Borneo I 2013 - Field Guides · One of eight Orangutans we encountered in the wilds of Borneo, this was a young male along the Kinabatangan. (photo by participant Bill Fraser) For

Field Guides Tour Report

Borneo I 2013

Mar 11, 2013 to Mar 28, 2013Rose Ann Rowlett & Hamit Suban (with Hazwan, Paul, & Osman)

One of eight Orangutans we encountered in the wilds of Borneo, this was a young male along the Kinabatangan. (photo by participant BillFraser)

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

It was yet anotherfabulous tour to Borneo!As always, it wasdifferent from allprevious tours in manyof the specifics, from theweather (surprisinglydry throughout!) tosome of the birds andother crittersencountered. But there isgreat overlap amongmany of the spectacularbasics from one tour tothe next. And ours was awonderful sampling ofthe best of Borneo.

In an effort to startovercoming jetlag, mostof us arrived a day ortwo early and managedto get in a little extrabirding on the groundsof our Sepilok NatureResort (where there wasa "hot" fruiting fig) andat the nearby RDCcanopy walkway (whereactivity varies withevery visit). A majorpre-tour highlight waswatching a Red GiantFlying Squirrel thatclimbed 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 andBlack-and-yellow broadbills, and Fiery Minivets to Violet Cuckoo, Raffles's & Chestnut-breasted malkohas, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, and GreaterRacket-tailed Drongo. From a lower level we watched a trio of small Sundaland woodpeckers at very close range: Buff-rumped, Buff-necked, and thetiny 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 toscope out each of the echo-locating swiftlets on their distinctive nests. Back at the hill above the parking lot, we encountered a pregnant femaleOrangutan with a baby and watched it until the waning light triggered the emergence of discrete clouds of Wrinkle-lipped Bats that drifted off into thedistance, attracting crepuscular Bat Hawks that would swoop through the swarms for their dinner. Continuing to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, we weregreeted 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 insome 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, seeminglysibling 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 aMalay Civet; stunning scope views of a male Scarlet-rumped Trogon from the Sukau boardwalk; a group of at least a dozen striking Wrinkled Hornbillsgathering to roost along the Kinabatangan; watching a nearby herd of ca. 30 Bornean Pygmy Elephants foraging through the elephant grass at the edgeof the river; and, perhaps foremost, watching a whole troop of bizarre Proboscis Monkeys cross the Menanggul River by jumping, one at a time, from ahigh dead branch overhanging the river, to belly-flop into the water short of the bank and swim ashore!

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After a nice morning of birding along the Gomantong road--with a fine Black-headed Pitta, Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfishers, and an impressive arrayof babblers (including Patty's #6000)--we settled into Borneo Rainforest Lodge, our extraordinary base for birding in the heart of the tallest tropicalrainforest 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 driereach day, hard work produced a number of fabulous birds, from Blue-headed Pitta and Bornean Wren-Babbler to Black-throated Wren-Babbler, Rufous-tailed Shama, Rhinoceros and Helmeted hornbills, Red-naped and Diard's trogons, and (perhaps foremost!) a male Great Argus that walked back andforth long enough for everyone to see it! Night drives at BRL produced Brown Wood-Owl and an astounding selection of mammals, from Malay Civetsand 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 shortlyby Long-tailed Broadbill and a number of submontane Bornean endemics, including wonderful Bornean and Mountain barbets. Lunch back at Gg. Alabnetted 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, Bare-headed Laughingthrush, Cave Swiftlet, Bornean Stubtail, Mountain Wren-Babbler, Golden-naped Barbet, White-crowned (Bornean) Forktail, MountainSerpent-Eagle, Fruit-hunters, and (ultimately) Whitehead's Trogon. Whitehead's Broadbills, though seen and heard, were uncooperative, and we had notrace 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 atPoring) and seven species of endemic, carnivorous pitcher plants, including the world's largest. And that's not to mention the many "other critters" thatwe 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 thosememories 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" wemean a species whose range is generally restricted to the Thai-Malay peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and Java, all of which were connected during the lastice age. The eastern boundary of Sundaland is Wallace's Line, a deepwater trench between Borneo and Sulawesi and between Bali and Lombok, east ofwhich 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 wesaw 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 thespecies level, thus elevating a couple of what were listed as Borneo races on our checklist to full-species status, making for a few more Borneanendemics. 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 ofour great lodgings throughout for taking such good care of us. Special thanks to Bill Fraser for sharing his many wonderful photos, which I've usedliberally throughout (including 3 cover photos: Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Golden-naped Barbet, and Red Giant Flying Squirrel); and to Marcy Clementsfor 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 onlinetriplist.

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 LISTOne 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

BIRDSAnatidae (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 insidethe 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 incredibleluck, 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 someplayback 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


real specialties of the Kinabatangan, which is considered its world stronghold. We were lucky this trip, seeing 4 birds on our first day in theKinabatangan. That's in an area where a breeding population of only 40+ birds was censused between 1999 and 2002. With increased fragmentationof 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 goodphoto 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 butlocal, 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 outwith 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.


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 RDCcanopy 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 birdscalling 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 racebocki 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 youin Thailand! [*]

VIOLET CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus) – This colorful little cuckoo was seen beautifully from the RDC canopy tower, where it wasdoing 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 theMenanggul on a night cruise, and, astoundingly, when the boats suddenly slowed, Hazwan hollered "Oriental Bay-Owl." And there it was in thespotlight, 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 onits 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 anddarker 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.


