BORNEO: SABAH PHEASANTS & SARAWAK SPECIALITIES TOUR REPORT 2024

29 / 30 July / 1 - 11 August 2024

by Yeo Siew Teck

This tour is for those who want to do them most comprehensive itinerary on offer in Malaysian Borneo! This year, we even added a few bits to make it even better than it already is and it was a great success! Both pre-tour extensions delivered the desired-for species in the forms of Friendly Bush Warbler and Bornean Peacock-Pheasant. Furthermore, we saw a great number of the Sarawak specialities including Black Oriole, Dulit and Bornean Frogmouth, Bornean Banded and Blue-banded Pittas, Crocker Range Flycatcher and the incomparable Whitehead’s and Hose’s Broadbill as well as a host of other highly desired Bornean endemics. Much wanted widespread species such as Great Argus, Jambu Fruit Dove, Rail-babbler and Sunda Honeyguide also featured on the list!

This year’s tour was the first to include an additional day trip for the tiny endemic Friendly Bush Warbler, restricted to higher elevations of Sabah’s three highest mountains, so that is where we started. While heading from Kota Kinabalu Airport to Kundasang for a night, we stopped by Kinabalu Park for casual birding. A small mixed flock, including our first endemic, the Black-sided Flowerpecker, a pair of Temminck’s Sunbird, Indigo Flycatcher, and Black-capped White-eye, welcomed us. Moving further, we heard Bare-headed Laughingthrush calling nearby but were distracted by the calls of Whitehead’s Broadbill, one of the most sought-after birds in this park. We searched briefly and soon found a male perched on an open branch deep in the forest. Although the lighting was dim, it was a delightful surprise for everyone. Returning to the car park, a pair of Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatchers were seen well, and a Bornean Whistling Thrush catching a shrew was one of the highlights during this short casual birding.

Before dawn, we left the resort and took a 4WD to a new site where a forest trail led up to a viewpoint at 2,380m. While having our field breakfast, we observed Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Shrike, Aberrant Bush Warbler, White-breasted Waterhen, and Yellow-vented Bulbul nearby. After a short hike, we reached the natural habitat of the warbler. Choosing a spot, we waited patiently. Not long after, we heard one calling nearby, and soon it showed up close to the dense forest floor, investigating us. It hopped onto an open log and stayed behind a clump of dead twigs upon noticing our presence. Through some gaps, we had fairly good views as it began to sing. Later, it dropped to the ground but showed up closer to us, then flew to the other side of the forest floor and sang openly several times, giving us excellent views. With this successful sighting, we detoured to Kinabalu Park and added a stunning male Whitehead’s Trogon, Bornean Stubtail, Mountain Black-eye, Pale-faced Bulbul, Bornean Whistler, Bornean Forktail, Sunda Owlet, Little Cuckoo Dove, Hairy-crested Drongo, Ashy Drongo, Little Pied Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Warbler, Mountain Tailorbird, Mountain Leaf Warbler, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, White-throated Fantail, and Oriental Honey Buzzard to our list. Seeing the Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher, Black-sided Flowerpecker, Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, Bornean Whistling Thrush, Temminck’s Sunbird, and Indigo Flycatcher again were bonuses for everyone before we headed to Telupid, our base for the next two days.

