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BIRDING THE PHILIPPINESJanuary 2nd -March 8th 2013

©Marijn van Oss

Author: Sjoerd Radstaak

Before kicking off this trip report, I want to apologize for those who have been birding the Philippines in the past one-and-a-half year and (probably) would have liked to have seen this trip report earlier. However, due to writing it on my own, suffering from RSI, and being a perfectionist more or less ever since I was born it took quite a while to properly finish this trip report. Nevertheless, I have always desperately wanted to finish this trip report as it includes a shit load of information not to be found elsewhere on the internet yet. For those having plans to visit the Philippines, I just hope this trip report will be of help for finding all their targets.

Despite writing on my own, I haven’t travelled on my own. Therefore, I would like to thank my travel companions Mark de Vries (most right on the picture) and Marijn van Oss (second from the left) for their pleasant company and excellent birding. Though we all had ‘our moments’ (me in particular, I know), but in the end the birds totally made up for it.

Finally, I would like to thank the following people: Bram de Meulemeester for his help contacting Aquilino Escobar and so many other things (for example the exact location of Philippine Eagle Owl in Angano), Godfrey Jakosalem for helping us to arrange a visit to Mt. Nug-As (via Pedro Villarte), Steve Mulkeen for pointing out where to find cockatoos on Bohol and his advice to visit the campus of BISU (where we saw our only Azure-breasted Pitta!), Rob Hutchinson for his comments on some (old) birding sites and birds and Frank E. Rheidt for his comments on visiting Mt. Mantalingajan on Palawan. Also the conversations with Sander Lagerveld and Jan van der Laan back in Holland were helpful. Furthermore we would like to thank Louis Boon for passing on some information (on site) on where to find Palawan Frogmouth and Luzon Scops Owl and Brendan Sloan (most left) for his pleasant company during our final day at St. Pauls NP on Palawan. Last but not least I would like to thank our bird guides, drivers and porters: without them our trip wouldn’t be half as successful!

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The Philippines, in South-East Asia, have always been a birders’ paradise. With now well over a 240 endemic species (depending on the taxonomy used, here IOC), it has attracted many birders ever since. Due to continuous splitting of species, this number is growing rapidly. Only the last two years a total of 7 endemic bird species have been added, including 5 sunbirds. Checking IOC’ species updates from January 2009 onwards a total of 27 have been added to this list. Recent splits involve – amongst others – the ‘Greater Frameback’-complex (4), Philippine Hawk-Owl (6) and some sunbirds (5, see Hosner 2013). To our surprise, some species have still not been split despite different plumage and song – most apparent in the superciliaris race of White-browed Shama. Others have long said to be split soon, but still haven’t. There seems to be still a lot of work to do for those involved in taxonomy. Moreover, recently new endemic species have been found on the Philippines, like the Sierra Madre Ground Warbler. Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of some regions in the Philippines, it might be expected there will be more to be discovered over the years.

Most birders visiting the Philippines have joined an organized trip by one of the numerous bird tour companies or local travel agents (72%; www.cloudbirders.com) and independent trips to the Philippines seem to be less common (28%; idem). Over the last decade only a handful of useful trip reports have been written. Also, most of them only include the trip highlights, a trip list and, if lucky, some general information. By far the best trip report ever written so far dates back from 2003 and is written by Sam Woods, Rob Hutchinson and Andy Adcock. The three of them travelled for four months all over the Philippines (covering nine islands) and their extensive trip report includes not only a comprehensive introducing chapter, but each site has its own subchapter on access, facilities and birding. Being instantly enthusiastic about this trip report, this trip report served as a starting point for this trip.

However, in the last decade much has changed. Not only have many birds been split (and some new found), also new birding places have been found while others no longer hold the target species. There is thus a dire need for an updated version of this good but old trip report. Therefore, and for comparison, the general structure of this trip report has been taken as a starting point too. Though in reversed order, we covered eight islands (skipping Panay) and travelled throughout the Philippines for about almost 9 weeks. We visited all of the more basic sites, but also did some exploring on other sites (see itinerary). In the section ‘Birding the Philippines’ one will find more information on when to go, where to get et cetera. Below more information is given first on preparation issues, like visas, money/credit cards and health.

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1. General information Visas Logistics Money / credit card Language Health Safety Climate

2. Birding the Philippines 3. Itinerary 4. Sites 4.1 Cebu 4.1.1 Mt. Nug-as 4.1.2 Tabunan Forest 4.2 Negros 4.2.1 Casa Rora Waterfalls 4.2.2 Mt. Talinis 4.2.3 Canaway Forest 4.2.4 Malangwa, Magsuhot & Liptong 4.2.5 St. Moritz 4.3 Siquijor 4.3.1 Salandoong Beach 4.4 Bohol 4.4.1 Rajah Sikutana NP 4.4.2 Oikos / BISU 4.4.3 Loboc Watershed 4.4.4 Tarsier Sanctuary 4.5 Mindanao 4.5.1 Mt. Kitanglad 4.5.2 Mt. Dulang-Dulang 4.5.3 Bislig /PICOP 4.5.4 Bislig Airport 4.6 Palawan 4.6.1 Mt. Mantalingajan 4.6.2 Garcelinano Beach 4.6.3 Zigzag Road 4.6.4 Iwahig Penal Farm 4.6.5 St. Pauls Underground River NP 4.6.6 Sabang, *** & Ulugan Bay 4.7. Luzon 4.7.1 Subic Bay 4.7.2 Sawa Camp 4.7.3 Mt. Polis 4.7.4 La Mesa Eco Park / Petroglyops 4.7.5 Mt. Makiling, Los Baños 4.7.6 Candaba Swamp 4.8 Mindoro 4.8.1 Sablayan Penal Farm

5. Triplist

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Basically, one can either stay for 21 days or 59 days. One can get a 21-day visa free of charge at the airport after arrival, but extending it to 59 days in the Philippines will cost you P3030 (Lonely Planet, 2012). While Lonely Planet will tell you it’s possible to get a three-month visa (or multiple entry visa up to 12 months) for US$30 to US$45, we were told multiple times it is not possible to stay longer than 59 days in the Philippines! You either have to fly out and in again if you want to stay longer than 59 days. Although the consulate in Amsterdam told us we had a visa for 6 months (€56) after arrival it soon became clear they were no such visas at all. Neither for 3 months. So, the customs in Manila told us (on arrival) our fly-out date was a few days late and we had to pay extra for an extended 21 days. We didn’t opted to buy one at the airport of Manila, but bought one at the Bureau of Immigration in Puerto Princesa, Palawan (6832,5P). Moreover, make sure you’ll have an (proof of) onward ticket out of the Philippines. If you don’t, they (the airlines, not the customs) will make you purchase one on arrival. See also the recently published Lonely Planet on the Philippines for more information.

Being a low-budget and independent trip, we did most of the travelling by public transport. Generally we enjoyed travelling by public transport, despite it can be quite exhausting – but hey we’re young. The only place where we did regret having no private transport must have been Subic Bay: it’s a large area and there’s no public transport. For the rest of the trip we had no problems getting where we wanted to be (as it comes down to public transport...). In general, for short distances in town and beyond, one will mostly make use of the numerous jeepneys or tricycles. For the latter expect to pay around 150P per 10 kilometre, while the first will only cost you about 8P for short distances and 20P for longer distances in town. In some cases, they also complement the regional buses (see sites for details).

For longer distances, just hop on to one of the numerous buses in the country. There are many of them and they go to (almost) every corner of the country. Basically, there are two types of buses: with air-con and without. While the latter is cheaper, it isn’t much of a difference. Moreover, air-con buses are generally more comfortable and clean. In some way, it a quite convenient way of travelling. However, air-con and non-air-con bus drivers have one particular thing in common: they drive like maniacs, but at least you’ll be soon where you want to be. But really, expect some bumpy rides! There is one more way of travelling one can use to travel around: motorbikes. Motorbikes seem to be a real necessity on the Visayas, as some inhospitable areas are hard to reach otherwise. In most cases, also a 4WD will do the job, but this is more expensive.

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Visas

Logistics

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Between the islands we either travelled by ferry or plane. In short I believe it’s only necessary to fly to and from Palawan (via Manila) and between Luzon and the Visayas (or by ferry via Panay). Most people also take a plane from Manila to Tuguegarao (northern Luzon) and San Jose Airport (Mindoro). The flights we took were all booked via Cebu Pacific - Philippine’s budget airline company. As it comes to ferries: ferries between Cebu, Bohol and Negros are frequent and the night ferry to Cagayan de Oro (Mindanao) from Tagbilaran (Bohol) leaves three times (Mon, Wed, Fri) a week at 19.00.

The national currency in the Philippines is Philippine Pesos (PHP). At the time of writing, 1 EUR is close to 62 PHP and 1 USD is just over 45 PHP. Of course, being a westerner, they will try to let you pay the highest price. In most cases, if not all, it’s thus well worth to toggle down. By taking the trip report of Hutchinson et al. (2003) as a reference, I believe we sometimes toggled down a bit too much... Expect prices to have increased dramatically, in particular guiding fees. Throughout this trip report some average prices are mentioned too; to give you an indication of regular costs like water, food, accommodation et cetera. It is mostly fairly easy to get money from an ATM, both maestro and MasterCard, but expect to pay 200P extra. Also please note ATM’s aren’t always around, like in Sabang (Palawan) and Banuae (Luzon)!

The official language being both English (first) and Filipino (or Tagalog, second), lots of people speak both. A third ‘big’ language is Visayan, spoken in the Visayas and Mindanao. With over 165 other languages (or dialects) spoken in the Philippines, as a consequence all written signs are in English. In most retail, catering and official institutions one will experience no difficulties. However, this doesn’t mean language isn’t a problem at all. As most drivers only speak very basic English, it can still be a real difficulty explaining where you want to go and what time you want to be picked up for example. Also, most porters don’t speak English at all which can be quite frustrating in case they are the only other people around (i.e. no guide). Just to check on things, no more. Fortunately, most bird guides speak proper English.

Most of us already having the usual inoculations (hepatitis A/B, Polio, Tetanus et cetera) only typhoid was needed. This involves one single shot. Although malaria is said only to occur in areas below 600 meter in extremely remote areas such as southern Palawan (Lonely Planet, 2012), it was advised to take it also in lowlands elsewhere. It does not occur on Bohol, Boracay, Catanduanes, Cebu, Manila or other urban areas (idem, 2013). As an anti-malarial prophylactic, we opted for Malarone as Lariam – the cheaper option – can cause serious negative side-effects (nightmares etc.)

Money / credit cards

Language

Health

Birding PICOP, Mindanao

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As it comes to safety issues: the Philippines isn’t the safest place on earth to go to. For long now, due to religion issues (clashes between the army and Muslim groups) the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago have wanted to become independent from the rest of the Philippines. For the Sulu archipelago until today it’s still very much advised not to go there as, despite a growing number of endemics, back in January 2012 a Dutch and Swiss taxidermist were kidnapped at the Sulus and have not yet been freed until today! On Mindanao, the northern and eastern part have always relatively been safe (although birders was denied access on Mt. Kintanglad also), but the southern and western part have only recently become a bit safer. It is only in recent years that for example the enigmatic Zamboanga Bulbul can be ticked. Thank God. We experienced are own fair share of safety issues, when trying to climb Mt. Pasian for both Lina’s Sunbird and Cryptic Flycatcher. As the DNR holds here, it was advised not to go there. In the recent past, an English birder has already been sent back by them and there have been clashes with the local police. DNR has never kidnapped any tourists and seems to fight the governments only, ‘we’ wouldn’t take the risk...

In addition to the previous paragraph, another risk in the Philippines involves the number of natural disasters – in particular the supposed relationship between climate change and the ever growing number of typhoons in the country. This does not only result in the unfortunate loss of many lives every year, but also has destroyed many natural habitats. For example, we couldn’t relocate Flame-templed Babbler at the historical site of Casa Rora as – according to local guide Rene Vendiola – it hasn’t been there since a typhoon in 2012 swept over it. So it does seem to affect birders as well...

But still, also if you don’t get hit by a typhoon, the weather in the Philippines can still be quite bad. We got soaking wet at several occasions, both mountainous (Mt. Dulang-Dulang, Mindanao; Banaue, Luzon) or lowland (Bohol; PICOP, Mindanao). During our visit on Bohol it rained for 5 days or so and it was hard work to find all our targets (found all but one). In general, the Philippines is best to be visited between January and March. However, as we and others experienced, January can still be a bit tricky as it frequently rains. With 9 weeks to spent in the Philippines and this being part of a larger trip (including peninsular Malaysia and Borneo) we had no choice and started our trip early January. So if you don’t want to take any risk and just have a few weeks, February-March might be a safer option. April or May, before the wet season starts (June-October), are probably already too hot and birds are getting quit by then. Please note that there are some regional variations in the Philippines and the southern region can still be pretty wet for long after the wet season.

Climate

Safety

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Planning an independent birding trip to the Philippines starts with making some difficult decisions. As most people will only have about 2 to 3 weeks off from work, one has to decide which islands one wants to visit first. Basically, there are four birding regions: Luzon, Mindanao, Palawan and the Visayas (from west to east: Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar). Luzon mostly doesn’t include Mindoro which can be seen as a fifth birding region. Most people include Luzon and Mindanao on their trip and, if time allows, will also include Palawan. If you take a flight to northern Luzon to catch up with the northern specialties, birding these three islands will take you about 3 weeks. If you only have about 2 weeks, just stick to Luzon and Mindanao. Including the Visayas and Mindoro will cost you about a month, if money isn’t too much of a problem. Some trip reports can be found doing so, but they have a hell of a schedule. Most birders start their trip on Luzon, most likely Mt. Makiling. It’s good birding and offers a good introduction to some of the more common endemics.

If you have plans to include the Visayas, opt for visiting Cebu, Negros and Bohol. In theory, Panay only holds Panay Striped Babbler not to be found elsewhere although species like Walden’s Hornbill and Negros Bleeding-Heart are more easy to see here. Leyte and Samar are rarely birded and together hold only two endemic species on their own: Visayan Tit-Babbler and Visayan Pygmy Babbler. If you have only let’s say a month and you want to visit Negros, it might be worth to focus on Mt. Kanla-on. All the targets except one (Negros Striped Babbler) can be found here too, although Flame-templed Babbler can easily be missed (from what I know).

Another important aspect of planning an independent trip to the Philippines is one’s physical health. Note that birding the Philippines isn’t as easy as it is in some other popular birding countries. To see some of the most wanted endemics, one has to climb steep mountains over slippery and narrow trails. Many times these trails had to be cut first by our local guide as they where overgrown or destroyed by a typhoon over the past years. At some sites it was necessary to use both hands and feet to work your way up to the top to see that one endemic species, like Mt. Talinis (Negros). The first few weeks in the Philippines we fell numerous times. In case the birds aren’t high up some steep mountains, birding can still be very exhausting as in most cases birds are far from the civilized world. It can be a pretty long and sometimes tuff walk to even get to the point where the actual birding starts, like Canaway Forest (Negros), Mt. Kitanglad (Mindanao) or Sawa Camp (Luzon). Walking for a few hours to get even to the forest edge isn’t rare in the Philippines. If you’re lucky it doesn’t rain, if so…it can be a hell of walk. How much of a contrast with birding Peninsular Malaysia for example!2

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Finally, note that birding the Philippines is different from other countries. At least, from where I have been so far. Not so many birds, but very good birds though. Many endemic species and an even higher number of endemic subspecies. As some of these ssp. are being split or are potential splits, it is important to pay attention to ssp. and even more important: to write down exactly what you saw where. Furthermore, try to see as many endemic subspecies as you can, ‘cause you’ll never know! In this trip report, in the general chapters of each islands, I listed almost all the different subspecies we have encountered during our trip. As we spent more days on the birding sites than most others birders do, we expect to have covered most of the endemic subspecies but not all.

From the other hand, although being good birds there aren’t many. Of course, birding tropical rainforest is always tuff, but in the Philippines there are even less birds to be found than in other Asian or South-American countries. Birding the Philippines can be rewarding, but it’s mostly hard work. From our experience, the first day on a new spot it was quite easy though to locate almost all endemics. However, to locate these few other endemics always turned out to be a real difficulty. Although this might not be an eye-opener for any world birder, it is important to realize birding the Philippines is about quality and not about quantity. After 9 weeks of birding the Philippines (ok, that’s not normal...), it was a nice welcome to see over a 35 new species at Fraser’s Hill in Malaysia on our very first day.

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31. Mt. Nug-as2. Tabunan Forest3. Casa Rora Waterfalls4. Mt. Talinis5. Canaway Forest6. Malangwa, Magsuhot & Liptong7. St. Moritz8. Salandoong Beach9. Rajah Sikutana NP10. Oikos / BISU11. Loboc Watershed12. Tarsier Sanctuary13. Mt. Kitanglad14. Mt. Dulang-Dulang

15. Bislig /PICOP16. Bislig Airport17. Mt. Mantalingajan18. Garcelinano Beach19. Zigzag Road20. Iwahig Penal Farm21. St. Pauls Underground River NP22. Sabang, *** & Ulugan Bay23. Subic Bay24. Sawa Camp25. Mt. Polis26. La Mesa Eco Park / Petroglyops27. Mt. Makiling, Los Baños28. Sablayan Penal Farm29. Candaba Swamp

CEBU

MINDANAO

PALAWAN

LUZON

NEGROS

MINDORO

PANAY

BOHOL

SAMAR

LEYTE

SIqUIJOR

BORNEO

MASBATE

BUSUANGAISLANDS

BASILAN

TAWI-TAWI

YOLO ISLANDS

CATANDUANESISLAND

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Day Date Island Itinerary1 2 Jan CEB • Flight Amsterdam (AMS) - Dubai

(DXB) 14.40 - 00.102 3 Jan CEB • Flight Dubai (DXB) - Manila

(MNL) 04.00 - 16.00• Flight Manila (MNL) - Cebu

(CEB) 22.05 - 23.153 4 Jan CEB • Birding Lapu-Lapu

• Travel to Mt. Nug-As45

5 Jan6 Jan

CEB • Birding Mt. Nug-As• Travel to Tabunan

6 7 Jan CEB • Birding Tabunan Forest7 8 Jan CEB

NEG• Birding Tabunan Forest• Travel to Damaguete (Negros)

8 9 Jan NEG • Birding Casa Rora Waterfalls9 10 Jan NEG

SIq• Birding Casa Rora Waterfalls• Travel to Siquijor• Birding Salandoong Beach

10 11 Jan NEG • Birding Mt. Talinis• Travel to Mantakil

11 12 Jan NEG • Walk to Canaway Forest• Birding Canaway Forest

12 13 Jan NEG • Birding Canaway Forest• Walk to Mantakil• Travel to Damaguete

13 14 Jan NEG • Birding Malangwa, Magsuhot & Liptong (morning/night)

• Birding St. Mortitz (afternoon)14 15 Jan BOH • Travel to Bilar (Bohol)

• Birding Rajah Sikutana NP1516

16 Jan17 Jan

BOH • Birding Rajah Sikutana NP

17 18 Jan BOH • Birding Oikos / BISU• Birding Loboc Watershed

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19 Jan20 Jan

BOH • Birding Rajah Sikutana NP• Travel to Tagbilaran

20 21 Jan BOHMINDA

• Birding Tarsier Sanctuary• Birding Panglao (Tagbilaran)• Travel to Cagayan de Oro

(Mindanao)• Arrival Marijn

21 22 Jan MINDA • Travel to Mt. Kitanglad• Birding Mt. Kitanglad

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23 Jan24 Jan

MINDA • Birding Mt. Kitanglad• Travel to Malaybalay

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Day Date Island Itinerary24 25 Jan MINDA • Travel to Mt. Dulang-Dulang

• Birding Binahon Farm area2526

26 Jan27 Jan

MINDA • Birding Mt. Dulang-Dulang• Travel to Cagayan de Oro

27 28 Jan MINDA • Travel to Bislig28 29 Jan MINDA • Birding quarry, PICOP

• Birding Bislig Airport29 30 Jan MINDA • Birding road 42/4a, PICOP30 31 Jan MINDA • Birding road 4/quarry, PICOP31 1 Feb MINDA • Birding road 42/4a, PICOP32 2 Feb MINDA • Birding road 4, PiCOP

• Travel to Trento33 3 Feb MINDA • Cancelled birding Mt. Pasian

(see safety)• Travel to Davao

34 4 Feb MINDAPAL

• Flight Davao (DVO) - Manila (MNL) 06.20 - 08.00

• Flight Manila (MNL) - Puerto Princesa (PPS) 10.05 - 11.25

• Travel to Brooke’s Point3536

5 Feb6 Feb

PAL • Birding Mt. Mantalingajan• Travel to Puerto Princesa (night)

37 7 Feb PAL • Birding Garceliano Beach38 8 Feb PAL • Birding Zigzag Road

• Birding Iwahig Penal Farm39 9 Feb PAL • Travel to Sabang 40 10 Feb PAL • Birding main entrance St. Pauls

Underground River NP• Birding Central Ranger Station,

Jungle Trail• Birding ATV Jungle Track (night)

41 11 Feb PAL • Birding Central Ranger Station• Birding ATV Jungle Track (night)

42 12 Feb PAL • Birding Stream Trail• Birding ***, Ulugan Bay

43 13 Feb PALLUZ

• Birding Zigzag Road• Flight Puerto Princesa (PPS) -

Manila (MNL) 11.55 - 13.15• Travel to Olongapo

44 14 Feb LUZ • Birding Subic Bay - hospital area45 15 Feb LUZ • Birding Subic Bay - hill 39446 16 Feb LUZ • Birding Subic Bay - hill 39447 17 Feb LUZ • Travel to Tuguegarao

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Day Date Island Itinerary48 18 Feb LUZ • Travel/birding to camp 1495051

19 Feb-21 Feb

LUZ• Travel/birding to camp 2• Birding camp 2 (full day)• Travel to camp 2 > camp 1 > 0

52 22 LUZ • Travel to Banaue 5354

23 Feb24 Feb

LUZ • Birding Mt. Polis / Bay-Yo

55 25 Feb LUZ • Birding Mt. Polis• Travel to Manila (night)

56 26 Feb LUZ • Resting day57 27 Feb LUZ • Birding La Mesa Eco Park

• Birding Petrogylphs, Angano58 28 Feb LUZ • Departure Marijn

• Travel to Los Banos5960

1 Mar2 Mar

LUZ • Birding campus ULPB campus• Birding Mt. Makiling

61 3 Mar LUZMINDO

• Travel to Sablayan (Mindoro)

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4 Mar5 Mar

MINDO • Birding Sablayan Prison & Penal Farm, Lake Libauo

64 6 Mar MINDO • Travel to Manila65 7 Mar MINDO • Birding Candaba Swamp66 8 Mar MINDO • Travel to Clark

• Flight Clark, Pampanga (CRK) - Kuala Lumpur 11.05 - 14.50

© All pictures taken in this trip report are made by either Mark de Vries, Marijn van Oss or myself. As my camera broke the very first week (Canon EOS 40D + EF 400mm F/5.6 L) there are not as many bird pictures as I had hoped for, but more pictures of birds are to be found in the triplist in the back of this report (taken by either Mark or Marijn).

