danum Valley.
Blue-winged Leafbird                  Chloropsis cochinchinensis
1 at Danum Valley.
Bornean Leafbird                    Chloropis flavocincta
Endemic to Borneo.
5+ at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve with 10+ there on our second visit.

Mangrove Whistler                      Pachycephala grisola
Commonly heard and several seen on Pulau Tiga.
Bornean Whistler                    Pachycephala hypoxantha
Endemic to Borneo.
A common bird at Mount Kinabalu.
Crested Jay                               Platylophus galericulatus
Singles on several dates at Danum Valley and once at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

‘Bornean’ Black Magpie   Platysmurus leucopterus aterrumus
Just one seen this year along the Kinabatangan River.

Short-tailed Magpie                    Cissa thalassima
Several sightings daily at Mount Kinabalu.
Bornean Treepie                     Dendroticca cinerascens
Endemic to Borneo.
Common and conspicuous at Mount Kinabalu.
Slender-billed Crow                    Corvus enca
Several sightings along the Kinabatangan River, heard only at Danum Valley.
Bornean Bristlehead                   Pityriasis gymnocephala              - Heard only
Heard on 2 occassions at Danum Valley but we never managed to tempt them close enough to see.
White-breasted Woodswallow      Artamus leucorynchus
Recorded at every site except Danum valley.
Dark-throated Oriole                  Oriolus xanthonotus
Seen on 2 dates at Danum Valley.
Black-naped Oriole                     Oriolus chinensis
1 in Kota Kinabalu.
Black-and-crimson Oriole            Oriolus cruentus
Several seen at Mount Kinabalu.

Sunda Cuckooshrike                   Coracina larvata
Just one sighting at Mount Kinabalu.
Lesser Cuckooshrike                  Coracina fimbriata
Single males on 2 dates at Danum Valley.
Pied Triller                                 Lalage nigra
2 near Lahad Datu, several at Likas Bay.
Grey-chinned Minivet                  Pericrocotus solaris
Fairly common at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Scarlet Minivet               Pericrocotus flammeus
Recorded at the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.
Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike    Hemipus hirundinaceus
5+ birds at Danum Valley.
White-throated Fantail     Rhipidura albicollis

Common at Mount Kinabalu.
Pied Fantail                                Rhipidura javanica
Seen at Likas Bay, Kinabatangan River and Pulau Tiga.
Ashy Drongo                              Dicrurus leucophaeus
Fairly common at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Hair-crested Drongo                   Dicrurus hottentotus
Common at Mount Kinabalu.
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo                  Dicrurus paradiseus
Fairly common at Danum Valley.
Black-naped Monarch                 Hypothymis azurea
Common at Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Pulau Tiga.
Asian Paradise-Flycatcher           Terpsiphone paradisi
Several sightings at Danum Valley.
Common Iora                            Aegithina tiphia
2 at Likas Bay.

Green Iora                                Aegithina viridissima
Several at the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.
Rufous-winged Philentoma                      Philentoma pyrhopterum
Up to 4 birds seen daily at Danum Valley.
Maroon-breasted Philentoma                   Philentoma velatum
1 seen at Danum Valley.
Large Woodshrike                      Tephrodornis gularis
2 during our second visit to Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Bornean Whistling-Thrush                  Myophonus borneensis
Endemic to Borneo.
Nice views on 3 dates at Mount Kinabalu.

White-browed Shortwing             Brachypteryx Montana
Heard commonly on Mount Kinabalu and singles seen there on 3 dates.
Eye-browed Jungle-Flycatcher          Rhinomyias gularis
Endemic to Borneo.
An unobtrusive and easily overlooked bird, we saw them on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu, with 5 birds followed by a single.

Grey-chested Jungle-Flycatcher   Rhinomyias umbratilis
1 seen well in the scope at Danum Valley where several others were heard.
Snowy-browed Flycatcher                       Ficedula hyperythra
Common at Mount Kinabalu where seen daily in good numbers.

Little Pied Flycatcher                               Ficedula westermanni
Several at Mount Kinabalu.
Verditer Flycatcher                                 Eumyias thalassina
Just one seen – at Danum Valley.

Indigo Flycatcher                                    Eumyias indigo
Common at Mount Kinabalu.
Malaysian Blue-Flycatcher                       Cyornis turcosus
Several sightings at Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.
Mangrove Blue-Flycatcher                       Cyornis rufigaster
Seen on 2 dates along the Kinabatangan River.
Bornean Blue Flycatcher                    Cyornis superbus
Endemic to Borneo.
Seen twice at Danum Valley; a pair and a single male.
Large-billed Blue Flycatcher                     Cynoris caerulatus
2 sightings at Danum Valley; a male and a pair with juvenile.
Pygmy Blue-Flycatcher               Muscicapella hodgsoni
Pair seen very well at Mount Kinabalu.
Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
Seen on single dates at Danum Valley, Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve. Also heard at the Kinabatangan River.
Oriental Magpie-Robin                 Copsychus saularis
Seen at Likas Bay, Pulau Tiga, Sukau, Poring and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
White-crowned Shama                        Copsychus stricklandi
Endemic to Borneo.
Regularly heard and seen at Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Poring.
This form is variously treated as an endemic species or a subspecies of White-rumped Shama C. malabaricos with which it interbreeds in areas of contact.

