The Philippines (including Sierra Madre extension)

16th February – 15th March 2014

Leader: Rob Hutchinson

Participants: Dave Bradford (Mindanao and Subic), Peter Candido, Dale Jensen, Mike and Sharon Toochin

Palawan Peacock Pheasant © Rob Hutchinson / Birdtour Asia

The Philippines are undoubtedly the endemic hotspot of Asia with well over 200 endemics recognised by most

authorities and the number is rising all the time! This four-week custom tour took in our regular circuit through Mindanao, Palawan and Luzon but with an exciting

adventure into the Sierra Madre to cap things off. The birding was tough as always but we were extremely successful, amassing an impressive 172 true endemics and 8 near-endemics. We cut short our time on Mount Kitanglad in order to enjoy the spectacle of nesting Philippine Eagles but still managed all the expected montane endemics including Bukidnon Woodcock, Apo Myna, Apo Sunbird, Red-eared Parrotfinch, McGregor’s Cuckooshrike

and Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher. In addition the itinerary change added Cryptic Flycatcher and Whiskered Flowerpecker which are not possible on our regular itinerary. Highlights in the Mindanao lowlands included Steere’s Pitta, Celestial and Short-crested Monarch, Striated Ground Babbler, Rufous Hornbill, Everett’s and Giant Scops Owls in what lowland rainforest remains. A clean-up on the possible Palawan endemics included Falcated Ground Babbler, the rare Red-headed Flameback, Philippine Cockatoo and the ever-obliging Palawan Peacock Pheasant, the latter alone making the trip worthwhile – go soon while he is still around!

On Luzon we found the likes of White-fronted Tit, Spotted Wood Kingfisher, Green Racquet-tail and the stunning Scale-feathered Malkoha before Ashy Thrush and Philippine Eagle Owl made for an unforgettable finish to the ‘regular’ schedule.

We finished with a real adventure in the Sierra Madre, cut off from civilisation as we camped for five nights, it was well worth the effort as Whiskered Pitta, Luzon Bleeding-heart, Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher, Luzon Striped Babbler, Golden-crowned Babbler, Cream-bellied Fruit Dove and Spotted Imperial Pigeon completed an amazing journey.

Bukidnon Woodcock and Philippine Frogmouth, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher & Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

We began our tour with a prompt flight to the southern island of Mindanao, the first stop on what was to be an

endemic-packed four weeks. Our first destination was to be the famous Mount Kitanglad, still the best place around to find the island’s montane endemics although this was to be a shorter than usual visit as we had adapted the itinerary to take in the unique opportunity to visit a nest site of the Philippine Eagle a few days later. After an

early lunch, and with our luggage safely stowed on horses for the climb up, we set off through the agricultural landscape which covers the lower slopes of the mountain. Our first endemics appeared including Philippine Swiftlet, Philippine Bulbul, Colasisi and Grey-hooded Sunbird as well as several Eye-browed Thrush and a surprise flock of Chestnut-cheeked Starlings in a flowering tree. Wishing to save our energy reserves for a very big day to come, the afternoon was spent birding around the camp where there was plenty on offer. Rufous-bellied Eagle overhead, an obliging Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, and an active feeding group with Cinnamon Ibon (surely not related to sparrows!), Rufous-headed Tailorbird, Grey-hooded Sunbird, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, Elegant Tit and

Black-and-Cinnamon Fantail. Both White-eared Brown Dove, and a stunning Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, obliged in the late afternoon but the action wasn’t finished yet. As dark descended we first enjoyed very close views of Philippine Nightjar, then a pair of Bukidnon Woodcock passing by at close range, and then stunning views of

Philippine Frogmouth, all before dinner! With only one full day now allocated on the mountain, it was to be a very busy one. After more woodcock views and a Northern Boobook hawking insects, we set off up the mountain in earnest at dawn. New birds appeared regularly as we headed up; Short-tailed Starling, Tawny Grassbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker and a close flyby from Mindanao Racquet-tails. A pair of White-cheeked Bullfinch almost

landed on us, but opted instead for a nearby fern, several Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis (no longer the endemic

family they once were having been relegated to mere starlings), our first Apo Myna, and a Long-tailed Ground Warbler that sneaked to within a meter of us. A Philippine Hawk Cuckoo responded well and our first large feeding flock in the higher forests was adorned with McGregor’s Cuckooshrikes, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch and Island Verditer. Finally in the early afternoon we made it to the home of the Apo Sunbirds but they initially proved very elusive. Mountain Shrike came and went as we waited, before finally we were able to soak in a fine male Apo Sunbird. Another big feeding flock on the way down held almost all the likely species including our first good views

of Black-masked White-eye and back at the lodge we took the opportunity to rest the feet before another excellent performance from the nightjars and woodcocks.

McGregor’s Cuckooshrike and White-cheeked Bullfinch, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

Whiskered Flowerpecker and Cryptic Flycatcher, Mount Apo, Mindanao

We still had a few hours the next morning which we used to excellent effect, firstly a group of delightful Red-eared Parrotfinch busy munching on sunflower seeds in the early morning light, then a pair of Buff-spotted Flamebacks further up the trail, and finally cracking looks at a male Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher near the lodge! It was then

time to retrace our steps down the mountain and drive south to the mountains near Davao, where a nice lodge

awaited us. When we learnt some months previously that there was a viewable Philippine Eagle nest available it hadn’t been a tough decision to change the itinerary. Thus the next morning, accompanied by local expert Pete, we set off before dawn into the nearby mountains, and remarkably after completing the formalities with local villagers and tribal folk, we were able to drive within just 15 minutes walk of the viewing area. The view down into

the nest was superb, although the juvenile was now well-grown and was initially all alone in the nest. Before long

Dave’s sharp eyes picked out an adult on a distant ridge and as we watched it took flight, gliding straight down the valley towards us, before giving an errant Brahminy Kite which had strayed too close to the nest the fright of its life! The adult eagle then settled nearby before flying down to tend the eaglet, completing a perfect experience.

