MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE SPECIALITIES TOUR REPORT 2024

3 - 14 / 19 March 2024

by Craig Robson

Our latest, new and improved Malay Peninsula tour itinerary included Singapore for the first time. This sunny tropical island certainly came up trumps, delivering memorable encounters with Red-legged Crake, both Blue-winged and Mangrove Pittas, and the critically endangered Straw-headed Bulbul. Amongst the other highlights there were Banded Woodpecker, Long-tailed Parakeet, and Copper-throated Sunbird. As one might expect, conditions were modern and comfortable, with smooth-running logistics, and this continued after we crossed into West Malaysia, to explore the lowland and montane forests there. Panti Forest produced the much-wanted Rail-babbler for the third consecutive trip, as well as the likes of Blyth’s Frogmouth, Malaysian Hawk-Cuckoo, Red-naped Trogon, White-crowned Hornbill, Red-crowned Barbet, and Finsch’s Bulbul. Up at Fraser’s Hill, our patience finally paid off with great views of a family of Malayan Partridges, as well as Black, Malayan and Chestnut-capped Laughingthrushes, and Blue Nuthatch. At Bukit Tinggi, we were treated to amazing views of Mountain Peacock Pheasant and, luckily, a lovely Ferruginous Partridge. Rhinoceros Hornbill, Bamboo Woodpecker, Long-billed Spiderhunter, and Siamang were further highlights. Finally, during the optional post-tour extension to the immense Taman Negara, we added such gems as Malayan Crested Fireback, Rufous-collared and Malayan Blue-banded Kingfishers, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Wrinkled Hornbill, Malayan Banded and Garnet Pittas, Crested Jayshrike, Malayan Black Magpie, Malayan Black-capped and Black-throated Babblers, Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, and Thick-billed Spiderhunter.

The tour began at our hotel in Singapore, where we got together for our first dinner, and planned ahead. We had a full day and a morning to seek out the best birds here, starting off with a morning on Pulau Ubin, a birdy island off the NE coast, accessed by what are quaintly referred to as Bumboats. It was surprisingly quiet and peaceful at dawn, and we walked a few miles to the west, and then back in time for lunch at one of the small restaurants. One of our primary targets, was the excessively persecuted and Critically Endangered Straw-headed Bulbul, a bird that has been relentlessly hunted down for the contemptible cagebird trade, due to its beautiful voice. For now, at least, it is still easy enough to see here, and at other spots in Singapore. There were also many pittas calling, and we soon had some nice views of Blue-winged, and later on Mangrove too. It was interesting to see these two closely related birds calling almost side-by-side. A pair of Copper-throated Sunbirds rounded things off nicely. In the afternoon, we visited the Botanical Gardens, where we had the most amazing close views of three Red-legged Crakes, one of Singapore’s other star birds. There were large numbers of Pied Imperial Pigeons, a couple of perched Long-tailed Parakeets (amongst the much commoner introduced Red-breasted’s), and some confiding Olive-winged Bulbuls. A few hours of our final morning were spent at Lower Peirce Reservoir, where we enjoyed our first Banded Woodpeckers and Mourning Babblers.

After returning our rental van to the airport, we took a taxi to Woodlands Train Checkpoint, and crossed the border into West Malaysia. After picking up our new rental van, we drove the relatively short distance to Kota Tinggi for a four-night stay. Kota Tinggi was our base for visits to nearby Gunung Panti Forest Reserve, where we had three full days to search for the secretive Rail-babbler. Our first early morning visit proved to be a very lucky one, as we soon heard the familiar airy whistle of the aforementioned species and, before long, had managed to lure it into full view at close range. This early success came as a bit of a shock, and we were very lucky, as we never heard the species again during the remainder of the trip! With a vehicle at our own disposal, and the leader as driver, we were able to bird all along the track through the lowland forest here and stop wherever we pleased. The birding is never quite the same from one year to the next at Panti, and among the many other highlights this time, were a day-roosting Blyth’s Frogmouth, Whiskered Treeswift, Raffles’s and Red-billed Malkohas, a tour write-in Malaysian Hawk-Cuckoo, Little Green Pigeon, Red-naped Trogon, White-crowned and Black Hornbills, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Red-crowned Barbet, Buff-necked Woodpecker, Hairy-backed, Yellow-bellied, Finsch’s, Cream-vented and Asian Red-eyed Bulbuls, Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, Sooty-capped and Fluffy-backed Tit-Babblers, Rufous-tailed Shama, and Yellow-breasted and Crimson-breasted Flowerpeckers. Mammal sightings included Lar Gibbon and a colony of Lesser Sheath-tailed Bats.