The next morning, we took a 4WD to a foothill and began hiking to the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant hide, established recently. Upon arrival, a male waited in the clearing but disappeared into the forest when it sensed humans. We waited quietly, entertained by several nice endemic and resident species in the clearing, including Bornean Black-capped Babbler, Leaflitter Babbler, White-crowned Shama, Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher, Ferruginous Babbler, Common Emerald Dove, Malaysian Pied Fantail, and Little Spiderhunter, along with a couple of treeshrews and squirrels such as Large and Long-footed Treeshrews, and Low’s and Plantain Squirrels. Soon, the male Bornean Peacock-Pheasant reappeared from the forest floor. Initially tentative, it eventually crept into the clearing, picking up food on the ground. Though cautious, it stayed for over ten minutes, allowing us to take hundreds of photos and admire its beauty. It disappeared as silently as it appeared but stayed near the hides with its double-notes “Kekek” heard all day long to announce its territory. Hoping to see the Bornean Crested Fireback, we waited patiently. Activity slowed during noon, but outside the hide, an unexpected Sunda Honeyguide spotted by Dr. Wayne sitting on an open liana was an exciting moment for everyone. Taking turns to watch a vocal male Bornean Banded Pitta through a tiny window was fun. When it was almost time to leave, the remaining target, the Bornean Crested Fireback, appeared but quickly scooted into the forest when it heard someone call its name from the hide—“Fireback”! We waited again, and through some gaps, saw it come closer to the clearing. Eventually, it revealed itself fully, feeding and flapping its wings in the clearing, an impressive sight. On our return to the car park, we picked up resident birds such as Dusky Munia, Spectacled Bulbul, Crested Serpent Eagle, and a female Lesser Green Leafbird.

With our quick success with Bornean Peacock-Pheasant, seeing it on our first day, we decided not to return to the hide and left early from Telupid to Crocker Range National Park, aiming to add other endemics to our list. Fortunately, we scoped a solo White-fronted Falconet and flushed a pair of Everett’s Thrush before reaching our destination. Later, an individual showed up at the forest edge, sitting on an open branch for prolonged views and photographs. We also spotted Golden-naped Barbet, Bornean Treepie, and Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush along the way, as well as a feeding flock that included Bornean Leafbird, Mountain Black-eye, Grey-chinned Minivet, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Ashy Drongo, and Mountain Leaf Warbler. At another hide, a family of Red-breasted Partridges appeared, along with Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Orange-headed Thrush, and a mixed flock overhead, including Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Temminck’s Sunbird, Black-sided Flowerpecker, Bornean Whistler, Yellow-breasted Warbler, and White-throated Fantail. Our remaining target, Crimson-headed Partridge, finally showed up in the clearing, leading a chick. The female kicked up dead leaves for bugs while the male stayed alert. It was a pleasure to watch this family until we left them in peace. Exiting to the main road, several Mountain Imperial Pigeons were seen. An unexpected Whitehead’s Broadbill spotted by Dr. Wayne in a fruiting tree was another exciting moment, as it flew across the road and landed closer to us, providing better views of this mega endemic.
Late afternoon, we drove further to attempt the final Whitehead’s trio—the Whitehead’s Spiderhunter—but had no luck. However, other endemic and resident birds, including Bornean Barbet, Bornean Forktail, Bornean Bulbul, Dayak Blue Flycatcher, Penan Bulbul, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, and Thick-billed Green Pigeon, were added to the list. An unexpected Malayan Blue-banded Kingfisher flew across the road and landed on the riverbank, a bonus for everyone.

The next morning, we visited a new Bulwer’s Pheasant hide near Tambunan town. Unfortunately, we only heard the male calling nearby. However, close views of a pair of stunning Bornean Banded Pittas and a large group of eye-catching Crested Partridges feeding in the clearing were fabulous. Watching other birds, including Bornean Black-capped Babbler, Grey-hooded Babbler, Penan Bulbul, Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, Dayak Blue Flycatcher, White-crowned Shama, Temminck’s Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Common Emerald Dove, Rufous-chested Flycatcher, and Orange-headed Thrush, along with plenty of treeshrews and squirrels—the Lesser, Large, Long-footed, and Mountain treeshrews and Bornean Black-banded, Ear-spot, Jentink’s, Low’s, Bornean Mountain Ground, and Four-striped Ground squirrels—provided endless fun.

