THE MALAY PENINSULA - Bird Tours - BIRDQUEST -PENINSULA- REP 12.pdfThe 2012 Birdquest to the Malay Peninsula continued our long run of ... At Kuala Selangor we found Mangrove Whistler

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Malay Peninsula 2012 www.birdquest-tours.com

THE MALAY PENINSULA12 – 23 AUGUST 2012

LEADERS: SIMON HARRAP and CHRIS KEHOE

The 2012 Birdquest to the Malay Peninsula continued our long run of successful trips to this classic birding destination. At Kuala Selangor we found Mangrove Whistler and Mangrove Blue Flycatcher and had brief views of a Brown-streaked Flycatcher and a Buffy Fish-Owl. At Fraser’s Hill we added Collared Owlet, a great little Mountain Scops Owl, Red-headed and Orange-breasted Trogons, Black-browed and Fire-tufted Barbets, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Long-tailed Broadbill, Black Laughingthrush, Streaked and Pygmy Wren-Babblers, Sultan Tits, the gorgeous Blue Nuthatch, and found peninsula endemics: Malayan Partridge (seen by just a few of the group, unfortunately), Malayan Laughingthrush and Malayan Whistling-Thrush. We had a real treat with a tremendous chorus from a troop of Siamangs and saw two Binturongs grooming each-other high in a tree.

Gould’s Frogmouth: Voted ‘Bird of the Trip’ following stunning views.


Taman Negara was as quiet as I have ever known it: imagine a whole morning in the forest without hearing a barbet, and with just one or two calls from Black-and-yellow Broadbill. Nevertheless, we did well, with stunning Crested Firebacks, Black-thighed Falconet, Lesser Fish Eagle, Large Green Pigeon, Blue-banded, Banded and Rufous-collared Kingfishers, four species of hornbill, Great Slaty Woodpecker (and the trip recorded 15 species of woodpecker in total), Garnet and Banded Pittas, three Broadbills, four hornbills, Black Magpie, the bizarre Crested Jay, Rufous-chested Flycatcher, Straw-headed and Grey-bellied Bulbuls and a host of babblers, including Striped and Large Wren-Babblers and the elusive White-necked Babbler. Night-time excursions were productive, with stunning views of a Gould’s Frogmouth and a dapper little Reddish Scops Owl.

At the start of the tour we gathered at Kuala Lumpur airport, a couple of us bleary-eyed after the long flight from London, but most of the group bright eyed and bushy tailed a good night’s sleep in the airport hotel, having merely come from Sabah and a fantastic Birdquest to Borneo. Once assembled we headed off to Kuala Selangor on the west coast of the Peninsula, picking up the first of many introduced House Crows and Javan Mynas. At Kuala Selangor it was too hot to go birding so we relaxed and merely pottered around the garden prior to lunch, picking up Coppersmith Barbet, Rubycheek Sunbird and other ‘common or garden species. Then, in the ‘cool’ of the late afternoon, we had a great session at Kuala Selangor Nature Park. The scrub and mangroves along the bunds produced Pink-necked Green-Pigeons, a spotty juvenile Drongo Cuckoo, Dollarbird, Sunda and Laced Woodpeckers, Common Flameback, Golden-bellied Gerygone, Abbott’s and White-chested Babblers (the last species a bit of a surprise), Olive-winged Bulbul, Common Iora and Grey Tit. We were, however, frustrated by a Brown-streaked Flycatcher that showed all-too-briefly and then vanished. We also explored the concrete ‘boardwalk’ through the mangrove and picked up Mangrove Whistler (without a tail) and a showy family party of Mangrove Blue Flycatchers. Mammal interest was provided by Silvered Leaf-Monkeys and the all-too-common Long-tailed Macaques. Then, as we returned to the bus towards dusk, Large-tailed Nightjar sailed past and just before we returned to the hotel, a Buffy Fish-Owl was spotlighted briefly as it sat on a wire over the car park. Eager for more, we returned to the Nature Park at first light. Good numbers of Javan Mynas and Asian Glossy Starlings milled around, and we added an ugly Lesser Adjutant, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Blue-throated Bee-eater, Collared Kingfishers and Pied Triller, but despite trying hard there was neither sight nor sound of Mangrove Pitta. After an early dinner we headed off for Fraser’s Hill. We arrived at the Gap in good time and spent a couple of hours along the road there. An elusive Chestnut-naped Forktail along the road was a real surprise, and a fruiting tree attracted good numbers of Black-crested Bulbuls, as well as Lesser Cuckoo-shrikes, Mountain Minivets, Lesser Green Leafbirds and Fairy Bluebirds. Smaller fry included White-bellied Erpornis and Plain Flowerpecker, but the star was a Collared Owlet that flow in and say calling, in full view (and not at a neck-breaking angle) for around 30 minutes. Once up at the top, Fire-tufted Barbet and Long-tailed Sibia outside the room were an introduction to the wonders of Fraser’s.

