For birders all over the world

Trip report from Sabah, Malaysia 12th March - 8th April 2002, by Rik Addison, Norfolk, UK

SYSTEMATIC LISTS

PHS - Poring Hot springs
MKNP - Mount Kinabalu National Park
DVFC - Danum Valley Field Centre
LB - Likas Bay bird reserve
OS - Other Siting, ie in transit etc
KK - Kota Kinabalu
A - All areas
[E] - Bornean Endemic
[T] - Species Listed as threatened by Collier et al. or are extremely difficult to see other than on Borneo
(H) - Heard only

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SERIOUS DIPS

Jerdon's Baza
Missed at DVFC but was always going to be tricky

Besra
No sign despite looking around MKNP

Jambu Fruit Dove [T]
No sign at DVFC, possibly due to the lack of any fruiting trees in the area

Large Hawk Cuckoo
2 distant birds seen near the power station at MKNP were probably of this species but were not seen well enough

Banded Bay Cuckoo
Not a sniff at DVFC

Gould's Bronze Cuckoo [E]
No sign nor sound at DVFC

Cinnamon- rumped Trogon
3 birds were seen, MKNP and DVFC that were probably of this species but not seen well enough

White-crowned / Wrinkled / Oriental Pied / Asian Black Hornbills
No sign of any of these species around DVFC, possibly due to the lack of fruiting trees in the area

Bornean Barbet
Occurs at MKNP and supposedly at PHS. Clearly rare

Pied Triller
Unexplainable, they just weren't where we were.

Straw-headed Bulbul [T]
We found a good looking area for them around W0 N6 on the grids at DVFC but they failed to materialise.

Bornean Wren-Babbler [E]
Supposedly straight forward around the grids at DVFC. Not a single one was heard or seen. Perhaps they have all been pushed back as we saw neither Black-throated nor Striped on the grids either.

Maroon-breasted Philentoma
Probably should have seen one around DVFC

Bornean Spiderhunter [E]
A spiderhunter sp. seen on the road at MKNP on the 17.3 was almost certainly this species. Unfortunately it disappeared extremely quickly with only JG getting his bins on it for a split second

Whitehead's Spiderhunter [E]
A long shot really and clearly requires a lot of luck. Various areas around MKNP were tried but these spiderhunters are transient and no area is likely to be "better" for them. Apparently a new Rafflesia center in the Crocker range is a good bet.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

Number of species recorded 282 + 4 heard only. (23 Endemics)

Oriental Darter - DVFC
Seen occasionally flying upriver.

Great-billed Heron [T] - DVFC
One on the river bank near the suspension bridge on the 23.3. Possibly the same bird 2.4

Grey Heron - LB
Common

Purple Heron - LB
3 at LB on 6.4

Cattle Egret - OS
2 in transit around the outskirts of KK

Great Egret - LB
Common

Intermediate Egret - OS / LB
A few seen in transit KK to PHS and 2 at LB 6.4

Little Egret - OS
Transit between KK and PHS

Striated Heron - DVFC / LB
Seen occasionally along streams in the forest and also near the camp site at DVFC. 3 were seen on 6.4 around LB

Yellow Bittern - LB
3 were seen on the 6.4

Oriental Honey Buzzard - DVFC
Seen almost daily around the grids

Bat Hawk [T] - DVFC
A pair seen occasionally around the suspension bridge at dusk (seem to leave at about 6pm). They were also found roosting some days in dead tree behind the hostel.

Brahimny Kite - OS / LB
3 were seen during the drive from LD to DVFC. One around LB 6.4

White - bellied Fish Eagle - OS / LB
One flew over KK airport on the 22.3. Another at LB 6.4

Lesser Fish Eagle - DVFC
Seen over the forest and river on a few occasions. Also along the river on the Perwina trail.

Grey-headed Fish Eagle - DVFC
One around the field centre and river on the 23.3

Crested Serpent Eagle - PHS / DVFC
Seen occasionally soaring over the forest at both lowland sites.

Mountain Serpent Eagle [E] - MKNP
One seen from the Liwagu trail on the 18.3 and another on Bukit Ular 19.3

Black Eagle - MKNP / DVFC
An immature bird was seen low over the park HQ on 19.3. Another immature along the river at DVFC 30.3

Changeable Hawk Eagle - DVFC
One was seen well soaring over the forest near the bridge on 27.3

Blyth-s Hawk Eagle - PHS
One was seen soaring over the forest at PHS on the 15.3

Wallace-s Hawk Eagle [T] - DVFC
One soaring over the clearing on the grids at W0 N7 29.3

