CLASSIC PHILIPPINES TOUR REPORT 2026

6 - 28 March 2026

Craig Robson

2026 saw another classic tour through the three larger main islands of the endemic-rich Philippine archipelago. This year, we notched-up around 180 strict endemics (taxonomy-dependent). Highlights amongst this huge total of specialities included such wonderful species as: Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Yellow-breasted and Black-chinned Fruit Doves, Philippine and Palawan Frogmouths, 14 owls (11 seen), Philippine Eagle, Philippine Trogon, 5 endemic hornbills, 6 endemic kingfishers, 6 endemic woodpeckers, Philippine Falconet, Red-vented Cockatoos at their roost, good views of 5 species of Racket-tail and Mindanao Lorikeets, Blue-naped Parrot, Western Hooded, Azure-breasted and Philippine Pittas, Mountain Shrike, McGregor’s Cuckooshrike, 4 endemic fantails, Short-crested Monarch, Blue and Southern Rufous Paradise Flycatchers, Elegant and Palawan Tits, 6 endemic bulbuls, Mindanao Miniature Babbler, four distinct forms of Long-tailed Bush Warbler (seen), Benguet Bush Warbler, 6 endemic tailorbirds, Mindanao Pygmy, Rusty-crowned, and Chestnut-faced Babblers, Striated and Falcated Wren-Babblers, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Apo Myna, Coleto, Stripe-headed and Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, Ashy Thrush, Luzon and Mindanao Island Thrushes, Philippine Jungle, Palawan, Cryptic, Little Slaty and Bundok Flycatchers, Luzon Water Redstart, Philippine and Yellow-throated Leafbirds, 12 endemic flowerpeckers, 13 endemic sunbirds, all 3 endemic Spiderhunters, Cinnamon Ibon, Red-eared Parrotfinch and White-cheeked Bullfinch.

After the group rendezvous in Manila, we headed off for a dawn visit to La Mesa Eco Park. The much wanted Ashy Thrush fortunately popped-up right in front of us on some small palm fruits, and we also enjoyed good views of Grey-backed Tailorbird and a large flock of Lowland White-eyes. Our first Philippine Nightjar was seen quite well, and we also enjoyed our first encounters with the likes of Philippine Pied Fantail, Philippine Bulbul, and Philippine Magpie-Robin.

We continued-on towards Subic Bay, via marshes north of the city. The size of this once huge swamp is now much reduced, and the remnants difficult to access, but one easily accessible area allowed us to all eventually get good views of Philippine Swamphen (a local form that is often split from Purple). After lunch at a restaurant, we continued on to our hotel at Subic.

There was a lot to cram-in to our short time here, as we sought a wide range of Luzon lowland specialities, but it served as a great introduction to the endemic birds of the Philippines. The weather remained fine, enabling us to get: Grey-rumped Swiftlet, Philippine Coucal, Red-crested Malkoha, some jumpy Rufous Coucals, Philippine Green Pigeon, White-eared Brown Dove, Philippine Serpent and Philippine Hawk Eagles, Brown-breasted Kingfisher, lots of Rufous-crowned Bee-eaters, confiding Luzon Hornbills, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, Northern Sooty Woodpecker, Luzon Flameback, some great views of Green Racket-tails, Philippine Falconet, Blackish Cuckooshrike, the critically endangered Luzon race of Blue-naped Parrot (which is still quite common here), Guaiabero, Philippine Hanging Parrot, ‘Philippine’ Black-naped Oriole, Balicassiao, Philippine Jungle Crow, Elegant Tit, the remarkable Coleto, Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Green-backed Tailorbird, our first fleeting White-browed Shamas, and Red-keeled Flowerpecker. Nightbirding produced good views of both Chocolate and Luzon Boobooks, while Philippine Scops Owls proved tricky to get the group onto. On one evening, a superb Philippine Eagle-Owl performed right on cue close to our hotel.

From Subic Bay, we headed north to the Cordillera Central, with a brief stop for Northern Indigo-banded Kingfisher en route. It kept us waiting on a narrow road bridge for a while, but eventually appeared and gave satisfying views.

Based at Banaue, we had but two full days to explore the wider Mt Polis area of the Cordillera Central. During my previous visit we were restricted by a serious landslide and poor weather, but we had a lot more luck this time. With some hard work and effort, we found a great selection of mostly upland endemics: Ridgetop and Philippine Swiftlets, Scale-feathered Malkoha, surprisingly great views of Montane (or Luzon) Racket-tail, Green-backed Whistler, Blue-headed Fantail, Mountain Shrike, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Luzon (or Philippine) Bush Warbler, amazing views of the Luzon form of Long-tailed Bush Warbler, Benguet Bush Warbler, the terribly-named Negros Leaf Warbler, Chestnut-faced Babbler, the Luzon form of Philippine Shortwing (glimpses admittedly), excellent views of the sneaky Luzon Island Thrush (now a full species), the much-wanted Luzon Water Redstart, a very bold pair of Bundok Flycatchers, several scarce and rather attractive Yellow-crowned Flowerpeckers, Luzon Sunbird (a split from Metallic-winged), the local form of Red Crossbill, and a lovely White-cheeked Bullfinch. After sunset, we had a brief view of a roding Bukidnon Woodcock, but our efforts to see Luzon Scops Owl failed, with the only bird that we could get close to, being scared off by a hungry Philippine Eagle-Owl (which in turn showed well!).

Our final port of call on Luzon was Los Banos, at the foot of Mt Makiling, to the south of Manila. We arrived before dawn, after overnighting at a nearby hotel, but our further attempts to get everyone onto a sneaky Philippine Scops Owl failed. After sunrise, Spotted Kingfisher showed really well for everyone, and checking on a site that our local guide Ivan knew about, we ended up getting surprisingly good views of White-browed Shama. Other good birds at Los Banos/Mt Makiling were another Northern Indigo-banded Kingfisher that showed very nicely, Yellow-wattled Bulbul, Striped Flowerpecker (sometimes lumped in Thick-billed), and Purple-throated and Handsome Sunbirds. We returned to Manila for an overnight stay.

Early the next morning we flew to Cagayan de Oro on the north coast of Mindanao. After driving south-east to Dalwangan, we met our local guides and made the relatively short hike up to the famous Del Monte Lodge, on the lower slopes of Mt Kitanglad. The main reason that birders come here of course, is the Philippine Eagle. Fortunately, our guides had done some scouting and, when we arrived up at the viewpoint on our first morning, a bird was already calling loudly on and off. It eventually flew across a hill slope and landed in a tree, where we all got scope views and later, some of us were lucky enough to see it circling in flight. Although the views were distant, it was a great experience to be able to see this Critically Endangered bird. Fortunately, the weather was dry this year and the condition of the tracks and paths was much improved compared to my previous visit. This certainly helped us rack-up a good list of endemics. Between the lodge and eagle viewpoint, we had crazy views of Purple Needletails, Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo, Philippine Cuckoo-Dove, Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, Crested (local form) and Philippine Honey-Buzzards, Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle, a stunning Giant Scops Owl, a wonderful pair of Blue-capped (or Hombron’s) Kingfishers, Buff-spotted Flameback, many good views of Mindanao Rack-tails, McGregor’s Cuckooshrike, the lovely Black-and-cinnamon Fantail, Yellow-bellied Whistler, the striking Apo Myna, Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, Rufous-headed Tailorbird, the distinctive local forms of Long-tailed Bush Warbler and Philippine Shortwing, Brown Tit-Babbler, Olive-capped, Bicoloured, Fire-throated and ‘Southern’ Buzzing Flowerpeckers, the distinctly odd Cinnamon Ibon, Grey-hooded Sunbird, Naked-faced Spiderhunter (for some), and Red-eared Parrotfinch. A trek by some of us to higher levels brought the desired Apo Sunbird, as well as our first Mindanao Heleias (or White-eyes), and more White-cheeked Bullfinches. Staying until nightfall there, we were able to obtain stunning views of the tricky Mindanao Scops Owl, and proceeded to find our first Everett’s Scops Owl, a slow flyby Eastern Grass Owl, and our first Philippine Frogmouth.

