PHILIPPINES WITH A DIFFERENCE TOUR REPORT 2023

3 - 23 February 2023

by Craig Robson

This itinerary “with a difference” was designed to enable tour participants to see the maximum number of Philippine endemics, supplemental to those that we can see on our Classic Philippines itinerary, during a realistic tour schedule. We certainly succeeded in delivering this package in 2023. Out of a total of around 239 species, we found at least 56 strict Philippine endemics (taxonomy-dependant) that were not seen on our 2023 Classic tour, making a combined minimum of 224 endemics across the two tours. The many specialities on this year’s Philippines With A Difference included: 45 Philippine Ducks, day-roosting Philippine Frogmouths, the mournful Black-hooded Coucal, 11 endemic pigeons, Chinese Egret, 5 endemic hawks, Chocolate, Luzon, Camiguin, Cebu, Romblon and Mindoro Boobooks, Luzon, Mantanani, Philippine, Negros and Everett’s Scops Owls, Philippine Trogon, 5 endemic hornbills, 6 endemic kingfishers, including the scintillating Dimorphic Dwarf and Northern Silvery, perched Mindoro and Blue-crowned Racket-tails, superb prolonged views of Camiguin Hanging Parrot, Philippine Pitta, Tablas and ‘Visayan’ Drongos, 5 endemic fantails (including Tablas), ‘Northern’ and ‘Southern’ Rufous Paradise Flycatchers, Sierra Madre (or Small) Crow, 7 endemic bulbuls, Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler, great views of both Cordillera and Bicol Ground Warblers (the former a new bird for Birdquest), Philippine and Yellow-breasted Tailorbirds, the unique Flame-templed Babbler, Calabarzon, Visayan and Negros Striped Babblers, Striated Wren-Babbler, Philippine Fairy-bluebird, the seldom-seen Visayan Rhabdornis, Visayan and Black Shamas, Philippine and White-throated Jungle Flycatchers, Olive-backed, Striped, Black-belted and Scarlet-collared Flowerpeckers and Flaming, Maroon-naped, Bohol and Magnificent Sunbirds.

After we all met-up, the tour began with an afternoon flight from Manila to Bacolod in north-west Negros. We were up early the following morning, and arrived at Gawahon Ecopark as it was getting light. Sadly however, it was a dismal and rain-soaked morning, making our target-birding a real challenge. We did manage to get the list going with a selection of endemics in the mixed-species flocks: White-vented Whistler, Visayan Drongo (split from Balicassiao), Visayan Fantail, Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler, Yellowish White-eye, and the superb Magnificent Sunbird. Buff-eared Brown Dove (the local form of White-eared), Visayan Bulbul, Philippine Tailorbird, and Black-belted and Orange-breasted (split from Orange-bellied) Flowerpeckers were also to be seen. We headed off for Dumaguete in south-east Negros, stopping for lunch en route.

Based at a hotel in town, we had two days and a morning to bag the rest of our targets on the island. A very rewarding day at the beautiful Balinsasayao Twin Lakes National Park brought us: Grey-breasted Brown Dove (split from Amethyst), Visayan Hornbill, Visayan Cuckooshrike (split from Bar-bellied), more Philippine Tailorbirds, White-throated Jungle Flycatcher (for the lucky few), and the lovely Maroon-naped Sunbird. Our best result though, was seeing four rare Visayan Rhabdornis in a fruiting tree. After dark, we had great close-ups of a roosting ‘Negros’ Spotted Kingfisher (a potential split) before torrential rain dashed any further nightbirding efforts.

Starting early the next morning in the mountains, at Palinpinon Geothermal Site, we were soon enjoying great close views of Negros Striped Babbler, despite the low cloud layer. Quickly satisfied, we moved on to a lower and sunnier location where, after an off-piste pursuit of a mixed-species feeding flock, we eventually all had satisfactory views of three much-wanted Flame-templed Babblers. An after-dinner sortie to a patch of more lowland forest was the chosen location in search of Negros Scops Owl. Once the rain stopped, we followed our guide to a couple of favoured locations, but there was no sight nor sound of the owl. As we were leaving one spot, after a long wait, our guide miraculously spotted this little stunner, which had been sitting quietly nearby. Pleased and relieved we headed off for a good night’s rest.

Our final forest birding on Negros was spent at an attractive lake to the south-west of town, where we had surprisingly close views of a singing male Visayan Shama. From Dumaguete, we took a fast ferry to Tagbilaran on Bohol, and then made our way to a small hotel in Bilar, our base from which to explore surrounding habitats.