White-fronted Falconet [E] - DVFC, PHS
Class birds. Seen briefly around the football pitch at Poring on 16.3. At Danum, a group of 4 were seen together at W0 N7 in a dead tree on 28.3, another was seen at W0 N8. Another was seen in the same area on the 2.4

Red-breasted Partridge [E] - MKNP
A group of 2+ were seen well but briefly at the top end of Bukit Ular trial on the 17.3. A single was seen briefly on Silau - Silau on the 19.3

Crimson-headed Partridge [E] - MKNP
Heard almost constantly but very tricky to see. On the 17.3 one casually walked down the Silau - Silau trail and then across the stream in full view. One was flushed from the side of the Liwagu trail 18.3

Chestnut-necklaced Partridge [T] - DVFC
A group of up to 3 were staked out on the Nature trail near the camp site and were seen on 29 and 30.3. Another was seen briefly along Elephant Ridge on the 1.4

Crested Wood Partridge - DVFC
One seen at W22 N0 on the 1.4. Another seen on Elephant Ridge, 3.4.

Great Argus - DVFC
A female was near the campsite on the morning of 13.3. A female was seen briefly along the Waterfall trail on the 31.3

Crested Fireback [T] - DVFC
One on the waterfall trail at dawn 25.3. One was found roosting at night in an over-hanging tree along the entrance track 27.3. Another female on the nature trail 28.3. A smart male was at W5 N0 on 4.4

White-breasted Waterhen - LB
One near the visitors centre 6.4

Moorhen - LB
Common

Pacific Golden Plover - OS / LB
10+ were on KK airport on the 22.3 and 7 at LB 6.4

Greater Sandplover - OS
A group of 3 were seen on the airport at KK

Redshank - LB
Common 6.4

Greenshank - LB
Common

Whiskered Tern - KK
15+ out to sea from KK 6.4

Common Sandpiper - DVFC /LB
One on the river bank near the bridge 29.3. A few were also at LB on 6.4

Little Cuckoo Dove - PHS
One was seen about 1.5 km along the Langanan trail at PHS on the 15.3

Ruddy Cuckoo Dove - MKNP
2 around the power station on the 17.3 and 3 on the Liwagu trail 18.3

Little-green Pigeon - DVFC
Seen occasionally in flocks around the canopy

Green Imperial Pigeon - DVFC
Common around the forest

Spotted Dove - KK
Common in open areas.

Zebra Dove - KK
Introduced. Several seen around KK

Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo (H) - DVFC
Heard 3 times on the Elephant Ridge trail on 3.4 but were not tempted out by the tape

Indian Cuckoo - MKNP, PHS, DVFC
Surprisingly elusive but a couple were eventually seen well

Oriental Cuckoo - MKNP
Heard regularly but only seen on a couple of occasions. Common

Plaintive Cuckoo - DVFC
Common around the edges but difficult to see

Drongo Cuckoo - DVFC
One along the Elephant Ridge trail 26.3.

Rusty-breasted (Brush) Cuckoo - DVFC
Regularly heard and seen a few times around the edges of the forest.

Violet Cuckoo - DVFC
Only one seen, on the 29.3 around W0 N6

Black-bellied Malkoha - PHS / DVFC
One was seen on the Langanan trail, PHS on 14.3. On the grids at DVFC

Chestnut-bellied Malkoha - DVFC
One around the bridge 23.3

Red-billed Malkoha - DVFC
One on the grids at W5 S3 30.3

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha - PHS / DVFC
Common in all areas around PHS. Seen regularly around the grids at DVFC

Raffles Malkoha - DVFC
Common in all areas, especially the entrance track

Greater Coucal - DVFC
One seen near the hostel on the 22.3. Another near the bridge 4.4

Buffy Fish Owl - DVFC
One seen in daylight roosting near the suspension bridge 24.3. Also around the hostel 26.3

Brown Wood Owl - DVFC
Seen several times at the campsite, responding to tape of Brown Hawk Owl.

Collard Owlet - MKNP
A really smart species. 2 were seen very well on the 20.3, 1 near the top end of the Liwagu trail and the other close to the bottom of the trail near the river. Both were perched on exposed branches in full view.

Mountain Scops Owl (H) - MKNP
Heard regularly at night from the power station road. Responded to tape and came closer but not to view

Grey Nightjar - MKNP
One was flushed from the road side about 2km up the power station road at dawn on the 17.3

Edible Nest Swiftlet - DVFC
Regularly seen over the river

Black Nest Swiftlet - DVFC
Seen over the river

Mossy Nest Swiftlet - DVFC
Regularly seen over the river

Glossy Swiftlet - OS / KK / MKNP / PHS
Common around KK and Habitation up Mount Kinabalu and PHS. Includes Linchii Swiftlet on MT Kinabalu, which might be a species.