Our next destination was Eden Nature Park & Resort, west of Davao. Our very first afternoon proved fruitful, with a nice Cryptic Flycatcher spotted in a large bamboo clump, and a family of Orange-tufted Spiderhunters with dependent fledged young. Another Giant Scops Owl was amazingly found day-roosting, almost on the ground and, after nightfall, everyone had great views of Everett’s Scops Owl.

Early the following morning we drove around to Lake Agco, on the other side of Mt Apo. Our run of good luck with the rare Mindanao Miniature Babbler continued, as we eventually located a small foraging group. Our other main target, Whiskered Flowerpecker, took substantially more effort, but eventually a pair gave up and showed really well. A flock of Philippine Minivets (a split from Scarlet), were also good to see. With our targets under the belt, we headed off to the Tboli region of SW Mindanao.

Arriving in the mountains to the east of Lake Holon by late afternoon, we were soon encountering our first Mindanao Lorikeets, for which this area is now one of the few remaining strongholds. Closer to sunset we enjoyed nice scops views of them clambering around the moss and epiphyte-laden  boughs of some lofty trees. We were back up in the hills first thing the following morning, in search of the restricted range Tboli Sunbird (formerly lumped in Apo Sunbird). The sunbirds were easily located, followed by views of the vocally distinct local form of Long-tailed Bush Warbler which may prove to be split-off in future. Buff-spotted Flameback showed better. After lunch nearby, we drove back to our former accommodation at Eden.

Much of the late afternoon and early the following morning was spent searching for Orange-lined Sunbird (the distinctive local form of Purple-throated), and we eventually tracked down a nice pair just before we had to leave! Also of note at Eden were Short-billed Brown Dove (the local form of White-eared), Everett’s White-eye, and Grey-throated Flowerpecker (the local form of Orange-bellied).

We left Eden behind, and headed off to the coast beyond Davao. There, we checked various locations for roosting Chinese Crested Terns, unfortunately without success this year. There were plenty of shorebirds however, including a flock of Great Knot and a smart Chinese Egret. We continued on to our hotel near Bislig, on the east coast of Mindanao, arriving in the late afternoon. We had a bit of time to check the marshes and ricefields near town, but could only manage several Watercocks of note.

Early the following morning we began our exploration of the remaining accessible lowland forests in the PICOP area, a former logging concession which is now at the mercy of anyone with chainsaw. With a large jeepney-style truck and a 4 x 4 at our disposal, we were able to access the various old logging roads. There are so many scarce endemics to find here, and so little time. Nevertheless, we managed to find a significant percentage of them, with: Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo, Philippine Spinetail, Pygmy Swiftlet, Black-faced Coucal, Amethyst Brown Dove, Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon, Philippine Honey Buzzard, ‘Southern’ Rufous (leader-only), Writhed and Mindanao Hornbills, Southern Silvery Kingfisher, Philippine Trogon, Rufous-lored (or Winchell’s Kingfisher), great looks at a male Blue-crowned Racket-tail near its nest-hole, good views of the stunning Azure-breasted as well as Philippine Pitta, Black-bibbed Cicadabird, Mindanao Blue Fantail, the elusive Short-crested Monarch, ‘Southern’ Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, Philippine Oriole, Short-tailed (or Mindanao) Drongo, Yellowish Bulbul, skulking Rufous-fronted and Black-headed Tailorbirds (the latter showing surprisingly well), Philippine Leaf Warbler, Striated Wren-Babbler, Mindanao Pygmy and Rusty-crowned Babblers, Philippine Jungle Flycatcher, an obliging male Little Slaty Flycatcher, Philippine Leafbird, Olive-backed Flowerpecker, and Grey-throated, Mindanao (or Metallic-winged), Handsome and Purple-throated Sunbirds. Several Mindanao Bleeding-hearts were heard but remained elusive. A couple of evening visits to the fields and marshes near Bislig produced several Philippine Ducks in flight in the late afternoon, and Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warblers. Nightbirding forays brought great views of Philippine Frogmouth and Mindanao Boobook, as well as Philippine Nightjar.

Our final port-of-call on Mindanao was a montane area close to Mt Tagabud, in the south-east. The main draw here is the very localized Lina’s Sunbird, which is easily found within a relatively small area. Apart from this little gem, we also enjoyed great views of Mindanao Island Thrush and, after dusk, another view of Bukidnon Woodcock. We also had good looks at another vocally distinct form of Long-tailed Bush Warbler, the local form of McGregor’s Cuckooshrike, and we had our best views of Mindanao Heleia. Two further vocal specialities, Mindanao Brown Dove and Bagobo Babbler unfortunately remained out of reach.

Driving back to Davao, we flew direct to Puerto Princesa on Palawan. We had three days to find all the available endemics on this linear finger of an island. Palawan Peacock-Pheasant was understandably high on the want-list for many of us and, this year, we were not to be disappointed as a new hide and feeding spot had been set-up since our previous visit, allowing us to get marvelous views of a surprisingly timid, but stunning male. There followed another very pleasant surprise, when the usually tricky Falcated Wren-Babbler was attracted to a water bowl in front of a small blind, where it sat down to soak-up some rays, and fluffed out its amazing plumes. Visiting a couple more hides, we enjoyed wonderful views of Western Hooded and Philippine Pittas, Palawan (or Grey-throated) Bulbul, Ashy-headed Babbler, White-vented Shama, and Philippine Blue and Palawan Flycatchers. The critically endangered Red-vented (or Philippine) Cockatoo was no longer reliably seeable at a roosting spot in Puerto Princesa, so we drove south-west for a couple of hours to Narra, opposite Rasa Island, the main hotspot for the species. Here we scoped distant perched-up birds on the island and later, a number came in to roost in coconuts above our heads. The remainder of our targets were tracked-down in the lowland forests to the west and south-west of Puerto Princesa: Palawan Swiftlet (often lumped in Ameline), the local and apparently undescribed form of Philippine Cuckoo-Dove, Black-chinned Fruit Dove, Palawan Hornbill, Spot-throated and the wonderful Red-headed Flameback, perched Blue-headed Racket-tails, Blue Paradise Flycatcher, Palawan Drongo, Sulphur-bellied and Ashy-fronted Bulbuls, Palawan Tit, Palawan Crow, Melodious Babbler, Palawan (or Pin-striped) Tit-Babbler, Palawan Fairy-bluebird, Yellow-throated Leafbird, Palawan Flowerpecker, Palawan and Lovely Sunbirds, and Pale Spiderhunter. The two endemic nightbirds, Palawan Frogmouth and Palawan Scops Owl were both seen well, as was a confiding Mantanani Scops Owl on a small offshore island, and a superb Spotted Wood Owl. In some mangroves, we found Philippine (or Mangrove) Blue Flycatcher, and several Copper-throated Sunbirds.