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 atPoring. These were bigger than the "echo-locating swiftlets" and Asian Palm-Swifts, a few of which were around for direct comparison, yet smallerthan the Gray-rumped Treeswifts that circled with them. They appeared all blackish, and we could see a deeply notched tail in some when theyspread 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 variousstructures. Unlike the echo-locating swiftlets of the genus Aerodramus, this species needs some light for nesting, thus building under eaves or nearthe 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 thembased 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 thisswiftlet (otherwise known from Sumatra, Java, Bali, & Lombok) is considered a full species, Bornean Swiftlet, by some authors. It differs fromGlossy 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 workingat Kinabalu, we got to see this difficult-to-identify species on their nests, where the researchers had netted and verified them as dodgei. We weredelighted 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 sosimilar, in fact, that they are not reliably separated unless seen on their distinctive nests. This species builds a cup nest of sticks glued together withsaliva and covered with moss, often placed on a small ledge, sometimes at low elevation. Their nests contain too much foreign material to be edibleand 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 wesaw flying about! [N]

BLACK-NEST SWIFTLET (Aerodramus maximus) – The Black-nest Cave at Gomantong was named for this species, as it is generally the mostabundant 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 inappearance. 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 almostentirely 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 mosthighly 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 KKinternational airport: 580RM, or about $188 U.S.! Despite the nest harvesting--once just after they're built (when the birds will surely renest), andthen after the nestlings have fledged--the Gomantong Caves are said to have supported a healthy population of swiftlets for centuries, traced to thetimes of the Chinese Emperor. Today the caves are administered by Sabah's Wildlife Department, who licenses contractors who hire the locals toharvest 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 tourofficially 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 somepersistence. Yip! Yip! Yip! [E]

SCARLET-RUMPED TROGON (Harpactes duvaucelii) – Like a miniature version of the Red-naped Trogon, this Sundaland beauty was seen firstalong 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. [*]


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 SukauRainforest Lodge.

BLACK HORNBILL (Anthracoceros malayanus) – Considered Near Threatened, this noisy Sundaland specialty was seen first at Sepilok, then in theKinabatangan, 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 ofthem 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 perchedfemale 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 socialspecies 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 seenwonderfully 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 fruitbonanza. 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 thanthe 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, whereit 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 nearthe 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 gateplatform 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 thegrounds 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 goodlooks above Masakob Waterfall, where we saw them easily, including at the "hot" fruiting tree. This was the one that sings continuously, seeminglynever 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.


BUFF-NECKED WOODPECKER (Meiglyptes tukki) – Also a Sundaland specialty, this one is considered Near Threatened. We had wonderful funwatching 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 aSundaland 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 fromthe 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 thatwas 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 wereseen, 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 Asianbroadbills. [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 severalat 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 andanother 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 pairwas carrying nesting material to the crotch of a fork in a nearby tree. Presumably the same pair used this same site last year. Another Sundalandspecialty. [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 thepasserines. 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 usmanaged 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, butthe group with Hamit found a responsive male along the Hornbill cutoff trail. Unfortunately, it was the same group of people who saw it twice, andwe 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 gotsome 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 thecaves. A bit of playback brought two birds flying across before us, exposing their striking "silver dollar" wing patches. They didn't seem interested incoming 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 feathergrowth. Its closest relatives are thought to be the bushshrikes and vangas. Fascinating and still poorly understood, this weirdly wonderful bird isconsidered Near Threatened and is easily missed. Carol, who came 3 days early, got to see one from the RDC canopy walkway before the tour


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 ourforest 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 berefound the following day. But, fortunately, we spotted another bird sitting up high from our moving truck one early morning, and we stopped to seea 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 Waynepointed 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 geneticstudies have shown that the shrike-babblers are more closely related to vireos than to the babblers (Timaliidae) and that the whole group neededreassessment; hence the changes. The aeralatus group occurs from N Pakistan to S China and through Sundaland. We had very close looks at a maleand female of the Bornean subspecies along the Bukit Ular trail at at Tambunan Rafflesia Center and along the Bukit Ular trail, and again from theMempening trail ridge, at Kinabalu.

WHITE-BELLIED ERPORNIS (Erpornis zantholeuca) – This widespread Asian species has only recently been reassigned to the vireo family, basedon 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


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 Trailexcursions 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 Borneanendemic. 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 ourSepilok 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 thescientific 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 roadabove the Tambunan Rafflesia Center.

MOUNTAIN TAILORBIRD (Phyllergates cucullatus) – Another real cutie, but not actually a tailorbird; now placed in the Cettidae. It was seen firstnear 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 aswell. As implied by its name, this is yet another Sundaland specialty--and far more friendly than the "Friendly" Bush-Warbler.


Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers)MOUNTAIN WARBLER (Phylloscopus trivirgatus) – A.k.a. Mountain Leaf-Warbler, this one was quite common at Kinabalu, where it was seen well.YELLOW-BREASTED WARBLER (Seicercus montis) – This charming Sundaland warbler, with the high-pitched song, was quite common with

small-bird parties at Kinabalu.

Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)STRIATED GRASSBIRD (Megalurus palustris) – Seen well in the palm plantation country between Sukau and Gomantong, where it sings from the

wires.

Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)DARK-NECKED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus atrogularis) – We called in some very responsive individuals of this tiny tailorbird along the BRL

entrance road.RUFOUS-TAILED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus sericeus) – We had lovely looks at these endearing tailorbirds at Sepilok, Sukau, and BRL. It occurs

in Sundaland and the Philippines.ASHY TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus ruficeps) – Almost equally endearing, this Sundaland specialty was also common throughout the lowlands.YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA (Prinia flaviventris) – Widespread in the more open areas of the lowlands, where we heard it regularly. We had a look

at it en route to Gomantong when it was singing from the roadside amid the oil palms. Also seen by some at BRL.

Zosteropidae (Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies)CHESTNUT-CRESTED YUHINA (Yuhina everetti) – Common and captivating, tight flocks of these little yuhinas were regular in the montane forest

edge at Tambunan and Kinabalu. [E]PYGMY WHITE-EYE (Oculocincta squamifrons) – We saw a couple of flocks of these tiny white-eyes at BRL, once in a tree just across the Danum

River, and then a couple of times in the same kind of tree that is visible from the dining table. [E]MOUNTAIN BLACK-EYE (Chlorocharis emiliae) – Of a monotypic genus, quite different from other white-eyes, this endemic was seen well first

along the antennas road at Gg. Alab. We had good views again along our trails at Mesilau. [E]BLACK-CAPPED WHITE-EYE (Zosterops atricapilla) – This Sundaland specialty is a common species in montane Borneo, where we saw them

repeatedly at Kinabalu.EVERETT'S WHITE-EYE (Zosterops everetti) – An inhabitant of lower montane (or "premontane") forest, this species is rarely seen on our route.

We were surprised to see one through the scopes trained on a distant tree at Poring, where several birds were sitting up in the late afternoon.

