Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Bornean Orang Utan |
 Kinabatangan River tributary |
 Large Frogmouth |
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 Temminck's Sunbird |
 Proboscis Monkey |
 Mount Kinabalu |
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Background
Introduction
This report outlines a two week trip which I undertook with my wife, Alison Rowntree, in Sabah. As well as wanting to maximise birding opportunities, we were keen to see a wide variety of mammals.
Everything except our international flights was organised by Wilbur Goh of Malaysian Birding Tours who remained with us as our guide for the whole trip. We flew into Kota Kinabalu from where we took an internal flight to Lahad Datu for Danum Valley. From here we went to Sukau for our visit to the Kinabalu River. After this, we visited Deramakot before transferring to our final destination, Mount Kinabalu.
This is an independent report, not linked to any company or third party provider.
For further information please feel free to contact me - peteraley@msn.com
Birding & Wildlife
Sabah is teeming with wildlife, and home to many of Borneo’s endemic birds and mammals. As ever, birding in the humid conditions of the rain forest can be hard work; but there can be many rewards. Whilst we have travelled and birded independently in many parts of the world, we felt that, here, without a good guide, we would only have seen a fraction of what we did.
We were up pre-dawn and often out late spot-lighting. This, combined with the humidity, often made birding hard work. The exception was Mount Kinabalu, where favourable climate and birding terrain combined to make things much easier.
The weather preceding, and during, our stay was generally dry. Whilst this meant more pleasant conditions for birding and virtually no leeches, it did make finding some birds more difficult. We took leech socks and wore them on occasions as a precaution but probably didn’t need them. Similarly, at sites other than Mount Kinabalu, we put on insect repellent as a precaution, but came across next-to-no biting insects (apparently mosquitoes are far worse in some of Borneo’s towns).
We saw saw 240 species of bird including 30 Bornean endemics and a good variety of large mammals, but did miss a few key species including Bornean Ground Cuckoo, Whitehead’s Spiderhunter and Sunda Clouded Leopard.
As ever, the Fatbirder website, gives a good overview of Sabah’s birdlife.
We used the Helm field guide Birds of Borneo (second edition) by Susan Myers which proved pretty good, and Wilbur provided an excellent checklist of birds and mammals for the areas we visited.
Photos, in addition to those with this report, can be found on Surfbirds (World Birding and Mammals galleries).
Details of selected birds and mammals which we saw are included in the daily accounts below and details of all sightings are provided in the systematic list. Numbers are aimed at providing some indication of abundance rather than always being exact counts.
Travel & Accommodation
We booked international flights with Royal Brunei Airlines through DialAFlight (Heathrow to Kota Kinabalu return). Wilbur organised all the in-country arrangements including the internal flight, boats, vehicles between sites, night drives, accommodation and lunch stops.
Borneo is very popular and although we started making arrangements eight months in advance of our visit, many places were already heavily booked. This provided a challenge to Wilbur but eventually by re-jigging the order of the itinerary, he managed to get us in everywhere we wanted to go.
My reviews of all the hotels and lodges we used (mentioned below) can be found on Trip Advisor ("PlymouthPete19"). Note – on Trip Advisor there is no option to review the accommodation at Deramakot in “Hotels”, so comments are in my review under “Deramakot Forest Reserve” in “Things to Do”.
Food & Money
Locally inspired food was served in a most places we went with western influences only prevalent in more up market establishments. We also enjoyed a range of Chinese food at restaurants between sites. Wilbur was very helpful in ensuring catering for my vegetarian / fish diet. Beer and wine was available at some places we stayed but is quite expensive by Bornean standards and not widely part of the culture, reflecting the majority Muslim population.
The currency is Malaysian Ringgit which can be exchanged in the UK and taken with you.
Daily accounts
3rd March: Kota Kinabalu
Arrived at Kota Kinabalu airport (after a wait in Brunei Airport where we watched Asian Glossy Starlings, plus Intermediate & Great Egrets). Met by Wilbur and driven to the Jessleton Hotel for a tasty Bornean dinner before bed!
4th March: Kota Kinabalu area & Danum Valley
Left the Jessleton at 5.30am and after a short drive and picnic breakfast, birded the paddy fields at Penampang. Here, flocks of busy Munias included Chestnut, Scaly-breasted and our first endemic – Dusky. We also enjoyed good views of Oriental Prantincoles in the fields and eight Wandering Whistling Ducks showed in the distance. A Slaty-breasted Rail appeared on the track, a Lesser Coucal skulked in thick vegetation and Striated Grassbirds perched more obligingly in bushes. All these species except Dusky Munia were not seen again during our stay.
Next we drove to Tanjung Aru (or “Prince Philip”) Park, a leisure area nearby on the coast. Both Long-tailed and introduced Blue-naped Parrots showed well along with four Brown-throated Sunbirds and our only Collared Kingfishers, Pied Triller and Pacific Reef Egrets of the trip. The highlight however, was a scarce Chinese Egret with typically fidgety behaviour, and the only bird on the vast beach!
Returning to Kota Kinabalu airport, we took a flight to Lahad Datu where we checked in at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge’s office. After lunch in a nearby Chinese restaurant, we were driven for two-and-a-half hours to the luxury Lodge in Danum Valley, one of Sabah’s few remaining areas of virgin rainforest. Here, we were to spend three nights.
Highlights on the approach road were magnificent Rhinoceros Hornbills, a juvenile Crested Serpent Eagle, an impressive Asian Paradise Flycatcher, point blank views of Whiskered Treeswift and endearing (but all too brief) Maroon Leaf Monkeys.
Birds during a late afternoon’s walk back up the approach track, included a beautiful Black-crowned Pitta, a distant Yellow-crowned Barbet and an obliging Dark-sided Flycatcher, before close views of a female Crested Flameback on the track at dusk.
An hour’s night drive produced a Red Giant Flying Squirrel in “flight” and a Common Palm Civet.
5th March: Danum Valley
Birding started at dawn (just after 6am) first from the track to the Lodge, then on a small path through the forest, looping back to the Lodge. A White-fronted Falconet perched high on a bare tree top and two Chestnut-naped Forktails appeared briefly before retreating into undergrowth. Our first brilliantly coloured Bornean Bristlehead, perched typically in tree tops, was very welcome. The birds kept coming with great views of two Trogons: Red-naped & Scarlet-rumped, Gold-whiskered Barbet, Banded Woodpecker, Banded Bay Cuckoo and (by the tree top walkway) an obliging Dusky Broadbill - our only sightings of these six species during the holiday. The birds were, however, upstaged by our first Bornean Orang Utan, a huge male relaxing in the trees and eventually giving superb views. Another showed later further up the track.