Rufous-tailed Shama                              Trichixos pyrropyga
An elusive singing bird was eventually seen well at Danum Valley, also heard on one other date.

White-crowned Forktail               Enicurus leschenaulti
Singles at Danum Valley on 3 dates. Up to 5 birds seen on 4 dates at Mount Kinabalu included a recently fledged juvenile of the highland form which overlaps with the lowland form, a sure cryptic future split
Common Myna                           Acridotheres tristis
Seen between Sukau and Lahad Datu and between Kuala Penyu and Kota Kinabalu.

Hill Myna                                               Gracula religiosa
2 at Danum Valley.
Crested Myna                                        Acridotheres cristatellus
Seen around Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Lahad Datu.
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch             Sitta frontalis
Seen at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve and Mount Kinabalu.
Pacific Swallow                           Hirundo tahitica
Common and widespread, the only species seen on every day of the tour.

Black-headed Bulbul                               Pycnonotus atriceps
4 seen at the Kinabatangan River and a single at Danum Valley.
Bornean Bulbul                                    Pycnonotus montis
Endemic to Borneo.
10+ seen during both visits to Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
A recent split from Black-crested Bulbul.
Puff-backed Bulbul                                 Pycnonotus eutilotus
2 in a fruiting tree at Danum Valley.
Yellow-vented Bulbul                              Pycnonotus goiavier
Seen at Likas Bay, Sukau, Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve and Poring.
Olive-winged Bulbul                                Pycnonotus plumosus
Seen in Kota Kinabalu and at Danum Valley.
Cream-vented Bulbul                              Pycnonotus simplex
Seen at Danum Valley and Poring.
Red-eyed Bulbul                         Pycnonotus brunneus
Seen at Danum Valley, Pulau Tiga and Poring.
Flavescent Bulbul                                   Pycnonotus flavescens
Common at higher altitudes at Mount Kinabalu.
Spectacled Bulbul                                   Pycnonotus erythropthalmos
Seen daily at Danum Valley.

Ochraceous Bulbul                                  Alophoixus ochraceus
Several seen daily at Mount Kinabalu.

Grey-cheeked Bulbul                              Alophoixus bres
2 seen on one occasion at Danum Valley.
Yellow-bellied Bulbul                               Alophoixus phaeocephalus
2 birds on 2 dates at Danum Valley.
Hairy-backed Bulbul                               Tricholestes criniger
Singles on 2 dates at Danum Valley, heard at Poring.
Buff-vented Bulbul                                  Iole olivacea
Single seen at Danum Valley.

Striated Grassbird                                  Megalurus palustris
Excellent scope views of a singing bird at Likas Bay.

Yellow-bellied Prinia                                Prinia flaviventris
Several sightings at Likas Bay, Danum Valley and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Black-capped White-eye             Zosterops atricapilla
Common at Mount Kinabalu.
Oriental White-eye                                 Zosterops palpebrosus
2 seen at the Kinabatangan River and a single at Danum Valley.
Everett's White-eye                                Zosterops everetti
2 at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Mountain Black-eye                                Chlorocharis emiliae
Some nice views at higher altitudes on Mount Kinabalu.
Mountain Tailorbird                                 Orthotomus cuculatus
Common at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Rufous-tailed Tailorbird               Orthotomus sericeus
Several sightings at the Kinabatangan River, 2 seen at Danum Valley.
Ashy Tailorbird                           Orthotomus ruficeps
Common at Likas Bay, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and in Kota Kinabalu.
Mountain Leaf-Warbler                Phylloscopus trivirgatus
Fairly common at Mount Kinabalu.
Yellow-breasted Warbler             Seicercus montis
Common at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Bornean Stubtail                                 Urosphena whiteheadi
Endemic to Borneo.
An inconspicuous skulker with a barely audible high pitched song. We them just twice at Mount Kinabalu but this included prolonged views of one calling from an exposed perched at just a few meters distance.
Sunda Bush Warbler                               Bradypterus seebohmi
Common species is rank vegetation along the roadsides higher up on Mount Kinabalu.

