CLASSIC PHILIPPINES TOUR REPORT 2023

12 January - 2 February 2023

by Craig Robson

Our latest Classic Tour to the endemic-rich Philippines followed the same format as our previous one in 2020. This year, out of a total of 332 species, we found 168 ‘strict’ endemics (taxonomy-dependant). Highlights amongst this enormous haul of specialities included such mouth-watering megas as: Philippine Duck, Philippine and Palawan Frogmouths, Rough-crested and Scale-feathered Malkohas, Flame-breasted and Yellow-breasted Fruit Doves, Spotted Buttonquail, Bukidnon Woodcock, Chinese Crested Tern, Philippine Eagle, 9 endemic owls, Philippine Trogon, 5 endemic hornbills, 6 endemic kingfishers, 5 endemic woodpeckers, Philippine Falconet, a roost of 34 Red-vented Cockatoos, Wattled Broadbill, Azure-breasted Pitta, Mountain Shrike, 4 endemic fantails, Short-crested and Celestial Monarchs, Blue and Southern Rufous Paradise Flycatchers, Elegant and Palawan Tits, 6 endemic bulbuls, Mindanao Miniature Babbler, 6 endemic tailorbirds, Mindanao Pygmy, Rusty-crowned, and Chestnut-faced Babblers, Striated Wren- and Falcated Wren-Babblers, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Apo Myna, Coleto, Stripe-headed and Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, Ashy Thrush, Palawan and Cryptic Flycatchers, Luzon Water Redstart, Philippine and Yellow-throated Leafbirds, 12 endemic flowerpeckers, 11 endemic sunbirds, Orange-tufted and Pale Spiderhunters, Cinnamon Ibon, Red-eared Parrotfinch and White-cheeked Bullfinch.

After the group rendezvous in Manila, we headed off to Subic Bay via the fields and marshes of Candaba. The remnants of this once huge swamp are increasingly difficult to access, but with a tip-off from some locals, we were able to walk to a very productive area. Our main targets were two endemics, Philippine Duck and Philippine Swamphen. At least six of the former were picked-out from a large flock of wintering Palearctic ducks, which included at least 600 Northern Pintail, while a single Philippine Swamphen was scoped in clear view.

After lunch at a restaurant, with more views of the swamphen nearby, we continued on to our hotel at Subic. There was a lot to cram-in to our one and a half days here, as we sought a wide range of Luzon lowland specialities. The weather remained largely fine, though windy at times, enabling us to get: Grey-rumped Swiftlet, Philippine Coucal, Rough-crested Malkoha, some jumpy Rufous Coucals, Philippine Green Pigeon, perched Philippine Serpent and Philippine Hawk Eagles, great looks at Spotted Buttonquail, Spotted Wood and Brown-breasted Kingfishers, lots of Rufous-crowned Bee-eaters, confiding Luzon Hornbills, Northern Sooty Woodpecker, Luzon Flameback, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, Philippine Falconet, Blackish Cuckooshrike, an all too brief Green Racket-tail, the critically endangered Luzon race of Blue-naped Parrot (which is still quite common here), Guaiabero, Philippine Hanging Parrot, ‘Philippine’ Black-naped Oriole, Balicassiao, Elegant Tit, Philippine Bulbul, the remarkable Coleto, fleeting White-browed Shamas, and Pygmy Flowerpecker. Our many night-time forays produced Philippine Nightjar, a superb fair of Chocolate Boobooks, our first views of Luzon Boobook (strangely tricky here), and a couple of Philippine Scops Owls.

From Subic Bay, we headed north to the Cordillera Central, with a brief side-trip to Capisaan Caves. Our few afternoon hours at this site turned-up Pygmy and Ameline Swiftlets, Trilling (or Green-backed) Tailorbird, Stripe-sided Rhabdornis, and Handsome Sunbird, amongst a range of species.

Based at Banaue, we had but one full day to explore the wider Mt Polis area of the Cordillera Central. A serious landslide occurred while we were out birding and, although it was initially cleared allowing us through, there was a further slip later on which prevented us from returning to some of the best birding hotspots. Nevertheless, with some hard work and effort, we found Ridgetop and Philippine Swiftlets, White-eared Brown Dove, Flame-breasted Fruit Dove, a glimpsed Scale-feathered Malkoha, the local form of Crested Honey Buzzard, two different ‘Northern’ Indigo-banded Kingfishers, Green-backed Whistler, Blue-headed Fantail, Mountain Shrike, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Luzon (or Philippine) Bush Warbler, the Luzon form of Long-tailed Bush Warbler, Negros Leaf Warbler, Chestnut-faced Babbler, the Luzon form of Philippine Shortwing, the much-wanted Luzon Water Redstart, Luzon (or Mountain) Sunbird, and some lovely White-cheeked Bullfinches. After sunset, we heard a roding Bukidnon Woodcock, but our efforts to see Luzon Scops Owl failed when a stubborn individual refused to budge from its hidden location in a densely-foliaged hill-top tree!