Similar Babblers & Bulbuls proved more challenging for us newcomers. But Wilbur and our Lodge guide, Henry, were on hand to help: Ferruginous, Short-tailed, Black-capped, Sooty-caped & Scaly-crowned Babblers and Yellow-vented, Cream-vented, Spectacled, Finsch’s, Yellow-bellied, Hairy-backed & Buff-vented Bulbuls, were all logged by the day end. The guides’ hard work in trying to find Great Argus and Blue-headed Pitta, however, bore no fruit.
Lunchtime around the lovely Lodge was enhanced by a few more sightings including showy Blue-throated Bee-eaters and our first Buff-rumped Woodpecker.
The afternoon was spent again birding from the approach track before exploring a branch path, where we were treated to great views of two striking Striped Wren-babblers, Rufous Piculet and our only sightings of Black Magpie and Purple-naped Spiderhunters. After some searching for a calling Great Argus, we finally connected; remarkably hard to find for such a big bird.
After dark, along with a few others staying at the Lodge, I was taken on a short walk to look for Large Frogmouth (they take people together only every few days to minimise disturbance). Following a short wait, the guides manoeuvred us into position and there it was: a huge and strange-looking creature sitting unconcerned on a branch just in front of us. One of the birds of the trip! A Greater Mouse-Deer and a roosting Sunda Colugo added mammal interest and we were shown two roosting Bornean Firebacks (males) but no Owls appeared.
6th March: Danum Valley
A dawn start following the track gave early rewards. A colourful female Diard’s Trogon sat obligingly before we enjoyed walk-away-views of two Bornean Wren-babblers expertly located by Wilbur. Another Great Argus showed nearby, just metres from the track. One of yesterday’s Bornean Orang Utans entertained us, taking some morning exercise, before we set off along a narrow path through the forest, which eventually took us back to the Lodge.
Here, a lovely mix of birds included good views of a brilliant Green Broadbill and more Bornean Bristleheads, before Henry and Wilbur located us strategically to watch a male Blue-crowned Pitta hop across the path showing off his iridescent colours. Next the scarce Rufous-tailed Shama showed, followed by prolonged views of a superb orange & blue Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. But Crested Partridge and Helmeted Hornbill were only heard in the distance.
Lunchtime entertainment at the Lodge included my first Orange-bellied Flowerpecker and Plaintive Cuckoo of the trip.
An afternoon’s walk produced another (or the same) Diard’s Trogon by the track, Bornean Wren-babbler again, and new trip species in the form of: Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle, Maroon-breasted Philentoma, Blue-eared Barbet, (the trip’s only) Red-throated Barbets and Asian Brown Flycatcher, and three huge Great Slaty Woodpeckers in tree tops just before dusk. Most of our time was however, spent on an unsuccessful wild Elephant chase, failing to connect with the beast heard in the distance.
The evening’s night excursion was by electric vehicle and we enjoyed a perched Blyth’s Frogmouth. This however, was completely overshadowed by great views of a Marbled Cat sat on the track, then in bushes nearby before crossing the track and disappearing. A rare find and all within a few hundred metres of the Lodge!
7th March: Danum Valley & Gomantong Caves
For our final morning at Danum Valley, we were out in the electric vehicle, following the track to just after the reserve entrance. New sightings included prolonged views of attractive Black-throated Wren-babblers, the tricky Olive-backed Woodpecker, Black-bellied Malkoha, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Honey-buzzard and, at last, Helmeted Hornbill – a pair of this iconic and endangered species perched in a big tree. Two endemic Bornean Muntjacs and an entertaining troop of Sunda Pig-tailed Macaques appeared on the track.
Although we had no luck again with a Crested Partridge search and missed a Banded Broadbill, a Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle was more obliging, soaring over trees viewed from the Lodge, marking the end of a good start to the trip in Danum’s wonderful forest.
After lunch, we embarked on the four hour drive to Gomantong Caves, an interesting if rather unpleasant birding environment which provides an opportunity to get grips with the very similar Swiftlets. Here we followed the board walk in the huge cave complex. Wilbur pointed out Mossy-nest & Plume-toed Swiftlets, identified by their nest type. However it was the post-breeding season for Edible-nest Swiftlet and thus we failed to see any. (Ironically this is the commonest Swiftlet in the areas we visited and we saw plenty of Swiftlet, probably including lots of this species, but were unable to positively identify any).
Thousands of bats pouring out of the caves well before dusk attracted two hunting Bat Hawks, pursuing their prey in rather falcon-like fashion. Our only Common Treeshew of the trip, completed the day’s wildlife watching before we were driven to Sukau jetty for a short boat ride to the Bornean Nature Lodge, our accommodation for three nights.
8th March: Kinabatangan River
Out from first light in the boat to explore the riverine forests beside the Kinabatangan River and its’ tributaries. Quickly we encountered plenty of monkeys: the strange Proboscis, Long-tailed Macaques and Sunda Silvered Langurs. We tried 8 - 10 spots for Bornean Ground Cuckoo without any sign. Bird highlights included two-tone Malaysian Blue Flycatchers, Blue-eared & Black-capped Kingfishers, a distinctive Crested Jay, good views of two appealing Black-and-red Broadbills, Lesser Adjutants, a fly-over Storm’s Stork (a site speciality), Grey-headed Fish Eagle, colourful Wrinkled & perched Black Hornbills & two Brown Barbets in tree tops.
A bundle of fur high in the trees proved to be a Bornean Orang Utan taking a nap!
An afternoon boat trip, again on the main river and some tributaries, produced Brown-throated Sunbird and, new for the trip, smart Black-headed Bulbuls (not seen elsewhere) and a stunning Ruddy Kingfisher perched within the forest. Next came our trip’s only Cinnamon Bittern & Black-capped Kingfisher. Lesser Fish Eagle drifted over, and loads more Hornbills included at least seven Rhinoceros together and several more Wrinkled. Two surprisingly smart Black-capped Babblers were also added to the tally.
We also spent time watching a very entertaining troop of 40+ Sunda Pig-tailed Macaques on the river bank and crossing the water on their rope bridge.