From Kota Tinggi, we had a relatively long drive up to Fraser’s Hill. Fortunately, Malaysia has a good network of modern toll roads, so the journey was not too bad at all. We settled-in at the quaint Ye Olde Smokehouse, for a three-night stay. Some important endemics were on the want-list here. The normally straightforward Malayan Partridges had fledged young, and their routine was more erratic than usual but, with perseverance, we eventually connected with the pair and their three well-grown offspring. Three important laughingthrushes, Black (now considered closer to scimitar babblers!), Malayan and Chestnut-capped all gave fantastic views, as did the tolerably common Mountain Fulvetta. Other highlights at Fraser’s were Little Cuckoo-Dove, the strange and unique Fire-tufted Barbet, Black-browed Barbet, crowd-pleasing Long-tailed Broadbills, ‘Grey-throated’ Minivet (a potential split from Grey-chinned), Pygmy Cupwing, Black-eared and White-browed Shrike-Babblers, Black-and-crimson Oriole, ‘Southern’ Mountain Bulbul, the superb Blue Nuthatch, Rufous-bellied Swallow, Hume’s White-eye (split from Everett’s), ‘Malay’ Streaked Wren-Babbler, Long-tailed Sibia, ‘Southern’ Grey-throated Babbler, Rufous-browed Flycatcher, the local dichrorhynchus form of Blue Whistling Thrush, Pygmy Flycatcher, White-tailed Robin, and ‘Malay’ Lesser Shortwing. Both Pale-thighed and Dusky Langurs were on show.

It was a relatively short and easy drive to our next birding location at Bukit Tinggi. Based at the astonishing if not bizarre Colmar Tropicale resort, a mock medieval French village, we only had to travel a short distance to nearby hill forest in search of our main target birds: particularly the endemic Mountain Peacock-Pheasant and equally lovely, though more widespread Ferruginous Partridge. With an evening and full day at our disposal, we were able to sit in wait and obtain superb prolonged close views of the peacock-pheasant, a real treat. The partridge has become more erratic in its behaviour recently, but fortunately it also came in, and gave some fine unobstructed views. There were many other interesting species here too, with Bushy-crested and the more spectacular Rhinoceros Hornbills, Orange-breasted Trogon, several Bamboo Woodpeckers, Grey-bellied, Scaly-breasted, Ochraceous and Cinereous Bulbuls, Slaty-backed Forktail, and Long-billed and Spectacled Spiderhunters. We also had some wonderful views of a pair of Siamangs here.

The main tour ended after our final morning at Bukit Tinggi, and we said goodbye to some of our number who were bound for Kuala Lumpur Airport by taxi. For the rest of us, there was a fairly lengthy drive to Taman Negara, where we arrived by mid-afternoon, after securely parking the van, and crossing the river by boat to the park headquarters.