Most of our time on Bohol was spent in the well-forested Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (National Park), where we were guided along various trails, and scanned for tree-top species from the small clearings. The mixed-species feeding flocks were productive once more, this time including Visayan Blue Fantail, Philippine Leaf Warbler, and Visayan Babbler. Philippine Jungle Flycatcher popped-up very obligingly, but the shapeshifting Yellow-breasted Tailorbird was somewhat more of a challenge to point-out. Several Samar Hornbills were vocal around the small forest openings, and eventually showed nicely. A road leading to some forest across the valley from the reserve was also productive, with a small coconut grove hosting our only Bohol Sunbirds. A nearby stream was where our guide searched for and twice found us the terrific Northern Silvery Kingfisher. Amongst the many other highlights, multiple day-roosting pairs of Philippine Frogmouth were noteworthy, and we enjoyed some great views of Philippine Flying Lemurs.

After our final morning on Bohol, we took a boat across to Cebu City, and then immediately drove up to Tabunan in the interior of the island, one of the very few areas with some native forest remaining on Cebu. With only one night here, and the weather a constant threat, we immediately headed out with local resident and guide Oking and, after only a short wait, we were soon looking at an amazingly obliging Cebu Boobook. Pleased with our success, we drove to a nearby resort for a comfortable overnight stay. We returned to Tabunan early the next morning. An hours steady walk along muddy trails, through small areas of cultivation, and we eventually entered some more mature forest on limestone. Almost immediately we heard the rich song of the endemic Black Shama, and we were soon admiring one at very close range. Using a small platform as a vantage point, we scanned the surrounding forest. Several Philippine (or Mangrove) Blue Flycatchers were noted, but our other main target, the Cebu form of Streak-breasted Bulbul, called briefly but remained hidden in dense foliage. Leaving Tabunan behind, we drove down to the airport in Cebu City, and took a short flight to the island of Camiguin, off the north coast of Mindanao.

Once checked-in at our well-situated coastal resort, we drove up to the forest between the hills in search of endemics. It was starting to get dark, and we had nothing in the bag, so we moved further on to a spot for the endemic Camiguin Boobook. Once it got dark, we soon heard the strange calls of this relatively recently recognised species and proceeded to get great views. The next day and a morning were spent exploring the roadside forests and mixed forest and plantations in the west-central part of the island. Our most wanted bird was of course the endemic Camiguin Hanging Parrot. We had a number of rapid flybys and heard only’s, before Ivan miraculously spotted a pair perched on a rattan spike at very close range – which remained in full view for about twenty minutes!! Unbelievable. The very distinctive Camiguin Bulbul was common and easily seen, we had multiple good looks at the dazzling Dimorphic Dwarf Kingfisher, and we also enjoyed good views of a Philippine Pitta. Another Camiguin endemic, that has been flying under the radar, is the very distinctive local form of Black-naped Monarch, and we made sure that we got definitive views of this plush purplish form.

Returning to Camiguin’s diminutive airport, we flew to Manila and, after an overnight stay, onwards to San Jose in south-west Mindoro. From the capital, we drove up the west coast to Sablayan, where we would spend the next day and a half. At Sablayan we explored various points along the forest edge within Siburan Forest Reserve, including the attractive and wonderfully situated Libuao Lake. Mindoro Hornbill was eventually seen well to everyone’s satisfaction, while Mindoro Bulbul and Scarlet-collared Flowerpecker, although far from showy, were not too difficult. We even had surprisingly good views of the oft secretive Black-hooded Coucal, and multiple perched views of Mindoro Racket-tail. Our owling session began with mega views of a pair of Chocolate Boobooks, but once they had budged, we were able to tempt-in the endemic Mindoro Boobook. Other good birds on Mindoro included the blackish endemic form of Philippine Coucal and Striped Flowerpecker.

After our final birding at Sablayan, we drove back to San Jose and overnighted, before taking an early morning flight to Manila. From Manila, we took an onward flight to Tuguegarao. Unfortunately, due to some last-minute serious ‘security’ issues in the Baggao region, we were not allowed to visit the site for Isabela Oriole this year. We had to quickly come up with an alternative and chose to explore a new area in the north-west, Kalbario-Patapat National Park. A few hours’ drive from Tuguegarao Airport, and we were checking-in to a comfortable and wonderfully situated coastal resort. We had much of the following day to explore the excellent and surprisingly extensive forests of this beautiful place. There were many avian highlights, but pride of place went to the wonderful views that we obtained of Cordillera Ground Warbler – a new species for Birdquest, as well as all tour participants of course! We also managed to track down the rare Sierra Madre Crow, currently included in the already range-restricted endemic Small Crow and had some fantastic views of the splittable ‘Northern’ Rufous Hornbill. Returning to the town of Baggao in the evening, we overnighted before taking a flight back to Manila, from where we drove to our accommodation on the Infanta Road, in the southern Sierra Madre.