Philippine Eagle, undisclosed nesting site, Mindanao

Giant Scops Owl and Philippine Falconet, PICOP, Mindanao

There were other things to see of course including Naked-faced Spiderhunter, Mindanao Hornbill and nesting Writhed Hornbill. Our next stop was a small forest patch where the hoped for Cryptic Flycatcher proved just a little too elusive for most of us, so after a fortifying buffet lunch we tried another spot where we were soon enjoying great views of this very range-restricted endemic that doesn’t make it onto the standard tour circuit. Similarly our next target – Whiskered Flowerpecker – a real speciality of this area, and fortunately after a short but steep uphill climb they appeared almost instantly, and we were able to leave the area happy, for our cross country drive to the

east coast of the island where Bislig was to be our home for the next four nights. Bislig is the access point for the forest of the former PICOP logging concession, a mere shadow of its former glory due to ongoing illegal logging and slash-and-burn clearing, but still the best place to search for a bewildering array on lowland specialities. Our

first morning of night-birding was very frustrating, the full moon not helping, and we came away with three species of owls only heard, with just two Philippine Nightjars actually seen. Fortunately the day birding was more profitable as Brown Tit Babbler, a close Steere’s Pitta, Philippine Magpie Robin, Guaiabero, Philippine Leafbird, Philippine Serpent Eagle, low-flying Purple Needletails and Rufous-fronted Tailorbird all soon appeared. It took

quite some effort before a Rufous-lored Kingfisher was finally heard so we had no hesitation going off-piste in

pursuit and were rewarded with prolonged views, and an unusually showy Black-headed Tailorbird. Continuing deeper into the forest we found Olive-backed Sunbird, then some feeding groups with Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Whistler, Mindanao Drongo, Orange-tufted Spiderhunter, Blue Fantail, Rusty-crowned Babbler, Yellowish Bulbul and Short-crested Monarch, but alas no broadbill tagging along. A group of Rufous Hornbills came in to investigate us, and on the walk back a Steere’s Honey Buzzard was soaring around. We took our lunch at a well-positioned clearing and hung around there for much of the afternoon seeing another Steere’s Honey Buzzard,

Philippine Needletail, Writhed Hornbill, Mindanao Hornbill, Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike, and with some careful coaxing a Plain Bush-hen crossing the road in plain sight. As we made our way back to base we were diverted by a group of no less than six Philippine Falconets, dust bathing on the road which proved most entertaining.

Philippine Leafbird and PurpleNeedletail, PICOP, Mindanao

Streaked Ground Babbler and Rufous-lored Kingfisher, PICOP, Mindanao The next morning we headed to a different area, again arriving in time for some night-birding, and finally a

Mindanao Boobook popped out when it was almost broad daylight. During breakfast we couldn’t help but be distracted by a calling Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon but try as we might we couldn’t find his perch until after nearly an hour he took pity of us and flew to an open perch for splendid views. We were also happy to add the scarce

Black-bibbed Cuckooshrike here and Philippine Oriole as we set off on our walk. Little Slaty Flycatcher was tempted into view and we found our first Philippine Trogon, then feeding flocks with great looks at Short-crested Monarch, Philippine Leaf Warbler, Mindanao Metallic-winged Sunbird and Mindanao Pygmy Babbler. Typically after battling to see our first Streaked Ground Babbler, it was only a little later that we encountered a much more

obliging pair. Our stake-out for racquet-tails failed to produce so we headed instead to finish the day with a

diminutive Southern Silvery Kingfisher and a family of Plain Bush-hen in the same area. The next morning began with a quick response and a close view of an Everett’s Scops Owl, then with one major target in mind we were back in the same area as the previous day. An Amethyst Brown Dove was eventually located calling from thick cover during breakfast before we set off into the forest and almost immediately heard a Celestial Monarch calling from far in the valley. We waited patiently, following the sound as it moved around the valley, dodged some heavy rain showers, before some of us had views, then after three hours there it was, a

mind-blowing male Celestial Monarch with its glowing blue crested waving in the air right in front of us! During our searching the distinctive gonzalesi Scarlet Minivet also showed and shortly after a mixed group of Bar-bellied and Black-bibbed Cuckooshrike, Philippine Fairy Bluebird and Black-and-white Triller appeared. Racquet-tails again failed to appear over lunch although Rufous Hornbills, Orange-tufted Spiderhunter, Mindanao Pygmy Babbler and Rusty-crowned Babbler were appreciated, then we set off to end the day birding the open grasslands and marshes that border Bislig Airfield. A fair selection of water-birds included White-browed Crake, Cinnamon Bittern, Purple

Swamphen and summer plumaged Javan Pond Herons, while we had some sort of views (mostly brief!) of several Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warblers and flyover Red-throated Pipits. Persistent scanning towards dusk produced only very distant views of Eastern Grass Owl, but the disappointment vanished when another gave a close flyby in the torch light as we walked back down the runway. We had only a short time available the next morning but with some key birds still possible we were again in the

forest in the wee hours. This proved more than worthwhile as Zardo’s sharp eyes picked out the Giant Scops Owl slipping past us and it was soon posing in the spot-light, a well-deserved reward for our many hours of searching.

