PHILIPPINES OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK TOUR REPORT 2025

10 - 30 March 2025

Craig Robson

Our latest biennial tour of some of the less well visited Philippine islands was another smooth-running success. Out of a total of around 258 species, we found no fewer than 136 strict Philippine endemics (taxonomy-dependent). The many specialities on this year’s Philippines With A Difference included: Philippine Duck, Philippine Frogmouth at the nest, 4 endemic coucals, 11 endemic pigeons (including Luzon Bleeding-heart and Spotted Imperial), Philippine Honey Buzzard, Chocolate, Luzon, Camiguin, Cebu, Romblon and Mindoro Boobooks, Mantanani, Philippine, Negros and Everett’s Scops Owls, Philippine Eagle-Owl, Philippine Trogon, 4 endemic hornbills, 9 endemic kingfishers (including both forms of Spotted, both forms of Indigo-banded, and Philippine Dwarf), Mindoro and Blue-crowned Racket-tails, perched Camiguin Hanging Parrot, the wonderful and tricky Visayan Broadbill, roosting Philippine Pitta, a stunning Azure-breasted Pitta, 5 endemic cuckooshrikes, the scarce Isabela and White-lored Orioles, 4 endemic drongos, 5 endemic fantails, ‘Northern’ and ‘Southern’ Rufous Paradise Flycatchers, 6 endemic bulbuls, Lemon-throated and Philippine Leaf Warblers, 5 endemic tailorbirds, the unique Flame-templed Babbler, Golden-crowned, Calabarzon, and Visayan Babblers, Striated Wren-Babbler, Philippine Fairy-bluebird, White-browed, Visayan and Black Shamas, Philippine and White-throated Jungle Flycatchers, 8 endemic flowerpeckers and 6 endemic sunbirds (including the stunning Magnificent).

Due to various logistical issues that are not worth repeating, this year’s tour began with a flight from Manila to San Jose, Mindoro, from where we drove north up the west coast to Sablayan, for a two night stay. At Sablayan we explored various points along the forest edge, and a couple of trails, within Siburan Forest Reserve, and also the attractive and wonderfully situated Libuao Lake. We found the majority of the endemics without too much effort. The furtive Black-hooded Coucal was a bit of a pain, making it difficult for us to obtain clear views of it in the open, despite being right above our heads! Mindoro Bulbul and Scarlet-collared Flowerpecker were both significantly easier to see well, while flighty Mindoro Racket-tails were mainly on the wing. We were kept waiting for definitive views of Mindoro Hornbill and Mindoro Cuckooshrike until our very last afternoon session. Our first evenings owling saw us hit the jackpot, with great views of Mindoro and Chocolate Boobooks and the recently split Chirruping Nightjar. Other good birds on Mindoro were the Philippine Ducks on the lake, Grey-rumped and Ameline Swiftlets, White-eared Brown Dove, the local dark form of Philippine Coucal, Philippine Serpent Eagle, Brown-breasted Kingfisher, lots of lovely Rufous-crowned Bee-eaters, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, Blue-naped Parrot, Philippine Hanging Parrot, Black-bibbed Cicadabird, leader-only ‘Northern’ Black-and-white Triller, Balicassiao, the quirky Palawan Crow, striking Coleto, and Striped (unfortunately now re-lumped in Thick-billed) and Bicolored Flowerpeckers.

Driving back to San Jose Airport in the early hours, we took a flight back to Manila and then an onward connection to Bacolod in north-west Negros, where we overnighted. With an afternoon at our disposal, we hooked-up with local guide Beboy and checked-out a few sites in the Mambucal area. A typically quiet afternoon meant that new birds were quite hard to come by, but we managed to get our first views of the Buff-eared form of White-eared Brown Dove, Philippine Tailorbird, Philippine Magpie-Robin, Visayan Shama, Yellowish White-eye, and Black-belted Flowerpecker.

We were up early the following morning, and arrived at Gawahon Ecopark not long after dawn. Two years earlier, we had suffered a dismal and almost birdless rain-soaked morning here, but this was not to be the case this year. Thanks to local guide Ricky, all three major targets, ‘Southern’ Indigo-banded Kingfisher, White-throated Jungle Flycatcher and Flame-temple Babbler were located (though the former only showed for the leaders), and we also enjoyed a lovely ‘Negros’ Spotted Kingfisher (a potential split), Visayan Drongo, Visayan Fantail, Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler, Elegant Tit, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Visayan Bulbul, and Orange-breasted Flowerpecker, a splittable form of Orange-bellied. We ate lunch in a small restaurant nearby, before embarking on the long drive south to Dumaguete in south-east Negros.

This year, it was low tide as we passed Tibsoc Mudflats, and a lightening visit produced Far Eastern Curlew, Chinese Egret, and Philippine Pied Fantail, amongst a range of more widespread species.

Based at our hotel in Dumaguete, we had two days and a morning to bag the rest of our targets on the island. Much of our time was spent at the beautiful Balinsasayao Twin Lakes National Park, where we found: a Philippine Nightjar roosting in the restaurant rafters, Philippine Spinetail, Philippine Cuckoo-Dove, Grey-breasted Brown Dove (a potential split from Amethyst), Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon, Philippine Honey Buzzard, Visayan Hornbill, two different Blue-crowned Racket-tails at their nest-holes, Visayan and White-winged Cuckooshrikes, and the superb Magnificent and Maroon-naped Sunbirds. Due to a period of toxic gas-venting, Palinpinon Geothermal Site was completely closed, and we unfortunately lost our only chance of seeing the endemic Negros Striped Babbler this time around.

