jerbarker.co.uk: Trip report - Philippines 2008

Philippines March-April 2008

Jeremy Barker

Names follow Gill & Wright (http://www.worldbirdnames.org/) in most cases. Taxonomy broadly follows this information as well. Species which appear to be contentious (splits/lumps not agreed on by most authors) are indicated with parentheses in the scientific name, i.e. Xxxx (xxx) xxx. Endemic species are marked so: *red text. BirdLife International/IUCN threat categories are also listed, where the species is considered vulnerable (VU), endangered (EN) or critically endangered (CR). For further information on what this means, check the BirdLife website - a fount of information!

Species seen:

*Philippine Megapode Megapodius cumingii: Seen and heard at St Paul's NP, between the guards' huts and the entrance to the underground river
Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus: Heard on Mt Makiling, heard regularly and flushed once on Hamut
*Palawan Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron napoleonis VU: The male that comes to rice at the guards' huts at St Paul's NP showed down to a couple of metres
Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata
*Philippine Duck Anas luzonica: Both species were abundant in the marshes near Naga City, several also seen around Bislig airfield, Mindanao
Frigatebird sp Fregata sp.: One very distant bird off Sabang: presumably Lesser (F. minor), but unidentifiable at that range
Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis: All three species seen at Bislig airfield, as well as in the marshes and paddies around Naga City
Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus: One calling overhead along the Lion Cave trail near Sabang one evening
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: Young birds seen on a couple of occasions in Manila, heading out to feed along Manila bay
Rufous Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus: A single bird seen loafing on an offshore island near Caramoan
Striated Heron Butorides striata: Occasional birds seen on Palawan, fishing from fish traps. One also on the aquaculture ponds by Bais City
Javan Pond-Heron Ardeola speciosa: Numerous on the aquaculture ponds by Bais City, a further party of 14 on the pools at San Moritz, Negros
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: Abundant everywhere
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: A single bird over the highway near Manila
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: Occasional birds flying over at Bislig airfield and the marshes near Naga City
Great Egret Ardea alba: Occasional birds seen throughout
Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes VU: 5-6 birds at the aquaculture ponds by Bais City
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Pacific Reef-Egret Egretta sacra
Yellow-billed (Intermediate) Egret Egretta intermedia: All three species widespread; Pacific Reef Egrets on the coast only
*Philippine Falconet Microhierax erythrogenys: Pairs seen at Hamut, in PICOP and near Caramoan
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus: A single bird carrying prey over the rice paddies on the edge of Naga City
Osprey Pandion haliaetus: Distant birds at Hobia bay, another single bird over Bislig airfield one evening
Crested Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus: At least two birds seen on Mt Kitanglad
Barred Honey-buzzard Pernis celebensis: Seen on Kitanglad, Hamut and in PICOP
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus: Single birds at the base of Mt Kitanglad, Bislig airfield and around Caramoan
White-bellied Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster: A solitary bird seen distantly at Sabang
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela: A single bird seen along the road to Sabang
*Philippine Serpent Eagle Spilornis holospilus: Occasional sightings at Hamut, Makiling, and Kitanglad, and a pair with a recently fledged immature near Caramoan
Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus: A single male seen during the drive between Tuguegarao and Manila
Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos: A single male seen distantly at the beginning of the trek up to Camp 1, Hamut
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus: At least one bird seen in the Iwahig penal farm
Chinese Goshawk Accipiter soloensis: A single male on Mt Makiling
Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis: Males seen on Kitanglad and in PICOP
Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus: Several birds seen overhead on Mt Makiling
*Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi CR: One or two birds seen very well on Mt Kitanglad
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus limnaeetus: A single dark bird seen on Palawan
*Philippine Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus philippensis VU: A pair seen well at Hamut from the watchpoint near Camp 2, a single bird also seen well on Kitanglad