A final long-shot at a former racquet-tail site found that most of the trees had been cut, and we had no response to playback as we finished our breakfast. Then as we packed up as our deadline loomed, Sharon’s “How about that parrot-like bird over there” had the telescopes refocused and amazingly, at the very last minute, there was a Blue-crowned Racquet-tail sitting for us all to enjoy.

Luzon Boobook and White-fronted Tit, Subic Bay, Luzon Much of rest of the day was taken with a drive to Butuan, and our flight back to Manila, but fortunately we traversed Manila in time to stop by at the local university campus where some kind local birders (thanks Jon, Maan and Irene!) had us scoping an adult Philippine Scops Owl roosting in a nearby thicket. Then a long battle through

the remaining traffic saw us arriving late into Subic although our charming accommodation and a delicious dinner soon had us focussing on the great birds we had seen and many more to come.

It was a typically early start again the next morning although the best we could rouse was a Luzon Boobook and Great Eared Nightjar at dawn. The day birding was better and as things brightened we found Philippine Green Pigeon, White-bellied Woodpecker excavating a nest hole, Luzon Flameback, several Blue-naped Parrot, and the star of the area, a singing White-fronted Tit. Moving to a different area we were greeted by Luzon Hornbill and Red-crested Malkoha, Blackish Cuckooshrike and noted the very different appearance of the local Bar-bellied Cuckooshrikes to those we had seen on Mindanao. Here was also got great looks at Green Racquet-tails, both

perched and in flight, a rare species for which Subic Bay is now its last remaining stronghold. As things began to heat up a Luzon Hawk Eagle took to the skies and we headed to a more shaded area where in spite of the heat we weeded out great views of Northern Sooty Woodpecker, a calling Kamchatka Warbler, Striped-headed Rhabdornis and a rare view of Asian Koel. The large roost of Large and Golden-crowned Flying Foxes provided much entertainment in the heat and we finally managed to coax out a Green-backed Tailorbird!

An excellent lunch overlooking the bay provided some respite from the heat but there was lots still to see so we headed for the shadiest trail where White-browed Shama was seen after a considerable search, several groups of Rufous Coucal made us question how a flock of such large birds could hide so well, a small feeding group added Blue-headed Fantail, and a pair of Luzon Boobook which surprised us by calling in broad daylight were duly

tracked down. Late afternoon back out on the roads didn’t offer anything new but at dusk a Chocolate Boobook

was spotted almost immediately for good views and a welcome pullback after dipping on Mindanao. Having seen all our Subic targets already we decided to head north early the next morning to try and squeeze in some birding en route. This worked well with an Indigo-banded Kingfisher on the river at Lagawe surprisingly the only one we recorded during the tour, and we arrived in Banaue in time for a few hours profitable birding around the hotel gardens where Yellowish White-eye, Chestnut-faced Babbler and Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler were all new.

Mountain Shrike and Luzon Scops Owl, Mount Polis, Luzon

Blue-headed Fantail and Chestnut-faced Babbler, Mount Polis, Luzon Before dawn the next morning we were out looking for another new owl, Luzon Scops Owl and things were looking up as within 30 minutes we had one calling close by. Typically it stayed put until dawn approached, when after two swift flybys, it popped to a perfect branch at eye-level just in front of us for perfect viewing. Spurred on by this early success we headed for the high forests passing several Scaly Thrushes and Olive-backed Pipits on the

roadside. Although we were hoping for a flame-breasted fluke it never appeared although almost all other specialities did; Scale-feathered Malkoha, Luzon Bush Warbler, Flame-crowned Flowerpecker, Island Thrush and Citrine Canary Flycatcher were followed by a superb low flypast from a pair of Luzon Racquet-tails. Making our

way down the valley our designated Mountain Shrike stop delivered as a Eastern Buzzard mobbed a Luzon Hawk Eagle over the far ridges. With a sense of dreading we headed lower still knowing we would be looking for one of the Philippines most elusive species! We needn’t have worried because we actually got some quite reasonable glimpses of an obliging Benguet Bush Warbler which was persuaded to cross open ground on several occasions.

We then finished the morning with a pair of Luzon Water Redstarts on a small river nearby.

Elegant Tit and Green-backed Whistler, Banaue, Luzon

Luzon Metallic-winged Sunbird and Torquoise Flycatcher, Banaue, Luzon

Our picnic lunch was pleasantly interrupted by a feeding flock that included excellent views of Green-backed Whistler but thereafter the afternoon didn’t add much other than even better views of Luzon Bush Warbler. The next morning we opted to try a forest trail instead which had many of the same birds including more Flame-

crowned Flowerpeckers, Green-backed Whistler, Snowy-browed Flycatcher and most importantly several Long-tailed Ground Warblers including amazing views of one which clambered up into a small tree! Two Mountain Shrikes lingered outside the trail, then in the afternoon we tried the hotel gardens again, getting great looks at many of the same birds again with some very photogenic species the highlights. The next day we made the long drive back southwards, breaking the journey nicely with an afternoon visit to Candaba Marshes. The nearby rice fields were thronging with Wood Sandpipers, Long-toed Stints, a single Ruff and big numbers of Oriental Pratincole. On the marsh itself we had excellent looks at many Philippine Ducks,