An after-dinner sortie to a patch of more lowland forest was the chosen location for Negros Scops Owl. Following local guide Lenard, we first spotlighted an unexpected Philippine Pitta, before succeeding in getting nice views of a pair of scops owls at their nest site. Before heading back to the hotel, a Luzon Boobook was lured-out, and gave excellent views.

Driving somewhat further to the south-west of town, we visited Lake Balanan, where an easy trail led us to a spot where we obtained much better views of Visayan Shama and Philippine Tailorbird.

From Dumaguete, we took a fast ferry to Tagbilaran on Bohol, and then made our way to a small hotel in Bilar, our base from which to explore surrounding habitats. Most of our time on Bohol was spent in the well-forested Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (National Park), where we were accompanied by two excellent park guides. The primary target for most visiting birders here is the rare Visayan Broadbill, which can effectively only be seen right here and, in contrast to 2023, we were not to be denied this time. At first light, the distinctive calls were heard close to the headquarters building, and in no time at all we latched onto a small group of three. Further along the same trail, a superb Azure-breasted Pitta gave fantastic views, while Striated Wren-Babblers performed by the roadside. We spent quite a bit of time at a small forest clearing further along the way. Here we enjoyed Samar Hornbills, Black-faced Coucal, Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo, Buff-spotted Flameback, Mindanao Cuckooshrike, and a couple of elusive ‘Bohol’ Metallic-winged Sunbirds. Mixed-species feeding flocks were tracked-down along a forest trail, and contained Visayan Blue Fantail, Yellow-bellied Whistler, Philippine Leaf Warbler, Rufous-fronted Tailorbird, and Visayan and Brown Tit-Babblers. Philippine Jungle Flycatcher popped-up very obligingly later on near the HQ, while our guides showed us a great spot for the sneaky Yellow-breasted Tailorbird, which performed brilliantly. After dark, Everett’s Scops Owl was lured-in and seen well. A road leading to some forest across the valley from the reserve produced better views of the ‘Bohol’ Sunbirds and, at a nearby meandering stream, we all got good looks at the smart ‘Northern’ Silvery Kingfisher, as well as our best Plain Bush-hen of the trip, and an unexpected Ruddy Kingfisher. Amongst the many other highlights, were two different Philippine Frogmouths on their nests, the ‘Short-billed’ form of White-eared Brown Dove, Philippine Trogon, Short-tailed Drongo, Philippine Bulbul, and several wonderful Philippine Flying Lemurs.

After our final morning on Bohol, we took a boat across to Cebu City, and then drove up to our very comfortable hotel, in the interior of the island, one of the very few areas with some native forest remaining on Cebu. This year we had two nights and a full day, which made for a relatively comfortable experience. We headed for the main birding site at Tabunan well before dawn. Local resident and guide Oking led us to a favorite spot and, shortly before dawn, a wonderful pair of endemic Cebu Boobooks gave stunning views. Pleased with our success, we downed breakfast before heading off on the somewhat challenging trail to the nearby forest ‘patch’; an hours steady walk along muddy trails, through small areas of cultivation, eventually entering some more mature forest on limestone. Almost immediately, the rich song of the endemic Black Shama was heard, and we were soon admiring one at very close range. Other noteworthy birds included Philippine Bulbul, Elegant Tit, Tawny Grassbird, Philippine (or Mangrove) Blue Flycatcher, and Magnificent Sunbird. Back at the hotel, after lunch, the attractive grounds produced our only sighting of Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo and our first Everett’s White-eyes, before rain took hold.

Leaving Tabunan behind, we drove down to the airport in Cebu City, and took a short flight to the island of Camiguin, off the north coast of Mindanao. Once checked-in at our well-situated hotel, we drove up to the forest between the hills in search of endemics, with a couple of hours left before lunchtime. A rich lucky streak saw us bag all of the specialities during this initial sortie; great views of a pair of our main target,  the endemic Camiguin Hanging Parrot, as well as the very distinctive Camiguin Bulbul, which was common and easily seen, the dazzling Dimorphic Dwarf Kingfisher, very distinctive local form of Black-naped Monarch, and superb ‘Southern’ Rufous Paradise Flycatcher. Few additional species were added after lunch. As it started to get dark, we moved to a spot for the endemic Camiguin Boobook, a pair of which promptly performed right on cue, as soon as it got dark. We still had some birding time the following morning, but low cloud and rain forced us to drive around the perimeter of the island, rather fruitlessly it has to be said, though our only Black-chinned Fruit Doves of the tour were seen nicely. Returning to Camiguin’s diminutive airport, we flew back to Cebu and then onwards to Manila, where we overnighted.

Early the next morning we returned to the airport and took a short flight north to Tuguegarao, in north-east Luzon, then onwards by minibus to our hotel in Baggao. Once again, we had time for some initial birding before lunch, and local guide Eldie took us to a spot not too far away where we soon located one of our primary targets, the restricted-range Isabela Oriole. Luzon Hornbill was also scoped-up nicely. 