Barred Rail Gallirallus torquatus: Seen regularly in the Naga area and at Caramoan; also seen in PICOP and the American cemetery in Manila
Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis: Several birds seen around Baliwag, below Hamut
*Plain Bush-hen Amaurornis olivaceus: One or two birds calling one morning on Kitanglad, a single bird seen at point-blank range near Caramoan one morning
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus: Seen near the Lion Cave trail and around the Caramoan area
Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla: A single bird flushed from a paddy near Caramoan
Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca: One seen in flight on a couple of occasions at Bislig airfield
White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea: Seen well at Bislig airfield and in long grass on the outskirts of Naga City
Watercock Gallicrex cinerea: A single bird watched for about 20 minutes on the outskirts of Naga City
*Philippine Swamphen Porphyrio (porphyrio) pulverulentus: Two birds flushed at Bislig airfield
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: A pair with two grown and two-three downy young on the outskirts of Naga city
*Spotted Buttonquail Turnix ocellata: Two seen on the buttonquail trail near the dairy farm, Mt Makiling
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
White-headed Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus: Both species seen on the aquaculture ponds at Bais, Black-winged also present on the pools at San Moritz
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva: Around 40 at the pools at San Moritz
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola: A single bird seen at Bais
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius: Several present on muddy paddies at Iwahig penal farm
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus: Several birds near Puerto Princesa and at San Moritz
Malaysian Plover Charadrius peronii: A single bird seen on the beach at Sabang
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii: Both species seen in small numbers near Puerto Princesa and at San Moritz, with unidentified sand plovers also seen on the beach at Bislig and at Bais
*Bukidnon Woodcock Scolopax bukidnonensis: A single bird flushed on Hamut, at the watchpoint above Camp 2 - the bird landed in the reedy grasses and ran on ahead, seen well through the stems. At least two birds roding at dawn and dusk by the Del Monte lodge, Kitanglad
Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura
Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala: Birds of apparently both species seen in rice paddies on the outskirts of Naga City and near Caramoan
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus: Occasional individuals on the coasts throughout
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata: Seven-eight birds loafing at Bais
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis: Several at Iwahig penal farm, rather more numerous at San Moritz and Bais
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: Both species widespread
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus: A single bird at Iwahig penal farm, seen in flight
Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes: A single bird loafing on a fishing hut at Cagayan de Oro, in front of the hotel where we breakfasted
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: Widespread
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta: Both species widespread, though never numerous. Red-necked primarily coastal, Long-toed on paddies, but both species seen together at San Moritz and Bais
Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum: Two or three seen over the marshes near Naga City
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus: A single immature (2CY) on the large river north of Naga City
Great Crested (Swift) Tern Sterna bergii: Two loafing on detritus offshore during the boat trip to Caramoan
Little Tern Sternula albifrons: A single bird feeding over the aquaculture ponds near Bais City
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida: Common on the river at Intramuros (several hundred seen) and rivers around Naga City
Feral Pigeon Columba livia var. domestica: As usual, quite common in the cities and towns
Metallic Pigeon Columba vitiensis: A small group apparently of this species overhead at St Paul's NP
Island Collared Dove Streptopelia bitorquata: Seen regularly around Naga City
Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica: Common around Caramoan, a few also seen at Naga City
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis: Common throughout
*Philippine Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia (phasianella) tenuirostris: Seen at Hamut and Kitanglad
Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica: One bird seen near the TREES lodge on Mt Makiling, beyond the end of the 'Flat Rocks' trail