which together with the resident Wandering Whistling Ducks were joined by wintering wildfowl from the north, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Eurasian Teal and Garganey. The weeds were home not only to numerous bitterns but

good numbers of Philippine Swamphen and Pheasant-tailed Jacana. The surrounding scrub also held some treats including more than 20 White-shouldered Starling, a rare winter visitor. After another amazing buffet and a comfortable night in Manila, it was time for yet another set of new birds as we boarded a plane for the decidedly tropical island of Palawan. Unfortunately we were again unable to visit our

regular Pandan Island in the afternoon, the island having been closed to birders after alleged misbehaviour by

another tour group the previous year so we optimised our time with some forest birding instead. From the airport we headed directly to the Iwahig Penal Colony and although it was already hot, this proved a great success as we quickly logged excellent views of Red-headed Flameback, one of the islands trickiest endemics. We also scored with Blue Paradise Flycatcher, Pygmy Flowerpecker, Palawan Bulbul, some interesting non-endemics like Common Iora and Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, and a genuine Red Junglefowl that whizzed past us at speed. In the afternoon we tried one of our former birding haunts, a roadside which is now generally closed to vehicles and much more

peaceful. High-speed Brown-backed Needletails impressed, and we logged more endemics like Sulphur-bellied Bulbul, Palawan Tit, Lovely Sunbird and Palawan Hornbill. We hung around after dark and this proved a great move as both endemic night-birds – Palawan Frogmouth and Palawan Scops Owl – appeared in quick succession.

Palawan Frogmouth and Palawan Scops Owl

Mantanani Scops Owl and Spotted Wood Owl, Palawan

The next morning we headed again for the penal colony but this time we concentrated on a trail following the picturesque Balsahan River. New additions included the recently split Pale Spiderhunter, Ashy-headed Babbler, Spot-throated Flameback and our two key targets; the elusive Melodious Babbler and a smart pair of diminutive

Palawan Flycatchers. After much trying we had drawn a blank on Falcated Ground Babbler until right near the end of our walk when almost everything else had stopped singing, one sparked up next to the trail and was soon persuaded to pop up onto an open branch giving most of us unobscured viewing. We finished the morning with a fine selection of waders in the rice fields including both Red-necked and Long-toed

Stints, Common Redshank and Marsh Sandpiper, then excellent looks at a male Copper-throated Sunbird showing

of his iridescence in its favoured mangrove habitat.

Blue-headed Racquet-tail and Falcated Ground Babbler, Palawan

Ashy-fronted and Sulphur-bellied Bulbul, Palawan Some pleasant roadside birding in the afternoon added mega prolonged views of Hooded Pitta, Dark-throated

Oriole, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha and Yellow-throated Leafbirds, and improved looks at Palawan Hornbill and Spot-throated Flameback. We finished the day at a well-appointed viewpoint with panoramic views of the limestone hillsides on one side, and extensive mangroves down to the coast on the other. Another huge flock of Brown-backed Needletail performed, a Changeable Hawk Eagle was perched, and the main target the critically endangered Philippine Cockatoo came in to feed in an open tree before flying around the forested hillsides. The next morning it was time for one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the tour as we boarded small out-riggers for the journey out along the rugged coastline of St. Pauls National Park to the remote Subterranean River,

a quality attraction in itself, but we were here to see an avian celebrity, the male Palawan Peacock Pheasant which has for more than a decade been entertaining visitors. No doubt due to the increased visitor numbers and disturbance from construction work, he didn’t seem keen to venture out but once inside the forest he was as

friendly as ever. Also present were Tabon Scrubfowls and a male Palawan Blue Flycatcher. After heading back to port, we finished the morning along a perfectly shaded stretch of road with Striped Flowerpecker attracted by a fruiting tree, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Black-chinned Fruit Dove, and more great views of Falcated Ground Babbler, a welcome relief for Mike who hadn’t had ideal views the previous day. A more open area gave us Grey-

faced Buzzard, Crested Serpent Eagle and Changeable Hawk Eagle sharing the thermals with yet more needletails

before we retired to enjoy a few hours at our very comfortable resort. Venturing out into the afternoon heat was rewarded with close views of a feeding group of Blue-headed Racquet-tails and some time enjoying what were now familiar species here, with the highlight being much closer views of Philippine Cockatoo before finishing with a pair of huge, and very noisy, Spotted Wood Owls.

Copper-throated Sunbird and Palawan Hornbill, Palawan

Pale Spiderhunter and Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, Palawan We were in the fortunate position of having few targets for the next morning although they were less than straightforward. It didn’t take us long to find some Thick-billed Green Pigeons but Great Slaty Woodpeckers were strangely quiet as they had been in previous days. After several checks of regular sites we finally scored and once found they typically gave fine views and we watched, captivated, as they danced around the treetops with wings spread and laughing manically.

Getting out to the offshore islands near Puerto Princesa had proved very difficult but thanks for some amazing logistical work from Nilo, we were on our way in the afternoon. We didn’t manage to find any day-roosting owls, and Grey Imperial Pigeon was frustratingly heard only, but a great selection of water-birds including Terek

Sandpiper and Chinese Egret kept us entertained until dusk when a pair of Mantanani Scops Owls came out to play almost immediately and gave a real show, some of it xxx-rated! Predawn the next morning we went searching the suburbs of the city for better views of Palawan Frogmouth, the hoards of barking dogs didn’t bode well, but we managed to find a quiet spot and in a short time a beautifully

hairy frogmouth was there posing just a few meters away, what a bizarre looking creature it is.

