CLASSIC BORNEO: SABAH TOUR REPORT 2025

26 July - 7 August 2025

Yeo Siew Teck

Our 2025 Borneo Classic Birding Tour concluded in triumph, treating participants to extraordinary wildlife encounters across the island’s diverse habitats. We logged countless prized endemic birds, including the highly sought-after Bornean Bristlehead, Whitehead’s trio—Whitehead’s Trogon, Whitehead’s Broadbill and Whitehead’s Spiderhunter; Everett’s Thrush, Fruithunter, Bornean Stubtail, Mountain Serpent Eagle, Bare-headed Laughingthrush, and the uncommon Hose’s Broadbill, an unexpected close encounter that stood out as a defining highlight. Red-breasted Partridge, Bornean Crested Fireback, Bornean Shortwing, Blue-headed and Black-crowned Pittas, Bornean Blue Flycatcher, and White-fronted Falconet further enriched our endemic list, alongside three sought-after wren-babblers: the Mountain Wren-babbler, Bornean Wren-babbler and Black-throated Wren-babbler.

Nocturnal excursions were equally rewarding, with sightings of Oriental Bay Owl, Barred Eagle-Owl, Buffy Fish Owl, Brown Boobook, Reddish Scops Owl, Sunda Scops Owl and Large Frogmouth secured amid moonlit forests. This journey transcended birding alone, as Borneo’s iconic terrestrial wildlife graced our paths: Bornean Pygmy Elephants, Bornean Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys, Maroon Leaf Monkeys, Horsfield’s Tarsiers, Colugos and Mainland Leopard Cat all delivered memorable appearances. Blending world-class birding with incredible mammal encounters, this 2025 expedition truly was one for the books.

We began our birding in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, picking up species well-adapted to urban habitats. Nearby grasslands and marshes produced Wandering Whistling Duck, Common Moorhen, White-breasted Waterhen, Purple Heron, Nankeen Night Heron, Brahminy Kite, Blue-throated Bee-eater, Collared Kingfisher, Striated Grassbird, Long-tailed Shrike, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Baya Weaver, Java Sparrow, Dusky Munia, Chestnut Munia and Scaly-breasted Munia. In a city park, we also enjoyed a stunning male Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, along with lovely Brown-throated and Ornate Sunbirds. Coastal and beach vegetation added Blue-naped Parrot, Long-tailed Parakeet, Pied Triller, Common Iora, White-breasted Woodswallow and many more.

The next morning, we set off before dawn for Crocker Range National Park. Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by a vibrant morning chorus from a large mixed-species feeding flock, which included our first endemic: the striking Bornean Green Magpie, alongside Chestnut-hooded and Sunda Laughingthrush, Golden-naped Barbet, Bornean Whistler, Bornean Treepie, Temminck’s Sunbird, Grey-chinned Minivet, Indigo Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Mountain Leaf Warbler, Blyth’s Shrike-babbler, Ashy Drongo, Aberrant Bush Warbler and White-throated Fantail. Shortly afterward, a Sunda Owlet appeared nearby, only to be swiftly mobbed by several species from the same flock.

As we savored the mixed flock and made our way downhill, a soft yet high-pitched “tsiiiii…” suddenly cut through the air—it was the Fruithunter.  We scanned the surroundings hastily and spotted a pair foraging in the mid-storey, flitting between trees before perching on exposed branches to search for food, granting us ideal photographic opportunities and extended, unhurried views. What a stroke of luck!

Further downhill, the call of a Mountain Serpent Eagle set our pulses racing, though luck eluded us that time. A welcome consolation arrived in the form of a pair of Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher foraging beside the road and a pair of Bornean Shortwings that emerged into the open, posing perfectly for photographs. We also encountered another mixed feeding flock, this time adding Mountain Black-eye, Yellow-breasted Warbler, Black-capped White-eye, Chestnut-crested Yuhina, and a female Black-sided Flowerpecker to our checklist. On our return to higher elevations, a covey of Red-breasted Partridges ventured into a clearing to feed at a feeding station delighted us.

Continuing downhill to lower elevations, we were met with a rapid, relentless series of hollow clucks and echoing, resonant notes—clear signs of both Bornean Barbet and Mountain Barbet. We scanned the canopy carefully, and before long, spotted them perched atop tall trees, singing loudly. Tracking them with the scope for prolonged, clear views was a true delight. A short distance onward, a group of Bornean Leafbird and a pair of Bornean Bulbuls feeding in a fruiting tree became another welcome addition.

After lunch, Crested Honey Buzzards and Blyth’s Hawk Eagle soared high overhead. Returning to a bird hide, we added Orange-headed Thrush and Snowy-browed Flycatcher to our tally, with Little Cuckoo Dove, Penan Bulbul, Bornean Spiderhunter, Bornean Forktail and Black-and-crimson Oriole also appearing at lower elevation. En route to our next destination, Kundasang—the gateway to Kinabalu Park’s montane forests—we struck luck during a routine stop for White-fronted Falconet: a pair came into view, and scope views delivered exceptionally crisp, clear sightings. Gold-whiskered Barbet, Black-headed Bulbul and Rufous Woodpecker were also present in the same area.

We departed before dawn for Kinabalu Park. As we drove in, the call of Whitehead’s Broadbill suddenly rang out above us. We pulled over and exited the vehicle at once, and in moments, spotted a pair feeding on fruits in a nearby fruiting tree. Though light conditions were less than ideal, it marked a fantastic start to the day, greeted by this mega-endemic species.

We continued uphill on foot, where we watched an Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher pluck a worm from the roadside ground. Seconds later, a female Whitehead’s Trogon appeared, granting only a brief glimpse. As we searched for the male, we were alerted to a pair of Everett’s Thrushes foraging farther up the road. We hurried over, and thankfully, they remained, flipping leaf litter in search of insects, seemingly indifferent to our approach. We observed and photographed them at length—until a male Whitehead’s Trogon suddenly darted from the forest and landed on a cable merely 10 metres directly in front of us. It scanned the surroundings for prey and proved wonderfully cooperative, offering prolonged, scope-filling views.

As we savored this star bird, a group of equally cooperative Mountain Wren-babblers began foraging along the roadside. In the same area, we enjoyed closer, improved views of Bornean Green Magpie, Penan Bulbul, Bornean Whistler, Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher, Black-and-crimson Oriole and Yellow-breasted Warbler, and added Checker-throated Woodpecker to our list.

As light improved, roadside birding rewarded us with sharper scope views of Whitehead’s Broadbill, along with repeated sightings of Little Pied Flycatcher, White-throated Fantail, Grey-chinned Minivet, Mountain Leaf Warbler and Bornean Treepie. While enjoying these sightings, a distinctive quacking call announced the presence of Whitehead’s Spiderhunter. We scanned the canopy hastily and spotted one perched atop a large dead tree; we swung our scopes into position instantly, but it flew off before everyone could get a clear look. Fortunately, it soon reappeared much closer, foraging in a lower tree, treating us to breathtaking, extended views. Wow—all three members of the Whitehead’s trio in one location, alongside several highly sought-after endemics. Our luck was truly incredible!