Based in very comfortable air-conditioned cabins, nestled at the forest edge, we had four whole days to explore what we could of this enormous and well-protected tropical rain forest reserve. The park trail system stretches far and wide from Kuala Tahan, and we explored what we could of it during our stay. The riverside trail to Tabing Hide and beyond, was one of the most productive, and yielded Black-bellied Malkoha, Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo, a pair of Rufous-collared Kingfishers, Banded Kingfisher, Grey-and-buff, Checker-throated, Orange-backed, Maroon and Great Slaty Woodpeckers, Green Broadbill, uncharacteristically showy Crested Jayshrikes and Malayan Black Magpies, a range of ‘babblers’, including Sunda Scimitar, Ferruginous, Moustached, Rufous-crowned, Malayan Black-capped, Malayan Swamp and Chestnut-winged, Malaysian Blue and Rufous-chested Flycatchers, and Thick-billed Spiderhunter. Pride of place went to a superb male Malayan Banded Pitta that we managed to lure into view. The marvellous calls of Great Argus were often heard but it has been some time now since a dancing ground has been accessible. Branching-off along the Bukit Teresek loop involved a bit more physical effort but resulted in fine views of Garnet Pitta when a tree-calling individual was finally spotted, as well as Scarlet-rumped Trogon, a nesting pair of Buff-rumped Woodpeckers, a wintering Crow-billed Drongo, the smart Black-throated Babbler, and a rather elusive Large Wren-Babbler. We visited Lubuk Simpon, a well-known river-access point, on several occasions, with very early mornings being best. Malayan Blue-banded Kingfisher gave fantastic views this year, and we also spotted our only Wrinkled Hornbills of the trip. There were also lots of Silver-rumped Spinetails, and Lesser Fish Eagle. Close to our accommodation the Swamp Loop was often quite birdy, with surprisingly tame groups of Malayan Crested Firebacks. The accommodation clearing is usually a great place to see a range of species, although this year there were no fruiting trees to speak of. Nevertheless, we scoped Black-thighed Falconet and tempted-in a male Indochinese Blue Flycatcher. A bizarre daytime encounter with a humungous Red Giant Flying Squirrel was completely unexpected. Daily pre-dawn owling sessions enabled us to locate Reddish Scops Owl and Gould’s Frogmouth, though both proved very tricky to show. Sunda Scops Owl (or Collared, taxonomy-dependent) showed well closer to the main clearing. Three Crested Jayshrikes huddled side-by-side at their night-roost were unforgettable.

Our time was soon up on this relatively short tour and, after crossing the river once more, we headed for Kuala Lumpur Airport to catch our respective flights home or relax overnight before a flight the following day.

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

Ferruginous Partridge ◊ Caloperdix oculeus One showed well at Bukit Tinggi, but not for long.

Malayan Partridge ◊ Arborophila campbelli Endemic. After a long wait, a family of five at Fraser’s Hill.

Malayan Crested Fireback ◊ Lophura rufa Very confiding at Taman Negara; at least ten.

Great Argus ◊ Argusianus argus Heard-only.

Mountain Peacock-Pheasant◊  Polyplectron inopinatum Endemic. Incredible views of two or three at Bukit Tinggi.

Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus

Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus

Gould’s Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus stellatus One at Taman Negara.

Blyth’s Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus affinis One day-roosting at Panti Forest.

Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis

Whiskered Treeswift ◊ Hemiprocne comata A pair at Panti Forest.

Plume-toed Swiftlet Collocalia affinis

Germain’s Swiftlet Aerodramus germani

Silver-rumped Spinetail ◊ Rhaphidura leucopygialis Good numbers at Taman Negara.

Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus

Pacific Swift Apus pacificus

House Swift Apus nipalensis

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis

Raffles’s Malkoha ◊ Rhinortha chlorophaea Occasional at Panti and Taman Negara.

Red-billed Malkoha Zanclostomus javanicus Two singles at Panti Forest (pallidus).

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris

Chestnut-bellied Malkoha ◊ Phaenicophaeus sumatranus One at Panti Forest.

Black-bellied Malkoha ◊ Phaenicophaeus diardi Just one at Taman Negara.

Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus Heard-only.

Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Heard-only.

Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis

Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris

Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo ◊ Hierococcyx vagans A highly reactive bird at Taman Negara.

Dark Hawk-Cuckoo ◊ Hierococcyx bocki Several heard in the uplands; one showed well at Fraser’s Hill.

Malaysian Hawk-Cuckoo ◊ Hierococcyx fugax Great views of this write-in at Panti.

Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Heard-only.

Sunda Cuckoo ◊ Cuculus lepidus Heard-only.

Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) (feral) Columba livia

Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis

Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps Just a couple at Fraser’s Hill (malayana).

Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica

Zebra Dove Geopelia striata

Little Green Pigeon ◊ Treron olax Just small numbers at Taman Negara and Panti Forest.

Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans

Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra Small numbers at Taman Negara and Panti Forest.

Large Green Pigeon ◊ Treron capellei A handful at Taman Negara, mostly in flight.

Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia

Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor 35 at Singapore Botanical Gardens.

Red-legged Crake ◊ Rallina fasciata Unbelievable close views of three at Singapore Botanical Gardens.

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster One at Pulau Ubin, Singapore.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus

Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela

Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle ◊ Nisaetus alboniger

Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus Heard-only.

