Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Whitehead’s Trogon |
 Bornean Orangutan |
 Pink-necked Green Pigeon |
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 Ashy Drongo |
 Indigo Flycatcher |
 Mountain Wren-Babbler |
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Overview
This was another spectacular birding tour of Borneo which, as usual, also featured other incredible animals. These included several Bornean Orangutans, Northern (North Bornean) Grey Gibbons, Proboscis Monkeys, a 10-foot (3-meter) long Reticulated Python and many others.
Bird-wise, we saw all eight expected hornbills including the truly massive, Critically Endangered (BirdLife International) Helmeted Hornbill and the almost equally impressive Rhinoceros Hornbill. We also saw five different pitta species including Giant Pitta and three Bornean endemic pittas. Whitehead’s Trogon and three other trogon species and Whitehead’s Broadbill plus several other beautiful broadbill species also showed well. Whitehead’s Spiderhunter was “heard only” on this tour, although seen well on the preceding Sarawak restricted range species birding tour (click here for the trip report for that tour). We also saw the world’s largest extant woodpecker, Great Slaty Woodpecker, along with a bunch of other spectacular woodpeckers of all shapes and sizes down to the tiny Rufous Piculet. The unique and charismatic Bornean Bristlehead was seen very well and was one of many Bornean endemic birds seen during this custom version of our Sabah birding tour. We saw a similar range of incredible birds and wildlife on our 2022 Sabah set departure tour, click here to see that trip report.
Detailed Report
Day 1, 30th September 2022. Kota Kinabalu
Folks arrived the afternoon before and rested this morning. After lunch, we headed for some great birding sites around the city. The first was the Kingfisher Oxidation Park where we found Wandering Whistling Duck, Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Malaysian Pied Fantail, Ashy Tailorbird, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Asian Glossy Starling, Crimson Sunbird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, and a number of other species. We then headed to a heronry where we saw Nankeen Night Heron, as well as the widespread Black-crowned Night Heron and various egrets.
Tanjung Aru Beach, our last stop of the afternoon, was productive as usual. Blue-naped Parrot showed well, and beautiful Long-tailed Parakeets flew over. Green Imperial Pigeon and Pink-necked Green Pigeon showed well through the scope, as did Pied Triller. Oriental Dollarbird and a pair of Collared Kingfishers were also scoped. Beautiful White-breasted Woodswallows were much in evidence. Scaly-breasted and Dusky Munias put in appearances, as did a good number of other species.
Day 2, 1st October 2022. Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu via birding sites in the Crocker Range
An early start found us in the Crocker Range highlands for breakfast. Birding near the Rafflesia Information Centre before and after breakfast was productive. We saw many great species including Black-capped White-eye, Pygmy White-eye, Bornean Leafbird, Mountain Barbet, Grey-chinned Minivet, Sunda Cuckooshrike, Blyth’s Shrike-babbler, Ashy Drongo, White-throated Fantail, Bornean Treepie, Bornean Bulbul, Black-headed Bulbul, Cinereous Bulbul, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, beautiful Little Pied Flycatcher, Black-sided Flowerpecker, dazzling Temminck’s Sunbird, and Bornean Spiderhunter.
Raptors were prevalent in the area, and we saw overflying Crested Honey Buzzard, Mountain (Kinabalu) Serpent Eagle and Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle. We also saw five Wreathed Hornbills flying over.
After breakfast, we had a session at the Gunung Alab Substation. At the blind (hide) here we got ridiculously close views of Crimson-headed Partridge, Red-breasted Partridge, Orange-headed Thrush, and Snowy-browed Flycatcher. We also saw Sunda Laughingthrush and Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush. At and around the nearby bird feeders, we enjoyed seeing Grey Wagtail, Sunda Bush Warbler, Mountain Leaf Warbler, Golden-naped Barbet and various other birds. We found two massive beetles, a stag beetle and a long-horned beetle, we then transferred to Mount Kinabalu where we were to spend the next three nights.
Day 3, 2nd October 2022. Birding Mount Kinabalu National Park
What a great day! After an early breakfast, we headed to Kinabalu Park, getting magnificent views of the high peak (13,435 feet or 4,095 meters above sea level). Our first birding stop was at the park headquarters where we found our first Bornean Forktail, Mountain Leaf and Yellow-breasted Warblers. Here we also saw Black-capped White-eye, Pygmy Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Indigo Flycatcher, beautiful Black-sided Flowerpecker, and dazzlingly bright Temminck’s Sunbird (we’d see a good number of these later, too). White-throated Fantail was also around.