After a field breakfast, we drove downhill and heard Bornean Green Magpies calling persistently all around. Soon we found several individuals flitting and circling in hanging vines. After observing them for some time, we spotted a Sunda Pig-tailed Macaque sitting a short distance away. We also encountered another mixed feeding flock, including Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, Sunda Laughingthrush, Bornean Treepie and the Bornean Whistling Thrush was a new addition. Pushing higher up the mountain, we tried once more for Mountain Serpent Eagle, only to see a Crested Honey Buzzard soar overhead—though we were delighted by a perched Besra and a pair of Black-sided Flowerpecker, especially the striking male.

In the afternoon, we returned to the park, where we recorded more sightings of Mountain Black-eye, Temminck’s Sunbird, Black-capped White-eye, Mountain Tailorbird, White-throated Fantail, Bornean Treepie, Blyth’s Shrike-babbler, Ashy Drongo, Aberrant Bush Warbler, and Bornean Whistler, and added Grey-throated Babbler to our tally. As we walked downhill, we heard Bornean Stubtail calling beside the trail, and soon spotted it hopping on an exposed vine, singing its heart out.  This tiny, charming bird perched on hanging vines and delivered its high-pitched song, winning the adoration of all who watched it.

We returned to the park bright and early the next morning, greeted instantly by a pair of Bornean Green Magpies delivering loud, bright whistled notes. Soon afterward, a bustling mixed feeding flock appeared along the roadside: Chestnut-hooded and Sunda Laughingthrushes, Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, White-throated Fantails, Grey-throated Babbler, Checker-throated Woodpecker, Bornean Whistlers, and Penan Bulbuls foraged busily, joined by a new addition to our list: Temminck’s Babblers, Hair-crested Drongos, Sunda Cuckooshrikes, Maroon and Orange-backed Woodpeckers. Ascending higher, we spotted a group of highlands endemic Pale-faced Bulbuls feeding and preening on a fruiting tree, plus repeated sightings of Mountain Black-eye, Golden-naped Barbet, Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, Black-and-crimson Oriole, Black-capped White-eye, Ashy Drongo, Indigo Flycatcher, Black-sided Flowerpecker, and Sunda Cuckooshrike.

Entering a forest trail, we heard the calls of nearby Bare-headed Laughingthrushes—shy birds that remained hidden and elusive despite our best efforts. We were rewarded, however, with another mixed flock: Bornean Treepies, Sunda and Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrushes, Black-and-crimson Orioles, Bornean Whistlers, Sunda Cuckooshrikes, Hair-crested Drongo, and Grey-chinned Minivets.

As midday heat intensified, we focused on our target raptor: the Mountain Serpent Eagle. Arriving at a viewpoint, an eagle soared overhead; raising binoculars, we confirmed it as a Crested Honey Buzzard. We waited patiently, an excited shouts of “Raptor!” yet another Crested Honey Buzzard. Persistence paid off when a long, drawn-out cry echoed in the distance—it was the Mountain Serpent Eagle. We rushed to open ground, scanned the skies, and there it glided toward us, soon circling overhead and calling, granting us prolonged, unobstructed views. Phew… what a relief! An oliging Bornean Whistling Thrush posted quietly for us to photograph ended our exciting morning birding session.

Over lunch, we enjoyed watching Bornean Spiderhunters sip nectar from banana flowers, while a group of Chestnut-crested Yuhinas foraged nearby. Afternoon rain quieted bird activity, but as showers eased, a large flock of Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrushes emerged along the road, alongside Sunda Laughingthrushes, Hair-crested Drongos, Bornean Whistlers and Mountain Leaf Warblers. Our night birding effort, however, drew a blank.

The following morning dawned with success: prolonged views of a Bornean Forktail foraging beside the road. Higher up, we enjoyed repeated glimpses of close-up Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatchers and calling Bornean Green Magpies, while a pair of Whitehead’s Broadbills appeared in the open and a Maroon Woodpecker tapped busily. Mountain Wren-babblers foraged alongside Grey-throated Babblers nearby, and soon another mixed flock arrived: Penan Bulbuls, Bornean Whistlers, White-throated Fantails, Yellow-breasted Warbler, plus a new addition—a pair of Velvet-fronted Nuthatches. A Wreathed Hornbill soared overhead during our field breakfast, a majestic sight to remember. Descending the hill, Bare-headed Laughingthrushes called again but remained hidden—though a Maroon Woodpecker perched openly, offering stunning views and fine compensation. Driving higher, distant calls from another group of Bare-headed Laughingthrushes grew closer. A little patience rewarded us with three birds hopping between trees; one perched openly, calling loudly and bobbing its body rhythmically. We watched them forage until they vanished into the forest, our persistence paid off, with bonus sightings of Golden-naped Barbet and Checker-throated Woodpecker.

Entering a forest trail, we watched a pair of Orange-backed Woodpeckers drum on tree trunks and Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatchers hawk for insects. Another mixed flock delighted us: Mountain Leaf Warblers, Bornean Whistlers, Grey-chinned Minivets, White-throated Fantails, Indigo and Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Black-capped White-eyes, Black-sided Flowerpeckers, and Chestnut-crested Yuhina, plus a new entry: White-bellied Erpornis.

Riding high on Kinabalu Park’s success, we detoured to Poring Hot Springs for lowland species. Our arrival began with a Spectacled Bulbul in a fruiting tree; nearby, a Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher called and then perched openly for extended viewing and photography. Deeper in the forest, a striking Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher sat exposed, granting glorious views; Grey-cheeked Bulbuls bathed in a small ditch, and a pair of Sunda Scimitar Babblers foraged at close range—pure birding joy.

An open clearing proved a lowland hotspot. We added Spectacled and Yellow-eared Spiderhunters, with close views of Bornean Spiderhunter. Highlights included Ventriloquial Oriole, Verditer Flycatcher, Lesser Green Leafbird, White-crowned Shama, Plain Sunbird, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Silver-rumped Spinetail, Rufous-winged Philentoma, Buff-necked Woodpecker, Black-headed and Red-eyed Bulbul, and a stunning male Olive-backed Woodpecker hammering fiercely at a macaranga tree in search of ants. Then a two-note “coo-wooo” jolted our attention—it was Hose’s Broadbill! We took position and waited, and soon a pair flew overhead and landed just 15 metres away, perching openly, bobbing and singing for nearly a minute before vanishing. Wow…what an unexpected mega-endemic, simply breathtaking! A pair of Bornean Black-capped Babblers sauntering across the forest floor added to the enjoyment.