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General birding

Cebu, in the central Visayas, is a good island to get familiar with some of the more common birds like White-eared Brown-dove, Elegant Tit or Red-keeled Flowerpecker. And yes, that’s all endemic species. Get used to it, you will encounter many more on your trip. To come into grasp with the island’s four (or three, if you want) endemics, you basically have to visit just one spot: Tabunan Forest. However, in recent years, one of them, Cebu Flowerpecker, has not been seen here. Therefore, we visited Mt. Nug-As where this species was back in August 2012. We had no luck and soon figured out Streak-breasted Bulbul has not been seen here since 2007, so better opt for Tabunan Forest right away as both the shama and hawk-owl are easy at both sites.

Furthermore, on Cebu there are some interesting subspecies to be found – mostly shared with Negros and/or Panay. In particular pay attention to the recently split Magnificant Sunbird (Hosner, Nyári & Moyle, 2013) – the former race magnifica of Crimson Sunbird. Other endemic subspecies to this region are: Elegant Tit visayanus, Handsome Sunbird bonita, Lemon-throated Leaf-Warbler cebuensis, White-eared Brown-dove nigrorum, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker maculates and the distinct race of Balicassiao mirabilis. Endemic to the island of Cebu are White-vented Whistler major, Everett’s White-eye everetti and Coppersmith Barbet cebuensis. However, with only a 3% of the original forest coverage left, some subspecies endemic to Cebu are presumed to be or close to extinction like the race frontalis of Amethyst Brown-dove or the race pallidius of Orange-breasted Flowerpecker. Mangrove Blue Flycatcher philippinensis seen on both sites visited, but only once at Luzon hereafter.

4.1.1 MT NUG-AS

Logistics

Arriving late evening January 3rd, we took a cab to the village of LapuLapu next to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (127.50P, 10m – take a white cab!) and stayed the night in the Anthurium Inn (450P double). Next morning, after some basic birding, we took a tricycle to the highway (15P), then a jeepney to Mandaue (30P), switched jeepney to Cebu South Bus Station (15P) and then hopped on to the bus to Alcoy (115P / 2.5h). Took us 4.5h. Here we contacted Fe Anore, sister of the guide Pedro Villarte, on her cell phone 09268067711 to arrange motorbikes bringing us the village of Bulalacao (1050P / 30m). This was pre-arranged via Godfrey Jakosalem (09204599902 / www.facebook.com/godfrey.jakosalem).

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CEBU

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Local guide Pedro Villarte

Facilities

We stayed in the research center for the Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (donation: 400P) where there was supposed to be a kitchen, except that there was no gas left… First day no dinner, second day we succeeded to cook on a fire. Remember to buy food when you’re still in the village of Alcoy if you’re not planning to go back and forth every day. There is however a small shop well within walking distance for some basics. Furthermore, don’t expect a ‘clean’ house and there is no electricity too – but it’s all there is as not so many birders come here also.

Birding

Mainly birding was right along the road, in good company of our guide Pedro Villarte (400P/day (our price) / 090172384 – out of signal mostly). He knows his birds, even subspecies! Either walked down towards Alcoy, where the fruiting tree right across the first (and only) house on your right [GPS: 9.709, 123.442] is the place where the extremely rare Cebu Flowerpecker has last been seen in August 2012 (Jakosalem, pers. comm.) or walk down the other direction. Here, a fruiting tree is to be found after the first house on the right also [GPS: 9.7211,123.4467]. Another day we birded some trails in the forest. We had no luck on the CBF and apparently the Cebu endemic Streak-breasted Bulbul was last seen here in 2007 by Pedro himself! Despite you have a shot at CBF and Pedro being a good birder, it is better advised to go to Tabunan Forest where all the Cebu endemics (except CBF of course) can be found. However, we didn’t encounter the endemic race of Handsome Sunbird and Everett’s White-eye elsewhere and it was the only place where we heard Slaty-legged Crake eurizonoides.

The kitchen (with no gas)

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The house of Oking Son

Key species

• BLACK SHAMA – Cebu endemic. 3 heard + 2 seen well on 5/1, a little bit past the house described above (CBF) in the valley on the right hand. There is a small trail just left of the house, we walked down and played the tape. Got an immediate response as 2 birds showed quite well! [GPS: 9.72,123.4564]

• CEBU HAWK-OWL – Cebu endemic. Walk down the road opposite of Alcoy at around 5k, at the edge of the forest, a gravel road bends off the right. Play the tape here either late afternoon / early evening (around 18 p.m.) or early morning (around 4-5 p.m.) [GPS: 9.7208, 123.4401]

• WHITE-VENTED WHISTLER – Visayas (except Bohol) / Mindanao endemic, but rare on the latter (not seen). Endemic subspecies major. Up to 5 seen / heard daily.

• BLACK-CHINNED FRUIT-DOVE – 3 heard on 5/1, 2 heard on 6/1. Tuff to see.

• COPPERSMITH BARBET – Subspecies cebuensis only on Cebu. Several heard on both days + 1 seen on 5/1.

• HANDSOME SUNBIRD – Endemic to all the Philippines except Palawan. Subspecies bonita on Cebu, Negros and Panay. Only seen here. 1 heard + 1 seen on 5/1. 3 male / 1 female seen + more heard on 6/1.

• EVERETT’S WHITE-EYE – Non-endemic. Subspecies everetti believed to be extinct, but since 1985 at various locations throughout the island. Only seen here, only a few daily.

4.1.2 TABUNAN FOREST

Logistics

From Alcoy, we took a bus to Naga (85P, 1.5h), switched bus to Toledo (40P, 1h), hopped on a bus to Balamban (20P, 30m) and from here rented two motorbikes to Tabunan (1000P, 45m). In Balamban nobody seems to have ever heard of Tabunan so we contacted Lushela Son (09297222421) - the daughter of Oking Son (09205398742), the famous guide in Tabunan. Lushela speaks English very well and it is thus advised to contact here instead of Oking. Also, it is advisable to visit Tabunan Forest from Cebu-City as it is much easier reached from here.

Facilities

We stayed at Oking’s house in the small village of Tabunan and paid 1500P/day (2p) exclusive food bought either to consume at home or to take along with us. Oking’s family is hospitable and both Lushela (also birding!) and Oking are good company.

17

Platform 1 and our local guide Oking Son

Birding

Birding is easy. From Oking’s house one walks along some agricultural fields, some patches of forest into the ‘real’ forest to platform 1 (45m). Oking built this platform around 10 years ago and it’s where Oking and others have seen CFP for the last time, around 7 years ago if I remember correctly. Over the last years, Oking claims he has only heard them which simply doesn’t make sense to me. One morning Oking didn’t join us and we recorded a call which he identified as foraging calls of CBF. We didn’t tick it, as there’s no way we could ever verify this yet undescribed calls. Platform 2 is no more than a rocky cliff and might not be worth checking (although CBF have been seen too from here), except if you’re into rock climbing. Streak-breasted Bulbul ssp. monticola and Black Shama are both quite commonly heard, although hard to see. Also pay attention to the Visayan race mirabilis of Balicassiao, also to be found on Negros.

Key species

• STREAK-BREASTED BULBUL – Subspecies monticola only on Cebu, other subspecies on Siquijor and Tablas. Split potential. 10 heard + 1 seen (MV) on 7/1. 10-15 calling near platform 1 (1 seen by SR) + 2 seen in flight on 8/1. Listen for their distinct nasal calls, sometimes resembling Philippine Bulbul.

• [CEBU FLOWERPECKER – Cebu endemic. Possible foraging calls heard and recorded from platform 1 on 8/1] [GPS: 10.4395,123.8262]

• BLACK SHAMA – Cebu endemic. 3 heard + 1 seen on 7/1. • CEBU HAWK-OWL – Cebu endemic. 2 heard on 7/1 right

across Oking’s house. Didn’t respond to tape though.

Club Silverline (Spindasis syama)

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Our local guide René Vendiola, Mark (right) and I at Mt. Talinis

• WHITE-VENTED WHISTLER – Visayas (except Bohol) / Mindanao endemic, but rare on the latter (not seen). Endemic subspecies major. 1 seen + 1 heard on both days.

• BLACK-CHINNED FRUIT DOVE – m/v heard on 8/1. Female is a deeper and lower sound in comparison with male.

• COPPERSMITH BARBET – Subspecies cebuensis only on Cebu. Seen / heard daily.

General birding

A lot seems to have changed at the island of Negros. As one is about to find out, even previous important birding spots has just dropped out lately. Also new birding spots have emerged. Generally speaking, if you don’t have much time to spent on the island one will opt for Mt. Kanla-on. Here all the targets except Negros Striped Babbler can be seen. If one has a few days more it’s better to visit the southern part of the area where local guide René Vendiola (09193962633 / 1000P/day guiding fee) is an absolute must-have to find the birds. There are two regions to focus on: [1] Landay or Canaway Forest and [2] the area around Valencia. We opted for Canaway Forest, as we weren’t fully aware of the potentials of Landay and lost one day in search of the Flame-templed Babbler, leaving us having just one afternoon and morning at Canaway Forest. Landay is a bit tougher to get to as you have to climb your way up wading through a small river (but we did too…) and one has a fair chance to see White-throated Jungle-Flycatcher which we missed during our visit. We also dipped on Yellow-headed Flameback, previously quite easy to see here. Negros Striped Babbler is also at Landay. Take into account René prefers to stay there for at least two nights. [2] The area around Valencia holds Flame-temped Babbler (a new spot has been found by René) and Visayan Blue-headed Fantail (Malangwa), Negros Scops-owl (Magsuhot, Liptong & René’s garden) and Black-sided Flowerpecker (Casa Rora, René’s garden). Negros Striped Babbler can also be seen here (Mt. Talinis). Visayan Bulbul – also on Panay – is to be found here too.

If you want to have a shot at the endemic subspecies Amethyst Brown-dove ssp. maculipectus, visit Twin Lakes (20km by motorbike or 4-wheel-drive). Here you might also see White-winged Cuckoo-shrike but as they only come down here to feed, Canaway or Landay is much better. Next to all the endemics shared with Panay – plus those also shared with Cebu – make sure you’ll see race superciliaris of White-browed Shama near Mantakil, en-route to Landay/Canaway. Only to be found at three spots on the island: Bawad & Milagrosa (Negros Oriental) and Mambukal near Bacolod (Negros Occidental), but more common on Panay. It’s totally different from the race luzoniensis, both its appearance and song! Also make sure to see the only recently split Maroon-naped Sunbird – the former

NEGROS

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Casa Rora Waterfalls

endemic race daphoenonota of Flaming Sunbird (Hosner, Nyári & Moyle, 2013). Endemic subspecies confined to the Negros / Panay region are Philippine Hanging Parrot regulus, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker dorsale, Spotted Wood-kingfisher moseleyi, White-bellied Woodpecker philippinensis, Bar-bellied Cuckoo-shrike panayensis, Turquoise Flycatcher panayensis and Yellowish White-Eye nigrorum. Endemic races to be found only on Negros are Elegant Tit albescens, Mountain White-eye pectoralis and Bi-coloured Flowerpecker viridissimum. Don’t forget to pay attention to Philippine Tailorbird, nowadays confined to southern Luzon, Tablas, Negros and Panay due to splitting this into three species (Trilling and Rufous-fronted Tailorbird being the other two species).

Logistics

From Tabunan (Cebu), Lushela arranged 2 motorbikes for us to take us to Lahug (1000P / 45m), from where we took a metered cab to the south bus station / terminal (103P / 2k). Here, we took a Ceres-bus to Lilo-An (175P / 3.5h), hopped on a ferry to Sibulan (62P, 30m) and finally a tricycle to Harold’s Mansion in Dumaguete (150P / 20m). Didn’t have any problems getting there, despite it being late already, as this is a well-known route to the island of Negros.

4.2.1 CASA RORA WATERFALLS

Logistics

From Harold’s Mansion, take a tricycle to the turn-off for Harold’s Ecolodge (yes, part of) (160P / 1¼h) and then walk further up. Once, we walked back to Valencia (8km, 1¼h) and took a tricycle back to Dumaguete from there (80P / 30m). The second day we opted for a double-jeepney trip to Valencia (20P+24P) and from there a tricycle to take us to and from the turn-off (400P, so we had luck before). Our driver was called Jeje: 09065486201.

Facilities

Dumaguete being our starting point for several day-trips, we stayed several days in the well-known Harold’s Mansion (600P / double). You’ll encounter lots of Westerners, there’s water for free and pretty good internet. The roof terrace is worthwhile to have a beer... or two. We had no working fan and hot water the first day, but this was solved quickly. It’s not at the city’s centre and early morning we sometimes had problems finding transport to the sites to be visited. There’s a pretty good pizza restaurant a few 100m down the block off to the right and a good burger restaurant even closer on the left.

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View of Mt. Talinis

Birding

We read about this site in several trip reports, the most recent one in 2007… 6 years ago already at the time. We didn’t know the site was hit by a hurricane back in 2012 and since then the specialties Flame-templed Babbler and Visayan Blue-headed Fantail have not been seen here by Rene Vendiola. Preferring finding the birds on our own instead of with the help of a guide, we birded here for 1.5 days. Unfortunately, this later turned out to be a waste of time as the birds were just no longer there. I don’t how many times we walked up and down the staircase and even up to the waterfall itself (quite a tour, as the walkboard has been washed out), but in the end only saw a fly-by Tarictic Hornbill, Philippine Tailorbird and Black-belted Flowerpecker. The endemic subspecies nigrorum of Yellowish White-eye we only saw here. Also the flowerpecker we didn’t encounter hereafter, but supposedly is in Rene’s garden.

Key species

• TARICTIC / VISAYAN HORNBILL – Endemic to Negros and Panay. 1 male flying-over 9/1.

• *BLACK-BELTED FLOWERPECKER – Endemic to Negros and Panay. Up to 11 seen on 9/1, 3 seen + 1 heard 10/1.

• VISAYAN BULBUL – Endemic, only on Negros and Panay. Several seen on both days, up to 6 on 9/1.

• BICOLORED FLOWERPECKER – Endemic to most of the Philippines. Ssp. viridissimum only to be found on Negros. 2 m / f seen on 9/1 in very productive fruiting tree [GPS: 9.2836,123.213]

• 4.2.2 MT. TALINIS

Logistics

We took a tricycle to Valencia (130P) and hopped on to our by now familiar motorbikes (500P for return / 35m) arranged by our guide René Vendiola. They took us to the drop-off point over a very steep gravel road. From here, we climbed Mt. Talinis which took us all morning: 2 hours to get up to a 1000m, 1.5 hours to walk down. Expect a tuff climb using both hands and feet! We feel numerous times, also as most of the trail is badly maintained, very slippery or (most times) both.

Birding

Again, there’s only one target to see here: Negros Striped Babbler. Make sure you’ve past 1000m, but as it is strongly advised to go with René he’ll know. Not much to see there, except this beauty (it is!). We did however encounter Mountain

All what’s left of the former walkboard

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Camping in the forest

White-Eye’s ssp. pectoralis at around 600m, which is a 400m below its minimal altitude! Could be Lowland White-eye, except it’s supposed to be a Luzon endemic… Unfortunately, my camera broke on this day (and was so for the next 2 months…), so no pictures were taken. René told us he had seen them more regularly up here, so it’s worth checking out.

Key species

• *NEGROS STRIPED BABBLER – Endemic to Negros. 4 seen twice at the same spot on 11/1 [GPS: 9.258, 123.197]

4.2.3 CANAWAY FOREST

Logistics

Straight after our climb of Mt. Talinis we went back to Valencia to pick up helmets, then bought food in Siaton en-route and continued our way to Mantakil by motorbike (800P one-way / 3¾h). Roads are ok, mostly gravel. Mark felt once, but somehow he always had the ‘risky’ driver while I always had the careful driver. Especially the last kilometres were very slippery (also raining and at night) and we had to get off the motorbikes and walk our way up. The next morning we continued walking to the forest which took us about 3h20m, including some birding stops along the way still adding new species like Golden-headed Cisticola, Striated Swallow and Philippine Serpent-eagle.

Facilities

In Mantakil we slept in René’s second house, where a couple takes care of the home and looking after birders who want to visit either Canaway Forest or Landay. Both walks start here and take roughly three hours. See for more details the ‘General birding’ section on Negros. René, our two drivers and the housekeeper (500P) carried our stuff all the way to camp one where we camped. The housekeepers and our two drivers turned out to be quite familiar with camping into the wild, as within no time they managed to make a tent using only banana leaves and plant material! There is a rocky stream nearby for cooking.

Birding

As there was quite a lot of water in the rocky stream, we didn’t have much choice in birding only one side of the valley. The noise of the water also affected birding opportunities. Hutchinson et al. (2003) describe three trails, we could only find one. It starts almost right behind the camp and leads all

Canaway Forest

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Mark (right) and I after seeing Flame-templed Babbler

the way up to the top. It’s the first part which is quite steep; hereafter it’s still a small trail but not that steep anymore. Birding is tough and you’ve to be lucky to encounter a good flock. You’ll hear a lot, but birds are hard to see. Also, birding used to be better here as more forest is gone now. For example: we didn’t see Yellow-faced Flameback, while Hutchinson et al. saw several here back in 2003.

Key species

• *WHITE-WINGED CUCKOOSHRIKE – Endemic to Negros and Panay. Male and female on 12/1 and 5+ on 13/1 [GPS: 9.236,123.1171]

• VISAYAN [BLUE-HEADED] FANTAIL – Endemic to Negros and Panay. 3 in flocks on 12/1 and 1 in flock on 13/1. This is the commander of the flock, more birds will be around for sure.

• TARICTIC HORNBILL – Endemic to Negros and Panay. Male and female seen on 13/1 at the other side of the valley.

• PINK-BELLIED IMPERIAL PIGEON – Endemic to the Philippines. 1 heard-only on 12/1 and 1 seen + 2 more heard on 13/1. One of only two spots where properly seen, mostly heard.

• *VISAYAN [WHITE-BROWED] SHAMA – Endemic to Negros, Panay and Tablas. Seen en-route back to Dumaguete on 13/1 in a bamboo patch a 15m-drive from René’s house. Easily taped in and well seen / heard [GPS: 9.1903,123.0653]

4.2.4 MALANGWA, MAGSUHOT& LIPTONG

Logistics

From Valencia, it’s only a 15m-drive on motorbikes to Malangwa. Back to Valencia, it’s another 20 minutes to Magsuhot (500P). To Liptong, to see Negros Scops-owl, I guess it’s about 15-20 minutes too. It took us 5 or less from René’s house, like we did after a failed attempt for the owl in his garden.

Birding

Not much to say either, in the case of Malangwa it’s just a small trail leading into a forested hill. Only a 5 minutes’ walk from where you’ll be dropped off. It’s the new spot for Flame-templed Babbler. Visayan (Blue-headed) Fantail is also here, mostly together with the babbler. Magsuhot is a 5 or 10 minutes’ walk into a small patch of forest (with a dead-end gully) where Negros Scops-owl can be found at day. However, local guide Ronald accidently flushed a pair of owls before we were able to see them well… Also found Red-bellied Pitta here, as well as Chocolate Boobook and Spotted Wood Kingfisher.

