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A Report from birdtours.co.uk

MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE, 10th April - 4th May 1998,

Author

David & John F. Cooper

Sites Visited:
Birding sites we visited in Malaysia are comprehensively covered in a couple of books available. In preparation for our trip we planned our itinerary using the following references :

Birdwatcher's Guide to Malaysia Bransbury J. 1993. Waymark.

Where to watch birds in Asia   Wheatley N. 1996. Helm.
OBC Bulletins and Forktails 1985 - 1998.

Fieldguide:
Although not available at the time of our trip we would now recommend :

A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia and Singapore    Jeyarajasingam A. & Pearson A. 1998. OUP.

Acknowledgements:
Our greatest thanks go to Ed & Linda Hagen who looked after us whilst in Singapore with Ed birding with us until we left Pasoh and keeping the promise he had made a year earlier to find us a Rail-babbler ! Thanks also to Richard Fairbank for his usual pre-trip advice and help, to John P. Shaugnhessey for allowing us access to his notes and providing sketch maps for species he had seen at both Fraser's Hill and Taman Negara a year earlier, to Richard Thomas for sending us a draft of the OBC Bulletin article on 'how to see Aleutain Tern in South-east Asia' which we were able to put to good use and to the birders we encountered during the trip, especially to 'Fred' and 'Ivan' both of whom were willing to share their knowledge of productive sites at Taman Negara.

Itinerary:
10th April  :  Arrived at Singapore in the evening being met by Ed and taken straight to the Botanic Gardens for dusk.

11th April  :  Dawn at the Seragoon Sewage Farm then to World Trade Centre to catch boat to Tg. Balai in the Riau Archipelago, Indonesia. Returned to Singapore visiting Pasir Ris Village Estuary and then on to the Muslim Cemetary for dusk.

12th April  :  Before dawn at Sime Forest, MacRitchie Resevoir entering through the Singapore Golf Club then onto the Tuas Grasslands near the 'new' causeway to Malaysia before trying the Seragoon Pools. After midday caught a bumboat to Palau Ubin, then returning to Singapore visiting Loyang near Changi Village and then on to spend the evening at the Tyersall Avenue (adjacent to the Botanical Gardens) drainage ditch.

13th April  :  Crossed the causeway into Malaysia arriving at Panti for dawn spending the early morning in a clearing at the back of 'Hutun Panti' (Panti Park) before moving on to the excellant Ridge Trail at Km270. Lunch time spent along the Km 246 River track before spending the afternoon on a short trail leading off from the Km228 track. Stayed at the Apollo Hotel in Kota Tingi.

14th April  :  An hour before dawn along the Bunker Track before returning to the Ridge Trail at Km270 for most of the morning. We then drove beyond the Quarry along the Bunker Track to walk the track. Returned to again walk the Ridge Trail before spending the late afternoon and evening at the clearing at the back of 'Hutun Panti'.

15th April  :  Spent the morning on trails beyond the Clearing at the back of 'Hutun Panti' before again trying the Km 246 River Track at lunchtime and then driving back to Singapore.

16th April  :  Left Singapore in the early hours to drive to 'Bukit Jelabu' or G. Telapa Buruk for dawn just east of Seremban where a small road ascending through good habitat leads to a Telekom tower. Left the hill after midday and drove to Pasoh staying in the Staff Accomodation in the Pasoh 'Clearing'.

17th April  :  All day at Pasoh spending most of the day along the boardwalk trail watching a drinking pool for a couple of hours in the late afternoon.

18th April  :  All day at Pasoh again spending most of the day along the boardwalk trail with midday around the 'Clearing'.

19th April  :  Morning along the boardwalk trail at Pasoh and then at 11a.m. met by a long distance taxi to be driven to Kuala Lumpur where we picked up a hire car from Avis at the airport and then drove to the Gap Resthouse walking the first 2km up the road leading to Fraser's Hill in the evening. Stayed at the Gap Resthouse.

20th April  :  Walked 2km up the road towards the Gap before driving up to Fraser's Hill spending most of the rest of the day along the Bishop's Trail.

21st April  :  Pre-dawn drive up to the Upper Gate along the Fraser's Hill road, then on to the dump before walking the Mager (Maybank) Trail. A brief visit to the High Pines Trail and then back to the Bishops Trail before driving the Telekom Loop. Returned to the Gap from where walked the first 2km up the road leading to Fraser's Hill.

22nd April  :  Early morning visit to the Dump then on to Bishop's Trail before returning to the Gap from where we drove 6km towards K. Kubu Baharu. Late afternoon returned to Fraser's Hill to drive the Telekom Loop.

23rd April  :  Early morning spent along first 6km of road towards K. Kubu Baharu before driving to the Upper Gate and then on to the Bishop's Trail. Then returned to the Gap and drove 6km towards Raub birding until dusk.

24th April  :  Walked the first 4km of the road leading to the Gap and then drove stopping several times before reaching K. Kubu Baharu before driving back to K.L. airport to drop off the car and took a taxi to the Stanford Hotel.

25th April  :  Taxi to Kuala Tembeling narrowly missing the morning boat so long boring wait until 2p.m. boat to Kuala Tahan where we just had enough time to walk the Swamp Loop before dark.

26th April  :  Morning walking the Jenet Muda trail and then along the River trail, afternoon at a drinking pool along the Jenet Muda trail.

27th April  :  Swamp Loop, River Trail, Canopy Walkway and Jenet Muda drinking pool.

28th April  :  River trail, Tabing Hide, Swamp Loop and Jenet Muda drinking pool.

29th April  :  Jenet Muda trail, Swamp Loop twice and Canopy Walkway trail.

30th April  :  Swamp Loop, River trail, Jenet Muda drinking pool and Canopy Walkway trail.

1st May  :  River trail, Swamp Loop twice and Jenet Muda drinking pool.

2nd May  :  River trail, Swamp Loop and Jenet Muda drinking pool.

3rd May  :  Canopy Walkway trail before 9 a.m. boat to Kuala Tembeling and drive to K.L.

4th May  :  Plane to Singapore and on to London.

Systematic List:

The order, nomenclature and taxonomy follow "An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region" by Inskipp, Lindsey and Duckworth 1996 as do the numbers applied to each species

34. Blue-breasted Quail - Coturnix chinensis
A pair were flushed twice at the Tuas grasslands near the 'new' causeway on Singapore on the 12th. On the second occasion Ed flushed them at right angles to us which worked well as they flew across in front of us enabling us to see the black and white face pattern and blue and chestnut underparts of the male. Ed had told us that this was a reliable site to find the species but we did not expect to see them within 3 minutes of arriving there !

57. Crested Partridge - Rollulus rouloul
Only seen at the Swamp Loop at Taman Negara where up to 10 were present during our entire stay often seen feeding amongst the large plants found in the centre of the loop. The males often proved more obliging than the females.

74. Red Junglefowl - Gallus gallus
Suprisingly only seen on Palau Ubin, Singapore where a party of 5 were seen on the 12th. We were somewhat concerned as to their provenance although Ed assured us that the white ear spot and the short harsh ending to the call eliminates the domestic forms also seen on Palau Ubin. However we are still pleased to have seen this species in the past whilst in Nepal !

86. Crestless Fireback - Lophura erythropthalma
This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that the main threat is lowland deforestation, which has much reduced and fragmented its habitat throughout its range. A pair were seen feeding on fallen fruit at the start of the board walk trail at Pasoh on both the 18th and 19th. On the second day they were watched for around half an hour at a range of c.50 yards as they quietly walked to and fro across the trail ahead of us. Superb.

87. Crested Fireback - Lophura ignita
This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that it is threatened by the extensive lowland deforestation within its range, and locally by hunting. Up to 15 were seen on six dates whilst at Taman Negara where almost unbelievable views are easily obtained. They were encountered most frequently in the immediate vicinity of the HQ Clearing often in parties of around eight birds with start of the Swamp Loop, just beyond the Campsite along the River Trail and at the start of the Canopy Walkway seemingly being favoured areas.

