The Philippines

9th – 24th January 2011

Leader: Rob Hutchinson

Participants: Ken Archambault, John Archer, Mark Bibby, Peter Bundgaard Jensen, Nick Davies, Henrik Læssøe and Graeme Spinks.

Spotted Wood Kingfisher, Mount Makiling, Luzon © Rob Hutchinson / Birdtour Asia The Philippines hold the largest number of endemics for its land area of any country in the world, and with its

forest disappearing at an alarming rate, the islands are justifiably very popular with people keen to appreciate the incredible diversity before as soon as possible. Our first tour of 2012 (out of four) was an intense 16-day endemic-packed bonanza, taking in the major islands on Luzon, Mindanao and Palawan to optimise the number of endemics possible. Our resulting total of 134 endemics demonstrated our success but far more important were the outstanding views of so many of our target species. We began with an early morning flight south-east across the archipelago to Cagayan de Oro in northern

Mindanao. As we drove towards Mount Kitanglad the likes of Brown and Long-tailed Shrikes proved nice roadside distractions but a flock of more than 50 Purple Needletails zooming by at ultrasonic speed were more significant. Our accommodation here is a comfortable tented camp with a rustic lodge building for eating and

washing, perfectly adequate and adding to the expedition feeling as we come here to find the most famous bird of the islands; the Philippine Eagle. Even the area around the lodge is productive and within a few hours Black-shouldered Kite, Colasisi, Philippine Coucal, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, Philippine Bulbul and

Philippine Swiftlets had all been seen. After lunch we made our first exploration of the trail heading up the

mountain and new birds continued to come; Elegant Tits, Philippine Leaf Warbler, Black-and-cinnamon Fantail and McGregor’s Cuckooshrike in an exciting feeding flock plus Crested Goshawk, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Cinnamon Ibon, Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Grey-hooded Sunbird and teasing fly-over views of Striped-

breasted Rhabdornis. Walking back down to the lodge added Arctic Warbler, Short-tailed Starling, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Rufous-headed Tailorbird and Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove for a superb introduction to Philippine birding!

Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis and Philippine Eagle, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao © tour participant Mark Bibby and Rob Hutchinson

All was not finished for the day however, hoping for Bukidnon Woodcock to appear in flight around the clearings at dusk so we were rather taken aback when two birds appeared feeding on the nearby forest trail well before dark and we were able to follow them in the spotlight for some minutes before they wandered off into the undergrowth, privileged to have enjoyed such amazing views of this special bird that was first

discovered in this very clearing just 18 years previously. In true Birdtour Asia style we were still not done, so it was a stunning Philippine Frogmouth after dinner that finished the day, a bizarre, hair creature which allowed study down to just a few meters. The Philippine Eagle – National bird of the Philippines – is often one of the most wanted birds for visitors and this group was no exception, so our first full day on the mountain was to target this bird. As we made our way up the mountain there was plenty more to see and one of the first treats as the sun rose were a pair of Red-eared Parrotfinch gorging on sunflower seeds. Grey-hooded Sunbird, kampalili Flame-crowned Flowerpecker,

Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Mountain Leaf Warbler and Mugimaki Flycatcher were all added, while Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis was a new bird family for everyone. Arriving at an ideal viewpoint with views over the

forest we set about scanning the skies and forest for own target but it was philippensis Oriental Honey Buzzards and Philippine Serpent Eagle that were first to rise. After a couple of hours a Philippine Eagle could be heard calling from the fair hillsides and not long later it was found perched, a little distant but allowing most features to be seen. Fortunately these views were surpassed when another eagle appeared circling

overhead for quite magnificent views. With such early success we opted to continue higher and as we reached another viewpoint, yet more distant flight views of the eagle were had! In the highest forests along the trail we were delighted to find a male Apo Sunbird, a Mindanao Racquet-tail flew over, 2 McGregor’s Cuckooshrikes, 2 Yellow-breasted Fruit Doves and another Philippine Cuckoo Dove was seen before we happily made our way down to the lodge. Overnight a Giant Scops Owl visited the clearing but sadly didn’t stick around as people rushed to see, so we reconvened at breakfast for another wander up the mountain. First new bird was a White-browed Shortwing

hopping on the track in the half-light, then a Buff-spotted Flameback (a Greater Flameback split), White-eared Brown Dove and Little Pied Flycatcher as we climbed higher. First mega to appear were two White-cheeked Bullfinch, several Apo Myna then a Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher which flew around several times but was shy and not seen by everyone. When we again reached the higher forest Amethyst Brown Dove was new, several

Mindanao Racquet-tails showing well around fruiting trees, Cinnamon Ibon, Black-masked White-eyes, Yellow-bellied Whistler and a pair of Apo Sunbirds again present.