After a final morning birding on Palawan, we all flew back to Manila, before an overnight stay and our onward flights. It had been a great tour with plenty of memorable highlights. Special thanks go to our local guide Ivan Sarenas for his valuable company throughout.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

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 AviList v2025 (AviList Core Team. 2025. AviList: The Global Avian Checklist, v2025). AviList was first published in June 2025, and is a global checklist which brings together the taxonomies of the eBird (Clements taxonomy), IOC, and Birdlife International checklists, and will ultimately replace those checklists. The AviList Global Avian Checklist is available at www.avilist.org. Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses, usually at the end of the species comment.

BIRDS

Garganey  Spatula querquedula

Philippine Duck ◊  Anas luzonica   Endemic. Five in flight at dusk near Bislig.

Palawan Peacock-Pheasant ◊  Polyplectron napoleonis   Endemic. Superb male at hide. Surprisingly nervy.

Red Junglefowl  Gallus gallus

Little Grebe  Tachybaptus ruficollis

Rufous Coucal ◊  Centropus unirufus   Endemic. Nine logged for Subic, quite tricky to get onto, but seen very well.

Black-faced Coucal ◊  Centropus melanops   Endemic. Some nice sightings at PICOP, where quite common.

Greater Coucal  Centropus sinensis

Philippine Coucal ◊  Centropus viridis   Endemic. Widespread (nominate).

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha  Phaenicophaeus curvirostris   One seen well on Palawan.

Scale-feathered Malkoha ◊  Dasylophus cumingi   Endemic. Three seen in all.

Rough-crested Malkoha ◊ (Red-c M)  Dasylophus superciliosus   Endemic. Just one at Subic Bay (nominate).

Asian Koel (Western K, Common K)  Eudynamys scolopaceus

Violet Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus

Plaintive Cuckoo  Cacomantis merulinus   Heard-only.

Sunda Brush Cuckoo  Cacomantis sepulcralis

Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo ◊  Surniculus velutinus   Endemic. A couple seen well at PICOP (nominate).

Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo  Surniculus lugubris   Several heard on Palawan, and a couple seen.

Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo ◊  Hierococcyx pectoralis   Descent flight views of one at Mt Kitanglad.

Philippine Cuckoo-Dove ◊  Macropygia tenuirostris   Endemic. Mindanao (nominate), Palawan (undescribed form?).

Spotted Dove (Eastern S D)  Spilopelia [chinensis] chinensis

Red Collared Dove (R Turtle D)  Streptopelia tranquebarica

Rock Dove (introduced)  Columba livia

Common Emerald Dove (Grey-capped E D)  Chalcophaps indica

Pink-necked Green Pigeon  Treron vernans

Philippine Green Pigeon ◊  Treron axillaris   Endemic. Good numbers at Subic Bay (axillaris) and PICOP (canescens).

Thick-billed Green Pigeon  Treron curvirostra

White-eared Brown Dove ◊  Phapitreron [leucotis] leucotis   Endemic. Fair numbers seen and heard on Luzon.

White-eared Brown Dove ◊ (Short-billed B D)  Phapitreron [leucotis] brevirostris   Endemic. Common Mindanao.

Amethyst Brown Dove ◊  Phapitreron amethystinus   Endemic. One seen well on Mindanao; others heard (nominate).

Mindanao Brown Dove ◊ (Dark-eared B D)  Phapitreron brunneiceps   Heard-only. Endemic. 3 out of reach at Tagabud.

Mindanao Bleeding-heart ◊  Gallicolumba crinigera   Endemic. Heard-only. Three at PICOP. No luck.

Zebra Dove  Geopelia striata

Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula poliocephala   Endemic. A couple seen at PICOP, but hard work. Others heard.

Green Imperial Pigeon  Ducula aenea   Widespread. Nominate race, but palawanensis on Palawan.

Pied Imperial Pigeon  Ducula bicolor   A random individual en route to Subic Bay.

Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove ◊  Ramphiculus occipitalis   Endemic. Small numbers seen well on Mindanao.

Black-chinned Fruit Dove ◊  Ramphiculus leclancheri   Several seen on Palawan (gironieri).

Buff-banded Rail  Gallirallus philippensis

Barred Rail  Gallirallus torquata

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Coot (Common C)  Fulica atra

Purple Swamphen ◊ (Philippine S)  Porphyrio [porphyrio] pulverulentus   Endemic. A few in marshes north of Manila.

White-browed Crake  Poliolimnas cinereus

Watercock  Galllicrex cinerea

Plain Bush-hen ◊ (Philippine B-h)  Amaurornis olivacea   Endemic. Several seen on Mindanao; many heard.

White-breasted Waterhen  Amaurornis phoenicurus

Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus himantopus   Flock of 200 en route on Luzon.

Pied Stilt  Himantopus leucocephalus   Two presumed this species on Mindanao.

Grey Plover (Black-bellied P)  Pluvialis squatarola

Pacific Golden Plover  Pluvialis fulva

Siberian Sand Plover (Mongolian P)  Anarhynchus mongolus

Greater Sand Plover  Anarhynchus leschenaultii

Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus

Bar-tailed Godwit  Limosa lapponica

Bukidnon Woodcock ◊  Scolopax bukidnonensis   Endemic. Only heard at Kitanglad. Seen Mt Polis and Tagabud

Common Snipe  Gallinago gallinago   Non-leader.

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos

Grey-tailed Tattler  Tringa brevipes

Marsh Sandpiper  Tringa stagnatilis

Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola

Common Redshank  Tringa totanus

Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia

Ruddy Turnstone  Arenaria interpres

Great Knot  Calidris tenuirostris   Around 15 on Panabo mudflats, Mindanao.

Red-necked Stint  Calidris ruficollis

Oriental Pratincole  Glareola maldivarum  

Little Tern  Sternula albifrons   Non-leader.

Gull-billed Tern (Common G-b T)  Gelochelidon nilotica

Whiskered Tern  Chlidonias hybrida

Greater Crested Tern  Thalasseus bergii

Black-headed Gull  Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Cinnamon Bittern  Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

Yellow Bittern  Ixobrychus sinensis

Chinese Egret ◊  Egretta eulophotes   One on the Panabo mudflats, Mindanao.

Pacific Reef Heron (Pacific R E)  Egretta sacra

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

Nankeen Night Heron (Rufous N H)  Nycticorax caledonicus   Single at Buenavista Boardwalk, Palawan.