107. Malayan Peacock Pheasant - Polyplectron malacense
This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state its range has been considerably reduced by the widespread destruction and degradation of lowland forest, and continuing loss of this habitat because of conversion of land for agriculture could eventually mean that it will be virtually confined to the five protected areas (three of which are small) which are known to support populations. Heard daily at Taman Negara and being seen on four dates with a male seen briefly at the Jenet Muda drinking pool on the 26th and then a series of good views obtained at the Swamp Loop with a pair seen at the on the 28th, a male seen on the 1st and 2 males seen on the 2nd. On one occasion a male was seen 'frozen' at a range of 3 metres slowly extending its crest over its bill with the feathers at the rear of the neck 'puffed out' forming a ruff. 

Great Argus - Argusianus argus
Sadly only heard and then only infrequently presumably due to the very dry conditions we experience throughout the country. First heard at Panti on the 14th and then around 6km along the road to K. Kubu Baharu from the Gap on both the 23rd and 24th.

Lesser Whistling-duck - Dendrocygna javanica
JFC saw two duck in flight being almost certainly this species near Seragoon on the 11th.

193. Speckled Piculet - Picumnus innominatus
A single individual was part of a bird wave encountered along the Bishop's Trail at Fraser's Hill on the 20th.

199. Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker - Dendrocopos moluccensis
A single individual was seen at the Muslim Cemetary, Singapore on the 11th.

216. Rufous Woodpecker - Celeus brachyurus
Singles were seen at Panti on the 13th and in bamboo opposite the Gap Resthouse on the 23rd and at Taman Negara 1 was seen on the 27th and 2 on the 29th.

217. White Bellied Woodpecker - Dryocopus javensis
A pair were seen along the Km 228 track at Panti on the 13th and a pair were seen along the boardwalk trail at Pasoh on the 17th.

220. Banded Woodpecker - Picus miniaceus
Only seen on Singapore where 1 was seen in the Muslim Cemetary on the 11th and 2 were seen in Sime Forest bordering the Singapore Golf Club the next day.

222. Crimson-winged Woodpecker - Picus puniceus
At Pasoh only seen in the vicinity of the Clearing and Arboretum with 1 seen on the 16th and 3 seen on the 18th.

224. Checker-throated Woodpecker - Picus mentalis
Pairs were seen behind the Clearing at Hutun Panti on the 15th and at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th and 3 were seen as part of a bird wave 2km above the Gap on the 24th.

226. Laced Woodpecker - Picus vittatus
A single bird was seen at a large stand of bamboo on Palau Ubin, Singapore on the 12th and a pair were then seen at Loyang the same day.

235. Common Flameback - Dinopium javanense
A pair were seen adjacent to MacRitchie Resevoir, Singapore on the 12th and a single bird was seen at Taman Negara on the 28th.

244. Orange-backed Woodpecker - Reinwardtipicus validus
A single individual was seen at the Km 228 track at Panti on the 14th and a pair were seen along the Jenet Muda trail at Taman Negara on the 26th.

245. Buff-rumped Woodpecker - Meiglyptes tristis
A pair were seen at Pasoh on the 16th, a pair were seen near the Gap on the 20th and 1 was seen on the drive from the Gap to K. Kubu Baharu on the 24th.

247. Buff-necked Woodpecker - Meiglyptes tukki
Singles were seen at Taman Negara on two dates.

248. Grey-and-buff Woodpecker - Hemicircus concretus
Only seen at Taman Negara where a female was seen along the Swamp Loop on the 29th and JFC saw a pair along the River Trail on the 1st.

253. Fire-tufted Barbet - Psilopogon pyrolophus
Only seen along the Gap Road, Bishop's Trail and at the Dump at Fraser's Hill and in poor numbers with just 4 seen on the 20th and 1 on the 22nd. However some were seen well and this species surely rates as one of the best of the Asian Barbets.

261. Gold-whiskered Barbet - Megalaima chrysopogon
JFC saw 1 at Pasoh in a fruiting tree at the start of the boardwalk trail on the 18th and then up to 3 were seen on four dates frequenting a small fruiting tree located just above the Gap along the road leading to Fraser's Hill. They would seemingly test the fruit by sqeezing it in their bills before deciding whether to pick the fruit or move on to test another.

267. Black-browed Barbet - Megalaima oorti
Singles recorded on four dates whilst in the Gap and Fraser's Hill areas with the first being seen along the Bishop's Trail and then 1 seen several times in the small fruiting tree just above the Gap.

274. Blue-eared Barbet - Megalaima australis
A single individual was seen briefly in the small fruiting tree just above the Gap on the 21st.

277. Coppersmith Barbet - Megalaima haemacephala
Around 3 were present in the trees around the Kuala Tembeling jetty including a bird showing some interest in a nest hole on the 25th and 1 was seen 'flycatching' at dusk in the Taman Negara HQ Clearing on the 1st.

278. Brown Barbet - Calorhamphus fuliginosus
Singles were seen in the fruiting tree at the start of the boardwalk trail at Pasoh on the 18th and 19th and up to 6 were seemingly always present in the small fruiting tree just above the Gap being seen on three dates.

283. Oriental Pied Hornbill - Anthracoceros albirostris
A single individual was seen in flight over the Km 246 River trail at Panti on the 13th and singles were seen at Taman Negara on four dates with 1 frequenting the HQ Clearing in the vicinity of the Self Service Cafe, possibly the same individual seen from the hide adjacent to the Swamp Loop on a couple of occasions and another seen along the River trail not far from the Tabing hide.

284. Black Hornbill - Anthracoceros malayanus
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). A single individual showing prominent white supercilia was seen in an oil palm grove near Panti on the 13th, a pair were seen in the vicinity of the fruiting tree at the start of the boardwalk trail at Pasoh on the 19th and a pair were seen from the boat journey back to Kuala Tembeling on the 3rd.

287. Rhinoceros Hornbill - Buceros rhinoceros
A superb individual was seen at close range along the Bishop's Trail at Fraser's Hill on the 20th and was watched demolishing a large broken limb of a tree and a pair were seen in large trees and in flight along the oposite bank of the river from Lubok Simpon at Taman Negara on the 29th. As always, very memorable.

290. Helmeted Hornbill - Buceros vigil
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). On the evening of the 19th we heard the maniacal call from the vicinity of the 'green sign' around 2km above the Gap along the road leading to Fraser's Hill and the following morning the bird was still calling. We gave the tape a try and much to our surprise a pair then performed superbly for around an hour flying from treetop to treetop looking for the source of the recording. A good view down the valley is obtainable from the 'Green Sign' and I would guess there can be few better places to observe this species as you are looking down on them or on a par with them. An absolutely stunning species and a pleasure to have seen them at last. For some reason the female is not illustrated in 'Birds of Thailand' 1991 but this is rectified by 'Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali' 1993.

304. Wreathed Hornbill - Aceros undulatus
A single individual was seen at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th.

312. Red-naped Trogon - Harpactes kasumba
Ed taped a single male into view at the far end of the boardwalk trail at the juction to the trail leading to the 50ha plot at Pasoh on the 18th.

317. Scarlet Rumped Trogon - Harpactes duvaucelii
Ed taped a pair into view along the Km 270 Ridge trail at Panti on the 14th and 3 were seen along the River Trail at Taman Negara on the 27th.

324. Dollarbird - Eurystomus orientalis
Up to 5 were seen on eight dates being seen on Singapore, at Panti and at Taman Negara.

328. Blue-eared Kingfisher - Alcedo meninting
JFC briefly saw 1 on the boat trip into Taman Negara on the 25th.

330. Blue-banded Kingfisher - Alcedo euryzona
A single individual was seen along the large river from the River trail at Taman Negara on the 26th and another visited the Jenet Muda drinking pool that afternoon and presumably the same individual was again seen at the drinking pool on the 1st.

336. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher - Ceyx erithacus
All individuals seen were of the 'Red-backed' form. A single individual was seen very briefly at a small pool along the boardwalk trail at Pasoh on the 17th and 3 singles were seen whilst at Taman Negara all frequenting small pools where much better prolonged views were obtained.

339. Banded Kingfisher - Lacedo pulchella
An obliging female was seen along the Jenet Muda trail at Taman Negara on the 27th. Superb.

342. Stork-billed Kingfisher - Halcyon capensis
JFC saw a single individual from along the River trail at Taman Negara on the 1st.

345. White-throated Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis
Up to 8 were seen on six dates often in poor habitat and seen whilst driving.