Pellorneidae (Fulvettas and Ground Babblers)BROWN FULVETTA (Alcippe brunneicauda) – Yet another Sundaland specialty that is considered Near Threatened; it was seen quite nicely at BRL,

where it came in close in response to playback.BLACK-THROATED WREN-BABBLER (Turdinus atrigularis) – This endemic skulker was not singing much during our visit, but we all managed

to see the one responsive pair found by one group out the BRL entrance road, thanks to radio communication between the two groups. ConsideredNear Threatened. [E]

HORSFIELD'S BABBLER (Malacocincla sepiaria) – This Sundaland specialty was seen by some "at the last minute" at Poring. Another Sundalandspecialty.

SHORT-TAILED BABBLER (Malacocincla malaccensis) – Yet another Sundaland babbler, it was seen well at BRL, and was, in fact, about theONLY species seen well along the "Pitta Trail" that was amazingly dry.

STRIPED WREN-BABBLER (Kenopia striata) – This Sundaland specialty was seen nicely by both groups, one along the Jacuzzi trail while the otherwas along the Hornbill trail.

TEMMINCK'S BABBLER (Pellorneum pyrrogenys) – Yet another babbler confined to Sundaland, this one is a highlander. We called one in close onour first morning just up the road from our Hill Lodge at Kinabalu. But skulker that it is, it never showed well again. Some folks did see it well--veryquickly!

BLACK-CAPPED BABBLER (Pellorneum capistratum) – This charming babbler performed nicely for some along the Sukau boardwalk and then wasfairly cooperative again on the Gomantong road. Like most of the babblers we saw, it's another Sundaland specialty.

WHITE-CHESTED BABBLER (Trichastoma rostratum) – Preferring to forage right at the edge of the water, this Sundaland babbler was seen (andheard!) quite well along the Menanggul. As common as it is along the waterways of the Kinabatangan, it's hard to believe that it is considered NearThreatened.

FERRUGINOUS BABBLER (Trichastoma bicolor) – Seen well a few times at BRL, this Sundaland specialty is fairly common in the lowlands.MOUSTACHED BABBLER (Malacopteron magnirostre) – This Sundaland babbler with the lovely whistles was seen well at BRL.SOOTY-CAPPED BABBLER (Malacopteron affine) – First encountered along the Gomantong road, this one too was seen well by everyone before we

left BRL. It too occurs only in Sundaland and is considered Near Threatened. It was Patty's #6000!SCALY-CROWNED BABBLER (Malacopteron cinereum) – This was the smaller one with the pinkish legs that we saw with mixed flocks at BRL.RUFOUS-CROWNED BABBLER (Malacopteron magnum) – This one was fairly big and had dark legs and no black scaling on its rufous crown. It

too was seen with bird parties at BRL. Like so many of these babblers, it's found only in Sundaland and considered Near Threatened.MOUNTAIN WREN-BABBLER (Napothera crassa) – Another sparsely distributed endemic, this one first showed up along the Bukit Ular trail, but it

got away without being seen well by all. But we all then "nailed it" along the trail to the Nepenthes at Mesilau. [E]BORNEAN WREN-BABBLER (Ptilocichla leucogrammica) – Of a monotypic genus, this skulker is usually one of the toughest to see on this tour.

The group with Hamit on the Hornbill Trail on our first morning afield at BRL were lucky to have encountered a responsive bird that afforded themexcellent views. We never encountered it again. A.k.a. Bornean Ground-Babbler, it's considered Vulnerable. [E]

Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes)SUNDA LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax palliatus) – Found only on Sumatra and Borneo, this is another real specialty of the trip, albeit reasonably

common in the highlands. We had good looks at some big-bird flocks with this species being one of the primary components, if not the leader.BARE-HEADED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax calvus) – As split from Black Laughingthrush, this weirdly wonderful laughingthrush becomes


another Bornean endemic. We were lucky to have had good looks at several birds (with the prominent red bills) with a big-bird flock on our firstmorning of birding at Kinabalu--just up the road from our Hill Lodge. [E]

CHESTNUT-HOODED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Garrulax treacheri) – Cornell has now split treacheri from Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush,producing another Bornean endemic of the north-central mountain ranges. It is quite common within its range and seems a major component of big-bird flocks in the highlands. We had multiple great encounters. [E]

Timaliidae (Babblers)RUFOUS-FRONTED BABBLER (Stachyridopsis rufifrons) – We had very nice views of this one from the BRL canopy walkway as it foraged at eye

level and below us.BOLD-STRIPED TIT-BABBLER (Macronous bornensis) – Another fairly recent split, this time from Striped Tit-Babbler, this noisy babbler is yet

another Bornean endemic. It is widespread in the lowlands, its "chonk-chonk-chonk" being heard almost daily. We called it in for good looks earlyon--along the Gomantong road. [E]

FLUFFY-BACKED TIT-BABBLER (Macronous ptilosus) – This Near Threatened Sundaland specialty is among my favorite babblers. It was quiteresponsive to playback along the Gomantong entrance road, where we all saw a duetting pair well, including the electric-blue eyering!

GRAY-THROATED BABBLER (Stachyris nigriceps) – This Sundaland specialty was seen well, first along the road near the Tambunan RafflesiaCenter, and then on various days at Kinabalu.

GRAY-HEADED BABBLER (Stachyris poliocephala) – Another Sundaland specialty, this one is somewhat local within its forest habitat. We sawseveral birds well out the BRL entrance road, where Paul suggested we try some playback. Sure enough a pair responded!

BLACK-THROATED BABBLER (Stachyris nigricollis) – Another Sundaland specialty that is considered Near Threatened, this one was especiallycooperative along the Gomantong road, sometimes landing right in the open! It's another striking babbler that makes one fall in love with babblers.

CHESTNUT-RUMPED BABBLER (Stachyris maculata) – These were the bigger ones with streaks below and a pale iris. We saw them at BRL.Another Sundaland specialty that is considered Near Threatened.

CHESTNUT-WINGED BABBLER (Stachyris erythroptera) – Fairly common throughout the lowlands, it is also a Sundaland specialty that performedmellow duets from RDC and Sukau to Gomantong and BRL.

CHESTNUT-BACKED SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Pomatorhinus montanus) – We called in this Sundaland beauty along the Gomantong boardwalktoward the caves.

Irenidae (Fairy-bluebirds)ASIAN FAIRY-BLUEBIRD (Irena puella) – Now representing a family of just two closely related species, the fairy-bluebird is generally uncommon

on our route. We saw females in the "hot" fruiting fig at the Sepilok Nature Resort and then brief flybys at BRL. They all seemed to be females oryoung birds; we never had a stunning male.

Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)DARK-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa sibirica) – An uncommon visitor/passage migrant to Sabah, this was species was seen once at BRL. [b]ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa latirostris) – A fairly common migrant and winter visitor in Borneo, it was seen several times at BRL.

[b]GRAY-STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa griseisticta) – A scarce non-breeding visitor to Sabah, it was scoped pre tour from the RDC canopy

walkway and then seen several times at BRL. [b]ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus saularis) – Quite common in edge habitats throughout the lowlands and foothills. We watched them

carrying nesting material at BRL. The race we saw was adamsi, with mostly black underparts but white undertail coverts and tail edges. (There isconfusion about the races, in part based on intergrades between pluto and adamsi; but the Phillipps & Phillipps guide seems to have reversed theillustrations of these two races.) [N]

RUFOUS-TAILED SHAMA (Copsychus pyrropygus) – A generally shy and uncommon resident of lowland rainforest, this Sundaland specialty wassinging spontaneously during our visit to BRL. After hearing it a few times, Hamit managed to spot it from the canopy walkway (!) one afternoon,and we all had good scope views of the singing bird. Considered Near Threatened.

WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA (WHITE-CROWNED) (Copsychus malabaricus stricklandii) – Common (by its lovely song) throughout the lowlands,but not always easily seen. We had multiple views of it on this trip, the most interesting of which was peering down onto the white crown and darkeye of an incubating bird inside a nest hole in the hollow of a tree right below the RDC canopy walkway. Myers, Phillipps & Phillipps, and otherselevate the race stricklandii, of Sabah and NE Kalimantan, to full species status, calling it White-crowned Shama, but Cornell retains it as a race ofWhite-rumped in the Clements checklist. [N]

PALE BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis unicolor) – Males were seen nicely several times from the canopy walkway at BRL.LONG-BILLED BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis caerulatus) – This Sundaland blue-flycatcher, considered Vulnerable, was seen only by Brooke at

BRL.MALAYSIAN BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis turcosus) – We had lovely views of this Near Threatened Sundaland specialty along the Menanggul

and saw pairs later along the river at BRL.BORNEAN BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis superbus) – Singing males of this endemic were seen by both subgroups at BRL. [E]GRAY-CHESTED JUNGLE-FLYCATCHER (Cyornis umbratilis) – Another Near Threatened Sundaland specialty, this one was seen quite well by

half the group, i.e., the subgroup that was with Paul & RAR on the Segama Trail on our first full day of birding at BRL. (The following day we gotno response in the same territory.)

PYGMY BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Muscicapella hodgsoni) – Heard en route to the Nepenthes at Mesilau. [*]BLUE-AND-WHITE FLYCATCHER (Cyanoptila cyanomelana) – An Asian breeder that is an uncommon passage migrant in Borneo, this beauty (a

male) was seen well by all through the scopes, from our vista point along the trail at Poring Hot Springs. It was hanging out in a distant tree in thelate afternoon. [b]

INDIGO FLYCATCHER (Eumyias indigo) – A common breeder at Kinabalu, it was seen well on several occasions. Its range is restricted to Java,Sumatra, and Borneo.

VERDITER FLYCATCHER (Eumyias thalassinus) – Of widespread distribution, this species is not very common on our route. We were happy to see


it from the RDC canopy walkway.EYEBROWED JUNGLE-FLYCATCHER (Vauriella gularis) – This distinctive, unobtrusive endemic was seen beautifully along the Silau-Silau trail

in Kinabalu Park. [E]WHITE-BROWED SHORTWING (Brachypteryx montana) – This songster was mostly heard, but we saw a pair foraging on the ground at the upper

end of the Silau-Silau trail at Kinabalu. Better yet, we called a male onto a close mossy log right along the Silau-Silau, where everyone got greatviews.

SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN (Larvivora cyane) – On our Jacuzzi trail morning, some of us caught a view of this secretive passage migrant. [b]BORNEAN WHISTLING-THRUSH (Myophonus borneensis) – Perhaps the dullest of the heavyset whistling-thrushes; we had great views of it at

Kinabalu. Marcy videoed an injured female along the top of the Bukit Ular trail. [E]WHITE-CROWNED FORKTAIL (Enicurus leschenaulti borneensis) – A.k.a. Bornean Forktail, this is the endemic, montane race--the one at

Kinabalu. It has a longer tail and more white on the crown than the lowland birds, and recent molecular studies suggest that borneensis could be adistinct species, in which case it would become another Bornean endemic. We had some dynamite views of adults at Mesilau.

CHESTNUT-NAPED FORKTAIL (Enicurus ruficapillus) – We saw it from the entrance road bridge a couple of times, but each time it was quick andvery few folks got on it. Sorry.

RUFOUS-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula dumetoria) – This beauty is a Sundaland specialty that is considered Near Threatened. We all hadfabulous views of a singing male along the Segama trail on successive days.

LITTLE PIED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula westermanni) – We encountered this widespread species, a little beauty in black and white, carrying nestingmaterial to a nest site at Kinabalu Park. [N]

NARCISSUS FLYCATCHER (Ficedula narcissina) – A male of this migrant beauty joined the Blue-and-white Flycatcher in the same tree at Poring.[b]

MUGIMAKI FLYCATCHER (Ficedula mugimaki) – We had several sightings of these pretty Asian migrants along the road near the TambunanRafflesia Center, at Kinabalu, and at Poring. [b]

SNOWY-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula hyperythra) – We watched an adult feeding a fledgling at Kinabalu. It's widespread in Asian montaneforests. [N]

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)EYEBROWED THRUSH (Turdus obscurus) – Our "hot" fruiting fig up the road from the Masakob Waterfall was attracting a small flock of these

winterers. [b]FRUIT-HUNTER (Chlamydochaera jefferyi) – One of the toughest of the endemics at Kinabalu; seeing a pair so well, near the bottom of the Bukit

Ular trail but along the road, was one of the foremost highlights of the trip. [E]

Sturnidae (Starlings)ASIAN GLOSSY STARLING (Aplonis panayensis) – A regular resident in disturbed habitats, from towns and gardens to palm plantations, this one

was seen widely, starting with our drive from the Sandakan airport to Sepilok.COMMON HILL MYNA (Gracula religiosa) – The only native myna in Borneo, it's also the handsomest. We saw it several times, from the RDC

walkway and in the Kinabatangan.JAVAN MYNA (Acridotheres javanicus) – This was the one at Sepilok, where introduced birds have become established locally and expanded along

roads through the palm plantations toward the coast. [I]

Chloropseidae (Leafbirds)GREATER GREEN LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis sonnerati) – The females are more easily distinguished than the males in the two look-alike green

leafbirds, but when the two species are together, the size difference is notable as well. A male of this species was seen alongside a Lesser at BRL.Both green leafbirds are Sundaland specialties.