Although much of the accessible forest has been cleared in this area, there is still some good forest along the Infanta Road at the higher levels, harbouring some highly sought-after Philippine endemics. Although we had a good amount of time to explore the area, we had to endure the worst weather conditions of the entire tour, with persistent rain hampering our considerable efforts. We were left with relatively few major highlights. Crippling face-to-face views of the tricky Luzon Scops Owl was perhaps our best result, but we also enjoyed good views of the skulking Bicol Ground Warbler, and we managed to spot two Calabarzon Babblers in a mixed-species flock. ‘Southern’ Cream-breasted (or -bellied) Fruit Dove, was unfortunately only heard.

After returning to Manila once more, the final leg of our journey took us to the seldom visited island of Tablas. Remaining habitat is limited and rather difficult to access on Tablas, but it was not far to travel from our hotel in a small coastal village. Romblon Boobook, Tablas Drongo, and Tablas Fantail were all seen well, though the latter proved rather too elusive for some of us. The local form of Winchell’s Kingfisher, Tablas (Streak-breasted) Bulbul, and Sibuyan Flowerpecker (the local form of Orange-bellied) completed our selection of possible armchair-ticks, and we were also lucky enough to get perched views of a male Blue-crowned Racket-tail.

Returning to Manila yet again, we said our goodbyes at the airport, and reflected back on another epic journey through the more remote islands of the Philippines. Our sincere thanks were extended to local birding guide Ivan Sarenas for his skilled and professional leadership.

BIRD OF THE TRIP

1st: Cordillera Ground Warbler
2nd: Bicol Ground Warbler
3rd: Luzon Scops Owl
4th: Flame-templed Babbler
5th: Tablas Drongo

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

BIRDS

Wandering Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna arcuata   At least 11 at Sablayan, Mindoro.

Philippine Duck ◊  Anas luzonica   Endemic. A maximum of 45 counted at Sablayan.

Red Junglefowl  Gallus gallus   Heard-only.

Great Eared Nightjar  Lyncornis macrotis  

Philippine Nightjar ◊  Caprimulgus manillensis   Endemic. Best seen on Tablas, but also seen on Negros.

Philippine Frogmouth ◊  Batrachostomus septimus   Endemic. 2-3 day-roosting pairs seen on Bohol (nominate).

Grey-rumped Swiftlet ◊ (Philippine Glossy S)  Collocalia marginata   Endemic. Widespread sightings.

Ridgetop Swiftlet ◊  Collocalia isonota   Endemic. Common on Camiguin.

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

Ameline Swiftlet ◊ (Grey S)  Aerodramus [amelis] amelis   Endemic. Widespread but occasional in lowlands.

Philippine Spine-tailed Swift ◊ (P Spinetail)  Mearnsia picina   Endemic. 15 on Negros.

Purple Needletail ◊  Hirundapus celebensis   Seen on Mindoro, Luzon and Tablas

Black-faced Coucal ◊  Centropus melanops   Endemic. Some nice sightings at Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol.

Black-hooded Coucal ◊  Centropus steerii   Endemic. Great views of a calling bird at Sablayan, Mindoro; 4+ heard.

Philippine Coucal ◊  Centropus viridis   Endemic. Widespread. Mindoro (all-dark mindorensis); elsewhere (nominate).

Lesser Coucal  Centropus bengalensis

Scale-feathered Malkoha ◊  Dasylophus cumingi   Endemic. Several seen well at Kalbario-Patapat NP and Infanta Road.

Asian Koel (Western K)  Eudynamys scolopaceus 

Plaintive Cuckoo  Cacomantis merulinus

Rusty-breasted Cuckoo  Cacomantis sepulcralis

Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo  Surniculus velutinus   Heard-only. Rajah Sikatuna NP.

Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo ◊  Hierococcyx pectoralis   Endemic. One seen by some of us at Tabunan, Cebu.

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   Camiguin and Infanta Rd, Luzon (nominate).

Zebra Dove  Geopelia striata

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

White-eared Brown Dove ◊ [Buff-eared B D]  Phapitreron [leucotis] nigrorum   Endemic. Small numbers on Negros.

White-eared Brown Dove ◊ [Short-billed B D]  P. [leucotis] brevirostris   Endemic. Small numbers on Bohol & Camiguin.

Amethyst Brown Dove ◊  Phapitreron [amethystinus] amethystinus   Endemic. Heard-only. Bohol & Infanta Rd (nominate).

Amethyst Brown Dove ◊ [Grey-breasted B D]  P. [amethystinus] maculipectus   Endemic. One seen well on Negros.

Thick-billed Green Pigeon ◊  Treron curvirostra   Small numbers at Sablayan, Mindoro.

Philippine Green Pigeon ◊  Treron axillaris   Endemic. At least four identified at Sablayan (axillaris).

Flame-breasted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus marchei   Endemic. Heard-only. Once only at Infanta Road.