We then used the final few hours before our flight back to Manila with some wader-watching which included better views of Chinese Egret and some awesome views of Palawan Swiftlet which proved a fun challenge for the photographers.

Brown-backed Needletail and Palawan Swiftlet, Palawan

Spot-throated Flameback and Red-headed Flameback, Palawan

Once back in Manila we were soon on our way south towards our next destination at Mount Makiling. Our first afternoon found us scouring the grasslands, finding several Barred Buttonquails but alas not their rarer spotted relatives. Since we were to head into the Sierra Madre at the end of the tour we had relatively few key targets for our full day on the mountain which was lucky because dawn was grey and overcast and thus quickly turned to rain which was to persist for much of the day. Luckily two of the targets performed before the rain started; a fine male Flaming Sunbird and at least two stonking male Spotted Wood Kingfishers. All we could add for the rest of the

morning was Striped Flowerpecker and a frustrating encounter with a calling Luzon Bleeding-heart which was only seen when it took flight. An afternoon search of the botanical gardens didn’t give further sightings of Indigo-banded Kingfisher but we did finally tempt out a Grey-backed Tailorbird. Late afternoon was again at the

grasslands where the Spotted Buttonquail was again absent, with only several Barred Buttonquails and a hawking Great Eared-Nightjar to entertain us. The final morning of the tour began in the rather incongruous setting of an urban Manila park, but amazingly we were soon racking up new birds; Lowland White-eye and Philippine Magpie Robin may not have roused too much

excitement but the stunning and prolonged views of Ashy Thrush and Hooded Pitta certainly did. More views of

Grey-backed Tailorbird were also had and the ‘Mangrove’ Blue Flycatcher was a useful insurance bird for when it eventually gets split. We then headed off to the site of some historic petroglyphs on the outskirts of Manila but this was not our target, instead our attention was focused on a cute fluffy Philippine Eagle Owl not long fledged, and an adult Philippine Eagle Owl staring down menacingly at us from a tall tree with piercing yellow eyes! We were briefly distracted by a Japanese Leaf Warbler calling and performing nearby before we headed back to Manila and an afternoon of preparation for the exciting finish to the tour that awaited us.

Spotted Wood Kingfisher, Mount Makiling, Luzon

Ashy Thrush and Philippine Eagle Owl (juvenile) Given a choice of tour extensions it was the idea of trekking deep into the Sierra Madre mountains that appealed most, so next morning we flew to the northern end of Luzon, and after a short drive, started our trek across barren grasslands heading for the forested mountains in the distance. It took much of the afternoon to arrive at

our first camp, although there were birds along the way including Grey-faced Buzzards on their northward migration, Brown-headed Thrush, Philippine Green Pigeon, Luzon Hornbill, Philippine Cuckoo Dove and Rufous-crowned Bee-eaters. Around the camp the hawking Great Eared-Nightjars and calling owls had us excited for the

days to come. The next morning we were soon in habitat for some of our targets with Furtive Flycatcher and a typically sneaky Sierra Madre Ground Warbler the first to appear. As the weather became rainy we pressed on but mid-morning we hit a brilliant patch of activity and in a short space of time we found Northern Sooty Woodpecker, Blackish Cuckooshrike, both endemic malkohas, White-lored Oriole and the nominate race of Philippine Fairy

Bluebird which has recently been suggested as a split from the birds we saw on Mindanao. Also here we enjoyed

fantastic looks at ‘Sierra Madre’ Crow, marvelling at just how distinctive the call and behaviour are from the Palawan birds. Our first feeding flock already had Golden-crowned Babblers besides regulars like Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler. In the afternoon we began our pitta-quest and came oh-so-close with a calling Whiskered Pitta which somehow managed to evade most of our eyes, and a Luzon Bleeding-heart which came out onto the trail but flew almost as soon as we spotted it. A whole night of rain which had barely eased by morning meant some motivation was required to make it out of our tents for the pre-dawn breakfast but in spite of the wet weather,

most of us ventured up the trail again once it was light enough. The same pitta was again calling but in the pouring rain the best we could muster were the briefest of sightings as it twice crossed the trail. As it lost interest we pressed on, frustratingly brief views of a Luzon Jungle Flycatcher which popped up briefly in a mixed flock, and shortly after lunch we had another pitta calling nearby. It took some patient waiting but finally there it was, a Whiskered Pitta calling back from the slope below, his red belly glowing in the dark forest and the whisker flashing every time he called back to us. For more than 20 minutes it showed on and off leaving us fully satisfied and

instantly making the trek a resounding success.

Grey-backed Tailorbird and Lowland White-eye, La Mesa, Luzon

Blue-breasted Flycatcher and White’s Thrush, Sawa Camp, Luzon

The next day we set out in search of other missing endemics although things started very slowly in damp and misty conditions. It wasn’t until mid-morning when things cleared enough for us to find a pair of Blue-breasted Flycatchers and a really huge feeding group that included more Golden-crowned Babblers. Another Blue-breasted Flycatcher gave even better views during lunch and not long after our perseverance paid dividends when a Luzon

Striped Babbler appeared and fed unconcerned in the bamboo thickets for us to enjoy. The day finished in fine

fashion when a calling Luzon Bleeding-heart was persuaded out into the open, viewed across the valley from where all the gorgeous plumage tones could be appreciated as he strutted up and down. A brief Sunda Thrush in camp the next morning was a surprise, before the group split up. The energetic headed upwards once more and eventually enjoyed a fine view of a Cream-bellied fruit Dove, a sweet success after hearing so many of these shy birds which refused to show. The rest meanwhile enjoyed equal success, finding a colourful Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher perched above the trail on their way back to camp 1. Lower down, a lively flowering tree attracted

another Luzon Striped Babbler, and later in the day a family of Bicolored Flowerpeckers visited, a notable omission until then. Back at the forest edge there were several Striped Flowerpeckers and some took the opportunity to swim in the refreshing (i.e. cold) river before heading up for another night at camp.

