Avifauna in Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park

Compiled by:

Cindy B. Bitangcor

Department of Biological Sciences

MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology

IBA Code: PH094

Region: X –Bukidnon Province (Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Impasugong, Malaybalay,

Lantapan, Talakag, Baungon, Libona)

Area: 31, 297 ha

Coordinates: 8˚06’N 124˚54’E

Altitude: 700-2,938 m

General Description • “Kitanglad” - combination of Visayan words “kita” (to

see) and “tanglad” (lemon grass), taken from a legend,

which says that lemon grass was the only thing visible on

top of the mountain as a great flood once submerged

Bukidnon

• declared a protected area through RA 8978, known as

the Mt. Kitanglad Range Protected Area Act of 2000

and as an ASEAN Heritage Park in October 2009

• Main peaks are Mt. Imbayao, Mt. Kaatoan,

Mt. Nangkabulos, Mt. Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Kitanglad.

• Mt Imbayao has the most extensive remaining lowland

forest at 800- 200 m

• Peak of Mt Kitanglad is denuded of vegetation because

of a fire in 1983

• Most important source of water of Bukidnon and Mis.

Oriental

Sustains substantial populations of:

Mindanao Lorikeet

Mindana Raquet-tail

Mindana Scops-owl

Slaty-backed Jungle-flycatcher

Red-eared parrotfinch

Apo Myna

has record of the poorly known

Whitehead’s swiftlet

And supports important population of the

Philippine Eagle

Known mammal fauna: 58 species natural habitat for several endemic mammals such as (DENR, 2013):

Golden crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) Mindanao moon rat (Podogymnura truei)

Philippine brown deer (Cervus mariannus) Philippine tailless roundleaf bat (Coelops hirsutus)

Philippine flying lemur (Cynocephalus volans) Philippine pygmy fruit bat (Haplonycteris fischeri)

Phil. warty pig (Sus philippinensis) Mindanao tree shrew (Urogale everetti)

Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta)

Conservation Issues

Human activities severely impacting the area:

• High value crop plantations

• Kaingin

• Small-scale logging

• Establishment of buildings and roads for telecommunication and military camps

Other issues:

• Lack of security of tenure over the land

• Fires from adjacent grasslands

AVES

Philippine Duck Anas luzonica

Seen in or near at the base of Mt. Kitanglad in

1994.

Threat Category: Vulnerable

Habitat and Ecology:

Philippine endemic. It frequents most in freshwater and

saltwater habitats, including mangroves, open sea and

watercourses inside forest. It appears to be sedentary

although some seasonal aggregation occurs. It feeds on

fish, shrimps, insects, rice and young vegetation.

Philippine

Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi

Recorded at several localities in or near to the Mt

Kitanglad Range in the 1980s and 1990s including

Manolo Fortich, Libona, Impasugong, Dalwangan

(nesting), Kinabulan (nesting), Sangaya, Malaybalay

and Dulang-dulang peak.

Threat Category: Critically endangered

Habitat and Ecology:

Philippine endemic. It inhabits primary dipterocarp

forest, particularly in steep terrain, sometimes

frequenting secondary growth and gallery forest (but

not occupying open canopy forest), from lowlands to

at least 1,800 m. Estimates based on the distribution

of nests in Mindanao suggest that each pair covers an

average of 133 km2, including an average of 68

km2 of forest . In Mindanao, eagles begin nesting from

September to December in primary and disturbed

forest, with some differences in the timing of breeding

between Mindanao and Luzon. A complete breeding

cycle lasts two years, with successful pairs raising one

offspring. Birds form a monogamous bond for life with

sexual maturity for females at around five years and

for males at around seven years (J. Ibanez in

litt. 2008). The young fledge after 4-5 months, but

stay in the nest vicinity for almost a year and a half.

Mindanao Brown-dove Phapitreron brunneiceps

Specimens were collected on Mt. Imbayao and Mt. Nangkabulos in 1992 and 1993, and it was seen in MKRNP in 1995.


