The Philippines

The Philippines
(Luzon, Mindanao & Palawan)
21st February – 12th March 2016
Leader: Rob Hutchinson
Participants:David Andrew, Mike Coverdale, Neil Davis,
Gil Ewing, Lisa Holzapfel, Andy Livermore and Stefani McLaney
Celestial Monarch, Mindanao
© Rob Hutchinson / Birdtour Asia
The Philippines is one of the top destinations for any world-birder, with more than 250 endemics already
recognised, a number which continues to grow as the complex island taxonomy is unravelled. Our standard
scheduled tour packs well over half of these endemics into just three weeks, an exceptional tally which is difficult
to match anywhere in the world. Our second tour of the year was another exciting adventure which produced
innumerable highlights, beginning on Luzon where the marshes of Candaba held not only the important endemics
namely Philippine Duck and Philippines Swamphen but a fine drake Baikal Teal among the throng of wintering
ducks and good looks at Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler. From here we headed into the central Cordillera for a
couple of days of Luzon montane birding which proved superb with Flame-breasted Fruit Dove, Luzon Racquet-tail,
Luzon Water Redstart, Long-tailed Bush Warbler and enjoyed the finest views ever of Benguet Bush Warbler
posing in the open. At night a delightfully confiding Luzon Scops Owl got our endemic owls list off to a fine start.
Working our way back south through Luzon the next destination were the lowland rainforests of Subic Bay where
all the specialties performed nicely including the difficult White-lored Oriole, prolonged views of White-fronted Tit,
Green Racquet-tail, Rufous Coucal, Green-backed Tailorbird, Northern Sooty Woodpecker, Luzon Flameback,
White-browed Shama, and several Chocolate Boobooks on roadside wires at night. Stops in Manila as we passed
south added Ashy Thrush, Philippine Scops Owl and Philippine Nightjar before arriving at our next destination of
Mount Makiling where we successfully tracked down Indigo-banded and Spotted Wood Kingfishers, Luzon
Boobook, Flaming Sunbird, the amazing Scale-feathered Malkoha, and Spotted Buttonquail. We then headed down
to Mindanao beginning on Mount Kitanglad where we baked in the fine weather but found most targets including
prolonged views of the immense Philippine Eagle, Red-eared Parrotfinch, McGregor’s Cuckooshrike, Cinnamon
Ibon, Apo Myna and Apo Sunbird among others. Night-time excursions produced Philippine Frogmouth and
Everett’s Scops Owl but not Giant Scops Owl which was a welcome pull-back at our next stop near Davao where
Cryptic Flycatcher, Bicolored and Whiskered Flowerpeckers, and Naked-faced Spiderhunter were added. On the
east coast of Mindanao the increasingly diminished forest of PICOP continued to produce the mega birds with
Celestial and Short-crested Monarch, Mindanao Wattled Broadbill, Steere’s and Philippine Pitta, Streaked Ground
Babbler, Rufous and Writhed Hornbills, Rufous-lored and Southern Silvery Kingfishers, Mindanao Boobook and
Eastern Grass Owl just a selection of the megas.
We finished the tour on Palawan with some of the most pleasant birding the Philippines has to offer. We saw all
available endemics with the star of the show the flashy male Palawan Peacock Pheasant but also great looks at
Falcated Ground Babbler, Melodious Babbler, Blue-headed Racquet-tail, Spot-throated and Red-headed
Flamebacks, Philippine Cockatoo, Philippine Flycatcher, Blue Paradise Flycatcher, Philippine Frogmouth and daytime views of both Mantanani and Palawan Scops Owl.
We recorded a total of 349 species, 11 heard only, of which an impressive 164 were endemic and 6 near-endemic.
We began the tour with an early departure from Manila, arriving at what remains of Candaba Marsh not long after
dawn. Although now tiny in size, a mere fraction of the immense marsh that once covered the floodplain, the
ponds were positively teeming with water-birds. We focussed our attention first on the thousands of ducks which
included nearly a thousand handsome endemic Philippine Ducks alongside Wandering Whistling Ducks and
northern visitors like Garganey, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon and Northern Shoveler all in their dapper
breeding dress. Scarcer species included Eurasian Coot and Eurasian Teal and it didn’t take long to spot this year’s
star performer, a stunning male Baikal Teal which Rob had found here several weeks previously.
Baikal Teal, Candaba Marshes & Luzon Water Redstart, Mount Polis
Sulphur-billed Nuthatch and Chestnut-faced Babbler, Mount Polis
Also important here were the rather conspicuous Philippine Swamphens and further searching found Watercock,
Pheasant-tailed Jacana, White-browed Crake, Barred Rails and an impressive variety of herons, egrets and bitterns
with a nicely perched Black Bittern a highlight. Two Eastern Marsh Harrier and a pair of Peregrine Falcons hunted
in the area while scrub and trees hosted White-shouldered Starling, calling but sadly invisible Siberian Rubythroat,
and a surprisingly obliging Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler that hopped into the open.
Much of the rest of the day was spent on the drive north into the Central Cordillera, the mountainous spine of
Luzon arriving in the evening at the town of Banaue, a popular tourist spot for people wishing to see the rice
terraces, but our targets were the endemic birds, which are easiest to see on the slopes of nearby Mount Polis.
We started our time here with a blank night-birding session, surprising considering the fine weather, but the day
birding was much better with a host of local endemics appearing in quick succession; Philippine Mountain Warbler,
Blue-headed Fantail, Chestnut-faced Babblers, Luzon Sunbird, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulphur-billed
Nuthatch, Luzon Bush Warbler, Mountain Shrike and an all too brief Scale-feathered Malkoha. Mike also spotted a
superb male Luzon Flame-crowned Flowerpecker which gave prolonged views as it sat motionless digesting its
huge meal of berries. Heading lower down in the mid-morning we spent much time trying to find vocalising
Benguet Bush Warbler and while waiting a group of Luzon Racquet-tails raucously passed the nearby hillside at
high speed, too fast for many of us to get a glimpse.
Luzon Bush Warbler and Benguet Bush Warbler, Mount Polis
Luzon Scops Owl, Mount Polis & Chocolate Boobook, Subic Bay
Once a Benguet Bush Warbler did get warmed up we found a suitable path to get us into the right area where it
was singing. Given the species reputation as a skulker we were prepared for a long and frustrating battle so we
were stunning when it ventured into the open on several occasions for quite fantastic views and the best photos
yet obtained of the species. After lunch a long stake-out for Luzon Water Redstart drew a blank so we headed off
instead to ‘scope them very distantly on the river below the road but were determined to try again. Also in the
area were Citrine Canary Flycatcher, a pair of Eastern Buzzards and a pair of Philippine Serpent Eagles.