Near the car park, the call of a Banded Kingfisher lured us into the forest. Careful scanning revealed the handsome male perched openly—a perfect conclusion to another productive, thrilling day. Night birding at the resort produced a Sunda Scops Owl perched openly, granting extended views and photo opportunities.

Our final morning at the park targeted the remaining species. First, we tracked down the tiny, charming Pygmy Flycatcher. Next, a mixed flock emerged: Hair-crested Drongos, Bornean Whistlers, Checker-throated Woodpeckers, Maroon Woodpeckers, Bornean Green Magpies, plus close views of Bare-headed Laughingthrush again. A cooperative female Whitehead’s Trogon perched at eye level, giving us endless photo-worthy moments.

Our field breakfast brought repeated sightings of Black-sided Flowerpecker, Bornean Treepie, Penan Bulbul, Grey-chinned Minivet, Ashy Drongo, White-throated Fantail, Grey-throated Babbler, Little Cuckoo Dove, Yellow-breasted and Mountain Leaf Warblers.

With Kinabalu Park birding a resounding success, we headed to Gomantong Cave. A stop at a resort added Pygmy White-eye, Common Green Magpie and Golden-bellied Gerygone to our list, alongside clear views of Yellow-bellied Warbler.

Upon reaching Gomantong Cave, a stunning Black-and-red Broadbill greeted us. Nearby, a Black-crowned Pitta called but remained hidden. On the way to the cave entrance, a Bornean Orangutan laid in its nest, showing only a hand and part of its head—too relaxed to move, so we left it undisturbed. Inside the cave, we identified four species of swiftlets occupying their nests.

Exiting the cave, a majestic Wallace’s Hawk Eagle perched on an exposed branch waiting for its prey, Horsfield’s Babblers and a Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher proved utterly obliging, offering crystal-clear binocular views and perfect photo opportunities. At dusk, we waited at the parking lot for bats to emerge, and the wait was well worth it. Thousands of bats streamed into the sky, with several Bat Hawks hunting them in mid-air. It was remarkable to watch the predators catch and consume their prey on the wing, without needing to perch. We also focused our scopes on a calling Black-eared Barbet before driving to the jetty, boarding a speedboat upstream, and arriving at our cozy riverside lodge, where we stayed for three nights. The short boat ride was warmly welcomed by a Buffy Fish Owl perched atop a wooden pole.

Post-dinner, a night cruise rewarded us with a sighting of Oriental Bay Owl, plus the unforgettable scene of a large herd of elephants grazing on riverbank vegetation.

Exploring the mighty Kinabatangan River was a wholly new experience. Filled with excitement, we glided through morning mist on the water, as if venturing into an uncharted world. Shortly after a pair of Storm’s Storks flew overhead, we followed and spotted them landing nearby;  approaching closer, we found a group roosting and preening on a dead tree—a clear sign that this river remains one of the key strongholds for this critically endangered species. Farther upstream, a pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills marked our first hornbills on this river, and a preening Lesser Adjutant was a welcome sight despite its plain appearance.

As warm morning air rose and mist lifted and faded in the breeze, clearer views revealed common species along both riverbanks: Common Iora, Oriental Dollarbird, Malaysian Pied Fantail, Red-eyed Bulbul, Green Imperial Pigeon, Sunda Crow, Purple and Little Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Blue-throated Bee-eater, large groups of Oriental Darters, and more Oriental Pied Hornbills perched in trees preening.

Entering the Oxbow Lake, we found a Grey-headed Fish Eagle and a White-bellied Fish Eagle posted ready to hunt near the water’s edge, before a Bornean Swamp Babbler emerged from dense bushes and sang in the open. Further in, we observed a Bat Hawk perched near its nest, then spotted a colorful Wrinkled Hornbill sitting on a dead tree, followed by Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot and a group of Bornean Brown Barbets flying overhead. Two lovely male Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds put on a singing competition directly in front of us. While enjoying these sightings, we heard a Bornean Ground Cuckoo calling in the distance; unfortunately, it was too far to draw closer.

Exiting the lake, a Blue-eared Kingfisher perched ready to hunt gave us excellent photographic opportunities, Ashy Tailorbird and a pair of Grey-hooded Babblers also emerged from bushes for great views.

Back on the main river, a striking Stork-billed Kingfisher and a Crested Serpent Eagle perched close to the riverbank, both cooperative and allowing close approach and photography. We then returned to the lodge for breakfast.

After breakfast, we set off on our second outing, hoping to spot the iconic yet elusive endemic Bornean Ground Cuckoo, along with other resident species. As we pulled away from the lodge jetty, a flock of Bushy-crested Hornbills flew overhead and alighted in a riverside tree. We maneuvered our boat closer, and they posed cooperatively for our photographs. Farther upstream, a group of Proboscis Monkeys fed in a tree full of fresh young leaves; the dominant male sat quietly, enjoying tender shoots.

Entering a tributary, there was no sign of the Bornean Ground Cuckoo, but a Jerdon’s Baza landed atop a tree, allowing us photographs. Shortly afterward, a group of five curious Smooth-coated Otters approached the riverbank to investigate us, and watching a large troop of Sunda Pig-tailed Macaques cross the tributary via a cable bridge made for an entertaining interlude. Bird activity quieted as temperatures rose, with only repeated sightings of Blue-throated Bee-eater, Wallace’s Hawk Eagle and a White-bellied Fish Eagle soaring high. Still, adding Moustached Hawk Cuckoo to our list provided a satisfying end to our morning session.

We headed out again in the afternoon. A flying Lesser Adjutant and a pair of Bushy-crested Hornbills passed overhead. Entering a tributary, bird activity picked up as temperatures cooled. We enjoyed more views of Blue-eared and Collared Kingfisher, Blue-throated Bee-eater, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Blue-eared Barbet, White-bellied and Grey-headed Fish Eagles, Oriental Pied Hornbill and Oriental Darter, and added Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, Crimson Sunbird, and Black Hornbill to our list.

We also enjoyed several woodpecker species: better views of Rufous Woodpecker, a pair of Common Flamebacks, and a Buff-rumped Woodpecker perched on a dead tree were new additions. A male elephant swimming across the river directly in front of us was an impressive highlight. On our return to the lodge, a pair of Rhinoceros Hornbills roosting by the riverbank capped off a highly productive afternoon session.

Post-dinner night birding produced a cooperative Oriental Bay Owl and a Large Frogmouth, but the Reddish Scops Owl remained in a distance.

The next morning before boarding the boat, a Little Heron hunted for fish near the jetty, while a Wrinkled Hornbill flew across the river to greet us. Eager to register any remaining resident species, we explored another tributary. The water lay calm, yet a rich morning chorus surrounded us on all sides. We spotted a Little Green Pigeon perched atop a tall tree, followed by a pair of Grey-and-buff Woodpecker flying overhead and calling loudly. We soon found a tree bustling with a small mixed feeding flock: adding Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Black-naped Monarch, Green Iora, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Black-and-yellow Broadbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, and Drongo Cuckoo onto our ever growing list, with Ashy Tailorbird, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, and Red-eyed Bulbul also active nearby.