After lunch, we birded a small rough road through some reasonably good habitat. A Luzon Bleeding-heart was singing out of site, but soon shut up. We had better luck at a fruiting fig tree, where a Spotted Imperial Pigeon was a huge bonus, and we had some good views of ‘Northern’ Cream-breasted Fruit Dove. We also located a mixed-species flock with Blackish Cuckooshrike and ‘Northern’ Black-and-white Triller, and had surprisingly good views of White-browed Shama, and our first glimpses of Trilling Tailorbird. We returned to this location early the following morning, and obtained good views of Philippine Green Pigeon, Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, both Isabela and White-lored Orioles and closer views of Blackish Cuckooshrike and ‘Northern’ Black-and-white Triller, as well as our only Rufous Coucals of the trip, and our first looks at Rough-crested and Scale-feathered Malkohas. We switched sites to Blue Water Falls, where Eldie helped us scope-up a ‘Northern’ Indigo-Banded Kingfisher, a pair of scarce Golden-crowned Babblers showed, and a single Purple Needletail was also noted.

Our final early morning was spent at Callao Cave, where a pleasant stroll along the road to the entrance area produced very good views of Yellow-wattled Bulbul, Trilling Tailorbird, Red-keeled Flowerpecker, and Grey-throated and Purple-throated Sunbirds.

We headed for Tuguegarao Airport, and took a flight back to Manila, before an onward connection to Caticlan at the northern tip of Panay. After overnighting at a nearby hotel, we took the 2-hour boat ride to Santa Fe, at the southern end of Tablas, and then a minibus ride up to our hotel in San Augustin. Remaining habitat is limited and rather difficult to access on Tablas, but it was not far to travel there from our hotel in this small coastal village. Romblon Boobook, Tablas Drongo, and Tablas Fantail were all seen well, as was the localized Mantanani Scops Owl, the local form of Rufous-lored Kingfisher, White-vented Whistler, Tablas (Streak-breasted) Bulbul, and White-bellied Munia.

After retracing our steps back to Manila once more, the final leg of our journey took us eastwards to the Infanta Road, in the southern Sierra Madre. Although we had a good amount of time to explore the area, we once again had to endure the worst weather conditions of the entire tour, with a lot of rain hampering our considerable efforts. We still managed to amass a descent list of specialities however, with a flyby Luzon Bleeding-heart, Amethyst Brown Dove, more Scale-feathered Malkohas, Philippine Hawk-Eagle, Philippine Scops Owl, two superb Philippine Dwarf Kingfishes (an unexpected write-in), the Luzon form of Spotted Kingfisher (to go with our Negros sightings!), Philippine (Scarlet) Minivet, ‘Northern’ Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, Grey-backed Tailorbird, Calabarzon Babbler, Philippine Fairy-bluebird, Olive-backed and ‘Northern’ Buzzing Flowerpeckers, and Handsome Sunbird. During a side-trip and break from the poor weather, we were taken to another site, where we were lucky enough to see two much-wanted Philippine Eagle-Owls.

Returning to Manila for the last time, we said our goodbyes at the airport, and reflected back on another epic journey through the more remote islands of the Philippine. Our sincere thanks were extended to local birding guide Ivan Sarenas for his skilled and professional leadership.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

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 its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2024. IOC World Bird List (v14.2).

Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

BIRDS
Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Two at Sablayan, Mindoro.
Philippine Duck ◊ Anas luzonica 26 at Sablayan, and an unexpected 20 on Tablas.
Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Heard-only.
Great Eared Nightjar Lyncornis macrotis
Philippine Nightjar ◊ Caprimulgus manillensis Best seen roosting in the rafters at the Twin Lakes, Negros.
Chirruping Nightjar ◊ Caprimulgus griseatus This recent split was seen well on Mindoro and Luzon.
Philippine Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus septimus 2 different birds were seen at nests on Bohol (nominate).
Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata
Grey-rumped Swiftlet ◊ (Philippine Glossy S) Collocalia marginata Widespread sightings.
Ridgetop Swiftlet ◊ Collocalia isonota Common on Camiguin.
Pygmy Swiftlet ◊ Collocalia troglodytes Occasional but widespread in lowland areas.
Philippine Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus mearnsi Seen on Camiguin.
Ameline Swiftlet ◊ (Grey S) Aerodramus [amelis] amelis Widespread but occasional in lowlands.
Philippine Spinetail ◊ Mearnsia picina 25+ on Negros.
Purple Needletail ◊ Hirundapus celebensis One noted at Blue Water Falls, Baggao.
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
Rufous Coucal ◊ Centropus unirufus Several seen near Baggao.
Black-faced Coucal ◊ Centropus melanops Some nice sightings at Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol.
Black-hooded Coucal ◊ Centropus steerii Several heard, and one seen at Sablayan, Mindoro.
Philippine Coucal ◊ Centropus viridis Widespread. Mindoro (all-dark mindorensis); elsewhere (nominate).
Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis
Rough-crested Malkoha ◊ (Red-crested M) Dasylophus superciliosus Three seen in the Baggao area.
Scale-feathered Malkoha ◊ Dasylophus cumingi One seen near Baggao, and two at Infanta Road.
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus Heard-only.
Violet Cuckoo Chryssococcyx xanthorhynchus A male scoped on Mindoro, and a flyover near Baggao.
Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Heard-only.
Sunda Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis
Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus velutinus One scoped at Rajah Sikatuna NP.
Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo ◊ Hierococcyx pectoralis Occasionally heard; one scoped on Cebu.
Rock Dove (introduced) Columba [livia] var. domestica
Red Collared Dove (R Turtle D)  Streptopelia tranquebarica
Spotted Dove (Eastern S D)  Spilopelia [chinensis] chinensis
Philippine Cuckoo-Dove ◊  Macropygia tenuirostris   Negros and Infanta Rd, Luzon (nominate).
Common Emerald Dove (Grey-capped E D)  Chalcophaps indica
Zebra Dove  Geopelia striata
Luzon Bleeding-heart ◊  Gallicolumba luzonica   Heard Baggao (griseolateralis); flight view Infanta Rd (nom.).
White-eared Brown Dove ◊  Phapitreron [leucotis] leucotis   Small numbers on Mindoro and Luzon.
White-eared Brown Dove ◊ (Buff-eared B D)  Phapitreron [leucotis] nigrorum   Many on Negros; also Cebu.
White-eared Brown Dove ◊ (Short-billed B D)  P. [leucotis] brevirostris   Small numbers on Bohol & Camiguin.
Amethyst Brown Dove ◊  P. [amethystinus] amethystinus   Heard Bohol, then seen Infanta Rd, Luzon.
Amethyst Brown Dove ◊ (Grey-breasted B D)  P. [amethystinus] maculipectus  1 seen well Negros; 2 heard.
Pink-necked Green Pigeon  Treron vernans   
Philippine Green Pigeon ◊  Treron axillaris  One at Sablayan, Mindoro (distant), then two Baggao (axillaris).
Cream-breasted Fruit Dove ◊ (Northern C-bellied F D)  P. [merrilli] faustinoi   5+ near Baggao; others heard.
Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove ◊  P. occipitalis  Widespread, with several seen (nominate).
Black-chinned Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus leclancheri   A pair seen well on Camiguin (longialis).
Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula poliocephala  Several seen on Negros.
Spotted Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula [carola] carola  Great views of one in a fruiting fig near Baggao.
Green Imperial Pigeon  Ducula aenea   Small numbers on Mindoro and Bohol (nominate).
Barred Rail  Hypotaenidia torquata
Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus
White-browed Crake  Poliolimnas cinereus
White-breasted Waterhen  Amaurornis phoenicurus
Plain Bush-hen ◊ (Philippine B-h)  Amaurornis olivacea   Often heard. Best seen on Bohol, briefly on Mindoro.
Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus himantopus
Pacific Golden Plover  Pluvialis fulva
Little Ringed Plover  Charadrius dubius
Siberian Sand Plover (Mongolian P)  Anarhynchus mongolus   About 25 at San Moritz Wetlands, Negros.
Greater Sand Plover  Anarhynchus leschenaultii   One was photographed with the latter. ID in retrospect.
Kentish Plover  Anarhynchus alexandrinus
Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus
Far Eastern Curlew  Numenius madagascariensis   Two at Tibsoc Mudflats.
Terek Sandpiper  Xenus cinereus
Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos
Green Sandpiper  Tringa ochropus
Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola
Common Redshank  Tringa erythrinus
Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia
Long-toed Stint  Calidris subminuta
Gull-billed Tern  Gelochelidon nilotica   Eight at Tibsoc Mudflats.
Caspian Tern  Hydroprogne caspia   Two at Tibsoc Mudflats.
Whiskered Tern  Chlidonias hybrida
Cinnamon Bittern  Botaurus cinnamomeus
Yellow Bittern  Botaurus sinensis
Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax
Nankeen Night Heron  Nycticorax caledonicus   One on Tablas was a write-in.
Pacific Reef Heron (Pacific R E)  Egretta sacra
Chinese Egret ◊  Egretta eulophotes   Two at Tibsoc Mudflats.
Little Egret  Egretta garzetta
Striated Heron  Butorides striata
Javan Pond Heron  Ardeola speciosa
Great Egret (Eastern G E)  Ardea [alba] modesta
Medium Egret  Ardea intermedia
Eastern Cattle Egret  Ardea coromanda
Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea
Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea
Osprey  Pandion haliaetus
Philippine Honey Buzzard ◊  Pernis steerei   Two at the Twin Lakes, Negros (nominate).
Philippine Serpent Eagle ◊  Spilornis holospilus   Several good sightings.
Philippine Hawk-Eagle ◊ (North Philippine H-E)  Nisaetus philippensis   One seen at Infanta Rd.
Rufous-bellied Eagle  Lophotriorchis kienerii   One at Blue Water Falls, Luzon.
Crested Goshawk  Accipiter trivirgatus   One scoped on Negros (extimus).
Chinese Sparrowhawk  Accipiter soloensis   Non-leader. One briefly on Camiguin.
Brahminy Kite  Haliastur indus
White-bellied Sea Eagle  Icthyophaga leucogaster
Grey-faced Buzzard ◊  Butastur indicus   Scattered sightings of migrants throughout.
Chocolate Boobook ◊  Ninox randi    Fantastic views of one at Sablayan, Mindoro.
Luzon Boobook ◊ Ninox philippensis   One showed well at Liptong Forest, Negros (nominate).
Camiguin Boobook ◊  Ninox leventisi   A pair performed on cue.
Cebu Boobook ◊  Ninox rumseyi   Mega views of a pair at Tabunan.
Romblon Boobook ◊  Ninox spilonotus   One seen and others heard on Tablas.
Mindoro Boobook ◊  Ninox mindorensis   A bit sneaky, but excellent views of one eventually at Sablayan.
Luzon Scops Owl ◊ (L Highland S O)  Otus longicornis  Heard-only, at Infanta Rd.
Mantanani Scops Owl ◊  Otus mantananensis   One seen well and several heard on Tablas.
Philippine Scops Owl ◊ (Luzon Lowland S O)  Otus megalotis   One seen at Infanta.
Negros Scops Owl ◊  Otus nigrorum   A pair seen well at a nest-site at Liptong Woodland, thanks to Lenard.
Everett’s Scops Owl ◊ (Mindanao Lowland S O)  Otus everetti   One at Rajah Sikatuna; others heard nearby.
Philippine Eagle-Owl ◊  Ketupa philippensis   A pair seen well near Infanta Rd, thanks to our local experts.
Philippine Trogon ◊  Harpactes ardens   Several on Bohol (linae) and another on Luzon (luzoniensis).
Luzon Hornbill ◊  Penelopides manillae   Nine logged across four dates.
Mindoro Hornbill ◊  Penelopides mindorensis   Two seen and another heard at Sablayan.
Samar Hornbill ◊  Penelopides samarensis   Small numbers at Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol (seven seen).
Visayan Hornbill ◊  Penelopides panini    20 or more at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes NP, Negros (nominate).
Oriental Dollarbird  Eurystomus orientalis
Spotted Wood Kingfisher ◊ (Luzon S W K)  Actenoides [lindsayi] lindsayi   Two seen at Infanta Rd sites.
Spotted Wood Kingfisher ◊ (Negros S W K)  Actenoides [lindsayi] moseleyi   Two seen well Negros. Stunner.
Ruddy Kingfisher  Halcyon coromanda   A surprise write-in on Bohol.
Brown-breasted Kingfisher ◊ (White-throated K)  Halcyon gularis   Widespread.
Rufous-lored Kingfisher ◊ (Winchell’s K)  Todiramphus winchelli   One seen well on Tablas (nesydrionetes).
Collared Kingfisher  Todiramphus chloris   Widespread (collaris).
Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis
Dimorphic Dwarf Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx margarethae   One seen and another heard on Camiguin, heard N Negros.
Indigo-banded Kingfisher ◊ (Northern I-b K)  C. [cyanopectus] cyanopectus  1 at Blue Water Falls, Baggao.
Indigo-banded Kingfisher ◊ (Southern I-b K)  C. [cyanopectus] nigrirostris   1 at Gawahon (Ivan & Craig).
Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher ◊ (Luzon D K)  C. [melanurus] melanurus   Two at Infanta Rd; a tour write-in.
Northern Silvery Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx flumenicola   This beauty was seen well along the Poblacion R, Bohol (1-2).
Blue-tailed Bee-eater  Merops philippinus
Rufous-crowned Bee-eater ◊  M. americanus   Camiguin, Tablas, Infanta Rd; particularly Sablayan, Mindoro.
Coppersmith Barbet  P. haemacephalus   Negros (intermedius), Cebu (cebuensis), Luzon & Mindoro (nominate).
Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker ◊  Yungipicus maculatus   Negros & Cebu (nominate); Bohol (leytensis), Luzon and Mindoro (validirostris).
White-bellied Woodpecker  Dryocopus javensis   Seen on Negros (philippinensis) & Mindoro (mindorensis).
Buff-spotted Flameback ◊  Chrysocolaptes lucidus   Two at Rajah Sikatuna NP.
Mindoro Racket-tail ◊  Prioniturus mindorensis   Good 12+ at Sablayan, mostly in flight.
Blue-crowned Racket-tail ◊  P. discurus   A few at the Twin Lakes, Negros, with two at nest-holes (whiteheadi).
Blue-naped Parrot ◊  Tanygnathus lucionensis   Four at Sablayan, Mindoro (nominate)
Guaiabero ◊  Bolbopsittacus lunulatus   Non-leader. Small numbers on Luzon.
Philippine Hanging Parrot ◊  Loriculus philippensis   Luzon (nominate), Mindoro (mindorensis), Negros & Tablas (regulus), Bohol (worcesteri), and Cebu (chrysonotus).
Camiguin Hanging Parrot ◊  Loriculus camiguinensis   Great views of a pair.
Visayan Broadbill ◊  Sarcophanops samarensis   We were lucky enough to see three this year.
Philippine Pitta ◊  Erythropitta erythrogaster   A wonderful roosting individual on Negros (nominate).
Hooded Pitta (Western H P)  Pitta sordida   Heard-only. One on Negros (nominate).
Azure-breasted Pitta ◊ (Steere’s P)  Pitta steerii   A confiding stunner at Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol (coelestis).