Fields near the pass held both Island and Brown-headed Thrushes, a flushed Olive-backed Pipit and another
Mountain Shrike. Inside the tight forest trail were a couple more Green-backed Whistlers and a Long-tailed Bush
Warbler which crept around us and gave most of us very reasonable views.
Rufous-crowned Bee-eater & Brown-breasted Kingfisher, Subic Bay
White-fronted Tit and Northern Sooty Woodpecker, Subic Bay
We stayed out in the forest until dusk listening to Luzon Scops Owls beginning to call well before dark. Once night
descended we quickly had two flight views before it became quiet, but a few minutes later it’s silhouette was
spotted as it observed us from just a few meters away and we lit it up for stunning and prolonged views.
The next morning another predawn start gave only the distant calls of a Philippine Scops Owl. Once daylight
arrived birds were soon active and we enjoyed some nice feeding groups that included more Green-backed
Whistler, mega eye-level views of Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, shy White-browed Shortwing and Rusty-breasted
Cuckoo. After much searching we heard the extremely distant hoot of a Flame-breasted Fruit Dove and a few
minutes later an excellent spot by Lisa who found it sitting in the open high on the forested slopes just in time for
all too enjoy before the mist rolled in and never cleared in that spot for the rest of the day.
In the agricultural fields near the pass Tawny Grassbirds were showing well and migrants included both Eyebrowed and Brown-headed Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush and Olive-backed Pipit.
Heading to lower altitudes we managed to get below the mist and had good looks at a pair of Mountain Shrikes,
and some brief White-cheeked Bullfinches for Mike.
After lunch we scored instant success with close views of Luzon Water Redstart on a nearby river, much more
satisfying than the dots of the previous day and had our first views of Philippines Swiftlet at the same spot. It was
now turning rainy, perfect weather for racquet-tails so we headed to yesterdays spot and before long at least two
Luzon Racquet-tails responded to the raucous calls as they piled in towards us before disappearing at equally high
speed up the slope never to be seen again. With most of our realistic targets seen in the high mountains we
headed back for a few hours in the hotel gardens where even in quite heavy rain an active feeding group included
many Yellowish White-eyes and the darker parts of the nearby forest held the recently split and now endemic
Bundok Flycatcher (from Snowy-browed). House Swift and Striated Swallows were new, as were some distant
Buff-banded Rails and Plain Bush-hen in the rice fields below, then at dusk Great Eared Nightjars put on a
stunning hawking display just overhead.
The next day was a long drive back south to our next destination, the lowland forests that have been protected
within the former naval magazine at Subic Bay. By leaving early we were in Subic for a late lunch and ready for an
afternoon of birding. We were fortunate to be granted access to a restricted area for this afternoon session and
took full advantage by scoring views of the rare White-lored Oriole plus endemic that were to become regular
sights such as Philippine Falconet, Colasisi, Red-crested Malkoha, Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Coleto and others like
Northern Sooty Woodpecker, Philippine Green Pigeon, Blackish Cuckooshrike and Green Racquet-tails that are very
mush specialities of the area. The day finished with stunning views of White-fronted Tit, a major bonus as that and
the oriole are the toughest Subic birds. We stayed out after dark and cruising the roads in our bus we easily
picked out 5 Chocolate Boobooks on roadside wires all of which proved confiding.
The next morning, we stood amidst a cacophony of duetting Spotted Wood Kingfisher and Asia Koels, managing
just one view of Luzon Boobook before it became too light, at which point we discovered a nest of a Besra.
The rest of the morning spent on various quiet roads through the forest was rather dull with some rain but this
kept the birds quite actives and we notched up good views of Rufous Coucal, Luzon Hornbills, great views of
Brown-breasted Kingfisher, many Red-crested Malkoha, Ashy Minivet, Luzon Flameback, Northern Sooty
Woodpecker, and the all-important Green Racquet-tail for which Subic is the only remaining stronghold for the
species. Another more forested trail gave us the stunning Luzon (White-browed) Shama to finish the morning in
style and we filled the rest of the day with looks at a huge roost of Golden-crowned and Large Flying Foxes, and
active nesting colony of the newly split Rufous-crowned Bee-eater and our first White-eared Brown Doves.
Philippine Nightjar & Philippine Scops Owl, Manila
We left early for the trip back to Manila and the urban birding which has become famous for some tricky species. A
stunning Ashy Thrush was found with no problems as it even sang from head stump nearby. Also here was a brief
Spotted Wood Kingfisher, flocking Lowland White-eyes, Philippine Magpie Robin, Philippine Pied Fantail and Greybacked Tailorbird. From here we visited a nearby university campus and were thrilled with day-time views of
roosting Philippine Scops Owl and Philippine Nightjar.
Our next destination was the forested slopes of Mount Makiling where we started our birding on the nearby
university campus with a first unsuccessful attempt for Indigo-banded Kingfisher but more success in the nearby
grasslands where a male Spotted Buttonquail ventured out onto the open track. Our next morning on the forested
slopes of Mount Makiling itself turned out to be a rarely wet affair and consequently the birds were rather quiet.
We did though enjoy great looks at a pair of Luzon Boobooks before dawn and once daylight arrived we finally
latched on to a stunning Spotted Wood Kingfisher. Thereafter things were very slow but we did locate Flaming
Sunbird and had great looked at the awesome Scale-feathered Malkoha. We then headed down to the botanical
gardens for another Indigo-banded dip although Red-keeled Flowerpecker was new, then to the campus again for
our third dip! Not to be outdone we tried again straight after lunch and there was a cracking male Indigo-banded
fishing from rocks in the river, and then typically after all the effort, another showed up when we went back into
the Botanical Gardens too! Despite the rain activity was good with a huge swirling flock of Ashy Minivets trails by a
leucophaeus Ashy Drongo, a rare visitor to the Philippines. There were further sightings also of Red-crested and
Scale-feathered Malkohas and a group of Bar-bellied Cuckooshrikes were joined by a single Black-and-white
Triller. We finished the day at a nearby fruiting tree with excellent close looks at feasting hornbills and great views
of many Striped Flowerpeckers.