Zebra Dove Geopelia striata: Widespread
*Luzon Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba luzonica: Heard in forest along the coast from the Caramoan area; a recently trapped bird also seen at the house of the local copra farmer, who also had an Emerald Dove, a Colasisi and about 20 White-eared Brown Doves caged
*Mindanao Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba crinigera VU: At least two birds calling along the quarry trail at PICOP
*White-eared Brown Dove Phapitreron leucotis: Common in forest throughout Luzon, Mindanao and Negros
*Amethyst Brown Dove Phapitreron amethystinus: Seen above Camp 2, Hamut, also heard at PICOP
*Mindanao Brown Dove Phapitreron brunneiceps VU: A single bird seen on Mt Kitanglad
Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans: Two seen near Naga City, three possibles seen near Bislig
Pompadour Green Pigeon Treron pompadora: A single bird near Baliwag, common in PICOP
Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra: A single bird flew over the road leading to the trail at the Iwahig penal farm
*Flame-breasted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus marchei VU: Reasonably common at Hamut, but very hard to see
*Cream-breasted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus merrilli: Seen and heard regularly at Hamut
*Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus occipitalis: Seen and heard regularly at Hamut, Kitanglad, PICOP and in the Caramoan area
*Black-chinned Fruit Dove Ptilinopus leclancheri: A single bird seen in the edge of the St Paul's NP
*Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon Ducula poliocephala: Heard regularly in PICOP, particularly along the quarry trail
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea: Numerous on Palawan, also heard at PICOP
Grey Imperial Pigeon Ducula pickeringii VU
Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor: A good number of both species seen on Pandan Island, Hobia bay
*Colasisi Loriculus philippensis: Fairly common throughout Luzon and Mindanao
*Montane Racquet-tail Prioniturus montanus: A single bird overhead near Camp 2, Hamut
*Mindanao Racquet-tail Prioniturus waterstradti: One seen flying over on Mt Kitanglad
*Blue-headed Racquet-tail Prioniturus platenae VU: Seen in good numbers along the road to Sabang
*Blue-crowned Racquet-tail Prioniturus discurus: A pair seen well in PICOP
*Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis: Several birds feeding high in trees along the edge of the creek north of Txxxx resort, Sabang. A number of others seen along the road to Sabang
*Guaiabero Bolbopsittacus lunulatus: A single bird seen in PICOP
*Black-faced Coucal Centropus melanops: Common around PICOP
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis: Heard calling at dusk near the Lion Cave trail on Palawan
*Philippine Coucal Centropus viridis: Widespread throughout Luzon, Mindanao and Negros forests
Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis: Widespread in scrub and bushy country
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris: Several birds seen along the road to Sabang
*Rough-crested Malkoha Phaenicophaeus superciliosus: Seen only on Mt Makiling
*Scale-feathered Malkoha Phaenicophaeus cumingi: Seen well on Makiling, Hamut and heard on Mt Isarog
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea: A female seen on Pandan Island, Hobia bay
Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus: One seen along the quarry trail at PICOP
Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus: A pair seen well in PICOP
Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis: Heard frequently on Luzon, Mindanao and Negros, a male seen at point-blank range at Casaroro falls for some time
*Philippine Drongo-cuckoo Surniculus velutinus: Common in PICOP
Asian Drongo-cuckoo Surniculus lugubris: Several birds noted along the road to Sabang
*Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus pectoralis: A single bird seen on Mt Kitanglad
Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus: Singles seen on Hamut and in PICOP
Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus optatus: One seen well near Naga City
Eastern Grass Owl Tyto longimembris: Two appeared at dusk on Bislig airfield one evening
*Palawan Scops Owl Otus fuliginosus: One bird seen very well along the road to Sabang one evening
*Philippine Scops Owl Otus megalotis: Heard at Makiling, two birds also seen near the start of the quarry trail at PICOP
Mantanani Scops Owl Otus mantananensis: One bird seen briefly on Pandan Island, at least one other heard calling after dark
*Giant Scops Owl Mimizuku gurneyi VU: A single bird heard and seen by the lodge on Kitanglad
*Chocolate Boobook Ninox (scutulata) randi: Heard in PICOP
*Philippine Hawk Owl Ninox philippensis: Common on Makiling and Hamut
*Philippine Frogmouth Batrachostomus septimus: One seen well on Kitanglad. Also heard in the Caramoan area and on Hamut