Ascending upwards into the forest, we got great views of a couple of Everett’s Thrushes on the roadside and some Mountain Tailorbirds with their Wood Thrush like calls (such a loud song for a tiny bird). A Bornean Stubtail was then seen close-up. A couple of Temminck’s Babblers showed well. Luminous-colored Bornean Green Magpies also showed well but Bornean Treepies kept just giving brief views. Yellow Bornean Whistlers proved quite numerous. A Sunda Cuckooshrike provided good views, but a Sunda Owlet was heard only. Dazzlingly bright red Grey-chinned Minivets put on a show, and we also found a few Blyth’s Shrike-babblers.
At the top gate where people start the long hike to the summit, we saw Bornean Swiftlet, a Mountain Blackeye, and several pretty, close-up Golden-naped Barbets.
Arguably the best bird of the morning was a male Whitehead’s Trogon, which we found as we descended through the forest towards our lunch restaurant. Also on the way down, we saw Penan Bulbul along with brief views of Pale-faced Bulbul.
Mammal-wise on the way up we saw Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel and Jentink’s Squirrel and at the top we found a Borneo Black-banded Squirrel. On the way down we were delighted to see an attractive Kinabalu Squirrel, and we also had brief views of a Pale Giant Squirrel.
After a delicious lunch, we again ascended into the forest and the first new trip bird was Mountain Wren-Babbler. Things went quiet for a while but this came to an abrupt end when we found an incredible mixed flock including all three laughingthrush species, Bare-headed, Chestnut-hooded, and Sunda Laughingthrushes, all of them very attractive birds. Suddenly a Whitehead’s Broadbill was located and we got good scope views of this unbelievably stunning bird. Also moving with the mixed flock were Black-and-crimson Oriole, Checker-throated Woodpecker, Sunda Cuckooshrike, Grey-throated Babbler, and other goodies we had seen already. We ended the day off with good views of a White-browed Shortwing.
Day 4, 3rd October 2022. Second full day of birding Mount Kinabalu National Park
We headed back into the park for a morning and an afternoon birding session. It was a relatively slow day birdwatching compared to the previous day, but we did add one or two species to our growing list, such as the endemic and shy Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher. We also saw another Whitehead’s Trogon, a female this time. At the end of the day, we did manage to see six Mountain Wren-Babblers on the road, quite bizarre!
We also got close-up views of a Tufted (Whitehead’s) Pygmy Squirrel in addition to other good mammals we had already seen previously. Butterflies abounded and included Raja Brooke’s Birdwing and Borneo (Kinabalu) Birdwing.
Day 5, 4th October 2022. Birding the Poring Hot Springs and transfer to Sepilok
After another early breakfast, we headed to the other side of Kinabalu National Park, birding the Poring Hot Springs and adjacent areas. A beautiful Long-tailed Shrike was the first bird of the day. We found three new barbet species at Poring Hot Springs, Red-throated, Blue-eared, and Golden-whiskered Barbets. Apart from these, other green birds seen included Lesser Green Leafbird and Green Iora. A couple of brilliantly colorful Black-and-yellow Broadbills showed well. Beautiful sunbirds abounded in the form of Crimson, Ruby-cheeked, Purple-naped, and Brown-throated Sunbirds, as well as the less colorful Plain Sunbird. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker and two spiderhunter species, Little and Bornean Spiderhunter, gave us nice views. A Greater Coucal sunned itself at one point, and a pair of restless Raffles’s Malkohas entertained us. A stunning Crested Serpent Eagle gave good flight views here. Malaysian Pied Fantail, Ashy Tailorbird, Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, and Yellow-bellied Warbler all showed well.
Bulbuls were abundant here, and included Streaked, Black-headed, Olive-winged, Asian Red-eyed, and stunning Scaly-breasted Bulbuls. A Sunda Scimitar Babbler was a true highlight for everyone as was an Asian Fairy-bluebird albeit a female. Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher was more subtly beautiful. A couple of Dusky Munias were also good to see.
Mammal-wise, we found an extremely cute Least Pygmy Squirrel, a (cream-colored) Pale Giant Squirrel, and a Prevost’s Squirrel.
In the afternoon, we drove to Sepilok where we would spend the next two nights. There were many birds along the way, including stunning White-breasted Woodswallows and a great many Javan Mynas and Asian Glossy Starlings. We also encountered Southern Pig-tailed and Long-tailed (Crab-eating) Macaques on the journey.
Half an hour of birding around the lodge before dinner generated some great birds. These included Black Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, lots of Little Green Pigeons, likely Edible-nest Swiftlets around a swiftlet farming structure, and a couple of fast-flying Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots.
Day 6, 5th October 2022. Birding at Sepilok
This was a magnificent day despite a late (around 9 am) start because of heavy rain earlier in the morning. We started at the amazing 2,000 foot (620 meter) long canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. A jewel-like Blue-eared Kingfisher was scoped. One of the first birds we saw from the canopy walkway itself was a Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle carrying a stick to its nest. Oriental Pied Hornbill, Black Hornbill, and an overflying Wreathed Hornbill were all around. An exquisitely colorful Blue-throated Bee-eater was scoped (and we also saw another one later near our lodge).