Silver-rumped Swift - DVFC
Very common around the river

Brown-backed Needletail - OS / DVFC
Present in small numbers at dusk around the suspension bridge

Asian House Swift - KK
Common around KK

Whiskered Treeswift - DVFC
Tricky. One was found perched in the canopy along the waterfall trail 28.3 and another in the top of a tree on the grids 31.3

Grey-rumped Treeswift - PHS, DVFC
A few seen flying high at PHS on 14.3, regularly seen over the river at DVFC.

Dairds Trogan [T] - PHS / DVFC
A cracking male was seen about 1km along the Langanan trail at PHS on the 14.3. Another male was seen on the 30.3 along the nature trail at DVFC

Red-naped Trogon - DVFC
A female seen by JG on Nature Trail, 24.3.

Whitehead's Trogon - MKNP
Another cracking species, and the size of a buzzard! A female seen 300 meters from the top of Silau - Silau on the 17.3. A group were staked out on the Liwagu trail on the 19.3 and 20.3, approximately 1.3km from the bottom end of the trail. There is an open patch here where the trail runs parallel to the river for about 200m. This group contained one male and at least 2 females.

Scarlet-rumped Trogon - PHS / DVFC
A pair around the canopy walkway at PHS on the 15.3. One around W5 N0 on the 23.3 at DVFC and along Elephant Ridge on the 26.3. Heard constantly.

Orange-breasted Trogon - PHS
A stunning male showed very well for about 20 minutes near the path c 2km along the Langanan trail at PHS on the 14.3. Presumably the same bird was seen on the 15.3

Common Kingfisher - LB
2 on 6.4

Blue-eared Kingfisher - PHS / DVFC
One around the river at PHS on the 15.3. Seen regularly on the river at DVFC

Blue-Banded Kingfisher [T] - DVFC
One close to the campsite, 30.3. Two along the river about 1.5km along the Perwina trail 1.4

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher - DVFC
About the size of a wasp. One was seen around the stream at W11 N0 on several dates.

Collared Kingfisher - OS / LB
One on a telephone wire from the taxi PHS - MKNP 16.3, and another from the taxi MKNP to KK on the 21.3. One was seen at LB on the 6.4

Stork-billed Kingfisher - DVFC
One flew up the river from the camp site on 29.3

Banded Kingfisher [T] - DVFC
A cracking bird seen very well near the river on the Perwina trail 1.4

Rufous-collared Kingfisher - DVFC
Seen by MB and SM on the Nature trail, 3.4.

Blue-throated Bee-eater - DVFC
A pair were nesting and seen regularly near the suspension bridge

Red-bearded Bee-eater - PHS / DVFC
Nice birds. A group of 3 were seen in the forest interior at PHS on the 14.3. 2 around the hostel at DVFC on the 22.3 and 3 on Rhino Ridge 30.3. Their bizarre calls are very distinctive.

Dollarbird - DVFC
Common around open areas

Bushy-crested Hornbill - DVFC
Regularly seen in small flocks around the grids and trials. Largest was a group of 7 on the 23.3

Wreathed Hornbill - DVFC
2 were seen from the waterfall trail 24.3

Rhinoceros Hornbill - DVFC
Seen daily in pairs or singles. 2 were regularly seen around the badminton court.

Helmeted Hornbill [T] - DVFC
2 were seen well flying over the forest on the 26.3 when we were watching the Giant Pitta!

Gold Whiskered Barbet - PHS
A cracking individual was seen along the Langanan trail on 14.3

Red-crowned Barbet - DVFC
Heard most days but hard to see. One around the field centre 28.3 showed reasonably well.

Red-throated Barbet - PHS
One along the Langanan trail at Poring on the 14.3. 2 around the football pitch at PHS on the 16.3

Mountain Barbet [E] - MKNP
Heard calling occasionally but very tricky to see in the canopy. One was eventually seen on the Liwagu trail 18.3

Yellow-crowned Barbet - DVFC
One along the nature trail 26.3

Golden-naped Barbet [E] - MKNP
One showed ridiculously well feeding in bushes next to the power station on the 17.3, and another on Kiew View later in the day. Also 3 on the Liwagu trail 18.3

Blue-eared Barbet - PHS, DVFC
One around the football pitch at PHS on the 15.3. Heard constantly at Danum.

Brown Barbet - PHS / DVFC
Brilliant red legs. 2 around the football pitch at PHS on the 16.3. At DVFC, 4+ around W0 N7 29.3 and 5+ there on 2.4

Rufous Piculet - DVFC
Great birds. 25.3 a pair at W5 S5 near the river on the grid system. One on the 29.3 showed well at W0 N6.