Philippine Green Pigeon and Rufous-crowned Bee-eater, Sawa Camp, Luzon

We began the walk back to civilisation early the next morning and found the open areas alive with birds. Brown-headed Thrushes, Philippine Green Pigeons and Philippine Collared Doves abound, and we were thrilled to get great looks at Philippine Collared Dove, a recently split endemic which has disappeared from many areas and is rarely seen on birding tours these days. We finished in style with another rare pigeon, this time several close flyby

Spotted Imperial Pigeons, another rather nomadic species for which this is one of the few regular haunts. Then we were back to again to Tugueagarao and soon on our way to Manila where the hot showers, comfortable beds and lavish buffet were more appreciated than at any other time during the tour! The tour recorded a total of 360 species of which 10 were heard only. This included 172 species endemic to the Philippines and 8 near-endemics which are found only marginally outside the Philippines and can be considered Philippine specialities. 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.

Bird of the trip

1 = Philippine Eagle

2 = Whiskered Pitta

3 = Luzon Scops Owl

4 = Falcated Ground Babbler

5 = Celestial Monarch

Other tour photos:

Buff-spotted Flameback and Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

Buzzing Flowerpecker and Black-masked White-eye, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

Rusty-breasted Cuckoo and Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

Writhed Hornbill and White-eared Brown Dove, Mindanao

White-bellied Woodpecker and Brown Shrike, Subic Bay, Luzon

Citrine Canary Flycatcher and Flame-crowned Flowerpecker (female), Mount Polis, Luzon

Luzon Bush Warbler and Luzon Water Redstart, Mount Polis, Luzon

Mountain Leaf Warbler and Mountain White-eye, Mount Polis, Luzon

Torquoise Flycatcher and Little Pied Flycatcher, Banaue, Luzon

Purple Heron and Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Candaba Marsh, Luzon

Changeable Hawk Eagle and Great Slaty Woodpecker, Palawan

Palawan Flycatcher and Palawan Blue Flycatcher

Philippine Pied Fantail and Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo, Palawan

Stork-billed Kingfisher and Hooded Pitta, Palawan

Systematic List

GALLIFORMES: Megapodiidae

Tabon Scrubfowl Megapodius cumingii cumingii

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae

Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus philippensis

Palawan Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron napoleonis e

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata

Philippine Duck Anas luzonica e

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata

Garganey Anas querquedula

Eurasian Teal Anas crecca

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis

Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

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

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

FALCONIFORMES: Pandionidae

Western Osprey Pandion [haliaetus] haliaetus

FALCONIFORMES: Accipitridae

Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus philippensis

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

Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii formosus

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus extimus

Chinese Goshawk Accipiter soloensis

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus

White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster

Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus

Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus

FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae

Philippine Falconet Microhierax erythrogenys e

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae

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 heard only

Philippine [Purple] Swamphen Porphyrio [porphyrio] pulverulentus e

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

GRUIFORMES: Turnicidae

Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator

CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus [himantopus] himantopus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius curonicus

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus

Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus mongolus

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii

CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae

Bukidnon Woodcock Scolopax bukidnonensis e

Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata

Common Redshank Tringa totanus

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis

Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae

Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae

Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Philippine [Island] Collared Dove Streptopelia [bitorquata] dusumieri e

Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis

Philippine Cuckoo Dove Macropygia tenuirostris e

Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica

Zebra Dove Geopelia striata

Luzon Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba luzonica e

White-eared Brown Dove Phapitreron leucotis e

Phapitreron leucotis leucotis

Phapitreron leucotis brevirostris

Amethyst Brown Dove Phapitreron amethystinus e

Philippine [Pompadour] Green Pigeon Treron [pompadora] axillaris e

Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra

Flame-breasted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus marchei e heard only

Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus occipitalis e

Cream-bellied Fruit Dove Ptilinopus marchei e

Black-chinned Fruit Dove Ptilinopus leclancheri ne

Black-naped Fruit Dove Ptilinopus melanospilus

Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon Ducula poliocephala e

Spotted Imperial Pigeon Ducula carola carola e

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea

Ducula aenea aenea

Ducula aenea palawanensis

Grey Imperial Pigeon Ducula pickeringii ne heard only

PSITTACIFORMES: Cacatuidae

Philippine Cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia e

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae

Colasisi Loriculus philippensis e

Loriculus philippensis philippensis

Loriculus philippensis apicalis

Luzon Racquet-tail Prioniturus montanus e

Mindanao Racquet-tail Prioniturus waterstradti e

Blue-headed Racquet-tail Prioniturus platenae e

Green Racquet-tail Prioniturus luconensis e

Blue-crowned Racquet-tail Prioniturus discurus e

Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis ne

Guaiabero Bolbopsittacus lunulatus e

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

Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus mindanensis

Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus

Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus xanthorhynchus

Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus amethystinus

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus merulinus

Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis [sepucralis] sepucralis

Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris brachyurus

Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus [lugubris] velutinus e

Large Hawk Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides heard only

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

Luzon Scops Owl Otus longicornis e

Mantanani Scops Owl Otus mantananensis mantananensis ne

Philippine Eagle Owl Bubo philippensis e

Spotted Wood Owl Strix seloputo wiepkeni

Northern Boobook Ninox [scutulata] japonica

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 [Javan] Frogmouth Batrachostomus [javensis] chaseni e