Identification: Mindanao endemic. 27 cm. A medium-sized, generally brown-coloured dove. Brown head and neck with glossy reddish-violet patch on side of neck. Warm, dark brownish rest of upperparts. Paler tip to tail. Vinous-grey underparts, contrasting with buff undertail-coverts.

Spotted Imperial-pigeon Ducula carola

Specimens were collected at Malaybalay in

1960, a sighting in 1997 but the species was not

found during 1992-1993, and most suitable mid-

altitude forest for this species may have been

cleared.


Identification: Philippine endemic. 33 cm. Small,

imperial-pigeon. Male has pale grey head, neck

and breast with white, crescent-shaped band

across centre of breast. Blackish bar across lower

breast, rest of underparts dark chestnut. Grey

upperparts, tinged mauve, with dark spotting.

Greenish-black flight feathers and tail. Whitish

iris, reddish bill with paler tip, reddish legs.

Female has darker head and underparts, lacking

white breast-band and darker, mauvish-grey

upperparts with more metallic gloss.

Mindanao Lorikeet Trichoglossus johnstoniae

Many specimens were collected on Mt Kitanglad in 1967 and was

seen on Mt Nangkabulos and at Dalwangan in 1980s and 1990s

Threat Category: Near Threatened

Identification: Mindanao endemic. 20 cm. Both adults in general

green; pink/red forecrown and cheeks; band from lores to occiput

dark purple; yellow underparts, scalloped with green; yellow/green

underwing coverts and undertail coverts; underwing band yellow. Bill

orange/red. Eye ring dark grey. Eye red.

Mindanao Racquet-tail Prioniturus waterstradti

Many specimens collected on Mt Kitanglad, Mt nangkabulos, Mt Imbayao and Mt Dulang-dulang in 1993 and found to be fairly common in the 1990s.

Threat Category: Near Thretened

Identification: Mindanao endemic. 30 cm. Both adults-pale blue forehead to lores and beneath eyes; upperparts washed with brown; low back green/brown; belly olive/green; middle tail feathers green, "racquets" black, side tail feathers green tipped with black. Bill blue/grey. Eye dark brown.

Mindanao Scops-owl Otus mirus

Seen on Mt Kitanglad, including on Mt

nangkabulos by several observers in the 1990s.

Threat category: Near Threatened

Identification: Mindanao endemic. The owl’s

greyish-brown head and upperparts are heavily

marked with blackish streaks and blotches, and

the whitish underparts are interlaced with a criss-

crossed pattern of fine and heavy black lines. At

the back of the neck a row of white spots form a

distinct collar, and the whitish feathers at the

shoulders form two prominent white lines. The ear

tufts are reasonably small and whitish, the eyes

are brownish-yellow and the bill is greenish-grey

Lesser Eagle-owl Mimizuku gurneyi

Specimens were collected in Mt Kitanglad as early as 1960s


Identification: Philippine endemic. 30 cm. Medium-sized owl with well-developed ear-tufts. Dark eyes. Rufescent facial disc outlined in black, conspicuous white eyebrows. Rufescent-brown crown and upperparts with darker shaft streaks, barred flight feathers and pale line on scapulars. Whitish underparts, washed rufous with bold black streaks.

Phil. Eagle-owl Bubo philippensis

Seen on Mt Kitanglad in 1987.


Identification. Philippine endemic. 40 cm. Largish owl with small ear-tufts. Yellow eyes. Rufous-buff facial disc. Tawny-rufous crown and upperparts with conspicuous dark brown shaft-streaks. Dark brown wings and tail with buff barring. Whitish underparts, washed rufous especially on breast, with bold dark streaks. Subspecies B. p. mindanensis similar though darker.