Heading south once more, we overnighted in Manila, before a morning flight to Cagayan de Oro on the north coast of Mindanao. After driving south-east to Dalwangan, we met our local guides and made the relatively short hike up to the famous Del Monte Lodge, on the lower slopes of Mt Kitanglad. The main reason that birders come here of course, is the Philippine Eagle. Fortunately, our guides had done some scouting and found an active nest. Although the views were distant, and through the scope, it was a great experience to be able to see this endangered bird at the nest. Three individuals were seen in all, including the incubating adult. Another main target is Bukidnon Woodcock, which we were able to watch roding every evening close to our accommodation. The Covid years saw an influx of settlers to the mountain, and they have opened up significant areas of formerly deserted cultivation. On top of this, their cattle, along with the regular rainfall at the site, have combined to make one hell of a mess of the trail. A significant amount of our time was wasted due to rain and the difficult trail conditions. Despite this, our many highlights on Kitanglad included: Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo, Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove on a nest, Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle, Giant Scops Owl, McGregor’s Cuckooshrike, the lovely Black-and-cinnamon Fantail, Yellow-bellied Whistler, Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, Rufous-headed Tailorbird, the distinctive local forms of Long-tailed Bush Warbler and Philippine Shortwing, Mindanao White-eye, Brown Tit-Babbler, Red-Keeled, Olive-capped, and the local form of Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, the distinctly odd Cinnamon Ibon, Grey-hooded Sunbird, and Red-eared Parrotfinch. A trek by some of us to higher levels brought the desired Apo Myna and Apo Sunbird, as well as our first Amethyst Brown Doves.

Our next destination was Eden Nature Park & Resort, west of Davao. We arrived a bit late for the daybirds, but at dusk, we succeeded in getting superb close views of an Everett’s Scops Owl at the first attempt. Early the following morning we drove around to Lake Agco, on the other side of Mt Apo. On our previous tour we succeeded in seeing Mindanao Miniature Babbler here, a new species for Birdquest at the time. We were equally fortunate on this occasion too, with a very confiding group of five birds studied at very close range – so much for being a canopy-dweller. The area is also a top site for the scarce Whiskered Flowerpecker, and we were also fortunate to get good looks at four of these rarities too. Other good additions to our growing tally included Mindanao Hornbill, Buff-spotted Flameback, a Mindanao Racket-tail shooting over, Philippine Minivet (a split from Scarlet), ‘Southern’ Buzzing and Bicoloured Flowerpeckers and, briefly, a pair of Orange-lined (or Purple-throated) Sunbirds. Content with our success, we returned to Eden, where the afternoon was another quiet one. Before leaving the area the following morning we had time for a very fruitful birding session. Beginning with great prolonged views of the scarce Cryptic Flycatcher, we also notched-up Short-billed Brown Dove (the local form of White-eared), Plain Bush-hen for one lucky observer, Everett’s White-eye, Grey-throated (or Orange-bellied) Flowerpecker, a female Orange-lined Sunbird, and Orange-tufted Spiderhunter.

We left Eden behind and headed off to the coast beyond Davao. We checked various locations for roosting terns, eventually coming-up trumps with two Critically Endangered Chinese Crested Terns in a mixed assemblage consisting mostly of Greater Crested and Gull-billed Terns. A nice result. There were plenty of shorebirds, including several Far Eastern Curlews. We continued on to our hotel in Mangagoy, on the east coast of Mindanao, arriving in the evening.

Early the following morning we began our exploration of the remaining accessible lowland forests in the PICOP area, a former logging concession which is now at the mercy of anyone with chainsaw. With a large jeepney-style truck at our disposal, we were able to access various old logging roads, though a lot of birding time (at least 50%) was lost due to rain. Nevertheless, we managed to bag a significant haul of endemics, with: Philippine Spine-tailed Swift, Black-faced Coucal, more Amethyst Brown Doves, Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon, Philippine Honey Buzzard, ‘Southern’ Rufous and Writhed Hornbills (both perched and scoped at length), Southern Silvery Kingfisher, Philippine Trogon, prolonged views of both Winchell’s and Hombron’s Kingfishers, the much-wanted Mindanao Broadbill, a stunning Azure-breasted Pitta, Black-bibbed Cicadabird, Mindanao Blue Fantail, awesome views of the incredible Short-crested and Celestial Monarchs, ‘Southern’ Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, Philippine Oriole, ‘Mindanao’ or ‘Short-tailed’ Drongo (the local form of Balicassiao or Hair-crested), Yellowish Bulbul, Rufous-fronted and the horribly skulking Black-headed Tailorbird, Philippine Leaf Warbler, Striated Wren-Babbler, Mindanao Pygmy, Rusty-crowned and Brown Tit- Babblers, Philippine Magpie-Robin, Philippine Leafbird, Olive-backed Flowerpecker, and Grey-throated and Mindanao (or Metallic-winged) Sunbirds. A couple of evening visits to the fields and marshes near Bislig produced two foraging Eastern Grass Owls, as well as Swinhoe’s Snipe and Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler. What nightbirding that we could manage between rain-showers, brought Philippine Frogmouth and Mindanao Boobook.

Our final port-of-call on Mindanao was a montane area close to Mt Tagabud, in the south-east. The main draw here is the very localised Lina’s Sunbird, which is easily found within a relatively small area. Apart from this little gem, our other major success was with Mindanao Scops Owl. It was looking like a write-off, with steady rain after dark. Fortunately, the rain stopped, and a scops owl soon started calling distantly. Amazingly, this highly responsive individual came right in and perched in a small roadside tree, affording superb close views. Our biggest surprise here though, was an excellent male Flame-crowned Flowerpecker that Peter spotted feeding at very close range. Local forms of Tawny Grassbird and Island Thrush were also welcome, but two further vocal specialities, Mindanao Brown Dove and Bagobo Babbler unfortunately remained out of reach.

