CLASSIC BORNEO: SABAH TOUR REPORT 2024

11 - 23 August 2024

by Yeo Siew Teck

Our Classic Borneo 2025 tour was another resounding success. We managed to observe many highly sought-after endemic species, including the Whitehead’s trio, Bornean Bristlehead, Fruithunter, Bornean Ground Cuckoo, Everett’s Thrush, Bornean Stubtail, and the Mountain, Bornean, and Black-throated Wren-babblers. Other highlights included Crimson-headed and Red-breasted Partridges, Bornean Crested Fireback, Bornean Blue Flycatcher, Blue-headed and Black-crowned Pittas, and the White-fronted Falconet.
The tour’s nocturnal outings were equally productive, yielding sightings of Barred Eagle-Owls, Brown Wood Owls, Buffy Fish Owls, Reddish and Mountain Scops Owls, and both Large and Blyth’s Frogmouths.
Beyond the incredible birdlife, encounters with Bornean Pygmy Elephants, Bornean Orangutans, Maroon Leaf Monkeys, Proboscis Monkeys, Horsfield’s Tarsiers, Slow Lorises, Colugos, and Thomas Flying Squirrels added unforgettable moments for everyone.

The tour began in Kota Kinabalu. After lunch, a short drive to a grassland produced sightings of the Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Dusky Munia, Striated Grassbird, Black-backed Swamphen, Lesser Coucal, and a group of lovely Javan Sparrows. The Malaysian Plover sites were busy with visitors on Sunday, but we managed to spot several Blue-naped Parrots, Long-tailed Parakeets, Green and Pied Imperial Pigeons, Pied Triller, Common Iora, White-bellied Sea Eagle, White-breasted Woodswallow, and a few Nankeen Night Herons roosting in the city center before heading for dinner and rest.

We left early the next morning and drove to Crocker Range National Park for some endemic species. Our day started with a perched Golden-naped Barbet, followed by a flowering tree attracting feeding flocks. This included the Bornean Leafbird, Mountain Blackeye, Blyth’s Shrike-babbler, Grey-chinned Minivet, Mountain Leaf Warbler, Indigo Flycatcher, and Ashy Drongo. While enjoying the flock, we heard the call of the Bornean Green Magpie nearby. Soon, a pair appeared in the open, foraging at the forest edge alongside Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, White-throated Fantail, and Little Pied Flycatcher. On a forest trail, we hoped to see partridges at a local hide, but only Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher, Sunda Laughingthrush, and Snowy-browed Flycatcher performed in the clearing. Exiting onto the main road, we spotted the Pale-faced Bulbul and Aberrant Bush Warbler. Lower down, we attempted Everett’s Thrush but were instead rewarded with a female Bornean Shortwing. Further downhill, two Mountain Barbets were feeding on a fruiting tree, with a showy Temminck’s Sunbird nearby.
Returning to the hide, we heard the Whitehead’s Spiderhunter calling in the distance. Soon, it flew closer and perched above us, showing its streaky underparts and yellowish vent while investigating us—a true highlight! Shortly afterward, a family of Red-breasted Partridges silently entered a clearing, feeding before retreating into the forest. Back on the main road, we encountered a mixed flock, including Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Black-capped White-eye, Temminck’s Sunbird, and Black-sided Flowerpecker. Driving to lower elevations, we added Cinereous Bulbul and Red-throated Barbet to our list. A fruiting tree yielded several Bornean Bulbuls and a flock of Pygmy Heleia. Our final target, the Bornean Barbet, was scoped in a tree canopy before it flew back to its nest. A Penan Bulbul and a group of Grey-throated Babblers were seen well before we ended our morning birding session. After lunch, we returned to the hide, where a female Crimson-headed Partridge appeared in the clearing before the rain set in. Concluding a successful day, we drove to Kundasang, our base for exploring Kinabalu Park over the next three days. En route, we spotted a family of five White-fronted Falconets and our fifth barbet of the day, the Golden-whiskered Barbet, after the rain eased.