Rufous-bellied Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis

White-bellied Sea Eagle Icthyophaga leucogaster

Lesser Fish Eagle Icthyophaga humilis

Brown Boobook (B Hawk Owl) Ninox scutulata Heard-only. Taman Negara.

Collared Owlet Taenioptynx brodiei Heard-only.

Reddish Scops Owl ◊ Otus rufescens One at Taman Negara, but elusive this year (malayensis).

Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus Heard-only.

Sunda Scops Owl ◊ Otus lempiji Seen at Taman Negara; but this population is really Collared Scops Owl.

Spotted Wood Owl ◊ Strix selaputo Heard-only. Two at Panti Forest.

Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica Heard-only. Taman Negara.

Red-naped Trogon ◊ Harpactes kasumba Seen well at Panti Forest and Taman Negara.

Diard’s Trogon ◊ Harpactes diardii Heard-only (sumatranus).

Scarlet-rumped Trogon ◊ Harpactes duvaucelii Several seen at Taman Negara; heard at Panti.

Orange-breasted Trogon Harpactes oreskios A smart male at Bukit Tinggi (uniformis).

Red-headed Trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus One seen at Fraser’s Hill (chaseni).

White-crowned Hornbill ◊ Berenicornis comatus Two at Panti Forest were a bonus.

Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros A pair were scoped at Bukit Tinggi; heard elsewhere.

Helmeted Hornbill ◊  Rhinoplax vigil Heard-only. Distantly at Taman Negara.

Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris A few (convexus).

Black Hornbill ◊  Anthracoceros malayanus Small numbers at Panti and Taman Negara.

Bushy-crested Hornbill ◊  Anorrhinus galeritus Scope views at Bukit Tinggi, with a noisy flock of at least six.

Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus

Wrinkled Hornbill ◊Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus Four at Lubuk Simpon, Taman Negara.

Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

Rufous-collared Kingfisher ◊  Actenoides concretus A rather elusive pair seen at Taman Negara.

Banded Kingfisher Lacedo pulchella A nice male at Taman Negara.

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis

Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris

Malaysian Blue-banded Kingfisher ◊Alcedo peninsulae A male seen very well at Lubuk Simpon, Taman Negara.

Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx erithaca Heard-only. Singapore.

Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa Single fly-by at Panti.

Red-bearded Bee-eater ◊ Nyctyornis amictus Several seen this year.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus

Blue-throated Bee-eater ◊  Merops viridis

Fire-tufted Barbet  ◊  Psilopogon pyrolophus Common at Fraser’s Hill.

Lineated Barbet Psilopogon lineatus

Golden-whiskered Barbet Psilopogon chrysopogon

Red-crowned Barbet ◊Psilopogon raflesii Quite common at Panti (malayensis).

Red-throated Barbet Psilopogon mystacophanos

Golden-throated Barbet Psilopogon franklinii Heard-only. Bukit Tinggi.

Black-browed Barbet  ◊ Psilopogon oorti Common at Fraser’s Hill; also, at Bukit Tinggi.

Yellow-crowned Barbet  ◊ Psilopogon henricii Regularly heard; seen at Panti Forest.

Black-eared Barbet Psilopogon duvaucelii One scoped at Bukit Tinggi. Split from Blue-eared.

Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus

Sooty Barbet ◊Caloramphus hayii Small numbers in the Malaysian lowland forests.

Grey-and-buff Woodpecker ◊  Hemicircus concretus One at Taman Negara.

White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis Heard-only.

Banded Woodpecker ◊  Chrysophlegma miniaceum Several in Singapore, and one at Fraser’s Hill (malaccensis).

Checker-throated Woodpecker ◊  Chrysophlegma mentale Small numbers in the Malaysian lowland forests (humii).

Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha A few seen at Fraser’s Hill (wrayi).

Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus A few at Bukit Tinggi and Taman Negara (observandus).

Laced Woodpecker Picus vittatus Heard-only. Singapore.

Common Flameback Dinopium javanense

Orange-backed Woodpecker ◊  Chrysocolaptes validus Two to four at Taman Negara.

Bamboo Woodpecker ◊ Gecinulus viridis Four were seen very at Bukit Tinggi.