Whitehead’s Swiftlet Collocalia whiteheadi

Reported from Mt Kitanglad and Mt Nangkabulos in 1993 but the

occurrence awaits definite confirmation

Threat Category: Data Deficient

Range Description: Collocalia whiteheadi is endemic to

the Philippines, where it is known from only four mountains, one on

Luzon (nominate whiteheadi) and three on Mindanao (race origenis)

(Collar et al. 1999). On Luzon, it was collected on Mt Data in 1895,

but has not been recorded there subsequently. On Mindanao, it is

known from Mt Apo in 1904 and Mt Kitanglad and Matutum in the

1990s, with specimens taken recently at an unnamed locality in South

Cotabato (the same province as Mt Matutum). Population numbers

are entirely unknown, partly as a result of the species's apparent

preference for relatively inaccessible areas and partly due to

identification difficulties, even with birds in the hand.

Phil Needletail Mearnsia picina

Seen on Mt Kitanglad in the 1990s


Range Description: Mearnsia picina is endemic to the Philippines where it has been described as fairly common on Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Cebu and Negros, with a recent record from Tawitawi, but it appears to be scarce and local even at the best sites

Habitat and Ecology: This species is apparently restricted to lowland forest, although little is known of its breeding habits or life history. It feeds high above forest, either alone or in small groups.

Silvery Kingfisher Alcedo argentata

A reliable local report from Dalawagan in 1997,

although little of the lowland forest habitat of this

species remain.


Identification. Philippine endemic. 14 cm. Tiny, black-

and-white kingfisher. Blackish underparts, washed blue

with white throat and belly. Black head and

upperparts, white loral spot, spots on side of head

forming streaky supercilium, neck blaze and median

covert tips. Silvery-white rump and blaze on back.

Bright red legs. Subspecies A. a. flumenicola smaller

with purple-washed underparts and yellow throat,

loral spot and neck blaze.

Blue-capped Kingfisher Actenoides hombroni

Seen on Mt Kitanglad by several observers in the 1990s.


Identification: Mindanao endemic. 27 cm. Large, secretive, forest kingfisher. Male has bright blue cap and moustachial area, rufous-orange cheeks and underparts. Off-white throat, rest of underparts rufous-orange. Blue-green upperparts with small buff spots on scapulars and wing-coverts. Brighter blue rump and tail. Bright red bill. Female has drabber cap and moustachial area. Green upperparts with larger buff spots than male.

Mindanao Hornbill Penelopides affinis

Seen on Mt Kitanglad by many

observers in the 1980s and 90s.

Threat Category: Least Concern

Habitat and Ecology: It is social and

often seen in pairs of small groups.

These birds are noisy and emit an

incessant sound that sounds like ta-rik-

tik, hence the name. Despite their

noise they are difficult to find, being

well camouflaged by the

dense foliage. The principal food of

Mindanao Hornbill is fruit. It also

eats insects, beetles, ants,and

earthworms (rarely)

Writhed Hornbill Aceros leucocephalus

Specimens were collected from Mt Kitanglad in the 1960s and several

indiciduals were heard on Mt Nangkabulos in 1993


Range description: Aceros leucocephalus is endemic to

the Philippines occurring on three islands, Mindanao and its two small

satellites Camiguin Sur and Dinagat. It is poorly known, but considered

locally fairly common in suitable habitat. Most records come from

between 300 and 1,000 m in primary lowland forest.

Wattled Broadbill Eurylaimus steeri

Recorded in Mt Kitanglad in 1952


Identification: Philippine endemic. 17 cm. Small, brightly coloured passerine. Black throat and face. Green eye surrounded by large, prominent sky-blue wattle. Large, broad, pale blue bill. Maroon-purple crown, bordered by white nuchal collar. Dark grey mantle, bright chestnut rump and tail. Black wings with prominent white and yellow bar across tertials and secondaries. Lilac underparts becoming yellowish-white on lower belly. Female as male but gleaming white breast and belly. Juvenile duller.