We arrived at the park early the next morning, greeted by a dawn chorus. A single Everett’s Thrush foraging roadside provided a great start. A shy Bornean Stubtail gave a brief glimpse as it sang, but a group of noisy Mountain Wren-babblers came closer, with one showing itself several times. Further uphill, a Bornean Whistler perched openly, allowing prolonged views and photos. A Hairy-crested Drongo took advantage of insects flushed by foraging Sunda Laughingthrushes. Soon after, ChiShun spotted a pair of Whitehead’s Broadbills in breeding mood. These long-dreamed birds flew back and forth near the roadside, perching openly for fantastic scope views. While enjoying the broadbills, we encountered a mixed flock with Temminck’s Sunbird, Black-capped White-eye, and Black-sided Flowerpecker. Alerted to a nearby Whitehead’s Trogon, we hurried over and found a stunning male perched quietly, showing its reddish head and underparts. This obliging bird provided breathtaking, scope-filling views, completing our Whitehead’s trio in just two mornings—what incredible luck!
After a field breakfast, we drove higher to find a male Bornean Whistling Thrush sitting quietly, offering prolonged views. Walking downhill, we saw Golden-naped Barbet, Mountain Blackeye, and another mixed flock featuring Mountain Leaf Warbler, Mountain Tailorbird, Indigo Flycatcher, White-throated Fantail, and Yellow-breasted Warbler. Continuing lower, we added Pale-faced Bulbul and enjoyed a cooperative Bornean Stubtail perched openly, singing for minutes. A mixed flock at lower elevations included Bornean Treepie, Sunda Cuckooshrike, Black-&-crimson Oriole, and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch. Rain in the afternoon cleared before dusk, and we spotted a male Crimson-headed Partridge crossing the road. We also enjoyed revisiting endemics like Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, Bornean Whistling Thrush, and others.

The next morning, we returned to the park. At higher elevations, a flowering tree attracted a large group of Mountain Blackeye, and we were treated to more views of Bornean Treepie, Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Golden-naped Barbet, Pale-faced Bulbul, Bornean Whistling Thrush, Mountain Leaf Warbler, Hairy-crested Drongo, Yellow-breasted Warbler, Sunda Laughingthrush, Maroon Woodpecker, and Ashy Drongo. During our field breakfast, we heard soft wheezy calls, indicating the presence of a Fruithunter. After scanning the area, we spotted a male foraging in the canopy, followed by another male joining in. Both provided prolonged views as they crossed the road and continued foraging above us. Further down, we entered a forest trail and located our target, the Bornean Forktail, foraging by a stream. Higher up, we heard the Sunda Owlet calling nearby and soon found it perched openly while several small birds mobbed it. Although we didn’t find the Mountain Serpent Eagle, a pair of Blyth’s Hawk Eagles was a pleasant surprise. Walking downhill, we enjoyed excellent views of a pair of Checker-throated Woodpeckers and a male Black-sided Flowerpecker perched on an open branch.
The afternoon was quieter, but we were entertained by a pair of Whitehead’s Broadbills showing well, as well as more sightings of Bornean Leafbird, Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch. A night hunt for Mountain Scops Owl was unsuccessful, as rain forced us to end the day early.

The weather improved the following morning. A male Whitehead’s Trogon greeted us, showing well in the open. Although the Bare-headed Laughingthrush called from deep in the forest, it remained elusive despite our efforts. On the main road, we found the Whitehead’s Broadbills actively building a nest. A male perched nearby offered prolonged scope views, one of the highlights of the morning. Further up, we attempted the Mountain Serpent Eagle again but instead enjoyed eye-level views of a Golden-naped Barbet feeding on a fruiting tree and a pair of Orange-backed Woodpeckers foraging nearby. Outside the park, persistent scanning led to a sighting of the Mountain Serpent Eagle soaring above a mountain ridge, much to everyone’s excitement and appreciation.
With a productive morning behind us, we drove to Poring Hot Spring for lowland birds. Highlights included Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher, Brown-throated Sunbird, Plain Sunbird, Purple-naped Spiderhunter, Black-&-red Broadbill, and various bulbuls, including Yellow-bellied, Charlotte’s, Hairy-backed, Yellow-vented, Spectacled, and Asian Red-eyed Bulbuls. Additionally, spotting a few blooming Rafflesia flowers was a lucky bonus for the group.

The next day was primarily a travel day as we drove southeast to the Kinabatangan River. We dubbed it “raptor day” as sightings included a day-roosting Mountain Scops Owl and Blyth’s Hawk Eagle before leaving Kinabalu Park. At Kinabatangan, a Crested Serpent Eagle perched at the entrance of a cave welcomed us to this new environment. Inside the cave, we identified four species of swiftlets by their distinct nest structures. Pre-dusk, a Wallace’s Hawk Eagle perched outside the cave entrance, ready to hunt, provided excellent scope views. Watching Bat Hawks and Peregrine Falcons hunt in flight was equally impressive. As we checked into our lodge, a Buffy Fish Owl greeted us, and a successful night hunt yielded Large Frogmouth and Reddish Scops Owl.