Maroon Woodpecker ◊  Blythipicus rubiginosus Occasional sightings in Malaysia.

Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus Multiple widespread sightings (squamigularis).

Buff-rumped Woodpecker ◊ Meiglyptes grammithorax An incubating pair at Taman Negara, seen switching places.

Buff-necked Woodpecker ◊ Meiglyptes tukki A couple at both Panti and Taman Negara.

Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus Three showed nicely at Taman Negara.

Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius One scoped at Taman Negara.

Blue-rumped Parrot Psittinus cyanurus Several sightings at Taman Negara but all in flight.

Red-breasted Parakeet (introduced) Psittacula alexandri Common in Singapore.

Long-tailed Parakeet ◊ Psittacula longicauda Two scoped in Singapore.

Rose-ringed Parakeet (introduced) (Ring-necked P) Psittacula krameri Heard-only. Singapore.

Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot ◊  Loriculus galgulus Still widespread and quite common.

Long-tailed Broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae A confiding pair at Fraser’s Hill.

Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus One performed for us at Panti.

Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos

Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus

Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus

Green Broadbill ◊ Calyptomena viridis A couple seen quite well, and others heard at Taman Negara.

Malayan Banded Pitta ◊ Hydrornis irena A superb male at Taman Negara.

Garnet Pitta ◊ Erythropitta granatina A lovely calling bird at Taman Negara, perched above us, and on the ground.

Blue-winged Pitta ◊ Pitta moluccensis Two were easily seen at Pulau Ubin, Singapore, others at Taman Negara.

Mangrove Pitta ◊ Pitta megarhyncha Two were seen well at Pulau Ubin.

Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea Heard-only.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus

Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus

Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

Green Iora ◊ Aegithina viridissima More often heard than seen, but descent views.

Grey-chinned Minivet (G-throated M) Pericrocotus [solaris] montanus Just three at Fraser’s Hill (montanus).

Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus

Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina striata Heard-only. Taman Negara.

Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei

Pied Triller ◊ Lalage nigra A male in Singapore.

Lesser Cuckooshrike Lalage fimbriata Heard-only. Taman Negara.

Black-eared Shrike-babbler ◊ Pteruthius melanotis Several at Fraser’s Hill (tahanensis); with a pair nest-building.

White-browed Shrike-babbler Pteruthius aeralatus A male seen and many heard at Fraser’s Hill (cameranoi).

White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca

Black-and-crimson Oriole ◊ Oriolus cruentus Good views of several at Fraser’s Hill.

Black-naped Oriole (Sunda B-n O) Oriolus [chinensis] maculatus

Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus

Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer

Crow-billed Drongo ◊ Dicrurus annectens Another bonus bird, this time at Taman Negara.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus Small and short-crested platurus.

White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis

Malaysian Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Occasional at Taman Negara (prophata).

Blyth’s Paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis

Crested Jayshrike ◊ Platylophus galericulatus Good views of 5 at Taman Negara (ardesiacus); 3 on a night-roost!

Malayan Black Magpie ◊ Platysmurus leucopterus Surprisingly good views of four at Taman Negara.

House Crow (introduced) Corvus splendens

Large-billed Crow (Southern Jungle C) Corvus macrorhynchos

Rail-babbler ◊ Eupetes macrocerus Very good views of one at Panti Forest. No other sight nor sound!

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis

Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea

Hairy-backed Bulbul ◊ Tricholestes criniger A few at Panti Forest.

Yellow-bellied Bulbul ◊ Alophoixus phaeocephalus Just one at Panti Forest.

Grey-cheeked Bulbul ◊ Alophoixus tephrogenys Several seen very well at Taman Negara.

Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceus Not uncommon in the uplands (sordidus).

Finsch’s Bulbul ◊ Iole finschii A smart singleton at Panti.

Buff-vented Bulbul Iole crypta One of the commonest bulbuls in lowland forests (crypta).

Cinereous Bulbul ◊ Hemixos cinereus Two at Bukit Tinggi.

Streaked Bulbul ◊  Ixos malaccensis Small numbers at Taman Negara.

Mountain Bulbul (Southern M B) Ixos [mcclellandii] tickelli A few at Fraser’s Hill (peracensis).

Puff-backed Bulbul ◊ Euptilotus eutilotus A pair at Taman Negara.