Specimens have been collected on Mt Kitanglad and Mt Kaatoan and Mt Imbayao most recently in 1992 and has been seen there including Mt Nangkabulos in 1980s and 1990s.


Range description: Mindanao endemic. It is described as common within the confines of its range and this is confirmed by the number of specimens obtained in short periods of time at various localities. This species inhabits montane-mossy forest and forest edge at 1,000 to 1,900 m.

McGregor’s Cuckoo-shrike Coracina mcgregori

Yellowish Bulbul Ixos everetti

Specimens were collected near this

IBA at Mailag in the early 20th

century.


Range description: It is endemic to

the Philippines. Its

natural habitat is subtropical or

tropical moist lowland forests.

Phil Leafbird Chloropsis flavipennis

Specimens were collected in Mt Kitanglad in 1951


Identification: Philippine endemic. 18 cm. Small-medium, green, canopy-dwelling passerine. Entire plumage bright green except for yellow eye-ring, throat and line on closed wing formed by yellow primary fringes. Dark bill, iris and legs. Voice Short, loud melodious phrases such as whit-too-whee and see-tee-wee-oo.

Mountain Shrike Lanius validirostris

Specimens were collected on Mt

Kitanglad in the 1960 and was seen

there in 1990s.


Range description: Lanius validirostris is

endemic to the Philippines, where it

occurs on Luzon (nominate validirostris, in

Cordillera Central and Sierra Madre),

Mindoro (race tertius) and Mindanao

(race hachisuka, including on Mt

Kitanglad, Civolig, Mt Malindang and

Mt Apo)

Bagobo Babbler

Trichastoma woodi

Specimens have been collected in Dalwangan, Mt Nangkabulos and Mt Imbayao


Range description: Mindanao endemic. The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as probably common on all higher mountains in Mindanao.

Striated Wren-babbler Ptilocichla mindanensis

Specimens were collected in Mt Kitanglad in 1960 and has been seen in the 1990s.


Range description: It is endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Pygmy Babbler Stachyris plateni

Specimens were collected near to this IBA at Cabanglasan in

1951, and it was seen on Mt Kitanglad in 1987.


Identification: Mindanao endemic. Small, sexes alike. Forehead,

sides of face and chin black-brown with prominent white shaft

streaks; hind neck, throat and upper breast red-brown with finer

white shaft streaks, whole head and neck appear as a hood;

back is olive brown with faint shaft streaks. The wings and tail are

brown, edged with olive; lower belly and undertail white. Bill

blue-grey with white tip. Eyes are lined by pinkish orange ring,

becoming fainter in colour towards the pupil. Legs grey.

Miniature Tit-babbler

Micromacronus leytensis

Seen on Mt Kitanglad in 1995


Identification: Philippine

endemic. Small in size with

elongated, erectile feathers on

back and sides. Sexes similar.

Bill dark horn, lower mandible

lighter. Eyes red; legs greenish-

grey; toes straw yellow.

Long-tailed Bush-warbler Bradypterus caudatus

Specimens were collected in Mt Kitanglad in1960, and it has been found to be common there in the 1990s.


Description: Philippine endemic. A species of grass warbler (family Locustellidae). It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage.

Rufous-headed Tailorbird

Orthotomus nigriceps

Specimens have been collected in Mt Kitanglad, most recently in 1960, and it has been found to be common there in the 1990s.


Description: Mindanao endemic. A songbird species in the family Cisticolidae.

Slaty-backed Jungle-flycatcher

Rhinomyias goodfellowi

Specimens have been collected in Mt Kitanglad, Mt Imbayao and Mt Nangkabulos most recently in 1992, and it has been seen there in the 1990s.


Description: a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It is endemic to the Philippines. The specific epithet honours British zoological collector Walter Goodfellow. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss.

Black-and-cinnamon Fantail

Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea

Specimens have been collected in Mt Kitanglad, most recently in 1960, and it was found to be common there in the 1990s.