354. Collared Kingfisher - Todiramphus chloris
Up to 4 were seen on two dates in coastal situations on Singapore.

359. Rufous-collared Kingfisher - Actenoides concretus
A single female was taped into view not long after dawn at the first gully beyond the Pump House near the start of the River Trail at Taman Negara. Unfortunately the bird perched virtually directly overhead so the views were not as good as they could have been. However the emerald crown was seen a couple of times as it tilted its head to look at us and the white spots on the tertials could be seen.

367. Red-bearded Bee-eater - Nycyornis amictus
A single adult was seen around 1km above the Gap along the road leading to Fraser's Hill on the 20th and an adult was watched feeding an immature in front of the Tabing hide at Taman Negara on the 28th.

371. Blue-throated Bee-eater - Merops viridis
Good numbers, up to 25 daily, were seen on fifteen dates being seen at all locations.

384. Indian Cuckoo - Cuculus micropterus
Heard on four dates and nicknamed the 'Beethoven bird' whilst at Panti but remained unseen.

389. Banded Bay Cuckoo - Cacomantis sonneratii
After hearing but not seeing 1 at the clearing behind Hutun Panti on the 14th we were pleased to watch 1 calling for some time opposite the Gap Resthouse just as we were leaving on the 24th proving a good end to our stay there.

404. Drongo Cuckoo - Surniculus lugubris
Singles were seen at Panti on the 13th, on the drive between the Gap and K. Kubu Baharu on the 24th and along the River Trail at Taman Negara on the 2nd.

405. Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopacea
Around 4 were seen on Singapore on the 11th with others heard there the following day.

410. Chestnut-bellied Malkoha - Phaenicophaeus sumatranus
A single individual was seen on Singapore at Sime Forest on the 12th and 3 were seen at Panti the following day.

411. Green-billed Malkoha - Phaenicophaeus tristis
Only seen in the vicinity of the Gap where 2 singles were seen on the 23rd.

414. Raffles's Malkoha - Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus
In our experience the common Malkoha being seen on eight dates and seen at Panti, Pasoh, the Gap and at Taman Negara.

415. Red-billed Malkoha - Phaenicophaeus javanicus
Only seen at Pasoh where singles were seen around the Clearing and in the Arboretum on the 18th.

416. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha - Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
Seen on five dates in small numbers being seen at Panti, Pasoh, the Gap and at Taman Negara.

429. Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis
A pair were seen at the Campsite at Taman Negara on the 30th.

433. Lesser Coucal - Centropus bengalensis
Singles were seen at Seragoon Sewage Farm on the 11th and from the Tabing hide at Taman Negara on the 1st.

459. Tanimbar Corella - Cacatua goffini
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). A single individual of this introduced species was seen at the Muslim Cemetary on Singapore on the 11th.

463. Blue-rumped Parrot - Psittinus cyanurus
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). A party of 4 seen at the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th proved to be the only birds seen during the trip.

482. Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot - Loriculus galgulus
Seen on eleven dates in good numbers with up to 20 on a day with most sightings consisting of birds flying over although a few good perched views were obtained. Seen on Singapore, at Panti, Pasoh, the Gap and at Taman Negara.

499. Red-breasted Parakeet - Psittacula alexandri
Around 8 of this introduced species were seen around Changi, Singapore on the 12th.

501. Long-tailed Parakeet - Psittacula longicauda
Up to 50 were seen daily on Singapore, up to 20 were seen daily at Panti but only seen on two dates at Taman Negara with 2 seen on the 25th and 1 on the 30th.

503. Glossy Swiftlet - Collocalia esculenta
A party of 25 were seen along the Km 228 track at Panti on the 13th otherwise only seen at the Gap and Fraser's Hill where up to 30 were seen daily.

514. Edible-nest Swiftlet - Collocalia fuciphaga
Although difficult to identify for sure, birds with pale rumps and notched tails presumably relating to this species proved common on Singapore and Tg. Balai with an estimated 100 being seen on the 11th and 20 the following day. Up to 15 were seen on two dates at Panti and 2 were seen over the HQ Clearing at Taman Negara on a couple of dates.

518. Silver-rumped Needletail - Rhaphidura leucopygialis
Quite a common and widespread species being seen on twelve dates being seen at Panti, Pasoh, the Gap and Taman Negara with a daily maximum of 15 recorded over the HQ Clearing at Taman Negara on the 30th.

521. Brown-backed Needletail - Hirundapus giganteus
Up to 8 were seen feeding over the Gap Resthouse on all five evenings we were there and up to 30 were seen on four evenings feeding over the HQ Clearing at Taman Negara.

523. Asian Palm Swift - Cypsiurus balasiensis
Suprisingly just a single individual seen being at Panti on the 13th.

527. Fork-tailed Swift - Apus pacificus
A party of 6 were seen along the Km 228 track at Panti on the 13th otherwise only seen over the Gap Resthouse on three evenings with 100 present on the 20th, 2 on the 21st and 1 on the 24th.

529. House Swift - Apus affinis
Frequently seen at colonies when driving over bridges crossing larger rivers. A colony of around 100 was seen near Kota Tingi on three dates, up to 50 were seen daily at the Gap, a colony of around 100 was seen on the drive back to K.L. on the 25th and up t

o 20 seen at Taman Negara on two dates. 

531. Grey-rumped Treeswift - Hemiprocne longipennis
Seen on fourteen dates but only in small numbers being seen at Singapore Botanic Gardens, Panti, the Gap and Taman Negara with a daily maximum of 8 being seen at the latter site on the 30th.

533. Whiskered Treeswift - Hemiprocne comata
A single individual was seen perched high on a dead snag at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th.

544. Mountain Scops Owl - Otus spilocephalus
Heard at the Gap on the 22nd opposite the Resthouse but not seen.

559. Collared Scops Owl - Otus bakkamoena
Heard in the Singapore Botanic Gardens on the 10th but not seen.

567. Barred Eagle Owl - Bubo sumatranus
Heard at Pasoh in the arboretum around an hour before dusk on the 18th but sadly not seen.

575. Spotted Wood Owl - Strix seloputo
Heard in the Singapore Botanic Gardens on the 10th but not seen but a party of 3 showed well at the Muslim Cemetary on the evening of the 11th.

584. Collared Owlet - Glaucidium brodiei
Heard at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th but not seen.

596. Brown Hawk Owl - Ninox scutulata
An impressive 4 were seen in the Sime Forest bordering the Singapore Golf Course in a period of around half an hour before dawn on the 12th. They would perch high on open dead snags above the track proving easy to spotlight and obtain good views.

616. Malaysian Eared Nightjar - Eurostopodus temminckii
Seen at dawn and dusk at the Clearing behind Hutun Panti with a maximum of 4 seen there, at the Pasoh Clearing with again a maximum of 4 seen there and similarly at the Gap Resthouse virtually daily where a maximum of 5 was recorded. In all seen on eight days.

623. Large-tailed Nightjar - Caprimulgus macrurus
Heard on eight evenings at Singapore, the Gap and Taman Negara but only seen twice with singles seen on Singapore on the 14th and at the Taman Negara HQ Clearing on the 29th.

652. Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis
Suprisingly only seen on four dates with up to 50 seen on two dates on Singapore, 5 seen near Kota Tingi on the 13th and 1 seen in Simpang Pertang near Pasoh on the 18th.

653. Red Collared Dove - Streptopelia tranquebarica
Around 3 were seen perched on a fence at the Seragoon Sewage Farm on the 11th. This species was almost certainly introduced to Singapore.

659. Little Cuckoo Dove - Macropygia ruficeps
Around 8 were seen at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th and up to 4 were seen daily at the Gap and Fraser's Hill.

663. Emerald Dove - Chalcophaps indica
Singles were recorded on only four dates being seen at Panti, Pasoh and Taman Negara.

665. Peaceful Dove - Geopelia striata
Suprisingly only a pair seen being on Singapore on the 12th.

677. Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon - Treron fulvicollis
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). A male was seen at dawn on top of a tall dead tree stump in the middle of the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th and again at the same spot at dusk the following evening and a pair were seen in flight low over the Km 228 track on the evening of the 13th. This species had been hoped for at this site but not really expected.

678. Little Green Pigeon - Treron olax
Around 20 were seen during the early morning spent in the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th with 5 being seen at Panti on the 15th and 4 being seen at Taman Negara on the 27th being the only others seen.