Luzon Boobook & Scale-feathered Malkoha, Luzon
Philippine Frogmouth & Everett’s Scops Owl, Mindanao
The next morning found us at the airport and a flight south-east across the archipelago to the north end of
Mindanao. From here we travelled south into the mountainous Bukidnon province and in the mid-afternoon with all
of our luggage loaded onto horses we made the pleasant trek into the Kitanglad Mountains where a comfortable
tented camp would be our home for the next three nights. The walk up already gave us excellent close views of
Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, the distinctive fulvifasciatus Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker and groups of Short-tailed
Starlings. We finished the day around the camp where an obliging Philippine Hawk Cuckoo was appreciated, two
Yellow-breasted Fruit Doves sat out albeit a little far but Bukidnon Woodcock have only the briefest of flybys at
dusk. Philippine Frogmouth proved much more obliging with 2 individuals giving stunning looks and after dinner an
Everett’s Scops Owl gave great looks.
The following morning our target was the national bird of the Philippines – the mighty Philippine Eagle. As we
walked to a suitable viewing area we scored further views of Philippine Hawk Cuckoo, Cinnamon Ibon, Philippine
Cuckoo Doves aplenty, and our first views of hundreds of Eye-browed Thrushes. Rufous-headed Tailorbird, Greyhooded Sunbird and funky Apo Mynas boosted the endemic tally. Once we were scanning for raptors Oriental
Honey Buzzard and Pinsker’s Hawk Eagle duly appeared, and after 3 ½ hours of searching the huge shape of a
soaring Philippine Eagle graced the skyline, and later it settled to give prolonged perching views for all. Making our
way further into the forest we added male Mugimaki Flycatcher, Buff-spotted Flameback and the striking
McGregor’s Cuckooshrike to finish the day.
First stop on the second days’ adventure was an area with abundant sunflower plants, always a favourite with
Red-eared Parrotfinch, and sure enough several zipped pass and a male and female gave amazing looks.
Continuing our trek up the mountain delivered more Mugimaki Flycatchers, a rather distant Bagobo Robin in song,
and our first of three Mindanao Racquet-tail groups passing through at high speed. The Philippine Eagle again put
in a brief appearance but we continued to the higher forest where most of our remaining targets were to be found.
Diligent checking of feeding flocks eventually produced a single White-cheeked Bullfinch and a small party of
Black-masked Darkeyes among the more regular but equally entertaining Black-and-cinnamon Fantails and
Cinnamon Ibon. At the highest point we reached a selection of forest flowers attracted a pair of Apo Sunbirds and
a skulking White-browed Shortwing was teased into view.
Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher & White-cheeked Bullfinch, Mount Kitanglad
Black-and-cinnamon Fantail & McGregor’s Cuckooshrike, Mount Kitanglad
We had time for a little birding before leaving the next day which we used to good effect by getting excellent views
of a pair of Blue-capped Wood Kingfishers near the camp. As we made our way back down the mountain Greyfaced Buzzard and Black-shouldered Kite were both new additions to the trip list, then we made our way south for
an overnight stay at a pleasant resort near Davao. Birding around the resort in the afternoon gave us good views
of a pair of Cryptic Flycatchers, Ruddy Kingfisher and an Orange-tufted Spiderhunter but the day wasn’t over yet
as after dinner a Giant Scops Owl gave us stunning views right outside the rooms!
We took a gentle walk up a nearby trail in our single morning here, where all of our targets were efficiently found
within a few hours including Whiskered Flowerpecker posing on its favourite song perch, Bicolored Flowerpecker,
Scarlet Minivet, many Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, a pair of Buff-spotted Flamebacks, Scarlet Minivet and excellent
close views of Naked-faced Spiderhunter. Much of the rest of the day was taken with the long drive to Bislig on
Mindanao’s east coast but we arrived in time for a visit to Bislig Airfield in the late afternoon which proved very
successful with two flushed Blue-breasted Quail, the distinctive, resident dubius Little Ringed Plovers, Clamorous
Reed Warbler, Golden-headed Cisticola, comparisons of Philippines and Black-backed / Australian Swamphens and,
best of all, an Eastern Grass Owl which came out to hunt in excellent light.
Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis & Cryptic Flycatcher, Mindanao
Giant Scops Owl and Whiskered Flowerpecker, Mindanao
Our first day in the former PICOP logging concession started typically earlier as we made our way to one of the
most remote patches of forest, arriving well before dawn and enjoying fabulous views of a very responsive
Mindanao Boobook. The daytime birding was quite slow but during the day we picked up some excellent birds,
starting in the early morning with a very showy Little Slaty Flycatcher, and rather more skulking Streaked Ground
Babblers. A couple of feeding flocks were scrutinized and we found Philippine Leaf Warbler, Yellow-bellied Whistler,
Mindanao Blue Fantail, Mindanao Pygmy and Rusty-crowned Babbler, and an amazing Celestial Monarch which
after giving us the run-around settled for a fine display of singing with his crest waving in the air, simply stunning!
Three sightings of Philippine Trogon were appreciated, Philippine Spine-tailed Swifts graced the skies frequently
and we finished the day with ‘scope views of three magnificent Rufous Hornbills perched regally in a forest giant.
The next day was a relatively late start since we had already found all the possible owls, but we were still in the
field shortly after dawn. New birds arrived quickly with a pair of Blue-crowned Racquet-tails giving progressively
better views, a flock of kochii Bar-bellied Cuckooshrikes were appreciated as a likely future split, a brilliant
performance for a pair of Writhed Hornbills, a Black-faced Coucal perched in the open, and the recently split
Short-billed (from White-eared) Brown Dove giving excellent views. Moving deeper into the forest patches we
teased out some amazing looks at Streaked Ground Babblers, excellent views of Philippine Trogon, Black-headed
Tailorbird, Orange-tufted Spiderhunter, an elusive Philippine Pitta for some of us, and an amazing performance
from a pair of Rufous-lored Kingfishers. The best was still to come though as we finished the morning with a
stunning pair of Mindanao Wattled Broadbills which gave walkaway views!
A Steere’s Honey Buzzard appeared over lunch before we made our way to a stake-out for Southern Silvery
Kingfisher which duly gave a great performance allowing us to admire the silver spangles adorning its plumage.
Also present were Purple-throated Sunbird (now considered a Philippine endemic) and excellent looks at a couple
of Plain Bush-hens.