Driving back to Davao, we flew to Puerto Princesa on Palawan, via Manila. We had three days to find all the available endemics on this linear finger of an island. Palawan Peacock-Pheasant was understandably high on the want-list for many of us but, unfortunately, the habituated male of previous years has now ‘gone wild’ after finding a less tolerant partner! A fleeting glimpse for our local guide, and some alarm calls was all we could muster. There are many other excellent endemics on Palawan however, and we enjoyed seeing Palawan Swiftlet, the local and apparently undescribed form of Philippine Cuckoo-Dove, Black-chinned Fruit Dove, Palawan Hornbill, Spot-throated and the wonderful Red-headed Flameback, a perched Blue-headed Racket-tail, an incredible roost of 34 Red-vented Cockatoos, Philippine Pied Fantail, Blue Paradise Flycatcher, Palawan Drongo, Palawan, Sulphur-bellied and Ashy-fronted Bulbuls, Palawan Tit, Palawan Crow, stunning views of performing Falcated Wren-Babblers, Melodious and Ashy-headed Babblers, Palawan (or Pin-striped) Tit-Babbler, the sneaky little Palawan Flycatcher, White-vented Shama, Palawan Fairy-bluebird, Yellow-throated Leafbird, Palawan Flowerpecker, Lovely Sunbird, and Pale Spiderhunter. A very vocal Yellow-browed Warbler was an unexpected vagrant, and perhaps the first for the island. The two endemic nightbirds, Palawan Frogmouth and Palawan Scops Owl were both seen really well, as was a confiding Mantanani Scops Owl on a small offshore island, and a superb Spotted Wood Owl. Just before leaving Palawan, and flying back to Manila, we had time to check one of the beaches on the falling tide, where we had great close-ups of a Chinese Egret.

From Manila, we headed for Los Banos for two nights. En route we visited a breeding site for Philippine Eagle-Owl at Angono Petroglyphs. Unfortunately, the youngster had fledged and moved away, along with the adults. We waited until after nightfall, but not a sniff!

Los Banos was our base for a day-visit to Mt Makiling. Starting early in the morning, we walked downhill through nice forest, making our final additions to the tour list. Later we checked-out the botanical gardens, as well as some peripheral non-forest habitats. Highlights included: Purple Needletail, our best views of Rough-crested and Scale-feathered Malkohas and Spotted Wood Kingfisher, ‘Northern’ Buzzing Flowerpecker, and Flaming Sunbird. As dusk fell, not far from our accommodation, we had fantastic views of Luzon Boobook.

We left very early on our last morning, in order to visit La Mesa Ecopark, on the outskirts of Manila, en route to the airport. After some initial confusion, and thanks to Per, we had great views of a tame Ashy Thrush, as well as good looks at both Grey-backed Tailorbird and Lowland White-eye. One or two Brown-headed Thrushes were seen briefly and we had good views of Kamchatka Leaf Warbler. It was a very pleasant end to a very rewarding tour.

BIRD OF THE TRIP

1st: Azure-breasted Pitta & Flame-crowned Flowerpecker
3rd: Celestial Monarch
4th: Wattled Broadbill
5th: Philippine Eagle

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

BIRDS

Wandering Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna arcuata

Garganey  Spatula querquedula

Northern Shoveler  Spatula clypeata

Eurasian Wigeon  Mareca penelope

Philippine Duck ◊  Anas luzonica   Endemic. Six at Candaba, though rather distant.

Northern Pintail  Anas acuta   At least 600 at Candaba.

Eurasian Teal  Anas crecca

Palawan Peacock-Pheasant ◊  Polyplectron napoleonis   Endemic. Seen fleetingly by our guide at PWRCC.

Red Junglefowl  Gallus gallus

Great Eared Nightjar  Lyncornis macrotis  

Large-tailed Nightjar  Caprimulgus macrurus   Heard-only.

Philippine Nightjar ◊  Caprimulgus manillensis   Endemic. Scattered encounters on Luzon and Mindanao.

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

Palawan Frogmouth ◊  Batrachostomus chaseni   Endemic. Two seen well.

Whiskered Treeswift  Hemiprocne comata

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

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

Pygmy Swiftlet ◊  Collocalia troglodytes   Endemic. Occasional in lowland areas throughout.

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

Ameline Swiftlet ◊ (Grey S)  Aerodramus [amelis] amelis   Endemic. Occasional in lowlands of Luzon and Mindanao.

Ameline Swiftlet ◊ [Palawan S]  Aerodramus [amelis] palawanensis   Endemic. Common in Palawan.

Philippine Spine-tailed Swift ◊ (P Spinetail)  Mearnsia picina   Endemic. We enjoyed small numbers at PICOP.

Purple Needletail ◊  Hirundapus celebensis   Just six at Mt Makiling.

Asian Palm Swift  Cypsiurus balasiensis

House Swift  Apus nipalensis

Rufous Coucal ◊  Centropus unirufus   Endemic. Eight logged for Subic, but tricky to get onto.

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

Greater Coucal  Centropus sinensis

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

Lesser Coucal  Centropus bengalensis

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha  Phaenicophaeus curvirostris

Rough-crested Malkoha ◊ (Red-c M)  Dasylophus superciliosus   Endemic. Two at both Subic and Mt Makiling (nominate).

Scale-feathered Malkoha ◊  Dasylophus cumingi   Endemic. A few, with the best sightings at Mt Makiling.

Asian Koel (Western K)  Eudynamys scolopaceus   Heard-only.