Bukidnon Woodcock and Philippine Frogmouth, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao © Rob Hutchinson

Apo Sunbird and White-cheeked Bullfinch, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

© tour participant Nick Davies During our picnic lunch another Mindanao Racquet-tail passed over, several Apo Myna and a single White-cheeked Bullfinch showed but then the weather closed in so we trudged back down to the lodge it was there we found the next new birds; a Bicoloured Flowerpecker and ernesti Peregrine over. At dusk a Philippine Nightjar was successfully spotlighted in flight and the Bukidnon Woodcock again down on the trail. Brief birding next morning was highlighted by two Rufous-headed Tailorbirds before it was time to head down

the mountain again, logging Black-shouldered Kite and Purple Needletails, before the rest of the day was taken with the long drive around to Bislig on the east coast of Mindanao, and our base for exploration of the former PICOP logging operation. Although it is saddening to bird in heavily degraded forest often with a background sound of chainsaws, the

birds are still performing at PICOP and the excitement on our first morning was palpable. Writhed Hornbills, Mindanao Hornbills, Philippine Drongo Cuckoo, Philippine Oriole, Guaiabero, Philippine Leafbird, Yellow-wattled

and Yellowish Bulbul and the increasingly rare Naked-faced Spiderhunter were all seen while Philippine

Falconet utilised dead snags, Philippine Serpent Eagle and Crested Goshawk were overhead. More difficult

birds also performed like the smart Black-faced Coucal, Buff-spotted Flameback and pleasing views of a pair of Black-headed Tailorbird. A nearby patch of forest often known as ‘Monarch Wood’ lived up to its name when an active feeding flock

contained both a male Celestial Monarch and a pair of Short-crested Monarchs! Other members of the flock were Rusty-crowned Babbler, Mindanao Pygmy Babbler, Handsome and Metallic-winged Sunbirds, Yellow-bellied Whistler, Olive-backed Flowerpecker and Rufous-fronted Tailorbird. Finally a smart Philippine Fairy Bluebird performed before we retired for lunch at a nearby clearing.

First port of call in the afternoon was a small pond where the regular Silvery Kingfisher was found along with a surprise Cinnamon Bittern. We then drove back to Bislig and spent the remainder of the day at the disused airfield where Swinhoe’s Snipe and Blue-breasted Quail were quickly found in the grassy margins. In the nearby marshes were Philippine Duck, Wandering Whistling Duck, White-browed Crake, Greater Painted Snipe and Watercock but the highlight came at dusk when no less than four Eastern Grass Owls passed closely overhead.

Philippine Trogon and Steere’s Pitta, PICOP, Mindanao © Rob Hutchinson

Short-crested Monarch and Yellowish Bulbuls, PICOP © Nick Davies and Rob Hutchinson

In the same area of forest the next morning we had a more select set of birds to concentrate on and this

began well with a pair of Rufous-lored Kingfisher, with views gradually improving and culminating in great looks. Next a Blue-crowned Racquet-tail passed over but the absolute highlight were stunning and prolonged views of a Steere’s Pitta which showed for as long as we wanted and allowed good photos.

We continued in this area finding Blue Fantail, a pair of Black-headed Tailorbird giving unusually prolonged views and very close, albeit typically fleeting views of Streaked Ground Babbler. Philippine Hawk Eagle was new overhead before we again moved on to ‘Monarch Wood’. Another pair of Philippine Hawk Eagles showed here but the real interest was in the forest where we found Black-chinned Fruit

Dove, a pair of Philippine Trogon, Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Scarlet Minivets (the races on Mindanao are a likely split) and a pair of showy Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatchers. There was again some flock activity and we again found Short-crested Monarch and Mindanao Pygmy Babblers. In the afternoon we staked out a clearing where we were rewarded with the hoped for Writhed and Rufous Hornbills together with Philippine Falconets. Our night-birding aspirations were cut short by a rain storm with only two Asian Palm Civets to show for our efforts.