Eastern Grass Owl & Mindanao Boobook, PICOP
Mindanao Wattled Broadbill (female left & male right), PICOP
The next day we birded in the same areas, concentrating on the few species we were still missing. Our first stop
had several fruiting trees which attracted good numbers of Philippine Green Pigeons, Amethyst Brown Dove,
Yellowish Bulbuls, Black-faced Coucals again perched in the open, Buff-spotted Flamebacks showing well, our first
good views of Grey-throated Sunbird, several Mindanao Hornbills, but best of the lot was a Blue-backed Parrot
which gave obliging views, a series of records in this area this year being the first PICOP records for perhaps 10
years. Shortly after a Steere’s Pitta started calling so we set off to try and get views and we eventually all did but
it was unusually elusive and definitely left us wishing for more…. After views of Philippine (split from Red-bellied)
Pitta for most of us we then concentrated on finding an all-important feeding flock and with much patience and
careful positioning we eventually tracked one down. There was plenty of action with Mindanao Blue Fantail, Rufous
Paradise Flycatcher, Rusty-crowned and Mindanao Pygmy Babblers all active and eventually we picked out the
gem we were hoping for, a stunning male Short-crested Monarch. A Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher – a likely
future endemic split - also joined the party although didn’t receive the attention it deserved amongst the other
flashy species! In the afternoon we moved to another area and even in the heat of the day managed to add a
couple of Purple Needletails zooming over, but the real treat came one inside the forest as a Steere’s Pitta
appeared on the track just in front of us, and as we were soaking in the views another joined it and they
proceeded to mate in the middle of the trail for more than a minute! Not long after we had some more brief views
of Philippine Pitta to end another excellent day.
Short-crested Monarch & Southern Silvery Kingfisher, PICOP
Black-headed Tailorbird & Violet Cuckoo, PICOP
We had time for just a few hours birding the next morning although we so few birds left to see it was a small,
determined group that headed out. Unfortunately, the calling Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon just couldn’t be
persuaded to come close enough to see in a repeat of the previous day but we did get amazing views at a male
Violet Cuckoo and Black-bibbed Cicadabird was a new endemic for us. Sadly, the Mindanao Bleeding-heart which
called back strongly was in a completely inaccessible part of the limestone forest but it was exciting even to come
so close to this rare ground-dweller. Then it was time to head back to Bislig and we made good time on our
journey south to Davao where Philippine Airlines were good enough to transfer us to an earlier flight getting us
back into Manila a full 3 hours earlier and extra time to enjoy the very extensive hotel buffet! Our last island was
Palawan, and were instantly struck but the tropical yet relaxed atmosphere with much more forest and more
obliging birdlife than the other islands. First stop upon arrival was a nearby beach where even at high tide we
found a good selection of waders such as Red-necked Stints, Grey-tailed Tattler, Greater and Lesser Sandplovers,
Pacific Golden and Grey Plovers, and Ruddy Turnstone. Ashy-fronted Bulbuls were frequenting the nearby scrub
and a nearby mangrove area gave us good looks at a pair of Copper-throated Sunbirds nest-building before we
enjoyed a sumptuous lunch. In the afternoon we began our drive across the island making several birding stops
along the way, the first of which easily added Yellow-throated Leafbird, Palawan Flowerpecker, Pale Spiderhunter,
Spot-throated Flameback and our first large group of Palawan Hornbills. A flock of Brown-backed Needletails save
an impressive display of high-speed flying, then another forest area held Palawan Bulbul, delightful Palawan Tits,
Dark-throated Oriole and the unmistakeable calls of Falcated Ground Babbler which had us heading into a small
trail for nice looks as they scratched around in the leaf litter. We finished the day birding at a viewpoint with a
wonderful vista from which we picked out another bunch of Palawan Hornbills, a nicely perched Changeable Hawk
Eagle, and our main target; a group of 7 Philippine Cockatoos which flew leisurely along a hillside before perching
up in an open tree for great flight views. We tried for some night-birds after dark but saw only a Spotted Wood
Owl passing over several times at dusk before things turned wet and we retreated to our very comfortable resort
for the first of our delicious meals here.
Palawan Flowerpecker & Lovely Sunbird, Palawan
Palawan Tit & Palawan Frogmouth, Palawan
The night-birds again failed to perform the next morning but fortunately the morning more than made up for this.
After breakfast we took boats out along the spectacular limestone coastline to the touristy underground river but
our target here was something much more impressive and sure enough after soaking in both Hooded and Redbellied Pittas at point blank range, the faithful male Palawan Peacock Pheasant was located after a careful stalk
through the forest and after the next few hours we soaked in progressively better views culminating with him
calling from an open log right in front of us! This is surely one of the world’s most spectacular birds and easily won
the bird-of-the-tour poll. Also new here were Blue Paradise Flycatcher, Palawan Blue Flycatcher, White-vented
Shama, yet another group of Palawan Hornbills, and after a fair amount of work, Tabon Scrubfowl for all of us.
Battling our way out through the tourist throng we made our way back along the coast and had time for a late
morning stop near town where Lovely Sunbirds stunned us by coming down into the understorey, and our first
Asian Fairy Bluebird and Pin-striped Tit Babblers were logged. The afternoon was spent concentrating on racquet-
tails but they were very quite with only Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, nice views of Blue-naped Parrot and a
migrating flock of Grey-faced Buzzard of note until we moved to the nearby roadside where some skilful spotting
found a small group of Blue-headed Racquet-tails sitting quietly among the foliage, one of which gave excellent
views. Another night-birding session was a partially success with two frogmouth captured in the spotlight and
excellent views of a Palawan Flying Squirrel just above the trail.
Pre-dawn the next morning was ominously quiet until finally, just before dawn, the bizarre cackling sound came
from the nearby forest and we followed but couldn’t find it. We had a good idea where it might have roosted
though so decided to come back later to take a chance on finding it day-roosting. Our breakfast stop with a well
appointed view across the valley gave us an energetic group of Great Slaty Woodpeckers dancing around in the
canopy and nearby were Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo, Common Hill Myna and a charming pair of Ashy-headed
Babblers that bounced around at just a few meters range. A group of Philippine Cockatoo were appreciated but
best of all we were able to find the Palawan Scops Owl roosting and fully visible through a small hole, a great
reward after all our efforts. Further explorations added Velvet-fronted Nuthatch to the trip list and finally a male
Red-headed Flameback that performed magnificently. Happy with our haul we enjoyed yet another superb meal
before heading back eastwards across the island in the afternoon. Our destination was a small offshore island
where the locals had done a fine job of finding a day-roosting Mantanani Scops Owl which we were enjoying within
minutes of arriving! Our other target here required us to relax for a few hours while the tide dropped enough for a
Chinese Egret to appear, with a few waders like Eurasian Whimbrel and Terek Sandpiper also nice additions.