The following morning began with familiar species such as Bornean Whistling Thrush, Pale-faced Bulbul, Yellow-breasted Warbler, Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, and Sunda Laughingthrush. New additions included Rufous-backed Kingfisher, Bushy-crested Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, and Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher. A thrilling moment occurred when we spotted an adult male Bornean Orangutan with its young near the cave, fulfilling Prof. Nicholas’s long-standing hope of seeing this iconic mammal in the wild.
Exploring the mighty Kinabatangan River was an entirely new experience. A group of Proboscis Monkeys feeding in the treetops welcomed us. In a tributary, we found a roosting Buffy Fish Owl, followed by our first endemic in the region—a pair of White-chested Babblers singing in a duet. A Stork-billed Kingfisher landed in front of us briefly, while a pair of Black-&-red Broadbills added their striking colors to the scene. Further along, a Rufous-backed Kingfisher perched in the open, staring at the water surface as it hunted. A male Diard’s Trogon called from the forest and soon revealed itself, turning its head and observing the surroundings. Blue-eared Kingfishers sang to each other by the riverbank, while a Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker displayed its vivid red back. A young Lesser Fish Eagle was seen hunting over the water. Before returning to the lodge, a pair of nesting Crested Goshawks was spotted above the restaurant.
After breakfast, we attempted to locate the elusive Bornean Ground Cuckoo. While unsuccessful, we enjoyed more views of Hooded Pitta and Proboscis Monkeys. Additional sightings included perched Rhinoceros Hornbills, Lesser Adjutants, Storm’s Storks, a pair of Jerdon’s Baza, a White-bellied Sea Eagle, an Oriental Darter drying its wings, and a Grey-headed Fish Eagle poised to hunt. During the afternoon cruise, we heard a Bornean Ground Cuckoo calling but couldn’t draw it closer. Instead, we observed Wrinkled, Oriental Pied, and Rhinoceros Hornbills, as well as a Changeable Hawk Eagle and Common Hill Myna. A mother and baby Bornean Orangutan in the treetops provided a memorable moment. Post-dinner, a night cruise yielded sightings of a Barred Eagle Owl, a Common Palm Civet, a sleeping Hooded Pitta, a Blue-eared Kingfisher under spotlight, and a distant Oriental Bay Owl, which remained elusive.

The next morning, we made another attempt for the Ground Cuckoo. Although it remained quiet, we added Black Hornbill, Rufous, White-bellied, and Banded Woodpeckers, Blue-throated Bee-eater, Bold-striped Tit-babbler, Ashy and Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, and a Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon to our list. More sightings of familiar birds, such as Green Imperial Pigeon, Hill Myna, and Bushy-crested Hornbill, kept us entertained. Entering a tributary later, we heard a pair of Ground Cuckoos calling nearby. After a patient wait, one individual briefly appeared behind thick bushes but vanished quickly. That afternoon, we were alerted to Pygmy Elephants upriver. Racing to the site, we joined several boats and watched an adult elephant move slowly into the forest. Heading back, we encountered a Bat Hawk perched in the open and, surprisingly, a Yellow-throated Marten right in front of us. A pair of White-crowned Hornbills flew overhead and landed nearby, providing a prolonged and incredible view. Another night cruise allowed us to enjoy repeated views of a Buffy Fish Owl.

On our last morning at the river, we revisited repeated favorites, including Bushy-crested Hornbill, Lesser Fish Eagle, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and Hooded Pitta. New additions included Black-&-yellow Broadbill, Bornean Black Magpie, Grey-hooded Babbler, and Wrinkled Hornbill. Post-lunch, we transitioned to 4WDs and headed into the heart of Danum Valley, checking into the renowned Borneo Rainforest Lodge for four nights. Along the way, a stop to search for the Bristlehead yielded no results, but we added stunning birds like Red-bearded Bee-eater, Scarlet Minivet, Chestnut-breasted and Black-bellied Malkohas, Sunda Scimitar Babbler, and Wreathed Hornbill. A rare Black-&-white Bulbul was also seen feeding on a fruiting tree. The journey was made even more exciting when we encountered a group of Pygmy Elephants, including a baby, walking roadside.
After dinner, a night drive proved productive. We encountered a Malay Civet crossing the road near the lodge, a Northern Palm Civet perched in a tree, and a Sunda Colugo clinging to a tree trunk. Further along, a Sambar Deer was seen feeding, and a Blyth’s Frogmouth perched openly, allowing prolonged views and photographs. Additional highlights included sightings of Thomas’s Flying Squirrel and a Horsfield’s Tarsier.