Golden-bellied Gerygone  Gerygone sulphurea
White-breasted Woodswallow  Artamus leucorynchus
Scarlet Minivet ◊ (Philippine M)  Pericrocotus [speciosus] leytensis   Three at Infanta Road (novus).
Ashy Minivet  Pericrocotus divaricatus   Flocks on Mindoro totalled over 150 birds; a few on Negros and Luzon.
Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike  Coracina striata   A couple of pairs in north Luzon (nominate).
Mindoro Cuckooshrike  Coracina mindorensis   Great views of a pair at Sablayan, Mindoro.
Visayan Cuckooshrike ◊  Coracina panayensis   A handful at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes NP.
Mindanao Cuckooshrike ◊  Coracina kochii   A couple at Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol (boholensis).
White-winged Cuckooshrike ◊  Edolisoma ostentum   Several heard and one seen well at the Twin Lakes.
Blackish Cuckooshrike ◊  Edolisoma coerulescens   Two or three near Baggao.
Black-bibbed Cicadabird ◊  Edolisoma mindanense   Two at Sablayan, Mindoro (elusum).
Black-and-white Triller ◊ (Northern B-a-w T)  Lalage [melanoleuca] melanoleuca   One Mindoro and 3-5 near Baggao.
Pied Triller  Lalage nigra   Scattered sightings (nominate).
White-vented Whistler ◊ [Visayan W]  P. [homeyeri] winchelli   Heard on Negros, seen on Tablas (winchelli).
Yellow-bellied Whistler ◊  P. philippinensis   Several Bohol (boholensis), 1 Blue Water Falls, Luzon (nominate).
Isabela Oriole ◊  Oriolus isabeliae   At least five seen very well near Baggao.
Philippine Oriole ◊  Oriolus steerii   Heard-only. Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol.
White-lored Oriole ◊  Oriolus albiloris   Just two near Baggao. More elusive than the latter species.
Black-naped Oriole (Philippine B-n O) ◊  Oriolus [chinensis] chinensis   Luzon and Mindoro (nominate); Negros, Bohol, Cebu, Camiguin, and Tablas (yamamurae).
Tablas Drongo ◊  Dicrurus menagei   Just one, but great views.
Balicassiao ◊  Dicrurus [balicassius] balicassius   Good numbers on Mindoro and one at Infanta Rd, south Sierra Madre (nominate); good numbers in north-east Luzon (abraensis).
Balicassiao ◊ (Visayan D)  Dicrurus [balicassius] mirabilis   Common on Negros; two noted on Cebu.
Short-tailed Drongo ◊  Dicrurus striatus   Eight logged at Rajah Sikatuna NP (samarensis).
Black Drongo  Dicrurus macrocercus   Ivan found one in the Tablas lowlands, a vagrant to the Philippines.
Visayan Blue Fantail ◊  Rhipidura samarensis   A couple found in mixed-species flocks at Rajah Sikatuna NP.
Blue-headed Fantail ◊  Rhipidura cyaniceps   Small numbers seen well on Luzon (nominate).
Tablas Fantail ◊  Rhipidura sauli   A single bird was seen well.
Visayan Fantail ◊  Rhipidura albiventris   Small numbers on Negros.
Philippine Pied Fantail ◊  Rhipidura nigritorquis   Scattered sightings throughout.
Black-naped Monarch  Hypothymis [azurea] azurea   Widespread sightings (nominate).
Black-naped Monarch ◊ (Camiguin M)  Hypothymis [azurea] catarmanensis   Five logged, with some good views.
Rufous Paradise Flycatcher ◊ (Northern R P F) Terpsiphone [cinnamomea] unirufa    1 on Tablas.
Rufous Paradise Flycatcher ◊ (Southern R P F) T. [c.] cinnamomea   Two on Camiguin (cinnamomea).
Brown Shrike (Philippine B S) ◊  Lanius [cristatus] lucionensis   Widespread and common.
Long-tailed Shrike  Lanius schach   A few noted near Baggao (nasutus).
Palawan Crow ◊  Corvus pusillus   A couple of pairs of this whacky corvid on Mindoro.
Philippine Jungle Crow  Corvus philippinus   Widespread.
Elegant Tit ◊  P. elegans   EC (nominate) & NE (montigenus) Luzon; Negros (albescens); Cebu (visayanus).
Philippine Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes philippinus   Bohol & Cebu (saturatior), and Luzon (nominate).
Mindoro Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes mindorensis   Not uncommon on Mindoro.
Streak-breasted Bulbul ◊ (Tablas B)  Hypsipetes [siquijorensis] cinereiceps   Endemic. Small numbers easily seen.
Visayan Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes guimarasensis  Common on Negros.
Camiguin Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes catarmanensis   This highly distinctive bulbul was very common.
Yellow-wattled Bulbul ◊  Poliolophus urostictus   Baggao and Callao Cave, Luzon (nominate); three logged.
Yellow-vented Bulbul  Pycnonotus goiavier   Widespread, with sightings on Luzon, Mindoro, Negros & Tablas (nominate), and Camiguin (suluensis).
Grey-throated Martin  Riparia chinensis   A few along the river at Callao Cave (tantilla).
Pacific Swallow  Hirundo tahitica
Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica
Eastern Red-rumped Swallow (Striated S)  Cecropis [daurica] striolata
Philippine Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus olivaceus   Four at Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol.
Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler ◊  P. cebuensis   Singles N Negros (nominate), & Infanta Rd (luzonensis).
Kamchatka Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus examinandus   Occasional audio and visual records of this and next species.
Arctic Warbler  Phylloscopus borealis
Clamorous Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus stentoreus   Heard-only. San Moritz Wetlands, Negros (harterti).
Bicol Ground Warbler ◊  Robsonius sorsogonensis   Heard-only. Infanta Road.
Tawny Grassbird ◊ (Philippine T G)  Cincloramphus [timoriensis] tweeddalei   Heard once on Negros (tweeddalei), seen and heard on Cebu (alopex).
Striated Grassbird  Megalurus palustris   Widespread encounters (forbesi).