Visayan (White-browed) Shama

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The rice fields behind the village

Key species

• *FLAME-TEMPLED BABBLER – Endemic to Negros and Panay. 2 seen foraging in upper canopy at Malangwa on 14/1. Very responsive to the tape and immediately started singing. According to René it’s always accompanied by Visayan [Blue-headed] Fantail, also this time. [GPS: 9.2593,123.2159]

• WHITE-VENTED WHISTLER – Visayas (except Bohol) / Mindanao endemic, but rare on the latter (not seen). Endemic subspecies winchelli (Negros/Panay region). 1 seen / heard at Malangwa on 14/1.

• CHOCOLATE BOOBOOK – Endemic to Luzon, Mindoro, Mindoro, Negros, Cebu and Mindanao. 1 flushed by local guide Ronald at Magsuhot. quickly relocated and identified. First sighting in 7 years on Negros according to René!

• SPOTTED WOOD KINGFISHER – Endemic to Luzon, Negros and Panay. Subspecies moseleyi to the latter islands. 1 male seen at Magsuhot on 14/1. More often heard than seen, in fact this turned out to be the only sighting in 9 weeks Philippines! [GPS: 9.253, 123.241]

• *NEGROS SCOPS OWL – Endemic to Negros. A male gave stunning views at Liptong on 14/1. Easily taped-in. Around 10-15 pairs around Valencia [GPS: 9.2575,123.2445]

4.2.5. ST. MORITZ

Logistics

Only 20 minutes by tricycle from Dumaguete (100P).

Birding

Went there as we had some time to kill and Hutchinson et al. (2003) saw some good waders out there. At the right side of the road one will see the sea where we had plenty of Pacific Golden Plovers, Kentish Plover and some Greater Sand Plover. Also found ourselves 10 Red-necked Stints and a sole Grey-tailed Tattler. Surprisingly also a Chinese Egret was foraging along the shore. On the left side of the road you’ll see some rice fields or so – at least they attract plenty of other waders, like 100s of Black-necked Stilts, almost up to 200 Wood Sandpipers, 10 Marsh Sandpiper and a same number of Long-toed Stints. This is best reached by walking to the village and just ask the people if you might have a look at the birds.

Key birds

• CHINESE EGRET – 1 foraging along the shore on 14/1 [GPS: 9.3412,123.3067]

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4.3.1 SALANDOONG BEACH

Logistics

From the port of Dumaguete, just take one of the regular ferries to this small island. We travelled by Delta, which supposed to have the fastest ferry (160P / 45m – departure: 13.30). From here we took a tricycle to the other side of the island (1300P / 2x45m). On our way back, we took the slow ferry owned by Aleson (120P / 1h40m). A tricycle back to Harold’s Mansion will cost you about 20P.

Birding

Well, it’s simple – there’s just one bird you need to see here and it’s impossible to miss: Streak-breasted Bulbul ssp. siquijorensis. They are all around: the parking, the entrance road… Despite its appearance and calls are both different from the Cebu and (supposedly also) Tablas, it’s not yet a species on its own. Already in 1999 Collar et al. proposed for a full split into three species, but this has not been followed by the IOC until now.

Key species

• STREAK-BREASTED BULBUL – Subspecies siquijorensis. Around 35 seen / heard around parking and along entrance road on 10/1. Really noisy and conspicuous! [GPS: 9.213, 123.6807]

• BLUE ROCK-THRUSH – Subspecies phillipensis. Male on 10/1 on rocky boulders along the shore. Hereafter only seen once on Palawan.

General birding

Bohol, in the eastern Visayas, currently shares all of his endemic species except one with adjacent Samar and Leyte. They, on their turn, have two extra endemics: Visayan Pygmy Babbler and Visayan Tit-Babbler. Only recently, thanks to an article by Hosner, Nyári& Moyle (2013), Bohol has its own endemic species as IOC followed them in their claim of the race decorosa of Metallic-winged Sunbird to be a species on its own: Bohol Sunbird. Add to this 4 full endemic species, some endemics hard to see elsewhere and a whole lot of endemic subspecies (some of them soon to be split) and one will understand Bohol should be on every birder’s trip to the Philippines. Moreover, birding is concentrated to only one spot as you’ll find out below and thus birding is quite easy.

BOHOL

SIqUIJOR

Streak-breasted Bulbul

25

In the background Rajah Sikutana NP

In general, there’s just one place on Bohol where you need to go to: Rajah Sikutana NP. The endemic Yellow-breasted Tailorbird, Samar Hornbill, Visayan Fantail and Visayan Broadbill can all be found here. Despite having 5 days at the park we didn’t see the broadbill, probably due to the bad weather as it rained for most of the days. Normally 5 days should be enough though. Endemic subspecies (shared with Samar and Leyte) to be looked for are Silvery Kingfisher flumenicolus (split by some already in Northern Silvery Kingfisher), Black-faced Coucal banken, Philippine Trogon linae, Philippine Fairy-bluebird ellae, Azure-breasted Pitta coelestis, Buff-spotted Flameback rufopunctatus, Philippine Oriole samarensis, Bar-bellied Cuckoo-shrike boholensis, Black-bibbed Cicadebird ripleyi and Winchell’s Kingfisher nigrorum (remains on a few islands). Bohol endemic subspecies include Striated Wren-Babbler fortichi, Yellow-bellied Whistler boholensis, Black-crowned Babbler boholensis and Rufous-tailed Flycatcher boholensis.

Logistics

We took the Oceanjet ferry to Tagbilaran (680P, 1h40m). From here we took an overpriced tricycle (75P, 15m) to the Dao bus & jeepney terminal.

4.4.1 RAJAH SIKUTANA NP

Logistics

Take a bus heading to Carmen (40P, 1h20m – don’t travel on Sundays, buses are mostly full). Just tell the driver you want to get off at the Butterfly Garden in Bilar. It’s located at the right side of the road just as you’re about to enter the actual village. From here, you can either walk the 4 km to the entrance of the park or take a tricycle (80-100P, 15m) to the turn-off towards the Magsaysay clearing, which is about a few 100 meters’ walk to where the actual clearing is and a good spot for the broadbill.

Facilities

We stayed in Simple Butterflies, as we read the accommodation on-site is no longer operational. However, it turned out to be not true as Ryan pointed out later; though at the time the toilet wasn’t working properly. Besides you have to buy your own food in the town of Bilar. Back in 2003, Hutchinson et al. paid only a 100P per person a night. Expect prices to be raised by now, we didn’t ask. Entrance free for the park is 100P a head. As the DENR office seems to be no longer operational, you can also walk in from there and don’t pay fee. At Simply Butterflies we paid 5945P in total including 10 night (5 each), Simply Butterflies

The Magsaysay clearing

all meals and transport to the campus of BISU and Loboc (Red-vented Cockatoo, see below). Personnel is very friendly, beds are comfortable and we used hot water for free after coming back soaked to the bone once. Internet was bad, also due to the low pressure area and corresponding bad weather. In the town of Bilar there’s a Iulia’s bakeshop for some bread (>2P) and water (23P a bottle).

Birding

A good map of the trails of the Rajah Sikutana NP starting from the Magsaysay clearing can be found here: http://www.birding2asia.com/W2W/Philippines/RajahSikatuna.html. Here also some more birding tips for this spot, so reading is highly recommended! Despite it being a national park, don’t expect the trails to be in perfect conditions as maintenance is low due to money issues. For example, do not consider to walk the Brahminy trail all the way to its final end as it will probably get you nothing except frustration. We mostly concentrated on the Tarsier, Oriole and Brahminy trail (its start). We walked the Tarictic trail twice and the Pitta trail once, didn’t get anything special. Birding activity can be frustratingly low and we had to quit birding couple of times due to heavy rain. All the subspecies except the pitta have been seen here and some will not be discussed below, so mark them in the report. We opted for a local guide Ryan (09208276374 / 1000-2000P per day, settle price before is advised) for two days: he’s really knows his birds well, even subspecies!

Key species

• *YELLOW-BREASTED TAILORBIRD – Endemic to Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Very secretive, but an absolute stunner to see! Only 1 seen well along Brahminy trail on 19/1 + 1-2 more heard. Up to 2 present around former swimming pool on 20/1, where they usually hang around according to Ryan. Responds to tape!

• SAMAR HORNBILL – Endemic tot Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Heard / seen daily, with up to 3 pairs seen together around Magsaysay clearing on 19/1. Probably the best tactic to see them is to wait in the middle of the clearing.

• *VISAYAN [BLUE-HEADED] FANTAIL – Endemic to Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Seen / heard daily, mostly 1-2 in every flock along with Black-crowned Babbler, Philippine leaf Warbler and Black-naped Monarch.

• *BLACK-CROWNED BABBLER – Endemic to Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Bohol has its own race boholensis. Although on Luzon, this species is hardly ever seen there (chance of seeing it on Mt Makiling) and this is the easiest spot to see it! 1 seen on 17/1, 1 on 18/1 and a total of 4 on 19/1.

26

27

• STRIATED WREN-BABBLER – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Endemic race fortichi only found on Bohol. 3 seen along Oriole trail on 17/1 and 1 heard singing along ‘the loop’ on 20/1.

• RUFOUS-TAILED JUNGLE FLYCATCHER - Endemic to Borneo (few sightings) and Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Subspecies boholensis only on Bohol. 2 singles and 1 in flock on 19/1 + 1 on 20/1.

• WINCHELL’S KINGFISHER – Endemic to the Visayas (except Panay), Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Subspecies nigrorum on all except Mindanao. Difficult to see, as it comes in secretly; perching high up. Female along Tarictic trail seen on 20/1.

• *BOHOL SUNBIRD – Endemic to Bohol, formerly regarded as endemic race decorosa of Metallic-winged Sunbird. 2-3 heard on 19/1, 5 more heard and 2 females seen on 20/1.

• SILVERY KINGFISHER – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Race flumenicolus only on the latter three islands. Possible split. 1 along the river near the army camp on 15/1, also seen twice near the pond in the clearing on 16/1 and 17/1.

• BLACK-FACED COUCAL – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Ssp. banken on all except Mindanao. Heard daily, 2 seen on 17/1, 1 on 18/1 and 2 on 20/1.

• RUFOUS-FRONTED TAILORBIRD – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. A split from Philippine Tailorbird. Up to 4-5 heard on both 19/1 and 20/1 but never properly seen.

• EVERETT’S SCOPS OWL – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Some authors describe a separate subspecies for Bohol and even split them. 1 is roosting in the garden of Simply Butterflies. Just ask for the owl and the gardener will bring you there. Paid him a 100P. [GPS: 9.6984,124.102]

4.4.2 OIKOS / BISU

Logistics

Only a 15 minutes’ drive to the start of this recently ‘discovered’ birding spot.

Birding

A visit arranged via Simply Butterflies, with a translator called Michael and a spotter named Iulius. Paid them 250P each (minimum 200P required; including visit Loboc Watershed), transport excluded. A trail leads to a river, then crosses it (you’ll have to wade through or hop on one’s back), leads shortly through some forest and then comes into the open again. One will see forested hills and open areas in between. ... or hop on one’s back

Everett’s Scops Owl

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The trail bends of to the left (along a river on the right which holds Silvery Kingfisher) and then one can walk either left or more or less straight. Birding is good and this is our only spot where we actually saw Azure-breasted Pitta.

Key species

• AZURE-BREASTED PITTA – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Race coelestis endemic to the latter three islands. 1-2 coming into tape and seen well on 18/1 along a side-trail to the left (past a fence) just as you have crossed the first river. Spotter Iulius will know. [GPS: 9.7311,124.1069]

• SAMAR HORNBILL – Endemic to Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Male / female on 18/1.

• SILVERY KINGFISHER – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Race flumenicolus only on the latter three islands. 1 seen in a pool before the first river crossing and 1 seen twice along the second stretch of (probably) the same river on 18/1.

• WINCHELL’S KINGFISHER – Endemic to the Visayas (except Panay), Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. 2-3 singing and coming closer into tape near the open area at ‘the end’ of the trail, but never seen, on 18/1. [GPS: 9.7345,124.1053]

• BLACK-FACED COUCAL – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Subspecies banken on all except Mindanao. 2 seen + 1 heard on 18/1.

4.4.3 LOBOC WATERSHED

Logistics

OIKOS / BISU area

Silvery Kingfisher (southern race)

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3 Red-vented Cockatoos perched in a tree

1 hour ride on a motorbike over very slippery gravel roads is what it takes to get to the starting point for at least a 1¼h walk (short-cut, very steep!) to the actual spot to see Red-vented Cockatoo.

Birding

It’s fairly simple, there’s only one target here and that the cockatoo. This roosting (come around 4 p.m.) was only discovered here in August 2012! Currently this elusive species can be seen only on Palawan, but once was widespread all over the Philippines. I do not proclaim it’s easy to see them here (it is, but how to get there isn’t), but in the unlikely event Palawan is not included in your trip you can give it a shot here. As it comes for birding en-route, there’s nothing more to see except maybe Blue-crowned Racquet-tail.

Key species

• RED-VENTED COCKATOO – 3 seen perching in a tree quite far away, while 2 seen 4-5 times in flight (calling out loud) within less than 50 meter on 18/1. [GPS: 9.7668,124.0737]

4.4.4 TARSIER SANCTUARY

Logistics

There’s no need to go here, but we did as it turned out Trans-Asia cancelled their Sunday ferry trip to Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao. Therefore, we stayed overnight in Tagbilaran at Nisa Travellers Inn (450P + 120P extra person; includes breakfast) which is very basic but centrally located. If case you want to see the smallest monkey worldwide: take a jeepney to the sanctuary (heading for Sikatuna) from the Dao bus & jeepney terminal (20P / 25m).

Birding

The sanctuary (25P entrance fee) doesn’t have a lot of specialties to offer, except the tarsiers. However, it’s a little bit of a deception as they are fenced in a quite small area where a few guides now exactly where they sleep and just walk you there. That’s basically it. Chances of finding your own are extremely small, though we tried by walking the trail leading up to platform 1 and 2. We only visited the first platform which is a tall tower overseeing most of Bohol. Nothing special, except we had close views of both the endemic Pygmy and Philippine Swiftlets, a fly-by Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle and perched Blue-tailed Bee-eaters.

One of the local ‘fenced’ Tarsiers

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Key species

• BLACK-CHINNED FRUIT DOVE – This species being surprisingly common; at least 9 birds heard-only on 21/1.

General birding

Basically, it’s just two sites you’ll need to go to see most of its 30 endemic species: Mt. Kitanglad and (former) PICOP / Bislig. However, in recent years, few people also have visited Mt. Dulang-Dulang as an alternative for Mt. Kitanglad and have been to Zamboanga area to see most of the lowland endemics PICOP has to offer. In addition, over the years more and more people have climbed Mt. Pasian to see Lina’s Sunbird and Cryptic Flycatcher which are not to be seen elsewhere on Mindanao. We opted to go to all of these spots except Zamboanga, but due to the recent presence of the NPA at Mt. Pasian we skipped this mountain. Recently, an English birder was sent back by them plus during our stay they killed 9 people on Negros. No tourists were ever involved, but still…

Unfortunately Mt. Dulang-Dulang turned out to be a real disappointment, due to bad weather and subsequently none of the 5 additional species one can see here: Mountain Serin, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Bagobo Babbler, Mindanao Scops-Owl and Mindanao Lorikeet. The babbler and flycatcher (even more rare) has been seen in the past at Mt. Kitanglad too, but not in recent years. The scops-owl is also a possibility here, but one has to be very lucky. On the other hand: Red-eared Parrot-finch has not yet been seen at Mt. Dulang-Dulang and there’s no reliable stake-out yet for Philippine Eagle. More info can be found at: http://www.birding2asia.com/W2W/Philippines/Dulang-dulang.html.

As for the other more known spots: birding is good, especially in the mountains. Next to all the endemic species here, there’s a hell of a lot more to find if it comes down to good birds. For example the Mindanao endemic race todayensis of Short-tailed Glossy Starling, the Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Apo endemic race montigena of Snowy-browed Flycatcher or the endemic subspecies mindanensis of White-browed Shortwing. Others include Mountain White-Eye vulcani, Little Pied Flycatcher westermanni, Negros Leaf-Warbler flavostriatus, Turquoise Flycatcher nigriloris and Fire-breasted Woodpecker apo. Also seen here, but also found on lower levels are Buff-spotted Flameback montanus, Philippine Hanging Parrot apicalis, Sulphur-billed Nuthatch apo, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker fulvifasciatus, White-bellied Woodpecker multilunatus, Scarlet Minivet gonzalesi, Pygmy Flowerpecker davao and Hair-crested Drongo strictus.

MINDANAO

The local race montigena of Snowy-browed Flycatcher

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The famous Del Monte Lodge

However, also in the lowlands there’s fairly enough to pay attention to next to the known endemics, like Black-faced Coucal melanops, Azure-breasted Pitta steerii, Striated Wren-Babbler mindanensis, Winchell’s Kingfisher mindanensis and Silvery Kingfisher argentata. Other endemic lowland subspecies for Mindanao to be found here are: Guiabero mindanensis, Philippine Fairy-bluebird hoogstraali, Everett’s White-Eye basilanicus, Black-bibbed Cicadebird mindanensis, Yellow-wattled Bulbul philippensis, Blue-crowned Racquet-tail discurus, Coppersmith Barbet mindanensis and Philippine Trogon ardens (can be higher up). Also, pay attention to Great-eared Nightjar macrotis (common on both occassions), as this might sooner or later turn out to be a Phillipine endemic too (pers. comm. Sangster, 2014).

Logistics

From the Dao bus and jeepney terminal, take a jeepney to the port (30P, 5m). Pay 20P terminal fee and another 668P for the Trans-Asia ferry to Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao (9¾h). These ferries leave almost every day around 19h, but check their website. In case you want to sleep, beds are included (on the open deck).

4.5.1 MT. KITANGLAD

Logistics

From the famous Agora Market (around 20P? from the port), take a bus to Dalwagan (103P, 3h25m – around 2h longer due to road construction). Get off the bus, call Carlito Gayramara (09309241289) and let one of his daughters pick you up. From his house two of us already went up the mountain and I accompanied Abym to the DENR office in Malaybalay (15m, 8m) to buy ourselves some permits (2700P?) and groceries for the days in the mountains (1190,80P). Hereafter, I also took a motorbike to our drop-off point (100P, 15m) and walked the remaining 1 hour to the famous Del Monte Lodge. This walk includes a serious river crossing and can be muddy as well – shortly after showers. Our luggage was carried by a horse for 150P per ride.

Facilities

We stayed in the famous Del Monte Lodge (250P pppn). Remember there’s no electricity and you need to bring your own food too. Carlito’s wife can cook for you if you wish, but we choose not to. Coffee is for free and happily there’s a regular toilet.

The local race ardens of Philippine Trogon

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Birding

On all our trips we were accompanied by either Carlito (1500P) or his son-in-law Danny (700P). On our first day we were accompanied by the two of them, despite telling Carlito we just needed one guide. He told us ‘it was ok’, but in the end he charged us for the full 2250P. A waste of money as Danny most of the time didn’t say anything and Carlito guided us around. Make sure you’ll agree on taking just one guide. Danny accompanied us on the second day and he appears to be amazingly sharp-eyed though not being as talkative as his father-in-law. Also make sure not to pay for the full package on the way-up, as they tried to charge us 2250P (guiding fee) again for only walking us 1 hour up to the lodge late afternoon. We paid only 200P (100P each).

As it comes to birding, there basically is just one trail leading up the mountain. Our walk to platform 1, the viewpoint for the Philippine Eagle, on our first day took us 2 hours and 40 minutes. We saw almost all our targets between the lodge and platform 1, except White-cheeked Bullfinch, Black-masked White-eye and Apo Sunbird. To see the latter, you’ll have to continue walking up to ‘platform’ 2 which will take you about 3h if no birding. On our way back, it took us only 2½ hours. The trail after platform 1 is ok, despite – in our case – it being blocked by trees and branches from the last typhoon December 2012. Please note we saw most of its key species also at Bihanon Farm, which most people don’t visit.

Key species

• CINNAMON IBON – Endemic to Mindanao. quite common, mostly 1-2 in mixed feeding flocks on 23/1 and 24/1.

• *BUKIDNON WOODCOCK – Endemic to Mindanao. 1 heard-only around DML early evening on 22/1, 1 heard and seen early morning (05.30) and 2 more early evening (17.45) on 23/1.

• FLAME-CROWNED FLOWERPECKER – Endemic to Mindanao and Luzon, subspecies kampalili only on Mindanao. Only seen by MdV and MvO during their way up on 22/1.

• OLIVE-CAPPED FLOWERPECKER – Endemic to Mindanao. Race nigrilore in central and western Mindanao. Very common, up to 20-25 seen in one flock on 23/1.

• RUFOUS-HEADED TAILORBIRD – Endemic to Mindanao, once conspecific with Mountain Tailorbird. Seen by MdV and MvO during their way up on 22/1 and a total of 7 heard (max 2) plus 3 seen well on 24/1. Easily taped-in.

• GIANT SCOPS OWL – Endemic to Mindanao. Heard calling early morning (5.00) and seen well later that evening in the bamboo patch behind the DML on 23/1. Also along the trail into the forest. Also heard early morning on 24/1.

Platform 1

Olive-capped Flower-pecker

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• *GREY-HOODED SUNBIRD – Endemic to Mindanao. Subspecies primigenius only in Central Mindanao. Seen daily on 23/1 and 24/1, with a maximum of 4 together.