On a trail underneath the canopy walkway, we found and scoped a beautiful Red-naped Trogon, along with Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike, a few Brown Barbets, Spectacled Spiderhunter, and the unusual Maroon Woodpecker. Various bulbuls showed during the course of the morning, including Grey-cheeked, Spectacled, and Asian Red-eyed Bulbuls. As we exited the Rainforest Discovery Centre to go for lunch, we found some Silver-rumped Spinetails.
After lunch we rushed back to the canopy walkway to try and “twitch” a Bornean Orangutan, but unfortunately failed to see it. We did however find a couple of good birds, such as a stunning Red-bearded Bee-eater, a female Dark-throated Oriole, White-crowned Forktail, and others.
We then went to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center where, apart from the great apes we also saw a number of Southern Pig-tailed Macaques and some awesome birds, the most spectacular being a pair of Rhinoceros Hornbills. In the parking area we also saw the endemic White-fronted Falconet.
A late afternoon walk from the lodge was spectacular, with lots of brilliant birds. These included a gorgeous Hooded Pitta, a giant White-bellied Woodpecker, three Red Junglefowl, a jewel-like Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Raffles’s Malkoha, Greater Coucal, Black-throated Babbler, Grey-hooded Babbler, a Bornean Black-capped Babbler walking on the ground, Black-throated Wren-Babbler, Lesser Cuckooshrike, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, a couple of Red-throated Sunbirds, and a pair of spectacularly adorned Greater Racket-tailed Drongos.
Just before dusk, we went back to the canopy walkway and managed to see a mother Bornean Orangutan with her baby (thanks to the Canadian couple who pointed them out to us). We then also enjoyed seeing Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and three Slender-billed Crows as we waited for Red Giant Flying Squirrels to emerge from their nest boxes. What a show these incredible animals gave us, with their spectacular glides from tree to tree. The moon was extremely impressive tonight and we scoped it, seeing all the craters. We also scoped Saturn and saw the rings around this beautiful planet nicely. As we walked back to the van, we saw a File-eared Tree Frog and a cave scorpion.
Mammal-wise, apart from those already mentioned, we started the day with a Common (Large) Treeshrew and ended the day with a Lesser Treeshrew. We saw a large number of the beautiful Jentink’s Squirrels today.
Day 7, 6th October 2022. Final Sepilok birding and transfer to the Kinabatangan River
Pre-breakfast, we returned to the canopy walkway to see if the Bornean Orangutan mother and baby were still there. We were not disappointed, as they put on a real show, emerging from their overnight nest and climbing across to a different tree! Bird-wise, a Violet Cuckoo tantalized us by flying over several times; this tiny cuckoo looked like a midget as it flew among the giant dipterocarp trees. We also saw Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Raffles’s Malkoha, Red-naped Trogon, Buff-rumped Woodpecker, Dark-throated Oriole, Black-and-yellow Broadbill, and other good birds.
Back at the lodge, Barbara saw a Stork-billed Kingfisher. We then went to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre where we enjoyed seeing a number of these Vulnerable (IUCN) animals, the smallest of the planet’s bear species. Here there were also some great birds around such as a close-up, beautiful Black-and-yellow Broadbill, White-bellied Erpornis (previously considered to be a yuhina, the current thinking is that it might be elevated to monotypic family status), Chestnut-breasted and Raffles’s Malkohas again, and some far more (compared to yesterday) cooperative Brown Barbets. A gliding lizard also put on quite a show.
After an enjoyable visit, we drove the two hours to our next lodge on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. After lunch and a rest period during the midday heat (with some good birds around the lodge such as Grey-and-buff Woodpecker and Malaysian Pied Fantail), we embarked on a boat cruise which was, as usual, highly productive. Hornbills were much in evidence, often sitting on dead trees along the river or flying over the river and we enjoyed views of the Endangered (BirdLife International) White-crowned Hornbill, along with Wrinkled, Black and Oriental Pied Hornbills. A Lesser Adjutant flew over the river at one point as did two Purple Herons. A number of Oriental Darters, a couple of Little Egrets, and quite a lot of Intermediate Egrets were all along the riverside. A good number of Slender-billed Crows, a couple of Green Imperial Pigeons, and the occasional Long-tailed Parakeet also overflew the river. A pair of stunning Black-and-red Broadbills showed well, what a dazzling bird species. Another Stork-billed Kingfisher showed extremely well and a number of Oriental Dollarbirds sat on the highest available perches above the river.