LESSER GREEN LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis cyanopogon) – The more common of the two leafbirds, this one was seen first from the RDC canopytowers and later at BRL. Considered Near Threatened.

BORNEAN LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis kinabaluensis) – As split from Blue-winged Leafbird, another Bornean endemic; the females of this species haveblack masks/throats (like the males), which Blue-winged females lack. Several birds interacting were seen very briefly along the Rafflesia Centerroadside. [E]

Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)YELLOW-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER (Prionochilus maculatus) – This Sundaland specialty was seen well several times at BRL.YELLOW-RUMPED FLOWERPECKER (Prionochilus xanthopygius) – This handsome endemic was seen well at Sepilok and at BRL. [E]YELLOW-VENTED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum chrysorrheum) – Seen well from the RDC canopy walkway, where we saw it at very close range.ORANGE-BELLIED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum trigonostigma) – Common and widespread, but the males are quite striking! We saw them best

from the RDC walkway pre tour and then in the Kinabatangan.BLACK-SIDED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum monticolum) – We had great views of this handsome montane endemic at Kinabalu, especially just

outside our lodge. [E]SCARLET-BACKED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum cruentatum) – This widespread beauty was eating mistletoe berries on the grounds of the

Sepilok Nature Resort pre tour and was then seen at the RDC.

Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD (Chalcoparia singalensis) – We had very nice views of this widespread sunbird at the RDC, in the Kinabatangan, and at

BRL.PLAIN SUNBIRD (Anthreptes simplex) – Appropriately named, these little guys are inconspicuous, but fairly common, at BRL (where we had good

looks). It's another Sundaland specialty.PLAIN-THROATED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes malacensis) – Seen widely in gardens and secondary lowland forest edge, this widespread sunbird was

seen nicely at Sepilok, in the Kinabatangan, and at Poring. A pair had a nest in the "hot" fruiting fig on the Sepilok Nature Resort grounds. [N]


RED-THROATED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes rhodolaemus) – We had a nice study of a male from the Bristlehead Tower of the RDC walkway on the daybefore the official tour went there. More dependent on primary forest than its cousin, this species is considered Near Threatened.

VAN HASSELT'S SUNBIRD (Leptocoma brasiliana) – Formerly known as Purple-throated Sunbird, this little sunbird is electric in the sun! We saw itlight up from the RDC Bristlehead Tower and saw one male at BRL (where I've not seen it before). Note that the Clements checklist follows others insplitting this species (which occurs from India to SE Asia and the Greater Sundas) from the Philippine bird, L. sperata. You might scratch your head,however, about the specific moniker "brasiliana."

OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris jugularis) – Common in disturbed habitats, this widespread species was seen at Sepilok, Sukau, BRL, andPoring. [N]

EASTERN CRIMSON SUNBIRD (Aethopyga siparaja) – This widespread but striking sunbird was seen beautifully in the gardens of the SepilokNature Resort pre tour, then in the Kinabatangan, and then several times at BRL.

TEMMINCK'S SUNBIRD (Aethopyga temminckii) – This Sundaland specialty is a lower montane equivalent of the last species, though even morebrilliant (with a red tail). We saw it quite nicely at Kinabalu, where it sat up singing outside our Hill Lodge.

THICK-BILLED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera crassirostris) – This Sundaland specialty was seen in the orange flowers above the entrance toBRL. It was the one with yellow belly, unstreaked breast, and a bit of yellow around the eye.

LONG-BILLED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera robusta) – This spiderhunter was foraging in the same orange flowers at BRL. This was the stoutone with the yellow underparts and heavy streaking on the breast. It too is a Sundaland specialty.

LITTLE SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera longirostra) – The commonest of the spiderhunters, this one was seen repeatedly, especially at BRL (whereit often visited the gingers and cannas in bloom outside our chalets).

PURPLE-NAPED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera hypogrammicum) – Note that this understory "sunbird," with the distinctive call note and habits,has been transferred from Hypogramma into the spiderhunter genus Arachnothera in the latest revision of the Clements checklist. Much like the LittleSpiderhunter, it is more often heard flying through the forest understory than seen. We saw it first at Sukau and then at BRL.

WHITEHEAD'S SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera juliae) – With wonderful luck, this was one of the first birds we saw at Masakob Waterfall! It saton the tip top of a bare tree and called, affording some great scope views, and was then seen atop another bare tree in the distance. It's usually thetoughest of the Whitehead's trio of endemics to find at Kinabalu. Yip! Yip! Yip! [E]

YELLOW-EARED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera chrysogenys) – Feeding in the same orange flowers at BRL, this was the one with theprominent yellow ear spot and the narrower yellow eyering. We had great views of this Sundaland specialty.

SPECTACLED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera flavigaster) – First seen at RDC, this Sundaland specialty was also a regular at the orange flowersabove the BRL entrance. It was the one with the very prominent yellow eyering and the smaller ear spot.

BORNEAN SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera everetti) – Formerly called Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter, the race everetti that occurs in Sabah waselevated to full-species status in the latest revision of the Clements checklist, thus becoming another Bornean endemic. We saw it well in the sameorange flowers above the entrance to BRL. [E]

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)GRAY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea) [b]ORIENTAL PIPIT (Anthus rufulus malayensis) – Brooke spotted this one in the grass strips beside the Lahad Datu runway, where it breeds.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus) – Introduced in Borneo, but apparently doing quite well around human habitations throughout.

[IN]

Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)BAYA WEAVER (Ploceus philippinus) – Not even included in the Myers field guide, published in 2009, this colonial Asian weaver has become

established near Sandakan in recent years, apparently from a feral population. They certainly seemed to be busy nest building along the road atSepilok! A striking species with elaborately woven nests.

Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)DUSKY MUNIA (Lonchura fuscans) – The most ubiquitous of all the Bornean endemics, this one was best seen at BRL, where they were feeding on

grass seeds in the Danum River floodplain and sometimes showed up just outside our rooms. [E]CHESTNUT MUNIA (Lonchura atricapilla) – A common resident in open areas throughout, it's a sharp-looking munia. We saw it first pre tour at

Sepilok and then on the way to Gomantong and at Lahad Datu.

MAMMALSCOLUGO (Cynocephalus variegatus) – We had a "Colugo Night" at BRL, spotting two of these fabulous "flying" mammals in one night drive!

Belonging to the order Dermoptera, the Colugo has recently been shown to be our closest living relative outside of primates (see the following linkfor a short article on this and for an amazing photo of a Colugo with a baby sailing from one tree to another:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-491237/Our-closest-living-relative--rainforest-bat.html).

LARGE FLYING FOX (Pteropus vampyrus) – We spotlighted two of these huge fruit-eating bats in a tree along the Menanggul River on a nightcruise. They are quite impressive in flight.

WRINKLE-LIPPED BAT (Tadarida [Chaerephon] plicata) – The majority of the bats pouring out of the Gomantong Caves were of this species, whichclearly provides ample prey for the Bat Hawks that gather each evening to feast. On our evening at the caves this trip, the bats were pouring out early,in separate little clouds that drifted off in the same general direction. It was fun to watch Bat Hawks diving into the distant clouds.

MOUNTAIN TREESHREW (Tupaia montana) – These treeshrews, seen scampering along the ground at Mesilau, are the ones that provide thenitrogen needed by Nepenthes rajah, the world's largest pitcher plant. (Do you remember how?) [E]

LARGE TREESHREW (Tupaia tana) – This lowland species, found only in Sumatra and Borneo, was seen by some at BRL.HORSFIELD'S TARSIER (Tarsius bancanus) – A.k.a. Western Tarsier, this tiny primate stems from an ancient lineage. It was one of the real mammal

highlights of the trip! The first one Paul spotlighted managed to bound away before everyone could see it. But, on another night drive at BRL, Pauldid it again! And this one stayed for good looks by all aboard.


CRAB-EATING MACAQUE (Macaca fascigularis) – A.k.a. Long-tailed Macaque, it was common along the Kinabatangan and its tributaries, and itwas roosting near our lodge, where it sometimes would run up and down our metal rooftops, apparently enjoying the noise produced.

PIGTAIL MACAQUE (Macaca nemestrina) – Less common than the last species, it was first seen at the Gomantong road edge. In the Kinabatangan,we watched an especially memorable troop (with numerous females with babies) along the Tenangang. A few were also seen at BRL.

SILVERED LEAF MONKEY (Presbytis cristata) – A.k.a. Silvered Langur. This species is a bit more widespread than the next, being found inpeninsular Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as the Greater Sundas. We had lovely views of a silvery female with its rufous-orange baby inthe Kinabatangan.

RED LEAF MONKEY (Presbytis rubicunda) – This handsome endemic was first seen at the RDC and then on the Gomantong road, where they climbto the treetops to roost. [E]

PROBOSCIS MONKEY (Nasalis larvatus) – These bizarre monkeys with the great noses, fat bellies, and the long white tails are among the foremostnatural history attractions of Borneo. Seeing them in the wilds of the Kinabatangan, where they gather to feed, socialize, and roost each evening, wasa wonderful experience. Most memorable on this trip was watching a whole troop, one at a time, cross the Menanggul River by bounding from a highdead branch on one side, into the water just short of the far shore, and then swimming to the bank. The big male waited until last, after his entireharem and all the young ones had crossed. [E]

GRAY GIBBON (Hylobates muelleri) – Mostly heard, but the BRL subgroup with Hamit on the Hornbill Trail the first morning there got to see onehigh in a fruiting tree. A.k.a. Bornean Gibbon. [E]

ORANGUTAN (Pongo pygmaeus) – Now usually called Bornean Orangutan, having been split from the larger Sumatran Orangutan. Our firstencounter with this Endangered primate comprised another of the outstanding mammalian highlights of the trip. It was a pregnant mother with abald-headed baby right beside the clearing from which we watched the emergence of bats from the Gomantong Caves. We would later see two oldersiblings near a fruiting fig along the great Kinabatangan River; another female with a young one over the Sukau boardwalk; and another female witha young one at BRL. Orangutans average 73-180 lbs, with big males weighing 250 lbs or more. [E]

PALE GIANT SQUIRREL (Ratufa affinis) – Generally considered a Sundaland specialty, of Near Threatened status, this big squirrel was seenextremely well from the RDC canopy towers.

PREVOST'S SQUIRREL (Callosciurus prevostii) – The common good-sized squirrel of the lowland rainforest, it was first seen at RDC and then seenalmost daily in the lowlands, especially at BRL (where they were eating big fruits along the boardwalk to our chalets). The race we saw is darkblackish with a chestnut belly.

PLANTAIN SQUIRREL (Callosciurus notatus) – The common squirrel of the lowlands, where we saw it repeatedly.BORNEAN BLACK-BANDED SQUIRREL (Callosciurus orestes) – We saw this squirrel best on the railing of the platform at the Timpohon gate. It

was the one with the small, round white patch behind the ear, the striped sides, and a whitish belly. [E]SCULPTOR SQUIRREL (Glyphotes simus) – A.k.a. Red-bellied Sculptor Squirrel in the MAMMALS OF BORNEO, this is the squirrel with the

buffy belly and white crescent behind the ear that we saw from the balcony of the Liwagu Restaurant. I called it an Ear-spot Squirrel at the time,having forgotten that it is this look-alike that occurs in the mountains at Kinabalu; the true Ear-spot Squirrel is known from Kinabalu only in thelower foothills (to ca. 900m). Both species are endemic to Borneo. [E]

PLAIN PYGMY SQUIRREL (Exilisciurus exilis) – The endearing pygmy of the lowlands; first seen at Gomantong, it was much enjoyed at Sukau,where it sometimes foraged on mosses at very close range. [E]

RED GIANT FLYING SQUIRREL (Petaurista petaurista) – Our wonderful views of this, the largest of the flying squirrels, were among our favoritemammal experiences of the trip. We stayed until dark at the RDC canopy walkway on the evening before the tour officially started in order to see thisspecies crawl up a tall trunk and sail from its nest tree to another tree--while it was still daylight. Little did we know it would sail directly toward us,landing on the nearest tree trunk! There it preened for an extended period as we watched and photographed. We would later see the species on twodifferent night drives at BRL.