The next morning didn’t start well with a vehicle breakdown delaying our arrival at the forest but once we got there we quickly started making amends with Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, Blue Fantail, Olive-backed Flowerpecker and Philippine Leaf Warbler appearing in quick succession. Black-and-white Trillers were also new and it was nice to see Steere’s Pitta again just off the trail. A big surprise came a short while later when a

pair of Mindanao Boobooks called close by the track and were quickly located at their day-roost for fabulous views! Another feeding flock contained many of the same species as before, plus a pair of Short-crested

Monarch. As we made our way further along the track Everett’s White-eye, Bar-bellied and Black-faced Cuckooshrikes were new and we again found more Black-and-white Trillers and Short-crested Monarchs. Our big target along here though was Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher which we had been trying hard for throughout with no sign but Rob encouraged (or dragged?!) the group far along to a previous territory where shear persistence finally produced a response and a female kingfisher was greeted with great delight and relief! We finished the day with Philippine Nightjar but still no Chocolate Boobook.

Mindanao Boobooks, PICOP, Mindanao © Rob Hutchinson

The next morning we made our way to Butuan for our morning flight back to Manila and in no time at all we were efficiently transported to the lush surroundings of the university campus at the base of Mount Makiling.

In no time at all we had found a pair of Indigo-banded Kingfishers on the small river there with Lowland White-eyes and Red-crested Malkoha in the adjacent trees also new for us as Striated Swallow, House Swift and Purple Needletail performed overhead. We spent the last hours of daylight at the nearby grasslands getting excellent views of Spotted and Barred Buttonquails as well as a Plain Bush Hen quickly crossing the path.

The next morning we were up on the mountain before dawn to see a pair of Philippine Boobook. After dawn

we wasted no time in finding a singing male White-browed Shama followed by a male Philippine Trogon and Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler. Two big targets then fell, firstly a pair of Spotted Wood Kingfishers that shot overhead several times but gave fine perched views in between flights and a fine Scale-feathered Malkoha,

surely the most bizarre member of this family. A Grey-backed Tailorbird frequented its favoured tangles

nearby and further up the mountain we took a small side trail for excellent views of another White-browed Shama, more Luzon Hornbill and Red-crested Malkoha. Our afternoon searches for Flaming Sunbird didn’t meet with success so we headed back for more looks at Indigo-banded Kingfisher and even larger numbers of

Lowland White-eyes on the campus, then at the grasslands more views of the resident buttonquails and an Ashy Minivet passing through. We finished today at a productive area of rice fields where a nice selection of water-birds included White-browed Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Yellow and Cinnamon Bittern, a brief Blue-breasted Quail and no less than 12 Greater Painted Snipe.

Indigo-banded Kingfisher and Spotted Wood Kingfisher, Mount Makiling, Luzon

© tour participant Mark Bibby and Rob Hutchinson Our final morning on the mountain began with a close fly-past Ruddy Kingfisher and another two Spotted Wood Kingfisher, one of which gave excellent prolonged views. Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike, Metallic-winged, Grey-throated and Handsome Sunbirds kept the ball rolling before staking out a promising which finally

produced a nice male Flaming Sunbird. With this final target under the belt we were soon on the road again and headed for Subic Bay. We made excellent time and arrived in Subic with time for a full afternoon of birding. Blackish Cuckooshrike soon appeared and we paid careful attention of the resident Blue-throated Bee-eaters which might well be split in the future. Many of the roadsides here are almost devoid of traffic and thus provide excellent birding. Our afternoon wander already gave many target species including a raucous flock of Rufous Coucal, Luzon Flameback (a split of the Greater Flameback complex), a Luzon Hawk Eagle and at least three Green Racquet-

tail and as we made our way to the hotel, a Philippine Nightjar perched on the road as we headed back to the hotel.

We were out again night-birding the next morning at Subic and were finally rewarded when our bogey bird began calling distantly but a fine Chocolate Boobook soon came swooping in to be enjoyed in the spotlight. Once it became light the excellent birding continued with Green Racquet-tail in a fruiting tree, Luzon