• MINDANAO RACqUET-TAIL – Endemic to Minanao, formerly believed to be conspecific with Mountain Racquet-tail. 12 seen flying-by by MdV and MvO on their way up on 22/1, a total of 58 seen in flight (a maximum of 31) and a total of 10 seen perched on 23/1 and 10 more heard or in flight on 24/1. It appeared to be more common than in other years.

• HOMBRON’S KINGFISHER – Endemic to Mindanao. Male and female heard-only early morning around the lodge on 23/1. Tried to tape in, but had no luck.

• BLACK-AND-CINNAMON FANTAIL – Endemic to Mindanao. Race hutchinsoni only to be found in northern, western and eastern Mindanao. Seen daily on 23/1 and 24/1, with a total of 18 on 24/1 (5 max in a feeding flock).

• *PHILIPPINE EAGLE – Endemic to Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Most regularly seen on the latter. Seen from platform 1 on 23/1 after scanning for about 3 hours. Seen both in flight and perched at some distance.

• APO MYNA – Endemic to Mindanao. Seen daily on 23/1 and 24/1, up to 4 together.

• MC GREGORS CUCKOOSHRIKE – Endemic to Mindanao. 4 seen in 1 flock on 23/1 and 4 more in 2 flocks on 24/1.

• MINDANAO WHITE-EYE – Endemic to Mindanao. 4 seen in first forest patch just above platform 1 (too low) on 24/1; 10 more in big flock higher-up that date.

• WHITE-CHEEKED BULLFINCH – Endemic to Luzon, Panay and Mindanao. Subspecies steerei only on Mindanao. Only heard calling high up in tree on same spot as described above on 24/1.

• APO SUNBIRD – Endemic to south, central and northwest Mindanao. 2 males and 1 female seen very well on 24/1 from what is known as platform 2.

• *STRIPE-BREASTED RHABDORNIS – Endemic to Panay, Negros, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao, but mostly seen only on the latter. Endemic race alaris. 5 seen from platform 1 on 23/1.

• *RED-EARED PARROTFINCH – Endemic to Mindanao. 1 seen well on both 23/1 and 24/1 near a small river, just left of the ‘main’ trail near a sign. Listen for their calls. Very shy, so be patient (which I’m not).

• MOUNTAIN SHRIKE – Endemic to Mindanao and Luzon. Hachisuka is the Mindanao subspecies. Seen only by MvO in bushes alongside agricultural fields on 24/1.

• MINDANAO HORNBILL – Endemic to Mindanao. 5 seen late afternoon opposite the DML on 23/1, but daily at PICOP/Bislig.

• *PHILIPPINE FROGMOUTH – Endemic to most of the Philippines, but this is probably the most reliable spot. Race septimus endemic to Bohol, Leyte, Samar and Mindanao.

One of the many flocks Mindanao Racquet-tails

The shy and elive Red-eared Parrotfinch

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Seen very well at close distance (<2 meters) opposite the DML early evening on 23/1. Also heard calling early morning once.

• PHILIPPINE NIGHTJAR – Endemic to most of the Philippines (as split from Sulawesi Nightjar since long), but a reliable spot also. Heard singing early evening on 23/1, subsequently seen by MvO and SR in spotlight at the edges of the nearest clearing. Also heard early morning on 24/1.

• LONG-TAILED BUSH-WARBLER – Endemic to Luzon and Mindanao. Subspecies unicolor in central and eastern Mindanao only. 3 heard singing on 23/1 and 4 more on 24/1. Different song in comparison with caudatus at Luzon.

4.5.2. MT DULANG-DULANG

Logistics

From the drop-off point of Mt. Kitanglad, take a motorbike to Dalwagan (100P per bike) and from here a mini-jeepney to Malaybalay (15P, 15m). Here we slept in the quite expensive Pine Hill Hotel (1200P double + 300P extra person) where we were picked up next morning by a 4WD to take us to the Bihanon Farm (1500P for vehicle, driver and fuel; 1h10m). The car can take you up close to a 600 meter from the farm which thus involves a 10 minutes’ walk. To make sure they will allow you to get up the mountain we bought two chickens (340P, 250P/kg), a white blanket (42P m2) and 500P for the ritual. In the end we only gave it to them, no ritual was held.

Facilities

After arrival late morning and with hardly anybody around to guide us up the mountain, we slept at the Bihanon Farm the first night (900P). There’s no hot water and the use of a kitchen involves 200P. The second night we slept at the mountain, but still had to pay 900P at first despite the caretaker told us we didn’t. In the end they gave us a 500P discount, leaving 400P for the second night.

Birding

From the Bihanon Farm, it will take you about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to the edge of the forest. Remember this road (it’s not a trail) can be pretty muddy after rain as it was in our case. From the forest edge it’s only a 10 minutes’ walk to primary forest. From this point we continued walking up to our base camp near a small stream (2¼h). The first 100 meter of this trail are very steep, the rest is ok. From our base camp it is a 2¼h walk to Manny’s Garden, doing some birding en-route. Not much birds around though. From here all the way

Sheltering from the rain at our campsite

Philippine Frogmouth

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to the top is about another 30-40 minutes, is very steep and thus involves some serious rock-climbing! Walking back it only took us 1,5 hours (no birding) and 2¼h all the way down to Bihanon Farm. For the accompanying porters we paid 500P per day, adding 100P bonus. As for the birds there’s much to say, just check out the birding2asia website for further information. We saw none of the specialties and almost saw all species from Mt. Kitanglad again.

Key species

• WHITE-CHEEKED BULLFINCH – Endemic to Luzon, Panay and Mindanao. Endemic race steerei on Mindanao. 2 seen near the start of the primary forest on 26/1 and later one more by SR just after the steep part [GPS: 8.083, 124.928]

• *ISLAND THRUSH – Subspecies katanglad only on Mt. Kitanglad. 1 seen on 26/1.

• APO SUNBIRD – Endemic to south, central and northwest Mindanao. Male and female seen on 26/1, a total of 9 heard and 4 seen (3 males in 1 flock) on 27/1. Surprisingly common above a certain level.

Note: target species from Mt. Kitanglad are not included here

4.5.3. BISLIG / PICOP

Logistics

Coming from the Bihanon Farm, we arranged motorbikes to take us to Aglayan (100P per bike, 1 hour) and from there took an air-con bus to Cagayan de Oro (108P, 3h). Stayed the night in the GV-hotel (795P 3p-bedroom: big, Wi-Fi in lobby, no hot water). The next morning we took a tricycle to the Agora Market (50P, 5m). From there take an air-con bus to Butuan (337P, 5¼h) and hop on a non air-con bus bound for Bislig (244P, 5h) in Butuan. As the last part is mostly gravel, it’s a bumpy ride! In Bislig, take a tricycle to the Paper Country Inn (60P, 10m) where most birders stay. Our guide Zardo (see below) arranged a jeepney (3500P/day) for us to bring you to all the birding spots.

Facilities

The PCI has convenient 2P-bedrooms (although not too large) with hot water and air-conditioning plus there’s Wi-Fi in the lobby. There are some nice restaurants in town, like the newly opened pizzeria. Gail’s Hills View, on top of a nearby hill, offers a nice view over the city but isn’t worth the food. Some nearby bakeries offer the opportunity to buy some bread and water early morning before departure. Our private jeepney

White-cheeked Bullfinch

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Birding

Birding can best be focused on 3 areas in PICOP: the quarry, road 4 and road 42/4a. The quarry is a remaining patch of forest, about 1¼h from Bislig. All key species can be found here except Celestial Monarch (only seen here once). Road 4a is just a short stretch of road where original forest is still intact and is about 25 minutes further from the quarry. Both monarchs have been seen here and there is a stake-out for Writhed Hornbill. Road 42/4a is a whole different area and it will take you at least 2 hours to get there to from Bislig. We visited each area twice with local guide Zardo Goring (09-109352426 / www.facebook.com/zardo.goring). His guiding fee is 2500P, but he’s worth the money. He knows his birds and tries hard. We saw almost all endemics. As this is an lowland area, many species are shared with Rajah Sikutana NP on Bohol - but almost all involve different subspecies. These are seperately listed below.

Key species

• *BLACK-HEADED TAILORBIRD – Mindanao endemic. Heard 1-2 daily (up to 5 in the quarry on 29/1) and 1 seen very well along the trail leading up from road 48 on 30/1. Responded well to tape.

• MINDANAO HORNBILL – Mindanao endemic. Commonly seen and/or heard on all days, with a maximum of 10-15 in 1 group en-route to road 42/4a on

• RUFOUS HORNBILL – Endemic to Mindanao and Luzon. Subspecies mindanensis endemic to Mindanao and fairly distinctive in field. Surprisingly common this year as opposed to others. Heard almost daily. 3 seen in quarry on 29/1, 2-3 in fruiting tree at start road 4 on 31/1 and 5 seen (including a juvenile) also here on 2/1.

• *RUFOUS PARADISE FLYCATCHER – Endemic to most of the Philippines, but mostly seen only here. Race cinnamomea endemic to Mindanao, Samar and some smaller islands. Heard singing almost daily, seen on three locations: the quarry on 19/1, road 4a and the trail up from road 48 on 31/1. Song like Black-naped Monarch, but different.

• *SHORT-CRESTED MONARCH – Endemic to Luzon, Samar and Mindanao. Race agusanae endemic to the latter two. Heard almost daily. 2 females seen in the quarry on 29/1 and again a female along the trail up from road 42 on 2/2. Disappointingly no male seen, female very similar to female Black-naped Monarch.

• *CELESTIAL MONARCH – Endemic to Luzon, Negros, Samar and Mindanao. Subspecies coelestis on all except Negros. Heard singing several times along the trail leading up from road 42 on 1/2. Tried top tape in, but probably too far.

View of road 4

Paper Kite or Tree NymphIdea leuconoe sp?

• *MINDANAO PYGMY BABBLER – Mindanao endemic, now split from Visayan Pygmy Babbler. Common and seen almost daily. Up to 10 seen in the quarry on 31/1.

• *[MINDANAO] WATTLED BROADBILL – Mindanao endemic, now split from Visayan (Wattled) Broadbill. 2 + 1 seen in flock in quarry on 29/1. This is about the same spot where we saw the Little Slaty Flycatcher.

• *RUSTY-CROWNED BABBLER – Mindanao endemic. Subspecies euroaustralis confined to most of Mindanao. Seen on most days, with a total of 6 on 31/1.

• *LITTLE SLATY FLYCATCHER – Endemic to Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Race basilanica only on Mindanao. Male seen in quarry on 29/1. First heard singing, then taped-in. Seen very well! [GPS: 8.260, 126.203]

• *YELLOWISH BULBUL – Endemic to Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Race everetti on the latter. Seen on a daily basis, up to 6 along road 4 on 31/1.

• *ORANGE-TUFTED SPIDERHUNTER – Mindanao endemic, split from Little Spiderhunter in the Philippines (2 new endemics). Seen/heard on most days, with a maximum of 6 along road 4 on 31/1. Mostly seen flying-by, like a bullet.

• *PHILIPPINE LEAFBIRD – Endemic to Cebu, Leyte and Mindanao, probably extinct on the first. 1-2 heard on a nearly daily basis, but seen only once along road 1-4 (spur road). 2 birds feeding high up in the canopy, tuff to see! [GPS: 8.271, 126.220]

• *OLIVE-BACKED FLOWERPECKER – Endemic to Luzon, Samar, Leyte, Bohol and Mindanao. Race olivaceus only on the latter. Only seen here, on most dates. 2 in flock + 1 solo (taped-in after singing) along road 4 on 31/1 and 1 along road 4b on 1/2.

• HOMBRON’S KINGFISHER – Mindanao endemic. Heard singing only once at the stake-out for Writhed Hornbill (start of road 4) on 29/1.

• *MINDANAO BLUE FANTAIL – Mindanao endemic, now a split from Blue Fantail. Seen almost daily up to 7 on both 31/1 and 1/2.

• *MINDANAO HAWK-OWL – Mindanao endemic, being split from Philippine Hawk-Owl (now at least 7 endemic species). 1 heard / seen early morning en-route to road 43/4b on 30/1 and a total of 4 (3 around roost) the next day on our way to road 4. 1 seen very well, using the tape [GPS: 8.262, 126.190]. Here, we also heard two Chocolate Boobooks singing.

• PHILIPPINE NIGHTJAR – Endemic to most of the Philippines (as split from Sulawesi Nightjar) and heard several times (also near the hawk-owl for example), but also seen during daylight along the trail leading up from road 42 on 31/1 and 1/2 [GPS: 8.3023,126.1397].

• GIANT SCOPS OWL – Mindanao endemic. Not a real target, but heard one singing en-route to road 42/4a on 31/1.

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Wagler’s Palm Viper

Wattled Broadbill

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The roadside pool for Silvery Kingfisher

• *WRITHED HORNBILL – Mindanao endemic. Unexpectedly hard to find, more scarce than Rufous Hornbill this year. Heard on an almost daily basis, but only 2 seen well near the stake-out for this species at the start of road 4 on 2/2.

• *NAKED-FACED SPIDERHUNTER – Endemic to most of the Philippines, but like Olive-backed Flowerpecker, only seen here. Race clarae only in Central-Mindanao. Seen almost daily, with a maximum of 2. Usually high up in trees.

• PHILIPPINE HONEY BUZZARD – Endemic to almost all over the Philippines, but mostly seen at PICOP. 4 seen (3 real close) flying-over road 4 on 31/1 and 1 more along road 42 on 1/2.

• HANDSOME SUNBIRD – Endemic to most of the Philippines, split from Lovely Sunbird. Race bella on Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Only seen here, in addition to Mt. Nug-As (not in a regular trip). Seen nearly every day, all singles.

---------------- SHARED WITH RAJAH SIKUTANA ---------------

• BLACK-FACED COUCAL – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Subspecies melanops on Mindanao only. Heard almost every day (up to 3 on 31/1), seen twice (by all along road 4a on 1/2).

• WINCHELL’S KINGFISHER – Endemic to the Visayas (except Panay), Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Race mindanensis only on Mindanao. 2 heard singing in the quarry on 29/1, another 1 there + 2 along road 4 on 31/1 and 1 heard and finally seen (new for MO) here on 2/2.

• STRIATED GROUND-BABBLER – Endemic to Bohol, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Subspecies mindanensis only on most of Mindanao. Heard singing on most day. Seen three times. 2 along road 4 and 2 in quarry on 31/1. 1 along road 1-4 by Mark on same date. Truly a skulker!

• AZURE-BREASTED PITTA – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Race steerii endemic to the first island. Heard-only to the regret of Marijn. Heard singing along road 4 on 31/1 and frustratingly 3 more heard in the area of road 42/4a.

• SILVERY KINGFISHER – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Race argentata only on Mindanao. Only seen once, en-route to road 42/4b on 31/1.

• RUFOUS-TAILED JUNGLE FLYCATCHER - Endemic to Borneo (few sightings) and Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol, subspecies samarensis on Samar, Leyte and central and eastern Mindanao. 1 seen along road 4a on ½.

• RUFOUS-FRONTED TAILORBIRD – Endemic to Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. A split from Philippine Tailorbird. 2-3 heard daily and up to 3 seen in flocks in the quarry on 29/1.

Philippine Nightjar

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4.5.4. BISLIG AIRPORT

Logistics

From the Writhed Hornbill stake-out, at the start of road 4, it took us about 1 hours and 25 minutes but this includes a search for Silvery Kingfisher (new to Marijn and a new subspecies). If skipped (you pass it), it will take you probably a little bit less. At the airport, security will let you pass and one can slowly walk the runway while birding.

Birding

Rather easy birding and for sure you’ll add some species to your trip like Purple Heron, Eastern Marsh Harrier and Osprey. Probably also some crakes and snipes – if you know which…. Basically you just bird the landing strip. On both sides you’ll find some ponds, reed beds and stuff and this is where some have seen Eastern Grass Owl early morning or late afternoon. Also both bitterns have been seen here, although we did not. At the end of the strip there is a grassy area. This is the spot for the Middendorfs Grasshopper Warbler. As most people, we had some fly-by’s Philippine Duck. Note the endemic race pulverulentus of Purple Swamphen.

Key species

• PHILIPPINE DUCK – Endemic to most of the Philippines, but by far not seen everywhere. We saw a total of 6 fly-by’s, in 3 different groups, on 29/1. Note the white underwing compared with the commonly seen Wandering Whistling-ducks.

• *MIDDENDORFS GRASSHOPPER WARBLER – Breeds NE China, only winters in Taiwan, Sulawesi, Borneo and Philippines. 2 flushed at the end of the runway. Note the tapered tail and white tail-tops when flushed [GPS: 8.1915,126.3163]

• *SPOTLESS CRAKE – In the Philippines, only known from Luzon and Mindoro. However, we flushed a very tiny, bluish crake with red legs: Spotless Crake! Something to keep an eye out for future visitors.

General birding

Birding Palawan is unlike birding anywhere else in the Philippines. As hunting is prohibited, birds are more prevalent and less shy. Also, more than 50% of the island is still covered in rainforest. Being close to Borneo, also the general avifauna is different with many species also occurring on Borneo and/or the Asian continent, like Greater Coucal, Common Iora,

PALAWAN

Birding the landing strip of Bislig Airport

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Enjoying Palawan is not that hard...

Orange-necked Green-Pigeon, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, Dark-throated Oriole, Fiery Minivet, Spotted Wood Owl, Hill Myna, Copper-throated Sunbird, Great Slaty Woodpecker and Black-headed Bulbul. Some these have their own subspecies, like the myna (palawanensis), the owl (wiepkeni) and the bluebird (tweeddalei). In the last decade or so many of these have become a species on their own, mostly formerly non-endemics of Borneo and the mainland. Good examples include Ashy-fronted Bulbul (being split from Olive-winged Bulbul), Spot-throated Flameback (being split from Common Flameback) and Palawan Frogmouth (being split from Javan Frogmouth). Only one species, Lovely Sunbird, is a split from an already existing Philippine endemic species. Subspecies of endemics include Striped Flowerpecker affine, Pygmy Flowerpecker palawanorum and Black-chinned Fruit Dove gironieri. Also, still there is a lot of debate about some proposed splits like Palawan Swiftlet (the palawanensis race of Amaline Swiftlet) or Palawan Crow (the race pusillus of Slender-billed Crow), which – if so – also occurs on Mindoro.

In retrospect, also many of the Philippine endemics occurring in most of the Philippines do not occur on Palawan. Typical examples include Philippine Bulbul, Elegant Tit and Philippine Coucal. Also, while some splits do include the Palawan race, others don’t like Sulphur-fronted Nuthatch, Philippine Serpent Eagle, Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha or Chocolate Boobook. In that case, their ‘sister species’ is almost always an endemic subspecies. Other subspecies possible include the distinct race of Olive-backed Sunbird aurora and Striped Tit-Babbler woodi. To name a few more: Scaly-breasted Munia cabanisi, Crested Goshawk palawanus, Brown-throated Sunbird paraguae, Bar-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike difficilis, Green Imperial Pigeon palawanensis and Stork-billed Kingfisher gouldi.

Currently, there are around 18 or so endemic species to Palawan. All except one, Palawan Striped Babbler, are to be found in the lowland. Things are rather easy, as there are only a few places to visit. For the Palawan Striped Babbler, one needs to go to one of the five mountains south of the Palawans capital Puerto Princesa. For the lowland endemics one for sure needs to go to St. Pauls Underground River Park. All but two endemics can be found here and they are rather easy, although we did not see Falcated Ground-Babbler and only saw the hornbill once. Some of the lowland endemics are best found to be outside the park, like the frogmouth, the scops owl and the cockatoo. The other two species not to be found here are Palawan Flycatcher and Melodious Babbler. For these two species, one can go to the old road to Narra (the famous zigzag road), the Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm (yes, they’re back!) or the Irawan Watershed Area. On the latter

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two occasions also the ground-babbler can be found, which seems to be rather difficult now at St. Pauls. Also Birdquest had troubles finding the ground-babbler and finally ticked one at the watershed area. Here, also pay attention to Red-headed Flameback, which also seems to be mostly absent from St. Pauls in recent years. We visited the zigzag route twice and spent one afternoon in the Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm.

4.6.1 MT MANTALINGAJAN

Logistics

After arrival at the airport of Puerto Princesa, we took a tricycle to San Jose terminal just outside of town (141P, 20m). From here, we took an air-con bus to Brooke’s Point, which is a 4,5 hour’ bumpy ride (316P). With the terminal being outside of town, we took a tricycle to take us to an accommodation just behind the DENR office. To get up the mountain, take a tricycle to the village of Mainit (25m, 150P) and ask for village captain Aquilar. He lives at the start of the village, about 15 minutes from Brookes Point. He will arrange porters for you. This may take a while, so it might be better to arrange them the day before you want to go up!

Facilities

We stayed in an accommodation right behind the DENR office, but forgot to write down the name and price. It wasn’t much, for sure. Pretty basic also. There is a good restaurant on your right hand just as you enter the town, called ‘Kubo Ni King’ restaurant. The nice owner serves pizzas, tacos and pastas! Of course, at the mountain there are no facilities and we camped on in the forest. Our porters cooked us some nice cauliflower!