As we anchored our boat to search for the Bornean Ground Cuckoo, a Sabah Partridge appeared briefly, much to our delight. We also enjoyed repeated views of Common Iora, Bornean Swamp Babbler, Blue-eared and Stork-billed Kingfisher, Oriental Darter, Black and Oriental Pied Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Wallace’s Hawk Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and Black-and-red Broadbill, along with clearer, closer sightings of a group of Brown Barbets feeding in a fruiting tree. We also heard the distinctive call of a Helmeted Hornbill deep within the forest, though it remained shy to reveal itself.

We returned to the lodge for breakfast, before heading downstream to try once more for the Bornean Ground Cuckoo. Sadly, none were active in the area, but we still added Lesser Fish and Olive-winged Bulbul to our list, alongside more sightings of Storm’s Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Oriental Darter and other familiar residents.

The afternoon excursion proved far more exciting, confirming this river remains one of the finest sites for hornbills and several uncommon species. We first located a fruiting tree hosting a pair of Wrinkled Hornbills, Black-eared Barbet, Green Imperial Pigeons and Common Hill Mynas, with a rare male Large Green Pigeon standing out as an excellent record. Further upstream, we enjoyed more views of Storm’s Stork, Black and Rhinoceros Hornbills, Brown Barbet, Crimson Sunbird, Blue-throated Bee-eater, White-crowned Shama, Crested Serpent Eagle and Pink-necked Green Pigeon, as well as the star mammal of the river: the Asian Pygmy Elephant. We also added a lovely Hooded Pitta and Changeable Hawk-Eagle to our list.

Entering another tributary, we soon found several hornbill species active nearby, including Rhinoceros, Wrinkled, Oriental Pied, Black and Bushy-crested. The highlight came as we prepared to head back to the lodge: a series of deep, owl-like hooting coos announced the presence of the White-crowned Hornbill. We quickly anchored our boat, and moments later a male flew overhead and landed on the opposite riverbank, perching openly and surveying its surroundings. It offered superb, binoculars-filling views and excellent photographic opportunities. Six species of hornbills in a single afternoon capped off a wonderfully productive session.

After dinner, a night cruise produced rewarding sightings of Buffy Fish Owl and Brown Hawk-Owl, but a shy Reddish Scops Owl remained hidden.

On our final morning along the river, we focused our efforts on the Bornean Ground Cuckoo. Despite trying multiple sites, luck was not on our side. Between locations, however, we enjoyed repeated views of many well-adapted resident species, including hornbills, raptors, green pigeons, broadbills, kingfishers, flowerpeckers, barbets and a variety of wetland birds. Before departing for our next destinations, we added Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, Bold-striped Tit-babbler, a handsome Rufous-bellied Eagle, a striking male Van Hasselt’s Sunbird, a stunning Red-bearded Bee-eater and the uncommon endemic Cream-eyed Bulbul to our list.

In the afternoon, we visited Mt Silam, a site where both Blue-banded and Bornean Banded Pitta occur. Upon arrival, a striking male Temminck’s Sunbird greeted us. Shortly afterward, we watched a pair of Black Eagles soaring high overhead, while a group of Brown Fulvettas foraged at the forest edge. Walking downhill, a tiny yet dazzling Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker appeared close by, perching openly right in front of us—much to our amazement. A scarce species with a patchy distribution in lowland forests, it was a genuine treat. We also observed a Cream-vented Bulbul feeding in a fruiting tree, accompanied by another group of Brown Fulvettas. Though we dipped on both pitta species, we finished our time here in style: adding a foraging Raffles’s Malkoha, Rufous-crowned Babbler, a vocal Greater Green Leafbird, a colorful male Red-throated Barbet in the scopes, and a pair of Whiskered Treeswift perched perfectly for photography. Their elongated white “whiskers” and brows made these elegant birds the appearance of a wise old man—truly impressive.

Our last stop in Sabah was the legendary Danum Valley Conservation Area, a 130-million-year-old ancient rainforest renowned for its intricate ecosystem and extraordinary tropical biodiversity. Based at the incomparable Borneo Rainforest Lodge, we found ourselves in one of the world’s finest locations for birding and wildlife watching, with luxurious accommodation seamlessly blended into pristine wilderness. Though three full days felt far too brief, we departed with a wealth of unforgettable memories. The forest trails, canopy walkway and roadside birding all proved exceptionally rewarding and endlessly exciting.

After a two-hour journey along the gravel access road, we stopped just short of the lodge to begin roadside birding. We were immediately greeted by a magnificent sight: a mother Bornean Orangutan with her semi-independent juvenile, foraging together in the canopy. We spent considerable time observing and photographing them as they fed and moved gracefully through the mid-storey, drifting from tree to tree.

Our orangutan encounter was suddenly interrupted by a series of soft, mellow, melodic whistles rising from the roadside undergrowth—the unmistakable call of a Blue-headed Pitta. We quickly repositioned ourselves across the road and waited in growing anticipation. Before long, a jewel-like bird with a vivid, electric-blue crown emerged from the shadows. Though initially hesitant, it soon hopped confidently into the open, calling repeatedly and granting us prolonged, breathtaking, binoculars-filling views. As if this weren’t enough, shortly after the Blue-headed Pitta slipped back into cover, another Bornean endemic—the Black-crowned Pitta—appeared and began singing in the same spot. Two endemic pittas in one location: what extraordinary luck! A male Red-naped Trogon flying overhead added yet another layer of excitement to this already spectacular roadside encounter.

Continuing toward the lodge, we discovered a fruiting tree that had attracted an impressive gathering of birds: a selection of bulbuls including the Scaly-breasted, Charlotte’s, Puff-backed, Red-eyed and Streaked Bulbul, alongside Asian Fairy-bluebird, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, Red-throated and Black-eared Barbet.

After settling in and enjoying an excellent buffet lunch, we headed out for our afternoon session. Returning to the productive fruiting tree, we found the same bulbuls still feeding actively, with the welcome addition of the Large Woodshrike, Lesser Cuckooshrike, White-crowned Forktail, Yellow-bellied Bulbul, Long-billed and Little Spiderhunter along both side of the road. While watching a Scaly-crowned Babbler extract a worm from the dead leaves, we heard the distinctive call of a Black-throated Wren-babbler nearby. Before we could investigate further, news arrived that the Bornean Bristlehead had been sighted in the vicinity. We hurried to the spot, only to find the bird had already vanished into the forest—a frustrating miss for this highly coveted species.

