The Philippines (Luzon, Mindanao & Palawan)

27th February – 19th March 2017

Leader: Mike Nelson

Participants: Tim Bonsack, John Croxall, Joelle Finley, Ken Harris,

Tim Jenkins, Robin Leong, Ken Petersen

Palawan Peacock Pheasant © Mike Nelson / Birdtour Asia

With over 7,000 islands it is no wonder the list of endemic taxa in the Philippines is continually growing with disparate island populations being split. Our standard tour visits three of the major islands giving us the chance for a great many of these highly sought after species, many of which are becoming more difficult as their habitat dwindles. Our second tour of the year was marred by rain but we still managed to eke out an impressive list of birds including some of the most spectacular. We started at Candaba marsh where the rice planting was in full swing and our two target endemics in view; Philippine Duck and Philippine Swamphen, along with a very vocal Siberian Rubythroat. Two rainy days on Mount Polis held us back but we still managed Luzon Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Bundok Flycatcher, Luzon Long-tailed Bush Warbler, Luzon Water Redstart and Green-backed Whistler to name a few. Birding around Subic Bay was rewarding with Philippine Trogon, Spotted Wood Kingfisher and Luzon White-fronted Tit. Day-roosting Philippine Scops Owl, Philippine Nightjar and Ashy Thrush in Manila along with Black-chinned Fruit Dove added to our list. A day roosting Philippine Eagle-Owl kept the day time night birds ticking over. Mount Makiling gave us fantastic views

of Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo, Spotted Wood Kingfisher and Red-crowned Malkoha as stoundouts to round off the Luzon leg of our trip. From here we moved to Mindanao and some more muddy, rainy days on Mount Kitanglad where we still managed to find many of our targets. Low cloud didn’t help our chances of Philippine’s national bird – the Philippine Eagle – but one sunny morning gave us the gap we needed and some fantastic scope views for over an hour was a welcome sight. Most of the night-birding was rained out but a pair of Slaty-legged Crakes along the track as we waited for Bukidnon Woodcocks was a great addition. A nesting Philippine Frogmouth gave us all nice daytime looks along with Red-eared Parrotfinch, Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, Apo Myna, Philippine Leaf Warbler and Black-masked Dark-eye. A stop near Davao gave us the now expected Whiskered Flowerpecker and Cryptic Flycatcher and we managed to catch up with Giant Scops Owl and the recently found wintering Japanese Night Heron. Another stop on the way to PICOP was for Lina’s Sunbird which showed incredibly well with two nests found and a total of three males all singing away and prancing around – this is a recent addition to our scheduled tours. We also had Black-masked Dark-eye here with a broader black mask compared to Mount Kitanglad and a nesting Buff-rumped Flameback showed well in the mist and rain. PICOP provided a nice array of endemics, including Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher on two separate occasions, Black-bibbed Cicadabird, Philippine Oriole, Short-crested Monarch, Mindanao Boobook, Southern Silvery Kingfisher and Steere’s Pitta scoped and singing. Our last stop was on Palawan and we visited two sites that gave us a whole new slew of endemics including Palawan Flycatcher, Flowerpecker, Peacock-Pheasant, Frogmouth, Scops Owl, Drongo, Hornbill and Philippine Cockatoo at close range as well as Blue Paradise Flycatcher, Mantanai Scops Owl and Spotted Wood Owl. We began the tour at Candaba Marshes where rice planting had left little exposed water so the one spot we found contained most of the Black-crowned Night Herons, Philippine Ducks, Philippine Swamphens, Clamorous Reed Warblers and Purple Herons all jammed in with hundreds of Garganey and Wandering Whistling Ducks. A singing Siberian Rubythroat showed incredibly well singing away right in front of us. A lone White-shouldered Starling showed briefly as did a couple of pop up Yellow Bitterns. Barred Rails sauntered back and forth across the road while a plethora of Black-headed Munias flocked to the grass seed heads to feed.

Siberian Rubythroat, Candaba and Elegant Tit, Mount Polis From here it was a long drive north, with a stop along the way for a diminutive Indigo-banded Kingfisher, before reaching our lodge near Mount Polis. This put us in position for the next couple of days of birding and despite almost constant rain and fog hampered things we still managed to get onto some good flocks which held Elegant Tit, Luzon Blue-headed Fantail, Philippine Mountain Warbler, Luzon Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Chestnut-faced Babbler and Mountain White-eye. We also managed nice close views of White-eared Bullfinch first thing out of the bus which seemed like a good start. Skulkers like Benguet and Luzon Long-tailed Bush Warbler gave us the run around but the Philippine Bush Warbler just couldn’t wait to be seen and popped out right next to the road for all to see. Island Thrush appeared near the top of the pass along with Mountain Shrike. Philippine Serpent Eagle, Whiskered Treeswift and Fire-breasted Flowerpecker showed well at our lunch stop along with an Eastern Buzzard over the pines. A solitary perched White-eared Brown Dove was unexpected but very cordial as it sat on its bamboo perch for nice scope views. We eventually found a wonderfully vocal Green-backed Whistler that did a grand job of showing itself. Luzon Metallic-winged Sunbird gave us some great views on some flowering bushes and a nice pair of Bundok Flycatchers joined one of the flocks. A distantly scoped Luzon Water Redstart was picked up from the ridge above along with Blue Rock Thrush. Heading south again we arrived in Subic Bay in time for some late afternoon birding. The road here through some good secondary habitat produced Rufous Coucal, Guaiabero, Luzon Hornbill, Philippine Coucal, White-

bellied and Northern Sooty Woodpeckers, a nice pair of Luzon Flamebacks, Blue-naped Parrots in abundance, Bar-bellied Cuckooshrikes, Coletos and some night birding gave us great looks at both Luzon and Chocolate Boobooks.