Little Heron  Butorides atricapilla

Javan Pond Heron  Ardeola speciosa

Great Egret (Eastern G E)  Ardea [alba] modesta

Medium Egret  Ardea intermedia

Eastern Cattle Egret  Ardea coromanda

Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea

Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea

Great Eared Nightjar  Lyncornis macrotis  

Large-tailed Nightjar  Caprimulgus macrurus

Philippine Nightjar ◊  Caprimulgus manillensis   Endemic. Sightings on Luzon & Mindanao. Nest with 2 eggs PICOP.

Philippine Frogmouth ◊  Batrachostomus septimus   Endemic. Two sightings on Mindanao (nominate).

Palawan Frogmouth ◊  Batrachostomus chaseni   Endemic. Superb views of one near Puerto Princesa.

Whiskered Treeswift  Hemiprocne comata

Purple Needletail ◊  Hirundapus celebensis   Some great sightings on Mindanao this year.

Philippine Spinetail ◊  Mearnsia picina   Endemic. We enjoyed small numbers at PICOP.

Pygmy Swiftlet ◊  Collocalia troglodytes   Endemic. Occasional in lowland areas on Mindanao and Palawan.

Grey-rumped Swiftlet ◊ (Philippine Glossy S)  Collocalia marginata   Endemic. Common in lowland Luzon.

Ridgetop Swiftlet ◊  Collocalia isonota   Endemic. Common where we travelled in montane Luzon and Mindanao.

Philippine Swiftlet ◊  Aerodramus mearnsi   Endemic. Small numbers in montane areas of Luzon and Mindanao.

Ameline Swiftlet ◊ (Grey S)  Aerodramus [amelis] amelis   Endemic. Just one on Mindanao.

Ameline Swiftlet ◊ (Palawan S) Aerodramus [amelis] palawanensis   Endemic. Common on Palawan.

Eastern Grass Owl ◊ (Australasian G O)  Tyto longimembris   One at Mt Kitanglad (amauronota).

Brown Boobook  Ninox scutulata   Heard-only. Palawan.

Chocolate Boobook ◊  Ninox randi   Endemic. Two showed well enough at Subic Bay. Others heard.

Luzon Boobook ◊ (Philippine B)  Ninox philippensis   Endemic. Performed nicely at Subic. Many heard here & Makiling.

Mindanao Boobook ◊  Ninox spilocephala   Endemic. Great views of one near PICOP; others heard.

Giant Scops Owl ◊  Otus gurneyi   Endemic. Stunning views at Mt Kitanglad. Day-roosting bird at Eden. Heard at PICOP.

Palawan Scops Owl ◊  Otus fuliginosus   Endemic. Good views of one along Napsan Rd, Palawan.

Philippine Scops Owl ◊ (Luzon Lowland S O)  Otus megalotis   Endemic. Tricky this year.

Everett’s Scops Owl ◊ (Mindanao Lowland S O)  Otus everetti   Endemic. Great views at Kitanglad and Eden.

Mantanani Scops Owl ◊  Otus mantananensis   Right on queue on a small island in Puerto Princesa Bay.

Mindanao Scops Owl ◊ (M Highland S O)  Otus mirus   Endemic. Superb close views of one at Kitanglad.

Luzon Scops Owl ◊ (L Highland S O)  Otus longicornis   Heard-only. Endemic. Afraid of the big, bad eagle-owl at Banaue.

Philippine Eagle-Owl ◊  Ketupa philippensis   Endemic. Seen well at Subic Bay and near Banaue.

Spotted Wood Owl ◊  Strix seloputo   Superb views of one at dusk near Puerto Princesa (wiepkeni).

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus

Black-winged Kite  Elanus caeruleus

Crested Honey Buzzard (Indomalayan H B)  Pernis [p.] ptilorhynchus   Three noted on Mindanao (philippensis), and one on Palawan (palawanensis).

Philippine Honey Buzzard ◊  Pernis steerei   Endemic. A cryptic species – identified at Kitanglad and PICOP (nominate).

Crested Serpent Eagle  Spilornis cheela  

Philippine Serpent Eagle ◊  Spilornis holospilus   Endemic. Several good sightings.

Philippine Eagle ◊ (Monkey-eating E)  Pithecophaga jefferyi   Endemic. Just a single, vocal bird this year, perched and in flight, at Mt Kitanglad.

Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle ◊ (South Philippine H-E)  Nisaetus pinskeri   Endemic. Only recorded at Mt. Kitanglad.

Philippine Hawk-Eagle ◊ (Luzon H-E, North P H-E)  Nisaetus philippensis   Endemic. A single, vocal individual at Subic.

Changeable Hawk-Eagle  Nisaetus cirrhatus  A dark morph bird was seen on Palawan.

Crested Goshawk  Lophospiza trivirgatus   One on Mindanao (extimus), and two on Palawan (palawanus).

Besra  Tachyspiza virgata   Non-leader.

Chinese Sparrowhawk  Tachyspiza soloensis   One at Subic and four moving together on Palawan.

Brahminy Kite  Haliastur indus

White-bellied Sea Eagle  Haliaeetus leucogaster   Non-leader.

Grey-faced Buzzard ◊  Butastur indicus   Small numbers on the move throughout.

Philippine Trogon ◊  Harpactes ardens   Endemic. At least ten on Mindanao (nominate).

Rufous Hornbill ◊ (Southern R H)  Buceros [hydrocorax] mindanensis   Endemic. Elusive at PICOP. Leader-only.

Palawan Hornbill ◊  Anthracoceros marchei   Endemic. Just three logged, but seen well.

Writhed Hornbill ◊  Rhabdotorrhinus leucocephalus   Endemic. Six seen well and scoped at PICOP.

Luzon Hornbill ◊  Penelopides manillae   Endemic. Widespread small numbers on Luzon.

Mindanao Hornbill ◊  Penelopides affinis   Endemic. 19 logged on Mindanao this year.

Oriental Dollarbird  Eurystomus orientalis

Rufous-crowned Bee-eater ◊  Merops americanus   Endemic. Good numbers at Subic Bay, one of its breeding areas.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater  Merops philippinus

Blue-eared Kingfisher  Alcedo meninting   A nice surprise from a hide on Palawan.

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis

Indigo-banded Kingfisher ◊ (Northern I-b K)  Ceyx [cyanopectus] cyanopectus   Endemic. 1 Banaue; 1 Makiling.

Southern Silvery Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx argentatus   Endemic. This beauty was scoped near PICOP.

Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher  Ceyx rufidorsa   One fleetingly on Palawan (motleyi).

Stork-billed Kingfisher  Pelargopsis capensis   Several on Palawan (gouldi).

Brown-breasted Kingfisher ◊ (White-throated K)  Halcyon gularis   Endemic. Widespread.

Spotted Wood Kingfisher ◊ (Luzon S W K)  Actenoides [lindsayi] lindsayi   Endemic. Seen nicely Makiling; heard Subic.

Blue-capped Kingfisher ◊ (Hombron’s K)  Actenoides hombroni   Endemic. Fine views of pair Kitanglad. Heard Tagabud.

Rufous-lored Kingfisher ◊ (Winchell’s K)  Todiramphus winchelli   Endemic. 2 seen near PICOP.

Collared Kingfisher  Todiramphus chloris   Widespread (collaris).