Birding

A real disappointment as we didn’t get to see out main target: Palawan Striped Babbler. Although we noticed some typical 1000m+ species like Yellow-breasted Warbler and Mountain Tailorbird were missing already on arrival, there was no track leading higher up and much of the forest here was destroyed by a typhoon too. Later, it turned out we only went up only to 780 meter or so, i.e. too low to see this species. Never trust the guides/porters! Just a few months later (April 2013), Tim Mitzen tried to do the exact same and also he failed as – later on – appeared to be too low for this species. A real disappointment, as back in 2005 a group of birders reported it to be common and encountered them a five times on a single morning! Based on their description, this seemed to be the right spot but it wasn’t… Ok, forget about it!

The nice owner of ‘Kubo Ni King’ restaurant

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Chinese Egret

For the rest, birding was ok and it was the only place where we heard our only Red-headed Flameback and saw our only Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Narcissus Flycatcher and some endemic subspecies like Velvet-fronted Nuthatch palawanensis and Crested Hoshawk palawanus. Birding is simple as there’s only one trail up and down the mountain on this ridge. It took us 3,5 hour to walk to the forest edge and another 35 minutes to our camp. For directions see the trip report of Frank E. Rheidt (9 Jan – 15 Feb 2005), but then still things can go terrible wrong! Only take our GPS points as a reference in case you aren’t into striped babblers at all…

Key species

• *RED-HEADED FLAMEBACK – Endemic to Palawan. Split from Greater Flameback (into 4 endemic woodpeckers) 1 or 2 heard-only on 5/2 near our base camp [GPS: 8.8831,117.8072]

• MELODIOUS BABBLER – Endemic to Palawan. Heard-only on 5/2 on our way up.

• YELLOW-THROATED LEAFBIRD – Endemic to Palawan. 4 seen at the end of the trail on 5/2 and a total of 5 seen on 6/2.

• PALAWAN TIT – Endemic to Palawan. Sing early morning on 6/2.

4.6.2 GARCELIANO BEACH

Logistics

Staying in the comfortable and clean Natua’s Cabin (900P for a 4p-bedroom) next to the airport, we just took a tricycle to the beach (60P, 10m).

Birding

Just walk along the shore. At one point one can walk a concrete structure through the mangroves. At its very end one can overlook both mangroves and sea and this is where we saw some stilts like Grey-tailed Tattler. In the mangroves one will for sure find Common Iora, Pied Triller and many Collared Kingfishers.

Key species

• CHINESE EGRET – Found one foraging along the shore on 7/2.

Recent deforestation

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Start of the trail where we found 2-3 Palawan Flycatchers

4.6.3 ZIGZAG ROAD

Logistics

Just take a bus to Rio Tuba (56P, 40m). The first bus will depart at 6 a.m from the San Jose terminal. Just tell the driver you want to be dropped off at KMP 33. This is where the old road starts zigzagging. In trip reports, marker 35 is mentioned as a point to start but we found all the target species also in the lower part so it does not seem to be a necessity to start here. One can also take a tricycle up here (1½h inclusive stops at the bakery and gas station, 1000P). We recommend Bing (09-262813702) as he’s a nice guy and, if you ask for, he can arrange a powerful motorbike.

Birding

On our first morning we were dropped off at KMP 35 along the new road, so a 2 kilometer past the start of the old road. Despite knowing this wasn’t the actual spot to look for the birds, we also tried here for a while and arrived a little bit late somewhere between KMP 33 and 34 of the old road. We only heard Melodious Babbler. On our second morning we started walking from KMP 35 (old road) and found all our targets to be present at the lower part of the road. The trail down almost right across the only house on the left hand (between KMP 33 en 34) into some tiny patch of trashed bamboo is where we had our only Palawan Flycatchers. All 3 endemic bulbuls can be found here and we had our only great views of both Pink-necked and Thick-billed Green Pigeon.

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The entrance road to the prison & penal farm

Key species

• *PALAWAN FLYCATCHER – Endemic to Palawan. 2-3 seen at spot described above on 13/2. This spot is really tiny! Responded well to taping. [GPS: 9.6378,118.714]

• MELODIOUS BABBLER – Endemic to Palawan. 1 heard-only on 8/2, 2-3 singing and 1 seen on 13/2. Taped in from the down in the valley and seen very well in bamboo on the left side of the road (from below) [GPS: 9.6373,118.717]

• ASHY-HEADED BABBLER – Endemic to Palawan. 2 heard singing early morning near KMP 35 on 13/2.

• YELLOW-THROATED LEAFBIRD – Endemic to Palawan. A total of 3 seen on 8/2.

• BLUE PARADISE FLYCATCHER – Endemic to Palawan. Strangely, almost exclusively seen here. Males both heard and seen on 8/2 and 13/2.

• BLACK-CHINNED FRUIT DOVE – Male and female seen very well on 13/2.

4.6.4 IWAHIG PRISON & PENAL FARM

Logistics

From the Zigzagroad, we took a jeepney to the entrance of the farm (90P, cc. 30m). From here, we hopped on to a multi-cab which will take you in about 5 to 10 minutes to the drop-off point to the Balsahan trail near the swimming pool (10P). From here, it’s still quite a long walk to the forest edge where the trail starts. On your way out, just take one of the many buses to Puerto Princesa (60P, 20m). From its final destination it’s about a 20 minutes’ drive by tricycle to the airport (120P, 20m).

General birding

The road that leads to the forest edge will take you through some nice wetlands where we saw some interesting waders and stilts including our trips only Oriental Pratincole. The forest itself was quite dead (figuratively speaking of course) when we were there, but we weren’t early. A local guide accompanied us, but he wasn’t used to the pace birders walk… We didn’t see any of our target birds, but instead saw a Striated Heron and our only Nankeen Night-Heron and Chestnut-breasted Malkoha’s of the trip. No flycatcher or babbler. For years it seemed both dropped out from this place, but in recent years people started to see them again here. Later we heard also Birdquest saw both Melodious Babbler and Palawan Flycatcher here, so there’s no real need to go to the zigzag road.

Palawan Flycatcher

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Key species

• *NANKEEN NIGHT HERON – Not a real target, but a tricky species though. We found one juvenile in a dry gully just right of entrance, just before the gate (to enter the Balsahan Forest).

4.6.5. ST PAULS UNDERGROUND RIVER PARK

Logistics

Probably the best way to get to Sabang, the small touristic village next to the park, is to buy yourself a ticket for one of the many mini-vans going straight from the capital to Sabang. They will take you take in less than 2 hours instead of the 3 or 4 hours it will take you to go there by taking one of the two jeepneys going there daily. There are no buses going to Sabang! Tickets can be bought on several occasions and will cost you (only) about 300P.

Facilities

We stayed for 4 nights in a place called ‘Green Verde’ (700P for a double + 150P extra person). Rooms are small and come with shared bathrooms. There also is a laundry service (100P/kg). All this is conveniently located next to the beach and seems to be one of the cheapest in town. It was ok though and the restaurant is quite good. Some other things are important to know. Despite this being a very touristic place, some very ‘basic’ facilities are missing, like an ATM! One of us had to go back as he accidently forgot to withdraw money back in Puerto. Also, not many accommodations seem to have internet. However, next to ‘Green Verde’, is the Sheridan Beach Resort which has Wi-Fi which can be accessed by just sitting against a palm tree while overlooking the beach and sea… Furthermore, located in the centre, there is a place called ‘Bali Ambay Food Hauz’ which is highly recommended for a decent lunch. Try the ‘Club House Sandwich’ which is delicious! Ok ok, the birds then…

General birding

For the park, it’s important to know it’s no longer possible to walk back from the entrance of the Underground River Park (URP) back to Sabang. For over 2 years now, the wooden stairs at the start of Jungle Trail is now gone and is under construction ever since. This leaves this area of the park only accessible by boat. Furthermore, it now being a quite small isolated area, you’ll need only a few hours to come into grasp with its specialties. We had some problems getting there early

The Club House Sand-wich at the ‘Bali Ambay Food House’

Nankeen Night Heron

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before the park open (9 a.m), but after they saw me flipping out and being persistent, they finally arranged a boat and ranger for us to take us there around 7 a.m. Only around 9 a.m. Pete Morris of Birdquest arrived, but happily soon after they also managed to see the star attraction: Palawan Peacock Pheasant. By the way, watch your bag around the station as the monkeys can be quite aggressive…

The rest of the park, referred to here as Central Ranger Station (CRS), can be accessed by walking away from Sabang, over the beach (Pacific Reef Egret), to the start of the Monkey Trail. If no birding is involved, this walk will take you about 30 minutes. The area around the CRS is interesting and we saw many targets just by strolling around the cabins. We found White-vented Shama, Palawan Hornbill and Spot-throated Flameback to be here. On two days we also had great views of Red Junglefowl here (wild or not). From here, it’s possible to walk almost to the end of the Jungle Trail (till the broken stairs). Birding our way up it took us 3¾h, but back to the CRS it took us only 1¼h. It can be quit, but in the end we managed to get good views of Ashy-headed Babbler, Palawan Tit and Palawan Blue Flycatcher. Both the Orange Trail and Stream Trail seemed to be overgrown, although the latter can be walked from Sabang almost as close as the CRS. This is where we had Falcated Ground Babbler (seems to be quite regular) and were we and others heard Palawan Peacock Pheasant. A final note: for both locations a permit is needed (150P per day).

Be early, before the mass of tourists arrives

The now dead end of the Jungle Trail

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The area of the Central Ranger Station

Key species

• *PALAWAN PEACOCK-PHEASANT – Endemic to Palawan. What a stunner! Seen/heard the famous male feeding behind the St. Pauls Underground River ranger station on 10/2. Also seen around the corner to the right along the Jungle Trail. Another heard calling halfway along the Stream Trail, near the first gully, on 12/2 [GPS: 10.1925,118.9098]

• *PALAWAN BLUE FLYCATCHER – Endemic to Palawan. Male heard and subsequently seen (taped-in) at the end of the Jungle Trail on 10/2, where you can’t go any further due to the broken wooden stairs. Male and female seen on at the other end of the Jungle Trail, along the steep ascend up to the top of the ridge on 11/2.

• BLUE-HEADED RACqUET-TAIL – Endemic to Palawan. Few groups flying overhead while calling on 10/2, 3 or more heard-only along the Jungle Trail on 11/2 and around 5 more heard-only on 12/2 along the Stream Trail.

• *TABON SCRUBFOWL – Endemic to Sulawesi, Borneo and the Philippines. 2 seen/heard right of the boardwalk leading to the actual subterranean river. A nest is also located here, at the end of the boardwalk on the left side. 1 heard-only along Stream Trail behind CRS. Both on 10/2.

• *WHITE-VENTED SHAMA – Endemic to Palawan. Male seen/heard just before the only corner in the short Jungle Trail on 10/2. Taped-in. 1 heard/seen later that same day near the CRS. 1 heard/seen along the long Jungle Trail on 11/2 and 1 heard-only along the Stream Trail on 12/2.

• *SPOT-THROATED FLAMEBACK – Endemic to Palawan. Subspecies everetti of Common Flameback now being split. 1 male showing well at the start of the Monkey Trail behind CRS on 10/2. Seen twice along the long Jungle Trail on 11/1. Another male was along the Stream Trail on 12/2.

• *PALAWAN HORNBILL – Endemic to Palawan. A group of 7 seen from the beach in front of the CRS on 11/2. Seen both perched and in flight.

• ASHY-HEADED BABBLER – Endemic to Palawan. On 11/2, a total of 4 of which 2 seen very well (taped-in) present along the long Jungle Trail, where the trail drops steeply down and very big stones appear [GPS: 10.197,118.9154]. One heard singing along the Stream Trail on 12/2.

• PALAWAN TIT – Endemic to Palawan. 2 heard-only at first, later taped-in and seen very well along the long Jungle Trail (same spot as Ashy-headed Babbler) on 11/2.

• *FALCATED GROUND-BABBLER – Endemic to Palawan. After (too?) much taping, a bird responded only 2-3 times along the Stream Trail on 12/2. Heard-only by MvO and MdV. GPS not correct.

• BLUE-NAPED PARROT – Endemic to most of the Philippines, but sightings confined to Palawan and Subic Bay, Luzon. 2 shortly seen near the small pont at the end of the dirt

The most famous Palawan Peacock-Pheasant

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road from Sabang on 11/2. One heard calling later that day along the long Jungle Trail. On 12/2 2 seen again near the pont, 1 heard-only flying over and finaly 2 seen well perching along the Stream Trail.

• BLACK-CHINNED FRUIT DOVE – Endemic to most of the Philippines. Local race gironieri endemic to Palawan. At least 3 males heard singing along the Stream Trail and 1 female seen here too.

4.6.6. SABANG,*** & ULUGAN BAY

Logistics

Just outside the town of Sabang, heading back to Puerto, after a 3 kilometre or so and past some clustered houses there’s a dirt road to the left. This road is clearly signposted as ATV Jungle Track (wooden sign). It is only a 5 or 10 minutes ride by tricycle from Sabang (75P). This is where we saw Palawan Frogmouth and heard both Palawan Scops’ Owl and the endemic subspecies wiepkeni of Spotted Wood-Owl. Ulugan Bay, for the cockatoo, will take you about 20 minutes by tricycle to get to from Sabang (600P, included Palawan Scops’ Owl).

Birding

Both the ATV Jungle Track and Ulugan Bay does hardly involve any serious birding. On our first night we found Palawan Frogmouth on the track just 100m from the entrance. Also on our second night it didn’t take long before we relocated the bird. Just play the tape and use your flashlight to locate the bird. Please note they are always closer that you think! We heard Palawan Scops Owl just around the corner on both nights, and also the other owl was found here. Birding Sabang itself left us with a fly-by racquet-tail and parrot, Pacific Reef Egret, our second Osprey and a trip exclusive White-bellied Sea-Eagle along the shore. The waterfall at the other end of the village isn’t worth seeing…

For the Ulugan Bay there is now a viewpoint (a hill) located along the road to Puerto. Just pay some money and you’ll be allowed to scan from here. We had good views of the cockatoo in flight, but also of the parrots and the racquet-tail. Also saw our only Great Slaty Woodpecker pulveruntelus (not even endemic!) of the trip here (a male in the dead tree next to the viewpoint). The spot to see Palawan Scops Owl is located just a 10 minutes further down the road to Puerto. Despite having its name and exact GPS, we promised the guide not to put it in the trip report. However, if you are with a small, independent group you can contact me for his details (name and cell phone, guiding fee 1000P/day). He is a young enthusiast, speaks decent English and is eager to learn all the bird calls and songs!

The viewpoint along the road to Puerto

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View over metropolitan Manila

Key species

• *PALAWAN FROGMOUTH – Endemic to Palawan. Heard and seen (taped-in) on both 10/2 and 11/2, along the ATV Jungle Track just south of Sabang [GPS: 10.180, 118.895]

• *PALAWAN SCOPS’ OWL – Endemic to Palawan. Heard-only along the ATV Jungle Track, where it bents off to the right, on 10/2 and 11/2. 3 birds seen extremely well at *** on 12/2.

• RED-VENTED COCKATOO – Endemic to most of the Philippines, but mostly only seen on Palawan. There’s no longer a need to go Rasa Island to see this birds, this viewpoint is en-route to their roost and late afternoon/ early evening birds for sure will fly by. We saw 2 at quite some distance flying around, shortly perching, on 12/2 [GPS: 10.105,118.8485]

• BLUE-HEADED RACqUET-TAIL – Endemic to Palawan. 17 heard/seen flying-by in 1 group, seen from the viewpoint on 12/1.

• BLUE-NAPED PARROT – Endemic to most of the Philippines, but exclusively seen on Palawan and Subic Bay, Luzon. 2 heard/seen flying-by from the viewpoint on 12/2

• PALAWAN TIT – Endemic to Palawan. 1 heard and seen (by SR) along the road near the viewpoint.

General birding

To see all of Luzons 30+ endemics, you’ll need to visit the lowlands in the central part of the island (near Manila) and the highlands in northern Luzon. One can either opt to fly or, if you have time and low budget, take a bus. The latter option will take you about 12 hours. Most birders will visit two occasions up in the north: Sawa Camp and Mt. Polis. In the past local guide Aquilino used to take birders to Hamut Camp, but he now prefers Sawa instead. The pitta is more easy here and the you’ll get Furtive Flycatcher for sure. However, Aquilino told others he is planning to re-open Hamut Camp as chances to see Grand Rhabdornis, Ashy-breasted Flycatcher and Flame-breasted Fruit-Dove are higher (pers. comm. van der Laan, 2013). This last species can also be seen at Mt. Polis, but has become scarce in recent years and we dipped on this target. In the south, some new birding hotspots have been ‘discovered’ like La Mesa Eco Park (very productive for the previously rarely seen Ashy Thrush) and the petroglyphs in Angano (nesting Philippine Eagle-Owl). Moreover, over the last 5 years or so birders have found out Subic bay (a former naval base by the USA) to be a birders’ paradise. For example, it is currently the only stake-out for Green Racquet-tail. Only a visit to Mt. Makiling has been on every birders’ trip over the years, holding some key species only to be seen here and offering a good introduction to birding the Philippines.

LUZON

Palawan Frogmouth

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With the key targets (mainly endemics) already discussed below, we will now shortly focus on the islands’ subspecies. Most distinctive here is the balicassius race of Balicassiao, which – unlike mirabilis – is completely glossy black. Also the endemic ssp. striata of Bar-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike being all grey can be identified easily. Endemic subspecies to Luzon we saw are Philippine Bulbul philippinus, White-bellied Woodpecker multilunatus, Elegant Tit gilliarda (Bataan Peninsula), Philippine Hanging Parrot philippensis, Yellow-bellied Whistler philippensis, Guaiabero lunulatus, Philippine Green-Pigeon amadoni, Yellowish White-Eye innominatus (northeastern and central Luzon), Olive-backed Sunbird obscurior (northern Luzon), Metallic-winged Sunbird jefferyi (northern and central Luzon), Philippine Fairy-bluebird cyanogaster, Striped Flowerpecker striatissimum and Purple-throated sunbird sperata (central and southern Luzon). In the central mountains we added Mountain White-Eye whiteheadi, White-browed Shortwing poliogyna (northern and west central Luzon), Mountain Tailorbird philippinus and Common Crossbill luzoniensis.

Most other endemic subspecies are shared with nearby Mindoro like Coppersmith Barbet haemacephala, Pied Bushchat caprata, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker validirostris, Coleto calvus, White-bellied Munia everetti, Turquoise Flycatcher nigrimentalis, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker xanthopygium and White-eared Brown Dove leucotis.

4.7.1. SUBIC BAY

Logistics

From the Manila International Airport, take a cab to the Genisis Terminal. From terminal 3 it will take you about 25 minutes (164P). Then catch a bus to SM Fernando (112P) and hop on another bus to Olongapo (105P). This will take you at least half of a day (4h25m). From here, it’s pretty damn hard to get to Subic Bay. There’s no public transport going there, so one needs to arrange a cab or private jeepney. To get to the former hospital, one can take a taxi (400P, 25m). A private jeepney to and from Hill 394 will cost you about 1200P (40m). There seems to be a few things to take into account: 1) there are no metered taxis going there, 2) on your way out you will be dropped off at the shopping mall in Subic Bay as vehicles are not allowed getting out during daytime and 3) if one walks out of Subic bay (the gate is next to the shopping mall), make sure you take a public jeepney back to the hotel. They both show up at the gate, but the price for a private jeepney is around 20 times as much! Birding Subic Bay

The Luzon and Mindoro race haemacephala of Coppersmith Barbet

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The parking lot is good birding!

Facilities

We stayed in the Sunshine Lodge Hotel, right next to the bus station in Olongapo. They will charge 500P for a double and another 150P for an extra person. Rooms come with traffic noise! It is pretty basic though but has Wi-Fi in the lobby and the staff is friendly.

Birding

As with Rajah Sikutana NP on Bohol, Stijn de Win has also dedicated a whole page of birding information on his website Birding2Asia. Good maps can be found here including some relevant information where to find some target birds. Most of your birding will be devoted to what’s known as Hill 394, which is no more than a track slowly winding uphill. Since May 2012 one needs a permit (500P) to enter this part of Subic Bay. They’re very serious about it and even a group of Birdquest had been sent back before. A permit can be obtained on the left-side of the building block right across the new shopping mall in Subic Bay itself (where you for sure should have a Oreo McFlurry Chocolate Overload at the MacDonalds…). Ok, back to the birding. In general all the target birds can be seen right from the parking lot there and this seems to be a good spot for White-lored Oriole (heard-only), Sooty Woodpecker and White-fronted Tit. The trail is good for both the malkohas, Rufous Coucal and Blackish Cuckoo-Shrike. However, we dipped on the tit and coucal, but saw both species at Sawa later on. The hornbill, flameback and hawk-eagle seem to be quite easy, also on the way back to the botanical gardens and around the former hospital. We had our only good views of Green Racquet-tail near the old hospital. No other special birds to be found there. Most surprisingly we found Spotted Button-quail near the bunkers close to the parking of Hill 394.

Key species*

• PURPLE NEEDLETAIL – Endemic to most of the Philippines and Sulawesi. 5 seen on 14/2 near the old hospital and 5 seen on 15/2 near Hill 394. Only seen on Luzon and by (almost) exclusively at Subic Bay.