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae

Great Eared Nightjar Lyncornis macrotis macrotis

Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus johnsoni

Philippine Nightjar Caprimulgus manillensis e

Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis heard only

APODIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae

Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata major

APODIFORMES: Apodidae

Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta bagobo

Grey-rumped [Glossy] Swiftlet Collocalia [esculenta] marginata e

Pygmy Swiftlet Collocalia troglodytes e

Philippine Swiftlet Aerodramus mearnsi e

Island Swiflet Aerodramus [vanikornensis] amelis e

Palawan Swiftlet Aerodramus [vanikornensis] palawensis ne

Philippine Needletail Mearnsia picina e

Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus

Purple Needletail Hirundapus celebensis

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis pallidior

House Swift Apus [affinis] nipalensis

TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae

Philippine Trogon Harpactes ardens e

Harpactes ardens luzoniensis

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

Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda heard only

Brown-breasted [White-throated] Kingfisher Halcyon [smyrnensis] gularis e

Rufous-lored Kingfisher Todirhamphus winchelli mindanensis e

Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris

Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting amadoni

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis bengalensis

Rufous-backed [Oriental Dwarf] Kingfisher Ceyx [erithacus] rufidorsa

Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx melanurus mindanensis e

Indigo-banded Kingfisher Alcedo cyanopecta cyanopecta e

Southern Silvery Kingfisher Alcedo [argentata] argentata e

CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae

Rufous-crowned [Blue-throated] Bee-eater Merops [viridis] americanus e

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus

CORACIIFORMES: Bucerotidae

Palawan Hornbill Anthracoceros marchei e

Rufous Hornbill Buceros hydrocorax e

Buceros hydrocorax hydrocorax

Buceros hydrocorax mindanensis

Luzon Hornbill Penelopides [panini] manillae e

Mindanao Hornbill Penelopides [panini] affinis e

Writhed Hornbill Aceros leucocephalus e

PICIFORMES: Capitonidae

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala

Megalaima haemacephala haemacephala

Megalaima haemacephala mindanensis

PICIFORMES: Picidae

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos maculatus e

Dendrocopos maculatus validirostris

Dendrocopos maculatus fulvifasciatus

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

Red-headed [Greater] Flameback Chrysocolaptes [lucidus] erythrocephalus e

Northern Sooty Woodpecker Mulleripicus [funebris] funebris e

Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus

PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae

Red-bellied Pitta Erythropitta erythrogaster erythrogaster heard only

Whiskered Pitta Erythropitta kochi e

Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida

Pitta sordida palawanensis

Pitta sordida sordida

Steere's Pitta Pitta steerii e

PASSERIFORMES: Acanthizidae

Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea

PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus

PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae

Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina striata

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 e

Lalage melanoleuca minor

Lalage melanoleuca melanoleuca

Pied Triller Lalage nigra chilensis

Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus

Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus [cinnamomeus] igneus

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus

Pericrocotus speciosus novus

Pericrocotus speciosus gonzalesi

PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae

Green-backed Whistler Pachycephala albiventris e

Yellow-bellied Whistler Pachycephala philippinensis e

Pachycephala philippinensis philippensis

Pachycephala philippinensis apoensis

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus lucionensis

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach nasutus

Mountain Shrike Lanius validirostris e

Lanius validirostris validirostris

Lanius validirostris hachisuka

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae

Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus

Philippine Oriole Oriolus steerii e

White-lored Oriole Oriolus [steerii] albiloris e

Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis

Oriolus chinensis chinensis

Oriolus chinensis yamamurae

PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus leucogenis

Luzon Balicassiao Dicrurus [balicassius] balicassius e

Palawan Drongo Dicrurus [hottentottus] palawanensis e

Mindanao Drongo Dicrurus [bracteatus] striatus e

PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae

Philippine Pied Fantail Rhipidura [javanica] nigritorquis e

Mindanao Blue Fantail Rhipidura [superciliaris] superciliaris e

Blue-headed Fantail Rhipidura [cyaniceps] cyaniceps e

Black-and-cinnamon Fantail Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea e

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea azurea

Short-crested Monarch Hypothymis helenae e

Celestial Monarch Hypothymis coelestis e

Blue Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone cyanescens e

Rufous Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone cinnamomea cinnamomea ne

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae

Sierra Madre [Slender-billed] Crow Corvus [enca] sierramadrensis e

Palawan [Slender-billed] Crow Corvus [enca] pusillus e

Eastern Jungle [Large-billed] Crow Corvus [macrorhynchos] levaillantii

PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae

Citrine Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa helianthea

PASSERIFORMES: Paridae

Elegant Tit Parus elegans e

Parus elegans gilliardi

Parus elegans elegans

Parus elegans mindanensis

Palawan Tit Parus amabilis e

Luzon White-fronted Tit Parus [semilarvatus] semilarvatus e

PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae

Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula wolfei heard only

PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae

Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps

Yellow-wattled Bulbul Pycnonotus urostictus

Pycnonotus urostictus urostictus

Pycnonotus urostictus philippensis

Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier

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: Hirundinidae

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica

Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata

PASSERIFORMES: Cettiidae

Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus philippensis

Rufous-headed Tailorbird Phyllergates [cuculatus] heterolaemus e

Luzon Bush Warbler Horornis seebohmi e

PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae

Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis

Kamchatka Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus examinandus

Japanese Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus xanthodryas

Philippine Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus olivaceus e

Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus cebuensis luzonensis e

Philippine Mountain Warbler Phylloscopus nigrorum e

Phylloscopus nigrorum flavostriatus

Phylloscopus nigrorum benguetensis

PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus harterti

PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae

Sierra Madre Ground Warbler Robsonius thompsoni e

Long-tailed Bush Warbler Locustella caudatus e

Locustella caudatus caudatus

Locustella caudatus unicolor

Middendorff's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella ochotensis