Description: Mindanao endemic. The population trend appears to be stable. The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as common to very common within its tiny range

Whiskered Flowerpecker Dicaeum propium

Seen on Mt Kitanglad range on the lower slopes of Mt Nangkabulos in 1993


Distribution and population:

Dicaeum proprium is endemic to Mindanao, Philippines, where it is found at Mt Mayo,

Mainit, Manticao, Misamis Oriental, Mt Kitanglad on the lower slopes of Mt Nangkabulos,

Mt Piapayungan at Saronayan, Lumba-Bayabao, Mt Apo, Lake Sebu, Mt Matutum at

Tupi, and Mt Sugarloaf at Burakan Hill. Although previously considered an uncommon,

low-density species, and hence as threatened, recent evidence of its occurrence on Mt

Kitanglad and on Mt Apo, Mindanao's two largest mountains, suggests that its overall

numbers may be moderately high.

Olive-capped Flowerpecker

Dicaeum nigrilore

Specimens have been collected in Mt Kitanglad, most recently in 1960 and it was found to be fairly common there in the 1990s.


Description: a species of bird in the Dicaeidae family. It is endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Grey-hooded Sunbird Aethopyga primigenius



Distribution and population: This species is endemic to Mindanao, Philippines, where it is fairly common to common including on Mt Hilong-hilong (race diuatae), Mt Kitanglad, Civolig, Daggayan, Mt Lamut, Mt Apo and Lake Sebu

Apo Sunbird Aethopyga boltoni

Specimens have been collected in Mt

Kitanglad, most recently in 1960 and it

was found to be fairly common there in

the 1990s.


Description: is a species of bird in the

sunbird family Nectariniidae. It is

endemic to the island of Mindanao in the

Philippines.Its natural habitat is tropical

moist montane forest. The species is not

yet threatened by habitat loss, and is

common within its range, but it is listed as

Near Threatened due to its tiny range.

Cinnamon Ibon

Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus



Description: Monotypic endemic to the mountains of Mindanao. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forests and mossy forests above 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).

Mountain Serin Serinus estherae



Description: a species of finch in the Fringillidae family.

It is found in Indonesia and the Philippines. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.

White-cheeked Bullfinch Pyrrhula leucogenis

Specimens have been collected

on Mt Kitanglad at Kaatoan,

most recently in 1960, and it

was found to be fairly common

there in the 1980s and 90s.


Description: a species of finch in

theFringillidae family. It is found

only in the Philippines. Its

natural habitat is subtropical or

tropical moist montane forests.

Red-eared Parrotfinch Erythrura coloria

Many specimens have been collected in Mt Kitanglad

and Mt Kaatoan, most recently in 1969, and it has been

seen there, including at Mt Nangkabulos and Kinubalan,

by several observers in the 1980s and 90s.


Distribution and population:

This species is endemic to Mindanao in the Philippines,

where it is now known in: Mt Hilong-hilong; Mt Pasian, Mt

Puting Bato, Mt Kitanglad, Mt Kaatoan, Mt

Nangkabulos, and at Kinubalan. It is described as

moderately common but very local, although is probably

present on every mountain in central Mindanao. It is very

unobtrusive and secretive, and its high-pitched call

(typical of the genus) is easily overlooked. On voice,

however, it appears to be not uncommon at Kitanglad.

Apo Myna Basilornis miranda

Seen on Mt Kitanglad by several

observers in the 1990s, and found to

be numerous in high altitude forest.


Distribution and population: Basilornis

mirandus is endemic to Mindanao,

where it is common within suitable

habitats, including at Daggayan, Mt

Kitanglad and Mt Apo. This species is

found above 1,250 m in forest and

forest edge, even in cut-over areas.