Our first morning in Danum Valley started wonderfully near the lodge. We quickly spotted a Striped Wren-babbler in the understorey. The main road yielded an array of sundaic species, including White-crowned and Rufous-tailed Shamas, Horsfield’s, Sooty-capped, and Grey-hooded Babblers, Yellow-breasted and Orange-bellied Flowerpeckers, Large Woodshrike, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler, and several bulbuls, including Puff-backed, Hairy-backed, and Grey-cheeked. Highlights included Black-&-yellow Broadbill, Green Iora, Chestnut-breasted and Raffles’s Malkohas, Moustached Hawk Cuckoo, Little Spiderhunter, Violet Cuckoo, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Bornean Brown Barbet, and Red-naped Trogon. A Black-crowned Pitta emerged from the forest floor, glowing like a crimson ball in the dark undergrowth. On a forest trail, we observed a male Great Argus next to its display ground, offering binocular-filling views through gaps in the bushes. Exiting the trail, we found a group of Maroon Langurs, followed by a Crested Goshawk and Changeable Hawk Eagle soaring overhead. A shy pair of Black-throated Wren-babblers and a gem-like male Blue-headed Pitta lit up the forest floor, ending our productive morning.
That afternoon, we scoped a pair of Cream-eyed Bulbuls feeding, followed by a Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot displaying its acrobatics in the canopy. Other species included Chestnut-breasted and Raffles’s Malkohas, Maroon Woodpecker, Blue-throated Bee-eater, and Moustached Hawk Cuckoo. Wrinkled and Wreathed Hornbills also made appearances, while new additions included Buff-rumped Woodpecker, Rufous-winged Philentoma, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Blue-rumped Parrot, and Yellow-eared Spiderhunter. A day-roosting Sunda Colugo in its rufous morph delighted everyone, particularly Prof. Nicholas, who had dreamed of seeing one since childhood. On the canopy walkway, we failed to spot the Bristlehead, but close views of Banded and Green Broadbills were appreciated. A dead tree filled with Grey-rumped Treeswifts also hosted a pair of Whiskered Treeswifts. Additional highlights included a noisy Ferruginous Babbler, a tiny Rufous Piculet, and a scope-filling Helmeted Hornbill. During a night walk, we heard a Gould’s Frogmouth but couldn’t locate it. However, a Slow Loris foraging in the canopy was an exciting find.

The following morning greeted us with a similar dawn chorus. New sightings included Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Buff-necked Woodpecker, a stunning male Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Banded Kingfisher, and Grey-&-Buff Woodpecker. More views of Little Spiderhunter, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Asian Fairy Bluebird, and Red-bearded Bee-eater were enjoyed. A cooperative Blue-headed Pitta was especially rewarding, hopping across the trail before calling from an open vine. A Short-tailed Babbler perched at eye level, and a Bornean Black-capped Babbler’s head-bobbing antics entertained us. A mournful whistle announced the presence of the Bornean Wren-babbler, which soon appeared, hopping and singing in front of us. While searching for the Bornean Blue Flycatcher, we were distracted by a pair of calling Bornean Ground Cuckoos. After a patient wait, one briefly emerged from behind a tree before retreating into the forest.
That afternoon, a Bornean Orangutan near the lodge caused a stir among visitors as it foraged in the canopy. Determined to find the Bristlehead, we ventured into a forest trail where they were often seen. Midway through, we received word of a group foraging on the main road. Unfortunately, they vanished before we arrived, but a Bornean Crested Fireback preening roadside provided excellent compensation. Post-dinner, a night drive added Red Giant Flying Squirrel to the list, along with repeated sightings of Northern Palm Civet and Horsfield’s Tarsier.