Cream-breasted Fruit Dove* ◊ (C-bellied F D) [Southern C-b F D]  P. [merrilli] merrilli   Endemic. Heard-only. Infanta Rd.

Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus occipitalis   Endemic. 2 at Negros, heard Cebu (nom.); heard Camiguin (incognitus).

Black-chinned Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus leclancheri   Seen on Bohol and Tablas; heard on Mindoro (gironieri).

Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula poliocephala   Endemic. Heard-only. Sablayan, Mindoro.

Green Imperial Pigeon  Ducula aenea   Several seen on Mindoro, one on Tablas, heard on Bohol (nominate).

Barred Rail  Hypotaenidia torquata

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus

White-browed Crake  Poliolimnas cinereus

Plain Bush-hen ◊ (Philippine B-h)  Amaurornis olivacea   Endemic. Heard-only. Bohol, Tablas and Mindoro.

Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus himantopus

Pacific Golden Plover  Pluvialis fulva

Little Ringed Plover  Charadrius dubius

Kentish Plover  Charadrius alexandrinus

Siberian Sand Plover (Mongolian P)  Charadrius mongolus

Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus

Long-toed Stint  Calidris subminuta

Red-necked Stint  Calidris ruficollis

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos

Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola

Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia

Greater Crested Tern  Thalasseus bergii

Little Tern  Sternula albifrons   One in offshore tern roost on Camiguin.

Black-naped Tern  Sterna sumatrana   Four noted on Camiguin.

Common Tern  Sterna hirundo   60 on Camiguin.

Whiskered Tern  Chlidonias hybrida

Yellow Bittern  Ixobrychus sinensis

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   One on the shore at San Moritz Wetlands, Negros.

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus   One at Sablayan, Mindoro.

Philippine Honey Buzzard ◊  Pernis steerei   Endemic. 2 at the Twin Lakes, Negros (nominate), and 2-3 on Tablas (winkleri).

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

Philippine Hawk-Eagle ◊ (Luzon H-E, North P H-E)  Nisaetus philippensis   Endemic. 2 Kalbario-Patapat NP & 2 Infanta Rd.

Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle ◊ (South Philippine H-E)  Nisaetus pinskeri   Endemic. 3 at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes NP, Negros.

Crested Goshawk  Accipiter trivirgatus   One on Bohol (extimus).

Besra  Accipiter virgatus   One on Bohol (quagga).

Brahminy Kite  Haliastur indus

Grey-faced Buzzard ◊  Butastur indicus

Chocolate Boobook ◊  Ninox randi   Endemic. Excellent views of a pair at Sablayan, Mindoro.

Luzon Boobook ◊ Ninox philippensis   Endemic. Fantastic views of a pair on Negros; heard on Bohol (nominate).

Camiguin Boobook ◊  Ninox leventisi   Endemic. A pair performed perfectly for us.

Cebu Boobook ◊  Ninox rumseyi  Endemic. Mega views of one at Tabunan.

Romblon Boobook ◊  Ninox spilonotus  Endemic. After some work, we had good views of a pair on Tablas.

Mindoro Boobook ◊  Ninox mindorensis  Endemic. A bit sneaky, but one of three calling birds seen well enough at Sablayan.

Luzon Scops Owl ◊ (L Highland S O)  Otus longicornis   Endemic. Astounding close-ups of one glaring down at us, Infanta.

Mantanani Scops Owl ◊  Otus mantananensis   Another awesome performer on Tablas, where many others heard.

Philippine Scops Owl ◊ (Luzon Lowland S O)  Otus megalotis   Endemic. Great roadside views at Infanta.

Negros Scops Owl ◊  Otus nigrorum   Endemic.  Brilliantly spotted by Rene’s son at Liptong Woodland and seen well.

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

Philippine Trogon ◊  Harpactes ardens   Endemic. Several on Bohol (linae) and Luzon (luzoniensis).

Rufous Hornbill ◊ [Northern R H]  Buceros [hydrocorax] hydrocorax   Endemic. Superb looks at 13 at Kalbario-Patapat NP.

Luzon Hornbill ◊  Penelopides manillae   Endemic. Three at Kalbario-Patapat NP.

Mindoro Hornbill ◊  Penelopides mindorensis   Endemic.  Three seen at Sablayan.

Samar Hornbill ◊  Penelopides samarensis   Endemic. Small numbers at Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol.

Visayan Hornbill ◊  Penelopides panini   Endemic. Six seen at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes NP, Negros (nominate).

Oriental Dollarbird  Eurystomus orientalis

Spotted Wood Kingfisher ◊ [Negros S W K]  Actenoides [lindsayi] moseleyi   Endemic. A superb roosting bird at Twin Lakes.