Crimson-winged Woodpecker - DVFC
One around W5 N0 on the grids 24.3 and one on Elephant Ridge 3.4

Checkered-throated Woodpecker - MKNP
One from the power station road 16.3 and another on the Menpaning trail. 2 on the Liwagu trail 20.3

Olive-backed Woodpecker - DVFC
Good bird. One was seen well along the waterfall trail 28.3

Buff-rumped Woodpecker - PHS
A pair were seen around the waterfall at PHS on the 15.3

Buff-necked Woodpecker - PHS / DVFC
One was seen very well at about 10 feet range c1km along the Langanan trail at PHS on the 14.3. One on the grids at DVFC on the 24.3

Orange-backed Woodpecker - PHS / DVFC
An unexpected bonus, one was seen on the 14.3 along the Langanan trail at PHS. 2 were seen together on the grids at DVFC on the 31.3

Grey and Buff Woodpecker - DVFC
2 at W5 S5 on the 25.3 and one around the field centre 28.3

Maroon Woodpecker - PHS
Seen reasonably regularly in all areas of PHS, distinctive call

Orange-backed Woodpecker - MKNP
One on the 16.3 on Silau - Silau

Great Slaty Woodpecker [T] - DVFC
Great birds. 2+ on the grids at W5 S5 30.3

White-bellied Woodpecker - DVFC
4 were seen on the 22.3 flying over the river towards the grids. A further 2 were seen well at W12 N0 on the 31.3

Dusky Broadbill [T] - DVFC
A party of 3 were seen near the suspension bridge on the 22.3

Black and Red Broadbill - PHS / DVFC
A pair with nest around the entrance bridge to the baths at PHS. Seen occasionally around the trails at DVFC. Possibly the best bill in the avian world

Banded Broadbill - DVFC
A nice bird seen on the 29.3 at W5 S4 on the grids. Presumably the same bird in the same place 2.4

Black and Yellow Broadbill - PHS / DVFC
A pair were found nesting along the track which runs past the football pitch at PHS. Often heard. 2 around the canopy walkway on the 15.3. Common around DVFC

Green Broadbill - PHS / DVFC
One was seen in the canopy along the Langanan trail at PHS on the 14.3. A cracking male was on the nature trail at DVFC 31.3 and another on Elephant Ridge 1.4. Grids a female 3.4

Whitehead-s Broadbill [E] - MKNP
A gorgeous bird, especially males, and surprisingly large. A pair on the 17.3 around the upper entrance to Silau - Silau. A female and a male on the 18.3 approximately half way up the Liwagu trail, and another pair further up towards the power station end. On the 20.3, a pair were seen on Bukit Ular and possibly the same pair as 18.3 on Liwagu

Giant Pitta [T] - DVFC
What a bird. Was heard constantly for the first 5 days a DVFC and then mysteriously stopped calling and was not heard again. Seems to respond to taping but rarely comes close enough to see.

26.3 - One was heard calling around W15 N0 early morning and was taped to within 20 yards of the path, it then flew into a nearby tree and sat there calling to the tape in full view for about 15 minutes. Unbelievable.

Blue-banded Pitta [E] (H) - DVFC
4.4 - Very disappointing. One was heard near the highest point along Rhino Ridge. It was stalked to what must have been about 20 yards away at which point it stopped calling and was lost. We failed to locate it, or indeed hear it again in the next 1.5 hours.

Blue-headed Pitta [E] - DVFC
Were not calling and therefore few were seen.

26.3 - A juvenile was found along Elephant Ridge much higher than it really should have been.

31.3 - Voted by all as the best bird in the world ever, a male showed very well for 20 minutes c1.6km along the Waterfall trail, at times down to 10 feet.

3.4 - Another cracking male on the Elephant Ridge c500m along from W22 N0

Hooded Pitta - DVFC
A small group of maybe 5+ were staked out at W0 N6 on the grids, 3 and 4.4. Responded to tape but did not come closer, eventually seen

Black-headed Pitta [E] - DVFC
The "commonest" Pitta but still tricky to see. Heard calling regularly

24.3 - One seen very well on the grids at N5 W3
25.3 - Briefly at W5 S1
30.3 - On the Rhino Ridge trail, one at R25 and another at R23
3.4 - Perwina trail, one at c150m along and another at c400m

Banded Pitta [T] - PHS
An absolutely stunning species capable of huge bounds through the forest.

15.3 - At PHS one was seen literally on the Langanan trail at the 1.8km mark and was followed for about 100m before disappearing into the forest. Another pair were seen very well on the upper trail near the waterfall later in the day. Also 2 were heard only around the canopy walkway in the evening
30.3 - A female on Rhino Ridge at R34
4.4 - A pair were seen very well along Rhino Ridge at about R35

Barn Swallow - A
Common migrant to all areas.