Black-headed Bulbul Brachypodius melanocephalus

Spectacled Bulbul ◊ Ixodia erythropthalmos One of the commonest bulbuls in Malaysia.

Grey-bellied Bulbul ◊ Ixodia cyanoventris Several at Bukit Tinggi and Taman Negara.

Scaly-breasted Bulbul ◊ Ixodia squamata Two seen well at Bukit Tinggi (weberi).

Black-crested Bulbul Rubigula flaviventris

Cream-vented Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus simplex Quite common at Panti Forest, and easy to observe.

Olive-winged Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus plumosus Easily seen in Singapore.

Asian Red-eyed Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus brunneus Scattered locations, with best views at Panti.

Straw-headed Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus zeylanicus Easily seen at Pulau Ubin, Singapore.

Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni

Red-whiskered Bulbul (introduced) Pycnonotus jocosus One in Singapore.

Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier

Pacific Swallow (House S) Hirundo tahitica

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Rufous-bellied Swallow ◊ Cecropis badia Several of these lovely swallows at Fraser’s Hill and Bukit Tinggi.

Pygmy Cupwing Pnoepyga pusilla Amazing close views of one at Fraser’s Hill (harterti).

Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris Quite a few at Fraser’s Hill and Bukit Tinggi (sakaiorum).

Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus One singing at Fraser’s Hill (malayanus).

Eastern Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus One seen and others heard at Taman Negara.

Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Scattered sightings.

Chestnut-crowned Warbler Phylloscopus castaniceps Just one seen at Fraser’s Hill (butleri).

Rufescent Prinia Prinia rufescens A few at Fraser’s Hill and Bukit Tinggi (extrema).

Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris Heard-only (rafflesi).

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius

Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird ◊ Orthotomus sericeus Seen nicely at Panti; subsequently heard often.

Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps

Swinhoe’s White-eye Zosterops simplex Heard-only; A couple in Singapore (erwini).

Hume’s White-eye ◊ Zosterops auriventer Several studied closely at Fraser’s Hill (tahanensis).

Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Mixornis gularis

Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler ◊ Macronus ptilosus An obliging pair at Panti Forest.

Golden Babbler Cyanoderma chrysaeum Quite common at Fraser’s Hill (chrysops).

Chestnut-winged Babbler ◊ Cyanoderma erythropterum Small numbers at Taman Negara, with a pair nest building.

Black Laughingthrush ◊ Melanocichla lugubris Surprisingly good views of one at Fraser’s Hill; heard at Bukit Tinggi.

Sunda Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus bornensis One finally showed at Taman Negara.

Large Scimitar Babbler Erythrogenys hypoleucos Heard-only. Bukit Tinggi.

Black-throated Babbler ◊ Stachyris nigricollisi Great looks at one at Taman Negara.

Chestnut-rumped Babbler ◊ Stachyris maculata Seen nicely at Panti; subsequently heard a few times.

Grey-throated Babbler (Southern G-t B) Stachyris [nigriceps] davisoni Near-endemic. Seen well at Fraser’s Hill.

Large Wren-Babbler ◊ Turdinus macrodactylus A tricky devil at Taman Negara.

Sooty-capped Babbler ◊ Malacopteron affine Not uncommon in the Malaysian lowland forests.

Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum

Rufous-crowned Babbler ◊ Malacopteron magnum Good views of one at Taman Negara.

Moustached Babbler ◊ Malacopteron magnirostre A few at Taman Negara.

Collared Babbler Gampsorhynchus torquatus Heard-only. Fraser’s Hill.

Malayan Black-capped Babbler ◊ Pellorneum nigrocapitatum Frequently encountered at Taman Negara.

Mourning Babbler ◊ Pellorneum malaccense Several in Singapore and at Panti Forest.

Buff-breasted Babbler Pellorneum tickelli

Malayan Swamp Babbler ◊ Pellorneum rostratum One along the riverside at Taman Negara.

Ferruginous Babbler ◊ Pellorneum bicolor One of these smart babblers at Taman Negara.

Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abbotti

Streaked Wren-Babbler ◊ (Malay S W-B) Gypsophila [brevicaudata] leucosticta Near-endemic. 2 at Fraser’s Hill.

Brown Fulvetta Alcippe brunneicauda One briefly at Taman Negara.