Benguet Bush Warbler Locustella seebohmi e

Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris forbesi

Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis

Megalurus timoriensis tweeddalei

Megalurus timoriensis crex

PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis tinnabulans

Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis semirufus heard only

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

Luzon Striped Babbler Zosterornis striata e

Mindanao Pygmy Babbler Dasycrotapha [plateni] plateni e

Rusty-crowned Babbler Sterrhoptilus capitalis e

Golden-crowned Babbler Sterrhoptilus dennistouni e

Black-masked White-eye Lophozosterops goodfellowi goodfellowi e

Lowland White-eye Zosterops meyeni meyeni ne

Everett's White-eye Zosterops everetti basilanicus

Yellowish White-eye Zosterops nigrorum innominatus e

Mountain White-eye Zosterops montanus

Zosterops montanus whiteheadi

Zosterops montanus vulcani

PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae

Philippine Fairy Bluebird Irena cyanogastra e

Irena cyanogastra cyanogastra

Irena cyanogastra hoogstraali

Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella tweeddalii

PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis

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

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa palawanensis

Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus

Chestnut-cheeked Starling Agropsar philippensis

White-shouldered Starling Sturnia cineraceus

Stripe-headed Rhabdornis Rhabdornis mystacalis e

Rhabdornis mystacalis mystacalis

Rhabdornis mystacalis minor

Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis Rhabdornis [inornatus] alaris e

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae

Ashy Thrush Zoothera cinerea e

Sunda Thrush Zoothera andromedae

White's Trush Zoothera [dauma] aurea

Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus thomassoni

Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscurus

Brown-headed Thrush Turdus chrysolaus

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae

White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana

Brachypteryx montana poliogyna

Brachypteryx montana mindanensis

Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope heard only

Philippine (Oriental) Magpie Robin Copsychus [saularis] deuteronymus e

Luzon [White-browed] Shama Copsychus [luzoniensis] luzoniensis e

White-vented Shama Copsychus niger e

Luzon Water Redstart Rhyacornis bicolor e

Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius philippensis

Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta

Little Slaty Flycatcher Ficedula basilanica e

Furtive Flycatcher Ficedula diposita e

Cryptic Flycatcher Ficedula crypta e

Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra dulangana

Palawan Flycatcher Ficedula platenae e

Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni

Torquoise Flycatcher Eumyias panayensis

Eumyias panayensis nigrimentalis

Eumyias panayensis nigriloris

Blue-breasted Flycatcher Cyornis herioti herioti e

Palawan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis lemprieri e

Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra philippensis

PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae

Philippine Leafbird Chloropsis flavipennis e

Yellow-throated Leafbird Chloropsis palawanensis e

PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae

Olive-backed Flowerpecker Prionochilus olivaceus olivaceus e

Prionochilus olivaceus parsosi

Palawan Flowerpecker Prionochilus plateni e

Striped Flowerpecker Dicaeum aeruginosum e

Dicaeum aeruginosum affine

Dicaeum aeruginosum striatissimum

Whiskered Flowerpecker Dicaeum proprium e

Olive-capped Flowerpecker Dicaeum nigrilore nigrilore e

Flame-crowned Flowerpecker Dicaeum anthonyi anthonyi e

Bicolored Flowerpecker Dicaeum bicolor e

Red-keeled Flowerpecker Dicaeum australe e

Buzzing Flowerpecker Dicaeum hypoleucum e

Dicaeum hypoleucum obscurum

Dicaeum hypoleucum pontifex

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma

Dicaeum trigonostigma xanthopygium

Dicaeum trigonostigma cinereigularis

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus

Dicaeum ignipectus luzoniense

Dicaeum ignipectus apo

Pygmy Flowerpecker Dicaeum pygmaeum e

Dicaeum pygmaeum palawanorum

Dicaeum pygmaeum pygmaeum

Dicaeum pygmaeum davao

PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae

Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis paraguae

Grey-throated Sunbird Anthreptes griseigularis e

Anthreptes griseigularis griseigularis

Anthreptes griseigularis birgitae

Purple-throated Sunbird Leptocoma sperata e

Leptocoma sperata henkei

Leptocoma sperata sperata

Leptocoma sperata trochilus

Copper-throated Sunbird Leptocoma calcostetha

Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis

Cinnyris jugularis aurora

Cinnyris jugularis jugularis

Grey-hooded Sunbird Aethopyga primigenia primigenia e

Apo Sunbird Aethopyga boltoni boltoni 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

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni

PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae

White-cheeked Bullfinch Pyrrhula leucogenis steerei e

Mammals Northern Palawan Tree Squirrel Sundasciurus juvencus e

Mindanao Squirrel Sundasciurus mindanensis e

Asian Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus

Golden-crowned Flying Fox Acerodon jubatus e

Large Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus

Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis

e = Philippine endemic

ne = Philippine near-endemic