Pacific Swallow - OS / LB
Common around airports and open areas.

Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike - MKNP
A few on the trails

Black-winged Flycatcher Shrike - PHS / DVFC
2 around the football pitch at PHS on the 16.3. One on the grids at DVFC 2.4

Large Woodshrike - PHS / DVFC
One around the forest edge at PHS on the 15.3. Seen daily around open areas at DVFC, especially the entrance track and around W0 N8

Sunda Cuckoo Shrike [T] - MKNP
One on the Menpaning trail on the 16.3 and another around the Hostel on the 19.3

Lesser Cuckoo Shrike - DVFC
One around W0 N6 on the 2.4

Scarlet Minivet - PHS
3 on the 15.3 along the upper trail at PHS

Fiery Minivet - PHS / DVFC
Around the edges at PHS. 2 on the 15.3. 5+ around W0 N7 on the grids at DVFC 2.4

Grey-chinned Minivet - MKNP
Common on the trails, flocks of up to 4

Green Iora - DVFC
Surprisingly few seen, only in the canopy around W0 N7.

Common Iora - DVFC
One on the grids 2.4

Lesser Green Leafbird - PHS, DVFC
Seen occasionally in all areas.

Great Green Leafbird - PHS / DVFC
Reasonably common in the forest interior at PHS. Very common around the field centre at DVFC

Blue-winged Leafbird - PHS
2 were seen together near the waterfall at PHS on the 15.3

Black-headed Bulbul - PHS
One seen on 14.3 around the baths at PHS and one around the football pitch on the 16.3

Scaly-breasted Bulbul - PHS
An attractive species, especially for a bulbul. A total of 5 around the football pitch at PHS on the 16.3

Grey-bellied Bulbul - DVFC
2 on the grids 31.3

Puff-backed Bulbul - PHS
One on the 14.3 around the football pitch at PHS

Flavescent Bulbul - MKNP
3 were seen on the 17.3 around the power station

Yellow-vented Bulbul - OS / KK / DVFC
Common in open areas around towns

Olive-winged Bulbul - DVFC
Common around the forest interior

Cream-vented Bulbul - PHS
One was seen in the forest canopy on the 14.3 along the Langanan trail at PHS

Red-eyed Bulbul - PHS / DVFC
Relatively common around open areas at PHS

Spectacled Bulbul - DVFC
Seen regularly in the forest

Finch's Bulbul [T] - DVFC
Only one seen, at W0 N6 on 29.3

Ochraceous Bulbul - MKNP
Common in forest interior

Grey-cheeked Bulbul - DVFC
Seen occasionally around the grids

Yellow-bellied Bulbul - DVFC
Very common around the grids and waterfall trails

Hairy Backed Bulbul - PHS / DVFC
One along the trails at PHS on the 15.3. Around the grids at DVFC

Streaked Bulbul - PHS
Seen occasionally at PHS, 2 around the baths 14.3

Ashy Bulbul - PHS
Seen occasionally in the lower strata of the forest interior at PHS

Ashy Drongo - MKNP
Common around the forest edge

Crow-billed Drongo - PHS
2 were seen in a clearing c500 meters along the Langanan trail at PHS on 14.3

Bronzed Drongo - DVFC
Seen regularly around open areas of forest

Hair-crested Drongo - MKNP
Seen occasionally in the forest interior

Greater Racket Tailed Drongo - PHS / DVFC
Seen occasionally around the baths at PHS. Reasonably regular around DVFC

Black-hooded Oriole - PHS, DVFC
One around the football pitch at PHS on the 16.3. Frequent on the grids at DVFC.

Maroon-breasted Oriole - MKNP
Common. 3 seen on the 16.3 from the power station road, and further sightings on Liwagu and Silai – Silau trails.

Asian Fairy Bluebird - PHS / DVFC
Seen occasionally in the forest canopy at PHS. Regularly seen around the grids at DVFC. Heard constantly.

Crested Jay [T] - MKNP / DVFC
A surprise after dipping at PHS. A cracking bird seen very well about ¾ of the way up the Liwagu trail on the 18.3. One seen briefly on the Danum grids by JG and SM on 3.4.

Short-tailed Magpie [T] - MKNP
A pair along Silau - Silau on the 16.3. A cracking species which is much better than the field guide suggest. Another pair on the Liwagu trail on the 18.3

Bornean Treepie [E] - MKNP
Common in all areas of the park

Bornean Black Magpie [E] - DVFC
Weird birds. One on the 14.3 on the waterfall trail. Heard occasionally in all areas.