Violet Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus   Heard-only.

Plaintive Cuckoo  Cacomantis merulinus

Rusty-breasted Cuckoo  Cacomantis sepulcralis

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

Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo  Surniculus lugubris

Large Hawk-Cuckoo  Hierococcyx sparverioides   One glided past us in Puerto Princesa.

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

Rock Dove (introduced)  Columba livia

Red Collared Dove (R Turtle D)  Streptopelia tranquebarica

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

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

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

Zebra Dove  Geopelia striata

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

White-eared Brown Dove ◊ [Short-billed B D]  Phapitreron [leucotis] brevirostris   Endemic. Ditto for Mindanao.

Amethyst Brown Dove ◊  P. [a.] amethystinus   Endemic. At least eight seen on Mindanao, and others heard (nominate).

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

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

Flame-breasted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus marchei   Endemic. One seen briefly by the lucky few at Mt Polis.

Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus occipitalis   Endemic. Two seen at Mt Kitanglad, including one on a nest.

Black-chinned Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus leclancheri   Nice male at Napsan Rd, Palawan. Heard Mt Makiling (gironieri).

Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula poliocephala   Endemic. One seen at PICOP, but hard work.

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

Barred Rail  Hypotaenidia torquata

Buff-banded Rail  Hypotaenidia philippensis

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Coot (Common C)  Fulica atra

Philippine Swamphen ◊  Porphyrio pulverulentus   Endemic. A few north of Manila, best seen at Candaba.

White-browed Crake  Poliolimnas cinereus

White-breasted Waterhen  Amaurornis phoenicurus

Plain Bush-hen ◊ (Philippine B-h)  Amaurornis olivacea   Endemic. Heidi saw one at Eden, then we all scored at Mt Makiling.

Spotted Buttonquail ◊  Turnix ocellatus   Endemic. Great views of a pair on a secluded road at Subic Bay (nominate).

Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus himantopus

Grey Plover (Black-bellied P)  Pluvialis squatarola

Kentish Plover  Charadrius alexandrinus

Siberian Sand Plover (Mongolian P)  Charadrius mongolus

Greater Sand Plover  Charadrius leschenaultii

Greater Painted-snipe  Rostratula benghalensis

Pheasant-tailed Jacana  Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus

Far Eastern Curlew ◊  Numenius madagascariensis   Three on the coast NE of Davao.

Bar-tailed Godwit  Limosa lapponica

Ruddy Turnstone  Arenaria interpres

Curlew Sandpiper  Calidris ferruginea

Red-necked Stint  Calidris ruficollis

Bukidnon Woodcock ◊  Scolopax bukidnonensis   Endemic. At least 2 easily seen roding at Mt Kitanglad. Heard near Banaue.

Swinhoe’s Snipe ◊  Gallinago megala   Several in the ricefields and marshes near Bislig, Mindanao.

Common Snipe  Gallinago gallinago

Terek Sandpiper  Xenus cinereus

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos

Grey-tailed Tattler  Tringa brevipes

Common Redshank  Tringa totanus

Marsh Sandpiper  Tringa stagnatilis

Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola

Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia

Oriental Pratincole  Glareola maldivarum   Non-leader.

Black-headed Gull  Chroicocephalus ridibundus

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

Greater Crested Tern  Thalasseus bergii

Chinese Crested Tern ◊  Thalasseus bernsteini   Two were scoped at a tern roost NE of Davao. Great to see.

Whiskered Tern  Chlidonias hybrida

Lesser Frigatebird  Fregata ariel

Yellow Bittern  Ixobrychus sinensis

Cinnamon Bittern  Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

Striated Heron  Butorides striata

Javan Pond Heron  Ardeola speciosa

Eastern Cattle Egret  Bubulcus coromandus

Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea

Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea

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

Intermediate Egret  Ardea intermedia

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta

Pacific Reef Heron (Pacific R E)  Egretta sacra

Chinese Egret ◊  Egretta eulophotes   Close views of one on the falling tide at Puerto Princesa.

Crested Honey Buzzard [Indomalayan H B]  Pernis [p.] ptilorhynchus   1 Mt Polis (philippensis); 1 Balsahan (palawanensis).

Philippine Honey Buzzard ◊  Pernis steerei   Endemic. Just one at PICOP (nominate).

Crested Serpent Eagle  Spilornis cheela  

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

Philippine Eagle ◊ (Monkey-eating E)  Pithecophaga jefferyi   Endemic. Three scoped at Mt Kitanglad, with one on a nest.

Philippine Hawk-Eagle ◊ (Luzon H-E, North P H-E)  Nisaetus philippensis   Endemic. A perched juvenile was scoped at Subic.

Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle ◊ (South Philippine H-E)  Nisaetus pinskeri   Endemic. An adult and juvenile at Mt Kitanglad.

Rufous-bellied Eagle  Lophotriorchis kienerii

Crested Goshawk  Accipiter trivirgatus   Four on Mindanao (extimus), and two on Palawan (palawanus).

Eastern Marsh Harrier  Circus spilonotus

Brahminy Kite  Haliastur indus

White-bellied Sea Eagle  Haliaeetus leucogaster

Grey-faced Buzzard ◊  Butastur indicus

Eastern Grass Owl ◊ (Australasian G O)  Tyto longimembris   Two hunting near Bislig & heard at Mt Kitanglad (amauronota).

Chocolate Boobook ◊  Ninox randi   Endemic. Excellent views of a pair at Subic Bay.