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

Winchell’s Kingfisher ◊ (Rufous-lored K)  Todiramphus winchelli  Endemic. 2 Tablas (nesydrionetes); heard Bohol (nigrorum).

Collared Kingfisher  Todiramphus chloris   Widespread (collaris).

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis

Dimorphic Dwarf Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx margarethae   Endemic. Stunning views on Camiguin (3), also Tablas (1 seen 2 heard).

Northern Silvery Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx flumenicola   Endemic. This beauty was seen well along the Poblacion River, Bohol.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater  Merops philippinus

Rufous-crowned Bee-eater ◊  Merops americanus   Endemic. Camiguin, Tablas, and particularly at Sablayan, Mindoro.

Coppersmith Barbet  P. haemacephalus   Negros (intermedius), Cebu (cebuensis), Luzon/Mindoro (nom.), Tablas (homochroa).

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker ◊  Yungipicus maculatus   Endemic. Negros (nominate); Luzon and Mindoro (validirostris).

White-bellied Woodpecker  Dryocopus javensis   Negros (philippinensis) & Mindoro (mindorensis); heard Bohol (pectoralis).

Buff-spotted Flameback ◊  Chrysocolaptes lucidus   Endemic. One seen at Rajah Sikatuna NP.

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus

Mindoro Racket-tail ◊  Prioniturus mindorensis   Endemic. Good perched views of several at Sablayan.

Blue-crowned Racket-tail ◊  Prioniturus discurus   Endemic. Flyby on Negros (whiteheadi); perched male Tablas (nominate).

Blue-naped Parrot ◊  Tanygnathus lucionensis   Just one, on Mindoro (nominate)

Guaiabero ◊  Bolbopsittacus lunulatus   Endemic. Non-leader. One at Kalbario-Patapat NP (nominate).

Philippine Hanging Parrot ◊  L. philippensis   Endemic. Luzon (nom.), Mindoro (mindorensis), Negros/Tablas (regulus), Bohol (worcesteri).

Camiguin Hanging Parrot ◊  Loriculus camiguinensis   Endemic. 5 seen & 5+ heard. Best was perched pair spotted by Ivan.

Philippine Pitta ◊  Erythropitta erythrogaster   Endemic. One seen well and two heard on Camiguin (nominate).

Hooded Pitta (Western H P)  Pitta sordida   Heard-only. One on Tablas (nominate).

Azure-breasted Pitta ◊ (Steere’s P)  Pitta steerii   Endemic. Heard-only. Bohol (coelestis).

White-breasted Woodswallow  Artamus leucorynchus

Scarlet Minivet ◊ [Philippine M]  P. [speciosus] leytensis  Endemic. Three at Infanta Road, when the rain stopped (novus).

Ashy Minivet  Pericrocotus divaricatus

Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike  Coracina striata   Luzon (nominate), Bohol (boholensis), Mindoro & Tablas (mindorensis)

Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike ◊ [Visayan C]  Coracina [striata] panayensis   Endemic. Six seen at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes NP.

White-winged Cuckooshrike ◊  Edolisoma ostentum   Endemic. A pair seen well on Negros.

Black-bibbed Cicadabird ◊  Edolisoma mindanense   Endemic. One at Sablayan, Mindoro (elusum).

Pied Triller  Lalage nigra

Green-backed Whistler ◊  Pachycephala albiventris   Endemic. One in a mixed-species flock at Infanta Road (nominate).

White-vented Whistler ◊ [Visayan W]  P. [homeyeri] winchelli  Endemic. Seen on Negros and Tablas (winchelli).

Yellow-bellied Whistler ◊  P. philippinensis   Endemic. 2 Bohol (boholensis), 1 Infanta Rd (nominate); heard Camiguin (illex).

Brown Shrike [Northern B S]  Lanius [cristatus] cristatus   Noted on Negros at least.

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

Black-naped Oriole [Philippine B-n O] ◊  O. [c.] chinensis   Endemic. Luzon/Mindoro (nom.); Negros/Bohol/Tablas (yamamurae).

Tablas Drongo ◊  Dicrurus menagei   Endemic. At least 12 were logged, with some good views.

Balicassiao ◊  D. [balicassius] balicassius   Endemic. Small numbers Mindoro (nominate), 1 Kalbario-Patapat (abraensis).

Balicassiao ◊ [Visayan D]  Dicrurus [balicassius] mirabilis   Endemic. Common on Negros; two noted on Cebu.

Balicassiao ◊ [Short-tailed D, Mindanao D]  D. [balicassius] striatus   Endemic. Common at Rajah Sikatuna NP (samarensis).

Visayan Blue Fantail ◊  Rhipidura samarensis   Endemic. Three in mixed-species flocks at Rajah Sikatuna NP.

Blue-headed Fantail ◊  Rhipidura cyaniceps   Endemic. Frequent Infanta Rd (nominate); heard Kalbario-Patapat (pinicola).