Out again at 8pm for a two-and-a-half hour night trip in the boat. Spot-lighting soon produced a magnificent Buffy Fish Owl at close range; one of two seen during the evening. Roosting Long-tailed Macaques and both Stork-billed & Blue-eared Kingfishers appeared in the lights but, despite a lengthy search, a calling Oriental Bay Owl failed to reveal itself.
9th March: Kinabatangan River
Birding started this morning along a tributary upstream from the Lodge and although we managed a few good sightings, Wilbur said it was a lot quieter than usual. Two White-chested Babblers and a pair of Wreathed Hornbills were added to the trip list. Long-tailed Parakeets, Crested Goshawk and Ashy Tailorbird were also noteworthy and Wilbur picked up two endearing Smooth Otters on the bank and we enjoyed good but brief views before they disappeared into the forest. Again, plenty of Long-tailed Macaques and Proboscis Monkeys were around.
Five minutes into the afternoon’s trip and the boatman spotted an Asian Elephant which gave great views on the river bank feeding on the vegetation. Unexpectedly, two helmeted Hornbills flew over (very difficult here) and persistence paid with our search for White-crowned Hornbill, with a pair of these distinctive birds in the open. This completed the set of all eight Bornean Hornbills at this site!
Several White-bellied Sea Eagles and Jerdon’s Bazas proved to be the only ones of the trip, and Storm’s Stork gave better views. Silvered Langurs with their red baby completed the afternoon’s excursion.
Tonight’s nocturnal cruise saw us connect with Oriental Bay Owl at last. After another long wait at a different spot, we were able to watch it in typical pose, clinging to a tree trunk, looking more like a mammal than a bird! A Black-crowned Night Heron lived up to its’ name performing actively on the river. Another Buffy Fish Owl, five Black-and-red Broadbills roosting in a row and the Asian Elephant in the same spot, rounded off the night.
10th March: Kinabatangan River & Deramakot
Our final morning on the river, but little of note except a party of Bearded Pigs including a fine male posing for pictures.
Despite this completing two-and-a-half days of searching for Bornean Ground Cuckoo – no luck. Not even a call! Chestnut-necklaced Partridge and Violet Cuckoo also proved uncooperative with only “un-tickable views”. However these disappointments did no spoil a wonderful visit with plenty of good wildlife watched in relaxing fashion from the boat.
After checking out of the Lodge, we took the short boat ride back to Sukau for the two-hour drive to Telupid. Here, we met our guide Henry who was to lead our spot-lighting for the next four nights at Sabah’s top site for Sunda Clouded Leopard. After lunch in a Chinese restaurant, we transferred to a battered 4x4 (which wouldn’t start at first) for the two-and-a-half hour journey to Deramakot, mainly on dirt roads.
Mile after mile of palm oil plantations and deforestation made a sad backdrop for our journey and somehow spoilt the sightings of another Asian Elephant (with tusks) and two Bearded Pigs plus plenty of Eastern Cattle Egrets.
Arrival in superb forest at Deramakot was a complete contrast. Here, reduced impact logging since 2007 has resulted in low levels of damage to original trees, soil and water whilst providing sustainable income. Henry is a big fan of the initiative, saying he has seen significant benefits for wildlife.
Accommodation here consists of chalets on the government run forestry complex with those making the booking required to bring all their own food which can be cooked on site and served in a central dining area. We checked into our (basic modern) accommodation for four nights, enjoying a flock of bright Fiery Minivets nearby. After dinner we embarked on our first night drive here in the open-topped jeep. However minutes after we set off, the heavens opened with torrential rain, forcing us to take shelter; with only Small-toothed Palm Civet seen, we reluctantly abandoned the trip and Plan B came into operation….
11th March: Deramakot
Out at 4.30am for a part night, part day drive. Thankfully the rain had cleared and we quickly connected with a magnificent Brown Wood Owl looking down on us, a Malay Civet on the track, a pair of Small-toothed Palm Civets and a new species of Flying Squirrel – Thomas’ (though this one not “flying”).
Dawn brought a few good birds from a misty vantage point above the forest: Red-bearded Bee-eaters with spectacular red, pink & green plumage, Little Green Pigeons and distinctive Bold-striped Tit Babblers all new for the trip. Tantalisingly, we found fresh Sunda Clouded Leopard prints on the wet track! Driving back, we encountered a good selection of birds including Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Spectacled & Bornean Spiderhunters, Bronzed Drongo & Blue-eared & Brown Barbets. A Bornean Orang Utan gave great views in trees high overhead and we also came across a Maroon Leaf Monkey.
A late morning & early afternoon’s walk along the track (towards Telupid) produced more new birds for the holiday: Red-throated Sunbirds, Greater Green Leafbirds, Silver-rumped Spinetails and our only Brown-backed Needletails (two) & Chestnut-bellied Malkoha. Further sightings included: Grey-rumped Treeswift, Crested Honey-buzzard, two Black-and-yellow Broadbills at their hanging nest, three Dark-throated Orioles and Cream-vented, Finsch’s & Buff-vented Bulbuls. Several Dark-sided Flycatchers afforded good views allowing study of the finer details of this potential vagrant to Britain.
A short walk near our chalet prior to an early dinner, produced a pair of Van Hasslet’s Sunbirds, the male with beautiful metallic colours reflecting in the sunshine: new for the trip. Other sightings were: Tiger Shrike, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, two close Rhinoceros Hornbills & (presumably the same) Crested Honey-buzzard.
We set off just before dusk for our second night ride, returning some six hours later. After a slowish start, the mammals started to appear and thanks to Henry’s relentless energy in spotlighting high and low, by the end we had clocked up: half a dozen Small-toothed Palm Civets, mainly high in the trees; two Malay Civets including one showing well on the track with its’ striped neck & mottled body; four Red Giant & a Thomas’ Flying Squirrel, the latter showing its’ diagnostic lack of black tail tip; a scarce Black Flying Squirrel buzzing around a dead tree then obligingly taking “flight”; a Sunda Colugo giving prolonged views, cemented to a tree trunk; somewhat distant views of a Bornean Loris; and a Malay Porcupine showing unusually well scurrying along the track (only the second one Henry had seen in 2019). A single Buffy Fish and a pair of Brown Wood Owls added avian interest, the latter performing well on a branch close to Deramakot.