We returned to the same hide the next morning but again had no luck with Bulwer’s Pheasant. However, a Rail Babbler appeared from the forest floor and sauntered right in front of us, a great reward.
In the afternoon, we drove to Trus Madi, where an entomology camp served as our base for one night and a second chance to see Bulwer’s Pheasant. The drive took most of the afternoon, but we reached the hide before dusk. We waited patiently, and a large bird appeared from the clearing edge—not Bulwer’s Pheasant, but a female Great Argus. It quickly vanished into the forest upon sensing humans. Near sunset, another large bird appeared—this time, a fully grown male Great Argus with long tail feathers. Confident and likely hungry, it fed openly for almost half an hour, hopping onto a fallen log and moving gracefully as if on a fashion runway. Watching this magnificent bird until it disappeared back into the forest was truly unforgettable. Exiting the hide, we attempted the Bornean Frogmouth but initially had no luck. At another spot, a male Frogmouth was responsive and showy, sitting in the open at eye level under the spotting light. Walking back to the camp for dinner, we spotted a Barred Eagle Owl sitting quietly on an open branch next to the moth traps, likely hunting prey around the traps.

The next morning, before returning to the same hide, the moth trap compound turned out to be a fantastic spot for birds enjoying a buffet breakfast. Observed species included Sunda Scimitar Babbler, Large Woodshrike, Scarlet Minivet, Grey-chinned Minivet, Verditer Flycatcher, Black-and-Yellow Broadbill, Red-billed Malkoha, Raffles’s Malkoha, Ashy Drongo, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, White-bellied Erponis, Black-naped Monarch, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, Black-sided Flowerpecker, Plain Sunbird, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Temminck’s Sunbird, Bold-striped Tit-Babbler, Ashy Tailorbird, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Brown Fulvetta, Mountain Barbet, Golden-whiskered Barbet, and a selection of bulbuls, including Scaly-breasted, Bornean, Asian Red-eyed, Yellow-vented, Cinereous, and Streaked. All these were observed within an hour—amazing! A pair of Jambu Fruit Doves perched quietly next to a fruiting tree for over 15 minutes, providing one of the most heart-racing moments for everyone.
Despite several attempts and long waits, we had no luck with Bulwer’s Pheasant in the hide. However, noisy Crested Jayshrike and vocal White-necked Babbler came closer, investigating us, while rare Sculptor Squirrels and uncommon Brooke’s Squirrels feeding in the open added interest. We also had closer views of a pair of White-fronted Falconets interacting on a dead branch as we headed to our next destination.

Our main tour began immediately after the extensions. Leaving Trus Madi, we headed to a remnant patch of peat swamp forest near the Sabah-Sarawak border. With a night stay as our base to explore this forest, we had the chance for a short afternoon birding session and a night hunt. Unlike the highlands, the weather here was much warmer and more humid. Although we missed our key target, we were delighted to spot species such as the Red-billed Malkoha, Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo, Thick-billed Green Pigeon, Blue-throated Bee-eater, Long-tailed Parakeet, Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Greater Racquet-tailed Drongo, Ashy Tailorbird, Greater Green Leafbird, and Orange-bellied Flowerpecker. A variety of woodpeckers, including the Banded, Grey-and-Buff, and a pair of Common Flamebacks, were also observed. Notably, one of our targets, the Red-crowned Barbet, was located before dusk.
When night fell, our night hunt was quite successful. A pair of Brown Boobooks approached us inquisitively, and two responsive scops owls—the Reddish and Sunda—sat openly under the spotlight, allowing us prolonged views and photo opportunities.