Chocolate Boobook and Luzon Boobook, Subic Bay We had a full day the next day birding in Subic and our first target showed particularly well at dawn with a vocal and active Luzon White-fronted Tit darting about the canopy. Some roadside birding added Luzon Hornbill, Philippine Green Pigeon and Rufous-crowned Bee-eater, Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, a large group of Ashy Minivets and some flighty Green Racquet-tails. While taking in a Red-keeled Flowerpecker we found a female Mugimaki Flycatcher flitting about the canopy. This was followed by some trail birding through a nice patch of forest where we picked up brief views of White-lored Oriole as well as Green-backed Tailorbird, Luzon Balicassiao, a nice circling Luzon Hawk-Eagle and a skulky but vocal White-browed Shama. Some noisy Blackish Cuckooshrikes had us craning into the canopy for some vertical views mixed in with Philippine Bulbul and metallic sounding Coleto, and as we exited we scored a perched Philippine Falconet to round out the morning. The afternoon began with a stop at the huge Golden-crowned and Large Flying Fox colony where hundreds of these huge bats circled around and jockeyed for position on their favourite roosting trees. Another forested road gave us the afternoon in some more good habitat where we picked up both Scale-feathered and Red-crested Malkoha, more Balicassiao, wonderful flight views of Green Racquet-tail, Common Dollarbird and repeat views of Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike, Northern Sooty Woodpecker and Rufous Coucal. The next morning we drove to a now famous park in Metro Manila where we picked up the beautiful Ashy Thrush along with Lowland White-eye, Black-chinned Fruit Dove, Grey-backed Tailorbird, and Philippine Magpie Robin. Another stop for some day time night-birds produced a roosting Philippine Scops Owl and a pair of Philippine Nightjars. Here we also picked up a Brown Shrike devouring a praying mantis. From the park we drove to Los Banos on the slopes of Mount Makiling where the afternoon was spent along a stretch of road bisecting two agricultural areas where we picked up Coppersmith Barbet, great views of Scale-feathered Malkoha hiking up an open tree then taking flight across a wide gap, Barred Rail, Plain Bush-hen and finally our main target, a pair of Spotted Buttonquails, crossed our path just before dusk. The following morning, we birded along a forested road at dawn to meet the chorus and it started off with a bang when the female of a pair of Spotted Wood Kingfishers tore through the group before alighting on a close branch where it began calling to its mate lower down the slope. Wonderful scope views were had as the bird remained in the perched for as long as we wished. The rising song of a Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo echoed around the forest as it raced from one perch to the next and we had both flight and perched views looking very much like its namesake in flight with that characteristic Accipiter look. A nice Scale-feathered Malkoha showed well here too and while checking a flowering tree we found a Philippine Serpent Eagle perched behind it. The flowering tree held Garden (a split from Olive-backed) and Flaming Sunbirds as well as Red-keeled Flowerpeckers. An Arctic Warbler remained silent denying us the chance to confirm the ID though it showed well. Further birding along the road in the morning had us chasing some very vocal and flighty Philippine Trogons with a male finally perching for the scope. Luzon Balicassiao and Black-naped Oriole were noted along with Colasisi and a large group of Stripe-headed Rhabdornis. A little trio of Pygmy Flowerpeckers darted about in a vine tangle on the way down finishing off the morning. In the afternoon we wove our way through Manila traffic to another site where Philippine Eagle-Owl is known to hang out and shortly after arriving we found one on its day roost, continuing the night-birding in daylight theme. The stunning bird eyed us up but seemed more interested in the annoying Philippine Yellow-vented Bulbuls that were carrying on around it. Through the scope some very fine details were noted of this majestic and huge owl.

Philippine Nightjar and Philippine Scops Owl

Philippine Eagle-Owl and Stripe-headed Rhabdornis From Luzon we flew down to Mindanao and drove to the base of Mount Kitanglad before hiking up to our camp for the next three nights. The rain began when we arrived and continued almost unabated for the next three days. The watery hike up was filled with a few muddy spills as we slipped and slide our way up but we picked up Colasisi, Eye-browed Thrush flashing past and some very wet Short-tailed Starlings. With muddy trails and dripping trees we plugged away for the next couple of days picking through canopy flocks and thick understory and were rewarded with some great species like Apo Myna, Philippine Mountain Warbler, Black-and-Cinnamon Fantail, Mindanao Hornbill, Rufous-headed Tailorbird, Cinnamon Ibon, some skulking Brown Tit-Babblers, Turquoise Flycatcher, Olive-capped Flowerpecker and Grey-hooded Sunbird. Some time spent higher up gave us a shot at McGregor’s Cuckooshrike, Yellow-bellied Whistler, Mindanao Pygmy Woodpecker, Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, Black-masked Dark-eye and White-browed Shortwing. In the open agricultural areas we found plenty of Striated Grassbirds and a lone Tawny Grassbird. Whiskered Treeswifts perched out looking for breaks in the rain to go forage while we poked our heads into many sunflower patches eventually producing a Red-eared Parrotfinch at close range. The main target here is the Philippine Eagle and our first morning was met with low clouds, rain and general gloom so with a bright second morning we wasted little time heading up to our view point and we began our scanning vigil. As we waited we picked out Streak-breasted Rhabdornis perched out. It seemed that every raptor showed up with Chinese Sparrowhawk, Oriental Honeybuzzard, Philippine Serpent Eagle and Brahminy Kite all getting the blood racing till they were ticked off in the bins. Even a pair of Philippine Falconets added to the raptor count but just then as the nerves began to jangle and as we scanned our prize had snuck round the side of the mountain through the forest and perched out. We all