Slender-billed Crow - DVFC
Regularly seen flying around the canopy

Bornean Bristlehead [E] - DVFC
One on a dead snag in a clearing at W0 N7. A group of 7 were seen well by a fortunate SM on 29.3 around the same area.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch - DVFC
Cracking birds. One seen at W0 N7 on the 2.4

Black-capped Babbler - DVFC
One on Rhino Ridge 30.3. Another on the grids 31.3. Also seen on a few dates along the nature and waterfall trails. Smart bird.

Temminck's Babbler [T] - DVFC
One around R34 on the Rhino Ridge trail 30.3

White-chested Babbler [T] - DVFC
A group of 4 along the waterfall trail 28.3

Ferruginous Babbler [T] - DVFC
Only a few seen. One on the waterfall trail 25.3. One on the grids 3.4

Short-tailed Babbler - DVFC
Great birds full of character and nothing like the illustration in the field guide. A group of 5 at W11 N0 on the 26.3. 2 on the grids 29.3 and 2 on 3.4

Horsefields Babbler - DVFC
Elusive and difficult to see. One on the grids on 24.3 and on the nature trail 28.3. 3 were seen on Rhino Ridge 30.3, and another 3 at W15 N0 on the 31.3

Moustached Babbler - DVFC
One on the grids 24.3

Sooty-capped Babbler - PHS / DVFC
One was seen on the 14.3 along the Langanan trail at PHS. Seen occasionally around DVFC grids

Scaly-crowned Babbler - DVFC
Commonest Babbler and maybe species in the forest. Annoying

Rufous-crowned Babbler - DVFC
Almost as bad as Scaly-crowned. Common

Striped Wren-Babbler [T] - DVFC
Seen occasionally. 25.3 on the waterfall trail. 2 showed well along the Elephant Ridge trail 26.3, another along Perwina trail later in the day and one along the nature trail in the evening. Also seen on Rhino Ridge 30.3 (at least 6). Further birds were seen on Elephant Ridge 3.4

Mountain Wren-Babbler [E] - MKNP
One was seen briefly on the Silau - Silau trail on the 19.3. A group of 5+ showed very well for 15 minutes near the top end of the Liwagu trail on the 20.3. Seemed to be doing a totally different song to what was described. Smart.

Black-throated Wren-Babbler [E] - DVFC
Great birds and outrageously big. A group of 3+ were on the Perwina trail 3.4 and another 2 on Rhino Ridge 4.4

Grey-necked Babbler - MKNP
Common around forest edge

Grey-headed Babbler - PHS / MKNP
A pair were seen on the edge of the forest around the baths at PHS on the 14.3, and along the Langanan trail on the 15.3. Seen occasionally around MKNP

Chestnut-rumped Babbler - DVFC
3 along the Elephant Ridge trail 26.3

White-necked Babbler - DVFC
2 on Rhino Ridge 4.4

Chestnut-winged Babbler - DVFC
Very common

Striped Tit Babbler - DVFC
Common around the field centre and nature trail

Fluffy-backed Tit Babbler [T] - DVFC
Small group in lower storey. 2 around W5 N5 on the 24.3 and the same 25.3

Sunda Laughingthrush - MKNP
Very common

Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush - MKNP
Very common around the Silau - Silau trail.

Bare-headed Laughingthrush [E] - MKNP
A flock of 8 seen from the power station road 16.3 was the largest group, seen a few times in the same area

White-browed Shrike Babbler - MKNP
Seen occasionally around the park. An attractive species

Brown Fulvetta - DVFC
A few on Elephant Ridge 3.4. Dull

Chestnut-crested Yuhina [E] - PHS / MKNP
A group of about 15 was seen about 1.5km along the Langanan trail at PHS on the 15.3. Very common in large flocks around MKNP

White-bellied Yuhina - DVFC
A group of 3 on Elephant Ridge 3.4

Malaysian Rail Babbler (H) - DVFC
The most frustrating bird of the trip. Heard around the same grid around W0 N4 - N6 on the 28, 31.3 and 3.4. Responded to tape and got with in <10 yards on a few occasions but just would not show. Almost impossible to track down. One was also heard on the 30.3 along the nature trail by MB.

White-browed Shortwing - MKNP
Heard constantly but very difficult to see. One was taped out of hiding on the Liwagu trail 18.3. Also a pair showed very well on Silau - Silau later in the evening.

Siberian Blue Robin - PHS / DVFC
2 were seen on the Langanan trail at PHS on the 15.3, a male and a female. Seen occasionally on the trails at DVFC. One female spent the whole time around the camp site.

Magpie Robin - OS / PHS
Seen in transit. Common around PHS baths and open areas.