In the pre-dawn hours, we returned to the peat swamp forest. Several Large-tailed Nightjars were seen resting on the road before flying back to their roosting sites. At the trailhead, we encountered a Brown Boobook perched on the handrail of the boardwalk, and an Oriental Bay Owl landed nearby, though it quickly disappeared into the forest when illuminated. On the trail, a pair of Rufous Woodpeckers drummed nearby before landing on a dead tree. A male Thick-billed Green Pigeon and a Red-crowned Barbet were observed high in the tree canopy through scopes. A male Greater Green Leafbird was also seen foraging near the boardwalk.
Clouds gathered as we reached our site for the Hook-billed Bulbul. Despite walking back and forth, the area remained quiet until a distant call alerted us to its presence. Eventually, a pair appeared deep in the forest, and one individual flew closer, giving us excellent views as it perched openly. Rain forced us to take shelter in a hut, where we enjoyed our field breakfast. When the rain eased, we continued our search for the Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker. Although we initially found several Flowerpeckers—Orange-bellied, Scarlet-backed, and Yellow-rumped—we eventually located a stunning male Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker. Its reddish breast and yellowish underparts glowed in the dim forest, making it a memorable find.
Crossing into Sarawak, we began birding in the Northern Highlands. Along the way, we observed a Changeable Hawk-Eagle, a male Rhinoceros Hornbill, and a female Pink-necked Green Pigeon. Our base for the next three days was a homestay in the highlands.

Early the next morning, we searched for the Dulit Frogmouth but were unsuccessful. However, we added species such as the Black-headed Bulbul, Hairy-crested Drongo, Cinnamon Bittern, and Yellow-bellied Prinia to our list. At higher elevations, we were surprised by close views of Fruithunters feeding on fruiting trees, alongside Golden-naped and Mountain Barbets. Soon, the call of Whitehead’s Spiderhunter—the last of the Whitehead’s trio we had been searching for—grabbed our attention. After an initial fleeting view, we were rewarded with prolonged observations of this mega endemic feeding on flowers, providing an unforgettable experience.
Descending the slopes, we encountered flocks of Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Bornean Treepie, Cinereous Bulbul, and Sunda Cuckooshrike, as well as raptors like the Rufous-bellied Eagle and Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle. Lower down, roadside birding yielded a rare Crocker Jungle Flycatcher. The haunting whistles of the Blue-banded Pitta led us to a stunning view of this “jewel,” perched on a fallen log and singing.
That afternoon, we explored fruit trees hoping for Hose’s Broadbill but instead found Black-eared Barbet, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Penan Bulbul, and other Flowerpeckers. At dusk, our patience paid off with views of the elusive Dulit Frogmouth, perched openly and pretending to be a clump of dead leaves.

The following morning, another attempt for Hose’s Broadbill initially proved unsuccessful, but persistence led to sightings of this spectacular species. Later highlights included Helmeted Hornbill, Black Oriole, and a mix of other vibrant birds.
With our Sarawak adventure concluded, we crossed back to Sabah, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and the incredible diversity of birds we had encountered.