Luzon Boobook ◊ (Philippine B)  Ninox philippensis   Endemic. Best seen at Mt Makiling, where performed brilliantly.

Mindanao Boobook ◊  Ninox spilocephala   Endemic. A rather flighty pair at PICOP. Frustrated by the weather.

Giant Scops Owl ◊  Otus gurneyi   Endemic. Good views for most of us at Mt Kitanglad, but tricky.

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

Luzon Scops Owl ◊ (L Highland S O)  Otus longicornis   Heard-only. Endemic. Fresh landslides limited our access.

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

Philippine Scops Owl ◊ (Luzon Lowland S O)  Otus megalotis   Endemic. Two seen, many heard Subic. Heard at Mt Makiling.

Everett’s Scops Owl ◊ (Mindanao Lowland S O)  Otus everetti   Endemic. Brilliant views at the first attempt, at Eden Resort.

Palawan Scops Owl ◊  Otus fuliginosus   Endemic. Good views of one at Irawan Eco Park, thanks again to Seth.

Spotted Wood Owl ◊  Strix seloputo   Superb views of one at dusk, in a palm, near Puerto Princesa (wiepkeni). Seth again!

Philippine Trogon ◊  Harpactes ardens   Endemic. Three seen and a number heard on Mindanao (nominate).

Rufous Hornbill ◊ [Southern R H]  Buceros [hydrocorax] mindanensis   Endemic. Five seen well and scoped at PICOP.

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

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

Luzon Hornbill ◊  Penelopides manillae   Endemic. Six at Subic and 12 at Mt Makiling.

Mindanao Hornbill ◊  Penelopides affinis   Endemic. 18 logged, and others heard.

Oriental Dollarbird  Eurystomus orientalis

Spotted Wood Kingfisher ◊ [Luzon S W K]  Actenoides [lindsayi] lindsayi   Endemic. Seen at Subic and Makiling.

Hombron’s Kingfisher ◊ (Blue-capped K)  Actenoides hombroni   Endemic. Finally a pair seen at PICOP. Persistence pays!

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

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

Winchell’s Kingfisher ◊ (Rufous-lored K)  Todiramphus winchelli   Endemic. 2 seen, with prolonged scope views of 1, PICOP.

Collared Kingfisher  Todiramphus chloris   Widespread (collaris).

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher  Ceyx erithaca   Two on Palawan, including one spotlighted at Irawan Eco Park (motleyi).

Indigo-banded Kingfisher ◊ [Northern I-b K]  Ceyx [cyanopectus] cyanopectus   Endemic. 2 singles in the Polis/Banaue region.

Southern Silvery Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx argentatus   Endemic. This beauty was seen well at PICOP (a pair).

Blue-tailed Bee-eater  Merops philippinus

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

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

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker ◊  Yungipicus maculatus   Endemic. Many on Luzon (validirostris) & Mindanao (fulvifasciatus).

White-bellied Woodpecker  Dryocopus javensis   Seen Luzon (confusus) & Mindanao (mutilunatus); heard Palawan (hargitti).

Spot-throated Flameback ◊  Dinopium everetti   Endemic. A pair seen well enough along the Napsan Road, Palawan.

Buff-spotted Flameback ◊  Chrysocolaptes lucidus   Endemic. Singles at Lake Agco and Tagabud.

Luzon Flameback ◊  Chrysocolaptes haematribon   Endemic. Four to six birds logged for Subic Bay. Easily seen.

Red-headed Flameback ◊  Chrysocolaptes erythrocephalus   Endemic. After much effort, a superb pair at Balsahan, Palawan.

Northern Sooty Woodpecker ◊  Mulleripicus funebris   Endemic. Four logged for Subic, and seen very well eventually.

Great Slaty Woodpecker  Mulleripicus pulverulentus    Three performed well Balsahan, Palawan (nominate). Crowd-pleaser.

Philippine Falconet ◊  Microhierax erythrogenys   Endemic. Not uncommon; nominate in north, meridionalis in south.

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus

Red-vented Cockatoo ◊ (Philippine C)  Cacatua haematuropygia   Endemic. Fantastic roost of 34+ near Puerto Princesa.

Mindanao Racket-tail ◊  Prioniturus waterstradti   Endemic. 1 L. Agco; h: Tagabud (nominate). H: Kitanglad (malindangensis).

Blue-headed Racket-tail ◊ (Palawan R-t)  Prioniturus platenae   Endemic. Thankfully, a perched male at Irawan Eco Park.

Green Racket-tail ◊  Prioniturus luconensis   Endemic. Ivan saw it, and we heard it! Subic Bay.

Blue-crowned Racket-tail ◊  Prioniturus discurus   Endemic. One shooting over, and another heard at PICOP (nominate).

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

Guaiabero ◊  Bolbopsittacus lunulatus   Endemic. Fairly small numbers Subic Bay (nominate), and PICOP (mindanensis).

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

Wattled Broadbill ◊ (Mindanao W B)  Sarcophanops steerii   Endemic. Three in a mixed-species flock at PICOP.

Philippine Pitta ◊  Erythropitta erythrogaster   Heard-only. Endemic. Very distant singleton at PICOP (nominate).

Hooded Pitta  Pitta sordida   Heard-only. Briefly a couple of times on Palawan (palawanensis).

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

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

White-breasted Woodswallow  Artamus leucorynchus

Fiery Minivet  Pericrocotus igneus   Six on Palawan (nominate).