On our first morning at Fraser’s Hill we started out before dawn at a stake-out for the elusive Malayan Whistling-Thrush. Unlike some similar ‘stakeouts’ in the past, this one paid off as the bird showed very well in good light. We also had good looks at a couple of Slaty-backed Forktails, many Spectacled and a pair of Malayan Laughingthrushes, and Long-tailed Sibias, Colourful Silver-eared Mesias and Streaked Spiderhunters, and the day was off to a flying start. After breakfast we hit the trail, and during the course of the morning found some very nice birds. A pair of Malayan Partridges at the start of the walk were elusive, but not so the Lesser Shortwing and Streaked and Pygmy Wren-babblers that we ‘staked out’ at a gully – all showed very well. Black-throated Sunbirds were mobbing a snake curled up in a tree, and we found (separately) female and male Red-headed Trogons, but Rufous-browed Flycatcher was not so well-behaved. After lunch and a siesta we spent some time along the road which, for an afternoon, was surprisingly productive. We spent time with a couple of mixed flocks, finding Black-eared Shrike-Babblers and Chestnut-crowned Warbler, as well as a stunning Blue Nuthatch. Another highlight was a noisy flock of Sultan Tits, whilst both Blue-winged and Orange-bellied Leafbirds drew admiration. And, it did not rain!

Early the next morning we returned to the ‘New’ Road and during the course of a leisurely walk down to the Gap had an excellent morning. One of the first things that we found was a party of around a dozen bizarre Long-tailed

Collared Owlet showed well – they are often frustratingly hard to find.


Broadbills, calling and fussing about in the same tree. Three species of woodpecker included a group of Buff-rumped at close range, and we also saw Sultan Tits again, also at very close range. Two groups of Wreathed Hornbills were expected, but a family of three Great Hornbills was a real bonus, especially as they showed well. A Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle, perched and then in flight, also showed well. Towards midday it was inevitably quieter, but we did see Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babblers, and then stopped for refreshments at the Gap tea shop. Finally, on the way back up to Fraser’s Hill we added Chestnut-breasted Malkoha. The morning was not without mammal interest. A pair of loafing Binturongs high in a tree woke up and did a bit of mutual grooming, and we had nice views of these strange creatures. We saw a solitary (and silent) Siamang before finding a noising troop of around five, singing and yelling to another group across the valley. The had chosen a natural amphitheatre and the sound was truly wonderful. In the afternoon we spent some time along the road near the summit of Fraser’s and, despite my dour predictions, it was quite productive. We found both Greater and Lesser Yellownapes, a couple of Javan Cuckoo-shrikes and some lively Black-and-Crimson Orioles, while Golden Babbler and Chestnut-crowned Warbler were ‘catch-ups’ for some. We also ventured onto the trail, where the liveliest things were

the leeches, which had been woken up by a little rain. Great looks at Rufous-browed Flycatcher were another ‘catch-up’, however, making the slipping and sliding all worthwhile.

On our second full day at Fraser’s we started before dawn with a brief look for Mountain Scops Owl. After some time one was heard, but it did not come close and so we quickly adjourned for breakfast before again taking the road down to the Gap. The forest is very beautiful, if a little quiet at times, and during the course of the morning we found more great birds. At the start of the walk a bare tree was strangely attractive to barbets, allowing good looks at Gold-whiskered, Black-browed and Blue-eared. A noisy party of Black Laughingthrushes showed well, and after some hard work we had a really good look at a smart male Orange-breasted Trogon. Red-bearded Bee-eater was another classy bird, with its bright pink forehead setting off the eponymous red throat. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch was another great bird, and we were pleased to see another noisy flock of Long-tailed Broadbills, their apple-green bodies rivalled only be the emerald green of a Rajah Brook’s Birdwing that was settled nearby. There were some frustrations, however. Ferruginous Wood Partridge was head, but way off in the distance, while a Banded Kingfisher that called close by a couple of times went silent and refused to play. In the afternoon, after torrential rain over lunch, we birded the forest near the summit of Fraser’s Hill. Again, despite my dire predictions, it was quite birdy. We had great looks at several White-browed Shrike-Babblers (now re-named Blyth’s Shrike-Babbler following a 4-way split), found a couple more Blue Nuthatches and even more Sultan Tits, and a noisy flock of Black Laughingthrushes (at a rather high altitude).

On our final morning at Fraser’s we tried again for Mountain Scops Owl, more in hope than expectation. But, after a little trawling, two were calling and we put the torch on one of them, sitting low down and in full view. Well pleased, we breakfasted and packed, and then had a last session on the roads near the hotel. We saw a nice selection of birds, with great looks (again) at Pygmy Wren-Babbler and an absurdly tame Black-breasted Sunbird, and then it was time to bid farewell to this wonderful site and head back to the steamy lowlands. We drove eastwards to Kuala Tembeling, stopping for a fine lunch en route (and stocking up with beers – the prices at some Malaysian establishments are fierce). The boat ride to Taman Negara was, of course, soporific, but we were wide enough awake to enjoy several Red-wattled Lapwings in the small islands and (some of us) a couple of graceful Grey-rumped Treeswifts and Black-and-red Broadbills. After checking in to the rooms at Kuala Tahan we spent a little time at dusk looking for nightjars, seeing instead a two brief Great Slaty Woodpeckers and an absurdly tame Malayan Tapir (rescued from the streets of KL or Selangor and released at the resort).