• *GREEN RACqUET-TAIL – Endemic to Luzon. 3 seen perched high up in tree along the road the old hospital (near the start of the Boton Falls Track) on 14/2. 2 more seen flying-over on same date. 1 heard calling on 16/2 along the road to the Botanical Garden. Before the opening of Subic Bay about 10 years ago, this species was very elusive. In Subic Bay though it’s hard not to see this beauty.

• BLUE-NAPED PARROT – Endemic to most of the Philippines, but only to be seen on Palawan and Subic Bay. Subspecies lucionensis on Luzon and Mindoro. 2 perched birds seen on Green Racquet-tail

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14/2 near the hospital and 1 seen on both 15/2 and 16/2. A few heard calling on all days.

• LUZON FLAMEBACK – Endemic to Luzon, after being split from Greater Flameback. 2-4 heard on all days, 2 (m/f) seen halfway along the road to the old hospital on 14/2 and 3 (2m/f) seen along the road back to the BG on 16/2.

• ROUGH-CRESTED MALKOHA – Endemic to Luzon only. Seen daily, with a total of 6 seen along the Hill 394 track on 14/2 – all in dense undergrowth.

• TRILLING TAILORBIRD – Endemic to northern Luzon. Recent split from Philippine Tailorbird. Heard only 1 bird on all days.

• WHITE-BROWED SHAMA – Endemic to Luzon, Panay and Negros. Race luzoniensis proposed split from Panay/Negros race superciliaris (see there). If so, endemic to Luzon (Luzon Shama?). 4 heard around parking and track Hill 394 on 15/2 (1 shortly seen after taped-in by SR) and 1 heard-only at the parking on 16/2.

• SOOTY WOODPECKER – Endemic to Luzon and Mindanao. Subspecies funebris only on Luzon. A couple and a single female seen around the parking of Hill 394 on 14/2.

• LUZON HORNBILL – Endemic to Luzon, being split from Tarictic Hornbill. Up to 3 heard/seen around the parking of Hill 394 and 2 more heard-only along the track on 15/2 and another 3 seen on 16/2 along the road to the BG.

• WHITE-LORED ORIOLE– Endemic to Luzon, being a split from the very different Philippine Oriole. 2 heard around the parking of Hill 394 and 1 more heard-only along the track on 15/2.

• BLACKISH CUCKOO-SHRIKE – Endemic to Luzon. 2 seen well and 3 more heard-only along the Hill 394 track on 15/2. They are up high in the canopy!

• PHILIPPINE HAWK EAGLE – Endemic to Luzon and Mindoro, now split from Philippine Hawk-Eagle. By some also called Luzon Hawk Eagle. An adult and immature circling above the BG on 15/2.

• SPOTTED BUTTONqUAIL – Endemic to Luzon. A total of 3 seen (including a pair) on 15/2 around the second bunker on your left-hard if you take the northern route back to the BG seen from the parking of Hill 394. Another pair flushed around the third bunker on 16/2. An unexpected find! [GPS: 14.7599,120.3057]

• SCALE-FEATHERED MALKOHA – Endemic to Luzon. Only 1 heard/seen along the northern loop back to the BG from the Hill 394 parking on 16/2.

* Subic bay typically includes both malkohas, the hornbill and the flameback. However, these species are regular elsewhere too and therefore have only been discussed above.

A record shot of Spotted Buttonquail

The second bunker where we surprisingly flushed Spotted Buttonquail

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4.7.2 SAWA CAMP

Logistics

This being a low budget trip we didn’t booked a flight to the city of Tuguegarao (hard to pronounce!) but instead took the bus to there from Manila (705P, 11h35m). By doing so, we lost a full day of birding but we had plenty of time. If not and still on low budget, it is an option to take the Florida night bus which will take you about 10 hours and costs around 900P.

Facilities

In Tuguegarao we slept in Hotel Elinas (900P double) in the city’s centre. It’s ok with air-con, but no hot water. There’s an ATM just around the corner. Sawa Camp itself involves jungle camping, so no facilities there....

Birding

Birding starts the moment you’ll be dropped off, as some specialties can be found before one will reach the forest’ edge. The walk to camp 1 will take you about 4 hours, but en-route we picked up our first Blue-headed Fantail, a group of 15 Spotted Imperial Pigeon and a fly-by and only(!) Black-and-White Triller. Also had better views of Scale-feathered Malkoha. Furthermore, we added two more doves to our growing list: Red-eyed Turtle Dove and Island Collared Dove dusumieri (endemic ssp., already a split according to some). Camp 1 holds Philippine Nightjar, Philippine Scops Owl and Luzon Hawk-Owl at night. The walk to camp 2 takes you almost 5 hours and one target species is en-route: Furtive Flycatcher which can be picked up in some patches of bamboo along the trail. The closer one gets to the forest, the better the birding. We concentrated all of our birding efforts almost only between camp 2 and a trail which leads further up the mountain. Only Cream-bellied Pigeon and Rufous Coucal were found just before the main trail forks off to the left to camp 2. The best bird to be found has to be Ashy Thrush – too bad it’s really easy in downtown Manila now. Note that this part of Luzon hold some endemic subspecies not to be found elsewhere, like Philippine Green Pigeon amadoni, Green Imperial Pigeon nuchalis, Glossy swiftlet isonata, Philippine Trogon herberti, White-bellied Woodpecker esthloterus, Yellow-wattled Bulbul ilokensis, Balicassiao abraensis, Olive-backed Sunbird obscurior, Purple-throated Sunbird henkei and Handsome Sunbird flavipectus.

Down here we saw up to 15 Spotted Imperial Pigeons

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To find Sawa Camp you’ll need Aquilino Escobar as your guide (Facebook). His guiding fee is 1500P a day. He’s ok, but only pointed out four new birds (the pitta, tit, bleeding-heart and flycatcher). Accompanied porters will cost you about 200-300P. To built up break down the camp, more porters are needed (somehow). For the transport to the drop-off point to start the long walk to camp 1 you’ll have to pay 5000P for a private jeepney, although public jeepneys to something-blanca passed-by while there – must be a budget option. Also we paid 100P a head barangay fee. All three of us slept in single tents (we didn’t asked for) and Aquilino wanted us to pay 1500P extra. We didn’t, as we agreed on a price beforehand.

Key species

• BLUE-HEADED FANTAIL – Endemic to Luzon only, as the Tablas and Panay/Negros race are now split. Seen on a daily basis, up to 9 seen on 20/2.

• *SPOTTED IMPERIAL PIGEON – Endemic to Luzon. Only seen en-route to camp 2: 15 foraging in the top of trees down in the valley [GPS: 17.611,121.8908].

• PHILIPPINE NIGHTJAR – Heard-only around camp 1 on 18/2, together with a Great-eared Nightjar flying overhead.

• LUZON HAWK-OWL – Endemic to Luzon. Heard and seen (taped-in) along a trail to the village across the camp on 18/2. Very common at Mt. Makiling though.

• PHILIPPINE SCOPS OWL – Endemic to Luzon, as subspecies everetti and nigrorum now split from megalotus. Heard calling early morning near camp 1 by SR and MvO on 19/1.

• *FURTIVE FLYCATCHER – Endemic to Luzon. 2 heard singing and 1 taped-in showing well about a few 100 meters after the first crossing seen from camp 1, where the trail levels off and becomes wider. [GPS: 17.5945,121.913]

Base camp 2

Luzon Hawk-Owl

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One of the streams where we only heard Cordillera Ground Warbler

• RUFOUS HORNBILL – Endemic to Luzon and Mindanao. Subspecies hydrocorax only to be found on Luzon. Few heard on both 19/2 and 20/2, 3 shortly seen on the latter date.

• BLACKISH CUCKOO-SHRIKE – Endemic to Luzon. Fairly common, seen on all days

• WHITE-LORED ORIOLE – Endemic to Luzon. 1 heard singing on 19/2, 3 more heard-only on 21/2.

• *CORDILLERA GROUND WARBLER – Endemic to northern Luzon. 3 heard-only on 19/2: 1 near the toilet of camp 2, 1 near the 1st stream and one near the 2nd stream. The one near the 1st stream also heard on both 20/1 and 21/1, but unresponsive to tape (probably seen in flight).

• WHISKERED PITTA – Endemic to Luzon. 1 seen very well on 19/1, just before the 1st stream. Hopping around just a few meters away! [GPS: 17.602, 121.932]

• LUZON BLEEDING-HEART – Endemic to Luzon. Seen by MvO and MdV on 19/1, heard-only by SR. On/along the trail between the 1st / 2nd stream, just after the steepest part. Also heard singing on 20/1.

• *BLUE-BREASTED FLYCATCHER – Endemic to Luzon. Race herioti endemic to central and northern Luzon. Male/ female seen near 2nd stream on 20/2, male singing near camp 2 and 2 males in flock near turn-off on 21/1.

• ASHY TRUSH – Endemic to Luzon. Seen by SR down in the valley right of the trail, just after the 1st stream (before viewpoint). Later seen also by both SR and MdV a little bit lower down on 19/2.

• *LUZON STRIPED BABBLER – Endemic to Luzon. Only 1 seen in flock near 1st stream on 19/2.

• *GOLDEN-CROWNED BABBLER – Endemic to Luzon. 1-2 seen on a daily basis, all in flocks.

• *WHITE-FRONTED TIT – Endemic to Luzon and Mindanao (but hardly seen there). Race snowi endemic to northern Sierra Madre mountains. Heard/seen in the scoop across the valley near camp 2. [GPS: 17.603, 121.931]

• *CREAM-BELLIED FRUIT DOVE – Endemic to Luzon. Race faustinoi endemic to northern Luzon. 2 heard singing on 20/2 and 21/2. In fruiting trees just around the 1st corner to the left back to camp 1 (past the turn-off to the streams). [GPS: 17.6036, 121.9282]

• FLAMING SUNBIRD– Endemic to Luzon, as recently split from the subspecies daphoenonota on Negros and Panay (Maroon-naped Sunbird). Ssp. flagrans only on Luzon. Female seen/heard on 20/1 en-route to the top.

• *RUFOUS COUCAL – Endemic to Luzon. 5-6 seen/heard along the trail back to camp 1 (after the corner to the right, after the fruiting trees mentioned above) on 20/1. Taped-in, but unresponsive. Generally staying very low in dense tangles, thus hard to see.

Whiskered Pitta

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4.7.3. MT. POLIS

Logistics

From Hotel Elinas take a tricycle to the Victory Liner Terminal (40P, 20m). From here, hop on an air-con bus bound for Bagaga (250P, 5h25m). From here, take a jeepney to Lagawa (50P, 1h25m) and switch jeepney to Banuae (38P, 1h10m). From Bagaga, at the end of the day there are no more buses to Banuae! To get up to the summit early morning, the tree of us took a tricycle (700P, 1h). From here further down to the village of Bay-Yo (9k) will cost you 300P more (30m). Our driver, Dam Dam (09268111824), speaks good English, is on-time and lives nearby (in the city’s centre). On your way out, make sure you book early so you’ll be on the straight bus to Manila. We didn’t and so took a Ohayama non-aircon bus to Lagawe and from here then to Pasay (part of Manila). This will cost you 450P and take you about 9 hours.

Facilities

We slept in one of the numerous hotels in the idyllic village of Banuae: People’s Lodge & Restaurant (800P). It has big rooms (5 beds), hot water, Wi-Fi in the lobby, a good restaurant, but there’s no electricity in the rooms. The view over the most famous terraced rice fields is fabulous. It’s a small, but very lively town with many tourists every day. Restaurants are plentiful and nearby. Note there’s no ATM in Sabang, so make sure you have enough cash on you. On the summit of Mt. Polis there are some basic shops where one can has a cup of coffee, some bread and stuff. We advise Mt. Polis Rolling Coffee Shop.

Birding

Birding Mt. Polis starts right at the summit, just by walking down the road to Bay-Yo. Most specialties can be found by just hitting a flock which normally held Chestnut-faced Warbler, Green-backed Whistler and sometimes Flame-crowned Flowerpecker anthonyi (local race endemic to Luzon) along with many Negros Leaf Warbler benguetensis and Mountain White-Eye’s. Also pay attention to Common Crosbill and Mountain Tailorbird (both ssp. luzoniensis). Flame-breasted Fruit-Dove can be seen all along the road down, but we didn’t. Seems to less ‘common’ now, see also other trip reports. On our last day a farmer told us he had seen them a 2,5h walk from there, near some fruiting trees. Might be of interest to check. Benguet Bush-Warbler is mostly found in the first corner (to the left) after the turn-off to Bay-Yo (see below). Both Luzon Water-Redstart and Mountain Shrike were found down in the valley right of Bay-Yo. See the map below for further instructions.

The UFO-shaped bus shelter and turn-off to Bay-Yo village

The habitat of Benguet Bush Warbler

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Luzon Scops Owl (also Luzon Highland Scops Owl) can be found around KMP 350, a few kilometres down from Banaue. The dirt track off to the right here (from Banaue) is said to have the now very difficult White-browed Jungle Flycatcher but we didn’t succeed (on a rainy morning). Along the trail we did found Blue-haeded Fantail and Scale-feathered Malkoha.

Key species

• LONG-TAILED GROUND WARBLER – Endemic to Mindanao and Luzon (caudata). Several heard on a daily basis. Seen by Mdv/MvO after taping-in on 23/2, also one seen by SR /MvO along the trail behind the police station on 24/2.

• *CHESTNUT-FACED BABBLER – Endemic to Luzon. Seen daily, up to 5 seen on 24/2. Mostly in flocks.

• *PHILIPPINE BUSH WARBLER – Endemic to Luzon. Very common, many heard along the road. 2 successfully taped-in on 22/2.

• WHISKERED PITTA – Endemic to Luzon. Heard one singing down in the valley close to the top on 23/2.

• FLAME-CROWNED FLOWERPECKER – Endemic to Mindanao and Luzon. Subspecies anthonyi endemic to Luzon. M/f seen in flock on 23/2.

• *GREEN-BACKED WHISLTER – Endemic to Luzon and Mindoro. Seen on most days, up to 5 on 23/2. All in flocks.

• *BENGUET BUSH WARBLER – Endemic to central northern Luzon, above 800m. Re-discovered only in 2000, before only known from a specimen caught in 1894. 1 singing near KMP 364 on the road down to Bay-Yo, 4 singing and 1 taped-in (seen very well!) just past the turn-off to Bay-Yo. Just pass the UFO-shaped bus shelter on the left, the birds are on slide on the left (bushes and pine trees) in the first corner to the left. [GPS: 17.013, 121.016]

This rocky stream holds Luzon Water Redstart

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• MOUNTAIN SHRIKE – Endemic to Luzon, Mindanao and Mindoro. Subspecies validirostris endemic to northern Luzon. 1 seen by MvO in ricefields along road to the bridge past Bay-Yo. 2 seen by MdV and SR down in the fields on the right hand just before Bay-Yo. [GPS: 17.009, 121.017]

• *LUZON WATER REDSTART – Endemic to Luzon and Mindoro. m/f and single female seen on boulders in rocky stream near metal bridge, just left before Bay-Yo Village. This is not the regular site (which is the main bridge past Bay-Yo) and we accidently came across these birds. [GPS: 17.008, 121.016]

• *LUZON SCOPS’ OWL – Endemic to Luzon, above 1000m. 1 heard singing early-morning near KMP 351 on 24/2. This quite new spot is very reliable. Birds can be seen on the dirt track to the right starting at KMP 350 (where we started walking).

• *MONTANE/LUZON RACqUET-TAIL – Endemic to Luzon, as race waterstradti is now being regarded a full species on its own (Mindanao Racquet-tail). Both above 1000m. Flying over while calling in dense mist (not seen) near the fields at the end of the trail that starts right behind the police station (towards the telecom tower).

4.7.4. LA MESA ECO PARK, MANILA & PETROGLYOPS, ANGONO

Logistics

From our favourite hotel in town, Paradise Apartelle, in quezon City (part of Manila) it’s a 30 minutes’ drive to the park (205P). From here to the not so famous Petroglyphs in Angona you’ll have to take a tricycle to take you to the highway (10Ppp, 5 m), flag down a jeepney to Cubao (33P, 35m) and switch jeepney to Angona. From here, hire a 4WD (it’s very steep!) to take you to the petroglyphs. It took us over an hour to arrange transport to take us there as nobody knows the petroglyphs under that name...

Birding

Concentrate the birding in the park around the mini-park at the eastern end of the park, so past the pool (left), fishing warf (right) and petron amphitheatre (left). Just walk around, the thrushes are just hopping on the ground. For the pittas (both Red-bellied and Hooded) there’s a gully on the left hand just past the crossroads after you enter the forest. The tailorbird is in dense bamboo patches just south of this area. Indigo-banded Kingfisher can be seen around the fishing warf if you’re lucky. We found Mangrove Blue Flycatcher to be at the easternmost tip of the park. Lowland White-eyes are common. The shame-like songs is Golden-bellied Gerygone which is common here. The owls at the petroglyphs in Angano are to be found at the right hand, just right of the entrance. A guide was appointed to us, but except some entrance fee we didn’t pay for the guiding (in fact, we didn’t have to).

The wooden deck along the petroglyphs

Luzon Water Redstart

Key species

• *LOWLAND WHITE-EYE – Endemic to Luzon. Very common, more than 30 seen in 3 flocks.

• ASHY TRUSH – Endemic to Luzon and Mindoro. 6 seen in total on 27/2, with up to 4 birds seen together by SR. Juvenile bird seen and photographed by MdV.

• RED-BELLIED PITTA – 2 birds seen on 27/2 near the gate bordering the park, just past the famous gully where a male is usually present. No Hooded around though.

• GREY-BACKED TAILORBIRD – Endemic to Luzon. Heard an subsequently taped-in around a patch of dense bamboo just south of the mini-forest, near a more open area and a dry streambed.

• *PHILIPPINE EAGLE OWL – Endemic to Mindanao, Luzon, Samar/Leyte and Bohol. Mostly heard-only, rarely seen. Female seen very well in the large trees above the wooden deck bordering the actual petroglyphs. [GPS: 14.5325,121.1867]

4.7.5. MT. MAKILING, LOS BAÑOS

Logistics

Take an air-con bus (HM Transport) out of Manila to the city of Los Baňos (107,25P, 2h20m). Get off at the the Jolibees at the right side (not the one in the mall on the left). From here, take a jeepney to the UP campus (8P, 15m). From there, take a jeepney bound for forestry (8P, 5-10m).

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Ashy Thrush

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Facilities

Nobody seems to have ever heard of the famous TREES Lodge in town, so try TREES hostel, guesthouse or just Mt. Makiling. It just right of the entrance of Mt. Makiling itself, in case somebody asks. On arrival, we slept in the CEC (710P double) close to the tower on the campus. The rooms are big, have airco and there’s free water, but there’s no Wi-Fi. The TREES hostel (700P double) has all this except the hot water, but there’s good Wi-Fi and it’s a nicer spot.

Birding Birding should be concentrated around 3 spots: the campus area where it’s good birding, the Makiling Botanical Garden and Mt. Makiling itself. The MBG only opens 8 a.m. in the morning and closes 4 p.m. Entrance fee is 20P. For Mt. Makiling entrance fee is 10P, but note you’re not allowed to go up there after 2 p.m. A visit had to be pre-arranged via the office which holds in the same building as the TREES lodge (main entrance). Like said before, it’s good birding. Next to the key species (see below) we saw both malkohas pretty well (again), added several more Grey-backed Tailorbirds and had good views of Stripe-headed Rhabdornis. Early morning Spotted Wood Kingfisher lindsayi is common here, as is Luzon Hawk-Owl. Also heard Luzon Scops Owl near the TREES lodge. By some called Luzon Lowland Scops Owl, to differentiate between this species and the highland Luzon Scops Owl. Philippine Hawk-Eagle is fairly easy, mostly on the mountain. If for some reason Subic Bay is not included, the target list below will be longer!

Key species

• FLAMING SUNBIRD – Endemic to Luzon, as now being split from the subspecies on Negros and Panay (called Maroon-naped Sunbird, see Hosner & Diyle (2013)). M/f seen at the end of the path left after one enters the MBG on 1/3. [GPS: 14.154, 121.232]

• SPOTTED BUTTONqUAIL – Endemic to Luzon. Female shortly seen by MdV and then flushed along the famous Diary Husbandry trail on 1/3. The trail starts in front of the building, just outside the campus area. It’s the only known spot, but we found a pair in Subic Bay earlier.

• *INDIGO-BANDED KINGFISHER – Endemic to Luzon, Mindoro, Panay, Negros and Cebu. Probably extinct on the latter and usually only seen on Luzon in the Botanical Garden or from the bridge down at the campus area (or, if lucky, the La Mesa Eco Park). Male seen along the main rocky stream in MBG on 2/3.

Indigo-banded Kingfisher

The campus area

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4.7.6. CANDABA SWAMP

Logistics

From quezon (Manila) take an air-con bus to San Fernando (102P, 1h30m?), then hop on a jeepney to Candaba (28P, 30-35m) and from here hire a tricycle to the swamp, better known as the Bird Sanctuary (300P. 30-35m). On our way back we were dropped off in Sant Anna (100P) as there’re no jeepneys going back to San Fernando after 5 PM.