Zitting Cisticola (Double Z C)  Cisticola [juncidis] tinnabulans   Heard-only. San Moritz Wetlands, Negros.
Golden-headed Cisticola  Cisticola exilis   Heard-only. San Moritz Wetlands, Negros (semirufus).
Philippine Tailorbird ◊ (Chestnut-crowned T)  Orthotomus castaneiceps    Common Negros, with several seen.
Trilling Tailorbird ◊ (Green-backed T)  Orthotomus chloronotus   Small numbers Baggao and Callao Cave.
Rufous-fronted Tailorbird ◊  Orthotomus frontalis   Small numbers on Bohol (nominate), with two seen.
Grey-backed Tailorbird ◊  Orthotomus derbianus   A couple seen at Infanta Road (nominate).
Yellow-breasted Tailorbird ◊ (Samar T)  O. samarensis   Superb views at Rajah Sikatuna; thanks to our guides.
Flame-templed Babbler ◊  Dasycrotapha speciosa   One seen and another heard at Gawahon, Negros.
Golden-crowned Babbler ◊  Sterrhoptilus dennistouni   A pair seen well at Blue Water Falls, Baggao.
Calabarzon Babbler ◊  Sterrhoptilus affinis   Two at Infanta Rd.
Visayan Babbler ◊  Sterrhoptilus nigrocapitatus   Five in mixed flocks at Rajah Sikatuna NP (boholensis).
Yellowish White-eye ◊  Z. nigrorum   Occasional on Negros (nominate), and Luzon (innominatus).
Lowland White-eye ◊  Zosterops meyeni   Two at Palo Alto, Luzon.
Everett’s White-eye ◊  Zosterops everetti   Seen on Cebu (nominate), and Camiguin (basilanicus).
Brown Tit-Babbler ◊ (Stripe-headed T-b)  Macronus [striaticeps] striaticeps   Two seen and one heard Rajah Sikatuna.
Striated Wren-Babbler ◊  Ptilocichla mindanensis   Great views of 2 at Rajah Sikatuna NP (nominate).
Philippine Fairy-bluebird ◊  Irena cyanogastra   Two at Infanta Road (nominate).
Sulphur-billed Nuthatch ◊  Sitta oenochlamys   Multiple sightings Negros (nominate), and  Luzon (mesoleuca).
Asian Glossy Starling  Aplonis panayensis
Coleto ◊  Sarcops calvus   Many sightings, on Mindoro & Luzon (nominate), and Negros & Bohol (melanonotus).
Crested Myna (introduced)  Acridotheres cristatellus
Stripe-headed Rhabdornis ◊ (Stripe-sided R)  Rhabdornis mystacalis   Ivan saw one at Infanta Road, Luzon.
Brown-headed Thrush ◊ (Brown T)  Turdus chrysolaus    One seen by Craig at Baggao.
Philippine Magpie-Robin ◊  Copsychus mindanensis   Frequent and widespread.
White-browed Shama ◊  C. luzoniensis   Two seen and others heard on Luzon (nominate).
Visayan Shama ◊  Copsychus superciliaris   Seen at both ends of Negros, and well.
Grey-streaked Flycatcher  Muscicapa griseisticta
Philippine Jungle Flycatcher ◊ (Rufous-tailed J F)  Cyornis ruficauda   One popped-up nicely at Rajah Sikatuna NP.
Mangrove Blue Flycatcher ◊ (Philippine B F)  Cyornis [rufigastra] simplex    Seen on Cebu and Camiguin (philippinensis), and on Luzon (blythi).
White-throated Jungle Flycatcher ◊  Vauriella albigularis   Fantastic views of this tricky speciality at Gawahon.
Philippine Shortwing ◊  Brachypteryx [poliogyna] poliogyna   One at Infanta Rd (andersoni).
Blue Rock Thrush (Eastern B R T)  Monticola [solitarius] philippensis
Pied Bush Chat  Saxicola caprata   Seen on Negros and Luzon (nominate).
Olive-backed Flowerpecker ◊  Prionochilus olivaceus   Not uncommon at Infanta Road, Luzon (parsonsi).
Thick-billed Flowerpecker ◊ (Striped F)  Pachyglossa [agilis] aeruginosa   Singles seen on Mindoro (aeruginosa) and Luzon (sriatissima).
Bicolored Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum bicolor  Small numbers on Mindoro and Luzon (inexpectatum).
Red-keeled Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum australe  Four logged on Cebu and a good number in Luzon.
Black-belted Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum haematostictum   Five logged on Negros.
Scarlet-collared Flowerpecker ◊ (Mindoro F)  Dicaeum retrocinctum   Two males seen at Sablayan, Mindoro.
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker ◊ [Grey-throated F]  D. [trigonostigma] cinereigulare   A few Camiguin (isidroi).
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker ◊ [Orange-breasted F]  D. [t.] dorsale   Negros (dorsale), Luzon (xanthopygium).
Buzzing Flowerpecker ◊ [Northern B F]  Dicaeum [hypoleucum] obscurum   A few at Infanta Rd (obscurum).
Pygmy Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum pygmaeum   A handful seen on Luzon (nominate).
Brown-throated Sunbird (Plain-throated S)  Anthreptes malacensis   Pair Camiguin (heliolusius), 2 Tablas (chlorigaster).
Grey-throated Sunbird ◊  Anthreptes griseigularis   Several seen at Callao Cave, Luzon (birgitae).
Purple-throated Sunbird  Leptocoma [sperata] sperata   Frequently encountered: Negros, Bohol, Camiguin, & Tablas (trochilus); NE Luzon (henkei); SE Luzon (nominate).
Garden Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris jugularis   Widespread sightings (nominate).
Maroon-naped Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga guimarasensis   <10 at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes NP, Negros.
Metallic-winged Sunbird ◊ (Bohol S)  Aethopyga [pulcherrima] decorosa   Several on Bohol, but elusive.
Handsome Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga bella   A single bird at Infanta.
Magnificent Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga magnifica   Frequent on Negros; also singles on Cebu and Tablas.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (introduced)  Passer montanus
Scaly-breasted Munia  Lonchura punctulata   Three presumed cabanisi on Negros.
White-bellied Munia  Lonchura leucogastra   Eight on Tablas (everetti).
Chestnut Munia  Lonchura atricapilla   Widespread: jagori, apart from formosana in NW Luzon.
Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea
Paddyfield Pipit  Anthus rufulus