Tablas Fantail ◊  Rhipidura sauli   Endemic. A total of four were logged, but elusive.

Visayan Fantail ◊  Rhipidura albiventris   Endemic. Small numbers on Negros.

Philippine Pied Fantail ◊  Rhipidura nigritorquis   Endemic. Scattered sightings.

Black-naped Monarch  Hypothymis [azurea] azurea   A couple on Bohol; heard on Cebu (nominate).

Black-naped Monarch ◊ [Camiguin M]  Hypothymis [azurea] catarmanensis   Six logged, with some good views.

Rufous Paradise Flycatcher ◊ [Southern R P F]  Terpsiphone [cinnamomea] cinnamomea   Six on Camiguin (cinnamomea).

Rufous Paradise Flycatcher ◊ [Northern R P F]  T. [cinnamomea] unirufa   2-3 seen Tablas; heard Kalbario-Patapat.

Small Crow ◊ [Sierra Madre C]  Corvus [samarensis] sierramadrensis   Endemic. Excellent pair at Kalbario-Patapat NP.

Palawan Crow ◊  Corvus pusillus   Endemic. Small numbers of this curious species on Mindoro.

Large-billed Crow  Corvus macrorhynchos   Widespread (philippinus).

Citrine Canary-flycatcher ◊  Culicicapa helianthea   Frequently seen Negros (panayensis), and Infanta Rd (zimmeri).

Elegant Tit ◊  P. elegans   Endemic. EC (nominate) & NW (montigenus) Luzon; Negros (albescens); heard Cebu (visayanus).

Philippine Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes philippinus   Endemic. Bohol & Cebu (saturatior), and Luzon (nominate).

Mindoro Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes mindorensis   Endemic. Not uncommon on Mindoro.

Streak-breasted Bulbul ◊ [Tablas B]  Hypsipetes [siquijorensis] cinereiceps   Endemic. Common and conspicuous.

Streak-breasted Bulbul ◊ [Cebu B]  Hypsipetes [siquijorensis] monticola   Endemic. Heard-only. From the Tabunan platform.

Visayan Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes guimarasensis   Endemic. Common on Negros.

Camiguin Bulbul ◊  Hypsipetes catarmanensis   Endemic. This highly distinctive bulbul was very common.

Yellow-wattled Bulbul ◊  Poliolophus urostictus   Endemic. One on Bohol (atricaudatus), and 2-3 Infanta Road (nominate).

Yellow-vented Bulbul  Pycnonotus goiavier   Widespread. Luzon & Tablas (nominate); Camiguin (suluensis).

Pacific Swallow  Hirundo tahitica

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

Striated Swallow  Cecropis striolata

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

Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler ◊  P. cebuensis   Endemic. Small numbers at N Negros (nominate), & Infanta Rd (luzonensis).

Kamchatka Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus examinandus   Widespread audio and visual records.

Arctic Warbler  Phylloscopus borealis   Three seen across Negros and Bohol.

Negros Leaf Warbler ◊ P. nigrorum   Endemic. A few Infanta Road (benguetensis), and Negros [non-leader] (nominate).

Clamorous Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus stentoreus   Seen and heard on the coast of SW Mindoro (harterti).

Cordillera Ground Warbler* ◊  Robsonius rabori   Endemic. Fantastic views of one at Kalbario-Patapat NP. A Birdquest first.

Bicol Ground Warbler ◊  Robsonius sorsogonensis   Endemic. 3 seen, with a pair performing well at Infanta Rd; others heard.

Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler ◊  Helopsaltes ochotensis   Several at San Moritz Wetlands, Negros.

Tawny Grassbird ◊ [Philippine T G]  Cincloramphus [timoriensis] tweeddalei   2 Negros (tweeddalei), sev. Camiguin (crex).

Striated Grassbird  Megalurus palustris   Widespread sightings (forbesi).

Zitting Cisticola [Double Z C]  Cisticola [juncidis] tinnabulans   Heard-only. Negros.

Golden-headed Cisticola  Cisticola exilis   Five noted at San Moritz Wetlands, Negros (semirufus).

Philippine Tailorbird ◊ (Chestnut-crowned T)  Orthotomus castaneiceps   Endemic. Common Negros, with several seen well.

Trilling Tailorbird ◊ (Green-backed T)  Orthotomus chloronotus   Endemic. Several at Kalbario-Patapat NP, NW Luzon.

Rufous-fronted Tailorbird ◊  Orthotomus frontalis   Endemic. Small numbers on Bohol (nominate) but often hard to get onto.

Grey-backed Tailorbird ◊  Orthotomus derbianus   Endemic. Several seen and others heard at Infanta Road (nominate).

Yellow-breasted Tailorbird ◊ (Samar T)  O. samarensis   Endemic. 1 seen quite well by some of us, and others heard, Bohol.