Javan (Palawan) Frogmouth Batrachostomus (javensis) chaseni: Common along the Sabang road, one seen at the start of the Lion cave trail
Great Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus macrotis: Common on Hamut, Kitanglad and PICOP
Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus: Common along the road to Sabang
*Philippine Nightjar Caprimulgus manillensis: Widespread; a bird brooding two downy chicks seen on Kitanglad
Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis: A bird, probably this species, flushed from the airfield at Bislig
Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata: A pair seen on one occasion in PICOP
*Grey-rumped Swiftlet Collocalia (esculenta) marginata: Common on Palawan and southern Luzon
Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta: Abundant on Luzon, Mindanao and Negros
*Pygmy Swiftlet Collocalia troglodytes: Reasonably common in the forested areas of the islands
*Philippine Swiftlet Aerodramus mearnsi: Reasonably common on Kitanglad, also seen on Hamut
Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis: Common in the lowlands of Luzon and Mindanao
*Palawan Swiftlet Aerodramus (vanikorensis) palawanensis: Common on Palawan
*Philippine Needletail Mearnsia picina: Several birds watched at close range in PICOP
Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus: Seen frequently on Palawan
Purple Needletail Hirundapus celebensis: Seen over the botanical gardens on Makiling and from the watchpoint above Camp 2 on Hamut
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis: Only seen in the lowlands of Mindanao
*Philippine Trogon Harpactes ardens: Single birds seen and heard on Hamut, in PICOP and near Caramoan
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis: Only seen on Palawan
*Spotted Wood Kingfisher Actenoides lindsayi: Several seen in the very early morning on Mt Makiling
*Blue-capped Kingfisher Actenoides hombroni VU: After many attempts, one seen and another heard in PICOP
Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis: Reasonably widespread on Palawan
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis: Several seen on Mindanao, a further pair near Caramoan
*Rufous-lored Kingfisher Todiramphus winchelli VU: One seen in PICOP
Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris: Common and widespread
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithaca: One whizzed overhead along the Iwahig penal farm trail
*Indigo-banded Kingfisher Alcedo cyanopectus: Seen well near the dairy farm on Mt Makiling, and also in the botanical gardens
*Silvery Kingfisher Alcedo argentata VU: One seen in PICOP
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: Widespread
Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis: Seen well on Hamut
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus: Seen on Hamut and Makiling
*Palawan Hornbill Anthracoceros marchei VU: Encountered frequently along the Sabang road
*Rufous Hornbill Buceros hydrocorax: Seen on several occasions on Hamut and in PICOP
*Luzon Hornbill Penelopides manillae: Seen and heard on Makiling, Hamut and in the Caramoan area
*Mindanao Hornbill Penelopides affinis: Common and widespread in PICOP
*Writhed Hornbill Aceros leucocephalus: One seen in flight in PICOP
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala: Widespread on Luzon and Mindanao
*Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos maculatus: Several seen on Makiling and Kitanglad
White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis: A pair seen along the road to Sabang, further birds seen in PICOP
Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus: A single bird at the start of the quarry trail, PICOP
*Sooty Woodpecker Mulleripicus funebris: A single bird seen at close range near Camp 2, Hamut
*Wattled Broadbill Eurylaimus steerii VU: At least one heard in PICOP at close range, frustratingly elusive to see though
*Whiskered Pitta Pitta kochi VU: Heard regularly on Hamut, but difficult to see
Red-bellied Pitta Pitta erythrogaster: Seen very well in St Paul's NP and PICOP
Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida: Seen well in St Paul's NP, also heard in PICOP (quarry trail) and Mt Isarog
*Azure-breasted Pitta Pitta steerii VU: Seen very well in PICOP
Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea: Several birds seen in the American cemetery and in mangroves around Bais
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus: Widespread. One nest found at Bislig airfield with an incubating adult
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia: Seen along the road to Sabang
Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina striata: Seen occasionally on Palawan and briefly on Makiling
*Black-bibbed Cicadabird Coracina mindanensis VU: A female seen at PICOP
*McGregor's Cuckooshrike Coracina mcgregori: A pair seen very well up Kitanglad
*Black-and-white Triller Lalage melanoleuca: Seen occasionally on Luzon