Flameback, Sooty Woodpecker, plenty of Philippine Green Pigeons and Blackish Cuckooshrikes, and a typically skulking Green-backed Tailorbird. Then it was time to drive back to Manila for our flight to the tropical island of Palawan where we arrived in time to see Large-tailed Nightjar before retiring to our hotel. Early the next morning we began our Palawan birding along the Balsahan trail with six more Large-tailed Nightjars on the way. Even before we entered the trail a group of Palawan Hornbills were spotted over the parking area and once inside the forest we added Blue Paradise Flycatcher and a short while later one of our main targets; a Palawan Flycatcher skulking low in the bamboo with a Pechora Pipit creeping along the ground

nearby. It didn’t take long for our other target to be found, a Melodious Babbler singing from the thickets and we could settle down to enjoy the other new birds on offer which included a few Rufous-backed Kingfishers, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Asian Drongo Cuckoo and Chestnut-breasted Malkoha. As we left we also added Sunda Drongo and Black-headed Bulbul along the access road and Marsh Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-winged

Stilt in the rice fields. A brief visit to Garcelliano Beach unfortunately coincided with high tide and the best we could muster were a few Pacific Golden Plover and Grey-tailed Tattler roosting in the mangroves. After lunch back in Puerto

Princesa we started making our way towards Sabang but with several birding stops along the way, the first of

which at an area of mature mangroves gave the expected Copper-throated Sunbird among the commoner Purple-throated Sunbirds. A walk along a forested roadside gave us Sulphur-bellied Bulbul, Dark-throated Oriole and Spot-throated Flameback (a split from Common Flameback) before we finished the day at a nice

viewpoint with three noisy Great Slaty Woodpeckers the highlight.

White-browed Shama at Mount Makiling and Green Racquet-tail at Subic Bay, Luzon © Rob Hutchinson and tour participant Mark Bibby

The next morning found us boarding outrigger boats for a long anticipated trip into the heart of St Pauls

National Park. The reason for the excitement was undoubtedly the presence of a certain male Palawan Peacock Pheasant. He certainly didn’t disappoint giving nice views as he called deep in the forest and giving

some very natural photo and video opportunities. In the same general area were Pin-striped Tit Babblers, White-vented Shama and Tabon Scrubfowl which took some tracking down but showed well. We then moved to a different part of the park and hiked over a steep ridge where our target bird – Falcated Ground Babbler – was frustratingly only heard but a confiding immature Red-bellied Pitta and a male Palawan Blue Flycatcher did show themselves. Once we reached the beautiful white-sand beach at the end of the walk we were able to relax in the beautiful surroundings as we

watched a pair of Malaysian Plovers resting on the rocks offshore. In the afternoon we again birded along the roadsides and added Thick-billed Green Pigeon and Grey-cheeked Bulbul at our first stop, then Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Common Hill Myna and two fly-over Blue-headed Racquet-tails at the next stop. We waited along the road until after dusk and found a Palawan Scops Owl perched right at the roadside but didn’t manage to call in any of the Palawan Frogmouths that were calling so after dinner we went searching

around our resort and found a brilliantly hairy frogmouth posing in the spotlight.

Some of us were out again before dawn for more views of the Palawan Frogmouth but the birding began in earnest on the edge of the park with three Palawan Hornbills, Common Hill Mynas, Stork-billed Kingfisher and the Malaysian Plovers again on their favourite beach. As we made our way into the forest we were soon stopped in our tracks by Falcated Ground Babblers calling a little further along the trail. We positioned ourselves carefully and true to form they came creeping in, at high speed of course but in this case we were lucky as they kept coming for a long time allowing most of us to get good views of these elusive critters. Flushed with success we went in search of our missing targets and along

the roadside we finally scored with at least four Palawan Tits together with a surprise Blue-and-white Flycatcher. In the afternoon we finished with a relaxing afternoon at the viewpoint where a Palawan Hornbill showed nicely if a little distant and we finally got satisfying views of Blue-headed Racquet-tails before heading back to Puerto Princesa for the night. We finished the tour the next morning with a ‘twitch’ down to Narra in search of Philippine Cockatoo but were thwarted by heavy rain during our limited time available, nevertheless we had a brilliant tour with many

memorable highlights, and we made our way back to Manila for a well deserved rest!

Palawan Frogmouth and Palawan Scops Owl, St. Pauls NP, Palawan © Rob Hutchinson and tour participant Nick Davies

Palawan Peacock Pheasant and Palawan Blue Flycatcher, Palawan © Rob Hutchinson

For further information on Birdtour Asia tours to the Philippines please contact us via our e-mail or click here for our scheduled departure tours.