Facilities

In case you’ll fly out from Clark the next day, like we did, stay in the Hotel Sogo in San Fernando / Pampanga (580p double). It’s very clean, Wi-Fi all-around, hot water and the staff if ok. The rooms are... let me see... romantic at least. It’s the red-and-yellow building right across the SM Pampanga (the mall). The bus station is conveniently located in front of the mall. Please note the jeepney to ‘M Gate Clark’ (30P, 30m) is in fact not going there, switch to a jeepney going to ‘B..... gate Clark’. We took a private jeepney (125P), but I believe they just wanted to make some quick money as locals pointed to a public jeepney we should have taken.

Birding To be honest, Candaba Swamp might not be worth visiting. Ok ok, we only had one hour or so left and only had a quick look but still... our only bird of interest was a total of 168 Philippine Ducks. Nice, but it can be found elsewhere too - also in good numbers. If you’re into egrets you should check this place out: plenty of Purple Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons and all ‘white’ herons with Little Egret and Eastern Cattle Egret being the most common. We did scored some new birds however, like Clamorous Reed Warbler, Oriental Skylark and Pheasant-tailed Jacana. Saw some more Oriental Pratincoles (2), Purple Swamphens (10+) and Yellow Bittern (5-10).

Key species

• PHILIPPINE DUCK – Endemic to most of the Philippines. A total of 168 counted on 7/3 [GPS: 15.075, 120.878]

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The island of Mindoro

General birding

Mindoro, just south of Luzon, holds some hard-to-get endemics. Most people will visit only Sablayan Prison & Penal Farm, like we did. To see the islands’ highland endemics (Mindoro Imperial Pigeon and Mindoro Scops Owl) one has to climb Mt. Halcon. We did not as one has to arrange a serious trekking (8h, inclusive guide and porters) and we already had a full programme. A very productive trip by McCarthy et al. in April 2003 managed to see both endemics with some effort. However, other have missed both species due to heavy showers. As for Mindoro’s other endemics, including the extremely rare Black-hooded Coucal, they all can be seen at the penal farm. It may take a while to get in touch with the coucal as it’s very secretive, but it’s probably the best bird of our trip. In a nearby patch of forest (pitta trail?) we also found Hooded Pitta. The nearby Lake Libauo will probably get you nice views of Philippine Ducks and some more waterfowl.

Despite it being close to Luzon, it’s still holds some interesting subspecies. Recently one of these, Blue-crowned Racquet-tail mindorensis, has been split and is now a full species: Mindoro Racquet-tail. Also, the very distinct race of Philippine Coucal mindorensis is worth seeing: it’s all black! Other endemic subspecies we found are Tawny Grassbird, Phillipine Hanging-Parrot, White-bellied Woodpecker, Bar-bellied Cuckoo-shrike (all mindorensis) and Black-bibbed Cicadebird elusa. Shared with Luzon but not seen here is Barred Buttonquail fasciata. The distinct race (higher calls) of Slender-billed Crow pusillus which can be found almost only on Palawan otherwise, can also be found here in good numbers. It supposedly also holds several of ‘Luzons’ true endemics, like Luzon Water-Redstart, Mountain Shrike and Ashy Thrush, but I wonder if anybody has recently seen them. Most birders visit the island just for 2-3 days and focus on the penal farm.

Logistics

It took us almost a full day to travel from Los Baňos to Mindoro. First take a jeepney out of UPL to the mall of Los Baňos (8P, 15m) and then take another jeepney to the SM Calamba crossing (18P, 25m). From here, take a tricycle to take you to the bus station called Turbina (70P, 10m) and hop on a bus bound for Batangas Pier (87P, 1h25m). Here the ferry to Abre de Ilog will leave six times a day (260P, 2½h).

MINDORO

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The Siburan guesthouse

4.8.1 Sablayan Prison & Penal Farm

Logistics

Upon arrival on Mindoro, take a Dimple Star air-con bus to Sablayan (200P, 2¾h). They leave just behind the gate. Arrange a permit on time with the Ecotourism Office (see Lonely Planet) between 8 a.m and 5 p.m., but if you’re late call Joker (09394438767) and he’ll arrange permits for you (50P).

Facilities

In Sablayan we stayed in a hotel called Landmanz (400P). The room was basic, fairly small, had no sink and a very small bed (at least for 2 persons). If you’re not poor bastards like us, take a bigger room. However, it has a fan and there is Wi-Fi in the lobby. In the Prison & Penal Farm we stayed in the Siburan Guesthouse (500P) which is no more than a concrete bunker with a Stone Age bed. There’s no sink (no water anyway) and – surprisingly – no Wi-Fi either.

Birding

The birding involves two sites: the forest (right behind the guesthouse) and Lake Libauo. The walk to the lake will take you about 20-25 minutes. We found Metallic Pigeon, Savannah Nightjar and Barred Buttonquail en-route. The lake holds Philippine Duck, Wandering Whistling Duck and all bitterns (we found Yellow). On 5/3 we went for another forest patch where we found several Hooded Pitta [GPS: 12.8329,120.9151]. Archie is the local birdguide which lives right next to the guesthouse. He’s a good guy who is eager to learn more about birds. For now, he only knows his targets. Basically there are not many trails in the forest, but most birds will be found rather easy.

Key species

• *MINDORO HORNBILL – Endemic to Mindoro. Commonly seen / heard on both days, up to 15 seen and more heard on 4/3.

• *MINDORO RACqUET-TAIL – Endemic to Mindoro, only split in 2013 from Blue-crowned racquet-tail. Has a dark blue patch only instead of a light blue crown. Commonly seen or heard flying-by, one seen perched on 5/4.

• *SCARLET-COLLARED FLOWERPECKER – Endemic to Mindoro. Seen in good numbers (and heard) on both days.

• *MINDORO BULBUL – Endemic to Mindoro, now split from Philippine Bulbul (as well as Visayan Bulbul). Fairly common.Mindoro Racquet-tail

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Lake Libauo

• *MINDORO HAWK-OWL – Endemic to Mindoro. 2 heard / seen near abandoned fields (also Savannah Nightjar before dawn) outside the farm on 4/3 (to/from Lake Libauo; see GPS) and 1 heard at daylight along Pitta Trail. [GPS: 12.8285,120.9116]

• *BLACK-HOODED COUCAL – Endemic to Mindoro. Extremely rare (<250 pairs) and declining. None heard or seen on 4/3, but 5 heard (2 along trail, 3 near gully) and 1 subsequently taped-in on 5/3. [GPS: 12.828,120.9159]

• PHILIPPINE COUCAL – Subspecies mindorensis only to be found on Mindoro and is completely black unlike Philippine Coucal! Fairly common, most heard singing only.

• *METALLIC PIGEON – Endemic to the region. 3 seen well flying-over near lake Libauo.

• PHILIPPINE DUCK – Endemic to most of the Philippines. 50+ seen on both days on Lake Libauo.

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Striated Heron

Prenotes

During our visit of almost 9 weeks we recorderd 356 species of which 190 endemic (following IOC). Endemic species are listed below in CAPITOLS and underscored. If not monotypic, also endemic subspecies (+) are listed. Besides, its further occurence (-) within the Philippines is indicated. Please take into account this information is partly based on ‘A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines’ (Robert S. Kennedy et al., 2000) and might be outdated already. Please also note only the following islands are involved: Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Mindanao.

In the trip list below also endemic subspecies are listed (of both endemic and non-endemic species), these being underscored only. Also here, in between brackets, the birds’ occurence is listed. Further occurence is, unlike endemic species, not listed (unless seen of course). Finally it is important to know all our observations can be easily accessed via www.observado.org (> users > Sjoerd Radstaak > observations). Put from 03-01-2013 to 08-03-2013 as dates et voila.

HO = heard-only (species)

Bitterns, egrets and herons

1. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

2. Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)

3. Great Egret (Egretta alba)

4. Pacific Reef Egret (Egretta sacra)

5. Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia)

6. Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes)

7. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

pond-heron sp. (Ardeola spec.)

8. Striated Heron (Butorides striata)

9. Eastern Cattle Egret (Bubulcus coromandus)

10. Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

11. Nankeen Night Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus)

Trip

Lis

t

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12. Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis)

Ducks and geese

13. Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata)

14. PHILIPPINE DUCK (Anas luzonica) - all except Palawan, Cebu, Leyte

Osprey

15. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Buzzards, eagles, harriers, hawks and kites

16. Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) + philippensis (all except Bohol)

17. PHILIPPINE HONEY BUZZARD (Pernis steerei) + steerei (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Negros, Samar) + winkleri (Luzon, Mindoro)

18. Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

19. White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

20. Eastern Marsh Harrier (Circus spilonotus)

21. Besra (Accipiter virgatus) + quagga (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar)

22. Chinese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter soloensis)

23. Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus) + palawanensis (Palawan)

24. Grey-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus)

25. PHILIPPINE SERPENT EAGLE (Spilornis holospilus) - all except Palawan

26. Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) + palawanensis (Palawan)

27. PHILIPPINE EAGLE (Pithecophaga jefferyi) - Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Samar

28. Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii)

29. Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus)

Philippine Duck

Philippine Serpent Eagle

67

30. PINSKERS’ HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus pinskeri) - Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Negros, Samar

31. PHILIPPINE [LUZON] HAWK-EAGLE (Nisaetus philippensis) - Luzon, Mindoro

32. PHILIPPINE FALCONET (Microhierax erythrogenys) + erythrogenys (Bohol, Luzon, Mindoro, Negros) + meridionalis (Cebu, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar)

33. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Megapodes and scrubfowl

34. Philippine megapode (Megapodius cumingii)

Partridges, pheasants and quails

Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) | By most treated as escape (probably introduced)

35. PALAWAN PEACOCK PHEASANT (Polyplectron napoleonis) - Palawan

36. King quail (Excalfactoria chinensis) + lineata (all except Leyte)

Buttonquails

37. Barred Buttonquail (Turnix suscitator) + fasciatus (Luzon, Mindoro) + haynaldi (Palawan) + nigrescens (Cebu, Negros, Panay) 38. SPOTTED BUTTONqUAIL (Turnix ocellatus) + ocellatus (southern and central Luzon) - Luzon, Negros

Coots, crakes, rails and waterhens

39. Barred Rail (Gallirallus torquatus) + torquatus (all except Palawan)

40. Slaty-legged Crake (Rallina eurizonoides) - HO + eurizonoides (all except Palawan)

41. Spotless Crake (Porzana tabuensis)

42. White-browed Crake (Porzana cinerea) + ocularis (all islands)

Philippine Falconet

Barred Rail

68

43. PLAIN BUSH-HEN (Amaurornis olivacea) - HO - all except Palawan

44. White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)

45. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

46. Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) + pulverulentus (Bohol, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Panay)

Jacanas

47. Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus)

Lapwings and plovers

48. Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

49. Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva)

50. Little Ringed-Plover (Charadrius dubius)

51. Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)

52. Greater Sand-Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii)

Curlews, godwits, sandpipers and snipes

53. Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

54. Common Greenshank (tringa nebularia)

55. Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)

56. Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)

57. Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stragnatilis)

58. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

59. Grey-tailed Tattler (Tringa brevipes)

60. Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

Pintail/Swinhoe’s Snipe (Gallinago stenura/megala)

61. Common Snipe (Gallinaga gallinago)

62. BUKIDNON WOODCOCK (Scolopax bukidnonensis) - Luzon, MindanaoMarsh Sandpiper

69

63. Rufous-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)

64. Long-toed Stint (Calidris subminuta)

65. Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

Prantincoles

66. Oriental Prantincole (Glareola maldivarum)

Stilts and avocets

67. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

Terns and noddies

68. Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida)

Doves and pigeons

69. Thick-billed Green Pigeon (Treron curvirostra)

70. PHILIPPINE GREEN PIGEON (Treron axillaris) + amadoni (northern Luzon) + canescens (all excet Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan) - southern Luzon, Mindoro

71. Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans)

72. WHITE-EARED BROWN DOVE (Phapitreron leucotis) + brevirostris (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar) + leucotis (Luzon, Mindoro) + nigrorum (Cebu, Negros, Panay)

73. AMETHYST BROWN DOVE (Phapitreron amethystinus) + amythystina (Bohol, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Samar) - Cebu, Negros

74. CREAM-BELLIED FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus merrilli) - HO + faustonoi (northern Luzon) - central and southern Luzon

75. YELLOW-BREASTED FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus occipitalis) + occipitalis (all except Palawan, Mindoro) + incognitus (Mindanao)

76. BLACK-CHINNED FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus leclancheri) + gironieri (Palawan) + leclancheri (all except Palawan)

Yellow-breasted Fruit-Dove

Amethyst Brown-Dove

70

77. PINK-BELLIED IMPERIAL PIGEON (Ducula poliocephala) - all except Palawan

78. SPOTTED IMPERIAL PIGEON (Ducula carola) + carola (Luzon, Mindoro) - Mindanao, Negros

79. Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducala aenea) + aenea (all except Palawan, northern Luzon)

80. Metallic Pigeon (Columba vitiensis) + griseogularis (all except Bohol, Samar

81. PHILIPPINE CUCKOO DOVE (Macropygia tenuirostris) - all islands

82. Island Collared Dove (Streptopelia bitorquata) + dusumieri (all islands)

83. Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis)

84. Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata)

85. Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)

86. LUZON BLEEDING-HEART (Gallicolumba luzonica) + griseolateralis (northern Luzon) - central and southern Luzon

Lorikeets, cockatoos, parrots and racquet-tails

87. GUAIABERO (Bolbopsittacus lunulatus) + lunulatus (Luzon) + mindanensis (Mindanao) - Leyte, Samar

88. RED-VENTED COCKATOO (Cacatua haematuropygia) - Bohol, Palawan (extinct on all other islands)

89. Blue-naped Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis) + lucionensis (Luzon, Mindoro)

90. GREEN RACqUET-TAIL (Prioniturus luconensis) - central and northern Luzon

91. BLUE-CROWNED RACqUET-TAIL (Prioniturus discurus) - whiteheadi (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Luzon, Negros, Samar) - discurus (Mindanao)

92. MINDORO RACqUET-TAIL (Prioniturus mindorensis) - Mindoro

Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon

Guaiabero

71

93. BLUE-HEADED RACqUET-TAIL (Prioniturus platenae) - Palawan

94. MONTANE RACqUET-TAIL (Prioniturus montanus) - HO - northern Luzon

95. MINDANAO RACqUET-TAIL (Prioniturus waterstradti) + malindangensis (north central and western Mindanao) - south central and eastern Mindanao

96. PHILIPPINE HANGING PARROT (Loriculus philippensis) + apicalis (Mindanao) + mindorensis (Mindoro) + philippensis (Luzon) + regulus (Negros, Panay) - Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Samar

Cuckoos, malkohas and coucals

97. PHILIPPINE HAWK-CUCKOO (Cuculus pectoralis) - all except Samar

98. Plaintive Cuckoo (Cacomantis merulinus)

99. Rusty-breasted Cuckoo (Cacomantis sepulcralis)

100. Violet Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus) + amethystinus (all except Bohol, Negros, Panay)

101. PHILIPPINE DRONGO-CUCKOO (Surniculus velutinus) + chalybaeus (Luzon, Mindoro, Negros) + velutinus (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar)

102. Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) + minimus (Palawan)

103. Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) + mindanensis (all islands)

104. SCALE-FEATHERED MALKOHA (Dasylophus cumingi) - Luzon

105. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) + harringtoni (Palawan)

106. RED-CRESTED MALKOHA (Dasylophus superciliosus) + cagayanensis (northeast Luzon) + superciliosus (northwest, central and southern Luzon)

107. BLACK-HOODED COUCAL (Centropus steerii) - Mindoro

Blue-headed Racquet-tail

Rough-crested Malkoha

108. Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)

109. Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) + philippinensis (all except Palawan)

110. PHILIPPINE COUCAL (Centropus viridis) + viridis (all except Mindoro) + mindorensis (Mindoro)

111. BLACK-FACED COUCAL (Centropus melanops) + banken (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) + melanops (Mindanao)

112. RUFOUS COUCAL (Centropus unirufus) - Luzon

Owls

113. LUZON SCOPS OWL (Otus longicornis) - HO - Luzon

114. PALAWAN SCOPS OWL (Otus fuliginosus) - Palawan

115. EVERETT’S SCOPS OWL (Otus everetti) - Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar

116. NEGROS SCOPS OWL (Otus nigrorum) - Negros, Panay

117. PHILIPPINE SCOPS OWL (Otus megalotis) - HO - Luzon

118. GIANT SCOPS OWL (Otus gurneyi) - Mindanao

119. PHILIPPINE EAGLE-OWL (Bubo philippensis) + philippensis (Luzon) - Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar

120. CHOCOLATE BOOBOOK (Ninox randi) - Cebu, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros

121. CEBU HAWK-OWL (Ninox rumseyi) - Cebu

122. LUZON HAWK-OWL (Ninox philippensis) - Leyte, Luzon, Samar

123. MINDANAO HAWK-OWL (Ninox spilocephala) - Mindanao

Black-faced Coucal

Philippine Eagle-Owl

Palawan Scops Owl

72

73

124. MINDORO HAWK-OWL (Ninox mindorensis) - Mindoro

125. Spotted Wood-Owl (Strix seloputo) + wiepkeni (Palawan)

Frogmouths

126. PHILIPPINE FROGMOUTH (Batrachostomus septimus) + septimus (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar) - Luzon, Negros, Panay

127. PALAWAN FROGMOUTH (Batrachostomus chaseni) - Palawan

Nightjars

128. Great-eared Nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) + macrotis (Bohol, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Samar)

129. PHILIPPINE NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus manillensis) - all except Palawan

130. Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis) + griseatus (Cebu, Luzon, Mindoro, Negros)

Swifts

131. AMELINE SWIFTLET (Aerodramus amelis) - Bohol, Cebu, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro

132. Uniform Swiftlet (Aerodramus vanikorensis) + palawanensis (Palawan)

133. PHILLIPINE SWIFTLET (Collocalia mearsni) - all except Leyte, Samar

134. Glossy Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta) + bagobo (Mindanao, Mindoro) + isonota (northern Luzon) + marginata (all except Mindanao, Mindoro, northern Luzon)

135. PYGMY SWIFTLET (Collocalia troglodytes) - all islands

136. PHILIPPINE SPINE-TAILED SWIFT (Mearnsia picina) - Cebu, Leyte, Mindanao, Negros, Samar

137. Purple Needletail (Hirundapus celebensis) 138. House Swift (Apus nipalensis)

Philippine Spine-tailed Swift

Mindoro Hawk-Owl

74

139. Asian Palm-Swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis) + pallidior (all except Mindoro, Palawan)

Treeswifts

140. Whiskered Treeswift (Hemiprocne comata) + major (all except Palawan)

Trogons

141. PHILIPPINE TROGON (Harpactes ardens) + ardens (Mindanao) + herberti (northeast Luzon) + linae (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) - Luzon except northeast

Rollers

142. Oriental Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)

Kingfishers

143. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

144. INDIGO-BANDED KINGFISHER (Ceyx cyanopectus) + cyanopecta (Luzon, Mindoro) - Cebu, Negros, Panay

145. SILVERY KINGFISHER (Ceyx argentatus) + argentatus (Mindanao) + flumenicolus (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) | split by some in Northern Silvery Kingfisher (argentatus) and Southern Silvery Kingfisher (flumenicolus)

146. STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER (Pelargopsis capensis) + gouldi (Mindoro, Palawan) - all except Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan 147. Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda)

148. White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) - gularis (all except Palawan)

149. WINCHELL’S KINGFISHER (Todiramphus winchelli) + mindandensis (Mindanao) + nigrorum (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Samar)

150. Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) 151. SPOTTED WOODKINGFISHER (Actenoides lindsayi) + lindsayi (Luzon)Winchell’s Kingfisher

Whiskered Treeswift

75

+ moseleyi (Negros, Panay)

152. HOMBRON’S KINGFISHER (Actenoides hombroni) - HO - Mindanao

Bee-eaters

153. Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis) + americanus (all except Palawan)

154. Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) + phillipinus (all except Palawan)

Hornbills

155. LUZON HORNBILL (Penelopides manillae) - Luzon

156. MINDANAO HORNBILL (Penelopides affinis) - Mindanao

157. MINDORO HORNBILL (Penelopides mindorensis) - Mindoro

158. SAMAR HORNBILL (Penelopides samarensis) - Bohol, Leyte, Samar

159. VISAYAN HORNBILL (Penelopides panini) - Negros, Panay

160. WRITHED HORNBILL (Aceros leucophalus) - Mindanao

161. PALAWAN HORNBILL (Anthracoceros marchei) - Palawan

162. RUFOUS HORNBILL (Buceros hydrocorax) + hydrocorax (Luzon) + mindanensis (Mindanao) - Bohol, Leyte, Samar

Barbets

163. Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) + cebuensis (Cebu) + haemacephala (Luzon, Mindoro) + mindanensis (Mindanao)

Woodpeckers

Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Blue-throated Bee-eater

Mindanao Hornbill

76

164. PHILIPPINE PYGMY WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos maculatus) + fulvifasciatus (Mindanao) + maculatus (Cebu, Negros, Panay) + validirostris (Luzon, Mindoro) - Bohol, Leyte, Samar

165. SOOTY WOODPECKER (Mulleripicus funebris) + funebris (Luzon) - Leyte, Mindanao, Samar

166. Great Slaty Woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus)

167. White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus javensis) + confusus (central and southern Luzon) + mindorensis (Mindoro) + multilunatus (Mindanao) + pectoralis (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) + philippensis (Negros, Panay)