Scarlet Minivet ◊ [Philippine M]  P. [speciosus] leytensis  Endemic. Mt Polis (novus): L. Agco (nigroluteus); PICOP (gonzalesi).

Ashy Minivet  Pericrocotus divaricatus

Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike  Coracina striata

McGregor’s Cuckooshrike ◊  Malindangia mcgregori   Endemic. Seven logged at Mt Kitanglad.

Blackish Cuckooshrike ◊  Edolisoma coerulescens   Endemic. Two seen, well enough, at Subic (nominate).

Black-bibbed Cicadabird ◊  Edolisoma mindanense   Endemic. A pair were scoped and lured-in at PICOP (mindanense).

Pied Triller  Lalage nigra

Mangrove Whistler  Pachycephala cinerea   Heard-only. Once briefly near Puerto Princesa (plateni).

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

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

Brown Shrike [Northern B S]  Lanius [cristatus] cristatus   A few on Luzon.

Brown Shrike [Philippine B S] ◊  Lanius [cristatus] lucionensis   Widespread and common.

Long-tailed Shrike  Lanius schach   Frequent sightings on Luzon and Mindanao (nasutus).

Mountain Shrike ◊  Lanius validirostris   Endemic. Two seen well at Mt Polis.

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

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

Palawan Drongo ◊  Dicrurus palawanensis   Endemic. Common (nominate).

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

Balicassiao ◊ [Short-tailed D, Mindanao D]  Dicrurus [balicassius] striatus   Endemic. Small numbers on Mindanao.

Ashy Drongo [Sooty D] ◊  Dicrurus [leucophaeus] leucophaeus

Mindanao Blue Fantail ◊  Rhipidura superciliaris   Endemic. Small numbers on Mindanao (apo).

Blue-headed Fantail ◊  Rhipidura cyaniceps   Endemic. Four seen and others heard in the Mt Polis area (pinicola).

Philippine Pied Fantail ◊  Rhipidura nigritorquis   Endemic. Several on Palawan and at La Mesa Ecopark, Manila.

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

Black-naped Monarch  Hypothymis azurea   Scattered in lowland Luzon and Palawan; heard Mindanao. The nominate race

Short-crested Monarch ◊  Hypothymis helenae   Endemic. Superb views at PICOP; three seen (agusanae).

Celestial Monarch ◊  Hypothymis coelestis   Endemic. Fantastic views of a male at PICOP (nominate).

Blue Paradise Flycatcher ◊  Terpsiphone cyanescens   Endemic. Sneaky but eventually seen by us all on Palawan.

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

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

Large-billed Crow  Corvus macrorhynchos   Widespread (philippinus).

Citrine Canary-flycatcher ◊  Culicicapa helianthea   Two around Mt Polis (septentrionalis); one at Lake Agco (panayensis).

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

Palawan Tit ◊  Pardaliparus amabilis   Endemic. Amazing close views of a performer at Napsan Road.

Oriental Skylark  Alauda gulgula   A few were singing at Candaba (wolfei).

Palawan Bulbul ◊  Alophoixus frater   Endemic. Several good sightings.

Sulphur-bellied Bulbul ◊  Iole palawanensis   Endemic. Scarce but several seen well at Napsan Road.

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

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

Yellow-wattled Bulbul ◊  Poliolophus urostictus   Endemic. A few PICOP (philippensis), and a pair Mt Makiling (nominate).

Black-headed Bulbul  Brachypodius melanocephalos

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

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

Pacific Swallow  Hirundo tahitica

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

Striated Swallow  Cecropis striolata

Swallow  Cecropis sp.   It was hard to see why one or two birds in wing moult near Bislig, were not Red-rumped C. daurica.

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

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

Philippine Bush Warbler ◊ (Luzon B W)  Horornis seebohmi   Endemic. One performed, and many more heard at Mt Polis.

Yellow-browed Warbler  Phylloscopus inornatus   An unexpected vagrant on Palawan – perhaps a first for the island.

Philippine Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus olivaceus   Endemic. Just one at PICOP.

Kamchatka Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus examinandus   One was heard then seen at La Mesa Ecopark.

Arctic Warbler  Phylloscopus borealis   Several heard then seen at Eden Nature Park & Resort.

Negros Leaf Warbler ◊ P. nigrorum   Endem. Mt Polis (benguetensis); Kitanglad (flavostriatus); Agco/Tagabud (mindanensis).

Clamorous Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus stentoreus   One seen and others heard at Candaba (harterti).

Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler ◊  Helopsaltes ochotensis   Good numbers in fields and marshes near Bislig.

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

Long-tailed Bush Warbler ◊ [Mindanao Grasshopper W]  L. [c.] unicolor   Endemic. Seen well at Kitanglad.

Tawny Grassbird  Cincloramphus timoriensis   Great vies of one at Tagabud, Mindanao (crex).

Striated Grassbird  Megalurus palustris   Widespread sightings (forbesi).

Zitting Cisticola  Cisticola juncidis

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

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

Rufous-fronted Tailorbird ◊  Orthotomus frontalis   Endemic. Common at PICOP (nominate) but often hard to get onto.

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

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird  Orthotomus sericeus

Black-headed Tailorbird ◊  Orthotomus nigriceps   Endemic. Terrible skulker, seen well by some of us at PICOP.

Mindanao Pygmy Babbler ◊  Dasycrotapha plateni   Endemic. A pair showed well in a mixed-species feeding flock at PICOP.