Pied Triller Lalage nigra: Seen regularly throughout
Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus: Common on Makiling
Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus: Several noted along the road to Sabang
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus: One bird seen between Camp 1 and Camp 2, Hamut
Mangrove Whistler Pachycephala grisola: A single bird seen at the Iwahig penal farm
*Green-backed Whistler Pachycephala albiventris: One seen near Camp 1, Hamut
*Yellow-bellied Whistler Pachycephala philippinensis: Seen regularly throughout in forest areas
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach: Both species common and widespread, although Brown Shrike the commoner of the two
*Mountain Shrike Lanius validirostris: One or two birds seen on Kitanglad
Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus: Seen well along the road to Sabang
*Philippine Oriole Oriolus steerii: A handful noted in PICOP
Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis: Widespread
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus: Seen occasionally on Palawan
*Balicassiao Dicrurus balicassius: Common in forest on Luzon, Mindanao and Negros
Spangled/Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus: Seen frequently on Palawan and Mindanao
*Blue Fantail Rhipidura superciliaris: Common in PICOP
*Blue-headed Fantail Rhipidura cyaniceps: Common on Makiling and Hamut, also seen in the Caramoan area
Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica: Common throughout Luzon and Mindanao in the lowlands
*Black-and-cinnamon Fantail Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea: Reasonably common on Mindanao
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea: Seen frequently on Luzon and Mindanao
*Short-crested Monarch Hypothymis helenae: One or two birds seen at an alternative Celestial Monarch site in PICOP
*Celestial Monarch Hypothymis coelestis VU: One male seen well in PICOP, another heard singing along the quarry trail
*Blue Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone cyanescens: Eventually seen well in St Paul's NP, after a lot of work
*Rufous Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone cinnamomea: Missed on Hamut, but abundant in PICOP
Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca: Seen frequently on Palawan, a possible also seen from the jeepney in PICOP on the last morning
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos: Rather widespread on Luzon and in PICOP
*Elegant Tit Periparus elegans: Widespread on Luzon and Mindanao; frequently encountered in mixed flocks
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: Abundant, though numbers had declined significantly by the time I left
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica: Widespread, though never as abundant as Barn Swallow
Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata: Quite common around rocky and mountainous areas
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula: A pair seen near Baliwag village, below Hamut, with a further bird singing on the low slopes of Mt Isarog
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis: Only seen at Bislig airfield
Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis: Seen at Bislig airfield, near Baliwag and on the low slopes of Mt Isarog
*Rufous-headed Tailorbird Orthotomus (cucullatus) heterolaemus: Seen several times on Kitanglad
*Philippine Tailorbird Orthotomus castaneiceps: Seen, and more often heard, on Hamut
*Rufous-fronted Tailorbird Orthotomus frontalis: Eventually seen well in PICOP
*Grey-backed Tailorbird Orthotomus derbianus: Heard and seen poorly in the Caramoan area
Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus: Reasonably common on Palawan
*Black-headed Tailorbird Orthotomus nigriceps: Several birds seen in PICOP, but difficult to see
Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps: Common on Palawan
*Yellow-wattled Bulbul Pycnonotus urostictus: Reasonably common on Makiling and on Mindanao
Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier: Very common pretty much everywhere outside Palawan
Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosus: Several birds seen on Palawan along the road to Sabang
Grey-cheeked Bulbul Criniger bres: Common on Palawan
*Sulphur-bellied Bulbul Iole palawanensis: Several seen on Palawan, along the road to Sabang
*Philippine Bulbul Ixos philippinus: Common throughout, although not present on Palawan
*Yellowish Bulbul Ixos everetti: Common in PICOP
Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis: Reasonably common in the grasslands between Hamut and Baliwag, Bislig airfield and Kitanglad
Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris: Common and easily seen in grasslands
Japanese Bush Warbler Cettia diphone: A single bird, apparently this species, seen on Hamut
*Philippine Bush Warbler Cettia seebohmi: One seen well on Hamut