At first light, we spotted a foraging White-crowned Forktail on the main road. A singing Banded Bay Cuckoo and a skulking group of Grey-headed Babblers in the bushes were new additions to the list. On the canopy walkway, we enjoyed views of Red-throated Sunbird, Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Ventriloquial Oriole, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Red-throated Barbet, and Raffles’s Malkoha. Inside the forest trail, a Buff-rumped Woodpecker and Charlotte’s Bulbul were seen engaging in a food dispute, while a pair of Bornean Blue Flycatchers interacting nearby provided an enjoyable spectacle. A Great Argus at its dancing ground was more obliging than before, allowing us to approach for close-up views and photographs.
Returning to the main road after a midday break, we saw familiar species such as Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, Hairy-backed and Asian Red-eyed Bulbuls, Grey-rumped and Whiskered Treeswifts, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Black-naped Monarch, Black-&-yellow Broadbill, Sooty-capped Babbler, and Dark-necked Tailorbird. A feeding flock included a pair of Scarlet-rumped Trogons, Greater Racquet-tailed Drongos, Sunda Scimitar Babbler, and Ventriloquial Oriole. New highlights were a lovely Red-billed Malkoha, a noisy flock of Dusky Broadbills, an elusive but brilliantly colored Rufous-collared Kingfisher, and the uncommon Grey-bellied Bulbul. Back at the lodge, we reviewed our growing bird list over dinner before embarking on a final night drive, which yielded a Small-toothed Palm Civet and a Brown Wood Owl.

On our last morning, we focused on the canopy walkway, where we observed a family of three Green Broadbills, Red-throated Barbet, Black-bellied, Red-billed, and Raffles’s Malkohas, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, a pair of Ventriloquial Orioles, Rufous and Buff-rumped Woodpeckers, and Rhinoceros Hornbills. Repeated sightings of White-crowned Forktail, Yellow-bellied Bulbul, Bold-striped Tit-babbler, Bornean Black Magpie, Wreathed Hornbill, Bushy-crested Hornbill, and Little Spiderhunter filled the morning. Before heading back to the lodge, we added Fiery Minivet, Finsch’s Bulbul, and a pair of Maroon-breasted Philentomas to our list.
After lunch, we left the lodge with fond memories of this luxurious retreat and the mysterious rainforest. En route to Lahad Datu Airport for our flight back to Kota Kinabalu, we made a final attempt to locate our dream star, the Bristlehead. Success! A group of five individuals emerged from the dense forest, foraging in the mid-story right in front of us before retreating into the greenery. It was a perfect ending to the Classic Borneo, Sabah tour—an incredible and thrilling experience to conclude our adventure.

BIRDS OF THE TOUR

1^st Whitehead’s Broadbill

2^nd Bristlehead

3^rd Rufous-collared Kingfisher

4^th Bornean Wren-Babbler

5^th Whitehead’s Spiderhunter

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.