Taman Negara is a wonderful place for birds and we had five whole days to explore the magnificent forests there. We started our first day with a circuit up hill and down dale, some of it on a new and rather noisy plastic ‘boardwalk’. As we entered the forest a party of glamorous Crested Firebacks loafed on the trail in front of us, but then in the mist of a gloomy morning it was quiet for a long while, notwithstanding a party of Dusky Leaf Monkeys, a shadowy Black-capped Babbler and a pair of noisy Banded Broadbills. Over the course of the morning, however, we saw a selection of good birds, including Banded Woodpecker, Green Broadbill (a much-wanted bird, and a startling emerald even amongst the myriad greens of the forest.), Crested Jay, a Yellow-crowned Barbet excavating a nest hole at close range, and noisy Chestnut-rumped Babblers. After


lunch we had a break (during which some of us watched a fruiting tree with a variety of bulbuls right outside the leaders’ cabin). In the late afternoon we took to the river and had a very leisurely cruise. Two Lesser Fish Eagles showed very well, but a single Black-thighed Falconet was mobbed by Whiskered Treeswifts and quickly moved on. Silver-rumped Swifts showed so well that you could see the ‘spines’ at the tip of the tail feathers. Hulking Stork-billed Kingfishers sat in full view (but single Blue-banded and Blue-eared Kingfishers were much more elusive), a couple of Black Hornbills flew over the river, and the trip ended with good views of a Rhinoceros Hornbill.

We started before dawn the next morning and this was extremely well worthwhile as we tracked down a Gould’s Frogmouth remarkably quickly, watching it sitting high above us giving its distinctive 3-note whistle. Even better, we then found it (or anther) a short distance away sitting completely in the open at eye level, giving prolonged astonishing views. All the while Reddish Scops Owl was calling, but it was in an impenetrable thicket and we ran out of time as dawn was now breaking. After breakfast we took a boat out to an area well away from the resort. This was again rather quiet (a lack or rain, or perhaps the breeding season had just finished), but over the course of the morning we found some nice things. We started with a dapper Striped Wren-Babbler and moved on to some noisy Black-throated Babblers. Time spent with a Large Wren-Babbler was to no avail, however, with merely a couple of glimpses. In a clearing a Blue-rumped Parrot sat up on a snag, and then a White-bellied Woodpecker flew in and showed well. As the morning wore on it got quieter still, although we did find Rufous-winged Philentoma and a very smart male Rufous-chested Flycatcher. We finished the morning with another frustration, however, as a Banded Pitta gave not more than a glimpse, despite a seemingly ideal stage on which it could have performed. After lunch we staked out the fruiting tree in the clearing, where a dozen Black-headed Bulbuls sat side by side and we also saw a very smart Grey-headed Bulbul as well as Cream-vented and Buff-vented Bulbuls, lots of Fairy Bluebirds, three species of leafbird, and both Thick-billed and Little Green Pigeons. Nearby we found a superb Great Slaty Woodpecker, which was on view for quite some time, as well as Fluffy-backed Tit-Babblers, and staking out the Tahan Hide at the back of the resort produced Black-thighed Falconet, Hill Myna and, towards dusk, nine Large Green Pigeons and four Great Slaty Woodpecker.

Our third morning at Taman Negara was marked by a long, hot circuit of the trails near the resort. We started with nice views of Black Magpie (surely one of the weirdest vocabularies of any bird), but then it was very quiet. Eventually, we heard a Large Wren-Babbler singing and it came in and sat unusually high up, somewhat obscured, and sat for some time, allowing all of us, with a but of ducking and dodging, to see the bird. Next was a fine male Scarlet-rumped Trogon, and we then staked out a gully that has been a favourite spot for Garnet Pitta for many years. After a while we heard a long, drawn-out whistle, and the penny dropped that it was a Rail-babbler. There followed an hour of whistling, with the bird close by all the time, but just out of sight behind a thicket. Just a couple of members of the group had any sort of view before we gave it up as a bad job and left, frustrated. On the way back for a late lunch we were rewarded for our virtues (or lack of them) with fine views of a smart White-necked Babbler and, at last, caught up with Scaly-crowned Babbler. In the afternoon we again staked out ‘our’ fruiting tree, which produced nice views of Grey-cheeked Bulbul, Bar-bellied Cuckoo-shrike and Dark-throated Oriole, and had another session in the Tahan Hide. This time there were 20 Large Green Pigeons together in one tree (a rare sight for this endangered species) and, towards dusk, an Oriental Pied Hornbill flew past and two Wreathed Hornbills flew high over the clearing. At dusk itself, with no rain, we were in luck when a Malaysian Eared Nightjar flew past three times.