Undeterred, we entered one of the forest trails, where we were soon rewarded with excellent views of both Diard’s Trogon and Scarlet-rumped Trogon perched in the same area. Further along the trail, loud, machine-gun-like calls announced the presence of Crested Shrikejay. With patience, one individual emerged into the open to investigate us, offering clear views. Shortly afterward, we came upon a tall tree alive with activity: three malkoha species—Red-billed, Chestnut-breasted and Black-bellied—foraged together in the same crown, while a Crimson-winged Woodpecker clung to a nearby dead stump, calling loudly. All were welcome additions to our list.

As we exited back onto the main road, we heard a Bornean Wren-babbler calling from dense undergrowth. This shy bird soon gave a brief appearance before slipping back into cover.

With repeated views of both Grey-rumped and Whiskered Treeswift, Green Imperial Pigeon, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Golden-whiskered Barbet, Wrinkled Hornbill, Orange-backed and Buff-rumped Woodpecker, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Black-&-yellow Broadbill, Golden-bellied Gerygone, Black-naped Monarch, White-crowned Shama, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker and Dusky Munia, we concluded our productive and exciting afternoon session.

A night drive yielded two Western Tarsiers, Sunda Colugo, Malay Civets, a roosting Black-crowned Pitta, a showy Reddish Scops Owl and Barred Eagle Owl, rounding off our nocturnal session in fine style.

The following morning, the main road was alive with the dawn chorus. We walked along the road flanked by magnificent forest on both sides. Horsfield’s Babbler, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Bulbuls were active as ever by the roadside. Before long, we heard a Bornean Blue Flycatcher calling nearby, and soon spotted a male hawking for insects before settling on an open branch to consume its prey. Further up the road, we lured a Sabah Partridge into view; through gaps in the leaves and branches, we watched it move quietly through the undergrowth.

Other species active nearby included Rufous-winged Philentoma, Greater Green Leafbird, Violet Cuckoo, Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler, and both Orange-bellied and Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker. As we enjoyed these sightings, a single distant call of a Bristlehead caught our attention. We quickly moved to an open spot and carefully scanned the canopy, tree by tree. Soon we spotted a tiny red dot high in a giant tree: three individuals, roughly a few hundred meters from the road. We swung our scope onto one immediately, but the distance prevented ideal views. Moments later, they flew off and vanished. We rushed to another clearing and searched; fortunately, we found one foraging in a closer, shorter tree, gleaning from foliage and landing on open twigs several times, granting us fantastic binocular views and superb photographic opportunities. It was a truly thrilling moment for everyone, especially Jim, who completed his final avian family in the world.

After the excitement, we continued casual roadside birding and added Sooty-capped Babbler, Hairy-backed Bulbul and Dark-necked Tailorbird. We also enjoyed repeat views of Cream-eyed Bulbul, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Green Iora, Lesser Green Leafbird, Little, Spectacled, Long-billed and Bornean Spiderhunter, White-crowned Shama, Black-winged Flycatchershrike, a pair of Lesser Cuckooshrike, Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle and Red-eyed Bulbul.

Up on the canopy walkway, more lowland species were active, including Rufous-crowned Babbler, Spectacled Bulbul, Raffles’s Malkoha, Plain and Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker. A stunning male Crimson Sunbird feeding just a few metres in front of us was a fabulous highlight. We also watched a pair of Rhinoceros Hornbills guiding a young bird, foraging at eye level. A Maroon-breasted Philentoma and a Banded Broadbill landed close to the walkway, filling our binoculars and offering excellent photo opportunities.

Leaving the main road, we heard a Bornean Wren-babbler calling repeatedly deep in the forest. We entered the trail and searched; with a little patience, we finally spotted a pair on the dark forest floor through small gaps and openings.

On the way back to the lodge, we tried for a vocal pair of Black-throated Wren-babblers in the bushes, but they remained shy and hidden. We enjoyed repeated views of Lesser Green Leafbird, a male Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, Red-eyed, Puff-backed, Grey-cheeked and Charlotte’s Bulbul before concluding our thrilling morning session.

The afternoon was cloudy. We headed out and recorded more sightings of Hairy-backed Bulbul and Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, but rain soon began to fall. We took shelter in a recently constructed nearby bird hide until the shower passed. Several birds were active around the hide, including Grey-hooded Babbler, White-crowned Shama and Yellow-bellied Bulbul. Just before leaving, a pair of Black-throated Wren-babblers appeared right beside the hide: one fed on the ground by flipping leaf litter, while the other perched in the open and called, giving us satisfying scope views.

Back on the main road, we enjoyed more sightings of Black-&-yellow Broadbill, Rufous-crowned Babbler and Gold-whiskered Barbet. On the way back to the lodge, a pair of Bornean Crested Firebacks wandered onto the road, searching for a roosting site, adding a thrilling highlight to our afternoon birding.

A night walk near the lodge produced a friendly Buffy Fish Owl, a Leopard Cat sitting quietly beside a building watching for prey, Sambar Deers resting on the field, a Lesser Mouse Deer foraging in the bushes and repeated views of Western Tarsiers and Sunda Colugo concluded our productive night activity.

The next morning, walking along the main road, we first enjoyed scope views of Striped Wren-babbler. A Moustached Babbler foraged in a tree, a pair of Chestnut-rumped Babblers performed a delightful duet, and a Green Broadbill and Thick-billed Green Pigeon in a fruiting tree were all new to our list. Alongside these, we recorded more sightings of Lesser Green Leafbird, Raffles’s Malkoha, Horsfield’s Babbler, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Little Spiderhunter, Rhinoceros Hornbill, and Asian Fairy-bluebird. A variety of bulbuls fed in the fruiting tree, including Scaly-breasted, Spectacled, Charlotte’s, Streaked, Puff-backed and Red-eyed. A solo Bristlehead also appeared briefly nearby, delivering another pleasant surprise. Further along the road, we added Rufous Piculet and Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker, and enjoyed more views of the Brown Barbet, Black-&-red and Black-&yellow Broadbills, Green Iora, Ventriloquial Oriole, Bold-striped Tit-babbler, and scope views of Lesser Cuckooshrike, Buff-necked Woodpecker and a stunning Red-bearded Bee-eater.

Entering a forest trail, several new birds delighted us: a Ferruginous Babbler foraged close by, then a female Blue-headed Pitta hopped away across the ground when disturbed. We soon watched it settle and begin preening. The female’s distinct plumage is often mistaken for a different species; though less striking than the male, observing any pitta always brings great joy. While enjoying this pitta, we heard a Sunda Blue Flycatcher singing nearby. We scanned tree by tree and finally located it on an open branch. Light in the forest was poor, but we all appreciated clear scope views.

Heading back to the lodge, we entered another forest trail to search for Sabah Partridge. As we waited hopefully for one to cross the trail, a Leopard Cat suddenly appeared from the undergrowth. It froze and stared at us curiously, then U-turned back into the forest as we began taking photos and speaking softly—a lucky encounter, presumably the same individual seen the previous night.