Raptors were numerous along the river and started with a pair of Brahminy Kites and a stunning Bat Hawk, followed by a young Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle, then a Crested Serpent Eagle. One of the first mammal species we encountered was Proboscis Monkey, with Long-tailed (Crab-eating) Macaques on the opposite riverbank. We also saw Silvery Lutung (Silvered Langur) later on.
Day 8, 7th October 2022. A full day along the amazing Kinabatangan River
The biggest highlight of our early morning boat trip was seeing Bornean Ground Cuckoo. Violet Cuckoo was another highlight as it showed very well this time, unlike at Sepilok. A small flock of charismatic Bornean Black Magpies flew over the river in front of us, but we were unable to get perched views. Storm’s Storks were much in evidence, and we also saw a couple of Lesser Adjutants. Four Black-crowned Night Herons were also around. There were a few more beautiful Stork-billed Kingfishers and a migrant Common Kingfisher present too. A pair of humongous White-bellied Woodpeckers showed quite well on a bare branch and then gave us a show as they flew upriver. A couple of Long-tailed Parakeets were also perched up in a dead tree.
The later morning boat trip allowed us to add a few more species to our growing list. Black-capped Kingfisher and Rufous Piculet were the best of these. It was also interesting to see a lantern bug.
After another delicious lunch and a rest during the heat of the middle of the day, we embarked on another wonderful boat trip. The highlight was a noisy pair of the world’s largest extant woodpecker, Great Slaty Woodpecker. What a spectacular bird! Hornbills abounded as usual, with Wreathed Hornbill, our first Bushy-crested Hornbill (eight of them), and various others all noted. Mammal-wise, we saw a reddish morph Silvery Lutung (Silvered Langur), Proboscis Monkey, and more.
Day 9, 8th October 2022. Final Kinabatangan River birding and transfer to the Danum Valley
We were worried that the mist would adversely affect our pre-breakfast boat trip, but fortunately we were wrong, and we ended up seeing some further amazing birds. One of the luckiest sightings was a Straw-headed Bulbul, now Critically Endangered (BirdLife International) because this species is, unfortunately, popular as a cage bird due to its beautiful song. Great views of White-bellied Sea Eagle and Lesser Fish Eagle, along with some other birds of prey we’d already encountered, were great to see. Hornbills were, as always here, incredible, and today included Wreathed Hornbill. Perhaps the top highlight of the morning boat trip was seeing a Rufous Woodpecker, and underneath this bird near the ground were a couple of White-chested Babblers while a pair of Black-and-red Broadbills added a splash of color.
We heard Northern (North Bornean) Grey Gibbon on both sides of the river and also saw various other mammals we had already seen on previous days, such as Proboscis Monkey. We then embarked on our drive to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, stopping in Lahad Datu for lunch. At the airport in Lahad Datu (which was across from our lunch restaurant) was at least one Paddyfield Pipit.
As we descended into the spectacularly wildlife rich Danum Valley, we started seeing a host of lowland rainforest bird species again. On a particularly productive stop, we saw a Chestnut-breasted Malkoha sunning itself in a dead tree, looking like a raptor until we scoped it. A Violet Cuckoo flew by but since we’d had good views of this stunning little bird previously, we concentrated on looking for other birds. A Grey-and-buff Woodpecker sat just long enough on a branch to give us all a quick look. We scoped a small flock of Little Green Pigeons. A small flock of Blue-rumped Parrots also kept flying around and we managed to scope a Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. A Bronzed Drongo was present but other birds vied for attention so we kind of forgot to look at this one properly. We did enjoy seeing a number of Lesser Green Leafbirds. Great scope views of a beautiful Red-bearded Bee-eater were enjoyed by all. Whiskered Treeswift, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Brown-backed Needletail, Silver-rumped Spinetail, and others were also present.
Remarkably, a Giant Pitta flew across the road in front of us, but was only seen by two participants (luckily we were to see this species the next day as well, though!). As we approached the lodge, a pair of (Bornean) Crested Firebacks came into the road and provided great views.
As we approached the 5-star Borneo Rainforest Lodge where we were going to spend the last three nights of our trip, we were entertained by a Thomas’s Flying Squirrel that put on a flight show as it glided from one tree to the next. As we pulled into the lodge, Barbara saw a Sunda Leopard Cat (although not a good view).
After a wonderful dinner at our luxurious lodge, we did a night drive. Highlights were a Malay (Palm) Civet, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, more Thomas’s Flying Squirrels, Gould’s Frogmouth, a sleeping Horsfield’s Babbler which we looked at quickly and then left alone, and a massive (10-foot or 3 meter), beautifully marked Reticulated Python on the road.