Mountain Fulvetta ◊ Alcippe peracensis Near-endemic. Common at Fraser’s Hill.

Malayan Laughingthrush ◊ Trochalopteron peninsulae Near-endemic. Four at a feeding site at Fraser’s Hill.

Long-tailed Sibia ◊ Heterophasia picaoides Small groups at Fraser’s Hill (wrayi).

Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush ◊ (Spectacled L) Pterorhinus mitratus Common Fraser’s Hill; also, Bukit Tinggi.

Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella

Blue Nuthatch ◊ Sitta azurea Three crackers at Fraser’s Hill (expectata).

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis

Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella

Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Occasional in lowland forests (nominate).

Javan Myna (introduced) Acridotheres javanicus

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis

Rufous-tailed Shama ◊ Copsychus pyrropygus One seen by all at Panti Forest.

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus

Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica One at Bukit Tinggi.

Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea This write-in was seen well at Panti Forest.

Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica One at Bukit Tinggi.

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus

Rufous-browed Flycatcher ◊  Anthipes solitaris A few seen well at Fraser’s Hill. Tame.

Malaysian Blue Flycatcher ◊Cyornis turcosus Several near the river at Taman Negara (rupatensis).

Indochinese Blue Flycatcher Cyornis sumatrensis A singing male at Taman Negara (nominate).

Hill Blue Flycatcher Cyornis whitei A singing male at Fraser’s Hill.

White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura Beautiful views of a lovely male at Fraser’s Hill.

Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus One at Bukit Tinggi.

Blue Whistling Thrush (Malay B W T) Myophonus [caeruleus] dichrorhynchus One at Fraser’s Hill.

Lesser Shortwing (Malay L S) Brachypteryx [leucophris] wrayi Several seen at very close range at Fraser’s Hill.

Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia Another write-in, this time at Taman Negara (one female-type).

Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki Several towards the end of the trip, another write-in.

Pygmy Flycatcher ◊ (P Blue F) Ficedula hodgsoni A nice male at Fraser’s Hill.

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni

Rufous-chested Flycatcher ◊ Ficedula dumetoria A male seen well at Taman Negara; others heard.

Lesser Green Leafbird ◊ Chloropsis cyanopogon A few at Taman Negara.

Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis moluccensis More sub-montane than the last species, and well distributed.

Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii Several at Fraser’s Hill (malayana).

Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker ◊ Prionochilus maculatus Several seen well at Panti (oblitus).

Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker ◊ Prionochilus percussus Just one at Panti (ignicapilla).

Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma

Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum A single bird at Taman Negara.

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus A few at Fraser’s Hill (dolichorhynchum).

Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis

Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis

Copper-throated Sunbird ◊ Leptocoma calcostetha A pair in Singapore.

Ornate Sunbird Cinnyris ornatus Split from Olive-backed.

Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata A few at Fraser’s Hill (wrayi).

Purple-naped Spiderhunter Kurochkinegramma hypogrammicum

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra

Thick-billed Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera crassirostris One seen very well at Taman Negara.

Long-billed Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera robusta An exceptional year: 2 at Bukit Tinggi and 3 at Taman Negara.

Spectacled Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera flavigaster Also seen at both Bukit Tinggi and Taman Negara.

Grey-breasted Spiderhunter ◊ Arachnothera modesta Heard-only.

Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus

MAMMALS

Short-tailed Gymnure Hylomys suillus A couple coming to feed at Fraser’s Hill.

Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula One at Bukit Tinggi.

Southern Red Muntjac Muntiacus muntjak

Sambar Rusa unicolor Heard-only.

Lesser Sheath-tailed Bat Emballonura monticola Small roosting colony at Panti Forest; 29 individuals.

Common Treeshrew Tupaia glis

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

Southern Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca nemestrina

Pale-thighed Langur (White-t Surili)Presbytis siamensis A total of around 15 at Fraser’s Hill.

Dusky Langur (D Leaf Monkey) Trachypithecus obscurus Common at Fraser’s Hill.

Lar Gibbon Hylobates lar Often heard in Malaysian lowland forests; seen at Panti.

Siamang Hylobates syndactylus Often heard in Malaysia, with a pair showing really well at Bukit Tinggi.