Hooded Pitta and Philippine Pitta, Palawan
Our final morning of the trip was spent along a picturesque trail following a clear river and surrounded by lovely
forest. A Spotted Wood Owl was a great start as he posed well for us before we hit the trail where we had just two
big targets here; Palawan Flycatcher which posed beautifully in the open, and Melodious Babbler which was
distinctly more skulking but which we all got views of at the third attempt. Other bonuses were a nesting Redheaded Flameback and much improved views of Blue Paradise Flycatcher and Palawan Blue Flycatcher. We finished
the tour birding with a stop in some nearby rice fields where Marsh Sandpiper, Long-toed Stint, Black-tailed
Godwit and several Oriental Pratincoles were great to see, and both Crested Serpent Eagle and Oriental Honey
Buzzard floated overhead.
Bird-of-the-trip
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Palawan Peacock Pheasant
Mindanao Wattled Broadbill
Celestial Monarch
Giant Scops Owl
Philippine Eagle
The tour recorded a total of 349 species of which 11 were heard only. This included 164 species endemic to the
Philippines and 6 near-endemics which are found only marginally outside the Philippines and can be considered
Philippine specialities. For further information on our tours to the Philippines please contact us via our e-mail or
click here for our scheduled departure tours.
Bird-of-the-trip; Palawan Peacock Pheasant
Systematic List
Other tour photos;
Elegant Tit and Mountain Tailorbird, Mount Polis
Turquoise Flycatcher, Mount Polis & Blackish Cuckooshrike, Subic Bay
White-lored Oriole, Subic & Coppersmith Barbet, Mt Makiling
Luzon Hornbill and Brown-breasted Kingfisher, Mt Makiling
Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher & Philippine Hawk Cuckoo, Mt Kitanglad
Grey-streaked Flycatcher & Long-tailed Shrike, Mt Kitanglad
Grey-faced Buzzard & Apo Myna, Mt Kitanglad
Ruddy Kingfisher & Naked-faced Spiderhunter, Mindanao
Black-faced Coucal & Blue-crowned Racquet-tail, PICOP
Coleto & Little Slaty Flycatcher, PICOP
Olive-backed Flowerpecker & Streaked Ground Babbler, PICOP
Philippine Leafbird & Little Slaty Flycatcher, PICOP
Philippine Trogon & Philippine Coucal, PICOP
Rufous-lored Kingfisher & Steere’s Pitta, PICOP
Writhed Hornbill (female left & male right), PICOP
White-eared Brown Dove & Black-chinned Fruit Dovel, PICOP
Philippine Pied Fantail & Ashy-headed Babbler, Palawan
Blue-headed Racquet-tail & Palawan Hornbill, Palawan
Mantanani Scops Owl & Palawan Scops Owl, Palawan
Red-headed Flameback & Spot-throated Flameback, Palawan
Pond heron sp. & Oriental Pratincole, Palawan
Systematic List
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
Wandering Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna arcuata
Eurasian Wigeon
Anas penelope
Philippine Duck
Anas luzonica
Northern Shoveler
Anas clypeata
Northern Pintail
Anas acuta
Garganey
Anas querquedula
Eurasian Teal
Anas crecca
Baikal Teal
Anas formosa
GALLIFORMES: Megapodiidae
Tabon Scrubfowl
Megapodius cumingii cumingii
GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae
Blue-breasted Quail
Excalfactoria chinensis lineata
Palawan Peacock Pheasant
Polyplectron napoleonis
e
e
PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis
CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae
Yellow Bittern
Ixobrychus sinensis
Cinnamon Bittern
Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Black Bittern
Dupetor flavicollis
Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
Striated Heron
Butorides striata
Javan Pond Heron
Ardeola speciosa
Eastern Cattle Egret
Bubulcus [ibis] coromandus
Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Purple Heron
Ardea purpurea
Eastern Great Egret
Ardea [alba] modestus
Intermediate Egret
Egretta intermedia
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
Pacific Reef Heron
Egretta sacra
Chinese Egret
Egretta eulophotes
FALCONIFORMES: Pandionidae
Western Osprey
Pandion [haliaetus] haliaetus
FALCONIFORMES: Accipitridae
Black-shouldered Kite
Elanus caeruleus
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Pernis ptilorhynchus palawanensis
Pernis ptilorhynchus philippensis
Steere's Honey Buzzard
Pernis steerei steerei
Crested Serpent Eagle
Spilornis cheela palawanensis
e
Philippine Serpent Eagle
Spilornis holospilus
e
Philippine Eagle
Pithecophaga jefferyi
e
Changeable Hawk Eagle
Nisaetus limnaeetus
Pinsker's Hawk Eagle
Nisaetus [philippensis] pinskeri
Crested Goshawk
Accipiter trivirgatus palawanus
e
Accipiter trivirgatus extimus
Chinese Goshawk
Accipiter soloensis
Besra
Accipiter virgatus confusus
Eastern Marsh Harrier
Circus spilonotus
Pied Harrier
Circus melanoleucos
Brahminy Kite
Haliastur indus
Grey-faced Buzzard
Butastur indicus
Eastern Buzzard
Buteo japonicus
GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
Barred Rail
Gallirallus torquatus torqatus
Buff-banded Rail
Gallirallus philippensis philippensis
Plain Bush-hen
Amaurornis olivacea
White-breasted Waterhen
Amaurornis phoenicurus
White-browed Crake
Porzana cinerea ocularis
Watercock
Gallicrex cinerea
Philippine Swamphen
Porphyrio pulverulentus
e
Black-backed / Australasian Swamphen
Porphyrio indicus / melanotus
e
Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
Eurasian Coot
Fulica atra
GRUIFORMES: Turnicidae
Spotted Buttonquail
Turnix ocellatus
Barred Buttonquail
Turnix suscitator
e
e
CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae
Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus [himantopus] himantopus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
Pacific Golden Plover
Pluvialis fulva
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarola
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubius curonicus
Charadrius dubius dubius
Kentish Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus
Lesser Sand Plover
Charadrius mongolus mongolus
Greater Sand Plover
Charadrius leschenaultii
CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Hydrophasianus chirurgus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae
Bukidnon Woodcock
Scolopax bukidnonensis
Swinhoe's Snipe
Gallinago megala
'Eastern' Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa [limosa] melanuroides