BLACK FLYING SQUIRREL (Aeromys tephromelas) – This Sundaland endemic, scarce in Borneo, was a lifer for RAR. We saw it well on a BRLnight drive when Paul spotlighted it on the trunk of a canopy tree.

THOMAS'S FLYING SQUIRREL (Aeromys thomasi) – On our first night drive at BRL, we had a great view of this species, the Borneo endemic. Wecould see that it did not have a black tip to the tail, it was a bit slenderer than the Red Giant, and its overall coloration was a darker rust, not orangy.We saw the species again on our third night drive. [E]

BLACK RAT (Rattus rattus) – A.k.a. House Rat, this species was seen by some near the buildings at BRL. [I]MALAYSIAN WEASEL (Mustela nudipes) – Another lifer for RAR, this handsome critter, orangy-blond with a white head, ran across the road in

front of our vehicle on our way to the HQ buildings at Kinabalu Park. As implied by the name, it too is a Sundaland specialty--and one that we've notseen on this tour before.

MALAY CIVET (Viverra tangalunga) – Among the most striking of the civets (family Viverridae), this beauty was seen first on a night cruise alongthe Menanggul and then twice on night drives at BRL, where everyone had a good look at one that stayed near the road edge, crawling slowly away.In the order Carnivora, civets eat mostly invertebrates and small vertebrates they run across, but some also eat a variety of fruit.

SMALL-TOOTHED PALM CIVET (Arctogalidia trivirgata) – Paul spotlighted this long-tailed, arboreal civet with the fine black stripes down itsback on one of our night drives at BRL. It was another lifer for RAR and a first for this tour. It's omnivorous in its feeding and rarely comes to theground.

BORNEAN PYGMY ELEPHANT (Elephas maximus borneensis) – Another mammalian highlight was finding a herd of around 30 Bornean PygmyElephants, along the banks of the big Kinabatangan, where they munched on "elephant grass" at close range, the trumpeting of big males being heardin the background. They are indeed smaller than their Indian cousins and can easily disappear in the tall grass. Though they are still considered a race(with proportionately longer tails) of the larger Indian Elephant on our list, most authorities now elevate the smaller Bornean race to full-speciesstatus based on DNA evidence.

GREATER MOUSE DEER (Tragulus napu) – We saw several mouse deer at BRL without seeing them well enough to distinguish which species wewere seeing. But we did see one of this larger species on a night drive with Paul on March 19.

LESSER MOUSE DEER (Tragulus javanicus) – One of these miniature deer was seen by someone along the Gomantong road during the day, and onewas called this species on our second night drive at BRL. But I leave it to you; the two can be tough to distinguish without a good look.

SAMBAR (Cervus unicolor) – Individuals and small groups of does of these heavy deer, widespread in Asia, were spotlighted by night at BRL.


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

One of the joys of birding in Borneo is all the delightful distractions that come in varied and exotic forms from other parts of the animal kingdom. Ourtriplist database contains only birds and mammals, but we had a long list of additional write-ins, including a few plant species of exceptional interest. Tomention a very few, emphasizing those that we were able to identify:

Among the plants:

--Rafflesia keithii We traveled to Poring to see the flower of this fascinating endemic, the largest of its genus in Borneo and the second largest in theworld. An endoparasite, it has no stems, leaves, or true roots, deriving its energy entirely from its host, a woody grapevine in the genus Tetrastigma(Vitaceae). We discussed how scientists and the Kinabalu Park staff work with locals to enhance the environmental conditions favorable to this rare andimpressive flower, namely by making its host vine available for distribution on nearby private lands. It has worked well, increasing the probability ofour encountering an ephemeral Rafflesia flower somewhere near Poring on our tour. This March we saw a very fresh blossom on its first day open,thanks to the notification Osman received. A recent study on its congener, Rafflesia cantleyi, determined that the parasite was not only absorbingnutrients from its host, but was actually stealing genes! For details on this horizontal gene transfer, a rare phenomenon among organisms more complexthan bacteria, go to: http://www.biomedcentral.com/presscenter/pressreleases/20120608.

--Carnivorous Nepenthes pitcher plants The pitcher plant center of Borneo (and the world!) is upper elevation Mt. Kinabalu. We drove to Mesilau, at2000m, where some of us took a steep (but short) trail to see 4 different species of pitcher plants on a slope that had been opened up by a landslide: N.burbigeae (a colorful one! seen by all), N. fusca (the smallest one), N. tentaculata (the one that is common along the Timpohon Summit Trail as well);and N. rajah, a.k.a. Rajah Brooke's Pitcher Plant, with the largest pitchers in the world, holding up to 3.5 liters of liquid! Recent research has revealedthe "evolutionary incentive" for high elevation pitcher plants to have evolved bigger and bigger pitchers: It's to serve as a toilet for treeshrews! TheMountain Treeshrew, which is common at these high elevations (where insects become increasingly scarce), is attracted by the sweet secretion on theunderside of the pitcher's lid. To reach it, they climb onto the pitcher's sturdy rim, which fits them perfectly, and sip away, meanwhile defecating into thepitcher to mark their feeding territory, thus supplying all the nitrogen critical to these normally carnivorous plants. See the following link for a fullexplanation, with photos: http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/news id_8552000/8552157.stm. In addition to the four species we saw in situ on theNepenthes Trail, we saw two additional species (which occur naturally much higher on Kinabalu) that were planted in the Mesilau garden: the tiny N.villosa, and the striking big N. lowii (which Lowe actually discovered on his first ascent of Gg. Kinabalu). N. reinwardtiana was the lower-elevationspecies we saw in situ in the boggy field we wandered through to photograph it near Poring.

Notes on other critters encountered during the tour:

First, a selection of invertebrates:

--Bornean Pill Millipedes (Glomeris connexa, family Zephronidae) at BRL. They feed on dead leaves & wood in the leaf litter, contributing todecomposition of organic matter and release of nutrients back into the soil, and curl into a protective ball like a pillbug when disturbed. There wereother, more traditional millipedes as well.

--Scutigerid long-legged centipedes (Scutigera spp.) and the abundant cockroaches on the Gomantong cave walls could not be ignored! The cavecentipedes arer generally nocturnal, devouring spiders, stick insects, and beetle larvae.