A pre-dawn trek the next morning again proved productive when we finally tracked down a Reddish Scops Owl and had nice views as he perched overhead and peered down at us. After


breakfast we again visited an area of quiet and relatively flat trail. Despite being wonderful forest, it was again rather quiet. We heard a Rail-babbler distantly, and spent a long time chasing a Garnet Pitta that in the end only showed to a couple of people. We did find Rufous-collared Kingfisher, and have good views of Black-and-yellow Broadbill (which were conspicuously silent through our stay at Taman Negara), but it was all rather hard work and we were pleased to get back for lunch and a break. In the afternoon we had another trip up the Sungai Tahan. This time we had good looks at Straw-headed Bulbul and had more views of Blue-banded Kingfisher, and there were lots of Black-and-red Broadbills, but other species such as the fish-eagle, that we had seen on the first afternoon trip were conspicuous by their absence.

We returned to the same area again the next morning for one final attempt at pittas. In the process, although it was again rather quiet, we found some nice birds, including a flock of Black Magpies, another fine male Rufous-collared Kingfisher and a very welcome Banded Kingfisher. We tried for a calling Garnet Pitta, but it did not show until we had given up and a large boot made contact with a dry branch, and the resultant crack sent the bird shooting off, only to perch up in front of Chris for a moment and then vanish. Next was Banded Pitta, and at last we had some luck, when this hot coal of the forest floor showed itself well to almost everyone (and everyone saw at least its head!). We pleased we looked around for Garnet Pittas and, just at the last moment, heard some calls and tried again. This time, the bird performed, firstly hopping around in front of us and then, for those who had been in the wrong position to get good views, it or another sat up and called for a couple of minutes. After all our efforts, two pittas in a morning was great! After lunch and a break we pottered around the resort area, and a little light rain was the first daytime rain of the whole tour. We saw a lot of old friends, with the highlight being four male Crested Firebacks feeding in the open next to our cabins (and, for Jim and Linda, a Barred Eagle Owl over the resort at dusk).

On our last morning at Taman negara we pottered around the resort and some of the adjacent forest, seeing a lot of old friends, and adding good views of Streaked Bulbul and some low-flying Brown Needletails. It was then time to pack and take to boat back to Kuala Tembeling, adding Changeable Hawk-Eagle and more Brown Needletails en route, with smart Yellow-vented Flowerpeckers at the Tembeling jetty, and then continue on the KL. We stopped at a small-town restaurant for lunch, enjoying one of the best meals of the trip and having a taster session of the infamous durian. It had been a great trip, with good weather (no time was lost to rain) and some truly great birds, all in some of the best forests in Asia.

The Tahan River at Taman Negara


SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOURSpecies which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H).Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO).Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL).

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’birds for some other reason (e.g. it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of itsrange; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

Conservation threat categories and information are taken from Threatened Birds of the World, BirdLife International’smagnificent book on the sad status of the rarest 10% of the world’s avifauna, and updates on the BirdLife website http //www.birdlife.org/datazone/home

E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient.

Malayan Partridge Arborophila campbelli ◊ A pair seen by a lucky few at Fraser’s Hill.Ferruginous Partridge Caloperdix oculea ◊ (H) Heard at Fraser’s Hill.Crested Fireback Lophura ignia ◊ (NT) Great views at Taman Negara.

Malayan Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron malacense ◊ (V) (H) A few heard at Taman Negara. Great Argus Argusianus argus ◊ (NT) (H) A couple heard at Taman Negara. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Two at Kuala Selangor.Little Heron (Striated Heron) Butorides striatus Several at Kuala Selangor and en route to Taman Negara.Little Egret Egretta garzetta One at Kuala Selangor and seen near KL.Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Common at Kuala Selangor and seen near KL.Great Egret Casmerodius albus Four at Kuala Selangor.Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius One regularly at the Tahan Hide at Taman Negara.Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Abundant at Kuala Selangor.Lesser Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis (NT) Two along the Tahan River at Taman Negara.

Crested Firebacks are amazingly tame at Taman negara Resort.

Lesser Fish-Eagle was seen nicely along the Tahan River.


Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela Heard at Kuala Selangor and one at Taman Negara.Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus alboniger An adult showed well at Fraser’s Hill.

Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus Singles at Kuala Selangor and en route from Taman Negara.White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Singles at Kuala Selangor and en route to Taman Negara.Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Up to 10 from the boats to and from Taman Negara.Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Seen at Kuala Selangor and from the boat to and from Taman Negara.Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (H) Heard at Kuala Selangor.Rock Pigeon (Rock Dove) Columba livia Small numbers from the bus.Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Seen by Chris near KL.Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps Common at Fraser’s Hill.Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Only a few, but seen well at Taman Negara.Zebra Dove (Peaceful Dove) Geopelia striata Common at Kuala Selangor.Little Green-Pigeon Treron olax A few at Taman Negara.Pink-necked Green-Pigeon Treron vernans Abundant at Kuala Selangor.Thick-billed Green-Pigeon Treron curvirostra Common at Taman Negara.Large Green-Pigeon Treron capellei ◊ (V) Up to 20 from the Tahan Hide at Taman Negara. Mountain Imperial-Pigeon Ducula badia Good numbers at Fraser’s Hill.Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot Loriculus galgulus Small numbers at Taman Negara.Blue-rumped Parrot Psittinus cyanurus (NT) A few at Taman Negara.Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii (LO) Seen briefly by Simon at Taman Negara and heard there by Chris.Rusty-breated Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis (H) Heard at Kuala Selangor.Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus A couple seen by some at Taman Negara.Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris A smart juvenile at Kuala Selangor.Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea (NL) Seen by Dodge and Lorna at Taman Negara.Black-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi (NT) (NL) Seen by Dodge and Lorna at Taman Negara.Raffles’s Malkoha Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus Several at Taman Negara.Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris A few at Fraser’s Hill and Taman Negara.Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis One at Taman Negara.Reddish Scops-Owl Otus rufescens ◊ Seen nicely at Taman Negara.Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus Seen well on the last morning at Fraser’s Hill.Collared Scops-Owl Otus lettia (H) heard at Taman Negara, but despite trying hard, we could not see it.Barred Eagle-Owl Bubo sumatranus (NL) Seen at dusk by Jim and Linda at Taman Negara.Buffy Fish-Owl Ketupa ketupu One at Kuala Selangor showed briefly just after dark.Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei One scoped at the Gap and others heard nearby.Gould’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus stellatus (NT) GREAT views at Taman Negara, and voted ‘bird of the trip’.Malaysian Eared-Nightjar Eurostopodus temminckii ◊ One flew over Taman Negara at dusk on one date.Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus One at Kuala Selangor at dusk.Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta Abundant at Fraser’s Hill.Black-nest Swiftlet Collocalia maxima A few all-dark swiftlets over the river at Taman Negara.Germain’s Swiftlet Collocalia germani Very common at Kuala Selangor and Taman Negara.Silver-rumped Needletail Rhaphidura leucopygialis Common at Taman Negara, especially over the Tahan River.Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus Good views on the last morning at Taman Negara.

Adult Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle in flight at Fraser’s Hill.

Brown-backed Needletail (left) and Silver-rumped Needletail at Taman Negara.


House Swift (Little Swift) Apus affinis A few around Fraser’s Hill.Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis Several at Taman Negara.Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata Several perched up over the Tahan River at Taman Negara. Diard’s Trogon Harpactes diardii One briefly at Taman Negara.Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii (NT) Great looks at Taman Negara.Orange-breasted Trogon Harpactes oreskios A male showed well at Fraser’s Hill.

Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus Several around Fraser’s Hill.Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis A few at Kuala Selangor and Taman Negara.Rufous-collared Kingfisher Actenoides concretus (NT) Two seen at Taman Negara. Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella A female seen at Taman Negara (well done Jim!).Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis Several showed well at Taman Negara.White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis One at Kuala Selangor and showed well at Taman Negara.Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris Several at Kuala Selangor.Blue-banded Kingfisher Alcedo euryzona ◊ (V) A few seen briefly at Taman Negara. Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting Seen by some at Taman Negara.Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus Two at Fraser’s Hill and one seen at Taman Negara.Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis Two at Kuala Selangor and several around Taman Negara.Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris One from the hide at Taman Negara.Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus (NT) Seen on the boat trips along the Tahan River. Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis Great looks at three at Fraser’s Hill.

We tracked down a fine male Orange-breasted Trogon at Fraser’s Hill,

as well as several Red-bearded Bee-eaters.

A party of Great Hornbills was a real treat at Fraser’s Hill


Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros (NT) One along the river at Taman Negara, with three over the lodge.Helmeted Hornbill Buceros vigil (NT) (H) Heard at Fraser’s Hill and Taman Negara.Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus Around a dozen showed well at Fraser’s Hill, and then two at Taman Negara.Fire-tufted Barbet Psilopogon pyrolophus ◊ Several seen at Fraser’s Hill – what a bird!Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata Heard at Kuala Selangor and seen briefly there by Jim M.Gold-whiskered Barbet Megalaima chrysopogon Great views at the Gap.Red-throated Barbet Megalaima mystacophanos (NT) Heard at the Gap and seen by Dodge and Lorna at TN.Black-browed Barbet Megalaima oorti Common at Fraser’s Hill, with many sightings of the ‘soda-pop’ bird.Yellow-crowned Barbet Megalaima henricii (NT) Seen at the nest at Taman Negara.

Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis Several seen at the Gap and Taman Negara.Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala Seen at Kuala Selangor and Taman Negara.Brown Barbet Calorhamphus fuliginosus (NL) Seen by Gordon and Laura at Taman Negara.Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis Two at Taman Negara.Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos moluccensis Several at Kuala Selangor.Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus A couple at Fraser’s Hill.Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus Two at Taman Negara.White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis Great views at Taman Negara.Banded Woodpecker Picus mineaceus One near daily by the resort at Taman Negara.Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha One at Fraser’s Hill.Checker-throated Woodpecker Picus mentalis One at Fraser’s Hill and several at Taman Negara.Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus Several at Fraser’s Hill.Laced Woodpecker Picus vittatus Several showed well at Kuala Selangor.Common Flameback Dinopium javanense A few at Kuala Selangor.Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus (H LO) Heard by Chris at Taman Negara.Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis Three together on the New Road at Fraser’s Hill.Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki (NT) One briefly at Taman Negara.Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus (V) Great views of up to five at Taman Negara.Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis (NT) Several seen well at Taman Negara. Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae Great views at Fraser’s Hill.Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos Good numbers along the Tahan River, with 1-2 elsewhere.Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus Two showed well at Taman Negara.Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus (NT) A couple only at Taman Negara. Rusty-naped Pitta Pitta oatesi ◊ (H) Heard at Fraser’s Hill.Banded Pitta Pitta guajana Two seen at Taman Negara.Garnet Pitta Pitta granatina ◊ (NT) After some effort one or two showed well at Taman Negara. Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea Several at Kuala Selangor and heard at Taman Negara.

A Yellow-crowned Barbet was remarkably tame as it excavated a nest hole,while Great Slaty Woodpeckers were seen daily near our chalets at Taman Negara.


Rail-babbler Eupetes macrocerus ◊ (NT) We put some time in for this and in the end it showed to two of the party.Blyth’s Shrike Babbler Pteruthius aeralatus Nice views at Fraser’s Hill. See Note.Black-eared Shrike Babbler Pteruthius melanotis Several at Fraser’s Hill.White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca Several at Fraser’s Hill.Javan Cuckooshrike Coracina javensis ◊ A couple at Fraser’s Hill.Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina striata A single regularly at The Tree in Taman Negara.Lesser Cuckooshrike Coracina fimbriata Two at The Gap. Pied Triller Lalage nigra Two at Kuala Selangor.Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris Common at Fraser’s Hill.Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus Four at Fraser’s Hill perched up for good views.Mangrove Whistler Pachycephala grisola At least two seen at Kuala Selangor.Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus (NT) A female in The Tree at Taman Negara. Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis Many heard and a few seen at Kuala Selangor.Black-and-crimson Oriole Oriolus cruentus ◊ Nice views of several at Fraser’s Hill.Large Wood-shrike Tephrodornis gularis (NL) One seen by Lorna at Taman Negara.Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus Several around Fraser’s Hill..Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhopterum Just two at Taman Negara.Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Several at Kuala Selangor.Green Iora Aegithina viridissima (NT) One seen by a couple of the group at Taman Negara. White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Common at Fraser’s Hill.Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica Common at Kuala Selangor.Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Just two at Fraser’s Hill Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Several at Fraser’s Hill and Taman Negara.Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer Fairly common at Fraser’s Hill; many were in moult.Greater Raket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus This noisy bird was quite common at Taman Negara.Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Several at Taman Negara, but elusive.Asian Paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi (NL) Just one sighting at Taman Negara.House Crow Corvus splendens Abundant around KL and Kuala Selangor – they are very dark in Malaya.Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos A few at Kuala Selangor and Taman Negara.Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis (H) Heard at Fraser’s Hill.Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus (NT) Several sightings at Taman Negara. Crested Jay Platylophus galericulatus (NT) A volatile party at Taman Negara, displaying thier foppish crests. Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex (LO) Singles seen by Simon and Chris by the resort at Taman Negara.Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis Several at Kuala Selangor and Taman Negara.Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis A few at Kuala Selangor.Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata A few at Fraser’s Hill.Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthreptes singalensis Common at Kuala Selangor, and one sighting at Taman Negara.Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hypogrammicum Just one or two seen briefly at Taman Negara.Grey-breasted Spiderhunter Arachnothera affinis One in Taman Negara. Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna A few at Fraser’s Hill.Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra Seen briefly at Taman Negara.Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus Just one at Taman Negara.Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum percussus (LO) One seen by Chris at Taman Negara.

Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum Great views of three at Kuala Tembeling.Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma (LO) One seen by Chris at Taman Negara.Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum Singles at the Gap and at Taman Negara.Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus A few at Fraser’s Hill.Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis sonnerati A couple at Taman Negara.Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon (NT) A few at the Gap and at Taman Negara.Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis Fairly common at Fraser’s Hill, with a couple at Taman Negara.Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii Several at Fraser’s Hill.

Yellow-vented Flowerpecker was the last addition to the tour list.


Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella Several at the Gap and at good numbers at Taman Negara.White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Common at Fraser’s HillScaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Common at Kuala Selangor.Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus A few, and even seen at Taman Negara.Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea A few along the road at Fraser’s Hill.Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis Two along the Gap road at Fraser’s Hill.Blue Nuthatch Sitta azurea ◊ Two sightings at Fraser’s Hill of this stunning nuthatch.Javan Myna Acridotheres javanicus Common around KL and Kuala Selangor, and seen at Taman Negara.Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Small numbers on the journeys.Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis Abundant at Kuala Selangor and at the lodge at Taman Negara.Common Hill-Myna Gracula religiosa Regular at the Tahan Hide at Taman Negara.Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys A male showed superbly at Fraser’s Hill, with others heard there.Chestnut-naped Forktail Enicurus ruficapillus ◊ One on the road at the Gap was a surprise.Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus Several at Fraser’s Hill; the slaty back is really rather dark.Malayan Whistling Thrush Myophonus robinsoni ◊ One seen well near the hotel at Fraser’s Hill.Hill Blue Flycatcher Cyornis banyumas A couple seen and others heard at Fraser’s Hill.Malaysian Blue Flycatcher Cyornis turcosus ◊ (NT) Two sightings at Taman Negara. Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra A couple of family parties at Kuala Selangor.Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina Several at Fraser’s Hill.Rufous-browed Flycatcher Ficedula solitaris ◊ A couple seen well at Fraser’s Hill.Rufous-chested Flycatcher Ficedula dumetoria ◊ (NT) Two lovely males at Taman Negara. Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Several at Fraser’s Hill.Brown-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa williamsoni ◊ One seen briefly at Kuala Selangor.Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis Common at Kuala Selangor and around the resort at Taman Negara.White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus Several seen well at Taman Negara.Rufous-tailed Shama Trichixos pyrropyga ◊ (NL) Two sightings at Taman Negara.Grey Tit Parus cinereus Brief views of two at Kuala Selangor; in this part of the world it is a mangrove specialist.

Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea Lots at Fraser’s Hill, with some great views, and one at Taman Negara.Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis A few at Fraser’s Hill and Taman Negara.Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus ◊ (V) A few seen well along the Tahan River at Taman Negara.Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps One at Fraser’s Hill and common at Taman Negara.Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus Common at Fraser’s Hill.Grey-bellied Bulbul Pycnonotus cyaniventris ◊ A superb bird at Taman Negara, in The Tree.Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni A few around the resort at Taman Negara.Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier Seen at Kuala Selangor, Fraser’s Hill and Taman Negara.Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus Several at Kuala Selangor and a few at Taman Negara.Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex A couple at Taman Negara.Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus Fairly common at Taman Negara.Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmos One or two only at Taman Negara..Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivecea Several regularly in The Tree at Taman Negara.Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger Several in the forest at Taman Negara.Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaeocephalus Several at Taman Negara.Grey-cheeked Bulbul Alophoixus bres Nice views of one in The Tree at Taman Negara.Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceus Fairly common, if volatile, at Fraser’s Hill.

We found lots of Sultan Tits at Fraser’s Hill; what a bird!


Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis Good views on the last day at Taman Negara.Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala Four at the Gap Road and a few briefly at Taman NegaraMountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandii Fairly common at Fraser’s Hill.Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Small numbers at all sites.House Swallow (Pacific Swallow) Hirundo tahitica Seen throughout the tour.Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris Good numbers around at Fraser’s Hill.Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus Several at Fraser’s Hill.Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps A few at Fraser’s Hill.Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus Common at Kuala Selangor.Everett’s White-eye Zosterops everetti Common at Fraser’s Hill.Mountain Fulvetta Alcippe peracensis ◊ Very common at Fraser’s Hill.Brown Fulvetta Alcippe brunneicauda (NT) Seen once at Taman Negara.Black-throated Babbler Stachyris nigricollis (NT) Two or three volatile birds at Taman Negara. White-necked Babbler Stachyris leucotis ◊ (NT) Showed well at close range at Taman Negara.

Grey-headed Babbler Stachyris poliocephala (H) Heard at Taman Negara.Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps Several at Fraser’s Hill, chuntering in the undergrowth.Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris erythroptera Common at Taman Negara.Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculata (NT) Great views at Taman Negara. Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus montanus Two at Fraser’s Hill and one at Taman Negara.Pygmy Wren Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla Two showed superbly at Fraser’s Hill.Golden Babbler Stachyridopsis chrysaea Several nice parties at Fraser’s Hill.Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis A few at Fraser’s Hill and around the resort at Taman Negara.Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronous ptilosus (NT) Two at Taman Negara. Buff-breasted Babbler Pellorneum tickelli Superb (and unusually easy) views at Fraser’s Hill.Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratum One on the first morning at Taman Negara.Moustached Babbler Malacopteron magnirostre A nice party at Taman Negara.Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine (NT) Several at Taman Negara. Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum Seen well at Taman Negara.Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum (NT) A couple at Taman Negara. See note.Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abbotti Several at Kuala Selangor and several heard at Taman Negara.Horsfield’s Babbler Malacocincla sepiarium (NL) Seen by Dodge and Lorna at Taman Negara.Short-tailed Babbler Malacocincla malaccensis (NT) (H) heard only at Taman Negara. White-chested Babbler Trichastoma rostratum Three at Kuala Selangor and a few along the Tahan River.Ferruginous Babbler Trichastoma bicolor Just one seen at Taman Negara.Striped Wren-Babbler Kenopia striata ◊ (NT) One showed quite well at Taman Negara. Large Wren-Babbler Napothera macrodactyla ◊ (NT) An elusive bird at Taman Negara, but seen by all. Streaked Wren-Babbler Napothera brevicaudata Two showed very well at Fraser’s Hill.Black Laughingthrush Melanochichla lugubris ◊ Seen at the Gap and at Fraser’s Hill.Spectacled Laughingtrush Rhinocichla mitrata ◊ Common at Fraser’s Hill.Malayan Laughingthrush Trochalopteron peninsula ◊ Two at Fraser’s Hill.Blue-winged Siva (Blue-winged Minla) Siva cyanouroptera Several at Fraser’s Hill.Silver-eared Mesia Mesia argentauris Fairly common at Fraser’s Hill.