BIRDS OF THE TOUR

1^st Blue-banded Pitta

2^nd Hose’s Broadbill

3^rd Dulit Frogmouth

4^th Whitehead’s Broadbill

5^th Bornean Peacock-Pheasant

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
Crested Partridge ◊ Rollulus rouloul Over 20 individuals showed up at Tambunan Bulwer’s Pheasant hide.
Red-breasted Partridge ◊ Arborophila hyperythra Endemic. A family of 7 individuals seen well in the Crocker’s Range from hide.
Bulwer’s Pheasant ◊ Lophura bulweri Heard calls in Tambunan hide on the extension and during the Sarawak tour.
Bornean Crested Fireback ◊ Lophura ignita Endemic. Seen a male in Telupid hide on the extension.
Great Argus ◊ Argusianus argus A huge male and a female seen on the extension from Trus Madi hide and heard calls during the Sarawak tour.
Bornean Peacock-Pheasant ◊ Polyplectron schleiermacheri Endemic. A superb male seen well from hide in the Telupid.
Crimson-headed Partridge ◊ Haematortyx sanguiniceps Endemic. Great views of a family in the Crocker’s Range on the extension and heard calls during the Sarawak tour.
Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus
Dulit Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus harterti Endemic. Seen well in Sarawak.
Bornean Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus mixtus Endemic. Seen on the Trus Madi Bulwer’s Pheasant extension.
Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis
Giant Swiftlet (Waterfall S) Hydrochous gigas Over hundred individuals drifted over a mountain top in Sarawak.
Plume-toed Swiftlet Collocalia affinis
Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus
Short-toed Coucal ◊ Centropus rectunguis One heard on the extension tour at Telupid.
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
Raffles’s Malkoha Rhinortha chlorophaea
Red-billed Malkoha Zanclostomus javanicus
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
Chestnut-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus sumatranus Seen a pair with a young bird in Sarawak.
Black-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi
Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii Heard-only.
Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Heard-only.
Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris
Dark Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx bocki ◊ Seen one near Tambunan hide on the extension.
Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis
Philippine Cuckoo Dove Macropygia tenuirostris ◊ Heard-only.
Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps
Common Emerald Dove (Asian E D) Chalcophaps indica
Zebra Dove Geopelia striata (introduced)
Little Green Pigeon Treron olax
Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans
Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra
Jambu Fruit Dove Ptilinopus jambu ◊ A pair seen well on the Trus Madi Bulwer’s Pheasant extension.
Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia
Greater Painted-Snipe Rostratula benghalensis Seen well in Sarawak.
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Crested Honey Buzzard (Indo-Malayan H B) Pernis ptilorhynchus
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Mountain Serpent Eagle Spilornis kinabaluensis ◊ Endemic. A pair with a young bird seen in Sarawak.
Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus alboniger
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus
Rufous-bellied Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii
Besra Tachyspiza virgata One seen in Sarawak.
Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius One seen at Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Brown Boobook (B Hawk-Owl) Ninox scutulata  Two seen in Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Sunda Owlet Glaucidium sylvaticum ◊ One seen well in Kinabalu NP and one at Tambunan Bulwer’s Pheasant extension.
Reddish Scops Owl Otus rufescens One seen well in Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Sunda Scops Owl Otus lempiji Seen in Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Barred Eagle-Owl Bubo sumatranus ◊ One seen well on the Trus Madi Bulwer’s Pheasant extension.
Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica One seen well in Sarawak.
Whitehead’s Trogon Harpactes whiteheadi ◊ Endemic. Seen one male during Warbler extension.
Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii Seen well several times in Sarawak.
Orange-breasted Trogon (Spice T) Harpactes oreskios Seen well in Sarawak.
Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros Several views in Sarawak.
Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil ◊ A male seen perched in the open, then flew overhead in Sarawak.
Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus
Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus
Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus
Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Banded Kingfisher (Black-faced K) Lacedo pulchella ◊ A male seen well in Sarawak.
Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris
Malayan Blue-banded Kingfisher Alcedo peninsulae ◊ One bird seen during the Tambunan Bulwer’s Pheasant extension.
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 ◊  Seen well in Tambunan and in Sarawak.
Red-crowned Barbet Psilopogon rafflesia ◊ Seen well at Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Red-throated Barbet Psilopogon mystacophanos
Mountain Barbet Psilopogon monticola ◊ Endemic. Seen well in the Crocker’s Range and common in Sarawak.
Yellow-crowned Barbet Psilopogon henricii