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareola
Grey-tailed Tattler
Heteroscelus brevipes
Terek Sandpiper
Xenus cinereus
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
Rufous-necked Stint
Calidris ruficollis
Long-toed Stint
Calidris subminuta
CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae
Oriental Pratincole
Glareola maldivarum
CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae
Whiskered Tern
Chlidonias hybridus
COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
Feral Pigeon
Columba livia
Red Collared Dove
Streptopelia tranquebarica
Spotted Dove
Streptopelia chinensis
Philippine Cuckoo Dove
Macropygia tenuirostris tenuirostris
Common Emerald Dove
Chalcophaps indica
Zebra Dove
Geopelia striata
Mindanao Bleeding-heart
Gallicolumba crinigera crinigera
e
White-eared Brown Dove
Phapitreron [leucotis] leucotis
e
Short-billed Brown Dove
Amethyst Brown Dove
Phapitreron [leucotis] brevirostris
e
Phapitreron amethystinus
e
Philippine Green Pigeon
Treron [pompadora] axillaris
e
Thick-billed Green Pigeon
Treron curvirostra
Flame-breasted Fruit Dove
Ptilinopus marchei
Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove
Ptilinopus occipitalis
e
Black-chinned Fruit Dove
Ptilinopus leclancheri
ne
Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon
Ducula poliocephala
e
Green Imperial Pigeon
Ducula aenea aenea
e
e
Heard only
e
Ducula aenea palawanensis
CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
Rufous Coucal
Centropus unirufus
e
Black-faced Coucal
Centropus melanops
e
Heard only
Greater Coucal
Centropus sinensis
Heard only
Philippine Coucal
Centropus viridis viridis
Lesser Coucal
Centropus bengalensis
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Phaenicophaeus curvirostris harringtoni
Red-crested Malkoha
Dasylophus superciliosus
e
Scale-feathered Malkoha
Dasylophus cumingi
e
Asian Koel
Heard only
Violet Cuckoo
Eudynamys scolopaceus mindanensis
Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
xanthorhynchus
Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus amethystinus
Little Bronze Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx minutillus aheneus
Heard only
Plaintive Cuckoo
Cacomantis merulinus merulinus
Rusty-breasted Cuckoo
Cacomantis [sepucralis] sepucralis
Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo
Surniculus lugubris brachyurus
Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo
Surniculus [lugubris] velutinus
e
Philippine Hawk Cuckoo
Cuculus pectoralis
e
STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae
Eastern Grass Owl
Tyto longimembris amauronota
STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
Giant Scops Owl
Otus gurneyi
e
Palawan Scops Owl
Otus fuliginosus
e
Philippine Scops Owl
Otus [megalotis] megalotis
e
Everett's Scops Owl
Otus [megalotis] everetti
Mindanao Scops Owl
Otus mirus
e
Luzon Scops Owl
Otus longicornis
e
Mantanani Scops Owl
Otus mantananensis mantananensis
Spotted Wood Owl
Strix seloputo wiepkeni
Chocolate Boobook
Ninox [scutulata] randi
Luzon Boobook
Ninox [philippensis] philippensis
e
Mindanao Boobook
Ninox [philippensis] spilocephala
e
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Podargidae
Philippine Frogmouth
Batrachostomus septimus
e
Palawan [Javan] Frogmouth
Batrachostomus [javensis] chaseni
e
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
Great Eared Nightjar
Lyncornis macrotis macrotis
Large-tailed Nightjar
Caprimulgus macrurus johnsoni
Philippine Nightjar
Caprimulgus manillensis
APODIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae
Whiskered Treeswift
Hemiprocne comata major
APODIFORMES: Apodidae
Glossy Swiftlet
Collocalia esculenta bagobo
Grey-rumped [Glossy] Swiftlet
Collocalia [esculenta] marginata
e
Pygmy Swiftlet
Collocalia troglodytes
e
Philippine Swiftlet
Aerodramus mearnsi
e
Island Swiflet
Aerodramus [vanikornensis] amelis
e
Palawan Swiftlet
Aerodramus [vanikornensis] palawensis
e
Philippine Needletail
Mearnsia picina
e
Brown-backed Needletail
Hirundapus giganteus
Purple Needletail
Hirundapus celebensis
Asian Palm Swift
Cypsiurus balasiensis pallidior
House Swift
Apus [affinis] nipalensis
TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae
Philippine Trogon
Harpactes ardens ardens
e
ne
ne
e
e
Heard only
CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae
Common Dollarbird
Eurystomus orientalis
CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
Spotted Wood Kingfisher
Actenoides lindsayi lindsayi
e
Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher
Actenoides hombroni
e
Stork-billed Kingfisher
Pelargopsis capensis gouldi
Ruddy Kingfisher
Brown-breasted [White-throated]
Kingfisher
Rufous-lored Kingfisher
Halcyon coromanda
Collared Kingfisher
Todirhamphus chloris
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis bengalensis
Indigo-banded Kingfisher
Alcedo cyanopecta cyanopecta
e
Southern Silvery Kingfisher
Rufous-backed [Oriental Dwarf]
Kingfisher
Alcedo [argentata] argentata
e
CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae
Rufous-crowned [Blue-throated] Beeeater
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Halcyon [smyrnensis] gularis
e
Todirhamphus winchelli mindanensis
e
Ceyx [erithacus] rufidorsa
Merops [viridis] americanus
e
Merops philippinus
CORACIIFORMES: Bucerotidae
Rufous Hornbill
Buceros hydrocorax mindanensis
e
Palawan Hornbill
Anthracoceros marchei
e
Writhed Hornbill
Aceros leucocephalus
e
Luzon Hornbill
Penelopides [panini] manillae
e
Mindanao Hornbill
Penelopides [panini] affinis
e
PICIFORMES: Megalaimidae
Coppersmith Barbet
Psilopogon haemacephala haemacephala
Psilopogon haemacephala mindanensis
PICIFORMES: Picidae
Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker
Dendrocopos maculatus validirostris
e
Dendrocopos maculatus fulvifasciatus
White-bellied Woodpecker
Dryocopus javensis
Spot-throated [Common] Flameback
Dinopium [javanense] everetti
e
Buff-spotted [Greater] Flameback
Chrysocolaptes [lucidus] lucidus
e
Luzon [Greater] Flameback
Chrysocolaptes [lucidus] haematribon
e
Red-headed [Greater] Flameback
Chrysocolaptes [lucidus] erythrocephalus
e
Northern Sooty Woodpecker
Mulleripicus [funebris] funebris
e
Great Slaty Woodpecker
Mulleripicus pulverulentus
FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
Philippine Falconet
Microhierax erythrogenys
Eurasian Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus calidus
PSITTACIFORMES: Cacatuidae
Philippine Cockatoo
Cacatua haematuropygia
e
PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae
Colasisi
Loriculus philippensis philippensis
e
e
Loriculus philippensis apicalis
Luzon Racquet-tail
Prioniturus montanus
e
Mindanao Racquet-tail
Prioniturus waterstradti
e
Blue-headed Racquet-tail
Prioniturus platenae
e
Green Racquet-tail
Prioniturus luconensis
e
Blue-crowned Racquet-tail
Prioniturus discurus
Blue-naped Parrot
Tanygnathus lucionensis
Blue-backed Parrot
Tanygnathus sumatranus
Guaiabero
Bolbopsittacus lunulatus
e
PASSERIFORMES: Eurylaimidae
Mindanao Wattled Broadbill
Sarcophanops [steerii] steerii
e
PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae
Philippine Pitta
Erythropitta erythrogaster propinqua
e
e
ne
Erythropitta erythrogaster erythrogaster
Hooded Pitta
Pitta sordida palawanensis
Steere's Pitta
Pitta steerii
PASSERIFORMES: Acanthizidae
Golden-bellied Gerygone
Gerygone sulphurea
PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae
White-breasted Woodswallow
Artamus leucorynchus
PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae
Common Iora
Aegithina tiphia
PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae
Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike
Coracina striata difficilis
e
Coracina striata striata
Coracina striata kochii
Blackish Cuckooshrike
Coracina coerulescens
e
Black-bibbed Cicadabird
Coracina mindanensis mindanensis
e
McGregor's Cuckooshrike
Coracina mcgregori
e
Black-and-white Triller
Lalage melanoleuca melanoleuca
e
Pied Triller
Lalage nigra chilensis
Ashy Minivet
Pericrocotus divaricatus
Scarlet Minivet
Pericrocotus speciosus johnstoniae
Pericrocotus speciosus gonzalesi
PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae
Green-backed Whistler
Pachycephala albiventris
e
Yellow-bellied Whistler
Pachycephala philippinensis apoensis
e
PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae
Brown Shrike
Lanius cristatus lucionensis
Long-tailed Shrike
Lanius schach nasutus
Mountain Shrike
Lanius validirostris validirostris
PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae
Dark-throated Oriole
Oriolus xanthonotus
Philippine Oriole
Oriolus steerii
e
White-lored Oriole
Oriolus [steerii] albiloris
e
Black-naped Oriole
Oriolus chinensis chinensis
e
Oriolus chinensis yamamurae
PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae
Ashy Drongo
Dicrurus leucophaeus leucophaeus
Dicrurus leucophaeus leucogenis
Luzon Balicassiao
Dicrurus [balicassius] balicassius
e
Palawan Drongo
Dicrurus [hottentottus] palawanensis
e
Mindanao Drongo
Dicrurus [bracteatus] striatus
e
PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae
Mindanao Blue Fantail
Rhipidura [superciliaris] superciliaris
e
Blue-headed Fantail
Rhipidura [cyaniceps] cyaniceps
e
Philippine Pied Fantail
Rhipidura [javanica] nigritorquis
Black-and-cinnamon Fantail
Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea
PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
Black-naped Monarch
Hypothymis azurea azurea
Short-crested Monarch
Hypothymis helenae
e
Celestial Monarch
Hypothymis coelestis
e
Blue Paradise Flycatcher
Terpsiphone cyanescens
Rufous Paradise Flycatcher
Terpsiphone cinnamomea cinnamomea
PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae
Palawan [Slender-billed] Crow
Corvus [enca] pusillus
Eastern Jungle [Large-billed] Crow
Corvus [macrorhynchos] levaillantii
PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae
Citrine Canary Flycatcher
Culicicapa helianthea
PASSERIFORMES: Paridae
Elegant Tit
Parus elegans elegans
e
e
ne
e
e
Parus elegans mindanensis
Palawan Tit
Parus amabilis
e
Luzon White-fronted Tit
Parus [semilarvatus] semilarvatus
e
PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae
Oriental Skylark
Alauda gulgula wolfei
PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae
Black-headed Bulbul
Pycnonotus atriceps
Yellow-wattled Bulbul
Pycnonotus urostictus urostictus
Pycnonotus urostictus philippensis
Yellow-vented Bulbul
Pycnonotus goiavier
Ashy-fronted [Olive-winged] Bulbul
Pycnonotus [plumosus] cinereifrons
e
Palawan [Grey-cheeked] Bulbul
Criniger [bres] frater
e
Sulphur-bellied Bulbul
Iole palawanensis
e
Philippine Bulbul
Hypsipetes [Ixos] philippinus
e
Yellowish Bulbul
Ixos everetti everetti
e
PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
Sand Martin
Riparia riparia
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Pacific Swallow
Hirundo tahitica
Striated Swallow
Cecropis striolata
PASSERIFORMES: Cettiidae
Mountain Tailorbird
Phyllergates cuculatus philippensis
Rufous-headed Tailorbird
Phyllergates [cuculatus] heterolaemus
e
Luzon Bush Warbler
Horornis seebohmi
e
PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae
Arctic Warbler
Phylloscopus borealis
Kamchatka Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus examinandus
Heard only
Japanese Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus xanthodryas
Heard only
Philippine Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus olivaceus
e
Philippine Mountain Warbler
Phylloscopus nigrorum flavostriatus
e
Phylloscopus nigrorum benguetensis
PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae
Clamorous Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus stentoreus harterti
PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae
Long-tailed Bush Warbler
Locustella caudatus caudatus
e
Locustella caudatus unicolor
Middendorff's Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella ochotensis
Benguet Bush Warbler
Locustella seebohmi
Striated Grassbird
Megalurus palustris forbesi
Tawny Grassbird
Megalurus timoriensis tweeddalei
e
Megalurus timoriensis crex
PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae
Zitting Cisticola
Cisticola juncidis tinnabulans
Golden-headed Cisticola
Cisticola exilis semirufus
Green-backed [Philippine] Tailorbird
Orthotomus [castaneiceps] chloronotus
e
Rufous-fronted [Philippine] Tailorbird
Orthotomus [castaneiceps] frontalis
e
Grey-backed Tailorbird
Orthotomus derbianus
e
Rufous-tailed Tailorbird