Systematic Bird List

CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

Eastern Great Egret Ardea (alba) modesta

Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Striated Heron Butorides striata

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus (ibis) coromandus

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata

Philippine Duck Anas luzonica e

FALCONIFORMES: Pandionidae

Western Osprey Pandion (haliaetus) haliaetus

FALCONIFORMES: Accipitridae

Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus palawanensis

Pernis ptilorhynchus philippensis

Pernis ptilorhynchus orientalis

Steere's Honey Buzzard Pernis steerei steerei e

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus palawanus

Accipiter trivirgatus extimus

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

FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae

Philippine Falconet Microhierax erythrogenys e

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus ernesti

GALLIFORMES: Megapodiidae

Tabon Scrubfowl Megapodius cumingii cumingii

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae

Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus philippensis

Palawan Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron napoleonis e

Blue-breasted Quail Coturnix chinensis lineata

GRUIFORMES: Turnicidae

Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator

Spotted Buttonquail Turnix ocellatus e

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis philippensis

Barred Rail Gallirallus torquatus torqatus

Heard only

White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea ocularis

Plain Bush-hen Amaurornis olivacea e

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus

Watercock Gallicrex cinerea

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Rostratulidae

Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius curonicus

Charadrius dubius dubius

Malaysian Plover Charadrius peronii

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura

Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Bukidnon Woodcock Scolopax bukidnonensis e

CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus (himantopus) himantopus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Sternidae

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae

Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra

Philippine (Pompadour) Green Pigeon Treron (pompadora) axillaris e

White-eared Brown Dove Phapitreron leucotis leucotis e

Phapitreron leucotis brevirostris

Amethyst Brown Dove Phapitreron (amethystinus) amethystinus e

Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus occipitalis e

Black-chinned Fruit Dove Ptilinopus leclancheri ne

Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon Ducula poliocephala e

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea aenea

Ducula aenea palawanensis

Philippine Cuckoo Dove Macropygia tenuirostris e

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis

Zebra Dove Geopelia striata

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica

Luzon Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba luzonica e

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae

Guaiabero Bolbopsittacus lunulatus e

Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis ne

Green Racquet-tail Prioniturus luconensis e

Blue-crowned Racquet-tail Prioniturus discurus e

Blue-headed Racquet-tail Prioniturus platenae e

Mindanao Racquet-tail Prioniturus waterstradti e

Colasisi Loriculus philippensis philippensis e

Loriculus philippensis. apicalis

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae

Philippine Hawk Cuckoo Cuculus pectoralis e Heard only

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus merulinus

Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis (sepucralis) sepucralis

Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus xanthorhynchus

Heard only

Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus amethystinus

Asian Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris minimus

Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus (lugubris) velutinus e

Common Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus mindanensis

Scale-feathered Malkoha Lepidogrammus cumingi e

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Zanclostomus curvirostris harringtoni