sprinted for the scope and managed some good views but the bird was a bit obscured under an overhanging limb. It then flew and panic set in as we tried to pick it up in the bins as it sailed through the canopy but thankfully it perched out again, this time in full view and there it remained for an hour. With the Swarovski ‘scope on zoom we all could make out the ruffled head and pristine white breast and watch as it scanned the forest around it. Night birding was mostly rained out but the one dry evening we went out at dusk to try for Bukidnon Woodcock and were surprised to find a nice pair of Slaty-legged Crakes feeding along the muddy track. As night fell the metallic, staccato calls of the woodcocks began and we all watched as four birds circled over our heads putting on a great show. We were also buzzed by a Philippine Nightjar before heading into the forest where we tracked down a Philippine Frogmouth on the nest which was good as several people had turned back on the dark, muddy trails so we returned the next day for some scope views for all during daylight. We made our way from camp the last morning back down through the rain this time with plenty more Eye-browed Thrush, Colasisi, Coleto and an Eastern Marsh Harrier. We gained a respite from the rain with a drive south arriving in the foothills above Davao for lunch and after loading up in our 4WD vehicle headed up to another muddy rainy trail and hiked up into the hills. Along the way we found a flowering tree which was busy with Red-keeled, Orange-bellied and Bicolored Flowerpeckers but our target, the localized Whiskered Flowerpecker, was higher up where the clouds had begun to move in. With a light drizzle we made our way into position and after a bit found one singing above us. Staying high in the canopy and within the mist we only managed some silhouette views until another joined it to make a pair and they flew lower down the slope and we were able to get the ‘scope on them at eye level where we could see the white whisker from where it gets its name. Some night birding around the lodge provided us with some cracking views of Giant Scops Owl high up in the pines. It circled around a bit and we all eventually got some excellent looks as it peered down at us from time to time cocking its head to the side. We began the morning with an unexpected treat. No sooner had we arrived at our site that we found the Japanese Night Heron that had been found here just a few days before. Slowly it crept off through the grass and into the orchard like trees then took flight up into one before moving again this time much farther into the forest and out of sight. We also found a nice group of Everett’s White-eyes and an open view of Brown Tit-Babbler here as well. Along a creek trail we also located the diminutive and unusually cooperative (eventually) Cryptic Flycatcher. Joelle noticed movement down low and a flash of flight as the bird alighted a hanging vine where we could almost all see it well. It then flew off again and we lost it so we continued to look with those participants who’d seen it first time hanging back. Moving farther down the trail and continually searching what we didn’t realise is that the bird had come back and perched up right across from the group and was sat preening but thankfully it was still just hanging out and cleaning itself when they managed to alert us it had come back. With the whole group on it we just watched for a bit.

Cryptic Flycatcher and Japanese Night Heron Another addition to this trip was a shot for Lina’s Sunbird in the Compostella Valley. We arrived in, you guessed it, rain and misty fog. Not bowed by this though we still had a go at the first close patch of forest along the road on the way up and low and behold out popped a glorious and radiant Lina’s Sunbird. It hopped about for a bit and perched out on a thin stalk showing amazingly well. It was also conveniently located right next to a Buff-spotted Flameback nest in the dead tree to our right so we managed to feed two birds with one scone! It was then that Pete Simpson showed up with his 4WD and made two runs to escort the group up to the pass where the clouds began to relinquish their hold on the surroundings. With his group and ours we found two Lina’s Sunbird nests and had several males around. The distinctive looking Black-masked Dark-eyes here showed well and a very rufous Philippine Cuckoo-Dove flew out of a close tree and sailed down the road. Rufous-headed Tailorbird, Philippine Mountain Warbler and an out of place Purple-throated Sunbird were also

noted. Though the surrounds were awash with Glossy Swiftlets higher up in the sky we could make out several Philippine Swiftlets and Pete commented that when they all started calling like they were that the weather was about to get foul. Right on cue the wind picked up and the rain began again. We headed down out of the heavy rain and fog to another overlook but were greeted with little else and with the rain making its way down on us from higher up we beat a retreat to lunch and then the drive east towards Bislig.