After a scrumptious lunch and a rest during the midday heat and a thunderstorm, we went out for a 4 to 6 pm walk, and were once again richly rewarded with great birds. We scoped a Scarlet-rumped Trogon. Then we spent some time looking for Blue-headed Pitta which showed well after a bit of patient waiting. Bornean Wren-Babbler showed well with hardly any effort, what a pleasure! We also saw Sooty-capped Babbler and scoped an attractive Whiskered Treeswift. On our way back to the lodge, we saw a male (Bornean) Crested Fireback on the road and after a little while we saw it flying up into a tree to roost for the night!
On a short night walk after dinner, we heard but unfortunately didn’t see, Large Frogmouth, we did however see a pair of (Bornean) Sambar deer.
Day 11, 10th October 2022. A second full day of birding in the magnificent Danum Valley
This was Earl’s birthday, so we hoped for a good birding morning, and were not disappointed! We found over 60 bird species and a new mammal for the trip this morning, a wonderfully cute Lesser Oriental Chevrotain (Lesser Mouse Deer). We also again heard Northern (North Bornean) Grey Gibbon.
We started the morning overlooking the river from the lodge. Here, a beautiful male Malaysian Blue Flycatcher and a far drabber Asian Brown Flycatcher were some of the first birds we saw, followed by brief views of White-bellied Munia and White-crowned Shama. Noisy Bold-striped Tit-Babblers moved around and occasionally showed themselves.
We then embarked on a walk up the road. A superb White-crowned Forktail showed unusually well in the road in front of us. Changeable and Wallace’s Hawk-Eagles both put on flight shows for us and a diminutive White-fronted Falconet sat in a dead tree. An extremely close-up Rufous Piculet worked thin branches and hardly needed binoculars. A small flock of Bornean Black Magpies with their awesome repertoire of strange calls was very entertaining and a Puff-backed Bulbul gave close views.
We then decided to spend some time on the amazing canopy walkway. Woodpeckers were aplenty, with Buff-necked, Buff-rumped, and Grey-and-buff Woodpeckers on branches near us high up in the canopy. A Rhinoceros Hornbill and some other bird species feasted on fruit from a large tree nearby. We managed to see three Arctic Warblers, one of them extremely close-up from the canopy walkway. Great Argus were heard calling frequently from the forest floor way below us.
Day 10, 9th October 2022. Our first full day birding in the Danum Valley!
What a place the Borneo Rainforest Lodge is, right in the middle of the rainforest! Many of the great birds are within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of the lodge, and right around the lodge, in fact. Today, for example, we found four pitta species within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of our accommodation. After a 5.30 am breakfast, we embarked on an incredible birding and mammal walk. A young Bornean Orangutan entertained us right next to the lodge and Red Langur (Maroon Leaf Monkey), Pale Giant Squirrel, and Lesser Treeshrew were some of the further mammal highlights during the course of the morning.
Progress was slow as a plethora of spectacular birds presented themselves. These included Orange-backed Woodpecker, Bornean Blue Flycatcher, Banded Broadbill, Black-and-red Broadbill, Red-naped Trogon, Crested Goshawk, Black Eagle, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Bornean Spiderhunter, and others.
We did eventually start making a little progress, getting to a spot where there were several bulbul species, including Yellow-bellied, Grey-cheeked, Hairy-backed, Cream-vented, and Cream-eyed Bulbuls. We also saw Finsch’s and Spectacled Bulbuls this morning.
Much to our delight, after managing to proceed a bit further, we got to an area where there were four pitta species, although only three of them were seen and the remaining one, Blue-headed Pitta, had to wait until our afternoon walk for visuals (but we saw it well then!). Giant Pitta, Bornean Banded Pitta, and Black-crowned Pitta were the ones that showed this morning.
Malkohas were also well represented this morning, with Black-bellied, Chestnut-breasted, and Raffles’s Malkohas all seen. A close-up Rufous Piculet was part of a good mixed flock we found just before returning to the lodge for lunch. A number of other goodies were also around, such as Rufous-winged Philentoma, Brown Fulvetta, Little Spiderhunter, Lesser Cuckooshrike, a couple of massive Rhinoceros Hornbills, and eight Bushy-crested Hornbills. The final bird of the morning was Bornean Bristlehead that gave us excellent scope views. This monotypic family and Bornean endemic is always a top target on any Sabah birding tour.
We then left the canopy walkway and continued birding along the road, finding stacks more birds. Lesser Cuckooshrike and Large Woodshrike put in appearances. A couple of spectacular Blyth’s Paradise Flycatchers (white-phase birds) put on a real show. We also saw a Black-naped Monarch and a stunning Verditer Flycatcher. Much more subdued in color was a Grey-streaked Flycatcher. Highly vocal Fluffy-backed Tit-Babblers showed well.
We also found Grey-hooded Babbler, Sooty-capped Babbler, Scaly-crowned Babbler, Rufous-crowned Babbler, and Ferruginous Babbler today from the roadside, quite an assemblage of babblers! Chestnut-necklaced Partridge took some effort to see, but it was one of the avian highlights this morning, showing excellently in the end.