Red-crested Malkoha Dasylophus superciliosus e

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis

Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis

Philippine Coucal Centropus viridis viridis e

Black-faced Coucal Centropus melanops e

Rufous Coucal Centropus unirufus e

STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae

Eastern Grass Owl Tyto longimembris amauronota

STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae

Mindanao Scops Owl Otus mirus e Heard only

Palawan Scops Owl Otus fuliginosus e

Philippine Scops Owl Otus megalotis megalotis e Heard only

Otus megalotis everetti

Giant Scops Owl Mimizuku gurneyi e

Chocolate Boobook Ninox randi ne

Philippine Boobook Ninox (philippensis) philippensis e

Mindanao Boobook Ninox (philippensis) spilocephala e

Spotted Wood Owl Strix seloputo wiepkeni

Heard only

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Podargidae

Philippine Frogmouth Batrachostomus septimus e

Palawan (Javan) Frogmouth Batrachostomus (javensis) chaseni e

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae

Great Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus macrotis macrotis

Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus

Philippine Nightjar Caprimulgus manillensis e

APODIFORMES: Apodidae

Island Swiflet Aerodramus (vanikornensis) amelis e

Palawan Swiftlet Aerodramus (vanikornensis) palawensis e

Philippine Swiftlet Aerodramus mearnsi e

Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta bagobo

Collocalia esculenta subsp. Palawan

Grey-rumped (Glossy) Swiftlet Collocalia (esculenta) marginata e

Pygmy Swiftlet Collocalia troglodytes e

Philippine Needletail Mearnsia picina e

Purple Needletail Hirundapus celebensis

House Swift Apus [affinis] nipalensis

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis pallidior

APODIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae

Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata major

TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae

Philippine Trogon Harpactes ardens luzoniensis e

Harpactes ardens ardens

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae

Common Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis bengalensis

Indigo-banded Kingfisher Alcedo cyanopecta cyanopecta e

Silvery Kingfisher Alcedo argentata argentata e

Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis gouldi

Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis gularis

Rufous-lored Kingfisher Todirhamphus winchelli mindanensis e

Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris

Spotted Wood Kingfisher Actenoides lindsayi lindsayi e

Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher Actenoides hombroni e

CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae

Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis americanus

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus

CORACIIFORMES: Bucerotidae

Luzon Hornbill Penelopides (panini) manillae e

Mindanao Hornbill Penelopides (panini) affinis e

Writhed Hornbill Aceros leucocephalus e

Palawan Hornbill Anthracoceros marchei e

Rufous Hornbill Buceros hydrocorax mindanensis e

PICIFORMES: Capitonidae

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala haemacephala

Megalaima haemacephala mindanensis

PICIFORMES: Picidae

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos maculatus validirostris e

Dendrocopos maculatus fulvifasciatus

Northern Sooty Woodpecker Mulleripicus (funebris) funebris e

Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus

White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis

Luzon (Greater) Flameback Chrysocolaptes (lucidus) haematribon e

Buff-spotted (Greater) Flameback Chrysocolaptes (lucidus) lucidus e

Spot-throated (Common) Flameback Dinopium (javanense) everetti e

PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae

Red-bellied Pitta Pitta erythrogaster propinqua

Pitta erythrogaster erythrogaster

Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida palawanensis

Pitta sordida sordida

Steere's Pitta Pitta steerii e

PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica

Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata

PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae

Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina striata difficilis

Coracina striata striata

Coracina striata kochii

Blackish Cuckooshrike Coracina coerulescens e

Black-bibbed Cuckooshrike Coracina mindanensis mindanensis e

McGregor's Cuckooshrike Coracina mcgregori e

Black-and-white Triller Lalage melanoleuca minor e

Pied Triller Lalage nigra chilensis

Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus gonzalesi

PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae

Philippine Leafbird Chloropsis flavipennis e

Yellow-throated Leafbird Chloropsis palawanensis e

PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae

Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps

Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier

Yellow-wattled Bulbul Pycnonotus urostictus urostictus

Pycnonotus urostictus philippensis

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

Yellowish Bulbul Ixos everetti everetti e

PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae

Sunda (Ashy) Drongo Dicrurus (leucophaeus) leucophaeus

Luzon Balicassiao Dicrurus (balicassius) balicassius e

Palawan Drongo Dicrurus (hottentottus) palawanensis e

Mindanao Drongo Dicrurus (bracteatus) striatus e

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae

Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus

Philippine Oriole Oriolus steerii e

Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis chinensis

Oriolus chinensis yamamurae

PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae

Philippine Fairy Bluebird Irena cyanogastra e

Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella tweeddalei

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae

Palawan (Slender-billed) Crow Corvus (enca) pusillus e

Eastern Jungle Crow Corvus [macrorhynchos] levaillantii

PASSERIFORMES: Paridae

Palawan Tit Parus amabilis e

Elegant Tit Parus elegans mindanensis e

PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis

Sulphur-billed Nuthatch Sitta oenochlamys e

PASSERIFORMES: Rhabdornithidae

Stripe-headed Rhabdornis Rhabdornis mystacalis mystacalis e

Rhabdornis mystacalis minor

Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis Rhabdornis [inornatus] alaris e

PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae

Ashy-headed Babbler Malacocincla cinereiceps e

Melodious Babbler Malacopteron palawanense e

Falcated Ground Babbler Ptilocichla falcata e

Streaked Ground Babbler Ptilocichla mindanensis e

Mindanao Pygmy Babbler Sterrhoptilus (plateni) plateni e

Rusty-crowned Babbler Sterrhoptilus capitalis e

Pin-striped Tit Babbler Macronous gularis woodi

Brown Tit Babbler Macronous striaticeps e

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae

White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana mindanensis

Philippine (Oriental) Magpie Robin Copsychus (saularis) deuteronymus

Luzon White-browed Shama Copsychus (luzoniensis) luzoniensis e

White-vented Shama Copsychus niger e

Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata

Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscurus

PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae

Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis

Philippine Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus olivaceus e

Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus cebuensis luzonensis e

Mountain Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus nigrorum flavostriatus