Lina’s Sunbird and Buff-spotted Woodpecker PICOP is synonymous with lowland birding in the Philippines and despite continued illegal logging the birding is still very good. The long bumpy ride in is no joy so early in the morning but when you can pull in two Mindanao Boobooks ten minutes after arriving the bumps are soon forgotten. A quick breakfast in the growing dawn light had us sated for the morning and soon we were drowning in the dawn chorus with birds singing all around us. Rufous-lored Kingfishers called continuously and finding one perched high atop a tree gave us the chance to scope it well. Behind us the song of Black-headed Tailorbird alerted us to its presence and it popped out hopping to and fro among the tangled underbrush. Two Philippine Orioles perched out singing as well as Yellowish and Yellow-wattled Bulbul fliting about in the canopy near the road and a Philippine Drongo Cuckoo and some aerial Philippine Needletails, with their distinctive butterknife wings, was a good start and once we began along the trail we found a pair of Black-bibbed Cicadabird, and the same pair of orioles. Farther along the track a Steere’s Pitta crossed and began to sing from deeper back in the forest but it was no match for the ‘scope and we all took turns watching it sing from its chosen perch. Our only flock of the morning contained Rusty-crowned Babbler, Mindanao Blue Fantail, Yellow-bellied Whistler and a Rufous Paradise Flycatcher. Further birding along here produced some more daytime night birding with a pair of Philippine and Great Eared Nightjars found on roost. In a clearing we picked up our first Pygmy Swiftlets and a flowering tree attracted Colasisi and a nice close Naked-faced Spiderhunter. A bit farther on a Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher shot across the path and landed in plain view for us all to take in sitting for ages for the scope, pictures, videos and selfies (just kidding as I’d left my selfie stick in the jeepney!). At lunch we had four Yellowish Bulbuls feeding and in a flowering tree were Mindanao Metallic-winged, Handsome, Purple-throated and Grey-throated Sunbirds feeding on the small white flowers. A flyby of three Southern Rufous Hornbills was picked up by several before they were out of sight. The afternoon was slower but still produced Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle and Steere’s Honeybuzzard. Olive-backed Flowerpecker was found gorging on fruit, Mindanao Drongo put in an appearance and both Short-billed and Amethyst Brown Doves were scoped perched up in the canopy. The kazoo like calls of Mindanao Hornbill let us know they were around which was a good make up bird for those who’d missed it on Kitanglad and their much larger cousins, the Writhed Hornbill showed up across the valley where it was perched till flying towards us but sadly not over us. The next day we tried another location and started off with a nice flock that contained seven Short-crested Monarchs along with Mindanao Blue Fantail, Rusty-crowned Babbler and a nice pair of Mindanao Pygmy Babblers in close attendance. Roadside birding here gave us the chance at the quite smart looking Black-faced Coucal as it edged up the tree next to us before flying across in plain sight. Behind us the song of Streaked Ground Babbler got us jumping and a quick shot down a narrow track and a bit of gardening gave us a perfect tunnel where we could watch the pair singing from a preferred log that they continually came back to providing us with the most outrageous views of arched backs, cocked tails and fantastic plumage accompanied by some song for a heck of a concert. A nearby hill provided us some open area to scan from and we found loads of Red-keeled Flowerpeckers, a pair of Yellow-wattled Bulbuls and Philippine Leafbird as well as brief looks at a Violet Cuckoo. The trail behind here gave only one of us a brief view of Little Slaty Flycatcher and no amount of coaxing brought it back from the depths from whence it had come. Another specialty here is Southern Sooty Woodpecker and while stood at the road listening to Rufous-fronted Tailorbirds the faint continuous drum of a woodpecker reached our ears.

Moving farther into the forest we managed to get closer and after a few minutes a Southern Sooty Woodpecker shot through for some flight views but continued on to the far side of the forest. With the heat gathering we headed back for some lunch then on to another spot for Southern Silvery Kingfisher. He was waiting for us when we arrived at his little pond and though he moved a few times we still had great looks as he always seemed to perch out somewhere easy for us to scope it.

Mindanao Metallic-winged Sunbird and Naked-faced Spiderhunter The late afternoon was spent at Bislig Airfield where we flushed up several Swinhoe’s and Common Snipe and the local resident collection of Little Ringed Plovers sprinted across the tarmac. Philippine Ducks were in some open water near the end of the runway and several Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warblers popped up out of the grasses to change position and sang to one another. Cinnamon Bittern flushed into an open paddy then realized he was completely visible and legged it back into some deeper grass. A Western Osprey was found perched in one of the few trees in the area while Purple Herons flew about mixed with Eastern Cattle, Little and Eastern Great Egrets. A massed congregation of Wood Sandpipers flew past in a tight wheeling formation before settling in to an unseen watering hole behind some head high grasses. Two Golden-headed Cisticola and a lone Australasian (Clamorous) Reed Warbler hiked up on the grass stalks to sing while Pied Bushchats took the more conventional method and sat still atop fence posts to sing. Just after dusk we found our main target here in the form of two Eastern Grass Owls and a pair of Philippine Nightjars put on a nice show as they circled round us hawking for insects. We returned to the same patch of forest as our first day and it started off well with Black-bibbed Cicadabird, Philippine Oriole and gonzalesi Scarlet Minivets, but from then on it seemed to get silent. It was a clear day unlike the days before so it seemed odd that the place was much quieter. We picked up Southern Rufous and Writhed Hornbills again and several of the birds we’d seen the day previously including a nice male Blue-capped Wood Kingfishers in relatively the same spot we’d seen the female. A large flock of Purple Needletails circled a distant hilltop and a Philippine Fairy Bluebird showed briefly before flying back across the valley to the tree it had been singing from. The local subspecies of Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike, kochii, were seen in a noisy group but both morning and afternoon sessions were sadly fairly quiet even though we hiked back and forth several times we could find little new to add with the exception of a Wagler’s Pit Viper that Mike almost managed to run into which would have been unfortunate considering it was at roughly waist height. Still, a stunning snake but not one we’ll be handling! Our last morning, we spent along another gravel road where we added Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove for everyone, closer views of Philippine Trogon and very close looks at Southern Silvery Kingfisher feeding from rocks next to a tiny pond. We also stopped on the way back to pick up a raft of ten Tufted Ducks an uncommon winter visitor here. This was also our last birding on Mindanao as we drove back to Davao to catch an afternoon flight back to Manila. An early morning flight saw us on the island of Palawan and a whole new suite of birds awaited. We started with Copper-throated Sunbird in a small portion of mangroves near the road. The duck-like quacks of Palawan Crow were a common sound and we got views of our first ones on the way out. The drive to the lodge from here gave us some fly by Chestnut-breasted Malkoha which we stopped for and got nice looks at a pair in some bamboo. Once checked in we had some lunch then got prepared to head out but we had not escaped the rain gods and it was hammering down when we left. Standing in wet conditions along a trail was producing nothing so we headed out to do some roadside birding and as the rain eased this proved a wise decision as we moved less than fifty meters from the vehicles over the next half hour as we picked up a nice pair of much-wanted Great Slaty Woodpeckers doing their wings out calling display in the open for all to see. Our first Yellow-throated Leafbird, Palawan Fairy Bluebird, Palawan Flowepecker and Palawan Bulbuls were all seen here. Black-headed Bulbuls were common and we also go onto a nice Striped Flowerpecker wagging its tail back and forth

while Palawan Drongo sang from prominent perches in between the rain. Our night birding was washed out shortly after we entered the forest when another downpour started.