168. BUFF-SPOTTED FLAMEBACK (Chrysocolaptes lucidus) + rufopunctatus (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) + montanus (Mindanao except Zamboanga Peninsula)

169. LUZON FLAMEBACK (Chrysocolaptes haematribon) - Luzon

170. RED-HEADED FLAMEBACK (C. erythrocephalus) - HO - Palawan

171. SPOT-THROATED FLAMEBACK (Dinopium everetti) - Palawan

Broadbills

172. [MINDANAO] WATTLED BROADBILL (Sarcophanops steerii) - Mindanao

Pittas

173. Red-bellied Pitta (Erythropitta erythrogaster) + erythrogaster (all except Palawan)

174. WHISKERED PITTA (Erythropitta kochi) - northern, east, central and southern Luzon

175. Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida) + palawanensis (Palawan) + sordida (all except Palawan, Panay)

176. AZURE-BREASTED PITTA (Pitta steerii) + coelestis (Bohol, Leyte, Samar)

Luzon Flameback

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker

Buff-spotted Flameback

77

+ steerii (Mindanao)

Martins and swallows

177. Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)

178. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

179. Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica)

180. Striated Swallow (Cecropis striolata)

Larks

181. Oriental Skylark (Alauda gulgata) - wolfei (Bohol, Luzon, Mindanao, Negros)

Cuckooshrikes, minivets and trillers

182. Bar-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike (Coracina striata) + boholensis (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) + difficilis (Palawan) + mindorensis (Mindoro) + striata (Luzon)

183. BLACKISH CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina coerulescens) + coerulescens (Luzon)

184. BLACK-BIBBED CICADEBIRD (Coracina mindanensis) + elusa (Mindoro) + mindanensis (Mindanao) + ripleyi (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) - Luzon

185. WHITE-WINGED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina ostenta) - Negros, Panay

186. MCGREGOR’S CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina mcgregori) - Mindanao

187. BLACK-AND-WHITE TRILLER (Lalage melanoleuca) + melanoleuca (Luzon) - Leyte, Mindanao, Samar

188. Pied Triller (Lalage nigra) - chilensis (all islands)

189. Ashy Minivet (Pericrocotus divaricatus)

190. Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus speciosus) - gonzalesi (northern and eastern Mindanao)Black-bibbed Cicadebird

White-winged Cuckooshrike

78

- novus (Luzon, Negros)

Leafbirds and Ioras

191. PHILIPPINE LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis flavipennis) - Leyte, Mindanao192. YELLOW-THROATED LEAFBIRD (Chloropsis palawanensis) - Palawan

193. Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia)

Bulbuls

194. Black-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus atriceps)

195. Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) - goiavier (Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, Panay) - samarensis (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Samar) - suluensis (Mindanao)

196. YELLOW-WATTLED BULBUL (Pycnonotus urostictus) + atricaudatus (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) + philippensis (Mindanao except Zamboanga Peninsula) + urostictus (central and southern Luzon) - northern Luzon

197. ASHY-FRONTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus cinereifrons) -Palawan

198. PALAWAN BULBUL (Alophoixus frater) -Palawan

199. SULPHUR-BELLIED BULBUL (Iole palawanensis) -Palawan

200. MINDORO BULBUL (Hypsipetes mindorensis) -Mindoro

201. PHILIPPINE BULBUL (Hypsipetes philippinus) + philippinus (Luzon) + saturatior (Boho, Cebu, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar)

202. VISAYAN BULBUL (Hypsipetes guimarasensis) - Negros, Panay

203. STREAK-BREASTED BULBUL (Hypsipetes siquijorensis) - monticola (Cebu) - siquijorensis (Siquijor) | split by some into three different species: Cebu Streak-breasted Bulbul, Siquijor Streak-breasted Bulbul and Tablas Streak-breasted Bulbul (cinereiceps)

79

204. YELLOWISH BULBUL (Hypsipetes everetti) - everetti (Leyte, Mindanao, Samar)

Drongos

205. Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) 206. BALICASSIAO (Dicrurus balicassius) + balicassius (central and southern Luzon) + mirabilis (Cebu, Negros, Panay) - northern Luzon | Split by some into two species: Balicassiao (including balicassius) and Visayan Balicassiao (mirabilis)

207. Hair-crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus) + palawanensis (Palawan) + samarensis (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) + striatus (Mindanao)

Orioles and Fairy-bluebirds

208. Dark-throated Oriole (Oriolus xanthonotus)

209. PHILIPPINE ORIOLE (Oriolus steerii) + samarensis (Bohol, Leyte, eastern Mindanao, Samar) + steerii (Negros) - western Mindanao

210. WHITE-LORED ORIOLE (Oriolus assimilis) - HO - western and northern Luzon

211. Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) + chinensis (all islands)

212. PHILIPPINE FAIRY-BLUEBIRD (Irena cyanogastra) + cyanogastra (Luzon) + ellae (Bohol, Leyte, Samar) + hoogstraali (Mindanao)

213. Asian Fairy-Bluebird (Irena puella) - tweeddalii (Palawan)

Crows

214. Slender-billed Crow (Corvus enca) - pusillis (Mindoro, Palawan) - sierramadrensis (Luzon: Cordillera and Sierra-Madre Mts.) | split by some into two species: Sierra Madre Crow (sierramadrensis) and Palawan Crow (pusillis), mostly based on vocalisations

Yellowish Bulbul

80

215. Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) - philippinus (all islands)

Tits

216. PALAWAN TIT (Pardaliparus amabilis) - Palawan

217. ELEGANT TIT (Pardaliparus elegans) + albescens (Negros) + elegans (central and Southern Luzon, Mindoro, Panay) + gilliardi (western Luzon: Bataan Peninsula) + mindanensis (Leyte, Mindanao, Samar) + visayanus (Cebu) - northwest Luzon

218. WHITE-FRONTED TIT (Sittitparus semilarvatus) - snowi (northeastern Luzon: Sierra Madre Mts.) + Mindanao, central and southern Luzon

Nuthatches

219. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis) - palawana (Palawan)

220. SULPHUR-BILLED NUTHATCH (Sitta oenochlamys) + apo (Mindanao except Zamboanga Peninsula) + mesoleuca (northwestern Luzon) + oenochlamys (Cebu, Negros, Panay) - northeast, central and southern Luzon, Leyte, Samar

Rhabdornis

221. STRIPE-HEADED RHABDORNIS (Rhabdornis mystacalis) + minor (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar) + mystacalis (Luzon, Negros, Panay)

222. STRIPE-BREASTED RHABDORNIS (Rhabdornis inornatus) + alaris (Mindanao) - Samar, Leyte, Negros, Panay

Babblers

223. ASHY-HEADED BABBLER (Malacocincla cinereiceps) - Palawan

224. MELODIOUS BABBLER (Malacopteron palawanense) - Palawan

225. FALCATED WREN-BABBLER (Ptilocichla falcata) - HO - Palawan

Stripe-headed Rhabdornis

Melodious Babbler

81

226. STRIATED WREN-BABBLER (Ptilocichla mindanensis) + fortichi (Bohol) + mindanensis (Mindanao except Zamboanga Peninsula) - Leyte, Samar, Zamboanga Peninsula

227. CORDILLERA GROUND BABBLER (Robsonius rabori) - northern Luzon including Cordillera, northern Sierre Madre Mts.

228. MINDANAO PYGYMY-BABBLER (Dasycrotapha plateni) - Mindanao

229. RUSTY-CROWNED BABBLER (Sterrhoptilus capitalis) + euroaustralis (Mindanao except Zamboanga Peninsula) - Zamboanga Peninsula

230. BLACK-CROWNED BABBLER (Sterrhoptilus nigrocapitatus) + boholensis (Bohol) - east, central and southern Luzon, Leyte, Samar

231. GOLDEN-CROWNED BABBLER (Sterrhoptilus dennistouni) - northern Luzon

232. FLAME-TEMPLED BABBLER (Dasycrotapha speciosa) - Negros, Panay

233. CHESTNUT-FACED BABBLER (Zosterornis whiteheadi) + whiteheadi (Luzon except southern Luzon) - southern Luzon

234. LUZON STRIPED-BABBLER (Zosterornis striatus) - notheastern and west central Luzon

235. NEGROS STRIPED-BABBLER (Zosterornis nigrorum) - Negros

236. Pin-striped Tit-Babbler (Macronus gularis) + woodi (Palawan)

237. BROWN TIT-BABBLER (Macronus striaticeps) + mindanensis (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar)

Robins, shamas and thrushes

238. White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx montana) + mindanensis (Mindanao except Zamboanga Peninsula) + poliogyna (northern and west central Luzon)

239. PHILIPPINE MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus mindanensis) - all except Palawan

82

240. WHITE-BROWED SHAMA (Copsychus luzoniensis) + luzoniensis (Luzon) + superciliaris (Negros, Panay) | split by some into two species: White-browed shama (including luzoniensis) and Visayan Shama (superciliaris)

241. WHITE-VENTED SHAMA (Copsychus niger) - Palawan

242. BLACK SHAMA (Copsychus cebuensis) - Cebu

243. LUZON WATER REDSTART (Phoenicurus bicolor) - northern Luzon, Mindoro

244. Pied Bush Chat (Saxicola caprata) + anderseni (Leyte, Mindanao) + caprata (Luzon, Mindoro) + randi (Bohol, Cebu, Negros, Panay)

245. Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius)

246. ASHY THRUSH (Geokichla cinerea) - northern and central Luzon, Mindoro

247. Island Thrush (Turdus poliocephalus) - katanglad (central Mindanao: Mt. Kitanglad)

248. Eye-browed Thrush (Turdus obscurus)

Old World Warblers

249. Golden-bellied Gerygone (Gerygone sulphurea) + simplex (Bohol, Cebu, Luzon, Mindoro, Negros)

arctic warbler sp. (Phylloscopus borealis/ examandus/ xanthodryas)

250. PHILIPPINE LEAF WARBLER (Phylloscopus olivaceus) - Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Negros, Samar

251. LEMON-THROATED LEAF WARBLER (Phylloscopus cebuensis) + cebuensis (Cebu, Negros) + luzonensis (northern and central Luzon) - southern Luzon

252. NEGROS LEAF WARBLER (Phylloscopus nigrorum) + benguetensis (northern Luzon) + flavostriatus (north central Mindanao) - Negros, Panay, Palawan, Luzon and MindanaoPhilippine Leaf Warbler

White-browed Shama

83

253. Clamorous Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus)

254. Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis)

255. Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis) + alopex (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte) + crex (Mindanao) + mindorensis (Mindoro) + tweeddalei (Luzon, Negros, Panay, Samar, Siquijor)

256. Striated Grassbird (Megalurus palustris) + forbesi (all islands)

257. Middendorff’s Grasshopper-Warbler (Locustella ochotensis)

258. PHILIPPINE TAILORBORD (Orthotomus castaneiceps) + rabori (Cebu, Negros) - Panay

259. RUFOUS-FRONTED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus frontalis) + frontalis (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar)

260. TRILLING TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus chloronotus) - north and central Luzon

261. GREY-BACKED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus derbianus) + derbianus (central and southern Luzon)

262. Mountain Tailorbird (Phyllergates cuculatus) + philippinus (Luzon) - Palawan 263. RUFOUS-HEADED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus heterolaemus) - Mindanao

264. Rufous-tailed Tailorbird (Orthotomus sericeus)

265. YELLOW-BREASTED TAILORBORD (Orthotomus samarensis) - Bohol, Leyte, Samar

266. BLACK-HEADED TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus nigriceps) - eastern Mindanao

267. Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) + semirufa (all except Palawan)

268. Zitting Cistocola (Cisticola juncidis)

269. PHILIPPINE BUSH WARBLER (Horornis seebohmi) - northwestern Luzon

Striated Grassbird

Tawny Grassbird

84

270. BENGUET BUSH WARBLER (Locustella seebohmi) - central northern Luzon

271. LONG-TAILED BUSH WARBLER (Locustella caudata) + caudatus (northwestern Luzon) + unicolor (central and eastern Luzon)

Flycatchers

272. Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycather (Rhinomyias ruficauda) + boholensis (Bohol) + samarensis (Leyte, eastern and central Mindanao, Samar)

273. Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa latirostris)

274. Grey-streaked Flycatcher (Muscicapa gristeisticta)

275. Turquoise Flycatcher (Eumyias panayensis) + nigriloris (Mindanao) + nigrimentalis (Luzon, Mindoro) + panayensis (Negros, Panay)

276. Narcissus Flycatcher (Ficedula narcissana)

277. Mugimaki Flycatcher (Ficedula mugimaki)

278. Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra) + montigena (central Mindanao)

279. LITTLE SLATY FLYCATCHER (Ficedula basilanica) + basilanica (Mindanao) - Leyte, Samar

280. PALAWAN FLYCATCHER (Ficedula platenae) - Palawan

281. FURTIVE FLYCATCHER (Ficedula disposita) - western and northeastern Luzon

282. Little Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra) + rabori (Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, Panay) + palawanensis (southern Palawan)

283. Blue-and-white Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana)

284. BLUE-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Cyornis herioti) + herioti (north and central Luzon) - southern Luzon

285. PALAWAN BLUE FLYCATCHER (Cyornis lemprieri) - Palawan

Little Pied Flycatcher

Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher

Palawan Blue Flycatcher

85

286. Mangrove Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis rufigastra) + blythi (Luzon) + philippensis (all except Luzon, Mindoro)

287. Citrine Canary Flycatcher (Culicicapa helianthea) + panayensis (Cebu, Leyte, Mindanao, Negros, Panay, Palawan) + zimmeri (central Luzon)

288. PHILIPPINE PIED FANTAIL (Rhipidura nigritorquis) - all islands

289. MINDANAO BLUE FANTAIL (Rhipidura superciliaris) + apo (Mindanao except western Zamboanga Peninsula)

290. VISAYAN BLUE FANTAIL (Rhipidura samarensis) - Bohol, Leyte, Samar

291. BLUE-HEADED FANTAIL (Rhipidura cyaniceps) + cyaniceps (northeast, central and southern Luzon) 292. VISAYAN [BLUE-HEADED] FANTAIL (Rhipidura albiventris) - Negros, Panay

293. BLACK-AND-CINNAMON FANTAIL (Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea) + hutchinsoni (northern, western, eastern Mindanao)

294. RUFOUS PARADISE FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone cinnamomea) + cinnamomea (Mindanao, Samar) - Cebu, Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, Panay

295. BLUE PARADISE FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone cyanescens) - Palawan

296. Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea) - azurea (all islands)

297. CELESTIAL MONARCH (Hypothymis coelestis) - HO + coelestis (Luzon, Mindanao, Samar) - Negros

298. SHORT-CRESTED MONARCH (Hypothymis helenae) + agusanae (eastern Mindanao) - Luzon, Samar

Whisters

299. GREEN-BACKED WHISTLER (Pachycephala albiventris) + alibiventris (northern Luzon) - central and southern Mindanao, Mindoro

Black-and-cinnamon Fantail

Citrine Canary Flycatcher

86

300. WHITE-VENTED WHISTLER (Pachycephala homeyeri) + major (Cebu) + winchelli (Negros, Panay) - Mindanao

301. YELLOW-BELLIED WHISTLER (Pachycephala philippensis) + apoensis (Leyte, Mindanao, Samar) + boholensis (Bohol) + philippensis (Luzon)

Pipits and wagtails

302. Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)

303. Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis)

304. Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) + lugubris (all islands)

305. Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni)

306. Pechora Pipit (Anthus gustavi)

Wood-Swallows

307. White-breasted Wood-Swallow (Artamus leucorynchus)

Shrikes

308. Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) + nasutus (all except Palawan)

309. MOUNTAIN SHRIKE (Lanius validirostris) + hachisuka (Mindanao) + validirostris (north Luzon)

310. Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)

Mynas and starlings

311. Short-tailed Glossy Starling (Aplonis minor) + todayensis (Mindanao)

312. Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis)

313. COLETO (Sarcops calvus) + calvus (Luzon, Mindoro) + melanonotus (all except Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan)

314. APO MYNA (Basilornis mirandus) - Mindanao

Mountain Shrike

Olive-backed Pipit

Apo Myna

87

315. Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) + palawanensis (Palawan)

Spiderhunters and sunbirds

316. Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) + paraguae (Palawan)

317. GREY-THROATED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes griseigularis) + birgitae (north and central Luzon, Mindoro?) + griseigularis (Leyte, northeast Mindanao, Samar)

318. Copper-throated Sunbird (Leptocoma calcostetha)

319. Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) + aurora (Palawan) + obscurior (northern Luzon) + jugularis (all except Palawan and northern Luzon)

320. PURPLE-THROATED SUNBIRD (Leptocoma sperata) + sperata (central and southern Luzon) + trochilis (Bohol, Leyte, eastern Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Samar) - northern Luzon, central and western Mindanao

321. FLAMING SUNBIRD (Aethopyga flagrans) + decolor (northern Luzon) + flagrans (central and southern Luzon)

322. GREY-HOODED SUNBIRD (Aethopyga primigenia) + primigenia (central Mindanao) - northeastern Mindanao

323. BOHOL SUNBIRD (Aethopyga decorosa) - Bohol

324. METALLIC-WINGED SUNBIRD (Aethopyga pulcherrima) - Leyte, Mindanao, Samar

325. APO SUNBIRD (Aethopyga boltoni) + malindangensis (north and central Mindanao) - central and southern Mindanao

326. LOVELY SUNBIRD (Aethopyga shelleyi) - Palawan 327. HANDSOME SUNBIRD (Aethopyga bella) + bella (Leyte, Mindanao, Samar) + bonita (Cebu, Negros, Panay) - Luzon, Mindoro

Grey-throated Sunbird

Grey-hooded Sunbird

Apo Sunbird

88

328. MAGNIFICENT SUNBIRD (Aethopyga magnifica) + Cebu, Negros, Panay

329. NAKED-FACED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera clarae) + clarae (central Mindanao) - Mindanao (all except above), Leyte, Samar

330. ORANGE-TUFTED SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera flammifera) - Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar

331. PALE SPIDERHUNTER (Arachnothera dilutior) - Palawan

Flowerpeckers

332. OLIVE-BACKED FLOWERPECKER (Prionochilus olivaceus) + olivaceus (Mindanao) - Bohol, Leyte, Luzon, Samar

333. PALAWAN FLOWERPECKER (Prionochilus plateni) - Palawan

334. STRIPED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum aeruginosum) + affine (Palawan) + striatissimum (Luzon) - Cebu, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros

335. OLIVE-CAPPED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum nigrilore) + nigrilore (central and western Mindanao) - eastern Mindanao

336. FLAME-CROWNED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum anthonyi) + anthonyi (northern Luzon) + kampalili (Mindanao except Zamboanga Peninsula) - western Mindanao

337. BICOLORED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum bicolor) + bicolor (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar) + viridissimum (Negros) - Luzon, Mindoro

Cebu Flowerpecker (Dicaeum quandricolor) - HO(?) - Cebu | unidentified calls said to be this species, but no reference calls found (see Tabunan Forest)

338. RED-KEELED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum australe) - Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Samar

339. BLACK-BELTED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum haematostictum) - Negros, Panay

Red-keeled Flowerpecker

Buzzing Flowerpecker

89

340. SCARLET-COLLARED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum retrocinctum) - Mindoro

341. BUZZING FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum hypoleucum) + pontifex (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao except Zamboanga Peninsula, Samar) - northeast Luzon, central and southern Luzon, Zamboanga Peninsula

342. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma) + cinereigulare (Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar) + dorsale (Negros, Panay) + xanthopygium (Luzon, Mindoro)

343. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus) + apo (Mindanao, Negros, Panay)

344. PYGMY FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum pygmaceum) + davao (Mindanao) + palawanorum (Palawan) + pygmaeum (all except Mindanao, Palawan, Panay and below) - northwest Luzon

White-eyes 345. LOWLAND WHITE-EYE (Zosterops meyeni) + meyeni (Luzon)

346. Everett’s White-Eye (Zosterops everetti) + everetti (Cebu) + basilanicus (Mindanao)

347. YELLOWISH WHITE-EYE (Zosterops nigrorum) + innominatus (northeastern and central Luzon) + nigrorum (Negros, Panay) - northwestern Luzon, southern Luzon, Mindoro

348. Mountain White-Eye (Zosterops montanus) + pectoralis (Negros) + vulcani (central and southern Mindanao) + whiteheadi (Luzon)

349. MINDANAO WHITE-EYE (Lophozosterops goodfellowi) + goodfellowi (central and southern Mindanao) - eastern and western Mindanao

350. CINNAMON IBON (Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus) - Mindanao

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker

Lowland White-Eye

Mindanao White-Eye

90

Old world sparrows and weavers

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

Avadavat, parrotfinches and munias

351. RED-EARED PARROTFINCH (Erythrura coloria) - Mindanao Java Sparrow (Lonchura oryzivora)

352. White-bellied Munia (Lonchura leucogastra) + everetti (Luzon, Mindoro) + manueli (all except Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan)

353. Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata) + cabanisi (all except Bohol, Leyte, Samar)

354. Chestnut Munia (Lonchura atricapilla) Crossbill and finches

355. Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) + luzoniensis (Luzon)

356. WHITE-CHEEKED BULLFINCH (Pyrrhula leucogenis) + steerei (Mindanao) + leucogenis (Luzon)

Chestnut Munia