12th March: Deramakot
After our first lie-in of the trip, we walked the track a short way in both directions. Sightings included our first Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike and Verditer Flycatcher of the holiday, a Bronze Drongo on its’ tiny nest, Blue-eared Barbet, Puff-backed Bulbul, more Van Hasslet’s Sunbirds and Crested Serpent Eagle. Two Bornean Gibbons swinging through the trees, were an unexpected bonus.
A pre-dinner walk produced a distant White-fronted Falconet.
Five hours after dark in the truck again drew a blank on cats. But a Malay Badger (Wilbur’s first, indicating how rare they are), much better views of an attractive Bornean Loris, another Sunda Colugo allowing close inspection, and our first Large-tailed Nightjar of the trip, hawking for insects, made for a good night. We also came across more Thomas’ Flying Squirrels and Malay & Small-toothed Palm Civets as well as another Brown Wood Owl.
13th March: Deramakot
A walk during the first two-and-a-half hours of light added Olive-winged Bulbul (4) and Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (male) to my trip list. Other notable sightings were Bornean Spiderhunter, Black-winged Flycatcher-shrikes (2), Black Hornbills (2), Rufous Piculet, and the first “tickable” views of Violet Cuckoo (albeit only in flight). On return, Alison was watching a pair of Bornean Gibbons close to the chalet.
After breakfast, we walked two trails into the forest near the accommodation, where we found our only Moustached (4) & Chestnut-throated Babblers of the trip. Also on view were Yellow-bellied Bulbul and three species of Woodpecker – Checker-throated (a trip “tick”), Buff-necked & Buff-rumped.
Back at the chalet, two striking Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babblers worked their way along the forest edge and after lunch, a Lesser Fish Eagle flew over.
Our final night drive produced yet more new mammals in the form of three Lesser Mouse-Deer and a Large Flying Fox. Also noteworthy were a Sunda or Blyth’s Frogmouth (obligingly found because it was perched close to a Civet we were watching), and – again - Large-tailed Nightjar and plenty of Civets and Flying Squirrels. Although the outing didn’t produce a fairy tale end, with Sunda Clouded Leopard evading us, we concluded that Deramakot’s night drives had still been a great mammal-watching experience.
14th March: Deramakot & Mount Kinabalu
A short walk before breakfast added our only Large Woodshrike & Horsefield’s Babblers of the holiday plus a selection of repeats most notable of which was a male Diard’s Trogon.
Then a four hour drive via Ranau for lunch, brought us to a change of habitat and climate in Mount Kinabalu Park’s montane rainforest. Here we checked into Kinabalu Pine Resort for three nights, where our room commanded great views across the mountains.
The last two hours of light were spent birding just inside the Park, a 15-20 minute drive from the hotel. A flurry of bird activity in a lose flock included a whole new mix of species with a Whitehead’s Broadbill sitting obligingly, an equally well-coloured Bornean Green Magpie, Bornean Treepie, parties of both Sunda & Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrushes. Maroon Woodpecker, Hair-crested Drongo, Grey-throated Babblers, little flocks of Chestnut-crested Yuhinas & Black-capped White-eyes, Mountain Tailorbirds, Indigo Flycatchers and Bornean Whistling Thrush. Our only sighting of Jentink’s Squirrel added mammal interest. Not a bad start!
15th March: Mount Kinabalu
Out pre-dawn to search for Mountain Scops Owl which Wilbur located only 10 minutes after getting out of the car in the Park. It showed well perched in the trees close to a roosting Whitehead’s Broadbill. After a picnic breakfast, we birded the roadside from its’ highest point, to the restaurant at the bottom, then walked one of the loop trails from the road. New trip birds included: Mountain Imperial Pigeons, Bock’s Hawk-cuckoo, Black-and-crimson Oriole, Bornean Whistler, Grey-chinned Minivets, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied & Mountain Leaf Warblers, Eye-bowed Thrush, Blue-and-white & Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatchers, Blyth’s Shrike-babbler and Black-sided Flowerpecker. In addition we watched a Yellow-crowned Barbet at the nest and characterful Whitehead’s Pygmy Squirrels with their tufted ears.
From the lovely restaurant balcony during lunch, we were treated to stunning views of further additions to the trip list with Little Pied Flycatcher and brilliant Temminck’s Sunbirds.
A late afternoon’s walk along the same path visited earlier today, produced an Eye-browed Jungle Flycatcher eating a lizard on the ground and close but brief, views of a striking Bornean Stubtail. Just before dusk, the stream near the restaurant hosted Bornean Forktail in undergrowth on the bank and a White-browed Shortwing. The latter three species represented further trip ticks.
16th March: Mount Kinabalu
Started at dawn on a trail to the left of the road going up, just short of the top. Incredibly, the first bird we saw was an Everett’s Thrush which showed at close range for some five minutes eating worms in a wet area! Further on, we found both Red-breasted & Crimson-headed Partridges in quick succession, always skulking around in the leaf litter. Two Wreathed Hornbills (not regular here) flew over before we had good views of two Mountain Wren-babblers and on the return, an obliging Snowy-browed Flycatcher perched beside the path. No luck with Fruithunter but a good showing nonetheless.
Back at the hotel, our only Olive-backed Sunbird of the trip appeared in bushes.
A late afternoon walk on the loop trail previously visited, looking for Whitehead’s Trogon proved unsuccessful but Orchaceous Bulbul, another Mountain Wren-babbler and a pair of Whitehead’s Broadbills nest-building provided good compensation. A total of seven trip ticks logged today.
17th March: Mount Kinabalu
Dawn saw us eating a picnic breakfast at the top of the road where the path to the summit starts. Birds around here included a female Mugimaki Flycatcher perched on the fence and good views of colourful Grey-chinned Minivets.
As we slowly walked down the road, the trip’s only Pygmy Blue Flycatcher sat obligingly beside the road (an unexpected addition). Half way down, a prolonged search for our third species of Laughingthrush – Bare-headed – eventually paid with one or two individuals looking somewhat vulture-like in the tree tops. As we walked the road opposite the loop trail we’d checked a number of times before, persistence finally paid with Wilbur picking up a female Whitehead’s Trogon, perched quite low showing off her mustard-yellow tones and grey throat. A fitting final species of our holiday!
A walk around the loop road between the restaurant and the Park entrance produced little of note and we retreated for lunch. Mount Kinabalu had provided us with a good showing of birds (Whitehead’s Spiderhunter being the only significant species which evaded us) in pleasant conditions with generally relaxed birding.
After lunch, we were driven to Kota Kinabalu airport for our evening flight home reflecting on a great two weeks of wildlife watching.