Philippine Trogon (female) and Southern Silvery Kingfisher

The next morning had been one much anticipated and we left early to catch our boats to a small beach where we were to meet one of Palawan’s most famous avian inhabitants. When we arrived we were greeted by a Stork-billed Kingfisher and a Tabon Scrubfowl walking the shore near us and once settled we headed into the forest and no sooner that we were in we could hear him calling. The resident Palawan Peacock Pheasant was belting out his call in the forest behind one of the buildings and soon came running up to us once at the edge of the forest for some quite ridiculous views as it poked around our feet and scratched at the leaves. A simply stunning bird that will be sorely missed when his time comes – if it ever does! Further birding here gave us a couple of Hooded Pittas, very nice views of White-vented Shama, Palawan Blue Flycatcher, Ashy-headed Babbler, Pale Spiderhunter and Ashy-fronted Bulbul. Late morning birding gave us a shot at Sulphur-bellied Bulbul which showed well along with a vocal pair of Spot-throated Flamebacks. Pale Spiderhunter was scoped and a circling pair of Crested Serpent Eagles had a Crested Goshawk in tow above them. The afternoons birding kicked off in grand style with Falcated Ground Babbler showing for only a couple of people before dropping farther down the slope where they remained invisible. Rufous-tailed Tailorbirds and Pin-striped Tit-Babblers were added to the list along with three Dark-throated Orioles before we got to our next destination. A viewpoint where we could scan the far hillside and once in position we began to scan and it was Joelle who pointed out an egret in the mangroves below and low and behold it was a Chinese Egret, yellow-olive legs and all. A perched raptor turned out to be a dark morph Changeable Hawk Eagle and several Palawan Hornbills sat perched atop the ridge. But the star of the show came when a stark white Philippine Cockatoo flew along the distant ridge perching out then dropping into the canopy. It did this several times eventually being joined by another bird and the two of them perched out in the open for us to scope. Once we’d all seen the birds well one decided it was time to head to the mangroves and began flying directly towards us only turning once close to us showing us its salmon coloured vent. Since we’d picked up this bird early in the afternoon we decided to head back to the forest and try our luck and though the Philippine Pittas were calling when we arrived they were reluctant to show. Our night birding was a bit of a wash out with neither frogmouth or owl calling but our reverse night birding at daytime occurred with us finding both Hooded Pitta and Black-headed Bulbul on night roosts. We did however pick up some flying Spotted Wood Owls that began calling early on and circled around us hooting in the growing darkness but however hard we tried the other local residents we were after remained silent. The next morning, we tried our luck again but the scops owl remained silent however this time we did manage to find a calling Palawan Frogmouth on our second attempt. With the first one coming in very high and out of view before disappearing back in the forest. A small clearing provided us with the entrance into the trees we needed and soon enough we found one calling behind us on a low branch that allowed us some nice views at close range. Once it was light we did some roadside birding picking up a lovely pair of Blue Paradise-flycatchers and the distinctive aurora race of Garden Sunbird. Palawan Flowerpecker was seen again and a couple of other tries for Falcated Ground Babbler got most people onto the bird. Lovely Sunbird was seen on several occasions feeding in the canopy with the males showing us their brilliant plumage. From here we headed to lunch at a local restaurant located in some mangroves and we picked up Stork-billed Kingfisher and a Rufous Night Heron which was a surprise, as was Lesser Frigatebird. In the afternoon we had a go in a local park for Melodious Babbler which eluded us but not the handsome little Rufous-backed Kingfisher that showed well and allowed us some ‘scope time on it.

Before dusk we headed to a small island for one of the local island specialists and as soon as dusk settled on us we could hear the tuck, tuck, tuck notes of Large-tailed Nightjar and soon had one flying around us, but that wasn’t the reason for our visit. It was the single note bark from a Mantanani Scops Owl we’d come for. Calling from the edge of the mangroves we located it calling before it flew deeper into the strip of mangroves only to be relocated and seen really well.

Black-headed Bulbul and Hooded Pitta

Palawan Frogmouth and Mantanani Scops Owl

For our last morning we headed to another spot on Palawan really early to get into the forest while still dark. Once in place we tried for Palawan Scops Owl and one began calling close by. We could see where it had just been in the torch light with a waving twig where it had just flown from. Undaunted we carried on along the track peering under the close foliage and eventually in a gap we came up silently on one less than a meter away in the understory peering at us. The first people in the line got on to it before it flew but thankfully only a few meters away and we were able to retorch it where everyone could get on it. Relieved at getting this endemic we headed back for our modest packed breakfast but not before giving a go for our last owl here with a pair of Spotted Wood Owls calling loudly predawn and flying through some large open trees which upset the local squirrel population. A return flight had one land briefly but still visible for a few of us before it fell silent and tucked itself away for the day. Making our way back in to the forest for the morning we got crippling views of Palawan Flycatcher but less so on Melodious Babbler that gave us the run around. Blue-naped Parrots called regularly and flew through and eventually our other target in some high foraging Palawan Tits were found and scoped as they fed in the canopy. On the way out we picked up some shorebirds with Long-toed Stint, Black-winged Stilt, Common

Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Common Snipe, Wood Sandpiper and a lone Greater Painted Snipe seen before the heat kicked in and we headed back to the hotel for our farewell lunch and flights back to Manila. We racked up a tidy 306 species with 163 endemics and 6 near endemics with 7 heard only. For information regarding our tours to the Philippines please click here. Alternatively please contact us via e-mail or phone +44 1332 516254 regarding organising a custom tour to the Philippines. Bird-of-the-tour:

1. Philippine Eagle 2. Palawan Peacock-Pheasant 3. Philippine Eagle Owl 4. Japanese Night Heron 5. Giant Scops Owl

More photos from the tour:

Sulphur-billed Nuthatch and Luzon Pygmy Woodpecker, Mount Polis

White-eared Brown Dove and Little Pied Flycatcher, Mount Polis

Luzon Hornbill and Luzon Hawk-Eagle, Subic

Brown Shrike, Manila and Luzon White-fronted Tit, Subic

Philippine Frogmouth, Kitanglad and Philippine Nightjars, PICOP

Black-masked Dark-eye, Compostella and Mindanao Metallic-winged Sunbird, PICOP

Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher and Colasisi, PICOP

Rufous-lored Kingfisher and Mindanao Boobook, PICOP

Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove and Streaked Ground Babbler, PICOP

Mindanao Drongo and Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle

Blue Paradise-flycatcher and Palawan Flycatcher, Palawan

Philippine Cockatoo and Great Slaty Woodpecker, Palawan

Sulphur-bellied Bulbul and Yellow-throated Leafbird, Palawan

Systematic List

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata

Philippine Duck Anas luzonica e Garganey Anas querquedula Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

GALLIFORMES: Megapodiidae Tabon Scrubfowl Megapodius cumingii cumingii

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus philippensis

Palawan Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron napoleonis e

CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

Japanese Night Heron Gorsachius goisagi Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Rufous Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Striated Heron Butorides striata Javan Pond Heron Ardeola speciosa Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus [ibis] coromandus Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Eastern Great Egret Ardea [alba] modestus Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia Little Egret Egretta garzetta Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes

PELECANIFORMES: Fregatidae Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel

FALCONIFORMES: Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion [haliaetus] haliaetus

FALCONIFORMES: Accipitridae Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus orientalis Steere's Honey Buzzard Pernis steerei steerei e Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela palawanensis Philippine Serpent Eagle Spilornis holospilus e Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi e Changeable Hawk Eagle Nisaetus limnaeetus Luzon Hawk Eagle Nisaetus [philippensis] philippensis e Pinsker's Hawk Eagle Nisaetus [philippensis] pinskeri e Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus palawanus Chinese Goshawk Accipiter soloensis Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae Slaty-legged Crake Rallina eurizonoides eurizonoides Barred Rail Gallirallus torquatus torqatus Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis philippensis Plain Bush-hen Amaurornis olivacea e White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea ocularis Watercock Gallicrex cinerea Philippine [Purple] Swamphen Porphyrio [porphyrio] pulverulentus e Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

GRUIFORMES: Turnicidae Spotted Buttonquail Turnix ocellatus e CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus [himantopus] himantopus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius curonicus Charadrius dubius dubius

CHARADRIIFORMES: Rostratulidae Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae

Bukidnon Woodcock Scolopax bukidnonensis e Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Common Redshank Tringa totanus Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta

CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae Feral Pigeon Columba livia Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Philippine Cuckoo Dove Macropygia tenuirostris Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Zebra Dove Geopelia striata White-eared Brown Dove Phapitreron [leucotis] leucotis e Short-billed Brown Dove Phapitreron [leucotis] brevirostris e Amethyst Brown Dove Phapitreron amethystinus e Philippine [Pompadour] Green Pigeon Treron [pompadora] axillaris e Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus occipitalis e Black-chinned Fruit Dove Ptilinopus leclancheri ne Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon Ducula poliocephala e heard Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea aenea Ducula aenea palawanensis

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae Rufous Coucal Centropus unirufus e Black-faced Coucal Centropus melanops e Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Philippine Coucal Centropus viridis viridis e Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris harringtoni Red-crested Malkoha Dasylophus superciliosus e Scale-feathered Malkoha Dasylophus cumingi e Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus xanthorhynchus Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus merulinus Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus [lugubris] velutinus e Philippine Hawk Cuckoo Cuculus pectoralis e

STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae Eastern Grass Owl Tyto longimembris amauronota

STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae Giant Scops Owl Otus gurneyi e Palawan Scops Owl Otus fuliginosus e Philippine Scops Owl Otus [megalotis] megalotis e Everett's Scops Owl Otus [megalotis] everetti e heard Mantanani Scops Owl Otus mantananensis mantananensis ne Philippine Eagle Owl Bubo philippensis e Spotted Wood Owl Strix seloputo wiepkeni Chocolate Boobook Ninox [scutulata] randi ne

Luzon Boobook Ninox [philippensis] philippensis e Mindanao Boobook Ninox [philippensis] spilocephala e

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Podargidae Philippine Frogmouth Batrachostomus septimus e Palawan Frogmouth Batrachostomus chaseni e

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae Great Eared Nightjar Lyncornis macrotis macrotis Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus johnsoni Philippine Nightjar Caprimulgus manillensis e

APODIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata major

APODIFORMES: Apodidae Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta bagobo Grey-rumped Swiftlet Collocalia marginata e Pygmy Swiftlet Collocalia troglodytes e Philippine Swiftlet Aerodramus mearnsi e Palawan Swiftlet Aerodramus [vanikornensis] palawensis e Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphaga germani Philippine Needletail Mearnsia picina e Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus Purple Needletail Hirundapus celebensis TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae Philippine Trogon Harpactes ardens luzoniensis e Harpactes ardens ardens

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae Common Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae Spotted Wood Kingfisher Actenoides lindsayi lindsayi e Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher Actenoides hombroni e Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis gigantea Brown-breasted [White-throated] Kingfisher Halcyon [smyrnensis] gularis e

Rufous-lored Kingfisher Todirhamphus winchelli mindanensis e Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis bengalensis Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa

Indigo-banded Kingfisher Alcedo cyanopecta cyanopecta e

Southern Silvery Kingfisher Alcedo [argentata] argentata e

CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae Rufous-crowned Bee-eater Merops americanus e Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus

CORACIIFORMES: Bucerotidae Southern Rufous Hornbill Buceros mindanensis mindanensis e Palawan Hornbill Anthracoceros marchei e Writhed Hornbill Aceros leucocephalus e Luzon Hornbill Penelopides [panini] manillae e Mindanao Hornbill Penelopides [panini] affinis e

PICIFORMES: Megalaimidae Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala haemacephala Megalaima haemacephala mindanensis

PICIFORMES: Picidae Luzon [Philippine] Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos [maculatus] validirostris e Mindanao [Philippine] Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos [maculatus] fulvifasciatus e

White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis Spot-throated [Common] Flameback Dinopium [javanense] everetti e Buff-spotted [Greater] Flameback Chrysocolaptes [lucidus] lucidus e Luzon [Greater] Flameback Chrysocolaptes [lucidus] haematribon e Northern Sooty Woodpecker Mulleripicus [funebris] funebris e Southern Sooty Woodpecker Mulleripicus [funebris] fuliginosus e Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus

FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae Philippine Falconet Microhierax erythrogenys e

PSITTACIFORMES: Cacatuidae Philippine Cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia e

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae Colasisi Loriculus philippensis philippensis e Loriculus philippensis apicalis Mindanao Racquet-tail Prioniturus waterstradti e heard Blue-headed Racquet-tail Prioniturus platenae e heard Green Racquet-tail Prioniturus luconensis e Blue-crowned Racquet-tail Prioniturus discurus e heard Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis ne Guaiabero Bolbopsittacus lunulatus e

PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae Philippine Pitta Erythropitta erythrogaster propinqua e heard Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida palawanensis Pitta sordida sordida heard Steere's Pitta Pitta steerii e

PASSERIFORMES: Acanthizidae Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea

PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus

PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina striata difficilis Coracina striata kochii Blackish Cuckooshrike Coracina coerulescens e Black-bibbed Cicadabird Coracina mindanensis mindanensis e McGregor's Cuckooshrike Coracina mcgregori e Pied Triller Lalage nigra chilensis Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus Fiery [Small] Minivet Pericrocotus [cinnamomeus] igneus Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus gonzalesi

PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae Green-backed Whistler Pachycephala albiventris e Yellow-bellied Whistler Pachycephala philippinensis apoensis e

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus lucionensis

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach nasutus Mountain Shrike Lanius validirostris validirostris e

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus Philippine Oriole Oriolus steerii e White-lored Oriole Oriolus [steerii] albiloris e Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis chinensis Oriolus chinensis yamamurae

PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus leucophaeus Luzon Balicassiao Dicrurus [balicassius] balicassius e Palawan Drongo Dicrurus [hottentottus] palawanensis e Mindanao Drongo Dicrurus [bracteatus] striatus e

PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae Mindanao Blue Fantail Rhipidura [superciliaris] superciliaris e Luzon Blue-headed Fantail Rhipidura [cyaniceps] cyaniceps e Philippine Pied Fantail Rhipidura [javanica] nigritorquis e Black-and-cinnamon Fantail Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea e

PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea azurea Short-crested Monarch Hypothymis helenae e Blue Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone cyanescens e Rufous Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone cinnamomea cinnamomea ne

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae Palawan [Slender-billed] Crow Corvus [enca] pusillus e Eastern Jungle [Large-billed] Crow Corvus [macrorhynchos] levaillantii

PASSERIFORMES: Paridae Elegant Tit Parus elegans elegans e Parus elegans mindanensis Palawan Tit Parus amabilis e Luzon White-fronted Tit Parus [semilarvatus] semilarvatus e

PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps Yellow-wattled Bulbul Pycnonotus urostictus philippensis e Philippine Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier e Ashy-fronted [Olive-winged] Bulbul Pycnonotus [plumosus] cinereifrons e Palawan [Grey-cheeked] Bulbul Criniger [bres] frater e Sulphur-bellied Bulbul Iole palawanensis e Philippine Bulbul Hypsipetes [Ixos] philippinus e Mindanao Yellowish Bulbul Ixos [everetti] everetti e

PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica

PASSERIFORMES: Cettiidae Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus philippensis Rufous-headed Tailorbird Phyllergates [cuculatus] heterolaemus e Philippine [Luzon] Bush Warbler Horornis seebohmi e

PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Kamchatka Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus examinandus

Philippine Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus olivaceus e Philippine Mountain Warbler Phylloscopus nigrorum flavostriatus e Phylloscopus nigrorum benguetensis

PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus harterti

PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae Luzon [Long-tailed] Bush Warbler Locustella caudatus caudata e Mindanao [Long-tailed] Bush Warbler Locustella caudatus unicolor e heard Middendorff's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella ochotensis Benguet Bush Warbler Locustella seebohmi e Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris forbesi Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis tweeddalei Megalurus timoriensis crex

PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis semirufus Green-backed [Philippine] Tailorbird Orthotomus [castaneiceps] chloronotus e Rufous-fronted [Philippine] Tailorbird Orthotomus [castaneiceps] frontalis e Grey-backed Tailorbird Orthotomus derbianus e Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus Black-headed Tailorbird Orthotomus nigriceps e

PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae Pin-striped Tit Babbler Macronous gularis woodi Brown Tit Babbler Macronous striaticeps mindanensis e

PASSERIFORMES: Pellorneidae Streaked Ground Babbler Ptilocichla mindanensis e Falcated Ground Babbler Ptilocichla falcata e Ashy-headed Babbler Malacocincla cinereiceps e Melodious Babbler Malacopteron palawanense e

PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae Chestnut-faced Babbler Zosterornis whiteheadi e Mindanao Pygmy Babbler Dasycrotapha [plateni] plateni e Rusty-crowned Babbler Sterrhoptilus capitalis e Black-masked White-eye Lophozosterops goodfellowi goodfellowi e Lophozosterops goodfellowi gracilis e Lowland White-eye Zosterops meyeni meyeni ne Everett's White-eye Zosterops everetti basilanicus e Mountain White-eye Zosterops montanus whiteheadi Zosterops montanus vulcani

PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae Philippine Fairy Bluebird Irena cyanogastra e Palawan [Asian] Fairy Bluebird Irena [puella] tweeddalei e

PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae Sulphur-billed Nuthatch Sitta oenochlamys e

PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis Short-tailed Starling Aplonis minor todayensis Apo Myna Basilornis miranda e Coleto Sarcops calvus e Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus White-shouldered Starling Agropsar cineraceus Stripe-headed Rhabdornis Rhabdornis mystacalis mystacalis e Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis Rhabdornis [inornatus] alaris e

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae Ashy Ground Thrush Geokichla cinerea e Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus thomassoni Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscurus

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae Philippine [Oriental] Magpie Robin Copsychus [saularis] mindanensis e Luzon [White-browed] Shama Copsychus [luzoniensis] luzoniensis e White-vented Shama Copsychus niger e Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta Palawan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis lemprieri e Turquoise Flycatcher Eumyias panayensis nigrimentalis Eumyias panayensis nigriloris White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana poliogyna Brachypteryx montana mindanensis Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki Little Slaty Flycatcher Ficedula basilanica basilanica e Bundok Flycatcher Ficedula luzoniensis luzoniensis e Palawan Flycatcher Ficedula platenae e Cryptic Flycatcher Ficedula crypta e Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Luzon Water Redstart Rhyacornis bicolor e Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius philippensis Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata

PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae Philippine Leafbird Chloropsis flavipennis e Yellow-throated Leafbird Chloropsis palawanensis e

PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae Olive-backed Flowerpecker Prionochilus olivaceus olivaceus e Palawan Flowerpecker Prionochilus plateni e Striped Flowerpecker Dicaeum aeruginosum affine e Whiskered Flowerpecker Dicaeum proprium heliosulis e Olive-capped Flowerpecker Dicaeum nigrilore nigrilore e Bicolored Flowerpecker Dicaeum bicolor e Red-keeled Flowerpecker Dicaeum australe e Buzzing Flowerpecker Dicaeum hypoleucum obscurum e Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma xanthopygium Dicaeum trigonostigma cinereigularis Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus luzoniense Dicaeum ignipectus apo Pygmy Flowerpecker Dicaeum pygmaeum pygmaeum e

PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis paraguae Grey-throated Sunbird Anthreptes griseigularis griseigularis e Purple-throated Sunbird Leptocoma sperata trochilus e Copper-throated Sunbird Leptocoma calcostetha Garden [Olive-backed] Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis aurora e Cinnyris jugularis jugularis Grey-hooded Sunbird Aethopyga primigenia primigenia e Lina's Sunbird Aethopyga linaraborae e Flaming Sunbird Aethopyga flagrans flagrans e Luzon Metallic-winged Sunbird Aethopyga pulcherrima jefferyi e Mindanao Metallic-winged Sunbird Aethopyga pulcherrima pulcherrima e Lovely Sunbird Aethopyga [shelleyi] shelleyi e Handsome Sunbird Aethopyga [shelleyi] bella e Orange-tufted [Little] Spiderhunter Arachnothera [longirostra] flammifera e Pale [Little] Spiderhunter Arachnothera [longirostra] dilutior e

Naked-faced Spiderhunter Arachnothera clarae clarae e

PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae Cinnamon Ibon Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus e Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae Red-eared Parrotfinch Erythrura coloria e White-bellied Munia Lonchura leucogastra Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Black-headed Munia Lonchura atricapilla

PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis simillima Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus lugubris

PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae White-cheeked Bullfinch Pyrrhula leucogenis lucogenis e Pyrrhula leucogenis steerei Selected Mammals and lizards Northern Palawan Tree Squirrel Sundasciurus juvencus e Palawan Pencil-tailed Tree Mouse Chiropodomys calamianensis e Golden-crowned Flying Fox Acerodon jubatus e Palawan Flying Fox Acerodon leucotis e Large Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus Asian Water Monitor Varanus salvator Wagler's Pit Viper Tropidolaemus wagleri

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Wagler’s Pit Viper © Mike Nelson / Birdtour Asia