White-necked Babbler (left) has a reputation as an elusive skulker, but like Pygmy Wren-Babbler, it can show well at times!


Long-tailed Sibia Heterophasia picaoides ◊ Common at Fraser’s Hill.

Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps Common at Kuala Selangor and Taman Negara.Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius Seen at Fraser’s Hill and around the resort at Taman Negara.Rufescent Prinia Prinia rufescens Two seen at Fraser’s Hill.Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris Several at Kuala Selangor and heard at Taman Negara.

MAMMALSBlack Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor (LO) Seen by Simon at Taman Negara.Grey-bellied Squirrel Callosciurus caniceps Fairly common at Taman Negara.Pallas’s Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus Common at Fraser’s Hill.

Black-banded Squirrel Callosciurus nigrovittatus A couple around The Tree at Taman Negara.Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus Several at Kuala Selangor and Taman Negara.Himalayan Striped Squirrel Tamiops mcclellandii Common at Fraser’s Hill.Low’s Squirrel Sundasciurus lowii One at Fraser’s Hill.Slender Squirrel Sundasciurus tenuis Several at Fraser’s Hill and one at Taman Negara.Short-tailed Mongoose Herpestes brachyurus (NL) Seen by Jim and Linda at Taman Negara.Binturong Arctictis binturong Two high in a tree at Fraser’s Hill. Wonderful!

Long-tailed Sibia was found on the hotel bird feeder at Fraser’s Hill.

Pallas’s Squirrel at Fraser’s Hill

Binturong at Fraser’s Hill: rubbish shots of a

great find!


Banded Leaf Monkey Presbytis femoralis A group seen just outside the hotel at Fraser’s Hill.

Silvered Leaf Monkey Trachypithecus cristatus 2-3 troops at Kuala Selangor.Dusky Leaf Monkey Trachypithecus obscurus A troop on the first morning at Taman Negara. Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis Seen at all sites.Sunda Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca nemestrina Two brief sightings on the road near the Gap.White-handed Gibbon Hylobates lar (H) Heard at Taman Negara.Siamang Hylobates syndactylus Great views at Fraser’s Hill. Also heard at Taman Negara.Common Treeshrew Tupaia glis Two on the lodge roofs at Taman Negara.Pygmy Treeshrew Tupaia minor One in the forest at Taman Negara.Eurasian Wild Boar Sus scrofa Seen around the resort at Taman Negara.Lesser Mouse-Deer Tragulus javanicus (LO) Singles seen by Simon and Chris at Taman Negara.Indian Muntjac Muntiacus muntjak (H) Heard at Taman Negara (and a tame one at the lodge).Sambar Cervus unicolor (H) Heard in the forest at Taman Negara.

NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST

Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnumThe old names, ‘Lesser’ and ‘Greater Red-headed Tree-Babbler’, for Scaly-crowned and Rufous-crowned Babblers respectively, are far more appropriate.

Blyth’s Shrike Babbler Pteruthius aeralatusWhite-browed Shrike-Babbler has recently been split into four species: Pied Shrike-Babbler P. flaviscapis (Java). Himalayan Shrike-Babbler P. ripleyi (northeast Pakistan east along the Himalayas through northern India and western Nepal – not even accepted as a taxon prior to the split). Blyth’s Shrike-Babbler P. aeralatus (central Nepal, Bhutan, north-eastern India, Burma and South China to Indochina, Thailand, peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra). Dalat Shrike-Babbler P. annamensis (Dalat Plateau, Vietnam).

Banded Leaf Monkeys appeared during our ‘siesta’.

Malayan Tapir at Taman Negara Resort: definitely not countable!

All photographs by Simon Harrap

Documents

THE MALAY PENINSULA - Bird Tours - BIRDQUEST -PENINSULA- REP 12.pdfThe 2012 Birdquest to the Malay Peninsula continued our long run of ... At Kuala Selangor we found Mangrove Whistler