In the afternoon, roadside birding produced more sightings of Raffles’s Malkoha, along with Sooty-capped, Grey-hooded, and Ferruginous Babblers in a mixed feeding flock. We also enjoyed scope views of Wrinkled Hornbill and a Drongo Cuckoo perched on an open branch, plus a confiding Dark-necked Tailorbird singing in full view. A pair of Whiskered Treeswifts perched close together on a cable, allowing excellent photographs. Crossing a bridge, we found a pair of Chestnut-naped Forktails foraging along the creek—a new addition, and notably Keith’s 7000th bird.

Further up the road, a Maroon Woodpecker flew overhead; Hairy-backed Bulbul and Chestnut-breasted Malkoha foraged by the roadside. A vocal Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo perched openly, granting prolonged scope views. A pair of Blyth’s Paradise Flycatchers then flew back and forth across the road. The pure white adult male, in flight, displayed exceptionally long, ribbon-like white tail streamers—twice the length of its body—creating a graceful, flowing, undulating motion. What a beauty!

We also found a flowering tree busy with Spectacled Spiderhunter and Plain Sunbird, with Red-throated Sunbird a new addition to the list. On the way back to the lodge, a pair of Bornean Black-capped Babblers sauntered along the roadside, and a shy Leaflitter Babbler gave us a brief view. Our final night drive along the road produced repeated close views of Malay Civet, Striped Palm Civet and Common Palm Civet. and Barred Eagle Owl near the lodge.

On the morning of our last day, we decided to explore another forest trail. Birding along the road was similarly productive, and this time a confining Leaflitter Babbler appeared close by, filling our binoculars. We also added a group of Grey-headed Babbler and enjoyed scope views of White-crowned Forktail. Inside the forest trail, we were delighted to see a pair of Crested Shrikejays and a female Blue-headed Pitta once again. We tried for a calling Bornean Ground Cuckoo from a bird hide, but it remained too shy to show itself.

Exiting the trail, we added a male Rufous-chested Flycatcher to our list. The sight of a Helmeted Hornbill perched high on a large tree provided a wonderful, fitting end to our tour in this extraordinary forest.

Birds of tour

1) Bornean Bristlehead

2) Blue-headed Pitta

3) Whitehead’s Broadbill

4) Whitehead’s Trogon

5) Hose’s Broadbill

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 (v14.1).
Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna artuata 8 individuals congregated in a pond near Kota Kinabalu City.

Red-breasted Partridge ◊ Arborophila hyperythra  A family of 7 individuals seen well in the Crocker’s Range from hide, heard every day in Kinabalu Park.

Bornean Crested Fireback ◊ Lophura ignita A male & 2 female seen close-up in Danum Valley.

Great Argus ◊ Argusianus argus Heard-only in Danum Valley.

Sabah Partridge ◊ Tropicoperdix graydoni  One seen in Kinabatangan River & one seen in Danum Valley.

Crimson-headed Partridge ◊ Haematortyx sanguiniceps Heard-only in Crocker’s Range & Kinabalu Park.

Large Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus auritus. Seen well in Kinabatangan River.

Gould’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus stellatus Heard-only in Danum Valley.

Blyth’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus affinis Heard-only in Danum Valley.

Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis

Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata Seen well in Mt Silam & Danum Valley.

Plume-toed Swiftlet Collocalia affinis

Mossy-nest Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus salangana

Black-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus maximus

Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus

House Swift Apus nipalensis

Silver-rumped Spinetail (S-r Needletail) Rhaphidura leucopygialis

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Heard-only

Bornean Ground Cuckoo ◊ Carpococcyx radiceus  Heard-only in Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.

Raffles’s Malkoha Rhinortha chlorophaea Seen in Mt Silam & Danum Valley

Red-billed Malkoha Zanclostomus javanicus Seen in Danum Valley

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris Seen in Danum Valley

Black-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi Seen in Danum Valley

Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus One seen in Danum Valley

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii One seen in Poring

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii Heard-only

Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris One seen in Kinabatangan River & one seen in Danum Valley.

Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo ◊ Hierococcyx vagans One seen in Kinabatangan River & one seen well in Danum Valley.

Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia

Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis

Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps

Common Emerald Dove (Asian E D) Chalcophaps indica

Zebra Dove (introduced) Geopelia striata

Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon Treron olax One female seen in Kinabatangan River.

Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans

Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curviostra Seen in Danum Valley fruiting tree.

Large Green Pigeon Treron capellei Seen in Kinabatangan River fruiting tree.

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea

Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia Heard-only

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Storm’s Stork ◊ Ciconia stormi At least 10 individuals seen at the Kinabatangan River and one seen in Danum Valley.

Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus At least 2 birds at the Kinabatangan River.

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster

Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Nankeen Night Heron (Rufous N H) Nycticorax caledonicus

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Striated Heron Butorides striata

Great Egret Ardea alba

Medium Egret Ardea intermedia

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

Jerdon’s Baza ◊ Aviceda jerdoni One individual seen well at the Kinabatangan River.

Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus

Mountain Serpent Eagle ◊ Spilornis kinabaluensis  One seen in Kinabalu Park.

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela

Bat Hawk ◊ Macheiramphus alcinus At least two seen at Gomantong Cave and one at the Kinabatangan River.

Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle ◊ Nisaetus nanus

Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus alboniger

Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus

Rufous-bellied Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis

Besra Accipiter virgatus one seen at Kinabalu Park

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus

White-bellied Sea Eagle (W-b Fish E) Haliaeetus leucogaster

Lesser Fish Eagle Haliaeetus humilis

Grey-headed Fish Eagle Haliaeetus ichthyaetus

Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius One seen during night cruise & one seen well during night walk at the Kinabatangan River.

Brown Boobook Ninox scutulata One seen during night cruise at the Kinabatangan River.

Sunda Owlet ◊ Glaucidium sylvaticum One seen well at Crocker’s Range.

Reddish scops owl Otus rufescens One seen well in Danum Valley.

Sunda Scops Owl Otus lempiji One seen well at Kundasang.

Buffy Fish Owl Ketupa ketupu At least 2 birds at the Kinabatangan River.

Barred Eagle-Owl ◊ Bubo sumatranus Seen at Danum Valley.

Red-naped Trogon Harpactes kasumba A male seen in Danum Valley.

Diard’s Trogon Harpactes diardii A pair seen in Danum Valley.

Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii A male seen well in Danum Valley.

Whitehead’s Trogon ◊ Harpactes whiteheadi  Fabulous views twice in Kinabalu Park.

White-crowned Hornbill ◊ Berenicornis comatus A fantastic view at the Kinabatangan River.

Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros Multi views in Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.

Helmeted Hornbill ◊ Rhinoplax vigil Heard in Kinabatangan River and seen a male in Danum Valley.

Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris

Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus

Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus

Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus Seen in Kinabalu Park and Danum Valley.

Wrinkled Hornbill ◊ Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus Seen well in Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.

Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

Banded Kingfisher ◊ (Black-faced K) Lacedo [pulchella] melanops A male seen well in Poring.

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis

Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris

Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Rufous-backed K) Ceyx erithaca

Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus  Seen well in Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.

Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis

Golden-whiskered Barbet ◊ (Golden-faced B) Psilopogon [chrysopogon] chrysopsis Seen well in Tambunan and Danum Valley.

Red-throated Barbet Psilopogon mystacophanos

Mountain Barbet ◊ Psilopogon monticola Seen well in the Crocker’s Range.

Yellow-crowned Barbet Psilopogon henricii Heard-only

Golden-naped Barbet ◊ Psilopogon pulcherrimus  Seen well at Crocker’s Range and Kinabalu Park.

Blue-eared Barbet (Black-e B) Psilopogon duvaucelii

Bornean Barbet ◊ Psilopogon eximius  Seen well in the Crocker’s Range.

Brown Barbet ◊ (Bornean B B) Caloramphus fuliginosus Seen several times in Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.

Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis

Grey-and-buff Woodpecker Hemicircus [concretus] sordidus

Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker Yungipicus moluccensis

Checker-throated Woodpecker (C-t Yellownape) Chrysophlegma [mentale] humii

Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus

Common Flameback Dinopium javanense A pair seen in Kinabatangan River.

Orange-backed Woodpecker Reinwardtipicus validus A pair seen in Kinabalu Park.

Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus

Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus

Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes [tristis] grammithorax

Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki

White-fronted Falconet ◊ Microhierax latifrons  Two individuals seen from the main road on the way to Kundasang.

Blue-rumped parrot Psittinus cyanurus

Blue-naped Parrot ◊ Tanygnathus lucionensis Several birds seen in Kota Kinabalu.

Long-tailed Parakeet ◊ Psittacula longicauda

Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus galgulus

Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus Four individuals seen in Danum Valley.

Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos

Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus Closed up eye-level view in Danum Valley.

Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus

Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis Seen in Danum Valley.

Hose’s Broadbill Calyptomena hosii A pair seen well in Poring.

Whitehead’s Broadbill ◊ Calyptomena whiteheadi Seen well in Kinabalu Park.

Blue-headed Pitta ◊ Hydrornis baudii  A male and a female seen well in Danum Valley.

Black-crowned Pitta ◊ Erythropitta ussheri Heard many times and seen two in Danum Valley.

Western Hooded Pitta ◊ (Western H P) Pitta sordida Seen in Kinabatangan River.

Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea

Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus

Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus

Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhoptera

Maroon-breasted Philentoma Philentoma velata

Bornean Bristlehead ◊ Pityriasis gymnocephala  At least three individuals seen well in Danum Valley.

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

Green Iora Aegithina viridissima

Grey-chinned Minivet (Grey-throated M) Pericrocotus solaris

Sunda Cuckooshrike ◊ (Bornean C) Coracina [larvata] normani Seen well in Kinabalu Park.

Pied Triller Lalage nigra

Lesser Cuckooshrike Lalage fimbriata

Bornean Whistler ◊ Pachycephala hypoxantha  Common in Kinabalu Park.

White-browed Shrike-babbler Pteruthius aeralatus

White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca

Black-and-crimson Oriole ◊ Oriolus cruentus Seen well in Kinabalu Park.

Ventriloquial Oriole Oriolus consobrinus Seen well in Danum Valley.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus

Hair-crested Drongo (Bornean Spangled D) Dicrurus [hottentottus] borneensis

Ashy Drongo ◊ (Bornean Grey D) Dicrurus [leucophaeus] stigmatops

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis

Malaysian Pied Fantail (Sunda P F) Rhipidura javanica

Spotted Fantail ◊ Rhipidura perlata Heard-only.

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea

Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis A pair seen well in Danum Valley.

Crested Jayshrike Platylophus galericulatus Seen two times in Danum Valley.

Long-tailed Shrike (Philippine L-t S) Lanius [schach] nasutus

Bornean Black Magpie ◊ Platysmurus aterrimus  Heard-only.

Common Green-Magpie Cissa chinensis Seen one in Kundasang.

Bornean Green Magpie ◊ Cissa jefferyi  Seen well in Kinabalu Park.

Bornean Treepie ◊ Dendrocitta cinerascens Commonly seen at the higher elevation of mountains in Sabah.

Sunda Crow Corvus enca

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis

Hairy-backed Bulbul (Sabah H-b B) Tricholestes [criniger] viridis

Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaeocephalus

Grey-cheeked Bulbul ◊ (Guttural B) Alophoixus tephrogenys Nice views in Poring and Danum Valley.

Penan Bulbul ◊ (Chestnut-vented B) Alophoixus ruficrissus  Seen well in Kinabalu Park.

Charlotte’s Bulbul ◊ Iole charlottae Seen in Danum Valley.

Puff-backed bulbul ◊ Euptilotus eutilotus Seen in Danum Valley.

Black-headed Bulbul Brachypodius melanocephalos

Spectacled Bulbul Ixodia erythropthalmos

Scaly-breasted Bulbul Rubigula squamata

Bornean Bulbul ◊ Rubigula montis  Seen in Crocker’s Range.

Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex

Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus

Asian Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus

Cream-eyed Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus pseudosimplex  Seen well in Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.

Pale-faced Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus leucops  Seen well in the higher elevations of Kinabalu Park.

Yellow-vented Bulbul (Sunda Y-v B) Pycnonotus goiavier

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica

Yellow-bellied warbler Abroscopus superciliaris

Mountain Tailorbird (M Leaftoiler) Phyllergates cucullatus

Aberrant Bush Warbler Horornis flavolivaceus Seen several times in Kinabalu Park.

Bornean Stubtail ◊ Urosphena whiteheadi  Seen well in Kinabalu Park.

Yellow-breasted Warbler Phylloscopus montis

Mountain Leaf Warbler (Sunda Mountain W) Phylloscopus trivirgatus

Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris

Yellow-bellied Prinia ◊ (Bornean P) Prinia [flaviventris] latrunculus

Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus

Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps

Chestnut-crested Yuhina ◊ Staphida everetti  Common in the montane forests of Sabah.

Pygmy White-eye ◊ (P Ibon, P Heleia) Heleia squamifrons  Seen two individuals in Kundasang.

Black-capped White-eye ◊ Zosterops atricapilla Flocks seen in Kinabalu NP.

Mountain Blackeye ◊ Zosterops emiliae Many seen in Kinabalu Park.

Bold-striped Tit-babbler ◊ Mixornis bornensis

Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler Macronus ptilosus

Grey-hooded Babbler ◊ Cyanoderma bicolor

Rufous-fronted Babbler ◊ (Sunda Leaf B) Cyanoderma rufifrons Heard-only.