679. Pink-necked Green Pigeon - Treron vernans
Only seen on Singapore where common with 50 being seen on the 11th and 60 the following day.

682. Thick-billed Green Pigeon - Treron curvirostra
Around 5 were seen in the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 14th and 1 was seen in the Taman Negara HQ Clearing on the 3rd.

721. Green Imperial Pigeon - Ducula aenea
Around 5 seen at the Panti on the 13th proved to be the only birds seen during the trip.

729. Mountain Imperial Pigeon - Ducula badia
A pair seen in flight over the road leading to Fraser's Hill on the 24th proved to be the only birds seen during the trip.

757. Red-legged Crake - Rallina fasciata
At the Tyersall Avenue drainage ditch on Singapore 3 were seen to come to bathe after 6pm on the 12th. Superb telescop views are obtainable at this site.

762. Slaty-breasted Rail - Gallirallus striatus
At the Muslim Cemetary on Singapore after 6pm on the 11th, 2 were seen in the vicinity of the drainage ditch where they regularly bathe.

773. White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus
Only seen on Singapore where 12 were seen on the 11th and 8 the following day being encountered at many sites where water was present.

783. Watercock - Gallicrex cinerea
At the Seragoon Sewage Farm 2 were seen having been flushed from cover not long after dawn on the 11th.

785. Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus
At least 2 were seen at the Seragoon Pools on the 12th.

805. Pintail Snipe - Gallinago stenura
Around 15 were flushed from the edge of MacRitchie Resevoir, Singapore on the 12th.

808. Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago
A single individual was seen at the Seragoon Sewage Farm, Singapore on the 11th.

813. Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus
A single individual was seen at the Pasir Ris Estuary, Singapore on the 11th.

818. Common Redshank - Tringa totanus
Around 12 were seen at the Seragoon Pools, Singapore on the 12th.

819. Marsh Sandpiper - Tringa stagnatilis
Singles were seen at the Seragoon Sewage Farm on the 11th and at the Seragoon Pools on the 12th.

820. Common Greenshank - Tringa nebularia
Around 40 were seen at the Seragoon Pools on the 12th.

825. Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola
Around 3 were seen at the Seragoon Sewage Farm on the 11th.

827. Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos
On Singapore 3 were seen on the 11th and 2 the following day and on the boat trip in to Taman Negara 1 was seen on the 25th and what was probably the same individual was seen on the return journey on the 3rd.

830. Ruddy Turnstone - Arenaria interpres
On Singapore 1 was seen on the 11th and 2 the following day.

869. Pacific Golden Plover - Pluvialis fulva
On Singapore around 30 were seen at the Pasir Ris Estuary on the 11th and 12 at the Seragoon Pools the following day.

891. Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus
A single bird was seen from the boat ride out of Taman Negara on the 3rd.

937. Black-naped Tern - Sterna sumatrana
Singles were seen on the crossings to and from Palau Ubin on the 12th.

940. Little Tern - Sterna albifrons
A party of 12 were seen on the crossing from Palau Ubin to Singapore on the 12th.

944. Aleutian Tern - Sterna aleutica
An early highlight of the trip was at least 18 of these fine birds seen at Tg. Balai, Indonesia on the 11th. It is the only known wintering site and 18 was the very minimum number seen as birds were moving to and fro and were on view for most of the 4 hours we spent on the island from the vicinity of the jetty with 18 being the maximum seen on a single scan. A more likely total number seen was probably nearer 30. Suprisingly no other species of Tern were seen at this site but identification of distant birds could be helped by there peculiar feeding habits which were to either pick at the surface of the water whilst in flight or to actually land on the water and pick somewhat in the manner of a Phalarope.

946. Bridled Tern - Sterna acuticauda
At least 5 were seen from the ferry trip to Tg. Balai, Indonesia on the 11th. Seemingly much more pelagic than the previous species.

949. White-winged Tern - Chlidonias leucopterus
Around 25 with many in breeding plumage were seen from the crossing to and from Palau Ubin on the 12th.

967. Bat Hawk - Macheiramphus alcinus
A single individual was seen from the 'telegraph hill' in the HQ Clearing at Taman Negara on the 26th at around 7.20pm.

968. Black-shouldered Kite - Elanus caeruleus
Singles were seen at the Tuas Grasslands, Singapore on the 12th, between Panti and Kota Tingi on the 14th and over the Clearing at Pasoh on the 18th.

971. Brahminy Kite - Haliastur indus
Only seen on Singapore and Tg. Balai with 8 being seen on the 11th and 2 the following day.

972. White-bellied Sea Eagle - Haliaeetus leucogaster
Only seen on Singapore and Tg. Balai with 2 being seen on the 11th and 3 the following day.

976. Lesser Fish Eagle - Ichthyophaga humilis
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). A single immature was seen early morning just upstream from Lubok Simpon, Taman Negara on the 27th and JFC saw an adult from the boat trip out of Taman Negara on the 3rd.

977. Grey-headed Fish Eagle - Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). A single immature was seen from the boat trip out of Taman Negara on the 3rd.

987. Crested Serpent Eagle - Spilornis cheela
Seen on six dates being seen at Panti, Pasoh, Taman Negara and K.L. in small numbers

1036. Changeable Hawk Eagle - Spizaetus cirrhatus
A single individual was seen at the Tyersall Avenue drainage ditch, Singapore on the 12th and another was heard on two days at Pasoh.

1038. Blyth's Hawk Eagle - Spizaetus alboniger
A stunning individual was seen at very close range both perched and in flight along the Telekom Loop at Fraser's Hill on the 21st, a pair were seen displaying high above the road leading to Fraser's Hill on the 22nd and 1 was seen near the Gap on the 24th.

1045. Black-thighed Falconet - Microhierax fringillarius
A single individual was seen perched next to the road on the drive from K.L. to Kuala Tembeling on the 25th.

1064. Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus
A single individual was seen briefly at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th.

1065. Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis
Around 7 were seen on the Seragoon Pools, Singapore on the 12th.

1089. Little Egret - Egretta garzetta
A single individual was seen on Singapore on the 12th and 4 were seen from the boat ride in to Taman Negara on the 25th.

1091. Chinese Egret - Egretta eulophotes
This species is treated as Endangered by Collar et al. (1994) who state that this species formerly ranged widely in eastern Asia, but was almost eradicated by the trade in plumes which was prominent at the end of the nineteenth century and never fully recovered from this. The current world population is estimated to number approximately 2,500 individuals with the main threats being wetland reclamation and coastal development at many important breeding and wintering sites. A superb full summer plumaged adult complete with shaggy crest was seen at Pasir Ris Estuary, Singapore on the 11th. Ed had seen this individual several times earlier in the year prior to our visit.

1094. Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea
Only seen on Singapore in the Seragoon vicinity with 3 being seen on the 11th and 1 the next day.

1099. Great Egret - Casmerodius albus
A single individual was seen accompanying the Chinese Egret at the Pasir Ris Estuary, Singapore on the 11th.

1101. Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis
Only seen at the roadsides on Singapore where 1 was seen on the 11th and 2 the following day and a party of 3 flew over the Taman Negara HQ Clearing on the 30th.

1105. Little Heron - Butorides striatus
On Singapore seen along the coast with 5 seen on the 11th and 1 the following day. Otherwise just 2 were seen from the boat trip out of Taman Negara on the 3rd.

1106. Black-crowned Night Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax
On Singapore 20 were seen at Seragoon on the 11th and 1 the following day.

1112. Yellow Bittern - Ixobrychus sinensis
At Seragoon Sewage Farm, Singapore 1 was seen on the 11th and 2 were seen the following day.

1114. Cinnamon Bittern - Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
A single immature was seen at the Seragoon Sewage Farm, Singapore on the 11th.

1194. Banded Pitta - Pitta guajana
A superb female was watched at a range of around 15 yards for around 5 minutes as it preened whilst perched on a low vine around 6 inches from the ground just off the Jenet Muda trail at Taman Negara on the 26th. Others were heard along the Jenet Muda Trail and the River Trail on following days.

1198. Hooded Pitta - Pitta sordida
JFC twice saw an elusive individual along the Bishop's Trail at Fraser's Hill on the 22nd.

1210. Blue-winged Pitta - Pitta moluccensis
An obliging individual was seen in Sime Forest adjacent to the Singapore Golf Club during the morning of the 12th proving to be an early highlight of the trip.