*Long-tailed Bush Warbler Bradypterus caudatus: Heard regularly on Kitanglad, but extremely difficult to see - not helped by the amount of noise made by our guide!
Middendorff's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella ochotensis: One seen reasonably well in the marshes near Naga City
Oriental Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis: Heard on Palawan, seen in the marshes near Naga City
Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus: Seen at Bislig airfield
Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis: Bumped into on a regular basis in the forests
*Philippine Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus olivaceus: One or two seen on Kitanglad and at PICOP
*Lemon-throated Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus cebuensis: Seen well on Hamut and Isarog
Mountain Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus: Seen twice on Kitanglad
*Ashy-headed Babbler Malacocincla cinereiceps: One seen well at St Paul's NP, Palawan
*Melodious Babbler Malacopteron palawanense: Seen very well in Iwahig penal farm
*Striated Wren-Babbler Ptilocichla mindanensis: Seen briefly in PICOP after a significant amount of time trying
*Falcated Wren-Babbler Ptilocichla falcata VU: Seen well in St Paul's NP, eventually
*Rusty-faced Babbler Robsonius rabori: Heard frequently on Hamut, but only fleeting glimpses obtained
*Mindanao Pygmy Babbler Stachyris plateni: Common in PICOP
*Golden-crowned Babbler Stachyris dennistouni: Reasonably abundant on Hamut, particularly lower on the slopes near Camp 1
*Rusty-crowned Babbler Stachyris capitalis: Not seen until nearly the last day at PICOP
*Luzon Striped-Babbler Stachyris striata: Common on Hamut
Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Macronous gularis: Common on Palawan
*Brown Tit-Babbler Macronous striaticeps: Very common on Kitanglad and PICOP
*Lowland White-eye Zosterops meyeni: Seen well in the American cemetery, Manila, and in the Caramoan area
Everett's White-eye Zosterops everetti: One or two birds seen well in PICOP
Yellowish White-eye Zosterops nigrorum: Fairly frequent on Hamut, though never abundant. A pair also seen at Casaroro falls, Negros
Mountain White-eye Zosterops montanus: Common and abundant on Kitanglad
*Mindanao Ibon (Black-masked White-eye) Lophozosterops goodfellowi: Seen frequently on Kitanglad
*Cinnamon Ibon Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus: Common and abundant on Kitanglad
Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella: Common and abundant on Palawan
*Philippine Fairy-bluebird Irena cyanogastra: Common and abundant on Hamut
*Sulphur-billed Nuthatch Sitta oenochlamys: Abundant on Hamut and Kitanglad, with a further bird heard on Isarog
*Stripe-headed Rhabdornis Rhabdornis mystacalis: A small flock on Hamut, near Camp 1, and a pair near the quarry trail entrance at PICOP were the only ones seen
Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis: Widespread and abundant
Short-tailed Starling Aplonis minor: Several birds seen on Kitanglad
*Apo Myna Basilornis mirandus: Reasonably common on Kitanglad
*Coleto Sarcops calvus: Abundant in PICOP, singles also seen on Isarog and at Casaroro falls, Negros
Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus: Seen occasionally in agricultural land and in Manila
Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa: Three birds noted along the Sabang road
Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus: Small flocks on the route between Baliwag and Hamut, large numbers on Kitanglad
White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana: Heard frequently on Kitanglad, with the odd bird also singing on Hamut
Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis: Widespread in PICOP
*White-browed Shama Copsychus luzoniensis: Frequently heard on Makiling and Hamut, but rarely seen, a further bird at Casaroro falls, Negros
*White-vented Shama Copsychus niger: Fairly common around St Paul's NP
Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata: Common in open land along roadsides
Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius: A female in PICOP the only bird seen
Rufous-tailed Jungle-Flycatcher Rhinomyias ruficauda: A single bird seen in PICOP
Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta: Common in forested areas throughout
*Ashy-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa randi VU: A single bird seen near Casaroro falls, Negros
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki: A female found with a feeding flock on Kitanglad
Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra: One or two seen with feeding flocks on Kitanglad
*Little Slaty Flycatcher Ficedula basilanica VU: A pair seen in PICOP
*Palawan Flycatcher Ficedula platenae VU: A single bird seen briefly in St Paul's NP
Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni: Seen occasionally on Makiling and Kitanglad
Turquoise (Mountain Verditer) Flycatcher Eumyias panayensis: Several birds seen on Kitanglad