After another delicious dinner (including lobsters, prawns, a variety of great breads, etc.), we embarked on another night drive. Our first mammal was a cute Horsfield’s (Western) Tarsier. We then enjoyed seeing some more Red Giant Flying Squirrels. A few Large Flying-foxes searched for fruit high in the canopy. A Common (Bornean) Palm Civet crept around in the canopy of a huge tree and at one point climbed down a branch giving us a view of more than just its eyes.
Bird-wise, at the start of our night drive we saw a sleeping Black-naped Monarch which we briefly viewed and then left in peace. At the end of the session, we saw a dazzling red ball right next to the road about a foot off the ground which turned out to be a roosting Black-crowned Pitta! We of course also left this one alone so it could get a good night’s rest, after we’d all had a quick look through our binoculars.
Day 12, 11th October 2022. Final Danum Valley birding before departing
After some early morning birding excitement, we rushed away from the lodge in a golf cart to go and “twitch” some Northern (North Bornean) Grey Gibbons that had been reported from the roadside near the canopy walkway. We enjoyed watching these charismatic primates for about an hour as they fed on fruit and also called extremely loudly from time to time. After enjoying the gibbons, we did a relaxed but highly productive walk the mile or so back down the hill to the lodge and a number of new trip birds were seen. These included a female Diard’s Trogon, a beautiful migrant Narcissus Flycatcher, and Short-tailed Babbler. We also got good views of some previously seen birds too, such as Black-headed Bulbul (excellent scope views) and a number of Little Spiderhunters feeding close-up at wild banana flowers.
A large male Bornean Orangutan named Sean came to visit us at the lodge just as we were starting our early (11.30 am) lunch. After this final lunch, we transferred (a 2.5-hour road trip) to Lahad Datu airport from where Bill, Mary and I flew home, while the others had opted to overnight before flying home the next day.
All in all, this proved to be a spectacular tour for birds, mammals, scenery, and last but not least, great company. The trip bird and animal lists follow.
Bird List - Following IOC (12.2)
Birds ‘heard only’ are marked with (H) after the common name, all other species were seen. The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following BirdLife International: CR = Critically Endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable.
Common Name Scientific Name
Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae)
Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata
Pheasants & Allies (Phasianidae)
Red-breasted Partridge Arborophila hyperythra
Crested Fireback – VU Lophura ignita
Great Argus – VU Argusianus argus
Chestnut-necklaced Partridge – VU Tropicoperdix charltonii
Crimson-headed Partridge Haematortyx sanguiniceps
Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus
Frogmouths (Podargidae)
Large Frogmouth (H) Batrachostomus auritus
Gould's Frogmouth Batrachostomus stellatus
Treeswifts (Hemiprocnidae)
Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis
Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata
Swifts (Apodidae)
Plume-toed Swiftlet Collocalia affinis
Bornean Swiftlet Collocalia dodgei
Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus
Silver-rumped Spinetail Rhaphidura leucopygialis
Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus
Cuckoos (Cuculidae)
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
Bornean Ground Cuckoo - VU Carpococcyx radiceus
Raffles's Malkoha Rhinortha chlorophaea
Red-billed Malkoha Zanclostomus javanicus
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
Black-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi
Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
Pigeons, Doves (Columbidae)
Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia dom.
Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis
Zebra Dove Geopelia striata
Little Green Pigeon Treron olax
Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
Rails, Crakes & Coots (Rallidae)
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae)
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Gulls, Terns, Skimmers (Laridae)
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Storks (Ciconiidae)
Storm's Stork – EN Ciconia stormi
Lesser Adjutant – VU Leptoptilos javanicus
Anhingas, Darters (Anhingidae)
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster
Herons, Bitterns (Ardeidae)
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Great Egret Ardea alba
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra
Kites, Hawks, Eagles (Accipitridae)
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Mountain Serpent Eagle Spilornis kinabaluensis
Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus
Blyth's Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus alboniger
Wallace's Hawk-Eagle - VU Nisaetus nanus
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Lesser Fish Eagle Haliaeetus humilis
Owls (Strigidae)
Sunda Owlet (H) Taenioptynx sylvaticus
Trogons (Trogonidae)
Red-naped Trogon Harpactes kasumba
Diard's Trogon Harpactes diardii
Whitehead's Trogon Harpactes whiteheadi
Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii
Hornbills (Bucerotidae)
White-crowned Hornbill - EN Berenicornis comatus
Rhinoceros Hornbill - VU Buceros rhinoceros
Helmeted Hornbill - CR Rhinoplax vigil
Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
Black Hornbill - VU Anthracoceros malayanus
Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus
Wreathed Hornbill - VU Rhyticeros undulatus
Wrinkled Hornbill - EN Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus
Rollers (Coraciidae)
Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)
Rufous-collared Kingfisher Actenoides concretus
Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis
Black-capped Kingfisher - VU Halcyon pileata
Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris
Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithaca
Bee-eaters (Meropidae)
Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus
Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis
Asian Barbets (Megalaimidae)
Golden-whiskered Barbet Psilopogon chrysopogon
Red-throated Barbet Psilopogon mystacophanos
Mountain Barbet Psilopogon monticola
Golden-naped Barbet Psilopogon pulcherrimus
Blue-eared Barbet Psilopogon duvaucelii
Bornean Barbet Psilopogon eximius
Brown Barbet Caloramphus fuliginosus
Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis
Grey-and-buff Woodpecker Hemicircus concretus
Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker Yungipicus moluccensis
White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis
Checker-throated Woodpecker Chrysophlegma mentale
Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus
Orange-backed Woodpecker Reinwardtipicus validus
Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus
Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis
Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki
Great Slaty Woodpecker - VU Mulleripicus pulverulentus
Caracaras, Falcons (Falconidae)
White-fronted Falconet Microhierax latifrons
Old World Parrots (Psittaculidae)
Blue-rumped Parrot Psittinus cyanurus
Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis
Long-tailed Parakeet - VU Psittacula longicauda
Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus galgulus
Typical Broadbills (Eurylaimidae)
Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos
Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus
Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus
African & Green Broadbills (Calyptomenidae)
Whitehead's Broadbill Calyptomena whiteheadi
Pittas (Pittidae)
Giant Pitta Hydrornis caeruleus
Bornean Banded Pitta Hydrornis schwaneri
Blue-headed Pitta - VU Hydrornis baudii
Black-crowned Pitta Erythropitta ussheri
Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida
Vangas & Allies (Vangidae)
Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus
Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus
Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhoptera
Bristlehead (Pityriasidae)
Bornean Bristlehead - VU Pityriasis gymnocephala
Woodswallows, Butcherbirds & Allies (Artamidae)
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
Ioras (Aegithinidae)
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
Green Iora Aegithina viridissima
Cuckooshrikes (Campephagidae)
Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris
Sunda Cuckooshrike Coracina larvata
Pied Triller Lalage nigra
Lesser Cuckooshrike Lalage fimbriata
Whistlers & Allies (Pachycephalidae)
Bornean Whistler Pachycephala hypoxantha
Shrikes (Laniidae)
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
Vireos, Greenlets, Shrike-babblers (Vireonidae)
Blyth's Shrike-babbler Pteruthius aeralatus
White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca
Figbirds, Old World Orioles, Piopios (Oriolidae)
Black-and-crimson Oriole Oriolus cruentus
Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus
Drongos (Dicruridae)
Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus
Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
Fantails (Rhipiduridae)
White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis
Malaysian Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica
Spotted Fantail Rhipidura perlata
Monarchs (Monarchidae)
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis
Crows, Jays (Corvidae)
Bornean Black Magpie Platysmurus aterrimus
Bornean Green Magpie Cissa jefferyi
Bornean Treepie Dendrocitta cinerascens
House Crow Corvus splendens
Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca
Fairy Flycatchers (Stenostiridae)
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae)
Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger
Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaeocephalus
Grey-cheeked Bulbul Alophoixus tephrogenys
Penan Bulbul Alophoixus ruficrissus
Finsch's Bulbul Iole finschii
Cinereous Bulbul Hemixos cinereus
Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis
Black-headed Bulbul Brachypodius melanocephalos
Spectacled Bulbul Ixodia erythropthalmos
Scaly-breasted Bulbul Ixodia squamata
Bornean Bulbul Rubigula montis
Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex
Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus
Asian Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus
Straw-headed Bulbul - CR Pycnonotus zeylanicus
Cream-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus pseudosimplex
Pale-faced Bulbul Pycnonotus leucops
Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier
Swallows, Martins (Hirundinidae)
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Cettia Bush Warblers & Allies (Cettiidae)
Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cucullatus
Sunda Bush Warbler Horornis vulcanius
Bornean Stubtail Urosphena whiteheadi
Leaf Warblers (Phylloscopidae)
Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis
Yellow-breasted Warbler Phylloscopus montis
Mountain Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus
Cisticolas & Allies (Cisticolidae)
Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris
Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis
Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus
Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps
White-eyes (Zosteropidae)
Chestnut-crested Yuhina Staphida everetti
Pygmy White-eye Heleia squamifrons
Black-capped White-eye Zosterops atricapilla
Mountain Blackeye Zosterops emiliae
Babblers, Scimitar Babblers (Timaliidae)
Bold-striped Tit-Babbler Mixornis bornensis
Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronus ptilosus