BIRDS
Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna artuata Over 40 adults & young congregated in a pond near Kota Kinabalu City.
Red-breasted Partridge ◊ Arborophila hyperythra Endemic. A family of seven individuals seen well in the Crocker’s Range from hide, heard every day in Kinabalu Park.
Bornean Crested Fireback ◊ Lophura ignita Endemic. A male seen close-up in Danum Valley.
Great Argus ◊ Argusianus argus Two males seen in Danum Valley on two different display grounds.
Sabah Partridge ◊ Tropicoperdix graydoni Endemic. One seen in Kinabatangan River.
Crimson-headed Partridge ◊ Haematortyx sanguiniceps Endemic. A female seen in the Crocker’s Range and one seen in 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 Seen well in Danum Valley.
Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis
Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata Seen well in Danum Valley.
Plume-toed Swiftlet Collocalia affinis
Mossy-nest Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus salangana
Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus
Germain’s Swiftlet Aerodramus germani
Silver-rumped Spinetail (S-r Needletail) Rhaphidura leucopygialis
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis
Bornean Ground Cuckoo ◊ Carpococcyx radiceus Endemic. A brief view at the Kinabatangan River and a pair was lured into better views in Danum Valley.
Raffles’s Malkoha Rhinortha chlorophaea
Red-billed Malkoha Zanclostomus javanicus
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
Black-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi
Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii
Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo ◊ Hierococcyx vagans One seen in Danum Valley.
Dark Hawk-Cuckoo ◊ Hierococcyx bocki Heard-only.
Rock Dove Columba livia   Introduced.
Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis
Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps
Common Emerald Dove (Asian E D) Chalcophaps indica
Zebra Dove Geopelia striata  Introduced.
Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon Treron olax One female seen in Kinabatangan River.
Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans
Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Black-backed Swamphen Porphyrio indicus
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Little Tern Sternula albifrons
Storm’s Stork ◊ Ciconia stormi At least 5 individuals seen at the Kinabatangan River.
Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus At least 4 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
Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Great Egret Ardea alba
Medium Egret Ardea intermedia
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Jerdon’s Baza ◊ Aviceda jerdoni Two individuals seen at the Kinabatangan River.
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Mountain Serpent Eagle ◊ Spilornis kinabaluensis Endemic. One seen outside Kinabalu Park.
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
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
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 Heard-only.
Sunda Owlet ◊ Glaucidium sylvaticum One seen well in Kinabalu Park.
Reddish Scops Owl Otus rufescens One seen well in Kinabatangan River.
Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus A day-roosting individual seen well in Kinabalu NP.
Sunda Scops Owl Otus lempiji Heard-only.
Buffy Fish Owl Ketupa ketupu At least 4 birds at the Kinabatangan River.
Barred Eagle-Owl ◊ Bubo sumatranus One seen flew overhead in Kinabatangan River.
Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica One seen well in Danum Valley.
Red-naped Trogon Harpactes kasumba A male seen well in Danum Valley.
Diard’s Trogon Harpactes diardii A male seen well in Kinabatangan River.
Whitehead’s Trogon ◊ Harpactes whiteheadi Endemic. Fabulous views twice in Kinabalu Park.
Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii Seen well several times in Danum Valley.
White-crowned Hornbill ◊ Berenicornis comatus A fantastic pair at the Kinabatangan River.
Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros Multi views in Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.
Helmeted Hornbill ◊ Rhinoplax vigil Seen a male 3 days in Danum Valley.
Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus
Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus
Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus
Wrinkled Hornbill ◊ Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus Seen well in Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.
Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Rufous-collared Kingfisher ◊ Actenoides concretus A male seen well in Danum Valley.
Banded Kingfisher ◊ (Black-faced K) Lacedo [pulchella] melanops A male seen well in Danum Valley.
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
Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis
Golden-whiskered Barbet ◊ (Golden-faced B) Psilopogon [chrysopogon] chrysopsis Seen well in Tambunan.
Red-throated Barbet Psilopogon mystacophanos
Mountain Barbet ◊ Psilopogon monticola Endemic. Seen well in the Crocker’s Range.
Yellow-crowned Barbet Psilopogon henricii
Golden-naped Barbet ◊ Psilopogon pulcherrimus Endemic. Closed up eye-level view in Kinabalu Park.
Blue-eared Barbet (Black-e B) Psilopogon duvaucelii
Bornean Barbet ◊ Psilopogon eximius Endemic. Seen well in the Crocker’s Range.
Brown Barbet ◊ (Bornean B B) Caloramphus fuliginosus Endemic. 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
White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis
Banded Woodpecker Chrysophlegma miniaceum
Checker-throated Woodpecker (C-t Yellownape) Chrysophlegma [mentale] humii
Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus
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 Endemic. A family of six seen from the main road on the way to Kundasang.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
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 A family of three seen in Danum Valley.
Whitehead’s Broadbill ◊ Calyptomena whiteheadi Endemic. A pair in breeding mood giving close-up & prolonged views in Kinabalu Park.
Giant Pitta ◊ Hydrornis caeruleus Heard-only.
Blue-headed Pitta ◊ Hydrornis baudii Endemic. Heard many times and a male seen well in Danum Valley.
Black-crowned Pitta ◊ Erythropitta ussheri Endemic. Heard many times and great views in Danum Valley.
Western Hooded Pitta ◊ (Western H P) Pitta sordida Seen well in Kinabatangan River.
Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus
Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus
Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhoptera
Maroon-breasted Philentoma Philentoma velata
Bornean Bristlehead ◊ Pityriasis gymnocephala Endemic. At least five individuals seen close-up on the way out from Danum Valley.
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
Green Iora Aegithina viridissima
Fiery Minivet ◊ Pericrocotus igneus