Flame-templed Babbler ◊  Dasycrotapha speciosa  Endemic. Took some work, but 3 were tracked down in SE Negros.

Calabarzon Babbler ◊  Sterrhoptilus affinis   Endemic. A smart pair in a mixed-species flock at Infanta Rd.

Visayan Babbler ◊  Sterrhoptilus nigrocapitatus   Endemic. Four in mixed-species flocks at Rajah Sikatuna NP (boholensis).

Negros Striped Babbler ◊  Zosterornis nigrorum   Endemic. Four came right in for close views at Palinpinon Geothermal Site.

Yellowish White-eye ◊  Z. nigrorum   Endemic. Negros (nominate), Camiguin (catarmanensis), Infanta Rd (innominatus).

Warbling White-eye  (Mountain W-e)  Zosterops japonicus   Small numbers in the Negros uplands (pectoralis).

Everett’s White-eye ◊  Zosterops everetti   Seen on Cebu (nominate), and Camiguin (basilanicus).

Striated Wren-Babbler ◊  Ptilocichla mindanensis   Endemic. Great views of 2 at Rajah Sikatuna NP (nominate).

Philippine Fairy-bluebird ◊  Irena cyanogastra   Endemic. Frequent at Kalbario-Patapat NP, and Infanta Road (nominate).

Sulphur-billed Nuthatch ◊  Sitta oenochlamys   Endemic. Negros uplands (nominate), and  Luzon (mesoleuca).

Asian Glossy Starling  Aplonis panayensis

Coleto ◊  Sarcops calvus   Endemic. Many sightings: Luzon & Mindoro (nominate); Negros, Bohol & Tablas (melanonotus).

Crested Myna (introduced)  Acridotheres cristatellus   Non-leader.

Visayan Rhabdornis ◊  Rhabdornis rabori   Endemic. 4 in a fruiting tree at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes NP, Negros. Bonus bird.

Eyebrowed Thrush  Turdus obscurus

Brown-headed Thrush ◊ (Brown T)  Turdus chrysolaus    One seen at Kalbario-Patapat NP.

Philippine Magpie-Robin ◊  Copsychus mindanensis   Endemic. Monotypic: Negros, Cebu, Camiguin, Mindoro & Tablas.

White-browed Shama ◊  C. luzoniensis   Endemic. A couple of sneaks at Infanta Road (nominate).

Visayan Shama ◊  Copsychus superciliaris   Endemic. Superb showing by a singing male in SE Negros; others heard.

Black Shama ◊ (Cebu S)  Copsychus cebuensis   Endemic. At least two seen and two heard at Tabunan, Cebu.

Grey-streaked Flycatcher  Muscicapa griseisticta

Mangrove Blue Flycatcher ◊ [Philippine B F]  C. [r.] simplex   Endemic. Mindoro (mindorensis), W Visayas-Camiguin (philippinensis).

Philippine Jungle Flycatcher ◊ (Rufous-tailed J F)  Cyornis ruficauda   Endemic. One popped-up nicely at Rajah Sikatuna NP.

Philippine Shortwing ◊  Brachypteryx [poliogyna] poliogyna   Endemic. Heard-only. Once in montane Negros (brunneiceps).

White-throated Jungle Flycatcher ◊  Vauriella albigularis   Endemic. Non-leader. One for the lucky few at the Twin Lakes.

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

Pied Bush Chat  Saxicola caprata   Seen on Negros (nominate) and Camiguin (anderseni).

Olive-backed Flowerpecker ◊  Prionochilus olivaceus   Endemic. Three seen well at Infanta Road (parsonsi).

Striped Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum aeruginosum   Endemic. Great views of one at Sablayan, Mindoro (nominate).

Bicolored Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum bicolor   Endemic. Small numbers on Luzon (inexpectatum).

Red-keeled Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum australe   Endemic. One seen on Cebu.

Black-belted Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum haematostictum   Three logged on Negros.

Scarlet-collared Flowerpecker ◊ (Mindoro F)  Dicaeum retrocinctum   Just a single male at Sablayan but seen very well.

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker ◊ [Grey-throated F]  D. [trigonostigma] cinereigulare  Endemic. Bohol (nom.), Camiguin (isidroi).

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker ◊ [Orange-breasted F]  D. [t.] dorsale   Endemic. Negros (nominate), Luzon (xanthopygium).

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker ◊ [Sibuyan F]  D. [t.] sibuyanicum   Endemic. Tablas (cnecolaemum).

Buzzing Flowerpecker ◊ [Southern B F]  Dicaeum [hypoleucum] hypoleucum   Endemic. Heard-only. Bohol (pontifex).