--The Giant Forest Ants (Camponotus gigas) we saw at BRL are among the largest ants worldwide. They are primarily nocturnal, nesting undergroundmostly (though sometimes in the canopy), and feed on dead insect and plant material.

--"Cotton bugs," the insects with the cottony white filaments that were clustered on tree trunks along the Sukau boardwalk, together with some adultsthat appeared quite moth-like, turn out to be the nymphs of a group of leafhoppers (family Flatidae, suborder Homoptera, order Hemiptera = "truebugs"). All the Homoptera have sucking mouthparts.

--White lantern bugs (Pyrops sultana, family Fulgoridae, suborder Homoptera, order Hemiptera), with a deep rust-orange snout-like head, were seenwell on the trunks of a tree at Poring. Contrary to the belief of Linneaus, who described several species, the inflated head process does not light up atnight. Like the cotton bugs, they too are sap suckers, which excrete excess sugars as droplets that certain ants have become specialized to collect!

--The colorful big, yellow banded cicada (with a red thorax band an a turquoise abdomen) that flew in and landed beside us along the Kinabalu roadabove our lodge was the lovely Tacua speciosa, one of the two largest of cicadas. With a length of 2.2 inches, its wingspan can reach 4.7 inches. ASundaland specialty, it is considered rare.

--Of the many butterflies & moths, perhaps most memorable would be the common Wood Nymph (Idea stolli) or Tree Nymph butterflies that floattissue paper-like throughout the lowlands (and are replaced by a montane counterpart in the highlands); the big, striking black-and-yellow CommonBirdwings (Trioides helena) that were fairly common from the lowlands to lower Kinabalu; and the big, brown-and-white, long-tailed Lyssa moth (L.menoetcus) that we saw first at Sukau. [See the following website to help ID some of your other butterfly photos:http://www.learnaboutbutterflies.com/Malaysia%20thumbs.htm] We should also mention that huge, lime-green caterpillar we saw on our BRL nightwalk; speculation was that it turns into a big moth.

--And then, of course, there were the leeches. It was exceptionally dry at BRL on our trip, so they weren't particularly numerous this year. Still, we"experienced" both Brown Leeches (Haemadipsa zeylanica) and the endemic Tiger Leech (Haemadipsa picta). They informed our fashion and left someof us with a "battle scar" to show off back home.

Amphibians & reptiles of particular note:

--The Giant River Frog (Limnonectes leporinus; previously Rana blythi) we saw on the Menanggul riverbank during a night cruise is unusual in being a"voiceless" frog! Males do not advertise their presence with vocalizations; in fact, they have no vocal sacs. Somehow they manage to attract females in


any case.

--Harlequin Flying Treefrog (Rhacophorus pardalis) Like other "flying frogs," it's able to "fly" by spreading its toes, which are connected by broadmembranes that allow it to sail from branch to branch or across gaps in the forest canopy, which is its normal home. It comes down to forest pools tobreed. We saw a very young one that somehow jumped (sailed?) right into our boat, near the mouth of the Rasang River into the Kinabatangan.

--File-eared Treefrog (Polypedates otilophus, family Rhacophoridae) These handsome, yellowish frogs congregate over water, where they lay theirfertilized eggs into a foam mass that will harden on the outside while remaining liquid on the inside, providing the tadpoles a suitable environment untilthe mass falls into the water below. Paul spotlighted a beautiful specimen of this species on our night walk on the BRL Nature Trail.

--Kinabalu Horned Frog (a.k.a. Mountain Horned Frog, Megophrys baluensis or Xenophrys baluensis) was the fabulous big frog that Osman caught inthe wet ditch near the bottom exit of the Bukit Ular trail so we could photograph it. It's a Borneo endemic, replacing the Bornean Horned Frog (M.nasuta) of the lowlands.

--Smith's Giant Gecko (Gekko smithii) As split nowadays from Tokay Gecko (G. gecko), this is the one that we heard so frequently and photographedunder the sheltered stretch of the entrance walkway to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

--Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) We saw some big ones in the Kinabatangan.

--Angle-headed Lizard (Gonocephalus sp. cf doriae) The big lizard that Hamit and Marcy saw along the BRL Nature Trail in the daytime belongs to thisgenus. Species are tricky to distinguish, but their photos caused them to lean toward doriae, a little-known Bornean endemic.

--Green Crested Agamid (Bronchocela cristatella) This was the bright green lizard we saw first along the Gomantong road, and then some folks saw itnear our rooms at BRL.

--Draco sp. (flying lizards) We saw examples of these along the Gomantong road and probably elsewhere in the lowlands.

--"Common sun skink" (Eutropis multifasciatus) The most common skink we encountered (the bronzy-brown one in the leaf litter throughout thelowlands) was probably of this species, formerly in the genus Mabuya. It occurs throughout the region.

--Olive Tree Skink (Dasia olivacea) was the skink with the brilliant lime-green underparts that Marcy caught at BRL.

--Mangrove Cat Snake (Boiga dendrophila) A.k.a. Yellow-banded Cat Snake, this pretty black and yellow snake is nocturnal, eating birds (especiallytheir nestlings & eggs), amphibians, lizards, & other snakes. It's even known to take mouse deer! It's usually seen coiled on a branch over water duringthe day, as where we saw it along the Tenangang one afternoon.

--Striped Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis caudolineatus) was the pencil-thin snake that Hazwan pointed out in the tree overhanging our banana fritter deck atSukau. It's a diurnal species of the lowlands and submontane forest edge and gardens, of Sundaland and the Philippines.

--Reticulated Python (Broghammerus reticulatus) Also found in Sundaland and the Philippines, this big constrictor is nocturnal, feeding primarily onhomeotherms near water. It contends with the Anaconda of S. America for being the longest snake in the world (though the Anaconda is heavier). Wesaw a small one at the water's edge along the bank of the Menanggul by night.

Like Kinabalu itself, that's just the "tip of the batholith." There are LOTS of fabulous critters out there, and we encountered a wonderful sampling ofthem.

Totals for the tour: 290 bird taxa and 30 mammal taxa


Documents

Borneo I 2013 - Field Guides · One of eight Orangutans we encountered in the wilds of Borneo, this was a young male along the Kinabatangan. (photo by participant Bill Fraser) For