MAMMALS

Phil Brown Deer Cervus mariannus


Range description: This species is endemic

to the Philippines, and occurs through most

of the country except the Negros-Panay

Faunal Region, the Babuyan/Batanes

groups, the Palawan Faunal Region, the

Sulu Faunal Region, and other isolated

islets.

Habitat and Ecology: This species formerly

occured from sea-level up to at least

2,900 m asl in primary and secondary

forest. The Mindoro subspecies also

frequents open grasslands, where it may

be able to persist. In general, however, this

is a forest species, which forages in

grassland.

Mindanao Gymnure Podogymnura truei


Description: Mindanao gymnures are medium sized, ground dwellers with a body length of 130 to 150 mm. Their pelage is long, soft, and full. Mindanao endemic. The species is found in primary montane and mossy forest above 1,300 m up to 2,900 m.

Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis

Threat Category: Least Concern Description: This is a widespread

and often abundant species, and is sometimes commensal with humans. In the Philippines, it ranges from being locally common to uncommon, though this is largely dependent upon hunting pressure. The species is extremely tolerant of a range of habitats, including mangrove and swamp forests, and can be found in agricultural areas near forest

Bearded Pig Sus barbatus


Description: The Bearded Pig has the slimmest torso and longest head of all the living pigs. Distinguishing characteristics include two pairs of warts on the face with the first pair covered by the beard hair, thin whiskers on the face, and a two-rowed tail tuft. It inhabit rainforests, mangrove thickets, and secondary forests.

Mindanao Tree Shrew Urogale everetti


Description: Urogale can easily be distinguished from other members of the Tupaiidae by its even-haired round tail and elongated snout. Furthermore, it has small zygomatic fenestra and large canine-like second incisors. The Philippine tree shrew is widely distributed on the Mindanao, Dinagat, and Siargao islands of the Philippines

Philippine Lemur Cynocephalus volans


Description: They are cat-sized and a little smaller than the Malaysian

flying lemurs. Fur coloration is usually darker and less spotted than in

the Malaysian species. They have huge eyes and faces that resemble

those of Old World fruit bats. The head is broad, somewhat like a

greyhound's in appearance, with rounded short ears and a blunt

muzzle. The limbs are of equal length, with strong sharp claws for

climbing, and the toes are connected by webs of skin.

Mindanao Flying Squirrel Petinomys crinitus


This species is endemic to the Philippines, where it is found only in the Mindanao Faunal Region. Itis a ground squirrel and is found in lowlands to montane primary forest, although its abundance is higher in its preferred habitat (oak forest) at upper elevations. The habitat at that altitude is in pretty good shape since it is cold, wet, and difficult to access.

Mindanao Pygmy Fruit Bat

Alionycteris paucidentata

• Threat Category: Least Concern

• Description: The Mindanao pygmy fruit bat is endemic to the Philippines where it is restricted to Mindanao on Mounts Kitanglad and Kalatungan where it occupies an elevational range of 1,500-2,250 m asl. Most records are from primary montane mossy forest, it is also present in secondary and primary montane forest but absent in lowland forest.

Kitanglad Shrew-mouse Crunomys suncoides


Range and Description: The species is known only from a single specimen captured in April 1993 taken at 2,500 m on Mt. Kitanglad. This species is currently known only from the Kitanglad Range, though suspected to be more widespread in mossy forest on Mindanao.

Habitat and Ecology: The individual was found in a primary mossy forest with little disturbance A semi-fossorial habit is inferred from a combination of external characters, including strong front feet with large claws, narrow head, tiny eyes, and dense, soft pelage.

REFERENCES

http://www.iucnredlist.org http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu http://www.birdlife.org http://ibc.lynxeds.com http://www.arkive.org http://orientalbirdimages.org http://www.denr.gov.ph Haribon Foundation (1998); Heaney et al., (1993);

Lambert (1993); NORDECO and DENR (1998); Peterson et al. (in prep); Rickart et al. (1998)

Documents

Avifauna in Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park