Bare-headed Laughingthrush ◊ Melanocichla calva Seen well two times in Kinabalu Park.

Sunda Scimitar Babbler ◊ Pomatorhinus bornensis Seen well in Poring.

Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculata

Grey-throated Babbler (Montane B, Southern G-t B) Stachyris nigriceps

Grey-headed Babbler Stachyris poliocephala

Black-throated Wren-Babbler ◊ Turdinus atrigularis Seen a pair well in Danum Valley.

Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine

Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum

Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum

Moustached Babbler Malacopteron magnirostre

Bornean Black-capped Babbler ◊ Pellorneum capistratoides Seen well in Poring and Danum Valley.

Leaflitter Babbler ◊ Pellorneum poliogene One seen well in Danum Valley.

Temminck’s Babbler ◊ Pellorneum pyrrogenys Seen in Kinabalu Park.

Bornean Swamp Babbler (Bornean White-chested Babbler) Pellorneum rostratum Several seen in Kinabatangan River.

Ferruginous Babbler Pellorneum bicolor

Striped Wren-Babbler Kenopia striata Seen well in Danum Valley.

Horsfield’s Babbler ◊ Malacocincla [sepiaria] rufiventris Seen in Gomantong and Danum Valley.

Mountain Wren-Babbler ◊ Gypsophila crassa Seen in Kinabalu Park.

Bornean Wren-Babbler ◊ Ptilocichla leucogrammica Seen in Danum Valley.

Brown Fulvetta ◊ (Bornean F) Alcippe [brunneicauda] eriphaea

Sunda Laughingthrush ◊ Garrulax palliates  Seen in Kinabalu Park.

Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush ◊ Pterorhinus treachery  Many seen in the higher elevation sites of Sabah.

Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis

Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa

Javan Myna (introduced) Acridotheres javanicus

Fruithunter ◊ Chlamydochaera jefferyi  Seen a pair well in Crocker’s Range.

Everett’s Thrush ◊ Zoothera everetti  Two seen in Kinabalu Park.

Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina One seen in Crocker’s Range.

Oriental Magpie-Robin (Black M-R) Copsychus saularis

Rufous-tailed Shama ◊ Copsychus pyrropygus Heard-only.

White-crowned Shama ◊ Copsychus stricklandii  Common in the lowland forest of Sabah.

Indigo Flycatcher (Rufous-vented F) Eumyias indigo

Verditer Flycatcher ◊ Eumyias thalassinus

Bornean Blue Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis superbus  A male well in Danum Valley.

Malaysian Blue Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis turcosus Seen in Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.

Sunda Blue Flycatcher Cyornis caerulatus

Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis olivaceus Two individuals seen in Poring Hotspring.

White-crowned Forktail ◊ Enicurus [leschenaulti] frontalis Seen in Danum Valley.

Bornean Forktail ◊ Enicurus borneensis  Seen in Kinabalu Park.

Chestnut-naped Forktail Enicurus ruficapillus A pair seen in Danum Valley

Bornean Whistling Thrush ◊ Myophonus borneensis  Easily seen in Kinabalu NP.

Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher ◊ Vauriella gularis A few seen in the Crocker’s Range and in Kinabalu Park.

Bornean Shortwing ◊ Brachypteryx erythrogyna A pair seen in the Crocker’s Range.

Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni

Rufous-chested Flycatcher Ficedula dumetoria A male seen in Danum Valley.

Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis sonnerati

Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon

Bornean Leafbird ◊ Chloropsis kinabaluensis  Seen in the Crocker’s Range.

Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus

Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker ◊ Prionochilus xanthopygius  common in the lowland up to sub montane forest.

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma

Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum Heard-only.

Black-sided Flowerpecker ◊ Dicaeum monticolum  Seen many times in Crocker’s Range and in  Kinabalu Park.

Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum A male seen well in Kota Kinabalu.

Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus thoracicus. Two male seen well at Mt.Silam.

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis

Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex

Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis

Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes rhodolaemus One seen in Danum Valley.

Van Hasselt’s Sunbird Leptocoma brasiliana

Ornate Sunbird Cinnyris ornatus

Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja

Temminck’s Sunbird Aethopyga temminckii

Purple-naped Sunbird (P-n Spiderhunter) Kurochkinegramma hypogrammicum Heard-only

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra

Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera robusta Seen in Danum Valley.

Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster

Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera chrysogenys

Bornean Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera everetti  Seen well in Crocker’s Range, Poring and Danum Valley.

Whitehead’s Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera juliae  One seen in Kinabalu Park.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (introduced) Passer montanus

Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata

Dusky Munia ◊ Lonchura fuscans

Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus

MAMMALS

Asian Elephant (Indian E) Elephas maximus Seen everyday at the Kinabatangan River.

Mainland Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis Seen two times in Danum Valley during night walk and daytime.

Small-toothed Palm Civet (Bornean Striped C) Arctogalidia trivirgata  seen one in Kinabatangan River during night cruise.

Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata One seen at Kinabatangan River.

Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga Two seen in Danum Valley.

Smooth Otter Lutrogale perspicillata A group of 5 seen well in Kinabatangan River.

Lesser Indo-Malayan Chevrotain (L Mouse-Deer) Tragulus kanchil Seen in Kinabatangan River and Danum Velley.

Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor Seen in Danum Valley.

Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bat Chaerephon  plicatus Roosting in Gomantong Caves.

Sunda Colugo Galeopterus variegatus Seen in Danum Valley.

Mountain Treeshrew Tupaia montana Seen in Kinabalu Park.

Large Treeshrew Tupaia tana Seen in Gomantong cave.

Horsfield’s Tarsier Cephalopachus bancanus Two seen during the night drive and two seen during the night walk in Danum Valley.

Long-tailed Macaque (Crab-eating M) Macaca fascicularis

Southern Pig-tailed Macaque (Sunda P-t M) Macaca nemestrina

Proboscis Monkey Nasalis larvatus Abundant at the Kinabatangan River.

Maroon Leaf Monkey (M Leaf Monkey, Red L M) Presbytis rubicunda A mother with a juvenile seen in Danum Valley.

Eastern Grey Gibbon (North Borneo G) Hylobates funereus Heard-only

Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus Seen at Gomantong Cave and Danum Valley.

Kinabalu Squirrel Callosciurus baluensis

Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus

Bornean Black-banded Squirrel Callosciurus orestes  common in the mountains of Sabah.

Prevost’s Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii

Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel Dremomys everetti seen in Kinabalu Park.

Least Pygmy Squirrel Exilisciurus exilis seen in Poring, Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.

Tufted Pygmy Squirrel Exilisciurus whiteheadi  seen in Kinabalu Park.

Brooke’s Squirrel Sundasciurus brookei One seen in Danum Valley.

Jentink’s Squirrel Sundasciurus jentinki Common in the mountains of Sabah.