White-crowned Shama [E] - PHS / DVFC
Common around the baths and forest at PHS

Rufous-tailed Shama [T] - PHS / DVFC
A female was seen along the upper trail to the waterfall at PHS on the 15.3. Waterfall trail at DVFC 25.3

White Crowed Forktail - PHS / MKNP / DVFC
This stunning species is relatively common and seen most days around PHS, needs streams and is basically a dipper. Difficult to get good views of, very wary. Seen occasionally at DVFC

Chestnut-naped Forktail [T] - DVFC
Like its commoner relative, extremely shy and flushes very easily. One on the grids on 23.3, one at W5 S1 on 30.3. One was seen well on the river along the Perwina trail 1.4

Black-breasted Fruithunter [E] - MKNP
A complete surprise as this was a "no chance" bird. A female was flushed from the deck near the start of the climb at the top of the Liwagu trail on the 18.3. This bird remained for at least 20 minutes in full view before flying into another tree and being joined by a stunning male, unfortunately they both promptly disappeared. Was there a nest in the area?

Sunda Whistling Thrush [T] - PHS / MKNP
2 along the Langanan trail at PHS on the 14.3. Seen regularly at MKNP

Everett's Thrush [E] - MKNP
A pair were seen at 6.30am on the 17.3 about 300 meters from the bottom end of the Butik Ular trail. These stunning zootheras showed very well as they fed on the path at times to a distance of about 20 feet. A further attempt on the 19.3, same place same time, failed. An unforgettable second when one lifted its wings, flashing its underwing pattern for all to see. One of the highlights of the trip.

Yellow-breasted Warbler - MKNP
Common and capable of sounding like any other species. Annoying.

Yellow-bellied Warbler - PHS / DVFC
Common in the lower storey of the forest at PHS. Occasional around DVFC

Arctic Warbler - MKNP
One on the Menpaning trail 16.3

Mountain Leaf Warbler - MKNP
Reasonable common in all areas of the park

Striated Grassbird - OS
One on a telephone wire from the taxi PHS – MKNP 16.3

Dark-necked Tailorbird - PHS / DVFC
A female was seen along the Langanan trail 14.3. Only one at DVFC, W0 N6 on 29.3

Ashy Tailorbird - PHS / DVFC / LB
Common around the baths at PHS. Seen occasionally around DVFC. One at Lb 6.4

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird - DVFC
Reasonably common around the field centre and nature trail

Mountain Tailorbird - MKNP
Common around the power station

Yellow-bellied Prinia - DVFC
Common in open areas but could be surprisingly elusive

Bornean Stubtail [E] - MKNP
A really excellent character with no body or tail, just a head on 2 legs. 3 were seen at the bottom end of the Liwagu trail on the 18.3. More were heard

Sunda Bush Warbler - MKNP
Common. Usually seen along the power station road

Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher - DVFC
One on Elephant Ridge 1.4

Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher - DVFC
One on Elephant Ridge 1.4

Red-tailed Jungle Flycatcher [T] - DVFC
One around the camp site 26.3. One on Rhino Ridge 4.4

Eye-browed Jungle Flycatcher - MKNP
The only sighting of the trip was on the Silau - Silau trail on 19.3

Dark-sided Flycatcher - DVFC
One around the suspension bridge on a few dates

Grey-streaked Flycatcher - DVFC
2 along the Elephant Ridge trail 26.3

Asian Brown Flycatcher - MKNP / DVFC
Seen occasionally around the park and in the forest at DVFC

Ferruginous Flycatcher - PHS
Migrant and needs streams; one seen around the waterfall at PHS on the 14.3

Verditer Flycatcher - DVFC
Common around the forest and open areas. One was seen daily around the suspension bridge.

Indigo Flycatcher - MKNP
Common

Mugimaki Flycatcher - MKNP
Seen occasionally in singles all over the park. In total, 3 males and 6 females

Rufous-chested Flycatcher - DVFC
A female seen on Rhino Ridge on 4.4.

Snowy-browed Flycatcher - MKNP
A stunning species. One along Silau - Silau 16.3. 3 on the Liwagu trail 18.3, and 2 on Silau - Silau later in the day. Also seen on Silau - Silau on the 19.3

Little Pied Flycatcher - MKNP
A cracking flycatcher. 7 were seen on the 17.3 in various areas, most near the power station. Also seen occasionally on the Liwagu and Kiew View trails

Blue and White Flycatcher - PHS / MKNP
A male was seen near the football pitch at PHS on the 14.3. A male on the power station road KMNP on the 17.3

Hill Blue Flycatcher - DVFC
A male was seen well along the nature trail on the 31.3

Large-billed Blue Flycatcher [T] - DVFC
A male on the grids at W0 N4 on the 28.3. Another male at W5 S4 30.3

Bornean Blue Flycatcher [E] - DVFC
A male seen on the nature trail 26.3

Malaysian Blue Flycatcher [T] - DVFC
Seen occasionally on the grids and nature trail but a pair were ever present around the camp site and badminton court.