Coppersmith Barbet  Psilopogon haemacephalus   Widespread on Luzon (nominate) and Mindanao (mindanensis).

Spot-throated Flameback ◊  Dinopium everetti   Endemic. 3-5 along the Napsan Road, Palawan.

Northern Sooty Woodpecker ◊  Mulleripicus funebris   Endemic. Two seen well at Subic.

Great Slaty Woodpecker  Mulleripicus pulverulentus   Six logged on Palawan (nominate).

White-bellied Woodpecker  Dryocopus javensis   Seen Luzon (confusus), Mindanao (mutilunatus), and Palawan (hargitti).

Luzon Flameback ◊  Chrysocolaptes haematribon   Endemic. Seven across three sites on Luzon.

Buff-spotted Flameback ◊  Chrysocolaptes lucidus   Endemic. Several sightings on Mindanao.

Red-headed Flameback ◊  Chrysocolaptes erythrocephalus   Endemic. A smart male on Palawan.

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker ◊  Yungipicus maculatus   Endemic. Luzon (validirostris), and Mindanao (fulvifasciatus).

Philippine Falconet ◊  Microhierax erythrogenys   Endemic. Eight logged; nominate in north, meridionalis in south.

Red-vented Cockatoo ◊ (Philippine C)  Cacatua haematuropygia   Endemic. Around 25 were seen at Narra and Rasa Island, Palawan, including a good number coming to roost in coastal coconuts above our heads.

Mindanao Racket-tail ◊  Prioniturus waterstradti   Endemic. 12 logged at Kitanglad (malindangensis); seen well.

Montane Racket-tail ◊ (Luzon R)  Prioniturus montanus  Endemic. 5 in flight at Mt Polis, with a couple passing close by.

Blue-headed Racket-tail ◊ (Palawan R-t)  Prioniturus platenae   Endemic. c.20 on Palawan, and some lovely views.

Green Racket-tail ◊  Prioniturus luconensis   Endemic. Eight logged at Subic Bay, and seen well perched and in flight.

Blue-crowned Racket-tail ◊  Prioniturus discurus   Endemic. A very nice perched male near PICOP (nominate).

Blue-naped Parrot ◊  Tanygnathus lucionensis   Mercifully quite common still at Subic Bay, Luzon (nominate) and on Palawan (salvadorii).

Guaiabero ◊  Bolbopsittacus lunulatus   Endemic. Smallish numbers. Subic & Makiling (nominate), PICOP (mindanensis).

Philippine Hanging Parrot ◊ (Colasisi)  Loriculus philippensis   Endemic. Common and widespread on Luzon (nominate), and on Mindanao (apicalis).

Mindanao Lorikeet ◊ Trichoglossus johnstoniae   Endemic. Around 25 seen near Lake Holon, SW Mindanao. Nice views.

Philippine Pitta ◊  Erythropitta erythrogaster   One seen on Mindanao and two on Palawan.

Western Hooded Pitta  Pitta sordida   Two at Palawan hides (palawanensis); others heard, including on Luzon (nominate).

Azure-breasted Pitta ◊ (Steere’s P)  Pitta steerii   Endemic. Excellent views of one at PICOP (nominate). Thanks to Zaldo.

Golden-bellied Gerygone  Gerygone sulphurea   A few on Luzon (simplex).

Fiery Minivet  Pericrocotus igneus   Five briefly on Palawan (nominate).

Scarlet Minivet ◊ (Philippine M)  P. [flammeus] leytensis  Endemic. A few L. Agco & L. Holon (nigroluteus).

Ashy Minivet  Pericrocotus divaricatus

Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike  Coracina striata   Luzon (nominate) and Palawan (dificilis).

McGregor’s Cuckooshrike ◊  Malindangia mcgregori   Endemic. 5 at Kitanglad; 2 (potentially undescribed) form Tagabud.

Black-and-white Triller (Southern B-a-w T)  Lalage [melanoleuca] minor   Non-leader. PICOP.

Pied Triller  Lalage nigra

Blackish Cuckooshrike ◊  Edolisoma coerulescens   Endemic. Six at Subic (nominate).

Black-bibbed Cicadabird ◊  Edolisoma mindanense   Endemic. Four in a fig tree at PICOP (mindanense).

White-breasted Woodswallow  Artamus leucorynchus

Common Iora  Aegithina tiphia

Ventriloquial Oriole ◊  Oriolus consobrinus   Several seen on Palawan, but quite tricky.

Philippine Oriole ◊  Oriolus steerii   Endemic. A smart pair at PICOP (samarensis).

Black-naped Oriole (Philippine B-n O) ◊  Oriolus chinensis   Endemic. Luzon & Palawan (nominate); Mindanao (yamamurae).

Yellow-bellied Whistler ◊  Pachycephala philippinensis   Endemic. Frequently seen on Mindanao (apoensis).

Green-backed Whistler ◊  Pachycephala albiventris   Endemic. 15+ in Mt Polis mixed-species flocks (nominate).

Black-and-cinnamon Fantail ◊  Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea   Endemic. Frequent in montane Mindanao (hutchinsoni).

Mindanao Blue Fantail ◊  Rhipidura superciliaris   Endemic. 15 logged on Mindanao (apo).

Blue-headed Fantail ◊  Rhipidura cyaniceps   Endemic. 19+ in the Mt Polis area (pinicola).

Philippine Pied Fantail ◊  Rhipidura nigritorquis   Endemic. Small numbers throughout.

Palawan Drongo ◊  Dicrurus palawanensis   Endemic. A handful seen (nominate).

Short-tailed Drongo ◊ (Mindanao D)  Dicrurus striatus   Endemic. Small numbers on Mindanao.

Balicassiao ◊  Dicrurus balicassius   Endemic. Small numbers on Luzon (nominate).

Ashy Drongo (Sooty D) ◊  Dicrurus [l.] leucophaeus   Nine logged on Palawan.

Celestial Monarch ◊  Hypothymis coelestis   Endemic. Heard-only. Briefly at PICOP (nominate).

Short-crested Monarch ◊  Hypothymis helenae   Endemic. Seen fleetingly twice at PICOP (agusanae).

Black-naped Monarch  Hypothymis azurea   Scattered in lowland Mindanao and Palawan (nominate).

Rufous Paradise Flycatcher ◊ (Southern R P F)  Terpsiphone [cinnamomea] cinnamomea   7 at PICOP (cinnamomea).

Blue Paradise Flycatcher ◊  Terpsiphone cyanescens   Endemic. Seen easily this year on Palawan (six).

Long-tailed Shrike  Lanius schach   A few noted on Luzon and Mindanao (nasutus).

Brown Shrike (Northern B S)  Lanius [cristatus] cristatus   Small numbers identified on Luzon.

Brown Shrike (Philippine B S) ◊  Lanius [cristatus] lucionensis   Widespread.

Mountain Shrike ◊  Lanius validirostris   Endemic. One seen well at Mt Polis (nominate).

Philippine Jungle Crow  Corvus philippinus   Endemic. Widespread on Luzon and Mindanao.

Palawan Crow ◊  Corvus pusillus   Endemic. This curious species was common enough on Palawan.