Grey-chinned Minivet (Grey-throated M) Pericrocotus solaris
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus
Sunda Cuckooshrike ◊ (Bornean C) Coracina [larvata] normani Seen well in Kinabalu Park.
Pied Triller Lalage nigra
Lesser Cuckooshrike Lalage fimbriata
Bornean Whistler ◊ Pachycephala hypoxantha Endemic. 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 Seen well in Danum Valley.
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis
Long-tailed Shrike (Philippine L-t S) Lanius [schach] nasutus
Bornean Black Magpie ◊ Platysmurus aterrimus Endemic. Seen well in Danum Valley.
Bornean Green Magpie ◊ Cissa jefferyi Endemic. Seen well in Kinabalu Park.
Bornean Treepie ◊ Dendrocitta cinerascens Endemic. Commonly seen at higher elevations of mountains in Sabah.
House Crow Corvus splendens
Slender-billed Crow (Sunda C) Corvus [enca] compilator
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 Danum Valley.
Penan Bulbul ◊ (Chestnut-vented B) Alophoixus ruficrissus Endemic. Seen well in Kinabalu Park.
Finsch’s Bulbul ◊ Iole finschii Seen in Danum Valley.
Charlotte’s Bulbul ◊ Iole charlottae Endemic. Seen in Danum Valley.
Cinereous Bulbul ◊ Hemixos cinereus
Puff-backed Bulbul ◊ Euptilotus eutilotus Seen in Danum Valley.
Black-and-white Bulbul ◊ Microtarsus melanoleucos Seen one on the way to Danum Valley.
Black-headed Bulbul Brachypodius melanocephalos
Spectacled Bulbul Ixodia erythropthalmos
Grey-bellied Bulbul ◊ Ixodia cyaniventris An individual seen in Danum Valley.
Bornean Bulbul ◊ Rubigula montis Endemic. 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 Endemic. Seen well in Danum Valley.
Pale-faced Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus leucops Endemic. Seen well in the higher elevations of Kinabalu Park.
Yellow-vented Bulbul (Sunda Y-v B) Pycnonotus goiavier
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
Barn Swallow (W) Hirundo rustica
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 Endemic. 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 Endemic. Common in the montane forests of Sabah.
Pygmy White-eye ◊ (P Ibon, P Heleia) Heleia squamifrons Endemic. Seen a flock in Crocker’s Range.
Black-capped White-eye ◊ Zosterops atricapilla Flocks seen in Kinabalu NP.
Mountain Blackeye ◊ Zosterops emiliae Endemic. Many seen in Kinabalu Park.
Bold-striped Tit-babbler ◊ Mixornis bornensis Near-endemic.
Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler Macronus ptilosus
Grey-hooded Babbler ◊ Cyanoderma bicolor Endemic.
Rufous-fronted Babbler ◊ (Sunda Leaf B) Cyanoderma rufifrons
Bare-headed Laughingthrush ◊ Melanocichla calva Endemic. Heard-only.
Sunda Scimitar Babbler ◊ Pomatorhinus bornensis Seen in Danum Valley.
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 Endemic. Seen well in Danum Valley.
Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine
Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum
Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum
Bornean Black-capped Babbler ◊ Pellorneum capistratoides Endemic. Seen well in Danum Valley.
Short-tailed Babbler ◊ (Leaflitter B) Pellorneum malaccense 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 in Danum Valley.
Horsfield’s Babbler ◊ Malacocincla [sepiaria] rufiventris Seen in Danum Valley.
Mountain Wren-Babbler ◊ Gypsophila crassa Endemic. Seen in Kinabalu Park.
Bornean Wren-Babbler ◊ Ptilocichla leucogrammica Endemic. One seen closely in Danum Valley.
Brown Fulvetta ◊ (Bornean F) Alcippe [brunneicauda] eriphaea Many seen in Sarawak and in Danum Valley.
Sunda Laughingthrush ◊ Garrulax palliates Near-endemic. Seen in Kinabalu Park.
Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush ◊ Pterorhinus treachery Endemic. 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 Acridotheres javanicus    Introduced.
Fruithunter ◊ Chlamydochaera jefferyi Endemic. Two seen well in Kinabalu Park.
Everett’s Thrush ◊ Zoothera everetti Endemic. One seen in Kinabalu Park.
Oriental Magpie-Robin (Black M-R) Copsychus saularis
Rufous-tailed Shama ◊ Copsychus pyrropygus An individual seen well in Danum Valley.
White-crowned Shama ◊ Copsychus stricklandii Endemic. Common in the lowland forest of Sabah.
Indigo Flycatcher (Rufous-vented F) Eumyias indigo
Pale Blue Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis unicolor
Bornean Blue Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis superbus Endemic. A pair seen well in Danum Valley.
Malaysian Blue Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis turcosus Seen in Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.
Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis umbratilis One seen well outside Gomantong Caves.
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 Endemic. Seen in Kinabalu Park.
Chestnut-naped Forktail Enicurus ruficapillus One sleeping bird seen in Danum Valley.
Bornean Whistling Thrush ◊ Myophonus borneensis Endemic. Easily seen in Kinabalu NP.
Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher ◊ Vauriella gularis Endemic. A few seen in the Crocker’s Range and in Kinabalu Park.
Bornean Shortwing ◊ Brachypteryx erythrogyna Endemic. A female seen in the Crocker’s Range and few heard in Kinabalu Park.
Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra
Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis sonnerati
Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon
Bornean Leafbird ◊ Chloropsis kinabaluensis Endemic. Seen in the Crocker’s Range and in Kinabalu Park.
Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus
Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker ◊ Prionochilus xanthopygius Endemic, common in the lowland up to sub-montane forest.
Thick-billed Flowerpecker ◊ Dicaeum agile One seen in Danum Valley.
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma
Black-sided Flowerpecker ◊ Dicaeum monticolum Endemic. Seen many times in Crocker’s Range and in Kinabalu Park.
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum A male seen well in Kinabatangan River.
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis
Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex
Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis
Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes rhodolaemus One seen in Danum Valley.
Olive-backed Sunbird (Ornate S) Cinnyris [jugularis] ornatus
Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja
Temminck’s Sunbird Aethopyga temminckii
Purple-naped Sunbird (P-n Spiderhunter) Kurochkinegramma hypogrammicum
Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera chrysogenys
Bornean Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera everetti Endemic. Seen well in Danum Valley.
Whitehead’s Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera juliae Endemic. Seen one in Crocker’s Range.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow  Passer montanus   Introduced.
Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
Dusky Munia ◊ Lonchura fuscans Endemic.
Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus

MAMMALS
Asian Elephant (Indian E) Elephas maximus An adult seen briefly at the Kinabatangan River, encountered a group while on the way in to Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge, an adult with baby seen well by the roadside.
Small-toothed Palm Civet (Bornean Striped C) Arctogalidia trivirgata Endemic, seen one in Danum Valley during night drive.
Northern Palm Civet (Common P C) Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Seen in Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.
Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga One seen in Kinabatangan River and one seen in Danum Valley.
Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula One seen well in Kinabatangan River.
Malay Weasel (Malayan weasel) Mustela nudipes One seen in Kinabalu Park.
Lesser Indo-Malayan Chevrotain (L Mouse-Deer) Tragulus kanchil One seen in Kinabatangan River.
Southern Red Muntjac (Indian M) Muntiacus muntjak One seen in Danum Valley.
Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor One seen in Danum Valley.
Wrinkle-lipped Free-tailed Bat Chaerephon plicatus Roosting in Gomantong Caves.
Sunda Flying Lemur (Colugo, Malayan F L) Galeopterus variegatus Seen during day and night time in Danum Valley.
Lesser Treeshrew Tupaia minor Seen one in Danum Valley.
Mountain Treeshrew Tupaia montana Endemic, Seen in Kinabalu Park.
Philippine Slow Loris Nycticebus menagensis Seen one in Danum Valley.
Horsfield’s Tarsier Cephalopachus bancanus Seen twice 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 Endemic, abundant at the Kinabatangan River.
Maroon Leaf Monkey (M Leaf Monkey, Red L M) Presbytis rubicunda Seen at the Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley.
Sunda Silvery Langur (Silvered L, S Leaf Monkey) Trachypithecus cristatus Seen at the Kinabatangan River.
Eastern Grey Gibbon (North Borneo G) Hylobates funereus Endemic, Heard-only.
Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus Seen at Gomantong Cave, Kinabatangan River, and Danum Valley.
Thomas’s Flying Squirrel Aeromys thomasi Endemic, Seen in Danum Valley.
Kinabalu Squirrel Callosciurus baluensis
Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus
Bornean Black-banded Squirrel Callosciurus orestes Endemic, common in the mountains of Sabah.
Prevost’s Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii
Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel Dremomys everetti Endemic, seen in Kinabalu Park.
Tufted Pygmy Squirrel Exilisciurus whiteheadi Endemic, Heard-only.
Red Giant Flying Squirrel (Red G F S) Petaurista petaurista Seen a few in Danum Valley.
Cream-coloured Giant Squirrel (Common G S, Cream-coloured G S) Ratufa affinis Seen in Kinabalu Park and in Danum Valley.
Jentink’s Squirrel Sundasciurus jentinki Endemic, common in the mountains of Sabah.