Pygmy Blue Flycatcher - MKNP
A very smart species. 3 together on Silau - Silau on the 17.3 included one male. A further male was seen near the bottom end of the Liwagu trail on the 20.3. Look for the characteristic wing flicking.

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher - PHS / DVFC
One was seen on the 14.3 along the Langanan trail at PHS low down in the forest. A few around the grids at DVFC and Rhino Ridge

White-throated Fantail - MKNP
Common around the edges

Spotted Fantail - DVFC
Common in the forest

Pied Fantail - MKNP
Common

Black-naped Monach - PHS / DVFC
A stunning male was seen on the 14.3 in the lower storey c1.5km along the Langanan trail at PHS. Possibly the same bird was seen the following day. Occasionally seen around the grids at DVFC

Rufous-winged Philentoma - DVFC
Occasionally seen in small groups. 2 on the waterfall trial 24.3

Asian Paradise Flycatcher - PHS / DVFC
At PHS, at female was seen along the Langanan trail on the 14.3. Seen a few times around DVFC. A male on 24.3 on the grids, and a female on the waterfall trail 28.3.

Bornean Whistler [E] - MKNP
Regularly seen in all areas. Extremely boring.

White-breasted Woodswallow - OS
Common around towns and open areas, telephone wires etc. 20+ seen travelling from KK to PHS.

Grey Wagtail - MKNP
One on the power station road 17.3

Paddyfield Pipit - OS
2 on the airport at Lahad Datu 22.3

Asian Glossy Starling - OS / KK
Very common around towns and open areas

Plain Sunbird - PHS / DVFC
A female was seen around the football pitch at PHS on the 14.3 and another on the Langanan trail on the 15.3. Seen regularly around the forest at DVFC

Purple-naped Sunbird - DVFC
A male along the Waterfall trail 28.3. Another on the grids 31.3 and again 3.4

Plain-throated Sunbird - PHS
2 around the football pitch at PHS on the 16.3

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird - DVFC
One on the grids on the 23.3

Purple-throated Sunbird - DVFC
A pair on the nature trail 27.3

Olive-backed Sunbird - PHS / LB
Relatively common around habitation and open areas at PHS. One at LB 6.4

Crimson Sunbird - PHS / MKNP / LB
A great male was seen around the football pitch at PHS on the 14.3. Seen regularly around MKNP and one at LB 6.4

Scarlet Sunbird - MKNP
3 around the Restaurant were present throughout. Also seen on the Kiew View trail

Little Spiderhunter - DVFC
Seen regularly around the field centre, very difficult to get views of in the forest

Thick - billed Spiderhunter - DVFC
Seen occasionally in the flowering tree at the back of the badminton court

Long-billed Spiderhunter - PHS / DVFC
2 were seen together near the waterfall at PHS on the 15.3, always in the canopy and difficult to see. Another on the grids at DVFC 2.4

Spectacled Spiderhunter - PHS / DVFC
Seen regularly around the reception building at PHS. Regular around the field centre at DVFC

Yellow-eared Spiderhunter - PHS / DVFC
Seen occasionally in the forest at PHS. Occasionally seen around the field centre at DVFC

Grey-breasted Spiderhunter - DVFC
Seen occasionally around the grids and field centre

Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter - DVFC
Seen occasionally around the field centre and trails

Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker - DVFC
A pair at W15 N0 on the grids 26.3 and possibly the same 31.3

Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker [E] - DVFC
A pair were seen almost daily around the field centre side of the suspension bridge

Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker - PHS
2 near the waterfall at PHS on the 15.3

Orange-breasted Flowerpecker - PHS / DVFC
Seen regularly around PHS, usually near the reception building. Up to 9 seen on 14.3. 2 on the nature trail at DVFC on 29.3

Yellow-vented Flowerpecker - PHS
2 on the upper trail at PHS on the 15.3. 3 around the football pitch at PHS on the 16.3

Plain Flowerpecker - PHS
3 around the football pitch at PHS on the 15.3 and presumably the same on the 16.3

Black-sided Flowerpecker [E] - MKNP
A pair were seen around the reception area on the 17.3 and a male on the Kiew View trail 19.3

Black-capped White-eye - MKNP
Common along the trails

Dusky Munia - OS / KK / PHS
Common around KK and PHS. Dull.

Black-headed Munia - OS / DVFC
Common around Lahad Datu and field centre at DVFC

Eurasian Tree Sparrow - A
Common