Citrine Canary-flycatcher ◊  Culicicapa helianthea   Two Mt Polis (septentrionalis), and two Lake Holon (panayensis).

Palawan Tit ◊  Pardaliparus amabilis   Endemic. Two nice pairs on Palawan.

Elegant Tit ◊  Pardaliparus elegans   Endemic. Widespread. SW (gilliardi), EC (nominate), N (montigenus) Luzon; Mindanao (mindanensis).

Mindanao Miniature Babbler ◊  Micromacronus sordidus   Endemic. Nice close views of a group of three at Lake Agco.

Rufous-fronted Tailorbird ◊  Orthotomus frontalis   Endemic. Common at PICOP (nominate); two Tagabud.

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird  Orthotomus sericeus   Common on Palawan (nominate).

Grey-backed Tailorbird ◊  Orthotomus derbianus   Endemic. A handful at La Mesa Ecopark (nominate).

Green-backed Tailorbird ◊ (Trilling T)  Orthotomus chloronotus   Endemic. Small numbers seen in lowland Luzon.

Black-headed Tailorbird ◊ (White-browed T)  Orthotomus nigriceps   Endemic. Skulker seen several times at PICOP.

Clamorous Reed Warbler (Australasian R W) Acrocephalus [stentoreus] australis   N of Manila & E Mindanao (harterti).

Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler ◊  Helopsaltes ochotensis   A few in fields and marshes near Bislig.

Long-tailed Bush Warbler ◊ (L-t Grasshopper W)  Locustella [caudata] caudata   Endemic. Seen well at Mt Polis.

Long-tailed Bush Warbler ◊ (Mindanao Grasshopper W)  L. [c.] unicolor   Endemic. Seen well at Kitanglad. Two more potentially distinct forms were seen at Lake Holon and Tagabud respectively. Time will tell.

Benguet Bush Warbler ◊ (B Grasshopper W)  L. seebohmi   Endemic. One showed quite well at Mt Polis. Another heard.

Striated Grassbird  Megalurus palustris   Widespread sightings (forbesi).

Tawny Grassbird ◊ (Philippine T G)  Cincloramphus [timoriensis] tweeddalei   Montane Luzon (nominate) and Mindanao (crex). Occasionally seen.

Pacific Swallow  Hirundo tahitica

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

Eastern Red-rumped Swallow (Striated S) Cecropis [daurica] striolata

Rufous-headed Tailorbird ◊  Phyllergates heterolaemus   Endemic. Several showed really well in montane Mindanao.

Mountain Tailorbird  Phyllergates cucullatus   One seen and others heard Mt Polis (philippinus).

Philippine Bush Warbler ◊ (Luzon B W)  Horornis seebohmi   Endemic. Common at Mt Polis.

Philippine Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus olivaceus   Endemic. Eight logged at PICOP.

Arctic Warbler  Phylloscopus borealis   Small numbers on Luzon and Mindanao.

Kamchatka Leaf Warbler  Phylloscopus examinandus   Heard-only. Luzon and Palawan.

Negros Leaf Warbler ◊ (Philippine Mountain W)  Phylloscopus nigrorum   Endemic. Mt Polis (benguetensis); Mt Kitanglad (flavostriatus); Lake Agco and Tagabud (mindanensis); Lake Holon (undescribed form).

Yellow-wattled Bulbul ◊  Poliolophus urostictus   Endemic. Three Makiling (nominate), and ten at PICOP (philippensis).

Black-headed Bulbul  Brachypodius melanocephalos   Four on Palawan (nominate).

Ashy-fronted Bulbul ◊  Pycnonotus cinereifrons   Endemic. Small numbers at the forest edge on Palawan.

Yellow-vented Bulbul  Pycnonotus goiavier   Widespread. Luzon (nominate); Mindanao (suluensis).

Palawan Bulbul ◊ (Grey-throated B)  Alophoixus frater   Endemic. Several good sightings.

Sulphur-bellied Bulbul ◊  Iole palawanensis   Endemic. Uncommon but several seen well on Palawan.

Philippine Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes philippinus   Endemic. Common on Luzon (nominate) and Mindanao (saturatior).

Yellowish Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes everetti   Endemic. Small numbers on Mindanao (nominate).

Mindanao Pygmy Babbler ◊  Dasycrotapha plateni   Endemic. 3 showed well in mixed-species feeding flocks at PICOP.

Rusty-crowned Babbler ◊  Sterrhoptilus capitalis   Endemic. Ditto (euroaustralis).

Chestnut-faced Babbler ◊  Zosterornis whiteheadi   Endemic. Common in the Mt Polis area (nominate); 34 logged.

Mindanao Heleia ◊ (M White-eye)  Heleia goodfellowi   Endemic. Seen well Mt Kitanglad and Tagabud (nominate).

Warbling White-eye  (Mountain W-e)  Zosterops japonicus   Mt Polis (whiteheadi); Mt Kitanglad (diuatae), Lake Agco, Lake Holon and Tagabud (vulcani).

Lowland White-eye ◊  Zosterops meyeni   30 at La Mesa Ecopark (nominate).

Everett’s White-eye ◊  Zosterops everetti   Seen well on Mindanao (basilanicus).

Pin-striped Tit-Babbler ◊ (Palawan T-B)  Mixornis [gularis] woodi   This likely split was common on Palawan.

Brown Tit-Babbler ◊ (Stripe-headed T-b)  Macronus [striaticeps] striaticeps   Endemic. Widespread and regularly recorded on Mindanao (mindanensis). Dependant fledged young at PICOP.

Melodious Babbler ◊  Malacopteron palawanense   Endemic. One performed at Napsan Road. Palawan.

Ashy-headed Babbler ◊  Pellorneum cinereiceps   Endemic. Several seen from hides on Palawan.

Striated Wren-Babbler ◊  Ptilocichla mindanensis   Endemic. A handful at PICOP (nominate); seen quite well.

Falcated Wren-Babbler ◊  Ptilocichla falcata   Endemic. Crippling views of one on Palawan. Another fleetingly.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch  Sitta frontalis   Heard-only. A couple on Palawan (palawana).

Sulphur-billed Nuthatch ◊  Sitta oenochlamys   Endemic. Frequent montane Luzon (mesoleuca) and Mindanao (apo).

Stripe-headed Rhabdornis ◊  Rhabdornis mystacalis   Endemic. A few in lowland Luzon (nominate) and PICOP (minor).

Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis ◊  Rhabdornis inornatus   Endemic. A handful Mt Kitanglad and Lake Holon (alaris).

Apo Myna ◊  Goodfellowia miranda   Endemic. 16 of these highly distinctive mynas logged on Mt Kitanglad.

Coleto ◊  Sarcops calvus   Endemic. Many sightings on Luzon (nominate) and Mindanao (melanonotus).

Common Hill Myna  Gracula religiosa   Seven noted on Palawan (palawanensis).

Asian Glossy Starling  Aplonis panayensis

Short-tailed Starling ◊  Aplonis minor   Small numbers at Mt Kitanglad and Tagubud (todayensis).                                                                                                                                       

Crested Myna (introduced)  Acridotheres cristatellus

Ashy Thrush ◊  Geokichla cinerea   Endemic. Close views of one at La Mesa Ecopark; feeding on palm fruit.

