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.