1213. Dusky Broadbill - Corydon sumatranus
A party of 5 were watched nest building along the River Trail at Taman Negara on both the 27th and 1st. The nest site could be accessed by leaving the River Trail on a short narrow trail leading to the main river situated around 15 metres beyond the Pump House not far beyond the Camp Site. The nest was suspended from a large palm tree on the near side of the river but the birds often frequented the very tall trees on the opposite bank.

1214. Black-and-red Broadbill - Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos
A single individual was seen at its nest along the Km 246 River track at Panti on the 15th, but seen on six dates whilst at Taman Negara with a daily maximum of 6 recorded on two dates.

1215. Banded Broadbill - Eurylaimus javanicus
JFC saw 2 at the Pasoh Clearing on the 17th so DC was pleased to see a far more obliging individual along the boardwalk trail at Pasoh on the 19th.

1216. Black-and-yellow Broadbill - Eurylaimus ochromalus
Ed taped a single individual into view along the Km 228 track at Panti on the 13th with DC seeing 1 along the Canopy Walkway on the 27th and JFC seeing 1 at Taman Negara the following day. This and the previous species could often be heard commonly calling at Panti, Pasoh and Taman Negara and no doubt more could have been easily seen if we had resorted to the tape machine.

1219. Silver-breasted Broadbill - Serilophus lunatus
At Bukit Jelabu 4 were seen on the 16th in the vicinity of their nests suspended directly above the road up the mountain leading to the telekom tower. JFC obtained a superb photograph of a bird peering out of its nest. A very smart species and well worth considering a visit to this site for.

1221. Green Broadbill - Calyptomena viridis
Only seen at Taman Negara where this species was seen on five days in fair numbers with a daily maximum of 7 recorded on the 28th. Some superb views were obtained at the Jenet Muda drinking pool in the late afternoon when several would perch a few feet away on their way to bathe. A small group was also seen feeding on large pale fruit from the Tabing Hide. After feeding on their fruit they would then sit motionless for around half an hour before taking another fruit.

1248. Golden-bellied Gerygone - Gerygone sulphurea<-">
Heard on Singapore on the 12th but not seen.

1252. Asian Fairy Bluebird - Irena puella
Only seen on five dates with 3 seen in the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th, up to 6 on three days in the vicinity of the Gap and 1 seen at Taman Negara on the 28th.

1256. Greater Green Leafbird - Chloropsis sonnerati
Probably under recorded as not all Leafbirds were identified. However 2 were seen at Panti on the 13th, and up to 4 were seen on two dates in a flowering tree near the start of the River Trail at Taman Negara.

1257. Lesser Green Leafbird - Chloropsis cyanopogon
Again probably under recorded although this species seemed more common than Greater being seen on seven days with birds seen at Panti, Pasoh, the Gap and Taman Negara.

1258. Blue-winged Leafbird - Chloropsis cochinchinensis
Up to 3 were seen daily at both Panti and Pasoh and 2 were seen on two dates at the Gap.

1260. Orange-bellied Leafbird - Chloropsis hardwickii
Only seen around 2km above the Gap where 2 were seen on the 21st and 23rd and 4 on the 24th.

1262. Tiger Shrike - Lanius tigrinus
Single males were seen in the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th, around the Gap Resthouse on the 21st and 22nd and in the HQ Clearing at Taman Negara near the radio mast on the 1st which must represent a late date for this species in Malaysia.

1266. Brown Shrike - Lanius cristatus
At the Seragoon Sewage Farm, Singapore 3 were seen on the 11th in fine plumage, the only other record being of an individual near the gate at the bottom of the Fraser's Hill Road seen daily from the 19th to the 23rd.

1269. Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach
Single 'grey - headed' forms were seen at Seragoon Sewage Farm on the 11th and nearby the next day.

1276. Rail-babbler - Eupetes macrocerus
Bird of the trip for us with superb views of two singles, the first a calling bird along a trail off the Km228 track at Panti on the 13th which took us around two hours to find, and then a calling bird found after around half an hour along the trail leading from the back of the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 15th. The second individual was watched for several minutes walking around below us viewed from a small ridge. On calling the bird would stop walking, crouch, lean forward and blow out the blue skin on the s

ides of the neck (which was only visible when the bird called) whilst tilting its head from side to side. Absolutely mindblowing ! On our final evening at Taman Negara a bird was heard calling at close range near the drinking pool along the Jenet Muda trail but unfortunately another person walked along the trail at the wrong time - needless to say the only other person seen along the trail that evening.

1293. Crested Jay - Platylophus galericulatus
A single bird was seen in the bamboo opposite the Gap Resthouse at dawn on the 21st and at Taman Negara up to 2 were seen in the vicinity of the drinking pool along the Jenet Muda trail on four dates.

1294. Black Magpie - Platysmurus leucopterus
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). A little suprisingly only a single observation when 1 was seen at the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th.

1305. Common Green Magpie - Cissa chinensis
A single bird was seen accompanying a birdflock 2km above the Gap Resthouse on the 24th.

1328. House Crow - Corvus splendens
Very common on Singapore where several hundred were seen daily but only seen on two days in Malaysia where up to 8 were seen around K.L. on the 24th and 25th.

1336. Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos
Around 15 were seen daily on Singapore with up to 2 seen near the Gap on four dates and around 6 seen on the boat journey to and from Taman Negara.

1354. Dark-throated Oriole - Oriolus xanthonotus
A single female was seen at Panti on the 13th and a male was seen below the Gap when driving towards K. Kubu Baharu on the 24th.

1357. Black-naped Oriole - Oriolus chinensis
Always seen in built up areas with around 15 seen daily on Singapore, 1 on the drive to Pasoh on the 16th and a couple seen at K.L. on two dates.

1361. Black-and-crimson Oriole - Oriolus cruentus
Up to 3 were seen on three dates at various sites on Fraser's Hill.

1369. Javan Cuckooshrike - Coracina javensis
Up to 4 were seen on three dates at various sites on Fraser's Hill.

1394. Lesser Cuckooshrike - Coracina fimbriata
A pair were seen at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th performing their display.

1397. Pied Triller - Lalage nigra
Singles were seen on Singapore on the 12th and at the boat jetty at Kuala Tembeling on the 25th.

1408. Fiery Minivet - Pericrocotus igneus
A pair were seen along the edge of the Pasoh Clearing on the 18th.

1411. Grey-chinned Minivet - Pericrocotus solaris
Seen on five dates between the Gap and Fraser's Hill.

1415. Scarlet Minivet - Pericrocotus flammeus
Only seen on three dates with a male seen at Panti on the 13th, 6 seen at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th and 2 between the Gap and K. Kubu Baharu on the 24th.

1416. Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike - Hemipus picatus
Only seen along the Gap road where up to 4 were seen on three dates.

1417. Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike - Hemipus hirundinaceus
A pair were seen in the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th and 1 was seen at Taman Negara on the 27th.

1423. White-throated Fantail - Rhipidura albicollis
Up to 6 were seen on four dates whilst at Fraser's Hill.

1427. Spotted Fantail - Rhipidura perlata
Only scraped this species with just a single bird seen along the trail leading to the Tabing hide at Taman Negara on the 28th.

1437. Black Drongo - Dicrurus macrocercus
A total of 4 were seen at the Tuas Grasslands on Singapore on the 12th.

1440. Crow-billed Drongo - Dicrurus annectans
A pair were seen on Singapore on the 12th and 1 was seen at Pasoh on the 18th.

1441. Bronzed Drongo - Dicrurus aeneus
Pairs were seen on four dates being recorded at Panti, Pasoh and the Gap.

1442. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus remifer
Seen at Fraser's Hill where up to 8 were seen on three dates.

1447. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus paradiseus
The common Drongo with up to 8 being seen on fourteen dates being seen at Sime Forest, Panti, the Gap and Taman Negara.

1450. Black-naped Monarch - Hypothymis azurea
Only seen at Taman Negara where up to 8 were seen daily. A nest containing young was found as was an adult seen feeding a fledged immature.

1452. Asian Paradise-flycatcher - Terpsiphone paradisi
Seen on ten dates but only singles seen on nine of those days. Seen at Pasoh, the Gap and Taman Negara where a fine white morph bird was seen along the River Trail on the 27th.