Grey-hooded Babbler Cyanoderma bicolor
Bare-headed Laughingthrush Melanocichla calva
Sunda Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus bornensis
Black-throated Babbler Stachyris nigricollis
Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps
Ground Babblers (Pellorneidae)
Black-throated Wren-Babbler Turdinus atrigularis
Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine
Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum
Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum
Bornean Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratoides
Short-tailed Babbler Pellorneum malaccense
Temminck's Babbler Pellorneum pyrrogenys
White-chested Babbler Pellorneum rostratum
Ferruginous Babbler Pellorneum bicolor
Horsfield's Babbler Malacocincla sepiaria
Mountain Wren-Babbler Gypsophila crassa
Bornean Wren-Babbler – VU Ptilocichla leucogrammica
Alcippe Fulvettas (Alcippeidae)
Brown Fulvetta Alcippe brunneicauda
Laughingthrushes & Allies (Leiothrichidae)
Sunda Laughingthrush Garrulax palliatus
Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush Pterorhinus treacheri
Fairy-bluebirds (Irenidae)
Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella
Nuthatches (Sittidae)
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis
Starlings, Rhabdornises (Sturnidae)
Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis
Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa
Javan Myna – VU Acridotheres javanicus
Thrushes (Turdidae)
Everett's Thrush Zoothera everetti
Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina
Chats, Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae)
Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis
White-crowned Shama Copsychus stricklandii
Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica
Bornean Blue Flycatcher Cyornis superbus
Malaysian Blue Flycatcher Cyornis turcosus
Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis olivaceus
Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
Indigo Flycatcher Eumyias indigo
White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana
Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher Vauriella gularis
White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti
Bornean Forktail Enicurus borneensis
Bornean Whistling Thrush Myophonus borneensis
Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina
Pygmy Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsoni
Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra
Leafbirds (Chloropseidae)
Greater Green Leafbird – EN Chloropsis sonnerati
Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon
Bornean Leafbird Chloropsis kinabaluensis
Flowerpeckers (Dicaeidae)
Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus
Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker Prionochilus xanthopygius
Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma
Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum
Black-sided Flowerpecker Dicaeum monticolum
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum
Sunbirds (Nectariniidae)
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis
Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex
Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis
Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes rhodolaemus
Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis
Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja
Temminck's Sunbird Aethopyga temminckii
Purple-naped Sunbird Kurochkinegramma hypogrammicum
Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster
Bornean Spiderhunter Arachnothera everetti
Whitehead's Spiderhunter (H) Arachnothera juliae
Old World Sparrows, Snowfinches (Passeridae)
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Waxbills, Munias & Allies (Estrildidae)
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
Dusky Munia Lonchura fuscans
White-bellied Munia Lonchura leucogastra
Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla
Wagtails, Pipits (Motacillidae)
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus
Total seen 254
Total heard only 3
Total recorded 257
Mammal List
The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following IUCN: CR = Critically Endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, DD = Data Deficient.
Common Name Scientific Name
Squirrels (Sciuridae)
Pale Giant Squirrel Ratufa affinis
Least Pygmy Squirrel - DD Exilisciurus exilis
Tufted (Whitehead’s) Pygmy Squirrel Exilisciurus whiteheadi
Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel Sundasciurus everetti
Jentink's Squirrel Sundasciurus jentinki
Kinabalu Squirrel Callosciurus baluensis
Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus
Borneo Black-banded Squirrel Callosciurus orestes
Prevost's Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii
Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista
Thomas's Flying Squirrel Aeromys thomasi
Treeshrews (Tupaiidae)
Lesser Treeshrew Tupaia minor
Common (Large) Treeshrew Tupaia tana
Tarsiers (Tarsiidae)
Horsfield's (Western) Tarsier - VU Cephalopachus bancanus
Old World Monkeys (Cercopithecidae)
Long-tailed (Crab-eating) Macaque - VU Macaca fascicularis
Southern Pig-tailed Macaque - VU Macaca nemestrina
Red Langur (Maroon Leaf Monkey) - VU Presbytis rubicunda
Proboscis Monkey - EN Nasalis larvatus
Silvery Lutung - VU Trachypithecus cristatus
Gibbons (Hylobatidae)
Northern (North Bornean) Grey Gibbon - EN Hylobates funereus
Great Apes (Hominidae)
(Northeast) Bornean Orangutan - CR Pongo pygmaeus morio
Old World Fruit Bats (Pteropodidae)
Large Flying-fox Pteropus vampyrus
Felids (Felidae)
Sunda Leopard Cat Prionailurus javanensis
Civets, Genets, and Oyans (Viverridae)
Malay (Palm) Civet Viverra tangalunga
Common (Bornean) Palm Civet Paradoxurus philippinensis
Chevrotains (Tragulidae)
Lesser Oriental Chevrotain Tragulus kanchii
Deer (Cervidae)
(Bornean) Sambar - VU Rusa unicolor brookei
Total 27