Names follow Helm field guide Birds of Borneo (second edition) with known alternatives in brackets
e: endemic; I: introduction
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata: 8 at Penampang.
GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae
Great Argus Argusianus argus: singles at Danum on 2 days.
Red-breasted Partridge Arborophila hyperythra (e): a total of 6 in 2 parties on 1 day at Mount Kinabalu.
Crimson-headed Partridge Haematortyx sanguiniceps (e): 4 together on 1 day at Mount Kinabalu.
Bornean [Crested] Fireback Lophura ignita nobilis (e): single female and, the following day, 2 males at Danum; all seen around dusk.
COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
Spotted Dove Stigmatopelia chinensis: 3 at Penampang and others on roadside as we drove into Kota Kinabalu on the last day.
Zebra Dove Geopelia striata (I): 6 at Penampang and others on roadside as we drove into Kota Kinabalu on the last day.
Little Green Pigeon Treron olax: 12 together at Deramakot.
Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans: 2 at Penampang & 6 at Kinabatangan River.
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea: double figures on several days at Kinabatangan River, 3 at Tangjung Aru & 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia; small numbers seen on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu.
CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
Bock's (Large) Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx [sparverioides] bocki: singles on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu.
Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii: 1 at Danum.
Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus: singles on several dates at Danum & 1 or 2 every day at Deramakot.
Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus: 1 at Deramakot (& untickable views at Kinabatangan River).
Black-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi: 1 at Danum.
Chestnut-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus sumatranus: 1 at Deramakot.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris: 3 on 1 date & 1 the following day, at Danum; & 1 at Kinabatangan River.
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis bubutus: 1 or 2 on several dates at Kinabatangan River & Deramakot & 1 at Danum.
Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis javanensis: 1 at Penampang.
APODIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae
Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis harteti: up to 6 at Tangjung Aru and every day at Deramakot.
Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata comata: singles on 3 dates at Danum & up to 3 on 3 dates at Deramakot.
APODIFORMES: Apodidae
Plume-toed Swiftlet Collocalia affinis cyanoptila: nesting in Gomantong Cave & 20 at Kinabatangan River on 1 day. (Other Swiftlet sightings were common & widespread, probably including Edible-nest, but identification away from nests could not be clinched).
Mossy-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus salangana natunae: nesting in Gomantong Cave.
Silver-rumped Spinetail Rhaphidura leucopygialis: 6 or 8 every day at Deramakot & 1 at Danum.
Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus: 2 on 1 date at Deramakot.
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Podargidae
Large Frogmouth Batrachostomus auritus: 1 after dark at Danum.
Blyth's Frogmouth Batrachostomus affinis affinis: 1 at Danum and a Blyth’s or Sunda at Deramakot during spot-lighting.
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus salvadorii: single in same quarry after dark on 2 dates at Deramakot.
GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
Slaty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus: 1 at Penampang.
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus: 2 at Penampang & 2 on 1 day at Kinabatangan River.
CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: 1 or 2 at Penampang & Kinabatangan River.
Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum: 2 at Penampang.
PELECANIFORMES: Anhingidae
Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster: singles at Danum & Deramakot & up to 6 at Kinabatangan River.
CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae
Storm's Stork Ciconia stormi: 1 or 2 on all days at Kinabatangan River; a speciality here.
Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus: up to 3 on all days at Kinabatangan River.
PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: up to 3 on all days at Kinabatangan River.
Eastern Great Egret Ardea (alba) modestus: 1 or 2 on all days at Kinabatangan River.
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia intermedia: 2 at Penampang & 2 on 2 days at Kinabatangan River.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta: 3 at both Penampang and Kinabatangan River.
Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes: 1 on beach at Tanjung Aru was unexpected.
Pacific Reef Egret Egretta sacra: 2 at Tanjung Aru.
Eastern Cattle Egret Ardea coromandus: 30 in cleared areas en route to Deramakot & 12 at Penampang.
Striated Heron Butorides striata: up to 6 on all days at Kinabatangan River.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: 2 at Penampang & 1 after dark at Kinabatangan River.
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus: 1 at Kinabatangan River.
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae
Jerdon's Baza Aviceda jerdoni: 2 together on 1 day at Kinabatangan River.
Crested Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus torquatus (Sunda) & P.p orientalis (Oriental): singles at Danum & Deramakot.
Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus alcinus: 2 hunting bats at Gomantong Cave late afternoon.
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus hypoleucos: 2 at Penampang.
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus: 2 at Tanjung Aru & singles on 2 days at Kinabatangan River.
White-bellied Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga leucogaster: 2 on 1 date at Kinabatangan River.
Lesser Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis: singles on 2 days at Kinabatangan River & 1 date at Deramakot.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus: 1 at Kinabatangan River.
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela: singles on 2 dates at Danum, up to 3 on every day at Kinabatangan River & singles on 3 dates at Deramakot.
Crested Goshawk Lophospiza trivirgata: 1 on 1 date at Kinabatangan River and 2 the next, there.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus limnaeetus: 2 on 1 day at Danum.
Blyth's Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus alboniger: 1 at Danum.
Wallace's Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus nanus: singles on 2 dates at Danum, at Gomantong Cave & 1 day at Deramakot.
STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae
Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius badius: 1 in spot light at Kinabatangan River and another heard there the night before.
STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus luciae: 1 just before dawn at Mount Kinabalu.
Buffy Fish Owl Bubo ketupu: 2 on first spot-lighting trip at Kinabatangan River & 1 the following night; singles on 2 night drives at Deramakot.
Brown (Bornean) Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica vaga: 3 on 1 spot-lighting drive at Deramakot & 1 there the following night.
TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae
Red-naped Trogon Harpactes kasumba impavidus: 1 male at Danum.
Diard's Trogon Harpactes diardii diardii: 1 or 2 females on 1 day at Danum, a male there the following day & a male at Deramakot.
Whitehead's Trogon Harpactes whiteheadi (e): female on last day at Mount Kinabalu.
Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelii: 1 female at Danum.
BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae
Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris convexus: up to 15 seen each day at Kinabatangan River & 1 at Danum.
Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus: up to 3 seen each day at Kinabatangan River & 2 at both Danum & Deramakot.
Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros borneoensis: 1 on first day at Danum, 2 there 2 days later, up to 4 on 2 days at Kinabatangan River & up to 3 each day at Deramakot.
Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil: 2 on 1 date at both Danum & (unexpectedly) Kinabatangan River.
Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus: 8 on 2 dates at Danum, 6 on first day at Kinabatangan River & 2 there the following day.
White-crowned Hornbill Berenicornis comatus: 2 on 1 date at Kinabatangan River.
Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus: 3 on first day at Kinabatangan River.
Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus: 2 on 1 day at both Kinabatangan River & Mount Kinabalu.
PICIFORMES: Megalaimidae
Gold-whiskered Barbet Psilopogon chrysopogon chrysopsis: singles on 2 dates at Danum.
Red-throated Barbet Psilopogon mystacophanos: 1 at Danum.
Yellow-crowned Barbet Psilopogon henricii: singles on 2 days at Danum.
Blue-eared Barbet Psilopogon duvaucelii duvaucelii: singles at Danum and on 3 days at Deramakot.
Brown Barbet Caloramphus fuliginosus: 2 on all dates at Kinabatangan River; 4 on 1 day at Deramakot & single there on another.
PICIFORMES: Picidae
Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis: singles on 1 day at both Danum & Deramakot.
Banded Woodpecker (Yellownape) Chrysophlegma miniaceum malaccensis: 1 at Danum.
Checker-throated Woodpecker (Yellownape) Chrysophlegma mentale humii: singles on 1 day at both Deramakot & Mount Kinabalu.
Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus observandus: singles on 1 day at both Danum & Deramakot.
Olive-backed Woodpecker Dinopium rafflesii dulitense: 1 at Danum.
Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus: singles on 1 day at Danum & Deramakot, & on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu.
Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis grammithorax: 2 on 2 dates at Danum & 1 at Deramakot.
Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki tukki: 2 on 1 day at Danum; singles there the next day & on 1 date at Deramakot.
Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus: 3 on single dates at both Danum & Kinabatangan River.
CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting verreauxii: 3 or 4 each day at Kinabatangan River.
Oriental Dwarf (Rufous-backed) Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus/rufidorsa motleyi: 1 at Danum.
Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis inominata: 2 on 1 day at Danum & singles each day at Kinabatangan River.
Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda minor: 1 at Kinabatangan River.
Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris laubmannianus : 3 at Tanjung Aru.
Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata: 1 at Kinabatangan River.
CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae
Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus: 1 at Deramakot.
Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis viridis: up to 8 each day at Danum.
CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae
Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis : 2 at Tanjung Aru & up to 6 each day at Kinabatangan River.
FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
White-fronted Falconet Microhierax latifrons (e): 2 on 1 day at Danum & 1 at Deramakot.
PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae
Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis: 2 at Tanjung Aru.
Long-tailed Parakeet Psittacula longicauda: 4 at Tanjung Aru & 3 on 1 day at Kinabatangan River.
Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus galgulus: singles on 1 day at both Danum & Kinabatangan River, & 2 on 1 date at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Calyptomenidae
Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis: 1 at Danum.
Whitehead's Broadbill Calyptomena whiteheadi ( e): singles on 2 days, and a pair on another day, at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Eurylaimidae
Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus: 1 at Danum.
Black-and-red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos: up to 11 each day at Kinabatangan River & 1 at both Danum & Deramakot.
Black-and-yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus: singles on 2 days at Danum & 2 on 1 date at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae
Blue-headed Pitta Hydrornis baudii (e): 1 male at Danum.
Black-crowned Pitta Erythropitta ussheri (e): singles on 2 days at Danum.
PASSERIFORMES: Vireonidae
Blyth's Shrike-babbler Pteruthius faeralatus robinsoni: 2 on 1 date at Mount Kinabalu.
White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca: 1 at Danum.
PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae
Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus consobrinus: 2 on 1 day at Danum & 3 on 1 date at Deramakot.
Black-and-crimson Oriole Oriolus cruentus vulneratus: 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae
Bornean Whistler Pachycephala hypoxantha (e): up to 4 on 3 dates at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Vangidae
Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus : 1 or 2 on 3 days at Deramakot.
Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus frenatus: 1 at Deramakot.
Maroon-breasted Philentoma Philentoma velata: singles on 2 dates at Danum.
PASSERIFORMES: Pityriaseidae
Bornean Bristlehead Pityriasis gymnocephala (e): 3 on 2 days at Danum.
PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae
Green Iora Aegithina viridissima: singles on 2 days at both Danum & Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus: 2 at Tanjung Aru & 6 on outskirts of Kota Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae
Pied Triller Lalage nigra nigra: 1 at Tanjung Aru.
Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus igneus: 4 on 1 day at Danum & up to 6 on 3 dates at Deramakot.
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus insulanus: 2 on 1 day at Deramakot.
Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris cinereigula: up to 5 on 3 dates at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae
White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis kinabalu: 4 on 1 day at Danum & 2 on another date there; singles on 1 day at both Tanjung Aru & Mount Kinabalu.
Malaysian (Sunda) Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica: up to 4 on all days at Kinabatangan River & on 4 dates at Deramakot; 2 on 1 day at Danum.
Spotted Fantail Rhipidura perlata: 1 or 2 on 2 dates at Danum & 1 at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae
Ashy (Sunda) Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus stigmatops: singles on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu.
Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus malayensis: 5 on 1 day at Deramakot & 1 or 2 there on 3 other dates.
Hair-crested (Bornean Spangled) Drongo Dicrurus (hottentottus) borneensis (e): 1 or every day at Mount Kinabalu.
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus brachyphorus: 1 or 2 on 2 dates at Danum & singles on 3 days at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea prophata: 1 or 2 on 2 dates at Danum; singles on 2 dates at Kinabatangan River & 1 day at Deramakot.
Asian (Blyth's) Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi (or affinis) borneensis: up to 5 on 3 days at Danum, 1 at Kinabatangan River & 1 or 2 on 2 dates at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae
Crested Jay (Jay Shrike) Platylophus galericulatus coronatus: 1 at Kinabatangan River.
Tiger Shrike Lanius tigrinus: singles on 1 date at Danum & on 2 days at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae
(Bornean) Black Magpie Platysmurus (leucopterus) aterrimus (e): 1 at Danum.
Bornean Green Magpie Cissa jeffreyi (e): singles on 3 days at Mount Kinabalu.
Bornean Treepie Dendrocitta cinerascens (e): up to 5 on 3 days at Mount Kinabalu.