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus harterti

Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis tweeddalei

Megalurus timoriensis crex

Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris forbesi

Middendorff's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella ochotensis

Green-backed (Philippine) Tailorbird Orthotomus (castaneiceps) chloronotus e

Rufous-fronted (Philippine) Tailorbird Orthotomus (castaneiceps) frontalis e

Grey-backed Tailorbird Orthotomus derbianus e

Rufous-headed Tailorbird Orthotomus (cuculatus) heterolaemus e

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus

Black-headed Tailorbird Orthotomus nigriceps e

PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae

Bright-capped Cisticola Cisticola exilis

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis

Long-tailed Ground Warbler Bradypterus caudatus unicolor e Heard only

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae

Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher Rhinomyias ruficauda samarensis

Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta

Mountain Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias panayensis nigriloris

Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki

Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra

Palawan Flycatcher Ficedula platenae e

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni

Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana

Palawan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis lemprieri e

PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae

Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica

Blue Fantail Rhipidura superciliaris e

Black-and-cinnamon Fantail Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea e

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae

Rufous Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone cinnamomea cinnamomea e

Blue Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone cyanescens e

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea azurea

Celestial Monarch Hypothymis coelestis e

Short-crested Monarch Hypothymis helenae e

PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae

Yellow-bellied Whistler Pachycephala philippinensis philippensis e

Pachycephala philippinensis apoensis

PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis simillima

Oriental (Paddyfield) Pipit Anthus rufulus lugubris

Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi

PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae

White-breasted Wood-swallow Artamus leucorynchus

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach nasutus

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus lucionensis

PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae

Short-tailed Starling Aplonis minor todayensis

Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis

Coleto Sarcops calvus e

Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus

Apo Myna Basilornis miranda e

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa palawanensis

PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae

Plain-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis paraguae

Grey-throated Sunbird Anthreptes griseigularis griseigularis e

Anthreptes griseigularis birgitae

Copper-throated Sunbird Leptocoma calcostetha

Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis aurora

Cinnyris jugularis jugularis

Purple-throated Sunbird Leptocoma sperata

Flaming Sunbird Aethopyga flagrans flagrans e

Grey-hooded Sunbird Aethopyga primigenia primigenia e

Metallic-winged Sunbird Aethopyga pulcherrima e

Apo Sunbird Aethopyga boltoni malindangensis e

Lovely Sunbird Aethopyga (shelleyi) shelleyi e

Handsome Sunbird Aethopyga (shelleyi) bella e

Naked-faced Spiderhunter Arachnothera clarae clarae e

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra dilutior

Arachnothera longirostra flammifera

PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae

Olive-backed Flowerpecker Prionochilus olivaceus e

Palawan Flowerpecker Prionochilus plateni e

Olive-capped Flowerpecker Dicaeum nigrilore nigrilore e

Flame-crowned Flowerpecker Dicaeum anthonyi kampalili e

Bicolored Flowerpecker Dicaeum bicolor e

Red-keeled Flowerpecker Dicaeum australe e

Buzzing Flowerpecker Dicaeum hypoleucum pontifex e

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus

Pygmy Flowerpecker Dicaeum pygmaeum palawanorum e

Dicaeum pygmaeum davao

PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae

Lowland White-eye Zosterops meyeni meyeni e

Everett's White-eye Zosterops everetti basilanicus

Mountain White-eye Zosterops montanus vulcani

Black-masked White-eye Lophozosterops goodfellowi goodfellowi e

Cinnamon Ibon Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus e

PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae

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: Fringillidae

White-cheeked Bullfinch Pyrrhula leucogenis steerei e

Mammals

Mindanao Squirrel Sundasciurus mindanensis

Asian Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus

Short-tailed Mongoose Herpestes brachyurus

Little Golden-mantled Flying Fox Pteropus pumilus

Large Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus

Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis

Bird of the tour: 1 = Palawan Peacock Pheasant 2 = Philippine Eagle 3 = Steere’s Pitta 4 = Spotted Wood Kingfisher 5 = Philippine Frogmouth

283 species recorded including 7 heard only. 134 Philippine endemics, including 2 heard only, plus 2 ‘near-endemics’

Philippine Eagle, Mindanao © Rob Hutchinson / Birdtour Asia