MAMMALS
Large Flying Fox  Pteropus vampyrus   Large roosts at Mambucal, Negros, and particularly on Camiguin.
Philippine Flying Lemur  Cynocephalus volans   4 logged on Bohol, and some nice daytime looks.
Long-tailed Macaque (Crab-eating M)  Macaca fascicularis
Rat  Rattus sp.   Non-leader

REPTILES
Asian forest skink  Sphenomorphus sp.   Bohol.
Philippine Tree Skink  Lamprolepis smaragdina   Endemic. Mindoro.
Philippine Sailfin Lizard  Hydrosaurus pustulatus   Endemic. Bohol.
Two-spotted Flying Lizard  Draco bimaculatus   Endemic. Bohol.

BUTTERFLIES
Scarlet Mormon  Papilio deiphobus   Endemic. Negros, Luzon.
Philippine Pink Rose (P Rose)  Pachliopta kotzebuea   Endemic. Mindoro. 
Schadenberg’s Pink Rose  Pachliopta schadenbergi   Endemic. Callao Cave. 
Golden Birdwing  Troides rhadamantus   Endemic. Bohol.
Lemon Migrant (L Emigrant)  Catopsila pomona   Negros.
Common Grass Blue  Terias hecabe  Cebu.
Scalloped Grass Yellow  Eurema alitha   Mindoro.
Chocolate Grass Yellow  Eurema sarilata   Endemic. Baggao.
Striped Albatross  Appias libythea   Mindoro.
Yellow Gull  Cepora aspasia   Callao Cave.
Common Jezebel  Delias henningia   Near endemic. Negros.
Psyche  Leptosia nina   Widespread.
Philippine Wanderer  Pereronia boebera   Endemic. Callao Cave.
White Tiger  Danaus melanippus   Bohol.
Narrow Dark Blue Tiger (D B Tiger) Tirumala septentrionis   Negros.
Purple Crow (Dwarf C)  Euploea tulliolus
Striped Blue Crow  Euploea mulciber   Negros.
White-banded Faun  Faunis sappho sappho   Endemic. Bohol.
Palm King  Amathusia phidippus   Negros.
Common Mapwing  Cyrestis maenalis   Negros.
Common Rustic  Cupha arias   Mindoro.
Common Leopard  Phalanta phalantha   Negros.
Malayan Eggfly  Hypolimnas anomala   Cebu.
Great Eggfly  Hypolimnas bolina philippensis
Brown Pansy  Junonia hedonia   Widespread.
Wizard  Rhinopalpa polynice   Negros.
Common Jester  Symbrenthia hippoclus   Mindoro.
Philippine Staff Sargeant  Athyma gutama   Endemic. Negros.
Illigera Sailer  Lasippa illigera   Endemic. Callao Cave.
Orange Archduke  Lexias panopus boholensis   Endemic. Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol. 
Typical Sailer  Neptis mindorana   Endemic. Cebu.
Sailer  Neptis cf cymela   Endemic. Negros.
Dama Lascar  Pantoporia dama   Endemic. Callao Cave
Clipper  Parthenos sylvia   
Negros Pale Ringlet  Acrophtalmia yamashitai   Endemic. Negros.
Congruens Palmfly  Elymnias congruens   Endemic. Bohol.
Sansoni Palmfly  Elymnias sansoni   Endemic. Negros.
Common Evening Brown  Melanitis leda   Mindoro.
Dark-branded Bushbrown  Mycalesis mineus   Mindoro, Cebu, Luzon.
Dingy Bushbrown  Mycalesis perseus   Mindoro.
Tagala Bushbrown  Mycalesis tagala   Endemic. Mindoro.
Smooth-eyed Bushbrown (Dark Grass Brown, Medus B)  Orsotriaena medus   Mindoro.
Common Three-ring  Ypthima sempera   Negros.
Philippine Five-ring  Ypthima stellera   Near-endemic. Mindoro, Negros, Cebu, Luzon.
Northern Wallacean  Zethera pimplea   Endemic. Mindoro.
Forget-me-not  Catachrysops strabo   Bohol, Luzon.
Gram Blue  Euchrysops cnejus   Mindoro, Cebu.
Common Cerulean  Jamides celeno   Negros.
Pale White Cerulean  Jamides cleodus   Endemic. Negros.
Forest Quaker  Pithecops corvus   Negros.
Lesser Grass Blue  Zizina otis   Mindoro.
Aberrant Oakblue  Arhopala abseus   Negros.
Tomokoae Flash  Rapala tomokoae   Endemic. Negros.
Ace  Halpe sp.   Mindoro.
Common Banded Awl  Hasora chromus   Negros.
Common Banded Demon  Notocrypta paralysos   Mindoro.
Common Dartlet  Oriens gola   Negros.
Little Branded Swift  Pelopidas agna   Negros.
Veined Gras Dart  Taractocera luzonensis
Pied Flat  Tagiades japetus   Negros.

DRAGONFLIES
Philippine Jewel  Rhinocypha colorata   Endemic. Negros, Bohol.
Eastern Philippine Threadtail  Prodasineura integra   Endemic. Bohol.
Red-tipped Shadefly  Argiocnemis rubescens   Bohol.
Blue Riverdamsel  Pseudagrion microcephalum   Negros.
Common Bluetail  Ischnura senegalensis   Negros.
Green Skimmer  Orthetrum serapia   Widespread.
Bolivar’s Skimmer  Diplacina bolivari   Endemic. Cebu. 
Chalky Percher  Diplacodes trivialis   Bohol.