Eyebrowed Thrush  Turdus obscurus   15 in flocks at Kitanglad.

Luzon Island Thrush ◊  Turdus thomassoni   Endemic. Five at Mt Polis, with great perched views of one.

Mindanao Island Thrush ◊  Turdus nigrorum   Eight or so seen well at Tagabud. Mindanao (kelleri).

Philippine Magpie-Robin ◊  Copsychus mindanensis   Endemic. Nine logged on Luzon and Mindanao.

White-browed Shama ◊  C. luzoniensis   Endemic. This terrible sneak was eventually seen well at Makiling.

White-vented Shama ◊  Copsychus niger   Endemic. Several seen well on Palawan.

Grey-streaked Flycatcher  Muscicapa griseisticta

Asian Brown Flycatcher  Muscicapa dauurica   One at Lake Holon (photo-documented by Ivan)

Turquoise Flycatcher ◊  Eumyias panayensis   Regular sightings montane Luzon (nigrimentalis) and Mindanao (nigriloris).

Palawan Blue Flycatcher ◊  Cyornis lemprieri   Endemic. Several seen, especially a male coming to food.

Mangrove Blue Flycatcher ◊ (Philippine B F) Cyornis [rufigastra] simplex   Endemic. A male performed on Palawan.

Philippine Jungle Flycatcher ◊ (Rufous-tailed J F) Cyornis ruficauda   Endemic. Three seen well at PICOP.

Bagobo Babbler ◊  Leonardina woodi   Heard-only. Endemic. Three singing loudly at Tagubud, but out of reach.

Philippine Shortwing ◊ (Luzon S)  Brachypteryx [poliogyna] poliogyna   Endemic. A number in Mt Polis area (nominate).

Philippine Shortwing ◊ (Mindanao S, Mount Apo S)  B. [poliogyna] mindanensis   Endemic. Great views at Mt Kitanglad.

Mugimaki Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula mugimaki   Small numbers in montane Mindanao.

Little Pied Flycatcher  Ficedula westermanni   Montane Luzon (rabori), and Mindanao (nominate).

Palawan Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula platenae   Endemic. Two at Irawan Eco Park, with nice views.

Little Slaty Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula basilanica   Endemic. A smart male showed really well at PICOP. A real bonus.

Cryptic Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula crypta   Endemic. Excellent walk-away views at Eden Nature Park & Resort.

Bundok Flycatcher ◊ (Thicket F)  Ficedula luzoniensis   Endemic. A pair seen well Mt Polis. Heard on Mindanao.

Luzon Water Redstart ◊  Phoenicurus bicolor   Endemic. Two were seen well in the Cordillera Central.

Pied Bush Chat  Saxicola caprata   Multiple sightings on Luzon (nominate) and Mindanao (anderseni).

Palawan Flowerpecker ◊  Prionochilus plateni   Endemic. Five noted on Palawan (nominate).

Olive-backed Flowerpecker ◊  Pachyglossa olivacea   Endemic. Four seen very well at PICOP (nominate).

Thick-billed Flowerpecker ◊ (Striped F)  P. [agilis] aeruginosa   Endemic. Makiling (striatissimum) & Palawan (affine).

Whiskered Flowerpecker ◊  Pachyglossa propria   Endemic. A smart pair at Lake Agco.

Olive-capped Flowerpecker ◊  D. nigrilore   Endemic. Common in montane Mindanao (nominate).

Yellow-crowned Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum anthonyi   Endemic. Superb! Four at Mt Polis.

Bicolored Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum bicolor   Endemic. A few on Mindanao (nominate).

Red-keeled Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum australe   Endemic. Frequently seen on Luzon and Mindanao.

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker ◊ (Grey-throated F)  Dicaeum [trigonostigma] cinereigulare   Endemic. Common and widespread on Mindanao (nominate).

Buzzing Flowerpecker ◊ (Southern B F)  Dicaeum [hypoleucum] hypoleucum   Endemic. Occasional on Mindanao (pontifex).

Pygmy Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum pygmaeum   Endemic. A few on Palawan (palawanorum).

Fire-throated Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum luzoniense   Endemic. A handful on Mindanao (apo).

Orange-tufted Spiderhunter ◊  A. flammifera   Endemic. A few on Mindanao (nominate). Dependant fledged young Eden.

Pale Spiderhunter ◊ (Palawan S)  Arachnothera dilutior   Endemic. Not uncommon on Palawan.

Naked-faced Spiderhunter ◊  Arachnothera clarae   Endemic. John and our local guide saw one at Kitanglad.

Brown-throated Sunbird (Plain-throated S)  Anthreptes malacensis   Mindanao (heliolusius) & Palawan (paraguae).

Grey-throated Sunbird ◊  Anthreptes griseigularis   Endemic. Non-leader. PICOP (nominate).

Purple-throated Sunbird  Leptocoma [sperata] sperata   Endemic. 4 Makiling (nom.), 10 PICOP & 5 Palawan (trochilus).

Purple-throated Sunbird ◊ (Orange-lined S)  Leptocoma [sperata] juliae   Endemic. Nice pair at Eden.

Copper-throated Sunbird ◊  Leptocoma calcostetha   Three in mangroves on Palawan.

Lovely Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga shelleyi   Endemic. Small numbers on Palawan.

Handsome Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga bella   Endemic. Three at Mt Makiling (flavipectus), and one at PICOP (nominate).

Metallic-winged Sunbird ◊ (Mindanao S)  Aethopyga pulcherrima pulcherrima   Endemic. Three at PICOP.

Metallic-winged Sunbird ◊ (Luzon S)  Aethopyga [pulcherrima] jefferyi   Endemic. Common in the Cordillera Central.

Lina’s Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga linaraborae   Endemic. 11 noted at Tagabud.

Grey-hooded Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga primigenia   Endemic. Four at Mt Kitanglad, and one at Lake Agco (nominate).

Apo Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga boltoni   Endemic. Three at the upper levels of Mt Kitanglad (nominate), with one seen well.

Tboli Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga tibolii   Endemic. Four recorded at Lake Holon, and seen well.

Garden Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris jugularis   Endemic. Northern Luzon (obscurior); elsewhere (nominate).

Palawan Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris aurora   Endemic. Nine logged on Palawan.

Philippine Leafbird ◊  Chloropsis flavipennis   Endemic. Just a single rather elusive individual at PICOP.

Yellow-throated Leafbird ◊  Chloropsis palawanensis   Endemic. Common and easily seen on Palawan.

Palawan Fairy-bluebird ◊  Irena tweeddalii   Endemic. A handful seen, with good looks at males eventually.

Scaly-breasted Munia  Lonchura punctulata   20 on Luzon (topela?); single non-leader Palawan (nisoria?).

White-bellied Munia  Lonchura leucogastra   Six on Luzon (everetti); one on Palawan (palawana).

Chestnut Munia  Lonchura atricapilla  Luzon (formosana), Mindanao and Palawan (jagori).

Red-eared Parrotfinch ◊  Erythrura coloria   Endemic. small numbers at Mt Kitanglad.

Cinnamon Ibon ◊  Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus   Endemic. Common on Mt Kitanglad (34 logged).