Buzzing Flowerpecker ◊ [Northern B F]  Dicaeum [hypoleucum] obscurum   Endemic. Quite common Infanta Rd (nominate).

Pygmy Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum pygmaeum   Endemic. Negros, Bohol, and Infanta Rd, Luzon (nominate).

Brown-throated Sunbird (Plain-throated S)  Anthreptes malacensis   A few on  Camiguin (heliolusius) & Tablas (chlorigaster).

Grey-throated Sunbird ◊  Anthreptes griseigularis   Endemic. One at Kalbario-Patapat NP, Luzon (birgitae).

Purple-throated Sunbird  Leptocoma [sperata] sperata   Endemic. Bohol, Camiguin and Tablas (trochilus).

Olive-backed Sunbird ◊  [Garden S]  Cinnyris [j.] jugularis   Widespread sightings (nominate).

Flaming Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga flagrans   Endemic. A few at Infanta Road.

Maroon-naped Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga guimarasensis   Endemic. Eight logged at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes NP, Negros.

Luzon Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga jefferyi   Endemic. One briefly at Infanta Road, and another heard.

Bohol Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga decorosa   Endemic. A pair on Bohol, after quite a bit of effort!

Magnificent Sunbird ◊  Aethopyga magnifica   Endemic. Frequent on Negros, then singles on Cebu and Tablas.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (introduced)  Passer montanus

Java Sparrow (introduced)  Padda oryzivora   One at San Moritz Wetlands, Negros.

Scaly-breasted Munia  Lonchura punctulata   Three presumed cabanisi on Negros.

White-bellied Munia  Lonchura leucogastra   Non-leader (everetti). Four on Camiguin.

Chestnut Munia  Lonchura atricapilla   Widespread: jagori, apart from formosana in NW Luzon.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail  Motacilla [tschutschensis] tschutschensis

Grey Wagtail  Motacilla cinerea

Paddyfield Pipit  Anthus rufulus

MAMMALS

House Shrew (introduced)  Suncus murinus

Peters’s Fruit Bat  Cynopterus luzionensis   One at Infanta Road, and two on Tablas.

Philippine Flying Lemur  Cynocephalus volans   6-8 logged on Bohol, and some nice daytime looks.

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

Oriental House Rat (introduced)  Rattus tanezumi   A handful on Negros.

REPTILES

Common Sun Skink  Eutropis multifasciata   Twin Lakes, Negros, at least.

Jagor’s Sphenomorphus  Pinoyscincus jagori   Endemic. Rajah Sikatuna NP.

Philippine Sailfin Lizard  Hydrosaurus pustulatus   Endemic. Infanta Road.

Two-spotted Flying Lizard  Draco bimaculatus   Rajah Sikatuna NP.

BUTTERFLIES

‘Philippine’ Golden Birdwing  Troides rhadamantus   Endemic. Mindoro.

Magellan Birdwing  Troides magellanus   Endemic. Loboc Watershed Road, Bohol.

Philippine Batwing  Atrophaneura semperi   Endemic. Tabunan, Cebu.

Scarlet Mormon  Papilio rumanzovia   Endemic. Rajah Sikatuna NP. Philippine.

Tiger  Parantica vitrina   Endemic. Mount Talinis Apolong Trail, Negros.

Psyche  Leptosia nina   Widespread.

Philippine Archduke  Lexias satrapes   Endemic. Kalbario-Patapat National Park, N Luzon.

Archduke  Lexias panopus boholensis   Endemic. Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol.

Common Faun  Faunis phaon   Endemic. Negros and Tablas at least.

Faun  Faunis sappho sappho   Endemic. Bohol.

Common Three-ring  Ypthima sempera   Negros at least.

Philippine Staff Sargeant  Athyma gutama   Endemic. Tablas.

Clipper  Parthenos sylvia   Widespread species.

Brown Pansy  Junonia hedonia   Widespread.

Spotted Demon  Notocrypta feisthamelii   Infanta Road.

Skipper  Aeromachus musca   Endemic. Infanta Road.

MOTHS

‘Philippine Silkmoth’  Antheraea semperi   Endemic. Wyndell’s Al Fresco Restaurant, en route to Infanta Road.

Hawk-moth  Ambulyx staudingeri   Endemic. Wyndell’s Al Fresco Restaurant.

Callidula moth cf. Petavia petavius   Small butterfly-like moth on Camiguin.

DRAGONFLIES

Philippine Jewel  Rhinocypha colorata   Endemic. Streams of Tablas at least.

Hawker sp.   Infanta Road.

Green Skimmer  Orthetrum serapia   Mindoro at least.

Bolivar’s Skimmer  Diplacina bolivari   Endemic. Tablas.

Indonesian Red-winged Dragonfly  Neurothemis terminata

PLANTS

Pitcher plant  Nepenthes alata   Endemic.  Infanta Road.