1453. Japanese Paradise-flycatcher - Terpsiphone atrocaudata
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). A single female was seen at the Jenet Muda drinking pool on the 26th which must represent a late date in Malaysia.

1469. Common Iora - Aegithina tiphia
A superb male was seen on Palau Ubin on the 12th, a female was seen at the Kuala Tembeling jetty on the 25th and 1 was seen at Taman Negara on the 1st.

1471. Green Iora - Aegithina viridissima
A pair were seen at Panti on the 13th and 1 was seen at Pasoh on the 18th.

1473. Rufous-winged Philentoma - Philentoma pyrhopterum
Pairs were seen at Panti on the 15th, Pasoh on the 17th and then up to 4 were seen on five dates whilst at Taman Negara.

1474. Maroon-breasted Philentoma - Philentoma velatum
Only seen along the Jenet Muda trail at Taman Negara but on four dates. A pair were holding territory at the top of the first climb on leaving Lubok Simpon and another pair were regularly seen at the drinking pool.

1475. Large Woodshrike - Tephrodornis gularis
A party of around 8 were seen at Panti on the 13th and 3 were seen at Pasoh on the 17th and 1 the following day.

1489. Malayan Whistling Thrush - Myophonus robinsoni
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). We finally scored by looking down the gully just above the upper gatehouse on the Fraser's Hill road at 9.30a.m. on the 23rd. The bird performed on the wet rocks in the open below us for several minutes. Our pre-dawn visits to this site failed but every time we passed we checked the gully.

1542. Lesser Shortwing - Brachypteryx leucphrys
A pair gave exceptional views by the No. 9 marker post along the Bishop's Trail at Fraser's Hill on the 20th and the male again performed brilliantly on the 23rd. The male with its white malars and superciliums were somewhat reminiscent of miniature dark Rubythroats. Brilliant.

1559. Asian Brown Flycatcher - Muscicapa dauurica
Singles were seen at Panti on the 13th and 15th.

1560. Brown-streaked Flycatcher - Muscicapa williamsoni
A single individual with a pale base to the bill, pale loral area and pale malars and narrow eye-ring alongwith a grey upper breast and slightly rufous tail was seen to be holding territory near the No.9 marker post along the Bishop's Trail at Fraser's Hill on both the 20th and 23rd. We were suprised to see this species as we are not aware of it being recorded from this area in the past but it was tentatively identified by a process of elimination as well as the supporting field characters as described.

1566. Yellow-rumped Flycatcher - Ficedula zanthopygia
A single female was seen along the River Trail at Taman Negara on the 22nd.

1568. Mugimaki Flycatcher - Ficedula mugimaki
A single female was seen around 6km below the Gap towards K. Kubu Baharu on the 22nd.

1574. Rufous-browed Flycatcher - Ficedula solitaris
Up to 8 were seen on four dates whilst walking various trails at Fraser's Hill with the Bishop's Trail always yielding good views of this confiding species.

1576. Rufous-chested Flycatcher - Ficedula dumetoria
JFC saw what was presumably a first year male at the drinking pool along Jenet Muda on the 1st and fortunately for DC, JFC found what appeared to be the same individual along the River Trail just beyond Lubok Simpon the next day being around 1km from the drinking pool.

1586. Little Pied Flycatcher - Ficedula westermanni
An obliging male seen near the Upper Gatehouse at Fraser's Hill on the 20th proved to be the only individual seen during the trip.

1593. Verditer Flycatcher - Eumyias thalassina
Only seen at the Gap where 2 were seen on the 21st and 1 the following day.

1598. Large Niltava - Niltava grandis
Only seen at Fraser's Hill where up to 4 were seen on four dates being recorded on most forest trails in the area.

1613. Pale Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis unicolor
A single male was seen behind the Gap Resthouse on the 22nd.

1615. Hill Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis banyumas
Only seen at the Fraser's Hill Dump where a pair were seen with a single fledged immature on both the 21st and 22nd.

1620. Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Cyornis tickelliae
A single female was seen along the River Trail not far from the Tabing Hide at Taman Negara on the 2nd.

1623. Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher - Culicicapa ceylonensis
A pair were seen at Hutun Panti on the 13th with singles seen at the Gap on the 21st and at Taman Negara on the 27th.

1637. Siberian Blue Robin - Luscinia cyane
A superb male performed brilliantly on the main trail at Pasoh and was seen daily from the 16th to the 18th and a female was seen at a drinking pool along the Boardwalk Trail at Pasoh on the 17th.

1644. Oriental Magpie Robin - Copsychus saularis
A single individual was seen on Singapore on the 12th and then seen daily from the 16th to the 3rd with up to 15 seen daily.

1645. White-rumped Shama - Copsychus malabaricus
Singles were seen at Panti on the 13th, then daily from the 15th to the 19th and then up to 8 were seen daily at Taman Negara.

1650. Rufous-tailed Shama - Trichixos pyrropyga
JFC saw a single individual on the trail leading to the Canopy Walkway at Taman Negara on the 30th.

1666. White-tailed Robin - Myiomela leucura
A single immature was seen at Fraser's Hill dump on the 21st.

1672. Chestnut-naped Forktail - Enicurus ruficapillus
Singles were seen well at Taman Negara near the Tabing Hide on the 28th and along the River Trail on the 2nd. 

1674. Slaty-backed Forktail - Enicurus schistaceus
A pair were seen in the gully at the Upper Gatehouse at Fraser's Hill on the 22nd and 3 were seen whilst driving the road 6km towards K. Kubu Baharu at dawn on the 23rd.

1675. White-crowned Forktail - Enicurus leschenaulti
Singles were seen at the stream along the Ridge Trail at Panti on the 14th and from the Tabing Hide at Taman Negara on the 28th.

1702. Asian Glossy Starling - Aplonis panayensis
Up to 100 were seen daily on Singapore but seemingly more scarce in Malaysia only being seen on five dates and only at Kota Tingi, Simpang Pertang and K.L. in small numbers.

1710. Purple-backed Starling - Sturnus sturninus
Around 5 were seen at the Tyersall Avenue drainage ditch on the 12th.

1721. Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis
Very common on Singapore and recorded in fair numbers in Malaysia on ten dates and even at Taman Negara where a flock of 20 were seen on the 30th.

1724. White-vented Myna - Acridotheres cinereus
Very common on Singapore and a few seen daily at Panti.

1736. Hill Myna - Gracula religiosa
Around 4 were seen at the Sime Forest on the 12th but otherwise only seen at Taman Negara where 2 were seen on the 25th and 3 on the 30th.

1752. Blue Nuthatch - Sitta azurea
Only seen at Fraser's Hill where a pair were seen as part of a birdflock along the Bishop's Trail on the 20th and 4 were seen in the dead tree located in the middle of the dump on the 21st. Superb.

1790. Sultan Tit - Melanochlora sultanea
Only seen in the vicinity of the Gap with 8 being seen along the road to Raub on the 23rd and around 6 being seen around 3km up the road leading to Fraser's Hill on the 24th.

1806. Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica
Around 50 were seen flying north low over the sea on the boat trip from Singapore to T. Balai on the 11th, 3 were seen at Panti on the 13th and 6 were seen perched on a wire across the river on the boat trip into Taman Negara on the 25th.

1807. Pacific Swallow - Hirundo tahitica
Fairly common and widespread with up to 30 daily being seen on fourteen dates and from all locations with the exception of Fraser's Hill.

1810. Striated Swallow - Hirundo striolata
Seen daily around the Gap where they were breeding in buildings at the back of the resthouse and up to 6 were seen on six dates. Interestingly a single 'Red Rumped Swallow' was seen from the boat crossing to T. Balai on the 11th seemingly moving north with the Barn Swallows. At the time we felt this was more likely to refer to H. daurica although this would be far south of the range mapped in Swallows and Martins, Turner & Rose although they state that the Malay H. striolata is a resident.

1821. Straw-headed Bulbul - Pycnonotus zeylanicus
This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that it remains widespread and quite common in peninsular Malaysia, but as a popular (and easily trapped) cagebird in the Greater Sundas it has declined in or been extirpated from all but the remotest parts of its range by a combination of excessive trapping and habitat destruction. A group of 3 were seen from the boat trip into Taman Negara on the 25th and 2 were seen in the Taman Negara HQ Clearing on the 30th.