Golden-naped Barbet Psilopogon pulcherrimus ◊ Endemic. Seen well in the Crocker’s Range and seen several times on fruiting trees in Sarawak.
Blue-eared Barbet (Black-e B) Psilopogon duvaucelii
Bornean Barbet Psilopogon eximius ◊ Endemic. Seen well in the Crocker’s Range and common in Sarawak.
Sunda Honeyguide (Malaysian Honeyguide) Indicator archipelagicus  ◊ An individual seen outside the hide on the extension tour in Telupid.
Grey-and-buff Woodpecker Hemicircus [concretus] sordidus
White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis Heard-only.
Banded Woodpecker Chrysophlegma miniaceum
Checker-throated Woodpecker (C-t Yellownape) Chrysophlegma [mentale] humii
Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus
Common Flameback Dinopium javanense A pair seen in Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Olive-backed Woodpecker Gecinulus rafflesii ◊ A pair seen in Sarawak.
Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus
Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus
Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes [tristis] grammithorax Heard-only.
Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki
Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius
White-fronted Falconet Microhierax latifrons ◊ Endemic. An individual seen at Tambunan area & a pair seen on the way out from Trus Madi on the Trus Madi Bulwer’s Pheasant extension.
Long-tailed Parakeet Psittacula longicauda
Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus galgulus Heard-only.
Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus A big group of 12 seen in Sarawak.
Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos A pair seen in Sarawak.
Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus Heard-only.
Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus
Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis A male seen well in Sarawak.
Hose’s Broadbill Calyptomena hosii ◊ Endemic. A male and another pair seen well in a single day in Sarawak.
Whitehead’s Broadbill Calyptomena whiteheadi ◊ Endemic. A few seen well on fruiting trees in Sarawak.
Bornean Banded Pitta Hydrornis schwaneri ◊ Endemic. Fantastic view from the hide at Tambunan.
Blue-banded Pitta Erythropitta arquata Great views in Sarawak.
Golden-bellied Gerygone (Flyeater, Sunda G) Gerygone sulphurea
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus
Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus
Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus
Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhoptera
Maroon-breasted Philentoma Philentoma velata
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
Green Iora Aegithina viridissima Heard-only.
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 Sarawak.
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 Sarawak.
Black Oriole Oriolus hosii ◊ Endemic. Great views in Sarawak.
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 Sarawak.
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis Heard-only.
Crested Jayshrike (C Jay) Platylophus galericulatus Seen well in Trus Madi and in Sarawak.
Long-tailed Shrike (Philippine L-t S) Lanius [schach] nasutus
Bornean Green Magpie Cissa jefferyi ◊ Endemic. Seen in Crocker’s Range on the extension.
Bornean Treepie Dendrocitta cinerascens ◊ Endemic. Commonly seen at the higher elevation of mountains in Sabah and Sarawak.
Slender-billed Crow (Sunda C) Corvus [enca] compilator
Rail-babbler Eupetes macrocerus ◊ One seen well from the Tambunan Bulwer’s Pheasant hide and one heard in Sarawak.
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
Hairy-backed Bulbul (Sabah H-b B) Tricholestes [criniger] viridis
Hook-billed Bulbul Setornis criniger ◊ A pair seen in Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaeocephalus Heard-only
Penan Bulbul (Chestnut-vented B) Alophoixus ruficrissus ◊ Endemic. Common in the mountains in Sabah and Sarawak.
Charlotte’s Bulbul Iole charlottae ◊ Endemic. Seen in Sarawak.
Cinereous Bulbul Hemixos cinereus
Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis
Black-and-white Bulbul Microtarsus melanoleucos ◊ Seen twice in Sarawak.
Black-headed Bulbul Brachypodius melanocephalos
Spectacled Bulbul Ixodia erythropthalmos
Scaly-breasted Bulbul Ixodia squamata ◊ Many seen in Trus Madi and in Sarawak.
Bornean Bulbul Rubigula montis ◊ Endemic. Seen in Crocker’s Range & common in Sarawak.
Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex
Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus Heard-only
Asian Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus
Cream-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus pseudosimplex ◊ Endemic. Seen well in Sarawak.
Pale-faced Bulbul Pycnonotus leucops ◊ Endemic. Seen well in the higher elevations of Kinabalu Park on the Warbler extension.
Yellow-vented Bulbul (Sunda Y-v B) Pycnonotus goiavier
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris
Mountain Tailorbird (M Leaftoiler) Phyllergates cucullatus
Aberrant Bush Warbler Horornis flavolivaceus One seen in the Crocker’s Range on the extension.
Bornean Stubtail ◊ Urosphena whiteheadi Endemic. One seen well in Kinabalu Park on the extension.
Yellow-breasted Warbler Phylloscopus montis
Mountain Leaf Warbler (Sunda Mountain W) Phylloscopus trivirgatus
Friendly Bush Warbler ◊ Locustella accentor An individual seen well at the higher elevation of Swine Hills trail.
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 & Sarawak.
Pygmy White-eye ◊ (P Ibon, P Heleia) Heleia squamifrons Endemic. Many seen in Crocker’s Range and in Sarawak.
Black-capped White-eye ◊ Zosterops atricapilla Flocks seen in Kinabalu Park.