Grey-bellied Squirrel Callosciurus caniceps

Black-striped Squirrel (B-banded S) Callosciurus nigrovittatus

Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus

Prevost’s Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii One at Tabing Hide, Taman Negara.

Asian Red-cheeked Squirrel Dremomys rufigenis Easily seen at Fraser’s Hill.

Three-striped Ground Squirrel Lariscus insignis Small numbers in lowland forests; best at Panti, eating fallen fruit.

Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista A crazy daytime sighting by our accommodation at Taman Negara.

Black Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor Non-leader.

Horse-tailed Squirrel Sundasciurus hippurus

Slender Squirrel Sundasciurus tenuis

Himalayan Striped Squirrel Tamiops mcclellandi Frequent at Fraser’s Hill and Bukit Tinggi.

Indomalayan Long-tailed Giant Rat Leopoldamys sabanus

Brown Rat (introduced) Rattus norvegicus

REPTILES

Tockay Gecko Gekko gecko

Asian House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus

Common Sun Skink Eutropis multifasciata

Rough-scaled Sun Skink Eutropis rufigera

South-east Asian Water Monitor Varanus salvator

Pink-headed Reed Snake Calamaria schlegeli

BUTTERFLIES

Common Mormon Swallowtail Papilio polytes

Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing Trogonoptera brookiana

Five-bar Swordtail Graphium antiphates

Common Jay Graphium doson evemonides

Common Tree Nymph Idea stolli

Orange Gull Cepora iudith

Malayan Jezebel Delias ninus

Malayan Grass Yellow Eurema nicevillei

Lesser Darkie Allotinus unicolor

Common Ciliate Blue Anthene emolus

De Nicéville’s Oakblue Arhopala agrata

Malayan Sunbeam Curetis santana

Common Posy Drupadia ravindra

Plains Cupid Luthrodes pandava

Violet Fourline Blue Nacaduba subperusia

Malay Red Harlequin Paralaxita damajanti

Forest Quaker Pithecops corvus

Tailless Lineblue Prosotas dubiosa

Common Lineblue Prosotas nora

Great Marquis Bassarona dunya

Banded Yeoman Cirrochroa orissa

Straight-banded Catseye Coelites epiminthia

Marble Map Cyrestis cocles

Autumn Leaf Dollescallia bisaltide

Common Palmfly Elymnias hypermnestra

Narrow-striped Faun Faunis gracilis

Peacock Pansy Junonia almana

Chocolate Pansy Junonia iphita

Pallid Faun Melanocyma faunula

White-bar Bushbrown Mycalesis anaxias

Purple Bushbrown Mycalesis orseis

Common Sailer Neptis hylas

Smooth-eyed Bushbrown Orsotriaena medus

Common Lascar Pantoporia hordonia

Clipper Parthenos sylvia

Malay Viscount Tanaecia pelea

Large Assyrian Terinos atlita teuthras

Tufted Jungle King Thauria aliris

Malay Cruiser Vindula dejone

Common Three-ring Ypthima pandocus

Gem Demon Ancistroides gemmifer

Chocolate Demon Ancistroides nigrita

Narrow-banded Velvet Bob Koruthaialos rubecula

MOTHS

Swallow-tailed Moth Lyssa zampa

DRAGONFLIES

Black Velvetwing Dysphaea dimidiata

Green Metalwing Neurobasis chinensis

Orange-tailed Marsh Dart Ceriagrion cerinorubellum

Blue Bush Dart Copera vittata

Blue Riverdamsel Pseudagrion microcephalum

Blue-spotted Flatwing Podolestes orientalis

Abbott’s Tiger Gomphidia abbotti

Spear-tail Duskhawker Gynacantha dohrni

Grenadier Agrionoptera insignis

Ditch Jewel Brachythemis contaminata

Sultan Camacinia gigantea

Dark-tipped Forerst Skimmer Cratilla metallica

Asian Bloodtail Lathrecista asiatica

Scarlet Pygmy Nannophya pygmaea

Common Parasol Neurothemis fluctuans

Brown-backed Red Marsh Hawk Orthetrum chrysis

Blue-tailed Forest Hawk Orthetrum triangulare

Mangrove Marshall Pornothemis starrei

Rufous Marsh Glider Rhodothemis rufa

Crimson Marsh Glider Trithemis aurora