1825. Black-and-white Bulbul - Pycnonotus melanoleucos
An adult and an immature were seen in a small fruiting tree along the Ridge Trail at Panti on the 13th.

1827. Black-headed Bulbul - Pycnonotus atriceps
At Panti 4 were seen on the 13th and 1 on the 15th, 2 were seen on Bukit Jelabu on the 16th and 2 were seen at Taman Negara on the 26th.

1828. Black-crested Bulbul - Pycnonotus melanicterus
Around 4 were seen on Bukit Jelabu on the 16th and up to 8 were seen on three days in the vicinity of the Gap.

1829. Scaly-breasted Bulbul - Pycnonotus squamatus
This diminutive species was only seen around 6km along the road to Raub from the Gap where a party of 4 were seen on the 23rd.

1830. Grey-bellied Bulbul - Pycnonotus cyaniventris
At Panti 1 was seen on the 13th and 2 on the 14th and at Taman Negara 2 were seen on the 26th.

1839. Puff-backed Bulbul - Pycnonotus eutilotus
Only seen at the drinking pool along the Jenet Muda trail where up to 4 were seen on four dates.

1843. Stripe-throated Bulbul - Pycnonotus finlaysoni
Around 4 were seen on Bukit Jelabu on the 16th, up to 5 were seen on three dates around the Gap and up to 5 were seen on four dates at Taman Negara.

1848. Yellow-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus goiavier
Up to 50 were seen daily on Singapore but only seen in small numbers in Malaysia always in poor habitat being seen on eight dates.

1849. Olive-winged Bulbul - Pycnonotus plumosus
Only a single individual seen at Sime Forest, Singapore on the 12th.

1851. Cream-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus simplex
Up to 10 were seen at Panti on two dates, 5 were seen at Pasoh on the 17th and 2 weere seen at Taman Negara along the Swamp Loop on the 2nd.

1852. Red-eyed Bulbul - Pycnonotus brunneus
A single bird seen at Panti on the 13th but up to 8 were seen daily from the 23rd to the 3rd.

1853. Spectacled Bulbul - Pycnonotus erythropthalmos
Up to 3 were seen on five dates at the drinking pool along the Jenet Muda trail at Taman Negara.

1854. Finsch's Bulbul - Alophoixus finschii
Around 8 were seen at the drinking pool along the Jenet Muda trail on the 26th but somewhat surprisingly were never seen again subsequently. Somewhat smarter in appearance than illustrated.

1857. Ochraceous Bulbul - Alophoixus ochraceus
Around 4 were seen on Bukit Jelabu on the 16th and up to 8 were seen on four dates along the Gap road.

1858. Grey-cheeked Bulbul - Alophoixus bres
Only seen at Taman Negara where up to 4 were seen on six dates.

1859. Yellow-bellied Bulbul - Alophoixus phaeocephalus
Only seen at Taman Negara where up to 6 were recorded on five dates.

1862. Hairy-backed Bulbul - Tricholestes criniger
At Panti 3 were seen on the 14th, at Pasoh 1 was seen on the 17th and at Taman Negara up to 8 were seen on six dates.

1865. Buff-vented Bulbul - Iole olivacea
At Panti 15 were seen along the Ridge Trail on the 13th and at Taman Negara up to 3 were seen on five dates.

1873. Streaked Bulbul - Ixos malaccensis
Only a single individual seen being at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th.

1874. Ashy Bulbul - Hemixos flavala
At Bukit Jelabu around 10 were seen on the 16th and along the Gap road up to 6 were seen on four dates.

1876. Mountain Bulbul - Hypsipetes mcclellandii
At Fraser's Hill pairs were seen on the 21st and 22nd.

1884. Zitting Cisticola - Cisticola juncidis
On Singapore 12 were seen at the Tuas Grasslands on the 12th.

1899. Yellow-bellied Prinia - Prinia flaviventris
A single individual was seen near some gravel pits along the Bunker Trail at Panti on the 14th.

1904. Oriental White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosus
A flock of 10 were seen in the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th.

1909. Everett's White-eye - Zosterops everetti
Only seen in the vicinity of the Gap where up to 10 were seen on three dates.

1984. Oriental Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus orientalis
On Singapore 3 were seen at the Seragoon Sewage Farm on the 11th and 7 at the Tuas Grasslands the next day.

1990. Mountain Tailorbird - Orthotomus cuculatus
At Fraser's Hill only seen along the Mager Trail where 2 were seen on the 21st and 1 on the 23rd.

1991. Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius
JFC saw 1 on Singapore on the 12th.

1992. Dark-necked Tailorbird - Orthotomus atrogularis
On Singapore 1 was seen on the 12th, at Panti 4 were seen on the 13th and at Fraser's Hill 3 were seen on the 22nd and 1 on the 24th with the dump proving a reliable spot.

2047. Chestnut-crowned Warbler - Seicercus castaniceps
At Fraser's Hill up to 4 were seen on three dates with the Bishop's Trail proving a reliable spot.

2048. Yellow-breasted Warbler - Seicercus montis
A single individual was seen in an impressive stand of bamboo along the road from the Gap to Raub on the 23rd.

2068. Black Laughingthrush - Garrulax lugubris
A party of around 8 were seen 2km above the Gap Resthouse on the 24th.

2090. Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush - Garrulax mitratus
Only seen at Fraser's Hill where common with up to 25 being seen on five dates.

2106. Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush - Garrulax erythrocephalus
Only seen at Fraser's Hill where 1 was seen on the 21st and 6 the next day.

2113. White-chested Babbler - Trichastoma rostratum
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). Ed taped a single individual into view along the boardwalk trail at Pasoh on the 18th.

2115. Ferruginous Babbler - Trichastoma bicolor
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). Singles were seen at Panti on the 14th and 15th and 2 were seen at the drinking pool along the Jenet Muda trail at Taman Negara on three evenings.

2117. Abbott's Babbler - Malacocincla abbotti
Only seen at Taman Negara where up to 2 were seen on seven dates.

2118. Horsfield's Babbler - Malacocincla sepiarium
A single individual was seen with an Abbott's Babbler along the River Trail not far from the Tabing Hide at Taman Negara on the 28th.

2120. Short-tailed Babbler - Malacocincla malaccensis
A pair showed well along the edge of the Ridge Trail at Panti on the 14th and at Taman Negara seen on four dates in small numbers with incredibly up to 5 present at the Jenet Muda drinking pool at one time.

2122. Buff-breasted Babbler - Pellorneum tickelli
Singles were seen at Fraser's Hill along the Mager Trail on the 22nd and along the Bishop's Trail on the 23rd.

2128. Black-capped Babbler - Pellorneum capistratum
A pair were seen along the Ridge trail at Panti on the 14th and at Taman Negara up to 4 were seen on six dates with several seen at the drinking pool along the Jenet Muda trail. A superb species.

2129. Moustached Babbler - Malacopteron magnirostre
Pairs recorded at Panti on the 13th, Pasoh on the 17th and at Taman Negara on the 27th and 30th.

2130. Sooty-capped Babbler - Malacopteron affine
Singles were seen at Panti on two dates and up to 4 were seen at Taman Negara on five dates.

2131. Scaly-crowned Babbler - Malacopteron cinereum
A pair were seen along the River Trail at Taman Negara on the 2nd.

2132. Rufous-crowned Babbler - Malacopteron magnum
Seen at Taman Negara on four dates in small numbers with a daily maximum of 3 on the 26th.

2135. Large Scimitar Babbler - Pomatorhinus hypoleucos
A party of 8 of these superb birds were taped in to view along the Bishop's Trail near the Old Zoo on the 22nd.

2140. Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler - Pomatorhinus montanus
A pair were seen forming part of an impressive birdflock 2km above the Gap on the 24th.

2150. Striped Wren Babbler - Kenopia striata
Singles were seen on three days along the Jenet Muda trail at Taman Negara.

2151. Large Wren Babbler - Napothera macrodactyla
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). Seen on three days at Taman Negara with pairs at the drinking pool along the Jenet Muda trail, bathing in the stream that is crossed on entering the Tabing hide and along the River Trail.

2154. Marbled Wren Babbler - Napothera marmorata
This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994). A superb male was seen in response to tape playback in the ravine just above the 2km marker post along the road leading to Fraser's Hill above the Gap on the 21st. It always remained extremely skulking although good views were obtained with patience. Singles were also heard in both this ravine and the ravine below the 2km marker post on both the 19th and the 24th.