Orthotomus sericeus
Black-headed Tailorbird
Orthotomus nigriceps
PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae
Pin-striped Tit Babbler
Macronous gularis woodi
Brown Tit Babbler
Macronous striaticeps mindanensis
e
PASSERIFORMES: Pellorneidae
Streaked Ground Babbler
Ptilocichla mindanensis
e
Falcated Ground Babbler
Ptilocichla falcata
e
Ashy-headed Babbler
Malacocincla cinereiceps
e
Melodious Babbler
Malacopteron palawanense
e
PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae
Chestnut-faced Babbler
Zosterornis whiteheadi
e
Mindanao Pygmy Babbler
Dasycrotapha [plateni] plateni
e
Rusty-crowned Babbler
Sterrhoptilus capitalis
e
Black-masked Dark-eye
Lophozosterops goodfellowi goodfellowi
Lowland White-eye
Zosterops meyeni meyeni
Yellowish White-eye
Zosterops nigrorum innominatus
Mountain White-eye
Zosterops montanus whiteheadi
e
e
ne
e
Zosterops montanus vulcani
PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae
Philippine Fairy Bluebird
Irena cyanogastra
Asian Fairy Bluebird
Irena puella tweeddalei
PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch
Sitta frontalis
Sulphur-billed Nuthatch
Sitta oenochlamys
PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae
Asian Glossy Starling
Aplonis panayensis
Short-tailed Starling
Aplonis minor todayensis
Apo Myna
Basilornis miranda
e
Coleto
Sarcops calvus
e
e
e
Heard only
Common Hill Myna
Gracula religiosa palawanensis
Crested Myna
Acridotheres cristatellus
White-shouldered Starling
Agropsar cineraceus
Stripe-headed Rhabdornis
Rhabdornis mystacalis mystacalis
Introduced
e
Rhabdornis mystacalis minor
Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis
Rhabdornis [inornatus] alaris
e
PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
Ashy Ground Thrush
Geokichla cinerea
e
Island Thrush
Turdus poliocephalus thomassoni
Eye-browed Thrush
Turdus obscurus
Brown-headed Thrush
Turdus chrysolaus
PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
Philippine (Oriental) Magpie Robin
Copsychus [saularis] mindanensis
e
Luzon [White-browed] Shama
Copsychus [luzoniensis] luzoniensis
e
White-vented Shama
Copsychus niger
e
Grey-streaked Flycatcher
Muscicapa griseisticta
Palawan Blue Flycatcher
Cyornis lemprieri
Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher
Cyornis ruficauda samarensis
Torquoise Flycatcher
Eumyias panayensis nigrimentalis
e
Eumyias panayensis nigriloris
Bagobo Robin
Leonardina woodi
White-browed Shortwing
Brachypteryx montana poliogyna
e
Heard only
Brachypteryx montana mindanensis
Siberian Rubythroat
Luscinia calliope
Mugimaki Flycatcher
Ficedula mugimaki
Heard only
Little Slaty Flycatcher
Ficedula basilanica
e
Bundok Flycatcher
Ficedula luzoniensis dulangana
e
Ficedula luzoniensis montigena
Palawan Flycatcher
Ficedula platenae
e
Cryptic Flycatcher
Ficedula crypta
e
Little Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula westermanni
Luzon Water Redstart
Rhyacornis bicolor
Blue Rock Thrush
Monticola solitarius philippensis
Pied Bushchat
Saxicola caprata
PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae
Philippine Leafbird
Chloropsis flavipennis
e
Yellow-throated Leafbird
Chloropsis palawanensis
e
PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae
Olive-backed Flowerpecker
Prionochilus olivaceus olivaceus
e
Palawan Flowerpecker
Prionochilus plateni
e
Striped Flowerpecker
Dicaeum aeruginosum striatissimum
e
Whiskered Flowerpecker
Dicaeum proprium
e
Olive-capped Flowerpecker
Dicaeum nigrilore nigrilore
e
Flame-crowned Flowerpecker
Dicaeum anthonyi anthonyi
e
Bicolored Flowerpecker
Dicaeum bicolor
e
Red-keeled Flowerpecker
Dicaeum australe
e
Buzzing Flowerpecker
Dicaeum hypoleucum obscurum
e
e
Dicaeum hypoleucum pontifex
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker
Dicaeum trigonostigma xanthopygium
Dicaeum trigonostigma cinereigularis
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker
Dicaeum ignipectus luzoniense
Dicaeum ignipectus apo
Pygmy Flowerpecker
Dicaeum pygmaeum palawanorum
Dicaeum pygmaeum pygmaeum
Dicaeum pygmaeum davao
e
PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae
Brown-throated Sunbird
Anthreptes malacensis paraguae
Grey-throated Sunbird
Anthreptes griseigularis griseigularis
e
Anthreptes griseigularis birgitae
Purple-throated Sunbird
Leptocoma sperata sperata
e
Leptocoma sperata trochilus
Copper-throated Sunbird
Leptocoma calcostetha
Olive-backed Sunbird
Cinnyris jugularis aurora
Cinnyris jugularis jugularis
Grey-hooded Sunbird
Aethopyga primigenia primigenia
e
Apo Sunbird
Aethopyga boltoni boltoni
e
Flaming Sunbird
Aethopyga flagrans flagrans
e
Luzon Metallic-winged Sunbird
Aethopyga pulcherrima jefferyi
e
Mindanao Metallic-winged Sunbird
Aethopyga pulcherrima pulcherrima
e
Lovely Sunbird
Aethopyga [shelleyi] shelleyi
e
Handsome Sunbird
Aethopyga [shelleyi] bella
e
Orange-tufted [Little] Spiderhunter
Arachnothera [longirostra] flammifera
e
Pale [Little] Spiderhunter
Arachnothera [longirostra] dilutior
e
Naked-faced Spiderhunter
Arachnothera clarae clarae
e
PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae
Cinnamon Ibon
Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus
e
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae
Red-eared Parrotfinch
Erythrura coloria
White-bellied Munia
Lonchura leucogastra
Scaly-breasted Munia
Lonchura punctulata
Black-headed Munia
Lonchura atricapilla
PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae
Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla tschutschensis simillima
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinerea
Paddyfield Pipit
Anthus rufulus lugubris
Olive-backed Pipit
Anthus hodgsoni
PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae
White-cheeked Bullfinch
Pyrrhula leucogenis lucogenis
e
e
Pyrrhula leucogenis steerei
Mammals
Northern Palawan Tree Squirrel
Sundasciurus juvencus
e
Mindanao Squirrel
Sundasciurus mindanensis
e
Palawan Flying Squirrel
Hylopetes nigripes
e
Polynesian Rat
Rattus exulans
Golden-crowned Flying Fox
Acerodon jubatus
e
Palawan Flying Fox
Acerodon leucotis
e
Large Flying Fox
Pteropus vampyrus
Long-tailed Macaque
Macaca fascicularis
e = Species endemic to the Philippines
ne = Near-endemic to the Philippines
Introduced