*Blue-breasted Flycatcher Cyornis herioti: One female and one male seen on Hamut, the male holding territory beside the track
*Palawan Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis lemprieri: After hearing the species on a number of occasions, a male finally popped into view in St Paul's NP
*Philippine Leafbird Chloropsis flavipennis VU: Reasonably common in PICOP
*Yellow-throated Leafbird Chloropsis palawanensis: Common and abundant on Palawan
*Olive-backed Flowerpecker Prionochilus olivaceus: Seen once on Hamut and several times on Kitanglad
*Palawan Flowerpecker Prionochilus plateni: Common and widespread in the forest
*Striped Flowerpecker Dicaeum aeruginosum: Seen at the Iwahig penal farm, Palawan
*Olive-capped Flowerpecker Dicaeum nigrilore: Seen several times on Kitanglad
*Bicoloured Flowerpecker Dicaeum bicolor: Seen frequently, on Hamut, Kitanglad and Makiling
*Red-keeled Flowerpecker Dicaeum australe: Common on Makiling and Mindanao
*Black-belted Flowerpecker Dicaeum haematostictum VU: Common around Casaroro falls
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma: Seen well on Makiling and Hamut, and abundant in PICOP
*Buzzing Flowerpecker Dicaeum hypoleucum: Seen well at Hamut and Kitanglad
*Pygmy Flowerpecker Dicaeum pygmaeum: Seen on a number of occasions at Hamut, Makiling, Kitanglad, and on Palawan
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus: One male seen well near Camp 2, Hamut
Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis: Seen on Pandan Island, Hobai bay (Palawan)
Purple-throated Sunbird Leptocoma sperata: Seen on a regular basis, particularly on Palawan
Copper-throated Sunbird Leptocoma calcostetha: Two or more seen at a site along the road to Sabang
Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis: Common and widespread
*Grey-hooded Sunbird Aethopyga primigenia: Seen daily on Kitanglad
*Apo Sunbird Aethopyga boltoni: Seen twice on Kitanglad, though never particularly satisfyingly
*Flaming Sunbird Aethopyga flagrans: Seen very well on Hamut and Makiling
*Metallic-winged Sunbird Aethopyga pulcherrima: Seen on Hamut and at PICOP
*Lovely Sunbird Aethopyga shelleyi: Only seen along the road to Sabang
*Handsome Sunbird Aethopyga bella: Only noted from Makiling
Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja: A pair watched at close range near the head of the trail to Casaroro falls
Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra: Seen frequently on Palawan
*Naked-faced Spiderhunter Arachnothera clarae: A possible seen on Hamut and one noted in PICOP
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus: Abundant in towns and villages
*Red-eared Parrotfinch Erythrura coloria: Several birds seen feeding in bamboo and flowers on Kitanglad
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
White-bellied Munia Lonchura leucogastra
Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla: All three species widespread, although White-bellied encountered least frequently
Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis simillima: Common and widespread in paddies and ploughed fields
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: Encountered frequently in a variety of habitats
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus: Seen regularly on agricultural land and airfields
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus: Two or three birds seen and heard between Baliwag and Hamut, joining a variety of species hunting insects around the swaling burns on the grassland

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Mammals

One or two species of squirrel were also noted, yet to be identified.

Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascigularis: A number hanging around the guards' huts at St Paul's NP, Palawan. The only other one seen was a single in PICOP, opposite the entrance to the quarry trail

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Reptiles & amphibians

A handful of reptiles were seen, including two snakes, a skink species and a couple of other lizard species, none of which have been identified yet. A smal number of frog and toad species were also seen, again, awaiting identification.

Malayan Water Monitor Varanus salvator: Numerous around the guards' huts at St Paul's NP, Palawan

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Lepidoptera

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Odonata

Ischnura senegalensis
Brachydiplax farinosa
Lathrecista asiatica
Orthetrum luzonicum
Orthetrum sabina
Orthetrum testaceum
Acisoma panorpoides
Brachythemis contaminata
Crocothemis servilia
Diplacodes trivialis
Neurothemis fluctuans
Neurothemis ramburii
Neurothemis terminata
Pantala flavescens
Agrionoptera insignis
Rhinocypha humeralis or colorata or turconii
Risiocnemis serrata?
Vestalis sp
Hemicordulia sp
Diplacina bolivarii or braueri
Calopteryx sp

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