2156. Streaked Wren Babbler - Napothera brevicaudata
Only seen at Fraser's Hill where a pair were seen along the Bishop's Trail on the 20th and 3 birds and a nest containing two brown speckled white eggs placed in a vertical mossy bank around six inches from the ground was found on the 21st. At least 4 were seen along the Mager trail on the 23rd.

2161. Pygmy Wren Babbler - Pnoepyga pusilla
A single individual performed well along the Mager trail at Fraser's Hill on the 21st.

2174. Golden Babbler - Stachyris chrysaea
Only seen at Fraser's Hill where it is a common component of birdflocks with up to 8 being recorded on four dates with the Bishop's Trail proving a reliable site.

2187. Grey-throated Babbler - Stachyris nigriceps
Only seen at Fraser's Hill where up to 5 were recorded on three dates with the dump proving a reliable site.

2188. Grey-headed Babbler - Stachyris poliocephala
Pairs were seen at the first stream crossing along the Ridge Trail at Panti on the 14th and at the drinking pool along the Boardwalk Trail at Pasoh on the 17th.

2191. White-necked Babbler - Stachyris leucotis
A pair came to bathe at the drinking pool along the Jenet Muda Trail at Taman Negara on the 26th but were suprisingly not seen there subsequently.

2192. Black-throated Babbler - Stachyris nigricollis
A single bird was taped into view along the Ridge Trail at Panti on the 14th, a pair was seen at the Jenet Muda drinking pool on the 27th and another pair was seen near the start of the Jenet Muda Trail on the 29th.

2194. Chestnut-rumped Babbler - Stachyris maculata
A party of 3 were seen along the River Trail on the 2nd. Unfortunately although starting low they quickly climbed and virtually disappeared in a thick tangle of dead leaves.

2195. Chestnut-winged Babbler - Stachyris erythroptera
Only seen at Taman Negara where up to 4 were recorded on five dates.

2199. Striped Tit Babbler - Macronous gularis
Heard frequently but not seen that often with 6 seen at Panti on the 15th, 6 seen near the Gap on the 24th and 1 seen at Taman Negara on the 30th.

2203. Fluffy-backed Tit Babbler - Macronous ptilosus
A stunning species only seen at Panti where two pairs were taped into view along the Km246 river Trail. Another species which shows an alarming blue neck patch when calling. Brilliant.

2222. Silver-eared Mesia - Leiothrix argentauris
Only seen at Fraser's Hill where up to 8 were recorded on three dates with the area around the Upper Gatehouse proving a reliable site.

2224. Cutia - Cutia nipalensis
A party of 6 were seen along the road leading to the Telekom Loop on the 22nd. Superb.

2226. White-browed Shrike Babbler - Pteruthius flaviscapis
Only seen at Fraser's Hill where 1 was seen on the 21st and 4 the following day with most sightings being along the Mager Trail.

2228. Black-eared Shrike Babbler - Pteruthius melanotis
Seen along the Gap road on four dates but only 5 birds recorded in total.

2237. Blue-winged Minla - Minla cyanouroptera
Around 4 were seen along the Bishop's Trail at Fraser's Hill on the 20th.

2252. Brown Fulvetta - Alcippe brunneicauda
Only seen at the Tabing Hide and the trail leading to the hide when 2 singles were seen on the 28th.

2255. Mountain Fulvetta - Alcippe peracensis
Up to 20 were seen on four dates at Fraser's Hill being particularly common along the Bishop's Trail.

2266. Long-tailed Sibia - Heterophasia picaoides
Up to 20 were seen on three dates at Fraser's Hill being frequently seen at the Upper Gatehouse and Bishop's Trail.

2277. White-bellied Yuhina - Yuhina zantholeuca
JFC saw 1 at Panti on the 14th and 1 was seen near the Gap on the 20th.

2335. Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker - Prionochilus maculatus
Seen on five dates in small numbers being seen at Panti, Pasoh, below the Gap and at Taman Negara.

2336. Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker - Prionochilus percussus
JFC saw 1 at Hutun Panti on the 13th and 1 was seen at Taman Negara along the Swamp Loop on the 2nd.

2345. Yellow-vented Flowerpecker - Dicaeum chrysorrheum
A single individual was seen at Hutun Panti on the 13th, 2 were seen near the Gap on the 24th and 2 were seen in a flowering tree along the River Trail at Taman Negara on the 19th.

2355. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker - Dicaeum trigonostigma
Up to 10 were seen daily at Panti but after there only seen at Kuala Tembeling where 2 were seen on the 25th and 1 at Taman Negara along the Swamp Loop on the 30th.

2365. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker - Dicaeum ignipectus
Singles were seen at Bukit Jelabu on the 16th and near the Gap on the 23rd.

2370. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker - Dicaeum cruentatum
JFC saw a male at the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th.

2373. Brown-throated Sunbird - Anthreptes malacensis
A single male was seen at Kuala Tembeling on the 25th and a pair were seen at Taman Negara on the 27th.

2374. Red-throated Sunbird - Anthreptes rhodolaema
A family party of 3 were seen in a flowering tree along the River Trail at Taman Negara on the 29th and 30th and the male was again present there on the 2nd.

2375. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird - Anthreptes singalensis
A party of 3 were seen along the Ridge Trail at Panti on the 13th and 2 were seen at the start of the trail leading to the Canopy Walkway on the 30th.

2376. Purple-naped Sunbird - Hypogramma hypogrammicum
A female was seen at Pasoh on the 17th and a single bird was seen at Taman Negara on the 1st.

2397. Black-throated Sunbird - Aethopyga saturata
Single males were seen on three dates at Fraser's Hill visiting flowers around the town itself.

2398. Crimson Sunbird - Aethopyga siparaja
A single male was seen at the Hutun Panti Clearing on the 13th.

2402. Little Spiderhunter - Arachnothera longirostra
Pairs were seen at Taman Negara on five dates being most frequently encountered along the River Trail.

2404. Long-billed Spiderhunter - Arachnothera robusta
A pair were seen in a flowering tree in the HQ Clearing at Taman Negara on the 30th but probably much overlooked as we spent little time studying the Spiderhunters here or elsewhere.

2405. Spectacled Spiderhunter - Arachnothera flavigaster
A single bird was seen at Panti on the 13th and 3 were seen at the Taman Negara HQ on the 30th.

2406. Yellow-eared Spiderhunter - Arachnothera chrysogenys
A single individual was seen at Panti on the 13th.

2408. Grey-breasted Spiderhunter - Arachnothera affinis
Around 3 were seen on six dates at the Taman Negara HQ.

2410. Streaked Spiderhunter - Arachnothera magna
At Fraser's Hill 2 were seen on both the 20th and the 22nd with the Bishop's Trail and the town itself being reliable sites.

2419. Eurasian Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus
Very common on Singapore but only seen in small numbers on three dates in Malaysia .

2433. Yellow Wagtail - Motacilla flava
Singles were seen at the Seragoon Sewage Farm on the 11th, the Tuas Grasslands on the 12th and on the boat trip into Taman Negara on the 25th.

2436. Paddyfield Pipit - Anthus rufulus
On Singapore 3 were seen on the 11th and 15 the following day and 2 were seen on the boat trip out of Taman Negara on the 3rd.

2462. Baya Weaver - Ploceus philippinus
At Seragoon Sewage Farm 2 breeding plumaged males were seen nest building on the 11th.

2476. White-rumped Munia - Lonchura striata
DC saw a single bird around 6 km along the road the K. Kubu Baharu from the Gap on the 22nd.

2481. Scaly-breasted Munia - Lonchura punctulata
A party of around 12 were seen at the Seragoon Sewage Farm on the 11th.

2486. White-headed Munia - Lonchura maja
A pair were seen at the Seragoon Sewage Farm on Singapore on the 11th.

Lesser Bird of ParadiseParadisaea minor
A single female was tentatively identified in the Singapore Botanic Gardens !  Ed had previously seen it there a couple of years ago.

References used in the Report (in addition to those already cited) :
Collar, N.J., Crosby, M.J. and Stattersfield, A.J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2, The World List of Threatened Birds. Cambridge: Birdlife International

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