Rusty-crowned Babbler ◊  Sterrhoptilus capitalis   Endemic. Small number in the PICOP bird flocks (euroaustralis).

Chestnut-faced Babbler ◊  Zosterornis whiteheadi   Endemic. Quite common in the Mt Polis area (nominate).

Mindanao White-eye ◊  Heleia goodfellowi   Endemic. Mt Kitanglad and Tagabud (nominate). Great views at the latter site.

Warbling White-eye  (Mountain W-e)  Zosterops japonicus   Mt Polis (whiteheadi); Agco and Tagubud (vulcani).

Lowland White-eye ◊  Zosterops meyeni   One at Subic, and a pair for all of us at La Mesa Ecopark (nominate).

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

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

Brown Tit-Babbler ◊ [Stripe-headed T-b]  Macronus [striaticeps] striaticeps   Endemic. Kitanglad and PICOP (mindanensis).

Melodious Babbler ◊  Malacopteron palawanense   Endemic. A pair at Napsan Road were probably already breeding.

Ashy-headed Babbler ◊  Pellorneum cinereiceps   Endemic. Several sighting on Palawan; not uncommon.

Striated Wren-Babbler ◊  Ptilocichla mindanensis   Endemic. One seen nicely, and several heard at PICOP (nominate).

Falcated Wren-Babbler ◊  Ptilocichla falcata   Endemic. Two interacting pairs at Napsan Road, Palawan. Crippling views.

Palawan Fairy-bluebird ◊  Irena tweeddalii   Endemic. A handful logged.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch  Sitta frontalis   Heard-only. A couple heard along the Napsan Road (palawana).

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

Asian Glossy Starling  Aplonis panayensis

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

Apo Myna ◊  Goodfellowia miranda   Endemic. Ten seen and as many heard on Mt Kitanglad.

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

Common Hill Myna  Gracula religiosa   A pair along the Napsan Road, Palawan (palawanensis).

Crested Myna (introduced)  Acridotheres cristatellus

Stripe-headed Rhabdornis ◊  Rhabdornis mystacalis   Endemic. Pairs at Capisaan Caves (nominate) and PICOP (minor).

Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis ◊  Rhabdornis inornatus   Endemic. Five noted at Mt Kitanglad (alaris).

Ashy Thrush ◊  Geokichla cinerea   Endemic. Amazing close views of one at La Mesa Ecopark.

Eyebrowed Thrush  Turdus obscurus

Brown-headed Thrush ◊ (Brown T)  Turdus chrysolaus    One seen and a couple heard at La Mesa Ecopark.

Island Thrush ◊ (Mountain Blackbird)  Turdus poliocephalus   Four seen well at Tagabud. Mindanao (kelleri).

Philippine Magpie-Robin ◊  Copsychus mindanensis   Endemic. Just a single male at PICOP.

White-browed Shama ◊  C. luzoniensis   Endemic. This terrible sneak was seen at Subic & Capisaan Caves (nominate).

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

Grey-streaked Flycatcher  Muscicapa griseisticta

Palawan Blue Flycatcher ◊  Cyornis lemprieri   Endemic. A very obliging male at Napsan Road.

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

Bagobo Babbler ◊  Leonardina woodi   Heard-only. Endemic. Two singing loudly at Tagubud, but not interested.

Philippine Shortwing ◊  Brachypteryx [poliogyna] poliogyna   Endemic. Great views in the Mt Polis area (nominate).

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

Siberian Rubythroat  Calliope calliope   One popped-up briefly at Candaba.

Mugimaki Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula mugimaki   Singles at Mt Kitanglad and Lake Agco.

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

Palawan Flycatcher ◊  Ficedula platenae   Endemic. One at Irawan Eco Park was surprisingly confiding in the end.

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

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

Blue Rock Thrush [Red-bellied R T]  Monticola [solitarius] philippensis

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

Philippine Leafbird ◊  Chloropsis flavipennis   Endemic. Five seen well at PICOP.

Yellow-throated Leafbird ◊  Chloropsis palawanensis   Endemic. Six logged on Palawan, and seen well.

Olive-backed Flowerpecker ◊  Prionochilus olivaceus   Endemic. A single bird was seen very well at PICOP (nominate).

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

Whiskered Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum proprium   Endemic. At Lake Agco, we had good looks at four.

Olive-capped Flowerpecker ◊  D. nigrilore   Endemic. Small numbers seen well in upper montane Mindanao (nominate).

Flame-crowned Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum kampalili   Endemic. Thanks to Peter, a smart male at very close range at Tagabud.

Bicolored Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum bicolor   Endemic. Small numbers on Mindanao (nominate).

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

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker ◊ [Grey-throated F]  D. [trigonostigma] cinereigulare   Endemic. Seen well Mindanao (nominate).

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

Buzzing Flowerpecker ◊ [Northern B F]  Dicaeum [hypoleucum] obscurum   Endemic. Two at Mt Makiling (nominate).

Pygmy Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum pygmaeum   Endemic. One at Subic (nominate), and a few on Mindanao (davao).

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker ◊  [F-throated F]  Dicaeum [ignipectus] luzionense   Endemic. Three seen at Mt Kitanglad (apo).

Brown-throated Sunbird (Plain-throated S)  Anthreptes malacensis   Three on Palawan (paraguae).

Grey-throated Sunbird ◊  Anthreptes griseigularis   Endemic. Three at PICOP (nominate).