Mountain Blackeye ◊ Zosterops emiliae Endemic. Many seen in the Crocker’s Range and in Kinabalu Park on the extension.
Bold-striped Tit-babbler ◊ Mixornis bornensis Near-endemic.
Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler Macronus ptilosus
Grey-hooded Babbler ◊ Cyanoderma bicolor Endemic. Seen well from the hide at Tambunan.
Rufous-fronted Babbler ◊ (Sunda Leaf B) Cyanoderma rufifrons
Bare-headed Laughingthrush ◊ Melanocichla calva Endemic. Heard-only in Kinabalu Park and in Sarawak.
Sunda Scimitar Babbler ◊ Pomatorhinus bornensis Seen well in Trus Madi.
Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculata
Grey-throated Babbler (Montane B, Southern G-t B) Stachyris nigriceps
Grey-headed Babbler Stachyris poliocephala
White-necked Babbler ◊ (Fluting B) Stachyris [leucotis] obscurata An individual seen on the extension from Trus Madi hide.
Black-throated Wren-Babbler ◊ Turdinus atrigularis Endemic. Two seen in Sarawak.
Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine Heard-only.
Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum
Bornean Black-capped Babbler ◊ Pellorneum capistratoides Endemic. Seen well in Tambunan & Trus Madi hide.
Short-tailed Babbler ◊ (Leaflitter B) Pellorneum malaccense At least two seen well on the extension from Telupid hide.
Temminck’s Babbler ◊ Pellorneum pyrrogenys Seen in Tambunan hide.
Ferruginous Babbler Pellorneum bicolor
Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler ◊ (Sunda Wren-Babbler) Napothera epilepidota An individual seen in Sarawak.
Brown Fulvetta ◊ (Bornean F) Alcippe [brunneicauda] eriphaea Many seen in Sarawak.
Sunda Laughingthrush ◊ Garrulax palliates Near-endemic. Seen in the Crocker’s Range on the extension.
Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush ◊ Pterorhinus treachery Endemic. Many seen in the higher elevation sites of Sabah and Sarawak.
Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella
Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis
Fruithunter ◊ Chlamydochaera jefferyi Endemic. A big group seen well on fruiting trees in Sarawak.
Everett’s Thrush ◊ Zoothera everetti Endemic. Three individuals seen well in the Crocker’s Range on the extension.
Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina An individual seen well in the Crocker’s Range on the extension and from the Tambunan Bulwer’s Pheasant hide.
Oriental Magpie-Robin (Black M-R) Copsychus saularis
White-crowned Shama ◊ Copsychus stricklandii Endemic. Common in the lowland forest of Sabah.
White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
Indigo Flycatcher (Rufous-vented F) Eumyias indigo
Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
Dayak Blue Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis montanus Endemic. Seen in Tambunan, Trus Madi and in Sarawak.
Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher ◊ Cyornis umbratilis One seen well on the extension from Telupid hide.
Crocker Jungle Flycatcher (Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher) Cyornis ruficrissa An individual seen in Sarawak.
Bornean Forktail ◊ Enicurus borneensis Endemic. Seen in the Crocker’s Range, Tambunan hide.
Chestnut-naped Forktail Enicurus ruficapillus Heard-only.
Bornean Whistling Thrush ◊ Myophonus borneensis Endemic. Easily seen in Kinabalu Park.
Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher ◊ Vauriella gularis Endemic. A few seen in the Crocker’s Range and in Kinabalu Park.
Bornean Shortwing ◊ Brachypteryx erythrogyna Endemic. Heard-only.
Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra
Pygmy Flycatcher (P Blue F) Ficedula hodgsoni A pair seen well in Sarawak.
Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
Rufous-chested Flycatcher ◊ Ficedula dumetoria One seen well on the extension from Tambunan hide.
Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis sonnerati
Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon
Bornean Leafbird ◊ Chloropsis kinabaluensis Endemic. Seen in Sarawak.
Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker ◊ Prionochilus xanthopygius Endemic, common in the lowland up to sub montane forest.
Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus thoracicus A male seen in Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum One seen in Sarawak.
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma
Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum Several seen in Sarawak.
Black-sided Flowerpecker ◊ Dicaeum monticolum Endemic. Seen many times in Crocker’s Range, Trus Madi, Kinabalu Park and in Sarawak.
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum A female seen in Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis
Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex
Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis
Olive-backed Sunbird (Ornate S) Cinnyris [jugularis] ornatus
Temminck’s Sunbird Aethopyga temminckii Many seen in higher elevations of mountains in Sarawak & Sabah.
Purple-naped Sunbird (P-n Spiderhunter) Kurochkinegramma hypogrammicum
Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster Heard-only
Bornean Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera everetti Endemic. Seen well in Sarawak.
Whitehead’s Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera juliae Endemic. Close-up and prolonged views in Sarawak.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (introduced) Passer montanus
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
Dusky Munia ◊ Lonchura fuscans Endemic.
Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus

MAMMALS
Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga One seen in Sarawak Paya Maga Campsite.
Sunda Leopard Cat Prionailurus javanensis One seen by the roadside before Klias Peatswamp Reserve.
Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula One seen crossing the road near Tambunan hide.
Lesser Treeshrew Tupaia minor Seen a few in Tambunan hide.
Mountain Treeshrew Tupaia montana Endemic. Seen a few in Tambunan hide.
Long-footed Treeshrew (Plain T S) Tupaia longipes Endemic. Seen from Telupid, Tambunan and Trus Madi hide.
Large Treeshrew Tupaia tana Seen a few from Telupid and Tambunan hide.
Long-tailed Macaque (Crab-eating M) Macaca fascicularis
Southern Pig-tailed Macaque (Sunda P-t M) Macaca nemestrina
Hose’s langur Presbytis hosei Endemic, seen one in Sarawak.
Eastern Grey Gibbon (North Borneo G) Hylobates funereus Endemic, Heard-only
Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus
Bornean Black-banded Squirrel Callosciurus orestes Endemic, common in the mountains of Sarawak and Sabah.
Prevost’s Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii
Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel Dremomys everetti Endemic. A few seen from Tambunan & Trus Madi hide.
Least Pygmy Squirrel Exilisciurus exilis Endemic, seen one in Telupid.
Tufted Pygmy Squirrel Exilisciurus whiteheadi Endemic, seen one in Sarawak.
Sculptor Squirrel Glyphotes simus Endemic, seen several from Trus Madi hide.
Four-striped Ground Squirrel Lariscus hosei Endemic, seen one from Tambunan hide.
Cream-coloured Giant Squirrel (Common G S, Cream-coloured G S) Ratufa affinis Seen in Kinabalu Park.
Brooke’s Squirrel Sundasciurus brookei Endemic. Seen two from Trus Madi hide.
Ear-spot Squirrel Callosciurus adamsi Endemic. Seen one from Tambunan hide and one in Sarawak.
Jentink’s Squirrel Sundasciurus jentinki Endemic. Common in the mountains of Sarawak and Sabah.
Low’s Squirrel Sundasciurus lowii
Tanasumi Rat (Oriental House R) Rattus tanezumi