Friendly Bush Warbler                        Bradypterus accentor
Endemic to Borneo.
Excellent views of one bird in the bamboo and mossy forest zone high up on Mount Kinabalu, typically good views as it crept around close to the ground often right at our feet!
Bare-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax calvus
Endemic to Borneo.
Small groups seen on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu, excellent views of one group flashing bright blue neck patches as they boomed-out their distinctive territorial calls.
A split from the Black Laughingthrush Garrulax lugubris of Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra.
Sunda Laughingthrush                Garrulax palliatus
Daily, often in large flocks, at Mount Kinabalu.

Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush Garrulax mitratus
Common at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
White-chested Babbler    Trichastoma rostratum
Several along the river banks at the Kinabatangan River.
Ferruginous Babbler                   Trichastoma bicolor
Up to 5 on 3 dates at Danum Valley.
Abbott's Babbler             Malacocincla abbotti
Seen on 2 dates at Danum Valley.
Horsfield's Babbler                     Malacocincla sepiarium
2 on one date at Danum Valley.
Short-tailed Babbler                   Malacocincla malaccensis
Seen daily in small numbers at Danum Valley.
Temminck's Babbler                   Pellorneum pyrrogenys
A group of 4 birds at Mount Kinabalu and 2 birds at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Black-capped Babbler                 Pellorneum capistratum
Singles on 3 dates at Danum Valley.
Moustached Babbler                   Malacopteron magnirostre
Daily at Danum Valley and Poring.
Sooty-capped Babbler                Malacopteron affine
Just one seen at Danum Valley.
Scaly-crowned Babbler   Malacopteron cinereum
Several daily at Danum Valley.

Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum
Daily in small numbers at Danum Valley.
Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babbler           Pomatorhinus montanus
Singles seen at Gomantong Caves and Poring. Also heard at Danum Valley.
Bornean Wren Babbler            Ptilocichla leucogrammica
Endemic to Borneo.
Calling bird gave brief views at Danum Valley and heard only on one other date.

Black-throated Wren Babbler Napothera atrigularis
Endemic to Borneo.
After frustrating close encounters with birds calling close by we finally located a group of 3 birds which fed unconcerned in the leaf litter nearby offering great views.

Striped Wren-Babbler Kenopia striata
Commonly heard at Danum Valley where we had some great views of this striking bird.

Mountain Wren-Babbler          Napothera crassa
Endemic to Borneo.
Group of 4 seen very well at Mount Kinabalu.
Grey-throated Babbler    Stachyris nigriceps
Common at Mount Kinabalu.
Black-throated Babbler   Stachyris nigricollis
One bird seen at Poring.
Chestnut-rumped Babbler           Stachyris maculata
Up to 4 birds recorded on 3 dates at Danum Valley.
Chestnut-winged Babbler            Stachyris erythroptera
Common at Danum Valley, 4 seen at poring.
Bold-striped Tit-Babbler Macronous bornensis
Several sightings at Kinabatangan River and Danum valley. Also heard at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
This species which occurs in Borneo and Java is a recent split from ‘Striped Tit-Babbler’, the species occurring throughout mainland south-east Asia and Sumatra is now called Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis.

Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler            Macronous ptilosus
Singles seen on 3 dates at Danum Valley.
White-browed Shrike-Babbler      Pteruthius flaviscapis
Several sightings at Mount Kinabalu where often heard.
Chestnut-crested Yuhina        Yuhina everetti
Endemic to Borneo.
A common species in large, active parties at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

White-bellied Yuhina                   Yuhina zantholeuca
Several sightings at Danum Valley, single seen at Poring.
Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus percussus
2 seen at Poring.

Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker            Prionochilus xanthopygius
Endemic to Borneo.
Excellent views of a confiding Pair along the roadside at Danum Valley with a female still there the next day.

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker                  Dicaeum trigonostigma
Singles at Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley, 2 at Poring.
Black-sided Flowerpecker                  Dicaeum monticlum
Endemic to Borneo.
Several sightings at Mount Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Plain Sunbird                             Anthreptes simplex
Several at Danum Valley.
Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis
Common at Likas Bay, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley, Pulau Tiga, Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve and around Kota Kinabalu.
Red-throated Sunbird                 Anthreptes rhodolaema
2 seen at Kinabatangan River, 1 at Danum Valley.
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird    Anthreptes singalensis
Common along the Kinabatangan River.
Purple-naped Sunbird                 Hypogramma hypogrammicum
Singles seen at the Kinabatangan River and at Poring.
Olive-backed Sunbird                 Nectarinia jugularis
Seen at Likas Bay, Kinabatangan River, Pulau Tiga and Kinabatangan River.
Crimson Sunbird                        Aethopyga siparaja
1 in our hotel grounds in Kota Kinabalu, several at the Kinabatangan River.
Temminck's Sunbird                   Aethopyga temminckii
Common at Mount Kinabalu.
Little Spiderhunter                      Arachnothera longirostra
Common at Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and at Poring.
Thick-billed Spiderhunter            Arachnothera crassirostris
1 at Danum Valley.
Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera robusta
1 seen in a small forest patch near Sandakan.
Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster
2 seen at Mount Kinabalu, common at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Yellow-eared Spiderhunter          Arachnothera chrysogenys
1 at Danum Valley, common at Poring.
Bornean Spiderhunter            Arachnothera everetti
Endemic to Borneo.
The only birds positively identified were 4+ at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.
Grey-breasted Spiderhunter        Arachnothera affinis
Several at Danum Valley where seen daily.
Whitehead's Spiderhunter      Arachnothera whiteheadi
Endemic to Borneo.
Great views at Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve where we saw one bird on our first visit and 4+ the second time around.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow   Passer montanus
Seen throughout except at Danum and Mount Kinabalu.
Dusky Munia                            Lonchura fuscans
Endemic to Borneo.
Several daily at Kinabatangan River. Other seen near Lahad Datu, Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve and at Poring.

Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca
Commonest munia, seen at Likas Bay, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River, between Kuala Penyu and Kota Kinabalu and Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve.

264 species seen (including 30 endemics), additional 12 species heard only.
Systematic mammal list

Common Treeshrew Tupaia glis
Seen once at Danum Valley.

Mountain Treeshrew Tupaia Montana
One sighting at Mount Kinabalu.

Striped Treeshrew Tupaia dorsalis
Seen near Sandakan and at Poring.

Smooth-tailed Treeshrew Dendrogale melanura
1 sighting at Mount Kinabalu.

Wrinkle-lipped Bat Tadarida mops
The commonest bat species at Gomantong Caves.

Colugo (Flying Lemur) Cynocephalus variegates
1 during a night-drive at Danum Valley.

Maroon Langur Presbytis rubicunda
Seen once at Kinabatangan River and daily at Danum Valley.

Silvered Langur Presbytis cristata
Daily at the Kinabatangan River.

Banded Langur Presbytis melalophos
Seen on one date at the Kinabatangan River.

Proboscis Monkey Nasalis larvatus
Seen daily at Kinabatangan River where we enjoyed fantastic views of these bizarre primates.

Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis
Common along the Kinabatangan River, at Danum Valley and on Pulau Tiga.

Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca nemestrina
Seen once along the Kinabatangan River and twice at Danum Valley.

Bornean Gibbon Hylobates muelleri
3 sightings at Danum Valley of 1, 4 and 3 individuals respectively.

Bornean Orang-utan Pongo pygmaeus
Seen well once during our cruises along the Kinabatangan River.

Sunda Giant Squirrel Ratufa affinis
Singles on 2 occasions at Mount Kinabalu.

Kinabalu Squirrel Callosciurus baluensis
Seen on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu, 1 and 2 individuals respectively.

Provost’s Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii
Daily at Danum Valley.

Bornean Black-banded Squirrel Callosciurus orestes
Seen daily at Mount Kinabalu.

Plaintain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus
Recorded on 2 dates at Danum Valley.

Horse-tailed Squirrel Sundasciurus hippurus
Identified once at Danum Valley.
Low’s Squirrel Sundasciurus lowi
Identified on one date at Danum Valley.

Jentinks Squirrel Sundasciurus jentinki
Seen on 3 dates at Mount Kinabalu.

Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel Dremomys everetti
Daily at Mount Kinabalu.

Whitehead’s Pygmy Squirrel Exilisciurus whiteheadi
Singles of this charming species on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu, both were associating with mixed bird feeding flocks.

Plain Pygmy Squirrel Exilisciurus excilis
Several sightings at Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.

Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista
1 during a night-drive at Danum Valley.

Thomas’s Flying Squirrel Aeromys thomasi
1 during a night-drive at Danum Valley.

Malaysian Field Rat Rattus tiomanicus sabae
1 feeding on fallen fruit on Pulau Tiga.

Hairy-nosed Otter Lutra sumatrana
Seen twice along the river close to the RainforestLodge at Danum Valley.

Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga
1 at Danum Valley.

Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
1 during a night-cruise along the Kinabatangan River.

Short-tailed Mongoose Herpestes brachyurus
I crossing the road at Danum Valley mid-morning.

Leopard Cat Felis bengalensis
1 during a night-drive at Danum Valley.

Bornean Pygmy Elephant Elephas sumatrensis
Wonderful views of 30+ swimming and feeding along the Kinabatangan River. 20+ during our drive into Danum Valley.

Bearded Pig Sus barbatus
Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.

Greater Mouse-Deer Tragulus napu
Excellent views of 2 together in broad daylight at Danum Valley.

Sambar Deer Cervus unicolor
Several at night at Danum Valley.

Freshwater Crocodile
1 seen very well feeding on a dead Bearded Pig along the banks of the Kinabatangan River.

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