Purple-throated Sunbird  Leptocoma [sperata] sperata   Endemic. One at PICOP, and three on Palawan (trochilus).

Purple-throated Sunbird ◊ [Orange-lined S]  Leptocoma [sperata] juliae   Endemic. Pair at Lake Agco and a female at Eden.

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

Olive-backed Sunbird ◊  [Garden S]  Cinnyris [j.] jugularis   N Luzon (obscurior); Palawan (aurora); elsewhere (nominate).

Grey-hooded Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga primigenia   Endemic.  Seven at Mt Kitanglad and two at Lake Agco (nominate).

Apo Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga [boltoni] boltoni   Endemic. Three at the upper levels of Mt Kitanglad (nominate).

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

Flaming Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga flagrans   Endemic. Two pairs at Mt Makiling.

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

Luzon Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga jefferyi   Endemic. Seven in the Cordillera Central.

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

Handsome Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga bella   Endemic. A male at Capisaan Caves (flavipectus) and three at PICOP (nominate).

Orange-tufted Spiderhunter ◊  Arachnothera flammifera   Endemic. Two at Eden Nature Park & Resort (nominate).

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

Cinnamon Ibon ◊  Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus   Endemic. Fairly common Mt Kitanglad, and also at Tagabud.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (introduced)  Passer montanus

Scaly-breasted Munia  Lonchura punctulata

White-bellied Munia  Lonchura leucogastra   Three in the Cordillera Central (everetti).

Chestnut Munia  Lonchura atricapilla

Red-eared Parrotfinch ◊  Erythrura coloria   Endemic. Heidi got onto one of two birds at Mt Kitanglad.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail  Motacilla [tschutschensis] tschutschensis

Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea

Paddyfield Pipit  Anthus rufulus

Olive-backed Pipit  Anthus hodgsoni

White-cheeked Bullfinch ◊ (Philippine B)  Pyrrhula leucogenis   Endemic. Seven seen well at Mt Polis (nominate).

MAMMALS

Golden-capped Fruit Bat (G-crowned Flying-fox)  Acerodon jubatus   Mixed roost of this and the next species at Subic Bay.

Large Flying-fox  Pteropus vampyrus   Also in large number at Puerto Princessa.

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

Variable Squirrel (introduced)  Callosciurus finlaysonii   Many in La Mesa Ecopark.

Northern Palawan Tree Squirrel  Sundasciurus juvencus   Endemic. Not uncommon on Palawan.

Mindanao Squirrel (M Tree S)  Sundasciurus mindanensis   Endemic. Two singles at PICOP.

House Mouse (introduced)  Mus musculus

REPTILES

White-lined Water Snake  Rhabdophis auriculatus   One on the trail, high up at Mt Kitanglad.

BUTTERFLIES

Platen’s Birdwing  Troides plateni   Napsan Road, Palawan. Endemic.

Red Helen  Papilio helenus   Mt Polis.

Great Yellow Mormon  Papilio lowi   Napasan Road, Palawan. Endemic.

Blue Wanderer  Pareronia boebera    PICOP. Endemic

Common Wanderer  Pareronia valeria   Palawan.

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

Smaller Wood Nymph  Ideopsis gaura   Napsan Road, Palawan.

Tobler’s Crow  Euploea tobleri   Photographed at Lake Agco, Mindanao.

Dwarf Crow (Purple C)  Euploea tulliolus   Subic.

Green Dragontail  Lamproptera meges   Highway pass west of Mount Tagabud, Mindanao.

Psyche  Leptosia nina   Subic, Palawan.

Common Faun  Faunis phaon   Endemic.

Banded Faun  Faunis stomphax

Common Nawab  Polyura athamas   Napsan Road, Palawan.

Streaked Baron  Euthalia alpheda   Mount Makiling, Luzon.

Clipper  Parthenos sylvia   Palawan.

Rustic  Cupha erymanthis   Palawan at least.

Malayan Lacewing  Cethosia hypsea

Eyed Cyclops  Erites argentina   Napsan Road, Palawan.

Common Bushbrown  Mycalesis aramis   Endemic.

Smooth-eyed Bushbrown  Orsotriaena medus

Brown Pansy  Junonia hedonia   Widespread.

Chocolate Pansy  Junonia iphita   Napsan Road, Palawan.

Silver Forget-me-not  Catochrysops panormus   Balsahan, Palawan.

Gram Blue  Euchrysops cnejus   Balsahan, Palawan.

Jamides schatzi   Photographed at Subic.

Forest Quaker  Pithecops corvus   Mt Makiling.

Golden-tailed Hairstreak  Cheritra orpheus   Photographed at Subic. Endemic.

Common Snow Flat  Tagiades japetus   One photographed on Palawan.

Snow Flat (no common name)  Tagiades trebellius   PICOP.

Zigzag-banded Dart   Potanthus mingo   Mindanao.

MOTHS

Hübner’s Wasp Moth  Amata huebneri   On Ageratum at Balsahan, Palawan.

Tussock Moth  Lymantria brunneiplaga   Eden Nature Park & Resort.

DRAGONFLIES

Gossamerwing  Euphaea refulgens   One photographed at Mt Makiling. Endemic.

Green Skimmer  Orthetrum serapia   PICOP etc.

Indonesian Red-winged Dragonfly  Neurothemis terminata   PICOP etc.

PLANTS

Starburst Bush (Bagawak Morado)  Clerodendrum quadriloculare   Subic. Endemic. Pointed-out by Ivan.