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (introduced)  Passer montanus

Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea

Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Alaska W)  Motacilla [tschutschensis] tschutschensis

Paddyfield Pipit  Anthus rufulus

Olive-backed Pipit  Anthus hodgsoni

White-cheeked Bullfinch ◊  Pyrrhula leucogenis   Endemic. Great looks. One Mt Polis (nominate), five Kitanglad (steerei).

Red Crossbill  Loxia curvirostra   Eight in the Cordillera Central (luzoniensis).

MAMMALS

Golden-capped Fruit Bat (G-crowned Flying-fox)  Acerodon jubatus   Roosting at Subic Bay.

Palawan Treeshrew  Tupaia palawanensis   Five from a hide on Palawan.

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

Finlayson’s Squirrel (introduced)  Callosciurus finlaysonii   Many in La Mesa Ecopark.

Philippine Pygmy Squirrel  Exilisciurus concinnus   One at Lake Agco.

Northern Palawan Tree Squirrel  Sundasciurus juvencus   Endemic. Up to 20 on Palawan, mainly from hides.

Luzon Hairy-tailed Rat  Batomys grantii   Two or more at night near Banaue.

REPTILES

Specklebelly Keelback  Rhabdophis chrysargos   One on Palawan.

Tokay Gecko  Gekko gecko

Flat-tailed House Gecko  Hemidactylus platyurus

AMPHIBIANS

Asian Common Toad  Duttaphrynus melanostictus

BUTTERFLIES

Platen’s Birdwing  Troides plateni   Endemic. Palawan.

‘Philippine’ Golden Birdwing  Troides rhadamantus   Endemic. Mt Makiling.

Philippine Batwing  Atrophaneura semperi   Endemic. Mindanao.

Rose  Pachliopta mariae   Endemic. PICOP.

Philippine Mormon  Papilio alphenor   Near-endemic.

Yellow Gull  Cepora aspasia   Mt Kitanglad.

Common Grass Yellow  Eurema hecabe   Luzon, Mindanao.

Tree Yellow  Gandaca harina   PICOP.

Great Orange Tip  Hebomoia glaucippe   PICOP.

Luzon Glassy Tiger  Parantica luzonensis   Mindanao.

Common Wanderer  Pareronia valeria   Palawan.

Large Tree Nymph (Rice Paper Butterfly)  Idea leuconoe   PICOP.

Tobler’s Crow  Euploea tobleri   Endemic. Mindanao.

Purple Crow (Dwarf C)  Euploea tulliolus   Subic.

Green Dragontail  Lamproptera meges  

Psyche  Leptosia nina  

Pale ringlet  Acrophtalmia albofasciata   Endemic. Eden, Mindanao.

Malayan Lacewing  Cethosia hypsea   Palawan.

Luzon Lacewing  Cethosia luzonica   Endemic. PICOP.

Straight-line Mapwing  Cyrestis nivea   Palawan.

White Tiger Butterfly  Danaus melanippus   Mindanao.

Common Faun  Faunis phaon   Endemic. Mindanao.

Great Eggfly  Hypolimnas bolina   Mindanao.

Brown Pansy  Junonia hedonia   Widespread.

Fuliginous Sailor  Lasippa ebusa   Endemic. PICOP.

Lascar  Lasippa illigera  Endemic. Subic, Makiling.

Knight  Lebadea martha   Palawan.

Orange Archduke  Lexias panobus   Endemic. PICOP.

Mountain Blue Archduke  Lexias satrapes   Endemic. PICOP.

Commander  Moduza procris   Palawan.

Bushbrown  Mycalesis aramis   Endemic. Mt Polis.

Bushbrown  Mycalesis ita   Endemic. Mt Kitanglad.

Dark-branded Bushbrown  Mycalesis mineus   PICOP.

Tagala Bushbrown  Mycalesis tagala   Endemic. Subic.

Sailer  Neptis mindorana   Endemic. Mindanao.

Malayan Owl  Neorina lowii   Palawan.

Clipper  Parthenos sylvia   Palawan.

Wizard  Rhinopalpa polynice   PICOP.

Common Jester  Symbrenthia hippoclus   PICOP.

Common Bushbrown  Telinga janardana   Mindanao.

Vagrant  Vagrans sinha   PICOP.

Painted Lady  Vanessa cardui   Mt Kitanglad.

Common Three-Ring  Ypthima sempera   Mindanao, Palawan.

Philippine Five-Ring  Ypthima stellera   Near-endemic. Mindanao.

Wallacean  Zethera hestioides   Endemic. PICOP.

Northern Wallacean  Zethera pimplea   Endemic. Subic.

Saturn  Zeuxidia amethystus   Palawan.

Oakblue  Arhopala eridanus   Endemic. Subic.

Pierrot  Caleta argola   Endemic. PICOP.

Straight Pierrot  Caleta roxus   Mindanao.

Dark Posy  Drupadia theda   PICOP.

Imperial  Eooxylides meduana   Endemic. PICOP.

Common Cerulean  Jamides celeno   Mt Makiling.

Long-tailed Blue  Lampides boeticus

Opaque Sixline Blue  Nacaduba beroe   PICOP.

Forest Quaker  Pithecops corvus   Mt Kitanglad.

Blue  Sancterila archagathos   Endemic. L. Holon. Mindanao.

Lesser Grass Blue  Zizina otis   Mt Kitanglad.

Tiny Grass Blue  Zizula hylax   Luzon.

Chocolate Demon  Ancistroides nigrita   Mindanao.

Little Branded Swift  Pelopidas agna   Mt Makiling.

Pied Flat (Common Snow F)  Tagiades japetus   Mt Makiling.

Veined Grass Dart  Taractrocera luzonensis   Mindanao.

MOTHS

Poor Tiger Moth  Asota egens   Banaue.

Bertula abjudicalis   Banaue.

Euplocia membliaria   Banaue.

Mung Bean Moth  Maruca vitrata   Banaue.

Nevrina procopia   Banaue.

Sphingognatha asclepiades   Banaue.

Urapteroides astheniata   Banaue.

DRAGONFLIES

Jewel  Rhinocypha turconii   Endemic. Near PICOP.

Satinwing  Euphaea amphicyana   Endemic. Mt Kitanglad.

Emerald-banded Skimmer  Cratilla lineata   PICOP.

Skimmer  Diplacina bolivari   Endemic. Eden, Mindanao.

Chalky Percher  Diplacodes trivialis   Banaue.

Red Percher  Neurothemis ramburii   Mindanao.

Straight-edged Red Parasol (Indonesian Red-winged Dragonfly)  Neurothemis terminata   Mindanao, Palawan.

Swampwatcher  Potamarcha congener   PICOP.

Crimson Marsh Glider  Trithemis aurora   Mindanao.

PLANTS

Largeflower Deutzia  Deutzia pulchra   Mt Polis.

Pitcher plant  Nepenthes graciliflora   Endemic. PICOP.

Pitcher plant  Nepenthes tboli   Endemic. Lake Holon.

Orchid  Phalaenopsis stuartiana   PICOP.

Orchid  Spathoglottis chrysantha   Mt Polis.