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.