Slender-billed (Sunda) Crow Corvus enca compilator: quite common at Danum, Kinabatangan River & Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis: 2 on 1 day at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica gutturalis: 10 on 1 day at Danum & up to 6 on 2 dates at Deramakot.
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica: frequently seen on most days of the trip.
PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae
Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps atriceps: 2 or 3 on 2 dates at Kinabatangan River.
Grey-bellied Bulbul Pycnonotus cyaniventris: singles on 2 dates at Danum.
Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnonotus eutilotus: singles on 1 date at both Danum & Deramakot.
Flavescent (Pale-faced) Bulbul Pycnonotus (flavescens) leucops : 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier gourdini: a dozen at Penampang, singles on 2 days at Danum & 1 or 2 on 4 dates at Deramakot.
Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus plumosus: 4 on 1 day at Deramakot.
Cream-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus simplex perplexus: 2 on 1 day at Danum & 1 at Deramakot. Research published just after our trip, suggests splitting this species into the red-eyed form (Pycnonotus simplex) which we saw, and the scarcer white-eyed form, 'Cream-eyed Bulbul', Pycnonotus pseudosimplex.
Asian Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus brunneus: up to 5 on 4 dates at Deramakot & singles at Danum & Kinabatangan River.
Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmos: up to 4 on 3 dates at both Danum & Deramakot.
Finsch's Bulbul Alophoixus finschii: 2 on 1 day at Danum & 1 at Deramakot.
Ochraceous Bulbul Alophoixus ochraceus ruficrissus: 3 on 1 date & 1 the following day, at Mount Kinabalu.
Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaeocephalus: 2 on 1 date at Danum & 1 at Deramakot.
Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger: 2 on 2 dates at Danum & singles at Kinabatangan River & Deramakot.
Buff-vented (Charlotte's) Bulbul Iole (olivacea) charlottae (e): 2 on 2 days at Deramakot & on 1 day at Danum.
PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae
Bold-striped Tit-Babbler Mixornis bornensis: up to 5 in flocks on 3 dates at Deramakot.
Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronus ptilosus reclusus: 3 on 1 day at Deramakot & 2 on 1 date at Danum.
Chestnut-winged Babbler Cyanoderma erythroptera bicolor: 2 on 1 date at Deramakot.
Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus montanus bornensis: 2 on 1 date at Deramakot & 1 at Danum.
Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps borneensis: up to 15 each day at Mount Kinabalu.
Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculata maculata: 2 on 1 day at Danum.
PASSERIFORMES: Pellorneidae
Moustached Babbler Malacopteron magnirostre cinereocapilla: 4 on 1 date at Deramakot.
Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine phoeniceum: 2 on 2 days at Danum.
Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum cinereum: 2 on 2 days at Danum & 1 at Kinabatangan River.
Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum saba: 3 on 1 day at Deramakot & 2 on 1 date at Danum.
White-chested Babbler Pellorneum rostratum macropterum: 3 on 1 date at Kinabatangan River.
Ferruginous Babbler Pellorneum bicolor: 3 on 1 date at Danum.
Short-tailed Babbler Pellorneum malaccense sordidum: 1 at Danum.
Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratum morrelli: 1 at Danum and 2 on 1 day at Kinabatangan River.
Striped Wren-babbler Kenopia striata: 3 on 1 date & 2 on another, at Danum.
Horsfield's (Wren) Babbler Turdinus sepiarius harterti: 2 on 1 day at Deramakot.
Mountain Wren-babbler Turdinus crassus (e): 3 on 1 day at Mount Kinabalu.
Bornean Wren- (Ground) babbler Ptilocichla leucogrammica (e): 1 or 2 on 1 date at Danum.
PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae
Brown Fulvetta Alcippe brunneicauda: 6 on 1 day at Deramakot & 4 on 1 date at Danum.
Sunda Laughingthrush Garrulax palliatus: up to a dozen often in flocks, each day at Mount Kinabalu.
Bare-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax calvus (e): 1 on last day at Mount Kinabalu.
Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush Garrulax treacheri treacheri (e): up to 10 often in flocks, each day at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae
Chestnut-crested Yuhina Yuhina everetti ( e): up to 12 each day at Mount Kinabalu.
Black-capped White-eye Zosterops atricapillus: up to 12 each day at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae
Mountain Leaf Warbler Seicercus trivirgatus kinabaluensis: up to 6 on 3 days at Mount Kinabalu.
Yellow-breasted Warbler Seicercus montis floris: up to 10 on 3 days at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Cettidae
Yellow-bellied (Bamboo Bush) Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris schwaneri: 6 on 1 day at Mount Kinabalu.
Bornean Stubtail Urosphena whiteheadi (e): 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Sunda Bush Warbler Horornis vulcanius oreophila: 2 on 1 day & 1 on another, at Mount Kinabalu.
Mountain Tailorbird (Leaftoiler) Phyllergates cucullatus cinereicollis: 2 on 1 day & 1 on another, at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae
Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris: 4 at Penampang.
PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae
Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis atrogularis: singles on 2 dates at Danum & 1 day at Kinabatangan River; & 2 on last day at Deramakot.
Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus sericeus: 2 on 1 day and a single on another, at Danum.
Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps borneoensis: singles on 1 day at both Kinabatangan River & Deramakot.
Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris latrunculus: 2 on 1 day and a single on another, at Danum; & 1 at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis corallipes: 1 at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae
Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis: a dozen at Penampang & 6 at Kinabatangan River.
Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa: 10 on 1 day at Danum & up to 4 on 2 dates at Kinabatangan River.
PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
Everett's Thrush Zoothera everetti (e): 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscurus: 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis adamsi: 2 on 1 day at Danum.
White-crowned Shama Copsychus stricklandii (e): 1 or 2 on 2 dates at Danum & 2 on 1 day at Deramakot.
Rufous-tailed Shama Copsychus pyrropygus: a female 1 day & a male the next, at Danum.
Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica: singles on 3 dates at Danum; 3 on 1 day at Deramakot & a single there on another.
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica dauurica: 1 at Danum.
Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea: 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Pale Blue Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor harterti: 1 at Danum.
Malaysian Blue Flycatcher Cyornis turcosus: up to 5 each day at Kinabatangan River.
Bornean Blue Flycatcher Cyornis superbus (e): 2 on 1 date and 1 on another, at Danum.
Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana: 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Verditer (Warbling-) Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus: 1 at Deramakot.
Indigo Flycatcher Eumyias indigo: up to 6 each day at Mount Kinabalu.
Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher Vauriella gularis (e): 2 on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu.
White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana erythrogyna: singles on 2 dates at Mount Kinabalu.
Chestnut-naped Forktail Enicurus ruficapillus: 2 on 1 date and 1 on another, at Danum.
Bornean Forktail Enicurus borneensis (e): 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Bornean Whistling Thrush Myophonus borneensis (e): 3 on 1 day & 1 on another, at Mount Kinabalu.
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki: 2 on 1 date and 1 on another, at Mount Kinabalu.
Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra hyperythra: 3 on 1 day at Mount Kinabalu.
Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni: 1 or 2 on 3 days at Mount Kinabalu.
Pygmy Blue Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsoni: 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae
Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis sonnerati zosterops: 2 on 2 dates at Deramakot.
Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon cyanopogon: up to 5 on 3 dates at Danum & 1 at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae
Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella crinigera: 1 on 2 days at Danum & 1 or 2 on 2 dates at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae
Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus maculatus: singles on 3 dates at Danum & 2 dates at Deramakot.
Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker Prionochilus xanthopygius (e): 4 on 1 day at Danum & singles on the another days there; 1 at Kinabatangan River.
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma dayakanum: 2 on 1 day & 1 the next, at Danum.
Black-sided Flowerpecker Dicaeum monticolum (e): singles on 2 days at Mount Kinabalu.
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum nigrimentum: 1 male at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae
Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex: 2 on 1 day at Danum & 1 at Deramakot.
Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis: 4 at Tanjung Aru & 1 at Deramakot.
Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes rhodolaemus: 2 on 1 day at Deramakot.
Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis ornatus: 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Van Hasselt's Sunbird Leptocoma brasiliana: 2 on 2 dates at Deramakot.
Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja: 3 on 1 day at Kinabatangan River & singles at Danum & Deramakot.
Temminck's Sunbird Aethopyga temminckii: up to 5 on 3 days at Mount Kinabalu.
Purple-naped Spiderhunter Arachnothera hypogrammica: 2 on 1 day at Danum.
Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster: 1 at Deramakot.
Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera robusta: 2 on 1 date at Danum.
Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra: 2 on 1 day & 1 the next, at Danum & 1 on 2 dates at Deramakot.
Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera chrysogenys: 1 at Danum.
Bornean Spiderhunter Arachnothera everetti (e): singles on 2 dates at Deramakot.
PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus malaccensis: common at Tanjung Aru, Deramakot & Mount Kinabalu.
PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae
Dusky Munia Lonchura fuscans (e): 30 at Penampang in mixed Munia flocks, up to 10 on 3 dates at Deramakot & up to 6 on 2 days at Danum.
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata cabanisi: 6 at Penampang in mixed Munia flocks.
Chestnut (Black-headed) Munia Lonchura atricapilla jagori: 20 at Penampang in mixed Munia flocks.
PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
MAMMALS
Common Treeshrew Tupaia glis longipes: 1 at Gomantong Caves.
Sunda Colugo Cynocephalus variegatus: singles on 2 dates at Deramakot & 1 at Danum.
Bornean Loris Nycticebus borneanus (e): singles on 2 dates at Deramakot.
Maroon Leaf Monkey Presbytis rubicunda (e): 3 on 2 days and 1 on another, at Danum & single at Kinabatangan River.
Sunda Silvered Langur Presbytis cristata: 6 on 1 day & 8 the next, at Kinabatangan River.
Proboscis Monkey Nasalis larvatus (e): up to 35 each day at Kinabatangan River.
Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis: up to 50 each day at Kinabatangan River & 1 at Danum.
Sunda Pig-tailed Macaque Macca nemestrina: 40+ on 1 day & 4 on another, at Kinabatangan River & 8 on last day at Danum.
Bornean Gibbon Hylobates muelleri (e): 2 on 2 days at Deramakot, probably the same animals.
Bornean Orang Utan Pongo pygmaeus (e): singles on 2 dates & 2 (male + female) on another, at Danum; singles on 2 days at Kinabatangan River & 1 at Deramakot.
Bornean Giant Squirrel Ratufa affinis: 2 on 1 date at Deramakot & 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Prevost's Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii pluto: 3 on 1 day & 1 on another, at Danum & singles on 3 dates at Deramakot.
Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus: singles each day at Kinabatangan River & on 2 dates at Deramakot.
Jentink's Squirrel Sundasciurus jentinki (e): 1 at Mount Kinabalu.
Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel Callosciurus caniceps concolor (e): 6 on 1 day & 3 on another, at Mount Kinabalu.
Plain Pygmy Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus erythraeus e: singles on 3 dates at Danum & 2 days at Kinabatangan River.
Whitehead's Pygmy Squirrel Tamiops mcclellandii (e): 2 on 1 day & single the next, at Mount Kinabalu.
Black Flying Squirrel Aeromys tephromelas: 1 spot-lighting at Deramakot.
Thomas' Flying Squirrel Aeromys thomasi (e): 2 or 3 on 3 dates after dark, at Deramakot.
Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista: 4 on 1 date & 2 on another, at Deramakot & 1 at Danum; all during spot-lighting.
Malayan Porcupine Hystrix brachyura: 1 after dark at Deramakot.
Malay Badger Mydaus javanensis lucifer: 1 after dark t Deramakot.
Smooth Otter Lutrogale perspicillata: 2 at Kinabatangan River.
Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga: 2 or 3 on 3 dates during spot-lighting at Deramakot.
Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus: 1 after dark at Danum.
Small-toothed Palm Civet Arctogalidia trivirgata: up to 8 on 4 dates at Danum during the night.
Marbled Cat Felis marmorata: 1 during spot-lighting at Danum.
Asian [Pygmy] Elephant Elephas maximus borneensis (e): singles at Kinabatangan River & from dirt road between Telupid & Deramakot.
Bearded Pig Sus barbatus: 7 on 1 day & 1 on another at Kinabatangan River, 1 en route between Danum & Gomantong Caves, 2 from dirt road between Telupid & Deramakot & 1 at Deramakot.
Lesser Mouse-Deer Tragulus kanchil: 3 on 1 date after dark, at Deramakot.
Greater Mouse-Deer Tragulus napu: 1 at night, at Danum.
Bornean Muntjac Muntiacus atherodes (e): 2 at Danum.
Sambar Deer Cervus unicolor: 6 on 1 date at Danum & singles on 1 date at both Kinabatangan River & Deramakot.